Future Guilt

It is way to early in the morning for me to be awake, let alone typing on here. Yet, here I am with my head full of thoughts that just won't stop. I have felt so guilty recently about my parenting. I'm not perfect, far from it. but I wonder... what will my kids remember about me when they're older? 


Mommy sat at her computer too much.
She couldn't cook at all!
We were always running late for school. 
She yelled too much. 
There were days our dirty clothes pile filled our rooms! 
She stressed about money.
Mom could lose her cool in an instant.
She would torture us with her bad singing everywhere in the car!
Mommy was too hard on me.


All those moments as a mom I work hard everyday to avoid, will those be the things they remember most? Will they look back and smile? Am I doing OK? I know most people will say "Oh honey, they won't think of those bad things! They will remember that you loved them, that you took them to cool places, the weekends shopping at the farmers market, the times spent on the trampoline. They will think of you when they see a classic Ford Mustang, when they burn dinner it will make them laugh thinking of the many meals you tried to cook, they will know that you did your best!"


Really? 


I'm not so sure...


I think I lose my temper with them too much. I wish I would think before I opened my mouth. I should really duct tape my mouth closed. 


I wish I woke up bright and early every day to make them a hot breakfast before school, I wish the house was always sparkley and clean with the clothes put away perfect. That's just not in the cards. 


I wonder if my mom ever felt the same way, because I sure think she did an amazing job! I remember her yummy cooking, how the house was always tidy, she always smiled at everything I did and took the time to pay attention to me. We traveled the world, and she taught me a lot about life. I don't remember bad things. Did they happen and kids just don't retain all that if the good outweighs the negative? Boy I hope so. 99% of the time it's all good around our house. 


I hope they turn out alright. I really am trying to do my best! 




au revoir, adieu, ciao, till next time... 

To Veg, Revisited...

This is an old blog of mine from over 2 years ago. Seeing as my husbands health is a serious concern these days, I am taking our family nutrition to a whole new level. The black text is new input, my views have changed on a few things. Hope you enjoy :)

People always say "Knowledge is power" this is very true. But, knowledge can also be a burden in a way. Let me explain:

Before I had children I was a successful vegetarian for about a year. Then one day my husband and I were eating lunch at Ruby Tuesdays. He got up to use the restroom and when he returned to the table his cheeseburger was gone, I ate it. I couldn't help it, something in me needed to eat it. Well, that's how we found out we were going to be parents. My body needed those proteins and it didn't matter what it was, I was going to eat it. Since then I have tried to go back "Veggie" quite a few times, but have been unsuccessful. Translation: I was being lazy about my nutrition. Being a mom became all consuming & I let myself go. In more ways then just food... Have you SEEN my waist line?? AAHHHH!

One of the hard things about living in a very small town is your choices of food. The closest health food store is a 90 minute drive, and don't even get me started on healthy restaurants to choose from for dinner around here. McDonald's, Burger King, Taco Bell, Wendy's, etc. You get my point. Every time I attempt to eat the way I want to eat I am left with only a head of lettuce, and starving. Excuses, excuses, excuses! Do you hear the whining in this paragraph? I'm lame. The answer to my "small town problem" is easy. Have no clue why I didn't see it then. Step 1: get fresh produce from the local farms, and/or plant a garden. Step 2: cook at home! 

Whenever I am enjoying a burger there is this huge part of me that feels so guilty. I am smarter then this. What is wrong? My main problem with the meat industry is how the animals are treated. Why do we need to torture in such an inhumane way just to be fed? Many years ago when men would go out and hunt for food they would only kill what they needed, and use every bit of that animal. Native Americans were experts at this. But now it's heartless, and even though the food may be good, every time we do eat meat we are contributing to these horrible acts that go on today in slaughter houses. Be advised, I wrote this prior to "Food, Inc." WOW was that an eye opening documentary! And as of late my husband being in the hospital has also been a huge motivator to change my eating habits. Not so much guilt, but necessity.  

My husband is a meat and potatoes kind of guy, he is also the main cook in our home. What's a girl to do? (Not anymore! Red meat and starch is a NO NO for people with heart problems. He is now a salad and fish guy.) I need to find a happy medium. I need to find a Vegetarian cook book for people who can't cook. Oh and have no resources for ingredients other then a small town grocery store. Knowledge is power, yes it is. I have seen things about this industry, I have learned about the health benefits to eliminating meat from my diet. I consider myself an animal loving environmentalist. I just can't figure out why I am having such a tough time with this one. Any thoughts? K, as much as I understand, and sympathize with the "old me," I am no longer seeking guidance on how to do something I want to do, I'm living it. So what are my new challenges with food? Ingredient labels!! 

