Helping Others

On one of my favorite blogs, Bloggy Gossip, I read about this.

Her Bad Mother was challenging all bloggers to write about a cause they are passionate about. Some way that we as bloggers can make a difference! I read about this before our move and was already signed up for The Alzheimer's Association's Memory Walk and knew that I needed to share all of this information with you. Donations are not necessary, but would be appreciated.

If nothing else, please click on the following links and learn a little about why I'm so passionate about this cause, and how you can help.

So here is my post on a cause I am passionate about. Please read it...and again, please visit the links.


As you may or may not know I have two loved ones who have been affected by Alzheimer's Disease. Because I have seen the devastating effects of this disease firsthand I would like to do my part by participating in the Alzheimer's Association's Memory Walk.

Proceeds from the Memory Walk go directly to fund local programs and services designed to improve the lives of those affected by Alzheimer's.

Please help me make a difference by supporting me with a donation as I walk in the annual Alzheimer's Association Memory Walk.

By clicking on the link above, you will learn more specifically why I'm walking and who it's for. And you'll get to see a picture of my beautful grandma who was my hero. I loved her dearly and seeing her deteriorate was the most heartbreaking thing I have ever gone through in my life. (She's the grandma mentioned in this post.)

To learn more about the Alzheimer's Association, click here.

To find a walk in your area, click here.

If you have a cause that you are passionate about. Write a post and put it out there for everyone to see!!

Babies and Drugs

On moving day, Twinkletoes got sick. She came down with an awful cold. Congestion, cough, fever...you get the idea. So, in mid-moving rush, I had to make a stop at Walmart to get her some medicine. This was the first time Twinkletoes had been sick like this so I of course went to get what always helped Punk. Infant Tylenol Cold plus Cough. It's awesome and would work within a day or two.

My mom had the kids, so I told her I'd be right back with medicine for Miss Sicky. I went right where I knew the medicine was in Walmart and there was one of those little cards telling you to take it to the pharmacy and they'll give you the medicine. Now I know that some of the adult formula medicine had this rule, but not infant formulas. Ugh. So I ran it over to the counter and the lady asked me for my driver's license. Well of course I didn't have it. My purse was in my husband's car because I had ridden with him to the Uhaul rental place and drove his car out to the new house so it was out of our way. Where I then got my car which my stepson had driven out for me and drove him back in to help his dad, took my kid's to my mom's and went to Walmart. I didn't even think to grab my purse. (I had cash in my pocket for lunch later.)

So, there I am at the Walmart Pharmacy telling this woman that I only need one box because I have a very sick little girl at home and why can't she just let me have the one box!! I could tell that she honestly believed me and wanted to just give it to me....but rules are rules and it's now against the law for any store to sell any of the medicines that require that they keep them behind the counter without first running someone's driver's license. She did offer to just look me up in the system by my name, but the problem with that was I had never bought anything that I needed to show my driver's license for so she wouldn't do that because I wouldn't be in the system.

So, I left. I took a chance and went to CVS. They were out of what I needed, but they did have Infant Tylenol Cold. So I bought that. And I didn't even have to go to the pharmacy. I was grumbling about Walmart and all the idiot people using over the counter medincines to make DRUGS and they're using INFANT medince at that!!!! Seriously, idiots!! My child was very sick, and I couldn't even get her any relief! And when I did it wasn't even what she really needed.

Two days later I went to Walmart prepared with my driver's license to get the kind of cold medicine I knew Twinkletoes needed because the other wasn't helping her cough. Right there it was sitting on the shelf. WAH? So I grabbed it and marched right over to the pharmacy. The lady who "helped" me before wasn't there, so I got kind of snippy with the woman who was there.

"Excuse me, but I was in here on Saturday and I was refused to be able to buy this because it was behind your counter and I didn't have my driver's license on me. This sweet little girl has been sick and needed this and I COULDN'T BUY IT and now I see that it's just sitting there one your shelf. Do you realize what you guys put me through on Saturday and now it's just sitting out for anyone to grab? What is there just a "no weekend sales" on cough medicine in this hick store?"

"Mam, Tylenol has reformulated their cold medicines so that they can sell them on the shelves again to make it more conveinient for the people who really need it." And then she just walked away.

