MOMVERSATION MONDAYS: When Should Your Child Get a Cell Phone?

Another Monday, another Momversation! And Dana Loesch of Mamalogues is wondering when should your child get a cell phone.

My kids are not going to get a cell phone until they are able to pay for it themselves.

Remember the days when we didn't have cell phones and we needed permission to even go on the phone that was hanging on the wall, you know the one... The only way you could walk around with this phone was if you were looking to get choked by it. To get comfy all you had to do is turn a little to the right to sit on the "telephone chair", it's sole purpose was to provide comfort for the person on the phone.

I don't know why my kids would need them unless they need to get a hold of me for a drive or any other type of emergency.
They will probably end up using one of ours until they can afford their own, but they won't be getting a hold of my phone until they are sixteen. That seems reasonable, it's around that time where they are getting their license and they would need to have a way to get a hold of me.

Other than that, they can wait until they can afford one of their own. Those things are expensive and I don't need another bill thank you!

What do you think?

Beautiful Houses, Not So Beautiful Locations

Driving home from the mall Cpl. Mayhem and I were pointing out the nice houses on the drive home.

Cpl. Mayhem: "That one is nice too!"

Me: " I know but look where they built it! The rest of the block is a dump!

Cpl. Mayhem: "I know."

Me: "Seriously! Why would you build such a gorgeous house in a such a crappy location? It's like putting nail polish on a finger with a wart on it! You know people are looking at the wart and not the pretty nails!"

Cpl. Mayhem: LOL!

Discipline: It's Lost On All Of Us!

It is hard to discipline my kids. Well that's not true, it hard because I haven't found a great disciplining technique. Ducky enjoys laughing at me when I trying to discipline and now Chicky has picked it up too. And it makes me mad!

You would be too if your authority was being mocked by a four year old! I will admit that I have yelled at him and was not calm with him at all.

Maybe Elizabeth Pantley can help me out!

Who is she?

Parenting educator Elizabeth Pantley is president of Better Beginnings, Inc., a family resource and education company. Elizabeth frequently speaks to parents at schools, hospitals, and parent groups around the world. Her presentations are received with enthusiasm, and praised as realistic, warm and helpful. Elizabeth Pantley is the author of the No-cry Solution books. They have been translated into 15 different languages and if she can help me with my two "Spawns of Satan" she can add to her resume Vanessa Mayhem's new BFF!!


The No-Cry Nap Solution
The No-Cry Discipline Solution
The No-Cry Sleep Solution
The No-Cry Sleep Solution for Toddlers & Preschoolers
The No-Cry Potty Training Solution

The No-Cry Discipline Solution Book looks good! I would love to get this book and apply her strategies before Cpl. Mayhem goes overseas! And if it works GOOD GOD the next 6 months would be so much more relaxing! I'm getting teary eyed just thinking of it!

The big problem right now is not listening and tantrums, fussing etc.

Here is an excerpt of The No-Cry Discipline Solution
Gentle Ways to Encourage Good Behavior without Whining, Tantrums & Tears

Teach the Quiet Bunny
When children get worked up, their physiological symptoms keep them in an agitated state. You can teach your child how to relax and then use this approach when fussing begins.

• You can start each morning or end each day with a brief relaxation session. Have your child sit or lie comfortably with eyes closed. Tell a story that he’s a quiet bunny. Name body parts (feet, legs, tummy, etc.) and have your child wiggle it, and then relax it.

• Once your child is familiar with this process you can call upon it at times when he is agitated. Crouch down to your child’s level, put your hands on his shoulders, look him in the eye and say, let’s do our Quiet Bunny. And then talk him through the process. Over time, just mentioning it and asking him to close his eyes will bring relaxation.

Excerpted with permission by McGraw-Hill Publishing from The No-Cry Discipline Solution (McGraw-Hill 2007).

Her website also has articles and tips for every problem imaginable! What a dream!! Check it out!

What are your disciplining techniques?

BEST INVENTION EVER!!

