Sweet Jeanette

I am guest posting today on a blog of a dear friend of mine, Jeanette. www.sweetjeanette.blogspot.com

In hopes of....

A)making people smile.
B) Giving people some cute ideas for Christmas
C) having more people follow my blog...although I DO love you, 5 followers!
D) annnnddd...having world peace around the world....thats right..puppies and rainbows for everyone....

D) probably won't happen....here's hoping for A) B) and C) though!

Take time to read through Jeanette's blog though...she's incredibly crafty (not like in a bad way...like you know...crafts) Also one awesome cook/baker. Although I do not recommend licking the screen when you see some of the yummy goodies she has featured on her blog. Computer screens leave a bitter taste in your mouth.

Enjoy!
Brooke

Baby Jee-jus and the sheep daddies

Connor has loved having a play nativity in our house the past few weeks. A gift from his Nana and Grandpa. I am quite relieved to see something other than numbers that he is crazy about. We've had a LOT of imaginative play when it comes to the nativity. And I'm okay with that. Seeing how, up until now, if it didn't involve numbers, Connor would lose interest, fast...so welcome to our humble abode, Fisher Price Nativity! We will continue going deeper into the Christmas story as he grows older. A 3 year old has the attention span of about oh...2 minutes. He has the names down, basically... "Baby Jee-jus"..."Baby Jee-juses Mommy"..."Baby Jee-juses Daddy" or sometimes he calls him "Joseph"...and the "sheep daddies"...shepherds...we're working on it.

He does know that Christmas is Jesus' birthday. So we are getting the basics down.

Here's some insight into the imaginative play that revolves around our nativity.

::Connor puts baby Jesus by the door:::.....Me: "Why did you put Baby Jesus over there, buddy?"

Connor: "He's not borned yet."

"Jee-juses Mommy is going to work!" Connor announces. :::Mary is riding on top of a tonka truck::::

Me: "Where is Baby Jesus?"

Connor: "His daddy is watching him."

I was calling him and Connor quickly shushes me. "Shhh mommy, Baby Jee-jus is sleeping." Connor had tucked him away in his bed.

Connor: :::Excited and smiling:: "Baby Jee-jus is 16 years old now! He can drive!!!"

::In a sweet soothing quiet voice::: Shhh, it's okay Baby Jee-jus. You don't need to cry. Everyone's is here ...Santa...this Mouse's grandmother.... (ornaments off our tree).

So like I said, we have some 'splaining to do when it comes to the nativity. But is has been pretty funny.

Mommy Wars

There is a battle upon us...be prepared!!! It's lurking around every park bench, every McDonalds play area, every playgroup gathering. ...It's the mommy wars!!!



Mommy Wars are the sides that moms take on controversial topics about child rearing. Yes there is controversy in raising children. Debates and drama aren't only for politics and Dancing with the Stars you know....

there's:

Breastfeeding vs formula

Crying it out vs Rocking to sleep

Vaccinating vs Anti Vaccinating

Organic foods vs Non Organic

Working moms vs Stay at Home Moms

Public school Vs Alternative Education choices

Spanking vs Time out

Cloth vs Disposable

Co Sleeping vs Crib sleeping

Bristol vs Brandy ......oops wait, no wait, that one snuck in there. Sorry.

Topics such as these can turn the most mild mannered mom into a soapbox speaker. We all have opinions. We all love to share them. That's what's great about America. Opinions. That and Freedom. And Moon Pies...but I digress.

The concept of Mommy Wars is a tricky thing though...

On one hand, you have people who will out and out tell you that if you DONT do something in a certain way...your child is certainly doomed for a lifetime of hardship. And its not done by gentle encouragement...Its shoved down your throat.

Quoting a book called Babywise: "If you want a fussy baby, never let him cry, and hold and rock, and feed him as soon as he starts to fuss."

Well gosh!....I dont know about you...but I dont want a fussy baby....so this must be the right way to raise my kid right? Right? Or no...maybe not right after all. Not for me anyway.

Or maybe its more of a gentle yet still judgementally approach....like that mom, at the park, who has like 5 kids and feels like she is the mother of all mothers....and she sees you giving your kid a bottle of formula and then sucks in her teeth and says "Oh, I breastfed all my children for 2 years each and now they are all baby geniuses. " Insinuating that maybe you don't really care if your child is a baby genius, because you're giving him FORMULA!

