Saturday *Snap*

Saturday Snap-Cup is your chance to share a story of appreciation with your readers. Being positive one day a week instead of venting about how hard it is to sip coffee and gab with my girlfriends while our kids wreck whomevers house we are at be a mom is the least I can do! Share whatever you’d like–send a *SNAP* to your newest follower or favorite blogger, a *SNAP* to a stranger who gave you a compliment that made your day, a *SNAP*to a new lip gloss that makes you feel like a rock star, or even send a *SNAP* to your kids by sharing a picture of something they did that put a smile on your face!

If you would like to play along please visit Chrissy over at Life as a CEO.

This week's *Snap* is going out to my Real Life Friend, Janet.  Earlier this week I needed to vent about something.  I sent a text to her and she invited me over pronto where she had a cup of coffee and a listening ear waiting for me at her kitchen table.  She was even the solution to my problem.  To top it off, 2 days later the two of us managed to sneak in a little Gal Pal time.  We got our toes done, grabbed a cup of coffee and then did some mindless browsing through a store before it was time to go back to our kids.  She was just what the doctor ordered this week! 

Friday Fragments

It is Friday and I have a lot of fragments floating around  so here I am for another edition of Friday Fragments.  When you are done here, be sure to pop over to  our host Mrs. 4444.  She is pretty cool and very welcoming.  You'll enjoy your visit over there.

*  I got my hair cut this week.  The kind of hair cut that you notice.  One that if you know me, you might not recognize me from across the room.  One that made my hairdresser ask me if I was having a midlife crisis.  It is short.  I don't think my husband is a fan but he is bald so he has no room to judge haircuts.

*  As I mentioned the other day, I've had some decisions to make.   I made 2 so far and we will  have to see if they work out for the better but right now at the moment I feel better.

*  My kids start school on Wednesday.  This was supposed to be our "last hurrah" week.  We had plans to go to the beach with friends and  live it up but do you know what we've had all week?  Rain.  Lots and lots of rain.  I started the week not ready for school to start.  I'm finishing the week ready to ship them to timbucktu.

*  I've had lots of doctor appointments for the kids this week.  Took 2 of them to the cardiologist to confirm their heart murmers are benign.  (which they are).  Took the big one to the podiatrist.  He has flat feet and he has been experiencing horrible cramps and foot pains.  The poor kid can barely walk off the soccer field by the end of the game.  The doc took a bunch of xrays and confirmed he has some issues.  The only 2 options are surgery to implant a support (which isn't an option in my book) or custom made orthotics.  Of course I chose to go with the orthotics however, they are quite expensive.  Hundreds and hundreds (and hundreds) of dollars expensive and we don't know if insurance is going to cover them.  Now, I can handle laying out the money for them once.  But we are making these for a 9 year old boy.  9 year old boys tend to grow.  Some grow quick (and some only have 4 inches to catch up to their mother!).  When they grow their orthotics don't grow with them!  So here is hoping that insurance pays for them and the 9 year old doesn't have any big growth spurts anytime soon!

*  I thought that with all my babies leaving me for school (and my baby girl going all day now, sniff), I'd start job hunting again.  I applied for 2 different jobs this week.  The first one, I got an email back saying they received my resume but the ad went into the wrong paper and the position is for up north.  The second, the agency was having an open house and interview day.  I spent almost 2 hours there.  Want to know what I did?  Filled out paper work and had to take a test.  Never did get the interview.  She said she'd review everything and give me a call to set one up but I'm taking this all as a sign from the universe that it isn't time to go back to work yet. 
* I was able to squeeze in a little gal pal time and get a pedicure with my girlfriend this week.  My toes are a bright turquoise-blue-green kind of color.  Bright and just what the doctor ordered this week.  It started out a crazy one!

Decisions Decisions

Sigh.  I haven't been on here in a few days because I've been dealing with decisions in my personal life.  Decisions that I didn't want to have to make and affect my kids.  Nothing serious, but you know how it goes, something simple turns into drama.  I'm tired of it all.  I am ready to pack my bags and head for the Island of Drama Free, Responsibility Free Bliss.  And I'm not leaving a forwarding address. 

A few months ago I wrote about the insanity of our kids schedules.  As you know if you have been hanging around here for a while, I am quite involved in my kids activities and volunteer in many different positions.  I have been trying to prioritize and see what is most important because it has gotten to be a bit overwhelming.  I've given up some things but added others.  I'm still trying to sort things out around here and am feeling the pressure.  School starts up again next week and all of our activities soon follow. 

