Wordless Wednesday: Crib Guardian

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Tell All Tuesday:The Talk

*You should probably know that in this post I'm going to talk about S-E-X. There won't be pictures or anything (sorry if that disappoints you) and it's really about the topic of talking to your kids about "the horizontal hula", but I know that makes some people uncomfortable, so I thought I should let you know before you started reading.

**Also, I should let you know that I know that this topic is kind of a heated one sometimes. I generally don't do "controversial" on my blog, because I'm really not looking to pick a fight or experience the joy that is hate mail. Still, I will express my opinion about how we feel is the best way to have "The Talk". If you feel differently that's totally cool. If you want to comment and say as much, that's totally cool too. If you want to go on a crazy person diatribe, that's not cool-and anyway, comment moderation is enabled, so no one but me will see it anyway. Anyway...on to the post.

At about 7 I got "the talk" from my biological mother-which consisted mostly of diagrams of childbirth and euphemisms for sexual organs. And yes, her opening words actually WERE "When a Husband and a Wife love each other very much...." While that certainly held me over as a 7 year old, I am monumentally grateful for my dad. He was honest, open, and available about sex. For starters, he could actually say the word "sex".

As an adult I realize now how uncomfortable Dad must have been about this. We're talking about the man who didn't want to see ultrasounds of his grandchildren because (a) he'd have to accept the fact that his girls are women (b) he'd have to acknowledge the fact that someone DID THAT to his daughter...and she liked it... and (c) in his own words, seeing a blurry black and white two dimensional picture of a uterus with a baby in it is "gross".

Still, no matter what his personal feelings on the subject, my dad was always available to have real talks about sex. Sure he gave me the old "how babies are made" speech, but he also talked to me about WHY people have sex, how sex affects you as a person, and how it effects your relationship. There was never a sex question that my dad wouldn't answer. I think that's why I am the way I am about sex. Open. Honest. Practical.

Because of him I knew all about the risks of sex-the emotional (how attached it makes you feel, which can be misleading if you're not actually in a committed relationship), the physical (you know, crotch rot and other nasties), and the long term (ie would you be willing to co-parent with this person should you conceive). With the information I had I was able to rationally lay out the pros and cons of having sex, and make an educated decision about when and with whom to have sex...and I absolutely give my dad 100% credit for that.

So how, exactly, does one teach their kids about sex in a way that will help them have a healthy attitude about it?

Obviously whatever you do depends on your beliefs, your goals, and your parenting style. There are a million books to coach parents through this, and it's all about finding the one you feel most comfortable with. After much discussion Hubby and I came up with our own strategy (though I'm sure it's not an original thought)-it's an age-dependent three stage program for our kids. Stage One: Anatomy. Stage Two: Baby Making. Stage Three: The Sex Talk.

Monkey has already passed Stage One. It all began when he started telling us he was a cow. Right around the time he turned four he would insist to us over and over and over again that he WAS a cow. At first it was cute, but then he started drawing self portraits in which he was a cow. So we checked in with him. Explained that it's okay to pretend to be a cow, but FYI you're a person. He just insisted NO! I'm a COW! So we asked-what makes you think you're a cow?

Because Mommy, I have an udder.

Oh yes. It was time for the anatomy talk. You know-what you got, what the "opposition" has, and what's the difference. He actually took the news that he was not a cow very well, and while he still finds cows fascinating, he now knows the difference between an udder and a penis. Mission accomplished.

Now that he's 5 and a half and has experienced the miracle of baby sisters, he's cruising very steadily along to Stage Two. I can feel the rumblings. He talks a lot about where babies come from....at the moment he thinks he did it. He tells everyone "I went to grandma and grandpa's house, and that's how The Bean was born!" It's only a matter of time before he asks for details. And once he does, we're ready for him! We've got books. We've got DVDs. We've got pamphlets. You name it, we have it. We're totally ready-we know, we've practiced. That's right, Hubby and I have practiced the How Babies Are Made speech. I think that's helped us a lot.

Sooner than I'd probably hope (we estimate it to be around age 12 or 13, but we're not there yet, so we certainly can't say) it will be time for Stage Three. The Sex Talk. All about the whys and wherefores of sex and relationships. For us, that also means time to pull out the birth control. I'll tell you one thing-I'm kind of hoping they have a male pill by then. We plan on talking about the responsibility that comes with sex, the affect it has on you as an individual and you as a couple, how to keep yourself as safe as possible (but that there is no such thing as 100% safe). Then we plan on doing a lot of listening, and what will probably be a very long Q & A, for which Mommy will excuse herself and let the guys talk about Man Stuff (until the girls reach this stage, at which point Daddy is free to run for it when the Q & A portion arrives).

Our approach has worked so far, but if there is one thing I know about kids it's that they surprise you. They like to do that ONE THING that you never thought about just to freak you out. I'd like to hear from parents who have already blazed this trail-what was the sex talk like in your house? Any surprises? How'd it work out (if your kid has reached adulthood)? Of course I'd also love to hear the plans of parents with younger kids-it's always good to get new ideas!

So, if you've read this far and you're still interested, tell me-what did you do/do you plan to do about The Talk?
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It's CPB....RUN!

Monkey and Baby Bug were chasing each other around the house today. Not that that in itself is anything special-it's pretty much a daily occurrence and not something that would typically capture my attention unless crying or bloodshed was involved. Today however I happened to have a monster headache and they happened to be working themselves into particularly feverish and high pitched squeals, so I stopped them and asked (with more irritation than was probably reasonable)...

Me: Just what is going on here, son?

Monkey(throwing his hands to his face and smiling): RUN MOMMY! Baby Bug is The Orpor-pewtion!

Me: The what?

Monkey: She's the cor-puke-ation Mommy....RUUUUUUUUUUN!

Of course, Monkey tries to go skipping off full of giggles, but I stop him in his tracks.

Me: It's not nice to call names, son.

Monkey: I'm not! Mommy, I'm just pretending.

Me: It's not okay to call names, even if it's just pretend.

Monkey: But Mommy I'm NOT! Baby Bug is the cor-rulation for uplick roadtesting and she's chasing me. See, she's smiling! It's okay!

Me: She's a what now?!

Monkey(running away with Baby Bug hot on his trail now): She's the orpurtation for puplick bro-tasting and she's chasing the viewers like MEEEEEEEEE!

Hubby and I look at each other as it begins to dawn on us.

Me: Did he just say "viewers like me"?

Hubby: I think so.

Me (Snickering): Do you think he means....?

Hubby: He totally does (laughing).

Me: Son, are you running away from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting?

Monkey(giggling hysterically): YEAH Mommy~Look! Here she comes to get the Viewers Like Me! Thank Yooooooooooooooou!

I think we may have to institute a ban on OPB. Still, it was adorable enough to take my mind off my headache while the Tylenol kicked in. The kids give headaches, and the kids take them away....
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Ain't Too Proud To Beg

Alright, it's time for me to own up to it-I have been stalking lately. It's okay it's just a contest, and it's just a little stalking, but it's a BIG HUGE contest-and I want to win!

BAD.