Now, you'd think I'd have been embarrassed by my outburst, but I wasn't. I immediately started thinking about what was in the Tylenol medicine now. Would it be as effective? I mean if its not strong enough or is missing the ingredient that makes drugs then would it still work for taking care of my kids' colds? And if it isn't as strong, then why am I still have to pay the $6 price?

I bought it anyway, Twinkletoes got over her cold. But, I swear it took 2 extra days!

I've been seeing that Claritin-D commercial where they are advertising at the end that they are not reformulating just to be able to keep their medicine on the shelf and that you can find it behind the pharmacy counter. So there MUST be a difference in the ways that medicines work after they're reformulated. I guess as inconvenient as it is....I'd rather have to go show my driver's licence to get OTC meds than to not know if something that has always worked so well, wont work as well anymore.

It's really awful that there are people out there that are making this a problem at all. SUCH STUPIDITY!

Damn That Tiger!

Having a 2 1/2 year old is pretty difficult. Obviously, there are the terrible 2's, which I hear turn in to the terrorific 3's and I am SO not looking forward to that!! But, what I mean by difficult is that it's hard to know how to treat the little person before you. Is he a baby? Or is he a kid?

I know this sounds confusing, but let me explain. Punk is 2 1/2 and I see him as a baby. Yes he can talk and walk and feed himself. But he's just learning so much new stuff that when he remembers something that happened months ago or says something like, "I told you that!" when I ask him where something is and it's really where he told me, I get so taken aback!

He's definitely turning into a little kid...

But what happened the other day, I so did not expect for at least a couple more years. My son has been overtaken by consumerism! OH that's right. I really didn't think that would happen for awhile. I mean, he knows that he likes chicken nuggets. So sometimes when I ask him what he wants for lunch he'll request them. I know that he wants McDonalds, because that's the only time get gets chicken nuggets, but he hasn't caught on to that yet.

But the other day while grocery shopping I let him walk beside me for the first time. We went to Walmart and the only carts they have for multiple children are those stupid blue 2 seater things and Twinkletoes is too small for that yet. I prefer shopping at Kroger because they have the 2 seater plastic car attatched to the front end of the cart and then the basket part fits 2...that right, 2 kids!! I told my husband that we can have 2 more kids because Kroger can accomdate them while I have them in tow!!

Wow, I got WAY off subject! Anyway, Punk was walking beside me and of course he was drawn to the stuff on the shelves. At first he just wanted to help me put things in the cart...but that quickly changed!! Next thing I know he is actually screaming about what he wants to put in the cart. Here are some examples:

Danimals "drinkable" yogurt (has pictures of monkey's on it)
Scooby Doo Kraft Mac n' Cheese (pictures of Scooby Doo)
Kelloggs Frosted Flakes (BIG picture of Tony the Tiger!)

Not once did he choose something that wasn't geared towards kids. Well, except the head of broccoli that he picked up and licked and I HAD to buy after that!! But broccoli is his favorite veggie so that explains that!

I was just horrified. I thought he was too young for things like that. He's just a baby!! Baby's aren't supposed to be able to notice these kinds of things!! I didn't expect him to be throwing the Lucky Charms into the cart until he was at least 4!!!! AAHHH!!!

By the way, I'm going to go broke with this kid helping with the shopping. I bought all of the above listed products that he threw in the cart(they just looked so good!!).

Country Living

First off, I'm back! Thank you for the emails while I was gone! Our move went pretty smoothly and it's so nice to finally start getting back into a routine again. Everything is pretty much unpacked. The kids' room's boxes and my Ebay things are the only boxes left to unpack. Woo Hoo!!

Living in the country is so nice! There's just this total sense of calm. (Although, as I'm typing this Punk is screaming and throwing himself on the floor because he wants Twinkletoes to wake up and I wont let him go upstairs to wake her!)

I dont know what it is. Maybe the fresh air or the cows? But I just am feeling completely at peace here, and very homemakerish. Yeah that's right, homemakerISH! I made it up...so what?

Since we've moved in there hasn't been a dirty dish in the sink(because I wash them, not because we're eating off paper plates!). I've kept up with the laundry! Huge GASP from my family...I am always about 4 loads behind! I've made dinner every single night without complaining. I've quit smoking! And I even took the kid's to church on Sunday. Something I haven't done for months! W couldn't go because his other kids were here...but he'll be joining us again next week. This is just the best I've felt for so long!

I dont know if it's in my blood because my mom grew up on a farm and I spent my summers on that farm with my Grandma. Or if it's just the total peace you get from fresh air, open spaces, and star-filled skys. But I am a whole new person here. And I LOVE it!