I may share some stories with you as I sort them out because I have had some phenomenal experiences as well as some not-so-great ones.  Just this week I found myself in a very disappointing situation in which I felt I was being disrespected.  Unfortunately, when I am so closely tied in with my kids activities, my decisions sometimes directly affect them. 

I'm off to catch up on some blog reading because that too has not gotten much of my attention lately!

Saturday Snap Cup

My friend Chrissy over at Life as a CEO wants to extend a hand of gratitude to people in our lives.  It is simple, take a moment to send a shout out to someone in your life!  Here is the lowdown:

Saturday Snap-Cup is your chance to share a story of appreciation with your readers. Being positive one day a week instead of venting about how hard it is to sip coffee and gab with my girlfriends while our kids wreck whomevers house we are at be a mom is the least I can do! Share whatever you'd like--send a *SNAP* to your newest follower or favorite blogger, a *SNAP* to a stranger who gave you a compliment that made your day, or even send a *SNAP* to your kids by sharing a picture of something they did that put a smile on your face!

I don't know if it is against the "rules" to send out more than one snap or not, but I like to make up my own rules anyway.  Here are my kudos for the week:

My first *SNAP* goes to the new pediatrician I took my kids to this week.  She was caring, efficient, thorough, and really took the time to listen to me (and my kids!).  I loved her and am glad we made the switch.  I know that my children will be in good caring hands. 

That leads me to my second *SNAP*.  We were referred to two specialists and I was worried that with the end of summer fast approaching we wouldn't be able to get in.  I didn't want to interfere with the beginning of the new school year with doctor appointments.  Both specialists were super friendly and accomodating and are able to get us in next week before school starts!  I'm so happy!

My last, but not least *SNAP* is going out to Chrissy.  She is a great friend and blogger and has been a big help to me and my own blog.  I hope that this meme makes a splash around the blogosphere!

Lessons Learned

I've learned two very important things so far today and it is only lunch time.  That leaves a good portion of the day to learn something else!  The first thing I learned is NEVER own a phone that is smarter than you.  The second would be that I should have listened to my instincts and  changed doctors a long time ago.

This morning I had my Blackberry plugged in and charging.  Unfortunately, I learned that bad things happen to your phone when it is plugged in and the power goes out.  I got an error message I've never seen before and could not get past on the screen.  I tried taking the battery out to reset it but this did not work and I could not find this error message in the user guide.  I stopped in the local Verizon store to inquire what was up with my phone and was informed I have to reboot it.  Then they told me that meant it wiped out the memory.  I started getting upset at the thought of having to reload my address book and calendar.  Not to mention all the To Do Lists, blog post ideas and other notes I had made for myself.  The gentleman said don't worry, it should all be backed up on the desktop manager and retrievable.  The what?  I just stared at him blankly.  He told me the desktop manager is something that blackberry users should be using.  Apparently it backs up the information that you store on your phone.

See, I really am one of those people who should not own a smart phone.   I am not technologically inclined and I will never understand this phone completely or use it to all of its capabilities.  I like that I can check my email and keep my calendar on it which were the 2 main reasons I wanted it.  I've also found that the notepad and list features are quite helpful.  Apps still allude me, other than the handy facebook and twitter apps I managed to install.  The Internet connection is painfully slow so I rarely use that either.  My point is, I DIDN'T KNOW I NEEDED TO BACK IT UP!!!  And now I have to start from square one and I'm not happy about it.  Seriously, who would have thought a phone was as complicated/more complicated than my computer???  (which I don't back up either!)   Make me feel a little better.  Tell me I'm not the only technology reject in the world. 

After starting my day with my phone fiasco, I took my kids to a new pediatrician for well visits.  I've been contemplating changing doctors for a few years now because I haven't been thrilled with everything in that practice but kept dragging my feet not knowing where to take them.  Then my insurance changed making it even more expensive to go to this group of doctors that I was less than thrilled with.  I FINALLY chose a doctor and was able to schedule well visits for all 3 kids before school started.  I LOVED her.  She spent so much time with each of my kids, made sure all of our questions and concerns were addressed and even asked my kids if they had any questions for her.  She addressed things that I had been told by other docs were no big deal.  Almost as important, the kids liked her.  I'm so glad I made the switch but at the same time I'm kicking myself for not doing it sooner. 

