tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-133747172012-01-18T00:33:25.820-06:00<b>My blog on parenting -- more cute anecdotes than you can shake a stick at, blended with honest anger, guilt, laughter &amp; tears. A dash of &#39;news&#39; as the required serving of vegetables. No repression here.</b><br><br>Former single mom, now a step-mom; mother of a special needs child, 'long-distance mom' ~<br>I am a mom-of-all-trades.<br><br> <i><b>Helping my children, my husband, and myself, find our wings.</b></i>Pop Tarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04737202424252252750noreply@blogger.comBlogger1991100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13374717.post-8932891751338478602011-12-20T07:36:00.001-06:002011-12-20T07:36:00.230-06:00

I giggled so much at this list of 40 ways to entertain your baby while you lay down. Not sure I should admit it, but I've done a number of these -- and not just because of cold & flu season either. *wink*

Pop Tarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04737202424252252750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13374717.post-42021245983773185652011-12-17T23:31:00.002-06:002011-12-17T23:31:22.756-06:00

Awhile ago, I interviewed women who are making money as phone sex operators. According to statements made on The View, there's been a 400% increase the number of work from home moms who make money as phone sex operators in the past 18 months. Economy related? Perhaps. In any case, the story of moms who are PSOs and phone sex work itself will be covered in depth on several ABC news shows this

Pop Tarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04737202424252252750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13374717.post-78257182241405410392011-12-12T07:45:00.001-06:002011-12-12T07:45:00.469-06:00

If you missed my interview with bra coach Ali Cudby (part one, part two), then you probably didn't hear about her new book, Busted! The FabFoundations Guide To Bras That Fit, Flatter and Feel Fantastic -- or heard that there's a contest to win signed copies of the book. Well, now you know. *wink* Today's the last day to enter.

Pop Tarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04737202424252252750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13374717.post-36173164797493452592011-12-09T17:23:00.002-06:002011-12-09T17:23:36.209-06:00

Did you ever notice that as a mother you have all these little odd sayings... Weird sing-songy ways of announcing bed time, meal time, to comfort your children, etc. I wrote about just that over here.

Pop Tarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04737202424252252750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13374717.post-31390259739703788692011-12-05T23:06:00.002-06:002011-12-05T23:06:55.233-06:00

For every MyOwnPet balloon purchased from this page, $5 will go directly to help Canines for Disabled Kids. NOTE: MyOwnPet Balloons are shipped flat and must be helium-filled. They can be inflated at most florists, party and gift stores and many supermarkets (at NO charge) and, in the event they become soft over time, they can be refilled.

Pop Tarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04737202424252252750noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13374717.post-38934437811385260472011-12-05T22:47:00.000-06:002011-12-05T22:47:59.505-06:00

Autism United Giveaway -- win a $300 Sears Giftcard at MommyMatter.com. Many ways to enter; multiple entries, even multiple entries per day. According to the contest entry rules, I'm supposed to say why I need the $300 Sesrs giftcard... To be honest, even though my Auspie daughter is now 22, I'm still no where near financially stable. Largely due to the fact that diagnosis was so late, but also

Pop Tarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04737202424252252750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13374717.post-40350483239376719632011-09-15T13:37:00.001-05:002011-09-15T13:37:43.986-05:00

Moron More on Gardasil... I'm sure you've heard about Michelle Bachmann stepping in it again, this time taking one individual and unverified comment and making the claim that "Gardasil led to mental retardation." I won't jump to Bachmann's defense; but, as usual, I continue to harbor more than reservations about the vaccine -- how can you ignore deaths? But there's more to the story... Check it

Pop Tarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04737202424252252750noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13374717.post-41638625335173248512011-09-06T15:11:00.004-05:002011-09-06T15:19:43.459-05:00

The kids are back in school, so now you have more time to read, right? Why not celebrate by treating yourself to a copy of Suburban Diva: From The Real Side Of The Picket Fence, by Tracey Henry -- in fact, I'm giving away five free copies of the book! There are many ways to enter... To Enter: * Follow me on Twitter: @DPopTart. (Please leave your Twitter username in your comment so I can

Pop Tarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04737202424252252750noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13374717.post-41786103577595486222011-08-23T00:29:00.002-05:002011-08-23T00:32:15.326-05:00

Inside Variety Fair: A Household Digest (copyright 1948, Community Services, Inc.; my copy book published by and presumed to be a fund-raiser for the American Legion Auxiliary, Benjamin A. Remmele Unit No. 7, Sleepy Eye, Minnesota), a section on children: Choice Of Companions A child needs freedom in choosing his companions. Adults dictating to the child as to whom he can play with, results in

Pop Tarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04737202424252252750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13374717.post-62748616537428306132011-08-02T16:10:00.001-05:002011-08-02T16:10:13.266-05:00

From the "Everyday odd and even cute things kids do and say" files... The 15 year old daughter bought a tutu. Black, of course. I've got $50 that says she won't wear it to school -- or more than a few times to the mall with girlfriends who are also wearing their tutus. But then again, where can a 15 year old wear a tutu in public? She may have retro 80s fantasies and the fashions to prove it;

Pop Tarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04737202424252252750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13374717.post-88266841172048753472011-07-29T17:25:00.002-05:002011-07-29T17:32:54.126-05:00

If you live in the Fargo-Moorhead area, check out our rummage sale at 14 6th Avenue N in Fargo. Lots of kids books, games and toys, and kids clothes -- including new snowpants, rocker tees, boy's shorts (boys sizes 8 to 12-ish), Green Bay Packer shirts, girl's pajamas, girl's jeans (some with tags even!) All just 50 cents each. In fact, everything's 50 cents unless marked, so come on down!