What Is Wrong With Me... And Others! Part 2

Well it's a continuation to my previous post because it started out about my day and forgot to mention the others to the post!

How self absorbed was I?!

So this is what happened. I went to the store to pick up some milk and on my way there I noticed a family biking towards the four way stop. I do my cross checks and was about to go when I noticed the kid fooling around on his bike. Weaving into traffic and not looking where he was going.

I saw him.

I also saw his mom staring at me as I S.L.O.W.L.Y. start to cross the road watching her kid.
So slow that people behind me are getting pissed! And she was giving ME the dirty look! I'm sorry don't you see that your son is doing stupid crap on his bike that is going to cause an accident? She should be grateful that it was me on that four way street and not the idiot behind me revving his engine. DUDE your car is Kia! No matter how much you rev it it's not going to sound like a Mustang!

No, you can stop giving me that dirty look lady! I'm not going to run over your child! I will however shake my head at you and him for his actions that can cause harm to himself and others!

Good grief!

BLOG ROLL

Do you have a button? Want to trade? Send me your button and I will add it to my Blog!!

What Is Wrong With Me... And Others!

Why is it that I'm a weepy mess today?

Am I weepy because my son took a chunk off my shoulder all because he wanted another hug and kiss from dad when he left for work?

Nope.

Or is because I'm dying to get back to dancing but I'm insecure with my body that I'm sitting here watching So You Think You Can Dance Canada and bawling my eyes for a hip hop routine while eating a CARROT CAKE?!

Putting the cake down now....

I have no idea what it is but everything makes me want to cry, BUT I HAVE NO REASON TO!

And not knowing why....

Make me wanna cry!

No More Boring Parties!!

photo provided by www.onehourparties.com

PROBLEM: Every time an event comes up you have no idea what to do to make it unique and fun.

SOLUTION: One Hour Parties.

It's the hottest franchise to date! It's a "one stop" place for quick and affordable party planning and service.

PROBLEM: You live in a small town where everyone shops at the same place.

SOLUTION: One Hour Parties.

They have various types of party services and are great tons of different events from birthday parties and weddings to work parties and themed parties! Can't find what you are looking for? One Hour Parties can customize and event just for you!

PROBLEM: Not enough cash for the big parties?

SOLUTION: One Hour Parties (do you see where I'm going with this?)

One Hour Parties provide amazing party ideas without having to break the bank.

Really need some cash? One Hour Parties also have expanded by way of franchising! Click here if you are interested in learning more!

Have the party that everyone will be talking about! With One Hour Parties!

MOMVERSATION MONDAY: Will Flu Shots Make Your Child Sick?

Momversation Monday!! Heather Armstrong of Dooce.com asks if the flue shot will make my child sick.

OINK, OINK!
I'm sorry I had to! Heather cracks me up! No matter what the discussion she is always is able to put a funny spin to it. Hey, not everything has to be serious!

Anyway, after watching the tape I started to get nervous about this flu pandemic that is causing panic around the world. Will there be enough of the flu vaccine for everyone? Do you really have to get three flu shots to combat the H1N1 flu?

I have to admit that I have not had a flu shot in a very long time (taking a moment to wipe my nose. Yes I have a cold but don't freak out! It's what I call an A/C cold. Going from one room with A/C to one without).

I think I'm going to get the flu shot this year though, we all are. I would rather get that done then wind up in the hospital or something while hubby is away. I'm thinking convenience for me here!

But I am concerned about the side affects or if there are going to be any side affects of having three different vaccines for this flu. Vaccines are not a "once size fits all" deal here. Everyone had different immune systems that would take to the vaccines or not. Why do you think they ask you to stay thirty minutes after you get a shot of any kind? Exactly! No one can guarantee that it's going to be OK for you.

As for what Karen was saying about her getting sicker after getting the flu vaccine. That is my big concern, because I found out during my research that the the vaccine is made from inactivated (killed) influenza viruses. Because the viruses have been killed, they cannot cause infection. Or does it?

