I'll Just Have Salt

I have been sick for four days now. I woke up Saturday with a splitting headache. Against better judgment I went to the gym anyway, completed my workout, and headed home. By the time I got home I was miserable and my stomach was cramping. I did okay the rest of the day, but by the late evening was beside myself.

By Sunday I was bed ridden. I got up twice to fiddle on the computer, only having to return to bed because I was too achy and dizzy. I was fortunate that my husband was home because he had to take care of the kids all day, while I slept or lay on the couch miserable. My daughter though was very sweet. She came into bed with me and spent an hour rubbing my arms, kissing me, and rubbing lotion on my legs, saying "Does that feel good mommy?"

Later on when I made it downstairs to the couch she came and covered me up with a blanket I had just made her this week saying, "Are you still sick mommy?" When I said that I was she said, "Don’t worry, I’ll take care of you. Just lay here." Such a sweetheart. It made me want to will myself to get up and play with her, but I just didn’t have the strength.

Monday I felt better except for the thought of food absolutely made my stomach churn. The interesting thing that is by Sunday night I was craving salt. Not food with salt, but plain salt. I’ve never had that craving before; I don’t really even like a lot of salt on my food in general. So, I don’t know what that is about, but for whatever reason I got it in my head that salt would make my stomach feel better.

Late Monday night I finally decided to eat some fries and dumped a ridiculous amount of salt on them. Oddly enough it calmed my stomach for a few hours. As I sit here this morning typing with a terribly upset stomach I wonder yet again if salt is the answer. In general it would sound so disgusting, but right now it literally sounds like it would put the fire out that is in my stomach.

Anyone else have any weird cravings when you are sick?

I Know Noses

Me: Your nose looks swollen. Did you hurt it?
Hubby: No. What does it look like?
Me: Just bigger than it did earlier.
Hubby: (goes and looks in mirror) No, it's the same size it's always been.
Me: I don't think it was that big before.
Hubby: Yeah, pretty sure it has always been this size.
Me: Hmm
Hubby: You think my nose is big?
Me: No, it's not big. It fits your face perfectly. I just thought it looked a little swollen.
Hubby: I don't think it's swollen. So, my huge, gigantic nose fits my huge, gigantic face?
Me: (laughing) No, neither your face nor your nose are huge.
Hubby: So, then it's just my huge nose on my regular sized face?
Me: (hysterically laughing now) No, your nose is not huge. (So and so) has a huge nose. You do not have a huge nose.
Hubby: I guess me and my gigantic nose will sit over here then.

** For the record, my husband does not have a big nose. It is completely proportionate to his face which is also within the normal range in size (Husband wanted me to point that out)

Bonnie Hunt Show/Warner Brothers Giveaway Winner

Thanks to all who participated in the Bonnie Hunt Show/Warner Brothers Giveaway by either commenting on this blog or emailing me. Thanks also to Eric Hansen at M80 Advertising for including this blog in the giveway.

Without futher ado, the winner of a Bonnie Hunt Show shirt, mug and a copy of the book Nights in Rodanthe by Nicholas Sparks is Cass.

Cass, I have sent you an email with the specifics. Please let me know when you receive the package from Eric and send me a picture with your loot, if you’d like. Congratulations!!!

Thanks again to all who participated.

Nebraska Safe Haven Law Needs Revision

I wrote a post a while back about the Safe Haven law in Nebraska (see here ) and how I felt that dropping off your teenagers was not part of the original intent of the law.

Well, today an article came out about a man who dropped off his 9 children because he felt he could not take care of them anymore. Click here to read.

Growin' Up

My daughter woke up last night after having a bad dream. So, I walked her back to bed and sat with her a while as she drifted off. Just looking at her I noticed how much she has changed recently. She no longer has the face of a baby, but rather one of a little girl. She has lost all baby fat and is now rail thin and tall. Her face is becoming more angular and defined. Gone are the chubby baby cheeks of her early days. She is three afterall, so I guess I shouldn't be too surprised, but it still caught me off guard.

Then I thought about what an awesome responsibility it is to be her mother. She's kind, caring, smart, and compassionate. She's so fun to be around and the conversations she and I have are amazing. She's independent, not easily swayed, and a deep and serious thinker. I am often amazed at the connections she makes and insights she has. I just can't help but wonder when she became this little person. This person so capable.

When I look at my son I see the beginnings of this same transformation. He's becoming his own person. Still dependent on me and my husband but testing out his own independence. He has his own ideas about how he wants things and while it can be frustrating I love that both children know what they want and aren't afraid to go after it.

I guess the ultimate goal of parenting is to produce self-sufficient, industrious and independent adults who are kind, honest, loyal, loving, and compassionate. I guess I just didn't think so much of that would come so soon.

Write It When I'm Gone

I am about halfway through a book entitled Write It When I'm Gone by Thomas DeFrank (click on title of blog post for more information). DeFrank was a young Newsweek reporter covering Gerald Ford when he was Vice President. Over the years they developed a friendship. In one conversation prior to Nixon resigning, Ford let slip a statement he did not want made public. He made DeFrank swear he wouldn't print it until he was dead. This began a 30 + year relationship and series of interviews that DeFrank agreed not to publish until Ford had passed on.

The book is very interesting and provides great insight into the thought process behind Nixon's pardon. Ford also speaks candidly about personal impressions of both Presidents that came before and after him. It covers in depth his bitterness toward Ronald Reagan. A bitterness that didn't subside until Reagan announced he was suffering from Alzheimer's.

Something I read today that really stuck with me was his assessment on Hillary Clinton and the possibility of a woman President. In the late 1990's Ford predicted that Hillary would run for President in 2004 or 2008 and that while he believed she would get the nomination he did not believe she would win the election. DeFrank then followed that assessment by asking Ford if he thought we would ever have a female President. Ford's answer could end up being eerily prophetic if McCain and Palin are elected. He said that he felt the first time a woman became President it would be the result of one of the parties picking a female Vice Presidential candidate, getting that ticket elected to office, and then the President would die in office thus making the female VP the new President. He said once that happened that male candidates would be number 2 and that we could expect to see other female Presidents.

Quite interesting that a decade later the scenario is playing out. It is also a possibility that if the Republican party is elected that due to McCain's age he could die in office, making Palin the top dog.

I still have half the book to go, but I have enjoyed learning more about President Ford, both as a President but more importantly as a person. He appeared to be a man of great conviction with a strong moral compass.

