Thursday, April 30, 2009

Memories Through Photography - Birdwatcher

We got our Sinupret win the other day and the kids were ecstatic. It came with these cute little binoculars. My daughter played with them all morning but when I finally open the sliders and said she could go out she tossed them aside and went on the deck. She was out for about an hour when she quickly came in, ran around searching, found the tossed aside binoculars, and pushed past me saying, "watch out, I've got birdwatching to do."




Thursday Thunks

1. What color is your front door? It is, peeling paint white

2. We discussed our folks in previous TT so now tell me about your siblings. If you are an only child, tell me whether or not you wanted siblings, older, younger etc. I was the oldest of three. I have two sisters younger than me. One is only 11 months younger and we are close. We have very different personalities but I adore her. The other is 3 years younger and we are not close at all. I don't know her at all. We haven't spoken in over 4 years and before that another 2. There was never a fall out, we just don't speak. A lot of my new friends are shocked to hear I have a two sisters because she is never mentioned.

3. What color/type butterfly is your favorite? I love all butterflies but I am partial to the Painted Lady

4. Will you be celebrating Cinco De Mayo? Not a celebratory kinda way.

5. Oprah- love her, hate her, or don't care? I used to be able to say without a doubt, Love her. I haven't watched her in over a year so now I am more of a "don't care" kinda fan.

6. Are you worried about the spread of swine flu? I try not to spend time worrying about things I have no control over.

7. Hard or soft pillows? Pillows! I don't care really. As long as there is a pillow under my head, I will make do.

8. How many trees are in your neighbor's yard? Which Neighbor?

9. What was the color of the last car you saw? Why? Green!

10. When does your driver's license expire? Ummmm...maybe I should check that out. For all I know it is expired right now.

11. Look at the clock on your computer and type the numbers backwards. 133 (why?)

12. When you put your pants on, what leg do you put in first? I couldn't tell you. Is this a personality profile question?

13. How would you respond to this letter if you were an advice columnist.
I am an ugly woman. I was an ugly baby and child even! It is a fact. I am 36 now and I have never had a boyfriend, and I am still a virgin.

Due to me not having men in my life, I have poured everything I have in to education and my career. At 36 I am the youngest (and first female CEO) at a big, successful, tech company. I have over 200 personal patents and millions of pounds in investments.

I have everything: huge house, holiday villa in Spain, 3 cars, power boat, a race horse, etc. but as much I try to talk myself into everything being “great” I cannot help but to miss that special someone to share it all with.

Most of my friends are married with kids and I feel like I am gradually drifting away from them also.

Where can I find someone to marry an ugly woman?

Depending on the mag I work for, I have two submissions.
Why would you want someone to marry an ugly women? Someone should want to marry YOU! Ugly, pretty, rich, poor, smart or stupid, successful or a failure. Be yourself and your inner beauty will shine through.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Girl, are you just ugly or is your body bad too? I have seen a lot of ugly women with husbands. If you have a great rack, dress those girls up and showcase them. Show off your best assets and the men will come running.

Or, walk into a bar or better yet these days, the stock exchange with a bag over your head, fan out the money and announce, "ugly, rich women, looking to share her homes, speed boat, and cars with someone". You will have your pick of men!! You better work it Giiiirrrlll!!!!!!

Look What I Found Thursday - Edition 7

I would like to share with you "pearls of the Internet" on my radar for the week.

1-800 Flowers has some incredible Mother's Day Deals. 30 gifts under $30.00.
1-800-FLOWERS.COM

How pretty! I love all that pink. So cute. I have always used 1-800 Flowers to send to my Grandma and Mother-in-law.



Get one FREE issue of Taste of Home. If they like the magazine, they can also subscribe for a full year for just $10. Click here to redeem this special offer.

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A Thousand Words Thursday - Where Are All The Eggs?

This is my Goddess searching the field for some Easter eggs. She was having trouble finding them. The grass was tall and the other kids were much bigger. She managed to find 4 and I found 2 for her at the end. This picture just looks so sad to me.

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Glamour Poll Results Are In And Kids Buy Because Miley Is On The Cover #mileycyrus

This week I asked, Is 13 too young, to read Glamour magazine? The reason was because my 13 year old niece had it with her the last time I saw her.

The results:
71% think 10-12 is too young
35% think 13-15 is too young
4% think 16-18 is too young.

