Mama’s Growing A Pumpkin Patch, Unexpectedly

I’ve been trying to figure out what type of plant mysteriously appeared in my front yard for weeks. When I saw this plant initially, I thought it was a weed and decided I would tear it out when I weeded the next time around and kill the roots with Round Up. Since weeding wasn’t at the top of my list, it has continued to spread across the yard and it’s now heading toward the drive way.

Last week, I noticed orange blooms on the plant and decided to walk over and check it out. Much to my surprise, it’s bearing miniature pumpkins. WTH?

I display my mums and pumpkins in this area in the fall and I guess one of the pumpkins that burst because I left them out too long must have germinated. I won’t be tearing it down after all, my Xavier will have his own pumpkin patch in Gran’s yard this fall.

When I purchased the lot the farmer who lived next to me said that I would be able to grow anything, my lot used to be his pig pen. Everything grows double its size if I don’t keep my shrubs cut back. In the meantime, I guess I better do some research on how I need to handle this baby. I’ve been told that a pumpkin plant can grow as much as 6 inches a day and grow up to 30 feet. I’m looking forward to seeing my unexpected pumpkin patch this fall. Stay tuned.

My Little Picasso – Crayola Paint Review

Look at my little Picasso, he’s creating a master piece. I decided to introduce Xavier to finger paints. He had a ball. I purchased the No Mess Crayola Finger Paint set and I loved it as much as he did. The paint showed up only on the paper. I did put an old sheet under him, I just had hardwood floors installed and I didn’t want to take any chances, but there was truly no mess.

The set comes with an adorable tray in the shape of a hand with 5 paint colors, red, yellow, green, blue, orange, and 12 double wide sheets of the Wonder paper. I like he fact that the hand is sturdy and stays in place on the table. The lids covering the paint are easy to open; however, for a 2 year old they will need assistance.
Xavier enjoyed sticking his fingers into the paint and was amazed when the colors magically appeared on the paper. He was so funny using the sponge. I tried to get him to wipe his fingers with it, but he wasn’t interested. I decided to show him how to sponge paint. He’s only 2, I didn’t think it would hold his interest. Wrong. He’s quite astute, and caught on quickly as to how he should dip the sponge into the paints and than apply it to the paper.

Here’s my Little Picasso taking a break. Painting makes baby thirsty. This set is recommended for 3+, but Xavier didn’t have a problem using the set. I like to challenge him with toys (as long as they don’t contain small parts), books etc. that are recommended for children a year or 2 older than he is. I believe it helps with a child’s advancement.

I would highly recommend this set to any parent who is looking for a rainy day activity or who just wants to expose their child’s creativity on paper. They have the Gel Paint refills, which includes the classic colors shown and additional tropical colors. Purchasing the set will be money well spent.

A New Orleans Tradition

My daughter and her family have been visiting all week.  My son-in-law is from South Carolina, and loves seafood.  I decided to do a small seafood boil for him.  Normally, I have a seafood boil when I’m having a large family gathering.  It requires using a large propane tank and burner along with a large stockpot with strainer basket. 

Seafood boils are a Louisiana tradition.  I experienced my first boil years ago with friends who are from Louisiana.  I love being able to complete the entire meal in the same pot.  I was feeling lazy, so I decided not to use the propane tank and burner, but to prepare the boil in my kitchen.  It was the first time that I prepared the boil in the house, but it turned out great.  I have a small pot with the strainer basket, it was perfect for the occasion.

I pretty much used the same ingredients that I use for larger boils, I just didn’t use as much.  I used small red potatoes, corn on the cob, and large shrimp.  A lemon quartered is optional.  For the seasoning, I use Zatarain’s crab boil and Cajun seasoning. You can add mussels, crawl fish or whole crabs.

I used snow cluster crab legs, but I placed the crab legs on a cookie sheet, seasoned them with Obay, and warmed them in the oven on 375 for about 20 minutes since the pot wasn’t large enough to accommodate the crab legs.

This is a nice meal for large and small gatherings.  Even the children enjoy the small potatoes and corn. If you would like my recipe for the in-house seafood boil, please let me know.

You Cheating Bastard

Several days ago, a friend confided that her husband was cheating on her. When I asked her how she knew, she stated that she had hired an investigator and she had photos of her husband with the other woman. As I listened, I thought about several pictures that I had seen from women who had been cheated on. I thought you would get a good laugh or idea from these photos.


Relationship experts site the following reasons for cheating in a relationship. In my opinion, there’s no excuse or reason for a cheating spouse or mate, nevertheless, here are the top 10 reasons:

  1. They Had The Option
  2. Ego Boost
  3. Individuals In The Relationship Are Growing Apart
  4. They’ve Fallen Out Of Love
  5. Continuous Arguing
  6. Sex Life Is Boring
  7. To Get Revenge
  8. It’s New, Different, and Exciting
  9. To See If They Can Get Away With It
  10. You Allow It

I thought about what I would do if my significant other was cheating on me. I could really see myself taking these steps.  I love all of the photos, especially Photo 1 and 4. What a perfect way to advertise the fact that you have a cheating husband. I would have loved to see both of their faces when they saw the display.  I love the clothing hanging from the tree in photo 1.


What would you do if you found out your husband/significant other was cheating on you?  Which of the photos is your favorite?  Leave us a comment and let us know your thoughts.