Not bad enough, however, to nominate myself because I actually do take this contest seriously and I only want to win it if I deserve it. I just reallreallyreally hope I deserve it!

Noah's Mommy from Project Mommyhood marks her one year blogoversary in September of this year (YAY!) and as a super generous move has decided to create The Project Mommyhood Mommy Blog of the Year award. This contest was created to "honor 1 VERY amazing woman...who has inspired others through her writing". First there are open nominations, then Noah's Mommy and her panel will pick 10 finalists so all of the readers can decide who is the most amazing, inspirational lady of the year.

I don't know about "amazing", but I hope I'm inspirational. It would be an honor to take home The Title. It would also be a delight to delve into that magical swag bag the winner will receive! Gifts for mom, gifts for babies...there are over 21 companies participating, and all of the items look FABULOUS!

As always, it would be an honor just to be nominated...if you'd like to nominate me, of course. See, I might be too reserved to nominate myself but I am NOT too reserved to beg that any follower that might harbor secret (but honest) feelings that I am amazing and/or inspirational take a moment of their time to nominate me HERE at Project Mommyhood.

I will send you air kisses. Or stop sending you air kisses, if you prefer.


In all seriousness though, the nomination portion will be closing July 31st so jump on over and nominate your favorite Mommy Blogger-whoever you feel really deserves it. Even if it's not me (really, that's okay)-this award has the power to really encourage the awesome Mommy that inspires you!

One more time, a big thanks to Noah's Mommy for creating such a great award/giveaway!
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THREE CHEERS for Near and Far Giveaway Winners!

Thank you to everyone for participating, and especially to Ahead of Style for giving away a fantastic prize to the local readers! If you didn't win but want details about services available from Ahead of Style, or from Splash of Color Studios, just drop me an email (see navigation bar above) and I'd be happy to fill you in on all the details!

CONGRATS AGAIN WINNERS! ♥
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Mommy's Fabulous Find Friday-Sadie and Stephanie

Happy Friday everyone! You know what that means-once again, I'm happy to feature one of YOU; my fab followers. It's been so great getting to know more and more bloggers while Fab Find Friday (as I affectionately call it) keeps rolling on. I really feel like my blog is helping to create a loving supportive community rather than just a network of Mommy bloggers.


Sorry...summer camp counselor moment. Anywho-this week you're in for a doubly fabulous treat! This week's Fab Find Friday featured followers are


That's right, I'm featuring both of these fabulous ladies this week. Sadie is not only the MOST adorable little girl, she's got a history in the blog world as old as she is! Stephanie writes both from Sadie's adorable perspective on This, That and the Other Thing and from her own at Indiana Joynes and Temple of Motherhood. Both blogs are fun (just like the ladies themselves) wonderfully written, and great reads.

Let's get to know them already!

So Sadie and Stephanie, tell us about yourself (Family/friends/pets? Career/hobbies? Fun facts? Hidden talents? Medical oddities?)...

Sadie is a rockin' 2 year old that bursts with energy and fruit flavor. She's been blogging since the day she was born. Sadie's first museum experience was when she was 2 weeks old.

Stephanie works at the Smithsonian Institution and manages travel programs. She's a trained archaeologist, and she eats way too much candy and drinks too much caffeine.

And of course everyone wants to know where we can find your writing...
Sadie: http://www.sadieangelica.blogspot.com/

Stephanie: http://www.indianajoynes.blogspot.com/

Curious minds want to know-who and/or what inspires you to blog?
Sadie: Life, in general, is just awesome! I'm learning lots of new things, like the alphabet, how to put my shoes on, and how to dance. And Jeopardy! Jeopardy is the best thing ever! I write so my family can see what I'm up to even though they live far away.

We in the M House totally agree, Sadie-Jeopardy ROCKS!

Stephanie: My job is really unusual and puts me in odd situations, so I have to write about them. It's like calling up your friends, and saying, "You are never going to believe what happened!

Working for the Smithsonian has got to be the source of some awesome stories! Please share with us your favorite posts so far!

Sadie: My Thoughts About the Easter Bunny

My Dear Mr. Phelps Series

It was an accident....

Stephanie:

A Few Words about Michael Jackson

Bravo! Bravo!

Being a Mommy Hasn't Changed Much Over the Years

What writers (and/or bloggers) do you read regularly?
Thingamababy

Writer Dad

Smithsonian Journeys Blog (I'll be writing for this one soon.)

Around the Mall

What are your future plans for your writing/blog?
Sadie: This potty training is hard.

You ain't kidding! Good luck girlie!

Stephanie: I met Alan Bean from Apollo 12 and spent a good part of the day with him at the Air and Space Museum. He was the 4th man on the moon, and was sweet as can be.

Wow, how amazing is that! And now, for something completely different.......

What's your favorite season?
Sadie: Santa Season

Stephanie: Fall, because of my birthday, anniversary AND Halloween!

Which do you say: to MAY to/to MAH to?
Sadie: I don't know what that word is.

Stephanie: To MAY to... I'm from Ohio.

Who is/was your childhood best friend, and why? Are you still in touch?
Sadie: Edison Jackson Bear, IV, you can read about him here.

Stephanie: Dixie, my Cabbage Patch Kid... she lives with my mother.

What do you think is the most important life lesson you have learned so far?
Sadie: Don't hit. It's not nice. And say, "Please" and "Thank you". It shows people you care.

Stephanie: A cup of tea is the solution to everything. Sit, drink, talk, relax.

I would totally meet you girls for some tea (diet soda for me)! Thank you so much for visiting and doing my little interview here...and of course for following me!

Alright everyone, you know what to do--go check out these ladies' blogs so that you can see for yourself how FABULOUS they are!

[Remember, if you want a chance to be my featured follower on Mommy's Fabulous Find Friday all you have to do is be a follower! If you choose to subscribe in a reader or bookmark my page, you'll have to make sure to leave a comment so that I can include you in the drawing. Thanks everyone!]
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Hiya Hoppers!

Welcome all, I'm MrsM! I'm the stay the home slave mom of Monkey (5), Baby Bug (17mo), and The Bean (2mo), and happy wife to Hubby....and this is what happens when a good woman loses her mind.

Just kidding. Though I have managed on certain days to forget my name-hence the blog title.

Here, have some cookies and milk. I broke the dough cubes onto a cookie sheet and poured the drink myself.

I'm so glad to get a chance to participate in Blog Hop '09~I absolutely LOVE getting to know new bloggy friends! If you love meeting new bloggy friends (What am I saying-of course you do! That's why you're hopping, right?) stop by on Fridays-each week I have Mommy's Fabulous Find Friday, featuring one of my fabulous followers, and do a little "get to know you" interview with them.

As for getting to know me, I'm all over this place like the plague or something. I speak a little of my mind about homeschooling/unschooling on Mondays during Mondays Our Way, and I probe your minds for answers to all my questions on Tell All Tuesdays (I know, first you visit then I make you work! We're good friends like that.) If you'd like to know more things of the "stats" type variety about my little troupe and I, please visit my About page.

