Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Just Info

Theme ParksFlorida is full of theme parks, more than anywhere else. You have such a variety to choose from, something for everyone. Like everything else they cost quite a bit but if you research it you can usually find a great deal for a 2nd day, a park hopper or just a coupon, but usually not Disney. We have Florida resident’s discounts, so if you are visiting someone here that may help. Sea World usually has a great deal on returning trips. At certain times of year if you donate blood in Florida they reward you with great coupons to area attractions. Look into if the park has any fees for parking. We went to Universal recently and didn’t realize the cost of parking ($12), after 6pm it’s free though. This is where staying on site is an advantage – especially at Disney. Remember to check the parks calendars for times and if they have a special event which may require the park closing early and reopening, such as “Mickey’s Christmas Party” or “Halloween Horror Nights”. The theme park will always be busy, but during the week is a better choice, also holidays are packed as well. Bags are checked but you can bring in food & drinks. This will save you lots of money and be prepared in line having your bag open so you do not hold everyone up.

Labor & Delivery

First, it’s called labor for a reason. It is perfectly natural to be nervous about the upcoming birth of your child knowing you alone will be pushing him/her into the world. Of course it can go many ways, as long as you end up with a healthy baby it is all worth it.
My first pregnancy was text book to a point. Once I was over the initial scares that went along with my own health things progressed as they should. My weight gain was right on target and I remained active far into my 8th month. One night I climbed on my kitchen counters and stencils cows. I would not recommend doing that at all while pregnant, nor would I recommend stenciling cows :). That was the only night my feet swelled, my husband wasn’t too happy about it either. After working a full day I continued my nightly walking routine with some friends and I truly think that had a lot to do with my delivery going so well.
We of course knew we would take part in the ever popular Lamaze class. Starting it meant the baby’s arrival was near which was exciting. The classes were helpful with tips, what to expect and things to pack that we didn’t think of. We, yes we, worked on breathing techniques and ways to relax. They encourage you to have a focal point during labor to concentrate on, show massage techniques (I knew I would take advantage of this one) and of course have you watch films.
Now most of you have probably seen “A Baby Story” and joyful programs like that but these videos were different. They showed women screaming at their spouse with their heads spinning several times around, all the while a baby’s head crowing, not to mention that it looks like a bloody pumpkin. I decided that it was best to look away beside it was truly making me ache in places I do not care to discuss.
I couldn’t wait for my water to break and constantly looked for any sign – a big gush running announcing “here comes the baby”…but it never happened. Two days before my daughters big arrival I worked all day with cramping. I had Braxton-Hicks for several months so I chalked it up as another set of those. The following day, a Friday, I called in because I just didn’t sleep much. Ever heard of nesting? Well oddly it’s true. I spent all Friday cleaning and organizing the house. Nothing else was out of the ordinary, and still no water fall.
That night my husband went fishing. I know your thinking – what a jerk! But my due date was still over 2 weeks away and I encouraged him to go, it was his 2nd love at the time. He came home and woke me up to share the great news of his big catch. Wow – just what I wanted to be woken up for. It was 2am and he asked me to take some photos, being the wonderful wife I am I obliged. Just as I push the old Polaroid button I got the strongest cramp that had me doubled over. After an hour of trying to sleep it off we were on our way to the hospital.
Being so uncomfortable I was worried they would send me home because I still was not due. Once in hospital bed I was checked by a nurse who informed me that I wasn’t that far dilated, however, my ammoniated sac was broke and probably had been for quite some time. No gush of water still but I had a leak!
After waiting for nature to take its course with no luck I was induced and encouraged to keep moving around to bring on labor. I can tell you by this time I was highly sensitive to smells. The alcohol on gauze taped to my arm smelled so bad, bad like hangover alcohol yuk smell, I tore it off and threw it down in the hallway during my encouraged walk. Let me tell you, the walks - they suck too...who wants to have their entire body cramping to get a baby out while taking a stroll?
Now inducing doesn’t necessarily mean you will be having you baby ASAP. Everyone is different. I was the ASAP though. Before long we were blowing and breathing in patterns that everyone else seemed to remember except me. My midwife and husband were in unison like a song with me trailing behind totally off beat. Message? Well my body was so aware of everything that any extra touch was too much so I lost out on that benefit.