Interview on The Bonnie Hunt Show

Please click on the blog title to watch the clip. Sorry that this is late. Eric (at M80) was waiting on the clip from WB. Don't forget to comment for your chance to win a Bonnie Hunt mug, tshirt, and the book Nights In Rodanthe by Nicholas Sparks.

Thanks and Good luck!

Richard Gere and Diane Lane Talk with Bonnie Hunt

Click on the title of this posting to watch a clip of today's interview. Don't forget to post a comment either on this post or the previous one to enter to win a Bonnie Hunt Show shirt, mug, and the Nights in Rodanthe book by Nicholas Sparks.

www.bonniehunt.com

http://www.new.facebook.com/pages/The-Bonnie-Hunt-Show/25313536937

But They Were So Cheap...

I am aware that by most (okay, all) definitions these airwalks are pretty ugly. (Except for my 3 year old daughter who wishes they had them in her size) But they were $9! While I doubt that I will ever find an occassion to wear these bad boys in public for $9 I can certainly find enough opportunities to wear these around my house.

The Bonnie Hunt Show: Nights In Rodanthe Giveaway

Okay, here is your chance to win some loot! I was contacted this week on behalf of Warner Brothers in regards to the Richard Gere/Diane Lane appearance on the Bonnie Hunt Show. They are the stars in the upcoming movie Nights in Rodanthe, based on the book by Nicholas Sparks. I am a huge fan of his and eagerly accepted the offer to plug the Bonnie Hunt Show and the Nights in Rodanthe Movie.


M80 (an online advertising agency) and Warner Brothers were kind enough to offer some prizes for a giveaway hosted on this blog. So, starting today with this post all you have to do is leave a comment about any Nicholas Sparks book you have read or movie based off one of his books that you have seen (The Notebook)...good, bad, indifferent. If you haven't read any, don't feel bad. You can still participate by simply leaving a comment or by linking this post to your own blog.


Your comment will get you one entry into the drawing. If you comment and link me to your blog you will receive two entries. Make sure you leave a way for me to contact you in case you are the lucky winner. The giveaway will close on Sunday at 10:59 pm mountain time. A winner will be chosen and notified by 8:00 pm mountain time on Monday.

Don't miss our on your chance to win a Bonnie Hunt t-shirt, coffee mug, and a copy of the book Nights in Rodanthe.


Good luck!


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Who Were You Meant To Be?

I sometimes think about how simple decisions have the capability of altering the course of your life. When I was a senior in college, a few months before graduation, I was called into the Dean of Humanities office. She also happened to be one of my professors whom I had taken multiple literature and writing courses from over the years. She had submitted multiple samples of my writing to a friend who was a technical writer and that friend offered me a job. While I was interested, I had just accepted an English teaching job at a local high school in the area, so I turned the writing job down.

I went on to teach (and loved it at the time) and coach. I met my husband because I was the Women’s Basketball Coach and he was one of the Men’s Basketball coaches. Had I not taught it is unlikely that I would have ever met my husband and been blessed with the two wonderful children we have today. It is almost as if once I made the decision to teach the rest fell into place. It was meant to be.

I wonder, though, how things would have turned out had I accepted the writing position instead. Would I still have somehow eventually met and married my husband or would I have met and married someone else? Would I still be single? I don't know and to be honest I wouldn’t want to find out.

While I sometimes think that I maybe would have been happier professionally had I taken that writing position I know personally that the choice I made was the right one and for that I’d do it all over again.

Are there any decisions that you have made that you feel have significantly altered the course of your life? Would you make the same decision if given the chance to do it over?

Overheard

My son and daughter were sitting together on the bean bag and looking at books. When my daughter got up to get some more books from the bookshelf my son spread out. When my daughter returned she looked at him and said, "Excuse me, I have to have some room to put my rear end, please."

This is one of the four adorable new dresses I got for my daughter at Gap for only $6.97 this past weekend.

These are the shoes she chose to wear with the dress.
She has every color of sandal imaginable and I had suggested the brown ones to match the flowers or her white ones. When I came back into her room she had put these on. When told that they didn't quite match she said, "Oh, I know mom. But I still just want to wear these because they are just so adorable."

R and R?

The weekend always seems to go by so fast. I guess much of that has to do with the fact that Sunday is really our only day of "weekend" as my husband works Saturday’s. As a result it always feels like we are cramming two to three days worth of errands and fun into a single day. That always leaves me feeling exhausted by Sunday night instead of refreshed. A lot of that is my fault as I could relax or even nap, yet I always find something else that I "need" to do.

Saturday the kids and I spent 5 hours driving to four different jewelers to get estimates on what it would cost to have my wedding ring fixed. At this point, my current jeweler has messed it up so badly and done so much damage to it that it will be a cold day in hell before I allow them to so much as glance at my ring again. The kids were really good and total troopers. I was not enjoying myself so I can guarantee they were not having much fun. However, they didn’t let on. After getting the estimates I took the kids over to my grandmother’s where we visited for the afternoon and early evening.

Now, our kids don’t eat much sugar. We don’t keep candy in the house and we don’t use it to bribe them. We really don’t allow them to eat candy beyond a piece every once in a while when they are at my grandmother’s or parents and we end up pitching most of what they get for holidays such as Easter or Halloween. However, I bought my daughter a little bag of candy when we were out running errands. Big mistake. She ate the whole bag (which really wasn’t even that much) and was wild the rest of the day. I never really bought into the whole theory of the "sugar high". After Saturday I am a believer. I have never seen her like that. She was running around like a dog chasing its tail, singing, and yelling, and speaking gibberish. It was like she had some severe reaction to sugar intoxication. Lesson learned. The only saving grace was that she crashed at a relatively early hour.

Sunday we went down to the bagel shop for breakfast and then headed over to the mall. The kids spent some time playing and we hit a few stores. We got my husband some dress pants, but the big find was in GapKids. I got my daughter 3 pairs of jeans and 4 dresses for 6.97 each. I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything in Gap that cheap before. I then got to spend a couple of hours alone later in the afternoon running some errands for myself. Nothing real exciting, although I did get a purse and some new shoes. (I may post some pictures of them later). The evening was spent playing with the kids. My daughter and I had a little jam session on our guitars for about an hour before she went to bed. Despite feeling like I was on the go all day it was a good day. We got a lot done and we had a lot of fun.

So, how was your weekend? What did you do?

