tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17422616130083946162024-03-05T11:11:12.548-08:00The Queen MumReginaMumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03833162252212904178noreply@blogger.comBlogger21125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1742261613008394616.post-75870130494882063792013-11-19T19:41:00.001-08:002013-11-19T19:57:05.939-08:00My Love of the Rotisserie Chicken<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I love the rotisserie chicken from the grocery store. There, I said it. I love the several functions it serves and the awesome feeling I have as a provider of deliciousness I get to serve to my family as a result of said amazing bird. That was a lot to say. Below is why I love these birds I hope you take advantage of these very soon!</div>
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First and foremost I get not 1 not 2 but 3 yes you read correctly 3 full meals out of one already cooked for you bird from your local grocery store! I will list the 3 recipes I used this week below. Also, I have found that Costco or Sams club give you a much bigger bird that makes these 3 recipes easier to pull off. If you are shopping at a store that offers a smaller bird be safe and get 2, you will still be paying tons less and you will have 1/2 the work in preparing all of these meals! I must say though I have pulled off all 3 with an average sized bird I compensated a little and I mean little with extra veggies but it was still done and enjoyed by all!</div>
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I hope that you enjoy them. It took me about 1.5 hours to make the first 2. The stock takes about 5 hours total, then to make the soup about another 45 minutes tops.</div>
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<a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/chicken-and-cheddar-souffle-recipe/index.html">Chicken and Cheddar Souffle on the Food Network</a><br />
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I love Giada and I love her recipes they are good, easy to make and very crowd pleasing. I Hope to one day look like her as well because man she is a beautiful woman...who can cook! Lordy!</div>
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<a href="http://www.food.com/recipe/loaded-baked-potato-chicken-casserole-505862">http://www.food.com/recipe/loaded-baked-potato-chicken-casserole-505862</a><br />
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This was a pinterest find. I cook a ton from the recipes I find on pinterest. This one is great without the chicken as well. <br />
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The recipe below is what I have scratched together from the catacombs of my brain. I am very much a throw it in a pot and see if it tastes good kind of cook. I fail A LOT but when I do good I do pretty well! </div>
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<b>Noodle of Chicken Soup</b></div>
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2tbs Olive Oil</div>
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2-3 Cloves Garlic</div>
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Salt and Pepper to taste</div>
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3-4 Good Sized Carrots</div>
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3-4 Stalks of Celery</div>
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1 Small Onion</div>
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2c Cooked Chicken</div>
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2c Egg Noodles</div>
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Homemade Chicken Stock to cover Veggies and Chicken </div>
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Start with a hot pan and cold oil. Sweat the onion in the olive oil over medium heat for about 5 minutes until the onion is approaching clear. Then add the carrot and celery. Sweat all three adding salt and pepper to taste. Then add the garlic and the chicken mixing with the other veggies. Let these mingle and sweat together for about 5 minutes stirring occasionally then add your homemade chicken stock. Bring to a simmer, then give it a taste. Add salt and pepper, I sometimes add a little celery salt at this point. Then put it over low heat and let it be for about 20 minutes. You could throw the noodles in now and enjoy it right away. I like to let the flavors intermingle and get to know one another. Then after at least 20 minutes, add your egg noodles. You can absolutely use any noodles I just prefer egg noodles.</div>
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Homemade Chicken Stock</div>
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Without a doubt the easiest most valuable thing I have ever learned by working in a professional kitchen. This is one of those comfort things for me. I love the smell of stock on the stove. It takes me back to my more recent days as a server when I was working at The Hummingbird Room in Mill Hall, PA. Chef Eric Sarnow and his wife, also a chef, Claudia Sarnow really took the time to teach me how to never let anything go to waste. This was one of their tricks. </div>
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Take all the meat off the chicken. Then raid your veggie drawer! Use those carrots that are starting to get soft, the peels from your onions, the spinach you used half of to make the soufflee, the peels from your garlic bulb, the stems from the celery you cut up. Throw all of that and EVERYTHING left over from your chicken in a pot. I mean everything, skin, bones, anything and everything left over nothing is really off limits here I have used all sorts of stuff! Then cover that with water. Put this on the stove over low heat and just leave it for about 3-4 hours at least. I leave mine on a very long time. Then turn it off and let it cool completely. After it is cool strain the stock into the container you are going to store it in. Absolutely delicious and homemade! LOVE IT!!</div>
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So here is my final little celebration over the pre-made so you don't have to cook it, rotisserie chicken. Have you ever noticed how much a chicken is? I ask you the next time you are at the store check out your poultry aisle and check it out. Then go look at the already “rotisseried” chickens. The fact is this is one of those things that grocery stores take a huge hit on to get you into the store! They actually loose a ton of money on these birds because they hope that you will buy more from their store. So you have that going for you as well.</div>
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Good luck with our feathered friend! </div>
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Be Well!</div>
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<br />ReginaMumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03833162252212904178noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1742261613008394616.post-34665594842160060902013-10-17T07:34:00.000-07:002013-10-17T07:34:24.759-07:00Confessions of Friendship <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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I can be very clingy. It’s not something I walk around and
brag about for obvious reasons. How awful would it be to say:</div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Hi!, I have 5 kids,
I am very outgoing and I will cling to our friendship like a life preserver on
sunken ship. What’s your name again?”</div>
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However, it is something that I most definitely recognize
about myself and it is something that I try to work on, now more then ever.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am sure people wonder why I am this way;
well I really do attribute it to being an only child.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When big stuff happened as a kid I really had
no one to talk to. Sure you have your parents but there are some things that I
really didn’t feel comfortable talking about with them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I was about 13 and things were awful, I
mean because hell, 13 as an age is its own problem, I found my very first best
friend. </div>
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Little did I know then that she would be by my side for 26
years. You should feel sorry for her. She had a brother but he was just too old
for her to confide in so that left me. She seriously was and still is like a
sister to me. We laughed together, cried together, played pranks together, and
we fought together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the end we always
know that in times of crisis we would drop everything to be with the other. It
was then and still is now a very wonderful comfort.</div>
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When we moved on to high school we expanded our group to
4.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The 4 of us we were like our own
little family. We all had other friends but it all began and ended with the 4
of us, I loved it and it was perfect. The support and unconditional love we shared
was really one of the biggest comforts of my life. They made me look at life
differently, they molded and shaped me to who I am today (see girls it IS YOUR
fault :P)! This was all going along fabulously until the summer of my senior
year when I moved to South Carolina. I lost my little family, I lost my
friendship, I lost my sisters. Mind you it wasn’t gone, gone, but when you live
14 hours away in the days before cell phones and face time, and everyone else
is still within 3 hours of one another, you miss out and you miss out on a
lot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would say that I probably spent
10 years trying to catch up on the 3/4 years I missed with them. This was
beyond stupid, you can’t go back in time and participate in the stories that
they share and you cannot be part of the camaraderie that they formed. It took
me years and a shove from one of my girls extremely disgruntled ex- boyfriends
to finally accept that. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I did let it go
after a while and it was after I did that that we were able to create a new
kind of circle. We are all grown up now, all with families and jobs and
responsibilities of our own. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We see each
other 1 time sometimes 2 times a year if we are lucky. Because of the unique
and beautiful friendship we shared then it’s really hard not to expect the same
kind of friendships from other people. However, in the end though these girls
are not friends, they are family, and that is how I like to view my friendships,
as members of my family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not everyone
sees it that way though, and I completely understand that! I know I have been very
spoiled not only by the friendships that I have had in the past but also
because I was lucky enough to marry my best friend. Even though he is an
absolute gem and listens and tries so hard at the end of the day he is a dude
and just doesn’t get it sometimes!</div>
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Here I am an adult it’s time to make new friends right?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, I don’t know about you but me, its
hard, really hard. You should just be able to walk into a social situation and
pop out with 3 new BFF’s right? Wrong!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now,
there is Facebook and all of those other social Medias out there that really
complicate things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not to mention now
you have men to deal with. Your girlfriend’s husbands (or s/o) have to get along
with your husband (or s/o) <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>or you just
can’t spend the time together. Oh! And don’t even get me started on the whole
kid dynamic!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You have so many different
factors that play into creating friendships as an adult and time is your enemy.
If your family is like mine you are running kids and yourself all week, then
reserve a day on the weekend for family day that leaves the one day that you
should be spending with your s/o to reconnect. It can be very hard and frankly,
mentally exhausting to nurture those friendships and be there for our friends
when they need us the most. As women I think it is very natural to close off.
Submerge ourselves in our day to day and deal with our problems as best we can,
even if that means dealing with them alone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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We need our girlfriends, it really is as simple as that. In
most every book you read the friends are the people the heroine/hero lean on
for life changing advice. That is not a mistake, which is what friends are
there for. Sure it’s fun to party and have a good time but the measure of a good
friendship is their ability to see you break into pieces even when you are
trying not to let the pieces fall in front of them. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The measure of a great friendship is when
they stick around and help you put those pieces back together. Somewhere along
the way of women’s evolution we began to think that we were weak if we shared
our issues. It has become an embarrassment for us to say to another girlfriend “I
have a problem .” Follow that with “I don’t know what to do.” Suddenly we feel
that we are pathetic individuals that have burdened our poor, dear friend that is
solely there to give us wine and makes us laugh, right? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How could we ever do such a thing?!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>WRONG!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I would be furious with a girlfriend who thought I was only there to
play with her and not be there when she needed me! Yet, that is exactly what I
do, that is exactly what MOST of my girlfriends do, we pine and suffer through every
one of our issues big or small, alone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What
really gets me though, when I have just reached my edge and I need to talk to
someone is when they look at me and empathize OR when they say “Why didn’t you
tell me sooner!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can help!” </div>
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Ladies! We have each other there is no reason to suffer
through these big bad emotions alone, and yet we do. Why? I am guilty of it, I
would rather listen then share. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is it a
matter of trust, are we afraid that we may seem less of a person, or are we
afraid to show anyone, even ourselves our rawest vulnerabilities? Maybe. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am hopeful that this trend ends someday and
that women can once again not see their issues as weakness.</div>
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Even though it hasn’t been easy making friends as an adult
it hasn’t been impossible. I have some beautiful friendships that I adore and I
still have my girls from back in the day. Yes, people come in and out of my
life and it used to be really hard to let them go. I felt like I wasn’t enough
for them. Now, I realize that they were just trying to deal with life on their
own and sort out their own issues, much as I do. It is always really fun to
reconnect with someone and it gives me such a feeling of peace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It isn’t always easy though and I am far from
perfect, I am that “clingy” friend after all. At the end of the day though I
just hope that the friends I do have know that I love them like family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If we don’t talk for months or even if they
move on with their lives in a direction that doesn’t include me, I will always
be there for them. This is simply because at one point they made a difference
in my life and I will always be grateful for them.</div>
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Life is hard but it is also beautiful and one of the many
beauties and greatest celebrations of my life are my dear friends. </div>
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Be well.</div>
ReginaMumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03833162252212904178noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1742261613008394616.post-63126936517575355082013-06-28T05:34:00.000-07:002013-06-28T05:38:26.195-07:00Fake It Till' You Make It!<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
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You have heard it before, I am Strong,
I am Invincible, I am Woman, I am Tired. Yes, I couldn't agree more,
add being a stay at home mom or a working mom or even a working woman
and you can add exhaustion, overwhelmed and completely out of your
mind to that list. I believe that if you fake it, even a little bit,
you will be a happier more well adjusted person. Simple things like
when you are having a bad day slapping a smile on your face and
getting through it. My go to fake it strategy is putting myself
together, I believe if you feel good about the way you look you will
feel good about yourself and that can do wonders when you have been
awoken 6 times by 3 different children throughout the night!</div>
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I am constantly in search of the next
skin care miracle. I watch infomercials, I read Dr. Oz and I go into
department stores. I comb the web looking for the next big anti aging
thing! I ask people all the time, what are you using on your skin?
