Beware of Yugoslavian Coins!

In the summer of 1997, I went to Yugoslavia by myself to visit a friend.  It was a great experience!  I brought some coins back with me as keepsakes.

June 27, 2010:  A few weeks back I had been going through all my foreign coins and did not want to get rid of my coins from Yugoslavia.  I left one on the dresser in my bedroom and kept forgetting to put it away.  A, 4 years old, apparently decided this morning that it was a good idea to swallow said coin.  Out of my two kids, I would have NEVER expected A to be one to do that sort of thing!  She never was one to put random stuff in her mouth, even as a toddler.  So, when I walked in my room, not knowing she was even awake, she was lying on the floor crying.  I asked her what was wrong, she said, "you're going to be mad at me."  I asked again what she did and she told me she swallowed my coin.

I am a pretty calm and laid back person, so I asked her why, she didn't know and we went downstairs.  I just figured it would pass.  But, she kept crying and telling me it hurt, so I called my parents for some wisdom.  They didn't know, so my mom told me to google it (like mother, like daughter!)  I googled it and the first site I found that was reliable said to immediately take them to the doctor.  So, we headed to the ER.  (I woke my husband up to come along and dropped L off at the in-laws.)

An x-ray was taken to determine where the coin was.  The ER doctor consulted and said he would like to get a surgeon's opinion, so made a call to the surgeon.  The surgeon came in on his day off for a consult and decided she needed to have it surgically removed.  It sounded pretty straight forward to me, so I was still calm.  (I had thought it was a Canadian coin at the time, too.)  So, they called in the surgical team, once they all arrived,  they took her into the OR, put her out, stuck a tube down her throat and removed it.  (It was stuck in her esophagus.)

All good!  Time spent at the hospital- 6 hours.  And hopefully a lesson learned to A not to swallow foreign objects... or American ones either!

Infantino Fold & Go Bouncer Review

If you're new to mommyhood and trying to decide what to put on your registry, DO NOT forget to add a bouncer!  Bouncers are the answers to questions like:

1) Where can I safely put my baby while I shower?
2) Where can I put my baby while I'm cooking?
3) I need to post something cool of Facebook, but I don't have the hands- where can I put the baby?

I think you get the jist.  It always seems like you just don't have enough hands to do what you need to do because your baby needs to be constantly entertained and pack & plays just don't do it.  My bouncer was a God Send for me!  When I needed to shower, I would put my baby in the bouncer outside the shower, turn it on and listen to them coo and giggle while I was attempting to shave a month's worth of hair of my legs.

Plus, there's those awesome occasions when the vibration and music will actually put the baby to sleep- those were times to celebrate... or do a load of laundry.

What's especially great about Infantino's Fold & Go Bouncer is that it has lots of great features, such as:

• soothing vibrations
• 3 nature sounds
• 3 melodies
• volume control
• comforting bouncing action with baby's natural movement
• light weight and portable
• machine washable seat cover, padded head support and waist harness
• removable entertainment bar & sensory stimulating toys

I assure you, this is something you will use and use and use, definitely worth every penny!  And the fact that this one is portable makes it great for when you want to go visit friends, family or go vacationing, it won't take up a whole trunk to bring it along.  This is one baby product that I couldn't have managed without!

 

“I am a participant in a Mom Central campaign for Infantino and have received various Infantino products to as part of my participation.”

SpongeBob SquarePants: Triton's Revenge DVD Review

Because you can never have enough SpongeBob in your life, Nickelodeon is releasing another exciting DVD on July 13, 2010!

If you're unfamiliar with SpongeBob SquarePants, it's about this cute little guy who lives under the sea, works as a burger flipper and has friends that are such creatures as a starfish, a squid and a squirrel. He chases jellyfish for fun, has a pet snail that meows and has a laugh the will drive you crazy. He works at the Krusty Krab with his cranky boss Mr. Krabs and his even crankier "friend" Squidward.

