baby3194’s Neighbors

Proof your kid really isn't that bad...

nobody@vox.com(Belles Mama) — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 19:48:08 -0700

Did you know that kids are human barometers and lunar cycle predictors? Seriously!! Kids are kind of like animals in that they can sense things we can't. I can always tell if the weather is going to change (snow, rain, get hot) by the attitudes and behaviors of my kids (my own and my students). They get louder, even more hyper, and bicker with each other (and possibly me) a lot more. Don't believe me? Spend a winter with a bunch of 6 year olds. You will soon realize that you no longer need to check the forecast. Just watch the kids...you'll know when the next snow storm is coming. This goes for lunar cycle changes too! Remember all the horror movies that took place on nights with a full moon!? It's true...kids act really weird when there's going to be a full moon! There have been many days that my class has been just crazy and wild and I was out of my mind trying to figure out what is going on...and then I realize it's going to be a full moon!

I had proof of this, again, yesterday. Belle was an absolute crabby, sassy and whiney little sh**! I couldn't figure it out! I mean, like all kids she has her crabby moments but it doesn't usually last aaaallllll day! But when by 7pm last night she had had her 5th temper tantrum (and she rarely has those anymore) of the night...I knew something was wrong. But I just didn't know what. I took her temperature...nope, it was fine. I asked if she had a tummy ache...no, she was okay. Maybe she was tired? No...she slept in that day and wasn't acting tired. And then...when we were doing her bedtime routine and she was X-ing off the date on her calendar, I saw it...on the calendar, on July 18th...it said "Full Moon" Ah ha! Now, I get it!

So...the next time your little one is being extra whiney, crabby, sassy, etc...and you just can't figure it out: check the forecast and the lunar cycle. Seriously...I think you'd be surprised how often it's true!

Great...you all think I'm crazy now don't you? I'm the crazy lady of your neighborhood aren't I? Crap!

Read and post comments | Send to a friend

Another trip to the zoo!

nobody@vox.com(Belles Mama) — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 14:24:04 -0700

We met a former co-teacher of mine, Tara, and her 2 little ones (Tommy and Anna) at the zoo this morning. The forecast was calling for lots of rain, but we decided to try it anyways. We got to go through the new Grizzly exhibit and then it started to sprinkle (and then pour once we got inside)...so inside we went! Luckily this zoo has a TON of animals to look at indoors also. Of course we had to check out the flamingos! Tara and kids left a little before us as they needed naps (wish mine still did that). As Belle and I were getting ready to leave we saw a free face painting booth in which kids could get their faces painted like leopards! Belle was all for that...so after finishing her ice cream cone, she turned into Belle the Leopard! Super fun day!

Read and post comments | Send to a friend

Tootin' my own horn!

nobody@vox.com(Belles Mama) — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 16:25:15 -0700

Let me preempt this blog entry with an couple explanations:

1. I am not by nature a very talented chef (to put it mildly).

2 The things I am good at cooking have never worked out the first time...never!

3. My husband tends to make sure he is close by when I am trying something new (review #2 if you're unsure why).

That being said...I have to tell you something that will blow your mind!!! I grilled chicken and potatoes tonight and they were reeeeeaaaaaaaally good! Brandon was running late from work and we needed to get dinner going quick so Belle could eat before t-ball. So, I decided to start the grill and start cooking the chicken (which I had previously marinated), figuring that Bran would be home in time to do the real cooking. But he was REALLY running late so I ended up cooking it all myself...and it didn't burn!!!!!! I baked the potatoes for a bit, cut them into wedges and grilled them too! Now, some of you may be thinking "Big whoop! It's just chicken and potatoe wedges!". But to me it was like cooking a gourmet meal! I don't usually use the grill and when I do, I tend to screw it up somehow (don't ask me how...it's an unfortunate talent). So, this is a HUGE deal for me! Brandon and Belle both told me a few times how good dinner was! Hee hee! I think I'm a little high for the excitement!

