I was WRONG!!!!

I apologize for being absent over the past few days. Ren Ren lives in Houston (which was just ravished by Hurricane Ike). My mind has been preoccupied with worry! But, all is well. Ren Ren and Hubby survived with no major losses (well...besides their fencing and a fish). Sorry about the fish Ren Ren....:(

Now on to the TITLE of my blog. What was I wrong about, you ask? Toblerone's estimated HEIGHT! Why didn't you all TELL me I was wrong? 40.5 multiplied by 2 then divided by 12 is 6.75. I've tried TWO different websites...and both are telling me he will be between:

6'8 and 6'10. HOLY FREAKIN' CRAP!!!!!

Now THAT is one HUGE human being!!!! I better enjoy him NOW before he can pick ME up!

Where Were You???

Given that today is the 7th anniversary of the 9/11 tragedy, I would like to share exactly WHAT I was doing that day. I think it's very important for all of us to remember what we were doing on the day "the earth stood still".

I'll start out with giving a little background before I delve into the actual "day". Triscuit was born on July 6th, 2001. The WHOLE birthing experience scared the CRAP out of me because we almost lost him (the umbilical cord was wrapped around his neck 3 times. When I went in for my induction appointment, they couldn't find his heartbeat. I was at the hospital in less than 5 minutes and from there, it took another 6 minutes to get me prepped and him ripped out of me. The doctors worked REALLY fast to save his little life). The 9 weeks that I had off for maternity leave was pretty scary...I freaked out over EVERY little thing! I hardly slept...not because HE didn't sleep, but because I was afraid to close my eyes. I was SO scared I was going to lose him while he slept, so I just watched him breath all night. I knew that I was going to have to go back to work and I dreaded EVERYDAY that went by, because I KNEW that meant leaving Triscuit was that much closer.

Forward 9 weeks to September 11th, 2001

September 11, 2001, was my FIRST day back to work after having Triscuit. I was already upset because I had to leave my baby for the first time...and was ALSO fighting post pardum depression. I remember arriving to work, saying hello to everyone, showing pictures off of Triscuit, and shedding an occasional tear because I didn't want to be at work. Then, I hear someone say, "A plane has just flown into one of the World Trade Center Towers". I remember thinking, "Oh my God...How could a pilot NOT SEE SUCH A LARGE BUILDING???" I turned on my radio and a little while later, I hear, "A second plane has flown into the second tower". By this time, I KNEW something was fishy...but still didn't know WHAT. Our department got a TV and turned it on. We all watched in horror and shock. We all expected that the fire would be put out. We all EXPECTED it to be alright. Little did we know that we would witness the towers crumbling to the ground on LIVE TV. We started receiving phone calls from NY (at the time, I worked in a Pharmacy Services Dept. We helped with insurance coverage and computer overrides for special meds, vacations, lost meds, and MANY other things)...."so and so left their meds in the building as they fled." "So and so can't reach their home to take their meds, they need a few to get them by." We were flooded with calls from NY. By this time, we had gotten an E-mail from corporate saying, "WHATEVER THEY NEED...PLEASE GIVE IT TO THEM. NO QUESTIONS ASKED." THAT part of it wasn't difficult...the difficult part was hearing the people on the other line (pharmacists, pharmacy techs, patients) either TRYING to keep it together or CRYING their eyes out. For those of you that know me, I am a VERY compassionate person and have a HUGE heart. When they cried...I cried. Also being that it was my FIRST day back to work after having Triscuit, just made the day all that much worse. I was crying so hard! I remember shaking uncontrollably and wanting to do NOTHING but go home and hold my son. I kept thinking, "We are going to war....I just KNOW it. What is going to happen to us? What will happen to my son?" I know it sounds crazy even THINKING that way but because I am from a military family, I KNOW what war is. I KNOW what "ultimate sacrifice" means. After my work day was over, I drove home like a zombie. I was so worn out from the day! That evening, all I did was hold my 9 week old Triscuit and cry.

