MyBaby - vtmomof2 Journal

Gift Ideas

Posted August 31, 2007 at 1:39PM by vtmomof2
Life is crazy but wonderful.

Tomorrow is my grandmother's 76th birthday. We are having a big party for her since it will be her last, she is not doing well and the doctor said it is only a matter of time. I have been trying to think of something that would cheer her up since she is very upset over the doctors diagnosis but not anything to big since she doesn't want anything to big. I was thinking about just getting some pretty flowers in a vase so she could enjoy them at home since she can't really get around very well. I don't know just something small and simple. Any suggestions?

Rated:

Comments

rockergirrl responded August 31, 2007 at 1:51PM

www.findbarefootbooks.com

I think flowers are a wonderful idea. Fill her surroundings with color.

Giving Up Soda

Posted August 31, 2007 at 12:44AM by vtmomof2
Life is crazy but wonderful.

Not my kids, me. I have been drinking soda all my life. My parents weren't the best example when it came to this. To this day my dad can drink a 6 pack a day. So my goal is not to forbid soda, I don't think that works but make it something I only have occasionally instead of everyday. So today is day 3 since I had one. I'm ok, I am just drinking water which is better for me. I did the math if I give up soda that is 24 lbs in 1 year. I couldn't believe it. It is amazing how addicting it can be.

Rated:

Comments

rockergirrl responded August 31, 2007 at 1:10PM

www.findbarefootbooks.com

try cans of Seltzer water. I love that stuff. When I need a carbonation fix this totally cures me. The only time I ever touch soda now is if I have a bad migraine - a shot of coke can help if I am in a pinch.

vtmomof2 responded August 31, 2007 at 1:16PM

Life is crazy but wonderful.

I will try the seltzer water. I use coke for headaches and I am surprised I have not had a caffeine headache of course I do drink tea.

dustbunny responded August 31, 2007 at 1:22PM

dishing the dirt, cleaning the chaos

rockergirl is right on- I swear I am addicted to seltzer water...the fizz rules- seriously, invest in a bottle of pomme or pomme-mango juice and fill a cup with ice 1/4 way full. Fill the rest with selzter..and you'll be refreshed. Also, the mango / passion fruit juices in the boxes (in the healthy section) are great with selzter. Also, I swear if you put a bit of gatorade (there's healthy versions)/limeade/or juice in a blender with selzter, it's like a fizzy slurpee slush- magical punch...and that rules too.

dustbunny responded August 31, 2007 at 1:23PM

dishing the dirt, cleaning the chaos

or you could drink sugar free redbull like I do when I'm totally wiped...that works well but I wouldn't get hooked on that :)

vtmomof2 responded August 31, 2007 at 1:23PM

Life is crazy but wonderful.

db - you always have the best drink ideas.

rockergirrl responded August 31, 2007 at 1:53PM

www.findbarefootbooks.com

the seltzer with a shot of juice is great.

Religion

Posted August 30, 2007 at 2:11PM by vtmomof2
Life is crazy but wonderful.

I know this is one thing most people don't like to talk about, but what is your belief when it comes to religion and your children? I was raised catholic, I made my first communion and made my confirmation on my own when I was 19. I was married catholic the first time around. I was divorced and everything went downhill from there. I tried to have it annulled in the church so I could marry my husband and I was told it would cost $800 for the annullement well, at that point I figured it was cheaper to be a sinner. I have a deep spiritual belief, I believe in God and Jesus but I have been excommunicated from the catholic church a few times, I'm divorced, living in "sin", I'm a democrat, pro choice, pro gay marriage liberal all bad things according to the church. But still I sent my daughter to religion classes through the catholic church thinking that a religious base was important, both of my kids are baptized. Today I got the registration form for my daughters religion classes and now they are charging a fee for the classes and parents have to volunteer. Since I am at such personal odds with the church I am thinking that I'm not paying for the classes and I am definitely not volunteering. But than I keep thinking what do I want my kids to learn about religion? My daughter has already made her first communion and has a belief but now what am I going to teach my son? Should I check out another church? A church that isn't so judgemental in their beliefs. I have been struggling with my own beliefs for some time now. I guess this just brings it to the forefront.

Rated:

Comments

rockergirrl responded August 30, 2007 at 2:19PM

www.findbarefootbooks.com

I am not going to go into my beliefs but I will tell you I too had a Catholic upbringing but as I got older I felt that my beliefs did not match theres. I did not marry withing the Catholic church and after I had kids I started feeling the need to provide them with some type of a spiritual path and I felt strongly about getting them baptized. I spent years checking out different religions and churches and i eventually settled in with my local Episcopal church. They were described to me as Catholic "lite" which I find to be true. For me it held on to the parts I still believed in from the Catholic church without all the things I personally did not agree with. Another one I had checked out was Unitarian. Much to my surprise I actually found that one to be too open in their beliefs. I would be happy to discuss further in a private conversation if you felt like it.

vtmomof2 responded August 30, 2007 at 2:50PM

Life is crazy but wonderful.

