Monday, May 28, 2012

Mommy Tips Monday

Thank you so much to the MageeBaby.com guest contributor today - the author Cherie Bright from Another Day, Another Story.

Would you like to submit a post for Mommy Tips Monday? Please email me at MageeMommy at gmail dot com.

Here's more information about Cherie: Cherie Bright is a stay-at-home mom, who refers to career as a holly homemaker/ mommy extraordinaire. She is the author of the blog and the book titled “Another Day, Another Story.” She is a graduate from the University of Arkansas with a degree in Computer Science and Communications, both of which she uses daily trying to outwit her children. Bright moved to The Woodlands, Texas in 2004 from El Dorado, Arkansas. She is the mother of two children and wife to one understanding husband. In her free time, she enjoys volunteering, camping, and sitting around the campfire exchanging stories. “Another Day, Another Story,” is available at bookstores nationwide or by visiting barnesandnoble.com or amazon.com. A download version is available direct from the publisher at lulu.com.


Helpful Hint #925 – Cool Pancakes

Is it a special day? A birthday? Father’s Day? Fourth of July? Congrats on doing something good day? Hey, I just want to put a smile on your face day? Then serve up pancakes for breakfast!

Why pancakes? Because if you buy the Aunt Jemima- Complete, Just Add Water pancake mix, then you can have a fast and personal breakfast with pancake hearts or initials or baseballs or whatever you and your spoon decide to artfully make on the griddle. Just make the mix with water. Spray your flat griddle with Pam Butter Cooking Spray & warm it up to 350. Then use your spoon to make designs with your pancakes. Cook them like regular, flipping the pancakes when you see the bubbles on the top. Serve with butter & syrup. YUM!

For Father’s day this year, I spooned the letter D and hearts. The trick on making hearts is to start at the bottom of the heart and then make a big glob to the top-left. Then start at the bottom again, but this time make a big glob to the top-right.

I tried the idea of using cookie cutters to make the shapes before. Pouring the batter into the shape. But, the batter usually seeped out the bottom making just a regular circle pancake, but I could still see the heart shape inside the circle. You also can use cookie cutters to make shapes after you finish cooking your pancakes. This works well, but leaves rough edges and lots of pancake crumbles that go to waste.

So, I definitely recommend using your imagination and spooning rocket ships or flowers or cars or the letters C-O-O-L K-I-D and make it a special morning.


Aunt Jemima Complete


Thank you so much to the MageeBaby.com guest contributor today - the author Cherie Bright from Another Day, Another Story. Here's more information about Cherie: Cherie Bright is a stay-at-home mom, who refers to career as a holly homemaker/ mommy extraordinaire. She is the author of the blog and the book titled “Another Day, Another Story.” She is a graduate from the University of Arkansas with a degree in Computer Science and Communications, both of which she uses daily trying to outwit her children. Bright moved to The Woodlands, Texas in 2004 from El Dorado, Arkansas. She is the mother of two children and wife to one understanding husband. In her free time, she enjoys volunteering, camping, and sitting around the campfire exchanging stories. “Another Day, Another Story,” is available at bookstores nationwide or by visiting barnesandnoble.com or amazon.com. A download version is available direct from the publisher at lulu.com.

Saturday, May 26, 2012

Mom-isms

Mom-isms... Things you never thought you'd catch yourself(or your spouse) saying. Here's one from lunch at Subway today -

"No, no! Don't wipe your food on the wall!!!"

Thursday, May 24, 2012

I like this...

I like this song....



