A Word of Advice:

If you get down on your hands and knees so you can press your ear to the crack at the bottom of your son's door so you can listen to what he's muttering while he's in time out, then chances are you that you will NOT hear something positive about yourself. You may be called a "meanie head" who says "blah blah blah blah" all the time when you're explaining consequences and who is "so mean" to your son and likes your daughter better than him. You will, on all accounts, look like the super bad guy even if it was your son who made the bad choices and then threw a fit. It will be your fault he screamed at you, your fault he grabbed onto the banister so you couldn't drag him into his room, and your fault that he had to pound on his door.

YOU ARE THE PROBLEM.

See? It's simple. So perhaps if you follow my advice, you'll save yourself the effort of crawling around on the floor in the hallway with your backside high up in the air. It's not worth, and it's embarrassing. Don't bother. Trust me on this one.

Oh and just remember: it's ALL you.

(I'm still laughing about my son who was imitating me by saying: "...and girls are blah, blah, blah, blah." It's SO nice to know I'm getting through to him! ;o) )

Note to Self:

Don't tell the toddler that the candle smells like birthday cake. Don't even say the word "cake" around him. Don't let him get a fork out of the dishwasher to stick in the wax. Don't let him grab a finger full of wax to try. Don't tell him to wipe the wax off his finger because he'll just wipe it all over his face.

Better yet, just don't let him have a candle. Hide it in the back of the closet until he's 24.

Let's learn from this lesson, okay?

Okay.

My Latest Project

I am in charge of the "30 Days, 30 Stories" project for the Utah Childrens Writers group. Most days in April a different author will post a story they've written on the group's blog. We did it last year and it was a lot of fun. This year we have some of the same authors and a few new ones. I'm excited. I think it will be great!

Check us out here:

http://utahchildrenswriters.blogspot.com

I've maintained this blog since we started it last April.

The Check Saga-- It's NOT just me!

Leave it to Baby Blues to capture my life!

It's Spring! Really????

Good morning to the snow. Looks like winter, feels like Spring.

Irony

Last night the toddler was a tyrant! He screamed and cried and threw a fit. About the same time my son & daughter decided to fall apart. Of course, this was when I was trying to get dinner done. Oy! I finally called my absentee hubby and asked him to come home to help with getting the kids to bed.

A few minutes before the hubby arrived, the toddler begin acting like an angel. His happy, funny attitude lasted until a few minutes after the hubby left again. Then he began screaming and throwing a fit. I had to wrestle him into bed. And the hubby was wondering why I needed help with the kids? They were all acting perfectly when he got home.......

Oy!

Eeeeewwwwww...... Yucky!

That's the sun at 5:15 pm. The air has been so disgusting here today. Blech! My eyes are raw from all the junk blowing around. I'll be glad when it starts raining later tonight. For now, I'm happy to be trapped indoors.

Bologna, the Breakfast of Bears and Champions

Farewell to Harley

Harley went to his new home last week. I bawled my eyes out! I miss him! But he's in such a good home.

"I Capture the Castle" by Dodie Smith

Read "I capture the Castle" last week (took two days). I loved it! It was originally published in 1946 and then reprinted a couple of times. I highly recommend it to you! They made it into a movie that is rated "R." The book is not "R" by any means. So I'll not be watching it, but I did love the book.

--------------------------------------------------------

AAmazon.com Review

Seventeen-year-old Cassandra Mortmain wants to become a writer. Trouble is, she's the daughter of a once-famous author with a severe case of writer's block. Her family--beautiful sister Rose, brooding father James, ethereal stepmother Topaz--is barely scraping by in a crumbling English castle they leased when times were good. Now there's very little furniture, hardly any food, and just a few pages of notebook paper left to write on. Bravely making the best of things, Cassandra gets hold of a journal and begins her literary apprenticeship by refusing to face the facts. She writes, "I have just remarked to Rose that our situation is really rather romantic, two girls in this strange and lonely house. She replied that she saw nothing romantic about being shut up in a crumbling ruin surrounded by a sea of mud."

