Happy Halloowwweeeen!

I just wanted to wish all of you a safe and fun Halloween.  And remember, don't do what I am doing: dress your kid in all black.  What the hell was I thinking?  Anyway, get out the glow sticks and flashlights.  And get ready to haul the kids and bags in tow.

And just to get in the spirit, here is a rendition of a story Boog recited for us last year, word for word, that he must have listened to at school.  Don't mind, it is black since he was in bed.

Numbers

This morning from across the hall: Thump. Thump. Thump.  Two seconds later, Mudge with his corner blankie and a stuffed Angry Bird staring at me.

"Momma, the clock says 6 4 0.  Can we go downstairs?"
Honey, when the clock says 7 0 0.
"OK."

Then for the next twenty minutes as we lay in my bed, Mudge proceeded to detail every change in the clock.
"Momma, the clock says 6 4 2"
"Now it says 6 4 3"
"Now it says 6 4 4"
You get the picture.

But this is actually a wonderful thing. I remember when Boog, at about this age, understood numbers.  We had put a clock in his room for this reason.  And since he is such a stickler for rules, when we told him "when the clock says 645 you can come get us" in fact, that is what he did.

So now the Mudge is mastering the identification of numbers, it makes procrastination a little easier, since I can tell him at 1100 we will open the goody bag from last night.  But it is a double edge sword since I will receive a detailed time table until the desired time is reached.

I suppose it is time to put a clock in HIS room, so he doesn't have to check mine.

Whats in your candy bowl?

"Hello, Halloween! What a glorious day and a glorious night to go trick-or-treating...for candy-candy-candy-candy-candy-candy-candy-candy!"-Garfield

It is the age old dilemma:  Do I get what I want to eat or do I get what I don't want to eat?

Snickers?

Kit Kats?

Lollipops?

Dots?

Pencils?

Because really what ends up happening? You fill the bowl with 45 bags of candy, get maybe 10 trick or treaters, and then what? Ingest 300,000 calories and grams of sugar and sat fat in the matter of a week?

Yes.


So what's in my bowl? Milky way. Kit kat. Twix. (and Snickers for Kyle)


Does that make me a bad person????

Halloween, old school

I do love Halloween. I love seeing all of the costumes, creativity, and excitement in the faces of the children and the brave adults who join them. I can clearly recall the pictures of my sister and I dressed up like punk rockers and cats. It was easy. Cheap. And you made it. I miss that. There are so many premade options out there that it is just easier, because who has time to make a Spiderman costume?

But this year we had no choice on the matter. The boys decided to pay homage to Monster Bug Wars and be insects for All Hallows Eve. Not just any insects, but a Giant Rainforest Mantis and a Bull Ant.

Check out the videos the kids are soooo obsessed with....

Note the large pinchy mandibles, that Mudge so desperately wanted

So we had to come up with some ideas on how to create the creepy crawlers because we would paying out ass for a decent costume So home came extra cardboard and tubing. Out came the paint and exacto knives. Off to Micheals for some random extra large pipe cleaners and foam visors. And voila! A true homemade Trick or Treating delight.

The boys are soooo excited and we are too. Kyle put a lot of blood, sweat, and tears into forming the wings and spiny front legs. So we shall see the true outcome in just a few days....

Talkin' Tatas Tuesdays: Inspiration not desparation

From 10 years working in a medical field, I have notice many things:  The biggest of which is how mood and mental wellbeing effects the healing process.  So for this last Tata Tuesday entry I just wanted to share some inspiring quotes to.....


If children have the ability to ignore all odds and percentages, then maybe we can all learn from them.  When you think about it, what other choice is there but to hope?  We have two options, medically and emotionally:  give up, or fight like hell.  ~Lance Armstrong


Cancer is a word, not a sentence.  ~John Diamond


The most important thing in illness is never to lose heart.  ~Nikolai Lenin


The greatest mistake in the treatment of diseases is that there are physicians for the body and physicians for the soul, although the two cannot be separated.  ~Plato


Feed your faith and your fears will starve to death.  ~Author Unknown


The human spirit is stronger than anything that can happen to it.  ~C.C. Scott


Never, never, never give up.  ~Winston Churchill


If you're going through hell, keep going.  ~Winston Churchill


You know, I sometimes wish I could have sat down with Winston Churchill....

Foster'ing Good Times at Cucumber Hill Farm

Our good friend invited us to go to a corn maze tonight, out in Foster, Rhode Island.  Cucumber Hill Farm is a beautifully revamped farm that has a little extra to offer this time of year.

