Jesus & a good deal.

Actually, Jesus is a good deal. Ü

This couponing stuff is hard. It is for me, anyway. So time consuming. I thought I'd go to CVS tonight & see if I could do some damage. :) This is all I could come up with:



I think it's a good deal, but is it?

Arm & Hammer detergent on sale for $2.99 - $1.00 extra bucks (free $ to use on next CVS trip.)
Aquafresh - so tiny. But, it was $1.27 - $1.00 coupon = $.27 cents.
2 Ajax dish soap (I ♥ this stuff!) - on sale for $.89 cents each.
2 Dawn dish soap - on sale for $.99 each - 2 $.50 coupons = $.50 each.
2 Duracell (4 pack) on sale for $2.99 each - 2 $.75 coupons = $2.25 each. (I was unsure if this was a deal so I did some quick calculating. I got 8 batteries for $4.50 & their 8 pack was over that amount, so I went ahead & got them even though they are probably cheaper at WM.)
Conair teasing brush - full price - $4.99. Not a deal. Ü
Caffeine free Diet Coke (ahem - necessary for brain thinking ;o) - $1.77. Not a deal. Ü

I estimated the total to be $18 & it was $18.66. Remove the teasing brush (I always use a comb to rat my hair, but I saw on cutie patootie's blog that she uses this brush. I couldn't locate one at Target or WM, so I went ahead & got it tonight) & coke, & I ended up paying $12 for the detergent, dish soaps & batteries. I hope that's a good deal. :)

I'm actually going back now & get 2 Irish Spring deodorants: BOGO free. The price for one is $3.99, so basically I can get 2 for $2.00 a piece. But, I have a CVS coupon for $1.00 off & I have the $1.00 extra bucks I got earlier, so now I can get 2 for $1.99 = $1.00 a piece. Good deal!

I threw some shorts in the laundry that I bought Bentley at GW. As I was straightening & buttoning them, something kept banging against the washer. When I checked all the pockets to make sure they were empty, I found this:


A metal cross! On the back is inscripted: God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.

It's amazing to me how He'll just show up, whenever/wherever necessary, giving the gentle nudge or reminder we need exactly when we need it. Or, typically in my case, a hard smack on the back of my head. ♥

Happy weekend! Make it good! Ü

Probably the best blog post I have EVER read.

Comment-Free.

And if you read that post, that explains why I've been MIA. Have no fear, I'll be back.

Make it a beautiful, amazing weekend! Ü

Eighteen year old collage picture frame.

Eighteen years ago, I did this! Goodness. This puppy is so old! We weren't even married when I put this together. Do they even make these collage picture frames anymore? It's been shoved in the back of our closet for years. I love discovering items like this after they've been tucked away for a while. So fun. :)



Though it's been a while, hubby & I are actually avid country dancers (we were actually dancing 'buddies' before we began dating) & we've decided it's time for us to begin again. Our favorite song to dance to is Keith Whitley's 'My Amy'. Do you remember that? Anyway, our children are older now (sniff), it's time to cut the cord & find a regular sitter. I am excited but so nervous, all at the same time! I am excited about becoming a person again - big hair, dramatic makeup, non-mommy clothes, some beautimous heals, adult conversation & laughter - but so nervous about allowing a stranger to watch my children. I think my children have been without mom or dad probably 4 or 5 times total in 10 1/2 years. The longest period was for 8 hours, while hubby & I attended my 25th high school reunion. The sitter was a girl (she still is a girl, so you know ;o) who is my friend's daughter. I've known them forever & I trust the girl (& her boyfriend, who came with her at the time) with my life! We only had three children at the time & I paid her $180. LOL I think that was a little much! And then she went & graduated high school & recently graduated from Texas A&M so needless to say, she doesn't sit anymore. The other handful of times my children had someone watching them it was only for an hour or two & family stayed with them. In 10 1/2 years, my husband & I have not been out alone. The times mentioned above we were always with other people. I'm not even sure we'd know what to talk about anymore! We already have some couples lined up to go to dinner & dancing with us, so it's time to get serious & find us a cheap reliable, honest, mature, calm, dependable sitter. I have some leads, so we'll see!

I'm sure many of you can relate & I've blogged about this topic before - but this mom here has pretty much lost herself & it's time, it's past time, to find myself again & begin living! I should do another blog post about that some time. Going out to dinner & dancing is going to help me find my way back! I can do it & you can too! Ü

BlogHer & my hasty decision.

I'm tired as all get out tonight but for some odd reason, this has been on my mind.

Some of you know I used to partner with BlogHer. BlogHer, at the time, also partnered with MckMama (I will not link to her blog - google if necessary). For strictly ethical reasons, I decided to abruptly end my relationship with BlogHer solely because they continued to partner with her. I just didn't want to be associated with a company that supported her (or any other blogger, for that matter, that blogged in the same unethical manner as MckMama) & her lack of morals. That's just me - I always attempt to take a stand for what is right. You can read about my decision here.

If you've known me long & many of you have, you know what an honest person I am. I sincerely hope you know what an honest person I am & I sincerely hope I portray that quality. I am proud to advertise my honesty. I may not always do it the proper way, but I do it. And I don't have to try & I don't have to remember, because I always tell the truth. Many don't agree with me & that's ok - I will never apologize for being honest.