Rose longs for suitors and new tea dresses while Cassandra scorns romance: "I know all about the facts of life. And I don't think much of them." But romantic isolation comes to an end both for the family and for Cassandra's heart when the wealthy, adventurous Cotton family takes over the nearby estate. Cassandra is a witty, pensive, observant heroine, just the right voice for chronicling the perilous cusp of adulthood. Some people have compared I Capture the Castle to the novels of Jane Austen, and it's just as well-plotted and witty. But the Mortmains are more bohemian--as much like the Addams Family as like any of Austen's characters. Dodie Smith, author of 101 Dalmations, wrote this novel in 1948. And though the story is set in the 1930s, it still feels fresh, and well deserves its reputation as a modern classic. --Maria Dolan

Saturday Funny

My Son, a future politician

Me: Did you hit K (the neighbor boy)?
Him: No.
Me: Your sister said you did. Did you hit him?
Him: (pause) No.
Me: Are you sure?
Him: (pause) I didn't hit him. I was just copycatting him.
Me: Did he hit you?
Him: (energetically) YES!
Me: So then you hit him back?
Him: yes.
Me: So you hit him then?
Him: (pause)
Me: (evil mom stare)
Him: yes.
Me: (GGGAAAWWWWWKKKKK!!!) So you hit him then.
Him: But he hit me first!
Me:

It's okay to do it if you're only copycatting.

You know...

as a middle-aged, almost 34 year old minivan driving mom, I'm just not sure how I feel about being told my new curly hair is "darling" and "adorable."

Not so sure that's the look I was going for.....?

Confessional

I had a meltdown last night. It was bad. I finally decided it was bad enough to reach out and ask for help. I made a phone call; no answer. I stopped calling. I couldn't talk because I was bawling. I looked terrible so I didn't want anyone to come over. I could hear in my head all the voices of my friends saying "WHY DIDN'T YOU CALL?" But I still didn't. I thought of how I would feel if my friends were in my place-- I'd want them to call. But I still didn't.

I sent one more text message and thankfully my friend M responded. I got some medicine to tone down my developing ulcer and massive acid reflux. I started putting the kids to bed. I ate something bland. I stopped crying.

Forgive me for not calling you. I just couldn't do it.

Breaking Genetic NEWS!

A New Blog on Health Care

I really like this blog on Health Care:

http://utahpatientspac.blogspot.com/

Dr. Joe Jarvis makes some very good points. It's insightful and I recommend it to you.

Thoughts on Health Care Reform

I spent yesterday doing some research online about the new Health Care Reform bill and read through all my notes last night during parts of my caucus meeting. Here are some of my thoughts:

-How can a bill that is over 2700 pages long actually promise to simplify paperwork, cost, and efficiency?? Seems ironic to me

-There are some things the bill immediately enforces that I like though I do not like the fact that the government is the enforcer.

*Insurance companies cannot deny coverage to children (up to 19 years)

*Insurance must cover dependent children until age 26 (unless they can get coverage through their own work).

I feel like this is another bill passed that is legislating morality and ethics. Since insurance companies are operating with their focus solely on profit, they are making unethical decisions. I hate the thought that the federal government has to enforce their "moral" behavior regarding taking care of people/children.

-A new Health Care Commissioner (Czar) will determine a lot of market practices in health care. He will determine the profit margins an insurance company can collect; he will determine the regional rates that can be charged for medical procedures. This, to me, says "BRING ON THE LOBBYISTS!" There is no part of the government that is immune from the power of lobbyists and since the medical industry is a trillion-plus dollar industry, there's no way pharmaceuticals and insurance companies are going to sit back and let a commissioner make decisions that will effect their bottom line.

-The new Health Care Commissioner will be appointing members to an Advisory Panel whose job will be to "recommend" what services will be covered, etc. Hmmm, I'm thinking, cynically, that these seats will be given to the highest campaign contributers.

-Eventually insurance companies will be prohibited from having lifetime caps on services. Another good idea, too bad it has to be legislated.

-Insurance will not be allowed to deny people based on pre-existing conditions. See note from point above.

-Individuals will be forced to carry insurance. I have a BIG problem with that. There is nowhere in the Constitution or Bill of Rights that allows the government to FORCE people to purchase something. Even if you can stretch the Commerce clause to try to justify it, it's wrong. If you want insurance, you should be able to get it; if you don't want it, you should not be forced to buy it or be fined $695 to $2500 a year until you get it.

-Subsidies will be available for families to buy insurance. The max family income to get a subsidy? $88,000. It's 100% to 400% above the current Federal Poverty Level.

-Subsidies for small businesses to buy insurance; mandatory coverage for businesses with more than 50 employees; eventually businesses can band together in a pool to buy lower cost insurance. I like the pool idea more than the other two ideas.

