Athena Bee's

do you guys miss me?

2012-01-20T14:57:00.000-05:00

Are you in a panic thinking "zomg what am I going to put in my crock pot this week?" and "what in the world are Zofia and Athena doing right now?"

I know, I know. I'd be doing the same thing. I've been embarrassed to say but we've hurt another laptop. This time it was by Athena's hand. How can you get mad at your kid for frying a keyboard with water when you drowned a motherboard with coffee? It's in very capable hands and hopefully it will be home soon. For now I can only type out little messages on my phone. I won't be showing you what the screen of THAT looks like.

Super Simple Crock Pot Chicken Noodle Soup

2012-01-12T10:59:00.001-05:00

This soup turned out great. Everyone enjoyed it and had seconds PLUS Louis packed it for his lunch the next day. SUCCESS!

32 oz carton of chicken stock
2 cups water
10 to 16 oz package of frozen mixed vegetables (We like LOTS of vegetables in our soup.)
1lb boneless skinless chicken breast
3 cups egg noodles
1 tsp salt (more or less to taste)
1/2 tsp black pepper

Put everything except the egg noodles into the pot and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

Shred the chicken, add the egg noodles, and continue cooking on high for 45 minutes or until the noodles are cooked to your liking.

So I guess we're doing the family bed.

2012-01-11T11:40:00.000-05:00

Sleep has always been an issue in this house including sleeping arrangements. Louis and I both have insomnia issues and I swear the man gets up to pee 52 times a night. The constant tossing, turning, and up and down from both of us kept the other one awake. It turned into this game of musical beds, traveling all over the house just to get some sleep.

When Athena was born I was so consumed with the idea that she would stop breathing in her sleep I had to have her by my side at all times. She woke up for teh milks every 2-3 hours until she was 2. This was not conducive to sleep for Louis who had to get up for work at 6am. This put him in the bedroom upstairs and Athena and me in the spare room. 4 1/2 years later she's still sleeping with me.

Along came Zofia. Louis was determined to have one child use the crib and sleep solo. Zofia liked her own space so this went well for her... up until this demonic stomach bug that was just in our house. Louis manned Athena and they slept together upstairs. I manned Zofia and we slept together in Athena's bed. Zofia has decided that sleeping in Athena's bed rules. When Athena came back to her room and Zofia got a taste of sleeping with me AND Athena, well, I fear there's no turning back.

Exhibit A:

Being able to sleep with a boob in your mouth? Yes please.

Sleeping with your favorite sister? Heck yes!

Being able to wake your sister via rodeo? Best. Thing. Ever.

So there we are. All together in one bed. The plan was to get Athena sleeping alone, Zofia in the crib, and maybe try to have a parental alone time room. This clearly isn't in the cards yet. Maybe the ladies will be happy just sleeping together and I can vacate the bed? Maybe? Is it weird to have a sibling bed? I'm fresh out of ideas for the time being.

Wordless Wednesday - Ms. Bee

2012-01-04T14:21:00.000-05:00

Back in the Saddle

2012-01-03T13:43:00.001-05:00

We just had a nasty run with a stomach virus, but ladies are happily on the mend.

I was vomitted on by and held Zofia for 24 hours straight.

Thank you Lord for blessing me with these huge boobs that kept her hydrated the whole time.

2 vomitting kids is a 2 person job for sure. Louis' job was to man Athena. She was SO proud of herself for making it to the toilet in time and that she got to have 2 slumber parties with her dad. It's the little things that count when you're a kid I guess.

My mission now is to de-cootie the house and get this AWFUL SMELL OFF OF ME!!!!!!

Happy New Year, Amigos!

2012-01-01T17:26:00.000-05:00

Ringing in the new year family style is a lot more fun than some may think.

We donned fancy dresses and made a princess fort.

Noise makers made the party official.

The dogs, however, did not care for the festivities.

I hope whoever you kissed at midnight is the one you love.

2012 is full of promise. Leave your fears and sadness in December and join me for a joyful 2012.

I have 4 goals:

1. Concur my OCD.

2. Exercise regularly.

3. Lose 10 lbs.

4. Reconnect with friends and family.

Alright! Let's do this! Hi-5 and GO TEAM!

Merry Christmas from the Brocus House

2011-12-25T17:56:00.001-05:00

And how cute is this picture of the ladies and their cousins taken by their Yia Yia??

They're in gift bags! Look at Fifi peeking!! I love it!!!

The Merriment Continues - Helper Elves

2011-12-23T14:32:00.001-05:00

It's crunch time. I've successfully put off baking and wrapping to the last second. I now must use child labor to finish up.

The wrapping is going better than I expected. The ladies are being quite helpful.

(I would, however, like to stop getting hit in the crotch with this tube.)

See! Genuine helping!

Zofia's job is to sprinkle pieces of cereal into the gifts. Mmmmm...

(In related news: SHE'S EATING FOOD!!!)

Next up was the making of peppermint bark.Athena seriously did it all with little assistance from me.

She smashed all the candy canes with much glee:

Melted, stirred, and even put decorative extra pieces of candy cane on :)

She diligently cleaned every utensil with her tongue.

I set a very small budget for Christmas this year and instead focused on doing things together like making gingerbread houses, candy, and homemade gifts. I want the ladies to grow up having wonderful memories made together, not what toy was all the rage that year. I want the holidays to always be special and full of positive memories.

Merry Christmas indeed!

Like a Boss - A Pediatric Dentist Experience

2011-12-22T10:58:00.001-05:00

Look at this face:

Does that look like the face of a kid that had 4 fillings done with no numbing agents? Well it is. She had FOUR cavities drilled and filled and remained that happy. Guys? My kid is amazing. We watched tons of YouTube videos of kids getting cavities filled and we talked at length about everything that was going to happen, all the sounds, and all the sensations that she would feel from drilling.

She handled it like a boss. Good thing too. We have to go back 3 more times.

I'll let that sink in...

Three. More. Times.

How could I let my kid get to that point? Well, when they say don't let you kid go to sleep with a cup of milk, I guess they mean business. Athena went to bed with a bottle of breastmilk for an embarrassingly long period of time. I never manned up and put an end to it. I let her have her way and now my poor girl is paying the price. Lucky for Zofia, lesson learned.

A Week of Merry Making

2011-12-19T20:05:00.000-05:00

Up first, the gingerbread house.

Yeah, I cut corners and bought a kit.

However, my child couldn't be happier, so WIN!

She worked diligently.

There was a gingerbread man casualty at the hands of Fifi.

I thought this was hilarious. Athena was devastated.

It was a success in the end.

Prima Ballerina Athena

2011-12-14T11:52:00.000-05:00

Last night was Athena's Christmas dance recital. This is a BFD in this household as Athena takes dance uber seriously. It was held in the cute little Maumee Theater here in Ohio and was a magical evening.

First up is ballet. They danced to "One Little Christmas Tree" originally by Stevie Wonder. She's the little dancer on the far right part of the screen.
(Sorry for the poor quality. My husband made do with what he had.)

Next up is her Hip Hop recital. They danced to "Last Night I Saw Santa" originally by New Kids on the Block. She's the far right dancer again.

Tell her what you think. She'll love to hear it :)

Simple Sweet and Sour Crock Pot Chicken

2011-12-08T11:46:00.001-05:00

Ingredients
1lb boneless skinless chicken breast
11.5oz bottle of Kikkoman Sweet and Sour Sauce
8oz drained pineapple chunks reserving 1/4 cup of juice
16oz frozen stir fry vegetables

Directions
1. Spray crock pot with cooking spray
2. Put chicken, sweet and sour sauce, pineapple, and juice in crock pot.
3. Cook on low for 6-7 hours.
4. Add frozen vegetables and switch to high for 30 minutes.

I served it on a bed of white rice and made some hot and sour soup.

Pearl Harbor - Yeah, my awesome grandpa was there.

2011-12-07T10:39:00.001-05:00

I use to be a Judgey McJudgerson

2011-12-06T09:03:00.000-05:00

Back in the days when I was a young, carefree gal working as a Realtor, I visited many family homes. I couldn't believe the crap people let their kids do to their houses. Had they no pride in home ownership? Were they raising little savage beasts? I just couldn't imagine.

