Lately it seems like there are a lot of ridiculous commercials and shows that just crack me up. Let's start with the commercial campaign by Target which they have been airing recently. You know the ones, where they play hip music and show a mom who is ultra cool - slamming the tetherball around, goofing off with her kids....
But let's get serious, I want to know how many moms would be having as much fun as they claim if your son or daughter started squirting a garden hose at you in the kitchen. Now I know my reaction wouldn't be to grab the sink sprayer and have a fun-loving water fight in the KITCHEN!!!!!!!!! Perhaps I am not shopping at Target enough.
The other commercial that kills me - I can't even remember what it is for (probably a car), about the couple who are out in nature, and then he can't find his sunglasses, so they turn around and retrace their steps. Of course, he finds them in his hoodie after he runs out of a cave full of bats. So, maybe I am just a crabby wife, but if Antonio forgot his sunglasses, I don't think I would be smiling and joking as we spent several hours retracing our steps. I mean, they're sunglasses, buy a new pair!!!!!
My last observation became more solidified after I stubbed my toe a couple of times. Now, if you have stubbed your toe hard lately, you can probably relate the the intense pain that causes. I generally stop walking and wait a moment or two for the pain to subside. Another small physical pain that I get is from broken blood vessels in my hands and feet. I am not exactly sure why it happens, but occasionally, a blood vessel will break in my fingers or palm, and it will be surprisingly uncomfortable - bordering on painful. I mention all of this because I'll watch some TV show where people are being thrown against a wall, punched in the face, kicked in the stomach, etc... and they just get up and keep on fighting. Now if a stubbed toe and a broken blood vessel are enough to make a person pause, are we really to believe that a human being can keep on fighting while a chair is being slammed over their head??? However, that is only the good guys. Everyone knows that bad guys have terrible aim and a much lower tolerance for pain than the good guys. I sure hope this doesn't mean I'm a bad guy!
Monday, November 9, 2009
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Arts and Crafts Fun
At the recommendation of my mom and sister-in-law, I have subscribed to Family Fun magazine. I had never heard of it before they mentioned it, but what a gem! Each issue has tons of easy and cheap craft ideas, as well as loads of imaginative games.
Every time I read it, or see cute craft ideas on-line, I wish I had a day care or something so that I could do these ideas. For some reason, it seemed to me like I needed a group to do a craft. After I got out of that absurd mind-set, I decided to have little art sessions for my very own adorable Quinton.
Here is a picture of Quinton stamping from his very own stamps. They are made of (clean) foam meat trays. You just tape 3 or 4 squares of it together, and then with a ball point pen draw in your design. The pen creates a relief drawing, so when you stamp, it inks everywhere but your design.
He had great fun; granted, it was a little messy, but what art/craft isn't??
Another day we did the "Foamerator." Unfortunately, I didn't take pictures. Quinton had some friends over and they all had a ball. You cut the bottom off of a plastic bottle, then cut a piece of old terry cloth (I used an old robe) and rubber band it to the bottom. Lightly wet the cloth, and dip it in a dish of liquid dish soap (aka Joy, or something like that). You blow into the bottle, and this foam snake forms. The kids had contests to see you could get the longest snake. Very fun, and, of course, very messy!
Every time I read it, or see cute craft ideas on-line, I wish I had a day care or something so that I could do these ideas. For some reason, it seemed to me like I needed a group to do a craft. After I got out of that absurd mind-set, I decided to have little art sessions for my very own adorable Quinton.
Here is a picture of Quinton stamping from his very own stamps. They are made of (clean) foam meat trays. You just tape 3 or 4 squares of it together, and then with a ball point pen draw in your design. The pen creates a relief drawing, so when you stamp, it inks everywhere but your design.
He had great fun; granted, it was a little messy, but what art/craft isn't??
Another day we did the "Foamerator." Unfortunately, I didn't take pictures. Quinton had some friends over and they all had a ball. You cut the bottom off of a plastic bottle, then cut a piece of old terry cloth (I used an old robe) and rubber band it to the bottom. Lightly wet the cloth, and dip it in a dish of liquid dish soap (aka Joy, or something like that). You blow into the bottle, and this foam snake forms. The kids had contests to see you could get the longest snake. Very fun, and, of course, very messy!
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Can a Black Thumb Turn Green?
Anyone who knows me, knows that I cannot keep a plant alive. At least, that has typically been me. That is one of the many reasons that I love cut flowers - they are already dying, so no pressure to keep them alive!
Anyway, 5 years ago the realtors who helped us find our house gave us a housewarming gift of an exotic (indoor) tree. Miracle of miracles, it is still alive today. Although it's future is questionable if Roman continues pulling all the leaves off.
