Teeter Totter ~ Finding a Balance Between Me-Hood and Motherhood - creatress's Blog - SacMomsClub.com http://www.sacmomsclub.com/home/Blog/creatress In this blog I'll be covering as wide a variety of subjects as the duties of a real mom in today's culture. From raising special needs children, family vacations, marriage, relationships, sex, cooking, local to-do, school (both for you and the children), working, hiring a daycare provider, arts and crafts, decorating, holidays, to well... EVERYTHING! No holding back. In this blog I'll be covering as wide a variety of subjects as the duties of a real mom in today's culture. From raising special needs children, family vacations, marriage, relationships, sex, cooking, local to-do, school (both for you and the children), working, hiring a daycare provider, arts and crafts, decorating, holidays, to well... EVERYTHING! No holding back. en-us I Love Cell Phones… I Hate Them http://www.sacmomsclub.com/home/Blog/creatress/9494 http://www.sacmomsclub.com/home/Blog/creatress/9494 <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="3">Back when I was younger if you saw someone talking to themselves in a store, they were crazy. You wouldn&rsquo;t check to see if they had a Bluetooth sticking out of their ear, you just swayed your cart the other way and became fascinated by the canned beans instead. Now days I just assume they&rsquo;re talking on their phone. Even when they&rsquo;re talking to me, I assume they&rsquo;re on the phone. This has caused some issues and lead me to hate cell phones.</font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="3">&nbsp;</font></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="3">When was the last time you went to a movie without someone&rsquo;s phone ringing, or them flipping it open to text, thus shining the light in your face (since they&rsquo;re in front of you.)? I can&rsquo;t remember when. Really, can<em> NOT</em> recall the last time I wasn&rsquo;t distracted by someone&rsquo;s cell phone in a movie. When was the last time you went out to eat and no one in the restaurant talked on their phone, or answered a call? How about the last class you took (if you&rsquo;re in school) where someone&rsquo;s phone didn&rsquo;t go off mid-lecture?</font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="3">&nbsp;</font></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="3">I hate cell phones. I think they interrupt real-life constantly and were made just to annoy people trying to live in the moment. If your phone rings in the middle of a movie, you&rsquo;d better have it on in case the sitter needs to reach you. You can wait till after the movie to text your friends about how good it was or read about your friends new dress. Really people! It <em>CAN </em>wait!</font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="3">&nbsp;</font></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="3">However, I also love cell phones. Without my teenager having one, he would have about half the independence he has now. There&rsquo;s no way I&rsquo;d let him walk around downtown <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Davis</st1:place></st1:city> to meet up with friends, or window shop alone. No way would I let him make plans on the fly. <em>No WAY</em> could he ditch us in a big mall and look around on his own. He would miss out on a lot of wonderful independence and growth without his cell phone, and I would be losing my mind with worry.</font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="3">&nbsp;</font></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="3">I just wish people would use them more like they were intended. Private communication. Bluetooth away in your car (just drive safe.) Chat away and text before the movie starts (then turn it off and put it away.) Surf the web to your hearts delight while in a long line (then return it to your purse when it&rsquo;s your turn, or if you are talking to me.) If we&rsquo;re out for dinner or a drink together, let it go to voicemail if it&rsquo;s your sister calling to say &ldquo;hi!&rdquo; I took time out of my busy life to see you, trust me, you can call her back later. Know what I mean? There just should be some set manners and social laws that come with buying a cell phone. What do you think?</font></p>


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Pruning Your Life http://www.sacmomsclub.com/home/Blog/creatress/9487 http://www.sacmomsclub.com/home/Blog/creatress/9487 <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="4">I don&rsquo;t know about you, but I&rsquo;ve been noticing a lot of little obligatory time suckers in my life lately and I think it&rsquo;s time to prune.</font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="4">&nbsp;</font></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="4">Every once in a while I like to take a look at how I spend my time and energy and ask myself </font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="4">a few questions...</font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><font color="#800000" size="2"><strong>&nbsp;</strong></font></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><font color="#800000" size="2"><strong>1) What am I getting out of this arrangement (obligation, relationship, etc)</strong></font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><font color="#800000" size="2"><strong>2) Is it worth the amount of time (money, or effort) that I&rsquo;m investing</strong></font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><font color="#800000" size="2"><strong>3) Would my life be better without it (more time, money or energy)</strong></font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><font color="#800000" size="2"><strong>4) In what ways (or at all) would I miss this</strong></font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="4">&nbsp;</font></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="4">This is a great way to get to the root of why you are maintaining certain activities, relationships and obligations. If you can honestly answer these questions positively, then GREAT! No need to prune. If however, you find yourself yearning for a life free of these things, then it is time to prune.</font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="4">&nbsp;</font></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="4">Now emotional pruning is easier said than done. It requires clear communication and a well thought-out plan of action (most of the time.) The longer you&rsquo;ve been engaged in what you want to prune, the more difficult it will be (just like real tree pruning.)</font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="4">&nbsp;</font></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="4">There are many things I wish to prune out right now. Some I&rsquo;m simply choosing to put on the back burner (tie off and let it die out on its own.) Others I know I need to address and I&rsquo;m developing a plan.</font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="4">&nbsp;</font></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="4">When you actually take the time to do these things, you&rsquo;ll feel much happier and healthier in the end, as well as have the extra resources to engage in new activities, friendships and adventures.</font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="4">&nbsp;</font></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="4">So ask yourself&hellip; Is it time to prune?</font></p>


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A Crafty Gift http://www.sacmomsclub.com/home/Blog/creatress/9480 http://www.sacmomsclub.com/home/Blog/creatress/9480 <p class="post-title entry-title"><font face="Comic Sans MS"><font size="2"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 130%">A friend of mine has a wedding coming up in a few weeks and I decided to make them some gifts rather than buy. They're the kind of people who put right on the invitation not to get them ANYTHING, but being who I am, I can't do that. So I figure a hand-made little something might fly under the radar.</span><br /> <span style="FONT-SIZE: 130%"></span><br /> <span style="FONT-SIZE: 130%">The first thing I made was this little bath bag. It has organic rose petals from my own garden, organic rose oil and bath salts. You just drop the whole little sack in your tub like a tea bag. I wish you could smell it on my blog. Simply divine!