1. Router has not been working and I am currently seeking someone that works with cables to help me with this problem...snicker, snicker.**
2. I need a mouse because my mouse has kicked the bucket. I thought Santa might have realized that I am struggling using this touch pad...but apparently not. Maybe next year.
3. Sometimes when you have too much to say...I've learned...say nothing at alllol. ***
**Scott works at a company called "Cables Unlimited".
*** I'll be back in the New Year!
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Friday, December 18, 2009
I do believe I've said this before
I hate the cold. I am trying with my best "this isn't so bad" face to embrace this season. If I had a choice I would pack up the family and leave for the winters. I do not, of course, have that option. So here I stay with my little cold toes and my cold frosty nose waiting for it all to end. I'm pretty sure Brooke takes after me with this, considering she screams at the top of her lungs any time the wind blows. It's a pretty funny site to see her hair stand as if she is touching a Van de Graff generator as soon as you take off her hat.....ugh static, dry skin, chapped lips, oh my!
Friday, December 11, 2009
The Making of Xmas Card 2009
This is what happens after a 1/2 hour of trying to get TWO children to pose for a christmas card picture!
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
"Dusting- A New Drug"
Here is an email I received from work. I checked it with snopes and it is true. Its so scary what our kids are up against out there. Please pass it along.The more informed we all are...the safer our kids will be...
First, I'm going to tell you a little about me and my family. My name is Jeff. I am a Police Officer for a city which is known nationwide for it's crime rate. We have a lot of gangs and drugs. At one point we were # 2 in the nation in homicides per capita. I also have a police K-9 named Thor. He was certified in drugs and general duty.. He retired at 3 years old be cause he was shot in the line of duty. He lives with us now and I still train with him because he likes it. I always liked the fact that there was no way to bring drugs into my house. Thor wouldn't allow it. He would tell on you. The reason I say this is so you understand that I know about drugs. I have taught in schools about drugs. My wife asks all our kids at least once a week if they used any drugs.
I like building computers occasionally and started building a new one in February 2005. I also was working on some of my older computers. They we full of dust so on one of my trips to the computer store I bought a 3 pack of DUST OFF. Dust Off is a can of compressed air to blow dust off a computer. A few weeks later when I went to use one of them they were all used.
I talked to my kids and my two sons both said they had used them on their computer and messing around with them. I yelled at them for wasting the=10 dollars I paid for them..
On February 28 I went back to the computer store. They didn't have the 3 pack which I had bought on sale so I bought a single jumbo can of Dust Off. I went home and set it down beside my computer.
On March 1st, I left for work at 10 PM. Just before midnight my wife went= down and kissed Kyle good-night. At 5:30 am the next morning Kathy went downstairs to wake Kyle up for school, before she left for work. He was propped up in bed with his legs crossed and his head leaning over. She called to him a few times to get up. He didn't move. He would sometimes teas=e her like this and pretend he fell back asleep. He was never easy to get up. She went in and shook his arm. He fell over. He was pale white and had the straw from the Dust Off can coming out of his mouth. He had the new can of Dust Off in his hands. Kyle was dead.
I am a police officer and I had never heard of this. My wife is a nurse and she had never heard of this. We later found out from the coroner, after the autopsy, that only the propellant from the can of Dust off was in his system. No other drugs.. Kyle had died between midnight and 1 AM.
I found out that using Dust Off is being done mostly by kids ages 9 through 15. They even have a name for it. It's called dusting. A take off from= the Dust Off name. It gives them a slight high for about 10 seconds. It makes them dizzy. A boy who lives down the street from us showed Kyle how to do this about a month before. Kyle showed his best friend... Told him it was cool and it couldn't hurt you. It's just compressed air. It can't hurt you. His best friend said so.
Kyle was wrong. It's not just compressed air .. It also contains a propellant called R2. It's a refrigerant like what is used in your refrigerator.It is a heavy gas.. Heavier than air. When you inhale it, it fills your ungs and keeps the good air, with oxygen, out. That's why you feel dizzy,buzzed. It decreases the oxygen to your brain, to your heart. IT KILLS= YOU.
The horrible part about this is there is no warning. There is no level that kills you. It's not cumulative or an overdose; it can just go randomly, terribly wrong. IT'S NOT AN OVERDOSE . You don't die later. Or not feel good and say I've had too much... You usually die as you're breathing it in. If not you die within 2 seconds of finishing 'the hit.' That 's why the straw was still in Kyle's mouth when he died. Why his eyes were still open. The experts want to call this huffing. The kids don't believe its huffing. And that's why its more accepted. There is no chemical reaction, no strong odor.. It doesn't follow the huffing signals. Kyle complained a few days before he died of his tongue hurting. It probably did. The propellant causes frostbite. If I had only known.
It's easy to say hey, it's my life and I'll do what I want .. But it isn't.... Others are always affected. This has forever changed our family's life.. I have a hole in my heart and soul that can never be fixed. The pain is so immense I can't describe it.. There's nowhere to run from it. I cry all the time and I don't ever cry. I do what I'm supposed to do but I don't really care. My kids are messed up. One won't talk about it. The other will only sleep in our room at night. And my wife, I can't even describe how bad she is taking this. I thought we were safe because of Thor. I thought we were safe because we knew about t drugs and talked to our kids about them.
After Kyle died another story came out. A probation Officer went to the school system next to ours to speak with a student. While there he found a student using Dust Off in the bathroom. This student told him about another student who also had some in his locker.. This is a rather affluent school system. They will tell you they don't have a drug problem there. They don't even have a dare or plus program there. So rather than tell everyone about this 'new' way of getting high they found, they hid it. The probation officer told the media after Kyle's death and they, the school, then admitted to it. I know that if they would have told the media and I had heard, it wouldn't have been in my house.
We need to get this out of our homes and school computer labs.. Using Dust=Off isn't new and some 'professionals' do know about. It just isn't talked about much, except by the kids.. They all seem to know about it. April 2 nd was 1 month since Kyle died.. April 5th would have been his 15th birthday. And every weekday I catch myself sitting on the living room couch at 2:30 in the afternoon and waiting to see him get off the bus.
http://www.snopes.com/medical/toxins/dustoff.asp
First, I'm going to tell you a little about me and my family. My name is Jeff. I am a Police Officer for a city which is known nationwide for it's crime rate. We have a lot of gangs and drugs. At one point we were # 2 in the nation in homicides per capita. I also have a police K-9 named Thor. He was certified in drugs and general duty.. He retired at 3 years old be cause he was shot in the line of duty. He lives with us now and I still train with him because he likes it. I always liked the fact that there was no way to bring drugs into my house. Thor wouldn't allow it. He would tell on you. The reason I say this is so you understand that I know about drugs. I have taught in schools about drugs. My wife asks all our kids at least once a week if they used any drugs.
I like building computers occasionally and started building a new one in February 2005. I also was working on some of my older computers. They we full of dust so on one of my trips to the computer store I bought a 3 pack of DUST OFF. Dust Off is a can of compressed air to blow dust off a computer. A few weeks later when I went to use one of them they were all used.
I talked to my kids and my two sons both said they had used them on their computer and messing around with them. I yelled at them for wasting the=10 dollars I paid for them..
On February 28 I went back to the computer store. They didn't have the 3 pack which I had bought on sale so I bought a single jumbo can of Dust Off. I went home and set it down beside my computer.
On March 1st, I left for work at 10 PM. Just before midnight my wife went= down and kissed Kyle good-night. At 5:30 am the next morning Kathy went downstairs to wake Kyle up for school, before she left for work. He was propped up in bed with his legs crossed and his head leaning over. She called to him a few times to get up. He didn't move. He would sometimes teas=e her like this and pretend he fell back asleep. He was never easy to get up. She went in and shook his arm. He fell over. He was pale white and had the straw from the Dust Off can coming out of his mouth. He had the new can of Dust Off in his hands. Kyle was dead.
I am a police officer and I had never heard of this. My wife is a nurse and she had never heard of this. We later found out from the coroner, after the autopsy, that only the propellant from the can of Dust off was in his system. No other drugs.. Kyle had died between midnight and 1 AM.
I found out that using Dust Off is being done mostly by kids ages 9 through 15. They even have a name for it. It's called dusting. A take off from= the Dust Off name. It gives them a slight high for about 10 seconds. It makes them dizzy. A boy who lives down the street from us showed Kyle how to do this about a month before. Kyle showed his best friend... Told him it was cool and it couldn't hurt you. It's just compressed air. It can't hurt you. His best friend said so.
Kyle was wrong. It's not just compressed air .. It also contains a propellant called R2. It's a refrigerant like what is used in your refrigerator.It is a heavy gas.. Heavier than air. When you inhale it, it fills your ungs and keeps the good air, with oxygen, out. That's why you feel dizzy,buzzed. It decreases the oxygen to your brain, to your heart. IT KILLS= YOU.
The horrible part about this is there is no warning. There is no level that kills you. It's not cumulative or an overdose; it can just go randomly, terribly wrong. IT'S NOT AN OVERDOSE . You don't die later. Or not feel good and say I've had too much... You usually die as you're breathing it in. If not you die within 2 seconds of finishing 'the hit.' That 's why the straw was still in Kyle's mouth when he died. Why his eyes were still open. The experts want to call this huffing. The kids don't believe its huffing. And that's why its more accepted. There is no chemical reaction, no strong odor.. It doesn't follow the huffing signals. Kyle complained a few days before he died of his tongue hurting. It probably did. The propellant causes frostbite. If I had only known.
It's easy to say hey, it's my life and I'll do what I want .. But it isn't.... Others are always affected. This has forever changed our family's life.. I have a hole in my heart and soul that can never be fixed. The pain is so immense I can't describe it.. There's nowhere to run from it. I cry all the time and I don't ever cry. I do what I'm supposed to do but I don't really care. My kids are messed up. One won't talk about it. The other will only sleep in our room at night. And my wife, I can't even describe how bad she is taking this. I thought we were safe because of Thor. I thought we were safe because we knew about t drugs and talked to our kids about them.
After Kyle died another story came out. A probation Officer went to the school system next to ours to speak with a student. While there he found a student using Dust Off in the bathroom. This student told him about another student who also had some in his locker.. This is a rather affluent school system. They will tell you they don't have a drug problem there. They don't even have a dare or plus program there. So rather than tell everyone about this 'new' way of getting high they found, they hid it. The probation officer told the media after Kyle's death and they, the school, then admitted to it. I know that if they would have told the media and I had heard, it wouldn't have been in my house.
