Tuesday, August 12, 2008

One Sleepy Mommy

Maybe it's just because I'm in my first trimester or maybe it's because I am a little stressed out, either way I have been sleeping much more than usual lately. My new daily sleep routine goes something like this:

Go to bed sometime between 11pm and midnight. Wake-up at least 1-3 times during the night because of the cat or Ryan. Wake up at 7am when Ryan comes in to tell me good morning. Take a nap usually in the morning around 9am or 10am and sleep until Noon or 1pm.

Is that a lot? For some reason when I add it up in my head it doesn't seem like all that much, but Scott told me today that he has noticed that I am sleeping more. All I know is I could use at least one more nap sometime in the afternoon. Or, better yet, maybe I will try to get to bed by 10pm. Yeah, let's see if I can pull that one off!

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Thursday, August 7, 2008

My Little Secret Revealed


Okay, I have been ready to burst keeping this secret under wraps until going to the doctor today, now it official...I'm pregnant!

Here's the story...a couple of weeks ago I got up at the crack of dawn to go to the doctor to have my stomach scoped. I was diagnosed a while back with a couple of stomach ulcers and I needed to have the doctor look to see if they had healed or not. I had to wait what seemed like forever. After a while the nurse called me back and told me she needed a urine sample, etc. I was just getting settled in when the nurse came in to tell me that they could not perform the procedure because the routine pregnancy test came back POSITIVE! I went and had the blood work done and I am indeed "with child."

I went to the doctor today and saw the baby's heartbeat! I'm in love, already! I am only about 6 weeks pregnant and given my age I am not out of the woods yet. I have to get through the next 6 weeks without any problems and I also have to make sure the baby is healthy.

Even after hearing all the wonderful news from the doctor I was still somewhat hesitant to make this announcement. Then it dawned on me...non of this is really up to me. I mean I can do my best to eat right, take care of myself, etc., but at some point I know that it is up to God whether or not I am meant to have another wonderful healthy child. So, I figured I would choose to have faith that this is meant to be and I should celebrate the news by sharing it.

So now you know. I hope I don't jinx anything by sharing the news so early! I'm just so happy, I couldn't help myself!

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Wednesday, August 6, 2008

Tuesday, August 5, 2008

Rue La La… An Entirely New Online Shopping Experience


I just found a great place to save money while over at Lipstick to Crayons. Check it out:

Rue La La is… an exclusive, invitation-only online destination where Members discover premier-brand, private sale Boutiques, each open for just a brief window of time. Membership is free. It’s also invitation-only and we have your exclusive VIP membership code. Simply go to https://www.ruelala.com/ and click “invited by a member”, this is where you can add this email address (vip@ruelala.com) in order to gain membership access to the site. Invite a friend and receive a $10 Rue La La Credit towards your first order.

Thanks Lipstick and Crayons for letting us know about this place! I've already signed up and looking forward to saving some money!

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Thursday, July 31, 2008

Congress Approves Phthalate Ban

Got this from enviroblog.org and wanted to share it with everyone:

Good news for parents and children everywhere: Congress has agreed to a ban on three dangerous phthalates in products made for children under 12. The decision came in spite of the chemical industry's desperate (and well-funded) attempt to shut the provision down. Exxon-Mobil alone spent a significant portion of its $22 million lobbying budget on the project, according to Lyndsey Layton at The Washington Post.

The provision, which would also require extensive testing of three other types of phthalates before potentially banning them, is a part of a major piece of legislation overhauling the Consumer Products Safety Commission. Although President Bush has said that he disagrees with the phthalate ban (no surprise there), I'm willing to speculate that it would probably be hard for him to veto the entire bill, since its purpose is to protect American consumers.

This is, of course, a major step in the right direction, but is it a harbinger of major change to come? Andy Igrejas of the Pew Charitable Trusts told Layton,

"The debate over this one set of chemicals is a referendum on a broken system. Congress saw just how screwed up the system is in protecting people from chemicals, especially children."

Meanwhile, Layton writes that the ban "signals an important crack in the chemical industry's ability to fend off federal regulation and suggests that the landscape may be shifting to favor consumers." Here's hoping they're right -- we're about due for a landscape shift.