Pop Tarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04737202424252252750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13374717.post-11137629947753154542011-07-28T13:25:00.001-05:002011-07-28T13:25:43.284-05:00

Last weekend my eight year old niece, Maddy, was here. My parents brought her up for a weekend visit. She's raised with continuous entertainment in a much larger house -- I mean our entire house, from attic to basement, would fit in their "great room." So I expected some sort of culture shock. There were a lot of pronouncements of, "I'm bored." But I didn't expect that three minutes into a 6

Pop Tarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04737202424252252750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13374717.post-8272624153035356772011-06-21T10:50:00.000-05:002011-06-21T10:50:30.872-05:00

I doubt you missed the fabulous Go The F**k To Sleep book and video read by Samuel L. Jackson, but there's also an interview with the author, Adam Mansbach, here.

Pop Tarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04737202424252252750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13374717.post-67912509344868794452011-06-11T08:39:00.002-05:002011-06-11T08:39:00.490-05:00

I'm forcing myself to clean up some stuff despite the fuzzy-sleepy effects of pain killers (it's been a month-long battle with my teeth; bon vivants don't have the best health & dental coverage or money to pay the balance, FYI) Anywhoo... In cleaning up some clutter, I was reminded, again, of the importance of saving shoeboxes.

Pop Tarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04737202424252252750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13374717.post-88658291053742254612011-06-09T21:58:00.003-05:002011-06-09T22:03:33.999-05:00

The Fresh Air Fund is in need of 1200 host families for this summer. Host families are volunteers who open their hearts and homes to children from the city to give them a Fresh Air experience that can change lives -- in just days!

Pop Tarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04737202424252252750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13374717.post-43684128725614968422011-05-30T15:37:00.001-05:002011-05-30T15:37:52.873-05:00

I recently had yet another conversation with our children regarding etiquette -- how it's not "snobby things" designed to make people feel bad or out of their class, but just the opposite. The rules of etiquette are guidelines for getting along; little niceties we extend to one another to avoid upset and rules for everyone so that we all can get along in social situations. While it's true that

Pop Tarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04737202424252252750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13374717.post-8849867772994946642011-01-26T16:21:00.000-06:002011-01-26T16:21:50.034-06:00

Vintage lingerie blogger Slip of a Girl has a second, more eclectic, blog about fashion, design, home decor and whatever else is on her mind. There I learned about this news in baby clothing -- it has a built-in fever monitor! This post sponsored by cheap web hosting.

Pop Tarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04737202424252252750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13374717.post-24226347186756550762010-11-16T23:53:00.000-06:002010-11-16T23:53:19.088-06:00

(In an effort to keep a review to six lines or less, grammar goes to hell; forgive me.)1. Even though I was confused by OxyClean (Do you use it instead of laundry detergent, or as a supplement?), I bought a bucket of it for out next trip to the laundromat.2. The flimsy scoop provided broke on the third dip into the powder; I managed to hold it together long enough to scoop OxyClean into the rest

Pop Tarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04737202424252252750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13374717.post-53438820477063491462010-11-05T06:28:00.000-05:002010-11-05T06:28:00.137-05:00

I've warned you about Gardasil, now Dr. Mercola says, "Don't Give This to Your Daughter - Despite What Your Doctor Says."The word is out: despite what the CDC would have you believe, Gardasil's safety record is in serious question. As of September 28, 2010, the Vaccine Adverse Events Reporting System (VAERS) has more than 18,000 Gardasil-related adverse events listed in it, including at least

Pop Tarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04737202424252252750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13374717.post-2815921254328288922010-10-22T21:51:00.004-05:002010-10-22T22:09:16.877-05:00

This blog has just been named one of the Top 30 Parenting Special Needs Blogs, 2010 Award: Parenting is difficult, but your child is far above the ordinary when it comes to solutions. How do you parent a child with special needs? How do you keep then safe and healthy? How do you combat others who don't understand and are far more willing to criticize than offer any "real" help? Where do you

Pop Tarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04737202424252252750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13374717.post-42792328048822388812010-05-20T04:16:00.000-05:002010-05-20T04:18:46.541-05:00

According to a national survey commissioned by SleepBetter.org and conducted by Ipsos Public Affairs, one in four Americans (23%) say that Goodnight Moon is their all-time favorite bedtime story. The study also says that moms are doing the bedtime story reading 3-to-1 over dads. But what's most surprising, to me anyway, is the fact that even more popular among young children (age 7 or younger)

Pop Tarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04737202424252252750noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13374717.post-83869337338521495172010-05-15T03:26:00.003-05:002010-05-15T03:29:40.031-05:00

If you don't know how to sew, or just don't have time, Denim Therapy repairs jeans for just $7.

Pop Tarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04737202424252252750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13374717.post-69333342966486238202010-05-04T16:14:00.003-05:002010-05-04T16:18:46.098-05:00

Smith Mag is challenging you to give your "Six-Word MOMoir,", telling the story of motherhood in six words. The abbreviated mommy memoirs can be stories of your role as a mom or about your mom. There are prizes too; but personally, I'm just enjoying reading the MOMoirs.

Pop Tarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04737202424252252750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13374717.post-77379349181449401952010-04-27T15:21:00.000-05:002010-04-27T15:21:12.126-05:00

There's another new social networking site that's launched, and while the thought of another social site in beta may seem more like clutter on your horizon than exciting news, this one sounds more like a time saver than a time waster. SocialToddler.com is a social networking site helping parents organize their children's social networks by offering a safe virtual meeting place to plan & schedule

Pop Tarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04737202424252252750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13374717.post-52944084921385490092010-04-15T15:49:00.000-05:002010-04-15T15:49:44.576-05:00

Baskin-Robbins is hosting its fourth annual 31 Cent Scoop Night on April 28 from 5–10 p.m. at stores nationwide. That means a family of four can enjoy their favorite flavors for less than $1.50!It’s for a good cause too – as part of the event, the Baskin-Robbins Community Foundation will make a $100,000 donation to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, a non-profit organization

Pop Tarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04737202424252252750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13374717.post-368145117135370422010-04-14T17:16:00.000-05:002010-04-14T17:16:55.309-05:00

Seems my continual skepticism and concern regarding Gardasil isn't unwarranted; the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has called for the immediate suspension of the cervical cancer control vaccination program after after four deaths (and complications among 120 girls) in the program were reported.