Today, I had a chance to speak with her about the magazine. When I asked if she purchased it because Miley was on the cover she said, "yes".

When I asked if she read the articles, she said, "yes."

I asked if she felt the articles were appropriate for her age and if she felt Miley should be on the cover? She said, "in Miley's article it says something about how this is her first women’s magazine cover and talks about her Vanity Fair photo shoot".

That is when I got angry. There was so much controversy over Miley's Vanity Fair photo of her wearing a sheet and the supposed provocative shot of her and her Daddy.


This is so crazy to me, Miley wasn't on this the cover of Vanity Fair in June 2008 when her "con traversal photos" appeared. So, children (my niece included) didn't feel compelled to purchased the magazine. BTW...here is the cover. Are Miley fans going to purchase this magazine based on the cover?


Let's fast forward this post ....Glamour cover, Miley...looking beautiful, young, wholesome and fun. The cover, colorful and yes, enticing to her very young fans.

Yes, Miley is dressed in these pictures. She looks full of energy, young and very ingenue. A big difference from Vanity Fair's photoshoot. But!!!!!!! The articles that her fans now have access to....are disturbing.

Go here for the articles that my niece and many of Miley's young, impressionable fan base can now educate themselves on.


So I ask, Why is it OK to put Miley on the cover of a magazine like Glamour with it's sexual content but not OK, to have her wear a sheet in an artsy photo taken by Annie Leibovitz?

Maria's Space Last Mother's Day Giveaway This Year

Mother's are very special people.
They are warm, caring, loving, nurturing, funny, optimistic and beautiful!

As we come to the end of April, Claudia of Mi Bazaar Latino brings you my last Mother's Day Giveaway of the year!

I know....Wahhhhh...don't be sad though, you will love her products as I do.

Before I show you what Claudia has selected as her Mother's Day offering. I wanted to tell you about her. Well, Claudia is a mom....ok, ok, I'll let her tell you. You know us bloggers, we never know when to stop typing.

"Hi, I am Claudia, a mother of 2 boys and tons of animals who is so lucky to be able to do what I love from home while spending time with my children".

This beauty is called Reflections.

Claudia, how did you get started creating such amazing pieces? "Ever since I was little I have been crafting, sewing, painting, etc... with the full support of my loving grandma. Ever since I can remember I have sold my arts and crafts to family and friends but never thought I could make a living from it until I quit my full time job about 8 years ago and started a floral/wedding business but with the birth of my second child had to stop due to the stressful demand so I started creating jewelry again and it just took off on it's own".

Where do you get your inspiration? "My inspiration comes from my floral garden plus Frida Kahlo and her love of flowers that adorn her hair and clothes".
This is one of the romantic pieces that drew me in. This is called Treasured Memories

What do you love most about what you do? "I just love the fact that I can stay at home with my boys and at the same time make a living from my jewelry and hairclips."

Does this say Summer or what? This colorful cuff is called Tropicana Fun

In 10 years, I want "I would love evolve my jewelry and take silver-smithing classes and to continue be as happy as I am now by the beach."

Don't think she is just about jewelry, this one of her amazing hair adornments.

Interested????
Beautiful???
OK,

Now for the Giveaway Details:

Prize Description: Claudia of Mi Bazaar Latino has offered to give one of my lucky readers, the beautiful pair of earrings below.
Esperance - Vintage Earrings

How to Enter: Visit Mi Bazaar Latino then come back and tell which one of her amazing pieces is your personal favorite! (If this rule is not followed you will be disqualified).

Deadline: May 13, 2009 by Midnight

Do You Want More Entries? (PLEASE NOTE: YOU DO NOT NEED TO LEAVE A COMMENT FOR EACH SEPARATE ENTRY. LEAVE ALL YOUR ENTRIES IN ONE COMMENT. I GO THROUGH EACH COMMENT AND I WILL ADD THE ADDITIONAL ONES TO MY SPREADSHEET).
*Favorite Mi Bazaar Latino on Etsy

*Make a purchase on Mi Bazaar Latino and get two extra entries

* Blog about this contest and link back to me (provide the link in the comment).

*Add me to your blogroll

*Follow me on Twitter , Tweet this and leave the link.

* Subscribe to Maria's Space (if already a Maria's Space VIP "subscriber", please let me know how you receive my feed).