Breast Cancer

Please head on over to this blog and leave a comment. Each comment left raises $9 for breast cancer.

http://www.cassjustcurious.com/

My Day In A Nutshell

Today was busy. Not really any more so than usual, but for some reason it just felt like it. The kids got up much earlier than usual so our day started with it still practically dark outside. After eating breakfast and playing with princesses and trucks (yep, princesses ride in trucks sometimes) we headed to the gym. When I was finished there I took the kids up to my mom's house. They love playing in the playroom over there and my mom has all sorts of neat gadgets that my daughter loves to play with.

After a few hours we left because I needed to get new glasses. I have been putting it off, but after wearing my current glasses for the past two days it became obvious I am in need of a new pair. After that we killed some time at a bookstore I haven't been to in a while. They have a nice Children's Area and we got to read some unfamiliar books.

Before I knew it almost the entire day was gone. We got home a little after 3. My daughter fell asleep in the car, but my son is going another day without sleeping.

What was on your agenda today?

Update

Apparently, my husband said "unacceptable". The cell phone connection was not great. Boy, was he right. The engraving is in block cursive, despite the explicit instructions it was to be in block print, all caps. It slants downward on the band and the inscription begins on the far left side and ends in the dead center of the band, despite the engraving previously spanning the entire length of the band.

I really don't understand what is so complicated about this, especially considering we have been explaining it to them for 6 weeks, have drawn it out, and have various work orders with the specifics clearly outlined. Why is customer service such a thing of the past?

At this point I am thinking about small claims court. Any advice?

What Will It Take To Get Some Service Here?

So, I am still embroiled in a "battle" with my jeweler over my wedding ring. The thing that irks me is that this is a reputable jeweler and not some podunk jewelry store we wandered into six years ago. It makes you wonder how a place with such an image of fine, classy jewelry can be so incompetent in simple matters.

Case in point:
1. I initially took my ring in 6 weeks ago for it's 6 month inspection and to have a single prong on the engagement ring, which holds the main diamond, to get fixed as it was cracked.
2. They had it for a week. When I got it back a diamond on the wedding band looked crooked. After much debate with the manager, she finally agreed to take it back in and have it looked at.
3. Sure enough I was right and the mounting was fractured (this was done while in their care as they inspected the ring prior to the initial intake and made no notice of it then). It took them a week to figure this out.
4. To fix the ring it then had to be sent to another location for the repairs, which took another 2 weeks.
5. When I went to pick up the ring I noticed the inscription, which my husband had placed in the wedding band prior to our wedding had been polished out. They acted like it was no big deal. "It's just an inscription."
6. They took it back and had it another week to reinscribe it. When I got it back they had reinscribed it so lightly that you could not even tell it was inscribed unless holding it under the light and looking through a magnifying glass. They also engraved on the SAUDERING, not the wedding band. I was furious.
7. I then took it back again and my husband is supposed to be bringing the ring back tonight. He says it looks "acceptable" but that the font of the lettering is different. We will see.

The General Manager with whom we have been dealing is absolutely incompetent, unprofessional, and really shouldn't have the job she has. To get any type of acceptable service we had to involve the regional CEO, who had no problem throwing this particular manager under the bus.

So, stay tuned. I have a bad feeling that the ring will again be messed up.

Review of The Choice by Nicholas Sparks

Spoiler Alert: I don't give away the entire book, but I do tell enough that it will ruin it for you if you have not read it.

I read Nicholas Sparks' The Choice yesterday. (It was an easy read). I am admittedly a fan of all of his books. I think he exhibits an overwhelming ability to capture human emotion at its rawest. His story lines are full of hope, love, and redemption. I don't think I have made it through a book of his yet without tearing up. The Choice was no different.

It starts out in the present with the main character, Travis Parker, going to visit his wife at the hospital. It then flashes back eleven years earlier to their first meeting. Gabby, his wife, moved into the house next door. They have an instant connection, despite the fact that Gabby is in a long-term relationship. Long story short, she and Travis fall in love, get married, have kids. Sparks relays this series of events with much more eloquence than I have exhibited here.

It then flashes forward to the present with Travis visiting his wife who is in a coma as a result of a traffic accident that Travis was responsible for. The book looks at the unbearable grief and guilt that Travis feels all while grappling with the decision of whether to keep his wife alive or pull the plug, something she made him promise to do in an event like this. Ultimately, he doesn't and she comes out of the coma to return to her life, just as Travis and his daughter's are learning to live their lives without her.

While it is a bit unbelievable at the end you find yourself hoping and praying that Gabby does emerge from the coma. As a parent you put yourself in the position of both the children and the surviving spouse, as well as the spouse in the coma. I sometimes worry about the effect my absence would have on my children. I hate to even think about if something were to happen to me. The sadness is too much, both because of what I'd be missing and because I know how sad they would be.

I would recommend this book to anyone who is a Sparks fan or who is looking for a quick, romantic read. It's an emotional roller coaster; one you can't help but be caught up on.

Has anyone read this? If so, what did you think?

He Never Sleeps...He Might See Dead People, Too

I am not sure what is wrong with our son, but he has decided to basically give up sleeping in its entirety. I kid you not. He hasn't napped in a week even though at only 15 months he desperately needs one or two or three naps still. Then despite not sleeping all day he will not go to bed at night.

He stands in his crib and screams for HOURS. He's not sick, he's not teething, he's not in pain. I really don't know what the heck is the matter with him other than he is stubborn and apparently an insomniac. Seriously, how can a baby not sleep? And how can he just cry for hours without wearing himself out?

Ideas? Anyone? Bueller?

A More Deserving Person

You know when something good happens to someone who is really nice, gracious, and deserving and you think, "Wow, that’s great. That could not have happened to a nicer or more deserving person". Or when misfortune befalls someone who is not so nice, someone possibly smug and judgmental or just plain mean and you think, "Wow, that could not have happened to a more deserving person." Same sentiment but under totally different circumstances.

The Original Intent of Safe Haven Laws

I read the other day that two women took advantage of the Safe Haven Law in Nebraska. For those who are unfamiliar the Safe Haven law states you can drop off your child at places like a hospital or fire station if you are unable to care for him/her without fear of punishment. Most states have specified that this law is applicable to infants. However, to get the law passed in Nebraska the wording had to read "child". The law is vague in its definition of a child.

