Changes 4 Charlie

and there it sat

noreply@blogger.com (Charlie ) — Wed, 22 May 2013 02:15:00 +0000

Funny how something shared once ends up being something that occurs more often than I thought. Whether it's the surprise of seeing 7-9 deer standing in our back yard, finding my wedding ring that had been missing...

or instead of being what I first thought was a small snake, seeing a blade of onion grass on the kitchen counter.

All before five

noreply@blogger.com (Charlie ) — Wed, 22 May 2013 02:05:00 +0000

In one week I took my Dad to four appts, GG to five classes (tap, ballet, swimming, tumbling and Dr) and myself to one. The week was stressful and I felt like I was on the verge of a meltdown. If I had been eating better maybe it wouldn’t have been that way? Sometimes I think it’s just my hormones. Even though I had to have an ablation, I still get those few days where I am more emotional. I don’t mean cranky either but instead sad, woe is me sort of thing. I'm so happy this doesn't happen often!

I take baths at night so mornings are a little easier on days like this. I also like to leave my home semi presentable. OCD?

How only one of those days went-

Time check-7:00 am. I woke up, made my bed, washed my face and got dressed. Came into the kitchen to see if Dad was up yet. He wasn’t so I went up to get GG who was awake looking at her books. I love walking in to see her enjoying herself, so happy. After a good morning, hug and kiss, we made her bed. I helped her to get dress, dealt with the drama and torture she seems to think it is to get her hair brushed and gotten out of her face.

After she’s ready, we go downstairs so I can get breakfast going. I see that my Dad had already gotten dressed and was in the process of taking his blood pressure. I remind him to take his meds and quickly put ointment on a sore. I ask Dad if he put lotion on (he itches all the time). He says he didn’t, that he forgot because he can’t reach. To me this makes no sense. If he can reach to itch he can reach to put the lotion on. Especially when I put it on him, he complains that I already do too much. I WANT to help him. I want him to be comfortable, to not be in distress, to not be anxious, to enjoy his remaining years. I’ve learned he’d rather itch than to ask me to do anything which makes me feel bad. It's not like I have given him any reason that I don't want to. I adore him! Even after explaining time after time that he took care of me and now it’s my turn, he fusses that he can't do anything for himself. Now I get it. He's having a woe as me day. Been there done that so I know this is the day he needs to fry bacon. ??? See, he loves turkey bacon so he fries up about three packages, freezes it and then when it' needed, I can warm it up for him. While telling him I could use some help, I grab the bottle of lotion and rub all exposed areas. :)

I make their breakfast, eggs for one and oatmeal for the other. While they eat I pack a bag full of things for GG to do and to eat plus a snack bar for me. I run upstairs to wake the JMan otherwise he’ll sleep the day away. Habit I am trying to help him break. Good luck, right?

Help Dad and GG into the car. As usual, I take a quick look to my left I see my 21 yo cat has puked and was still alive. All is good.

First stop-The Y. GG has tap, ballet and swimming lessons. Afterwards I sign her up for more lessons and summer camp. I signed her up for tap, ballet and tumbling so she could choose what she liked best. Turns out she enjoyed them all so I kept her in each for a month. After a month though, something had to give and since tumbling was held on a different day, it was the one I chose to not continue. At least not until things have "settled". Insert insane, crazy laugh. HAHAHAHA!

Next on our stop is for GG to see an allergist. On the way GG eats the lunch I made for her and that is when I realize I didn’t eat breakfast but did remember to grab a snack bar. I didn’t want to go out of the way by going home first but after arriving early what do we do for 1 hour. I got GG an ice cream cone and Dad wanted McDonald's. He likes their flat burgers because they are easy for him to chew. While waiting in the Dr's parking lot, they ate while I tried to catch up on some texts and emails. At 1:30 we all headed in only to hear that I had more required paperwork to fill out. Really? I filled everything out online (to save paper) and when I had a question the lady on the phone said to print it all out. Makes no sense to me. Appt takes from 145-345. I learned that GG is mainly allergic to fall and mold which isn’t too bad. I’m glad we decided to have it done because she seemed to always have a runny nose and coughing.

We head over to the hospital for Dad’s ultrasound on his leg. Dad has a huge sore that is tunneling and not healing at all. Our first thought was how big and how busy the place was! There was not one handicap parking spot available so I dropped him off at the front where he could sit on a bench while I parked. This procedure took about 1.5 hours so I was so thankful I had planned ahead by packing a backpack full of things for her to do and eat. After his appt, I get Dad to eat a banana. Why did I mention this little detail? Because he's lost too much weight and there are times he just doesn't feel like eating.

On the way home Dad started itching all over and said he thinks he has shingles. Ok, maybe, ESP since he had a bluster pop up on his other leg but I doubt it. As mentioned earlier, he has really dry skin but I still ask him "Dad, have you ever had shingles or is your skin just really dry?" He says, “I don't know. I just know I've always itched.” Note to self to keep a watch. Dr. said he could do a couple things but in the end they were all too invasive for an 89 year old so it was agreed amongst all involved, to keep doing what I was doing. Thank goodness I have a sister-in-law that is a wonder with homeopathic medicine and herbs!