Located wayyyyyy out off Route 6, right near the Killingly, Connecticut border, is where you can pick your own pumpkins and gourds, do a few pony rides ($3), or do some fall photography.

Open weekends,  September 24 to October 30th, Cucumber Hill Farms offers free hayrides, free kiddie hay maze, and tonight they had some complimentary hot cocoa and coffee.  For a $8 for anyone over 12, $4 for 4-12, and free for under that, you get to enjoy a corn-y trip through the Land of Oz.

Kyle had the kids running around throughout the maze looking for the Wizard of Oz based questions.  We found 8 of the 10 posts with questions about the movie.  And since it was supper time, we didn't go back to see if we could find anymore.  

 Right.  Supper time in Foster.  Where to go?  Amazingly enough, we had heard of a little place called Pizza King.  Just a local joint, located off the beaten path (moreso than we were) on a pond.  For under $40, we fed 3 adults and four kids.  Not bad.  And neither was the food.  In fact, we decided we wanted to go back another night when the kids weren't so tired and wired to try some of the funky pizzas, lobster bisque, and grinders they had on the menu.  And it looks like it would make a great summer stop, since you can eat outside overlooking the view of the water.

So if you are looking for something to do out in the land of "No School Foster/Glocester", take a ride down route 6, pick some pumpkins, get lost in OZ, and find some tasty food less than 10 minutes away from the farm.

Pizza King
430 Ledge Road
Dayville, CT

Cucumber Hill Farm
39 Cucumber Hill Road
Foster, RI

Slimy Belly

"Hun, what time are you leaving?"
Shortly, why?
"Boog's at the nurse's office."
Ok.

So I get to the school to pick up Boog and Mudge to find them both waiting for me in the office.  What's wrong?  "My belly feels slimy."  Looking a little pasty and knowing he isn't one to make up false illness accusations (yet) I figured we were in for a night of barf bowl fun.

So we stopped to get some ginger ale and special tea because "that special tea always helps me feel better."  Of course, like he usually does, he takes no more than 2 sips to decide that it does just the trick.  (it is Celestial Season's by the way, not special tea).  Regardless, we make it home without explosions in the car, always a plus.

Boog explained that his stomach did not feel slimy before lunch. Nor did it feel slimy during or after lunch.  But it started getting "lumpy like applesauce pudding" during music.  Ok.  But instead of barfing, he was FOS.  Literally.  Now, a few pounds lighter and no longer with a slimy belly, he is feeling fine.  Boy, am I glad.....

So what was the most creative way your kids described how they felt?

Argh!

I am feeling a little pissed off.  Not for anything my children or husband or co workers have done or said.  They were all wonderful today, and I am trying to remember that. Gritting my teeth. Trying to look at the positive.

Buuuuuttttt, I just received the email that yet again I have  not been issued a grant that would help me build an inclusive playground for my preschool students.  To build a playground, like the one we need for our children with significant special needs, will cost nearly $60,000.  So I have been trying to find ways to fund this project to no avail.

These kids need a safe and accessible place to play.  I don't know to whom I need to speak to get this done.  So this is my venting forum for the moment.  If anyone has any ideas or success stories, I could surely use the encouragement.

Please visit our project, scroll down and watch the video.

Talkin' Tatas Tuesdays: Seven degrees of separation, or less

When you look at the statistics, one in eight women will develop invasive breast cancer (American Cancer Society).   Unfortunately, that means I could bet that out of you and your 7 closest friends and colleagues, you can probably identify at least one woman who has survived breast cancer.  Amongst family members, I can identify at least one.  At work, at least one.  And among my friends, at least one.  And that is just me and my circle.  


What the hell? Those numbers are ridiculous.  Breast cancer is the second, only to lung cancer, leading cancer killer of women, according to ACS.  So what do we do?


I'm in my early 30s.  I have yet to have the mammogram.  For the most part, breast cancer is not common in my immediate family.  So I follow the general recommendations: SBE (self breast exams), clinical breast exams by the physician, and try to keep in general good health.   But many are not as lucky, and maybe the prevalence of breast cancer is higher.  