Pop Tarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04737202424252252750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13374717.post-31924058913414328592010-03-17T16:39:00.002-05:002010-03-17T16:42:19.603-05:00

A "should you have kids" decision tree by MomLogic.com:

Pop Tarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04737202424252252750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13374717.post-30975019108458729862010-03-04T03:37:00.002-06:002010-03-04T03:42:32.064-06:00

DMFP contemplates if Arthur "Boo" Radley in To Kill a Mockingbird was on the spectrum:He's shy. He likes children and the only time we see him comfortable in the story is when he's walking back to his home, Scout's hand in his.But he stabbed someone in the leg, casually, without emotion. While collecting clippings for a scrapbook. He chooses odd ways to let someone know he likes them, leaving a

Pop Tarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04737202424252252750noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13374717.post-69611101368719355232010-02-24T13:45:00.006-06:002010-04-14T14:24:00.305-05:00

Last week I became an official View Brand Ambassador, part of the Mom Central campaign for ABC Daytime. This means you'll be hearing more from me on The View and while I will receive a tote bag or other The View branded items for &/or to facilitate my commentary &/or reviews, I'm really excited to have the opportunity to participate in the discussion about and promotion of one of my favorite

Pop Tarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04737202424252252750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13374717.post-71666980164807352302010-02-18T15:04:00.003-06:002010-02-18T15:10:40.815-06:00

Promote awareness of autism with this Autism Awareness Puzzle Hat by MsYarn Designs.The pattern is knit flat, uses Intarsia method of color work, and there is a separate chart for each of the sizes. The pattern is just $5 and portion of the proceeds will be donated to Autism Society.

Pop Tarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04737202424252252750noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13374717.post-39094073030000731072010-02-14T16:34:00.003-06:002010-02-14T16:52:46.314-06:00

Today my Valentine's don't only go to my family & friends that I love, but to Autism too. It may seem dumb to say you love something which has as caused as much fuss, pain, frustration, and problems as Asperger's Syndrome has for my family, but aside from the challenges which have taught me things I likely would not otherwise have known (blessings in themselves), my daughter has Asperger's -- and

Pop Tarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04737202424252252750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13374717.post-55354311194868080642010-02-01T00:51:00.002-06:002010-02-01T00:54:52.398-06:00

Doodle Week was posted a bit late this week, so I'm posting my doodle late too. But come on, it's doodling, so no worries. In fact, feel free to doodle your own flower and post it as late as you'd like *wink*

Pop Tarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04737202424252252750noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13374717.post-4588286894414069902010-01-18T15:47:00.000-06:002010-01-18T15:47:47.132-06:00

For those of you who wish to be drawn back into the memories of junior high...First, daughter number two tells me a story from study hall:She: I'm so pleased with myself today.Me: What did you do?She: In study hall, a couple of boys were being rude and mean. They were making fun of black people, handicapped people, fat people, and Nazis.Me: Well, I might have allowed the making fun of Nazis, but

Pop Tarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04737202424252252750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13374717.post-57961701064692035072010-01-10T16:27:00.004-06:002010-01-10T16:36:44.713-06:00

We keep telling this story, and every time it makes me laugh.When hubby was writing about mustaches, and dogs wearing them, he wrote:one of our dogs is horribly stupid, and would probably injure herself trying to use the toy improperly.What he intended to do was offer a photo of our stupid dog, but he selected the post in which she, Toodles "Squirrel Face" Davidson III, is next to a giant

Pop Tarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04737202424252252750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13374717.post-47490634603876585732010-01-09T18:31:00.003-06:002010-01-10T16:37:31.398-06:00

What with all our blended family & travel necessities, our immediate family opens their gifts during the week of holiday vacation the kids have. This year, before opening our gifts, we went out to dinner at the Chinese restaurant and gorged on the all-you-can-eat buffet. On the way out, we passed the box where you can help yourself to an after dinner fortune cookie."Just one," I reminded the

Pop Tarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04737202424252252750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13374717.post-24896544161880781562009-12-05T22:43:00.004-06:002009-12-05T22:58:00.233-06:00

As the holidays are here, and tree decoration is near, I would like to remind you not to use tinsel. This is not only true if you have cats (or other pets), but because tinsel, though no longer made of metal, remains an attractive magnetized material and with all that holiday visiting you or someone else is bound to bring tinsel into my home. I live in fear of such things.For tinsel is like

Pop Tarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04737202424252252750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13374717.post-74843703248662141572009-12-02T15:01:00.000-06:002009-12-02T15:01:23.222-06:00

I was shocked to discover that girls aren't allowed to bring purses into their classrooms in the middle school our daughter attends. How stupid. This is the time when girls are first getting their periods and suffering from all the anxiety that it brings in our culture where menstruation is the blood that keeps misogyny alive.Maybe it's not part of a plot to further ridicule young women, or even

Pop Tarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04737202424252252750noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13374717.post-22343506938972156472009-11-21T15:19:00.006-06:002009-11-21T15:45:05.812-06:00

Out walking the mall I spotted several cute things at the local Hallmark shop, and when I took a picture of this mug, I thought I'd post it at Kitschy Kitschy Coo.But then, in looking for a link to the mug maker's site (Our Name Is Mud), I discovered the blog (Our Name Is Blog) of Lorrie Veasey, the creative force behind the designs. And I got lost in her post Our Name Is Blog: OuR SCHooL iS

Pop Tarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04737202424252252750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13374717.post-7341885350149629742009-11-17T14:27:00.004-06:002009-11-17T14:38:28.604-06:00