I've considered episcopal before but never went to a service. I agree I don't think I could be too open even politically I feel a certain way. I try to separate my religion from my politics but the church doesn't separate the two and it drives me crazy. Thanks for the suggestion.

dustbunny responded August 30, 2007 at 3:30PM

dishing the dirt, cleaning the chaos

I've been reading so much on world religion lately for my research project that I feel like it's SO important to go over the basics of all the religions and put whatever beliefs I have in that context...everyone' searching for the same things (essentially)...
I HAVE A GREAT RESOURCE
It's internet linked. It's user friendly. If you are studying Christianity, you type in the page number on a website (it gives prompts) and you get a HUGE selection of quality, educational sites, including stories, songs, biographies.

It's the USborne Internet-Linked Encyclopedia of World Religions. Awesome pics and overviews...it really quality!

Smasuzzo responded August 30, 2007 at 3:43PM

I agree with you all..i was raised catholic but I no longer practice. I am very spiritual.. believe in god, pray... but I will not stand behind something who discriminates against people on one hand and then preaches about love on the other... that isnt right. and don't even get me started on the whole child molestation cover up... I think you should find a church that meshes more with you beliefs. Try Unitarian.. they are very accepting of EVERYONE... give a great back round on all beliefs and let the children decide.

motherslilhelpr responded August 30, 2007 at 5:40PM

interesting subject to post in a few words, i also was raised catholic, after researching different beliefs and religions i am comfortable and happy to not be in any organized religion,i believe in spirituality VERY much and all roads lead to the same LOVE ONE ANOTHER ,non judgemental. Too many religions i've found to be judgemental and put the fear of God instead of the Love of his spirit. I believe the best way to teach your children the concept of God=Love is by our actions in the home, and out in the world.

vtmomof2 responded August 30, 2007 at 6:23PM

Life is crazy but wonderful.

thank you motherslittlehelper, I have to say I was debating within myself whether it would be ok to have no religion. I believe in GOD, I pray, I teach my children to pray to respect themselves and others and that there is a GOD. Maybe that is enough. I agree that the religions are judgemental not at all what I believe Jesus taught which was do unto others what you would have done to you and love thy neighbor not judge others for making a decision you may not agree with or for being different.

LatteMommy responded August 30, 2007 at 6:38PM

LatteMommy

I too was raised Catholic but after my Grandfather died we (the entire family) kinda strayed in separate directions in regards to religion. We felt burned by the Catholic Church and how they treated us after many years of faithfulness. I have 1 Uncle who has remained Catholic but for the rest of us, myself included, have found other "lite Catholic" religions to follow. Episcopal may be our route in the future. I got married & baptized my DD in my Father's Church which is Lutheran and I really like the Lutheran beliefs (lite side of Catholic), but then I worked in a UCC and it may be because of my boss, but I really liked the laid back but serious approach to God and religion. I did not feel as if other's ideas were being "shoved" down my throat. I have my strong beliefs and know where I stand but my DH is different. He is confused and not sure what he believes. He is strong in his convictions that there is a God but doesn't know where he wants to go from there as his family background is SO screwed up when it comes to Religion, Politics and Nutrition.
We only go to Church once in a while right now but would like to go more regularly for our daughter's sake (our's too). I am reading a Children's Bible to DD and she loves it (me too). I think bible study school would be great for her right now. Our summer was too crazy for Vacation Bible Study but next year for sure. God is strong in "my" life as I have Faith in Him and His blessings in my life for which I'm so thankful.
I'm not sure what denomination I want to venture towards but I know for certain which ones we WILL NOT go near.
Lutheran, UCC or Episcopal may be where we bring DD up in. I have troubles when other people try to shove their beliefs down my throat, don't know why but it turns me off and I run the other direction fast. My gut tells me too.
DH has a lot of ?'s and I just tell him what I believe and he asks me why and I tell him but I make sure that he decides for himself and what he feels is best for him and that he needs to chose for himself.
We do believe it is a good thing for children to be raised with some kind of religion in their lives and learn the "laws" because in my opinion it helps to mold them and teach them to be "good" people.
I don't want to offend, but I will state that my belief is in the Christian God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit.
That's all. Thanks for asking a Great ?.
God Bless.

vtmomof2 responded August 31, 2007 at 7:33AM

Life is crazy but wonderful.

Thank you latte. I have so many questions inside me, I am probably like your husband. I debate with myself, but like you when I go to church, I love the scripture but when they start talking about political stuff I just get upset. What really bothered me this year about her religion classes is that she is the age they were going to start talking about sexual education. They sent home a pamphlet for parents to discuss before they got started and it was the same catholic nonsense about contraceptions, it said it was immoral. I believe to be irresponsible and I refuse to teach my daughter that or anybody teach her that. I never learned that in ccd classes why would they teach her that? Not my daughter, she is going to be intelligent when it comes to her body and know all she needs to have a healthy, productive life.

Hitting the Road

Posted August 30, 2007 at 7:24AM by vtmomof2
Life is crazy but wonderful.

