So be it looking for green, feeling green or being green I have enjoyed the past couple of green weeks…What color has your life been???

The Crockpot
Apr 07, 2008 11:33 am

Laugh if you will, I worship my crockpot. What else can you throw some broth and whatever meat and veggie are in the kitchen and have a meal with no work. The crockpot in my house holds the coveted place in the small appliance cabinet, right up front and in the center, ready to be pulled out in a moments notice. I am convinced the blender and pasta roller are jealous of my mini miracle god. I did get a new crockpot for Christmas, stainless steel, oval rounded edges, three temperature setting, heaven on earth. It comes in first, in matter of cooking tools.

Usually on the weekends I pull out my slow cooker. With my husband home it is nice to spend the time together, eat a good meal and not be in the kitchen all day. I say anything that cuts my cooking/cleaning down is A+ in my book. The magic of the slow cooker is also this, I have more energy in the morning, by the time evening comes around the thought of preparing a meal is too much. I use that morning energy to make my tired evenings go a lot smoother. I look for anything that makes life a little easier. Lets face it what mom doesn‘t. If we could get one more hour with the family or heck dare I say an extra minute for myself, I take it. I feel good knowing dinner is done, no guilt!

So some boneless chicken breast, carrots, potato and a little chicken broth nine a.m. and dinner is done! I really don’t worship my crockpot, although I do love it above everything in my kitchen. When you find something as a mom that works you use it and then you have to share its praises to help another mom. So my ode to my crockpot is done-What do you use as a mom to make life easier?

Real Moms Get Crazy
Apr 01, 2008 5:24 pm

Sometimes I have to laugh at the things I do and say as a mom. The type of things that would send anyone else to get there head checked. I am constantly pulling stuff out of my hat to entertain the kids and make them laugh, we can get a little crazy.

It starts when the little ones are brand new to the world, I think the younger the kid is the crazier the parents are. I would “coochie-coo,” and dance to silly songs to try to get my newborns to smile. Eyes really big, as I moved closer to my children saying “cho a baby,” always got them going. I remember on an episode of Friends when a choice song, “Baby’s got Back,” was the only thing that made Rachel’s baby laugh. They sang it and danced, got a few questionable looks, but when they heard their baby laugh nothing else mattered. The truth is we will darn near anything to get a baby to smile or laugh, it is pure innocence.

As they get older I find physical comedy works best. My children love when I pretend to fall, my high school drama is good for something. Another great one is dancing with a bucket or basket on your head, that always gets the one year old going. I do somersaults, cartwheels and stand on my head all for the pleasure of my children, I am a three ring circus. One of the best was when I came out with a pair of pants on my head and socks on my hands, did that get a laugh. Now if I were to walk outside and do that I would hear laughter, but not the good kind.

One of the best things about our kids is their ability to make us break out of our adult shell and act crazy, especially when another kind of crazy has taken over our day. Nothing helps me release all that negative energy like dancing in the living room with my kids, the more animated the better it feels. The blinds open, I don’t care let the world see!

The sad thing this phase will pass, and mom won’t be silly anymore. If I were to wear sock puppets or say “cho-cho” to my teenager or college graduate they would send me away to get my head checked. So for now I will enjoy this time, act like a kid for one more day and get a little crazy!

Grow Where You Are Planted.
Mar 31, 2008 4:01 pm

Grow Where You Are Planted.

To me mommytalk is where my roots are. Like most you stumble across this site in either a moment of despair or a search for a connection. In the few short months here I have gained a lot, grown in a fantastic way. I have had so much support and love from all my sisters in motherhood.

My blogs are a creative way to release all the chaos and excitement of the day. As a Leo, perhaps a way to settle the savage beast. In a way it is a digital journal, a peek inside my crazy mind. I find most of my ideas from my two little muses, the little things they do sparks a memory, creates an idea. Our children benefit us more then we or they will ever know. They bring back our imagination, they take us down a notch to truly see what is important. They truly are my inspiration

I Think I Can
Mar 28, 2008 8:31 am

This will gross a lot of people , but I can tell how good my day was by one simple test, the teeth, flooring comparison. If my teeth are as smooth as porcelain tile, it has been a good day, if my teeth are like a 1960’s shag carpet it has been a bad day. Okay it is not because I haven’t brushed my teeth all day, it is because on bad days my sugar/pop/chocolate consumption triples and because, okay I question my oral hygiene. Among the trails of the day, the crying, the tantrum the possible caring of a sick child, did I take two minutes to take care of myself?

