Friday, May 6, 2011
Just a Day in the Life of a Rock
Yesterday I was so thankful to have the day off with Hubby so that we could go with our second oldest on his class field trip together. I gave up my morning routine online so that I could pack lunches and get everyone to school on time. I was afraid if we were even the teensyest (it's a word in my book) bit late that his teacher who is not fond of us (putting it very lightly) would go ballistic.
Unfortunately she was already in the mood to fight. Avery, my sweet and loving little 2nd grader did the unthinkable. He told his teacher, who I am pretty sure thinks we love our child way to much, that he was going to ride the bus with his class and then ride home with us. We wouldn't have allowed this if it could be avoided. We feel pretty strongly about seat belts. Even going so far as to keep our kids in boosters well after their class mates have begun to ride in the front seat of cars. So his teacher was feeling pretty self satisfied that we had seen the light - when in fact we haven't.
At the zoo I found his class and made him sincerely apologize for making a bad situation worse and then I apologized for all the confusion. I swear the woman thought that I was apologizing for making him ride with us. Which was not the case. I will not back down nor be intimidated by the fact that his school has a policy that all kids are to ride the bus on field trips or a teacher who thinks that her opinion is more right than mine. They can all think that I am crazy for not just giving in to the fact that buses are safer without seat belts so that students can exit quickly if they want. With all my heart I know that if something were to ever happen to this little boy that I could have avoided I will never be able to forgive myself.
It seems I am having a lot of heart to hearts with this 8 year old lately. This same teacher also made an announcement that the United States killed the man who bombed the twin towers. I felt so sad having to have a conversation about this with such an innocent little boy. He didn't even know about September 11th until she made this announcement.
A few weeks ago he also saw an article in a newspaper that the school provides for 4th graders in hopes of encouraging them to read more about The West Boro Baptist Church. They were protesting another funeral and held protest signs that he couldn't understand but clearly could read. I hated the fact that I had to explain first amendment rights for such an organization. I told him that while they had the right - it didn't make it right.
I wish that my kids could just stay little but I am almost daily reminded of the difficult task that lays before me. I am raising children that are going to effect change in the world. I have to remember that while they may seem little at times - I am growing the next generation of Americans right in my own backyard.
I want them to look at the world with kind eyes and open hearts. I want them to know that lending a helping hand to those who are in need is not only our lives work but also something to be proud of. That a smile can warm the heart of someone in need and not to look out for your own good but the good of all.
That this world needs kind individuals to look after it. To leave places better than when you found it and people happier then when you encountered them.
Since the sun was shining on us on the way home from our field trip...I decided that we should make the most of it and instead of heading straight for my computer upon getting back to our hometown...we took care of a few errands.
We went by the farmer's market/plant nursery/barber shop. I love this place since the folks that run it are just as kind as they can be and they have so much that we were in need of. I am fond of giving my money to local businesses where I know that the money will go to the benefit of them and not some corporation. I also shop for gas at the same place when possible. Do you pick a gas station and stick with it. When you walk in to pay, do they call you by name?
I bought some beautiful flowers to perk up my porch and Hubby found these amazing looking Gerber daisies. They are my favorite flower and he is always trying to find them on Valentine's Day or my birthday but always has a hard time.
Now all summer long I will see these beauties every time I walk out my front door. I can't wait to see these bursts of color to brighten my day and remind me to put my smile on and greet the day with grace and a positive attitude.
I'm not sure what happy bug bit me in the middle of the night but my joy was transferred to my kids this morning. They woke with happy hearts and I just wanted to grab them and eat it up.
This is the old wash tub the Hubby bought me a few years ago for our anniversary. I can't believe that this summer we will have been married for 10 years. I thought of this last night as I planted these hanging plants that I bought with the intent of hanging under our porch. The look much better here.
This messy bun is making my heart flutter this morning.
Thanks so much to Brandy at Made Just 4 You - she makes it super easy with her amazing clips.
I thought that this post was going to be about the zoo field trip but it seems that I have a lot more weighing on my heart this morning. Do you ever just start a post and it turns in to a pour your heart our session?
