Trophy Mug

Years ago when my husband and I were first married, we became friends with wonderful couples who already had children. At random visits to their homes I would inevitably see a large beverage jug sitting out. A few times I would catch the mother sipping iced water from this holder of liquids and I would stare at it with amazement.

Certainly I had seen a mug before in my life, but never one like this. It seemed to have a power to it all by itself. I was convinced, as I was not a lover or water intake previously, that if I had a jug like that, I WOULD drink more water :)

One day, I got up enough nerve to ask a friend of mine. The answer? The mug was given to her from the hospital she delivered her child in.

Well, that was a problem for me, because this little thurgood family wasn't planning on adding another thurgood to the family for a few years. But I wanted a MUG!

I searched dear friends. I searched at grocery stores, discount stores, and second hand stores for a mug to hold with pride....so that I could be a better drinker of water-of course!

My search was in vain. I could find nothing of the sort. So I did the best I could to try and remove the thought from my mind.

Fast forward to 2006. I SHOULD NOT complain, but for the sake of reliving it, lets just say I progress to the point of first stage labor in my final month of pregnancy. So I waddle around with water retention that would make an elephant look like a ANT and feel like all my insides are going to fall out.

On my way to the hospital I request a LARGE cup of juice and a nice juicy burger (don't judge ya'll) I knew they were going to make me STARVE...and heaven help me, if I didn't make it out alive at least I was going to savour my last meal :)

Fast forward to the delivery room....I was told I could suck on ICE CHIPS! (I was prepared for this) but really hoped they'd bring it in with that special mug all of my other mother-friends possessed in their homes.

Nope. Styrofoam.

My little Thurgood was born just after midnight and I could not have been happier. There was a lot of work involved in between, but you get the point.

As soon as the tyke was out and I was watching Apgar test etc. being performed I motioned to the hubs to grab my "back up drink" because I was THIRSTY!

I chugged that juice faster than a freshman frat boy at a party! I was parched! A nurse picked up on it and sent for water....

I was thankful I had my emergency supply of strawberry banana sobe, because whomever retrieved my water took forever.

I enjoyed my bonding time with Thurgood #3, and once the nurse returned I felt her journey was worth the wait.

In she walked holding the much anticipated:


TROPHY MUG!

I finally earned it! I got to have my very own and no one could take it from me. It was mine!

It is silly how much importance I've placed in this little mug. But to me, it is a symbol of achievement. It is a symbol of sacrifice and love.

My brother, who likes to drink water in large quantities, borrowed my special mug unannounced to me once....I never saw my trophy again.

There were threats on his life made, demands that he march in to the hospital and get me another one etc. But BRO didn't get the special importance it had with me. So, I marched in myself and asked for another :) I was willing to pay folks. I was willing. But a nice nurse saw the look of panic on my face and sent me home with a duplicate trophy mug.

I have earned a second trophy since that tragic incident and I don't mind compiling them. I have become a much better water drinker....thanks to MY trophy mug.

HIVE!

Driving home one afternoon, I turn onto my street and notice what looks like an odd colored ball stuck in a tree on my property. Hesitant (because I have never seen a ball decorated quite like it). I pull up and examine it.



Answer: GINORMOUS wasp nest.
Solution: Kill, Kill, Kill it...but not me of course...assign the husband.

My darling friend Liz suggested I save it and send it with my son for show and tell. That idea took a while to sink in, but after a LOT of contemplation and failed attempts to contact professionals to take it down for free, we decided it would be pretty cool to send a carcased hive to show & tell!

And that's just what we did. we got online and researched the bald wasps that took up real estate in our tree and yours truly carefully sawed the little sucker out of the tree attempting to preserve it and the branch it was connected to.

Eventually we packaged the cozy little nook up and sealed it, with printed info... and dead wasps and sent the happy little preschooler to school!

Motivation!!!

If anyone needs a little visual motivation to lose weight, as I sometimes do; Here is a website that can help with that.

