UPS and Me

The big brown truck and me have a love/hate relationship.

I envy those guys in the poop outfits.  They are always fit.  They get like 203,840 weeks of vacation a year.  They get paid pretty well.  The wasps never seem to chase them.  And they get to meet some really cool people ......... like me.  Who couldn't find a bra but was SOOO excited to see the UPS man and didn't want him to leave and take my package with him - that I answered the door - floppy boobs and all it's glory.  Then screamed like a banshee because the wasps were chasing me.  Right into a big pile of steaming hot dog poo.  Not only did I look like an idiot running after him .... but I smelled like crap (literally).

Yes this is my drawing. No I don't have anything for sale (at the moment).

That's my luck.

But I got my package.  A new virus protector for my computer.  All that ... for a gosh dang download.

Part I of my Random Olympic Thoughts

I’ve always been a spontaneous thinker type of person. I just think of random shit that either confuses me … or makes me giggle out loud. Regardless, here are some of my most recent random thoughts purged onto my blog. And since the Olympics just started – I’m calling this Part I of my Random Olympic Thoughts…

　

　
No one competing in the Olympics has ever eaten at McDonalds … ever.

I'm pretty sure the Queen is contractually bind to not smile.

Ping Pong is evidently exhausting. They towel break after 6 points.

Whenever I’m dreading the laundry pile … I think about the 8mo pregnant lady from Malaysia competing.

I had to Google 39,595,940 of those countries during the parade to make sure NBC wasn’t fucking with me.

Olympic athletes keep getting hotter.

I sooooo wanted the Queen to say: "HAPPY HUNGER GAMES!!".

I have more blog followers than the population in some of the countries competing.

Pretty sure there was competition between Matt and Bob on who would have the dumbest commentary.

The Czech costumes in the Opening Ceremony just really confused me. Did it rain in London earlier? Is that why they were wearing the rain boots? Help me out here…

I’m curious if the USA’s outfits were actually made in the USA … or China. And when did berets = American? I thought that was France … no?

I have to go to bed early so that I can wake up in the middle of the night to watch the Olympics on Twitter.

Fencing would be a lot less boring if they used lightsabors.

NBC totally said "medalled" like it was a real word. LOL

The gymnasts do all these crazy tricks and flips but they can’t jump up and grab the bar on their own?

The athletes and their stories make me REALLY hate myself.

On a good note … gym memberships have to be going through the roof right now.

The starting "beep" sound makes me think the commentators are swearing.

　

Stay tuned for more….

Turn your "AHA" into a Reality

As a mother and a self-proclaimed "attempted" entrepreneur, I realize how helpful support is when starting a business. I started my own transcription company from home but quickly had to refer my customer’s elsewhere as it started to become too hectic with a 3yo and a newborn at the time. It takes money and time – which were two things that were not available to me at that time.

Huggies® recognizes that there is a dynamic and talented community of moms who strive to make life as a parent easier and more enjoyable every day. It's what they strive for too.

That's why they want to inspire moms from all walks of life to channel some of their best moments of ingenuity into products that help improve the lives of all moms. Now in its third year, the Huggies® MomInspired™ grant program celebrates the natural creativity of moms, who solve real parenting challenges every day in innovative ways. To ensure that the Huggies® MomInspired™ Grant program is the best fit for you, please review the rules and eligibility guidelines here.

The Huggies MomInspired Grant Program is awarding $15,000 to further the development of your innovative product idea or startup business inspired by motherhood. Take your entrepeneurship to the next level with the Huggies brand.

Applications are now being accepted through Tuesday, July 31, 2012, at 11:59 p.m. EST

Moms can learn more and submit original, innovative and viable new business and product ideas now at HuggiesMomInspired.com.

By visiting the website www.HuggiesMomInspired.com you can also read about the stories of past grant recipients and their product ideas.

Be an Inspired Mom. Turn your "AHA" moment into a reality!