As a mom I think sometimes we forget our own needs. There are the days when the endless list of things yet to be done is screaming in the corner. How to get it done? We forget sometimes to delegate. In the big business world that word, delegate, is thrown around a lot. When it comes to running the empire that is our family why do we take the load on ourselves. Stay at home moms, like myself, often feel the guilt of not making financial contributions to the home but even working moms take the brunt of the household, child rearing tasks. Just the other day my husband decided to help me with laundry, I was thrilled, I was not so thrilled when he left the basket of clean clothes for me to fold. It was easier for some reason to sulk, throw a little tizzy so why didn’t I ask for his help, delegate while I did my other tasks.

I write this blog, as well as all my blogs as a release, to gain perspective, a hot shower for the soul. On those bad days when we are chugging up that hill, wondering when did I take a minute for myself, and the all important question did I brush my teeth today? You have to let go and release some of the load, ask for help. Some road will be rocky, some smooth but we keep chuggin’ along “I think I can, I think I can…” the lil’ mommy that could

The 80’s
Life in a Decade
Mar 27, 2008 7:23 am

It has been a blast going down memory lane preparing my profile for the 80’s challenge. For me the 80’s was less Molly Ringwald and the Brat Pack, and more My Little Pony and the Cabbage Patch, the doll not the dance. I entered the the 80’s as a toddler and left a pre-teen, some years great some not so. So what do you take from the 80’s the things that were make you cringe, crispy bangs and shoulder pads, or the good, Jake Ryan and Samantha Baker.

Although I don’t remember, at the beginning of the 80’s my parents divorced, the divorce was not pretty and the effects spread throughout my childhood. Being carted back and forth, surviving through child custody and parents remarrying it was hard for a child to feel safe. I can’t imagine my parents being married today, I never was a child who secretly wished her parents would reunited. What I did wish was that my parents were cordial and more aware of how their words and actions effected us children.

Real Moms Get Dirty
Mar 24, 2008 5:58 am

I marvel in a day how much dirt my children can pick up. My vacuum cleaner lives in the front room. After lugging it upstairs and downstairs 3 times a day to the closet, its old home, I decided to save my back and a little time. Two against one is not good odds for a mommy, if I cleaned up after all their messes I would not get a moments rest. I have the deep desire to clone myself, one to clean the other to play with the kiddos, I would play of course.

One thing my husband and I agree on is to never hold are children back in fear they might get dirty or messy, to always let them explore. Everything can be cleaned with a little soap and water. I cannot tell you how many times at the park I hear “NO-NO Jr. you can’t get dirty.” To each there own but doesn’t going to the park imply dirt, they ultimately go hand and hand.

One time, after days of rain, I put Nolan’s rain boots on and we walked around for an hour splashing in puddles. We went down to the parks pond and watched the minnows swim upstream. It was a warm sunny day, Nolan was wet and had dirt rain splashes up and down his legs. He was truly a happy dirty boy. One mom on the way home told me how nice I was, she never would let her kids splash in puddles like that. Poor kids.

Raising a girl could get a little bit more tricky. I often dream of the perfect Shirley Temple curls with ribbons tied perfect. My Megan will never be that and that is fine with me. She will be the girl with the princess crown in her tangled hair wearing sparkle tight and rain boots digging for worms. More of a Ramona Quimby if you will.

Life is dirty. Do you walk around the puddle or just go through it. I love that kids can just walk through the water and dirt and have fun. I love my children’s free spirit, their ability to make a rainy day fun. I think I will get my rain boots on, leave the vacuum in the corner, jump in, and get a lil‘ dirty.