Some of the side effects for most people are soreness at the injection site but for children who haven't been exposed to the flu getting the vaccine can cause fever, tiredness, and sore muscles. These side effects may begin 6 to 12 hours after vaccination and may last for up to 2 days. Well doesn't that sound like fun! Plus if the child has never gotten the vaccine before they give two inoculations, which are given separately four weeks apart. So if your child reacts the first time to the vaccine, wouldn't the chances be that they are going to react again? And as a mom of two children, the idea of having sick kids all because I tried to prevent them from getting the flu is discouraging to say the least.

I'm also a conspiracy theorist on this one. Why do we all of a sudden need three vaccines for a flu? Yes it's a different strain of flu but shouldn't one general shot be enough? Who is gaining from all these flu shots? Of course! The manufacturers of the vaccine. Get mad at me if you want, but once the WHO (World Health Organization) made the H1N1 flu a pandemic, scientist could have easily make just one vaccine. But I'm not a scientist so I don't know. If these shot are all going into my body, why can't it come in just one vile? Or two since one of the vaccines is the Tamiflu which already exist for the common flu.
I'm just say, the people who are gaining here from this pandemic are the manufacturers.

Think about it...

What Do I Sound Like?- 100th Post!

Bell Mobility called me today to inform me that I was going to get a touch screen cell phone, FREE!

BUT

Like the skeptic that I am I allow the gentleman talk until I hear what the catch is. While he is babbling on about me getting free this and that he asks if my last name was spelt with three Rs.

Me: "No but it would sound really cool if it did."

Bell Rep: "Umm OK. You sound young, are you over the age of 19?:

Me: "Yes, and thank you!"

Bell Rep: " Do I sound young?"

Me: "Excuse me?!"

Bell Rep: " What do I sound like?"

Me: " You sound like someone trying to sell me a cell phone contract. What's the catch to this free cell phone thing?"

Hey! He asked!


I would like to thank everyone who has followed my blog and continue to read about the mayhem in my life! Once again, I thank you!

New Look Same Mayhem!

How excited am I!! After countless emails and drafts I now have my new blog design!!

I must thank Susan of Blog Designs by Susan. She was very patient and great to work with I highly recommend her!



I have some things I need to add myself now but I hope you enjoy it as much I do!!

What A Contest!

I don't know about you but who doesn't just love a sexy giveaway?


Kimberly from Mission Mommy is having a contest to win a $50 gift certificate to Eden Fantasys.

Eden Fantasys has more than just your typical sex toys. They have lingerie, massage oils and many fun things. It's a great website, especially for those who have been wanting to spice things up, but have no idea where to start. Plus you don't have to leave the comfort of your home!

So go to Mission Mommy and check it out!!

Future Reference: I Go To Doctor Appointments Alone!

Cpl. Mayhem was able to come to a doctor's appointment with me today.


BIG MISTAKE!!


When we got in to see the doctor, Dr. Crazy Eyes ripped me to shreds because I forgot to get some blood work done before we went on vacation.


Cpl. Mayhem laughed, tears were coming from his eyes.


"Stop laughing!! This isn't funny!" I yelled at him, which only made it worse.


While we were going through the procedure I need to get done, I really didn't want to get it done. The the doctor continued to barrage me with comments about how I shouldn't worry about what other people have said about the procedure and how I haven't stopped driving because others people had accidents and all that. All the while my husband is wishing he had popcorn because he was truly enjoying the show.


Once the doctor leaves the room to get some information for me I turn to look at my husband, not impressed that I'm being swayed to do this procedure and mildly pissed that he's still laughing.


"You're no help"


And through his laughter all I hear is, "I'm so glad I was here for this! This made my day!"

" I love you, but I don't like you right now"

MOMVERSATION MONDAY: Why Moms Should Care About Healthcare Reform

United States Senator Kirsten Gillibrand joins the panel to talk about health care reform.

In the United States 46 million Americans do not have health insurance but in the most recent Gallup poll only 50% of Americans support President Obama plan to give insurance to every American.

