PSA - Our Mommhood

** Please pause for a VERY important Public Service Announcement **

Not sure what kind of bathing suit fits your body or personality?? I've got your summer bathing suit preview COVERED (no pun intended...ok, ok...maybe it WAS intended) over at Our Mommyhood. Put all those crunches you've done to good use and show off your beach-ready bod in one of these fabulous finds!!

** End Public Service Announcement **

Lesson #102 - Hormones Were Created By Men

That is correct, ladies...you heard it here first! Now, more than ever, I am convinced that hormones were the creation of a male. I mean, they take over without the host's knowledge and lead to explosive rage, followed by outbursts of tears and topped off with mind-blowing sex.

You have GOT to be f*in kidding me!!!

The Man and I were driving home from our outing today and we were on a major road. All of a sudden this family of ducks (a mommy and about 6 babies) popped out of a drainage ditch in the median and started CROSSING THE BUSY STREET!!!!

AAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!

Doesn't that mama duck know it is the lunch-hour rush?!?!?!

I seriously wanted to get out of the car and make sure the duck family made it across the street!!

I would have, too, except The Man made me stay in the car...booooo!!

In any case...as much as I didn't want to watch the duck family cross the street - I just HAD to...it is like looking at a train wreck...I just couldn't look away!! As soon as they made it across the street, I looked at The Man and just burst into tears!! WHAT IS WRONG WITH ME?!?!?!?! I hate hormones...hate them...with a passion!!!!! DARN HORMONES!!!!!

{Wordless Wednesday}

It has just been one of those weeks...

I feel like I'm going CRAZY...but at least I have great legs!!

{Monday Minute - 4/26/10}

Okay, okay...so I'm late...that was a mouth-full! We won't go into the reasons why - TRUST me, that is a post for another day!! So, on with the show...yes??



- What drugs have you done in your life?
I have always been high on life :)

- A/S/L?
Hi! My name is Working Mommy - WM for short - and I am a happily married 20-something female (hence the "mommy" part) living in my own little world...at least that is what The Man says!

- Do you pick your nose?
YES! It drives The Man crazy!! Mostly because I can never find a tissue handy, so I end up putting my nose friends on the edge of the seat in his car. Muwahahahaha!!! I only do it because I know it skeeves him out!! I know, I know...I'm evil!

ARE YOU F*IN KIDDING ME?!?!?!

EEEEEWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW!!! I would NEVER do that! I can't believe you FELL for it!!! I do pick my nose...but always with the proper equipment!

- What's your favorite childhood cartoon
Cartoons, huh...lets see...I will always be a fan of the classic Mickey Mouse cartoons...why don't they have any wholesome shows like that now?!?! Now it is South Park - ugh!!

- List the URL, of what you believe to be the best blog post you've ever done
Oh...well, there are quite a few...but one of my favorites is here!! Enjoy :)

Lesson #101 - Learn A Lesson Every Single Day

So, I was browsing Facebook notes the other day and I came across this one from a very close friend. We have been close since high school - we cheered together for 3 years - and we were in each others' weddings. While I always try to learn something before I go to sleep each night, sometimes I need a little reminder. I am not claiming responsibility for writing this - if you know who did, please let me know so I can credit the author.

Sometimes people come into your life and you know right away that they were meant to be there, to serve some sort of purpose, teach you a lesson, or to help you figure out who you are or who you want to become.

You never know who these people may be - a roommate, a neighbor, a professor, a friend, a lover, or even a complete stranger - but when you lock eyes with them, you know at that very moment they will affect your life in some profound way.

Sometimes things happen to you that may seem horrible, painful, and unfair at first, but in reflection you find that without overcoming those obstacles you would have never realized your potential, strength, willpower, or heart.

Illness, injury, love, lost moments of true greatness, and sheer stupidity all occur to test the limits of your soul. Without these small tests, whatever they may be, life would be like a smoothly paved straight flat road to nowhere. It would be safe and comfortable, but dull and utterly pointless.

