tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-68137975940102062112024-02-19T03:34:37.072-08:00ReInventing MommaDonnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03102793133636535632noreply@blogger.comBlogger37125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6813797594010206211.post-28918547518967012472012-03-23T19:50:00.004-07:002012-03-23T20:05:52.875-07:00To My Son<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4ou34nbeGMb5QkNdUVTXI9UiqLvaO0oXZhO7FzsuCa9kX3GNA2izvCi_-p8joNcqKu2DCDiIJhgihJV5rx7rciPFLz8zVWmEf-giCiZt1uey1erx5qmvbKsSHBVJ4JUsJAVphPFqqYPs/s1600/Luke+School+Pic.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 142px; height: 200px; float: left; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5723294193365158274" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4ou34nbeGMb5QkNdUVTXI9UiqLvaO0oXZhO7FzsuCa9kX3GNA2izvCi_-p8joNcqKu2DCDiIJhgihJV5rx7rciPFLz8zVWmEf-giCiZt1uey1erx5qmvbKsSHBVJ4JUsJAVphPFqqYPs/s200/Luke+School+Pic.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP2Y6VaoQkmrGAkaHIa1QtBaqE4SvBmlETzB1R1RxH4wCcTqDJSf9RlohsSp3_2QsE8aGHAFNQCrCsrnf3Lsqsa1L4lwVV8CYLmxBo7gpvmmPp3iMsJkLp1dpwxckHbGTCGh1BlBk0VZI/s1600/Scan_Pic0001.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 220px; height: 183px; float: left; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5723294081977107106" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP2Y6VaoQkmrGAkaHIa1QtBaqE4SvBmlETzB1R1RxH4wCcTqDJSf9RlohsSp3_2QsE8aGHAFNQCrCsrnf3Lsqsa1L4lwVV8CYLmxBo7gpvmmPp3iMsJkLp1dpwxckHbGTCGh1BlBk0VZI/s320/Scan_Pic0001.jpg" /></a><br /><div>In a few short hours it will be your 10th birthday. 10 years old! Wow! March 24, 2002 was the day my life changed. I never knew how much I could possibly love anyone until you were born and I held you in my arms. You are one of the lights of my life; without you I would not be who I am today. I know you're getting older and you don't like your mom to get all mushy with you, especially in public, but I love you. You are and will always be my little boy, even though height-wise you'll probably pass me in another year. Don't ever forget, doubt, or question my love for you. All that I do and all that I am is because of you. </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div></div>Donnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03102793133636535632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6813797594010206211.post-83928022519900063222012-03-18T11:09:00.002-07:002012-03-18T11:55:26.840-07:00Clean House?<div>A male FB friend posted this a few days ago: If your house is dirty don't blame your kids. I know women with multiple kids, a husband that doesn't help pick up, all sorts of animals, in a full time job and they keep a spotless home. If your house isnt very clean that's because it's not that important to you, guess what that's okay just don't blame someone else. </div><div> </div><div>Now I know (or I hope) this wasn't directed personally at me, but rather a general statement, but I still took offense to it. Firstly, my house isn't spotless but it's not a pigsty either. Secondly, I do blame my kids and my husband. I'm sorry but there are four of us that live here; therefore, four of us should claim responsibility when the house is messy. I don't remember my marriage vows saying "to love, honor, cherish and pick up after because you don't think you should have to put your dirty dishes in the dishwasher or your dirty clothese in the hamper." And I'm certainly not going to teach my children that it's okay to take out every single toy, book or article of clothing you have and not clean it up afterwards. I have been known, especially lately, since the kids are getting older, to let the dirty clothes lay where they've been tossed. The other day my son came to me and said "I don't have any clean socks." "Gee, dear," I responded, "the laundry is all done, folded and your clean clothes placed on your bed for you to put away." "I checked there already. I don't have any!" "Really? That's strange. Did you check under your bed, the sofa, tucked in the cushions, or just laying on the living room floor?" "But you said you did the laundry?" "I did. I took all the laundry out of the hampers and sorted them, washed them, dried them, folded them, and put them on everyone's beds to put away. Do you think it's fair that I would also have to make sure that everyone else put their clothes in their hampers, especially when it's not my own clothes?" "No, mom." So yes - I do blame my family at least partially for the condition the house is in sometimes. Thirdly, I do realize that there are women out there that don't work and their homes are so dirty I wouldn't step foot in them, but I don't agree with the comment that it's not important to me. There are priorities, especially when you do work full-time and have kids; sometimes housework takes a lower priority. That does not in any way mean having a clean house isn't important to me, just at that moment it's not as important as helping my kids do their homework, or making sure that contract gets out that my husband needs done, or that the bills get paid and the checkbook balanced. Finally, and probably the thing that offended me the most, was the person that made the comment. It really ticks me off when someone that has never, ever lived anything close to my life - working full-time, kids running in all different directions, and a spouse that's equally busy - makes such a generalization. If there is such a women out there that works full-time, manages kids, a spouse, and a house full of animals, and her house is spotless (without any outside help - which includes another family member, nanny, mothers-helper, etc!), then I will think I died and went to heaven.