Today we are hitting the road, I'm dropping my daughter off at school and than my son and I are heading to Burlington. We are going to college and getting my books - especially since I have homework I need my books - than we are going to visit grandma for a little bit and than I have to go to the store to get a scale, I'm breaking down and buying a scale, I keep losing a few pounds and without realizing it I gain it back. I have to lose some weight. My grandma is dying of diabetes and it is a scary and horrible disease and I'm determined it will not happen to me.

Rated:

Comments

rockergirrl responded August 30, 2007 at 8:48AM

www.findbarefootbooks.com

Have a great day in Burlington. It is lovely here today. I had gestational diabetes with my first pregnancy so that disease is always on my mind too.

LatteMommy responded August 30, 2007 at 12:02AM

LatteMommy

with all that running around you are bound to lose a few pounds. i'm sorry to hear about your grandma. Diabetes is such a terrible disease. that is why we are such advocates fighting for a cure for type 1 juvenille diabetes. it's hard enough when you are older but seeing such young children dealing with this terrible disease breaks my heart and fighting back feels so good.

THERE WILL BE A CURE ONE DAY!

motherslilhelpr responded August 30, 2007 at 5:55PM

If you're trying to drop a few lbs. One thing I use is applesauce instead of oil in brownies or most desserts. You can't even tell the difference and the guilt is gone because you are eating something healthy in that decadent dessert!

vtmomof2 responded August 31, 2007 at 10:23AM

Life is crazy but wonderful.

thanks for the advice. I think I might try the apple sauce, I've heard of that before but always wondered how it would taste. My first goal is to get over my soda addiction, I never really drank more than one a day but I'm trying to stop doing that. Day 3 with no soda. I'm not forbiddng it though, just not every day. Wish me luck.

Back to school

Posted August 29, 2007 at 11:32AM by vtmomof2
Life is crazy but wonderful.

I have blogged about this before but I start my classes next week and I'm nervous. Tomorrow my son and I are heading down to buy books, I will probably be the only student there with a 4 year old. I already got an email from one of my professors with a homework assignment so it is really real now after planning for a year it is really happening and I can't wait.

Rated:

Comments

dvd1711 responded August 29, 2007 at 12:56AM

I'm so excited for you. Have a blast!

Peace.
/dvd

motherslilhelpr responded August 29, 2007 at 2:03PM

good luck and have fun

dhiya responded August 30, 2007 at 12:03AM

Best of luck!!

She's Off to School

Posted August 29, 2007 at 8:06AM by vtmomof2
Life is crazy but wonderful.

My daughter just left for her first day of 4th grade. She is so excited, she is with the big kids now that she is in 4th grade. Of course she was really bummed that it is going to be warm out, she really wanted to wear her new school clothes. 4th grade already every year goes by faster and faster.

Rated:

Comments

rockergirrl responded August 29, 2007 at 10:51AM

www.findbarefootbooks.com

I feel for you. I just sent my oldest off to kindergarten today. It just feels so soon. I am a mess.

vtmomof2 responded August 29, 2007 at 10:54AM

Life is crazy but wonderful.

Wait until it is your youngest. I had the hardest time when my baby went to preschool last year.

Diapers Free

Posted August 28, 2007 at 10:55AM by vtmomof2
Life is crazy but wonderful.

I was reading an article about people who do not use diapers, of any kind, on their babies. They actually start potty training at birth. I was amazed by this practice. Both of my children are older and since I'm not having anymore so it really isn't an issue for me. But I keep thinking it must be a lot of work trying to hold a small infant over a toilet to use it. My son was a heavy wetter, I would have had to run to the toilet all the time. I was just curious what others thought about this practice.

Rated:

Comments

rockergirrl responded August 28, 2007 at 11:10AM

www.findbarefootbooks.com

It is called Elimination Communication and it is not about potty training the child from birth. Potty training refers more to when a child is physically ready to know when they need to go to the bath room and make that choice. EC is more about the parent tuning into the childs needs and body and the parent being learn and listen to the babys needs.

vtmomof2 responded August 28, 2007 at 12:53AM

Life is crazy but wonderful.

I knew somebody would know more about it. I always find new things like this interesting although I don't think I would have been able to do it with my kids. I think I would be too anxious all the time waiting for the cue.

LatteMommy responded August 28, 2007 at 8:32PM

LatteMommy

sounds like an interesting thing, but I just know myself, I couldn't do it on top of a horrible colicie baby. It was tough enough living on NO sleep once so ever for 6 months. I had to do diapers. Glad I'm keeping it just one. I've been cleaning up pee all day (PUPPY & CHILD)that I probably shouldn't be commenting about this cause I'm drowning my pee course day sorrows in a glass of wine right now. Can EC work on a puppy? LOL.

SCHIP - Momsrising

Posted August 27, 2007 at 8:16AM by vtmomof2
Life is crazy but wonderful.