With the loss of jobs many are also losing their insurance, and the cost of health care is astronomical, making it hard for middle America to pay for their medical bills. This reform would help stabilize secure and subsequently get rid of the insurance company's discrimination against the disabled and those who have pre-existing conditions.


From the literature I've been reading it sounds good. You can still keep your health care and it is by no means a government takeover, which many Conservative activists are concern about. The reform will benefit small businesses and it will making insurance more affordable for families and allow families like Heather B. Armstrong of dooce.com who already have pre-existing conditions to be able to get insurance with out being discriminated. There would be no dropping of coverage for those who become seriously ill, the reform will not let the insurance companies charge you more because of your gender. They plan on extending coverage for young adults, which means they can stay under the family insurance until the age of 26 (which is how long it took me to realize I needed to educate myself on the health care I had myself and my family...). And there will also be no cost- sharing on preventative care, so you will be able to go for tests without part of the coverage coming out of your pocket.


Also for military families the reform will be building on the government's commitment to military health care and TRICARE will continue to be available for all eligible servicemen and women, and their families.


Personally I would like to know how the insurance companies can sleep at night knowing that they are denying people insurance. These are the people who will be walking on egg shells in fear that they could get sick and lose everything all because they we unable to be covered under an insurance plan. Foreclosing their houses, losing their saving and bankruptcy is the worst case scenario, all because they were unable to be covered?


The government is taking steps in the right direction when it comes to the health care reform.


But to Senator Gillbrand's point of trying to pass a bill for children's nutrition. She mentions banning trans fats in schools, as Dana says on the tape, personal choices should be there. I believe that healthy foods should be a requirement in schools, not only in the cafeteria but also in the classroom. Not all children can make healthy choices without the knowledge of what healthy is. As much as we want practice a healthier lifestyle not all children are being exposed to this knowledge at home. Not because the parents are bad, but maybe because they themselves don't have the knowledge either.


I also think children should be getting involved in this conversation as well. I mean, they are ones being affected by it at the end of the day. If the foods being brought into the cafeteria are things they are not going to eat, they are more likely to go for the pizzas and fries.


Tell me what you think!

A Pigeon Of A Tale

My husband and I were reminiscing of some of my worst silly moments. Moments where I completely loose all common sense.

This is the one that we chuckle at the most:

So on Saturday after a LONG shopping event we stop to get some gas on the way home.

While Hubby was paying, I was staring at the roof across the street fascinated by the abundance of pigeons. It was crazy!

It reminded me of this road where my high school is located at. It's across the street from the school there is this beautiful garden that happens to have a massive population of pigeons during the winter time. So I decide to point this out to Cpl. Mayhem and he replied, " Oh yeah, that's a pigeon carrier service!"

"Really? I replied, " There's a carrier service in that building? How do they keep the pigeons from flying off? And you're PULLING MY LEG!!!"

Hubby starts to laugh as I realized that I can't believe that I fell for that and wondering at the same time how does he come up with stuff like that so quickly??

Sometimes I'm not the brightest bulb in the tanning booth!

Got Motivation?

So I've been having a hard time with getting back on my weight loss program. Because I had an initial goal.

My goal was to look good at my brother-in-law's wedding. WELL THAT DIDN'T HAPPEN!!
Why? Injuries, medical issues, etc.

But I was trying to get jump back on the wagon, but I seem to keep missing my seat! I don't really have a goal in mind! Nothing that is making want to jump out of bed and go " Yes, it's time to workout!"

Until now.

I really wanted to go to the 2009 Turbo Kick Camp, but it was costly going back home and go to the conference. Turbo Kick is from Chalene Johnson, the creator of Turbo Jam. She does a Camp every year where there are fashion shows, talks and of course Turbo classes!

I really wanted to go, and I requested to hold my spot for the 2010 camp. Sounds reasonable right? I can save up for it now and I get my ass in gear!

Can I be accountable enough to get to Turbo Kick Camp look hot at flab-less? You bet! Here I come and I'm ready to be accountable!!

AND I MEAN IT THIS TIME!

