My Story That I Like Best

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

2012-02-10T22:13:00.000-05:00

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?

2012-01-30T11:17:00.001-05:00

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...

2012-01-27T11:01:00.002-05:00

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!

2011-11-23T11:02:00.001-05:00

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

2011-11-11T09:57:00.001-05:00

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 onan Everyday Budget

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

Barbeque

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

Let Others Help
If you are hosting a lunch or dinner oriented Veterans Dayparty, 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 leaveyourself in charge of the main dish. Not only will it save you money, but itwill also help bring a stronger feeling of togetherness as others will feellike they help you piece together a great celebration.

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

Many cities and towns also host Veterans Day celebrationsthat 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 offeredin your area. These celebrations will allow you to celebrate all day withmembers of your community, and will help you gain any additional support youneed. We are all proud to be military families, and what better way to honorour loved ones who have served and are currently serving than by celebratingthem during Veterans Day.

Kevin Pearia is the Content Director for VA MortgageCenter.com, providing military families with personal finance advice on topics fromhousehold 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

2011-11-10T08:54:00.001-05:00

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.

We're Mad As Hell & We're Not Going to Take It Anymore!

2011-08-01T11:32:00.000-04:00

Well said random you tube samll business American dude. Well said.

Gotta Let It Burn

2011-05-19T09:59:00.000-04:00

I used to be...I'm not going to say anti-marriage because I was never anti-marriage, but I used to think it wasn't for me. I figured I would never meet a guy who would be able to satisfy me in all ways that I think my husband should satisfy me. I like what I like and I am who I am and I've never believed that I should have to change anything for anyone.

I made a joke one time, in college, that if I did get married we would need two houses: one for me and one for my husband because that's the only way we would get along.

Sometimes, it sucks being right...

Join in What's Your Song? with Amber at Goodnight Moon.

Pip Events: Open for Business

2011-05-12T12:28:00.000-04:00

I am super super excited to announce Pip Events is officially open for business!

Up until now I haven't really gone in to much detail about what it is that we do. We custom design parties in a box. We give you everything you need to throw a party, except the food. We save you time and money while at the same time providing you with a party sure to impress.

All of our parties are completely personalized for you. We also offer custom parties, whether that's creating a whole new theme for you or just making changes to a current theme. One of my favorite things about our parties is that "custom" does not mean "more expensive." We really want to encourage people to embrace throwing a unique and custom party, so we don't want to charge you extra for wanting to be different.

So in honor of our Pip Events opening, today's song choice for Amber's What's Your Song?, Let's Have a Party!

Everything's Going To Be Fine

2011-05-05T01:39:00.000-04:00

I still consider myself on leave, but Hand In My Pocket by Alanis Morissette has been stuck in my head for the past couple of days, so I wanted to add it to Amber's What's Your Song?

It's kind of where I am right now...

To Be Continued...

2011-05-02T11:53:00.000-04:00

So here it is...

This isn't a permanent leave, but it is a leave. There's been some good and there's been some bad lately. It is what it is. I'll probably be back sooner rather than later, but until then...

Busy Busy Weekend

2011-04-11T07:30:00.001-04:00

This weekend was incredibly productive. I painted, I decorated, I partied...

Remember the in-law room I was repainting? We finally finished it! It's amazing what a coat (or two) of paint and a chair rail can do for a room.

Lil Mootz even pitched in and helped with the painting...

Sunday was Mason's first birthday party. Last weekend I did a trial run on the birthday monkey cake. I think my final monkey cake I made yesterday was pretty impressive.

Lil Mootz also met Vivi for the first time at Mason's birthday party. He was so sweet with her! He loves his new cousin so much already and Miss Vivi even had a smile for him.

I hope you all had a great weekend and have a happy Monday!

The Newest Little Diva of the Family!

2011-04-07T07:30:00.000-04:00

Little Miss Vivi has finally joined us!

My niece, Vivienne Nichole was born Wednesday, April 6, at 4:55 PM. She weighs 7lbs 3oz and is 19 inches long. Both Mommy and Baby are doing incredibly well.

And now, it is Thursday and Goodnight Moon's What's Your Song? Link Up, so in honor of Miss Vivi I chose I'm Coming Out by Diana Ross. As Vivi's favorite aunt I plan on making sure she is the little diva she is meant to be and Carsley and I will teach her how to properly get her groove on. This is a good song to start with...

Leave a little love for Vivi!

Trump for President

2011-04-05T07:30:00.001-04:00

I'm sure you've heard by now Donald Trump is considering running for president in 2012. The thing is, I'm not thinking that's totally silly. Here's why...

1. He's got hard working, respectable kids. Look at Paris Hilton. Her parents are just as rich and she's a spoiled little party brat. Trump's kids could have been the exact same way, but instead they've chosen to be responsible adults and they probably learned that from their father.

2. He's a businessman. The United States government is basically a business and maybe it's time we had a businessman run the show. He's had his share of failures, but at a worth of over $2 billion he's definitely had his successes. Maybe the United States could benefit from that.

3. He's not a politician. Oh, I'm sure he's had to politic as he worked his way to the top, but maybe he's not jaded like so many politicians are nowadays.

4. I frequently agree with who he fires.

I haven't heard his position on all of the issues, so I'm not saying he's the best choice yet. However, I think he's at least worth listening to. What do you think? Trump for President - yay or nay?

Cake Decorating & Painting (Not At the Same Time)

2011-04-04T07:30:00.001-04:00

I had a very productive weekend!

On Saturday, I went up to my brother and sister-in-law's house to decorate a cake. My nephew's 1st birthday party is next Sunday, so I was doing a trial run with the cake decorating. I think the party guests will be quite impressed with my mad icing skills :)

And because my mom and I have nothing better to do, like get ready for the grand opening of Pip Events in a little over a month, we decided to paint the "in-law quarters" of my house. (I kid you not. When we bought the house this room was advertised as the "in-law quarters." Like we live in a mansion in Beverly Hills and not a 1600 sq ft cape cod in Po' Dunk, PA.) This part of the house was built about a year before we bought the house. Basically, the folks had enough money to build the room, but not enough to finish it off. The walls were just plain dry wall, no paint, crappy tile job in the bathroom. We've pretty much used it as a storage area (until recently when we hooked up the Super Nintendo and X-Box and it became the video game room...), but I want to turn it into my work room for Pip Events and one can not be creative when staring at chalky walls...

The room is obviously not finished yet. However, even just one coat of blue paint in half of the room is a vast improvement. We're painting the bottom half an oatmeal color and putting up a white chair rail. I'm pretty excited because it's going to look awesome!

How was your weekend?

Fixing the Heartache

2011-04-01T07:30:00.001-04:00

I hate it when I know I'm the one causing my Lil Mootz's heartache and there is nothing I can do to fix it.

Or I can fix it, but everything in my heart is telling me that's not the way to go right now.

I wish I could save him from having to go through all the unpleasantness.

O, then, I see Queen Mab hath been with you.

2011-03-31T07:30:00.000-04:00

Holy moly, is it Thursday again already?! First and foremost, today is Meg's due date! She had some contractions last week and this week she's been increasingly crampy. Keep your fingers crossed that Miss Vivi joins us before the end of the week! Personally, I'm hoping for April 1, because I think an April Fools Day birthday would be so much fun.

Next on the agenda for this Thursday is Goodnight Moon's What's Your Song? Link Up.

This week I chose Young Hearts Run Free by Candi Staton. I know I should explain why I chose this song, but, well, really it is what it is. Oh, and also because I absolutely love disco music. And Mercutio in drag.

What's your song of the week?

I Scream, You Scream, We All Scream

2011-03-30T07:30:00.001-04:00

One of my all time favorite candies as a kid was the marshmallow cones. Do you remember those? Lil Mootz and I found some last night at the restaurant we had dinner at. Well, they weren't as good as what I remember (were they that stale back then too? Or maybe these were leftovers from back then...), but Lil Mootz certainly enjoyed his marshmallow cone.

Before we even ate dinner last night Lil Mootz was asking for ice cream. Being one that's known to enjoy ice cream every now and again, I told him that we were going to eat dinner, then we had to go to the store and if he was extra good at the store we would go for ice cream. He's a reasonable tot every now and again, so he agreed.

He fulfilled his part of the bargain, so I fulfilled mine by getting him a hot fudge sundae with sprinkles...

He took about two bites before deciding he didn't want ice cream. He wanted ice cubes...

I have a weird child who's priorities are all out of whack.

Things That Make You Go Hmmm: Size Matters

2011-03-28T09:35:00.000-04:00

It's here! It's finally here!

No, not the cure for cancer or AIDS.

Nope, the answer to world peace still alludes us.

Unfortunately, all of our questions to the Health Care Reform Act are still unanswered, but this is even BETTER than that!

After what I can only assume was years of research a most important question has finally been answered. Men, the debates can stop because unless you reside in the Congo or select regions of South America, you do have a small weenie.

Asian countries...on the bright side, your shoes are smaller and probably less expensive.

My fellow Americans...I suppose this is why our military has bigger guns. I mean actual guns, our men apparently need to compensate.

{Almost} Open for Business

2011-03-25T07:30:00.000-04:00

You want to see something incredibly awesome?! Click here, Pip Events and then come back to me.

Okay, I know that didn't seem too exciting, but let me tell you why it is...

That's the site for my new business!!!

Can I just tell you how flipping, over-the-moon, so very excited I am? VERY!

My mom, sister, and I are finally taking the leap and starting our own business. The official opening day is May 7. This is has been a long time coming and something we have discussed doing, but we've never just gone for it. I found a Baby and Kid Expo in May and we decided that was our opening day goal. We've already got things in the work and I'm confident we're going have a fabulous product to sell to mommies and mommies-to-be in a little over a month.

(I just so want to end every sentence with an ! because I am so thrilled about this I can barely contain myself. I don't want to freak you all out though...)

As I'm sure you've already guessed it has a little something to do with event planning. I'm not going to go into a whole lot of details right now because I want to be able to show you guys what we're doing as opposed to just telling you. So stay tuned and there will be lots more to come!

Have a great weekend!

Well My Friend I'm Lonely Too

2011-03-24T07:30:00.001-04:00

It's once again time for the lovely Amber's Goodnight Moon What's Your Song? Link Up! If you don't already play along you should head over and link up and find out what other bloggers are listening to today.

I actually had another upbeat song all picked out for this week. However, Journey's Lights is more fitting to my mood today.

Willow Grace: 1 Week Old Photos

2011-03-23T07:30:00.002-04:00

I introduced you to the newest member of the family the other week, Willow Grace. Here are some more photos taken by Willow's Aunt Ashley when Willow was about a week old...

Isn't she such a cutie patootie?! I just love her in the blue dress! (The fact that I'm the one who gave the dress to her has absolutely nothing to do with that being my favorite photo:))

Hopefully, we have another beautiful baby girl to add to our family soon. Any day now little Miss Vivi would be just fine...

All Aboard the Choo-Choo Bed!

2011-03-22T07:30:00.000-04:00

You may recall that I mentioned in my Vintage Circus Baby Shower post that my dad was working on a very awesome project for me. Well, actually for Lil Mootz. As a hobby my dad is a wood worker. He's made some pretty nifty things over the years, including a dollhouse for me one year for my birthday.

I thought it was getting time to move Lil Mootz to a toddler bed. We bought a convertible crib for him, so it turns into a toddler bed, but I asked my dad if he could make a bed for Lil Mootz instead. And, boy, did he deliver?! Lil Mootz definitely has the coolest bed!

Since Lil Mootz is really into trains, or choo-choos as he calls them, we thought a train bed would be mighty appropriate.

And we were right! He absolutely loves his choo-choo! Every time he climbs into bed he tells us he's going for a ride on the choo-choo.

Lil Mootz and Pappy

Even though he loves his new bed, these past two night have been a bit rough. He certainly is taking advantage of the fact that he can climb out of bed on his own now. Once he finally does lay down for good though he's out like a light.

Speaking of lights... The headlight on the train really turns on, so we can use it as a nightlight!

How We Celebrated Our Anniversary

2011-03-18T16:10:00.000-04:00

So how did Stonewall and I celebrate our 4 year anniversary?

First, we engorged ourselves on overly priced, but incredibly delicious food and wine.

Then we went home and played a few rounds of Mario Kart on Super Nintendo.

And finally we fell asleep while debating whether or not we were going to do the dirty because both of us where still so full from dinner we were afraid any strenuous activity might make us throw-up.

Do we know how to celebrate or what?

Have a great weekend folks!

Turn Me On

2011-03-17T07:30:00.001-04:00

Today is such a fantastic day!

First, it's St. Patrick's Day! Which is only the best holiday of the year, especially if you're Irish and everyone is Irish on St. Patty's Day!

Second, it's the day for Goodnight Moon's What's Your Song? Link Up!

Third, it's Stonewall's and my 4th Anniversary! Yep, we were married on the luckiest day of the year four years ago. Crazy, huh?

I've decided that my song of the week must be in honor of our anniversary. Our first dance as Mr. & Mrs. was to Etta Jame's At Last. And while that is most definitely a fabulous song, it's not my song of the week. That's just too predictable and well, I just can't be that. So here you have it, Turn Me On by Norah Jones.

Happy Anniversary, Stonewall! I hope our fifth year is the best one yet!

Welcome Home Party & Travel In Style Giveaway Winner!

2011-03-16T09:28:00.000-04:00

Guess what?!

I'm a guest blogger today at The Annoyed Army Wife! (For those of you who answered with Chicken Butt, you know you're awesome, so I don't have to tell you.) Her OccDoc is home and they're having some alone time *wink wink* so she invited so many wonderful bloggers to take over her blog for a couple of weeks. I planned a little welcome home party for OccDoc and share some of my favorite recipes, so be sure to head on over and party-hearty!

Now, guess what else?!

We have a winner!! Whopee!
Thank you, thank you, thank you to everyone who entered my Travel In Style with CSNStores.com Giveaway. We had 45 entries...

I entered them all into The Hat and the lucky winner is...

Erika at chambanachik!

Erika is my newest milspouse read and she's a National Guard spouse (that's double points for her in my book!). I found her by way of The Annoyed Army Wife. If you've never read chambanachik you really must. In a few weeks she's about to go to her first ever military ball, so head over there and share your military ball advice with her. (I know ya'll have some because I've read it before.)

Erika, I will be sending you an email to request your shipping information. If I don't hear from Erika within 72 hours, I will be moving on to the runner-ups...runners-up...the first losers which are listed above with The Hat.

Thank you so much to all who entered my giveaway. Be on alert because I plan on offering another giveaway here soon!

Vivi's Love Birds Nursery

2011-03-15T07:30:00.001-04:00

It's finally time for the unveiling of Vivi's Nursery! Meg has kept the nursery under lock and key until she had all the little details finished up. This past weekend my camera (okay, my mom's camera) and I were granted access. After the fabulous Vintage Circus Baby Shower, I know some thought the nursery theme was vintage circus, but it is not. The theme of this most gorgeous nursery is Love Birds.

Doesn't it look like something straight out of a magazine?! (Shoddy photography aside, of course.) Meg did an excellent job. A beautiful nursery for a beautiful baby girl (I'm assuming, but she comes from good stock so odds are in her favor...).

My favorite part of the nursery are the 3D pillow birds on the mural that my mom and Meg painted. And all of Vivi's shoes, of course :) What is your favorite part?

Army Fractions

2011-03-14T10:49:00.001-04:00

I wanted to post photos of my sister's nursery today, but I didn't get all the photos edited. Even though editing takes up so much time, I just love making them all vibrant and shiny! Instead, here's a little conversation Stonewall and I had the other day. As usual, the Army leaves me in a state of confusion...

Stonewall was sent home from work last week because he was sick, running a fever, dehydrated, etc. He calls me to let me know what's going on...

Stonewall: They're sending me home from work. I'm on Quarters.

Me: You're sick and bouncing quarters into shot glasses?

Stonewall: What?

Me: Quarters. You know, the drinking game.

Stonewall: No. I'm on Quarters. They sent me home with a note saying I had to stay home for 72 hours.

Me: That doesn't make any sense. Quarters would indicate four days. If they send you home for 72 hours, that should be called Thirds.

Stonewall: *Silence*

Me: What? The Army makes absolutely no sense sometimes.

Seriously, it seems like simple algebra to me.

*Today's the last day to enter my Travel in Style Giveaway!*

MilSpouse Friday Fill-in: Hey, You Asked

2011-03-11T11:53:00.001-05:00

Yay for Friday!! It's been awhile since I joined in the fun over at Wifey's...

So here we go!

1.During military separations (whether short or long) how do you keep yourself positive and motivated? submitted by Married/Single Parent

I just like to keep a countdown until the next time I get to have s-e-x. That tends to keep one motivated and wanting to move forward with a day. 365 days until I do the dirty....285 days until I get me some of that...100 days until I get laid...etc and so forth. Sure, some days it gets a bit depressing. I mean, 175 days seems like such a L....O....N....G time, but on those days I just meet up with BOB. That pretty much jumpstarts me for a while longer.

