iNeed a Playdate

Because There is Marker on Your Monitor

2013-05-25T15:53:00.001-04:00

What happens when your toddler takes a sharpie and draws circles on your fancy flat screen computer monitor?

You use the monitor for a few months, internally cussing out the makers of sharpie for making them so permanent.

But, as I sit at the computer trying to type a post about something or other, I went on Facebook and see if this may have happened to someone else and got a bunch of replies...

I had already tried hand sanitizer (it was all I had) and I made the Husband get me hi WD40 and he reluctantly tried it to no avail.

It was as if it was mocking me, laughing at my attempts to get rid of it. I did not have a magic eraser, I used mine to the bitter end and had not replaced it. The the husband reminded me that we have the mop.

Now, this is not a paid endorsement and I have received nothing for this but I tore a piece off my mop and wouldn't you know it - the damn thing worked.

Magic eraser really did work and left the screen spotless.

She is lucky she is so cute.

6 Random Facts About...

2013-05-23T14:05:00.001-04:00

6 Random Facts About Me

1. I am terrible at keeping a clean house.

2. I sit on a ball at work.

3. My letter to the object of my affection was featured by Mama Kat.

4. Until last year, I have never been to the theater in Cleveland and I grew up in Northeast Ohio.

5. I am currently tracking everything I eat on fatsecret, now.

6. I wish I could be a stay home mom because I am that bad at keeping house, keeping kids clean and keeping the husband happy. It was so much easier when I was younger to juggle two (sometimes three) jobs and now... not so much.

What are some random facts about you?

The Prompt:
2.) List six random facts about yourself.

A Girls Night with @MitzinTheBurbs at @CharlesScottSal

2013-05-22T16:55:00.000-04:00

Some girls love spa days and getting their hair done and then there is me.

It is nerve racking and panic inducing. I remember there was a time when I enjoyed it, but I never really get what I ask for and I am always disappointed.

So, when Canopi invited me to the Charles Scott Salon in Rocky River for an event hosted by Wella Professionals and Elle, I was a bit skeptical but applied back yes to the invitation. I have to get out of my comfort zone and my blog is about me needing a play date - this event makes sense.

After saying yes, I texted my pal to see if she would go with me and her reply was something to the effect: America Idol is on and I have extensions why would I need a consultation?

Needless to say that not only did Mitzi, from Mitzi n' the Burbs, go but she was tackled by a wonderful stylist that wanted to do her hair. In fact, when I saw them talking, I thought they were old friends! I know she is planning to go back and I may just have to join because the woman who did my hair was open, honest and really fantastic. These are qualities I like in a stylist because I don't think I have very good taste so someone who will tell me "no" (as in no, you should not cut your hair into a pixie bob) is a bonus.

My stylist was Karli and when I first sat down I had no idea what to expect. My hair is long and I had just come from rushing the kids home after a long day in the office. I did not have enough wine, yet, to feel pretty but that didn't matter, Karli went right from hello and expertly into questions about my hair and what I do with it - long and nothing. I did mention that I occasionally used a flat iron and she whipped her's out to give me tips.

Not only did she give me pointers but also explained that what I see as "frizzies" is actually new growth and directly related to having a baby and still nursing. My hormones are still wonky.

She did a fantastic job, but I think I will leave my flat iron parked in the closet and go to her for special occasions.

What made the night really special, was that the event was open to regulars and guests - it was a party! And they just happen to be doing hair, nails and make-up while drinking wine and eating fancy finger foods.

I am so glad I said yes.

What makes you feel pretty?

Fine print: I have not received any compensation for this post. The opinions are 100% my own.

@BEaLittleWeird Reviews: Summer Learning with @LakeshoreLM #sponsored

2013-05-20T16:36:00.001-04:00

I don't recall my mom ever wondering how she would keep us occupied in the summer much less if we would be learning anything over the long break from school but as we are approaching the summer months it seems it is all I can think about, well that and the beach. To help figure out how to entertain and educate the kids this summer, Lakeshore Learning provided a few titles from their educational software collection for review and Brian from BE a Little Weird took on the reviewing. -mj

Keeping Kids Educated Over the Summer Months

Mary received learning software from Lakeshore Learning and she asked if I would like to write up a review on it. So, I sat down with my son and daughter and asked them to try all of them out.