Then finally my baby girl arrived, screaming, bloody and red but she couldn’t have been any more beautiful.
With my 2nd pregnancy we decided to skip the lamaze classes. For one we already went through with it, another I now had a 3 ½ year old to tend to. Keep in mind – you can never compare kids even when pregnant. Everything I expected didn’t happen; it was all new this time. The 9 months were long and very hard on my body. I was on bed rest and miserable. When we went to bring my baby boy into the world I was overdue.

This time I had a focal point – a picture of a woman holding her baby with a saying. At the time I could care less what the quote was I just focused. I went to the dr. earlier in the day and was told “see you next week”. I could have cried I was so uncomfortable and had a hard time breathing. Within a few hours contractions came on and were close together. We were only allowed to stay in the hospital because no one was on the floor and I lived 2 towns south.
Once again smells got to me. The nurse had so much perfume on it made me want to vomit. Attention nurses on the maternity floor – we don’t care that you smell good or sexy, we care that you don’t smell.
My midwife told the hospital staff she would stop by after her day at the office. Well I was glad to listen to my body because as soon as she sat down she said “we have the head crowing” with such a calmness. A few pushes and out he came. No bloody pumpkin thank God.
I delivered both babies natural with no pain medicine. I was somewhat fearful of the epidural (the reason will be in my health blog one day) so I never considered it. Honestly, once you hold your child all your pain is gone…at least for that moment. Enjoy the moment no matter how you get there!

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This is the same picture I focused on while delivering my son. Ironically that Christmas ‘House of Lloyd’ sold the same print. The quote says “I never understood the love of a mother, until I became one myself”
How true!
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Parades & Fireworks

Parades & Fireworks – if one is scheduled ask cast members / workers early in the day where a great viewing spot is. Then make sure you arrive there early and claim your spot. We went to Universal one year during Christmas time and an employee told me of the best seat to see the Macy’s Parade, right where Santa would light the Christmas tree. If you are out of snacks and drinks, send 1-2 people to get them while you wait. Spread out a jacket / towel something to mark your area because people will park themselves wherever they want. Theme parks also have some of the rudest guests so be patient and calm.
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*Taken at the Magic Kingdom during the Christmas season

Daytona

Daytona International SpeedwayAny race fan would have to stop here, duh. I was never a real fan but did watch some of the races on TV with my husband. One year he bought tickets to share the NASCAR experience with me and surprisingly I was excited to go. When the cars excelled by at high speeds, you could smell the rubber on the tracks, feel the vibrations & heat from all the motors and could barely make out who was who as they passed. Everyone would stand up like they were preparing for the wave, yelling out numbers and names. Before the main race of the day we used our pit passes which allows access to the middle of the track. You don’t realize until you are on the track just how steep it is, you could easily get a running start towards the pit, but you would look silly (your not in the race) so be careful. While there we got to see one of the Waltrip brothers, I forget which one, up close doing interviews and then the highlight, Dale Jr. being driven by us on a golf cart. Everyone yelled and he waved. He really is a cute looking country boy. You have to get back over from the pit by a certain time other wise you have a long route to get back to your seats.
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Let me tell you this may be the only place that is more expensive than Disney, food & drinks were costly. Bring what you are allowed and go buy a cheap poncho from the $ store. It rained on us and they were expensive there. I think I even took a photo of the sign with all the prices to put in my scrapbook as a joke. Seating is tight so also be prepared with something to make it more comfortable. By the way, Im now a fan...not big die hard 'Get R Done' type but I like the races.

Seasons

Seasons - We really have no seasons like you think. But living here for so many years now I have come to appreciate the Florida “seasons”. Our trees do change, certain flowers bloom and the grass grows and grows. My favorite is a crisp cool day with blue skies in fall or winter; both are great for sunsets too. Of course everyone knows we have our “Hurricane Season” – it runs from June – November. I will have to find a positive about hurricanes, so I will say at least we have plenty of notice a storm is coming. Speaking of storms Florida can have some where the whole sky is lit up like a light show. Spring is popular with spring break but you can certainly find quieter places to visit during a vacation. Summer is the wettest season and like most places the hottest. Did I mention the grass grows a lot during summer?
Photobucket *Picture of sunset in my yard
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*Moon rising in the front yard