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President Bush Signs "Conquer Childhood Cancer Act"


CureSearch National Childhood Cancer Foundation is pleased to announce that President George W. Bush has signed into law H.R. 1553, the Caroline Pryce Walker Conquer Childhood Cancer Act, at a ceremony in the Oval Office.

This legislation was named in memory of Caroline Pryce Walker, daughter of Congresswoman Deborah Pryce (R-OH), who succumbed to neuroblastoma in 1999 at age nine, and will dramatically increase federal investment into childhood cancer research.

The bill authorizes $30 million annually over five years, providing funding for collaborative pediatric cancer clinical trials research, to create a population-based national childhood cancer database, and to further improve public awareness and communication regarding available treatment and research for children with cancer and their families.

CureSearch exclusively supports the life-saving research of the Children's Oncology Group, the world's premier cancer research collaborative. Treating 90 percent of children with cancer, the Children's Oncology Group includes more than 5,000 experts in childhood cancer research and treatment, located at more than 200 leading children's and university hospitals across North America.

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Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Future Super Model??

Future super model...well maybe, maybe not. Looks like Ryan may get his chance afterall. We received a packet from KDA and it looks like they may want to use him as a model afterall.

Who would have thought that I could be so lucky....not only is the little man a sweetheart but he's a cutie too!! Okay, so I'm a little biased. But the truth is the truth!

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Tuesday, July 29, 2008

MoveOn.org


If you are like me then you can't wait for a change in the White House!

I found this site online today, http://www.moveon.org/ and thought I should share it. The MoveOn family of organizations brings real Americans back into the political process. With over 3.2 million members across America – from carpenters to stay-at-home moms to business leaders – we work together to realize the progressive promise of our country. MoveOn is a service – a way for busy but concerned citizens to find their political voice in a system dominated by big money and big media.

You can get all sorts of information about both canidates. This is a great way to start to make an educated decision about which canidate you chose to suppost. Personally, I like Obama, and if you are like me and support Obama you can even get a free pin or bumper sticker at http://www.moveon.org/.

Enjoy!

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Saturday, July 26, 2008

My Little Secret

Okay, it's been almost a week since I last posted anything. All week I have been struggling with a secret. I have decided not to share the good news just yet. Know this...I have some awesome news that I will be screaming from the rooftops (if all goes well) in a couple of weeks! Until then please stay turned as I try to get back on track.

Thanks!

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Monday, July 21, 2008

Are They Still There?

Tomorrow is the big day! My doctor is going to look at the inside of my stomach to see if my ulcers have healed. I am praying that there are no signs of any ulcers. At the same time I have to be realistic. Let's just say that I am not the most relaxed person in the world and being married and having a toddler can occasionally stress me out. Hence the need for prayers!

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Thursday, July 17, 2008

"Conquer Childhood Cancer Act" Passes by Unanimous Consent in the United States Senate


I just received this great news today:

CureSearch Praises Passage of Landmark "Conquer Childhood Cancer Act" by Unanimous Consent in the United States Senate. Children with Cancer and Their Families to Benefit from Legislation.

July 17, 2008 (Bethesda, MD) - CureSearch National Childhood Cancer Foundation salutes the United States Senate for its passage of the Conquer Childhood Cancer Act, which promises to significantly increase federal investment into childhood cancer research.

The bill, first introduced in the Senate by Senators Jack Reed (D-RI) and Norm Coleman (R-MN), passed by unanimous consent, echoing a similar 416-0 vote June 12th in the U.S. House of Representatives. Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) requested, and received, this unanimous consent on the Senate floor.

The bill authorizes $30 million annually over five years, providing funding for collaborative pediatric cancer clinical trials research, to create a population-based national childhood cancer database, and to further improve public awareness and communication regarding available treatment and research for children with cancer and their families.

"Too many young people's lives were cut short by cancer, but their hopes were not," said Reed. "We have made great advances in treating cancer, but there is still much more to be done. The Conquer Childhood Cancer Act will deliver much needed hope and support to children and families battling cancer and more resources for vital pediatric cancer research programs."

Senator Coleman, an original sponsor, noted that the legislation passed unanimously in both Houses of Congress, and lauded the overwhelming bi-partisan support of the measure, which addresses a critical national health issue that is finally receiving the attention it deserves.

