Fun At The Farm

This past week the kids and I headed to the farm for the first time in weeks. During the summer I take them to some of the local farms early in the morning before it gets crowded and before it gets too hot.

I enjoy watching the kids run with full abandon while I linger behind taking photos and enjoying the crisp morning air. Its still early enough that the farm hands haven't gone out yet and are doing morning chores. The tractors are being started up, the animals are just being feed and no one is there but us.

Most of the farms have swing sets and slides but in the past year they have started taking them out. I am not sure why this is but there is less and less for the kids to do which means our visits aren't as long as they used to be.


Now, we stay about a half hour to an hour looking at the animals and talking about them.

This particular farm has a wonderful honeybee hive in a class case that is a big sell with my kids. It is fun to watch and the kids always have a lot to say about it.

This week it was hotter than usual and we only stayed about 20 minutes but it was enough time to see everything before heading home, feeling like we had some quality time together.

My Etsy Shop - Street Angel

Dear Readers,

I am proud to unveil my Street Angel shop on Etsy. Over the past year I have hosted some amazing artists who inspired me to take a chance and create something worth selling. I have always felt somewhat creative, dabbling in writing, painting or photography and it has been fun. Now, I am creating jewelry that allows me to feel creative while also being quite therapeutic.

Starting August 13th, I will host a giveaway for my Etsy shop every week for a month. Be sure to come back and see what is being given away!

Goddess Had The Fright Of Her Life

Yesterday, I met up with a friend for the first time this summer. We had been trying to get the kids together for a while and the planets were finally aligned. Or should I say, we finally touched base on the phone.

My daughter loves her daughter and was asking for the past 5 months to see her. Her daughter, let's call her Kitty, will eventually be my Goddaughter whenever it happens but in my heart she is already my daughter. I adore her and so does Goddess.

So, we headed to the park. Ok, they were an hour late and expected lateness because that is the way they roll.

Everyone had a blast, playing, laughing, talking, catching up, swinging, sliding, running, climbing, bouncing. We did it all!

Then we headed to the lake. It was a beautiful, relaxing day. The kids were playing in the sand and water. I took a thousand and ten pictures and life was great.

I put the camera down and headed into the water where I spotted the biggest damn dead fish I had ever seen. It looked like a shark and was as big as my daughter. It was belly up and floating under the dock. There isn't a picture of it but trust me it was big. I tend to not take pictures of dead things.

The kids were all trying to catch fish in a net off the dock so I told them about the big, dead thing. Everyone at the lake headed over to inspect this huge Muskie. The life guard removed it and all was well.
The kids were kneeling at the edge of the dock with bread and a fish net. My girlfriend and I headed to the end and sat with them.
Everyone took a turn with the net, trying to snag a fish. There is Goddess in the middle.

Well, eventually the girl in brown, snagged a fish and shouted, "I got one!" and all the girls did what girls usually do, they screamed. The girl with the fish walked in a circle dripping water everywhere which sent my girlfriend screaming because the fish water was about to drip on her. All of this commotion, took about 10 seconds but in that 10 seconds from the first scream, my daughter screamed and tried everything in her little 4 year old power to get away. With all the screaming she didn't know what to expect beside the fish in the net with dripping water. I was holding my beautiful, expensive camera on a dock surrounded by water, so I held the camera above my head and grabbed onto Goddess' life vest to keep her from jumping off the dock in her fright. My girlfriend said, "Come here baby" but I knew that if I just had the fright of my life I would want my Mommy so I asked her to please take my camera. I snatch a very shaking Goddess up who was sobbing uncontrolobly at this point into my arms and walked off the dock. As we walked she sobbed and tried to say, "it was so scary mommy" over and over.

I have never in my life seen someone so afraid. Looking back now, I see the fright in her eyes and feel bad that I ever saw that look on her face. The crying, sobbing, shaking, lasted 45 minutes. There was no consoling her. She was scared to death and nothing I could say would make it better. It was frigtening to me as well because at one point I thought this is one of those times that people take others to a doctor for a shot to calm them down.

