Sammy's Jammies Junction: A 3rd Birthday Party with Trains & Pajamas

I finally have the photos from Lil Mootz's 3rd birthday to share!!

I know I say this every year, but holy cow! Can you believe he's 3 already?!  I feel like just yesterday we were here: Stonewall and (Army)Wife Plus One.  Now I have a little boy running around!  Where, oh, where does the time go?

Anyway...

If you want to see the photos from his party head on over to the Pip Events blog where I have all the details posted.

Today I Will Be...

This hangs on my wall in my Pip Events workroom.  Some days I don't feel like designing or printing or cutting or dealing with customers because I had a bad day at work or life is just sucky at the moment.  This sign inspires me to just dig in because no matter how I felt when I started, when I'm finished I always feel happier.

Pip Events is my french fry.

It's My Party and I'll Misbehave If I Want To

I think my kid is in danger of becoming "that kid."  You know, the one no one really wants to invite to birthday parties.  I hate to say that because he's my kid and he is only three, but we've had some pretty bad birthday party experiences of late.

First, there was his cousin's first birthday party about a year ago.  It went something like this:

• Parents congregating in the living room and kitchen eating, chatting, etc. etc.
• Kids playing outside.
• Kids running inside screaming their heads off about poop.
• One parent saying, "There's a little boy outside with a poopy diaper around his ankles."
• Me, mortified, as I realize that's my child.
• Children still freaking out and parents doing nothing to calm them down, but rather urging the situation on.
• Me, getting Lil Mootz and carrying him inside, bare poopy ass in everyones' faces.    

(Okay, I'll admit...I was more pissed by the adults' reactions to this situation than by Lil Mootz's peep show.  Like a 2 year old with a poopy diaper around his ankles is freakishly rare.  I did my best to shove his poopy butt in as many faces as I made my way through the crowded kitchen to the bathroom.)

Then, it was his party at the beginning of February.  As all the kids were sitting down to eat their cake, Lil Mootz decided to throw a major tantrum by throwing his cake on the floor.  This wouldn't have been so bad except everyone, all 30 invitees, were crowded around the table singing "Happy Birthday."  Not only did they witness Lil Mootz's tantrum, but they also witnessed my piss poor attempt at getting him to settle down.  Let me tell ya, there's nothing like 60 pairs of eyes to make you feel like no matter how you choose to discipline your child someone will be judging you and your failure as a parent.

And finally, just the other weekend he made the birthday boy cry...twice.  Once more we were all gathered around for the birthday cake.  Halfway through the song I watched as Lil Mootz leaned over and blew out the candles.  If you have a moment that is more mortifying than watching your kid blow out the birthday candles that do not belong to him mid-song, having the birthday boy start crying, and then having the parents stare you down as you apologize profusely...please, share it with me to make me feel better.

Like I mentioned, he made the birthday boy cry twice.  As we were saying goodbye, Lil Mootz tried to give a hug to D., but when D. said no, Lil Mootz pushed him down.  The tears once again started flowing and by this point I was so apologized out I just grabbed my kid and ran.

I did manage to track down the birthday boy's mom right before we left to thank her and once again apologize.  She tried to be all gracious about it, but I could just tell she was not too terribly thrilled with my kid's behavior.

Do your kids have any mortifying birthday party moments that made you want to hide under the table?

This Valentine's Day Card Is For You!

To my hubby...

 
;)


To Carsley...

In case we both end up divorced or widowed, I'd like to keep my options open.


To those who have married and loved me, my mom, and sister...

And to my loveliest of lovely readers...

Happy Valentine's Day, folks!  I hope you get shot by a little naked baby with wings.

When Is a Marine (& Others) Not a Marine (or Others)?

Well, I couldn't resist jumping on this bandwagon...

Apparently, some Army wife from her own little world published a post stating that National Guardsmen are not "real" soldiers, wives of NG soldiers are not "real" Army wives, etc, etc, blah blah blah.  It's causing quite the stir.  (Update: Her blog has been removed and a public apology from the commander of a Vermont-based Army recruiting station has been issued.)

Sound familiar?

Yep, I had this discussion with another "real" Army wife a few years ago and it caused words to fly across the blogosphere. (I'm sorta curious if she still shares the same opinion and if she'd have the balls to post it again, ha!)  I didn't post much about the discussion at the time, but I did post this originally on Memorial Day of 2009: Honoring the Sacrifices.  And of course, my favorite post of all time: National Guard: (Insert Joke Here)

I would like to point out two other things though that seem to get missed quite frequently in this discussion.

