Friday Fill In

1. If I could travel back in time, I'd go to the 1950's when my mom was a girl and get to know her as much as I could.

2. Give me sex or give me chocolate.

3. I am listening to General Hospital in the background

4. Somewhere, someone is thinking they wish they had more time to say the
things that need to be said.

5. I'll always be Me!

6. My idea of a good time includes hanging out with my husband.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I’m looking forward to watching a movie with the man tomorrow my plans include the beach and Sunday, I want to attend the funeral of a friend.

Some People Suck

I never really complain on my blog. I think complaining is a waste of time but you know what, sometimes you just need to bitch!

Mr. Dude with the boxer who walks down my street and let's his dog crap on my lawn while looking up at me as I look out the window.

Umm, hey fella, if you don't mind the dog shit, let the dog out in your own back yard. I don't have a dog and would love to be able to let my kids walk on my lawn without worrying about piles of dog doo. K?

Freelance People, could you please send me the damn P.O. when you send the work which I had to follow up on because you said I would be getting it two weeks ago and you forgot to send it. I would love to send the work back and bill ya but not until you send me the P.O. that your Accounting Department needs signed and delivered so that I can get paid.

Special Education Lady, enough with the attitude. We need to work together in the best interest of MY CHILD! You don't need to agree with what I decided you just need to be professional and do your damn job.

Guys Removing Trees in my area, could you please pay attention! I am tired of waiting for you to notice me before you walkie talkie down to your buddy before flipping your sign to S-L-O-W and then proceeding to give me the hand gesture that says, slow down as I roll 3 miles an hour through the free lane. Could you finish up and stop taking minutes away of my life that I won't get back?!

Miss The World Has To Stop for Me, could you please fill out your damn deposit slip before getting into line for the drive through bank. I had to sit behind you for damn near 15 minutes before you even put your slip into the canister to send to the teller. Then when it was sent back it was another 5 minutes before you pulled out only to park your car and walk into the bank. Couldn't you have done that in the first place! You are lucky my kids were in the car.

I've Been Tagged on My 6 Quirky Things

Tami from Toy Cars in My Purse tagged me to list my 6 quirky things.

The Rules

* Link to the person who tagged you.
* Mention the rules.
* Tell six quirky yet boring, unspectacular details about yourself.
* Tag six other bloggers by linking to them.
* Go to each person’s blog and leave a comment to let them know that they’ve been tagged.


I think it is hard to find quirky things about myself so I am going to enlist the help of a friend.

1. I have a terrible fear of spiders, but I kill them all day.

2. I carry my camera with me everywhere, trips to A&P, library, sleeping or eating people are not off limits.

3. I pace quickly while on the phone. Can't sit to talk usually out of breath by the end of my conversation.

4. I have a ridiculous juvenile obsession with Josh Holloway.

5. I blog on my entertainment blog 3X a week about a show I don't want to watch.



6. I feel unforgettable and that people forget who I am if I don't talk to them often.

Wordless Wednesday--Wagon Ride

Want to participate in Wordless Wednesday? Come on over here.

Ten On Tuesday

Ten on Tuesday asks the question: What do you do when it is too hot to go outside?

I H-A-T-E the heat. Absolutely hate it. I don't sweat, turn red and get very agitated. I find it hard to breath and have gotten heat stroke more times than I care to remember.

Ten things I would do if it was too hot to go outside in no particular order.

1) Watch a movie
2) Read
3) Scrapbook
4) Blogging Marathon
5) Clean up my computer
6) Edit and play with my digital photos
7) Sleep (this is just a dream but I can wish, can't I?)
8) Ummm...a little alone time with the man of the house
9) Hold Mommy school
10) Call a friend and have a marathon conversation

One Year Ago Today......

One year ago today, was the day I stopped nursing my daughter. (Last Years post)

One year ago today, I sat holding her while she feed from my body.

One year ago today, was the last time I held her like an infant.

One year ago today, she slept with me and nursed off and on all night long.

One year ago today, I was sad that it was over and I would never nurse another baby again.

One year ago today, I was the last time I saw my friend Lori. We went to see a local play Oliver and had the best time.
One year ago today, I was upset that I would get home to late to nurse her.

One year ago today, I was still fielding questions about when I would stop nursing.

One year ago today, my baby grew up with one night out with a friend.

Nursing my kids was something I knew I would do when I was pregnant. My son was such a natural. He was my first and he took to it like a champ. I nursed him for about 8 months which was as long as he would allow. Then I pumped for another 4 until he was 1.

My daughter on the other hand, was not a natural and because she gave me so much resistance, I felt unsupported by the people in my life for the first 4 days of her life. She was hungry and would not latch on. I finally got in touch with Le Leche and through their support (1 phone call), I got the support I needed to relax and try again and it worked. When she finally got it, it was so easy.

I never felt that it was a job, or a commitment, annoying, hard, it just worked. Having a 23 month old be patient enough to watch me nurse ALL DAY is crazy too. Everyone just did their part and it was a piece of cake. In fact. I loved it. It relaxed me and when it finally was over I realized it was the only time I sat down. On the 3rd day after weaning I realized I NEVER sat down during the day. Nursing forced me to sit and just be! Something a mom with a colicky newborn and a late talking 23 month old needed very badly.

Baby Girl,

I will never forget how much I loved holding you and smelling you as you nursed. I used to take my hand and trace your face and play with your hair as you played with my fingers. Your brother used to come over and say, "baby eat" whenever you were nursing. He didn't say much but he did tell us when you were crying and when you needed to eat.

You used to call it "all done" which I found so cute. You would come up and ask for all done which meant you wanted to be nursed. I guess me asking if you were all done was a bit confusing.

When we were done I was actually very surprised at how easy it was. You asked for it the next night and I said, "You don't need it." You probably only asked for it 3 times. On the 4th night you cried for it but I felt that enough nights had gone by and that you were probably more tired than wanting to nurse. Honestly, if you had cried and begged for it on the next evening after missing the first time I would have caved in.

I love you baby and miss our time together but I think our bond more than makes up for that loss of closeness.

God bless you baby. You are everything Mommy wished for and God intended.