</div>Donnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03102793133636535632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6813797594010206211.post-85222388747976335692012-01-19T14:39:00.000-08:002012-01-19T14:51:06.646-08:00Story behind Wordless WednesdayYesterday's Wordless Wednesday picture was the scene out my backdoor on October 31, 2011. So far this Winter in Connecticut, which officially began on December 21st, snow fall totals have been nominal - we're talking maybe 2 inches at the most and it melts almost the same day.Donnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03102793133636535632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6813797594010206211.post-55509359119991648762012-01-18T05:22:00.000-08:002012-01-18T05:24:38.548-08:00Wordless Wednesday<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWHSyRuqbVEVyqEgq0B172xsti-d2tURodsS5UZ_dtWIYUA9wVpjcYDGiuS31Uq1GV0Ah80CGwoW2LaA-YKHHtr-eM0OykXW5rH8tbWqy8f78SVGCjIbX433HammLpzqCIxsU-i_CACes/s1600/DSCF4944.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 240px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698962326191929938" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWHSyRuqbVEVyqEgq0B172xsti-d2tURodsS5UZ_dtWIYUA9wVpjcYDGiuS31Uq1GV0Ah80CGwoW2LaA-YKHHtr-eM0OykXW5rH8tbWqy8f78SVGCjIbX433HammLpzqCIxsU-i_CACes/s320/DSCF4944.JPG" /></a><br /><div></div>Donnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03102793133636535632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6813797594010206211.post-5223650136131670762012-01-18T04:59:00.000-08:002012-01-18T05:21:47.959-08:00Another "New" Start?I feel like I'm constantly trying to re-invent myself. I know the logical reasoning behind this - the kids are now in school full-time and I'm trying to get back into the workforce - without any luck I might add. For the last 2 years I thought teaching was the way to go for me. I took some classes, even applied to a graduate program in the hopes of earning my teaching certification from the state. Even though I did get accepted into the graduate program, I learned that I would have to take 9 undergrad courses before I could be officially begin the teaching program. UGH! 9 classes - going part-time that would be another 1 1/2 - 2 years before I began than another 2 years for the teaching program. I would be 45 before I could even think about having my certficate. Who's going to hire a 45 year old, first time teacher, over a young, energetic, wide-eyed one?<br />So then I tried to get into substituting. Everyone said with my background I could do substituting on a regular basis and make a decent living. Um, yeah. I signed up with the service that handles the substitutes for a couple of towns around me and after 2 months got 1 call to substitute. That's not going to help pay the bills.<br />So now I'm back on the kick of finding a traditional office-type of job. Something stable with job security, a decent wage, good distance from home/school for the kids, and some flexibility. Within the first week of the new year, I thought I was on the right track. I had one offer (for title searching) that was extremely flexible so I could work around the kids' school schedule and was a decent pay. The only downfalls are the driving (wear and tear on my car) and getting paid once a month. Oh, and have I mentioned, I've made 3 attempts to get the training I need and 3 times been blown off by the owner. (It's not that I need training per se, but the owner carries the insurance for everyone so she wants to sit with everyone for the first search or two.)<br />Within the same week of getting the title searching offer, I got asked to interview for an assistant town clerk position, which I did. I'm still waiting to hear back about this one. For those of you that don't live in CT, we don't have a county form of government so each and every town has it's own land records. This is one of the big components of the town clerk. So similar to the county clerks in other states, the town clerks also coordinate various town and board meetings, assist with elections, provide notary public services, distribute hunting/fishing/dog licenses. This job would be perfect for me. It's close to home, great hours!, good pay, and most of all I like the woman who's taking over the town clerk position. In fact, she's the one that told me about the job and encouraged me to apply. God I want this job! (I hear the song from Chorus Line in my head everytime I say that.)<br />I know it's only the 3rd week into the new year, and 2 weeks after my interviews for these positions but after having been looking for a job since August, I'm really getting frustrating and losing my patience, as well as a little bit of faith in myself. I know I have a good work ethic, know a variety of computer programs (and am not afraid to learn more). I may have taken time off to be with my kids, but that should be an asset not a hinderance. I'm tired of getting the same old "we chose a candidate better suited for the position" letter. I'm not applying to be a rocket scientest folks! And I don't want a job like I had before the kids - working 50+ hours a week, demanding, travel for work, etc. I would be quite content with being a legal secretary / administrative assistant again. I just need someone to give me a chance.Donnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03102793133636535632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6813797594010206211.post-50364588279825132502011-09-11T07:18:00.000-07:002011-09-11T08:16:13.279-07:00A Prayer of Remembrance<div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAHeA45qWJYVAE5CZ78fOM1C_-8VksYUFf6gmAZ11vRt0OeIhCg_Mv2tE7r7sEpbyX_SlrsLzcelUVAEFIQYbum-N1y-1BV794YGDgXSlyN0aFygdOhV_1UgZvXFt0MwW-5hGf8R6ToFc/s1600/American+flag.