As they say, live and learn!  What lessons have you learned lately?

Things I learned on vacation

My family and I just returned from a 2 week long vacation to Boston, Bar Harbor, and a short stop in Salem.  It has been a lot of togetherness.  A lot. 

I've learned a few things while away and would like to share them with you.

• Two weeks is a long time to be away.
• All 3 kids are little chatterboxes, even in their sleep.
• It's painful to watch your baseball team lose 9-1, especially when you payed so much for the tickets.
• I should have hit the treadmill before all this hiking.
• My kids are dynamos and put me to shame on the trails.
• 1 bathroom and 3 4 sick people is not a good situation.  Don't ask.  It just wasn't good.
• My daughter is a bit of a homebody and missed the comforts of home.
• You have "permission" to be cooky and do things like have ice cream for dinner.
• Acadia may just be the most beautiful place on earth.
• A lot happens in the blogosphere when you take 2 weeks off.
• I really can live without being plugged in and connected.  Life is actually a little more enjoyable without the distractions.
• I sleep better without all the distractions and stressors of "real" life running like a play list through my head when I'm trying to fall asleep. 
• Dorothy was right, there is no place like home.

Kids will be kids?

I've learned one very important thing this summer.  I don't give my kids enough credit.  For as much as they bicker with one another, tease each other, and in turn get on my nerves because of it, they are good kids.  This has been reinforced by spending so much time with other kids this summer. 

I am just always amazed when my children end up being the best behaved in the group.  Truly, I am.  My kids aren't angels.  They often forget their manners, talk back, don't do their chores and as I already mentioned, fight with one another.  But there are usually consequences for these behaviors.

I am amazed at how children act and talk to their parents and how their parents don't do anything about it.  I am amazed at how children don't know what the word NO is.  Then again, when they never hear it from their parents I guess it is hard to understand it's meaning.  I am amazed at how these same parents just pull out their wallets and buy their kids anything they want.  I told a friends daughter the other day that she should be grateful for her mother and the things she gives her because if I were her mother she wouldn't have half of what she has or do half of the things she does.  She just looked at me with bug eyes.

I've become known as the disciplinarian among my group of friends.  Honestly, I don't take that as a bad thing.  My kids are going to learn how to earn things and be respectful while theirs continue to expect everything on a silver platter. 

Sunsets and Moon Risings: Wordless Wednesday

Put Your Best Face Forward

I asked my friend Chrissy over at Life as a CEO to come and visit my blog with a guest post.  As soon as I read it I knew she was inspired by my previous post Made Up.  You see, I just don't understand the girls that have to have a full face to feel dressed!  I'm a plain and simple kind of girl (and a little lazy to boot!)  Chrissy however believes in taking a few minutes to put your best face forward.  Here is what she has to say on the topic...

I have drawers and baskets full of shadows, glosses, and lipsticks—some only used just once and thrown to the bottom like a one-night stand. I am totally incapable of commitment—one minute I am indulging in an expensive department store foundation, and the next I’m off to blow a few bucks on a glitterly lipgloss at Walgreens. I really get around, and I have the make-up bag to prove it.


Settling into motherhood has certainly evolved my make-up style. However, I still firmly believe that a little make-up each and every day can do wonders for our self-esteem—even if we are spending our days wiping snot from our toddler, scrubbing toilets, and slaving over a hot stove while wearing track suits.

B’s recent post inspired me to share my solution to applying a little face candy to help you feel more like a woman in the three minutes (if!) that motherhood allows us to.

1. Mary Kay’s Tinted Moisturizer with SPF 20 ($18) – This is a must have product for me and I use it each and every day. Within seconds, it moisturizes my face, evens out my skin tone, and gives me a little SPF.
2. Benefit’s Erase Paste ($26) – I dab the smallest amount on those dark, shadowy areas under my eyes and I look instantly refreshed. Don’t let the price tag scare you—you use such a small amount each day that your dollars will stretch for a long time.
3. Clinique’s Bronzer ($24) – Using a cheap bronzer brush from Walgreens, I swirl this bronzer over my cheeks to act as a blush and above my eyes to act as an eyeshadow. Another multi-tasking product for us multi-tasking moms!
4. Lipgloss – I have SO many that I choose from each day but my flavor-of-the-week is C.O. Bigelow’s Mentha Lip Tint in Plum Mint from Bath & Body Works ($7.50). It's not too sticky so it won't look like you just sucked on a vasoline lollipop, it's the perfect color to add just a bit to your lips and it's minty so it freshens your breathe!