There's a traffic jam. What? It's not rush hour, why on....looking at the time I see that indeed it is rush hour. Time just FLEW by today. Dad tells me he needs to use the restroom. GG heard him so she said she had to as well. With the power of suggestion, so did I. Great. An elderly man with control issues, a preschooler, and a woman who at anytime sneezes or coughs to hard also has control issues, stuck in traffic with the need to use the restroom. I repeat. Great. I sing silly songs to keep GG occupied. A few minutes later we are able to take a potty break. Whew!

Time check-4:53 pm. Arrived home to realize, that once again, when it comes to feeding my family, I have dropped the ball. What's for dinner?

Happify-Chronic stress

noreply@blogger.com (Charlie ) — Sat, 18 May 2013 22:00:00 +0000

There are times my personal challenges can take control of my emotions and actions so I signed up to learn better ways to cope with stress and to work on becoming Happified. First on the list-chronic stress.

Chronic stress does more physical damage than a bucket of Big Macs. Stress speeds up the aging process, raises our blood pressure and increases our risk of strokes. Are you now stressed that you're stressing over stress? I am! Just what I needed. More proof that after too many life altering events, in a small time frame, my body seemed to have aged over night!

Ok now calm down because it seems stressing too much is a major waste of energy. Studies show that 85% of the stuff we worry about never actually happens. Man, I don't know about all that you stress about but when it comes to me I hope their right!

Ways to teach our brains to better cope with stress.

Savor: our ability to be mindful and enjoy the moment.
Thank: having a grateful outlook on our lives.
Aspire: having a sense of purpose and being optimistic about the future.
Give: being kind and giving towards others.
Empathize: the ability to understand the emotions, behaviors or ideas of others.

I posted a while back that being thankful for the little things was something many of us forget to be. Doing it did make me feel blessed but why did I think doing it only once a year was the way to go? Makes more sense if it was something that was done if not daily out loud or in prayer than at least once a week/month. Certainly better than once a year! So let's get this started.

Share three things from your day at home or involving your family that make you feel thankful.

Here’s mine:

1. That after a year of struggling to get adjusted, we can now afford to have me be a stay at home mom making it possible for me to not only care for our youngest but also my 89 year old Dad. If not, it would have been necessary for my Dad to be in a nursing home.

2. My middle child, JMan who is 20, helped clean house without complaining. Not one tiny bit!

3. After having a rough night due to my back, spine and ribs hurting, I woke up very stiff and in a bit more pain than I thought I would. My hubby had to lift me up to a sitting position which had me believe that this wasn’t going to be a good day, but instead the start of a flare up. BUT instead of being stubborn I took some pain meds (typically I use herbs) and after a couple hours the inflammation had reduced to where I had a great day.

With Google Reader coming to an end soon, I’m trying to make sure all of my reads are in Blog Lovin’, are we following each other? Leave me a comment if you’re signed up for Blog Lovin’ or any other of the sites I am on so I can make sure we are!

What's out of place?

noreply@blogger.com (Charlie ) — Fri, 17 May 2013 01:31:00 +0000

I used to be what I felt was strong as an ox. Mom always told me not to lift anything heavy that lifting was a 'mens work'; that if not careful I would pay for it someday.

WHY oh WHY was I so independent and not one to ask for help? WHY oh WHY is a mom usually correct?!?

I pulled my back the first time when I was trying to entertain JMan, when he was just a 6 month old and I was a young 27 year old. Wow. Flashback. After that it was easier to do but didn't happen often. I'd usually feel when it was tugging and be cautious with what I did. It happened again when sliding a case of water bottles on the counter at my previous employment. It was the motion instead of the lifting. Because it doesn't happen on a regular basis I can sometimes forget but catch myself when that familiar tug is felt. What shouldn't have caused it to go out was the time I was painting my toenails! Pssh. Ridiculous.

So the point of all that is that when I woke up today, my spine and the middle of back up to the lower area of my neck were stiff but no biggie. Been there done that but with the changes that have been happening I babied it as much as I could. BUT as the day progressed I felt worse. As stubborn as I am I caved in and traveled the 35 minutes it takes to see my chiropractor. If you ever find a chiropractor that you trust you know how important it is to stick with her. The power they hold in their hands that when they are wrapped around your neck...Shiver.

She says, "Wow, what did you do?" What do you mean what did I do? It was a tad sore yesterday and this morning a little worse but tolerable. After she tried to explain what was wrong I asked, "My what's out of place? How on earth does one get a rib out of place??" Who knows but I certainly managed! Can get it sleeping wrong or coughing a lot. For me it could have been either of those things because I have been sick and when I'm sick I usually don't sleep well. Glad hubby was home to help with dinner. I think I should have that problem more often ;) NOT!

