The Veggie Battle

A couple of weeks ago at J's 4 year well child check-up, the pediatrician was asking about his eating habits.  She was asking him about the things he liked to eat and if he ate anything healthy.

Doctor: Do you like vegetables? Do you eat any vegetables?

J: Popcorn.

Needless to say, this did not go over well with the doctor.  She chuckled but told him he would need to start eating his veggies to grow big and strong.

Honestly, trying to get my kids to eat the things they like is a battle, let alone trying to get them to eat something they don't like.

Here's the deal. My kids are picky eaters.  Like super picky.  They only eat about ten things. Nine of which are starches. (Oh to be young again...)

The stuff they like, I mean really like, you only have about a 50% chance of them eating it. Most of their food sits on their plates. Or on my floor.

Seriously, I think they can surivive on about 80 calories a day. I should split a Triscuit, give it to the boys and call it a day.

Now, they do like fruit.  Not all fruit (because that would be way to easy.) But they do like a lot of fruit. So, we try and give them fruit at every meal.  We will occasionally put a vegetable in front of them but the results are never pretty.

For example, I placed a green bean in front of Baby L (2) the other day. He shrieked and promptly threw it on the floor. You'd think I wanted him to eat a raw octopus or something.

And yesterday, Hubby tried to get J (4) to eat mashed potatoes.  Mashed potatoes that had a little cream cheese in them, I might add.

Hubby: J, want a bite of potatoes? *Takes out money from wallet.* I'll give you this dollar to buy toys with if you take a bite of potato.

J: *Screams. Cries.* Noooooo! *Runs upstairs to his room and slams the door. Still crying.*

Cheese and biscuits! I guess if we'd have asked him to try a green veggie he would have gone upstairs and packed a bag. 

The pediatrician suggested I put noodles on his plate (which he likes) and a few veggies (which he doesn't). She suggested that if he wants more noodles, then he has to eat his veggies first.

Um, good idea in theory...

Or my crazy Dad suggested that I do what he did when I was little. He put green beans baby food on my peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.

Yeah. And you wonder why I have issues.

So, it's a challenge. I want my kids to eat healthy but they aren't into that.

Don't get me wrong. I will keep trying.  I will keep introducing veggies and try to be creative about it. But it is a real battle - a veggie battle.

Maybe it will be easier when they get older. (Denial. It is so pleasant here! Come and join me!)

Anyone else have this problem?  Any suggestions for getting kids to eat veggies?

The Liebster Award

 

So back in October, Jimmy of Founding A Father awarded me the Liebster award. And even further back in August, Pippi of Pesky Pippi also awarded me the Liebster award.

I think it is for my witty repartee or my amusing self-depreciation. I believe we can all agree it is not for my timeliness! *Ahem.*

Anyway, if you are not following these two people, well, you need to get on that! They are some funny people and I assure you will enjoy each blog post.

Thanks Jimmy and Pippi for nominating me! I am thankful you would include me.

Now on to the festivities!

• Each person must post 11 things about themselves. 
• Answer the 11 questions the person giving the award has set for you.
• Create 11 questions for the people you will be giving the award to. 
• Choose 11 people to award and send them a link to your post.  Go to their page and tell them. 
• No tag backs.

11 Things About Me:

1. An old lady once told me I look like Kathy Ireland.
2. I have a wine colored birthmark under my left eye.
3. I hate it when my hands smell like food.
4. My favorite color is red.
5. I have an unhealthy obsession with reading.
6. My dad ran over my foot with his car when I was 17.
7. When I was 16, my bikini top fell into the ocean in front of a guys volleyball game.
8. I am addicted to sweets.
9. I am quick to get angry but also quick to forgive.
10. I wipe my kids down in sanitizer every time we leave a public place.
11. Sometimes I am overcome with so much love for my family, my heart feels so full it will burst.