The four titles I was asked to review are:

My son is in 1st Grade so I let him try out all of them. My daughter is in Pre-K and she only tried out the first three. (Each title is for Grades 1-2, except for Bubble Pop which is for Grades 3-4)

Once I installed the different titles on the kids’ computer, there were both easily able to follow the onscreen instructions and follow the directions for how to play each game.

Can Do! Reading Game Show - Phonemic Awareness
Set up to be played by an individual or in teams, this is a pretty straightforward multiple choice question/answer game. The host of the game show, a wise-cracking robot, asks for answers to questions in three different categories. After each correct answer, something funny happens to the robot as a reward for answering correctly.

There's more! Click...

Ode to CafeMom Studios and Hot Dads Doing Chores

2013-05-18T08:15:00.003-04:00

source

I can't say that I'm a regular reader of CafeMom but I am now a full time fan of CafeMom Studios and specifically... Hot Dads Doing Chores.

You're welcome.

And, in case my hot husband is watching... Thank you for all you do but could you please start doing it with your shirt offf? I've downloaded a soundtrack, it's on the Hot Dad Playlist.

Because Prompts are Fun - Let your fantastic out!

2013-05-17T00:30:00.000-04:00

As I sit here trying to think of something really fantastic to write, I decided I would add what I already posted to the link-up. No, it is not Pulitzer-worthy or even very clever but you get to see a side of me I never really share.

Cheers to a new week and a new link up and I hope you join Darcy and me.

Having a Ball at Work

2013-05-16T16:45:00.003-04:00

I have gained a lot of weight this past year. The most I have ever gained and not pregnant. I am not happy.

In an effort to motivate myself, I bought (another) balance ball to sit on while at work.

source: amazon (affiliate link)

My original balance ball for work was an actual chair!

But, I somehow got a hole in it and instead of patching it I threw it out.

As for the chair part, well in my pregnancy brain, I thought I should take it home while on maternity leave. Why I had to I just don’t recall and it got in my way.

So I tossed it down the basement stairs and didn’t think about it until it was time to return to work – twelve weeks later. The ball still worked, till it didn’t.

Needless to say, I thought it was time for a new one and bought a Gaiam Total Body Balance Ball pretty cheap on amazon.

I seemed to have blocked how it is that I came to blow up my first balance ball chair but lucky for me, I ordered the balance ball kit and it came with a pump (and some other things to use if I wanted to work out with the ball).

Two things to remember if you decided to order one for your office:

1) The directions say wait until the ball is at room temperature, do it.

The ball looked wrinkled when I blew it up and I was afraid that it would burst. Obviously it didn't but still, why take chances?

2) Prepare to have every guy in your office stop by to see you as you pump up your big blue ball.

Besides that, love my ball chair! My core feels tighter already!

The one big question I have that no one seems to be able to answer for me...

If I eat lunch while on the ball - do calories count?

I have not been paid for this post by the company. I do have affiliate links in this post

Because Prompts are Fun - Free for all!

2013-05-13T20:44:00.000-04:00

Oh what weekend! First Communion, Mother's Day, World's best in-laws in town and today - Iron Man 3! Phew its been a busy week!

For this week's theme I call FREE FOR ALL!

Yep, come back on Friday and link up anything that you have written that you would like to showcase as long as it is not a sponsored post or a giveaway.

Because Prompts are Fun - Top 5 TV Moms I (not so) Secretly Want to be Like

2013-05-10T19:36:00.000-04:00

It seems like I am always wishing I was a better mom, with more patience and heck of a lot more energy. Sometimes I feel like I yell more then I should and lose my temper a little too quickly but when it is all said and done, I know that my kids know that they are loved. I have learned to forgive myself.

Thank goodness we have some awesomely written TV moms to look up to for advice and funny quips.

Top 5 Moms I (not so) Secretly Want to be Like

1. Joy Turner My Name is Earl

Sure she is a little trashy and maybe has a record, but there is no denying the love she has for her children.