Women at high risk include those who:

• Have a known BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation
• Have a first-degree relative (parent, brother, sister, or child) with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation, but have not had genetic testing themselves
• Have a lifetime risk of breast cancer of 20% to 25% or greater, according to risk assessment tools that are based mainly on family history (such as the Claus model - see below)
• Had radiation therapy to the chest when they were between the ages of 10 and 30 years
• Have Li-Fraumeni syndrome, Cowden syndrome, or Bannayan-Riley-Ruvalcaba syndrome, or have first-degree relatives with one of these syndromes

Women at moderately increased risk include those who:

• Have a lifetime risk of breast cancer of 15% to 20%, according to risk assessment tools that are based mainly on family history (see below)
• Have a personal history of breast cancer, ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS), atypical ductal hyperplasia (ADH), or atypical lobular hyperplasia (ALH)
• Have extremely dense breasts or unevenly dense breasts when viewed by mammograms

The theory of early detection is the key, and we know our bodies best.  But sometimes we need the electronic age help.  So if you think you may be considered at high or moderate risk with factors like those above, then consider talking to your doctor about yearly MRI and mammograms.


Go to the American Cancer Society for more information and talk to your physician!
Let's save the tatas!

OT Soap Box: SPD

I bet few of you know that it is Sensory Processing Disorder Awareness Month.  Don't worry, I didn't know until the other day either.  And I'm an OT!  I felt like I should have known.  So to celebrate SPD Month, I wanted to share some insight, websites, and other tidbits about it.


First, how many senses do you have?  I bet you said 5: touch, taste, smell, sight, sound.  Well, if you said that, you are partially correct.  In fact, you have seven, and I bet you forgot Proprioception and Vestibular senses.  Proprioception is the way your body and brain sense how much force is needed, like the ability to judge how to tap your neighbor to say excuse me rather than punching them.  Vestibular sensations allow your body to understand your head's position in space, like if you are tilted, upside-down or right side up.  And when any of these senses are not working properly, then you get .....Sensory Processing Disorder.  When the brain and body cannot quite understand how to interpret and execute functioning in the world around them. 


Research has been going on for years and many have been working diligently, advocating to the American Psychiatric Association to have it added to the DSM (the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders now working on 5th version due out 2013).   But they have been met with caution since SPD can look like ADHD, Autism Spectrum disorders, and other illnesses, or be secondary underneath them.  But the SPD Foundation has recently shed positive news saying that possibly Sensory Under Responsiveness and Over responsiveness may be an associated feature under the Autism Spectrum, which may help people get insurance to cover much needed clinical treatment.  I can only hope!  I know too many that get denied and have to pay out of pocket!


But in the meantime, to support a child with an SPD takes a lot of patience, trial and error.  But there are people out there wanting to help.  First, if you suspect you or your child is having a hard time, talk to your pediatrician and possibly get a referral for an OT evaluation.  But be ready to be on a long waiting list.  In the mean time, talk with your child's teacher to see how they are doing in school.  If they appear to be struggling, meet with the educational team and request a screening.  If you've been there already, check out companies like Fun and Function who wanted to make sensory items affordable, as often they are not. And get connected.  Often other parents and therapists can lead you in the right direction of who to see, what to get, as well as be a shoulder of support.  Last, or maybe I should say, Always, keep your head up.  You are your child's best and most loving advocate.  Be open. Be loving. Be patient.


Check these out!
Do You Know Me? by Melissa Zacherl
Sensory World Poster
Sensory Street Parent Tool
Sensory Street Research
Heavy Work Activities 

Looking for something to do? AppleFest!

This weekend at Wachusett Mountain is their 28th annual AppleFest.

Last year, our family went, bundled up to the max.  There were some bouncy houses.  Lots of crafters, activities and local farm fresh items.  And, yes, maple cotton candy. DELICIOUS!

For an additional charge, we took the Skyride up to the top of the mountain.  I would not necessarily recommend you do this with wiggly children under 3, but be your own judge.  My kids were so excited, and I held onto them pretty tightly since it is a ski lift.  But they did great and loved the unique view above the trees, down to the valley.  And we were able to walk around the top of the mountain, exploring the sights.

Adults are $10, 6-12 are $6, and under 5 get into the festival free as well as a sky ride admission.  Skyrides are an additional cost, but there are some great packages that include the sky ride, food and other fun activities.

So if you are looking for a great outdoor family friendly and food friendly day, head up to Wa.... Wa... Wachusett either today or tomorrow. Maybe I'll see you there.  Doors are open 10-5.

Canes and other random thoughts of a six year old...

So this was tonight's conversation at bedtime with Boog.  I love the randomness.

"Mom, you don't have to have white hair to use a walking cane.  Vava uses one, but she doesn't have white hair."
Actually honey, she does.
"What? You gotta be kidding me!"
Nope, she uses hair dye.
"Why do people do that?  I'm not going to do that when I get white hair."
No, men usually don't.
"Pepe has white hair but he doesn't use a walking cane."
Yes, honey, you are right.
"So I guess you just need bad feet to use a cane, not white hair.  Just like some people use crutches."
Yup. Just like some people uses walkers.