During the moments that I was able to get actual words from her she told me that the fish spit at her. I tried to tell her that when the girl was spinning in circles with the fish in the net, water dripped on her face. She swears still that the fish spit at her. When I couldn't calm her down I asked if she wanted me to called her daddy.

I want her to always know she can go to him for anything. I never had a father who I knew was there for me and would wipe away my fears. I have always brought her to him for comfort after I comfort her because I think it is important for little girls to know their Daddy is their hero. Hopefully it will make her aim high when her time comes to choose a man to be with the rest of her life.

When he answered I told him what happened, she couldn't talk to him but as the phone was ringing she asked me to tell him that the fish had spit at her.

He tried to tell her that the fish didn't spit and that the fish just wanted to go back in the water, but I over speaker told him to just tell her everything was going to be ok. That was what she needed to hear from him.

She begged to leave, "mom-my c-c-c-c-caaaa-nnnn we g-g-g-gooo h-ooo---me?"

I told her of course and headed for the car. Kitty was concerned that Goddess would never talk to her again and that she was made at her. I assured her that it wasn't her and that Goddess was upset about the fish. When we finally closed the car doors and no one was around she sobbed out loud instead of the quiet sobbing she had been doing. It was the saddest thing to drive and not be able to hold her. I drove straight to her daddy's office which was only 5 minutes away and had Handsome go knock on the door.

Teach came out and came to the passenger window trying to talk to Goddess from across the car. I told him that she needed him to hold her and he took her out of her car seat and together we all headed into the office.

He held her as she cried and eventually she started to talk about the dead fish and how big it was.

Finally 45 minutes later, she was talking, smiling and laughing.

Ahhhhhh....peace at last.

I Worked At Kmart

"Attention, Kmart Shoppers, we are having a Blue Light Special in our Ladies Wear Department!"

That was me in 1985 when I worked for Kmart. I am honestly not sure if they still run Blue Light Specials but back in the day, watch out! The moment I started walking that blue light to the section of the floor where the deal was being held, you would think I was the Pied Piper. Everyone followed.

10 Ways to Transition from Summer Vacation to a New School Year: Quick Click | Scholastic.com

10 Ways to Transition from Summer Vacation to a New School Year: Quick Click | Scholastic.com

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The Queens Meme #4

1. The Weather Channel: Give me your personality forecast. Are you sunny, wet, windy, or cloudy? Why? I am feeling a bit cloudy. I had to put the kids to bed tonight alone after my husband being home most of the summer in the evening.

2. The News Channel: What is the breaking news story of the day in your world? Beating your child at his favorite Wii game will cause an tantrum that could result in some tears.

3. The Economic Channel: How are things on the economic front? And more importantly, do you have ideas to save the planet from financial ruin? Things on the economic front suck! I thought it was hard before but every time we have our chin above water, they open the dam! The only thing that will save the planet will be to allow dirt to be considered currency.

4. The Entertainment Channel: Give us the latest blog celebrity gossip. Dish it! Emma Watson of Harry Potter fame is the new face of Burberry

5. The Sports Channel: Make up a sport, give your team a name and choose five players from the list of names on the Mr. Linky list. What are the rules of the game? Oh good lord, I have no idea. This will take too much brain power of which I am lacking at the moment.

6. The Comedy Channel: How will you make us laugh today? Tell us a blunny (that's blog + funny for all you non-blog speakers) Sadly, I have nothing to say. So I am stealing a forward my Aussie friend sent me:

Words for Women to Live By :)