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 133px; height: 100px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651120709016373218" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAHeA45qWJYVAE5CZ78fOM1C_-8VksYUFf6gmAZ11vRt0OeIhCg_Mv2tE7r7sEpbyX_SlrsLzcelUVAEFIQYbum-N1y-1BV794YGDgXSlyN0aFygdOhV_1UgZvXFt0MwW-5hGf8R6ToFc/s320/American+flag.png" /></a><br /><div>This prayer was composed by a Navy Chaplain a year after the 9/11 attacks.</div><div> </div><div>Almight God, the past year will be indelibly inscribed in our memories.</div><div> </div><div>We looked with horror on the terrorist attacks of last September 11th.</div><div>But we looked with honor on acts of courage by ordinary people </div><div>who sacrificed themselves to prevent further death and destruction.</div><div> </div><div>We shed our tears in a common bond of grief for those we loved and lost.</div><div>We journeyed through a dark valley, but your light has led us to a place of hope.</div><div>You have turned our grief into determination.</div><div>We are resolved to do what is good, and right, and just.</div><div> </div><div>Help us to remember what it means to be Americans - </div><div>a people endowed with abundant blessings.</div><div>Help us to cherish the freedoms we enjoy and inspire us to stand </div><div>with courage, united as one Nation in the midst of any adversity.</div><div> </div><div>Lord, hear this prayer for our Nation. Amen.</div><div> </div><div> </div></div>Donnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03102793133636535632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6813797594010206211.post-61566620265632551062011-05-16T15:15:00.000-07:002011-05-16T17:48:49.390-07:00Same Old Same OldI feel like I'm in a rut. Every week is like the one before. Money's still tight. The kids still fight with me and each other. I still spend every day picking up after everyone else, feeling like I never have the time to pursue other activities - like freelance work, finalizing school applications, or just some "me" time. <br />The same old issues between my husband and I are still there. Maybe they'll never go away; maybe they won't be resolved until I'm able to contribute financially again; maybe they won't be resolved until the kids are grown and have left the nest. The same weight that I lost last year is half way back. There are still unresolved issues with our housing situation. Another year - same old issues.<br />Only now I have the added worry of my son's weight / health struggles. He's 9 years old, 53" tall and weighs 103 pounds. We already know that he has borderline high cholesterol. We've spoken with a nutrionist already who's basically told me I'm doing everything right. The only 2 suggestions/recommendations she had was increase water intake and don't let him snack after school in front of the tv. How can I help him with his weight issues when I can't resolve my own? <br />I don't know what to do any more about anything.Donnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03102793133636535632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6813797594010206211.post-50949671069173518732011-01-21T14:52:00.000-08:002011-01-21T14:57:11.219-08:00Picture of the Week<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioNCoW2Pzi84ULhy2MmcIVsdy34DwMfUn5agPiXxtyXQMMWXnrGk9Cp1vu4JpYNO46B3TCE81_jy_h0LKFWMHncglytfnGUqMZShGFbZlRGp6JePoPYWhT6AfGu2fJVgxS-XH26HaIdq4/s1600/DSCF4650.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564776560283084546" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioNCoW2Pzi84ULhy2MmcIVsdy34DwMfUn5agPiXxtyXQMMWXnrGk9Cp1vu4JpYNO46B3TCE81_jy_h0LKFWMHncglytfnGUqMZShGFbZlRGp6JePoPYWhT6AfGu2fJVgxS-XH26HaIdq4/s320/DSCF4650.JPG" /></a><br /><div>We've been stuck home a lot in the last two weeks - 3 snowstorms and a bought of RSV/ pneumonia. Little did I know Monkey figured out how to maneuver the computer mouse and get onto Starfall.com all by herself. Caught in the act!</div>Donnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03102793133636535632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6813797594010206211.post-78277555153095763002011-01-19T14:19:00.000-08:002011-01-19T14:22:50.169-08:00Are You Ready?Last Thursday my father-in-law got seriously hurt in a fall. He’s got a broken wrist, contusion on his forehead, 2 compressed vertebrae, as well as some other bumps and bruises. What we thought would be an overnight or two in the hospital has turned into a five day stay so far. We’re at a loss as to how to help my mother-in-law deal with everything. Partially because we live an hour away. Partially because we don’t know a lot about their situations (medical, financial, etc.). And partially because I’ve been home with a sick 3 year old and 3 snow days in the past week. Adding to the stress of the situation is that he’s not being cared for by his regular primary care doctor, and she seems uninterested in helping him, and none of us (my mother-in-law, husband and I) feel that he is being cared for properly at the hospital he is in.<br /><br />This whole situation got me thinking – how prepared are we if something were to happen to our spouses or vice versa? In dealing with my in-laws, my husband and I have realized that besides living in a house together, they basically lead separate lives. It took a few days for my mother-in-law to gather documentation regarding her husband’s medication and doctors. And now she has to go through all their papers and figure out where the life insurance policies are, pay stubs, etc. for him to apply for assistance. She knows he has a living will but isn’t exactly sure where it is, and what it states. She doesn’t know if he has a medical power of attorney.