Molly Grows Up (1953)

I apologize to anyone that this may have offended. Again, I enjoy these old videos. Plus you have to admit how great the acting was in this.

In fact this is so great that if my girls complain about how I end up handling "the situation", I will show them this and tell then it could have been worse.

Also may I say how thankful I am that we women no longer have to wear the weird belt things?

I also learned that when I see a woman that looks extra nice for no apparent reason it must be her time of the month.

Newt? Really?

I saw last night that Newt won in SC.  Can we say shocked?  What is with people?  This man is a blatant hypocrite, came out and said that he would fire people for being too liberal, and just plain looks sleazy. 

How can people not see this as a dangerous man?  Bad enough he was Speaker of the House but again, I thought everyone had realized this man should have no power again. 

Come on Republicans, WAKE UP!!!!!  If this man is up for "eliminating" those whose views he doesn't like, he will turn on you if you don't do as he wants.

I learned in the 8th grade that extreme left leads to socialism and extreme right leads to dictatorship.  Now I won't go into the socialism stuff as this is not the focus of the blog entry.  Just think of dictators in history.  Yep, I can't think of any good ones either.  This guy is dangerous and I fear that people are not getting it. 

I don't think he wants to be President.  He wants to be King.  That his word if law. 

Be aware people.  Just watch s debate and you will see him lying and the other candidates calling him on it.

Now I don't think Romney is a good choice either.  He is all about tax cuts.  Sadly working class people act like that is a tax cut for them. It's not, it is for his bracket.  The man already has only a 15% tax rate and lots of money stashed here and there.

I just hope there is a dark horse in the race and that he is better than the front runners.   

Fire Safety

This morning there was a fire in the area that claimed the lives of two small girls.  Some of the accounts are horrifying and I will not repeat them.  This post is to get you, the reader, thinking about how important it is to teach your kids and to make sure they understand.

I didn't tell my girls what happened because Katherine is very sensitive about this stuff.  Last year and this year at school during Fire Prevention week, she has had a paranoia about fire.  So tonight at dinner I just asked a few questions and ignored when they asked why.

I'm very glad that I did because I found out that though Ava knows if a door knob is hot to not open the door, she thinks she needs to pack her stuff before leaving.  So I made it very clear that if there is ever a fire we need to get out.  That we can always get more stuff but not new Kats or Avas.  It took a while to get them to understand that the stuff is not what is important.

Another good point to bring up is that even though it is scary, they CAN NOT HIDE.  It is said that this is why the mother couldnt get to the girls.  So with this I am going to find a way to get them to see a firefighter with full gear on.  That way if heaven forbid we are ever in this situation they know that it is someone trying to help and not a monster.

So we will be starting to work on escape plans and meeting places.  Always reinforcing what we have already talked about.

Please pray for the mother and everyone involved in this accident.  Also for the children that went to school with the girls.  I believe they were 4 and 7 and knowing my girls are about that age, it must be scary for them as well.

Mickey........

A couple years ago my girls loved watching Noggin and Playhouse Disney.  Then Comcast decided they were giving away too many channels and took Noggin away.  So they were all about Disney.  Katherine even had a special birthday lunch that was Mickey themed for her and a few friends. 

Now three years later we rarely turn to that channel.  The books that once were read and reread everyday are collecting dust.  The toys have been given away and not mentioned.  Even the collection of dvds are sitting on the shelf - not given a glance.

My girls switched to Nick.  Spongebob entered their world against Mommy's wishes.  Preteen shows became their favorites.  They are growing too fast.  Plus anyone that has seen Nick knows it isn't for young children anymore.  Sure they air Nick Jr shows for a few hours in the morning but if older kids are out of school for any reason it goes back to older shows.  I actually am wondering if they only have a couple shows anymore.  Seriously, I can guess what will be on.  None are what I think my girls should watch.

When I thought it couldn't get worse it did.  Thanks to my husband basically looking out for what HE wants, they have found cartoon network.  Every show I have seen is rude, violent, almost adult in content, etc.  Plus I have yet to find one show on there that even seems to be geared towards girls. 

Last night I told them there will be no more cartoon network.  Every time they see these shows they get in the mood to "play" fight.  It is not okay to me at all.  I have made it clear to Hubby that it is not to be on anymore. 

