Howell-ings of a Wannabe Housewife

30 Things for Summer

2010-06-11T12:21:00.000-05:00

I've noticed that alot of the blogs I follow use Mama Kat's Writer's Workshop as inspiration for their blogs. I fully admit that I had the best intentions of checking out her site and getting a little direction of my own, but I just haven't had time. . .till today! I saw that yet another blog I follow was using her guidance, so I FINALLY clicked and decided to give it a whirl!

I chose to follow her prompt: 30 things you vow to do this summer. So here goes!

1. Read The Help (it's been on my nightstand since Christmas!).

2. Get serious about carving out time for the Couch to 5K program (since I have committed to Lose It with the RHOK. . .I need to get my booty in gear!).

3. Have at least one Girls Night Out per month for June, July and August.

4. Have at least one Date Night per month for June, July and August.

5. Cook at home (aka GRILL) at least 5 out of 7 nights per week.

6. Enjoy our neighborhood pool more.

7. Schedule end-of-the-summer swim lessons for Bubs (we already did beginning-of-the-summer lessons).

8. Help make our school's fundraiser a huge success in July.

9. Save, Save, Save!!!

10. Finish the Beth Moore Bible Study that I am attending and sign up for another one for the Fall.

11. Finish our rotation teaching Sunday School for kids and start going to the adult class.

12. Officially join our church. . .we have been going, we teach Sunday School, we love it. . .just haven't made it "official" yet.

13. Have a fabulous family vacation!

14. Don't go a single summer day without perfectly pedicured toes!

15. Lose more "baby" weight.

16. Utilize the extended daylight hours to spend more time outside with the kids.

17. Have friends over to our house more often.

18. Plan Busy's 1st Birthday Celebration.

19. Be more creative on my blog -- here and here.

20. Don't let my tomato plants die!

21. Don't waste the tomatoes!

22. BBM, call or email my Bestie at least once per day. . .we both need encouragment these days!

23. Keep my running dates with McBFF!

24. Walk-Run a 5K every month for June, July and August.

25. Perfect Schmoops' morning Mocha.

26. Hide Schmoops' Blackberry for at least ONE weekend.

27. Treat others as I would have them treat me (even my boss)!

28. Get out of the office for at least one lunch per week.

29. Make a new friend.

30. Have a Happy and Grateful Heart!

I am going to follow Heather's lead and check back in at the end of the summer for a post about which of these I actually accomplished!!

I was also going to put 31. Get a tattoo. But I just don't know if I'm there yet. Do you have a tattoo? What is it? Where is it (if you can share)? Did it hurt? Do you love it?

Thankful Thursday Five

2010-06-10T13:39:00.000-05:00

Today's the day to post 5 things that have made us

Joyful

Giddy

Excited

Thankful

Jubuliant

Just plain ol' happy (orTHANKFUL) this week!

Once you do that..go visit Keely and link up.

My Five...

1. I am very thankful that my husband could stay home with Busy today because she was running a fever again (we actually think it is only teething this time) because I could NOT take off another day from work!

2. I am very thankful that the prep I did for an important meeting yesterday was all worth it and the meeting went very well.

3. I am thankful that everyday I am one step closer to the day that I can stay home with my sweet kiddos!

4. I am thankful for the special morning I had with my son today. Since Daddy stayed home with Busy, Bubs and I got to have a donut date just the two of us.

5. I am thankful that Schmoops and I will get a little mini-vacay on Saturday night when we travel to Dallas sans our children to our friend Johnny's wedding -- he's marrying the very wonderful Melissa!! And I am very thankful that such a sweet and deserving friend has found a wife, lover, friend and soul mate with whom to share his life!

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:22

Wordless Wednesday. . .except to say. . .INSERT ME & 3 BFFs HERE!!

2010-06-09T10:23:00.001-05:00

As much as I would absolutely love to be friends with Carrie, Charlotte, Miranda, and even Samantha (though I already have a Samantha friend. . .in both respects!). . .I would like it better if this pic were ME, my dearest Bethie, Nikki, and Melanie. So fun!!! And you know "Stanford" would have to be there too because Garon would just be too much fun to leave at home!

XOXO to all of my Besties and to all of your Besties too. . .Here's to tried & true undying friendship!!

For more Wordless Wednesday Photo Fun. . .visit 5 Minutes for Mom and link up!!

Post It Note Tuesday. . .er, Wednesday. . .

2010-06-09T10:12:00.001-05:00

Go Link Up with Supah. . .here!

Thankful Thursday Five!

2010-06-03T10:20:00.000-05:00

Today's the day to post 5 things that have made us

Joyful

Giddy

Excited

Thankful

Jubuliant

Just plain ol' happy (of THANKFUL) this week!

Once you do that..go visit Keely and link up.

My Five...

1. As always, super duper thankful for my AMAZING kiddos who brighten my day EVERY DAY!!! I love them more than I could ever express!!!

2. Also, it is too bad that sad/tough times often remind us to really appreciate those that love us. . .I am SO thankful for my INCREDIBLE husband who is SO supportive and loves me so much that sometimes I have a hard time believing it. We don't have a lot of help in our lives so we struggle sometimes to make everything work with both of our jobs and the kids and his travels for work. But somehow we make it and he truly does go above and beyond in the love, understanding, and support departments!!!

3. On that same note, I am reminded these days that I have some FABULOUS friends who have been so supportive and helpful to me that I don't know how I would make it without them. Even when I "fall off the grid" with stuff that has come up and responsibilities I have, all I have to do is call any one of them and they are there to help!

4. I am thankful that although I definitely do not like dieting, I am finding success this time -- 10 lbs down! :) And I am noticing that I am alot more conscious of what is going in my mouth these days. I typically just yo-yo diet to get where I want to be for a certain event or something. That is how this diet started, but it has turned into be really giving thought to what I am doing. Hopefully it will be a lifestyle change!

5. Oh. . .don't want to forget that I am tremendously thankful for above-mentioned fabulous friend for inviting me to a Beth Moore Bible Study course that started last night. It was just the introduction night, but I could already tell that it is going to be amazing and the small group is a bunch of interesting and phenomenal wives and mothers. So excited for the next 7 weeks!!!

Wordless Wednesday - 4th Birthdays Sure Are Sweet!!

2010-06-02T08:22:00.000-05:00

For more Wordless Wednesday FUN. . .visit 5 Minutes for Mom and link up!!

Where the heck I have been. . .

2010-06-01T14:29:00.000-05:00

I haven’t posted in two weeks. That is a long hiatus since I brought the blog back up and running. And really I have missed it! I have missed checking in on my bloggy friends too!

A week ago Friday, Miss Busy was just not acting herself. She had been really fussy all afternoon as we visited the ENT to talk about getting tubes. She slept off and on; she cried A-LOT! She would not allow me to put her down. She was running a very low fever, but she has been teething so I chalked it all up to that. We finally got her down for the evening (or so I thought) and I snuck out of the house to go purchase a birthday gift for one of Bubs’ friends. During my shopping escape, Schmoops called me on the phone to say that Busy was awake, vomiting and running a high fever. I dropped all my shopping finds and headed out the door. On the way home, I texted our pediatrician – yes, I texted and drove; not something I typically do but hopefully I am forgiven this time! I told him of the vomiting, fever and how she had been lethargic all day. He immediately called me and said that she needed to be seen right away. He called ahead to the Pediatric Urgent Care and I headed home to load up our precious little girl.

We arrived at the PUC and the waiting room was abuzz. Several kiddos were apparently not feeling well on that Friday night. We were given our place in line and we began to wait. Not too long after taking a seat, Busy proceeded to begin her projectile vomiting again. This precipitated us being “bumped” to the front of the line and taken back to a room immediately. The doctor saw us and took a bunch of notes and then sent two nurses in who proceeded to take a “clean urine” and several vials of blood. Busy is only 10 months old so you can imagine how this went over. I sang her favorite song, Old McDonald, repeatedly until the torture had subsided. Then we were moved to another room and she was hooked up to an IV for fluids. We both got a little rest and waited for the doctor to give us the all clear.

The “all clear” never came. After about 1 hour of IV fluids, the doctor re-emerged and instructed that Busy needed to be hospitalized. Now it is about 11:45 p.m. at this point and I am all alone with my baby girl. I called Schmoops and told him that we were not coming home. After waking my mom up and giving the short orders that she was needed at my house so Schmoops could me us at the hospital, Busy and I set off for the children’s hospital.

I have never been so scared in all of my life. Bubs has had two sets of tubes and his adenoids removed, but he has NEVER been in the hospital for an overnight stay. . .or ever even been on the verge of being sent to the hospital. This was new territory for me and I will admit I was very upset.

Luckily, the PUC doctor had arranged a direct-admittance for us so as soon as we arrived at the hospital we were immediately given a room. The nurses proceeded to do a few more tests and then an intern doctor came in and told us that they would perform tests for a variety of things and Busy would need fluids all night. We would probably go home the next morning. Um, no.

The next morning came early. . .4:00 a.m. Busy was convulsing (or so I thought) and burning up. We called the nurse and they took her temp which was 102. However, the convulsing was “just the chills”. They gave her some Tylenol and I wrapped her up and hugged her to me. She seemed unaware and slept soundly. I did not. At 6:00 they took her temp again and it was 104. But the nurse assured me that often a temp goes up before coming down. I had never heard this especially after Tylenol had been administered but Schmoops told me not to worry and wait like the nurses said. Around 8:00, Busy was awake and seemingly back to her old self. However, she would not drink. They took her off the IV and we proceeded to try to give her bottle after bottle. She was not having it. At 6:00 p.m. we finally saw a doctor and were told we were told #1 she had para-influenza and #2 we were not going home. . .DUH! They hooked the IV back up and we set in for another night. Here's a picture of Busy with her little IV cover on her arm. She is all smiles charmin' those nurses. . .but we still had to stay!

I am going with the power of prayer because I had not prayed harder in those 24 hours. And around 8:00 p.m. on Saturday night, Busy drank an 8 oz bottle. Then she slept a glorious sleep and at 6:30 a.m. she drank another 8 oz bottle and ate breakfast as normal. By 12:30 that afternoon, she was eating, drinking and playing as normal. The doctor sent us home. . .just in time for Bubs’ 4th Birthday party!!! (I had been telling the nurses all along that I had a birthday party to manage at 2:30 - -more on that later! -- and they all said they could tell I was a “task-master”!)

