Baby Dude Thinks He's Helping But....

After helping me empty the dryer,
climbing on the laundry basket
to play with the dryer balls
ISN'T helping me, dude.
Just sayin'...


(Although, Baby Dude, I'm sure you think it's loads of fun. Ha! Get it?)


Yeah, you got it.

(I decided to post something light-hearted and funny today, but we could really use some prayers and thoughts thrown my family's way, if you wouldn't mind.)

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For My Friends

Written by Heather from The Extraordinary Ordinary

When Lisa asked me to guest post, I knew right away I wanted to send her a post about friends. That's because Lisa and I met nearly two years ago, right here, through blogging and she's become one. Lisa is that kind of girl, isn't she? The kind of girl that knows how to be a good friend. So thank you, Lisa. For asking me to grace this lovely space of yours. And for being the kind of friend that loves me just as I am.

For My Friends

I've always had amazing friends. For as long as I can remember, very faithful friends. These are the kind of friends that become family as they fluff their pillows and hang their memory pictures right here in my heart.

There are a number of women in my life that came along a long time ago and some I've not known as long. They're all here in their very own heart spaces, shaking out the dusty rugs below their memory pictures every so often. No matter what else they're doing here, they're mostly turning on lamps in the dark spaces and speaking a language only we know.

The night before one of my friends got married, she gave me a card that said, "Tomorrow is happening largely because of you." She wrote about how our friendship had taught her that a person can see the beautiful and the ugly, really see it, in someone else, and then that person can still love unconditionally.

After seeing the very worst, we stayed...

"You probably have the most accurate picture of me, and still you are my friend."

Isn't that what we want from friendship? Someone who doesn't turn from our dark corners, but reaches for the lamp and our hand at the same time? Don't we want someone who shakes out our heart rugs not because they can't stand the dirt, but because they want us to have that feeling of clean, that freedom from lies and from faking? I love that about real friendship. And the laughter. I love the laughter, shaking all the chambers and knocking some of the more unwanted pictures right off the walls.

It's good.

Originally posted on The Extraordinary Ordinary~August 13, 2009

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You're Doing It Wrong!

(I really am taking some time off, but couldn't help but share this with you first...)

Baby Dude is so sweet in trying to help me out. He does his best, but, it's become quite apparent he's lost about what is and isn't appropriate, and where things properly go.


Can't say he didn't try, though.

{baby knuckles for my dude}

For more Wednesday fun, visit Wordless Wednesday, 5MFM, MomSpective, MomDot, Seven Clown Circus and We Are THAT Family.

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To Do Tuesday Week 49 - When Mom Needs a Time Out

If this is your first time reading and you're wondering what To-Do Tuesday is all about, click to check out the first post to find out more.

I feel like an overcooked turkey - dried out and brittle, hollowed by being left on too long. And despite no matter how much I want to salvage myself, and slather gravy on to try to make it better, I just need to start over, and need time to get it right.

This week (or so) I'll be taking time off. I need a break. I need focus. I need to not feel like a burnt piece of poultry.

While I'm away, you will see fabulous guest posts from some amazing writer friends who were wonderful to accept my pleas for their brilliance here. I hope you'll love on them just as you've loved on me. Just don't forget to save some slobber for my return, okay?

*Roll up my sleeves, and fix it. All of it. I'm giving myself this time to take care of all the things I "haven't had time" for. Besides, I work best when I'm in quiet contemplation, or angry (I'm an angry cleaner. Funny, huh?)
*Find sanity while away (if possible)
*Grocery shopping/print coupons/list for this week
*Taxes

Staying on my diet every day*
Work out on EAS Active More Workouts all week* (Last week of my 6-week challenge! I believe I'll start it again as soon as I'm done!)

*Weigh in later today or tomorrow?

Today's motivation - reading. I'm gonna get back to it, and with time off, I'm going to tackle projects, play with my kids, and read like I haven't read in years (because, well, there's a bit of truth on that statement. I really haven't. Real people books, and not Dr Seuss, that is). Perhaps that'll heal my brittle self a bit, too. When was the last time you read?

--

Would you like to join us this week for To-Do Tuesday? Start with just a few things. Don't over-do it your first couple of times. You'll grow to become a list-a-holic later, start small now, though, k?
Just so you know, you can join us at anytime, it doesn't have to be on Tuesdays - the list will go up every Tuesday for you to link to, but you can make your list and link to us at any point in the week!

Remember, with "To-Do Tuesday", we're attacking our to-do lists each week, blogging about our lists and what we've got going on, and sharing it with each other to help keep each other accountable. Everyone should come back here to link up in the MckLinky as the central "To-Do Tuesday Hub" so we can visit who's participating and offer encouragement to each other throughout the week. Don't forget to add the "To-Do Tuesday" button to your post, linking back to this post!

Let's continue to cross items off our list as we go and help support each other in completing our lists! Don't forget my useful HTML tutorial on how to effectively "cross-out" or √ "check off" your items on your to-do list!

Joining us? Please add your link below (to your To Do Tuesday post, and not the main page of your blog)

Participants for Week 49

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For the Love of the Game, or Just the Win?

I sit here at this blank screen, and I want to write about the blue sky that tented the sun today, like a smiling curtain over us as we played outside. I want to write about my daughter's curls tickling my face as she laughed while I squeezed the skin of her knees, tickling her. I want to write about the beauty in the embrace I shared with my oldest son today, how he curled up in my arms on the couch like he used to when he was smaller. I know my days are numbered, because he's getting so big, he's getting to be a big boy/almost man, and will soon be too old to do silly things like cuddle with his mom.

I want to write all these things, but all I can do is think about the damn football game between the Saints and Vikings, and how, instead of watching a well-matched game between two great teams that I consider both my second-favorite teams (of course, knowing our favorite in this home are the Steelers). Instead, what I witnessed was a horribly-called, badly-officiated game that my aforementioned oldest son had to witness.

People, he wants to be an NFL player when he grows up. He loves the game, he wants to play football. But after seeing that, how can I in good conscience let him? I don't feel the game is worthy of my son, now.

Folks, I believe that if you work hard enough, you can achieve anything you set your mind to. With that said, I was pulling for both teams - I wanted the Saints to get to their first Super Bowl, because Brees, Bush and Shockey are amazing (I've admired Shockey since his Giants days). I also wanted Favre, who, I felt, finally found "his team" to get there, too, because he's a legend, and because I like Adrian Peterson, and think the two of them are dynamite together.

I was looking forward to this killer match up between two teams I felt were well-matched titans, who I knew were going to throw down in all their NFL glory. And for a while, that is what I saw.