I'd go for a listing appointment and ask for a tour. We'd start in the living room and stuffing would be coming out of their disheveled couch. (OMG! Get some decent furniture in this place!! You're not college students!) Move on to the kitchen and see all the pans on the floor and paint chipping off the cupboards, maybe a couple stickers worked in on the floor and walls (Sigh.) Down the hallway we'd find crayon scribbles on the wall. (Have you heard of discipline and a Magic Eraser?) Then in the bedroom 50 Smurf stickers would be stuck to the closet door. (Heathens. Downright heathens.)

I'm sure you know where I'm going with this.

I'm now the proud owner of a house, a preschooler, and a toddler. Humble pie? I've eaten it. We've been through 3 couches. Our current one looks like this:

Here we can see Zofia ripping the cushion off the couch

AND jamming my digital camera down there. A toddler double whammy.

Next we have the kitchen cupboards. That's a Dora sticker on the drawer

and the chipping paint is from repeated child-proof door break-ins.

I'm SO proud of Athena's penmanship. I just wish it wasn't on the wall.

Aaaaaaaand the closet door. It's like the universe told them specifically to do this.

I've learned to accept that I might get to have nice things again in the future when the kids are teenagers or something... then I remember that my parents had to throw a couch away because my 17 year old brother's dirty head made it smell so bad.

Nice things when we're retired then. Fingers crossed!

Why I Budget the Way I Do for Groceries

2011-12-05T10:26:00.001-05:00

It's true. I spend a whole lot of money on groceries buying things such as organic, free-range, grass-fed, natural etc. I don't go out to eat a lot, I don't go to the mall, I use extra money on groceries.

I've been told that it's a waste, but there are certain things that I just will not buy or feed to my family. It's not just a matter of organic vs. non-organic. This article that was shared with me, I think, explains a lot.

7 Foods You Should Never Eat

and my favorite farm:

Graham Farms - Omega Meats. "Why You Should Know Your Farmer."

Anything missing from my lists?

Wordless Wednesday - New Love

2011-11-30T17:48:00.000-05:00

Oh, Zofizzle

2011-11-29T10:56:00.000-05:00

My little Lubbees. Chickybooms. Wee little booby monster, Zofia. She has captured my heart in ways I didn't know possible. "How could I love another person like I love Athena?" I thought. Well, here's the thing. I don't love her like I love Athena. I love her like Zofia.

I had no idea two people from the same parents could be so drastically different. Athena is patient and gentle. Zofia stomps through the house smacking dogs with Swiffers. Athena doesn't have a jealous bone in her body. If Zofia catches you anywhere near my lap she will end you. Athena is my sweet dainty flower, and well, I seriously think Zofia is twice the size Athena was at this age and built like a California Redwood. Having them both has made my entire life better.

And plus, what's not to love about this bodacious bod?

Baby butts and baby toes FTW!!!!!

Time to be honest about the green-eyed monster dwelling in my belly.

2011-11-28T10:25:00.000-05:00

Going into NaBloPoMo this year I was quite apprehensive. I've been having a rough go with the old blog for a while. I took many a hiatus and just never felt like I found my way. I felt like my blog had no "purpose" and I just couldn't write anything of substance or quality. Also? I was having some deep blogger-envy. All of my favorite blogs that I have been reading for years began torturing me. They were so good! So many people kept coming back! Why can't I be like them?

Because I'm not them.

I don't have to fit into one box. If I write about Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and mental illness one day, then post a cute picture of my girls the next, that's OK! That's me, that's my life, and the people that mean the most to me keep coming back to read and offer support. I don't need to look at stats or count comments. I need to be grateful for the people I have crossed paths with because of this blog and for the voice that BlogHer has given me. Thanks to those that convinced to participate in NaBloPoMo. I don't think I would have come to these realizations without it.

2 more days to go! Thank you all for hanging out at Athena Bee's with me for so long.

2011-11-27T09:54:00.001-05:00

Oh, if only every November was like this...

2011-11-26T16:53:00.001-05:00

Perhaps I wouldn't dread each Fall. It's almost 60 degrees here in the great state of Ohio. It is making for a lovely Thanksgiving weekend. Athena had much gastrointestinal distress on Thanksgiving, so we're going to live it up today for Thanksgiving Part Deux.

Let's enjoy this lovely day.

(Athena made placemats for everyone.)

Time for MOAR TURKEY!!!!!!

Crock Pot Acorn Squash

2011-11-25T12:08:00.000-05:00

For Thanksgiving with my mom and my little family, I am in charge of making sides. I thought this was the perfect time to try making some squash in the crock pot.

Ingredients
Acorn Squash
Butter or Margarine
Salt

I cut the squash into quarters and scooped out all the seeds pulp. (I'm going to try toasting the seeds. Perhaps they'll be like pumpkin seeds!) I smeared butter all over the quarters and sprinkled them with salt. Popped 'em into the crock pot on low for about 3 hours. SO easy.

My family doesn't particularly care for sweet squash, so that's why I just butter and salt them. A lot of people like their squash sweet so I found this awesome brown sugar and cinnamon recipe.

Oh yes

2011-11-24T12:17:00.001-05:00

A Happy Thanksgiving indeed, when Wixey Bakery is involved.

I'm truly thankful for all of you.

Have a beautiful day.

Go Lions!

Ladies of Web-Cams - Featuring US!!

2011-11-23T11:07:00.001-05:00

Homeschooling Pre-K - Success and Favorites

2011-11-22T10:19:00.000-05:00

I started using curriculum at home from the time Athena was 2 years old. Seeing her learn from ME, learning her colors, numbers, etc. is incredibly satisfying. Now as we move into Pre-K curriculum and seeing her grow is completely amazing. Not to toot my own horn (TOOT) but I'm teaching her how to WRITE!!!! And READ! And SPELL! ME! I'm doing it!! Amazing!!

Without prompts!

We've also really started getting into math. Athena loves these kits and is really excelling.

Team Umizoomi Math Kits

She's got her numbers and counting down, she's learning patterns and has even started doing some simple addition. These kits really hold her attention and she feels like she's doing "real school."

We've also moved on from the basic preschool games of Nick Jr. to their premium service, Boost.

They have educator created games that teach over 250 skills in math, literacy, and art. She wins awards and certificates that we can hang on the refrigerator. She can watch clips from shows, play virtual dress-up, and decorate her own virtual play room. It keeps progress reports for me and it's totally AD FREE!!! She's learning an incredible amount from this service.

I'm so proud of her and I feel so confident with her starting school next year. She's totally ready :)

Flashback Continued - Senior Picture Time

2011-11-21T09:15:00.000-05:00

I was talking to some Twitter Besties recently about high school pictures, looks, and whatnot. I said I would look for mine and share HOPING that some others would do the same. (HINT HINT!!!!)

Well here it is in all it's 1998 glory:

I seem to be posing for a jeans ad in a JCPenney catalog, no?

can i blog from my phone?

2011-11-20T16:40:00.000-05:00

Does anyone read blogs on Sundays? Maybe them fancy famous bloggers or somethin'. I on the other hand will be testing my ability to blog on the go.

It shall be wonderous if it works.

Life-changing.

Whatever. I'm drinking wine and reading Elle. See you tomorrow.

Flashback Weekend

2011-11-19T18:20:00.001-05:00

I'm feeling a titch reflective today and began perusing my old pictures. For some reason I can't picture Zofia as anything but an infant, so it's odd to look at these pictures of her so tiny.

Also, I can't believe how much Athena has grown. Oh, my heart. She bursts with love.

Crock Pot Lamb Shoulder Chops

2011-11-18T09:39:00.001-05:00

Clearly we eat a lot of lamb up in this house. We're keepin' it real with a Mediterranean meal. Also? It's Athena's favorite food. I've had people ask me about cooking bone-in lamb so I thought I'd give a super easy recipe a whirl.