Its kind of a later in life obsession. I never really cared much when
I was younger, because hell, I was younger, but now I am fast
approaching “that age” and over the last few years I have really
gotten serious about it. I thought I would share with you my
findings and what I have used, what I use now and what I am going to
try in the near future.</div>
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I am a firm believer that skin care
expires, at least on me it does. After about 2-3 years my skin care
regimen doesn't seem to produce the same results. Or maybe I just get
bored with it it could go either way. When I first started this quest
in my very early 30's I did what every Grandma and Mom did, I called
my Mary Kay girl. Their Timeless Line served me well over about 5
years, but then I just stopped seeing results. So then I became a
infomercial junkie and that is where this whole review begins.</div>
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I started out using Murad,
<a href="http://www.murad.com/">http://www.murad.com</a>. It was a
great product but I think I may have been a little too early for it.
They kept sending me “Age Spot” something as my freebie every
other month. It gave me a complex! I even called and asked them to
change it and I kept getting them! I loved the cleanser and the
night cream. The night cream was really thick and I like it when
night creams are thick, it makes me feel like they are doing
something. The cleanser was light and made my skin feel amazing.
One of my biggest issues are my eyes, I have darker circles and
sometimes baggy looking eyes, so my eye cream is everything, it can
make or break a regimen for me and this one unfortunately did it for
me with Murad. The formula of their eye cream wasn't a good fit for
me which was sad because I really did love the other products.</div>
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I then moved onto Meaningful Beauty,
<a href="http://www.meaningfulbeauty.com/">www.meaningfulbeauty.com</a>.
This is where I am now and frankly about to move away from, for now.
This one has an eye cream that rocks. The formula lessens the
darkness around my eyes and helps with wrinkles too. I really like
the day moisturizing lotion as well, it light and not greasy at all.
They have a new night cream but since I ordered mine prior to the new
night cream being released, I unfortunately do not get it. Which
really stinks because I tend to not use the night cream with this
regimen. The cleanser is good, but I often wonder, “Is it doing
anything?” It is very thin and doesn't foam or lather and that
really took some getting used to. All in all I have really loved my
Meaningful Beauty experience but again, I feel like maybe its not
working as well as it did when I first started using it so maybe its
time for a change?</div>
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Now, I mentioned that I don't really
use the meaningful beauty night cream. Well that is because I have
found an AWESOME substitute! St Ives Timeless Skin, you can get this
at any Walmart, Rite Aid, Grocery Store anywhere that sells St Ives
and its about $5 for a huge tub of it! I saw on my Pintrest feed that
Dr. Oz first posted about this a few months back. I saw it one day
and thought, “What the heck?” It has turned out to be one of my
favorite facial creams of all time. It really does reduce lines and
the collagen in it really works around the circles on my eyes. You
definitely have to wash your face in the morning though but it is
good, good stuff, give it a try!</div>
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What is in my skincare future? Well,
let me tell you! I recently had a conversation with my friend Jessie
who is starting a new business. I LOVE supporting businesses
especially the home based businesses. I really feel that the home
based businesses are amazing and wonderful things, not to mention if
executed properly there is a whole lot of money to be made. I have
friends who sell Pampered Chef, 31 Bags, Silpada and hell, I have a
good friend who is making a FORTUNE in schlepping sex toys! All home
based businesses, all helping people bring in a little extra money to
help supplement their incomes. In talking with my friend Jessie I
found out that she is starting one of these businesses, but this is
skin care we are talking about and it is something that I take
seriously so I did a little research on it and it sounds pretty good!
</div>
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Rodan & Fields,
<a href="https://jdilucia.myrandf.com/Home">https://jdilucia.myrandf.com/Home</a>,
is not a household name yet, but its sister product, Proactive, is.
These are the same Drs that created Proactive and now they are
helping people with all sorts of skin care issues. Sun damaged, Anti
Aging, Adult Acne, you have it they seem to have a solution. In the
world of the internet and shopping online you really have to go by
poeples reputations. Proactive has an amazing reputation and the
results are amazing, so why should this be any different?Check it out
and if you try it let me know. I think I am going to give it a try
over the summer. I need to finish out this Meaningful Beauty
shipment I just got and then I will take the plunge. I will
definitely let you know how it all works out!</div>
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One more thing I need to mention is
that as a woman you MUST do the things that make you feel good. One
of those things that serves 2 purposes is getting a facial. No matter
what skin care regimen you use on a daily basis every now and then
you need to get some deep pore cleaning done. Its important not only
for the health of your skin but for your mental health as well. You
walk out of there feeling like a million bucks! I usually go 2 times
a year. I wish I could go more but financially this is what makes
sense for me. If you can go more then go! I usually go to Designers
Denn, <a href="http://www.designersdenn.com/">http://www.designersdenn.com/</a>.
I go to Lori there although I have never had a bad experience with
any other person at this spa. They have a great Signature Facial for
$110 and it is worth every single penny.
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You may be tired, you may be at the end
of your rope, trust me I am on a daily basis, but the good news is
there are products out there to help you look amazing! Best of luck
and make sure you let me know what you try! I would love to hear
what you think!</div>
ReginaMumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03833162252212904178noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1742261613008394616.post-77570446052277099602012-08-20T09:46:00.003-07:002012-08-20T10:00:42.721-07:00Fried Dough 3 Generations of Tradition<style type="text/css">
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For the last 20 years, during the last
week of July through the first week of August, my Great Aunt has
cooked for a fund-raiser for her church. For the last 10 years my
mother has joined her in making what we know as “fried dough” and
this year for the first time I was able to participate in what is now
a family tradition. I was so curious and nervous to do this. These
Ladies and Gentlemen who cook and coordinate this Italiana Fest at
Mount Saint Peters are passionate. They know what they are doing and
if you are new just be quiet and do what you are told! Doing this
will serve 2 purposes, the first is you will learn a lot. The second
is you won't make anyone mad which when you are dealing with Italian
women is a good thing, trust me you do not want the evil eye on you!</div>
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My great Aunt and Uncle have acted like
grandparents to me, my grandmother, MiMi, was my great Uncle Mario's
sister. She died when I was very young, her husband Lloyd to whom I
was very close to, died 14 years ago. I miss them both very much,
especially when I look at my kids and think about how much my Papap
would have loved them. I don't think you ever quite get over losing
your grandparents, especially if you are close. I only had 5 years
with my grandmother but she was a huge part of my life, I remember so
much about her and I have always hoped that she was looking down on
me with pride.</div>
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I have always been very grateful to
have Mario and Angie for taking on the role of grandparents with me,
they are truly amazing people. They never ever miss a birthday,
Angie always, ALWAYS makes me my favorite foods when we come to visit
and they are both always eager and willing to help out in every way
possible. I love them with all my heart. Then they took on the huge
role of being great grandparents to my children. A task that they
have always taken on with as much love as they can give and it is
something that they do beautifully. In the last year though my dear
Uncle Mario has developed dementia. It has been devastating to watch
for my husband and I. We try to know who he is today and not think
of who he was in days past so that we don't get too upset about it.
I believe in enjoying those that are with you for as long as you can,
so that is what we do. Things have had to be altered a little this
year which has been hard on everyone. My mother and aunt especially,
but we now have no choice but to adapt and create a new normal and
that is exactly what we have done. Besides, if we hadn't done things
differently this year I would not have had the opportunity to help
out like I did!</div>
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When you are allowed or asked to help
out at Festa it is a great honor. At least that is the way it should
be looked upon. Many of these people have been doing the same tasks
that create this fundraiser every year for 30 or more years. They
have their way of doing it, and they act and execute their jobs
perfectly and they should be highly respected. Unfortunately, there
are what some would refer to as “The Younger Ones.” These are
people that come into this Festa World and want to do things their
way with no regard to the way that things have been done in the past.
This was true most recently with the fried dough at Festa. As we
were mixing and measuring, stories of the years past were coming out
and by the end of it I was so mad I could have spit nails. The last
group of people to help had not respected the role that they had been
given. They were younger, they were there to do their job if they
even did that and leave. What they didn't understand was if they had
just stopped and listened not only would they have learned some
invaluable cooking tips, but they would have heard the stories from
the past 30 years.</div>
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That is what makes this time spent
special, the memories, the undocumented stories and the glances
between these 2 ladies as they shared only what they thought was
respectful to share, but there was much more to some of their
stories, you could just tell. I find myself now having such a deep
respect for this generation of people. They speak their mind and you
always know where you stand with them but they really do keep the
illicit details to themselves. With the media's influence and the
way that it is now we are expected to share 100% of the story and if
we do not know the whole story our opinion is used to fill in the
gaps. Even if our opinion is not based on factual information. Those
opinions become fact thus false history is written. Gone are the days
when someone had cancer the word was whispered and really did you
ever know the exact type of cancer that was being discussed? I never
did. Gossiping to these ladies is today as it was back in their day,
an art form. You didn't say too much because that made you a true
gossip you said just enough to prove that you knew something that
made you in a way, special.
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I was eager to help by doing the heavy
work, lugging the bags of flour, pulling the dough filled bowl off
the mixer, it seemed that was where I was most needed and
appreciated. This was their show and I was merely sweeping the
stage! Two 80 year old women measuring, mixing, tweaking and telling
stories. When I am around these Italian Ladies of Mount Saint
Peters, I always think of my grandparents. This had been their
church, they had brought my mom to it when she was a child, I had
gone with them when I was very little. That church and the people
there are a piece of my heart that I hold very dear. To me they are
a gateway to my past that some days I long for and mourn with all my
heart. As I mentioned, my grandmother died when I was 5 but she is
in all of my memories as a young child. I remember more about her
then just about anything else. My grandfather and I had a wonderful
relationship through out my life. The one time that I was really
truly angry at my grandfather proved to teach me a big lesson in
life.