My husband can't eat a lot of Sodium, Trans fat and Saturated fat. Yeah well those 3 ingredients are in EVERYTHING! The best way to keep these things out of his diet is to eat Vegan (eating no animal or dairy products at all.) This is HARD. So we're going to take baby steps...

We will keep fish in our diet, it's like #1 on the heart healthy list of what to eat. Egg whites, at this point i'm not ready to lose my wonderful yummy eggs. And grilled Chicken breast. We can do so many meals with chicken and our kids love it. Very limited Cheese & butter, slowly eliminating it all together. And of course we are eating TONS of fruits and veggies. 

Hummmm. Fish, chicken, eggs, cheese and butter. Doesn't sound Vegan at all! Moral of the story is we are trying. We are making permanent changes & I fear if we do a 180 degree change it won't last. I think in the end if we are eating a vegetarian diet with fish every now and then I will be ecstatic! 

I used to think the whole "Knowledge is power" part about food meant knowing how the animals are treated, and the processes our food goes through to get onto our table. But I have to say as important as that is, knowledge is power can sum up finding out my husband has heart issues. We have the knowledge now we are taking the power and eating right. 

Sheesh! Sorry, I didn't realize this post had gotten so long. Hope I kept you entertained. I would love any recipes you would like to share for healthy yummy food :)  

au revoir, adieu, ciao, till next time... 

Why Yes, Yes I am 30!

Yesterday I turned the big 3-0. A few days ago I was practically hyperventilating in my bathroom looking in the mirror saying "I'm 29, in a few days i'll be 30! 30!! AAHHHH I'm going to be 30!!!" I was seriously freaking out. And that gray hair popping up in my hair wasn't helping a bit. Then the big day arrived, and something happened... I was excited! WHAT?! What had felt like an ending of an era the day before now felt like a beginning. 


Speaking of beginnings, here I am some 29 years ago. And yes, I still love me some Oreo cookies!

Here are the top ten reasons turning 30 is AWESOME!


10. I have a wonderful husband & 2 amazing kids
9. I have my own sense of style all my own (thanks Target!) 
8. Life is GREAT (contentment is the best!)
7. Getting carded makes me smile :)
6. Laugh Lines (only a few i swear)
5. I don't need to find myself anymore, I know who I am
4. I'm still younger than most of my friends!
3. I get to join a whole new demographic group for marketing surveys (yippy!)
2. 5 more years and I can be President! (VOTE for LIZZIE!)
1. 30 is the new 20!


So you see, it's not so bad :) I had a great birthday with my family. Here's a little music for you all: 

au revoir, adieu, ciao, till next time...

Upping My Game

Many wonderful documentaries and literature are out now a days giving us insight into living a better life, making better choices and "Saving the Planet." Two that I have gained a lot of knowledge from are No Impact Man & Food Inc. . I am shocked at the huge differences my family and I have made in the right direction. Shocked because it seemed so effortless, so necessary. I don't feel like a Planet crusader or a Tree hugging hippie, I feel like a person who is just more aware and making intelligent choices for my family.

Some of the simple things we do are recycling, and I mean everything, anything at all that can be recycled we do. Doing this has cut our garbage out take by more than 50%! WOW. Our garbage can used to over flow come garbage day, now... I could go 3 weeks without a trash pick up and it still isn't full :) Part of the trash reduction is using reusable stuff a lot. I always take reusable bags to the grocery store and we reuse some of our things for other purposes. Like mason jars, jelly jars and spaghetti jars. My kids LOVE collecting things in jars, we have a great sea shell collection in the kids bathroom. Simple simple things.

There are difficult things to get used to as well. Like food. I LOVE fast food and eating out, probably because I don't like to cook. Changing our food choices and eating habits has been hard for me. I can't in good conscience eat a lot of the things I used to eat. I know too much now. I know the impact my eating, and the companies I used to support have on my children's health and the Earth they will some day inherit from our generation. But armed with this new found knowledge has also made shopping more fun. It narrows down the choices, makes decisions easier. I'm quite indecisive so this really helps :) We have started getting our produce from local farmers markets and McLeod Farms, My meats now come from Ovis Hill Farms, while I'm there I also pick up my Dairy shipped from Happy Cow Creamery . Oh and I get the best soaps from Harvest Moon Soapworks.Yes I still go to a normal grocery store, but I don't buy much there. It's amazing how many things in those aisles are truly bad for you. Not just for your body or the environment, but the companies they represent. The keys to our new eating habits are knowing where our food comes from and what's really in it.