Ingredients:
1.5lb lamb shoulder chops
Old Bay Seasoning
1/2 cup chicken stock
cooked rice

Rub both sides of the chops with the Old Bay Seasoning. Put chops in the crock pot and pour in 1/2 cup of chicken stock. Cook on low for 4-6hours. I served it on top of rice and spooned some of the juice from the pot on top of the lamb and rice. It was a simple success with everyone.

Mission 1: Accomplished

2011-11-18T09:32:00.000-05:00

That right there, friends, is an empty inbox.

O.C.D. and P.T.S.D. - Who's down with O.P.P?

2011-11-17T09:53:00.001-05:00

Therapy yesterday has left my head swimming, but I'm going to try to put a couple thoughts together and keep this journey documented for myself.

We already knew that I have OCD, but the new psychiatrist confirmed it and also threw in a side of PTSD. This would be the reason why I NEVER calm down; why I'm on high alert 24 hours a day. I'm not going to dwell. I'm finished with dwelling. This psychiatrist that I met yesterday really clicked with me and it is just time to begin moving forward. We will put together an action plan in a couple weeks, but she has already given me a few assignments.

1. Delete emails. I have been hoarding child development emails since Athena was born. I've not been able to delete them as I'm afraid that if I do something awful will befall the ladies. There's a tiny rational area of my brain that know that this is typical OCD "Magical Thinking," but I just couldn't make myself do it. She wanted me to go home and get them all deleted. I WILL do it today.

2. Attend family Thanksgiving celebrations. I'm not allowed to duck out of anything with my immediate family for the coming holidays. I must allow my children to see and play with their cousin, GERMS BE DAMNED! Who's got a Xanax?

So here I am. The cliche first day of the rest of my life, right? Let's go delete some emails.

Deep Breaths, now. Deep Breaths.

2011-11-16T10:56:00.002-05:00

Today starts the journey of treating my Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. I'm so nervous I can barely put two sentences together, my hands are shaking, and my teeth are even chattering.

I don't do well for multiple hours away from my kids.

I know I'm about to start on some major behavior modification and putting myself in panic-inducing situations.

Most of all, I'm scared this isn't going to work.

Here we go...

Mom Life - Video Edition (Added bonus to hear my voice!)

2011-11-15T12:35:00.001-05:00

Kids and dogs. Is there anything funnier? Well, people getting startled or fallying down might be funnier, but kids and dogs are up there. Housekeeping isn't my strong point, but I was actually trying to sweep up the floor a little bit. Athena immediately commandeered the Dirt Devil and tortured the dogs:

(That's SpongeBob Fun Dip she's pouring down her throat.)

It carried on and Athena started feeding the dog "treats" she was finding under furniture. Zofia just hung out, Detroit leanin', and Zoe ate Toodee.

Zofia had a turn too. Needless to say, my house is still messy and I think it will remain that way for about 15 years.

Can you, like, drink when you're nursing or not?

2011-11-14T11:13:00.001-05:00

I guess it depends on who you ask.

When I started drinking my daily red wine (that I was talking about the other day) I wanted to be sure things were safe. I exhaustively began studying reports of the effects of drinking while nursing, the opinions of the American Academy of Pediatrics and Le Leche League, and scouring the pages of KellyMom.

Here are some summaries of my research:

The American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Drugs classifies alcohol as a “Maternal Medication Usually Compatible With Breastfeeding.”

Dr. Jack Newman, member of the LLLI Health Advisory Council, says this in his handout "More Breastfeeding Myths":

Reasonable alcohol intake should not be discouraged at all. As is the case with most drugs, very little alcohol comes out in the milk. The mother can take some alcohol and continue breastfeeding as she normally does. Prohibiting alcohol is another way we make life unnecessarily restrictive for nursing mothers.

I've talked to a considerable number of new moms that were under the impression that they could never have a drink while nursing. In fact, many new moms I've talked to are under the impression that they are restricted by activities they can do, foods they can eat, medications they can take, and drinks they can have. It breaks my heart that so many women give up on nursing before they ever get started just because they are ill-informed. I want to shout it from the rooftops! "Mommies! You can nurse AND have a life!" For now I'll just be happy with shouting it from my blog.

These diapers changed my life!

2011-11-13T10:53:00.002-05:00

No, really. When you have a completely unreasonable individual in your care who poops their pants, you need all the help you can get. The screaming, flailing, twisting, and alligator death rolls make it an aerobic work-out to fasten those stupid flaps on the side of the diaper. Then along came these:

$19.79 Online Price

Huggies Little Movers Slip-On Diapers Big Pack -(66 Count) You can get 'em at Target.

Seriously. Awesome. I can slip one on Zofia as she runs away. Thank you, Huggies. You're a treasure.

*Nobody paid me or gave me anything to say this. I just seriously dig these diapers. I'd welcome Huggies sending me some friggin' coupons though.

Saturdays are better without headaches.

2011-11-12T10:52:00.001-05:00

I've had a headache for 3 days, so I'm just letting the kids empty the TV stand while I sit here on the computer.

Athena has decided to put on "Sex in the City..."

They immediately said the F word. Perhaps I should get up and put on Harry Potter instead.

Athena said she'd take care of her sister for me today.

How come when Athena's in charge Zofia will use a pacifier??

I hope someone brings me a taco. That could possibly salvage the day.

Hey! I was told potty-training girls was easy!

2011-11-11T10:13:00.001-05:00

If you've had an easy way to go with potty-training your kid, count your blessings. Count them nice and slow and maybe do it a couple times. I was told by multiple mommies that potty-training girls was a breeze. That is was SO much easier than training boys. So when my sister in law trained her son at 1 1/2 in record time I thought, "Dang! Potty-training Athena is going to be a walk in the park!" Well, it's been a really long walk in the park, in snow, uphill both ways.

Getting her to pee on the potty wasn't too bad. Granted, she preferred running outside and peeing in the grass like the dogs, but I took what I could get. At least she wasn't doing it on the floor. Number 2, on the other hand, was a nightmare. She has constipation issues that made her afraid of the toilet, and it was all sorts of ugly getting her to just TRY the potty. It took 2 full years. Things went smooth for a while. She was in underwear all the time, always using the potty, and her pull-ups stayed dry all night. Next we let her try sleeping in underwear. No go. She peed the bed. Put a pull-up on her the next night: Dry. Tried underwear again: Peed the bed. WTF?

Now, at 4 1/2 years old we're regressing even further. She has peed on the floor a couple times and is routinely peeing in a pull-up at night. When I question her she says she's sorry, it was an accident, and that I don't get mad when Sissy does it.

Is this a sibling/jealousy thing? Should I be concerned that she's going to be a chronic bed wetter? Any thoughts on handling this? It's weighing quite heavily on me as I want to do what's best to help her and not make it worse.

Super Simple Lamb and Rice Stew

2011-11-10T12:00:00.000-05:00

1 lb grass fed lamb stew meat
2 1/2 cups chicken stock
1 tsp salt*
1/2 tsp pepper
1 cup sliced carrots
6 baby red potatoes quartered
6 oz package of rice

Combine all the ingredients in your slow cooker and cook on low for approximately 6 hours.

I thought about trying a package of seasoned rice next time.

*Use more or less salt to taste. Louis thought it needed more salt, Athena liked it the way it was.

Daggone Climbin' Kids

2011-11-09T08:53:00.001-05:00

I voted today!

2011-11-08T13:04:00.000-05:00

It's 66 degrees here in Toledo, Ohio and it couldn't have been a better day to load the ladies up into the dual stroller and walk to our polling location. Athena has been joining me for voting for 4 years and this is Zofia's second time at this rodeo, so they're old pros. Either that or they knew they were going to get showered with stickers and suckers by the poll workers and a Happy Meal out of me.

Treated myself to a coffee boyfriend. Weeeeee!

Zofia tasted juice for the first time.

She shotgunned it right in front of me and is now eating the box.

I'm sure a lot of people know that Issue 2 here in Ohio is kind of a big deal. Yes, I listened to the news and read the handouts, but what carried the most weight with me was what the firemen, teachers, and nurses that I know had to say. So for you, friends, I voted NO on 2!

Have a Trader Joe's by you? Run there right now!

