Choosing Battles and Clothes (very carefully)

The time has arrived. I knew it was coming. I thought I prepared myself for it. Obviously, I didn't prepare well enough. Here's the latest developments in our home. My son dresses himself. He's been doing it for a long time. I've tried to find ways to CONTROL suggest matching outfits to wear. It's working to an extent. For the most part, I've just given up and hopes he at least remembers to put on underwear. LOL

While he's in the tub, I go and layout outfits for him to choose from. These are the ONLY outfits he has to choose from. Before, it would entail him going through every drawer, his closet and taking up precious time that we rarely have when we're on our way out the door.

This technique has been working like a charm. He (thinks) he's making all the decisions on what he's wearing and I am not cringing waiting to see what he has chosen.

His new phase is, he doesn't like shirts with stripes or collars. He ONLY wants to wear shirts with faces. Meaning, character shirts. I personally LOATHE these types of shirts. It's like he's a walking billboard. I've given up. I've given in. The only time I put my foot down are formal (church, family photos) events where a shirt and tie are a must.

He's figured out that he can bring one of his face shirts to change out of as soon as church is over. He's too smart for his own good! LOL

Tide® Loads of Hope (Giveaway)

Tide® Loads of Hope has launched a new specially marked, Yellow Cap bottle of Tide with 10¢ from every purchase going toward helping families affected by disasters.   

Dedicated to providing clean clothes to help renew a sense of hope to families affected by natural disasters, the Tide Loads of Hope program has provided free laundry service to families and relief workers for the past three years following major disasters, including Hurricane Katrina and the California wildfires.

How Cool is That?

The Tide Loads of Hope program features a truck outfitted with 32 energy-efficient washers and dryers that can do 300 wash and dry cycles a day (the average American family does 392 loads per year). 

The program has also expanded to include a fleet of vans that can pick up and drop off laundry to local laundromats. Relief workers, first responders, and individuals in areas affected are able to drop off their laundry to be washed, dried and folded by the Tide Loads of Hope team, free of charge. 

The truck and vans are implemented after consultation with disaster relief agencies and local emergency management officials when significant disasters occur and there is a widespread need for clean clothing. This is a truly unique and efficient way to help communities.

When you purchase the special Tide® yellow capped bottles of detergent 10¢ will go toward helping families affected by disasters. You can get even more involved by logging on to  Tide®Loads of Hope to enter the cap code from their bottle and send messages of hope for people who are still getting back on their feet, as well as hear stories of perseverance from people in the initial days after a storm. You can also purchase one of their very cool and comfortable vintage tees for $20 and proceeds will go to help affected families.

My friend Anna loves her new  Tide®Loads of Hope  Vintage Shirt.  I couldn't wait to share her very cute poses wearing the  Tide®Loads of Hope  Vintage Shirt.  If you'd like to purchase this shirt, click HERE for ordering information.

Now it's your turn to get a chance to win one of your very own. We are giving away one t-shirt to 3 lucky readers in hopes of spreading the word on what Tide® Loads of Hope is doing to help families in need of clean laundry affected by a major disaster.

To learn more about the Tide® Loads of Hope program click HERE. 

Special thanks to Tide® for sponsoring this very cool giveaway!

______________________________________________
Visit the Tide® Loads of Hope website.  Come back to leave a disaster area (and dates) that received help by the Tide Loads of Hope campaign along with your valid email address.

Example of a valid comment:

Galveston, TX

Hurricane Ike

September 2008

Your email:  Karen at hotmail

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

(OPTIONAL) For additional entries:

1. Follow Tide Loads of Hope on Twitter HERE

2. Twitter about this contest and leave the link in the comments section

3. Grab my blog button and place on your blog sidebar:

<a href="http://tanyetta.com" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Days Like These!" src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g277/tanyettamckoy/mail.jpg" /></a>

4. Blog about this contest and leave the link in the comments section

You must leave separate comments with each one you complete.

Good Luck and please spread the word!

Giveaway ends July 10 at 9am, PST.

USA residents only.

Siblings

I met two sisters yesterday. They were the sweetest women ever! I told them they are so blessed and most of all, they have each other. I've always wanted a sister. Someone that I could call and share my girly thoughts with.