I Can Only Imagine lyrics

I can only imagine
What it will be like
When I walk
By Your side

I can only imagine
What my eyes will see
When Your face
Is before me

I can only imagine
I can only imagine

[Chorus:]
Surrounded by Your glory, what will my heart feel
Will I dance for You Jesus or in awe of you be still
Will I stand in Your presence or to my knees will I
fall
Will I sing hallelujah, will I be able to speak at all

I can only imagine
I can only imagine

I can only imagine
When that day comes
And I find myself
Standing in the sun

I can only imagine
When all I will do
Is forever
Forever worship You

I can only imagine
I can only imagine

Surrounded by Your glory, what will my heart feel
[- From :http://www.elyrics.net/read/m/mercyme-lyrics/i-can-only-imagine-lyrics.html -]
Will I dance for You Jesus or in awe of You be still
Will I stand in Your presence or to my knees will I
fall
Will I sing hallelujah, will I be able to speak at all

I can only imagine
I can only imagine

Surrounded by Your glory, what will my heart feel
Will I dance for You Jesus or in awe of You be still
Will I stand in Your presence or to my knees will I
fall
Will I sing hallelujah, will I be able to speak at all

I can only imagine

I can only imagine
I can only imagine
I can only imagine
I can only imagine
I can only imagine

I can only imagine
When all I will do
Is forever,
forever worship you

I can only imagine

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Monday, May 21, 2012

Mommy Tips Monday

Thank you so much to the TheSmellyArmpit guest contributor today - the 10+ year veteran flight attendant SkyPixie. Here's more information about SkyPixie: SkyPixie is a retired flight attendant who still loves to travel. She is an avid reader and has traveled all over the world - literally! She lives in a small town in Texas but loves the lure of the big city.

Would you like to submit a Mommy Tips Monday post and promote your blog? Please email me at MageeMommy at gmail dot com!


Here is a helpful hint for those of us who travel on planes.

When packing your luggage be sure to stuff your shoes with the socks you would be wearing. It is a space saver. Roll small items such as undies, t-shirts and swimsuits. It is another spacesaver. If you can get everything you need into a carry-on no need to check a bag. It is also a cost saver because of the checked bag charges. (Just remember the liquid sizes when going thru security. 3oz or less and must fit into a pint size ziplock only one bag per passanger for carry-ons)

Be sure to wear layers when traveling on the plane. You never know if it is going to be cold or hot on the plane. You can figure it will be cold because the flight attendants are working and don't want to sweat in your drinks... Some airlines are now charging for a pillow and blanket so if you layer no need to purchase a blanket that probably hasn't been washed anyway.

I find that one should put any liquids that are being checked into a ziplock. I use two, one inside the other and both zipped. So if any liquid leaks it only goes into the ziplock. I can't tell you how many times this trick has saved me the time and effort of cleaning up a leaking shampoo, conditioner and lotion.

Another good thing to do is pack a light snack in your carry-on. I choose peanut butter sandwhiches. It doesn't need to be refrigerated and so it keeps for several hours. Many a trip, I have had others ask if they could buy it from me when stuck on a plane.(or not enough time to purchase something on a layover due to a late arrival) If you have kids be sure to pack something to keep them occupied. Airlines don't even have cards to give out anymore. I will say that flying is still the best mode of transportation but it sure has changed over the years. Hope this helps and happy traveling!!

Thank you so much to the MageeBaby.com guest contributor today - the 10+ year veteran flight attendant SkyPixie. Here's more information about SkyPixie: SkyPixie is a retired flight attendant who still loves to travel. She is an avid reader and has traveled all over the world - literally! She lives in a small town in Texas but loves the lure of the big city.

Sunday, May 20, 2012

Publishing on a Mommy Blog...

This is not really a "how to" article. It's just how it happens for me when I'm trying to post on any of my blogs!

First, I think to myself, "I'd like to post something on my blog. This will just take a minute." (ahahaha that seems so funny now) Then I start to get out my computer and my 22month old girl brings me a book to read. Before I can read the book, my 5month old starts crying and frowning. I change his diaper. The scent of peepee is still in the air. I change my little girl's diaper.

Now, I'm ready to read the book. We read the book and talk about all the different illustrations on each and every page(which I actually like doing). Then my little girl asks to read the book again and the baby starts crying again. So I tell my little girl I can't read the book right now and realize I need to make a bottle for the baby.