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I was getting married, my thought was
to have my grandfather walk me down the aisle. Not to give any
disrespect to my Step-Father but honestly he was less then thrilled
that I was going to get married at the age of 22 and did absolutely
nothing to hide his dissatisfaction. I will never know exactly what
happened, I have heard stories and have pieced things together from
those stories but I truly do not know. What I do know is that he
didn't come to my wedding. His only grandchild, he didn't come. I
was devastated beyond words, its still very hard for me to talk
about. I was so hurt I didn't call I didn't write I didn't ask any
questions. Six months later he was dead and I never got to say
goodbye or tell him I was sorry for being mad. This was a harsh way
to learn that if there is a problem resolve it, as quickly as
possible, life is too short.</div>
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I looked around the marble hall on the
last day I was there helping. I watched everyone bustle around
yelling back and forth to one another with the gentle ribbing that
friends give one another. The cookie ladies were laying out the most
beautiful table and excitedly talking about the bakery that was going
to donate more the their cause that evening. The friend dough was
rising quickly spilling out of the containers that we had used to
fill it with. The pots and measuring cups had been cleaned the mixer
was all clean and put away, it was time to go. Soon there would be
people by the hundreds descending on Mount Saint Peters Italian
Festa. Getting their fill of home made pasta, meatballs, lasagna and
of course fried dough. To me and to my family it is so much more
then the food, it is the memories made and reliving the days when
life was in albeit hard, it was a simpler time. More importantly it
is as it should be, it is about family and continuing family
traditions.</div>
ReginaMumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03833162252212904178noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1742261613008394616.post-58950647224045842732011-04-25T19:37:00.000-07:002011-04-25T19:43:52.766-07:00So Long Dear Friend<style type="text/css"> <!-- @page { margin: 0.79in } P { margin-bottom: 0.08in } --></style>I have written 3 blogs about our trip to Disney, it was a wonderful trip. However, the first evening that we were there I received word that the mother of my dear friends, Lisa & Kristina had passed away after a heroic battle with leukemia. Her funeral was two days before we got home so I missed saying goodbye to her. I would like to just tell you a little bit about her and what an impression she had on my life. <p style="margin-bottom: 0in">When Lisa and I opened up our store 2 and half years ago I really didn't know her mom, Inger very well. What I did know was that she was a dear woman that was always willing to help, she was the type of person that would give you the shirt off her back even if she didn't know you very well. As the months went by she would often swing by the store and would help us however we needed it. During those times and the numerous birthday parties I got to know Inger very well. She was such a good time to be around. My favorite moment I spent with Inger was washing the windows on a sunny spring afternoon. She was really good at washing windows! LOL, I don't think our windows will ever be that clean again! We are a little baffled by how she got them that clean! We were chatting about music, this is when I found out that Inger loved the Beatles. Her older brother, to whom she was very close to, had introduced her to the Fab 5 and she was hooked to that day. She spoke of her brother with such a tenderness, she told me a lot about him that day and ended it with how he had passed away. That was it, the end of the story, no further explanation of how he died, when, nothing, just the end. So Inger. We had a moment that day, and I felt very close to her, we had covered all bases. We had discussed family, music, a little politics and death. We had crossed a threshold, we now knew a few intimate details of one anothers lives, and it was awesome. </p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in">In July I wrote a blog entitled “Reflection”. This was in response to Inger being diagnosed with leukemia. It rocked all of our worlds, especially of course her daughters lives. Friends, I have seen a lot of things in my life. I have witnessed people having to deal with all sorts of life changing situations. I have seen some people rise to the occasion and do the right thing, I have seen some run and hide and others I have seen turn their backs and ignore the situation at hand completely. These women are incredible. Not for one moment did these girls leave their mother alone. Someone was with her at all times from July through February, 24 hours a day 7 days a week. In every hospital room, during every holiday, birthday and celebration they were by her side. They made me want to be a better daughter and just a better human being in general. They were amazing in their care and love for their mother. Then I realized of course this is the way they would react, look at their teacher. </p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in">Here is what I learned most from Inger. </p> <ul><li>Love your family, even when they drive you crazy. </li><li>Be true to yourself. </li><li>Don't let the small stuff, or small minded people bother you. </li><li>Homemade Meatballs work for any get together.</li><li>Life is short, be happy.</li><li>Be kind.</li><li>Fight hard for the things worth fighting for.</li><li>Support those you love</li><li>Help people who need help, even if they don't know that they need it.</li><li>Always do the right thing, always.</li></ul> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in">Goodbye my friend, rest assured you touched my life and you helped me look at life a little differently, in a more positive light. I am a better person for knowing you, I will miss you every day and especially every time I eat a meatball. </p>ReginaMumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03833162252212904178noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1742261613008394616.post-71545851039793752302011-04-25T07:10:00.000-07:002011-04-25T07:11:36.562-07:00Saving Money At Walt Disney World<style type="text/css"> <!-- @page { margin: 0.79in } P { margin-bottom: 0.08in } A:link { so-language: zxx } --></style>I know it sounds like an oxymoron to save money at Walt Disney world but it is possible. We managed to save a ton just from doing 2 things differently from the norm. What I encourage everyone to do is to plan your entire trip with all the bells and whistles. Plan everything you want to do, exactly where you want to stay, how long you want to stay as if money is not a factor. Then, prioritize that list. What must you do to ensure that you have a magical experience? After that start trimming down your list, finding alternatives to major expenses may just ensure that you are able to do everything you want to do. This process takes a lot of time and a lot of conversations. Be prepared and always enter these conversations with an open mind. Arguing about this and that doesn't help and nothing should be argued about in this stage! Hopefully. I can help and illustrate clearly what we did to save some money on our trip. <p style="margin-bottom: 0in">For our family, including my mom it would have been between $9 & 11,000 to stay on site. We have a very large family and at Walt Disney world it does not matter if you are 90 or 3 months old you count! So we opted to stay off site. We found a house 15 minutes from the Magic Kingdom. It was a 6 bedroom, 2 master suite, full kitchen, pool and hot tub lap of luxury oasis! It was $1000 for the entire week. Now do you see what I mean by finding alternatives to major expenses? Of course that adds some new complications and expenses. How do you get to the parks if you fly? </p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in">We considered renting a car but a rental car would have cost just as much for us (huge family) as it would have been to for us to fly our entire family down. We were considering to drive the 17 hours. Before you actually go though with the drive make sure you factor in the cost of gas and hotel stays. Also think of the ride home. For us, I would have been in our local mental institution after attempting to drive that far with 8 people in our 8 passenger car...SO what is the solution? The auto train. In the end it did cost as much as flying, however, we had our car and a very relaxing ride down. For our family it was around $1500 ( this included our car) as opposed to the $3000 it would have been to fly and rent a car. The only downside to the auto train for me was that I did not sleep well. So it made for a very long first day for me</p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in">Eating at the parks is expensive hands down. For our family to eat it was about $250 for dinner. This was one thing we splurged on. Food is very important to us and we like to eat well so that was one of things we could do because we had saved money in other places. Lunch was about $70. Now a way to save even more is to eat at the house. Seriously, it would potentially save you well over a thousand dollars! Make lunches in the morning and bring them to the parks with you. They make a variety of insulated picnic totes these days that are just fabulous. Go home in the late afternoon, have a swim a rest and some dinner. Keeping it simple, pasta and sauce, no muss no fuss! Go back to the parks and enjoy a snack and some fireworks. </p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in">Park passes are one thing you just can't get around. Here is a little tip though. If you buy a year long park pass, it is not that much more, you could potentially go to Walt Disney World 2 times in a year and pay for passes one time! The passes begin the year on the day your purchase them so if you purchase your pass on March 1, 2011 you are able to return on February 1, 2012 and pay nothing for passes. That saves you a bunch of money, it is almost like 2 family vacations with one major expense paid for!</p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><br /></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in">In the end what matters most is that your family has a wonderful time, with as little stress as possible falling on the parents, remember its your vacation too. I am a planner, to me its one of the best part of the trip. Why? Well, as you watch all of your planning unfurl before your very eyes and you see the joy in the faces of your family, you just smile realizing that you have done something really good. These memories for your kids are amazing but I think for you as the parent its even more then that. You are able to provide the trip of a life time and memories that they will take with them for the rest of their lives and even pass on to your grandchildren. That is monumental as a parent. I hope this helps you in your decision making process and in planning your trip. I have listed some links below to help you on your way. We loved our trip and we cannot wait to go back! Much Love and Safe Travels!</p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><br /></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in">Where we rented our home:</p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><a href="http://www.heavenlyholidayhomes.com/">http://www.heavenlyholidayhomes.com/</a></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><br /></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in">Amtrak Auto Train</p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><br /></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><a href="http://www.amtrak.com/servlet/ContentServer?c=AM_Content_C&pagename=am%2FLayout&cid=1241267292998">http://www.amtrak.com/servlet/ContentServer?c=AM_Content_C&pagename=am%2FLayout&cid=1241267292998</a></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><br /></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in">Picnic Time Insulated Totes</p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><br /></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><a href="http://www.picnictime.com/products.php">http://www.picnictime.com/products.php</a></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><br /></p>ReginaMumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03833162252212904178noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1742261613008394616.post-91080600934841031152011-03-26T05:39:00.000-07:002011-03-26T05:40:21.912-07:00Of Course Its Great, Its Disney!<style type="text/css"> <!-- @page { margin: 0.79in } P { margin-bottom: 0.08in } --></style>Our trip to Disney was, as I am sure it is for most people, a very thought out endeavor. With the large family we have it is essential that every trip we go on we try to plan and anticipate everything! Which of course is completely impossible! However, we do try. So with that said here are some ideas of what to take with you and what not to do. A lot of these ideas I got from a book that I had read 5 years ago when we went to Disney the first time. Its called the <i>Unofficial Guide To Walt Disney World, With Kids, by Bob Sehlinger</i>. This is a great resource to refer to. When we went the last time I wrote down what was good, what was bad and what we had to do next time. This is a great tip for any family vacation. We have often thought of starting a journal for our vacations so that we don't overlook things we missed or want to do again. <p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><br /></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in">Attire</p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><br /></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in">So if you are coming from colder climates like we were, we heard Florida and we broke out the shorts! Well, allow me to tell you, South Carolina, Georgia & Florida can get down right chilly in the winter. After living in South Carolina and Florida you would have thought I would have remembered that. I didn't which lead me to way over pack. Check the weather and keep it simple. If you are at a place that has a washer and dryer you can get away with just a few outfits per person. If not it gets a little trickier. Have your clothes at the ready but really don't pack your clothes until the very last minute! Bring rain gear. Orlando has these pop up thunderstorms at all times of year. Even if you have just silly cheap ponchos that will disintegrate after the first wear. Why? Because you will be dry the first time! Which can make the difference of you enjoying the park for the rest of the day or having to break up your day to go back to change! </p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><br /></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in">Shoes, now this is a big one. Sneakers with socks, for little ones, period. Unless they have some sort of supportive sandal that they have worn for 2 months prior. The biggest mistake people make when going to a place like this is that they buy new shoes and try to break them in while there. Not good because kids end up with blisters on their feet and if their feet are miserable, they are miserable and that means you are miserable...In Disney! Boo!</p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><br /></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in">Diaper Bag</p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><br /></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in">I have thought a lot about this because it is tough when you are expected to spend 5-8 hours with your children in a place that is not home. Think about it, we may run 4-6 hours worth of errands in a day but are we ever more than 20 minutes away from home? I did a lot of trial and error when I was there last and I am not sure I ever quite got it right. There is a lot to juggle but here are the essentials.</p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><br /></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in">Take only what you need. </p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in">Diapers, </p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in">An extra change of clothes for little littles (something small like a onesie and a pair of leggings), </p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in">Bottle, </p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in">Drink for baby, you don't have to bring a full day supply just enough to get through the first time its needed.</p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in">Wipes</p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in">Changing Pads. I have a GREAT changing pad that I actually sell in my store. It is made by a local company here called Baby Goin' Places. It is a terrycloth towel that has fabric pockets sewn on the front. It was a dream! I didn't have to lay my baby on anything hard! Disposable ones will do just fine though, but please use them, people are rude and don't clean up after themselves, yuck!</p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in">Bags for bad diapers, I get the scented ones they are great for clothes from blow outs too!</p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in">Rain Gear (Only if they are calling for rain)</p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in">Camera, I would recommend getting a little snapshot camera if you have a big one. Just because there are professional photographers all over Disney to take your pictures.</p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in">A few special snacks, rewards, bribes, just to get them to stop crying long enough to get out of the park!</p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in">First Aid Kit You can get little ones at the store, I usually add my band aids so that they have the characters they like. I always have a little first aid kit in my diaper bag.</p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in">Pens, simple but necessary!</p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><br /></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in">If you forget or lose anything not to worry! There are baby care stations located through out all of the parks and they have everything! From bottles to formula to clothing, they even have little wrist slips that you can put one on your 2 year old that keeps bolting away from you and one on you! Sounds wrong but you will see the need for one if not by you personally then the person in front of you. They will be having a nervous breakdown because they have run about 5 miles just to keep up with 2 year old Timmy!</p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><br /></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in">You may need something other then your usual diaper bag because your day to day bag may not be able to carry all of your needs. We usually dawn the backpack for these occasions, its just easier for all of us. Now, sometimes people think that they could just get through the Walt Disney world experience without a diaper bag. Just carry a few diapers and that way we won't have to stand in line to have our bag checked. If you are traveling with little ones you need to deal with the fact that you are going to have to have a diaper bag, so get over it!