I hope that you all have a fabulous Mother's day weekend. I had planned on taking a day all to myself this Sunday but the more that I planned on going to the places that I wanted and eating in peace - the more that I begun to miss my sweet little family. We will instead be geocaching, antique shopping and then eating as a family at one of my favorite restaurants.
One final note:
If you pray I ask that you say a little prayer for my nephew. Last night while jumping on his trampoline with his little brother he landed in just the right way to pop his elbow out of socket. This morning they are putting him under to try and correct it. If they are unable to, he will have to have surgery. His mother said that he was such a brave little boy when they splinted it last night to send him home. He is so full of life and spirit and I hate that he his going to have to go through this much at such a young age.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Picked Up a Load of Embarrassment on Aisle 5
I just left Walmart with a great feeling of satisfaction that I didn't let all the free product coupons that I have received from companies go to waste because they expired. But also with hurt feelings and embarrassment over a situation with my cashier.
After spending time online hunting down free product coupons, then fight crowds and 4 kids to find the items. I finally get in line with one of the 5 checkers and wait patiently for my turn. When the cashier runs vocal point breve creamer coupon and it says expired. She tried it with her register and gun. She looks at the coupon and says it's not expired. I look at the coupon and it's clearly not. Nor does it look counterfeit. So she gives up and tries to hand me back the coupon and ask if I want her to take it off my bill. I ask for a CSM and they were able to overwrite it with no problem.
But then as I'm walking away the cashier begins complaining rather loudly about couponers to the people that were behind me in line. I stand there for a minute a little red faced.
Would you complain to a manager about the cashier or go on with your day?
Would you have given up and just paid full price or not bought it at all?
Photo Credit
100 Things About Me - Part 2
I am loving this post series. It's so much fun to think about and share all of the little things that make up the larger picture of who you are. If you missed the first 10 - you can go back and read them here.
11. I could literally live off of fruit and veggies. I love them that much. I got so excited this past shopping trip when I found specialty lettuce. Thankfully my family shares this quirk with me. Saturday while chopping veggies for a salad I literally had to do twice as much. My kids were eating them off my cutting board as fast as I could chop. We can also go through a pint of strawberries in one seating easily. Don't be fooled into thinking I'm so much better than you - we can go through a bag of chips just as fast.
12. I love reality TV. I also love sitcoms and dramas. I'm not exactly sure where my favorite show falls, but crying and laughing along with Parent Hood has become a constant in my life.
13. I get nervous when confronted with people that I should know but don't. A few weeks ago a woman sat in my section at the restuarant and began talking to me like she really knew me and my family. Not the kind of talking that you might just cast off as small talk - but like in depth talking about my youngest son. I started to sweat...and not just a little. As I am listening, smiling and uh huhing along with this conversation I have a river of sweat running down my back from the embarrassment of not knowing who this is. Finally I was able to break away from the conversation and stalk down Hubby to ask who it is. It's was E's principle. It saddens me that while I was so involved and in the know about my kids schools - not that I am working I am just barely aware of what's going on in their little lives.
14. I believe in love at first sight, everlasting love and undying love. I value love in a way that would make the most die hard romantic want to puke.
15. My life lately is measured in photos. While I am not the best photographer by any stretch of the imagination...I am learning a bit more about what my iPhone and Canon are capable of. Thankfully I have picnik.com and the Instagram app to help me look like a better photographer than I actually am.
16. I am constantly amazed, confounded and apathetic about the amount of junk that I sweep off my floor.
17. I am an idea person. I am constantly coming up with ideas big or small. While some are not even worth mentioning as they are not good ideas or even viable options - some are rather brilliant. Currently I am holding on to one for a blog friend that I really need to share - and working on making another a reality for my kids.
18. I want to raise doers. I want to raise peace makers. I want to raise the change I want to see in the world. I want to raise compassionate and caring individuals that will go out and be something great. I want them to know that compassion, a smile and a kind word can garner better results than selfish acts. That no matter what you are confronted with humility and grace are worth fighting for.