1.  If Army National Guardsmen are not soldiers, but are simply Guardsmen, then by the same token Army Reservists are also not soldiers, but are in fact Reservists.  Correct me if I'm wrong, but that follows the same logic.

So then that would also mean that those serving in the Navy Reserves are not Navymen, but Reservists, Air National Guard and Air Force Reserves are not Airmen, but Guardsmen and Reservists, Coast Guard Reserves are not Coast Guardsmen, but Reservists and...wait for it...those in the Marine Corp Reserves are not Marines they're simply Reservists.


Stings a little bit when another military spouse takes away the name you've worked your whole career for, huh?  Now throw in, "No offense, but Reservists just don't do as much as active duty to be considered Marines."  I'm guessing the dander is going up.  It seems that this way of thinking doesn't stop at National Guard soldiers, but extends to the entire military community.

2.  And the most obvious sign of all of whether or not those in the National Guard are in fact soldiers, regardless of how many NG spouses argue out the wahzoo that those in the NG are soldiers and we are "real" Army wives...


A search on the Department of Defense's website of the phrase "National Guard soldier" brings up 241 articles that include that phrase.  These articles include:


"..., an Army Commendation Medal for a National Guard soldier from Georgia..."
   "...a National Guard Soldier contributing to a CENTCOM..."
      "...The 21-year-old Iowa Army National Guard soldier discovered..."
         "...An Indiana National Guard soldier escorts an Afghan..."
            "...A Texas National Guard soldier receiving treatment..."
               "... A Pennsylvania National Guard soldier here can be doubly proud..."


I'm not seeing an article that says, "Oh, by the way, we've been wrong to use the term soldier in reference to National Guard."


I'm sure you see where I'm going with this, but if not, let me spell it out for you.  If the DoD calls them "National Guard soldiers" then *gasp* they must be soldiers.  I could be totally off base with this assumption, but I'm assuming the DoD knows what the proper names would be for it's personnel.  Shot in the dark on my part, but there it is.


Now just to do a little inappropriate rant because I want you to know how I really feel...


For those of you who say any of the following or any version thereof:


1. National Guardsmen are NOT soldiers.
2. When NG soldiers are not serving their one time a month and two weeks during the summer, they have a "normal" life.
3. NG soldiers are "lucky" because they get to work a "normal" 9-5 job.
4. NG soldiers don't sacrifice as much because they don't deploy as much.
5. NG soldiers don't work as hard or train as hard as active duty soldier.
6. NG soldiers need to "learn their role" because of numbers 1 through 5.


And then add, "But I totally respect NG.  You all serve our country, just in a different way." Followed by more pretty sounding bullsh*t...


To you I say...

...And a lot of pretty bullsh*t to try and make you feel just a little less worse about yourself.

What Did the Daddy Tomato Say to the Baby Tomato?

So let's "ketchup", shall we?

1. Stonewall and I separated, we got back together, we went to an intense couples workshop, and we're doing better than ever. Yay!

2.  I turned 30 and it rocks.  Don't you know, darlings?  30 is the new awesome.

3.  That couples workshop I mentioned.  Ah-mah-zing.  Life changing.  More on it later it was that good.

4.  Lil Mootz turned 3.  3!! As in, holy shit my kid is 3!  Yeah, I don't know where the time went either.

5.  Unless you're blind or have never been here before (totally awesome that you have a machine that can read my blog to you and welcome! You'll love it here!), you can see the blog has once again changed names and designs.  I like change.

6.  We got a new dog.  He's 15 pounds of rat terrier and Pomeranian.  He's a little menace, but super adorable.

7.  We got a new purple bed.  Yes, I said purple.  Yes, it is the most awesome thing you will ever see once I post pics.

8.  Pip Events is doing mighty fine.  We're working on making new products, including printable options.  It's a slow process with full-time jobs and families, but, much like the turtle, slow and steady is the way to go.

9.  Stonewall got a new job.  He's back to being a "Weekend Warrior" (whatever the hell that means because they tend to keep him for longer periods than just a weekend), and is already making heads turns at PPL.

10.  Lil Mootz speaks full sentences now.  This is a whole new world of hilarious. 
    
     Lil Mootz: She's hot, mommy.
     Me: What?
     Lil Mootz: Tinker Bell's hot.

And she is.  She's so damn cute even a then 2 year old noticed. 

There have been so many changes more around here...medical, emotional, decorating, traveling...seriously a lot happens in nine months.  So, stay tuned and we'll get all caught up and be friends again :)

How are all of you doing?  Any super big announcements I missed...marriage, baby, new business, lottery winner?   

I'm Getting the Itchies...

To write...blog...again.

Every where else is itch free.  Don't worry I'm not going to dump TMI on you like that after how many months of no contact.

