Pixar Cars Sequel....Disapointment

At last, the long awaited sequel to Cars had arrived. We had been talking about this day for at least a year when we saw the very first preview.

So there I was with my husband and the boys waiting in line for tickets. It was insisted that we must see the 3D version despite my apprehension of 3D movies.

See, I come from a time when I remember Jaws 3D being the "big thing." It was when 3D glasses were still made out of cardboard and weighed a mere ounce. Not these gigantic "Revenge of the Nerds" one size fits all frames they hand out to everyone, then expect back at the end of the flick (as if I have any other use for them).

I remember that darn shark exploding at the end of the movie. Every piece flew out of the screen waiting for the audience to give it a catch. It's likely the children of today would break into hysterics with what we thought at the time were "excellent" special effects.

Let me first say, I loved the first Cars movie. I loved the characters, the story, the jokes. The sequel...not so much. The story itself was a bit complex for kids (just my opinion, but a valid one). The jokes at many times were aimed at the adults; not the kids. The movie itself was a bit too long (1 hour 47 minutes). To the crying boy sitting at the opposite end of our row: "I was also crying on the inside."

Disney is generally not one to disappoint, but I have to say, that is exactly what happened this time. But wait, I'm not about to give up. Heck, it's only July 4th. Did somebody mention Smurfs the movie? Count me in!

How Far Would You Go To Save Your Kids?

The current Cassie Anthony case has public opinion stirring. "Where did those parents go wrong?" "Is it really the parents fault?" "Just how far would we go for our kids?"

All these questions are legitimate. But what was shocking was an episode of the View I caught a week ago. I know I wasn't the only one who was stunned by a certain comment Joy Behar made since it was all over the Internet the following day.

I nearly froze when she stated that if she had to she would lie on the stand for her child to save her.

"Really Joy?" Just exactly what are we saving her from when such actions on your part come down to nothing short of pathetic.

I feel lucky not to be in those parents shoes. And I can't imagine the pain they are going through daily. However, if it came down to me lying on the stand in order to "save" my child; I would decline.

I don't think the definition of "saving" includes promoting dishonesty. Especially when you have spent the majority of their lives teaching the opposite.

We all make mistakes. And indeed, if my child had done something terribly wrong or brought harm to someone else; I would be there as his mother, not his advocate.

There are consequences to our decisions...sometimes good, sometimes bad. But in any event, if it were our decisions, then it must be our consequences.

Filling In The Gaps (A Tribute to Daddies)

We just returned from dinner to celebrate Father's Day. It was a chance to get out with my husband and the kids, and thank him for everything he does.

We don't often speak about the "everything" that Dad's do, because let's face it, that's our role. We cook, we clean, we mend boo boo's etc. etc. Dad's get to stroll in after work, eat dinner, watch a little TV, then head to bed for some restful sleep. At many times, it seems unfair.

But as I sit and ponder about the whole picture, I realize we work well as a team. Many days, Dad's just get to fill in the gaps. But it is those gaps that could easily turn into holes if they weren't around.

I watched over the weekend as my husband ran a bath for my boys, gave chase through a crowded Chuckee Cheese, made 5 gallons of lemonade for their Alex's Lemonade benefit, combed hair and washed faces.

It's often so hard to recognize these helpful moments when you're constantly running in circles yourself. Help comes in many forms. As mother's, if we don't see a vacuum or a bottle of Pledge in their hand; if they don't smell like bleach or begin to babble after speaking "child" all day...they have failed to accomplish anything.

I'm am thankful everyday for the little things in my life. Even if I do have to wait for the weekends. I am thankful for the "gaps."

If It's Not Glued Down...It Will Be Taken!

I once wrote for my blog every two days or so. Funny how one lifestyle change can bring about so much additional change.

Case in point: I returned to my blog last week only to find my background had disappeared. Further research led me to discover the company that supplied my design had apparently gone out of business. And so, they took my design with them.

I may have received some notice, although I must have misplaced that memo.

When I quit my job, the only thing I was allowed to take with me was the shoes I walked in on. And of course, my infamous Pez collection. No one seemed to be fazed by that one since every time a good wind would blow through the office, my precious Pez's would turn into a game of domino's. Ahh, memories!!

Most companies even frown on a pencil leaving the property. But when surveyed, most workers will admit to taking more than that.

Thinking back at some of the jobs I've held over the years, the only thing I was ever interested in leaving with was my mind. Turns out, a few years later, the kids claimed that as their own as well.

I'm Back!!!

Well, it's been a while folks. As I take a look at my blog it's hard to believe that I haven't written a word since Groundhog Day. And if you read that post, you can see why I'm still holding a grudge against that darn animal.