But after seeing replay after replay of Favre going down after releasing the ball, and no late hit penalties ever being called by the referees. After seeing time and time again, reviews being issued and calls being upheld when they were clearly wrong, I began to feel ill that my son, my dear, sweet, ambitious, hopeful, impressionable son, was witnessing a travesty all to win a game.

I also became angry. I felt the Saints could win it of their own accord, they didn't need refs "fixing" it for them. They had many weapons in their football arsenal to get the job done. They were talented enough that they didn't need to continually go after Favre illegally, such as they were. Why not just play it fair, and win it fair? They were good enough!

And dammit, refs, why couldn't you give the Saints the benefit of the doubt that they could do it on their own? Why not let them win it because they really were that good? And why are Saints fans not more angry over this, instead of celebrating? It wasn't a clean victory. If this were my team, I'd be seething.

There is enough cheating, enough corruption, enough crooked people in this world already. For some, games such as this are a release, sometimes the only release from that corruption for some who live and breathe it all day long at work, school, or wherever they're exposed to it, hell, it's everywhere. But in our games, too? No, not the games!

This isn't about a fan's sour grapes, because, as I said, I was for either of the teams to win (and, plus, I'm a Steelers fan). I was watching as Switzerland, I was neutral. It could have gone either way for me, and I would've been fine.

But I'm not fine. The best team, who played the best, should have won. That's how it's supposed to work. You work hard, you play hard, you abide by the rules, and you win. As I said, if you work hard, you can achieve anything you set your mind to.

I am so upset for everyone involved - upset that the Vikings, despite their issues, didn't get a fair shake at a fair-called game. I'm upset that the Saints will never get this "first trip to the Superbowl" back, that this will forever and ever be their first time, and it's now tainted by a "what if" because of those crappy, cheating refs.

I am so VERY upset that my son had to witness this occurring firsthand, watching and hearing my husband and myself yell to the screen about the calls, the hits, the horribleness. I hate that it entered his mind that this, THIS is what his game is seemingly about - win at all costs, but not because you played the best. Not because you worked the hardest, but because the refs favored you to win.

I hate that it can't just be about the love of a game, the love to play it, the spirit of chasing those players and that ball up and down the field for 60 minutes.

I get so damn happy when watching two teams, whoever they are, smacking each other's asses, smiling and saying "Good job!" when they make a good play, or take a good hit. That's what it's supposed to be about - good sportmanlike behavior.

Troy Polamalu is a perfect example of this. He is so faithful to his God, his family, he signs the cross before and after every play, he goes out there and gives it 2000% each time, and never plays unfairly, always on the up-and-up, and is well respected because he does it with honor.

I hate that we live in a world where most stars and sports figures don't see their celebrity status as important enough in the life of a child to live their lives as rightfully as they should, as a role model. This goes same for those involved with stars and sports, too, to include officials. Sure, you may not get any press or paparazzi snapping your pictures or writing tell-alls in their publications about the sordid details of your life, but you're on TV, you're in front of my child's eyes and you're influencing him with your actions and behavior.

I now hate the fact that, no matter what, my son is always going to question whether he'll get a fair shake in any of his games, wonder if the next referee in his games will call it fairly or cheat, because we've been there before, and because he's now witnessed it professionally, too.

People, just don't cheat. Don't cheat to help your children win, don't cheat to help your favorite team win, don't cheat to help yourself win, or anyone else. Just. Play. Fair.

I can't even believe it has to be said.

Here's to hoping I can build my son into a great man who will be able to tower over such adversity and corruption, and prevail despite evil, regardless of his career of choice. Which, right now, unless they clean up their act considerably, I most certainly hope isn't NFL football.

(Now, if you don't mind, I'm gonna go sleep in my Hines Ward jersey and cry into my pillow it isn't my team in the Super Bowl this year.)

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In the Moment

Tonight I was laying on my living room floor, face down, arms out beside me. My toddler was giggling, tickling me, but laughing so hard, uncontrollably so.

I watched in the distance as my Baby Dude picked up shoe after shoe, placed it on the end table, one-by-one, plopped them on, then off, bending over, standing back up, clapping hands upon completion to applaud his efforts.

My daughter was doing her best to manipulate my legs, to tickle my feet, to stand on my back, sprawling out on me, hugging and laughing and kissing me.

Little, sweet, delicate pieces of the day like this are what make it so full of life. Today and everyday, I will live for every minute spent with these little beings and their little moments. Will you?

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Rashes, Botched Medicines, and Doctor Blunders, Oh My!

As we took his shirt off, we noticed the rash. He was speckled alright, like red spray paint covering his trunk, all the way to his diapered area, too. Nothing at all on his legs or arms.

"Babe?!" My husband calls to me, "Have you seen this!?"

Earlier in the day I'd noticed a slight rash on his face, but no, I hadn't seen it to this extent. "Oh! My!"

I made the appointment first thing, and shortly thereafter, began to prepare to leave. I went in to brush my teeth, fix my hair, and apply lotion to my seemingly dry face, something that's been bugging me the past few days. Occasional itching and pain has irritated me, so I thought, perhaps some lotion might help! Only, instead of helping, it tingled. No, burned, even, as I finished applying it. Ouch, I wailed to myself, as I leaned into the mirror to understand why my face was now on fire, only to see my face was becoming speckled in blotches, too! Although much smaller than my son's, I, too, now had a rash, it seemed. "What the hell?" I whined out loud, mumbling obscenities as I gritted my teeth, panting to focus on keeping the burning sensation down. I hurried over to pick up the phone to get me squeezed in for an appointment as well. I succeeded.

Soon, my husband arrived home, just in the nick of time for our appointments. I barely got Baby Dude out of the car and inside on time, as I did my best to hide behind my sunglasses and wispy hair the splotches that were embarrassingly stinging me. Dry skin, ha, what the hell was I thinking? What is wrong with us?!

It was a physician's assistant who saw us, who immediately recognized my son's rash as roseola, 'no worries' were his words, the virus would be gone in a few days. But for me, it wasn't as easy as that. He examined my skin, aggravating my need to itch, and came up with a suspicious diagnosis of eczema, although I'd never experienced anything eczema-like before in my life. He prescribed a cream for me to apply to help relieve it. He also mentioned the outside possibility of it being rosacea. I cringed. He mentioned prescribing Eucerin or Aquafor as I secretly wallowed, this wasn't the easy diagnosis I had hoped for. I wanted an allergy pill and instant relief, not a 'wait and see if this cream works' kind-of thing.

