Spy School #8--Casino Royal (great date night in)

Challenge your husband to an evening of cards and intrigue.

A week prior to his challenge, slip your husband the challenge with a new deck of cards.

The Challenge:
Gambling, Tuxedos and Bond--James Bond. If you accept this challenge your card skills will be put to the test and mankind's most precious commodity will be wagered.  If you are prepared to take this challenge, meet me _____date and time______.  Dress Vegas style.

Before the Date:
Learn how to play Texas Hold 'Em.  Google the rules, watch the video, etc.  You might want to have your hot date do the same.

On Spy School Date Night:

• Set the scene--Put up a card table in your room or somewhere private in the house.  Use your imagination to make the space as "gambling" themed as possible.  Consider black and white linens, dim lighting, candles, jazz. 
• Prepare some tapas and drinks (iced tea, wine).
• Have a deck of 52 cards.
• Have something to use for gambling chips/tokens (you can get chips or use pennies, sea shells, etc.).
• Get dressed to kill (even if you are staying in, consider a dress or low cut shirt.)

Forget money, play with tokens/chips that represent a minute of your time (each start with 60 tokens representing one hour of your time). At the end of the evening, each person adds up the number of chips they have and they can use those minutes of your time for whatever they want.  So, if you have 15 of your husband's chips, you get fifteen minutes of his time to use for a foot rub, dishes, laundry, etc.

Need some Texas Hold 'Em tips? Check out this video!


You and your hubby take turns dealing and placing blind bets.

If you need more information or rules on how to play Texas Hold 'Em, click here.

Here are some card hands:

• Straight flush (the best straight flush hand: A-K-Q-J-T, all of the same suit)
• Four-of-a-kind (the best four-of-a-kind hand: A-A-A-A-K)
• Full house (the best full house hand: A-A-A-K-K)
• Flush (all cards of the same suit, the best flush hand: any Ace-high flush)
• Straight (the best straight hand: A-K-Q-J-T)
• Three-of-a-kind (the best three-of-a-kind hand: A-A-A-K-Q)
• Two-pair (the best two-pair hand: A-A-K-K-Q)
• One-pair (the best one-pair hand: A-A-K-Q-J)
• No-pair (the best high hand: A-K-Q-J-9)

If you've never played poker, take your time and just try it out.  Have fun.  


If you want to make your evening **really** spicy, bet clothing instead of minutes.


For our Casino Royal night, we had virgin margartinits (margarita mix with ginger ale in martini glasses) and tapas.  Our tapas menu included: 

• baked brie with green apples and crackers
• Rosemary bread with provolone and prosciutto (you only need 3 oz max of meat)
• Lemon-pepper asparagus
• Spicy-salted shrimp skewers (only use 1 tsp. of salt)
• cantaloupe, black berries, and green grapes
• marinated olives with feta cheese chunks 

One of our Tapas plates.  Mmmmmm!

Our simple decorations--cards, candles, and poker chips.

Vegas gear?

Go Glam

Evening Dresses by Forever 21

Pumps by Forever 21

Or rocker

Distressed Denim by LOFT
Wedges by Old Navy

Things I love--A Good Cause!

Doctors thought Matt and I would have a hard time having kids.  Boy were they wrong.  Two weeks with no birth control and Wham-o ... bun in the oven (should I gross you out by telling you we got pregnant while on vacation with my parents?  I mean, they weren't in the room or anything--actually, they weren't even on the same floor in the hotel but still, it's a bit weird to think about).

Since we didn't think we would have our own biological children we were naturally thrilled.  And then came the question "Are you having a boy or a girl?"  To which I would smile and reply, "I'm having a baby."  Shocked O shaped mouths would reply, "You aren't going to find out?  I couldn't stand not knowing!"  (I always wanted to reply but never did, "Trust me, it is possible to NOT find out gender. People have NOT known the gender of their children prior to delivery for thousands of years. You could stand it if you chose to.").  Anyhow, this exchange always ended with this statement, "As long as baby is healthy."

And do you know what my reply was, "Even if baby isn't healthy."

Shocking.  I know.

Society puts such a huge pressure on what is "normal" and the hierarchy of health but that wasn't me.  I wanted a baby.  Whatever gender, whatever health--I wanted a baby.  Whatever baby God gave me, I wanted it.  Badly.  

Sure I wanted my baby to be healthy, who doesn't want that?  But I was counting on God more than good health.  

Just because we are given healthy babies at birth doesn't mean they will always be healthy. So rather than limiting myself, rather than thinking, "God just give me a healthy baby" I surrounded myself with thoughts of "God, be enough because if you are enough for me, you'll make me enough for my baby" and "Give me the courage to love regardless of what's coming my way (I meant the teenage years more than health--I think)" and "Help me to love You and trust You first ... always."

So far both of my children are very healthy.  And I praise God for their health.  I'm also realistic.  All it takes is one bad illness, one bad wreck and everything changes--everything but God.  That's why I'm counting on Him--first--always.

For one family here in blogland, that change just recently (as in May 5th) happened when they learned their 16 month old daughter, lovingly referred to as Monkey, has cancer.  Even if you've never experienced this crisis, you can certainly imagine what this family is going through (do you shudder when you think of such things happening to your children?).  They wanted healthy babies.  They had healthy babies.  Now they have an unhealthy baby.  

