tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22066289017266786972024-03-14T01:13:18.807-07:00Sunshine BombWelcome to the Sunshine Bomb. It's fun, like a Jager Bomb but without the hangover!
Just a working wife and mother of two humans, two canines, and one equine seeking the bright side amidst the chaos...Sunshine Bombhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03350690334219558770noreply@blogger.comBlogger31125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2206628901726678697.post-81845396493065763952013-05-10T12:39:00.001-07:002013-05-10T12:39:20.209-07:00Games for Tired Moms<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">As of late I've been working a lot. A ridiculous amount actually. It has lead to increased drinking, reduced sleeping, and your basic stressed induced insanity. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">To ease the anxiety of my present lifestyle I was forced to invent some new games to remain involved with my tiny humans while exerting the least amount of energy. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Read on, you never know when you may need to pull these tricks from the big bag of parenting... </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">1) <b><i>Let's Play Puppy!</i></b> Mommy will lay on the couch, toss a ball, and children pretend to be puppies fetching ball! This was fun for at least 20 minutes - with a few small breaks between but for 1 and 3 yr olds, that's pretty damn good. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">2)<i><b> Let's Play Pretend Sleep!</b></i> This is a fabulous game in which all players lay down and pretend to be sleeping. Yep, that's it. For unknown reasons fake snoring is highly fun for children which is especially excellent for sleepy parents. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">3) <i><b>Painting Mommy's Toenails!</b></i> This game can be tricky. It should only be done outdoors. WARNING: You might walk away with a seriously scary pedicure. However, the end result is the same. Mommy gets to stop moving for at least 15 minutes while child is happily and safely occupied. It's worth the extra money you will spend on polish remover, trust me. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Parents/Grandparents/Sitters and Childcare Givers of all kinds hope you will find these little games helpful on your next exhausted night... And the <b><i>Bright Side</i></b> is that when the children tire of these "motionless" games there's a Starbucks on nearly every corner offering tasty caffeinated beverages. ROCK ON with your tired self!</span><br />
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<br />Sunshine Bombhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03350690334219558770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2206628901726678697.post-28334779472987110912013-04-12T08:43:00.001-07:002013-04-12T08:44:52.201-07:00Bad Egg? <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I love being a mom, and most of the time I feel like I'm fairly decent at this all-encompassing role that shapes and builds another life from the ground up, no pressure... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />However, there are days that I have to question my skills... Such as this particular day in which I found I apparently have zero ability to make acceptable Easter Eggs. Evidence below... </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Not only did we make the eggs 2 weeks AFTER Easter</b>, I failed to read the 3-step instructions correctly. Yes, just 3-steps. I will blame this on the fact that I am busy, working 10-12 hour days and still making my best attempt at motherhood in which sometimes a <i>Better Late than Never</i> policy must apply. </span><br />
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<i><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">What went wrong? </span></span></b></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">While my perfectly boiled eggs underwent the fascinating process of dying, the shells actually started to peel. Who knew the shell could peel? This was my first clue something may have gone wrong. I quickly pulled all floaters and re-read said instructions. Oh yeah, water to dilute the vinegar.... OOPS! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I then proceeded to panic and added way too much water! This solution was not much better. </span><br />
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">We had to wait three-times as long for color absorption</span>.</span></i></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">And even after tripling the dye-time, the color was weak, I could possibly call them pastel. The pink was no longer visible to the human eye and of course this is the daughter's favorite color... I definitely sensed the disappointment and questioned, as mother, <span style="font-size: large;"><b>am I a bad egg?</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Looking at the <i><b>Bright Side</b></i>, with 1 and 3 year-olds you can pull off a few of these absolutely ridiculous pinterest fail type activities and they are none-the-wiser. However, I better get my #*$ together soon because I know all too well that sooner or later they will be on to me. A scary thought, and you can't let 'em smell fear!</span>Sunshine Bombhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03350690334219558770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2206628901726678697.post-9928043799707428882013-04-05T10:55:00.001-07:002013-04-05T11:37:34.504-07:00Welcome to Ponyville<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">There's something important that we must discuss immediately...</span><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Who is responsible for naming the <a href="http://www.hasbro.com/mylittlepony/en_us/" target="_blank">My Little Ponies</a>? </span></span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">And who the "H" approved said names? </span></span></i><ul>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Seriously. I cannot get passed it. As a former lover of the MLPs, I grew up anti-Barbie and Dolls. I was all MLPs all the time and Friendship really <i>was </i>Magic. But I swear to the Holy one they had normal names back in the day. Names like Applejack. What happened? </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo from "imisstheoldschool.com". Me too myfriend!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">If you're not familiar with the newly named ponies, let me enlighten you with a few of my faves. </span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Scootaloo:</b> A Pegasus Pony possibly named by someone obsessed with the childhood tune "Skip to My Lou". Which, by the way, I just learned on the 100% true Wikipedia was a popular tune during the Frontier Period and used at "Play Parties". Since dancing was frowned upon, "play parties" consisted of participants clapping to create music and hopping about while swapping partners. Who knew? </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Pinkie Pie: </b>I couldn't make this up and I'm not even sure where to go on this one but it seems like something an overly-hormonal teenage boy may have conjured... And PS - Her full name, spoken by her mother in <a href="http://mlp.wikia.com/wiki/The_Cutie_Mark_Chronicles" title="The Cutie Mark Chronicles">The Cutie Mark Chronicles</a>, is <b>Pinkamena Diane Pie</b>. Again, I'm at a loss. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Cheerilee:</b> The person responsible for this brilliant gem of a name may have been a cheerleader back in High School. The "Cheerleader" years may have been the peak of this pony-naming individual's life and therefore that person paid tribute to that time of life. It's all I got.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Twilight Sparke: </b>Twilight Sparkle is an Alicorn. I'm sure you're aware but just in case you are not, an Alicorn is a Pegasus Unicorn Princess Pony. Awesome. Twilight Sparkle also sounds as though she may have earned her way into Ponyville on the pole. </span></li>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I was briefly saddened at the whack names of the ponies of now. But then I looked at the <i>Bright Side</i> and realized I appreciated the names. They sparked my imagination and gave me confidence that one day I may have an "in" at Hasbro. I'm pretty sure I can do better than those sparkle-gem-apple-crusted-sing-songy-WTF names. For starters, how about these ditties I came up with in under 2 minutes: </span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Nutters</b>: A bay colored pony with corresponding light-colored Peanuts on the hiney. Cute, right?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Honey</b>: A Palomino with tiny honey bees on the butt. This name is inspired by the horse named Honey of my past that attempted to "Stop, Drop, and Roll" while I was still in saddle. Fact.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Biscuit</b>: A marmalade shade, this pony bears the stamp of tiny Grandville Biscuits on the booty. </span></li>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">And now, in case you wish for more My Little Pony knowledge or plan to host a MLP Trivia game, much of the info on this post was acquired via this site: <a href="http://mlp.wikia.com/wiki/List_of_ponies">http://mlp.wikia.com/wiki/List_of_ponies</a>. I encourage you to visit and warn you that you will be shocked at the level of information available. I question who on the planet Earth had the time to spend to create this website? It is really above and beyond the call of Ponyville Duty - if only someone had spent this amount of energy on the names... </span><br />
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Sunshine Bombhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03350690334219558770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2206628901726678697.post-40356536751943779302013-03-20T07:40:00.001-07:002013-03-20T07:40:33.068-07:00Pinterest Perfect Decorating, Courtesy of the Sunshine BombPinterest Peeps! You will positively fall in love with these easy DIY decorating ideas. Hell, they're so simple your children can help!<br />
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<b>Let's begin with what I call <i>Tea Party to Go</i>. </b><br />
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You can clearly see that possibilities abound with this clever yet functional decor idea. Simply toss tea party supplies absolutely anywhere and you'll not only sprinkle your floor with tea party fun, you are also ready for crumpets any time, any place. <br />
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<b>Next up is the <i>Fancy Wine Thing Stashed in a Corner.</i></b><br />
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<i> </i>A two-foot tall wine decanter that absolutely exudes elegance while neatly stashed in the corner of a home office for over 3 years, always longing to release the bouquet of a fine wine... A convenient location that could double as an adult "time-out" corner with a robust bottle of red.<br />
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<b>And lastly for this entry of Pinterest Perfect, <i>Closet Art. </i></b><br />
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I know what you're thinking! What a FABULOUS way to dress up a closet! And it's as easy as spending countless hours searching for that precise piece of art that will make a room and then prop it up in a closet for months on end. <br />
