How to be rich in less than 5 minutes.....

Success & Happiness ...ughh.....sometimes I hate taking about this topic with certain people. Its a never ending battle between opinions. As we all know, everyone values success in their own ways. Some may think wallets full of Benjamin's makes them Superior in the world, while others flaunt their CEO/CFO titles around like we give a shit. You wanna know what i think? Well, too bad, I am going to tell you anyways. I think if you wake up satisfied & happy with who you are, what you do and most importantly what you have than you are Successful! You are more powerful than the richest man in the world.....Because almost certainly that man is more miserable than you think.

Remember the old saying your parents tried telling you growing up? " Money doesn't buy happiness"....well, here we are and its TRUE. Money may make life a bit easier- but if you aren't happy with your "bare ass self"- then all the money in the world is not going to help. Strip down those designer clothes, fake nails, jewelry up the yin yang and what do you see?? Someone who is happy with what they have.....Children, a roof over your head, food to eat, a hobby you enjoy, good friends & family and most importantly YOU! You are here...living each day....Be Grateful for that.

I am grateful for my son. He is my best friend and I couldn't imagine life without him.....so I am grateful that I woke up today with him.....and will be grateful for tomorrow when I wake up to him again. I am grateful I found my soulmate at such a young age- as you never know when your last day will be and I want as much time with him as possible. I am grateful my husband works so we can have a roof over our heads...as small as it is and as much as I complain- its home...it's a cozy home...and most importantly it's OUR HOME! I am grateful for my friends & family who without saying bring so much DRAMA & LOVE into my life. I wouldn't want it any other way- because they are MY friends & family and you should be grateful for what you have not what you do not!

Think of what you are most grateful for tomorrow as you sit and enjoy your meal. For starters, Be grateful you have a meal to sit down to... Too many this year are without.

Happy Turkey day!!!!


JOY

Swine Who??

Swine Flu is on everyone's mind these days....



Everywhere I go people are talking about...... and today while walking around Wrentham Village Outlets, I overheard a woman say that she didn't want to go into the food court because people had their mouths open and didn't want to catch Swine Flu......Are you freaking serious??? Then why are you out of your house??? Comments like these drive me insane! If you think because you are walking at fast pace...the "Swine Flu" won't be able to "get you"....than that's just stupidity......you are in a public place!!! Sorry- had to vent- sometimes people should just keep their mouths shut- they don't realize what an ass they make themselves look like with the things they say!

Next- Vaccine.....To get it or not to get it?? That is the Question! And what is the CORRECT answer......... There is no right or wrong answer for everyone. It should be a personal decision. I am not for or against the vaccine. However- I have chosen to not get the vaccine. Landon has received the regular flu vaccine and I feel protected for him. Some people fail to realize that this flu is still acting like the regular flu.....most people who have been sick have recovered without needing medical treatment.

I have chosen to not get the vaccine for many reasons..... 1st: I am a firm believer that all the necessary precautions did not go into making this vaccine and not enough research was done as it was such a short amount of time before they started to bring it to the market 2nd: most times I doubt what doctors think is best ( as I am the ONLY one who can say what is best for my child and I have had many encounters with doctors who are 100% wrong ) 3rd: I wash my child's hands, don't take my child out when he sick, ask others to leave when they are sick etc....

For those who think their decision to get or not to get the vaccine is better than others- than shame on you. How dare you judge someone based on their own beliefs. This is a personal decision and you have to stick to what you believe, make the decision and be done with it. No back handed comments to me will make me change my mind about getting the vaccine. If you don't like it- then Screw You and go pick on someone else- cause this Bitch isn't listening to it!

To those who still need to make this very personal decision- feel free to visit the CDC website for a complete guide to the Swine Flu. http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/general_info.htm

Out-

Joy

Summer Fades Away.....

We went Apple Picking with Friends at Phantom Farms. It was so much fun!!! Landon had a blast running through all the trees!!!

Edaville 2009- Day out with Thomas with Daddy & Mommy. He loved the train ride and we can't wait to go back in December.

Edaville 2009- we went on a mini roller coaster!! Landon was having a blast as it went up & down and round & 'round!

Block Island- August 2009 Landon's 1st boat ride and he was in love! WE had so much fun in the water at our own little private spot!

