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Tuesday Tours: What’s Happening on the Web

August 31, 2010 By 13 Comments

j02933381 Tuesday Tours: Whats Happening on the WebWelcome to “Tuesday Tours: What’s Happening on the Web” where I serve as your tour guide and showcase the best contests, freebies, deals, and reads for moms on the web…all in one convenient location.

Contests

DailyCandy invites business owners, dreamers, and entrepreneurs to enter the Start Small, Go Big Contest. Three winners will each receive $10,000 and a trip to NYC. Enter by Sept. 6.

Are you a gift-wrapping guru (or do you know someone who is)? Enter the 14th Annual Scotch Brand Most Gifted Wrapper Contest for your chance to win $10,000. Enter by Oct. 18.

Good Reads

From Mail Online: Miracle mum brings premature baby son back to life with two hours of loving cuddles after doctors pronounce him dead.

Jessica reminds us not to let our schedules get Too Crowded.

Shaun Groves reflects on the topic of prayer: It’s Called Schizophrenia.

Caliber Group encourages you to Go Ahead, Tweet about What You Eat.

You may want to re-consider buying Dreyer’s and Breyers ice cream products. Read Take Hormones Out of our Ice Cream and Is Your Favorite Ice Cream Made With Monsanto’s Artificial Hormones?

Tim gives a step-by-step tutorial on How to Get a Passport.

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*** If you have a contest or an announcement that you think might be a good fit for Tuesday Tours, e-mail me at stephanie@metropolitanmama.net.

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60 Years Left (maybe)

August 30, 2010 By 22 Comments

in the grass hands behind head 60 Years Left (maybe)We are in the habit of praying together as a family before meals, in the car, on hikes, spontaneously, and right before bed.

The bedtime prayer typically happens because our 3-year-old INSISTS. “Let’s pray,” she’ll say, tugging our hands toward her little sister’s bedroom. We typically pray until one of the girls inevitably sits on or elbows or scratches the other as they attempt to hug or lay side-by-side.

Tonight, right before we prayed, Tim looked at me and startled me with this question: “Can you believe we only have 60 years left to be with our kids?” That’s assuming that we live to be around 90.

I know everyone always says that life is short, but: LIFE IS SHORT.

[Do you really, truly, completely believe that with all of your heart?]. [Do your actions prove it?]. I ask myself those questions all of the time.

60 years isn’t very long. And, perhaps, I don’t even have that long. Maybe I have only 1 year. Or less.

THIS is the day to love my husband, enjoy my kids, help the poor, laugh out loud, smile at a stranger, turn off the television, see the sunrise, fight against injustice, promote peace. THIS is the time to do something large and dangerous and remarkable.

Today I am reminded to: Seize the Day*.

* I totally love this song, even if the music video is not as spectacular as it could be.

How do you pray as a family – daily, weekly, whenever inspiration strikes? What songs or quotes remind you to make the most of life?

Filed Under: Miscellany Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Dangers in the Wild (Mountain Lions, Bears, Rattlesnakes, etc.)

August 28, 2010 By 23 Comments

hiking with baby Dangers in the Wild (Mountain Lions, Bears, Rattlesnakes, etc.)We go hiking as a family often. In the mountains. In the desert. Across rocks and over hills.

We breathe fresh air. We activate our muscles. We observe plants, flowers, and animals. We soak in the sun, splash in the water, talk without distractions, and are filled with peace.

When we tell friends & acquaintances about our 2-7 mile hikes – with our 1-year-old and 3-year-old in tow – some of them react like this:

  • “I wouldn’t feel comfortable taking my toddler out that far.“
  • “Aren’t you scared of mountain lions/bears?“
  • “What about snakes?“
  • “Isn’t that dangerous?”

We usually reply by simply stating that it’s quite safe when you take the necessary precautions.

Sometimes, however, we present some short stats on probability.

Let’s take the data from 2008 as an example:

  • Number of Fatalities by Car Accident: 37,261
  • Number of Murders: 14,180
  • Number of Fatalities by Lightning Strike: 28
  • Number of Deaths by Bear: 3
  • Number of Deaths by Mountain Lion: 1
  • Number of Deaths by Snake Bite: 0

Based on these numbers, you should be absolutely terrified of driving in your car. On average in 2008, 101 people per day were killed on roadways in the USA. Motor vehicle accidents are also the leading cause of death among children.

Sadly, statistics also show us that we ought to be more frightened of humans than animals. Indeed, I would venture to say that it is MUCH more dangerous to go to the mall or to work than to go for a hike.