If you have healthy kids, show this family some love.  

1. Go to their blog and leave them comments and prayers of hope and encouragement (and be kind about the F-Bombs.  Remember, they are scared and stressed to the max).  
2. If you have a blog, grab a "Pray for Monkey" button and put it on your blog.
3. If you blog, blog about this!  See the links below for more info.  Spread the (W)ord.  
4. If you are blessed financially, click the link below and donate to help offset the financial costs.  
5. Pray for this baby, her family, and the doctors who will treat her.  
6. Most importantly, praise God because He is good.  He is good when things are good.  He is good when things are bad.  He is bigger than this illness.  He is worthy of our praise---even when we don't understand.  

I love a good cause.  Get on board!

Click on monkey to donate...please help!

For more information, please check out these links:


The Dose of Reality
Things I Can't Say

What I Think About--RSVP

With wedding and graduation season upon us, I feel the need to talk about the art of the RSVP.


RSVP is commonly found on wedding, birthday, and other celebratory invitations.  However, if you've ever thrown a party--or known someone who has--you've probably heard the host or hostess bemoaning the lack of RSVPs for the event.


Perhaps not RSVPing is an indication at the growing rudeness in our nation (I've already complained about ingratitude and the lack of thank you cards).  Perhaps people simply don't understand what RSVP means.  In the spirit of giving people the benefit of the doubt, here is what RSVP means and what you should do about it.


The initials RSVP come from a French term "répondez s'il vous plaît" which basically means "please respond."  


If you receive an invitation requesting an RSVP, it clearly indicates that the host/ess desires a firm head count as to who is coming to the party.  Unless the invitation says "RSVP regrets only" then you should respond regardless of whether you plan on attending or not.  


Not responding to an RSVP request puts extra burden on the host (and causes countless other problems--how much food to order?  How many chairs to set up?  How many favors to have?).


Now for a sad story.  


A few weeks ago (on April 13) I did a tribute to my nephew on his 10th birthday.  In true etiquette fashion, my sister dutifully sent out invitations to her son's party.  NO ONE, not one single person responded to the RSVP.  Knowing that not responding to RSVPs is a growing epidemic, my sister thought little of it (though she was terribly irritated).  Come the birthday boy's big party day, not one child showed up.  Can you imagine this?  Being 10 and having NO ONE come to your party?  There was my sister with her crying son, a huge cake, an expensive pool rental, tons of food and toys for party favors and no guests.  Shame on the parents who didn't RSVP.  Now I know what you're thinking--she should have called to check in--but really, she did her part.  The parents of the invited children should have RSVPed "NO" if they couldn't make it. That way, my sister could have been prepared to deal with the hurt feelings of a disappointed little boy.


This season when you get those wedding invitations or graduation invites, do the polite thing and let the host know whether or not you will attend the event.


If you can't go, RSVP NO.
If you can go, RSVP YES.
If you aren't sure, call the host and explain the situation and see what she would like to do about your "maybe."


What I think about RSVPs is we all need to be more polite and respond when we are invited to an event. 

Featured Blog on Improbable Housewife

FYI--Jessica, the Improbable Housewife, has Where is the ME in Mommy? as her featured blog today!  Thank you for the honor Jessica!  Head on over and check it out!

Oh, and thank you PINK MOSS for my award.  I love Project: In my Daughter's Eyes.  Have you checked it out yet?!?!

Paxton's 1st Birthday

Pax turns one this month and I'm pretty emotional about it.  On the one hand I'm dying to get away with Matt for a children-free weekend.  On the other hand, it is so sad to let go of those baby days.  *sigh*

When I was pregnant with Pax my MIL informed me that May is a hard time to have babies because of the wedding/graduation season (Gee, I wish I'd consulted her before hand.  ha ha!  I love my MIL!).  Know what? She's kinda right.

Pax's first birthday is a case-in-point.  He turns one on Saturday May 22nd. Perfect, right?  Wrong-o!  That Saturday Dirk, a friend from Germany/Barcelona, is flying in for a visit.  Between preparing for his visit, getting to the airport, going out to eat, showing off our town, etc., there is really no time to host a birthday party for Pax.

Sunday then?  Nope.  Cousin Luke graduates on May 23rd and we'll go to his celebratory BBQ.  Monday-Friday?  Nope. No one could make a party during the weekday due to work obligations.  So, Pax's party will be held a week and a day later (so my sister and her family can come).

Here's where you come in.  Shower me with your advice.  Should I do something small on his actual birthday (perhaps a small family party)?  Should I pretend it isn't his birthday until his actual party (since he'll be none the wiser)?  What do you think?

P.S.  His party is "space" themed and we're doing a time capsule for him.  If anyone out there in blogland has something they'd like thrown in there, please contact me via e-mail and I'll send my address! (Wouldn't it be fun to send a post-card or something from where ever you are???).

Tuesday's Too Clean Tip--Dusting the small stuff

It's pretty easy to dust the big stuff but how do you get into the tiny nooks and crannies of stereo speakers and key boards?

Try a soft bristled paint brush--it'll work wonders on your phone, small cracks, and the crannies you can't get with your dusting cloth.