I Screwed Up My Life

Nadya Suleman

“I screwed myself. I screwed up my life, I screwed up my kids’ lives. What the heck am I going to do?” The words of Nadia Suleman, it looks like the idiot is having a reality check. Hello girlfriend you couldn’t handle 6, what did you think would happen with 8 more. I’m sure she spends her waking hours thinking about it, but she will find not an ounce of sympathy here. I believe her motives were purely selfish, and she as well as taxpayers will pay for the rest of those poor children’s lives.
Fox will air a show on August 19 on Nadia Suleman and her 14 children. Take a look at this video clip, 14 screaming, crying children. She states the older children are negative, what’s positive in this situation for an adult let alone a child. In my opinion, you can not possibly give yourself whole-heartily to 14 children. Physically, emotionally or physiologically. America will be getting a first hand look at someone who thinks in the moment.

She also states that the older children are curious about their father. Now how do you explain to a child that their father was literally a sperm donor. You came from a frozen egg, honey. That’s like saying The Stork dropped you off. Apparently the father is married and has no intentions of being in the children’s life as a father or role model. Chances are there will never be a father figure or role model in their lives. What man is going to take on the responsibility of 14 children who are not his and being followed around by a camera for the rest of his life?

Normally, I don’t concern myself with others and how they live their life. However, this woman just rubs me the wrong way. I could slap that bitch each time I look at her. I need to take a deep breath, I feel the anger rising. I still think about her website seeking donations. WTH? Now you want people to help pay for your poor judgment.

I’ve debated as to whether or not I will watch this program. I still haven’t made up my mind. There’s a part of me that wants to see those adorable babies who did not ask to be brought into this world, certainly under the conditions that we’ve seen. There’s another part that is angry that a woman could be so stupid, and I don’t want to support her in any way. I want to knock this woman in the head, but I guess it too late for that. I wonder how she is going to keep what little sanity she has trying to raise 14 children. She’s already stating that she resents herself, when she will start resenting the children. Do you see that coming?

I hope something positive comes out of this insane situation, and these children will be blessed in some way. I’m sure in the end they will thank their mother for being a human incubator and bringing them into this world.

Feel free to leave your comments/opinions on Nadia Suleman and her 14 children.

Wordless Wednesday

I’m Going To Get You My Pretty!

The Children’s Place Denim Promotion

It’s BST (Back To School)! Giggles & Sugar Kisses wants to know if you’ve made a visit to The Children’s Place? If not, you need to put this trip at the top of your list. From August 12th through August 26th, you can pick up two denims at The Children’s Place stores and receive ANY graphic tee (reg. $7.50-9.50) for FREE! That’s right, we said FREE.


While you’re at it, stock up on all the latest denim with the greatest of ease with our new denim guide. Color coded to make shopping easier for mom and dad, our denim guide means no more stressing about styles and cuts – simply remember if your child is a “pink” “purple” or “blue” and you’re set!

Wordless Wednesday

Just Dessert!

Potty Training Journey

Yes, it’s that time. We have embarked upon our journey through Potty Training Land. My little sweetie is turning 2 in September and we’ve introduced him to Mr. Potty. He seems to be receptive to the idea, and loves hearing the music in his potty when he pee pees. We’ve started him in the Pampers Easy Ups, but we’re also going to try Huggies Pull Ups to see which works best with him.


I decided to purchase this adorable Fisher Price Cheer For Me Potty. I love the shape, it looks so much like the real thing and I thought we would have an easier transition when it was time to move him to the toilet. I also love the smiley face on it. I haven’t placed any toilet paper on the holder yet, I’m afraid he will cover my bathroom floor with it.
The potty is battery operated and plays music and gives words of encouragement when he poopies and pee pees. I love the fact that he must actually pee pee or poopie before the music will start playing, it’s suppose to be an incentive for using the potty. The handle on the potty makes a clicking sound when it’s pushed. He gets so tickled. I reward him with Parental Praise too. Gran claps, dances and sings the Big Boy Potty song. Here it goes: Pee Pee on the potty, Pee Pee on the potty or Poopie on the potty, Poopie on the potty. I believe Kirstie Alley sang this song in Look Who’s Talking when she was potty training her son.

Xavier loves stickers, so I’m going to make a poster and start rewarding him with Big Boy Stickers. I’ll implement this award system next week. I looked at some of the charts on the market and thought I could create one as good if not better than those available.
Stayed tuned for more adventures on our Potty Training Journey. If you have a Potty Training story or tips that you would like to share, I would love to hear them.

It’s Quotable Sunday

Today is Quotable Sunday thanks to Toni at A Daily Dose of Toni. Each Sunday, we share a few of our favorite quotes. After watching a movie last night starring Samuel Jackson, Lakeview Terrance, I decided to post quotes on neighbors. What a movie, it surely made me appreciate my neighbors. I hope that you enjoy my quotes this week.“The capacity for getting along with our neighbor depends to a large extent on the capacity for getting along with ourselves. The self-respecting individual will try to be as tolerant of his neighbor’s shortcomings as he is of his own.” – Eric Hoffer“Nothing makes you more tolerant of a neighbor’s noisy party than being there.” – Franklin P. Jones“The impersonal hand of government can never replace the helping hand of a neighbor.” – Hurbert Humphery“A neighbor is a person who can get to your house in less than a minute and takes two hours to go back home.” – O. A. Battista “The doctor says to the patient, “Take your clothes off and stick your tongue out the window”. “What will that do” asks the patient. The doctor says “I’m mad at my neighbor!” – Henny Youngman“It is folly to punish your neighbor by fire when you live next door.” – Pubilius Syrus“Love your neighbor as yourself; but don’t take down the fence.” – Carl Sanburg“You can be a good neighbor only if you have good neighbors.” – Howard Koch

I hope you enjoyed my quotes this week. If you would like to join us, please visit A Daily Dose of Toni and add your link. We’ll visit and check your favorite quotes.
Ladies if you could take the Survey on my upper left sidebar while you’re here I would appreciate it. I will doing a series of posts on First Aid for Children, and I would love to know how many moms have a First Aid/Emergency Handbook in their home. Thanks for participating.