The people you meet who affect your life, and the success and downfalls you experience, help to create who you are and who you become. Even the bad experiences can be learned from. In fact, they are sometimes the most important ones.

If someone loves you, give love back to them in whatever way you can, not only because they love you, but because in a way, they are teaching you to love and how to open your heart and eyes to things.

If someone hurts you, betrays you, or breaks your heart, forgive them, for they have helped you learn about trust and the importance of being cautious to whom you open your heart.

Make every day count. Appreciate every moment and take from those moments everything that you possibly can for you may never be able to experience it again. Talk to people that you have never talked to before, and listen to what they have to say.

Let yourself fall in love, break free, and set your sights high. Hold your head up because you have every right to. Tell yourself you are a great individual and believe in yourself, for if you don't believe in yourself, it will be hard for others to believe in you.

You can make anything you wish of your life. Create your own life and then go out and live it with absolutely no regrets.

And if you love someone tell them, for you never know what tomorrow may have in store.

Learn a lesson in life each day that you live! Today is the tomorrow you were worried about yesterday. Was it worth it?

{Monday Minute}

Here is my attempt at Monday Minute...my very FIRST attempt...ENJOY!!

-Ever take a shit in the woods?
Do bears fart? Wait, you don't know if bears fart?? Well I don't know if they do or not...that is why I asked YOU!! Compare it to something else...fine! Does a puppy bark?? There...better?!

-If you won $1,000, what's the first thing you would do with it besides give me a cut?
Only $1,000...that is it?? I wouldn't give a cut if it is only $1,000...I mean, unless you are okay with only getting $2 or so...I would definitely pay some bills - boring, I know...but necessary!

-What's your favorite phrase?
Are your serious...are you F**King serious?!?! Yeah...that's my favorite...

-Fill in the blank - the world (at least my world) would be a better place if ___________ .
I could be a SAHM

-How do you take your coffee or tea?
I don't drink either...but if I did then I'd take it in a cup...on a saucer (the cup, not the beverage)...with a spoon in it - so I can stick up my pinky while I stir!

Lesson #100 - Aging Gracefully IS Possible

HORRAY!!! I don't know about y'all, but I am SUPER excited that you I have made it to LESSON #100!! I mean, my parents always used to tell me that they learned a lot in life - but who knew they could be RIGHT?! So, without further ado-do...I present...Lesson #100

It seems as though some females have done away with their classiness. These days, so much emphasis is put on being young, tall, skinny, perky and young...too much, I think! Whatever happened to aging gracefully and WITH DIGNITY!! It seems as though some women have forgotten what it means to be more mature as opposed to "older" - because those two things can be mutually exclusive, at times.

Sometimes I envy those who grew up in decades past - and not the recent past either...those men knew that a lady deserved respect - and knew how to give it - and the women had wonderful roll models to look up to...

Audrey Hepburn

Grace Kelly

Jackie O

Alas, our children now have these "roll models" to mold their every move...

Lady Gaga

Paris Hilton

Amy Winehouse

Fergie

...and why is it that people wonder why this world is going to hell in a hand-basket??? HELLLOOOOOOOOO!! You listen to the same music as your kids...you act just like your kids most of the time...and some of you even DRESS like your kids!! Borrowing your daughter's clothes only makes you look like an idiot...not only that, but if you dress like them - they will treat you like a peer instead of a parent. Assert yourselves again - PLEASE - for the love of our future!!! Just age gracefully...

PSA - Our Mommyhood

** Please pause for a VERY important Public Service Announcement **

Struggling with your spring wardrobe?? If so, don't freak out...just RUN - not walk - over to Our Mommyhood ASAP to read my post on the newest and greatest spring fashions!! I promise, you'll look (and feel) like a million bucks once I'm done with you!!