My thoughts are this. While I had the partnership with BlogHer, why didn't I just honestly and/or boldly blog about my disappointment & frustration? Was it that I was concerned BlogHer might get angry with me, if I did? Why did I take the easy way out & sever the relationship? This is where I sometimes get irritated with myself. I am quick to act, versus possibly taking ample time & thinking things through. Thoroughly. I really need to work on that. Anyway, it's not that I regret my decision because ethics are extremely important to me, but maybe now, over a year later, I actually do regret my decision.

The bottom & most important line is: BlogHer ultimately did end their partnership with MckMama. MckMama was guilty of plagiarism & from what I can tell, that was the final straw for them. BlogHer took the high road & that is very important. And, admirable & impressive. If I had only waited, if I had blogged & voiced my concerns/dislikes/frustration & waited for this to pan out, I'd still be a partner with BlogHer today. (I am not typing this in hopes of BlogHer contacting me - I have contacted them way prior to this. I'm simply expressing some thoughts.)

I don't know why this is eating at me - I suppose it stems from myself not allowing a great company to prove their true colors. That's my fault. My hasty decision to do the right thing jeopardized a great opportunity for me to work with a great company. And that part just sucks.

Live & learn, which I do daily. And for that, I am grateful.

Hubby returns tomorrow evening (earlier than expected - he had the wrong flight information - yay!) so as soon as I find my black felt & get caught up on some much needed sleep (I sleep very poorly when he is away), I'll be posting my reversible, gold earrings.

Happy hump! Ü

I'm bombing.

I did so good for a while & it's all gone by the wayside. The bottom line is I just don't eat enough food. Sounds crazy, I know. Why in the world cannot I not just eat breakfast? I am not a breakfast eater (unless weekend or vacation). I cannot. I have never been a breakfast eater. Diabetes is confirmed @ 6.5. I'm at a 6.1. I had a long, thorough conversation w/ my dr.'s nurse a few months ago. I was on board. I can do this. She laid out a plan, gave me websites & it was a go. And it went. And then I got out of the habit.

And now, with the exception of a pathetic 4 lbs. lost, I'm back to square one. No breakfast. No snacks. My first meal @ 1:00 or 2:00 p.m. Maybe dinner, maybe not. Maybe cereal in the middle of the night because I'm starving.

I don't need help with anything. Ever. Ever. Never. Ever. But this, as stupid as it sounds, man I just can't do it. And it's eating. It's 8:30 p.m. & I've had one meal today. I just looked at my husband & told him flat out "I just can't do this eating routine. I need help." Oh dear gawd. Seriously, Melissa? Hubby just ran to MckDonald's & picked me up a cheeseburger & fries because it's late & I'm tired & bordering a cold. There a silver lining, however. A sliver of silver (I'm so clever). I am doing pretty good avoiding whites. Pasta, white bread (which I rarely ate anyway), rice (which is killing me because I love rice), potatoes (except for fries, right now) & I'm even avoiding sweets. That said, diet cokes are back in full force. And that alone makes me angry. Most of you know I attempted to switch to black tea. I love sweet tea. I currently have every artificial sweetener made in my pantry. And I have Stevia. Packets & liquid. But the tea isn't working. And I'm not willing to continue to battle Candida just because of tea. So I kicked it to the curb. Green tea, which I've read does not interfere with Candida, I'm still experimenting with. (I developed Candida about 15 years ago, when my dr. (at the time) gave me antibiotic after antibiotic after antibiotic (4, I believe, different ones, in a row) to try to rid an ear infection. Once you have Candida, it's near impossible to rid. Little did I know, black tea & artificial sweeteners (exception: Stevia) kicked my dormant Candida right back into high gear.) I do wonder if this over abundance of sugar running amok due to Candida has any bearing on my near-diabetes? I don't know.

I don't even know why I'm typing all this. I know I'm frustrated, for sure. Maybe typing it out here will help me kick a plan back into action. I know tomorrow is a new day. I know I want to be fit, in shape & healthy. I know I don't want diabetes. I know I'm on the fast track to having it.

So here I go. Wednesday. I certainly am no wimp & I can do this, as dumb as it sounds. Starting tomorrow, with breakfast. Thank God for tomorrows.

Kidbits.

Haven't done a Kidbits in quite some time. How I will love looking back on these some day. Ü

We had an interesting afternoon. I was running late (not late, running late) to pick Bentley up from school. I park on the street & he walks up the sidewalk (as most students do) & then hops in. I just knew today that he would be walking up the sidewalk & start to panic because he couldn't see me. I was picturing him freaking out because mom was no where to be found. I was towards the back of the line (I'm usually towards the front) - I could see him walking, but he couldn't see me. I started crying because I knew he was going to be so upset by the time he got to my car. He wasn't. But I was. He laughed & looked at me like I was losing my mind. I really need to lighten up. Ü It is sweet though that he rubbed my arm to console me. He is very protective of me & I love that. Awwwwww. ♥

He is so fun. He loves to impersonate & he does such a great job. He can impersonate characters from Alvin & the Chipmunks like nobody's business. We were laughing & having a grand time (which is rare in the car, because typically, he's reading!) while at the elementary school waiting for Audi & Jags to be released. The einstein that I am decided to have him impersonate me.

