A Hairy Situation

Yep she did it. Madison found the scissors. This past Monday after "holding it" for much too long I ran to the bathroom. The baby was asleep in her swing and Madison was playing with her doll house. I honestly thought I was good to go for 30 seconds or so. Guess not 'cause about 20 seconds later Madison bounded into the bathroom holding her safety scissors announcing "I'm just like Aunt Michelle!". Luckily my brother's fiance "Aunt Michelle" who happens to be a hair dresser was free Monday night to come and attempt to salvage what she could of Madison's hair. Except for a few super short pieces on Madison's left side of her head it looks like the cut was done by choice and I think it came out absolutely adorable. Madison was a trooper during her first major hair cut (only a few trims 'til now) and I think she got the point that only grown ups who know how to cut hair will cut her hair from now on! A little apprehensive.
Happy now but she reminds me of Cindy Lou Who!



My cute little pixie girl!

Did You See It?

I just finished watching Barack Obama's "infomercial". I was just wondering if anyone else saw it and what your opinions were of it.
Regardless of how I feel towards one candidate or another I think that the money spent for this 1/2 hour prime time slot was insane. Wasn't there any better way to spend the money?

Wordless Wednesday

Story To Follow

Not Me! Monday

Be sure to check out MckMama and her crew at My Charming Kids. After all she is the brains behind Not Me! Monday!


I did not allow Madison to disassemble a garbage bound flower arrangement all over the kitchen just so I could have a few minutes of peace and quiet.

I did not take one look at my hair and go the baseball cap route just so I could get out and go food shopping before all of the seniors (the majority of the population in my area) hit the food store.

I did not get up super early on a Sunday morning to have some quiet, grown up tv time and then get just a little annoyed when my hubby woke up and interrupted my quiet time. This was not a problem at all because I love to talk first think in the morning. Wink!

I am not at my wits end with breastfeeding because my supply has gone so low. I am not trying everything in the book to bring it back and I am certainly not ready to give up but can't because I simply can't let go!

I would never place the Halloween costumes in a nice, safe, out of the way location in order to keep them fresh and new looking for Halloween and then forgot where that place was.

Upon not finding that location I would also not discover two brand new serving platters, a cake server and cheese knives that I did not forget I was given last Christmas.

I did not wake up to a handful of urine from my 3 year old at 4:30 this morning because she was not sleeping in our bed with my arm around her.

I also did not seriously contemplate just letting the wet sheets and child stew for awhile until she woke up just to get a few more zzz's before trying to change everything without waking everyone. (Thank goodness for waterproof mattress pads)

When the attempt to keep everyone asleep failed I did not allow to let that same little girl drink milk and watch t.v. in my bed so I could at least sleep for another few minutes.

Bass Fishing in Chile?

Nope they are Trout Fishing in America and this family is hooked! Several months ago while driving to school/work Madison and I were listening Kid Stuff on Sirius and a song called "Alien In My Nose" came on by Trout Fishing in America. It was just about the funniest/grossest song that I had ever heard. It was about a kid who thought there was and alien in his nose and he was going to do whatever it took to save the world from this little green, slimy guy. Any guesses to what the "alien" really was? Yep you got it!

Recently we were lucky enough to receive a copy of their cd Big Round World and we love it. Not only did the three-time Grammy nominee team of Keith Grimwood and Ezra Idlet come up with catchy tunes but the songs are funny while sending a message. Well most of them anyway some of them are just plain fun! My personal favorite is "When You Get Dressed" which if you read my christening post about certain people not knowing how to dress for certain occasions you'd know why that hit home with me! Madison's favorite however was "Curse of the Spinach". Whenever someone comes over she insists that they listen to this song so they can learn why spinach is so yucky.

You can count on us going to see them if they are ever in concert in our area. For now though we'll just keep listening to their cd's or downloaded tunes from their site. Oh and by the way if you purchase cd's directly from Trout Fishing in America they will autograph them free of charge! How cool is that?

Have you seen this?

Just wondering if anyone has seen this. The first time I watched it I just sat there in disbelief. It is pretty funny but then again I'm not the bride or the best man's wife! Enjoy!

Wordless Wednesday

More fun than any child (or adult) should be allowed to have in their backyard!

