A Little Break...

Wow. Summer is almost done. Boog starts school September 8th and while all the school shopping is done, I'm getting a little sad that he is going to, again, be gone all day. I thought I would dread this Summer after being spoiled with just one kid all school year. The kids did fight...quite a bit, but it's usual kid behavior and while I'm excited for him to start first grade, I'm going to miss the extra hugs and kisses I've gotten all summer long. So I'm taking a little break to enjoy the rest of the summer while we can. I won't be gone completely, but am going to put the brakes on for a few.

PS... The latex test came back negative. We taped(with a large bandage) a fresh beach ball (part of it) to his arm and the next morning...nothing! Good to know that's not it. The other suggestion was mold. We have a playdate at Chuck E Cheese tomorrow and will see how he is...benedryl in hand.

Enjoy the rest of the summer!

Dream Vacation

Where would your Dream Vacation be to? If all our appliances keep breaking down, the only vacations we are going to take will be the ones in our dreams...or an overnight camping trip in our backyard.

I try to learn something new each day. You want to know what I learned today? I learned about a flesh eating disease and more about MRSA from Oprah and Dr. Oz. All I can say is "Ewww" but good to know. I also learned (not from Oprah) that Switzerland is one of the most environmentally friendly countries in the world.

Travelling to sustainable Switzerland for a vacation would provide breathtaking views as well as a learning opportunity on "green" living. Every water source in Switzerland is drinkable. EVERY water source, including all the lakes. Can't say that for the water around here. Their electric train service picks up at least once every hour, making it the most convenient choice for commuters and tourists alike. No nation travels farther by train than the Swiss. Switzerland also holds the record for glass recycling. 96.6% of all the glass is recycled into new bottles which uses three fourths of the energy needed to make new glass.

From Beaches to mountains, hiking, whitewater rafting and skiing are just some of the things you'll have to choose from. Wildlife walks and Zoos are always great places for children and the fabulous wine, cheese and chocolate shops are fun for the grownups. With something for everyone to enjoy, and the beauty of the land and it's people, Switzerland has become my new "Dream Vacation."

The Latex Test

I think I mentioned before that we think Boogie has developed an allergy to...well, were really not sure. It's started since school let out and the first instance was at the play area at the mall. We've been taking him there since he was 6 months old. Now, at 6, within 20 minutes of arriving, his eyes get puffy and tear, he gets congested, and gets a cough. The same has happened at the Chick-fil-a play area, and at Chuck E Cheese. We also noticed it, but to a lesser degree, when he and the neighbor were playing with a brand new beach ball. The doctor suggested today that we do a latex test. He meant "we" as in "do it at home yourself". He said we should probably know if it's latex in case he ever has surgery, but wasn't worried enough to DO a test.

Tonight, before bed, we will take a piece of a beach ball, fresh out of the package, and tape it to Boogie's arm. If it's red in the morning, then we know he IS allergic and can let whoever needs to know, know. Pretty scientific...don't you think?

How Many Remotes Does It Take?

Crazy...don't you think?

We have remotes for everything. TV's, DVD players, Harmon Karden, game systems, and we even have a remote for a fan we use to use in the living room as it is the only room without a ceiling fan. We stopped using it once we figured out it wasn't a ghost turning it on and off but rather the TV remote which was getting picked up by the fan's LED sensor. Yep, every time we changed the channel the fan would change speed or turn off. Funny right? Almost as funny as when we thought our Wii was busted just before Christmas, with several games already purchased as gifts. Turns out that the Wii sensor bar is pretty sensitive too. We couldn't get the wiimotes to work properly because the sensor bar was picking up the LED's in the Christmas tree lights. Now that you've had your laugh...

Yamaha neoHD is all your remotes in one. You no longer will have to search high and low for the missing DVD remote (it's not just me...is it?)but instead can program one remote to control all your entertainment components. Hubster has a remote that he has programmed for the DVD and TV and prefers to use it because of it's "light up" feature. He swears this makes it easier to see. It isn't programmed for the cable though, so it's just another remote to get lost. The neoHD has a virtual remote that shows at the bottom of your TV screen for ease of switching between components. Hubster will like that...a LOT!

You can become a fan of neoHD on facebook and stay up-to-date on the latest technology and share with other remote obsessed individuals. I prefer one to do it all. How 'bout you? How many remotes do you need?

Looking Back

The older I get the more I understand things that either didn't phase me, as a kid, or "get" things that didn't make a bit of sense. For instance...

At the age of 9 I had 8 teeth pulled. It was no big deal to me, but as a parent who's own child has had teeth pulled, I wonder what my parent's were really feeling. It's heartbreaking.

My mother was a SAHM. While I didn't realize what she went through, I knew I never wanted to be one. I wanted to have a career and be dependant on No one. Then I had a child and quickly felt unfulfilled by my career and determined that the only way I would find true happiness was to be at home to raise my children...at any cost.