Thanks so much for stopping by~Happy Hopping everyone!
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'Twas A Good Life, Frankenputer

That's right, Frankenputer is dying. It is a slow, painful death...at first it was barely noticeable, but when I look back the signs were all there. Internet browsers closing for no reason. Two minute load times to pull up the control panel. Pictures that would inexplicably reorder themselves. It was only a matter of time.

Now my internet browser cannot pull up more than one tab at a time-a devastating blow to my blogging habits-it takes 5 whole minutes to load two pictures onto the computer....and good luck uploading them to an actual website....

At first I thought this might be a virus, but alas-the clean scan tells me it is simply old age. Frank is a 1999 refurbished desktop, which is approximately 300 in computer years. I love him so, but he is a geezer.

Which is why I am frantically searching for a hot young replacement. Sorry, Frankie, but a girl's gotta blog-and now it's just a race against the clock. Will I find a laptop within our price range (free to dirt cheap) before Frankie gives up the ghost and goes to that great Intel in the sky?

I'm prepared to pull out the paddles if necessary. Stay with me Frankie!

At least until something better comes along...
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(Wordful) Wordless Wednesday:Vanity Shot

So which do you think I should use as my blog "about me" picture? I think the one to the left is prettier (YAY!), but the one on the right has more personality (also YAY).


Unfortunately, I hate pictures of myself with an unbelievable amount of venom so there is no way I'm goingto do retake after retake after retake trying to get a perfect shot.

Thoughts? Opinions? (Nice) Comments? I realize this is the first time you have seen my actual face...go easy on me...
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Tell All Tuesday:Mom Confession

I love Hubby and Hubby loves me. We are best friends, and we know everything about each other inside and out; we've been together nearly 7 years and we're still madly in love-but sometimes Hubby gets a little delusional.

See, Hubby likes to pretend that he's married to some freak hybrid mixture between Donna Reid, Super Woman, and Marilyn Monroe...and of course he occasionally gets disappointed when reality SMACKS him. He doesn't usually say anything, he's kind beyond measure to my flaws, but there is no mistaking the irritated look he gets sometimes when he-say-finds his work shirt balled up in the dirty laundry rather than clean and ready to wear.

Hey, I'm disappointed too. I would love to be a sex kitten who keeps an immaculate house and raises perfect, quiet children on two hours of sleep. Nothing would make me happier. Unfortunately, I'm not that woman. I don't think that woman exists, no matter how every man secretly wishes she did and no matter how much every woman would want to be her if it were possible.

Or maybe that's just something I say to comfort myself; still I know that I personally will never be Super DoMarilyn.

You want the real naked truth? This is what my actual house looks like:

Why yes, those are nearly empty soda bottles (soda-or "life blood" as I often call it-is what keeps me alive these days)...and yes those are the dishes from last night's dinner still sitting there...and I don't know if you can see the carpet but it is DESTROYED. Like Act of God destroyed. Yep, that's my toddler drinking a bottle while she's watching TV in her high chair in only a diaper. In fact, my children will often wear their pajamas the entire day-and when it's 84 degrees in our house in the middle of the night diapers are pajamas as far as I'm concerned. What did the kids have for breakfast? Bananas and toast. It's better than Twinkies, so it's good in my book. For dinner we are having microwaved soup out of a can and left over cornbread...and as always kids will Yum It Up or go hungry-this ain't a diner and I ain't no short order cook. I'm just that sensitive to their feelings.

Sure, I'll pick up as needed-believe me it's needed multiple times a day-and IF (that's a big capital I F) I have a moment I will try to do the dishes, do the laundry, or vacuum but unless all the planets are aligned it's probably not going to happen on the same day.

And yeah, I'm an unschooler but some days it just all goes out the window. I like to call these "private study days" but basically that just means "here's a stack of books, now please let Mommy have some peace".

I never wear makeup. I've spent entire days in my robe. 50% of my pants fall under the categories of sleepwear and/or work out clothes, and I wear those 90% of the time. Sometimes it'll be two full days before I get my next shower-and that goes for the kids too. Especially in winter.

That's life. I'm not Maryiln Super-Reid, I'm just human. Some days I have the nagging worry-wort-itis of Marge Simpson, the temper of Lois Wilkerson (the Malcom in the Middle Mom), and the style and housekeeping skills of Roseanne. That's just who I am. I think that's who we all are sometimes.

Don't get me wrong-I do my very best every day and sometimes, in rare moments, a little dash of Donna can shine right through. Most of the time though, we all have to live with someone a lot less peachy keen.

And you know what? In the end I'm pretty okay with that...and everyone else can learn to deal.

So now that you know what a wreck I am maybe you'll tell me-ladies, what's your Mom confession?
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Mondays Our Way(Late Edition):Grade Level

As I mentioned in last week's Mondays Our Way post you-the homeschooling parent-decide what grade your child is in. That's a great advantage when it comes to testing schedules, but that it also a large responsibility-classifying your child at an appropriate grade level effects their test scores, which in turn effects their college prospects, which in turn can effect their careers.

So how do you know, before you sit down at the test, if your child if your child is ready to be at that grade level? That's where educational standards come in. There are national education standards, but those mostly just set the guidelines for your state's educational standards (the ones you're really going to want to look at).

I have a natural hesitancy towards working with the public school district and prefer to do as much on my own as possible, but unless you are a public school teacher finding resources for state education standards can be difficult. They are often tucked away in some dusty corner of the internet, so as to "encourage" people to ask for them rather than find them on their own.

Luckily I am one obstinate pig headed broad dedicated lady, and after hours of internet mining I have come across EdStandards.Org, a website created and hosted by two small school districts in upstate New York. On this page there is a link to each state's individual standards page, which delineates by grade level what is expected of children in your area.

This, my friends, has been like unschooling gold to me. There is a lot that is expected of children these days-for instance, in my state children are expected to be able to create PowerPoint presentations with minimal assistance by the end of first grade. I never would have guessed. By having a list of these standards I have been able to assess exactly where Monkey's skills lie, and create new opportunities for him involving skills that he needs more practice with. While I don't exactly teach to the grade level expectations (we, as unschoolers, are more interest driven than standard driven), there are many people who do so very successfully and no matter what kind of homeschoolers you are knowing your state's standards is just one more step in arming yourself with knowledge that will help you and your child have the best educational experience possible.

Anyone else want to share their golden homeschooling/unschooling find?
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Goat Milk Stuff Soap Giveaway WINNER!

Random.Org has spoken~the lucky winner of a Goat Milk Stuff fabulous goat milk soap bar is.....

Commenter #25
Susana from Our Homeschool Fun


Congratulations Susanna-I'll be putting you in touch with the lovely PJ and you'll get your soap soon!

My very heartfelt thanks to the entire Jonas family, owners of Goat Milk Stuff, for participating in this giveaway and a big thank you to all of YOU for visiting my blog, and entering to win!