Questions I Was Asked To Answer (The first six are from Pippi and the last five are from Jimmy. Yes, it is not the normal rules but I never professed to be normal.):

1. What is one piece of advice you would give to your high school self? The only opinion that matters is your own.
2. What scares you? My family getting sick or hurt. Also, Gollum. That dude is creepy.
3. What’s your favorite dessert? Creme Brulee or Chocolate Mousse.
4. What makes you laugh? My Hubby, My Kids, My Mom without trying to
5. What boosts your confidence? Any honest compliment from my family
6. How do you like to spend a Friday night? Curled up with Hubby watching a movie or reading a good book.
7. If you could have 3 wishes, what would they be (and no, you can’t wish for more wishes cheater)? For my kids to grow up healthy and happy, For my Hubby and I to retire comfortably by age 50 and For world peace (of course).
8. Your favorite place to vacation? Anywhere with an ocean and a beach
9. The last person you thought deserved to be punched in the throat? The old woman who pointed her finger at me, then took my parking spot
10. What is your porn name (first name is the name of the very first pet you had, last name is the very first street you grew up on)? Midget Kelsey
11. What song do you know all the lyrics too? Whomp! There It Is!

Questions for Nominees To Answer:

1. When is the last time you did a 'happy dance'?
2. Would you rather be liked or respected?
3. What is your first memory?
4. What is your least favorite food?
5. What is your favorite holiday?
6. What is your biggest pet peev?
7. Have you ever ran a red light?
8. If you had an extra $200,000, what would you do with it?
9. What was your first car?
10. If you had two hours to yourself, what would you do? 
11. What is your favorite movie?

My nominations:

• The Traveling Circus 
• Gina Valley
• Looking For The Sweet Spot
• Cloudy With A Chance Of Wine
• Coffee House Mom
• Banter Burbia
• With A Little Love and Luck
• This Is Mommyhood
• Mannly Mama
• Life On The Sonny Side

'Twas The Night Before Christmas

'Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house,

My children were acting like lunatics. Time to call in the spouse.

The stockings were haphazardly thrown on the mantle without care,

in hopes that Santa Claus would shove some stuff in there.

Hubby and I were trying to nestle our kids in their beds

But they kept using stall tactics instead.

But, finally, me in yoga pants and Hubby in sweats from the Gap,

Hoped we could get some quiet for at least a small nap.

When downstairs in the great room, we heard a loud noise!

We thought for sure it was one of the kids' toys.

Hubby and I did rock-paper-scissors to determine who would go see.

When, lo and behold, it turned out to be me.

The light from the kitchen gave a soft glow

So I could see clearly the first floor below.

Surely I'm not seeing what I think I see!

Some joker dressed in red under my tree.

He turned right around and I punched him in the face.

He yelled, "Good night, woman! You're a nut case!"

I said, "I'm not the one breaking and entering, fat man."

Santa said, "That IS what Santa does. It's part of the plan."

I took in his red outfit, his black boots and his huge pack.

I couldn't help wondering 'Does he have a bad back?'.

I said, "You don't look so good, old man. Here, have a seat."

Sighing, he said, "Going around the world in one night is no easy feat."

Running a hand over my face and sitting at the table,

I thought, "Am I really talking to Santa? I must be unstable."

I said, "Rest a minute, Santa. I'll pour you a glass of whatever we've got."

Santa said, "Do you have Corona Lite? I like that a lot."

We sat at the table. We sat there we two.

And we clinked our beer glasses and chugged down our brew.

I asked, "Santa, how do you do it each year?"

He chuckled and said, "Well, it can be tough when many people are without cheer."

I said, "So many people are grumpy, hateful, and downright mean."

Santa said, "Oh my dear! Some of which the likes you have never seen."

I said, "I take it you've seen some pretty horrible stuff."

He paused, then said, "Yes, I have. I have seen mankind act pretty rough."

Swirling the last of my beer in my glass,

I looked at Santa and dared to ask, "How can you do it with so many on the naughty list?"

Santa smiled at me and playfully hit my shoulder with his fist.

He said, "Because as long as there is at least one person in this world who cares about others,

I know there is hope for our daughters, sons, fathers and mothers."

This time, I looked, really looked at this old man in front of me.

My heart realized what it was that I see.

