Talk to Me – Yes Ma’am

So I was just curious, what are your thoughts on getting called Ma’am?  Or in turn, calling others Ma’am?

This question was triggered by a few things. 

I first started thinking about it when I was watching an episode of Tia & Tamera (oh hell yeah I do) and Tia was throwing a fit complaining that she was called Ma’am. 

Then last week I went and got lunch and as the person handed me my sandwich he said “Here you go Ma’am.”

And then a girl I work with in her early 20’s (oh that age seems so far away) hates that another women older than her in the office calls her ma’am.

And on top of that Terry and I are constantly using Sir and Ma’am when talking to strangers.

It got me thinking, do women take offense to this?  Should only women of a certain age be called Ma’am?  What if it is someone my age? When is it appropriate vs not appropriate?

I can’t imagine men get offended being called Sir no matter what age, so why does it seem different for women?

What is the dealio – yo?!

Isn’t it just a term of respect you use when addressing other women?  That is what I was always taught.  Why has this turned into such a touchy word to be on the receiving end of?

I personally was not offended when I was called Ma’am at lunch, I thought it was very polite.  But I am not going to lie; there was a part of me that felt older.  And well, no one wants to feel older. But is it because I already had it on my mind from watching that episode that triggered it or was it my own thought of feeling old?!

I mean, IS THAT IT?!?!  We feel old when we are called Ma’am because that is how we have addressed adults when we were kids or how we address people older than us?!  And like I said, after a certain age we never want to feel older.

Definition of ma’am: Used as a form of polite address for a woman; short for madam: used as a title of respect, esp for female royalty

I like to consider myself a princess (that's for you mom & dad), so I shall be OK being called ma’am.  Well unless it is by some gorgeous 20 year old with perky boobs and great hair and she says it to me all valley girl like….then I will punch her (in my mind of course).

What are your thoughts? YAY or NAH on the Ma’am?!

Words.

So I wrote a post exactly three months to the day (HERE) about how Henry wasn’t speaking much and was SO angry and how the frustration for everyone in the house was at a breaking point.   And like all children do, the minute I say something publicly he then does the opposite of what I say to make me a liar.  :-)  

Of course he did!  

Meaning, he started talking more right after I wrote that post.  Specifically, about a month after that post while we were on vacation his attitude changed and he started communicating more.  He still didn’t have a huge vocabulary, but he added a few new words and it seemed to make all the difference in how he communicated with us and his overall attitude. 

Then this past month, his vocabulary has been off the hook!!  Seriously, almost every other day he is learning a new word or saying a new sound!!  He has actually been trying to say and learn new words.  He is learning different sounds, watching how we speak and trying to imitate the way we speak and how we say it.

AWESOME! (I am sure he will learn this word next)

For instance, he learned to say truck and that triggered stuck, cook, book, work, & yuck.

Right now he seems to be learning words similar to jump, stop, help…..Basically words that make sounds similar to all or parts of those words.

His list has grown.  They say by two they should know 75-200** words and phrases.  Henry is still nowhere near that and on the low end, but honestly I really don’t care.  He is getting it at his own pace and the most important thing is he IS getting it! At this point, we are not even close to worried about his words.

He also has been doing lots of word association.  For example, he may not be able to say phone but he will point to ours when you show him a flashcard of the phone and then hold his hand up to his ear and say something, like he is trying to say it or talking on the phone.  BRAVO!!  He does this with everything, even if I show him a giraffe he will point to his room because his giraffe is up there or go find his giraffe. 

He is trying to count but cant say one, two, basically makes the sounds that emulate the one and two rhythm of counting.  Same with the alphabet.  He can say some letters a, e, o…but follows the rhythmic sound of saying the alphabet.

I think the thing that really caught us off guard was a month ago I hear him "singing" and saying what sounds like "baa baa" and "twinkle".  I started singing baa baa black sheep and twinkle twinkle little star and he just beamed with a smile like...you got it mom, you understood me!!  I asked his teacher if they were learning that at school and she said yes but since he only goes one day a week he has only heard those songs twice!  And he was already singing it home. Come on, that is fantastic!!

So basically, Henry is just talking up a storm right now and really trying to say more.  I mean nearly every other day Terry & I are asking each other “so, did you know/hear him say XXXX?”  It is really cool to get to hear and watch!

Way to go little buddy!!  We are SO proud of you!!

...

This list below is mainly for my reference and I am sure I am missing a few, but these are most of the words he knows.  I would say half of these have all been learned in the last 4-6 weeks!!!

Mommy, Daddy, Jeremy (Jeremy is so random because he has only met this person twice and he just started saying his name!!)

Work

Dads at work, moms at work

Train – choo choo

Truck or trucky

Drink or drinky

Cat

Dog

Home

I did it

I do it

I get it

I didn’t do it/get it

Jump

Cook

Mommy cook :-)

Help

Dad no help ;-)

Out

NO!!!!

