Wordless Wednesday: Pluto

A few years ago, before we finally broke down and bought annual passes, we stayed a few days at Disneyland. One morning we got up and ate at Goofy's Kitchen. We decided to take a picture with Pluto. While we paid, Pluto and Cameron had a knock down, drag out, wrestling match that would have made the WWE proud. How I wish we had that on video, but we always look back at this picture and smile, remembering what took place the 5 minutes before.

Check out more Wordless Wednesday over at 5 Minutes for Mom.

American Idol

I enjoyed the ENTIRE hour of American Idol tonight. Who knew Jamie Foxx could inspire such great talent to overflow onto the American Idol stage. Where was he when Lil Rounds was taking a steep nose dive and nobody could save her? Watch out American, Kris Allen may sneak up and pounce. I will downloading his version of The Way You Look Tonight.

Matt Giraud...what can I say? I'll buy a CD from any day! One of my favorite songs is My Funny Valentine and he did it such justice. I was FLOORED when Randy and Kara started their critiques. I was screaming at the TV, "Were you watching the same performance I was?" Thank God for Simon. :)

Gokey, Gokey, Gokey. He is pitch perfect EVERY time! That boy channeled some serious star power as he sang Come Rain or Come Shine and finally, FIN-A-LLY, showed Simon EXACTLY what he was made of.


Oh, but Adam ... Adam Lambert must be Feeling Good right about now. Adam is EVERYTHING American Idol stands for. He, like David Cook, takes risks. He isn't afraid to strut his stuff, and coming down those stairs ... I was in awe! And that voice ... Good Grief! His voice comes from Heaven. There is no other way to say it. WHO sings like that? Adam does.

What's on Your Nightstand ~ April

I am so ashamed of this last month's reading. After about 150 pages or so of reading Wicked, I returned it to the library. It was not my cup of tea and I just ... could not get into it. I won an auction on ebay for a compilation book of Interview with the Vampire, The Vampire Lestat and The Queen of the Damned, to start my Spring Reading Thing 2009, but the book never arrived. The ebay seller never contacted me, I reported it, won, and my money was deposited back into my paypal account. I have reordered another one. Alas, it hadn't arrived, so I began reading Anne Rice's erotic Sleeping Beauty series and finished The Claiming of Sleeping Beauty yesterday and immediately started Beauty's Punishment. I'm not ashamed to say, boyohboy, I have enjoyed these books...maybe more than I should.

Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY...April 27th

Outside my window...day has turned to night.

I am thinking...my pillow is calling me to slumber.

I am thankful for...friends.

From the kitchen...Grilled Cheese & Soup for dinner.

I am wearing...my pj's, a grey pair of sweats and a black Twilight T-shirt w/ Edward Cullen that reads, "I dreamed of Edward Cullen".

I am creating...a shopping list for this Friday's Stampin' Up Club. Margarita Madness anyone?

I am praying...Auntie Pam's recovery is swift.

I am going...to finish watching last week's episode of One Tree Hill.

I am reading...Beauty's Punishment by Anne Rice.

I am hoping...this week is less dramatic than last.

I am hearing...the vacuum.

Around the house...Cameron and Dylan are cleaning up toys, Mike is vacuuming the kitchen, and Peyton is getting into mischief.

One of my favorite things...Hubby spoiling me.

A few plans for the rest of the week: walking, shopping, stamping, and reading.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing...Peyton learned something new today.

Menu Plan Monday

Sunday ~ Tortelloni, Salad, & Garlic Bread

Monday ~ Grilled Cheese & Soup

Tuesday ~ Chicken, Mashed Potatoes w/ Gravy, Stuffing, Corn, & Crescent Rolls

Wednesday ~ TV Dinners

Thursday ~ Linguine w/ Shrimp Scampi, Salad, & Garlic Rolls

Friday ~ Mama's at Stampin' Club, Boys will fend for themselves

Saturday ~ Chicken, Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans, & Hawaiian Rolls

Change

I tend to be a creature of habit. I don't deal well with change. If something isn't broken, why fix it? Having said that, I have used the SAME razor since I started shaving at 11 years old. The Schick Personal Touch has always done it's job well. However, it's becoming harder to find the replacement blades and this morning, I retired it. I bought the Gillette Venus Spa Breeze and had my first run with it while in the shower today. Let me tell you ladies, what a difference. There is no need for lathering your legs, or shaving cream...EVER! The shave gel bars are built into the razor. I just slid my leg under the water, wetting my leg and razor...and shaved my legs. I felt confident even without my glasses, that I was getting the best, smoothest shave possible. My legs haven't had this close a shave in years, and they felt so silky smooth! I would recommend this great little razor to any woman.