A follow up to the SCHIP program and our president's attempts to limit the enrollment. Now momsrising is rallying against this horrible mandate that will make sure more American children go without health insurance and more middle class families have trouble paying for health insurance. Please visit http://www.democracyinaction.org/dia/organizationsORG/momsrising/campaign.jsp?campaign_KEY=12417

to send a letter to your congress person to support childrens healthcare program. A country as wealthy as ours should not have children without health coverage. Every American child deserves to see a doctor without their families going bankrupt.

Rated:

My son's birthday

Posted August 26, 2007 at 6:27PM by vtmomof2
Life is crazy but wonderful.

Yesterday we celebrated my son's 4th birthday. We had so much fun. His aunt & uncle surprised him by bringing up a play fort and putting it together for him. It was a lot of fun even if it rained.

He was saying cheese, he always makes the funniest faces.

Blowing out his candles.

Building his fort with daddy and both grandpas. It was a fun day.

Rated:

Comments

motherslilhelpr responded August 26, 2007 at 9:07PM

blowing out the candles is a cute pic for the wall. awe 3 generations a great memory maker, glad you had fun.

pearcebunch responded August 27, 2007 at 8:47PM

Denise

awww i bet you guys have fun in it too. I have 5 girls and my baby is a boy i can't wait to get into all of the forts and army men and cars. Barbie might get hurt! lol

Sticky_Mommy responded September 4, 2007 at 5:03PM

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

A fort!! How cool! So what did he decide on for a theme?

I did it!!

Posted August 23, 2007 at 9:45PM by vtmomof2
Life is crazy but wonderful.

I have to admit I'm not the most computer savvy. I usually learn new things by trial and error. Well, I FINALLY figured out how to put a picture on my sight. It took all day, well, two, but I got it finally.

Rated:

Comments

dhiya responded August 24, 2007 at 7:51AM

Great!!

Smasuzzo responded August 24, 2007 at 7:54AM

YAY!

The Vermont Lake Monsters

Posted August 23, 2007 at 9:31AM by vtmomof2
Life is crazy but wonderful.

We won two adult tickets to a Vermont Lake Monsters game, so we headed down to Burlington last night to see them play. We had buy the kids tickets which we didn't think was a big deal. Boy have their prices gone up. I'm not a big baseball fan so we really haven't been in awhile, they were the Expos the last time we went, and kids were a dollar the last time we went. Kids cost $5 each now, we just weren't prepared for our dinner of hot dogs to cost $21. Anyway, we had fun even if our Lake Monsters lost horribly. The kids love Champ, it was the first game for our son and he wanted to go to the ball field really bad. I think I'm bad luck for our guys though, every game I have ever gone to they have lost luckily I don't go to many games. Anyway I can prove my bad luck, the other team had 9 runs in 1 inning. Our guys were down 12-0, I brought my daughter to the bathroom and they had 2 runs while I was gone and they didn't anymore while I was there and I think they may have had one more when we left since everybody cheered while we were waiting for the shuttle. So for the good of the Lake Monsters I think I will just stay home.

Rated:

Comments

Sticky_Mommy responded August 23, 2007 at 11:20AM

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

LOL - that is too funny when you left to the bathroom they scored!

But you are lucky, winning free tickets and movies - gee!

Sullysmama responded August 23, 2007 at 2:09PM

Will the next one be ginger too??

You have a team called the Lake Monsters? I want a tee-shirt!

redsoxmom responded August 23, 2007 at 2:39PM

If you are interested in returning to watch another game. Sundays - are have a catch on the field after the game. Your son may enjoy this.

vtmomof2 responded August 23, 2007 at 9:25PM

Life is crazy but wonderful.

Yes, the Lake Monsters named after our very own lake monster Champ in Lake Champlain.

SCHIP

Posted August 22, 2007 at 10:09AM by vtmomof2
Life is crazy but wonderful.

The Bush administration has issued a mandate to states that children must go without health insurance for one year before they can get help from any state program, this includes dr. dynasaur in Vermont and similar programs in other states. These programs help middle income families. Families who usually do not qualify for medicaid and pay a premium to states for coverage. These families have jobs, these jobs could not offer insurance for dependents or the premiums are so high that it causes a hardship to the family to have the coverage. These programs insure that our children get the medical, dental and vision care that they need to grow and be productive citizens. With this mandate many children will not get the medical attention they need. Another part of this mandate is to force some families to pay a premium comparable to private coverage which would defeat the purpose of the program and create more hardships for families that are already struggling. Please write your senators, representatives, and governors to fight this mandate. In a country as rich as ours I think we can all agree that we at the very least grant health insurance to our children. No American child should have to wait to see a doctor, to get glasses, braces, or shots that they need. A healthy child learns better, and grows up to be a healthy productive adult. Please help fight this mandate, it is determental to our children and middle income families.

Rated:

Comments

Sticky_Mommy responded August 22, 2007 at 10:55AM

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

is this State Children's Health Insurance Program bill 222-197? I'm trying to read up on it...

