Got milk?

I had an interesting conversation with Luke today about milk while having lunch at Arbys.

"Mom, where does milk come from?" asked Luke.

I responded, "From cows of course."

"No, but how do they get it out, do they pee it out?" asked Luke.

"Uh - no, that would be gross. It comes out of their udders." I said confidently.

Luke, with a confused look on his face, continued by asking, "Well, what are udders?"

At this point I wasn't sure how I was going to explain them, so non-chalantly I said, "udders are kind of like boobs." (You tell me how you'd explain them any better!)

Luke looked at me with grin on his face and said, "Yeah, cows have Moobs!"

A 4 Year Old Perspective on Breakfast

It was breakfast time and I asked the boys what they would like to eat.

Luke responds, "How about those hot dogs."

I was a little perplexed with his response and told him he couldn't have hot dogs for breakfast but to pick some cereal.

He told me he wanted hot dog cereal. Here I sit wondering if someone seriously 'invented' hot dog cereal, which would be nasty and I can't imagine anyone would eat it, but these days anything is possible.

I open the pantry to give him some options (other than hot dog cereal) and start reading them to him.

Chocolate cheerios?

No.

Apple Jacks?

No.

Lucky Charms?

No.

(Yes, we like our cereal loaded with sugar.)

Then I pull out the box of Honey Smacks (puffed wheat cereal). I look at the picture and think to myself, surely he can't mean this?

I show him the box and ask if this is what he wants. He responds, "Yeah, the hot dog cereal!"

I guess from a 4 year olds perspective they do kind of look like mini hot dog buns.

Proof in pictures

Here is undeniable proof that we live in a house with boys.

Frozen pounds of ground beef are used to cool off with.

Little boys get into Mommy's nail polish.

Laundry piles never seem to go away.

Hangers get used for abstract art projects.

Poor army men get eaten by sharks at bath time.

Crazy dress up play and battles exist.

True love.

Grocery bags turn into roller coaster rides.

Jumping in leaves has even more meaning when done on a trampoline.

Black eyes are a common battle wound especially when you're trying to keep up with the big 'dogs.'

Spills are quite evident.

A broken arm that can't keep a 6 year old down.

More battle wounds on the cutest face ever.

Napkins become facial decorations.

More true love - they know how to get in the holiday spirit.

Time outs.

Facial contortions.

Pre-teens.

No need for blocks - a paper cup tower is way cooler.

Fun with painters tape.

No need for a play set when you have bare feet and a good door frame.

Really getting into dental hygiene.

Something good must be in the microwave.

And I wouldn't change it for the world!

For the record.

Here is another dose of my children's comments that I have to post for the record. These make me laugh and I hope they do the same for you.

Enjoy.

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Carson and I were sitting at the table one day coloring together. Out of the blue he says, "Mom, don't tell anyone, but there's this girl in my class who's absolutely hot." I about fell off my chair hearing that from my 6 year old, but I maintained my composure and tried not to make a big deal about it.

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When my husband was a kid he fell down a slide and got a gash in his forehead, which has left a scar. 4 year old Luke was sitting on dad's lap examining dad's face and says, "Daddy, I can see the crack in your forehead."

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I had worked out earlier during the day and had not yet changed out of my workout clothes which consisted of a sleeveless vest with a tank top underneath. Carson was picking out some clothes to wear and pulled out a t-shirt along with a basketball jersey. I was standing nearby watching what he was doing. Carson said he needed to wear the t-shirt under the jersey so he wouldn't look like a hillbilly. I looked at my vest and asked him if he thought I looked like a hillbilly and he adamantly replied, "Well, Yeah!"

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I went to check on Luke early in the morning and noticed his door was completely shut, which it's normally only half open. So I slowly and quietly opened the door and saw Luke in his bed with the sheets pulled up to where only his eyes were peeking out and they were wide open. I walked over to him to see if he was ok and noticed the smell of chocolate. I asked what he was eating and he replied, "cheese." I then pulled back the covers and see that he helped himself to a chocolate chip cookie and snuck it back into bed with him.

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While decorating our Christmas tree Luke pulled out a Noah's Ark ornament and excitedly said, "Look - it's Oah's Nark!"

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Taylor wasn't able to locate his iphone so I told him to check with Luke who likes to sneak off and play with it. Taylor went to Luke's room, looked under his bed, and sure enough it was there. I asked Luke why Taylor found his iphone under his bed and he replied, "I don't know, it magically appeared there."

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Carson has a habit of eating his food really fast. The other night I made a ham for dinner and as usual Carson started shoveling his food in. Without thinking of what I was saying, I told him to stop being like a pig when you eat your ham. How cheesy is that?!

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You can tell our boys have a Wii game system. The other day they were at the gym in the play room and were playing a baseball game on an old Playstation 2. They kept swinging the remote even though it wasn't necessary. My boys are programmed in Wii-mode and there's no reversing that!