We need to get this out of our homes and school computer labs.. Using Dust=Off isn't new and some 'professionals' do know about. It just isn't talked about much, except by the kids.. They all seem to know about it. April 2 nd was 1 month since Kyle died.. April 5th would have been his 15th birthday. And every weekday I catch myself sitting on the living room couch at 2:30 in the afternoon and waiting to see him get off the bus.
http://www.snopes.com/medical/toxins/dustoff.asp
Another One
My infatuation with christmas trees and decorating them has become the focus in the Johnson household lately. It seems Brooke is a bit of an eye opener lol. Every morning she comes down and says in an old italian accent or some would call it a two year old accent and says "A - Noth- A One?". There is a reason and a meaning behind each tree. I love decorating them all in different ways. I love sitting in the room with the lights sparkling reading a book or just looking at it. I will have to take pictures and post "All Of Them" and the meaning/story behind them.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Very Busy
In thoughts, in decorating and spending time with the kids. It is a very difficult time right now because we are making the decision of whether I have to go back to work or not this February. My first answer would be to stay out the year but it may not work out that way. We had two unexpected things happent to us that may force me to go back sooner then later. This is very hard for me but I guess like I tell other people after the first two weeks of being back it won't be that bad. It is almost like don't taste it and you won't know what you are missing, is the better way. So many hard decisions will be coming up for me in the next few weeks that I can't even put my head around it. One being finding someone that encompasses everything I want in someone that will be taking care of my kids. Its alot and there are so many variables. I'll say it now and I'll say it till I die. The hardest job in the world by far is being a mom, especially being a working mom.
Friday, November 27, 2009
Hi...HOoooo
It's back to the gym I go...doo dooo dooo doo ddooo doo doo doo hi ho hi ho hi ho!
I feel like a stuffed turkey myself so its off to some walking at the gym. I haven't felt much discomfort lately so I hopped on the treadmill today. It turned out fine! Better posts tomorrow after I get off of my turkey coma.
I feel like a stuffed turkey myself so its off to some walking at the gym. I haven't felt much discomfort lately so I hopped on the treadmill today. It turned out fine! Better posts tomorrow after I get off of my turkey coma.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Very Tramatic Turkey Experience
Okay some would say I am exaggerating but I am totally not! That was probably one of the most tramatic culinary experiences I have EVER had by far! I screamed the entire time the long necky thing was coming out. Seriously? Why do they have to leave that in there? (please do not tell me people eat that!) I felt like I was holding a fat plump kid with no head! When I was washing him out I sat him down and then when I lifted him to let it out, it made a huge fart-like gurgling noise which TOTALLY SCARED THE BEJESIES OUT OF ME!! Hence the screaming and Brooke coming in looking at me like I had three heads. As soon as she came in the room I stuffed the turkery back down into the tray that was in the kitchen sink because I didn't want her to see what the poor little "gobble, gobble" looked like before we eat it!! I'm thinking that could be pretty tramatic! So hats off to you Marie- my Turkey preparer for the past few years and my mom for the years before that. I NEVER knew what was going on in the other room!!! You did a great job and I can only hope my turkey comes out to be edible!
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
I Could Have What???!!
Ever since the pregnancy I have been having some stomach issues/pain. I pretty much just worked, slept, worked out and ate through it. Two weeks ago when I was sick I went to the doctor for him to check out my ears and throat. I had mentioned that lately my stomach was really bothering me- I explained it like taking vitamins without eating. Not a good feeling. The other thing was that my belly button was very sore to the touch. I thought this could be do to the sometimes weird excercises we do in some of the gym classes I take. So no biggy- I ignored it- Until i went to the doctor that day. When I mentioned it he laughed like..you come and just say "oh and by the way- my belly is so sore I can barely touch it". So he sent me to a gastro guy. Again, long story short, I am not going crazy. They felt the weird "ballish" like inflamation that I have been talking about. When they pressed in on it the painful bellybutton came back. They ordered me to get a catscan to check for a friggin HERNIA. It is called umbilical hernia....if that is what it is. Which is very common in post pregnancy for mom and the baby apparently. I am hoping that it is just gas lol that got trapped because I am not one to have surgery and apparently that would be the next step. So help me wish and pray the hernia away!
Monday, November 23, 2009
Very Scary Crib Recall
Another reason to worry...
All Dropside cribs were band in Suffolk today. BOth my kids have this type of crib but not the brand listed below...what do you do???
November 23, 2009
After four deaths Stork Craft recalls 2.1 million drop-side cribs
Four babies have died and 35 others have been entrapped or injured in one of the 2.1 million Stork Craft cribs recalled today, the Consumer Product Safety Commission announced. Almost 150,000 of the cribs carry the Fisher-Price logo. The recall involves 1,213,000 drop-side cribs sold in the U.S. and 968,000 sold in Canada over the past 16 years.
The CPSC and Health Canada are aware of 110 incidents in which the drop-side of a Stork Craft crib detached. Of those, 15 were entrapments in which four children died of suffocation. According to the CPSC, the deaths include a 7-month-old in Gouverneur, N.Y.; a 7-month-old in New Iberia, La.; a 6-month-old in Summersville, W.Va.; and a 9-month-old in Bronx, N.Y. Also reported were 20 falls from the cribs with injuries ranging from concussions to bumps and bruises. The cribs involved in the recall have plastic drop-side hardware that had broken, gone missing, or become deformed as well as other hardware that was loose or missing. In some cases, the drop-sides had been installed upside-down.
The Stork Craft cribs were manufactured between January 1993 and October 2009. The recall also includes Stork Craft cribs with the Fisher-Price logo that were manufactured between October 1997 and December 2004. The Stork Craft cribs with the Fisher-Price logo were first sold in the U.S. and Canada in 1998. The manufacture date, model number, crib name, country of origin, and the firm’s name, address, and contact information are located on the assembly instruction sheet attached to the mattress support board. The firm’s insignia “storkcraft baby” or “storkling” is inscribed on the drop-side teething rail of some cribs. In Stork Craft cribs with the “Fisher-Price” logo, the logo can be found on the crib’s teething rail, in the manufacturer’s instructions, on the assembly instruction sheet attached to the mattress support board, and on the end panels of some models.
The cribs were sold at major retailers in the U.S. and Canada including BJ’s Wholesale Club, J.C. Penney, Kmart, Meijer, Sears, USA Baby, and Wal-Mart stores and online at Amazon.com, Babiesrus.com, Costco.com, Target.com and Walmart.com from January 1993 through October 2009 for between $100 and $400.
Parents are strongly cautioned to stop using the cribs immediately -- meaning tonight -- and find alternate sleeping arrangements for their youngster. The CPSC advises consumers to contact Stork Craft to receive a free repair kit that converts the drop-side on these cribs to a fixed side. For additional information, contact Stork Craft toll-free at (877) 274-0277 anytime to order the free repair kit, or log on to www.storkcraft.com. Please note that the Web site was unavailable when we tried to access it.
Consumer Reports has been warning about the dangers of drop-side cribs for some time and has urged industry to eliminate this design in favor of safer, fixed side models.
All Dropside cribs were band in Suffolk today. BOth my kids have this type of crib but not the brand listed below...what do you do???
November 23, 2009
After four deaths Stork Craft recalls 2.1 million drop-side cribs
Four babies have died and 35 others have been entrapped or injured in one of the 2.1 million Stork Craft cribs recalled today, the Consumer Product Safety Commission announced. Almost 150,000 of the cribs carry the Fisher-Price logo. The recall involves 1,213,000 drop-side cribs sold in the U.S. and 968,000 sold in Canada over the past 16 years.
The CPSC and Health Canada are aware of 110 incidents in which the drop-side of a Stork Craft crib detached. Of those, 15 were entrapments in which four children died of suffocation. According to the CPSC, the deaths include a 7-month-old in Gouverneur, N.Y.; a 7-month-old in New Iberia, La.; a 6-month-old in Summersville, W.Va.; and a 9-month-old in Bronx, N.Y. Also reported were 20 falls from the cribs with injuries ranging from concussions to bumps and bruises. The cribs involved in the recall have plastic drop-side hardware that had broken, gone missing, or become deformed as well as other hardware that was loose or missing. In some cases, the drop-sides had been installed upside-down.
The Stork Craft cribs were manufactured between January 1993 and October 2009. The recall also includes Stork Craft cribs with the Fisher-Price logo that were manufactured between October 1997 and December 2004. The Stork Craft cribs with the Fisher-Price logo were first sold in the U.S. and Canada in 1998. The manufacture date, model number, crib name, country of origin, and the firm’s name, address, and contact information are located on the assembly instruction sheet attached to the mattress support board. The firm’s insignia “storkcraft baby” or “storkling” is inscribed on the drop-side teething rail of some cribs. In Stork Craft cribs with the “Fisher-Price” logo, the logo can be found on the crib’s teething rail, in the manufacturer’s instructions, on the assembly instruction sheet attached to the mattress support board, and on the end panels of some models.
The cribs were sold at major retailers in the U.S. and Canada including BJ’s Wholesale Club, J.C. Penney, Kmart, Meijer, Sears, USA Baby, and Wal-Mart stores and online at Amazon.com, Babiesrus.com, Costco.com, Target.com and Walmart.com from January 1993 through October 2009 for between $100 and $400.
Parents are strongly cautioned to stop using the cribs immediately -- meaning tonight -- and find alternate sleeping arrangements for their youngster. The CPSC advises consumers to contact Stork Craft to receive a free repair kit that converts the drop-side on these cribs to a fixed side. For additional information, contact Stork Craft toll-free at (877) 274-0277 anytime to order the free repair kit, or log on to www.storkcraft.com. Please note that the Web site was unavailable when we tried to access it.
Consumer Reports has been warning about the dangers of drop-side cribs for some time and has urged industry to eliminate this design in favor of safer, fixed side models.
Sunday, November 22, 2009
What a Weekend
To say the least. I battled another 24 hour bug what the h&^^! I am over it now and doing fine...but pretty much slept in on Saturday. Just got the kids to sleep after a very long day and ready to hit the hay myself but I am going over to say my goodbyes to my neighbor. Very sad when you lose someone/something that has become a norm in your life like a good neighbor. So long, farewell to the Zodda's! Will really miss you and I DON'T KNOW WHAT I am going to tell my daughter when she realizes Emma is not next door anymore.....
:(
:(
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Another One Bites the List...
The proof is in the pudding. When you write things down I do believe they are more likely to come true, you are more likely to go after your goals. Yes, I am crossing some of the easier items off but it feels just as good! I am very excited to see Jay-it seemed pretty easy to do, I can't believe I haven't done it before! It's free entertainment!!
#44- Go to church at least once a month.
I went with the kids last week when Scott was at the Jets game. The kids were unbelievably good and well behaved. Lucas loved the stained glass windows and Brooke loved all the people and the kids singing. She did get a bit upset, and this was also when I decided to leave, when everyone was taking the host and she was not allowed. She started saying (VERY LOUDLY)"I want a pretzel too!" cue for mommy that this is departing time.
#58 Be a member of the audience in a TV show.
See for yourself..
Dear ANNETTE JOHNSON:
CONGRATULATIONS! In response to your ticket request to attend a live taping of The Jay Leno Show, we are pleased to confirm the above reservation. Please read all of the following information:
1.Presentation of this letter as well as photo ID matching the above name are required for entry. Print this out and take it to studio 11 because it is your ticket for the show. Tickets are non-transferable. Etc...Etc.
#79 See Oprah- Now this one I am feeling a lot of pressure with. I have wanted to see her for the LONGEST time. I just have always let it go by the waste side. Now that I hear she is leaving the show in year- I can imagine that it is going to take even longer for me to get on there. I really, really want to go so everyday I will make it a point to check their website. I actually offered to be on the "challenge yourself" show to get on! Imagine that...lol. So if ever someone gets their hands on some oprah tickets...think of me!!!