Well, over the last few years, I have slowly started venturing into gardening. Wait, let me clarify. I have cried defeat on all landscape gardening and replaced all the flower beds (read: weed beds) with pine straw that I spray every few months with plant killer to keep anything from growing. What I meant to say was that I have slowly started venturing into food gardening. It started with just a few herbs that seemed to survive no matter what I did to them, and then it has grown to the point where I actually have a thriving herb garden. This is the first year that I have planted more than just a few tomato plants. Everything is doing well, in large part due to the beautiful raised beds my Dad put in my backyard. Moral of the story: I am only willing to put work into plants that I can eat!
Boosted by my recent successes, I decided to try and sprout some avocado pits. And believe it or not, they did sprout!!!
See the proof below:
I have since transplanted them into large pots since they cannot survive the cold, and I'll need to bring them indoors to winter. I'm excited to see if they will produce fruit, assuming of course, that I don't kill them first!
Anyway, 5 years ago the realtors who helped us find our house gave us a housewarming gift of an exotic (indoor) tree. Miracle of miracles, it is still alive today. Although it's future is questionable if Roman continues pulling all the leaves off.
Well, over the last few years, I have slowly started venturing into gardening. Wait, let me clarify. I have cried defeat on all landscape gardening and replaced all the flower beds (read: weed beds) with pine straw that I spray every few months with plant killer to keep anything from growing. What I meant to say was that I have slowly started venturing into food gardening. It started with just a few herbs that seemed to survive no matter what I did to them, and then it has grown to the point where I actually have a thriving herb garden. This is the first year that I have planted more than just a few tomato plants. Everything is doing well, in large part due to the beautiful raised beds my Dad put in my backyard. Moral of the story: I am only willing to put work into plants that I can eat!
Boosted by my recent successes, I decided to try and sprout some avocado pits. And believe it or not, they did sprout!!!
See the proof below:
I have since transplanted them into large pots since they cannot survive the cold, and I'll need to bring them indoors to winter. I'm excited to see if they will produce fruit, assuming of course, that I don't kill them first!
Back-to-School Deals
It is hard to believe how much kids LOVE tape, markers, paper, staplers, etc... Oh, and glue sticks, too! For some reason, kids (or at least Quinton) prefer markers to crayons, so a while back I went to the store to buy him some washable markers. (because that is another thing, not only does he prefer markers, but given a choice of markers, he'll go for sharpies every time. NOT my favorite choice for him!) Anyway, I soon learned that washable markers cost more than I expected - I mean, he leaves the lids off half the time, pounds them on the paper so hard the tips get smashed - who wants to spend money on expensive markers???
So, when I started seeing the back to school sales at places like Office Max and Office Depot, I was thrilled!!! We are now stocked up on all sorts of school supplies: protractors for 5 cents, compasses for 10 cents, markers for 50 cents, 1 cent rulers and notebooks. He is in heaven!
Here is a picture of a his school supplies box, yet another use for all the scrapbook paper I collect!!!
So, when I started seeing the back to school sales at places like Office Max and Office Depot, I was thrilled!!! We are now stocked up on all sorts of school supplies: protractors for 5 cents, compasses for 10 cents, markers for 50 cents, 1 cent rulers and notebooks. He is in heaven!
Here is a picture of a his school supplies box, yet another use for all the scrapbook paper I collect!!!
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Six Years, 3 Months, 10 Days
Yep, that's how long it took me to finally get our wedding album done. Most of that time was simply waiting to decide to pay the exorbitant price for the prints. We finally ordered them several months ago. Then I thought I would scan them all in the computer so I would have digital copies of them before I made the album. Of course, that meant that I always put off making the album until I had time to sit in front of the computer scanning picture after picture.... Last night I decided that this album will never get done if I wait to scan everything. So, in about 2 hours it was done! Today, I decided to scan a few of my favorites to post. Enjoy!
Sunday, June 21, 2009
The Toddler Contract
So I read this in a magazine, and laughed so hard, this is Quinton's DREAM contract!! I looked online and found it posted at Mommslikeme.
The Toddler Contract
I. FOOD
1. For breakfast, there will be only milk from my sippy cup while I'm watching television (see Section II).
2. From breakfast until what you probably call lunch, I will be provided with an unending supply of cookies. No arguments.
3. For lunch I will eat yogurt. Anything containing fruit on the bottom will make me pick out the fruit and throw it on the ground or else will throw it up on your carpet.
a. So no fruit on the bottom.