High Tides and Low Rise-
Mar 22, 2008 3:17 pm

As I was putting on a pair of jeans, ones that were worn before the second pregnancy, I realized I could not get them up past my hips. Granted I know I have put on a couple of “L-Bs.” but the thing was they were not suppose to go on past my hips, the label says “super low-rise” Could it be I actually own a pair of Britney Spears, thong strap showing denim blues. I was so mortified, I really cannot remember these jean being so low, what a ho I was . I swear if I saw my daughter wearing a pair of jeans like that I would flip. Then it hit me, I have said something, became something, something I thought I would never become- my mother.

Those low-rise jeans took me back ten years ago, Senior Girls Dance, I had picked out the perfect dress and was escorting my mom to pay for my said dress. Well when my mom saw it her expression said it all, it said “no daughter of mine is walking around like she just got off the hooker bus.” With a quick “NO” I was off to find another dress. I was so embarrassed, I wanted to look cool and sophisticated. I was seventeen I should of been able to wear whatever the hell I wanted.

My mom always made sure we were dressed appropriately, heck I spend three years in a Catholic school. We never walked out the door in anything to reveling. It was the source of much frustration as a teen-ager. We were allowed to experiment test the waters if you will. It is harder to go to far, into the water, when the better part of your high school days were during the Seattle grunge movement. My sister did have a little Goth faze but she was held back from dying her hair and piercing every part of her body.

After I left the house it took awhile to change my conservative wardrobe. Some low-cut shirts and tiny skirts. I did always have that little voice in the back of my head, I rebelled. I dressed the way I wanted and it was great. Mind you in no way did I look like I fell of the hooker bus, but I was sexy. So when did it all change? What made me cringe and inevitably question my choice in pant rise. How did I become mom? 

I have to admit that I get a chuckle every time I catch myself yelling at my children “Don’t make me come up there” or as my mom teased me, when I called my daughter “Lady” like my dad called me. We come to learn that maybe what are parents taught so long ago wasn’t so bad. In sixteen years when Megan shows me low cut jeans or a reveling top I know I will give her the same look my mother gave me.

All this got me thinking about a Question of the day awhile back, are you a better parent then your parents were. I answered yes and the truth is when Megan and Nolan are parents I hope they are a better parent then I was. I hope they learn from their mistakes as well as my own. One day, thirty years from now I hope Megan is blogging about her own “mom” revelation and admitting mom was right….only just a little.

What I should of said
Mar 17, 2008 5:05 am

Yesterday at my moms bridal tea we all had to go around and talk about how we knew mom and a great memory, well I choked-and since I am a better writer I thought I should give it another shot.

Most children are carried for nine months being loved in the womb, and there are those children that were born in the heart, never having to earn love somehow it was just there all along. That is how it is with mom, society would call her my "Step-mom" but life has made her my Mom. 

Growing up was hard for me, divorce tore our family apart.  Mom fought like hell to give me a normal life.  She put me in dresses and coats any little girl could dream of, she curled my hair and made me feel special.  When life got hard she made it beautiful.

Mom always encouraged us to be creative, and always had creative way of doing things.  She was the Martha Stewart of the neighborhood.  I always was proud when other moms asked for her help.  She threw great parties and then would help her freinds by preparing food and other jobs.

I think the greatest thing I ever learned was to never go anywhere empty handed.  You should always be prepared with something to share.  It sounds simple but when you share what you have, you show others you care. 

I lucked out in this life.  Not many kids have it lucky the first time around.  Sometimes you need a second chance and I got one.  All my life lessons I learned from my mom and I am a better mom because of it. 

Real moms bake Casseroles
Mar 17, 2008 4:41 am

Inspired by a recipe in a chat, thanks Rachel, it got me thinking about the importance of having some good casserole recipes in the repertoire. I watch those cooking shows, with the gourmet cooks, and admire their seared beef tenderloin with a sherry reduction placed artistically on a plate amongst field greens and truffled mashed potatoes . They work masterfully, food artist if you will , no doubt years of training and a great passion for food. A true test for those chefs would be to have two screaming toddlers at their feet.

The casserole to me is a true art form. The true test to how good a casserole is can be told by 2 points, one how many pots and pans you use and two how good it hides the veggies. One pan and cheesy veggies my kids are eating rivals any four star chef’s culinary delights.