#86 Lose pounds from prego weight.
This last pound really loves me I tell ya. Wait till he tells the other ten that they have to leave too! He does not want to go...he loves me!
#44- Go to church at least once a month.
I went with the kids last week when Scott was at the Jets game. The kids were unbelievably good and well behaved. Lucas loved the stained glass windows and Brooke loved all the people and the kids singing. She did get a bit upset, and this was also when I decided to leave, when everyone was taking the host and she was not allowed. She started saying (VERY LOUDLY)"I want a pretzel too!" cue for mommy that this is departing time.
#58 Be a member of the audience in a TV show.
See for yourself..
Dear ANNETTE JOHNSON:
CONGRATULATIONS! In response to your ticket request to attend a live taping of The Jay Leno Show, we are pleased to confirm the above reservation. Please read all of the following information:
1.Presentation of this letter as well as photo ID matching the above name are required for entry. Print this out and take it to studio 11 because it is your ticket for the show. Tickets are non-transferable. Etc...Etc.
#79 See Oprah- Now this one I am feeling a lot of pressure with. I have wanted to see her for the LONGEST time. I just have always let it go by the waste side. Now that I hear she is leaving the show in year- I can imagine that it is going to take even longer for me to get on there. I really, really want to go so everyday I will make it a point to check their website. I actually offered to be on the "challenge yourself" show to get on! Imagine that...lol. So if ever someone gets their hands on some oprah tickets...think of me!!!
#86 Lose pounds from prego weight.
This last pound really loves me I tell ya. Wait till he tells the other ten that they have to leave too! He does not want to go...he loves me!
Friday, November 20, 2009
The Search Engine Says...
...Ask Moxie. I was searching on google about how to lose belly fat lol...yes, I was when I found this really cool blog. It has a lot of things I can relate to and that I think some of you would also enjoy. I really love her philosphy which you can find under Moxies Manifesto. Let me know if you like it also!
http://www.askmoxie.org/
http://moxie.blogs.com/askmoxie/2007/05/moxie_manifesto.html
http://www.askmoxie.org/
http://moxie.blogs.com/askmoxie/2007/05/moxie_manifesto.html
Thursday, November 19, 2009
I DO DECLARE
I just started watching the office and I do declare that two shows ago of the office where they made believe they were different characters and trying to figure out who done it... might be my favorite!
http://www.nbc.com/The_Office/video/episodes/?vid=1175139#vid=1175139
http://www.nbc.com/The_Office/video/episodes/?vid=1175139#vid=1175139
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Tuesdays with Annette
Wake take a shower
Feed Lucas
Take Brooke out of bed
Get Brooke dressed
Get Lucas dressed
Breakfast
Get Brooke dressed again after her taking everything off because its "fun"
Annette gets dressed
blow dry hair
Emma comes over
Lucas for a nap
Vacuum
Scrub floors
Play house with Emma and Brooke outside
Dress brooke after potty...again its "fun" to get undressed!
Snack time
Wrap gift for party at 12:30
Lucas awake
Tummy time /play with Lucas
Feed Lucas
Put shoes and socks BACK ON for Brooke
Get everything in the car
CUT OFF onesie from lucas because he had a "blowout!"
Dress Lucas again!
Go to party
Get gas
Come home
Lucas for a nap
Brooke for a nap
Brooke screaming wakes up Lucas but screaming makes her fall asleep
Get lucas back down for a nap
....and still going. I am exhausted and it is only 3:13!
Feed Lucas
Take Brooke out of bed
Get Brooke dressed
Get Lucas dressed
Breakfast
Get Brooke dressed again after her taking everything off because its "fun"
Annette gets dressed
blow dry hair
Emma comes over
Lucas for a nap
Vacuum
Scrub floors
Play house with Emma and Brooke outside
Dress brooke after potty...again its "fun" to get undressed!
Snack time
Wrap gift for party at 12:30
Lucas awake
Tummy time /play with Lucas
Feed Lucas
Put shoes and socks BACK ON for Brooke
Get everything in the car
CUT OFF onesie from lucas because he had a "blowout!"
Dress Lucas again!
Go to party
Get gas
Come home
Lucas for a nap
Brooke for a nap
Brooke screaming wakes up Lucas but screaming makes her fall asleep
Get lucas back down for a nap
....and still going. I am exhausted and it is only 3:13!
Monday, November 16, 2009
Going Gadget Crazy
Okay so I am so so excited about the smilebox application that I put onto my blog. When you start figuring this stuff out it gets very addicting! I am so proud of my little creation!!!! I hope you enjoy. P.s. There is music attached so if you are at work make sure to lower the volume!
So Very Cool...
just playing around with new gadgets and learning how to add these "free & fun" things to my blog. As always, let me know what you think!
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Pizza Lure
To my family in Virginia. Imagine this at the end of a rope...pulling you back to New York. Mmm Mmm Good.
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Saturday's - The List
So I had left aside Saturday's to update or write about my accomplishments on what turned out to be my bucket list. I do not enjoy calling it my "bucket" list so I am going to rename it my Life List. Having a list definitely keeps you focused on certain goals. It can also make you somewhat overwhelmed knowing that many of the goals can only be achieved when other things in your life, like going back to work and making money again, happen first.
So what have I been doing?
#1o- Read a novel in November. This is not too hard for me other than the fact that it gives a specific time that I must read the novel in. (I'm pretty strict with my own guidelines). I just started reading A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini who also wrote the Kite Runner. It takes you through certain events in Afghanistan during the past 30 years using two main characters. It is very readable and I am surprised by how much I like it. This is one of the benefits of the book club that I go to. I have been reading books that I never would have chosen for myself AND I enjoy them. For example: One Thousand White Women. Never ever would I have picked it on my own but loved, loved it. So I am starting on #10 and hope to be finished with it by the end of November.
#86- Lose 5 pounds from prego weight. I was 142. Yes, I said it out loud. Now many would say oh that's not that too bad. But 142 for a five foot person is really not that good. lol... Now heres the thing. I am going to average that to 140 for my "list" purpose and because I am friggin ANAL! So the goal here if you are confused now is to weigh 135. Today I weighed myself and I am 136. (It's kind of freeing telling your weight to the world...or my 3-5 readers lol). 1 more pound baby!
So that is all...other than the occasional searching of the web for my Upstate/Getaway home. I really can't wait till that one comes to fruition. I can just imagine myself sitting on the porch watching the kids play, not worrying about a thing, drinking some coffee with my feet up while reading. Ahhh...the good life!
So what have I been doing?
#1o- Read a novel in November. This is not too hard for me other than the fact that it gives a specific time that I must read the novel in. (I'm pretty strict with my own guidelines). I just started reading A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini who also wrote the Kite Runner. It takes you through certain events in Afghanistan during the past 30 years using two main characters. It is very readable and I am surprised by how much I like it. This is one of the benefits of the book club that I go to. I have been reading books that I never would have chosen for myself AND I enjoy them. For example: One Thousand White Women. Never ever would I have picked it on my own but loved, loved it. So I am starting on #10 and hope to be finished with it by the end of November.
#86- Lose 5 pounds from prego weight. I was 142. Yes, I said it out loud. Now many would say oh that's not that too bad. But 142 for a five foot person is really not that good. lol... Now heres the thing. I am going to average that to 140 for my "list" purpose and because I am friggin ANAL! So the goal here if you are confused now is to weigh 135. Today I weighed myself and I am 136. (It's kind of freeing telling your weight to the world...or my 3-5 readers lol). 1 more pound baby!
So that is all...other than the occasional searching of the web for my Upstate/Getaway home. I really can't wait till that one comes to fruition. I can just imagine myself sitting on the porch watching the kids play, not worrying about a thing, drinking some coffee with my feet up while reading. Ahhh...the good life!
Thursday, November 12, 2009
HH
*I apologize in advance to my male readers for having to read about this and then I say what the heck you might as well have to read it since you never have to go through it!
HH. This used to mean Happy Hour to me but right now it means Holy Hormones! I don't know what is going on but I may have to pay my OB a visit. I also may have forgotten what happened after having Brooke...meaning the shift back into normalcy. This past month I have been losing soooo much hair, getting night sweats, and feeling very PMS'y body wise(cramps, bloated, yada yada). Its feels like my body is pushing out the last of the prego hormones and its nuts. If I didn't just have my friend I would almost think I was prego again (bite my tongue!) or that I am going through early menopause!!!!
I need me a love tree right now!
( you might only understand this if you read www.morecheese.typepad.com)
HH. This used to mean Happy Hour to me but right now it means Holy Hormones! I don't know what is going on but I may have to pay my OB a visit. I also may have forgotten what happened after having Brooke...meaning the shift back into normalcy. This past month I have been losing soooo much hair, getting night sweats, and feeling very PMS'y body wise(cramps, bloated, yada yada). Its feels like my body is pushing out the last of the prego hormones and its nuts. If I didn't just have my friend I would almost think I was prego again (bite my tongue!) or that I am going through early menopause!!!!
I need me a love tree right now!
( you might only understand this if you read www.morecheese.typepad.com)
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Oh So Proud
This time it is not with my kids- it is with my friend Chrissy. I have to say I do believe I was the one that started running a year back on the treadmill and got us started. I pushed through all the profanities you were yelling because I wanted us to run and you didnt want to...and here you are. Little runner girl. Running her first 5k and WINNING!!! I am so proud. (Plus now I have a record to beat besides my own lol)
Routine Business
So I have been home for 5 months now and I have been slowly but surely working on some things in our home to make everything run better. Some days I feel like I'll be happy if I get things to just run at all! One thing that I have realized is a need, a must with children is routine. I knew this with Brooke but it was somehow (even though I had more to do) easier to keep a routine when working. The day was more scheduled when we HAD to wake at a certain time, had to be somewhere. But when you stay home it is very easy for routine to be the first thing to go.
Since I had Lucas, I found myself when I was busy with Lucas (feeding, changing, bathing, etc) saying to Brooke "just go play" or "go find something to do -you have so many toys". This was hard for her and the whining would begin. I know from school and teaching that yes, you can have 'free time' but if you want it to work you have to teach the kids how to actually do 'free time'. She sometimes just does not know what to do with herself. (Meanwhile in my head I'm thinking give me 10 minutes free time...and boy what I can do!)
I also was finding mysself so frazzled in the morning. I would think "how could this be" I stayed up all night settling the house, I know what they are wearing...WHY is it taking me so long to get everyone ready? I was just talking to a friend on the phone when she was saying the same thing. She just had a baby and was asking me WHY it took her two hours to get out of the house for the baby's dr. appnt. It happens.
Well having a routine and perfecting that routine and being organized with that routine can make for a happy unfrazzled mom and happy, calm kids. I am STILL working on pefecting and making my routine more smoothe but have still seen the positives just from the little changes I've made. I should probably note that
'"perfecting" anything with a newborn and 2 year old is most likely unachievable but heck we all have to have a goal now dont we?