These two women dropped off teens, one fourteen and the other fifteen. I can't help but feel like this is in direct conflict with the original intent of the law. I can't imagine getting rid of your child at that age (or any age for that matter). (One of the women gave up her nephew, for whom she was the legal guardian). I just think it sends the message that anytime children become overwhelming that we can just make them someone else's responsibility or problem, as the case may be.

I am all for the Safe Haven law when it comes to infants. I'd much rather women have a safe place to take their babies if they make the decision they cannot care for him/her than to dump the baby in a dumpster or bathroom stall or worse. A newborn baby with the umbilical cord still attached was left in a garbage can at an elementary school in Phoenix, Arizona just this morning. The 14-year old mother will now face charges.
Let's be honest, most who leave their babies are young teens who are ill-equipped and immature. Oftentimes the best thing they can do for that baby is to give it to someone who can offer the baby stability and love. So, in that respect I think it is vital that woman can feel secure in giving up their baby at "approved" locations without fear of reprisal.

I just really can't imagine that many would find it okay to just give up your teenager. There have been days where I have thought to myself how much easier it would be without my children. Where they have simply driven my absolutely crazy. How many people will now think that same thought, but instead of it ending at simply a thought will actually go get rid of their children? I don't know. No one does right now. I guess the people of Nebraska are about to find out.

Why Does My Toe Look Like A Sausage?

I hate shoes. They crowd my toes. If at all possible I wear flip flops or sandals almost everyday. It presents a bit of a problem in the winter and at that point I sometimes have to suck it up and put on real shoes.

Anyway, I digress. The other day at Target I ran over and stubbed my toes with the cart. It hurt really bad and I realize if had I been wearing closed toe shoes this would not have happened. Within a few hours my toes felt fine and I honestly forgot all about it.

That was until yesterday when I put my feet in tennis shoes to head to the gym for my daily workout. My toe killed cramped up in those shoes. For the past week instead of my 30 minutes on the elliptical machine I have been running for 20 on the treadmill. (This is big news as I am not a runner, never have been. But that's another post for another time). Despite the toe I decided to run anyway. It killed, but I still did my 20 minutes. When I got into the car I took my shoes off and my poor toe was the size of a little sausage. It was about that color too.

So, as I sit here this morning getting ready to head the gym the debate becomes do I run and sacrifice my poor toe or do I find something else that is possibly less painful? Logic should dictate that I find something else that is less painful but sticking with my philosophy of "No pain, no gain" I'm pretty sure I'm going to run. Really, how much can a toe swell?

Dr. Jekyl and Mr. Hyde

When my son was born he was the most mellow and easy going baby. He didn't cry much, was always smiling, and was content just hanging out. (He didn't sleep, but I think that is just the curse of my kids). He's now 15 months old and it's like he's had a personality change. He's still happy as can be and always smiling at family and strangers alike, but he has this stubborn streak that has started to rear its ugly head.

He fights me to the death when I change his diapers or clothes. I'm talking horrible battles where he screams, holds his breath, turns purple, and tries to escape. He throws horrible tantrums if his sister takes a toy away. He gets his feelings hurt and breaks into tears if anyone says, "no" to him, which lately he has been told a lot. As in, "No, you cannot climb into the toilet." Or, "No, you cannot walk in the street without holding my hand." Or, "No, you can't hit your sister in the head with that stick."

I know he is just asserting his newfound sense of independence, but man it is frustrating and exhausting. He went from the world's easiest baby to the world's most exhausting toddler.

It's a Love-Hate Thing

Why is it that you can never go to Costco and spend any less than $100? It doesn't matter if you only buy 3 things. The total will still be over $100.

We went to Costco today and admittedly needed a lot of stuff ranging from household necessities, like toilet paper, to more "luxury" items like food. I knew before we even set foot inside that our total would be high. I was bracing for it. I do realize that overall it is a good deal. Especially if you shop at Costco once every 3 to 5 months like we tend to do. It's just the sticker shock. Forking over all that cash at one time about sends me into cardiac arrest. Even though I prepare for it.

So nervously I approached the cash register, quickly scanning my cart trying to decide if we really needed all that stuff. Unfortunately, the answer was yes. Around here toilet paper and food tend to be high priority items. Total damage done was 350 big ones. It was almost a game of tug-o-war as I handed over the cold, hard cash. I desperately wanted it back, but I also wanted my cart of "goodies."

As if one trip to Costco in a day wasn't enough we decided we needed to go back. There was a truck that we wanted to get our son for Christmas and as with all things sold at Costco if you don't buy it when you see it the next time you go back it is gone. Then of course once we got there we found all sorts of other items we needed. Socks, underwear, night lights, dress shirts for my husband, and a few books. Total damage was another $150. FIVE HUNDRED FREAKING DOLLARS in one day at Costco.

I have already gone through all our purchases trying to figure out if I can return anything. The sad reality is that it has been so long since we have been to Costco we were out of almost everything. There's not really anything that can go back minus the books and honestly once you are over a couple hundred bucks what's another $20?

So, if you'll excuse me I have to go return to the fetal position I've been in all day as I realize that between today's little Costco trips and all the clothes I bought this week I could have used those funds and bought a new car.

Shopping Roundup

I hate shopping. I especially hate shopping for clothes. I hate even more shopping for clothes for me. I don't mind picking up things for my husband or children, but I avoid buying new clothes for myself at all costs. Anyone who knows me would not be shocked by the fact that I have held on to t-shirts and jeans that I have had since college. Until recently I have not been able to fit into those jeans since probably my first year of marriage (2002).

Last week I decided to go through my closet and get rid of clothes that a)don't fit b)I don't wear. Since winter is coming up (I know, wishful thinking) I decided to start with my winter wear. I tried on all my new jeans and dress pants from last year. They were all way too big (This is the first time in a long time that I have been able to say that. I had to buy new jeans last winter in a bigger size than the winter before to get my fat ass to fit into them). Then I got out my jeans from college that I have held on to all these years in the hopes that one day I may fit into them again. Shockingly they fit, some were even too big. As I continued going through my closet I realized I had emptied out most of my winter wardrobe.