PHEW! That felt good to get off of my chest! I haven't really been able to talk about that for a long time. Feels good to let it out!

As the day progresses...remember what YOU were doing that day. I would really love to hear YOUR stories, so feel free to SHARE!!!

Also...if you know a policeman or a firefighter...take some time out of your day and say "Thank you". AND regardless of how you feel about the war or WHO you are voting for, remember the people in our military (either current members or past members). THEY are the one that are fighting to keep this country safe. THEY are willing to sacrifice the ultimate to keep US free. The least we can do is say, "Thank You!"

To all the people that I know that were in the military...I want to say THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART! I appreciate EVERYTHING you have done for us! I love you guys!

John M (Step Grandfather - Airforce)

Celba C (Biological Grandfather - Airforce)

William K (Father - Airforce)

David M (Uncle - Army)

Kalani C (Cousin - Army - CURRENT - was recently involved in a road side bombing of his vehicle. HE was the only one to survive)

Ren Ren (Best Friend - Navy)

Ronnie (Friend - Army)

If I'm forgetting someone...ANYONE...please let me know. I will GLADLY add you to my list!

WE WILL NEVER FORGET!!!

I wanted to add something...especially to my Father.

Dad...I know I wasn't even a THOUGHT in your mind when you served, but through the years YOU'VE taught ME the value and importance of our military. You've taught me that REGARDLESS of WHO is the Commander and Chief, those in the military are to do ONE thing and ONE thing only....Protect our Families and our Freedom. Thank you...from the bottom of my heart for teaching me that valuable lesson. Remember how I told you that I wanted to join the Airforce when I turned 18...and then do you remember how you told me, "Over my dead body"? Well....although I was SO angry with you over that (for a while), I understood where you were coming from. I love and respect you with every fiber of my being! I love you, I love you, I love you!!!!

Love to all! Thank you for reading!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MICHELLE!!!

I have few friends, but the ones I have are special to me! SOOOOO...this is another shout out to a friend of mine that is having a birthday today (Sept 11th).

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR BIRTHDAY BULLETIN SKANK!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!!!!!

(I call her "Birthday Bulletin Skank" because she has posted a bulletin on MySpace EVERY FREAKIN' DAY since LAST MONTH advertising her birthday! I guess she didn't want us to forget! )

Love ya Michelle! I hope you have a WONDERFUL day!!!

I love this picture of her...GOOFY!!!

Happy Birthday, Ren Ren!

My bestest friend in the WHOLE wide world turns 30(mumble mumble) tomorrow (Sept 10th). So, to share with you just how much I LOVE her...I'm going to tell you a little about her.


Ren Ren has been my best friend since junior high...although we DO believe we met when we were younger (around 4 or so. Our dads used to work together at Honeywell). As with MANY friendships, we've had our ups and our downs...but no matter WHAT, we have ALWAYS gotten through them. She's like my second sister...and to be honest, I don't think I would BE here today without having her in my life. I know, I know...I'm getting sappy, but tomorrow is a special day for her. Instead of sending a birthday card (which by the way got RETURNED today), posting a message on MySpace and sending and E-Card (yes...I do ALL of them), I have decided to post THIS:

I have truly been blessed for you as my best friend.
You've been there for me through happy and sad,
Through joy and pain, through laughter and tears.

You've picked me up when I have fallen and
You've brought me back to earth when I've been too high in the clouds.

You have NO idea how much you mean to me...and probably never will.


I love you with all of my heart and I wish I could be with you tomorrow as you turn 30 (mumble mumble). I miss you, my bestest friend!



HAPPY BIRTHDAY REN REN!!!!

Signs Your Toddler Is Teething

I'm sure those of you that are reading this (and have OLDER children) can relate to what I'm about to say. The all around frustration when your children get sick is enough to send any parent into a full blown tizzy. But when your child is TEETHING...that's another story. I'm going to list some signs...JUST for you parents out there that have YET to experience this. Consider this "Toddler Jerkiness 101".

