Mommy Message

It's the Little Things

2012-03-01T10:57:00.001-08:00

This morning my newly 4-year-old little boy extended a very special invitation to me.

"Mommy, can you watch George with me?"

Curious George is his absolute favorite thing to watch in the world. That 30 minutes of Curious George is also when this mama knows she can get the morning routine finished without any little buddy interruptions.

But this time I stopped to think...pretty soon he will grow out of wanting to snuggle with his mama on the couch. He will also grow out of the unbridled joy he gets watching a curious monkey, not unlike himself, finding all kinds of adventures.

"Sure buddy," I said.

I put down the lunch supplies, grabbed his fluffy zebra blanket, and there we sat all cozy and tuned into George together.

If it's the little things that mean a lot, than this morning's mommy/boy time ranks at the top. And these sweet times will only last a little while longer. Today, I chose to cherish this gift of time and opportunity with my baby boy.

A Father's Love

2011-06-18T20:54:00.000-07:00

My mind drifts back to a time as a little girl following my dad around the yard.

He would sit me up on the porch, or a fence post, or in his workshop in the barn and let me ask him as many questions as possible. As I thought of new topics, I would also watch him plant his garden, work on the flowers, or fix his cars. It was good to be a daddy's girl on Pleasant Lane.

One day, as a five-year-old in pigtails, I heard something clink on the sidewalk. Dad picked up a gold coin and exclaimed that my fairy godmother must have dropped it. Suspicion ran though my mind, but also a colorful imagination couldn't help but figure my fairy godmother was somewhere hiding behind the dandelions.

As I grew older, my dad continued to answer my questions about the world. He would tell me I could do or be anything I wanted to be. His faith in me was something that held to me and pushed me when others doubted. His voice always gently nudging me towards my potential.

On this Father's Day, I am thankful to have a father who loves me and always wants the best for me. I wish everyone could have a dad like mine. Happy Father's Day.

Backyard Campfire Makes For Dinner & Fun

2011-05-16T14:07:00.000-07:00

My boys love the outdoors and what boy doesn't love fire? This weekend we worked hard in the yard clearing brush and trees.

The benefactors of all the labor turned out to be three little boys who enjoyed roasting dinner in the embers of our labor.

A backyard campfire is an easy thing to do and can help kids reconnect to nature while enjoying some campsite cooking and fun.

If you don't have room for a campfire, a portable fire pit will work as well. This is an activity that requires strict supervision and lots of ground rules, but the set up and safety preparation are worth it when you see smiles and kiddo satisfaction of making their own dinners.

Dinner preparation is easy with what we call the Hobo Dinner.

This link will show you how easy it is to prepare the dinner in foil and the kids love to custom make their own dinner in the foil pockets. Just make sure you have heavy duty foil available or double wrap the foil packet.

Our favorite thing to do is write our initials on the packet in mustard. It is the little things you know..

For more great outdoor play ideas visit our friends over at the Active Kid's Club. It is a wonderful site full of inspiring and engaging activities for little and big kids to have more fun in nature.

See you outside,
Heather

The Heart Shaped Box

2011-02-14T17:13:00.000-08:00

I remember one Valentine's Day, my dad coming home from work.

From behind his back he presents to me the most beautiful heart shaped box.

Striped red and gold with a lovely bow and filled with chocolates.

Eight years old, I can still remember my excitement when opening my beautiful Valentine.

That heart shaped box is still with me, filled with post cards now, tucked away in my attic.

It is one of my favorite memories of Feb 14th.

Happy Valentine's Day.

"Fathers be good to your daughters, daughters will love like you do"
Lyrics by John Mayer- "Daughters"

Myrtle My Turtle Mommy!

2011-01-29T16:59:00.000-08:00

No big boys. Just me and the little one on a morning exploration this week.

We get to partake in some of my little guy's favorite activities, but the treat really is being an only child, even if only for a few hours.

A stop off at Chick-Fil-A for his favorite snack: hash browns, bagel with cream cheese, and a fruit cup.

He asks for ice cream. I answer back that it is still a little early. He calls his hash browns chicken nuggets. I guess they sort of look like them...