The never ending to do list

noreply@blogger.com (Charlie ) — Thu, 16 May 2013 18:58:00 +0000

As you go through your day, you have a running list. Get the kids ready, make sure Dad and GG eat, help JMan to remember to call the college he just got accepted to, clean up cat puke, be sure to call AJ to help figure out why he isn’t sleeping well again, call the repair man, sew the torn toy (dog toy), make dinner, fold laundry, pay the bills, reply to the most important emails, study the two new businesses info I was given to look at, teach GG something new, don’t forget the phone calls needed to be made for Dad, order meds for Dad, connect with your spouse... the list never stops.

Have you ever fallen off your own list? How do you stay in balance when there is so much to be done?

As a SAHM or WAHM, we need to find ways to check in with ourselves but that can be easier said than done. It's always on my mind to do so but realistically there are days that end and wonder how on earth I have time to bathe with so much I still needed to have at least tried to get started.

This is only a smidgen of what I need to get done ASAP. At the end of the day i put all that I can back in a neat pile and fit what I can in that orange expandable folder that holds more things to do. Each pile of papers has a single piece of paper needing something done and somewhere in between them are a few running to do lists that I have scribbled on while I was trying to sleep or thought of that needed to be added.

Thankfully most days the muscles in my back, neck and arms aren't as irritated as others. Oh yea, note to self. Call the chiropractor and neuromuscular therapist for my back and hips. Oh, and breathe in and out, in and out. haha.

Gotta run!

Have a great day!

and there they sat

noreply@blogger.com (Charlie ) — Thu, 16 May 2013 02:04:00 +0000

Dad was searching all over for his lowers. I hadn't been in the kitchen yet but when it was time for me to start dinner...Yep, on the kitchen counter is where he left them. Aren't you glad I didn't take an even closer picture? Haha?!

Hand Twitches or Internet Glitches

noreply@blogger.com (Charlie ) — Wed, 15 May 2013 02:23:00 +0000

Have you seen that my posts say "updated'? Seems like every time I start to share, either my arm/hand twitches at the precise time I mean to click save not publish or the internet glitches. For example, this small post had a warning to show up three times letting me know that it wasn't saved. That's because of the loss in connection. Grrr.

Ever since last year when we moved our internet has been awful. We lose connection for about 5-10 seconds and while it reconnects my tabs go blank. They usually reconnect but not if I am on one of my blogs. One more time. Grrr.

Just wanted you to know and on behalf of TWC, I apologize.

Hugs!

Caring for the Elderly-My Dad

noreply@blogger.com (Charlie ) — Wed, 15 May 2013 01:53:00 +0000

I know this is a LONG post but I really need to let it out which as you know is something I have had a hard time doing. I start to ramble, not check how something was said... but oh well. I will use the three words I dislike hearing umpteen times when I am on hold or something. Please bear with me. ;)

As I got older so did everyone else, including my parents. That some day, one or the other or both would no longer be in my life. I know that sounds silly but for me I guess it was just too painful to even think about. To prepare for. Now THAT I know sounds silly but when I was 12 and my mom got cancer the first time, she wanted to 'prepare' me for death. Can anyone ever be prepared for death? She thought she would so she did. I think it did somewhat of the opposite because ever since my brother then she died I haven't been the same. Close but not exactly. I lost a part of me. It's been six years but maybe a little more of my youth?

A post I forgot to share five months ago (oops) was to mention that on Saturday January 19, we, my husband, GG and I, traveled 10 hours to get my 89 year old Dad so he could live with us at least 6 months out of the year and spend the remaining of the year with his biological son up North. He had fallen and hadn't recovered well. And because it wasn't filed right with his insurance, the so called in home care was very expensive and not needed when he had family that wanted to help.

We got there late Saturday night and because my hubby isn't the best at it, I packed our car with all the things he felt were necessary to take for his 'visit'. I also cleaned out his fridge, wiped down his counters, clean up his clutter (major!) get GG ready for bed so Daddy could read to her, organized his home as well as I could, gather all the garbage...finished at midnight then went to bed. Oh CRAP! I forgot to include the walker. THIS my darling was able to force in on top of it all which saved me from breaking down. If you wonder why, these pictures only show some of what short of a miracle it was to get all that he asked for in our vehicle.

Along with GG, I sat in the back so my Dad who had taken a bad fall and had a sore hip and leg had plenty of room. Those are my legs showing where I also had stuff under my feet. To the left of my body in between us there were items piled up to where I had to keep my left arm on it all so nothing would fall on GG. The third picture show the back/the trunk. So as to get a good picture of it all, I had to take some thing down from the pile that was between GG and I. My hips, legs and the tingling in my legs were sometimes more than I cared to handle so between Dad's needed stretches, mine and GG's, hubby had to make a lot of stops.

Now on to why I needed to share what I haven't yet. Besides making sure my Dad is 'just sleeping' (that's nerve wracking) I think one of the hardest things I have had to do is to tell my Dad that because of his health needs and more, he can't go back to his home. Ever.
I worry about him tripping, taking care of himself. I know he won't do it alone. Ever.
That he can not drive his car again.
Ever.
That I love him dearly but this has to be.
He doesn't want to be a burden to anyone (his words DEFINITELY not mine) which he's not.
That changes were and will still need to be made not only by him but by the ones he lives with here and in WI.
Changes that we wanted to make because we love him. He's our Dad! It's our turn to take care of him as long as we can!

