mommypalooza™ ~ a daily dose of mommy mayhem.

Don't dawg on Paula, now!

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Last week Paula Deen {probably my most favorite TV foodie} revealed during a Today Show interview that she was diagnosed a few years ago with type 2 diabetes.  And, boy did that open the floodgates for the dog pound to pounce all over her!

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 What really got my blood boiling was this post over on some lame vegan blog.  I mean, seriously -- how can one ever even consider being a vegan?  What would be the point in living?!  Anyway-- a whole other blog post entirely.

In a nutshell, the above reference post attacks Ms. Paula for having "pushed" her cooking methods and recipes on everyone via her shows, cookbooks, and websites.  Now that she's a diabetic she is somehow being blamed for sharing her own passions and knowledge about southern comfort food and should somehow be held responsible for passing it on to the rest of us?!  Excuse me?  All that vegan crap you've been eating must totally have you lightheaded!  What I'd really like to say to the author of that blog post is "Chill out and cut into a nice ribeye!" It might actually make you a bit more enjoyable to be around.

How is what WE {as free and independent individuals} choose to eat suddenly the problem of celebrity chef's and the recipes they've been dishing out for years?  Aren't we humans of free will, able to decide for ourselves what we want to eat and put into our bodies?  I, for one, LOVE her cooking and think we'd actually be a lot better off as a society if we'd actually USE a stick of butter in a batch of cookies every now and again.  I mean, why mess with a good thing?  The poor kids who are succumed to being short-changed by moms who swap butter and eggs for applesauce?  I couldn't even imagine.  Why even indulge in a cookie if it's not truly "indulging"?

And why is it so horribly wrong that Paula is now an endorsed representative for a pharmaceutical company with whom she is now working to develop a new "Diabetes in a New Light" nutritional program for diabetics?  Because of her diagnosis, is she suddenly expected to simply find a new career path and NOT use her newfound passion to educate others to share what she knows?  Would any one of us - given the same situation - NOT change our tune in an effort to sustain our living? Shifting her professional focus and using her circumstances to her advantage is quite brilliant!  I love it when people think entrpreneurally.  Genius.  Pure genius, Paula!

It's absolutely ridculous that "Erik" from Vegan.com actually put this into his blog post:

"Nevermind that this meant that she went a full three years continuing to encourage people to eat the same sorts of godawful foods that likely caused her own diabetes."

Really?   The fact that she took the time necessary to figure out where to go from this point is her own business and she owes her fans and audience ZERO response or accountability.  Even if by sharing her recipes she actually was "encouraging" others to eat that way, so WHAT?? Since when did we revert to blaming others for our own choices?  Simply sharing a recipe does not force us to change our own life choices or eating habits.  We are bombarded everyday with messages from television, social media, blogs, internet news, and so on, yet ultimately the decisions about our own health and well being are our own.  If you are someone counting on a celebrity chef to teach you about the value of nutrition, then you are in need of some serious therapy, my friend.

Now, pass me those sticks of butter, ya'll and step off Paula!

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Why, oh why, are we a community centered around controversy?

This afternoon while doing my usual browsing of news feeds from the various blogger resources I am a part of, I came across this whole J. Crew ad controversy story.

My first though was "oh, wow, another mom painting her son's toenails?" 

I say this only because it's totally not my thing.  I mean, I have three vivacious boys that have honestly never even asked to hold or use my nail polish.  Ever.  But, even if they had, I can't say that I would have been open to them doing so.  This totally does not mean that I think there is something wrong with mothers who would or do choose to have their boys play with nail polish; it's that it's simply not for me.

My thoughts then went to "hey, wait a minute -- WHY is this making the news?  Surely there are more newsworthy topics concerning the children of today."

Then after posting the news article and video on my Facebook page, I realized that there are A LOT of us who have differing opinions on this whole thing.  And in expressing those opinions, this can sometimes result in divisiveness between mothers.  Totally not cool.

Whether or not you agree that the ad should be considered controversial, what ends up becoming the real subject at hand (and controversy in and of itself), is how moms are pitted against each other whenever there's some sort of issue or ordeal going on in our society.

Remember that whole Similac recall when there were reportedly bugs found in formula?  The aftermath of that story ended up being formula-fed baby mamas feeling that they had to defend their decisions.  And in turn, fueling the debate (once again) over formula feeding versus breastfeeding.  Now, let me be clear that I am certainly a mom who breastfeeds and believe strongly in its benefits for my family.  But I would never, ever want (or try) to belittle or cause self-doubt within my formula-feeding mom friends because of their parenting decisions.

