tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49305116698404626832024-03-13T17:01:12.271-07:00SPORTY MAMA SAYS: A Mom's Survival Guide to Life (... and more)A blog for all of us mothers out there who go through the joy and pain of Little League, club sports, dance recitals, jobs and the rest of life, simply because we love our children.Sporty Mama Sayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07492700528232154962noreply@blogger.comBlogger34125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4930511669840462683.post-62709610240314765622010-11-09T16:21:00.000-08:002010-11-09T16:21:54.439-08:00Feel like a good giggle and all the while learn a few tips on a STRESS-FREE Turkey Day?<a href="http://www.happywomanmagazine.com/Images/audra.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.happywomanmagazine.com/Images/audra.jpg" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.happywomanmagazine.com/Holiday/stressfreehanksgiving.htm">Stress-free Thanksgiving.htm</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Bless </span>the folks with senses of humor enough for all of womankind. Bless them for having experienced this and other random BS long enough to finally find it in themselves to laugh at it. <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">And I </span>thank my lucky stars they have website with many other "Sporty Mama Says" kinfolk-filled pieces of material for me to loose myself in...<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">So Thank You</span>,<i> Happy Woman Magazine</i>. You have indeed made me a Happy Woman. <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Disclaimer:</b></span> <b>I have not read EVERY article on here and there's a good likelihood I'll disagree with at least one thing I find... just give it time.</b>Sporty Mama Sayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07492700528232154962noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4930511669840462683.post-63838269125659613442010-11-07T08:51:00.000-08:002010-11-07T08:51:23.526-08:006 Kid Snacks Adults Can Love... Guilt-free. Take THAT Yahoo! News!<span style="font-size: large;">As I</span> compulsively checked my home page of Yahoo! as I checked one of many email addresses I manage, I came across an article titled <a href="http://health.yahoo.net/experts/self/6-kid-snacks-adults-can-love">6 Kid Snacks Adults Can Love</a>. So I checked it out because hey, who am I kidding? I'm as busy as the next person and I love to snack, so why not?<br />
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<a href="http://media.onsugar.com/files/ons1/296/2963461/23_2009/7f8abf437af24dce_clif-kid-organic-zbar-4-bar-fan.xlarge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="157" src="http://media.onsugar.com/files/ons1/296/2963461/23_2009/7f8abf437af24dce_clif-kid-organic-zbar-4-bar-fan.xlarge.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">Then </span>I found out that even the weakest ideas can grab a meager paycheck from a published highlight on Yahoo! news... LAME. So I challenge the Almond peanuts, string cheese, prepared trail mix, bag o' potato chips flavored in classy ways, and Quaker granola bars... I applaud the thought that perhaps buying prepared foods might simply be something we all do (secretly too often during high-stress moments)... and then I offer you another list of slightly less boring and hopefully somehow a little purer of snacks, free of preparation, full of fun, flavor and nutrition....<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.clifbar.com/food/products_clif_kid_zbar/">Clif Z Bars</a></span> - fantastic, flavorful, often has some version of chocolate, and the kids just LOVE EM!<br />
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<a href="http://www.reallynatural.com/pictures/piratebooty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="162" src="http://www.reallynatural.com/pictures/piratebooty.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.piratesbooty.com/products/piratesbooty/agedwhitecheddar">Pirate's Booty</a> -</span> Seriously tasty (my fave? Aged white cheddar), you can even grab the tasty veggie kind, and who doesn't love to use the word Booty each and every day?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.annies.com/data/fe/image/Halloween%20Bag%281%29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="http://www.annies.com/data/fe/image/Halloween%20Bag%281%29.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.annies.com/bunny-fruit">Annie's Bunnie Fruit</a> </span> - gummy, fruity, and bunny shaped. Need I say more?<br />
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<a href="http://www.naturespath.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/product_packaging_node/images/product/packaging/EK_LemurTreatBag_BAG_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="165" src="http://www.naturespath.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/product_packaging_node/images/product/packaging/EK_LemurTreatBag_BAG_2.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><a href="http://www.naturespath.com/products/vegetarian/treat-sized-lemur-peanut-choco-drizzle-crispy-rice-bars"><span style="font-size: large;">Envirokidz</span> granola-like bars</a> - ridiculously, ridiculously good. I eat more than my kids do, seriously! Try the Lemur flavor, with its peanut goodness drizzled with chocolate... Mmmmm!Sporty Mama Sayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07492700528232154962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4930511669840462683.post-47784932986382056592010-11-01T14:04:00.000-07:002010-11-01T14:05:46.698-07:00As the leaves fall and winter sets in...<div style="color: #4c1130;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>It's another crazy season upon us here at the house and I swear it's like it never seems to end...</b></span></div><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">W</span>e've survived school starting, Halloween, school conferences, two children playing on separate sports teams in different organizations, a 7month old who recently popped two teeth through her gums like she's been doing it all her life, and the initial stages of buying a house. You'd think we'd get to a slowing down pace, right? WRONG.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">N</span>ope. We are now in preparation mode just in case we do buy this house. We are preparing for the onslaught of potential family arriving to stay for different lengths of time and are generally excited that despite it all, we are tighter and more in-love with our family than ever!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">N</span>ow if we can just close on this stinkin' house deal...<br />
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<div style="color: #4c1130;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Wish us luck!</span></b></div>Sporty Mama Sayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07492700528232154962noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4930511669840462683.post-70495478366366840902010-08-30T18:16:00.000-07:002010-08-30T18:19:26.833-07:00Here's to new beginnings, ends of eras, and hopefully - a new mortgage!Tis the end of a crazy summer. We become possessed as Little League zombies pushing through the life of baseball until mid-July. We traveled four states and gave the newborn babe in our lives a very thorough West Coast tour/welcome. Then finally, happily August hit.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.bigbonton.org/river%20iris.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="291" src="http://www.bigbonton.org/river%20iris.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>And so did wedding preparations for Husband's sister. She's marrying her favorite gent from London and is hosting this occassion at the Grandma's grand home in Maine! That means we get to go!!! Sad thing about it, Grandma didn't make it to the wedding date in Sept... L.J.E. passed away, quite gently, a few days ago and thus we now are adding the celebration of her life and a memorial to prove it to our itinerary.<br />
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Oh right - don't forget the business trip to Boston smack dab in the middle....<br />
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With so many things to celebrate and a few things to meander and mourn, I can safely say, PLEASE SUMMER - JUST BE DONE NOW!!!!!!!!<br />