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There's no need to go searching for the <i><b>Bright Side</b></i> in this tale of DIY tips, it's obvious. Not only will you save yourself a pretty penny by not hiring an over-priced decorator, but you will find that you are the envy of all your friends!Sunshine Bombhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03350690334219558770noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2206628901726678697.post-653972894995192102013-03-08T13:23:00.002-08:002013-03-08T13:23:56.829-08:00"Wish in One Hand....<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>....Shi* in the other. See which one fills up first!"</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">In my experience it has never been the hand holding the "wish." Ahh, one of my father's favorite smart-ass responses. And I have to admit it's a pretty good one, one that I found myself pondering late last night as I sat up watching trash TV and "wishing..."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">In this case I was wishing I had the money of the "<a href="http://www.bravotv.com/the-real-housewives-of-beverly-hills" target="_blank">Real Housewives of Beverly Hills</a>" so I too could be traversing Paris with friends and sipping the bubbly. <span style="font-size: large;">Versus facing my actual reality which consisted of dealing with week 6 of the Puke-Fest of 2013, a sink full of dirty dishes, an over-flowing laundry basket, and an inbox full of unanswered emails, i.e. work. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">But as I always try to find the <i><b>Bright Side </b></i>(wine helps) this case was no different. Instead of being angry I attempted to explore all the reasons why my life is oh so much better than the "RHOBHs..." </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">1) As a RHOBH you are apparently expected to sport 4-5" heels at all times. While I love a fabulous heel as much as the next girl, I'm not sure I could pull that off for miles of shopping the strip. I feel fairly confident I would be quickly escorted out of the club if I arrived wearing a "Stride-Rite". Ok, even I wouldn't do that but you get the point...</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mH31mbbcxME/UTpWk_c43gI/AAAAAAAAAR4/aMe7jHJ5zFk/s1600/real-housewives-beverly-hills-net-worth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="246" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mH31mbbcxME/UTpWk_c43gI/AAAAAAAAAR4/aMe7jHJ5zFk/s320/real-housewives-beverly-hills-net-worth.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo via: www.celebritynetworth.com</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">2) Even while enjoying the amazing view of Paris from the Eiffel Tower with a glass of amazing Champagne, you will still be faced with drama. During this particular episode two wives rehashed a ridiculous misunderstanding that had happened months ago. Really? Is this necessary NOW? In Paris? At the Eiffel Tower? Really?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">3) Pressure to spend. I cannot help my frugal nature and I have a feeling even if I were rolling with some serious bank, I'd still be practical. Practical doesn't exist with these so-called "Real" housewives. I recall an episode in which <a href="http://www.bravotv.com/the-real-housewives-of-beverly-hills/season-1/its-my-party-and-ill-spend-if-i-want-to" target="_blank">Taylor spent over $50,000 on her daughter's birthday party</a>. And her daughter didn't even like it!!! My daughter will be turning 4 soon and all I can say is, <span style="font-size: large;"><i>Wow! I sure am lucky that I don't have to spend $50 large on a party! </i></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">4) You cannot over-consume alcoholic beverages in peace. It would seem every time one of the so-called ladies goes a little overboard there's an intervention, a twitter-outbreak, and suddenly everything you do is scrutinized. Don't get me wrong, I can't understand what Kim is saying either, but hey, we all have our moments. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Sooo... I'll take my dirty dishes and puking children and rock on in my Stride-Rites. They can keep Paris! Was any of this convincing at all?</span></span>Sunshine Bombhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03350690334219558770noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2206628901726678697.post-86447444254711075972013-02-27T11:36:00.002-08:002013-02-27T11:36:34.331-08:00Gold Nuggets<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Back in<span style="font-size: small;"> the</span> college days my roommate and I would frequently discuss how intensely our lives would improve <i>if only</i> we could locate the lost gold nuggets. We consumed a <span style="font-size: small;">great deal</span> of alcohol when we had these discussions and never did discover<span style="font-size: small;"> </span>the missing nuggets. PS - I find "nuggets" to be a hilarious word <span style="font-size: small;">and therefore wi<span style="font-size: small;">ll abuse <span style="font-size: small;">the term</span></span></span> throughout this post. </span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Chb3-vi40EE/US5NKEOQRdI/AAAAAAAAAQ4/gNCSdRxWgAI/s1600/gold+nuggets.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Chb3-vi40EE/US5NKEOQRdI/AAAAAAAAAQ4/gNCSdRxWgAI/s200/gold+nuggets.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Photo via gemrockauctions.com)</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">In any case, while I don't have any <i>real</i><span style="font-size: small;"><i> </i>solid</span> gold nuggets to share amongst friends, I have learned a few things along this bumpy road of motherhood and perhaps some of you will feel "enriched" after reading. That said, enjoy the nuggets. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">1) <u>Never say never</u>. Just don't. If you choose to take the risk and say "never," do understand that this is actually<span style="font-size: small;"> a form of</span> foreshadowing. For example: Upon viewing an unsightly display at a neighbors home <span style="font-size: small;">I professed in a judg<span style="font-size: small;">emental manner, </span></span>"I will NEVER have a plastic kid playhouse in my backyard or multi-colored bins over-flowing with toys. I will have nice storage bins that are perfectly organ<span style="font-size: small;">ized and labeled <span style="font-size: small;">a la <a href="http://www.potterybarnkids.com/products/bulk-bins/?cm_src=AutoCatRel" target="_blank">P</a><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.potterybarnkids.com/products/bulk-bins/?cm_src=AutoCatRel" target="_blank">o</a><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.potterybarnkids.com/products/bulk-bins/?cm_src=AutoCatRel" target="_blank">ttery Barn</a><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.potterybarnkids.com/products/bulk-bins/?cm_src=AutoCatRel" target="_blank"> Kids</a>.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">" <span style="font-size: small;"></span></span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ndYVUaW9304/US5VtFo3YwI/AAAAAAAAARQ/FRI1FwJwilc/s1600/plastic+playhouse.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ndYVUaW9304/US5VtFo3YwI/AAAAAAAAARQ/FRI1FwJwilc/s200/plastic+playhouse.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">OR, I'll wake up one day to find I have a big plastic house in my backyard and a multi-colored toy bin with absolutely no organization whatsoever. </span></span></b> </span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">2) <u>Natural birth vs Epidural</u>. I've tried both and surprisingly lived to tell the tale. Of course birth stories are lengthy<span style="font-size: small;">,</span> the full story may come in a future post, and I realize everyone has their own opin<span style="font-size: small;">i<span style="font-size: small;">on o<span style="font-size: small;">n <span style="font-size: small;">the matter</span></span></span></span></span></span>. <span style="font-size: small;">But the bottom line is this: </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>If you prefer not to puke purely due to pain, take this nugget and get yourself an epidural.</b> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">3) <u>Breast</u><span style="font-size: small;"><u>feeding</u>. </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">This is an import<span style="font-size: small;">ant nugget that will save you future disappointment and <span style="font-size: small;">prepare you mentally for what is to come</span>. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">To me, brea<span style="font-size: small;">stfeed<span style="font-size: small;">ing <span style="font-size: small;">wa</span></span></span></span></span></span></span>s similar to a DIY project<span style="font-size: small;"> that <span style="font-size: small;">becomes tw<span style="font-size: small;">o<span style="font-size: small;"> or <span style="font-size: small;">more like </span>8 times more diff<span style="font-size: small;">icult tha<span style="font-size: small;">n you thought it woul<span style="font-size: small;">d be. <span style="font-size: small;">Bonus breastfeeding nugget<span style="font-size: small;">:</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">You will find many articles </span></b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">that assure you</span></b><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">nipp</span></b><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">le soreness will sub</span></b><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">side wi</span></b><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">thin a week or so, </span></b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>that's a sham.</b> </span><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">4) <u>Wea</u><span style="font-size: small;"><u>pon<span style="font-size: small;">ry</span> for chil</u><span style="font-size: small;"><u>dren</u>. <span style="font-size: small;">I love <span style="font-size: small;">the movie "<a href="http://disney.go.com/brave/index.html" target="_blank">Brave</a>" <span style="font-size: small;">and so does my 3 year old daughte<span style="font-size: small;">r.<span style="font-size: small;"> (<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Side<span style="font-size: small;"> not<span style="font-size: small;">e: watch Bra<span style="font-size: small;">ve</span></span></span></span> shortly before enjoying adult be<span style="font-size: small;">verages and you may find yourself speaking with a Scottish acc<span style="font-size: small;">ent. An unexpected but super fun side eff<span style="font-size: small;">ect<span style="font-size: small;"> that <span style="font-size: small;">will most likely <span style="font-size: small;">annoy everyone in your presence which clearly makes it all the mo<span style="font-size: small;">re fun</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>). In any case, <span style="font-size: small;">it's likely<span style="font-size: small;"> a poor choice <span style="font-size: small;">to <span style="font-size: small;">give</span> a 3 year old a b<span style="font-size: small;">ow<span style="font-size: small;">-</span>and<span style="font-size: small;">-</span>arrow. <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">However,<span style="font-size: small;"> my</span></span> loving husband <span style="font-size: small;">decided it was fine<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">. <span style="font-size: small;">Within<span style="font-size: small;"> 30 seconds of child handling b<span style="font-size: small;">ow<span style="font-size: small;"> she sna<span style="font-size: small;">pped her own chee<span style="font-size: small;">k leavin<span style="font-size: small;">g a <span style="font-size: small;">large<span style="font-size: small;">, red, welt. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Say it with me, "You'll shoot your eye out kid!" </span></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">5) <span style="font-size: small;"><u>Poop and other gross stuff</u>. Talk about nugge<span style="font-size: small;">ts. J<span style="font-size: small;">ust a <span style="font-size: small;">warning to get over yourself and know you'll be handling <span style="font-size: small;">these items consistently for the next several years of your life.<span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">6)<span style="font-size: small;"> <u>Time Management</u>.</span> <span style="font-size: small;">I've definitely <span style="font-size: small;">found </span>that while I <span style="font-size: small;">thought <span style="font-size: small;">I was busy before child<span style="font-size: small;">ren, I'm now wondering wha<span style="font-size: small;">t I <span style="font-size: small;">could <span style="font-size: small;">have possibly be<span style="font-size: small;">en doing. I thought I "d<span style="font-size: small;">idn't have time" for networking groups, working out, or other such a<span style="font-size: small;">c<span style="font-size: small;">tiv<span style="font-size: small;">it<span style="font-size: small;">ies that I'm no<span style="font-size: small;">w do<span style="font-size: small;">ing along WITH hav<span style="font-size: small;">ing children, running a business, and writing a blog. Hmmm, <span style="font-size: small;">sort of<span style="font-size: small;"> felt a small s<span style="font-size: small;">ense of accompli<span style="font-size: small;">sh<span style="font-size: small;">ment after t<span style="font-size: small;">yping up thi<span style="font-size: small;">s littl<span style="font-size: small;">e nugget. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">7) <span style="font-size: small;">And finally,<span style="font-size: small;"> a Sunshine Bomb exclu<span style="font-size: small;">siv<span style="font-size: small;">e<span style="font-size: small;">, The S</span>ecret Nugget.<span style="font-size: small;">..</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Start each morning by putting on your best ball gown and then shot-gun a beer.