Today was to be the day but the results are not yet back…

After speaking with several women, I was surprised to learn how many of them had actually had this test performed but never told anyone.

Why are we keeping quiet?  We should be encouraging every female we know to not only perform self breast exams but to get mammograms and visit a doctor.

If you have not been call the doctor today!

What’s for dinner?

This is a common question around my house. With the summer break fast approaching, I knew I need to update the family’s meal schedule.  When it starts getting hot out, the mere thought of standing over and/or near the stove is frightening.  My solution is to plan ahead.  This is the time of the year for some healthy portions of fresh fruits, vegetables and even cold cuts.   Even having enough information for sandwiches and/or tacos for a quick meal is an excellent option.

What are you having for dinner?

A taped escape
“I never have time to read, and I really miss it. My library has a great selection of books on tape, and I’ve gotten a lot of ‘reading’ done while running errands, doing household chores, and even trying to fall asleep at night.”
— Nancy Pankey Colon, mother of Phillip, 6, Andrew, 4, and Eloise, 1, Monmouth Junction, N.J.

Treat those tootsies
“I get a pedicure. It’s a great time to read a book and let someone else rub my feet. Plus, my toes are ready for sandals now!”
— Kay Kay Sharp, mother of Katie Beth, 11 months, Columbia, Tenn.

A “date” with a friend
“I send my daughter to her grandmother’s for the day, and I go to a long, lazy lunch and a good movie with a friend. We get exactly what we want to eat, no matter what the price or the fat grams. We sometimes even have a couple of cocktails or dessert. Then we slip off to the movies, where we indulge in popcorn and Twizzlers.”
— Maribeth Langford, mother of Kate, 7 months, Lanett, Ala.

Girls’ night out
“I make plans with my childless college roommates to go out on the town and sleep over at their apartment in the city.”
— Melissa Nordstrom, mother of Nicholas, 17 months, Manalapan, N.J.

The clean team
“I have a cleaning service come in once every two weeks. What those three ladies do in 90 minutes takes me three days! Now, I can spend weekends with my son instead of dusting, vacuuming, and scrubbing floors.”
— Shawn Gisi, mother of Jack Anthony, 11 months, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

A day on your own
“Every Friday, I hire a babysitter for the day. It enables me to run errands and do small things for myself (like get a haircut or shop) without worrying about naps, moods, or feedings.”
— Dianna Cutler

Saving memories
“I’m addicted to scrapbooking. During my free moments, I love to work on my scrapbook. It gives me a chance to reflect on my memories.”
— Beth Karmis, mother of Cameron, 9 months, Wheaton, Ill.

Shop till you drop
“My cousin and I went on a 24-hour kid-free shopping spree — antiques, arts and crafts, and the new outlet mall in our area. Our husbands kept the kids, and we stayed at a bed-and-breakfast. Even though I called home every three hours, it was awesome trying on clothes in a dressing room that doesn’t have to accommodate a double stroller, not stopping every few hours to feed the baby, and not lugging the diaper bag around.”
— Darla Ringer, mother of Ian, 2, and Peyton, 8 months, League City, Texas.

A spa retreat
“My three sisters and I leave the children and husbands at home and head to a spa. We get an affordable package that includes a sauna, a mineral bath, and a massage. Then we head to our favorite diner for brunch. We have one rule, too: No complaining about work, husbands, or kids.”
— Karin Plumadore, mother of Mark, 6 months, Troy, N.Y.

A movie matinee
“Once a week, I go to a matinee that begins at my baby’s nap time. During the previews, I nurse him in the dark, and he’s usually asleep on my lap by the time the movie begins. Then I sit back and relax for an hour and a half.”
— Joanne Corrigan, mother of George, 11 months, Hastings-on-Hudson, N.Y.

Sweet dreams
“I take a hot bath, read a new magazine, and go to bed by 9 o’clock, letting my husband listen for the baby until 1:30 a.m. That way, I’m guaranteed a few hours of deep sleep.”
— Beth Bamberger, mother of Samuel Sebastian, 9 months, Russell, Pa.

Ice cream and must-see TV
“My husband and I have a ritual: Wednesday is TV and ice-cream night. We make an evening run to Dairy Queen, then I kick back to watch The West Wing with my hot fudge M & M-topped sundae.”
— Andrea M., mother of Joel, 5 months, Martinsburg, W.Va.

Class act
“I take adult education courses at night that enable me to make things with my hands, which is very therapeutic for me. I took a woodworking class and made a huge, cherry-framed mirror which now adorns our wall, for instance, and I just finished a crochet class.”
— Leslie Zales, mother of Gracie, 1, Belmont, Mass.

