Maybe I should buy stock in vinegar...

So I have noticed that most of my tips of the week include the use of vinegar, but, I assure you it's not because I have stock in the vinegar companies.

I really do use vinegar to clean almost everything in my house and it works great! The shower doors and granite counters are about the only things I don't use it on.

It's cheap and goes a long way once you add water; and safe if the kids get ahold of it. The irony in our house, we have recently learned Pete is allergic to vinegar. Poor man, he's allergic to the cats and vinegar, the two things are found EVERYWHERE in the house.

Poor guy, he always seems to get the short end of the stick!

That Darn Mouse...

Today the girls had a party at Chuck E. Cheese and well, let's just say they spent a good 15 minutes screaming & hiding from the mouse.

I feel so bad for the girls, they love playing the games, eating the pizza, but, that darn mouse gets them every time. They are smart enough to know he only comes out during parties, so when we go as a family it's not too bad, but, when we have a party they just dread cake time. Of course today, the 30 seconds I walked away to get something to drink the mouse appeared and I could hear the girls screaming across the entire place. Luckily, one of the Mom's at the party brought the girls over and poor little Emily was even shaking she was so scared. I felt awful for them!

Thankfully, there was only one party so he only came out once and they could get back to their friends. I know they get this phobia from me, as I cannot stand any type of giant creature dressed in a costume. Once when I was in my twenties, Erin thought it would be funny to tell an Easter Bunny that I wanted a hug and he chased me thru an outdoor mall. I ran screaming and crying , then darted into a store to hide. It was horrible.

Our Disney trip was much like Chuck E. Cheese, so can't see us going back there anytime soon. No need to spend a small fortune to terrorize the kids, we can do that right here at Chuck E. Cheese, for a lot less.

Are your kids afraid of these animals or are yours the type that run up and hug the crap out of them?

My name is Kathleen ....and I am a shopaholic!

Today after school the girls and I had a ton of errands to do, as I mentioned below the "special" cat litter, and it was raining like crazy. I wasn't happy about running errands in the rain, but, they had to be done.

Anyway, when we arrived at our first destination we had the normal reminder of "don't ask for anything, don't touch anything, don't talk to anyone and make sure you clean your hands before we leave" speech. The girls are great in stores, except for the fact they ask for almost everything the see. I know this is normal, however, I have set a horrible example by never begrudging myself of anything. It's hard to tell them "no" and then indulge in something. For the past few months all of us have been great, trying to keep our budget under wraps. Pete has been quite proud of me and last month I spent ZERO dollars on myself, so I guess I felt I deserved a little something and have gone crazy the past few days. Yesterday I splurged on new clothes, shoes and treated us to lunch. Today, I got the girls more clothes, as if they need any and got a few things for the cats. I'm thinking I'm having buyers remorse now, because, I'm not nearly excited about my purchases as I was in the store. Not only that, but, we had our rings serviced, the cat got fixed and we have eaten out almost everyday since last Thursday...so shame on me for spending money on so many unnecessary things!

I want to set a good example for the girls, however, I find shopping is the only area in my life I cannot show restraint. It's so odd! I suppose it comes from some suppressed feelings I had when I was younger and my parents were always on a budget and we always had to watch what we spent. Once I was an adult, I never held back on anything...never had too! I was single much of my twenties and was lucky to have a great job, it allowed me to afford the things that I wanted. Now, having kids, mortgage and a private school I desperately try to curve my spending and I really need to set a better example for the girls.

The road they are on now is SPOILED, SPOILED, SPOILED...luckily they have impeccable manners, so their spoiledness doesn't show too much outside the house, but, it will soon enough with age. I need help, but, it's so hard to change!

Any suggestions? Does anyone else find themselves having bad habits that are rubbing off on their kids or loved ones?

Free Pet..My Foot!

Today I had to buy special cat litter for Felix so he wouldn't get an infection in his toes...$20 plus later I am realizing my "free cat" is far from free.

