Because my brother is just way cooler than I will ever be...

On occasion he gives me music 'tips' of groups I should take a listen too. All I can say is that Apocalyptica blew my mind and once again proved why he is the coolest.








and this one (One of my favorite Metallica songs)!

Prince Caspian The next movie from C.S. Lewis's The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe series

If you were watching the Super Bowl on Sunday, one of the movie previews may have excited you as much as it did me!

The trailer for Prince Caspian Disney's sequel movie to The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe,based on the Chronicles of Narnia book series by C.S. Lewis (one of my childhood favorites) was debuted. The movie is set to be released on May 16, 2008!!

In case you missed it, here is the preview:

Get Bent! Oh, and Happy Monday

This blog is so much fun that you won't stop at just one.

You will be addicted.

It's a Perfectly Hillarious Perfect Post

Jenny.Kicks.Bloggy.Humor.Arse.


I have yet to read a post at The Bloggess without laughing so hard that coffee has nearly come out my nose. She has an amazing humor that makes the bloggy world worth signing on for.

When Jenny wrote this post, I thought she was the most brilliant person I'd ever read. And most of her ideas (read: vibrating seat, little pushy robot, and heated cookie pocket) were exactly what I hoped for in her revised edition. Substitute the beer can hat for coffee dispensers and I'd buy one from her this very second.


She totally deserves this (even if it won't get me a free scooter):




Go. Laugh. Be Merry.

After you congratulate Jenny (congratulations Jenny! Thanks for being so awesome!) on her job well done, visit Petroville and Suburban Turmoil and:

1) Tell them thank you for all their hard work on the Perfect Post Awards (seriously, if it wasn't for the reminder e-mails...I'd always forget)

2) Sign up to give your own award in January (The more the merrier and what a great way to spread some New Year cheer!)

3) Read all the other amazing post winners this month (or visit the Perfect Post library and visit the past months winners)

If you need a giggle Read here....

I had a post all planned out today. Actually, I had two of them. The first being a wonderfully eloquent rant about stupid parents who don't act like parents, and the second post being a heart-felt, emotional look at my failings and progress as a parent.

But then, I headed over to check in at Vodkarella and she had a link to this post.

I have never.laughed.so.freaking.hard.ever.

Seriously, Coffee did go flying from my lips.
The artwork alone made it worth the read.


Once I had that all cleaned up I decided to check in on Mocha Momma, another one of my long time favs. And, there I am giggling (I don't spray coffee at her site as I am worried that she might consider it coffee abuse and ban me from her blog)

Basil Grapefruit Sweet Spot Wash and Weed scented Bath fizzies, among some other things were in her post today.

Oh, it's sooo worth a look.

Now, go and check them out and spread some love :-)

(or at the very least...thank them for saving you from my planned rants and ravings!)

Limes, Violets, Knitting and Boobs This podcst has it all!

I am running around like an insane person today. Packing clothes, toys, essentials for 3 kids. Picking up 2 of 3 from school. Then driving for 2 hours down to their grandma's to drop them off for a 4 day weekend.

The ride home will be filled with hilarious yarn-ity goodness.

Check out Lime and Violet.

Go to their blog and click the POD link at the bottom of each post to listen.


Where else can you get knitting tips while learning 99 names for boobs??

(Almost) Everything you need to know about Lead Paint, Toy Recalls and Buying USA

Yesterday Brian left me a question I hadn't considered in the midst of all these toy recalls:

"What I'd really like to know as a parent is what is the danger really? How worried should I be? That's something that no company or regulatory body will tell you because they don't want to say "well it's not really a high risk" then get sued. I mean, will this lead come off in your hands, do you have to eat the toys, or what?"

And so I started wondering. If my Bean, who is 2 and therefore almost everything finds it's way into her mouth, were to chew on one of these toys for a few minutes...how much of a threat would it really pose? What are the risks, signs, and symptoms of lead poisoning?

So I went on a little web hunt today for answers, and shockingly, they aren't as easy to find as I had expected but they also weren't impossible. Here is some of the information and links I think will help you feel more informed:

First, this is the Center For Disease Controls information regarding lead poisoning in children.