2011-11-07T12:05:00.000-05:00

Lately I've been exploring the benefits of drinking a, ahem, glass of organic red wine every day, and in doing so made a miraculous discovery. Trader Joe's sells an amazingly tasty organic, sulfite-free wine for $5.99 a bottle. It's called WELL REaD, and it's my new best friend. Being sulfite-free, there's no migraine in the morning for me, and having this nightly glass of wine has been quite helpful with my anxiety.

The taste according to them:
"A blend of Grenache, Sangiovese and a kiss of Syrah, this wine was left on oak a little longer to strengthen its overall structure. You'll find a dark rich blend with full mouth feel, subtle earth notes, traditional Sangiovese tannins and a soft oak and vanilla finish."

I couldn't possibly recommend it more. Cheers!

In the Toledo area and interested in grass fed, local meat?

2011-11-06T15:52:00.001-05:00

Well boy do I have some good news for you! Omega Meats from Graham Farms are going to be featured and sampled out at Health Foods by Claudia at her annual open house November 12-13. This is such an awesome opportunity for people to learn the benefits of eating grass fed, free range, hormone free, local meat and eggs and to really taste the difference! There is a ton of information on the farmer's site that I linked above and I really hope that a lot of people in the area give this a try.
Open House
When: November 12-13
Hours: Saturday 9am-7pm and Sunday 11am-5pm
Location: 3904 Secor Road Toledo, Ohio 419-474-2400 Get Directions

Like Omega Meats and Health Foods by Claudia on Facebook:

Why must my love for Bruno Mars be constantly called into question??

2011-11-05T18:16:00.002-04:00

If you know me you know this is totally my thang. Aren't enough performances like this if you ask me.

A mama's gotta keep it together

2011-11-04T18:11:00.000-04:00

One of the "O's" in my OCD is vomit. I absolutely obsess over whether or not the ladies are going to vomit every single day. No joke. Wouldn't you just know it, I was blessed with a kid who's prone to stomach bugs. I know it makes no sense and I'm too sleep deprived to try to explain it, but taking care of the puker (Athena) and potential future puker (Zofia) all while trying to portray a normal human being to them BBBBBBBBBBBBLLLLLAAAARRRGGGHHH!!! Pass the Xanax! Anywho, I'm gonna be phoning it in for a few days, NaBloPoMo. Don't judge me.... or this third glass of wine I'm drinking.

Here's a picture of Athena doing her beloved school work with a fever patch on her head:

Homeschooled kids don't get sick days, sucka!

And here is a picture she made me for taking such good care of her:

It's a little heart guy. Isn't she the best?

Save the Day Chicken Taco Chili

2011-11-03T15:52:00.000-04:00

It's no secret that I adore my crock pot. The yummy goodness that it produces for me knows no bounds. In fact, I think crock pots are modern day witch's cauldrons. You throw any old thing in, (eye of newt, dead man's toe) and out comes a delicious meal. I started getting the cold-weather-blahs and they were punctuated by brewing child sickness, teething, and day to day scream-fests. I wanted something warm and cozy to eat so I got started on my beloved Chicken Taco Chili.

What you'll need:
1 cup chicken stock
1 16oz jar salsa
water
1 can pinto beans
1 can black beans
12.5oz can of chicken breast
1 packet of taco seasoning

Put everything in the crock pot. After you dump in the salsa, fill the jar with water and pour that in too. Cook on low for around 4 hours. Top with shredded cheese and broken tortilla chips.

Even reheated for lunch it was superb.

Tiny Dancers

2011-11-02T09:25:00.000-04:00

(Look at these wee feet!)

It's the most wonderful time of the year.

2011-11-01T09:58:00.000-04:00

Halloween!

Athena has made Halloween a huge deal in the house, and her love for the holiday grows each year. I love reliving childhood fun with her and she really gets Louis and me in the spirit (Louis is kind of a spoil-sport when it comes to holidays, so it's pretty fun). She starts wearing her witch costume in September and the monster cartoon and movie marathon begins then as well. I kid you not, we watched Hocus Pocus no less than 215 times and Charlie Brown Halloween 156 times. She will keep these movies on rotation until Charlie Brown Thanksgiving comes along and finally takes their place.

Generally I hate the Fall and its friend Winter that it brings along with it. However, this October was GLORIOUS! It was 80 degrees the day we went to the pumpkin patch. Zofia was totally into licking pumpkins.

Sheep face!

Every year Athena and I do the Point Place preschool daytime trick-or-treating, and even though it was raining we still went. Athena got herself and Zofia Halloween buckets from McDonald's, decorated them, and she gave Zofia the grand tour of the Point. They were soaking wet but in shockingly high spirits. Dad joined us for the evening trick-or-treating for the first time and Athena thought this was A.MAZ.ING. We had an awesome time.

Zofia was a crabby bumblebee by day...

...and Piglet by night.

Athena was a fairy princess.

I gave myself a little cat-eye and put on some cat ears. Then to finish off my look I walked out into the front yard, strapped Zofia into her stroller, watched some cars go by all with my entire boob out. Awesome.

I hope everyone had as much fun as we did and I'm looking forward to trolling the blogs today to see tons of cute kids in costumes!

NaBloPoMo

2011-10-28T11:54:00.001-04:00

Ok, well, I did it. I signed up over at BlogHer to participate in NaBloPoMo.

I've done it every year but this is the first time I'm uneasy about it. My writer's block and identity crisis have me feeling all floofy floofy inside. If I get stuck, I can just write some nonsense and post pictures of my kids, right??

Be patient with me. :-/

Bloggin' is hard out there for a mom.

2011-10-25T10:32:00.000-04:00

Not only have I been battling some mega writer's block and having a blogger's identity crisis for about a year, these dern kids make it impossible to take my eyes off them for 5 friggin' seconds.

While Athena just does stuff to get messy (i.e. getting into my makeup, finding hidden paints, trying on every item of clothing in her dresser) Zofia is continuously doing things to break a bone, knock herself out, and otherwise mame herself. Fifi's a mad climber, dude.

She has discovered that if she drags my file box over to the counter, she can reach the knife drawer and pull scalding food off onto herself.

If she pulls Athena's desk chair over to the TV she can get her first electric pokes, fall on her head, and order movies off the cable box.

She has also decided that she can only watch TV while standing on the coffee table. This is also a good place to dance. It was so awesome when I caught her getting ready to mimic Athena and jump from table to couch. :-/

My dad says I need twirly eyes on the top of my head like a chameleon. That ain't no bull. I fear I will never shower or poo with the door closed ever again.

Mmmmm.... my foot tastes scrumptious.

2011-10-10T13:07:00.000-04:00

While cleaning out our linen closet, not only did I find plenty of drugs that expired during the Clinton administration, I also stumbled upon my brush belt from my days as a makeup artist. It got me all reminiscent of the time where I actually left the house, talked to adults, and wore makeup and fancy clothes. A time where I was "Nadja" instead of just "mommy."

Speaking of being Nadja...

You'd think that someone with a name so similar to the word "nauseous" would be extra sensitive to others with, ahem, different names. As I was looking through my old work stuff I thought of the time that I had to ring a transaction for a fellow makeup artist. She was making a purchase for her mother and needed me to look up her mother's credit account.

Her: "I'll just spell her name for you and you type it in."
Me: "Okilly dokilly."
Her: "D-O-N-G..."
(I give her a smirk and one-eyed glance.)
Her: "S-U-K."
Me: GUFFAW!!! "Very funny! I typed the whole thing in!"
She raises her eyebrow at me. "What's so funny?"
Me: "Seriously, funny. I fell for it and typed the whole thing in. What's her name." (Why isn't she laughing? She's good at this game.)
Her: "That IS her name. My mother is Japanese. I'm Japanese. Her name is pronounced "Dung Sook."

Unfortunately the ground did not, in fact, swallow me up like I was praying. I apologized profusely, gave her her items, then rolled around on the floor in stupid agony.

Moral of this story? Be kind to all the Nauseas, Dong Suks, and Colon (sic) Powells because that REALLY is their name. You don't want to look like and ass like me now do you?

As a SAHM, I've got it pretty good.