</b> </span></span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z8oZlpcsYic/US5XBi9gCnI/AAAAAAAAARY/jyE85jWHq60/s1600/ball+gown2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z8oZlpcsYic/US5XBi9gCnI/AAAAAAAAARY/jyE85jWHq60/s200/ball+gown2.jpg" width="177" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></span></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">No matter what <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">catastrophes <span style="font-size: small;">befall you<span style="font-size: small;"> throughout the day<span style="font-size: small;">, you'll <span style="font-size: small;">loo<span style="font-size: small;">k back and recall that moment that you <span style="font-size: small;">p<span style="font-size: small;">ounded a bee<span style="font-size: small;">r<span style="font-size: small;"> in <span style="font-size: small;">your best dress<span style="font-size: small;"> just a few hours prior<span style="font-size: small;"> and this knowledge will make you s<span style="font-size: small;">mile. Ok, in all honesty I've never tried this but it sounds <span style="font-size: small;">lik<span style="font-size: small;">e a potentially good idea. <span style="font-size: small;">But <span style="font-size: small;">i<span style="font-size: small;">n all honesty, <span style="font-size: small;">I have found that waking up and a<span style="font-size: small;">pplying <span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.olay.com/skin-care-products/anti-aging-products/intensive-repair-treatment?pid=075609191138" target="_blank">Olay Regenerist Intensive </a><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.olay.com/skin-care-products/anti-aging-products/intensive-repair-treatment?pid=075609191138" target="_blank">Repair Trea</a><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.olay.com/skin-care-products/anti-aging-products/intensive-repair-treatment?pid=075609191138" target="_blank">tment</a><span style="font-size: small;"> is a <span style="font-size: small;">fabu<span style="font-size: small;">lous idea.</span></span> It doesn't show great reviews on th<span style="font-size: small;">e website, but I <span style="font-size: small;">personally feel I've seen a reduction<span style="font-size: small;"> in <span style="font-size: small;">wrinkles and fine lines and what more can I ask <span style="font-size: small;">for?</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> <br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">In conclusion<span style="font-size: small;"> I will examine the</span></span> <b><i>bri</i></b><span style="font-size: small;"><b><i>ght s</i></b><span style="font-size: small;"><b><i>ide</i></b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> of the <span style="font-size: small;">solid gold nugget. </span></span>While parenthood is <span style="font-size: small;">difficult<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">, most likely t</span>he hardest thing you will e<span style="font-size: small;">ver do,<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> all the cl<span style="font-size: small;">iches are t<span style="font-size: small;">rue</span></span> in that it is also the most <span style="font-size: small;">am<span style="font-size: small;">azing thing you will ever do. But on th<span style="font-size: small;">ose diffi<span style="font-size: small;">cu<span style="font-size: small;">lt days <span style="font-size: small;">I've<span style="font-size: small;"> found </span>a simple solution<span style="font-size: small;">.</span></span> <span style="font-size: small;">A</span>side from wine consumption</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">, I highly sugge<span style="font-size: small;">st rea<span style="font-size: small;">d<span style="font-size: small;">ing some humorous parent<span style="font-size: small;">ing </span>blogs<span style="font-size: small;"> <span style="font-size: small;">which will <span style="font-size: small;">immediately make you aware you're not alone!! And as parents, AKA Warriors, we sho<span style="font-size: small;">u<span style="font-size: small;">ldn't be! </span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> Sunshine Bombhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03350690334219558770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2206628901726678697.post-63198316868330832292013-02-13T20:50:00.001-08:002013-02-14T09:02:48.627-08:00Disney Rasta Princess? <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I have to know, what UP with the hair on the Disney Princess dolls? Has anyone else noticed that it becomes un-combable within moments of being placed within your childs eager hands? Perhaps at 3 my daughter is too young to maintain the pre-packaged coif? But somehow I don't think that's it. The Strawberry Shortcakes and My Little Ponies remain silky... </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">In the end I've decided they all may need an alter-ego to match their newly adopted alternative hair. I invite you to meet the Disney <i>Working </i>Princesses... </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>RastaBelle</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0wXPAtTPVQA/URxoZ4qaehI/AAAAAAAAAPo/trT7nKsxZG8/s1600/Belle.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0wXPAtTPVQA/URxoZ4qaehI/AAAAAAAAAPo/trT7nKsxZG8/s1600/Belle.JPG" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Stunning in her silky, metallic, golden-rod yellow ball-gown, RastaBelle has chosen to go the Rasta way allowing her Auburn mane to become dreadlocks. Some believe the change may have come as a result of time spent dating an actual wolf-mangling beast. NOTE: She has been treated for mange and is good to go! Accessories may include: Tie-dye ball gown and peace pipe. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Up-All-Night Aurora </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />Bedazzled in pink, you'll find Up-All-Night Aurora to be the perfect pairing for your coke and/or immensely over-caffeinated energy drink habit. She sports a cutting-edge do that requires no combing, no stying, just frizz and go. Accessories may include: Over-sized coffee mug and Shiv. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Snow-Wrong</b> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0lEPnVBefxo/URxq7t8u6kI/AAAAAAAAAQI/_X_lM2sP7wc/s1600/Snow+White.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0lEPnVBefxo/URxq7t8u6kI/AAAAAAAAAQI/_X_lM2sP7wc/s1600/Snow+White.JPG" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">After years of befriending small wild rodents, birds, and the like, Snow-White decided to don a new look she appropriately calls "the Nest." With a density similar to that of tightly woven sticks and small branches, her wooly mane doubles as an animal-friendly home while still allowing her to rock the club scene on weekends. Accessories may include: 2 decoy eggs to be placed in "the Nest" </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The <i>Bright-Side</i> of the bombshells with the bad shells? One less doll for the mom to brush and do hair. Even the 3 year-old knows there's no point in trying with this tragic Trio of the Evening... </span><br />
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<br />Sunshine Bombhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03350690334219558770noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2206628901726678697.post-71255859965314190922013-01-30T06:18:00.002-08:002013-01-30T06:35:45.015-08:00An Ode to the Big Brown Baby...<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The equine of the family has not gotten much love from this blog which may seem odd considering he is the largest member by about 1100 lbs. And since he adds much to my life, here's the story of how the Brazilian Thoroughbred Maximilliano came into my world....</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NQoiEa95a2o/UQi0hS5g7yI/AAAAAAAAAOc/D9BtdErLNJ8/s1600/Max.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NQoiEa95a2o/UQi0hS5g7yI/AAAAAAAAAOc/D9BtdErLNJ8/s200/Max.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">For as long as I can remember I wanted a horse. Doesn't every girl? And while I couldn't have my own, I did have a guinea pig which was almost as cool. Aside from the fact that it squealed all night, pooped on the carpet, chewed holes in my clothes, and you couldn't saddle it and go for a ride it was pretty much the same thing. Ok, not even close. But I one of my best friend's actually had horses and so occasionally I did do some riding - if you can call it that. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">A few things I learned during these various riding attempts:</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Yes, horses can read you like a book. I am a pushover and I distinctly remember when "Honey" decided to stop, drop, and attempt to roll while I was still in saddle. Thanks "Honey" for that teaching moment. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Approaching a happy horse in a grassy pasture with a lead rope hidden behind your back really just means, "run like hell" in horse. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">If a horse begins to pick up the pace without you asking, that momentum will continue if you do not choose to stop it. While galloping is fun, it's not advised for the amateur rider. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">It would take too long to get into the details of this event, but take it from me. Do not set one inexperienced rider on a horse and have them hold the reigns of another horse that is being ridden by a less experienced rider. You're really just asking for an unplanned rodeo. </span></li>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">With these "hard" lessons behind me I decided at the ripe age of 30 horses needed to be in my life again. For a hot minute I thought, "I would just buy one off ebay and figure it out!" But upon further thought, I opted for lessons first. By chance I found an amazing Natural Horsemanship trainer. Not that I knew what that meant, I just discovered this lady would teach an adult everything from the ground up which I needed as I didn't even know how to put on the saddle... For her privacy I won't mention her name here. But should you ever want the best in horse training from a true horse whisperer, email me here! This is a kind, humble woman who cannot help herself from helping others and she takes far too little credit. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">And so the lessons began and yes, I did feel like a total boob as the only student over 11. But the hours spent learning were well worth it and I'm about 97% sure they saved my life about 18 times. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">NOTE: Do NOT purchase a horse without taking lessons from a trusted horse mentor. </span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">And so eventually I met Maximilliano. He was the tallest, most handsomest horse in the barn and he had won over a hundred and fifty thousand dollars in his former career as a race horse. He was also the meanest SOB in the barn, ear pinnnig and biting every time I came near him. But I discovered he was for lease and hoped that with help perhaps there was a happier Max inside?</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JtBb7XRSje4/UQi0q_rrEzI/AAAAAAAAAOk/3WvATDdn8Aw/s1600/Horse.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JtBb7XRSje4/UQi0q_rrEzI/AAAAAAAAAOk/3WvATDdn8Aw/s200/Horse.JPG" width="145" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>My first ride with Max. </b>Sitting on a giant horse in a small round pen I'm told to ride around a bit, the trainer will be back in a few minutes. At least 17 minutes passed (but who was counting) and we didn't move an inch. Every time I suggested we move forward there was more ear pinning and more me discovering my inner wienie. But I didn't get tossed so I figured this was a good sign. When the whisperer reappeared she spent about 8 minutes having a "Come to Jesus" moment with Max. During this time nothing happened to him other than he had to run sideways which was apparently horrible for a horse. Max came running back to me a perfect Angel. I may have exaggerated a tad but the horse literally did a 180. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">With his new attitude Max proved to be my horse love and soon enough I wanted to buy him. For some reason my husband was not on board but it might possibly have been due to the incredibly outrageous cost of upkeep. Good thing I work in marketing and I created a very persuasive PowerPoint presentation that finally got me my horse. (I think Microsoft stole my idea for their dog commercial). And oh how I loved my horse! Every free minute I could sneak to the barn I was there. Of course about 9 months after I finally purchase the horse I've waited for my whole life I get pregnant... </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Clearly having a horse has been much more difficult after having children but the <i><b>bright side</b></i> is this: Horses have a way of calming people in the strangest way. It doesn't matter what ridiculous, overwhelming, stressful situation you are experiencing. When you are with a horse you forget it for that moment. I speak from experience. Having had my first child without the epidural (and not on purpose) and trying to power through with that BS breathing technique, the only thing that really helped calm me to some small extent was thoughts of my handsome brown baby who loves gatorade and peppermints and now both of my children...Thank you Max. </span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aR99XCVywhI/UQi6Hmo0ikI/AAAAAAAAAPA/e0Ix111mns0/s1600/Max+in+stall.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aR99XCVywhI/UQi6Hmo0ikI/AAAAAAAAAPA/e0Ix111mns0/s200/Max+in+stall.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-knNBVRViGpg/UQi6PxSWryI/AAAAAAAAAPQ/WvX-VRHfQjM/s1600/Riley+and+Max.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-knNBVRViGpg/UQi6PxSWryI/AAAAAAAAAPQ/WvX-VRHfQjM/s200/Riley+and+Max.jpg" width="178" /></a><br />