Cape Cod, July 2009- ZooQuarium- this is the place we discover Landon's love for reptiles!! He loves his turtles so much!!!!!


Landon's 1st haircut- July 30th 2009- Yes- he is almost 2 and has only has his hair cut once......Look at it?? Why would you want to cut his locks off!!!!


Dinner out with Mommy & the Mouse! Chuck E Cheese...we had so much fun. We went one day that Daddy had to work in Boston! He loves the pizza and the rides are a plus+ !


Here was a brief look at the end of the summer (July & August). We have many things planned for this month- hayrides, pumpkin picking, Halloween party & trick or treating, Landon's 2nd Falltastic Birthday Party, Feeding the animals and so much more!

Hope you all had a nice summer and hope you enjoy all Fall has to offer- we sure will!!!!

Nighty - Night

Landon- No- means NO!

So - what to say...well these past 2 1/2 weeks have been tough. Landon has learned a new way to express himself- particularly his anger and frustration. Guess? Biting himself! Isn't that just lovely! One day- I said "no" to something he was doing- and he grabbed his hand and bit down...and I mean really hard. He has little bite marks for days on his hand. One time he even broke skin! The he wanted me to kiss it and make it "better", but I was told to ignore it and not give in to this type of action. So I have been- it's been almost 4 full days and no biting incidents. I hope its gone away....he gets so mad at me for saying No- that I know one of these days he will do it again. I know it has a lot to do with his lack of works. He can't express to me when he is mad or what he wants. I feel bad for him- but at that time...I like not having a kid who can talk back- LOL. His educator and doctor say that biting themselves is a normal way for kids to show anger when they can't speak.......I just don't like seeing him be so mean to himself. The second he starts to bite someone else- or something else-It's all over. Not sure what I will do- but I won't have that.

Other than that- summer is over- but we are still jam packed for the next month with lots of fun activities! And we are having Landon's birthday party a month before his actual date of birth- It is going to be so much fun! I can't wait!!!

I will post some more info on what we did the remainder of the summer with some pics- Until then- Night all!!!!!

A Nutty Day

May 31st 2009 was a day that I will never forget. A day that will inherently make Landon's allergy worse ( the next reaction) and a day that I became truly fearful of eating out with my son ever again.

It was like any normal day...Landon had his breakfast and snack and lunch time rolled around quickly. I was in the mood for some French Onion Soup so immediately " Panera" popped into my head! Panera has the best French Onion Soup.......and I mean best! So Landon, Jesse and I got into the car and headed to Panera on Bald Hill Rd (the one next to Trader Joes- for all you Rhode Islanders). We have been here so many times- and almost 90% of the time we ask what their policy on working with nut products is and if the items we order have any nuts in them. WE always order the same things- every time. We feel safe with these items because we know that there are no nuts in them. This time- we didn't ask about their policy- since we knew what it was and we were there just 4 days ago and was not veering off from the same items we always ordered.

Things went wrong- really wrong. Someone must have made something with nuts, or handled a pastry with nuts and grabbed my baguette without changing their gloves. Something that takes only seconds to do- could have cost Landon his life. That is unacceptable to me. They have a policy regarding "nut products" for a reason. They were supposed to change their gloves anytime they handle nuts-Period. No excuses...if they are busy- running low on gloves etc...
They were not busy that day...and it was early in the day that there should have been plenty of gloves...so what was the excuse- Laziness and not doing their job right.

Long Story Short- we ended going home & placing Landon in the tub as discussed with our Doctor to try and clean off any allergen on his skin.....About 2 minutes into the bath Jesse called me in to look at his eye...no Ladies & Gentleman- not his surrounding skin of his eye- his actual eyeball. It was swelling right out of his head. I almost passed out...and immediately my heart went to the floor- I felt weak, dizzy and couldn't even talk. I called my mom and all I kept saying was, " His eye is coming out of his head", over and over again....Jesse Called 911 and they were here in about 3 minutes and rushed him to Hasbro.....
When we got there his breathing was getting worse and his eye literally looked like it was about to fall out of his head. They gave him so much medicine in hopes to avoid the Epinephrine because it is very painful and has its own risks. But No- my poor baby had to get the Epi shot. We were there about 8 hours and sent us home because his breathing was stabilized. Landon as on 3 drugs for about a week to try and get the allergen out of his system...and had a black eye for about 2 days after.