* Post my button on your sidebar



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A winner will be chosen by Random.org and notified within 2 days. You will have 3 days to claim your prize or another winner will be chosen.

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Wednesday Weirdness


1. Is there a particular smell that turns you on? If so what is it? There are so many. I don't like bad body funk. I also don't like the smell of garbage after you throw bananas in it. Not that I like garbage anyway but after a banana, watch out.

2. Have you ever tried or considered trying a Master Cleanse type method to lose weight? Never

3. When you browsing a book store for reading material, do you find yourself checking out a book solely based on the cover design? Of course. Usually I read the back and put it down. The cover more often than not, is just a good marketing tool.

4. Which 80's trend were you least happy to see come back this year; big shoulder pads or neon? Are they back? Where have I been?

5. How long do you think could you disappear for until someone would notice your absence and start looking for you? I have two kids under 6. I can't disappear for 12.8 seconds before someone calls me. Outside my children? Probably longer than I would care to even know.

6. Have you ever walked out of a movie and asked for your money back? Which movie(s) and why? I think I may have walked out of a movie I don't remember. Did we ask for our money back? Ummm...I don't recall.

7. Have you ever changed your plans because of something you read in your horoscope? Nope. I'm loco sometimes but not about horoscopes.

Wordless Wednesday - The Beautiful Botanicals

Hit the button above to join in WW this week.

A Writing Contest and An Autographed Book Oh My!

You may recall my review of the adorable children's book, entitled Lily P. Badilly. You can see it here. My children loved this book. It comes complete with beautiful illustrations, a great story, funny characters and a CD that brings the characters to life. We still listen to the CD and my children's school has borrowed the book and CD twice already.

As if this great book isn't exciting enough, the folks over at Smart Poodle Publishing have been extremely busy. Check out their blog. They recently launched a really cool, contest in writing and art for grade K through 5.

When they told me about this, I couldn't be more excited. I have some talented nieces and nephews who certainly, should be entering...yes kiddies I am talking to you and your auntie wants to see what you can come up with.

The contest is called:
I Love Costa Rica’s Rain Forest! Young Travel Writers and Artists Contest


All prizes were donated by Rand McNally’s online store at www.RandMcNally.com

Here are the details:

Young Travel Writers Contest - This is a great summer project for children. It will keep them reading and learning.

Children from 5K through 5th Grade are invited to submit original stories and artwork to our I Love Costa Rica’s Rain Forest! Contest

First Place Winners in three grade categories (5K-1st grade, 2nd-3rd grade, 4th-5th grade) will each receive these three prizes (Value listed):

* Rand McNally Personal Journeys World Pinable Wall Map
($84.99)
* Rand McNally Hard Bound World Atlas ($24.95)
* Kids' Travel Activity Bundle ($15.80)


Second Place Winners in three grade categories (5K-1st grade, 2nd-3rd grade, 4th-5th grade) will each receive these two prizes (Value listed):

* Rand McNally Traveler Series Kids Illustrated Wall Map
 ($64.99)
* Kids' Travel Activity Bundle ($15.80)


Third Place Winners in three grade categories (5K-1st grade, 2nd-3rd grade, 4th-5th grade) will each receive this prize (Value listed):

* World Knowledge Bundle ($22.90)


About the Essay
* The story should a real or imaginary travel adventure set in the Costa Rican rainforest.

* Read all you can about the plants, animals and natural environment (including preservation) of Costa Rica’s Rain Forest online and at your local library. Start with the Lilly Badilly website. www.lillybadilly.com/costarica.htm. Make sure you can find the country of Costa Rica on a map!

* In your story, include info about the real plants, animals, and natural environment of Costa Rica’s Rain Forest.

About the Artwork
* Draw, color or paint a picture (using any medium i.e. crayon, pencil, markers, paint) to submit with your essay.

* Your picture should be completed on an 8.5” X 11” sheet of paper & must be mailed to Smart Poodle Publishing along with Entry Form.

For a complete list of contest rules and how to enter please head over here.

Debbie, the voice of Lily P. Badilly, oh wait, here she is speaking at a school in her Lily costume; has some really exciting news for my readers...

One lucky Maria's Space reader is going to receive their very own, autographed copy of Lily P. Badilly.