</p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><br /></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in">Timing</p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><br /></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in">Its all in the timing and on vacation we all take our definition of time and literally throw it out the window! Kids stay up later and sleep in longer, parents seem to not care about schedules as much and meandering is highly encouraged. Now, there are the exceptions. A trip to Walt Disney World is expensive and some people like to get their moneys worth so they come equipped with schedules agendas and plans. That is totally fine, please be ready for those plans and schedules to be altered. You are running on kid time here and they do not understand that if you ride every ride in Magic Kingdom 4 times you will get your moneys worth! Also this place is distracting! The phrase of “Oooo! Look Something Shiney!” takes on a whole new meaning! Relax, you are at the happiest place on earth, remind yourself of that, often. Yes, you paid a lot for this vacation and your kids are melting down, you have ice cream on your new shirt and your spouse looks like they are going to climb a tower and start taking people out if they don't start walking faster. Its these times that you need to find a place to sit down and people watch for a few minutes and come up with a new plan. Remember those special snacks you packed? Perfect time for them. Breath, remember where you are and come up with a new plan. I f you take anything away from my little rant here remember this. It cannot ALL be seen, so pick out what is most important to you.</p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><br /></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in">This leads me to breaks. Not all children can make it through an entire day and night without a reset or a break. We all would go back even if it was just to change and grab a quick snack just to get out of the over stimulation for a little while. Do watch your kids and see what their needs are, I promise it will make your trip a lot more enjoyable if you do.</p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><br /></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in">Entering and Exiting. Do keep in mind that if you are in Parks it can take up to 30 minutes to get out of the park alone (depending on where you are) and 15 more minutes to get the tram back to your car. Strollers also must be folded on the trams. </p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><br /></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in">I have to once again climb up on my soap box here. This was the most annoying thing to us and it had absolutely NOTHING to do with the parks but everything to do with the people that were there. This is Disney World people, they have been getting people out of these parks for decades! Millions of people have been there! They know the most efficient way to get you in and OUT. There is absolutely no reason to take out a 6 year old because your family found a pocket in the sea of people and moved up a little further. This isn't the Titanic, you will see them again! I promise! Take your time leaving, seriously, everyone gets out! It may take some time but there is reason to why the wait is so long. If it is that important to you to get out quickly then please leave prior to the closing of the parks. Otherwise, accept the fact that you are going to be sitting and waiting to leave. </p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><br /></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in">Eating</p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><br /></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in">One thing we didn't do was make reservations for every night we were there. Dinner is hard to get reservations for especially when you are trying to feed a bunch of kids at their usual time. Make reservations early as in the 90 day time period before you go. You can always cancel them, well most of them. Some of the character dining experiences require full payment and no cancellations but for the most part you can just cancel on a whim. </p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><br /></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in">We had 2 experiences that I really encourage you to have. The first is have a meal at Cinderellas Castle. This was a wonderful character breakfast that we went to. The food was also exceptional! We went for a 9:15 reservation, the park wasn't even open yet when we got there to walk to the castle (about 20 minutes for us from the entrance) the people at the gate let us in before everyone else! There is a show that goes on prior to the park opening (of course there is its Disney!) and here we are walking down Main Street USA, all the girls dressed up as Princesses, Dean as Prince Charming, and all the cast mates of WDW wishing us a good morning! AMAZING! Then if that weren't enough Aladdin and Jasmine scurry down in front of us leading us the way to the castle! GREAT memory that none of us will forget!</p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><br /></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in">The second was a dinner at Chef Mickey's located in the Contemporary Hotel. This was fantastic! The food was wonderful and the interaction with the characters was exceptional! I always tended to shy away from hotels and their dinners, I won't be doing that in the future.</p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><br /></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in">Disneys Dining is amazing. Compared to the reputation it had in the 80's early 90's, the food it exceptional. However, it does cost a good amount of money. There are dining guides out there as well as a really cool app for your phone that tells you what to expect. MiMi downloaded this app to her phone and was a life saver when they tried to book us at the 5 star French Restaurant that was between $30-50 a plate! Plan ahead!</p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><br /></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in">So there you have it, a few tips that will hopefully make your trip a little bit easier. The next blog I have ready is what we did to save A LOT of money! So stay tuned!</p>ReginaMumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03833162252212904178noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1742261613008394616.post-84469554185065016332011-02-22T17:21:00.000-08:002011-02-22T17:51:17.679-08:00Traveling Big Time!This is a series of about 3-5 separate blogs. All of these are in reflection to our recent trip from Pennsylvania to Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. Hope you enjoy them and I hope that you find some of the tips useful. Just to give you some background, we originally were going to drive the 18 hour drive to FL. We did a test run to Kentucky to visit family. That was a 9 hour drive that we turned into 12 just because of all the breaks we had to take. When we returned we realized that our kids had done really well so of course we had no reason to think that they wouldn't do just fine on the trip to Orlando. As we got closer to our trip I started thinking about the drive home from Disney. I started worrying about the kids, frankly, I started worrying about Patrick and I. Everyone was going to be a little on the bummed side. <div><br /></div><div>I remembered as a kid taking the auto train with my mom and wondered if it was still in operation. The rest was history!</div><div><br /></div><p class="MsoNormal">So we began our actual journey this morning at 8:30am.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Classically, an hour and a half past when we wanted to get on the road.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This was a day of firsts for us mainly due to the fact that our dvd in our car had died on us.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We were about to embark on a 4 and half hour car ride without it for the first time.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Its amazing how we all have relied on these marvels of technology to entertain our children, especially in the car, making our lives a lot easier.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I can see why some would wax and weigh about these things being horrible, what ever happened to family sing alongs right?<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>But I for one am not one of those people.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I have one intention and that is to arrive at our destination without wanting to eat my young.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Needless to say it went well until the last 45 minutes, which of course was the most stressful navigating around the beltways of Northern VA. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">So we get to Lorton, Virginia, follow the signs to the auto train,<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>talked to the nice lady at the booth &<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>pulled up to the terminal and started unloading.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Everyone was so nice and kind as we unloaded all of our carry-ons.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Then they took our car away to load it onto the train.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We went into the terminal, checked in, got our dinner tickets, waited about an hour then boarded the train.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>That was it!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>A little too easy.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>So we decided to take cover & wait for that other shoe to fall. It never did!</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Our seats are large, spacious and comfy.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Complete with foot rests.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It’s like a little lazy boy recliner.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>What I am personally loving is that there is enough room between the 2 sets of seats<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>for the kids to sit on the floor and play.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I had filled their bags with all sorts of new coloring books and small toys.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The Bigs had their DS’s and we loaded up ipods with movies, we were beyond prepared to keep them occupied.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The one thing though I hadn’t thought of was the most obvious thing of all.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Just the anticipation of the train ride and the train actually moving kept everyone occupied for a few hours.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Everyone was just so excited to be on the train.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I am not sure who was more excited the kids or the adults!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Yes I was jumping up and down so happy not to be driving, and frankly not to be flying.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">As I sit here typing this, all our bellies are full of delicious food we had for dinner, all included in the price of the ticket mind you.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We have been lounging around for about 3 hours just playing and reading stories, spending that quality time that you don’t normally get in the hustle and bustle of the day to day.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Those moments alone were worth the price of admission.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We are whisking through North Carolina, and I am loving the fact that we aren’t sleeping in a<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>hotel off the interstate.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I am a spoiled, spoiled girl.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I know it, this is really living for me.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Glass of wine in hand, kids all resting, not asleep mind you but resting and I am enjoying peace and quiet while quietly being chauffeured to our wonderful destination.</p> <div>Already memories are being made for our family.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I think one of the things that I will remember most was when my dear husband who works so hard for our family, shut down his laptop (he worked a full day by having me drive the Lorton and then once we were on the train he continued to work.) and said “okay guys I am yours for the next 10 days.”<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Wow.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We were really on a family vacation, complete with Mimi. And to make it better, we are going to Disney World! Amazing. </div><div><br /></div><div>Couple of things to know about the auto train. </div><div><br /></div><div>1. You are not allowed into your car during the travel period so take what you want to have with you when you unload your car.</div><div>2. If you have small children as to be seated towards the back of the car. There are large areas behind the last row of seats that are great for spreading our further, even building a little bed.</div><div>3. Do bring blankets and if possible pillows. They will make your trip a lot more comfortable.</div><div>4. Dinner is served at 5pm, 7pm and 9pm and is included in the price of your ticket. Breakfast starts at 6am. If you go during the "snow bird migration get ready"! They will be all scooting through the aisles at exactly 6am to get their muffins and cereal!</div><div>5. Shoes must be worn every time you walk through the train.</div><div>6. Lights out is at 9pm</div><div>7. When you get to Florida or Lorton, they call your car number, you go out and get into your car and away you go! It really is that easy! It was about a 10 minute wait, that was it!</div><div>8. There is a movie provided, however, this is probably the last form of transportation to still allow smoking in the downstairs lounge car. The smoke filters upstairs to the main lounge car where the movie is shown. We didn't want the kids to smell like smoke so we didn't take advantage of this.</div>ReginaMumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03833162252212904178noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1742261613008394616.post-174354190871888942010-11-27T08:08:00.000-08:002010-11-27T08:26:48.603-08:00The Great Formula Debate<p class="MsoNormal">It has been an age since I have blogged.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Mostly due to the craziness of kids schedules, our schedules, but also because this topic was very sensitive to me. Actually, it is very sensitive to a lot of people.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I never really knew what an amazing debate this was.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I just really thought that it was a matter of preference and that you just had people on both sides of the playing field, kind of like political associations.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Little did I know how passionately people felt about how they feed their infants/babies & how strongly they felt about how I chose to feed my child. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I have found that Linus from the classic Peanuts movie, The Great Pumpkin, has left out a topic in what is not to be discussed amongst friends, Politics, Religion, Breastfeeding vs Formula and The Great Pumpkin!</p> <p class="MsoNormal">So, from the time Ava was born she was on the tiny side. She was 7lbs when she was born but she dropped down significantly from the time we left the hospital and it seemed that we were having a real problem keeping her gaining weight.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>She was gaining too little between visits, off the charts low.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>In July we were so excited because she had finally gained the correct amount in the 2 weeks between appointments, we didn’t have to be seen for<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>4 weeks!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Well, within those 4 weeks she did not gain one ounce.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>She was<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>getting taller, her head was gaining girth but she was this tiny little string bean.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTkW1OsvQcSTUaYL_3cZq8wKUsBiUWNwoB2qGsZ4p7TVLBVEg7p43sBHc5KhRjBstfMdybsAtBf904q3HUPpeI11pAfNXRBTehF1curw411i7r73nQcjtKfMEZ9jaVXHQfcU4RvNVVIME/s320/IMAG0402.jpg" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 192px; height: 320px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544263911627942562" /><p class="MsoNormal">Breastfeeding and I have always had a love hate relationship.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I love the nutrients it gives my child, I love the closeness it fosters between mother child, the added brain power that it gives a child, I love the calories it takes to breastfeed a child therefore, helping me lose weight (Hey, at least I am honest!) and I love the money it</p><p class="MsoNormal"> saves us from buying formula.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The actual act of breastfeeding though I have never been good at, thus making me hate the actual act.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It can be painful, inconvenient (everything is timed around babies feeding schedules) and because I worry about making others uncomfortable I would leave a crowded room to breastfeed, making me feel like I was missing out on things.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Its been really annoying, something that cave-women did I struggle and have struggled to do with all of my children. I have tried lactation consultants, changing my diet, fenu-greek, milk tea, homeopathic remedies, other moms advice, acupuncture, chiropractics, everything. Within about 4 months my milk supply starts to dwindle and my children either get very cranky and upset constantly or they start losing weight.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The latter is what always scares me.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Well, the doctors scare the hell out of me.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>They start throwing terms around like, “Failure to Thrive” , that usually involves a visit from Children and Youth Services.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Not good times.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>So we have made the decision each time to supplement with formula and each time it has gotten harder and harder for me to do.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I went into this pregnancy and birth determined I was going to breastfeed Ava until she was a year at least.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I had a great support system from other moms, since I worked I did a ton of research on how to make sure that I had a good milk supply in the freezer.