Certainly, it is prudent to be prepared for emergencies outdoors (take enough water, keep your children close, know what to do if you encounter a mountain lion or how to treat a rattlesnake bite, etc.), but…it is even MORE important to be vigilant about safety on the road (pay attention, drive less, don’t-even-think-about texting and driving, etc.).

running at cienega creek Dangers in the Wild (Mountain Lions, Bears, Rattlesnakes, etc.)The truth is this: Being outdoors is safe and wonderful, even for – especially for – children.

Sure, it’s a little “wild” out there, but life is full of dangers no matter where you are. And, statistically speaking, it’s much scarier to go for a ride across town than to spend an afternoon in the wilderness.

Do you hike/explore with your children outdoors?Have you ever been attacked by a wild animal? Have you ever been in a car accident?

Filed Under: Fitness Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , ,

Dear God, Please Help Me to Read Soon

August 25, 2010 By 41 Comments

books in bed Dear God, Please Help Me to Read SoonYesterday we found our 3-year-old jumping on her bed and praying jubilantly, “Dear God, Please help me to read soon!” over and over again.

I think her prayer will come true sooner than she realizes. You see, she is a consumer of books. She reads them in the morning, in the car, in bed, and under blankets. She likes classic books, Disney books, Berenstain Bears books, anatomy books, audio books, and – especially – chapter books.

To date, we’ve read the following books aloud to her at bedtime:

We tried “All of A Kind Family,” but she was disinterested. We also tried “Ivy & Bean,” but I vetoed that book after the first chapter or two.

I also recently began doing “Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons” with her each day during her sister’s nap. Tomorrow will be day 4. My thoughts so far? Oddly (and unexpectedly), I ADORE the scripted text and the somewhat brainless way of teaching. The book tells you exactly what to say and when to say it. Certainly, it’s a little mechanical that way, but it’s only 10-15 minutes…and the ease of the system helps me to say “yes” to the lesson even when I’m feeling non-creative. On the negative side, the first four lessons have been too-too easy and I am a little bit nervous that she’ll get bored of doing the same thing every day. Only time will tell. Perhaps the promise of reading will be enough to keep her captivated.

P.S. Have you ever tried praying while jumping on the bed? I think I totally want to try it.

How old were each of your children when they learned to read? What book or system did you use to teach them (if any)?

Filed Under: Books Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Tuesday Tours: What’s Happening on the Web

August 24, 2010 By 11 Comments

j02933381 Tuesday Tours: Whats Happening on the WebWelcome to “Tuesday Tours: What’s Happening on the Web” where I serve as your tour guide and showcase the best contests, freebies, deals, and reads for moms on the web…all in one convenient location.

Contests

Submit your favorite Frozen Strawberry Recipe to the California Strawberry Commission for a chance to win a $250 Amazon gift card. Deadline: Aug. 31.

Daisy Brand Cottage Cheese invites you Freshen Up Your Fridge. Win a year of cottage cheese + a brand new refrigerator. Deadline: Aug. 31.

Enter to win American Eagle Jeans for a Year! Deadline: Aug. 31.

Good Reads

From the Telegraph: Netflix lets its staff take as much holiday as they want, whenever they want – and it works.

Joshua Becker shares 12 Reasons Why You’ll Be Happier in a Smaller House.

Love (that’s her real name) writes about the “mom guilt thing”: bff.

Erin has a confession: I don’t fill in baby books. (Neither do I).

Robyn O’Brien explains How Real People on Real Budgets Can Afford Organic.

Amy writes plainly and respectfully about Spanking and Criminal Behavior.

Donald Miller gives excellent advice on Writer’s Block: What to do When the Well Runs Dry.

Miscellany

I totally cried when I watched this 10-minute movie: Lucy Lane’s Gotcha Day. Adoption is beautiful.

I really want a stand-out business card like this one.

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*** If you have a contest or an announcement that you think might be a good fit for Tuesday Tours, e-mail me at stephanie@metropolitanmama.net.

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Products I Wouldn’t Buy (would you?)

August 23, 2010 By 47 Comments

Somehow, we have all been tricked – taken – hoodwinked…into believing that having MORE things equals MORE happiness, MORE peace, MORE success. In fact, the opposite may be true.

Every once in awhile, I stumble across products that make me shake my head in utter disbelief. I can see how people are bamboozled into buying yet another raincoat or pair of shoes, but…this…this is new level of madness.

Tell me. Would you buy…?

a little colour1 Products I Wouldnt Buy (would you?)A Little Colour ($120/per child)

For only $120 (that’s one-hundred-and-twenty-dollars!), you can get a “specific analysis of your child’s colour profile and advice on colour issues.” According to the website, knowing your child’s best colours will take the hassle out of shopping because you’ll be able to choose choose outfits that will make your child look great. Heaven forbid that your golden-haired 3-year-old wear green when his color is really orange!

juppy baby walker Products I Wouldnt Buy (would you?)Juppy Baby Walker ($24.95)

Your toddler hasn’t started walking yet, but little Johnny and Jill next door have? Help your baby “catch up” with the Juppy, a canvas bag with handles. No more achy back for you. Don’t carry your baby any longer than you need to. Your baby WILL learn to walk if it’s the last thing you do.