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I'm ready for school to start, schedules to meld together, and life to become a bit normal. But not (please no, not until) we are officially pre-approved for our home loan on a home that we have found and fallen in love with. It's wonderful and spacious and oh-so-us!!! So we have become "pre-qualified" and are hoping to put an offer in soon.....<br />
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Cross your fingers! I'm can promise mine are!<br />
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Happiest of labor days, everyone. Be safe and don't forget to remind your people you love them!Sporty Mama Sayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07492700528232154962noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4930511669840462683.post-73765113447195228542010-08-24T21:14:00.000-07:002010-08-24T21:15:44.951-07:00Disastrous Fire - 1, old family land - 0<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mailtribune.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=MM&Date=20100824&Category=NEWS&ArtNo=824009998&Ref=PH&NewTbl=1&Item=6&maxH=400&maxW=388&border=0" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="146" src="http://www.mailtribune.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=MM&Date=20100824&Category=NEWS&ArtNo=824009998&Ref=PH&NewTbl=1&Item=6&maxH=400&maxW=388&border=0" width="200" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;">Craziest thing tonight</span> - an impromptu fire occurred in our town just a few blocks over from home. Turns out, it was the land that our 2nd child had been born on. The house itself had been taken down a few years before, but the old, grumpy-yet-stoically aged barn and the rugged trailer had remained. Today, the both joined the old home in forms of ash and rubble.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTEOmXfxcIW0H18VMQRhhnL8cuamYmuxZLp1zrMAHaprHmkN-gSGwecvxIuRIJ_RTXor9oLM2QCpL8cffijdJS8HZXV8xZM_CkqWDZxaPeO7v18akvTGmKjS4RHCryqPx1llHf6jpCHR8S/s1600/barn+fire.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTEOmXfxcIW0H18VMQRhhnL8cuamYmuxZLp1zrMAHaprHmkN-gSGwecvxIuRIJ_RTXor9oLM2QCpL8cffijdJS8HZXV8xZM_CkqWDZxaPeO7v18akvTGmKjS4RHCryqPx1llHf6jpCHR8S/s200/barn+fire.JPG" width="150" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">12 other homes </span>have also been lost thus far tonight in a neighborhood nearby. It seems this fire is moving north. Had it moved west we'd have been evacuated and displaced, but instead, we sit here mourning the loss of a place filled with memories for two families, five children, four dogs, and a couple of lazy owls that made home in that barn. Someone needs to tell the Punk House residents.<br />
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<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><b>Thank you, Washington Street, for providing a place for punks, country singers, newly-in-love couples and small children alike to call home and feel safely tucked away.</b></i></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><b>Our prayers and safe wishes go out to the families who have lost their homes and treasures tonight... </b></i></span></div>Sporty Mama Sayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07492700528232154962noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4930511669840462683.post-78610357207118572772010-08-23T21:22:00.000-07:002010-08-23T21:25:43.986-07:00Past, Present and Future - I must be in my 30s<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Ever have one of those odd, non-life shattering, mid-life crisis moments when you question everything...</i></b></span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><i><br />
</i></b></span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><i>- Do I like my job? Really, really like my job and can I do it forever as an employee?</i></b></span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>- Am I a decent mother, or did I just screw 3 innocent little beings by forcing them to succeed despite my efforts to not mess them up too much?</i></span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><i>- How did I get so old so fast without noticing?</i></b></span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>- Wait - am I actually old? NO! I'm too young to be this sedentary!!!</i></span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><i>- Do I act too old or maybe I'm so young and naive to realize how fresh I really am?</i></b></span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>- Oh crap! I just started worrying perhaps I can't cook as moderately ok as I think I can?</i></span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><i>- Are my 3 kiddos growing up too fast without me noticing? Is that why I can't complete one scrapbook???</i></b></span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>- I'm not missing a life-changing opportunity by working instead of staying home right?</i></span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><i>- I'm not a bad mommy because I'd rather work than be a SAHM, yes?</i></b></span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><i>Can't be the first time a mother has thought these... just thought I'd note them down tonight...</i></b></span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><i><br />
</i></b></span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><i>~ Simone</i></b></span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>www.sportymamasays.blogspot.com</b></span></div>Sporty Mama Sayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07492700528232154962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4930511669840462683.post-79120227095001778122010-08-23T09:03:00.000-07:002010-08-23T09:06:38.915-07:00Oh Monday, you have let me down!<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Ugh, ugh, ack.</b></span><br />
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What a gross Monday already, and we've only just begun.<br />
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">The Bad News: </span></i> Yesterday's marinara sauce hit me like a steam boat and I was up all night facing the repercussions of having avoided tomatoes for a year (pregnancy and all). Ick.<br />
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I have a Department Head meeting today at work to discuss the next three months, and none of all three can I even begin to consider since my immediate future continues to hold for me a reservation with the porcelain god.<br />
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THEN, after that Department Head meeting I get to do a round with the Team meeting. Oh great. Now I get to fake just how happy I am to hear everyone's opinions. And to think that there was a special request for us all to have happy, open minds... My mind is open for sure, but my bathroom door - not so much. Ick.<br />
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Oh Monday! How you hate me so.<br />
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">The good news: </span></i>baby didn't not wake up once during my dates with said porcelain god. That means Murphy (and his laws) can piss off! hah!<br />
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AND - Middle Child woke up so pleasant and happy and bouncy! A rare treat indeed!<br />
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Ick. Back to remind said porcelain god I haven't forgotten how to find him. Must be a 'him' if I feel this icky.Sporty Mama Sayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07492700528232154962noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4930511669840462683.post-59039155845406403612010-08-18T23:33:00.000-07:002010-08-18T23:44:41.804-07:00It's exhausting, this mother/wife/friend/employee thing, and frankly - I need a vacation.<img src="http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSC4bEKhgVVgn4XmCwvd0NmlkrOQt-HDoqAoJ9eDEuZMKifcQo&t=1&usg=__G2YolRYs10wgGjm-Xn96Z7iVx6g=" /><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Is it so bad <span style="font-size: small;">that I'd love to <span style="font-size: large;">ditch every one</span> of those above responsibilities and <span style="font-size: large;">bail for a few days? </span></span></span><br />