It was a scary experience but we were lucky that it turned out fine. Busy got tubes Monday morning and has since been her normal self. . .my wild child!!! So between hospitals, birthdays, tubes and a tiny bit of sleep (oh, plus my fabulous job. . .cough, cough, cough). . .I missed out on adding my little bit to the blogosphere. I am glad to be back and truly truly thankful that my daughter is on the mend and happy as ever!

Below is a pic of Busy and Bubs at Busy's post-Tubes/post-hospital stay visit with our pediatrician -- 2 days after getting her tubes. . .as you can see both kiddos are healthy and happy!! YEAH!!!!

Happy about Thankful Thursday!

2010-05-20T14:44:00.000-05:00

I'm going to shake things up a bit today and link up with MannLand5 for my "Thankful Thursday". (I'm not "meme-hopping", but it looks like The Outdoor Wife might be taking a little break. . .) So here goes. . .

Today's the day to post 5 things that have made us

Joyful

Giddy

Excited

Thankful

Jubuliant

Just plain ol' happy (of THANKFUL) this week!

Once you do that..go visit Keely and and link up.

My Five..

1. I never thought I would say this, but I am super thankful for CUCUMBERS!!! If you close one eye and stand on your left food and in your dieting mind pretend really really hard, they are surprising good as a substitute for CHIPS!!!! These long green friends cut into slices are certainly helping me stay on my diet.

2. I am thankful for my camera phone so that I can send my hubby pics of our kids when he is out of town and make him smile. . .gosh I love that smile!! Today I actually sent him a picture of my lunch so he would feel sorry for me that I am living on rabbit food so I will look ultra hot for his friend's wedding next month! ;)-

3. I am thankful that no one I know was hurt during the tornadoes that have been descending all across our State. I have a good many friends that live down the turnpike from me and they tend to get it worse than we do in Green Country. Continued prayers for everyone during the Spring and Summer months when this type of atmospheric activity is at its worst. (P.S. I wish I had gotten a picture of me and my kiddos SLEEPING in the closet last night as the tornado sirens repeatedly went off. Obviously if I was asleep as well there wasn't much picture taking. I guess my back started hurting and I woke up at 12:30 a.m. and took everyone to their beds!)

4. I am thankful that I have lost 4 lbs so far so I know that I am not dieting and exercising for nothing! Isn't that so discouraging when you try and try to "be good" and you step on the scale to see the SAME OLD NUMBER??? It's nice to debit something other than my bank account!

5. Bubs and Busy would like me to extend their thankfulness that Daddy is coming home tomorrow!!! Um, yes, they love me. . .but Daddy brings presents AND never disciplines!

As a post script, I'll add two more things since I typically do 7 thankful thoughts. . .

6. I am very thankful that so many of Bubs' friends can come to his IRON MAN birthday party on Sunday. It should be a blast and he is beyond thrilled that the countdown is nearing to an end.

7. Somewhat thankful (and somewhat that time keeps marching on at such a fast pace) that Busy is now standing all by herself. I know that the first step isn't too far beyond. Then WATCH OUT WORLD!!!

WW: Picture of a Good Day!

2010-05-19T13:04:00.000-05:00

I assure you that Bubs is one othe GREEN STARS! Yeah! Those days are far and few between for my "all boy" boy!

Visit Five Minutes for Mom for more WW fun!

Post It Note Tuesday

2010-05-18T16:03:00.002-05:00

Welcome to another addition of PINT with SupahMommy. Click and join the fun this week!

At the request of Supah, I am posting this as well:

Twitter Party For Mission Monkey Next Week! Donate ANY amount to be able to join and win win win! (each dollar = 1 entry for prizes- donate more= more entries) Next Tuesday - 5/25 - 9-10 PM EST

Please POST THIS ON YOUR BLOG!

I'd like to thank the Academy, God, my family and friends. . .

2010-05-17T10:14:00.000-05:00

Oh, sorry. . .while I am rather dramatic, I did not receive an Academy Award. . .I got something better! My 1st Blogger Award -- The Versatile Blogger!!! I am so excited that my friend Ms. Wendy over at Running on MMT awarded me this award. I am very honored! I can't remember how I found Wendy's blog, but we have fast become bloggy friends and I love reading her posts. We also have alot in common. . .we're moms, we're runners, we're reality TV junkies, we're totally fabulous, AND WE ARE BOTH VERSATILE BLOGGER AWARD WINNERS!! :)

There are a few rules along with this award in order to "officially" add the fancy award badge to my blog!

I'll call this Rule 1a - Post the rules so whomever I nominate knows what they need to do!

Rule 1 - Say thank you! Thank you, thank you, thank you Ms. Wendy!!!! I was so thrilled to see that YOU got an award when I looked at my blog roll this morning that I opened that post FIRST. . .imagine how SUPRISED and THRILLED that MY NAME was listed as one of the people you nominated. I am still so excited that I am having trouble typing this. So THANK YOU!!! You have absolutely made my day!!!!

Rule 2 - Share seven fun facts about yourself!

1. I absolutely love love love coffee!!! Honestly, I am not sure I could function without it. I don't know how or when the obsession started and it might be directly attributed to my college boyfriend who loved to go over to Columbia, Missouri and hang out at the hippie coffee shops and philosophize. . .yes, I was entranced. I actually got hooked on Chai Tea. . .then Mochas. . .then Vanilla Lattes (which I still love once in a while). . .and now I just go straight for the hard stuff straight up! My hubby got me a Keurig coffee maker for absolutely no reason and I love it. You can get any types of coffee you like in little pods and make a cup. . .or 6. . .all for little old me!

2. I am so freakin' tired today I can't even express it! Sometimes I like to surprise my husband with little treats that I know he will love even if it is not something that I would particularly choose. One of those things is going to concerts. So....a while back we attended the Nickelback concert at the BOK Center, but the band Schmoops really wanted to see was The Sick Puppies. Hmmmm. . .I know, but stick with me. Well, they just so happened to be the opening-opening-opening band (before Shinedown, Breaking Benjamin and then finally Nickelback). Well, our babysitter was running a little late and we didn't get down to the arena right at 6:30 when the tickets said it started. . .we got there at 6:40. . .and The Sick Puppies were OVER! Literally, I thought Schmoops might cry. . .he certainly pouted. . .and I could tell that the rest of the concert was a letdown (as it was for me but that is a totally different story because let's be reminded that I went FOR HIM). Enter my "Bright Idea of the Day" also known as things that sound great at the time but in reality are not very well thought out. So after the Nickelback concert debacle, I got on the internet and found out that The Sick Puppies were playing last night in Fayetteville, a short jaunt from our home. So I ordered up some tickets, asked mom to watch the kids and off we went. Now Fayetteville IS a short jaunt at 2 in the afternoon when you are driving over. . .at 2 in the morning when you are driving home. . .not so much. Ugh. (See #1 above. . .it will be my life source today!)

3. As you might have guessed from reading my blog, I long to be a Stay At Home Mom and Housewife. We have a plan. . .it is coming. . .I can't wait. Until then, um, I really really really hate working. :(

4. Re: work. . .the dude that walks down the hallway whistling and humming all day long. . .UGH. . .SO ANNOYING! I can appreciate happiness and I love it that he must have such a joyful life, but seriously. We have cubes. It is not quiet on a good day when everyone is working. Do we need another distraction???

5. I am a closet rap music lover. I know, I know. . .it is hard to believe. And I am not talking about the ones that cuss more than anything else or where they talk about raping, pillaging and killing. But I gotta say that I love me some Ludacris, Jay Z and a bunch of guys that they play on the radio that I don't even know their name but when their songs come on and I have the sunroof open, I could not be in a better mood! Seriously. Please note that I do not listen to rap music with my kids in the car and I have also come to the realization that most parents at my kids' school do not understand my appreciation for this genre of music, so I make sure to turn it down when I hit the main street leading to the school!

6. I miss my grandma EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. It has been 12 years since she died. Everyone says it gets easier with time. I guess. "Manaw" was the most awesome individual to me in the entire universe. I loved her so much. . .still love her so much. It kills me that she never saw me get married (she did get to meet Schmoops since we were friends in high school), that she didn't see me become a mother, that I can't call her and tell her that I am so tired and will she make me some hot chocolate. I don't know why I just told you guys that. . .I'm not sure if it is a "fun fact". . .but it was on my mind.

7. This is the last one, I better make it a good one. Like Ms. Wendy. . .I am the LUCKIEST girl in the world!!! I am married to my very best friend and soul mate. It took us a long time to get together but it was definitely worth the wait. And I have the two most AMAZING kids in the entire world! My family is everything I ever dreamed of and so much more. I am truly happy. . .and sadly, I'm not sure how many people can say that in the world today. I wish everyone half as much love as I have and surely their cups would runneth over!!!

**********************

Okay, back to the rules. . .

Rule 3 - Copy and paste the picture of the award at the top of my post and add it to your sidebar so all your bloggy friends know you received it and someone thinks you are special. For good measure you can thank me for giving it to you!

Rule 4 - Pass this award onto other bloggy friends who I think are pretty special! GLADLY!!!

All Things Cake (not currently updated, but a good friend of mine/cousin who I think is AMAZING!!)

Family of Shorts (I'm a Stalker of "Muffin Top to Skinny Jeans")

Green Momma (one of the inspiration sites for me on my own going green journey)

The Ladies of the RHOK at their individual sites which I have come to read and love:
That's Baloney (actually been a follower for a long time because I know her from "the real world")
Kellyology
Dawn's Diversions
The Southern Family
Our New Journey
The Redneck Diva

Geez. . .I follow so many super fabulous blogs that there are TONS more, I assure you!!!