1. Aspire to be Barbie - the bitch has everything.

2. If the shoe fits - buy them in every color.

3. Take life with a pinch of salt... A wedge of lime, and a shot of tequila.

4. In need of a support group? - Cocktail hour with the girls!

5. Go on the 30 day diet. (I'm on it and so far I've lost 15 days).

6. When life gets you down - just put on your big girl panties and deal with it.

7. Let your greatest fear be that there is no PMS and this is just your personality.

8. I know I'm in my own little world, but it's ok. They know me here.

9. Lead me not into temptation, I can find it myself.

10. Don't get your knickers in a knot; it solves nothing and makes you walk funny.

11. When life gives you lemons in 2009 - turn it into lemonade then mix it with vodka.

12. Remember where ever there is a good looking; sweet, single or married man there is some woman tired of his bullshit!

13. Keep your chin up, only the first 40 years of parenthood are the hardest.

14. If it has Tires or Testicles it's gonna give you trouble.

15. By the time a women realizes her mother was right, she has a daughter who thinks she's wrong.

7. The Religious Channel: Make up a blog religion. Tell us why your blog church will save our souls. My religion is the Live and Let Live Attitude. There is room for all kinds on this planet, just do your own thing and don't judge others who don't do you thing. It is plain and simple. Check yourself and don't worry about what anyone else is doing. Easy Pasey!

8. (but who's counting?) The Soap Opera Channel: What is the name of your soap opera? 24/7 with Kids and Still Sober!

Mellow Yellow Monday

At the park they have these awesome telephone type thinga magigs. My son loves having someone talk to you from across the park. He mostly just says, "what are you doing?"

Fairy Hunter's Ink by Sheila A. Dane

Last month I got was given the chance to review a book called Fairy Hunter's Ink by Sheila A. Dane. First, obviously, the art work is amazing. What is not to love about that sweet, cherubic face on the cover? But then you start reading you you are transported to another place.

Reading it out loud was so much fun. The voice of Laura is fun and sweet as she tells us about her little friend, 5 year old Ashley and the rest of the Fairy Hunters, a rabbit and a turtle.

The story is sweet and if someone doesn't make this a movie it would be a great disappointment. Very sweet story that would make a great bedtime story to be passed down for generations.

As an x-Poughkeepsian, I love the Poughkeepsie reference.

This book also cleared up quite a few things for me. Did you guys know that there were button fairies? I had no idea, I will be spending the next few weeks reinforcing all of my buttons. One fact that I had assumed all along but had no proof until now, was that all pockets have fairies until the pocket gets a hole and the fairy falls out.

Oh and finally we now know why so many socks go missing! Fairies usually steal the sock that matches their coloring. Ahhhh...now I know and so do you!
Have you ever wondered why your child's clothes, or even your own, always end up on the closet floor? Or why your socks go missing from your laundry? Or why ants inevitably show up at your picnics? If you want the answer to these and many other vexing questions, then "Fairy Hunters, Ink." is the book for you. All this and more await you as you follow the adventures of the intrepid band of Fairy Hunters made up of a little girl named Ashley, her friend Big Rabbit, and their fellow companion, Turtle. You will discover which fairy hates to fly, what Teacup Fairies eat, and the favorite games of the Mud Puddle Fairy. And you’ll delight to the the dry, amusing voice of Laura, the narrator whose age is uncertain, but whose gentle management of occasional conflict among the band’s members teaches wisdom and tolerance in a way that children can fully understand.

In A Nutshell: A book you won't mind reading to your children before bed. I love reading it out loud and doing voices for all the characters. You will too!

Books for Girls 10-15

Last month I received a copy of All that Glitters and Truth Or Dare. These books are part of the Scenario Series where you get to pick the ending. You decide how the path the character makes. Truth or Dare (Source) Lindsay Martin is faced with a tough choice: Does she give in to peer pressure and make her friends happy or does she do what she knows is right—even if it means losing her friends forever? Tween readers make the choice in this interactive story and see how the consequences change Lindsay’s life. Includes a contract and prayer to remind the reader of the importance of making godly decisions. This book deals with a situations involving peer pressure, alcohol, disobedience, sneaking around and lying. All that Glitters (Source) Drew Daniels finally has what she thought she wanted—popularity and a cute boyfriend. But now she’s faced with choosing between pleasing her boyfriend and doing what’s right. Tween readers make the choice in this interactive story and see how the consequences change Drew’s life. Includes a contract and prayer to remind the reader of the importance of making godly decisions. This book looks at peer pressure, drug & alcohol use, lying and purity.