</span></font></font></p> <div class="post-body entry-content"> <p align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_w6Zmg2NVeSQ/SRsr1hKMt3I/AAAAAAAACdE/_Oe1lPwKZqw/s1600-h/November+Etsy+011.jpg"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 130%"><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="3"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267852387574134642" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 235px" alt="" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_w6Zmg2NVeSQ/SRsr1hKMt3I/AAAAAAAACdE/_Oe1lPwKZqw/s320/November+Etsy+011.jpg" /></font></span></a></p> <div align="center"><font face="Comic Sans MS"><font size="3"><br /> </font></font> <p align="left"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_w6Zmg2NVeSQ/SRsr1eNkT4I/AAAAAAAACc8/LobDl9JhpR0/s1600-h/November+Etsy+007.jpg"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 130%"><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="3"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267852386782957442" style="WIDTH: 280px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_w6Zmg2NVeSQ/SRsr1eNkT4I/AAAAAAAACc8/LobDl9JhpR0/s320/November+Etsy+007.jpg" /></font></span></a><br /> <span style="FONT-SIZE: 130%"><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="3">The next gift I made for them is this leather art pencil case. They are both fun and creative people, so I thought they might enjoy it. The faces are gold polimer clay that I made.<br /> </font></span><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_w6Zmg2NVeSQ/SRsr0wA5paI/AAAAAAAACc0/gnaEwY_RQeo/s1600-h/November+Etsy+009.jpg"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 130%"><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="3"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267852374381798818" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 242px" alt="" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_w6Zmg2NVeSQ/SRsr0wA5paI/AAAAAAAACc0/gnaEwY_RQeo/s320/November+Etsy+009.jpg" /></font></span></a><span style="FONT-SIZE: 130%"><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="3"> <br /> Here's the inside with colored pencils on one side and a drawing pencil on the other. Also leather. These &quot;pockets&quot; were just glued with fabric glue (worked great by the way.) I tried to add some simple imbellishments with silver and black ink on celtic stamps. It's ok, not great though.<br /> </font></span><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_w6Zmg2NVeSQ/SRsr02aA_AI/AAAAAAAACcs/SGJITpZSYWM/s1600-h/November+Etsy+010.jpg"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 130%"><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="3"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267852376097750018" style="WIDTH: 280px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_w6Zmg2NVeSQ/SRsr02aA_AI/AAAAAAAACcs/SGJITpZSYWM/s320/November+Etsy+010.jpg" /></font></span></a><span style="FONT-SIZE: 130%"><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="3"> <br /> This is the front. I hand sewed up the sides with a coated nylon thread and used fine copper wire at the top. I used the fabric glue for the red leather patch, copper wire for the center face and glue (for extra security.) Red suede ties are on the sides.</font></span></p> <p align="center"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 180%"><em><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="5">I hope they like their gifts!</font></em></span></p> <div style="CLEAR: both"></div> </div> </div> My Husband Martha http://www.sacmomsclub.com/home/Blog/creatress/9471 http://www.sacmomsclub.com/home/Blog/creatress/9471 <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="4">As I may have mentioned, my in-laws are BIG into the hand-made holiday idea. We did it last year and had a lot of fun. Since this is our second annual handmade holiday, we (of course) want to 1up ourselves (and maybe each other!) Even my husband is really involved.</font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="4">&nbsp;</font></o:p></p> <div style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 0in; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 0in; PADDING-BOTTOM: 1pt; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; PADDING-TOP: 0in; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 1pt solid; mso-element: para-border-div; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .75pt"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 0in; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 0in; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0in; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; PADDING-TOP: 0in; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 1.0pt 0in"><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="4">Last year we made a lot of edible treats. My husband canned his homemade BBQ sauce for everyone and it was a hit. This year however, he&rsquo;s going all out. <font color="#ff0000">(Ok, if you&rsquo;re related to us&hellip;stop here! Spoiler ALERT!)</font></font></p> </div> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="4">&nbsp;</font></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><font face="Comic Sans MS" color="#0000ff" size="4">Ok, non relative? Good, keep reading&hellip;</font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="4">&nbsp;</font></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="4">This year he&rsquo;s making handmade books for everyone. I know. WOW! I was impressed too. I think when he&rsquo;s all finished, each book will be $50. Yup, I never knew my man could shop like that in Michales. It was hilarious to see my man ooing and awwing down the Martha Stewart Collection isle, filling our cart with beautiful paper and findings. Our son rolled his eyes at every chance and glared at me for turning his dad into a paper fiend.</font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="4">&nbsp;</font></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="4">He can glare all he wants, I&rsquo;m forcing him to make bath salt bags for everyone. Me? I&rsquo;m making lip balm (yes, homemade) and art pouches for everyone. I think we&rsquo;ll be the hit of the holiday!</font></p>


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Food For Thought http://www.sacmomsclub.com/home/Blog/creatress/9465 http://www.sacmomsclub.com/home/Blog/creatress/9465 <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><font face="Comic Sans MS" color="#000080" size="4">I leave you this weekend with a little food for thought. When was the last time you put your emotional needs first? Not treated yourself with your favorite dinner, or splurged and bought that new bag&hellip; but communicated with your family something that was important to you. Or told your partner just what to do to please you? Something emotional. If you&rsquo;re like most busy mothers, I&rsquo;m sure you either can&rsquo;t remember, or the whole question just makes you squirm a little.</font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><font face="Comic Sans MS" color="#000080" size="4">&nbsp;</font></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><font face="Comic Sans MS" color="#000080" size="4">Taking care of others is what we do best, right? If you&rsquo;re really great at your job, then you even anticipate the needs of the ones you love before they even know they need it. Oh yeah, been there&hellip; done that. But what about your needs? Do you even know what they are anymore?</font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><font face="Comic Sans MS" color="#000080" size="4">&nbsp;</font></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><font face="Times New Roman" size="3"><font color="#000080"><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="4">Take a bubble bath and think on it. This is something I&rsquo;m going to work on to. Make a list! Write down some needs that you would like to have filled for a change.</font> </font></font></p>


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No Politics… Just a Share http://www.sacmomsclub.com/home/Blog/creatress/9457 http://www.sacmomsclub.com/home/Blog/creatress/9457 <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="4">As tempted as I was this morning to write (errr, vent) about the election and what pleased and displeased me this morning, I&rsquo;m saving it for <a href="http://creatresscreations.blogspot.com/"><strong><em>my personal blog</em></strong></a>.</font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="4">&nbsp;</font></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="4">When my son started Junior High School in <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Davis</st1:place></st1:city> <font size="3">(two years ago now) </font>I was pretty shocked to learn that they had a GSA club on campus. GSA stands for Gay-Straight Alliance. I thought &ldquo;HOW YOUNG! I can see High School, but Junior High!&rdquo; So, you can imagine how even more shocked I was to learn my little 7<sup>th</sup> grade boy had joined. &ldquo;WHAT! WHY? You&rsquo;re straight! Hetro! Not liking the boys! Why would you join that club!&rdquo; &ldquo;Mom <em>(he said in his all knowing voice)</em> it&rsquo;s the Gay STRAIGHT ALLIANCE club, not the Gay Club. I want to support my friends at school.&rdquo; That knocked the wind out of my sail fast.</font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="4">&nbsp;</font></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="4">All I could imagine was everyone at school thinking my son was gay and picking on him for being a member of this club. All he saw however was supporting a large group of his friends in a cause they both believed in <em>(equal rights for all.) </em></font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="4">&nbsp;</font></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="4">This is his third year of being a member. He&rsquo;s been the only male member AND the only straight member for all three years. He&rsquo;s sat at their table in the quad during &ldquo;Club Day&rdquo; and told people why it&rsquo;s important to support all classmates at the school. He&rsquo;s sympathized with his friends when they&rsquo;re bullied and have issues. He&rsquo;s been the butt of some jokes, but this being <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Davis</st1:city></st1:place>, they&rsquo;re few and far between. </font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="4">&nbsp;</font></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="4">It&rsquo;s for sure not a popular club, full of popular kids, but I&rsquo;m proud to know there&rsquo;s some things my son already knows are more important in life. Like&hellip; helping each other, looking out for one another, being there for your friends and neighbors, working to make the world a better place. I couldn&rsquo;t be more proud if he were the first straight president of the GSA. </font></p>