Since I had Lucas, I found myself when I was busy with Lucas (feeding, changing, bathing, etc) saying to Brooke "just go play" or "go find something to do -you have so many toys". This was hard for her and the whining would begin. I know from school and teaching that yes, you can have 'free time' but if you want it to work you have to teach the kids how to actually do 'free time'. She sometimes just does not know what to do with herself. (Meanwhile in my head I'm thinking give me 10 minutes free time...and boy what I can do!)
I also was finding mysself so frazzled in the morning. I would think "how could this be" I stayed up all night settling the house, I know what they are wearing...WHY is it taking me so long to get everyone ready? I was just talking to a friend on the phone when she was saying the same thing. She just had a baby and was asking me WHY it took her two hours to get out of the house for the baby's dr. appnt. It happens.
Well having a routine and perfecting that routine and being organized with that routine can make for a happy unfrazzled mom and happy, calm kids. I am STILL working on pefecting and making my routine more smoothe but have still seen the positives just from the little changes I've made. I should probably note that
'"perfecting" anything with a newborn and 2 year old is most likely unachievable but heck we all have to have a goal now dont we?
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Frustrating
So all I hear now is get the swine flu shot, don't get the swine flu shot, blah blah. We've decided to go through with the shot for ourselves and for Brooke only if it doesn't contain the mercury. Now that we have decided that we would get the shot, we can not find a facility that has it. I can not get the mist because of my asthma plus I don't want to get anything 'live' with Lucas being so young. So what do you do?
Monday, November 9, 2009
Okay now...
So my step out and challenge yourself list really turned into my own personal bucket list. I am actually going to keep it that way as I think everyone should have one. I have also been thinking of some things to add so I will do that today. Wish me luck because that is some hefty list...and yes I will add 5k to it. Sipping tea with Queen Elizabeth I don't know...for one I don't like tea and 2 what the hell would i say? lol
P.S...don't be surprised if I ask you to join me or help me in some or better yet you can let me know which you would like to join me or help me with!
P.S...don't be surprised if I ask you to join me or help me in some or better yet you can let me know which you would like to join me or help me with!
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Saturdays Step Out and Challenge Yourself (EDITED)
So I watched an episode on Oprah recently that got me thinking. The whole episode was about living your life to the fullest and stepping out of your box or comfort zone. There were four women that challenged themselves to do different types of challenges and they all chose to "step out of their box" for different reasons. Some of them take getting rid of your fear of heights and some involved getting rid of the fear of showing anyone other than your significant other your gut. The whole purpose being to become more empowered and to realize that there are other things that you can and may even enjoy doing that you weren't aware of.
The Daredevils include four strangers from around the country who are bonded only by their desire to break their routines, overcome their fears and step out of their boxes. The challenges were : Roller derby it is like football on skates—women skate around a rink, and every time they pass an opponent, they score a point. For their second challenge, Ali(A correspondent on Oprah's show) and her team of women arrive at another mystery location. This time, they're trading in their roller skates for parachutes because they're all going skydiving. For the final challenge, the women didn't wear knee pads, parachutes or...anything at all. As Ali starts to strip down on the beach for the skinny-dipping challenge, the women are all in shock.
So what I am asking you to do is to help me compose a list of things that would be considered "stepping out of your box" or a "challenge". I might add it to my personal list which then you will see on the next post or this post edited. Big or small. I would also love to see if you would accept one of the the "step outs" or "challenges" and then join me on Saturdays to note some progress or if we even tried or attempted one. I'm thinking what someone might add to their challenge could be easy or hard for someone else so no judging!!! :). So think of things...wacky, or not, it may be just something you wouldn't normally go out and do on a weekend but have thought about...add them and lets try to do them...or one or two!
Here are some I came up with. I found some on the internet and chose the ones I like. I have also added some that I have already accomplished that I feel should be added to the list. :
1. Road trip by yourself (more than two hours away)
2. Sleep in your backyard in a tent.
3. Go rough it "camping" on a campground.
4. Eat at a different type of restaurant that you normally wouldn't.
5. Go rock climbing
6. Do a duoathlon
7. Go skinnydipping
8. Ride a horse
9. Learn to play chess
10. Read a novel in November (National Novel Writing Month)
11. Travel to Canada
12. Travel to a state you haven't been to before.
13. Get rid of clothes that you haven't worn in 6 months (seems weird but a HUGE challenge)
14. Make your goal weight
15. Write a letter a month to someone/anyone.
16. Take a knitting class
17. Take a golf lesson
18. Go white water rafting
19. Go kayaking
20. Go canoing
21. Make a room in your house into a "yoga" or "meditation" area
22. climb a mountain
23. Hold a snake
24. Grow your own vegetables
25. Sleep on an overnight train
26. Go backpacking
27. Run a Marathon
28. Try Surfing
29. See one of the great waterfalls in person - Victoria, Niagara, Iguazu
30. Visit the birthplace of my ancestors
31. Walk on a beach by moonlight
32. Get your portrait drawn or painted
33. Play in the mud
34. Get married (done)
35. Have children (done)
36. Go through labor (done)
37. Buy your own home (done)
38. Appear on television or in a movie (was on the news)
39. Visit the Great Wall of China
40. Start your own business
41. Take a martial arts class
42. Visit someplace I never thought I'd visit
43. Volunteer to help the needy
44. Go to church at least once a month
45. Buy flowers for myself for no reason
46. Fly in a helicopter
47. Go waterskiing
48. Swim with dolphins
49. See the Grand Canyon
50. Visit the White House
51. Watch Goodfellas
52. Watch Casablanca
53. Watch all the Godfathers
54. Watch Citizen Kane
55. See the Iguazu Falls in Brazil
56. Watch the launch of a space shuttle
57. Give your mother a dozen red roses and tell her you love her.
58. Be a member of the audience in a TV show.
59. Send a message in a bottle.
60. Plant a tree.
61. Take a ballroom dancing lesson.
62. Stay on Disney property with kids and go to all parks
63. Make a new tradition for the kids.
64. Drive across America from coast to coast.
65. Spend a WHOLE day reading a great novel.
66. Learn a new magic trick.
67. Donate money and put your name on something: a college scholarship, a bench in the park.
68. Spend three months using a personal trainer.
69. Attend one really huge rock concert.
70. Go deep sea fishing and eat your catch.
71. Lie in bed an entire day.
72. Climb a tall tree all the way to the top.(or until its not safe...lol)
73. Eat Thai Food
74. Make 5 new recipes from any cookbook
75. Buy an expensive pair of jeans ( to me this is anything over 60!)
76. Go four wheeling in my truck
77. Make a piece of art and hang it in my home
78. Run a 5K - DONE
79. See Oprah
80. Ride a Motorcycle down to Port Jeff on a nice day
81. Run a 5K in less than 34 minutes
82. Run a 5K in less than 33 minutes
83. Run a 5k in less than 32 minutes
84. Run a 5k in less than 31 minutes
85. Stay in the city for more than 2 nights
86. Lose 5 pounds from prego weight
87. Lose 10 pounds from prego weight
88. Lose 15 pounds from prego weight
89. Change family primary care doctor
90. Get body skin scan
91. Make a piece of furniture by myself
92. Have one of my birthdays at a karoake bar lol.
93. Give some of my time to a children's hospital
94. Buy an upstate/getaway home
95. Polar bear club
Finish this list....
The Daredevils include four strangers from around the country who are bonded only by their desire to break their routines, overcome their fears and step out of their boxes. The challenges were : Roller derby it is like football on skates—women skate around a rink, and every time they pass an opponent, they score a point. For their second challenge, Ali(A correspondent on Oprah's show) and her team of women arrive at another mystery location. This time, they're trading in their roller skates for parachutes because they're all going skydiving. For the final challenge, the women didn't wear knee pads, parachutes or...anything at all. As Ali starts to strip down on the beach for the skinny-dipping challenge, the women are all in shock.
So what I am asking you to do is to help me compose a list of things that would be considered "stepping out of your box" or a "challenge". I might add it to my personal list which then you will see on the next post or this post edited. Big or small. I would also love to see if you would accept one of the the "step outs" or "challenges" and then join me on Saturdays to note some progress or if we even tried or attempted one. I'm thinking what someone might add to their challenge could be easy or hard for someone else so no judging!!! :). So think of things...wacky, or not, it may be just something you wouldn't normally go out and do on a weekend but have thought about...add them and lets try to do them...or one or two!
Here are some I came up with. I found some on the internet and chose the ones I like. I have also added some that I have already accomplished that I feel should be added to the list. :
1. Road trip by yourself (more than two hours away)
2. Sleep in your backyard in a tent.
3. Go rough it "camping" on a campground.
4. Eat at a different type of restaurant that you normally wouldn't.
5. Go rock climbing
6. Do a duoathlon
7. Go skinnydipping
8. Ride a horse
9. Learn to play chess
10. Read a novel in November (National Novel Writing Month)
11. Travel to Canada
12. Travel to a state you haven't been to before.
13. Get rid of clothes that you haven't worn in 6 months (seems weird but a HUGE challenge)
14. Make your goal weight
15. Write a letter a month to someone/anyone.
16. Take a knitting class
17. Take a golf lesson
18. Go white water rafting
19. Go kayaking
20. Go canoing
21. Make a room in your house into a "yoga" or "meditation" area
22. climb a mountain
23. Hold a snake
24. Grow your own vegetables
25. Sleep on an overnight train
26. Go backpacking
27. Run a Marathon
28. Try Surfing
29. See one of the great waterfalls in person - Victoria, Niagara, Iguazu
30. Visit the birthplace of my ancestors
31. Walk on a beach by moonlight
32. Get your portrait drawn or painted
33. Play in the mud
34. Get married (done)
35. Have children (done)
36. Go through labor (done)
37. Buy your own home (done)
38. Appear on television or in a movie (was on the news)
39. Visit the Great Wall of China
40. Start your own business
41. Take a martial arts class
42. Visit someplace I never thought I'd visit
43. Volunteer to help the needy
44. Go to church at least once a month
45. Buy flowers for myself for no reason
46. Fly in a helicopter
47. Go waterskiing
48. Swim with dolphins
49. See the Grand Canyon
50. Visit the White House
51. Watch Goodfellas
52. Watch Casablanca
53. Watch all the Godfathers
54. Watch Citizen Kane
55. See the Iguazu Falls in Brazil
56. Watch the launch of a space shuttle
57. Give your mother a dozen red roses and tell her you love her.
58. Be a member of the audience in a TV show.
59. Send a message in a bottle.
60. Plant a tree.
61. Take a ballroom dancing lesson.
62. Stay on Disney property with kids and go to all parks
63. Make a new tradition for the kids.
64. Drive across America from coast to coast.
65. Spend a WHOLE day reading a great novel.
66. Learn a new magic trick.
67. Donate money and put your name on something: a college scholarship, a bench in the park.
68. Spend three months using a personal trainer.
69. Attend one really huge rock concert.
70. Go deep sea fishing and eat your catch.
71. Lie in bed an entire day.
72. Climb a tall tree all the way to the top.(or until its not safe...lol)
73. Eat Thai Food
74. Make 5 new recipes from any cookbook
75. Buy an expensive pair of jeans ( to me this is anything over 60!)
76. Go four wheeling in my truck
77. Make a piece of art and hang it in my home
78. Run a 5K - DONE
79. See Oprah
80. Ride a Motorcycle down to Port Jeff on a nice day
81. Run a 5K in less than 34 minutes
82. Run a 5K in less than 33 minutes
83. Run a 5k in less than 32 minutes
84. Run a 5k in less than 31 minutes
85. Stay in the city for more than 2 nights
86. Lose 5 pounds from prego weight
87. Lose 10 pounds from prego weight
88. Lose 15 pounds from prego weight
89. Change family primary care doctor
90. Get body skin scan
91. Make a piece of furniture by myself
92. Have one of my birthdays at a karoake bar lol.
93. Give some of my time to a children's hospital
94. Buy an upstate/getaway home
95. Polar bear club
Finish this list....