That prompted my big shopping spree this week. I will admit that I got some nice clothes that I am eager to wear and was able to buy them in a size I haven't fit in since college. I got slacks and dress pants, capris, and a few sweaters. The problem is that I am picky beyond belief. Not necessarily by style or appearance (I'm about as casual as they come) but by how the material feels. The biggest problem for me is finding casual t-shirts that a)are soft enough b)aren't too long c)aren't too short d)sleeves don't end by shoulders e)sleeves don't come down to elbows and the list goes on. That leaves very few shirts. As a result I have been wearing these nasty white tshirts all summer long because they are so old they have shrunk and worn to the desired "feel." But my family and friends are embarassed by these shirts so my goal was above all to find new t-shirts.

Now, I'm cheap. I hate to spend money on clothes, especially my clothes. If pants are more than $20 I won't get them. If shirts are more than $10 no way. Sweaters more than $15 nope! Well, this week was the exception. I found pants that fit so great and so comfortably that I bought them anyway, even though some cost $35 (on sale). I figured it was worth it if I'd actually wear them. I bought sweaters that were flattering to my figure for $20(again, on sale). I realize for nice clothes that really is not a lot of money, but I still hated to part with it. After a while that adds up to hundreds of dollars that I feel guilty spending on myself.

I digress as the ultimate goal was to find casual t-shirts. I believe I have found the promised land. GAP!
http://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=17082&pid=558959
I never buy from Gap because they are so damned expensive, but I got two pairs of dress pants that were $80 marked down to $20 each. The shirts I found were $12, which was well worth it. They are simple v-neck shirts, solid colors, nothing more. Nothing flashy or fancy about them, but they fit just right and are so incredibly soft it feels like I have been wearing them for years. They hit the top of my pants so they aren't too short or too long. The sleeves end halfway between my shoulder and elbow so they are perfect and it's just roomy enough to not be totally form fitting without being big and bulky. It was like I died and went to heaven. Needless to say I picked up one in every color that they had. I may have missed a few colors, which will require a trip back in the near future.

All in all I am happy with the shopping trip and even more happy with my tshirt find. It's the simple things!

Alaskanomics

Look, Sarah Palin may or may not be qualified to be our Vice President or President if McCain were to kick the bucket (although I'm strongly leaning toward "not qualified"). That's not what this post is about, though. What really bothers me about all the hype surrounding Palin is that I can't believe the American people are that easily manipulated or just that plain stupid to be so easily caught up in the Palin mania. Virtually, everything that has come out of her mouth has been either a half-truth or a flat out lie.

It took me a few hours of searching on the Internet to discover quite a bit of what she said at the convention is in direct conflict with how she actually voted or what she actually did. Her record indicates she participated in the practices she now claims to condemn. She was for the "Bridge to Nowhere" before she was against it and she kept the money. She hired friends and business partners for official positions. Nepotism anyone? Alaska ranks number 1 in both taxes per resident and spending per resident. Its tax burden per resident is 2.5x the national average and its spending more than double. Alaska has 4 different taxes on oil, which accounts for 89 percent of the state's unrestricted revenue. Alaska ranks 18th in federal taxes paid per resident but first in federal taxes received. Her talk about how she's a tough fiscal conservative is at best an extreme exaggeration. And that is just for starters.

The rub is that anyone could find the same information. So, why are so many still hitched to her bandwagon? I don't get it. Beyond not "getting it" it makes me furious that so many are a)really that stupid or b) choose to ignore the obvious facts simply to support their party with blind allegiance. Come on America, we should be smarter than this!

http://www.azstarnet.com/sn/hourlyupdate/257092.php

http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1839724-1,00.html

Blowin' This Joint

My parents will be moving across the country in the next few months to pursue a job opportunity for my dad. It is a prestigious position among D.C’s elite so I understand the professional appeal. However, my kids have never known life without grandparents nearby. They see my mom at least once a week and my dad usually a few times a month. (Our children do not know my husband’s parents..Another story for another time). This move, I fear, will be greatly upsetting to our 3-year-old daughter. She is very close to my mother and very attached to my father. She cherishes her relationship with them both. She is used to the routine and consistency of having them in her life. While I know she will adjust and survive I also know she won’t fully understand why every time she asks, "Can we got to grandma and grandpas?" the answer will be "no." My son, who is super clingy to me, goes to my mom willingly. She is one of the few who he actually will reach for. And, he has warmed up to my dad enough to jockey for his attention (as long as my dad doesn’t pick him up). I’m sure not seeing my parents for extended periods of time will result in the regression of this progress we’ve made.

I know there are grandkids all over the world who have close relationships with their grandparents who live in other parts of the country. It is just a dynamic my kids have not experienced. This job is a 4-year term that my dad will be serving. By the time they return (which is currently what they claim the plan to be) our daughter will be in 3rd grade and our son heading into 1st. That is a long time in the life of a child. It is upsetting to think of all the day to day happenings that they are going to miss. I think if a long distance relationship is the only kind of relationship they ever had with their grandparents then it wouldn’t be an issue. But our kids have had the opposite.

My husband and I moved back to my hometown for a variety of reasons, but the primary one being that we wanted our children to grow up with grandparents in the same city. I lived my entire life (minus a year here and there) in the same town with my grandparents. I am thankful for that as I have fond memories of stopping by their house after school, spending the night, going over for Sunday dinners, or just celebrating birthdays and holidays together. It is sad that my kids won’t have many of those same memories of their early childhood. My son now asks for "ma-maw", but I’m sure that will stop when the frequency with which we see them greatly decreases.

Of course we would try to get out to DC at least once during those four years, but cost is an issue as is getting me on a plane. The thought of flying sends me into a literal panic attack or causes me to start hyperventilating. I would have to be seriously liquored up or drugged out on Dramamine, neither of which is very conducive to travelling with small children. I am petrified of flying and driving for 3 days to get there holds very little appeal.

We haven’t even brought up the subject to our daughter because she doesn’t even like it when my parents are out of town for vacation for very long. She spends the entire time asking my husband and me when grandma and grandpa are coming back and when we can go see them. We are secretly (or maybe not so secretly now) praying that the organization he would be working for might magically cease to exist in the next few months (fat chance) or hoping that my dad will realize that beyond the prestige of the position the actual logistics of such a move might not be that easy or beneficial.

So, I want to hear the dynamics of the relationship you had with your grandparents or your children had with theirs. Did you/they live close by? Did you/they see each other often? Do you/they think it makes a difference?

Rocking Out

How we spend much of our day. Rocking out!