Cosmo can't even get it right. In their instructions for Sex Position of the Day: Sensual Shower, their diagram for how to achieve erotic thrills literally misses the mark -- the genitals don't even line up.I guess the abstinence folks will start distributing this sort of diagram to prevent copulation; but I'm sure, in their frustration, people will just assume the missionary.For more help in

Pop Tarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04737202424252252750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13374717.post-57287037060032994342009-10-19T18:08:00.000-05:002009-10-19T18:08:23.219-05:00

Studies show that 1 in 3 girls and 1 in 6 boys will be molested and, in many cases, children suffer in silence, allowing the abuse to both continue and escalate. When parents and care givers remain silent about abuse, they communicate that silence, that taboo, to their children. It may not be the adult's intended message, but that's the one children receive.Parents and adults need to be

Pop Tarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04737202424252252750noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13374717.post-6864944485516876562009-09-25T03:35:00.000-05:002009-09-25T03:35:00.317-05:00

PartSelect is hosting a Paint Your Appliance Pink Sweeps to help raise awareness and $10,000 for Breast Cancer Research.To participate, enter yourself to win a Pink Prize Package (including a Pink KitchenAid Stand Mixer; prize package valued at $369.97) by painting a pink ribbon on any major household appliance, photographing your artwork, and then emailing, blogging, or Tweeting your entry (

Pop Tarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04737202424252252750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13374717.post-63072858160988501572009-09-16T15:21:00.000-05:002009-09-16T15:22:04.221-05:00

I've been crying all day... I just learned that in eight states and Washington, D.C., insurance companies are legally allowed to blame victims of domestic violence by denying them coverage -- claiming that it's a "pre-existing condition." As a survivor of domestic violence, I find this appalling, unacceptable, immoral, and intolerable. Even if I had not lived it, did not still struggle with the

Pop Tarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04737202424252252750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13374717.post-30485443512900149272009-09-11T07:43:00.000-05:002009-09-11T07:43:00.782-05:00

Log on to www.lunchnotepromise.com and make a promise to drop a note of encouragement into your child's lunch, and the folks at Lunchables will donate a meal to children and families in need through Feeding America, which serves an estimated nine million children each year.Use the downloadable, free stationery to create fun and encouraging notes, and together we can help Lunchables reach their

Pop Tarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04737202424252252750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13374717.post-36601024921753504592009-09-10T04:20:00.000-05:002009-09-10T04:20:51.659-05:00

This post is a guest post by journalist & author Masha Hamilton; as the parent of special needs children, I find myself facing these issues with what I feel is even more complexity & anxiety...Parenting the Nearly-Grown“Times are bad. Children no longer obey their parents, and everyone is writing a book.” Roman philosopher and orator Marcus Tullius Cicero, 106-43 B.C. Not long after the second

Pop Tarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04737202424252252750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13374717.post-84937733464981651592009-09-08T00:29:00.002-05:002009-09-08T00:55:19.737-05:00

After an unusual start to my Saturday, we took the little van, Star, to the local Firestone shop to get a new tire, killing the waiting time at the public library across the street. Once Star was repaired, we headed out for some rattin' around: a few thrift stores and the used bookstore. Then we stopped to eat at Burger King.We were sitting in a booth, eating, when a young woman yelled

Pop Tarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04737202424252252750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13374717.post-43556678215183301402009-09-07T22:12:00.000-05:002009-09-07T22:12:32.884-05:00

Seven minutes after I wake up on Saturday, I go out on the front porch for a smoke (no lectures; that's another story/post/time/place); hubby and middle child join me (they would have to speak to their own reasons & neuroses).Neighbor from across the streets exits the door of the cute little 1920's apartment building. He is wearing a too-bright, too-cheery yellow & orange Hawaiian shirt & khaki

Pop Tarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04737202424252252750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13374717.post-54276405063919670292009-08-26T12:50:00.000-05:002009-08-26T12:50:38.469-05:00

Prologue: We had a bad ant problem in the downstairs bathroom this summer so I went all Caddy Shack on their asses.Today I go out onto the front porch & discover a little red squirrel trying to feast on one of the plastic ant traps I'd left near the door. He's as adorable & innocent as a Disney squirrel, turning the toxic thing & chewing on it, unaware of what he does...Crooning, "Oh no, honey,

Pop Tarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04737202424252252750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13374717.post-82786191978626815092009-08-24T13:11:00.005-05:002009-08-24T13:18:35.332-05:00

We held a family rummage sale Friday & Saturday. A week's worth of preparations, one day miserable in the damp cold, two days with the Blue Angels & other loud planes passing overhead from the local air show (I hated those planes; but hubby looked up -- mouth open -- for every one), and, because we don't have a garage, sore muscles form all the repeated set-up & take-down.The results of all this

Pop Tarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04737202424252252750noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13374717.post-17207169037169380882009-08-18T13:58:00.004-05:002009-08-18T14:10:18.083-05:00

AAG discusses childrearing in The Problem With Politeness -- which I found incredibly fascinating not only because the middle child eschews hugs (and most signs of physical affection; she does not like to be touched at all), or because of my firm belief in children & adults being allowed to assert their own boundaries, but because of the uproar in responses. In case you don't want to go to

Pop Tarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04737202424252252750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13374717.post-44818406549615178512009-08-17T14:51:00.000-05:002009-08-17T14:51:53.534-05:00

(In case you're wondering, Part One is here.) I'm not always a crank, or an intellectual, or an obsessive collector, or whatever this is... Sometimes, I'm a fun mom. Just a fun person even.Today's evidence comes from a recent excursion to the countryside...Turning the minivan around in a farmer's driveway, I spotted an animal that at first glance looked like a cat. But once it started walking

Pop Tarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04737202424252252750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13374717.post-67192639686172324822009-08-15T16:43:00.000-05:002009-08-15T16:43:15.905-05:00

Today, thanks to the generous sponsorship of Twolia, Alessia of Relationship Underarm Stick is participating in the Hope For Healing blogathon, raising awareness of domestic violence & money for supporting victims of domestic violence.You can help too: Comment at, link to, & Tweet her blogathon posts!