Thanks again, Wendy, for the great honor and happy blogging to all!! XOXO

Bloggers Without Makeup Day

2010-05-14T11:54:00.002-05:00

I just love this idea!! And FYI. . .I can often be found sans make up! I love a clean face and natural beauty. . .plus I like sleep alot so I will gladly take away from "puttin' on make up time" so that I can get a few more zzzzzzzzzzzz's!! I will say that it is somewhat hard to find a pic of me without make up though due to the fact that typically I am the one taking the picture. . .or we are having the pic taken for a purpose -- holiday, special occasion, etc.. . .so I have applied my un-natural beauty products!

Anyhoo...Jodie with Mummy Mayhem has sanctioned this day, May 14th, as Bloggers without Make Up Day! She posted a picture of herself in all her natural beauty and she asked female bloggers of the world to do so too. I actually jumped on board after reading Beautiful Momma's post over at the RHOK. I echo her sentiment that showing our daugthers (and our sons!) that being beautiful naturally inside. . .and out. . .is the most beautiful thing about being a woman. . .well, that and raising a naturally beautiful child as well! So here are three pics of me in all my freckled-face glory and without a stitch of make up. . .coincidentally they happen to be three of the happiest days of my life as well. . .birthdays of my two babies and finishing my first 5K with McBFF.

I hope you will celebrate this glorious day and link up over at Jodie's original post. 130 of your female sisters have already done so!

Thankful on Thursday!

2010-05-13T16:51:00.002-05:00

Feel free to head on over to The Outdoor Wife or join me here for Thankful on a Thursday. Here are 7 things I'm thankful for this week! (I just checked and there was not a post today, but maybe she will get one up and we can all link up. . .and you can still be thankful regardless!) And you can also participate in Thankful Thursday with Grace Alone.

Week Four:

I'm thankful for...

1. Lunch "hours" (plural) with a good friend. . .two days in a row!

2. Creative recipes (read "concoctions") for diet-friendly food. . .

3. Great friends who have planned a great girls' night out, a great girls' weekend AND a great girls+family mini-vacay and all I have to do is show up!

4. Good books and an awesome book club to share them with

5. My mom (Happy Mother's Day -- again!)

6. My children (Happy Mother's Day to me -- again! Because being a mom is the greatest honor in the world!)

7. My hubby for being so understanding and doing everything he can to try to alleviate my stressors -- real and imaginary!

Thankful, thankful, thankful!!!

Wordless Wednesday. . .In Honor of Mother's Day!

2010-05-12T08:56:00.001-05:00

For more WW fun, make sure and visit 5 Minutes for Mom!

Post It Note Tuesday

2010-05-11T09:26:00.000-05:00

For more Post it Note Tuesday fun. . .head on over to SupahMommy's site! She actually just got her ONE THOUSANDTH FOLLOWER. . .Wow! Ms. 1000th Follower happens to be a very nice lady named Trish who could use your support so head on over to her site too!

MckLinky Monday: Know Me from A-Z

2010-05-10T08:39:00.000-05:00

Those Housewives are making me WORK this morning. . .but I guess this will give you a little more insight into Mrs. Howell and my life. Thanks Mrs. Sinclair!!!

Mrs. Howell from A to Z. . .

A - Age: 36. . .of if you ask my son 30 which I like better! :)

B - Bed size: Queen

C - Chore you hate: Cleaning the bathroom.

D - Dog(s') name: Clementine and Pete (we also have a cat, Musashi)

E - Essential start your day item: COFFEE!!!!

F - Favorite color: I may be a Bluejay, but I bleed ORANGE!!!

G - Gold or Silver or Platinum: All, duh!

H - Height: 5'6 1/2"

I - Instruments you play(ed): forced to take piano lessons as a child. . .ruined me for all musical instruments. . .although my son and I have a mean air band!!

J - Job title: Compensation Consultant

K - Kid(s): Bubs (3 1/2) and Busy (10 months)

L - Living arrangements: House

M - Mom's name: Anne

N - Nicknames: Ma, Mommy, and KW

O - Overnight hospital stay other than birth: zero

P - Pet Peeve: Oh GAWD. . .I'm such a hag lately. . .pretty much everything is peeving me!!

Q - Quote from a movie/show: "The most exciting, challenging and significant relationship of all is the one you have with yourself. And if you find someone to love the you that you love, well, that's just fabulous." –Carrie Bradshaw - An American Girl in Paris (Part Deux) –Series 6

R - Right handed or left handed: Right

S - Siblings: zero

T - Time you wake up: 5:00a.m.

U- Underwear: granny panties

V - Vegetable you dislike: peas

W - Why you run late: KIDS

X - X-rays you've had: teeth, hand, foot, back, chest. . .heck, I don't know?!?!?!?

Y - Yummy food you make: EVERYTHING, of course! Why? What did my husband say?????

Z - Zoo favorite: Flamingos because my son just LOVES them. . .it makes me smile!

The Best of the Best - Real Housewives of. . .OKLAHOMA!!

2010-05-07T09:37:00.000-05:00

God Bless Mrs. McGillicutty!! If you are a fan of Bravo television's Real Housewives series. . .go here and read a fun recap! Here's hoping those RHOK ladies never come close to the drama going on in "Nu Joisey"!!!

Happy Mother's Day

2010-05-06T16:26:00.000-05:00

I am on a roll today! I had so much catching up to do from this week. Even my e-mail was backed up and that is where I found this. I don't know how many times I have read it before today, but it always touches me. I got this version from a mommy-friend of mine and just wanted to say. . .Happy Mother’s Day! Celebrate the family that you have created and all of those who began creating it long before you!

I'm invisible.

It all began to make sense, the blank stares, the lack of response, the way one of the kids will walk into the room while I'm on the phone and ask to be taken to the store. Inside I'm thinking, "Can't you see I'm on the phone?"

Obviously not. No one can see if I'm on the phone, or cooking, or sweeping the floor, or even standing on my head in the corner, because no one can see me at all. I'm invisible.

Some days I am only a pair of hands, nothing more: Can you fix this? Can you tie this? Can you open this? Some days I'm not a pair of hands; I'm not even a human being. I'm a clock to ask, "What time is it?" I'm a satellite guide to answer, "What number is the Disney Channel?" I'm a car to order, "Right around 5:30, please."

I was certain that these were the hands that once held books and the eyes that studied history and the mind that graduated summa cum laude - but now they had disappeared into the peanut butter, never to be seen again.

She's going, she's going, she's gone!

One night, a group of us were having dinner, celebrating the return of a friend from England. Janice had just gotten back from a fabulous trip, and she was going on and on about the hotel she stayed in. I was sitting there, looking around at the others all put together so well. It was hard not to compare and feel sorry for myself as I looked down at my out-of-style dress; it was the only thing I could find that was clean. My unwashed hair was pulled up in a banana clip and I was afraid I could actually smell peanut butter in it. I was feeling pretty pathetic, when Janice turned to me with a beautifully wrapped package, and said, "I brought you this."

It was a book on the great cathedrals of Europe. I wasn't exactly sure why she'd given it to me until I read her inscription: "To Charlotte, with admiration for the greatness of what you are building when no one sees."

In the days ahead I would read - no, devour - the book. And I would discover what would become for me, four life-changing truths, after which I could pattern my work: No one can say who built the great cathedrals - we have no record of their names. These builders gave their whole lives for a work they would never see finished. They made great sacrifices and expected no credit. The passion of their building was fueled by their faith that the eyes of God saw everything.

A legendary story in the book told of a rich man who came to visit the cathedral while it was being built, and he saw a workman carving a tiny bird on the inside of a beam. He was puzzled and asked the man, "Why are you spending so much time carving that bird into a beam that will be covered by the roof? No one will ever see it."

And the workman replied, "Because God sees."

I closed the book, feeling the missing piece fall into place. It was almost as if I heard God whispering to me, "I see you, Charlotte. I see the sacrifices you make every day, even when no one around you does. No act of kindness you've done, no sequin you've sewn on, no cupcake you've baked, is too small for me to notice and smile over. You are building a great cathedral, but you can't see right now what it will become."

At times, my invisibility feels like an affliction. But it is not a disease that is erasing my life. It is the cure for the disease of my own self-centeredness. It is the antidote to my strong, stubborn pride. I keep the right perspective when I see myself as a great builder. As one of the people who show up at a job that they will never see finished, to work on something that their name will never be on. The writer of the book went so far as to say that no cathedrals could ever be built in our lifetime because there are so few people willing to sacrifice to that degree.

When I really think about it, I don't want my son to tell the friend he's bringing home from college for Thanksgiving, "My mom gets up at 4 in the morning and bakes homemade pies, and then she hand bastes a turkey for three hours and presses all the linens for the table." That would mean I'd built a shrine or a monument to myself. I just want him to want to come home. And then, if there is anything more to say to his friend, to add, "You're gonna love it there."

As mothers, we are building great cathedrals. We cannot be seen if we're doing it right. And one day, it is very possible that the world will marvel, not only at what we have built, but at the beauty that has been added to the world by the sacrifices of invisible women.

All your children will be taught by the Lord, and they will have much peace. Isaiah 54:13

Post It Note Tues-ursday!

2010-05-06T15:37:00.000-05:00

For more Post it Note Tuesday antics. . .head on over to SupahMommy's site!

Wordless Wednesday. . .er, Thursday (and not totally wordless)

2010-05-06T13:59:00.000-05:00

Something in his eye says "You can take a picture, but don't even THINK about touching this cupcake!"

For more WW fun, make sure and visit 5 Minutes for Mom!

God Bless Me. . .it's been a week. . .I'm late on EVERYTHING. . .

2010-05-06T13:36:00.001-05:00

So tired. . .BUT STILL THANKFUL!!!!!!

Feel free to head on over to The Outdoor Wife or join me here for Thankful on a Thursday. Here are 7 things I'm thankful for this week!

Week Three:

I'm thankful for...