A hotel away from home
“Once, when having two kids under the age of 2 got to be too much for me, I packed an overnight bag and went to a hotel. Uninterrupted, I read a magazine while listening to instrumental music on the radio, had a drink, took a long, hot shower, and got a full night’s sleep. It was a little bit of heaven.”
— Barbara Torrey, mother of Shane, 2 1/2, Ashley, 15 months, Lincoln, Neb.

Coffee break
“If I have a rough night or morning with the baby, I stop for an iced mocha on my way to work. It’s my treat for when things get stressful.”
— Tricia Paulsen

Go soak yourself
“I fill my home pedicure tub with hot water and sit in the bathroom and read, all alone. No one else is allowed in until I’m done.”
— Stacy Charlesbois, mother of Nathalie, 9 months, Farmington Hills, Mich.

Tea time
“I love to sneak away for tea at an elegant hotel. I get to valet park, sit down in a room with adults, and have someone wait on me for a change.”
— Mary Benson, mother of Brendan, 8 months, Fla.

I was called by the office to alert me that I needed a re-scan as they saw something in my left breast. Since they had nothing to compare it to they want to make certain that no further treatment is needed.  My visit occurs on Wednesday where they will perform another scan and take an ultrasound if needed. I will keep you posted on the results but I am not worried. I know God and I am prepared to follow his plan!

If you have let life get in the way of getting your boobies checked or just going to the doctor, I encourage you to make the time.  Take action!

One of the most exciting parts of becoming a mom is feeling the baby kick for the first time. Those kicks are pretty important too because they can help you monitor your baby and reassure you that baby is doing just fine. Starting around the third trimester doctors recommend doing regular kick counts. Mobile Mom has created an app to make this task easy and fun. The Mobile Mom Kick Counter is a convenient way to monitor and record your baby’s activity to help you identify potential problems. It will help keep worrying to a minimum so you can enjoy your pregnancy. The app is FREE! Find out more about this app and the other Mobile Mom apps (Ovulation Calculator, Pregnancy Test, Due Date Calculator, Weight Gain Calculator and Baby Names) at www.MobileMom.com.

The square designs like the one pictured above feature a custom-made, reversible 1″ glass soldered pendant with a photo on one side and a design of your choice on the other side. You may also choose to have photos on both sides. The pendant is hung on a 24″ 2.4mm silver ball chain or 17″ dainty 1.2mm ball chain and includes a dangle of your choice.

LoveSquaredDesigns necklaces are the perfect gift for Mother’s Day. Prices range from $25-$35. The last day to order for guaranteed Mother’s Day delivery is May 3rd!

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(excerpt) ”I have a lot of regrets in my life, and as I am getting older and wiser, I realize I can correct some of my regrets.”  So I am seating there like “OK!, what does that mean”.  He continues, “I want to….

Help Mona tackle, I swear this CANNOT be real.

Every spring women shed their baggy sweaters and warmer clothing. They are coming out of the winter hibernation and looking for a new spring wardrobe. So, what is the order of the day for spring 2013? Fashion is heading towards flirty and feminine for the clothing-conscious female.

Flowers are the ticket to that romantic mood. Blouses, skirts, and pants in floral prints are hot, hot, hot this spring. Prints can be woven into the fabric or textured. Embroidery is also a fashion feature this year. Scalloped edges on necklines, sleeves, and hems add mystery and softness to the bold smattering of flowers in the print. Lacy ruffles at the neckline and sleeves give women that sexy, playful look men love.

Reds, yellows, and greens don’t have to be bold. The hues have been toned down for a more subtle fashion trend. To tone down the colors even further, couple them with cream colors or linens. A yellow or gold blouse would look very feminine over a pair of linen pants or an eggshell skirt. Black and white is also appropriate for spring. The white can be replaced with cream for a look that transitions into evening without skipping a beat.

All clothing should be light and loose-fitting for the season. If you wish to accentuate your waistline, use a wide patent leather or leather belt that caresses your hips. A-line dresses also benefit from a color-coordinated belt this season. Sun dresses are still above the knee but patterns cut into the fabric at the hemline at a bit of sex appeal to the outfit.
Eclectic fashion is in this year. Mix and match patterns in approved spring hues to create your own special look. Everything doesn’t have to be color-coordinated to work well. Try out a few looks to see which one works best for you. Beaded earrings work well when worn with short dresses and Capri pants. Metallic earrings and jewelry work well during an afternoon jaunt or an evening on the town.