Stop it (probably the cutest and most annoying thing he says!!)

All Gone

All Done

Baby

Book

Baby

Car

Hello/Hi

Night Mom

Hat

Love

Yes

Go

Yuck

Chomp

Roar

Ok

Down

Here/There

Shhhhhhh

Baa Baa
Stuck

Trying and almost has: shoe, thank you, milk, bye, eye, bed, eat

Unfortunately/fortunately he still signs please and more.

**Update: I read some other sights and I guess they should say 50-75 and understand 75-200 by two.  That sounds more reasonable for a two year old!

Twenty Days

In twenty days my sweet little boy turns two.

You guys, he will be TWO!!

Sigh.

In some ways I already see him as two.  This weekend we were talking about his age and someone mentioned him being one, and I had to stop and think about that.  I forgot he is still ONE!  He looks and seems SO much older than that. 

But on the other hand, I am having a harder time with him turning two then I did when he turned one.  I totally loved and embraced him turning one.  It was a relief in some ways and I still had my baby when he turned one.  But two, well even though he will always be my “baby” figuratively, he is no longer a baby.  He is a little boy.  A little boy with this booming personality and growing independence and he is becoming his own person, the person he will be for the rest of his life!!! 

Ok, perhaps a bit dramatic….but still, it is just crazy to me to get to see and think about and the fact that he will be two and is now this little toddler with his own thoughts and feelings and personality.  He no longer LOOKS like a baby.  He no longer ACTS like a baby.  I mean, last week he told me to "STOP" and held out his hand and I was not allowed in the bathroom to help him wash his hands.  He HAD to do it by himself while I watched in the distance.  What’s next, I will be asked to walk 20 steps behind him in public?!?!

....

This child who makes me laugh EVERY. SINGLE. DAY.

This child who is as sweet as can be.

Feeding his monkey...he loves his stuffed animals.

 Holding my hand.

This child who always wants to be on me or cuddling me.

This child who is so cool.

This child who is so silly.

This child who loves to explore.

This child who is a total techy.

This child who is independent.

This child who just does his own thang.

 His hand in a cup of water while he watches TV. Uh, why not?!

This child who is SO big.

This child who just makes my heart so full.

This child will be TWO in three weeks.

SIGH.

Happy Birthday, Kylee!!

On this special day, I wanted to wish you a VERY Happy Birthday!

I have said all this before and I will say it again and again and again, because well it is a straight up FACT!!! (seriously, it is on the internet so it has to be true.)  

You are one of the most beautiful people I know…and this is on the inside and out.  You are so kind and thoughtful. You are a truly inspiring person without even trying and by just being yourself.  You make everyone around you feel special and are one of the most compassionate people I know, always being there for your friends to offer encouraging words or huge laughs.  (and one of the best laughs at that!)

You are a true friend and there is no denying that you are also an incredible mother, a loving wife, sister and daughter, and an overall remarkable person. I feel so lucky to call you my friend!

So basically the thing is, twopretzels, you are AWESOME and I wish you only the happiest of birthdays!

And since I can’t hug you, I am sending a HUGE hug to you.  You should receive it in approximately 4-6 weeks. ;-)

Love you!

Kids – Keeping It Real

So last night I came home from work and Terry and Henry were upstairs.  After our initial hugs and greetings Henry and I found ourselves in my bedroom so I could change out of my work clothes. (FACT: If I am not out of my work clothes in less than 8 minutes from getting home my work clothes disintegrate off me.)

Well Henry climbed in our bed and wanted me to lay down with him under the covers.  I couldn’t pass up the offer.  So we laid there and I asked him about his day and he told me all about it, to which I understood approximately 12% of what he said.

He got really really close to me with his head on a pillow and mine on one as well and we shared such a sweet conversation.

He then looks at me and says:

H.: “Mommy?”

Me: “Yes buddy.”

H: Totally unrecognizable gibberish

And then he points at my nose and says…

H: “ucks!  Mommy ucks here!”

He then tries (I stop him!) to put his finger IN my nose to get out the ucks.

(Insert laughter from both of us)

Thank you my wonderful child for pointing out the fact that I have yucks in my nose.  I appreciate it.  

Also, please let me know if I have anything in my teeth, on my face, or if I have a funk about me.  Yep.  That would be great.  ;-)

Ahhhh, kids….keeping it real!!!

NEEDED.

So last Thursday I took the day off.  I didn’t have anything special planned.  No, actually I took the day off because Henry was in school and Terry was working and I wanted to clean….you know since cleaning has been lacking the past few months.

It is probably a tad weird to WANT to take a day off just to clean.  I mean, really, how lame is that?!

But folks it was NEEDED.

And I don’t just mean for the house (though it was really really needed for the house) but I also mean for ME.

Explain, you ask?!

Well it is a good thing I have this blog….so let me ‘splain.