Santa wasn't merely a jolly old elf.

He was the best part of each person, the good inside of our self.

Smiling, I said, "Wow. You are not at all what I thought."

Chuckling, he said, "Yeah. I get that a lot."

I told him, "Next time, I won't punch you in the face."

He shrugged and said, "Well, at least it wasn't mace."

Santa picked up his pack and flung it over his shoulder.

Turning to look at me, he said, "Don't worry. You get wiser as you get older."

He continued saying, "Remember to look in your heart for what you know to be right.

And, mostly importantly, hold your husband and your children real tight."

Before I knew what I was doing, I gave Santa a hug.

He patted my head and told me, "And here, you thought I was a thug."

Opening the front door, I said, "Glad you stopped by."

Saluting me, Santa said, "I'm off!" and he took to the sky.

I watched as he jumped in the sleigh and took flight.

Wondering, 'Exactly how much beer did I have tonight?'

I heard Santa exclaim as he drove out of sight,

"Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!"

The Best Books of 2012

Since it is the season of giving, I thought I would get all of my loyal readers an awesome, Christmas gift.  That's right! *Waves.*

I want to get each of you The Clapper.  It's totally awesome, isn't it? The perfect gift.

How many times have you been in bed reading or watching TV, all comfy and cozy, then realize you have to get out of your snuggle pit to turn off the lights?  Annoying, isn't it?! If you had the clapper, all you'd have to do is clap your hands and PRESTO! The lights turn off and you can stay in your nice, warm bed.

Except, ahem, here's the thing. The clapper is not very expensive, however when you want to buy it for all of your readers it adds up.  Yes, if I bought one for all twelve of you, it would be a big chunk of change.

BUT DO NOT GET DISCOURAGED!

I am going to give you the next best thing!! I am going to give you my list of the best books for 2012.

Folks, there are not many things in this world better than a good book. When you are sitting down, all cozy with your coffee or tea, reading a good book that you cannot put down, it is a little slice of heaven!

If you need a good book to read, these are definitely the ones to grab off the shelf or download onto your e-reader.

After going through my "read" book list on Goodreads, I counted all of the books I read this year. Turns out, I have read 61 books this year.

NERD ALERT!!!

There were a lot of good books, a few horrible ones and several great ones.

Some of you may wonder how I read so many books with so little time to myself. Two things - 1) I'm a fast reader. Like read a book in four hours fast. and 2) I read until the wee hours of the morning. Who needs sleep anyway?!

I enjoy reading YA fiction. But, good YA fiction, like The Hunger Games or Harry Potter. 

All the books listed below had an element of romance and mystery or good vs. evil. Most of these books were either dystopia or science fiction.

So, in no particular order, here are the ones I thought were exceptional:

• Half-Blood by Jennifer L. Armentrout. This is the first book in the Covenant Series. Jennifer is a master at writing books that hook you and pull you in. She develops characters you respect and love, throwing in romance, mystery and bad-assedness along the way. (Yes, I said bad-assedness.) I have already read the first three books in the series if that tells you anything.
• Obsidian by Jennifer L. Armentrout. Another one by Jennifer! This is the first book in the Lux series. You guys! The romance in these books and the sexual tension in both series is crazy, yo! (P.S. it is a sweet romance, not trashy like 50 Shades of Grey.) I am currently on my third in this series.
• The Crown Of Embers by Rae Carson. This is the second book in the Fire and Thorns series. Rae creates a vivid world in which a very unlikely girl is put in a position of power and she learns about who she truly is along the way. This book is so well written and the hero is so wonderfully flawed, yet perfect, you will fall in love with her. And the romance, swoon, is so sweet and unexpected.
• Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo. This is the first book in the Grisha series. This is a dystopian society series and you know these are my favorite people!!  Another book with an unlikely heroine who you will fall in love with and see where she ends up.  The mystery, the desolation of the world they live in and the romance packs quite a punch.
• Pandemonium by Lauren Oliver. This is the second book in the Delirium series. In this series, love is considered a disease and you receive an operation at age 16 so you will never have to contract this horrible disease. If this premise doesn't grab you from the get go, then how about non-stop action and reluctant romance?
• A Beautiful Evil by Kelly Keaton. This is the second book in the Gods and Monsters series. Dystopian society! New twist on an old Greek myth! Romance! Good vs. Evil! I cannot say enough good things about this series. When I finished reading this book, I was so sad because it was over. I cannot wait until the next one comes out. I'm counting down the days.
• Under The Never Sky by Veronica Rossi. This is the first book in the Under The Never Sky Series. Loved this new take on a dystopian society series. The main character, Aria, runs into an outside, Perry, and they have to rely on one another to survive. In a word - Could Not Put It Down! (Okay, that was more than one word.) But it was excellent!!
• Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi. This is the first book in the Shatter Me series. This book is all kinds of awesome! It is part X-Men, part Say Anything, and part James Bond. You will love it! Trust me!!!
• For Darkness Shows The Stars by Diana Peterfruend. Just discovered this is going to be a series! *Squeeee!!* I am told this book is similiar to 'Pride and Prejudice' but I have never read Jane Austen so I'm not sure. But this book is so beautifully written.  So sweet. So heartbreaking. So romantic. You won't be able to put this one down.