Friday, September 12, 2008

Good Book

I just finished “The Heart of a Soldier” by Kate Blaise. The book is like a very detailed journal of high school love that led to marriage. But the heart of the story is that Kate and her husband Mike both served in the US Army, and eventually deployed to Iraq together (somewhat). I knew how the tale ended and dreaded getting to that part. As I read the words I knew it was coming up and I shut the book. The following day I was ready to continue and actually cried reading about Mike’s death. Why did I read it? I don’t know. I have really been into true stories and I have an interest in the military and this war. Some of the things I read about Iraq I have seen in my brothers photos, but the descriptions by Kate of the Middle East painted a picture that even he wasn’t able to recall. Maybe it was the female side of her that paid attention to detail, or perhaps her position in the military, either way I was glad I read it.
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Monday, September 8, 2008

Memorial Day

Having a Myspace is what really started the bug to blog (and thanks to Joey). So I am reposting some information I had originally put on Myspace. Memorial Day is a very important holiday for me. I know many Vets who have passed away, not through an act of war, but of unrelated events. I have a few who hold a special place in my heart and some I will never forget. I may not participate in the events I did as a child, such as a parade, but this day doesn’t pass without me reflecting on the true meaning.
I found this information: My flag is old and ready to be retired. What should I do?
Section 8k of the Flag Code states, "The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning." We recommend that you contact your local
VFW Chapter and ask them for help properly disposing of your flag. And be sure to consider providing a small donation to them for their assistance. Or you can contact your local Elks Lodge (who created the idea of Flag Day, established officially by President Truman, himself a member of the Elks), the American Legion, or the Knights of Columbus. Some Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops also can provide this service.
What can we do on Memorial Day to observe traditions? Visit a cemeteries and place flags or flowers on the graves of our fallen heroes, visits memorials, fly the U.S. Flag at half-staff until noon, fly the 'POW/MIA Flag' as well, participate in a "
National Moment of Remembrance": at 3 p.m. to pause and think upon the true meaning of the day, and for Taps to be played.
Memorial Day
Memorial Day, initially called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation's service. Most traditional observance of Memorial Day has diminished over the years; people have forgotten the meanings of these customs. At many cemeteries, the graves of the fallen are increasingly ignored, neglected. Most people no longer remember the proper flag etiquette for the day. While there are towns and cities that still hold Memorial Day parades, many have not held a parade in decades. Some people think the day is for honoring any and all dead, and not just those fallen in service to our country. To help re-educate and remind Americans of the true meaning of Memorial Day, the "
National Moment of Remembrance" resolution was passed on Dec 2000 which asks that at 3 p.m. local time, for all Americans "To voluntarily and informally observe in their own way a Moment of remembrance and respect, pausing from whatever they are doing for a moment of silence or listening to 'Taps." We need to remember with sincere respect those who paid the price for our freedoms; we need to keep in sacred remembrance those who died serving their country. We need to never let them be forgotten.
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*My favorite WWII Vet, my Poppy (in the middle)
– Battery C 1st Battalion 187th Field Artillery
Why Red Poppies???
Why Red Poppy's? In 1915, inspired by a poem Moina Michael replied with her own poem: We cherish too, the Poppy red, that grows on fields where valor led. It seems to signal to the skies that blood of heroes never dies. (doesn't make much sense huh?) She then conceived of an idea to wear red poppies on Memorial Day in honor of those who died serving the nation during war. She was the first to wear one, then sold poppies to her friends and co-workers with the money going to benefit servicemen in need. Later a Madam Guerin from France was visiting the United States and learned of this new custom started by Ms.Michael and when she returned to France, made artificial red poppies to raise money for war orphaned children and widowed women. This tradition spread to other countries. Shortly before Memorial Day in 1922 the VFW became the first veterans' organization to nationally sell poppies. Two years later their "Buddy" Poppy program was selling artificial poppies made by disabled veterans. You can still find them being sold (usually Walmart), so next time don't just walk by, purchase one and support a great cause.