"Mom, did you know M. is 27 and super big?"
Yes. He is pretty tall.
"I mean, really, how did he get that big?"
He must come from a tall family.
"Humph. He's gonna keep growing?!"
Did you meet his girlfriend?
"Yup. She uses a wheelchair.  What's wrong with her legs?"
I don't know. Maybe she doesn't have the strength in her legs to walk so she uses the wheelchair to get around.
"No, I think her legs are just like this."
You know what? I know kids that use wheelchairs.
"At your school?"
Yup.

"Can brothers and sisters have different moms and dads?"
Yes.
"How?"
Well..... B's mom is Auntie and her dad is Uncle X right? But since Auntie is married to Uncle Y and they had baby J, they have different daddies.  But that makes Uncle Y a step daddy.
"Oh I see.  So is Uncle X J's stepfather?"
No.
"Why not?"
Because it is based on who is married to who.
"Oh. OK. Good night mommy."

I feel like it was an episode of Deep Thoughts with Boog.  Boy, that could have gone on a lot longer. Thankfully, he was tired. So what kind of conversations did you have with your kids tonight?

Think Fun's SWISH Funalysis

I Swish
You Swish
We all Swish
for Think Fun's Swish.

I had way too much fun with this game today.

Boog calls it "Sniping," the ability to locate a swishable ball in hoop match up.  And he is really good, and really excited.  "For crying out loud mom, I am sniping out a lot of match ups!"  Even Mudge got in on the game, finding some even without help, which was a little funny since the game is targeted for 8 and up.

Swish is a set of transparent cards with colored "balls" (dots) and "hoops" (ring).  The object of the game is to mentally flip, rotate, and stack same colored balls and hoops while not leave any unmatched.  Major spatial relations and position in space game.  You can make it easy, taking turns.  Or change it up, making multi card swishes.  Or speed it up for quick draw "Sniper Swishing" as Boog called it.

I love the simplicity of the game. The design is geometrically pleasing to look at.  And the cards seem pretty sturdy.  It is travel friendly in its little drawstring pack.   For the kiddos with spatial problems, this is a great way to implement therapeutic fun time.  Of course, my colleagues, family and students were also quite intrigued with the game with its playful nature.  I like how it can be played solo if no one wants to join in the fun, or you can have a crazy Swish-fest with a bunch of friends.  No matter how many people, you can come up with a version to make it engaging.

So for around $12.99, it is pretty affordable for the therapeutic and family game arsenal.  And since it is joyful, socially engaging and connected, and gives a sense of internal control, my fellow Life is Good Playmakers would say, Swish can be a transformative play experience!

Talkin' Tatas Tuesdays: Moobs

According to the American Cancer Society: A breast cancer is a malignant tumor that starts from cells of the breast. A malignant tumor is a group of cancer cells that may grow into (invade) surrounding tissues or spread (metastasize) to distant areas of the body. Breast cancer occurs mainly in women, but men can get it, too. Many people do not realize that men have breast tissue and that they can develop breast cancer.


So whether you call them moobs or 'man'ary glands, the man boobs are also susceptible to breast cancer development.  Though there is no for sure cause for men developing breast cancer, there are risk factors described by the ACS which include the following:


Age: Men with breast cancer are on average about 68 years old when they are diagnosed.
Family history: About 1 out of 5 men with breast cancer have close male or female relatives with the disease.
Genetics: The BRCA2 mutations may account for 1 in 10 men.
Radiation exposure
Alcohol/Liver disease:  excessive alcohol abuse may cause liver disease which may in turn mess with the  hormone balance
Estrogen treatment:  Estrogen based treatments are sometimes used in prostate cancers, as well as those who may have had a sex change.
Obesity:  fat cells can change male hormones into female hormones
Testicular Conditions: more research is needed
Klinefelter's Syndrome : though more research is needed, the extra X chromosomes related with the genetic disorder may account for some cases.
Certain Occupations : more research is needed but prolonged exposure to heat and fumes may have an affect on cancer development  


All information found on American Cancer Society website.  As with anything: I am not a doctor. I don't pretend to be.  I just found it share worthy.  Talk with the moob owner in your life, and get him checked too, especially if it runs in the family.