I marveled at their friendship and told them how lucky they were to have each other. They were telling me how growing up they used to fight and not really get along but, over the years as they got older, they've become closer and closer.

How awesome is that? It was really nice meeting them and it gave me hope that my kids will grow up to love and take care of one another.

Do you have siblings? Are you close?

I have realized my 4.5 year old still needs naps. At least quiet time. Every.single.day. Wish me luck. This is a struggle.

set it and forget it

Set the Baby Monitor on in the bedroom, went to the front of the house and FORGOT to turn on the receiver. Needless to say (after laundry and breakfast) when I finally remembered to turn it on, the baby was SCREAMING! Please, tell me I'm NOT the only one this has happened to! *sigh, sigh*

My sweet (6 weeks) baby Gracen

Oh no you didn't just ask that question!

I had a very interesting conversation with a friend this weekend regarding inappropriate questions during conversations and interactions with people.

She told me of the random and rude questions she's been receiving regarding some personal things in her life. I of course sat there with my mouth in the O position for most of the discussion. I had to chime in with the latest. My neighbor asked if I was going to have more kids. I told her after she has more kids to let me know.

I mean really------What made her think it was OK to ask me that?

Oh and my all time favorite, I was at a park playdate and one of the moms says, I was SURPRISED when I heard you were having a baby. I thought you were done.

My response was, how did you THINK anything about what I'm done about? When have you ever heard me talk about my personal business on that level like that?

My friend and I fell out laughing because she and I are cut from the same cloth. She said, I don't blame you. Nosy people annoy me! I can't stand when people ask a million questions. I have to tell them, "WHY YOU ALL UP IN MY GRILL?"

You have to be old school to know that phrase! LOL

She brought up this very interesting point. Which brings me to the following.....If you don't ask questions, how will you get to know anything about a person?

When getting to know someone,

What do you consider APPROPRIATE questions?

What do you consider INAPPROPRIATE questions?

Never can say goodbye

Re: The BET Awards Show last night.

What was your favorite part?
What was your LEAST favorite part?

Do you think the tribute to Michael Jackson was up to par? Do you think they should do a separate show to capture all of his memorable moments?

Flaky friends. How many of us have them?

What is going on with me lately??? I really want to hang out with my friends. When it comes to actually doing it, I flake out! That's part of the reason I never make solid plans. Oh well, the story of my life with a 4 year and 1 month old!

Flashback Fridays-DJ and the twins

DJ's buddies (Alex and Marissa) stopped by this weekend. 

They were in town visiting and it was so great to see them!

Look at them when they were babies! 

Tooo cute from back in the day!

Look at them now!!!!

Playground Squabbles

My son (age 4) and I met a friend (age 6) and her mother at the indoor playground. The kids were playing up in the tall enclosed structure and all of a sudden we hear crying. 

Within a split second,  my son comes flying down the structure.  His friend comes down the other side, crying and holding her cheek.

We both immediately ask our kids, What Happened?  

My son:  I said excuse me and she wouldn't move.  So I stepped on her to get by.

His friend:  He stepped on my face.

Now what.................

Question:  How would you have handled the situation if you were in my shoes?

How would you have handled the situation if you were in the other mothers shoes? 

Wipeout-Hilarious Television Show

Wipeout

is the most hilarious show ever! If you need a good laugh, watch this show! I guarantee you will laugh until you catch a cramp! 

Walter is my all time favorite this week!  Check out his scream!  LOL

Write and Wrong Blog!

 

I am always lucky to find something 

to submit to the  WRITE and WRONG signs blog!

WRITE what's WRONG with the following signs:

This sign blew me away.  Completely.

I Like Myself! (Hardcover) by Karen Beaumont

Olivia-The Fabulous Running Mommy sent this book for Gracen.

I Like Myself! (Hardcover)

by Karen Beaumont (Author), David Catrow (Illustrator)

(Clarification:  This book isn't gender specific-your sons or daughters will enjoy this book equally)

What a sweet treat.  I can't get enough of this book.  I've read this book everyday to the kids and find myself thinking deep on the words myself.