We go to his favorite toy store Science Safari, a locally owned toy store that offers educational toys, science classes, and features some exotic creatures.

There's Iggy the iguana, a python, a corn snake, chinchillas, and Myrtle the turtle. My two year old really loves that turtle.

He watches Myrtle with gleaming eyes and a curious stare and says, "Wook at it mommy. It wook at me. It has long neck. It wuvs me mommy."

"Mommy turtle go home with me. I buy turtle" He looked at me as if surely I could make this happen.

"No turtle stays here." I say. "Myrtle lives here. She wouldn't be happy at our house." I hoped he would care about Myrtle's personal happiness more than his own. One can always hope.

"No, no, no... turtle wook at me, turtle love me, turtle go home with me!"

And with that he put his little head down on the rail of Myrtle's pen. He looked up at me with these sad eyes and the beginning of a tear glimmering in the corner.

Boy, he's good.

I try to convince him that we can come back and visit Myrtle later.

"Myrtle my turtle. Myrtle is my turtle!"

I sigh that really tired sigh. Huhhh... Patience is coming hard and I'm eyeballing the door and planning our daring escape wondering if I should pick him up with the football hold or two hand cradle, and then...

I see it, Silly Putty.

"Look at the egg, it's Silly Putty!" I exclaim holding up the red plastic egg, as if it is the best thing since sliced bread or yellow belly slider turtles.

He comes closer and eyes the egg and looks up at me and starts grinning and says, "Illy Putty, Illy Putty, my Illy Putty!"

And with that Elvis leaves the building under his own will, but now I have "Illy Putty" stuck to the car seat, but it has to be better than leaving with a turtle who probably will out live me.

Small sacrifices.

Princess Mommy

2011-01-23T12:06:00.000-08:00

I must admit, I have become my mother's daughter.

Countless years spent teasing my sweet mama about her almost religious weekly hair appointments, and now, I too look forward to my time in the chair.

When hair is new and then...all is right with the world? Well, at least all is right with mommy.

She feels just a little bit better, more refreshed.

Sound shallow? Surely not.

This trip to my hairdresser and friend Emily's chair resulted in fun, yet fleeting curls.

Princess hair that as a mom of boys, you really appreciate having, since there really isn't a prom night or a gala ball in sight.

When I came home with my red carpet worthy doo my boys just stared at me with looks that said, "What the heck?"

But once they got used to it, they gave it a thumbs up. My 5-year-old even said, "I like your springy boingy hair mama."

My oldest said, "You do not look like my mommy, but cool."

So for a night, I had Hollywood hair. I will never be able to replicate this, but for a moment, just like Cinderella, I enjoyed my starlet hair.

Once midnight came (actually this Cinderella made it more 11:00'ish) the curls had to compete with the pull and gravity of my pillow against my temporary lovely locks.

It's the little girlie things like this that keep us boy mamas running with some pink and polka dots.

A great reminder to enjoy the little things and savor being a girl even when you are surrounded by mud pies, shovels, and wiggly worms. Maybe I can use those mud pies as part of some new facial treatment? Hmmm?

Broccoli and Red Cabbage: Super Food Spotlight

2011-01-14T10:59:00.000-08:00

Oh, broccoli and red cabbage...I hardly knew thee.

I know that you are both healthy and good for us, but research puts you in a super food group that hails you as potent cancer fighters and curers of other ailments, including high cholesterol and high blood pressure.

Hmmm...?

Why am I contemplating this on a Friday afternoon, well...I happened to have some broccoli and red cabbage sitting in the fridge and thought it might make good complements to my omelet.

I'm also on a Fitness Challenge with my college friends and mama needs to make up for a little pizza we had last night. Ah hem..

While searching for recipes, I ran across some interesting pages that talked about the cancer fighting and other health benefits of these two fabulous veggies.

According to research broccoli has anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and anti-cancer fighting immune boosting properties
and one serving of broccoli gives you 30 mg of vitamin C.

Red Cabbage is also an amazing veggie that in some studies lowers cholesterol and also has potent cancer fighting properties, especially for bladder, prostate, and colon cancer.

The recipe tips for these two super foods advises to steam, saute, or eat raw. Boiling breaks down the cancer fighting properties. The more you boil, the more you lose.