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<div style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Leaving behind gleefully:</i></span></div><ul><li>kids </li>
<li>husband</li>
<li>dogs</li>
<li>housework</li>
<li>emails</li>
<li>text messages</li>
<li>phone calls</li>
<li>paperwork</li>
<li>employees</li>
<li>cars</li>
<li>clocks</li>
<li>paved roads</li>
</ul>Because I'd do it, in a HEARTBEAT, if I could only get the time to scrape aside $900. Seriously.<br />
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It's been such a pre-season, session-cramming, busy 2010 that everyday I sit at my desk and longingly flirt with a gift certificate of $125 to a day spa that I received in May. IN MAY, folks. That was nearly four months ago.<br />
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And to top it off, life got soooooooo busy that I couldn't even find the fire to blog-slash-whine about it! How crazy is that, I ask you???<br />
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So adieu, dear readers, for now. I'm going to go stow away a few bucks to start saving for vacation. I'm also gonna dig up my famous/favorite recipe for<span style="color: #351c75;"> <span style="color: #20124d;">Blue Cheese</span></span> Flan (prepare to die in the essence of blue cheese!) to share with ya'll soon.<br />
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In case anyone is worried, please don't fret. It's one of those exhausting days that melts away with sleep and all of the fluffy love and sweet dispositions of mommy-hood return with the rise of the sun. <br />
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~ SimoneSporty Mama Sayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07492700528232154962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4930511669840462683.post-6105110168842892642010-08-06T07:58:00.000-07:002010-08-06T07:58:04.094-07:00The Difference In My Children Started At Birth - my guest blog appearance<a href="http://www.ingenuemom.com/">Ingenue Mom</a>, or Cameron, has so trustingly gifted me the chance to Guest Blog on her site!!!<br />
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One of my favorites, this mama has spent the last two weeks sharing others birth stories that will make you laugh, cry, and bring you to your knees with nostalgic memories of our babies who grow up so fast.<br />
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Check her out! And even more so, check out <a href="http://www.ingenuemom.com/2010/08/difference-in-my-children-started-at.html">my birth story!</a><br />
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Cheers,<br />
SimoneSporty Mama Sayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07492700528232154962noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4930511669840462683.post-41323756899035953022010-08-06T00:34:00.000-07:002010-08-06T00:47:30.046-07:00Nominated for TWO awards! Much gratitude flowing from me right now...I'm still in complete awe just how gracious this blogging community of mamas is. I decided to start a blog as a personal experiment, then got caught up in the activity of responses, and realized that what I get in return is so much more rewarding.... it's amazing! All jokes and attitude aside, I am truly honored to be a part of the thousands of women out there sharing their lives with each other. It's an awesome creation.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_p3zvCvk_yKg/TFYsYszTyaI/AAAAAAAAAxA/Zv-xmucGRQs/s1600/versatile-bloggeraward.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_p3zvCvk_yKg/TFYsYszTyaI/AAAAAAAAAxA/Zv-xmucGRQs/s320/versatile-bloggeraward.jpg" /></a></div>From this amazing network, my adolescent blog has been nominated for, get this, TWO Versatile Blogger award, from two amazing women:<br />
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<a href="http://mommyonlyhastwohands.blogspot.com/">Mommy Only Has Two Hands</a> - check her out. She has the sweetest of writing about her darling Jaydon and if you can spend a moment and peruse her blogs, I promise she will get you thinking... it's wonderful.<br />
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<a href="http://coolprogeny.blogspot.com/">Cool Progeny</a> - One of my favorites and a flippin' fantastic Twitter'er to follow as well, this gal is sure to keep you on your toes by offering information on odd ways to use Oatmeal to fresh food challenges to sharing the most useful and endearing experiences as a mama... You must check her out...<br />
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Now - on to accepting these awards. I have a few things I must do, and I will attempt to do them well.<br />
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There are a few things I must do in order to accept the award.<br />
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1) Thank the person who gave me the award. <br />
2) Share seven things about me.<br />
3) Nominate 15 newly discovered blogs, and let the nominees know about the award.<br />
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So here are seven things about me: <br />
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1. I work for an amazing Fair Trade, Organic tea company, EcoTeas, who are so kind as to give me the opportunity to run with my job to make it the best I can. They are some of the finest folks you'll meet. <a href="http://www.ecoteas.com/">EcoTeas is here!</a><br />
2. I have a serious issue with buying cute shoes that I don't wear out. I just don't go fancy often enough, yet the shoes remain cute! <br />
3. I'd like to arrange for Alanis Morrisette to play me in that movie about me that isn't made yet.<br />
4. I'm legally blind in my left eye and would probably give my right arm for Lasik surgery so I could swim with my kids.<br />
5. Roses bug me. Not sure why.<br />
6. I have a soft spot for Adam Sandler. He just seems vulnerable and cuddly.<br />
7. I like listening to bad 90s music when I clean.<br />
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And my nominees are: <br />
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1. <a href="http://postumdrinker.blogspot.com/">Ramblings of a Suburban Soccer Mom</a> If you are looking for a genuine, no-holds-barred kind of writing that is funny, easy to relate to, and flat out ridiculously entertaining, this is your girl. Lara can make you feel like you aren't totally crazy after all. Love it!<br />
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2. <a href="http://cramazinglife.blogspot.com/2010/08/school-choiceam-i-defined-by-choices-i.html#more">One Cramazing Life</a> Her motto, No Parenting Style is Perfect, is so right on. And yet, I challenge that, because she is parenting and educating from the heart, which is as close as you are gonna get to perfect. Check it out. You'll walk away a better person, honest!<br />
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3.<a href="http://belovedmama.blogspot.com/">Beloved Mama</a> - so fun, so real, so much love! You'll find it all here, full of pictures of inspiration and adoration. A true feel good.<br />
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4. <a href="http://asavingmomssanity.blogspot.com/">Saving Mom's Sanity</a> This gal will make you feel sane. Seriously. She's quirky, frank, and so stinkin' entertaining! If there is one thing I know, it's that none of us go through something no one else has. She proves that and does it with a beautiful smile!<br />
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5. <a href="http://obviouslymarvelous.blogspot.com/">Obviously Marvelous</a> Not sure how, exactly, but I always feel a little bit more hip after checking out her blog. It's awesome!<br />
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6. <a href="http://www.ingenuemom.com/">Ingenue Mom</a> Inspirational, intelligent, and witty, this blog will surely leave you feeling good. One of my favorites!<br />
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7. <a href="http://commonsense-dancing.com/">Common Sense, Dancing</a> So funny!!! And fun, and wise and real. My new favorite morning read!!!<br />
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8. <a href="http://musingsmom.blogspot.com/">Musings of a Modern Mom</a> - Realistic and interesting, this mama will actually post reality and not just fascination with the small stuff. A true recommendation for those who want content and not busy work.<br />