2011-10-06T14:05:00.000-04:00

I have a confession to make: Most days at 4 pm I rush around the house tossing toys into baskets and sippy cups into the dishwasher. I dress myself and the ladies, put on a little mascara, and throw something in the oven. Then, 30 minutes later, when Louis comes in the door from work everything is all put together June Cleaver style.

Reality?

The house looks like this all day:

The ladies and I kick it in our jammies all day:

I do pilates, we go for walks, I can watch HGTV, and sip a lukewarm cup of coffee all day.

Now, that's not to say that I live a life of relaxing luxury. (And there are days where I'm really ambitious and clean the bathroom.) That would be like saying a child care provider, teacher, cook, and housekeeper don't have real jobs, and we all know that's not true. I do all those jobs 24 hours a day with few breaks. I have small people trying to get into my lap while I'm on the toilet, crashing my shower and taking a poop, destroying my house, and I'm so far out of touch with adult-speak that I'll ask a grown man if he "needs to go make a little potty." I work hard. I homeschool my kids and I take care of them well. While I feel as though I deserve respect for my job, I not going to sit here for even 5 seconds and try to say that I have it harder than a working mom. Working moms not only have to do their "real job" all day long, they then have to come home and cram 12 hours worth of household duties and parenting into 4 hours. They also get to experience mom guilt for being gone all day and punched in the face with judgey statements like "someone else is raising your kids for you."

A mom is a mom. Period. They all deserve respect, but I gotta say, I don't know how working moms do it all. And don't even get me started on the witchcraft and shape-shifting it must take to get everything done as a working SINGLE mom. They must have one of those twirly necklace things that Hermione had in Harry Potter or something.

Go hug a mom today. They deserve it.

CrockPot Cream Cheese Chicken - MexiCali Style

2011-09-29T13:40:00.000-04:00

I'm always looking for new chicken recipes to try in my crockpot. I stumbled upon this basic cream cheese crockpot chicken recipe and thought I'd try some of my own variations.

My ingredients:

1 can cream of chicken soup
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 1/2lb frozen boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 Tbsp Fiesta Dip Mix
1 tsp sea salt (optional)
1 block Neufchâtel cheese to add later

The directions:

Put everything but the cream cheese into the crockpot and cook on low for 4-6 hours or until the chicken is cooked through. Shred the chicken with a fork and add the cream cheese. Cook on high for 30 minutes or until the cream cheese is melted.

I served this over Farafalle noodles, but I think it would be excellent over rice as well.

The family reviews:

Athena thought that it was a little bit too spicy for her, so I'm going to give the standard recipe a whirl next.

Louis said that it was his favorite thing I've ever cooked in 10 years. WIN!

5 things that are never more than 2 feet away from me... ever.

2011-09-28T09:57:00.000-04:00

"Get Well Soon" cards can be sent now...

2011-09-26T10:11:00.000-04:00

Poor ladies. This weekend sucked and now Monday blows. Fifi started off the fun with her nose on full "Snot Faucet" setting. She had a fever all night and screamed off and on for 24 hours straight. This was made ever more fun when the next day Athena sneezed and out shot a snot rocket. Then it was Athena's turn for the fever, sore throat, horrible stomach pains, dry heaving bile, and 24 hour scream fest. Poor Athena is still retching and she is NOT enjoying Zofia's dramatic reenactments of it. (It is kind of funny though.) And to add insult to injury this morning, Athena is constipated from her lack of fluids.

She drew this. How sad and pathetic can you get :(

So please send healing thoughts and vibes our way! Wine o'clock can't get here soon enough.

I think Dave Chappelle might be my guardian angel.

2011-09-22T16:44:00.000-04:00

I was working out on my new elliptical with my giant nursing boobs almost hitting me in the face when I thought, "You know what? I'm getting a breast reduction after all this. I'm tired of these huge things!" And I went upstairs to tell Louis he should start saving now. Upon entering the living room I noticed that Dave Chappelle was on and it's the skit where he takes this big-boob-hating girl to see what her life would be like without boobs a la Christmas Carol. In the end she realizes that life is better with her boobs and that Dave is actually just a janitor "who loves titties."

Coincidence? I don't think so, Dave.

Chappelles Show

It's a Wonderful Chest

www.comedycentral.com

Buy Chappelle's Show DVDs

Black Comedy

True Hollywood Story

(Also? That's my favorite Axe commercial.)

Foxy Work-out Bod

2011-09-21T10:09:00.000-04:00

Oh my gosh I did it! I wrote my story.

2011-09-15T17:02:00.000-04:00

Please. Read it. Understand me.

Someone is growing up into a lovely little lady.

2011-09-14T10:09:00.000-04:00

Ballet is serious business to Ms. Bee.

So cute and such a Hip Hop star.

She was so specific about the type of clothes she need for Hip Hop class, especially the shoes. We had to go on a search for Skecher's Twinkle Toes. I love how she's coming into her own with her own wants, likes, opinions, and styles.

She's SO cool. :)

2011-09-14T09:55:00.000-04:00

I put my 9/11 story on the other blog where it belongs. Oopsie daisy. If you want to read it, it's here.

Someone is taking the weather change extra hard...

2011-09-06T11:49:00.000-04:00

Athena donned a parka for breakfast this morning. She kept yelling "IT'S FREEZING! WHY IS IT SO COLD??"

We are not meant to live in the tundra.

When I get mad I shop online.

2011-09-05T16:43:00.000-04:00

And today I bought this look.

Purchased here if you're mad too...

Let's shine the spotlight on Athena today, shall we?

2011-09-02T13:33:00.000-04:00

First off, we have Athena dancing to the ABC's. Her moves are inspired by Lady Gaga's Edge of Glory video. I think you'll be as impressed as I am.

Next up we have her preforming one of her classics. She loves her Beyonce.

Then she said, "Hang on a second Mommy. I'm going to play you."
She went and put this skirt on her head, put her hands on her hips, got a nasally voice going and said:

"Look at me! I'm Mommy. I'm all married. Oh my gosh I can't friggin' STAND that!"

I would like to state for the record I do NOT wear skirts on my head nor do I talk like I'm from Jersey. Harumph.

Breaking News: I made a shocking discovery.

2011-09-01T10:25:00.000-04:00

While this may not be CNN-worthy news, it is absolutely Athena Bee's Breaking Beauty News!

Every couple weeks I go to one of a couple stores I frequent and stock up on my organic red wine. I always see the same general group of people. Sometimes they card me and sometimes they don't. (And as you know, not getting carded chaps my ass.) I found this curious. What makes me sometimes look 30+ and what makes me sometimes look younger? Quite the mystery.

WELL WONDER NO MORE!

Through trial and error, experimentation, process of elimination, and the scientific method, I discovered that it comes down to 2 things: under-eye illuminator and mascara. I'm serious. That's it.

1. Christian Dior Skinflash Radiance Booster Pen

This is the end all, be all best one. A lot of other companies make some that are OK, but that's it... just OK. If you take the time to go to a Christian Dior counter and let them show you all the ways to use it you will be in love.

2. Mascara, again, Christian Dior makes the best mascara around. The Diorshow Mascara in black just can't be beat in my opinion. However, Avon makes a mineral mascara that I like quite a bit and it's only $8.50. It doesn't have the best reviews on their site which kind of surprises me because I was impressed

So there you have it. I solved the mystery Scooby Doo style. Now you know how I spend my free time.

Ring the bell! School's in, sucka!!

2011-08-31T09:11:00.000-04:00

Toddler Sleep... or Lack There of.

2011-08-30T09:19:00.000-04:00

Oh my weary bones. When will they get to rest? Athena was a very high maintenance baby, never slept in a crib, always slept with me, and didn't sleep through the night until she was 2 1/2. When I was pregnant with Zofia, people assured me that the 2nd one is always easier. The parents are more relaxed, they have more experience, everyone wins. We started off on the right track with Zofia. She liked her own space, slept in a crib in her own room, and routinely went 4+ hours between nursing after 2 months.