See my rant on breast feeding in public.

Heads or Tails - Doctor

Head on over to Heads or Tails to play along with the word of the week.

This week's theme/prompt is: HEADS - Doctor

Next week's theme/prompt is:HEADS - Manner

Here's Jersey Boy, Jon Bon Jovi and the band performing - Bad Medicine live at Giant's Stadium. Seen him 2 times there and it doesn't get better than this.

Ruby Tuesday

Over at Work of the Poet Mary is holding another Ruby Tuesday. Who doesn't love RED?

Basically, you post one of your own pictures as long as it features, *all together*, RED! A little red, a lot of red, your choice.


This is red velvet cake I made, it was yuuuummmmyyyy!

Product Review and My Very First Blog Giveaway-PRIMA PRINCESSA

I was very fortunate to have been able to review, a wonderfully crafted DVD by two amazing moms from my old home state, New Jersey.

Introducing: Prima Princessa Presents Swan Lake

This DVD is just what this mom ordered. I took ballet as a child and have been recently trying to plant the dance bug in my 3 year old daughter’s ear. You can only give her so many tutu’s and princess things while asking “do you want to take ballet this year?”

Prima Princessa Presents Swan Lake features a cartoon ballerina who narrates Swan Lake for us. Swan Lake, being performed by the Paris Opera Ballet is beautifully done. In between acts, we are treated to various ballet steps all set to a montage of toys, animals, children and young dancers for the viewer to learn. My daughter particularly loved the segments of little girls running around and laughing in their tutus. This 40 minute DVD has enough to keep the preschool age child all the way up to Grandma’s age interested.

I organized a play date with my girlfriend so that my 3 year old could watch it with a friend (a 9 year old dancer student). The plan was to have the girls watch the movie while we continued our own play date over at the dining room table with coffee and our laptops. We started the tape and were completely sucked in. So much so that we took our respective places next to our daughters and watched the whole movie with them.

While the movie was playing I heard my girlfriend’s daughter tell her mom that she wants to stay in ballet (she had been thinking of dropping it because she doesn’t love her teacher). BTW…I really wish someone had been able to take a picture of the 4 of us lying on the floor, taking up the whole little room, mesmerized by the movie.

I love how the girls watched the movie, laying down listening to every part of it. I had originally thought that they would be dancing the whole time. Afterwards, they put on tutu’s and danced around the room, hallway, kitchen and dining room.

This is a great way to introduce dance to your little one or to reinforce someone’s love for dance.

To read more information on the Prima Princessa DVD or to see clips head over to Prima Princessa.

For more information about the amazing moms who created this DVD, stop by their site Tutuzone.



Now, for information about my very first blog giveaway.

Drum roll please……

Scap Addicts Sunday - Water Sprinkler

Water Parks/Splash

Today by accident, I found a blogger who said.....

Do a layout about someone playing on the water parks. If you don't have one then take a picture in your backyard with your garden sprinkler!

Have a great summer and Happy Scrapbooking!

Here is mine, it's not great. I have done a lot of layouts but never a theme that someone else is asking for. I think I need a lot of practice.

My Hula Girl

The Saturday Special - Summer Activities

1. Favorite Summer Activity: I try my best to stay cool. Mostly, I want to be in water, pool or lake these days.

2. Favorite Summer Meal: Like most people I don't eat a lot in the summer. I guess it would be anything made on the grill. I prefer steak but my husband's kebabs are good too.

3. Favorite Thirst Quencher: Water all the way.

4. Favorite Summer Weather: Cool, crisp mornings and evenings, roughly about 80 during the day is good.

Friday 5 - Metaphors Be With You

When you go to the beach, lake, or pool, are you more likely to lower yourself gradually into cold water or to take a determined plunge and get it over with? I am a total jumper and I hate when there is no way for me to get right in. I don't want to feel the water, I just want to get in. Once in all is well. I hate people who wade in gradually, bitching about how cold it is.

How is this like (or unlike) your approach to other tasks or ordeals? I guess it is very similar to my everyday life. I don't want to read instructions, I just want to do it. No time to read the back of the book, just open up and read. No time to read instructions to a new game, just start playing. Also, if you second guess too many things you will just stand still. There is only 1 thing I have second, third, tenth, 100th guessed about...just ask my husband.

When someone gives you flowers, are you more likely to let them turn completely brown and gross before throwing them out, or to discard them the moment they take on that sick-flower look? I never get flowers so if I am lucky enough to be given some, (my last birthday from my friend Bek), I hold them until they make a mess on the table.

How is this like (or unlike) your approach to other gifts, purchases, or relationships? Yup, I hold onto everything (just ask my husband). Love it or hate it, if someone gives me something I hang on to it thinking about the sentiment behind it.


Think of your favorite movie (or a movie you really like, if you can’t think of a favorite). Some people say that the reasons you love your favorite movie are related to what you value in romantic relationships. How is this true or untrue in your case? I agree with this actually. I want someone to declare undying love to me, so I mostly love movies where it seems the guy is totally in love with girl.

Thanks for participating, and have a metaphorical weekend! Is metaphorical a word?

Friday Fill In

Here we go:

1. I believe whatever doesn't kill you was weaker than you.

2. If you're good at something, perfect it.

3. Why so tired?

4. Something is out there, it's undiscovered.

5. If my life were a sitcom, it would be titled She'll Sleep When She's Dead, but They are Putting Her in an Early Grave.

6. Sitting on my back porch [if you don't have one, use your imagination] I see the lush thick brush of my overgrown lawn.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I’m looking forward to finishing up my freelance, tomorrow my plans include the beach and Sunday, I want to read my newest read, My Sister's Keeper!

Product Review - The Travel Adventures of Lilly P. Badilly

I was fortunate enough to be sent a copy of the most amazing children's storybook by the author herself, Debbie Glade. Debbie saw a calling for smart, fun, creative children's books after having her daughter. She also wanted to get them interested in travel and geography. This book is all that and then some.

Introducing: The Travel Adventures of Lilly P. Badilly. This is a beautifully illustrated book, complete with a CD which brings the characters to life as you and your child reads along.