Excerpt from the book:
"I like me on the inside, too, for all I think and say and do. Inside, outside, upside down, from head to toe and all around, I like it all! It all is me! And me is all I want to be."

I highly recommend adding this book to your children's library.  You will enjoy reading it with them.  The best part, you'll find some encouraging words to apply to your life as well.

Click HERE to purchase this book.

Product Details Reading level: Ages 4-8 Hardcover: 32 pages Publisher: Harcourt Children's Books (May 1, 2004) Language: English ISBN-10: 0152020136 ISBN-13: 978-0152020132

(Winner Announced) Thomas & Friends DVD Collection (Giveaway)

Congratulations! Buttafly-You were the lucky winner of the Thomas & Friends DVD Collection. Please, send your mailing address within 48 hours to claim your prize. Random Integer Generator Here are your random numbers: 9 Timestamp: 2009-07-01 22:38:37 UTC buttafly said... I think it's a toss up between Thomas and Percy for Gabriel. Thank heavens for Thomas & Friends, providing me hours of peace and quiet!!! 6/23/2009

Thomas & Friends DVD Collection Giveaway

Includes the following DVDs:

1.Songs from the Station

2.Track Stars

3.Steamies vs. Diesels & other Thomas Adventures (2pk DVD set)

How to enter:

Leave a comment with your child's favorite character of the Thomas & Friends Series.

Giveaway ends 9am, PST-July 1, 2009

Open to USA residents only.

Suave®-Shower Yourself Beautiful

Suave® and celebrity mom Holly Robinson Peete want you to win, with different prizes each week!

Click HERE to get started by creating a different registry (each week) for a chance to win prizes and more.

How to Win:

Create your personal Gift Registry
Come back each day to create a different gift registry for yourself for a chance to instantly win your chosen Registry items. The theme of Registry items changes each week.

Play the Suave Concentration Game
Find matching images of the prizes you could win.

Good Luck!

Natural Nails-No Acrylic tips here!

My nails grow at a super fast speed. I like to keep them groomed and basic looking. Two clear coats of Sally Hansen works wonders for me. 

Every now and then, I might get a little creative and brush a nude coat over my nails to give them the fancy look.

I prefer the basic clear or no color at all look. Every other week, they grow to this length:


Then........I'll cut them all off! 

Ahhhh! that's more like it. Short and Basic:

I have had this ritual forever with my nails. It doesn't make sense to other people (my daughter) but, it makes perfect sense to me.  She always asks what is the purpose of growing them long only to cut them off? I can't explain it. It's just the way I am. HaHa!

Question: What type of 'rituals' do you have that make your family and friends give you the puzzled look?

Happy Father's Day to my husband and my friend.

Happy Father's Day!

Left to right:

Danyelle (daughter), Gracen (daughter), Darrin (father), "DJ-Darrin (son)

In loving memory of my brother, Aaron Delmar Wilson.

I am the oldest of 3 children.  I am the big sister.  Even though both of my brothers towered over me in stature, I am the big sister.

Tanyetta-the oldest

Aaron-the middle child

Daniel-the baby

The three of us.

Me-The big sister.  The protector.  The momma bear to the both of them.

Now, there's only two of us.  I have a lump in my throat typing this.  I know that I have to get this out so that I am able to get through this weekend.  I know that writing can be a form of therapy.  It doesn't lessen the pain, it makes the pain bearable to an extent.

It's

so

unfair

to lose the ones you love.

It hurts like hell.

My baby brother Daniel called yesterday.  He called to check on me.  He called to see how I'm doing.  He and I reminisced on all the fun times spent with our brother Aaron.  Even though he was very young when Aaron passed away, those early years are forever etched in his heart and soul too.

It's been over 19 years and yet and still it feels like yesterday.

It hurts like hell.

It's so unfair.

Despite the fact that I have a blog, I really do have issues sharing too much of my personal life. I know this is one instance that sharing  a bit of my personal life just might have a healing impact on someone out there.  I really have a feeling, this post just might speak to someone.

I have a feeling, there's someone else out there going through the pain of losing a loved one.  I don't wish this feeling on anyone.  It's not fair to lose the ones we love.  Especially the ones that were great people.