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9. <a href="http://www.abloggymom.com/">A Bloggy Mom</a> This woman will blow your mind. Tiffany is a creator and a rockstar, running <a href="http://www.bloggymoms.com/">Bloggy Moms,</a> participating in many nonprofit events and so much more! I strive to be more like her!<br />
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10. <a href="http://crazytownmayor.com/blog/">Crazy Town</a> Oh My God(dess)... This gal cracks me the heck up. It's like, she reads my mind, puts it into eloquent yet ridiculously funny and casual writing, then posts it! Genius!<br />
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Oh my lord. my computer is freaking out so I'm only giving you ten! Thanks for understanding!!!<br />
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Many thanks for the awards! I'm truly honored! Keep blogging, keep reading, and keep on livin'!<br />
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~ Simone<br />
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www.sportymamasays.blogspot.comSporty Mama Sayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07492700528232154962noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4930511669840462683.post-26417424075292627172010-08-04T21:20:00.000-07:002010-08-04T23:02:48.842-07:00Just had a baby? I'm here for you!I can name seven (!) babies that have been born since the end of March. Crazy, huh?<br />
<br />
One of our friends has just had (as in, like this morning!), GULP, twins! Her first kid(s) and she was blessed with a 24 hr labor before getting that damned proverbial C-section. Sweet girl, she's in great spirits and the twin baby girls were born both at nearly 8lbs/each after 39 weeks of cooking.<br />
<br />
Got me thinking? What have you done for your new mama-friend lately? Here's some grand ideas that are easy to do and so appreciated by the new mama, papa, and their family:<br />
<ul><li><u>Meals delivery:</u> MAKE sure this happens after they get home! Dinner is perfect, lunch is an incredible plus, and if you can and it's appropriate, encourage delivery friends to add a six pack of beer for dad. It won't go wasted, promise.</li>
<li> <u>Gift Card to Costco/Sams Club/Wal-Mart</u>: For one friend, I asked each of our friends to donate $10-20 then took the total cash and bought one giant gift card at Costco. They can get diapers for at least 6 months now!</li>
<li><u>Buy a newspaper the day of the birth</u>: They are so busy and consumed with babies that they don't know it will be so cool to read their local paper years later on their sweet babe's birthday.</li>
<li><u>Gift them Housecleaning or Massages:</u> Both mama and papa will so appreciate knowing that for once their house will be clean. Or another option, the massage. Nothing is more appreciated than a fantastic rub down after 9-10 months of focused pregnancy and hopeful wishes of holding a baby! </li>
<li><u>Scrapbook the Facebook pages of the parents:</u> It's true and we all know it, most of us have Facebook accounts. And much of our communication lies on our profile page. Upon announcement of the birth(s), everyone who loves them will post the softest, sweetest things. Find a way to chronicle those sweet nothings and pass it on to the parents in a few months. They'll love the revisit.</li>
<li><u>Call soon:</u> Trust that they will choose if they can talk at the time you call and in the meantime they will appreciate that you are still treating them like a human.</li>
<li><u>It truly takes a village:</u> Never forget that. Remind your friends often. </li>
</ul>I am so proud of each and every one of us parents. It's a beautiful and incredible journey that we are trusting. May we always feel loved, supported, and proud of what we have been blessed with.Sporty Mama Sayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07492700528232154962noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4930511669840462683.post-31800631492499779552010-08-03T13:28:00.000-07:002010-08-03T13:28:05.778-07:004 Ways to Stay Sane When Life Gets RoughAmen, sister!<br />
<br />
Fellow Blogger, Laurie Wallin of the blog <i>Living Power</i> has shared a fantastic post with us lucky folks!<br />
<br />
It's titled <a href="http://livingpower.blogspot.com/2010/08/4-ways-to-stay-sane-when-life-gets.html">4 Ways to Stay Sane When Life Gets Rough</a> and I loved reading it today, Tuesday. It's the Tuesday that insists on still feeling like a manic Monday.<br />
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And to think... the gall of Tuesday. I had told Monday to pull it together, but nope. Instead, Tuesday is as equally screwed up as Monday.<br />
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Oh well! Thanks Laurie! Your post is a perfect reminder to keep breathing and remember you are not alone.<br />
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Cheers!Sporty Mama Sayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07492700528232154962noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4930511669840462683.post-9692656604808482552010-08-02T22:53:00.000-07:002010-08-02T22:53:22.545-07:00The Latino Wins again! Get 'em, Roberto!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.tvgasm.com/wp-content/uploads/bachelorette-roberto-jersey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://www.tvgasm.com/wp-content/uploads/bachelorette-roberto-jersey.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><a href="http://www.tvgasm.com/wp-content/uploads/bachelorette-roberto-jersey.jpg">Is he hot or is he hot?</a><br />
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He's hot.... seriously. Roberto, on the right, is the official dork who got a wife from a TV show winner.<br />
<br />
What this means is I've been watching the Bachelorette tonight. <br />
<br />
Hi guys. Sporty Mama Says here and I'm a closet Bachelorette watcher. It's official.<br />
<br />
Aren't I clever, waiting until now, the night of the finale, to admit my dirty secret?<br />
<br />
And yet, it also means that I am one of those silly hopeless romantics. I love watching and feeling those OMG-I-really-like-this-person moments, fireworks, butterflies. I love rooting for the good guy, and I sure was okay with being irritated with Frank (the mean guy who broke Bachelorette's - and MY - heart).<br />
<br />
Thus I say, <u>to Frank:</u> You Suck. <u>To Roberto:</u> don't let me down, you dark and handsome boy. <u>To Chris</u> (runner up): Spot #2 really does suck and you are a good, good man.<br />
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Phew. Glad I got that outta my system. I sure hope my cheesy, hopeless romantic DNA is in my kids too. There's a sweet hopefulness, a gentle innocence, in those qualities that is worth passing on.<br />
<br />
The Bachelorette? OK, maybe not. Our future generation deserves more than a dorky TV show.Sporty Mama Sayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07492700528232154962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4930511669840462683.post-41017839654691094352010-07-31T10:49:00.000-07:002010-07-31T10:54:48.317-07:00flower girl or princess? the debate has begun.I've been trying to explain to my 5yr old that her aunt's wedding, coming up here in a little over a month, is an occasion to celebrate many things. First and foremost, it's to celebrate the married union between Aunt and Uncle. It's a celebration of love, and life, the future, etc. etc. etc. You get the point. She, Ms. Flowergirl in this said wedding, does not.<br />
<br />
She insists it's a chance to show everyone she's a princess, and she's expecting princess treatment, too. Now, I know your instincts will be to respond with a version of "Oh, how cute! She's only five, and she'll get her role when she gets there" but I'm pretty sure you're underestimating the power of this girl. She is quite controlled and impressively mature in her perspective and when she says she's a princess at the wedding, she means A PRINCESS. She doesn't want the cute/slightly dismissive pats on the head topped with the occassional "Aren't you a pretty princess!" Nope. I'm pretty sure she's expecting her own makeup artist and dressing room.<br />
<br />
Sooooo.... I'm working on a new approach to her understanding it's a day she's <u>a part of</u>, not <u>her day</u>. Because I am unwilling to share Aunt's day with a 5 yr old who stomps around with tears and screams about how no one is listening to what <i>she</i> wants. Unwilling. <br />