** End Public Service Announcement **

Lesson #99 - Always Have A Girlfriend On Hand

I work in a VERY small office (very small) and there are very few "normal" people in the office...okay - there are two of us...out of 8 total. So, it comes as no surprise - at least to me - that I have only made a real friend-outside-of-work connection with one other person. It is a priceless connection, though, and I love this gal to death!!!

Moving on...we were walking to lunch the other day and somehow we started talking about fashion. Not the clothes that are considered high fashion, but the women who decide to go out in public looking like they couldn't find a mirror anywhere! So my co-worker says that topic used to be frequently discussed between her and her friends in school...and instead of saying what was wrong with so-and-so's style, they would say, "she needs a girlfriend."

I looked puzzled for a minute and my co-worker explained the comment. There is a distinct difference between a friend who happens to be a girl and a girlfriend. What follows are the comparisons mentioned - in list form - in our conversation:

A friend (who is a girl)
- won't answer truthfully when you ask if your "ass looks big in these jeans"
- would rather not hear about your date night with McDreamy
- moans and groans when you ask for help
- doesn't let you borrow her clothes
- laughs and says how thankful she is that she wasn't with you when you got pulled over

...on the other hand...

A girlfriend
- will let you know when your seams are about to burst
- can't wait to hear the details of your date
- never complains when you need something
- asks if you want to wear the new shirt she just bought - before she does
- is somehow always right next to you when you get into trouble

I am eternally grateful for my girlfriends...who strive (very hard) to help me look like this:

...instead of this:

{Wordless Wednesday...brought to you by the letter "C"}

...this is why I love my "C"ar (gotta love that my SUV gets 42 miles to the gallon...don't be jealous!)

...this is why I love "C"hili (it goes GREAT on top of tater tots!)...

...this ALMOST made me a vegetarian ("C"hicken anyone?)...

...and this is why I love my "C"hild (her smile is contagious...and she lets me put her bloomies on her head!)

Lesson #98 - Blogging = Therapy

I always knew - ever since I was a little girl - that I wanted a big family. Being an only child made me realize how important siblings are to each other. They are different than friends - something more meaningful...a stronger connection. Collectively, they are "The Scribblers" and let me tell you - cute doesn't even BEGIN to describe them!  These little girls look just like their mama, The Head Scribbler! As if raising three beautiful girls isn't enough, she is also trying to be the perfect wife, daughter in-law, writer, blogger, entrepreneur and chef...whew...I'm tired just THINKING about it all! If you ever feel the need to show your creative side (or leave a comment or two), grab a crayon and head on over to Coloring Outside The Lines...for now, though, you can sit back and relax while the Crayon Wrangler lists the things she has learned - from blogging...

1. As a mother you will soon learn that nobody in your house listens to you.

2. If you want someone to listen to you, write a blog.

3. If you want someone to respond to you, write about religion, politics or spanking.

4. If you can’t think of blog material, look around your house.

5. Someone actually identifies with the stacked up laundry, crying children and crackers under the couch.

6. You can find 56,384 other blogs about stacked up laundry, crying children and crackers under the couch.

7. You can find 34,984 blogs condemning people for stacked up laundry, crying children and crackers under the couch.

8. You can find 38,378 blogs making fun of people who condemn others.

9. You can find 3,986 on time management so you don’t have stacked up laundry, crying children and crackers under the couch.

10. You can find 1,467 blogs that make crafts out of crackers under the couch.

11. You can find 178 blogs with pictures of crackers under the couch.

12. You will not find more than 10 blogs with crying children, because we are all perfect mothers.

13. Perfect mothers have amazing portraits of their kids, recipes with 15 ingredients you can’t pronounce and a detailed list of all the things that they did in a 12 hour slot of time.

14. Perfect mothers are in the encyclopedia between leprechauns and unicorns.

15. Blogging is for people with really thick skin.

16. Lose a Google Friend and you will see what I mean.

17. Chocolate chip cookie dough is therapeutic to losing a follower.

18. Blogging about it feels much better.

19. Blogging about the crazy and irritating things your family does is also cheap therapy.

20. You will probably need some physical therapy if your family ever discovers your blog and a new place to have Christmas dinner.