The Travel Adventures of Lilly P. Badilly is about a millipede named Lilly and her grandparents who decide to leave their home at Miami's International Airport and travel to Costa Rica. Along the way Lilly has to confront her biggest fears in order to save the lives of herself, her family and her friends.

My children (3 & 5) have listened to the CD at least 5 times in 2 days. After the 2nd time listening to the CD, my kids knew the word "despise" (Lilly uses it) and that her Grandpa Joe farts. They laughed so loud the first 3 times that I had to stop the CD so they wouldn't miss anything. Now they quietly look at each other when their favorite parts come up and laugh.

As for myself, I love the book. It is a children's book you can get behind. The illustrations are colorful and very detailed, you can ask a lot of open ended questions when you just look at the pictures to build on the story. I love that. I also love each characters voice, the little songs and the music. I would give this book to my nieces and nephews as a gift and know for a fact they would love it.

More than this book being a great, funny, exciting, read for you and your kids is the fact that making of the book and CD was a family project. Debbie wrote and illustrated the story and then along with her daughter created the music. Debbie wrote the words for the songs while her daughter composed the music. Dad had a part in there too, he played the guitar and harmonica as well as sang for Grandpa Joe. Got to love a family that plays, urrr...I mean works together.

For more on Debbie, the making of the CD, to hear a sample song and to purchase the book head on over to Lillybadilly.com

NOTE: Teachers - This is a great book for elementary classes. They will love the pictures and the story.

P.S. - I cannot get the second song out of my head, singing it right now actually.

10 Least Favorite Celebrities

Head on over to Ten on Tuesday to play along. This week, the question is name your 10 least favorite celebrities. It seems like this should be easy but for someone like me who refuses to like someone just because it is excruciating. I don't know these people. Basing something on what I read in a tabloid is not the way to make an opinion about someone. Here is my list in no particular order and it could change anytime this just happens to be what I am thinking right now this second.

1. Star Jones - Really what the hell is up with this women. When she was on the View she seemed kinda uppity. She was arguing with whomever and then there was that whole deal with her trying to get her whole wedding paid for by sponsors or something and now that she is not on she wants to appear to be just some down home modest, demure women. Ummmppphh.

2. Nicole Kidman - I never really understood the whole Nicole Goddess Kidman thing. I mean is she a good actress? Is there anything that she was in that rocked? She seems so cold to me. Based on looks it just seems that she has a rough exterior. She always seemed so phony to me.

3. Heidi Montag - Who the hell is she and why is she taking up so many pages of my favorite rag magazines. Hate her, her new face and her boyfriend.

4.Paris Hilton - I still not get why we are so interested in her. Is it the name?

5. Amy Winehouse - Her song Rehab was so big and I still had not heard it. Finally! It sucked and she is a total mess. What is the hype? She is disturbing.

6. Britney Spears - Honestly, I hate putting her on this list. She is a train wreck and I want to see her pick herself up. She was on the top of the world and could have had a tremendous career. There is still time but I wish she would keep herself locked up and out of the tabloids.

7. Matthew McConaughey finally a guy on my list. He really isn't that bad but he is probably the only male celebrity in the top 100 that I would not sleep with. He always seems like he needs a bath to me. I am not even sure what it is that he is famous for other than showing off his incredible pecs.

8. Elizabeth Hasselbeck - is that how you spell her friggin name? She got this gig because she was cute and likable on Survivor. She annoys me to the core. She comes off as feeling as though she is better than everyone else. She opens her mouth about everything and I feel that she is one of those people who feel that her opinion is the ONLY opinion. If you aren't with her, you are against her.

9. Rachel Ray - I used to kind of like Rachel. She seemed quite likable when she was on the Food Network. Now that she has her own she annoys me the same way Elizabeth does. TO THE CORE. Why is she so loud? Why does it seem like when she asks a guest a question and they answer that she really didn't listen to what they said at all? She has a bunch of canned comments and that gets old quick.

10. Martha Stewart - Is it me or does Martha just seem like she has a friggin stick up her arse? Her expression is that of one that has smelled something bad. She just seems that she looks down her nose at the world. We are all a bunch of dirty dogs. I can't imagine Martha, sincerely saying something nice to someone ever.

Who Says TV Rots The Brain????

I have always been an advocate for children watching TV as long as it is the right kind of shows. My kids are 3 & 5 and have never seen Spiderman, Jimmy Neutron, Power Rangers, Batman, Rugrats and other shows which are intended for children but are either violent, deal with situations that I don't want them to see or hear yet or use language that I think is unnecessary. Ever hear Angelica from the Rugrats call the "babies" stupid?! Grrrr...

My son used to watch Sesame Street, The Wiggles and Blue's Clues. Eventually we branched into Barney but this was all he watched until he was 4. Most of the shows he gravitated toward all featured real people along with a character or in the case of Blue's Clues a cartoon.

Handsome was almost 2 when sitting on the swing with me outside, said, "b-l-u-e spells Blue and h-o-u-s-e spells house. I was floored and amazed because I always felt that he was learning so much from Blue's Clues but to be spelling for me from memory before he was even 2 was too cute.

At 5 years old he is still content to watch Blue, Barney, Max and Ruby and for a short time while it was on, the Upside Down Show.

Yesterday, my daughter and I were enjoying the lake. She was in her little tube and I was pushing her through the water.

Goddess - "is there dolphins in this water mommy?"

Me - "no because dolphins are in the ocean"

Goddess - "no they aren't"

Me - "yes honey they live in the ocean".

Goddess - "dolphins don't eat people."

Me - "you are right, they don't, they eat fish."

Goddess - "no mommy, fresh river dolphins eat crabs."

Thanks to Dora or Diego, my daughter beat me at that conversation. Hello, help, she is 3 years old.

Today, while I was dog sitting for a friend who is on an overnight trip; Goddess saw the dog jumping on the bench outside. He jumped on, jumped off, jumped on, jumped off. Exercise? I have no idea but I digress....

Goddess - "Rocky, santa."

Me - "Santa?"

Goddess - "yes, mama, Little Bill's daddy said that when they were jumping."

