So Steph and I have been thinking about the "smut list" as we discussed in a previous post on Cyber Bullying and really thought it more then the cyber bullying but the core of the problem is the mixed message that girls recieve from the media and their peers.
On the one hand we tell our girls that they should not engage in sexual behavior but in this day and age when girls are introduced to sexuality at young age it's very confusing for them.
As a matter of fact Abercrombie and Fitch just launched a new bikini for girls for 7 to 14 years that has a padded bikini top. Why on Earth would a 7 year old need a padded bikini top and what message is that sending to young girls? Exploiting the sexuality of a 7 year old is truly disturbing especially in a time when sexual predators are running rampid. Why would you subject your daughter to this and why would a retail designer endorse this kind of exploitation of young girls?
In addition, putting this kind of self awareness of a body image is a recipe for low self esteem. For years girls have suffered from bad body image and results in eating disorders, addictions, and depression. In fact eating disorders is becoming more prevelent in girls as young as 5. An article on PreventDisease.com sites:
Eating disorder experts say prepubescent girls are developing eating disorders as young as 5 and 6 years old. They may be getting their obsession from parents who are preoccupied with their own body images, and media images of skinny pop stars like Christina Aguilera and Britney Spears, the experts say.
There's no doubt providing sexy clothing to young girls is going to create body image issues. It is hard for young girls today, when the media and society gives them such mixed messages. Society is telling the young girls being sexy is good and exposing sexuality is acceptable, but then when these girls engage in their sexuality, they are called sluts. Girls just can't win.
Steph and Jan
Moms. Friends. Girl Power All the Way!
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Gross Cyber Bullying in High School "Smut List"
I heard about a "smut" list that was posted to Facebook last week naming high school girls in Westchester, NY and Greenwich, CT as alleged "sluts". Presumably this sort of list began in colleges and now is popping up in high schools. This list was also passed on through mobile devices exposing and exploiting 100 high school girls.
When I searched for more information on this story, the first story that I read included this very disturbing statement:
This is disturbing on so many levels. It's bad enough that this list was published but hearing a statement like this in support of something so dispicible is truly atrocious.
Nearly 42 percent of children have been cyberbullied and 35 percent have been threatened online, according to a recent survey by i-SAFE Inc., a leader in Internet safety education. Any support of such a "list" should be abolished and violators should be persecuted.
My hope is that this list has already been shut down and the culprits who created this list and whoever added to it or passed it on be punished for cyber bullying. My only worry is that the damage is already done. It is hard enough to deal with the typical bullying at school but now that this has become viral this is not just a school yard name calling, this is public slander. I do hope the parents of the girls on the list talk to their daughters and get them help to overcome this scrutiny.
The schools that were involved in this should conduct a mandatory sexual harrassment and proper conduct workshop to guide the children in what is appropriate and not appropriate conduct. Providing a review of what verbal abuse is, as well as cyber bullying. Laying out what is inappropriate to post, for instance, private pictures and creating lists.
In addition all the girls who were named should be provided with counseling by the school to ensure they handle the scrutiny and prevent them from spiraling into depression. There has been other incidents were students of such public cyber bullying actually took their own lives because they couldn't deal with it, most notably the student from Rutgers University who was subject to a video of a private, intimate moment being streamed online. I would hate to think of any of these girls taking drastic measures to avoid the humilation.
What happened to treating girls with respect. This sort of thing cannot be tolerated.
Jan and Steph
When I searched for more information on this story, the first story that I read included this very disturbing statement:
Everybody just needs to calm down here. A high school slut list is the best thing that a high school kid could ask for. It saves so much time and embarrassment if you already know who’s down to f*** at the party, and who’s the prude. If the ladies don’t want to be on the slut list, all they have to do is stop being a slut. It’s not that hard. Once you turn down a drunken blowj** at a party, word will spread and you’ll be erased from the list faster than the speed of light. Nobody wants prudes on their slut list. That ruins everything.
This is disturbing on so many levels. It's bad enough that this list was published but hearing a statement like this in support of something so dispicible is truly atrocious.
Nearly 42 percent of children have been cyberbullied and 35 percent have been threatened online, according to a recent survey by i-SAFE Inc., a leader in Internet safety education. Any support of such a "list" should be abolished and violators should be persecuted.
My hope is that this list has already been shut down and the culprits who created this list and whoever added to it or passed it on be punished for cyber bullying. My only worry is that the damage is already done. It is hard enough to deal with the typical bullying at school but now that this has become viral this is not just a school yard name calling, this is public slander. I do hope the parents of the girls on the list talk to their daughters and get them help to overcome this scrutiny.
The schools that were involved in this should conduct a mandatory sexual harrassment and proper conduct workshop to guide the children in what is appropriate and not appropriate conduct. Providing a review of what verbal abuse is, as well as cyber bullying. Laying out what is inappropriate to post, for instance, private pictures and creating lists.
In addition all the girls who were named should be provided with counseling by the school to ensure they handle the scrutiny and prevent them from spiraling into depression. There has been other incidents were students of such public cyber bullying actually took their own lives because they couldn't deal with it, most notably the student from Rutgers University who was subject to a video of a private, intimate moment being streamed online. I would hate to think of any of these girls taking drastic measures to avoid the humilation.
What happened to treating girls with respect. This sort of thing cannot be tolerated.
Jan and Steph
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Simplest Recipe Challenge - Today Banana Muffins
I saw this banana muffin recipe on 5 Ingredient Fix on the Food Network and I'm excited to try it. My mother used to make banana bread when I was young and I've never made it for my kids yet. I love easy recipes that my kids can even help with so this seems like a winner. Steph and I will be making this and will report back with our review.
4 ripe bananas
1/3 cup raw agave syrup or honey
1 stick unsalted butter
1 large egg
1 3/4 cups self-rising flour
Directions
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper muffin liners.
Peel the bananas and add to a large bowl. Add the agave syrup and mash the bananas with a fork until very liquefied but still a little lumpy.
Melt the butter in a small saucepan or skillet over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the milk solids have turned a nutty golden brown.
To the brown butter, add about 1 cup of the mashed banana mixture and whisk to combine. Cook for a few more minutes until a darker golden color is achieved. Add to the remaining mashed banner mixture and whisk to combine, then whisk in the egg. Fold in the flour, in 2 batches, with a rubber spatula, until just combined; do not over mix. With an ice cream scoop, evenly divide the batter among the muffin tin cups.
Bake in the center of the oven until golden brown and the tops spring back when pressed, about 25 minutes. Cool for 5 minutes in the pan, then transfer the muffins to a rack to cool completely. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Take the simple recipe challenge. We're looking for the best, simple ingredient recipes to share with our readers. If you have a great recipe send it to stephandjanblog@gmail.com or comment below and we'll try it and review it. You'll also be eligible for our "Power Foods" book giveaway autographed by Martha Stewart.