Lesson #97 - Drugstores Will Soon Go The Way Of The Dodo Bird

Speaking of EPIC FAIL - this one definitely takes the top prize!

I was going through the top stories of the week and found this little gem hidden amongst a flurry of other headlines like Tiger's return to greatness or the must see movie of the weekend. The article might be short, but it definitely puts the current state of mind into perspective.

You see, there once was a little drugstore - called Divine Mercy Care - that opened in October 2008. At only 1,500 square feet, the store is definitely smaller than your average CVS. That didn't bother the owners, though, because this pro-life Catholic drugstore had other goals in mind.

I think it is obvious where this is going (even more obvious if you read the linked article) but here goes...the store didn't carry birth control, condoms, cigarettes or porno magazines. Not only that, but they also didn't sell cosmetics, toys or food items.

Now, I don't know about you...but when I want porno - I go online, cosmetics are best bought at MAC, toys are for Toys R Us, and food is purchased at the grocery store (or McDonald's if I'm super hungry). I have never been one to smoke, but I can imagine that most people purchase those at a gas station...while the lack of birth control and condoms is what gave the man and I the babe :) In addition, anything I've ever purchased at a drugstore is way more than what I could buy it for elsewhere.

I know that most people do get prescriptions filled - and such - at said drugstores...but there are mail order services for that too - nowadays...

Is it just me, or does it seem like CVS (et al.) should be going out of business also??

Lesson #96 - Children Do Grow Up

I can't believe that The Babe has gone from this...

to this...

in a short 9 months!!

Where does the time go??

HAPPY 9 MONTHS!!!!!

Lesson #95 - Sooner Or Later...You Will Give In

** We interrupt your regularly scheduled post for a VERY important Public Service Announcement **

I can't believe it bloggy buddies, but it is TRUE! I have given in and gotten myself a Twitter account...not sure how everything works, yet, but I am hoping to take some time this weekend to assemble my Tweeple and cause some Twouble! Join me @lessonslrndblog for some Teeriffic Twitter Times!!!

** End Public Service Announcement **

Lesson #94 - It Pays To Be "THAT Parent"

This past Sunday was a day free of The Babe's 10am swim lesson (to see what we did on Saturday, go here). Thanks to spring break, we got the chance to stay at home and relax with The Man all day...it was nice! The Sunday before was a different story. While I always enjoy attending swim lessons, i was even MORE excited for The Babe's third class - because I actually remembered to bring my nice digital camera to take pictures!!

About half way through the class, some raging-hormonal-very angry-manager lady came running towards all of the parents who were taking pictures (I'd say there were 5 out of the class of 12) and yelled that we were not allowed to take pictures of the kids during class.

HOLD UP - WHAT?!?!

Of course you KNOW I just had to speak up. We've been taking pictures for the past 3 friggin' weeks...why are you just now telling us all about this so-called "policy"?!

The parents stopped their photo-taking (I managed to get a few more while crazy-lady wasn't looking) and after the class, The Man went up to crazy-lady to inquire about the policy. He asked why he'd never heard about it - no one in the class was ever informed of it before - and wanted her to point it out, section and line, for our review. Crazy-lady said she didn't know where it could be found, but that she only enforces the rules...though she promised to do some research and have it available for parents at this coming swim lesson on Sunday.

Thankfully, the aquatics director nipped the issue in the bum BEFORE the swim lesson on Sunday...the below email was sent to all parents (as a BCC - good move!) who have kids in the Sunday parent-and-me swim lesson...ENJOY!!

Good Evening,

My name is {embarrassed aquatics director} and I am with {your fabulous community rec center}. I write today to follow up on an incident that occurred during your recent swim class in regards to the policy on photography in our facilities. First and foremost, please allow me to apologize on behalf of the manager who incorrectly informed and enforced our photography policy with your class!

