MyBaby - dustbunny Journal

I don't spend THAT much time on my computer, do I?

Posted November 24, 2008 at 11:23AM by dustbunny
dishing the dirt, cleaning the chaos

Ok, so my son and I were sitting at breakfast the other day. He's 9. I started asking him about Christmas and he was in a salty, sarcastic mood (I have no idea where he gets it!). Anyway, he says, "Boy, I can't wait."

I said, "Why?"

His response:

"Because maybe you'll take a break from that computer of yours. I said, "what?" He said, "Actually, no, you'll probably walk right past the tree and go right to your inbox." He then chuckled.

He was kidding but making a very smart and literal, wisecrack.

Then, I heard hubby shout in from the other room- "He's right!" Laughter ensued and I had to defend my perpetual tour of cyberspace.

OH SNAP!

Tags: kid quote

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Sticky_Mommy responded November 24, 2008 at 4:52PM

I love my job, it gives me a break from my kids!

Ouch! My daughter thinks my job is to "play on the computer."

Mumsey responded November 25, 2008 at 7:49AM

I'm looking for work, and as we moved away from my business contacts, it's taking more and more of my time to sort through job searches online. I look up and find I've spent 3 or 4 hours, and have done nothing I wanted to do! The computer just sucks you in, and then dang it! My friends immediately answer any email I send, which means I need to answer them (or think I do) or send on a joke or whatever. It really is a time suck - plus I'm not moving around which doesn't help the diet. I've started to unsubscribe from some of the political emails, which is starting to make a difference. Oh well, I know a certain child who alsways wants to go to pbsKids.com and thinks that's what I do as well!

Would You Let Your 9 Year Old Ride a Subway Alone?

Posted November 21, 2008 at 9:18AM by dustbunny
dishing the dirt, cleaning the chaos

I might be a bit late on this "hot topic" but I stumbled on it a couple times yesterday. A mom let her kid find his way home across town on a subway. It turned into a pretty big deal.

Read her article HERE.

Want more?

9 year old rides subway alone

Negotiating
for more independence is a rite of passage for children, so Izzy
Skenazy asking his mother if he could please, please, please be allowed
to go home all by himself isn't that unusual.

READ THE ARTICLE HERE.

I'm gonna vote with "I can't decide."

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Sticky_Mommy responded November 21, 2008 at 9:53AM

I love my job, it gives me a break from my kids!

I don't have a 9 year old, so I don't know. But I do let my 4 year old ride the bus to school and at first that freaked me out, but I feel it's my job a parent to get them independent and give them confidence. Mommy isn't always going to be there for them, but these task should be age & child appropriate.

dustbunny responded November 21, 2008 at 10:40AM

dishing the dirt, cleaning the chaos

I let my kid fly at 6...under supervision but still...

Sticky_Mommy responded November 21, 2008 at 11:25AM

I love my job, it gives me a break from my kids!

flying IMO is different, they can't go anywhere (just like snakes on a plane).

three friggin' EASY meals for those who can't cook

Posted November 11, 2008 at 3:51PM by dustbunny
dishing the dirt, cleaning the chaos

Ok, here they are. Adjust, improve upon or spice them up as you go:

1. CHEATER SHEPHERD'S PIE

Take crockpot from cabinet.
Toss beef in.
Dump a can of organic sweet corn into the beef.
Then, empty a can of cream of potato soup into the pot.
Mix a little bit of water to stir it up.
Let cook for 4-6hrs.

Later, take box of instant potatoes from pantry. Make a potfull on the stove. Set aside.

When the beef is brown and sizzly, scoop it onto heaping piles of instant taters. YUM.

2. FAKE IT CORDON BLEUE.

Take chicken breasts.
Put them in a baking dish.
Put a slice of ham and swiss over each.
Take a can of cream of cheddar soup...or onion...or mushroom- any of them will do and dollop each chicken chunk.
Pour some wine or water, whatever, over, to ensure a bit more moisture. Sprinkle with breadcrumbs and a TBS butter. Let bake for 90minutes @ 350.
SHAZAAM.

3. OH-SO-EASY CURRY.
Again, grab your crockpot. Put 1-2lbs ground beef. Add curry powder, garlic and other spices. Add some coconut milk... Let cook until beef is fully cooked...4-6hrs.

Later, make rice- any kind. Jasmine is best....Scoop the beef curry over the rice in big bowls. Instant comfort food. If you have a more sophisticated palate, add other ingredients like peppers or increase hot & spicy factor.

