I Approach the Guillotine...Um Salon Chair

I am terrified at the thought of having my hair cut, especially by someone new. There seems to be no other alternative to the mall salon. I would rather see my dentist and OBGYN every day for a full year than have my hair cut. I could put it off no longer. I wanted a new look. I wanted something different but what if they ruin my hair? My hair was down to my waist but I was willing to take off about 6 inches.

I drive to the mall with my favorite mixed CD playing the techno remix of “Listen to Your Heart” to help put me in an excited, upbeat mood. I arrive at the mall and walk straight to the hairdressers. I pause. I call Oldest Daughter on her cell phone to tell her I am back at the mall. She is doing just fine. No emergencies and she is not in the least bit concerned that her hair cutting phobia Momma is about to have her hair cut. I pace around the outside of the hairdresser's a few rounds then I take a deep breath and head for the door. Just as I am about to step one foot into the doorway ....My cell phone rings! I must have jumped two feet off the ground! Embarrassed I run out of sight. It is my sister (Auntie D) calling to see what I am up to today. I tell her all about the hairdresser and she understands all my fears about having my hair cut. We talk for a few minutes. She gives me a pep talk then sends me on my way back to the hair dresser.

There was one man before me so I sat and waited the 10 minutes it took for the other lady to finish with her customer. While waiting I saw they carried the Sexy Curl line and looked for the hot roller setting spray but they did not have it. That is the best fragrant hot roller spray ever! It works just as well as most curl setting sprays but aww the fragrance.

Well, it is my turn. A young sassy lady walks up to the cash register to talk with the other hairdresser on staff tonight. They talk briefly about the rude boys (teenagers) who had just left. I am then escorted back to the lady's chair. I thought she was going to ask me about what I wanted and then give me the wash, conditioners and such. She draped me then looked at the photos I brought and we discussed length, texture and character of my hair. She then sprayed my hair and I thought nothing of it UNTIL SHE STARTED CUTTING MY HAIR! She was spritzing my hair with water and then cutting! No wash, massaging or anything!! It is okay for you to call me a spoiled brat. I am ok with that. I was just use to a different experience having been spoiled by the big cities and all. You know I moved to the country and was not expecting a water bottle spritz. I completely forgot where I was!

It only took me about two minutes or so to dismiss the non washing and scalp massage, etc. I thought of the new look and how everything will work out wonderfully if I just kept my head straight. At that moment the hairdresser says "Does your head feel lighter?" and I replied with relief "Yes, yes, it does." I had a tremendous amount of hair and knew about 6 inches would be coming off. I had no idea 6 inches of hair would have weighed that much. What a difference! Oldest Daughter and her friend peek in to see how things are going. Oldest daughter laughs at the sight of my wet hair. I jokingly say "I am getting it cut up to here! (motioning up to my shoulder). We all laugh, Oldest Daughter, her friend, hairdresser and I. The girls go off to do a bit more shopping and agree to come back in 20 minutes.

She continues her cutting and I am enjoying the new lightness due to the new alleviated weight. In walks a couple with a little boy 18 months old. I know this due to his mother telling the other hairdresser his age. Ahh, a little distraction is just what I need to keep my mind off worry over my own cut. The Dad sits down in the chair and prompts the little boy to sit in his lap. The little boy knows something is about to happen so he is reluctant to leave the arms of his Mommy. After a few failed attempts Dad relinquishes the chair to Mommy who holds the little boy on her lap. He is still not very comfortable with the hairdresser so she offers him a look at her treasure trove of lollipops (after Mom says it is ok). The little boy picks out a blue lollipop and was quite happy after that. To encourage the little boy to turn this way and that for access to all the different sides of his head the hairdresser points here and there saying "Look! Did you see that bird?!, There goes Santa!, What?! A Bunny! Look over there!" She was very successful in getting the little boy to turn his head to where she needed for his trim. Mommy and Daddy were so happy Daddy had his hair cut and his uni-brow waxed too. I would not have known about the uni-brow since they were out of my sight but the other hairdresser talked about how someone she knew also had a uni-brow and "this method" would take care of that for months.

A few minutes later and my chair was spun around so I could see my new look. "What do you think?" I pause for a moment (much shorter than I thought, much shorter!) but quickly recover by saying "I think I will know better when I blow dry it at home." The hairdresser quickly and very cheerfully responds "I can blow dry it for you and set it too!" I agree to let her do this but I keep thinking how ikky it is that my hair was not washed. They do not wash or dry or style your hair as a norm?! Oh yeah, this is the country. (sad face) I do want to see what it will look like dry. Maybe it will look spectacular dry. It usually looks different when it is wet so when it is dried it will look totally fabulous right? I was still a bit shocked at the length. I was kidding when I said I was getting it cut short. We discussed length before she started cutting.

I left the salon and guess what...they only charge $12.95. No wonder it was not what I am use to. Maybe they are not hip to the way of the big cities. I usually tip big for my hair appointments as they are so far apart but to me this was a small tip. She was delighted with the $10 tip and thank me over and over again!

Oldest Daughter kept staring at me as we walked out to the mall area. I kept my mouth shut until we were almost outside. Then I opened the magazine and handed it to her. "This is what I asked for. (I had more than enough length and hair for this style). Does my hair look like it?" Oldest Daughter looks at the magazine then at my hair then the magazine then my hair....again and again. "Mom, did you forget to show her the picture?"

On our way home we stop by another store to pick up a few things...chocolate chip waffles (ew but for the visiting friend) and new shampoo for me. I know I can wash my hair when I get home but the icky feeling that was all over me for not having my hair washed before it was cut, was becoming too much for me. I not only had the feeling I NEEDED to wash my hair but I had to have a WHOLE brand new bottle of shampoo to make me feel better about it. I know. It is ridiculous but my hair felt gross after having been sprayed wet, blow dried after not being washed and then add mouse and hair spray...double, triple yuck. I do not use hair spray because it makes my hair feel yuck.

I do have to say the cut is good for the cut it is. It is just not what I asked for. I wanted a cut that would be a bit layered but still leave some length because I have had this length for a year. I am use to it and was not willing to dive into short hair. Again, the cut is a good cut.

We arrive at home and show off my new do to ManSon. He is speechless. He goes upstairs to his room without saying a word. Snow White does not know what to say so she stays mute for the time being. I have Oldest Daughter take a photo of me to send to Auntie D. I send the before and after photos to Auntie D then send her the photo in the magazine. She says the girl in the magazine has wispy hair and her texture is not the same as mine so the cut is the same minus the length. I want to argue with her about the length but it is as pointless as going back to the hairdresser and saying "glue it back on." At least my hair is different. Not the look I wanted but it is do able. Not that I wanted to break in to 40 as "do able".

At least Snow White was on my side. When I asked her what she thought of my new hair do she said "I use to want short hair because I thought it was cute. I don't think short hair is cute any more. Your long hair was beautiful"! I feel like Jo from Little Women when Amy said “Jo, your hair. Your one true beauty.” Yeah, it was like that.

***Updated***
It is now about a week later. I have washed and styled my hair over and over again. Now I think the cut is what I asked for. What do you think? (I am the one with black hair he.he.he) I know my picture looks silly but hey, I was working with a tripod and took it myself.

*****Elizabeth Arden Give Away Coming VERY Soon*****

Order of the Phoenix

It is July 11, 2007 and I have children. Can you guess what we did tonight? We went to see Harry Potter the Order of the Phoenix of course! All of the Harry Potter books and movies have been extremely impressive so why not make a rainy day into a spectacular event? I ordered our tickets on line during lunch. I wished Oldest Daughter could have been with us but she is off visiting in another state.

For all the hype that usually precedes a big movie debut you would think there would be a special stand in the mall full of Harry Potter memorabilia, costume items and accessories but not here. There was not one Harry Potter thing in the stores around here, nothing at all.

When we reached the ticket person he informed us three of our tickets were for theater 5 and one was for theater 1. He directed us to theater 1 and I thought nothing of it....until later. Theater 1 is apparently the largest they have here, that was nice. What I did not know was the movie would start half an hour later than theater 5. Apparently they do not turn the air-conditioning on in the theater until after the movie starts. We were in that hot room watching commercials for 45 minutes. When I say commercial I mean McDonalds, cell phones, etc., just like they are shown on TV but no show in-between.