This happens almost on a daily basis but definitely weekly. He gets it. I get it. I really do. He wants to have say in his life and he does. But when it comes to him going home or driving a car he just can't.

He has 24/7 care here with me. To name some I pay his bills, toss his junk mail that wants him to donate more $ before he gets hold of it, I take him to his appts, help him with his showers, I do a weekly skin check to see if there are any new sores, I cut his toenails, I file his nails so he doesn't keep cutting himself, tend to his blisters, get him to drink plenty of water, remind him he hasn't put his legs up, I tend to the sores he gets on his leg (one for the entire time he's been here) I've called TONS of businesses on his behalf to request them to leave him alone, stopped bills that shouldn't have been, I remind him almost daily to take his meds, to use the lotion for his itching or I put it on for him, I make him food (yikes) and get him to eat it and more but you get the point.

I realize that I 'make' him do many things. I wish I didn't have to make him do anything at all but they're necessary to keep him as well as can be.

He will have the same in WI when he stays there some as well.
It's depressing for him and me both to go over any changes. I feel bad for him and he does too. He understands yet he doesn't want to except it. I get it.

For 6 years after mom passed he complained about being lonely but when we and family in WI always asked him to move in with us he would say he didn't want to leave his home. So instead he would visit with us 3 months and family in WI for 3 months then back in MS for the other 6. On the phone and when we visited he led us to believe that all was good. Even up until he fell. He made excuses all the way up until we told him "That's it. No more waiting. No more excuses. We are coming to get you. We will be there late Saturday night, pack and will have to leave early Sunday morning"

Please know that I speak to him with respect, with love and explain thoroughly but I also have to be firm. Our lives together have come full circle but with that twist being he is my Dad. This all came up this time because he got his car insurance bill and soon to get car tags. Dad said he needed to get his tag and DL renewed.

My Dad.

The one who chose to adopt me. The only parent/personal cheerleader I have left (insert a sniff/tear). I miss the way he was, who he used to be but embrace the way he is now.

My Dad.

I love you so.

Something I don't say and should, thank you. Thank you for listening.

With Google Reader coming to an end soon, I’m trying to make sure all of my reads are in Blog Lovin’, are we following each other? Leave me a comment if you’re signed up for Blog Lovin’ so I can make sure we are!

An Open Letter To Moms from Kid President

noreply@blogger.com (Charlie ) — Tue, 14 May 2013 20:41:00 +0000

Obviously I love to share a video that makes me feel good, smile or cause me to seriously LOL. A friend of mine sent this to me and after watching I did all three!

After all, laughter IS supposed to be the best medicine!

I got a speeding ticket!

noreply@blogger.com (Charlie ) — Sat, 11 May 2013 13:22:00 +0000

I remember as a new driver how my heart would start pounding when I heard a police siren. Know what I mean? As I got older that went away. Not sure why but it did.

This day, on the way to one of GG's classes at the YMCA, I know I was speeding. I was late because it took longer to get my Dad and her out the door. I honestly don't know what speed I was going but because people were passing me I moved over a lane so they could pass. BAM! That’s when I heard the siren. No way did I think that siren was for me so I did what most do, move out of their way so they could get through traffic easier. I figured he was rushing off to an accident or crime so I said a quick prayer that no one was hurt.

Once I realized he was rushing to get behind ME, I thought I must have a burnt tail light or something. I kept driving until I found a place out of the way to pull over.

It has been OVER 20 years since I had a ticket. I have had a completely clean record since then, yet he still gave me a ticket. %#*&! The only thing he asked for was my license, not for my registration. He didn't ask if I knew I was speeding either. That was strange to me. I thought once he saw my record he’d let me slide off with a warning. Oh heck no! He came back with the ticket and told me when and where I could appear in court or pay directly online. That was it. I said ok but nothing else because I was in shock that I GOT A SPEEDING TICKET!!

I had planned to fight it in court. I was told that I could easily get the fine reduced and points lowered etc etc but what do you know. The court date was on a day that was full of appts just like this one. Oh well.

Blessed to be a mom

noreply@blogger.com (Charlie ) — Sat, 11 May 2013 13:04:00 +0000

Being a parent isn't always easy, nor is it something that's always easy to become but something I happily chose to do three times; when I was 21, when I was 27 and at 43 when we were chosen to become the parents of our angel. A gift none of us will ever forget. All three times were planned and if we could afford to adopt again, we would. The rewards and love far outweigh any sorrow or pain, any hardships, any necessary changes I have ever had.

I wish all of you Mommy's a day as special as you are!