At this point I wish they'd want to watch Dora.  I can't believe I said that either. 

Summer Fun

I was looking through pictures on my computer this morning and came across this:

There is a little trail from this playground/ park down to the duck pond.  I was leery to go that way with the little ones because I didn't want them to trip or get poked by branches etc.   How ever my girls decided to get sticks, everyone had them, to take along with us.

Why?  In case there were bears.  My girls were ready to fight off the beasts with sticks.  Daddy got to carry a stick too. : ) 

Last Word In Automatic Dishwashing (1950)

Great, these have been out since 1950? I still don't have one. Though I would want a new one because the thought of having to basically wash dishes before putting them in a dish washer kills me. How did people fall for that one?

Now can I tell you how much I love this clip? Watching it it is clear that it is meant to help men sell them. I find it hilarious though. I wish i could use fancy words like that housewife had at the beginning of the video.

I really do hate doing dishes, especially pots and pans. Hubby is made to do them often. It all goes back to a moment he offered to have that as his job since he knew my aversion to it. Ask him now and he has that all to common among husbands selective remembrance.

Ahh oh well. Our kitchen is so tiny we have to push the table back and forth depending on if we are doing laundry or dishes. May we get a home one day that I can have one.

Hope you enjoy these clips as much as I do.

MLK Day

Our area doesn't do much for MLK day.  Actually the town I live in does nothing.  Now I have always said that when I was a parent and my children had a day off from school, I would make sure they knew why. 

Imagine my surprise when talking to my Kindergartner and she didn't know.  Now, last year I remember one paper coming home so I guess she naturally forgot.  However, I thought her class this year would teach more about it.  Appears I was wrong.

So I tried to explain without getting into just how back things were.  At the end I was so proud of her.  She was silent for a moment then said, "They were mean to them because they have brown skin?  That's silly". 

Yes, Katherine that is silly.  It is also silly that it still happens today and not just to African Americans.  It's almost like we have learned nothing. 

I love that my little girl can see how absurd it is to base your thoughts off of something as insignificant as appearance.  It makes me wonder, what happens to us?  My children are in class, all getting along, all friends.  Where does the prejudice, back talking, lack of concern, bullying, etc. come from?   Why can't we all just keep it on friendly terms?  Why can't we just get along?  Is it a childish concept or can we be big enough to admit we, as we grow, complicate things?  It shouldn't be that hard - in fact it shouldn't have to change.

So Dr King, I too have a dream......

Vintage 1930's Makeup & Skincare Guide

I saw this and just had to post. I love these retro tutorials. Guess I have to find out how to do my hair later. : )

Disappointment

 I finished a book last week, Smothered. I was excited to read my new selection, Mr & Mrs Cugat.  I believe that is the title. 

I got this book a year ago online and kept meaning to read it but never got around to it.  Not surprising as I am always bringing books home and get distracted by them.  I thought I would love this book. It was made into a radio show, My Favorite Husband which I listen to.  Lucille Ball starred as the wife on that show and it is said to be the inspiration for I Love Lucy. 

However I started reading it and just can not get into it.  I have tried and tired but it isn't working.  I was shocked with the illustration though.  During the telling of Mrs. Cugat having to get out of the tub to answer the call from her husband I beheld the cartoon of her holding a towel against herself.  Thing is her breasts are exposed.  Not in a detailed way, just two dots at the end of boobs but still shocking.  This book was published in 1935 or 1937.  I thought people were more prudish then. 

I am just very disappointed. I was all set to love this book as I had the various broadcasts.  Guess I will set it aside and maybe return to it another time.

Bigfoot

Yes, I believe that Bigfoot could exist.  I do watch the show on Animal Planet called Finding Bigfoot.  It is on Sunday nights. 

Now my husband laughs at me as many do to people who believe as I do.  I get it.  It has been made a joke so just "hear" me out. 

1- The study of Bigfoot falls under Cryptozoology.  The same people for many years where studying these reports of a giant squid.  Again, people thought it was just an old sea story.  A monster in the sea like was once depicted on maps.  Giant squid have now been confirmed as real.   So why not this?

