Mother Beat By Her Children

I’m a little behind with my posting and this story is several weeks old, but I had to share it with my readers.  Last week I read a story that just made me shudder. I found it unimaginable. A son, 15, and daughter, 12, were accused of beating their mother at the request of their father.  According to the story, the parents were engaged in a bitter custody battle and the mother was seeking $20,000 in back child support. The father encouraged his children to kill their mother with a baseball bat. To add even more disbelief to the story, the father joined them.  Yep, the sick SOB entered the home and beat her with their children.

The mother testified that she woke up to her children beating her.  The son, who lived with his father, broke into her home and begin beating her with a bat while she slept.  Shortly thereafter the father entered the home and joined the two children in the beating.  She managed to escape into a bathroom and called 911, but only to have her ex-husband knock down the door while she was on the phone and drag her out into the hallway where he and the son continued to beat her.  According to the dispatcher and testimony, you could hear the ex-husband yelling in the background on the 911 tape for his son to “hit her harder”. Thank goodness she was able to escape again.  This time she ran out of the house and down the street with her son following her with the baseball bat.  This was the scene that police witnessed when they arrived.  With God’s grace, she lived to tell the story and witness her ex-husband be sentenced to 25 years in prison. As far as I’m concerned, 25 years isn’t enough. 

I thought about my daughter and if she could possibly be capable of trying to kill me.  I’m sure she thought about it during her teen years when she accused me of ruining her life, but I don’t believe she could have followed through with literally making the attempt. I certainly can’t imagine her father encouraging her to kill me in spite of the bitterness that occurred at times during our divorce.  What mother could believe that her child was capable of killing her?  What could possibly transpire between two parents that one could encourage their children to kill the other.  How do you become so filled with hatred that you participate in such a heinous act?  Child support payments and custody?  Please, there has to be much deeper issues than that. 
The son was sentenced to 3 years in a state youth center, and the daughter was given immunity for testifying against her father.  I thought about the mother and how she could ever forgive her son for trying to kill her.  I know that he was under the influence of his father, but at age 15 he was old enough to know better too.  How could she ever trust her son again.  I also thought about the son and how he would be affected for the rest of life.  He beat his mother at the encouragement of his father.  How sick is this?
I pray for this family, and hope they find the courage and strength to heal. Would love to hear you comments on this story.

Career Women Make Bad Mothers

Career Women What’s your thoughts now that you’ve read this advertisement? I was offended since I am and have been a career women and mother for the pass 32 years. I take pride in my role as a mother, and I also take pride in my career. I’ve worked hard being the best that I can be at both. It’s pretty sad that in 2010 women have to endure this. 


A company called Outdoor Advertising Association (OAA) used this slogan in England as a part of their campaign to promote outdoor advertising. I’m baffled as to how this slogan received approval and thousands of dollars were set aside to plaster it on the side of buses, buildings and billboards. How could you not think that it would be offensive to working women. Well, it looks like OAA just sent thousands of dollars and their bullshit slogan down the toilet. They are being forced to pull the advertisement, and in my opinion rightfully so. The intent was to spark a debate, and encourage people to voice their opinion on a website. Instead they entered into a war with working mothers. 

Not all women have a choice in being a Stay At Home Mom.  Our economy has forced many women into the work force.  They feel bad enough, they don’t need to see buses and billboards that make them feel worst.  On the other hand, many women have made a conscious decision to enter the work force.  They enjoy having their own pay checks and contributing to the household.  Does this make them a bad mother?  I don’t think so. I choose to have a career.  I have a beautiful daughter who grew up understanding that women have choices today.  I taught her to always stay true to who she is and to do what is best for her.  Many women have made the mistake of losing themselves in their relationships or putting everything and everybody before them and in the end they don’t know who they are.


My daughter watched me progress in my career.  I traveled, continued my education and still managed to keep my house in check.  I also checked her homework, transported her back and forth to ballet lessons, and any other school activity she was involved in.  She received 3 meals a day and quality time with me.  As a matter of fact, we still have mother/daughter day.  She choose to end her career and stay at home with her son.  Did you notice the word “choose”.  He turned 2 recently, so she is now working outside the home part time and working on her Masters Degree. 
I resent anyone calling me a bad mother because I choose to have a career.  Do you see my middle finger OAA?  Yep, it’s for you.  If that’s not enough, I have a big ass that you can kiss.  How do you like me now.  My career afforded my daughter many opportunities that she would not have had otherwise.  My career put her through an out of state college.  It also provided trips to Italy, Germany, Austria and Switzerland.  She still talks about these trips to this day.  She made life time friends as a result of these experiences.  My career contributed to a better life for her as a whole. 
Are you a working mother?  If you are or aren’t, we would love to hear your opinion on this advertisement.  Thank you for the opportunity to vent. 