State Children's Health Insurance Program
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jump to: navigation, search
The State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) is a national program in the United States designed for families who earn too much money to qualify for Medicaid, yet cannot afford to buy private insurance. The program was created to address the growing number of children in the United States without health insurance. At its creation in 1997, SCHIP was the largest expansion of health insurance coverage for children in the United States since Medicaid began in the 1960s. The statutory authority for SCHIP is under Title XXI of the Social Security Act. Proposals are currently in Congress to expand SCHIP by $35 billion over five years.[1]

SCHIP covered 6.9 million children at some point during Federal fiscal year 2006, and every state has an approved plan.[2] States are given flexibility, and an enhanced match is paid to states. Some states have received Section 1115 demonstration authority to use SCHIP funds to cover the parents of children receiving benefits from both SCHIP and Medicaid, pregnant women, and other adults. However, the program is already facing funding shortfalls in several states.[3]

In 2007, researchers from Brigham Young University and Arizona State found that children who drop out of SCHIP cost states more money because they shift away from routine care to more frequent emergency care situations. The conclusion of the study is that an attempt to cut the costs of a state program could create a false savings because other government organizations pick up the tab for the children who leave SCHIP and later need care. In a 2007 analysis by the Congessional Budget Office, researchers determined that "for every 100 children who gain coverage as a result of SCHIP, there is a corresponding reduction in private coverage of between 25 and 50 children." The CBO speculates this is because the state programs offer better benefits and lower cost than the private alternatives.[4] The program cost $40 billion federal dollars over 10 years.

vtmomof2 responded August 22, 2007 at 11:05AM

Life is crazy but wonderful.

Yes and no. This is a new mandate that was just sent to states yesterday with new rules. This is not a bill in congress. The bill in congress is trying to put more money in the program to cover more children. It is true that people not just children without health insurance and with little money do get their health care at emergency rooms which are much more expensive than if they were to go to a doctor for regular preventative care. A doctor visit costs what? $60 or so while a emergency room visit costs hundreds of dollars. They can't pay for that and you are right the taxpayers or those with insurance end up picking up the tab. We need to look at what the costs really are and what is the most beneficial for our society. Of course this gets into more than what I was trying to do which is prevent children from being without health insurance. It is a fact that sometimes employers just don't offer coverage for dependents and there are no other options for middle income families. When I was a single mom I had this happen to me, I worked for a firm that offered me coverage but not for my daughter, without dr. dynasaur she would not have had coverage and I paid a monthly premium for it.

dustbunny responded August 23, 2007 at 5:20PM

dishing the dirt, cleaning the chaos

didn't we just sell 20 billion dollars in weapons to saudi arabia?

I mean I don't know where the united states could get any money to make healthcare affordable...wow. this makes health insurance sound like a luxury...SO not right! wealth insurance is more like it!

what a load of doodoo

Guilt

Posted August 21, 2007 at 9:45AM by vtmomof2
Life is crazy but wonderful.

Have you ever just felt so guilty you could cry? I am starting school in a couple of weeks and I am excited, but as it approaches I feel so guilty. I feel guilty that I'm going to school not to work - not that I could since I looked for a job for 2 1/2 years without success prior to enrolling in school - going to night school instead of making dinner 2 nights a week. Studying instead of . . it goes on and on. I am telling myself it is because I'm starting something new, it is a change and change is scary. I have nothing to feel guilty about since I'm improving myself and this will lead to better things in the future. My plan is to eventually run for office in State government, so I'm studying law. This is what is so exciting for me, this is my passion. I have known it my whole life, but never admitted it. I already have a business degree - which yielded very little for me because I could never find what excited me. In the business world I would think I could be doing so much more with my time, making things better. Law and politics is my passion. So why do I feel so guilty?

Rated:

Comments

LatteMommy responded August 21, 2007 at 3:18PM

LatteMommy

you shouldn't, you are doing something so exciting and benifits yourself as well as your family. good for you!

dustbunny responded August 21, 2007 at 4:47PM

dishing the dirt, cleaning the chaos

do not feel guilty...get out there and let those dinners slide! I totally did it...that guilt is nothing to the guilt or crappy feelings you'll have later when you let your dreams slide...no guilt..all you! also, if mommy ain't happy, ain't nobody happy. they will happy to have a satisfied mother :)

dvd1711 responded August 22, 2007 at 9:15AM

It's how you're wired. I used to say my parents didn't love me, they guilted me. So for a long time if I did anything for myself before my wife and kids I felt guilty. Self care is the best thing you can do for your family. Your plans to improve yourself ARE for you family. Guilt - turn that to pride. I think all of us here are proud of what you are doing. Now, be proud of yourself - Oh, I have the big Catholic guilt upbringing working against me too...lol

Think of this; you know how the flight attendants give the safety demo before a flight? Ok, during that presentation they instruct you that in case of an emergency, oxygen masks come down. They instruct you to put your mask on first BEFORE assisting others. Do you know why they say that? Because, if you try to put their mask on first, you will pass out. Then, not only will you die, so will the person you are helping. You must put yours on first before you can help others. Now, place yourself and your family on that plane with you. What would you do? Your mask 1st!