Me: "Bentley, let's hear you impersonate me."

Bents: "Really?"

Me: "Really. I want to hear how you think I sound."

Bents: "Really?"

Me: "Really. I want to see what you've got."

Bents: "Well, ok." And so he begins, while my sunroof was open & all the other parents were sitting in their cars with their windows down (beautiful day here today) -

"TURN THAT SHIT DOWN!!"

Oh. My. Gawd. Do I dare peek around & see if any of the other parents heard? I was laughing so hard, I had tears rolling out of my eyes. Maybe you need to know our life & maybe you need to know how loud & crazy our family is to be able to grasp his comment but trust, that impersonation was so accurate (I'm referring to his tone/attitude - no worries, I certainly do not walk around cursing all the time in front of my children :) & so darn tootin' funny! He was so pleased with himself, he reenacted it tonight for his dad. His dad was (less than) thrilled. ;o) And as I publish this post I'm laughing again, as Bents just walked in here as Urkel, with his t-shirt tucked in & his pajama bottoms pulled up to his - man boobs.

I love my Bentley & I love my life! I am one blessed girl! ♥

Define: Homemaker.

home·mak·ernoun /ˈhōmˌmākər/ 

homemakers, plural



1.A person, esp. a housewife, who manages a home.



Web definitions:

housewife: a wife who manages a household while her husband earns the family income.

wordnetweb.princeton.edu/perl/webwn



(homemaking) the management of a household.

wordnetweb.princeton.edu/perl/webwn



A homemaker handles household responsibilities as his or her main daily activity. While not a paid occupation in the traditional sense, as it is not usually undertaken for monetary remuneration, a homemaker may work full-time to maintain the home environment....

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homemaker



(Homemakers (magazine)) Homemakers is a Canadian magazine that covers women's lifestyles, published nine times a year. It offers recipes and articles on food, health, style, home and living.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homemakers_(magazine)



(Homemaking) Housewife is a term used to describe a married female who is not employed outside of the home. Merriam Webster describes a housewife as a married woman who is in charge of her household. ...

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homemaking



(homemaking) One of three areas of emphasis in the Relief Society of the Church.

www.lightplanet.com/mormons/daily/vocabulary_eom.htm



Occupation often listed on campaign finance reports for wives of major contributors who give through their spouses (and other family members) as a legal way of getting around individual contribution limits.

www.uta.fi/FAST/GC/cfinglos.html



An individual who has the skills and abilities to maintain a home and actively functions in that capacity as a result of substantial Vocational Rehabilitation service provision to improve the individual’s homemaking abilities....

info.dhhs.state.nc.us/olm/manuals/dsb/VR/man/Definitions.htm



General term referring to a variety of non-skilled at-home services which may include some minor hands on care such as assistance with dressing and personal care, but also includes shopping, meal preparation, laundry services, housekeeping and similar activities....

www.deha.org/Glossary/GlossaryH.htm



A person who assists in the home with homemaking activities such as preparing meals, cleaning, laundry, shopping.

www.caregivers.utah.gov/glossary.htm



A trained personnel working under agency supervision. Activities are limited to shopping, menu planning, meal preparation, light housekeeping, and laundry for the client.

www.esmv.org/caregiversglossary.asp



Trained homemakers offer light housekeeping, grocery shopping, errands, laundry, and simple personal care.

www.thehomecarecouncil.org/displaycommon.cfm



means a person who performs household chores that include housekeeping, meal planning and preparation, shopping assistance, and routine household activities for an elderly, handicapped, or convalescent individual. A homemaker is non-medical.

www.justcheckinginmom.com/index.php



*********************



I registered my children for school today. I noticed the online form(s) had my job description already filled in. 'Homemaker', the form(s) stated, is what I do. Homemaker. I have always disliked the word. As I stared at the prefilled form(s), I realized today that I actually detest the word. Homemaker. Just a Homemaker. Too damn stupid to check the 'Homemaker' box myself, so they (whomever they are) did it for me. Yet smart enough to fill out the remainder of the form(s). Also on the form(s) were our phone numbers, which were also prefilled. Note this: my husband's cell phone number was listed first. Then, our home phone. Third, my cell phone. Now wait a minute. My husband works outside the home. I'm just a 'Homemaker'. Yet he's listed first? Does that make any sense? Could it be because on paper, he looks a little smarter than I? Or is it because they just didn't pay that much attention when filling out the form(s) & typed in the numbers in no particular order? I wonder if my job had been, oh, 'Account Executive', would my number had been listed first? For what it's worth, I transposed the order.



I do more than manage a home. I have four little people God entrusted me to raise. What they know is what they learn from me. I'm not a home manager. That comes automatically with the blessing of a family. Therefore, instead of managing a home, I build people. Character. Including honesty, beauty, emotion, personalities, morals, ethics, happiness, contentment, hearts full of love. In addition to - the knowledge I have in finances is commendable. The responsibility & dedication I demonstrate daily is unmatchable. My determination & perseverance cannot be outdone. I'm more than a maid. I'm more than a cook. I do more than grocery shop & clean toilets. I'm also a person. A person whose label and/or title should be listed first, not last. I don't get paid monetarily, though I should. My hours are long. The sick pay sucks. The vacation time certainly is no vacation. There is no overtime. Very few breaks. Rarely a lunch break. No getting off at 5:00. No nice dinners & no Christmas parties. No insurance, dental or vision coverage.