The Mayo Clinic's article regarding Lead Paint Toy Recalls answers some basic questions. Here's an excerpt of the article:

Why is lead-based paint such a concern?

Lead is a natural element that's present throughout the environment. It's possible to breathe or swallow lead particles from chips of lead-based paint or contaminated food, water, dust, soil or other products. Although brief or limited exposure to lead-based paint or other sources of lead isn't likely to cause lead poisoning, exposure to even low levels of lead can be harmful over time — especially in children.

In extreme cases, lead poisoning may eventually cause speech, language and behavior problems, poor coordination and slowed growth. The most severe cases of lead poisoning may cause seizures, as well as permanent brain and kidney damage. Rarely, lead poisoning can be fatal.

Should I be concerned if my child played with a toy that's been recalled due to lead-based paint?

It's important to take toy recalls seriously. If your child has any toys that have been recalled, don't allow your child to continue playing with them — even if the toys look safe. Remember to keep the situation in perspective, however. Exposure to a recalled toy isn't likely to cause long-term problems, even if your child swallowed a paint chip from the toy. What's important is removing the toy — and any other sources of lead — from your home as soon as possible.

Dr. Sears (one of my favorite for parenting/medical advice) has a page dedicated to the effects and symptoms of lead poisoning and also mentions the misconception of lead in lead pencils:

HOW LEAD GETS IN

Children do not get lead poisoning from chewing on pencils. Pencil paint is non-leaded, and the "lead" is harmless graphite. The lead that poisons children comes from old paint, gasoline emissions, contaminated soil, contaminated water, and lead pottery.

CNN.com also has an article from the Mayo clinic that addresses lead poisoning on a more in depth level.

This CNNMoney.com Article was had some interesting information:

More recalls seen ahead

Americans should expect more Chinese-made toys to be recalled in the coming months, said the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

"If I were a betting person I'd bet on more lead paint recalls," CPSC Director of Information Julie Vallese told CNN. "It's clear that lead paint on toys is not isolated just to Mattel."

and included a look at Wal-mart's response:

A retailer's reaction

Wal-Mart (Charts, Fortune 500) said that it immediately removed the relevant toys from shelves, and placed a sales block on all registers.

It said it was carrying accessories from Mattel's Barbie range and two of the three Fisher Price items - Geotracks Freightway Transport and 6-in-1 Bongo Band.

The chain has asked toy suppliers to re-submit testing documents for both existing toys and those on their way to the store, so that it will have the most up-to-date information about the toys on its shelves.

Wal-Mart has also hired independent laboratories to carry out 200 tests a day, focusing first on toys made for children up to the age of three, it said. Top of page

This contains a lot of Mattell CEO quotes about the situation.

Parenting Magazine has online advice on How to take toys away with less tears.

The U.S. Product Safety Commission(CPSC) website has information on all recalled toys and includes pictures of all toys. The site also allows you to search by Month, making it easy to search if you are worried you missed a recall and want to see all products recalled in August.


Here is a search engine dedicated to helping you find Made in the USA products (Please keep in mind that even 'Made in USA' products can contain smaller parts, etc from other countries)

I did want to point out that Mattel is not the only company having lead paint recalls, it is simply the one the media is choosing to focus on. While searching the CPSC's site I found these popular character metal tops, these children's watering cans (sold at Jo Ann Fabrics) and these adorable toy alphabet trains.

I also ran across the article, "Top 20 things that are more dangerous to children than lead paint in Mattel toys". I find it a bit fanatical on some fronts, but I fully admit that could be my own dulled senses and consumer stupidity. I do find a few of these to be terrifying.

I hope this will help you feel more informed, more in control and provide a place to find some information.

If you have any links you think should be added please leave them for me in the comments!

It's all about the cheese

I want you to meet somebody. It's a newbie. And I can't tell you who it is yet.

Stop by, take a look, leave a comment and keep your eye out for more.

This cheese will be worth the wait :-D

My Family's 'So you think you can Dance' audition tapes..