I think any "controversy" nowadays ends up being drowned out by the frenzy of debate that ensues afterwards.  It's a stressor that we, as moms, don't need or deserve!  Why have we become a community centered around controversy?  Do you try to stay an arm's length away from discussions centered around controversy?  Why or why not?

 

So now what do I do?

Yet another recall was issued, I discovered today.  I've totally gotten used to the fact that while strolling the aisles of my CVS store, that the Tylenol shelves are empty.  Ok, I get that.  What I don't get is how there can possibly be a recall now on Hyland's Teething Tablets.  Seriously?  The homeopathic tabs that I've relied on for most of my life as a mother to help soothe my boys during teething time? Ugh.

Oh, and guess what?  Jacob is right smack dab in the middle of cutting his molars.  Oh yeah.  This recall is great timing.

So I am a little perturbed and disappointed that my perfect little all natural teething tabs are now junk.  My poor baby will just have to rely on nursing for comfort and just tough it out since I refuse to give him any other sort of pain reliever that God forbid, could be recalled just moments from now!

Do you have Hyland's Teething Tablets in your medicine cabinet? If so, you should probably check to make sure yours are not ones that are affected in this recall (though they likely are).  Hyland's is offering a replacement product (yeah, right!) or a refund if you fill out your info here.

I'm off to tend to my teething baby.  Wish me luck!

 

Corporate ploy or legitimate recall?

By now I am sure many of you have run to your medicine cabinets and pulled out all the Tylenol, Benadryl, Motrin, and Zyrtec in sight to see if it is indeed part of the recent massive recall issued by McNeil Consumer Healthcare.

Imagine my disgust when I discovered that we had bottles from nearly every single category they recalled -- and that just days before I had administered Tylenol to my oldest son for a fever.  And, in the weeks prior to this recall, both of my older kids had been taking Zyrtec for their bad allergy symptoms.

So what I am most irritated about is how does a company manage to screw up "quality control" for so many medications?  It really makes me wonder -- is it a matter of quality control or simply another sly way to make a buck?  All of these medicines combined easily have a retail value of at least $30 or so. 

Which leads me to my point in posting this.  How come McNeil provides NO recourse for families (and not to mention its customers) to replace these everyday medications?  Oh, wait, I know why.  Because now that they've gotten you to get rid of your stash, you can now head down to your local pharmacy and drop another $30 of "safe" medicine to replace what you just threw out!

Is anyone else annoyed at the fact that all you're encouraged to do is simply dispose of the recalled medicine, yet aren't given an option to have it replaced for free or at some sort of discount? ♥  

UPDATE: Thanks to Jackie, a blog commenter for letting us know you CAN indeed get at least a partial refund or product replacement by filling out this form.  It seems to be buried in the company's website though.  I think they should've been more obvious about it!

I SO Hope We're Not Invited to This Party!

Recently I read about parents holding Swine Flu parties in order to get their kids exposed to the virus while the strain is still weak.  I was stunned.  If you ask me, that's a pretty weak thing to do to your kids.

Not only is it ridiculous to assume that getting them sick on the flu now will result in a milder case, but it sets the wrong example for the kids. 

"Yeah, let's go to a party, NOT wash our hands, AND share drinks with all of our germ-infested friends!"...... Not exactly what I've been preaching to my kids lately and not exactly how I want them to view appropriate social etiquette!  Please.  I'd much prefer they just run their tongue along the back of the church pew!  At least the germs there would be blessed, eh?

So what are your thoughts?  Do you think these Swine Flu parties are ok? Have you been invited to one? And moreover, would you send your kids to attend one? ♥

Thrill-Her. Yes, that much HE did!

By now - no doubt - we've all heard about the passing and sudden death of arguably the most iconic artist in the entertainment & pop music world.  THE Michael Jackson's contribution and talent have been witnessed by many of us.  For me, the saddest part of his tragic death is the fact that my children will never really 'know' MJ in the way that I know many of us did. 

It seems surreal to think that my kids may not ever care about owning a Thriller album in their lifetime; something I so desperately wanted (and begged for) sometime around fourth grade!  It's is undeniable, though, that they won't be impressed to see that Michael really is a legend, regardless of his much-too-soon death.  I'm hoping this new generation will still have the curiosity to learn more about him and the insanely amazing mark he's made on all of us during his time on earth.  God Rest Your Soul, THE Michael Jackson. ♥

Soaking it all in.