I remember the last time I saw my brother Aaron.   I can't help but, to go over this day in my mind, over and over again.  If I knew it was going to be my last time seeing him, oh the things I would have told him, oh, the things we could have done, the places we could have gone, oh how

I would have kidnapped him and locked him in my house and never let him out.  Well, with all situations, you never know when your time has come and you never know when it will be the last time you'll see a loved one.

Not Fair.

He stopped by my job to say hello on the friday before Father's Day.  I will NEVER EVER forget that day.  We went to lunch and walked to Woolworth's on Broad Street where he bought me a house warming present.  

Dish Towels.

Some raggedy "A" Dish Towels.

The joke is only funny if he were here to tell the story.  Man, I wish he was here.

We cracked up over those towels because he said he knew how much I hated washing dishes and maybe these would encourage me to like doing them.  FAIL!  I still hate washing dishes!

LOL

He always knew how to make me laugh.   He always had a kind word for EVERYONE!  If you knew him, you knew a great great person.  I am not just saying this because he was my brother.

Trust me.

I told him to come by my house on Sunday for dinner.  He joked that I was going to serve Frosted Flakes and bananas.   Oh please!  You know I can burn in the kitchen and he said, yeah, burn bottles (inside joke) I almost burned down the kitchen sterilizing Danyelle's bottles when she was a baby and he and Darrin never let me live that down.

I miss his laugh.  His infectious, hearty, deep from the soul, laugh.

My lunch break was over and I had to get back to work.  He gave me the biggest hug and kiss and said he would come over after work at on Sunday.

3pm came and went.

4pm came and went.

Time rolled on, I grew worried but, not to the point where I thought something was wrong.  I figured he was just running late.  You know, CP time.  He'll be here soon.

He never showed up.

My close friends were over and thankfully they were there when I received the news.  It's all still a blur.  I have yet to really re-live that day without feeling a burn in my heart about it.

He's gone.

He never showed up.

He never called.

I made his favorite meal.

He's on his way.

He never showed up.

My brother, my other half, my lifeline had passed away.  It was a swimming accident where he drowned and wasn't revived in time.   So yeah, when I tell people I have issues with the water and anything to do with swimming, imma need you to back up off me.  

He never showed up.

I miss you Aaron.

I miss your laugh.

I miss your gentle spirit.

I miss your kind heart.

I miss your humbleness.

I miss your hugs.

I miss you so much.

I miss you.

In loving memory of my brother,

Aaron Delmar Wilson

July 13, 1971-June 17, 1990

I love you.

Time may or may not heal all wounds, I'm not sure how I feel about that statement so, I won't cosign 100% on it, I can say that with time, I've learned to appreciate the time I did have to spend with my brother.  As short lived as it was, I was given the most beautiful and kind hearted sibling anyone could ever have.  For that, I am forever grateful.

Sister, Sister! Mom Blogger Mixer Reminiscing

Have you ever gone somewhere and as soon as you left, you wished you could relive the entire experience over and over again?

Well, the other day, I was thinking about my trip to the  2nd Annual Walt Disney World Mom Blogger Mixer last year.

We had such a great time!

I am cracking up over my facial expressions on these photos!  

I may not have a biological sister but, after this trip, I felt like I gained a group of sisters that I keep in contact with on a regular basis.  What a treat!

I'd like to give a special shout to each and every mom blogger that attended!  We truly enjoyed ourselves didn't we?  Oh and a super special shout to (the powers that be) for making this event possible.

I want to also say heeeeeeeeeeey to:

Jennifer James-Mom extraordinaire and more.  If you're not a member of Mom Bloggers Club, you're missing out on a treat!  

Mom on the Rise for keeping us laughing the entire time.  The Lion King event (PRICELESS) that's all I will say.  What happens in WDW stays in WDW (pinky swear) LOL

I can't forget Melanie who put up with me falling asleep at the drop of a hat.  Now that the cat is out the bag, I was in my first trimester, you know you can't stay awake for nothing during that time!  LOL  

Thanks Mel for babysitting me on my sleeping spells during our flight!

Wishing everyone a great weekend!  Thank you for all the great memories!  This trip was definitely an unforgettable experience.