How to Enter: Visit Smart Poodle Publishing check out what they are doing over there, then come back and let me know who will receive the book and why you think they will enjoy it. (If this rule is not followed you will be disqualified).

Deadline: May 12, 2009 by Midnight

Do You Want More Entries? (PLEASE NOTE: YOU DO NOT NEED TO LEAVE A COMMENT FOR EACH SEPARATE ENTRY. LEAVE ALL YOUR ENTRIES IN ONE COMMENT. I GO THROUGH EACH COMMENT AND I WILL ADD THE ADDITIONAL ONES TO MY SPREADSHEET).
* Blog about this contest and link back to me (provide the link in the comment).

*Add me to your blogroll

*Follow me on Twitter , Tweet this and leave the link.

* Subscribe to Maria's Space (if already a Maria's Space VIP "subscriber", please let me know how you receive my feed).

* Post my button on your sidebar



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A winner will be chosen by Random.org and notified within 2 days. You will have 3 days to claim your prize or another winner will be chosen.

Tree and Grass Allergies, Are Causing Quite A Stir


My kids are allergic to trees and grass and this time of year is pretty bad for them.

Today the pollen count was a very unhealthy 11.8 out of 12. The kids are fairing better than I would ever be.

We take a lot of allergy meds here. I wanted to mention that Claritin® is currently offering promotions on their Children's Claritin® product:
  • Children's Claritin® Grape Chewables are now available in a bonus pack, with 10 FREE grape chewables — for 10 free days of allergy relief..
  • Children's Claritin® Grape Flavored Syrup also now comes with a package of 5 FREE Chewables — for 5 free days of allergy relief
A full line of allergy relief
And there are plenty of great ways to help relieve a child's worst allergy symptoms no matter what type of medication they prefer. I have one who will not take anything liquid. Thank God for the Grape Chewables. She actually comes over asking for them.
  • Children's Claritin® Grape Chewables (for kids age 2 and up) —provides powerful non-drowsy relief of your kid's worst allergy symptoms in a great-tasting chewable
  • Children's Claritin® Grape Flavored Syrup (for kids age 2 and up) — provides powerful all day relief without drowsiness in a great tasting, dye-free syrup
  • Claritin® RediTabs® tablets (for kids age 6 and up) — instantly dissolving tablet your child can take anywhere, with or without water*

  • Click here for a $2.00 coupon

Memories Through Photography - The Sibs

Here are my two babies. One is now, just 4 and the other going on 6 next month. It is crazy just how fast it all goes.

I love playing with my photos on Picnik. They have such great tools to enhance your photos. The first picture is just kind of ok. It's too busy with all the distracting elements in the background. The second one I used one of my favorite Picnik features, called Ortonish. I have no idea what or who the hell Orton was but love the results.

In this photo I had asked them to stand together for a picture. For some reason, they got the stand together concept but never looked at me.

Oh well, it's cute anyway.

Monday, April 27, 2009

The Simple Women's Daybook - April 27, 2009


For Today...April 27, 2009
Outside my window... Sunny and hot but not as hot as yesterday. The buds are all in bloom and it is getting quite green almost overnight.

I am thinking... This time of year kills my kids. They have the worst allergies to trees and grass and both are suffering.

From the learning rooms... Learning to hit the ground runny.

I am thankful for... friends who tell me I am always positive.

From the kitchen... Not hungry today.

I am wearing... Capri jeans and a purple t-shirt.

I am reading... How I Got To Be The Person I Am, and Twilight

I am hoping... My business cards come in this week.

I am creating... A mess with all these clothes I pulled out of storage. I need to wash all this stuff.

I am praying... peace

Around the house... Tons of winter clothes and summer clothes that need to transition.

One of my favorite things... listening to music. I had given it up for a while when the kids were little but now that I have my Sirius MP3 player, I have fallen in love again.

A few plans for the rest of the week... Catch up, catch up, catch up

Here is a picture I thought I would share with you...

Music Monday - Butterfly Kisses

This song makes me cry every time I hear it.

This is the song I danced to with my Daddy at my wedding over 12 years ago. Now that I have a daughter of my own, I cry for a different reason.

Get Ready For Summer Giveaway Winner

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:
31
Timestamp: 2009-04-28 01:35:05 UTC
YZgirl4 said... They also have foot spray. This would be great for us. We are always out in the sun and need the protection. I follow your blog, Subscriber.
Congratulations! You should receive an email from me tonight. If you don't get it please email me.
Thank you to everyone who entered the Kinesys Get Ready For Summer Giveaway.