Simple Changes

Anyone can make simple changes to make a difference. Don't litter & put it in the right place…even if it's not yours. Buy reusable bags to take grocery shopping – they hold so much more. In 2007 I went on a class trip to the landfill. I found it very interesting and learned so much. The hardest thing for them to control is plastic bags just blowing around, tons of them. They have fences up to try and catch them but they are everywhere. What a waste! Styrofoam never breaks down, remember that and think twice about using it. One month I decided to see how much I can cut back on my electric. I have to admit that my house has to be cool!!!! But I did dry many loads outside instead of using the dryer. I had the lowest bill ever in this house. It did take more of my energy to use less powered energy and I couldn't see myself always doing that but it made a huge difference. I don't want to sound "preachy" but at least recycle in your home. It is so easy and bins are free. You can recycle so much more than a few years ago. Set an example for others and GO GREEN in some way.

If you live in Melbourne Florida, my area, and would like to request bins: A set of three bins are provided to single family residents free of charge (If you do not live here try your local waste management for where to get your bins).
Just call the recycling hotline at (321) 953-6302.
Keep Brevard Beautiful, Inc. (321) 537-6801, to receive reports of littering by motorists. An alleged offender will receive a letter from the Brevard County Sheriff's Office with information about the problems associated with littering.

Basic Training - A sisters point of view

I am from a family of 4, 2 girls 2 boys. My sister and I are much older than my brothers (17 year spread) in a sense we grew up separately. So when our “baby” brother wanted to join the Army we all protested. My nephew had already went in and returned home after being a part of OIF (Operation Iraqi Freedom) following 9/11. I watched my sister-in-law (and other family members) stress waiting to hear from her son, or his whereabouts. One particular time she didn't hear anything for weeks. I couldn’t imagine my older mother go through the same thing (By older, I mean she is older than my sister-in-law).
School wasn't Paul’s thing and back on the Army train he went. This time we weren't able to talk him out of it and before we could wave our flag he was gone. This is what he wanted and now we had to show our support.
Basic Training can be a worrying time for family members, simply because you just don’t know what is going on and it may be the 1st time your soldier is away. But rest assure, at least they are on US soil. I think Paul snuck a few phone calls during his 12 week training, but they are not suppose to. Graduation information comes to you, but let me tell ya, it is last minute! Be prepared. We planned, as a group, to make the drive from FL to SC to see our brother become a soldier. Luckily with my Internet searching I found a time frame so we could prepare our trip.
The base was a hustle and bustle of visitors like costumers searching for the latest Christmas toy, no one knew where to go but they were moving. Fort Jackson was huge. Rolling hills and in full spring bloom – not good for an allergy suffer but pretty to the rest of us. We prepared for cooler weather for our Florida bodies…well most of us did, and waited and waited and waited.
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* I took this photo while waiting for Paul – one tree in bloom in a see of bark. It was off to the side of the family crowd
From out of our view we could hear the Army chants starting. They were deep in tone and perfectly in sequence. To see these brand new soldiers come over the hills brought tears to my eyes. It is an unbelievable feeling of pride to witness this. We knew what Company Paul was in, the trouble was we didn't know which was coming. As each group came we quickly scanned the crowd. From face to face, each male had a shaved head which made it feel like we were trying to find the old needle in the haystack. Soon we realized the Company flag was waving above the soldiers to identify them and calmed down knowing Paul hadn't come yet. Row after row came until finally we recognized the group we had been waiting for.
I was ready with my camcorder and Linda was following along with her camera. Quickly my scan began again starting with the 1st row, then the next and so on, there were so many to look at. Then my heart started pounding more I saw Paul. I was yelling to the family, Linda was next to me yelling, I was trying to film while keeping up with the soldiers marching in unison. I kept saying “boy he looks so different” “man, he is skinny” “wow, look how different he looks”. All this while Linda and I continued to run beside him filming and snapping shots. Then it hit me. I wasn't filming Paul, I had no idea where Paul was. This soldier was so excited to see people yelling at him and taking him picture he gave us many ½ cracked smiles from the side of his face. What! Where was Paul? I was waisting my time here. Linda said “Look there’s Paul” – he was right behind my new adopted solider who would forever be in our family video.
Your soldier will be skinnier, have a shaved head, muscular and very respectful. Sir and maim will come out of his or her mouth just as much as a dog licks himself.
The welcome ceremony was quick and went by each Company. Be prepared to purchase tickets to a family dinner and pay for professional photos. We knew about this ahead of time but I saw many people who just couldn't’t afford it. Probably the cost of the trip was enough for them. My mom sure didn't have the funds to get Paul's photos but we couldn't pass, so we chipped in. They also sell videos of training and a yearbook type book. Of course this may not be true for all the bases. I would have passed on the training video because it doesn’t focus on your soldier.
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*This was a lake we ending up taking a bunch of photos near, very scenic at Fort Jackson and although our weather was overcast
Our time went by fast and we quickly learned the Army doesn’t do what you think they will. This would be a lesson we would be reminded of many times during Paul’s service. Make every effort to attend the Basic Graduation because seeing soldiers scan the crowd hoping for a familiar face and be disappointed is just heartbreaking. *Currently while I write this he is in LA training for 1 month – he has already been to Iraq once.
Pray for our military Psalm 91