2 - Bigfoot does look like a man crossed with an ape.  If you believe in Evolution, it looks like a part of the chain showing man evolving from monkeys.  This does make it easy for people to try and fake sightings.  I think so many false reports make it seem like a joke. 

3 - I love history and history shows many times the government has done experiments that they will not let the public know about.  It scares me to think of all the information that is being kept under lock and key.  So I  do not consider myself a conspiracy theorist.  We all know that things are kept from us and that they have used people as experiments, tried to control nature, and covered up happenings.  Why would they do it?  To use in war?  Especially wars that take place in forest areas.  That is one reason we took a beating in Korea.  So here they could have made this thing that would be manlike but acts as an ape too helping to remain unnoticed. 

4 - Why are there no bones or dead forms found?  Well, if the government has something to do with it, they would make sure the evidence isn't found.  Also, it may be the nature of the beast.  As we have not gotten one (that we know of), we can not rule it out. 

5 - It is definitely closely related to primates from the description of those that have encountered them.  Primates in nature are actually alot harder to find then people think.  Maybe that is due to people only having experienced them in a zoo or zoo like setting.  Now go to the rainforest and you may never find them.  They have been said to be able to remain unseen unless they want to be seen by biologists before. 

I do not understand why people just write Bigfoot off as a hoax.  Think of the strange animals that we know of that if I were to describe would sound insane yet we know are real.  Think of the fact that the ocean is so deep that we haven't been able to discover everything there.  Or that scientists even admit that there are many species of animals, plants, bugs, etc are left to be discovered in the rainforest.  So think about that when you are ready to just laugh at someone. There are valid points

The First Week of the New Year

It is now official, we have made it through the first week of the new year.  I thought it would be fitting to do an update on my resolutions now.  Maybe even every week, who knows? 

As with most people that set out with a big list of blanket resolutions, I have fallen short.  In fact I have considered just ignoring them.  Then I think of this blog and it works almost like a way to hold me accountable.  So though I may fall short, I will carry on.

- Healthy eating.  My first area was to do a complete overhaul.  Well that worked until the late evening last Monday.   I then went over.  : (   So I then tried to reduce the amount of Dr Pepper I drink.  (I realize it is getting too out of control).  That resulted in lots of migraines and I caved. 
   My solution is to eat small amounts during the day so that most of my calories came come at night.  Since I have realized that I seem to be a late night eater.  Also instead of taking the Dr Pepper away I am going to introduce more water.  Maybe switch between a bottle of water then I can have a Dr Pepper. 

- Scripture journal. I have started one.  I found myself trying to find something to write every night in it.  I stopped myself though.  I just wrote when there was a thought that stood out to me.  It is probably very juvenile but like in the video I posted, when you first start you are a beginner.  It will change in time the more we study and learn. 

- Scriptures.  I have been reading except for the couple nights that I just crashed.  Night before last was a perfect example.  Justin was laying there and I laid next to him, we normally do this before going to do our own things, so we can have time to talk.  That night however I fell right asleep.

- Blogging.  I somehow came up with blogging at night.  That doesn't seem to always be working.  So from now on I will blog whenever I have time or something comes into my mind.  That should be more helpful considering I would think of a topic and then at night I couldn't remember what it was.

- Language.  It's still not squeaky clean but much better.  Again I have noticed it comes out more in certain situations or around certain people.  Maybe that has to do with the image I have built?  I don't know.

- The Kids. I have been saying yes at least once a day to them.  Not sure how much effect it is having though.  Hopefully it is relieving their stress.

Katherine is still thrilled with her clean and organized room.  She likes to actually go and spend time there.  In fact she likes us to go play in her room now too.  I have told Ava that I will try to get her room done this week and she is excited about that too.

I think I got the resolutions I made covered.  Maybe I should have written them down somewhere else so I could check back.  : ) 

Hope you guys that read this are doing well.  Feel free to comment or link your blogs here. 

Blogging must be done early on Thursdays

I realized last night that to blog on Thursday I will need to do it earlier.