Biology is the least of what makes someone a mother~Oprah Winfrey
Being a full-time mother is one of the highest salaried jobs in my field, since the payment is pure love~ Mildred B. Vermont
There is an instinct in a woman to love most her own child - and an instinct to make any child who needs her love, her own~Robert Brault
A mother is a person who seeing there are only four pieces of pie for five people, promptly announces she never did care for pie~Tenneva Jordan
I thought my mom's whole purpose was to be my mom. That's how she made me feel~Natasha Gregson Wagner
Women do not have to sacrifice personhood if they are mothers. They do not have to sacrifice motherhood in order to be persons. Liberation was meant to expand women's opportunities, not to limit them. The self-esteem that has been found in new pursuits can also be found in mothering~Elaine Heffner
She never quite leaves her children at home, even when she doesn't take them along~Margaret Culkin Banning
All mothers are working mothers~
The mother's heart is the child's schoolroom~Henry Ward Beecher
Mother - that was the bank where we deposited all our hurts and worries~T. DeWitt Talmage
A mom forgives us all our faults, not to mention one or two we don't even have~Robert Brault
A man loves his sweetheart the most, his wife the best, but his mother the longest~Irish Proverb
A little girl, asked where her home was, replied, where mother is~Keith L. Brooks
God could not be everywhere, so he created mothers~Jewish Proverb
A mother is the truest friend we have, when trials heavy and sudden, fall upon us; when adversity takes the place of prosperity; when friends who rejoice with us in our sunshine desert us; when trouble thickens around us, still will she cling to us, and endeavor by her kind precepts and counsels to dissipate the clouds of darkness, and cause peace to return to our hearts~Washington Irving
Now, as always, the most automated appliance in a household is the mother~Beverly Jones
When you are a mother, you are never really alone in your thoughts. A mother always has to think twice, once for herself and once for her child~Sophia Loren
One good mother is worth a hundred schoolmasters~George Herbert
The sweetest sounds to mortals given are heard in Mother, Home, and Heaven~William Goldsmith Brown
Mothers are fonder than fathers of their children because they are more certain they are their own~Aristotle
Mother love is the fuel that enables a normal human being to do the impossible~Marion C. Garretty

To the Moon and Back

noreply@blogger.com (Charlie ) — Wed, 08 May 2013 01:30:00 +0000

Almost four years ago we were blessed to be chosen to adopt our beautiful, our precious little angel, our daughter. What's hard to believe is that this picture was taken a little over three years ago!

When we watched the movie 'Joyful Noise', I quickly fell in love with the song To the Moon and Back by Dolly Parton. Soon after I went on ETSY to see if I could find either a bracelet or necklace to get my daughter and I that would fit the title. Happily I did and then later I came across a shop that I could get the same added to key rings for my boys and hubby. Next on the list is MaMaw and PaPaw and her Godfather. Yes, I loved those words that much.

Bracelets found at Chip and Chisel

Key rings-found at Risky Beads.

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Charles Ramsey's Astonishing Rescue

noreply@blogger.com (Charlie ) — Wed, 08 May 2013 00:57:00 +0000

If you didn't see it on the news, heard it on the radio or from others, Charles Ramsey rescued three women. All had been missing for more than a decade! God bless this man!

The situation was so solemn it seemed in poor taste to laugh at any aspect of his heroism but for me he made me smile, even giggle. His excitement, his happiness, his bravery... all made me want to pull him in for a big hug and tell him how sweet he was. Mock the way he talks? Oh no, not I. You see how I write so try to imagine if you heard me out loud!

“I barbecued with this dude, we eat ribs and what not, listen to salsa music.”

“Bro, I knew something was wrong when a little pretty white girl ran into a black man’s arms. Something is wrong here. Dead giveaway.”

“She homeless or she got problems. Only reason she runnin’ to a black man.”

Already a remix!

Anderson Cooper asked if he would like a reward Charles pulled his paycheck out of his pocket. Charles replied, "I get a Paycheck. Give the reward to the girls they rescued."

Sending thoughts and prayers for the girls, for their families, and also their hero!

Before I was a mom

noreply@blogger.com (Charlie ) — Mon, 06 May 2013 01:47:00 +0000

Recipe-Old Fashioned Banana Cake

noreply@blogger.com (Charlie ) — Sat, 04 May 2013 01:49:00 +0000

This recipe was one of the first recipes I asked for from my son's grandmother who got it from her mother and so on. It's pretty easy and because well ripened bananas are used, only half of a cup of sugar is used in the cake.

What you need:

1/2 cup sugar
3/4 cup non-hydrogenated all vegetable shortening
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
3 well ripened bananas
1/4 buttermilk
2 cups all purpose flour
1/4 tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda

What you do:

In a bowl cream sugar and non-hydrogenated all vegetable shortening. Add eggs and beat well. Next add in vanilla, bananas and buttermilk.

In a separate bow mix together flour, salt and baking soda. Pour dry ingredients into the bowl with wet ingredients. Mix well.

Pour into a 9 x 13 greased and floured pan.

Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes or until done.

Brown Sugar Frosting

What you need:

1 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup hydrogenated all vegetable shortening
1/4 tsp salt

What you do:

Add the ingredients for the frosting to a pot and bring to a rolling boil. Do so for ONLY one minute otherwise it will burn.

In the original recipe they didn't set the pot in cool water but instead just removed pot from burner and stir, and stir, and stir, you get the point. That can take a lot of strength and more time than I have so after bringing to a boil I learned to set the pot in cold water to cool; stirring continuously until desired consistency is reached for frosting to be spread. Same process but the cold water helps lessen the time spent doing so.