Did you read the degrading italized paragraph? "General term referring to a variety of non-skilled at-home services which may include some minor hands on care such as assistance with dressing and personal care, but also includes shopping, meal preparation, laundry services, housekeeping and similar activities...."



"Non-skilled". Really? Non-skilled? I beg to differ. It is a true talent & takes great skill to work from home, raising a family. My occupation description is lengthy & detailed. And if I screw up (& I do), I have some little people who I disappoint. That's not an easy load to carry. It's tough one.



There has to be a better term. I know there is. A term that we, as devoted wives & mothers, would be proud & honored to accept. A term that builds us up, defines as us as strong, intelligent, gifted women, equally as important as other occupations/titles that work outside the home. A term that makes us proud to x that box.



So please don't call me a "Homemaker". I take my occupation seriously. Though I reap amazing benefits & wouldn't trade my daily occupation for the world, I don't make a home. I build life. A beautiful, challenging, difficult at times, life. I'm a Lifebuilder, not a Homemaker. Let's put an x by that.

Moments. Hot, hot moments.

It's too hot to breathe.

A surprise in our Subway sandwich.

Have yet to hear back from anyone from Subway. My husband spoke to the manager of the store yesterday & received a full refund. As far as hearing from anyone from corporate, we have to "wait until Monday". It is by the grace of God my daughter felt the metal & did not attempt to eat or swallow it. So many horrific scenarios could have played out - none of them good.

Girl got her some new shoes.

My wee ones have had some remaining birthday/Christmas money hanging around, so on spring break I took them to Walmart & let them purchase whatever their little hearts desired. The littlest one chose a Play-Doh set & shoes. :)

The color is a delish, shimmery, watermelon, the heel is just the right height, the design is nice & airy, the bling is the most perfect pink cupcake surrounded by diamonds & the quality is...plastic. ;o) She done good! Ü

Saturday she wanted to put on some of her sister's makeup. So she did. ♥

I noticed a few days ago that she had some unpleasant allergy symptoms brewing. The coughing began @ 3:00 a.m. this morning & coughing resulted in vomiting. Which resulted in me changing all bedding in early hours & making a Kroger run for Robitussin. Which helped. In case you're wondering, it's kind of spooky out @ 3:00 a.m.

Today I'm tired. Dragging, actually. I assumed (silly me) we'd have a nice, long, early nap today. Together. Didn't happen. I'm still up & she's still up. I am not a cappy hamper today & I've used some naughty words. And for some odd reason, sometimes, using naughty words just makes me feel better. Bad thing is little girl heard naughty words. Will be interesting when she repeats them in front of her daddy. I'll once again be prepared to raise my hand when she's asked where she heard naughty words. I raise my hand a lot, a lot. What can I say. I'm honest. Thank goodness I'm too old to be punished. Ü

My disobedient tiny tyke said earlier: "Look mommy! Selena Gomez!" To which I growled: Oh, I see her! I bet Selena Gomez takes naps!" Heehee.

Girl may have some new shoes & look beautimous with makeup, but girl ain't cute today. Maybe tomorrow, but not today. Pfft.

Gone for an undisclosed amount of time.

Last week my children all had the stomach flu. Fortunately, it was only a 12 hour bug. Unfortunately, all 4 children were struck. Prior to that, Bentley has suffered with Strep Throat 4 times since July '10. He now gets to visit an ENT for further options/treatment.

This week, I have both boys who tested positive for Strep, & both girls who tested positive for Influenza A. I have not been tested, but oh believe me, I gots it too. Ü After spending approximately over $510 on drs. visits & prescriptions (just this week alone! Monday-Wednesday), a priceless amount of suffering, an undetermined amount on cleaning products/laundry detergent/Ibuprofen - I now have a new priority.

My family is not sick often (Bentley aside - but he also has the worst eating/sleeping habits in our family), other than the occasional allergies/colds, but after this bout, I feel like there is something I am just not doing right. I could be wrong, but I'm going to devote a whole lot of time trying to find a solution to help my children/family. I'm not confident that what we are experiencing is normal, or not normal. I tend to believe we fall in the 'not normal' category.

I have tried diligently to cook more from scratch, incorporate more fruits & veggies, implement adequate sleep, offer daily vitamins, etc. That said, there just seems to be no improvement.

Over the years, I have gone from cleaning with commercial products, to tossing all of those chemicals & going 'green' (I even purchased books to help me transition), then switching back to commercial products. Currently, I'm in between. Some things I use are commercial, others are natural.