Simply upload a frontal picture of yourself, adjust your height, weight and click "set", adjust meter at left to how much weight you desire to lose or gain. Once your picture is uploaded make sure the square only covers your face. it will scan and show the new you to the right. You can print or email it!

Pizza Pizza

For family home evening this week we made home made pizza! , well not the crust. Dad got home too late for that. So here's what we cooked up!

Pizza Sauce (makes enough for 2 pizzas)
Ingredients

* 1 16 ounce can of sauce with
* 1 can (6 0z) tomato paste
* 6 oz Water; ( less for thicker!!!!!)

SEASONINGS

* 1/2 ts Garlic powder
* 2 ts Italian seasoning
* 2 ts Fennel seed
* 2 ts Onion powder
* 1.5 ts. Sugar

Instructions
Mix all the ingredients and allow to set for at least 30 minutes before use. The Fennel Seed is a key to the flavor!!

* I made modifications to this recipe based off of our results. Add whatever toppings sound delish to you. We used mozzarella, pepperoni and a mixture of italian sausage and ground beef.

Always wanted to...

When I was younger they didn't have stores with kid-sized shopping carts, so when I had to make a run to my second home & knew it wasn't going to require filling my own cart-- I told the kids to load up their rides and roll out! The store we were heading to didn't have the special carts either, but that didn't stop us!

Strawberries and Cream Trifle

Made a dessert for a recent Relief Society meeting and was pleased with the way it turned out. here you go:


Strawberries and cream trifle

Ingredients:

* 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
* 1-1/2 cups cold water
* 1 package (1 ounce) sugar-free instant vanilla pudding mix
* 1 carton (8 ounces) frozen reduced-fat whipped topping, thawed
* 1 prepared angel food cake (9-ounce round)
* 4 cups sliced fresh strawberries
* 3 whole fresh strawberries

Directions:
In a bowl, whisk the milk and water. Whisk in the pudding mix for 2 minutes. Let stand for 2 minutes or until soft-set; fold in the whipped topping. Cut cake into 1/2-in. cubes.
Spoon a third of the pudding mixture into a 4-qt. trifle or glass bowl. Top with half of the cake cubes and sliced strawberries. Repeat layers once. Top with remaining pudding mixture. Garnish with whole strawberries. Yield: 12 servings.

Just Couldn't Resist

Lately, some of my children sightings have been pretty comical to me. The children have discovered "closets and cubby's". My daughter discovered that pouring shampoo in the tub makes it nearly impossible to get out of....slippery factor!

5 Things You May Not Know About Me

1. My Mom still plucks my eye brows :) [Anytime she's here for a visit, it's mandatory. She's the best I've ever found]

2. I've never eaten an entire oreo (only the dark piece in cookies and cream ice cream)

3. 99.999% of the time my phone is on vibrate. I have what I like to call, "Ring Tone Anxiety" if I can hear my phone & I am not near it, I start to panic....i.e. changing a diaper..I begin to rush. If I'm near it, I answer [unless kids are screaming] If I'm not, its a nice surprise!

4. I still roller skate (not roller blade)

5. I owe $10 in library fines!!! [don't judge me! I can be a bit overzealous when I go to the library. I find all these books, check them out with the intention of reading them, and usually bring them back having read ONE! This last time I went on vacation and forgot to return them...oops!

Green Organization

Stumbled upon these organization ideas and wanted to share. Sparks great ideas for recycling in these "tough economic times" *Hubby and I joke about saying this for everything... i.e. Mr.Thurgood: Man, I'm really tired today! Me: It's because of these tough economic times.

Restroom Refugee

We mothers know all too well what emotions a simple bathroom break can bring out in our children. I seem to collect quite an audience with me 3 year old, 20 months old, and 3 lb dog, Emma.

I often feel as though I'm an academy award winning actress with the audience in the palm of my hand when I suddenly disappear to take care of business. Inevitably feet patter, voices call for me and the hide and seek game is over, as I am stranded and my audience of three occupy themselves in the bathroom I am in like a game of sardines!