NONE of this is the case anymore. She has decided that cribs are dumb and she wants mom's boobs All. Night. Long. Louis says I need to just let her cry and fall back asleep. I know she's not an infant anymore, but she wants me. She wants her mama. How can I get mad at her for that?

In a moment of desperation I brought her into Athena's room, we all got in bed together, Zofia nursed to sleep all cuddled between Mommy and her Sissy, and this is how we slept. Not having to get up and go to another room, get Zofia out of bed, nurse her, try to get her back down was great. It's the most sleep I've gotten in probably 4 years.

BUT... am I starting another bad habit? Is it bad to get her use to cosleeping so late in the game? Can I just let the ladies share a bed until they go off to college?

Oh, and another issue? They get kind of excited at first when they go in there. Getting them to settle down and sleep is kind of a circus.

Exhibit A:

Is this just another variation of the family bed?

Well, I had a good run...

2011-08-25T09:53:00.000-04:00

I'm 31 years old, the mother of two children, and I've never been on any type of diet or workout program. I spent my young adulthood eating fast food and never getting anymore exercise than you may get on just an average day. When I got pregnant with Athena, I ate my way all the way up to 210lbs. I was a little taken aback when an 8 1/2lb baby came out instead of a 30lb one, but with nursing and normal mommy duties the weight came off.

Apparently your body isn't quite so forgiving when you do that to it a second time. Rats.

No matter how much bitching and moaning I do, this weight isn't leaving. Louis pointed out the other day that the bag of beef jerky I just ate for dessert wasn't going to do anything for my weight loss. Pssh. What does he know?

Today I am going to the store and I'm buying this:

Louis thinks I'm going to use it as a clothes rack, but I swear I'm committed this time! No, really! I am! I'll show him when I start strutting around with a foxy new Beyonce body.

Any exercise/weight loss tips you want to pass on to me? I'm very new to this lifestyle...

Wordless Wednesday - Painting al fresco

2011-08-24T09:45:00.000-04:00

Athena taught her sister to finger paint.

Zofia's masterpiece.

Athena's masterpiece.

We LOVE Crayola Washable Kids' Paint.

I've got a case of the Mondays.

2011-08-22T09:02:00.000-04:00

The Mommy Mondays to be exact.

I never slept longer than an hour and a half at a stretch last night. (Teething Baby.) Got up MUCH too early (Teething Baby strikes again) and right as I managed to knock that baby out with a boob, Crazy Toddler came busting out of her bedroom door like the po-lice and woke Teething Baby back up. If these kids make eye contact in the morning it's all over and I might as well give up the dream of sleep.

They've already made some prank phone calls, threw cereal on the floor and trashed the living room. While I was in the bathroom they removed the grates off the vents and started exploring the duct work. Seriously.

"Look, mommy! Tunnels to explore! I'm gonna go IN there!!!"

Pass the coffee please.

Mini Fashionista

2011-08-19T13:13:00.000-04:00

I adore Athena's sense of style. This witch costume has been her go-to dress since she was 18 months old. (It was like a ball gown then and it's more of a mini-dress now.) She adds new accessories from time to time, but the dress always remains.

The classics just never go out of style.

You know the question..

2011-08-18T09:31:00.000-04:00

"What do you DO all day?"

That's pretty much it: I DO all day long. I DO 10 things at once but complete maybe 4 of them. So if I get a second to not DO anything, I just want to stare at the wall and go comatose for a sec.

A friend of mine passed this column from the Toledo Blade on to me. I enjoyed the columnist's answer.

(Click to make it bigger.)

(Carolyn Hax is an advice columnist from The Washington Post that appears in The Toledo Blade. Read more here.)

8 years.

2011-08-16T09:46:00.000-04:00

Today is our 8 year wedding anniversary. Sometimes I can't believe it's been this long, other times I can't believe it hasn't been 25 years. Not in a bad way, Never in a bad way. It's just I've know this man since I was a wee 17 year old high school girl. At that time, he was a cool 21 and therefore had no time for such children. In due time he found out how awesome I am and asked me out on a date. This date? Not exactly one for the scrap book. He brought a friend along and made me ride in the back seat. He was also trying to impress with his dad's bitchin' Camero, but he didn't know how to drive a stick shift and I wound up calling Kylee to come get me because I was so car sick. Yeah, not the best first date... however it WAS memorable.

The first time he said he loved me was also so typical of us. It was a Wednesday and he had golf league. I generally never heard from him on Wednesdays but on this one he called me on his way home from work. I could barely hear him because he had the windows down on the Jeep and Lou don't put the windows up for no one. He said, "Hey. I've got something I want to tell you and if I do it later you'll think I'm just saying it because I'm drunk and you won't believe me. I love you. I gotta go to golf. Talk to you later." True Lou style.

We have survived addiction, obsessions, and near financial ruin and came out on top. We blazed right past the 7 year itch like it was nothin'. We've got a happy home and two beautiful ladies. Ain't life grand?

My heart, she bursts!

2011-08-15T10:12:00.000-04:00

Oh sweet Zofia. You're getting SO big. 14 months already? Where has the time gone? You are developing and changing so quickly. You run, you try to jump, and your climbing is completely out of control.

Your sister is your absolute best friend and you want to do everything she does, even if this will lead to a broken leg.

You guys are always together, always touching, always laughing. When you were first born I was so nervous about taking care of two littles. Turns out having two ladies is the best thing that's ever happened to me.

One of my absolute favorite things that we have shared is nursing. It's been the best experience for both of us. At 14 months you still think booby juice is the bee's knees and real food is merely something to play with. I will treasure our nightly nursing cuddle times forever.

Your likes: Bananas, balls, sand, your water table, tortilla chips, boobies, and Barbies.

Your hobbies: Dancing, belly button inspecting, and crayon eating.

Your dislikes: Diaper changes, shoes, and power tools.

Words you say: Hello, bye-bye, Mama, ball, Dada, Yia Yia

-----

Every month is a new, fun adventure. You know in the "Grinch" where his heart grows and explodes off the charts? That's what I feel like every time I hear my daughters laugh together. It explodes every time I think about what it's like to be the mom to two girls. And it explodes every time I see those two little ladies completely rule their dad. I did something so right in a past life to deserve these gifts I've gotten.

How a WAHM's phone conversation goes...

2011-08-11T12:43:00.000-04:00

"Hello! Thank you for calling XYZ Realty, how can I help you?" - Friendly Secretary

"MOM! SPONGEBOB IS ON! I'M HUNGRY! WHERE'S MY FOOOOOOD!!!!" - Athena

"Yes, um..." -Me

"MOM! Sissy pooped! IT STINKS SO BAD!!!!" -Athena

"... sorry. I'd like to set an appointment to see 1234 Foreclosure Lane on... {inaudible due to following statement} -Me

"MOM! Does Spongebob have a penis???"

"I'm sorry, when did you want to show that listing?" - Slightly Taken Aback Secretary

"I'd like to show it..." {inaudible} -Me

"MOM! Why does Dad have buttcheeks???" -Athena

"Uh, I'd like to show it..." -Me

"You know, MA'AM, you can set these appointments online..." -Unfriendly Secretary

"MOM! Watch me jump from the couch to the table!!

"Uh, ok, thanks I'll do that... OMG ATHENA DON'T!!!" -Me

{crash boom SCREAM!}

{click. Dial tone}

Sigh....

*I'd like to assure you that no part of this is an exaggeration*

Honey Badgers Don't Sleep

2011-08-10T09:54:00.000-04:00

Well, at least mine doesn't. Zofia had a new thing where she would cry off and on from 3:45am to 5am and wake herself up by standing up and running off the couch.

Cool.

Then she got up and threw up all over me. This is extra special because vomit is one of the "O's" in my OCD.

In the depths of my despair I sent out a lonely tweet that my "honey badger won't sleep!" and "Dare I move my honey badger to the crib?"

Twitter responded with Honey Badger-bots that sent me this gem:

Another video narrated by Randall. Thank you Twitter. Thank you so hard.

(In case you're wondering "What the F is a honey badger," I talked about it here.)

Here's to sleep filled, vomit free days! Cheers!

Wordless Wednesday - So's your face.