No more excuses! Besides I also need something to look forward to while Cpl. Mayhem is in Afghanistan.

All I need to do is clean out my kitchen and get good healthy food. Payday on Friday so I have enough time to review the Chalean Extreme tapes and read the books so I can start with some positive energy!

And besides I would love to meet Chalene herself!!

Start date of August 31st! HERE I COME!!

What The?!

I usually try to go to all the blogs I follow and read them before I write. I like keeping up with everyone.


But today something weird happened. The people I'm following disappeared. I'm following no one! What happened?


Did anyone else have that problem? How am I going to get 50 plus blogs back?


I've got some work to do!


Help me out by adding your blog! I'd appreciate it!

MOMVERSATION MONDAY: Is It Right to Discipline Someone Else's Child?

Mindy Roberts of The Mommy Blog asks the question Is it right to discipline someone else's kid?


When my kids have friends over, everyone needs to follow the house rules. I don't care if their parents let them hang off the ceiling fan, you just don't do it at my house.


I don't believe in spanking my kids or anyone else's child and I agree with Dana that I would hope no one would touch my children. I have told kids to stop running in my house and refrain from using inappropriate language but I have never had to time out someone else's kid.


My son has been disciplined at someone else's house and I think that is great, because it teaches him that there are rules wherever we go and we need to follow them no matter where we are.


There was an incident at the park where I only had Chicky and someone was trying to push her down a slide. To be quite honest I can't even remember who it was. All I saw through my mommy lens was a hand that was pushing my daughter. And unfortunately I automatically thought it was my son, but he was at camp. So I start yelling "no pushing, no pushing!". Once the situation was under control, I realized that Ducky wasn't even there and I just disciplined someone else's kid. I was a little embarrassed but it was better than my daughter getting another injury that week.


So is it OK to discipline another person's kid? Yes! When the situation calls for it, for their safety and protection of everyone playing.

Whistling While You Work?

Doesn't she look happy to be cleaning?

Yes.

Would I look like that? Happy to be cleaning?

Of course not!

As a matter of fact, the Minister of Planning has been trying to actually tackle the house cleaning. But it's hard! It just keeps going from one room to another! This is not cleaning, I've seen this kind of cleaning and I swore on my life that this wasn't going to happen to my house!

But it's hard! I clean one room and then I go back and it's a mess. My kids are trying to drive me nuts because there was one point today where I thought I was going insane! " I know I just cleaned this room! What happened?!" Ducky and Chicky just laughed at me. They must have been thinking, "She's getting closer to cuckoo-cuckoo territory". Just a little more and we can get her in a straight jacket!

I'll give up for a while mainly because it's just not worth cleaning the same thing over and over again! You know, the dishes and laundry will get done of course, but if the windows don't get washed for over two weeks, oh well! If it's dusty, I'll wipe it off when I need it.

But I'm trying to get out of that mentality. I'm trying to set an example to my kids who don't pick up after themselves. It's really hard to say pick up the toys and not put the my things away when I'm done with them.

Monkey see... monkey do.

My goal is to clean the house and finally get it organized. But the BIG goal to have a full clean sweep of the house while Cpl. Mayhem is overseas.

Why when he is away? There are many reasons:

1. It will distract me from the fact that he is gone

2. I will be able to get rid of the junk that just keeps accumulating without having someone saying "We'll use that... eventually". I am giving my husband the time now to gather the things he wants to keep put them in a special spot so they won't get tossed but that is pretty much it. Shoes that haven't been worn in over a year will be donated. Crap that hasn't seen the main floor will go!

3. I can finally gain control of the junk so my family does not become pack rats. I'm not taking junk to our next posting! There won't be any baby gear floating around my house. The kids are old enough for those things to be donated, sold, tossed.

Hopefully I'll be able to look like the happy cleaning girl from the photo above willing to vacuum because now I'll actually be able to see the floor!

I've Made The Top 100 Mom Bloggers!!

Number 96 to be exact! On Mom Bloggers Club Top Blogs. I started in the four hundreds, but now I'm 96!!!