The benefits are endless with the changes we have made. We all feel better! My kids understand where food comes from, and they are excited to try new things. We have also planted a huge garden in the backyard, I'll be shocked if anything actually grows since I do not have a green thumb at all. But, it's been fun working on it with the family.

I still make mistakes, I don't do everything right... I choose to drive my kids to school instead of utilizing the school bus that passes my house, I can't say no to a Krispy Kreme donut, I use the air conditioning way too much, and I love buying new books to put on my book shelves instead of borrowing them from the library.

This is a long post, I'm sorry. If you stuck around I encourage you to learn about where your things come from, watch Food Inc., it will change your life. And visit Local Harvest to find the farmers and great choices in your area. Oh and by the way, I don't mind if you call me a "Tree Hugging Hippie," I kind of like the label these days :) Thanks for reading!

au revoir, adieu, ciao, till next time...

My Parents Kick Butt

This past Saturday, September 12th, many people across our great nation stood together on Capital Hill, my parents were there!



From my mom: "Most of what you've heard on "mainstream media" is incorrect, as usual. Tons more people were there then they say - over a million......absolutely nothing to do with "racism", everything to do with out-of-control spending in Washington that is bankrupting this country & worry over our liberty and freedom of choice with an administration that believes we are too stupid to take care of ourselves. And the thinking that the government needs to "control" more of our life. NO WAY!



All the people there were so polite and average All-Americans, not these radical crazy people the news is reporting. Wow, what an eye opener of just how "left" and government run the media has become. WE WERE THERE!!!! We saw it first hand!"

(there's my mama!)

Many gathered in Washington for a massive rally organized by conservatives claiming that President Obama is driving America towards socialism. The size of the crowd shocked the White House.

Demonstrators massed outside Capital Hill after marching down Pennsylvania Avenue waving placards and chanting 'Enough, enough' waving U.S. flags and holding signs reading 'Go Green, Recycle Congress' and 'I'm not your ATM.'

The focus of much of the rally was the president's so-called 'Obamacare' plan to overhaul the U.S. health system.

-excerpt from Daily Mail

(look it's like that scene from "Forrest Gump"!)

Thanks mom and dad for standing up for what you believe in and for helping my children have a brighter tomorrow :)

I know many people will disagree with what you guys did in Washington, but I don't care. I am just proud to be the daughter of parents that don't back down and have taught me the value of freedom. I love you so much.

*photos courtesy of my dad's cellphone

au revoir, adieu, ciao, till next time...

Wired On Diet Pepsi Randomness

I thought I would share some random hoopla because I have had too much caffeine this morning and can't seem to get my mind to stay on one subject (is it just me??)

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My mini-munchkin started gymnastics this week. I am THRILLED. When we first got to AZ she didn't want to do it anymore. Out of nowhere last week "mama, can i do gymnastics again?" YES!!!

Unfortunately I do not like the studio I signed her up with. She knows her stuff, even though she's 5, she's had over a year of training. This class was a bunch of kids goofing off, jumping on trampolines, etc. The coaches didn't even show them proper technique?!?! I know I sound like such a whack job, but I paid for lessons, not "happy fun time." I will be looking into other options.

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Football is going well, we are planning the football opening game jamboree right now. What's that you ask? It's like a carnival with football scrimmages being played at the same time. It also means I will be manning our teams booth, hopefully other moms will help so I don't get stuck doing it the entire time!

My son picked the #12 this year because it was my hubby's old football number. How cute is that?

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Did you know I have 3 tattoos (well, technically 4 because one was covered up) and I love them all.

Yes each one has a "story" or meaning. blah blah blah, I'm sure no one is that interested. Did they hurt? I say no, but everyone is different. YES I want more. 2 actually, on my sides. A Gladiolus on my right side and a Daffodil on my left. These are the flowers for the months my kids were born. I am still working on bribing my hubby into letting me get them. (Sorry mom!)