The thing is, I don’t think since Henry was born I have had an entire day ALONE.

Nope. 

And it is not just meaning away from Henry, but anyone really.  YES, it is true.  I need time away from my husband and child and friends.

I needed time to myself. 

So you know what, I took time for ME. 

But as I sit around the house most evenings, I didn’t want to take a day off to just sit around.  I wanted to DO stuff.  Feel accomplished.  Do the things that I am always complaining that I don’t have time to do.

So it started like a normal Thursday and I got up at 6am to get Henry ready and off to school.  I am learning that if I don’t want him to cry I have to drop him off after 7:30am because the kids are in the gym or outside playing and after some squeeze hugs he is ready to go play.  If it is before 7:30, then bring on the extreme tears from henry and extreme guilt for mom!  No fun for anyone.

So hoping I could prevent a breakdown and mom guilt on my day off I dropped him off at 7:35 and he went right outside, waving at me as I left.  PERFECT.  I then headed to Starbucks to get a venti-iced non-fat vanilla latte (yum) and tim hortons to get a breakfast bagel sandwich. 

I came home and sat down at the table and checked my email and had breakfast.  Funny thing was at first I was rushing to eat.  Do any of you parents do that?!  I have a post on that coming….eating once you have a kid.  Annoying.  So I slowed myself down and ENJOYED my breakfast and the quiet.

I then turned on my music really loud, got into my cleaning clothes, opened EVERY window in the house because it was a perfect day and not too hot (seriously, how awesome has this summer been!!!) and proceeded to clean the house.

I  took before pictures of the house on our real camera and as I probably wont get around to putting those on my computer for 7 months, I am using this photo I posted a couple months ago because this is pretty much our house 90% of the time. Sigh.

 This is my truth....our house is a constant mess.  

I think that is what people are saying these days :-)

So I picked things up and got down to business.

We had an old vacuum that I think did nothing more than push the dirt around as it pretended to clean.  Heaven forbid there was a cheerio or something on the carpet (which there always is) because the vacuum would refuse to suck it up.  We probably needed a new vacuum 3 years ago.  We finally got a new, reasonably priced one last week.  With the very first sweep I was in love!!

I could actually SEE it pick up the cat hair, dust and dirt.  I could see our beige/brown circa 1982 carpet!  AMAZING.

I swept the entire house and then it was time for the big guns.  The carpet cleaner.

 Hello lovelies! 

We own one, but only have used it when we bought the house (nearly 7 years ago) and the summer before Henry was born.  It was needed.

Folks….the result was gross.  Absolutely disgusting.  This was in our house.

 Ew.

You just don’t realize how much dirt and dust gets stuck in your carpet….especially with a vacuum that doesn’t vacuum!!

3 ½ hours later the entire house was vacuumed and the downstairs carpets cleaned and I was sore but feeling accomplished!!

 Me carpet cleaning from the rocker...not a bad way to clean :-)

I then took a break and enjoyed lunch where I could sit down and eat at my own pace and without dirty little fingers trying to steal my food.  And I watched the very first episode of the Real Housewives of OC and didn’t have to worry about having to explain why to my husband or getting judgmental looks from him or have to worry about content for Henry.

I then straightened up toys, clothes and cleaned the shower and then was the FIRST to take a nice long, uninterrupted shower in a clean shower. Lovely.

I then headed to Hobby Lobby and Walmart to get pictures printed and frames and before I knew it, it was 4:30 and time to go get Henry.

And I have to admit, when I drove over to get Henry I was excited to see him!

I wasn’t drained from annoying things at work.  I wasn’t tired from sitting all day.  I wasn’t worn-out at yelling at a kid who wouldn’t listen.  I wasn’t exhausted from just the mental stress of a normal day.

Nope.  I was none of those things.

Yes, I was tired from a busy day but I felt accomplished and refreshed and ready to see my family.  And really, what is better than after a day to yourself and seeing this face?!  The answer…nothing.

I know I will take off days to spend with my family or go to doctors appointments or take care of a sick kid or just random errands that have to be done during working hours.  But to take some time for ME is rare.  But I think I need to start doing this more.  I need to remember ME.  I need to remember that if I don’t take care of myself, mentally and physically, it just won’t be good for anyone.

So do you take time for yourself?  ALONE.  What do you do during your ME time?

Grab Your Popcorn, This Movie is for Real!!

I am not going to lie, movies made by the Sci-Fi channel (I still hate that it is Sy-fy so I am not calling it that) are pretty awesome.  Mediocre acting, a plot that is not in the realm of possibility, and some form of an animal (or combination of animals like in the thrilling 2010 Sharktopus) that is just huge and pissed off!!  What is not to love?!

Last month Sci-Fi scored big with their hit Sharknado.  Even heard something about it on NPR.

Well following in the steps of, what I can only guess was an Oscar worthy movie, Sci-Fi has done it again with the new movie Ghost Shark!!