Between all of the vet appointments, vaccines, tests, surgery, micro chip and "special litter", this cat has cost us well over $1000!!!! Don't get me wrong, I love Felix a lot and so happy he is in our home. He has made the past few months really fun, however, a cat or kitten from the shelter would have done the trick too. Not only would the cost be around $75-200 to adopt a kitten, depending on where you get him, but, all of his vaccines would have been done, as well as being spayed/neutered.

I guess my point of this post...adopt / rescue your next pet!!! It's cheaper and most definitely will save an animal from being euthanized. If you have friends or family that has a new litter of animals, encourage them to donate them to a animal welfare or a shelter. They will get a good home and in the long run, it will be cheaper. Kittens and puppies of any kind almost always get adopted and places would almost want babies in their location to get more traffic, which would help with adoption of the older pets!

Just a thought...

Where do they learn this stuff...oh yeah School!

I think I have said over and over how much I love the girls school, especially their teacher. Not only do my girls know all of their letters, numbers and basic prayers, but, they know all these others things that just blow me away.

Just recently, we were driving somewhere and we saw a firetruck; no biggie we just pulled to the side and let it pass. Gabriella and Emily both quietly made the sign of the cross and said a simple prayer with a big "Amen." I honestly didn't think anything of this, until it happened again, then of course I had to ask...what's up ladies? What's with the prayers? (Not that I am opposed to praying...I enjoy it, it just seemed there was a story behind the praying that I didn't know)...Anyway, Gabriella proceeded to tell me how their teacher has taught them when they see or hear an emergency vehicle they should say a prayers for them and the people they are on their way to help. Amazing!!! Coming from a 4 years old, better yet, teaching a 4 year old this, amazing! This is just one of the many amazing things they have learned this year, all of which blows my mind.

Each time they pull something out of their hats like this, it reminds me why Pete and I are putting so much into their educations. It's the small things like this they learn from private school, that they just don't get from public. Don't get me wrong, I don't think the kids at the public school are getting any less of an education, I just don't think they learn these small little things that really mold someone into a caring, loving, enriched person. With our lives being so focused on ourselves, to teach children to really think about what may be happening to others is huge, it really teaches them it's all not about them.

I am sad the school year is coming to an end, but, looking forward to the new chapter of Kindergarten for the girls. I just hope Pete and I don't screw up and "undo" everything they have learned while they are home for the summer.

Square one...here we come!!!

Wait, I'm 35...not 15!!!

I have gone my entire life without acne. Never had it when I was younger, not even a little, however, over the course of the past year I seem to get each month around my "time" and I just don't get it!

Occasionally, I would get one pimple here or there, but, few and far between; now it seems to be more often and getting worse. I'm not sure if it's age, hormones or what, but, I don't like it! I pay a lot of money for my skin to look "young" however, this is not what I wanted. I wanted wrinkle free skin, not and acne covered red face. It's just terrible and very embarrassing.

Ahhhh!!! What can I do to make this stop? Someone help...

Anyone know why this happens? Anyone else experience this? Will it ever stop or just get worse?

My Poor Little Man!

Yesterday was a big day for Felix, he lost his "man hood", his nails and now is forever being tracked thru "big brother." It was quite an event!

It was harder than I thought to leave him yesterday and I can't believe how much we all worried about him. I knew the kids would be upset, but, didn't bargain on me being so sad and missing him so much. Even know Pete pretends not to like Felix, truth is he loves the little guy. In fact, Felix prefers Pete over all of us, he snuggles with him at night and when Pete got home from the Derby, Felix couldn't start meowing when he saw him. It was so cute!

Today when we picked him up, he was ready to go the moment he heard our voices. He was howling the entire time we were getting the run down on his recovery. When he saw me and the girls, he nearly jumped out of his carrier. He was so glad to see us and we were just as glad to see him. Even Gus missed Felix...strange considering he loathes him most of the time. He sat by his door almost the entire time, just looking so sad. He walked around crying a little at night, as if saying "where did he go, you know he's not here..right?" I will have to say Gus was very happy about the sleeping arrangements because he FINALLY got to sleep with me again. Ever since we got Felix he has been bullied out of the bed by the little one and ends up sleeping under the bed. I enjoyed snuggling with Gus too, however, did miss Felix.