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VOTE http://www.sacmomsclub.com/home/Blog/creatress/9451 http://www.sacmomsclub.com/home/Blog/creatress/9451 <p><a href="http://www.postsecret.blogspot.com/"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264501871397242930" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_w6Zmg2NVeSQ/SQ9EjzwDCDI/AAAAAAAACbs/54aQCT5Fijs/s400/ifyouarecleverenoughtofindthismessage_youaresmartenoughtovote.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="FONT-SIZE: 180%"><font size="5"> </font><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="4">I saw this on </font></span><strong><em><span style="FONT-SIZE: 180%"><font face="Comic Sans MS" color="#ff0000" size="4"><a href="http://www.postsecret.blogspot.com/">Post Secret</a></font></span></em></strong><span style="FONT-SIZE: 180%"><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="4"> this morning and couldn't agree more. It is a very exciting time in history. As if you need even more incentive to vote, Starbucks is giving away a free cup of fresh brewed coffee tomorrow if you go in and say you voted.</font></span></p> <p><span style="FONT-SIZE: 180%"><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="4">Do your part, be an example, take the whole family and vote tomorrow!</font></span></p> What Do You See? (Part II) http://www.sacmomsclub.com/home/Blog/creatress/9447 http://www.sacmomsclub.com/home/Blog/creatress/9447 <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="4">My point in <a href="http://www.sacmomsclub.com/home/Blog/creatress/9444"><strong><em>blogging about this art project</em></strong></a> was to see if anyone said &ldquo;I SEE A BIG MESS!&rdquo; Sadly, a lot of parents feel that way about art. &ldquo;Eewwww, messy!&rdquo; and that keeps them from exposing their children to some important devolvement.</font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="4">&nbsp;</font></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="4">At work I spread out butcher paper (and some blank posters) and taped it to the table. I then poured some child-friendly primary colored paint (plus black and white) and various size brushes. I then took away all the chairs (so more children could fit around the table). They were as anticipatory as dogs waiting for sausage to drop on the floor! Our room had three pumpkins and I decided to add those to the table as well.</font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="4">&nbsp;</font></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="4"><strong><u>What did they learn/do?</u></strong></font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="4">-They received multi-sensory stimulation due to the varying objects they painted (bumpy, smooth, flat, round&hellip;)</font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="4">-They SHARED the supplies.</font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="4">-They mixed their own colors (orange, purple, pink, turquoise) just like magic!</font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="4">-They used fine motor skills with the brushes and gross motor skills (using their hands and arms)</font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="4">-They learned problem solving. (running out of paint, sharing a brush, running out of pumpkin space.)</font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="4">-They also learned hygiene (by washing up properly after!)</font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="4">&nbsp;</font></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="4">So where adults may see a mess, a teacher should see exploration and developmental opportunity! If you saw it as a positive experience, good for you! The next time you pick up your child from school or daycare and they&rsquo;re &ldquo;a mess,&rdquo; GOOD! That means they learned a lot and made new neurological connections.</font></p>


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What Do You See? http://www.sacmomsclub.com/home/Blog/creatress/9444 http://www.sacmomsclub.com/home/Blog/creatress/9444 <div class="post-body entry-content"> <div align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_w6Zmg2NVeSQ/SQoo_80K_pI/AAAAAAAACa0/ITt0XzdtOtQ/s1600-h/pumpkin2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263064193657667218" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_w6Zmg2NVeSQ/SQoo_80K_pI/AAAAAAAACa0/ITt0XzdtOtQ/s400/pumpkin2.jpg" border="0" /></a> <span style="FONT-SIZE: 130%"><font size="4">Here's a little &quot;Kid Quiz&quot; for you all. </font></span></div> <div align="center"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 130%"><font size="4">What do you see when you look at this picture? </font></span></div> <div align="center"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 130%"><font size="4">What happened? </font></span></div> <div align="center"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 130%"><font size="4">Who did it? </font></span></div> <div align="center"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 130%"><font size="4">What went on? </font></span></div> <div align="center"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 130%"><font size="4">I'll tell you the answers tomorrow.</font></span></div> <div align="center"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 130%"><font size="4">(Aren't I mean that way?)</font></span><br /> </div> <div align="center"></div> <div style="CLEAR: both"></div> </div> What a Start! http://www.sacmomsclub.com/home/Blog/creatress/9438 http://www.sacmomsclub.com/home/Blog/creatress/9438 <p><font face="Comic Sans MS" color="#000080" size="4">What does it say about your day when your entire makeup bag decides to take a swim in the toilet? Being as cheap as I am, I actually salvaged some of it. </font><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="4"><font color="#000080">Should I just toss it all and call it a loss? Should I just go back to bed and try again? I hate those kinds of days.</font></font></p>


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Cheap Holiday http://www.sacmomsclub.com/home/Blog/creatress/9432 http://www.sacmomsclub.com/home/Blog/creatress/9432 <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="4">I personally hate the stressful frenzy of consumerism that seems to weigh down on everyone like a Hummer truck this time of year. It also seems to start earlier and earlier! Now you just don&rsquo;t want to have the best looking winter holiday house, but you must have all those Halloween/fall goodies as well! Well, I&rsquo;m not playing.</font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="4">&nbsp;</font></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="4">Just like last Halloween, I enlisted the help of my son to come up with some imaginative front yard decorations. If I couldn&rsquo;t make it, or get it at the Dollar Tree, it didn&rsquo;t go up. Yes, the lure of Target was great (they have <em>THE BEST</em> Halloween stuff!) Yes, it was tempting, and no, I didn&rsquo;t buy anything. I want to set an example to my son that you can participate and have fun, without breaking your budget and impulse buying. </font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="4">&nbsp;</font></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="4">I&rsquo;m proud to say my aunt has also gotten into the spirit of things (see that!&nbsp;I made a pun), by spray painting inexpensive thrift store finds and playing with moss and glue. Her house looked amazing and she just uses the same decorations every year. No need to lose your mind in Target (and blow the budget.) Just get cheap and creative!</font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="4">&nbsp;</font></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" align="left"><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="4">Once again we&rsquo;ll be doing the handmade holiday gifts with my in-laws for Christmas, but this year I&rsquo;ll be buying for my family. Last year my family <em>SAID</em> it was a great idea, then bought things anyway (making me feel cheap and irritated.) On the plus side, I&rsquo;m once again wrangling up my son for the handmade gifts and we have something AMAZING planned. More on that later&hellip;<br /> <br /> <font size="3"><em>(The photo is a display my aunt made. Cool!)</em></font></font></p>