The premise.  “A great white shark is tortured and killed by a fisherman, then returns from the dead, exacting vengeance on all humans.” Yeah, it is a shark.  That comes back from the dead.  As a GHOST.  To kill people.  

I mean, really.  Does it get more genius than that.  I think not.

See the trailer HERE.  

No really....GO NOW!!  

I will wait.......

I know, right?!?! AWESOME!

Did you see the girl washing the car and the shark came from that tiny bucket?!?!  Who knew?!

Screw a classic like Jaws.  Sci-Fi is taking the shark movie to a whole new level.

I for one know what I will be doing on August 22nd.

I smell flop Oscar!!!

Who ya gonna call?!?!

Pinterest FAIL – Recipe Review (And Cooking with a Toddler)

Recently I have had a few successes with Pinterest recipes.  I tried these spinach and feta mini frittatas. Um, delicious!  And I tried spinachlasagna roll-ups. Awesome!  Also, I seem to like spinach.

I found this recipe HERE for white chicken enchiladas.  Now from the start I wasn’t sure, but it seemed quick and easy and was chicken and cheese so I felt Henry would love it and it would be a perfect quick dinner.  Plus it had lots of great reviews.

So the other night I tried it.  Now, normally I prefer cooking alone.  I turn on music and relax and enjoy cooking.  But this day I made the mistake of cooking this quick dinner while Henry ate his dinner.  So cooking was FAR from relaxing. 

Why you ask?! 

Well let me just get off topic for a moment and tell you.

(Now I do try to include Henry in the cooking process.  But this recipe really didn't have much he could "help with".  No stirring or cleaning veggies.  He was mad he couldn't help and partly, along with boredom, why I think ciaos ensued.)

Henry ate well at first, but when he starts getting full and is done he does what any kid would do and finds ways to entertain himself.  Apparently this dish wasn’t fast enough because he was bored.

First, Henry decided to start feeding the cats his dinner.  Then when the cats came near him he screamed. Then don’t feed the damn cats!!! 

Then he proceeded to put his mac and cheese IN his cup of milk and drink it that way.  I should have taken the cup away right then, but I was in the middle of rolling enchiladas and just wanted to get done.  Then he proceeds to dump all the contents of his cup onto his tray and splash. SERIOUSLY DUDE?!  Goodbye cup & tray. 

THEN after I took everything but a handful of mac and cheese away and am pouring the sauce over dinner I hear it.  Nothing.  Silence. I turn around and there is Henry messing with his nose and making a face.  “Henry…what are you doing?!?!  WHAT?!  Is that mac and cheese up your nose?!?!  WE DO NOT PUT THINGS UP OUR NOSE!!!” I pull the mac and cheese from his nose, throw the stupid dish in the oven and clean up the food and milk ALL over the kitchen (between his mess and mine).

I fear this recipe was just doomed from the start.

Ok, back to the recipe.  I mean really…can you tell I don’t even want to talk about it and am less than enthused by this recipe. I didn’t even take a picture of it.

Was it quick and easy to make? Under different circumstances – YES.

BUT, while it tasted OK….it just tasted OK and texturally I was not pleased.

Here is what I didn’t like:

1. The dish was white.  All white.  I like a little color in my food! Maybe some spinach?!

2. It was all the same consistency.  You have the soft flour tortillas and pour the sauce over and bake it and nothing crisps up.  It is just a soft, floppy dish. (hate when that happens)

3. Lacked flavor.  You add a can of green chilies in there and though I made some of the sauce without the green chilies for Henry, he could have eaten with the chilies.  No heat and the whole thing was bland.  It need more flavor.

4. The enchiladas had chicken and cheese.  I think they needed more.  Onion, peppers, veggies, something.  I know traditionally enchiladas are just a meat and cheese or beans and cheese or just cheese.  But these were not traditional and when I am making them at home and they are not authentic from a restaurant I want more in there.  It is the perfect way to sneak in veggies. 

What I would do differently:

1. I would not put the sauce on the enchiladas to bake.  The sauce wasn’t bad, but it was too rich for me to smother over everything.  I would make it to put on the side and I would either add more chilies or hot sauce or jalapeño.

2. Would add some spinach, sautéed onions, and garlic (maybe red bell pepper) inside with the chicken.

3. I would bake them so they crisp up.  Sort of like in this recipe HERE. 

4. I would top them with the sauce, cheese and shredded lettuce and tomato for freshness and more crunch.

I know, I know.  I am basically no longer making enchiladas.  Perhaps I just don’t like enchiladas as much as I thought!!  So maybe this recipe is actually awesome (no it isn’t) and that is why I didn’t like it.

Overall, I would definitely make a variation of the recipe and sauce but not this recipe as is.  I would also do it alone, preferably with a margarita. (hey!)  

