letter to theme parks

It is that time of year again.
HALLOWEEN!!

Dear Theme Park,

Now, I have nothing against Halloween. I rather enjoy dressing up the kids in an overpriced sweat box of something cute and knocking on strangers doors begging for crap (yep, I just said crap, cover your children's eyes:) that is going to cost me the equivalent of a small yacht at the dentist. IT. SO. MAKES. PERFECT. SENSE. TO. . ME!!

I also have nothing against advertisements. Mostly because in this day of DVR's I fast forward through them.

What I do have a problem with are the theme parks and their advertisements. Now if you are like me and you live within a reasonable distance of a theme park (say 5 surrounding states) then you are inundated with advertisements right now to visit the theme park for their Halloween-I-know-it-is-fake-but-still-scares-the-crap-out-of-me-event.

Really, do you have to post your blood and gore up on a billboard the size of life so you can frighten the crap out of my little kids? Really, they have to be traumatized by the sight of some football player looking freak with blood running down the side of his face, missing half his body with his eyes reflecting the devil? R.E.A.L.L.Y. That to you says good advertising? Have none of you ever had children? Are your children normal functioning members of society? I do have to wonder. I would like to say it is better on the radio, but even if I turn it down, you have maximized the audio to be heard even over a train. Really, my kids love to listen to the horror music and it is very easy to explain the sounds of a chainsaw and a person screaming and how they go together. THANK YOU! Now, the TV. As if the billboards, which I speed past or try to deflect their attention from and the radio which I have now pulled out of the car weren't enough. YOU HAD TO MAKE A COMMERCIAL TO RUN DURING AMERICA'S FUNNIEST VIDEO'S? IS. THERE. NOTHING. SACRED. PEOPLE? I don't watch the news during any hours my children may stumble across the TV (I can't afford therapy at 1,3 and 7) because I like to disillusion them into thinking the world is good. However, I am better off subjecting them to hours of real news of blood and gore than the crap you are exposing them to in your 30 second commercial. REALLY, IT SCARES THE CRAP OUT OF EVEN ME.

I do not visit your theme parks for your scare fest. My kids have given me enough gray hair. But, even if I did, I choose to see that, I am an ADULT! Yes, I agree, you have the freedom of speech. BUT PLEASE USE YOUR BRAIN! Please do NOT force my children to be scared out of their wits this time every year.

Please allow my kids the opportunity to use their imagination to think up the next reason for asking to sleep in my bed. They don't need your help!

Thanks,
Annoyed Mother

Peek

Did ya think I forgot about ya? N.E.V.E.R.

Do you forgive me for being busy? Hope so.

Really, I am just trying to figure out the ever changing schedule of life. Now with the 2 oldest in school, even part time, I am enjoying and staying busy with the twins. Honestly, I am just being a fly on the wall of their world these days. When left alone with the older 2 to bother them, guess what? THEY. PLAY. NICE! The love to play hide and seek. B loves to mother J. They both love to jump on mommy. Ahhhhhhhhh!

I LOVE THEM ALL! I miss the older 2 when they are in school. BUT, it sure is nice to have time with just the babies because really, they are very quickly growing away from babies.

On that note, I am stunned and refusing to admit that A is going to be 7 on Thursday. I'm sorry, what????? 7 REALLY???? Are we sure? That's what the birth certificate tells me. WOW!!!!

Look for letter to little man to be coming soon.

I haven't forgot about designated days either, just let me get caught up (does that ever really happen?) on housework, sorting clothes, running errands, etc and then I will be back!

Soon. I promise. I miss posting and reading other blogs. I am having withdraws!!!!

Thankful Thursday

I had to post how thankful I am for a discount dry-goods grocery store that is in our area. They have boxed and canned goods items. These items are discounted for a variety of reasons; discontinued, crushed or damaged boxes/cans, almost out of date or out of date items.