My mother was very protective over us when it came to someone hurting our feelings. If I had a name-calling spat with a friend (at say, 5), I was not allowed to play with that friend for the rest of the day. It frustrated me to no end. As a parent, I have to bite my tongue to not make the same mistake with my kids. Sometimes the neighbor kids get bossy or upset and threaten to leave. I watch my kids give in so they will stay. It takes everything I've got to let them work it out and not open the door for the kid making threats to get their way.

At 9 I took over the responsibility of doing my own laundry, I wished and wished that the washer or dryer would break down. Last week I got a new dryer...and couldn't be more thrilled.

Every day when my step father returned from work, the first thing he would do was make martinis for he and my mother. It's just what they did, I didn't give it much thought. Today that tradition has been carried over and I realize that it's a nice adult treat to celebrate making it through another day.

The Return of Blue Light Specials

With kids and parents setting out this weekend to start, continue, or finish their back-to-school shopping, I would feel neglectful if I didn't make you aware of the return of Kmart Bluelight Specials. Tomorrow, August 15th, Kmart will be turning on the light and reducing supplies like backpacks by more than 50%. They will have specials on top of specials in the blue light sections and you won't want to miss them.

I am personally excited about the 70% off sale they are having on all their patio furniture and grills. I would love a nice table and chair set in the backyard and know we would cook out more on a new grill. We could enjoy those meals outside, if we had somewhere to eat. Right now the kids enjoy picnics in the yard on their card table that we take out for each event. It will be nice to have something appropriate for the yard that we don't have to take out and in each time.

With over 40 in-house specials, you'll want to stop by and see what is up for grabs. You can also follow Kmart on Twitter or check out their website for more specials.

Kmart has been offering blue light specials since I was a kid and is a company I trust to provide great savings for my family. See you at the sale!

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Big Brother~ My Hero

So I've been keeping up with Big Brother this season and WOW, what a season it's been. With the announcement of the Coup D'etat power I hoped America would get it right and give it to Jeff. He was the only one I felt was brave enough to use it to shake up the house. America got it right and Jeff did exactly what I would have in his situation...Yay Jeff.

With Chima and Natalie alone in their alliance it will be interesting to see where all the floaters migrate. I see Chima pulling the girls and Kevin together leaving Jeff, Jordan and Russell still on the short end. I would love to see Kevin and Lydia show their gratefulness to Jeff by joining "the other side". So sorry to see Jesse go...NOT! That boy is a little smarter than last year but needs to stop the posing and get real. Russell is a little fire cracker but I like the way he stirs things up. Chima may be a strong woman, which I admire, but she is getting on my nerves trying to be too bossy. Did you see her direct Kevin on who to put up next in the HOH competition? And what was that comment to Jeff about talking to the producers as if he'd shared his secret? That has poor loser written all over it.

My vote goes to Jeff for the half million. Good Luck!

The Medicine Dilemma

I've spent the last two days feeling quite ill and the circumstance was made worse by the constant nagging from Hubster and his parents to take the prescription antibiotics prescribed to them. First of all, I'm not big on medicines to begin with. Sure, I'll take over-the-counter meds to mask the symptoms of colds and flu to be able to function and take care of my responsibilities, but I know masking is all they are doing and it will catch up to me soon enough.

Hubster started feeling ill on Tuesday and after having a conversation with his Mom, was convinced he had the same thing she had on Monday. She had apparently called her doctor, told the nurse her symptoms, and without being seen, was prescribed and antibiotic. When Hubster started feeling ill, she brought over some of her meds and insisted he would feel better if he took them. He also called the (same) Doctor, told the nurse his symptoms and was called in the same prescription.

Of course when I started feeling sick on Wednesday, everyone was sure it was the same thing and encouraged me to take Hubby's prescription. Ummm...NO. I really don't like the idea of taking meds prescribed to others, even if my symptoms are the same. They offered to call the doctors office (a doctor I've never been seen by) and were sure they could get the same prescription called in for me, since you should take it for the full ten days to make sure it gets rid of any bacteria lingering in your system after symptoms are gone. Am I the only one who thinks this is crazy? Why would I want a doctor I've never been to call me in a prescription for a condition that hasn't even been diagnosed? After being badgered for 2 days by Hubster and the In-laws I finally told ALL of them that I appreciated the offer, I wasn't going to take prescription medication prescribed to someone else, and to please stop asking me too. I think they finally got it.

Let it also be noted that this prescription is from the same doctor who over prescribed Ultram to Hubster causing him to have two seizures and a battery of tests before they figured it out last year.

Do you take medicines prescribed to others? Would you take medicine prescibed by a doctor who has never seen you and whom you don't trust?

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Empathy for Those with Extra Large Feet

While at work today I had a gentleman looking for shoes in a 14 wide. We carry up to size 13 and no wide (or narrow) are kept in stock. He was explaining how hard it was to find shoes. While I, personally, could not fully understand his problem, (I knew what it was, empathized with the problem, but have never had the problem myself) I thought of my Step-Mom, who has the same difficulties when shopping for shoes.