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Watch Me Juggle! http://www.sacmomsclub.com/home/Blog/creatress/9422 http://www.sacmomsclub.com/home/Blog/creatress/9422 <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="4">The joys of trying to keep balance in your life. Ahhh yes, now there&rsquo;s a topic we can all relate to. I knew when I signed up for three classes this semester AND started a new job teaching at a preschool that I was biting off a whole lot. Of course, I proved myself right.</font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="4">&nbsp;</font></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="4">Luckily, I was self aware enough to know that I was definitely going to have to drop some things not only by the wayside, but also kick some to the curb. Church? I sadly have zero time till after the holidays, jewelry making and selling? Had to go as well. School? VERY important. House? Not so much, the boys either step up to the plate and help me more, or things just don&rsquo;t get done and we live in a hovel (it varies from week to week.) Work? I had to cut down my initial four days a week to two (and felt my stress meter instantly go down.)</font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="4">&nbsp;</font></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="4">Its been a tough Fall and although I am FAR from perfect when it comes to balance and juggling it all, here&rsquo;s some things that helped me keep my sanity and family together.</font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="4">&nbsp;</font></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="4"><strong>-Plan it out!</strong> Keep a weekly family calendar large and where everyone can see it. I like a big dry-erase board in the kitchen that also serves as a shopping list and menu for the week. This way, we all know what&rsquo;s going on. Write EVERYTHING down.</font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="4">&nbsp;</font></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="4"><strong>-Find what works and stick with it.</strong> Nothing wrong with a regular time for doing things! If taking the whole family grocery shopping with you on Saturday morning works, then make that a regular weekly deal.</font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="4">&nbsp;</font></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="4"><strong>-Don&rsquo;t sweat the small stuff.</strong> Will the world end if you don&rsquo;t vacuum for a whole week (or two?) No, but it will if your kids don&rsquo;t get fed. <strong><em>Prioritize</em></strong> and learn to let things go.</font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="4">&nbsp;</font></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="4"><strong>-Don&rsquo;t forget about you!</strong> Watch that junky TV show, or get your nails done, or go for that long, alone walk. Do what you need to do to recharge your own batteries <em><strong>(and quit feeling guilty about it!)</strong></em></font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="4">&nbsp;</font></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="4"><strong>-The family that works together&hellip;</strong> stays together! Have dad pick a night to cook (if you&rsquo;re the one who usually does it). Split the house up into duties for everyone to pitch in. They&rsquo;re never too young to learn a little about helping out. Have a teenager? You&rsquo;re in luck! They can be taught how to do just about anything.</font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="4">&nbsp;</font></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="4"><strong>-Say NO! Don&rsquo;t over commit.</strong> This is the easiest way to get in over your head. If you belong to too many groups, ask yourself what you get out of them? If you can answer positively, then great! If your answer is more of &ldquo;nothing but needy hands grabbing at me!&rdquo; Then maybe it&rsquo;s time to re-evaluate that one. Saying &ldquo;no&rdquo; is much worse in your head than doing it. I promise, no one will think less of you in the end!</font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="4">&nbsp;</font></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="4"><strong>-Keep stress at bay.</strong> Breathe, walk, stretch, eat good. Be a good example to your family on how to take care of yourself. Don&rsquo;t put yourself last or let that stress get out of control.</font></p>


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First Concert http://www.sacmomsclub.com/home/Blog/creatress/9414 http://www.sacmomsclub.com/home/Blog/creatress/9414 <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="4">My husband and I recently lost our minds <em>(it&rsquo;s the only way I can explain it)</em> and decided it was time to take our 14 &frac12; year old man-cub to his first concert. After a little research&nbsp;we found out that <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JePJNCrxpcY"><strong>Flogging Molly</strong></a> was playing an all-ages show at the Radisson in <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Sacramento</st1:place></st1:city> this past Saturday night. </font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="4">&nbsp;</font></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="4">Now let me just interject here and say that it is very common for parents of special needs kids to sometimes forget, and think that they have a typical kid. This is what happened to us at the concert. Let me just share that ear-shattering noise, packed, sweaty crowds, people flinging beer and Autism do not mix <em>(just in case you may be thinking of taking your own Autism Spectrum child to a general admission concert with no chairs and no escape.)</em></font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="4">&nbsp;</font></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="4">On the plus side, he likes Flogging Molly, considers himself to be VERY Irish and is a pretty open-minded kid when it comes to experiences. He also had a hood up the whole time and two large parents to protect him. Poor man-cub was so miserable waiting for Flogging Molly to finally come out. The opening bands sucked and they seemed to take forever to start the real part of the show. Swells of people kept coming and squishing their way into us <em>(never again will I do a general admission, no-seat anything!)</em> <br /> <br /> It&rsquo;s about to start and I notice that most of the guys in front of us are stout, little drunk Irish guys who look like they&rsquo;re just waiting for a good mosh. <em>(In case you don&rsquo;t know, most concerts do end of forming a &ldquo;mosh pit.&rdquo; The mosh pit is a dangerous mix of drunk, insane young men who bash into each other and punch with their fists in the air - oh yeah, LOADS of fun!) </em>I told man-cub. &ldquo;Get between me and dad. If a mosh pit starts, get good balance and keep your elbows OUT!&rdquo; That way they hit your sharp elbows, and not you! <br /> <br /> Sure enough, Flogging Molly comes out and these guys just lose it. We all hunker down, elbows out, but these guys are nuts! Beer starts flinging <em>(I did say that this was listed as an <strong>ALL AGES SHOW</strong> and there were indeed all ages there!? Tiny kids to grandmothers?)</em> Finally the opening song is over and my husband and I look at each other thinking it would now end. Nope, another song starts and if anything they&rsquo;re even worse. I&rsquo;m ready to literally give it to a guy who keeps trying to bump me <em>(I already shoved him to the ground a few times)</em> when my husband starts ushering us away to the back. </font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="4">&nbsp;</font></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="4">Ask my son what his favorite part of the concert was and he&rsquo;ll say &ldquo;FENDING OFF ALL THE CRAZY DRUNK GUYS IN THE MOSH PIT!&rdquo; Well, it&rsquo;s good to know these things&nbsp;in life&nbsp;guess! We left early and on one got hurt. Flogging Molly was actually really great. Next time however,&nbsp;I&rsquo;m standing in the back.</font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="4">&nbsp;</font></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><font face="Comic Sans MS" color="#993366" size="3"><em>The pictures are before the concert (and us looking punk) then the concert (mobs of people!)</em></font></p>