In between his mutterings of things and diagnoses unfamiliar, I mentioned other symptoms I was experiencing, too. My feeling faint several times daily. My left lymph node in my neck being swollen. He seemed less impressed by them, despite them alarming me. I was in the "urgent care" clinic after all, and he had "thirteen minutes to see and diagnose a patient" were his words. He put in for an additional appointment for my 'other symptoms' with another doc and sent me on my way. I left the exam room unsatisfied to say the least.

Moving onto the crowded pharmacy area of the Army hospital, I drew a number and sat with my rambunctious Baby Dude, closing my eyes quickly to say a please-don't-take-forever-to-call-my-number prayer, hoping for a brief stay. And I waited. And waited. And waited until I noticed the unfriendly clock screaming at me that I was going to be late in picking up the kids if I didn't get my medicines soon. I finally got up the nerve, interjecting to ask a pharmacist for help, and she obliged, doing her best to hurry me off with a few tubs of lotion, a facial cream, and some allergy medicine for my son's boogers. I thought all was okay. At least, for now.

As I sat in the school pick up line, face agitated, baby asleep in the back, I picked up the pamphlet I received from the pharmacist and read more about my facial medicine. He didn't prescribe for me what he mentioned in the exam room, instead he prescribed Elidel. And the more I read, the more I became nauseous. Phrases made me tremble, like:

"There have been rare reports of cancers (e.g., skin cancer, lymphoma) in patients using pimecrolimus. It is not known whether pimecrolimus caused these cancers when used on the skin."

Um, cancer? Thanks!? Or this:

"It is not known if this medication passes into breast milk. Because it may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant, breast-feeding is not recommended while using this drug."

I'm breastfeeding, dumb ass. It was in my chart. Strike one.

I immediately got on the cell phone, as I felt my face flush with anger, only aggravating my "eczema rash" and spoke to the advice nurse, pleading with her to help me. She promised to let the "doctor" know and have him call me back with a recommendation.

I bit my lip furiously as I waited to pick up my children, lost in thought about the mistake, wondering about how many are made like this every day. Wondering how many people really read their drug facts sheet when they pick up a new medicine. Before I knew it, the van door was opening, my kids' smiling faces beamed inside as they reported their filled days to me, and my worries were calmed in their presence.

Storing the bag 'o drugs on the counter to unload later, the phone rang, and the "doctor" was on the line, apologizing for his mistake. "Yeah, my hands were tied, as the initial meds I wanted aren't carried by the pharmacy, others are too drying. This one I don't normally prescribe for the 'cancer thing' and all..." and I faded away from his words. "The cancer thing" lost me. He even knew it had cancer somehow attached to it. He knows I have six kids and that we are a chemical-free family, to lower our cancer/toxin risk to a minimum. Baffled isn't even a word to describe my expression, my whole being at this point in reaction to him. I'm sure he told me what he decided to prescribe instead, but I didn't hear it. I heard the Charlie Brown teacher voice "Wuh wuh wuhhhh" at this point, as my mind went numb and my face went red and burned like fire again. I agreed to whatever he said and hung up, again sick to my stomach. Strike two.

The afternoon air helped heal me in my anger and distaste for the day, as I played with the kids and tried to forget myself and my tingly face for a while. My husband went to the hospital for me, this time, to get the new meds, as I'd had enough of the doctors for that day.

Night snuck in, the air grew cool, our tummies rumbled, and the kids grew weary. My husband had come home, and it was time for dinner. In cleaning, and prepping, washing and readying, I unloaded the bag of meds finally, putting them up in the cabinet, only to notice something peculiar - the allergy drug he said he'd prescribed for my Baby Dude, Claritin, is the same box as the one my kindergartner takes, Zyrtec. Same box, same bottle, same drug. "I don't understand," I mumbled to my husband. "This isn't Claritin? Another medicine got messed up today?" Strike three.

And you wonder why I hate going to the doctor.

*EDIT* I took an allergy pill before bed. After applying both lotions (a few hours apart) my face was still itching. I woke up to NO RASH, NO ITCHING. I was right, it was merely an allergy. Strike four (that is, if there was a strike four).

*EDIT #2* Recall the "doctor" prescribed my son an allergy medicine, too? His rash is also gone. I was right again, it was an allergy. Strike five, you're definitely out, doc!

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Dodgeball Conversations - "We Get Whacked"

Son: Mom, we played dodgeball today.
Me: Oh yeah?
Son: Yeah!
Daughter: Yeah, we played it in gym.
Son: Mommy, do you think if I got hit with the ball as it was hitting the ground that I should've been out?
Me: You mean, it hit the ground and you at the same time?
Son: Yeah.
Me: Yeah, if it hit you, you were out.
Son: (Backpedaling) Well, it actually skidded on the floor. Then it hit me.
Me: Nice try, buddy. You're still out.
Son: Dangit!
Me: {giggle} It isn't the end of the world, honey. If you get out, they'll catch you back in.
Son: That isn't how we play it.
Me: What? That's how you play!? What do you do when you're hit, then? How do you get back in?
Son: A doctor has to save you.
Me: A WHAT!?
Daughter: A doctor has to save you...
Son: There are four cones, and there are doctors. Y'know those pool floaty thingies?
Daughter: Yeah, the long noodley thingies?
Me: Uh.. yeah?
Son: That's how they save you. They whack you.
Me: They WHAT!?
{Both of them laugh}
Son: Yes, they whack you. They have to reach you with the pool thing, and they whack you.
Daughter: Well, they don't whack me. The doctors just tap me.
Son: No, the kids in my class whack people to bring them back to life.
Daughter: They do?
Son: Yeah, we get whacked.

And I couldn't stop laughing. I still can't. I don't know why this conversation made me laugh so freakin' hard, but it had to be shared. Kids whackin' each other with pool noodles during dodgeball. Can you imagine?

I have simply HAVE to volunteer during gym. With my video camera. Heh!

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This is What Happens When Mommy Saves Money - You Look Like an Elephant and She Gets A Song Stuck in Your Head. You're Welcome.

I do my best to save money as best I can. Sometimes, this means buying a size larger. Or two. I'm really great at saving clothes for the next child, too, but for my Baby Dude, he just simply had no pajamas that "made it" through the previous boys that fit him in his current size (12-18 months). It seemed we were going to have to purchase new ones.

Luckily, just before Christmas, DisneyStore.com had a spectacular $6 sleeper sale, so I stocked up for him, and, perhaps, purchased his new ones a weeee bit too big for him.

Just a little big. {ahem}

But, for my Baby Dude, with his age and size currently, a size too big isn't just a slight sag, something you can roll-up, or sleeves too big. This means he's got extra baggage and no where for it to go.