<br />
Ideas are welcome.Sporty Mama Sayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07492700528232154962noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4930511669840462683.post-74528870047664451142010-07-27T21:26:00.000-07:002010-07-27T21:26:02.634-07:00Keepin' On The Sunny Side of Life<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flowersofindia.net/catalog/slides/Marguerite%20Daisy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://www.flowersofindia.net/catalog/slides/Marguerite%20Daisy.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>My daughter chose to have an arm-wrestling styled match against her father when tooth brushing commenced tonight. It was the age-old, "quiet down, brush your teeth, don't wake the baby, and get into bed" struggle we all have often during the bedtime hours. Tonight, Daughter chose to end the tooth brushing fiasco with a simple slam of the door, thus waking Baby #3. Not the best idea.<br />
<br />
Now she's in bed, sniffling, because her choice landed her a play date-free afternoon tomorrow instead of what was sure to be one glorious playdate with her bestie, Seb. Pick your battles, I told her softly in my mind as I watched it all go down.<br />
<br />
Then I took a step back and thought about that statement, <i>Pick Your Battles</i>. We all pick our battles on a daily basis... eat the ricotta-stuffed french toast battle, then guiltily extra-exercise to win the fitness war. Pick the "don't talk back to your mother" battles only to later ignore blanketed "You Don't Understand Me" statements during the tween war years.<br />
<br />
Today I picked a battle with a blog that fed us food for thought based on whether or not parents who kiss their children are innocently doing wrong. It's a battle that I am quite comfortable having, but it's not one that needs to be held. I'm strong in my convictions as I said, and I'm sure that was present in my response to this said blog. Often the devils advocate in discussions with friends, I understand the compelling nature to write up an article such as this. Heck, I almost respect that compelling nature simply by existing. Still, I didn't need to pick that battle. Why, when by existence alone, did the article ultimately ooze out what me and 50+ compelled commenters later said...<br />
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I vow to, in the future, better pick my battles, because no one likes a smart a**. And that, my friends, is what I became when I pointed out the flaws in that post. Someone who simply took hefty notice of the obvious. None too clever on my part, now was it?Sporty Mama Sayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07492700528232154962noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4930511669840462683.post-88025714437964063262010-07-27T14:59:00.000-07:002010-07-27T15:04:22.775-07:00She's At It Again, this blogger, and this time it's personal!Ok, I'm officially stating there's a small chance I enjoy debate and that I have an easy button you can push when I feel compelled to argue. <br />
<br />
But I also feel <a href="http://thestir.cafemom.com/blogger/16/jeanne_sager">Ms. Jeanne Sager</a> might exist solely to irritate the, um, Heck, out of me with her blogs.<br />
<br />
Her newest attack is on parents who kiss their kiddos to, say, bid them goodnight <u>on the lips</u>. Not joking. See it <a href="http://thestir.cafemom.com/big_kid/106750/stop_kissing_your_kids_on">here.</a><br />
<br />
At least this blog had a small fragrance of thoughtful exchange floating around in it (unlike her recent bemoaning of <a href="http://thestir.cafemom.com/pregnancy/106463/pregnancy_parking_is_overrated?result=comment_added&success=1#comments">Pregnancy Parking.</a> See my response/Blog War <a href="http://sportymamasays.blogspot.com/2010/07/pregnancy-parking-is-overrated-i-do.html">here.</a>) Seriously though, I once again have to claim BLOG WAR!<br />
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Now look. I don't make out with my children. I don't kiss them a million times a day. I don't sit around all day with Daddy making out. And I surely do not presume my 5yr old daughter is a 'sexual harasser,' nor do I believe society to think she is one strictly because she's comfortable getting kisses from her parents.<br />
<br />
Ms. Sager quotes out of the book, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Power-Your-Childs-Imagination-Transform/dp/B00342VE4M/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1268759750&sr=8-1">The Power of Your Child's Imagination</a>, the following blurb:<br />
<i>'She [author Dr. Charlotte Resnick] gives the example of a 6-year-old girl kissed on the lips by her father. It's completely innocent on both sides, but when the girl goes to school and tries to kiss her classmates on the lips -- equally innocently -- she's placed in the role of "sexual harasser."'</i><br />
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This lady is freaking nuts. Not the author of the aforementioned book, Charlotte Resnick. I mean Jeanne Sager - author of a blog that is reviewed by a bazillion folks and who can write both opinion blogs and opinion/"I'm just sayin' " blogs... the one who also picked this additional quote she's pulled from the book:<br />
<br />
<i>' "As a child gets to 4 or 5 or 6 and their sexual awareness comes about (and some kids have an awareness earlier -- as when we notice they start masturbating at 2 or 3 sometimes -- they just discover their private parts and it feels good), the kiss on the lips can be stimulating to them," Reznick explains.'</i><br />
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Ugh. I feel a lifetime of counseling might be a mighty good gift for someone that finds kids to be such easy prey ... hmmm?<br />
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I'd like to state for the record that my soon to be 6yr-old kindergarten-aged daughter will get kisses from me and her father any time she'd like. And it's my humble opinion that I'm perfectly in the A-OK club upon my refusal to see it as the gateway drug to her becoming a socially labeled sexual harasser.<br />
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I'd also like to state for the record that those who find it convenient and further - preemptively okay to ask an entire society to fear kindergartners as potential sexual harassers are in my opinion, idiots. Contest all you will, and yes, I understand there are exceptions to every rule. However, I take serious issue with this theory that a kid who can't even read is at-risk for emotional and social harm in this scenario. Instead, I find <b>this</b> post to be harmful to the entire community who had the unfortunate circumstance of reading it and suddenly thinking that this fear-mongering idea is plausible. Please do not try to disconnect what little human connection is left in a much-too-fast-paced world and try to muddle it up with that "dirty" word sex. Sickos. Instead, find a way to solve more important issues, like cancer or world peace or how I'm supposed to keep a clean home with five people in it, yes?Sporty Mama Sayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07492700528232154962noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4930511669840462683.post-22831319457031538662010-07-26T22:22:00.000-07:002010-07-26T22:42:04.324-07:00Throw the Baby Out With The Bath WaterCan I just say, ewwww?<br />
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I mean, I get that it's just a saying. I get that it's an idiom and that (boy am I assuming...) no one actually threw a baby out with their bath water one day.<br />
<br />
Courtesy of good ole Wikipedia, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Throw_out_the_baby_with_the_bath_water">Throw The Baby Out With The Bath Water</a> has history and depth I still cannot connect with. <br />
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Am I alone in this? Or is it as gross as I keep trying to avoid thinking it is?<br />