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Unexpected Moments http://www.sacmomsclub.com/home/Blog/creatress/9406 http://www.sacmomsclub.com/home/Blog/creatress/9406 <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="4">There are times in your life when you may find yourself doing the unexpected. This may be something a little as NOT going straight home from picking the kids up, but stopping off for ice cream on the way (for no reason of course), or taking the kids to the grocery store with you at night when it&rsquo;s empty for shopping (a must-do if you&rsquo;ve never do it by the way.)</font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="4">&nbsp;</font></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="4">I know I personally get really sick of routine and love it when life throws something fun my way, even if it doesn&rsquo;t seem fun at the time. Case in point, my son&rsquo;s busted backpack and binder.</font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="4">&nbsp;</font></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="4">Oh yes, only a few months into school and his backpack already snapped a strap and his &ldquo;core class&rdquo; binder split up the spine. I decided to rush and replace them while man-cub was at piano practice. Sadly, our Office Max didn&rsquo;t carry backpacks that weren&rsquo;t under $100 or &ldquo;High School Musical 3!&rdquo; (Don&rsquo;t even get me started on that. High school is not, never was and never will be a sunshiny place filled with fresh-faced lilting, friendly kids.) When I picked up man-cub I was still short one backpack.</font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="4">&nbsp;</font></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="4">&ldquo;What will it be?&rdquo; I ask. &ldquo;Target&rdquo; he replies. Twenty minutes later we have a beautiful black backpack for&hellip; $2.28 (God I love Target. On clearance, normally $38.99.) At this point we&rsquo;re both thirsty (from laughing at their giant &ldquo;poo&rdquo; looking candy cardboard thing that&rsquo;s all over the store. I really have no idea what it&rsquo;s supposed to be, but it looks like poo with a face!) and I decide that we must go to Sonic. </font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="4">&nbsp;</font></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="4">We pull into the car delivery area and munch on our dinner with the moon roof open and a lovely Fall breeze. Who knew you could have such fun shopping for a backpack and binder? Rather than just go home that day and &ldquo;deal with it on the weekend,&rdquo; we had a little unexpected journey together.</font></p>


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Blog Action - Poverty http://www.sacmomsclub.com/home/Blog/creatress/9400 http://www.sacmomsclub.com/home/Blog/creatress/9400 <div align="left"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 130%"><font size="4">My husband sent me an interesting e-mail from a site called </font><a href="http://blogactionday.org/"><font size="4"><strong><em>&quot;Blog Action Day.&quot; </em></strong></font></a><font size="4">I've never heard of them before, but the concept is very interesting... I'll give you the 10cent tour. The point is to get everyone who owns, or types on a blog to write about the same important topic on the same day.<br /> <br /> </font><font size="4"><strong><em>The topic for today is POVERTY.<br /> </em></strong><br /> My gut reaction when I think of poverty is to feel uncomfortable. No one likes to talk about it, hear about it, or see it. It is however, a very real issue all over the world. Here's some startling<strong><em> </em></strong></font><a href="http://www.globalissues.org/article/26/poverty-facts-and-stats"><font size="4"><strong><em>statistics</em></strong></font></a><font size="4"> for you.<br /> <br /> </font><font size="4"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: courier new"><strong>~According to UNICEF, 26,500-30,000 children die each day due to poverty.<br /> <br /> ~Around 27-28 percent of all children in developing countries are estimated to be underweight or stunted.<br /> <br /> ~Nearly a billion people entered the 21st century unable to read a book or sign their names.<br /> <br /> ~Less than one per cent of what the world spent every year on weapons was needed to put every child into school by the year 2000 and yet it didn&rsquo;t happen.<br /> <br /> ~Number of children in the world 2.2 billion - Number in poverty 1 billion (every second child)</strong></span><br /> </font></span> <p align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_w6Zmg2NVeSQ/SPYmxSP3TfI/AAAAAAAACZY/uQlRzDa25QA/s1600-h/children-holding-hands-sm.jpg"><font size="4"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257432243155455474" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_w6Zmg2NVeSQ/SPYmxSP3TfI/AAAAAAAACZY/uQlRzDa25QA/s200/children-holding-hands-sm.jpg" border="0" /></font></a></p> <span style="FONT-SIZE: 130%"> <div align="left"><br /> <font size="4">Thanks to the Regan administration closing down the mental hospitals, most of the homeless you see out on the streets are people with mental disorders who can't take care of themselves and aren't getting their medication. This is a fact. So, what can you do about it? Short of building a shelter in your own backyard or adopting a million children?</font><br /> <br /> <em><strong>1)</strong> Next time you eat out and have leftovers, give those leftovers to the first homeless person you see (if you are in a major city, you'll see dozens before you even make it to your car.)<br /> <br /> <strong>2)</strong> Volunteer any spare time you may have to serve your community. Soup kitchen? Yeah, they're still around.<br /> <br /> <strong>3)</strong> When you see a coat drive for children, give a coat. It's not that hard to do people!<br /> <br /> <strong>4)</strong> Research any organization you donate to thoroughly. Many only give a small percent of what they receive to the actual cause. Be smart and cautious, or better yet! Just get hands-on and make a difference yourself.<br /> <br /> <strong>5)</strong> Behind someone in line who is short what they need to pay? Pay for them.<br /> <br /> <strong>6)</strong> Offer to start a &quot;salad bar&quot; or healthier hot lunch option at your school. Even if your child brings healthy foods from home, the low income children are stuck with the crap they get for free from the government. Is isn't good people, flys wouldn't eat that swill!<br /> <br /> <strong>7)</strong> Many cities have clothing donation centers for women who are trying to get out of a bad situation and always need help, and/or donations. Same with the battered women's shelter. Pick up that extra pack of pampers next time you're at Costco, then drop it at your local shelter. You'll feel great for helping out! Same with those little travel soaps and shampoos when you're on vacation. Bring a zip lock bag and take them home to donate.<br /> <br /> <strong>8)</strong> Go to a rally, write a letter, send an e-mail to our law makers telling them that we DEMAND better education for all children. Did you know that janitors make more and have better benefits in the USA than the average early childhood teacher? What does that say about our priorities in this country. The people who wipe your kids butt and kisses away boo-boo's in preschool get less money than the one who cleans the floor.<br /> </em><br /> <font size="4">If we all took time to do simple little things and care for one another how we would want to be cared for, perhaps poverty would be a thing of the past?</font> </div> </span></div> Making Time for Play http://www.sacmomsclub.com/home/Blog/creatress/9394 http://www.sacmomsclub.com/home/Blog/creatress/9394 <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="4">No, I&rsquo;m not talking about over scheduling your kids, or the importance of play on child development (though these topics are also near and dear to my heart.) I&rsquo;m talking about making time for YOU to play. </font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="4">&nbsp;</font></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="4">When was the last time you played? I mean got out the Lego&rsquo;s when no one was looking, or made some <a href="http://www.wellesley.edu/ChildStudy/pages/oobleck.html"><strong><em>Oooblick </em></strong></a>just for you, or bought yourself a Barbie (only because you &ldquo;collect&rdquo; them of course.) Can you answer? Do you remember?</font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="4">&nbsp;</font></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="4">Last weekend while on our anniversary adventure, my husband and I decided to stop by our local Toys R Us. Since our son is now 14 &frac12;, we haven&rsquo;t been to one in years. While there we bought some new family games and my husband suggested we get some Playdough. I was thrilled at the idea&nbsp;of getting to &ldquo;play&rdquo; Playdough with him and of course thought it was a great idea. We picked the <a href="http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2648722"><strong><em>Nostalgic Canister</em></strong></a> (and maybe added a few other Playdough goodies on our way to the check-out.)</font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="4">&nbsp;</font></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="4">When our son saw what we had got he was shocked. &ldquo;What&rsquo;s with the giant can of Playdough?