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I had a great system down but in the back of my mind there was some doubt.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I knew something wasn’t quite right.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>She ate all of the time, and she would spit up huge amounts after each feeding.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Back to research I</p><p class="MsoNormal"> went, I took her to doctors, they put her on zantac, it was still not enough.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">When we finally had to come to the decision to supplement Ava, it was because she was in a dangerous weight for her age and length.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>She was 5 months old and looked 3 months old, a friend of mine had had a baby 2 months after me and her daughter was giving mine hand-me-downs!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Both Patrick and I were scared.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Ava was also still waking up about 6 times a night to eat. I would pump and bottle feed so that I could see how much she was getting at each feeding.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The spitting up was horrible and constant and nothing seemed to be working.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>So, we had to try the one thing we hadn’t tried, formula with a high rice starch content.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I would breastfeed her and then give her a bottle.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Within 2 weeks she was slowly gaining weight.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The thing that I noticed that <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>even though she was still spitting up, she was spitting up worse after being breastfed.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I kept this up for a month and then moved her 100% to formula.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>She is now finally on the charts, for weight, just barely but she is there.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>She is a tiny 14 pounds at 7 months old.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">I was met with a lot of eye rolling and a lot of people telling me to not listen to my doctor about supplementing.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I was also met with people passive aggressively attacking me with their opinions on the decisions I made.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Others weren’t so passive and just flat out told me I had made a very big mistake in supplementing Ava.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It was then that I realized how sensitive this topic was.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Usually, I just let things like this roll off my back.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We have a very opinionated family, and even though I have very strong feelings about this and that, I really do try hard to acknowledge everyone’s opinion and not push mine on people.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Everyone is entitled right?<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Here is the problem, these comments and opinions hurt me, cut me to the core.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I was a mess.</p><p class="MsoNormal">I felt like such a failure.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>What a horrible feeling this was.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It was determined that my breastmilk did not contain enough fat for Ava.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>So here are both sides of the coin.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>In one instance, I felt very selfish because here is my gorgeous baby girl that depends on me to keep her safe and fed, and I couldn’t naturally do that.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I was selfish from the stand point that I continued to breastfeed her even though I knew that something wasn’t quite right.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>As I mentioned before, the calories being burned and the money saved were also wonderful bonuses of breastfeeding as well.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Then on the other side of the coin was that I was inadequate to feed my child.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>My body wasn’t only not producing enough milk but the milk that it was producing was not high enough in fat.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>So in short, in my mind, I was inadequate and a failure when it came to one of the most natural things a mother can do, and people had no problem telling me so. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">I have formula fed all of my children at different stages in their early lives and it still is not right with me.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I feel like I have totally let them down, that somehow, I cheated them out of something.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It hurts, a lot.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I am envious of mothers that can breastfeed for long periods of time.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Sure I have a opinions on when a child should be weaned but I keep those to myself, that is for a mother to decide and it does absolutely no good to push those thoughts on anyone else.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It is interesting though to look at the social ramifications that we encounter on the topic.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I know there are certain that people look down at me when I start shaking up Ava’s bottle.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>For a long time it was a dirty little secret, I hid formula cans in the back of my store or would pre make bottles and then just heat them up.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I was still so disgusted with myself and mad at myself for being inadequate.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Honestly though, I did this to keep the scrutiny at bay. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Over the last 2 months, with the help of my wonderful husband I have come to terms with our decisions.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Had this been before the days of formula, Ava may have died.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>A lot of babies did</p><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwOnQq_5ufwWTePsDW7kFznMlrDLFF9t51hGQqx_ZirgC1uj3Vl5gVEDqfDglrMMwOSVCaDBRTwGmmPeZ1uA4IQ96zYCL6XLlGgRdXPSU0IHhmFPhvFeOyx-TakhC3wDDesDfIS8ShBuQ/s320/IMAG0532.jpg" style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 192px; height: 320px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544264223501818530" /><p class="MsoNormal"> before formula was available.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>So of course I am really very happy that we had that option.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>As she gets older it does become a little easier knowing that she is only a few months away from being able to drink cow’s milk.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Really, she is none worse for wear, she is very happy, barely spits up any more and finally is filling out her clothes! One thing this situation has reminded me though is that it is important not judge a person because you never know what they are going through.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Keep your mind open.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>ReginaMumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03833162252212904178noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1742261613008394616.post-18509981999011083912010-07-15T08:56:00.000-07:002010-07-15T09:00:04.824-07:00Reflection<p class="MsoNormal">Recently, I have been forced to reflect heavily on my life.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Every aspect. There are times like this in everyone’s life I think when you take stock, if you will, of what is really important, what isn’t, what relationship you need to work on, which relationships you are grateful to have, which ones you have to walk away from. These times are usually brought on upon when a life change either happens to me or when I witness something huge happening to friends or family members.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It can though, occur in the car, watching tv or maybe even when just reading a blog because you are bored at work.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">In my life I have been blessed and I am not quiet about it.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I am so incredibly grateful for the life that my husband and I have built together, the wonderful amazing children we have, the wonderful mother I have, for the dear friends that stick by us no matter what, my in-laws, EVERYTHING.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Too often though I find myself getting wrapped up in the he said she said garbage, I become oversensitive to situations and the way that people act towards me, I forget what’s important.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Then again, what is important?</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Important is life, the life you are living right now, that is what’s important.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>What else? Look past the obvious, of course your kids are important but what about them is important.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Do you think of that very often?<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I get so caught up in the day to day I forget to look & reflect on what is important about them or about the situation.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> "Important" is your definition and yours alone don't be fooled by thinking that your "important" needs to follow someone elses.</span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">As you are figuring out what important is, it is vital that you realize that you won’t get these moments back, share them, cherish them.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>You only get this one life. Remember that, you get one shot at it so have fun, tell people how you feel about them.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>My step-father happened to be an older man, 20 years my mothers senior, he passed away very young, his friends though, my mothers friends for 20+ years, the people I grew up with, are now starting to have serious health problems & some have also passed away.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>A year or 2 ago I saw someone at a funeral that really touched my life and I had really never told them how special their family was to me.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I vowed that night I would sit down and write a letter just saying thank you for always making me feel special.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I still haven’t done it.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Shame on me.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>Reach out to those you have lost touch with, reestablish old ties IF and only IF they make you happy.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Know when to walk away, don’t make a big deal about it, just realize that you are growing in different directions, chances are you will once again grow together. Make a difference in someone’s life, thank someone for making a difference in yours.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Be happy, but most importantly be true to yourself.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">I know resolutions are for January but I hope that I gave you something to think about.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I think I am going to go write a letter to an old friend. </p>ReginaMumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03833162252212904178noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1742261613008394616.post-81520047530113220022010-07-09T09:01:00.001-07:002010-07-09T09:01:45.012-07:00Stand Up and Support Your Local Businesses!<p class="MsoNormal">So recently a local landmark has been ousted from our downtown area.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This has prompted me to take off my mom hat for a few moments and put on my business owners hat for a moment.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Websters Bookstore in downtown <st1:place>State College</st1:place> is owned by a local woman who also happens to be a friend of ours. She has a lovely store full of eclectic and informative books, notecards and a wonderful coffee bar.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>What I think Websters offers most to the masses though is the ambience. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>On the occasions I have found myself walking past I have seen the familiar faces of Websters sitting outside sipping coffees waxing on about this and that. Websters recent plight is not an unfamiliar tale to <st1:place>State College</st1:place>.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Rents downtown are exorbitant, and the buildings are in horrible disrepair, parking is a bear, its not very family friendly and locals really just don’t like heading downtown.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Instead of the adorable boutique-y feel that most college towns have, ours has been reduced to bars, bike shops, banks and Penn State Apparel stores.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Our town used to have those quaint little stores but over the last 10 years we are seeing more and more of our local businesses not geared toward students and <st1:place><st1:placename>Penn</st1:placename> <st1:placetype>State</st1:placetype></st1:place> fall by the wayside.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Now here is a business that has been geared toward students and PSU going out of business because the business is not able to pay the rent.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>People are shocked, outraged and just can’t help but wonder how could this happen?!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Owning a local business I know far too well how this can happen.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>My store offers a free play area for children to play along with coffee & snacks for parents/caregivers to sit and relax while their kids play.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Our store, like Websters, is first and foremost a retail store and in order to pay then rent we have to sell a certain amount of merchandise each day in order for us to remain open.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This sounds simple right?<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Well, I can tell you that there are days that the play area in my store has been very very busy, but cash register is at 0 sales for the day. Now that Websters is facing being closed their supporters are rallying and I pray that their supporters are able to secure the funds they need for their store to stay open.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I think though that moving forward perhaps we as a community need to be a little more proactive about supporting our local businesses.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I know that because I own a business this may come across as a little rude.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Trust me I know that its easier to go to Walmart or Target, you will probably save between $1-$5 too.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The problem is we as local business owners strive to offer amenities and a level of customer service that the big box stores simply cannot offer .<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We share one commonality with the big box stores, we have bills to pay, but unlike these big box stores we usually see little to no return.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>. For the few that have been blessed to be uber successful my hat is off to you!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I know first hand it was not just handed to you, you have worked your behind off to get where you are.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>For the rest of us though many times the businesses we pour our hearts and souls into end up putting a huge financial strain on our families and end up in ruin.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">So here is the challenge that I offer to you.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>There is a project called the 3/50 project. <a href="http://www.the350project.net/home.html">http://www.the350project.net/home.html</a><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Check it out and I hope that you will accept the challenge!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I am sure that if more people bought more than just a cup of coffee at Websters they would not be in this financial trouble right now.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Frankly, it took owning my own business to open my eyes to how important it is to support your local stores, local restaurants etc.. I try to as much as possible but old habits die hard. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Currently, Websters in downtown <st1:place>State College</st1:place> is having a ½ price sale on all their books.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Thank you so much for your support of local businesses!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>ReginaMumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03833162252212904178noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1742261613008394616.post-10360581378614117432010-06-26T09:15:00.000-07:002010-06-26T09:36:53.202-07:00The Joy of Babysitters & Couple Time<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBxNYxP6Isva1jOUyBF63nQY0jF1RB1opgvtJN2ZU6N6QtKzziW3dlg16Rnjh0f05Ui5SeuPu06qXYsASY40Ldij-DkedM0m5Q6fLZgS3K2OgfNnVS8RoqLdXrBQW7fil320i6jZEfnoU/s1600/Cape+May+2009+226.JPG"></a><p class="MsoNormal">My husband and I made a commitment to eachother when we were pregnant with our oldest daughter that we would make time for one another.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It was one of our biggest fears of becoming parents that we would not spend the amount of time together that we used to.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>When Millie was a month old, I pumped a bunch of breast milk , packed up her bassinet and took her over to my mothers house so that we could go out to dinner. With all 5 of our kids we have gone out to dinner at week 4 or 1 month old, so regularly you could set your watch by it.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>When Deano came along I was in a show where I was surrounded by a ton of College girls.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>One of which was a Penn State Gymnast, Genevieve.