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Why can't people put their shopping carts away when they are at the grocery store? Is it really that hard to walk 20 feet and put it away in the little cart return slot? Every time I go to the grocery store I am forced to park in the South 40 because every spot close to the door is occupied by some shopping cart a lazy person couldn't put away!!! *ggrrrr*

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I have been obsessed with folk music lately. Damien Rice has been on my iPod non stop this week. Not sure what it is about Irish Folk singers that make me get all OCD and download all their songs. Darn them.

Here Have a listen:
(don't forget to pause the music player in the upper right of this blog)

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It's still hot in Arizona. I miss trees, water, being outside...

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Weight loss, slow going but still going :) I am loving my kick boxing class. It is the only work out that works my back. I like putting on my boxing gloves and getting all my aggression out. And of course they are pink boxing gloves. My grandfather used to box, he'd be proud.

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Well, I think my caffeine is wearing off (OH NO!) I am off to slice a million lemons for a Bunco fundraiser tonight. We're raising money for Relay For Life and guess what the chick who can't cook was asked to bring? Yup, lemons for the drinks. Perfect. So if you happen to be in the Phoenix area and want to support a good cause shoot me an e-mail or if you are not in the area you can donate! Just click the picture for more info.

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I hope you all have a fabulous, wonderful weekend. Sorry for the long rambling post. Goodness, I just looked at how much I typed, sorry!!!

au revoir, adieu, ciao, till next time...

Is it wrong to WANT to slap someone?

The city of Phoenix is doing something super cool this year. It's a program called "The Culture Pass." Here's how it works: Culture Passes can be checked out like books. Each pass grants admission for up to four people to the museums, zoos, gardens and other places that are taking part. The best part? IT'S FREE!

When a friend told me about this Culture Pass thing, I was so excited. What a wonderful way to take your kids somewhere fun and educational and save a few bucks! WRONG oh boy was I WRONG!

I arrived this morning 15 minutes before the library opened (the passes are handed out first come first serve) kids in tow, ready to pick up my pass for some summer fun. Stood in line like a good mommy waiting my turn. The doors opened... CRAZINESS!

pushing

swearing

cutting in line

rude ladies

running

It was a mad house. Within 5 minutes every single pass was gone, we didn't even get one. My kids were so bummed. The thing that really bugged me was that many people had multiple passes (you are supposed to get 1 per family) I saw someone with 8. I asked if she was going to use them all, she barked at me sternly "YUP!" and passed them out to her kids so it looked like she only had one. WHAT?!

What I learned today is people are willing to ruin other peoples fun for their own personal gain sometimes. Adults are willing to shove a child in order to get what they want. That we will not be going to all the museums and cultural events I had hoped this summer :(

Here's what puts it all into perspective though: As we were leaving my son looks up at me and says "It's alright mama, we have a bunch of crafts at home, I'll paint you some art. And it's already free!" That's right buddy, I'd choose your homemade art over anything else in the world.

au revoir, adieu, ciao, till next time...

Kindergarteners & Nutjobs

What do you think about all the Pomp & Circumstance surrounding Kindergarten Graduations? The munchkin will be finishing up his kindergarten career this Friday, and while I am incredibly proud of him, I don't understand why these little people are being treated like they graduated college?! They have special outfits and hats they need to wear, they have a class party. That's all fine and wonderful. I am talking more about the overboard moms:

Graduation invitations to everyone in suburbia, catering companies called, party planners, photographers, everything! Some women have been planning their child's kindergarten graduation party for months! Doesn't that seem a little excessive to anyone but me?

My little man did a great job in school this year, even changed schools halfway through it. I am amazed at all he has learned and how hard he has worked. I have a great bag of goodies for him to celebrate including a bunch of books for summer reading, activity books and a few action figures he's been wanting. But what he'll also get is a very proud mommy and daddy!

I want my munchkins to know how important school is, but I also want them to understand there is more to come. I will throw the BIGGEST college graduation party you have ever seen, and you're all invited! But, not this year. Not for a 6 year old. Goodness.

What are your thoughts? (please take no offense if you planned a ginormous kindergarten grad party, every one is free to do whatever they want... i just might think you're a little loopy that's all, ha ha)

au revoir, adieu, ciao, till next time...

The Breakdown

Sorry for no American Idol review this week, my DVR completely went wacko and forgot to tape it, I think this may be the breaking point in our relationship.

