QI have a 16-year old boy who has developed a slightly sassy attitude. What do I do?

Wow - that is a tough one even after spending a week with my 16 year old cousin. Pretty much all you can do is talk to them- remind them that they are not quite an adult yet - even though they are driving - and if all else fails take the keys away from them.

Begin by reminding yourself "this is just a phase" over and over. Pick up some books on teen age behavior, and you'll find it's pretty common. He's testing his limits with you. You need to show him where those boundaries are and what you are going to allow. Creating a list of expectations, rewards, and consequences might work. If you see behavior you want to encourage it - reward it with extra game time, driving time, etc. Then make it clear what the consequences will be if you see behavior you don't want - no game time or driving for a few days etc.

Today we're spending time with Belle and her boys at the lake. Rain or shine -- fun times with friends is always a reason to feel good!

Now tell us why you feel good

Hot fudge sundaes are so five-minutes ago. Why not change up your desert selections with some fresh toppings? Here are some of our ideas:

1. warm swiss chocolate
2. whipped cream
3. chocolate covered coffee beans
4. M & M's
5. Reeces Pieces
6. maraschino cherries
7. crushed oreos
8. crushed heath bars
9. marshmallow
10. peanut butter
11. strawberry topping
12. pure maple syrup - on vanilla ice cream
13. caramel

What do you like on your ice cream? Let us know ...

I saw the latest trend in kitchen ware spreading through the stores months ago. I would go back and revisit the silicone aisle, touch and smell and silicone products and leave without buying any. Lets just say baking my morning muffins in a silicone muffin tray was not warming up my appetite.

Then one day I had a kitchen blunder. I placed a hot pan on our kitchen cutting board instead of the hot plate. After I successfully separated the two pieces and discarded the melted remains of the cutting board, I had to find a new one - and a better plan for a hot plate.

I needed a solution fast! And I found these silicone pot holder/trivets by Kitchen Aid.

I have the clear (go with any decor) model, and I swear they are indestructible! Pans go directly from the hot burner to the trivet -- no burning!

They're lightweight, easy-to-clean, and store! They can work as jar openers, and pot holders too. Anything that is that multitasking and I can't destroy works for me!

Remember to check out Rocks In My Dryer for more Works For Me Wednesday tips.

QI need advice on taking my 2-year old out to eat in restaurants. I am so nervous that she'll misbehave that I can't enjoy myself.

When Little P started to be more active in restaurants, I created a busy bag to keep him occupied at the table while we waited for our food to arrive. I used one of the bags I got from a makeup GWP and packed it with quiet toys like crayons, paper, mini cars, tops, etc. The variety of toys kept him from becoming bored and if the restaurant didn't have crayons it offered him something to do. I have since brought the busy bag into church as well and updated the toys to match his age!

I can totally relate to this one. I usually call ahead to get a table so the wait is not so long - then all you are waiting for is your meal. It's difficult to expect a 2 year old to wait 1/2 hour for a table and then to wait for a meal. Bring snacks or small toy that will amuse them. Got out to eat a little earlier say right at 5pm - instead of waiting until 6pm or later when you know it will be crowded and your 2 year old is probably ready for bed at that time. Be patient - we have all been there - Good Luck.

Q I have gained some weight (post baby) and feel down about it. What should I do to drop the extra pounds? Can you recommend a diet or weight loss program?

Don’t feel down about the weight gain - just try to get back on track. Try Weight Watchers - ( I have done it in the past) - it allows you to eat real food- and not all that prepackaged stuff. It teaches you portion control. There are so many things out there - research them and do what is best for you. There are so many things to be happy about - new baby - that you need to take it one day at a time.

You shouldn't worry too much about your weight. After all, once you've given birth the reality is that your body changes and it is not going to be the same as it was before.

I have been thinking and reading about how Moms are being portrayed these days in advertising, and how all the celebrities are looking so fit and trim after giving birth. It is completely unrealistic. I think these images of thin and perfect post-pregnancy Moms are putting too much pressure on real Moms to lose weight, instead of focusing on their energy on their families and children.