Apply this to your situation and to your life. Take care of yourself - it truly is the ONLY way you can take care of your loved ones.

Peace, Love, and Light.
/dvd

Movie Review - DeJaVu

Posted August 20, 2007 at 10:12AM by vtmomof2
Life is crazy but wonderful.

For some reason I keep getting free movie rentals thrown at me. I have had 3 in the past month and still have one left. Anyway, we rented Dejavu. It has Denzel Washington in it and he was fantastic. The movie is really good. It is a thriller with a hint of sci fi which worked for both my hubby and me. It was one of those movies that you have see every minute of it or you get lost in the storyline. It is about a cop who is investigating a murder and a terrorist attack on a ferry boat. The FBI (Val Kilmer) uses a new investigative tool in which you can look back in time and see how things unfold. They bring Denzel into this program and he ends up going back in time. I won't tell anymore, but it is so good, I highly recommend it.

Rated:

Comments

beachin responded August 20, 2007 at 1:07PM

Every family has a story, tell yours today www.pagesofalifetime.com

Thanks!

I was wondering how that was.

dvd1711 responded August 21, 2007 at 11:20AM

Nice

Our Adventure

Posted August 16, 2007 at 8:31PM by vtmomof2
Life is crazy but wonderful.

Today was an adventurous day. The kids and I headed down to Burlington, we had to go to my mom's day camps end of season cookout, and we had a ton of errands to do. First we went to Church Street in Burlington where we had a gift card, I decided to use it to buy my daughter an outfit for school - it wasn't much but enough to buy one outfit - anyway, we got a sweater at old navy and everything was fine than we went to macy's to get a pair of pants and after 3 people messed with my card they told me that I had no balance, which was not true, I cancelled my sale and walked out. I'm not very good at handling this kind of stuff, I get frustrated easily so my hubby was able to get the balance added back on my card. Than we went to the mall and got a couple of outfits there. Now it is just me and both of the kids and my daughter has to try on every pair of pants she likes, she has to since last year she picked pants out and than refused to wear them because she didn't like the way they fit. So I learned today that a dressing room mirror is a wonderful thing to occupy a 4 year old. My son loved that mirror, he danced in it, made faces at it, he had a blast. Than we went to kmart to finish off our school supply list and headed home. On I89 right before exit 17 the warnings came on the radio, tornado warnings for the spot we were about to enter. I looked ahead and I saw the scariest cloud I have ever seen in my life, the thing was rotating, there was lightning and it was dark and huge. My daughter, who wants to be a meteorologist so she reads weather books like crazy, looked outside and started to cry, she was scared and I have to admit so was I. My son, to calm his sister down, kept saying to her "don't worry I have super powers and it will save you" Very sweet really, but we had to get off the interstate and take refuge at my parents house while the storm blew by and I'm happy we did since the part we were about to enter had to be closed for a little while because of trees that had been blown down. So that was our day, it was one adventure after another.

Rated:

Comments

rockergirrl responded August 17, 2007 at 6:39AM

www.findbarefootbooks.com

oh that is so scary. The weather was insane yesterday. I am in Burlington and we missed the worst of it. Crazy though. Glad you were safe and lucky you had a place to go to to get off the highway.

Sticky_Mommy responded August 17, 2007 at 9:01AM

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

I love your sweet son "I have super powers and will save you!" I'm also very impressed that your daughter even knows what a meteorologist, let alone that she wants to be one. When I was her age I wanted to be an artist. She is driven!

Crazy weather for sure, glad you guys are all save.

dustbunny responded August 17, 2007 at 9:39AM

dishing the dirt, cleaning the chaos

crazy day...your son sounds like quite a brave superhero!

LatteMommy responded August 17, 2007 at 9:52PM

LatteMommy

what a crazy day!

My Son's Birthday

Posted August 15, 2007 at 10:59AM by vtmomof2
Life is crazy but wonderful.

My son's birthday is the end of the month and his party is the 25th. I have yet to pick a theme. Is it really necessary to have a theme? He is going to be 4 and we are having a party because my fil is going to be in town and we are going to have a cookout and we are having everybody over. I'm making a cake, so it isn't anything fancy. Last year we did superman this year I haven't a clue, I really didn't even start thinking beyond the food until today.

Rated:

Comments

rockergirrl responded August 15, 2007 at 11:11AM

www.findbarefootbooks.com

I say you don't need a theme. I mean if you can think of one you like without it stressing you out go for it. I like non traditional and non character themes. My oldest has a fall birthday so I tend to decorate based on the season.

vtmomof2 responded August 15, 2007 at 11:16AM

Life is crazy but wonderful.

I like the season decoration idea. I think I might do that. It is close enough to fall, my favorite season.

Smasuzzo responded August 15, 2007 at 11:51AM

just ask hmi what kind of party he wants... if he says idk or whatever.. then who cares... no theme no big deal... unless hes NUTS about something and really is hoping for a certain party just go for birthday fun!