I decided to just eat my veggies raw today. Sort of like an hors d'oeuvres plate of healthy. It was really yummy and quite the filling side item to go with my omelet.

We often braise red cabbage with honey, olive oil, water, and a little rice wine vinegar. It is so good and our boys love to eat this trusty cabbage dish.

Here's to super food eating for your family too. Happy Friday!

It Takes a Treadmill Village

2011-01-07T11:28:00.000-08:00

Once again we braved the packed gym for my Fitness Challenge workout today. I have never seen so many mini-vans at one place in my entire life. And just for recording purposes, it looks like the Honda Odyssey wins over the Sienna in my neck of the woods. Mini-vans as far as the eye can see...

I decided to jump on the treadmill for a long winters run. Today I ran for an hour and logged 4.8 miles and burned 648 calories. Not bad, but I could be faster. I'm getting there little by little.

A curious thing is when I stay on a treadmill for more than 20 minutes, you get to see the treadmill styles of others around you. I find it quite amusing. It's a little like bird watching, except, you are one of the birds.

Some folks, we will call them the roadrunners, jump on their treadmill and ramp up the speed really fast only to jump off after 10 minutes.

Then others get right beside you and try to race you to the imaginary finish line. You know, you speed up, they speed up, back and forth..

Then there was treadmill talker. The entire time he talked on his cell phone on a business call as he walked briskly. I know entirely too much about his meeting tomorrow and his holidays.

There are also readers, music boppers, and my personal favorite the treadmill grunter. Yes, sometimes in a treadmill race, a good grunt is all you need to finish off your opponent.

Watching the village of treadmills around me provided enough entertainment to take my mind off of my own heavy feet, red face, and the sound of a little voice in my head that kept saying, "Stop and go to the sauna, head to the sauna"....

It truly did take a treadmill village today to get me through.

Your Mama

2011-01-06T13:28:00.000-08:00

Well, my fitness challenge is going much better. Yesterday I did some Zumba to ring in my 45 minutes of cardio. My 2-year-old son had fun trying some Salsa moves too. I love Zumba and for any of you who might be thinking of a new exercise routine. This mix of latin moves, strengthening, and dance just might be for you.

Today was a pamper mommy day. For the first time in a long time, I had the entire morning and afternoon to do what I wanted. The day started with a coffee and a not-so-fitness challenge-of me- chocolate croissant. It was from Whole Foods. Does that count as wholesome goodness?

From there a massage to treat my neck and shoulders which are out of whack from coughing. It really helped me feel better and ready to tackle another day of staying healthy and on track for the fitness challenge.

Then a wonderful lunch with my hubby sans any little person asking to go to the bathroom over and over.

While cleaning out our Explorer at the car wash before carpool, I realized I couldn't find my cell phone. My mind went to such places as to picture me throwing it away in that big communal garbage can. Yuck.

Just then I noticed a young guy debating over which air freshener to buy and walked over and asked him if he might call my cell phone so I could locate it. He looked at me sort of puzzled, laughed, and said, "Sure."

He called and it rang at the very bottom of what is the abyss of my purse. I thanked him and he said, "No problem, that is just like something my Mom would do."

Whoa now, your Mama? ...and then it hit me. He thinks I look old enough to be his mama or near about. Oh wow. In my minds eye, I am still looking pretty hip and happening, but who am I kidding stretch pants rarely lie.

Back to the fitness challenge and to my closet to throw away any mom jeans I might own. Here's to good health and the occasional chocolate croissant.

New Year Fitness Challenge

2011-01-05T06:09:00.000-08:00

My gym is so crowded right now. The exercise room is filled with everyone who usually only uses the pool in the summer. The classes so full you can barely turn to side kick and yet, I know, in just two short weeks it will thin out and return to optimal breathing room.

Why do many of us make resolutions to get healthy, but never keep them? For many January 1st signals a call deep inside that this year things will be different.

This week I embarked on a Fitness Challenge with some of my college friends. It gives points for exercising at least 30 minutes a day and you get points for weight loss. Two years ago I won this friendly contest and this year isn't going as expected.