NBC correctly termed Thursdays must see tv night.  At least that was when they had good shows like Friends, Frasier, Seinfeld, etc on that night. I honestly can not think of a show I watch on that network anymore.  Anyway, I was surprised to find that Project Runway All Stars started last night!  I had no idea, so from 9 -10 I was watching that.  Luckily the girls are all tucked in by that time.  From 10 - 11 was Jersey Shore (don't judge me).  Though I was actually flipping back and forth from that to 24 hour runway.  It's a new show on lifetime.

Now, I was going to blog after those shows were over but then I saw that Conan had one of the characters from Big Bang Theory on.  (Another show I love).  It was almost midnight when he was done.  In fact I went to the computer but couldn't remember why.  : $ 

Well, now you guys will know what I am doing on Thursday nights.  Oh and don't worry about me ignoring Justin.  Thursday is a raid night on World of Warcraft for him and he gets longer to play this way.

Feeling Accomplished

Today around the time my youngest goes to Pre K (AKA noon), I started on my project of the day.  My Katherine does not enjoy clutter and her room, since it is pretty large, gets to be a dumping ground.  Add to that a little sister that brings toys in but rarely takes them back out and new Christmas toys piled on top of the existing toys and you have a mess. 

I was feeling bad and also knew things needed sorted out so I decided last night while falling asleep that today was going to be the day. 

It took 2 and a half hours to clean it.  Bins of summer / winter clothes needed stacked away again.  The toy bins needed weeded and organized.  The broken lamp needed removed. The toy box needed cleaned out, especially of the toys that she had when she was 2 (she will be six in March). 

I am proud of myself.  Normally I have a very hard time getting rid of anything (past blogs talked about this) but today I ended up with two bags of trash and three or four boxes of toys donated to the local Goodwill.  In fact, and this will be hard to believe if you know me, I have two boxes completely filled of books to get rid of.  Those didn't go to Goodwill.  They will go to the local branch of the library.  They don't really have room for them but they allow me to take them so other patrons may look through them and take what interests them.  With the two story times a week I am sure they will find homes in no time.

I also took the time to wash the sheets, pillows, pillow cases, blankets, comforter, and stuffys from her bed.  Of course I also flipped the mattress over. 

When she came home I told her there was a surprise in her room.  She ran upstairs and the next thing I know I hear giggling.  I went up and she was laying on the floor (which I vacuumed) laughing.  She saw me jumped up with a big smile and hugged me.  She LOVES how nice and neat everything is.  In fact hubby stopped at the library on his way home from picking them up from school and they got a new Wii game.  They were excited to play it at first, but after seeing her room she just wanted to play and spend time in there. 

I can not even begin to describe how great I feel.  To know that something that seems so small can mean so much to her.  She was as excited about this as getting The Ninetendo DS for Christmas from my Aunt and Mom.

So this evening she did go play the game with Ava and Dad and ate dinner.  After that though she spent the rest of the night playing in her room.  We started by playing marbles, then sat on the fresh smelling bed and "played" the I SPY book, then did a puzzle, followed by learning about the United States with the Tag, drove the McQueen race car, got out the easel and played hang man, drew some pictures, and finally ended the night playing squinkies. 

Justin started working on Ava's room this afternoon but I will need to finish it tomorrow.  He's not much on the cleaning and organizing as much as pushing everything out to the sides so the majority of the floor is exposed.  Ahhh men. 

Snow Day

So last night I fell asleep.  Does that really count as not blogging everyday since I can write two today?  It's that pesky gray area that drives me crazy. 

Maybe I was really tired because it finally snowed.  My girls were so excited and they even got the day off from school.

There wasn't too much snow fall so we played by making snowballs.  Using the snow that was on the car, hubby and I made piles of snowballs which we threw at one another and also the house.  See, Ava likes to throw snowballs at people but not have them thrown at her.  We kept trying to explain to her that if she throws one at a person they have every right to throw one back.  So eventually she decided it was more fun to throw them at the side of the house and see how high she could get them. 

Afterward we got a frozen pizza, some chips, and the cookies we baked and went to my mothers for lunch.  It's cheaper than eating out.  So we get there and make the pizza and hot chocolate.  We also brought the game she got the girls for Christmas, Doggy Doo.  Yep the game in which the dog poops.  My mother is easily humored and we knew after the hilarity we had with it that she would love it.   We were right. 