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>She was one of the first non family members that watched my kiddos.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>She watched them for 2 years and then past us on to another gymnast when she graduated, and she past on to another who is still with us today.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Gena , Lindsay and Brandi have been wonderful role models and have had lasting impressions on my kids.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidVDpN4doMg9IgW1EPpOruTRueOtf8hliP7zU2ZUxkVHp9kbUTeDaI6mee9uPyi4YF8fkRgGVdSlhzWVI6KV5coxJT1qxxkVl2IjtMdBlEBLCpdzkp8eQNc2d4qUqQX4jV4wIr5OrgmHE/s320/Cape+May+2009+239.JPG" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487118107198712498" /><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p>In the meantime when Millie started dancing 4 years ago, we met our main core babysitters at the dance studio.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>These girls, who are sisters, started with us when the oldest sister, Brittney was 16 and then her sister Madison started with us 2 years later and now we are waiting for Leah to start with us, I am guessing in the fall.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Now, I can see some of you out there reading this with raised eyebrows thinking, I cannot believe that she would leave all of her children with a 16 year old.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>All of these girls are incredibly responsible, they ADORE children, they are very thoughtful and I am sure that you have heard the term “it takes a village”?<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Well, when you have one girl baby-sit 9 times out of 10 they bring a friend.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>How awesome is that?<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>OR in my very fortunate case they take my kids to their house and their family is a very warm and involved family so there is always someone around.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>My kids LOVE it.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Often Patrick and I joke that they have this entire separate family, its crazy. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Most importantly we usually don’t go any where that we can’t get home within 15 minutes. Unless we go out of town, but that is another blog!</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Last year Madison & her friend Megan (who also sits for us) came to the beach with us. This year Brittney and a friend of hers are coming with us.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>If you are able to take a babysitter with you on vacation, do it!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>You will never know the stress it takes off of you.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Beach time for us is truly family time.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I don’t want you to get the impression that we are off flitting around every night while the kids are stuck in the house with the babysitter.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>That is the furthest from the truth.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Last year it took Maddie and Megan to say to us “Get Out!”.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoUg2t4_JKzPjwGhsFNRPh17Q6lER42flTJ4wIuOClVPZdCjkKnu0fskB5dDGYhsmqPvfOAZsgqpGKcuLT4UmevoaZmwozXPQxhdvj1E11KMacmQOq9V9t1mixbffuzf9woCawB4PtXoo/s320/Cape+May+2009+354.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487119027141969554" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"></span>We went out once, maybe twice but it was late night and the kids had gone to or were getting ready for bed.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>What makes taking a sitter with us great is the extra help it gives us in the morning when we are getting ready to go to the beach.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Or when its bath time, one can wash while the other dries, giving the other parent some down time.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It makes it a real vacation.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It is also so nice to get to know these girls who you entrust your children with on a personal level.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I would strongly suggest always offer them to bring a friend along.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Meet the friend first, maybe even have the friend baby-sit along with your normal sitter.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The friend is a vital part of the vacation.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This way your babysitter doesn’t feel like the odd man out during family time. This is definitely taking the whole babysitting thing to the next level, but it is really truly worth it. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>I am spoiled, spoiled beyond belief. My core babysitters along with their family, in particular their mother, love my children and treat them like their own.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I know this is rare but I would like to offer some advice on babysitters.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>GET ONE!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>If you have family around that loves to take your kids whenever you need them to then that’s great!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>My family would in a heartbeat but the biggest issue with all of us are our schedules, they are a little crazy at times. So,if you don’t have the family connection then find yourself a good babysitter.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I suggest looking at dance studios or any organized sport.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>These types of activities usually demand responsibility which then trickles down to you. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Also, if your children attend daycare, ask the directors or even your childs teacher if they would be interested.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This is a great <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>resource because they have had additional training and a background check!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Now, all of this is well and good advice but there may be one question plaguing you at the moment though, and that question may be, why?</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>Well here is why, in my mind at least, you need time for yourself and for your relationship with your spouse.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>A lot of times when kids get added to the mix we forget a lot of things.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We forget to shower, we forget to clean the bathroom, we forget to nurture the relationships that lead you to having children in the first place! Reconnecting should not be left to do only on Anniversaries and when you feel like your relationship is in trouble.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Now, I am not saying that every date needs to be rose petals and expensive meals. I have friends that I run into at the grocery store on their “date”, I have other friends that meet for coffee once a week before work after the kids are dropped off at daycare. It doesn’t matter how you do it or where you do it, just as long as you both put down work and the responsibilities of child rearing and focus on one another.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>I assure you that once you do this the quality of your relationship is greatly enhanced.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Patrick and I a lot of times use these dinners out to strategize.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>There are a lot of things to discuss about your kids that you probably shouldn’t talk about in front of them.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Like how are we going to curb certain habits, what are we going to get them for their birthdays, things like that. Sometimes though, we just need a break and that’s when we start texting to see who can help us out.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>A lot of parents worry about how they will be perceived or how their children will react, or that they are performing a disservice to their children by taking “couple or me time”<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>You will not be thought less of for relaxing, just because you are parents does not mean that you have to give up everything you do for yourself.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Trust me there are times when our kids need time away from us as much as we do from them.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Its really amazing that we will come back and both of us (kids & parents) have reset.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We have more patience with them and they respond more willingly to our requests.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Just be smart about it and like everything, exercise moderation.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>One last note and I will hop off my soapbox, it important to remember, that without the relationship you shared with your spouse prior to you having children, there would be no children. So, it is so important that you take care of it!</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>Now that it is summer and with me working, we have come to depend on our babysitters more than ever.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We love them all like our family and we would be seriously lost without them.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>To them, Madison, Brittney, Megan, Emily & Brandi, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>To those of you reading this I hope that you will be blessed enough to find yourself wonderful babysitters like we have.</p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBxNYxP6Isva1jOUyBF63nQY0jF1RB1opgvtJN2ZU6N6QtKzziW3dlg16Rnjh0f05Ui5SeuPu06qXYsASY40Ldij-DkedM0m5Q6fLZgS3K2OgfNnVS8RoqLdXrBQW7fil320i6jZEfnoU/s320/Cape+May+2009+226.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487119033141469522" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">PS-The Pictures are all from our trip to Cape May last year. Madison is the brunette, Megan is the blonde. We ended up referring to them as our twins, this has stuck for us and for them. Personally, I LOVE it!</p></div>ReginaMumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03833162252212904178noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1742261613008394616.post-4330782546525203972010-06-23T11:51:00.001-07:002010-06-23T12:04:17.984-07:00Catching Up<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV630khUy-Xe8YMrUKFLpMrXM-7V55-P6CTrB6oDxKk_sz0rhSxck4MU7oI7QNjte5RGVhz36r5r7RvGtGzROjFC2gXasXsYqDz6CbmpYn0fdHoF32JQzxVFitKylPGBHo3qFr3mhIOJ4/s1600/IMAG0086.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 191px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV630khUy-Xe8YMrUKFLpMrXM-7V55-P6CTrB6oDxKk_sz0rhSxck4MU7oI7QNjte5RGVhz36r5r7RvGtGzROjFC2gXasXsYqDz6CbmpYn0fdHoF32JQzxVFitKylPGBHo3qFr3mhIOJ4/s320/IMAG0086.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486046577826956418" /></a><br />So I sort of dropped off the blog circuit there for a while.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It’s amazing how life can completely absorb you, and that it has! Since I last wrote there has been a tremendous amount of change that has happened!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I have started running again!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>So much so that I was able to run the Memorial Day 5k in Boalsburg before Ava was 2 months old!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>How cool is that!?! I average between 6 & <st1:metricconverter productid="9 miles">9 miles</st1:metricconverter> a week, not bad!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I also started back to work when Ava was about 4 weeks old.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>In hind sight, that was a little too soon.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I had a lot harder of a time readjusting then I thought I would.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>However, if you know me, you know that’s pretty typical.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We went to that wedding we spoke of and it was amazing!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>So much fun and my kids were such angels through it all.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It didn’t hurt that our incredibly thoughtful hosts realized that we needed an extra pair of hands so they included our babysitter.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Godsend!<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx0Y4ajkeIrG5fE7mwbBgZ_z28_WsQNbLpRYkydHIbWu2OmYg5x7VqKocYhQWIe01mpsrVwZ293q7jv4FmVGC2r9Mg6nck-erWyiv4Y6zoxFyY5c2vCzf2Qoa2jMPdZ7ypOWspOccmCY8/s320/IMG_5940.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486045878749719762" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span><p class="MsoNormal">We love our babysitters so much but that is another blog!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Look for it soon!</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I worked through my baby blues pretty well.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>They lingered a little longer than they have in the past and longer then I would have liked. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Self doubt issues follow me more than they used to. It can be really overwhelming at times, especially with 2 toddlers entoe, but we are working through it.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>About 3 weeks ago after a really long day of “family fun”, I finally had the feeling.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The feeling that everything had fallen into place, we had achieved our new normal.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>When I finally acknowledged it I felt like a huge weight had been lifted off my shoulders.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I was so giddy and excited; my husband thought I had seriously jumped off the deep end!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>What a relief that was. You get so caught up with everything going on in your life and just making it through the day that you forget what normal feels like!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Luckily, it has continued to go along rather smoothly and I am so incredibly grateful for that.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Nursing is still working!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>(She writes with a surprised tone!) I am amazed<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>that my pumping and nursing is still working for us.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I have reached my first goal of 12 weeks (or will this Friday) now I will work on making it to 24 weeks.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Tiny steps so that I don’t get too overwhelmed.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I have managed to keep between 60 &80oz in the freezer at a time which is an amazing number for me to have.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>She had gained close to 2lbs at her last appointment making her <st1:metricconverter productid="8 lbs">8 lbs</st1:metricconverter> <st1:metricconverter productid="15 oz">15 oz</st1:metricconverter>, so I guess she is getting what she needs.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>You would think that after 5 kids I would have this whole nursing thing down.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>To me it’s the hardest part of the newborn/infant stage. So I will continue to learn and hopefully master it this time!</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfs932ezX1YGMcaci_CJAXOwXrn2HuYc6m3fPZwNR1V7NaJrApcv8HGAtRW3xIf_G8wYoyfoeY3Sz5qs9bhNHw1ELVzVDaR_EV3_OJ8omc5Ou3i70J1VIVN4UK0sVZfUCLyTTOZXn171s/s320/IMAG0100.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486044109600484498" style="float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 192px; height: 320px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span><p class="MsoNormal">Avalina Elise is a wonderful baby.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I marvel at how beautiful she is and how much I love her.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>She has also made me appreciate all of the kids and the stages of life that they are at and what they are able to accomplish.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It is totally amazing to me.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>She has been extremely text book in her feedings and sleep patterns. This has been a real challenge because our other children have usually slept pretty well for us early on.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Yet, every 2-4 hours has been her MO until last night!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>She slept, in her crib for the whole night!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>That was crazy!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I woke up startled because I had this odd feeling….I had actually slept a night through without disruption!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>How strange!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>She smiles so beautifully. The first week she would only smile at Celeste.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Celeste is Ava’s keeper. They love eachother so much. Now she has graced all of us with that huge gummy grin that all of us as parents covet and treasure. We are so blessed.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">So, our family has adjusted, our Littles are still little tsunamis but they are getting better.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Stella still won’t sleep at night which is driving both of us insane!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>My dear husband is working so hard and is in a show right now which makes things crazier than usual.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I was supposed to be in a show as well but scheduling changes made it impossible.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I was disappointed but in the end it was for the best.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>My first baby, Millie, made us so proud last week when she performed in her end of year dance recital.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We had been taking her to dance 2 times a week this past year for her 5 dance classes.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It paid off because she was simply, amazing!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>So grown-up, it took both Patrick and I’s breath away.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Next year she will start competition dance and we just can’t wait for that.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>School is out and camps & lessons and summer fun have commenced on our house.