Now here's a big question:

Do you vacuum before or after you dust and why?

How to wear a Country Shirt

Plaid, floral, and denim button down shirts are hot this summer.  If you are a WY country gal like me, then you know these tops as "country shirts."

How can you style them?  Pair these tops with khaki bermudas and strappy wedges, dressy shorts and heels, or denim boyfriend cut-offs and ballet flats.

Shorts by Gap
Sunglasses by Forever 21

Button Front Tops by Forever 21
Totes by Forever 21

Shorts by Forever 21
Sandals by Mossimo

The country shirt is incredibly versatile. Dress it up. Dress it down. Add a scarf or necklace. Layer it up.

Do you have a country shirt?  How do you style it?

What cookin' at my house this week? 5/10-5/16

Happy Mother's Day to anyone crazy enough to check my blog on Mother's Day!

Monday--Spicy honey chicken, rice and grilled asparagus
Tuesday--Red lasagna with salad and bread
Wednesday--Indian-spiced chicken gyros
Thursday--Chili-lime rubbed steak wraps
Friday--Penne and tomatoes
Saturday--Omelets and salad
Sunday--Pizza soup

You Are My Sunshine

Deb at Just Short of Crazy just gave me the You are My Sunshine Award!  I think because I gave her desk organization advice.  Maybe not.

Anyway, in keep with blog award rules, here are 12 Blogs I love:

1. Chapters of Me
2. The Munchkin and Little Miss
3. Naptime Notes
4. The Improbable Housewife
5. Mommy's Camera
6. $5 Dinners
7. The (Un)Experienced Mom
8. Knock-Off Wood
9. Hello.  My name is Mommy.
10. Everyday Mom Ideas
11. A Beautiful Place
12. Things I Can't Say

Days of Play--Snooger Noodles

A few weeks ago M.E. and I decided to make cookies to take to our neighbors.  Chocolate chip cookies were on the menu but alas, no chocolate chips could be found.  Ergo, Snooker Doodles (which M.E. called "Snooger Noodles")!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of soft butter 
• 1 1/2 c. of sugar
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 t. vanilla extract
• 2 3/4 c. flour
• 2 t. cream of tartar
• 1 t. baking soda
• For the topping: 2 T sugar and 2 t. cinnamon

Directions:

1.  Wash your hands.

2.  Beat eggs.  Mix butter, 1 1/2 c. of sugar and eggs together in a large bowl.  

3.  Combine flour, cream of tartar, and baking soda into a mixing bowl.

4.  Slowly add flour mixture to butter mixture and blend until no flour is left on the bottom of the bowl.

5.  Mix remaining sugar and cinnamon to sprinkle on top of cookies.

6.  Roll dough into balls and toss in cinnamon/sugar.  Place on an ungreased cookie sheet.

7.  Bake at 400 degrees for 8-10 minutes or until cookies are puffy and golden on the edges.

8.  Cool on a wire rack.  Try to save some for the neighbors!

Black and Brown--Trendy Warm Weather Looks

So I did a little mix-n-match black and brown and a reader pointed out that most outfits were wintery.  We can't have that!  Check out these fun looks (FYI--these are "dressed down" because that's the way I roll!).

Date Night

Cardigans by Forever 21
Platforms by Forever 21

Bumming Around the House

Shorts by Gap
Sandals by Forever 21

Trendy Church Lady

Longsleeve Tops by Old Navy
Sandals by Charlotte Russe

Errand Running

Cardigans by Forever 21
Flats by Forever 21

Fashion Forward Mama

Longsleeve Tops by Forever 21
Totes by Forever 21

Frugal Fashion Friday: Wearing Black and Brown

There are many fashion rules that should be disregarded:

• No white after Labor Day (in case you haven't noticed white pants are hot!)
• Bags and shoes have to match (no, they should go but they don't have to match)
• You can't wear black and brown together (oh really?)

A few weeks ago I talked about wearing colors and posted a photo of an outfit and an anonymous reader asked if I was wearing black shoes.  In fact I was wearing dark chocolate brown shoes but that's besides the point.  The point is, the reader assumed black and brown can never be worn together.  In fact some fashion gurus might die at the mention though most of it have done it before (those khaki pants you wear with your black t-shirt proves it. Khaki is a brown tone!)

The truth is you CAN mix your browns and blacks. Just keep a few pointers in mind:

Find hues that compliment each other. If you choose chocolate brown and black, keep it at that.  Don't mix chocolate with camel with black or it might look a bit confusing.

Notice that one shade rich brown suit paired with black accessories.  FYI, I'd never wear that hat.

Mix the colors throughout the outfit.  If you wear black head to toe and then toss on a brown scarf it might "appear" to others as a mistake.  Correct this by having a brown bag, belt, or shoes to go with the scarf.

Leave it to the celebs to pull of this look.  I'm sorry but how great is Anne Hathaway's get up?

Consider accessories that pull your browns and blacks together.  Never underestimate the power of an accessory to pull together a whole outfit.  Animal print (minimal) is a great way to pull together brown and black.

 Um, yes please!

Finally, remember trends ebb and flow in the river of public opinion.  Personal style is all your own.  So if you want to rock brown and black, I encourage you to move in your own way! 

5 invisible cool points for anyone who starts singing the song I alluded to there!

