Healthful Halloween

It is almost Halloween and I am sure everyone is gearing up for the big night. I remember when my kids were little and they would go out and collect more candy then they needed in a year. They would come home and after inspecting the loot my next move would be to try and get control of the candy intake. I am sure most moms can relate to this. I could not just let them haul the candy bag off to their bedrooms. Oh no. This would surely result in stomach aches, candy wrapper trash everywhere but the worst would be the sugar high. All parents have experienced the horror of kids on sugar. So, needless to say I would fight to the end to gain control of the candy bag. This way I could limit the amount of candy they could eat at any given time. This would avoid the sugar high and all that comes along with eating too much sugar. For example, kids bouncing off the walls, kids screaming uncontrollably and the worst, kids that will not go to sleep.

I have given this much thought over the years and after giving out raisin packs, carrot sticks and other dried fruit, much to the dismay of trick or treaters, I decided to look into something healthful but a bit more appetizing. So I found a website that not only appeals to the little ghost and goblins, but meet my requirements for a healthful treat. I found Trick or Treat Me blog and they offer Hershey’s and Organic Valley Chocolate Milk in shelf-stable cartons. Most kids love chocolate milk! The chocolate milk comes in recyclable cartons and the Trick or Treat me offers some great information about milk and how it aids in recovery after exercise.

So this year I will be handing out these chocolate milk boxes along with a little bit of candy in hopes that I will not only make the kids happy but contribute to their overall health. I wish I had known about Hershey's and Organic Valley's Chocolate Milk in recyclable cartons before.

They even offer coupons toward the purchase price, so everybody wins. Check it out because after Halloween is over the chocolate milk is still a great afternoon snack or a before bedtime treat.

The Booklet

I received a booklet in the mail the other day. It was from Miss Foundation an advocacy group that not only works to educate people on stillborn, infant and childhood death, they also provide a place for bereaved parents and grandparents to come together, share and get help with the grieving process.

I contacted the group not long after Lolly Pop Kid went to heaven in an attempt to cope with my own grief and to try to help Cinderella in any way I could. At the time, they sent me a packet filled with information about the subject. The booklet had lots of information and it listed so many names of Angel children. I never realized how many children die each year and how many other people were out there with the same feelings I had.

A couple days ago another issue of the booklet arrived in the mail. I did not pick it up and look at it until yesterday. As I was looking through it, I came upon a section titled recent losses. There I saw it. Lolly’s name printed with several other children. I have to admit it was like a stab in the gut. Not that I think I am over this, because I never will be, but I have managed to find a new “normal” way of living. I know that I still think about him everyday. I just do not feel sucker-punched as much as in the beginning.

I also read that October 15 was National Infant and Child Death Awareness and Prevention Day. I was unaware of this. I wish I would have know because I would have worked to get the word out to help other parents and family members that find themselves in this sad group.

We cannot bring Lolly back but at least we know there is help out there and it is comforting to know that our Lolly is not forgotten. Certainly not by us and not by people who did not even know him.

Love you and miss you big boy!

 

Wordless Wednesday - Halloween Cuties

Heatwave or Snowstorm?

I know I have talked about the weather here in the Desert Southwest a time or two. Last week we were still hovering around the ninety’s. Nothing new for October since we only have two seasons here. Ungodly hot and normal hot. Ninety degree temperatures in October are not unusual.

Normally it cools down a little around Halloween just in time for parents to start looking for jackets so the little ghost and goblins will be warm for a night of treats. I remember my kids would want to pick a costume like a fairy princess or some other outfit that I knew they would end up getting cold by wearing.

So I turned on the news last night and wouldn't you know it. The weather person says there is a cold front coming. Now we are not talking any cold front. Oh no. We are talking near freezing temperatures by Wednesday morning with a high somewhere in the fifties and a possibility of mountain snow. The high temperature for today is supposed to be 86 degrees. I am wondering does this happen anywhere else in the country? Then on Halloween the temperature should be back up to seventy degrees.

So, today is shorts tomorrow may be heavy sweaters and back to shorts by the weekend.

Ahh, so is life in the Desert Southwest.

Ten Things You Don't Know About Me

1. I cannot stand when people say Achoo loudly when they sneeze. Not necessary. Why? Did you ever hear a newborn say Achoo?

2. I like reality shows. Current favorite, The Househusbands of Hollywood. I know but sometimes I just need mindless TV.

3. I was a stay-at-home mom in the eighties when it was not very popular to do so. So many people would ask, "What do you do for a career?" When I told them, I was raising my children at home I would usually get a raised eyebrow along with a cool "Oh."

4. I love living in the Desert Southwest but quite honestly, I am getting really tired of the extreme heat in the summer. Sometimes I would like to run away to an area with grass, big trees and find a house with a wrap-around porch. Then I would sit in a rocking chair on the porch and sip lemonade. However, places with snow or freezing temperatures with just not do. Is that asking too much?