He's feeling OK I guess, he seems to be in a lot of pain. We have to give him pain medication for 4 days and really watch his paws. He has slept most of today and doesn't seem to want to put pressure on his paws, however, he does a little. The vet said it would be normal and soon enough he would be back to his old self. The girls are excited he's home, however, very gentle with him. They think he had his tonsils removed, like Gabriella, so they are aware he has to heal after surgery. They are so sweet!

I'm anxious to have him back to his old self, but, really enjoying babying him for the time being. Fills a void I guess!

Fluffy Jello (Recipe of Month: April)

1 Large Tub of Cool Whip (12 oz)
1 Large Sour Cream (16 oz)
1 Large Package of Jello (6oz)

Mix Jello with sour cream and let sit for a couple of minutes until Jello dissolves. Once Jello is dissolved, fold in Cool Whip.
Chill in the refrigerator until Jello sets.

*If you want to add fruit, add it when you mix your Jello & sour cream. Make sure they all fruit is drained before adding or your Jello won't set right. *

This is a HUGE crowd pleaser. I find lime or orange Jello are the two most requested. My staple is lime jello with rasberries. Yummy!

Off To The Races...

Well, Pete left for his annual trip to the Derby and he was very excited! Me... well not so much! I love when he has "Pete" time, however, time alone with the girls can be quite a task. He does travel a lot, however, most of those trips last only a day or so...never 4 days like the Derby trip.

He travels with his best friend and I can only imagine the things that they do...God only knows I don't want to know the things they do! Tonight I think they are "judges" in a body painting contest. I'm sure they have both studied hard on the art of painting a woman's butt and boobs...how could that not be a good time?

Their seats are really good and often seated close to celebrities or athletes; last year I think they sat next to Michael Jordan. I suppose one of the reason I am never invited is because I would be star struck and trying to talk to every famous person who walked into the room. Pete could care less, he loves his horse racing and enjoys every minute of the adventure.

I do enjoy a little time to myself, however, I am glad when he returns. Nothing beats the girls excitement when they hear the garage door opening. Of course, this year we have a birthday party of a very special friend and the girls are so excited about that; they barely noticed he left. I'm sure by tomorrow evening, they'll ask; but for now I'll let them focus on their friends party.

I'll keep you posted...maybe he'll win big! It is the day of his birthday, perhaps it will bring him luck.

Why the new name & link?

You are probably wondering why I changed the link address as well as the name of my blog, well to be honest for Internet safety!

I think, cannot say for sure, I had someone looking at the blog that didn't seem trust worthy and with all the scary stories going around, I needed to protect my family...especially the girls! I went back and forth about having friends log in, however, I don't want to restrict the blog that much. I can't live in a state of paranoia, just need to be a little more cautious.

As always, I LOVE comments and followers to the blog, so please don't hesitate to forward on to friends, friends that you trust! I have attached a link to the Federal Trade Commission for reference on how everyone can educate themselves on internet safety.

Thank you again for all of the support and I am working on some new ideas to really make the blog exciting. I would LOVE ideas and if anyone would like to contribute, I would LOVE that as well!

Please check this link out from the FTC:

http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/menus/consumer/tech/privacy.shtm

Easter Bikes Take 3...

Well, the girls FINALLY got to ride their new bikes and let's just say I'm glad they had their elbow pads. After all of the drama getting them assembled, both girls are little too small for these bikes. They both insist on riding them and both continue to keep falling.

I'm starting to think our great idea was a great big bust!

Oh well, we'll know better for next time!

The Little Green Kickers

We had our first game Saturday and it was great! All of the kids had a blast, as well as Pete and I. We don't keep score, however, we did score quite a few goals, not as many as the other team, but, a few none the less.

Some kids got a little tired half way thru, however, the referee didn't stop after the 1st half so the kids could have a break; we thought that was a little too much for the age group. Never the less, it was a great game. The weather held off too, the rain started just as we were ending.

Our next practice is Wed. and game on Saturday, so we'll see how we do. I think this week at practice we will work on stamina, as all the kids were very tired from running... and all the coaches where too!