<br /><br />Naturally, in a marriage one person usually takes responsibility for the “paperwork” of life – monthly bills, insurance policies, bank statements, etc. This is fine and good. But what if something were to happen to that person, would the other spouse or other family member know where to find those and other important documents? I have a feeling that even as organized as I am – everything is in a portable filing box & labeled – my husband would forget.<br /><br />Aside of knowing where to find the documents, do you and your spouse have all your important documents prepared – a will, a living will, picked your children’s guardians, etc. We don’t. And that’s something important we need to do, especially since we have two young children. I know it’s not a topic people are jumping up and down at the chance to discuss, but it’s an important topic. I know my parents haven’t yet done their will, even though when my father’s cancer went into remission they kept promising they would. Now, they don’t have any young children and not a lot of financial wealth to be disbursed, but they do have certain wishes – as we all do – that they want to make sure are carried out. A will is important even if you don’t have children or a huge estate to be dealt with. A will allows you to outline how you want certain things to be when you’ve died – how you want your funeral/if you want a funeral, if there are funds to help pay for it, how possessions should be handled, and the like. They don’t have to be complicated. Though you should consult with an estate attorney for peace of mind, you can even access basic will documents, form living wills, form medical power of attorney, etc. on the internet or at office supply stores.<br /><br />My husband and I, in light of my in-laws’ situation, have renewed our conversations about doing our own wills. And we’ve already decided we need to sit down with his parents and have a serious heart to heart about their documents, wishes, where to find things, etc. once my father-in-law is up to it. And if my parents happen to read my blog – well, uhmm, may this be a reminder to you, too.<br /><br />So “How ready are you?”Donnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03102793133636535632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6813797594010206211.post-28492098459086696492011-01-09T12:17:00.000-08:002011-01-09T12:44:40.764-08:00"Making" Money<span style="font-family:georgia;">For those of you that don't know me, I'm a stay-at-home mom or SAHM. I wasn't always. From the time I was 16 I worked and earned a paycheck. If you want to get really technical, I started working way before then in a family business. But for the official record of earning an income, I was 16. I worked p/t during high school, f/t in the summer, and worked my way through college. I had a variety of jobs like we all did at that age - retail clerk, babysitting, waitressing, hostess at a restaurant, scooper at an ice cream shop. Within one month of graduating college I had a full-time job in a law firm. For about 10 years I worked as a legal assistant/paralegal, first in private law firms and then in a corporate setting for a regional health insurance company. Before I had my son, I did the 50+ work week. Even after Bug was born, I kept doing the 50+ work week taking into consideration the time spent telecommuting. I did this for over 10 years. </span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">When we decided (my husband and I) that the daily 2 hour commute for Bug and I just was,n't working for us as a family anymore, I went to work for a small local company as an office manager. It wasn't what I wanted to do or the type of business I wanted to be a part of, but it was close to home, that really was the only plus to it. That lasted for about 2 years. When we - and my husband can deny this all he wants but it was a WE decision - decided that I would stay at home so we could try to have another child, it was a <em>huge</em> adjustment for me.</span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">I tried my hand at various freelancing and telecommuting opportunities and, for a while there, I was successful at contributing something towards the household finances. During this time our second child, Monkey, was born. Then the economy tanked. I still kept husstling doing what I could when I could to bring in some sort of income and help with the household finances. Then by last fall, we realized the inevitable, I was spending more time trying to find ways to make money then really taking care of and spending time with our kids - the whole reason for staying home in the first place. So I came to the realization that I wasn't going to work and focus on my kids. There is one small freelancing position I still do but it only amounts to 2 - 4 days a month. But for the most part, I spend my time spending time with Monkey and volunteering at the kids' school.</span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">So what's the point of this post you may ask? Even though I'm now a SAHM there are ways I can contribute and "make" money just doing my Mom/Wife job. My plan is to track the "savings" I earn every month from everything to grocery shopping to fill-ups of gasoline. Just about everywhere you shop these days will show you your savings on the receipt. I'm going to track these savings on a spreadsheet and report back on a monthly basis just how much I'm "earning".