It's funny how I started this blog specifically for my husband to read about the kids while he was overseas and this was also for my family who wanted updates so this would have been the best idea. Now I have met some great people through this who also blog and people who have known me for a while get to see all of me. The flaws, the insecurities, the doubts. Of course there are also joy, laughter, opportunities and moments of clarity.

As one friend once said to me years ago, this hasn't resulted in me ending up in an institution, rocking back and forth rubbing peanut butter all over myself.

Thank you to everyone who has been reading and commenting on my blog! I really do appreciate it!

Off To The Park, Who Decides?

Me: Get changed we're going to the park

Cpl. Mayhem: What? Why?

Me: Cause you promised and Ducky has been talking about all the way back from camp.

Cpl. Mayhem: How about this. We'll go on Friday cause I'll be done at 10am and we can spend as much time as we want.

Ducky: Daddy's home! We're going to the park! (sing song voice)

Cpl. Mayhem: Yes we are, I guess I'm not going to try to convince you out of it now!

And I'm glad we did!

Chicky Got A Big Boo Boo

Getting Chicky ready for bed yesterday, I was gathering her things when all of a sudden I hear a loud noise, then the cries of my poor baby girl.

My kids are accident prone so I walked over to her to make sure she was OK.

Well she was not! I'm still not sure what she hit but had a gash on her forehead and blood was coming out of it. Poor Chicky!!

Wiping her off and getting a better look at the injury, I'm feeling like I'm being stared at. I look down to see Chicky smiling from ear to ear and is no longer crying.

Tough kid! I would have passed out by now!

Stiletto Spy School

Tired of your everyday routine? Don't want to be known as just a "Soccer Mom"?

Shake it up!

Today Show recently air a segment from Las Vegas about the Stiletto Spy School. A school dedicated in finding your inner Bond girl!

Founder Alana Winter wanted everyone to have a great time but she also wanted participants to find self-confidence and increase self-esteem in women.

When you watch the Bond movies you see the Bond girls and how calm and confident they are. What about Laura Croft? Or watching Uma Thurman in Kill Bill, come one! I know you've wanted to swing a sword like that. Or how about just making a great martini or bettering your skills at poker?

Sounds like fun huh?

Actually it sounds like something my girlfriends would have a blast doing! It's different from dinners at the same restaurant or going to same bar every weekend (well, when ever I'm able to get out).

One gal pal of mine has done something similar to this every time we have gone out. Sarah plans out the night activities and we get a message with only hits of what we are going to do. Her philosophy is we're army, we aren't going to stay in the same place so lets make the best memories while we are together. Can you believe that I keep cancelling on her in the beginning because I was so shy to be around her and her friends? Finally she told me that she heard all the excuses I was going out whether I liked it or not.

Good thing too because I met some really fun gals!

Let's see we've done pole dancing, photo shoots, and tons more!

Stiletto Spy School would be taking it one step further. The 4 day event or even the single day classes would definitely shake a routine that can become monotonous with time.

Stunt driving, knife fighting skills, hand to hand combat, mixology, seductive dance. This ain't your ordinary spa getaway!

The Spawn of Satan Returns!

I'm not really sure what happened!

I picked up my son from camp and we went out to get some dinner and he was an angel. People were compliment how well behaved my son was. How cute he was running back and forth hugging me and tell me how much he loved me.

"He's so good! I wish my boy was like that in public!"

I wish he was like that all the time!!

Because no word of a lie, about an hour later Ducky went from angel to demon. That kid from the the Exorcist was tame in comparison to my boy.

And why the change? Because I told him not to go to the basement because I just wanted to drop some laundry downstairs. Yeah, I know!

I miss the little baby boy who couldn't get enough of me. Who cried when someone would try to him from my arms. The boy who would hang off every word I say.

Now, the closest thing to affection is only if he wants something and I've diagnosed him with Selective Hearing. You know what it is, he only hears what sounds good to him.

This phase has got to end!

I miss my baby boy!