Providing a meal with the essential food groups is important to me. As a kid growing up my mom always made sure we had a protein, starch and vegetable on our plate every night, and it is only right that I share that with my children. My mom was very good at throwing whatever in a bowl and calling it dinner, well she had another name for it but might hurt some virgin ears. I remember though sitting at the table with my mom, brother and sister sharing a moment and sharing our day. Some of my best memories as a kid involves the dinner table.

I think as mom were are passions lie are not how fancy are meals but how they sustain our children, helps them grow and feel nourished. The casserole enables me to incorporate all the things my children need and have a little time to play with the kiddos. I love when my kids love what I cook, but just as equally am frustrated when they turn their lil’ noses at my cooking skills. Every time I cook something I know I am giving a little love to my family.

So tonight I will proudly take out a can of cream of mushroom soup, proudly mix it with some noodles maybe some tuna, and some peas. I could make a five course dinner, be a true Renoir of the culinary world, but tonight I will create a tuna casserole to throw those foodies off their rockers!

Thank you Mommytalkers
my day out
Mar 16, 2008 7:54 pm

Well I left the house, no one was hurt-and i feel recharged.  I have a hard time letting control or maybe I just needed reassurance, and i got the best help from my mommytalk friends!

Well I will admit it was hard to leave the house by myself.  I left a list for the hubby, made the meals, and got Meg to nap.  I got in my car and drove.  the Catholic prayers came out- a Hail Mary, a few Our Fathers,  it took 15 minutes but I got comfortable and started to relax.  Of course no Dora or Wiggles playin' I had full control of the radio and it rocked!

Once I got to Oshkosh I stopped for a little retail thearapy then headed off to the shower.  It was so awesome to see my Chicago Aunts-they are a awesome bunch.  I saw them last year at this time and one was battleing cancer, and now she is recovering and in remission WOOHOO!  I got to sit through a whole meal and not have to clean up a spill!

When I got home to see those two smiling face at the door- and those great big hugs-WOW!!!!   I topld my Dh I will do it more often.  Letting go, Giving up control all with a little help from my friends!

Real Moms Don’t Wear High Heels
Mar 10, 2008 8:19 pm

Real moms don’t wear high heels

On a day to day basis I am faced with the daunting task of picking between my blue jeans or the stretchy pants. I run through the day in my head and if there are no Doctors appointments, or meetings the stretchy go on. When in my wildest dreams would a pair of blue jeans be considered dressing up?

When I was seventeen leaving high school I dreamed of wearing fancy suits and having the shoe collection rivaling Imelda Marcos . Sadly though. my closet contains the mommy staples, jogging pants, jeans, t-shirts, fleece sweaters and the one nice pair of pants you pull out for the funerals and weddings. I have watched the shows that say “you can be a mom and be fashionable.” I know I will one day, be fashionable, when ketchup stains and snot smears grace the Paris runways .

Most moms can testify to this one, especially those who have little girls, that children are more fashionable then their mommies. How did this happen? I buy my clothes, I buy my kids clothes but my daughter receives more compliments on her pink peacoat then I do on my white fleece sweater. Not that I am complaining, but why can’t I apply that fashion sense to myself? Why do I get more excitement shopping for a one year old then I do for myself.

Listening to James
Music and my Life
Mar 05, 2008 5:30 am

Last night I had a great night.  I watched James Taylor on PBS.   I love James' music, his lyrics,and he is such a great storyteller.  When my mom turned 40 I suprised her with tickets to see James live.  She had introduces me to songs like "Fire and Rain " and "Sweet Baby James."  At a young age I'd get upset when she played her seventies music, I don't want to listen to Fleetwood Mac or Warren Zevon- I want Madonna and New Kids.  Little did I know how my tastes would change.  

I am the type of person who can hear a song and be pulled back in time,  even can bring a tear to my eye.  As I listened to James Taylor last night I thought of my mom, listening to that concert with Nolan only a little grain of rice in my belly.  I told everyone that if "Sweet Baby James" was played I would have a boy.  We listened to the concert, at the end the band left the stage.  I was a little sad, people were clapping - then James came back out and played an encore.  I was having a boy!  As I listen to him play Sweet Baby James last night I grabbed Nolan and gave him a big hug.  TIme flew since I seen James in concert but as I looked at my four year old boy I let the music take me back.