My Son, The Energizer Bunny

I have always been pretty opposed to and critical of the "harnesses" parents use to keep physical control of their children. I don't like the way it looks or the physical restraint aspect of its purpose. For years I have said, "I will never put our children on a leash." Fundamentally, my position remains the same. However, since my son turned one and started to walk he is all over the place. He is a typical, active, physical boy and I love that about him; he provides a stark contrast to our more docile daughter. However, his "boyness" is also exhausting and frustrating when I am trying to get things done and done quickly. I have never considered a leash more seriously than I did today after taking him to the mall for a "quick" trip.

I mistakenly thought it would go more quickly without the stroller. I was very, very wrong. The plan was to run in and return a few things, try a couple of things on and then leave. As I tried on clothes he was trying to escape under the dressing room door. He wanted to walk and would dive out of my arms everytime I tried to carry him. Had he wanted to walk in the same general direction I needed to go it would have been a non-issue. But he wanted to go the opposite direction, of course. Between carrying my purse, shopping bags, holding my daughter's hand (who by the way was perfect all day shopping), and chasing him down I was praying for the end times to commence. Needless to say very little of what I needed to do got done.

Then I saw a man walk by with his daughter on a leash. It is funny to me how they try to make it look less like a leash by dressing it up with a cute little fuzzy animal on the back. It's still a leash, people. In that instant, my moment of weakness, I thought about offering the man all the cash in my wallet in exchange for his kiddie leash. I thought of how easy it would be to keep tabs on my active son. He couldn't run off or fight to get away. When I went to try things on I could tie him to the rack in the dressing room and I would not have to worry about pulling him back under the door. The moment of weakness passed and I gathered up my things and left. But, man, it was sure tempting.

After a quick stop at home I attempted to brave it and head to another mall. I learned from my mistake and brought the stroller. It was a much smoother trip. Lesson learned!

Rocking the Guitar...Mommy Style

I have learned a few new songs on the guitar this week. "Turpentine" by Brandi Carlile (my daughter's favorite song) and "Come on Get Higher" by Matt Nathanson being two of them. If it were up to my daughter I'd play "Turpentine" and "How Far We've Come" by Matchbox 20 all day long. She loves to sing and dance to those songs while I play. Also on the "playlist" this week are"Black Balloon" by Goo Goo Dolls (one of the first songs I learned to play years ago) and "Rivers of Babylon" by Sublime.

When you haven't played the guitar in a while it always kills your fingertips. That is until the callouses build up and provide some protection from the strings. In my pre-children days I used to play everyday for hours. In the past 3 years I have rarely picked up the guitar for more than a few minutes at a time. When my daughter was real young I used to play her a lullaby I wrote for her when I was pregnant with her. As she got older and our son got added to the mix, finding time became harder and harder to do.

Lately, both kids have been on a guitar kick, though. They want me to play all the time. My son will stand by my guitar case and cry until I get out the guitar and play. I am happy to oblige as it's a good excuse for me to get in some practice. Plus it keeps them happy and occupied for as long as they find me entertaining.

When I was in college and my early years of working I used to make up silly (okay, I admit sometimes dirty...very dirty) songs about drinking or sex or funny little songs about people I knew. Somehow playing those songs now would be very inappropriate. So, I now find myself making up songs, both silly and serious, about my children or my love for them. It is amazing the difference a few years and a couple of kids can make.

I love playing and I love the feeling after mastering a new song. I love even more that it is something I can share with my children.

Greek Festival

My husband and I love going to the Greek Festival every year in September. Last year was the first year we went with our kids and our daughter (who had just turned 2) had a great time. She loved the food and especially the music. Our son was a mere 3 months old so as long as he could have access to boob all day long he was pretty happy. The festival is fast approaching and we cannot wait to attend this year. Then a few days ago I found out that 2 other Greek churches in the city just north of us (about 2 hours away) have Greek Festivals in October. We totally want to go. I told my husband we could be Greek Festival Groupies. Is that weird?

Neither of us is Greek but we love their food, enjoy their music, and feel their culture to be inviting and fun. We attend many different cultural events (Irish Festival, Slavic Festival, Mexican Fiesta, etc.) because we love to experience all that different cultures have to offer. Plus we think it is important to expose our children to the different traditions in our community. The fact that the food is awesome and the music rocks is a definite bonus. (Did I forget to mention the beer?)

So are there festivals and events that you have made it a habit of attending?

West Nile?

I got eaten alive by mosquitos yesterday. I am covered in bites up and down both legs and arms and itch like crazy. Where's the calamine lotion when you need it?

Sunday Quick Hits

* 1 hour at church
* 1 hour dancing with the kids to The Killers and Kings of Leon
* 1 hour of nap time (for both the kids and me and hubby)
* 1.5 hours of watching Robin Hood with my daughter (Great movie!)
* 2 hours of swimming
* 2 hours of "date night" with my husband; kids played with grandparents and convinced them to take them swimming again.
* 1 hour of playing Jimmy Buffett, Matchbox 20, and James Taylor on the guitar for my kids as they sang, danced, and "played" along.
* 1 hour of girl time with my daughter: we read, sang, talked, and played princesses

Friday Recap: On the Go!

Where has the day gone? It seems like the days that need more hours are the days that end up going by the quickest. We had to run some errands this morning in preparation for a short little journey we are taking tomorrow to an orchard about 2 hours away to pick fresh fruit and vegetables. Of course, if it were just me and my husband going we'd hop in the car and be off. Adding our two little ones to the mix requires trips to Walmart and Target to stock up on all the "necessary" supplies: wipes, hand sanitizers, snacks, crackers, bottles of water, take and toss cups and bowls, a new movie for the car ride, etc. We then had to get gas, withdraw money, and check our tire pressure (yes, I'm rather type A about things and if our car ride is longer than an hour our vehicle gets the full safety inspection).

After that little excursion we came home while I put all the snacks into individual serving bags and bowls for each kid and packed the cooler full of bottles of water. (We drink water in our house like it is going out of style). Grandma (my mom) then surprised us by coming by for a bit. My daughter was thrilled as she got some time away from her brother, who lately seems to be on her last nerve. (He is just a typical boy: rough, into everything, constantly on the move).

The craziness should calm down after tonight as my husband has the entire weekend off (a rare occurrance). So, Saturday is a day with the kids and Sunday he and I are going out on a date without the kids.

I hope your Friday was productive and hope you all have a great weekend!

Parent Observation Day at Ballet

It was Parent Observation Day today at my daughter's ballet class. She's been in class a month now so I was excited to see how far she'd come (Parents are not allowed to sit in class except on Observation Days).