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<br />Sunshine Bombhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03350690334219558770noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2206628901726678697.post-48630823574451882172013-01-16T10:23:00.001-08:002013-01-16T10:23:22.139-08:00Thank You for the Music<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>I want this documented</b> because I'm a realist and I know this shiz won't last. My kids actually enjoy my singing. They ask me to sing to them. I'm not going to be joining Glee anytime soon because truly, <b>nobody</b> (else) enjoys my singing and therefore the ratings would tank. Otherwise I'm sure the show producers would call and ask me to do a guest appearance. Anyway, my children DO like my singing and sometimes, a mommy needs that.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /><b>This morning was one of <i>those </i>mornings. </b>Unfortunately (for all involved) the man of the house has had the flu for 4 days and has been less like the man of the house and more like the useless lump of the house. It's been all mommy all the time and I was tired. My entire human hurt because I have been panic exercising in an attempt to insta-remove excess holiday weight by doing "explosive" lunges I read about in <a href="http://www.womenshealthmag.com/fitness/home-workout" target="_blank">Women's Health</a>. (I apologize to any neighbors that may have been witness to the "explosive" lunging.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>In any case</b> I finally dragged myself from the safety of my bed and pretended to be bright-eyed and bushy-tailed. I even made a "blender". (For those unfamiliar, a "blender" is essentially a smoothie but my daughter named it a blender because... it's made in a blender). The blender is a fair amount of work for an overly-tired, pre-caffeinated mommy. It requires going above and beyond with multiple ingredients, cleaning the blender, cutting fruit, etc. But the children love it so I made it. Plus, the blender offers the perfect portable yet healthy option when we're running late to my daughters pre-school. We are always running late. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Within 4 minutes</b> of handing the children their little cup of sunshine the 1 year old drops his while attempting to carry his cup in addition to two enormous stuffed animals. And thus the downward spiral begins... We are already running late but now I am cleaning a sticky floor, cleaning a sticky child, cleaning sticky stuffed animals, and preparing a new portable breakfast option. You will be impressed to know I did do all of this (silently cursing) and managed to arrive a mere two-minutes late to pre-school. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>But the saving grace of the chaotic morning, the <i>Bright Side</i></b>, was getting in the car and the kids requesting "We Are Young" by <a href="http://www.ournameisfun.com/" target="_blank">Fun</a>. Thank you children! This was not a Disney Classics kind of morning. And thankfully, they like to hear it loud and everybody sings at the top of their lungs. Even the 1 year old is yelling something incomprehensible. And all former frustration is temporarily gone. Rock on my friends. Rock on. Even if the other children and parents are staring in disgust and possibly horror as you roll into pre-school with your blaring bad voices be loud and be proud. Because for that moment of sanity, it's worth it. </span>Sunshine Bombhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03350690334219558770noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2206628901726678697.post-83108330295993273402013-01-07T12:54:00.001-08:002013-01-07T12:54:46.055-08:00A Poop in the Hand...<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Just last evening</b> I was responding to another <a href="http://im-still-learning.com/2013/01/03/my-children-are-growing-up-like-it-or-not/" target="_blank">blog post</a> in which a mother was sadly packing up her children's old favorite toys and reflecting on days gone by. I was empathizing in a big way, sobbing as I typed. I'm pretty sure PMS may have been a factor. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Even though </b>my children are
only 1 and 3, I totally have break downs thinking of them growing up too fast. I find this to be especially true
when I watch <a href="http://disney.go.com/toystory/" target="_blank">Toy Story 3</a>!!<span style="font-size: small;"> </span>Damn that movie. I feel I can never throw another toy in the garbage even though the truth is, some<span style="font-size: small;"> </span>toys NEED to go there...</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>In any case,</b> shortly after I experience my dramatic and sentimental moment the 3 year old comes
running into the house yelling, "Moooommmyyy, Riley's holding poop - in both hands!!!"
Awesome. <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">For a split second I ponder, <i>i</i></span><i>s a poop in the hand worth </i><span style="font-size: small;"><i>two in the bush?</i> </span></span>Aaaahhh... a sobering dose of reality that reminds me it's not all ponies and rainbows<span style="font-size: small;">. A</span>nd it only gets worse... </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>I run outside</b> and grab the child and force him to toss the stiff dog poop. I then rush him into the bathroom and decide,<i> "maybe we'll do
bath time a little early tonight"</i>. As I prepare him for the tub he proceeds to do a little decorating in the form of peeing all over the tile and newly washed bath mat. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /><b>As if on cue,</b> my daughter comes dashing into the bathroom slipping into the pee. The good news is that we're in the bathroom, water is running, and they are both promptly placed in the tub as I place towels over the <span style="font-size: small;">dis<span style="font-size: small;">aster zone</span></span> and dream of the additional laundry I get to do tonight. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>It was unfortunate</b> that my hubby chose this moment to "ring me" from his 5-star hotel in Miami. Poor guy, he had to work on a Sunday<span style="font-size: small;">. E</span>ntertaining clients the night before<span style="font-size: small;"> <i>having</i> to</span> tak<span style="font-size: small;">e</span> them to the <a href="http://www.bcsfootball.org/" target="_blank">BCS Championship game</a>. He called to let me know he was, "heading out for the night<span style="font-size: small;">,</span> taking an armored limo to go party in South Beach." WTF? He'll pay for this. Maybe not now, but one day...</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>To top it all off</b> I simultaneously have cookies baking, possibly burning. One of those things that was supposed to be fun to do with the kids but was basically just a big giant<span style="font-size: small;"> shi* storm</span>. Since the post holiday extra poundage they were supposed to be "healthier" cookies baked with wheat flour. Idiot of an idea.Cook<span style="font-size: small;">ies were </span>bland and dry as hell and now I have to clean that up too. At least the kids thought they were am<span style="font-size: small;">a<span style="font-size: small;">zing<span style="font-size: small;">! Probably not a l<span style="font-size: small;">ot of time left to fool them on my baking skills...</span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
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<h2>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">But the <i>bright side</i> is, of course, the reminder I was given that perhaps children growing up (slowly!) is not all bad. I might <i>not</i> miss the daily intimate encounters with the peepee and the poopy</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">. But for now, I'll be t</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">hankful for my</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> friend... <a href="http://www.bacardi.com/us/lda" target="_blank">Bacardi</a>.</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> Thanks for being there for me friend, and with zero carbs too. That'<span style="font-size: small;">s real </span>friendship. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></h2>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wR93R0Bo3P8/UOpE6h2s5RI/AAAAAAAAANg/Ze81yMULTug/s1600/bacardi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wR93R0Bo3P8/UOpE6h2s5RI/AAAAAAAAANg/Ze81yMULTug/s320/bacardi.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<h4>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span></span></span></span></h4>
<br />Sunshine Bombhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03350690334219558770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2206628901726678697.post-75624955467963407222013-01-03T07:08:00.000-08:002013-01-03T07:08:02.058-08:00Is 3 Too Young for a Musical? <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: large;">AND THE SURVEY SAYS!!! Maybe? </span><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--E0RRYN5JKY/UOUdPDV211I/AAAAAAAAANM/5io4050s3u0/s1600/Calli+at+musical+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--E0RRYN5JKY/UOUdPDV211I/AAAAAAAAANM/5io4050s3u0/s200/Calli+at+musical+(2).jpg" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A little camera shy. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I love musicals but generally have no one to go with me or no time to go. Until NOW. NOW I have a tiny human that doesn't have a choice in the matter. But truly, I do hope to instill in her a love for live performance and was thrilled when the spouse surprised me with two tickets to <a href="http://www.marypoppins.com/" target="_blank">Mary Poppins</a> the Musical as a Christmas gift. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I have always believed in the philosophy that life does not stop once you have kids. Things definitely do NOT always go as planned and definitely DO always take four times as long as you planned, but it doesn't stop. That said I've trucked both kids with me just about every where that is kid appropriate since they were born. Occasionally a liquor store which technically might not be considered kid appropriate but the other shoppers understand - you have kids and you may require a sip of something significant now and again or every evening just after 8pm.... </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">All this said I know my daughter is a good kid and she can be trusted in public to at least <i>try</i> to do her best. However, I was clearly nervous in taking her to a live show. She hasn't sat still for over 30 seconds since conception. In other words, it has never happened. Visions of angry theatre patrons giving me the evil eye danced in my head... Alas, we were going to a show! We would do our bestest. Read on for the breakdown. It may help you decide to show, or not to show...</span><br />