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Night Night and Good Morning...
Okay so the first thing you hear so much about when you have an infant is SIDS. One of the major things they recommend you not doing is to keep a blanket in the bed. Well, what do you do if you your child WILL not go to sleep unless he is rubbing a blanket on his face or has it softly placed over his head? (I'm laughing to myself right now because this sounds insane but is positively true!)Here is a picture of how Lucas falls asleep each night. I promise you that he is breathing and able to breathe. I have the video and heart monitor on just in case plus, I go in after he falls asleep and I move the blanket away from his mouth/nose. He is so happy in the morning and always seems to have found that blanket again to place on his head somewhere!! Side note- Brooke has seen her brother do this and wanted to get in on the fun! 
Here is how he wakes after a good nights sleep...too cute!
Here is how he wakes after a good nights sleep...too cute!
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Aiding and Abetting?
At Aiding and Abetting: law, an accomplice is a person who actively participates in the commission of a crime, even though they take no part in the actual criminal offense.
I took a spin class this morning and it was very tough but at the same time the best class I have taken in a while. The teacher taught us how to listen to our bodies while also challenging ourselves to push past our own personal fitness levels. As we finished one set and were about to cool down to prepare for the next my eyes caught a female that was in the back of the class. I suddenly caught myself in the middle of an all-out stare. This girl was EXTREMELY skinny and what I would call anorexic. Actually, there is no doubt in my mind that she is what doctors would call anorexic. She was not one of those girls that is just tall and no matter what she eats is thin, she definitely worked at this. Her face was all drawn in and her arms and legs were thinner than Brookes. I am not exaggerating. She wore a sweatshirt with at least two shirts underneath and sweatpants.
So she caught me in this stare which forced me to make sure I didn't look back again. Even though I wasn't looking I couldn't get it out of my head that here she was working soooo hard to lose more or stay in the shape that she was in. During this class the instructor was one that walked around and assisted rather than bike herself. She verbally instructed us on what we should be feeling and when we should be pushing harder. I would take sneak peaks through the mirror to see how and if the instructor was maybe concerned in any way. She too seemed to keep an eye on the girl and kept asking her if she was okay.
Now this is my question/concern/thought...I feel that when you are teaching a class, any class, that you are responsible for the students in the class. You are setting an example. When the class was winding down the girl got off her bike before any of the stretching and left. She said, "thank you so much-that was great" to the instructor. The instructor looked down and made a small "thank you" grin but did not(i'm thinking could not) look at the girl. When she passed the instructor the instructor looked up and watched her walk out the door. Do you think there should be any type of policy that someone that is not "fit" to take the class should be told so? I know this is a fine and shady line but I feel like the gym and the teacher of the class are all contributing to this girls problem. The real problem is you are not really allowed to say anything...what would they say? Could they say anything? How and what would they say? I feel that the instructor was visibly disturbed by the fact that this student was in her class. But what do you do?
I took a spin class this morning and it was very tough but at the same time the best class I have taken in a while. The teacher taught us how to listen to our bodies while also challenging ourselves to push past our own personal fitness levels. As we finished one set and were about to cool down to prepare for the next my eyes caught a female that was in the back of the class. I suddenly caught myself in the middle of an all-out stare. This girl was EXTREMELY skinny and what I would call anorexic. Actually, there is no doubt in my mind that she is what doctors would call anorexic. She was not one of those girls that is just tall and no matter what she eats is thin, she definitely worked at this. Her face was all drawn in and her arms and legs were thinner than Brookes. I am not exaggerating. She wore a sweatshirt with at least two shirts underneath and sweatpants.
So she caught me in this stare which forced me to make sure I didn't look back again. Even though I wasn't looking I couldn't get it out of my head that here she was working soooo hard to lose more or stay in the shape that she was in. During this class the instructor was one that walked around and assisted rather than bike herself. She verbally instructed us on what we should be feeling and when we should be pushing harder. I would take sneak peaks through the mirror to see how and if the instructor was maybe concerned in any way. She too seemed to keep an eye on the girl and kept asking her if she was okay.
Now this is my question/concern/thought...I feel that when you are teaching a class, any class, that you are responsible for the students in the class. You are setting an example. When the class was winding down the girl got off her bike before any of the stretching and left. She said, "thank you so much-that was great" to the instructor. The instructor looked down and made a small "thank you" grin but did not(i'm thinking could not) look at the girl. When she passed the instructor the instructor looked up and watched her walk out the door. Do you think there should be any type of policy that someone that is not "fit" to take the class should be told so? I know this is a fine and shady line but I feel like the gym and the teacher of the class are all contributing to this girls problem. The real problem is you are not really allowed to say anything...what would they say? Could they say anything? How and what would they say? I feel that the instructor was visibly disturbed by the fact that this student was in her class. But what do you do?
Monday, November 2, 2009
Halloween Fun
It turned out to be a very long but successful day. It started at the fire department for a halloween breakfast. Brooke got to eat a donut with no hands. That was very entertaining for her. Then we went trick-or-treating around our neighborhood with the neighbors. That didn't last too long because it ran into nap time. We went home, took a nap, ate lunch and then headed to the Chapmans house for some more trick-or-treating. I never went to the Chapmans for their Halloween event which turned out to be entertaining for both children and adults. :) So here are some pics- Enjoy!
Fire Burning...
I apologize in advance for the rant....
Not on the dance floor but in my shoulders and back. This is what happens to me when I finally get the motivation up to clean and can't do it because someone has decided to discard of ALL scrubbers in the household. What the f&(&%#@! Seriously? There are two things that I make a point to purchase every shopping trip to Trader Joes- a hand santizer for 99cents and 3 packaged scrubbers. I have a thing about keeping one scrubber sponge on the bottom of the sink and one on the top. The one on the top is used ONLY for dishes. The ones on the bottom are used for any chemical cleaning in that particular room. (Hope this makes sense?) For example- scrubber under the sink in the kitchen is for the counters, the sink, frig. The scrubber under the sink in the bathroom is for the sink and counter in there.
Okay (deep breathe) so here I am scrubber less and very annoyed. I would like to know where oh where would one put my scrubbers????
Not on the dance floor but in my shoulders and back. This is what happens to me when I finally get the motivation up to clean and can't do it because someone has decided to discard of ALL scrubbers in the household. What the f&(&%#@! Seriously? There are two things that I make a point to purchase every shopping trip to Trader Joes- a hand santizer for 99cents and 3 packaged scrubbers. I have a thing about keeping one scrubber sponge on the bottom of the sink and one on the top. The one on the top is used ONLY for dishes. The ones on the bottom are used for any chemical cleaning in that particular room. (Hope this makes sense?) For example- scrubber under the sink in the kitchen is for the counters, the sink, frig. The scrubber under the sink in the bathroom is for the sink and counter in there.
Okay (deep breathe) so here I am scrubber less and very annoyed. I would like to know where oh where would one put my scrubbers????
Friday, October 30, 2009
H1N1-This was passed around in school. Seems reasonable...
Good advice
Subject: H1N1
Dr. Vinay Goyal is an MBBS,DRM,DNB (Internist and Thyroid specialist), having clinical experience of over 20 years. The only portals of entry are the nostrils and mouth/throat. In a global epidemic of this nature, it's almost impossible not coming into contact with H1N1 in spite of all precautions. Contact with H1N1 is not so much of a problem as proliferation is. While you are still healthy and not showing any symptoms of H1N1 infection, in order to prevent proliferation, aggravation of symptoms and development of secondary infections, some very simple steps, not fully highlighted in most official communications, can be practiced (instead of focusing on how to stock N95 or Tamiflu
1. Frequent hand-washing (well highlighted in all official communications).
2. "Hands-off-the-face" approach. Resist all temptations to touch any part of face (unless you want to eat, bathe or slap).
3. Gargle twice a day with warm salt water (use Listerine if you don't trust salt). H1N1 takes 2-3 days after initial infection in the throat/nasal cavity to proliferate and show characteristic symptoms. Simple gargling prevents proliferation. In a way, gargling with salt water has the same effect on a healthy individual that Tamiflu has on an infected one. Don't under estimate this simple, inexpensive and powerful preventative method.
4. Similar to 3 above, clean your nostrils at least once every day with warm salt water. Not everybody may be good at using a Neti pot, but blowing the nose hard once a day and swabbing both nostrils with cotton swabs dipped in warm salt water is very effective in bringing down viral population.
5. Boost your natural immunity with foods that are rich in Vitamin C. If you have to supplement with Vitamin C tablets, make sure that it also has Zinc to boost absorption.
6. Drink as much of warm liquids (tea, coffee, etc) as you can. Drinking warm liquids has the same effect as gargling, but in the reverse direction. They wash off proliferating viruses from the throat into the stomach where they cannot survive, proliferate or do any harm.
I suggest you pass this on to your entire e-list; you never know who might pay attention to it - and STAY ALIVE because of it -
Subject: H1N1
Dr. Vinay Goyal is an MBBS,DRM,DNB (Internist and Thyroid specialist), having clinical experience of over 20 years. The only portals of entry are the nostrils and mouth/throat. In a global epidemic of this nature, it's almost impossible not coming into contact with H1N1 in spite of all precautions. Contact with H1N1 is not so much of a problem as proliferation is. While you are still healthy and not showing any symptoms of H1N1 infection, in order to prevent proliferation, aggravation of symptoms and development of secondary infections, some very simple steps, not fully highlighted in most official communications, can be practiced (instead of focusing on how to stock N95 or Tamiflu
1. Frequent hand-washing (well highlighted in all official communications).
2. "Hands-off-the-face" approach. Resist all temptations to touch any part of face (unless you want to eat, bathe or slap).
3. Gargle twice a day with warm salt water (use Listerine if you don't trust salt). H1N1 takes 2-3 days after initial infection in the throat/nasal cavity to proliferate and show characteristic symptoms. Simple gargling prevents proliferation. In a way, gargling with salt water has the same effect on a healthy individual that Tamiflu has on an infected one. Don't under estimate this simple, inexpensive and powerful preventative method.
4. Similar to 3 above, clean your nostrils at least once every day with warm salt water. Not everybody may be good at using a Neti pot, but blowing the nose hard once a day and swabbing both nostrils with cotton swabs dipped in warm salt water is very effective in bringing down viral population.
5. Boost your natural immunity with foods that are rich in Vitamin C. If you have to supplement with Vitamin C tablets, make sure that it also has Zinc to boost absorption.