Saturday, September 6, 2008

Christmas Cookie Exchange

For the past 3 years, I think 3; I have hosted a “Christmas Cookie Exchange”. We have made changes and added things. Now it’s a cookie exchange, ornament swap dinner. It’s important that guests RSVP and tell you what cookie they will be making. Give your guests a heads up to the date so they are prepared. We exchange 6 dozen cookies which sounds like a lot but really it isn’t. Each guest brings 6 dozen of one type of cookie, a wrapped ornament (pick a $ limit), a dish to share and most important a container to take their cookies home it. Each guest will leave a full stomach, an ornament and with the same amount of cookies they came with but instead of 1 type they will have a Christmas variety sure to please everyone including Santa. All cookies are displayed in nice baskets or trays, once you divide up the # of guests to the #of cookies (give or take a few) then let everyone know how many of each to take. For the ornament we do the Chinese Exchange with a few rules – like an ornament can be “stolen” only 2 times, then it is retired. It’s a fun evening and I look forward to this annual event with my family & friends. One year my brother sat in with us girls for his then girlfriend since she was away. He had a fun time with all the cookies! If you are hosting your first exchange you may want it to be a little more low key without dinner or an ornament. I think last year I even added a game to prolong the night.
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Valentine Trivia

Trivia I compiled while weeding out stupid questions:
What profession receives the most Valentines Day cards? Teacher
What is the most popular candy given out on Valentine’s Day? Conversation hearts
The peak selling season for conversation hearts last only six weeks, how many months do you think it takes for the company to prepare all that candy? Eleven months
Steven Spielberg wanted to use M&M’s in the movie ET but was turned down by the company. What candy did he end up using? Reeses Pieces
Who is the winged and mischievous little angel pierces the hearts of his victims with his bows and arrows? Cupid
What is the number one gift given to women on Valentines Day?Red roses
A city in Italy receives about a 1,000 letters every year on Valentines Day addressed to what Shakespearian character? Juliet who lived with Romeo in Verona, Italy
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You can remove the year and have people put these songs in order:
Let's Get It On - 1973 Marvin Gaye

Love Me Tender - 1956 Elvis Presley
Let's Stay Together - 1972 Al Green
You're The First, The Last, My Everything - 1975 Barry White
I Got You Babe - 1965 Sonny & Cher
Wonderful Tonight - 1978 Eric Clapton
Faithfully - 1983 Journey

I Will Always Love You - 1992 Whitney Houston

Actually some of these were stupid too, oh well.

Friday, September 5, 2008

Peroxide

3% peroxide
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No more canker sores and your teeth will be whiter without expensive pastes. Use it instead of mouthwash. (Small print says mouth wash and gargle right on the bottle)
Soak any infections or cuts in 3% peroxide for five to ten minutes several times a day
Fill a spray bottle with a 50/50 mixture of peroxide and water and keep it in every bathroom to disinfect without harming your septic system like bleach or most other disinfectants will
You can also add a cup of peroxide instead of bleach to a load of whites in your laundry to whiten them. If there is blood on clothing, pour directly on the soiled spot. Let it sit for a minute, then rub it and rinse with cold water. Repeat if necessary.