The DVD features the cool episode "The Clash of the Triton in which King Neptune decides to have a birthday bash at the Krusty Krab.  SpongeBob realizes that the party is kind of a downer because Neptune's son Triton is not there, so he decides to take it on himself to find Triton and ring him to the party... but like all good deeds, they never go unpunished...


This DVD also features the episodes:

• Sand Castles in the Sand
• Shell Shocked
• Chum Bucket Supreme
• Single Cell Anniversary
• Tentacle-vision
• I Heart Dancing

Family Time Factor: I personally enjoy watching SpongeBob with my kids and have found that it spans most every age group! It's a guilty pleasure that allows parents and kids to watch cartoons together. Some jokes will go completely over your kids' heads, but that's okay. Most kids can appreciate the kookiness that is SpongeBob!

MOTR Grade: A

SpongeBob SquarePants: Triton's Revenge is available on DVD July 13!!!

CSN Sneak Peek

I'm looking forward to doing an upcoming review for CSN Stores... one of my favorite things, because I'm addicted to buying sheets for my bed, is their Sin in Linen collection- adults are allowed to have fun sheets too!  I checked out their site and since I haven't gotten it through my head that my kids have enough toys, I opted to review a pair of Melissa & Doug puppets!

Please be on the lookout for this review!

No, You Am't!

This post is about those things our parents used to say to us that we swore we'd never say, but it's really hard not to.  Should we admit they were right?

Now that it's summer, most people are going crazy, thinking of fun things to do, enjoying vacation, soaking in some rays.  What am I doing?  Counting down the days until I can go back to work!  Just like when I was a kid, summer vacation really wasn't that fun because I longed to be back in school, this is how it is now.  I'm just not that nurturing type of mom who wants to spend every waking moment with my children.  I wish I was and I envy the women that are, but that's not me.  I love my kids to pieces, but absence makes the heart grow fonder!  It's just not in my genes to spend 16 hours a day telling a preschooler and a toddler to stop running, screaming, hitting each other, licking the walls, drinking water out of puddles, etc.  My mind is turning to mush in a hurry.  And it doesn't seem sensible to get a minimum wage job over the summer, because it would barely cover daycare.

Anyway, so lately my daughter yells at me (she's got that "I'm 4 going on 16" attitude) and she'll say "I AM!!!"  and I have yet to say it, but the first instinct I have is to say, "no you am't," which was a phrase my dad used on me quite a few times.  And I always wanted to never respond with, "because I said so" because kids really do need answers to many of their questions.  But it's hard.  I've said it.  Cause sometimes the why's are never-ending and I just don't have a good answer.

Then of course I've inherited the phrase, "if you push your brother again, I'm going to stick bamboo chutes under your fingernails and burn all your toys while you watch, tied to the swingset."

Okay, so that last one was not true, but it does sound like it'd be effective, right?

I'm sure you've all got phrases you inherited from your parents... want to share?

Eardoc Review

About 75% of children up to age four suffer from earache caused by the accumulation of liquids and air in the middle ear, divers and air travelers also suffer from the same problem. The EARDOC is an efficient non-invasive device that reduces the ear pain by treating the problem rather than the symptom. The Eardoc  reduces significantly the need for ear tube surgery (Myringotomy) by naturally opening the closed Ear tube and drying the trapped fluids.

The Eardoc is a safe and simple treatment for:

• Middle ear fluid
• Otitis Media
• Hearing Loss
• Eustachian Tube Dysfunction
• Ear Pain caused by air travel
• Ear fullness caused by colds, sinusitis or allergies

The Eardoc is a great non-invasive way to treat ear problems by generating and transmitting vibration waves which travel through the bone to the middle ear and opens the Eustachian tube. The waves drain the fluids that are trapped and ease the feeling of pressure. With Eardoc you get immediate relief.
To view documentation on the Eardoc click here.