1. Coffee
2. Diet Dr. Pepper
3. Chocolate
4. Vitamin B12
5. organic certified CLIF® energy bars
6. my quiet desk at work (bet you never thought you'd hear me say that, huh?)
7. the hours between 7:30p and 11:30p. . .also known as the hours my daughter sleeps. . .all other hours of the day and night are subject to crying, biting and wanting to be held. . .I am thankful my daughter is getting teeth (finally). . .but the process of getting them. . .I don't think any of us are so much thankful for that! :(

Happy 10 month birthday to my sweet little Busy. . .oh, how I love you so and wouldn't trade my mama's girl for anything under the sun. . .I wish I could make your pain go away!! I will continue to ingest mass quantities of caffeine in honor of your new chompers!!! XOXO

Thankful on Thursday

2010-04-29T12:33:00.000-05:00

Feel free to head on over to The Outdoor Wife or join me here for Thankful on a Thursday. Here are 7 things I'm thankful for this week!

Week Two:

I'm thankful for...

1. Lunch dates with my husband. . .it is nice to have a chance to catch up when the kids aren't around. . .and BONUS. . .they're at school, so no $80 babysitter!

2. The $80 babysitter when we need her. . .AR is awesome! My kids love her, we trust her, and she leaves the house cleaner than she found it!

3. Book Club. . .the one social activity that will make me leave my kids on a weeknight. Sometimes we haven't all read the book but the conversation is always great and the women are so intelligent. . .every conversation is enlightening!

4. My Blackberry. . .I'm addicted.

5. My dear Bubs. . .growing up so fast, but still loves to snuggle with Momma (THANK GOD!!)

6. My sweet Busy. . .not even a year old and already fiercely independent, but she already knows the power of the "Mommy Loves You" song. . .it can fix anything!

7. My Schmoops. . .funny, hot, smart, successful and loves ME!!!

Wordless Wednesday

2010-04-28T09:24:00.001-05:00

The really important part of soccer practice. . .THE SOCCER BALL STAMP! (Yes, I know it's not "wordless"!)

For More Wordless Wednesday pics, visit 5 Minutes for Mom.

Post It Note Tuesday

2010-04-27T11:15:00.000-05:00

MckLinky Monday with the Ladies of the RHOK: Newlyweds

2010-04-27T10:05:00.003-05:00

"I love being married. It's so great to find one special person you want to annoy for the rest of your life." - Rita Rudner

Okay, it's Tuesday. . .I'm late again (sorry!). However, I do want to MckLinky Monday with the ladies of the RHOK and give you all a little story about the funny lessons the Howells learned during their first year of marriage. . .dare I say we are still learning?!?!?! (By the way, I can't wait for next week's question because I have it on VIDEO!)

Schmoops and Mrs. Howell have known eachother for a LONG time. I already told y'all about sitting next to eachother in Psychology circa 1990-91 (Schmoops wanted me to mention it was a SENIOR class and because I am a geek I got in as a Junior. . .I'll mention he's an ENGINEER. . .'nuff said!). But as the story goes, we didn't actually date or get married til much later. This is not, contrary to popular belief, because I was on a mission to ruin my mother's life by not letting HER have a wedding or HER have (grand)kids til well after all her friends. No. . .Schmoops and the Mrs. had to kiss some frogs before we found eachother.

So long about July 31, 2004, we became Mr. and Mrs. Howell. This was first and foremost a very hard adjustment for me because Mrs. Howell is my mother-in-law. I would trade her for a root canal on a good day, so being the "other" Mrs. Howell didn't really appeal to me. Second, I have been "myself" for 30 years at that point and changing my name was a little hard -- as my grandfather liked to say I am one of "those" women, you know, the strong-headed independent type (said with an ounce of disgust). But Schmoops wasn't up for being Mr. Maiden Name so we erred on the side of tradition. I'll go ahead and admit that this small sticking point is still kind of "a thing" for us because some of my stuff still has my maiden name on it and I often use my maiden name as my middle name. Not because I love it or I am that I am especially close to my father. . .but because it is "me." My friends still call me "KW" and so the maiden name debacle of 2004 lives on. Since we've had kids and I prefer to be known as their mom, I try to pretty much stick to Mrs. Howell. But every once in a while I throw a check in the banking stack that has my "old" signature on it just to keep him on his toes. It's all about independence and that is a lesson we learned in year 1 (. . .and 2. . .and 3. . .and 4. . .and 5).

Last name aside, we lived in an apartment when we were first married and immediately started looking for a house. This was my first lesson in what I like to call "Schmoops Math". Now how "Schmoops Math" works is that if Schmoops wants something. . .the math for sure works out and we will have "just enough" money to make it work without putting us in the food stamps line. If Mrs. Howell wants something, it is a 50-50 shot that "Schmoops Math" will make it so. If you skipped over the paragraph of this post where I talked about how I am one of "those" women, then I'm sure you can guess how this has worked out over the years. If you can't guess, I'll tell you. . .IT IS EASIER TO ASK FOR FORGIVENESS THAN PERMISSION! If "Schmoops Math" makes it so the house he wanted (in the dreaded suburbs with a 30 minute commute in heavy traffic) is affordable, but the house Mrs. Howell wanted (in midtown with no commute. . .and, okay, no 3rd garage). . .then we can go with Schmoops' choice. . .but we will also be going with a new Gucci bag, a pair of Manolos and some new furniture! It's all about compromise and that is a lesson we learned in year 1 (. . .and 2. . .and 3. . .and 4. . .and 5).

We've covered feminism and money. . .and I'm not even going to touch the subject of s-e-x (remember, we whisper/spell lots of words in our house). . .so moving on, let's talk about the next lesson. . .KIDS. You know, you're cruising right along learning the lessons of marriage. . .pretty much thinking you are kicking butt (despite your feminist wife and your cheapskate hubby) when all the sudden you pee on a stick at 5 in the morning and you throw all whole new kink in the (ball and) chain! You're going to have a kid! Luckily, Schmoops and I both wanted kids and we have been blessed with two. . .three if I had my choice, but that's a lesson for another day! I will say that on most matters surrounding our little prince and princess, we agree. However, when you disagree about something regarding kids is there a bigger fight? If so, I've not come across that subject. Thankfully, there is a LOT of passion around the care and well-being of our kids.

Learning the lesson of how to raise your kids (without killing your spouse) is probably a lesson that is never truly totally learned. I'm pretty sure that when Bubs is off at Harvard and Busy is off at Yale, Schmoops and I will still be arguing over how many toys Bubs actually needs, the variety of pink bows Busy has to have, and whether or not our own screwed up relationships with our parents has trickled down to somehow soil our family. And that's really the "lesson" isn't it? Of all your parental duties and responsibilities. . .you do not want to screw your kids up! You look to "experts", you look to God, you look to your friends. . .but in the end you look to EACHOTHER and you love eachother and love your kids and cherish your family and you forget about what your last name used to be or how much money the 67-inch TV in the living room cost or how many times Kathleen's Kids shows up on the credit card bill. . .because REALLY your marriage and your family are the most important things in your life and that is one lesson you won't soon forget! It's all about LOVE and that is a lesson I hope we continue to learn forever!

Thankful on Thursday - WEEK ONE

2010-04-22T15:05:00.002-05:00

I recently came across a blog called The Outdoor Wife. It is a very insightful blog by a woman/wife/mom whose life is quite different than mine own, but I still felt a connection to her (probably because of this). "OW" does something so neat. . .every Thursday she writes out at least ten things that she's thankful for and posts them for the blogosphere to see. I decided to join her because I don't think there is ever a time that I don't need a reminder to be totally conscious of my blessings (large and small)!

Feel free to head on over to The Outdoor Wife or join me here for Thankful on a Thursday. Instead of 10 things, I'm going to do 7. . .one thing for each day of the preceding week.

Week One:
I'm thankful for...
1. My new "old friend" CG who I recently connected with and helped celebrate his birthday. He has a fresh perspective on the world that I so enjoy!
2. The fact that my husband understands my need for "a million" friends and doesn't mind the fact that sometimes my activities don't include him (really, I think he is thankful for it!).
3. Bubs awesome vocabulary. . .never in my wildest imagination did I think I would have actual discussions with my 3 year old.
4. Busy's new found ability to crawl. . .this leads to me not being too thankful that time is literally flying by.
5. My Keurig coffee maker. . .oh the joy of having a fresh-brewed cup of coffee in under a minute any time day or night (also thankful for decaf!).
6. The impending conclusion of LOST. . .that show drives me CRAZY. . .but I can't stop watching it. I need it to be over!!! (but then I will probably cry. . .)
7. That my family keeps me grounded and sane when for the most part I feel like I am teetering on the edge! I love laughing with Schmoops, snuggles with B & B, morning drive talks with Mom, running with McBFF, Blackberry messenging with Bethie, and all my true and trusted friends who make my life so happy and fulfilled!

Happy Earth Day!!!

2010-04-22T10:21:00.000-05:00

I think I have said before that I ~~regularly~~ (yulp) sometimes post as the Going Green Mom on 918moms.com. I do so enjoy sharing my tiny tips on going green. . .because I fully admit it is a struggle for me at times. . .those juice boxes and disposable diapers are just so dang convenient! But I'm trying!!! So today I posted about some activities for the weekend that will help you and your family celebrate Earth Day. . .if you live in or happen to be visiting the 918 area code this weekend!

Happy Earth Day! Happy EVERY Day!!

Wordless Wednesday

2010-04-21T14:54:00.001-05:00

For More Wordless Wednesday pics, visit 5 Minutes for Mom.

2010-04-20T15:48:00.000-05:00

I've been reading Supah Mommy for a while now, but never participated in Post It Note Tuesday. . .duh, because I just resurrected this blog for the kickoff of The RHOK! P.S. If you haven't read Mrs. Hart's post today about (whisper) birth control. It is very informative and quite the conversation starter!

Anyway, I think you'll be able to tell what kind of day I am having. . .

My First. . .Menu Plan

2010-04-19T15:16:00.001-05:00

For a while now I have been wanting to do a "formal" Meal Plan. . .so being that I am ~~bored~~ ambitious today. . .and I just went grocery shopping. . .I will try it out now. I will say upfront. . .probably not going to do this weekly per se because sometimes after work I just can't face the kitchen. But in preparation for my dream life. . .I'm going to practice here and there.

Monday: Leftover Bobby Deen's Favorite Goulash (via Mommy's Kitchen). . .actually made this over the weekend and it is FAB-U-LOUS!!! And it makes a TON, so we are eating it again tonight. I make it rule not to cook on Monday nights.