Jan
Peel the bananas and add to a large bowl. Add the agave syrup and mash the bananas with a fork until very liquefied but still a little lumpy.
Melt the butter in a small saucepan or skillet over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the milk solids have turned a nutty golden brown.
To the brown butter, add about 1 cup of the mashed banana mixture and whisk to combine. Cook for a few more minutes until a darker golden color is achieved. Add to the remaining mashed banner mixture and whisk to combine, then whisk in the egg. Fold in the flour, in 2 batches, with a rubber spatula, until just combined; do not over mix. With an ice cream scoop, evenly divide the batter among the muffin tin cups.
Bake in the center of the oven until golden brown and the tops spring back when pressed, about 25 minutes. Cool for 5 minutes in the pan, then transfer the muffins to a rack to cool completely. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Take the simple recipe challenge. We're looking for the best, simple ingredient recipes to share with our readers. If you have a great recipe send it to stephandjanblog@gmail.com or comment below and we'll try it and review it. You'll also be eligible for our "Power Foods" book giveaway autographed by Martha Stewart.
Jan
Friday, March 25, 2011
Positive Affirmations
Most of us have heard of how important it is to stay positive. It has been found that positive thought's can influence a person's life and enviroment."The term positive affirmation" comes from a relatively new branch of behavioral medicine called positive psychology. It looks at what's right rather than focusing on childhood trauma or troubling past events. Positive affirmations are short, positive statements targeted at negative beliefs, to replace them with a healthy attitude that focuses on success. Affirmations reprogram thought patterns by changing the way a person thinks and feels about things. Practicing positive self-talk and using positive affirmations are valuable tools." as mentioned in "American Fitness" magazine.
If you are having a bad day practice some positive affirmations like: Instead of saying "I am weak, sick and tired" say "I am strong, healthy and energetic." Instead of looking at all the things that went wrong in your day, look at all the positive things that happened, no matter how small. Now write them down and review all the positive things that happened. Reflect on your day looking for all the things in your life that your are grateful for. When you are feeling down, incapable, scared or "less than" write down positive qualities about yourself. Like: I am inteligent
I am healthy
I am beautiful
I am generous
Try writing down positive affirmations about yourself, your day or just some of the things you are grateful for in your life. Start to see your life change in a positive way. Good Luck!
Steph
If you are having a bad day practice some positive affirmations like: Instead of saying "I am weak, sick and tired" say "I am strong, healthy and energetic." Instead of looking at all the things that went wrong in your day, look at all the positive things that happened, no matter how small. Now write them down and review all the positive things that happened. Reflect on your day looking for all the things in your life that your are grateful for. When you are feeling down, incapable, scared or "less than" write down positive qualities about yourself. Like: I am inteligent
I am healthy
I am beautiful
I am generous
Try writing down positive affirmations about yourself, your day or just some of the things you are grateful for in your life. Start to see your life change in a positive way. Good Luck!
Steph
Thursday, March 24, 2011
A Great Legend is Gone
Elizabeth Taylor passed away today, and it just didn't feel right not to say a few words about an American icon. She was such a strong women and yet so vulnerable. Her life amazed me, she seemed to live a dozen life times in one. She wasn't a simple women. Her life was a difficult one, but not one without great rewards. She had such compassion for the things she believed in. Her work to raise money for AIDS/HIV awareness was unbelievable. She was one of the most interesting women in Hollywood.
I am sad that a great legend has passed but glad she made her mark. She has in some way touched all of us: Her coming out and supporting and not judging those striken with the terrible disease of AIDS/HIV in a time when some people were judged and looked down upon for having the disease. Her multiple failed marriages showed how she never gave up on the idea of true love but sadly maybe never found it. Her legendary movies, her passionate love affairs, her support to her friends, Rock Hudson and Micheal Jackson to name a few.
The women had heart, she wasn't just a diva. She wasn't afraid to stand up for what she believed in, even if it ruffled a few feathers. She might of been raised in the old generation but we could learn alot from a strong women who wasn't afraid, that lived such a colorful life. She battled her addictions to alcohol and drug addiction which many never can overcome. She battled with many health problems for years. Her life wasn't an easy one but she lived it to the fullest! We won't forget you, Elizabeth. Rest in peace.
Steph
I am sad that a great legend has passed but glad she made her mark. She has in some way touched all of us: Her coming out and supporting and not judging those striken with the terrible disease of AIDS/HIV in a time when some people were judged and looked down upon for having the disease. Her multiple failed marriages showed how she never gave up on the idea of true love but sadly maybe never found it. Her legendary movies, her passionate love affairs, her support to her friends, Rock Hudson and Micheal Jackson to name a few.
The women had heart, she wasn't just a diva. She wasn't afraid to stand up for what she believed in, even if it ruffled a few feathers. She might of been raised in the old generation but we could learn alot from a strong women who wasn't afraid, that lived such a colorful life. She battled her addictions to alcohol and drug addiction which many never can overcome. She battled with many health problems for years. Her life wasn't an easy one but she lived it to the fullest! We won't forget you, Elizabeth. Rest in peace.
Steph
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Are you happy?
I was watching Oprah with Goldie Hawn and they were talking about happiness and her new book "Ten Mindful Minutes: Easy Steps to Joy and Mindfulness for Parents and Children".
Are you happy? Are you in your core truly happy?
How much silence do you have each day? They say a few minutes of silence each day contibutes to a persons happiness. 10 or 20 minutes is a good goal but starting with just a minute of silence can increase your happiness. Taking one minute each day or one minute several times throughout the day can help reduce your stress and increase your happiness. I've talked about the breathing technique before which I learned from Terri Trespicio from Whole Living who suggests counting your breaths. About 20 breaths is one minute. So start by counting 20 breaths in silence and you're on your road to meditation or in simpler terms quiet time for yourself. Giving yourself quiet time leads to happiness. So make yourself happy today.
Jan
sleep log: getting there although the little one was up til 10 again tonight.
bus stop: it was a snowy morning again today. craziness. I sent Sarah to school in her snow boots and an umbrella, it's always a scurry in the morning but we managed to get out the door just as the bus was rounding the turn our street. It snowed on and off but only occassional flurries and nothing stuck. Although I hear tomorrow morning will be a different story.
Are you happy? Are you in your core truly happy?