My kids both used to get chronic earaches all the time and I get horrible swimmers ear, so this is a great tool to have. Plus ears are extremely sensitive and it's wonderful that these are non-invasive!!  And it is very easy to use. You just place the Eardoc at the back of the ear and place the slider (speed regulator) to the desired strength. I started out at a low setting but gradually got higher. It took mere minutes to unplug!

I recommend getting the Eardoc to have on hand for your next ear problem that arises. Right now it is the only non-invasive product that treats ear aches. Gets yours today! Great for children and adults as well as all air travelers and divers.

The Secret Life of the American Teenager Volume 4 DVD Review

When I saw the previews on ABC Family for The Secret Life of the American Teenager, I definitely knew it was something I wanted to try. I am not so old that I don't remember high school, and I was very curious to see what they thought the secret life of teenagers actually was. Of course, I knew it couldn't be too crazy because it IS ABC Family!

So, I gave it a try, and after episode one I was hooked! It's extremely addictive. The show centers around Amy, who became pregnant by a kid name Ricky after one crazy time at... say it with me... band camp! (I'm pretty glad I never did band in high school.) Anyway, it was a one time thing and Ricky is a player. In season one, the focus was what Amy was going to do with the knowledge she was pregnant. Season two focused on her decision on what to do with the baby after deciding she will have it. She was overwhelmed by the idea of the mega responsibility involved with raising a baby at fifteen. Amy also continued to be adored and loved by her boyfriend Ben.

In Volume 4, Amy and Ben have broken up, but there is always the idea in the back of their minds that maybe they should be together.  Anne (Amy's mom) had a baby by George after their divorce, which brought them back together.  Now they are discussing getting remarried.  And Ashley (Amy's sister) is now in high school and having drama all of her own!  Add in their friends like Jack, Grace, Adrian and Ricky (Amy's baby daddy) and you have a whole lot of stories to sift through!

My only complaint about this series is that there are too many storylines going on at at time and there are way too many characters. Several of the actors are not that great and their characters are boring, so I find myself wanting to skip their scenes. Also, Amy is a smidge too whiny and I can't relate to her character as well. My two favorite characters on the show are Adrian and Amy's sister Ashley.  It does seem pretty realistic to what I hear from high schoolers about what really is going on.  Of course it's a lot more tame than what went on when I was in high school!!  But the acting... maybe by Season 5 they will get better.


Family Time Factor: Once again, not something young children would be interested in and perhaps not so relevant with kids around 11 and under. But, considering that it is based around high school age students, I think that it would be appropriate to watch with your teen.

MOTR Grade: B+

Disney Pook-A-Looz Review

 

Disney has launched a new line called Pook-A-Looz.  It's a super cute spin on famous Disney characters.  It's exciting because if you (or your kids) have a favorite Disney character, there's now a whole new world of possibilities to enjoy that character!!!

"True to its tagline, “Too cute for their own good,” Pook-A-Looz – the new line of plush, apparel and accessories from Disney Consumer Products (DCP) – is remarkably unique and unquestionably cute.  Inspired by the urban vinyl toy culture, Pook-A-Looz were designed to capture the personalities of iconic Disney characters in an edgy, offbeat way.  Sassy and fun, the new line of plush features more than 30 wide-ranging characters from Buzz Lightyear and Cheshire Cat to Muppets and Jack Skellington.  Pook-A-Looz are available now at Toys “R” Us, Disney Store, DisneyStore.com, Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World stores."-- per Disney fact sheet

My Thoughts On: Immigration

Before I start this post, I have to first say, Dad if you are reading this, stop.  Let's just pretend we both agree and don't taint your opinion of me with further reading of this blog.  And thanks for helping me with the lawnmower tire!!

Okay, now onto my thoughts.  What sparked my idea to post about this now is that my husband got this survey to fill out for the republican party in the mail today.  It was asking about all the things that the Obama administration has "done wrong" and what he thinks the priorities should be for the Republican party in terms of 2010 elections.