I can't explain what this was like. This shouldn't have happened. I know mistakes happen- but that's why they have policies out there.....A mistake had already happened for them to enact this policy. Please- if you work in the food service industry- as your boss what their policy on nuts is...and if they don't have one- contact your local town council and enact one. It saves lives.

We have only been out to eat 4 time since this incident and only 1 time did we allow Landon to eat anything form the restaurant. This is something that Landon will have to learn when he is older to understand. But for now- the burden is on my shoulders to make sure this NEVER happens again. A burden I don't mind as long as my son is happy & healthy.

I am not Nuts.....I hate Nuts!

Joy
A.K.A Landon's Watchdog

This Picture was at the Hasbro- after all the meds.......he was hooked up to many machines and was such a good boy considering the circumstances. His eye looked like this for about 2 days and then was black & blue. This picture is in the bath- the eye hadn't even started to come out yet...Picture this 10 times worse..the bottom lid was folding over itself because the eye was expanding and protruding out.....We called 911 immediately after we saw this.....

Summer Lovin'

Its hard to believe its almost August!! This summer has been very wet- but Landon & I have still had lots of fun finding things to do! I actually don't like the hot, icky weather- so having some cloudy rainy days are great for me!!!! But I would like a good beach day every now & then. Here are some of the highlights of Landon's summer so far.....



Landon at Oakland Beach...loved watching all the boats!



Landon & friends( Jack & Mya) at a home playdate.
This was his 1st real lesson in sharing!! He did GREAT!!!
Not so much anymore!!!!!!!

Landon learning to golf with Daddy in
Eastham, Cape Cod when we went to visit Mimi & Poppy!


Landon feeding a deer @ WWII Memorial Park

Landon & Jack having some Sandy Fun in the Sandbox
at Capron Park Zoo. He also feed a goat, Llama and saw a
baby lion cub which he calls CAAAA (for Cat!)!
What a great day and lovely Zoo!

Landon has had so much fun this summer...I am sure he will enjoy himself even more in August- we have so many great trips planned with the family and the Moms group! Davis Farmland, Roger Wheeler Beach, Cape Cod and so much more.....He is also becoming a bit more attentive to us. He is listening to Mommy & Daddy so much more....He still doesn't have many words verbally- but knows what many things are....... He is just a bit lazy with his words!!!! But to each his own- he will speak when he is ready ( I have to keep telling myself that otherwise I think something is wrong-LOL). But seriously, he has made great accomplishments these past 2 months! We are very proud of him and can't love him more for who he is!!


Hope you all are enjoying your Summer!!!

God Bless Our Troops

May 25th 2009- Yesterday was Memorial Day and while most of us were either at a BBQ with Family and friends or just relaxing at home........many men and women were fighting for our county and some have lost their lives doing so. God Bless all those who have died while in military service and all those who are still fighting for us everyday! May your God bless you...and keep you safe. For whomever you believe in- may he/she keep you in his/her prayers and keep you safe & warm. This war on terror is a very controversial one and has many people angry and upset. I will not nor ever BELIEVE in this war or think it was the right step to take. However, that doesn't mean that I don't respect and love everyone who is fighting for me and my family. Please- even if you believe in the war, PLEASE RESPECT the men and women who are serving for us. They deserve our utmost respect and admiration. I truly hope you all took a moment yesterday to realize the importance of yesterdays holiday. If not, Please do so now..........................
The troops need our love and support. I hope you had a wonderful Memorial day! Summer is here!!

Night- Joy

Mommy, Am I Fat???

Are you kidding me??? This is what a 4 year old girl asked her mother.....Is she fat?? Is she fat?? I can't get over it. I was thinking about tackling a post on body issues with children for a while now. I wasn't sure if I should, since my opinions on this matter seem to be very strong. BUT- I actually just bought my Woman's Day June Issue this morning....and what do you know-
a 3 page article on Banishing Body Issues. Beautifully written if you ask me! To read the full article click here: http://www.womansday.com/Articles/Health/Momfidence-Banish-Body-Issues.html

We all know society has a big part in the way we see ourselves, however when it comes to our children- the most influential people are the adults in their lives. I personally know parents who tell their young children that they can't have a certain food because they are getting fat....you don't say that to a child- PERIOD. Shame on you. Even backhanded comments can do more damage than good.....Like- are you losing weight? You look so skinny in those jeans.....that is setting them up for thinking negatively about the way they looked prior.... just WRONG! Better comment- you look great or beautiful dress!