Fortunately both N & W were able to watch the President's inauguration today at home just before lunchtime.  N knew who Obama was the minute his face was shown on the TV screen.  N referred to him (before I corrected him) as "Rock Obama" and remembers using the touchscreen voting machine to cast my ballot for me.  In essence, I guess he's had more of an impact on voting in this historic election than he realizes.  I should've made t-shirts:  "I didn't vote for Obama, but my kid did!"

Tonight at dinner, we went over all kinds of fun facts about the President like what his full name was, his wife and kids, the name of the house they live in, the address of the house, the special room in that house that the President also spends most of his workdays in (N was thrilled to learn it was associated with the name of a shape!), the amenities of the house, etc.  Incidentally, W ears literally perked up when he heard me tell N that there is a bowling alley in the White House!  W yelled out, "I wahn go dayyrrr!"  Then we of course told them there were rumors of Mr. President converting it into a basketball court.  They'd take that too.

We also talked about the fact that the Obamas would have their own special cook who would be able to make any special requests for them.  When I asked N if he'd rather have me or a cook make him breakfast he opted for the cook (who wouldn't?!).  But then, I asked him why and he replied, "because I want to order from a menu!"  So then I told him I'd be happy to make up a menu for him to order his breakfast from.  So, I am thinking my menu of offerings will go something like this:  Eggs, Pancakes, Waffles, Raisin toast, Cereal.  Not exactly a chef's menu but it'll do!

Lastly, when I mentioned to N that he could one day be President if he wanted to, he informed me that he is actually going to be a spaceman because it's a much cooler job and that he really wants to go to the moon.  Then I told him he could go to the moon and be a spaceman, then come back and be President.  He got all wide-eyed and then said, "yeah!  The President flies to the moon!"  We both agreed - sounds like a great story that he could be the star of!  ♥

 

Future President: A real possiblity.

Tonight's history making election has totally moved me.  My kids who are a beautiful blend of cultures, have now had the doors of great possiblities opened for them.  We bought this t-shirt pictured below at the LBJ museum in Austin a few years ago and although I'VE always known my kids could be anything and do anything in this world, I wasn't sure that the rest of the country, or world for that matter, would believe in it.

Now, I know different.  ♥

 

My Future President.  My Hope for the Future.

 

Giving Thanks: Day four.

Today I'm thankful for this country and our voting process. By no means do I think it is flawless or do I not have complaints about how things are handled sometimes, but it's obviously one of the things that makes being a citizen of this country beyond great.  

This morning I took N with me to vote and enjoyed explaining the entire process to him and how it's one of the things that makes the USA great.  He looked a tad surprised when I revealed to him that in some parts of the world people don't get to vote; their simply told what to do and told what leaders will serve them.  I am hoping that by the time he is old enough to vote that our country will be in better shape.  He also enjoyed doing the physically button pushing on the touchscreen which made him feel like he actually was voting.

I don't feel particularly fond of either of the candidates this election year but I am eager to find out the results so that we can simply move forward and get down to business.  I will stand behind whomever is victorious.  After all, anyone's better than Bush!  Tonight will be a long night, I'm sure.  Get out there and vote!  ♥

 

I just have to say this about politics.

This is my blog.  It's a no-brainer that I can say what I want on here regardless of what anyone else reads into it or thinks.  With that said, I don't expect anyone to necessarily agree or disagree with my point of view.  Take it or leave it.  It makes no difference to me. I am just posting this as more of a vent than anything else.  Ok, here goes.

I am so sick of the "E" word.  Experience.  Now, let me preface this with the fact that I am not a big fan of either McCain or Obama.  But no matter who the candidates are, I think using experience as a way to discredit your opponent is flat out dumb.  Experience means nothing. 

Look at the joke of a president we have now, good 'ol G Dubya.  He was plenty experienced.  Fat lotta good that did us.  He had been the governor of the absolutely best state in the nation and had loads of experience.  Where did that really get us in the long run?  Experience means nothing. 

Potential.  Now there's the word we should be focusing more on.  Many people have experience.  Does it really mean anything?  Does it mean that anyone who has experience would make a better public servant.  Nah.  It just means you've been at it longer; not that you'd do it better.

It's the same with anything else.  If I set out to start a business or a career that I have absolutely NO experience with, does it mean I won't be successful?  Absolutely not.  I just have to be good at it.  And passionate about it.  Plenty of people who do things for the first time do it quite well even though they lack experience.

Bottom line?  If the notion of experience is all you have to stand on, that's just not going to cut it this time around.  Experience won the last time around and the past 8 years have been hell to pay.

Either way, this year's election will be history making.  I can't wait to see how it all unfolds.

What one word is the most important to you when you consider the upcoming election?