Tonight I have foundrefuge. You see, Daddy is home and I slipped away not really thinking about it. As usual, my son knocks on the door and attempts to enter. The door isn't locked, but a little jammed :) He asked me what I was doing and I responded. He told me he wanted to come in (not sure what the fascination is) and I reminded him that he doesn't like it when his sister enters the bathroom when he's there. I then try to tune him out and he goes away. Cue the second child....slipping toy bracelets under the door (or attempting to), "here u go mommy". The silence worked last time and Sargent Daddy picks up on my peace attempt, so he scoops the wee laddy up and away. Not a minute later....."scratch, scratch, scratch" you guessed it! The dog....REALLY! Ignorance is bliss :)

It worked Daddy has the outside perimeter and I am enjoying a room all to myself :) I have long since finished what I set out to accomplish, but I can't help staying a little bit longer. So here I am a refugee in my own restroom, blogging about it. Yes, I did take the laptop in with me (I'm a Multi-tasker), and yes I am blogging in el bano. And I like it. :) Mr. Thurgood just asked if I was still alive..I laughed. So I guess that means my time is up. Until next time my dear friends and mothers....find solace and peace in your porcelain placed palace :)

Tithes

My son has begun asking for toys/things. So we felt it was a good time for him to start making his own money. He has done some work for Uncle and the E's (a neighbor of ours). With his money he chose to purchase a toy motorcycle and gum.

For one of the Family Home Evening Lessons, Dad taught about paying tithing. He asked my son, "who gives us everything we have?" My son quickly responded, "Sister E!" (our neighbor) Although Daddy was the mature parent, I busted up laughing. I couldn't stop. It was so cute we just had to share it.

C.D.O. at its Best!

You've heard of those people that are Obsessive Compulsive! Some would argue that I am one of those. I simply tell them I am NOT O.C.D. , I am C.D.O. because that is "Obsessive Compulsive Disorder" alphabetized!

Yes, it is that bad. But I enjoy the simplicity of organization. I snapped a few of my accomplishments (pictured below). I continue to try and find new/better ways to organize my house to fit my needs.

Enjoy making fun of me. I do laugh at myself from time to time (the rest of the time I pat myself on the back :))
Short Sleeves on top shelf, long sleeves/skirts/pants on bottom. Separated by color

I heart drawer dividers! They are in all of our clothing drawers :)

The linen closet...one of my favorite places to organize because it was my biggest headache before. Top Shelf: Mismatched pillowcases, linen spray, and hand towels, Second Shelf: Bedding (fitted sheet, flat sheet, and pillowcase) are folded and tucked into the matching pillowcase. Third shelf: towels rolled, so much easier to SHOVE IN THERE! Third Shelf: storage drawers separated for medical supplies, child care items, over the counter medication, and external & prescription meds. Fourth Shelf: (not pictures) extra pillows and blankets.

4th of July Hoo-rah!

My son is such great kitchen help (at times). We whipped up a few things over the holiday weekend, and I'm in a sharing mood!

Hawaiian Sweet Bread Rolls (not sweet, but great with butter)

INGREDIENTS

• 7 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup instant mashed potato flakes
• 2/3 cup sugar
• 2 (.25 ounce) packages active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup pineapple juice
• 3 eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

DIRECTIONS

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 cups flour, potato flakes, sugar, yeast, salt and ginger. In a small saucepan, heat the milk, water, butter and pineapple juice to 120 degrees F-130 degrees F. Add to dry ingredients; beat just until moistened. Add eggs; beat until smooth. Beat in vanilla. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough.
2. Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease the top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1-1/4 hours.
3. Punch dough down. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; divide into thirds. Shape each into a ball. Place in three greased 9-in. round baking pans. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 45 minutes.

Bake at 375 degrees F for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Cover loosely with foil if top browns too quickly. Remove from pans to wire racks to cool.