-By 2013 we'll have yet another example of the government's "Robin Hood" policy-- the rich (those who make over $250,000 a year) will be paying more taxes and more fees to help pay for everyone else. I hate this idea in ANY program. Why must we penalize the rich? Because we can? Because they have money? God charges 10% for everybody for tithing, why can't the American government? (:o) Why are we continually trying to thrust our hands into the pocketbooks of the rich in our country? I find this to be immoral and unethical.

-There's now a 10% tax on indoor tanning salons. Hmm, haven't really figured out this one and how it fits.

-Speaking of random things: why is there a section on student loans? Sheesh! The federal government is now taking a bigger role (some would say a solitary role) in funding student loans-- except for in South Dakota who can still use banks to fund loans. At this point, I have to ask: how is it that our federal government is going to be able to be ALL things to ALL people in ALL areas of life? And without raising taxes? I don't think so. I'm looking at Denmark and it's 45% tax rate and am thinking we'll be following suit soon.

-States rights are an issue. In multiple places, the bill states it will NOT override any states' rights. So in a sense, that makes the bill overall as a weak as the weakest state's laws. But yet at least 11 states are already suing the federal government over it. So somehow the states rights issue is not clearly dealt with. I'm still investigating this as it doesn't make sense to me.

-The Cadillac tax. If you have really good insurance, you'll be taxed extra. So you can't have super nice plans when everybody else has mediocre? Huh? I disagree with this and will be backing the unions (which I never do) as they fight this. If people are allowed to choose their plans (which is what the bill said), then why can't they choose to have a really nice plan?

-The bill will SLOW the cost of healthcare. No reductions, just slowing it to prevent it from getting more expensive.

-Oh, and the Executive Order that prevents the use of federal money for funding abortions? When the national president of Planned Parenthood says in an interview that the executive order won't affect abortions in the slightest (my words), then you can get a sense of just how meaningless the order is. It can be rescinded at any moment by any President. This order was a smoke-and-mirrors stage show, nothing else.

Overall, I don't like the bill. (can you tell?) The more I look at it, the more I don't like all the hidden clauses and fees and fines and regulations. I'm sad that we have to legislate morality in our country now. Does that mean we shouldn't legislate it? No, that's where unions and many of the legal protections we have now came from. Health Insurance is the just the latest in a long line of businesses to have to have the government tell them how to be ethical.

I do wish we could have more market-based changes. I cannot see how our government can fulfill all the roles it is taking on. No business could survive by being everything to everybody. I don't the government can either.

One last point: it's been shown that the more responsibility the government takes, the less personal responsibility its people assume (and vice versa). I fear for our nation and the rising generation who is being raised to believe that if anything goes wrong, the government will fix it.

There you go. Those are some of my feelings-- love 'em or hate 'em. But if you hate them, then at least remember that I did the research myself! I'm not just recycling thoughts from talk radio!

Why, yes, my hair does naturally get curly in the Spring!

Spring Thaw

Here's Hermy trying to come out of hibernation. She is active for maybe 10 to 12 minutes a day. It will be a bit before she eats and drinks normally. For now, we just push her over when we need to get into the cupboards. It's great having her awake again. She's the coolest (ha ha, literally right now) pet ever.

Playing "I Spy" with my Son

Him: I spy with my little eye something brown (stares right at it)....(waits 2 seconds)... IT'S THE FLOOR!!

Us: oh

Max

Isn't he a pretty boy? He and I chatted last night for 15 minutes. It was so much fun! You can see how his wing is not flat against his body-- that's because it was broken and healed badly.

Blah

Another day waking up feeling exhausted and hurting all over. I hate days like this.

Fabulous Pet News

-- Hermy is waking up! Hooray for Spring!

-- Last night, Max said "pretty boy!" That's the first time he's said that. He says "hello" too. He still is afraid of me getting near to him, but he'll jabber to me and whistle. We're getting there; we'll be friends soon (I hope!)

The Check Saga

Last week, I wrote two checks for my kids to buy a copy of their class pictures. I sealed each check in an envelope, wrote their name on the outside, and watched them put them in their backpacks.

Thirty minutes later, my son opened his backpack and found an open, empty envelope. Oy! He had NO recollection of what happened to it. We searched everywhere and talked to the teacher and the office and stressed about it big time. Finally, the next day, I put a stop payment on the check with my credit union.

Fast forward to yesterday. While I was in the shower, I got left a terse message on my answering machine: "This Naomi. My number is --- ---- ----. I need to speak with Sarah ___. It is important I talk to her today." That was it.