My husband walked outside and he grew up speaking Spanish at home so I said,
"does Santa mean jump in Spanish?"

He tells me no!

When I had a chance to look up jump in Spanish on the computer I find out that Salto or saltar means jump. Check it out! My baby showed us both up.

Slice of Life Sunday - Unfulfilled Dream

I chose option 1 this week for my slice of life story.

Surely we all have dreams that have gone unfulfilled. The one that comes to mind when I think about my own is probably a big one.

Growing up I wanted to be a nurse. My mother had been sick with cancer when I was 11 years old. I watched all these loving nurses come in her life. All of them had a special something. Something that made you want to be just like them. They made my mother feel better, she seemed calmer and more relieved when they were there. Whether they were giving her pain medication, changing her sheets, or making her comfortable in her bed all while smiling at her 3 children who sat there, watching not knowing what to do for her.

I wanted to be that person. I wanted to help someone like I hadn't been able to help my mother. From the age of 12 I knew what I wanted and told anyone who would listen.

There are so many reasons why this never happened. Some of it is can be read here and here.

Beside these reasons, moving out so young, having no support, financial or emotional, I basically got a job that I hated and never wanted to pay the bills and that dream just slipped away.

Looking back now, I think I would have been a terrific nurse but I also believe it would have been something that changed me as a person. I tried Hospice when I was younger and it killed me to see people dying. I believe that everything happens for a reason so I don't look at this as a regret just something that I had wanted.

Now, I get to play nurse for my two babies. Someone gets hurt and there I am with my medi- kit. Ready to scoop someone up and clean, bandage, ice, hug, remove or kiss the boo-boo. I am the best damn nurse mommy I can be.

So, is this REALLY an unfulfilled dream? I feel like in a way I am living it, just not the way I had originally envisioned.

Product Review Corner - Gloves in A Bottle

Yesterday I wasn't feeling well but then I received a box of Gloves in A Bottle Moisture.


Here is why I love this product so much:

1-My son has had extreme eczema since he was an infant. We have spent so much time at the lake this summer that his legs are getting dry again. I applied Gloves in a Bottle before we headed to the beach today and his skin is still nice and smooth 4 hours later. I have tried everything on him to relieve some of his itch but this is the first product that works.

2-You feel moisturized and hydrated without feeling any of the residue most other moisturizers leave on the skin. There is no heavy feeling at all.

3-Since receiving this YESTERDAY, my heels, hands, elbows and knees feel like as smooth as my 3 year old's.

4-I have never been addicted to putting moisturizers on. I am dying to slather this all over my body.

5-My husband likes his back and chest shaved in the summer and after we shaved him this morning his back and chest feel wonderful. He wants me to get him a bottle to keep in his van. This is saying a lot from a guy who says, "guys don't need to take care of their skin".

6-There is no competing scent. Nothing to clash with my body sprays or perfume and nothing to turn my husband off from using this on himself.

Gloves In A Bottle:
For dry skin care- as a dry skin moisturizer- for dry, itchy skin- for dry skin prevention- for dry skin problems of all kinds- as more effective skin care treatment- to better moisturize dry, cracked skin from the inside out.

The better solution to your dry skin care problems (even painful cracked skin) is found in Gloves In A Bottle!

Check their website for an ingredient list, testimonals, and a zip code locator for a supplier near you. You can also order from their website and have it mailed directly to you.

The Saturday Special - Creative Adventure

1. While on vacation the past two weeks, I took the time to visit an old amusement park that is now abandoned. Hearing what sounds like carousel music I decided to enter the park through the open gate and much to my surprise I see an old fortune teller. She beckons me over and I willing go. I have gone to fortune tellers since I was 18 so I am anxious to hear what this one tells me. As I walk over to her, she disappears. I am confused but spot the carousel that drew me here.

2. Waiting for the ride to stop I find myself getting up on one of the rickety steps leading to the carousel. I see a very light blue horse with a peeling black painted saddle. The horse also has what appears to once have been pink flowers but now it mostly is just sun bleached wood. I put my foot in the stirrup and hoist myself onto the saddle and the ride starts up again. I hold the faded silvery horn at the front of the saddle. The music sounds like an old music box that my mother had a long time ago. Interesting. I realize it is exactly the same music complete with the same skip where the prongs on the music wheel had come off after a younger cousin had dropped it.

3. Feeling like a young kid again I close my eyes, smile and hum along with the music until the ride comes to an abrupt stop. I swing my legs back over the saddle and jump off the horse. Walking back down the steps of the carousel, I look to the sun. It is almost 5:00 p.m. and they will come searching for me soon. Looking back to the carousel, I watch it slowly vanish before my eyes.

4. Now a little sad I realize it was all in my imagination and leaving the park I think to myself tomorrow I will come back and bring my sister and some money. Perhaps if we don't get off, the carousel will take us when it disappears.

Friday Fill In

1. If I could be a fly on the wall I would stay far away from cobwebs.

2. Jealousy is a waste of time

3. When I see a shooting star my wish would be that my loved ones stay healthy.

4. I'd rather be me than someone else any day!

5. Certain songs when I hear them make me wanna change the station.

6. If time were in a bottle we would all walk around ummm..holding a bottle. *insert me shrugging*

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I’m looking forward to hanging with my husband tomorrow my plans include possibly heading to the beach and Sunday, I want to wake up.

Product Review Corner - Princess Linen

Hey, welcome to my Product Review Corner. Today I am reviewing Princess Linens.

I was delighted when Princess Linens offered to send me one of their products so that I could review it.

Imagine my surprise when I got home today and found a box waiting for me on my porch. Inside we found the most awesome idea I have come across in a long time.

The Doodlebugz Crayola Crayon Keeper!

We unrolled it and I asked my kids what they thought it was; their answer, "sleeping bags for crayons". Well, basically, what the Doodlebugz Crayola Crayon Keeper does is; hold an entire box of 24 Washable Crayola Crayons and then some. Each crayon goes into it's own little, well, it's own sleeping bag. The you roll it up and secure it with an attached Velcro strap. It also has a convenient carrying strap. My kids spent the afternoon taking the crayons out of their "sleeping bags" and putting them back in.