He seemed to like it just fine, although it looks like he's an octopus or elephant or something. And, is it just me, or does this not make you want to sing that Pants on the Ground song?


Pants on the ground.. pants on the gro-- crap. It's stuck in my head now.

What?! Don't look at me like that!

For more Wednesday fun, visit Wordless Wednesday, 5MFM, MomSpective, MomDot, Seven Clown Circus and We Are THAT Family.

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To Do Tuesday Week 48

If this is your first time reading and you're wondering what To-Do Tuesday is all about, click to check out the first post to find out more.

Do you know what I just realized? I just wrote "Week 48" - as in, 4 away from 52, which would mean A WHOLE YEAR of TO DO TUESDAY. Like, whoa. It's a To Do Tuesday-versary soon! We should celebrate some how....

Anyway, back to my panic attack last week. I took it one day at a time, and am happy to say, I'm getting through the after-Christmas sludge. I'm not there yet, but babysteps! Yippee!

Continue to do one thing at a time, one room at a time.√
Lather, rinse, repeat√√√
Revamp the living room/extra room, my pet project this week. (Perhaps before/after pics?)
*AHEM SLACKER* Create a new New Years resolutions post and update last one
Donate, donate, donate
Grocery shopping/print coupons/list for this week√√√
Get ready for taxes *aheeeem*

Staying on my diet every day*√√√√√
Work out on EAS Active More Workouts all week* (One more week of my 6-week challenge! Woohoo)√√√√√√

*137.3 as of this morning! I am .4 away from my first goal this year, woohoo!

Today's motivation - live in the moment. I'm a big believer of living right this very second and not in my mind. If you're busy thinking about this, or that, you will not see or experience what is happening right before you. It's like when you're talking to someone, and they're zoning out in thought about something else, not paying attention. You could be missing your child's first step, or first smile. Eckhart Tolle's A New Earth was a revelation to me, which touched upon this concept. I plan to re-read it again. Such an amazing book.

--

Would you like to join us this week for To-Do Tuesday? Start with just a few things. Don't over-do it your first couple of times. You'll grow to become a list-a-holic later, start small now, though, k?
Just so you know, you can join us at anytime, it doesn't have to be on Tuesdays - the list will go up every Tuesday for you to link to, but you can make your list and link to us at any point in the week!

Remember, with "To-Do Tuesday", we're attacking our to-do lists each week, blogging about our lists and what we've got going on, and sharing it with each other to help keep each other accountable. Everyone should come back here to link up in the MckLinky as the central "To-Do Tuesday Hub" so we can visit who's participating and offer encouragement to each other throughout the week. Don't forget to add the "To-Do Tuesday" button to your post, linking back to this post!

Let's continue to cross items off our list as we go and help support each other in completing our lists! Don't forget my useful HTML tutorial on how to effectively "cross-out" or √ "check off" your items on your to-do list!

Joining us? Please add your link below (to your To Do Tuesday post, and not the main page of your blog)

Participants for Week 48

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Big Fat Parenting Mistake

Having a girl means pink, fluff, froo froo hair bows 'n stuff. It means having a girl who has to carry 2389273434234 things on her person at all times, a purse, dress-up, high-heel shoes, and pretties. OH THE PRETTIES! It's like carrying a grown woman who needs primping and prepping to the car, accessories and all, to go drop off children at school. Heck, even I don't need this much done in the mornings, it's just around the corner for crying out loud!

But no, husband-type person had to put my daughter in her "pretty, pretty princess dress" to sleep. Immediately upon waking, she had to have her entourage of heels, purse, wand, crown, jewelry... you name it. Annnd she had to bring it with her, to take her older brother to school, too.

Big fluffy dress + eleventy-billion girly accessories = seat belt buckling issues.

I sat there for almost a full ten minutes wrangling this child into a car seat that wasn't prepared for princess overload. The crotch clip wouldn't buckle. Too much fluff in her costume, I think. I almost made my son late. We were literally sprinting across the parking lot as the bell rung, the volunteer at the door who should've sent us to the office for a late slip took pity on me, as it was, I was in furry Elmo slippers walking running across a frozen parking lot (I think he dug my Elmos).

Needless to say, I was eager to get back home to get to my steamy pile of awesome awaiting me in my mug on the counter. But, in true princess-like fashion, on our way in from the van, my daughter began to climb the step into the house, and dropped her heel on the stoop like Cinderella.

Classic.

Yet another violation of Mommy Rule #5. New Mommy Rule, effective immediately:

11. No more sleeping in princess dresses, because they're impossible to wrestle off her if you need to go somewhere.
12. No more traveling in princess dresses, because they're impossible to get into the car seat.
(Possibly a #13. Grow a backbone, mom. Stop letting her get away with murder.)

Or maybe not.... who can resist that face.... {sigh}

Now, pardon me while I attempt to drink enough coffee so that I can function properly. Want some?

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Baby Dudes Can Play Dress Up, Too, Y'know

Oh yeah, we're bringin' all kinds-of fashion sense, here. Babylegs, Robeez, an "iPood" t-shirt and lastly Mickey Mouse Briefs for my Baby Dude.


He loves all things Mickey, and so this equates to his constant need to stare at his crotch and point Mickey out to me. Ha!


Hey, I figure, at least if we're gonna stay at home, we're gonna have fun doing it. And boy, do we ever have fun! (Even if it's the mismatched kind.)

(P.S. Continued prayers, thoughts, good mojo and positivity are still needed for a speedy resolution to the #BRESMA orphanage situation in Haiti. Fire up everything ya got, please. Many thanks!)

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Inadequate is an Understatement #BRESMA

It was one of those days where my babies and I played and played, and then I cleaned and re-cleaned. The messes arrived and disappeared, the plates grew and food eaten or refused, as usual. Nothing was really out of the ordinary or out of sorts, except me.

I felt wrong.

My children have the luxury of sitting here, shielded by the elements, free to choose not to eat our Asian-inspired dinner, and there are those in need, those who had a house that now lies in shambles around them, currently sheltered under tents, hoping for help.

I feel like life shouldn't be going on as normal right now, that the world should halt and pick up and do SOMETHING collectively. That *I* should be doing something, doing more than I am. Donating money just doesn't seem to be enough to me. I feel I should be boxing up clothing, fixing care packages, baking food, sending water, contacting companies to send help.

As if the devastation in Haiti wasn't enough as a whole, I then learned of the BRESMA orphanage, and of the two Pittsburgh women living amongst a flock of their orphan-children, all homeless in the yard where the orphanage once stood, currently in limbo, unwilling to abandon them, all desperately in need of food, water, and a way out.