*Sorry, I wasn't able to mention everyone in this post.  Don't hold it against me, I'm rushing to press publish post, Gracen is waking up from her nap!*

 

Flashback Fridays (Mother/Daughter or Sisters?)

One of my facebook friends had this photo posted on her profile. I almost passed out of my seat. This photo is a blast from the past!

Thankfully this was past the era of my big glasses, red lipstick and long nails. LOL

Everyone at the holiday event kept saying we look so much alike and we look like sisters.

Danyelle wasn't too thrilled about the sister part. She kept growling saying SHE'S MY MOM! NOT MY SISTER! 

HAHA! DON'T HATE BABYGIRL!

What tips do you have in relieving a baby with a stuffy nose? The nose aspirator is a bust! Help!

My sweet baby Gracen.

Thank you Rosemarie for sending this really cute outfit for Gracen!

(updated with a winner) TNT Premiere Season Giveaway Pack!

 Tanyetta said...

Congratulations Test Blog!
You are the winner of the TNT Premiere Season Giveaway Pack hosted at Days like These.

Please, send your mailing address within 48 hours to claim your prize.


Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

1
Timestamp: 2009-06-26 06:56:50 UTC

6/25/2009

Has anyone checked out the TNT shows this season?

If you've missed any of the premiered shows, click HERE to watch your favorite shows online.

Show Line Up:

Monday Nights

Raising the Bar 10/9c

The Closer 9/8c

Tuesday Nights

Hawthorne 9/8c

Saving Grace 10/9c

Thursday Nights

Wedding Day 8/7c

Leverage Returns July 15 at 9/8c

Dark Blue Premiers July 15 at 10/9c

To celebrate TNT's premiere show lineups, I've been given the opportunity to preview the above shows via DVD mailings and a gift pack for one lucky reader!

Gift pack includes:

TNT brand Travel Cooler

HawthoRNe Tshirt (Size Large)

Box of Chocolates with Saving Grace Logo

To enter:

Go on over to TNT's website and check out the full show lineup, come back and let us know which show caught your attention and if you're planning to watch this season.

Please, leave your email address along with your comment to make it easier in selecting a winner.

Open to USA residents only.

Giveaway ends Thursday, June 25, 9am PST. 

(OPTIONAL) For additional entries:

2.Follow my blog 

3.Grab my blog button and place on your blog sidebar:

<a href="http://tanyetta.com" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Days Like These!" src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g277/tanyettamckoy/mail.jpg" /></a>

4. Twitter or facebook about this contest and leave the link in the comments section.

4. Blog about this contest and leave the link in the comments section 

Please! Leave separate comments with each one you complete. 

good babies and sleeping through the night.

What does 'sleeping through the night' mean to you?

If another person asks me if my baby is a good baby and if she is sleeping through the night, imma chin check them.  

What is a "good baby" and what the heck is "sleeping through the night?"

I crack myself up.

I've noticed lately that things I should just ignore has been annoying the heck out of me lately.

For instance, I was at the library printing off some documents and before I could get to the printer, this woman is standing there reading my stuff.  Now, please tell me how did she get to the printer that fast? I pressed print, walked to the printer and there she was!

I'm annoyed and in my nice nasty voice, I said, "EXCUSE ME, those are my documents" She then quickly apologizes and says some crap like she's looking for her printouts. YEAH RIGHT LADY! Get your grimey paws off my stuff.

Ok, are you ready for the part that made me want to beat the hell out of her? She licks her finger to peel off and pass my documents to me. WHAT THE HELLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL! I HATE certain PEOPLE.

I saw red, like I wanted to punch her in the side of the forehead or something. Jail time frightens me and this is why I just Ally McBeal half the stuff that happens in my life. People just aren't worth the effort it would take to bring them down a notch or two.

Why the violence you might ask, well, I can't really pinpoint when this began but, for the past few months, there have been instances where people have said and did stuff that really pissed me off and all I did was 'blow it off' or blog about them on my private blog.

HaHa!!!!

I crack myself up.

Moby Wraps vs. Ring Slings!

Re: The Moby D Wrap Blogpost

Comments I've received about the baby carriers:

That doesn't look safe to me...