<ol>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The musical had a 2pm start date and it's a 35 minute drive. The problem with this scenario? Nap time generally begins around 1pm. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Naturally no nap took place. This heightens the potential for bad behavior, tantrums and the like by approximately 82%. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Around 12:30 I again proclaim my excitement in that the "girls" get to go to a show. Response: "Mama, I don't want to go. I want to stay home with my brother because I love him and he's my best friend." While endearing, we're going. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Thankfully a fancy dress with ruffles, velvet and bows can do wonders. Some call this child bribery. I call it a win-win. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Additionally, she has a Disney music CD and decides she is excited to hear them sing "Chim Chim," as she calls it. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">By the time I'm finally able to get us both dressed and happy with our dresses I'm running late. It's no surprise and more like the story of my life. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I pack us into the vehicle and proceed to speed. As we round the exit for the parking ramp the child passes out. Finally taking that over due nap. Great timing. Great. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">No time to mess with parking I take a spot on the top floor of a six-floor parking ramp about two blocks from the theatre. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I foolishly decide to let the child sleep a few more minutes and attempt to carry her hurriedly to the show. This proves challenging as I'm wearing heels. But hell, I can do it! I did Disney alone with two kids in JULY. I can do ANYTHING!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I cross the parking ramp carrying the additional 27 lbs. Thank God she's light. As I reach the elevator it has a tiny hand-written sign that reads, "Elevator broken. Sorry for any inconvenience." </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I reach into my fancy handbag and pull out my mini chick gun and proceed to shoot the elevator until the bullets run out. The gun part did not actually happen but I envisioned this scenario and instead moved on to the stairs. There was no time to cross to the front of the ramp and walk further away from the theatre. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">By the time I reach the bottom the child is awake and thankfully happy and excited we're going to a show. I think the fact that there are little girls and their moms everywhere decked out in pretty dresses heading to see Mary Poppins may have been essential. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">We find our seats and I'm thrilled to discover that not only are we 3 minutes early, we're seated in gallery seats that are near the door and on the end placed next to another mother with small children. We may have been able to touch the ceiling of this several story theatre, but there is a time and a place to be seated in the nosebleeds and this is one of those times. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Thankfully I have prepped the child for two days on the importance of being quiet and to whisper if she needs something during the show.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Unfortunately I did not prep the child for two days on the importance of NOT needing something every 30 seconds or the importance of sitting still. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Withing two minutes of the opening I feel the tap tap on my knee. My little darling "has to go pee pee." She is instructed to wait. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">During the next 12 minutes I am told she has to go pee pee at least 17 times. In case you're not a math whiz, that is more than once per minute. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">During the same 12 minutes I'm asked repeatedly when we will hear "chim chim". </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Finally I can't take it anymore and we rush to the restroom. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Clearly on our way back to our seats we hear "Chim Chim" from the hallway. Of course. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">During the next hour I'm tapped on multiple occasions for questions on what's happening and told three or four times, "I have to go poopy sooo bad." </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Again I give up and we hike it quickly to the restroom. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Shortly thereafter is the intermission. Thank God! We can talk, walk, stretch. I will not be purchasing refreshments as I'd prefer to spend the rest of the show in our seats vs the restroom.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">After moving from her seat to my lap to the floor and back again twice she finally settles on my lap and passes out cold. Again I THANK GOD! While I'm sorry she missed the end, it may have been necessary for everyone's sanity. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">And then, like deja vous, the show ends and I proceed to carry the sleeping child down 5 stories in the theatre - following hundreds of people that have no where to be and are not heaving another human. I begin pushing people down the stairs without regret. Ok, that didn't happen but again, I did imagine it for a minute. Alas, I forge on the two blocks to the parking ramp and then up the the six flights to my car. Curse the heels. Curse the heat. My back muscles are now beginning to spasm, I'm sweating, my hair is flat yet frizzed and the look on my face deters others from commenting. Wise choice.</span></li>
</ol>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">And would I do it again? In a heartbeat. For all my sarcasm I'm incredibly sentimental and teared up at least nine times looking at my daughter's face light up during this show, literally the <i><b>bright side</b></i> of this adventure. And would I wear the heels again? Indeed. I'm just not ready for a sensible flat. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
Sunshine Bombhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03350690334219558770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2206628901726678697.post-63125936381933595722012-12-25T19:52:00.000-08:002012-12-25T19:52:09.966-08:00Christmas Morning...<h4>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">No need to search for the <i>Bright Side</i> today. It's right in front of me... great day to be a mom. </span></h4>
<h4>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span></h4>
<h4>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Although it's true, this Kodak moment was followed up by a diaper blow-out of epic proportions. Alas, I won't be brought down today. Feeling so blessed! </span></h4>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D___OZObC8I/UNpzZYFrSrI/AAAAAAAAAMw/jnOr3_Xkjqo/s1600/Kids+Christmas+2012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D___OZObC8I/UNpzZYFrSrI/AAAAAAAAAMw/jnOr3_Xkjqo/s320/Kids+Christmas+2012.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Sunshine Bombhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03350690334219558770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2206628901726678697.post-46934536735751041322012-12-21T13:03:00.001-08:002012-12-21T13:03:47.339-08:00Life Lessons with Santa... <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Last year my daughter was 2 when we went to see the big guy in the sleigh. Here's how it went down: </span><ol>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">To avoid a panic situation, we practiced what to ask Santa for as a present multiple times for several days. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">We waited in the excruciating long line for over an hour with a 6 month old and a 2-year old singing, dancing, and practicing more. This was a real test of patience... </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">My daughter reaches Santa and is instantly scared, near tears. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I get the joy of sitting on Santa's lap with her on my lap. There's nothing more awesome than sitting on a strange man's lap who is dressed in a red fuzzy suit when you're a woman in your 30's. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Santa asks what she wants for Christmas. She blanks and I am envisioning the movie "<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0085334/" target="_blank">A Christmas Story</a>". </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">As we're walking away she finally blurts out, "a Jasmine" as I'm whispering in her ear. She really wanted the movie "<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aladdin_%281992_Disney_film%29" target="_blank">Aladdin</a>." She was close. </span></li>
</ol>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">This year we got smart. We arrived early, in line before Santa even arrived! When he did roll up, literally, he was riding this rad motorcycle decked out in Christmas lights with a Rudolph front fender. Only in St Pete...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gCk194cL-Jc/UNTLMAlgXUI/AAAAAAAAAMc/p38zU9pK4lc/s1600/santa.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gCk194cL-Jc/UNTLMAlgXUI/AAAAAAAAAMc/p38zU9pK4lc/s320/santa.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Alas, it was another Red Ryder BB Gun moment. We practiced but there's no preparing for the pressure of Santa's lap when you're 3. She really wants the movie <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0316396/" target="_blank">Peter Pan</a> but when asked what she'd like for Christmas we again got the blank stare followed by, "a movie." Of course Santa needed to clarify which movie and I instantly felt a Ralphie "football" coming on. She blurted out, "Cinderella!" Which we already own and have for 2 years. But she gets an "A" for effort! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">And the <i>Bright Side</i> beyond the hilarity of the situation, the joy of sitting on Santa's lap as an adult, and seeing Santa arrive like boss hog on his Harley? I think she received another good life lesson in how to deal with high pressure situations. Might as well start young, right? </span><br />
<br />Sunshine Bombhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03350690334219558770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2206628901726678697.post-7739967480803875562012-12-12T10:38:00.001-08:002012-12-12T10:38:33.638-08:00Bringin' Home the B...<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">...unny?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">It was just a matter of time really before a bunny entered our home. Try as he may, my husband couldn't argue with 3 animal lovers, he was out-numbered. And truly, who could say no to a 3yr old that genuinely takes patience and time to be gentle with small animals in every opportunity given. She earned the bunny. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></span><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ix4ByFWKxJE/UMgb2ypPcWI/AAAAAAAAAME/J7oTHvUTgpU/s1600/Calli+and+Hotchi.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ix4ByFWKxJE/UMgb2ypPcWI/AAAAAAAAAME/J7oTHvUTgpU/s200/Calli+and+Hotchi.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I've mentioned in the past that my life is already in a state of disarray, so perhaps adding yet another fuzzy mouth to feed may seem a bit crazy. And upon day 1 it was. So please, sit back and enjoy the <i>bunny tail..</i> </span><br />
<ol>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">It all started back in July. We visited a petting zoo and our daughter held a white bunny on her lap. It truly was love at first hop and I understood exactly how she felt. I grew up with small animals. Every kind they sell at the local pet store from guinea pigs, to rats, to bunnies. NOTE: Looking back my parents were incredibly patient to deal with those animals because let's be honest, while I learned some responsibility I am pretty sure I wasn't cleaning up after them daily... Umm... thanks mom. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">In any case, I slowly began the process of talking my husband into allowing me to get our daughter a bunny. This step took several months but at least it didn't take a PowerPoint presentation like I had to create in order to get the horse. (That's a true story. I was years ahead of that <a href="http://www.bing.com/videos/watch/video/microsoft-dog-ppt-tv-commercial/qm3dr7uv" target="_blank">Microsoft commercial</a> with the boy using PPT to get a dog). </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">We determine Christmas is the right time to get the bunny. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I begin my usual process of obsessing over the next big thing. In this case the obsession started with the bunny house. And wow. Who knew about the <a href="http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=13020072&f=PAD%2FpsNotAvailInUS%2FNo" target="_blank">castles</a> available for bunnies! Some bunnies may have more square footage than I do!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I begin my search for the actual bunny doing research as to what type of bunny will be right for us. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">A week into the search, a friend finds out I'm looking and of course she has a friend needing a home for a bunny. A free bunny with cage, accessories, food, etc. All great except of course the small fact that it is NOT Christmas. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I decide to take the kids just to "see" the bunny and gauge whether if might be a good fit for us - knowing full-well I may end up with a bunny and I may end up in trouble. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">On the drive home (bunny in box on the seat next to me) my husband calls and asks what we're up to. Before I can even answer a small voice from the backseat yells, "Mom! Don't tell Dad we got a rabbit!" The jig is up. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">We name the bunny. A very common choice... "Caramel Hotchi". "Hotch" for short. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I face the wrath of the spouse, who is thankfully fairly calm due to the fact that everything came free. Every so often his frugality works in my favor. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I foolishly attempt to allow the dogs to see the bunny - allowing them to run in the yard while we are behind the fence on the patio with the free-range bunny. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Dogs proceed to act insane as I try to stand on the edge of the fence and shout at them to calm down. I'm sure the neighbors enjoyed this. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Calming the dogs is a fruitless effort that ends in me tripping and actually falling through the fence and completely knocking a section down. I'm sure the neighbors enjoyed this even more.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Both children scream and cry thinking I'm hurt. And for the record, it did hurt although nothing more than a few bruises and heavily wounded pride. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">My daughter then makes me pinky swear that I'll never fall through the fence again. Good Lord let's hope not! I've never been called graceful but this was the first time I took out a fence. </span></li>