</span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">My hope is that I can share some tips with you and vice versa. I'm even going to attend a "Coupon Party" in a couple of weeks and hope to have some great tips to share with you by the end of the month!</span>Donnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03102793133636535632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6813797594010206211.post-9240318488656619552011-01-05T10:15:00.000-08:002011-01-05T10:28:02.259-08:00My Favorite GiftWell, the wrapping paper has been put away. The boxes tossed in recycling. The tree taken down. And, best of all, the kids are back at school. We survived another holiday season! Of course, the kids are still excited and sharing all the details of the fabulous gifts they received. The last two days Bug (my 8 year old son) has come home from school and tells me <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">wondrous</span> tales of who received what for Christmas and how he "needs" it. To which I calmly reply, "Well, your birthday is in 3 months, maybe you can ask for it then." Which in turn gets a reply of "I need it now!" sounding a little bit like <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Veruca</span> Salt from <em>Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. </em><br />There is one present I'm leaving out this year, hoping that it will remind not only my kids, but also me and my husband, of what Christmas should really be all about. It's a present from Bug that he made in school and it's absolutely one of the best presents I've ever gotten. It's nothing expensive but it's absolutely priceless. It's a beautifully wrapped (for an 8 year old) empty box. There's a card attached with his best 8 year old printing that reads:<br /><div align="center"><em>I took a little box as empty as can be</em></div><div align="center"><em>Filled it with a special gift and wrapped it carefully.</em></div><div align="center"><em>But please don't ever open it, just leave the ribbon tied</em></div><div align="center"><em>And hold it tightly near you because my love for you is inside.</em></div><div align="left">See what I mean - my favorite gift.</div>Donnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03102793133636535632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6813797594010206211.post-74749599334009853532011-01-03T13:50:00.000-08:002011-01-03T13:54:57.861-08:00New Year - New BlogOne of my new year goals is to blog more often. But I didn't feel right about continuing to blog under "Of Cheerios and Conference Calls" since I'm really not doing much in the way of work right now. So after much consideration I've created "<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">ReInventing</span> Momma". It's a new year, new focus, new outlook and a new decade starting in my life - hence the "reinventing" part. I hope this blog helps reflect my new outlook, and that you enjoy taking the journey with me.Donnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03102793133636535632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6813797594010206211.post-56466379488765723482011-01-03T13:48:00.000-08:002011-01-04T16:52:23.189-08:00Re-Inventing MyselfCheck me out now at ReInventing Momma. It's a new year and a new blog!Donnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03102793133636535632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6813797594010206211.post-34941289656801078782010-08-02T18:36:00.000-07:002011-01-04T16:52:23.192-08:00Life Gets In the WaySo much has happened since I last posted. Quick summary of some key events:<br />1. Our house guest has moved out.<br />2. Still working on marital issues.<br />3. Kids driving me crazy but school starts in 3 weeks, 5 days!<br />4. I'm starting to take some classes myself and hope to find a job working in preschool/nursery school setting while I'm continuing my education.<br />5. I've lost 7 lbs. since the start of summer!<br />6. My brother's wedding in 5 weeks, 2 days away!<br />7. My husband's business is starting to pick back up!<br />8. We're still plagued by car troubles.<br />9. I've read probably about one book/week myself this summer, while still working with Bug on his reading and reading Dora books to Monkey. Hence, I started volunteering at the library. Figured I was spending so much time there picking out books, I could help out myself.<br />10. I'm going to re-committ myself to my blog. I need it. I've learned after reading some of the other Mommy bloggers I know that I need this outlet - even if no one is really reading it.<br /><br />So in an effort to recommit to my blog - I'd like to pass along this great offer I got in my email box today. If you don't already subscribe to RedPlum, you should check it out. Here's an especially tasty offer for the month of August: <a href="http://www.redplum.com/pages/ViewArticle.aspx?articleId=3907">http://www.redplum.com/pages/ViewArticle.aspx?articleId=3907</a><br /><br />I'm going to try and focus on passing along some useful tidbits, offers, advice, and maybe even some product reviews along the way. So sit back now with a good book, a cold beverage (of your choice), and enjoy the last few weeks of summer!Donnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03102793133636535632noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6813797594010206211.post-17109167011071630162010-04-11T10:32:00.000-07:002011-01-04T16:52:23.195-08:00Our House GuestOur family has been in upheaval for a couple of months now. On top of the usual problems that just happen in a marriage and my husband and I