"It's Me..." thank you for your comment :)

It's Mupp-tastic!

In case you've been living under a rock...or in a swamp...you know what totally awesome movie is in theaters everywhere starting tomorrow?!

Okay, well, if you don't know here's a hint...




And because I can't decide which hint I like better, here's another one...



That's right! The Muppets are back!!

And I got to see it already :)  Don't hate though.  You'll get your chance starting tomorrow.

The movie is truly mupp-tastic.  The whole gang is back, Kermit, Miss Piggy, Fozzy, Beaker, Animal and on and on.  Plus, there's a new muppet, Walter, who is super cute..  Throw in Jason Segel, Amy Adams, Chris Cooper, and a whole slew of other famous faces, plus the classic Muppet humor and songs and you've got a Muppet experience that can't be beat.

Don't you hate when you see a movie and it turns out all the funny parts were in the trailer?  Me too.  This isn't like that.  The Muppets are smart like that.  They saved the funnier parts for the movie.  My favorite part was the song, "Man or Muppet."  If you go for no other reason, go to see Jason Segel as a muppet.  That song is totally worth the $9.00 movie ticket.  But if you need a bit more enticement, go to see the robot...or the toilet factory...or the Moopets...or the maniacal laugh...or the rap scene...or mahna mahna...or, hell, just go see it.   

It was like a two hour muppet sundae drizzled with hot fudge and tears-running-down-my-face laughter, topped with rainbow sprinkles, whipped cream, and a Miss Piggy on top. And only one spoon so you don't have to share. Oh yeah, the Muppets were that good.

So tell me, are you going to see The Muppets in theater?

Thank you, Veterans & A Giveaway

On this very unique Veterans Day, 11.11.11, I want to send out a very big THANK YOU to all our veterans for your service, your sacrifice, and your courage.

I have a few things to share with you all today.  There's a guest post, a book review, and a giveaway.  So hunker down and start reading.

Oh...and the giveaway is super easy to win.  And there are 5 winners.  No bajillion different ways to enter, I promise.


***A Guest Post***

For those of you looking to celebrate Veteran's Day this weekend, Kevin Pearia the Content Director for VA Mortgage Center.com, has a few tips on how to keep things budget friendly.
 

Enjoying Veteran's Day on an Everyday Budget

Veteran's Day is just days away, and for us military families, it is a great time to come together to enjoy each other’s company while also honoring the service of our loved ones. However, piecing together a celebration isn't always easy or inexpensive. Most military families are on a fixed income so every penny matters. But being on a budget doesn't mean you have to forgo this important holiday; it simply means that you have to be creative with how you spend. A few great ways to throw a budget-friendly Veterans Day celebration include:

Barbeque

While November isn't always the warmest of months, if you are lucky enough to get an Indian summer day, be sure to enjoy the nice weather by barbequing. Barbequing is one of the great American pastimes, and it is rather inexpensive when considering how much you will actually spend per person. So don't be afraid to light up the grill, and throw a couple of hamburgers and hotdogs on there.

Let Others Help
If you are hosting a lunch or dinner oriented Veterans Day party, don't be afraid to ask others to help. Delegate certain parties items, such as drink, side dishes, and desserts, to other attending guests and leave yourself in charge of the main dish. Not only will it save you money, but it will also help bring a stronger feeling of togetherness as others will feel like they help you piece together a great celebration.

Make Your Own Decorations
Got kids? Put them to work! Kids love creating and a great way to decorate your home for Veterans Day is by letting them piece together red, white, and blue decorations for the party. While they are at it, you can even let them create Thank You cards to send to your love one and other service members overseas.

Many cities and towns also host Veterans Day celebrations that you can be a part of. Whether it is a town parade or citywide festival, check your city's website to see if any celebratory activities will be offered in your area. These celebrations will allow you to celebrate all day with members of your community, and will help you gain any additional support you need. We are all proud to be military families, and what better way to honor our loved ones who have served and are currently serving than by celebrating them during Veterans Day.

Kevin Pearia is the Content Director for VA Mortgage Center.com, providing military families with personal finance advice on topics from household savings to VA home loans.


***A Book Review***

Several months ago, pretty much right before I took my extended break, I was sent a copy of a fabulous cookbook that I think you all need to check out.  Not only are there some quick and tasty recipes in the book, but the sales of the cookbook benefit some amazing military related charities.

The cookbook is called Dinner With Warriors. Each recipe is the favorite of a serviceman or woman who has either died or was severely injured during the recent war. They or their family sent in a few pictures of them, their bio or story and their favorite recipe.  The idea behind this cookbook was to find a way to introduce America to a few of her heroes.