One of the biggest things they talked about was immigration laws.  I just don't get it.  I know, I know, there's not enough resources or room for people to come to the United States.  But aren't we all immigrants?  Didn't we murder Native Americans and steal their land so that we can settle here?  We came from Europe, we came from Asia, Africa, etc. at different points in time in order to try to make a living in this new world.  (Of course the Africans didn't have much of a choice.)  So, why was it okay for our ancestors, but not Mexicans?  Why would we want to see fellow human beings, children, women living in huts with dirt floors, no ceilings, no plumbing?  Everyone deserves a chance at a better life.

So you're saying, "but they steal our resources!"  Well, Americans are living off the teat of the government at well.  Have you ever heard the term "Welfare Queen?"  I'm not saying welfare is bad, I'm just saying there are a lot of deadbeats who take advantage of it.

And our jobs?  Yeah, they work for cheap wages, but would you break your back at their jobs for their pay?  No!  Cause as Americans, some of us have become lazy and just expect the cash to flow in, never having broken a nail working in our lives.  There's a Mexican restaurant and a Chinese restaurant in our town that I am speaking of:  the same people are there working open to close and in most cases, these are owners.  They work ALL DAY EVERY DAY.  How many Americans are willing to do this for as little money as they are making.

I think this is getting long enough, so I will stop.  I'd like to see everything work out for the best because we were all immigrants at one point in time.  Or I guess the Mexicans can just start doing to the Americans what we did to the Native Americans... they can kill us and steal our land.

Max & Ruby: A Visit with Grandma DVD Review

A thousand OMG's on this one!  My son.  My cutesy putesy little bubba boy. LOVES. Max. and. Ruby!!!  I kid you  not, no how, none the way.  (see picture for proof) So, when I got offered this to review, first, I did cartwheels down the road for two blocks.  Then I passed out.  Next, I came to and shrieked like a banshee.

Okay, so none of that happened, but it was exciting!

Max & Ruby is about an older sister and her little brother- much like my kids, only these are rabbits... with no parents apparently.  Ruby is constantly trying to keep Max on the straight and narrow, but Max ends up helping Ruby or teaching her lessons.  This particular DVD features the only apparent family in their life- Grandma!  She's always calm, collected and helps with little projects.  The kids also like to do nice things for her.  A Visit with Grandma includes the following episodes:

• Grandma's Treasure Hunt 
• Ruby's Jigsaw Puzzle
• Ruby's Recital
• Ruby's Rainbow
• Ruby's Home Tweet Home
• Max's Mudpie
• Ruby's Missing Tune
• Ruby's Home Run 
• Ruby's Handstand

Family Time Factor:  I would say mostly for toddlers through 6 year olds.

MOTR Grade: A+


Max & Ruby: A Visit with Grandma is available on DVD June 15!!!

When in Rome DVD Review

I love Kristen Bell, I love Kristen Bell, I love Kristen Bell...

that's what I told  myself repeatedly when watching When in Rome so that I could make it through the whole thing.  Did I laugh here and there?  Yes.  Was the movie good?  No.

When in Rome is a cute little romantic comedy about a girl (Bell) who goes to her sister's whirlwind wedding in Italy.  Despondent about her future with love, instead of throwing coins in the Fountain of Love, she steals a few, which actually makes the owners of the coins fall in love with her.  They each begin stalking her, while she actually falls in love with Nick (Josh Duhamel), a friend of her new brother-in-law and the best man.  But after learning about the "curse", she once again believes that love is not meant to be when she realizes that one of the coins (a poker chip) matches that of the ones that Nick plays with.

I was so disappointed... I mean, seriously.  Kristen Bell has been my homie since Veronica Mars and I will support her in anything that she does.  But this movie-- bad writing, I say!  It was predictable, boring and despite all the good actors, the story just fell flat.

Family Time Factor:  I'd say 12 and up.

MOTR Grade: C- (would have been a D, but I gave it extra points cause of Kristen Bell)

When in Rome is available to buy June 15!!!