I purchased a total of $182.50 worth of items B.U.T. I only SPENT $61.25. YEP - I SAVED $121.25!!!!!!!! WooHoo!!!! Can I get a high 5??!!!

Here is a pic of all see the stuff I bought.

All the boxes of snack stuff are the 100 calorie count. The cereal has some unhealthy choices but (again with that word) this is the only junk food my kids get and this stuff will last 6-8 weeks.

Now, those of you that live close and will admit to feeding your kids the occasional junk, email me and I will tell you where it is at. Those of you that live far away, I recommend you check into some place near you that has a discount dry goods store. We have been going there for over a year but this is the 1st time that I actually priced the stuff immediately afterwards at the grocery store.

As for the 2nd picture, this is just to show you how big the pile is compared to what I bought at our local grocery store (where btw, I spent $36 and saved $18 - not that great compared to SCTB). The SMALL pile on the right that starts with the eggs and milk is the stuff from our local grocery store. Other than the milk, eggs, banana's, and peas, I had a coupon for everything else, including the bag of potato's.

Yes, for those of you wondering why you see no meat or produce, we stock up on meat when we see it on sale and I get the produce at a produce stand and am trying to join a co-op and my son is in 4-H.

So, to those of you who are wondering how we can manage to provide for 6 (7 if you include cat) of us with food and essentials (toilet paper, shampoo, razors, litter, etc) on only $55o-$600 monthly (2 in diapers, pampers only b/c anything else makes them break out - the same with shampoo and lotion, has to be J&J) here is our secret.

Do we do good? bad? ok? From my frugal readers out there, let me know what you think!

She's gone.......

There she goes. She is so ready for today. She has been since birth I think. In her desire to catch up to her older brother, she begged, pleaded, whined and prayed that this day would come.

It is here and she didn't even look back. Not that I really expected her too.

She has never been a clingy child, her personality far too outgoing and exuberant for that. She allows me to cook and do her laundry for her, but other than that, she doesn't need me. I.CAN.DO.IT.MYSELF! Has become her motto!!! I am happy for this, the big girl that she is. BUT.IT.BREAKS.MY.HEART! In only a way another mother can understand. You know their job is to grow and your job is to guide them. You know you have to let go, even at 3, for it starts at birth when they come screaming into the world as she did. But, letting them go to school, without you when you have been their world for so many years is one of the hardest letting go's. Yes, I still got teary eyed seeing her older brother off to 1st grade this year, but nothing I think compares to letting go for the 1st time. I know she will have fun. She will have fun in everything she does in life. She will make friends, learn, and love. She will be the class clown. She will be wonderful. AND, when I make it through today, this week. I will be fine and wonderful too and will come to enjoy my time with just me and the twins. But for today, this 1st week, I will be sad to see my baby, err.... big girl go to school! Even if it is only 3 mornings a week and the best preschool in the world and she has a dear friend of mine, a wonderful person, as a teacher. In the meantime, mommy is off to get another tissue (sniff, sniff)

P.S. Her older brother and daddy really helped me feel better when daddy said "Just think, soon it will be the twins" and brother responded with "And then you will have no one"! Thanks guys, way to help out!!!!

Favorite Food Friday!!!!!

Yep, if you know anything about me, you know I LOVE FOOD!!!!! I like to both cook and eat(when I am not rushed by a gaggle of screaming mouths).

So, what better way to indulge my love of food and begin designated days then by bringing you this little gem.

I made it up, there is no name for it other than delicious!

This, paired with a glass of milk and a sugar free choc. for dessert, can be lunch or a snack. The choice is your, but either way you HAVE to give it a try.

Step 1. Cut up red and green bell pepper, tomato and onion.

Step 2. Add peppers and onion to pan with butter of your choice and little garlic.

Step 3. Cook, just until almost not crunchy.

Step 4. Turn off heat, add tomato

Step 5. Top crackers with cheese (I use fresh mozzarella) and veggies!