Answer:  This carrier is very safe to carry your baby and to have them close to you while moving around from place to place.  As with everything, you should always use safety and caution when carrying your babies.  I can reassure you this carrier is very sturdy, safe and trustworthy when carrying your babies. Always have a hand close by to provide that extra sense of safety.  I would never choose any carrier that would be deemed unsafe to carry my sweet precious babies.

Do you like that one better than a standard wrap? It looked like you were using a plain old black Moby in a post a few days ago.

Here's a close up of the standard black sling ring baby carrier. 

I love my slings. I own about 6 of them in various colors.  I carried my son well into his toddler years.  It was the easiest way to transport him and he was an extended nurser so, this made our time spent together easier.  After trying out The Moby D Wrap, I think I might just make the switch.  For now, I am still using my sling rings but, am considering making the switch when my funds get right! LOL

Baby Slings-Snuggle Hugs

My advice to any moms looking for a baby carrier, do your research, ask questions, go to the stores and try them on.  Borrow someone's baby if you have to when trying on the carriers!  Good luck and please, send any other questions or concerns.

Moby D Wraps

My friend Sarah came over to introduce me to a different type of baby wearing carrier. 

It's called a Moby D Wrap

I am seriously thinking of making the investment. Gracen slept the entire time and I was able to get so much done around the house wearing her the entire time.

Wordless Wednesday-The SOCKS!

He dressed himself!

He's the coolest kid ever!

LOVE THE SOCKS! :)

Facebook rocks!

After having a baby and feeling a little bit concerned about your appearance, receiving a message like the one below will brighten anyone's day! LOL

Go head Robert! Go head with yo bad seff! You know good looking when you see it!

Gotta love it!!!


Robert Wilson sent you a message on Facebook...‏

"My ex's name is Kim Wilson. So of course your name cought my attention. But I think you look better than her (smile)"

Thank you Robert! You made my day. Even if it's at the expense of your unfortunate features ex. LOL

Sleep when the baby is sleeping!

This bit of 'advice' amuses me.

When I hear this, I have to laugh and wonder 

if the assvice giving person clearly forgot that 

I have a very active 4 year old.

The coolest kids ever!

This past weekend was so much fun for DJ. His best buddy Gregory spent the weekend with us and I have to say, Darrin and I said it would have been a great idea to have two little boys so close in age.

What a great weekend!
They played and fought so well together. HaHa!

Boys! They are so much fun.

The circle of life.

Baby Cries

Mommy picks up baby

Baby STOPS crying and goes back to sleep.

Rinse and Repeat.

New York goes to work!

New York goes to work! Are you watching the show? It's OK, you can admit it! HaHa!

Come on, bring it, I love ridiculous remarks!!

Her: Brrrr...Shaking side to side....Your baby has on short sleeves, Isn't she cold?
Me: I'm sure she is but, since she can't talk, I'll just pretend that she isn't.

Her: (Watching my son run from one side of the playground to the next in a millisecond) Wow, he has a lot of energy. Better you than me.
Me: Wow, your kid is ugly. Better you than me.

See? I can be a B too. How about just shutting your trap?

No seriously.

I've often wondered what is it about ME THAT PEOPLE Feel the need to speak to me. Do I have this look on my face that says, yes, please say whatever it is you feel that you want to say to me. I won't bark back at you with some mean comeback that will make you cry.

Come on, bring it, I love ridiculous remarks!!

Leave me alone.

No, seriously.

George Bush jumps out of plane!

If an 85 year old (H.W.B.) can jump out of a plane, it's high time for me to get over my fear of heights! I think. Haha!

I'm a big kid now!

DJ announced the other day that he was a big boy and he wanted to get rid of his booster chair.

Darrin and I have been harping on DJ to get rid of this chair forever and he would always have a reason why he needed the chair, we let it go and figured hey, it keeps him corralled in his seat at mealtimes so, we won't stress out over it.

When DJ announced he was ready to get rid of the chair, it was so out of the blue that it took us all by surprise. Needless to say, we were very proud and quickly realizing our baby boy is growing up! First the sippy cups and now the booster chair!

Great job DJ!