It's Friday and I don't know about you, but I need a good laugh after this week!

So in honor of the season finale of 'So You Think You Can Dance' last night, I thought you might enjoy seeing my family's audition tapes for the show. Obviously I don't have Sabra's extension or Lacy's arse shaking technique and thus we didn't make the cut. But there's always next year and the dream for a ticket on that Hot Tamale Train!

Alex and Liberty:



Bean:



Alex and Prince Charming:



Prince Charming and I:



Hope they made you giggle :-) Take a second and make your own dance!

Dear Teachers, Thank you...

Yesterday I told you all about my final career decision. I feel really good about the decision and very excited (alright, I admit it. A little terrified, too.)

Yesterday's video had me thinking about the teachers in my past who have made a difference in my life. I've never really thanked them and many of them are the only reason I survived my turbulent high school years.

So today's post is a thank you to the teachers who gave their all and helped me reach my potential:


My Mom - You were brave enough to take on home schooling me. I was a child who would have driven most mothers to insanity after schools let alone if they had to be with me 24/7. I may harass and tease you about my schooling, but the truth is that I could not have reached my potential in high school had it not been for the foundation you had laid. Thank you for doing what you believed was best for me and the family. Thank you for pioneering and not giving up when you were criticized. Thank you for pushing me to be the best and succeed. And thank you for stressing how important reading was. That is one thing that I owe solely to you. It has been one of the best and most useful assets in my life.

Mr. Houchin (Sr.): You were my Freshman English Teacher and it was your last year teaching. You didn't have to care. You could have laid back and taken it easy, but you didn't. You pushed us. You lit a fire under our arses. You made us spell Sugar and Sincerely so often and repetitively that I could spell them in my sleep. You were the one who began to open a new world of English for me and a new appreciation for literature. Thank you truly and Sincerely :-)

Ms. Clark - As my sophomore English and public speaking teacher, plus my Speech team coach you quickly became more than just another teacher to me. You were a friend, confidant, and example. You are one of the reasons I am inspired to become an English teacher. You were always there to listen and help me through any situation regardless of the decision. You had a passion for reading and literature that you shared with your students. You were kind and helpful but you expected our very best and nothing less was acceptable. Thank you for going beyond the classroom and helping your students on a personal level. You were definitely one of the reason I survived my high school career and didn't fail.

Mr. Olsen - It is hard to type this without getting all teary eyed. As my music teacher, track coach, and musical play director you were an amazing teacher. You made a special effort to know your students as people. As the years went on though you became more of a father figure to me. You genuinely cared about the issues I had in my life during my high school years. You saw my pain and tried to help me work through it. I had felt so lost and alone during points in those years and you helped me see there were people who truly cared about my well being. Thank you from the deepest part of my heart and I miss you, your class and the plays.

Mr. Houchin (Junior) - You are another one who brings tears to my eyes and whom I miss. You started as my Spanish 1 and 2 teacher and then became my guidance counselor. Even before that switch in your career you cared and would ask if there was anything you could do to help us through tough times. You expected a lot from us but you helped us achieve those goals. The year you became our counselor was one of the best things to happen for students. You were willing to do whatever was needed to help us find our way, resolve our conflicts. You cared, not because it was your paycheck, but because it was in your heart. Had it not been for your countless sessions with me, your advice and your concern I honestly don't know if I would have made it through my teen years. You never judged us, you never made us feel like anything less than the most important thing in your day. I hope you know how many lives you touched with a positive impact.

What teacher had the most impact in your life and why?

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

P.S.
Yesterday's video was Taylor Mali, a teacher and slam poet. I personally have found his work to be amazing and inspiring. Check out some of his other Videos:

The Impotence of Proofreading

Like, You know?

Mama Merit Badges These are so cool!

As a mother we know the different trials and tribulations we've endured. The months of sleep interrupted nights, breastfeeding a teething baby, technicolor poop and projectile vomiting.