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Just a thought on a Monday night....Sporty Mama Sayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07492700528232154962noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4930511669840462683.post-22670261149585024422010-07-25T16:04:00.000-07:002010-07-25T16:04:50.710-07:00Pregnancy Parking is Overrated??? I do apologize, BUT I contest!Ever been pregnant, or are currently pregnant, and feel like getting irritated. Great! Read <a href="http://thestir.cafemom.com/pregnancy/106463/pregnancy_parking_is_overrated">THIS!</a><br />
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Now I'm quite certain this Jeanne Sager has children and is likely a lovely gal. But I have to simply call BS on this one.<br />
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As a mother of three, and through none of which did I EVER come across Pregnancy Parking, I'm in awe that Ms. Sager feels compelled to toss out the idea that we should rid what little efforts are being offered here to those bustling about with an additional 40 lbs+ on their frontside just because she's irritated no one is stepping up to help her now! As if being a mom of womb-liberated children is suddenly so much harder. Oh BS! Stop whining!<br />
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I do agree that it sure would be nice if stores didn't try harder to appeal to my kids than to me, but I chose to bring them there. And SURE, wouldn't it be lovely if they had special ways to make being a parent-slash-shopper easier, but really? Pick on the gal who can't hold her pee for more than 2 min? Come on, lady! A little compassion, please.<br />
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May I also rant about how many shoppers have children, mostly in tow with them? This makes the nice soul's life behind us w/out kids (and w/out the economy sized package of paper plates, wipies, bubbles, etc.) suck much worse than those of us who, intentionally or by accident, now have children. We parents ARE the majority here, thus making a 'Parents Only' lane pretty much what we see and deal with everyday.<br />
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Instead, I offer Ms. Sager a new idea. How's about a "Mom Got A Sitter So Get The Heck Outta My Way" line. Now THAT'S an idea I can get behind. Yes, I've taken the time and effort to spend $6 on my (and my community's) sanity so I can fly through a store and get only what I choose to get. I won't be convinced of extra fudgescicles, or hot dogs, or two watermelons so the kids won't fight over them. And I don't really want to spend my time waiting on the poor mom who is struggling with her kids to be patient because they are waiting on another family's full cart to get checked through. I wanna FLY ON THROUGH!<br />
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(To her credit, she did ask our American society to consider more supportive avenues when coddling us mothers, i.e. adequate maternity leaves and pumping stations.)<br />
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So thanks, Ms. Sager, for giving me a reason to think this idea through. And if you ever eradicate the Pregnancy Parking in your town, coulda send it over to mine? Because I sure as heck would love that for all of my ladies who are waddling around right now!Sporty Mama Sayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07492700528232154962noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4930511669840462683.post-19868761065559462322010-07-25T10:32:00.000-07:002010-07-25T10:37:53.570-07:00Kids + Curry = YUMMY?<div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="200" src="http://www.homedepot.com/catalog/productImages/400/f4/f404a6aa-a74a-474a-91f7-7b654482091a_400.jpg" width="200" /></div><br />
Those who've been reading my blog know that we've welcomed our newest addition to our family this month!<br />
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Ladies, gents, and children, please welcome back, Our New Grill.<br />
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As crazy as it sounds, I am SO tired of grilled food. We've grilled steaks, dogs, burgers, tenderloins, mushrooms, asparagus, cabbage, sausages, corn, carrots, heck - I even grilled apricots for dessert one night.<br />
<br />
So tonight I will make curry. I will make a curry the ENTIRE family will love! Don't believe the kids will love it? Can't imagine what I will do to make this possible? Here's how!<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="136" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv66bRZEG3oJDic_aaltOcZJyzFBB-SwqMM3q-CgBTpfsT4nP7cfDwxg-KAwgoLW4TbLxv9EuJ0SkyMogBks7p2J5CRkevllrABhc4SJnpbDRS4-zbSbNgjic2CZfbdA_NkmUZ5fKhimz2/s200/4939695.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="200" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo credit: Gulfnews</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><b>What you will need:</b><br />
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~ Red Curry Paste <span style="font-size: x-small;">(super small jar - you only use a touch)</span><br />
~ Fish sauce <span style="font-size: x-small;">(easy to find, gross to think about)</span><br />
~ Brown Sugar<br />
~ 1-2 cans of coconut milk<br />
~ Your choice of veggies <span style="font-size: x-small;">(I use green beans, tiny shitake mushrooms, celery, carrots, garlic, green/red peppers, 1-2 parboiled potatoes, broccoli, white or yellow onion)</span><br />
~ Meat <span style="font-size: x-small;">(chicken, tofu or pork go extra well!)</span><br />
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<br />
<b>What you will do:</b><br />
<b>Get Your Children Into The Kitchen!!! </b>Call them in! Have them peel the carrots, carefully fill the pot of water for below, snap the beans' ends, open cans of coconut milk, anything!<b> Just get them involved. Their perspective will make this dish the best it can be! And remember - they are your #1 taste testers!</b><br />
<b> </b><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">H</span>eat a pot of water separately from anything else. Boil your boneless chicken or pork for 8-12 min. until cooked. Drain and set aside. Sounds odd, but this will help your meat retain it's supple texture and thus will be more apt to absorbing the yummy curry flavors! ALSO - make a small pot of rice, but DON'T FORGET ABOUT IT! You don't want burnt rice. Yuck.<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">In</span> a large pan, saute your veggies starting with your hardest veggies first. For me the order was broccoli, carrots, potatoes, celery, green peppers, onion, garlic and so forth. TIP: I often, and it's normally encouraged, to saute the onion and garlic first. But here I want these flavors to pop, so I am waiting until the end. Saute all veggies until soft. <br />
<span style="font-size: large;">C</span>arefully pull your veggies out of the pan and set aside. In the same veggie pan, turn heat to low-medium. Add 1 1/2 tsp of curry sauce to 1 tbsp fish sauce, 1 1/2 tbsp brown sugar and 1 full can of coconut milk. Wisk well until fully mixed. Now, some like it sweeter, some saltier... I prefer creamier, so I generally add the coagulated part of an additional can of coconut milk.<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">P</span>lay around, see what you like! For sweeter, more brown sugar, for saltier, a little more fish sauce. But taste, taste, taste, because they all balance each other out, so consider this a chemistry experiment and get mixing! Don't forget to add your veggies and meat back into your curry sauce and let simmer for 5-12 minutes with a lid on...<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">T</span>his is a great time to prepare your plates with rice and a small salad. Top with your Curry and you are set to go! Bon Apetit!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"></div>Sporty Mama Sayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07492700528232154962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4930511669840462683.post-17538770867694905092010-07-23T21:17:00.000-07:002010-07-23T21:53:07.177-07:00A Shout Out to All of Us Inspiring Moms Out There!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoQ9l4b2ipmmfMFYRYw3URP4KNF1QwvtkNaW2Vz09vIxGkME2XakU2Kh138T8goaLMmj5xmxDHYWkcw5i0pvjZY13iBa3aOfahj1TjlAh08yNDAjQ5lU-LBkizLertNCD_TmAsViUBiZgY/s1600/momnchild.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoQ9l4b2ipmmfMFYRYw3URP4KNF1QwvtkNaW2Vz09vIxGkME2XakU2Kh138T8goaLMmj5xmxDHYWkcw5i0pvjZY13iBa3aOfahj1TjlAh08yNDAjQ5lU-LBkizLertNCD_TmAsViUBiZgY/s320/momnchild.jpg" /></a></div>New to this blog thing, I've been researching, digging, and devising my way through a world I thought would be so much simpler. Do you know what I've found?<br />