Photo courtesy of Daily Mail

Little Miss Perfect

Little Miss Perfect! Have you watched the show? I watched two shows last night for the first time, and frankly I found them appalling. The shows were reruns, the new season hasn’t started yet, but it gave me an opportunity to decide whether or not I would watch the new season. Little Miss Perfect is the typical pomp and pageantry where little girls are made up like grown women, wearing hair extensions and $500 – $1000.00 dresses and outfits. It made me think of JonBenet Ramsey. Maybe that’s why I have a problem with it.
One of the shows that I watched featured a mother who was upset because she had to explain to her daughter why the judges didn’t think she was pretty enough to win. Here’s the story. The little girl’s name is Shelby. Shelby’s parents live in Florida where they bred and raise reptiles. They didn’t appear to have much money or they are extremely budget conscious, which was surprising because everybody knows that pageants are an expensive business.

During a segment of the pageant, the girls are suppose to wear an outfit that will “Wow” the judges. Shelby’s mother purchased her daughter’s “Wow” outfit from the local Goodwill Store. Once she got it home, she realized that it would not be good enough for the pageant so she asked her husband for advice. Dad suggested that Shelby pose with her pet Python on stage. The mom decides to put together a pair of khaki shorts and irons the letters “Jr. Zoo Keeper” on the shirt for the competition. The python would be the attraction rather than the outfit. I have to give mom and dad credit for creativity. I would have been Wowed by a little girl with a python hanging around her neck. One of the judges thought that it was a great routine and loved it. Another judge felt the python was used because she didn’t have anything else, i.e. talent.

Shelby’s other dresses and outfits for the pageant were made at home by her mother as well. She was adorable, but she was no match for little girls whose moms have spent hundreds of dollars on dresses, hair extensions, professional make up artists, tanning sessions etc.  Why would you expose your daughter to this kind of competition and than be upset when they don’t win? I understand that every mother wants opportunities for their daughter and little girls especially should be taught that beauty is skin deep, but you don’t teach this lesson in the beauty pageant world. Mothers are serious about their daughters winning and they mean business. There is no expense spared, and you have to be able to compete on that level. Shelby’s mother stated that she put her in the pageant to win money for her college fund. She didn’t want her working in a convenience store when she grows up. 

I didn’t place my daughter in pageants although I believe she could have won if I had taken that route.  She choose ballet and cheer leading instead and believe me that world was bad enough. I spent thousands of dollars on ballet lessons and costumes. I actually felt sorry for Shelby’s mom, but there was a moment when I just wanted to slap her and ask what she was thinking. Why would you go up against these women and expose your daughter to this? She was clearly out of element, and now you’re standing here crying because you have to explain why she didn’t win. Wake up honey and get real. The pageant is called Little Miss Perfect. Next time do your home work before you enter your daughter into this type of pageant.

Anyway I won’t be watching the next season’s shows. These two episodes were enough for me. I hope Shelby’s mother recovers from the harsh reality of the pageant world and Shelby finds a place where she’s comfortable. She did a great job.  What’s your opinion of beauty pageants for children?

Super Mom Gives Birth and Serves Dinner Hours Later

Do you think you’re a Super Woman? Here’s a test – could you deliver a baby and serve a turkey dinner 2 – 3 hours later? Paula Thomas shown with her new daughter Lexi accomplished this feat. Can you believe it!  This lady put the Christmas turkey in the oven while having contractions.  When the contractions were 3 minutes apart, at 12:35 p.m., she asked her husband to take her to the hospital.  She delivered a beautiful 7 lb. 7 oz. baby girl, Lexi, at 1:45 p.m., and by 3:00 p.m. she was home basting the turkey.  Now who’s super woman?  She gets my vote. 