Don't forget I do have two other giveaways going on right now-The Near and Far giveaway, where I'm giving away both a $35 Gift Certificate from Ahead of Style and a custom blog design from Splash of Color Studios (that's me), going through 7/25, and the Scentsy giveaway going through 7/31!
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Infestation in the House of M

This is the first time that I have lived in a "rural" town, so I'm going to ask you for help-can someone with experience please tell me


Our house is clean-okay maybe not clean, but it's not a Hazmat situation or anything-and I don't understand why we are being besieged by creepy crawlies. First it was giant ants. These organized little beasties came marching one by one, set up camp, and soon there were a thousand of them-or at least enough to be considered a small colony in my book. Of course we did what any human being would do-we killed them en masse, set up a Raid perimeter around the house, and were ant free.

But then came the flies. They were unlike any flies I had ever seen. These things were the size of bumblebees and had greenish-reddish metallic looking backs. Someone I described them to said they sound like horse flies? Whatever the heck they were, they were way too sturdy for fly swatters. We actually had to put up fly paper. Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeew. Still it was worth the gross factor because after about a week the flies were gone (thank God, I've heard flies like that can actually BITE! Yikes!).

I thought we were safe...until the last couple of days. We are now in the throws of our worst infestation yet-spiders. I'm not talking about Daddy Long Legs here people-I'm talking MUTANT SPIDERS. I have never seen anything like these creatures. One was black and white striped, I kid you not! (Is there such a thing as a zebra spider?) And what the heck kind of spider is the size of a nickel and has fangs so big you can actually SEE them? (The dead kind, that's what.) I've seen red ones, and brown ones, and ones that jump....every time I turn around there's another one hanging on the ceiling just waiting to drop on one of my babies!
(Photo from WiredNewYork)
I am completely skeeved out. Just the thought of these crazy things make me itch all over. I know how to kill a spider, but how do you stop them from getting in your house altogether? I mean, these things practically have opposable thumbs....how do you fight that?

My solution would be to bug bomb our entire town; the whole state if I had to. Hubby on the other hand seems to think I'm being impractical, especially when I start talking about becoming a vigilante insect killer, but I've had enough! We either bug bomb this whole county or I'm going to Seal-A-Meal our house.

Unless some of you have alternate solutions? Help a mommy out.
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A Play By Play of Our Day....By Monkey

Mommy, Baby Bug is awake. Can you hear her crying. She is awake, Mommy.

Mommy? She wants breakfast, Mommy.

Mommy, she's drinking her bottle, Mommy. Can you watch her drink her bottle, Mommy?

Mommy LOOOOOOOK! The Bean's eyes are open, Mommy.

Now they're closed.

Now they're open.

Now they're closed.

Now they're open.

[Yes, son, that's called blinking.]

OH. Mommy, why does The Bean blink Mommy?

Mommy Baby Bug farted now. She has a stinky diaper and you should change her, Mommy.

Mommy The Bean has a stinky diaper too. Mommy. Mommy. Did you hear me Mommy?

Mommy, Daddy's taking a nap right now because he has to go to work tonight, right Mommy?

[Yes, son.]

Mommy, I like it when Daddy takes naps because then I can watch my shows, right Mommy?

Can I watch Kai-Lan Mommy?

Mommy, The Bean wants to watch Kai-Lan, Mommy. I can tell.

Mommy-what's for lunch Mommy?

Mommy Baby Bug took my car and hid it.

Mommy Baby Bug is peeing on the carpet.

Mommy I'm really hungry Mommy.

Mommy The Bean is crying Mommy.

Mommy Mommy Mommy Mommy Mommy Mommy Mommy Mommy

Can you look? Can you look? Can you look? Can you look? Can you look?

Mommy?

Mommy?

Mommy?

[What, son?]

Hi, Mommy, how is your day?

[Super, son. How is yours going?]

Mommy, I'm hungry Mommy. And The Bean doesn't like her binky anymore she told me because she spitted it on the ground Mommy.

[I see.]

But Baby Bug likes the binky Mommy so she stole it and hid it.

[Really, where?]

I don't know. I forgotten.

Mommy when's dinner?

Mommy can I have a special treat? I want a strawberry. No TEN strawberries. No, THREE HUNDRED strawberries for my three hundred teeth. See, I have three hundred teeth, Mommy!

[I think you may be confusing yourself with a whale.]

Oh yeah.

Mommy it's time to put Baby Bug to bed.

Mommy The Bean is crying again, Mommy.

Mommy can I watch my show before bed Mommy?

Mommy can I have one more glass of milk?

Mommy can I brush my teeth one more time?

Mommy can we read the next chapter?

Mommy can I have a snuggle?

Mommy, I love you so much Mommy.

Goodnight.

That. Right. There. Makes the rest of the day totally worth it.
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Mommy's Fabulous Find Friday:So Good You Can Smell It! (Sentsy Giveaway and Review)

Normally I feature a follower during my Fabulous Find Fridays, and don't you worry-that will be continuing next week. I'll be pulling someone from the list courtesy of Random.Org on Tuesday or Wednesday-I can't wait to meet someone new!

This week, however, I wanted to do a special Fab Find Friday for what I think is the best thing I've come across in....I don't know....forever.

Remember a couple of Fab Fridays ago when I featured our good friend Angela from I Will Bloom? Remember when she mentioned that she is an independent Scentsy director? Well, what you don't know is that shortly after that we got in touch and Angela was generous enough to agree to do a review and giveaway-right here, for you, our fab bloggy friends!

I immediately loved the idea of Scentsy candles....and not just because it meant I was going to get free stuff. They seemed like a perfect solution for a person like me-I happen to hold a torch for candles (pun totally intended) but I am also uber-paranoid about fire. We had a house fire when I was a kid, and while we were all safe and sound we lost pretty much everything we had, and I never want to go through that again, or put the kidlets through that.

Speaking of them, there is the whole kids are kids thing. They do what they do-they don't pay attention, they knock things over, they play with fire. Literally. So the open flame of candles definitely pose a hazard to their persons, in addition to the potential hazard of house fires. I love candles, but I love my kids more (duh) and even though I'm pretty sure in an emergency I could Hulk out and carry all three of them to safety, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure....so I've just nixed my beloved candles since Monkey started walking.

Now I don't have to!
Sensty Wickless Candles have the sweet relaxing glow and the FANTASTIC SMELL (you know how I love things that smell good) of traditional candles, without the worry of an open flame.

First you'll need a Scentsy warmer-an adorable piece of ceramic pottery (available in 43 styles, I chose the Sweetheart style) that has space for a 25 watt light bulb in the bottom half and a tray on the top-and some wonderful smelling Scentsy bars. Then all you do is put the bars in the top, plug in your warmer, turn it on and voila! Scentsy magic.


The first thing you'll notice is the glow. The 25watt bulbs are definitely enough to give off some romantic lighting, but not are not so overpowering that it takes away from the fact that this is supposed to be a candle alternative. Think night light lighting...only with a more romantic look. Especially on mine-look at the little pattern the light gives off-the Sweetheart warmer sends out little light beams of hearts!
AWWWW.