Let the cake completely cool before spreading the frosting. If this is not done the cake can pull apart in areas and the frosting will start to melt. Frosting will thicken within about 30 minutes.

Here is where the frosting hadn't quite thickened up yet but JMan, my youngest son, just couldn't wait to taste it.

This was after 30 minutes after the frosting was allowed to cool more.

Enjoy!

and so she did

noreply@blogger.com (Charlie ) — Wed, 01 May 2013 14:34:00 +0000

Such a great attitude for a woman to have, don't you think?

In July google reader will no longer be so if you aren't signed up by email, you can follow on BlogLovin

Aging App?

noreply@blogger.com (Charlie ) — Wed, 01 May 2013 01:07:00 +0000

Who on earth would want to get an app that ages you by 30 years? Seems at least one person would and that person is my hubby. He was playing with his tablet and after using the agingbooth app, he sent the results to me.

Before
(He could have at least smiled)

After

Even with the what look to be olive panted wrinkles I thought not bad for a predicted 72 year old. BUT I told him to not ever take my picture to do the same to me because I do NOT care to see that far ahead. That's just crazy.

Never Underestimate a Woman

noreply@blogger.com (Charlie ) — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 19:00:00 +0000

Never Underestimate a Woman

After 37 years of marriage. Jake dumped his wife for his young secretary.

His new girlfriend demanded that they live in Jake and Edith's multi-million dollar home and since the man's lawyers were a little better he prevailed.

He gave Edith his now ex-wife just 3 days to move out. She spent the 1st day packing her belongings into boxes crates and suitcases.

On the 2nd day she had to movers come and collect her things.

On the 3rd day she sat down for the last time at their beautiful dining room table by candlelight put on some soft background music and feasted on a pound of shrimp a jar of caviar and a bottle of Chardonnay.

When she had finished she went into each and every room and stuffed half-eaten shrimp shells dipped in caviar into the hollow of all of the curtain rods. She then cleaned up the kitchen and left.

When the husband returned with his new girlfriend all was bliss for the first few days.

Then slowly the house began to smell. They tried everything cleaning mopping and airing the place out. Vents were checked for dead rodents and carpets were cleaned. Air fresheners were hung everywhere.

Exterminators were brought in to set off gas canisters during which they had to move out for a few days and in the end they even replaced the expensive wool carpeting. NOTHING WORKED.

People stopped coming over to visit. Repairman refused to work in the house.

The Maid quit.

Finally they could not take the stench any longer and decided to move.

A month later even through they had cut their price in half they could not find a buyer for their stinky house.

Word got out and eventually even the local realtors refused to return their calls. Finally they had to borrow a huge sum of money from the bank to purchase a new place.

The ex-wife called the man and asked how things were going. He told her the saga of the rotting house. She listened politely and said that she missed her old home terribly and would be willing to reduce her divorce settlement in exchange for getting the house back.

Knowing his ex-wife had no idea how bad the smell was he agreed on a price that was about 1/10th of what the house ha been worth, but only if she were to sign the papers that very day. She agreed and within the hour his lawyers delivered the paperwork.

A week later the man and his girlfriend stood smiling as they watched the moving company pack everything to take to their new home.

INCLUDING THE CURTAIN RODS :)

Source-https://www.facebook.com/PositivelySistersClub

No cavities and a giveaway!

noreply@blogger.com (Charlie ) — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 18:55:00 +0000

A few weeks ago GG and I did a review of Jack N' Jill Natural Toothpaste and since then she's had her 6 month check up. NO CAVITIES! Whew, always a relief when my youngest son has a filling in each on of his with most having more than one!

She looks like she's a little nervous, doesn't she? It's her third time seeing the dentist so I'm not too sure why especially since they make over her so much. Maybe because the appts are 6 months apart and not remembering that they have a big light that shines down on her like a spotlight.

At separate times both the assistant and the dentist asked her where she got so many pretty teeth. Did she get them at Target or Walmart? "Don't know. Target doesn't sell teeth silly!"

The Dentist told her she had no cavities and when he proceeded to give her the normal dental pack she said "No thank you I have my own. Wow, right? Wouldn't it be grand if a Dentist could recommend a natural toothpaste for kids instead of the other brands?!?

Anyhow, because she liked toothpaste so well that I thought ya'll may like to know that you can enter to win an oral hygiene kit for kids valued at $27. Easy mandatory entry and includes bonus entries as well. The giveaway is being hosted on my other blog, Crazy4Green, so to enter you will need to head on over there. You can find the link HERE.

Ramblings 4 Therapy

noreply@blogger.com (Charlie ) — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 22:00:00 +0000

Step inside, if you dare, to take a brief look at what goes through my mind during a day or two or a week. Be warned, sometimes there's just a bit of TMI shared.