Yummy Mother's Day Giveaway - Tine Temptations

Mother's are very special people.
They are warm, caring, loving, nurturing, funny, optimistic and beautiful!

I am so excited about this giveaway because it is my first yummy, sweet treat in my Mother's Day Giveaway.

Introducing, drum roll please.......................ratatatatatatatatatatat


Meet Melissa of Tine Temptations. She has a big heart as a nurse and in her spare time makes, sweet, tasty treats for us to eat. While surfing one day, with a growling belly, (never a good idea) I came across her Mini Marshmallows.

Mini Marshmallows, in sprinkle dipped but she also has them in Peanuts, Heath, Crushed graham cracker, Nerds, Chocolate shavings, & Oreo's

I had a chance to interview Melissa, here is my conversation with her:

Tell us a little about yourself? I'm an ICU Cardiac nurse I've been doing it for about 3 years. I've been baking ever since I was old enough to get in the kitchen and help my mom. I also started sewing at a young age. I've always enjoyed crafts and creating things. During college I worked at JoAnn Fabrics and did a few craft shows selling my purses to make some extra cash. Today I find baking a sewing a good outlet to relax from my intense and stressful work life.

Oh my good Lord, would you look at these Mini S'mores Cupcakes

What inspires you? Lots of things inspire me. If I see something in the stores my mind starts thinking of ways I can recreate it with my own style. I can spend hours in Michaels and JoAnn Fabrics. (A women after my own heart. I could totally max out my cards in those craft stores).
This is a cupcake, people! Beautiful isn't it??? This is Mother's Day Cupcake Bouquet

What other crafts do you love? I also love to knit and scrapbook. I find knitting very relaxing.

What are your favorite things to make? I love making cupcakes! They can always put a smile on someones face! There are so many different flavors you can combine and you can use creativity in decorating them!

Where do you see yourself in 5 years? In five years I hope that my business will expand locally and on Etsy so that if I'm lucky enough to be a mom in that time, I can be home with my child doing what I love and still be able to supplement my family's income.


Cake for Mom (cake bites)

Melissa, sent me three different samples of her Marshmallow Bites. Please ignore the 4 year old smiling at the top of the photo. She was dying to dig in. I took about 15 photos asking her to please step away from the marshmallows, but she couldn't do it, and stuck her puss in every photo.

After the photo, I took out my little mini Bento Box hearts and put two bites in each heart. 1 for each of us. We ate our fill and couldn't decide on a favorite until we had three servings. I loved the butterscotch, chocolate the best and she loved the sprinkles the best. When I asked why she said "because they are the prettiest." I also love the pink, white and black coloring on the packets. These are great favor ideas for a girl birthday party or a graduation party. Love them!

In A Nutshell: What is not to like about this shop? Beside the yummy edibles, Melissa dabbles in other crafts such as purses, totes, wine glass charms, scarfs and more. It's your one stop shopping site.

Now for the exciting part...a Giveaway!!!

Prize Description: Melissa of Tine Temptations has offered to give not one, but two of my lucky readers, will each receive a purse of Marshmallow Bites.How to Enter: Visit Tine Temptations then come back and tell me what you love about Melissa's site (If this rule is not followed you will be disqualified).

Deadline: May 11, 2009 (My Handsome's Birthday) by Midnight

Do You Want More Entries? (PLEASE NOTE: YOU DO NOT NEED TO LEAVE A COMMENT FOR EACH SEPARATE ENTRY. LEAVE ALL YOUR ENTRIES IN ONE COMMENT. I GO THROUGH EACH COMMENT AND I WILL ADD THE ADDITIONAL ONES TO MY SPREADSHEET).*Favorite Tine Temptations on Etsy

*Make a purchase on Tine Temptations and get two extra entries

* Blog about this contest and link back to me (provide the link in the comment).

*Add me to your blogroll

*Follow me on Twitter , Tweet this and leave the link.

* Subscribe to Maria's Space (if already a Maria's Space VIP "subscriber", please let me know how you receive my feed).

* Post my button on your sidebar


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A winner will be chosen by Random.org and notified within 2 days. You will have 3 days to claim your prize or another winner will be chosen.