Toblerone has been getting his 2 year molars. They've been popping through all summer and now, he has all of them except for ONE. This LAST one is letting itself be known BIG TIME.

First sign: Drooling

Imagine walking around and stepping in the occasional puddle of spit. Not the most pleasant feeling as you're walking on tile. I'm sure you can picture me slipping, on my way through the kitchen! Yeah...don't laugh TOO hard! Although Toblerone isn't this furry (or sarcastic looking), I HAVE to include this picture. I thought it was funny:

Second Sign: Diarrhea

The poor kid couldn't eat anything without exploding in his diaper about 30 minutes later. Pretty bad when you can HEAR it before he comes running over pointing to his butt. You would THINK it would have deterred him from eating...but it didn't. It just made him hungrier. His butt looked like this after day 2 of diarrhea:

Third Sign: Runny, Snotty Nose

Boogers and snot don't bother me that much...as long as an ADULT doesn't pick a big nasty one and chase me with it, threatening to wipe it on me. Toblerone has been a snot factory for about a week. Like I said, it doesn't bother me, but it sure bothers OTHER people around me (*clears throat* TRISCUIT). "Ewwww...MOOOOOM!!!! He's wiping his snot on me!!!!" No, this is NOT Toblerone...and I tried to find the NICEST snot nose pic on the net. Be thankful I didn't post a REALLY nasty one (trust me...there were PLENTY).

Fourth Sign: Fever

Triscuit got HIGH fevers when he was getting his molars. True to the familiar pattern, so does Toblerone. We aren't talking 100 degrees...we are talking anywhere between 101 and 102.7. I HATE it when Toblerone gets fevers! He doesn't act all THAT bad when the fever comes on...but as the days progress (they usually last for about 2-3 days), he starts in with the fifth sign (you will see in a second). Poor baby...he gets all glassy eyed and flushed. He is EXTREMELY hot to the touch and is a LITTLE bit lethargic (not much though). Again, you would THINK that his appetite would diminish...but NOOOOO....not with Toblerone! I actually got him on camera in June with one of his FIRST fevers:

Fifth Sign: JERKINESS

This is the most IRRITATING and ANNOYING sign/symptom of them all! I swear, they have a "jerk" button in their hypothalamus (fever center of the brain). As SOON as that temp goes up...watch OUT! Whining will ensue along with crying, hitting and throwing/kicking (if your kid has a temper). The dreaded "NO" becomes more prominent the worse he feels. He also becomes a 45 pound fit throwing little Tasmanian devil/rag doll (depending on just WHAT you are trying to do to/with him). Regardless of just HOW bad my kids feel, I will not LET them get away with jerky behavior. Toblerone is at an age where he KNOWS he's doing something wrong AS HE'S DOING IT. Let's take today, for instance. He looked at me, looked at Triscuit, looked at me AGAIN then KICKED Triscuit in the butt (HARD). I got up to give him a swat and WHAT did he do? He RAN from me. Once I caught up to him, he sat on his butt! You can't tell me that 2 year olds don't know what they are doing! Little booger! I have yet to get a good pic of Toblerone throwing a fit, so here is something for the visual factor:

Now, please don't think I'm being an insensitive mother...I'm all BUT insensitive. I HATE it when my kids don't feel good. I become MY mother (God bless her...and no Mom, that's NOT a slam in any way, shape or form)....falling all over them, waiting on them hand and foot (of course, for the most part, I do that anyway with Toblerone), taking their temperatures every hour or so, making them take naps, giving them medicine (if needed), and not getting much sleep because I worry. "Mother Hen" comes to mind (granted...I, physically, look NOTHING like this. I'm not this plump and I'm only GUESSING here, but I don't think I would taste good with lemon pepper on me).

For you "experienced" parents out there.....let me know if I've missed anything, will you? I will GLADLY add to this list! I would also like to know from the lot of you, just what YOUR experiences are/were with teething. It will be nice to know that I'm not alone!