As we walked around deciding on where to sit people were oohing and awwing at Snow White's Hogwarts uniform. Where we lived before there were many people of all ages who dressed up as the Harry Potter characters. Tonight, Snow White was the only person dressed up. That is when I noticed everyone in that very full theater was either a teenager or older, everyone except Snow White. After 45 minutes of sitting, sweating, all the chocolate melting and individual Twizlers had jelled into one solid piece, the previews for other movies started. The air-conditioning also started! Yeah!



The movie was FANTASTIC! WOUNDERFULLY STUPENDOUS! Again they have out done themselves!! I will not go in to details due to the fact many people are waiting until the weekend or the DVD. I will tell you the audience CLAPPED! OOOHED AND AWWWED! LAUGHED! CHEERED! WOOHOOED! and SIGHED audibly. They, like I, just could not help themselves. Usually you see this sort of audience participation and reaction only in live performances.



There is a new character, Luna Lovegood, who made me laugh! I read a little bit about her before we went to the movie. Had I not read that little blip about her character I believe I would have missed a few of the funny things related to her character.

Speaking of characters there are a few from movies and TV shows you might not recognize given the way they are dressed for this movie. My subconscious always seems to buzz like an alarm clock when I recognize someone from past movie or TV show. One of my most favorite movies to watch over and over again is Sense and Sensibility.

Alan Rickman - When I watched the first Harry Potter movie, The Sorcerer’s Stone in 2001 I noticed Professor Snape. He was Col. Brandon in Sense and Sensibility in 1995 (loved him in that movie). He has played in many, many movies over the years but my favorites are Sense and Sensibility, Something the Lord Made and the Harry Potter movies.

Emma Thompson - Took my notice as a wonderful actress when I saw her in Sense and Sensibility in 1995. When I watched the DVD of the Harry Potter The Prisoner of Azkaban I knew she was Sybil Trelaway as soon as she spoke! She stunned me when I saw at the end of Nanny McPhee! I also liked her in Howard's End 1992 and Remains of the Day 1993. Again, she has been in many movies, TV shows, is a writer and has many other accomplishments in the industry.

Imelda Staunton - Has played many roles in TV, Movies and Radio but I remember her in Sense and Sensibility as Charlotte Jennings Palmer. As soon as I saw her in the Order of the Phoenix tonight I looked right at ManSon and said nothing. He knew once again my internal alarm went off and I knew what other movies and characters she had played. She only did "her laugh" once during the whole movie. Her laugh confirmed that it was truly her before the credits rolled at the end. Wonderful performance in the movie. Perfect example of sugar and spice and everything nice with a sharp wit and strict adherence to rules. I enjoyed her character in The Order of the Phoenix.

For those who do not have a joy for old period movies you might giggle a bit if you venture to watch Sense and Sensibility for Hugh Laurie, Dr. House on the TV series House, is also in this movie as Mr. Palmer, Mrs. Charlotte Jennings Palmer's (Imelda Staunton) husband.

The regular characters are all in the movie performing wonderfully. I would definitely recommend this movie. There are a bits of scary situations and creepy looking animals so I would not take a child under 6 or 7 years old. Snow White is 8 years old and I did think about it before we went to the movie. If she became frightened or I felt she could not handle the movie I would take her home and come back later for ManSon and his girlfriend. Snow White enjoyed the movie immensely! I asked her several times why she was so quiet and she shhhed me! “Shhhh. I want to hear everything they are saying.”

Just Keep Swimming

MONDAY
Today is a really BIG day for Snow White. This morning she starts her swimming lessons! Last night we packed up her new blue bikini with the swing top, Oldest Daughter’s Harry Potter beach towel (Princess towel is too special apparently) and her swim shoes in a pink beach bag. Since we wanted to make sure not to forget it in the morning rush I took the bag to the van last night.

This morning we were up an hour before our usual time. Daycare was closed all last week so Snow White said home with ManSon. Since she did not have to get up early I allowed her to stay up late. That was a big mistake. She was a little groggy this morning trying to get back in to the normal routine. I did not help matters by waking her an hour earlier than normal. As soon as I reminded her about the swimming lessons she was fully awake.

After I brushed her hair and put it in braids we realized she had not worn her sneakers for a full week. I had no idea where they were. Instead of frantically running all over the house looking for them I told her she could wear her swimming shoes all day. She brushed her teeth and went to the car barefoot. Thank goodness I bought the swim shoes in size 13 instead of 12. They fit her foot like a glove. Any smaller and I would have had to rush around the house looking for sneakers.

As we drove to the daycare center I mentioned how much I wished I could go to the lessons with her. She laughed at me saying “It’s daycare Mom. Parent’s cannot just hang out all day at daycare.” I am glad she feels confident enough to do this without me. At the same time I feel awful that I cannot share this experience with her. That I won’t be standing there, at the side of the pool, ready to jump in clothes and all if need be. Something about this just seems so wrong. I know I cannot take off three weeks to watch her learn to swim. Things such as this are part of the torments faced by many of the working parents today.

Snow White was excited about her swimming lessons when I dropped her off at daycare. I reminded her about the sunscreen. Every big and little part of your body must be covered…even the part in your hair. She thought that was gross. “I don’t want to put that in my hair!” to which I responded “Would you rather have sunscreen in your hair or a burn?” That changed her mind.

Although this will be an experience all her own I know she will share with me all the details of her lessons with great enthusiasm! This I will enjoy thoroughly! I am so excited about the end of my day! I can hardly contain my excitement! The Dory "song" from Finding Nemo keeps popping into my head "Just keep swimming, Just keep swimming".



Well, 5 o'clock came and I merrily skipped to my van. I could not wait to hear all about the swimming lessons today! As soon as she laid eyes on me Snow White was chattering away about every detail! The first day of lessons they covered - Not breathing under water, blowing bubbles underwater and arm strokes. Snow White thought she needed to use both of her arms at the same time while somehow sticking to the side wall of the pool. After realizing she needed to hold on to the side of the pool with one hand she laughed at herself for thinking such silliness. She even told me about how she could see underwater! I was absolutely amazed! Is this the same little girl who screams for a towel if one tiny drop of water rolls down her eyelid while washing her hair? This same little girl not only put her whole head under the water but opened her eyes too! YEAH!



She did make a request for goggles in order to see underwater more clearly. Due to the tight fit of the swimming shoes she also asked for a pair of flip flops to wear to her lessons. After dinner I went off to the mall for Snow White’s items and my make over. My make-over went nicely. The poor Elizabeth Arden girl was the only one working in cosmetics. She had to stop every now and then to help other customers but I did not mind. I knew I had three hours before the mall closed. I spent a small mint on my cosmetics and happily accepted a free gift. I also receive a another free gift but it must be ordered with a pick up date of July 31st. Yeah! I love pretty free stuff. As I have way too many bags around this house I might hold a free Elizabeth Arden drawing! That would be fun!

When I returned at 8:30 pm everyone was asleep. By “everyone” I mean Snow White on the living room couch, Pup curled up next to Snow White, ManSon on the family room couch with Kitten curled up at his feet and Merril curled up in the doggy bed. I suppose they really wore themselves out today. I carried Snow White to her bed while Pup protested. He wanted to be carried onto the bed as well. He was not fully awake himself thus could not muster the jump so I helped him on to the bed as well.

Crazy Moment of the Day

While walking through the parking lot after a meeting something buzzed by me. I ran my fingers through my hair and…there was a Japanese beetle in my freaken hair! I run through the parking lot screaming my head off while wildly shaking my head and running my fingers through my hair. My wonderful co-workers stop me and assure me the beetle is gone. “He was attracted to your shiny black hair.” “Oh, and no more coffee for you for the rest of the day. You are jittery enough now.”

If you are having a problem writing in the Title area of a new post you are not alone. Blogger made some sort of change on Friday which is apparently conflicting with the Title box. Just hit the "tab" key on your keyboard until you see a cursor in the Title box.