In terms of your body, think about the things you do like about your body, and celebrate yourself for those reasons. Remember if you keep trying to change your body ... you are sending an unconscious message to your children that you are not happy with what God's given you and you need to "fix" it. It would be healthier for them to see a Mom who accepts and loves her body and focuses on her inner qualities so they can do that too.

I was thinking this week that it's been pretty hot ... but what a great change it is from all that rain (and flooding) we had earlier this summer and spring! Welcome summer at last - I'm feeling good about that.

I am feeling good because I am finally going on vacation. The kids and I leave Sunday for some rest and relaxation and fun in the sun. Their cousins are coming as well- should be a good time.

Now tell us why you feel good

It keeps getting hotter - so there's no better time to escape to the beach and cool off! Here's a quick check-list to make sure you don't miss anything in your packing.

1. bathing suit
2. towels
3. beach blanket
4. chairs
5. sunscreen and lip balm
6. your favorite music on a portable player so you don't bother your sand neighbors
7. sunglasses
8. cold drinks
9. a summer (light) novel
10. pails, shovels, and other sand toys
11. a good friend!
12. snacks to munch on
13. clothes to change into for the ride home

J Jill is having a contest to vote for a new compassion t-shirt. Money each compassion tee sale is donated to the Compassion Fund which supports Work Options for Women (WOW).

A great looking t-shirt that helps homeless and low-income women get the skills they need to get jobs and change their lives? That works for me.

Vote for your favorite compassion t-shirt here

Remember to check out Rocks In My Dryer for more Works For Me Wednesday tips.

Unless you are living under a rock ... it's hard to escape the "pirate phenomena" that is sweeping the country this summer.

In that spirit, here's a fun trivia game about pirates (with no questions about Pirates of the Caribbean or Dead Man's Chest).

Let us know what your score was - and we'll decide if you have to walk the plank or swab the deck matey!

Hint: to see the answers hover your mouse over the skull and crossbones.

It's too hot and we're too tired think clearly (or cleverly) ... so today we're playing "creative captions."

The game is simple: think of a caption for this photo:

Did I catch you smirking at my outfit? All the fashion mags are saying that these leggings are back in style! What do you know anyway? You're just a dog ... I'll have the last laugh!



Even your pet needs to beat the heat!

This week I have a lot to be feeling good about. It's Little P's fifth birthday. We are so proud of who is becoming with each new phase and year.

It was a whirlwind of planning for the birthday party. He wanted a Fetch theme. Not nearly as popular as some other kid characters, there are no party theme plates etc. for Fetch.

So I got out my crafting cap, and made up giftie bags, games, and blow outs with Fetch. I'm really happy with how they turned out -- and more importantly so is he! Happy Birthday Little P!

I am feeling good today because my boys get the spend the day together at a waterpark. Normally it wouldn't be that big a deal but my oldest leaves Sunday for camp for a week and the youngest already misses him.

He made that comment last night when we were watching TV. When they went to bed I could hear them chatting with each other about which slides/rides they were going to do first.

So I'm feeling good - and I hope they enjoy the day - (I can dream can't I?)


Now tell us why you feel good

You can never be too safe around the water - it can make everyone's time at the beach or pool more fun if you follow some basic safety advice and avoid getting hurt or worse! Here are some basic tips to remember this summer:

1. Learn to swim - it could save your life someday
2. Wear a floatation device if you are not a confident swimmer
3. Do not run near a pool
4. Do not splash others in a pool
5. Always swim with your mouth closed
6. and your eyes open (wearing goggles in chlorine helps with this)
7. Swim with a buddy at all times
8. Only swim in areas that have lifeguards
9. Don't swim after you've been drinking alcohol
10. Don't eat or chew gum while you're swimming
11. Only dive in places that are marked deep enough to dive into
12. Don't dive off any bridges or railroad tressels - you just don't know how deep the water is.
13. Never swim in the dark.

If you read this blog you know I have boys - and this past week we spent time at the beach with our cousins. Let's just say that the boys had some chaffing issues by the end of the day.

Here are some ideas that are working for us to relieve the chaffing (1) boxer brief underwear under the bathing suit or (3) compression shorts (or running shorts) - you can find these at your local sporting goods store or WalMart. Trust me - take care of the chaffing so that you can all enjoy your time at the beach more!