Oprah & Teen Sex

I set my DVR to record a special Oprah Winfrey last week and finally got around to watching it. The premise of the show was a 14 year old "couple" and their assertion that they were ready to have sex. Up until this point they had done pretty much everything but actual intercourse. UGH! I was skeptical at how Oprah and Dr. Laura Berman would handle this topic. I was not impressed when Dr. Berman voiced her opinion on masturbation, so I took a great, deep breath and pressed play.

As I sat there and watched the show unfold, I realized, "I WISH someone had sat me down and talked to me that way when I was that age." I had my first "real" boyfriend at 15 years old. We began having sex 6 weeks later, YES, at 15 years old. Although we dated throughout high school, and subsequently got engaged while he was in the Air Force, it did NOT last, and there I was ... a used up 19 year old girl. I say that now because after I began going to church and received Christ, I realized how badly I had damaged the body He gave me, and did not see it as the temple it was meant to be. I pose the question to myself, "What would you tell your 15 year old self about sex?" That's a whole other discussion! :)

These kids on the show were AMAZING! They acted their age, giggling, and answered the questions posed at them the way any KID would answer them. I was completely impressed with the questions Dr. Berman wanted them to answer, and thankfully, THANK-FUL-LY, the girlfriend was on the fast track of being persuaded NOT to further her relationship with the boy.

Dr. Berman posed two sets of questions, the first set were questions only you could answer about yourself, and they were:

What does this mean for who I am as a person?

What does this mean for my body?

What does this mean for my relationship with this person?

What happens next?

What fantastic questions to answer. A teen would really have to analyze key facets of their decision. If someone had asked me the first question, and I couldn't answer it, I'm not sure I would have been as willing, as young as I was. The answer to that question still affects me almost 20 years later.

The next round of questions were for the couple and included:

Why do you want to take it to the next level now?

How long do the two of you plan to stay together?

Are you prepared for the emotions you might feel afterward?

Have you talked about condoms?

Are you prepared with two forms of birth control?

Have you talked about what happens if you get pregnant?

Do you understand sexually transmitted diseases?

Are both of you absolutely sure that neither one of you has been with anyone else sexually in any way?

I would recommend any parent to keep an open mind and at least watch the episode and download Dr. Laura Berman's Sex Ed Handbook from Oprah Winfrey's site here.

Where Do Babies Come From?

I was laying Dylan down for his nap yesterday when he begins the following dialogue.

Dylan: When I was a baby in your stomach...

Me: Yes.

Dylan: Yea, when you ated me...

Me: Mama didn't eat you Dylan.

Dylan: Yea, when I was in your mouth...

Me: No, honey, you weren't in my mouth.

Dylan: What?

Exactly...WHAT? ROFLMAO

Wordless Wednesday: Answered Prayer

Peyton will never know how long I have wanted her. She will never know the heartache I felt without her. From the depth of my soul, I truly believe she is the answer to my prayer.

Check out more Wordless Wednesday over at 5 Minutes for Mom.

American Idol

Here I am again...a year ago I named David Cook the next American Idol. This year, however, I have a toss up. In the beginning, I thought Danny Gokey ALL THE WAY! His voice is amazing and I LOVED his version of Michael Jackson's P.Y.T. Hubby says Gokey will take it because of the sympathy vote, losing his wife was terrible enough, but then his Grandfather dying a few weeks ago.

I cheered last week when the judges decided to keep Matt Giraud. He sure has grown on me over the last month or better. I even downloaded his version of one of my favorite songs, "Let's Get It On." He's got something, that Matt Giraud.

Of course neither of them will win it. The next American Idol ...

This one is the REAL deal! Anyone that can get Simon Cowell on his feet for a standing ovation...you better pay attention to him. His voice is flawless. I am a rock girl by heart and he hits notes that make my whole body shudder. Ooooh...and with those slow, smooth sounds, like "The Tracks of My Tears" ... astounding! "Mad World" was BRILLIANT! I, too, was faklempt as Adam sang, "If I Can't Have You" last night. It also helps that that boy is FINE!

Praises

I always knew I wanted kids, from the time I was very young. Growing up in a family where kids are all around will do that. I'm the oldest of 8 grandchildren, and having been raised by my Grandma, every weekend she had her grandkids stay with her.