</ol>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">In the end the <i>bright side</i> is this. Caramel Hotchi s a fabulous bunny and I think I may have finally convinced my hubby that while the timing was wrong, the bunny was right! He doesn't bite, he's litter trained, and he loves attention. Thank God or the bunny poo would have hit the fan - or at least the fence! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">And I have to say, if you're looking for a bunny, visit the <a href="http://www.spcatampabay.org/site/c.7oIEJRPzGdIQF/b.8089137/k.BEA7/Home.htm" target="_blank">SPCA</a>. You may just find your own Caramel Hotchi and who doesn't want that? </span><br />
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<br />Sunshine Bombhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03350690334219558770noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2206628901726678697.post-89972432013767134082012-12-06T13:30:00.001-08:002012-12-06T13:30:20.994-08:00No Good Deed Goes Unpunished...<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I have a lot going on. An excessive amount of chaos really. However, even as the madness ensues I try to do the right thing. Try to follow the rules to a "T". I may not bake the best cookie or maintain the ability to whip up cute crafty crap, but believe me, I read gads on how to raise children and follow the advice. I took lessons for over 2 years when I decided to become an equestrian to be sure I was safe for both me and the horse. And being in marketing I try to read everything I can squeeze into my day about the latest and greatest way to sell the widget. I am honest and never play poker because I would only go broke.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">All this said, when the "<a href="http://www.keepsaintpetersburglocal.org/" target="_blank">Buy Local</a>" movement started to take off I really considered the concept and embraced the goodness of it. Apparently for every dollar spent in locally owned businesses it generates over three times the local economic impact as spending with national chains.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">As a majority of my family lives up north, I have to admit that for many years past I've done a lot of my Christmas shopping online with my friends like <a href="http://www.gap.com/" target="_blank">GAP</a>, <a href="http://www.toysrus.com/shop/index.jsp?categoryId=2255956" target="_blank">Toys 'R Us</a>, and <a href="http://www.bestbuy.com/" target="_blank">Best Buy</a>. But this year I made the decision that I would put in the time to shop our local stores and try to find as many gifts as I could and go that extra distance of shipping on my own. With two small children (1 and 3) and a husband that travels, I cannot tell a lie - this is a project and a pain in my as*! However, I like the concept and I think it's good to instill the value of community support in my children. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">So, I pack up the mini-humans pulling them away from their toys and dragged them to go shopping with me. We arrive in downtown St. Petersburg, my city and a place I love... aside from the parking. Damn those meters. However, I've been burned before and like I said, I follow the rules so I went out of my way to scrounge up all the quarters I could find before leaving home. I have the quarters in my pocket but opted to get the kids before plugging the meter because I don't want to waste 5 cents of time, clearly.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">We quickly rush in and out of a couple stores and approximately 12 minutes passes when I realize... SOB! The quarters are still in my pocket!! In my mad dash I forgot to feed the hungry meter! I rush the kids back to the truck but it's too late.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Got me. Forgive me if I am a little burned on Buy Local today. The money I would've spent is now going to my TICKET!! I know there are many, many worse things in life. But some days life is not fair. Alas, I will follow the rules and pay the ticket.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The <i>Bright Side</i> of buy local? Of course I found multiple new local shops that I will be sure to continue to patronize. My online shopping experience cannot compare to the passion shown by these owners. And since I do truly believe in supporting my neighbor I'll pass along some standouts I have discovered: </span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.paperstreetantiques.com/" target="_blank">Paper Street Market</a>: Forget Christmas shopping, I'm furnishing my house! </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://sweetdivaschocolates.com/" target="_blank">Sweet Divas</a>: Not only amazing "REAL" chocolate, but cute little stocking stuffer ideas.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://whimsodoodle.com/index.php" target="_blank">Whim So Doodle</a>: They made me feel like I "could" be crafty. Inspiring shop. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.savoryspiceshop.com/" target="_blank">Savory Spice Shop</a>: Spices are always a fun gift and this store is knowledgeable and they will ship! :)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://paciugo.com/" target="_blank">Paciugo</a> - Gelato: While this is a chain, I believe it is locally owned by a franchisee. And I will just say this, if you visit downtown St Petersburg don't be stupid. Get the gelato. It is worth every penny AND every calorie. </span></li>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">So go on and buy local! It's worth the effort, just be sure you actually USE the quarters... </span><br />
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<br />Sunshine Bombhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03350690334219558770noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2206628901726678697.post-26278154932249343312012-11-27T10:33:00.001-08:002012-11-28T04:40:21.444-08:00Christmas Card Superstar<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Yep. That's me. Christmas Card Superstar. Now that Thanksgiving is o<span style="font-size: small;">ver</span> I realize it's time to start thinking about the expected although dreaded "family photo Christmas card". Something I never imagined I would partake in as so m<span style="font-size: small;">any people send the photo<span style="font-size: small;">, </span>no<span style="font-size: small;"> personal message</span>.</span> Don't <span style="font-size: small;">get me wrong, <span style="font-size: small;">I like <span style="font-size: small;">the ph<span style="font-size: small;">otos and I <span style="font-size: small;"><i>get it</i>. S<span style="font-size: small;">ometimes <span style="font-size: small;">as a parent </span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">one simply doesn't <span style="font-size: small;">have time to spend hours wri<span style="font-size: small;">ting messages on <span style="font-size: small;">the back of a <span style="font-size: small;">holiday card. </span></span>But if</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> parenthood has taught <span style="font-size: small;">m</span>e nothing else, it<span style="font-size: small;"> has ta<span style="font-size: small;">ught <span style="font-size: small;">me the truth of</span></span></span> "never say never." (Although I still write a short message on the back of each card <span style="font-size: small;">hoping</span> this creates <i>some </i>level of personalization). </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZxCY89teXW4/UKxRDTu1X-I/AAAAAAAAAJY/a-8juUXtcCI/s1600/Christmas+Card+photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="255" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZxCY89teXW4/UKxRDTu1X-I/AAAAAAAAAJY/a-8juUXtcCI/s320/Christmas+Card+photo.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">In any case, each year I strive to get a <span style="font-size: small;">quality </span>photo in which all family members are smiling, eyes open,<span style="font-size: small;"> facing </span>the camera, hair and clothing <span style="font-size: small;">fairly cle<span style="font-size: small;">an</span></span><span style="font-size: small;">, etc</span>. <span style="font-size: small;">But t</span>his is apparently too much to ask. Last year one child was looking the other way but smiling, the other was looking at the camera but crying. And I t<span style="font-size: small;">hink I had a hole in my shirt.</span> I ran with it. There comes a point in which one must move forward. <span style="font-size: small;">I <span style="font-size: small;">probably <span style="font-size: small;">should have giv<span style="font-size: small;">en up and opted for this</span></span></span> thu<span style="font-size: small;">mb print card idea..<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">.</span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">But c</span>rying, eyes closed, hair out of place, etc, all pale in comparison to the rockin' card I made the first year my daughter was born. The photo was actually perfect. Everyone was smiling and happy laying on a blanket on the beach facing the camera. It was truly cute, festive, and frame worthy.... until of course you read the printed note. The one in which I wrote the Merry Christmas <span style="font-size: small;">message </span>from each family member including both dogs and the horse but FORGOT to include my daughter. Pretty much the only person in the photo anyone cared to see. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Shortly after I sent my adorable family photo Christmas cards I noticed I had received many emails and a <span style="font-size: small;">few </span>voicemails. At first I thought perhaps I was hearing from long lost friends to chat about that cute baby on the card. Ummmm, no. They were calling to inform me I was a <b>complete momo</b> and forgot to include my own daughter on the freaking family photo Christmas card. While it was great the ho<span style="font-size: small;">rse </span>said hello, they found it strange the new mommy left out the child. Embarrassing to say the least. Although my mother was kind enough to offer that she thought I left her out on purpose since I signed the note on the back <i>from my daughter</i>. Thanks mom. But it's ok. I can handle the truth... </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The <i><b>bright side</b></i> of this tale of Christmas card embarrassment? I did have a memorable card amongst the many and it did lead to lots of contact with old friends<span style="font-size: small;">..</span>. But will I ever live that down? Need a Sunshine Bomb. </span></span></h4>
<br />Sunshine Bombhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03350690334219558770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2206628901726678697.post-8146631946212975152012-11-19T12:56:00.000-08:002012-11-19T12:58:50.435-08:00Attack Squirrels? <h3>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Just curious, when did squirrels cross the line of becoming straight up attack animals?Just saw this posted at the park. Should I truly be concerned about a gang of street tough squirrels taking me down? </span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I guess the <i>bright side</i> is that they appear to be unarmed... </span></h3>