6. Drink as much of warm liquids (tea, coffee, etc) as you can. Drinking warm liquids has the same effect as gargling, but in the reverse direction. They wash off proliferating viruses from the throat into the stomach where they cannot survive, proliferate or do any harm.
I suggest you pass this on to your entire e-list; you never know who might pay attention to it - and STAY ALIVE because of it -
Friday Questions and Realizations?
Okay, someone dear lord help me with the title of this post! I want to make it a weekly thing if possible and need a better title- something with a ring to it. The posts will be things that I have questions to or things that I have realized during the week. I am actually laughing out loud right now...because I was just so damn creative with the title wasn't I? So anyway here goes:
Number 1: What do you think about- Tip Jars at Dunkin Donuts and other various service establishments? Now, I find this to be very weird. I never did a job and got paid for it full salary and then also asked for a tip. Waitressing is a different story. I think leaving a tip cup out at a place like this is like me leaving a tip jar outside my door and you having to tip if you come over for dinner or have a playdate...or...me leaving a tip jar outside my classroom. What do you think?
Number 2: How DO they do it? Every Wednesday I drop of Brooke to preschool. She has to be there at 9:45. Lets just say today is the first day I got her there on time lol. Now we are not totally late...only 4-8 minutes depending on how long we(she) sit on the potty. So today I took a shower at night instead of the am and had everyone ready even after an "orange day" photo shoot, which you will see in a minute. Shower in the pm and other pointers like that are the tips I think I need from moms of two that have perfected the morning routine. So if anyone knows someone pass this blogsite on! So...back to the point lol... When I arrived at the school I see some moms that each and every time they have themselves all dressed nice (nice=no sweatpants), their hair done, their kids all ready and the infants they are holding all done up too. I'm going to speculate that their houses are not a mess and they don't have to run home, in the two short hours the kids are there, to make lunch for the next place you are going. So my questions is how do they do it...? Along with my realization that they must go to bed earlier and probably wake much earlier than I do to. lol
Number 3: I am typically the frugal mom but the other day I splurged and bought the kids matching Halloween pumpkin shirts. Brooke had to wear an orange shirt to school today so this is what she wore. Well. Brooke thought this was the BEST thing since realizing she can take Barbies clothes off (that sounds weird but you know what I mean). She woke this morning saying "Mom, hurry we have to put our pumpkin shirts on-Go get Lukey Dukey." So my realization- spendthe extra twenty on the pumpkin shirt, the matching x-mas pajamas and so on...it makes them happy, which makes you happy.
Number 1: What do you think about- Tip Jars at Dunkin Donuts and other various service establishments? Now, I find this to be very weird. I never did a job and got paid for it full salary and then also asked for a tip. Waitressing is a different story. I think leaving a tip cup out at a place like this is like me leaving a tip jar outside my door and you having to tip if you come over for dinner or have a playdate...or...me leaving a tip jar outside my classroom. What do you think?
Number 2: How DO they do it? Every Wednesday I drop of Brooke to preschool. She has to be there at 9:45. Lets just say today is the first day I got her there on time lol. Now we are not totally late...only 4-8 minutes depending on how long we(she) sit on the potty. So today I took a shower at night instead of the am and had everyone ready even after an "orange day" photo shoot, which you will see in a minute. Shower in the pm and other pointers like that are the tips I think I need from moms of two that have perfected the morning routine. So if anyone knows someone pass this blogsite on! So...back to the point lol... When I arrived at the school I see some moms that each and every time they have themselves all dressed nice (nice=no sweatpants), their hair done, their kids all ready and the infants they are holding all done up too. I'm going to speculate that their houses are not a mess and they don't have to run home, in the two short hours the kids are there, to make lunch for the next place you are going. So my questions is how do they do it...? Along with my realization that they must go to bed earlier and probably wake much earlier than I do to. lol
Number 3: I am typically the frugal mom but the other day I splurged and bought the kids matching Halloween pumpkin shirts. Brooke had to wear an orange shirt to school today so this is what she wore. Well. Brooke thought this was the BEST thing since realizing she can take Barbies clothes off (that sounds weird but you know what I mean). She woke this morning saying "Mom, hurry we have to put our pumpkin shirts on-Go get Lukey Dukey." So my realization- spendthe extra twenty on the pumpkin shirt, the matching x-mas pajamas and so on...it makes them happy, which makes you happy.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
A Funny Blowing Experience
I was trying to show Brooke how to blow her nose. Here's what happened:
Me- "Brooke you have to blow really hard out of your nose"
Brooke - "Okay mommy"
Me- "harder" All she was doing was blowing out of her mouth
Me- "Brooke, I want you to try and close your mouth and blow just out of your nose"
Brooke- "Okay mommy"
Me-Laughing Hysterically
Brooke- "OH NO MOMMY - The wind came out of my butt!"
lol....
Me- Laughing Hysterically
Me- "Brooke you have to blow really hard out of your nose"
Brooke - "Okay mommy"
Me- "harder" All she was doing was blowing out of her mouth
Me- "Brooke, I want you to try and close your mouth and blow just out of your nose"
Brooke- "Okay mommy"
Me-Laughing Hysterically
Brooke- "OH NO MOMMY - The wind came out of my butt!"
lol....
Me- Laughing Hysterically
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
She's Back...
And is ready to do bodily harm. The flu? No. It's my PMS. Okay so yes, I have had the good ole friend come to visit since giving birth but it seems that she has read up on her old ways and the old hormones are back. I seriously may have eaten a whole GIANT bag (BJ's size)of peanut M & M's. I can't seem to control my eating and have no urge to workout. Today I am getting the wonderful bloating and extreme tired feeling. I hate how this time can totally knock me out of my normal routine. So here are my questions to you all- Do you get these types of out-of-control eating feelings and extreme feeling of being tired and lethargic? and Are you able to brush it off as pms and ignore it or do you cave and eat uncontrollably? If you are able to brush it off...please share HOW????!!!!
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Never Again
Never again will I EVER judge another mom on how she is handling a certain situation (unless of course it is down right child abuse!) You know the situations I am talking about- you're in the mall, or grocery store, maybe the park- You see a mom, who is obviously at the end of her rope and the little angel (how we see it) is not being so angelic. I have, especially coming from my teaching background, been known to have an opinion. "Hmmm, maybe she could have done this, or if she would have only tried that...and ooohhh I would never get that heated". WELL....let me set the scene.
I bring my little angel to a new park. It is open and airy. Wonderful brand new playground toys,soccer fields,places to ride your strollers and bikes AND no barrier from the open area to the car lot. So we are having a great time. We play on the playground, we walk and run a bit and then we go to have lunch. This was great until Brooke thought it would be fun and apparently funny to run away from mommy. Well mommy was feeding Lucas with one hand and holding her peanut butter sandwich in the other. She took off so quick and WOULD NOT respond to my LOUD call for her to come back. All she would do is look back and giggle. Okay...I breathe at this point and say it is a two year old...and I am going to reprimand her when I actually reach her. Long story short and five minutes later I am running up a hill with lucas dangling from one arm screaming "GET BACK HERE RIGHT NOW OR YOU'RE GOING TO GET HIT BY A CAR!" She was going right for the open lot...so this is where safety kicked in and I didn't care about the 5-6 parents starring at me probably thinking they would have handled it a better way! I sped up and grabbed her by the arm. This is when she decided to play "Look at Me- I'm Limp"! I hate the Limp game! So now, i am barely holding onto Lucas and I'm dragging Brooke with one arm as she is playing "Look at Me-I'm Limp" and screaming "I want to play near the cars- I want to play near the cars!". I'm thinking, "Really?" So I finally drag her down to where we had our blanket and she threatens to run away again so I have to literally put my knee on her to keep her there (this is when the park worker was looking at me lol). I then propped Lucas up and then strapped her into the stroller all while she is screaming BLOODY MURDER!!! I buckled her in so tight she had to stay there. I also found myself telling her that she would be buckled until she was 20 if she EVER ran away from me like that again. UGH...I will never judge another parent...ever.
Some pictures I took BEFORE the incident!
I bring my little angel to a new park. It is open and airy. Wonderful brand new playground toys,soccer fields,places to ride your strollers and bikes AND no barrier from the open area to the car lot. So we are having a great time. We play on the playground, we walk and run a bit and then we go to have lunch. This was great until Brooke thought it would be fun and apparently funny to run away from mommy. Well mommy was feeding Lucas with one hand and holding her peanut butter sandwich in the other. She took off so quick and WOULD NOT respond to my LOUD call for her to come back. All she would do is look back and giggle. Okay...I breathe at this point and say it is a two year old...and I am going to reprimand her when I actually reach her. Long story short and five minutes later I am running up a hill with lucas dangling from one arm screaming "GET BACK HERE RIGHT NOW OR YOU'RE GOING TO GET HIT BY A CAR!" She was going right for the open lot...so this is where safety kicked in and I didn't care about the 5-6 parents starring at me probably thinking they would have handled it a better way! I sped up and grabbed her by the arm. This is when she decided to play "Look at Me- I'm Limp"! I hate the Limp game! So now, i am barely holding onto Lucas and I'm dragging Brooke with one arm as she is playing "Look at Me-I'm Limp" and screaming "I want to play near the cars- I want to play near the cars!". I'm thinking, "Really?" So I finally drag her down to where we had our blanket and she threatens to run away again so I have to literally put my knee on her to keep her there (this is when the park worker was looking at me lol). I then propped Lucas up and then strapped her into the stroller all while she is screaming BLOODY MURDER!!! I buckled her in so tight she had to stay there. I also found myself telling her that she would be buckled until she was 20 if she EVER ran away from me like that again. UGH...I will never judge another parent...ever.
Some pictures I took BEFORE the incident!
Things That Make Me Smile
This post is to honor the requests of my Mari "a's" and "e's". It has been really busy around here so haven't had much time to post but will get back on track tonight.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Shrink Wrap Baby/Kid
Okay people! Here's my idea- Baby Shrink. One of the hardest things about cold weather and having an infant is fitting them into the carseat after you have bundled them up. It is truly an event to watch! My idea is that I can put a vacuum suction thingy and suck all the air out of the coat, coat sack...whatever! Finally, The GAP realized that they have to make a spot for the seat belt to go through...so now all I need them to think of is how to fit the damn kid in the seat after they are all bundled! I truly wanted to just go back in the house after getting them out today lol.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
The Finger
What do you think is happening here:
A) Brooke is saying "This food is no &(*^%$ing good"
B) "Mom my nailpolish is chipped can you fix it?"
C) Brooke's way of pointing to a cookie that she wants
D) Brooke is counting using her fingers
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
ROAD TRIP (in a loud yelling voice)
So in less then 4 days we will be on our way to VA. I have a lot of preparing to do! I have to pack for 3 kids...did I say 3? I meant two... ha ha (totally meant as a joke scott lol). As much work as it is, when I am sitting in the car the first five minutes i feel like I have completed and won an olympic event. The second five minutes I begin to enter a panic state realizing that it is impossible that I remembered everything and trying to figure out what it is that I forgot. Now, no joke, there have been small-during-the-day road trips that I have taken where this has happened and I had to turn around and make sure BOTH kids were in the car with me. lol Okay don't call CPS just yet...I hear from a lot of moms that this is normal once you have your first or second...any new addition that is.
