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Growing pains

Today, while I was at work, I received urgent messages followed by frantic calls from my husband. 

My oldest son had hit his head on the table or chair and gashed the back open. The cut was about an inch long and fairly deep. Bleeding stopped rather quickly according to my husband but after finally getting me to answer, I knew it was bad. I consulted with my dad about if it looked stitch-worthy and he said yes. 

After alerting my supervisor, I left work early. I had to keep checking my speed as I was consistently hitting the 80+ mark on the speedometer and didn't want to add a ticket to my going-downhill day. In my mind I was arguing with myself. I was angry that I wasn't able to protect my son from harm. I was understanding that I'm not a god who can't save him from all pains in life. I was upset that my husband was panicking in the face of an emergency. I don't panic. I keep calm and approach things with a level head. And while I know not everyone else does, I will get frustrated with others for their panic. 

So many thoughts and emotions flowing through me at once. It was enough to take my light headache up a notch and make me wish I could've taken the Excedrin sooner. 

As I see the wound in person, I was completely convinced that stitches would be needed. There's no getting around it for something that opened that wide. My fear and anxiety were coming alive. A mother doesn't want to see her children in pain. Especially when there's nothing you can do to take it away. And what would the doctor say? Would he accuse me of child abuse? We loaded the kids into the van and drove to the local clinic.

It took about 2 doses of pain killer to numb the spot.

About 2 hours later, he had 3 stitches and had behaved so well I wanted to cry in pride. 

My little boy is growing up. I cannot stop him from getting hurt. I cannot wrap him up in full body protective gear and expect him to enjoy life. While my heart aches at his pain, I'm going to hug him and kiss his head while I tell him that he is my little man and everything will be okay because I'm going to be there for him no matter what. 

It's a Mom thing. 

Get a free Disney custom Family decal

http://buildyourdisneyside.com/#/ is the link. Hit Get Started. You enter your birth date, then begin the choices! At the end, choose "Order your free decal" on the lower right hand side. One per household! It takes about 4-6 weeks to arrive. And its completely free!

Happy Mother's Day!

Tomorrow is Mother's Day! I hope everyone remembered to get their mother something, at least a card. And/or will at least remember to call them and tell them how much you love them. I sent two cards to the most important women in my family: my mother and my great grandmother. I could not be the woman I am today without them. I plan to also plan to tell my Godmother (even though I forgot her card) that she has and always be an amazing influence on my life. 

Mother's Day isn't just a day to get gifts and cards for the women who were there for us all our lives. Nor should it be the only day of the year that we treat them special. It's just the one time designated to honor them for their hard work and dedication. 

This Mother's Day, I want to give a shout out of love to some of the women I'm blessed to have in my life and have known for so long: 

Robin Carter - my mother

Bonnie Mouhart - my great grandmother

Ava McDaniel - my Godmother

Sandie W. - my "Grandmother" who adopted me in like family and always listens

Sue Lounsberry - my mentor

Jean Wombough and Dawn Walton - encouraging Christian voices reminding me to walk in God's ways

These women aren't all related by blood, but if I picked my family, they would be among them. 

Be thankful and voice the love you feel for the women in your life. Not just tomorrow, but everyday. 

Coobie bra review and discount information

Being a part of the US Family Guide reviewers group, I was given the chance to review 2 bras from Coobie. I got the Coobie Bra Scoopneck and the Coobie Bra V-Neck Lace Trim.

These are seamless bras that are incredible. First, they are so comfortable! If you have ever had the pleasure of wearing seamless panties, you know what I'm talking about. They breathe and move with you. There are no under wires to poke you. This is a down side to it if you are like me - flat chested. I do normally buy push ups with padding. So if you are like me, you might want to order extra padding at least. Or find the one with the most push-up potential.

Seamless means it's high in comfort. It slides right on and off. Doesn't feel constricting at all. I personally love how well it breathes. I work a lot and absolutely hate sweating. This alleviates that. The straps come open in the front for easy adjustment.

Forgive the lack of make up and attire. At 2:40 AM, I'm not fully chugging along. But I wanted to show you what it looks like under regular clothing.

And since I was going to work, I thought that testing the bra in a high activity setting would make it a more thorough review. As women, we tend to be on-the-go and comfort during those moments is key. This bra moves with you. I didn't feel the need to adjust "the girls" as the bra stayed in place. It was all day comfort I could appreciate and not think twice about. I also like that they can be worn visible with another shirt and not look like you are showing off your bra. I don't know about you, but sometimes I buy a bra that looks beautiful and feel like its a waste that no one but me sees it. Which is why I don't buy Victoria Secret bras.... But then there are times, when your clothing shifts and your bra shows. You won't want an embarrassing wardrobe malfunction moment. With a Coobie, you won't have that. It looks natural.