I knew I would be the mother I never had. I knew I would listen to my children. I would make sure I said I love you to them daily. That is why last night was so hilarious. I'm in the bathroom curling my hair when Dylan comes in dressed, "Where are we going Mama?" I tell him Daddy is taking us out to dinner to Olive Garden. He says, "Yum!" I then proceeded to tell him that afterwards we would go to Toys R Us for the Triceratops he's been asking for. His eye light up, he has the most expressive eyes, and his smile beams off of his face like a ray of sunshine, "We are?!?" I nodded and told him to tell Loody to come to me.

Loody, a.k.a. Cameron, comes in the bathroom and says, "Where are we going?" I tell him to change his shirt, fix his hair, and get his shoes on. He huffs, his DS in his hand. I tell him about Olive Garden, he perks up. Dylan comes in to comb his hair, which I then promptly fix, and tell Cameron, "After we eat we're going to Toys R Us to get you a new DS case and Star Wars skin. He leaps at me, arms wide open, "I LOVE YOU MOMMY!" Dylan tries to squeeze in, "Me too, me too! I LOVE YOU TOO!"

Later in the kitchen I fix Peyton's hair, or lack thereof, and sit down on the chair. Cameron comes up to hug me again, "You're the best Mom in the world!" Dylan, not to be undone, "The bestest Mom!"

It's good to be the Mama!

Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY...April 20th

Outside my window...a bright sun shiny day.

I am thinking...will I have time for a nap today?

I am thankful for...the luxury of being a stay-at-home-Mama that my Hubby provides me.

From the kitchen...leftovers for lunch.

I am wearing...brown w/ pink striped capri's and pink and brown T-shirt.

I am creating...nothing.

I am going...to Olive Garden for dinner with Hubby and the kids.

I am reading...The Claiming of Sleeping Beauty by Anne Rice.

I am hoping...we haven't skipped Spring and gone straight to Summer.

I am hearing...Hot and Cold by Katy Perry.

Around the house...Peyton is crawling on me and Dylan is watching Little Einsteins.

One of my favorite things...the smell of cinnamon.

A few plans for the rest of the week: buy a new pair of walking shoes and join The Biggest Loser Club.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing...

Menu Plan Monday

Sunday ~ Shells Pasta, Salad, & Garlic Bread

Monday ~ Hubby is taking me to Olive Garden

Tuesday ~ Easy Cheesy Enchiladas, Spanish Rice, & Salad

Wednesday ~ TV Dinner

Thursday ~ Chicken, Mashed Potatoes w/ Gravy, Stuffing, Corn, & Crescent Rolls

Friday ~ Spaghetti

Saturday ~ Out

Wordless Wednesday: Coloring Eggs

Check out more Wordless Wednesday over at 5 Minutes for Mom.

Remembering Maddie

I don't know anyone in the blog world who hasn't been touched this last week by the sudden death of Madeline Alice Spohr. I logged on to blogger and my updates included a brief synopsis by 5 Minute for Mom of heartbreak and a picture of the most beautiful little girl with the biggest grin and curly hair. I clicked the post and immediately cried my eyes out. I tried, to no avail, to click on Maddie's mother, Heather, blog The Spohrs Are Multiplying, and eventually clicked on her Twitter (something I've seen all over the blogosphere and never once looked at). I read her most recent tweets and bawled my eyes out. I clicked on her March of Dimes page, I tried to find everything out about this beautiful little angel who had been called home too soon.

The next day Heather's blog had been moved to a server that could handle the mass amount of visitors and outpouring. I began to poke around at pictures and videos and felt complete and utter grief for this precious girl who was just 10 days younger than Peyton. In a few short hours Heather and Mike, whose blog is found at The Newborn Identity, will be attending their daughter's funeral, something NO parent should ever have to do.

I ask that you keep the Spohr family in prayer. Heather intends to speak at Maddie's funeral and she'll need tremendous strength and endless comfort. I also ask that you help support Maddie's family in one, or all, of the following ways. Click HERE to make a donation via paypal and assist Maddie's family. Check out Maddie's March of Dimes page and show your support, there are only 10 more days until Team Maddie walks. Finally, a mailbox has been set up for Maddie's parents. It's a UPS store, so they can also receive packages.

Mike & Heather Spohr
11870 Santa Monica Blvd. #106-514
West Los Angeles, CA 90025

Now for the Tribute Mike and Heather made for their Madeline!