And of course the Scentsy candles smell oh-so-much better than a nightlight. These things SMELL AMAZING! I got Coconut, Lilac Lavender, and Skinny Dipping (a fruity smell that I swear is almost like a starburst candy) and they not only smell terrific but also do their part in masking the eau de toddler that roams around our house. The cool thing is that there are over 80 different scents and YOU CAN MIX AND MATCH THEM right there on your warmer. I mixed the Coconut with the Skinny Dipping and the result was a fabulous tropical smell. Right on her site, Angela has a list of the "recipes" you can make with your Scentsy bars, including strawberry lemonade, apple pie ala mode, and even french toast smell! Seriously, how great is that? And when you're done with one smell all you have to do is pour the warm wax back into it's original container (to save for later-the smell in each bar lasts FOREVER), wipe the tray out with a paper towel, and put your new scent in.

Adorable, delicious smelling, convenient, and safe-in my opinion Scensty is the 'candle' for moms. I absolutely recommend it-even Hubby gives it his nod! You can buy your own fabulous looking Scentsy warmer and a bar of your choice from Angela for only $35 (warmers are $30 and bars are $5....you will definitely want more than one bar though...) or, if you are the lucky winner of this fabulous giveaway you can WIN a Scentsy warmer and THREE bars of your choice (a $45 value) from the very generous Angela.

As always, all you have to do to be entered is leave a comment telling me some way to get a hold of you...but if you want more (optional) entries there are ways to increase your odds of winning:

• Follow Angela's Scentsy blog
• Follow Angela's Personal blog
• Follow my blog
• Follow me on Twitter
• Tweet about this contest (1 entry per Tweet, 1 Tweet per day)
• Add my button to your page (see sidebar for code)
  
• Blog about this giveaway, including a link to both Angela's Scentsy blog and I've Changed My Name To Mommy (+5 ENTRIES!!)

This contest will close on July 31st-don't forget to leave one comment per entry! Good luck!
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Mommy's Hot...Uh...Assets

I have always been what one might call "stacked". I hit puberty when I was 8 (which scares me when I think back on it) and by the time I was in 4th grade I was a B-Cup. In high school I was a D, and now after 3 kidlets (and a few extra pounds) I'm a DD. The charm of this is kind of lost on Hubby-he himself happens to be a leg man, an area in which I certainly don't disappoint (*unlike my mom gut) but certainly gets less attention than the girls.

Unless we're talking about Monkey.

Monkey is a boob man. Has been since birth-that's part of the reason why his nickname is Monkey. As a toddler he wanted to be picked up all the time so that he could wrap one arm around my neck and put the other in between my cleavage. It seemed harmless at the time-I figured it was just the most obvious place to hold on to. Now at five his obsession is clear.

Never more clear than it was a few days ago when my sister came to visit. My sister, while definitely attractive, has a different sort of figure than I do and is as small in the chest area as I am big. This is not news to anyone. Not even to Monkey-she's been his aunt his whole life. Still his greeting to her on the day she visited was momentous.

"Hi Autie! You have small boobies!"

Seriously. Just like that. BLURT, like word vomit. Luckily, my sister has an incredible sense of humor and understanding of kids (she's a teacher) so she just laughed as Monkey continued....

"Your boobies are really small, Auntie. Are they okay?"

More laughter from my sister, genuine curiosity from Monkey, and mortification from me as I try to explain that boobies come in all sizes and they're all okay.

"But Mommy your boobies are sooooo pretty. Why are Auntie's not like yours?"

GAH! Where is the chloroform when you need it?! His obsession with boobies is definitely not helped by the fact that I'm nursing The Bean. Every time I start to nurse, here comes Monkey with an awkward comment. I try to answer as directly as possible and just pray for this phase to end.

At least with Monkey...because of course if big brother is doing something Baby Bug must do it as well. She takes her turn coming over and oogleing and tries to pat my boobs.....while The Bean is still on them. She also points and shouts "Boos! Boos!"

I am quite the spectacle.

Of course all of this attention has prompted Hubby to decide that even though he is a leg man he does feel some proprietary ownership over the girls-now he's always commenting he "can't wait to have them back all to himself".

Yeah, me too.

And someday I'd like to be able to pee by myself-but that's a whole different issue. The battle for a mother's privacy is hard fought and seldom won.
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Wordless Wednesday:The Eyes Have It

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Tell All Tuesdays:I Am Slowly Going Crazy

One two three four five six switch.

It is 5:30 in the afternoon and I am JUST NOW sitting down to do my Tell All Tuesday post. Why?

Anarchy, that's why. The kids up and lost their marbles yesterday, and we have yet to relocate them.

Monkey is doing his best emo kid impression, stomping and dragging around the house looking generally annoyed and answering every question with "I don't know". (Word to the wise-don't try to cheer him up, this only turns his sulking into a full blown fit.)

Baby Bug is running around the house finding things to throw on the ground so that she can practice saying Uh Oh (her new favorite words). She has also discovered how fun it is to rip your diaper off and pee behind/under furniture and in corners when Mommy isn't looking. Yesterday, besides the throwing and the peeing, she also somehow got a hold of a pencil sharpener and cut her thumb open. She's okay-she didn't even cry. I didn't in fact notice that she was hurt until I followed the drops of blood (the tiny drops of which were still glaringly obvious on our tan carpet).

As for The Bean, she hasn't pooped in two days. This is not abnormal for babies, and is nothing to run her to the doctor for, but certainly makes her a giant cranky pants. She is constantly waking up and wants to be held 24/7. I never thought I'd wish so hard for poop.

That's where I've been sitting for the last two days-in the middle of the living room, surrounded by crying children-one who is always on the verge of a meltdown, one who is bound and determined to hurt herself or break something, one who wants to be held night and day, and all of them seeking my undivided attention.

I need peace! I need sanity! I think I may have to run away from home! Just until their attitudes change, which they inevitably will since-despite my complaints-they are actually very good, well mannered children. Usually. When they're not making me insane. The problem really is that I haven't been able to relax in so long, I think I've forgotten how.

What do you guys do to blow off steam?
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Mondays Our Way:Test Anxiety

There, I said it.

Unschooling brings along a lot of questions about testing. From the public school side, people tend to be skeptical, wanting kids to be tested to "prove that they are really being educated". From the unschooling side (which tends to differ from traditional homeschooling on the subject of test administration) the thought of the government handing our children a standardized test leaves a foul taste in our mouths.

The good news is that less than 50% of states require standardized testing for homeschooled students. The bad news is that most people cannot afford to move just to avoid standardized tests if their state requires them. The worst news is that in many states with standardized testing laws there are provisions which would legally force you to send your child to public school should they not meet testing requirements. I could go on for hours-nay, DAYS-about what a flagrant violation of personal liberty that is, but I'll limit it to just the one extra large bolded comment.

Continuing on....

So what do you do if you're looking down the line to forced standardized testing with potentially infuriating consequences? If your kids have yet to enter the public school system you can always remember to forget to register them with the school district-but if your children were already in the system, or your state has criminal penalties for such action, that's probably not a good idea. My recommendation?

Obey your state's homeschooling laws. TO. THE. LETTER. in the letter, and not in the spirit. (Find your states exact law, and a legal interpretation of it, courtesy of HSLDA)

The laws regarding schooling are often not what you would expect. For instance, did you know that the legal age of compulsory education is usually NOT five? In fact, only 11 states require that 5 year olds be in school, and 2 of those 11 allow exceptions. Within the US, compulsory schooling is required, on average, beginning at age 7. (Check HERE to see your state's compulsory schooling age.)