If you have read one of these, let me know what you think. If you read one after my recommendation, I'd also like to hear your thoughts.

So dear readers, when you find yourself with a few minutes to yourself, grab one of these books, prop your feet up and get ready for your world to be rocked.

12 Days of Christmas: Mossey Style

Tis' the season.  The season for merriment.  For giving and getting gifts. For helping those less fortunate. For spending more time with your family.

*Contented sigh.*

I love Christmastime.  Christmas is my favorite holiday. I love the Christmas decorations, and the Christmas movies. Like "A Christmas Story", "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation", and "Elf". ("Santa! SANTA! I know him! I know him!") 

One of my most favorite things about Christmas are the Christmas carols. Some of my favorite ones are 'Jingle Bell Rock', 'Mary Did You Know?', 'Carol of the Bells' and 'Little Drummer Boy'. And, say what you will, when Mariah Carey's 'All I Want For Christmas Is You' comes on, I turn that stuff up and shake my money maker.

Alright, I pretty much love all Christmas carols, except for 'Feliz Navidad'.

Cheese and biscuits! Do I hate that song. One year, my cousin sang the song over and over and OVER - about 348 times. He sang it as "Fleas on my Dog'.  To this day, that is how is sounds to me. (Yep, it's in your head now too. You're welcome.)

This got me thinking that I could share a little of our family Christmas with you.

So, without further ado, here's the 12 Days of Christmas: Mossey Style.

12Pack of Blue Moon

11Peanut Butter Balls eaten daily

10People I wanted to punch in the mall parking lot

9Ornaments broken by the kids

8Presents bought online 

7People I forgot to send Christmas cards

6Times the tree fell over

5POUNDS I'VE GAINED!!!

4Attempts at making fudge

3Family members arguing

2Kids scared of Santa

AND

1Giant credit card bill!

Okay, so this list isn't exactly how my Christmas plays out, however parts of it, oh there are parts of it, that are absolutely true. But, I'll leave that to you to figure out. *Mwahahaha!*

Hope you have a wonderful Christmas holiday surrounded by good food and people you love. Because, really, that is all that matters.

Is There A Problem, Officer?

Your friendly neighborhood police officer!

How's your driving? Would you say you are a good driver?

I think I am a good driver. I have not had a driving infraction for over a decade. (Hey, you in the back saying you have never had a ticket, be quiet. No one wants to hear from you.)

"But, Michelle," you say, "didn't you run into your mom's car in the driveway a couple of months ago?"

You crash into one car in a driveway and suddenly you been labeled. Cheese and biscuits!

Let's just agree to leave that minor occurrence off the books, shall we?

As I was saying, I think I am a good driver. I have not gotten pulled over for speeding or anything like that 10 plus years.

Until a week ago.

After leaving the pediatrician's office to discover both boys had ear infections, I was on my way to the pharmacy to get their prescriptions filled. On my way there, I was pulled over.