Paula has 3 other children, Caitlin and Gabby, both six, and Reece who is three.  Paula said, “I really wanted my Christmas dinner – I was starving.” LMAO!  After 8 hours of labor and giving birth to a 7 lb. 13 oz baby girl, I was stitched from one end to the other.  I sat on a doughnut for weeks.  I didn’t want to walk let alone fix a turkey dinner.  I was too busy moaning over my breast feeling like bricks and trying to figure out how I was going to raise my infant daughter. The only person getting food in my house was my daugher you can believe that shit. 

This lady gives super woman a new meaning.  I hope mom and baby are doing well, but there is no turkey on the face of the earth that would have made me leave my hospital bed and new daughter.  My husband would have been at my mom’s wrapping up a plate of turkey and the trimmings so he could bring it to me at the hospital, lol.  He wouldn’t have seen a golden brown turkey on a platter or a heaping helping of mashed potatoes and gravy for months.

Woman are such amazing creatures.  I may be a little biased because I am one, but seriously we hold it down.  There is nothing that we can’t do, and we will be running this country in the near future.  What man could accomplish this?  I love what Barack Obama said about Michelle Obama, “My wife does everything that I do except she does it in high heels”.  I love it.  What do you think of this super mom?  We would love to hear from you.

My Grandson’s Christmas Gift – A Race Car Bed

race car bed Look at what Mama did. I’m redoing my grandson’s nursery, we’re turning it into a big boy’s room. This race car bed is his Christmas present from Mama and Gaga as he calls us. Isn’t it adorable. Xavier turned 2 in September, so we thought it would be a good time to transition him from mommy and daddy’s bed to his own. We’re hoping the new furniture and decor will make him want to stay in his own bed. Wish us luck. If you’ve overcome this problem, we would love to hear how you accomplished it.

I ordered the Little Tikes Lightning McQueen bed from Amazon. They offered free shipping which I love, and the bed could be shipped directly to my daughter and SIL. I decided to purchase the twin size bed instead of the toddler.  Although the twin was more expensive than the toddler, from an economic stand point it was cheaper than buying another bed in a few years because he had outgrown it. We initially painted the walls in Xavier’s nursery a light blue, which worked out perfectly. We purchased the comforter set, shown below, and it has the same shade of blue in it as the walls. We’re using a red McQueen valance for the window treatments.
McQueen bedding Instead of wallpaper border, we’re going to use framed posters of Mater and McQueen. We don’t want to overdo the room, so we’re going to use a plain red lamp and rug to pull the room together.

I found these adorable drawer pulls by Farm Fresh Knobs and Pulls, and couldn’t resist them. They carry a variety of characters to choose from, which includes Mater, Doc, Sally, Flo, Sheriff and others for $2.99 each. They really give the chest of drawers a fresh look. He received a flat screen TV from his other grandparents last Christmas, so we decided to install cable in his room. We’re hoping that he will want to stay in his room and watch his allocated TV time there.

We’re going to pull everything together after the 1st of the year. I’ll post pictures when everything is completed. If you’ve decorated your son’s room in a race car theme, please leave us a few tips. We would love to hear from you.

Lock Up My Thieving 6 Year Old Please

 

Would you turn your 6 year old in for stealing a pack of stickers? Would you allow the cops to place them into the squad car and haul them off for shoplifting? Check out this video. A mom wanted to teach her 6 year old a lesson for shoplifting, so she turned her daughter into store security. To enforce the lesson, they called the cops and placed her in the squad car.When I saw the video my response was wow. I asked myself if I would have gone to that extreme.  I never had a problem with my daughter stealing, but I certainly would have wanted to teach her a lesson. I’m thinking my solution would have been to make my daughter put the stickers back since we were still in the store and I would have further explained that stealing is wrong we must pay for items that we take from a store. 

I’ve heard of parents using this tactic and the cops playing along. I’m also wondering where a 6 year old learned how to steal.  Her sister told on her, so they’re obviously being taught right from wrong.  I also wonder why she just didn’t ask her mother for the stickers. 
Whatever the reason, I hope she learned a lesson.  Children usually steal to get even, to get more attention, or so they can give themselves or someone else a gift.  It seems that this little girl was stealing for herself, so I’m wondering if it was for attention or she’s feeling deprived at home in some way.  In addition to teaching her child a lesson, maybe mom should take a look at herself and what’s going on inside her home.  She may get to the root of the problem, and not have to deal with this action again. 
 
Have you had a problem with your child or children stealing?  Do you think this mom was wrong in the way she handled this situation?  How would you have handled it?  Please leave us a comment, we would love to hear your opinion.