2.What is your favorite concert you have ever been to? submitted by Young but Not (Completely) Dumb

I really can't pick just one concert here because I have two favorites, but for different reasons.

Michael Bublé in concert is ah-may-zing. If you ever have the chance to see him in concert it's a must. First, he's an amazing singer. He usually ends his concerts by singing acapella and with no microphone and you can hear him all the way in the back of the room. Second, he's hilarious. You will spend half the concert dancing and signing along and the second laughing your ass off. Third, and what makes him a stand out, he's totally real. When he walks through the crowd to the center stage he basically says, "I'm only going to walk by you once, so you might as well get your grab on then." And he means it. What other artist does that? It must drive his bodyguards crazy. He always dedicates Home to the military (double score!) and he does crazy things like takes phone calls. Not his phone calls, audience member phone calls. The last concert of his we went to, halfway through a song he took an audience member's cell phone who was trying to give it to him and actually spoke to the person on the other line.

My other favorite concert, Prince. The man's songs and singing can give you an orgasm in your seat 300 people away. I rest my case.

3.What do you miss most about your “hometown”? submitted by A Florida Girl and Her Soldier

Well, I'm still living in my hometown, so... What can I say? Active-duty National Guard has it's perks. Not many, mind you, but they do exist.

4.If you could run in any race, which charity would you choose to support? submitted by Wookie & Co.

LEUKEMIA AND LYMPHOMA SOCIETY!!! Oh wait that's right, I already am walking a 1/2 marathon for a charity. Duh! And you should totally be supporting me and caring enough to find a cure for all blood cancers by donating to LLS by using that little donate button up on the top of my sidebar.

Just remember, if you don't donate, karma's one nasty mo-fo.

5.You find out Willy Wonka is your father, what 3 course meal do you INSIST he create in that stick of gum? submitted by A{muse}ing Mommy on a Pink Park Bench

I'm fairly sure I had some really witty answer to this when I devised this question. And since I'm drawing a blank I'll just answer this question straight... the Brie brûlée appetizer from The Left Bank, followed by a medium rare juicy filet mignon with asparagus and fancy au gratin potatoes, and ending with a creamy warm Crème brûlée with a side of berries.

If Baby Daddy Willy can't pull this off, I'm asking Jelly Belly to adopt me.

Have a great weekend, my peeps!

You're So Fine, You're So Fine, You Blow My Mind!

2011-03-10T07:30:00.002-05:00

It's time once again for Goodnight Moon's What's Your Song? link up!

When trying to decide what song to share this week I was inspired by none other than little ol' me! Well, my name anyway. Several years back, and I'm talking pre-college graduation, I looked up my name in song lyrics and only one song showed up. One. And it's such a nice name too. But the song was a bit...naughty. Prince has a way with doing that to a song, doesn't he? Don't get me wrong, I'm beyond thrilled that the one song that has my name in it is by Prince, my second most favorite artist and performer and it's from Purple Rain none-the-less, but, well, it's about being a s-e-x fiend.

Um, yeah.

However...

After some extensive research I've discovered that since that college search other songs have been written about us Nikkis. And I've picked my favorite to share with you all. I can't understand the lyrics to save my life because it's jamaican (which f*ckin rocks!), but it's a take on Toni Basil's "Hey Mickey!" And as a child I used to sing the song as "Hey Nikki!" Who am I kidding? I still sing "Hey Nikki!" whenever I hear that song! (In fact, when I'm done writing this I'm going to play it while singing obnoxiously loud and dancing.)

So here it is, "Hey Nikki!" by Elephant Man...

Oh, and that Prince song, "Darling Nikki" is thrown in for good measure because I know you're all dying to hear a song about a s-e-x fiend.

What song is your namesake?

The Mature Weekend

2011-03-07T07:30:00.006-05:00

Did everyone have a good weekend? We had a great weekend!

First of all...

HAPPY (belated) BIRTHDAY, MY DARLING HUSBAND!!

Stonewall's birthday was yesterday! He's 29. The old boy is catching up to me. Yep, that's right. I'm the cradle-robber in this relationship.

However, don't let the differences in our age fool you. We're both actually quite immature.

A few other pictures from this weekend...

I don't believe I've ever formally introduced you to my brother...

This is Steve, my older brother. Obviously, he too is older than his maturity level would suggest. Earlier in the evening we thought that little device hanging from his nose may have been an antiquated nipple clip. Later in the evening our dad informed us it was, in fact, a caliper used to measure things like pipes. Guess where that conversation headed.

And you may or may not recognize Stonewall, as he is a bit more...decorated than usual...

My father, after much egging on from various family members, did this after Stonewall passed out on his couch. Once again...the maturity, or lack thereof, thing... Where do you suppose us kids got it from?

And in other news, we have a new family member!

I'd like you all to meet Willow Grace, born March 3, at 10:17 AM. She weighed in at 7 lb 13 oz, is 17.5 inches long, and healthy as can be! (Willow isn't my sister's baby...she still has about 3 weeks left. Willow is my FIL's girlfriend's daughter's new baby.)

Have a great Monday!

CSNStores.com Giveaway: Travel In Style!

2011-03-04T11:41:00.002-05:00

I promised you a giveaway and here it is!!

In case, you missed my big announcement over at Uncork and Unwined, Stonewall and I are going to IRELAND! The Emerald Isle, the land of Guinness, the home of leprechauns, the pub of....more Guinness...

IRELAND!

I'm a tad exciting to be going, to say the least. And how does the giveaway tie-in to all of this?

Well, like I mentioned in my teaser post the other day, I like to travel in style. Of course, when on a plane I like to wear sweatpants and sneakers, so the most stylish part of me is my luggage. I must say I heart luggage. It's like an oversized purse, so the cuter, the better. So I'm super excited that CSNStores.com is offering up some deliciously adorable luggage for one lucky winner!

One of you will win this Rockland 22" Rolling Duffel Bag in Kensington and Luca Vergani 2 Piece Cosmetic Set in Turquoise! I don't know about all of you, but I refuse to pay to travel with luggage. Over the past year or so, I've made a point of getting everything into my carry-on luggage. It hasn't always been easy, let me tell you, but every since I switched over to a duffel bag-type piece, I've managed every single time. Even for those week long trips that require more than one pair of shoes. Impressed? So is Stonewall :)

I know you want to know what you have to do to win, so I'm gonna tell you...

Oh, and no need to leave separate comments for each entry. One comment with all of your entries is just fine.

Mandatory Entry

Leave a comment letting me know where your first trip with your new luggage will be.

Extra Entries

+Unlimited

Donate to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society using the donate box at the top of my sidebar. $1 equals 1 entry, so donate to your hearts content!

Follow A{muse}ing Mommy On a Pink Park Bench

Follow @ampinkparkbench on Twitter and Twitter this giveaway mentioning @ampinkparkbench and @csnstores and a link to this giveaway in your tweet

Like CSNStores on Facebook and let them know you found them through little ol' me

Vote for me as the Hottest Mommy Blogger over at Blogger's Choice Awards (I was 5th last year, help me again!)

Giveaway begins when I hit publish and ends Monday, March 14, 2011, at 5:00 PM EST. US Residents only, unless you want to pay the international shipping fees (sorry, but that's the way it's gotta be).

Good luck and thanks for joining in!!

Vintage Circus Baby Shower

2011-03-03T17:10:00.000-05:00

Baby shower picture time! I'm not even going to bother with the pleasantries. Let's just get right on down to the nitty-gritty...

The Invitation

The invitations were made by Terry from Pictoon Cards. She did a fantastic job and at a fantastic price! She made 70 gorgeous pop-up invites in two weeks. I really can't say enough about her. I would recommend her to anyone. Plus, she made several other custom items for us throughout the 2 month process, so I'll have plenty more chances to talk her up.

The Venue

We held the shower at the Rotunda at Lauxmont Farms that, as you can see, has gorgeous views. When we first rented the room, we were going to go with a bird theme. However, and I'm sure I don't have to point out why, the room just spoke of a vintage circus theme. The venue designer did a magnificent job executing our ideas, including hanging the circus tent fabric over the windows.

The Circus Posters

Terry from Pictoon Cards made the fabulous striped posters shown in the bottom three photos.

The Circus Performers

I had this vision of having the silhouettes of various circus performers hanging overhead. David from Darbynwoods created the trapeze artists and the ribbon guy (I'm not sure of his official title, but if any circus folks could enlighten me I'd appreciate it...). My dad, being the awesome wood worker that he is (seriously, be on the look-out for another awesome creation by him really soon...), re-made her.

Once again Terry from Pictoon Cards joins us. She created signs of various circus performers to hang in the windows. She created the four in the pictures, as well as "The Tightrope Walker" and "The Tigers."

The Feathers

To mimic the headdresses often seen on circus elephants we made centerpieces with plumes.

The Food

The food was catered by JDK Catering. They did a phenomenal job producing the gourmet circus food menu my mom and I had our hearts set on. We had four different flatbread pizzas, including a Hawaiian Paradise Flatbread Pizza, fried mac & cheese balls, gourmet hot dogs with various toppings, including chili, coleslaw, and cheese, and hand-cut french fries and sweet potato fries with marshmallow dipping sauce. We provided take home boxes and it's the first time I've ever been to an event where folks packed up more than just leftover desserts to take home.

Don't you just love the mini-milk bottles and the paper straws?!

And the yummy patisserie! The mini desserts, including mini-eclairs and mini-cheesecakes were made by JDK Catering. The absolutely gorgeous and equally delicious cupcakes were created by Wendi at SweeTreats. There were chocolate cupcakes filled with raspberry and topped with vanilla raspberry whipped topping and garnished with a raspberry or white chocolate tents, strawberries and cream cupcakes with a whipped topping and garnished with pink and yellow fondant elephants, and the tent cupcake was a lemon cake with a blueberry bottom topped with a blueberry buttercream. We also had a mini candy buffet for guests with malted milk balls, strawberry banana taffy and pink circus peanuts.

The Photo booth

Guests were able to hop in the photo booth and create a magical moment preserved forever for the mommy and daddy-to-be and little Vivi. Some people might regret the forever part...

The Games

To keep the guests entertained and bring out their competitiveness we played a trivia game about the mommy and daddy-to-be, a game we called "Sideshow" in which guests had to guess the parents of a "baby" celebrity we created on Morph Thing, Bingo while Megan opened her gifts, and a game in which guests passed a prize around the table based on a poem we read aloud (pass the box to the guest with the biggest boobs or the blondest hair, etc). We had some fabulous prizes for the winners, including a very cute apron and lovely hat.

The Favors

As a thank you for joining us for this very special celebration guests were asked to take home a carrier filled with cotton candy and the most delicious melt-in-your-mouth caramels by The Caramel Jar, along with a cone filled with caramel popcorn. Terry from Pictoon Cards once again wowed us with her skills by creating the favor stickers and the popcorn cones and "Please Take One" signs.

The Elephant

And of course, the star of every circus, and my favorite part of the shower, the elephants. The beautiful mommy-to-be had her very own pink elephant to perch upon while opening all of her fabulous gifts!

I hope you all enjoyed the photos! And, as always, if you have any questions about anything we did for the shower please email me and I'll be happy to share our inspirations!

This Road Is Filled With Soul Dust...

2011-03-03T07:18:00.000-05:00

Amber at Goodnight Moon has started a new linky called What's Your Song? Every week you link up your song of the week. In the past I've listed my favorite songs and my life's soundtrack, so this sounded like an awesome link-up to join in on!

For my first week of participating I'm going to share two songs (yeah, I'm breaking the rules on my first week...) from one of my all time favorite artists. And when I say "all time" I mean he's been a favorite since before I was a teenager - Rhyne McCormick.

If you have not heard of Rhyne or his music you are so missing out. Unfortunately, I can't even share my absolute favorite song by him, Molly's Kitchen, because it is so old, it's not even on any of his CDs or on any of the music stations out there. The first time time I heard Rhyne play I was sitting in his backyard around a bonfire with my dad, sister, and cousin, Justin. He played Molly's Kitchen and I've been a fan ever since. Okay, confession... Rhyne is my cousin. His mom is my dad's sister. Don't let that get in the way though because I would be talking up his music family relation or not.

The first song I want to share with you all is Soul Dust. This song is my current ringtone and has been since last October. My dad put together a slideshow for me when I graduated from college and Soul Dust was the song he used. Ever since then this song has really spoken to me. It reminds me that as long as I give my best in my life, then I've done all I can do and I can't really ask much more from myself than that.

The next song is The Train Song. This song is about another cousin of ours. When I hear The Train Song, I think of my cousin and I remember so many things about her. I remember playing Zelda and her pink princess costume. I remember watching her put on make-up at our Gram's house and thinking she was so pretty. And I remember her laugh.

Be sure to head over to Rhyne's site and check out more of his songs. Also, check out his schedule and if he's playing in your area you do not want to miss it! (Or you can just crash our next family reunion because he usually plays there too...) I'm not sure if he'll play Molly's Kitchen, but it doesn't hurt to ask and you'll find out why it's my favorite.

And be on the look out for photos of my sister's baby shower later today! Two posts in one day...it doesn't happen very often so if it does happen you know it's for a good reason.

Hittin' Some Balls

2011-03-02T15:45:00.000-05:00

I know I promised baby shower pictures today, but it's just not going to happen. I'm about half way through editing them, so tomorrow should be the day. I hope so. I'm just as anxious as you are to get them up, so you can all see how awesome everything was.

The reason I'm not going to get them all editing and posted today is because I'm leaving to play tennis in about an hour.

Yep, you read that right. Tennis.

I'm pretty sure I mentioned in passing once or twice that I used to play tennis. My mom and I started playing the summer before my sophomore year in college. I wouldn't say we were good or anything, but we got to the point where we could hit the ball (most of the time) and we could aim the ball in the right direction (most of the time). We even started playing as a doubles team and we won....no (*chuckle snort*) we didn't win. But we didn't always completely embarrass ourselves, I'll give us that.

Anyway...

We stopped playing when I was about six months pregnant with Lil Mootz. So now after two and a half years we've decided to get back into the swing of things. And tonight is our first night.

Yikes.

I just got done pulling my racquet out of the basement. It appears to be in working order. Although when I tried to clean the handle it started peeling off. Ew. I also found two and a half year old chapstick and $4 in my racquet case.

I'm betting one of us falls at least once and we both get smacked with a ball and/or racquet. At any rate, it should be interesting.

Coming Soon to a Pink Park Bench Near You: CSN Stores Giveaway!

2011-03-01T15:02:00.000-05:00

I have some very exciting new today...

I'm hosting a giveaway!! CSNStores.com asked if I would like to offer a fabulous giveaway for all of you and of course, YES! CSNStores.com is an amazing collection of over 200+ online stores that offer everything from lights, furniture, pet items, and, one of my personal favorites, shoes. Be sure to come back here on Friday when the giveaway starts.

Oh, wait...What can you win?!

I guess you'll have to come back and find out. I will tell you though, whenever I travel I like to travel in style and I want to make sure you do the same.

*****

I know you're all super excited to see the pictures from my sister's baby shower. I'm super excited to show you! However, have some patience my pretties and I will have them up tomorrow.

Okay, I can't let you go without a little bit of baby shower fun, so here's a little teaser...

Born with Leukemia

2011-02-23T14:24:00.001-05:00

I remember after finding out I was pregnant I would go back and forth between hoping it was a boy and hoping it was a girl. I hoped he/she had blonde hair and green eyes. I hoped she would be a girly girl. I hoped he would be sporty. I hoped a million and one things. Above all else though, I hoped my baby was healthy.

I think every mother just wants a healthy baby. Eye color, hair color, gender, none of that matter the second you lay eyes on your new baby. In a glance, your heart swells full of love that is impossible to describe and impossible to comprehend. All that matters is that first cry that lets you know your baby is breathing. All that matters is that moment with the doctor when you know your baby is healthy.

What if that moment never comes though? You're already in love. You know your baby is beautiful. But what if she isn't healthy? What if the moment you're supposed to be on cloud nine, the doctor's prognosis sends you crashing back to earth?

Today's guest blogger is Beth from Molly Merchant. Beth story is one of courage among mothers. And her daughter's story is one of hope.

Born with Leukemia

Leukemia? In my baby girl?

By the time the hematologist came to my hospital room that cold, bright morning in March, I thought that I had heard it all. In the past 24 hours, I had heard about heart defects, fluid around the heart, a swollen liver and spleen, Down Syndrome, and numbers, figures and terms that I could barely comprehend.

The hematologist pulled a chair next to my bed and kindly introduced himself. I was a captive audience for this man. I could barely move since my emergency C-section the day before. Percocet was numbing the pain in my belly and my reflexes.