Mellow Yellow Monday Meme

Monochrome Maniacs - The Angel


At the botanical gardens yesterday, I couldn't resist this beautiful cherub face.

Book Giveaway - Great Summer Read - The Middle Place by Kelly Corrigan




I was lucky enough to receive a copy of The Middle Place by Kelly Corrigan. I finished it in 3 days and this is with being a mom of 2, a blogaholic, a wife, a friend, starting a new business and reading Twilight. Why was it such a quick read? It is a fantastic book. The kids go to bed at 8:00, I shut the TV off and read.

Let me tell you about Kelly and her story. She was 36 years old, married with 2 kids and wrote a weekly column for a newspaper.

The Middle Place is that overlap between parenthood and childhood. Most of you know that place, the place between your adult duties while caring for your parents. Kelly suddenly notices a lump in her breast one night while bathing with her babies.

In her book, Kelly takes us through her diagnosis, her relationship with her family (she has a wonderful support system), her marriage (her husband Edward should be cloned). The book is wonderfully written with moments of humor. There is no down time and this is the first book I have read that tells me what will happen to me if (God forbid) I ever have to go through radiation treatment. Kelly also filled a void that I had. My mother passed away of cancer. All these years I can only imagine what that must have been like, now I feel I know.

I must admit that I did cry while reading this book. It is not a sad book! What I cried over was the relationship she has with her father. I adore her father George Corrigan. We should all have a George in our lives. Her dad is the main reason she is the women she is today. When George learns that he has another round of late-stage cancer, it is Kelly's turn to take care of the man who always had her back.

Kelly is a wonderful writer. She gave this book a heart and it is actually palpable. Brilliant writer, beautiful memoir.


Kelly is one busy women, check out all these places she is going to be. She just may be at a town near you.

Sunday, April 26, 2009

Please Take My Side Bar Poll

Last week I visited my in-laws house.

While there my niece, who I absolutely adore walked in with all the necessities of a 13 year old girl.
  • A hair straightener
  • A cell phone
  • And Glamour Magazine
The necessity part is of course an assumption on my part but I must admit I was a bit shocked.

Maybe it is because Miley is on the cover, but should Miley be on the cover of Glamour Magazine if her fans are 8-14 year olds?

Don't get me wrong, I love Glamour and have a subscription myself which is why it didn't sit well with me.

Let's go over this months articles together shall we?
Now, I know it's been *hand over mouth* years since I was 13 but.....does anyone under the consensual age need to know any of the bullet points above?

Please take my poll and let me know what you think is the right age. Maybe I'm crazy but I don't think so.

CSE Meeting Knocks Me Out of My Chair

Now that I have had time to calm down I am ready to start writing about my CSE meeting. This is where the Committee on Special Education sits down once a year and discusses my son Handsome.

Where do I start? Well how about here, this is the post where I discuss what happened last year. Last year he was supposed to go to Kindergarten and this post tells you why I decided against it and what the Committee said.

I got the reports from all the therapists and evaluators on Wednesday. I read them each about 4 times like I have every year. Mostly I check for inconsistencies, fudged claims, changes since the evaluation and mostly ridiculousness. This years favorite ridiculousness was this statement:

"Academic Knowledge, is a sampling of Handsome's knowledge of the Sciences, history, geography, government, economics, art, music and literature". I had to laugh. What the hell were they asking him? Who was our first president. Umm...hello people he is in preschool.

Anyway, the report went on to say, "that his performance on Academic Knowledge was below that of the average student in grade K". Well, so as far as I concerned he is below because he is not in Kindergarten! Duh!

I digress, then it goes on to state "that his standard score is within the low average range for his grade and his Academic knowledge is limited". Now for my favorite part: "He will probably find similar grade-level tasks very difficult."

How the hell does this person know this? Does she have a crystal ball because if so, I could use the Pick 6 numbers for this week, I am broke. HE HAS NOT BEEN EXPOSED TO ANY OF THESE ACADEMIC SUBJECTS.

Anway, the reports showed him as 85% average. Much better than last year when he was low on 85% of the reports. Which was the reason I held him out of K this year. I put him in a 5 day a week preschool. Mostly to give him time to catch up socially and verbally. He had a speech delay which is what started the whole process. He was talking (see my speech my ass post here) but there were some folks who were saying he needed to be evaluated. Very first evaluation is here and my first meeting with the committee is here.