So 15 minutes after the message was left, I returned her call. First, she answered only using her name. Second, she asked me what my phone number was. Then she proceeded to tell me she was a collections agent and was trying to collect $27 for a bounced check from Bell Photographers and how would I like to pay for it. She said the check had been cashed the day after I wrote it!

WHAT?!?

First, I informed her that I did not appreciate her calling and demanding to speak with me without giving me any idea who she was and why she was calling. I told her it was completely unacceptable. Second, I explained, animatedly, what had happened and why the check bounced. "That check was never meant to be deposited because it was written off as missing." She wasn't moved. She still demanded the money and said they had flagged the checking system so I could not write any more checks until it was taken care of.

GAWK!!!

We went the rounds a few times about how it wasn't meant to be cashed and how she didn't care because she wanted $27. Finally, I told her that I would call Bell Photographers and have it taken care of and that I would NOT be dealing with her again. And I hung up.

The lady at Bell was so much nicer. I explained, tearfully at this point, what had happened with the check. She was baffled as to how it was sent to collections 9 days after being cashed and after no attempt to communicate to me. She said she'd take care of it. I told her, very tearfully, that I have been a long time customer with Bell and I did NOT appreciate being treated like a criminal and that I was officially registering a complaint with them on the quality and tactics of their collections agency. I mean, come on, it's not like they are collecting large dollar amounts. The most expensive picture package they ever offer is about $30. Sheesh. A $7 check?!?

I was sooooo upset and then tearful and then upset and then sad and then.... I've had a hard time letting it go. I did also get a letter from the collections agency in the mail informing me of the charges. I've debated whether or not to send a complaint letter, but I think I just need to let it go. I figured I'd post it here and then let it go.

I am letting it go! I AM! I am visualizing putting the whole blasted experience in a bag and tying it to a large helium balloon and then letting it go.

It's going, going, gone........

(mostly)

"Display Only" Models

Last week while swimming at the Rec Center with my kids, I was amazed at how many women my age were just sitting on the side lines, all dolled up and watching. I got to thinking as I made way around the lazy river again and again how many women are like "Display Only" models. Their body, their appearance, their mission in life is to look good. Always thin, always made up, always looking pretty. Life is a fashion show and they intend to win it.

I could feel the stares of women as I jumped out of the pool again and again to go down the big slide with my kids. I squealed like a kid as I splashed down into the pool and then swam to the side to do it again. There were a few men on the slide, but I was the only female. It made me feel sad. There's so much pressure on American women to look fabulous 24/7; it feels like we're under constant scrutiny. I feel it and I struggle with it at times.

So does the fashion "Display Only" syndrome affect you? You can find out by answering a simple question: When was the last time you put on a swimming suit and how did you feel about it?

"I can't wear that-- it shows off my thighs too much!" "My belly rolls flop out in my bathing suit." "I look gross even with a cover-up."

Sound familiar? Look at how many specialty suits you can buy: Tummy Tucker, Bottom Slimmer, Chest Enhancer. They all attempt to make us look like Barbie in one of her 400 swimsuits.

Our bodies (as they are now) are amazing machines. Think of all the incredible things we can do. Our bodies were made to be used-- really used (not abused). Use your body; enjoy it; delight in it. Acknowledge the dimples on your butt and thighs; pat the rolls of skin that flop over your waistband when you sit; lift and tuck when you're putting on your bra. But keep living! Don't put off your life until you look like Barbie! Or a model! Or the many women sitting on the sidelines of life looking all dolled up.

Live! (even if you jiggle a little as you walk-- I do!)

My Children are Brilliant

Listen to their happy screams as they take turns crawling into a large box downstairs and wait for the other two to jump off the couch and onto the box.

Aren't they brilliant? (rolling eyes, shaking head)

Sheesh. I'm torn between enjoying the break from then and hoping no one ends up broken, bleeding, bruised, or bawling.

T'is a Season for NEW-ness

A new yellow stairwell. I love it! No more boring white.

A new bird-- Max, a blue crown conure (he's shy; will try for better picture later)

A new cage for my canary so he can fly around instead of hopping

A new playstand for my birds-- paid $30 for it ($100 stand)

A new composter (one the mice can't get into it)

A new bearded dragon for my daughter (named Lizzie; better pics to follow)

A new dress (okay, I've had this for a month-- $8 at DI)

A new potty. Uses 1.5 gallons per flush instead of 8 gallons

Ta Da!