Read and post comments | Send to a friend

Mommy Bloggers Hit the Road

nobody@vox.com(Team Vox) — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 15:38:06 -0700

Summer Road Trip '08

Although we typically post on Team Vox to let you know about things that are going on with Vox (to, uh, state the obvious), once in a while, we like to let you know about other cool things that are happening around the blogosphere. And we think the idea of four hilarious mommy bloggers traveling across the U.S. on their way to the BlogHer '08 conference - all the while blogging and video blogging the journey - is one trip you will not want to miss.

Four adventurous bloggers from the Silicon Valley Moms Group were selected to participate in the Summer Road Trip '08 and blog about their travels, hotel stays, media appearances, time away from their families, and life on the road. Six Apart helped them partner up with General Motors, who provided the blogging mommies with a Chevy Tahoe Hybrid SUV to help make their journey comfy, safe, and a little more green.

In case you're not familiar with them, SV Moms is a group of over 200 bloggers who showcase the ups, downs, outrages, struggles, victories, and everyday humor of motherhood. There are currently nine regional and demographically tailored sites that give mothers from D.C., New Jersey, the Deep South, Rocky Mountains, L.A., and Silicon Valley a powerful voice and sense of camaraderie across the country. Whether you're a mother, a child, or just a person who enjoys a good blog, you'll really love reading the words of these amazing women.

Packed and Ready!

The moms buckled into their Chevy Tahoe Hybrid SUV on July 11th and even got an encouraging message from Katie Couric to kick things off! They are currently somewhere in the middle of America making their way to San Francisco where they'll attend an SV Moms Group Party, as well as BlogHer '08.

You do not want to miss these entertaining and irreverent bloggers -- or their spontaneous contest giveaways! -- as they blog from the road. Experience the journey at MomRoadTrip.com.

And let us know about your summer road trip - or plane/boat/bus trip - in the comments! (I like to live vicariously.)

~daisy

Read and post comments | Send to a friend

Random thoughts...

nobody@vox.com(Belles Mama) — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 19:21:58 -0700

I should be working on my paper, I know that. Belle is asleep, Brandon is at a gig, hell, even the dog is asleep. I have no reason not to work on my paper. Yet, here I am obviously not doing that. So, instead I will share some random thoughts about my day:

We went mini-golfing this morning...super fun! Brandon kicked my ass of course! Belle was so funny...no matter how many strokes (hee hee...I said strokes! Yes, I am 14 again) it took her she would do a fist raise and shout it out proud: "Woo hoo! 8 hits!"!

Since it stormed again last night and was windy again today...Belle got to earn $$ picking up sticks again. Daddy decided to offer her a flat rate this time first (see, he learns). They negotiated $5 for the front yard. Tomorrow she said she going to talk to him about doing the back again. LOL

If you've ever been to my house, especially at night, you will know that we live in what we lovingly refer to as "The Fish Bowl"...which basically means that because our front room has such big windows, when it is dark outside but light inside, everyone and their dog can see what's going on inside (keep your mind out of the gutters people)! There used to be blinds on the front windows but they got taken down before we moved in. Anyways, 4 years later, we still hadn't done anything to solve our little "Fish Bowl" problem! Until today! We bought some curtains and I just finished putting them up (another way to procrastinate the paper)! No more walking to the kitchen in the dark to get a drink of water! Woo hoo!

Ahh...the excitement of my day! Too much to handle isn't it? You're all envious of my crazy, wild lifestyle arent' ya?

Alriiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiight...fine, I'll work on my stupid paper! Although, I do believe there's a cheesey 80s movie on tonight...and I LOVE my 80s movies! Hee hee!

Read and post comments | Send to a friend

QotD: I Scream, You Scream, We All Scream for Ice Cream!

nobody@vox.com(Belles Mama) — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 06:15:12 -0700

July is national ice cream month! What's your favorite flavor?
Submitted by LittleWiseOne.

Finally, a QotD that calls out to me!