So off we go to visit the uncles and aunts and to celebrate the adorable bump which is growing into an even more adorable baby boy due to arrive in February. February I'll be packing again!
So off we go to visit the uncles and aunts and to celebrate the adorable bump which is growing into an even more adorable baby boy due to arrive in February. February I'll be packing again!
Monday, October 5, 2009
How I feel today
Dear God,
Make me a bird
So I can fly far
Far, Far away
The cranky flu has hit my family
Make me a bird
So I can fly far
Far, Far away
The cranky flu has hit my family
Friday, October 2, 2009
Too Many Firsts
Lately the 'firsts' with Brooke have been coming way too quickly for me. I have not always been one to be quick to an emotional tear...but once the little bugger implants into you, you're done! Down for the count...now its just a matter of how many times a week or day they pull at your heartstrings. Brooke will be going with us (we go today only) to her first day of preschool. It is two days a week for two hours. Not too much, not too little. As I was cutting her bangs (I know Scott- I promise this is the last time!) I got a little choked up. She was asking if she could bring Barbie, pony, bunny, her videos, her sippy cup, her potty, her cereal, her blankets, etc. etc... I explained to her that she is only going for "a little bit". She says "Oh, a little bit? Oh, can I bring my brother". :( tear. My little baby girl is now saying not so little girl things and doing big girl things and even though I know my main goal as a parent is to guide her, protect her and love her while allowing her to become independent and self-sufficient...I secretely wish I could just hold her forever!
Thursday, October 1, 2009
So ....
Are we stilling saying he looks like ME????
Side note: the left ear is me, the right ear is Scott...notice the size difference?
Side note: the left ear is me, the right ear is Scott...notice the size difference?
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Brunette Annette?
Be honest- tell me what you think!!!???? I wanted to get all the different shades of blonde out of my hair. We went very close to my original color.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Fall Shows
I love the fall for many reasons. One of them is all of the fall premieres. Some of my favorites: Greys , Brothers and Sisters, Oprah (lol), Desperate Housewives (starting to lose some interest)and looking forward to LOST...can't wait for that because this is the last season I believe. My favorite new show is Cougartown with Courtney Cox. I found myself laughing out loud so much the other night. If you saw it my favorite was when the Dad started lawn mowing the grass at his sons school. Funny show, try it and let me know what you think. Wednesday night -forgot what time. I am also trying to watch the office this season. I hear that is very funny from many different people. Any other new ones or old that you suggest? I love a good show while walking on the treadmill or relaxing afterhours...(hours after the kids fall asleep...)
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Whispering Sweet Nothings...
I took Lucas and Brooke to the doctor for a well visit today. This is a task that I normally like to take on with Scott but he had work and we needed to get the shots before Brooke starts her preschool class. Lucas received (not willingly) his first round of shots. There is nothing like that helpless feeling you get in the pit of your stomach when the doctor puts the needle in and your child is screaming. Lucas gave the dr. the worst look, opened his mouth in preparation to take a deep breath of air and then let loose! Next was Brooke. I had to sit down and hold (restrain) her in my lap. She was not happy about this and seconds later joined her brother in a beautiful screaming duet. Sounds really hectic and stressful right?...Oddly the next thing that happened was so precious that made the stress and pain of the shot (well for me) all worth it. Brooke leans over to Lucas after I put him in the car seat and says "It's okay my baby brother I got one too. You are going to be all bettter- I will help you"...tear, tear...pulling at mommy's heartstrings!
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Soooo Excited!!!!
To hear its a BOY!!!!! Did you hear me??? A BOY!!!! Ican't wait till Marie feels the feeling of him looking at her like she is the best thing in the whole wide world! and ...I can't wait till Rocky feels like "Big Poppa"...I am just so elated. They will both be such wonderful parents! I feel so happy..that I feel cheesy for being that happy! Yeeeeaaaahhhhh! Now get here will ya!
Not the Best at Waiting
I woke up this morning with one thing on my mind. Rocky and Marie find out what they are having today!!! I wonder if the little buddha will show! I'm starting to flip-flop on boy and girl now. I thought it was a boy and now I'm thinking maybe girl. Only the baby knows...and possibly at this time my brother and sister-in-law! The one thing is they are not telling until they call together tonight...around 7. So I will have to wait till then to find out...I am very excited both boy and girl can be so fun and so special in different ways! It is just so much fun to know because you start talking to your belly differently, you can buy cute gender specific clothes, you can think of names, you start the room....very fun!
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
This day 3 months ago...
...I gave birth to my little-big guy. Giving birth is a crazy thing. It is like the best and worst of a very very difficult run...this descriptions comes of course after I ran and is only equatable if you HAVE the epidural!**A very very difficult run- you are fine in the beginning, you think you can run it in record speed, your are thinking positive, you don't even need the water at the first pit stop! Then suddenly around mile 3 you realize- HOLY SHIT...this is serious! What did I get myself into? Can I turn back? (Unlike child birth you could probably stop in a race but anywho!) Your supporters at the side line realize you are struggling and they chime in- you could do it, come on push yourself (in birth- "just push"), their cheers bring you back to where you were in the beginning and their stregth keeps you going. The pain subsides for about 30 seconds and then you feel the hurt again. That's about when, in childbirth ,the fairy-god-epidural-giver comes in. In running I see it more as the runners high and that you are no longer thinking and just run. Through blood,sweat and tears you make it through both. In the end of both you have the feeling of elation, and a certain high. They both make you want to do it again even though it was so (lets say) tough.
Biggest difference is the end. In the end of giving birth you have this being. It is so surreal especially the first time. I forced myself with Lucas to be in the moment. Be there. See and hear everything that was going on. Look at him with all my might and remember what it was like. It is hard to do this because there is SO much going on. (This is also why I always start ranting to scott about taking pictures when the baby arrives.) It is one of those things that you forget anything that hurt, any worries, and second guesses. To feel those chubby cheeks instead of seeing them on a sono, to touch the softness of their arms against your skin, to here them squeak and stare at you like they are saying thank you for the ride...and thinking in my head now his will begin!
The time flies and now my little peanut is three months old! I hope the next three are just as fun...but go a little bit slower!
***I reserve the right to explain that I did have uncomplicated and what some would call "easy" births...I reserve this right because I KNOW some would not compare it to a run. :)
Biggest difference is the end. In the end of giving birth you have this being. It is so surreal especially the first time. I forced myself with Lucas to be in the moment. Be there. See and hear everything that was going on. Look at him with all my might and remember what it was like. It is hard to do this because there is SO much going on. (This is also why I always start ranting to scott about taking pictures when the baby arrives.) It is one of those things that you forget anything that hurt, any worries, and second guesses. To feel those chubby cheeks instead of seeing them on a sono, to touch the softness of their arms against your skin, to here them squeak and stare at you like they are saying thank you for the ride...and thinking in my head now his will begin!
The time flies and now my little peanut is three months old! I hope the next three are just as fun...but go a little bit slower!
***I reserve the right to explain that I did have uncomplicated and what some would call "easy" births...I reserve this right because I KNOW some would not compare it to a run. :)
Friday, September 18, 2009
Where is it?
I would like to know where is the belly flab on those "skinny-as-soon-as-I-walk-out-of-the-hospital" girls? I really want to know where it goes? I don't understand because they had to have the skin to surround the baby also. So where is their extra skin? I am working my ankles off (that's the only place it seems I lost so far) at the gym everyday. If anyone knows the location or store that I can drop my fat patch off, please let me know. Thank you.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Potty Training Revelations
A Teacher's Revelation:
I've come to the frightening conclusion that I am the decisive element in the classroom.
It's my personal approach that creates the climate.
It's my daily mood that makes the weather.
As a teacher I possess a tremendous power to make a child's life miserable or joyous.
I can be a tool of torture or an instrument of inspiration.
I can humiliate or humor, hurt or heal.
In all situations, it is my response that decides whether a crisis will be escalated or de-escalated, and a child humanized or de-humanized.
-- Haim Ginot, Child Psychologist
I believe every word of this and I make a conscientious effort each day to think about what I am doing and how it will effect my children positively or negatively. How does potty training have anything to do with this you ask? I too never thought that this would be as significant of a day as it was. I felt so many emotions ranging from being frustrated that she didn't want to sit after the first time, to being nervous and hesitant that I may have done it too early, to being excited becasue she was becoming excited, to being sad that my little girl is one step closer to growing up, to being proud that she was able to do it successfully with my support. It was so apparent that she fed off of what I was feeling that it made me think of this poem. So I am sharing with you. Every parent is a teacher and every home is a classroom.
Potty training overall was a huge success. I couldn't have asked for it to go better. (I have index cards lol...of what I did exactly if anyone would like them!Nerdy, yes but who cares- it worked!) I read the book Potty Train Your child in just One day by Teri Crane. I had skimmed through a few and agreed with this method the most. Like many of the parenting books, I modified some things...and it all worked out great in the end. (no pun intended)
To my little girl Brooke Antoinette:
Everyday you seem to amaze me even more. I love you so much. Never change.
I've come to the frightening conclusion that I am the decisive element in the classroom.
It's my personal approach that creates the climate.
It's my daily mood that makes the weather.
As a teacher I possess a tremendous power to make a child's life miserable or joyous.
I can be a tool of torture or an instrument of inspiration.
I can humiliate or humor, hurt or heal.
In all situations, it is my response that decides whether a crisis will be escalated or de-escalated, and a child humanized or de-humanized.
-- Haim Ginot, Child Psychologist
I believe every word of this and I make a conscientious effort each day to think about what I am doing and how it will effect my children positively or negatively. How does potty training have anything to do with this you ask? I too never thought that this would be as significant of a day as it was. I felt so many emotions ranging from being frustrated that she didn't want to sit after the first time, to being nervous and hesitant that I may have done it too early, to being excited becasue she was becoming excited, to being sad that my little girl is one step closer to growing up, to being proud that she was able to do it successfully with my support. It was so apparent that she fed off of what I was feeling that it made me think of this poem. So I am sharing with you. Every parent is a teacher and every home is a classroom.
Potty training overall was a huge success. I couldn't have asked for it to go better. (I have index cards lol...of what I did exactly if anyone would like them!Nerdy, yes but who cares- it worked!) I read the book Potty Train Your child in just One day by Teri Crane. I had skimmed through a few and agreed with this method the most. Like many of the parenting books, I modified some things...and it all worked out great in the end. (no pun intended)
To my little girl Brooke Antoinette:
Everyday you seem to amaze me even more. I love you so much. Never change.
Potty Training in Progress
Sat in the bathroom for 1 1/2 hours....peed at 1:40
Came out for 10 minutes...peed on floor. When rushed to the bathroom..."oh too late..the pee pee said it is all done Mommy!"
Came out for 10 minutes...peed on floor. When rushed to the bathroom..."oh too late..the pee pee said it is all done Mommy!"