It's Official! It is now my Birthday!! I am 40 today! I can now wear my huge rings and red nail polish!! I have this thing about rings. I love to buy jewelry but especially rings. There were a few times I found a particularly large stone I wanted in a ring and I bargained the price. They have been sitting in my jewelry box for years, just waiting for this day!

No I am not some super rich woman. I have always saved up for the things I wanted and put my children's needs and wants well before my own. There were some rough times in our past where I had to sell pieces of my jewelry and very thankful I had something to get us through. I also pick stones I think my children will want when I am gone. When I am selecting a ring I think first about the center stone and then about the setting. After all, I do have a son. What might look great on a young woman, a Mommy then an older woman might not be the look my son wants. I do plan to leave my jewelry to all of my children.

When the children wanted to go to the mall today I went with them. Snow White stuck with me since she was not interested in the movie or participating in the Dance Dance Revolution game. She was ready and willing to critic my jewelry purchase for today. I informed the sales women at each of the stores that I have plenty of Rubies (everyone knows it is my birthstone so I have plenty). When I said to the first sales woman that I had enough diamonds I gasped! Am I allowed to say that or even think that? I have still have four diamond rings and one pair of diamond earrings but no diamond pendants. I was not thinking about necklaces today so everyone breath a sigh of relief. Apparently I do not have enough diamonds. So the saying still holds true, a woman can never have too many diamonds. Will I ever get more...maybe as a surrounding setting. Snow White hemmed and hawed at my preference for a large stone that did not entail the color pink. She so loves the color pink. I explained to her that I am not a teenager, I will be turning 40 tomorrow and I wanted something to celebrate my turning 40. She fell in love with a 1 karat pink, marquee cut, sapphire surrounded by bands and bands that went this way and that full of baguettes and round cut white sapphires. If laid flat the setting would cover a half dollar so she did understand I was looking for a BIG ring.

I shopped around but nothing leaped out at me. I thought about what I really wanted for my birthday after my children prodded and prodded me. Something I needed came to mind...a backscratcher! It is simple and I really have thought time and again how much I really wanted one but did not have one. When the urge hits I have resorted to lingering in doorways with my back pressed up against frames moving slightly from side to side or leaning against the corner of sharp furniture. I would love a backscratcher for my birthday. It would be much more appreciated than jewelry.

What would I love to get for my birthday that would be better than jewelry and as wonderful as a backscratcher?! A photo Album! I am in such need of photo albums. My New Year's resolution for this year is to write on the backs of all photos and put them in either frames (I have tons of frames) or put them in photo albums (I only have a few empty). I have boxes and envelops of photos from years ago. I do not want my photos to end up like the Rubbermaid yard tub my Dad received from my aunt when my Grandma passed away. No names on the photos (some are tin and lithographs) so the tub is being passed from relative to relative to see if anyone recognized the people or the backgrounds of the photos. I work on my photo boxes when I sit down to watch TV. I do not watch much TV and my usual TV routine involves me running on my treadmill. Maybe I just need a few more empty photo albums staring at me to get me motivated. I really do want to put all the photos we currently have into albums so I can develop the film sitting around the house before I forget all the details of those photos.



Another plus for my birthday....I have a new car! Yes, after three weeks and the dealer from heck, I have a new vehicle. I could feel sort of odd about it not being a mustang or some hot convertible. Some people have rattled off statistics saying I should drive a sensible sedan. When ManSon and Oldest Daughter were toddlers people looked at me funny when I drove a Minivan. I looked like a teenager but it is not my fault our family genes make us look very young. This time around I look like a Mommy and I feel like no one can tell me driving a Minivan is silly. In actuality it is usually just Snow White and I when I go most places since ManSon is 19 and Oldest Daughter is 17. Still, I like knowing I can tote just about anything in the Minivan. Our new arts and crafts can be bigger than they were before (ok laughing myself as if I would be hauling large bits of wood). At least now I can be the girl with the large moving capacity in the family instead of the girl with a strong son. Hey, I can move people from one house to the other and even help lift things but in my family that is men’s work, women are treated like queens.

While at the mall I started to think about the perfume that was taken during the airport security screening on our way to Nashville. Yes, I have a replacement but not the super expensive perfume that was so sadly taken from me on that trip. Did I mention I save up for the things I want and I pay in cash for everything? It was an $84 bottle of perfume and not a large bottle. Anyway, I found a new sent I like called Ralph Lauren by Ralph Lauren...just like the other 4 bottles with different colors. I picked the blue one but wanted to sleep on it. I am going back tomorrow to pick it up. The sales girl at the Bonton beauty counter was very helpful. She took an hour of her evening to help me find my new sent. Just as I was thinking about leaving to have Oldest Daughter's opinion on my new sent I asked about a make-over. Yes, they do make-overs at the cosmetic counter and she would love to be the one to help me! She is the Elizabeth Arden make up artist and shows me the latest new gift. Unfortunately you must wait until August 1st to pick it up. I am saddened by this news as most of the items included with this free gift are items I need. Along with my perfume the airport took my liquid make up...even my mascara! How much liquid could mascara possibly have? I ask about the large yellow tote bag and accessories but she explains it would not be a free gift. It would cost $17.95. I am thinking on it and might opt for the yellow bag but free sounds really good even if I have to wait.

What is a make over without a having your hair done? I dread the hair salon. I am more afraid of having my hair cut than I am of the dentist! I would opt to have a dentist appointment and my OBGYN yearly done every day for a year rather than have my hair cut by someone new, in a new area, in the COUNTRY! You know I have said over and over again how they do things differently out here in the country so this makes it a bit more terrifying for me. I take a deep breath and leave the mall with ManSon and Snow White. Oldest Daughter and her friend (from out of state whom I drove 3 hours round trip to pick up) opted to stay at the mall longer. I thought long and hard about the hair salon. Eventually, I would have to try a few places and finally pick someone. I wanted the make over but it would be so much better with a new hair cut and I was so due for a new cut. My last cut was a year ago in DC. I had a bob cut that turned out so well! The lady in DC who did my hair was so wonderful she branched out to her own business in another state then retired after only a few months.

When I was home I gathered the magazines I had earmarked with styles I liked. I reviewed them and reviewed them for a few hours. I finally picked one that still had length but a definite style. Something I could blow dry straight or walk out of the house with wet hair and still dry nicely with my texture, body and curl. ManSon and Snow White opted to stay home while I bravely went back to the mall. I was going to have my hair cut at the dreaded mall.

I was out the door and off to the mall. I should be confident. I have the hair style in photos from different angles and I knew exactly what I wanted. Drive back home, ask ManSon to take a photo of my hair so I have something to compare it to when I get back. I needed something to say this is where I started. If I do not think the hairdresser did a good job I can at least say, it is different.

I drive to the mall with my favorite mixed CD playing the techno remix of “Listen to Your Heart”. I arrive at the mall and walk straight to the hairdressers. I pause. I call Oldest Daughter on her cell phone to tell her I am back at the mall. She is doing just fine. No emergencies and she is not in the least bit concerned that her hair cutting phobia Momma is about to have her hair cut. I pace around the outside of the hairdresser's a few rounds then I take a deep breath and head for the door. Just as I am about to step one foot into the doorway ....My cell phone rings! I must have jumped two feet off the ground! Embarrassed I run out of sight. It is my sister (Auntie D) calling to see what I am up to today. I tell her all about the hairdresser and she understands all my fears about having my hair cut. We talk for a few minutes. She gives me a pep talk then sends me on my way back to the hair dresser.

I did get my hair cut but that I will leave for tomorrow’s post. No one was hurt or maimed in any way. I didn’t even cry. Sad part is the mall was closing and I did not have time for the make over. I am going back tonight to have it done because quit frankly I love to be pampered and I need to replenish my make up stock after the Nashville airport incident. Yes, I completely understand why they have to do what they do. I am more upset at myself for not placing all of my make-up and perfume in my luggage.