19. I probably inform my kids to much. I worry about the things that they see on TV and hear from school...but think nothing of talking to my kids about things like giving blood or organ donation. Last night I talked for 30 minutes with my oldest about the how and why I am an organ donor and the fact that if something were to happen to one of my kids that I hoped I would have the strength to make them one as well.
20. Fill in the blank___________. I would love to know something about each and everyone of you. What you love or don't. What you can live with or can't. What you would like to change or don't.
Photo Credit
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Blackberry and Peach Crisp
It's my day at From Blah to Ta-daa. Stop by and check out this fabulous recipe for a quick blackberry and peach crisp. I can't wait to make this with fresh from the farmer's market blackberries and peaches!
Monday, May 2, 2011
National Donut Day Celebration and Sweepstakes
National Donut Day Celebration
This National Donut Day, Friday, June 3rd, Entenmann’s will honor the Salvation Army volunteers who served donuts to troops in WWI. Today, the Salvation Army is credited with popularizing the donut in the US through this simple act of comfort and service.
In celebration of National Donut Day, they are giving everyone the opportunity to help those who have served our country and their families by helping to raise money for the Salvation Army.
From May 2nd – June 3rd they will donate $1 (up to $10,000) to the Salvation Army for every Facebook LIKE they receive!
That’s not all they have baking….
The first ever Entenmann’s Donut Day Sweepstakes is in full swing now!
To show our appreciation for everyone’s support, They will be giving away 10 iPads as well as many other amazing daily prizes at www.facebook.com/entenmanns.
I was provided with 2 prize packs (The prize packs consist of 2 $5 gift cards off any Entenmann’s product, National Donut Day T-Shirts, and other Donut Day goodies. My name will also go into a raffle during the program for a chance to win one of 8 Entenmann’s Donut Makers!) and information for the purpose of this review. I was not compensated in any other way and all opinion expressed is mine and mine alone.
Pet First Aid - Would You Know What to Do?
Now that we are pet owners, I am finding out that there is way more to making sure that Cleopatra get fresh food and water, bathes, haircuts and the never ending chore of letting her outside to use the facilities. While she isn't quite a regular run of the mill dog - we're pretty sure that someone really hurt her in the past. She is shy and withdrawn from most members of my family. But she loves me. And whether of not I have declared myself not really a dog or cat person...I take it seriously that I am now her safe person. I want her to live a happy and full life without the fear of more abuse. And to be perfectly honest the longer that she lives with us the more I am warming up to the fact that where ever I am - she is. This has very little to do with the fact that she likes to snuggle on the couch and keep my feet warm. I promise that is not one of the greatest perks ever.
But what if something happened to her? Would I know what to do? I don't really think so. Thankfully VCA Hospitals e-mail me with some great information that I thought we could all benefit from.
Pet First Aid – What to Do in an Emergency
On Behalf of VCA Animal Hospitals, 4/27/11
When a pet gets injured or stops breathing, it can be a stressful and frightening situation. It’s crucial for all pet owners to have a basic understanding of common veterinary medical emergencies and basic first aid to help their pet in an emergency.
While no one can be prepared for all emergencies, there are some simple guidelines you should follow and things to look for if your pet seems ill or is involved in an accident. This knowledge may just save your pet's life.
What should I do if my pet gets injured?
1. Keep calm and assess the scene for any additional threats to you or your pet. This is important for everyone's safety.
· If your pet is injured, it’s likely they will be panicked or disoriented. The stress of an emergency involving a pet or owner can cause an otherwise friendly animal to act aggressively. It is important to ensure the safety of all rescue personnel that are attempting to assist with an injured animal by keeping everyone calm, including your pet.
2. Keep your pet warm, as quiet as possible, and keep movement to a minimum, especially if there is possible trauma, broken limbs, or any neurological symptoms.
3. Contact your local veterinarian, inform them of the situation and get specific first aid advice.
4. To safely move or transport an injured dog, get somebody to help you.
· For a small dog, put it into its carrier (remove the top for easy and safe access to the carrier; don't push an injured dog through the small door or opening), or use a suitable container such as a strong cardboard box.