Tasty Tuesday

I mentioned yesterday that I made some delectable muffins over the weekend. I can't keep the recipe to myself so I thought I'd share it today. After eating an awesome Starbuck's Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffin last weekend I decided to come home and recreate the nasty goodness in my kitchen. Luckily there were lots of other people with the same idea who already made a similar recipe and posted it online/ So I borrowed their recipes, tweaked two minor details and came up with the recipe below. Enjoy

Almost Like Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

3 cups flour
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp nutmeg
1 tsp ground cloves
4 tsp pumpkin spice
pinch of cardamon (optional)
2 1/2 tsp vanilla ( I use Mexican vanilla because the taste is unbeatable but anyone will do)
1 tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda
4 eggs
2 1/4 cups sugar
1 1/4 cu vegetable oil
8 oz. package cream cheese
chopped nuts or seeds (walnuts, pecans, pumpkin seeds) (optional)

Preheat oven to 350. Beat together cream cheese, 1 tsp. vanilla and 1/4 cup sugar. Place mixture on foil or plastic wrap and roll using the wrap into a log. Place log in the freezer while making the muffin batter for up to an hour.

Mix together the rest of the ingredients except nuts or seeds. Fill greased or lined muffin cups half way. Cut cream cheese log into equal sized pieces (enough so that you have one per muffin). Press piece of cream cheese filling into center of each muffin. Sprinkle muffins with nuts or seeds (optional). Bake at 350 for 20-25 minutes until toothpick comes out of muffin (not cream cheese) clean. Let cool in pans for 5 minute, remove and cool completely on baking rack. Do not touch cream cheese! It is very hot!
Makes 24 muffins

Not Me Monday!

Well here is my third installment of "Not Me Monday". Make sure to check out MckMama at My Charming Kids. Her Not Me's are always the best and she was the brains behind this crazy new obsession of mine!

I did not look at Stella and get a little sad that she is growing so fast and then secretly wish to start trying for #3.

I did not take that wish back when I walked into Madison's bedroom and caught her giving herself blue highlights.

I did not shrug off the highlights and allow my daughter to go to gymnastics with blue streaked hair rather than bathe her immediately.

I did not start to laugh when I squeezed my lemon for my water at a restaurant and it got in Madison's eyes. The scene did not instantly remind me of an episode of Seinfeld rather than my daughter's discomfort.

I did not make the most delicious muffins over the weekend and then count them this morning wondering where the heck most of them had gone. (check out Tasty Tuesday tomorrow for the recipe)

I did not then comfort myself by thinking, "Wow, Justin and my brother must have eaten way more than I thought"

I did not already start next week's Not Me's in order to not forget everything that happens in the course of a week!

One of My Favorite Things

When I was pregnant with Madison one of my concerns (one of the only ones not really about the baby) was that she would be taking over my home. This was back in the day when we would come home from work and everything was where it had been when we left. It was when the cleaning lady came at some point during the week and did the little cleaning we needed done and we were good for another week. The home where breakables didn't need to be up high!

Part of wanting to keep a little of this meant searching high and low for baby gear that blended well into our home but was still of the best quality for our baby. After searching and searching we opted for more baby friendly gear over what looked good. I'm so excited to say that has changed this time around with Stella! Fisher Price just introduced their new Zen Collection and it is not only gorgeous but baby friendly too! We were lucky enough to be given the Fisher Price Zen Collection high chair and I loooooooooove it! As soon as anyone comes into my home it is the first thing I have to show them. Well not so much show as have them look into the dining room and make them play spot the baby gear. Guess what? It actually takes a moment or two 'cause this baby chair is more like a beautiful piece of furniture than baby gear that screams baby! The earth tone fabrics paired up with the rich wood accents are absolutely beautiful!

Oh and besides being fashionable it is baby friendly. The seat reclines into three positions which is a huge hit hear because Stella is now able to hang at the dinner table instead of in a bouncy seat or swing away from us. To add to your little one's comfort there is also a newborn insert and pillow. It also has easy clean pads which makes clean up a breeze and a dishwasher safe tray to minimize germs! What more can you ask for in a high chair? How about more gear in the same collection? Well if you are one of the mommies that wants everything to match there is also a bassinet, cradle swing and bouncy seat in the Zen Collection. If only I was starting over and needed all new gear. A girl can dream can't she?

Wordless Wednesday

Moving On...or at least trying to!

I've been debating whether or not to post this post for a couple of days now. For the most part I try to keep my blog up beat and fun but I really think like my family has been robbed of a time we can't get back and I think blogging about it may help me to forgive, forget and move on.