I Have Proof!

I've been busy with all the packing preparing us for our move. After packing up the living room the other day, I looked a round feeling such a sense of accomplishment. Then I glanced at our fireplace mantle.

This had been the focal point of the living room. I kept a framed wedding picture with the frame matting that all of our wedding guests had signed. There was a shadow box with our wedding invitation in it that a friend had made for us. And our champagne flutes. It may seem silly to display all of that, but they're so simple and elegant and I hated to box them up!

So, glancing at the mantle I was completely taken aback. My beautiful wedding decorations, symbolizing our marriage and commitment to each other, was replaced by this:




I now feel like I'm living in a Frat House! Yes, that's Jegermeister. Yes, its my husband's. I TOLD you he wasn't helping me!!!

Meet Erin!

Today is not about me. Today's post is all about, Erin, at Its MY Life. She's my new renter, and I hope all of you go over and visit her.

I've never seen her blog before, but I really like it!! I just spent the last 20 minutes or so reading all of her entries that weren't archived yet. She's very interesting and tells it how it is!! I admire that in a blogger.

So, head over there!! Tell her I sent you! You dont want to miss her!

W? W? Where Are the Boxes?

This is moving week, and there is just so much to do! Its definitely is not helping that W does not want to help me. He had the nerve to tell me on Sunday while he was watching football and I was packing Twinkletoes's room that there just wasn't much to do, so he was just going to watch the game.

HUH? Not much to do!?

I've packed the living room(sorta) , dining room and now Twinkletoes's room. Every other room in the house needs packed and that was our last weekend home together to do anything. Saturday was consumed by Twinkletoes's birthday party, but all day Sunday was supposed to be packing. Oh that man makes me so mad!

He also could have called to get our phone/internet/satellite services set up, but did he? Nope. I did it yesterday.

Moving sucks, and it's getting worse. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, on top of having this house to pack, I need to be at the new house to paint the bathroom, tear down the border in the living room and put up the new one, and clean the whole place to my liking. Where's W going to be? Work. Will he leave one hour early those days to help me? No.

I got my revenge though...I found a border that I LOVED for the living room and bought it. It cost almost $100! He about had a heart attack, but a little crying and voila...I get to keep my border!

We Will Never Forget

Robert T. Lane, 28 years old
Engine 55, New York City Fire Department

Died in the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001.







These comments about Robert were left on the Victims of 9/11 site. I wanted to share them with you.

ROBERT WAS A VERY FINE PERSON. I HAVE KNPWN ROBERT AND HIS FAMILY FOR OVER 30 YEARS. I WANT TO EXTEND MY VERY DEEPEST CONDOLENCES TO ROBERT'S FAMILY, DICKIE, JANET, SUZANNE AND JASON, PLEASE ACCEPT MY SINCERE SORROW TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.

IVE ONLY RECENTLY DISCOVERED THAT ROB WAS A VICTIM OF 9-11. MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS GO OUT TO HIM AND HIS WHOLE FAMILY. GOD BLESS


My prayers and love are with Robs family and friends...just know that Rob was a wonderful person who shared much love and laughter with everyone he met.

Rob was so loved by his family and friends. I miss his bright smile and laugh. I consider myself so lucky to have been friends with such a special person. I will never forget him, or the great times we shared.

I just want you to know that you are always in my thoughts. I love you all very much and miss Robert dearly. He is always in my heart, as are all of you. I will forever cherish the wonderful times that we all shared growing up.


Robert T. Lane is a HERO. He made the ultimate sacrifice on September 11. I am sure he will be remembered by his family... and that his family and friends are very proud of him. I send my love to the Lane family, and hope that you find some comfort from this. God gave Robert a wonderful gift that day.... He gave him wings....

I miss you and love you too evn though i dnno you that well you wored with my grandpa and i now hes with yo now!

bobby i miss you so much, i really wish you were here right now cause ever since you left me here i've been so lost, so so lost, and i cant seem to find myself without you here, its been so hard these last 5 years to wake up and breathe without it hurting knowing that my best friend is never coming home, so bobby you are missed and loved and please find some way again to show me your still near me...

To Robert and all of the 9/11 victims. You will never be forgotten. Never. May you all rest in peace. You are truly angels. And to Robert, for dying a hero. A very special angel indeed!