trying to find our way back to each other, we have the added stressor of a house guest. A young man that my husband has been mentoring for about 4 years (both professionally and personally) was seriously injured the day before Thanksgiving. He fell in a stairway hole and fell 26 feet to the concrete basement floor, hitting scaffolding on his way down. MJ suffered a traumatic brain injury and was in a coma for about a week. That was in November. In January we opened our home up to him so that he could have some "supervision" and not have to live alone while he recouperates. MJ is still dealing with the residual effects of the head injury - mainly re-learning how to control the right side of his body. All the doctors have agreed - it's truly a miracle he survived the fall, let alone has made such great strides in his recouperation. But it is hard for him. He's 23 years old, can't drive, can't work, has to continue to take seizure medicine, has difficulty walking, can't live on his own. Each day is full of it's own trials and tribulations. It's been somewhat of a culture shock for all of us. It's a work in progress, trying to meld a young bachelor into a home with an "old" married couple and kids.<br /><br />We came to a mutual decision this week. Since MJ moved in with us, he's been sharing a room with our 8 year old son, and our 2 year old daughter moved back into our room. We decided this week since we really don't know how long MJ will be with us to take one of our rooms upstairs, clean it out and utilize it for MJ. He is at the point that he can handle a flight of stairs, and would actually be good for him. We're hoping this will be a good transition for all of us. MJ will have his own space; our kids will go back to sharing a room; we can really transition our 2 year old to a bed of her own; and my husbad and I will have our own space once again - another step into us finding our way back to each other. So bring on the cleaning!Donnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03102793133636535632noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6813797594010206211.post-47560063741385544452010-04-09T09:37:00.000-07:002011-01-04T16:52:23.197-08:00Only Time Will TellIt's been two weeks since my last post. Two counseling sessions for me and my husband. They've been two emotional weeks. But they've also been two insightful weeks. I think we're both getting something out of this, and want to continue. For me, it helps having someone to talk to. Someone totally unbiased that can provide insights into my feelings whether they are critical or supportive. Someone that can "see" our individual points of view while helping us to each understand the other. Above all she reaffirms to us that our situation is not unusual and we can be "helped". It feels almost like after 11 years of marriage we've lost our way a little bit and she's helping us try to find our way back to each other.<br /><br />Our lives have been in such an upheaval for the last 6 months or so, that it feels like a little bit of the weight and stress has been taken off our shoulders by just finding someone to talk to. Yes, you say, but you have this blog and you both have friends and family. But it's different to go and just talk to someone for an hour - no judgements, no sides being taken - and get critical feedback about your situation. There have actually been a few nights that I slept without waking up and having a staring contest with my bedside clock. <br /><br />We've started to make some positive changes. When we talk to each other, we aren't being as sarcastic as we have been. We're being "nicer" in our tones of voice. We're both trying to be more patient with each other. For my husband's part, he's trying to not be such a slave to his business - taking some time to really enjoy being home with me and the kids and doing things with us/them. This past Monday was actually a day off from school for our 8 yr old son and my husband ended up not having to work either. The four of us snuggled up in our bed after lunch to watch a movie and ended up all dozing off. Those are things that mean a lot to me and to the kids. It was a great day.<br /><br />We decided this week to utilize a spare room we have as a guest room and have our friend move into it so that our 2 year old daughter can move out of our room. (Long story and fodder for another post.) Having our own space again is essential to trying to get our marriage back on track on so many levels. These are small steps but at least they are steps, and I am so glad we are making them <em>together</em>. <br /><br />The big question is, Will all this work? Will we be able to find our way back to each other? Will we be able to continue on as a family? Only time will tell . . . but I think we're off to a good start.Donnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03102793133636535632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6813797594010206211.post-83199206317603439502010-03-27T16:48:00.000-07:002011-01-04T16:52:23.200-08:00Getting PersonalWhen you marry someone you plan on spending the rest of your lives together. You sign up for a partnership. You’re each expected to help the other and support each other, not just financially speaking, but emotionally and morally. When you come to a decision to start a family, you think that it will be 2 of you raising the kids – feeding, bathing, reading, carpooling, and caring for them when they’re sick. For a long time now, I’<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">ve</span> been feeling like I’m a single parent. I do 99% of the carpooling, reading, feeding, bathing, and caring for my kids. My husband