I don't know about anyone else, but when we are out to dinner, doctor office, waiting in the car for someone (this happens more times than I would like), or just out and about, my kids are constantly asking for something to draw with. I search the bottom of my bag for crayons, which I carry for this very reason.

Now, I will never have to search. The pouch is small enough to fit in my bag and it's adorable too. No more crayon marks in my bag, no more crushed or broken crayons for us.

Beside the adorable Doodlebugz Crayola Crayon Keepers which can be personalized with a name and 5 patterns to chose from, Princess Linens is chock full of extremely, adorable kid things.

I love the personalized Chef Apron and Hat, the Doodlebags complete with a mini chalk board, the Bon Bon Dress (love the colors), and the Garden Princess Dress which was last seen on my favorite celebrity baby Suri Cruise in People magazine.

One of the best things that this mom finds about Princess Linens is that, usually when you find adorable baby clothing, the sizes only go up to 24 months. Princess Linens sizes go up to 4T. Big and little Sister matching outfits? Big Brother, little brother? Big sister, little brother, etc., no problem!

Princess Linen was kind enough to offer my readers a 15% discount on anything you purchase. Just use the coupon code (BLINK) on the order form.

You will not be disappointed. I will be ordering my 3 nieces personalized Chef apron and hats for the holidays.

Enjoy and happy shopping.

Wordless Wednesday - Loving Our Summer At The Lake

No Kindergarten for Us

I have decided that my son will NOT be going to kindergarten this year. Back in April I discussed his IEP meeting and how I was confident that another year in Pre-K would be beneficial to him.

The school for some reason seems to be against his staying in Pre-K. They believe that I should put him in Kindergarten and if he needs more time, he can repeat Kindergarten. This just makes no sense to me.

What is the most frustrating, is that my son who has been in Early Intervention since he was 21 months for a speech delay would be fine in Kindergarten but it is not Kindergarten that I am worried about. It is every grade after that. He is academically ready for 1st grade but his academics have never been the issue. My kid was telling me B-L-U-E spells blue and H-O-U-S-E spells house when he was 22 months old.

My decision has been based on his IEP as well as my daily interactions and concerns with him. I have been telling his therapists that I recently made a call to the school to let them know that I have made my final decision, he will not be coming in September.

There was a bit of an attitude on the phone from someone who I thought was my ally. Maybe they were having a bad day or maybe there is some red tape they will need to go through now that he is 5 (above Pre-K age), but still in services.

I have no idea.

What I do know is this...

My son had a speech delay which contributed to a social, emotional and mental delay. This along with the personality of a pre-schooler (testing the waters, talking back) and the inability to remain focused, along with a self esteem problem because for the past 3 years he has been corrected every time he tried to say something and a classification of a preschooler with a disability = a definite reason to delay the start of school.

While he has been making great progress since starting services, I see no reason why this is meeting with such resistance.

There are mainstream children who have no classification or present any of the above mentioned reasons for delaying Kindergarten, yet because of their birthday or immaturity wait a year to begin. So, why are we rushing my son?

He is enrolled in a preschool that I have been talking with for over 4 months now and I am excited to see what September hold for him.

Supposedly he will also get speech and OT at the Elementary school 4 times a week but if this does not fit into my schedule (I do have another child and we will be waiting in town for close to 2.5 hour a day, 4 times a week), I have no problem cutting off therapies, giving him a year off and resuming again when he starts kindergarten.

I have a call into the Special Education Department to discuss more what will happen in September. Hopefully all goes well and they and I can continue to work together for my son's benefit. If not, I will have to confront them on their attitude and demeanor on our last call and ask that they refrain from further discussions of my son with me unless we are in a Board of Education Meeting.

School Issues in July?

I thought we were all getting along.

Manic Monday - Bugs Me

Mo's Manic Monday must be reading my mind. For the last 2 months I have taken some pictures of bugs found on my deck. I figured eventually I would come up with a post and today's Manic Monday is the day.

Ok people, what the hell are these? No, seriously...what the...

The first one was taken June 3rd. It fell, I am assuming from a tree or perhaps it taste so bad that a bird dropped it after pick up.

It hit the deck hard and my son's speech therapist and I both walked over from different locations to get a closer look. I dashed (love that word - never get to use it) inside and grabbed the camera. I really wish I had taken a better picture but it was so weird I didn't want to get closer.

It was very large about 2 1/2 inches long and was actually quite pretty for a bug. It was very black and had some interesting white circles on it's body. The two biggest look like eyes.

The second bug was spotted on June 10th flying around my screened gazebo. It was the biggest bug I have ever seen. The tail looked to be about 8 inches long and was scary. It took an aweful lot of bug spray to bring this sucker down. He is lying in pool water and spray and on his last breath.

The third one is your everyday dragonfly...but I loved how close he allowed me to get. If only I had a better macro on my digital..hint, hint honey...birthday in a month.

The last bug is a strange looking spider. He was making a web on my kids sandbox umbrella when I spotted this sucker.

I am a bug phobic and really, really hate them. I love in the woods and mostly stay under the gazebo but they get in.

If anyone knows what the heck I am looking at, but most importantly if they are deadly in any way...I would appreciate the heads up.

Country Bob's All Purpose Sauce Review-YUMMY

Yesterday, UPS pulled up and delivered a shipment from Country Bob. Now, maybe you have never heard of Country Bob but I am here to tell you that you are missing out.

Inside the box were two bottles of Country Bob's All Purpose Sauce, courtesy of my new best friend Al, from Country Bob's.

Having already thawed out two steaks, I turned my smiling face up towards the heavens and just knew it was going to be a good day.

Don't know about you people, but for me, it's all about the smell. So as soon as I opened up the box, I whipped one of the bottles out and opened it. YessirreeBob or in this case Country Bob, that was going to be some tasty sauce.

I love steak and I love sauce so really, is it any wonder that I was in heaven?

The sauce is really thick and smells wonderful. The bottle says it would be great on steak, chicken, ribs, fries, fish, I can't imagine much it wouldn't be great on.

Great flavor, great consistency, great aroma, and great price. My husband's quote, "that Country Bob Sauce is really, really good!" Coming from a guy who doesn't like steak...that says something.