The Most ANNOYING Childrens Programming...EVER!

While reading a fellow bloggers entry the other day (Ashley...Unscripted. I LOVE her blog! If you want to read it, the link is on the right hand side of the page), I decided to EXPAND on the snippet she put in her blog. She stated that the Doodlebops were creepy. Ummmm....it's not only the DOODLEBOPS!!! There are MANY weird and creepy shows out there AIMED at toddlers and preschoolers. There will be no specific order to these...these are ALL shows that are disturbing to us adults. There will be a picture along with a link (for your enjoyment). I would encourage you to click on the link. If you have small children and have NO idea what you are in for...you will THANK me for posting this!

THE DOODLEBOPS



















http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZzULIsy6uio

Characters: Dee Dee, Moe and Roonie.

Basis of the show: Three goofy characters that are in a "rock" band. The girl doesn't do anything special (except sing), Moe likes to hide (drummer), and Roonie is an inventor.

Annoyance Factor: EXTREMELY HIGH

I'm starting with this one just because I mentioned it at the beginning of this blog. I've watched this show a FEW times. I've watched it with Triscuit (who actually LIKED it) and with Toblerone (who didn't like it all that much...THANK GOD). It's just a weird show....and they ARE a bit creepy. It's a show that is based around music (of course) and there is no "race" factor (which is the whole idea behind the funky make-up). Look at their facial expressions in the picture AND in the video link. THAT right there is enough to make you feel a little queasy.


As soon as I hear the opening song...it takes me less than 2 seconds to change the channel!

THE TELETUBBIES













http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kiaLOzP1lCA

Characters: Tinky Winky, Dipsy, Laa Laa and Po.

Basis of the show: I have yet to figure that one out.

Annoyance Factor: EXTREMELY HIGH

I think this picture pretty much says it all...but I will elaborate anyway. Yes...I know that this particular show is geared more towards babies/toddlers. Children that young learn by repetition...but that little fact doesn't make it any easier on the parent(s). I know that I'm being a little selfish here and maybe a little judgemental, but COME ON! Watch it for yourself...it's ANNOYING and bizarre!!! Their voices....BAH! This will catch Toblerone's eye for about 10 seconds...after that, he will ask for something else (like OTCH).

YO GABBA GABBA
















http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R9PqjMSNfkU&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=41gr2brITLg

Characters: Plex, Muno, DJ Lance (The guy in orange), TooDee, Brobee, Foofa


Basis of the show: Saying "Yo Gabba Gabba" brings these little action figures to life. Then, they interact with each other like school age children normally do. Cut in front of each other, eat food that's dropped on the floor, and not wanting to try new foods. Yes...there is ALWAYS a song that co-insides with the lesson being taught...in HIP HOP form.

Annoyance Factor: HIGH

OK...I've pasted TWO links. The first one is just a funny one to watch. It's of Elijah Wood (Frodo from Lord of the Rings) dancing and singing "Puppetmaster". I laughed so hard I about peed myself! The second link is just to give you an idea of the show. OHHHH....where do I start with THIS one? As with MOST of these shows, it's based on music. But if you DO NOT enjoy hip hop/rap...you will NOT like this (and I detest hip hop). DJ Lance is the goofiest character on this show. At the end of the show, there is a musical wrap-up. DJ Lance dances around like a fool during the musical montage. Unfortunately for me, this is one of Toblerone's favorites! I don't know what it is about the show that is SO freakin' entertaining, but Toblerone will sit there and watch in amazement.

Needless to say, my headache starts to go away after this show is over.

HIP HOP HARRY


















http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HUBdVtvEgQc

Characters: A bunch of kids and this huge bear who's name is Hip Hop Harry

Basis of the show: Honestly, I don't have a clue. I can't bring myself to watch it long enough to figure it out.