Unfortunately, tonight we are staying in a hotel so I have to wait until my husband in finished in the bathroom to wash out a bottle. I play with my little baby to keep him happy and do not want him to wake up my 3-1/2 year old. In the meantime, my daughter has paid my husband a visit in the bathroom and somehow has gotten between the door and the vanity and they are stuck in there for a minute or two while she gets out of the way.

The sink is available and I put it to use. Then make up a bottle. My husband is now reading to our kids and they are temporarily occupied. That is until the baby sees the bottle and starts crying. I start to feed him and he is just about asleep when my husband turns on the TV. Now my little princess is crying to watch, "Veeedeeeooo! Veeedeeooo! Eee a go! (Diego!)" LOL My husband helps set this up and now she is occupied with her Veedeeoo. He decides to try to sleep. My baby is starting to act sleepy again so I turn off all the lights except the one near the door. I put him in his bassinet and walk away without eye contact. He flops around and cries a bunch. I pick him up and bring him over to the bed where we are watching the Diego video on my husband's computer. I put my computer on the bed too hoping I will get to blog later and plug it in.

Now the baby is starting to try to army crawl toward the video laptop. He tries rolling onto the keyboard a couple times and a couple times I pick him up and move him back while I'm logging into blogger. I pick him up and he fusses at me. My little girl is now in the weird video trance and my husband is snoring next to her. Still, somehow my little 3-1/2 year old is snoozing away on the pull out couch.

The baby is put in the port a crib and I throw in a couple toys. I go back to my laptop and type some things on my blog and start to post. The baby starts crying like he's hurt. Sure enough, he arm is stuck beside the side of the playyard and the mat that holds him. Not cool. I pick him up to sooth him, give him a baba, he starts falling asleep. I rock him in the office chair and start feeling his little body start to relax and his eyes close and he starts sleeping soundly and sweetly. Adorable. I put him in his bassinet.

Back to the bed to work on more posts... Then I realize that it's past dinner time as my daughter has eaten half a cup of teddy grahams. Wake up my tired husband to see if we have cash for a pizza. Call front desk for a number. Try to call with the room phone and get a weird sound. Call back front desk and listen to a frustrated front desk person tell me the "right way to dial". Use her "right way to dial" suggestion but still get weird noise on phone and it won't work. So call with my cell phone. Success!

Now back to the laptop and my sweet baby girl cuddles next to me needing a hug. Then asks for Dora veedeeooo. Ok, so put that in but sound won't work. Wake up husband, he fixes everything, and now getting to do this post! WHEWWWWW! I guess this just wouldn't have been posted at all if our other little boy was awake too. No wonder I've been to busy to post anything lately. LOL

Saturday, May 19, 2012

Creative Advertising

On a billboard advertising for laser hair removal... Call 1-713 R U Hairy! ahahaha

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Mom-isms

You know, those things you never thought you'd be saying but years later here you are spouting these nuggets of wisdom... Get your finger out of your nose. ... No! No! Don't eat that boogar... Give me that boogar!!! Stop! Stop! Don't eat that boogar!

Monday, May 14, 2012

Mommy Tips Monday

Today's Mommy Tips Monday post was written while I was 7 or 8 months pregnant with MageePrincess and just worn out! I’m glad to be reading it again reminding myself that it’s alright to take breaks and ask for help. 

If you would like to contribute a guest post to TheSmellyArmpit please email me at MageeMommy at gmail dot com. THANKS!


Today's Mommy Tip Monday is all about when to say when.

When to look in the mirror and say to yourself, "I need help." It's so hard to do when we are constantly being told by the media we need this product to look better, feel better, be better. Or we need to accomplish this or that to have worth. So not true people! Our worth isn't from what we do, or how we look, or what we can check off a list. Our worth comes from God and how He loves us no matter what. WOW! No matter what!!!