Looking at my happy, plump, and playful babies, I realize I am so thankful and fortunate, and yet, so worried at the same time for these Haiti babies big and small. They need help, and while Haiti itself is getting help, it isn't getting to them.

I sat immediately and furiously typed away, tweeting and re-tweeting messages getting the word out. I then took the fury behind those fingers and put it to good work emailing senators and congressmen about the issues surrounding citizenship, asylum, refugee-status, just to get these almost-adopted kids home.

But it isn't getting food and water into their empty bellies this very second. And despite all my work and desire to help, I still feel it isn't enough. It isn't a pallet arriving right.this.very.second with the provisions they so desperately need. I can feel my soul turned inside out, weeping.

And I don't know what else to do. But pray, and wait. And hope.

To follow the progress made in aiding Jamie, Ali and the children at the BRESMA orphanage, follow the hashtag #BRESMA on twitter for frequent updates.

OMG *edit* 9:59pm CST US Government is allowing the children to enter the US. Literally as I hit enter to this post. Wow.

CNN picked up the story here. So did ABCNews. Also, Dooce mentioned it in her blog post, too (Thanks Heather!)

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Dear Remote Stealer. You Suck. Love, Mom

Dear Remote-Stealer,

I'm not sure which one of you it is that keeps stealing the remote. Or heck, it may not even be one of you kidlets at all {eyes husband-type person}. Let me sit down and have a chat with you for a minute, mm'kay?

I am one of those creature-of-habit-type people, who likes to put something where it belongs after I use it (I know, novel idea. Work with me, little people). When I use the toilet, I put the seat down! When I brush my hair, I put the brush back in the basket under the sink! When I use the phone, I put it back on the hook (I know, deep breaths. Crazy talk I'm speakin', eh?). And, when I use the remote, I put it in my handy-dandy, not-so-secret-hiding-spot on the entertainment tower next to the Wii.

Do you know why I put it there? I put it there so I can eliminate the shorter half of the kidlet folks from interrogation when it goes missing. BECAUSE IT ALWAYS GOES MISSING. AL-WAYS. MISS-ING. Do you know why it always goes missing? When one of the taller half takes it and doesn't put. it. back. where. it. goes. That's why. Then, I get the lovely, night-ruining task of having to interrogate all of you, and tear my almost-decently-clean living room, dining room, kitchen, hall, extra room and wherever else apart. And keep doing it until it is finally found.

Miraculously, somehow, whenever one of your teeny, tiny, grubby fingers lays a hand on it, it becomes the Houdini Remote™, and vanishes it's channel-changing awesome into thin air. Even husband-type-person, you know you have a way in participating in it's vanishing act, too.

Please stop leaving it any ol' place, and just put it back where it belongs! Baby Dude thinks it's a chew toy. Baby Sis pounds eleventy-billion buttons to put "Mittey Mouse Cwubhouse" on, but in actuality attempts to delete half our DVR and watch R-rated TV. That is, if the backing doesn't get peeled apart by some child who-shall-remain-nameless {cough*Major Spaz*cough}.

Please, just put it back, that's all I ask. Father-type person and I like to sit and watch the drool-box at the end of the mind-melting, fast-paced, Oh-my-God-I-have-six-kids, my-legs-are-on-fire day, and we like to veg out to the boob tube, and can't, if our remote is missing.

If you get up, remote in hand and decide to stop watching T.V., just walk over and put it up, and walk away - that's all! Same as hanging up your towels after you dry off, y'know? Or putting away your toys when you're done playing. Putting laundry in the hamper when you're done wearing 'em. Eh, you checked out, huh? I'm not speakin' Greek. {fingersnap} I'm over here. Nod your head, sounds easy, right?

{A collective groan "Yes, mooooooooom."}

Alright, team. Let's kick some butt in the ol', putting stuff where it's supposed to go department, kids. Thanks for listening, kiddos. Good game. You too, my biggest kiddo a.k.a Hubster.

Love, Mom

(P.S. I'm totally talking to a wall, aren't I? Crap!)

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I'm Doomed - Why Our Christmas Tree is Still Up

It's in the quiet hours of the evening, when the kids have all gone to bed, and the lights are off, and it's just hubby and myself that I sit and reflect and really take my day, my life in. We still have the tree up, we still see the flashing colors sprinkling the ceiling with pointy shadows, coloring our white walls with red, blue, green and blinking joy.

Unfortunately, Baby Dude, has become attached to the tree, too. Now is about the time we'd take it down. However, it's his favoritest thing in the whole wide world. So much so, no matter what, he has to be by it, even when he sleeps.


I'm screwed, aren't I? Seriously?

All he wants is to sleep on the floor RIGHT THERE. Do you know how bad that sucks? That leaves good ol' mom forced to sleep on the good ol' couch, or floor, right beside him. Ouch.


It's a good thing he's a good cuddler. But my bed.. she's a-callin'. I love my bed. I miss my bed. And no matter how hard I try, it's the tree and floor he wants.

I'm afraid to take it down. For realz. What if he goes into convulsions? What then, do we put it back up? Year-round tree? "Hey kids, what do you think about cutting out hearts and making it a Valentine's tree?"

Easter Tree? Dye eggs and hope they don't fall and smash into the carpet? I could see us making a Memorial Day tree with flags. A July 4th tree with sparklers sounds dangerous, though. Ooh, ooh, a Halloween tree would be cool, we could make it dress up in a costume. Wonder what size it might wear.

Oh God. Am I seriously trying to think this out? Crap. I need an intervention.

For more Wednesday fun, visit Wordless Wednesday, 5MFM, MomSpective, MomDot, Seven Clown Circus and We Are THAT Family.

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For Karissa

I found this on the internet, and it seemed fitting today, as we light candles in her memory today. I want to believe she's still here, about to email, or post something amazing. I admired her, and feel broken to have learned she is no longer with us.

I'M STILL HERE
Friend, please don't mourn for me
I'm still here, though you don't see.
I'm right by your side each night and day
and within your heart I long to stay.

My body is gone but I'm always near.
I'm everything you feel, see or hear.
My spirit is free, but I'll never depart
as long as you keep me alive in your heart.

I'll never wander out of your sight-
I'm the brightest star on a summer night.
I'll never be beyond your reach-
I'm the warm moist sand when you're at the beach.

I'm the colorful leaves when fall comes around
and the pure white snow that blankets the ground.
I'm the beautiful flowers of which you're so fond,
The clear cool water in a quiet pond.