My Valentine's day present has arrived! (Well, it was actually here the whole time, but now it's usable!)

(if you look really closely, you can see my green fingernail polish!)

Our Special Song

I know it's traditional for couples to have their own "special" song. Here's the song I pick for my hubby & I

I'm like Ernie; he's like Bert. I especially like the "I like to lie in bed awake at night and talk to you. Yeah, I know. I like to say good night and go to sleep" lines-- that's totally us!

Found this in on You Tube and wanted to share!

Musings on Today's Shopping Trip

-Why, why, WHY do some men not realize their pants are falling down when they are bending over?? Thanks to the recent remodel on our house, I have seen enough ............ yeah, I've seen enough!

- I found a composter at Home Depot! Hooray! I can't wait to move my compost pile from half of an old dog house to the new one. Yippee!

-Just FYI: drywall patches are NOT by the drywall supplies. They are in the painting section which is, of course, on the other side of the store where you just were. Sheesh.

-I love Costco. I know some people have a negative opinion about it, but I don't. It's a great place. I loved using my coupons today-- saved $15.50.

-I feel so blessed to be able to buy good, clean food for my family. I have food for now and food for later. I'm never worried about not having food to eat. As I carried in all my purchases (lots of boxes), I felt extremely happy.

-No, I did not wear the same exact thing for today's shopping trip as yesterday's shopping trip. Seriously, I had whale socks on today.

-I frequently find things amusing while I'm out and about and I laugh. That usually makes my toddler ask me what I'm doing. I'm laughing at the ironies of life.

-Drat. I just remembered that I forgot to get gas. Will have to go back then.

-They had their big flats of strawberries at Costco. I had to buy one. Yum. I'm so excited for Spring and getting fresh fruit and berries. Right now we have: oranges, apples, bananas, a few plums, pears, strawberries. Mmmm. Sounds like a berry smoothie for sure.

-We are very blessed. We have clean water and can buy good for our kids. We live in a great country and I'm so grateful for it. I can't imagine searching the dirty streets for food to keep my family alive. That's unimaginable. I'm very happy with what I have. I hope you are too.

Dental Confirmation of my Wifery

[phone rings]

Me: Hello?

Lady: This is Dr. ______'s office calling to confirm N's appointment with the dentist tomorrow at 7 am.

Me: I'll send him an IM and remind him. I'm sure he's planning on it. If not, I'll have him call you.

Lady: Is this his mother? ....... or wife?

Me: . . . . . wife. (huh?!)

Had I been quick on my feet I could have said: Both.

oh well, maybe next time someone asks me if I'm N's mom (which thankfully doesn't happen too often).

And Lizzie makes 8

Ha! We're "Sarah and Nate, plus 8!" Last night we bought a one-year old bearded dragon for my daughter's birthday present. She's quite happy. I'm not so thrilled about having to pick up crickets, but I guess I'll adjust.

So now we have 5 birds, 1 dog, 1 tortoise (who is still hibernating), and 1 bearded dragon. Oh, and a handful of crickets.

I'll post a picture soon. She really is a beautiful lizard.

Embarrassing Moment

I had a friend at church yesterday pat my stomach and ask if I was pregnant.

no no no, No, NO!

I think I embarrassed her. But what was I supposed to say? "No, just constipated because of the antibiotics for my sinus infection." ??

uh, no.

It didn't go so well.

But I'm not pregnant nor do I want to be. I'm good now.

Just bloated looking....

One of my all time Favorite Muppet Clips

Don't ask me why, but I've loved it since I was a teenager! The puppets are SO expressive! Thanks to my sis who found the link for me.

Hallelujah!

At least some courts still recognize God as an important part of our country!

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100311/ap_on_re_us/us_god_and_government

Break the Grip and Walk away

When I get "enmeshed" in a drama/power struggle with someone, I try to remind myself to break free of the drama and just walk away. I find it incredibly helpful to recall these inspired words from Rex:

So next time you feel trapped in a power struggle, remind yourselves of these valuable words:

Break the [grip] and walk away. Break the [grip] and walk away.

Parenting Books make me feel Stupid

Maybe it's just me, but right now when I read parenting books they only have the effect of making me feel like a parenting failure. A friend of mine posted a link to a parenting website and I decided to check it out. It took 7.34 seconds before I had that sinking feeling in my stomach. I don't do any of the practices and principles this new "expert" is advocating. AH! That must mean I'm not appropriately teaching my children. (insert more screaming).