“Your daughter has leukemia,” he gently told me.

I sat propped in my bed, numb and scared. All I could do was blink and with each blink, tears spilled from my eyes.

And this man, so compassionate, told me how sorry he was. He told me how much he admired parents like me who dealt with cancer in their children.

Admired parents like me? I hadn’t even been a parent for 24 hours. I hadn’t even held my daughter and only saw her briefly from across the room before she was rushed to the NICU.

And now this. Leukemia? In my baby girl?

The drugs looked yellow, frightening, and poisonous

My husband and I soon learned that our daughter had TMD (Transient Myeloproliferative Disorder), a form of leukemia that affects babies with Down Syndrome. The enlarged liver and spleen were by-products of this cancer. The heart defects and pericardial fluid were part of a complex medical puzzle that neonatologists, nurses, and dozens of other specialists monitored closely. Talk of “blasts, counts, and 02 sats” quickly became a part of our daily vocabulary.

Our daughter’s home was in the NICU for the first weeks of her life. And at three weeks of age, she received chemotherapy. The chemo drugs were only one course of a very mild treatment (compared to other chemo drugs). We were told this time and again by the hematologists and other specialists. I know this was supposed to be reassuring, but it wasn’t. It was all incredibly scary.

The drugs looked yellow, frightening, and poisonous to me, like an IV drip of Lysol for my baby girl.

Our questions and concerns were many. Would the chemo work? Would we have to do another treatment? Would she lose her hair? What next? And we had these questions in addition to the many surrounding the open heart surgery, which was looming somewhere in the distance. And of course we wondered about Down Syndrome and what her quality of life would be IF she made it through all these medical issues.

Erin (right) who was born with leukemia and her little sister.

Our little girl was a fighter

She was released from the NICU at six weeks of age. Our visits to various doctors were frequent. We saw the hematologist twice a week, where they closely monitored her blood counts and felt her liver and spleen for any changes.

It was very touchy those first few months. One visit we would be cautiously optimistic and the next, more chemo appeared imminent. An outpatient visit for a procedure turned into an overnight stay.

Her immune system was compromised and she couldn’t go anywhere but to doctor appointments. We couldn’t take her to visit family, friends, the store, or to a play date.

We kept her on a routine. We let her rest. We watched her closely and loved her more and more each day.

At six months of age, she had successful open heart surgery.

Our little girl was a fighter. She was tougher than anyone I had ever met.

And our questions were answered in time. She never needed another round of chemo. We were incredibly lucky that the initial treatment worked. Her blood counts began to normalize and her liver and spleen went back to their almost normal size. She never lost her thick, gorgeous hair. Our visits to the hematologist became fewer and farther between as she got older. When we got to the point when she only needed to see the hematologist every few months, we were thrilled.

And we still go to the hematologists, but only once a year. Once a child with TMD makes it past the age of five and has survived the leukemia, reoccurrence is extremely rare.

And her quality of life?

It’s great! She’s a thriving, healthy, happy 7 year old girl. She loves school, loves her friends, and loves the life she fought so hard to keep at the beginning.

Beth blogs at Molly Merchant, where she talks about her favorite topic – gifts. She shares ideas for the tangible, and her appreciation for the intangible.

I can't imagine anything worse than knowing that before my baby was even born, he was being taken away from me by a disease that is treatable. Every day progress is being made to find a cure and more treatments for leukemia. And every day parents, including parents who have been so for less than 24 hours, are learning their children might not survive this disease.

Give these babies and children a chance to fight and to live. With your help we can find a cure for leukemia and no other parent will have to face that moment of fear that their baby might not even come home from the hospital. Please donate to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society by clicking on the donate button at the top of my sidebar. Every dollar helps. Beth, Erin and their family give me hope. Give some back to them.

Some Advice, Please

2011-02-21T09:39:00.000-05:00

So I haven't been around much lately. My sister's baby shower is this Saturday and I've been so busy planning it everything else has taken a back seat. Once this weekend is over I promise I'll get back on the blogging wagon.

Two quick things though...

One...

I have an amazing guest blogger coming up on Wednesday this week. She was supposed to be here last week, but I didn't have Internet last Tuesday, so I didn't get her posted for Wednesday and then as previously stated, I just got busy. However, she will definitely be posted on Wednesday and you don't want to miss her!

Two...

I missed my guest post! I completely forgot I was a guest blogger over at Uncork and Unwined. I'm such a dunce sometimes. You totally have to check it out because 1) I share some VERY exciting new and 2) I need a wee bit o' advice. Plus, there's an interesting piece of info in the first comment regarding the Blarney Stone that I think all you would-be kissers NEED to check out. If you've already kissed the Blarney Stone I would just skip that comment because, trust me, ignorance is bliss.

So remember, guest blog here on Wednesday and check out my guest blog on Uncork and Unwined!

Have a great Monday and don't work too hard...save some for the rest of the week!

My Pinup Photos Revealed!

2011-02-15T10:54:00.000-05:00

I suppose it's finally time to reveal the final portraits of our pinup photos that we had taken oh so very long ago! I've been super excited to show them to you since we had them taken in August, but I wanted to give my photos to Stonewall for Valentine's Day and as much as I heart all of you, I though maybe he should see them first.

Well, he did. He LOVED them. Now it's your turn.

First, I'll show you Meg's photos...

Dru, Meg's hubby, is a bit of a car fanatic and he had a very specific idea of what he wanted her pinups to look like. From what I hear, he was a happy man.

And now for mine...

You may recall that Stonewall and I met in a bowling alley, so that's why I chose a bowling theme. I also found a pinup picture by famous pinup artist, Art Frahm. Mr. Frahm is best know for his "Ladies in Distress" pictures that portray ladies in various everyday public situations whose panties mysteriously fall down around their ankles. Well, Stonewall's bowling skills certainly knocked off my panties...

If you missed the post about the day we had these pictures taken, here ya go: My Day As a Pin-Up Girl! And if you want to get pin-up photos taken I HIGHLY recommend Celeste Giuliano Photography. As you can see, she does an amazing job! That bowling ball only weighed about 16 pounds, so she was really patient with me as I struggled to stand in those heels, smile all cutesy, suck it in and keep my arm from falling off.

I can't wait to do this again!

Have I Told You Lately...

2011-02-11T15:31:00.000-05:00

Have I told you lately that I love you...

Have I told you there's no one else above you...

Fill my heart with gladness...

Take away all my sadness...

Ease my troubles, that's what you do.

Have a great weekend!

Hmmm: The Comic Book That Solved Health Care

2011-02-10T12:00:00.002-05:00

There's a new comic book in town, folks...

Boston Herald

A comic book explaining the new national health care laws.

I'd like to make some jokes about this and all, but I'm afraid that since you are all apparently so stupid that you need things explained to you in comic book format, you will probably not get the grown-up humor.

On a positive side note though, with these new health care laws doctors will now be giving all of their very good little patients lollipops at the end of their visits. And, if you pay your medical bills on time you get a sticker!! *little girl squeal of excitement*

Segregation Later, Integration Now?

2011-02-08T11:53:00.001-05:00

There is a school in Lancaster, PA that is segregating its students by race and gender. If you want to read the full story you can check it here: PA High School Defends Plan to Segregate Students by Race & Gender. In a nutshell though, the black students in this school were academically behind other students, so this experiment was a way to try and improve their performance. The black students are separated by race and gender for six minutes every day and two 20 minute periods each month. (I think it's just the black students. The article is not clear on whether or not white students are also further separated by gender.) According to the principal, research has shown that same-race classes led by same-race role models leads to better academic performance and higher self-esteem. The article also gives examples of how teachers saw tangible evidence that the students are improving.

Of course, this experiment is causing lots of controversy. Is it better that we recognize an environment, albeit a racially segregated one, that creates a more positive atmosphere for students? Or is it better that we continue in the same integrated atmosphere because morally and ethically it is correct, even if it's at the detriment of our children's education and self esteem?

Can you tell by my phrasing of those questions which side I'm leaning towards?

I agree with the experiment. I do NOT agree with segregating our schools.

The reason I agree with this experiment is because it is only for small amounts of time. There is not a white school and a black school. There is a school with both white and black students who interact with one another on a daily basis except for six minutes every day. I do not believe that is the same as total segregation. If these six minutes a day make for a better environment for the rest of the day and the rest of their lives, I see no harm being done to these students.

Several years ago, I was in a controlled environment with about 50 white and black peers of mine. We were discussing several controversial topics, including race. One of the topics I inquired about was, "I don't understand why there are groups like the Black Caucus. If a group of white students had a similar group it would be considered racist, but we're supposed accept a group like the Black Caucus. How does that fit in with a society that has worked towards equal rights?"

A black woman responded that the Black Caucus and like groups are necessary because blacks need a place to go where they feel accepted and safe.

I'll admit at first I was not happy with that answer. Why can't I, as a white person, have that same camaraderie with a group without it being considered racist? Why is the white race forever damned to be considered racists because of history? At what point can I not be considered the bad person because I have an opinion, good or bad, on race?

After thinking about it though, I realized maybe she's right. Maybe every race needs a place where they can go and feel comfortable. And maybe that's not racism. Maybe that's just human nature. For like to seek out like. If you go beyond race, you find that we do that all the time:  fraternities and sororities, Republicans and Democrats, Alcoholics Anonymous, VFWs, SAHMs and WOHMs, AARP...

We're constantly looking for a group of people that have similar interests and desires.  A place where we won't feel judged for just being who we are and saying what we feel.

What I think is important to remember though is that these groups should be about growth and seeking to make each member better than who they were when they joined. Groups that seek to destroy another group are racists and/or bigots.  That is an important distinction.

(That being said, am I just as guilty of discrimination if I do NOT accept groups that have a different opinion of race than what I believe? I struggle with that one. When am I just as small-minded as those that I call small-minded?)

I want my child to grow up in a world where it doesn't matter what color, gender, sexual orientation, religion, or age his neighbor is. I want him to learn to accept all humans regardless of what they look like or what they believe.  If the acceptance of another human being means recognizing that we are different and that sometimes, even just for a few minutes, we each need to go our separate ways, I'm okay with that.

If these students are performing better academically and are able to hold their heads higher because for six minutes a day they feel more comfortable in their environment, I don't believe this is taking a step back. It's taking a step forward. We can't run from race differences because it's politically correct to pretend they don't exist. We need to embrace the differences, like this school is doing, learn from those differences and create a stronger environment that includes ALL children and ALL races.

How do you feel about this issue? Is this school taking a step forward or is it at risk of creating a pre-civil rights environment?

Please remember that while I encourage debate and constructive comments, I will NOT tolerate meanness. If your comment offers no other purpose, but to put someone else down, I will delete it. My blog, my rules.

Lil Mootz's First Valentine's Day Card Exchange!

2011-02-07T11:30:00.000-05:00

I am so pumped for Valentine's Day this year! This is the first year Lil Mootz is handing out Valentine's Day cards to his friends at daycare and I'm so excited about it!

I considered helping Lil Mootz make his own cards. They I decided that really he would scribble for about five minutes and then I would spend the next 2 hours making the cards. Next, I decided I would just go down to Tar-jay and pick out some really cute Valentine's Day cards. Then I remembered that "really cute" and "store bought" Valentine's Day cards don't really go together. And if I happened to be lucky enough to fund that one super cute box of cards, then so had several other moms. And I like to be an original. Er...I mean, Lil Mootz likes to be an original.

So I finally decided to order some cards from Tinyprints. I was worried it would be too expensive to order cards online, but I was wrong. (It does happen on occasion...) They have so many adorable V-Day cards for kids I had a really hard time choosing Lil Mootz's very first Valentine's Day cards. Here are some of my favorites:

1. Owlways Friends 2. Smart Swimmer 3. Mouse Crush 4. Puppy Prints
5. Ahoy, Valentine! 6. Friend Meter 7. Big Hug 8. Tail Wagger

After much debate I finally decided on these bad boys...

You're A Hoot

Aren't they adorable? I think I might get some lollipops or something to tape to them. As I recall the cards with goodies attached to them were always the best. I'm so excited for Lil Mootz to hand them out at daycare on Friday!

Stella and Dot Giveaway Winner!

2011-02-05T10:45:00.000-05:00

And we have a winner!

I want to thank everyone who entered the Stella and Dot Necklace giveaway! I wish I had a prize for everyone. And thank you to those who donated to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society! You're donations are much appreciated and puts us one step closer to finding better treatments and cures for blood cancers.

I also want to thank Tracy, an independent stylist with Stella and Dot, for making this awesome giveaway possible. If you didn't win head on over to her site to purchase you favorite piece of jewelry from her. Valentine's Day is coming up and everyone deserves a little love in the form of jewelry!

So on to the winner...

Here is a list of all the entries...

And out of the lovely top hat, the winner is...

Carsley!

Congratulations, Carsley!

I already spoke with Carsley and she asked that I pick a second winner for the Fleur de Sel Caramels. I'm all about spreading the love, so the winner of the caramels is...

Whitney!

Congratulations to both of our winners! I hope you both enjoy your fabulous prizes. Thank you again to everyone who entered. I'll be having another giveaway again soon, so please come back and enter for another fabulous prize!

MilSpouse Friday Fill-In: I Heart the Military...Never Mind...

2011-02-04T10:48:00.002-05:00

Another week gone by, another Friday of Wifey's...

1. Since most of the country has had nasty weather, what has your weather been like this week?
Well, let's see now...snow, ice, snow, ice, ice, ice and probably more snow tomorrow. Oh, and it's cold. Snow and ice would much more pleasant if that weren't accompanied by temperatures in the single digits.

2. What is/are your best money saving tip(s)?
Don't spend it....

3. What was your favorite vehicle you’ve ever owned?
A Jeep Wrangler from my junior year in high school through my sophomore year in college. It was hot. I forget the year...I think 1989...but it was before they started making the boxy looking roll bars. The back seat roll bar was angled. Basically, if you were in the back seat and we rolled, it was nice knowing ya. It was a burgundy colored and had a chrome grill and gold rims. I had a sound bar and neoprene seat covers. It was so nice to be able to put the top down during warm weather. It was slow as all get-out. I was lucky if I made it to 60 mph, but I loved that Jeep.

4. What is a question you’d like to see asked in a future fill-in? (Your question and blog just may appear one week!)
I've missed so many weeks I'm not sure what's already been asked and answered. Hmmm...okay, let's go with: You find out Willy Wonka is your father, what 3 course meal do you INSIST he create in that stick of gum?

5. Fill in the blank: You might be a MilSpouse if….
(I will be including some of your answers in a future post (with a link to your blog, of course!)
...your husband has more boots than you have shoes.
...you have a love/hate relationship with Murphy.
...you refer to everyone not carrying a military ID card as a civilian.
...you know all the last names of who your husband works with, but rarely their first names or gender.
...you use a POA...whether your husband is deployed or standing in the next room.
...you love the military...no, you hate it....wait, you love it....damn you military!...military, you complete me...Ef you military and the tank you rolled in on...you think the military rocks...the military can suck it...

Everyone have a great snow and ice free weekend!

My Nominees for the Nobel Peace Prize

2011-02-03T10:31:00.002-05:00

Some politician has nominated Wikileaks for the Nobel Peace Prize because the site has contributed to "democracy and freedom of speech" worldwide.

Just remember if Wikileaks wins, it's the same award our President won two years ago for...umm...for...gosh, I don't know because at that point I believe he'd actually sent MORE troops into the Middle East.

Unfortunately, the chance to submit a nomination has ended this year, but I'm prepared for next year. In 2012, I'd like to nominate the following:

Egpyt because "Egypt" and "Peace" both have the letters "p" and "e" in them.
Amber Portwood because she made the sacrifice of popping out a baby and beating her baby daddy just to earn $280,000 all before the age of 18.
Call of Duty makers because they make it possible to not just shoot terrorists, but to BE one.
The person who invented vodka eyeballing because when one is contemplating how to shoot vodka into one's eye then one certainly is not concerned with bombing another country.
Stephanie Meyer because she totally found a way for vampires, werewolves, and humans to live together thereby completely solving the age-old question of how to solve world peace.

Who would you nominate for the Nobel Peace Prize?

Love Heals Gage

2011-02-02T07:30:00.005-05:00

One of the reasons I decided to walk a half marathon and help raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society is because I have a fear...

I fear that one day someone close to my heart will be diagnosed with a fatal disease and there will be nothing we can do about it, but hope and pray that modern medicine is advanced enough to treat it.

I don't think that is a completely unfounded fear when every 4 minutes one person is diagnosed with a blood cancer* and every 10 minutes someone dies from a blood cancer.* In 2010, about 447 children 15 years old and younger were expected to die from leukemia.**

I believe that with my help right now and with the help of thousands of other volunteers and donators these numbers can only go down. I believe by simply walking 13.1 miles, by raising at least $3000, and by asking you to do the same, we can find a cure for a disease that has stolen thousands of lives.