Pictures of my dinner and I think I did Country Bob proud.

Weekly Update

Monday - Laundry, Cleaning then the beach for 3 hours. It was awesome, second time this season. We have a private beach about 5 minutes from us but my girlfriend who lives on the other side of the lake about 10 minutes away has a more kid friendly beach, so we headed there. My daughter who wasn't into the water last year, could not get enough of it. She had a life vest on but managed to lose her footing 2 times.


The first time I scooped her up and she coughed and said put me down. The second time, I thought for sure she would want to get out but she again said, "put me down" when I scooped her out. Ummm...sometimes a little fear goes a long way. She is making me nervous.


Tuesday - Laundry, Special Instruction (SEIT) for my son started up again for summer, followed by Speech for 1/2. He didn't get his speech instruction because Beth (speech) arrived right after a full out street fight in my hall way with Handsome. He has been talking back and hitting me when I tell him not too. Good Lord!


Wednesday - SEIT and Speech again. Grocery shopping and play date with my friend and her daughter. They only stayed for about an hour and a half but it was enough time for my daughter to have 10 books read to her and my son to play a Wii game with the daughter. Started some freelance work for my old job. Moving quickly. My sister's birthday. Happy Birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday dear Gabby, happy birthday to you. Read and posted a review on a Seven Easy Tips: Encouraging Your Daughter to Say “No” by Alyssa Avant. Worked with the husband on some invoicing. Yikes, always makes me nervous.


Thursday - Laundry, cleaned bathroom, kitchen and vacuumed. Beach again for 5 hours. It was great! My kids had a blast and I finally brought down my googles. Not a fashion statement but I have contacts and like to swim. I am sure I am a sight but my kids enjoy me being in there with them so that is all that matters to me. Pulled over by a PITA police officer who just wanted to ruin my day. He was overly obnxious, I didn't appreciate in front of my children. It was the most annoying pullover ever. It took him 9 years to get out of his car and then he yelled at me for 2 minutes before telling me "this one is on me, the next one is on you!" Yeee God!

Friday - Cleaned bedroom, living room, hallway, dining room. Dropped books off at the library. Got pizza for dinner. Did freelance work and got the kids down early to watch Jumper with the hubby. More on that later.

Saturday - Freelance work. Beach for 3 1/2 hours with some friends. Kids to be early so that the Hub and I could watch Meet the Spartans. Also, wrote draft for second review (look for it this week).

Sunday - Grocery shopping, laundry, Freelance done! Early night for me hopefully since I am not feeling so well. Kids need a bath but I am thinking of doing a bird bath for each in the sink. Got to run, 7:19 p.m. and I want to get the changed and ready so there are no excuses for them to be up past 8:00. Night.

Friday Fill Ins

1. Oh, I can't wait until I have a moment to myself.

2. The fact that the shelves need to be cleaned is the first thing I see when I open my refrigerator.

3. I never leave home without my keys, license, cell phone, and car.

4. If I were a condiment, I would be mayo because I am white, lumpy and loaded with fat.

5. Being on time is really high up on my list of pet peeves.

6. The last thing I thought of before I went to bed was that was a long day.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I’m looking forward to finishing my freelance work, tomorrow my plans include going to the beach and Sunday, I want to relax!

Thursday Challenge - Hot

Wordless Wednesday - Beach Weather Is Here

Book Review - Seven Easy Tips - Encouraging Your Daughter to Say "NO"

I am honored to have read Seven Easy Tips: Encouraging Your Daughter to Say “No” by Alyssa Dees Avant.

My daughter is 3 years old but I am a firm believer that the student learns better if the teacher starts early, so this book really spoke to me. Last week I had a mommy/child play date with 3 other moms who all have daughters we discussed purity and teaching our children (boys and girls) to say “no” to outside sources such as peer pressure from friends, or the media.

When our children are younger we are the only influence they have. We set the tone, we tell them what’s right, what’s wrong, what they can do, what is acceptable but eventually they enter the world of school and get input from so many sources. It is during this time that parents tend to take more of a backseat to their child’s world.

WRONG - This is exactly the time that we NEED to be a co-pilot. Our job as parents is to make sure that our children know what is acceptable and what is expected of them. Alyssa’s book is filled with excellent points for any parent of a boy or girl.

I especially appreciate Alyssa’s Better Alternative section in Seven Easy Tips: Encouraging Your Daughter to Say “No” - “Having an open door policy at your home for your daughter and her friends will help to encourage her to participate in fun, adult supervised activities that will not endanger her.”
On a bigger note: This book is also for parents whose daughter’s may have already disappointed them. Alyssa writes, “Don’t give up on her!”

Some people can be put off by religious overtures or something being too preachy but that is not THIS book people. Alyssa is a mother, a writer, a blogger, a pod caster, a business owner who had a calling to make a difference in the lives of young girls. Seven Easy Tips: Encouraging Your Daughter to Say “No” is chock full of easy tools to instill a sense of self worth, importance and respect for themselves that I have not read anywhere else.

Ten On Tuesday - 10 Favorite Movie Characters

Korben Dallas - The Fifth Element or Harry Stamper - Armegeddon - Because he is strong and kicks ass.

Maria - The Sound of Music - Because she chose love and she marched to her own drum.

Julian Mercer - Something's Gotta Give - Because he was hot, a doc and thought older women were hot.

Viktor Navorski - Terminal - Because he was sweet.

Seth - City of Angels - Because became a fallen angel for love.

Eliza Dolittle - My Fair Lady - Because she was gorgeous, had unbelievable clothes and got the rich guy.

Jack Taylor - One Fine Day - George Clooney! Need I say more?

Louis de Pointe du Lac - Interview with a Vampire - Because was haaaawwwwtttt! H-O-T!


Jack Dawson - Titanic - Because he was cute and gave up everything for the women he loved.

King Leonidas - 300 - Hello, ever see the movie. He was strong, serious, and holy buff Batman.

Heads Or Tails - O

Heads or Tails prompt this week is "O" or anything starting with the letter "O"

O, well that just conjures up all kinds of good warm feelings but I will not go there right now.