On to my next Pinterest recipe!!  Do you have any that have been successes or failures?!?! How about cooking with a toddler...do you do it?!  

I ended up not even feeding it to Henry because I just felt the sauce was too rich for his stomach.

This and That Monday

* I strongly dislike Mondays.  That is it.

* New Blog - A Must Read:  My sister has started a fitness blog.  This first post is extremely well written and very relatable.  More than a fitness blog.   Read it HERE.


* At work last week someone brought in these large muffins.  Well I was getting some coffee when a female coworker was walking by and a male co-worker came over and said “wow, those are some muffins”.  My response was “don’t talk about J. like that at work! I am telling HR!” I also wanted to say “why thank you” but thought that would embarrass him even more than what I did say.  I think I probably need to get a filter on me, but when comments like that happen in my presence it is pretty much physically impossible for me to NOT say something!!  Luckily he laughed and thought it was funny and it was only sort of awkward. Now excuse me while I go talk to HR….. ;-)


* I like Kristen Bell. Please do not confuse with Kristen Stewart.  I believe if she met me, we would be friends, you know after my initial bout of awkwardness because that is how I am around people.  She just seems real and fun and this article talking about her post baby body….YES!!  EXACTLY.

“I like my Lincoln Leftovers because they’re proof I did something extraordinary. I gave life to my new BFF & she gave me a comical amount of midsection skin”.  “I had to surrender to not worrying about the way I looked, how much I weighed, because that’s just part of the journey of having a baby. I am not a woman whose self-worth comes from her dress size.”

Love her.


* Confession. I like to put suntan lotion on my hands or on Henry’s head/face, not for protection but because I like the smell. And I like to smell Henry’s head.


* I have this constant internal struggle with being a working mom, like I am sure every parent has. It has been really bad this summer due to the fact that Henry is now getting older and does more and I feel like I am missing so much because I work and our crazy schedule.  Because of this I have been trying to do everything possible (within reason and his temperament), whenever we have a hint of free time.  Fair Thursday night, friends Saturday evening, baseball game Sunday.  Last weekend the zoo.  Outside every evening.  If you know me you know I am NOT a social person, but for Henry/family time I am and I am ignoring my own fears and insecurities.  It has been emotional, but I am trying to soak up every opportunity I can with him and try not to miss more than I am or think I am.   It is funny the ways kids change you.


* Because of the previous point above, cleaning of the house has been….er….not something I have kept up on.  Guess something has to give…


* My son turns two in about 5 weeks. HOLY SHIT.


* THIS is AWESOME.

* We went to the first Mud Hens game with Henry.  Except for the trying to fold himself up in the chair, trying to hand out flyers to the people in front of us, wanting to go on the field to get a ball, and screaming every time we made him walk it was pretty fun!  He clapped when everyone clapped (so cute), danced a bit, and enjoyed some baseball food!  It was fun to get out of the house as a family for a free baseball game, even if we only got to watch 3.5 innings :-)  He really is such a goof!

Checking baseball STATS.

 What IS this face?!?!?!

Again, every picture he makes this face. Henry, not Terry :-)

Hope you have a good week!!!

Get. In. My. Belly!!! Lasagna Roll-Up Recipe & Review

Yes, I AM quoting a movie from 1999! HOLLA!

I love lasagna.  To me, it is probably one of my Top 5 favorite meals.  Of course, lasagna isn’t always healthy plus it takes awhile to make and can get expensive.  The lasagna I make is AWESOME but it requires me to make a meat sauce, and then layer what turns into a 10 pound dish with ricotta, Parmesan, shredded and fresh mozzarella and provolone cheeses.  And then bake for what seems like an eternity. Seriously, it is amazing but can get pretty pricey with the cheeses and takes awhile to prepare and cook.  I make this lasagna maybe once or twice a year just because, really who has the time?!?!

But again, I love lasagna so I have been searching for variations that are less expensive and quicker to make.  I have seen recipes for Lasagna cupcakes HERE but they move away from the lasagna noodles all-together and use wonton wrappers.  Sounds good, but not the same when you are looking for a quick version of lasagna.

And then I found this, Lasagna Roll Ups!!

Recipe HERE or below.

Talk to Me – Letting Your Kids (Sort of) Be Free in Public

Let’s talk shopping/going to public places with a near two year old, shall we.

Preface: See the silliness, sweetness and innocence in this picture?!?! Well DON’T BE FOOLED!!!

Ok, Henry actually IS a very sweet boy.  Loves to snuggle, give out hugs and kisses, he always has a stuffed animal to squeeze on, wants to help around the house and do EVERY chore we do.  Seriously, a sweet boy.

However, he is also extremely ornery and full of energy and wants to get into EVERYTHING.

There is NO slowing down for this child.

And all this energy is now combined with a new sense of independence and eagerness to do everything on HIS own.

That brings me to my story.

...