Annoyance Level: EXTREMELY FREAKIN' HIGH

As you can see from the photo, it's geared towards the OLDER kids. That means TRISCUITS age. And guess who LIKES this program??? You guessed it. TRISCUIT. And, as you can tell from the title, it's ALL ABOUT MUSIC (Hip Hop to be exact). Since I detest Hip Hop, you can imagine my face and excitement level when this comes on. Check out the link. I wouldn't suggest this show for kids with ADD/ADHD. This bear (or whatever he is) needs some Ritalin or Adderall, himself. My face will slowly go from happy to frown as the show progresses. I just want to yell, "STAND STILL YOU STUPID BEAR!" Bugs the CRAP out of me!

LAZYTOWN



















http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7bCXyPeE6vI

Characters: Sportacus (human hero), Stephanie (human with pink hair), Robbie Rotten (human villain). The rest of the characters are puppets. I'm not going to take the time to name them...not worth it.

Basis of the show: This show was/is created in Iceland. It's a show about a town CALLED Lazytown. Before STEPHANIE got there, it was a town with children who did nothing but stay indoors, play video games and eat sugar (I think it's aimed at Americans). When she came to town, she inspired the lot to get busy. That made the villain of the story angry. His attitude is that of an old man. He doesn't like children and will do ANYTHING to keep them out of his hair. The hero of the story is Sportacus. He's a gymnast and does nothing but flip around like a gymnast does.

Annoyance Factor: HIGH

This used to be one of Triscuits favorites when he was 5. Toblerone has attempted to watch it, but he doesn't seem to like it all that much. The show is very...different. They attempt to make the humans look cartoonish while the puppets just look creepy. They are made of HARD plastic and when their mouths move, they just look stiff. Too bad Jim Henson couldn't have passed his brilliance on to the rest of the puppet makers.

I'm glad my children don't like this show!

BOOHBAH
















http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I6656BvmmiI

Characters: Humbah, Zumbah, Zing Zing Zingbah, Jumbah, Jingbah

Basis of the show: I have NO freakin' clue. I keep asking myself, "WHY?!?!?!?! WHY would ANYONE put this on TV?"

Annoyance Factor: The HIGHEST on the freakin' scale!

This show has got to be the weirdest, the creepiest and the most BIZARRE thing on the TV! If you watch the link, you can see these little blobs in action. Toblerone LOVES this show! Why? I wish I knew! He sits there with his mouth open (gathering flies) while this program is on. What is so fascinating? They look like rather plump people trying to dance. I just don't get it!!!!

In all seriousness...I know that these shows have a purpose. I guess it's for our CHILDREN to figure out...not us adults! I love my children and want them to be happy, and if that means I have to watch these shows WITH them, I will do it. BUT...it doesn't mean I have to enjoy it!

Better Late Than Never (Toblerone's B-Day Pictures)

As I said on Triscuit's birthday picture post....sorry so late. Things have been a little crazy with school starting and all!

We had just put him in a highchair for the cake festivities....


My sister-in-law made Toblerone's birthday cake. Turned out REALLY nice!



We were singing "Happy Birthday" to him. Look at his face! HE HE HE....Classic!

Toblerone looking at his cake, thinking, "OOOOOHHHHH! All that? For ME?!?!?!"

Let the shoveling commense!

Weenie helping Toblerone open his presents. As I've said before...anything that has any type of ball...Toblerone likes!

Toblerone after his swim in the pool. Man...my kids are WHITE! Need sunglasses, don't you?

Better Late Than Never (Triscuit's B-Day Pics)

Here are the pictures that I promised you guys TWO months ago! Sorry so late...been kinda busy!

Yes...that IS a black eye! Triscuit and Toblerone were wrestling and Toblerone hit Triscuit in the eye with his HEAD. Pretty bad when you can hear the heads knocking together then a blood curdling SCREAM.

Random, SILLY picture of Triscuit. He looks stoned...doesn't he? HA HA HA HA!!

Awwww! Triscuit is VERY close to my sister. He LOVES his "Nani"!