While {this rec center} and our agency [as a whole] takes reasonable efforts to prevent the exploitation of children and families partaking in our parks, this photography policy was taken out of context by the manager. We have taken corrective measures with all of our managers to prevent such an experience from occurring in the future. In short, PLEASE enjoy taking pictures and making memories of your children in their swimming classes. We look forward to them "growing up" in our learn-to-swim programs!

If you have any questions or concerns in regards to this or any area of our facility, please do not hesitate to contact me directly.

Happy Swimming
Embarrassed Aquatics Director

Oh yeah...that is right...hang your head in shame!!!

Not get a shot of this...

...you gotta be KIDDING me!!

Lesson #93 - Crowds...SUCK!!! {Wordless Wednesday}

I should have known better than to go into the city during Cherry Blossom time...

The babe had never seen them before, though, so I felt it was necessary

I don't discriminate...I hate ALL stupid people...and this weekend there was certainly not a lack of them

It was so packed that we could hardly move...well, thanks to the stroller we moved quite well actually

The monuments that are usually relatively empty - were crawling with tourists

We walked around for hours - at least 5 hours

The Babe got tired quick, though, and needed a tasty snack

After a few yummy banana puffs, The Babe was all smiles

Lesson #92 - Being Observant Can Save Your Life

Whenever I need a good laugh - or a lesson on what goes on at an inner city school - I head on over to Daffy's pond over at Batcrap Crazy. I can only imagine how she handles marriage, motherhood and dealing with her asshat co-workers...oh, wait...I don't HAVE to imagine!! I can just READ about it! So, sit back and relax while adult-Daffy tells a story about how she learned how to be an observant parent from grade school-Daffy!

“…mom we did some cool experiments in Science today.

Glad you had a good day Daffy.

Here is a paper describing how to do it at home. It was really easy to do at school do you think I could try it again tonight? (which was a total lie. We DID NOT try the experiment at school. It was dangerous.)

Sure. After dinner.”


So fast forward through dinner and cleaning up because I'm sure somehow my sisters made sure I was on dish duty that night. Every one was busy elsewhere in the house. Mom set me up with a small sauce pan and the corn starch the experiment required. I was in 6th grade after all; totally competent to handle myself at the stove.

A little cornstarch in the bottom of the pan…..low heat….it removes the moisture in the starch. I expertly wiggled the pan now and again to prevent burning. That would come later; the burning.

Sufficient time for the moisture to cook away and then I moved to stage two. At the island was three lovely pieces of construction paper laid out awaiting their line. With the deft skill of a 6th grade perfectionist I lined out the cornstarch on center of each piece which was then rolled into straw like tubes.

Step three required a lighter and some blowing power. Step 3 on the worksheet says to be sure that nothing flammable is in your work area and to be sure there is adult supervision. WHATEVER.

I pick up my first rolled tube of moisture free corn starch and instead of blowing I end up sucking. Hey, it could happen to anyone so shutyerpiehole. After chugging some Gatorade (the old school kind…you know, the orange powder mix) I pick up my awesome tubular mega straw number 2.

Flick the Bic

Flame roaring at the end of my fully extended right arm, I take a deep breath before putting my lips to the tube and blow…

BAM!

Shooting flames come roaring out as the cornstarch meets flame and it is the COOLEST FREAKIN' THING I'VE EVER SEEN JUST LIKE SPECIAL EFFECT EXPLOSIONS IN THE MOVIES! I'm screaming out of excitement and the smoke alarm is screaming out of fear. My mother rushes in to find her refrigerator torched black.

It was white.

Now black.

Mother sorta freaked out. Once all the screeching stopped (including the fire alarm and my sisters) I realized there was still one tube left. My mother realized she should've looked at the experiment paper first.

As a parent I will be very diligent in looking over all papers that come home with my child!

Lesson #91 - Wearing Open-Toed Shoes Requires Maintenance

Today I am building off of my post from yesterday.