Oh, and it’s doctor-approved…which means SO MUCH in this day-and-age.

booty pop Products I Wouldnt Buy (would you?)Booty Pop – Booty Enhancing Panties ($19.95 + shipping)

Are you a little flat-bottomed? Purchase a pair of these fluffy panties and your bottom will pop right out for all to notice and admire. Supposedly, all the celebs wear them. You want a pair now, right? We will all now flock to buy them because Kelly Ripa wore them on her show. Right? (Oh, how I hope that’s not true).

potty training stickers Products I Wouldnt Buy (would you?)Potty Training Stickers ($3.99-$5.99/sticker)

Is your little one having trouble with his/her…ahem…aim? Peel and stick one of these onto the inside of your toilet and the heat of your child’s urine will reveal a playful design. There’s even a “Hole in One” sticker for your little golf pro. No comment.

pump gloves Products I Wouldnt Buy (would you?)Pump Gloves ($14.95)

The Tagline is “Don’t Be A Ditz, Cover Your Mitts!” They are “designed to protect a woman’s hands and manicure from the gas, grease, grime and germs she comes into contact with while pumping gasoline.” I’m not making this up.

P.S. You might as well wear them while you are out running errands too…and especially when lifting those heavy shopping bags! Wouldn’t want to chip your nails, after all!

thanks for everything Products I Wouldnt Buy (would you?)Thanks For Everything ($3.50-$5.50/card)

Someone took the time to buy you a wonderful gift for your wedding, new baby, or special occasion. Now, you can show them how much you care…by hiring this company to write a thank-you note for you! Answer a few simple questions and they’ll craft a semi-lengthy note that is “so poignant and personalized” no one will ever know that you outsourced it. Sneaky, Sneaky.

* This post is obviously written in satire. If you actually bought these products and you love them, I want to hear about it. :)

Would you (or did you…) buy any of these products? What other interesting/laughable products have you seen advertised?

Filed Under: About Me Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Productive

August 21, 2010 By 63 Comments

Yesterday, we applied for passports. Tim already has his, but mine is long-expired and the girls needed theirs. We took, cropped, and printed out our own photos at home. It took a LONG time to get everything exactly right. Afterward, we went downtown to the courthouse where we had to put up our right hands and swear that our application was truthful. While we were there, THREE people asked us if the girls were twins because they had matching outfits on.

passport photo 1 year old Productive passport photo 3 year old Productive passport photo Productive

By the time we were done, it was 2 o’clock so we devoured cheeseburgers and french fries (with ketchup!) at In N Out. Then, we went to Fry’s to buy laundry detergent (we bought the arm + hammer brand this time because it was almost ten dollars cheaper than Tide! Ten dollars!).

hand in hand at the park ProductiveThis morning, we decided to take the “divide and conquer” approach.

Tim took the girls to the park in the morning w/ a cooler of ice and popsicles, while I researched health insurance options (and cried at the Samaritan Ministries video).

When they returned, we ate sandwiches w/ turkey, havarti cheese, spinach, and tomatoes on yummy rolls. Our 1-year-old napped and our 3-year-old watched the Mickey Mouse version of The Three Musketeers.

Then, I took the girls to Tim’s Grandpa’s house so that Tim could work on the Give Every Day website. When we got there, he insisted that the girls watch a National Geographic DVD (he always does)…and offered them chocolate. Before we left, we went on a walk to his mailbox & back (even though he had already got his mail for the day).

At dinner, we ate deli sandwiches (again) + fresh pineapple in the backyard…with the amazing promise of desert rain filling our noses.

After bathtime, I read a chapter of “Ramona and Her Father” to my pajama’d girls. It was the chapter where Ramona tries to convince her dad to stop smoking because she is afraid for his health.

It’s 8:48 and our 1-year-old has been asleep for about 30 minutes. Our 3-year-old is up eating a snack at the kitchen table (she often gets hungry before bedtime). After that, she’ll probably ask Tim to read more books to her (and he will).

“It’s been a productive weekend,” Tim just said satisfactorily. I agree.

But. It wasn’t only the “work” part that was productive. It was all of it. Including the books, the swinging, the playing in the sandbox after dinner, the breaking up quarrels, and the hand-holding.

Now that I think of it, perhaps those things were the most productive of all.

Do you have your passport? What brand of laundry detergent do you buy (and why)?

Filed Under: About Me, Family Tagged With: , , , , , ,