How much silence do you have each day? They say a few minutes of silence each day contibutes to a persons happiness. 10 or 20 minutes is a good goal but starting with just a minute of silence can increase your happiness. Taking one minute each day or one minute several times throughout the day can help reduce your stress and increase your happiness. I've talked about the breathing technique before which I learned from Terri Trespicio from Whole Living who suggests counting your breaths. About 20 breaths is one minute. So start by counting 20 breaths in silence and you're on your road to meditation or in simpler terms quiet time for yourself. Giving yourself quiet time leads to happiness. So make yourself happy today.
Jan
sleep log: getting there although the little one was up til 10 again tonight.
bus stop: it was a snowy morning again today. craziness. I sent Sarah to school in her snow boots and an umbrella, it's always a scurry in the morning but we managed to get out the door just as the bus was rounding the turn our street. It snowed on and off but only occassional flurries and nothing stuck. Although I hear tomorrow morning will be a different story.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
How to End Bedtime Brawls
We all suffer after the daylight savings time change. It's great having that extra hour of daylight after work but when bedtime nears, it's no picnic. I know Steph has been haveing a lot of trouble getting her kids back on track and I had a week of horrors myself with the two year old awake until 10.
I started by skipping the nap on Saturday and then put her in bed at 9. I have a strict lights out policy which was at 8:45 but I will do 9 for a week and then bump it back to 8:45 again. You can't bump back bedtime more then 15 minutes at a time, trying to get kids in bed that are going to bed at 10 will never work. Start at 9:45 with lights out and then bump it back 15 minutes every four or five days.
Do not engage in conversation. I'll hear her talking and singing and let her as long as the lights are out and she's in bed. But if she calls me I ignore her or just simply say, nite nite, or I'll tell her to lie down and go nite nite. Most of the time she says ok. If she continues I ignore her and she'll eventually quiet down. But it's imperative to not engage in conversation or they win and the battle will continue.
Create a routine. I think it's key to create a routine. Kids like the predictable and when they know the drill, they'll do it. So if you go up to bed every night at the same time and get ready in the same order. Trip to the bathroom, wash hands and face, brush teeth, move the the bedroom, change cloths, pick out one book each, get in bed and read, sip of water, hugs and kisses, lights out, good night. It will become motorized. It takes 21 days to create a habit so if you can try to instill this routine, in three weeks it should become easier.
A good idea for a little bedtime incentive is to try a reward system. The sticker chart really works and while it's not a long time solution, since it gets old, it should buy you the time to instill the routine. Have a bedtime sticker chart for each part of the routine completed successfully without a fuss. If one part is not complete, there is no sticker. And if they get out of bed after lights out, take away a sticker. Create a compelling reward or a special prize at the end of the week.
Good luck and good night.
Jan
I started by skipping the nap on Saturday and then put her in bed at 9. I have a strict lights out policy which was at 8:45 but I will do 9 for a week and then bump it back to 8:45 again. You can't bump back bedtime more then 15 minutes at a time, trying to get kids in bed that are going to bed at 10 will never work. Start at 9:45 with lights out and then bump it back 15 minutes every four or five days.
Do not engage in conversation. I'll hear her talking and singing and let her as long as the lights are out and she's in bed. But if she calls me I ignore her or just simply say, nite nite, or I'll tell her to lie down and go nite nite. Most of the time she says ok. If she continues I ignore her and she'll eventually quiet down. But it's imperative to not engage in conversation or they win and the battle will continue.
Create a routine. I think it's key to create a routine. Kids like the predictable and when they know the drill, they'll do it. So if you go up to bed every night at the same time and get ready in the same order. Trip to the bathroom, wash hands and face, brush teeth, move the the bedroom, change cloths, pick out one book each, get in bed and read, sip of water, hugs and kisses, lights out, good night. It will become motorized. It takes 21 days to create a habit so if you can try to instill this routine, in three weeks it should become easier.
A good idea for a little bedtime incentive is to try a reward system. The sticker chart really works and while it's not a long time solution, since it gets old, it should buy you the time to instill the routine. Have a bedtime sticker chart for each part of the routine completed successfully without a fuss. If one part is not complete, there is no sticker. And if they get out of bed after lights out, take away a sticker. Create a compelling reward or a special prize at the end of the week.
Good luck and good night.
Jan
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Family Portrait Day - Smiles on the Set Please
Today we went to JC Penney for portraits. We got a family portrait and a portrait of the girls. My husbands stepmother requested a family portrait almost a year ago and we still hadn't gotten one done. We tried. We tried the do it yourself at a local park but the pictures came out horrible and I could not send those off. That was nearly six months ago. So I decided it was time.
We started with the family portrait and unfortatunately our two year old does not take well to new surroundings. Fortunately no tears were shed but she did not look very happy in any of the pictures so we had to take the best of the worst. Then it was the girls turn. I tried my best to make her laugh with stuffed animals and goofy sounds but it didn't cut it. I tried the classic "say cheese" which works at home every time, but not in the studio. This girl was not going to smile. Then I spotted it. A duster!
A duster is brilliant and works like a charm. It's long handle allows you to reach over and give them a tickle and pull it away without being in the way of the shot. I poked her with it and said I'm gonna getcha! And laugh she did. The first time I poked her in the belly then raised it up and away. As a result both girls looked up. The next time I started from her leg and worked up to her belly then brought it straight back behind the photographer, and it worked. They looked right at the camera iwth big smiles. The last couple shots with this master technique actually worked magnificently. It ended up with the last shot being the best. She had a great big smile looking right at the camera. My other daughter is very photogenic and a ham so she's never a problem. So finally we had our money shot! You can too with this simple technique.
Jan
We started with the family portrait and unfortatunately our two year old does not take well to new surroundings. Fortunately no tears were shed but she did not look very happy in any of the pictures so we had to take the best of the worst. Then it was the girls turn. I tried my best to make her laugh with stuffed animals and goofy sounds but it didn't cut it. I tried the classic "say cheese" which works at home every time, but not in the studio. This girl was not going to smile. Then I spotted it. A duster!
A duster is brilliant and works like a charm. It's long handle allows you to reach over and give them a tickle and pull it away without being in the way of the shot. I poked her with it and said I'm gonna getcha! And laugh she did. The first time I poked her in the belly then raised it up and away. As a result both girls looked up. The next time I started from her leg and worked up to her belly then brought it straight back behind the photographer, and it worked. They looked right at the camera iwth big smiles. The last couple shots with this master technique actually worked magnificently. It ended up with the last shot being the best. She had a great big smile looking right at the camera. My other daughter is very photogenic and a ham so she's never a problem. So finally we had our money shot! You can too with this simple technique.
Jan
Saturday, March 19, 2011
A Place of Yes Sneak Peak
I just got wind of a sneak peak of A Place of Yes by Bethenny Frankel. I can't wait for this book to be released in just a couple days, March 22, 2011.