&rdquo; He asked in that &ldquo;I&rsquo;m too cool and old so if you bought it for me you were wrong old woman&rdquo; kind of way that he&rsquo;s mastered. &ldquo;That&rsquo;s mine and Dad&rsquo;s.&rdquo; I reply. &ldquo;Oh&rdquo; he <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">sais</st1:place></st1:city>. &ldquo;Can I play too?&rdquo; I was so shocked. He never much cared for Playdough, even as a kid. &ldquo;SURE!&rdquo; I say.</font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="4">&nbsp;</font></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="4">That night we all sat down for some family Playdough. We each picked something to make then we all made one of each pick. My husband picked &ldquo;cartoon animal,&rdquo; my son picked &ldquo;vide game character,&rdquo; I picked &ldquo;birthday cake.&rdquo; Sadly my camera battery was dead and my cell phone ate some of the pictures I took, but I did manage two. My husband had the best animal &ldquo;Peanut Butter Yeti,&rdquo; my son took best video game character &ldquo;Final Fantasy Fight Scene,&rdquo; and I took best cake (I even had a slice served on a plate with a silver goblet of Playdough wine.) I know I really kicked their Playdough butts, but it&rsquo;s more fun if everyone wins.</font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="4">&nbsp;</font></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="4">This was a GREAT family activity and a fun memory that we will all have. I encourage you to reach out to your inner child and wake it up from the Rip Van Winkle nap. Go play this week and if your kid is interested, let them join you and make it a playdate!</font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="4">-----------------------------------------------------</font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="4"><a href="http://www.brickartist.com/"><strong><em>Click Here to see an amazing adult Lego Artist!</em></strong></a></font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="4"></font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="4">The pictures are my husband playing Playdough and my three creations. Funnily enough, my husband picked Pac-Man for his video game and I made Ms. Pac-Man (w/o each other knowing it) Dang were old and in sync!</font></p>


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Boulders and Vino http://www.sacmomsclub.com/home/Blog/creatress/9387 http://www.sacmomsclub.com/home/Blog/creatress/9387 <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_w6Zmg2NVeSQ/SOz1WnADYBI/AAAAAAAACXw/E6BfWk8KYDY/s1600-h/Anniversary+026.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5254844634009657362" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_w6Zmg2NVeSQ/SOz1WnADYBI/AAAAAAAACXw/E6BfWk8KYDY/s200/Anniversary+026.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_w6Zmg2NVeSQ/SOz1WFWZ35I/AAAAAAAACXg/TyJFfi8LIok/s1600-h/winecreatress.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5254844624976600978" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_w6Zmg2NVeSQ/SOz1WFWZ35I/AAAAAAAACXg/TyJFfi8LIok/s200/winecreatress.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /> <div><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="4">About this time every year (when I take Fall classes) I start to feel like a stunt double. Not just any stunt double, the one from <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Indiana</span> Jones who was chased by the giant boulder. In short, I have too much going on and my to-do list is the giant boulder. Each week I successfully dodge it (and grab my hat), only to be placed back at the start like some sick reloading video game to be chased all over again.<br /> <br /> This <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">weekend</span> I was able to take a short time-out from this insane pace I'm struggling with to raise a glass of vino with my husband in celebration of our 14<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">th</span> wedding anniversary. We donned our snazziest clothes and hit the town. It was a lovely day full of window shopping and pretending we were rich (while buying very little.) Topped off as any good celebration should be by a giant plate of sizzling meat. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Mmmmmm</span>, meat.<br /> <br /> The week is half gone however and I find myself running once again from that dang to-do list. Counting the days till my boulder becomes a pebble.</font></div> <p align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_w6Zmg2NVeSQ/SOz1WUTdjLI/AAAAAAAACXo/6UoDRw9ROx8/s1600-h/Anniversary+014.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5254844628990790834" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_w6Zmg2NVeSQ/SOz1WUTdjLI/AAAAAAAACXo/6UoDRw9ROx8/s200/Anniversary+014.jpg" border="0" /></a></p> “Girl” Toys http://www.sacmomsclub.com/home/Blog/creatress/9385 http://www.sacmomsclub.com/home/Blog/creatress/9385 <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3"></font></o:p></p> <font face="Times New Roman"><font size="4">My husband and I popped into a Toys R Us this weekend. Something I haven&rsquo;t done in quite some time. We were having a great time, till we hit the board games. On an isle cap I saw something that made me stop in my tracks. &ldquo;Girl&rdquo; Monopoly, Sorry and other classic games. The </font><a href="http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2627189"><strong><em><font size="4">&ldquo;Girl&rdquo; Monopoly</font></em></strong></a><font size="4"> was (of course) pepto pink (or as I like to call it, douche pink) with game pieces like a purse and cell phone. I was sickened, but figured it was a fad. These games would be on the clearance shelf by Christmas.</font></font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><font face="Times New Roman" size="4">&nbsp;</font></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><font face="Times New Roman"><font size="4">Then we turned the next isle. Now as I remember it toy stores have always had their &ldquo;girl&rdquo; section (dolls and doll accessories) and the &ldquo;boy&rdquo; section (action figures, race cars), but there has always been an &ldquo;EVERYONE&rdquo; section (legos, tinker toys, art supplies, etc). I was entering what I thought was the EVERYONE section only to find&hellip; &ldquo;</font><a href="http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3107663"><strong><em><font size="4">Girl&rdquo; Tinker toys</font></em></strong></a><font size="4">, </font><a href="http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2986441"><strong><em><font size="4">&ldquo;Girl&rdquo; Megablocks</font></em></strong></a><font size="4">, </font><a href="http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3137024"><strong><em><font size="4">&ldquo;Girl&rdquo; art supplies</font></em></strong></a><font size="4">!!! What the heck! I was in such shock I had to take a picture of the &ldquo;Girl&rdquo; Tinker toys.</font></font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><font face="Times New Roman" size="4">&nbsp;</font></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><font face="Times New Roman" size="4">The barrel on the Tinker toys says &ldquo;Specially designed for girls.&rdquo; Ok, just what does that mean? They only like douche colors (because EVERYTHING &ldquo;Girl&rdquo; looked like a tampon box to me). They are smaller and lightweight because girls are weak with small hands? How can a Tinker toy be &ldquo;specially designed for girls?&rdquo; Why do girls need special pastel building blocks and art supplies anyway? </font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><font face="Times New Roman" size="4">&nbsp;</font></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><font face="Times New Roman" size="4">This worries me greatly. Toys are toys. Play is play. Of course girls and boys will do it differently and prefer different items, but to create a whole sub-category of toy just to &ldquo;appeal&rdquo; to girls? Do the marketing people behind these monstrous creations really think that little girls won&rsquo;t play with a primary colored toy, or a game with un-girl pieces like a hat and car? Where&rsquo;s the outcry of disgust from the consumers and parents? Will we have a whole generation of &ldquo;Paris Hilton&rdquo; type girls who didn&rsquo;t finish school because their books weren&rsquo;t &ldquo;designed for girls?&rdquo;</font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><font face="Times New Roman" size="4">&nbsp;</font></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><font face="Times New Roman" size="4">I hope you&rsquo;re all as disgusted and outraged and I am at this.</font></p>