And that's it! You have no excuse not to give yourself three minutes for a little pick-me-up! I always feel like, even if I am just wearing sweats and sneakers, that I am not complete until my hair is polished (even if it's just back in a ponytail!) and I've got a little make-up on.

Don't be afraid to do a little flirtin' with your make-up bag!

Sunflowers

I received some beautiful sunflowers today from my husband.  Why you ask?  Well, it all started 12 years ago today. We were on vacation in Prince Edward Island and he stopped when he spotted a beautiful sunflower field.  The owners of the field had built a set of stairs  you could climb up and overlook the entire field.  It was stunningly beautiful. 

I was trying to take a picture and decided that since he was taller he could get a better angle.  I turned around to hand him the camera to find him down on one knee with a ring box open.  I honestly don't remember what he said or what I said back to him.  He swears I never said yes.  But I must have if I accepted the ring! 

Every year since, on August 7, my husband gets me sunflowers.  Even the year I was away at a conference on the other side of the country he got me sunflowers.  When I came back to my room for a break there was a message to come to the desk for a package and there waiting were the most beautiful sunflowers I had ever seen.  My girlfriends that I was traveling with even helped me figure out how to get them on the plane to bring them home. 

I just can't help but smile when I see sunflowers.  I think they are such sunny, happy looking flowers.

Birthday Wishes

I want to wish my husband a Happy Birthday.  I won't tell you how old he is, but he is older than me.  10 1/2 years older to be exact.  I like to tease him about it, his being an old man and all.   But seeing it's his birthday today I'll be nice and lay off the teasing.

Happy Birthday, Bubs.  May today be everything you've wished for.  Thank you for giving me the best gifts you could have ever given anyone, our 3 children. 

Wordful Wednesday

Know why I love this flower so much?  Well, it could have something to do with the fact that I like hydrangeas and that it grows so easily without me paying any attention to it.  However, this summer it has become my favorite because it is one of the only things that the bunnies have not decimated.  The rabbits have eaten every flower and vegetable I have planted in the yard.  The only things that have survived are the things in the planters and pots up on the deck.  Luckily that includes a cucumber plant and basil or I'd really be out of luck with my "crop" this year!  On top of those hungry bunnies who have taken over our yard we've been battling excessive heat and lack of rain making it a losing situation this year.  Guess there is always next summer!

Catering to the Kids?

My kids are typical kids....they don't inhale the things they should.  One day they like something and the next day they don't.  It drives me crazy.

One thing I refuse to do however, is be a short order cook.  I cook one meal and that is that.  You eat it or you don't.  If you choose not to eat it, fine, but don't ask for something else.  Simple as that.  Hungry at bedtime?  Oh well, you should have eaten your dinner.

That being said, I try to have something on the plate that everyone will eat.  If I don't think the main dish will be a smashing hit with one (or all 3) I try to have a side dish they will like, or a side of fruit instead of veggies. 

The other day was a day that I was off with my daughter at an activity and one of my son's had a baseball game that started before we'd be back.  On those nights that we end up eating in shifts, I like to find something I can make ahead and will reheat easily and taste just as good. So,  I made a quiche.  Quiche is really nothing more than eggs and cheese, both of which all 3 of my children will eat.  They even eat eggs and cheese together.  But, I was still surprised when none of my kids wanted to eat it. 

When I asked my husband how he liked dinner (since I wasn't there when he ate it), he said it was good but commented on how the kids weren't thrilled.  I commented that I wasn't too surprised but it is nothing they shouldn't have liked and it was easy to make ahead.  His response?  "It's really all about the kids you know."
My response?  "I am not cooking chicken fingers and hotdogs every night and they can either learn to eat or go hungry."  Other points I have made over the years are:
* I don't want my kids to grow up to be picky eaters like me
* I want them to learn to eat a balanced, healthy meal NOW so that as they get older it won't be such a struggle. 
*THEY WON'T STARVE TO DEATH.  If they skip a meal they don't like, they will eventually eat when they are hungry.  It isn't going to kill them. 

Tell me, where do you stand on that debate?  Do you cook what you like or always cater to the kids?