I am looking forward to the release of A Place of Yes because I find Bethenny to be inspirational. During her Skinnygirl Night Out show, which I attended, she discussed A Place of Yes which made me think about my life and what I really wanted to achieve. It was a pivotal night for me and really brought clarity to what I wanted to do and cemented my plan of action to get there. I have taken charge of my life and feel empowered to do more. I am interested in reading more of her insights in how she found her success and using that to inspire me to keep reaching for more.
Read an excerpt.
Watch Bethenny's video.
http://www.simonandschuster.com/multimedia?video=833603995001
I am looking forward to the release of A Place of Yes because I find Bethenny to be inspirational. During her Skinnygirl Night Out show, which I attended, she discussed A Place of Yes which made me think about my life and what I really wanted to achieve. It was a pivotal night for me and really brought clarity to what I wanted to do and cemented my plan of action to get there. I have taken charge of my life and feel empowered to do more. I am interested in reading more of her insights in how she found her success and using that to inspire me to keep reaching for more.
Read an excerpt.
Watch Bethenny's video.
http://www.simonandschuster.com/multimedia?video=833603995001
Push-Ups Made Easy
My daughter recieved her report card today, she did really well! Straight A's! Her teacher wrote that she was an excellent student and surpasses requirements! I am so proud of her! I had to take her out to dinner tonight to celebrate. Her Martial Arts teacher was so proud of her he gave her a shirt! She is academically strong but trying to get her to do a normal push-up with proper form is impossible. That is why we are starting her off slow, getting her strength in her chest, arms and core gradually.
The best way to start is to do a "girl push-up" where you start in a push-up position, hands under shoulders and keeping abs and core tight and instead of keeping legs straight, bend the knees and do a push-up from knees up instead of feet. Making sure butt is not up in the air! Make sure to keep your body straight.
Another one that I found in SELF magazine was called a "superwomen slide. It works the chest, shoulders, back and abs. Start in a push-up position, hands directly under shoulders. On bare floor, use washcloths as gliders, keeping arms straight, slowly slide them out in front of you in a V shape to lower chest toward floor. Hover above floor if possible, then rest on floor. Bend arms to slide hands under shoulders and push up to start."
Do eight reps at least three times a week for 8 weeks. You will be able to do a regular push-up by the end of the 8th week!
Feel free to email stephandjanblog@gmail.com if you have any questions or would like more good tips on fitness.
Steph
The best way to start is to do a "girl push-up" where you start in a push-up position, hands under shoulders and keeping abs and core tight and instead of keeping legs straight, bend the knees and do a push-up from knees up instead of feet. Making sure butt is not up in the air! Make sure to keep your body straight.
Another one that I found in SELF magazine was called a "superwomen slide. It works the chest, shoulders, back and abs. Start in a push-up position, hands directly under shoulders. On bare floor, use washcloths as gliders, keeping arms straight, slowly slide them out in front of you in a V shape to lower chest toward floor. Hover above floor if possible, then rest on floor. Bend arms to slide hands under shoulders and push up to start."
Do eight reps at least three times a week for 8 weeks. You will be able to do a regular push-up by the end of the 8th week!
Feel free to email stephandjanblog@gmail.com if you have any questions or would like more good tips on fitness.
Steph
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Green Cupcakes and a Pinkalicious Cake
Happy St. Patrick's Day! We had a big double celebration. It's also my daughter's birthday. I can't even believe she's six today. I always say at least she will always have a party to go to on her birthday. We made green cupcakes for her class at school and then I made her a special Pinkalicious birthday cake. Strawberry cake with pink frosting for my Pinkerbelle. Pinkalicious is one of her favorite books so she LOVED it. We had a mix of St. Patty's Day and birthday decorations. It was festive and fun.
She brought home a book called "When I was a Baby" by Linda Endo and had a girl who showed the shoes she wore when she was a baby, the books she read when she was a baby, the clothes she wore when she was a baby and then a picture of her each year. It inspired me to do the same. What a great idea for a keepsake. New thing to add to my list. I'm going to find a couple of her favorite baby books, I have a cloth book about bugs and one about ocean animals that was her first book that she loved, shoes, socks, and a couple my favorite baby clothes, I still have some in storage bins, and put together a collage of each year.
One of the really exciting things is that now she is reading many of the books that I used to read to her, to me! She's so amazing and she makes me smile everyday. I remember the feeling of overwhelming love I felt toward her instantly when I first had her, and that hasn't changed. I love her more than words can say. We have a bedtime thing, I tell her I love her lotsa lotsa and she tells me she loves me pizza pizza. I tell her I love her pizza pizza too.
She brought home a book called "When I was a Baby" by Linda Endo and had a girl who showed the shoes she wore when she was a baby, the books she read when she was a baby, the clothes she wore when she was a baby and then a picture of her each year. It inspired me to do the same. What a great idea for a keepsake. New thing to add to my list. I'm going to find a couple of her favorite baby books, I have a cloth book about bugs and one about ocean animals that was her first book that she loved, shoes, socks, and a couple my favorite baby clothes, I still have some in storage bins, and put together a collage of each year.
One of the really exciting things is that now she is reading many of the books that I used to read to her, to me! She's so amazing and she makes me smile everyday. I remember the feeling of overwhelming love I felt toward her instantly when I first had her, and that hasn't changed. I love her more than words can say. We have a bedtime thing, I tell her I love her lotsa lotsa and she tells me she loves me pizza pizza. I tell her I love her pizza pizza too.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Bedtime Disaster - Needed, Parents with Great Ideas
I can't take it anymore! I got home from teaching a class last night at 9:30pm and my children were still up! They wouldn't fall asleep until after 11:00pm! I had to turn off all the lights and T.V. and get into bed myself just to get them to sleep. I ended up back up and out of bed at 1:30am and didn't fall back to sleep until 5:30am when I have to be up by 7:00am! Now it is 11:00pm and one of them is crying and claiming she is hungry, she didn't eat any of her dinner so it's possible. But every night it's something!
I know how important it is to keep to a schedule, especially for kids. I try to have their bedtime be at 8:00pm but by the time they brush their teeth, read stories, talk and give hugs and kisses goodnight, it is sometimes 9 or 10! They then want milk or they start saying they can't sleep because of the dark or they don't feel good, it is just to buy time so they can stay up all night!
I tried everything to keep these kids on a good bedtime schedule but 8pm never happens even when I start getting them ready for bed at 7. My kids have tons of energy and like to find all sorts of ways to stay up longer! Any parents out there who have some great ideas on how to make bedtime easier? Besides tranqualizers! (just kidding). Help!!!!!