First an asthma-like coughing fit threatens to ruin my chances at the prize. Then there's just a busy life that takes a lot just to get from Point A: school to Point B: work and then back to Point A and then maybe go to Point C and don't even get me started about Point D.

But determination prevails and plans to continue on my quest to kick some booty and lose a little booty are in effect. Plans to continue to eat whole foods, drink more water less coffee, and exercise everyday are in reach. (I really love coffee, this could be hard)

As parents we owe ourselves and our families a healthy parental unit full of energy and ready to take on what our days of the new year have to offer.

Bring it on 2011! Who's with me?

Oh Holy Fight

2010-12-15T13:29:00.000-08:00

I love the song Oh Holy Night. It is absolutely one of my favorite Christmas songs. My good friend Carol sang this song at our December wedding in 1998. It just brings back such wonderful memories for me.

Now, I have a new memory.
Today my five year old decided to change the words to Oh Holy Fight. Here's his new rendition.

Oh Holy fight
The stars are bright and tooting
It is the night of a night to fight

Long lay a girl
She fights to fight a Power Ranger
The red one, a Power Ranger and Santa too.

This boy song has not ruined my favorite carol, but how did we get from Oh Holy Night to include a Power Ranger, Santa, and they all fight it out?

I will never completely know. This is my world.

General Sideburns

2010-12-13T11:37:00.000-08:00

This is who we sent to school today. His name is General Ambrose Everett Burnside and, yes, he is quite imposing.

My Hubby Bee did a great job creating Burnside's outfit and famous facial hair. (Yes, hubby is the one who uses the sewing machine and he uses it well.)

The thing about General Burnside, as Union Civil War generals go, he was sort of, well, so so. My little guy wanted him to be grander. I explained we really couldn't rewrite history and Burnside is what he drew from the hat.

While researching old Burnside we came upon some fun facts about this man. He was known for his interesting facial hair. His muttonchops did battle with every other muttonchops and so the term "sideburns" was born. It really was quite the impressive facial hair.

But this man who someone noted had a "bigger heart than head for leading a great army" was kind, compassionate, and rather congenial. Not exactly what Lincoln may have needed in the Battle of Fredericksburg. But his kindly demeanor served him well as the Governor of Rhode Island and later a U.S. Senator.

Even though historians have Burnside down as one of the failing Union Generals, he did not fail in life. One account of his funeral said it was one of the grandest shows of respect for any Rhode Island citizen. Now there's the grandeur. Plus, those sideburns were awesome.

Elf on the Shelf

2010-12-01T23:09:00.000-08:00

He knows when you've been sleeping, he knows when you're awake...

So the song goes, but some children do wonder how Santa monitors their behavior, especially when it's down to the wire. So some families have enlisted the help of a little pixie-elf who shows up usually after Thanksgiving to watch the naughty and niceness of the household.

Well our little elf is back this year and I wanted to share again the story of how this popular Christmas tradition got started for many families across the country and the world.

You see this at the stores as a kit called The Elf on the Shelf
It has been around for years, the creation of a University of Tennessee graduate (Go Vols!) and mother of three and now grandmother, Carol Aebersold. Along with her daughter Chanda Bell, is the author of The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition. It is a story of how Santa really knows who is naughty or nice.

Aebersold says she started the tradition for her own family when her children were very small. She says the first time the elf arrived at their home, her children officially adopted him by giving him a name. Each year he would arrive around the holidays and his sole responsibility was to watch the kid's behavior and report it to Santa each night. The next morning after her children awoke, they discovered the elf had returned from the North Pole and was now resting in a new and different place. The children would race each other out of bed and try and be the first to spy him in his new position.

Apparently, each elf has his own personality and depending on the house, the elf can get into all kinds of mischief. Reports of cookie raiding, silly string, and all types of holiday fun seem to follow the whimsical guy. It is always interesting to hear stories of what your family's Elf on the Shelf is doing this holiday season. Please share your stories if you have them!

So if your family is looking for a new holiday tradition this year, check out The Elf on the Shelf. Our boys love having the elf around to see what he will do next. Happy Holidays!