Step 6. Enjoy, take pictures and blog about it. Ok, last 2 parts are optional!!!!

I wanna

be like you... The other blogging moms!

I want designated blog days!

I want to do it all and still seemingly love to blog!

I want readers!

I want to be funny and creative, fulfilling and cute!

BUT (dumh, dumh, dumh) . . .

I don't want to be a copy cat!

I don't want to dread designated days!

I don't want to disappoint when you realize I can't and sometimes don't love to do it all!

I don't want crazy/weird people readers!

I don't want to be predictable and boring, pragmatic and basic.

HOWEVER (again, dumh, dumh, dumh) . . .

I am going to try to be unique!

I am going to try designated days!

I am going to try to do it all and love it!

I am going to try not to attract weird people, because I have enough of them in my life!

I am going to try to be more creative and cute!

AND (enough already) . . .

I will be different in my own right!

I will have designated days!

I will not stick to my routine always, I will probably deviate from it more than stick to it!

I will love it!

I will attract weird people because I attract them in real life!

I will be pragmatic, boring, funny and fulfilling!

Sink or swim? Fly or fall? Can I do it? Stick with me to find out!!!

shaped

I was going to stay out of the political arena, at least in my blog.

I am not a political activist. I am registered to vote, but can not even tell you with which party. I am more of a vote for the best person sort of girl. Now I realize, my version of the best person and your version of the best person our different depending on our views of the world, lifestyles, religion, and needs.

I. RESPECT. THAT.

Everyone is different and that is what makes life fun, interesting, profitable and continuing. Unfortunately, it is what also makes us intolerable, annoying and biased.

At this point, you are asking yourself what the pictures of my babies have to do with this post? Other than the fact that I love to take and share pictures of my children; They are my requirement for the best person! Without them, I would not feel as strongly as I do about some things. Without them, I would see the world differently. Not better or worse. JUST. DIFFERENT. Without them, I would not be as affected by things that happen. Without them, I would never get to see TRUE love.

On 9-11 I was a parent-in-waiting. My son would be born exactly 2 weeks later. I went to the Dr. on the morning of 9-11 and had my cerglage removed. I very easily could have gone into labor at that moment and had Bug on 9-11. THANK GOD I DID NOT! I am actually happy that I was on bed rest and forced to watch the pictures, video's, tears, devastation, love, and humanity this country showed. Had I been at work, a teacher then, I would have not been able to watch all the countless hours of suffering and compassion this country showed.

In an I.N.S.T.A.N.T. we went from SELFISH to SELFLESS. Our own needs, primary at best. Each others needs, mandatory to be meet. It doesn't matter who you are, they color of your skin, the balance in your checkbook, the church you attend or the songs you listen too, YOU DID SOMETHING. Whether you mourned, gave blood, cried, went to the scene's, hugged your family, said a prayer, helped a neighbor or victim. WE. ALL. CARED. We cared about each other, in a way we have not before or since. After the 1st anniversary of 9-11, the world began (slowly at 1st) to go back to ourselves. It is very easy to do and honestly, we are all guilty. 7 years later, many it seems only remember 9-11 much in the way we remember Pearl Harbor. It happened. Regardless of how you remember it, if you are reading this, it affected you! Try if you want to forget that or embrace it wholly, it shaped you!!!!

So, the only thing I ask, the reason for this post - vote today like you felt on 9-11. Vote for who you think the best person is, for you, your family and America. Love and care like you did when you went from SELFISH to SELFLESS!!! Love like children!!!!

Going Green vs. Seeing Red

Ok, I am all for going green. Just to do my part, I use mostly all homemade eco-friendly cleaners. I use my reusable bags every time, yes, every time I go to the grocery store, local produce stand, library, etc. I recycle everything I am allowed to, I save all my errands for 1 time so not to waste gas, I am a Nazi about the lights and running water, I only use bottled water when I must and I reuse those bottles (yes, I clean them 1st).