Usually my birthday comes with some horrifying event. No not the fact that I am a year older. I actually like that part. For some reason every year on my birthday something bad happens and we are all sad the whole day. I am usually in tears. This year was finally the year my birthday was a happy day! My sister called a few times to make sure nothing horrible had happened. I like this new trend. To sum up my birthday, jewelry (I did get a BIG ring), new car, new hair style, hibachi & sushi dinner with loads of laughter and carrying on, new sketch from Oldest Daughter because none of us could find a backscratcher and two new photo albums from ManSon. I think this is the BEST birthday I have ever had in my whole life!! See turning 40 does not have to mean the end of the world. My birthday started Friday night with the dinner and still going on through tonight with my make-over. A four day affair. I am LOVING IT!!

Mommy Sanity Check

People who speak of themselves in the third person are thought of as really annoying. I recently realized I was talking to myself in the third person. Yes, re-read that last sentence. Imagine that, I was annoying the heck out of myself. Not only was I referring to myself in the third person it was during a conversation with myself. Apparently I do this quite frequently. First thought was to make an appointment with a shrink and QUICKLY!

Then I realized this was not something new. I was not the only person with this “disorder”. In reality it is only ‘Parent Speak’. During my “odd” conversations I was not referring to myself by my first name. I referred to myself as “Mommy.”

Silly Mommy look at what you did.
Mommy is going to run to the store for a minute.
Come on Mommy where did you put that juice.
Didn’t you hear Mommy say ‘Don’t touch that!’
Wait until Mommy cleans up this mess! -(would be wonderful I there was a third person who would come clean up messes)

It recently came to the notice of my co-workers. We were gathering for a very serious discussion in one of the large conference rooms. As we all assembled and I took my seat and placed my things in front of me on the table. The meeting was coming to order when I started looking for my pen. I lift up the papers in front of me searching for my pen. The whole room went quiet for a brief second. Just long enough for everyone in the room to hear “Come on Mommy where did you put my pen?” Realizing the untimely crack of silence and the fact everyone had heard me, I look up, smile and snatch a pen from the man next to me. After a few giggles all around the table we went on to discuss the matter at hand.

Being a Mommy has definite advantages. My Parent Speak doesn’t make me look like a crazy person in the conference room. Everyone immediately knows I am a Mom. It is sort of a given Mommies will do things like this. On this day I also realized I have been doing this for years. My children are not babies nor toddlers. In fact it has been years and years since they were babies and toddlers.

One afternoon a co-worker was in my office discussing a project. I cannot recall what I did exactly but I do remember saying “OH POOP!” The co-worker laughed and said “Oh, come on. You can do better than that.” Another co-worker overheard us and laughingly said “If she used a more powerful word than that we would all run for cover. The world would be coming to an end.” Seriously that is my very worst ‘bad word’. Now if one of my male co-workers had said “Oh Poop!” it would have lead to hysterics of great proportion. People would have talked about it for years to come.

A few months ago I was on my way to the new craft store. Some guy was in a real hurry, zigging and zagging all through the traffic. I braced myself as he cut me off. I was furious! Snow White was in the car with me and we mothers know how we can go all postal-angry-protective-lioness on someone when they are endangering our children. Normally I would just gasp and make a bunch of faces Snow White could not see. This time I was outraged! I yelled “You Delicious Frosted Cupcake!!” After I took a long, deep breath I looked at Snow White in my rearview mirror. She was shaking her head, lips pursed and doing that ever so universal “no-no” wave of her index finger. She knew. She knew it did not matter that I did not use ‘bad words’. I still sounded like a crazy road rage nut. But I am a Mommy so I can sort of get away with yelling about food.

Picture this, you are driving down the road. A big male, tough looking, tractor trailer driver is cut off by another vehicle. He leans out of his truck cab shaking his fist in the air and yells “You Delicious Frosted Cupcake!!” in response. You know you would laugh your head off and wish over and over again that you had caught it on video!

Mommies can find anything. If something is lost and everyone has already looked and looked for it you can always count on Mommy to find it. If I cannot find the missing object it is my habit to say “Who ate it?” After all, if a Mommy cannot find it the only reasonable explaination the item is out of sight must be that someone ate it. (bad logic but ok) Example “Where is Mommy’s hair brush? Snow White ate it.” Of course this sets off giggles all through the house as we take turns naming everyone in the house including the pets. One day when Oldest Daughter was spending the day with Grandma C. she couldn’t find her note book. Mocking an accusatory tone, she said to her “Grandma, you ate my note book.” Grandma’s only response was a look of complete shock which turned into grave concern. When Oldest Daughter realized Grandma C. took her seriously she burst into hysterical laughter while trying to spit out the words “No, no, wait…it was me…I ate it.”

What are your funny ‘Parent Speak’ stories? What private jokes or sayings to you have within your family? Anyone want to share?

I Rock?! You Rock! We Rock!

While making my morning blog rounds I found a wonderful surprise! Twas Brillig tagged me with an award…Rockin’ Girl Blogger! Aww she thinks I’m a Rockin’ blogger. How incredibly sweet of her to think of me. {doing a little happy dance in my chair} She is a really Rockin’ Girl Blogger!

I looked for a link to the Rockin’ Girl Blogger Awards website but there was no such website. After a few Google searches I found the woman who started this award. Roberta received an award from a fellow blogger and rejoiced in the elated feeling that someone else acknowledged her writting. This wonderful act of kindness gave her the idea to create something new and wonderful to pass on to others. She wanted other bloggers to have the same wonderful feeling she had when she was given an award. It was her way of acknowledging other female bloggers who inspired her. This also gave those she tagged the opportunity to tag other bloggers thus spreading the joy.

Thanks to Twas Brillig I now have the wonderful opportunity to spread this same joy with a few bloggers I read every day. I am only allowed to pick 5 so please bare with me. If I do not mention you this time I promise to do something special when the opportunity comes my way. I know many of you have already received this award so do not try to make me feel guilty. I am a Mommy and know my way around a guilt trip.

Exiled In Toyland - Truly inspirational blogger. She handles her writing, motherhood, and animal tamer duties with the wonderful poise of Grace Kelly.

Lahdeedah - Inspires me to go full steam ahead into unfamiliar territory with a cheerful disposition and determination just as she does every day. I also copy her delicious recipes to try out with my own family.

Busy Mom - A great Rockin’ Girl Blogger. When I just have to take a break for a minute there she is…always updating her many blogs all throughout the day. She is there when I need her and I love that.

Kentucky Girl - We have the same taste in kitchen sinks. She has an adorable brood of Pups and Kitties. I love her sassy view of life.

Lena is traveling down some of the same trails of life I have journeyed. She is honest and really lets you see into her life no matter how pretty or painful the day might be. She pushes forward no matter what may come up.

Fret ye not my male blogger friends. On June 20, 2007 Roberta let the Guys in on the fun as well.

Second Effort is a lawyer with a great sense of humor. I like the way he looks at every day politics, sports and life in general. He is an Awesome Guy Blogger!

Creative Type Dad - Writes “True stories of a 30-something new dad of a 1 year-old living in the L.A. area.” Funny, and on the lighter side of life. He can get into a fix and come out very nicely.



Since there is no website for Rockin' Girl Blogger or Awesome Guy Blogger right click on one of the above Award tags. Save it as a picture and up load it to your blog. You can also bestow this Award on 5 of your favorite Women bloggers and 5 of your favorite Men bloggers. I am not sure if this is the real rule or if it has to be 5 total. Anyway, have fun! Spread the joy!

The Rockin’ Girl Blogger who started it all *** Roberta Ferguson ***. June 18, 2007(Original Pink - Rockin' Girls, Original Blue - Awesome Guys)

O’The Joys made some really great Rockin’ Award tags! (Rosie 1940s,Panther,Cat Woman & the Artzie one)

Nello created the Flame Rockin' Girl Blogger badge. I love it!

How Not to Purchase a Car in the Country

I think it might be easier to pass legislation than to purchase a car in this state. Did I mention we moved to the country? Living in the big cities has so spoiled me. Any time day or night if I need or wanted something I could just hop in to my car and drive maybe 5 minutes or so to buy exactly what I wanted.