This meeting started 35 minutes later than it was supposed to. I walked in telling them I could only give the 25 minutes because I had to pick up my son at 12:00.

It was so rushed. They all read things on the reports out loud and I listened while keeping Goddess happy with crayons.

So, at the end, the leader of the meeting says, Ok, so we are all in agreement that he goes into self contained kindergarten?! They go around the table saying "yes". I stand as I look at the time, I have 8 minutes to get to my son's preschool on time and say as I place my bag on my shoulder and lift Goddess to my hip. "No, I do not agree. Do not put me down as a yes, I will look over these reports again and get back to you." I was livid. I said, "I wanted him mainstream, I held him back for him to go mainstream and get the opportunity to have these Kindergarten teachers. Who will be the teacher?" They tell me they have no idea yet.

I left so pissed off.

First, how dare you. No idea on the teacher! Don't even tell me that this is a possibility? The reason I held him last year was because there was no Self Contained or he would have been in Kindergarten, going into first right in September.

I am assuming that self contained (7-12 students with 3 teachers) is now available and they need to have the numbers in order to show the State why this class needed to come back.

Last year when he was "low" on his evaluations and not even showing up as a 4.2 year old on some things they fought me (see the first link) on it. Now that he is average, right where he needs to be they want him in self contained?!

Grrrr....this is not to say, I will not eventually decide on self contained. This may be the right fit for him, but I am also not ready to take mainstream Kindergarten away. Just like last year, I will sort it all out and make the best decision for HIM. Because, out of the 12 or so people on the committee I am the only one who LOVES him. September is a long way away and I see no reason to make this decision right now!!

Shhhhhhiiiittttttttttttttttttt!!!!!!!

Summer Reads for Kids - The Dragons of Ordinary Farm

As a Harper Collins First Look Member I received an advanced copy of The Dragons of Ordinary Farm by Ted Williams and Deborah Deale, which will be released on June 2, 2009.

When Tyler and his sister Lucinda are sent to live with their "pretty sure he's related to your grandfather, uncle" after their mom decides to go to on a singles retreat, their life gets turned upside down.

When they board a train they are handed a package that says, "Tyler and Lucinda, please pay close attention. It could save our lives." The letter goes on talking about "fire breathing cows" and they wonder just what kind of place their mother is sending them to.

They arrive to Ordinary Farm and find nothing ordinary about it. Between, flying monkeys, staircases going nowhere, load roars, a humongous dinosaur, sea monsters, magical animals, haunted mirrors and more, the siblings begin a quest that brings them closer together and closer to the truth of Ordinary Farm.

In A Nutshell: I loved reading about all oddities at Ordinary Farm. Their discoveries throughout their secret excursions made for a quick and fun read. Great read for ages 9-14 who love fantasy and mystery. At 416 pages this is no kids size book. However, this is one they won't mind going back to again and again. This is a great book for a parent/child book club.

Start stocking up on your kids summer reads now. Pre-order below today!

Show an interest in what your kids are reading and they will read forever.

Happy Reading.

My Botanical Garden Slide Show - Spring is Here

Saturday, April 25, 2009

Sunday Stealing: The Mud Meme



1. What are your current obsessions? Everything Twilight and Robert Pattinson. Sue me, I never said I didn't have an issue.

2. Which item from your wardrobe do you wear most often? My jeans. I only own 3 pairs, so I switch them every few days.

3. What's for dinner? I didn't eat. It was a whatever you want kind of night. One kid had an Eggo and the other had cheese, smiley potatoes and Ritz crackers.

4. Last thing you bought? Food for the week, $130.00 later we didn't even make it through 5 days.

5. What are you listening to? My husband is watching hockey and the sounds of nature, it is hot and every window is open.

6. If you were a god/goddess who would you be? I already am a Goddess, so I would be me. Tada

7. Favorite holiday spots? My house and taking the kids for their Santa photo at the mall.

8. Reading right now? Side Yard Superhero, Michelle Style, Twilight and Dragons of Ordinary Farm. Yes...I am a book reviewer and this is how I roll.