So what does this have to do with a mop? When I initially posted this tip I was 3000 months pregnant right now.(ok at least that's what it feels like) My husband had been telling me for about 1.5 months that I could use help around the house. But I allowed this to make me feel like I was worthless. He wasn't saying this in any demeaning way just wanted to get me help since I was at the point that I couldn’t remember what my feet looked like hidden beneath my belly! So for about 1.5 months I put off asking anyone for help. I didn't want to let our family down but not doing things myself. I mean I am the general manager of this place! I should be able to take care of it all!

Yep, that's the craziness that was going on in my head as one day I mopped my kitchen while sitting in a chair. LOL How ridiculous. So finally I broke down and asked a friend for help. It was so hard for me to get past my pride and acknowledge that I can't take care of it all right now. I need help. And you know what? I wish I would have asked for help sooner! I'm so thankful for this friend helping me! I almost cried as she left it meant so much to me(thank you if you're reading!!!) So my Mommy Tip is it's OK and even GOOD when you need to stop and ask for help. There's nothing wrong with asking for help!!! Stop beating yourself up and start asking for help. And when another friend needs help down the road, you can "pass it on" and help them. :)

Friday, May 11, 2012

Peepee Potty!

Anyone else potty training?! I have a 3-1/2 year old, a 21month old, and a 5month old. I'm pretty sure I'll feel like I've been potty training for 5 years before it's all said and done! So lately my sweet little 21month old girl has been sitting on the little potty and sometimes figuring it out and sometimes not. This past Monday was a not day. Oh... so a NOT day! She didn't peepee in the potty; she didn't peepee in big girl pants; she didn't peepee in her diaper. Oh, no. She peepee'd in the tupperware play cabinet in the kitchen. SIGH! LOL

Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Mom-isms

You know, those things you never thought you'd be saying but years later here you are spouting these nuggets of wisdom... No! No! We DON'T eat out of the trash!

Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Tickled Tuesdays!

Two antennas met on a roof, fell in love and got married. The ceremony wasn't much, but the reception was excellent.

Monday, May 7, 2012

Mommy Tips Mondays!

Thank you so much to the MageeBaby.com guest contributor today - the author Cherie Bright from Another Day, Another Story.

Here's more information about Cherie: Cherie Bright is a stay-at-home mom, who refers to career as a holly homemaker/ mommy extraordinaire. She is the author of the blog and the book titled “Another Day, Another Story.” She is a graduate from the University of Arkansas with a degree in Computer Science and Communications, both of which she uses daily trying to outwit her children. Bright moved to The Woodlands, Texas in 2004 from El Dorado, Arkansas. She is the mother of two children and wife to one understanding husband. In her free time, she enjoys volunteering, camping, and sitting around the campfire exchanging stories. “Another Day, Another Story,” is available at bookstores nationwide or by visiting barnesandnoble.com or amazon.com. A download version is available direct from the publisher at lulu.com.


Helpful Hint # 6895- Put it all down in writing.

Organization is the key to a smooth week. There are many ways to find organization in life. But, one of the most important skills of organization is letting everyone know your plans and their plans for the week. We all have different ways of accomplishing this task.

For as long as I can remember my father would get up first thing in the morning and write out a “to do” list for the day. Then he would scratch off his list as the day progressed and his tasks were completed. My mom would make a “honey do” list and post it on the fridge for things that needed to be done around the house by either herself or by Dad. This is what worked for them. Yet, in our home. I find I need not only organization, but also communication. So, I have four different systems in place.