After a few rounds of that game we helped Grammie finally take down her Christmas tree.  Then we were ready to call it a day since the kids had school today. 

I even had hubby make dinner last night. Don't be too impressed it was a frozen family dinner and mac and cheese.  Both of which I told him he could make.   Also, the dishes and mess are still out there.  Blah. 

RIP Sir Mix Alot

Nope not the rapper, my electric hand mixer.   Tonight I was working on making more cookies since I have the stuff and hate keeping items that are open in my pantry.  During the mixing of the first batch of Chocolate Chip Cookies he started making a funny sound and then started to smell hot.  (Yes, you can smell hot). 

I got this mixer with gift cards from our wedding 6 years ago.   I know many people have told me that 5 years into marriage and the wedding gifts start failing.  I just didn't expect it. 

Now that we have kids plus other circumstances that make money tight, who knows when I will be able to get another mixer.  He was $25.00 and I do want to get another like him..... not sure what the new ones name will be.  So if anyone reading this works for Black and Decker feel free to send me another Pro Power mixer.  Mine was white and gray. 

I know there are some negative reviews for this model but I loved it.  You also need to read the reviews (I was on Walmart.com ) .  Most were complaining that it was too fast even at the lowest speed and therefore would get splattered my the things they were mixing.  Let me remind you of the name - Pro Power.  I'm thinking, well I know, the splatter factor wasn't that bad.  I enjoyed the extra power too.

Another person said theirs broke in 2 months or 2 years?  Not sure why.  Mine was a trooper.  Guessing there was some user error. 

My favorite 1 star review came from a woman.  She had a B&D mixer in the past and loved it.  However, he husband was using it one day and burned up the motor.  She went back to B&D since she had loved the previous product.  Only this time they had the switches reversed.  To her that was horrible and the reason to take it back ASAP.  Hahaha  seriously?  Guess we all know someone who is not going to be very good with adapting to situations. 

I finished the dough by mixing with my wooden spoon.  When it came time to enjoy the cookies, we took a moment to honor the one that gave himself to making them.  To remember Sir Mix Alot while enjoying the last recipe he mixed for us. 

Scripture Journals - How to get started

Starting FlyLady

Today starts a new year but also a new month.  I guess since it is the first month FlyLady starts at step one.  That's right Shining your sink.  Go to her site FlyLady.net, I believe, to see all her stuff.    Every month has something to work on the entire month.  Shining your sink is also Baby Step one.  So no matter when you start sink shining will be your first challenge?    I have copied straight from her site on how to do it.  I will be shining my sink tonight after the kids are in bed and I know there will be no more dishes. 
I posted about this before I believe.  Tons of people get a rush of some sort from shining their sink.  That never happened to me and I could not understand how they got so happy about it.  That is until I did a detailed clean of my stove/oven one day.  The thing shined like new and I was so happy every time I saw it.  So I understand.
Have fun and join me! 

Shiny Sink 101

Dear Friends,
I want you to smile from ear to ear when you gaze upon your shiny sink. I have heard every excuse in the world. Even old sinks can look new again with a little elbow grease. Here is how you do it:
Note: Be sure to rinse well between each step!