Pop Tarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04737202424252252750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13374717.post-48844142315688176932009-08-12T15:48:00.000-05:002009-08-12T15:48:14.761-05:00

Since the wonderful Elizabeth is talking about the horrific fashions for girls, I feel compelled to point out my earlier post about such things (including horrible things for boys & infants!) and to point out my questioning ode to The Golden Age of T-Shirt Iron-Ons. Also see Slip of a Girl's battle with the school over a bra strap.

Pop Tarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04737202424252252750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13374717.post-89745705598906798002009-08-12T02:48:00.000-05:002009-08-12T02:48:11.684-05:00

You know how I feel about permissive parents who let their children run amuk...But sheesh, can't a person eat a meal without having to grind their teeth so as to maintain a polite, but defensive, visage while impolite persons let their 8 year old offspring lean over the shared booth back & pick their noses, threatening you with "flicks" of it on your food? Added joy when you must also listen to

Pop Tarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04737202424252252750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13374717.post-6650093044249491072009-08-03T16:29:00.000-05:002009-08-03T16:31:00.819-05:00

All my reviews, no matter where they are published, are honest. But I'm so sick of hearing about & being suspicious of "blog-ola," paid postings, and other forms of payola -- why can't people & companies just be ethical? that I ranted.The biggest offenders are the ones complaining about FTC involvement -- they should worry.

Pop Tarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04737202424252252750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13374717.post-64569267516104850762009-08-03T11:38:00.005-05:002009-08-03T11:58:03.850-05:00

Remember when I blogged about Gardasil? Well, Des started the vaccine -- against my wishes; it's hard for step-moms to out-vote biological parents & a physician pushing it.My thoughts on the Bush nepotism aside (you know I've never been a fan); my thoughts on the sexism in this vaccine (males are carriers & "vectors" of HPV, but they neither have a vaccine nor a requirement to take it) aside;

Pop Tarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04737202424252252750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13374717.post-62678516683923754082009-07-31T14:53:00.001-05:002009-07-31T14:56:39.676-05:00

Neither of my girls uses the phone much (Austism, etc. makes them less social), but even if they did, cell phones & cordless phones have replaced these images of yesteryear...

Pop Tarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04737202424252252750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13374717.post-1423576082892622562009-07-15T06:34:00.001-05:002009-07-15T06:35:55.546-05:00

It's not always easy to talk about your mother -- until you are older & wiser yourself. And it's not always easy write about your mother -- the idea of an "essay about your mother" sounds as trite as a "what I did on my summer vacation" school report. But I had to nominate my mother for the Tupperware Chain of Confidence Challenge -- because when it comes to instilling confidence, she's done

Pop Tarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04737202424252252750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13374717.post-64497008724626923632009-07-15T05:07:00.001-05:002009-07-15T05:15:16.016-05:00

Inspired by Momfinitions at ParentsConnect.com, my 5 Momfinitions -- I don't think I need to tell you that all of these are actual and true words in our household, but I just did *wink*This first one comes from my mom & has been handed down lovingly to both myself and my sister. It surprisingly sees a lot of use.Beepleberrynoun: Any round-ish object (bead, button, game piece, decorated ponytail

Pop Tarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04737202424252252750noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13374717.post-56342040885348852842009-07-10T19:31:00.000-05:002009-07-10T19:31:26.549-05:00

I was at the doctor's again; this time to have my stitches removed. In yet another exam room, the prominently placed sign: "Do not allow children to open drawers or touch the equipment."It is not just my jaded opinion, but verified with the staff, that these signs are needed because parents are far too permissive with their children. And it's not just the lazy parents who don't actually

Pop Tarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04737202424252252750noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13374717.post-2618424181668098722009-07-10T15:49:00.001-05:002009-07-10T15:51:44.752-05:00

WebMD reports that a Follow-up Study Confirms That Migraine Headache Sufferers Have Lower Breast Cancer Risk:Women who experience migraine headaches have a significantly lower risk of getting breast cancer than those who don't suffer the headaches, according to a new study.The recent study is a follow-up to research published in 2008 that also found migraine headache sufferers have a

Pop Tarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04737202424252252750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13374717.post-16577797681793794792009-07-09T13:46:00.004-05:002009-07-09T14:07:28.350-05:00

It continues to be difficult yet surprising for me to watch my daughter perform in public. Last week, at Trollwood's celebration of the end of the summer performing arts camp (called "Sun Celebration"), I once again watched my daughter perform.I have to say that she was the best in the "Acting For The Camera" class -- and that's a big call for me because, as I have shared, I tend to spend more

Pop Tarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04737202424252252750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13374717.post-38405589262517041502009-07-09T13:18:00.003-05:002009-07-09T13:29:49.496-05:00

The Thursday Thunks meme:1. Do you tend to have a guilty conscious?No. Why -- do you think I should?2. Do you still have your wisdom teeth?Nope. And thanks for bringing up the painful memory of the removal of impacted molars, pudding & blood clots.3. Peanut Butter - creamy or crunchy?Creamy. (But hubby loves the crunchy -- of course, he also butters his bread first, then puts on the peanut

Pop Tarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04737202424252252750noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13374717.post-33661718545801278862009-07-06T18:47:00.001-05:002009-07-06T18:50:10.285-05:00

When asked to participate in the blog tour for Defying Autism by Karen Mayer Cunningham, I responded by saying:I'd be interested in reviewing a copy of this book, possibly interviewing the author... But I must warn you, I'm rather skeptical about this. As the parent of a (now adult) child on the autism spectrum, I'm really a hard sell on cures -- no matter how miraculous.Let me know if you/the

Pop Tarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04737202424252252750noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13374717.post-77685359692880277892009-07-06T14:44:00.000-05:002009-07-06T14:44:17.251-05:00