I am Officially a Player, not to be confused with Playa

So over the weekend, I had the most phenomenal opporutnity to attend at Life is Good Playmaker Training.  And I can now proudly say that I am certified in silly, and a playmaker not a play hater.

When my girlfriend told me about her amazing experiences at the training over the summer, she said "YOU HAVE TO GO!"  So with that much enthusiasm and energy I just had oblige.  And I am so happy I did.

Life is Good Kids Foundation is the culmination of The Project Joy's mission with Life is Good support to help children overcome life threatening challenges.  Project Joy's background was the idea that children who experience trauma need to learn to play again so they can become healthy and joyful members of society.  They train people to help children play and heal.  But they do it in a way that is most effective, they teach you to be playful.  Because you can't teach what you don't have.

I spent the weekend with a bunch of adults, playing.  Using parachutes.  Throwing yarn balls.  Playing musical chairs.  And it was so much fun.  In fact, I realized I really hadn't been my playful self in a long time.  Don't get me wrong, I play with my children.  I play with other's children.  But I forgot the importance of being playful and being in the moment.  If you are not 100% in the moment, thinking about what you have to do later, and what you did in the morning, then you miss what you are doing right now.  And kids know when you are not 'with' them.  So you can't build trust and relationships.  And if you can't do that, then those kids won't be able to be healthy social beings.

Playfulness is not rocket science.  It doesn't mean you have to wear a rainbow wig, dancing and singing (though it might help).  It just means that you have to have joy, be socially connected, have a sense of internal control, and be actively engaged.  It's not the stuff that makes it play.  It's all in the approach.

I know I have had a truly life changing moment that not only will make me a better therapist, but a better wife, mother, and friend.  So find your inner player, and bring it out.  Enjoy the moments.  Like Brad Paisley said, "Live for the little moments."  And if you would like to be a part of the Playmaker Effect, contact the Life is Good Foundation and find a training near you.

Sweet Apples Galore

It was too beautiful out to not take advantage it.  Especially since every weekend the entire month of October is booked with birthdays, conferences, and Halloween festivities.  So after school, I took the boys to Barden Family Orchard in North Scituate, Rhode Island to do some apple picking.

Today's brisk and sunny visit was our first to this harvest zone.  Nestled in the back woods of nowhere, in the outskirts of the Apple Valley, Barden's hosts a variety of pick your own stuff including apples, peaches, and veggies.  They also have a lot of pumpkins to help you get your Halloween on.  But we were there for the apples.

For $15 per peck, or 2 for $25, we could find Galas, Macs, Macouns, Grannys, and other varieties.  Though they try to clearly mark the breed of tree, unfortunately most tags were off so we went by sight.

The boys and I had such a blast picking.  I swear Mudge found one as big as his head, which of course resulted in me carrying his bag because "It's too heavy, mom." And then, Boog was being so strong carrying the bag around, but visions of a peck of apples rolling down the hill towards the car made me take his as well.  Self preservation, I know.

But now that we are done, the question really is: What the heck to do I do now with two pecks of apples?

Apple crisp.  Because I don't need crust.
Apple streusel. MMM. Streusel.
Apple coffee cake.  Anything as a side with coffee.
Apple slices on PB sandwiches.  A new favorite of Boog's.
Pork Chops and Appleshauce. Peter Brady's favorite.

Suppose I should get to work on some recipes.....
Anyone got any????

Bubbles or No Bubbles?

Four score and seven years ago, when I walked up hill both ways barefoot, I remember having my tall cup of coffee milk (a Rhode Island staple) accompanied by a straw, specifically used for experimentation: to see how many bubbles I could make without making a mess.

But once you become a parent, I think sometimes you lose those memories and get caught up in the day.  So initially, when the boys started blowing bubbles in their drinks, my immediate reaction was, "Don't."  I know, but I am a negative first responder.  Trust me, I see where my spirited child gets it.  But then the bubblicious memory of having mountains of the spherical objects growing taller and taller, popped into my head.  I just couldn't NOT let them have this same simple joy.

And since, Mudge needs to work on his "nasal emission" problem, letting air come out his nose when he talks so he sounds nasally, blowing bubbles is purposeful and therapeutic.  So now, when the boys blow into their drinks, I say go for it, with the only rule is not let them go out of the cup.  I know if you give them an inch.....

So the question is: Do you bubble?

Talkin' Tatas Tuesdays, or Rather How to Support Them

With October being Breast Cancer Awareness month, I figured it would be a good forum to discuss the girls.  