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An underworld that is rising to the top, cram-filled with absolutely amazing, intelligent, thoughtful, and adoring mothers who are finding time to create a community for each other to lean on.<br />
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Who knew that Mommy-blogging was the new black, the nouveau thing to do? I shake my head in disbelief because at one time darnit, I was the trend-setter. The Fire Plug, The Mover-and-Shaker girl. ME! <br />
<br />
I digress. Because today I have gained perspective. And today, I pay homage to all of the women out there who take a moment in between board meetings, dirty diapers, lost shipments, fights with their husband, and passed up young dreams to share their day-to-day lives with the rest of us.<br />
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Thank you, ladies. I can only hope that one day I, too, will be in that glorious collective sharing and inspiring others the way you have me!<br />
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I can't post them all, so do a little research! You'll be glad you did... but in the meantime, here's a sample of those that I love:<br />
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<a href="http://www.bloggymoms.com/">Bloggy Moms Network</a><br />
<a href="http://www.ingenuemom.com/">Ingenue Mom</a><br />
<a href="http://crazyaboutmybaybah.blogspot.com/">Crazy About My Baybah</a><br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_881839556">Saving Moms Sanity</a><br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_881839556">Full House Mommy</a><br />
<a href="http://postumdrinker.blogspot.com/">http://postumdrinker.blogspot.com/</a><br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_881839565">Moms Material</a><br />
<a href="http://resourcefulmommymedia.com/?p=38">Resourceful Mommy</a>Sporty Mama Sayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07492700528232154962noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4930511669840462683.post-43250710268629380252010-07-20T08:55:00.000-07:002010-07-20T08:55:55.296-07:00How Can A 5yr Old Rule The World?Yeah, I don't know either.<br />
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Daughter is absolutely in control. And she's very good at it, too. A five yr old with an incredible sense of dominance and management, she blows away Son. <br />
<br />
Do note, I have always managed some business or another, despite being a full-time mom to two or three. So I get the idea of organization and a position of authority. I reallllly do. But at five years young? REALLY?<br />
<br />
And to top it off, she could care less whether we find her amusingly irritating, pushy, flat out rude, or otherwise. She could care less whether the strange 12yr olds at the park found her abrasive when she told them how to play in the sand under the slide. Daughter doesn't care how Son feels when she orders him around to clean her room for her. She's amazing! Pure confidence, not a sway of uncertainty.<br />
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Trouble with that story I just rambled on about is that all I can do is ramble on about it. This girl is on a mission. How on Earth will I survive this one? I have been asking myself that a lot lately. It's like, I gave birth to some extra strong broad from Jersey and now she's preparing to move to a new planet where life is really hard and she needs to thicken her skin to survive. It's insane!<br />
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Don't get the wrong idea, this gal can be so adoring and gentle and sweet. She loves to cuddle, sing, draw, and dance. And she's a kitten around her baby sister!!!<br />
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And then she turns on ya! Ever have one of those cats that love to be pet only to, for no good reason, turn on you and scratch the crap outta you? Me too. She was sent to Australia to live a happy life with my sister.<br />
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So I shrug in resignation. She rocks, and I'm sure someday she'll be president, or ruler, or goddess. I don't worry her constitution is too fragile for the real world, and I have no fear she will do just fine with men when she's older. I just hope I live through it all to see it come full circle!Sporty Mama Sayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07492700528232154962noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4930511669840462683.post-7845842620275575732010-07-16T10:28:00.000-07:002010-07-16T10:29:55.829-07:00The Art of Losing: A 10yr Old's Perspective<img src="http://www.mattinglybaseball.com/partners/Little_League_Logo_New2.jpg"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>I</b></span>t's over Baseball is finally over. <br />
<br />
Bittersweet and amazing, our 10yr olds took 5th in State! Not bad for a pile of kids from a town of 23,000!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>S</b></span>o how does it feel? I ask him, my son - the leader of this clan. He felt like they should have one that last game. How do you feel about being eliminated? He gets uncomfortable at this point. It's hard for him, for these kids. And I don't think losing is the hard part. I think it's us adults hoping they stand up tall, shake the other team's hands with pride, and feel as proud as we do about their successes without tears. It's feeling the emotions of letting go of a big season, of losing the comradeship they've been nursing for the last 4 1/2 weeks.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">It's about loss, not losing.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>T</b></span>wo days later, it's all dust in the wind. All of the kids have moved on from the game. They have exchanged phone numbers and promised play dates for the remaining part of the summer. I took mine to the Zoo and to a Science Museum. We hit a ridiculously, outlandishly cool doughnut shop and ate pizza for two nights. And I find it amazing how proud I am of them.<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">No</span>ne of them are holding grudges, none of them suddenly think they shouldn't have played this game they lost. They all feel great and are hosting their own Home Run Derby in two days.<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>N</b>o</span>w if that isn't an example I should strive to be more like, I don't know what is.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="sqq">“<a class="sqq" href="http://thinkexist.com/quotation/win_as_if_you_were_used_to_it-lose_as_if_you/223386.html">Win as if you were used to it, lose as if you enjoyed it for a change.</a>”</span></b></span><img align="middle" alt="" height="9" src="http://thinkexist.com/i/sq/as4.gif" title="Author Popularity 9/10" width="11" /> <a class="sqa" href="http://thinkexist.com/quotes/ralph_waldo_emerson/">Ralph Waldo Emerson </a>Sporty Mama Sayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07492700528232154962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4930511669840462683.post-38678964435644932312010-07-12T08:42:00.001-07:002010-07-12T08:45:00.304-07:00How To Send Your Kids To Camp This Summer<style>
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<div class="MsoNormal"><b>How to Send Your Kid to Camp… Rules of Engagement<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
Sending your kid to camp is no easy task. In fact, I approach it each year just like the last - as if I'm leaving to accomplish something so big, so great, that only the most stoic standing person can succeed at this challenge. By the time I'm done, they'll have a statue erected with my face on it. OK, not really, but still. It's hard! Here's some lessons I've learned in the last decade re: camp:<br />
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</div><ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1"><li class="MsoNormal"><u>Pick a camp you are both comfortable with</u> – the worst thing you can do is pick a camp you are nervous about sending your kid to. Is the context of the camp acceptable and worthy of your child’s attention? Does your kid seem excited to go and learn more about [insert something interesting here]? Is the camp organization reputable and do you have any local references to rely your opinion on?</li>