This week is insane! Monday I was grouchy, like I even bugged myself grouchy, yeah... that bad. The Munchkin had a zoo field trip, I chaperoned. Imagine 30+ kindergartners, doesn't that sound fun? I've also been hauling all our crap, oops I mean stuff, to the new house.

Still waiting for the dumb shutter installers to come. Those poor guys, if they don't hurry up I am gonna have to go all crazy on them.....soon. I want my window treatments, and I am tired of my install date being pushed back for the 3rd time *grrr* Then today I was grouchy again (what is up with that?! Must be losing my mind.) My hubby has completely stopped listening to me, I think he's shutting me out in fear that my "crazy" might be contagious.

So tomorrow the kids and I have a play date with a complete stranger, fun fun fun. But first I will be attending my first Weight Watchers meeting. I am so nervous, are they gonna make me stand in front of everyone in a sports bra and spandex shorts like on "The Biggest Loser"? God help us all if they do. Like I said, This week is insane. Hope your week is going well. Till Next Time

What Would You Do?

"Latchkey kid or latchkey child refers to a child who returns from school to an empty home because his or her parents are away at work, or a child who is often left at home with little or no parental supervision." ~Wikipedia

Today my neighbors kids knocked on my door. As my husband opened the door I thought "again?"

These 2 sweet girls have knocked on my door quite a few times, every time with a different story:

door was locked
phone was missing
lost the spare key

This time the reason was that the phone was dead. Hum.... I didn't buy it. Their mom is a single mother who works crazy hours and is NEVER home. I offered them an ice cream sandwich, they refused. They used our phone and went back out into the dark night. 30 minutes later the door bell rings and it's those adorable little faces again. "Can we use your phone, I think we dialed the wrong number" YES, anything you guys need!!! Again I offer them some food and if they want to stay inside and watch a movie with us, again they refuse. "We'll be alright."

When they called whomever I got more of the story:

"Mom didn't pay the phone bill again, do you know where she is? OK, I understand... No we'll be fine. When will she be home? Oh... can you come pick us up? No? Oh I see, yeah we can sleep here alone tonight. Thanks anyway, Bye."

WHAT?! Are you kidding me? I am just supposed to send them out my door and act all cool with these kids being left alone all the time? I do keep an eye on the place, but this is just ridiculous! My parents used to work long hours, and I often let myself in after school. But I always knew where they were or how to reach them in case of an emergency. And they NEVER just left me over night!

My heart breaks for them, what would you do?

Ta Ta for now

Good-Bye Dear Wolf

(This is my Moment this week because I am going to miss these beautiful animals once they are all gone)

*Before you read further below please refer to a post I wrote a while ago titled Howling To Be Heard.

The Gray wolf is one my all time favorite animals, and Defenders of Wildlife posted a sad article yesterday that I HAVE to share with you. During President Obama's campaign he said he would fight for animal rights and redo the Endangered Species act... I guess he was kidding.

Here is the article:

Not a good day to be a wolf

Same bad plan for wolves
Salazar strips federal Endangered Species Act protection from wolves in Idaho, Montana

WASHINGTON – Today, Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar announced he has decided to follow the Bush administration’s flawed decision to remove the protections of the Endangered Species Act from wolves in Idaho and Montana.

The following is a statement by Rodger Schlickeisen, president for Defenders of Wildlife:

"Today is a truly disappointing day for Americans who care deeply about the Northern Rockies wolf population and for the integrity of the Endangered Species Act. We are outraged and disappointed that Secretary Salazar has chosen to push the same, terrible Bush administration plan for wolf delisting just six weeks into President Obama’s administration.

"We all expected more from the Obama administration, but Defenders of Wildlife will now move to sue Secretary Salazar as quickly as possible.

"Just three days ago, we were thrilled when President Obama stood before employees of the Department of the Interior, with Secretary Salazar at his side, and vowed to ‘help restore the scientific process to its rightful place at the heart of the Endangered Species Act.’ Yet today, Secretary Salazar announced that he is adopting a rule that is just as flawed now as it was when the Bush administration issued this appalling plan. Americans voted for change last November. Today Secretary Salazar gave us more of the same discredited approach to conservation followed by the Bush administration for the past eight years.

"All the reasons why this plan was a bad idea when the Bush administration proposed it still stand today. If this rule is allowed to stand, nearly two-thirds of the wolves in the Northern Rockies could be killed. This plan would undermine the goal of ensuring a healthy, sustainable wolf population in the region. Secretary Salazar’s terrible decision leaves us no choice. We will stand up for wolves and endangered species conservation by moving immediately to challenge this delisting in court."