Also, did you know that nearly half of the states that require testing require it at certain grade levels as opposed to yearly or at certain times (find an overview of testing requirements by state HERE)? And who decides what "grade" your homeschooled child is in?

That's right, you do.

Another thing to look into-while many school districts "require" you to turn in your child's standardized test scores, the law often only requires that you keep records available upon written request.

Let me be sure to clarify-I'm not suggesting that you do anything illegal, and I'm not suggesting that you don't educate your child. I do suggest, however, that parents opposed to standardized testing who live in mandatory testing states arm themselves with very specific legal knowledge regarding state requirements and then work within those requirements in a way that best suits their family.

After all, personalized education in the best interest of your child is what homeschooling is all about.
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The Size of Your Sin

I don't normally write about religion or faith. It's not really what I'm interested in writing, and I don't feel like it's something worth stirring the teacup over. Everyone believes however they feel convicted to, and I totally support that even if I don't agree with the philosophy itself.

However, when I was reading Angela's blog-which always serves up some food for thought on faith-I began thinking about sin and I decided I would write about it this Sunday. I know. I am surprised too.....sin is a big topic. It's kind of controversial.
OH WELL.

You should know that I personally am a Christian. I have no specific denomination-I don't even attend church (because I can't find the right one, there is nothing wrong with church)-I'm just the plain old Christ following kind of Christian. All of my beliefs are based solely on my personal interpretation of the Bible and the message and words of Jesus and don't represent any specific church, Christianity in general, or really anyone besides myself. And sometimes Hubby.

That being said, back to sin. Let's get a couple of the basics out there. I personally believe that everyone sins, and that any and all sin is equal because it all separates us from God.(James 2:10) That's right, I believe that Mother Teresa was a sinner and that lying by omission is just as bad as adultery. On the plus side whether you are Joan of Arc or Joe the Crackhead I believe all you have to do is ask God's forgiveness and you are freely saved through God's grace(Titus 3:5, Romans 3:22-25).

So here's my question-why are some sins more taboo than others?

I have a thought on this. I think it has way less (if anything) to do with God and the Bible and more to do with people and their natures. It is much easier to say, "Well sure, I'm a sinner" if you can follow it up with "but I'm not as big a sinner as that guy" or "but it's only a little sin". As far as I've read the Bible doesn't support that kind of thinking, but you see it in every church, in an astounding number of Christians.

People are ousted from congregations and ostracized often from the Christian community (by fiery judgment or by being frozen out) for being gay, living together and/or having a kid before you are married, having substance abuse problems, having an extra marital affair, etc. .....but no one gives you the cold shoulder for cheating on your fourth grade spelling test, calling in syck (fake sick), thinking lusty thoughts, or even something like shoplifting. These are all seen as sins, but the first set often meet anger and cause personal rejection in the Christian community and the second set are, when discovered, treated as no big deal. Why is that?

My personal opinion is that it's all about the size of your sin. I like to call them pocket sized and no crap sized sins. A pocket sized sin is something that is not immediately obvious-and therefore cannot be immediately judged. Someone usually has to know you personally before they'll find out that you lie, cheat, shoplift, or whatever and by the time they get to know you well enough to know that, they're more inclined to "go easy" on you.

It's easy to see and judge the no crap sized sins. You see a man kissing another man in your church you know they're gay. Living together before you're married is just as obvious (there is a whole house where you both live and all), and people who have children out of wedlock have a walking, breathing testament to their "sin" (Yes, I'm using quotes in this instance, but I'm not going there right now, maybe another post someday. Probably not.)-there's no hiding your 12 year old.

It's easy to see someone's no crap sized sins and allow yourself to think that your sins are not as bad, but that's simply not true. Your sins are just secret, that's all-but let's not forget that NO ONE'S sins are kept secret from God. We all fall short of Him, and none of us are worthy on our own. We all require grace-the amount or frequency of which is inconsequential. The point is that we couldn't do it on our own.

I'd also like to put one last thing out there-do you think Jesus has favorites? Do you believe that Jesus likes/loves say Billy Graham more than He loves an unwed teen mother or a lesbian?


So if it's our goal to be like Him in all of His ways, how can we pick favorites? How can we attempt to justify our own sins by condemning the "bigger" ones? Can't we just agree that all of us are unworthy and rejoice together that we are saved by grace? In that spirit, why wouldn't we open our hearts and congregations (as applicable) to people with the no crap sized sins? We know that's really what Jesus would do, because that's what He already did!

In the end, Jesus loves you unconditionally-so why not love other people flaws and all, and allow the judgment to come from the only One who is qualified to judge us?

Just my thoughts. Happy Sunday.
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Near and Far Giveaway! Win a Salon Gift Certificate or Blog Makeover

Maybe all the sunshine has messed with my brain a little, but I am in a generally fabulous mood lately. The kids are as cute as ever, I got a steal on my digital camera, my garden looks fantastic, and I have I told you how fabulous my hair is these days?

My gorgeous hair is all thanks to Natanya, owner and operator of Ahead of Style. As I mentioned before, I traded her some web design for a perm and color-and can I just say that was a great trade? I am especially in love with my color-and in awe of the fact that Natanya could create the perfect color for me when all she had to work with was "I want a reddish-dark-brownishy color". The lady is definitely a professional...and a generous one at that...that's why she has agreed to participate in a fabulous giveaway with me!


Do you live in the Vancouver/Portland area? How would you like to treat yourself at this great salon? Just leave your comment below, let us know you're in the great Northwest and looking for some Style, and the winner will recieve A $35 gift certificate from Ahead of Style!

With that $35 gift certificate you could get any of the following services:


Want more? Of course you do!

If the winner of the gift certificate loves Ahead of Style like I do and decides to indulge in salon services valued at $100 or more, Natanya will give add an additional $15 onto your gift certificate...making it a cool $50!

$50 for $100 worth of expert salon services? What a GREAT DEAL, am I right?

For Readers Far Away...

Are you totally excited yet? I AM! So hurry up and leave your comment below telling me whether you are near or far. Don't forget to post one comment per additional entry option you take advantage of! The 2 winners (one from Near and one from Far!) will be announced on July 25th---Good luck everyone!
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Mommy's Fabulous Find Friday-Samantha from Apple Juice and Milk

IT'S FRIDAY EVERYONE! Finally-phew! I've been so ridiculously busy this week. Not that it ends just because it's Friday. And not that I want it to end! I've been having a ton of fun doing my Goat Milk Stuff natural soap giveaway (which continues until 7/19!) and putting the finishing touches on the website I've been designing. I've also been planning ANOTHER giveaway and a big unveiling (all will be announced tomorrow, so look forward to that), helping my sister and one of hubby's friends with their websites, doing a guest post for A Daily Dose of Toni (which posts today-go and see!)...and on top of it all just generally being crazy because I have three kids and apparently that's just what you do when you are out numbered by the small and loud.