It's always been a mostly thankless job. We do it because we love our children. We would survive and endure anything for them (even if we have been tempted to give two weeks notice). We do it without the comfort of sick days, paychecks or 30 min. lunch breaks. Our bosses are either cute little toothless wonders, temperamental toddlers, or mysterious tweens.

We deserve more than a spit stained shirt as our silent, almost invisible, badge of honor. And finally...we have one!

These adorable (and brilliant) mama merit badges tell the world the things we've endured, learned and survived. At only $5 a badge ($45 for the set of 8) these are a must have to create a 'Mom's Jean Jacket of Merit' or a 'Merit Ball-cap'. You can also go to this page on their site and submit a personal story detailing how you earned your specific badge. If they publish it on their site you will receive a free badge.

A few of my soon to be owned merit badges from the set:

Breastfeeding

This badge is to commemorate the nursing relationship, whether for a week or for years. Have you tandem nursed, nursed while pregnant or nursed twins? Breastfeeding is hard work and not as natural as it seems. If you produce milk for another human, you get this badge (and so much more). If you NIP you get a special nod of admiration.

Shopping

This is for the first time you take your newborn to the grocery store and strangers come up and touch his face during flu season and you maintain control. Also, for when you stroll through Target nursing a fussy baby while pushing a cart full of those great end-cap deals while trying to mentally organize each upcoming birthday party you will attend or throw for the upcoming year. Have you ever taken a couple of toddlers to pick up plywood, balloons or a load of mulch? How about doing your monthly grocery shopping at super Wal-Mart with 3 in tow? If you have spent money with babies hanging off you, climbing in and out of the cart or running away from you because they had to have "real high heels NOW," then you may don this badge with pride.

Tantrum

This badge is earned early on in most parenting careers. For keeping your cool when your 3 year sobs inconsolably for a half an hour because he wants to catch a lizard and tape it to the wall so it won't get away or your 5 year old throws stuff at you and slams doors while yelling "whatever! I hate you!" We all need this badge of honor for not shaking, striking or screaming at our children. Sometimes we need it many times in one day!

Some badges I'd like to see added:

• Surviving the Tweens
• Teething
• I managed to stay awake for sex
• I made something that wasn't frozen or from a can

What's your badge??

My newest favorite Finds....

I have added some new links in my blogroll but I wanted to make sure to mention them 'cause I think they are really kick Arse cool!

The first is my friend Gypsy Queen. She has an amazing writing talent and a witty, funny and honest outlook on life. When you start to read her blog you want to know her, not just read her. She makes you feel like you've found a new best friend.


My next new find, I have to credit to Gypsy. Word Imperfect is a fun, sometimes giggle out loud read that is very addicting. The Word Imp puts up a daily word and her visitors create different meanings. The results are very interesting and funny!

Last, but certainly not least, is my moms new find, Scrumdilly-do! The name alone makes you want to read! The crafts, links and ideas on this site are amazing! I just wish I had found earlier in our summer!


Let me know what you think!

Have you missed me and other thoughts...

Have you missed me? I've missed me. I haven't been feeling myself lately. On top of that fact, both my laptop and my internet have taken turns randomly not working. So I have not had my favorite little corner of the world to retreat within.

So what has been new in your part of the world? I am so behind in visiting my friends. I miss you all terribly in case you wondered. I am going to try and visit with everyone this week.

One thing I was so excited to tell you last week, was that Chantal awarded ME with a rockin' blogger award! Contrary to what you may have heard, I did not jump around like a giddy school girl and call my mom all excited.

Not me.

Nuh uh.

Aright, so I did. But just a little ;-)

So someone thinks I am a Rockin' Blogger! Yeah, that's pretty kickin' arse cool!





So now I will pass this yummy blogger karma out to my five Rockin' Blogger chics! So head over there and give them a visit and congrats!

Bee @ Bee's Musings - Bee's posts will make you laugh hysterically. Her view of the everyday world, workplace and life in general simply make the world more fun to exist in.

Sassy @ Oh My Gawd Really? - Sassy will make you do more than laugh. She will make you pee your pants while you laugh (You were warned!). I would give anything to be able to write like her or be like her, live by her or take over her life in general !