The second most witnessed faux pas while out and about this weekend?? Not having a pedi, but wearing flip-flops or sandals anyways!! YIKES!!

With this new found warm weather comes the ability to wear a myriad of fabulously cute shoes in an array of styles. The most worn spring/summer shoe style would be the open-toed variety. I am a HUGE fan of wearing sandals - with the proper outfit - but nothing skeeves me out more than seeing a woman showing off her non-pedicured feet!! Eeeeeeeeeeeeeewwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww!

There are many reasons why every woman should be taking care of her feet properly. We really torture our toosies day-in and day-out by wearing tall heels to work, running at the gym with improper insoles and sliding around the kitchen barefoot to be able to cook dinner, chase the dog and feed the kids a snack at the same time! It seems to me that every woman already deserves a spa day...that one day every other week (or every week...depending on your schedule) where she can go and let someone pamper her like the Queen she is!

Now, the men aren't without blame in this situation...at ALL! Fellas, there are places for you to go also. I know it might not seem like the "manly" thing to do...but, to be honest, there are plenty of women who appreciate a guy who takes good care of himself.

Don't take yourselves for granted out the in bloggy-land! Give your feet/bodies the rest, relaxation and pampering they deserve...so you, too, can look beautiful in your summer shoes!!

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<-- Make sure you take a look-see at my other lessons off to the left :)

Lesson #90 - Toys That Keep The Kiddos Occupied Are Priceless

I remember going on a lot of road trips when I was a wee one. As an only child, my parents would always let me take a friend on family vacations - so I would have someone to go on rides with (since both of my parents are afraid of heights). Before even arriving at our vacation destination, though, were those long...long...long...terribly long car rides!

While the youth of today have more options when it comes to in-the-car entertainment, my generation did not. We didn't have portable DVD players (DV-what?), game consoles or vans with seats that flip around with a table in the middle to play cards. No, we had to resort to games like Punch-Buggy Bingo or there was always the option to sleep.

What I really needed on those long trips is one of Jamie's I Spy bags! Jaime is a SAHM to 3 amazing little boys (6, 4, and 2) and a Navy wife (GO NAVY)! After becoming a SAHM, Jaime decided to open her Etsy store so she can work while still being home with her boys. Baby Love Blankies is full of cute I Spy bags for children of all ages! I Spy Bags are sure to provide your kiddo with HOURS of fun! so much fun!

Jaime's Itsy Bitsy I Spy Bags are approx 5"X5" and are filled with over 20 hidden treasures. The bags are made from "Snuggly Flannel" fabric, because it shows less signs of wear and tear then regular fleece fabric. The bag is then filled with nontoxic poly pellets** that your child has to sift through to reveal the hidden treasures. This toy is not only educational but also helps with fine motor coordination...not to mention, Jaime has so many different fabric choices it will make your head spin!!

**Safety side note:
All of the seams on all of my I spy bags are double sewn for your child's safety, however if the bag gets ripped please throw it away because it is filled with poly pellets and tiny treasures that are choking hazards. All of the treasures, fabric and vinyl were bought here in the USA and are compliant with the current CPSIA laws.

One of the best features is the detachable item list. Turn the search into a race by timing how long it takes to find each item you call out!

One of the best reviews I have EVER read is listed on Jaime's site:
I had heard that I Spy Bags were wonderful for autistic children, but never had proof until one of my customers left me this feedback:
"This was a gift for my 5 yr old autistic daughter - and I just do not have enough words. I wish I had bought this years ago. The beads offer her tactile stimulus for her sensory needs and the 'babies' offer hours of play and helps increase her visual to oral skills. There has been nothing better than having her look up with a smile as she has 'found' the item I have asked for. Even if the verbal skills are limited, most children love and crave to show their parents they understand. Kudos and I can never thank you enough." ~ amblanco357

So, you see friends, these little bags really do have a number of uses!