Today was a bad day to look at new parenting skills anyways since I've been (again) struggling with my son. I do not feel qualified to teach boys. I have such a hard time with how their brains work (or don't work, in this case). I'm constantly frustrated with the "I forgot" war cry I hear hourly from my son.

I know a lot of the struggle between he and I is my inability to accept him as he is. But I don't want to give him a "pass" all the time and let him off the hook for not doing what he's supposed to be doing. He's the kind of kid who would prefer to be told what to do 100% of the time. Trying to keep him on task and self-directed is like keeping Jello stuck to a wall. I know there's a balance between accepting him for who he is and still expecting him to achieve, but I haven't found it yet. At least not for this stage of his life.

People tell me "that's just boy behavior!" and then I cringe. I am not feeling too good on my boy parenting techniques. So I'll not be checking out any new manuals on the new best way to raise the new American boy. That's not to say I'll be doing the same thing I've been doing with him and expect different results. I am making some changes to my behavior. Hope it works.

Any advice on raising boys (and their brains) would be greatly appreciated.

Bad Night

Every so often, I have what I call "fibromyalgia flare-ups." I spend hours/days/weeks achy, tired, stiff, and miserable. The past two weeks have been the longest I've been sick for awhile. It's been tough. Last night I got 4 hours of sleep. The night before 6. I'm falling into my sick/sleep cycle where I sleep less and less, hurt more and more, and overall suffer. It's caused partly by hormones, partly by stress, and partly by my sensitive body.

This morning at 4:30 am I knew the day was pretty much toast. The problem is that I still have to survive it. I don't even have strength to cry right now. Plus, my fingers are going numb as I type.

Thanks be to God for the power of prayer which is the one and only thing that will get me through this day.

T'is a Puzzlement

Yesterday morning I wrote two checks for my kids to pay for a copy of their class picture. I put each check in an envelope, sealed it, and wrote their names on the front. The sealed envelope for my son went into his backpack. He took the backpack to school, said he didn't open it in the car, put it in his locker, sat down on the rug in class, realized he forgot the check, came back to his locker, took out the envelope to find it open and empty.

I cannot find that check! I've looked here, his teacher has looked there, I've called the office. I don't know what else to do. It's sooooo very strange.

I'm not excited about having a check out there floating around. The lady at the bank agreed to wave the stop check fee ($20) for me. I'll do that this afternoon. But I'm still uptight about the check.

Any suggestions?

....ppppppssssssssssstttttttttttttt..........

........the hubby said he might finish the first draft of his dissertation today......... I'm trying not to get my hopes up........but I really, really, really, really, really, really want it to be done....... then the hard part is over........... then he might actually be home this weekend....... oooooohhhhh........ it's almost too much to bear........... but I can't say it out loud for fear that I'll jinx it........ but I'm really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really hoping................

Early Morning Shopping

It used to be that I could throw on a pair of my workout looking clothes and go shopping after I dropped my kids off at school in the morning and I'd look fine. I'd look like I just came from working out and was now stopping off at the store to pick up some healthy food.

But now there are women who show up who actually did just workout! They have their cute, coordinated (matching?!? what's the point with that?!) outfits on. Their hair looks like they actually washed and styled it before putting it up in an oh-so-cute hairstyle. They have on makeup! What!? They look super trendy in their workout outfits. And they push their shopping carts around and look cute and a wee bit flushed (see the beads of sweat glistening on their forehead?)

So this begs the question for me: If it's going to be obvious that I got out of bed and threw on some clothes, then why I don't just stay in my pajamas? After all, they convert into house pants as soon as I get out of bed and then convert into comfortable pants the second I leave the house. Why go to all the trouble of looking like I worked out (when I didn't) when it truly doesn't matter and when I'm trying to compete with trendy velour pantsuits?

Sigh, I can hear you telling me it's not a competition. Fine. It's not, blah, blah, blah. ;o) I'm not exactly hoping to end up on the People of Walmart website though, you know? Of course for that distinction, I'd have to wear a bustiere (my spell check doesn't recognize that word for some odd reason) or a shrimp costume. I don't actually have either so perhaps I'm safe from the People of Walmart spotlight. (What? Never heard of the People of Walmart website? It's okay! I was going to post the link but couldn't get over the bum shots and the swear words, so no go. )

I guess I'll simply move past my desire to not look like I just rolled out of bed and embrace the fact that I really did simply roll out of bed, throw on a bra, and walk out the door. It will be truth in advertising. The truth? I am a middle-aged mom who only slightly cares about what people think when I go to Walmart and Costco first thing in the morning when I'm shopping. Mostly, I'm happy to be there with only one child and not three.