So besides talking about the importance of a good self breast exam, I defer to the Susan G. Komen Organization and its wealth of information on early detection and screening, I am choosing to rather talk about the need to support them in the right way- a good, No, an excellent fitting bra.  Do any of you remember Beaches and Bette Midler's character CeCe singing about whether or not "Do you buys a titsling, or do you buy a brazierre?"  

If you are like me, the girls are nowhere near where they were in high school, let alone, before I had children.  So whether you refer to them as tatas, pancakes, jugs, boobs, or breasts, they are a big part of your life.  And you should take care of them.

I will have you know, this card was from my best friend of 20 some odd years. Feel the love?

So I went on my own Boobtastic Adventure and I finally had my very own bra fitting at Victoria's Secret, in Garden City, Cranston.  My free fitting was done by Mary, a wonderfully helpful woman.  And it was not intimidating at all.  She first measure me chest diameter to get an idea of my girth, with my clothes on.  Then she brought it a bunch of different styles to try.  Each time, I was given privacy to try them on, then she asked if I would like her to adjust the straps and see if it were a good fit.  She also shared some great pointers like:

• Make sure you secure your bra with the middle hooks.  If you have back cleavage (like below) then you don't have the right fit.  If you have to do either the first or last hook, you may want to look into a different size (ie 32 or 36 if you thought you were a 34)
• Make sure your back strap sits in the middle of your back.  If it is riding up towards your shoulders, your boobs will look low and droopy and you will probably be slouching (she didn't say that. She said it wouldn't support them properly.)
• If you have the four(or six)-boob-effect, you should make sure you have the correct cup size.  They should be well contained within the cup.

So next time you aren't liking the way you feel or look, remember what Stacey and Clinton say from What Not To Wear, Your Bra Is Your BFF. When your girls are lifted and separated, you look thinner, period. You appear taller. Your waist appears narrower. Ladies with a larger bust will especially need to 

invest in a really, really great brassiere.

If you have never had a fitting, I would highly recommend it.  There are few things I truly invest in besides a car, a house, and a family.  Those would be shoes and a well fitted over the shoulder boulder holder.

And if you or anyone you know has been touched by Breast Cancer, consider donating to the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

Silly Sushi Supper Night. Or Attempt at Food Poisoning?

So my children have limited palates. Tonight to help broaden their epicurean taste buds I thought about sushi. Silly sushi.

I figured if we made a fun dessert, then it would motivate them to eat their pretend sushi.

So with fruit roll ups, rice crispy treats, and licorice ropes we created a pretty colorful rendition of the traditional wrap. And it sat there and waited.

Then onto dinner. Well, this was a food fail. Since the children will not eat seaweed, I had them flatten out bread with rolling pins. Then we put rice, sweet potato fries and a fish stick in. Odd combo I know. Frankly not sure what I was thinking. No. I take that back. I thought about the sweet potato rolls I have had in the past and thought of this make shift version. And the fish sticks were close enough to nuggets that i figured the kids wouldn't outright fight them.

And for the most part I was right. Amazingly Boog ate an entire roll. Mudget ate 1 potion. I ate them too. Then Kyle took a bite and spit it out. Silly sushi turned into Ghetto sushi. My husband decided it was a failed attempt at food poisoning. Which at first I started laughing at hysterically.  Then, I got pissed.  How dare he spit food out! We are always trying to get the boys to try something new.  Suck it up, buttercup and eat the friggin' roll.

Eventually the boys were able to eat the fruit (roll ups) of our labor. And eventually Kyle made his own dinner.  Maybe not so much a food fail, but a food draw: dinner 1, mom 1.

When the cat's away...

When the hubby is away, it makes mothering twice as, um, hard.
exhausting.
entertaining.
special.

I can truly appreciate the idea of team work when parenting when the other team player is not around.  Usually it is divide and conquer at bath and bed time.  But instead it is clone and conquer, attempting to appease and corral the two boys.

Actually, it was a great day with Boog and Mudge.  They were happy, which means I was happy.  We played soccer, legos and Wii.  We shopped.  We laughed.  Especially at Mudge as he went through Kohl's yelling, "MOM, COME OVER HERE. COME SEE. YOU GOTTA SEE THIS!" At everything.  You would have thought I have never taken him out of his cage or something.  We even had special mom and us date night at Chili's, which apparently was on everyone else's agenda as well, because even just before 5 pm was busy.

Now, I get a little reprieve.  Movie night. Popcorn. Zone out time.  I don't feel guilty.  We had a wonderful day.  My house may look like it was turned inside out, but at least we are happy and I haven't throttled them..... yet.