9. 4 words to describe yourself. Sincere, loving, caring, and hungry (see question 3)

10. Guilty pleasure? Ummm...Twilight! I save every photo I find of Rob Pattinson.

11. Who or what makes you laugh until you’re weak? My daughter

12. Planning to travel to next? I haven't travelled since my honeymoon in 2007. I'll go anywhere.

13. Best thing you ate or drank lately? My water. I love it! Especially after a day like today. Damn it was hot

14. When did you last get tipsy? Ages ago. I don't even know...about 3 years ago. I don't like the feeling so I am not a drinker.

15. Care to share some wisdom? Yes, but it is going to cost you. I need to make some mula.

16. Nicest thing anyone’s ever said to you? My kids telling me they love me but as if you need more, picture this; Jersey City 1995. I was an assistant director at a beauty school and while I was walking through the saloon in my sherbet colored mini suit (pink, orange and yellow..wah it was the 90's). There was an older women getting her hair done, she called me over as I was rushing through to the front desk to say, ummm...ok...ready, "if I had a body like yours, my husband would never leave the house." True story! Now, more than 14 years, 2 kids back to back, nursing for 4 years between the two of them, I at least have that story. Wah...it's the little things.

Bea Arthur RIP

Bea Arthur Dead at 86

Bea Arthur has died, aged 86.
Spokesman Dan Watt said Bea had cancer, but did not offer any further details. Arthur passed away at home early this morning.
Arthur achieved success as the title character, Maude Findlay, on the 1970s sitcom Maude, and as Dorothy Zbornak on the 1980s sitcom The Golden Girls. Arthur won an Emmy for each of those roles.
Golden Girls had the best quotes: To check out some of the best go here.

Saturday 9 - A Little Less Conversation

1. If you could have just one more conversation with a person from your past, who would it be? I want to talk to my mommy! 

 2. Do your friends tend to be male or female? They used to be male now that I am older, it is my my female friendship that are so rewarding. I love my girlfriends! 

 3. What is in your car’s trunk? If I told you, I'd have to kill you. There's a stroller, some cassette tapes (yes I said cassette tapes), some coloring books and paper for the kids, a bag of hand me down clothes that have been in there over a week and my spare tire and emergency kit.

 4. What was the last CD that you purchased? I can't remember which means it was over 6 years ago. 

5. What is your favorite movie and why? I love Twilight. I don't think I have really loved a movie until now. I have seen the movie 11 times and would see it again right now. Sue me! I never said I didn't have issues.

 6. If you could wake up with a new talent tomorrow, what would it be? To play the piano or guitar like a pro. 

 7. What is your favorite day of the week and why? Oh, these questions are always so hard. I don't know. Any day that there isn't a bill in the mailbox?! How's that? 

8. What are you wearing when you feel you’re at your best? Clothing! Anything that covers me up, sucks in things that need to be sucked in or things that need to be lifted. 

 9. When was the last time cried? I used to cry at everything. I am not as sensitive as I used to be. I probably cried more recently than I care to admit. It was about 2 weeks ago on the phone.

Camera Critters - First Time



Camera Critters
This was the first time my daughter held a hamster. She was dying to do so every time she went to her Godmother's house. When she asked this time with her irresistible "please" her Godmother was putty in her hands.

She did surprisingly well with Katrina the hamster. I was amazed how calm and gentle she was. She only was able to enjoy it for about 2 minutes because the moment her Godmother had to do something else and I was in charge I stuck that hamster right back in the cage. It wasn't because I thought my Goddess couldn't handle it but because I was worried the damn thing would get away on my watch.

Friday, April 24, 2009

Up and Coming Teen Sensation

Check out Tiffany Giardina!

She is an up and coming singer. You can request her song at Radio Disney by clicking on her blog here or by going to Radio Disney's Request A Song page here.

She's Disney's hot new artist. She 15-year-old singer/songwriter is ready to make her mark on the scene with the release of her highly anticipated pop-rock album, “No Average Angel” available now in stores and online. The fast paced, up-beat album is filled with instant hits! They are songs all young teens and tweens can relate to—from boys, and summer to ups and downs, Tiffany covers it all.

The album features singles “No Average Angel” & “Hurry Up and Save Me” from the Another Cinderella Story soundtrack, starring Selena Gomez and Drew Seeley, and her song “Shine” featured on the soundtrack for Disney’s Tinkerbell.


Check out Tiffany's music on her You Tube Channel here.

Thanks to the Classy Closet for putting review together.