2. Amy Pond Doctor Who

In a coma, pregnant and her baby was ripped away from her only to come back to her as an adult. Everyone in awhile, for a fleeting second that sounds like a great way to rear children.

3. Tami Taylor Friday Night Lights

I have never seen this show but after reading her quotes on buzzfeed I want to see it.

4. Norma Arnold The Wonder Years

I have no real reason other than she knew what kind of underwear her son liked and made sure he had plenty - that is so me!

5. Colleen Donaghy 30 Rock

Exhibit A

source

Your turn? Who are your favorite TV moms?

Catalog Envy with Spark Studio #sponsored

2013-05-07T22:01:00.000-04:00

I have not written about my catalog envy for quite some time and now, thanks to Walmart Labs, they are going to pay me to write about it.

Because of pinterest, my addiction to "catalog" perfect homes has grown. And, now that I have discovered Spark Studio, I have added a new pinterest board. Sure I already have several pinterest boards dedicated to my habit of gazing longingly at other people's homes but what's one more board...?

My Spark of Inspiration board is full of the fantastic things I found in the Walmart Spark Studio. Did I go a little crazy? Of course I did! With Spark Studio, you can browse and shop products by:

1) Inspirations- Items by Walmart shoppers on Pinterest
2) Fashion and Beauty- Discover must-haves from Walmart shoppers
3) For the home- Solutions and ideas from Walmart fans
4) Babies- Search the top picks from Pinterest moms
5) Pets- Find everything you will need for your pet
6) Playtime- A collection of items to entertain the whole family

You can even narrow your search to color and by what is recent or popular. Find an image you like and click to see the description. If you like it, pin it. Want to buy it? Click the image again and it will take you to the Walmart site to purchase it. Easy peasy!

I have been daydreaming about redoing my living room, starting with a new area rugs. I have all hard wood floors and I love earth tones so I started my search in Inspirations and the color brown. Seeing what others pinned certainly got me thinking and I found a rug I loved and would perfect with our home.

I also found one that I just love when I searched in the color red but does not fit with the rest of the house.

As I searched browns in For the Home, I came across this great ottoman coffee table. This is definitely a versatile and sophisticated piece and I can wipe off any sticky hand prints.

I could not resist checking out the patio furniture. I absolutely want this set for our backyard.

While I was daydreaming in red I came across this...

Who doesn't need one of these all year round?

Okay, your turn! What inspires you?

About Spark Studio

Spark Studio is the fun, new, and exciting way to shop Walmart. They have created an innovative shopping experience that will give you the opportunity to shop how you want to. Inspired by Walmart shoppers, you can find and select items crowd-sourced by Pinterest users. Find something you like? Pin it, or purchase the item through Walmart.

Full disclosure: this article is financially supported by Walmart Labs, Opinions are 100% my own.

Because Prompts are Fun! Mom

2013-05-06T16:04:00.000-04:00

I keep forgetting that it is Mother's Day weekend!

My son makes his First Communion on Saturday so the last few weeks (and weekends) have been busy carting him around to retreat day, practice and cleaning like a crazy lady! I laid mulch for the first time ever to make by back yard look less yucky. Did I mention that I am cleaning like a mother? Oh, and baking a bazillion cupcakes Friday.

The things we do for love.

I hope you can join us this Friday for the weekly link up!

This week’s theme: MOMS

Tell us about your mom (or another special woman in your life) – what did you learn from her?
Who are your favorite TV moms?
Share what you’ve learned about being a mom.

Pick a prompt (or two), write a post and come back on Friday to link up with us!

Don't forget to enter to win an 8x10 canvas print just in time for Mother's Day.

(okay not really but if you win you could tell her that you will be giving her one)

Because Prompts are Fun - Shepherd's Pie, My (forgotten) Comfort Food

2013-05-03T10:48:00.000-04:00

When I was a little girl, I use to go to my grandparent's house often. Actually, every Friday and most weekends I would spend the night. Their house was my favorite place to be and I lived for Fridays when I could go and hang out with my Grandfather.

Often, my cousins would come over and it was from my cousin Catie that I learned about shepherd's pie. It seemed to my little girl's eye, that she was just throwing food into a pot but when she pulled it out of the oven it smelled so delicious and that first bite - amazing, simply amazing.