I believe that if I help save someone today, if it becomes necessary in the future, someone will want to help save my loved ones.

Right now it is estimated that there are 957, 902 people living in the United States with or in remission from leukemia, Hodgkin lymphoma, NHL, or myeloma.** These people are not just statistics. They are real and they're closer than you think. Some of them are right here in our blog world. I want to introduce you to them.

Today's guest blogger is Lisa from Love Heals Gage. Lisa's son Gage was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia at 14 months old. This is their story...

On Finding Out My Baby Has Leukemia

There is nothing I like better than shopping with my best friends, and I was lucky enough to be spending the day shopping with one of the Besties. Little did I know by the end of the day all of our lives would be changed forever.

That morning I woke up and Gage was acting not like his normal self, he was behaving kind of cranky with a low-grade fever, which I attributed to teething; so I gave him some Tylenol and off to IKEA we went. After arriving at the store we decided to grab a bite to eat at the yummy café, but Gage was still out of it didn’t want to have anything to do with food or drink, he did nap a lot; that alone should have told me something was up.

By the time we left IKEA, I just was not happy with the way Gage was looking and acting so I decided to stop by my work, which just happens to be in the same medical office building his pediatrician is. My logic being if there is something wrong they will give him antibiotics and send us on our way, or if there was nothing wrong at least all of my co-workers would get to see Gage; they love that.

Of course everybody was so happy to see Gage, he is such a happy, chubby baby and he lets anybody hold him or pet him. Since we were a “walk in” and our pediatrician was out we saw Dr. C, and after giving Gage a quick look over, ears, eyes, mouth and chest he determined he was fine and it was probably just teething. Before he could walk out of the room though I mentioned he had an “odd rash” on his bottom and would he mind checking that out, please.

Petechiae, that’s what he told me it was. The definition of petechiae is red or purple spot on the body, caused by a minor hemorrhage (broken capillary, blood vessels). Oooookay…what does that mean??? The Doctor looked very concerned and so he had blood work rushed, and started him on double antibiotic shots in the legs, they also tried to put a catheter in him, but Gage was not having it so they “bagged” him instead (they put a bag around his boy parts, to catch any urine, for a sample.)

Thank GOD, the Bestie was with me that day, I don’t know what I would have done if I was by my self. So after about twenty minutes the Doctor came back in the room and told us that, Gage was sick and that he’d already booked us at a room in the hospital and get down there for more tests.

I immediately called the Hubs, trying not to sound as panicked as I felt ”Hey, we’re going to the Hospital, the Doctor didn’t say anything only we’d be there a couple of days, take your time come after work, should be no big deal.” I couldn’t have been anymore wrong.

So after my mild panic attack at the clinic, we arrived at the hospital fourth floor, room 4111. I don’t think I will ever forget that room number.

After getting admitted, it was nice they came to us, no pesky waiting. It was all kind of surreal, they brought the Bestie, Gage and I food, and it was good! I don’t know what was more surprising the food being good or the fact we were at the hospital, for some unknown reason.

Finally after what felt like hours, but in hindsight was probably only thirty minutes, a pretty young doctor came in, we’ll call her Doctor B, she sat down and my world fell apart.

“Well, just from looking at the blood samples, I can tell you that it looks like leukemia-” at this point I have to interrupted the good Doctor B by asking the Bestie “Please remember everything she says, I may be nodding, but as soon as she says anything I panic attack it right out of my brain;” oh f*ck oh f*ck oh f*ck this cannot be happening.

Doctor B, continued “from what I can see, Gage has leukemia, but with more blood work will be able to determine which type and how advanced; we should have all that information on Friday.” As I dumbly sat there and just nodded, and saying stupid sh*t like “ok, Friday, ok” the Bestie asked relevant questions that I’m sure the Hubs and the rest of the family would want answers to. I don’t remember what she asked all I know, is I relied on her to answer any questions the family had, and she did; thank God for her.

As soon as the Doctor left, I got on the phone with the Hubs, “Gage has leukemia, OMG OMG OMG Gage has leukemia!” I sobbed uncontrollably into the phone, with the help if the Bestie I was able to answer as many of the questions he had.

That was August 2, 2010 the day we learned our fourteen-month-old son, was diagnosed with leukemia.

*ORIGINALLY WRITTEN FOR http://www.lovehealsgage.com/ By Lisa J. Churchill

It has been 6 months since Gage was diagnosed with leukemia. He continues to undergo treatments on a daily basis. Over the last 40 years the survival rate of children with leukemia has gone up almost 80%.** With our help Gage can live a long and fulfilling life cancer free.

While writing this post, 17 people were diagnosed with a blood cancer and 7 people died from a blood cancer.

Help Gage and hundreds of children diagnosed with a blood cancer by donating to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Help save those 17 patients and help keep the next 7 families from losing a loved one. Our time and our money today can save the lives of thousands tomorrow.

*LLS Facts & Statistics
**LLS Facts 2010-2011

1/2 Marathon Training Begins!

2011-02-01T07:30:00.001-05:00

My mom and I are officially training for the San Diego Rock N' Roll Half Marathon in June with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society!

Last Thursday was the official kick-off party. We got to meet some of our teammates and our coach and mentors. We also received more information about our honored teammate. I'm not going to post anything about her here, but learning more about her has definitely helped take walking this half marathon and raising the money for LLS to the next level. It's more about someone and helping real people now, not just about the marathon.

Our coach handed out our training schedule. Every Saturday morning at 8:00 for the next 15 weeks we'll be walking 3 to 12 miles.

Which brings me to this past Saturday...

We had out first training! And guess what? We were on time! Actually, we were early. That almost never happens. That just goes to show how dedicated we are to this. I totally think you should donate $8 because we were 8 minutes early...

Seriously...someone needs to take me up on that. For every minute we're early on Saturday AMs you'll donate a $1. Any takers?

My mom and I walked our first 3 miles in one hour. Considering that was my first try at any sort of exercise in about 2 years I was pretty proud of myself for walking that much. We working on getting down to 16 minute miles.

This week we're mall walkers! We're aiming for 4 miles next Saturday, so we're doing our weekly training at the mall.

Wish us luck with our weekly goal by donating to the LLS by clicking on the donate widget up on the right!

Blizzard Bloghop: Getting To Know You...

2011-01-28T10:39:00.001-05:00

Today I'm joining in the fun over at Household 6 Diva by joining her Blizzard Bloghop! It's perfect timing really since we had over half a foot of snow this week.

So a little bit about me, eh? Well, I've made the comment here at the Pink Park Bench that I wish more people were more honest and open on their blogs. I've tried to live up to my criticism by holding back less when I post. I started that trend with a guest post last year over at Amber's Goodnight Moon. I've been meaning share that post in it's entirety here and this seems like the perfect opportunity. (I've changed the post up a bit for those of you who read the post already and because life changes...)

I do not go by my first name. Many of you know me as “Nikki” but that is my middle name. It’s been that way my entire life. My mom named me knowing she would call me by my middle name. I used to hate it, but now I love it.

I’m considered obese by the medical world. I do know that I’m overweight, but I would never say I’m “obese.” I was ashamed the first time I realized that, but a size 14 to 16 is average and I think I look good a majority of the time. I try to watch what I eat, but when it comes to food I have little self control. I would rather live life a little overweight because I enjoy food rather than be a size 4 because I eat lettuce and diet pills.

I don’t think I’m innately funny. I have to work on being funny. I wish I was naturally funny.

I’m a Republican (mostly) through and through. I want the money I work for. I don’t want to give it to someone who “earns” it by sitting on their couch. If I’m rich and you’re poor, that’s really not my fault or my problem. If scientific testing on my unused embryos will cure cancer or AIDS, test away. War sucks, but it’s a necessary evil.

I can be very selfish and, in my world, there is always a good reason for my being selfish.

I don’t handle stupid or drunk people very well.

I’m pro-choice. That does NOT mean I’m pro-abortion. It means women should be able to make their own choices. It means I might not be here if abortion was not an option. It means I would probably never have an abortion, but I realize that every woman is not me.

I’m not against same sex marriage, but I think it's a bit ridiculous that some people "refuse" to get married until gays can get married. It seems a bit silly to me to prolong your happiness until someone else can get theirs. I certainly wouldn't want anyone not doing something that would make them happy simply because I can't do it.

I laugh at some racist, sexist, religious, fat and blonde jokes. I don’t think that means I’m a racist or a bigot. I just think that means I’m human with a sense of humor.

I’m not politically correct. I think political correctness is ruining our country. I wish more people would remove the sticks from their a$$es.

I think the Duggars are freaks of nature. I think Kate Gosselin is a money and attention grubbing weirdo.

I'm not afraid of failure and because of that I never fail. Even when it seems that I might have, I realize that it's just a bump in the road and I continue on until I've reached my goal.

I'm walking my first half marathon in June with Team In Training for the Leukemia and Lymphoma society. I do not know anyone personally that I am walking in honor of. I am so incredibly thankful for that.

I love being a mom. Until the day I decided to get pregnant, I didn’t want kids. I love my son more than anything in the world. I would die for him. I would cut off my own leg with a nail file for him (although, I hope I never have to). About once a week, I need an overnight break from him.

Simply put, I love my husband. I know I made the right decision on March 17, 2007. It took Stonewall and me a few months last year to remember that, but our relationship is stronger, better, and sillier than ever. I think Stonewall's an amazing father. I still need my occasional me time though.

I’m not religious, but I’m spiritual. I have a relationship with God that is good enough for me. I respect everyone’s decision when it comes to religion because I think we’re all wrong.

I still have my teddy bear from when I was a little girl. When Stonewall isn't home, Popsicle keeps me company at night.

I don’t understand people who say, “I’ll forgive, but I won’t forget.” I think that if I forgive I have to forget. Otherwise, it will always be there, in the back of my mind and the resentment that comes from not forgetting will one day spill out and that means I have not forgiven.

I believe in signs and that everything happens for a reason. I may not know that reason at the time, but eventually it all makes sense.

I wish I enjoyed cleaning more and that I did it more. I wish I knew the right answers. I wish I enjoyed watching football more on TV. I wish I could have more self-control. I wish I still played tennis. I wish I had the time to audition for a play. I wish I budgeted my time more, so I didn’t have to wish I had more time. I wish I was less lazy. I wish the world for my son and I hope he knows every day of his life how amazing he really is.

Finally, despite what some might consider my shortcomings, I think I’m good person. Despite the bad things in my life, I don’t regret much. If people don’t like me because of who I am and what I feel and believe, I’m okay with that. I wouldn’t want them to change for me, so I’m not going to change for them.

I hope everyone heads on over to Ann Marie's place and joins up!

Before you do that though...

See that donate box up in the top right corner? Join me in raising money for those with leukemia, lymphoma, and other blood cancers. In June, my mom and I are walking 13.1 miles in the San Diego Rock n' Roll Half Marathon, so please help us support the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society by donating a dollar or two for every mile we walk. Your money helps make a difference in so many lives by allowing those with blood cancers to continue to get the treatments they need and continue to live. Thank you!!

Also, I'm having a yummy giveaway! Enter to win a Stella and Dot necklace and a jar of Fleur de Sel caramels!

Things That Make You Go Hmmm: Is My Car Sliding or Did the Road Move?

2011-01-27T07:30:00.001-05:00

I have a light on my dashboard that lets me know my car is slipping and sliding...

...As if the total loss of control of my car isn't enough warning for me.

I'd like to know who has to see that light before realizing, "Oh geez. My car is sliding on the icy, snowy road..."

...And then I'd like them to forfeit their driver's license.

Giveaway for Valentine's Day!

2011-01-26T11:09:00.004-05:00

Are you ready for an awesome giveaway?!

I know you are and so am I! I'm so excited to be working with Tracy, an independent stylist from Stella and Dot to bring you this fabulous prize. Plus, it's just in time for Valentine's Day, so if you're looking for that something special for that someone extra special...or you want something special for yourself...this is the giveaway for you!

Up for grabs we have this gorgeous Avery Chains and Pearls necklace from Stella and Dot!

Five antiqued silver plated chains dripping with freshwater pearls. The combinations of pearls with chain in this necklace updates the classic pearl for a rocker chic look. Approximately 18 ½” – 24"
(Retail Value $69)

Isn't it just lovely? I know I'm jealous of whoever wins.

And because it's Valentine's Day and I'm feeling especially in the hugs and kisses mood I'm going to throw in a little something extra...

A 1/2 pound of Fleur de Sel Caramels packaged in an Eco-friendly Mason Jar from The Caramel Jar! Are they not the most scrumptious looking candies you've ever seen? My mouth is watering.

So here's how you go about winning all these goodies...

Mandatory Entry:
Head on over to Tracy's Stella and Dot page, check out all of her jewelry, come back here and let me know what other piece you've just got to have.

And because I know you like working for your prize...

Unlimited Entries:
See that donate button at the top of my sidebar? Click it and donate to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. $1 = 1 entry, so really it's up to you how many entries you want...

1 Entry:
Let Tracy know you really really like Stella and Dot by Liking Stella and Dot over on Facebook

1 Entry:
Show Tracy some Twitter love and follow her @TracyTHall

1 Entry:
I know you heart me, but Valentine's Day is coming up, so show me some extra love and follow me @ampinkparkbench

2 Entries:
Tweet this giveaway daily! Every time you tweet make sure you let me know with a comment! And just to help you out a bit you can simply copy and paste this: GIVEAWAY! I entered to win #Stella&Dot Jewelry from @ampinkparkbench and @TracyTHall http://tinyurl.com/48zl5ea

3 Entries:
Blog about it....and don't forget to link back to this post.

So there you have it. Plenty of chances to win! I just need one comment with all of your entries. If you twitter more than once though let me know every time. Oh, and don't forget your email in the comment! If you don't leave an email and you win...your V-Day will be a bit disappointing.

Contest starts the second I hit publish and ends Friday, February 4, 2011 at 8:00 PM EST. I will draw a winner from "The Hat" on Saturday and contact the winner. The winner has 48 hours to get back to me with their address before I move on to the next person drawn out of "The Hat." You must be 18 or older to enter. Contest is open to USA or APO/AE.

(Please keep in mind that the items will be coming from two different places. Every attempt will be made to get the items to the winner by Valentine's Day. However, there is no guarantee the winner will get them by Valentine's Day. The sooner the winner contacts me the better the chance of receiving the items on time. Thank you!)

Good luck and happy entering!!

Central PA's Dream Weddings? Not So Much...

2011-01-25T11:25:00.001-05:00

One of my sister's wedding vendors really screwed her over. Her wedding was over a year ago, so there isn't much she can do about it now. Plus, a contract wasn't involved, so there isn't any legal action that could be taken. That being said, I can and I will post about it here.

I read an article in Reader's Digest called, "Creative Ways People Use the Internet for Buyer's Revenge." My favorite is most definitely the woman who dressed herself up as a viking to solve her problems.

I'm not going to get as creative as these fine consumers. However, I figured that since we are now in a world where the customer is NOT always right, I might as well voice my opinion about a business that takes advantage of one of the most stressed and emotional persons out there: the bride.

Like most brides, my sister had a vision for her wedding. She wanted it to be perfect. She wanted the right colors, the right food, the right dress, the right flowers, the right venue...all the details she spent over a year planning and a lifetime dreaming about, she wanted them to be just perfect.

She chose several local vendors in our area to help her create her wedding day.

Enter Martine Cajas of House of Clarendon.

Martine created her cake. It was gorgeous, I will give him that. However, Martine also took advantage of my sister.

Martine had this grand vision of having his own TV show. He had even approached a local TV station with the hopes of bringing the show to fruition. Many of the other vendors my sister worked with supported Martine in this endeavor and helped him promote the show.

Throughout the entire process of planning Meg's wedding Martine and many of her other local vendors convinced Meg to do this or add that, so that her wedding could be one of the first on the show. Meg took some of their suggestions...including a bigger, more dazzling cake, decorated by the man of the hour, Martine. Some of those suggestions actually turned out incredibly beautiful. However, they also came at a pretty price, as most weddings do.

What bride doesn't hope that her wedding will be the inspiration for future brides? What bride doesn't pour over wedding magazines and wedding shows and dream that her wedding will be awed over by other brides?

Martine and some of the other vendors took advantage of a bride by promising her that her wedding that she was spending thousands on would be the envy of every other bride in the area. They promised her that her wedding would be a highlight of a TV show. They played on the emotions of a bride to get what they wanted...more money and attention.

Throughout the process of planning her wedding Meg was skeptical about the TV show. While she took suggestions from her vendors, she didn't go quite as big as some of them (mainly Martine) had hoped. One of the things she refused to hire was a videographer. She was told that she needed a videographer to tape the wedding to be used for the show. During most of her wedding planning the show was not yet a go, so she didn't want to spend several thousand on a videographer when she knew she didn't want a video.