Recent Review

Recent Book Review
This is a new section because it honestly has been a long time since I read a book cover to cover. Mainly my reading time has been spent looking at magazines. I know, I could do better things with my time but I like seeing what the stars are up to. Books about true events are like my favorite shows – reality, except I can pick them up to continue to the story at my leisure, which is great for a night owl. So I have been going to the library every Friday after I drop the kids off to find my next tale.
"Love, Lucy" – the only book about America’s favorite redhead with her own words “as told to”. The manuscripts were found after her death by her children and published years later. Knowing how her story ended before reading the book I read it cover to cover in no time. So many interesting facts and details of her life. I was a fan at an early age and loved to watch old reruns of “I Love Lucy” followed by the “Honeymooners”. I can remember running to the TV with a blank sheet of paper and pencil ready to trace the big heart at the start of the credits. It was perfect. Reading her story I admired her much more as a person, then as Lucy Ricardo. Starting the book I was still sad that her and Desi didn’t work out but by the time her marriage ended in the book I understood why. Interesting facts: he had a relation to the Bacardi industry and Ginger Rodgers mother took Lucy under her wing.
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“sTORI Telling” – this was a loaner from Ashley and perhaps I wouldn’t have even read it on my own but it turned out to be interesting enough to read to the end. Certainly not the best written book but the reader comes away knowing that living in a house known as the “Manor” doesn’t make your life rich and problem free. Her mother and father had unrealistic ways to show love. If you do not really know who Tori Spelling is this book is not for you but if you were a 90210 fan, or a fan now you would enjoy it. I have to admit, I never really liked her but since becoming a mother my opinion has changed.
“Marley & Me” – I have owned this book since I bought my own Marley, he was 3 yesterday! I started to read it and life became to busy so in the book basket it went. This summer with the movie making headlines in the gossip magazines I picked it back up and on vacation it went with me. This book was just so good, not only to a dog owner with a yellow Lab named Marley but to any pet lover. The author hit the nail on the head over and over with his recollection of events he shared with Marley. Knowing that all dogs go to heaven, I had to skip a very small part of one of the last chapters. Although my Neeko and Penny have been gone a little while now (3 years for Neeko next month) it was still painful to read another person sharing their experience. I was sorry to reach the end of the book but cannot wait for the movie this Christmas! (They even have a child version of the book titled “Marley”)
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My Marley watching fish swim by him in our front yard following Tropical Storm Fay

What's in a Name?

Naming your baby – luckily for both of my pregnancies once we picked a name it didn’t change and it wasn’t much of a disagreement between my husband and I. Although a few tears helped my case with my 2nd. Make sure the name you are considering sounds good with your last name. If you are a nickname person, which I am, think of what they may. Keep in mind ANY name can be made fun of…really, but do not pick one that will encourage mean nicknames. Mine was rhymed with many things: Cher the pear, doll with long hair, dare, where and so on. My last name was often messed up badly but I liked having a unique name. Not one of my teachers even pronounced it right at the start of the school year. I was use to it, but don’t make it so hard that no one can say it. Just because your mom or your husband mom choose to name her children after others in the family doesn’t mean you have to. It’s you kid.
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Cher the doll with long hair

Am Puke

Morning Sickness – well for me ALL day sickness, at least in my first pregnancy. It was a good sign that things were as they should but it sucked! I ended up losing weight up until around 5 months along. Smells were the worst. One day at work I puked Sprite so much that I didn’t drink it for years, I like the Sprite in you, ya right! I tried to stick to very plain foods during those times and kept crackers on hand. Everyone had a cure for my morning sickness or some home remedy you just have to find what works for you and stick with it. I tried to stay cool, temperature wise, and not move around a lot. Signs coming on I didn’t take lightly and rested when needed. Well it took me almost fainting in line at the grocery line to listen to my body. My husband was not allowed to make any food that would smell to me, especially things from the ocean! I remember the month it was over…I pigged out, and ended up finally putting on weight.
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Daycare, Don't Delay

Picking a Daycare is a hard decision to make so don’t wait until you are going back to work. I started my search while I was pregnant. I can tell you mothers intuition should be listened to. I went into some places and immediately turned around because I didn’t feel like that was the place for me to entrust my child to. Word of mouth is a great way to find out about a place. Once you narrow your choices drop in unannounced to look around (if you are allowed). See what the ratio is, how clean is the grounds inside and out, and are the workers loving. Find out what background they have – any licenses or degrees, if they are accepting new enrollment, restrictions, hours, up front fees for vacations times and what they provide, policy on accidents, what schools they go to AND days they are closed. Many people don’t realize a day care might follow a public school schedule. I worked with a girl who didn’t realize this and ended up having to cover the day after Thanksgiving, Good Friday and a few others she didn’t think about. In the end I was fortunate and never had to use a day care, I had lots of family to take advantage of. Now I have a deal worked out with my sister and a few friends – it covers every day of the week and we all benefit from it.