So here it goes. Sunday was Stella's christening. We were asked that all of our relatives that would be attending church arrive 1/2 an hour early. I also want to preface by saying that I whole heatedly believe that people can worship God wherever, whenever and dressed however they please. There is a time and a place however where the way that you act and how you dress does matter.

Certain people not only arrived late dressed in jeans, shorts and baseball caps in the sanctuary, they also chose to walk in front of the whole congregation rather than quietly sitting in the back. As if that was not bad enough these same 7 people talked, laughed and carried on during the service!!!!!!! While we were up at the altar having Stella baptized Madison sat by them. Several times Justin and I turned to shush her after we sat down but no one got the hint. Finally Justin turned around and pulled her back to our pew because we did not want her getting the idea that she could act like this in church. She settled right down but the others continued on. Instead of listening to the sermon and taking in the day I was consumed with hoe obnoxious these family members were being. I also believe that their behavior affected the quality of our family photos because instead of being the relaxed happy family we generally are Justin and I were so furious that we posed for a few shots but really just wanted to get home. Hence the reason why we are standing so far apart and completely fake smiling.

I'm really trying to be a better person and let the whole situation blow over. After all it is over a christening so what kind of good Christian example would I be showing my girls if I just let this consume me? I'm just not sure if I have it in me to get over what is yet another example of certain people's ignorance.

One of the better shots. At least my hair looks good!

Not Me Monday!

The christening was great. Stella was her perfect little self and we had the best weather we could have possibly asked for! Pics to come I promise! Everyone is asleep in the house right now so here it goes....

I did not spend hours this week obsessing over what type of hair cut to get.

Once receiving said hair cut I did not fall in love with it, stair in the rear view mirror the whole drive home and almost rear end the person in front of me. That would have made me a very irresponsible driver!

I did not go food shopping at the crack of dawn Saturday morning only to realize I had no form of paying for the food with me! That would have been mortifying!

I did not secretly look around at all the baby 's being baptized and think mine was the most beautiful baby. That would have been very un Christian like and well just WRONG!

I did not bribe my 3 year old with bubble gum just to get her to take her allergy medicine. I don't believe in bribery and bubble gum rots out kids' teeth!

I did not go completely overboard on food for Stella's christening and now have way more than I know what to do with.

I did not flip out on my husband who I asked to get plates and forks for the cake at the party when five minutes later he was not back because he was sitting down next to the forks and plates eating a HUGE plate of food. That would have been embarrassing and I would never let guests in my home see my temper!

I did not allow Madison to play in the Moon Bounce all day and only eat what she wanted if she wanted. Good parents make their children eat 3 healthy meals plus snacks every day no matter what the circumstances!

I would never, ever, ever leave my back yard upside down after a party, turn off the lights and say I'll deal with it tomorrow. That would make me a procrastinator and I most certainly am not one of those!

I know there are many more things that I did not do this week but Stella just woke up so it is time to go! Have a great day!!!

Good Morning!

Today is Stella's christening so we have been way busy around here getting ready for the party. Sorry I haven't posted my new do pics but it is short and Fabulous (imagine the fabulous part being said y a way flamboyant gay man 'cause that is what I hear in my head. I'll catch up later.


Tracy

I Had A Bad Dream Mommy

3:00 a.m.

Madison: (sobbing) I had a bad dream Mommy.
Me: (half asleep and very groggy) What was it about Sweety?
Madison: The mean man came and cut off all of your hair. You didn't look like me anymore.
Me: You are safe. There are no mean men here and no matter what my hair looks like everyone will always know you are my little girl (even if no one ever thinks you look anything like me).
Madison: Please don't ever cut your hair Mommy!
Me: Madison can we talk about this in the morning?
Madison: Um, okay if I can get in your bed. Is that a deal?
Me: That's a deal!

It is now 6:30 a.m. and I have to talk to Madison about haircuts and how my hair will grow back and change is good and yada, yada, yada. I only briefly mentioned to Justin last night that I was getting my haircut today and Madison was nowhere in sight. Kids really do hear and take in everything even when you don't think they are listening. I'm debating whether or not to do the big chop because I think she'll be really upset but at the same time this is just one small change in a life full of changes. Ahhhhhhhhh remember the days when I could do what I wanted with my hair? I wouldn't try and get them back for anything!