There are many styles and colors to choose from. They also have other products available. These bras are made to fit almost every body without needing to read sizes. Sorta like a one-size-fits-all. Although they do have a special size for the full size ladies.
Information provided by Coobie as well as a discount:

"Coobie Seamless Bras are ultra comfortable and versatile without sacrificing style. These affordable, stylish bras are seamless, one-size (comfortably fits 32A through 36D), available in 7+ styles and 50+ fashion colors and patterns. There is also a full size version fitting up to a size 42D. They are perfect for every day wear, yoga, Pilates, new and nursing moms, sleep wear, and more! Coobie Seamless Bras also has a large following of mastectomy patients that love the soft comfort and pad pocket to insert a form. This line is truly a fit for all women!"

Promotion: Save 25% on any order of $40 or more at www.shopcoobie.com
Promotion code: USFG25

The Princess stories continue....

Have you noticed how many of those princess stories you grew up with, are being re-written? Or you are seeing a different side to them than what you were used to. I've got mixed feelings on some of these. I loved reading the variations of princess stories when I was growing up. Did you know that most of the originals were dark and horrifying? Disney softened them up for young girls here in America

The latest one stars Angelina Jolie as Maleficent. As you might remember, she was the evil witch that cursed baby Aurora to prick her finger on her 16th birthday and fall asleep. This version has Angelina Jolie as the evil Maleficent. But they added a twist... What if she was right to feel anger, resentment and want revenge? Okay, so its never right to feel that way. But there are times when we feel justified.

What about Red Riding Hood (2011)? The story we know: Little Red goes to visit grandma's and the Big Bad Wolf tries to trick her after eating Grandma. But the Woodsman hears the cries for help and saves Red before cutting Grandma out of the belly of the Wolf. Sound familiar? But in this movie, Red was related to the Wolf. Her own father, in fact. And he was looking to change her so they could go on the killing sprees together. Its dark and contains other sub plots to keep you busy. She's conflicted about which guy to pick (like a Twilight tale). Then comes the Wolf problem. Her sister was killed, mom injured, scandals revealed.... Who is the Wolf is asked... Quite a busy tale.

Cinderella has been made into so many movies, there is no way I can list them all. But they are usually about teenage girls who are living with a step mom and exploited. Cooking, cleaning and caring for someone who has no love for them. They are placed in various time periods. Ever After is one of my favorites. She was strong and saved herself. I just didn't see the "carrying the prince" scene as my thing. But they wanted her to be the tough girl.

Snow White has been revamped as well. More times and ways than I can mention. Snow White and the Huntsman (2012) was more on the action side. I found it to be more stupid though. A young woman who has been locked in a tower until she has beauty surpassing the Evil Queen's. She falls in love with the older Huntsman who was supposed to kill her. He's just a drunk who can't get over losing his love before. I did like Charlize Theron as the Evil Queen. Kristen Stewart plays Snow White, the princess that is the very essence of life. She's as dull here as she was in Twilight.

The horror version was indeed creepy. Snow White: A Tale of Terror (1997) takes it to a new level of scary. The Evil Queen becomes obsessed with being the fairest in the land and goes around killing to get there.

Another one I thought was okay was Snow White: The Fairest of them All (2001). I love Miranda Richardson. She plays the queen. She wants everyone to see her as being the fairest. And goes out casting spells.

Beauty and the Beast has not only been made into movies but is now a TV show on the CW. Beauty (Belle) is the most beautiful girl in a country village. When one wrong turn leads her father in the dungeon of the Beast, its up to Belle to sacrifice her freedom to save him. And over time, her love for the Beast sets him free and returns him to human form. So far, one of my favorite versions has been Beastly. It wasn't the most awesome rendition, but it has some good parts.

 

I believe movie makers should spread out their horizons. There are plenty of princess stories out there. And perhaps they could retell them in ways that are enjoyable, but maybe closer to the originals. Who was/is your favorite Princess?

Happy Easter!

I hope you all have very blessed Easter no matter what you believe.

Enjoy the day off with family and friends.

We are enjoying freshly baked cookies and grilling brisket. What will you be doing today?

Have fun!!!