Patriotic Trifle

Pretzel Sparklers

Sonish

My son's version of eating a hot dog :)

Recently, I've also enjoyed his version of the English Language...

English Sonish
Waffle "Wamples"
Sleeping Beauty "Sleeping Duty Duty"
Disgusting "Dis-crust-ing"
Tears "My 'cries' come out when I close my eyes"
Dessert "Bizzert'
The Sun came out "I waked up the sun for you"
Cape "Gape"
"Dad, let's play Ring the Ghack" (actual game from Dr. Suess Book)
Twelve (12) "Twelven"
Frisbee "Fris-a-pea"

Then we dip, we dip, we dip

I couldn't resist!

My daughter loves this fruit dip I make. So I snapped a picture and thought I'd share the recipe. Bon Apetit!

Fruit Dip (s0 easy its a sin!)
16 oz. Strawberry low-fat Yogurt
1 Small container of Cool-Whip

Mix & enjoy or chill and serve with cut fruit!

Organized & Accessorized

Now that my daughters hair is grown a bit longer, I bought more hair doodie-dads for her. This prompted me to "organize" her hair "things" and off I went. I used my old nuts, bolts, and screws holder (found in the hardware areas of most stores) and placed them by color.

After completion, I went to the store to purchase a larger one for my jewelry, as the one I was previously using was a bit small.

Viola! end result. Nice neat packages that are easy to transport and easy to find what I am looking for. Both compartments were less than $10 total {craft areas sell a similar concept in storage, but are more expensive}
In case anyone wonders the method to my madness here: I placed earrings and rings in the first row, bracelets in the second, necklaces third, and JUMBO necklaces in the back (all according to color)

"Mother's" Day

It should come as no surprise that I LOVE GETTING MAIL!!! Of course not bills, but letters, cards, and especially packages. It was well known in my house< growing up, that I committed to memory the sound of our local postal workers vehicle. Because of this I would know when the mail arrived. There was something about the anticipation of walking to the mailbox and prying open that federal door to see if a "little goody" awaited me. Ironically, I don't quite get the same satisfaction from email. Although I always enjoy receiving a personal one.

Now that I am older and home all day, I have also memorized the Fed Ex and UPS truck (I know right? I need another hobby). About a month ago I received a visit from one of these trucks! I was thrilled and surprised in regards to the unexpected visit. Lo and behold, a PACKAGE for me! YES!

I opened the wonderful piece of parcel and revealed the lovely arrangement photographed above. From Michael & my mother for Mother's Day. I loved everything about it. But it got me thinking...

For the last several years my mother has sent me Mother's Day presents. I love gifts, so that is not my complaint, but I kinda feel guilty that MY mother is sending ME Mother's Day presents!

Furthermore, these last couple of years I have felt Mother's Day is a bit impersonal: the 24hours that we the people tribute to the Mother's in our lives. I guess its something about everyone doing it at the same time that doesn't make it as meaningful to me. Which is weird, because I don't feel that way about Christmas, Thanksgiving or Easter! Anyway, it may simply be that my epiphany emerges as I have become a mother myself.

In no way would I ever recommend we not pay tribute to our mothers on Mother's Day. As a matter of fact every Mother's Day, my poor husband has to hear me torte, "Every day should be Mother's Day". I can only imagine what he's thinking.

Along with my Mother's Day controversy I began examining why our parents call US on our birthdays (I'm just taking the holiday's by storm!). If you think about it, good ol' Mom and Dad are the reason we HAVE a BIRTH day. And from that special day they have sacrificed to raise us and give us the best within their powers. What do we need to celebrate? That they let us LIVE! Surely none of us is perfect--so I can only envision their birthday wishes to mean, "Happy Birthday little darling, you're so lucky you made it another day." All joking aside for a moment, I feel the ones that need to be celebrated are our parents.