Remember to check out Rocks In My Dryer for more Works For Me Wednesday tips.

QIt's post-4th of July so you know what that means - the stores will start promoting back to school supplies (even if we're still on vacation mentally and physically!) Have spotted any back to school sales/items yet?

I haven't been looking that hard yet. I have to get Little P's school supply list first from his teacher. But we did find some pants so he'll be stylin' come fall!

Yes I have spotted back to school items. The boys and I were shopping at our local WalMart today for SUMMER CAMP items and wouldn't you know it there was an aisle full of crayons and glue and notebooks. I am so not ready for back to school - I haven't even had my summer vacation yet!!!

QI bought some fresh Lobsters this morning and am planning on cooking them for dinner. What's the best way to keep them fresh (and live) until then?

First of all I am totally jealous of lobster for dinner!!! I would keep them in the fridge until you are ready to cook them.
Before you place them in the pot - cut the rubber bands off of them - they will taste a lot better.

Here's a few things I've learned (the hard way) about storing live lobsters. After you buy them, keep them wet by covering them with damp sea water soaked newspaper and store them in the refrigerator to keep them cold (but not frozen). Do not store the lobster in fresh water (bath or tap), store the lobster on melted ice, store the lobster in a closed container. Enjoy your dinner!

A three day week ... who can't be happy about that? If only the pay was for five days. Well ... you can't have everything.



Oh ... and one more thing.

I'm so excited! P Daddy got me tickets to go tonite as a surprise. He won't go ... some thing about some cranky liberal comment JD made once about the US but P Daddy claims I have that little rebel leaning.

Now tell us why you feel good

In honor of our country's birthday celebration, here's our list of 13 things we treasure about living in this great country:

1. Ability to vote for the leaders you believe in
2. Ability to contact your elected officials and tell them what you think of laws
3. Free speech - could you blog without it ?
4. Freedom to read books that are written - don't let this be taken away!
5. Freedom to practice your religion as you like
6. Great volunteer organizations like The American Red Cross
7. and organizations that speak for those that can't speak for themselves like PETA
8. Volunteers helping out in communities
9. Access to clean water and fresh food
10. Student aid to attend college - it got you through college!
11. National parks
12. Freedom to travel from state to state without showing ID
13. Freedom to walk / ride down streets without the presence of the military on the corners

Tired of listening to the same old kid tunes in the car? Punch up your music selection with some fresh tunes for your kids. We've been letting Little P choose his own music for playlists for about 2-1/2 years now. It is interesting to hear his choices and how they change.

When we go to a movie (like like Cars) now, he asks "can we get this song." It makes me smile.

Also visit the (sm)all ages for some tunes to include that go beyond the Wiggles. I am enjoying their mp3 choices - especially the spiced up versions of classics by the Candy Band!

What songs or bands do you like to listen to with your kids?

Remember to check out Rocks In My Dryer for more Works For Me Wednesday tips.

QWhat current story or news item deserves more press? via Yahoo! answers

There have been a few articles and interviews this past year about children failing in America's public school system. Why hasn't this raised an alarm bell of concern among parents? Today's children will be tomorrow's leaders. If we do not give them the tools they need to succeed in their jobs and lives upon graduation we have not adequately prepared them. Schools today don't get to make the decisions regarding your children's future -- so parents must take control and make sure schools are making the grade. Read more about this at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and via Newsweek.


I think the economy in general needs more press and the fact that interest rates just increased again for the 17th consecutive time. Make sure you check your credit card statements next month to see what kind of impact this has on you. The other story is gas/oil prices - something needs to be done about it. It's insane!!!

QNow that all the regular shows are into reruns for the summer, what's on your TV viewing guide now?

Summertime shows that I enjoy are Inked on A&E and a new show that is cracking me up is America's Got Talent. Boy some of these people do not have talent but you have to give them snaps for trying... especially on National TV.

We watched the pilot for Kyle XY last week. It was interesting enough to keep my attention for a 1-hour segment. We're also watching King of Queens in reruns -- it's a great pick-me-up after a long hot day. It's nice to see a girl who's crankier than me!