July 1: Had two cysts removed. One on my arm that I'd had for 7-8 years (thought it was a over-the-counter product resistant wart) and one on my breast (the start & end of cellulitis).Not quite prepared for:The local does not "sting" -- it burns. Burns like hell.Surreal moments when you see where the action in on your body, say as the doctor stitches up your arm, but you feel tugging elsewhere,

Pop Tarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04737202424252252750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13374717.post-46450723592020282202009-06-10T04:22:00.001-05:002009-06-11T04:31:49.401-05:00

My son turned 9 today.Not being able to see him for his birthday I am reminded why... And that just makes me sad & ill.To cheer myself up, I am writing a little conversation we had just about two months ago.After talking about the girls' plans for "the future," careers & whatnot, I turned to Hunter and asked, "So, what do you want to be when you grow up?"Without skipping a beat, he replied, "A

Pop Tarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04737202424252252750noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13374717.post-81371921714170932722009-06-04T15:12:00.005-05:002009-06-04T16:26:45.837-05:00

Elizabeth tagged me. OK, so she tagged me at Kitsch Slapped; but since this meme is personal silliness & probably not something Twolia would like to pay me for, I'm doing it here. Send all hate mail to the comment box below.Meme Rules:1. Respond and rework. Answer the questions on your blog, replace one question you dislike with a question of your own invention; add a question of your own.2. Tag

Pop Tarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04737202424252252750noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13374717.post-15746227134840866842009-04-22T05:01:00.000-05:002009-04-22T05:01:41.079-05:00

TwitterMoms has posted yet another contest, this one on children's fashions:To participate, simply write a post on your own blog that shows us your kid’s style! Feel free to upload photos, videos, etc. of your kids showing off their style in their favorite outfits. The only requirement we ask is that your post includes at least one link to www.childrensplace.com so your readers can see their

Pop Tarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04737202424252252750noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13374717.post-84864221290574647152009-04-22T04:37:00.001-05:002009-04-22T04:39:44.724-05:00

From TwitterMoms:From Friday, April 24 through Sunday, April 26, Care.com will waive its regular subscription fee and allow full access to hundreds of thousands of pre-screened, high-quality babysitters, nannies, and other caregivers for free.Experience the benefits of paid, premium membership for FREE!Post a job or search pre-screened caregiversReview background checks and referencesContact your

Pop Tarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04737202424252252750noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13374717.post-45466595568997549322009-04-16T18:37:00.001-05:002009-04-16T18:38:48.122-05:00

On Easter Sunday I had to take myself to the emergency room. It took me an hour & a half to convince myself it was necessary, even if I wasn't bleeding or otherwise looking like my life was in peril... Bad things had gone on long enough.A few weeks ago, I was charmed (not!) to discover that I had a zit on the underside of my left breast. I know; what a complete "Eeeiiiwww!" But ladies,

Pop Tarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04737202424252252750noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13374717.post-40962768004586730912009-04-15T16:04:00.000-05:002009-07-06T16:08:29.360-05:00

Whenever I hear Jenny McCarthy (and now Jim Carrey) cheer, "Autism is Preventable and Reversible!" I feel ill. I've seen the celeb-duo on TV, but become so nauseated & angry that I refuse to read the books. Why? Because these treatments are far more costly than the average family can afford, leaving parents with additional guilt & stress -- and that's if the treatments did work. But they

Pop Tarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04737202424252252750noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13374717.post-72226590890478132042009-04-10T01:19:00.000-05:002009-04-10T01:19:19.485-05:00

CBS has canceled the 72 year old soap Guiding Light, the longest-running scripted program in broadcasting history, because CBS didn't care to face the realities of today's audience and their media viewing habits.They did try a few things to "save" the show, most notably reducing the quality by switching to hand-held digital cameras, lights and microphones (which was horrid), but they sure didn't

Pop Tarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04737202424252252750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13374717.post-7331436709175779282009-04-09T04:09:00.002-05:002009-04-09T04:12:07.964-05:00

I'll be honest, this post is prompted by a contest sponsored by Kajeet.com (discovered via a RAMBO Alert from TwitterMoms.com). They wanted mom bloggers to give "5 tips for managing cell phone use by your kids."How do you keep your kids safe from bullying, inappropriate content, and other hazards, and how do you maintain a budget for the use of the phone?And it hit me that (1) I'd like a phone

Pop Tarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04737202424252252750noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13374717.post-46514304118856479712009-04-05T02:54:00.001-05:002009-04-22T05:02:54.384-05:00

It began with Des' mom and her grandma (hubby's mom) buying Des very short skirts and high-heeled black boots because they think it's a cool look (for her?!). When I met Des at age six, she had plenty of those outfits. But they made me cringe so badly (I've written before about how I feel about inappropriately dressing children), that I told hubby I would not appear in public with her dressed

Pop Tarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04737202424252252750noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13374717.post-17653359241603537692009-04-04T23:00:00.001-05:002009-04-05T02:56:54.761-05:00

Unless you've been living under a (dry) rock, you've probably heard about the flood situation here in Fargo; now we wait to see what the melting snow (so beautiful as it fell; see photos below) will mean for a second crest this month.But what you don't know, is what that week was like for us.Aside from the worries about the house & basement, the closed roads (oh, and the limited stock on grocery

Pop Tarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04737202424252252750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13374717.post-54601870626848942152009-03-22T18:37:00.003-05:002009-03-22T19:14:57.583-05:00

Driving back from Milwaukee to Fargo; using my cute & fun little Acer netbook to post (it's magic!). Today's trip started shaky -- more on that another time because I'm following my own advice to hubby about only focusing on what you can control or do anything about at the moment. But...Traveling west along 35, we stopped to stretch our legs in Alma using the locks along St. Croix as a reason -