Believe it or not, I have never really made it as an adult. I made variations of it with cream of mushroom soup but it was not the same. Truth be told, I didn't really learn how to cook until about ten years ago so I thought my version was good enough.

A few months ago, the girls at my job decided to throw a comfort food potluck which happen to fall the same day as my son's school's family heritage potluck dinner. Last year I made cabbage and noodles and it seemed like everybody else did too so this year I figured I would make something that would fit both events. The first dish that came to mind was my cousin's shepherd pie.

It was a little daunting trying to recreate it and keep my emotions in check. So much time has past and so many sad memories since the last time we ate together. When I made this, my cousin and I had not spoken in three years and I had severed all ties to my mom's side of the family. Not that this was hard to do, they had cut me out years before that day.

Making this dish was reconnecting me with them just a little bit.

I am not sure how the family's at the school liked mine because there were three other shepherd's pies there when I got there and no cabbage and noodles! Oh, the irony. I do know that the girls at worked loved it. In fact, one has asked me repeatedly to make it again because to her it tasted like home. I won't ever make it again for them because that is way to much pressure. I will share the recipe.

I actually had to Google what was in it besides meat, veggies, and potatoes. I ended up using a version from Simply Recipes, but used frozen mixed vegetables and boxed potatoes since I was making so much of it and by so much I mean two large lasagna pans plus a crock-pot full for work.

Short Cut Shepherd's Pie

1 1/2 lbs ground round beef
1 onion chopped
1 bag of frozen mixed vegetables - carrots, corn, peas
1 box of potato flakes
1 stick of butter
1/2 cup beef broth
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Salt and pepper

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Saute the onions until clear with 2 tablespoons of butter in a dutch oven or a pot large enough for everything and can go into the oven. Add the ground beef to the onions and season with salt and pepper. I used really lean beef so I could use the juice from the beef in the dish.

While the beef is browning, make the potatoes according to the box. You will need enough to cover the mixture with at least an inch of potatoes.

Once the beef is done, add the broth and Worcestershire sauce and let simmer for about ten minutes. This is what will make it taste like you were cooking it all day.

Finally, add the frozen veggies, top it with the potatoes and top the potatoes with at least a had of stick of butter - melted already or cubed and let it melt while making. Bake for about twenty minutes or until the potatoes are a little browned.

This really is a one pot meal.

Do you have a favorite comfort food?

Because Prompts are Fun is now open! Join the link up or come read bout this week's theme - food! ow.ly/kGjcV #promptsrfun
— MryJhnsn (@mryjhnsn) May 3, 2013

@MarcStores Great American Rib Cook-Off & Music Festival! + Enter to Win #GARCO tickets! #sponsored

2013-05-01T10:38:00.000-04:00

Nothing says the start of summer than the 22nd Annual Marc’s Great American Rib Cook-Off & Music Festival.

This is a Northeast Ohio staple! I have been going almost every year since it was conceived and enjoyed every calorie consumed as well as so many great bands.

The kids and I will be going again this year along with a lucky reader and their guest courtesy of Marc’s Stores! Yep, this post is sponsored by the fine folks at this fantastic event and they are providing tickets for me and a winner + a guest (via rafflecopter at the end) to get in free (and see Rick Springfield)! Free!

This year the Rib Cook-Off will start on Friday, May 24 and run through Monday, May 27, at Jacobs Pavilion and Nautica Entertainment Complex on the West Bank of the Flats. That’s right behind the Greater Cleveland Aquarium!

Besides the mouthwatering barbecue to soul-inspiring music (and Rick Springfield!) price of admission includes:

Sizzling entertainment from Mega 80’s, Rick Springfield, Buddy Guy and Bret Michaels along with dozens of regional bands performing on two stages throughout the weekend

Ten professional grilling teams from across the country will engage in a fierce culinary battle for “Greatest Ribs in America,” “Butch Lupinetti Greatest Sauce in America” and “People’s Choice”

Five rookie barbecue chefs will participate in the annual Marc’s Amateur Grilling Competition

New Riverside Terrace and Dining Area offering scenic views of Lake Erie

Kids’ activities

And, Rick Springfield!