Steph
I know how important it is to keep to a schedule, especially for kids. I try to have their bedtime be at 8:00pm but by the time they brush their teeth, read stories, talk and give hugs and kisses goodnight, it is sometimes 9 or 10! They then want milk or they start saying they can't sleep because of the dark or they don't feel good, it is just to buy time so they can stay up all night!
I tried everything to keep these kids on a good bedtime schedule but 8pm never happens even when I start getting them ready for bed at 7. My kids have tons of energy and like to find all sorts of ways to stay up longer! Any parents out there who have some great ideas on how to make bedtime easier? Besides tranqualizers! (just kidding). Help!!!!!
Steph
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Hocus Pocus! It's Crocus
This morning I saw the most glorious sight I could hardly believe my eyes. After months of a torturously cold and snowy winter I spotted the first sign of Spring, crocus. As I drove to the end of my street and stopped at the stop sign, I looked to the right to check for cars and there they were, the most beautiful sight in the World. A half dozen long green stems with buds on the top about to burst open. The crocus are here! Always the first to bloom and the sure sign that Spring is here, or at least right around the corner. It's been known to freeze up a little but at least now we know that the worst is over and the warmth is on its way.
Jan
Sleep log - the changing of the clocks is still wearing on our sleep. Kids can't get to sleep early and it's hard to wake them in the morning. The little one was up 4 times last night crying and calling me. Hoping for better sleep tonight.
Jan
Sleep log - the changing of the clocks is still wearing on our sleep. Kids can't get to sleep early and it's hard to wake them in the morning. The little one was up 4 times last night crying and calling me. Hoping for better sleep tonight.
The Birds and the Bees
I remember the day like it was yesterday. It was a Saturday afternoon in April and it was snowing. I was screaming, the pain was almost unbearable, but the result was the most precious thing I had ever held. My beautiful daughter was born! I held her and couldn't stop looking at her. She was amazing, all I wanted to do was protect, love and take care of her. She was my little baby, but now she is growing up. She is now becoming a young women. Her body is changing and it is time to start talking to her about these changes and the "birds and the bees". I never thought it would be so hard to talk to my own daughter about sex but it is horrible! I am so uncomfortable and I have a hard time explaining it all. Lucky most of it has been explained already in school. But when she came home from school and told me how the talk went she asked me a few questions I wasn't prepared to answer! Like she said "Tell me it is'nt true that you and dad did it?" I was like," I would like to forget it too, but it is true. We did it!" Her response "YUCK!"
It is so hard, my parents never told me how beautiful yet so painful it is to watch your children grow up. At first you can't wait for them to sit up, walk and talk and then once those milestones are met and they start school you just want time to slow down. You wish that you could some how relive those special moments when they were still small. It is hard to comprehend that now I am talking to my daughter about sex, periods, and growing up. It feels like just yesterday that I was changing diapers, buying toys and reading "Rainbow Fish."
Steph
It is so hard, my parents never told me how beautiful yet so painful it is to watch your children grow up. At first you can't wait for them to sit up, walk and talk and then once those milestones are met and they start school you just want time to slow down. You wish that you could some how relive those special moments when they were still small. It is hard to comprehend that now I am talking to my daughter about sex, periods, and growing up. It feels like just yesterday that I was changing diapers, buying toys and reading "Rainbow Fish."
Steph
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Helping Husband, Where Art Thou?
OK so I have do a little ranting. As I mentioned before we're counting down to my daughter's birthday. I typically throw a big birthday bash at a party place that ends up costing near $500. So this year considering my year of not spending and paying down debt, I decided to throw a small party at home and use that money to invest on needed improvements to the home.
Little has been done to prepare. There's a lot of cleaning to do plus finishing an unfinished addition and remodeled kitchen. My husband has been working the last few weekends so we haven't been able to get these things done. But today he is home but then tells me he's going out to do yard work. Yard work!?! Really? When we have a deadline and I want the house presentable when her friends come over in two weeks. I ask him to take the girls out so I can clean and they can get outdoor time but he tells me they can come out but he won't be watching after them. So basically once again I have to watch them. OK here's why I'm frustrated and angry. He always complains that I don't clean enough, and I should spend more time cleaning. Yet I work full time and then have to watch the girls, cook, clean, laundry, bills, with no help and when he is home he spends it outside doing his thing while I'm inside with the girls or taking them out to play. Funny enough I don't seem to get anything done. It's hard just keeping up with the weekly cleaning forget about getting to anything more.
So the girls did go outside with him and I kept an eye out the window as I cleaned and I got a good hour in with a quiet house which was nice. I can't remember the last time I had an hour alone in the house. I called them in for a snack and he came in and did help with a few things inside but now he's back out again.
Don't get me wrong, he does do a lot but when I need to get things done I don't seem to get the help I need or want. He seems to have his agenda and plans his day with no regard to my needs or the girls. I have to squeeze in what I can while I'm watching them. And now just have one full weekend left before the party. And a ton to do. So that's my frustration. Urgh. Thanks for letting me vent.
If you want to vent about something or have any advice or tips on the topic, please let us know. Email stephandjanblog@gmail.com. Follow us, see on right, or email us to recieve emails from us when we add a new post, email stephandjanblog@gmail.com. Follow us or email and you'll also be entered for a chance to win "Power Foods: 150 delicious recipes with the 38 healthiest ingrediants" autographed by Martha Stewart.
Sleep-o-meter - daylight saving time - sprang forward last night so an hour less sleep is always a drag.
Jan
Little has been done to prepare. There's a lot of cleaning to do plus finishing an unfinished addition and remodeled kitchen. My husband has been working the last few weekends so we haven't been able to get these things done. But today he is home but then tells me he's going out to do yard work. Yard work!?! Really? When we have a deadline and I want the house presentable when her friends come over in two weeks. I ask him to take the girls out so I can clean and they can get outdoor time but he tells me they can come out but he won't be watching after them. So basically once again I have to watch them. OK here's why I'm frustrated and angry. He always complains that I don't clean enough, and I should spend more time cleaning. Yet I work full time and then have to watch the girls, cook, clean, laundry, bills, with no help and when he is home he spends it outside doing his thing while I'm inside with the girls or taking them out to play. Funny enough I don't seem to get anything done. It's hard just keeping up with the weekly cleaning forget about getting to anything more.
So the girls did go outside with him and I kept an eye out the window as I cleaned and I got a good hour in with a quiet house which was nice. I can't remember the last time I had an hour alone in the house. I called them in for a snack and he came in and did help with a few things inside but now he's back out again.
Don't get me wrong, he does do a lot but when I need to get things done I don't seem to get the help I need or want. He seems to have his agenda and plans his day with no regard to my needs or the girls. I have to squeeze in what I can while I'm watching them. And now just have one full weekend left before the party. And a ton to do. So that's my frustration. Urgh. Thanks for letting me vent.