The following is a statement by Suzanne Stone, northern Rockies representative for Defenders of Wildlife.

"Nothing about this rule has changed since it was rejected and deemed unlawful in a federal court in July of 2008. It still fails to adequately address biological concerns about the lack of genetic exchange among wolf populations in the northern Rockies and it still fails to address the concerns with the states’ wolf management plans and regulations that undermine a sustainable wolf population by killing too many wolves.

"We had hoped for a new delisting plan, based on current science that provides for a healthy, well connected wolf population in the region. Instead we are forced to, once again, challenge a bad rule forcing the expenditure of time and money that would have been much better served towards developing responsible state management plans.

In short, President Obama lied and I'm mad *gggrrrrrr* Now I have to go figure out what I am going to do about it! Have a good weekend everybody.

This "You're Gonna Miss This...Moment" inspired and linked back to
Pam @ You're Gonna Miss This . Remember to cherish every
moment God has given us.

Ta Ta for now

Chugging Along

Do you ever wonder how women all over the world stay sane? I do. I wonder why I have not been admitted to a loony-bin. Seriously, I can't believe my ability to keep it all together in crazy, stressful times. So to all you mothers and wives out there, I tip my hat (even though I don't have a hat on... you get the idea) to you all.

I have totally lost my "center," my mental place of comfort. I really should start doing yoga again.

Yes, the house hunting journey is still continuing. We are settling into Arizona well. Everything is just all new and out of the ordinary for us which makes tensions high among my hubby and I. I love him dearly, but there are times I want to smoother him with a pillow in his sleep. Oops, did I say that out loud? I mean hug and kiss him :)

Unfortunately in all this change my blog has been the neglected part of my life. (well, laundry & dishes too.) I will be doing my best to update here more now that things seem to be settling down a bit.

I think that's about it for now, sorry I can't be a bit more interesting. All my energy is going to not "taking out" my hubby. Shoot, I mean snuggling with him...

Ta Ta for now

*Grrrr* I'm Grumpy

OK, to give myself credit, I haven't been in this bad a mood for quite some time. So, I feel I deserve a good rant (thank you very much!)

I have been on the phone with about 100 different customer service representatives ALL DAY LONG! That is enough to make any one go coo-coo. All I am trying to do it get my old utilities from this house turned off and my new utilities in the new house turned on. Sounds simple right? NO it is far from easy.

I seriously want to break something! (don't worry pretty pink laptop, i won't sacrifice you to my anger, unless you crash on me and lose all my information... then, well, maybe.)

Have you ever NEEDED to talk to these people and waited an hour listening to slow lullaby elevator music only to have them say "I'm sorry Mrs.(your name here) But, you are not authorized on this account, we can no longer talk to you."

WHAT?!? I pay you, I make the checks out to you, what do you mean i'm not authorized? And why did I have to be on hold for an hour to be told that? AAHHHH

The worst people to deal with is the Power company, the old one won't turn off my service because... you guessed it, i'm not authorized. And the new one won't hook up my service unless I give them a letter from my previous power company showing I pay my bills. I am stuck.

Sure my hubby could call, swoop in and save the day. But, he get's home after business hours, go figure. So as it stands now we'll be eating dinner by candle light in the new house and the lights will be shinning brightly in our old one.

I sent the kids off to nap early today so that I could calm down, no need to get snippy at them.

Tonight my girlfriends are taking me out for good-bye dinner and drinks. We have a designated driver all set up. And I am SO in need of some drunken girl time, should lift my spirits. :)

Thanks for listening, this therapy session has been nice. How much do I owe you?

Ta Ta for now

Down the Isle again, and again, and again, and again...

Why is it that going to the grocery store is such a big deal? When ever we are running low on food and goods Joe and I wait till the last minute to see if the other one is going to go. Before we had children, this was not the case. I loved going, seeing all the wonderful food arranged so nice, wondering what concoction I could come up with. Now, not so much.

Now I have Munchkin and Mini-Munchkin in tow. Could someone please tell me why they don't make kids seats in shopping carts fit them till they are 10? Something about the grocery store bring out this evil side in both my children. They don't throw hissy-fits like those scenes in movies when a mom takes her toddler to the store. But, some how i still leave the store frazzled.