Triscuit's birthday cake. We couldn't find any place that did a "Ben 10" cake, so we improvised. I baked it and Weenie decorated. I thought he did a REALLY good job! The cake was good, too!

We have a LOT of pictures of him opening his presents...and ALL pictures have the SAME expression! SO, I will spare you the redundancy and only post one.

Triscuit's FAVORITE birthday present! The BEN 10 watch! This watch is HUGE! I wish I could have gotten a picture of it on his wrist. Makes him look puny!

I don't know why, but whenever I see this look on his face, it makes me laugh! MR. SUAVE, trying to be all cool!

Verbal Communication

Toblerone is FINALLY making a conscious effort with his verbal communication skills. He has various words for things and VERY funny ways of expressing himself if NOT by using "words". Toblerone understands almost EVERYTHING you tell him. He is VERY good about following instructions and is a VERY SMART little boy. I'm convinced that he doesn't speak because of one main reason: Triscuit does all the talking FOR him. Toblerone can't get a word in edgewise. Yeah...we will touch on that one at a later date. He seems to have "gotten it" over the past few weeks. Here are my favorites (if you'll notice, he says EVERYTHING twice):

Toblerone RUNS up to the TV yelling, "OTCH...OTCH!"

"Bawl...BAWL!" I'm fairly certain he will be our sports fanatic.

"ROAR, ROAR" (said with a GROWL) means he wants to watch "Godzilla" (see previous post)

When I ask him to say, "Pleeeeease"...he still beats his chest like Tarzan, but instead of STOPPING there, he will copy your tone of voice...."EEEEEEEEE." Sometimes, he gets lazy and doesn't open his mouth. The sound is "MMMMMMMMMM"

"Arf...ARF" = Usually means he sees a dog on TV or he's looking for OUR dog, Bear.

When it comes time to eat, I will ask, "Are you hungry?" The enthusiastic screech of, "YEAH, YEAH!" is what you hear through the blood pouring from your ears.

Again, when it comes to food, I will ask, "Do you want more?" The sign language for MORE is seen along with a loud, "MOOOORE" (sounds more like a cow moo'ing) and "EEEEEEEEE" (please).

When the phone rings, he will say, "Huwo...HUWO?"

When he wants something and WE don't understand what he wants, he will grab your hand and PULL you to what he wants (along with an enthusiastic point-n-squeal). If you THINK you know what he wants...check again. Show him the item. He will DEFINITELY let you know if that's what he wants or not. He will clue you in by a "Yeah, Yeah" or a "No, No".

Getting ready for bed at night is always fun. I say, "Toblerone, time to brush your teeth." Toblerone gives me this HUGE smile FULL of teeth and says, "EEEEEEEEEEE" (not to be confused with the "Please" EEEEEEEE).

His FAVORITE word (by far), is "NO". There ARE times where I HATE to hear the word "no", but in MOST cases (especially with Toblerone), it's FUNNY as all get out! Here are a few situations:

If Weenie decides to act all crazy and starts to sing or dance weird, Toblerone will frown and say "No". If Weenie continues (which he WILL), Toblerone will say, "No, no , NO!" STILL with that frown on his face.

When Toblerone is in the mood to watch Elmo, he will say, "Melmo...MELMO". Instead of risking a temper tantrum by choosing the wrong one, I will show him EACH one. He will study each one I show him. The first one usually is a resounding, "No". The next one is..."Mmmm....NO". The third one..."No, No!". The fourth, "Mmmm...No, No, No!" and so on. It's actually REALLY funny to hear. Each "No" is said with a different inflection along with a different face to go along with that specific inflection. I need to get it on video....SOMEHOW...I will find a way to post it!

It's so much fun to watch my children grow up. While Triscuit is at the "I know EVERYTHING" phase, Toblerone is just beginning to speak. It's really interesting to see just HOW different they are!

Toblerone was anticipating the flash...can't you tell???