I'm the first bright blossom you'll see in the spring,
The first warm raindrop that April will bring.
I'm the first ray of light when the sun starts to shine,
and you'll see that the face in the moon is mine.

When you start thinking there's no one to love you,
you can talk to me through the Lord above you.
I'll whisper my answer through the leaves on the trees,
and you'll feel my presence in the soft summer breeze.

I'm the hot salty tears that flow when you weep
and the beautiful dreams that come while you sleep.
I'm the smile you see on a baby's face.
Just look for me, friend, I'm everyplace!
~~Author Unknown

I miss you, honey. Sweet dreams.

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To Do Tuesday Week 47

If this is your first time reading and you're wondering what To-Do Tuesday is all about, click to check out the first post to find out more.

I'm kind-of a wreck right now, and in a state of panic.

The holidays are over, Christmas decor is about to be put away (I know, I'm a slacker) and my house should be returning to normal, if it hasn't already, right?

Well, it hasn't.

Our house is just way too small for us, for our things. I just can't possibly find homes for any of my kids' things already, let alone new stuff and the old stuff, too. I just feel.. trapped. Do you feel that way, sometimes? I really just don't know what to do about it. And because I feel trapped, such as I do, I can't seem to get a routine going again. I am struggling to get things accomplished that need to be done, or to find my groove. My mojo. My juice, yo.

{sigh}

Be sure to check out this week's motivation, I'm going to need all the help I can get. Will you help me?

Stop panicking, and do one thing at a time, one room at a time.√
Repeat previous line over and over again until it sinks in.√
Rome wasn't built in a day, repeat it some more, dammit.√
Create a new New Years resolutions post and update last one
Grocery shopping/print coupons/list for this week√√√
Get ready for taxes *ahem*

Staying on my diet every day*√√√√√
Work out on EAS Active More Workouts all week* (Halfway done with my 6-week challenge, and lo-ving it!)√√√√√√

*Weigh in tomorrow!

Today's motivation - is to just settle down, and BREATHE a second. Last week was focus, and look where it got me? Panicked. Panic-central. Panic MckPanicson, in fact. Not that I wasn't motivated, mind you, but how can you be motivated when you're practically smothered in... stuff? This week, I'm just going to take a breather, breathe-in, breathe-out, as many times as I possibly can until I don't feel so smothered anymore. Then, maybe, perhaps I'll be able to figure out some sort-of puzzle-piecing scheme to make this all fit into our midget house. In the meantime, breathing is gonna have to suffice.

--

Would you like to join us this week for To-Do Tuesday? Start with just a few things. Don't over-do it your first couple of times. You'll grow to become a list-a-holic later, start small now, though, k?
Just so you know, you can join us at anytime, it doesn't have to be on Tuesdays - the list will go up every Tuesday for you to link to, but you can make your list and link to us at any point in the week!

Remember, with "To-Do Tuesday", we're attacking our to-do lists each week, blogging about our lists and what we've got going on, and sharing it with each other to help keep each other accountable. Everyone should come back here to link up in the MckLinky as the central "To-Do Tuesday Hub" so we can visit who's participating and offer encouragement to each other throughout the week. Don't forget to add the "To-Do Tuesday" button to your post, linking back to this post!

Let's continue to cross items off our list as we go and help support each other in completing our lists! Don't forget my useful HTML tutorial on how to effectively "cross-out" or √ "check off" your items on your to-do list!

Joining us? Please add your link below (to your To Do Tuesday post, and not the main page of your blog)

Participants for Week 47

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My Weight Loss Story and Tips to Help You Lose Weight

2009 was *the year* of years for me in terms of becoming healthier and finally shedding "the weight". I did it, I battled the "baby-weight war" and freakin' won, man! I successfully lost 35 lbs by making smarter food choices and working out utilizing the Wii (and a little ingenuity)! Woo hoo!

I still cannot believe what I see.

After having had "the weight" on for many years, and even losing some of it a time or two, circumstances always came up which caused it to come back on, mostly my laziness and unwillingness to stick to it. I guess that's probably what it all boils down to, is my lack of wanting to continue to work hard to maintain it. I wanted it to be easy to be thin, again, such as it was when I was younger.

All my life, I could eat what I want, and do what I wanted because I had such a high metabolism. One day while pregnant with my oldest son, I began to bleed. After a trip to the doctors, I was placed on bed rest to ensure he was okay (and he most certainly is, he just turned ten). This unfortunately killed my metabolism, sitting on my rear, not moving for almost two months straight. I went from that person who couldn't sit still and could eat everything in sight, to someone who still wanted to eat everything in sight, but was too unhealthy to do anything about it. Thus, my battle with my weight began.

Last year, I'd had enough. I had to do it, I had to lose weight. I couldn't survive another summer in Louisiana overweight, such as I was. I began my New Year's resolution a little late, though, by starting in late March 2009, but I dove right in, did it, stuck to it, and was successful, final-fricken-ly!

This year, my resolution is no longer to "lose the weight", but to "stay healthy and fit." (I am in awe, this will be the first year in a decade I'm not wishing to lose weight!) I'm thoroughly enjoying my "new" body, and want to do all I can to keep it that way.

Because it's New Year's resolution time, Mandi of Organizing Your Way asked me to write some tips that might help others with a similar weight loss goal, by contributing to her fantastic series, 31 Days of Organizing for a Better 2010: More than Resolutions. Each day, a blogger shares their idea regarding a specific topic related to improving your life and setting realistic goals for the new year. And Mandi's goal today? Losing weight and getting healthier.

I thought I'd share with you five important tips I've used to help me lose weight, who knows, it might help you, too.

1. Ditch the excess salt.
Often times, when wanting to lose weight, you'll hear "cut out fat," or "eat more veggies," but you seldom hear anything about cutting back or eliminating salt. Sure, salt may have no calories and isn't fattening, but it does aid in weight gain by adding unnecessary water weight. Check your food and beverage labels - I bet you'll find ridiculously high amounts in some of those so-called "diet" foods. They add a ton of salt just to make it taste "good."

Look before you eat - if you're stuck with eating out, or eating something already processed, or are planning on preparing something from a package, jar, or can - check the sodium content, and choose lower-sodium foods. While some salt is necessary in your diet, too much salt isn't good for you, for your blood pressure or your weight-loss goals. If you're looking for a good substitute, check out Mrs. Dash, or sprinkle a little Parmesan cheese in your sauces.

2. Make your own.
Some of you already know, I'm a big homemade-food buff. Even if you aren't like me, I might tantalize you to the "dark side" by telling you, you don't actually have to give up your favorite foods when dieting. (Go ahead, repeat that to yourself. Let it sink in for a second.)