I read somewhere, & had a friend confirm via Facebook, that maybe I clean too much. Maybe not "too much" per say, but too thoroughly, if that makes sense. Being I use commercial products that kill this bacteria & that germ, possibly I'm not leaving enough bacteria behind, so my family can build a resistance. To be honest, I have no idea, but with all my might, I hope to find out. What I do know for certain is that I will be transitioning back to all natural products - not only is it less expensive, as we all know, it's much healthier for our bodies (lungs & cute noses, just to name a few). :)

I have felt quite a bit of guilt because I just haven't been able to update my blog as I'd like. I have so many posts to do (including Mercedes' 3rd birthday photos), so many that I want to do, but getting my family healthy takes precedence to my blog. I have to know that I have done everything in power to help them, even if I'm not successful. I'll be able to say I tried. Ü

I know I don't have many who read & I'm so ok with that. But I also know I have a few regulars who check in, only to discover that yet again, there's no new post. My hope is that you'll hang in there with me (I'll still Twitter & Facebook - those don't take as long). And while you're at it, if you have any cleaning tips or vitamin suggestions (or anything else) you can toss my way, bring it & thank you! I have received much advice on Facebook, some I'm implementing, some I'm still researching, but I'm so thankful! I am not a proud person & I will certainly take any & all advice/suggestions you can offer. :)

Thanks for understanding but most importantly, I hope you all stay healthy! I cannot tell you how absolutely horrible these illnesses have been. Do everything you can, too, to rid the bacteria & germs! But be sure to leave some. Teehee. Off to take my Tamiflu! Ü

Bon Voyage!

Two hours.

To make homemade Chicken Noodle Soup.

Two hours. Two long hours. Pouring & cooking & boiling & simmering & chopping & cutting & simmering some more. I felt like I was being punished. Don't let the photos fool you. It sucked! The only reason I'm posting photos is because I took the time to take them in case it turned out. LOL I am not a fan of cooking chicken in water. Or liquid. This recipe kinda lost me on step 1. Ü

In other news, I'm redecorating my blog. In spare time only. So it could take a while. Or months. Ü

School supplies.

School supplies for three little ones this year. Three. And for one year, this year, all three are in the same school. Ü

Seriously. Who writes a post about school supplies? Me! Why? Because for the last 4 years, our school district has literally been screwing us parents over, taking complete advantage. And I knew it! I knew it, yet I complied. And that makes me very, very angry. Not only with the district, but with myself, as well. I'm the type of person that when I do something I know in my heart I shouldn't, but I do it anyway, I get extremely angry with myself.

I hadn't printed all three separate school supplies list yet this year. Mainly because we were on vacation. However, I was already prepared for the nightmare that was fixing to embark. That said, I was shocked when I was at Walmart on Monday, browsing & picking up some pertinent school supplies that I know would be needed, when I spied a school supply list for our district. I couldn't believe my eyes. Holy. Pickles. For the 1st time in 5 years, there was one list. One list! A generic list, for all elementary schools in our district (typically, each school has their own. Could never figure that one out. We all didn't use the same supplies?), with each grade (K-4). The cherry on top? All information/supplies were listed on one single 8.5x11 piece of paper. So simple, easy to read, I thought I was going to keel over right there in Walmart.

This year, the amount of supplies required were cut in half. I knew we had been purchasing way more supplies than were needed. But I did it anyway (enter growl). Gone are the trips to what I call 'specialty stores'. I use that term because in previous years, numerous items could not be purchased at Walmart, Target, Walgreens, etc. Parents had to make unnecessary trips to Staples, Office Max, Michael's, Hobby Lobby, etc. Why? To purchase required "extra long" pencil boxes. Odd size construction paper. Certain size writing tablets. Specialty erasers. Certain type of ruler. Not only did it take quite a bit additional time to run to 10 different stores, it took more money. Specialty items cost more. And I knew that too. Yet, I complied (enter growl). Why did the children need extra long pencil boxes? The regular sizes didn't work? Are the white erasers really that much better than the pink ones? Etc. Now you can see why I'm miffed. Never in my life should I have been so foolish & done all that (enter growl). And now I know many parents didn't. They were the smart ones. Me, on the other hand, fell for the district's crap hook, line & sinker.

So. Not only have the extra trips suddenly disappeared, but so have the "extra long" pencil boxes. Regular size boxes will now suffice. Imagine that. Also gone are the kleenexes, white erasers (pink are fine! Although honestly, the white are better...shh.), rulers, index cards, index card box, 2 different size baggies, highlighters, glitter, construction paper, permanent markers - & that's just to name some. Previously, parents were instructed to purchase "name brands only". Now there is a little note on the list "Recommended brands provided for your convenience & in no way imply a specific brand requirement". Certain colors/types of folders were required - Bentley informed me they didn't even use all of theirs. Ugh.

Just typing all this out gets my goat. How dare a school district take advantage of parents like they have in previous years. Why did they get away with it for so long? So stinkin' inconsiderate. I don't know how full time working parents accomplished all that was required in the past. I am curious though - why all the sudden changes with our district? I wonder if they had been reported...? I don't know. But I do know I am so much more pleased & as a matter of fact, I was able to complete 1/2 of the school supply list, for all three, right then & there at Walmart. Woot!

Finished up the rest today @ Target. There are some writing tablets I was unable to find. You know what? I'm not getting them. As far as I'm concerned, the school district owes me some money. They can pick those little jewels up themselves, on their buck. Not mine. It has also been brought to my attention that parents have been purchasing teacher supplies, as well! However, we were not told that. I have no problem helping with classroom supplies. But by george, instead of manipulating parents, be honest! Let us know which supplies specifically will not be used by our children. I have since found out that some teachers, in our district, refuse to purchase the teacher's supplies that are on their own children's school supply lists! Baha! The teachers aren't even falling for that crap anymore.