A few weeks before her wedding, she was told the TV show was definitely going to be aired on a local station. The station had approved the show, so Martine was given the green light to move forward with finding couples that wanted their weddings on the show. He told Meg that her wedding would be one of the first weddings featured as long as she hired a specific videographer to film her wedding.

She agreed. She hired the videographer, at her expense, with Martine's promise that her and Dru's wedding would be on his show.

After their wedding Martine told Meg he would be contacting her and Dru to interview them for the show in a few months and within a year their wedding would be showcased for all of Central PA to see.

Fast-forward to a year later...

Dream Weddings premiered in December and Meg has yet to hear from Martine.

Not only that but the videographer Meg was required to use is not the videographer the show is now announcing is mandatory to be considered for the show.

I realize no contract was made. No legal document guaranteed Meg and Dru would be on this show if they used certain vendors and decorated in certain ways.

However, a promise was made. A vendor that Meg trusted to help create her wedding made a promise to her and Dru. A vendor used a bride's dream day against her to further his business and to make more money.

A man is only as good as his word, Martine. And your word is, very obviously, no good.

PS. To all the Dream Wedding brides - I sincerely hope you have a better experience than what my sister did. I hope you have a vision (and a budget) for your wedding that you stick with and not let the vendors or the host of the show change your vision (or empty your pockets) for their benefit.

MilSpouse Friday Fill-In: If You Don't Have A Book, Print Out My Blog

2011-01-21T11:15:00.000-05:00

I know it's been quite a long time since I participated in Wifey's MilSpouse Friday Fill-In. I figured I could use some social interaction and who better to socialize with than fellow MilSpouses?

1.What do you usually want to know about someone when meeting them for the first time?

It really depends on where I am...
At work, usually a new employee: How much of a pain in my a** are you going to be? Are you the type to handle your own business or I am I going to have to call your mother for you to figure out your social security number?
At an Army thing, another Officer: Do I have to kiss your a** to keep my husband in your good graces?;
a spouse: Are you a nice spouse or a d**k measuring spouse?
Waiting (impatiently) in line or something, a complete stranger: Does my face really say, "Please talk to me right now?"
Social gatherings, fellow partygoer: Are you having a good time? (aka If I hang with you, will I never want to leave or will I want to throw myself out the window in 5 minutes?)

2.Would you rather know everything about your spouse, or be regularly surprised?
Once again, depends on the situation...
"My lovely wife, did I ever tell you making you breakfast in bed is the perfect way to start my weekend?" Keep the surprises coming...
"My lovely wife, did I ever tell you it was my life long goal to live in Antartica and I just bought an igloo there? Start packing!" Not so much.

3.If you could live in one city for the rest of your life, where would you live?
This is kind of a tough one... I'm going to have to go with Chincoteague, VA. It's such a quaint and fairly quiet town, plus it's on the beach. There isn't much to do, but I could definitely get into the small town life. That being said, I will probably spend my whole life living in the same city I've lived in for the past 29 years.
4.When you go out of town, what one material thing do you ALWAYS take?
A book. You never know where you'll end up, how long it will take you to get there or how long you'll be waiting on traffic, delayed flights, or delayed people. Plus, once you get there, it might just end up being boring and one should always have something interesting to read to pass the time. (Hence the title :))

5.Using no more than 10 nouns, and ONLY nouns, describe yourself.
Wife, Mommy (to humans and dogs), Family-Girl, Book-Lover, Writer, Practical-Dreamer, Party-Planner, Organized-Mess, Shopper, Capricorn
(I'm also a bit of a rule maker as you can tell by my hyphens. Hyphens make 2 words 1 in my world.)

Head on over to Wife of a Sailor to play along!

A Sad Day

2011-01-18T11:43:00.000-05:00

It's a sad day here in the Mootz household. We are giving Brinlea to the Humane Society today. We're are upset about it, but unfortunately, it is necessary.

Over the weeks she has become increasingly destructive and aggressive. Lil Mootz is scared of her because of the number of times she's pushed him down. She also "play" bites, but over the weeks those bites have gotten harder and harder. We were concerned, but thought it was her puppyness coming out. There were so many moments when she was loving and sweet and they seemed to more frequent. We had an appointment yesterday to get her spayed and we hoped that would help calm her down a bit.

About an hour or so after dropping her off at the vet yesterday for her appointment, Stonewall got a call from the vet saying they wouldn't be able to spay her because she was so aggressive. Apparently, when they were trying to get blood from her she repeatedly lunged at the vet and his assistant, growled and snapped at them. They worked with her for about 40 minutes to try and calm her down and get her to relax, but she wouldn't let up. They eventually called it quits.

We've been going to this vet for...oh gosh, I don't even know how many years. I trust their judgment 150%. When Pippy licked up antifreeze, they took her in immediately and got her squared away. When Sarge was give about a 5% chance of living, they worked to figure out what was wrong with him and kept him for about two weeks to get him back up and running. My parents have been taking their dogs their for as long as I can remember. They've seen us through new puppies, random dog illnesses, old dogs, and even untimely puppy deaths. The thought of taking my dogs anywhere else greatly upsets me.

Once they decided they wouldn't be able to spay Brinlea, the vet called Stonewall. Stonewall spoke with them for quite a while, telling them about the problems we've been having with her over the past several week. Several years ago the vet had the same breed in for spaying exhibiting the same aggressiveness as Brinlea. The family decided to keep the dog. Unfortunately, that dog turned on the family's daughter and caused serious injury. The vet felt, based on her behavior in the vet's office and her behavior at home, that it wasn't a matter of if Brinlea goes off on one of us, but when.

I refuse to take that chance with Lil Mootz or Pippy.

We spent the afternoon yesterday calling rescues in PA, NY, and MD, trying to find one that would take Brinlea.

Here's where my rant begins...

If you are a rescue and you get your grant money and donations by posting on your site that you rehabilitate dogs INCLUDING aggressive dogs, then f**cking mean it!! I can't tell you how disappointed I am in animal rescues right now. I called so many rescues that claim they will not turn any dog away for any reason, including aggressiveness, only to be told, "Nope, we won't take her."

"But your site says you rehabilitate aggressive dogs. And yet you won't take my dog."

"That's correct."

"So you're lying on your site then?"

"No..."

"But I have a dog showing signs of aggression. You site says you rehabilitate aggressive dogs, but you won't take her. That sounds like lying to me."

"It's not lying."

"But you won't take her."

"No."

"Then you're lying."

"No, we're -" and then I hung up on them.

Our only option besides a rescue is euthanasia. We're not satisfied with that option.

Rescues have this "No kill" stance, yet they refuse to help anyone that may have to go that route. They're more than happy to say, "You're morally inferior to us because you'll put you're dog down." Yet when asked, "Will you take her?" They say, "No."

Let me tell you something rescues... That does NOT make you better than me, better than pet shops, better than any dog owner that didn't "rescue" their dog. No. It's makes you liars. Liars to all the people that donate to you because they think you help ALL dogs. It makes you shameless. Shameless because you have no problem turning down a puppy, that in the right environment and with the right help, could be a great dog, but then have the nerve to ask me, "Have you considered putting this dog down?" while flashing "No Kill" your website.

I'm angry at all of those rescues that I called and said that to me.

Okay... Calming down...

Stonewall eventually called the University of PA because they have a behavioral program for dogs. After taking a test that all of their candidates take and talking to the director of the program, we learned that Brinlea is NOT aggressive. She has fear anxiety. In some ways that is better than being aggressive and in other ways that is worse.

It is better because she is not as dangerous as an aggressive dog. Over time, a trainer/owner would be able to figure out her fears and there by control her anxiety. It is worse because her major fear, separation, is one of the hardest fears to control in a dog. It is very possible that even after years of working with a trainer, she will never lose that fear and will continue to be destructive. And of course, in a dog you can't simply ask them, "What scares you?" It is a trial by error process and we might think we have everything under control and then suddenly a new factor comes into play that brings out her fear.

*sigh*

It's a hard situation.

Well, after calling several rescues and being turned down we were starting to think we might have to go a route we didn't want to go.

Then we hit the jackpot.

Stonewall called a humane league in our area...a second time, actually. The first time they said they wouldn't take her because we didn't live in their county. He called them a second time to discuss the icky choice with them and also to talk to them about the test results from the behavioral dog school. It turns out, they use the same test to determine if a dog is a dog they can adopt out. After talking to Stonewall, they said that for a small donation they would take Brinlea and work with her and determine if she could be placed with another family. If she couldn't be adopted out, they would decide the next move, but regardless, it was out of our hands at that point.

I sincerely hope she can placed with another family. I have no doubt that in the right environment she could be a fabulous dog. All she needs is time and proper training. I feel strongly that the Humane League feels the same way, especially since they agreed to evaluate her after hearing the results of the test.

I wish we could give her those things. Like I said before though, I'm not willing to take a chance with Lil Mootz and Pippy. My human child is far more important that any dog I could ever own. If something happened to him that we could have prevented right now, I would never forgive myself.

So there you have it...

I realize that some people might judge us based on what they read in this post, especially since the subject of euthanasia came up. To those people I say...

Then you take her. Take my dog and prove that she can be trained to be an excellent dog. Until you do that you have no right to judge us or our decisions from your moral high horse.

Hug A Butt

2011-01-17T07:30:00.002-05:00

We went to the Farm Show last week. It was Lil Mootz's first visit and he was fascinated with all the animals.

Most particularly the cows. He wanted to pet the cows. Then he wanted to hug the cows.

I'm glad he likes cows. They're one of the few animals I can think of that provides us with food from three different food groups: dairy, protein and ice cream.

The problem is the cows were tethered butt-side out.

So...

He hugged cow butt.

Embrace the beef, my son. Embrace the beef.

Things That Make You Go Hmmm...Did I Massage My WHAT With Olive Oil?

2011-01-14T07:30:00.003-05:00

So my pregnant sister had a very interesting question for me: Did I massage my...downstairs area...with olive oil before giving birth?

Well, actually...

I'm sorry. Did I do what now?

I'm sure we all remember this clip from the movie Baby Mama. I most definitely thought they made this whole "olive oil" thing up just for the movie. Get a good chuckle out of the audience.

Oh no. According to the pregnancy community Meg frequents women actually rub olive oil on their...Barbaras...while pregnant to prevent tearing during labor.

Which got me thinking, since I had not partaken in rubbing my...lady parts....with cooking oil, how does one do this while hugely pregnant?

And it appears that not only do women rub their...ah hell, their taints with olive oil, but there are websites that give instructions.

iVillage for Pregnancy and Parenting has an excellent set of directions...

If it's okay with you I'll just skip the detailed photo...

First, you should wash your hands. I'll give it to them...that's a good first step. You never know what's under your fingernails and if you're so concerned about tearing that you'd actually massage olive oil onto your perineal, you'd really freak out just thinking about what dirt could get....you know, up there.

Next, find a private place. If you were considering doing this in the mall food court, they advise against it....

Now get yourself comfortable. Any easy task when you're anytime over 4 weeks pregnant....

And for the main show...

"Place your thumbs about 1 to 1 1/2 inches (three to four centimeters)"...for those of you who prefer the metric system..."inside your vagina. Press downward and to the sides at the same time."...Seriously, who can get in this position even when they're NOT pregnant?..."Gently and firmly keep stretching until you feel a slight burning, tingling or stinging sensation."...Slight burning? Why? Who does that to themselves?..."With your thumbs, hold the pressure steady for about two minutes or until the area becomes a little numb and you don't feel the tingling as much."...Well, if it wasn't weird before now we add the numbing sensation...

"As you keep pressing with your thumbs, slowly and gently massage back and forth over the lower half of your vagina, working the lubricant into the tissues. Keep this up for three to four minutes. Remember to avoid the urinary opening."...I don't know. If you're going to go through all of this work you might as well make your way an inch or so north and get something out of this other than burning and tinglies...

"As you massage, pull gently outward (and forward) on the lower part of the vagina with your thumbs hooked inside."...Just get yourself a vibrator and some KY...

I should like to point out that the article also suggests having your partner do this for you. Show of hands how many husbands would simply just rub some olive oil down there and then call it a night?

Right. Any questions?

Well I've got one...

I Go Walking....To San Diego...for the Leukemia & Lyphoma Society

2011-01-13T07:30:00.001-05:00

I haven't really discussed New Year's Resolutions here yet. That's probably because I didn't really make any until a couple of days ago.

I'm not a fan of resolutions. Apparently, 86% of Americans make resolutions and only 24% actually keep them. (Okay, I made that up, but it totally sounds legit....) Usually by February, on a good year, my resolutions are out the window. My sorta-kinda resolution for this year was to have a better year than 2010. Not something I really have to work on since Stonewall and I took a mini-break in 2010 and as long as that doesn't happen in 2011, I'd say we've had a better year.

I heard an ad on the radio for this thing called Team In Training with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. I was curious, so my mom and I checked it out the other evening.

My 2011 New Year's resolution is to walk in the San Diego Rock 'N Roll Marathon event on June 5, 2011 and raise $3000 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

Okay, not an entire marathon. A half marathon. 13.1 miles to be exact.

And not $3000. More than that. But I don't want to overwhelm you so early in the year. Take your time. $5 here and there over the next six months and we'll meet our goal, plus some.

Can I just say how super excited I am about this?!

As a part of Team in Training (TNT), I have a coach, a mentor, and whole group of people working towards the same goal. Between now and June 5, we'll meet every weekend to train for the marathon. Our coach will also give us weekly training schedules to help get us in shape. TNT also helps with nutritional information and basically anything else that is necessary to get me in shape for June. If I raise my goal of $3000, TNT will provide my airfare, board, and marathon registration fee.

So to recap: Someone trains me for free, I get a free trip to San Diego, and all I have to do it show up and walk 13.1 miles and $3000 goes to helping leukemia and lymphoma patients. Oh, and hopefully I finally lose some of this baby weight. Hmmm.... not too shabby.

So if you haven't already noticed my little fundraising widget in the top right corner, now's about the time to notice it, click on it, and donate.

Of course, you can expect a lovely giveaway in the future for this. So be on the lookout for that. But in the meantime, go ahead and donate.

Seriously, your karma will love you for it.

The Long Walk or The True Story That Maybe Happened

2011-01-11T14:58:00.000-05:00

So I mentioned some changes here at the Pink Park Bench. One of the things I would like to do is get on more of a schedule. I've always posted pretty regularly on Mondays. Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, but I'd also like to dedicate certain types of posts to certain days. Yesterday you read about My Mommy Moments which I'll be writing about on Mondays. I'd like to start writing about my reads on Tuesdays.

I'm a reader. I love to read. Actually, love might be a bit of an understatement. I'm obsessed with reading. (I even collect copies of my most favorite book...) Granted, I don't get to read as much as I used to, what with a kid, job, and general life responsibilities, but 9 times out of 10, if I have a free hour I'll spend it reading. If I'm waiting for something/someone, I'll read while waiting. If I'm doing my business (you know what business I'm talking about), I read. I read books, magazines, blogs, news sites... Really anything that strikes my fancy.

Anyway, I thought Tuesdays might be a good day to share some of what I like to read with you all here. Of course, I'll highlight what I'm reading now and some of my favorite books. I'll also post about magazine articles I read that I've just got to share with someone. I'd also like to feature some of my favorite blogs here.

So there you have it. Let's get started...

I just finished reading The Long Walk: The True Story of a Trek to Freedom by Slavomir Rawicz.

During WWII, Slav was a Polish Army Lieutenant who was imprisoned by the Russians for reasons that include spying. After being imprisoned in several Russian prisons for about a year, Slav was found guilty, sentenced to 25 years hard labor and transported to a Russian labor camp. Slav and six other prisoners escaped the labor camp and trekked over 4000 miles from the labor camp in Siberia through Mongolia, the Gobi desert, over the Himalayas, and into India.

As the title says this book is a true story...

Supposedly...

If this is a true story, it's an amazing true story. These seven men took the greatest risk a human can take to escape a camp (in which they probably were wrongly imprisoned in anyway) so they could be free. They traveled over 4000 miles, most of the time with no food or water, in handmade moccasins and with one axe and knife for protection. They walked over 30 miles a days while starving and dehydrated, sometime with little to no sleep.  It's beyond amazing what the human body can do to get what it wants. In this case, freedom.

When I started reading this book, I couldn't put it down. First, I was fascinated by what these prisoners had to go through.  Slav recounts episodes of torture and being kept in a cell that was just big enough for a man to stand. He couldn't bend his knees to sit or lay down, so for months on end he was kept in a standing position. After he was found guilty, he was put on a train with hundreds of other prisoners, standing room only, and transported across Russia. Once they were taken off the trains, the prisoners were chained to the back of trucks and had to walk for three months through Siberian blizzards to reach the labor camp.