Cry Baby

Of course sooner or later your perfect baby will throw a temper tantrum. Don’t stress, we all go or went through them and the only eyes starting don’t matter. What’s more important is how you deal with it. You can allow it to ruin your good day or put you in a bad mood so be prepared. Make up a game, take out a backup toy that isn’t used often or better yet a snack. I always had reserve snacks in the back of my vehicle with a sippy cup and juice (of course I would not leave it in there long and replenish it often).

Advice

I may be repeating myself but oh well. My best advice as a mom is to write, take photos and film. Time goes by SO fast. So many funny things are said or done and you may mean to get it on a home video. Next thing you know the child has grown out of that stage. Date your photos!!! You may think you will remember when the picture was taken but give it a year and you might forget. Journaling is a great way to recap things. I love to sit at night when everyone is sleeping and read my old journals. It takes me back and the more detailed the better.

Advice I feel is important is a schedule. My brother lived with us for much of my son’s early years. He always said he would remember our schedule; our house was never chaotic but peaceful and quiet at night. Yes, I said quiet. We had a routine that we followed on work nights: the typical dinner, bath, reading, occasional game, brushing teeth and to bed early enough for the rest of us to have adult time.
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More Great Sayings

Birthdays are good for you. The more you have, the longer you live.
Life can be complicated but happiness is really pretty simple
The heart that gives gathers
Change your thoughts and change your world
If you don’t stand for something you’ll fall for anything
Burn brightly without burning out
Nothing happens..,.but first a dream
Sometimes in the winds of change we find out true directions
Throw your heart over the fence the rest will follow
Laughter is in instant vacation
Courage doesn’t not always roar sometimes it’s a quiet voice saying Ill try again tomorrow
The best sermons are lived not preached
Enjoy the little things for 1 day you will look back and realize they were the big things
To love and be loves is to feel the sun from both sides
Keep you face to the sunshine and you will not see shadows
Kind
words can be short and easy to speak but echoes are truly endless
Even if you are on the right track you will get run over if you just sit there
Find you joy and share it with others
Step up to the microphone,
speak and be heard because the power of the human voice begins with you.
"You miss 100% of the shots you never take." – Wayne Gretsky
"In matters of style, swim with the current; in matters of principle, stand like a rock."– Thomas Jefferson
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Photo taken with my new camera

Blue Man

Blue Man – Universal Studios
I have always wanted to go see this show and last Christmas season looked into purchasing the tickets as a gift for my family. Well that never happened because I had no idea how much they cost until then. So this year when my sister-in-law was given a discount we didn’t pass up the opportunity to see Blue Man. Our tickets ended up costing us $25 each which was a huge savings compared to the $70+ price. I honestly thought it wouldn’t be that crowded because it was a continuously running show but to my surprise it was about sold out when we arrived. We quickly realized that the “teacher discount” got you seats in the back corner but we were quickly assured they had no bad seats. Sure! We entered and purchased some drinks, on our way in everyone was given a strand of white crepe paper; something we assumed was for the show. When we found our seats we knew that the ticket agent was telling the truth, we were in the furthest seat in the corner and still it was good viewing. We quickly became creative with our crepe paper and my brother had us laughing with his TMNT eye mask he concoction. While waiting the audience is keep amused with humor, things are flashed across the screen, you take pledge after pledge not to take photos and whatever is going on…do not be late!!! You will feel silly walking in late.
The camera pledge, trust me, if you try to take a photo they will see you and security is on it quick. I was actually a little entertained at watching them go to the sneaky show goers.
The show it self was like nothing I had ever seen before. It was very entertaining. They had a few crazy ideas that had to be the result of smoking a little something. Although wacky it was funny, all the while the Blue Men do not talk. Audience participation is throughout and the grand finale was the best. They ended with streams of crepe paper, and I mean tons of it. The strobe light is going with some old school KLF blasting and you swear you are 15 years younger at an early 90’s rave. By the time the lights came on crepe paper covered every inch of the theater and the show was over. The Blue Man show was amazing, and I would recommend if you are looking for something different to do while in Orlando. However I do think it is to highly priced so if you come across a deal – go for it!
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