If you're wondering just what I've been up to, well, it's like this: "Starting a business takes crazy time". And like most Mom's, I have a hard time realizing just how much I can take on.

Although I somehow manage to put a dent in house work by the end of the week, it is those days when the refrigerator starts ringing that I get worried. Yes, that's right, I put the phone in the refrigerator. Luckily, shelf room is limited, and the children were playing safely outside. (There's a silver lining to every story.)

My goal is to get back to where I was and attempt to leave some daily updates. I mean who doesn't want to hear antics such as: "Me Against the Birds," "Getting In Shape Before You Go To The Gym," and "Did Anyone See My Coffee Cup?"

I've come to the conclusion that age plays a great role in confusion. So I've decided to kick that bucket list into high gear. At least until I stop substituting salt for sugar in my morning coffee.

No Mercy For the Groundhog

And just when I'm getting used to seeing my lawn for the first time since last month; God goes and pulls a quick one on me. As I walked by the television tonight I read the words: Winter Storm Warning.

"What the hell?" I thought. Sure, I live in Pennsylvania. Sure it's still officially Winter. But did anyone catch that 70 degree day we had last week?

It only takes one hot day to get me in Spring mood. I already visualized the opening of the pool, umbrella drinks and Reggae playing in the background. And now I must return to snow boots, shovels and frostbite.

Despite growing up in PA, I find nothing remotely respectable about winter. While I chisel ice from my windshield with a credit card, I anxiously await sunshine.

And while most of my neighbors will be dressed in long johns plus 2 additional layers tomorrow, I am ready to set up a lounge chair.

I may not be looking forward to waking up in the morning to 3 plus inches of snow, but I'll plow through. The only one enjoying any warmth tomorrow will be that damn ground hog. Who by the way, should be prosecuted to the full extent of the law for this stunt.

Has Anyone Seen My Ginko Biloba?

There are a lot of things I miss that I no longer have since I decided to have kids. But I think the thing I miss the most is my mind.

I shouldn't complain... I was warned. Well, sort of. I mean we've all heard of how women become forgetful when they're pregnant. I've heard that our brains actually shrink (This statement has not been approved by the FDA).

In any event, it so happens that what is lost is lost forever. Although I've tried to recapture that once youthful mind, it has refused to cooperate.

And so I'm left doing things like attempting to make coffee the other morning without water. (Even Juan Valdez himself would get a chuckle out of that one). And then there was the time I wasted wondering why my check for the American Express bill never cleared. Had it not been for that new purse I bought this week, I may never had realized that the stamped envelope was still waiting to be mailed by yours truly, and was filed nicely inside my wallet (Hello Late Fee).

So when Christina Aguilera flubbed the Star Spangled Banner at the Super Bowl this past week, I have to admit, I laughed a little. No wait, I laughed a lot.

I didn't bother ridiculing her like the rest of the world. Although a teleprompter may have been the way to go. While most of us can still remember Christina from her Mousekeeter Days, we have to admit that she is all grown up. And, she is a Mom. And we can only blame her forgetfulness on one thing: Brain Shrinkage!

And she wasn't the only one. In a bizarre attempt to copyright her own name, Mrs. Sarah Palin forgot to sign her own name to the bottom of the paperwork. Despite the irony, and the hundred or so Palin jokes that come to mind, it still comes back to the same reason: She's a Mom/Brain Shrinkage.

I've heard much about the supplement Ginko Biloba. Some research finds that it helps with forgetfulness. My recent issues with cerebral insufficiency have led me stumbling through medical journals and Googling words like: Brain Shrinkage, Blockhead and Charlie Brown. Despite whatever side effects may come along with this magical potion; I've realized I'm at the point of no return. Tomorrow becomes insufficient vocabulary if I can't remember today.

My only fear now? "Where did I put that bottle of Ginko Biloba?"

When Daddies Are Left In Charge

Last week was pretty crumby at the Brennan Ranch. Aside from the 2 snow storms, early dismissals, and snow days...I had a cold.

There are few things in this world that bother me as much as when I get sick. Asking for help is generally my last resort; but by Wednesday, I knew I needed it...Bad!

It's funny how easy our efforts are taken for granted on a regular basis. I sometimes wonder if most Mom's realize what they accomplish during the day. I sure didn't.

I was awoken from my drunken NyQuil stupor at 5:30am by Hubby to inform me that the kids were off from school due to the storm. At 6:30 I was awoken again to inform me that he had made a mistake...the kids really had school. He also needed to know what time to bring the kids to school.