Talk To Them ... And Pray

My 4-year-old turned on the TV and happened upon today's news coverage of the breaking news at the Aurora, CO Century theater.  He wanted to know why someone would shoot and kill people at his Papa's work (my dad is a manager at a movie theater here where we live - Cash doesn't understand this was in another state, only that it was at a theater that looked like his papa's).

When Cale and I decided to have kids ... we agreed to always answer our children's questions as openly and honestly as we possibly can.

Today, I watched another part of my son's innocence go away.  Today, I watched my son's face draw a blank (for once) as he realized that not all people are good.  That people are scary and uncertain and untrustworthy.
When our babies come into the world, they are born with such innocence.  That all the world is good. That they can trust everybody and no one will hurt them.  And every day, it seems like something happens that takes that sweet, innocence away from them.

I explained to my confused and questioning 4-year-old that this was an isolated event.  I had no choice.  He saw the coverage, he had questions, and it's not a subject I wanted to avoid talking to him about.  I explained that he doesn't have to be scared to go to his Papa's work to watch a movie.  That his Dad and I will keep his safe.  The bad guy is caught and he isn't out there anymore.  And while I cannot shelter my son ... deep down, I felt like I lied to him.  I WANT to protect him from all harm.  I DON'T want him to go watch a movie this weekend with his Dad because I can't bare the thought of something happening.  But I also know that we have to get back up on our feet.

So we prayed.  We prayed for the victims and the families of the victims.  For the law enforcement.  For the community of Aurora, Co.  For everyone affected by this tragedy.  And we prayed for the madman.  Because he needs God in his life more than anything right now .... not media coverage.

------------------------------------
If you are speechless, and need help with prayer - Please don't hesitate to repeat this:

Father, we come to you today asking for healing for those affected. We pray for the families of the victims who have lost their lives. I pray that they knew You during their lifetime, and that they are standing in your glory at this moment. We pray for those injured. Please heal their physical and emotional wounds, and draw them closer to You. Father, we pray for our country as a whole. We NEED you, God. We have strayed too far, and are suffering the consequences. You are the God of love, and without you, there is no REAL love. Father, comfort us, and be with those in Colorado. It is in Jesus' name I pray, Amen

If You're A Mom...

.... you can relate ....

MIA = Me

I’m going to be MIA for a few days.  Thursday - Friday we're having a garage sale and then on Saturday I have a local press trip.  If you’re one of my Kansas readers, give me a shout ..... I’ll cut you a good deal at my sale ;)

Have a good weekend ya'll!

Boogie Wipes Winner!

First of all, I wanted to thank everyone that entered.  I wish I could give you ALL a package of boogie wipes!  I know just how it is to have a little one with a runny nose. 

Down to business....

Congratulations Holly!  You've won the (2) packs of 30-count wipes (variety combination). - with your comment/action: "Free entry for Boogie Wipes fans on Facebook". I will be sending you an email shortly.

Holly, you must respond within 48 hours of my email or I must choose a new winner. If for some reason you decide you do not want the packs of Boogie Wipes, please notify me ASAP so that I may choose a new winner.

Again, thanks to all that entered! And congratulation to Holly!  I hope that you will spread the word about how Boogie Wipes helped save your sanity (and your child's nose).

Everyone else...
Have you heard about The Boogie Bunch? 

Join The Boogie Bunch today and Get a Coupon for 50¢ Off Boogie Wipes!  Click here to find out more.

Thanks again, everyone!

Mamaholic: Confessions of a Helicopter Parent - A book review

When I read the description for this book, I just knew this book was for me as I too, had dreamed of being a perfect mother. I hoped that it would bring some healing to my own parenting experiences and mistakes. I was delighted by her writing style and captured by her story as I related to her experiences. I loved her honesty and sense of humor. I couldn't put the book down.