Hubby had a business trip. During that time, as a treat, GG likes to sleep in our bed. We both get excited but for some reason I forget that each and every time she does sleep in my bed, she kicks, talks in her sleep and even wakes up to talk to me. I tossed and turned until after 2 am only to waken again at 5:20 to my hubby’s alarm. BUT during the night hearing GG turn over to say "I love you Mommy" made it all worth while. Hubby is still in trouble for his alarm!! ;)
How many times have you walked into a room to get or do something but forget what it was you meant to get or do??? And sometimes retracing my steps doesn't help! Ugh.
With Dad and GG, I can't work outside the home so I plan on looking more into becoming an independent designer for origami owl.
We ran out of shampoo and I had no more in the closet. Every time I forget to do something or not have some thing needed already on hand in my back up closet, for some reason it makes me feel like I failed in a small way. Silly I know but I used to be prepared for almost anything.
JMan, GG and I were playing hide and go seek. It was my turn to seek so to hear where GG was hiding I turned the radio down :)
Had insomnia two nights in a row. Positive outlook? I got a lot of things done.
Each and every time we use it, sanitizer and hand soap squirts all over! For my husband it goes on his shirt, for me it’s either in my hair, on my shirt, across the room!
Ever get that feeling when the bottom of your feet feel raw or like they're burning? I knew better than to shop on flats no matter how cute they looked!
Mom, mommy, momma, ma and repeat. Love my children but good gracious!
Arms, elbow muscle, thumb joint, back, neck, tingling in legs are making it a pain to do some things again. I’m pretty used to most and learn to deal/not complain too much but lately they are becoming more bothersome. I really need to get back on the anti-inflammation diet. I felt better but it seems to take more time than I have but if I don’t I feel like crud.
Time to cut dad’s fingernails and toenails again. I’m getting pretty good at this! First couple times I tried I was as nervous as a new mom cutting her baby’s nails except instead of being thin they are super thick. Tip-do it after a bath/shower.
There are times I feel like I am grand central station.
GPA says dammit. I say dog gonnit. Now GG say dog dammit. Great.
There are times GPA, my Dad, gets depressed so making him feel better on those days can be a challenge even when I tell him how much he’s loved and wanted here.
In my experience men always think when they get sick they have it much worse when the woman does. Why is that?
It's been six years but this time on my birthday I thought of my mom first how she'd call singing happy birthday to me. Then I thought of my brother how he'd boisterously say “Happy Birthday!”
Who but me catches hair in my door, let alone umpteen times more and in the same day!
Running behind for an appt. It was much later I realized that I had left while still wearing my slippers.
Had to come to an end sooner or later but why couldn't GG waited until later to figure out all the safety devices on doors and locks???

Music-a simple and positive influence

noreply@blogger.com (Charlie ) — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 16:19:00 +0000

Research shows that music has a positive influence on young children’s cognitive skills such as spatial reasoning and memory. An environment involving all the senses, including the auditory sense, can support children’s healthy growth and development.

do better in reading and math when they start school
are better able to focus and control their bodies
play better with others and have higher self-esteem

GG experiences pleasure and joy listening to music, making music and moving to music. Whether she’s singing along to a CD, playing a rhythm instrument or dancing. I love that with very little effort I can make her happy each day just by providing the opportunity to do a little something with music. Music is my first choice to have as background noise in our home and car. Do I take advantage of that by playing music that also teaches her? Darn toot’n! Here are four that were sent for review with three of her favorites included under each. No specific order except the first, SHARE, was her favorite and mine as well.

SHARE!

Recess Music's "Best Foot Forward" series including Someone Else's Shoes, Big Bully, and U R SOME 1 and newly released Share! is all about generosity and gratitude. Recess Music's founder/producer Nancy Doan explains that she decided to focus on sharing because, "Children are not born with an innate concept of sharing; instead, generosity is something we learn. Very young children do not want to share their toys or their Mommy or their food. The only way little ones learn to share is through the encouragement and examples of the adults in their lives." For ages 3 - 11
Recess Music-www.recessmusic.com

GG’s favorites:
Homemade Cookie
Taking Turns
Help Each Other

FAMILY VALUES

Charity and the JAMband, take lovingkindness, compassion, joy, equanimity, patience, understanding, generosity, community, intention, non-harming, gratitude, respect, mindfulness, waking up, truth, and peace for ALL, and wrap them in a powerful musical package with the release of their fourth studio CD, Family Values. They are known for their funky and unforgettable grooves, stick-in-your-head melodies, and lyrics that talk up to kids. A remarkable balance between the music's urgent message and its playful, magical exuberance and joy.
Charity and the JAMband-http://jamjamjam.com

GG’s favorites:
Love Is Here
Ice Cream (GG’s oldest brother liked the rock edge of this one)
You Are My Sunshine.

WHATEVER I WANT TO BE

Whatever I Want To Be features Ilana and the children of Young Avenue Kids singing catchy, original lyrics set to well-loved melodies by Rossini, Hayden, Grieg, von Suppé, and more, providing a joyous introduction to classical tunes that all children should know.

Ilana Melmed-inspired by her children and grandchildren, and motivated by a strong desire to share her passion for classical music with families, Ilana took on the roles of producer, singer, and lyricist for Whatever I Want To Be.