Here in the country it takes forever to find anything remotely similar to what I want. If I want anything after 6 PM on a Sunday it better be in stock at Walmart or I must drive out of state to get it. No, I just do without rather than drive all night. If shopping for a car you are Sheer Out of Luck (SOL) if you want to look around after 5 pm any day of the week. I am not kidding. The auto dealerships close at 5 pm every. single. day. The only option working stiffs have is to forget about our weekend plans and spend from Noon to 5 pm Saturdays and Sundays at the dealerships. If you are one of the lucky few you might get a car in three weeks. Yes, I said three weeks. Can you imagine that? I could not.

A few months ago I started looking for a new car. After months of looking around on the internet (not willing to give up my weekends) I decided which vehicles I liked. I started making the rounds at the local dealerships lots to see what they had in stock. Yes, they were closed but at least I could drive around to see what is available. I was looking for a Jeep Grand Cherokee, Dodge Caravan or a Chrysler Town and Country.

I currently have a Lincoln Town car which I truly love! I really do not want to give it up but it is time to retire my poor Lincoln. The air-conditioning went out and it would cost $1,700 to replace the system. The door behind the driver’s seat refuses to open from the outside and the window on that door would go down but not up. It was time to for a new vehicle. I am known for holding on to a car until it is completely dead. I hate having a car payment. You might say hate is a strong word but I really do hate owning anyone money. I usually pay cash for my vehicles. Other than monthly utilities, daycare, groceries and gas I have no bills. This means I owe no one. I like the carefree feeling of my finances. At this time I do not have the cash on hand to purchase a car straight out.

Saturday, June 16th, I find a Jeep Cherokee which I want to buy. I fill out my application. I expect to leave with the vehicle that day but no, that is not how they do business out here in the country. The salesman says “I will fax this over to the bank on Monday." I left feeling deflated. Adjusting to life out in the country is far more taxing than I imagined. I work Monday - Friday 8 am - 5 pm so any interaction between the salesman and I would take place over the phone. I called Monday afternoon because you know the country folk do not open their businesses until noon. Anyway, the salesman said again he would fax my application that day.

Friday, I call again just after noon and the salesman says “I will call the bank and check on that.” He agreed to call me back to let me know the status. My thinking is he will call me back before 5 pm to say “Congratulations! Come pick up your Jeep!” The afternoon passed by so quickly I had forgotten about the Jeep. It was 4:46 pm and the dealership would close in 15 minutes! I call but there is no answer.

Saturday afternoon June 23th - I call and call but there is no answer. Surely everyone is not outside with customers. Why is there no receptionist or at least voicemail to take my call?

Monday afternoon - Hello, it is me again, calling about the Jeep. Did you hear back from the bank? Salesman says “No, I haven’t heard a thing. I will call them and then call you right back. Ok?” I agree but this time I only wait an hour and I call him back. He explains to me the bank did not receive his fax so he will refax my application. “Could you call the bank after you fax it to make sure it goes through?” He half hardily agrees and we hang up.

Wednesday afternoon - Hello, it is me again, calling about the Jeep. This time the salesman says “The bank has approved your loan.” No surprise there. “You can sign the papers at the bank between 9 am and 4 pm any day this week. Uh, no, remember I work? Really, I could not skip out on work to sign papers. I need to be at my desk or the whole company would fold or so my boss would like me to believe. I really enjoy feeling so needed. Why would I need to sign papers at the bank? Dealerships usually have you sign for everything at the dealership. Then again, this is the country so I call the bank. A very nice woman tells me I can make an appointment and she will have someone come in Saturday afternoon just for me. That was very nice of the very nice lady now wasn’t it?

Friday at 4:55 pm another woman from the bank calls my cell phone. I assume it is to confirm our appointment for Saturday at 1 pm. No, she is calling to say we need to reschedule for Monday. I explain I cannot come in on weekdays that is why my appointment was for Saturday. She said she was sorry but it was impossible to do any transactions this Saturday due to end of month clearance and clean-up. Mm, the end of the month usually happens at the end of the month so why did they schedule to meet with me if they could not do business that day?

She firmly suggested I wait until the next weekend. I explained to her that I have already waited three weeks to purchase this vehicle. I told her how my parents made plans to come all the way up here from Tennessee so my Dad could “kick the tires” with me. She advised me to call him and cancel the trip. What?! I had been very patient about the buying process here but for some reason when she told me to call my Dad and tell him not to bother …something in me…something. mean. Snapped.

“I will have you know we have been rescheduling this trip for three weeks. They have already left Tennessee and on their way here now. Why in the world does it take three weeks for you and the car dealer to get your act together?!” My rant went on for about 5 minutes or so, without cursing. Then I caught my breath. “I give up. You can forget about having my business.”

She again said how sorry she was for all the mistakes along the way and for canceling our appointment. I said have a nice weekend. She said the same and we hung up.

I was so fed up and angry I was ready to cry. I grabbed my purse and my keys then headed out the door. I picked up Snow White with a big smile on my face. For some reason she was mimicking the Star Wars theme “Dun dunt da dun, dunt da dun…” I found great humor in this since I was on my way to the dealership to give him his share of what I gave the bank.

“Is that vehicle out there for sale?” Yes, yes it is. "The way you do business is not the way to make a living. I just got off the phone with ‘your bank’ and they canceled my appointment for tomorrow. It has been three weeks since I said I wanted to purchase that Jeep and I am still no closer to driving it home. If you do not get your act together you will be bankrupt. I want my application back. Right. Now.” The terrified salesman quickly gave me back the application.

Snow White and I went to drive around a few car dealerships on the outskirts of town.

Good Monday

What a wonderful Monday. Snow White’s daycare is closed for the week so she will be spending the week at home with ManSon. This means the only person I need to worry about in the morning is Me! I do not have to wait for anyone to find their shoes, fuss when her hair brushed, to find the last minute toys or items she wants to bring with her or drive to the daycare center which is the opposite direction of work. These are not extraordinary issues but the absence of one item I do not have to do in the morning before going out the door just seems to make the morning go a little better. When I do have to take care of these items it is just normal routine of the day. A break from the normal routine gives me a few more minutes at home in the morning. Now that is a real treat!

The sun is shining brightly, the sky is a beautiful shade of blue and there is a cool breeze blowing. Seriously, it was 66 degrees when I left this morning. By noon it was 74 degrees. The only way to make this the ultimate perfect day would be if I had the day off and we were all at the beach. Ahhh. Lovely thought. But I will take a beautiful day even if I am at work. I even drove my new car to work today! The day is starting out extremely well considering it is a Monday.

Apparently I am not the only one who had a Great Monday! Check out the Butrfly Garden!

TT # 5

This Thursday Thirteen was inspired by Busymom after reading her post over at Careerandkids.

Many Work Away from Home Moms work all year long. We do day dream about lazy summer days with our children but those are usually reserved for weekends only. Our week days are roughly the same no matter what the season. I did come up with a few things that do change for me when Summer comes along…

1. Clothes can be hung outside (hate it but better than standing at attention waiting for the dryer to yell at me “I’m Done!”)

2. No more notes home from school saying Snow White forgot her lunch money today (they break knee caps if you owe a $1.00 or more)

3. No more homework for me! Yes, the children have to do their homework but that means I have to do it too.

4. The school librarian has stopped our weekly phone calls (Her: Snow White has ____ book out and it is due today. Me: Large pocket of Hello Kitty Back Pack - played back via tape recorder.)

5. Summer time night light discovery on night stand. Aww Snow White collected lighting bugs for me how sweet. Closer look Where is the lid ~~runs scream out the door AAAHHH!

6. Winter: Mom where are my sneakers? Summer: Mom where are my sandals?

7. ManSon: Can I go to so and so’s house? Me: Winter - Is the snow shoveled? Summer: Is the lawn mowed?

8. Getting in to the car…Snow White: Winter - My car seat is too cold. Summer - My car seat is too hot

9. Me: Winter - Pup, it isn’t that cold out there go on. Summer - Pup, hurry up. Come inside. I have a treat. It’s time for Mommy to go to work.