Me: *Pulls car over. Rolls down window.* Is there a problem, officer?

Officer: Do you know why I pulled you over?

Me: *Blinking rapidly.* Um, was I speeding?

Officer: *Pointing.* You failed to stop at that stop sign back there.

Me: Really?!

Officer: You thought you stopped at the stop sign?

Me: *Sheepish.* Yes, I did.

Officer: No, ma'am. You slowed down but did not stop.

Me: I'm so sorry, officer. *Holds up kids prescriptions.* My kids are sick and I was taking them to get their medicine. I guess my mind was elsewhere. I am so sorry.

Officer: It happens. Can I see your license and registration?

Me: *Hands information over.* Here you go, officer. 

Officer: *Returns to my car after a couple of minutes.* Here is your information back.

Me: Okay. I am so sorry, officer.

Officer: It happens. I am not going to give you a ticket today but I am going to give you a notice. Just pay more attention in the future.

Me: I will thank you, officer.

And before you say it, yes, I did take out the boys prescriptions and wave them around. I'm not ashamed! I didn't have to pretend to be a mom out of sorts. That was FOR REAL!

So, after this humbling experience, I make sure I come to a complete stop at a stop sign every. single. time.  

And you know what I noticed? Nobody else does!

At a four way stop, I watch the other drivers and nine out of ten do a 'California roll'. They slow down and never completely come to a full stop.

And you know what else I noticed? People get mad at me for coming to a complete stop. I glance in my rear view mirror and people are angrily gesturing at me or shaking their head impatiently.

Holy cow, you guys! I am obeying the traffic laws and people are getting hacked at me! What's that deal?!

Sad truth is I used to be one of these people who would get mad at people coming to a complete stop or going the speed limit on a major road.

I've decided I'm not going to be that person anymore. It might seem like something small but it is starting somewhere.

So, thank you, Mr. Police Officer, for pulling me over and making me do a little soul searching. (And also thank you for not giving me a ticket. Otherwise, it would be Merry Christmas kids! You got a speeding ticket!)

I'm Kind Of A Big Deal

My Milkshake Brings All The Boys To The Yard...

I don't know if you know it but I am kinda a big deal. It's true.

I even have my own groupies that follow me around, screaming my name.

"Mama!" "Mama!" "MAMA!!"

I have my own little crew. Posse, if you will.

They want to be around me. They always want to be by my side. They swarm me everyday. EVERY. DAY.

Still not convinced? Let me introduce...

EXHIBIT A. They constantly want to be near me. It doesn't matter where I am or what I am doing. I can be in the bathroom. They bust in and try to climb on my lap to give me a hug, all the while screaming my name. Folks, if someone sees you on the throne and still thinks you are swoon worthy, then you are definitely the bees-knees.

Still don't have you seeing what's in front of your face? Well, let me present...

EXHIBIT B. They always want to love on me. All the time, I hear, "Mama, hold me!" "Mama, come sit by me." "Mama, don't let go!" "Mama, cuddle with me."  They even wake up in the middle of the night feverish with needing to be close to me. So much so, they bust into my room at 2am to climb into bed with me and cuddle. Even with my bed head and dragon breath, they still think I am sparkly awesome. Take THAT, Edward Cullen.

Oh. I see you came to play. You have your "game face" on, eh? Well, this last one will for sure convince you. Let me give you...

EXHIBIT C. I can make them smile. "Oh, that's easy," you say. Really? Do your groupies get so excited to see you each time you re-enter the room that they rush to you, jump into your arms and scream your name?  It doesn't matter where I go or for how long I am gone. I could be gone for 17 seconds to take out the trash. When I get back, they immediately notice my presence and their whole face lights up. *Drops mic.*

See, I told you I was kinda a big deal. My milkshake brings all the boys to the yard. Er, well, actually, it's more like 'My Chocolate Milk Brings All The Babies To the Living Room'.

But whatever, people. Whatever. Haters gonna hate.

*Pops collar. Puts on sunglasses. Walks out.*