One Maid A' Milking: 2008-06-29

Saturday, July 5, 2008

Because I am Such a Fan of Our Big Ben

"Where liberty dwells, there is my country." ~Benjamin Franklin

When I was a child, no matter where we lived at the time, the 4th of July was always about hot dogs and chips, toasted marshmallows and ice cream. It was sparklers and fireworks. And it was the effervescence of running around outside as twilight approaches, and feeling completely free without having any true understanding of what that meant.

When I was a teenager, the 4th of July was about enjoying the first real event of summer. It was about freedom from tests, cliques, and the daily drudge. It was about feeling alive and excited for what may be waiting in the near future, without having any true understanding of what that meant.

When I was a young adult, the 4th of July was about spending time with family and friends. It was about barbeques and old stories, fireworks and a break from new responsibilites. It was the smell of the shore and a sweet nostalgia for what was now the past, though, even then, I still didn't have a true understanding of what that meant.

And now as a mother, the 4th of July is a return to childhood, through smaller, innocent eyes. Fearful of where the country is headed for them and excited for what their summers will have in store, I hold their hands tightly because I understand a little of what it will all mean for them.

Quote of the 4th of July Weekend

"There are those, I know, who will say that the liberation of humanity, the freedom of man and mind, is nothing but a dream. They are right. It is the American dream." ~Archibald MacLeish

Picture of the Weekend

At 3 years old, the little patriot had already enjoyed many opportunities

to declare her independence.

Send your favorite kid pictures to: dalessandrochristine@gmail.com

Thursday, July 3, 2008

Guess Who?

Only this guy would get a job as the assisstant to the assassistant manager of a movie theater.

Guess Who?

So after the last two weeks' postings, I realize that I am not dealing with your ordinary pop culturists.

The gloves are off.

Oh, and as for the poems...Erato escapes me....I'm working on coming up with a new reward.

Cartoon of the Day

Quote of the Day

"Don't tolerate temper tantrums. Not now. Not when he's 15. The world won't."
-Harry H. Harrison, Jr.

Picture of the Day

Pants? Where we're going, we won't need any pants.

Send your favorite kid pictures to: dalessandrochristine@gmail.com

Wednesday, July 2, 2008

Sweetness

Though I have never watched America's Got Talent, this clip featuring a little guy who has not let his Autism get in the way of his love of singing is really endearing.

Finding my Form

As a military brat, I am a creature of routine. If I have a schedule, an itinerary, or a "to do" list, I am a happy person.

Which is why summer always throws me off. The days are no longer filled with kid classes and regular playgroups; but rather, lazy days mean finding where the day takes you, and taking it all in stride.

For this reason, I have been struggling to find some predicatbility outside of naps and meals. So, in an effort to make the most of my time, I have implemented a schedule to ensure that every day finds time for exercise (ugh), free playtime, arts & crafts, calls to the grandparents, and more.

Though I will not share the specifics of that schedule (I might as well put a sign on my lawn that says "Pretadors welcome"), I will say that having a set time to turn off the morning cartoons, as well as baking times, power stroller walking (no easy task pushing a total of 70 lbs...especially up my obnoxious driveway), and designated errand times has put my mind at ease a bit.

Not only have I found a little of peace of mind, the loose schedule has made me more productive with housework (I even have time for laundry), as well as motivation to run wild with energy supplied by happiness and the benefits of exercise...something that benefits all.

Now, if I could only figure out a way to "schedule out" Circus Peanuts and online shopping.

Sending out my thoughts to P & J,
in remembrance of this day.

I love you both.

Happy Birthday, Poppy!

Sending out special birthday wishes to Poppy.

Another year older,

another year closer to giving Tiger a run for his money.

Dreams Really Do Come True

Perez Hilton is reporting that Shannon Dougherty is in talks with the producers of the new Beverly Hills, 90210 to reprise her role as Brenda Walsh.

According to the site:

The producers behind the new show recently met with the actress to discuss gauge her interest in the possibility of returning to West Beverly High.

And by all accounts, she is interested. "But, she wants to know what the story is going to be first." She also wants more money than they're apparently offering.

The show is set to air this fall and will include guest appearances by all original cast members (except Luke Perry....because his career is on fire), and one recurring role by Jenny Garth.

Quote of the Day

"Teach you children poetry; it opens the mind, lends grace to wisdom and makes the heroic virtues hereditary." -Walter Scott

Picture of the Day

"Any American boy can be a basketball star if he grows up...

and up, and up."

Send your favorite kid pictures to: dalessandrochristine@gmail.com

Tuesday, July 1, 2008

Breaking News

Angelina Jolie has just been admitted to a French hospital in preparation for the birth of her twins.

Everyone should stop whatever it is they're doing, gather the family together, and wait for news of the second and third coming.

Also, to help pass the time, give THIS article a read.

A Way With Words- This one may offend some

A year or so ago, my partner in crime, Amy, was in a Little Gym class with her then toddler and baby. Like many of us, she was juggling interacting with her toddler with the management an handling of a little baby. As she sat on the infamous red map with her two sons, her baby spit up.

A normal occurrence that found her running to grab a burp cloth. When she recovered, the mother seated next to her remarked,

Comment: You know, they made an awesome invention to help with that.
Amy: Oh yeah, what is it?
Comment: It's called a bib.

Okay, so I have done a couple of these now and this is the first inappropriate comment that reveals true evil. Which means I am going to have some fun with this one....evil begets evil, right?

What You Want To Say: (While pointing at your rear end-so classy-) Well, this is called my ass....kiss it.