Sticky_Mommy responded August 15, 2007 at 12:53AM

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

I agree with smasuzzo, ask him. We have a cake book and my DD picks out cakes for the family and we work around that. You could also do a color theme, if his favorite color it orange, get orange plates, oranage cake, oranage cheese, orange pinata, orange soda, orage ice cream, etc. Can you tell I like orange?

dvd1711 responded August 16, 2007 at 11:15AM

Then, no theme. Cookout sounds fun. That could be your theme if you need one. But if it stresses you, stop worrying about the theme. You could ask him, but that sets you both up - what if he says, "I like big blue elephants that go scuba diving to find buried nascar racers!" Yikes!

Just have fun, conentrate on the cookout. Oh, and btw; I like Labatte Blue. What time should I be there? :-)

Peace.
/dvd

dvd1711 responded August 21, 2007 at 11:19AM

Hey,
How about an update? What is the party going to be?

/dvd

vtmomof2 responded August 21, 2007 at 4:27PM

Life is crazy but wonderful.

A cookout. I gave up and all he wants is a chocolate cake with hearts on it. So that is it.

Another Recall

Posted August 14, 2007 at 9:50AM by vtmomof2
Life is crazy but wonderful.

Mattell is going to announce another recall. This time for their die cast cars. I'm not sure if they make hot wheels or something else. There wasn't much detail in the article I read. I don't think the details have been released yet. I guess it is more lead paint. In my house this year for christmas we are buying local. I don't trust these toys any longer. What a shame.

Rated:

Comments

Sticky_Mommy responded August 14, 2007 at 10:10AM

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

This is not amusing. This is our kids lives they messing with!

The read a wall street journal article saying some die cast cars and also some magnet toys maybe affected. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB118709567221897168.html?mod=googlenews_wsj

Mattel earlier recalled more than a million toys - including ones based on characters from Sesame Street and Nickelodeon - that may have been tainted with lead paint. Now, people briefed on the matter say, it will recall possibly hundreds of thousands of more items. One of the recalled items is a die-cast car that may contain lead paint. Other items involve toys with magnets that can be harmful to children if swallowed. The items involved in the new recall may come from different factories than the plant that made toys involved in the first recall, according to these people. The magnet-related recall is expected to involve several years worth of the affected toy, a person familiar with the matter said.
Mattel didn't return calls seeking comment. The Consumer Product Safety Commission had no comment.

There's a Thingy in my Thingy

Posted August 14, 2007 at 9:19AM by vtmomof2
Life is crazy but wonderful.

This is what my son told me yesterday as he was limping toward me. I asked him what was his thingy and he pointed to his shoe. When I took it off out came a rock. He says "there is the thingy in my thingy" I laughed, he always makes me laugh. My hubby blames me and my failure to remember the names of anything and I always say that thing, you know. I tell him I just have too much going on in my brain for quick recollection. I guess I need to watch that.

Rated:

Comments

Sticky_Mommy responded August 14, 2007 at 10:03AM

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

Baby brain strikes again!

Sept 4th!!

Posted August 13, 2007 at 2:32PM by vtmomof2
Life is crazy but wonderful.

This is my first day back to college. I am so excited!! And scared. I have been preparing for this for a long time. Now I'm just trying to figure out when to go and get my books and everything. I'm taking 12 credits this semester and will be fulltime, working part time at home and being home with my 2 kids. My life is going to be busy and actually I prefer it this way. My mom called and told me she bought me some school clothes since I was going back also, she bought a couple of nice shirts and a notebook just to celebrate going back. My son's first day of preschool is the same day I go back, of course that day I will be only taking online classes but I will be taking 2 night classes. The schedule really isn't that bad and I was always a good student, I'm hoping to tap back into that. I'm sure it won't take long to figure out a routine. Plus I am at a better spot in my life than I was the last time I was there so I should be ok other than being nervous.

Rated:

Comments

Sticky_Mommy responded August 13, 2007 at 2:38PM

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

Whoo HOOO! Congrats and good for you. I love that your Mom got you some back-to-school clothes. 12 credits!!! Yikes, you're a better person them me.

You can do it!

rockergirrl responded August 13, 2007 at 9:08PM

www.findbarefootbooks.com

congrats and good luck

Smasuzzo responded August 15, 2007 at 11:54AM

You're gonna do great don't worry

dvd1711 responded August 15, 2007 at 1:43PM

Wow, you are an inspiration. How you can manage all that for you and your family is truly inspirational. Thank you - I will think of you when I say I am too tired to read, exercise, or do any extra work. Thank you and best of everything to you.

Daughter's Birthday Party

Posted August 13, 2007 at 11:33AM by vtmomof2
Life is crazy but wonderful.