Visit 2,996 to read about the rest of the 2,995 vicims of that fateful day.

Preschool

When it comes to preschool, I SO do not want to send my kids! Around here for one year, it's close to $700! I dont know if that's high or low compared to other places in the country, but it sure is HIGH for me!! I could not imagine spending that kind of money!

I know that Preschool is important. I know this. But I really think it's something that should be decided upon on a kid-by-kid basis. For instance, Punk. Punk does not need preschool. He is already ahead of the game on things that he'd learn there. He knows all of his letters. All of his numbers, 1-10. He can count(most of the time!). And he's learning the ABC song. He can sing his own version of Twinkle, Twinkle and Row, Row, Row Your Boat. He's also very social with other kids. I'm going to enroll him in the ABC Swim Gym program at the YMCA just for fun. But I'm not going to pay $700/yr. for preschool.

Now, Twinkletoes? Twinkletoes is just one, but she may end up needing preschool. She's not as advanced as Punk always was. But I'll make that decision when she's older!

I know that Valerie just enrolled her little one in preschool. And my next door neighbor's son had his first day of preschool yesterday. She, like me, did not want to send him. He's very smart like Punk, and is definitely NOT lacking in social skills. But, her husband insisted that she enroll him. Well....she waited until the very beginning of summer to call. Right at the time when they are booked and you get put on a waiting list.

I remember about a month ago her laughing and me about it because it kept her husband off her back, but she would not have to send her little one or pay the money. I guess the joke was on her....last Monday they called and said he could start right away! Oh was she sad. But, yesterday when I talked to her, she was delighted! She had had THREE WHOLE HOURS to herself!! I was jealous!! And it worked out perfectly for her.

I'm still not going to enroll Punk, but I am jealous of those of you who get a few hours to yourself. I guess I have to wait for Kindergarten. But that's okay...at least it wont put me in debt...right!?

Punk's Version Of:

Twinkle, Twinkle

Twinkle, up side diamonds.
In the sky.
Twinkle, twinkle, twinkle...
Where you ARRRREEE!

Row, Row, Row Your Boat

Row, row, row, row yur boat.
Row down stream
merrilymerrilymerrily (insert a bunch of head shaking back and forth)
Where you ARRREEE!

Yeah, I know they both end in "Where you ARRREEE!" But, it's so darn cute, I dont want to correct him!!

My Interview!

Click on the image to read my interview at "5 Minutes for Mom".

Wondering what the fuss about 5 Minutes for Mom is all about? Check it out. It's a blog for moms run by twin sisters who are helping mom blogs and mom-owned stores take over the Net! With their experience running a retro pedal cars and collectibles store and a childrens furniture store they've learned how hard it is for moms to get their sites noticed. They're encouraging moms to shop with moms and to make it nice and easy, they've created a directory of mom-run sites.

We're Gonna Win!!!

Today'd be da day!! What day is that do you ask!? The kickoff of OHIO STATE FOOTBALL!!!!! WOOO HOOO!!!

(If you're a Michigan fan, please quietly exit out the side door!)

I bought a new necklace for the occasion:



Punk got dressed in his OSU jersey his PaPaw(my dad) bought him before he had even turned one. Its a size 6...he'll be wearing it for many games to come!



I even hung my flag in the garden. Stood outside in the rain, I did, I did!!



My husband had better be in his OSU garb, but I haven't seen him yet(he's still at work).

The kids and I are headed to Walmart here in a few minute to buy Twinkletoes an outfit...she outgrew hers from last year.

Oh yeah, baby! Can't wait for KICKOFF!! Is it 3:30 yet!?

Perfect Post: August

This is my first time presenting a Perfect Post Award! I've enjoyed reading every month over at Momma K's and Lindsey's. Finally, I got up the courage to join as a presenter. It was just as tough as I'd imagined it'd be. There are just too many good posts out there!!

This is the one that stuck out to me. The Queen of Spain has decided to stand up for mommy's everywhere and our habit of dropping the F-bomb, and some of the other swear words that we may let slip out(Hayden's picked up on "Oh Dammit!" and YES, it was MY fault. Just ask my husband, he wont let me forget it!).

I couldn't have agreed with this post more and it sure was fun to read! Definitely the reason why I love her blog so much!

So go over and read:

The Post Where I Cuss, But Only For Emphasis

...and see why I awarded this post my Perfect Post for August!!