It’s A Charlie Brown Christmas

Look, it’s A Charlie Brown Christmas. The economy has affected many people and places, I think this is a perfect display of where we are in this country. This tree is displayed in Concord, CA. Because of budget restraints, they were unable to put out $23,000 for a cut tree. Instead, they decided to use a tree that was already standing. This tree was chosen because it was close to electrical outlets. They believed using this tree to show their Christmas spirit was better than nothing. I agree. 
When I first looked at it, my reaction was dang what kind of tree is this. The city of Concord said it is getting mixed reactions with the tree. Many residents feel the tree is pathetic, they have always had beautiful trees on display. Some residents look at the tree as being unique. My initial reaction was that it was pathetic too. As I read the story and thought about where we are in this country, I appreciated the tree.
What would your reaction be if this was the tree your town displayed? Before I read this story I had been thinking about the fact that Christmas has become so commercialized. At times, I believe we’ve lost the true meaning of Christmas in this country. People spend thousands of dollars purchasing gifts and for the next year they struggle to pay off the debt. I used to be one of them, but I woke up years ago and relinquished my membership in the debt club. I make as many gifts as I can, be it a scarf for the kids, gift basket or a scrapbook. My family seems to appreciate the home made gifts so much more. You can’t put a price on a gift where someone has taken time and energy to make something for you.
For me Christmas is about the birth of Christ and spending time with family and friends not so much the gifts. I love cooking, making cookies and other treats, and just relaxing. I do enjoy watching the children laugh and play, and that’s where I spend my money on the children. When I looked at the tree displayed in Concord, CA I wondered why someone didn’t donate a tree to the town. Christmas is after all about giving. The state of California has beautiful mountains and evergreens. It simply would have been a matter of cutting it down and hauling it to the specified location. Oh, that’s right someone would have to take the time to do that. Everyone is so busy these days, who has time to help someone in need.
I admire the town in their attempt to show their Christmas spirit on a budget. Most people would have been too embarrassed to admit they were struggling and just couldn’t afford it, but wanted to participate in the celebration with what they had. I believe there is a lesson to be learned with this Charlie Brown Christmas tree. It’s a reminder of the true meaning of Christmas. Jesus Christ Our Lord and Savior would have been pleased.
 
I would love to know your thoughts on this Charlie Brown Christmas tree. Please leave us a comment.

Do You Give Your Child A Sugar High?

Moms you will be glad to know General Mills has agreed to reduce the sugar content in their cereal by 25%. I’m glad Sonny the Cuckoo Bird will remain the same. He’s so cute, and he’s Coocoo for Cocoa Puffs. Even though I don’t give my 2 year old grandson cold cereal at this point, I’m glad to hear that General Mills will be helping to instill healthy eating in our children.

Our country has a big problem with obesity, that includes childhood obesity. I don’t blame our children for being overweight, I blame the large corporations for promoting sweets, fast food and other junk. I also blame the schools and parents for serving it. I didn’t give my daughter many sweets when she was growing up. She was a serious dancer from the age of 5 through college. As a result, she became very disciplined with her eating habits and very weight conscious. I, however, did not follow the restrictions that I placed on her and I am now paying a price for it. Getting the excess weight off has become a struggle for me and many other Americans.

We live in the land of good and plenty. In most countries people are starving. We reward ourselves and our children with food. Pizza Hut, McDonald’s, Chucky E Cheese and many others gear their products toward children. They ask for it, we give it to them. Children aren’t concerned about their health and they shouldn’t be held accountable for the foods they consume. They want what tastes good and they want to have fun. They want immediate gratification. We as parents must make better choices for them and for ourselves. Obesity starts with being 5 pounds overweight and than it increases to 10, 20, 30 and before we know it we’re struggling to get 50 plus pounds off.

Because I’m struggling with my weight, I’m careful of what I serve to my grandson. I also think that many parents feed their children cold cereals because it’s quick and easy. Many mothers work outside the home and they don’t have time to turn 0n the stove before they head out. When they get home in the evening they prepare the quickest and easiest meals not necessarily the healthiest.

General Mills is coming under fire for promoting foods that contain too much sugar. A study showed that General Mills made six out of ten of the least healthiest cereals. The study also showed that the least healthiest cereals were the most advertised and were geared toward children. General Mills also makes Trix, Kix, Boo Berry, and Lucky Charms among others. I do love their healthier Honey Nut Cheerios.