And that is just what I did. This past birthday of mine, I called my mother and father. I shared my feelings of gratitude for selfless sacrifice and the blessings I feel they have been in my life. etc. etc. My birthday meant I was one year older and wiser too, but I would not deny that was the case because of the family I had in my life.

Everyone's situation is different. Some may not have had one or both parents as active members within their upbringing, but hopefully there is someone in our lives that we could look to (even if it was a bad example you've worked hard not to repeat) that have helped shape us into who we are as individuals.

May I suggest that we take a step back on our next birthday (and the many more to come), take a moment to contact the people that brought you into this world and/or made it possible for you to continue to learn and grow--and tell them how much they mean to you...how grateful you are for them. That my dear friends, is a much more personal "Mother's Day".

Free Free Free

Since I committed to following a budget, I have to admit it's been kinda fun to find some creative ways to have free fun.

My mother always told me I could take a pile of junk & make something neat out of it (THANKS MOM!). **She said it much nicer than that

So after we took the swing set items out of their massive boxes I saved them for future projects.

If anyone remembers my kite experience, you know this could get interesting.

Today, I took one of the larger boxes and constructed this tunnel. I quickly ran & grabbed the camera before it fell apart!

Swing Set Satisfaction

As I am sure you know by now, I don't have patience for craft-like things. This includes reading instructions.

For my son and daughter's birthdays this year we combined all the money they received from loved ones (THANK YOU!) and purchased this awesome swingset I won't have to refinish each year.

So when it arrived via big big truck, I skipped out to meet the truck driver. And as required; had my brother help me carry the massive thing in the back yard. I warned Mr Thurgood and Uncle ahead of time that they would have to assemble it together--if I had picture proof of some of the items I've tried to assemble you would know why.

So there the swing set sat in a box in our backyard and I just stared at it. It was then that I decided to have my brother help me move it to where it would actually stand for the duration of it's life. He complied.

Now I stood looking at it all cramped up in its box where it would eventually be able to stretch its wings. I then looked at the time (approx 11:20) and did the math in my head (shocker, I know). Mr. Thurgood would be home @ 6PM that night. Good gracious that was a long time for the playset to just sit there.

Yes, you guessed it. I sent my son (the one that can guilt trip uncle the best) to ask my brother to put up the swing set with me. He complied again :) I was elated!

Now you must know that Uncle's patience for assembling things is similar to mine (must be on my Dads side of the family. Dad?) So picture us on one of the hottest days of the week....outside, READING instructions and actually trying to follow them!

Its was quite the comical experience. We know that if we were ever on a reality TV team, we would be America's favorite!

Our little jabs at one another. Our jokes...laughter, frustration, arguments about which piece the instructions were refering to, and the victory dances we performed for whomever was right, was truly a sight to see!

The highlight of the assembly was the point at which Uncle suggested that we just throw out a piece that just wasn't fitting right! I envisioned my children trying to swing and the whole set falling down on them.....so that didn't last long.

But my dear friends 5 HOT SUNNY HOURS LATER we finished!

Earth Day: Garden in a Glove

For Earth Day we made Garden in a Glove

With a plastic food-handling glove, we placed wet cotton balls in the fingers and thumb of a glove. Then placed one seed in each section. We tied the end to ensure the seeds didn't become lunch and set them out to soak up sun & heat. Within a few days the little guys started budding....if I could keep them alive, we would have planted them. .....may they rest in peace!

FREEZER frenzy!

Thanks to my friend Stephanie, lunchtime pasta requests are made easier!

I always seem to have leftover pasta from dinner. It usually sits inside the fridge until it goes bad.
Now I place my leftovers in a muffin tin and place it in the freezer. Once frozen I take it out and place it on the counter for about 10+ minutes (just enough to thaw a little).

I turn it upside down and slap the bottom of the tin and TA DA!

Almost instant pasta for my little ones lunch!

REHEAT
THROW SAUCE ON IT
& SERVE!

This has actually inspired me to plan breakfast meals for each day of the month. So I'll only repeat those meals once every month (excluding weekends).