Tags: crock pot meals

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Sticky_Mommy responded November 12, 2008 at 10:44AM

I love my job, it gives me a break from my kids!

I love slow cookers. Heaven. Have you tried added potatoes, carrots and chick peas for extra veggies in the curry?

Oh no! Did I corrupt my kid?

Posted November 10, 2008 at 12:11AM by dustbunny
dishing the dirt, cleaning the chaos

Well, last night I was happy to see one of my favorite flicks, Kill Bill was on TNT or TBS or one of those. So, after the kids were sleeping, I started to watch Vol. 2. If you've seen Kill Bill, you'll know it's a pretty gnarly two-part flick. Now, I have no idea why I like that movie so much- I can't handle horror- I hate gore I don't watch gun slinging movies...but for some reason a twisted movie that stars uma thurman with a samari sword is fascinating...anyway, I noticed that vol.1 would be on well into the night so I set my Tivo.

Well, come 3 am, I wake up and the tv is on (oops, I dozed off before shutting it off!) and I hear my hubby say, "so t, you like this movie?" as he gets up to shut it off.

I look over- and trev's sitting wide awake in my bed! He's 5...and it was just the end of the movie (vol.1)... I'm like, "Oh no! How much did you just watch!!??" He just sat there and shrugged with his fingers in his mouth.

I nervously said, "was that a wierd movie?" and he said no and fell right back to sleep. I have no way of knowing if he witnessed the final fate of 0-ren (or whatever her name is...). All I can say is I'm hoping he didn't see the scene where she takes on all the ninjas...that would be bad. But, considering his chipper response he probably missed all that.

So, let's hope for the best here...I won't be winning mommy of the year on this one...d'oh!

Tags: oops moment

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nini2007 responded November 10, 2008 at 12:24AM

Looking for a play date!! Now 2nd years old

Hi !! What did I won?? I can't leave you a note because the computer is not letting me.

Sullysmama responded November 10, 2008 at 12:29AM

Will the next one be ginger too??

Maybe he was sleepwalking??

dustbunny responded November 10, 2008 at 12:31AM

dishing the dirt, cleaning the chaos

Yeah, I'm not sure he was actually "awake" and processing but it was rude awakening for me to realize what was on tv...and see little mr innocent sitting there...

Sticky_Mommy responded November 10, 2008 at 1:51PM

I love my job, it gives me a break from my kids!

I would think he'd be asking a lot of "why" questions if he saw anything super crazy. Is that worse then him walking in your room while you & your husband are enjoying each other? That to me would be scaring to my children, rather me.

wildmom responded November 10, 2008 at 5:28PM

if mom ain't happy, ain't nobody happy

ditto! way freakier things could happen...lol

Mom gossip that made my jaw drop!

Posted November 8, 2008 at 2:49PM by dustbunny
dishing the dirt, cleaning the chaos

Ok, if you've ever read any of my vain and self-absorbed entries about how bad I want plastic surgery to make me look all sexy, you'll appreciate this story.

Let me rewind a bit. I live in a small town and I have all kinds of mom friends. One in particular is a fun and lively-almost peppy- mother who I sometimes drink beer in the afternoon with. Of course, that was only during summer when our kids were running around everywhere (6 total between the 2 of us) and we were chilling out as a posse. Anyway, that's irrelevant - but you get it it. Nice mom, chatty friend...yada yada. The one issue though is that she's cougary- and not that I care but it's like, how do you have three kids and a flat stomach? (and she obviously likes to not flaunt but be confident with it!).

Bottom line, after a few glasses of wine last night, she busts-out all mellow and casual that she had a TUMMY TUCK! I was like, are you kidding? You mean this whole time and I never knew? What!!!? It sure explained a lot- like why she was always a bit more eager to work out or take the kids swimming or go to yoga...she actually has core muscles and she can wear a bathing suit...and it's because she had the morale boost that I've been hoping, hinting, whining about this whole time! It was a shocker..small town mom in a low key career and BAM!

Now, I must get mine....

Tags: tummy tuck

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Sticky_Mommy responded November 10, 2008 at 9:04AM

I love my job, it gives me a break from my kids!

I totally want some plastic surgery, but then the practical voice starts talking & says what about the recover time? And the and the money? This Christmas I'm asking for gift cards to the local botox place - LOL!

5 funky ways to play with... potatoes?