Pop Tarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04737202424252252750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13374717.post-61018942057075600672009-03-11T21:29:00.003-05:002009-04-04T22:18:39.416-05:00

Our family interviewed to be cast for ABC Family's Wife Swap.But after a few long talks, we decided that we weren't a good fit for the show. Not only do we have a crazy family dynamic but the requirement to forgo being on any other television show for 18 months would then limit our pursuit of more educational projects, such as my work with domestic violence, special needs, and history/culture

Pop Tarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04737202424252252750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13374717.post-26833783892331238632009-02-01T04:05:00.004-06:002009-02-01T04:15:11.622-06:00

Smoking is indeed dangerous; but not exactly for the reasons we are pummeled with everyday.I'll admit, I'm a spaz lighting a cig -- I can't wear gloves to do it, and in this weather, that makes the forced-to-go-outside-and-smoke thing a real bitch. God I hate the weather here.But I had no idea that having part of my cherry fall onto my acrylic sock could be so painful. No, it didn't burn me --

Pop Tarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04737202424252252750noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13374717.post-49335867742676683782009-01-12T03:04:00.003-06:002009-01-12T03:07:19.592-06:00

Because I refuse to shy-away from honest sex talk -- even if it's not "sex ed" -- I have to share with you this lovely piece on a woman remembering her mother, titled Musings on curvitude -- even if it's on an 'adult site'. You've now been warned; but don't summarily reject the link, because it's worth it.

Pop Tarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04737202424252252750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13374717.post-11116911877452656092009-01-08T00:31:00.004-06:002009-01-11T22:25:50.380-06:00

Let’s Eat Cake, a fundraiser hosted by Melissa Margarita-DiStefano, is coming up quick: Tuesday, February 17th at the Plaza Paramount Hotel in Gainesville, Florida! Let’s Eat Cake is a cake decorating competition with all proceeds going to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Learn more about the fundraiser here. In an effort to make sure spread the word (and raise money), we are continuing

Pop Tarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04737202424252252750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13374717.post-9932322504360191182008-12-12T18:58:00.001-06:002008-12-16T05:18:48.400-06:00

My eldest, Allie, the theatre-loving Auspie, finally had a successful audition and got a part in the high school play. While she was giddy over her acceptance, I was anxiety ridden.As the parent of a special needs kid, your whole take on plays, pageants, concerts and other school productions or events is if not completely opposite of every other parent's, pretty darn close to it. While parents

Pop Tarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04737202424252252750noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13374717.post-343551134443653612008-12-11T18:11:00.004-06:002008-12-11T18:18:34.769-06:00

The coupons you print on the site (which I originally thought was a "hooray, it's green!" move) are not accepted by my local grocers. So now, it's all just a cluster-fuck unless you want to use your points to buy Coke advertising premiums.Since some of you are Coke collectors, I suppose that's fine. Me? I just want free (or, grudgingly will accept, discounted) pop.There are two results of this

Pop Tarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04737202424252252750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13374717.post-80587535919855571722008-09-27T03:20:00.000-05:002008-09-27T03:20:35.941-05:00

As you know, I grudgingly use My Coke Rewards.Coke has made some changes to the program. The good news is that they finally let you print your coupons rather than wait for (and have the added cost & wastes of) mail. The bad news is that they have ended the one free 12-pack for 100 points. Now you need 200 points to buy one 12-pack, get one 12-pack free. That sucks. Or, it's 35 points for $1

Pop Tarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04737202424252252750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13374717.post-72419885447074802272008-09-13T04:07:00.003-05:002008-09-13T04:13:28.382-05:00

The New York Times has an article on the difficulties of traveling with those with autism.I'm glad there are articles & discussion on autism -- and things like the Autism on the Seas via Alumni Cruises. But I still can't help but feel petty that none of this existed when Allie was younger. Nor would it be affordable today.I hate that it took celebrities with children on the autism spectrum to

Pop Tarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04737202424252252750noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13374717.post-82327367364013082592008-08-27T01:50:00.001-05:002008-08-27T01:50:45.506-05:00

In grown hair(you know where)makes me hatemy underwear.

Pop Tarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04737202424252252750noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13374717.post-61627135861744546152008-08-21T15:01:00.001-05:002008-08-21T15:03:10.621-05:00

Dear friend,Thank you. Your name has been added to the message and your comments will be delivered to Health and Human Services Secretary Mike Leavitt.Another great way to generate a lot of heat on this issue is to spread the word to your friends and family. The more signatures we gather, the better our chance to win. You can just forward the sample letter below.Spreading the word is critical,

Pop Tarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04737202424252252750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13374717.post-13150686544554059372008-08-21T14:48:00.003-05:002009-04-22T05:02:15.802-05:00

Got sent this notice for a Mother/Daughter fashion contest:Do you share clothes with your mother or daughter—but sometimes clash about fashion choices? Tell us about your everyday wardrobe dilemmas and you and your mother or daughter could be the lucky pair to get solutions in a styling session with eBay Style Director, Constance White, and the Family Circle fashion team. Plus, you could win

Pop Tarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04737202424252252750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13374717.post-36897837638444064732008-08-18T15:46:00.000-05:002008-08-18T15:46:50.365-05:00

Last fall I took my youngest, Hunter, then 7, to the art museum. He was quite prudish and giggly about seeing men nude; he said nothing about the nude women, but had a flushed, awkward look to him...Flash forward about 9 months. Hunter is now 8 years old.We spent a Saturday afternoon teaching the kids to make altered art books. Since we left the junk on the dinning room table, the kids (and

Pop Tarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04737202424252252750noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13374717.post-27344156691790067232008-07-07T03:05:00.003-05:002008-08-18T15:47:06.088-05:00

My eldest, the Auspie, was always a hoot at the museum. From 3 on, when I was in college and had the discounted student pass, she'd stomp around the library-quiet museum with me during weekdays in this pair of brightly colored cowboy boots that she had to wear, no matter the weather or season.My favorite Allie In An Art Museum Story took place during her first visit to the MAM.We were looking