Time For A Change

I'm one of those people who is rarely satisfied with their hair. I'm always either trying to grow it out or sick of it and ready to make a drastic change. Well I'm feeling that change coming on. I just got off the phone with my hair dresser and I have a 1:30 p.m. appointment for tomorrow.

My hair is pretty long right now and I think I may have enough for a Locks of Love donation. If so this will be my third time donating to one of my favorite organizations. If you don't know who or what it is, it is public non-profit organization that provides hairpieces to financially disadvantaged children in the United States and Canada under age 18 suffering from long-term medical hair loss from any diagnosis. How cool is that?

Now that you know where my cut off hair is going to do let's talk new styles for the hair that will be left. I've narrowed my choices down to three from The Hair Styler. Check them out and vote on which one you like the best. I'll be sure to post a pic of the new do as soon as I get it. Thanks for your help

The Style that didn't make the cut (pun was totally intended)!

New Tunes for Kids

We are a music loving family. Problem is the music our sweet little 3 year likes is not exactly what we enjoy. Any sane adult can only listen to "Hot Potato" about a million times before being ready to snap! I'm so excited because I think I found the solution! Putumayo Kids has music from all around the world that is even enjoyable for adults to listen to!

Putumayo Kids most recent release is Sesame Street Playground. It is the first globally distributed Sesame Workshop audio cd! This cd has been a huge hit in our home! Several of the songs that we know in love are in English but there are many tunes in different languages from other countries that have either Sesame Street or a slightly different version of it. It is so much fun to listen to a tune you recognize in a different language. Madison's personal favorite is "Zhima Jie" in Chinese better known to us as "Rubber Duckie".

Some other great new releases from Putumayo Kids are their "Hawaiian Playground" and "African Playground" cd's which both have free downloads for teachers on the website. There are also some interesting educational kits that can be purchased. I'm a huge fan of this because it is not always easy to incorporate music in everyday teaching but Putumayo Kids has already done the hard part!

I really can't say enough about how much I love Putumayo Kids!

Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!

I was planning on posting about children's sleep habits and how I think I've seriously messed up my first born w/ co-sleeping and all that good stuff. Lucky for me Danielle over at New Mommy Rant is having the same trouble with little E. and did just about the same post. This leaves me free to rant about my latest gripe. I've always made Madison's Halloween costumes myself but Between Stella and just going back to work I really wasn't up to it. She fell in LOVE with an adorable witch costume at Children's Place. I was really reasonably priced so I broke down and bought it. The costume fits perfectly unfortunately the hat is Waaaaaaaay to small. I'm not talking a little snug hear, I mean small to the point that it pops off Madison's melon every time I put it on.

No big deal I thought, I'll just email the company and let them know the situation. I'm sure they will help after all had the hat and costume been sold separately I'd be happy to return the hat and buy a larger size. This not being the case I'm sure they'll be willing to help out. NOPE! I got an email back from them basically saying "Sorry your stuck because the two pieces are sold together. We'll let the manufacturer know." They are sol together? Really? I hadn't noticed. Wait a minute I did notice and even included that statement in my email when I asked for help because I could not return just the hat! The company also recommended that I return the whole costume and buy a larger size. Great! Then I'd have a perfectly fitting hat and a huge costume. Needless to say I'm not at all happy with The Children's Place right now and I will not be doing any more shopping there unless they make good on this situation. How do I explain to a 3 year old that she can't wear her witch's hat (that she loves) for Halloween 'cause her melon is too big?

Swingin' in the Breeze!

... well actually the living room!

I was recently asked to be a part of a program hosted by MomSelect and Fisher Price in which I (Stella) got to test out the new Fisher-Price® My Little Lamb™ Cradle ‘n Swing.

I just have to tell you that it is a huge hit in this house and by far Stella's favorite napping location! The cradle swing has a huge, super plush and cozy papasan seat that can either sit upright or recline for newborns. It also has a toy tray for when Stella is a little older. For now she just loves to lay back and watch the adorable mobile while she gets rocked to sleep. I also love that the swing can be used in three different positions because sometimes what works to calm a baby one day may not work the next! It is always good to be able to change things up a bit.

Anyway thanks so much to MomSelect and Fischer Price for this opportunity. Also if you think you may interested in being a product tester whether or not you have your own blog check out MomSelect to see how you can join their list of mommys!

Wordless Wednesday