I came up with this idea as I saw one of my neighbors make a large batch of pancakes and freeze the remaining items for later!

Since I was fortunate to take these ideas home & better my meals I'll share the Monday-Friday breakfast meals that will be whipped up or reheated in our household! (subject to change as I find awesome breakfast additions)
** Note: only certain items will be frozen :)

Bon Apetit!

Eggs & Bacon
Swedish Rice
Pancakes
Toast & Fruit
Bagel & Smoothie
Scones
Oatmeal
Waffles (or as call them, "Wamples") with homemade syrup
Fruit Salad
Raspberry Turnovers
Omelet
Peaches & Whip Cream (to resemble a sunny side egg)
Quiche
Bacon, Egg, & Cheese Bagel
Muffins
Eggs and hash browns
Cinnamon Rolls
French Toast
Breakfast Casserole
Yogurt & Fruit

How Do You Rate As a 1930"s Wife??

Thank you something marvelous for posting this awesome quiz!

It peaked my interest and OF COURSE I took it.

Side note: I find it interesting that some of the point values equate the importance of "Being able to carry on an interesting conversation as being equal in points to squeezing the toothpaste at the top!" :) Makes my giggle and shake my head

I'll babble blog some time later about adapting the positive aspects of the early 1900's into my life :)

But for now, check this out:

A wife rating scale from the 1930s:

Apparently, the full scale had 50 merits and 50 demerits of differing value which were subtracted from each other to give the final score.

94 As a 1930s wife, I am Very Superior Take the test!

"This test represents the composite opinions of 600 husbands who were asked to list the cheif merits and demerits of their wives. They talked frankly. I have summarized the most frequently voiced falws and virtues and have weighted those items which, in my judgement as a psychologist and a physician, are especially important in marriage. I commend this test to the attention of all intelligent women who aspire to make their marriages both permanent and happy. Young women contemplating matrimony might very profitably use this test as a practical guide." --Dr. George W. Crane

I have to scratch my head as to why Dr. Crane felt "wearing red nail polish" or "eating onions, radishes, or garlic before a date or going to bed" Seemed to be such a naughty gesture in marriage! Oh the disgrace :)

I had my husband take the test and died with some of his questions! He was off the charts with his test.....I doubt he would be called World's Best Husband (like he is today) back in the 1930's..pretty sure the men folk would've pulled him off to the side--telling him he'd better stop doing so much around the house before his wife expects it!

Just a little curious as to how "Compares wive unfavorably with his mother or other wives" is only 5 demerits! That's grounds for automatic FAILURE!

At the same time, "Gives wife real movie kisses not dutiful "peck" on the cheek." Should be far more than 1 merit in my opinion.

138.5 As a 1930s husband, I am Very Superior Take the test!

Rest Assured Restroom Experience....

Its obvious by now that I worry like a schizophrenic. So its no wonder as we were ALMOST finished grocery shopping my son starts doing the pee pee dance. The faster the dance, the less time I have to prepare!

I quickly start talking to him, trying to distract him as I bee-line my way to the nearest restroom....AND?

Closed for maintenance and cleaning! My mother & husband can attest that this particular grocery store is ALWAYS cleaning their bathrooms at the worst possible time!

I used the only other option I had left: the men's room.

My darling freshly 3 year old hopped out of the cart and in a loud voice (standing next to the opening of the restroom) I announced to him, "Hurry and use the potty and if ANYONE touches you--yell for mommy & I will help you!"

After he was out of site I felt like saying, "if you even think about touching my kid I'm gonna snap you in half!"

My adrenaline was pumping overtime and I was ready to go....

Through my deafening heartbeat I could detect that my son was alone, and sensed relief pouring over me. But I wish I could have seen what I looked like to the male passerby's with an aura that must have screamed, "Next bathroom, buddy!"

It was a successful public bathroom trip for my son, and frankly I was exhausted. So, I can rest for now, that is, until the next worse case scenario enters my mind!