Black and brown--have I made a convert of you?

Things I Love--Seeing Your Hard Work!

A few weeks ago my friend Jenn contacted me about her entertainment center.  Here's what she had to say:

This is how it looks after 5 days of both of us working and no one having taken the effort to put anything away. Well - I have seen it worse, but not much. Though, honestly, it rarely looks much better, either.

A photo Jenn sent me of her entertainment center.

Anyhow, Jenn requested my help organizing.  The kids and I loaded up and went to her house.  We left two hours later and you know what it looked like?  Pretty much the same.  Instead of working we just talked (because visiting with friends in more important than organizing).  To be fair we did discuss some ideas, including minimizing the DVD collection as advised here.

Jenn took some of the ideas, bins and dvd organization, and put them into action.  Without further ado, here is the AMAZING result of Jenn's hard work:

Not only did she do that, but look at this.  Jenn has a retro-room divider that her husband and kids use for "stuff" storage and it is driving her nuts.

She made some temporary dividers out of paper but has plans on replacing the paper with starched linen.  Did I mention Jenn weaves her own clothing and ribbon? 

Awesome work, Jenn. Keep up the good work!

What I Think About--Advice Someone Should Have Told Me

I’m pretty sure that everyone has issues with themselves.  I even wrote about it in my post about keeping it real.  Anyhow, I was on THINGS I CAN’T SAY and Shell wrote a letter to her twelve-year-old self-explaining what she wishes someone would have told her.  I love this idea and decided to give it a shot!  I later discovered this was an idea that Pink Moss created and she is turning the whole idea into a blog (and maybe a book).

Here’s my take.

Dear Reagan (age 12),

Put down the book.  I know you can hear me.  I know you can multi-task.  I know you love to read.  Put down the book and listen.  I want your full attention (and get used to hearing this because your future husband will say it. A LOT).

Listen to me.  For once, don’t learn by disaster! 

Never, I repeat NEVER let Randean do your hair for school picture day.  If you do she will make you look like a horned dinosaur.  And mom is going to make you wear a multi-colored cardigan with a cheerleading bear on it.  This combination will result in a hideous school picture of epic proportions.  If the photo disaster happens, resolutely refuse to get photo re-takes and let the picture be a living reminder about how cruelly you were treated.  Will you be totally embarrassed about the awful photo?  Sure.  Will you giggle on the inside when you tell the person looking at the photo about how awful your sister was to you?  Yep.

Do not use Lip Smackers chapstick.  Your freshman year your lips will suddenly become allergic to the acid in it and you will end up looking like the Joker.  And then you’ll have to walk around putting Aquaphore on your lips and people will joke that it is KY Jelly.  Don’t use Carmex or Blistex either.  Find a natural water based chapstick and go with it.

Wear your glasses and do your eye exercises.  Keep the glasses-free dream alive.  One day you won’t need corrective lenses (because they’ll be an eye surgery for you).  P.S.  Get the eye surgery no matter what Kathy Griffith thinks.

You’re gonna buy some black slouchy knee high boots in Canada.  Keep them.  In fact, keep the silver sandals you bought for prom too.  The trend is coming back and you’ll wish you still had them.

You are not athletic or a team player.  It’s cool.  I mean kids at school will think you are a total loser because of your general lack of athletic know-how but one day you’ll totally rock at rock climbing and road biking and running.  So you can’t play volleyball—there are worse things in life.  Maybe not at 12 but at 30+ish, you won’t give a dang whether or not you were on the team. 

What the kids at school think about you doesn’t matter.  I know it feels like it does now but it doesn’t.  Long after you graduate when you’ve forgotten them and they’ve forgotten you, you will still be in contact with your closest friends.  Those relationships matter; cultivate them. 

And by the way, you’ll be smokin’ hot for your 10 year reunion and so will your hubby.  (In fact, hubby will have been on the “must date list” for one former schoolmate.  He never gave her the time of day.  She’ll pretend she doesn’t recognize him at the reunion but you’ll know the truth.  And it’s kinda worth it—though there’s no use being spiteful.)

Be in a school play.  You’re gonna be awful but do it.   Sometimes you have to learn who you are not in order to become who you are. You are not a good actress but at least you’ll know that from experience.

Do not go to prom.

Be prepared for Cubby to die.  Don’t force her to live in pain longer than necessary to ease your own hurt feelings.  The cat you get after Cubby is going to be a royal pain in the rear.  She’ll bite your friends, torture and terrify Ami and will be hated by your husband.  Get her anyway.

When you turn 16 do NOT give your drunk friends a ride in dad’s green truck. They’ll puke everywhere and you’ll have to clean it up.  Dad will never let you forget it.

Skip going to see a Goofy Movie. If you don’t skip the movie, get a motel room to avoid driving in bad weather.  Do NOT let Bethy ride in the back of the car. Have your parents drive you to wrestling state.   I'll be honest, you’re gonna be in at least ten car accidents.  Be prepared and wear your seatbelt.

Now really listen to me here.  The summer of 1996 will be a blast but when you break up with the guy
you are dating—stay broken up.  If you don’t stay broken up then please, I beg you, on July 4^th get into the suburban with your dad and don’t look back.  DO YOU UNDERSTAND THE WORDS THAT ARE COMING OUT OF MY MOUTH?  Get. Into. The. Suburban!