This book is the story of Dena Higley's dreams and goals of having it all: a perfect family including 2 adopted children, 2 biological children, 2 cats, the dogs, the handsome husband, the picket fence, and the dream job. She was the driving force keeping everything together.

The author tackles the subject of the pressures of being a perfect mom by likening it to a helicopter. In order to maintain control, she had to hover. Dena realized that she had set herself up for her own failure by this need to control. She shares the details in every area of her life that had to be "in control" all the while contributing more stress to her already stressed out life, which led to her demise: crash and burn.

This is a great read for every mother and grandmother to ease up and back off, take stock, realize their own limits and say no. The hovering helicopter is an image that will stick in the reader's mind as a valuable tool to kick the "performance and control" habit. I highly recommend this book and am definitely going to share it with my mommy group and friends.

About the Author:
Dena Higley, an Emmy award-winning writer, has been the head writer for both One Life to Live and Days of Our Lives as well as a playwright in Glendale, CA. She is a graduate of the USC School of Theatre, where she studied acting under the late John Houseman. She currently resides in La Cañada Flintridge, CA, with her husband of twenty-five years, Mark. They have four children and one grandchild.

Publisher: Oasis Audio; Unabridged edition (May 8, 2012)

Language: English
ISBN-10: 1613751311
ISBN-13: 978-1613751312
Product Dimensions: 6.4 x 5.4 x 0.7 inches

Disclaimer:  I received this book from the publisher through BookSneeze®.com. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own

Kids Sails Free - Hurry! Ends July 7th



Don't miss this awesome opportunity! Click here to find out more.

Oh. Em Gee!  I JUST heard about this via email and had to tell you all...

As moms, we love creating unforgettable memories with our families, right?  And when those memories come courtesy of an amazing deal, it just makes it all the more worthwhile!  My friends at Norwegian Cruise Line are offering families both with their "Kids Sail Free" promotion.
 
Yep ... you heard me ... kids sail FREE this fall on Norwegian Cruise Line!  That means when you book a select Fall 2012 cruise between now and July 7th (ugh ... that's tomorrow ... but there's still time!), kids under 18 sailing as a third or fourth guest in the stateroom sail free.  Imagine your family on board a Norwegian Cruise Line ship this Fall, sailing to destinations such as The Caribbean, Europe, Hawaii and more! Like all good things, this promotion won't last forever.  In fact, you have to book your cruise before July 7th in order to take advantage of this incredible offer.

But it's a deal I just couldn't pass up on telling you about.  So don't wait ... book this trip today!  If I wasn't a bus driver and had vacay to spare, it's an offer I wouldn't be able to refuse!



Disclosure: I was entered for a chance to win a Norwegian Cruise Line vacation exchange for this post.  No monetary exchange took place.

Winner - Sesame Place Tickets

First of all, I just want to tell you how much I loved reading your favorite Sesame memories.  They brought back many memories of my own, too!  Thank you to everyone that entered - I wish I could give you all tickets.

Down to business....

Congratulations Amy!  You've won the 4-pack of tickets to Sesame Place - the nation's only theme park based entirely on the award-winning show Sesame Street - with your comment/action: "Followed Traveling Moms" on Twitter.  I will be sending you an email shortly.

Amy, you must respond within 48 hours of my email or I must choose a new winner.  If for some reason you will be unable to attend Sesame Place, please notify me ASAP so that I may choose a new winner.

Again, thanks to all that entered!  And congratulation to Amy!  The Sesame Place gang awaits your arrival....











Note: These tickets are provided by Sesame Place, Not The Procrastinating Mommy.

America: Celebrate Your Freedom

As you're enjoying the good bbq, friends, and fireworks ... don't forget the reason for today.

And I'm proud to be an American,
where at least I know I'm free.
And I won't forget the men who died,
who gave that right to me.
~Lee Greenwood

God Bless America.  Land of the free.

"If our country is worth dying for in time of war let us resolve that it is truly worth living for in time of peace."

~Hamilton Fish