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</div><ol start="2" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1"><li class="MsoNormal"><u>Pick a camp that has a timeframe you both can handle</u> – One serious mistake is to send your kid to a week-long overnight camp when he’s never spent the night anywhere else in his sweet little life. Camp is not the time to ‘try something new’ and hope they work it out. I guarantee you’ll get that call from a camp counselor and find yourself traipsing through the campground looking for your kiddo who’s shyly sitting in some corner wishing they were as brave as the other kids, not realizing it’s a matter of exposure, not confidence.</li>
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</div><ol start="3" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1"><li class="MsoNormal"><u>Have the ‘talk’ about mutual respect and group dynamics</u> – turns out, much of what we intuitively know about group dynamics as adults came from experiences that worked (and didn’t work) as kids. Seems like a no-brainer, but as a parent I’m realizing that sometimes it’s those little nuances in an experience that my son misses until I point them out. At 34, I still miss those sometimes, too. But hey – no one’s perfect, right? So jot down some important messages you want to convey and have the talk with your kid before they go to camp. Some of my trusted favorites include, but are not limited to:</li>
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</div><ol start="3" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1"><ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="a"><li class="MsoNormal"><b>Just because your friend does it doesn’t mean you have to.</b> This includes practical jokes, sneaking out of tents, catching poisonous snakes, jumping off of cliffs, kissing behind trees and other adolescent things that come up at camp. And I don’t care if he’s your new best friend.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><b>Attending camp does not suddenly make you a teenager.</b> Seriously. It simply makes you a kid who went to camp one summer, so NO, you cannot stay up until midnight and NO you cannot now watch rated-R movies. To be clear, getting older makes you a teenager. Then and only then do you get teenager privileges.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><b>Yes, camp counselors count as guardians even when they aren’t related to you. </b> Bottom line is, they are wearing the camp counselor shirt, name tag, and other paraphernalia, so do what they say. Please.</li>
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</div><ol start="4" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1"><li class="MsoNormal"><u>Let go</u>. Easier said than done, right? I know. Just remember – kids are like horses, bees, etc. They can sense fear. Once that happens, you’ll find yourself sending freshly baked cookies every day, writing (yes, <u>writing</u>) letters to mail to them, and more. Just let them go. It’s a great experience for the both of you and someday you’ll be sending them off to college, so start practicing now. </li>
</ol><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in;">For more tips on how to send your kids to camp, click <a href="http://www.life123.com/parenting/education/summer-camp/tips-for-parents-sending-kids-to-summer-camps.shtml"></a><a href="http://www.life123.com/parenting/education/summer-camp/tips-for-parents-sending-kids-to-summer-camps.shtml">HERE!</a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in;"><br />
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</div>Sporty Mama Sayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07492700528232154962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4930511669840462683.post-37331536186964618312010-07-11T09:43:00.000-07:002010-07-11T09:46:25.235-07:00World Cup + Kids = Fun?<span style="font-size: small;"></span><span style="font-size: small;"></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;">S</span>ure! Why not? What kid wouldn't love a living room piled with adults shouting and screaming all the while eating and drinking? Sounds fun to me!<br />
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On a selfish drive to satisfy today's blog + keep the kids happy in 120 mins or so, I found us all a few websites that may help.<br />
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Got any better ideas? Pile them on here too so we can all watch, shout, and drink in peace! <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">W</span>ebsites to plunder through NOW:</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.activityvillage.co.uk/world_cup_for_kids.htm">World Cup For Kids</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.wired.com/geekdad/2010/06/how-to-share-world-cup-soccer-with-your-kids-and-remain-a-geeky-parent-while-doing-it/">How to Share World Cup Soccer With Your Kids</a> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Enjoy the game today everyone! May the best team win! </span><br />
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</span>Sporty Mama Sayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07492700528232154962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4930511669840462683.post-32623843301108299392010-07-10T12:43:00.000-07:002010-07-10T16:30:46.221-07:00Salsa on a Saturday! HECK YEAH!<span style="font-size: large;">F</span>eelin' a little low this Saturday? Go al fresco on your family, grill up some of your favorite fish or pork (or whatever, really) and try a spoonful of this for a change of heart:<br />
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<img src="http://www.jammed.com/%7Emlb/blogpics/2006/08/halibut/salsa.jpg" /><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">G</span>otta love me some pineapple, so here's the deal. Pineapple works really well as a sweet component to many savory dishes. One of my favorites is in the form of a salsa or warm compote. Today, let's talk salsa.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">N</span>ow, <a href="http://www.buzzle.com/editorials/6-20-2006-99913.asp">they</a> say salsa originated from the Inca people. Salsa (combination of chilies, tomatoes and other spices) can be traced to the Aztecs, Mayans and Incas. The Spaniards first encountered tomatoes after their conquest of Mexico in 1519-1521, which marked the beginning of the history of Salsa sauce. Aztec lords combined tomatoes with chili peppers, ground squash seeds and consumed them mainly as a condiment served on turkey, venison, lobster, and fish. This combination was subsequently called salsa by Alonso de Molina in 1571. (I'm no History buff, so always make sure to do your own historical research instead of quoting me or my sources.)<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I </span>say, toss the tomatoes and use fresh pineapple instead for a twist! No freshies around? Try the canned instead! And to live on the edge, grill slabs of fresh pineapple first, THEN use it for salsa! YUM!<br />
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<b>What you'll need:</b><br />
<br />
2 cups of finely diced pineapple (chunkier is ok too!)<br />
1/4 cup diced scallions<br />
1/4 cup finely diced red onions<br />
the juice of 1 lime<br />
salt & pepper to taste<br />
cumin to taste<br />
dash of OJ<br />
sprinkle with chopped loose leaf parsley <br />
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<b>What you'll do:</b><br />
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Mix the heck outta your ingredients. So much of making salsa comes from the heart, so be sure to taste your way through this recipe. Some love more lime or more sweetness. Make it yours!<br />
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Cover and let sit in the fridge for as long as you can (at least 2 hrs if possible). Pull out of the fridge at least 15 min before serving. Stir to ensure all of those juices combine to create the perfect balance of sweet, savory goodness. Make sure to taste it before hand to see if you need to touch up anywhere, such as salt, lime, or more. Voila! Now you have the perfect accoutrement to your entree highlight. Bon appetit!Sporty Mama Sayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07492700528232154962noreply@blogger.com1