I, personally, love ranch dressing, chicken wings, burgers and pizza. However, instead of purchasing these items from a restaurant in order to give into my desires, we make our own in a "healthified" way. Instead of using beef, I use turkey to make my burgers. Instead of chicken wings, we use breasts or tenders without the fatty skin, and make our own sauce, baking it (like boneless wings you might find elsewhere). I make my own low-fat ranch dressing weekly, to enjoy. Pizza, too, is pretty simple to make, creating your own dough, own sauce, and choosing healthy toppings.

3. Break up with sugar.
Oh, I know. You just groaned, didn't you. How dare I ask you to give up your coveted friend, especially at that time of the month. I know, oh, I know. But too much is, well, too much. For almost a year, I've used Truvia in my coffee, and I know that by making this choice and choosing low-in sugar foods, I've helped myself lose the weight and keep it off. Does this stop me from partaking in birthday cake or cookies with my children? Heck no! But, in moderation, once in a while, as a treat, not everyday. I also throw in a run, or extra work out, to counteract the extra calories when I do choose to celebrate with a little sugar. Because, honestly, while it may taste amazing, sugar is nothing but extra, empty calories.

4. Make fiber your BFF.
I know, you're probably a parent reading this and already dealing with enough crap from dirty diapers, but trust me when I tell you, worry about your ability to produce it, too. A healthy colon is a must for sustaining health and helping your lose weight, period. I mean, how many pounds can you expect to see lost on the scale if you aren't purging waste daily? Binding up = weight gain.

For years I had terribly stomach-aches, not knowing I had a lot of "plaque" and toxins which slowed me up over time. To stay healthy, I drink plenty of water, a daily protein shake with added fiber, and I take one or two fiber supplements every time I eat food. It might sound like a lot, but that's what my body needs to remain under control, and I do it because I know it's only helping me stay healthy, regular, and keeping my weight under control.

5. Work it out.
You didn't think I was going to not mention exercise, did you? Dieting alone isn't going to get you to your weight loss goals, you have to add movement along with it. There are many conventional things you can do at home to work out without fancy gym memberships or expensive fitness machines. My best advice is to pretend you're a kid again, and do what you did as a child. Walk the block. Dance and work up a sweat. Jump on a trampoline. Do squats, push-ups and sit-ups (like in gym class). Jump rope. Hula hoop. Ride a bike. Roller skate.

My favorite part is finding new ways to incorporate my kids into doing something physical, like lifting my smaller children above my head up and down repeatedly (arm work out), or laying on the floor, pressing them up like super-heroes, up and down repeatedly (leg work out). We love to jog in place, dance like silly people, and wrestle during tickle wars. There's nothing says fitness can't be fun!

Another benefit to getting the kids involved? Not only is it fun family time spent together, but it's an instant, close-knit support system for you, working out with you. I mean, who would be better for you than them?

My final recommendations to you are:

• Don't cram a meal all at once. Eat a little here and there throughout the day. Help fire that metabolism up, and keep it going, with several smaller meals than three big ones. You may feel hungry a lot, but hunger is good, it means it's working, and your metabolism is burning what you've eaten quickly.
• Do something aerobic after you eat. Keep that metabolism pumping. Take a walk with your kids, dance while you sweep, vacuum vigorously, do something, anything to get your heart pumping.
• Make a plan. Write it out, in a post (like I did), exactly what you want to accomplish. You can't achieve your goal without a goal in mind. And specify how you're going to do it, and what you're going to use to get you there (for instance, I said I was cutting back on late night snacking, choosing healthier food options, and using the Wii Fit).
  
• Take some "before" pictures. It's good to have those to refer to once you're on your way, working out, and making changes, to document how far you've come. You don't have to post them if you're not comfortable posting them, but my suggestion is to at least take them for your reference. Give yourself that bird's eye view to yourself.
• Keep track of your measurements. Sometimes you won't see a change on the scale, and it might get you down and make you second guess how well you're really doing. Keeping track of certain measurements will help motivate you, even if there's no pounds lost that week. Start out with beginning measurements for your neck, chest, waist, hips, thighs, calves, ankles and wrists. Alongside it, keep track of your bra size, shirt, pant and shoe size as well. These will, over time, change, too. Don't forget to date them!
  

I hope you find these tips helpful, I know they've helped me greatly. Please let me know how and what you're doing to lose weight, I'd love to join you and be your fitness buddy, if you'd like one!

Have a happy and healthy New Year!

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First Week of 2010 is Over, and It's Too Damn Quiet

As she sits in the crook of my arm, her wispy, curly hair tickling my nose, I'm reminded of the non-existent hair matted on her head as I held her for the first time the morning of her birth. She's three, now, and her girly giggles and snorts as she laughs when I tickle her and kiss her make me want to cry inside at how fast time is seemingly going.

My oldest son turned ten last week, too. We bought him a new bike, and we actually had to raise the seat a tad on this one, even though it's the same size as the last. I can't believe how tall he's getting. No wait, yes I can, because I'm constantly snagging him as he attempts to leave the house, asking him to change his once-fitting jeans into newer ones, as I can see in the length that he's grown out of his old ones. I cannot believe it was a decade ago that I gave birth to him. A decade ago when our life together, his and mine, began.

It's been a whirlwind week of celebrations to end our 2009, with two birthdays, our anniversary, Christmas and New Years rolled all into one teeny week for all of that. We have such festive family celebrations, too, always made complete with the celebratory birthday cake for breakfast the next day. I love how our year end is always chock-filled with more-than-normal festivities (I suppose you can include my birthday in November). It's exhausting, fun-and-kid-filled, which leaves us breathless and ready for a new year just like it to begin again.

Me and my hottie after eleventy-billion years. Ignore my seemingly double chin.

With 2010 is now upon us, and the kids and hubby have returned to school/work, the two youngest and I are at home alone again once more. The quiet is almost deafening, the smallness of the house almost chokes me. Sure, there are two toddlers toddling about, but after ending our year with a bang, it's less than what I'm accustomed to, and less in my house, in this case, is most certainly not more.

I look forward to 3:30 every weekday, for the children barreling through the door, hugs and kisses thrown around like confetti, and my heart and home complete.

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Disney World Armed Forces Salute 2010

Disney World has done it again! Discounted tickets for the military and their family members, yippee! Thank you so much Disney World for honoring our military again another year, it means a great deal to us!