Brig Arnold, the creator of Dinner with Warriors writes, "I was frustrated with hearing the news just mention that soldiers have died often not even mentioning their names.  One of my close friends was severely injured and the lack of coverage was sad to me.  Of course I also wanted to raise some money for some of the great charities out there that help these men and women and their families."

So far this year, Dinner with Warriors has raised over $20,000 this year and donated it to:

• The Wounded Warrior Project
• Homes For Our Troops
• Children of Fallen Patriots fund
• TAPS(Tragedy Assistance Programs for Survivors)
• Soldiers Angels

Brig is hoping to raise another $10,000 before the end of the year. 

With the holiday season coming up Dinner with Warriors would be a great gift to share with your friends and family.  Not only do they get a delicious dinner out of it, but their gift is also going to help the thousands of military members and families in our country.

To purchase visit their website, www.DinnerWithWarriors.com.  You can also visit them on Facebook, http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dinner-With-Warriors-Cookbook/125569464146690.

***A Giveaway***

Which brings us to our yummy giveaway!  (Everythings about food today, huh?)

We have 6 Papa John's Pizza gift cards worth $15 each!  Yummy yummy pizza in your tummy!

This year Papa John's is teaming up with the USO.  Papa John's will donate $1 to the USO for every online order they receive today between 11 AM PT and 11 PM PT.  They will also donate $1 to the USO for every online order of its USO  Meal Deal at www.papajohns.com. The USO Meal Deal consists of two large one-topping pizzas for $20.

“Supporting the men and women who serve and protect our country – and their families – is a great way to say thanks, which is what November is all about,” said John Schnatter, Papa John’s International, Inc. Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, who was born on Thanksgiving Day. “Partnering with the USO will allow our Papa John’s family and customers to give back and join the USO mission to lift the spirits of the U.S. military and their families.”

So how do you get in on this?  Remember that facebook page for Dinner with Warriors I told you to visit?  Here's a reminder:  http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dinner-With-Warriors-Cookbook/125569464146690

Well, visit them, Like them, and let me know about it.  You can also Twitter about Dinner with Warriors as well.  The first six folks to facebook and/or Twitter and leave a comment here to let me know about it....WIN!

Pretty easy, huh? 

Since I haven't been around for a while and don't expect an onslaught of entries, I'll give until Sunday for 6 folks to show up and enter.

Have a good one, folks!

Joe Pa: The End of an Era

Last night it was announced that the most winningest coach in college football history, Penn State's Joe Paterno, is fired.

As a Penn State graduate I am saddened by this news. I realize this decision comes in the midst of a sex scandal involving young boys, but I don't believe Joe Pa is to blame or should be held accountable in this manner.  Mistakes were made, yes, but not by the man who is taking the fall.

This decision puts a smear on the legacy that is Joe Pa and I'm deeply disappointed by the university's quick decision to fire Joe Pa at this point in time even after admitting they don't have all the facts to this case.

Joe Paterno may no longer be the coach of Penn State football, but he leaves behind generations of Penn Staters that will hopefully carry on the lessons and ideas he practiced that span beyond the football field.

Regardless of opinions of what should have been done in 2002 (and they are opinions until a court of law makes a ruling), this is a sad day for Penn State fans. This is the end of an era. This is the end of an era of college football that no longer exists. Penn State football was not just about winning and about destroying the other team. Penn State football was about the game and the students that played.

When you were watching a Penn State football game you knew that those players were going to get a chance to play. They were a team and a team is not one person. If a team wins, then it's because the team worked for that win. If the team loses, they lose as a team. A team only needs 1 extra point to win. A team doesn't need to drive the other side into the ground and then keep kicking them while they're down.

Through his coaching Joe Pa taught his players and thousands of students and fans that, like football, life doesn't have to be just about winning.  It can and should be about teamwork and giving everyone the chance to excel.  That even when you are on top of the game, you should still give consideration to those who aren't doing as well as you.  And that when you lose, it's not the end.  It's merely an excuse to work harder to achieve your goals.

Even now, Joe Pa is handling this situation with a dignity and grace than only a legend and man of his character could portray.  Could things have been handled differently in 2002?  Perhaps.  However, I think the answer to that question is being stated with such certainty today because of hindsight.  And we've all been in situations where hindsight would have given us better answers and courses of action. 
 
Growing up watching Penn State football, being a Penn State student and watching the games from the student section and now getting to share Penn State with my son gives me a sense of pride. Even now, among all that is going on, I am Penn State and damn proud of it. I'm proud of my school, I'm proud of my football team, and I'm proud of my Joe Pa.