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My Many Hats http://www.sacmomsclub.com/home/Blog/creatress/9376 http://www.sacmomsclub.com/home/Blog/creatress/9376 <p><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_w6Zmg2NVeSQ/SOaSY72Bu_I/AAAAAAAACXY/6sBpt-0B4oo/s1600-h/hats.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5253046972453075954" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_w6Zmg2NVeSQ/SOaSY72Bu_I/AAAAAAAACXY/6sBpt-0B4oo/s400/hats.jpg" /></a><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="4">I have had more jobs that anyone I&rsquo;ve ever met. No really! I know you think I&rsquo;m exaggerating, but it&rsquo;s true. Just take a look:<br /> <br /> <font size="3">~Jack in the Box (my first job at 14)<br /> ~Wedding Dress Sales Woman<br /> ~Weinstocks (remember that department store?)<br /> ~Sears<br /> ~Stuffed Animal Slipper Sales Woman<br /> ~Japanese Sushi Waitress<br /> ~Dominoes Pizza<br /> ~Knock off perfume door-to-door sales</font></font><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="4"><font size="3"><br /> ~Pottery Barn<br /> ~Photo &amp; Art Model<br /> ~Art Supply Store Sales Clerk<br /> ~4 star restaurant waitress (for 1 day)<br /> ~Nature Store Sales Clerk<br /> ~Daycare Worker (for 1 week, I was too young)<br /> ~Discount Wherehouse Clothing Clerk<br /> ~Chevy&rsquo;s (waitress, hostess &amp; bus girl)<br /> ~Red Robin (bus girl)<br /> ~JC Penny&rsquo;s<br /> ~Process Server<br /> ~Census Taker<br /> ~Private Nanny<br /> ~Advertising Agency Receptionist<br /> ~Ad Agency PR Representative<br /> ~Ad Agency Sales Rep (all for the same place at one time or another)<br /> ~Graphic Designer<br /> ~Librarian (Library Paige if you want to get specific)<br /> ~Muralist<br /> ~Made &ldquo;Nursing Bibs&rdquo; and sold them to moms in my baby group<br /> ~Para-Educator (school aide for special needs children)<br /> ~Adult Residential Mental Health Facility Day-Manager<br /> ~Families First office assistant<br /> ~Symphony Secretary<br /> ~Art Teacher<br /> ~Face painter<br /> ~Freelance Writer<br /> ~Jewelry Designer<br /> ~Preschool Teacher<br /> </font><br /> Now take into account that I hardly worked at all once my son was born and the fact that I&rsquo;m only 35&hellip; that should cause some &ldquo;WOW&rdquo; factor.<br /> <br /> Why am I sharing this? What&rsquo;s my point? (other than to prove that I do indeed have ADD). To show that life is all about constant growth and learning. Each of these experiences helped shape me into the person I am today, just as much as my friendships and relationships. Without each of these jobs, I would be just a little bit different, and be less sure about the road I&rsquo;m on now.<br /> <br /> So even though I&rsquo;ve had few careers, I genuinely enjoy trying new things and meeting new people. No, I&rsquo;m not going to be a preschool teacher forever, but I&rsquo;m enjoying it while I am.<br /> <br /> The next time you may get that feeling like you aren&rsquo;t really doing what you want with your life, or that maybe you&rsquo;ve had &ldquo;too many&rdquo; jobs, just think about my list and comfort yourself that you have more fortitude than I do. And that just maybe it&rsquo;s ok to not &ldquo;know&rdquo; what you want to be when you grow up, even when you are a grown up. Live each day to the fullest and learn something new.</font></p> A Space of My Own http://www.sacmomsclub.com/home/Blog/creatress/9368 http://www.sacmomsclub.com/home/Blog/creatress/9368 <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="4">As I gazed at the pile of my husbands clean shirts laying atop my &ldquo;homework&rdquo; chair I realized&hellip; there is no where in this stupid house that is just for me!</font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="4">&nbsp;</font></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="4">My son has his room (of course), my man has his own &ldquo;game room,&rdquo; the biggest room in the house to cozily hold all his collections. Me? I have attempted to squeeze out some space that was &ldquo;just for me&rdquo; many times through the years. An art space that my son would then decide to fill with his supplies, a teaching space that would also become my son&rsquo;s homework space&hellip; You get the idea.</font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="4">&nbsp;</font></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="4">I thought I finally got it right when I squeezed a small table and chair into our bedroom (next to the laundry hamper, but I&rsquo;ll take what I can get.) just for my school work. However, when I saw my husband using that space as his &ldquo;I know you just did my laundry for me but I can&rsquo;t put it away right now OR get a basket to put them in so I&rsquo;ll dump them on your work chair&rdquo; space, I wanted to scream.</font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="4">&nbsp;</font></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="4">Now, I&rsquo;m making my husband out to be a beast, so let me clarify. I often put my own clean clothes on that chair and I think he assumed it was the &ldquo;clean clothes chair&rdquo; by my example. Not &ldquo;MY SPACE, MY CLOTHES!&rdquo; Also, I don&rsquo;t mind him having a whole room for his stuff. BUT when he has the whole room, PLUS oozes onto my space that I try and carve out for myself, I get irritated.</font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="4">&nbsp;</font></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="4">The &ldquo;newlywed me&rdquo; would have just kept moving his clothes assuming he would eventually connect the two. The &ldquo;married 14 years today to this man me&rdquo; talked to him the second I started feeling irritated about it. &ldquo;Can I ask you a favor?&rdquo; I said when he got home last night. &ldquo;Could you please not put your clean clothes on my desk chair?&rdquo; That&rsquo;s all it took. I&rsquo;m not sure why most women naturally try and avoid &ldquo;talks&rdquo; like that. I was for sure one of them (once upon a time.) I&rsquo;ve lived and learned and luckily for me, so has my husband.</font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="4">&nbsp;</font></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="4">I didn&rsquo;t share this story to harp on him, only to bring out a real common problem. Moms, wives, women tend to do everything for everyone else and leave themselves on the back burner. Living your life that way has consequences that aren&rsquo;t good for anyone. I&rsquo;ve found it is so much better to address these little feelings and issues before they boil over into something bigger.</font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="4">&nbsp;</font></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="4"><strong>On a high note, today is our 14<sup>th</sup> wedding anniversary. We&rsquo;re meeting for lunch and I can&rsquo;t wait! My aunt will watch man-cub for us this weekend while we do a nice in-town celebration.</strong></font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><strong><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="4"></font></strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><font size="2"><em>Image From: </em><a href="http://ratemyspace.hgtv.com/snc/ViewItem.aspx?pguid=6db6be3f-1720-4ba3-a081-999042c09b6b&amp;itemguid=498901ab-25aa-447d-a52f-78e03c2ff554"><em>http://ratemyspace.hgtv.com/snc/ViewItem.aspx?pguid=6db6be3f-1720-4ba3-a081-999042c09b6b&amp;itemguid=498901ab-25aa-447d-a52f-78e03c2ff554</em></a></font></p>


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I'm Wii Un-Fit http://www.sacmomsclub.com/home/Blog/creatress/9360 http://www.sacmomsclub.com/home/Blog/creatress/9360 <h3 class="post-title entry-title"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 130%"></span></h3> <p class="post-body entry-content" align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_w6Zmg2NVeSQ/SODzfAl0UtI/AAAAAAAACWY/xeQ3gjh2lSw/s1600-h/ECE+020.jpg"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 130%"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5251464879574110930" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_w6Zmg2NVeSQ/SODzfAl0UtI/AAAAAAAACWY/xeQ3gjh2lSw/s200/ECE+020.jpg" /></span></a></p> <div class="post-body entry-content"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 130%"><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="4">I've been wanting Wii Fit </font><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="4">ever since I've heard of it (about 8mos ago.) Every time I would go to buy one however, they were sold out. WELL (drum roll please), this Sunday we just happened to be at a Game Stop (I tend to find myself there a lot with my boys) AND they had two in stock! <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">YAY</span>!</font></span><br /> <span style="FONT-SIZE: 130%"><br /> </span><font face="Comic Sans MS"><font size="3"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 130%">Why would I want this you may be asking? If you know nothing about the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Wii</span> system, you have to know that it is sensor based. It includes a lot of motion to play. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Wii</span> Fit is a health and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">finessed</span> based &quot;game&quot; that utilizes this feature. It comes with a large (scale size) sensor pad that you stand on for many various activities. Balance, strength, even <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">cardio</span>! You also have your own &quot;<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">cyber</span>&quot; trainer.