10. Really fresh fruit for home made fruit smoothies and other deserts.

11. No need to use the hair dryer after a shower as my hair will be dry by the time I get to work. Love my natural curl. Pup loves this too as he is not blow dried during the summer. (I have a new couch which he makes a Bee line for after a bath)

12. More towels to wash due to pool and sprinklers during the summer

13. Better weather on walks with Pup.

Grocery Shopping

When our local grocery store installed the first two Self-check cash registers I was impressed. I thought how techno savvy the grocery store was getting. I could not wait to gather all my groceries and try out the new “toy”. Most items scanned very nicely but produce and anything in a bag. Well, the scanner had trouble picking up the bar codes. This was frustrating and I could only imagine the teenage cashiers were giggling to themselves “See, we are not the problem. You are having the same issue we have.” Not only was I having difficulty scanning but I had to be in front of the scanner and the end of the belt all at once to keep the “flow” of products moving. Yes, now you too can get frustrated with the scanner and bag your own groceries. If I have a large quantity of groceries I opt for the register with a real person, usually a teenager.

Due to past experiences with unruly bagging at manned registers I place my items on the small conveyor belt with deliberate purpose. First to go on the belt are all frozen foods then cold food, items that go in the upper cabinets of my kitchen then the items for the lower cabinets. Why so particular? When the items are all bagged they are replaced in my cart in this order(front to back of cart). This allows me to reverse the order (back to front of cart) when I reach my car and pack them in the trunk. When I am home the bags closest to me are frozen and cold foods which need to be placed in the freezer and refrigerator, thus need to come out first. The last bags to come out are those with the items which belong in the lower cabinets. While I place the items in the upper cabinets my children can easily put away the items that belong in the lower cabinet. This may sound a bit over the top to plan in such a way but it really works for us. When you are a single working mom every extra moment have to playing and just hanging out with my children is a blessing.

I miss the days of grocery shopping when the older man (30s-40s) would quickly punch in all the codes for each item and another carefully bagged each item for me with a warm friendly smile. Ah, the good old days.

Baby Crissy Doll

Tonight a rare treasure resurfaced to remind me of a wonderful childhood memory. My friends had all recently acquired the Tuesday Taylor and Crissy dolls. They were similar to Barbie but larger. With Tuesday you had the option of turning her doll "scalp" (I know, sounds eww) to make her either blonde or brunette. Crissy had the auburn hair and you could change the length of her hair from a short bob style cut to Cher's 70's knee length long hair with the press of a button or a few short twists.





There was a new doll in town or at least none of my friends had this one particular doll. I had seen it on one of the very few toy commercials that aired in the mid 70's. Hard to believe in today's world there was a time toy commercials were a rarity. Maybe the commercials were not such a rarity. I might have thought so due to the very limited amount of time I watched TV when I was little. At that time there were four dolls in the running for the top most wanted/advertised dolls...Baby Alive, Crissy, Tuesday Taylor and Baby Crissy. Barbie was always a given no matter what year. Baby Crissy and Crissy were the same with one big difference, Crissy was a 20 something like Barbie and Baby Crissy was well, a baby doll. Baby Crissy was not just any baby doll. She was the image of a 8 - 10 month old baby. Most little girls had the little bitty baby dolls the size of a new born and had a generic baby doll look. Baby-A-Live looked like a baby almost a year old but smaller. Baby-A-Live could move her lips when you pushed her feeding spoon in her mouth after mixing her baby food. She was the baby of the next Mommy generation.



The beginning of summer was marked by the school carnival. There were cake walks, balloon tosses, bean bag tosses, and all sorts of hands on games. There was also a yard sale. Everyone would clean out their closets and pitch in. The day before the carnival we brought in our donations and volunteered to make signs. Mom made cakes and other baked goods as well as volunteered to work any booths they needed assistance with. She knew with three children in the school plus one to start the next year in kindergarten she would be there all day. We made signs all that afternoon and when we went home Mom baked all night. Mom had never seen a cake mix in her life at this point. She made everything from scratch.

While at the school making the signs I saw something in the yard sale area that I wanted so badly. It was a Baby Crissy Doll ! I was so eager to show my Mom! At that moment I was that anxious child everyone wanted to just be quiet already! Over and over again I said "Look MOM!! It's a real Baby Crissy Doll! Do you think they will sell it tomorrow?! Can we get it?! Can we buy it now?! Can we?!! Can we?!" She quieted me down by reminding me we were here to help and make the signs. If all went well maybe I would get a reward but that did not mean the doll. After her talk I remember thinking how wonderful it would be to have a parachute soldier. The kind with the plastic soldier tied to a plastic parachute. I was thrilled at the idea and made my signs look like rainbows. Mom reminded me people would need to read the signs from the road and words with so many colors might be hard to read. I opted for one color for each letter in the sign rather than four different colors for each and ever letter.

The next day was the school carnival. How my Mother managed to bake so many things in one night and keep us away from her baked goodies all morning is beyond me. We drove to the school and played games all day long. My older brother and I even helped man a few games ourselves. We were having such a great time we almost forgot about the cake walk. My older brother and I took turns doing the cake walk because we wanted one of the cakes our Mother made. There were a few times we were tending a booth and one of our Mother's cakes would be gone when we returned to the cake walk. I remember being the one to finally win a cake but by that time all of our Mother's cakes were gone so I choose a bunt cake.

I returned to the yard sale area where Mom was working and explained our sorrow in not getting one of her's. She laughed! At first all I could think of was how hard we tried all day long to win one of her cakes and she laughed? Then she explained it was all for the better so we could try someone else's cake. After all, we could have one of her cakes any time since we were her children.

After playing games all day for penny and nickel prizes which made our day, real potato sack races, three legged races and the flex arm hang (I won again and again), manning the booths now and then and trying to fit in the cake walk where we could, it was time for the carnival to end. We were all sad to see the end of the day but we were worn out too. Before we could go home we had to clean up the fair. Our Mother saw to it that we helped and it made us feel a little extra special to hang out "after the party was over." The ladies of the PTA and every other organization were thanking us by offering baked goods, toys and such but really, we were having a great time helping pack up everything and telling our Mother all the things we did and had seen all day long while she was stuck in the same place all day.

After packing up everything my Mother told my older brother and I to pick up that last box. We picked up the box and all I could do was sigh. The Baby Crissy Doll was in that box and I had forgotten all about her. At that moment I wanted to cry out "MOM!! Crissy is still here!!!" instead I thought of the wonderful day we had. When my brother asked where we should move the box Mom said "That box goes in our car." I was so excited I dropped my end of the small box and scooped Crissy up in my arms! She was half the size of me but it did not matter. Could I be dreaming? It would be ok if I was dreaming.

Being a Mom now myself I can only imagine my Mom was watching us well before she told us the destination for the box. She must have smiled from ear to ear when she saw me scoop up Baby Crissy.

Baby Crissy and I went everywhere together. I had pretend food for her and she pretended to use the potty since she was such a big girl. My Mother also made us matching goonies or night gowns as I now know most call them. One of my most cherished and memorized photos of myself was taken at Red Wing Park in Virginia on the swing set with Crissy in my lap. There was a sun burst on the corner of the Polaroid photo, the likes I had only seen in the movies. My hair was wind blown and she had a make shift dress I made when my Mother was teaching me to sew. I remember the sun burst, the autumn colors of her dress and the warm loving smile on my face that reflected exactly the perfect temperature of the warmth the sun beamed down on my face at that very moment.

What started this post? Snow White was looking for something and found Crissy in Oldest Daughter's bedroom closet. Poor old Crissy had seen better days. At first all Snow White saw was a very old doll in need of too much care. After I held Crissy in my arms for a few moments and told Snow White how much Crissy was loved by me as a child I was soon relinquished of my beloved doll. Snow White came out of her room with an umbrella stroller. I said "Oh my, Crissy has never seen the likes of this sort of stroller." In deed the last time Crissy saw a stroller it was a pram. Snow White wheeled her around the house then proclaimed her as her own. She even put Crissy in Bitty Baby's cradle. Tomorrow she plans to brush out her hair and re-do her nails.

I have to admit it was refreshing to hold my Crissy again. I had forgotten her and now she has come back as the wonderful treasure she was so many years ago. This time she has a new playmate.

Pup Helps With Housework

Even our Pup helps with the housework. He is also a tattle tale. During the evenings he brings me any discarded socks left lying about the house. In doing this he helps make sure all dirty clothes are put in the hampers. Some people cannot get their teenagers to help with the laundry but at our house even the tiny Pup helps out.