"Passage of the Conquer Childhood Cancer Act in the Senate is a monumental step in the fight against childhood cancer," said Coleman. "I am proud that my colleagues were able to come together and pass legislation that will provide the resources to not only support children and families with childhood cancer, but also find a cure."

CureSearch supports the life-saving research of the Children's Oncology Group, the world's premier cancer research collaborative. Treating 90 percent of children with cancer, the Children's Oncology Group includes more than 5,000 experts in childhood cancer research and treatment, located at more than 200 leading children's and university hospitals across North America.

"The Conquer Childhood Cancer Act allows for translation of the very best research discoveries into clinical evaluation and practice, in order to improve the cure rates for all children with cancer," stated Gregory Reaman, MD, Chair of the Children's Oncology Group.

"On behalf of my colleagues in the Children's Oncology Group and the children with cancer and their families who are our partners in clinical research, we thank our leaders in the Senate. Only research cures childhood cancer."

"We applaud the leadership of Senators Reed and Coleman and their colleagues in the Senate who through the passage of this bill have made finding the cure for childhood cancer an urgent national priority. Together with their colleagues in the House, Congress has given childhood cancer the attention and support that is long overdue and much needed," said Stacy Pagos Haller, Executive Director of CureSearch.

Having passed both the House of Representatives and the Senate unanimously, the bill now heads to the White House, where President Bush is expected to sign it into law.

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Saturday, July 12, 2008

Missing in Action

Yes, this week I have been MIA when it comes to my blog. I've had so much going on lately.

First, Scott is in the process of looking for a new job. This means that along with my normal jobs of mommy, wife, maid, cook, chauffeur, accountant, etc., I have taken on another job, that of personal assistant. I have been spending most of my nights looking online at jobs for Scott and/or helping him with his vitae and resume. We may have to move or we may stay here,we just have to see what happens. Either way, I think this is an opportunity to bring Scott and I closer and for Scott to grow in his career.

I also took the THEA test this week. My plan is to apply to get my alternative teaching certification. I want to take the classes this fall, depending on Scott's job situation. Obviously, if we move I will have to apply to a different school.

I will be happy when some of the uncertainties we have been dealing with have been resolved. I am a "planner" so all these loose ends are starting to get on my nerves. But, whenever things get to the point that I think I just can't take anymore all I have to do is look at Ryan. He usually has a big grin on his face. He has fun doing just about anything. If nothing else he has taught me that you really don't need much to be happy. As long as I have Scott and Ryan I know that everything will be just fine!

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Sunday, July 6, 2008

Ryan's First Job Interview

This past year my former housekeeper told me that her kids used to model for Kim Dawson and really liked it. She went on to tell me all the details and I decided to send the modeling agency pictures of Ryan. Almost six months later I received an email letting us know that Ryan "has been selected to be considered as a prospective model with Kim Dawson Agency." Ryan is scheduled for his "preliminary interview at the agency" this Tuesday! I am so excited for our little man.

Please wish him luck! We'll let you know how it turns out. Who knows...our little man may end up being a super toddler model. Either way, we think he is simply adorable from the inside out!

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Wednesday, July 2, 2008

In Memory of Green Green (1993-2008)

Today I had to euthanize my cat, Green. It has been one of the most awful things I have ever had to do. She was a wonderful companion and will be missed greatly. She was almost 15 years old and had been a great comfort in my life through dating jerks, getting married, moving to the country, losing twins, losing my stepmother, losing my dad, moving, going through a divorce, being severely depressed, renovating a house, moving, renovating a condo, getting remarried, moving one last time, and having a baby. I found this online and thought it would help to share it:

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable. All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. Her bright eyes are intent; Her eager body begins to quiver. Suddenly she begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, her legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart. Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together.

Author unknown.

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Monday, June 30, 2008

The Next Survivor Series for DAD

I got this email from a friend and just had to share:

Six married men will be dropped on an island with one car and 3 kids each for six weeks.