One last thing. When Bentley started Kindergarten, he was so excited to be able to pick out his very own school supplies. We took our time, went to all the required stores, had a ball & let him pick out exactly what he wanted. The color, the size, whatever. So. Much. Fun. Until we took his brand new supplies to school & we were instructed to "dump everything into separate piles, with all the other children's items". After all that, my fresh, excited Kindergartener didn't get any of the items he chose. None. Zilch. Some other child(ren) got to use all of his stuff. I was so heartbroken. I felt so bad for Bentley. Which leads me to this...

We have been told not to write children's names on any of the supplies. You know what? Bullcrap. I bought the supplies. With my (our) money. You purchase the supplies? I'll do what you ask. I buy the supplies? I am plastering my children's names all over their supplies so they get to use their stuff. Never again with this district tell me what to do with my (our) money. Woot! It just feels good to be in control versus being controlled.

And there you have it. The longest-post-ever-in-history-regarding-school-supplies post. I'm sure it bored you to tears but guess what? It made me feel better typing it out. Especially the part where I've made the decision to not purchase the remaining supplies. Ahhhhhhhh. I don't like to be treated unfairly. I don't like to be taken advantage of. I don't like to be told what to do with my (our) money. So if the above happens, you can bet your tush I'm going to repay myself & well, just maybe, get a little revenge while I'm at it. Ü

Happy Back to School!

*This year's school supplies (- writing tables I'm not purchasing) = approx. $55.00. For three children.

*Prior year's school supplies = well over $100. For two children.

Cell phone usage.

I am totally against texting while driving. Heck, truth be told, I am totally against talking on a cell phone and/or reading emails while driving. My husband talks on his cell while driving 7 hours out of 8. It drives me insane. I think it is totally irresponsible & risking the safety of innocent drivers. My guess is that in the near future, cell phone usage while driving will cause as many, if not more, deaths than drunk driving.

Moments.

Why I called it quits with BlogHer. *Update.

This just seems so darn silly. For goodness sake, this is the internet. This 'stuff' isn't happening in physical life, it's happening via the internet. However, I felt compelled to make this move.

I've partnered with BlogHer & ran their ads on my blog since February '10. They partner with many, many blogs (who also display their ads), including the controversial blog of Jennifer McKinney, aka MckMama. I'm not going to go into all that makes her blog controversial; if you're a follower of her blog, you already know.

BlogHer has rules & regulations in their contract that one's blog/blogger must meet, before they are accepted as a partner. Wednesday evening I signed on to Twitter & noticed a tweet from BlogHer to "@mckmama" regarding some sort of contest, including the opportunity to win $100. Jennifer McKinney has currently/previously broken 2 of BlogHer's rules, & at that moment, it became clear to me that BlogHer finds it acceptable. The blog rules (that I'm aware of) disregarded? 1.) "don't publish adult content" 2.) "written by women".

Aside from the inconsistencies written by Jennifer, her husband has his own page linked to/advertised on her site, & some of his blog posts include vulgar language, blunt/accurate anatomy descriptions, acts of sexual conduct & the like. Simply put, & I've only read one post because believe me, one was enough!, it was disgusting. Not only disgusting, but Jennifer advertised the post herself on her blog to encourage others to read.

If that is the sort of material that Jennifer chooses to include on her blog, then that's her business. However, suddenly I realized that I have no desire to partner with a company that promotes and/or condones such behavior. Obviously, the all mighty dollar surpasses written & signed rules and regulations stated in BlogHer's contract. More importantly, when others who currently partner with BlogHer follow said rules, it's just unfair when others don't. And I care none to be associated with an organization(s) who a.) doesn't implement or enforce their own contract & b.) feel filthy blog content such as that is ok. In my book, it's not. But that's just me. I like to have fun like the next person, but come on. Certain content crosses the line. Something else I found disturbing - at the bottom of BlogHer ads, displayed are other BlogHer network blogs, & you can click on the links to go visit different blogs. From time to time, Jennifer's blog was advertised on my blog. No thank you.

Anyway, when I had this realization, I immediately removed BlogHer's ads & contacted them. To which they sent a one-line response: For me to remove my ads (already did that) & they would mail me my outstanding balance & our partnership would be severed. They never asked why I decided to leave the network. I guess they already knew, or didn't really care. :)

I have no problem running ads for companies. Many blogs have advertising and/or sponsors. But for me, I prefer a reputable company, who stands behind their contracts & demonstrates professionalism, as a professional organization. If a company claims to be professional, then by all means, back it up. And stand tall for doing so.

Happy Friday! Ü



*Today is 3.9.11. I am pleased to say BlogHer severed ties with Jennifer about 6 months (or so) ago. Jennifer was found guilty of plagiarism & BlogHer evidently decided enough was enough. The plagiarism appeared to be the last straw. Kudos to BlogHer! :)

Deceit.

Deceit - noun - 1. deception 2. dishonesty

But does exaggeration fall under deceit? Does misleading? Does fabrication?

By now you all know how I feel about deceit. Frankly? I strongly dislike it. It's a cop out. In my opinion, someone who can't own up to the truth, and/or enjoys fabricating & misleading others, is a wimp. One of the greatest characteristics one can possess is honesty. The truth is powerful. To possess & live it is honorary.