Posted November 6, 2008 at 10:28AM by dustbunny
dishing the dirt, cleaning the chaos

Ok, so call it cheap entertainment but chances are you have some spuds lying around somewhere. Now what? I found some odd crafts the kids might find, at the least, amusing!

1. Of course, potato stamps. Get paint, potatoes and a knife. Mom or dad- cut 'em in half, make shapes or letters or whatever you can cleverly craft with a small knife and let them dip and stamp. Use old paperbags or recycled paper and keep it to use as wrapping papaer once dried...Woo-hoo!

2. Potatolabrum. What? Just go with this...take small potatoes and toothpicks. Build a funky, towering sculpture and scoop small holes for birthday/small candle arbre candles. Just make sure it's sturdy by using lots of toothpicks...you can use is a dinner centerpiece. It'e wierd and you have to supervise it because the potatoes can tilt after awhile but imagine the dramatic effect at dinner..oooh...aaahhh....

3. Potato Jack-o'lantern. You need birthday candles and BIG potatoes. Carve 'em out with a melon baller and cut eyes in the side. Use one of the pieces of potato to anchor your candle by cutting a hole in the center. Place the potato over it on a plate and watch the magic.

4. Mr. Potato Head. I don't know what junk you have in your junk drawer but you can get creative with push pins and odd items can be used as hat, mouth, ears, props....make a whole family. Use crayons or pencils as arms...whatever, cheap and funny, right?

5. Paper bag potato. Ok, this one is not really a potato but you get a paperbag- big or little- and cut it into the shape of a potato. Then, have your kids cut out eyes, mouth, etc. from magazines-you could spend 5 minutes doing this first and putting them in a basket, then handing over face "bits" and a glue stick. See what wierdos you can make- make a whole posse!

There you have it...crafty with potatoes...ideas from The Quality Time Almanac by S. Adams Sullivan...old school but goof stuff!

Tags: potato crafts

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Sullysmama responded November 6, 2008 at 12:34AM

Will the next one be ginger too??

I totally used to make the potato stamps. It's something older kids can do on their own too. You could carve out a holiday design like a snowflake or star and then buy some blank cards at an arts and crafts store and stamp them and then BAM! Instant hand made Holiday cards!

Snowbaby responded November 6, 2008 at 2:58PM

They should come with warning labels!

Love the Holiday card idea - super cute.

dustbunny responded November 6, 2008 at 5:17PM

dishing the dirt, cleaning the chaos

the art teacher knows what's up! thanks sullysmama

Ayeshah responded November 6, 2008 at 9:51PM

Always be strong and believe in God and urself.

Cute ideas!Kp on sharing them with us!

5 things to consider before the holidays!

Posted November 3, 2008 at 10:22AM by dustbunny
dishing the dirt, cleaning the chaos

The holidays are now only a month and a half away! I've decided to start "browsing" early so I can order online and chill out during the last minute dash sessions. So, I've gathered a few sites that might set the tone for the holiday season. This year, I've decided to shift a few habits and think about giving in a new way.

For one, I'm going scrap as much gift wrap as possible and use funky boxes, including cereal boxes for gifts. I'm going to buy recycled "stocking stuffers" and offer more creative gift choices. I love a lot of gifts and I think if I just tweak a few things, I can create the same effect with less hassle, excess and waste!

1. Consider the "Stuff". Please watch THE STORY OF STUFF.

I think it's the most informational, personally relevant video I've seen.

2. Remember! Toxic Chemicals in Toys.

Here's an article about toxic chemicals in toys.
healthytoys.org
toxic-free toys now!

3. Beware Commericalism.

Here's an awesome documentary / mockumentary from Morgan Spurlock, What Would Jesus Buy? It's like super size me but relates to the need to shy away from big box stores and the need to SHOP LOCAL!

4. BUY HANDMADE with love at ETSY.com

5. Shop smart! Here are some GREAT sites with quality materials...

Chinaberry
Vermont Wooden Toys
Craftsbury Kids

Kazoo Toys
Hearthsong

Good luck- and if we all do a little, it adds up to A LOT!

Tags: holiday consumerism

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Sullysmama responded November 3, 2008 at 1:00PM

Will the next one be ginger too??

My favorite etsy stores are listed on my etsy site at http://stringbeanceramics.etsy.com. Just click on Favorites and it will take you to pages of awesome stuff!! Definitely check out http://bellerocce.etsy.com for my sister-in-law's awesome handmade rings.

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