My List.

Third from the left. It's simple really. I'm not asking too much.

Fine, if I can't have that, then I'll settle for this sweet thing.

I think she would make a perfect birthday or even Christmas present, don't you?

Come on Santa, I've been a good girl this year!

Lesson learned (the hard way)

I could have titled this so many different ways, but the bottom line is that I've learned my lesson and I had to learn it the hard way.

The other night I noticed a girl at the gym put on this brace type of contraption around her waist before doing step class. I thought it was a back brace of some sort. After class she took it off and I was curious. I asked her what she used it for and she told me it was a sweat band. It helps shed excess water weight and also helps compress and support the abdomen.

After having 3 children, I could use all the extra support I can get in my belly, so I thought I would give it a try, especially since it only cost me $5. It was very comfortable and I could feel the warmth as soon as I put it on, which was nice since it was a chilly day. I've worn back braces in the past and this was a similar feel compression wise, but much more comfortable.

My trial run during the day went great and I decided to keep it on during the class I taught in the evening. I was a little concerned that it would inhibit my movement, but I was very pleased and comfortable throughout each exercise and could hardly tell it was on until I started sweating.

During the abs section I could feel it sliding around a bit and a few air pockets formed. Luckily the music volume concealed any noise from the belt. I continued through each different exercise and towards the end I had worked up a good sweat, more than normal I thought. This is the moment I took a glance at myself in the mirror and was horrified at what I saw.

It totally looked like I had peed my pants! I was so embarrassed. Apparently all the abdominal sweating I was doing wasn't actually being absorbed into the belt, but gravity was taking it down south. It was ridiculous. And of course it didn't help that I had on a gray pair of workout pants. That totally accentuated the pee look.

After class I immediately took off the belt, put it away, and tied my shirt around my waist. A few members came up to me afterwards and I explained my dilemma. Of course I had to laugh at myself, and jokingly I vowed next time I would remember to wear my Depends.

Why is it that I have to learn lessons the hard (and embarrassing) way?

From a kid's perspective

It's been awhile since I blogged about the cute and funny things my boys say and do. I love the outlook kids have on life. Some days I wish I could relive and experience that same point of view. But as an adult I can just sit back and cherish these moments and document them to enjoy for years to come.

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(10-5-09)

Six year old Carson is a big football fan, but is still figuring out the different teams. One day the Cincinnati Bengals were playing, but Carson called them the "Dang-gors."

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(10-13-09)

Jason and I were talking about how cold it was outside and he said his toes were cold. Four year old Luke, listening in on our conversation while playing his DS, said in a casual voice, "My nuts are cold."

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(10-15-09)

While putting away dishes, I got a measuring cup stuck in the drawer. Being a conscious mother, I yelled out, "Oh Poop!" Luke was sitting nearby and defensively said, "I didn't poop!"

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(11-3-09)

We were sitting around the dinner table having a conversation and Carson was talking about his day at school. In a sad tone he said, "Mom, I missed you and I almost cried today." Then very matter-of-factly he replied, "But I got over it."

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(11-11-09)

Carson woke up with a stomach ache which turned into vomiting and diarrhea. After his 3rd episode of liquid poop (sorry to be so descriptive) I looked in the toilet and said, "Hey, that looks like a worm." Carson replied in a seriously disgusted voice, "Ewww, gross, I don't eat worms!"

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(11-17-09)

I took Luke out to lunch with me at one of my favorite burger joints, Five Guys. While we were sitting and having our lunch, one of the workers was on his lunch break and was eating his burger and fries. Luke noticed this and in a very concerned manner he said, "Hey, that worker is eating other people's lunches!"

Take that stains!

With all the working out that I do, it is inevitable that sweat and I go hand in hand (or should I say armpit in armpit). I normally like to wear dark colored shirts, but there are times when I wear a white shirt, and it never fails that I get perspiration stains under the arms. In the past I would just throw out the shirt, but that is such a waste of money. I've researched ways to remove the stains with some at home treatments and in doing so, I came across this amazing website.

What are some of your stain removal tips and tricks? I'm always looking for great cleaning advice.

Also, click here to find a ton of other cleaning and organizing tips.

Is it a Perspiration Stain or Deodorant/Antiperspirant Stains?

It can sometimes be confusing as to whether that underarm or armpit stain is from perspiration or deodorant/antiperspirant. If the stain is yellow or green in color and has a crunchy or crispy texture, it’s due to perspiration. If the stain, however, is white or clear with a greasy texture, it’s due to the antiperspirant and should be treated as a grease stain with the appropriate solvent.

Step Away from the Bleach!

Although it’s counterintuitive, chlorine bleach is one of the worst things you can use to treat perspiration stains, even on white cotton fabric. The chlorine in household bleach will react with the proteins in the perspiration and cause the remaining stain to darken even further. You thought the pale yellow stains gave you pause – just wait until your collar and underarms are almost mustard in color!