Pop Tarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04737202424252252750noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13374717.post-58297924575896907612008-07-07T01:00:00.020-05:002008-07-07T02:45:25.141-05:00

Like most moms, I am forever behind in placing photos in the album; so why should digital pics posted in the old blog be any different? Here are some photos from when Hunter and I went to the Milwaukee Art Museum last fall, when he was seven.I like to take kids alone to art museums. You get to take time having the child lead you around, stopping where & when they wish to, and have them respond

Pop Tarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04737202424252252750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13374717.post-59870744517970630482008-06-09T07:39:00.001-05:002008-06-09T07:41:11.764-05:00

I'm struck by so much in Dangerous Knitting:My child fell apart. That is what happened in actual time. No speeding cars, no spinning yarns, no old TV characters. Those are just props, mixed metaphors that translate the whole mess into a story that has some recognition, that makes some sense. Back in the actual world, the world that makes no sense at all, my child fell apart. Fell so hard that all

Pop Tarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04737202424252252750noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13374717.post-22487871581944165572008-05-22T15:30:00.001-05:002008-05-22T15:34:13.228-05:00

Barry Goldstein discusses the crisis in the custody court system that has resulted in thousands of children being sent to live with abusers -- tonight at 9 (central).For more info, see Cult of Gracie.

Pop Tarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04737202424252252750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13374717.post-60984405059677292912008-05-22T02:12:00.001-05:002008-05-22T02:14:45.345-05:00

Grandpa had been a boxer in the years before he became a grandpa, before he became a husband (it was during these years that he met Grandma.) And his arms were strong.When I was a little girl, I used to swing from my grandpa’s arm. He’d make a muscle, one that I’d no doubt asked him to make, and then I’d grab on his arm, and he’d lift me high above the ground. At my age, it was a magical height,

Pop Tarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04737202424252252750noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13374717.post-66167510206868458002008-04-24T06:07:00.004-05:002008-04-24T06:19:17.615-05:00

(Hubby, unbeknownst to me until I was set to publish this, has already posted his thoughts on this -- but I'm not about to scrap my work! Plus, he has his own comments; and they're really only on part of the article.)This past weekend, on our way back home from Wisconsin, hubby and I bought a stack of vintage Radio Guide issues. This is the story of just one article...Happy Madmen, by Lorraine

Pop Tarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04737202424252252750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13374717.post-1448574159260515762008-04-21T04:25:00.004-05:002008-04-21T04:42:47.828-05:00

An interview with Allison Bottke, author of Setting Boundaries with Your Adult Children: Six Steps to Hope and Healing for Struggling Parents.The book comes out of your own personal experience with your son. Please tell us about that.ALLISON: For years I really thought I was helping my son. I wanted him to have the things I never had growing up. I love my son, and I didn’t want him to hurt—but

Pop Tarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04737202424252252750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13374717.post-89201121108059697082008-04-04T14:43:00.000-05:002008-04-04T14:43:38.525-05:00

1) Gracie's re-started her cult again.These next few may seem to be a "downer", but that's only the case if you don't feel like respecting the honesty and truths which they bring...2) Bunny's sobering post, Food Is Not A Bad Thing:Have you ever stood by and watched someone die and not done a damn thing to stop it?I have. It makes you feel like shit. I won't do that again.3) Sarah Lynn's honesty

Pop Tarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04737202424252252750noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13374717.post-41278278577414056912008-04-03T08:32:00.002-05:002008-04-03T08:58:38.842-05:00

Via Tom McMahon and his tip of the hat to Future Pundit, I found this press release from the University of Rochester Medical Center, titled Households with kids with autism likely to earn less, which discusses how out–of-pocket expenses combined with missed income opportunity burden families with autism spectrum disorder (ASD):When the demographic and educational characteristics of families with

Pop Tarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04737202424252252750noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13374717.post-55870600641671748722008-04-03T04:00:00.005-05:002008-04-03T08:25:16.012-05:00

When I was in grade school, I used to walk to & from school through a woods -- my magical woods. I knew every tree, fallen and standing; how to read every dappled patch of sunlight for both time and weather; what every animal and bird cry meant, as well as how to follow their tracks and stand back far and quiet enough to avoid upsetting them so I could watch. All the self-taught knowledge of a

Pop Tarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04737202424252252750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13374717.post-17506861348676940422008-04-02T15:54:00.005-05:002008-04-02T17:23:08.885-05:00

Today, April 2, is World Autism Day. (The United Nations designated April 2 World Autism Day in November 2007.) While there are plenty of "Autism experts" willing to discuss Autism, I just wanted to share a personal story...Along with the anime obsession, my eldest, Allie (who has Aspergers), is a huge theatre nut. First it was musicals, but it's slowly broadening to encompass all performing

Pop Tarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04737202424252252750noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13374717.post-57422202797355867982008-03-31T18:57:00.003-05:002008-04-03T04:33:33.920-05:00

In 1973, I was but a wee girl of 9. I love horses, galloped everywhere -- and where I didn't gallop, I imagined my bike was a horse, including mounting like it was one. Naturally, I adored the song, Wildfire.But it wasn't just the pure horse love. I loved the romantic & mystical qualities of the song, the longing... Including that a man would sing of and hope for such things.She Comes down

Pop Tarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04737202424252252750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13374717.post-54062304943955680772008-03-26T17:22:00.004-05:002008-04-03T04:33:51.153-05:00

I received the sweetest email today along with the blog award shown here. It's from a beautiful young lady named Haily:Hi. My name is Hailey and I'm 12 years old. I have a blog in memory of my brother who passed away in 2006 from a heart defect. I was looking online at other blogs and found yours and I would like to give you my blog award for having a blog with heart!My blog is for the

Pop Tarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04737202424252252750noreply@blogger.com0