I haven't hardly had time to think, but I am so glad that I found the time to do Mommy's Fabulous Find this week. Just like the last several weeks, I am once again featuring one of YOU, my friendly and fabulous followers. It has been so fun getting to know you all better, and this week I have especially loved getting to know



I love her blog so much I even follow her now! She's a fun, young stay at home mommy who tells it like it is. I am so excited to introduce you to her!

So Samantha, tell us about yourself (Family/friends/pets? Career/hobbies? Fun facts? Hidden talents? Medical oddities?)
Well, I am 21 years old and married to my college sweetheart. We have a 2 year old daughter named Bree. I am a Stay-At-Home Mom for now but am very interested in Photography and plan on choosing that as a career when little Bree goes to school. I wish I could say that I had some hidden talents, but I'm really not that talented in that many things. Well, except for writing, photography, and being able to tell when someone is lying.

Hey, that's a very important skill! In life and of course as a Mommy. And I totally agree with you that writing is certainly one of your talents! Please tell us where we can find all of your writing.
You can find all of my rantings and ravings at http://www.applejuiceandmilk.blogspot.com

Of course, curious minds want to know-who and/or what inspires you to blog?
Mainly, my daughter Bree, my husband and then sometimes I am inspired by stupid people who I come across in every day life.

Please share with us your favorite posts so far!
I am really, not so good at recalling things...seriously. I don't even remember what we had for supper last night :)

That's okay, once you have kids the memory of such trivial things like when you ate last and where you put your car keys are shoved out crucial items like what time the last trip to the potty was. I think I can say with confidence that everyone will enjoy all of your posts!

What writers (and/or bloggers) do you read regularly?
Of course "I've Changed My Name to Mommy", 4 Nuts in a Nutshell , Mrs. Mayhem, Sara Joanna, Bottles Barbies & Boys

What are your future plans for your writing/blog?
I want to keep writing, and hope that I gather an audience. I like to write, and I like to share, and I hope that I am just as likeable to everyone else.

You certainly are to me! I have no doubt that with time you'll grow a huge following!

And now, for something completely different........

What's your favorite wedding dance?
I love the Macarena. Not sure why. I think it's funny to watch people do.

Who is your favorite classic TV character?
Favorite, classic, tv character...hmmm...I'm big on Full House. I'm not sure if that counts as a classic, but it is in my book.. My favorite character from Full House is definitely "Uncle Jesse". Not just because he's sexy....

Your favorite song comes on the grocery store PA system....do you sing along?
Most likely, just not very loud. I act like I'm singing to Bree who is usually staring at me like I am so weird woman off the street.

I totally blame my kids for doing crazy things, even when the crazy is all me!

If you could have one superpower, what would it be and why?
I definitely would like to be able to read people's minds. Sometimes, I am just dying to see what people are thinking. I know that would be opening up a can of worms though. I would probably become very violent if I had the ability to read minds.

Ha ha ha. With great power comes great responsibility....or something like that! Thank you so much for agreeing to do this interview, I've had a great time getting to know you better.

Okay, seriously everyone-go check out Apple Juice and Milk [and A Daily Dose of Toni....not that I'm giving you homework or anything...] you'll be so glad you did!

[Remember, if you want a chance to be my featured follower on Mommy's Fabulous Find Friday all you have to do is be a follower! If you choose to subscribe in a reader or bookmark my page, you'll have to make sure to leave a comment so that I can include you in the drawing. Thanks everyone!]

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A Time (and Place) For Every Post

I have been holding onto a post for a while now. It's about one of my personal pet peeves-people who butcher the English language online. I don't mean typos, I don't mean misspellings or little mix ups, I mean BUTCHER. On purpose. Because they think it's cool and they don't know any better.

I have had this post written and I've been sitting on it for a while now waffling on whether or not to put it up. I really liked it, but I was a little worried that I would offend someone. It is a pet peeve of mine so I was ranting a little, but in the end it was all in good fun....I just kept going back and forth.

Then, just a few weeks ago, Toni (of A Daily Dose of Toni) announced that she was looking for guest posters to help out while on vacation...and she picked me (among many far more talented others)! I thought and thought about what to write, but I just kept coming back to my little secret rant post. I think it's because of Toni's own post about anonymous commenters that made me think her blog would be the perfect place to debut it.

To post or not to post? I guess the solution is post...somewhere else! Ha ha ha.

I'm really excited for my very first guest post, so be sure to head over to Toni's on Friday to read "Dear Language Assassins" (yes, that's the real title)! Oh and please don't forget that I'll also be having Fabulous Find Friday over here.....this week I'm featuring


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Wordless Wednesday:The Bean

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Tell All Tuesday:Growing Up

How do you deal when your baby's not a baby anymore? That's not a clever lead in, I really have no idea. True, Baby Bug is still pretty small and The Bean is literally an infant so it's not like I don't have my fair share of little ones anymore. And yes, 5 years old is no where near all grown up, but it still breaks my heart to think of how big he is.

This weekend it was only made worse by his devastatingly handsome, brand new, super cool grown up hair cut.



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Mondays Our Way:Playing Defense

This is obviously not a newsflash for anyone, but not everyone homeschools. Not everyone believes in homeschool and in fact there are actually people who are opposed to it. Of course this is the case with pretty much every parenting decision out there-bottle vs breast, co-sleeping vs cribs, spanking vs timeouts-whatever you decide there is always someone who thinks what you're doing is wrong, and that's cool. Diversity of opinion makes the world go round, and as long as everyone is feeding/clothing/housing/loving their kids that's all that matters. Right?

Unfortunately there will always be that one person who just can't help but butt in. You know this person-the one who makes it their personal mission to try to "make you see the light" (the light being their parenting style). If it's a person in the grocery store or a nosy neighbor it's pretty easy to smile and nod and just go about your business...

but what do you do if Buttinski McKnow-It-All is among your close friends and family?

I have a couple of particular relations that keep trying to "talk me out of homeschooling". Their first plan was to just ignore our intention to homeschool altogether. They've spent the first 5 years of Monkey's life saying,

"You know, when he goes to school...." "Just wait until he's in school...." "Once the kids are in school...."

I've mentioned to them 8739498731099999 times that our kids are already in homeschool, and that we have absolutely no intention of placing them in public school, but they have simply chosen to ignore it. It's almost as if they were trying to trick me into sending Monkey to school....like somehow if they acted as though he was going I'd just get confused and send him.


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Goat Milk Stuff...It's Only Natural! (Giveaway and Review)

Do you know what summer puts me in the mood for? Free stuff! Okay, so I'm always in the mood for free stuff-who's not? Still I do think that now is the perfect time to start doing some fabulous giveaways around here.

I'm giving stuff away! And I. Am. SO. Excited!

Of course, I want to make sure that the things I'm giving you are all of the very best quality-that's where the review part comes in. You guys are my friends, and I would never want to give you a big fat white elephant.

That's why I'm happy to report with absolute certainty that you will L.O.V.E. my first giveaway...because what's better than hand made, 100% natural, delicious smelling soap that makes your skin feel like silk?