So a week ago we went to the grocery store.  We went to put Henry in the cart and he was NOT having it.  Terry and I were trying to reason, then force, then bribe him to sit down in the cart but all was to no avail and ended with a 34 pound toddler clutching to me and screaming. 

The boy wanted to walk.

So walk it was.

I was a bit nervous at first.  I didn’t want us to be those parents with a near two year old running around the store, bumping into people, or grabbing everything off the shelf.  The visions of what could transpire scared me but as we had about a cup of milk, week old pasta, and random condiments in our fridge a shopping trip was necessary so we ventured on with a toddler “leading” the way.

We told him he HAD to hold onto the side of the cart and one of our hands and he could only take stuff off the shelf if we told him too.

And folks, he did.

Ok, ok….there was a slight distraction in the frozen food section with the rows of doors to open and all that cold stuff. AND in the cheese section where he went down the line and literally threw one of everything into the cart while Terry and I put them all mostly back.  (But it is cheese, so who can blame him.)

But overall he did REALLY well!  I mean really well...I was truly impressed and proud of him!!

And at one point, when his little legs needed a break, he asked to go in the cart.

Uh, YES you can go into the cart!!

So the last 15 minutes of the trip he was contained.  Awesome.

Now of course my fear is that he is going to want to keep doing this, being free to roam the store. 

I know, I know…..we started it. 

If both of us go it shouldn’t be an issue, but with one it just wouldn’t work as someone needs to keep their eye on and a firm grasp on that sneaky kid while the other shops.  Seriously, would NOT feel comfortable letting him roam with just me and him in a busy store.  I feel safer when he is in the cart.

And the same thing happened this weekend at the Zoo.  He was OK riding in his stroller at first and when he ate his snack, but soon the boy wanted to walk.  And honestly, we wanted him to walk…the purpose of a trip to the zoo is to get him tired for bed!  Can I get an amen, parents?!?!  

And he did pretty well.  There were only a couple times of fighting the hand holding, walking infront of someone, or asking to be picked up (which was not an option…ride or walk little dude) but overall he did well…..and fell asleep early at bedtime! Win, Win for everyone!

But now that he is exerting his independence more, it is becoming increasingly harder and more frustrating to keep him contained.  I know, we are the parents and we have the control.  But as you all know, when a kid is screaming/crying and fighting to not do something they don’t want to do that child suddenly turns into a baby hulk with extreme strength and supernatural like powers!!! 

And while we don’t give in all the time or very much, I feel like sometimes we also have to let them prove to us what they are capable and not capable of doing.  I know I am guilty of either thinking he is ready to do something when he is not or thinking he isn’t ready to do something and it turns out he is.  Three months ago, he was not capable or even willing to walk around on his own while also listening to us.  Now, he is.

The fact remains, he listened to us in both these situations.  He held our hand and thoroughly enjoyed being a “big boy” and helping us out and exploring.  Oh how he loves to help.  Had he not listened, he would be in the cart (or stroller) screaming or one of us would take him to the car.

Moving forward, I don’t know what to expect with him when we are at the store or out in a public setting.  Will he mind riding in the cart/stroller or want to walk?!  Will he be mad to be contained or mad that he has to walk?  Toddlers are totally unpredictable and just time bombs ready to go off at any moment because of any factor!!  I know that each outing could be different with different results.  The thing is I want him to be able to be independent and I also want him to learn how he is suppose to act in public, which includes learning our rules and boundaries that we have 

So let me ask you this, how do you handle your toddler in public places?  Do they always need to be contained/restrained in a cart or stroller?  Do you let them walk with you?  What are your rules? What do you do if they are fighting whatever situation you have them in?

And in all seriousness, what are your thoughts about a child on a leash?!?!

This still cracks me up!!  

P.S. the boy can unclip the seat belt in the cart and stroller. (I can hardly do that!) so even when we get him in, he can decide when to get out. Sigh.

Talk To Me - Bicycles and Stuff

I am looking for a bike and I think I found the bike I wanted...

Uh, a "good vibrations" bike....YES PLEASE!  It got a 5 star review. Yeah, i bet it did.  Yep, this will be MY bike.  I will be working out with a big smile on my face! :-)

Now that you are either laughing, confused or uncomfortable....let's move on, shall we.

....

This fascinating edition of "Talk To Me..." has two parts.  First, a bike for ME (besides the one above) and second, a bike for Henry.

I want to be able to go on bike rides with Henry, plus I think it would be fun and good exercise.

So let me ask, do you have a bike?  What kind/type?

My previous was a mountain bike and I LOVED it but looking around there are SO many options.  It is overwhelming, I just want a bike. Just not this one...

How about this, do you use a bike seat for your child like this one....

or a pull behind bike trailer/seat?

Either one safer than the other?  More convenient?

And how about a bike for Henry!

We are looking at one of these, a classic radio flyer tricycle.  I mean, come one how cool is that bike?!?!