"Thankfuls" for Thanksgiving

2010-11-29T10:49:00.000-08:00

As we wind down our Thanksgiving celebrations, one can't help but feel extremely blessed for family and friends. We trekked to Tennessee for Thanksgiving this year and when I say trekked, I mean it.

When you have three boys, a large dog, and two adults in a Ford Explorer, you kind of feel a little on safari, wild animal noises and all....

We were blessed to see both sides of grandparents and to see high school and college friends this time around. What a wonderful time of laughter, story telling, and sweet comfort that comes with common ground.

It doesn't matter how much time has passed, true friendships always pick up right where they left off.

We missed some of our family who could not be with us this Thanksgiving. Some who live far away and those who have left us for another place.

The memories of loved ones lost always seem to be freshest at the holidays, no matter how long since the passing. Their presence is felt in little things like a photo or a favorite tradition.

As I put away my scarecrows and harvest decorations this morning with help from my littlest blessings, I could not help but wonder how they will count their "thankfuls" when they get older. As my five year old stated, "I have many "thankfuls" mommy, and I have to count them all this week."

I count my "thankfuls" abundantly.

No matter what is going on in the world or how hectic daily life may be, what is most important is not just in front, but beside and behind, nudging us to make the most of opportunities to revel in abundance, be blessed, and count those "thankfuls".

No worries if the trek to get there is a little bumpy, noisy. and tinged with a faint smell of dog breath. I count myself thankful and hold on for the safari ride.

Fall Family Fun

2010-10-27T20:11:00.000-07:00

When the leaves start to turn and the cool crispness clings to the air, it just might be time for a trip to one of your town's nearby farms where pumpkins are king and a short hay ride leads to more fun out on the back forty.

There are several farms close to Raleigh where your family can tap into the country fun and frolic of fall.

Vollmer Farm in Bunn, NC offers fantastic fun for the fall harvest season.

Farmer John and his staff will greet you as an old friend when you climb aboard a tractor hay ride that winds its way to the back forty playground area, complete with games, super slide, corn maze, and one fabulous giant orange jumping platform.

Vollmer Farm does not disappoint any age group. With rides and games for all ages, your family is sure to fall in love with activities such as the corn crib and the cow train.

Another great seasonal option is Hill Ridge Farm in Youngsville, NC where the children can pan for gems, ride the hay ride or a real train, and pet some friendly farm animals. Another perk is the free pumpkin at the end of your visit.

Both farms are only 30-45 minutes away from most Triangle locations. The trip is worth it to see the smiles on your family's faces. Remember to bring your camera, because you don't want to miss this picture perfect photo opportunity.

Happy fall to you and yours!

The Mommy Bee

Sweet Kitty of Mine

2010-10-25T11:04:00.000-07:00

My dear cat passed away this week. His illness was sudden. We are finding it hard to say goodbye to our old boy who we called our furry friend for almost 16 years.

Before the children, before the dog, even before the hubby, there was my Oreo.

A black and white Norwegian Forest Cat, Oreo's distinguished look and a regal air lead my then boyfriend, now husband, to dub him "Lord Oreo".

A few months after I graduated college Oreo caught my eye at the Chattanooga Humane Society.

He sat in the middle of a sea of black and white brothers and sisters. In the commotion, Oreo turned his tiny head and looked into my eyes and meowed.

"I'll take that one" I said.

He lived with me in my one bedroom apartment during my first job as a news reporter in Johnson City, Tennessee.

As a kitten he was a wild one. Climbing brick walls and scratching me when I would try to correct or catch him. My hands were covered with marks from his youthful exuberance. One of my co-workers Jay Siltzer even quipped, "What did you adopt, a baby bobcat?"

Oreo did chill out and went through several seasons of life as a curious companion. He lived with me through four television jobs, all in different cities. One of those jobs in steamy Augusta, Georgia.

I lived in a renovated carriage house behind an historic home. Oreo, with his long fur coat, did not appreciate the southern heat. His ancestors, after all, sailed on the Nordic seas with vikings for mates. But Oreo loved me and kept himself content in that little loft.

Moves to Knoxville and Raleigh followed and still Oreo adapted to his new homes and to new companions. He got used to his new Dad and then a new "sister" dog that had him hiding under the bed for at least two weeks.