· For a larger dog, use a makeshift stretcher made out of some rigid material such as an appropriate sized, sturdy piece of wood. Carefully maneuver the dog onto a blanket or coat so that it can be gently moved to the carrier, box or stretcher. The blanket will help stabilize the neck and spine, and prevent inadvertent biting or scratching from the injured pet.
· To safely move or transport an injured cat, use suitable container such as a strong cardboard box or a cat carrier (remove the top for easy and safe access to the carrier; don't push an injured cat through the small door or opening). Drop a blanket or thick towel over the patient. Tuck it in carefully or maneuver the cat onto the blanket so it can be gently placed in the container. The blanket will help stabilize the neck and spine and prevent inadvertent clawing or scratching from the injured pet.
5. Get to a nearby veterinary hospital as soon as possible. After being involved in an emergency or accident, it is important that you take your pet for a veterinary examination as soon as possible, even if it appears to have recovered fully.
What should I do if my pet stops breathing or becomes unconscious?
Although frightening to think about, when pets become unconscious or stop breathing due to heat stroke or a variety of other reasons, it’s important to know what to do. At the first sign of trouble, all attempts to get to a veterinarian should be made, but knowing basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) techniques may help you save your pet's life until veterinary help is available.
Pet CPR – How To
CPR is best when performed by two people. One begins rescue breathing and the other monitors the heartbeat or begins chest compressions, if necessary. CPR is as simple as ABC:
Lay your dog or cat on his/her side on a firm, flat surface.
"A": open the AIRWAY. Extend their head and neck (by lifting his/her chin) for the best possible breathing position. It is important to check for a breathing obstruction. Open their mouth, look in the back of the throat and grab the tongue and pull it outward. If an object is blocking their throat or airway, use your fingers or a grasping instrument (pliers, etc) to remove it. Only perform this maneuver if your pet is unconscious—otherwise you may be bitten badly. If the object cannot be reached or pulled out, use the Heimlich maneuver to try to dislodge the object.
"B": check for BREATHING. Watch for the rise and fall of the chest and feel for breath on your hand. A lack of breathing and oxygen will also cause your pet's gums to appear bluish.
"C": check for CIRCULATION. Place your fingers or hand on the left side of your pet's chest—just behind the elbow—to feel for a heartbeat. You can also try to feel their pulse by pressing gently on the inside of the top of the hind leg. If there is a heartbeat or pulse, continue with rescue breathing only (tips 5-7). If there is no heartbeat begin chest compressions also (tips 5-10).
Grasp your dog's or cat's muzzle (snout) and hold their mouth shut.
Place your mouth completely over their nose and blow gently. Don't blow too hard—just enough to cause their chest to expand normally. Wait for the air to leave the lungs before breathing again. Give 20 breaths per minute (one breath every 3 seconds) until your pet begins breathing on his/her own or as long as the heart beats.
Continue CPR until your dog or cat breathes on his own or has a steady heartbeat.
To supplement these basic VCA CPR guidelines, many local American Red Cross chapters offer hands-on training in pet first aid procedures. They also offer detailed reference guides and DVDs which can help you learn CPR.
To learn more about VCA Animal Hospitals, visit the VCA Facebook page or VCAhospitals.com to locate the hospital nearest you.
-On behalf of VCA Animal Hospitals
I received information but was not compensated in any way for this post.
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Weekend in Review: Instagram Style
We planted:
yellow squash,
zucchini,
sweet onions (might be a little late in the season but we again are hoping for the best,)
5 tomato plants (including an heirloom tomato and yellow tomato,)
5 bell pepper plants (including yellow, green and red,)
banana peppers,
rosemary,
chives
and
basil.
Wish us good luck. <-- I think we are going to need it. I plan on spending a little time each day weeding and watering but after the disaster of last year I'm not exactly holding my breath.
Avery played his last soccer games this weekend. While he will still be practicing with the competive team his season is over. They won one game and lost one Saturday. He did though get to play goalie, which was pretty fun.
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