feels that since he is the sole bread winner for the family that is his contribution to our marriage, our family. That being the sole bread winner excuses him from any other responsibilities or obligations to me or our kids. Every birthday, anniversary or special occasion that goes unacknowledged is because he’s too busy with work. And it <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">doesn</span>’t bother him because he claims he <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">wasn</span>’t raised to acknowledge those special events/days in life. My birthday came and went without so much as a “Happy Birthday” being uttered. And now, his birthday is coming up and his parents fully expect me to have a dinner/birthday cake for him. He and our son’s birthdays are just a few days apart so traditionally I do get a cake for both of them. Well, guess what folks, not this year. It may sound petty and trite, but, you know what, I’m done. I spent 4 days in the hospital with our 2 year old daughter, got out 2 days before my own birthday, and I <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">couldn</span>’t even get a “Happy Birthday” out of him. And when I asked him about it, his defense was that I don’t spend enough attention to him and his needs so he <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">didn</span>’t feel like acknowledging my birthday. I got the same response when Valentine’s Day came along. I, at least, made an effort and got him a card and some nice chocolate (he LOVES chocolate), and what did I get – NADA, NOTHING, ZILCH, THE BIG GOOSE EGG. Well, I’m spending too busy taking care of the house, doing the laundry, making the meals, cleaning up the messes, driving the kids around, paying the bills, making the beds, cleaning the dishes, feeding the cat, emptying the garbage, doing the grocery shopping, trying to drum up new freelance work and taking care of the existing client I do have, helping him out with his business paperwork, driving our friend to rehab and any other doctors’ appointments or places he needs to go. This time I’m too busy to acknowledge his birthday. So for the first time in our history together I am not getting my husband a birthday cake or even a card.<br />Is this the beginning of the end? I don’t know. We’re both willing to try to work on our marriage and seek counseling, and we have our first session Tuesday night. I'm afraid of what's going to happen. I'm afraid because there is a small part of me just doesn't care anymore. I feel like I've been chewed up and spit out. I know I'm not perfect and I have my faults. I've tried not to be a demanding wife. But I don't think it's too much to expect for my husband and the father of my children to actually want to be part of our lives, to be an active participant. I haven't felt that way in a while. Even my 8 year old son feels this way. When my husband announced that he had to work today instead of helping me and going with me to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">chaperon</span> our son's birthday party, I ask L if he was upset that daddy wasn't coming. His response was "Not really. He'd just yell anyway." That kind of says it all. When my husband does make the time to be an active participant in our lives, most of the time he's not happy about it or enjoying himself. If this was happening just once in a while, I'd understand - we all have days like that. But with my husband it happens a majority of the time.<br />I just don't know what to do anymore. I just know that something has to change - one way or another.Donnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03102793133636535632noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6813797594010206211.post-44398428233069450902010-03-14T18:08:00.000-07:002011-01-04T16:52:23.203-08:00I'm BackBe prepared! Has it really been a year since I last used by Blogger account. Well, I tried converting to Wordpress and I just didn't like it as much as I thought I would. So I'm back. Be prepared for some changes, including possibly a new name.Donnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03102793133636535632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6813797594010206211.post-3832609486813361552009-03-24T09:00:00.000-07:002011-01-04T16:52:23.205-08:00I'm MovingToday will be my last post on blogger.com. I've moved over to Wordpress so check me out there at <a href="http://ofcheeriosandconferencecalls.wordpress.com/">http://ofcheeriosandconferencecalls.wordpress.com/</a>Donnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03102793133636535632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6813797594010206211.post-40462320589733334222009-03-24T08:13:00.000-07:002011-01-04T16:52:23.208-08:00Seven Years Ago<a href="http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e229/dmdognin/scan0002.