Oreo met the births and additions of each of our three little boys with curiosity and gentleness. Not once did he ever scratch or bite them. He somehow knew they were small and always sat patiently as they learned to pet him with gentle hands.

Seeing my gentle giant go down hill so fast was surreal. There was simply nothing to help him.

I sat in the vet office cradling my sick kitty wrapped in his favorite blanket, the one with Christmas trees and penguins on it. He purred, as if to comfort me. Even in sickness, he was still there for me.

As I sat with him at the end, I looked as the top of his head and thought how he looked like a stuffed animal. I could still see where my son had tried very hard to make him sport a mohawk that morning.

He seemed at peace. I could not help but sigh in relief knowing he was not in pain. So brave. What a blessing to have called this beautiful animal my friend.

Kid Kindness and the Claw

2010-09-20T10:36:00.000-07:00

It is so tempting with all those smiling fuzzy bears and shiny prizes, the lure of the claw machine is almost too much to bear.

"Mama, can we try? Mama, can I have a dollar?"

If you concentrate really hard you can actually see your dollar slipping out of the claw machine's loose and slivery grasp.

Such is the scene on a day when our five year old just cashed in his coins for a nice bank roll, $7.50 to be exact. A trip to the store is almost a given with that much money burning a hole in your play shorts.

"Honey don't try
the claw machine, no one hardly ever wins, and you will lose your dollar." I try to speak reason, but the allure of the claw, again, too great a competition.

"I can win it, I'll use the claw to grab this teddy bear." He points to a perfectly nice bear teetering on a pile of other bears, with an expression that promises fun, but I know this elusive toy creature is actually just smirking as it lies in wait to allude the claw's grasp.

I hand over his dollar and watch as my son tries to wield the mechanical claw over to his plush prey.

The claw's shiny tentacle barely grazes the bear next to our target. I somehow resist the urge to jump up and down and say,"I told you so, I told you so." Real mature, I know.

"Awww...can I do it again." My son looks up at me with those pleading eyes, that say I could blow my whole bank roll on this one activity. No problem.

"No, lets go inside. There are plenty of dollar items in here."

So off we went into the wilds of dollar deals, but not before a teenage boy and his mom saw us trying for the impossible dream at that claw machine. As he walked by the teen smiled a knowing smile that said been there, done that, many a time.

A few minutes later as we hunted bargains from aisle to aisle, said teenager came a calling with not one, but two plush bears for the boys.

"Here, you go and give one to your brother." The teenager bent down and handed my two year old both bears.

"Wow, thank you! How nice of you." I said, as I thought to myself, I guess someone can win at the claw.

The best part about this random act of kindness is my boys got to experience a pure good deed. They kept asking me why the boy won them their bears and why he spent his money. I can't help but hope they will do the same someday when there is another little boy with that hopeful gleam in his eyes trying to win the prize.

What kindness that surely made a lasting impression on two little boys who now hug those toy bears and think of the big boy with a big heart.

Quality TIme with the Baby

2010-09-01T09:38:00.000-07:00

This Wednesday Middle B'ee is at big boy school today and Little B'ee is beside himself with some one on one mommy time.

As we drove away from the school after leaving big brother for the first time, Little B'ee just kept asking where his brother went.

"Whe Bubba go? Whe Bubba go? Whe Bubba go? Whe Bubba go?"

After he realized we didn't leave Bubba for nothing. Little B'ee settles into this new routine
of having mommy all to himself on Wednesdays. Here is our list of quality time activities this morning.

Drive thru for some Chick-Fil-A hash browns and chocolate milk to celebrate our status as the only child.

Throw our empty chocolate milk bottle out the window after asking mom a million times to give him the power to roll it down. (Mommy picks up trash, no littering)

Practiced being quiet while mommy took a work call. Started singing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star to accentuate the business call atmosphere.

Helped mom sort toys and "helped" clean kitchen island.

Played frog and cow with plastic toys using interchangeable ribbit and moo sounds.

Ate cream cheese and graham crackers and with each bite proclaimed it "yummy mommy."

Watched birds on the back porch with not one, but two pairs of binoculars.