- Each kid will play two sports and either take music or dance classes.
- There is no fast food.
- Each man must take care of his 3 kids; keep his assigned house clean, correct all homework, and complete science projects, cook, do laundry, and pay a list of "pretend" bills with not enough money.
- In addition, each man will have to budget in money for groceries each week.
- Each man must remember the birthdays of all their friends and relatives, and send cards out on time--no emailing.
- Each man must also take each child to a doctor's appointment, a dentist appointment and a haircut appointment.
- He must make one unscheduled and inconvenient visit per child to the Urgent Care.
- He must also make cookies or cupcakes for a social function.
- Each man will be responsible for decorating his own assigned house, planting flowers outside and keeping it presentable at all times.
- The men will only have access to television when the kids are asleep and all chores are done.
- The men must shave their legs, wear makeup daily, adorn themselves with jewelry, wear uncomfortable yet stylish shoes, keep fingernails polished and eyebrows groomed.
- During one of the six weeks, the men will have to endure severe abdominal cramps, back aches,and have extreme, unexplained mood swings but never once complain or slow down from other duties.
- They must attend weekly school meetings, church, and find time at least once to spend the afternoon at the park or a similar setting.
- They will need to read one or more books to the kids each night and in the morning, feed them, dress them, brush their teeth and comb their hair by 7:00 am.
- A test will be given at the end of the six weeks, and each father will be required to know all of the following information: each child's birthday, height, weight, shoe size, clothes size and doctor's name. Also the child's weight at birth, length, time of birth, and length of labor, each child's favorite color, middle name,favorite snack, favorite song, favorite drink, favorite toy, biggest fear and what they want to be when they grow up.

The kids vote them off the island based on performance. The last man wins only if...he still has enough energy to be intimate with his spouse at a moment's notice.

If the last man does win, he can play the game over and over and over again for the next 18-25 years eventually earning the right to be called Mother!

After you get done laughing, send this to as many females as you think will get a kick out of it and as many men as you think can handle it. Just don't send it back to me.... I'm going to bed.

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Friday, June 27, 2008

Frugal Friday

I just started a new hobby, shopping for clothes to see how much money I can save. It's actually kind of fun. For instance, I have started shopping at area resale shops for summer clothes (these shops are mostly in DFW area but some of them have stores nation wide). I found some Great Buys at Plato's Closet, even though it claims to specialize in clothes for teens and twenty somethings" I found some great deals on t-shirts and tops there. The carry GAP, Banana Republic, Old Navy, and more. I got 4 tops for under $20. I did have try on a lot of clothes, but in the end it was well worth it. Then I went next door to Once Upon a Child. I picked up 3 shirts for Ryan for less than $12. These shirts were all name brands like Oshkosh, Polo, and GAP. Next I went to Feminine Fashion Consignment in Fort Worth and picked up a Harold's top (that was originally $68) for under $15. This is one store that always has lots of nice designer items for cheap prices. If you check out the link they even have special sales each month where you can get everything for 30% - 50% off. I went to there sister store in Arlington, ReRun Resale Boutique , and picked up two pairs of JCrew Shorts for $10 each! These are the same shorts I tried on at the JCrew Outlet (that cost $42) but decided to wait until they went on sale before I bought them. These two stores also have lots of great designer shoes. I am still kicking myself for not grabbing a pair of Cole Hahn sandals for $18 when I had the chance! What can I say, it was a rookie mistake. By the experience I learned that if you really like something you better get it before someone else snaps it up.


Here are a few more deals I recently discovered:

This just arrived in my inbox: Take 15% off your order of $75 or more at The Children's Place with code MSAT78. Good through July 5 only. The Monster Sale (i.e. summer clearance) sale, with deals starting at $7.99. $5 flat-rate shipping.

If it wasn't on sale last week it is now! OldNavy.com has cut prices again on many of their summer items. Save up to 50% and more. Lots of baby girls and boys' stuff for under $6. Plenty of tops under $5. Maternity tops and tanks start at $5.99. $7 flat-rate shipping.


Plus according to the Real Simple blog: This Saturday only (June 28th), Old Navy's nation wide will be selling their fabulously comfortable and colorful flip flops for $1 each! You can grab a pair in every color and remain guilt and debt free. Now that's priceless!

Auntie Anne's Pretzel has a new offer for a B1G1 coupon for an Auntie Anne's pretzel here. (Some people are saying that this coupon gives you a completely free Auntie Anne's pretzel.

Sign up to receive the Home Made Simple coupon booklet with over $31 in money-saving coupons. (Last time this booklet was available, there was a coupon for a completely free product!).