But then didn't know for his age if something like this Fisher Price Grow With Me Tricycle would be better.

What age did your kids start riding a bike?  What kind of bike did they start with?

Thank you for your feedback!

Now excuse me, I think I am going on a special bike ride...

News That Isn't News - Hey Kids Stop Pooping Infront Of My House

Saw this article title in the news today and it got my attention.

"Man Wants Jogger To Stop Pooping On His Property."

Yep, you read that right....but how about I repeat it for you just incase....

"Man Wants Jogger To Stop Pooping On His Property."

Article and Video HERE.

Apparently this lady takes an occasional morning jog and while she gets moving other things get moving and she needs to stop and release....with no time to actually go into a business or even wipe and wash.

Besides getting over the fact of just how incredibly disgusting this is; you can't help but laugh out of pure uncomfortableness, ridiculousness, and the thought of a person actually doing this.

In my head all I am thinking is the SNL skit called "Really, with Seth and Amy".

"Really, you decide you need to pinch one off down a dirty alley and you thought this would be a good idea?!  Come on really, you couldn't hold it until you got home or to a bathroom?!  Really?!  And even if this was an emergency and happened once we may understand (not really), but it has happened at least a half a dozen times in the SAME space.  I mean really, you couldn't have at least come prepared the 3rd or 4th times with a box of wet wipes and a plastic bag?!  Or I don't know, take a dump before you leave?!  Seriously, I mean REALLY?!?!  Apparently you really really do not like this guy...or your need depends. Really."

In all "seriousness", she could have at least brought a plastic bag :-)

This has been your daily dose of news that isn't news!

Twinkies Are Back!

 Twinkies made their comeback on Monday after about 8 months of being off the shelf.

 (back from the dead!!!)

I for one hardly noticed except for the extra space on the shelf and the excessive cries of a near 40 year old in my house that is missing his Suzie Q’s.

I admit I have never been a huge fan of Twinkies.  I do like Hostess products as a nice treat (prefer Little Debbie more), but I guess there are other sweets I would much rather have if I am going to eat sweets.  Or just skip the sweets and give me a big bag of chips and some sort of dip and I will be happy!!

But, Terry HAD to go to the store on Monday and buy a box of Twinkies.  I tried one, and I have to say that a fresh twinkie (compared to the ones that are on the shelf for months) do taste better.  Still not a huge fan, but it was tasty! 

Henry tried a bite as well….the boy feverishly signed “more” while wiping away yellow cake and cream from his face and onto his shirt.  Basically, I think he enjoys them too.

I will say that I am sort of happy they are back.  Not necessarily because I love them so much and will be running out to get them, but because it is nostalgic.

Plus, if you didn’t have Twinkie’s you couldn’t make these!!

Or say this….  

That’s a big Twinkie.

So are you happy Twinkies are back?  Have you had one yet?!  What are your favorite Hostess products?

My favorites are the Ho Ho’s, Cupcakes, and the donettes. 

The Hostess products a refuse to try are the Sno Balls, Zingers, and fruit pies. (ew)

As a side note, these Twinkies are apparently smaller andhave fewer calories…so you can now enjoy that much more :-)

Talk To Me….Are Blogs Becoming a Thing of The Past?!

I don’t know exactly where I am going with this post or if there is even a point.  I think I am just “talking” out loud on the blog.  Opening the door for communication.

So for the past 2 ½ years or so, blogging for me has been low.  Between work and having Henry and random life stresses, things got in the way and my ability/desire/time/creativeness to blog decreased tremendously.  Sometimes I have wanted to be away from the blogs, but more often than not I just have been too wrapped up in myself and family and work and stresses to even compile an understandable blog post to write down.  Seriously, you should read some of the drafts I have saved; they make zero sense and are nothing more than random ramblings! (That should be my new blog!)  :-) 

I know for me the battle between finding time and finding something interesting to post about are a constant struggle.  (What, you are telling me you wouldn’t get bored seeing daily pictures of my child or cats?!?!)  I look back at some of my old blog posts and I thoroughly enjoyed writing them and thought they totally reflected me at that time in my life, and let’s be honest…..were  pretty darn funny!  Maybe it was because I knew there was an audience who “got me” or perhaps I just had more time or perhaps blogging was new and the only social media in my life and I just enjoyed it more.  But, after 7 years of blogging (first post July 25, 2006!!) I just feel a bit lost when it comes to blogging.  Besides the time and energy it takes that I am just not always as willing to give I have thoughts go through my head: “have I written all this before, are you tired of hearing my rants, tired of seeing my kid, is there anything new to talk about?!?!”

But it doesn’t seem like it is just me who has slowed down (or even stopped) blogging.  It seems like the frequency to which many of us post or comment has become less over the past couple years.  Sometimes a few days go by without a blog post, where as I recall in the past barely being able to keep up with all the bloggers and their posts!!