2011-08-03T16:06:00.000-04:00

Talk to me, friends. - Aging Edition

2011-08-01T08:57:00.000-04:00

Coming off the heels of the 10th anniversary of my 21st birthday, I realized that I'm now firmly in my 30's. My skin must have got the memo because I swear to Bob my face started sagging. I'm devastated. Where is my youthful firm skin?? Halp!

I was perusing Sephora and the options are endless. How do you know what works?

So tell me this, what product or regimen do you believe in?
Would you ever get a cosmetic procedure like a Juvederm injection?
Is my vanity shameful and should I just age gracefully??

Talk to me...

Wordless Wednesday - Birthday

2011-07-27T09:48:00.000-04:00

Eclusively Pumping Breastmilk - What's your best tip?

2011-07-22T11:52:00.000-04:00

A childhood friend and neighbor of mine just had a wee babe the other day. He's lovely, tiny, and oh that new baby smell... I just want to huff his head right now. She has decided to exclusively pump for him and WIC has wonderfully outfitted her with an electric Medela pump.

This is her second go at the breastfeeding thing. After a preterm birth, anxiety, no support, first time single-motherhood, and desperation, she ended up scrapping breastfeeding with her 1st son and went to formula. She really wants to try again and succeed. This time around she has more knowledge, a 24 hour texting hotline with me for any questions, and an incredibly involved fiancee. I so want to see her succeed, so I'm hoping all you blogger/twitter/facebook friends will leave me a comment with your most helpful tip or advice so I can pass it on to her. It can take a village to breastfeed one baby sometimes and you guys are my village. Let's help a pumping sister out!

What? You act like I haven't blogged in 3 weeks.

2011-07-18T11:35:00.000-04:00

OK, you're right. I haven't. I'll address that, but first I just wanted to do a light, ice-breaker post. So here's Athena's and my favorite video of the moment. Watch it, don't watch it. Whatever. Honey badger don't care...

Kids and OCD go together like peanut butter and swordfish.

2011-06-24T12:42:00.000-04:00

GERMS! I loathe them! I fear them! I kill them with Lysol!! However, they kind of go hand in hand with the wee ones. I'm having to force myself to get over some stuff because of this. Take, for example, Fifi's eating habits. She will only eat food that follows at leas one of the following criteria:

1. Licked by a dog.

2. Rubbed on a dog's back.

3. Gound into the floor.

Ideally, the food will have done all three things. It makes me roll around on the floor groaning.

Ah, kids. It's funny that parents actually think they're in charge.

Wordless Wednesday - Tomato Pickin'

2011-06-23T09:17:00.000-04:00

Blogger wouldn't let me upload pictures yesterday, so I'm a wee behind.

Father's Day is weird for me.

2011-06-19T15:57:00.000-04:00

Father's Day is weird for me. On the positive side, it makes my heart swell that my daughters have the relationship that they do with their dad. I'm trying to give them the life that so few have had it seems.

"Dads" were rough for me. However, I don't even want to know what life would be like if it weren't for my stepfather.

So, um, yeah...

One

2011-06-14T09:22:00.000-04:00

This time last year I was on the phone with my sister in law trying to figure out if I was actually in labor. I was terrified. How was I going to handle having two children? I didn't feel prepared. I couldn't believe that I could care for and love anyone else like I did Athena. How is that possible? Then God graced me with Zofia. It was all clear. My heart has two halves, one for Athena and one for Zofia, and it will never belong to me again. For as long as it beats it beats only for them.

My tiny sweet baby Zofia is turning one. I can't wrap my head around it. I'm not just saying that. I honestly can not get it in my head that she isn't 6 months old. This year has gone by with lightning speed. Slow your roll, Father Time, I need to enjoy these ladies.

Athena is beyond excited for here Sissy's birthday. She did almost all the work in the cake preparation department.

We made flower cupcakes with Lalaloopsy doll decorations.

Om nom nom

Cousins

Happy Birthday, little love. You're the best surprise I've ever received.

For your Monday Viewing Pleasure...

2011-06-13T16:27:00.000-04:00

Athena was standing on a file cabinet, using a sweeper as a mic, and singing into a box fan. Katy Perry has been IT with her lately so here she is singing "Firework."

She then turned around and said, "Mommy, I'm a little bit shy."

Riiiiiiiight.

tap tap tap

2011-06-10T10:37:00.000-04:00

Um, hello? Is this thing on?

I've had so much on my mind that I haven't had anything to say. I sent my sister a message asking for a chance to talk, and I've yet to hear back. I don't know what's worse, telling me to go eff myself or just completely ignoring me. Do I keep trying? Perhaps try begging? Maybe just write everything out that I want her to know and send it off into the wild cyber-yonder?

I don't know. What's a troubled gal to do?

I'll tell ya what I do... I focus on my sweet Zofia turning 1 year old! Mazol Tov and all that jazz.

Semi-Wordless Wednesday - Then and Now

2011-06-08T10:56:00.000-04:00

Then...

Now...

Then...

Now...

Gentle Parenting Advice Needed

2011-06-02T12:02:00.000-04:00

The buppy (pacifier).

I always use to be such a hard ass. No one EVER put baby in the corner. Then I had kids. Somehow these little crib monkeys have turned me into a quivering pushover doormat blob. I always thought that I would parent with an iron fist. My way or the highways, kiddos. So how is it that Athena has completely called the shots in regards to diapers, potties, pacifiers, and bottles? These four items seemed innocent enough, but they have been major thorns in my parenting side (not to mention a giant source of marital disagreements.

It took a SOLID 2 years to fully potty train Athena, she'll be 4 in a month and we JUST got her switched to sippy cups for milk, she still sleeps with me, and she still depends on her buppy. Since we just climbed the mountains of diapers and bottles, I feel like we should ease her into the whole "no buppies" thing so she doesn't regress in any other areas. Louis thinks we should cold-turkey her on it and just let her cry for a couple days. I think that's too harsh, but I doubt myself because I AM such a doormat.

The time has long come for the pacifier to go the way of the Dodo, but how? What say you?

Memorial Day

2011-05-30T13:15:00.000-04:00

My grandma and her Navy man, my grandpa, circa 1940.

I remember, miss, and love them.

Curvy Girls in Swimsuits

2011-05-26T13:40:00.000-04:00

Are you a reader of The Curvy Girl Guide? You should be. Their Project Real - Swimsuit Confidence has been amazing. They are joining forces with Lands' End for National Swimsuit Confidence week and they're making it their mission to get all the shy, self-conscious, and embarrassed women back into the pool. Every single one of those incredible ladies put their swimsuits where their mouths, er, curves are and aren't afraid to lose the cover ups, toss the t shirts and flaunt their assets. They were even on Good Morning America this morning showing off those bodacious bods.

They want to encourage ALL women to have confidence this year. Go on and gitcha'self over to the Guide and look all all the lovely ladies in their suits. (They also show you just where you can get yourself a Lands' End suit of your own.)

In an attempt at Curvy Girl Solidarity, I took a photo of myself in my new swimsuit. .

I'm feeling just fine

Wordless Wednesday - Patient Dog is Patient

2011-05-25T09:00:00.000-04:00

California Gurls

2011-05-23T18:38:00.000-04:00

Awesome. It's the fall at the end that really clinches it for me.

Potty Cake, Potty Cake

2011-05-19T09:00:00.000-04:00

Potty training a child is absolutely nothing like I expected. I never took into consideration that the toddler I'd be training was going to be so strong-willed, opinionated, and rebellious. I also never took into consideration there could be other factors thwarting my plans. I had to completely drop the subject and let HER decide when she was going to start using her potty. Going #1 wasn't the issue. Going #2 was always an all-day, dramatic affair. She's had anal fissures since she was a baby, hard stools, and painful BM's. We found out that if she ate a Fiber One bar a day, this took care of all of her problems. However, she was so traumatized by pooping that it took 2 years to talk her into using the potty. I tried begging, I tried dropping it, I tried being stern, I tried bribing with candy and toys. Nothing was working. Then one day she asked me if I would be so happy if she pooped on the potty. I said, "Athena, if you poop on the potty I'll bake you a friggin' cake." This did it. She pooped for a cake.