I was truly blown away. Her first day of class she stood there and just soaked it all up. She stood perfectly still and transfixed by all that was happening. Today she was a dancin' fool. She did everything and participated in all the dancing and activities. She and all of the other little girls were just absolutely adorable.

I would have never done this at her age (I'm not even sure I would do it now) so I have a lot of admiration for her because she has become so outgoing and social and this class has really seemed to cultivate and nurture that in her.

To see the coordination required and command these little ones have of their bodies and movements (and sometimes not have such great command over their bodies and movements) was cute and impressive. My daughter was thrilled to have me (and my mom and grandma) there to watch all that she has learned over the past month.

Dan In Real Life Review

My husband and I watched Dan In Real Life the other night. We had not heard much about it, but we both enjoy Steve Carrell so we thought we’d give it a try (oddly enough, we don’t watch The Office, though). The story follows a widower (Dan played by Carrell) as he raises his three daughters. He ends up falling in love with his brother’s girlfriend over the course of a few days during a family vacation. What ensues is a funny and witty series of events tempered by emotionally distressing and heartbreakingly sad interactions between Dan and his daughters. (Anyone who can watch his youngest daughter present her father with a collage of pictures that include her dead mother holding her as a baby and not feel great sadness and compassion has a cold, cold heart). I won’t ruin the ending (I will simply tell you that it is predictable), but it is a clever story about love, redemption, forgiveness, and second-chances.

What made it so great was that it was a serious topic done tastefully but also laced with an appropriate amount of humor. There were times I could hardly control my laughter. (A lot of that had to do with the ever in love and emotionally passionate middle daughter reminding me of someone I know.) Overall, it is a movie I would recommend checking out.

Palin Speaks: What Did She Say?

I watched Sarah Palin’s speech at the Republican National Convention tonight. I listened intently for the hour that she spoke, trying to decipher what it is she believes and stands for. Hoping that she could shed some light on why McCain feels she is the strongest candidate for the job. As she ended her speech I came away with a few observations.

1. She seems like an intelligent and sincere woman.
2. Something about her cadence, speech patterns, and facial expressions really annoy me.
3. She spent her entire speech either praising John McCain or bashing Barak Obama. She said nothing of substance about herself.
4. When she did attempt to discuss her political experience it was usually as an aside to an Obama insult.
5. The Roman columns used on the stage during Obama’s speech really must have bothered the Republicans. It is all they talk about. I’m thinking they are just jealous they didn’t think of it first.
6. She took a lot of pot shots at Obama and his campaign while doing little to show why she is qualified or explaining where she stands on the important issues of this election.
7. I’m so sick of the term "Hockey Mom."
8. I know nothing more about her or her politics now than I did before I watched her speak. I would have liked to hear her spend more time talking about her ideas and passions and how that relates to politics, specifically this campaign and less time listening to her put down Obama. I understand she has to come out swinging to make it seem like she's a "legitimate player", but she's an unknown. I would also think that part of the point of this speech would be to let people know who she is and what she believes. I don't think that came across well.

Side Notes:
**As the camera panned the crowd I was hardpressed to find a black person or Mexican for that matter. Then lo and behold they seemed to finally find one and they zoomed in on their token black guy. I think they wanted hard evidence that they have minority supporters. I'm thinking he might have just been security though.

**Palin's youngest daughter was holding 4 month old Trig and smoothing down his hair. As the camera zoomed in she licked her hand and then proceeded to smooth and part his hair to the side. It was adorable!

My Little Girl is Growing Up

I have recently been amazed by the transformation of my little girl. Where has the time gone? Watching her blossom into this totally independent little girl is amazing. She has always been very shy and hesitant to go anywhere without me. Saying my children are attached is an extreme understatement. The only people she would willingly stay with were my parents.

This past month all of that has seemed to change. She stays in Children’s Church by herself and participates. I used to have to sit with her (which isn’t that big of a deal as most of the mothers sit in) and she would not participate at all. These past few months she has stayed with my grandmother a handful of times while I have run errands. Prior to these past couple of months she wouldn’t stay there even if I were just going to run down the street to Walgreen’s. She now stays for hours and even asks me to take her there when she knows I am going to run errands. She attends a dance class and has seemed to easily make friends. She talks with ease and confidence to other adults. In the past she hid behind my leg. She even told me yesterday that next year when she’s a "big girl" she wants to go to school.

My husband and I went back and forth about sending her to preschool this year (she turned 3 this past July). We didn’t have strong feelings one way or the other, but wanted her to be comfortable and not be forced into something she didn’t want to do. We figured she’d be in school for most of her life so we’d let her stay home during her preschool years if she wanted. We checked out a few preschools last year, but our daughter was very adamant about not wanting to go, so we dropped it. Personally, I prefer her home with me right now, but if she wanted to attend we would have sent her.

It’s incredible to bear witness to the social development in such a short time. She has become such a little girl and no longer a "toddler". I have these in depth, multi-faceted discussions with her about a variety of topics and sometimes I just sit there in awe trying to fully wrap my head around the fact that I am having these "deep" and insighful and fully understandable discussions with a 3-year-old. My three year old.

When I held her and rocked her as an infant and wondered if she’d ever stop nursing and ever let me put her down without screaming her head off I could not envision the fulfilling and fascinating relationship I would have with her a few short years down the road. It’s beyond anything I could have dreamed or imagined. I get the biggest thrill out of her and the things she says or does. At times I am rendered speechless by her capabilities. I sometimes just look at her and can’t believe that she is mine. She is such a blessing and one that I am thankful for every single day, even on the hard days.

When I see how much has changed in such a short period of time it makes me excited for the future but also nostalgic for the past. I can’t believe she is this self-sufficient, bright, intelligent, thoughtful, and caring little girl and no longer my totally dependent baby. Seriously, where has the time gone?

The Rings Have Arrived

My husband came home with my new wedding ring tonight. I wasn't expecting it until this weekend so it was a nice surprise. My original wedding set is still undergoing repairs, so this should be a nice stand in for daily wear and tear. (I couldn't get a great shot of this ring. Too much glare. Sorry.)


Below is my "surprise." It is a band with small diamonds wrapped around. My husband got it for me to wear on my other hand since I always wear a ring, usually just some variation of a band, on the finger next to the pinkie on my right hand.

Sorry about the pics. They don't do either ring justice.