Infantino Fold & Go Bouncer Review

If you're new to mommyhood and trying to decide what to put on your registry, DO NOT forget to add a bouncer!  Bouncers are the answers to questions like:

1) Where can I safely put my baby while I shower?
2) Where can I put my baby while I'm cooking?
3) I need to post something cool of Facebook, but I don't have the hands- where can I put the baby?

I think you get the jist.  It always seems like you just don't have enough hands to do what you need to do because your baby needs to be constantly entertained and pack & plays just don't do it.  My bouncer was a God Send for me!  When I needed to shower, I would put my baby in the bouncer outside the shower, turn it on and listen to them coo and giggle while I was attempting to shave a month's worth of hair of my legs.

Plus, there's those awesome occasions when the vibration and music will actually put the baby to sleep- those were times to celebrate... or do a load of laundry.

What's especially great about Infantino's Fold & Go Bouncer is that it has lots of great features, such as:

• soothing vibrations
• 3 nature sounds
• 3 melodies
• volume control
• comforting bouncing action with baby's natural movement
• light weight and portable
• machine washable seat cover, padded head support and waist harness
• removable entertainment bar & sensory stimulating toys

I assure you, this is something you will use and use and use, definitely worth every penny!  And the fact that this one is portable makes it great for when you want to go visit friends, family or go vacationing, it won't take up a whole trunk to bring it along.  This is one baby product that I couldn't have managed without!

 

“I am a participant in a Mom Central campaign for Infantino and have received various Infantino products to as part of my participation.”

Panera Macaroni & Cheese Recipe (copycat)

I snagged this recipe from RecipeZaar.

SERVES 6 -8 

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Ingredients

• 12 ounces pasta shells
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 8 tablespoons flour
• 2 cups milk
• 6-8 ounces grated vermont white cheddar cheese
• 1 ounce grated American cheese (optional)
• 1 egg (optional)

Directions

1. 1

   Boil 2 oz of pasta shells. Slightly undercook the pasta. Set aside.

2. 2

   Microwave 4 tbs of butter with 8 tbs of flour for two minutes, stirring with a whisk after each minute.

3. 3

   Then slowly add 2 cups of milk, stirring with the whisk constantly.

4. 4

   Microwave the entire mixture for several minutes, stirring after each minute, until sauce thickens and takes on a matte finish. How many minutes will depend on the power of your microwave. (Mine took about 6 minutes).

5. 5

   Add grated Vermont white cheddar to sauce. The sauce should be hot enough that the cheese will melt as you stir. If not, you may add the cheese then microwave a little more.

6. 6

   For an extra creamy sauce, pour a small amount of the pre-cheese sauce into a separate bowl, add one egg and beat vigorously, then return the reserved sauce to the original sauce.

7. 7

   Add cheese to taste. I used an entire 8oz block.

8. 8

   Add a dash of grated American cheese (optional).

9. 9

   Combine pasta and sauce, then pour into a well-greased baking pan. The pasta will absorb some of the liquid, so don't worry if the mixture seems more liquid-y than the way you would normally serve pasta. I used a 9 by 9 inches pan.

10. 10

    Bake at 350 degrees covered for about 25 minutes or until bubbling and starting to become golden.

How to Clean Your Room in 10 Easy Steps by Jennifer LaRue Huget

 

Now I love children's books.  It's a simple formula of good pictures and a fun story.  So it is rare to find a children's book that is not good.  Well, this one fits that mold.

The premise of the book is a girl telling us the "shortcuts" to cleaning your room.  Sure, it's clever and cute, but as a parent, I know my kids will actually take these literally and be stuffing weird things in their drawers, putting trash in the hamper, etc.

Then there were the illustrations, done by Edward Koren.  They were very difficult to see.  Most of the pictures were of the girl's bedroom and it was kind of a jumbled mess.

My kids were bored, I was bored.                            

MOTR Grade: D-