Ever want to be an official Rib Cook-Off Judge? Simply download the free Live Nation mobile app by texting “LNAPP” to 404040 and prior to the cook-off and one random person will be selected (contacted through the Live Nation app) to be a judge! YOU could be a Rib Cook-off Judge!

Have I mentioned Rick Springfield will be there, yet?

Enter to win 2 tickets to the 22nd Annual Marc's Great American Rib Cook-Off & Music Festival!

There's more! Click...

Wordless Wednesday - These Aren't Your Mama's Communion Portraits

2013-05-01T10:28:00.000-04:00

Counting down to my baby boy's First Holy Communion and I could not resist sharing some of the amazing shots by very talented husband.

Don't forget to enter to win an 8x10 canvas print of your favorite photograph! Giveaway ends on May 10, 2013!

Capturing Memories on Canvas with @Printcopia + a Contest #sponsored

2013-04-30T10:59:00.000-04:00

As a Catholic Mom of a second grader May means First Holy Communion. The month of May could also mean Mother's Day, prom and the start of graduation season but to me - First Communion.

Besides the actual event this means, a party, cake and a new suit for my kid. It also means portraits, in their First Communion outfit and usually something angelic looking. If you follow me on pinterest I am certain you know all of this already.

I really wanted to do something special for my son's portraits and I did not want him to have the stale, boring shots that I had when it was my big day. I take that back, I wanted those but also something fun and personalized. Luckily, I married a photographer. Luckier still, Printcopia reached out to me with an opportunity to not only have a canvas print provided to me for free to review but they are also providing one to giveaway to one lucky reader!

To be honest, I had never heard of Printcopia prior to them contacting me but I was instantly blown away by their clean and easy to maneuver site. It's not over run with products and other services. It is simply about the prints and all the different ways you can get your photo made into a piece of artwork.

The whole process is done in four easy steps and you can also use photos by linking directly to your account. The photo above is the cover photo of my personal Facebook page.

Once you have selected a size you move on to either uploading a photo or grabbing it from Instagram or Facebook. I must say that this is the hardest step.

The Husband did a fantastic job on the photographs if I do say so myself. He has done First Communion pictures before but they were more portraiture looking with a stark backdrop and that was what I didn't want for these pictures. I knew what I wanted and he took my ideas and worked his magic.

All though the process took no time, it did take ~~an eternity~~ ten business days for the final product.

Speaking of the final product... I went with this image of our darling Communicant.

And it turned out like this...

The picture I took of the canvas print does not do it justice. It turned out so well and I can't wait to hang it up in our living room.

I highly suggest following Printcopia on Facebook and on Twitter because they have some fantastic deals!

And, as promised, the giveaway via rafflecopter!
There's more! Click...

Tasty Tuesday with Cory - Down and Dirty Chicken

2013-04-30T10:30:00.000-04:00

I've been trying to use my winter stockpile of frozen, ready-made meals and finally finished the LAST round of soup just in time to spring clean the fridge! YIKES!

I enlisted the help of my darling husband for this daunting chore! My 1980s fridge has never looked or run better! I tossed just about EVERYTHING in the darn thing out. So, what’s a girl to do with a barren fridge, no time to shop and a hungry family?

Lucky for me I had a bag of frozen boneless, skinless chicken breasts and in the fridge I found the remainder of a bottle of Italian dressing. I let the chicken thaw in a casserole dish with the Italian dressing. Normally, I'd just seal it in a freezer bag but I’m even out of those! I'm running on empty here folks!

Once thawed and ready for action I mixed together some other pantry staples I had left - seasoned Italian bread crumbs and some Parmesan cheese. I dredged ONE side of the chicken with the bread crumb and cheese mixture. I suppose you could do both sides but, I didn't have enough bread crumbs. I didn't even use egg! The Italian dressing was enough. EASY PEASY!

Bake this bad boy in a 350 degree oven for 20-30 minutes or until the juices run clear. The house smelled delish! Even my kids were all. "mmm. Mommy what smells so good?"

The chicken came out very moist, tender and delicious! I can hardly call this a recipe really, I marinate chicken breasts all the time but have never thought to bread the one side with breading and bake it.