Code Adam

Back in my college days I worked at a local retail store. We were trained to search for a missing child matching the description when,"Code Adam" was paged over the intercom.

The announcement over the intercom always sent my heart racing, and I immediately stopped what I was doing to search for the missing child.

My heart raced more rapidly then in previous years this past weekend as a quick run into a store with my 3 year old turned into a search and rescue. The run into the store was supposed to be quick. Because of this I decided for one of the first times, NOT to place my son in a shopping cart. Mistake #1 for me. I had the little wanderer with me as I approached the checkstand. Another sales clerk flagged me over to their register so that I would not have to stand in line and poof...the tiny toddler was gone.

I called for him and looked in the surrounding area, but nada! So of course I panic..it literally was seconds. I run outside to see if I can see anyone in the parking lot with my child...nothing. So the associate calls for a "Code Adam".

Code Adam is actually an internationally-recognized missing child program. Started by the store I worked for in college . Its named after John Walsh's (Americas Most Wanted) late son.

Companies that do implement the program generally place a Code Adam decal at the front of the business. Employees at these businesses are trained to do the following six steps according to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children:

1. If a visitor reports a child is missing, a detailed description of the child and what he or she is wearing is obtained. Additionally, all exterior access to the building is locked and monitored; anyone approaching a door is turned away.
2. The employee goes to the nearest in-house telephone and pages Code Adam, describing the child’s physical features and clothing. As designated employees monitor front entrances, other employees begin looking for the child.
3. If the child is not found within 10 minutes, law enforcement is called.
4. If the child is found and appears to have been lost and unharmed, the child is reunited with the searching family member.
5. If the child is found accompanied by someone other than a parent or legal guardian, reasonable efforts to delay their departure will be used without putting the child, staff, or visitors at risk. Law enforcement will be notified and given details about the person accompanying the child.
6. The Code Adam page will be canceled after the child is found or law enforcement arrives.

I was asked by the sales associate to describe what my son looked like. DUH! I was NOT prepared for this question as my mind was in a state of shock. I listed off his clothes and the color of his skin. The associate asked me to wait by the front door. Which makes sense, but didn't make me feel as though I was doing all that I could to find my baby!

I was lucky...the little turd headed back to the toy area and was found by one of the associates who gathered together to find him.

I tried not to scare him once we finished our business and left, but explained as best I could (without bursting into tears) how sad I get when I don't know where he is etc. etc.

I learned a ton from this experience:

a. my children will remain in shopping carts until their 30 yrs. old
b. I will do better at discussing the responsibility that comes with the freedom of walking and not sitting in a cart (age 31+)
c. I failed to mention how old my child was. or the fact that he had a painted bunny face on. I didn't mention eye color, his name, or any permanent information about him that a perpetrator could not disguise quickly.

I have a Child ID Card for each member of my family, but it is not enough. I am going to write down a list of identifying questions that I can answer information about and keep a wallet-sized version with me. I was lucky this time, but will take measures to prepare myself even more.

Let the Memmy Awards Begin...

During my daily mommy routine I often come across a product that is WONDERFUL and think to myself "life would not be the same without ____."

It is from this I have been inspired to start my own "Memmy" Awards (Mother's Emmy's). Basically, I'd like us to recognize excellent products that make mothering just a tiny bit easier--something you think you wouldn't want to travel through the journey of motherhood without.

So to start out this segments "Memmy Award" I'd definitely nominate the Baby Bjorn Bib. Thanks to my darling friend Hannah's advice I purchased one of these bad boys and haven't looked back since.
The material with which it is made from makes for a rinse-off and go clean-up. And it catches my little picasos droppings from the hole in her chin :). Mine has actually made it through two children. I've tried the other products with plastic etc. and nothing is as easy as the Baby Bjorn Bib. Thus the reason I am nominating this item.

I'd LOVE to hear from fellow caregivers out there. Nominate product(s) that have been awesome for you. They're all winners of the Memmy Award!