</span><br /> <span style="FONT-SIZE: 130%"></span></font></font></div> <div class="post-body entry-content"><font face="Comic Sans MS"><font size="3"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 130%">Three things made me hate my precious new <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Wii</span> Fit faster than I've ever hated anything before.</span><br /> </font></font><span style="FONT-SIZE: 130%"><br /> </span><font face="Comic Sans MS"><font size="3"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 130%">#1. When I stepped on it, it actually said &quot;OH!&quot; Like &quot;OW You're Hurting Me!&quot; Kind of way. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">WTHell</span>!?!? What kind of motivation is that to be programed to groan like some kind of sick Garfield scale!? I felt a little better when it did it to my husband too.</span><br /> </font></font><span style="FONT-SIZE: 130%"><br /> </span><font face="Comic Sans MS"><font size="3"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 130%">#2. My &quot;health scale meter&quot; didn't just hit &quot;OBESE,&quot; That sucker nearly crashed through the top. If it were a carnival guessing game, the bell would have rung, then flung off. </span><br /> </font></font><span style="FONT-SIZE: 130%"><br /> </span><font size="3"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 130%"><font face="Comic Sans MS">#3 After my scale hit &quot;OBESE&quot; it made my little character (my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Mii</span> girl that I designed to look like me) get SUPER fat. Now she was already pudgy (actually as fat as the character designer could make her, but still pretty), but the stupid game tripled her size!</font></span><br /> </font></div> <p class="post-body entry-content" align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_w6Zmg2NVeSQ/SODzew5_4KI/AAAAAAAACWQ/im5mKClMLOU/s1600-h/ECE+019.jpg"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 130%"><font size="4"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5251464875363786914" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_w6Zmg2NVeSQ/SODzew5_4KI/AAAAAAAACWQ/im5mKClMLOU/s200/ECE+019.jpg" /></font></span></a><br /> <em><span style="FONT-SIZE: 85%"><font size="2">Jammies and no makeup<br /> See how honest I am in my blogs?</font></span></em></p> <p class="post-body entry-content"><font size="3"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 130%"><font face="Comic Sans MS"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Soooo</span>, how is any of this supposed to make me feel good about wanting to use it? You would think at this point I threw the damn thing out the window, right? Wrong. Actually, I wasn't very surprised by any of this. I know I'm fat. All of us big ladies always think that a scale is screaming on the inside when you step on it, so to have one really do it wasn't as startling as you would think. Also, my husband did no better. His little <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Mii</span> is just as fat as mine (in fact, my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">BMI</span> was better!). The other reason I didn't send it flying is my son.</font></span><br /> </font><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_w6Zmg2NVeSQ/SODzfELX4xI/AAAAAAAACWg/8wRKUnboEYc/s1600-h/ECE+017.jpg"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 130%"><font size="4"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5251464880536937234" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_w6Zmg2NVeSQ/SODzfELX4xI/AAAAAAAACWg/8wRKUnboEYc/s200/ECE+017.jpg" /></font></span></a> <font size="2"><em><span style="FONT-SIZE: 85%">My man in shock over his BMI</span></em><br /> <br /> </font><font size="3"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 130%"><font face="Comic Sans MS">My son was on the &quot;normal to underweight&quot; side when he did it. He also came up +17 years older than his real age due to &quot;imbalance.&quot; I wasn't surprised as his <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Aspergers</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Syndrome</span> affects his muscle tone, balance and coordination. However, he loves it. The games (so far) are really fun and I actually think it's going to be a beneficial tool for our whole family.</font></span><br /> </font><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_w6Zmg2NVeSQ/SODzfXIDMLI/AAAAAAAACWo/t9Yr2R9LVmY/s1600-h/ECE+018.jpg"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 130%"><font size="4"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5251464885623271602" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_w6Zmg2NVeSQ/SODzfXIDMLI/AAAAAAAACWo/t9Yr2R9LVmY/s200/ECE+018.jpg" /></font></span></a><font size="2"><em><span style="FONT-SIZE: 85%">GO SON GO! (Doing the ski jump)</span></em><br /> <br /> </font><span style="FONT-SIZE: 130%"><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="4">You can make goals and track your own progress. My husband said &quot;It's like our own Biggest Loser!&quot; </font><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="4">I agree. We're also both very competitive and you can rank your score on the activities against other family members. We also happen to be almost exactly the same <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">weight</span>, so I think we'll have a good time fighting each other to reach our goals.</font></span><br /> <span style="FONT-SIZE: 130%"><br /> </span><span style="FONT-SIZE: 130%"><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="4">I wouldn't buy <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Wii</span> Fit for younger women (as it could really add to any size issues and self-esteem they may be dealing with), but for our family it will be a fun tool, if not a big slap in the face. However, sometimes those slaps are welcome.</font></span> </p> Time For SEXY Mama! http://www.sacmomsclub.com/home/Blog/creatress/9349 http://www.sacmomsclub.com/home/Blog/creatress/9349 <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="4">My 14<sup>th</sup> wedding anniversary is right around the corner (October 1st), and I decided what I wanted most was to look sexy that day. You know, like I just stepped out of Sex in the City. All beautiful, confident and put together. We all know that when you look sexy and feel sexy then you ARE sexy. I don&rsquo;t know about you, but it&rsquo;s been a while since I felt sexy (since <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Las Vegas</st1:place></st1:city>.) Unfortunately, you can&rsquo;t usually feel sexy without spending a little money.</font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="4">&nbsp;</font></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="4">$180 later and&nbsp;I&rsquo;m feeling sexy all right, and like I don&rsquo;t want to tell my husband what I just spent. I thought about just waiting till he saw how good I looked, then springing it on him. Years of being together however have taught me not to put things like that off. I told him soon after he got home last night.</font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="4">&nbsp;</font></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="4">&ldquo;I got some things on-line today.&rdquo; &ldquo;Oh! Really? What?&rdquo; &ldquo;Oh, I wanted a new dress for our anniversary. They were having a really good sale.&quot; &quot;What did you get?&quot;&nbsp;&quot;I got a dress, tights, 2 pairs of shoes and a negligee.&rdquo; <font size="5">&ldquo;WHAT! </font><font size="4">HOW MUCH DID YOU SPEND!&rdquo;</font> (In his best Ricky Ricardo impression.) &ldquo;They were having a good sale and I put it on the credit card!&rdquo; <font size="5"><strong><em>&ldquo;HOW MUCH!&rdquo;</em></strong></font> &ldquo;Ummm, about $180.&rdquo; Now this is where I learned that I am far too cheap with my clothes for myself, because my husband says, &ldquo;You didn&rsquo;t get very much for $180!&rdquo; Yes, he really said that. <br /> <br /> I got&hellip; a new dress (Fall dress, not clearance dress), black tights, leather boots, leather mary janes and a negligee for $180. Am I nuts to think that&rsquo;s a really good price? Yes, he wasn&rsquo;t pleased. Yes, I got the budget talk. Yes, I swore to be good and stick to our budget. They didn&rsquo;t show that part in Sex in the City, did they?</font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="4">&nbsp;</font></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="4"><strong><em>It was worth it</em></strong>. I&rsquo;ll look smoking hot on my anniversary and have some much needed new Fall pieces. I can&rsquo;t wait for my new boots! What makes you feel sexy?<br /> <br /> </font><font face="Comic Sans MS" color="#0000ff" size="3"><em>(The picture is the dress and boots. The joy of on-line shopping, I can post pics! I'm going t