BUT... I have decided there are things that for the next couple years are NOT going to go GREEN in my house because if they did, I would be seeing RED constantly.

I am NOT going to quite using paper towels and paper plates, I am TIRED of spending so much time in the kitchen. I tried to go for a month without paper towels and paper plates and THERE IS MORE TO LIFE!!!!!

Also, I am NOT going to quite using disposable diapers (gasp). Did she really just print that? YES I DID!!!!! I will do a lot for the environment, but I am not taking a poppy diaper off my child and cleaning it out! Besides the fact that it is GROSS, I have twins so I am definitely NOT doing this 4-8 times a day!!!! NO THANK YOU!!!!

Now, those of you that do all the above, I applaud you, you are my hero. But, I don't like everything that my children produce and I certainly don't want to touch it anymore than I have to. Someday when we are rich (from not buying diapers, I know) and famous (because we are so comical and watch worthy :sarcasm) I promise I will donate a HUGE amount of many to going green, but in the meantime I am going to stay away from being red!!!!!!

Behold the power of 10...

What is a girl to do? My "I love other people's blogs" list has hit the big 0. Ok, this is a family blog people, I do mean the big 1-0 mark. So while it seems I need a life instead of living vicariously though all of you, I realized that you are not the only favorite thing in my life that has hit the big 1-0 mark.
I currently have 10 favorite TV shows (gasp)! Yes, count them 10. In order of, yes I will drop what I am doing and watch (or at the very least make sure the DVR is rolling) they are: 24, prison break, the unit, how I met your mom, rules of engagement, the office, til death, csi, big brother, and yes, jon and kate plus 8.
I suppose you can only be shocked at this if you know that a mere 10 (are you seeing a pattern here) years ago, I didn't even watch TV. At the time I was so busy furthering my education and finishing my degree (that I currently don't use:-) that I thought TV was really only for watching when a hurricane was headed your way! I use to feel sorry for my parents for having no life and staying at home all the time watching TV. Yes, you see my friends that while I was married, we had a life!!!!!!!
It was a gradual addiction, my love of TV. A little news here, a snapshot of a show there. Then. We. Had. Kids... Ok, I am not saying that my children are to blame for my current addiction to TV anymore than they are for the few extra pounds I carry around, I'm just suggesting that they helped! Thank God for me that not everything in my life revolves around the number 10! If you are reading this and you have 10 kids, you are my hero!!!I digress. You may ask yourself how we went from 10 favorite TV shows to 10 favorite blogs. Enter summer 2008. Other than BB10, there has been nothing on TV, except for the occasional hurricane threat. I was bored in my "I have small children and must be home after 7:30 pm for bedtime so therefor I have no life" life.
My favorite pastime even before TV is reading. I LOVE to read! I am nosey. So you see how this has occurred, right.
It all started innocently enough (sort of like having children). The first one is so cute and funny and can do no wrong. You decide to add another and well, before you have a handle on it you are up to 4 (kids and this is where we stop) and 10 blogs.
So, I am throwing this out to the blogosphere, I AM STOPPING AT 10!!!! You can not force me to have more, I don't care how good you are you should have beat out the other 9.
Time for an honesty break, 1 of the blogs on my favorites is also mine, so I guess there is room for 1 more, ANY TAKERS?????
But that is it. I STOP AT 10!!!!! So my challenge to my 10 favorite blogs is this, write up because when my other love comes back, I am not sure what a girl will do.

New blog

Many of you know that we are muddling our way through starting a non-profit organization. So in order to keep my 2 lives straight (the crazy mom blogger vs. the serious non-profit chairperson) I have begun a new blog dedicated to all things "An Angel's Grace". When you have the time or curiosity gets the better of you, please wander over and see what's going on. If you feel the need, show some love, leave a comment, encouragement, suggestion or (hopefully) a request to help!