Note from Maria: These books obviously deal with some tough situations as stated above, please use your discretion. Only you know your girls and what they should read. The books are written for ages 10-15 but know your child.

My 13 year old niece Samantha (that's her above) came to spend the weekend with me and noticed my pile of books to review. When she asked if she could help, I handed her Truth or Dare. She read it in a day. Then she moved onto All That Glitters and read that one just as quickly. On her way home she wrote up the review and text'd it to me. Here is her take, in her words.

My review on the book was it was good and showed how sometimes it seems right to go with the rest of the group but that its better to not give in to peer pressure. and it was very realistic it could happen to any one. and it may be hard because all your friends are doing it but in the long run you would be very proud of yourself and it shows how you have really grown up . the book overall was inspirational sometimes I give in to peer pressure but most of the time i surround myself with people that love me and wouldn't do that to me because they understand what i am comfortable with and what I am not. These books are great for anyone to read and see how hard it is for someone to face a choice that really isnt easy. I love that I was able to choose the path and enjoyed the stories. I never read anything like this and it was great to be able to select the ending.

Learn about the Scenarios series HERE. Order your copy of Truth or Dare or All that Glitters. Decisions, decisions! How is a girl supposed to choose? Lessons of right and wrong are put to the test in the Scenarios series, where you can test your decision-making abilities in an eye-opening, but safe, way. Each book follows a character up to the point where she has to make an important, life-changing decision—then it’s your turn to choose. Will your choices lead to a happy ending?

What Samantha did get to check out was the fabulous site by Nicole O'Dell for Scenarios For Girls. Click the Pretty Daisy above and you will be transported to the site. This is the perfect site for young girls. I hope that it is still around when my daughter is old enough to be on the computer. I will be mentioning it to all my mom friends whose daughter's are within the age range. Love it! Here is the schedule for the Scenario For Girls Website.

Back To School Giveaway - School Lunch

It's funny, those Box Tops that are on a lot of packaged food these days were never noticed by me or my husband before kids. About two years ago, when my son started preschool, I started putting a little baggie on a hook above my kitchen counter. Whenever I was about to throw out a box, I'd check for Box Tops and if there were any, I put it in the bag and when full, bring it to the library, school or post office. Everyone seems to have a Box Top collection box.

Sunday Stealing: The Alpha Meme

My roommate and I once: headed down the Jersey Shore where I proceed to video tape every hot random guy we saw, talking with them or just hootin and shouting at them. "Yeah baby, oooooohhhhhhh yeahhhhhhh." I laugh now when I look at the video because most of the guys really weren't all that hot but we did get some invitations to parties for that night which of course we didn't take them up on. We were just a bunch of teases in short cut offs and tiny belly shirts.

Never in my life have I: kissed a girl. The thought is pretty repulsive.

High school was: A blur. I moved around a lot and attended 3 different schools during my high school years making it hard to acclimate to any of them.

When I’m nervous: I tend to get quieter as if that is even possible.
My hair: is long and always has been except for one brief moment in my life when I had it cut really boy short. It used to get a lot of attention from women when I was younger who loved it. "so thick and beautiful." Now it needs coloring every 4 weeks. One of the worst parts about getting older right now is the grey hair. Going to be 43 this month, still feel young but the hair is starting to change color in the root area and there is nothing I can do about it. Men look good with grey highlights, women....not so much....Grrrr....

When I was 5: I loved all things Barbie.

When I turn my head left: I see out my dining room window and it is wet and crappy out there.

I should be: relaxing, reading or playing with the kids but here I sit filling out a meme that in the long run will contribute nothing to my life but feels satisfying at the moment.

By this time next year: I hope to be at least 5 pounds lighter because I will have more 15 hours a week to myself once the kids go to school. This past school season I only had 5 hours a week of alone time. 5 hours spread over 7 days = no alone time.