Do you have a favorite "what's in the pantry" recipe?

Tuesdays with Cory

Because Prompts are Fun - Food!

2013-04-29T10:54:00.002-04:00

Who doesn't love food!

Honestly - I have a love hate relationship with food and cooking.

I love to eat, food is great but this whole making dinner every night is for the birds. Sure, we have to eat but some nights I am perfectly content with a turkey sandwich. Alas, others will protest (loudly) and those are the nights they get cereal.

Thankfully I have a husband who cooks and does it very, very well.

This week’s theme is: FOOD

Share a recipe from your childhood.
Tell us some food or cooking tips you have!
Discuss: Sweet or Salty?

Pick a prompt, write a post, then come back on Friday to link it up. Hey, if you already have a post that fits a prompt go ahead and link it up!

Because Prompts are Fun - Reading List? More like a re-read list

2013-04-26T09:57:00.000-04:00

I bet you thought I would be writing another post dedicated to Nickolas Sparks... Fooled you!

I love to read. It is the only escape I have and who cares if the majority of my reading is accomplished locked in the bathroom.

I have a very long list on goodreads of what I want to read but I really think I need to start rereading what is already on my bookshelf. Why do we collect books if not to reread them?

My Top 5 Books to Reread

1. The Witching Hour by Anne Rice

I would probably want to reread the whole series after reading this because it is wonderful! Magic, mystery, suspense and crazy sexy writing make this a fantastic read. I love the characters so much that I named my daughter after the main character.

2. Good Omens: The Nice & Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett

I have probably read this book a minimum of fifteen times over the years. In fact, I leave it in the bathroom in case there is nothing for me to read.

Good vs. Evil and all of the very funny things that happen when an angle and a daemon try to save the world. I also think that a season of Supernatural was based on this book but I can't prove it.

3. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

I can not wait to read these with my daughter. A strong female lead who also kick ass? Yes, please!

4. Beach Music by Pat Conoroy

I remember reading it. I see it sitting on my bookshelf and yet... can't remember what the damn thing is about. I do remember that I liked it though so defiantly on my reread list!

5. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

With the movie coming out I feel compelled to reread this and with good reason - who doesn't love a good love triangle focused around the fabulously wealthy and the decadence of that area?

What's on your reread list?

Because Prompts are Fun with @darcyzalewski and me is live! Link up or read along. This week - books & reading ineedaplaydate.com/2013/04/becaus…
— MryJhnsn (@mryjhnsn) April 26, 2013

All images are from goodreads

A Safe Look Back and Nicholas Sparks

2013-04-25T10:14:00.000-04:00

Last year, at this time I was attempting to complete the #AtoZChallenge. I failed. I got to L and quit. I am not sure why, but if I was to guess I would say real life got in the way.

I was writing about everything - my funny kid, coffee and how I sometimes miss being single. Oddly enough, my most viewed post of all time came from the #AtoZChallenge - Listable Life and Nicholas Sparks' Movies - #AtoZChallenge. The post listed my top 5 reasons that I can't stop watching his movies.

Now, I love Nicholas Sparks' books and I love his movies. But, I don't love that the movies are never as good as the books. Don't get me wrong - they are great as movies but the books are wonderful and the movies lose something in the translation. Like Safe Harbor. Great as a movie but the adaptation lost how wonderful the father was with this children and the quite strength that radiated from the main character.

I would still watch it again because it is Josh Duhamel for crying out loud and he is in a Nicholas Sparks' movie but I may turn down the sound and read the book while I am watching it.

My wish is that he would write screen plays and write books but not make his books into movies.

Oh, who am I kidding? I would read and watch whatever that man put out. I just adore him.

Do you have a favorite from Nicholas Sparks?

Speaking of books... come back tomorrow and join this week's Because Prompts are Fun. This week's theme is books!

The Prompt:
4.) Look into your archives. What were you blogging about a year ago around this time? Are you still dealing with the same thing? Your thoughts?

Amazon.com Widgets

Yes Baby, That is a Vagina...

2013-04-24T08:00:00.000-04:00

“Yes Baby, that is called a vagina and you wipe from front to back.” To which she promptly wiped her butt.