Tracy @ Rambling Thoughts of the Never Ending Mind - Tracy is my long lost twin sister. We are so alike that sometimes when I read her blog I forget it's not mine. I can only hope that someday I am lucky enough to meet her in person and maybe even win the lottery so we can become next door neighbors. I can just hear it now, 'There goes the neighborhood!'

Lisa @ Midwestern Mommy - Lisa is just all sorts of sweetness and fun rolled up into one yummy blog. Her posts are funny, witty, emotional and reading her blog makes you feel just like you're sitting on your best friends couch sharing a cup of coffee.

Amber @ Crazy Bloggin' Canuck - Amber is one of my newer reads. She is a total sweetie and has amazing energy. Her passion for life is simply inspiring. She does things that I only dream about sitting on my arse in front of a 'puter while drinking coffee and eating chocolate. Since I've started reading her blog I've lost 8 lbs. I am pretty sure that's because her energy flows through the blog and ups your metabolism. How cool is that??!!

So ladies congrats and thanks for making the blogosphere a better place to be!

Movies You Should See Part Two

I am having so much fun doing this movie series! There are some seriously kick butt things coming out in theaters in the next year. I am very happy to see the recent trend of bringing books to life and very happy that most movies are doing these books justice (with the exception of Eragon. We.will.not.even.mention.that.horrid.movie.)

So, without further ado, Here's today's movie list:

Golden Compass
Release Date:December 7, 2007

Based on the 'His Dark Materials' book trilogy by Phillip Pullman, this looks like a fun and interesting movie and the scenery looks amazing.






----------------------------


Stardust
Release Date: August 10, 2007

Based on the book Stardust by Neil Gaiman. In a countryside town bordering on a magical land, a young man makes a promise to his beloved that he'll retrieve a fallen star by venturing into the magical realm




----------------------------

Beowulf
Release Date: November 16, 2007

This movie is based on an Old English heroic epic poem from the late middle ages. Yep, you read me right!

Although no trailer yet seems to exist for this move, the cast includes such legends as Angelina Jolie, Anthony Hopkins and John Malkovich. The screenplay was co-written by Neil Gaiman, the author of Stardust (mentioned above).

The warrior Beowulf must fight and defeat the monster Grendel who is terrorizing towns, and later, Grendel's mother, who begins killing out of revenge.

This sounds like a potentially amazing movie, but I admit lack of trailer and screen shots does cause me some worry. Of course, the author (whoever that may be), is probably just pleased that it's hitting theaters at all!


----------------------------

Hairspray
Release Date: July 20, 2007

I know, this doesn't fit my book themed movie day, but this movie has childhood memories for me, and it's my blog, so I'm adding it! My childhood friend and I watched the original Hairspray whenever I spent the night at her house, and we would then spend the rest of the evening singing the songs. Ahhh. I can almost smell *cough*gag*hack*cough* the aquanet. The new update does look fun and spunky. Oh. And it has John Travolta dressed as a girl. That's right folks, a whole movie with John Travolta in drag. Who'd wanna miss that???

The Movies You Should See Part one

We love to go to the moves and occasionally even the old style drive-in theater in the nearby town . One of the hardest things for me is that I will see a movie that looks so amazing and good and then completely forget about it until I find out it's been released.

I originally began this post planning on sharing with you all the movies I thought noteworthy. The problem? Turns out there's a lot of 'em out there that I didn't even know about!

So instead of making this post boring as all hades to long and slow I decided to do my first series. The rest of this week I will be giving you info and a trailer for 3-5 movies daily. These will be movies coming out this year..or movies coming out in the next few years that look good enough to actually mention now! I've even added a few that have already been released just because I wish I had seen them sooner!

So grab some popcorn, sit back and watch the trailers. Then let me know what you think and what you plan on going to see!