When my son was born...everyone was quick to give their opinion...."Don't rock him to sleep or you will spoil him. Let him cry it out." or "You're still breastfeeding? When do you plan to stop?" "He still has a paci? He's going to need braces eventually."...sigh

But mommies have a tendancy to take on their own beliefs, despite what others or books say. But this is not where this vicious cycle ends. Because eventually, a new mom comes along and she is a mom who tells you she is deciding to let her 4 month old cry it out....and you find yourself either agreeing...or sucking in your teeth.

Now dont get me wrong...Im not saying dont have an opinion. And I am not saying not to share your opinions. But I am also saying don't start throwing organic apples at the mom who is buring that package of Del Monte fruit cups.

The truth is...there is no ultimate RIGHT way when it comes to issues such as these. If there was...along with your hospital bill, your paperwork and baby, they would give you the baby manual when you walk out of the hospital.

Moms have to find what is right for THEM and THEIR babies. THEIR being a key word. Because it's their baby. THEIRS. Not yours. You may have breast fed your kids until they were 3 years old...but if that mommy over there on your playgroup couch wants to feed her little one a bottle of Similac, she is not committing a crime against all humanity. If that new mom in your family swears that crying it out worked wonders for her child...there is no need to call Social Services for child endangerment.

These are choices as moms we all have to make, to see whats fit for our own kids. I have my own opinions of course and I will share them if a mom asks me how it worked out for my kids...but I try really hard not to be all judgy....TRY being that key word in that phrase...because Mommy Wars are very hard not to fall into.

Stay strong mommies. Share your opinions when asked. Support each other. Try not to be a teeth sucker. May the force be with you.

Thirty Thankful Things

You look up the word "thankful" on Wiki and you will find out two things...
"Thankful" may refer to "gratitude."
It also may refer to a Kelly Clarkson album.

hmmm....well sadly enough, no, my post will not be about Kelly Clarkson...no matter how thankful we are for her paving the way for American Idol contestants....

It will reflect on the first reference...gratitude.....

So...

30 Random To-Be-Thankful-For things....in no particular order

1. I am thankful...That my baby daughter sleeps much better than my son did as a baby.
2. I am thankful...That I am so close with my mom, that I consider my "girl time"...is "mom time."
3. I am thankful...My husband, who despite all my faults, and I mean all of them, loves me all the same.
4. I am thankful...That there is not a Chick-Fil-A closer to my house. I would be there everyday.
5. I am thankful...for 100 calorie snack packs.
6. I am thankful....that my husband remembers to feed the cat, because she would starve if it were up to me.
7. I am thankful...for my playgroup...mommies and kids. You guys brighten up our midweek!
8. I am thankful...that my son now regulary says, "I love you too, mommy." Best words ever spoken.
9. I am thankful...that the media hasn't gotten all "Swine Flu epidemic Crazy" on us again.
10. I am thankful...for Publix BOGO deals.
11. I am thankful...that my grandmother is a Breast Cancer survivor...twice now.
12. I am thankful...for my neighbors. We enjoy our 5:00 pm playyard dates on the lawn with the kids.
13. I am thankful...that I am a full time stay at home mommy...and that God has blessed our family with that opportunity.
14. I am thankful...for Spanx.
15.I am thankful...that the yappy dog who used to bark his way through my kids naptime, yaps no more.
16. I am thankful ...for my church and what it means to our family, and so many other families.
17. I am thankful...for bedtime...the kids' and my own.
18. I am thankful...that my husband likes to play with our kids.
19. I am thankful...my son loves learning and his inquizzativeness. (Is that a word? No. Perhaps I should be thankful for spellcheck). Even though we have to explain EVERY road sign we pass...I love that he wants to know more
20. I am thankful...for peppermint mocha coffee creamer to put in my fake coffee.
21. I am thankful...for our health.
22. I am thankful...that my gray hairs can pass off as highlights...so far
23. I am thankful...that my town despite all its Applebees-iness, also has mom and pop places like Campell's Dairyland and Babes Pizza.
24. I am thankful....for the Sprout channel and its sweet and simple preschool shows...and that they dont shows like SpongeBob. Sea Sponges shouldnt be that hyper. Lay off the crabby patties Bob.
25. I am thankful...for my extended family. As crazy as they sometimes are...(just them mind you...not me...ahem)...I love being apart of their craziness.
26. I am thankful...for being married to my best friend and high school sweetheart.
27. I am thankful...for Redbox...best...idea...ever. I love you and your cheap rentals! Muah!
28. I am thankful...for Edy's icecream. I do not need to have an explanation for this.
29. I am thankful for knowing that He is a God who has all things....and still He wants me.
30. I am thankful...that my son is slowly adjusting to daylight savings time.'