Most recently we've discussed Jennifer McKinney. Nothing really further to say about her - she is full of fabrications & it'll be interesting to see what lie ahead for her. Her deceit has now involved a very well known Christian Organization, Compassion, who I believe is working hard to save their reputation. Jennifer is a grown woman & must own up to her mistakes. Unfortunately, you reap what you sow.

Part of our adoption journey involves signing with a "Christian" (I use that word loosely) Facilitator in hopes of locating our 2nd or 3rd baby. (I say "2nd or 3rd" because I don't have the dates handy - I can't remember if we were actually searching for our 3rd, a girl, or if we doubled up when we were already signed with Lifetime Adoptions, waiting to be matched with our 2nd.) Anyway, one day I was viewing some other waiting couples' adoption profiles & stumbled across a couple who lived relatively close to us, & coincidentally, her husband happened to be in the same field of work mine is. We struck up a friendship, only then to discover she was good friends with the sister-in-law of my good friend! What are the chances? We developed a friendship that lasted quite some time.

Her husband ended up getting laid off & they fell under financial difficulties, right at the same time they matched with a birthmother (I do believe this match was not with the organization we were both signed with). Once you match with a birthmother, attorneys need to get involved, paperwork needs to begin = funds need to be available. They asked for donations & held community fundraisers in order to meet the financial responsibility that comes with an adoption. Once their baby girl arrived, my friend really began to 'pour it on thick', so to speak. They needed clothing for the baby. They needed diapers. They needed necessary necessities (I ♥ forming double whammies). They needed formula. Etc. They happened to be members of a very large church congregation & I know they were blessed with help from other members.

At that particular time, our Jaguar was about 9 months old or so. I remember gathering everything I could find to give to them. I had a huge gift bag (like 3' x 3'), I pulled out all of Jaguar's too small items & began filling the bag. I filled that huge bag to the rim. Literally, I gave them hundreds & hundreds of dollars worth of baby girl clothing & necessities. Including brand new formula. We no longer needed the items & they did. I love to help others, so it was no big deal & I never gave it a second thought. I was just so happy they finally had received the baby girl they had longed & prayed for for so long. I was so happy I could help them.

Until.

Until weeks went by & I never received a thank you. Finally I did, via an email, & it was the most unappreciative, insincere thank you I've probably ever received. That was disappointing. Then she began sending photos of their family & the new baby. I looked a little closer at the first photo & noticed "S" had on sculpt nails. Hmm. My first thought was 'if they are tight on money, why is she paying to have her nails done?' In more photos, I noticed "S" was always dressed to the hilt. As was her husband, son, & new baby daughter. And those sculpt nails showed up in every stinkin' photo. It was at that time I realized I had been taken for a ride & had given away all of my baby girl's clothing to someone who probably didn't need them. That alone made me sad (& a little pissed). (Remember when Mercedes arrived unannounced & for a few months she didn't have any clothes? This is why! :) Pretty much, she never heard from me again & vice versa.

Recently I've discovered another similar situation. Only, I'm not 'friends' with this girl, I just found & fell in love with her blog & adopted children. I've invested nothing but time reading her site. No biggie.

In recent postings, she often blogged about how strapped they are for money. Her husband is in the Military, they have 3-4 biological children & 5 adopted from China. Granted, they are special needs children, so their fees were probably less expensive than traditional China adoptions, but there's been 5, nonetheless. Medical visits & procedures for the children I'm sure add up quickly. So they are strapped for money - completely understandable.

Then there was a post about not affording to do anything for Spring Break (I think it was Spring Break - I'm a relatively new reader of hers, so it could have been another holiday) - again - completely understandable. One day, they supposedly "dug through all the couch cushions" & scraped up enough money to treat the kids to McDonald's. But after that post, came the monogrammed pillow(s). And then the new baby dolls she had ordered the girls from Etsy. Precious dolls! After seeing them, I'm sure they were quite pricey. Ok, sweet treat for the girls. Then came a post about new crocs for the children. Adorable! But not your 'common' crocs. I'm sure she paid a tiny bundle for a few pair. And the whopper today? Her new shoes, her husband bought her, for her birthday! A whopping $130.

Now wait just one cotton pickin' minute. This is the kind of crap that just gets my goat. Typically, when I make the statement "we're a little strapped right now", it's because we are. You won't find me scouring the internet for new purchases (btw, I think this girl purchases most everything via the internet, which means there's a strong possibility of additional shipping charges) for myself or my children. Oh how I'd love to! But being tight on money is being tight on money & some things must, will & can wait until finances improve.

I don't understand why people do this. Is it for attention? Sympathy? Gift cards? Baha! I don't get it. What I do get is the fact that I refer to this type of behavior as deceit. It's dishonesty. How can someone be hurting for money, yet get their nails done every 2 weeks? Or turn around & purchase $130 shoes? They can't (or, they shouldn't?). If they can, then chances are, they ain't that broke. Her link has now been removed from my blog because that's just how I roll.