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
7 years
Time flies when you-
* get married
* get over the trauma of guests having a fight at your wedding
* buy a house
* renovate a house
* deal with infertility
* Have your firstborn beautiful baby girl
* teach and raise a child
* deal with losses
* get pregnant a second time
* have your secondborn beautiful baby boy
-and live life in between. Not every day is pretty, not every day was perfect but in the end it is pretty perfect doing them with Scott.
Happy Anniversary bubbs!
Monday, September 14, 2009
Seriously?
Okay so at Babies R' Us when I registered about 2 1/2 years ago I bought:
*a sun shade to protect the baby from the sun
*a netting cover to protect the baby from insects
*a platic cover to protect the baby from the rain
Pretty protected right?
WRONG... Lucas got sh*t on by a bird at Captree yesterday! lol I would have taken a picture but my battery camera died. Poor little guy!
*a sun shade to protect the baby from the sun
*a netting cover to protect the baby from insects
*a platic cover to protect the baby from the rain
Pretty protected right?
WRONG... Lucas got sh*t on by a bird at Captree yesterday! lol I would have taken a picture but my battery camera died. Poor little guy!
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Spur of the Moment...kind of
So I knew about this race for about a month but didn't really plan on running it because I was having a hard time getting through the three miles since I had Lucas. But today I bit the bullet- woke up, got the kids dressed, woke Scott up, got dressed, and went to the 'Bohemia- Run for the Bus' 5K run. I tried to enlist my gym buddy but she was whooping it up with Big Bird.
So it took me a bit longer than my last run but I was definitely more trained that run. I still give my self a big hoooo Rahhh for doing it. It was hard and I feel verrrry tired right now! I had to stop a few times to walk. Till next time...
my time this time was 34:02
my time last time was 33:40 (this was two octobers ago)
Goal for next run...make it through the whole way without walking.
Mommy trying to hold back throwing up....Brooke being proud. She was such a sport screaming "Go Mommy" as I came in!
So it took me a bit longer than my last run but I was definitely more trained that run. I still give my self a big hoooo Rahhh for doing it. It was hard and I feel verrrry tired right now! I had to stop a few times to walk. Till next time...
my time this time was 34:02
my time last time was 33:40 (this was two octobers ago)
Goal for next run...make it through the whole way without walking.
Mommy trying to hold back throwing up....Brooke being proud. She was such a sport screaming "Go Mommy" as I came in!
Thursday, September 10, 2009
A Week in Review
Each night when I lay my head down on the pillow a million, maybe a zillion thoughts go running through my mind. Tonight, I ran down to get the computer because I felt some of the things would be good to share and that sharing would get me to sleep quicker than trying to muddle through them on my own. I know this seems like a lot for one week but I do believe that some of the things I have learned and realized are things that will stay with me forever...kind of like a growth spurt of the mind and maybe a bit of the heart.
Some things I have learned ....
1. My kids are awesome. I don't think I ever slowed down enough to realize how fun, compassionate, loving, caring, funny, and silly Brooke is. She says the funniest things and really thinks when she speaks. For every "tiny" naughty thing she is capable of (and sometimes follows throught with) there is wonderfully loving thing she does to replace it. Lucas, although only two months old seems to have such a mellow, calm, cool, funloving personality. He just chills out and watches everything around him. He will laugh when you are talking to someone on the phone...he just sits there with this HUGE grin on his face. Adorable!
2. Sometimes things that happen to you that aren't good or when "tough" situations arise you realize although they are tough and scary they are a blessing in disquise or this one problem solves another (even though it is a shitty problem). I've questioned everyday since I have had Lucas whether or not I want to stay home for till January. It has always been my option, my choice. Some things have come up that I might not have the freedom of that choice. To my own surprise when I found this out my first emotion was to becomem upset that I wouldn't be able to stay home with the kids. Whether or not I will be able to do this is to be foreseen but I am happy that I now know where I stand on the issue and I am going to TRY and not worry about how I will feel about this a week from now, or months.
3. Learn to be happy and only care about what is happening right now.
4. First person you should always talk to when dealing with a problem is with whom the problem is with.
5. EVERYONE has there own issues, no one is perfect, and if someone is making it look like they don't have issues or that they are perfect...they're lying.
6. Last but not least...it sucks to jumprope your weight!
Yes some very serious, and some silly. But all things I have realized to be true this week
Some things I have learned ....
1. My kids are awesome. I don't think I ever slowed down enough to realize how fun, compassionate, loving, caring, funny, and silly Brooke is. She says the funniest things and really thinks when she speaks. For every "tiny" naughty thing she is capable of (and sometimes follows throught with) there is wonderfully loving thing she does to replace it. Lucas, although only two months old seems to have such a mellow, calm, cool, funloving personality. He just chills out and watches everything around him. He will laugh when you are talking to someone on the phone...he just sits there with this HUGE grin on his face. Adorable!
2. Sometimes things that happen to you that aren't good or when "tough" situations arise you realize although they are tough and scary they are a blessing in disquise or this one problem solves another (even though it is a shitty problem). I've questioned everyday since I have had Lucas whether or not I want to stay home for till January. It has always been my option, my choice. Some things have come up that I might not have the freedom of that choice. To my own surprise when I found this out my first emotion was to becomem upset that I wouldn't be able to stay home with the kids. Whether or not I will be able to do this is to be foreseen but I am happy that I now know where I stand on the issue and I am going to TRY and not worry about how I will feel about this a week from now, or months.
3. Learn to be happy and only care about what is happening right now.
4. First person you should always talk to when dealing with a problem is with whom the problem is with.
5. EVERYONE has there own issues, no one is perfect, and if someone is making it look like they don't have issues or that they are perfect...they're lying.
6. Last but not least...it sucks to jumprope your weight!
Yes some very serious, and some silly. But all things I have realized to be true this week
Going to Teach the Class
Apparently this is how I am in the morning when I am "going to teach the class". Please excuse the constant movement in the video, I was feeding Lucas.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Boy Clothes-a Realization
It never really clicked with me why I didn't love baby boy clothes until the other day. I do think a lot of boys clothes are really cute but there is one little something that has been bothering me about them that you don't find with girl clothes.
To understand what I am talking about you will have had to visit a nursing home some time in your life. If you can,in your head, visualize an older man with an adult diaper (i'm talking really old) sweatpants, and velcro shoes sitting in a wheelchair. Now, think of a young buddha belly baby wearing sweatpants, a diaper and socks. Very similar right?
I have a thing about letting boys be in sweatpants all the time. I was going through Lucas' drawers when I realized that all he had were sweatpants and soft legging type pants. I went out that day and bought Lucas some nice khakis and jeans. (FYI On sale-buy one get one 50% off scott). Finding these 'real' type pants was no easy task! But something that needed to be done because every time I looked at him I would see the old man nursing home image....lol. Okay-I'm weird...never denied that did I?
To understand what I am talking about you will have had to visit a nursing home some time in your life. If you can,in your head, visualize an older man with an adult diaper (i'm talking really old) sweatpants, and velcro shoes sitting in a wheelchair. Now, think of a young buddha belly baby wearing sweatpants, a diaper and socks. Very similar right?
I have a thing about letting boys be in sweatpants all the time. I was going through Lucas' drawers when I realized that all he had were sweatpants and soft legging type pants. I went out that day and bought Lucas some nice khakis and jeans. (FYI On sale-buy one get one 50% off scott). Finding these 'real' type pants was no easy task! But something that needed to be done because every time I looked at him I would see the old man nursing home image....lol. Okay-I'm weird...never denied that did I?
Saturday, September 5, 2009
A simple but sincere Thank you
I wanted to thank my hubby for making my birthday such a special day. He didn't miss a beat and showed what he's all about...
balloons,5.00
cards signed by the kids..with a #1 mom sticker that I got to wear with pride all day,2.50
awesome night at Citifield with delicious finger foods, 60.00
spending time with him- priceless (cheesey but true!)
Love ya babe.
balloons,5.00
cards signed by the kids..with a #1 mom sticker that I got to wear with pride all day,2.50
awesome night at Citifield with delicious finger foods, 60.00
spending time with him- priceless (cheesey but true!)
Love ya babe.
Friday, September 4, 2009
This day 35 years ago...
Miss Annette was born! As much as I can sometimes get the birthday blues I am a really lucky person to have two healthy, beautiful and happy children that might I add have a lot of patience for the crazy mother!
Signs you know you need to slow down and take a break:
1. You are at Trader Joes and you daughter is screaming in the back: "mommy your pocketbook- the lady has your pocketbook".
2. You are putting white flowered sandles on your son when your daughter says "mommy! Those are mine!"
3. You get to a birthday party and realize oh Crap! I can't find the bottles! Knowing you had them when yoyu walked out of the house......then when you get home finding them on the driveway...
I will use this day to relax and enjoy two of my favorite gifts. My third one will be coming home at 6!
Two of my favorite gifts!
Signs you know you need to slow down and take a break:
1. You are at Trader Joes and you daughter is screaming in the back: "mommy your pocketbook- the lady has your pocketbook".
2. You are putting white flowered sandles on your son when your daughter says "mommy! Those are mine!"
3. You get to a birthday party and realize oh Crap! I can't find the bottles! Knowing you had them when yoyu walked out of the house......then when you get home finding them on the driveway...
I will use this day to relax and enjoy two of my favorite gifts. My third one will be coming home at 6!
Two of my favorite gifts!
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Costanza Pose
Click on the title of this post to see the "Costanza Pose" or go to see this...
a few people didn'/t know what I meant by Lucas doing the "costanza pose" great episode..don't mind the captions!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6NL5wSs-9kI
a few people didn'/t know what I meant by Lucas doing the "costanza pose" great episode..don't mind the captions!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6NL5wSs-9kI
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Follow-up : "Take Uh Nap" with Commentary from Brooke
Sleeping problem- Yesterday we went to the outlets and on the way home Brooke fell asleep in the car. When we got home I left her in the car witht the windows open. I think this rejumped her nap trigger (or whatever else you want to call it). 'Today, after an hour of talking to her my little ponies'...I went and checked her and goodness gracious we have a SLEEPER!
Monday, August 31, 2009
In need of serious help...advice...anything!
Okay so Brooke is in the naughty corner as we speak. She just tried to push me because I tried to stop her from harassing her sleeping brother (normal behavior for a two year old i think). What I need help with is trying to get her to take the naps she so adamently tries to refuse. I understand that some kids grow out of them...BUT she is SOOOO tired and miserable by 4 that it is driving us all crazy. I will try anything so any other tidbits besides...
1. using a "prize item" for when she wakes up from a nap...
2. giving a treat to take a nap
3. playing music
4. giving her a doll to sleep with
5. letting her read her books before she naps
6. driving in the car (she dosn't transfer wll so i would have to be in the car for hours-
7. ????
Please! She fights it like no other- and severly needs it!
1. using a "prize item" for when she wakes up from a nap...
2. giving a treat to take a nap
3. playing music
4. giving her a doll to sleep with
5. letting her read her books before she naps
6. driving in the car (she dosn't transfer wll so i would have to be in the car for hours-
7. ????
Please! She fights it like no other- and severly needs it!
Sunday, August 30, 2009
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