Giveaway:
There will be two winners of this giveaway. Each winner will receive ANY Itsy Bitsy I Spy Bag of their choice!! These little bags are PRICELESS!!

Here are the rules...please leave a separate comment for each entry:
3 entries if you "follow" me - please comment and let me know
2 entries when you visit the Baby Love Blankies Etsy site and tell me which product is your favorite
2 entries if you "heart" Baby Love Blankies on Etsy
2 entries if you become a fan of Baby Love Blankies on Facebook
1 entry if you "spread my education" on your blog
1 entry if you blog about this giveaway - please provide a link back to the post in your comment

Giveaway Winnahs!!!

The winners of the Barefoot Chic artwork giveaway are:

Honey B. @ The Honey B.
and
Baby Sweetness @ My Baby Sweetness


AND


The winners of the Fashion Statement giveaway are:

Ian @
and
Darla @ Hissyfits and Halos


CONGRATS TO THE WINNAHS!!!

Lesson #89 - Skinny Jeans Are For Skinny Bodies

I just LOVE (love, love, love, love) the fact that - for the most part - all of this cold weather is behind us and the gracious Mr. Sun has brought his family - Mrs. Ray, Ms .Heat, Little Birdie and Pretty Flower - out to play! I honestly don't know if I could handle any additional bad weather. My heart goes out to those in the Northeast suffering through the floods and clean-up efforts!

Anywho...this past Saturday I packed up the babe (and the man) and we all headed out to the park. Once we arrived, I looked at hubs and said, "It doesn't look like we're in Kansas anymore, Toto!" Keep in mind we had walked to our friendly neighborhood park...and there were a gazillion children around. Presumably because it was nice outside and their parents wanted them to get some fresh air...and possibly run around a larger square footage area than a kitchen. I saw things (and proceeded to point them out to the man) that I don't think I will ever get out of my head. Things that just shouldn't be done in a public area...or ANY area for that matter!!

The biggest fashion faux pas that was witnessed?? Large people wearing small clothes.

Holy heck, people!! This is a FAMILY park...public place or not...lets think of the kids, huh!! I can't believe why, or how, some of these women would force themselves to wear pieces of clothing - mostly jeans or shorts - that were CLEARLY not made to fit their current body type.

Ladies, please (for the love of all things cute and pink) put money aside for the purpose of purchasing a new wardrobe when it is necessary. Now, I am not saying that thousands of dollars need to be spent every. single. season for new clothes...although to some, that is a nice dream...what I am saying is please do not continue to wear (or TRY to wear) that same pair of skinny jeans you wore in college...because they just don't fit anymore.

Even the simple fact that they don't fit anymore isn't something to be ashamed of, either! Not at all! Seriously, look at you...you're a wife (to a pretty smokin hubs) and a mother (to some adorable little rugrats) - not a twenty-something college sorority girl looking to hook up with a frat guy. While you MIGHT have been/done that in the past, that is not who/what you are now! Be proud of the transition you've gone through - and look good while doing it!


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<-- Make sure you take a look-see at my other lessons off to the left :)

Lesson #88 - It Is Always Best To Keep Things Professional

So, remember yesterday when I said that The Babe went to stay with my parents for a week (read all about it - here)?? Well, the plan was for me to drive down to my parents' place the following Friday after work, because my mom was heading out of town on Saturday and couldn't take The Babe with her. So drive down I did...which, surprisingly, didn't take very long (thank goodness!).

Since I don't get to make it home all that often, I decided to phone a friend :) You know her as Jen from The Tennysons Today...but to me, she is a life-line. In high school we may have played different sports, hung out with different crowds, been in different classes and lived in different areas...but once we both got pregnant and figured out our wee-ones would be born within about a week of each other (they are 6 days apart) then we became each others sanity!

Together we started our own mommy-focused book club. We would read articles or books and then get on Instant Messenger the following day at work and talk about the great advice we read the day before. It was great having someone who could relate to me when I said I, literally, didn't sleep a wink the night before!