If you should happen to see me at my Walmart, then be kind and ask me how my workout went? It will help me feel more impressive-- even if I have yet to don a velour pant suit.

the Creepy People talk

This morning I sat down with my two older kids and had the "there are creepy people in this world who want to touch you under your underwear" talk. It was hard to do (embarrassing for my daughter), but SO very necessary. The news stories of creepy people are multiplying at alarming rates-- abuse, molestation, exposing body parts outside of schools, child porn. It's really troubling to me as a parent. I'm taking measures to protect my kids as best I can. I don't let them go into public restrooms by themselves. I don't let them walk home by themselves. I know who their friends are. And I'm having the talk to tell them now (and I'll tell them again) that it's wrong, wrong, wrong and not their fault.

I've always had the opinion that my kids are going to hear it from me first. I had "the birds and the bees" talk with my daughter when she turned 9. We've talked about periods and puberty and all of that. I've started talking to my son about how his body will be changing (though I'd prefer the hubby to do it, he's been too busy lately). I don't ever want my kids to be caught by surprise by something their body does. I want them to hear it from me even if it embarrasses both of us.

I do worry about the overly stimulated environment my kids are living in. (I'm having to choose my words carefully so I don't get blocked or filtered). Sensuality is abundant. It's disturbing that this generation of kids is being raised to be more open and experimental than those free love flower children of the 60s. There are so many warped concepts about love that are being touted from every direction.

My kids are going to hear it first from me. All of it. I'm not going to be graphic and too personal with them, but when it comes to the overall picture, that's my job. I won't let anyone else take that from me. I don't ever want them to go on the playground and hear something and think: "WHAT?!?!" They'll think/say "oh yeah, I heard that from my mom awhile ago."

I'm going to protect my kids with information in this society when too much information is destroying relationships and healthy understanding of intimacy. They are going to know what's truth and what's crap. They're going to learn it young and often. I'm not so deluded as to think they won't be exposed to it. Sheesh! It's all around them even at grade school.

So I encourage you to have the talk with your kids. Don't wait. Don't let someone else tell them first. Put down the first roots so they are strong in the truth of the situation instead of being tossed about by all these ideas that completely, totally, fully wrong and CREEPY!

Just my two cents.

S.I.N.U.S...I.N.F.E.C.T.I.O.N

Perhaps this would explain my constant fatigue and achiness? I hope so. I'd like to feel better soon!

I am grateful for Instacare and their prescription for antibiotics. Sure hope they help.

A most Beautiful and Welcome sight

The recycling truck just picked up (and emptied) our new blue recycling can.

Aaahh! I LOVE recycling cans and recycling trucks and cities that start a recycling program so I don't have to drive all my bins and cans 20 minutes to the main recycling center.

Sooo happy with that truck and can. Such a blessing! ;o)

Picture Book Marathon Tallies

I just found out that of 120+ people who participated in the Picture Book Marathon, only 21 completed it by writing 26 stories. That means I was one of those 21 "winners."

Wow. That's impressive.

Still glad it's done! ;o)

Oh, and there were 3 overachievers who wrote 28 stories. Good for them.

Brave Face

It's been stressful around here lately. I think that's pretty clear, but up until today, I thought I was doing a fairly good job of keeping it together. But then a dear friend poked a hole in my "brave face" and I started crying.

I was doing good-- calm, flexible, collected. I wonder what gave it away? The maniacal laughing? The head spasms? The uncontrollable and unexplained crying?

Very puzzling. What I thought was "keeping it together" was coming across as "ambivalent" and worrisome.

Man.

Most days it just feels like wave after wave of business and trauma and stress. It's like we can't even stop long enough to catch our breaths.

baby steps till May. baby steps till May. baby steps till May.

What happens to your house when you spend all morning and part of the afternoon working on your laptop and you let your toddler have "Free Play" time

Dog food everywhere, used diaper wipes on the table to clean up the globs of Miracle Whip that your toddler spilled while he was making his own sandwich, many of the large toys from his room in the living room, the more interesting things from the "junk drawer" on/under/near/by the table, just to name a few.

Oh well, I got a lot done!