Tuesday: Filet Mignon and Stuffed Baked Potatoes. . .that I ordered from Omaha Steaks. . .de-lish, I might add! And my hubby is grillin' 'em so technically this is a "night off" for me. . .YEAH!

Wednesday: Pizza Spaghetti Casserole. . .this looks so yummy and something my son would love. . .plus, I think I can put it together the night before and just pop it in the oven when I get home from work. . .easy peasy!

Thursday: Picnic "Bento Box". . .it's soccer night, so I have to pack dinner to eat at the soccer fields before Bubs' practice. I usually do some turkey or canadian bacon and cheese "sushi rolls", "shashimi" crackers (what crackers look like fish?!?!?), some edamame and orange quarters plus a little "treat". Bubs loves it!!

Friday: We are taking Bubs to the Drillers game at the new Oneok Field, so I can guess we will be eating something fabulous from the concession stand! Seriously people, their food is actually REALLY good!

Saturday: French Toast Casserole. . .Schmoops and I have plans that night, so I am going to make a family breakfast since Bubs' soccer game is later in the day. I really prefer egg/meat breakfast casseroles but my boys are sweet-addicts, so I sometimes make this for dessert, er, breakfast!

Sunday: Our Favorite Cheese Enchiladas. . .will they be mine? New recipe that I am making from Mommy's Kitchen (can you tell I use this website alot?) because I promised Schmoops and my mom that I would make them Enchiladas. Wish me luck, Tina!!

Monday MckLinky: April 19, 1995 - Where Were You?

2010-04-19T14:15:00.000-05:00

April 19, 1995 I was nearing the end of my junior year of college at a small school in Missouri. I'm sure I was supposed to be in class, but for whatever reason (laziness) I was in my dorm watching TV. I just remember hearing the words "bombing," "federal building," and "Oklahoma". . .immediately I picked up the phone and dialed my mom's work number. "All circuits are busy." Oh. God.

On April 19, 1995 my mom was in her 20th year working for a federal judge in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She worked in the federal building.

I must have tried her work number a thousand times before calling my grandparents. I was so scared. I still didn't know it was the Oklahoma City federal building. The terror I felt shut off my ears to anything but the continual "all circuits are busy" and at that point I just thought if I kept trying the number I could reverse whatever had happened. But I finally gave up. I cried. And when I dialed my grandparents' number I feared that I would hear confirmation of my worst fears.

The phone rang only once at my grandparents' home before I heard the most glorious sound I have ever heard. . .my own mother's voice! Immediately after the bombing the Tulsa federal building, including all judges' chambers, were evacuated. Because all phone lines were jammed, my mom went directly to my grandparents' house. She had been trying me all the while I was trying her.

We both cried. She knew that friends from the court system had lost their lives. And I had never come so close to being faced with the loss of a parent. We also cried for a loss of innocence for our state. Our family is a long line of Oklahomans. We love it here and we have all stayed. Growing up and raising a family in the "bible belt" I think gives you a sense of protection, a sense of safety. And at 9:02 on April 19, 1995 that sense was shattered.

My hope is that in the last 15 years and going forward, we not let anyone shatter us. . .no matter their actions, no matter their hate. I hope that the people who died did not do so in vain. We need never give up and gain strength from love. To me, the Survivor Tree is a great symbol of this hope. And the inscription states it best:

The spirit of this city and this nation will not be defeated; our deeply rooted faith sustains us.

Redbuds & Runways

2010-04-15T12:37:00.000-05:00

The First Day

2010-04-15T11:12:00.000-05:00

Maria Shriver posted a question this morning: What is your favorite poem -- and why is it important to you? Read your poem on YouTube! http://bit.ly/cgtUAR%20#poetrymonth I am not going to read my poem on YouTube, but the question did bring about a wonderful memory of my favorite poem and why it is my favorite.

My favorite poem is The First Day by Christina Georgina Rossetti. I gave it to my husband when we were dating and my friend read it at our wedding. The poem is special to me because it perfectly describes my feelings regarding my husband.

Schmoops and I actually met in high school. We had psychology together, but, of course, I didn't even register on his radar because he was a senior and I had a boyfriend so I wasn't "looking". As fate would have it, towards the end of the year I was accepted into a school-to-work program that he was also in; and I interviewed for and accepted the job he had been doing. Being the smart guy that he is, he had decided to stay home for his freshman year and get his basics out of the way at the local junior college much cheaper! So we got to work together during my senior year. During that time (including the summer before and summer after), Schmoops and I became great friends. Our friendship continued for many years, but we never dated per se. . .we did accompany one another to various events. . .but no kissin'! The years rolled on and "significant others" came and went. And Schmoops moved to Colorado with his fiance'. Since he is now married to me, I bet you can guess that relationship didn't work out and he moved back to Oklahoma. . .coincidentally about the time I got out of a long relationship. So our (match-maker) old boss secretly invited both of us to a party at his house. . .and we both attended. We kind of both consider this "The First Day" because on that June evening, it was love at first sight. And one year, one month and eighteen days later, we became husband and wife.

I definitely remember June 13, 2003. I will hold July 31, 2004 as the best day of my life. And May 25, 2006 and July 6, 2009 made for even more love and happiness in our lives. There are a couple of other private dates in there that we both keep close to our hearts. But oh to remember that first glance. . .what a story that would make!

The First Day

by Christina Georgina Rossetti

I wish I could remember the first day,
First hour, first moment of your meeting me;
If bright or dim the season, it might be
Summer or winter for aught I can say.
So unrecorded did it slip away,
So blind was I to see and to foresee,
So dull to mark the budding of my tree
That would not blossom yet for many a May.
If only I could recollect it! Such
A day of days! I let it come and go
As traceless as a thaw of bygone snow.
It seemed to mean so little, meant so much!
If only now I could recall that touch,
First touch of hand in hand! - Did one but know!

Wordless Wednesday

2010-04-14T11:02:00.001-05:00

Honest to my Promise. . .
Yes, that is me at work carrying through with my promise to Bubs that I would wear my ring (that matches his) ALL DAY for all my friends to see!

To participate in Wordless Wednesday head over to 5 minutes for mom.

Where I Come From. . .

2010-04-13T09:56:00.001-05:00

The ladies over at theRHOK posed their question of the week and it is "Where do you come from?" Growing up, I honestly felt like sometimes I must have come from outer space. . .but no. My family is a long line of northeast Oklahomans, White Oak and Chelsea specifically. I was born and raised in Tulsa -- same pink hospital as many other Tulsa babies! I attended Eisenhower Elementary, Skelly Middle School and finally Union (where I graduated way back in 1992). I will see if I can find a pic of my "high school hair" to post; but I don't know. . .they might be all lost!

I love Tulsa and always hoped I would stay here. When my husband and I started dating, he lived down the turnpike and I remember well the day we had "the talk" about who would move. I had just committed to Leadership Tulsa and so I knew that I was here for at least nine months. We were supposed to wait that long and then whoever found a job first would move. I guess I'm just such a catch that Schmoops got a wild hair, called up an old boss and within 2 weeks rented the apartment above mine and moved to Tulsa! (Schmoops is from Tulsa too and I guess you can take the boy out of Tulsa, but you can't take the Tulsa out of the boy. . .or something like that. . .)

Truth be told, we actually live in Jenks now. When I was growing up, Jenks was a whole 'nother city (much like BA and Owasso), not just an extension of South (or East or North) Tulsa. If I love Tulsa, I love Jenks even more. We love the small town feel of being "across the river". We love the Riverwalk. I love love love Liv A Little store on Main street! Our family single-handedly attempts to keep both the McDonald's (Bubs' happy meals) and the Sonic (my large diet drinks) in business. And now we even have that big fancy Reasor's! It is high livin'!

That's where I come from. . .and where I am! Where do you come from? (I realize, I'm a day late and a dollar short -- story of my life -- and posting this on Tuesday, but I can bet those Housewives won't care if you still McLinky Monday and post your "From" story on your blog too!)

Mommy's Night Out

2010-04-08T10:40:00.000-05:00

I posted this over on my 918moms.com blog. I am the Going Green Mom blogger over there. I have been doing that for a while now. Sometimes I'm GREEN. . .sometimes I SPEND GREEN. . .and sometimes I just talk about this and that. Anyway, I thought what the hay. . .I'll toss it up over here too! I don't think I have a lot of "cross over" readership at this point!

I wish I had taken my camera on my Mommy's Night Out because #1 I don't get out too much and #2 I really did just have this super fabulous time with some new Mommy friends. I felt so grown up!

(Note to self, that pink thing with the flash bulb that you got for Christmas. . .it stays in your purse so that you can get some shots of few and far between fun times. . .oh, and extra pics of the kids too!!!)

So here goes:

"Going Green Mom’s Sushi Night Out, Take One. . .

Okay, I tried to post this a week or so ago but my brain and Wordpress were not being compatible. . .so the referenced dates are a little off (and I have had my night out #2 by now). . .but it is still a fun little story and a good recommendation for you sushi lovers!!! And, Marathon Mom, no smelt roe was harmed in the writing of this blog!

PLEASE NOTE: The Food and Drug Administration advises that eating raw or undercooked meat, poultry, eggs or seafood poses a health risk to everyone (especially the elderly, young children under age 4, pregnant women and other highly susceptible individuals with compromised immune systems). Thorough cooking of foods reduces the risk of illness. Further, guidelines for children, women who are pregnant and women who are trying to become pregnant state that no more than 12 oz of low mercury fish should be consumed weekly. “Highest” mercury fish should be avoided and “high” mercury fish should be kept to only three 6-oz servings per month. Tuna is most commonly linked to high levels of mercury.

As we all know, fish in itself is a great source of protein and has many health benefits; sushi is a way of eating fish that can be very beneficial to your health. Let’s lay out the facts: 1. high in Omega-3 fats (which are “good fats” – yes, there are GOOD FATS!); 2. protects the nervous system in addition to providing Vitamin D and other proteins; 3. Omega-3 fats have been shown to help with depression; 4. keeps your blood sugar levels at a healthy range; 5. boosts the immune system; and 6. lowers your overall cholesterol.