I am going with the movie/musical Oliver from 1968. I have always loved the music from this movie although I am not sure why. Most of the songs are just dark and sad, but maybe that is precisely why.

It is an adaptation of a Charles Dickens tale which I have always wanted to read but never quite found the time.

Oliver is an orphan who gets sold to an undertaker because he asked for more food at the orphanage. He sings a song about his mother and love after being locked into the room with the caskets which breaks my heart even more now that I am a mother.

He runs away and runs into the Artful Dodger (side note: played by Jack Wild who was in H.R. Puffenstuff-I always found this so exciting as a kid. Hey that's Jimmy from H.R. Puffenstuff.) who brings him to Fagin, a sort of father to lost boys. Fagin has a wonderful way of turning young kids into thieves.

The movie, not really a kid movie (I watch many times before I was 11) featured, child abuse, thievery, prostitution, murder and a self inflicted hanging.

Oliver won 5 Oscars in 1969. It was a work of art and the songs were beautiful.

Slice of Life Sunday - Writers Choice - Cuteness By Handsome

The other day I came out of a much needed shower after scrubbing the tub. I have a bathrobe hanging in the bathroom that I never wear. It was given to me at my bridal shower and it is much too big, much to bridal and much too silky. It looks like a big wedding gown.

I headed down my 6 foot hallway toward my bedroom. When I got there my son was walking out, probably jumping on my bed which he is not allowed to do, heard me coming and high tailed it out. Since I was in the shower he must have thought it was ying yang party time and jumped with full abandon.

My son looked at me and just as I was about to ask "were you jumping on my bed?" He said, "your dress is sooooo beautiful. You look like a princess. Are you a princess?"

Taken in by the total cuteness, yes I am a terrible mother, I said, "no honey, I'm not a princess." He said, "Yes, you are. Can I have a kiss?"

I kissed him and told him "thank you."

He ran out of the room and it was then that I remembered that he was probably jumping on my bed. Oh well, compliments are an important childhood lesson right?

This afternoon I asked Handsome if he wanted lunch. He said, No.

Being his mom, I know that he needs to eat and it is my job to get food into him that isn't orange and in the shape of a fish so I started rattling off the options. When I got to hot dogs he said, "No, thank you, too spitty!"

Last week he had an upset stomach for a few days. On the morning that he actually threw up he had hot dogs the night before.

So I told him that they aren't too spitty but that he needed to eat something for lunch.

He again said, "Not hot dogs. They made my stomach hurt. They made me spit."

I love that he calls vomit "spitty." I think it's a much cuter term.

Friday Fill In, Friday Five

Head on over and play along.

1. Holidays in the summer are meaningful and not celebrated enough.

2. Steak and Chicken are my favorite things to grill.

3. My thoughts are with all who have loved and lost someone in time of war or with vets who are silently celebrating alone.

4. Relaxing and spending time with my husband and kids is what I'm most looking forward to this weekend!

5. My favorite book so far this summer is Stori Telling by Tori Spelling. Check out my amateur review here.

6. Coffee and hugging is the best way to begin a day.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I’m looking forward to Ummm, some private time, wink wink, tomorrow my plans include working with the hub and playing with the kids and Sunday, I want to possibly go to the beach if the weather is good.

Come on play along.

Day Is Done

1. Last party you went to? Ozzfest 2007

2. Do you pee in the shower? Umm...if I really have to go, why dirty it when it's clean if you know what I mean. I keep a spray bleach in the bathroom for everyday cleaning so when I am done I just shoot some bleach and scrub the bathroom.

3. Have you ever fired a gun? I have. I went to a firing range when I was younger. It was a blast. Hahaha...I crack myself up.

4. Where do you call home? NY

5. What's your favorite board game? Trivia Pursuit and Life are right up there.

Wordless Wednesday - Mommy and Me Feet

Heads or Tails - Share A Summer Time Memory

Over at Heads or Tails we were asked to write about a Summertime Memory.

There are so many tiny tidbits so I am going to bullet point a bunch of summers in no particular order.

• Summer at Red Pond with my Mom, Dad and Sisters. There is nothing like eating breakfast cooked over a BBQ.
• Ice cream at Jamos.
• Heading down the Jersey Shore with my girlfriends.
• Wildwood's "watch the Tram Car Please"
• Summer at my cousin Carol's in Staten Island.
• Hanging at the lake with my husband and kids last year.
• Drive in Movies with my parents.
• Vermont with my very first best friend Peggy and learning how to swim.
• Bike riding all over the universe with my sisters on summer vacation.
• Going to the park all day and laying on the merry-go-r0und spinning around until I thought I was going to puke.
• Bunking down in one room to sleep because there was only 1 air conditioner and loving every minute of it.
• Spending a summer with my cousins in Long Island and feeling like I was part of a big family, living with a mother and a father.
• Teaching bible school with a bunch of other teens and having the best time.
• Drinking beers out of a trunk and listening to music in the swamps of New Jersey.
• Camping for 2 nights in the back of my boyfriend's car with a bunch of people I didn't know and having the time of my life listening to Creedence Clearwater and Springsteen all weekend long. I can't listen to either of them and not think about that crazy weekend.

Life Update on the Past Few Days and Other Randomness

Because 5 just isn't enough, I have added another blog to my list.

This one is called Memories Through Photography and it can be found here.

I have spent the last 4 days working with my husband on getting his company organized on Quickbooks which has been interesting and exhausting. Most of the work has to happen once the kids go to sleep. You know, around the time you really want to put your feet up and veg out for the night. Nope, not us..we are busy burning the midnight oil and then being kept awake by one or both of the children.

The boy's stomach problem came to a head this morning when he finally decided to chuck up his dinner. He has been complaining since Friday but last night after he played all day (the park, the pool and Wii) and went to bed complaining we figured it was selective pain because of the attention he had gotten on Friday.

I was on 4 hours of broken sleep from the night before so when I finally went to bed only to be woken 20 minutes after I feel asleep to him complaining again I felt very contrived. There was some moaning and complaining but it seemed very weak and fake.