This Year's Releases:

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix:

Release Date: July 11, 2007

I am a huge fan of the Harry Potter series. This is the 5th (and supposedly last) in the movie series. Be warned each one has become progressively more intense and violent. Liberty is only allowed to watch the 3rd on with me and Alex is only allowed to watch the 4th one with me, and Liberty is not allowed to watch it at all. I am guessing this will also be one I wouldn't let either of them watch. But Mommy can't wait!

National Treasure: The Book of Secrets

Release Date: December 21, 2007

I loved the first movie. The graphics, the history, the puzzle and the total family friendliness. I am very very excited to find out there is a sequel and it looks just as fun.

Transformers

Release Date: July 3, 2007 @ Midnight


I am a total sucker for this kind of cool effects movie. For others (like Prince Charming) it's all about a (hopefully) good remake of a childhood classic. Either way I am really looking forward to this pre-destined blockbuster.

Gracie

Release Date: June 1, 2007

This is the type of movie that you want your daughter to watch. The kind where a girl overcomes all the nay-sayers and all the doubt and learns to be what and who she truly is in life. It's the girl-power follow your dreams feel good kinda movie :-) Look for it on dvd soon as it's already been released.

The P-mates.....Mate!

If you've been reading my blog lately you may have seen Tracy in the comments or in my blogroll. We met via the blogosphere a little over a month ago and have found that we are really long lost twin sisters. It's seriously uncanny how much alike we are and how much we have in common.

You may also remember this post I did on the P-mate a few weeks ago. I think it's one of the funniest posts I've ever written.

Today Tracy found the 'mate' to the P-mate. And OMG...I've never laughed so hard. So I suggest you head over there and read her post :-)

And Tracy...I definitely think we can outdo this ;-)

You Know You're Living in 2007 When...

Yes, I'm a little late posting today. Okay, very late.

It's been a busy weekend full of work, school, baseball, and meeting up with old friends.

It's also been a weekend full of very hot humid weather and no air conditioning. So the guy is coming to fix it on Wednesday. The problem? My basement is beyond disgusting. Beyond. There's all kind of animal 'left overs' from the previous people, but I was preggers when we moved in and somehow I just never got down there to clean it. Combined with the leaky window that fills half the basement with water whenever it rains..and you have my nasty basement. So I spent 3.5 hours today cleaning up the nastiest of the nastiest. I was covered in the grossest of the grossest. I took a shower. I got all cleaned. And now I'm finally posting.

After the day I had running across a post on Thought Mechanics was just what I needed. Here's the post:

1. You accidentally enter your password on the microwave.

2. You haven’t played Solitaire with real cards in years.

3. You have a list of 15 phone numbers to reach your family of 3.

4. You e-mail the person who works at the desk next to you.

5. Your reason for not staying in touch with friends and family is that they don’t have e-mail addresses.

6. You pull up in your own driveway and use your cell phone to see if anyone is home to help you carry in the groceries.

7. Every commercial on television has a web site at the bottom of the screen.

8. Leaving the house without your cell phone, which you didn’t have the first 20 or 30 (or 60) years of your life, is now a cause for panic and you turn around to go and get it.

10. You get up in the morning and go on line before getting your coffee.

11. You start tilting your head sideways to smile. : )

12 You’re reading this and nodding and laughing.

13. Even worse, you know exactly to whom you are going to forward this message.

14. You are too busy to notice there was no #9 on this list.

15. You actually scrolled back up to check that there wasn’t#9 on this list

AND NOW YOU ARE LAUGHING at yourself.

Go on, forward this (or post it) to your friends. You know you want to.

I really did laugh. I'm totally guilty of #10. I walk in kitchen, hit the mouse to see my e-mail box, then start making coffee.

#11 isn't one I've done..but I have almost responded to people while talking with the letters LOL or LMAO. Yeah, I'm a dork.

I hope this gave you a much needed smile on this Monday :-)

The Dishmaker Never wash or put away another dish again!

Many of you may have heard of MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology), one of the leading placing for technological innovations around the world.

In a recent quest to promote and enable a better environment MIT Media Lab's Counter Intelligence Group, which develops innovative kitchen designs, came up with a plan to reduce landfill waste and power usage. The Dishmaker (Designed by MIT grad student Leonardo Bonanni) has the potential to revolutionize kitchens and restaurants.