She caught me off guard, but I was able to whip up an impromptu princess cake for her.

Shew. I thought I was going to be changing diapers until she was 10. Mission accomplished.

Wordless Wednesday - My Peace & Love

2011-05-18T20:46:00.002-04:00

I have Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, of course I'm superstitious.

2011-05-13T15:19:00.001-04:00

Blogger was down so I wasn't really planning on writing a post. Then I started seeing all these fun facts about Friday the 13th, which it is and I'm afraid of it, so I'm going to organize them into one helpful post.

First of all, I'm convinced that it was my obsessive compulsive ancestors that started most of these things. Fears of certain dates, thinking random objects or animals have super evil powers, religious rituals, well they all smack of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. So today I salute you my OCD kin. Happy Friday the 13th. I won't be leaving my house.

Friday is an unlucky day and 13 is an unlucky number, put them both together and you have DOOM!

Wikipedia says:

Friday the 13th occurs when the thirteenth day of a month falls on a Friday, which superstition holds to be a day of bad luck. In the Gregorian calendar, this day occurs at least once, but at most three times a year. Any month's 13th day will fall on a Friday if the month starts on a Sunday.

In numerology, the number twelve is considered the number of completeness, as reflected in the twelve months of the year, twelve hours of the clock, twelve tribes of Israel, twelve Apostles of Jesus, twelve gods of Olympus, etc., whereas the number thirteen was considered irregular, transgressing this completeness. There is also a superstition, thought by some to derive from the Last Supper or a Norse myth, that having thirteen people seated at a table will result in the death of one of the diners.
Famous people born on Friday the 13th include Samuel Beckett (13 April 1906), Margaret Thatcher (13 October 1923), Fidel Castro (13 August 1926) and Steve Buscemi (13 December 1957).

Tupac Shakur Died on Friday, September 13, 1996

Many hospitals have no room 13, while airports don't have a Gate 13.

According to Smithsonian Magazine The fear of Friday the 13th costs American a billion dollars per year in absenteeism, train and plane cancellations, and reduced commerce on the 13th of the month. (OCD employees are notoriously unreliable. Just ask my old bosses.)

Have fun, kids.

Am I breastfeeding a preschooler?

2011-05-11T09:19:00.000-04:00

I might be. I guess technically I am. Is that weird?

For the majority of my young life I was fairly indifferent to children. I had no idea whether or not I wanted to have them let alone consider breastfeeding one. When my husband and I finally succeeded in creating one, I read a bit about breastfeeding but it seemed SO weird to me. What little experience I had with seeing others do it did little to warm me to the idea of it. When seeing a relative breastfeed well into preschool age, I absolutely belonged to the "If they're old enough to ask for it they're too old to do it" school of thought. A friend and I cracked many a joke about her neighbor that breastfed her older toddler.

But here I am putting breastmilk into the sippy cup of my almost 4 year old. How did we get here? With zero education and little support in the hospital, Athena and I never figured out how to latch her on. I gave up almost immediately and started pumping her milk. We easily breezed through the first year. Then Athena did not tolerate milk well early in her toddler years, so I kept pumping for her. Pumping became such second nature, all of a sudden she's 2 1/2 and we're still going strong. Then along came Zofia. With a new baby my supply went up like crazy again and Athena kept drinking the leftovers because she liked feeling like a baby again and she likes my milk. Kellymom says:

Although there has been little research done on children who breastfeed beyond the age of two, the available information indicates that breastfeeding continues to be a valuable source of nutrition and disease protection for as long as breastfeeding continues.

This past week the ladies had a stomach bug. Athena couldn't even take a sip of water without if rocketing back up, however when I gave her 3oz of breasmilk it all stayed down. For the duration of the illness I was able to keep my ladies hydrated and fed using my magic milks. Right then I was so happy that I had continued letting Athena have breastmilk.

I've been asked if I plan on putting breastmilk in Athena's lunchbox when she goes to school. Well, if that's what she wants, I just might. I don't know how long we're going to continue on like this, but as of right now, every time she goes and gets my pump out of the cupboard, hands it to me and says "Mom, will you please pump me some booby juice?" I'm going to do it.

2011-05-08T08:19:00.001-04:00

I am a good mom, this I know. These two ladies are everything to me. My heart will forever be out roaming the earth in the form of these precious girls.

All women become like their mothers. That is their tragedy. No man does. That's his.

-Oscar Wilde

I've had some pretty amazing teachers, and I'm a very lucky girl. Through all of my trials and tribulations two people, and two people alone, have kept me from falling into the depths of despair: My mother and my mother in law. No matter why, when, or where I am, if I call they come running as fast as they can. I wish I could give them the moon, the stars, the earth. I wish I could give them everything. If I'm ever a famous rapper or sports figure I will totally buy them big mansions.

Happy Mothers Day to all of us.

A Week in Tweets

2011-05-07T12:32:00.000-04:00

This. Week. BLEW. The ladies are on the mend now, but MAN were they sick this week. These tweets sum up my week and feelings better than I ever could in my exhausted, sleep-deprived state.

@Athenabee Nadja
Fuck fevers. Or as Athena calls them, "beavers."

Sick kid. No good. I thought it was spring.

Barf is dumb.

With vomit in the house I may set a new OCD handwashing record.

Thank goodness for my breastmilk freezer stash. It's the only thing my sick 3 yo can keep down.

Puking kid is back to being a jerk. Let's hope it doesn't turn into puking baby.

Zofia has her first fever. #shittymilestones

I think tonight is going to be the opposite of awesome.

It's OCD freak the fuck out pukefest day. Wanna come?

Gotta tell ya, this shit ain't helping the ol' germ phobia.

So I says, "what would make this day even awesomer?" The universe came back with a dead, smoking jeep. O.o and >.< and :-/ and doh!

So THEN I says, "cmon day. Be the awesomest." And the universe goes: you have to poop really really bad while a screamy sick baby is on you

Suckville. Population: 3

#CurrentView

U guys zofia hasn't stopped screaming for an hour won't nurse and screams if I try to lay her down

So there you have it. I think that tells you where we've been all week... in Suckville. Hopefully the fresh spring air this weekend will do them a world of good.

Wordless Wednesday - Victory (Not an Osama post.)

2011-05-04T17:47:00.000-04:00

Where I am

2011-05-02T14:52:00.000-04:00

This is my rope:

Something must be done. I'm drowning in my Obsessive Compulsive, anxiety-ridden brain. This can't be healthy for me or anyone associated with me on a daily basis. I need help.

Sunday Sharing - Beer and Family Resemblance

2011-05-01T18:11:00.000-04:00

I know. I'm reaching. What kind of topic is this? But I would like to introduce to you (if you don't already know) the greatest tasting lager I have ever had the joy of drinking. My mom got some for me to see if drinking one helped calm the old nerves on particularly bad OCD days. It's delicious, works like a charm, and boosts the old milk supply.

From their site:

Wild Blue is a blueberry lager that fuses the juice of nature’s perfect fruit – blueberries – with premium American and German hops, two row and six-row barley malt and cereal grains. Wild Blue has a full taste with a pleasant blueberry aroma and flavor, and contains 8 percent alcohol by volume

My mom shared this picture from my youth. I think I'm starting to see myself in Athena. Maybe. Just a little bit.

Happy May, y'all. I hope the weather gets nice and warm. SPRING!!!

Ah, to be a princess, 'twould be so grand.

2011-04-29T12:33:00.000-04:00

I am a lover of all things British. My mother is one of the most pure-bred Brits I've ever seen. You can trace her back eons and only one wily German made it into their lineage. I love British comedy, I am a baker of trifles, and I think the royal family is incredibly interesting. The ladies and I have been watching the royalty themed Disney specials all week, and what kind of British ladies would we be if we didn't watch the wedding itself??

Athena was ADORABLE when she saw Kate.

She gasped and said "What a pretty princess!"

Zofia was a little more laid back with her excitement, however I think she really like her princess jammies.

We have our tea set out and we're going to enjoy our Disney princesses for the rest of the day :)

Happy Royal Wedding Day!