Why is potty training so h-a-r-d?

It seems I have forgotten how hard it was to potty train her older brother. I also seem to have forgotten how we actually accomplished training him to use the potty. I do remember how horrible it was for the whole pooping on the potty bit because he is chronically constipated but the other part, the part where he used the toilet to pee is the part I wish I could remember and how we did it.

Not that remembering would make any difference because what works for him will most certainly not work for baby girl.

Admittedly, I actually thought that baby girl using the toilet would come easy to her, like walking and talking. She showed all the signs of wanting to learn and then – nothing. This process has repeated itself several times over the last two years. Just when I think this is the moment she will never wear diapers again she laughs at me and says, “oh, mommy.”

I know that she will not be going to kindergarten in diapers so I am really not that stressed. She will use the potty in her own time. I'm just tired of changing diapers.

I really should be glad that she is finally weaning herself and sleeping in her bed – most nights. It is only logical that this is the next step in her becoming a big girl. Right? Am I asking for too much? Maybe I am pressuring her to much? Eh, whatever, she wants to do this. Right?

I have come to hate the term “potty training.”

I have tried rewards, from stickers to M&Ms and even a toy chest. Go potty – get a toy. She has not gotten a toy, yet.

My sister gave her the cutest panties for her birthday which she promptly put on and went through the whole package in one afternoon, never making it to the bathroom.

I took her shopping for panties and let her pick out whatever ones she wanted. And the same scenario as my sister’s panties played out.

I have even bribed her with dance lessons. She wants to take ballet and she can’t until she can use the potty all of the time. I am also using those really cute bathing suits she loves as incentive. Bikinis look really silly with a diaper. Did I mention the books, DVDs and dolls?

Oh, how I wish they were just born with the ability to use the toilet.

I guess if you buy into the whole infant potty training process they are born with the ability and we train them to use the diaper. Adopting this thinking now would mean I would need a time machine to travel back in time and would probably have to go on leave from job because I am not sure my sitter would be up for the task.

For now, we are trying those pull up diapers and those padded training underwear. She has yet to tell me when she has to use the toilet. I could try taking her every 30 minutes but that would mean I would have to remember and I suppose those cute potty watches would work well in this instance but do I really want to flush any more money down the toilet?

I also suppose learning her cues would be helpful but honestly the only clue she seems to have is for when she is pooping and if I am not paying attention I miss that she is hiding, because she is hiding.

Oh, the woes of having a toddler on the brink of preschoolhood.

Click on my affiliate links and help me pay for pull ups...

Amazon.com Widgets

Every April

2013-04-22T17:15:00.001-04:00

Sometime in my twenties, I got knocked up.

Pregnant or in the family way would probably be more acceptable but I had just gotten out of a shitty relationship that lasted way to long and was finally living alone. Saying that I was expecting seems wrong when I had gotten myself knocked up.

It was the first time that I was living truly on my own. No roommate, no parent, and no boyfriend – I was on my own and loved it. And then, the ex-boyfriend came to see me, on Valentine’s Day, wondering why I would not answer the phone anymore when he thought we would get married one day.

Married? I knew I would never marry him. Maybe at some point there was a possibility but I left him, moved across town and deliberately moved to a place that was suppose to be so secure you had to know the apartment number to ring my buzzard.

I never told him my apartment number but he got in anyway. Where was that security they promised in the brochure?

We talked, we argued, we said our goodbyes, and one thing led to another. A few weeks later I took that dreaded test, so much for that fond farewell idea and so much for birth control.

Needless to say, when I called to tell him, the truth came out. He had been living with someone for months and I would be on my own if I had the baby. I was actually okay with that scenario. It was him that I didn’t want anymore.

As it turned out the baby was not meant to be and life went on. I have not thought of that time in my life for many years.

My mom on the other hand, thinks of it every April.

It’s amazing how events in our lives may impact the ones around us more than we know. I think my mom saw the miscarriage as a lost grandchild, a lost miracle. I saw the miscarriage as a blessing, not right away mind you but eventually.

It took a long time for me to be around any children, including the children in my family. I had even given up ever having a family of my own because not long after my miscarriage I was told it would be hard for me to conceive. Although it was not necessarily in my plan to have children, taking the option away devastated me to the point I told my husband, “What’s the point of getting married if I can never have kids?”