Chased cat as we tried to put a hat on said feline to make him cat in the hat.

Smiled and laughed as cat skidded under train table obviously not sharing in the cat and the hat revelry.

Hugs and kisses and then we're off to pick up Bubba Bee.

Lets do it again next Wednesday, but maybe with more cow bell or cow mooing sounds.

Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte is Back Ya'll

2010-08-31T11:32:00.000-07:00

My favorite season is fall. Who doesn't enjoy the crisp feeling in the air, the leaves, and the fall clothes.

Well, here in our part of the south temps are still hovering in the mid 90's and still no sign of this blessed seasonal change. Except...

...at Starbucks. The Pumpkin Spice Latte is back.

We here at the Mommy Message got the first taste test of the season this morning and are happy to report, the yum of fall has begun!

People love Starbucks' Pumpkin Spice Latte. If you tweet you may know it topped Twitter's nationwide trending topics Sunday.

If you don't tweet you may just love the drink and have eagerly awaited its arrival for the past seven seasons Starbucks has put it on the fall menu.

Starbucks representatives confirmed (via the coffee chain's official Twitter account) that the fall favorite was available for ordering.

"The Pumpkin Spice Latte rumors are true! It's not on the menu, but you can order it!" they posted Sunday afternoon.

One taste really is a little bit like fall in a cup. Let me know if you get to try one this week.

Happy upcoming fall ya'll,

Heather
a.k.a. Mommy Bee

Foot in Mouth Disease

2010-08-30T15:52:00.000-07:00

I never wanted to be that person. Maybe you know these people who blurt comments out without thought or warning. They might say things like, "Oh a red head, he must have a temper." Or my personal favorite when someone looks at all three of my boys with their red, blonde, and brown hair and asks me without hesitation, "Do they all have the same father?" Nice.

But, now I am sadly among them. Totally an innocent mistake, but one that made my stomach churn and wishing one could reel in words with an imaginary fishing pole.

I don't even know why I am writing about this grievous blunder, maybe it is somehow therapeutic?

Anyway here it goes..

On our family outing to Target we made a visit to the toy aisle. There standing in the aisle with us picture the cutest family

you've ever seen with a boy and girl. The mommy went to another aisle leaving daddy to tend to their two young children. As the mommy passed by, I admired her maternity dress and thought to myself how much I liked the pattern.

For what happens next, here's hoping she traveled way across the store to automotive.

"Do you guys know what your having?" I asked.

"Huh?" Dad looks up.

"Oh." Me somehow realizing this was going down hill fast. "Do you guys have anymore children?" Insert foot here.

"No, what you see is what you get. No, we're done." Dad said. I think he also hoped his wife was in automotive.

I'm now guessing that wasn't a maternity dress.

"Us too, we have three, we're done" I quickly turn our cart around with a sick feeling in my stomach only to see my husband giving me a knowing look that he had heard every word. He also recognized the look on my face that said, "Run, run like the wind."

He had also seen it 12 years ago in a Banana Republic when I heard my former hair dresser Farrah in the next dressing room. Hair dresser break ups being the worst kind of break ups.

"Uh, let's go" I said. Exit stage left, very quickly, no stops, not even to look at the cute bedspreads in home goods.

I know how self conscious most mommies get after having a baby. One person asked me when my baby was due two months after giving birth to our middle bouncing boy.

So, I am really hoping that beautiful mommy with the pretty dress didn't hear me. If she did maybe she knows how much I really wished for the the earth to swallow me after my comment.

Now, if you see me in the toy aisle, know I'll be talking about the weather or that latest Big Foot toy.

Since my big foot is currently busy elsewhere.

Back to School-A Place at the Table

2010-08-27T07:52:00.000-07:00

Don't we all just want a little place to call our own? Our own piece of real estate whether it's a house, condo, or breakfast chair?

Yes, breakfast chair.

Apparently even having your own special place to sit in the mornings can make a world of difference in how your day starts off.

With these territorial issues in mind, we have started making a set place for each child the night before at our kitchen island. We set out the dishes, spoons, cups, and napkins for each boy to have his own place setting instead of the bleary eyed dish shuffle Mommy Bee performed each morning. Not exactly pretty.