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Sunshine Bombhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03350690334219558770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2206628901726678697.post-74281655861795054992012-11-14T11:06:00.000-08:002012-11-14T11:06:49.617-08:00Jedi Mind Trick for Parents<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Do you find yourself endlessly aggravated as you toss out countless amounts of food and dump gallons of milk down the drain that your children did not or will not consume? It feels like hundreds of dollars going to waste, not to mention my time in preparing it! I could not handle it anymore. Hence, the Jedi mind trick. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Now, as I'm scraping approximately $4.42 worth of chicken and vegetables into the trash I tell myself, "they ate so perfectly tonight. I'm so happy I was able to spend 1 hour and 48 minutes preparing this meal and spent $22 purchasing it. They are really going to grow big and strong by eating this healthy, home-cooked meal. I could have easily gone the easy/cheap route and fed them a 50cent hotdog, but I'm so happy I went the extra mile and paid the extra buck!" </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Of course they didn't eat well. Both the money and time were basically a bust. However, if they HAD eaten the food it would still be gone. Soooo.... to end my insanity I will fool myself into to believing the food went into their tummies vs my trash. And until I discover a Jedi mind trick to actually make them eat the food, I would suggest parents</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> take my advice and start fooling yourself. The next time you're at the heaping garbage can you may just find yourself thankful for that little Sunshine Bomb. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">And of course the <i>bright side</i> of all of this... my dogs always come immediately when called because hey, they're opportunists and they sure as hell won't pass up a good plate of left-overs. </span>Sunshine Bombhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03350690334219558770noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2206628901726678697.post-20346755345174778142012-11-09T11:53:00.003-08:002012-11-09T11:53:47.394-08:00Goldilocks and the 3 Potty Chairs...<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">There's new trend in our house. Apparently the potty chair in the "child" designated bathroom is too tall, the mini "child" potty chair is too small, but the mommy potty chair is JUUUUST right. </span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RVp-Rn2ooiw/UJxw8Px07wI/AAAAAAAAAIc/NKeeqb2Df-A/s1600/princess+potty+chair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RVp-Rn2ooiw/UJxw8Px07wI/AAAAAAAAAIc/NKeeqb2Df-A/s200/princess+potty+chair.jpg" width="185" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Each night for the past two weeks I've been awakened at about 4am to the startling sound of tiny feet tearing into my room and straight to the bathroom. After a few moments pass I hear the tiny feet approach as I'm told, "mommy, I just <i>had</i> to use your potty chair." Then the tiny feet quickly pitter-pat back across the house into the darkness. I'm never sure what I'll find in the morning...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">While I don't necessarily appreciate the 4am wake-ups, I guess the <i>bright-side</i> of the nightly surprise visits by the Restroom Goldilocks is that at least she is using a potty chair and not a mattress, diaper, or something worse... </span>Sunshine Bombhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03350690334219558770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2206628901726678697.post-1345749555443191942012-11-01T08:43:00.002-07:002012-11-01T08:43:48.336-07:00Top 10 Reasons for Halloween Duds<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">You've seen them. You know the houses I speak of. The neighbors that are mysteriously absent each year on Halloween. No lights, no festive decor, and most certainly no candy! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I remember these houses when I was a kid on a candy hunt and now taking my own children trick-or-treating I see the Halloween duds are still in effect. Since the majority of my friends and neighbors blow it out on Halloween, I was trying to conjure up some ideas as to why some people choose to be rotten pumpkins on Halloween.... Feel free to add your own ideas. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">10. Lack of will-power. They cannot come within 100 feet of candy or binging takes place. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">9. They spent all their candy money on crack. It happens. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">8. Laziness. Some people simply cannot be bothered to buy the candy and then spend an entire hour or two passing it out to kids whose parents spent either way too much time, money or both on costumes. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">7. They hate tiny humans. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">6. Perhaps they have a bumb hip or knee and cannot get up and down frequenty to answer the door. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">5. They have had really bad dental experiences and an abundance of cavities and can no longer support sugar-intake of any kind. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">4. Full-Time Dud. Some people are just cranky, no-fun, duds in all aspects of their life. Halloween is just one more opportunity to be a stick-in-the-mud.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">3. The home owner is an actual witch and offened by a holiday that makes a mockery of the black magic. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">2. Bad childhood experience. Maybe a super lame Halloween costume that lead to teasing. (Mom, that one is for you. Do you remember the owl made out of cardboard and a gunny-sack? Thankfully I'm not scarred.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">1</span>. Fear. I must admit that every year on Halloween I get a little freaked out as I feel it is the perfect time to murder someone. Everyone is in costume and quite frankly they could lay your dead corpse on the front lawn and people would just assume it was a really great score from a Halloween store. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">But the bright side to having Halloween Duds in the neighborhood is that they make my minimal effort consisting of a few strings of lights, some pumpkins, and of course the candy look great! Thanks Duds and Happy Halloween.</span> <br />
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Sunshine Bombhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03350690334219558770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2206628901726678697.post-39248261209178859512012-10-23T07:06:00.000-07:002012-10-23T07:06:12.215-07:00Can I Slap My Nanny? <h3>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Or Should I Say EX-Nanny?</span> </h3>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>I'm not the most maternal of people.</strong> I fully admit that I will probably hold your fuzzy, shedding, slobbering, licking, chewing new puppy before I offer to hold your brand new precious human baby. Other people's baby's cry when I take them and quite frankly it makes me nervous. Puppies like everyone. But of course I'm comfortable with my own kids and even I had that terrible, nagging guilt about leaving my kids in someone else's hands while I went to the office 40 hours a week. That said, I was given the opportunity to work part of the time from home with a nanny on-hand to help. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>Initially I was nervous </strong>the kids would somehow become closer to a younger, more energetic nanny than me, the tired old mommy. How wrong I was... </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>This past Saturday, our younger, not-so energetic, pregnant nanny up and quit...</strong> in an email... with no notice! Thank you for that gong show NANNY! But when my husband initally told me I felt concerned and wanted to call her and tell her it was OK and wish her the best. Afterall, she is pregnant and perhaps this was all too much.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>These feelings persisted only until I read her POS email</strong>, after which all caring feelings went out the open window like my dog in a moving car (yes, he did do that). My caring, motherly thoughts were instantly replaced with new emotions including, "YOU LITTLE </span><a href="mailto:#@*$"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">#@*$</span></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">&)@#!" The reasons for leaving cited in the 8 sentence slacker email were as follows: </span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I'm not happy as your nanny. </span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I dread going to work.</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I come home with headaches and my Dr. suggested I quit. </span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">And #4, my personal favorite and fuel for my newly found anger, "I just never connected with your kids." </span></li>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>Before you determine that we were too hard on the young pregant girl</strong> let me share her responsibilities and hours. She worked 2 and half days a week for a total of 20 hours. One of the full days she only had 1 child and 1 and half of those days I was home working and also helping her. She probably loaded and unloaded the dishwasher once a week. LOOK OUT - SLAVE LABOR!!! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>I'm honestly an easy-going person</strong>, probably too easy-going and perhaps it was my demise. I noticed she wasn't having fun and wasn't playing with the kids in the way she described when she interviewed. But I gave her a pass because I know how it feels to be pregnant and tired. Mistake. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>While it equally breaks my heart and angers</strong> me that she was so insensitive, in the end we chose to take the high</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> road and sent her a simple response, "Ok, all good." But since a week has gone by and I'm still peeved at the irresponsible and insensitive girl, I will share my "I wish I had said this" list. Here goes... </span><br />
<ol><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Maybe you could have connected with my kids if you would have ever gotten off your fat, lazy @&# to play with them. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Maybe your ^&$#* wouldn't be so fat if you didn't show up with a fast food breakfast every morning. Come to think of it, maybe that's why you felt like crap on a daily basis. You told me you ate healthy for the baby, but I got news little honey. Chick-fil-A breakfast biscuits ain't healthy... </span></li>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I bet a connection could have been made if you would have put down your stupid <em>smart</em> phone and did your job.</span> </li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">You didn't make a connection? Really? Are you joking? My child-fearing friends that will NEVER give birth made a connection. Know how? They chased them around the house... ONCE! And made friends for life. Yep, it's that difficult. </span></li>
</ol>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>In the end there is a <em>bright side</em> to this story.</strong> Her short-sightedness has given me a new view of my children and every time I gaze up their little faces I feel that sense of pride and total adoration. I could not love them more. What I would really like to tell this naive young girl is this, "I'm sorry for you. I'm sorry you didn't take the time to see all the amazing, silly, creative, loving, and sweet things that I see. Good luck with motherhood. It takes two to connect."</span> <br />