Snow White has a tendency to toss off her shoes and peal off her socks as soon as she comes home. The problem is she does not take them off in her bathroom where her laundry hamper is. This is also a problem in the mornings when we search every room in the house looking for her shoes.

Since Pup arrived he finds the socks in various rooms and sometimes clothes left on bathroom floors after someone takes a shower or bath. He then brings them to me and I find the owner of said clothing to put them where they belong, their hamper.

Pup also helps keep the children's rooms cleaned. If he finds a toy or gizmo on the floor he sees it as fair game, up for grabs, any one's toy. This behavior has encouraged everyone to keep their beloved items off the floors.

Should I start giving him an allowance for helping so much with the housework? I wonder what he would spend it on. The only store he is allowed to physically enter is PetSmart. If he starts mowing the lawn and washing the dishes I just might get him an on line shopping account. Well, maybe not, I really do not want dog drool on my keyboard.

Get Your Strappy's On

Ok it's Summer Time! Pull out the tank tops, camis and all those cute thin strapped - strapless tops! If you are like me you wear a strapless bra with these shirts. I stopped wearing these cute shirts long ago due to uncomfortable strapless bra not holding their "cargo" very well. I received an email from Jane at PinksandBlues.com about "Strappy's" I love this idea!! It will help hold me together and will look so cute with the thin strapped tops and give a new look to a strapless top. Not only can I pull out the cute tops, I am going to buy more!

They have many, many styles to choose from but here are a few of my favorites.

Snow White's Magic Blood

While at work one afternoon I received a phone call from Snow White's kindergarten teacher. "We had a little accident. Don't worry." Mothers every where immediately go into a slight sweat and panic mode when they hear these words from a teacher, school nurse or any faculty member from school. Why is there always a slight pause after they say this? Is the pause for dramatic affect? Is it to see if they "got you"? Shocked the life out of you? Then they say "Are you there?" If you answer with even a meek ahuh they seem to be either relieved or surprised you did not faint then tell you what happened. In our case so far (knocking on wood) it has always been something very minor but they wanted to make sure I knew what had happened.

On this particular day Snow White was playing during recess and tripped. The teacher explained it looked like Snow White had a terrible fall but to her surprise only emerged from the asphalt with a small cut on the tip of her index finger. Normally they would not have called me but due to the extreme scene that followed they thought it best. At first Snow White quickly sprung up from her sprawled out fallen position. Then another little girl screamed ~~BLOOD! OH MY GOSH SHE IS BAAALEEEEEDDDING!!!~~ Soon all the children on the playground were screaming. The teacher walked over to check out Snow White then instructed her to go to the nurse for a Band-Aid. That was when Snow White looked at her finger. As far as she could recall, she had never seen her own blood before. That small little drip of blood accompanied with the screams of her peers made her think something terribly wrong had just happened. The teacher called because Snow White was very distraught throughout the remainder of the day.

When I came home I asked to see her booboo. She was adamant that I not remove the Band-Aid. She was sure removing it would make the booboo worse. Many children all over the world seem to have this fear of Mommy, Daddy or anyone looking at their booboo would make it hurt more. How many of us have said "I only want to look at it" and have the child scream or cry saying "No! No! It will HURT!" I bribe her with a brand new Scooby Doo glow in the dark Band-Aid but first I need to take off the old one. She agrees and I carefully remove the school Band-Aid revealing a very tiny booboo which is no longer bleeding. When she sees the dried blood on the cotton portion of the old Band-Aid she starts screaming, giant tears race down her face as she makes garbled demands for me to quickly put the Scooby-Doo Band-Aid immediately!

Eventually she calms down and plays with her toys. She refused to use the hand with the booboo and every once in awhile when she seemed to remember the booboo she would hold that hand up straight in the air and give out a sad little sigh. While getting ready for her bath she refused to take off the Band-Aid. I assured her we had plenty more. She would have none of that so it staid on when she went into the tub. She gleefully played in the tub after I washed her up. When it was time to get out and I was drying her off she realized the Band-Aid had come off. More crying and shrieking shrills! I replaced it with a brand new Scooby-Doo Band-Aid. I calmed her down by turning off the bathroom light to see the glow-in-the-dark effect.

By bedtime she was exhausted due to the "big" ordeal that took place that day. As I tucked her in bed she held her arm straight up, pointing the bandaged finger toward the ceiling. I kissed her goodnight and turned off the lights so she could admire the glowing Band-Aid. A few minutes later I returned to her room due to the whimpering noises I heard. She was worn out and sobbing. When asked what was wrong she said "I just cannot hold this arm up any more. My arm is tired and I cannot do it any more. Mommy will you hold my arm up so I can sleep?" I asked her why and she said in her little sobbing voice.

Snow White: "Mommy if you don't the EMTs are going to get me."
Me: "What EMTs?"
Snow White: "I dunno. William said they would come and get me."
Me: "Tell me what all William said."
Snow White: "When he saw all the blood he yelled 'Someone call the EMTs! We are loosing her! She is going to die! She has lost a lot of blood!' "

With that I did what any mother would do. I faked a coughing fit to cover up my laughter! It sounded like William has watched too much TV. I explained that EMT are not some type of blood sucking monsters. That they help people all the time and they are good people. They help people who are really sick until they can get to the hospital. They are just like doctors and want to make you all better.

She was still crying and said "You have to hold my arm up so I can sleep. I am tooooo tired. If you don't I will bleed to death. I will die Mommy if you don't do it. You don't want me to die."

That was when I realized she had never seen her own blood before. Well, she had skinned her knees before and had other booboos but never really had seen one drip of her own blood.

I then explained to her..."Honey, you have magic blood. Your body is magic, it makes new blood if you get a booboo. Your body also repairs it's self. The blood dries and your body makes new skin to cover up the booboo."

Snow White: "Really? I am really Magical?"
Me: "Yes, Snow White, you are truly a Magical Little Girl."

She finally let her arm rest by her side and fell fast asleep.

In the morning she could not wait to take the Band-Aid off to see if her blood was really magical. She ran into my room proclaiming her excitement! Mommy! Mommy! My Magic Blood stopped the booboo!! It's not bleeding any more!!"

Toxic Tooth Paste

Months ago I was bored and spent time accidentally locked in a bathroom for a very brief period of time. During that time I absently decided to read a warning label on the back of a toothpaste tube. As expected many laughed at my post. I was a little surprised by the warning that said "Do Not Swallow". This was on the back of my daughter's toothpaste which was marketed for toddlers and children. To me it seemed impossible for a toddler to not swallow at least some of the toothpaste while brushing their teeth. I can recall many times when I did it as a child instead of spitting it out in the sink. I even recall swallowing toothpaste as an adult when unexpected guests arrived and I was all out of mints. I would place a small dab on my tongue, close my mouth and rub it all over my tongue and swallow. It never occurred to me until that silly day I was stuck in the bathroom randomly reading the back of a tube of toothpaste.

When I was freed from the hotel bathroom and returned safely home I decided to post it on my blog. Apparently the amount of toothpaste ingested has a lot to do with it and my friend the Curmudgeon pointed out it would take a sufficient amount of regular toothpaste. I was relieved.

Today when I went to read my email I came across this article by Aarthi Sivaraman....

Two residents of the New York City borough of Staten Island who said they had used the counterfeit toothpaste were hospitalized, the Staten Island Advance newspaper reported.

The FDA traced the counterfeit toothpaste to New Jersey distributor MS USA Trading Inc., Arbesfeld said.

On Thursday, Colgate reported finding phony "Colgate" toothpaste in discount stores in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Maryland.

The counterfeit toothpaste may contain the toxic chemical diethylene glycol, or DEG, and is labeled as being manufactured in South Africa. It comes in a 5-ounce (100 ml) tube, a size Colgate does not make or sell in the United States, the company said.
The chemical is sometimes illegally used as an inexpensive sweetener and thickening agent. It is also found in solvents and antifreeze.

DEG-contaminated toothpaste has been seized in Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Panama and Nicaragua. The sweet substance, sometimes used as a substitute for glycerin, was found in cough syrup in Panama that led to the deaths of at least 100 people last year.