What You Could Say: You're kidding! Did you invent it yourself? Wow, you are so much smarter than you look.

What You Should Say: Hey, if I were you, I'd be pretty miserable too. Don't worry though, they make pacifiers, Mylacon, and enemas for that.

Pajama Drama (yes, for her Mama)

Among our many phases, the latest and greatest "thing" my daughter is into is the constant wearing of her pajamas.

Every time I turn around, I find her sneaking upstairs to change out of the perfectly fine outfit I just wrestled on her, and into a comfortable pair of mismatched pajamas.

And she does this 3-4 times a day, which leads me guessing what among her many sets are actually in need of a wash, and which ones were only worn for a few minutes.

I'm not sure what triggered this recent trend, but I can narrow the origin to around the time she moved to the potty. It was in early November and so, I got in the habit of outfitting her in elastic waistband pants to ease her attempts to be potty ready. When I was sure the mastery was complete, I started to dress her in jeans and courderoys and she, in turn, got very particular about what she was to wear.

Now, she picks out her own outfits and, depending on our plans for the day (and the weather), I allow her to wear them. She kind of has the concept of matching down, but that usely results in a monochromatic choice, but I'm taking it easier on her because: (1) I want to encourage the independence, (2) I want to avoid a morning fight over something that is really not that important, (3) I don't feel the need to dress her for other people (excepting certain occasions), and (4) she's a pretty creative little kid, and I want to foster that as much as I can.

All was well and good until we entered the Pajama Period. Now, that is all she wants to wear. I have tried to explain how there is a time and a place for everything. I've warned her that wearing them meant she must then go to bed. And finally, I have threatened that she will not be allowed to do things (leave the house, for example) unless she gets dressed.

No matter what, however, a conflict arises. Though I wish to avoid it, I also feel the need to instill right behavior and the importance of presentation in her. I'm not saying she has to be perfectly tailored and impeccably polished, but having an understanding of neatness and presentation are important. Nevertheless, the battle continues and I refuse to negotiate with terrorists.

To console myself during this odd phase, I am trying to stay positive.

The Top 5 Positive Things About A Daughter Who Loves Her Pajamas:

5) Given her preference for comfort wear, it's safe to say a career in the medical field is in her future.

4) If the Olympic committee finally recognizes sleep as an athletic event, we've got ourselves the gold. (Maybe two medals if she and her father enter the doubles competition).

3) Since she shows a preference for winter pajamas, it would certainly cut down on the amount of sunscreen I have to buy.

2) No ironing.

1) If wackadoos like Lindsay Lohan and her tights, or Nicole Ritchie and her Mrs. Roper dresses are setting trends, who's to say that my budding fashionista isn't really just ahead of the game?

*The above image was taken almost two years ago...the time has flown!

A Blast From The Past

If you have never seen this old comedy sketch by Bob Nelson, you truly have not lived. Though it is a bit off color, I can't imagine a better way to start off your Tuesday than with this hysterical segment.

Enjoy....

Quote of the Day

"Amnesia: The condition that enables a woman who has gone through labor to have sex again." —Joyce Armor

Picture of the Day

In every respect, he was completely his mother's son...

with the exception of inheriting his father's hard-headedness.

Send your favorite kid pictures to: dalessandrochristine@gmail.com

Monday, June 30, 2008

So Typical

THIS is not at all surprising.

Clap. Clap.

Vaccines And Autism

Every new day brings new reports on potential links between the vaccines given to young children and their timely relation to an Autism diagnosis.

I actually started to do some research about the most recent findings for the purpose of this blog, but with so much information consistently coming out (and so much of it conflicting), I honestly gave up.

However, this new revelation sounds like it may actually have some merit...and has me trying to figure out how I can possibly get my little guy a mitochondrial screening.

If you are interested, click on the following link to this Yahoo! news story: (and yes, a commercial does precede the report).

http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/up/player/popup/?rn=3906861&cl=8578879&ch=4226723&src=news

A Whole New World

It is official: my little man is down to one nap!

What does this mean for me? A morning filled with productivity.

Instead of waiting around, having an extra cup of coffee while my daughter has an extra dose of morning cartoons, we were out of the house early for an intense power walk (if you have a double stroller you know what I'm talking about), and hours spent with chalk, frisbees, flower picking, garden tending, and even some bunny rabbit sightings.

I am going to enjoy this new schedule....at least until next week, when O decides she is officially done with naps.

When Japanese Beetles Attack

As I warned, the Bag-O-Bugs were not successful. Yes, the bag was almost completely full after one day, but the beetles are still luxuriating on our leaves and the clock is ticking.

Apparently, when you use these bags, for ever beetle they kill, they also attract 4 more.

Of course my parents had also warned us of this, and instead recommed the always successful Bayer systematic treatment (Shout out to Julie, for also recommending this). So, my husband will be stopping by the Depot on the way home from work today (and putting that gift card to good use at last).

If however, you enjoy the benefits of natural, home remedies, I have another solution.

Thanks to the work of my neighbor, the Incredible Ed, I learned that by simply mixing garlic, jalapenos, liquid dish soap, and vegetable oil, you have an alternative to saving your plants. Ed sprayed the infiltrated leaves yesterday, and woke up this morning to find all the beetles gone

Other benefits of this approach include:

1) Avoiding the use of harsh chemicals

2) Saving on the cost of the manufactured sprays

3) Preserving the new gold (gas) by avoiding a trip to a local merchant.

To find out more about this approach, and other great gardening techniques, check out NPR's "You Bet Your Garden" Mike McGrath's website:

http://www.gardensalive.com/article.asp?ai=482

Shout out to Colleen for the info.