I’m not a doctor (I just play one on TV. . .well, not really); but I do know a thing or two about making myself happy and let me tell ya, I did just that on Friday night. . .

My kids’ school has become a mommy playground for me. I can’t tell you how many wonderful friends I have made just in the daily comings and goings. “Hi” turns into “haven’t seen you for a few days, everything okay?” to “how about a play date this weekend” to “I work downtown too, we should have lunch”. . .to finally the holy grail of mommyhood. . .”how about a Girls Night Out?”

So off I went to Flying Fish with Stacy (aka T’s mom) and Melissa (aka P & B’s mom). . .

I will preface this by saying that I am a VERY discriminating sushi eater and frankly never stray too far from In the Raw. I love them, love their food, and think the funky atmosphere is incredible. I also appreciate my dear old friend, Dani, as the excellent waitress that she is and always takes care of me and the numerous friends, clients and sushi virgins that I have taken to the Brookside location. (I don’t know the owners at ITR and I do not get free food at ITR, never have, probably never will; so I promise you that when I say it’s good. . .it’s ‘cause it’s THAT GOOD!!)

But back to my story. . .the agenda for Friday night included trying out the Flying Fish Sushi Bar and Restaurant, highly recommended by Melissa. I’m not sure where I have been for the last year because Flying Fish is not new. But considering I wasn’t really eating sushi for 9 months last year (Dani, never tell ANYONE how often I was at ITR per the warning to pregnant ladies above) I’m guessing that is why I am so behind the times!

Flying Fish is a family business owned and operated by Nha (aka the dad — coming off a 30 year stint in corporate America) and David (aka the son — who had been managing restaurants for 20 years). Nha and David shared a dream of having their own restaurant. They also happen to live in and love Tulsa! So they embarked on their dream with one goal: “create simple, authentic and great tasting Asian cuisine with only the finest ingredients available.” Gentlemen, this 918Mom thinks you are a success! (I don’t know Nha and David Le and I did not get my meal for free, don’t plan on eating there free; so I promise what you are about to read is ‘cause it’s THAT GOOD!)

Flying Fish is located at 10846 S. Memorial; but please don’t frown on the location (let’s hear it for south Tulsa!!). From the outside it appears to be your normal everyday strip mall storefront. But this casual dining room offers a busy atmosphere that makes you feel like you might be tucked away in a hip NY spot. The place was packed by 7:00 p.m. and there were a ton of people in and out for pick up orders too!

After looking over the extensive menu which also includes cooked (or as my mom says “real”) food; I, of course, decided on sushi. Our table ordered a mix. And our waiter, Tien (totally fabulous!!), was very knowledgeable of the menu and handled our substitution requests with no problem. I had the Huy Roll and the Disco Shrimp Roll while my dining companions each had an Anthony Roll plus a Kristin Roll and a Leyna Roll. I am literally DREAMING of that Disco Shrimp Roll with all of its tasty goodness. . .you’ve heard of Better Than s-e-x Chocolate Cake (sorry, we spell and/or whisper certain words at our house); well, ladies meet the sushi version! Snow crab, fried shrimp, avocado and spicy sauce rolled in masago; topped with shrimp and scallops baked in a (GGM edit “to-die-for”) garlic butter sauce. (Just for clarification, my mom would NOT consider this “real” food as she would never get past the masago; but she’s missing out so we’ll move on!).

Hands down, Friday night was one of the best dining experiences I have had in a while. The company was, of course, wonderful! (The absence of little people – and husbands – may have helped too. . .HA!) The food is extremely fresh; and there’s a large enough variety that even people who don’t like sushi will find something (maybe not my mom). Prices were affordable for the great quality you get. Again, Tien provided fantastic service, and whoever was behind the sushi bar provided even more fantastic food! I can’t wait to go back for “The Chucky” salad (a “customer creation”, how cool is that!?), the asparagus beef, and the Super Dave and Break Up rolls. In fact, I’m headed back this Saturday night with my hubby who has also been missing out on this fabulous place (aka Going Green Mom’s Sushi Night Out, Take Two – thanks to said sushi-hating mom for watching my kids!).

My only complaint. . .Nha and Daniel, my Pokes will eat SOONERS for lunch any day of the week. . .but where’s the COWBOY ROLL?!?!?!"

Wordless Wednesday

2010-04-07T15:30:00.001-05:00

What is a Housewife?

2010-04-07T09:23:00.001-05:00

In an effort to help some fellow Okie ladies launch their awesome new website, I decided to dig up this old blog and bring it back to life. I have been wanting to for a while but I guess this is just the kick in the pants I needed! Alot has changed. . .first and foremost that we are no longer the Howell Family THREE since we added Busy to the bunch back in July. . .but more on that later.

So here goes the Wednesday version of McLinky Monday with The Real Housewives of Oklahoma. . .

What is a Housewife? By definition, a housewife used to be a married woman who is not employed outside the home; but Merriam Webster turned it up a notch to say that this married woman is "in charge of her household." Thanks, Mr. Webster. . .I like that much better. Now I probably like it better because I currently work outside my home AND I'm also "in charge" of my household. However, this isn't a post about working in or out of the home. Believe me, I know some ladies who "stay home" and get more done before 6:00 a.m. than most people do all day! (Lest you forget what is written in my profile. . .I want to be one of those ladies!)

So anyway, a housewife. . .well, in my house we call it THE BOSS. . .and that happens to be me. Right now I'm sort of a ladder-climbing manager as I do my "real" job at work and try to delegate some of the household needs to Schmoops and sometimes Bubs (Busy sits and looks pretty most of the time. . .or sleeps. . .or poops!). Sometimes I have to delegate to paid employees like Maid Pro or Pooches dog grooming or The Lawn Guy. I'm aiming to become CEO in about a year and will devote my time fully to being "in charge" of my household! This may seem like a promotion, but in reality it just means that there will be no more paid employees including myself!

So what will I do when I am a "real" housewife. . .pretty much everything I do now (and more), but in something fashionable, but definitely not "work appropriate"! Get up before everyone else, go to bed after everyone else. Wash, fold, iron, match clothes and then physically put them on all members of my family (yes, even Schmoops needs help at times!). Load the dishwasher properly. . .you know, so the dishes actually get clean and don't have to be washed AGAIN! Drive alot. . .so as to busy myself with other things on my to do list that will help me avoid cleaning, especially the upstairs portion of my home. I also envision that I will be doing a lot more cooking and a little less hitting up the the local eateries. . .unless I have a coupon, of course! I hope to become even MORE GREEN. . .and organized. . .and healthy!!

In short, a housewife wears many hats. . .cook, maid, chauffeur, nurse, doctor, accountant, shopper. . .but mainly a housewife is someone who always finds the grace to remember why she's here and why she loves being a housewife and a mom . . .and to feel that success is measured in meeting the needs of those that are most important to her in the world!

Push to Penelope. . .

2008-11-15T09:41:00.002-06:00

One of my very very absolute all-time favorite websites around is Penelope's Pitstop!!! First, I just love Penelope. . .AND, hello, it's SHOPPING! Her most recent recommendation is from Peace Love Mom. These tees are darling! I'm ordering the Merry Mom today. And if you want to order one too, if you go through the Pitstop and use the special code guess what. . .FREE SHIPPING!

Milk. . .and Cookies

2008-11-15T09:34:00.002-06:00

We love our pediatrician Dr. Brian Raley. I was checking his blog this morning. . .yes, he is very hip and cool and has a blog (w/vlogs even!!) and found this recipe for "lactation boosting" cookies. This is the dream of every nursing mother. . .an excuse to eat COOKIES! Hopefully, I will get to try this recipe out if/when we have another little one on the way. But, hey, it's cookies. . .even if you're not lactating. . .IT'S COOKIES!!!!

Housepoet's Famous Lactation Boosting Oatmeal, Chocolate Chip & Flaxseed cookies
Ingredients : 1 cup butter or marg (I use a light marg myself)
1 cup sugar
1 cup brown sugar
4 tablespoons water
2 tablespoons flaxseed meal
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 cups flour (I use whole wheat flour to make them healthier...didn't notice a difference in taste
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
3 cups oats, thick cut if you can get them
1 cup or more chocolate chips (or Craisins or raisins instead, and/or chopped roasted walnuts or either kind of nut, or dark chocolate, etc.)
2 tablespoons of brewers yeast* (*NOTE* IT MUST BE BREWERS YEAST, NO SUBSTITUTIONS. Be generous, once I was use to the taste, I add 3Tbs)
Directions:
Preheat oven at 375 degrees F. Mix together 2 tablespoons of flaxseed meal and water, set aside for 3-5 minutes. Cream (beat well) margarine and sugar. Add eggs one at a time, mix well. Stir flaxseed mixture and add with vanilla to the margarine mix. Beat until blended. Sift together dry ingredients, except oats and chips. Add to margarine mixture. Stir in oats then chips. Scoop or drop onto baking sheet, preferably lined with parchment. The dough is a little crumbly, so it helps to use a scoop. Bake 8-12 minutes, depending on size of cookies.
Preparation time: 15 minutes

Bad Mommy Award

2008-11-15T09:03:00.007-06:00

Well, my last post was kind of lame. . .oh whoa is me, the working mom. Instead of throwing my own personal pity party, I should have been showing you some pics of darling Bubs from all of our super fun Halloween activities! So here goes, mateys!!

This is a pic of Nannie, Me and Bubs at the ECC Parade!

Here's Schmoops and Bubs at the ECC Fall Festival. You can barely see the scary spider tat that Bubs got on his face. . .that he DID NOT want to wash off!!!

If I get any say in Bub's future wife. . .it will be Heidi Bug!!! Love her, love her mom, and don't they make a smashing couple.

This is Bub's friend Chloe as Batgirl. She is such a sweetie and her brother was the ever popular Red Power Ranger that Bubs is now fantisizing about due to our football party at the Ashley's house (thanks, guys!).

Working Mom Blues. . .?

2008-11-09T14:44:00.002-06:00

I read this today in Working Mother magazine. . .I started bawling. I think I must be hormonal or something, but I guess in all honestly it was just one of those days that I needed to hear/read it. I was so relieved that I am not the only one out there that feels this way!!