Throughout this entire time Slav talks about escaping. The thought was rarely far from his mind. Once he had been in the labor camp for some time the opportunity for escape arose and he took it, along with six other men, including one American who had been arrested while working in Russia.

Like I said, a page turner.

About half way through though, I started to doubt the truth of the book.

I was an English minor in college, so I took a fiction writing class. I can remember the teacher telling us, "Don't ever write, 'We were sitting in a cafe in Italy with the full moon light streaming through the window and Frank Sinatra singing, 'That's Amore' when my boyfriend proposed.' because, in fiction, if it seems to good to be true, it is." Her point being that fiction is based on real life, so people want to believe it can be true. However, in real life you can't plan something that perfect. If you can't plan perfection in real life then don't plan it for fiction.

This book was too perfect. In fact, it was so perfect, it's completely unbelievable to me. First of all, the opportunity for escape came when the labor camp's commander's wife started talking to Slav about escape in a totally, "I know you would never do it, but theoretically..." I mean, really?! At one point she even says, "You shouldn't escape in a month when my husband is away because that would be bad." *wink wink*

When they travel through the Gobi desert, Slav recounts how they went 12 days without food or water. 12 days. Can the human body really go 12 days without water and still function? The fact that he also remembers that it is 12 days baffles me as well. There are several other parts throughout the book when he can't remember this detail or that detail, but while starving, completely dehydrated, and wandering through a desert in extreme heat, barely able to stand at some parts, he can remember exactly which day they are on.

The crossing of the Himalayas also posed a problem for me. People spend their whole lives training to scale mountains and climb to the very tippy top, with the proper equipment none-the-less. However, these starving, broken, tired men manage to do it without food, water, shoes or sleep. (Slav specifically recounts how they didn't sleep for fear of dying in the cold.)

Another aspect of the book that I find just a bit too perfect is that they are always, miraculous saved just when they can't go on a step farther. After near death in the desert they just happen upon an oasis that was apparently occupied mere hours earlier so there is leftover food and water. After so many days of traveling with no food or water, they just happen upon a random shepherd in a cave who willing kills one of his own flock. Or, my favorite part, after days of climbing the Himalayas they find a recently abandoned cave with sheep skins in the back and food hanging from the ceiling.

I also noticed that whenever they happened upon a small village or another person who was willing to help them, one of two things occurred. Either the village or cave was described as being hidden from view, so it was a mere accident it was found at all and the odds of it being found again are pretty slim. Or the person didn't speak the same language so they were unable to get names. Nothing in the book is concrete with regards to names, places, and exact dates.  Also, without a map or a handy GPS system they managed to completely avoid civilization.

I won't give away the ending, but I'll give you a guess as to how many of the seven survived that could be tracked down to verify the story? There are more areas of the book that bother me or are just too perfect to be real in my opinion, but I think you get the gist.

Overall, the book was entertaining. I did want to finish the book and regardless of it's authenticity, I enjoyed reading it. However, because it is "a true story" I found myself scoffing at several parts and even predicting what would happen next. (Since it was too perfect it was pretty easy to guess what happens at certain parts.)

The reason I started reading the book is because the movie is coming out in the USA later this month. The movie is called The Way Back and it stars Colin Farrell, Ed Harris, and Jum Sturgess. It looks like its not 100% the same as the book, but I'm curious to see it.

Has anyone else read this book? What did you think of it?

My Mommy Moments: Happy Potty to Me...

2011-01-07T22:10:00.007-05:00

We've started potty training. For my birthday my sister bought me a potty training book. I barely know how to potty train our dog let alone our human child. I've discovered though that we are so very inadequately prepared for this stage.

Did you know there are no fewer than 19 items required for potty training? I thought all we needed was a toddler potty chair, some toilet paper, and a step stool for hand washing. *chuckle* How naive I am.

We need a potty time watch. What. The. Hell is a potty time watch?

We're also supposed to have potty travel mitts? Does he not wear diapers anymore when traveling? Am I required to catch the pee and/or poo while in the car?

And apparently Charmin is not child friendly. According to this book we need toilet paper for children. I didn't realize toilet paper was age restricted.

Luckily, Lil Mootz seems to be doing just fine without 16 of the 19 required potty training items. He may need therapy one day for his lack of potty training equipment, but I suppose the money we're saving on only buying 3 of the items, can be used for his future therapist.

He only pees on the potty right now. Obviously, he still uses a diaper quite frequently, but about once a day he lets us know he has to pee in the potty. At two years old I think that's quite an accomplishment. Granted, he only actually pees about half the time and the rest of the time he just wants an excuse to wash his hands, but I'm proud of him none-the-less.

A Potty Time Story...

The other day Lil Mootz comes running into the bathroom, half naked, and plunks his little tushy on his toilet. After a few minutes his potty starts singing at him letting us know he peed! Stonewall and I dance the congratulatory potty jig for Lil Mootz. At this point, Lil Mootz stands up, walks over to the big potty, looks up at Stonewall, points at the toilet and says, "Daddy, pee!"

Once Stonewall actually pees Lil Mootz does his own congratulatory cheering for Stonewall.

What can I say? Peeing is a family affair here at the Mootz household.

Any potty training tips to pass on to me?

Friday Fun Day: The Start of a New Year!

2011-01-07T11:26:00.000-05:00

Woo-hoo for Friday! Can you believe we're already one whole week into the New Year? Already this year is flying by and so much has happened!

Stonewall got his new orders!! Can I just tell you how HAPPY that makes me? A huge weight lifted off my shoulders when he was called on Tuesday (my birthday none the less!) and was told he was starting on Monday. They're ADSW orders, so he's guaranteed a year, but we have reason to be very hopeful that they'll extend to two years. Yay! That's one whole year (maybe two) of free health insurance and good Officer pay!

Stonewall will use this time to politick and hopefully score an AGR job which, for National Guard, is the place to be.

~ *** ~

As you may recall I turned 29 already this year. So far it's been a good age. No new wrinkles or gray hairs!

I'm already planning my 30th birthday party. Stonewall also turns 30 next year and Lil Mootz turns 3 at the end of this year, so I'm thinking of some sort of "3 Going on 30" theme. I have a year to get things in order, so I'll get back to you at a later date with all the details.

~ *** ~

I got a new desk at work! My old desk was held together with tape and the drawers started breaking... It was sad. My new desk is super cute. Not everyone is thrilled with it, but I love it! It's antique white instead of dark brown, so I just feel happier when I walk into my office. It is smaller than my old desk, but that just means I have more room in my office. At least once a day someone would walk into my office and either run into a chair that was sitting by the door or the corner of my desk. Now there is plenty of room to maneuver.

(This is the desk, but it isn't my office. This is the photo from Office Max.)

~***~

I found a new editing tool on Picnik that I'm all about. It's called "Faded Daguerreotype." It fades the picture down to almost black and white. Then I use the fade tool to bring the color back up to about 50%. I love the look it gives photos. Kind of like an antique photo look. Sometimes I add more color to eyes or cheeks to really make the picture pop. Now Picnik just needs to develop a ragged photo/old photo frame or an ornate Victorian photo frame and it would be perfect.

Before - With my mom at the tea house.
After - Using Faded Daguerreotype, plus some other editing techniques.

I hope everyone else had a great first week of 2011!

A Little Man's Mustaches & Neckties 2nd Birthday Party

2011-01-06T15:06:00.001-05:00

My Lil Mootz turned two during my blogging break! TWO! Can you friggin' believe this little munchkin is two already?!

And he is certainly living up to his age. One minute he's in his Terrible Twos and the next he's a Terrific Two. Seriously, the boy is a walking see-saw. He thinks that if he hits you, but immediately follows the hit with a hug and a kiss all is forgiven. And to be honest, he usually is forgiven, but we're desperate to quit the hitting altogether.

Anyway, back to the turning two part. We had a birthday party for Lil Mootz this past weekend and it was awesome if I do say so myself. It was a Little Man party and Stonewall and I put so much work into it, so we were so happy with the way everything turned and that everyone had a great time...

The Invite

I wanted Lil Mootz to look like the Little Man that he is, so I found the cutest necktie t-shirt at Jam n' Jelli on Etsy. During the party though Lil Mootz wore a necktie t-shirt I made to match Stonewall and myself.

I called around to every party store in the area looking for a giant mustache balloon or pinata, but no luck. Instead I made one out of foam to hang from the ceiling.

I made the necktie banner using my handy dandy Silhouette SD. (If you're into the cutting machines, like Cricket, you totally need to check out the Silhouette. It does the same things as the Cricket except you don't need to buy separate cartridges for each new shape.) Do you like the mustaches Lil Mootz is sporting in some of his photos?

I made Mug-staches for the favors and filled them with hot cocoa mix and cookie lollipops. I found a great tutorial for the mugs at See Cate Create. I was so surprised at how easy they were to make and how little time it actually took. I have no idea why anyone would spend $15 a mug to buy these on Etsy when I made 27 of them for $30.

I found the cookie lollipop recipe on Cookie Madness. I used the Michelle Bommarito recipe. The dough was very crumbly which made it very difficult to work with and I wasn't super thrilled with the taste either, but Lil Mootz was a huge fan of the finished product, so I can't complain too much.

My favorite part of the favors though was the necktie ribbon I made to close the baggies. I'm pretty proud I thought of that little detail.

I also made mustaches out of felt served in beer mugs for our party guests. Everyone had a blast picking their perfect 'stache and modeling it for the camera. Even unborn Vivi joined in the fun. As you can see all the guests came appropriately attired in their neckties!

I made Chocolate (Root) Beer Cupcakes for the cake smashing event. (Last year, I made vanilla cupcakes for Lil Mootz's first birthday and I got in trouble for not making chocolate which is better for photos apparently. I didn't want to make the same mistake again...) The cupcakes turned out nicely and everyone, especially Lil Mootz, quite enjoyed them. I forgot to get a good close up shot of them, but I decorated them with neckties, mustaches, and "2"s.

I didn't take pictures of the rest of the food, but we served what I called, "Man Food." Stonewall made his soon-to-be famous hot wings with his signature hot sauce and a honey BBQ sauce. We also served up sliders, chips and dip, cheese and bologna and tator tots. Everything a man needs to fill himself up. I also had bottled (root) beer to cool down mouths after scarfing down the wings.

Another little detail I was especially fond of was the napkins. I found these cute necktie napkins that went perfectly with the Little Man theme.

Also, the chocolate cake made a huge mess on the floor. When Lil Mootz wanted to help clean it up, I didn't argue...

Happy Birthday to Me!

2011-01-04T11:01:00.000-05:00

It's my birthday! Twenty-nine years ago the world met fabulous lil ol' me!

Awwwww... A bit blotchy, but I think it was pretty obvious then that I would be pretty divine...

Especially at the lovely age of 29. Don'tcha think? (And don't bother answering that unless you're going to agree with me 100%)

I also figured my birthday would be a good day to rejoin the blogging world. It's been quite awhile, but now that the holidays are over and Lil Mootz's birthday party was a happy success, I'll have more time to blog. I have many many things to share with everyone.

I also have some changes I'll be making here at the Pink Park Bench in 2011. Nothing major (although, I suspect a design change will occur later in the year... What can I say? I love new designs...), but some change is good. My time off from blogging has given me time to reflect on what I want my blog to be in the coming year. I think I want to change directions a little bit with regards to what I write about. Like I said, nothing too far off the beaten path, but I'd like to start mixing it up a bit. I think I've gotten stuck in a "Mommy Blog" rut and I miss my old days of Things That Make You Go Hmmm... and non-family topics. Don't get me wrong, you'll still get plenty of Lil Mootz, but I little bit more me as well.

I hope everyone had a great New Year! I missed you all and here's to hoping 2011 is even better than 2010!

Over the next few days stay tuned for an exciting vacation announcement (I need tons of advice from you all!) and pictures from a certain Little Man's 2nd birthday party....

See You In the New Year!

2010-12-28T23:57:00.000-05:00

I hope everyone had a fantastic Christmas! We certainly did here at the Mootz household. It was busy busy busy. So busy that I'm still recovering. Of course, it doesn't help that I've spent the busiest time of the year with a terrible head cold and cough. That's why I've been absent from the blogging world the past few days. In fact, I plan on remaining absent until the new year.

I hope you all have a bangin' New Year!

See you 2011!

Listen to your mother, Ralpie!

2010-12-21T10:56:00.000-05:00

Today is "Dress as your favorite Christmas character" at daycare. Lil Mootz is dressing up like Santa Claus, or Ho Ho, as he calls him...

I don't know whether to "awww" his cuteness, laugh my butt off, or be concerned that perhaps this is some form of torture...

Jingle Bell Rockin'

2010-12-15T00:42:00.001-05:00

I was up until the wee hours of the morning working on Christmas gifts, so today I'm just going to share this video of Lil Mootz rocking out to "Jingle Bells." Watch out, Lassie. There's a new dawg in town.

Christmas Cards Before Christmas

2010-12-13T08:00:00.004-05:00

I'm gonna share day 15 with you of Star's Pink Work 25 Days of Christmas, co-hosted by Jen at Crazy Shenanigans...

Believe it or not our Christmas cards are already addressed and ready to be mailed! I'm pretty shocked by that too. Last year our cards didn't go into the mail until Christmas Eve. I am super excited for our cards this year though. I used Purple Trail and Picnik to design our cards and I love them!

With Picnik I was able to turn out family portrait into a fun Christmas portrait. Purple Trail (remember I mentioned them before...) has so many cute designs that require very little customization, but they also have a mode that allowed me to design our card from scratch using their clipart.

Are your Christmas cards ready to mailed out?

Christmas with Grandparents

2010-12-09T11:04:00.000-05:00

And we're back for day 11 of Star's Pink World 25 Days of Christmas, co-hosted by Jen at Crazy Shenanigans...

I've already shared several of my favorite Christmas activities with you all on days 2 and 9 because most of my favorite activities are traditions that we do every year.

Like I already mentioned I love decorating our house for Christmas. Some of my favorite Christmas decorating memories though are of decorating my Pap and Grandma's tree for Christmas.

For as long as I can remember, every year we would spend an evening at my grandparent's house decorating and singing and dancing to holiday music. We stopped that tradition several years ago and every year I miss it. My grandparents are not going to be here forever and I am so thankful that I have been able to create these special memories with them. I wouldn't trade them for anything...the memories or my grandparents.

I'm hoping Lil Mootz can one day say that he has the same memories and relationship with his grandparents. That's why this year we're going to his Mimi and Pap-pap's house to continue the tradition of decorating and singing and dancing. I hope that he looks forward to this evening of merrymaking every Christmas the same way I used to. I also hope that, like me, these become some of his favorite memories.

What is your favorite Christmas activity?

Christmas Decorating!

2010-12-07T08:00:00.002-05:00

It's day 9 of Star's Pink World 25 Day of Christmas co-hosted by Jen at Crazy Shenanigans...

One of my favorite things about the holiday season is getting our Christmas tree and decorating it and our house. I love the smell of the tree in our house, the sparkling lights, and sitting on the couch with hot chocolate admiring the finished product. Decorating is the start of the holiday season for me. Even with all the stress of the holiday season, a decorated house keeps me in a festive mood.

This past weekend we went Christmas shopping for the perfect Christmas tree. Lil Mootz was all about running up and down the paths between the trees.

Once we picked out the best tree and got it set up, Lil Mootz helped us hang ornaments. He also enjoyed tearing them down again, but at the age of (almost) 2, I suppose that's part of the fun.

Some of my favorite ornaments are Lil Mootz's first Christmas ornament from Germany at Epcot, Stonewall's and my first Christmas together as husband and wife ornament, and our hidden pickle ornament.

For the first year we have an advent calendar. I mentioned in my traditions post that I was on the lookout for an advent calendar. I didn't find one to buy that I liked, so I made one of our own out of baby socks.

Lil Mootz is certainly enjoying getting his two pieces of chocolate every night before bed. I'm not sure how it's going to go come December 25, and no more chocolate...

We also put up our Christmas Village! I'll admit when I found out Stonewall wanted to put up a Christmas Village I was not thrilled. However, now I'm more excited to get it set up than Stonewall. I love shopping for a new piece every year. This year we bought the North Pole sign and the puppies near the front.

Stonewall also put up our outdoor Christmas lights. The little snowman and reindeer to the left is our new decoration this year.

Decorating this year has been especially exciting. While Lil Mootz doesn't really understand what is going on, he loves the excitement of it all. He loves the ornaments on the tree and the lights on the Christmas Village. I love seeing the looks on his face when he discovers a new ornament or looks at the Village or dances to Christmas music. He is making this holiday even more festive and exciting.

What is your favorite thing about the holiday season?

The Best Gift I've Ever Received...

2010-12-06T08:00:00.001-05:00

I hope you don't mind, but I'm skipping days 6 and 7 and moving straight on to day 8 of Star's Pink World 25 Days of Christmas and co-hosted by Jen at Crazy Shenanigans...

My best Christmas gift that I've ever received?