Wear sunscreen. In about 10 years a song is going to come out and it will make you laugh at the irony of this advice but heed it anyway. When you are 30 and don't have crow's feet and your skin looks 20, you'll be glad you listened. 

Mom and dad do not have a secret stash of college money anywhere.  Study hard because you’re gonna need scholarships.  And when that teacher tells you that you aren’t “college material” fill out applications by yourself.  One day you will get your Ed. D. and you should consider inviting said teacher to your graduation.  Maybe not.

Mom is going to get really sick.  There is evidence of her disease now that you aren’t recognizing (like how it takes her 4 hours to give you a 15 minute lecture).  Don’t do or say anything to her that you’ll regret.  One day your relationship with her will change and you’ll wish you were better to her. Take my advice and be good now.

You’ll have to work jobs where you serve your peers (and handle raw chicken—ewww!).  You’ll live in a trailer and drive junky cars.  This builds your character and humility.  One day you’ll appreciate the experience of not being handed everything.

You hate Randean but this will not always be the case.  Mend bridges now.  It’s worth it, I promise.  Don’t be too ticked about her pink mustang.  It blows up.

You will be involved in a massive food fight.  Roll with it.  It will be one of your fondest memories.

Have fun in college but do not compulsively honk car horns at Megan’s house or bad things will happen.  Be Dave’s designated driver when he goes to a party at the end of the fall semester.  And when the guy wearing a cross comes up to you, be your charming self.  He’s God’s provision for you.  Treat him as such.

Your marriage will not be perfect.  Your husband will say and do stupid things.  You will be hurtful.  You will feel like roommates---you will feel like enemies.  You will blame him for things that aren’t his fault.  He will make you apologize.  Listen to him.  Follow him.  Lovingly submit to him.  You’ll never be more grateful if you follow this advice.

It’s gonna be hard to love a few of your in-laws.  Love them anyway.  They may never like or love you.  Love them anyway.

Be there for Kim because she’s gonna need it.  She’ll be there for you.  Again and again and again.

Don’t let Josh take Griffon for the night.

The move to Cheyenne will be worth it.  Linda will not be a good neighbor but be a good neighbor to her--even when you don’t want to be--even after she’s done being your neighbor.

The doctors are wrong.  You will have children.  When you are in your twenties you’ll have a dream that you have four babies and you will.  Only two will live.  Your relationship with God will sustain you—even through this.

Don’t be afraid to fail.  Apply for school and jobs and volunteer.  Do not be afraid to fail.

Look in the mirror.  You look awkward and gawky and greasy.  Everyone feels that way at this age. You will grow into your nose. You might not ever like it, but you’ll grow into it. Remember that you are the daughter of the King and the King delights in your beauty (and so will your husband).  There are some photos of you in your early 20s that you’re going to want to keep. Trust me, the Cat in the Hat photos will go a long way.

Finally, most importantly, find and know and follow Jesus at any and all costs.  That’s really all that matters.  Love Him and let Him love others through you.

Get into the suburban,

Reagan (30ish)

I can't tell you how therapeutic writing this mock letter was!

Want to know what I think?  I think you should do this.  If you blog, post it and send me a link.  If you don't blog, e-mail me a copy at whereisthemeinmommy@gmail.com and tell me whether or not I can publish it.

I'd really love it if you would send your own letters to Pink Moss and participate in her project.  For more information, click here.

I'm so excited to see your response to this!

(P.S.  If I had a scanner I'd share photos of my hideous 6th grade school photo and the cake fight.  Probably not the Cat in the Hat photos ... well, maybe ...).

Tuesday's Too Clean Tip--Get Dressed!

I know this is going to sound nutty but there actually is a lot of research that links motivation with appearance.  People who feel better about they way they look on the outside tend to do get more done.  I can personally attest to this.

Very rarely I will have a day in "mom uniform"--yoga pants, slipper socks, random long-sleeve T-shirt with toothpaste drip on the front and Pax snot on the arm and hair in a ponytail.  Sounds hot.  Am I comfy? You bet.  Do I ever get anything done on these days?  Nope.

I've found that when I get up and get ready--head to toe--I'm always ready to tackle the day.  So if you have a day coming up where you need to clean and cook, and run errands, and make calls and take treats to your kid's class and and and ... get up and get dressed.

Head to toe.

(Hopefully you realize that by posting this I just became enemy #1 to velour jumpsuit wearers and feminists world wide.  This is the sacrifice I'm willing to make for my loyal blog-buddies!)

Breast to Sippy--Weaning Advice Needed

Hello moms!

Paxton is almost 1 and I need some weaning advice.

He has been breastfed since day #1.  He absolutely refuses any type of bottle (even with breast milk).  He will not, not, not do any sort of formula (we've tried all kinds and he spits it out immediately and starts screaming).  I can "tell" that my production is not enough for him and I'm wanting to supplement/wean him around his oneish birthday.  M.E. pretty much did this herself with no problems.  Pax won't be that easy. Ergo, I NEED HELP!

If you have experience, advice, or commiseration, please share.

If you aren't following already, you can click the FOLLOW button and become a follower (that way when you leave comments I know who you are and I can contact you--no spam!).