1. Take all the dishes out of the sink.
2. Run some very hot water into the sink and fill it to the rim. If you have a two-sided sink, only do one side at a time. Then, pour a cup of household bleach into the hot water. Let it sit for one hour. Now, pull the plug with a pair of tongs. If you don’t have tongs, then scoop some of the water out of the sink into the other sink and use your hand to pull the plug. Make sure you wear gloves so the bleach doesn’t irritate your skin, and don’t get the bleach water on your clothes.
3. Rinse your sink well.
4. Use some powdered cleanser (Comet, Ajax, or baking soda) and scrub your sink. Be sure to rinse ALL of the cleanser from the sink.
5. Take a sharp edge, such as a butter knife, and clean around the rim of the sink, just like you would clean dirt out from under your fingernails.
6. Clean around the faucets. You may need an old toothbrush or dental floss.
7. Now, get out your window cleaner; I use Windex. Give it a good shine.
8. If you still don’t like the way it looks, then you can try some car wax. Just know in your heart that you have cleaned it very well now, and it doesn’t have to be perfect. Our perfectionism is what got us in this situation in the first place!
9. Every time you run water in your sink, take your clean dishtowel and dry it out (I lay out a clean one every night as part of my before-bed routine). Before you know it, you will be doing this everytime you leave your kitchen! The rest of the family will, too. No more water spots. You will have a clean and shiny sink.
10. Don’t have a fit if someone doesn’t take as much pride in your sink as you do. It is very easy to fix. You have already done the hard part; you will never have to go through this process again. Daily maintenance will keep it looking this way all the time. Nasty, hurtful words are not as easy to repair. Just be sure and tell your family what you are trying to do. They will think you have gone crazy.
11. If you don’t have a dishwasher, don’t worry. A dishwasher is just a dirty dish disposal. Clean out a place under your sink and put a dishpan in there. Teach your family that instead of putting their dirty dishes and glasses in the sink, place them into the dish pan. Get into the habit of putting your dishes away as soon as they have been washed and are dry. No more leaving the dish-drying rack on the counter or in the sink. Put it away under the sink when you have finished. If your old one is nasty, you may want to soak it in the sink full of bleach water at the same time you soak the sink, or go buy a new set.
12. To insure that your family remembers this, put a note in the sink. It will get their attention and remind them where to put the dishes. Be patient! They have never been taught, either. It is going to take some practice.

Now if you have a stainless steel sink, I recommend all of the above directions with one extra instruction added: after you soak your sink, rinse well, and use SOS pads to scrub it. This will buff the finish. It will look like new.
If you still can’t get it to shine after the Windex, put a light coat of lemon oil or olive oil on it. I mean just a tiny bit on a cloth and rub it. This will make you smile. Some people have had very good results from Bar Keepers Friend.
Go Shine Your Sink!
FlyLady
Last note: Be sure you don’t mix cleansers like Comet with Windex (or other ammonia based cleaners); you can create dangerous gases! It is worth repeating: rinse well between each step!

Hello 2012

Last year I didn't make resolutions.  However, throughout the year I kept finding myself making these promises of things I wanted to change or do.  That's a resolution right?  This year I decided why not?  I'll keep them about as well as anything else I would vow to do during the year.

Here are the things on my list (that I can think of right now anyway):

- Lose weight.  I know how very original but a few years ago I was doing well.  I'm not sure where I derailed or why I couldn't jump back into it.  I am now 60lbs heavier than when I moved here 4 years ago.  I need to do it not just to look better by public standards but to set a good example for my girls.  Also to help lower my LDLs and improve my heart, energy, and stamina.

- Read a book a week.  I achieved this in 2010 but last year only read a dozen.  I'm thinking the online gaming and Facebooking helped me stray. 

- Read AT LEAST one chapter of scripture a day.  I am going to start with The Book of Mormon as I have been a member for almost 16 years, and have yet to read it from cover to cover in order.  I know I have read it all but thats from institute and sunday school.  Just want to do it in order to get the fullness.  Does that make any sense?

- I am also going to actively rejoin Flyladys program.  Again a few years ago I was doing great.  I know I will be put outside of my comfort zone and have to get rid of much stuff (you can't clean clutter).  This is another area I have issues.  I am almost afraid to get rid of things.  Money is a bad subject for us and I want to keep everything so I don't feel the girls are going without.  This has lead to lots of junk (lets be honest thats what most of it is) going to waste and causing stress since there is no place to put it all.

- I also have a goal to blog everyday.  Even if the entry is only a few words.  Really, why have a blog if I never really use it?

- I also need to clean up the language.  I guess I am so used to hearing "spicy language" used that I don't really notice when I use it.  Plus this is one of the things I can control.

- I also plan on starting a scripture journal.  I love the idea of it but honestly am not sure what to do with it.  So if you have any tips, ideas, etc let me know.

-  Finally, I want to be a better mommy.  Too often I used the phrase "I busy right now"  and though that may be true a times most of the time I just dont want to.  Then I realized how that must feel to the girls.  So once a day I will say yes to them.  "Do you want to play with me?"  "yes"  I can always get back to whatever I am doing later. 



I truly hope that I do well with these.  They are all pretty important and can only help me.  May all of you also achieve in this new year.