Currently we are good on food so let's just take a sigh of relief for a second. (Woo Hoo!) Here's a preview of a typical "grocery store event" from the top:

• Entering the store one child is always way behind, reluctantly walking in the parking lot. "Please hurry up, you're going to get run over! Stay close to me when we're in a parking lot, i mean it!"
• After getting a cart that actually roles I have to convince Audrey that she "wants" to ride in the cart. "But sweetie, won't your little legs get tired?" One child immobile is SO much easier.
• Then we're off: zig zagging up and down each isle grabbing what looks good, never mind that we have a grocery list. Have you ever tried to hold one of those with two kids around? "Mommy I wanna hold it!" "NO, I want to! Not fair! Gimme!" Hence the list is usually ripped in half and I am flying blind.
• As we shop there are occasional spontaneous Olympic races that take place. Zane always wins. "Get back over here? Do you need to have a time out?"
  
• Towards the end Audrey gets out, tired of being trapped and I can't convince her to stay in the shopping cart any longer. Then the craziness begins!! "Stay near mommy please"
  
• Both kids are now bored, and want to go home. So they misbehave, only minor infractions at first, but it gets worse...
• Come checkout time, people around me must wonder what is wrong with my kids. Arms raised in the air like a chimp ready to attack (they sound like it too) they start running around the movie kiosk. "Zane and Audrey, right here, right now!"
• Could the check out lady go ANY slower? I seem to always be stuck in the wrong lane. "Children! I mean it, get over hear!" giggles coming from behind the magazine rack fill the store.
• Still waiting, come on lady, pick up, scan, repeat. How hard could that be?
  Now the kids have found the handicap check writing tales that pop out of the counter. "Stop opening that to see if it will smack your sister!" Smoke is now coming out of my ears.
• Shaking and irritated, not quite sure where I am anymore, i finally get to leave. "Come on guys, time to go home."
  
• Parking lot to the car is a breeze, not sure why. Wonder what the two of them are plotting on our way to the car. "Stay with mommy."
• In the car, we made it! Success! Thank You Lord for helping me get out of their alive!

Crap... I forgot milk. NOOOOOOO!!! "Everyone out of the car again."


Ta Ta for now

Oh My Aching Back!

I am in pain, I think our bed is out to get me. A few years ago Joe and I purchased one of those "Sleep Number Beds" and it really is cool. He gets to have a rock hard bed, and I get to have a soft fluffy bed. Well, lately the pump thingy (yes, that's the official term, ha ha) hasn't been working quite right and I feel like I've been sleeping on the ground covered in rocks. Sounds comfy huh?

Sure the easy solution would be to give the company a call so they can fix it. But, guess who keeps forgetting to do that during regular business hours? Yup, me. Come bedtime is when I remember. OUCH!

I think tonight I might go sleep in Zane's bed, his is the most comfortable bed in the house. So today I am going to hobble along hunched over trying desperately to conquer the growing laundry mountain that has taken over my life. Please say a little prayer for me today.

Ta Ta for now

The Anti-Bumper Sticker

Let me start by saying that I have nothing but respect for southern history and the role it played in forming this great nation, and the people here are SO nice. With that said...

HOW MANY FREAKING PALM TREE STATE FLAG BUMPER STICKERS DO I HAVE TO SEE BEFORE I DIE!

I know not everyone likes bumper stickers, I do. Or at least I did. They let you know a tiny bit about the driver in front of you, and sometimes even make your day a little brighter. I always felt like whatever I put on the rear of my car was a bit of self expression. A great way to send a message to the world.

Here in South Carolina apparently every driver is saying the same thing "Hi, I live here!" NO WAY!! WOW!! THAT'S AMAZING!!

I know I am sounding quite rude, Sorry, that isn't my intention. I just don't understand why everyone here has the same bumper sticker? Palm tree with a crescent moon, the state flag here in this fine state. You see them in every color, polka dots, camouflage, stripes, every combination possible. I get that people from here are proud, I am extremely proud to be California born and raised. But I don't have a giant CA state flag plastered all over my car, I do however have a sticker supporting the effort to keep Lake Tahoe Blue and clean.

Oh well, I guess it's a stupid thing to worry about, to each his own. If you are from SC could you do me just one favor? Branch out just a little, for me, please? I need something else to look at when I am driving on the highway. Thanks.

Ta Ta for now