By the way, did you know you can join my BlogFrog community and share your responses with other moms and me?  If you'd like to join and post discussion questions or share responses, it is free!  Look on the right hand side of my page.  Click on the "Join my community" link and get into the discussion.

Not interested?  Please leave your advice in a comment.

And as always, thank you for being in this with me!

Days of Play--Tunnels and Bridges

I just love random ideas I can throw together in the name of fun.  I'm posting this one because whenever we drive and there is a bridge or walkway or anything overhead, M.E. yells, "DUCK!" In small amounts it is too funny.  In large amounts it's totally irritating!

How to play:

Show your child photos of bridges and tunnels.  Talk about what they are used for, how they are different, where you've seen them, etc.

Now make your body a bridge and let your child climb over you.
Make your body a tunnel and let your child crawl through.
Repeat using chairs, blankets, ropes, etc.

What's Cooking 5/3-5/9

First of all, a super duper HAPPY BIRTHDAY shout out to my mom!

Wow.  With a trip to my sister's, Matt traveling, and some surprise company, my meal plan is all messed up.  The good news is that most of the meals are frozen so there was no food going to waste.

Sorry most of these are "repeats" but that happens!

Monday--honey lime chicken with cilantro rice
Tuesday--beef enchiladas in red sauce
Wednesday--White lasagna with salad and homemade crusty bread
Thursday--Dijon pork loin and steamed red potatoes
Friday--Spicy grilled salmon and veggies
Saturday--Best Marinade Ever steaks and spicy home fries
Sunday--BBQ ribs with dad's secret sauce

Days of Play--May Day Butterfly

Happy May Day!

Soon the butterflies will be here (I keep telling myself that even though it is only supposed to be 40 degrees in WY today ...)!  If you are having the not exactly spring or summer blues like I am, these little butterflies will help brighten your day. Even if they don't brighten your day, wouldn't these be cute to make and take to neighbors in celebration of May Day?

What you need:

• pipe cleaners (cut in half)
• coffee filters
• plates (paper or otherwise)
• watercolors
• paint brush
• water
• fishing line
• tacks 

What to do:

1. Put a coffee filter on a plate.
2. With your child, paint the coffee filters making sure to cover as much of the white part as possible.
3. Dry
4. Fold the butterflies accordion style and secure with the pipe cleaner.  Leave some of the pipe cleaner for antenna. 
5. Tie on some fishing line and hang from the ceiling.

For older children:

You can make some very vibrant butterflies by allowing older kids to spray or squirt paint or food coloring on to the plate and then swirl them around (This can stain though so be careful!).

Date night In--Roll of the Dice

Here's the newest installment of date night in.  As always, get the kids in bed, set the scene, and prepare to have fun with your spouse.

Before the evening you'll need to make your own pair of dice.  If you don't know how, here are some good instructions.  After you make the dice personalize them.  One die should have body parts and the other activities.

Suggestions:
Body part die--

• chest
• legs
• arms
• back
• face
• surprise

Activity Die--

• rub my
• caress my
• kiss my
• massage my
• tickle my
• surprise

On date night, as previously stated, get the kids to bed and set the scene.  We pretty much always make a blanket pallet in front of the fire.  Dim the lights, light candles, turn on some music and roll the dice.  Do what they tell you.

You and your spouse decide how long to do what.  And as always, you can make this event as PG or R rated as you want!

Things I Love: Dressing up jeans and a T-Shirt

I'm so not afraid to admit that I spend plenty of time wearing jeans and long sleeved T-shirts.  That combo is just SUPER convenient when you have little kids.

Is it possible to make jeans and t-shirts look pulled together?  You betcha!

How?  You know my answer--accessories!

So in this photo I'm wearing a pair of my favorite jeans and a chocolate brown long-sleeved T-Shirt.  But to make it a bit more pulled together I added a scarf (in orange to make my neutrals pop), a pair of super trendy gladiator sandals, and my new bag.

American Eagle Favorite Boyfriend (similar)--I got mine from Plato's Closet for $18
Gap Long-Sleeved T (similar)--$15--I got this 3 years ago
Orange Scarf (similar)--Plato's Closet for $5
Green Bag (similar)--Plato's Closet $10
Sandals (similar)--Forever 21--$7
Bracelet (Premiere Jewelry)--a gift

Just so you know, I love my "newish" bag.  It's a Kenneth Cole Reaction regularly $299 but I got it for $10.  Be prepared to see it with lots of my outfits!

What I Think About--Sibling Relationships

In the newest edition of my favorite magazine there is an article on how to stay close with your siblings.  You can read it here.  It's a charming little Top 10 article that made me laugh (actually I was reading this while bathing the kids and fell off the potty in a fit of hysterics--lid was down--when I read one in particular ... I'm not divulging which one!).  On a side note, my kids still think I'm crazy.

Its no secret that I struggle in some relationships.  Who doesn't?  Let me give you some background (on at least one of them).