I could see the panic in his eyes. I have seen my husband multi task at his job. He is genius. But take away his computer, and he turns to goo.

By 7:30 am, I decided to check on the family. I found the breakfast table covered in Pop-Tart remnants (The breakfast of Champions). The boys were in pretty good shape. Hubby was too. It's funny how I can spend my whole morning running around, but when I check on my Husband, he is watching the morning news.

It wasn't until 10 minutes before the kids were about to leave for school, that I realized there was no lunch packed. And it's not like my kids would tell Hubby.

They were finally off. I could get the rest I needed. Right? Not really.

As I sat on the couch, the snow continued to fall harder. Finally we received an email that informed us the children would be coming home early.

"What? They just got there." I thought. What is going on? Well, you know what that means. Mommy had to get into the shower so that she could accompany Daddy back to school. Since the school has different dismissal policies for different situations, I knew my husband was 2 minutes shy of having his head explode. And so I returned the favor and helped out.

I did get to crash on the couch later that day. I woke up wondering how long I was down. The mailbox had literally disappeared under a pile of snow. School was cancelled again on Thursday. No rest for the weary.

It's now Sunday night, and they're calling for 2 more storms this week. And while I may not be running at 100%, I am back on my feet. Hubby is headed back to work, and the kids will be back at school.

We're praying that the storms go in a different direction. But just in case were home bound again, we have a fresh supply of Pop-Tarts waiting in the pantry.

When a Christmas Gift Bites Back

Christmas shopping for me begins in late August. Yes, it's true. I'm a bit insane. However, nothing pleases me more than to know when the Christmas season finally arrives, I am more than half way done my shopping. Not to mention, the gifts are even wrapped.

For the most part, the kids are still easy to shop for. They tell you everything they want. It's just up to us to cut the list in half (once or twice), then hope Santa figures out the rest.

But when it comes to Husbands...I'm totally stumped. We are at a point in our lives where we have everything we need. Accumulating more just means throwing out what we already have. Occasionally I'm thrown a bone though.

My husband loves to watch the Food Channel. I find it entertaining myself (sometimes). I'm always amazed that even in the tiniest of kitchens; they seem to have everything they need to make a meal for a party of twelve. I have a hard time cooking for four.

Despite this, Hubby insist on having gadgets. So when he mentioned he wanted a mandolin- I was only a little surprised. First because I thought he was referring to the musical instrument. (This coming from a man that is perplexed by a kazoo). I finally realized he was referring to a vegetable slicer.

I hesitated slightly at his request based simply on luck. Yes, I said luck. Let's just say, Hubby didn't exactly pass "Safety Class" with flying colors. Here are a few examples: During driving school he plowed right into the back of another car (with the instructor in the passenger seat); while installing a patio in our back yard, he put the utility knife right through his knee (Stitches!), While taking down Christmas decorations he fell off a ladder (Broken Arm), While searching under a perfectly still sink, he came up and hit his head (Huge Knot).

So like the loving woman I am...I bought him a sharp object. And like the brave man he is; he decided to use it for the first time while I was out of the house. And if you're hoping for a happy ending; well you should have read a fairytale instead.

The call kind of went like this: "Do you remember that Christmas gift you bought me Babe?"

And I already knew. Luckily, all of his digits were still attached. However, based on the amount of band aids and paper towels missing; the loss of blood was significant.

Well, tomorrow is trash day. Needless to say, there will be a mandolin curbside.

I can hardly wait to find out what he wants next Christmas. I'm thinking a padded room will suffice.

Another Snow Storm

Sledding and Snow Angels today in PA. Happy Children.....No School!

Prayers for Tuscon

Only thoughts and prayers today for those in Tuscon AZ. Life is precious. It should not be so easily taken.

Join in the moment of silence today at 11am Eastern Time.

"There are only two forces in the world, the sword and the spirit. In the long run the sword will always be conquered by the spirit." -Napolean Bonaparte

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The 12 Days of Christmas Vacation

It's hard to believe that the Christmas season is finally done. Two months of preparation for one day, and it's over in the blink of an eye.

I sit here savoring the final minutes of peace before I have to wake the kids up for their first day back to school.

"What is school?" I'm sure they will ask. Their last week has been filled with a shocking amount of toy play, junk food, television and day trips. What kid would want to return to school?

I'm finding myself asking: "What is routine?" I lost all sense of routine these past 10 days. I was even able to get a cold and relax. Imagine That. Although I felt like poo at times, it was real nice watching my husband do wash.

Sad how we have to depend on vacation to get caught up on life... but that's exactly what we did. And I enjoyed every minute of it.

How was your vacations?