I work two full-time jobs. I am 100% committed to both.
I worry daily that I'm not giving enough to each.
I sometimes feel others judge me for not choosing between the two.
See things through my eyes and share my experience.

~KW

2008-11-09T06:24:00.003-06:00

2 Things
I just read this on Baloney's blog and thought it would be fun. I don't know what "tagging" means, but I hope this links back to her too!

Now, here's what you're supposed to do ... and please do not spoil the fun. Hit forward, delete my answers and type in your answers.

Two Names you go by:
1. KW
2. Mommy

Two things you are wearing right now:
1. JLT t-shirt from BloomingDeals (I've been in WAY too long!)
2. Kev's Valentine pj pants

Two of your favorite things to do:
1. Read
2. Be with my hubby and kiddo (be with my girl friends is a VERY close 3rd!!!)

Two things you want very badly at the moment:
1. COFFEE
2. Time to jump to after 12:00 so that I can eat a nice big STEAK! :)

Two favorite pets you have had/have:
1. Musashi Kitty Cat (our cat)
2. Pete (our Cairn Terrier)

Two things you did last night:
1. Went to a party at Toni's house
2. Watched OSU lose :(

Two things you have eaten today:
NOTHING!

Two people you last talked to:
1. Bubs when I just went in his room at 5:00 and told him to go back to sleep!
2. Schmoops

Two places you have been in the past year:
1. Colorado Springs, CO
2. Dallas, TX

Two Favorite beverages:
1. DIET DR. PEPPER
2. Mich Ultra, Chard and Coffee (TIED!)

Two bloggers who I’m tagging (but feel free to tag yourself and link in my comments):
I am kind of new at this so I am not sure I even know what this means!

ISN'T IT GREAT TO KNOW WHO IS STILL IN CONTROL?

2008-11-04T20:49:00.003-06:00

I have to shamelessly steal the following predictions from Baloney. I love her, love her blog AND she still apparently loves me even though I had the audacity to put a PISTOL PETE pic on her Sooner-lovin' blog! :)

This is awesome! Reminds me how often I try to control too much in my own life when really a much greater power has a much greater plan for me, our nation and our world!

No matter who wins the election, the following predictions will still be true:
1. The Bible will still have all the answers.
2. Prayer will still work.
3. The Holy Spirit will still move.
4. God will still inhabit the praises of His people.
5. There will still be God-anointed preaching.
6. There will still be singing of praise to God.
7. God will still pour out blessings upon His people.
8. There will still be room at the Cross.9. Jesus will still love you.
10. Jesus will still save the lost.

ISN'T IT GREAT TO KNOW WHO IS STILL IN CONTROL?

~KW

T minus 1 Day, 11 Hours, 2 minutes with the seconds counting down. . .

2008-11-02T21:50:00.008-06:00

I post my Going Green Mom blogs over at 918moms.com on Sunday nights or Monday mornings, so please check it out! This week I'm commenting on the election. Over there, I am not so apt to say that I am a big-time supporter of the Democratic Party and will be casting my vote for Senators Obama & Biden come Tuesday because I really do try to be respectful of everyone's political opinions and views. However, Schmoops has said that, from time to time, I get a little. . .um, "passionate." And so in the spirit of friendship (and not peeving any of the other 918moms off), I am attempting to be bipartisan.

I believe in Senator Obama and feel that he is the absolute best candidate!! I also think that God forbid something should happen to him, our country would be left in the very capable hands of Senator Joe Biden. But like I said, passion aside. . .I pray that all of you out there will brave these last hours of politcal mud-slinging, stand in the long lines on Tuesday, and exercise your Constitutional right to VOTE!!!!!

~KW

Books, Books, and More Books

2008-10-30T22:48:00.013-05:00

Today over at 918moms.com, my fellow blogger, Late Blooming Mom, asked: what are your recommendations for must-have children’s books? And as a bonus, where in Tulsa do you buy books? I had to jump right on this one because although Bubs is only 2, I am an AVID reader so I wanted to start him early. (I think I have been successful as he most often chooses books with Mommy over “tar-toons” with Daddy.)

Here are some of our favorites:
All of the “David” books by David Shannon
Anything by Sandra BoyntonBrown
Bear, Brown Bear; Panda Bear, Panda Bear; and Polar Bear, Polar Bear by Martin & Carle
I Got Two Dogs by John Lithgow (Nannie just got this one for Bubs and it is already a FAV!)Dirt on My Shirt by Jeff Foxworthy
Little Boy by Alison McGhee
Harold & the Purple Crayon
Mommy by Maurice Sendak
Big Words for Little People by Jamie Lee Curtis (Bubs is actually getting this for Christmas)
The “If You Give…” books
Llama Llama Mad at Mama by Anna Dewdney (LBM, this is the correct author name)

When I was growing up and starting reading chapter books, my favorite was The Boxcar Children. Now there is a whole series. I have my old hardback just waiting for when Bubs gets older! I can't wait!!

Now you might be asking. . ."Okay, Mrs. "Avid Reader" Howell, what are YOU reading right now?" Well, truth be told, I have ventured back to my youthful side and have taken up with some teen fiction. . .yes, I am reading the Twilight series by Stephenie Meyer. My good friend Melissa recommended it. She knows I love to read lots of different things AND she heard that I was sick and there was subsequently a sick black cloud hanging over our house for a couple of weeks! So I got a copy. Not even half way through the 1st book, I ordered the entire set. I really dig the book and couldn't see myself just stopping at the end of this first "chapter" since they continue on. Since then I have come across so many friends who are also obsessed with these books. It is amazing. . .and fun that we all share diverse reading preferences and there are so many theories and opinions.

~KW

Happy HalloGREEN - my regular 918moms.com blog

2008-10-28T20:47:00.005-05:00

When we think of Halloween, we probably think of ORANGE and BLACK (well, some of us think of these gorgeous colors all year long. . .football season, basketball season, baseball season, soccer season. . .and YES, I STILL LOVE MY ‘BOYS EVEN AFTER THIS WEEKEND!!!!). However, this year, I’m trying to incorporate at least a little GREEN into my Halloween.

Last year I took a step towards greening up Halloween without even knowing it by purchasing a reusable treat bag for my son and my cousin’s daughter too! Sadly, that was before I started consciously greening up, so it didn’t come from a super earth-friendly store, but it is reusable for years to come nonetheless! My friends over at organic.org actually give this tip regarding treat bags: Use a pillowcase or cloth shopping bag or make a simple loot bag using recycled materials. No need to run out and buy a plastic loot bag, which will be discarded after a single use. Remind your children to dispose of their candy wrappers in their bags or in trash cans rather than on the street.

Another step taken towards greening up my Halloween that I didn’t realize (and I bet you haven’t realized it in your own home) is using the same decorations year after year. I have a lovely wreath that my mom made for me several years ago (I’ll probably have to post about this at the holidays too because she made me a wreath for December as well!). I always love getting it out because it makes me happy to see how creative and talented Going Green Grandma is. Little did either of us know that we were participating in a recycling of sorts! I also love to get out my candy basket year after year. . .it holds loads of treats. . .or one big one (see pic!).

Speaking of treats. . .who doesn’t enjoy a good treat on Halloween or any day for that matter. . .give me some chocolate and see one happy woman! In my quest for greening up Halloween, I found some suggestions about treats from another great website. How about passing out healthy and green Halloween treats. Organic Halloween treats such as whole grain pretzels, honey sticks, healthy snack bars, mini organic cookie packs, sunflower seeds, fruit roll ups, or 100% juice boxes would be appreciated by kids and parents alike! You also may want to consider those little ones with allergies when you pick out your Halloween goodies. Choosing treats without nuts, preservatives, or artificial colorings will keep everyone safe AND green!

A new tip that I found this year is to burn beeswax or soy candles in your pumpkins or however you use them with your Halloween decor. Apparently, normal old household candles can be petroleum based. Pure beeswax or soy candles are easier on the environment, and the natural smell won’t run your out of the room! I had heard that these earth-friendly candles are more expensive and they are; however, they do claim to burn longer (I’ll have to let you know about that after the holiday since I haven’t burned any candles yet).

And finally a few words about costumes. I am seriously lacking in this department, I admit it. I bought my son TWO costumes for his 1st Halloween — a super cute skeleton sweatsuit AND a scarecrow for picture purposes. I also bought two costumes last year (sigh). Now last year was a different issue. I purchased a pirate costume, but it ended up to be too big so at the last minute I had to buy another costume for the Jr. League Trunk or Treat. I have recently somewhat redeemed myself by donating the 2nd costume to my son’s school for the dress up bin because there are so few boy dress up items. And thankfully the pirate costume fits this year so that is what he is going wear (even though if you ask him what he is going to be he will say either Batman or Spiderman). This counts as “recycling”, right? For more way better ideas on homemade Halloween costumes, check out some fab ideas from throughout the 918.
Happy HalloGREEN my little witches, goblins, ghosts and monsters! (As a mom, I feel that I should also say don’t eat so much candy that you get a tummy ache AND don’t forget to brush your teeth!)

~KW

918moms.com post - Being Green can be a CHALLENGE!

2008-10-26T08:08:00.012-05:00

I wanted to thank Eco Goddess [over at 918moms.com], an admittedly “very green” mom, for her recent post on simple steps to being green. This is what I am getting at. . .this is what I am trying to live. I am all about having someone lay out the direction I should take. And I am always up for a Challenge!

When I first started thinking about “going green” I read a couple of things that meant alot to me (so much so that I wrote them in my day planner and I carry them around with me to serve as a reminder that even the little things count). These words made me feel a whole lot less guilty about not being able to just do a complete 180 on my lifestyle. Sloan Barnett wrote in her book, Green Goes With Everything: “Look, I don’t live in a log cabin. I don’t bake my own bread. I wear leather shoes like everyone else. I’m normal. I’m you. And I’m far from perfect when it comes to being green. I’m different shades of green, let’s say–some days kelly, some days hunter, some days a selfish lime. But I’m trying, and I think there’s a lot of value–practical value for you and your family–in trying too.” And this (sadly, I am not sure who said/wrote it): “Going green doesn’t have to mean single-handedly saving the Earth. Instead, it can be just reading a label, thinking a little, and making new choices.”