My favorite aunt is: Sadly, I don' t have a favorite aunt. My mom and my dad only had brothers. My dad's brother is the only one who married but we haven't been in touch in years. Two phone calls in the span of 18 years doesn't really equate to a relationship. My favorite aunt is probably a friend's aunt. Aunt Maxine rocks!

I have a hard time understanding: Why people smoke. There seem to be so many better ways to relieve stress. It is an expensive, unhealthy habit that I wish would just go away. It is hard to protect my children's beautiful healthy pink lungs when there are people smoking around them. It smells, stains your teeth, makes your skin look older and can kill you. With all of that it is sometimes shocking that people still smoke. It is one of those things that I wish I could be more opened minded on and before I had children, I had more of a live let live attitude about it. But now that they are here and I don't want them exposed to it, I feel stronger about the no smoking laws.

You know I like you if: I like everyone. It takes a lot for me not to like someone but if I don't speak to you, you can establish that I don't care for you. I don't know how to make nice, smile and shoot the breeze if I have no respect for you.

My ideal breakfast is: Typical American breakfast. Eggs, meat, potatoes and toast!

If you visit my home town: You will see that we have a lot of water.

If you spend the night at my house: You will not be allowed to sleep past 7:00 a.m. My kids are early birds and they can be quiet for a while but when you wake at 6:30 it is hard to stay in one room for long. It is a small house.

The animal I would like to see flying besides birds: I would prefer that all bigger animals stay on the ground. Birds can't control their poop and there is always the possibility of poop on your head. Bigger animals = bigger poop!

I shouldn’t have been: On this computer, taking this meme for the past 15 minutes while the kids ask for drinks.

Last night I: Made 2 bracelets and posted them on my Etsy shop (which opens on August
13th)

A better name for me would be: Ohhhh, this question is always so hard for me. I like my name and since it is the name my parents gave me, it is the perfect name for me.

I’ve been told I look like: Over 18 years ago I used to hear Susanna Hoffs, now I hear I look like my mother from family members.

If I could have any car, it would be: Something that runs, gets loads of miles to the gallon and is paid off!

Let Your Child Travel The World From Home

Last week we received this amazing package from Little Passports to try out! This is called the Explorer Kit and comes with the suitcase, a map of the world, a passport, a letter from "Sam", stickers, a boarding pass with online codes, a picture of Sam and Sofia and an activity page. All of this sells for $10.95. Such a great price when you realize how that it costs about the same as two happy meals from a fast food joint.

The story is that Sam, while visiting his Aunt finds a scooter that takes him to whatever location he wants. He lets his friend Sofia in on his discovery and together they decide to travel the world and write letters to their pen pals (your child). They will also send them little souvenirs from the places they visit, pictures, stickers for the suitcase and map marker stickers so you can track their travels.

Every month your child will receive a package similar to this.

My in-laws moved back to their home country this summer and it has been a great way to talk more about where they are. They now know where Spain, New Zealand and Australia are along with the United States where they know New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, California and Florida.

This is a great way to show your kids that the world is a lot bigger than their own back yard. Beside the fact that kids love getting mail (each package is address to your child), they will learn about their world and have a fun way to experience traveling through their new friends Sam and Sofia.

My daughter was so happy that Sam and Sofia sent them all these cool things that she made them a picture that she wants me to send them. I'll have to work on the answer to that one. "I made them this beautiful picture, because they sent us all these cool things."


I really love this product and will sign on so that my children continue to receive the packages from Sam and Sofia.

Great idea for your child, your niece or nephew or any child you need to get a gift for. I think this is also a great idea for teachers to do with their class as a group. What a fun way to learn geography and explore the world.

Little Passports is dedicated to helping children around the world. A proceed of your subscription will go to various charities impacting the lives of children everywhere.

Photo Hunters - Entertainment

This week Photo Hunters asked for pictures of entertainment. No matter how old kids get, refrigerator magnets are always a hit. One of the best investments ever. These letters helped my kids learn their alphabet, learn three letter words, cat, dog, ate, etc, and the letter sounds. They are still on the refrigerator, albeit some are missing, but they still love them and spend a great amount of time playing with them.