What are you thankful for this holiday season? Kelly Clarkson, maybe? No?

Happy Meals now come with disappointment

We love this place. Who doesn't, really? It really is the only fast food place we will eat at. It has been years, years, and years since I have ordered a burger at McDonalds or Burger King. I couldnt even tell you the last time I ate there.



Why do I love Chick-fil-a? Well for one, it's delicious. Also, Connor loves it too...probably more for the play area though. I also like the fact that there's wraps, fruit, and grilled sandwiches. BUT I am not deceived...there is also deep fried chicken sandwiches, milkshakes, french fries, chicken nuggets, among other calorie filled things that taste delicious but arent the best for you. (However one could argue that chicken is better for you than red meat hamburgers...and milkshakes have milk...and if you get a STRAWBERRY milkshake..then you get an extra fruit serving! )



We eat there once and a while. Probably once or twice a month. Usually if I'm out running errands and running short on time. Or as treat for Connor But again, in no means are we fast food junkies. But we do enjoy the occasional trip to Chick-Fil-A.



However, I dont walk into Chick-Fil-A and then pout about my son's kids meal and then act all concerned about the not so healthy food choices in his kids meal bag. Because I know what I am walking into. I am NOT walking into a health food store or a salad bar. I am walking into a fast food restaurant. And Im probably going to order a milkshake.



San Francisco is in the news today. They have passed an ordinance that toys/gifts will no longer be included with food choices. This has been done in order to make these unhealthy kids meals less enticing. New kids meals, if they want to include a toy, must also include vegetables, fruit and multigrains.



While I applaud the idea of such meals, because I myself usually swap Connor's fries for fruit, I have difficulty in understanding the logic in this bill. In order to fight childhood obesity...this is where they want to tackle.....the toy.



It all comes down to choices. And no I dont mean a choice for the child. This is where parent's step in.



Here's a scenario....



Enter Little Johnny and his Mommy driving down the road. Little Johnny spots a McDonalds.

Little Johnny: "Oh Mommy pull over! Let's eat at McDonalds today!" I love their Mcnuggets and Mcburgers and McFries and the McToy that comes in the McHappy Meal!!



Mommy: Oh, Little Johnny, those aren't the best choices for lunch. Let's go home and have lunch at home instead.



Little Johnny: McMommy, pull over the Mccar right now! I Mcneed me some McDonalds! :::Mcwhiiiiinnnnnneeee...Mcscream!!!!::::



Mommy: What's a mommy to do? :::Pulls into the Mcparking lot and throws away her Mcpower::::





OR it could go this way...



Little Johnny: Mommy can we go to McDonalds today?



Mommy: No.



When it comes down to it...your child's food issues are not in their hands. Children do not drive cars. They do not roll down their windows and say "Why yes, I would like fries with that, thank you." They do not biggie size their meals and they do not go to a fast food restaurant 5 times a week.



That's us. That's the parents. WE are ordering the kids meals. We are hitting fast food and calling it "Dinner" several times a week. These are decisions parents are making. And if we are willing to do that, then why are we surprised child obesity is on the rise?



We have to be the parents. And we have to say No to things that are harmful for our children. Not that I'm saying waffle fries are harmful....but waffle fries every day could be. We have to know our limits...because our children don't. We have to teach them what healthy choices are and that fast food is meant to be a treat. And we shouldnt be making our children the excuse of OUR poor choices.



No toys in the kids meals will probably be less enticing for the kids....maybe. However maybe these legislators should figure out how to make the adult, who's driving the car, and ordering the kids meal, less tempted to pull into a Fast Food restaurant in the first place.



(And again...not trying to come across all holier than thou fast food wise, because we do eat fast food from time to time. )

And to assure you that I love Chick-Fil-A

click below...Tim Hawkins video sums up what so many feel...

www.youtube.com/watch?v=NsJHqstPuNo

Breast cancer awareness, neither funny nor sexy....discuss...

You see it on Yogurt lids...on soup can labels...on cereal boxes...key chains....t-shirts...and now on Facebook.

Breast cancer awareness month is upon us. That sounds funny even as I type it....every month should be breast cancer awareness month. I hope all my fellow friends are doing their self breast exams...well my girlfriends anyway (although fellows....if there are any fellows who read my blog....doubtful.....but fellows, you should be aware that breast cancer is NOT just a girl thing...)