A choice I recently made was signing up for the Campaign Earth Challenge- - adopt one eco-friendly practice for 30 days. These are activities that supposedly every “average Joe [or in my case Jane] can relate to.” Reduce junk mail by canceling catalog subscriptions (in this age of the internet we all shop online anyway). Shop at a farmers’ market or buy directly from local farmers (something I already love to do). Ride the bus (um, no comment). And use CFLs(my husband is SO all over this. . .another trip to Home Depot). The Challenge’s creator, Sarah Kasprzak Lachance says “the idea is that by the end of the month, each activity will become habit. After all, who would ask to be put back on junk-mail lists?”

So let’s talk about the Campaign Earth challenge. I take things pretty seriously when I sign my name to them as you are asked to do on the Campaign Earth website to accept the challenge. So. . .cue the MI 1, 2, and 3 music please. . .the first mission if I chose to accept it is to call Williams Sonoma, Pottery Barn, Serena & Lily, Horchow, Land of Nod, Tea, etc., etc., etc. (because sister gets a LOT of catalogs!!) and tell them to please stop sending their catalogs to me in the mail. This really breaks my heart. From a young age I have loved two things. . .getting mail and shopping. Catalogs combine the two in perfect harmony! Sniff, sniff. . .but, alas, I have accepted my mission and “signed” on the virtual line. So I begin to gather the catalogs as they arrive in the mail and set aside just 10 minutes each day to call these companies and request to be removed from their mailing list. With each conversation I feel compelled to tell the representative that I will DEFINITELY still be buying from them so don’t do anything crazy like delete my customer number!!

I have called 25 companies (Yes, Schmoops, 25 and I’m not done. . .and 25 catalogs doesn’t necessarily mean that I have ordered from all of them. . .okay, so I have. . .you knew this when you married me, right?) and asked to be removed from their mailing lists. It is bittersweet, but I know it is a positive step down the Green Brick Road!

~KW

Sad day. . .

2008-10-25T07:10:00.013-05:00

As you might have noticed, I missed blogging yesterday. Bubs was/is very sick. I think he is actually on the mend now that we had a visit with the awesome Dr. Raley. I am now and forever indebted to the person that invented Zofran. Bubs has not thrown up in 18 hours and we both got some sleep last night. LOTS of glorious sleep!!!!

So you may be asking. . .if Bubs is getting better, why so sad, Mrs. Howell?

Well, you see this was supposed to be Girls (& Kids) weekend with my Fulton Patrol co-officer Beth, Sophie and Hunter, not to mention a day at the Boo Ha Ha parade with Andrea and the twins AND a big girls' night in (after kiddos were sufficiently worn out and asleep) with Bethie, Andrea and Foster. We had been planning it for quite sometime. Understandably, no one really wants to come into the House of Puke. (Poor Bubs. . .someday when he is about 17 and if he should ever read this entry, might be embarrassed that I referred to the House of Puke. But for the past 48 hours that is exactly what it has been!) We have promised to reschedule, but I know how busy everyone is and I just don't know when it might be possible. So here's to my girls and the time when we can finally get back together again and continue the good times that we have had over the past 15 years. . .

Friendship Sonnet

by William Shakespeare

When to the session of sweet silent thought

I summon up remembrance of things past,

I sigh the lack of many a thing I sought,

And with old woes new wail my dear time's waste:

Then can I drown an eye, unused to flow,

For precious friends hid in death¹s dateless night,

And weep afresh love's long since cancelled woe,

And moan the expense of many a vanish¹d sight:

Then can I grieve at grievances foregone,

And heavily from woe to woe tell o'er

The sad account of fore-bemoaned moan,

Which I new pay as if not paid before.

But if the while I think on thee, dear friend,

All losses are restored and sorrows end.

~KW

The Pirate Fairy

2008-10-23T21:25:00.016-05:00

Nannie has a double life. She has the life here in the real world with us. . .and she has another life online. I have to say that as her only daughter (only child period!) I was a little leary (jealous?) of these strangers I don't know, have never met, will never meet as they live who knows where and basically exist virtually. For that matter, it is highly unlikely that Nannie will ever meet these people that she is now calling her friends -- now there IS a conference where these book readers (it's an author's site, so I suppose I shouldn't be TOO worried). So I admit that I may have given Nannie a certain amount of crap about her other state of reality. . .and as is par for the course in my life this week, now I must eat my words!

With Halloween approaching, Nan has been "talking" (on the Boards where she met these friends) about her favorite little man, Bubs, and all of the fun trick or treating activities he has coming up. Bubs is supposed to be a pirate for Halloween, but if you ask him he will tell you that he is going to be Batman or Spiderman. (This late in the game, there are no small-size Batmans or Spidermans, the pirate costume is purchased, was EXPENSIVE and IS going to be worn, I assure you!) So the other night Nannie tells me that "Ginger" has sent Bubs a pirate mask and some lollipop covers -- cute little gobblins that will hold Bub's Halloween suckers. They are the cutest things. . .expertly done too! The mask is a pirate face fully stitched and with a monogrammed eye patch. The mask is incredible, but the sentiment behind it was even more beautiful. It really touched Nannie's heart (and, of course, Bubs loved it). Ginger, thank you so much!!

~KW

I am the Going Green Mom. . .check me out at 918moms.com

2008-10-22T20:31:00.010-05:00

This is the first post from my blog as the Going Green Mom at 918moms.com. I thought I would share it with you all. I also encourage you to visit the website. It is a the local website for moms, about moms, created by moms in the 918 area code. I promise you'll find something interesting, helpful, funny and relative!

In February, I took a huge step. . .I started a new job, leaving a company that I had been with for 8 years. Professionally, it was a good step. I had no idea that it would lead to a personal journey to reduce my own carbon footprint. . .
I now work with two ladies, T & V, who are passionate about recycling and it’s contagious. At first they would ask if they could take my empty water bottles, then they started carting my microwave meal boxes home with them to recycle, and one (*cough* V *cough*) has been known to walk in offices to make sure there are no Coke cans in the trash (granted, we actually have aluminum recycling bins in each kitchen in our 23 floor building).
Well, I started to feel guilty. I could easily take my own bottles and boxes home to recycle and the extra steps to the aluminum recycle bin would only add to my daily pedometer goal! So I got a paper grocery bag (now replaced by this cool reusable one!) and set it next to my desk for the bottles. Step one. I also have a bag for the boxes which I now collect from the 5 of us who are on Weight Watchers at work. Step two. And finally I took the biggest step of all. . .incorporating my family (namely my husband) into the process. My dear hubby is an environmental engineer after all (his precious OSU started as an AG college for goodness sake)! One would think this would be right up his alley. Um, no. So I strategized. . .what would make him want to get involved? Hmmm. . .ding, ding, ding! A trip to Home Depot!!! So we loaded up (in our SUV. . .sorry, I said I wasn’t perfect!!) and headed out in search of some supplies to make our recycling center. Because curbside recycling is not an option in our area of the 918, our plan was to set up bins in the garage and on Saturday mornings on our way to soccer we would stop off at the MET center in Jenks and drop off our glass, aluminum, plastic, and paper. Step three.
I am proud to report that these steps have added up. . .and led to more, so more blogs to follow! And with the help and suggestions of my passionate tree-hugging co-workers (love you, girls!), I am trying to make the 918 a better place. . .one step at a time.

~KW

Target and the rest of the World

2008-10-21T20:58:00.008-05:00

My friend Tiff used to say "Target has a 'cover charge'. . .you basically HAVE to spend at least $20 everytime you are there." Truer words were never spoken as evidenced by my 2nd Target spree of the week. Tonight it mostly centered around stuff for Bubs and his upcoming Fall Festival extravangza at school; however, it ended up costing me over $200. Ugh. Schmoops is not going to be happy at all. Double ugh. I try to remind myself that this is why I work. . .so I can go buy what I want when I want and not have to really answer for it (as long as it is within reason). This might be the case except as I said this is my 2nd trip this week. The previous trip also involved stuff for Bubs, but I also threw in a super cute cardigan, tights and two books for myself.

Looking back over my $400 week of nothing. . .I am faced once again with something I have been contemplating, and, yes, praying about recently and that is partaking in a challenge called 30 Days of Nothing. It goes something like this. . .stolen shamelessly from Tonia.

For 30 days, my family will buy nothing except our basic necessities. No clothes or books. No movies, no trips to the ice cream parlor. No paper, or pictures, or magazines. No fancy hair gel or take-and-bake pizza. Lattes? Nope. Nothing except what it takes to live. . .I'd like to try and identify with some of the "least" (economically) of the world. We will try and live without electricity for a day; eat only rice for a day. Perhaps the family will sleep together in one room for a night - on the floor; or walk six miles one day - the distance some African women walk daily to get clean water. The goal of this month-long fast is to break the grip of materialism in our hearts and minds. We want to live in gratitude, not discontent; and we want to live with awareness of the great responsibility our affluence has laid on our shoulders.

Schmoops and I are currently in the phase of setting our personal parameters -- we both work afterall, so I am not sure the no electricity is going to fly, but who knows if we could go without TV for even a couple of nights or turn off these blessed computers once a week that would be progress! We need to decide what our necessities are and what we will give up. I am not sure if this is a religious thing for us, a financial test, or just plain stupidity. But we have so much and I know that I for one take it for granted most of the time. . .like tomorrow when I will probably have to stop by Target for something else!

~KW

"...happy is he who is gracious to the poor." Prov. 14:21

A Blog. . .REALLY?

2008-10-20T20:28:00.002-05:00

"Oh, it's not going to be one of those 'Mommy Blogs,' is it?" said with only the kind of love a true friend has. Hmmm...well, I guess it is, but hopefully more! So McBFF, this one's for you and all my sisters who are juggling. . .LIFE!

There will more than likely be quite a bit of Mommy in this blog as Bubs is the greatest thing to ever happen to me. But there will also be equal (almost?) amounts of wife, daughter, friend, employee, volunteer, celebrity gossip enthusiast, spa lover and blogger (here and on 918moms.com). Stay tuned. . .

~KW