Shoes this spring are as versatile as the outfits. From sandals to white boating shoes to heels to flats, if you have the right color, you have the right shoe. Wedge heels and a purse to match complement any outfit. Keep the purse small, like a clutch. They travel well and are less cumbersome. For warm days that can turn into cooler nights wear a short printed jacket over that colorful blouse.

Get in the swing of things with a new fashion wardrobe.  Whatever you do, keep the look fresh and your man guessing at what you will wear next.

(excerpt)

“NO! I don’t know what you mean.  Whether it was women OR MEN it is inappropriate for his age.  Anyway, … OOOOOH SH******!”

“WHAT?!?!”

“It is a lot worse than I thought!

Hopefully, you can offer Mona some sound advice for My Poor Son.

The traditional method of dumping your money in a child’s education does have an impact on their development. But if you truly think about what is being taught, does the actual dollar amount make a difference?

Photo Courtesy of TVGuide.com

Do you recall Scared Straight? Well that was the scenario I was hoping to create but apparently it does not exist.  Last night, I received an email from my son’s principal citing some behaviors that are not tolerated in my house.  I immediately sent the email to my husband and said let him handle it.

I sat on the couch and as my heart raced I knew, there was no way I would just sit by. I marched to his room and asked “what happened in school today”. His response “Oh nothing”. I pressed further and learned about the games they played and what was discussed in science class. I thought to myself surely I have lost my mind.

As I stood there, the mothers of the Steubenville Ohio boys came to mind. I wondered if they had asked them what had occurred at the numerous parties/events that they had allegedly assaulted this girl. Please note that my son has not sexually assaulted anyone but he had broken one too many rules for my liking. I explained to him that people who broke the rules ended up in jail.

I am certain he went to sleep thinking that by morning, I would have forgotten. NOPE! I reminded him on the drive to school, that I had instructed the principal to call the police.  I even alerted his substitute teacher that he would be having recess with me hence no client meetings for me.

3:30 PM arrived and as I waited for him in the carpool line, I replayed the conversation that I would have with the police once we arrived.  As we pulled into the building, he immediately thought we were going to the library since it is housed in the same building. Imagine his surprise when the detective emerged and called us to the back.  As we entered the interrogation room and the door slammed behind us, my son was really worried when he saw that this was no joke. I said a silent prayer that the detective would deliver him a powerful message. I waited and waited!

After fifteen minutes, I  reminded the detective of the reason that we were there.  He gave my son some great advice but it was not until I let him know that it was either my house or the jail-house did things get real. He began to tell him about the juvenile center that housed thousands of kids who chose not to succeed at school and follow the rules.  He spoke of kids without ipods, cell phones, lebron sneakers, stylish clothes and privacy- just a few of the things that my son loves.

I spoke to the detective privately prior to leaving and he actually thought I was being too harsh on my son. I reminded him that prisons are built off of the test scores of 3rd and 4th grade boys along with the statistics and societal expectations of African American boys.  He was shocked by my candidness but shook my hand and told me to keep up the great work.

Many of you will wonder  what he did that warranted a visit to the police station.  The fact that he has repeatedly broke the rules should be enough. I realize that at the age of 9 many would overlook this but at 19 you would be blaming me.

Does anyone know if Scared Straight still airs?

I honestly don’t remember if I put a baby doll in her hands first or if she asked for it first. But I wonder,

• $375 (regularly $700) for one week of full-day LEGO spring break camp, T-shirt, and bag
• Enjoy Remote Control Mania “Amusement Park” and Stop-Motion Animation Movie Making
• Runs Mar. 25 to Mar. 29, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; pre- and post-camp care 8 to 9 a.m. & 4 to 6 p.m.
• Good for ages 5 and older; bring lunch for noon to 1 p.m.
• Two locations: King of Prussia and Phoenixville

About Bricks 4 Kidz
Bricks 4 Kidz classes provide an extraordinary atmosphere for children, where we learn, we build, we play… with LEGO® bricks. Programs are built around our proprietary model plans, designed by engineers and architects, with exciting themes such as space, construction, and amusement parks.  Our specially designed project kits and theme-based models provide the building blocks for the Bricks 4 Kidz approach to educational play. At Bricks 4 Kidz, we believe that kids learn best through activities that engage their curiosity and creativity.

You can find more information about the spring break classes here.

Let us know how your kids enjoyed their week.

This post is sponsored by Bricks4Kidz, but the love of anything that positively stimulates the brain is simply our own.