If you want to vent about something or have any advice or tips on the topic, please let us know. Email stephandjanblog@gmail.com. Follow us, see on right, or email us to recieve emails from us when we add a new post, email stephandjanblog@gmail.com. Follow us or email and you'll also be entered for a chance to win "Power Foods: 150 delicious recipes with the 38 healthiest ingrediants" autographed by Martha Stewart.
Sleep-o-meter - daylight saving time - sprang forward last night so an hour less sleep is always a drag.
Jan
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Low Calorie Recipes
I am always looking for new recipes that are low calorie but taste yummy! I found some great recipes that are low calorie and sound delicious! I can't wait to try them! I was reading in Good Housekeeping one of Valerie Bertinelli's favorites is her own made up dip. It is cut up celery and radishes mixed with a non-fat cream cheese. It is great for dipping carrots, crackers, peppers or bread. I want to try it because I like to eat raw carrots but not plain. I dip my carrots in a garlic hummus, it's really healthy and tastes great! It will be a nice change to have a different low calorie dip to try.
I have also become a recent fan of Bethenny Frankel since meeting her and attending her Bus Tour show. I have been reading her book The "Skinnygirl Dish". She has some great recipes in this book that I am looking foward to trying. My two favorite indulgences are chocolate and peanut butter but can't stand all the fat and calories! Bethenny has a recipe in her book for a low calorie moist chocolate cake with peanut butter glaze, yum! It is made with no butter just a little vegetable oil. Another recipe that I am going to try on my husband that I know he will love is beef satay skewers. It is a healthy "guy food". Bethenny made it for Phil Simms, former quarterback for the New York Giants. Let me know if you are interested in the recipes and would like to try them! Then you can join our cooking challenge!
Steph
I have also become a recent fan of Bethenny Frankel since meeting her and attending her Bus Tour show. I have been reading her book The "Skinnygirl Dish". She has some great recipes in this book that I am looking foward to trying. My two favorite indulgences are chocolate and peanut butter but can't stand all the fat and calories! Bethenny has a recipe in her book for a low calorie moist chocolate cake with peanut butter glaze, yum! It is made with no butter just a little vegetable oil. Another recipe that I am going to try on my husband that I know he will love is beef satay skewers. It is a healthy "guy food". Bethenny made it for Phil Simms, former quarterback for the New York Giants. Let me know if you are interested in the recipes and would like to try them! Then you can join our cooking challenge!
Steph
Thursday, March 10, 2011
A Night Out with Bethenny Frankel - Chance to win A Place of Yes
Steph and I had a fun night out with Bethenny Frankel. We had dinner, pizza and salad, at my house with the husbands and all the girls. We set up a "sleep-over" movie night and had a Dora pop up tent, blankets, pillows and popcorn for them for while we were out. They watched Aladin and the King of Thieves from Disney.
Then off to the Palace for the big show. I was excited for weeks about seeing Bethenny. It was actually fun for us and just like old times. It's rare that we go out together anymore and the pre-show anticipation was thrilling.
Bethenny was stunning. She is very funny and down to Earth. She sat center stage while sipping Skinnygirl Margaritas and a slide show backdrop that included some pictures of baby Bryn who is adorable. And while there was a lot of self promotion, she gave the scoop on how she came to write Naturally Thin and talked about the highlights of the book, basically, eat what you want, just not so much of it. The book was inspired when she realized she was done with dieting and there was a better way to eat. That you could in fact enjoy food as long as you don't over-indulge. She talked about her new show on Bravo and her new upcoming book, A Place of Yes. Bethenny was witty, funny and inspired hundreds of women, and a handful of men, and of course there was the occasional potty mouth. She dished on her days with the Housewives and how she ended up on the show which was through a little luck while attending a polo match that Jill and one of the producers was also attending.
Bethenny is a huge inspiration to me. She's an every woman. A master at branding herself and an amazing business woman. When I had a small baby I could not imagine traveling the country. She works hard for the money! :) I can't wait for her new book, A Place of Yes, see below for details on how to win a copy.
Sleep-o-meter: ugh, up at 5 AM with a sick 2 year old. We're calling it an early night.
Then off to the Palace for the big show. I was excited for weeks about seeing Bethenny. It was actually fun for us and just like old times. It's rare that we go out together anymore and the pre-show anticipation was thrilling.
Bethenny was stunning. She is very funny and down to Earth. She sat center stage while sipping Skinnygirl Margaritas and a slide show backdrop that included some pictures of baby Bryn who is adorable. And while there was a lot of self promotion, she gave the scoop on how she came to write Naturally Thin and talked about the highlights of the book, basically, eat what you want, just not so much of it. The book was inspired when she realized she was done with dieting and there was a better way to eat. That you could in fact enjoy food as long as you don't over-indulge. She talked about her new show on Bravo and her new upcoming book, A Place of Yes. Bethenny was witty, funny and inspired hundreds of women, and a handful of men, and of course there was the occasional potty mouth. She dished on her days with the Housewives and how she ended up on the show which was through a little luck while attending a polo match that Jill and one of the producers was also attending.
Bethenny is a huge inspiration to me. She's an every woman. A master at branding herself and an amazing business woman. When I had a small baby I could not imagine traveling the country. She works hard for the money! :) I can't wait for her new book, A Place of Yes, see below for details on how to win a copy.
For a chance to win a copy of her new book, to be released March 22, 2011, visit iVillage:
Enter now for a chance to win the prize! Simply e-mail your full name and address to ivillageentertainment@gmail.com, and tell us why you're a fan of Bethenny Frankel. Good luck!
Jan
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Spark Up The Romance
My husband and I had the best night together last night! Relationships are hard and seem to get harder as the years go on. It is important to be creative and try and bring some fun back into the relationship. We are always trying new ways to bring the spark into the relationship. We have been together 9 years and have 2 very active children so it's hard to find time for romance. Last night we put the kids to bed at 8 and then ordered take out, turned out all the lights and lit some candles. We had time to talk and unwind and sparked up some romance. We had the best time! It has been awhile since we gave each other full attention and we found we really enjoy each other and still make each other laugh!
Need some help in the "us" department. I think we all need a reminder once in a while to do fun things together and enjoy being with each other. It's so easy to forget to spend quality time together when everything else always seems to come first. Work, kids, working out, cleaning, dinner, laundry, bills and the list goes on.
Stop making excuses and nuture your relationship. Enjoy each other, rekindle the romance.
Steph
Need some help in the "us" department. I think we all need a reminder once in a while to do fun things together and enjoy being with each other. It's so easy to forget to spend quality time together when everything else always seems to come first. Work, kids, working out, cleaning, dinner, laundry, bills and the list goes on.