HTML Rock Star

I spent all morning (and afternoon) working on a website for the bird rescue group I belong to. I have tagged to ad naseum! Blah! Bold start tags, end tags, a href:"s, , you name it, I coded it. I even had to look up some codes that were new. I added pics and documentation-- I did it all, my friends. I felt great! I am getting some mad HTML skills.

Here's the website:

Front Page

Birds Available

I'm so impressed with myself, but I will say: I am sick to death of working on the computer!!

Liquid Gold

Here are two of my favorite drinks. One is the new "Throwback" version of Pepsi. Holy Cow! It is good! The other is Dr. Christopher's Super Garlic Immune Formula. It used to be called "Antiplague" which was a better name, I think.

I drink the Pepsi when I have a headache or stress (no, I really don't drink it hourly! I ration it!). This stuff tastes so much smoother than the high fructose corn syrup kind. I will head to the store and stock up since it is a limited time only product.

And I drink the Antiplague when I'm sick. That stuff is powerful at helping me to heal. When I take it (and yes, it is nasty), I am sick for maybe a day or two. I ran out of it last week and was sick ALL week. I highly recommend it for dealing with illnesses (colds, viruses, and the flu).

Just had to share my pics with a touch of Spring! Enjoy!

There are some days

when you CANNOT leave the toddler alone in any room. And if he closes the door behind himself, you know there will be trouble.

He's the reason I'm drinking a Throwback made-with-sugar Pepsi and listening to my BeeGees station on Pandora.com. Well, that and the fact that my kitchen is/was a disaster. At least the dishwasher is running and for the briefest moment, the dog food is IN the bowl not on the floor.

Ah such is life.......

*I am really, really loving the Throwback Pepsi. I think I'm going to have to stock up on it. Soooo good! aaahhhhh, refresh life with Pepsi.

Operating under the Influence

I have to admit that I've been operating my life under the influence of children. Despite the warnings, I still live my daily life while dealing with the side effects of raising three kids (one preteen, one boy, and one toddler). I think I've done a pretty good of hiding this little secret from others, but it's time for me to take responsibility and own up to my problems.

Because I've been living under the influence of children, my behavior and actions have been impacted in many ways. They include, but are not limited to, the following:

- I believe everything can come from Costco.

- If you don't listen the first time, then I have to YELL AT THE TOP OF MY LUNGS AND SHRIEK YOUR NAME!

- If I do something wrong and you call me on it, then I shall pout and punish you for being mean; there's NO need to take any personal responsibility-- it's ALL your fault, ALL the time.

- I'll wait for someone else to clean up my mess, like the socks I left stuck under the cushions on the sofa.

- I won't change my underwear unless you remind me. Repeatedly. And then I still might "forget."

- Chores are punishment and if you force me to do them, I'm going to pout and be mad at you and punish YOU for being mean.

- If I don't get my way from you, I'm going to "accidentally" hit you.

- If you want me to do something, I'll ignore you and ignore you until you have to YELL AT ME AT THE TOP OF YOUR LUNGS.

- I'm going to do everything faster than you, and if I don't there will be some reason why I didn't and then next time I'm totally going to cream you!

- I'll beg for a pet, take care of it for 1.25 days and then let you be fully responsible for it.

- When you aren't looking, I'm going to jump on your couch. And probably your bed. But if you catch me doing it and get mad, then I'm going to tell you I forgot and then I'll pout and be mad at you.

- If other people have it, then I'm going to have to have one. If I don't get one, I'll whine. And if you still don't give me one, then I'm going to pout and punish you for being mean.

- I need to spend my life in front of the TV, computer, and with my iPod. Please don't ever ask me to turn one of them off. If you do, I'm going to pout and punish you for being mean.

- I will take my medicine if it looks or tastes like candy.

- I'll eat only good food that I like and if you make me eat vegetables or food I don't like, then I'm going to pout and whine and punish you for being mean.

- Whining is a form of communicating. I can't help it if you're not smart enough to understand me.

- Family activities, no matter how fun, are a great chance to pout and whine and punish you for being mean.

- Probably, no matter what you want me to do, I'm going to whine and pout and punish you for being mean. I might even go in my room and slam my door. And it's all YOUR fault.

- Oh, and even if I'm always punishing you and treating you poorly, you'd still better love me and let me do whatever I want or I'm going to be really mean and pout and whine and hate you for being mean to me.

Yep, that pretty much sums up my behavior. You'd better deal with it and treat me nice or I'm NOT going to be your friend any more! Really, I had NO idea you were so mean!

Mwah! So there!