Now, before you pack your bags and set sail for the wondrous journey to visit the happiest place on Earth, read on for important noteworthy changes from last year's Armed Forces Salute offer:

• Please note, to date, Disney Land does not offer this same offer just yet. Not to say they won't, but as of this publish date, they haven't.
• This time around, there are black out dates that apply to these tickets (see below for more detailed information).
• This year, this offer expires sooner, too, as your tickets need to be purchased by July 31st 2010 and "activated" at the WDW ticket window by September 26th 2010 because they expire September 30th 2010.
• These tickets are now 4-day passes, instead of 5-day like it was last year. (This is no big deal, considering if you purchase the Water Fun & More for $25 a person, you can extend your trip, as we did, by visiting the park four days with the base ticket, and visit the other attractions for four days as well, giving you a maximum of eight days you can spend at Disney World having fun. Purchasing this option, too, allows you to have a back up plan should it rain, as it did for us, allowing us to spend the day at Disney Quest playing games instead.)
• The service-member must purchase his/her ticket this year, as it isn't a complimentary one as it was last year. Again, not a big deal, $99 is still an amazing price!

More details from the Shades of Green website:

From January 3, 2010 to July 31, 2010, Active and Retired U.S. Military, including members of the U.S. Coast Guard and active members of the National Guard or Reservists, may purchase 4-Day Walt Disney World Armed Forces Salute Tickets for themselves and up to five (5) family members and/or friends for $99.
The base ticket is valid for four days of admission into one of the four Walt Disney World theme parks. The Park Hopper option allows guests to visit more than one park each day. The Water Park and More option gives guests a total of four visits to a choice of a Disney water park, Disney Quest Indoor Interactive Theme Park or certain other attractions.
During this offer period, active or retired U.S. military personnel may make a one-time purchase of up to a maximum of five 4-Day companion tickets (one theme park per day) for $99 per ticket, for family members (including spouse) or friends. Although this ticket for family members and friends does not include either the Park Hopper or Water Park Fun & More options, this ticket can be upgraded to add either such option, or both, for an additional $25, per option. All tickets and options are non-transferable and must be activated by September 26, 2010. Block out dates 3/27- 4/9/2010 All locations. 7/3-4/2010 Magic Kingdom only. Tickets available for purchase at Shades of Green beginning January 3, 2010. Tickets expire September 30, 2010.

On top of this amazing special, Shades of Green has resort specials offered. Disney World Resorts are also offering their amazing a 40% military discount on their room rates for military as they did last year (black out dates also apply here as well). Remember the following codes when reserving your rooms!

• OUQ – Room only reservation
• OUR – Room only with Quick Service Plan
• OUT – Room only with Disney Dining Plan
• OUU – Room only with Deluxe Disney Dining Plan

Disney World is also offering special military discounts for Disney Cruises and a 30% off military discount for Cirque du Soleil tickets as well!

Do not forget the Disney World Moms Panel for any and all your planning needs, they are an amazing bunch of moms and dads that are there to help you!

Let me tell you how everyone there went out of their way to make it the single most amazing vacation ever. And when it was discovered we were military, people went over and beyond to ensure we were taken care of and having a memorable time. I was floored! Even characters paid their respects, in fact, just remembering it, I'm almost in tears writing about it. Look at these shots of the character Woody, as we were preparing to leave after getting pictures taken. He took one look at my husband's shirt (a special operations command shirt), recognized it meant he was military, and shook his hand. I almost cried.

I can't wait to go back. It was a one-of-a-kind treat. I am so beyond excited they are offering this again! We really miss Mickey and friends so much, we can't wait to see them again! Thank you Disney World!

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Kid Contortionist Sleeping

Ah yes, my young Padawan is learning the force from his siblings quite well, my friends.

I swear I don't know how they can sleep like that!?

However, it is very reminiscent of the first time I caught them sleeping together.

For more Wednesday fun, visit Wordless Wednesday, 5MFM, MomSpective, MomDot, Seven Clown Circus and We Are THAT Family.

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To Do Tuesday Week 46

If this is your first time reading and you're wondering what To-Do Tuesday is all about, click to check out the first post to find out more.

I seriously don't even know where to begin. Most of the new things a la Christmas don't have permanent homes yet. I am still struggling to get back to normalcy from Disney, let alone Christmas and going away to visit in-laws. Nevermind three birthdays, our anniversary, Christmas AND New Years all in that same month's time.

To say I am smoked is an understatement.

But, do you know what is amazing? After having taken an entire week "off", unplugged, I have so much more clarity than ever before about things, life. What a Christmas gift for the New Year, y'know? I couldn't be more happier about it!

Anyways, now it's time to get back on track. School and work begins again - time to get our routines back!

Find mojo. Seemingly lost among the Christmas fodder.
Pay monthly bills √
Create a new New Years resolutions post and update last one
Grocery shopping/print coupons/list for this week√√√
File away receipts from Christmas
Finish recycling/tossing garbage from gifts' packaging√
Get ready for taxes!

Staying on my diet every day* (But there is birthday cake in the house...)√√√
Work out on EAS Active More Workouts all week* (Currently working out everyday. Oh my goodness, is it ever kicking my tail!)√√

*Am afraid but hopeful for my weigh-in Wednesday morning, after these holidays. Lots and lots of fantastically delicious good food was eaten.

Today's motivation - focus. Let's make this week start the new year right, and let's focus on starting the new year with a clean slate. It is so easy to dwell on the bad, isn't it? But for 2010 and the new year , it means a fresh start, the past can stay in the past. Learn from it and move on, why not start this new year with a new outlook? What do you hope to accomplish this year? Keep that in focus, and let's take baby steps to get you there, okay?

--

Would you like to join us this week for To-Do Tuesday? Start with just a few things. Don't over-do it your first couple of times. You'll grow to become a list-a-holic later, start small now, though, k?
Just so you know, you can join us at anytime, it doesn't have to be on Tuesdays - the list will go up every Tuesday for you to link to, but you can make your list and link to us at any point in the week!

Remember, with "To-Do Tuesday", we're attacking our to-do lists each week, blogging about our lists and what we've got going on, and sharing it with each other to help keep each other accountable. Everyone should come back here to link up in the MckLinky as the central "To-Do Tuesday Hub" so we can visit who's participating and offer encouragement to each other throughout the week. Don't forget to add the "To-Do Tuesday" button to your post, linking back to this post!

Let's continue to cross items off our list as we go and help support each other in completing our lists! Don't forget my useful HTML tutorial on how to effectively "cross-out" or √ "check off" your items on your to-do list!

Joining us? Please add your link below (to your To Do Tuesday post, and not the main page of your blog)

Participants for Week 46

Never miss a post! Subscribe here for all kinds of crazy parenting fun!