This very neat machine (about the size of a standard dishwasher) will actually create acrylic dishes for you..on demand. After everyone is done, place the dishes back into the machine and Viola! They are recycled into an acrylic disc and stored inside the machine until you ask it to make another dish.

As with any new invention, there are some advantage and disadvantages:

The other problem concerns cleaning the dishes. The heating process gets rid of some food and sterilizes the dishes, but doesn't solve the problem of food grease, which tends to settle into the plastic.

"We can obviously just stick a dishwasher on the machine, but we're still investigating ways that would wash dishes without water," Bonanni says. "That would be a real breakthrough for us."

One big advantage the DishMaker offers is the production energy it saves.

"If you made and recycled one of our plates three times a day for a year, the energy that goes into that is comparable to the energy required to make one ceramic plate (in a factory) because the ceramic is fired at about 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit," says Bonanni.

Once some of the 'bugs' are worked out and, of course, depending on the cost,
I think this is a great way to help do our part in the world. I would probably still keep my ceramics around for company and holidays, but overall I think they really found a great way of making it easy for people to be environmentally friendly.

I found this video on YouTube showing how the machine works. It is a little boring at just under 4 minutes, but presents a really interesting look at this concept.

So what do you think?
Would you be willing to trade in your regular dishes for The DishMaker?

Women Unite! It's time to Pee Standing Up!!

Summer is here. The season for bbq's, picnics, summer vacation, swimming, little league, t-ball and....Port-a-Potty's.








**Insert Shiver Here**


I don't care what anyone says, alcohol poisoning or not, I pretty much BATHE in Germ-X after I use one!

They are always so smelly, and buggy, and just plain NOT clean.

I have always envied boys though for their ability to use that nice little urinal on the sidewall. They never have to worry that they won't be able control the speed of their pee and end up with 'splash up'. **insert gagging sounds here**

They don't have to try and carefully squat over a hole, all the while just praying that you don't loose balance and have to actually TOUCH something.

Well, My friends. It's Thursday and by now I'm sure we could all use a bit of a giggle. So being the domestic wonder woman that I am, I have decided to share a product that both made me laugh for well over 10 minutes AND solves the port-a-potty dilemma.

I would like to introduce you to P-Mate. This revolutionary new product allows women the "Freedom to Pee Standing up."

Here is some information from the website:

* The P-Mate gives women the freedom to pee like men.

* The P-Mate is clean and hygienic.

* The P-Mate is covered with a 4-leaf clover design as it is good luck to have one with you when you are in need.

* The P-Mate does NOT get all wet and soggy after use. You can easily slip it back into a pocket or bag for later disposal if you are outdoors where there is no garbage can.

P-Mate was invented by a creative Dutch woman. They allow girls and women of all ages the ability to neatly pee standing up.

The P-Mate is basically like a cardboard shoe with the toe cut off. You place the entrance of the 'shoe' directly under your urethra, between your legs, pee into the shoe and then make sure that the hole at the toe end is funnelling the urine out somewhere other than on your feet.

Forget peeing on my feet.

This means I can finally write my name in the snow too!

Fathers Day Craft Ideas

"I hate that Fathers day is in June."

"Ummm. Okay. Why??"

"Because You get the cutest little crafts and things from school and I never get any of that."

Insert huge feeling of guilt and bad mommy/wife self bashing here.

Seriously, it just never dawned on me. I always stress about the perfect gift for him..and homemade was the answer. *D'OH*

So this week I have been scouring the web for some great craft ideas to bestow upon Prince Charming in thanks for his superb job in helping raise our three royal munchkins.

These are the best of the best Fathers Day craft pages that I have found! So get that craft gear out for a fun summer project and surprise Daddy with a homemade gift this Sunday!

DLTK's Crafts

Family Fun Crafts

Activity Village

Garvick Crafts Page

Woman's Day Magazine Crafts

Childfun Crafts

Family Corner Crafts


What are you giving for Fathers Day?