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We are very excited for our annual beach vacation which is coming up in the next month.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Wow, there will be 7 of us this time! Amazing what happens in a year!</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I will be updating this blog with 2 new blogs over the next 2 weeks.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>One is on babysitters and couple time, the other is about unexpected pregnancies and how they affect people.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I want to thank you so much for following the last few months of our lives.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Its been crazy ride so far, we just can’t wait to see what happens next!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I will happily take you along, and really try not to hold anything back!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Much Love and Happiness to you Always!</p></div>ReginaMumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03833162252212904178noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1742261613008394616.post-72712733307693528142010-04-20T08:45:00.000-07:002010-04-20T08:49:49.198-07:00The Weight of Breastfeeding<p class="MsoNormal">Avalina Elise</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> Days 10-13</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">So, because I am being completely honest here, or at least trying to be, I have to dedicate a moment or two to one of my faults, vanity.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I am totally vain when it comes to my weight. I think for me it was something that was instilled in me when I was younger.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I was a size 0-2 for many many years.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Not that I was the healthiest of people at that weight and please don’t think that my goal is to get back to that. I am being realistic! Although, it would be pretty awesome!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Of course as you get older you put on more weight and when you are older and having babies it gets harder and harder to lose your baby weight.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I am truly blessed though, my body tends to bounce back pretty quickly from having babies, however, I always get stuck with 8-<st1:metricconverter productid="10 pounds">10 pounds</st1:metricconverter> to lose that just seems impossible to get rid of. (When you are <st1:metricconverter productid="5 feet">5 feet</st1:metricconverter> tall this can show A LOT)Which is what I am faced with now and to make matters worse, there is a family wedding coming up very fast! Of course there are pressures, in my own mind, to look as I did before I was pregnant for that. AHHHHH!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I am breastfeeding, which so helps with the initial weight loss, but after a while you plateau and you have to keep your calories up in order to provide the sufficient nutrients your baby needs…..I can’t start running yet, maybe in another week.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>So mentally, it is messing with me a little bit.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>SO, on top of the baby blues I am now having this that I have decided to deal with.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Good Times!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Say a prayer for my kids and Patrick…They totally need it!</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> So breastfeeding, some people LOVE it, some people HATE it.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>My experiences have lead me to fall somewhere in between.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Vanity speaking, I LOVE that it burns so many calories with very little effort. I HATE that I have yet to have a baby latch correctly, so I have had the sorest boobs ever! This makes it a less than a wonderful experience. I am the type of person that I don’t mind breastfeeding, but I am very self conscious of how other people feel about it. I usually go into another room or into a bathroom if we are out so that I don’t make other people uncomfortable. I am pumping but with all of my kids I have had a strict no bottles until 4 weeks old.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We have made some exceptions but its usually right around that 4 week mark. So feeling like I am missing something is usually a factor.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This is the first time that I have incorporated pumping into my whole breastfeeding routine. I have always tried to add it later and it has never worked out for me. So, I decided to try something new. So far it seems to be working pretty well.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I was inspired by a friend of mine that has about a gagillion ounces pumped. There will be more than enough for her daughter to make it through her 20<sup>th</sup> birthday. Can you tell I have pumping envy?<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>My problem has always been that around months 4-8 I don’t produce as much milk as is needed for my babies to feel full. So I end up supplementing, which makes me feel like I am cheating them out of something, not to mention its really expensive! So I am hoping that pumping 4-5oz a day (this is nothing compared to my friends 12oz in a sitting!)<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>will help me out when I hit that 4 month mark.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>That is if I don’t use it all for date nights!</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> Ava is just such an easy baby.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>She has a pretty good schedule now, she still sleeps a lot during the day and is a cluster feeder between <st1:time minute="0" hour="18">6pm</st1:time> & <st1:time minute="0" hour="23">11pm</st1:time>.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This actually works out really well for our family, although it does ground us a little in the evenings. She has her 2 week appointment next week so we will see what happens with that.</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> My family is/has adjusted pretty well.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>My Littles are still little tsunamis that run through the house destroying everything in their path.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The highlight of their destruction has been Patrick’s coveted Plumeria tree that he has been growing for the last 4 years.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Dirt & leaves EVERYWHERE!!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> Hopefully it has been saved and is now on top of the island. </span>However, when Avalina is around they are the most precious little mothers.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Celeste is actually getting better and Stella worse.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We are hoping that we can start potty training them both soon.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Hmmmm that should be fun!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Me, I am doing ok, I am still having moments of weepy times but not for any particular reason. I am still freaked out by social situations I have to work on that.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>There will be more soon.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Be Well!</o:p></p>ReginaMumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03833162252212904178noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1742261613008394616.post-41034240454278771212010-04-12T18:52:00.001-07:002010-04-12T19:01:49.060-07:00Timely "Episodes"<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYeGz1104x7BWfMA0VaOC8oygKr0WAPVTkQhZFDTPyslVZwUSpDzLyKZvPcjEabN73cLzvVykMNDwc9MsnXF3qzLichEIv1npGkHt8bMqBj-656HQihWLv7ceRtmf9Agyk2L9JiWcSS64/s1600/Avalina-one+week.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYeGz1104x7BWfMA0VaOC8oygKr0WAPVTkQhZFDTPyslVZwUSpDzLyKZvPcjEabN73cLzvVykMNDwc9MsnXF3qzLichEIv1npGkHt8bMqBj-656HQihWLv7ceRtmf9Agyk2L9JiWcSS64/s320/Avalina-one+week.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459434247373716002" /></a><br /><p class="MsoNormal">Avalina Elise</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Days 7-10</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I think it is absolutely amazing how quickly 10 days can go by when you have a newborn. I just want to make time stop so that I can catch my breath. I am quickly learning that with a family that has 5 children time can be a reclusive cousin that you only see once every 10-15 years! There are those moments though, as few as they are where time does stand still and you realize that life is truly good.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Ava, is a great baby. I hate to brag, but I will she is amazing. She does everything a newborn should do, she eats, sleeps, poops, & cries only when one of the other things is affecting her. She is filling out although her legs are SO skinny!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Right now she is all legs and she has the longest fingers I have ever seen on an infant.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Perhaps she will be the concert pianist that Patrick has always wanted. Only time will tell…There’s that word again, time.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Nothing really crazy has happened in the last 3 days, unless of course you consider my “episode” as note worthy news. I am an extremely outgoing person. I LOVE meeting new people and I adore being invited to parties and hanging out with friends, showing off my family and just having a really good time in general. Apparently this is true for all times except 8 days after having a baby. We were invited to a party on Saturday for one of our dear friends’ birthdays. They are very chill and lovely people and their friends really do reflect that. They were cooking out, there were kids there my kids’ age, and there was Frisbee and a huge yard for the kids to run around in, sounds like the makings of a very relaxing and beautiful time right? Well, apparently miss social butterfly, aka me, could not handle all the people. I have never experienced anything like this in my life. One minute I am sitting there having a conversation, the next minute I am having full blown panic attacks because I can't figure out how to get my entire family together in the case that aliens start attacking!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Ok maybe that’s a little over the top but you get the idea. I was a wreck an absolute wreck. What was also interesting were people were saying “I can’t believe you’re here”.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>In my paranoia that made me question if I had done something wrong by coming. I know now that there was absolutely nothing hidden in that statement, people just couldn’t believe that I was brave enough (ha ha) to commit to a party like that. The truth was, I had no business being there. My psyche is still way to fragile to be exposed to a group of people that I hardly know. Luckily, there were 4 good friends there to keep me from completely jumping out of my skin, my kids had an absolute blast, and I got to be a part of the celebration. Those were the positives that came out of it. Still, as soon as I was in the safe hold of my home and my kids were happily playing the backyard and sweet Ava was asleep, I cried my eyes out for about 45 minutes. My poor poor amazingly supportive husband had to endure it, this was a rough one. There was really no rhyme nor reason to the tears, just a little embarrassment, <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>a thought of will I ever be back to my old self again, and am I now the laughing stock of all our friends because I made a poor choice. Goodness, I hope not!</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Here is the deal though, I think a lot of times new moms are terrified that they are going to miss out on something because we just had a baby and our obligation is to that baby. Yet, we forget that we also have an obligation to keep ourselves sane as well. I have to tell myself that it is ok to sit out of some parties, its ok not to be in the center of everything. If you know me, you know that is very, very hard for me! <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Does this go deeper though?<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Perhaps it does. Another issue of having a larger family is not being included in things that we were once included in. Lets face it, if you invite our family over we are a party in and of ourselves.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>When you include us in a party setting, you are inviting 7 people, that’s a lot. I understand that but over the last few years I have noticed our dance card has not been as full as it once was, and when you are as social as Patrick and I are it can be a little hard to take at times. So maybe, that had a little something to do with my snap decision on Saturday to attend that party.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Not only did I not want to miss out on being a part of the celebration but I also wanted to feel included. </p><p class="MsoNormal">In the end though, the positives of having a larger family, in my mind, definitely outweigh the negatives. It all goes back to those moments that stop time and you know that you are truly blessed and you are doing exactly what you should be doing.</p>ReginaMumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03833162252212904178noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1742261613008394616.post-13120034183256769102010-04-09T06:35:00.000-07:002010-04-09T06:37:40.842-07:00The First of Many Challenges with 5......<p class="MsoNormal">Avalina Elise</p><p class="MsoNormal"> Days 4-6</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> I would have to say that the biggest challenge for us over the last few days have been our “Littles”.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>To be expected right? They are little, they don’t quite grasp the concept of “just hang in there a few weeks and everything will return to normal”. Or become the “new normal” which just seems normal because this is just what we do now!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Our 3 year old has a mind of her own, will not listen to anyone to save her life and is now teaching our sweet little 2 year old how to behave very badly. They are like little tornados, whirlwinds, hurricanes, earthquakes and any other natural disaster you can think of! I think that once we get a handle on that (Ha! Ha!)<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>the family should be in full swing. Our “Bigs” have taken it all in stride.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Millie had a few adjustments, she was worried about me, she saw and understood that I was not feeling well the last part of my pregnancy.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I think she also worried about her role in the family. Once she saw it was business as usual just with an extra little person hanging around, she has been really good. Of course we are dealing with the usual not listening, “they know better then the parents” etc issues of life.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>For the most part we have been really very blessed with our kids and their behavior…. Although, Celeste really does go against the grain in everything! I promise this will not be the last time you hear about her!</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">So the freak out that we have had over the last day and a half has been our car situation. We currently have a Dodge Grand Caravan, bought 3 ½ years ago when we had Celeste. It was a big jump to do the whole “mini van” thing. We had previously made some very poor automobile choices prior to this which made us upside down in our current car loan. In short we have to stay in this vehicle until Millie is old enough to drive it!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> So there is the background, here is the freak out.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Car seats! Sure, I have a van that seats 7 right?<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Wrong! Unless you take out the 4 car seats that we have to have, otherwise, we have a ¼ of a seat left for Millie to sit in since she is the only one not in a car seat. What it comes down to is that we need an 8 passenger vehicle.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Well, crap!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>So, as Patrick and I tend to do we frantically ran around to every dealership we could find locally looking for the perfect car to handle our entire family. We found one, but its not what we wanted.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>What we want is way out of our reach right now so we would be settling and that is really something that we are not wanting to do.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>So after a lot of freaking out, a little research and some deep thought, we found 2 booster seats that are a little smaller in width then the others. They will fit in the back and then Millie will have her own captain’s chair in the first row. So, for now, everyone is safe and has their own seat! Who knew car seats would pose as one of the many challenges that we have with the number of children that we have?<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Not the last I am sure!</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> As for Avalina, she is getting acclimated to this big world very well. She LOVES to be held which is just fine with us. As a matter of fact, she is curled up in my lap as I type this.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I am becoming a wiz at typing with only one hand. She lost a little too much weight after she left the hospital so we had a follow up weight check today and she is doing great.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>She is so beautiful and sweet, I promise to get a picture or 2 up here very soon.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I think one of the most special moments you can share with your child is in the first few months when they aren’t distracted by other things. You are their main focal point, you are their main source of entertainment. I believe this is the time that bonds you, that you fall in love over and over and over again. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>As parents, we tend to get bogged down with what went wrong, what went right, we forget these little things, like gazing into the eyes of a 6 day old for hours on end.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It really is a beautiful thing.