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 800px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 384px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e229/dmdognin/scan0002.jpg" /></a><br />Seven years ago tonight at 8:12 p.m. you were born. Seven years of laughter, joy, tears and mischief. My how you've grown, physically, mentally, and spiritually. I love you, my "baby" boy. I love you with all my heart and soul. I fell in love with you before you even graced me with your presence. No matter where life may lead you, know this - I will always and forever love you. Happy Birthday, Bug!Donnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03102793133636535632noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6813797594010206211.post-75070402636194211462009-03-15T05:25:00.000-07:002012-03-18T11:54:58.313-07:00Sunday Funny<div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Donnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03102793133636535632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6813797594010206211.post-72852461040923804942009-03-14T18:33:00.000-07:002011-01-04T16:52:23.212-08:00Catching Up<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Has it really been this long since I've done a post? Where has the time gone? Oh well, what's done is done. I know of been busy that's for sure. Between the family, work, new job and, well, just life the days seem to be flying by. This is so evident to me every time I sit back and watch my kids. I'm amazed at how mature (most of the time) Bug is getting, and how quickly Buddha is growing. It's all happening before my eyes. Today I was reminded that a "little girl" I once knew is graduating high school in a few short months and turning 18. When the heck did that happen! </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Well instead of lingering on the "where did the time go" mod of thought, I'm trying to focus on the wonder of it all. Watching my kids grow and mature. Taking on new tasks and challenges - sometimes failing (or falling as the case may be) and sometimes achieving. Watching the joy and amazement in their eyes, and sometimes drying the tears from disappointment. Hearing them laugh and giggle at each other and themselves, and, yes, even hearing them fight (at least initially) brings me joy. </span>Donnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03102793133636535632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6813797594010206211.post-56674745422136596062009-02-12T14:13:00.000-08:002012-03-18T11:54:58.320-07:00Motherhood Lessons<div>Okay - so I was tagged by Tishia over at </div><br /><br /><div> </div><br /><br /><div><a href="http://www.momstalknetwork.com/resources/motherhood-lessons-big-mistakes-are-forgiveable/">http://www.momstalknetwork.com/resources/motherhood-lessons-big-mistakes-are-forgiveable/</a></div>Donnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03102793133636535632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6813797594010206211.post-27643840819836424592009-02-02T05:44:00.000-08:002011-01-04T16:52:23.215-08:00This Is Why. . .This is why I call this blog "Of Cheerios and Conference Calls", a perfect example. I don't use my checkbooks much. Most bill paying and balancing I do on the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">internet</span>, so I don't write out a lot of checks. Because of this my checkbook is usually in one of two places - my purse or my desk drawer. Well, this morning I was pretty frantic for about an hour. I couldn't find the house checkbook anywhere. Husband's business checkbook - check. My business checkbook - check. Line of credit checkbook - check. House checkbook - no check. I have no idea where it went. Double checked the car to see if it might have fallen out when I went to the bank last week. Not there. Tore the kitchen apart in case someone (um, Husband) took it out of my purse. Not there. Tore my desk apart in case I <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">missed</span> it in the first look. Not there. Went through <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Buddha's</span> diaper bag - you never know. Not there. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">OMG</span> - Husband is going to pitch a fit if I really lost it. Let me check one more place, my laptop bags. Not in the first one. <em>Okay - don't panic, look in the second one. Oh, wait, what's in this outside pocket? The checkbook! Gee I wonder who put it in there. Oh, and look what else is in here - a handful of cheerios. </em>I attempt to reprimand her for taking Mommy's checkbook. But come on, how much can you really reprimand a 17 month old especially when she keeps saying "Momma" over and over and making a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">kissy</span> face to you.Donnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03102793133636535632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6813797594010206211.post-83874311776985082212009-02-01T18:40:00.000-08:002011-01-04T16:52:23.217-08:00Catching UpI can't seem to catch a break this year. I'm glad one month is done with and out of the way. My computer crashed. The computer that has not only all my various work related items, our household / personal information, and my husband's business proposals and contracts - crashed. What's that saying from <em>Forrest Gump</em>? Stupid is as stupid does. Well, stupid me, listened to my poor, poor son beg to play a new virtual game he got with a diecast car. Here's the "stupid does" part. I downloaded it onto my computer. As I was clicking away with my mouse, I knew it was a bad, bad idea. Oh, boy, I didn't know just how bad! And what was the worst part was my virus protection didn't catch it. UGGHH! So it meant a week down and about $175 out of my pocket. But the good thing was I caught it in time before the virus was able to do any real damage to my files. Thank goodness. I know it could have been much, much worse But now I'm $175 in the hole - not too bad considering I upgraded memory and got new virus protection plus labor - and a week behind not only in my work but my husband has a bunch of proposals and contracts to get done too. Well, I could look at it this way - my fingers got a week's worth of rest so I should be all set to start typing away nice and fresh tomorrow morning.Donnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03102793133636535632noreply@blogger.com0