A "family" feeling permeates Whatever I Want To Be with a sense of sharing and belonging and is part of the album's considerable charm. The vivacity of the kids (six of whom are Ilana Melmed's grandchildren) is endearing, not only when they sing, but also when they're heard sharing their enthusiasm and a treasure trove of information through a special eleven-track feature of this CD titled "The Kids Speak About the Composers."
Young Avenue Kids-www.youngavenuekids.com

GG’s favorites:
Clean up time
That’s the way you brush your teeth
Tic toc tic toc

JUMP ON THE BANDWAGON

with

JOANIE LEEDS & THE NIGHTLIGHTS

From funk and blues to country and pop, with even a little hip hop thrown in, this album has a style for everyone! Joanie Leeds voice is smooth and, do I dare say, calming. The entire album was very pleasing to my ear making this album easy for me to listen to as well. In fact, I encouraged it often!
Joanie Leeds is gifted with a soulful, "rock solid" voice and an instinctive knack for capturing the essence of any style she goes for.

The album kicks off in a bluesy groove with a family road trip anthem, "Are We There Yet," and then picks up speed with the fast country-rock "Back to School." For ages 2 - 9
Joanie Leads-http://joanieleeds.com

GG’s favorites:
Are We There Yet?
Little Cloud
Nightlights

What type of music does your child like to listen to?

and there they stood

noreply@blogger.com (Charlie ) — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 21:10:00 +0000

...all nine of them. Look real close at the second picture and you will see.

First there were 7 but when I tried to go get the camera for a better shot, I saw two more came on over and GG opening the sliding doors to yell out "HI!" to them all.

That bottom area is our window. I was trying to take a picture above it so I was standing on my tip toes. Didn't work.

That's when I just held my phone up without being able to see what I was taking a picture of or not.

We love where we live. Over the past year have seen so many animals in our back yard. Rabbits, birds, turkeys, raccoons, coyotes, a wolf (we think), snakes (could do without those) but the same deer have always hung around. Daddy deer has only made his presence known twice but after the fawns were born he must have "moved on". Sometimes at night they move closer to the road. It's those times that I worry about finding one of them lying on the side of the road.

The Parent Rap

noreply@blogger.com (Charlie ) — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 21:06:00 +0000

Have you seen this video yet? It's full of giggles.

Once upon a time I was cool too. At least I think I think I was!

You ever feel like there once was a time, before kids, you were too? I'd like to think I'm still pretty hip, got it going on, fly, rockin... but with that lingo I'm probably not. Pssh, who cares. In my eyes I rule!

Unlikely Dancer and Moves Unlike Jagger

noreply@blogger.com (Charlie ) — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 01:21:00 +0000

Dancers amaze me. They way they can naturally move, the discipline they have...

The first two men made me smile and even do some moves while sitting (I'm best at those). I thought yea, they're good, but nothing unlikely about them. Then steps in the third man... I mean seriously! Did you expect him to break it down like that??? The first two obviously didn't expect it either!

Then I saw another on my Facebook feed. This guys has moves SO unlike Jagger, I know, but I think I'd rather him teach Zumba than the actual instructor! Look at how much fun he was having. Towards the end he really gets into it.

This last one didn't make me laugh but instead think there was no way he
had a single bone in his body.

Quality Time

noreply@blogger.com (Charlie ) — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 17:15:00 +0000

The Need for Quality Time

Why, oh why, didn’t I realize this sooner? Of course I play with her, but not as much as I should and certainly not uninterrupted. She's smart as a whip. GG knew her ABC's forwards and backwards, out of order and so much more before she was 18 months old. Her ability to quickly pick things up only escalated from there. With all intentions to start homeschooling, I bought educational tools to feed this need of hers to learn as much as she could. I loved teaching her, watching her excitement when she started to rattle off the answers. Then one thing after another took bits of time slowly kept me away from the joys of spending one on one time with her.

I feel so blessed that my husband was able to pick up my loss in income making it possible for me to stay at home with her and more recently, to be able to care for my 89 yo Dad. Excluding my own needs, I’m a busy wife, daughter and mom to three with all different needs. There are things that must be done; times when before I know it the day has slipped right on by. I know I shouldn't feel beat myself up over it but there are times that I just can't help it. I'm busier now than than when I worked up to 55 hours a week outside the home! So different from when I stayed at home with my sons. No computer so no email, no paying bills online, websites to search, no social networking... you get the idea.

She is a breath of fresh air, full of happiness, bright eyes and smile and it’s all contagious. I have come to realize that playing with GG, uninterrupted QUALITY time with GG is a much welcomed break from all the stresses in my life. It’s hard to worry about anything that has to be done later when WE are both having so much fun. The conversations we have while playing, the imagination she has, the giggles we share... All good memories, make that amazing memories, that I hope will stay with her forever. I know they will with me.

My hectic schedule, no matter what it entails, has meant a lot less time with my beautiful daughter; my last little one to call me mommy (insert sniffles here). Changing what can be changed should be obvious but not always easily done but the necessity to try harder will benefit not only her, but me as well. Bonding us even closer.

When it comes to raising kids, you get what you give~Robert Bault