</o:p></p>ReginaMumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03833162252212904178noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1742261613008394616.post-66854177499617686192010-04-05T13:42:00.000-07:002010-04-05T13:43:48.587-07:00Welcome Home Avalina Elise…. Days 0-3<p class="MsoNormal">So here we are, baby number 5 making us a proud family of 7. New Moms whether they are bringing home baby number 1, 6 or 8 all go through some form of Baby Blues. For each woman it is very different. For a lot of women each child brings about their own set of fears, wishes or wants. For me, I have had the same sadness for my last 2. I find it very hard at times to comfort myself this time though, even though I know it is what is best for all concerned.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">When we brought our beautiful little Stella home 2 years ago, she was our last child. I knew that after having 4 Patrick and I would not “try” anymore. I was a wreck thinking that my baby days were over for good. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Then, two years later, by some sort of miracle and not for trying, we discovered that baby Ava was on her way. Number <st1:metricconverter productid="5, a">5, a</st1:metricconverter> blessed miracle in her own regard. After the shock and awe wore off I was secretly giddy at being pregnant again. My days weren’t over after all, I had one more shot at feeling those feelings and reliving those experiences.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I was going to make this one count, and I really think I did, but right now 9 months, as long as it seemed on Thursday, just doesn’t seem long enough.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I know for some women it is a relief to know that they are done being pregnant because they detested being pregnant.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Trust me; I was NOT a good pregnant woman with any of my babies. This time though, I was very Zen...I enjoyed feeling her move around in me, I enjoyed growing this tiny human. I appreciated the changes my body was making to accommodate a baby, and thankfully for Patrick, I really didn’t complain all that much. I truly enjoyed being pregnant until the very end.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>In the end I realized that my pregnancy was taking a toll on my younger 2 children.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I couldn’t keep up with them I couldn’t play with them like I had been earlier in my pregnancy, I was just sooo tired. It was then that I realized that I may just be past a good age to be pregnant. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I was A.M.A., in some practices that’s what they call you, Advanced Maternal Age. At others they call you Geriatric Pre-Natal or Elderly. I am 35. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I also had to deal with the fact that my Nurse Midwives who had seen me through my other 4 pregnancies were no longer practicing due to cutbacks and insurance issues. My 2 biggest fears, having a Dr. I didn’t know and not being able to get an epidural!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Well, luckily for me the Dr I had even though I hadn’t met him was wonderful and the epidural was just fine. My labor was so fast though. Not at all what I had had with my last 2 and that has left me feeling a little jipped.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Patrick and I had had such amazing connections during those hours walking the halls.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Going through the pain of labor together, as one. This all adds to me thinking my child bearing days are over and done.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Its scary for me. I love having babies, I love what they add to our family, I love connecting with my husband in that way. I am devastated to know that this phase of my life is over. Then there is the optimistic side of me really trying to pull through all of these thoughts. It really is reminding me that things change usually for the better.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I had extremely wonderful and uplifting moments not being pregnant.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>My husband and I have one of those scary amazing relationships in which we connect often. So why am I so down about all of this? Time will tell, in the mean time I am enjoying this beautiful little baby that has chosen us as her parents. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I owe it to her to be the best mom I can be, and I intend to be.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US; mso-bidi-language:AR-SA">I plan to go through the next 60 days (hopefully more) of Ava’s new life as well as managing a house of 7.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>So check back.</span>ReginaMumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03833162252212904178noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1742261613008394616.post-30420162927065505022009-12-11T11:38:00.000-08:002009-12-11T12:13:11.346-08:00My DaughterMy oldest daughter turned 8 yesterday. Maybe its the hormones but I have found myself really reflecting on the last 8 years. Who I am today, who I was then, how she has changed my life in all ways. <div><br /></div><div>We were told 2 months before she was conceived that I had a very low chance of getting pregnant, and since I had such a complicated case aka-they really couldn't tell me what was wrong with me-I was limited in the kind of treatments that I could have to become pregnant. It was a devastating blow to Patrick and I. The months of tests, treatments and studies they performed on me, seemed futile, we were both exhausted. Then magically I was pregnant. It was so surreal we just couldn't believe it. A blessing like nothing else I have ever experienced. </div><div><br /></div><div>Our first pregnancy was a really hard one. I was really sick for most of it, went into labor 8 weeks early, on bedrest for the last 5 weeks. I had 3 different due dates, I was in prelabor for 3 weeks, absolute craziness! Then at 9pm on a cold December night, she was here. Emilia Jesseca. My husband and I often remarked over those first few weeks how what was important and worry last week really meant nothing after she was born. Its still true. What mattered and was important 8 years ago really doesn't register any more.</div><div><br /></div><div>Millie was the reason we had more children. She was a great baby, she was a great toddler and she proved to be an even better big sister. She teaches me new things every day. Most importantly she has taught me how to be a better person. She is like her Dad, (always has been a Daddys Girl) she is kind, compassionate and gives everyone the benefit of the doubt. What a super power that is. I find myself wanting to be as wonderful to people as my daughter is or at very least setting a good example so that she knows that she is doing the right thing and making the right decisions even when people are not being as kind to her.</div><div><br /></div><div>I am more of a protector now then I was before. I have always been a very protective person, of the people that I am closest to, but this has become much more intense. I am very protective of my family. I now know what it feels like to be a "Mama Bear". It makes it hard to mask ones emotions when one hears of injustice being done to her little girl!</div><div><br /></div><div>I am really lucky to have her as my daughter, I am really lucky to have her as my first born. She really is an enchanting a wonderful girl, I can't wait to see what she does and what she is able to teach me in the next 8 years!</div><div><br /></div><div>Happiness to you always.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>ReginaMumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03833162252212904178noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1742261613008394616.post-26816264213827603662009-12-07T17:58:00.000-08:002009-12-07T19:09:46.442-08:00What Has Happened?Hello!<div><br /></div><div>I have been reading on my Facebook page lately people posting things like " what has happened to customer service?" & "where have all the nice people gone?" My family and I were shown first hand that these posts are mild compared to what is actually happening out there this time of year. Let me be the first to tell you, its down right scary! Allow me to share.</div><div><br /></div><div>We went to the grocery store on Saturday. This is usually a great family event! LOL, as funny as it seems it really is! The Littles love riding in the car-cart, the Bigs love helping and they have found that if they show an interest in something they usually get it! I think its a great way to have the whole family involved with a household chore. Now, we do get looks. We have a very large family by todays standards. People really do stare us down. The first few people to stare really makes me laugh, after that I take the: </div><div><br /></div><div>"Take a picture it will last longer" approach...hehehe I never said I was nice! I was in a pretty good mood this day though and I really needed a good day so I was determined to make it a good day regardless of anyone I came into contact with!</div><div><br /></div><div>Anyway, our trip to the store started out with a major bonus. It was sample day! SCORE! Millie and I were in heaven! They had little stations set up and everything! However, we did notice that it was crazy crowded so Patrick and I took the "you go get this and I will eat and the I will go get that and then you can eat" tactic. It worked for about 10 minutes, then the surge of people got to be so great that we just had to get going on our shopping list. From the minute we left the prepared foods area we saw that we were in store for a little adventure.</div><div><br /></div><div>People were zipping around that store like it was on fire. It was like a survival game. We were pulling our Bigs out of the way of people that were simply not going to stop, they were practically running with their carts pulling things off the shelves at incredible speeds. I don't know if you ever watched the show Super Market Sweep back in the 90's, if you did, it was like that. Not only were they going at alarming rates but they still gawked at the huge family making its way down the aisle. A very dangerous thing to do! I had 2 favorite moments. The first was this woman with one of those little carts, she was zipping and I mean zipping around, every time we rounded a corner she zipped past us so fast there was a "gush" of wind that made our hair fly up. We had several close calls with my oldest daughter who would bend down to get something off the shelf and we would feel the air change around us, realizing this just in time to pull Millie out of the way! (I really wish I was over exaggerating...) My second favorite moment was when I, trying to be conscious of the other people around me at checkout, put my cart against the wall out of everyones way. Of course this was not good enough for one girl who decided that while I was putting a bag in my cart, that I was not moving fast enough for her. She literally pinned my 6 month pregnant belly against my cart pushing hers so that it scraped my back. UNBELIEVABLE! I was so stressed out when I left the store I was shaking. On the upside, my kids, were angles.</div><div><br /></div><div>What has happened to people? Do we reserve this kind of awful behavior specifically for this time of year or is it what we have become all of the time? My mom calls this the rude season. I have to agree. I have witnessed so many near misses in the parking lots in the last 2 weeks, people getting cutoff on the roads, purposefully blocking entrances to stores. The customer service industry is really on shakey ground as well. You would think that with way the economy is now people would A-be grateful for the jobs that they have & B-the companies that they work for would want to keep their customers happy. </div><div><br /></div><div>So I would suggest, slow down. Take a breath. The item you want will still be there in the 10 seconds it takes that family of 6 to get out of your way. Give yourself time, get plenty of rest, grab a coffee, plug into your IPOD & make your shopping experience fun. If it still gets you down and you feel like you would rather drink raw eggs, then shop online or my personal favorite go grocery shopping or do your big box store shopping after 10pm (don't forget your IPOD it keeps the "crazeys" away). Remember that this is the season for giving and remind yourself of that wonderful golden rule, "<span class="Apple-style-span" style=" border-collapse: collapse; white-space: pre; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family:arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">do unto others as you would have them do unto you</span></span>". Its important and you will have a much more satisfying experience if you do this. Even though the chances are slim that people will follow the same advice.</div><div><br /></div><div>Hang in there!</div><div><br /></div><div>Be Merry and May Happiness Find You Always!</div><div><br /></div><div>Regina</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>ReginaMumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03833162252212904178noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1742261613008394616.post-75583426007190118992009-11-30T18:06:00.000-08:002009-11-30T18:41:26.045-08:00The Holidays...An OverviewWell, we just conquered Thanksgiving. For our family, this marks the first of the anxiously anticipated Holiday Season. This is always a very daunting time of year for me. I have never been one to really embrace the whole Holiday season. Having kids definitely helped that, having a husband who is so in love with Christmas has helped me really see the magic of the season. However, that being said, the stress that comes with making sure that these memories and traditions are carried out properly and efficiently is EXHAUSTING! <div><br /></div><div>I know that what we do as a family is NOTHING compared to what others do. For example we have this beautiful family in our lives, our in-laws. They are so dedicated to the traditions that they have that they drive 3 hours at 2 or 3 in the morning on Christmas Day to be back "home" to celebrate Christmas Day. Christmas Eve is spent listening to amazing Carolers in her hometown. Bless their hearts I commend their dedication, I don't think I could do it! Once the tree is up, the decorations are out and the village is set up, I am done. Boxes need put away, anything with glitter must go out of toddler reaching range, if the lights outside don't work you have 2 hours to get them to work or out they go. My husband likes to joke me and call me Scrooge! </div><div><br /></div><div>I am not a Scrooge, I LOVE buying presents for my kids and my family. It is really one of the highlights of my year. I LOVE the spirit of giving and celebrating the true meaning this holiday holds for me. Hearing about different cultures and what they celebrate and why is fascinating to me as well. I see the magic, the love the joy and the hope this season brings. SO why do we run full tilt from the last Thursday of November until the end of December? Do we as parents and caregivers get the chance to actually sit down and take in the Holidays? Or are we too busy creating the memories for our children that we lose site of what is important? I personally fall into the latter category. As sad as that is. I want my kids to have the most amazing Holiday ever, I want my husbands eyes to dance as much as my sons do when they open their gifts from Santa, I want to participate in that amazing feeling of giving....Anyway I can. I want to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas in every way shape and form. I set out to do everything possible to make these times wonderful but rest assured I will resemble a 3-year old temper-tantrum-ing puddle at some point around December 20th.....</div><div><br /></div><div>This year I am determined to make the changes to ensure that I can sit back sip my egg nog and enjoy my Christmas Tree. ( I say this as my husband is beginning to perform surgery on a strand of lights that went out on our tree....This could get ugly)</div><div><br /></div><div>So my question to you is, how do you do it? How do you find a wonderful balance that allows you to enjoy the season? Please leave me your feedback, I really would love to know.</div><div><br /></div><div>This will be part of a series I am sure so look for new posts often! </div><div><br /></div><div>Happiness and joy to you!!</div><div><br /></div><div>Regina</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>ReginaMumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03833162252212904178noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1742261613008394616.post-38444251656727665482009-11-05T18:08:00.000-08:002009-11-05T18:31:23.571-08:00Trying Again!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBsjcJHZ79nNKQ-o9Sx6NC3o34R4oeorYVS5z96G2KNlhCbH_2Hkw8c8sLWHBcfzvhzuuS6pCWNIjhOWXBrAc6g3gRr9DAV_iDNxJvMNi5bA2dRYdziFSfiPVpqn846oSLhGrzpcTgLZI/s1600-h/Cape+May+2009+325.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBsjcJHZ79nNKQ-o9Sx6NC3o34R4oeorYVS5z96G2KNlhCbH_2Hkw8c8sLWHBcfzvhzuuS6pCWNIjhOWXBrAc6g3gRr9DAV_iDNxJvMNi5bA2dRYdziFSfiPVpqn846oSLhGrzpcTgLZI/s320/Cape+May+2009+325.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400809615220300834" /></a><br />Apparently there is a little problem with Blogspot accusing innocent people such as myself for spamming! They shut down their blogs so that people cannot read them. Thus is what happened to Reginamum...So check back soon for a new blog there are a few topics I am really excited about writing about! Kid Birthday Parties, Holidays & more on Travel!<div><br /></div><div>If you missed the first blog then Hi! I'm Regina, I have 4 children and 1 on the way.</div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQegWPdtjqoyylHV4ULGwvDq1ihb1CALuF-ocDwfl1hOwPYbyjjwOi8ax70CSe7qd7euaFu20JxPp4hlNamw4pnl4xJvtMaG05URpsVMUwNfbsIamIAXHAN683XOAt3vJHKlQQy1J2VI8/s320/Cape+May+2009+400.JPG" style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400810107830418066" /><div><br /></div><div>Yes, I am Catholic but I do not use that as the excuse for why we have so many children! We are just very blessed and fortunate people to be chosen by these children to raise them! My husband Patrick and I have been married for 12 years and have been together since high school. (18 years!) </div><div><br /></div><div>I also co-own Spela Children's Store & Cafe in State College, PA. So I will be able to pass on some great new products that will hopefully make your life a little easier!</div><div><br /></div><div>I am looking forward to sharing some of the insight that I have obtained through my own experience, in talking with other moms and caregivers and some that I will solicit from friends, family or by the people that come into our store. So let me know if there are any topics you would like to have covered! </div><div><br /></div><div>My main purpose for this blog is to let parents and caregivers alike know you are not alone. Other parents are fighting over homework, worried that their toddler will be wearing diapers to the prom, and that the bottle and/or pacifier will be a permanent fixture in all family portraits! </div><div><br /></div><div>Happiness to you always!</div>ReginaMumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03833162252212904178noreply@blogger.com0