Obviously, the doctor was wrong and I had no problems conceiving two kids and the husband and I eventually got married.

Looking at our family, my husband and our children, I realize that sometimes the best answered prayers are the ones that weren’t answered at all.

Because Prompts are Fun - Books and Reading

2013-04-22T11:00:00.000-04:00

I love to read! It is the best way I know to escape legally and still be able to accomplish daily tasks, usually.

Summer is the best time for me to really get my list going and last year I was two shy from compleeting my Goodreads challenge to read 30 books. I'm going to try again....

2013 Reading Challenge

Mary has
read 2 books toward her goal of 30 books.

hide

2 of 30 (6%)

view books

This leads me to this weeks prompt....

This week’s theme: BOOKS

What are some of your all time favorite books?
Do you prefer ebooks or physical books?
What’s in your “to be read” pile?

You know what to do! Pick a prompt, write a post and come back on Friday to link it up.

Need inspiration this week? Join Because Prompts are Fun with @darcyzalewski and me!This week: Books and Reading ineedaplaydate.com/2013/04/becaus…
— MryJhnsn (@mryjhnsn) April 22, 2013

What's on Your List...?

2013-04-21T09:50:00.002-04:00

As I was browsing some of my favorite blogs I stumbled upon this fun post from Nap Time is My Time - What’s on your list.

I love doing these lists and I love reading others so if you happen to do it, please share and if you want to do it in the comments - have at it!

Whats on your....

VANITY – I don't have a vanity, unless you count the bathroom vanity... Any way, I have a mug with Klimt's The Kiss on it that holds our toothbrushes and a jar that I keep my make up in. It is a large decorative thing with a screw on lid to keep my daughter out of it. She really likes makeup.

PERENNIAL TO DO LIST - Laundry

REFRIGERATOR SHELVES – Two great big heads of lettuce and the Husband's famous (left over) spaghetti. I really need to shop today.

ITINERARY – We are planning a trip to Disney next year and maybe Atlanta for Thanksgiving but nothing set in stone.

FANTASY ITINERARY – BlogHer at the end of summer but more importantly the Doctor Who convention in Texas in November. Besides that, the usual... Ireland, Jamaica...

PLAYLIST – The Script, Maroon 5, Boyce Avenue, Stevie Nicks and anything from the 90's

NIGHTSTAND – Lamp and phone chargers

WORKOUT PLAN – I plan to workout... soon

iPHONE – I actually have an android but... Instagram, Foursquare, Words with Friends, Drawsomething and Shazam

TOP 5 LIST – God, family, work, me and everything else

BUCKET LIST – To lose 100 pounds and wear a bikini

MIND – My son's first communion is in a few weeks and money

BLOGROLL – I have a great list to the right...

WALLS OF YOUR FAVORITE ROOM IN YOUR HOUSE - are covered in photographs (the color is grocery bag brown)

LIQUOR SHELF - pinot noir, Bailey's, Jamison's and some off brand rum

LAST CREDIT CARD STATEMENT – Hmm... Dinner at Strip for our anniversary

SCREENSAVER – I don't have one.

TV EVERY NIGHT –Doctor Who, local news, what ever I am trying to catch up on the DVR and Sponge Bob

What's on your list...?

Because Prompts Are Fun - My Tax Tip for You

2013-04-19T15:22:00.000-04:00

I feel like I can breath a great big sigh of relief - tax season is over!

Not that I have a job in this field but the pressure of getting everything together and filing the dreaded tax papers is exhausting.

It took me three months to find where I put the kids social security numbers for goodness sakes! It was with my other important papers that I needed to file the taxes but my head wasn't in it. I just could not get it together this year.

Now that it is over I can look back and share what I learned.

Keep important papers in the same place every year and preferably somewhere with a lock and is water proof.

Sweet and simple.

Tax tips? Please share!

Amazing Moments

2013-04-17T10:23:00.001-04:00

Life is just a series of moments.

Sometimes good, sometimes bad but always amazing.

Here is to remembering this moment, savoring it and looking forward to the next one.