The Tribute to Our Madeline from Mike and Heather on Vimeo.

Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY...April 13th

Outside my window...the nasty wind is nowhere to be found. Woo-Hoo!

I am thinking...I hate Monday's!

I am thankful for...my children and Hubby!

From the kitchen...tacos.

I am wearing...black sweats and black Twilight T-shirt.

I am creating...anniversary cards.

I am going...to order another Interview with the Vampire book, after my last one failed to arrive. Grrrr!

I am reading...The Claiming of Sleeping Beauty by Anne Rice.

I am hoping...Cameron gets his Mission assignment completed.

I am hearing...Dylan holler he has to go potty.

Around the house...Dylan is running to the bathroom and Peyton is shaking her maracas and dancing.

One of my favorite things...tacos.

A few plans for the rest of the week: cleaning!

Here is a picture thought I am sharing...my loves!

Menu Plan Monday

Sunday ~ Easter Dinner

Monday ~ Tacos

Tuesday ~ Grilled Cheese & Soup

Wednesday ~ TV Dinners

Thursday ~ Baked Penne w/ Roasted Veggies, Salad, & Garlic Rolls

Friday ~ Chicken, Mashed Potatoes w/ Country Gravy, Veggie, & Hawaiian Rolls

Saturday ~ Out

Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY...April 6th

Outside my window...the lawn needs mowing, the roses need clipping, and the weeds need pulling!

I am thinking...we're back to the grind this morning, Spring Break is officially over.

I am thankful ...that Dylan has only had 3 accidents in the last week of potty training.

From the kitchen...good old fashioned chicken and mashed potatoes.

I am wearing...black sweats w/ a pink Tinkerbell T-shirt.

I am creating...nothing.

I am going...to put the clothes in the dryer.

I am reading...The Claiming of Sleeping Beauty by Anne Rice's pen name A.N. Roquelaure.

I am hoping...Hubby hears good news on his car today.

I am hearing...Special Agent OSO.

Around the house...Dylan and Peyton are engrossed in this new show.

One of my favorite things...watching Dylan enter the bathroom without having to say anything.

A few plans for the rest of the week: keeping up on Dylan's potty training, Easter shopping, listing more on ebay, having Grandma over for dinner, and maybe some cleaning.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing...Dylan stayed up in his bed during naptime, only to crash on the couch a few minutes after I let him out of his room.

Menu Plan Monday

Sunday ~ Shells Pasta, Salad, & Garlic Bread

Monday ~ Chicken, Mashed Potatoes & Gravy, Stuffing, Corn, & Crescent Rolls

Tuesday ~ Classic Chicken Parmesan with Oven Roasted Tomato Sauce and Smoked Mozzarella, Salad, & Garlic Rolls

Wednesday ~ TV Dinner

Thursday ~ Herb Chicken, Garlic Mashed Red Potatoes, Summer Veggies in Alfredo Sauce, & Hawaiian Rolls

Friday ~ Whole Wheat Cheese Ravioli w/ Roasted Garlic Sauce, Salad, & Garlic Bread

Saturday ~ Out

Potty Training

It's happening! Dylan is peeing in the big potty! I have been doing the happy dance for an entire day now! Now, I realize the child is 4 years old, so please, no hate mail about why is he just now potty training. He wouldn't do it before now! Cameron was pushing 4 when he FINALLY did it. I think we're on target. Peyton will probably train at 2 years old. Every child is different. And I'm not going to force him, frustrating him more, and watch him having accident after accident after accident. I'm not THAT kind of Mama!

The first day was a doozy, but seriously, didn't we expect that? He peed in his underwear once and later on he pooped too. UGH! Day 2 was a complete 180! He even went to the potty all by himself. In the afternoon we couldn't find him, and then a little voice hollered out from the bathroom, "I went poop!" Poor guy, sitting on the potty, waiting for someone to wipe his butt. Later in the evening he did it again, got on the potty and did some more business and hollered for help wiping his butt. He even puts the toilet seat down and washes his hands! Go Dylan! Go Dylan! Woot Woot! Of course the diaper goes on for naptime and bedtime. Forget pull-ups, it would cost me what it does now for diapers for a 30 day supply. YUCK! Instead, a box of diapers will now last me 2 months, rather than 2 weeks. WOO-HOO! We'll work on no diaper for naptime during Summer. All in all the last few days have been WONDERFUL!