I know sometimes I will read posts but may not comment at the time or refuse to comment from my phone (loathe typing on my phone) and then just forget to comment.  Or I see that many people are not commenting so I don’t post anything new on my blog.  I think this is common for others.  I think when posts are low and comments received become less frequent, the motivation to post more decreases because let’s be honest…..while we do post some things for just ourselves, there are other posts we are writing to share and receive feedback and acknowledgement.

And I can’t help but wonder….is it just our age and the points we are at in our lives that has caused us to turn our attention away from blogging?!  For me personally, seven years ago (at the young age of 26) I didn’t have a kid, wasn’t married yet, didn’t have a house, wasn’t trying to balance a husband in school and work with my work, there were fewer additional stresses…..really life was centered around only myself.  And that is OK!  If I wanted to come home and nap after work I did.  If I wanted to blog I did.  I was a few years out of college, had a great job, new friends and was coming out of my shell.  I had plenty to say about everything!  Now, other things/people take up much of my time.  Even if a child wasn’t in the picture, I know I would still be giving more in other areas of my life and the motivation to blog would decrease.

So is it as simple as life just got busier for us when we got into our 30’s and that is why blogging has decreased?!  Or is it something else?

Many times I also wonder if people move on to other types of social media.  Blogging does require a bit more time and now there are many more avenues out there to be a part of and allow us to socialize with others.  So has the ease and quickness of things like twitter, facebook and instagram provided us with that instant communication and gratification from social media that we desire, without having to put the time into a long blog post. A “like” or a “heart” on a status or picture still provides both parties with that curiousness, sharing, and acknowledgement that we are looking for without asking others to make too much of a fuss and without us having to spend too much time posting it.

I know for me, I have started (reluctantly) moving to easier outlets (damn you instagram), especially when things get busy or I am on the go.  

But don’t get me wrong, I love blogging.  I love having this “journal” to look back on.  I like to be wordy (obviously) and I adore the relationships I have made through these blogs the past 7 years as well as the relationships that have continued to grow through the blogs.  I love not having status updates all the time, links to things I don't care about, pictures of things I am suppose to like if I care about others, people's political views (UGH).  

But sometimes, you still want the relationship and communication with those individuals without all the fuss.  And now that relationships have been made, communication outside of social media is happening and therefore maybe it isn’t always necessary to seek advice on the blogs when I can just send an email or get together.  The thing is, you KNOW these people now.  You may see them outside the internet in the real world!! You may even care for many of them and have a vested interest in their lives and family.  You have moved past the creepy stalker stage and the courting stage and truly have formed friendships with these people.  So because of that, maybe your only communication with them isn’t just on the blog now….like perhaps it was before and therefore the desire to blog as frequently has declined.

Or maybe…..Yes, I have lots of "maybe's".... 

Maybe sometimes we all just need to step away.  Perhaps because we DO put ourselves out there so much on blogs, instagram, twitter, facebook, LinkedIn, text messages, emails, and the tons of other things we get involved with that maybe something has to give.  Maybe at some point we STOP sharing so much and take pleasure in in our privacy.  Sometimes I just have to STEP AWAY from technology and social media.  Between sitting at a desk infront of a computer for 9 hours a day and then having a stupid smart phone, both that gives me easy access to the internet, I just constantly feel CONNECTED.  Connected to everyone and everything and what is going on with everyone that I “follow” every minute of every day.  And sometimes, I want to be disconnected.  I NEED to be disconnected.  I think it is too much for my brain….my brain actually feels like mush by the end of the week that by the time the weekend comes around I just want to be disconnected from everything and everyone!!   I feel a struggle between my urge to know what people are up to and the need to ignore it and focus on just myself, even if it is just for a little bit.

Or could it even possibly be as simple as the fact that I have grown and now my blog needs to grow and evolve and reflect who I am now and since it hasn't, that is why I feel a disconnect to it.

Perhaps the lack of blogging is a combination of everything. 

Perhaps it is none of the above and nothing more than the fact that blogging is a passing fad, and like all fads and many things in today’s society, they fade away when something newer comes along.

Perhaps this entire post was me just rambling because my brain has turned into mush from all the access I have to technology and people and knowledge and random information that I just need to write it all down in an attempt to reboot and make room in the jumbled mess that is my mind!

Perhaps it means I miss this blog.  That I miss blogging.  That I miss the interaction I have with friends and sharing my thoughts….as random as they may be. (I do miss blogging.)

Perhaps it is also the realization that I need to find a balance between technology, social media, and life that I seem to be lacking.  Something has to give.  I need to find the outlets that make me happy, but I don’t need to do it all nor stay connected all the time. 

Perhaps I should ask YOU what you think!!

Do you blog regularly? Comment regularly?  Do you find you have more/less/same amount of time to blog now than when you started?  Do you prefer other social media outlets over blogging?