For about 20 years of my life I wished I was an only child.  I have one older sister and she's a real nightmare.  Really.  5'10", 115 pounds.  Luminous skin. Clear blue eyes. Perfect reddish hair. Funny.  Smart. A social butterfly.  Did I mention she's drop dead gorgeous?  And if people didn't love her because she was breath-taking, then they were taken with her sweet nature, good-humor and amazing fashion sense.  Egads.  I'm not kidding you when I say that growing up people always told her, "You should be a model."  (These same people would tell me, "maybe you could be a teacher").  You get the point.

Middle school is hard enough without the town's hottest chick being your uber likable big sister.  I can't count the number of times I cursed my bad luck that I (the over-opinionated, frumpy, mousey-blond hair geek with a bad attitude) had to follow in her footsteps.

My big sister, Randean with my nephew Kaeden.  
I say this with no malice. She dyes her hair.

But then we grew up.  Now I think, what would I do without her?  On days when I don't think I'll make it through another tantrum, she understands.  When I'm angry with my mom's disease, she gets it.  When I need to vent, she listens.  When I need to laugh, she can make me.  When I need to cry (which is almost never), she pretends she understands my non-sense blubber talk.  We have not had a perfect relationship but I can't count the number of reasons I'm grateful that she is a part of my life.

She's my best friend.

In honor of my sister, I'm responding to the author of "How to Stay Close to Your Siblings."  If you don't understand the stuff in italics, that's cool. It's for my sister Randean anyway. (I know what you are thinking.  Their parents named them Randean and Reagan? Tell me about it.  My mom's name is Rilda.  Does that help explain things?)

1. Childhood is like Vegas. Let what happened there stay there. When it comes to petty fights or embarrassing moments, I couldn't agree more. But if you can all look back and get a kick out of a memory, I say, "why not reminisce?" In that same line of thinking, if there is a deep-seated unresolved issue, I think it needs to be addressed.  Remember fighting over how to wear eyeliner?  We can laugh about that now, right?  We'll save "eating our beans" for another day ...
2. Make a cameo appearance.  I agree with the author that if you want to be close to your family you need to spend purposeful time together.  By the way, purposeful means beyond token holidays and celebrations.  Get together for the heck of it.  Skype date?
3. Stop being the family mole.  In essence, stop gossiping behind family members' backs.  Luckily my family is small and direct enough that we pretty much just say what we mean (this doesn't mean we are totally healthy in the way we address conflict but at least we yell at the source of our problem rather than ignoring each other or yelling at our mom because of something the other did!  We are our own brand of dysfunctional and we all function well in it. How scary is that?).  And all I can say is, AMEN to the no-mole business.  Do I have a story for you--j/k!
4. Mind your manners.  Remember how you treat strangers with respect?  Do the same thing to your family.  If you wouldn't scream at Joe Schmoe for eating the last cookie, don't scream at your sibling.  And if you'd forgive a friend for posting a bad photo of you on their blog (twice), forgive your sibling.  Sorry about that whole mullet thing. Both times.
5. Fight Typecasting.  Every family has the "baby" and the "favorite" child.  But really, no family does.  We all grow up so if you still think your parents like your brother better, it might be time for you to put on your big girl panites and get over it.  (If you are still acting like a baby, see my previous comment).  Give your siblings kudos for growing up and changing.  Give your parents credit for doing the best job they could. You might be hotter but I have prettier nails.  Na na na na na na!
6. B Gr8 Txt Frnds.  On the surface, I agree with this. Texting is a quick method to communicate.  But I think you should really make an effort to share your time with your siblings.  Yes, that sometimes means talking on the phone.  Luckily my sister and I don't struggle with this.  Ask our husbands and they'll tell you how important it is to have a land line with unlimited long distance.  I'll call you when the kids are down for quiet time.  Unless I need you before then.
7. Quit being jealous of other people's sibling relationships.   Remember my post about chick-flicks not being real?  TV/Movie sibling relationships aren't real either.  So if your family doesn't get along like the Family Stone or the Cosbys, that's cool.  Love your family for who they are and for who you are when you're with them.  Our relationship puts the fun in dysfunctional but I wouldn't have it any other way!
8. Play nice with your brother's (not so nice) spouse.  It always pays to be the bigger person (repeat as necessary).  Go the distance and never give your in-law the opportunity to say you didn't love, didn't reach out, didn't share or didn't try.  Heap burning coals (and if you have no idea what I'm talking about, check here.)  Thanks for marrying Jeff.  With a body like that who needs hair?   
9. Get out of dodge. Okay to be honest, the idea of vacationing with my sibling, without our children, sounds dreamy.  Add in the husbands and kids and I say, no thanks.  (At least not for long trips). The November extravaganza is on but hopefully you understand if we skip the trip to Alaska!
10. Avoid hot-button topics (politics, religion, high fructose corn syrup).  In general families know who can handle what discussions.  Don't stir the pot if you want to stay close to your family.  On the other hand, don't be afraid to have important discussions about your relationships. If someone's words or actions are hurting someone else the worst thing you can do is walk on egg shells and pretend you're okay.  False peace is just that.  False.  I must caution you to approach the issue directly, in love, and Biblically (go directly to the person--remember no family moles!) Don't even get me started.

Randean and her hubbins Jeff.  By now you understand what I went through as a kid.  