MS USA is recalling all lots of 5-ounce Colgate toothpaste tubes it distributed to discount retail stores in the four states, according to a statement. MS USA could not be reached for additional comment.

Consumers can identify the counterfeit product by the size as well as the label tracing it to South Africa, Colgate said. In addition, there are misspellings on the package including "SOUTH AFRLCA" and "isclinically," Colgate said.
Two weeks ago the FDA warned consumers to avoid any toothpaste made in China after its inspectors found DEG in tubes sold at two stores. It also issued an import alert to prevent all toothpaste from three Chinese companies that make brands found to contain DEG from entering the United States.

More information about the toothpaste products in question can be found on the FDA's web site http://www.fda.gov/oc/opacom/hottopics/toothpaste.html.

Check your toothpaste. If I do not hear from you or see you writing a new entry in your blog I might feel the need to call the FDA. "Fake Colgate has attacked my friend! Send Help!!"

Feed the Animals for Free

Please take just one minute and go to Animal Rescue site. No one is asking you for money or to do anything extraordinary. All you have to do is click on the purple paw once a day and the sponsors donate funds, food and other things for the abandoned, neglected and stray animals. It does not cost you anything.

If you have a million things to do each or might have trouble remembering the web site address you can sign up for the free email reminder set at your desired frequency. If you are a New Member to the web site and you sign up for the email reminder this will provide an extra 3 bowls of food! All you did was use your mouse to click and sign up for the reminder and wa-la! You provided some poor animal in the shelter with food.

I signed up during a promotion last night which gives the person who signed up for the email reminder a free item. The site does have shops where you can purchase items for your pets, yourself or gift giving. I purchased a key ring to try out the shopping portion. If you purchase items through the web site you are also adding to the donation total without any additional cost to you.

Clicking a few buttons and ordering a key chain gave 14 bowls of food! No purchase is necessary for you to help provide food and needed items. A simple click on the purple paw once a day helps to build up the donation fund.

They also have adorable -Free- animal E-cards you can send to anyone you want.

Please check out AnimalRescueSite and tell your friends, family and maybe put a link in your blog too

Hats Off to Auntie D !!

This is a very Special Day.

For the past several years my little sister has been putting herself through college. She has endured life crippling events and still pushed forward with her dreams. The latest of such events was finding out Bear had cancer. This was devistating to say the least. Thankfully, he is alive and doing very well considering having had a portion of his lung removed in surgery earlier this year.

My sister and I talk on the phone atleast every other day and for an hour or so during each call. When she started her Masters Degree she was doing very well on her own. Then negative people starting 'putting a bug in her ear'. Her own friends and co-workers started saying "I don't know why you are waisting all your time, energy and money on a degree. You don't need a degree. You don't need all the degrees you have. We don't have degrees and we make good money." I was shocked to hear this and amazed her friends were so unsuportive. Education is very important. It is horrid to belittle someone's effort to further their education.

That is when the crying, angry and worn out calls started. I wanted to smack some sense into those who were constantly trying to bring her down. I know my sister may think I helped her a great deal with her thesis but she did all the work herself. I was basically acting as her sounding board and reminding her that she can accomplish anything. No matter if the phone call started out with tears, anger or words of frustration the call always ended with us laughing.

Before turning in her thesis she sent it to me for one final look over. I thought I was going to cry when I read her dedication page. I am getting misty eyed right now just thinking about it and at this moment I cannot even remember the words. Thank you Auntie D.

Early this morning she called my cell phone. I threw off the covers and started rushing around the house looking for where I might have left it. I finally find it and missed the call. Then my house phone starts ringing and I run back to my bedroom to pick up the phone. For some strange reason it was not working so I run to pick up in the dinning room. By that time the phone stopped ringing and no message was left. Pup saw that I was awake and made it clear it was time for him to go out in the back yard. I went into the bathroom and ...you guessed it, the phone started ringing again. Thoughts of "why is she calling so many times?" went through my head and then I started to worry. What if something is wrong, an emergency! I quickly finish up and rush to the phone. I missed the call ...AGAIN ! This time she left me a message. "I GOT AN "A"!! A FREAKEN "A" CAN YOU BELIEVE IT?!! I GOT AN "A"!!

I was so proud of her and very excited for her too!! She called one more time on my cell phone. This time I had my bluetooth on so I was not running around like a crazy person trying to answer a phone. We both screamed and squealed with exitement!! We hoped for at least a passing C and I secretly hoped for her to get high B. She got an A!!! Oh my goodness, this time around she will have the velvet, six sided tam! I am so happy for her! After we settled down from all the excitement we chatted happily for about an hour. Today is a good day!

My sister may not be a movie star or other famous celebrity many have a role models. Come on how many of them are really the type who have there lives together enough to truly be a role model we want for our children. I am not saying all movie actors or celebrities, just that there are so many I do not want as a role model for my children. I know every aspect of my sister's life, everything she has done and all that has happened in her life. No one can say she is not a great role model. She is the person I want as a role model for my children.

CONGRATULATIONS AUNTIE D !! YOU DID IT !! YOU REALLY DID IT !!


I cannot wait to see you in that tam!

Simple Mommy Daughter Fun

If you have a little girl who is a tomboy or frilly princess age five to tween I highly recommend American Girl. The majority of mothers I have met only know they have expensive dolls. The doll clothing, accessories and furniture and the dolls are all exquisitely made. If you think they only do the doll thing take another look... books, games, plays, clothes, etc are equally fantastic!

I first learned about the books at a school book fair with Oldest Daughter. She has been all Tomboy since age five. She enjoyed the books and I enjoyed reading them with her. We only had a few Josephine books but they made for great reading. When Snow White was five years old we rediscovered American Girl books at the first book fair for her Kindergarten class. We are still hooked on them! The Books teach life lessons, show how each girl deals with a situation and the outcome all in a positive way.

If you know about AG Books you know about the Historical Character books (Kirsten, Molly, Kit, Samantha, Addy, etc.) These books give an American history lesson in how life was in that decade through the eyes of a young girl. (I would give the AG books a G-PG rating)

Girl of The Year is all about a young girl's life now. We currently do not have any of these books but we are working our way there.

In the Self, Spirit and More section you will find such treasures as...

Ooops! The Manners Guide for Girls - This book is great and the girls loved reading it.

Real Fitness - " Girls don’t have to be athletes to be active! This great new book contains 101 fun ideas for staying fit."

Real Spirit - "... learning about fun ways to relax, and reenergizing with easy yoga poses, girls will feel more calm, confident, and ready to cope with any adventures life brings their way."

Real Beauty - "... comes from having a positive self-image; from feeling strong, confident, and healthy; and from finding what’s beautiful in others."

The Care and Keeping of You - "This “head-to-toe” guide answers all a girl's questions about her changing body, from hair care to healthy eating, bad breath to bras, periods to pimples, and everything in between." Also The Care and Keeping of Me Journal. "This journal is a sensitive, interactive companion to The Care & Keeping of You. It includes a period tracker and mood recorder, plus tips, quizzes, and checklists to help girls keep in touch with their changing bodies."

Hair Styling Tips and Tricks for Girls - "For girls, real beauty means taking care of themselves inside and out." A companion book to this is Skin & Nails Care Tips for Girls - "...explains the basics of skin and nail care for girls, including safety and hygiene tips, advice on battling bad habits, and more.

There are many, many books in this category so I ask that you at least take a peek at what they have on their website.

If you get the chance to visit one of the American Girl Shops you and your girls are in for a real treat. If you want to eat at the restaurant or go to the theater make sure to make restorations and/or purchase your tickets at least two month beforehand. In my opinion it is worth it!

This year in school Snow White had access to educational websites with the school librarian. Now she understands the World Wide Web a bit more and wants to take a turn every now and then. We discovered the games on American Girl dot com. At first I thought they would be fairly simple graphics and not very challenging. I was wrong. As I watched Snow White play Hula Hoopla I almost wanted to join in on the fun! It sounds silly, I know but so does playing Barbies in the bushes of the back yard. Opps! I meant the Jungle in the back yard.

Check out the games, books, etc. and enjoy some wonderful times with your little girl.