Tips for togetherness. Find ways to have fun at home! Put the kids to bed a little early and bake cookies or brownies together. Then splurge! We also like to get a good book and read to each other, play cards, Wii, board games or just cuddle up on the couch and watch a movie together. Massages are great after a hard day what is better than a neck, head and back massage! Use warm cream to moisturize your skin and you'll feel good and your skin will look good. Of course feel free to get creative with any of these suggestions if you're so inclined. wink wink. But it's really just about connecting, enjoying each others company, and keeping the relationship fun.
Stop making excuses and nuture your relationship. Enjoy each other, rekindle the romance.
Steph
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
New Moon - New Intentions - Small Goals will Lead to Bigger Goals
Sleep-o-meter: managed to get 8 hours of sleep last night. Finally!
Friday night was the new moon and every new moon I use as my day to keep myself in check with my goals. I review my previous month goals and create new goals. Some goals are the same month to month. New goals, generally smaller goals, I create based on what's going on, what I want to accomplish.
One of my new goals is getting my daughter's birthday party set up. I still have not planned it or sent the invitations. I'm going to try and keep it small with just a few good friends which will make it much easier and then in May or June throw a beach party with all her friends.
It's not too late to create some goals for the month. Jot down some things that you want to do or have to do this month. It's better to start small because then you'll have better success. Try to be specific. Instead of saying I'm going to work out 3 days a week. Try I will take a five minute walk three days a week. It's more specific and not that hard to achieve. Try I will do five crunches every morning. Five is easy and when you form the habit of five crunches every morning, you'll probably do a few extra by the end of the month and next month you can bump it up to 10. This is manageable and will ensure success so you'll keep your goals. And accomplishing small goals is rewarding and will lead to bigger goals. Taxes are coming up so don't forget to add getting your tax papers and receipts together and call your accountant.
Good luck.
Jan
Friday night was the new moon and every new moon I use as my day to keep myself in check with my goals. I review my previous month goals and create new goals. Some goals are the same month to month. New goals, generally smaller goals, I create based on what's going on, what I want to accomplish.
One of my new goals is getting my daughter's birthday party set up. I still have not planned it or sent the invitations. I'm going to try and keep it small with just a few good friends which will make it much easier and then in May or June throw a beach party with all her friends.
It's not too late to create some goals for the month. Jot down some things that you want to do or have to do this month. It's better to start small because then you'll have better success. Try to be specific. Instead of saying I'm going to work out 3 days a week. Try I will take a five minute walk three days a week. It's more specific and not that hard to achieve. Try I will do five crunches every morning. Five is easy and when you form the habit of five crunches every morning, you'll probably do a few extra by the end of the month and next month you can bump it up to 10. This is manageable and will ensure success so you'll keep your goals. And accomplishing small goals is rewarding and will lead to bigger goals. Taxes are coming up so don't forget to add getting your tax papers and receipts together and call your accountant.
Good luck.
Jan
Monday, March 7, 2011
Great abs
I am looking foward to my energetic spin class tomorrow morning! I just downloaded the new Pink song, number one on the charts. Great song to spin to. It will be a great start to my full day, my 3 year old will be home from pre-school and I was going to take her to Earth Place, never been there, hope we like it. Then later in the afternoon I am subbing for an exercise class for an over 50 group. They hate doing ab exercises on the mat so I found one they can do standing up! It is an exercise that Marisa Miller, a Victoria Secret model does for her abs! It couldn't hurt to try it. I don't know if our abs will come close to looking like hers, but it will definately help! Here is how to get her great abs:
Grab 2 medium size weights 2 to 5lbs. each
Standing with legs hip distance apart, slightly bent knees
twist torso to right, center, then left and repeat
Do 8 reps 3X's
Repeat this exercise at least 3X's a week.
Start to see great abs in approximately 8 weeks! Good Luck!
Steph
Grab 2 medium size weights 2 to 5lbs. each
Standing with legs hip distance apart, slightly bent knees
twist torso to right, center, then left and repeat
Do 8 reps 3X's
Repeat this exercise at least 3X's a week.
Start to see great abs in approximately 8 weeks! Good Luck!
Steph
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Have you seen last night's sleep? I can't seem to find it.
For the last week I've not had an uninterrupted night of sleep. My 2 year old was up at least once or more three nights in a row. For some reason I've been getting to sleep later than usual. And the bird is back. This pesky bird that arrives in March and stays til June flies to my window at the break of dawn and chirps repetitively like an annoying alarm clock for 20 minutes then flies away. It makes me think of that movie where the actress has the bird waking her up every morning so they shoot it but then she feels bad about it. What's the name of that movie? Anyway, the first two nights I went back to sleep but the last few nights I couldn't get back to sleep. I like my sleep and I'm a bear without it. I can go a night or two but then it starts wearing me down. And on top of no sleep, it's raining. wah. Any tips on how to get rid of the bird or how to get back to sleep quickly would be appreciated. Feel free to leave a comment below or email stephandjanblog@gmail.com. BTW, if you know the movie I'm referring to, please let me know. Now this is going to bother me. :)
I also got hit with another migraine today. I have chronic pain. Sinus pain, headache pain and neck and shoulder pain. It's generally constant but the degree of pain varies. Today I got the migraine in the late afternoon. I took two Advil and after an hour the pain got worse. I took a Migraine Excedrin and rested for an hour and the pain has gone from a 9.5 to a 7 and now I'm around a 4 on the pain scale.
I feel bad that I did not spend a lot of time today with my daughters. I spent an hour in the morning with my coffee and the Sunday Morning show, then I spent an hour on the computer, then laundry. Then I took a walk in the rain with them so my youngest could use her new umbrella which is her new favorite thing and we had lunch together. But then I let them watch an hour of Dora while I worked on the computer again. I was going to take them out to the library after that but then got the migraine attack and now the library's closed. Feeling very guilty.
I have to go make dinner. Still have to finish laundry and take a shower. I will try to play with them after that. I'm thinking something fun and quiet since my headache still hurts. Something like puzzle time. That sounds good.
Hoping tonight we'll all be early to bed and manage 8 hours of sleep. That would be heaven. :)
Jan
I also got hit with another migraine today. I have chronic pain. Sinus pain, headache pain and neck and shoulder pain. It's generally constant but the degree of pain varies. Today I got the migraine in the late afternoon. I took two Advil and after an hour the pain got worse. I took a Migraine Excedrin and rested for an hour and the pain has gone from a 9.5 to a 7 and now I'm around a 4 on the pain scale.