Can I add two more? Of course I can.  It's my blog :)

1. Don't give up.  Sometimes sibling relationships are awesome.  Sometimes they suck.  Sometimes they make you wish that you were an only child (or that your spouse was an only child).  But FIGHT for your relationships.  They are worth every ounce of blood, sweat,  and tears you pour into them.  In the end, you end up with the people from your beginning.  Thanks for hangin' in there during the bad years.  All 20 of 'em.
2. Forgive.  If you are still hanging onto some hurt, forgive.  If you've hurt a family member with your words or actions, seek forgiveness.  Nothing destroys a relationship faster than someone who refuses to seek or accept forgiveness.  Remember that forgiveness breaks the cycle of isolation and retaliation.  I apologize for what I said that time we had a fight at The Outback.  

What do I think about sibling relationships?  They can be amazing and are worth the work!

Have a sibling relationship that could use some work?  E-mail me and when I say I'll pray for you, I mean it!

Have a sibling relationship that sustains you?  Tell me about it.  Today's comment line is yours to celebrate a sibling memory or moment.

Tuesday's Too Clean Tip--Dishwasher Trick

Don't ask me why but I have a love/hate relationship with my dishwasher.  I'm so grateful to have my little helper but I get increasingly cranky every time it needs to be unloaded.  Can't anyone create a dishwasher that washes and puts dishes away???

I stumbled across this trick a couple of years ago and it might not save a ton of time but it makes me happy!

So what do I do?  Each compartment of the silverware section only holds a certain piece of silverware.  One bin is for adult spoons, one for kid spoons, one for dinner knives, one for steak knives, one for forks, one for cooking spoons/spatulas and one for miscellaneous items.

Now when it comes time to unload, I grab a handful of silverware and they all go into the same drawer slot.  No more shifting and sorting.

My sister always laments that she'd love to do this but her family isn't on board.  Here's a little tip.  My family isn't totally on board either (Matt is but the kids don't quite get it).  So sometimes I'll get into the dishwasher and there is a kid spoon with a sharp knife.  No problem. I just re-arrange.  I'm convinced that it saves me time in the long run.

At least that's what the voices in my head keep telling me :)

Randeaner Beaner Weiner

For my family spiritual growth has been long and slow in coming.  It isn't that there hasn't been belief but that belief can sometimes decrease in hard times (Remember Jesus basically telling John the Baptist that He wasn't going to save him and then saying "blessed is he who does not fall away on account of me"?).  Sometimes it is hard to NOT fall away when things aren't going well--my family is living proof.

For whatever reason, in my family, God has made me a bit more firm in faith and to be honest, sometimes I've pretty much wanted to pull my hair out by the roots in frustration of my family's walking and waning.

When my mom was diagnosed with CADASIL in March of 2008, I sort of had a crisis of faith but it didn't have to do with my faith but rather my family's faith.  Is this making sense?  I guess what I am trying to say is that I feared that this disease would pull my family away from God rather than pushing them to Him.  What really stunk was knowing my only option was to "be the Bible" for my family and pray for them (though if you could make someone strengthen their faith by hog-tying and torturing them I might have tried it).

Mayo doctors gave my mom less than a year to live and here it is, two years later. God is good.  It is heart-breaking to watch my mom's mental capacities decrease and to see my dad and mom watch their dreams fade before their eyes.  But God is good.  My folks are struggling financially.  But God is good.  My mom won't live as long as we hoped she would.  But she's lived this far.  She has seen and knows and loves her grandchildren.  And either way, God is Good.

Here's the praise: This weekend, along with my sister and her husband, my mom was baptized.


So her illness sucks and I won't sugar coat that.  But CADASIL has re-ignited a passionate faith in Jesus in my family.  And if disease it what it takes--then so be it.  Right now I'm so faithfully inspired that the line from The Count of Monte Cristo keeps running through my head, "Gentlemen (satan), do your worst!"

Congratulations Randean, Jeff, and Mom!

What's Cooking 4/26-5/3

FYI---I'm away from my computer and am likely enjoying a great weekend with my sister.  Today, Sunday April 25, 2010 both my sister and her husband are getting baptized!

Hip Hip Hooray!

Anyhow, here's what we'll be dining on this week:

Monday (my last day of sadistics statistics!)--BBQ Chicken with steamed veggies
Tuesday--Lasagna with salad and crusty bread
Wednesday--Cheesy chicken with steamed broccoli and cauliflower
Thursday--Asian flank steak with onions, peppers, and rice
Friday--Dijon pork loin with red potatoes
Saturday--Red Enchiladas
Sunday--Baked chicken with mashed potatoes and steamed carrots

FYI--Matt ended up being out of town last week so prepare to see a re-do of last week's menu next week
:)

Days of Play--Hairy People

Rumor has it that it is spring time. Honestly, Wyoming hasn't gotten the message. *Sigh*

Anyhow, in honor of Earth Day we are making "hairy people." (Sorry to post this after Earth Day).

What you'll need:

• plastic or styrofoam cup
• rocks
• potting soil
• markers/stickers/googly eyes, etc.
• grass seed
• patience :)

What to do:

1. Give your child a cup to decorate like a person.
2. Put rocks in the bottom of the cup (for drainage) and put in potting soil.
3. Add grass seed to the top.
4. Place in a sunny spot.
5. Wait for your little person to grow grassy hair (and help your child resist the urge to water the plant three times a day).