1. The first is just for me. I have a small spiral notebook that fits inside my purse. In the notebook, I follow in my father’s footsteps. I make a “to do” list and scratch items off as completed. I also use it for all notes when I’m out and about. Say, I run into a friend and they tell me about a birthday party, I mark it into the notebook to transfer to the calendar when I get home. Say, the credit card receipt doesn’t print at the gas pump. I just quickly jot down the date, card used, place, and cost. Then I transfer that to my quicken, when I get home. Or how many times does someone want to give you their address or phone number while out running errand. Wha-la. An instant rolodex. The notebook is also handy when your child is bored at the restaurant or doctors office. She can draw pictures or play tic-tac-toe to pass the time. The paper is also handy to rip out and use to dispose of unwanted gum properly. The lists of use can go on and on.

2. The second is for my family. I make a monthly calendar of everyone’s events. I just use the basic calendar function in Microsoft Word and print them off. Free. Yipiee. This calendar is posted on our bulletin board in the kitchen. I list every event for everyone in the family, even if it reoccurs like guitar lessons. I sometimes use a code key. I draw a flower with a stem for my daughter, a sail boat for my son, a sun for my husband, & a flower with no stem for me, instead of writing out our whole names each time. Some of my friends use a coding system of a different colored pen for each family member. But, I find the symbols to work better because there are quite a few events that more than one family member attends. Also, I have code for certain places around town, MS for Market Street or BB for Bear Branch Park. It makes it easier. I write out the codes for the places at the bottom of the calendar. I know it sounds confusing, but over time it really simplifies things. It helps not over-schedule things, because everyone knows everyone else’s schedule. I find my husband checking this calendar for planning trips quite often. It has really helped.

3. The third is for my family. I make a weekly calendar on our dry erase board. This is by far the best thing ever!!! I have each day of the week permanently painted on the board with lines separating them. Everyone in my family likes checking this board to see what they are doing for the week. We even tend to discuss what’s coming up for the week more, now that everyone is “in the know.” I think my children like this system. They like knowing what they have on the schedule and are more responsible at getting ready and making sure their parties & plans make the weekly agenda.

4. The fourth is for my husband. I email him a calendar list about once every 2-3 months. In this I just list all the big events coming up for the family. I don’t rehash the lessons and sports team practices. I only list things that fall in two categories: something for the entire family to attend or something “big” happening in my kids or my life. On this list I put the things I want him to consider attending in bold print. This helps him schedule his work schedule. And it helps keep him up to date on what is happening in our lives and giving us conversation fodder for the dinner table. I know this might seem like organization over-kill. But, it works for my family of four different agendas, which all involved me driving them somewhere. Plus, it opens up the realm of conversation. I think it’s better to be informed and know what’s going on. That takes a lot of the work off me.

Let me know if you have specific ways that you organize your family’s schedules. What works in your house? I find it’s always good to hear what others are doing. That’s how I got the weekly dry erase board idea from other friends with busier schedules that were making it work.


Thank you so much to the MageeBaby.com guest contributor today - the author Cherie Bright from Another Day, Another Story. Here's more information about Cherie: Cherie Bright is a stay-at-home mom, who refers to career as a holly homemaker/ mommy extraordinaire. She is the author of the blog and the book titled “Another Day, Another Story.” She is a graduate from the University of Arkansas with a degree in Computer Science and Communications, both of which she uses daily trying to outwit her children. Bright moved to The Woodlands, Texas in 2004 from El Dorado, Arkansas. She is the mother of two children and wife to one understanding husband. In her free time, she enjoys volunteering, camping, and sitting around the campfire exchanging stories. “Another Day, Another Story,” is available at bookstores nationwide or by visiting barnesandnoble.com or amazon.com. A download version is available direct from the publisher at lulu.com.

Thursday, May 3, 2012

Things Toddlers Say...

Recenty comment from my little 3 1/2 year old... Fish eat sausage. Spiders eat cheese.

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Mom-isms

You know, those things you never thought you'd be saying but years later here you are spouting these nuggets of wisdom... Please watch where you pee! (to my 3 year old distracted while peepeeing in the potty)

Tickled Tuesdays!

Q: How do you get an alien baby to sleep?

A: You rocket.