I feel bad that I did not spend a lot of time today with my daughters. I spent an hour in the morning with my coffee and the Sunday Morning show, then I spent an hour on the computer, then laundry. Then I took a walk in the rain with them so my youngest could use her new umbrella which is her new favorite thing and we had lunch together. But then I let them watch an hour of Dora while I worked on the computer again. I was going to take them out to the library after that but then got the migraine attack and now the library's closed. Feeling very guilty.
I have to go make dinner. Still have to finish laundry and take a shower. I will try to play with them after that. I'm thinking something fun and quiet since my headache still hurts. Something like puzzle time. That sounds good.
Hoping tonight we'll all be early to bed and manage 8 hours of sleep. That would be heaven. :)
Jan
Friday, March 4, 2011
Don't wait for a second chance. Make the first one count.
Today we went about our day as usual but the sadness was in the air. It is hard not to think about the loss of a family member even if you weren't that close. My husband's brother didn't live close too us and we were all to busy to get together, but we miss him.
He didn't want a funeral or even a service. He had only a few close friends and no wife or children. But my husband wants to have a service for him. He called a few of his close friends and they all want to come. His boss, co-workers and cousins, they all asked if they could come to the service. It turns out that the service is now turning out to be a large amount of people! It makes me sad that he didn't realize how many people cared about him.
In today's world, we are all so busy and hardly make time to spend with people we know and care about. He gave up his fight to live and partly because he felt he was all alone. If he could see how many people are there for him now, now that he is gone forever.
Let's try a little harder to make time for other people instead of constant texting, e-mailing or Facebooking. No more excuses or putting it off. Don't wait for a second chance. Make the first one count!
Steph
He didn't want a funeral or even a service. He had only a few close friends and no wife or children. But my husband wants to have a service for him. He called a few of his close friends and they all want to come. His boss, co-workers and cousins, they all asked if they could come to the service. It turns out that the service is now turning out to be a large amount of people! It makes me sad that he didn't realize how many people cared about him.
In today's world, we are all so busy and hardly make time to spend with people we know and care about. He gave up his fight to live and partly because he felt he was all alone. If he could see how many people are there for him now, now that he is gone forever.
Let's try a little harder to make time for other people instead of constant texting, e-mailing or Facebooking. No more excuses or putting it off. Don't wait for a second chance. Make the first one count!
Steph
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Cherish the Moments
I receive a call from Steph today. She told me her brother-in-law, who has been very sick and in the hospital, is near the end. Although I did not personally know him, it made me very sad and upset to hear the suffering he's been through. It was sad that he lost hope and rather than doing everything to fight, try surgery that may take his voice but give him life, he chose to not try. I understand how difficult it must be and I know how living with pain can be intolerable. So while I wish he tried harder I understand the choice he made. I told her to take him out. To give him one last adventure outside. To the beach or to the park. Or even just outside the hospital. Even 5 or 10 minutes to breath the fresh air and feel the sunshine on his face. Have a last good moment to enjoy life. She took my advice, and she and her husband and daughter packed into to the car but unfortunately on the way to the hospital to see him, they got the phone call. He passed on. It brings tears to my eyes and I wish they had at least been there for him during his passing. I'm sure he knows the love was there and at last he is at peace.
Just a minute after I receive Steph's call with this news. My phone rang again. This time it was my aunt. My aunt takes care of my two daughters while I'm at work. More big news. This time happy news. She called to tell me that my oldest daughter lost her first tooth today. My daughter got on the phone and told me. I could hear the excitement in her voice. I have mixed feelings. My little girl is growing up so fast but I'm happy for this big stepping stone in her life. When I got home I made a big deal about it. I would have anyway but I think a made an extra big deal because life is so precious and these little things in life are big moments that we should celebrate. We just finished watching "Despicable Me" over the weekend so with that in mind and my best impersonation I gave her several, "This is a big deal!" and she laughed. Of course we took pictures. I made a big production at bedtime and we all gathered in her bedroom to reveal the tooth one last time before wrapping it up and putting it under her pillow for the tooth fairy tonight. I know the tooth fairy will bring her something special for her very first tooth. And she already has the new tooth coming in! I can't even believe it.
Cherish every moment because every moment is special. Life is short. Life is precious. Enjoy making memories every day. And work each day to make all your dreams come true.
Jan
Just a minute after I receive Steph's call with this news. My phone rang again. This time it was my aunt. My aunt takes care of my two daughters while I'm at work. More big news. This time happy news. She called to tell me that my oldest daughter lost her first tooth today. My daughter got on the phone and told me. I could hear the excitement in her voice. I have mixed feelings. My little girl is growing up so fast but I'm happy for this big stepping stone in her life. When I got home I made a big deal about it. I would have anyway but I think a made an extra big deal because life is so precious and these little things in life are big moments that we should celebrate. We just finished watching "Despicable Me" over the weekend so with that in mind and my best impersonation I gave her several, "This is a big deal!" and she laughed. Of course we took pictures. I made a big production at bedtime and we all gathered in her bedroom to reveal the tooth one last time before wrapping it up and putting it under her pillow for the tooth fairy tonight. I know the tooth fairy will bring her something special for her very first tooth. And she already has the new tooth coming in! I can't even believe it.
Cherish every moment because every moment is special. Life is short. Life is precious. Enjoy making memories every day. And work each day to make all your dreams come true.
Jan
More on Hot Hunks at the Oscars
Mark Walberg didn't take home any oscars but he looked hot! He gets better looking with age. He has one smoking body and I am looking foward to seeing him in "The Fighter". He has made some great positive changes in his life and it shows, he looks great!
I loved the white tux that James Brolin and Javier Bardem wore, that was different. They looked so cute, maybe a little gay but we all know they are straight! I thought they looked quite adorable!
I loved the double breasted tux that quite a few of the men wore this year! Thumbs up to the guys this year they looked handsome. I also was impressed that none of them forgot to thank their wives for their support. Old fashioned chivalry is back!
Steph
I loved the white tux that James Brolin and Javier Bardem wore, that was different. They looked so cute, maybe a little gay but we all know they are straight! I thought they looked quite adorable!
I loved the double breasted tux that quite a few of the men wore this year! Thumbs up to the guys this year they looked handsome. I also was impressed that none of them forgot to thank their wives for their support. Old fashioned chivalry is back!
Steph
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Hot Hunks of the Oscars
OK, so James Franco has been catching a lot of flack in the media for putting out a dull performance hosting the Oscars. I say, who cares? Did you see him? In the words of Phoebe Buffet from Friends, "He's so pretty."
Who else made our Hot Hunks of the Oscars list?
Hugh Jackman
Colin Firth
Justin Timberlake
Who else made our Hot Hunks of the Oscars list?
Hugh Jackman
Colin Firth
Justin Timberlake
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