Do we blame our children for being overweight or do we blame our businesses for promoting unhealthy eating? Do we blame our children for being overweight or do we blame the providers of the food? As a mother, I know the struggles of trying to get a child to eat healthy. They don’t want veggies or fruit. They want candy, ice cream, McDonald’s, and pizza. You know the routine. Our children are less active these days too. Their world revolves around the computer, texting, and video games. Rarely do you see children outside riding bikes, skating, playing hide and seek or hop scotch.

Personally, I think we need to bond as a country and work together to eliminate obesity. Starting with the companies who are making and promoting sugary and fattening foods is a good start. They next step is working at home to ensure our children understand the consequences of unhealthy eating.

I applaud General Mills for reducing the amount of sugar in their cereals. Do you instill healthy eating habits in your child? Please share a few healthy foods you promote.


Frosty Discusses Sex With Children

Frosty the Snowman 640

When I think of Frosty The Snowman, I think of a jolly little fellow who’s laughing and playing with children not promoting porn and bullwhips. CBS is behind a video that has crossed the line in more ways than one.  How can you use a character that is so loved by children and associate him with sex and violence and think it’s a joke. What is happening to our country people? They believed it was harmless fun. WTH? We’re not talking about teens who put the video together, but executives who are paid six digits plus a year who are the masterminds. I use the word mastermind loosely.

I am appalled, I am offended, I’m feeling frosty. Not only do they have Frosty The Snowman talking about going to a strip club, but he discusses breast size, how many women he’s been with, and knocking someone up. They have a child calling someone a whore. To top it off, he states that he hits girls and babies. What kind of person would create this type of ad, and who was the idiot that approved it? The ad/video is running on CBS’ website and Youtube. Thank goodness they had enough sense to not air it on TV.

Apparently, CBS believed this video was an appropriate way to promote Frosty The Snowman, which will air on their network December 18, and the show How I Met Your Mother. I’m still trying to understand the logic and how anyone could believe this was a good idea. I’ve been unsuccessful. Both the creator and approvers should be fired. Thank goodness my sweetie is too young to google.  Can you imagine your child coming across this video? I purchased a Frosty The Snowman DVD last Christmas for my grandson with the intention of making it a holiday tradition. I loved Frosty when I was growing up. Never in my wildest dreams did I see Frosty hanging out at a strip club, drooling over women’s breast or telling someone they should have engaged in sex because they couldn’t knock someone up. How can you take something so innocent and turn it into trash?

I’m not a big fan of CBS, but I do watch the network occasionally. I am now questioning this station and its management. Several reporters have tried to contact the station to question them about the video. Phone calls are not being returned. I wonder why? Could it be they are afraid they will put their foot in their mouths when they try to explain the video. While they’re trying to pull their foot out of their mouth, someone should put a foot up CBS’ ass.
Feel free to leave your opinion, we would love to hear it.

Gourmet Toppings for Popcorn

 

Winter has arrived. I’m watching the snow fall out my window. It’s a beautiful afternoon. This time of year, I love to watch holiday movies or curl up with a good book. This would be a perfect afternoon or evening for some homemade gourmet popcorn. I thought I share a few of my favorite popcorn toppings for you to enjoy too. Pop a bag of unsalted and unbuttered microwave popcorn. Use one of the following toppings:
Cinnamon Toast Topping

  • 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon of brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
  • 1/8 teaspoon of nutmeg

Melt 3 – 4 tablespoons of butter. Mix with the Cinnamon Toast Topping. Melt 3 -4 tablespoons of butter and drizzle over popcorn. Sprinkle the Cinnamon Toast Topping over the popcorn.


Spicy Italian Topping

  • 1/3 grated Parmesan or Romano cheese
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon of garlic salt

Place popcorn in a bowl. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil over popcorn. Mix with Spicy Italian mixture.


Cookies & Cream Topping

  • Grind about 10 chocolate sandwich cookies in a zip lock bag.
  • Mix in a pinch of salt.
  • Pour popcorn into a bowl and drizzle with 3 – 4 tablespoons of butter.
  • Mix with cookie crumb mixture

Leave us a comment with your favorite popcorn topping. I’m always looking for something yummy and new. Check out my list of Holiday Movies, you may enjoy them too.


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