4. For lunch until dinner I will enjoy having something to lick. Why not a lollipop? Why not seven?
a. Between licks, I may place the lollipop on your
grandmother's Turkish rug. This will be ok by you.
5. For dinner I will have macaroni and cheese. Any attempts to give me vegetables in addition to the macaroni and cheese will result in tears.
a. And don't you hide anything in the cheese sauce, because, my God, how you will rue the day.
6. After dinner, you may provide me with ice cream.
a. No frozen yogurt. Trust me, I know the difference.
II. TELEVISION
1. The TV will be on all the time, unless I say differently. You are to sit by my side, quietly, hands folded in lap, will I watch my shows.
a. You may arise to fetch me a snack.
2. No diaper changing or pleas to engage in physical activity will be tolerated during watching of television.
3. Turning off the television will result in much kicking and screaming.
III. TOYS
1. There will be many.
a. They will always be strewn about the house so that I may simply reach down and pick up a toy, no matter where I am.
b. They will be loud, complicated, and contain many small pieces. I enjoy shooting noises that go w-shoooop! or zim zim zim.
c. Nothing that results in any type of learning, please.
IV. FRIENDS
1. They should be available whenever I'm in the mood to use someone else's toys or ingest someone else's cookies.
a. These friends may not ever so much as look at my toys or cookie supply.
b. Ever, ever, ever.
V. SLEEP
1. Is when I say, where I say, and how I say. If I want to sleep upside down with my legs locked around your neck, then that's how it will be.
a. And you will enjoy it.
VI. AFFECTION
1. Occasionally I enjoy being hugged and kissed. I stress occasionally.
2. I will not be pelted with wet mouthed assaults on an hourly basis. Should you feel the need to hug or kiss, you must provide me with a written request.
a. And then wait for me to offer my pudgy cheeks."
Signed: (fill in blank) XOXO
"Dear Mom and Dad,
Thank you for your interest in remaining my parents. Below is a list of my demands.
The Toddler Contract
I. FOOD
1. For breakfast, there will be only milk from my sippy cup while I'm watching television (see Section II).
2. From breakfast until what you probably call lunch, I will be provided with an unending supply of cookies. No arguments.
3. For lunch I will eat yogurt. Anything containing fruit on the bottom will make me pick out the fruit and throw it on the ground or else will throw it up on your carpet.
a. So no fruit on the bottom.
4. For lunch until dinner I will enjoy having something to lick. Why not a lollipop? Why not seven?
a. Between licks, I may place the lollipop on your
grandmother's Turkish rug. This will be ok by you.
5. For dinner I will have macaroni and cheese. Any attempts to give me vegetables in addition to the macaroni and cheese will result in tears.
a. And don't you hide anything in the cheese sauce, because, my God, how you will rue the day.
6. After dinner, you may provide me with ice cream.
a. No frozen yogurt. Trust me, I know the difference.
II. TELEVISION
1. The TV will be on all the time, unless I say differently. You are to sit by my side, quietly, hands folded in lap, will I watch my shows.
a. You may arise to fetch me a snack.
2. No diaper changing or pleas to engage in physical activity will be tolerated during watching of television.
3. Turning off the television will result in much kicking and screaming.
III. TOYS
1. There will be many.
a. They will always be strewn about the house so that I may simply reach down and pick up a toy, no matter where I am.
b. They will be loud, complicated, and contain many small pieces. I enjoy shooting noises that go w-shoooop! or zim zim zim.
c. Nothing that results in any type of learning, please.
IV. FRIENDS
1. They should be available whenever I'm in the mood to use someone else's toys or ingest someone else's cookies.
a. These friends may not ever so much as look at my toys or cookie supply.
b. Ever, ever, ever.
V. SLEEP
1. Is when I say, where I say, and how I say. If I want to sleep upside down with my legs locked around your neck, then that's how it will be.
a. And you will enjoy it.
VI. AFFECTION
1. Occasionally I enjoy being hugged and kissed. I stress occasionally.
2. I will not be pelted with wet mouthed assaults on an hourly basis. Should you feel the need to hug or kiss, you must provide me with a written request.
a. And then wait for me to offer my pudgy cheeks."
Signed: (fill in blank) XOXO
Monday, June 1, 2009
Menu 2 - Economy Size
This plan showcases how to build a menu around an economy-sized food purchase. I do most of my shopping at Costco, and even though I love the good deals of purchasing in economy-sized quantities, I hate having a huge container taking up space in my refrigerator! By planning a menu around such purchases, you can really take advantage of the great deals and only lose refrigerator space for a few days! This menu uses large sizes of salsa, strawberries, spinach, pork, and ricotta cheese.
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