5. I really do not care to watch movies repeatedly. Unless it is 'From Dusk to Dawn', 'School of Rock', or 'Walk the Line', don't even ask. I know, quite a diverse group of pictures. What can I say? I am diverse and hate repetition.

6. I can easily pass on candy, cookies, cake and sweets in general. If people kept jars of pizza or bagels on their desks, I would be in big trouble.

7. I used to read books all the time when I was younger. Now, since I read newspapers and magazines for a living I have not picked up a good book in a long time. I do however read numerous blogs, internet news and entertainment sites. I have so many bookmarked sites in my favorites I sometimes forget what each site is about.

8. When I was a child, I wanted to be a comedienne when I grew up. Really. I thought I was funny. Still do. But then again I also wanted to be an Indian and live on the land. I actually tried it once in the backyard.

9. I love animals. Sometimes more than people.

10. I try to live like a decent person, although I am not perfect. I had made many mistakes. At the end of the day, I believe if everyone got up in the morning and thought what they could do to make the people in their live's day a little better, the world would be better off for it. Something to think about.

momfuse

As a mom and grandmother I am always on the look out for good sites concerning parenting and products for parents. I ran across momfuse a couple of days ago and let me say this site is filled with information for today's mom. Even though my kids are grown they have kids of their own who come and stay with me so I like to keep up with parenting world.

On momfuse you can find information on food, beauty, parenting and they also have giveaways! Who does not like a giveaway? I think my favorite part is the momprenuers. I wish I had opportunities like this when I was a stay-at-home mom.

So if you are mom checkout this site you will not be sorry.

My Son, Deployed

Visit my son's deployment site:

http://jacksdeployment.shutterfly.com/

Planting Our Fall Garden

After a scorching summer, our garden has finally rebounded and we were able to harvest a few peppers, one lone cucumber, and a giant radish. Corvette and I have concluded that planting early spring and late fall is probably our best bet for having a more productive garden.


I decided to do a little research to see what vegetables do the best in the fall months. I came up with a list for fall planting. Snap peas and snow peas, broccoli, cabbage, collards, carrots, parships, beets, onions, lettuce, mesclun, spinach, turnips & chard to name a few. Now some of these need to be planted no later than August in order to get a good harvest. However, since I live in the Desert Southwest we do not get many hard freezes and I am hoping that if we do get cooler temperatures I can just cover the garden. Just as this summer was a learning experience with the garden, winter will be too.

I hope that by next year I will have a real good idea what to plant during warm weather and cooler weather. Now if I can just get Corvette to stop picking the vegetables before they are mature I might actually have eatable veggies! Seriously, we had green leaf lettuce that even though it was taking a bit of a beating from the heat he thought if he picked it early he would save it. Wrong. I tasted it and it had a horrible sour taste. Please Vette baby, let the garden grow!

On Getting Paid to Blog

Blogging has definitely exploded over the last few years. I started reading blogs a little over a year ago. I probably read close to fifty blogs on a regular basis and communicate with many of the authors. A soldier deployed to Iraq wrote the first blog I started reading. I must admit I was hooked almost immediately. The soldier is a very talented writer and he was able to describe events taking place with such eloquence. He had a remarkable way of comparing and contrasting his military service, deployment and personal life. He eventually had to cease and desist. The military thought he might be revealing a little too much concerning his deployment. He now has a book coming out soon.

I started blogging not long after I started reading blogs. I do love to read and write and over the past year, I have learned quite a bit about blogging and advertising on blogs. Although, I digress, I still have a lot to learn. I do however find it very satisfying to write a review for a product, website or company. Making extra money is a plus too.

Companies have found that blog advertising can and does reach many potential customers. A well-written, popular blog with a regular readership is a lucrative way for companies to attract new customers. Writing blog posts for advertising is easy. After signing up, the blogger can write about the subjects they choose. This is nice because the bloggers can write about what is interesting to them.

Therefore, blogging for money is good deal for both bloggers and advertisers. I expect this form of advertising will continue for a long time. I am sure the internet is not going anywhere soon. My ultimate dream would be to get paid to blog full time. Hint, anybody want to hire me? But seriously, I will definitely keep writing and loving it at the same time

Just a Couple Pics of Fuzzy and Wuzzy

I haven’t seen the Twins, Fuzzy and Wuzzy for a couple of weeks but I have been assured they are growing and interacting even more. They are both around 10lbs now and will be two months old next week. Where does the time go? I am going to turn around and they will be starting school.


Sometimes it feels like my kids where just born yesterday and my youngest, Hippie Guy just turned twentyfive last month. Time seems to go by so quickly. That’s ok. I like where I am at now. I do not think I want to go back to when my kids were small. Too much work. hah! But then Buddy might as well be an infant as he feels the need to wake me up at night. Sometimes two or three times!

Well here is a couple of pictures Flower Child’s dad sent me. I believe the first one in Fuzzy but I do not know for sure. ;)

They are so cute!!!!