GO LITTLE GREEN KICKERS!!!!

All I can say is FUNNY , FUNNY, FUNNY!

I'm not sure I would post this on You Tube with my kids, but, it sure is funny as heck. My favorite part is when he slaps his butt....nice!

Where do they come up with this stuff?

I've said it before and I will say it again children say the craziest things...and mine are no different.

This is a conversation I had with my two 4 year old after we got out of the shower:

Emily: Aww mommy, all of your hair down there came back!

Me: Yes Emily, I know.

Emily: What are you going to do about it?

Me: I don't know Emily, get your robe on!

Emily: Mommy, why do you have hair down there?

Gabriella: Emily, that is the way God made mommy...hairy!

Me: Thanks Gabbie! You are right, that IS how God made me!

Gabriella: You're welcome Mommy, God made Daddy hairy too, just not as hairy as you!

Me: ...no words...just a red face!

I'm sure today by the end of school each and every child at the school, as well as all of the teachers, will know I am long over due for a bikini wax!

Don't you just love kids?

Hello Sun!

Today it is suppose to be a balmy 85 degrees! I can't wait!

The girls are beyond excited because they have Field Days today at school. Of course, the Mom in me, wishes it was going to be a little cooler so they don't get to warm. I guess Mother Nature can never win!!

Anyway, hope you are having a sunny day too!!

TGIF!!!

Oh, yeah tomorrow is the first game for The Little Green Kickers and from the looks of our team, we should do great! They are all so cute and really enjoy playing with each other. I think Pete is a tad nervous about his couching debut, but, he'll do fine too. I have moved into the spot of permanent assistant coach and get a fancy coaching shirt to wear tomorrow...yeah another over sized polo that doesn't fit. (Referring of course to my lovely work polo I am forced to wear...blah!!! )

Anyway, it should be a fun day! We have friends coming tomorrow afternoon for a BBQ and it should be a really good time. We are all looking very much forward to today and tomorrow's events!

We've all been there....but would we do it?

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. — Usually, it's an empty threat: "If you kids don't stop fighting, I'm going to stop this car right now and leave you here!" But a mother from an upper-crust New York suburb went through with it, ordering her battling 10- and 12-year-old daughters out of her car in White Plains' business district and driving off, police said Tuesday.
Madlyn Primoff, 45, a partner in a Manhattan law firm, pleaded not guilty Monday to a charge of endangering a child. A temporary order of protection was issued, barring her from contact with the children, who were physically unharmed.
Primoff's lawyer, Vincent Briccetti, would not comment Tuesday on details of the case. But he said, "Madlyn is a great mother connected with a great family, and she is grateful for the outpouring of support from friends and family."
There wasn't much support from strangers, however. Mothers interviewed near the scene said they couldn't imagine doing what Primoff did, though some understood the urge.
Iris Gorodess, 49, of Mahopac, who has four children ranging from 10 to 19 years old, said she sympathized with Primoff's actions, right up to the point where she pulled away.
"I used to pull over and make the kids change seats. Also, I make sure the kids have their iPods and their games. And I have a minivan, so they're not up my neck all the time.
"But I can't see pulling away. That has to be too scary for the children."
White Plains police said Primoff ordered the arguing girls out of the car Sunday evening as they were driving home. She left them at Post Road and South Broadway, an area of shops and offices 3 miles from their home, then drove off, the police report said.
The report does not say whether the girls had cell phones.
Police would not say if Primoff ever returned to look for the girls, but they said, without explaining how, that the 12-year-old eventually caught up with the mother. The 10-year-old was found by a "Good Samaritan" on the street, upset and emotional about losing her mother, police said.
The girl gave police her mother's name and their address in well-to-do Scarsdale, and they asked Scarsdale police to check Primoff's $2 million house. Shortly afterward, Primoff called Scarsdale police from home to say the 10-year-old was missing, said Scarsdale Detective Lt. Bryant Clark.
He directed her to White Plains police headquarters, where she was arrested.
Dr. Richard Gersh, director of psychiatric services at the Jewish Board of Family and Children's Services in Manhattan, said Primoff's behavior was not appropriate.
"It is a traumatic situation for a child to be abandoned by a parent like that. You can imagine what emotional issues might arise," he said.

Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed

By JIM FITZGERALD, AP

Kids are so funny!

I don't why this makes me laugh so much, but, it does. The girls do the silliest things and I just crack up. Today they decided to put their earmuffs on and pretend they were headphones. Gabriella sat on the couch pretending to read and listening to music.
Too funny!

Easter Bikes Take 2...

THEY'RE DONE

THEY'RE DONE

THEY'RE DONE

Finally, after 4 1/2 hours on our rainy Sunday afternoon, the bikes are done. I can't guarantee the brakes work, but, they'll figure it out! j/k... The bikes have regular back peddle brakes, as well as a hand brake; which trying to figure out how to install it was near impossible. So we fudged it!

Never the less, the bikes are assembled and ready to ride. It took the both of us, but, we managed to do it with out fighting or storming off! I consider it a victory ! Of course the kids doubt the fact that they can actually ride them, because they both said "we'll try them later, just to make sure the wheels don't fall off." My poor, poor kids....

Recipe of the Month

Please check out the new section titled "Recipe of the Month". Each month I will choose one of my favorite, easy recipes for all the enjoy. I am not Martha Stewart, however, I do have a few favorites that people always seem to enjoy or ask me to bring. I thought I would share these with all of you.

Enjoy!

As most people, Pete and I have been trying to find a way to save money on our monthly food bill, however, each month we fail miserably. No matter what we do, we still seem to go over our allotted amount. This month we tried a whole new concept, prepared food from SIMPLY HOMEMADE.

Over spring break we had a play date with a little girl from school that went a little later than expected. It was a great play date, however, I felt bad that her Mom wasn't going to have enough time to get dinner ready before Dad came home. She assured me it wasn't a problem because her meal was already prepared, all she had to do is cook it! She took a plastic bag out labeled with her meal and explained she goes to a place called Simply Homemade. I was so excited about this and asked if she had a menu or information I could take home for Pete. She explained this meal system works out great for a couple of reasons...1. She always has food prepared for meals & knows what she is serving and 2. She goes to the store less, therefore, she spends less money. I liked both ideas, however, trying to convince Pete was going to be another story. When I got that evening I showed Pete the menu and he thought the food sounded really good and liked the idea of knowing a month at time what would be having. I also explained how my friend goes to the store less, therefore less money spent & easier to keep a budget. He was sold!

My friend and I went last week and what an experience. Not only did I have a good time preparing the food, but, an even better time catching up with my friend. All of the food was fresh and such good quality. Not to mention the store was EXTREMELY clean...this is a huge must for me with food. This is probably one reason why I can't get my grocery bill under control, if it's not clean...I won't shop there! We have a lot of options where I live, however, some places I just cannot get past the messy shelves or dirty floors. Needless to say, my only options are the pricey places. Anyway, the preparation was simple and easy. They had stations with all of your ingredients and directions how to prepare each meal. All you do is follow the directions and add ingredients into supplied Ziploc bags. You can split most meals and some meals are already assembled. Each meal comes with a side and you grab that and toss into the freezer and move onto the next station. It was so easy!

We cooked our first meal last Wed, Baked Potato Soup, and it was yummy. Even the girls tried it and that says a lot. Gabriella tries almost nothing, so for her this was huge. When Pete got home, he loved it! We had tons left, so we tossed it in the freezer for a future meal. Each meal serves 6 people, so our plans are to have Pete take the left overs for lunch. This will save on money he spends on lunch,which runs from $35-$50 a week, not to mention this will be a much healthier option. Yesterday we had the Glazed Pork Medallions for lunch and ate the left overs for dinner. They where so good and so easy to make. We had a delicious, healthy meal for lunch and dinner that only took 20 minutes.

So far so good, today we are having Pretzel Crusted Chicken with baked potatoes. Hopefully, it will be as yummy as the last two. If you want to check out their website, I put the link on the side. Just click their picture.

Yum!