Stain Removal Option #1 – Start Simple with Detergent

There are so many great liquid laundry detergents on the market today that specialize in treating tough protein stains; the simplest first step in removing perspiration stains is to use liquid laundry detergent. We recommend using one that’s labeled as having oxygenated powers or concentrating in protein-based stains such as food and grass stains. Treat the affected area with full-strength liquid laundry detergent and let sit for 30 minutes. Launder as usual and air dry.

Stain Removal Option #2 – Solar-Powered Stain Removal

If liquid laundry detergent alone doesn’t remove those nasty perspiration stains, try it combined with the ultimate natural treatment option, the sun. Dampen the affected area and treat it thoroughly with full-strength detergent. Then lay the item out in the sun. Be sure to check on the garment regularly and keep it damp with a misting bottle. After a full afternoon in the sun, launder on cool and air dry.

Stain Removal Option #3 - Hydrogen Peroxide to the Rescue

With white fabrics, hydrogen peroxide is one of the best possible solutions for perspiration stain removal. The hydrogen peroxide will react with the proteins in the perspiration and break them apart, helping to prevent the gradual darkening of the area over time. Hydrogen peroxide is, however, like chlorine bleach in its whitening properties. It’s therefore to be approached with extreme caution around colored fabrics.

You can use the hydrogen peroxide either full-strength or diluted to half-strength (half water, half hydrogen peroxide). Since less is more, we recommend always starting with half-strength and adding more if necessary. Pour your hydrogen peroxide solution onto the stain and allow it to soak for 30 minutes. Launder on cool and air dry. If the stain remains, soak it for another 30 minutes in a stronger solution (more hydrogen peroxide).

Stain Removal Option #4 – Vinegar and Water

If hydrogen peroxide is too harsh for your colored fabric, another option that is usually safer for colors is a solution of vinegar and water. Use 1 Tablespoon of white vinegar and a half-cup of water to clean out stubborn perspiration stains. Allow the affected area to soak for 20-30 minutes, and then launder on cool.

Stain Removal Option #5 – Cream of Tartar and Aspirin

If you just can’t get the stains out with detergent, hydrogen peroxide, or vinegar, make a paste to scrub in with your old toothbrush. The paste is formed with 1 Tablespoon of Cream of Tartar, 3 crushed aspirins (full-strength, ensure that they’re white and have no colored coating), and a cup of warm water. Use the old toothbrush to work the paste into the fabric, and then leave for 20 minutes. Rinse the affected area in warm water until the paste is removed. This treatment and rinse cycle can be repeated as necessary.

Perspiration stains can turn your favorite shirt into the one you reach for only when everything else is dirty. But this doesn’t have to happen. Reclaim your favorite shirts by removing perspiration stains without sweating much at all!

Halloween Crew 2009

And what a combination they were. I present to you the Ninja, the old man (Ghetto style), and the police officer. Each of them choose their own costumes this year.

Halloween Revisited

This post was originally posted last Halloween (2008) and thought it would be fun to revisit some past Halloween moments:

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Happy Halloween everyone! I wish you and your families a fun-filled, sugar-high, spooky night of fun. What are your little ghost and goblins dressing up as tonight as you make your way around the neighborhood?

I thought it would be fun to recall some of the past Halloween costumes I and my family have worn.

What were some of your favorites when you would dress up for Halloween? It's such a fun time of year where you can be a "kid" again.

Most recently, last year my golf course costume (which won me first place in a contest!)

Also, last year at our Mommy's Group Halloween Party.
I was a one-horned devil a.k.a. "One Horny Devil"

Here is the family in 2003 as the Scooby Doo Gang.

I still can't believe I convinced my husband to spray paint his hair and tie a scarf ascot around his neck. He's a true sport! Gotta love that Halloween spirit.

Here I am in 2001 with my skeleton son and Devil dog daughter. I love this picture and had to include it even though I didn't dress up that year.

1999 - My Alanis Morissette obsession phase (that lasted too long). Along with my son the cow. What a combination.

And here are the happy dead bride and groom in 1998. These costumes were so much fun.

And what dead bride and groom wouldn't be complete without their offspring Cookie Monster son?

Now we jump way back to the past to 1985. I am the Gizmo creature from the movie Gremlins (that my super talented Dad sewed from scratch) and my best bud Jenny the clown is pictured next to me. Some neighbor we didn't even know invited us into their house to take our picture. Luckily it was a lot safer back then than it is this day in age and we both lived to tell the story.

Oh yes, the punk rocker chick in 1986. I had aspirations! Check out those jelly bracelets!

And every girls dream - to be a ditzy cheerleader back in 1987.

That concludes my caught-on-camera Halloween costumes. I hope you've enjoyed this blast from the past. I know I sure did.

Have a fun and Happy Halloween.