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Sunshine Bombhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03350690334219558770noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2206628901726678697.post-83695671967707325562012-10-09T11:45:00.000-07:002013-01-10T10:44:32.997-08:00All the Tiny Pieces... <span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">To the tune of Eleanor Rigby (All the Lonely People) by the Beatles. Click here for reference...</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OaRNrDaoMqw">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OaRNrDaoMqw</a>)</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Ah, look at all the tiny pieces (violins)</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Ah, look at all the tiny pieces (violins)</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iW8-YG6m7HI/UHRYX3onfzI/AAAAAAAAAGI/egqePUeaqvY/s1600/calli+kitchen.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iW8-YG6m7HI/UHRYX3onfzI/AAAAAAAAAGI/egqePUeaqvY/s200/calli+kitchen.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UuOmYMma4Hc/UHRcBWnBUkI/AAAAAAAAAHQ/fJmeXAkPyUI/s1600/tea+sets.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UuOmYMma4Hc/UHRcBWnBUkI/AAAAAAAAAHQ/fJmeXAkPyUI/s200/tea+sets.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The little kitchen, you can only imagine the gagillion pieces of plastic food, </span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Creates a bad mood.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">We have 3 incomplete tea sets. One is purple, one pink, and the one that is blue.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">This madness is true.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">All the tiny pieces...where DO they all come from.</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">All the tiny pieces... where DO they all belong. </span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AY3UwqGfYnA/UHRY05x0ysI/AAAAAAAAAG4/2PFrjOnCoW8/s1600/Vet+Kit.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AY3UwqGfYnA/UHRY05x0ysI/AAAAAAAAAG4/2PFrjOnCoW8/s200/Vet+Kit.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eZ3BLQXhtyY/UHRYarSHIzI/AAAAAAAAAGQ/Pg70jtrN1Dc/s1600/castle.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eZ3BLQXhtyY/UHRYarSHIzI/AAAAAAAAAGQ/Pg70jtrN1Dc/s200/castle.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The little vet kit.17 tools scattered around the home is no joke,</span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I need rum and Coke!</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">How 'bout the castle. Thank you Santa for the 52 pieces of princess fun.</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Get me the gun.</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">All the tiny pieces...where DO they all come from.</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">All the tiny pieces... where DO they all belong.</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Ah, look at all the tiny pieces (violins)</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Ah, look at all the tiny pieces (violins)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RosdtFMx1Ag/UHRasfz8nCI/AAAAAAAAAHI/bU_MwG3rMdo/s1600/blocks.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RosdtFMx1Ag/UHRasfz8nCI/AAAAAAAAAHI/bU_MwG3rMdo/s200/blocks.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vyCJA_CpU88/UHRY_g7CiRI/AAAAAAAAAHA/hrk-DYGghys/s1600/bin+of+toys.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vyCJA_CpU88/UHRY_g7CiRI/AAAAAAAAAHA/hrk-DYGghys/s200/bin+of+toys.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">This one was my fault. 80 piece plastic set of giant mega bloks.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Send me away to the school of hard knocks!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Wicker basket o plenty. Overflowing with many a random toy.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The <i>bright side</i> for 1 little girl and 1 little boy. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">All the tiny pieces...where DO they all come from.</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">All the tiny pieces... where DO they all belong.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Ah, look at all the tiny pieces (violins)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Ah, look at all the tiny pieces (violins)</span><br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Mh3DyvjSOfM/UHRYrREpn_I/AAAAAAAAAGw/t7UxiG1RRZI/s1600/random+pieces.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Mh3DyvjSOfM/UHRYrREpn_I/AAAAAAAAAGw/t7UxiG1RRZI/s200/random+pieces.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RGLQ8TcSPgo/UHRYm5JG1xI/AAAAAAAAAGo/r6pRjl7vXiM/s1600/Paints+and+coloring+books.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RGLQ8TcSPgo/UHRYm5JG1xI/AAAAAAAAAGo/r6pRjl7vXiM/s200/Paints+and+coloring+books.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
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<br />Sunshine Bombhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03350690334219558770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2206628901726678697.post-60309797650419587722012-10-08T07:03:00.000-07:002012-10-08T07:03:24.147-07:00Wishes...<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">...Ever wish your bank account would fill up as quickly as your sink?</span><br />
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<br />Sunshine Bombhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03350690334219558770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2206628901726678697.post-83032663416126594242012-10-03T07:08:00.001-07:002012-10-03T07:08:35.845-07:00Big Head Dora and the Monsters<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>The things we do for our kids...</b> sometimes stupid things...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>When my daughter was not quite 2 1/2 </b>and my son the "easy" age of 5 months I received free passes to Disney. The only catch? They had to be used within the next few weeks. I'm no dummy, we were going!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>More excited than I should have been</b> for what was sure to be certain chaos, I immediately jumped online to research hotels so we could spend a FULL day at the park. So many thrilling plans I have for my children that they won't even remember... </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>I find the Nickelodeon Hotel </b>has a 2-bedroom suite for just $99! And the bonus? I discover we can reserve a Breakfast with Dora the Explorer! Clearly my kid needs to eat pancakes with Dora. We've been traversing volcanoes, crocodile lakes, and following that despised map everywhere it told us to go in that incredibly annoying voice for over a year. Booked. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>We make it to the Magic Kingdom by 10:30am.</b> Having grown up in WI, we are complete Disney morons and have no idea where we're going. We wander the park aimlessly searching for Princesses and by some miracle we eventually find them. We do our time in the excessively long lines but eventually make it to Princess paradise. No surprise these events are a bit of a challenge with a baby but we power through. We got free tickets and a Dora breakfast in the morning, and damn it, my kids will like it! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Needless to say </b>this is truly a mind-blowing experience for my daughter. We foolishly thought it would be fine and they would nap in the stroller so we would stay late for the <i>electric light parade</i>, <i>oooh</i>, <i>ahhh</i>... Unfortunately the nap never happened, nor did the light parade. Again, being Disney mega-morons we had no idea (until they were ushering us out of the park) that it was Mickey's Very Merry Christmas and we had to be out by 6pm. SOB. Probably didn't need that hotel room after all.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Our free tickets to torture town</b> happened to be park hoppers so we head to Epcot. Wow. We ARE clueless. It's the final night of the Food and Wine festival and the park is packed. We drag our overly-tired children all over the park searching for a food line that doesn't come with a 30 minute wait. We find a table and the hunter went to find food alone. He finally returns after 20 minutes with 3 shrimp in some kind of sauce. Yes, that was clearly the food solution... We give up and head back to the hotel where the torture truly begins. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>The baby got his own room and slept, well, like a baby. </b>On the other hand my husband and I decide to share our bed with the rolling, kicking, 22lb terror too excited to sleep. In fact, no one slept. My child morphed into a whining, crying, melt-down monster by morning. The husband is also on the edge of monster town. At this point we should have cut our losses, but I had booked pancakes with Dora and I'm no quitter. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>We spend our $50 bucks and hit the buffet.</b> Jimmy Neutron waltzes up first and both kids are crying and terrified. Awesome. I'm so exhausted the dancing and singing mania feels surreal and the pancake line is too long so we eat cereal. Again, awesome. But finally, for the Love of God, Dora shows up. Everyone freezes. Her head is literally the size of a small planet and I lose it! CANNOT STOP LAUGHING! Why is her head so astronomically huge? My daughter is scared. I'm scared but equally want to punch the head and send it back into space where it belongs! I'm sure there's a lonely moon orbiting somewhere out there in space just waiting on Planet Dora Head to arrive. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">And <i>the bright side is</i>, it's possible the outburst of uncontrollable laughter added years to my life. Years! Thank you Giant Dora Head. </span><br />
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<br />Sunshine Bombhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03350690334219558770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2206628901726678697.post-2295015791220268022012-09-25T07:06:00.000-07:002012-09-25T07:06:55.529-07:00The Power of the Magic Golden Hair...<h3>
<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">...and Other Warnings You Won't Find in the Parenting Manual</span></i></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>On a recent trip north </b>I visited my niece who has a 3 year-old daughter. Almost instantly my 3 year-old and her second cousin were "the two best friends that anyone could have"... No joke, we actually heard them say, "Let's hold hands and jump!" It was all very charming. </span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Et3mIctP8-k/UFkxdftSvtI/AAAAAAAAAFo/_JbXd-Hku7Y/s1600/Magic+Golden+Hair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="132" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Et3mIctP8-k/UFkxdftSvtI/AAAAAAAAAFo/_JbXd-Hku7Y/s200/Magic+Golden+Hair.jpg" width="200" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">"MGH"</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>During the visit </b>we were staying at my sister's house which is filled with amazing toys that we don't have at home. However, some of said toys are not amazing, at least not to mommy. The girls found a Rapunzel wig amidst the pile along with a super sweet Joe Dirt mullet wig that coincidentally doubles as a second Rapunzel wig, AKA, Magic Golden Hair or, MGH for short as I like to call it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Upon discovery of the MGH </b>there was no stopping the "Rapunzels". My daughter was fortunate enough to sport the mullet version and for the next several hours we all took turns climbing the MGH. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>At some point the wig sisters </b>were instructed to lose the hair so we could go outdoors where it was at least 90 degrees and "Magic Golden Hair" was not to be worn in the extreme heat. We didn't need the sun for the meltdown that took place. However, we all needed a break from climbing the tower of hair a total of 2 inches at a time every 4 minutes. The MGH was hidden and all was right with the world... or so I thought...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Of course we're visiting family </b>and therefore every night we stayed up late and woke up early. There may have been a bit too much wine, I can't be sure as the memory is clouded in the strands of MGH that can still be found in my luggage, but at about 4am my daughter woke me up frantically crying. She seemed incredibly upset and since we're not at our own house I was blasted into a sober, wide-awake-not-going-back-to-sleep state. After a few minutes I finally get her to calm down enough to tell me what's wrong. "Mama, I can't find the Magic Golden Hair!" These were the words I heard at 4am and this was the battle I had for the next two hours until finally my sister woke up and found the hidden MGH. I will burn that MGH! BURN IT!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b><i>The bright side </i></b>in climbing this tower of torture? The photos may prove to be a great weapon when the teenage years hit. No respectable 14-year-old girl wants a mullet photo on the loose so I'll add this to my arsenal...</span><br />
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<br />Sunshine Bombhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03350690334219558770noreply@blogger.com0