Psychologist Dr. Ann Kearney-Cooke has got the fix. Rachel Ray had her on her show in June 2007 and discussed the topic of Kids & Body Image. "I think what we want to teach kids is that there is a lot of different, great-tasting foods out there," says Dr. Kearney-Cooke. "You want them to enjoy them but to also pay attention to when they're hungry, when they're full, and to see their body as a source of information". http://www.rachaelrayshow.com/show/segments/view/kids-and-body-image/

Look into your cupboards ladies.....are there candies and cookies and chips and crackers? Juice and soda and Ice cream too?? That's OK! It is!! Having more options for children makes them feel like they have the choice...and you can help them choose wisely. Taking certain foods away from them because you think they are fat- is wrong and only makes them want it more. Snacks are good! Everyone deserves a yummy cupcake! Why not? In my house- these foods are not "special" or "once in a while" foods. There are no Bad food VS Good foods. . Food is food...I am so glad someone else has said it. Its food for crying out loud. If you are the type of parent who harps on looks and weight..you are more likely to raise a child with poor body image. Avoid negative statements about food, weight, looks and shape. Avoid them all together...don't say to your husband- do I look fat? your little girl may overhear you. Just drop the negativity. You are what you are. Some were born with big frames, short and stout frames or tall and lean frames. It is what it is. For some- no amount of diet and exercise will change how they look. Its genetics. For those of you who think happiness is from looking your best....I feel sorry for you. Take it from someone who was "thin" in my younger years....... I strive to eat right, exercise, wear the right clothes etc....I decided not to listen to my family's words about weight/looks anymore. It only matters what you feel inside. I feel great. I am happy, have a husband who adores me, have a wonderful home, beautiful son and some great new friends....Feeding your own self esteem and feeling great emotionally and physically is what it really means to be beautiful. Totally believe that.

Some ways you can help: Have your home be a "no teasing home" and stick to it. Also, of your child is teased at school- do something about- it is unacceptable. Encourage your school to enact policies against size and sexual discrimination, harassment, teasing, and name-calling; support the elimination of public weigh-ins and fat measurements. Lastly, change the way you think about yourself (if it is poorly) and realize that happiness in the root of all beauty!

I leave you with this- "Nobody can be perfect in anything-much less everything"- Paula Spencer



Side note: While not as common, boys are also at risk of developing unhealthy eating habits and eating disorders. Body image becomes an important issue for teenage boys as they struggle with body changes and pay more attention to media images of the "ideal" muscular male.

Thank goodness I am only having one!!! Landon- I love you the way you are & for the Man you will become...No matter the shape, size, color or anything else.

Pictures Tell A Story....

Easter 2009- We went to New Jersey this year to Nana & Papa's House..... Landon loved the Easter Bunny...he kept petting his fur like he does to Chaco & Prince!

That's my Boy!!! He is feeding a deer.....That's right- A Deer!!! This is at WWII Memorial Park in N. Attleboro. They had so many animals there....I am so proud that my little man was not scared!!!
Landon has made many new friends. Here, Mattis, Jack and Landon are looking at the animals at Capron Zoo. They had a blast! Truly a great zoo for little ones!
This is Landon at ImPossible Dream Playground in Warwick. He loves this place. One of his favorites at any playground is Steering Wheels!! He just loves to make them S-P-I-N!
This is Landon in the tunnel at Hasbro Playground at RWPark. He was scared at first...but then loved it!

Little Miss Perfect? My Ass.....