I don't comprehend how people live like that. I don't know why they choose to live like that. I don't claim to be the most perfect person ever, but I could never live like that. I don't lie. I don't steal. I don't cheat. I don't fabricate. I don't exaggerate. I don't mislead. However, I am very dramatic though, so that part you'll just have to live with. Baha! Ü

I guess some things (and/or people) we'll just never understand.

Keepin' It Real.

Recently I've been bothered by the fact that I'm not blogging what's on my mind & in my heart. My concern for others, & being afraid of their opinions of me, has taken most of the joy out of my blogging. I'm irritated with myself. It is senseless to be an honest person, yet refrain from sharing honestly, because of what others might think. I have been SO anxious & excited to find myself again. I guess it just took the right time content. :)

Because I'm outspoken doesn't mean I'm not a friendly or caring person. Quite the opposite, as a matter of fact. Indeed I am a friendly, caring person with an outgoing personality. That said, God didn't design me as an introvert. I am a true extrovert. I have never been reserved & I have never been one to keep my thoughts and/or opinions to myself. Sometimes possibly I should, & I may toy with the idea, but most of the time, I don't. In addition, I am blantantly honest, brutally honest, too honest, if you will. You may not appreciate what I have to say, but it is what it is & that's just how I live. I live in reality, not fiction. The fact of the matter is I have absolutely no tolerance for dishonest people & I'm not one of them. I offer no apologies. Sure, some people don't agree with me. My favorite rule of thumb, so to speak, (which um, I made up all by myself) is "God created individuals, not duplicates". Thank you. :) I think it's totally acceptable & normal that people have difference of opinions. I also think finding a respectful way to disagree is actually the challenging part.

So anywho, let's get this party started! I'm ready. I've been ready. Let's go! Ü

Let's start w/ MckMama. She has opened herself up, willingly, to be an open target. So I'll shoot. To begin with, for someone (me) who cannot have her own biological children (me), it gets my goat to watch those who can have biological (or non-biological, for that matter) children treat those innocent lives like crap. And to post it & brag about it on the internet for all to see is flat out disgusting. To travel for days/weeks at a time here & there, leave those babies time & time again, lie & mislead those reading your site, admit (even though clueless) you do not parent as you should & then publicize it, by george, I'm gonna blog about. Thank you for the content. Honestly? Inconsiderate, selfish people who blog their ignorance give me something to discuss. That is, when I'm NOT raising & spending time with my 4 beautiful little people, whom I adore & cherish.

I am not a perfect person & I will never claim to be. However. I am a mother FIRST, a wife second. My children, as long as I'm on this earth, will always come first. Their needs will forever be placed before mine. My husband knows it & I am proud of the fact that he, too, puts our children before me, his wife. He'll catch no flack from me & vice versa. I do not submit (don't care for the term) to him, I will never submit to him - I am a partner WITH him. I am a Christian, who does not feel the need to 'Bible Thump' every person; actually, you see, if you think about it, I believe the only reason people do that is to make themselves feel better. God is the Truth. He can also be very comforting to those who are doing wrong by choice, make no beans about it, & continue with their wreckless, irresponsible, selfish behavior.

Seriously. Do we even need to discuss the fact that no one cares enough to wrap those little innocent loves in some soft, snuggy pajamas, so they too can get a comfy, good night's sleep? I'm appalled. Honest to pete. Do you think MckMama Jennifer sleeps in her uncomfortable clothes? I bet not. We all know how much money she makes from blogging - "a lot" - (btw, who cares how much money she makes. Money has nothing to do with being a responsible, loving parent) so we all know they can afford pajamas for the children. What they can't seem to afford is the time it takes to show those children love - to devote TIME - & something as simple as changing out of one set of clothes into another. Maybe I'm the only one (although, I doubt it), but I feel so deeply sorry for the MckChildren. The amount of time they have been left without mom or dad is inexcusable. When you decide to have children, your life changes. There is complete responsibility & it's not always when you feel like it. Your children are a part of you & your family is a package. Not just when it's convenient.

And did you read her husband's post? My first one to read. And my last. Oh.my.frickin'.stars. My eyes, my eyes! Disgusting! Good glory, do they not know that there are some things that just don't need to be shared? I'm embarrassed for him! Get a clue, dude! It's called privacy. Have some dignity, for crying out loud!

Let me add this. Every marriage cannot be saved. I was married prior. My husband punched me in the face, kicked the living daylights out of me on several occasions, threatened me, repeatedly called me names I would not even say to my dog, constantly belittled & degraded me. He had adulterous affairs. He threw things at me & would hit me with them, splitting my skin open. The night I had finally made the decision (no, it didn't take long) that I was more important - he had me pinned down & was holding a knife 1 inch from my face. The point of me sharing all that? The guy had a chemical imbalance. He refused to take medication. My marriage could not be saved & it was not worth me risking my life to find out if it could. I believe people can be saved, but some marriages cannot. For anyone to insinuate anything different is asinine. If you find yourself in a dangerous situation, please don't let anyone persuade/influence you or talk you into staying. Get the heck out. Don't jeopardize your life all the while praying your partner doesn't 'snap'.

I'm not going to back up my comments regarding MckMama (or anyone else) with facts. Head on over to http://www.mckmamawithoutpity.blogspot.com/ for that. She does a fantastic job.

I'm only here to blog what's on my mind. 'Cause it's my blog. And I like to talk type. A lot. Ü