After telling him to go back to sleep 35 times last night I ended up with a case of the Mommy Guilts (see here)when he proceeded to do that cough. You know that cough, the one that tells you if you don't act soon by sitting them up they just might choke. Well, there was coughing, then choking, the chucking, then tears (his not mine).

Poor kid was only sick when he was 22 months old. He was very confused and tired and I was feeling like shit for telling him to go to sleep the whole night while he tossed and turned.

Also, I am so excited to be able to participate in an upcoming product review. More on that as I get the details.

My blog needs some beautification. Summer is in full effect so hopefully beach and lake pictures are coming. My old header seems so cold to me right now. I feel a change a coming.

7 + 2 Layer - Oh Hell Everyone Else Did This. My Turn

LAYER ONE:
-- Name: Maria
-- Birth date: August 1966
-- Birthplace: Queens, NY
-- Current Location: Upstate, NY
-- Eye Color: Hazel/Brown
-- Hair Color: Brown
-- Height: 4'11 & 1/4" Yup, I need to include that damn 1/4 inch
-- Righty or Lefty: righty, but ambidextrous on some things
-- Zodiac Sign: Leo

LAYER TWO:
-- Your heritage: Italian American
-- The shoes you wore today: None today
-- Your weakness: Now why would I devulge that?
-- Your fears: The thing in the closet, under the bed, in the shower, spiders, It would be easier to say what I am not afraid of
-- Your perfect pizza: It is all in the sauce. Any topping with excellent sauce
-- Goal you'd like to achieve: Getting through the day

LAYER THREE:
-- Your most overused phrase on AIM: What the hell is AIM?
-- Your first waking thoughts: Damn, it's morning already?
-- Your best physical feature: I don't think I have one these days. I usually got comments on my eyes or my hair
-- Your most cherised memory: The days I meet my babies for the first time

LAYER FOUR:
-- Pepsi or Coke: Neither. If I was going to drink soda it would be Dr. Pepper
-- McDonald's or Burger King: I like Burger King for burgers and McDonald's for fries
-- Single or group dates: Now that I am married I would love a date with my husband.
-- Adidas or Nike: Whatever.
-- Lipton Ice Tea or Nestea: Neither, but I do love a cup of tea before bed.
-- Chocolate or vanilla: Either
-- Cappuccino or coffee: (Java of any kind is fine in my book)

LAYER FIVE:
-- Smoke: Cough! Choke..gross man. I would never smoke.
-- Cuss: With total abandon .
-- Sing: Yes and sometimes I even sing in key
-- Take a shower everyday: Yes! Do you think I would say no to this even if it was true?
-- Do you think you've been in love: Absolutely
-- Want to go to college: Perhaps!
-- Liked high school: Ummm. It was ok
-- Want to get married: Been there done that. It has it's moments.
-- Believe in yourself: I better, no one else is going to right?!
-- Get motion sickness: Nope
-- Think you're attractive: Not anymore but there was a time when I was pretty OK. I didn't think it then but when I look back now I see it.
-- Think you're a health freak: Oh God no. I would like to be but not enough to do anything about it.

-- Get along with your parent(s): Dad is alive. He's ok!.
-- Like thunderstorms: Love em!.
-- Play an instrument: I used to play the clarinet, trumpet and bass guitar (oh so many years ago)

LAYER SIX: In the past month...
-- Drank alcohol: No
-- Smoked: NOPE!
-- Done a drug: I got some good ones during my stay at the hospital after giving birth to my daughter.
-- Made Out: LOL...HA HA HA!!
-- Gone on a date: LOL HA HA HA
-- Gone to the mall?: NOPE.
-- Eaten an entire box of Oreos?: No but I did in the past eat a whole box of Entemann's Chocolate Chip Cookies.
-- Eaten sushi: No but I have been craving it.
-- Been on stage: Not since I was 10.
-- Been dumped: Not in the past 18 years.
-- Gone skating: Ice or Roller? Not in the past 12 years
-- Made homemade cookies:
-- Gone skinny dipping: Not in the past 11 years
-- Dyed your hair:
-- Stolen Anything: When I was a little kid, I stole an Archie comic, felt guilty and brought it back.

LAYER SEVEN: Ever...
-- Played a game that required removal of clothing: If I did I don't recall - doubt it
-- If so, was it mixed company: refer to above.
-- Been trashed or extremely intoxicated: YES. Once and never again
-- Been caught "doing something": if you mean "having sex"-- yes.
-- Been called a tease: Yeah by some drunk when I was bartending.

-- Gotten beaten up: No but some chicks wanted to beat me up as a kid and my sister took care of it.
-- Shoplifted: Nope, Wait..nope!
-- Changed who you were to fit in: I don't think I ever did this intentionally (perhaps as a child).

LAYER EIGHT:
-- Age you hope to be married: I was 31.
-- Numbers and Names of Children: 5 year old (son) 3 year old (girl)
-- Describe your Dream Wedding: It was a back yard barbecue, at my grandparents house, at the church where my mom is buried. I didn't get it though I gave my mother-in-law the wedding she wanted
-- How do you want to die: Well seeing as though I don't have a choice I just hope it is peaceful
-- Where you want to go to college: I went to Staten Island Community College and Bloomfied College.
-- What do you want to be when you grow up: When I was a child I wanted to be a jockey, a vet, a doctor, a nurse now I just want to be a good, decent person
-- What country would you most like to visit: I would like to travel the good ole USA. Thank you very much! I am keeping my dollars here!

LAYER NINE:
-- Number of drugs taken illegally: A Big fat Zero.
-- Number of people I could trust with my life: Perhaps 3.
-- Number of CDs that I own: I used to know this. I would guess about 1,200
-- Number of piercings: 2 that I use now
-- Number of tattoos: None.
-- Number of times my name has appeared in the newspaper?: I don't think it has. Oh wait...two times..when I was ...6 our dog had 12 puppies the paper came over. When I was 12 and my mom passed, the obit had our name.
-- Number of scars on my body: Too many to count. The one I am most proud of. The entry to the world for my babies
-- Number of things in my past that I regret: I try to never regret anything but I could probably count 3 things that I would like to forget