So - not sure what made me stumble upon the channel- But Little Miss Perfect - a reality show about the lives of little beauty queens......was on...and I was entranced by these overbearing, emotional and sometimes violent moms....... I was shocked to see the lengths some of these moms will go to, to ensure that their daughter will win the crown. Only a handful of the moms were just so proud of their child for having fun, or overcoming her fear of the stage, etc.....The Pageant moms were not afraid to speak negatively in front of their children...... One mother told her daughter that they are there to win and if she doesn't want to work hard and win then she is going home...One mom told her daughter that if she wins and only if she wins, they will buy her a new Nintendo DSi. I mean come on- bribing your 6 year old daughter....does that really show that she wants this or is it the mother living through her???? I was mortified just watching this. As a mother of a son, I am still appalled as to the extreme measures these moms go to. They completely make these girls over....fake teeth, tanning, fake nails & eyelashes! This one mother- dyed her 7 year old daughters hair bleach blond ( b/c she says most beauty queens are blond and it will give her more points). The 9 year old son of the same mother said to the camera man- " I stay away from my mother at pageants- she is too crazy for me to handle". Now that is one smart kid! I don't know what I would do if I ever heard that my son thought I was crazy.......that's just not something you want your kid to think of you. Back to this same Pageant Mom- Her daughter didn't even make it to the top 10...and a big reason was her dyed hair- the judges could tell it was an extreme difference to her natural hair color and didn't think it was appropriate. The mom was in hysterics, crying and asking " Why Oh Why?" and starting bad mouthing the other little girls who were in the Top 5. The little girl was fine- she told her mom to stop crying and that she had a fantastic time and would love to do another one......what kind of example is this mother teaching her child??? Makes me so Mad........
To get off topic of these sometimes Monsterous Pageant Moms- what about the judges and the "Little Miss Perfect" organization???? They have said numerous times, they want glitz and glamour, fancy dresses and up do's and amazing Wow Wear. The most plain Jane girl gets overlooked because she is not dolled up enough.....Yet- their tag line in their song is" You are what you Feel". Well- that is bullshit if you ask me. I saw a lovely plain Jane everyday looking girl get passed up because her dress wasn't pretty enough, her hair and makeup was done by an amateur and her Wow Wear was boring......But She was so great!!! Smiled, had fun, Laughed and showed real emotion- But the Robotic, emotionless Dolled up Girl with fake teeth, tan, More makeup than I can ever imagine wearing WON!!! Its Bullshit if you ask me.......
There is a pageant out there that is strictly all natural.......no glitz and glamour needed...just everyday lovely girls showing who they really are.......No makeup is allowed....just chapstick and some blush. I really like that option. It shows girls that it is about true beauty and what's inside does REALLY count!!!! Please teach your children that it doesn't matter what you look like on the outside- but matters who you are and what's on the inside!!! And shame on you for teaching them something other than that!

Everyone is Beautiful in this World..........

Joy

Changed my Tagline......

I changed my tag line from - Because I said so, That's why! -- to-- There is no " I" in Mommy! ....totally fits perfectly......sometimes us moms forget to take time for ourselves.........I try and give myself as much time as I can squeeze away......and when I can't find the time- I MAKE the time....ask for a babysitter, skip the housework for a day or so, etc.....Just take care of me.........It will better your relationship with your children- I guarantee it.....When you are happy, it shows in your mood and your children can pick up on that!

Also- I had a long conversation with my hubby about this blog...and I am so afraid of offending someone with my words, that I wasn't sure of I wan;ted to continue this. But- as my husband said- " Be yourself"- write for you.....no one else...and so I will. This is a TRUE account of my life as a mother and wife and how I juggle all my responsibilities and still find time to take care of ME! You won't find any candy coating in this blog....to the point and sometimes a little harsh- but it will ALL be TRUE and from the HEART!


Night

A new day......

A little bit about me as a mom:
So- not even sure anyone is going to read this.....but here goes......My name is Joy and I am a mom......Moms rock. As a young mom- I am always being judged by older moms and not even moms.....just women in general. I have to sit back an realize that my ultimate goal in life is to raise my son into a man...and a good one at that! If I do that- that to hell with what everyone says about me. Its all about your children from now on.......

Anyways...I love my job- Landon is my boss and he is one tough cookie! I enjoy every minute I am with him- who can honestly say that about their job???? I know it's a little bias since he is my son....but he is the ultimate decision maker as to whether or not I have succeeded in the department of being a good mother to him! I know deep down that when he grows older he will agree that I have done my very best......and that's what truly matters. Their is no perfect mom..and whoever says there is - is full of shit. However- violence should not appear in any form of parenting......In my opinion- that is not parenting- its bullying. I am not, nor will I ever respect anyone who disciplines their child with aggressive force.

on a lighter note- I am hoping this blog impresses my Oh so Talented Hubby....he is an intelligent man- check out his upcoming seminar page- www.blosville.us

I think I had it for today- gonna hit the sack and will update moe tomorrow.......