Out of 27 Christmases you might think that's a toughie, but it's really not. I mean, I've received some pretty awesome gifts. I got a car the Christmas before I turned 16. Last year Stonewall got me tickets to see Wicked in NYC. My sister once got me one of the those ice cream cone shooters.

All pretty tough to beat, I know. However, in 2008, someone managed to beat them all.

The best gift I've ever received was...

My Lil Mootz! Okay, so he was born on December 27, but this is my post so I say it counts. Haven't you ever received a gift a few days before or a few days after Christmas and it's still a Christmas gift? Exactly.

What is the best gift you ever received?

Here We Come a Wassailing

2010-12-03T08:00:00.001-05:00

You ready for day 4 of Star's Pink World 25 Days of Christmas co-hosted by Jen at Crazy Shenanigans?

Today we are discussing favorite Christmas songs. A couple of years ago I figured that during this wonderful time of the year, as in between Black Friday and Christmas Day, one could potentially hear 1,120 holiday songs on the radio. Honestly, I must have been smarter back in 2008 because I have no idea how I can up with that number. Regardless, it seems like a pretty good number. Expect now I have to pick my favorite, we'll go with 12 because that's how many days of Christmas there are, songs out of 1,120.

Here goes...

#12
Dominick the Donkey by Lou Monte

#11
12 Days by Straight No Chaser

#10
Baby It's Cold Outside by Dean Martin or Rod Stewart and Dolly Parton or Michael Buble and Anne Murray

#9
Santa Baby by Madonna

#8
Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) by U2

#7
All I Want for Christmas is You by Mariah Carey

#6
Do You Hear What I Hear? by Whitney Houston

#5
Please Come Home for Christmas by The Eagles

#4
Happy Xmas (War is Over) by John Lennon

#3
Blue Christmas by Elvis Presley with Martina McBride

#2
I'll Be Home for Christmas by Michael Buble

#1
Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas by Judy Garland

What are your favorite Christmas songs?

My Favorite Christmas Movies (to Watch All Year Long)

2010-12-02T08:00:00.002-05:00

It's time for day 4 of Star's Pink World 25 Days of Christmas...

I love watching Christmas movies during the holidays. Actually, I love watching Christmas movies all year long. I wrote a post last year about my top 13 favorite holiday movies. This list hasn't changed in the past 365 days, so for the second year in a row here is my list of my favorite Christmas movies:

#13

Bad Santa

Stonewall and I watched this on our first date. This movie is best watched with sandwiches.

#12

Home Alone

I know once you pass the age of, like, 8 this movie isn't supposed to be funny anymore, but I still love it. I mean, seriously, as a kid, who didn't want to be Kevin McAllister taking on the bad guys? Plus, Joe Pesci is one of my all time favorite actors.

#11

Elf

Will Ferrell in an elf costume eating spaghetti with maple syrup and pop tarts, skipping through NYC, and building the North Pole. Unless smiling isn't your favorite, what's not to love about this movie?

#10

A Charlie Brown Christmas

This is one of the first Christmas movies I remember watching. Even to this day, while picking out a tree and trying to determine if this one has enough needles or if that one is straight enough, I think, "Maybe it just needs a little love." And in this day and age with the constant struggle between being a religious holiday and being just a day of gift giving, Linus's speech is a good reminder as to what Christmas really is all about.

#9
The Grinch Who Stole Christmas
The cartoon version (and the book) has been a favorite of mine since I was a little girl. When Ron Howard and Jim Carrey made their version I was so excited!

#8
A Christmas Carol
The thing about this movie is I'm fond of several versions. First, you have just the plain ol' straight forward movie. Then there's the Muppet version and Mickey Mouse's version (probably my favorite version). Finally, there's the Jim Carrey version. Okay, I'll admit I haven't seen the Jim Carrey version yet, but I desperately want to!

#7
Miracle on 34th Street
I know most people won't agree with me on this one, but I prefer the newer version with Richard Attenborough, Elizabeth Perkins, and Dylan McDermott.

#6
Babes in Toyland
Always has been, always will be one of my all time favorites. I could watch this anytime of the year.

#5
The Santa Clause
This movie is one of my favorites because even at the age of 28, I still believe in Santa Claus. I love the message in this movie, "Seeing isn't believing. Believing is seeing."

#4
Christmas Vacation
I've seen this movie more times than I can count and it still makes me laugh like a little school girl. And who hasn't shouted (or, at least wanted to), "I want to look him straight in the eye and I want to tell him what a cheap, lying, no-good, rotten, four-flushing, low-life, snake-licking, dirt-eating, inbred, overstuffed, ignorant, blood-sucking, dog-kissing, brainless, dickless, hopeless, heartless, fat-ass, bug-eyed, stiff-legged, spotty-lipped, worm-headed sack of monkey shit he is! Hallelujah! Holy shit! Where's the Tylenol?" to at least one person during the holiday season?

#3
A Christmas StoryThis movie doesn't even require an explanation as to why it's in the top 13. We watch it every Christmas Eve as part of our Christmas tradition with our dad.

#2
Meet Me In St. Louis
I'm not 100% sure this counts as a Christmas movie because it does take place during the entire year, but it's always on TV around this time of year. Plus, Judy Garland sings her famous version of "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" in this movie. So I say it counts and it's a very close second to my #1 favorite movie.

#1
Love ActuallyOkay, I know that out of all the Christmas movies out there this one seems kind of new and not as classically Christmasy as some of the other movies. However, I really love this one. It's funny and sweet and while it does take place during Christmas, I think it's a great all-year-round movie. It's about love and not just "falling in love", but also neighborly love and believing in miracles and having hope and having faith in people which is what Christmas is all about.

What are your favorite Christmas/Holiday movies?

Christmas Wishes

2010-12-01T08:00:00.002-05:00

Welcome to day 3 of Star's Pink World 25 Days of Christmas co-hosted by Crazy Shenanigans....

I don't really have too much of a Christmas wish list this year. Money is a bit tight, so Stonewall and I aren't exchanging gifts.

Actually, our big Christmas gift this year was Brindlee...

She is a Christmas gift from my parents. All of her accessories, such as kennel, bed, food, toys, etc and so forth, are from Stonewall and me to each other.

I suppose if I was Christmas wishing though I would wish that she was potty trained. That's pretty high on my list. Santa, if you could manage that by Christmas morning I would be much obliged.

If I continue to just Christmas wish and the sky is the limit I would also wish for...

...the Sony Cybershot DSC-HX1. Isn't she pretty?

I also wouldn't mind finding this book under the Christmas tree...

...Let's Bring Back by Lesley M. M. Blume.

The most wished for item on my Christmas wish list though is my bracelet with a picture of my Lil Mootz in it since it's been paid for since last November time frame, but has been on delay because of the stupid jeweler. Unfortunately, I don't have a picture of it, but if the hubs...I mean Santa...comes through for me he will have a most thankful and happy wife on Christmas morning.

What are you wishing for this Christmas?

25 Days of Christmas: Day 2 - Christmas Traditions

2010-11-30T08:00:00.002-05:00

I was over at Crazy Shenanigans yesterday and saw that she was co-hosting The 25 Days of Christmas with Star's Pink World. Since my motivation for blogging has been very meh lately, I thought this might help me keep going throughout the holiday season. Plus, the list of topics looks fun!

I missed day 1 yesterday, but the topic was decorations and I haven't put any decorations up yet, so we'll just re-visit that topic at a later date.

So on to day 2 with Christmas Traditions....

Tradition #1

Every year we visit Christmas Candylane at Hershey Park. The tradition started on November 26, 2005, when Stonewall took me there for our first date. Last year, we took Lil Mootz there for the first time. There's something wonderful about getting all bundled up to eat s'mores (although on our first date there they didn't have s'more because they ran out of chocolate. Just a tad ironic for Hershey Park...), drink hot chocolate, visit reindeer, and ride our favorite Hershey Park rides.

Tradition #2

Every Christmas Eve we read The Night Before Christmas. Last year we also read Advent Storybook: 24 Stories to Share Before Christmas. We'll read those stories again this year, starting tomorrow. I would also like to start doing an actual advent calendar, but I haven't been able to find one that I really like.

Tradition #3

On Christmas Eve we also watch A Christmas Story. This tradition started many many years ago. Once my sister and I got old enough to decide where we wanted to spend each holiday regardless of our parents' divorce order, we started spending Christmas Eve with our dad. A Christmas Story became part of the evening one year and we've kept it going ever since.

Tradition #4

Last year also saw the start of a well known and time honored tradition: visiting Santa Claus.

I can only hope that every year Lil Mootz is as happy with this tradition as he was the first year. I'm not betting my Christmas cookies on it though...

What are your favorite Christmas traditions?

Halloween a Wee Bit Late

2010-11-29T08:00:00.003-05:00

I never shared Lil Mootz's Halloween costume with you. I realize we're about a month late, but a cute kid in a cute costume is always appropriate.

Lil Mootz was a puppy for Halloween...

Well, he went as half a puppy because he didn't want to wear the puppy ears...

We finally compromised and he wore the ears as a necklace and he got a lollipop...

He had about four lollipops during the hour long trick or treating trip. He was a sticky sugary mess, but he had fun!
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50 Pounds of Fur and Love

2010-11-23T08:00:00.001-05:00

I want to introduce everyone to the newest member of the Mootz family...

Meet Brindlee! (After Lady, Lady Teacup, and Twinkle Toes, we've finally settled on Brindlee and it's NOT changing again!) She's a seven month old Italian Mastiff. Yep...a mastiff. She currently weighs about 40 to 50 pounds and we expect her to reach anywhere from 80 to 100 pounds.

Imagine carrying that outside when she's gone to the bathroom in the house. I've only thrown my back out about four time since Saturday.

Oh, and did I mention she's afraid of stairs? Lugging 50 pounds of struggling dog up and down the stairs will certainly get me in shape.

We got her on Saturday at what may or may not have been a puppy mill. Actually, I think that it might have been a puppy mill at one time, but because of all the new PA laws against puppy mills it's been "reformed." We're starting to get the feeling though that Brindlee spent the first 7 months of her life in a kennel that she peed and pooped in and was maybe once a day hosed down.

Anyway...

Its been quite an experience so far. Some good, some bad and some I'm not even sure if I can talk about without twitching.

On Sunday we locked her in the guest bathroom while we went to lunch and we came home to the worst sight I've ever seen. She had pooped on the floor and then proceeded to play in it. There was poop all over the floor, the walls, the ceiling, the shower, the sink, the toilet.... It was a disaster. I started crying at one point because I had no idea how to even begin cleaning a mess like that. I even contemplated just burning down the bathroom, but then I remembered the township building wouldn't be open until Monday and I didn't want to wait that long to get a burn permit.

Give me a minute. I need to visit my happy place until I get that moment out of my head again...

Aside from that disaster things haven't been so bad. Her attitude it very calm and sweet. She is such a loving girl. She hasn't shown a bit of aggression. She does potty in her crate, but I think we'll get over that pretty quick. I'm hoping and wishing and praying we get over it quickly. She's already showing signs that she is incredibly smart. Plus, she is just so great with Lil Mootz. He thinks she is a horsey and she just lets him climb all over her. Not a twitch or sign that she's is bothered by him. Every now again she looks up at him, kisses his hand and then goes back to sleep.

So why a mastiff? Aside from the fact that we're just crazy people obviously looking for a good ol' fashion challenge, we wanted a dog that was incredibly family friendly, but also very protective. Mastiffs are known for those traits. They're loyal, loving, playful and great with children, but also incredibly protective of their family. The other thing I liked was that while they're protective, they're not fighting dogs. They prefer the scare someone into a corner method and make them wait for help to arrive. I suppose for a 100 pound dog brute force isn't necessary when looks alone will scare most people.

Sarge dying is still very upsetting to me, but I do believe everything happens for a reason. While I still get teary eyed when I think of Sarge, I honestly believe that him dying was because we were meant to have Brindlee. Somehow everything works itself out properly in the end. I know Sarge would approve because he was really a mastiff in a Chihuahua's body.

So...what do you think? Are we crazy for getting a mastiff or is she going to be the most gentle giant?

Mom's Life Monday #2: I'm Like Glue

2010-11-22T00:01:00.003-05:00

I'm time again for Mom's Life Monday!

I hope more of you will link up today. As I mentioned on Friday, I don't want those of you who don't have kids to shy away from this meme. Use the prompt to write about your future kid or a story about your mom or any other mom you know. There is absolutely no reason why you can't share the embarrassing moments of others on your blog. It makes then feel included, you know?

Prompt #2:

Moms: 99% of the time you're sure your kids are yours and the hospital didn't make a mistake. However, is there ever a time when you're just not sure where Junior got THAT trait from?

Non-moms: You thought those stories about you being switched at birth was just a joke, but are there times when you suspect it could be true because you have no idea where you got THAT trait from?

Lil Mootz is very easy going. Keeping in mind he is only (almost) 2 years old so he definitely has his typical toddler moments, but I've noticed he's very just go with the flow. Stonewall and I, not so much. We are both Type As, so we like things the way we like things all the time. Neither one of use is very flowey. We are more like....glue. I hope Lil Mootz stays that way. I think the teenage years will be much easier if he does. Three people in this household that won't budge will make for some interesting bang-your-head-on-the-wall moments.

I hope everyone had a great weekend and has an awesome start to their week! Don't forget to link up to your Mom's Life post and check back tomorrow pictures of our newest family member!

Friday Fun Day: Prompts, Reads, and Lil' Drums

2010-11-19T08:00:00.001-05:00

The lovely Amber at Goodnight Moon was awesome enough to create a Friday meme that pretty much just lets you post a hodgepodge of whatever. I usually just feel like hodgepodging it at least once a week, so I figure why not join in all the reindeer games with Amber for...

{insert meme badge here}

....hmmm....I'm noticing there is no little Friday Fun Day badge. Amber? Can you explain that, please?

I guess I'll just have to muster on without a badge. That takes skills, people. Mad skills.

Mom's Life Monday

Remember that little meme I started last week? I'm hoping more of you will link up on Monday. I don't want those of you who don't have kids to shy away from this meme. Use the prompt to write about your future kid or a story about your mom or any other mom you know. Believe me, I have some fun little stories about my mom and I will be sharing them in the future. Plus, my sister is going to be a first time mommy in March and I just know she'll provide me with some good ol' fashioned first time mom stories.

Monday's prompt:
Moms: 99% of the time you're sure your kids are yours and the hospital didn't make a mistake, but is there ever a time when you're just not sure where Junior got THAT trait from?
Non-moms: You thought those stories about you being switched at birth was just a joke, but are there times when you suspect it could be true because you have no idea where you got THAT trait from?

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Design*Decorate*Dream

I've been busy dream decorating this week. Check out the newest posts to see some of my favorite things.

Houndstooth

Blue and Green Decor

This Book Belongs To...

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Working Mom Examiner

My first few posts as the Working Mom Examiner are up and running! Not only that, but I've managed to make $0.05! I'm rakin' in the big bucks now, folks! Check out my new articles and if you have it in your heart, please subscribe to my posts. One of the ways I make money is based off of how many subscribers I have. The more the merrier my bank account is.

Healthcare Reform Act: New requirements for nursing mothers

Keystone STARS child care standards

10 things to do the week of November 19, 2010

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Has anyone tried the Nestle Lil' Drums? They're just like Drumsticks only smaller and they only have 130 calories each. They are so tasty! My favorites are Cookie Dough, Caramel, and S'mores. Heaven in a mini-cone.

I hope everyone has a great weekend! We have many plans this weekend. Including some fabulous plans Saturday morning that I super-duper hope bring us an early Christmas present! Keep your fingers crossed for us because we're incredibly excited and I can't wait to share it all with you!

Guest Post: Early Childhood Education – The Best Time For Bilingual Learning

2010-11-17T08:00:00.003-05:00

It goes without saying that in an economic time like the one we're currently in, a good education is one of the best ways to prepare children for survival in the economic jungle of the future. If this current trend continues, your child will grow up to enter a workforce in which the competition is nothing short of cut-throat. As sad as it is, our children need to develop skills now that can help them in the future.

The Bilingual Future

A major trend that has become huge is the existence of a diverse, global society. Nowhere is this more true than in the United States. Almost from the beginning, the U.S. has been a land of immigrants, and while the "melting pot" has been an interesting theory, it has not happened in practice. On the contrary, most major U.S. population centers have become more of an ethnic and linguistic checkerboard; Spanish, Russian, Vietnamese and Chinese speakers represent some of the fastest-growing segments of the immigrant U.S. population.

Getting Ready

While traditionally, children learn a second language in middle school, or even high school, research has shown that this teaching can begin at a very early age, even at their child care facilities. Studies clearly demonstrate that the optimal period in a child's life for multilingual education is during the preschool years – at exactly the same time they are learning their first language. Yes, it is possible to learn a second and third language later in life, but it is more difficult, because that neurological "window of opportunity" – when the brain is most malleable – has passed.