Sign up for The Home Depot Garden Club and receive valuable coupons, savings, and gardening advice.

Get a $5/$25 Party City coupon (expires 06/29/08).

I just love getting clothes that look good for dirt cheap! I hope you find some great deals out there as well. Please feel free to share any great places, deals, etc. that you have found with us. While it is tempting to keep these things a secret, most people just love finding great deals on things. Why not share?

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Tuesday, June 24, 2008

Please Help!


I need your help in getting the cancer drug Avastin (a form of chemo) covered by Medicare. This is the same drug, Avastin, Senator Kennedy's doctor prescribed for his brain tumor. However Medicare will not approve it as a 1st tier treatment. It is very expensive, but also very effective. If you get cancer after age 65 you don't have access to the best treatments. If Medicare doesn't approve a treatment your supplemental insurance won't approve it either. That is scary!!! It is over $30,000 per "dose" and so the doctors don't prescribe it even if it might help since Medicare won't cover. And, the secondary insurance won't pay for it when Medicare doesn't. If you are poor, you can get it on a special program thru the drug companies, but if you are regular working folks, you make too much money to get it covered.

Please write your representative regarding this matter. you can even cut and paste the message above. Here is the info to send to the congress persons from your district. The link that is provided gives the list of your representatives and hooks you into their e-mail addresses.


The website : http://www.visi.com/juan/congress/

Send to everyone you know who might be interested. Please help me with this matter.

Thanks!


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Monday, June 23, 2008

George Carlin Dead at 71


I was shocked today when I heard that George Carlin, the much-honored American stand-up comedian whose long career was distinguished by pointed social commentary that placed him on the cultural cutting edge, died Sunday in Santa Monica, Calif.




The above clip is from one of his most memorable shows (beware, it's rated R at best). I think I watched every HBO special he ever made. I really liked his sense of humor and truth in his comedy. Even when he made points about religion that I didn't agree with, he had a way of making me see things from his point of view. Not to mention that his voice was used as the narrator for many Thomas videos. I am glad that we have recordings to remember him with. He bought me great joy and I will personally miss him greatly.

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Friday, June 20, 2008

New House Bill Would Ban BPA in Food/Beverage Packaging


Since I didn't get a chance to post something this week for "Thankful Thursday" I thought I would share this:

I am thankful that I found the site www.enviroblog.org. I just have to share an article I found there about a house bill would ban BPA in food, beverage packaging:

"It seems like everyone and their mother knows about the risks associated with bisphenol A in baby bottles and hard plastic water bottles. Okay, so maybe they don't know the specifics. Recently, while trying to explain what I do to a new acquaintance, I got a blank look until I said "that chemical in water bottles" -- then the lightbulb went off. "Oh, the Nalgene thing! Yeah, I tossed mine and got a metal one."

Anyway, all the media attention to plastic reusable drink containers has been a little perplexing for those of us at Enviroblog HQ. It's not that the risk of BPA in baby bottles is negligible, but it's minor compared to the potential exposure from canned infant formula. Like all other food cans, formula cans are lined with a BPA-based epoxy resin that leaches into formula, under normal use, at considerably higher levels than BPA from baby bottles. And what's really important is the combined dosage, day in and day out as infants develop.

But a new bill, brought to the House yesterday by Rep. Edward Markey (D-MA), would ban BPA from food and drink containers, including canned infant formula. The ban would affect all canned foods, including prepared foods like soup and pasta which EWG tests found to contain some of the highest levels of BPA. FDA estimates that 17 percent of the US diet is comprised of canned food.

A bill addressing BPA in the Senate would ban the chemical from children's products -- another important step, considering potential exposures from toys, pacifiers and teething instruments that young children put in their mouths. The Senate bill, however, doesn't address food and drink containers. Since many babies are fed canned vegetables starting from 6 months to a year of age, it hardly makes sense to address one and not the other.

Of course, given that there are literally no safety standards for BPA, any legislation at all regulating its use is a significant step forward."

I don't have the time to research all the scary things I hear about in regards to the environment (nor do most of the people I know). I am thankful that there are people out there that are dedicated to sharing information so the rest of us can make more informed decisions. Thanks to everyone who contributes to the Enviroblog site!

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