In any case...I sent a text and wouldn't you know it - my good pal and her son were available for dinner on Saturday - YAY!! So I packed up The Babe and all of her gazillion things - loaded everything into the car - and off we went to Bob Evans (look, there aren't many choices back where I come from...don't judge!). We got there at the same time and were seated in seconds. The kiddos got plopped into high chairs and we started chatting about everything and anything - politics, jobs, the kids, life - and then our waitress came to our table.

Of course we hadn't even begun to look at our menus since we were too busy talking...so we just ordered drinks. Here is where we started to get peeved. When our waitress - we'll call her Jody - walked up, she commented on how cute our kids are...and they really are...but that is besides the point. Jody, after taking our drink orders, asked if we wanted anything for the wee ones. The kids already had bottles out, table covers stuck down and snacks in hand...they were happy campers. So, of course, we would reply that while we appreciated her effort - we didn't need anything for the kids.

So, we keep talking and Jody comes back with our drinks...and a few unsavory comments. Jody happens to mention that she also has a child - a little girl...now, Jody isn't a small person - oh no - she is large and IN charge...which is fine...but then she goes on to say that her daughter is such a little stick child who won't eat, blah, blah, blah, blah...lady, I didn't come here to talk to YOU! If I wanted to know about your personal life, I would have asked! Now take our orders and LEAVE!

Oh no...she stayed...in fact, she went on to ask if Jen and I were friends - which, we are - and if we had been pregnant at the same time - which, we were - and then things went downhill...QUICKLY! Jody looks at us, in the face, and says while she was pregnant she got a call from her "bestest friend in the whole wide world" who proceeded to say, "You know how whenever something bad happens to you, then something bad happens to me? Well, I'm pregnant now."

I'm sorry...what???

Did you just say that you getting pregnant was a bad thing?

Are you implying that my baby was a mistake?

I'm sorry, Jody, if you weren't completely THRILLED when you got pregnant...that is a shame...I, on the other hand, was besides myself. So, it sucks that you had a crappy experience - probably because yo baby daddy wasn't in the picture for more than that one night and your parents threw you out of the house when you were 18 - but cry me river!! Jen and I got pregnant by surprise - that is for sure - but we wouldn't change any of it for anything in the world!!

Jen and I finished dinner without any other comments from Jody...but it was all I could do to not climb over The Babe in her high chair and beat the crap outta that lady!!
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<-- Make sure you take a look-see at my other lessons off to the left :)

Lesson #87 - Be Thankful For A Break

A few weeks ago The Man thought he had to go out of town for his job. There was a trip scheduled for a week that would take him to who-knows-where overseas. So, I decided to ask my parents if they could take The Babe for that week while The Man was gone. Of course my mom was crazy-excited (yes, that is the technical term) and was probably jumping up-and-down on the other end of the phone while talking to me about it.

The trip ended up getting canceled at the last minute, but I still thought it would be a good idea for my parents to take The Babe...because The Man and I needed some "us" time...and the job stress was really getting to me. So a break was a nice prospect to put us back in the right mind-set.

So, not this past Sunday, but the one before my parents made the trip over here to attend one of The Babe's swim lessons (further discussion on that to come). Anyways, after the lesson we all went out for lunch at this GREAT little Mexican place down the street. After lunch, we packed up The Babe and all of her gagillion toys/diapers/wipies/solid foods/and every other thing that a wee one needs to travel (which is WAY more than I have time to list) and off she went with my parents...YAY!

I truly am thankful to my parents for giving The Man and I a whole week to ourselves. It was nice to get home and take a nap without worrying when The Babe was going to wake up hungry - or how long play time should last. We were able to go to dinner one night, watch a movie another night and just learn to relax. It seems like life just keeps going at break-neck speeds once kiddos come into the picture. So, thanks Mom and Dad for taking care of The Babe!!
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<-- Make sure you take a look-see at my other lessons off to the left :)