I remember the first time I became aware of her shoe problem. It was just before my wedding and she had come down to help me get some last minute things. We were out shopping and I found a pair of bridal shoes that matched my dress perfectly, pearls and all. I asked the sales person for a size 8.5 and listened as my Step-mom called me some less-than-polite names (all in fun). She explained that she could only get shoes in her size (9, extra narrow) in two different stores and they were over an hour away. She shopped once to twice a year and stocked up. She also had a "personal shopper" that she would call ahead of time to help her out.

I'm not a huge shoe person. I don't have a closet full and usually stick to the basics or buy shoes I like on sale. I couldn't imagine having to go out of my way just to find shoes that fit and be limited to the styles I could choose from.

Ironically, My step-mom called this evening to tell me she was planning one of her shoe trips this week. I hope she can find some pretty, comfortably, stylish shoes to fit her boats.

Saturday Ramble

It's mid afternoon on Saturday and I just returned from my part time job to find the house EMPTY. Woo-hoo. Not only was I up early to enjoy some quiet before work, I now get more quiet time to myself? I must have died and gone to heaven. This is usually how I feel when left alone when Hubster takes the kids out to the park or to run errands. It lasts for about an hour, then I start calling to find out when they're coming home. Too much of a good thing is NO Good.

Ecostore USA is a company that makes household cleaners and bath products as well as pet shampoos and all their products boast their "no nasty chemicals" ingredients. If you would like to find out more and enter for a chance to win a $25 gift certificate, check it out at More Fun Than Allowed...with Kids.

I signed up for our local MS walk and am awaiting my package to start raising funds. We're talking about doing a block party and getting prizes donated to raffle off and give as prizes for our Karaoke Contest. If you would like to promote a product by donating it for the cause, contact me.

I'm going to enjoy my quiet time now.

To My Friends with College Bound Kids ~ Are You Ready?

*This post is sponsored by Sears. All opinions are mine.


As Summer winds down, we are getting ready to send Boogie, our oldest, to 1st grade. We are shopping for a new backpack, crayons, pencils, paper and glue stix. Grandma enjoys taking him for new clothes and shoes. I can't imagine what my friends with college bound kids are going through. I have one friend who is getting ready to send her twin girls off to the University of Michigan, on full academic scholarships, and I'm sure amidst all the shopping and preparations, she is trying to spend as much quality time with the girls before sending them away from home to start their adult lives...it could have been me. This is a classmate of mine. A friend I've known since 7th grade, a friend I re-acquainted with at our 20 year class reunion and continued keeping up with through facebook. It amazes me how different our lives are. It's encouraging to know I always have someone who's "already been through it". I think of her often and wonder how I will handle this transition when the time comes.

Sears is doing everything possible to make this summer an easy transition for parents in the same situation. While they can't help with the "empty nest" anxiety parents are feeling, they have set up CampusReady to insure the shopping is quick and stress free, so parents can enjoy the last moments with their kids before sending them off into the world.

The site is easy to maneuver and contains checklists with all the necessities for outfitting a dorm room OR first apartment. I love their decorating ideas and they've made it easy to find accessories to match. With everything from financial tips to must have clothing, Sears has left nothing out in getting your child prepared to leave home. I really like the "shop by need" category that is broken down into 5 categories; eating, sleeping, studying, playing and cleaning. It allows parents and students to find everything with a simple click. With tips from Ty Pennington throughout the site, it's your one stop before school starts and the rest of the time can be spent enjoying the adults you've raised. They have also partnered with Upromise and are giving away $25,000 towards tuition.(see site for full details)

With a re-loadable gift cards. you can send your child off to school with the tools they need and some extra money to get anything that might have been missed or left behind. They've even added CampusReady on Facebook for the ease of students (and parents) who enjoy connecting through this site.

It will be a long time (though I'm sure it will feel like a blink) before we are sending our kids off to college, I can only hope that tools like this are available to make the transition as easy and fun as Sears has made it for parents and college-bound kids today.

Any Big Brother Fans?

I must say that I've watched Big Brother, on and off, since the original season. I'm not sure what it is about this voyeuristic show that keeps me coming back. It's just interesting to watch how others handle the stress of being "on the block" and the things they do to get themselves "saved" that intrigues me. It's people-watching at it's best.

So what the heck are the contestants thinking keeping dweeby, back-stabbing Ronnie around? He claims to be a master debater but I'm NOT impressed. He sulks and then gets cocky? This boy has got to go. Someone please step up to the plate and get rid of him. Put him up with Jesse or Chima (who also gets on my last nerve) and let's get them out!

I'm also hoping that the secret power goes to Jeff. I'm also waiting to see if Russell is true to his word. Let me know if you're watching.