Ah...where to begin! Ice cream is my ALL TIME favorite dessert! I wouldn't feel right naming just one as my favorite flavor so here's a top 10 list:

1. plain ol' chocolate or dark chocolate (my stand by)

2. chocolate chip cookie dough

3. caramel swirls (dulce de leche)

4. french silk pie (I'm drooling just thinking of it)

5. neopolitan (gotta love the mix there)

6. cherry nut

7. butter brickle (from my childhood)

8. moose tracks

9. strawberry (with BIG chunks of strawberries)

10. vanilla (loaded with oreos or chocolate syrup or sprinkles...)

I could go on...but then it wouldn't be a top 10 list! Pretty much, if it's ice cream and doesn't have some nasty weird flavor (like licorice...yick) then I most likely love it!

Damn...I need to go get some ice cream now!

Read and post comments | Send to a friend

An expensive chore...

nobody@vox.com(Belles Mama) — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 06:02:17 -0700

After the weird storm yesterday, Belle and I go outside to survey the damage. We were lucky and the only thing we notice were a TON of branches and twigs on the ground!

When Brandon gets home he starts talking about having to pick up all those flippin' twigs and then he gets an idea. He tells Belle he will give her a dime for each branch she picks up...every 10, she gets a dollar. She loved the idea and started picking up branches right away! He had to go inside and shower, etc. I stayed out with her and kept track of her $$ for her. By the time he came back out 1/2 hour later, he owed her $22!!! He about fell over when she told him how much he owed her! But he gladly paid her when he saw what a great job she did! You should've seen her face when he handed her the $20 bill!!

So...we are off to Target today to spend some $$! Look out Polly Pocket aisle, here we come!

Read and post comments | Send to a friend

Tattletale!!!

nobody@vox.com(Belles Mama) — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 06:02:14 -0700

A couple days ago I was driving Belle back from a playdate. We were merging onto the highway behind this car that was seriously going 40 mph! Seriously! How can you merge with traffic that's going 70+ when you're going only 40?!?!?! So, I said a few choice words (I'm not much of a swearer, especially around Belle, except when I drive...damn road rage)...nothing too bad though, sped past the guy and gave him the look of death. Wanted to flip him the bird but figured teaching my kid swear words was enough for the day.

Anyways, after t-ball that night, Belle was going home with my parents to spend the night at their house (my mom has random sleepovers). As they are driving down the road, they get behind a slow car and my sister (who was driving them) made a comment about the car driving slow. Here's the conversation that followed, as retold to me:

Belle: "Mama and I were behind a slow guy today when we were coming home from Sophia's."

My mom: "Oh yeah?"

Belle: "Yeah, Mommy was getting mad at him."

My mom: "She was?"

Belle: "Yeah, she kinda yelled at him cuz he was dangerous and slow."

My sister: "Well, at least she didn't say any bad words huh?"

Belle: (pause) "Well, she DID say a couple of them!"

Darn tattletaling kid!

Read and post comments | Send to a friend

Vox Meetup This Saturday: Cincinnati, Ohio

nobody@vox.com(Team Vox) — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 11:12:24 -0700

Cincinnati, Ohio Vox Meetup

Do you live in or around Cincinnati, Ohio? If so, you're in luck because Scott and the Queen City Voxers Group have organized a Vox user meetup!

WHEN: This Saturday, July 12th

WHERE: Ault Park Playground. 3600 Observatory Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45208. "We'll look for each other at the playground marked by the red X below. If it's raining, head for the shelter to the north of the [red] X."

Ault Park Map

EATS: Bring your own picnic and, if you're so inclined, bring something yummy to share with the other Voxers.

To RSVP (which is not essential, but is appreciated), reply to Scott's announcement or send him a private message. All Voxers, as well as their friends and family, are welcome to attend.

If you do attend the meetup, have a great time and please take lots of pictures and send them to me so I can post them in Team Vox for everyone to see!

Thank you so much to Scott for organizing this meetup. Wish I could be there!

~daisy

Read and post comments | Send to a friend

QotD: I'm Not Telling

nobody@vox.com(Belles Mama) — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 06:00:44 -0700

What question do you hate being asked?

"When are you guys going to have another kid?" or "Isn't it about time you had another kid?" or any variation of the sort. People just don't always think before they speak.

Read and post comments | Send to a friend