When I taught college it amazed me year after year how quickly the students would stake out their territory in the classroom sitting in the same spot throughout the school year. These adult students would become almost "toddlerlike" if someone happened to be in their seat that day. I remember one student saying, "I have to sit there because that's the direction I turn my head to take notes, man. I won't be able to turn my neck."

Setting a place at the table for each boy in the morning has increased our harmony and productivity in the morning. Coupled with our Launch Pad our family has cut minutes off our morning routine.

Now, don't get me wrong Captain Wrong Side of the Bed still visits us on occasional mornings, but the boys enjoy coming down the stairs to their breakfast spot. Their eyes kind of light up seeing their own little place at the table.

Back to School-The Launch Pad

2010-08-25T05:46:00.000-07:00

Here at the Mommy Message we wanted to share some of our Back to School Tips that have helped us blast off on the right trajectory.

This year we have instituted a wonderful thing: the "Launch Pad".

The Launch Pad is an area in your home where you gather all your belongings for the next school or work day. This includes things like book bags, homework, agenda, and lunch boxes.

Our launch pad is our kitchen bench. The boys put their bookbags on the bench and their shoe baskets are right beneath. The night before we we make sure everything on the launch pad is fully loaded and ready to blast off for the next day.

The launch pad has been a tremendous help in the morning when things tend to get rushed at breakfast. No more looking for books, shoes, or those school incidentals. Everything is in its place. In a house full of boys that is something wonderful in my mommy universe.

Let me know what tricks you use to make for smoother school takeoffs at your house.

Cheers for Back to School,
Heather
a.k.a. "Mommy Bee"

Green Eggs and Ham Turns 50

2010-08-15T20:43:00.000-07:00

Many of you love the classic Dr. Seuss book Green Eggs and Ham. According to Publisher's Weekly it is the fourth largest selling children's book of all time.

On August 12th the rhyming tale turned 50.

Green Eggs and Ham was even on my wedding registry. This may seem odd, but so many reasons to love this book and to hope for it as a wedding gift.

Of course I was marrying a Sam who's own Mom sweetly made him green eggs and ham as a child.

I envisioned reading it to my future kiddos.

We were registering at Target and I was scanner happy and there was the book with Sam's name on in it..well Sam-I-Am and me with the scanner..giddy..engaged girl..etc..etc..

Thanks to my friend and co-worker Syrenthia we got our copy of Green Eggs and Ham for our wedding with this sweet inscription.

To Heather & Sam-I-Am,

May you enjoy many years of green eggs and ham together as husband and wife.

Love Syrenthia

Click on this link to enjoy a video about the history of this childhood and child-at-heart favorite Dr. Seuss classic.

Mommy I'm Not Naughty, Just Deaf

2010-08-12T20:01:00.000-07:00

Our boys aren't ignoring us, their ear canals are stretched!

It sounds silly, but in the book Raising Boys author Steve Biddulph talks about research that shows when boys are experiencing growth spurts their ear canal stretches, thins, and blocks up, which can cause some degree of hearing loss.

Well that might explain why it seems my boys have to look at me and actually read my lips only after the third time I mention something to them.

In the book Biddulph talks about how the hearing loss is temporary and can affect one boy one month and another boy a different month.

Interesting..

Another fascinating boy fact that explains so much to me about why my 4-year-old boy thinks he could wrestle alligators or beat up any bad guy with a single wallop is....

a 4-year-old boy has the same testosterone levels as a teenage boy.

Wow, really?

It explains the endearment for ultimate smack down wrestling with his brothers, father, and even an unwilling mommy.

But the author says those testosterone levels chill out around 5 years of age, just in time to sit still and pay attention in school.

The best thing about the book Raising Boys is it gives great perspective on why my three little men do the things they do in what sometimes seems random chaos.

It is all part of this wonderful world of boyhood development.

The book is also a reminder of the importance of encouraging, protecting, and nurturing our boys into becoming the men they will someday turn out to be.

New Kitten

2010-08-03T12:01:00.000-07:00

Meet our new kitty

Jaguar Bella

We found her hungry and all alone

Now she is loved

Safe and sound

Loved by little boys times three

A lucky kitten indeed