Dr. Fred Genessee, Professor of Psychology at McGill University in Montreal, believes that it's as easy for young children to learn two or three languages as it is for them to learn one. He's not alone; educators throughout the world (in countries that often have two or even three official languages) have understood this for decades.

The best way for a child to learn a second language is by actually speaking it in a total immersion environment. You may recall an episode of the animated series The Simpsons in which young Bart gets trapped on a farm in France – and by the end of the episode, finds he's actually speaking the language. While this was a fictional scenario, the phenomenon is real; anyone who has taken young children abroad to stay with relatives in a foreign country for any length of time has observed this happening.

Co-written by Emily Patterson and Kathleen Thomas

Emily and Kathleen are Communications Coordinators for the network of Atlanta child care facilities belonging to the AdvancED® accredited family of Primrose child care schools. Primrose Schools are located in 16 states throughout the U.S. and are dedicated to delivering progressive, early childhood, Balanced Learning® curriculum throughout their preschools.

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Thank you so much to Emily and Kathleen for providing this article. Stonewall and I have frequently discussed teaching Lil Mootz another language. Unfortunately, while Stonewall is moderately fluent in Spanish, I am not. That would make our conversations around here pretty one-sided. That being said, we are trying to teach Lil Mootz some words in Spanish. Granted, he won't be conjugating verbs anytime soon, but he knows his zapatos go on his feet, he likes to pet his perros and we're working on reading his libros. Zapatos are more like papoos and perros are roos, but he also thinks oatmeal in English is coco and pickles are pickeys, so it's a good start.

Do you teach your child a second language?

It's Not Cheating If I Win

2010-11-16T08:00:00.002-05:00

I like to think Stonewall and I are teaching Lil Mootz to be an honest, upstanding citizen. That one day people will look at our son and say, "What a fine young man!" And if we're lucky they'll add on, "His parents must be superior parents." (I mean, we are, but it's also nice when people recognize it.)

Anyway, I don't think we're doing to bad of a job. It's a bit difficult to say at the moment since Lil Mootz is only (almost) two, but I have faith he's going to turn out pretty darn good.

Except when it comes to cards. As in Rummy.

You see Stonewall and I love to play cards, specifically 500 Rummy, and there is an unspoken rule: If you're stupid enough to not hide your cards, I'm going to cheat.

This rule was established three years ago when the following took place:

Stonewall: Hey! You're looking at my cards!

Me: Well, yeah. How else am I going to win?

Since then we like to try outcheat each other. Hence this weekend's game...

Stonewall: I know what card you need.

Me: No, you don't.

Stonewall: Yes, I do. I can see your cards in the reflection on the table.

Me: Oh. Well, I've been checking out your cards in the mirror behind you.

We're both pretty slick like that.

And we plan on teaching Lil Mootz how to be slick like that too. That's right, our little card player can cheat the money out of your honor student.

Mom's Life Monday #1: You Don't Say...

2010-11-15T07:30:00.001-05:00

I used to participate in the a meme called "Mama Guilt Monday" and it was my favorite meme because I so loved to hear about other mamas' mishaps. Not that I enjoy seeing others stumble (except when they trip and then that look around and hope no one saw them and then they try and saunter on like nothing happened...that's hilarious!), but let's be honest...we all like to know we're not the only ones screwing up our kids. Unfortunately, the blog that hosted that meme stopped hosting it and as far as I can tell, no one has picked it back up again.

I want to start a similar meme. Every Monday here at the Pink Park Bench, I'm going to host "Mom's Life Monday." I'm hoping to get some of you moms out there to share your sweet and cuddly mommy stories as well as your embarrassing "Mommy will give you a cookie if you never tell anyone about that" mama moments. Every Friday I'll post a prompt, so you can get your Monday post ready. Some prompts will be very loosey-goosey, so you'll probably see them more than once, while others will be very specific. I just decided to start this over the weekend, so I'm not expecting any sort of turnout today, but I'm hoping you-all will join me over the next several weeks.

Today's Prompt: I Never Thought I'd Say It...

There are things I'd never even imagined myself saying. Now that I'm a mom it turns out that just about every other sentence out of my mouth ends with me saying, "Wow...did I really just have to say that?" The sad part is those same unbelieveable sentences are usually said more than once.

My two all time favorite so far...

"We don't french kiss our puppies."

"We don't brush our wee-wees with our toothbrush."

Link up and tell us what great quotes your kids have inspired!

Poll: Baby Girl's Name

2010-11-12T07:47:00.000-05:00

Meg wants your input. Her and Dru have finally narrowed their name choices for Baby Girl down to two, so she's asking for some input before making a final decision.

Before you vote, a few things to keep in mind...

Vivienne is pronounced "VIH vee en" and should NOT be confused with Vivian which is pronounced "VIV ee un."

Vivienne's nickname would be Vivi and she would be called Vivi from day one.

Stella would not have a given nickname. If someone picks one for her later then so be it. If you'd like to suggest one, go for it.

Nichole is a family name and is spelled with an "h." Commenting on how that's not the correct spelling will only get your comment deleted.

Viviella is my suggestion for those of you who can't make up your mind or think Baby Girl is going to come out looking like this:

And It's still a boy is for those of you who want to make my sister cry. Which she does pretty easily these days, so it's not like you'll be performing a big accomplishment or anything.

Then there is the chance Baby Girl will be a red-head because red hair runs in Dru's family. Meg has decided that one of these names is more appropriate for a red-head.

So...

Thanks for voting! Have a great weekend!

Thank You, Veterans

2010-11-11T08:00:00.014-05:00

Thank you to the men and women who have selflessly served our country and have shown your love for your fellow citizens by fighting for our right to live.

Our freedom has been paid for with your sacrifices and the gratitude that we owe you is limitless.

For Your Reading Pleasure: New Blogger Welcome Party, Twilight Fans & Vet's Day

2010-11-10T08:00:00.020-05:00

So I have a few new reads you just HAVE to check out...

MammaG over at For the Birds is new to the blog world, so I'm hoping you-all will hop on over there and give her a nice big welcome hug. She is my sister's sister-in-law, so my sister-in-law-in-law? My sister-second-in-law? We'll just go with my brother-in-law's sister. She also has the cutest Little G, so please go check her out!

*******
Any Twilight fans out there? HA! I know I might as well just ask if any of you are sitting in front of a computer right now.

Well, I discovered this blog today: Blogging Twilight. The author takes the reader through the Twilight books chapter by chapter in only the most hilarious way possible. Were the Twilight books funny? They certainly are now...

"We all know that Edward is going to be the center of Bella's attention so it's no surprise that Bella is forced to sit next to him during biology class. But the two don't hit it off, as Edward acts scary and distant towards Bella. Perhaps he is afraid of her. But more likely, he doesn't like bragging, and Bella brags quite a bit to the reader. Throughout the first two chapters, she constantly reminds the reader that she's already done the required reading for her new school, and covered the material in her new biology class too. Way to go, Bella. You win. It's no wonder Edward is acting cold. No one likes a braggart, even if she only shows off to herself.
After gym class, Bella heads to the office and sees Edward trying to change biology classes. She thinks it's impossible that someone can dislike her so much. I don't like her. She brags too much." ~ Blogging Twilight: Part 1

"I realize it's still early in the story, and things will change, but I'm applying for membership to Team Jacob. (I hope I get to be the goalie!) Comparing Jacob to Edward is like comparing Indiana Jones to Frasier or comparing Brad Pitt to John Malkovich. Who would want to hang out with an overprotective, prissy old man when they could date a rugged, outgoing young guy like Jacob?" ~ Blogging New Moon: Part 8

"A gasp? That's all it took? Perhaps Bella has a super gasping power. Or maybe I've been underestimating the power of gasps my entire life. Or maybe this is just a lousy climax. What if instead of taking the ring to Mount Doom, Frodo simply had to gasp at the ring to destory it? What if Andy didn't need to escape prison in The Shawshank Redemption, but merely had to gasp at the evil warden? What if the Death Star could have been destroyed by a gasp?
I hate this story." ~ Blogging Eclipse: Part 24

"I'm not getting my hopes up for a big battle. It would be nice. But you know what else would have been nice? Jacob not being a pedophile. So I'm setting my expectations for the remainder of this book to an all-time low. If there are jetpacks, that'd be great. At this point, I'll feel lucky if no one else dates babies. Should the book end with everyone sitting around drinking lemonade, I'd consider that a win." ~ Blogging Breaking Dawn: Part 19

Can I just say how happy I am to "meet" someone who finds the same humor in the Twilight books that I do?! If you missed that post of mine here is it again: Post It Note Tuesday: Twilight Saga - Eclipse. You totally need to check this site out. And if you haven't read the books yet, don't bother. Just read Blogging Twilight. It sums it all up nicely and with pictures! (Plus, he makes a Penn State reference, so triple points!)

*******
Veteran's Day is tomorrow, but you already knew that, huh? Well, I have a few yummy treats out there for all of our Veterans and active duty military.

Applebee's is once again offering a free meal to veterans and active duty military. Last year they handed out over a million free meals and that want to do that again this year. They're even going a stop further and have created a special Veteran's Day menu. For more details check out the press release.

Outback Steakhouse is giving a free Bloomin' Onion and free beverage to Veterans and active duty military on Thursday. You can check out the details here. They're also asking folks to submit your hero's story on their Facebook page. Every day they'll pick on special hero to honor on their page.

Sleep Comfort is giving away a better night's sleep this Veteran's Day by giving a free pillow to any active or retired military member who visits one of their stores and finds their sleep comfort number. They're also giving $750 off their Queen or King size Sleep Number i8 bed sets, free standard delivery, and 30 percent off select bedding. For more details check out their website for more information.

Looking for some music for your soldier? GI Jams is a great site that showcases military members that just so happen to be musically talented. 100% of the download profits go to the military artists. GI Jams is also hosting a concert on November 12, in Las Vegas. They are flying in soldiers and veterans from all over the world to participate and perform in this event. For more information about GI Jams and if you're lucky enough to live and Vegas and can hit up this awesome event visit GIJams.com.

Sounds like a pretty good Veteran's Day - lunch at Applebee's, a quick nappy-poo at Sleep Comfort, dinner at Outback Steakhouse followed by a night out on the Las Vegas town with GI Jams!

*Please keep in mind that all of these events require proof of military service.*

And if you're looking to have a little get together on Veteran's Day and are wondering how to best spend your time, check out my most recent post on Create My Event. Find out how to throw a fun party creating care packages and holiday cards to send to our troops overseas in time for the holidays.

Now that I've given you all some nice bathroom material for the next hour: Enjoy! (Seriously, if you can't catch up on it all while taking a poo, where can you catch up on it all?)

5 Mantras to Live By

2010-11-09T08:00:00.007-05:00

I found this list, 5 Decorating Mantras to Live By, in Fresh Home magazine. I liked the list so much because not only does it apply to decorating, but it applies to life in general as well.

1. The closer something is to your body, the better it should be.
I don't have many friends. I could probably count the number of true friends that I have on both hands. In middle school and high school this number was a bit depressing. Now, however, I realize it's because the closer a person is to me, the better they need to be. I don't want to be bothered with "friends" who are nice to my face, but have no problem turning around and stabbing me in the back. I dealt with those "friends" in high school and college and now that I'm getting up in the years, I realize I deserve better than that. I deserve to surround myself with people who truly care about me.

2. Surround yourself with quality, not clutter.
This one also fits in with number one. To take it a bit further though, I don't do a lot. I know some people prefer to fill every moment of their lives with work and people and activities. And I'm not judging because I understand that's what works for them. For me though, I prefer to just take on the things that mean the most to me. Spending time with my family and my handful of friends, reading, blogging, working on my marriage, those are the things that make me happy. I would like to volunteer or do more crafty type things, but while I appreciate those activities at times, they're not what makes me truly happy.

3. Every room needs something living.
Even for those of us who don't surround ourselves with dozens of friends and hundreds of acquaintances, it's nice to look over and see something real that I love sitting there. Whether that is a friend or a spouse or a child or even a pet, it's good to know I'm never alone. There is always someone to laugh or cry with or someone who will just be there with me.

4. Honor the acts of daily living. If it's a habit, make it beautiful.
Life should be lived in the most beautiful way possible. I have my bad days and on those days I strongly dislike everything. However, most days I try to take notice of how lucky I am to be living this life. Even the most ugly things or the most dreaded activities can be beautiful if I choose to look at them in a different light.

5. Life should sparkle.
It absolutely should. I like to take this statement literally with my favorite jewelry and newly washed and waxed car. I also like to take it figuratively. Life should be about finding the joy, the sparkle, in everything. I told Lil Mootz, before he was born when Stonewall deployed, that our world can be a terrible place. However, it can also be a wonderful place. I know some people might say that means living in a bubble, but I think it means finding the sparkle in life. Our military deploying means there are bad people in the world who want to do bad things, but it also means there are amazing people in our world who would fight to make someone else's life better. And that is the sparkle I want to teach my son to always find.

Do you have any mantras that you live by?

I also posted this list over at Design*Decorate*Dream, but I applied it to actual decorating. Unless you want to miss the chandelier of the century, you need to check it out.

A New Blog & A New Job

2010-11-08T08:02:00.001-05:00

Did everyone have a great weekend?

Mine was pretty good. I did some cleaning, watched some TV, slept for an extra hour... That extra hour sure is lovely, isn't it? We also have a very exciting visitor and as long as everything goes well I'll be telling you more about that later.

In the meantime, two things...

I started a new blog! The Pink Park Bench isn't going anywhere (I know you were concerned), so I'm taking on the task on writing two personal blogs. I was inspired by a previous post I wrote to start a new project. Just what I need, I know, but when the idea hit me I couldn't make it go away. I sat on this idea for a week or so and I just kept getting more and more ideas for it, so I decided what the heck?

Introducing...

Click on the photo and check it out. There's not much to it yet, but like I said, I have a ton of post ideas already. Turns out my magazine disorder has a much bigger purpose than intended. I always knew all those torn out magazine pages would come in handy.

And the second announcement...

You are reading none other than the new Working Parent Examiner! I am SUPER excited about this one. This isn't a personal gig, this is a PAYING gig! If you aren't familiar with Examiner you should check it out. More specifically you should check out my Examiner page. The more people read my stuff, the more I get paid. It's a win-win situation the way I see it. You're dazzled by my working mom brilliance and I make money.

Anyone else out there an Examiner? Let me know and I'll read yours if you read mine :)

Boy or Girl?

2010-11-04T08:00:00.002-04:00

Exciting news! Meg and Dru found out the sex of their baby on Tuesday and it's....

...Definitely a baby.

It's...

...Got legs and feet.

And it's...

A girl!!

Meg and Dru are having a girl! (Let's just hope it stays a girl unlike someone else we know.)

I already bought this onesie...

Because it is so true.

Are You My Mommy?

2010-11-02T08:00:00.001-04:00

In case there was any question as to whether or not Lil Mootz was my child...

Much to his chagrin when he is 13 and "hates me forever" for whatever embarrassment I am causing him, he can't claim he isn't really mine.

Goodbye My Sweet Sarge

2010-11-01T11:50:00.000-04:00

Around 12:30 AM on Saturday Sarge was hit by a car. I'm pretty sure...I hope...he died right away and didn't feel any pain.

10/18/2006 - 10/30/2010

He was such a good puppy. He wanted nothing more than to please his humans. He was the sweetest most cuddly little pup a family could ask for. He was 8 pounds of energy and bat ears, but his doggy heart was much much bigger than that.

He's provided many moments of amusement here at the Pink Park Bench over the years with mice catching, sombrero wearing, and a Lt. Dan complex. He also saved Lil Mootz's life. He loved his boy more than anything which he proved when he let Lil Mootz pull ears and tail, pet harder than necessary and give hugs harder than what his little body probably should have been hugged. At the end of the night he would curl up beside Lil Mootz during storytime, happy to have a boy just his size.

Pippy seems to be doing okay. I think she might have seen Sarge get hit or at the very least saw him after he had been hit because she ran into the house, her tail was down, and she hid upstairs. Her and Sarge have been best buddies since they were both puppies. I'm not really sure how much a dog can understand about death, but I think she knows something happened to Sarge. There are times, such as when its time to go outside, that she seems very hesitant or unsure because Sarge led the pack at those times.

We buried him Saturday morning while it was still dark outside at the back of the yard by the trees and field he loved to explore.

I know it's so silly, but I keep thinking about how cold it is outside. Sargie was so small he didn't handle the cold too well. When he was a baby I couldn't find a doggy sweater small enough for him, so I made one out of a sock. He looked so cute in his little argyle sock-sweater. When he got bigger I made one for him out of an Army sock.

I miss you so much Sargie-Pargie Puddin' and Pie!

I'll always love you sweet boy...