Sleep Baby Sleep....No, Not Now!

My kids are not good sleepers. They have never been. My mom says I deserve it since I apparently never slept as a child either. However, on Thursdays it is important that they nap because my daughter has dance class at 4 PM and no nap means she will either fall asleep on the car ride there or will be incredibly tired during dance and fall asleep on the way home. Neither of those is a good option. So, I try to pull out every trick known to man to get her to sleep (she gave up naps about a year ago but still could probably use at least a 30 minute power nap) Nothing works.

As predicted, both kids usually fall asleep on the way to dance class. That means I’m waking both of them up after only a 10-15 minute nap and while my daughter usually does fine with that, my son is a disaster and I then have to keep him happy for the next hour while my daughter dances.

The rub is that they have 14 other hours (give or take) during the day that they could decide to take a nap. My kids pick the one-hour A WEEK that it is totally inconvenient for them to do so. What is up with that?

I usually make popsicles for our kids instead of getting the ones from the store. Lately, I have made two different kinds that have been a hit.

Pineapple-Lime
1 pineapple
5 limes

* Cut the skin off the pineapple. With your hands break up pineapple and place in blender.
* Squeeze the juice of five limes into the blender
* Blend on pulse. You want it mostly smooth, but for there still to be some pineapple chunks remaining.
* Pour mixture into popsicle molds. Freeze for 4-6 hours. Enjoy

Blueberry-Pear

One can of sliced pears in heavy syrup, drained but reserve 2 tbs syrup
One carton of blueberries
12 oz vanilla yogurt

* Put entire carton of blueberries in blender
* Put pears in blender, along with 2 tablespoons of the heavy syrup
* Mix until smooth
* Add 12 oz of yogurt and blend
* Pour into popsicle molds and freeze 4-6 hours. Enjoy

Sarah Palin Confirms 17 Year Old Daughter is Pregnant

Sarah Palin, the GOP VP candidate, issued a statement today confirming that her 17 year old daughter is pregnant. Hmm! Obviously, I am not an advocate of teen pregnancy, but when it does happen I don't think the girl (and boy) involved or their parents should be tossed out with the bath water. Mistakes happen. However, when you are running for Vice President on a conservative ticket, espousing the importance of moral values, I am of the belief your own morality and the morality of those under your care should be above reproach. Fair or not, you and your family are held to a higher standard.

Additionally, this 17 year old girl is now going to come under national scrutiny, much of it harsh, judmental, and unfair. I am sure she is already battling feelings of guilt and shame. Being dragged into a political campaign with all of its mud-slinging is the last thing she needs.

I don't think that this revelation makes or breaks John McCain (although the culmination of all of these little mistakes might). However, it seems like if he was a) going to pick a woman b) going to pick an inexperienced running mate, woman or man and c) going to pick someone he'd only met once before that he would want to make sure he (and her family) were squeaky clean. It seems like he would not want to leave himself open to more criticism than he is already taking for choosing Palin to begin with.

Let's look at Palin, the woman. She is young with limited experience. She has 5 kids. One of those kids is a 4 month old with down syndrome. Another is a pregnant 17 year old -- in 9 months or less she is going to be a grandmother. She has a ridiculously full plate already. Why would she want to add a presidential campaign to that mix? For someone running on a ticket promoting the return of "traditional family values" I find it ironic that she is willing to sacrifice so much time with such a young family to potentially become VP. It seems like she has so much going on in her personal life that might need more attention than it is getting currently. Who is taking care of her children, especially her baby? The thought of leaving my children for any extended period of time is distressing to me, especially when my children were only 4 months old.

Look, Sarah Palin seems like a nice woman. She's a mother balancing an ambitious career. More power to her. She's been praised for playing hockey and carrying a gun (although I don't understand why Republicans are so impressed with that fact-- criminals carry guns too). Overall, she seems like a nice person, but that doesn't mean I want her making policies or having input on policies that will affect my daily life or the lives of my children. Just because she carries a gun and has a mean slap shot does not make her qualified to step in and become President if something were to happen to McCain. Even if he is elected and survives 4 years or potentially 8 that still doesn't make her qualified to be Vice President.

Truthfully, I don't know if she is qualified or not, but I think the aspects of her life that people are currently using to measure her with are not reflecting positively in her favor. If we want to look at what she has done we should be looking at what she has done politically in her brief political career. I'm tired of hearing about how she's a great mother, a great hockey player, and a great shot. Those skills don't ensure that she is qualified to hold the second highest position in our land. I'm just sayin'.

Update on My Weight Loss Journey

When I started my weight loss journey in April I had very specific goals about how much weight I wanted to lose, how I was going to do it, and when I was going to do it by. My goal by August 31 (yesterday) was to have lost 35 total pounds. Yesterday I sat at 31 pounds lost. So, I’m a few pounds away from my goal, but pretty darn close. Since I was not entirely sure how much I needed to lose (I knew I needed to lose somewhere between 40-60 pounds) I figured my body would tell me when I needed to stop. So far it is saying, "Keep going, you’re almost there."

My initial long-term goal was to have lost 50 pounds by October 12. I don’t think that is probably very realistic or healthy at this point. The more I have lost the harder it has become to continue losing. There’s less to lose than when I started. As a result, I decided to reassess since I’ve stayed pretty much on track and met each short-term monthly goal.

My new goal is that by December 31 I want to have finished the weight loss portion of my goal and start the New Year in maintenance mode. By that date I will have hoped to lose 40-60 pounds (the range due to the fact that I’m not entirely sure if I need to lose 60, but certain I need to lose 40 total pounds).

This has been an incredibly amazing experience. It has not only transformed my body, but my life as well. I don’t think that by merely changing your physical appearance, in my case weight, it changes fundamentally who you are, but I do believe it makes you perceive yourself differently. It raises your self-esteem. It gave me confidence knowing that I could set a goal, work hard to reach that goal, and see such drastic results. It’s a nice feeling to go into my closet and have nothing fit because it is all way too big. Just 4 ½ months ago nothing fit because it was too tight. I have gone down three full sizes and am close to going down another size… a size I haven’t worn since I was in high school. I can’t wait to see the end result.

On that note, I am heading to the gym.

I'm On the Computer Way Too Much

I got the kids dressed and fed then came back upstairs to get myself dressed for the gym. I told my daughter I needed to do one thing before we left and I walked into the office. She looked at me and said, "Do you need to go post on your blog?" She's three.