I hope to get some more when we go visit them this weeked.

Sometimes We Just Need a Little Help

The post will be a little out of the norm for me. I hope it does not offend anyone. The truth is some people need a little help in the bedroom. The medical field has made many advances in this area in the last few years.


Now it is commonplace to see TV commercials for Viagra, Levitra and other similar products. The one that really cracks me up is the ExtenZe commercial. That guy and his silly grin gets me every time. Now I have no idea if that stuff really works, but if it does, I guess that is good news for the guys that are using it.

Still, it must be embarrassing for some people seeking these medications and treatments. There are actually sites on the internet where these medications can be purchased, discreetly and privately.

So, this post is just for spreading imformation. Let’s face it, most everyone would like to have a great sex life. If this post helps someone out there so much the better.

Cinderella's New Tattoo and Butterfly's Girly Bedroom

Cinderella got a new tattoo in honor of Lolly Pop Kid. The movie ‘Cars’ was everything to him so of course she got the Lighting McQueen car. Here is a pic of it. The artist drew it freehand and did a nice job. She already has Butterfly’s name tattooed on her back and it is only fitting Lolly is there too. I thought about getting one. I really have no idea what to get. I thought about his initial. Hmm maybe a lollypop with his initial intertwined. I am going to have to think about that one.

I also spoke with Butterfly yesterday and she was kind enough to send me a picture of her room. She told me she rearranged it all by herself and for the most part decorated it too. I love it. It is sooo pink. What little girl would not love this room? I especially love the pink butterfly curtains. Very appropriate if I don’t say so myself!

Also, notice the movie on the TV. Yes, it just happens to be ‘Cars’ and of course there is Lighting McQueen with his big, toothy smile. Just like our Lolly. We know he is still with us and many ways.

BTW, his tree has a brand new orange bloom. I look forward to watching the oranges grow.

Love you big boy. Thanks for sending the love from heaven.

Finding Affordable Design Software

When I bought my new computer a few months ago, I knew that my old creative design software would probably not run on the operating system. I have the original Adobe Creative Suite and after checking around on the internet, I found this to be true.

I bought that software when I was still attending college and I received a student discount at the time. Therefore, cost was also a factor. I really love the Adobe software as I use it at work and home so I was hesitant to try something new and I really did not want to have to learn new programs.

After reading several reviews, I found that looking at the recommendation of the reviewers was quite helpful. I found quite a few applications that I could now spend a little time looking into. Most have trial editions so I can download the trial versions and spend some time playing with the application to see if it fits my needs.

With a little research one can really gather quite a bit of information in order to help decide what design software to buy. I now plan to spend a few weeks reviewing the software and I am confident that I will make the perfect choice for my needs.

The HouseHusband was Right

I woke up this morning like every morning and began preparing to go to work. After getting dressed, I let my big red dog Lucie outside to do her morning business. On the way see stopped to smell the end of the couch. It took a little coaxing to get her out side. Usually she goes right out. When she came back in she again went the side up the couch and started sniffing. I did not think too much about that as my cat Angelina was sitting on the couch. I just figured Lucie wanted to play with Angelina. Nothing new there Angelina for the most part, wants nothing much to do with any sort of interaction concerning Lucie.

I fed Lucie, Buddy my Chihuahua and Angelina and finished getting ready for work. I went to put Lucie in her crate and again she stopped to smell the couch. It being before 6:00 o'clock in the morning I had only one light on in the kitchen and could not see to well. After getting all the animals taken care of for the day I made my lunch and sat down to watch the news for a few minutes.

As I was preparing to walk out the door, I saw it. Right there on the arm of the couch was a huge pile of cat barf. I do mean huge! Now let me tell you, I do not do well with vomit of any kind. Yes, I have three kids, four grandkids, numerous dogs, cats, birds, rats even a potbellied pig and I have handled many let's just say less than desirable situations but regurgitation ranks as the one thing I can not handle.

Ok, so I cannot just leave it there, right. Therefore, off I am to get paper towels and cleaner. One thought came to my mind as I prepared to clean the vomit. I was watching an episode of 'Househusbands of Hollywood' the other day. Tempestt Bledsoe and her husband Darryl have cats. The have one in particular that vomits all the time. Since he is home all day, it is his job to clean the vomit. Tempestt gets upset because her leaves the vomit on the carpet for 24 hours until it dries and then cleans it up. He says it is easier after the vomit dries. I remember watching and thinking how gross to do that.

So, I start cleaning and Angelina must have done this sometime during the night because right away I notice the vomit is dry. Guess what? It is easier to clean. It came right off the couch, I only had to wash the area a little bit, and the couch is as good as new. I am happy, not gagging and I can go to work with peace of mind. In addition, I do not have to deal with Corvette complaining about the animals.

Now I do not advocate leaving animal puke on carpet or furniture for any period of time, but I do understand what Darryl was taking about on that episode. And that was my morning. How was yours?