Yesterday I had a great idea for my daughter's 10th birthday party. She will 10 in December but the idea hit me while I was at the grocery store. She really wants those little cocktail umbrellas so I decided that I was going to throw her a kiddie cocktail party. I was going to make shirley temples and have finger foods and cupcakes instead of a big cake. I was going to get those little umbrellas and plastic cocktail cups for the kids. Her birthday is right before chirstmas so usually nobody comes to her parties but last year I did it during the week and did a dinner instead of having a party on the weekend and everybody was coming except my daughter threw up during school and we had to cancel her party because she had a stomach bug. She was so upset that this year I wanted to do something fun for her and her friends. Plus she is going to be 10 - a milestone birthday. So I think my cocktail party should be fun. Now I can't wait to do it. I always plan way ahead of time and can't wait for it to happen.

Rated:

Comments

LatteMommy responded August 13, 2007 at 11:56AM

LatteMommy

Way to go vtmomof2 - AWESOME IDEA. Sure your DD will LOVE IT. You're a good Mom AND creative too.
My DD has told me that she wants her B-day party to be at Chucky E Cheeses and it to be a CareBear themed party. (Ok, less clean up for me) She will be 4 in March. She also told us what she wanted to be for Halloween and my Inlaws found the costume for $5 at Goodwill. This is good for me that she tells me these things cause I'm not creative thinking like you. I would love to go to your themed party...but adult styled with "real" umbrella drinks! LOL.

Sticky_Mommy responded August 13, 2007 at 2:15PM

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

I love your idea! It's great b/c you need a different theme for her party then "winter" or the holidays. Sounds like a hoot! You could have the kid read a drink cards and make their own, adding cherries, whip cream, sprinkles, etc.

Bumped Head

Posted August 13, 2007 at 9:50AM by vtmomof2
Life is crazy but wonderful.

My son is finally tall enough that he hits counters, he can no longer walk under them. He is constantly banging his head. I keep wondering how long is it going to take before he learns not to roll around and smash his head, that he has to duck or go around counters and that he needs to walk a little slower. He practically bounces off from walls and door jams. He will be 4 at the end of the month and I am worried that one of these times he is going to really hurt himself. He has already fallen down the stairs. There isn't anything wrong with him, he just loves to dance around, run around and he is usually looking all around that he isn't paying attention to where he is going. I am always saying "look out" "be careful" "don't walk like that" "slow down" "pay attention". Any suggestions?

Rated:

Comments

Sticky_Mommy responded August 13, 2007 at 2:12PM

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

You'd think with all those bumps he'd get some sense knocked into him (sorry couldn't help myself!). I understand this maybe a boy thing?

vtmomof2 responded August 13, 2007 at 2:22PM

Life is crazy but wonderful.

I was afraid of that.

The Lost of a Parent

Posted August 10, 2007 at 9:51AM by vtmomof2
Life is crazy but wonderful.

What do you do when you lose a parent? Not to death, I can handle that, but just lose a parent. I wrote yesterday about my stressful situation. I'm an only child so it is just me dealing with my parent's marriage unraveling and really for my mom's sake I think it is for the best. I have lost my dad, not going into much detail but he is gone. My daughter has cried and I don't know how much to tell her, I have told her that it is a tough situation and that it just needs some time to work out. I told her the truth because I always believe in telling the truth, just not the whole truth, I told her in a way a 10 year old should be told. But it is still hurtful. I am trying to get my mom on track she is devastated and it is I who have to get her moving. What my dad has done is unforgiveable at the moment. It is stressful, but even more so when you have to be the strong one.

Rated:

Comments

dvd1711 responded August 10, 2007 at 10:11AM

Hello,
I want to help you so I humbly share a few tips with you.

Just listen to mom. Listen to your little girl - you are right not to tell her things that adults can handle and 10 year olds cannot. For them and you, don't make promises of the future. Don't bash your father. Take care of yourself - do you have a husband or friends that you can vent to? It will be hard for family to help because you are all dealing with the same issue. Ask your spouse, spousal equivalent or friends to just listen. It's ok to tell them you need their help but there are ground rules; "No bashing, no promises of the future, don't try to fix it or me. Just listen to me, please."

Melody Beattie is a wondeful author who is known for writing books about codependancy. In her book, Codependent No More, she talks about disconnecting from poisonous relationships. I don't know if this is a perfect fit, but if you need to disconnect from your father, she talks about it. I'm from an alcoholic family that I had to disconnect from and she helped me greatly.
http://www.melodybeattie.com/

I also believe in journaling. I'm a writer, but I think for anyone, journaling is so helpful and a creative way to manage your private fears. More creative than vices like drinking and eating and what ever. Don't worry, if you need to later you can get rid of it - that's why God made matches!

Lastly, just love mom, love your daughter, and most important love yourself.

vtmomof2 responded August 10, 2007 at 10:32AM

Life is crazy but wonderful.

Thank you, this is very inspirational, I think I might pick up that book. Any calls I have made, I have hidden upstairs or in the back room. I told my daughter that I don't understand why this has happened but that her papa loves her. I don't bash him, because I love him. I just don't condone or will ever condone this behavior it is immoral and sometimes you have to draw a line. I told my daughter to pray that he gets the help he needs.

Sticky_Mommy responded August 10, 2007 at 10:37AM

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

This