I am grateful for products that are out there spreading the word about breast cancer and how serious it is. I applaud a local news station here sending an email reminder for women to conduct a self breast exam. Relay for Life team members, thank you for your time and efforts.

Facebook....thanks for being insensitive.

Last year, if you are a facebooker, women everywhere were supposed to coyly post the color of their bra as their status, in order to promote breast cancer awareness. So last year a rainbow of colors were posted and .....thats pretty much it. Were lives saved because you posted you were wearing a leopard striped bra? Doubtful. But it made us feel better about ourselves.

For the good of womanhood and to defeat BREAST CANCER....women were posting"white"..."green"...black"....." posy pink bra with the slight rip in the side!!!" :::pats self on the back....thinking about how many women are rushing right out to conduct a self exam or making an appt with their doc for a mammogram:::

No....no not at all really.

So now.....another year has passed and in my inbox this week....

Remember the game last year about what color bra you were wearing at the moment? The purpose was to increase awareness of October Breast Cancer Awareness month. It was a tremendous success and we had men wondering for days what was with the colors and it made it to the news! TIMEOUT!!!!! (Totally just pulled a Zack Morris Saved By the Bell moment here)...sooo lets see....by tremendous success.....we were successful because we had men wondering about colors...colors of our bra...and it was on the news? SQUEEEEAAAALLLL!!!! TIME IN! This year's game is about your handbag/purse, where we put our handbag/purse the moment we get home for example, " I like it on the couch" or "I like it on the kitchen counter" "I like it on the dresser" well u get the idea. Just put your answer as your status with nothing more than that and cut and paste this message and forward to all your FB female friends to their inbox. The bra game made it to the news. (more squealing! Eeee the news!!!) Let's see how powerful we women really are!! REMEMBER- DO NOT PUT YOUR ANSWER AS A REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE-PUT IT AS YOUR STATUS!!PASS THIS TO EVERY WOMAN YOU KNOW.

Ok ladies...

First, I would like to know....how is your purse related at all to breast cancer awareness? How is this supposed to work....really?

So lets say "Mrs Smith" leaves her purse on the table and posts (all in the name of breast cancer, mind you) " I like it on the table."

FB girlfriend number one asks? "What are you talking about? Why are you posting sexual inuendos on FB?"

Mrs. Smith says "Oh I'm really talking about....BREAST CANCER AWARENESS, silly!!!!"

FB girlfriend number one says, "Ahhh yes of course!! Thanks for reminding me to do my self exam by a totally pointless, sexually charged, ridiculous post. I will be sure to tell my husband to look at your post too, so he can be in total cluelessness and we shall laugh at him together. Muahahaha."

End Scene.

Honestly. girls, is this how we are going to....what did the message say?....oh yes show the world and "see how powerful we women really are" ? By passing on a FB message that says NOTHING about breast cancer and pretending we are "doing our part" and oh my gosh! Hoping it will get on the news!!!

You want to raise awareness? There are other ways....ways that actually give a message or donate money to the Komen foundation. Ways that don't belittle the women who found out too late or the women going through their first second or third battle with breast cancer. Getting people to talk about breast cancer is a good step...this may have been an attempt at that, but it may be more effective if your message actually had something to do with.....BREAST CANCER! Just a thought for next year ladies.

Mom Talk

Things I've found myself saying lately....

- Your Barrel of monkeys don't go in your undies....no thats not a pocket.

- Because Addison doesnt eat chips, thats why.

- No honey, I dont want a goldfish. Thanks for sharing though. No. No. I don't want any. Thank you. That was delicious. Yes, it's nice to share.

- Because I can't get a NEW Connor if you break....so sit down and stop jumping on the couch.

- No you are a boy, not a girl. Because God made you a boy. No that wont change.

-Please dont put peas in your hair. Because its gross thats why.

-We dont eat fruit snacks for breakfast....no...just cause they have the word "fruit" in them doesnt make it breakfast. Have a banana.

-Yes, you will be 10 one day...but thats a long way to go still.

-Well, if you really WANT to dip your cantelope in ketchup, that's up to you.

-Just because your CD broke doesnt mean you get a new one. Yes, I know Nana bought you a new CD, when your old one broke and that was nice, but its not going to happen every time. No, you can't call Nana now.

-Because Atlanta is very far away. Too far to visit today. No not tomorrow either.

-Well, yes, technically Elmo is "nakey" (naked) but he has fur all over his body, so I think it's okay.



What about you? Do YOU ever find yourself saying things to your kids you can't believe came out of your mouth?