I ran across Goat Milk Stuff during The Ultimate Blog Party 09 and I was immediately enchanted with them. They are a family business-the soap is all hand made by the Jim and PJ Jonas and their eight (yes 8!) adorable homeschooled children who raise their very own milk goats on their very own farm in Indiana. You can even meet the goats right there on their website! Their devotion to their family and the love they put into their business and their soap is obvious from click one on their website.

After choosing my bar for this review I was totally excited, but when I got my bar in the mail I was thrilled! I didn't even get the box all the way open before thinking MMMMMMMMMMM-this is definitely not a bar of dial. Just the smell was a luxurious experience! When I did manage to stop sniffing and get the box all the way open I was charmed by the hand stamped muslin (earth friendly!) bag and the absolutely adorable miniature sample soaps.

After opening it up I realized a) the smell of the Oatmeal Milk & Honey bar is like slipping down into a warm bath and b) this is definitely a lot of product for the price! I've bought "natural" soaps and bath stuff before where it seems that all your really paying for is an organic label on a postage stamp. The Jonas family on the other hand measures their bars to make sure that each one is 6oz of deliciousness....not that you'd eat it, even though you probably could!

The bars are all natural. According to the Goat Milk Stuff website the ingredients in my Oatmeal Milk and Honey bar are:

Alright, so you probably shouldn't eat fragrance oil....but I'm thinking you could eat it and not have to get your stomach pumped-which is more than you can say for a bar of Irish Spring. In addition to the ingredients being natural, the Jonas family pays very careful attention to their goats making sure they eat only the greatest fare-such as hay brought by their neighbor Farmer Fraizer-and stay away from chemicals like growth hormones which would go into their milk.

So you ask-what is this fantastic smelling, completely natural soap like in action? Fantastic of course! I have skin that is naturally a little on the dry side and store bought bar soap tends to parch my skin, but these goat milk bars leave my skin feeling soft and moisturized....and of course smelling delicious.

Goats Milk Soap comes in 34 different fragrances so obviously I haven't tried them all (yet!) but the Oatmeal Milk and Honey is warm and inviting. The adorable little samples smelled just as amazing-I got Black Raspberry (which Monkey liked best), Honeysuckle (which Hubby liked best), and (my favorite among the samples) Ocean. I think Cucumber Melon, Lilac, and Vanilla are also calling to me for next time.

And there will definitely be a next time for me!

That's why I am so excited to give one of you wonderful people a chance to win one of these sense and skin pleasing bars of all natural handcrafted soaps! Here's what you do:

• Leave a comment below (don't forget to leave an email address or a link to your blog that has an email contact-so I can tell you that you've won!)
• Then, for additional (optional) entries:
• Follow JPs blog Goat Milk Soapers!
• 
• Follow me here at I've Changed My Name to Mommy
• Follow me on Twitter
• Tweet about this contest (1 entry per Tweet, max 1 Tweet per day-please link to your status update in your comment)
• Write a blog post about this contest linking to both my blog and to the Goat Milk Stuff website (you'll get FIVE ENTRIES for this...you know you want to!)

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Mommy's Fabulous Find Friday-Melissa from The Jensen's Crazee Life

Ladies and gentleman (I'm going to go out on a limb and assume Hubby is the only male that reads my blog)-it's time again for Fab Find Friday, and once again I'm featuring one of YOU....because I want to get to know every one of you and find out what makes you great! This week (and, if you're paying attention, last week too) I got to know more about super fabulous follower

Melissa's a small town gal with 3 kids-two girls and one boy-so I knew right away we'd have a lot in common! Reading her blog you can just tell how much she loves her family! I love that her blog is so personal-reading it I felt like I was getting to know a real person, not just a blog persona.

Alright let's make introductions---readers, Melissa. Melissa, readers. Great! Now let's get to know more about Mrs. Jensen.

So Melissa, tell us about yourself.

About me....hmmmm. Well I live in small~town Iowa with my husband Troy, my 3 kids, Taylor, Delaney, and Kale. And our 3 English bulldogs Bentley, Dempster, and Chunky Monkey.....only a face a mother could love!!!

I work at a window factory Pella Windows & Doors in Pella, Iowa.. By no means my dream job but I do get a paycheck that I like to see on Fridays!!!!!! But because of the economy I took a voluntary layoff back in January. So for now I have been a SAHM.....and I LOVE it!!!!! Not alot of hobbies because we have 3 kids who are involved in sports, so that has to be our biggest hobby watching our kids run in cross country and track, play basketball and wrestle, and watching baseball and softball....I hope I didn't miss anything. But I also like scrapbooking, antiquing, photography, and we have a Harley Davidson that we just got last summer and we love it!!!! Not that we have a ton of extra time to ride but when we do we enjoy it alot!!!!!

Three kids...three dogs...yep that will keep you busy! But I bet it provides a lot of good updates for your blog. Tell us all where we can find your writing.

By this question I assume you are asking about my blog!??!?! You can find us at www.thejensenscrazeelife.blogspot.com

I'm pretty sure I know just by looking at your blog, but who and/or what inspires you to write?

That is easy.....my family. I started blogging so that our extended family could keep up with us and know what the kids are up to. But I have really met a ton of very nice people in the blog world....so I enjoy reading and sharing stories with all of you.

It's great to read your posts-they're so down to earth. What do you think is your favorite post so far?

I am not going to say this is my very favorite....because when I was looking back through my post I ran across alot that I laughed about. But the one I am sharing is going along with your questions.....just a few more questions and answers.

thejensenscrazeelife.blogspot.com/2009/01/questions.html

I always like to find out where a good writer gets their read on-what writers (and/or bloggers) do you read regularly?

You will have to check out my blog list.....I have ALOT of favorites!!!!

What are your future plans for your writing/blog?

That is an issue I have....I do not plan very well!!!! So I plan to continue the same idea....family and kids. But I do hope that I can get my act together and get my posts caught up.

I don't think you've got an act to get together...I know that your posts, just as they are now, are completely worth visiting!

And now, for something completely different.......

Coffee or Soda?
EASY...Diet Pepsi or Sweet Tea!!!!

Can I just say that we are drink twins? I drink Diet Soda in quantities just shy of IV drip and Hubby loves Sweet Tea. You have excellent taste! Ha ha ha.

What is the one phrase you say the most?
"you will be fine" or "life's to short to worry about that"

Your favorite junk food is......
Oh....I love it all!!! Nachos, ice cream, salted nut roll, and the list goes on and on!!!!!!

Tell us about the person you've known that has most influenced you.
I am not going to pick one person, but I will say my family....because we have not had the simplest life, but they always have a way to find the good in most everything we face and we can laugh and cry as a family and still stick together!!!

Having a great family is, I think the biggest advantage you can have in life! Thank you so much for following my blog and doing my little interview Melissa.

Okay ladies (and Hubby)-go visit our new friend Melissa for a good, honest taste of some down home blogging. You'll be so glad you did!

[Remember, if you want a chance to be my featured follower on Mommy's Fabulous Find Friday all you have to do is be a follower! If you choose to subscribe in a reader or bookmark my page, you'll have to make sure to leave a comment so that I can include you in the drawing. Thanks everyone!]
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Wordless Wednesday:Secret Garden

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