M.I.A. and a worthy cause!

Yes, I have been missing in action for almost a week now and with good reason. I have been a busy, busy beaver! Last Wednesday I left for Asheville, N.C. with a group of my gal pals to attend the Type-A Mom blogging conference. We hit the road in a car sponsored by Toyota - the Venza and had a comfortable ride all the way to Asheville. At the conference I was both a speaker and an attendee. I had a chance to catch up with my blogging friends and relax. Unfortunately, I had a camera fail so check out Mischi's flikr stream to see some great photos of the event.

I am writing this post while flying to Los Angeles for a blogging event. So, no photos - I am barely getting this post up!

More updates- yesterday I had the distinct pleasure of touring the Aflac Children's Cancer and Blood Disease Center at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. Earlier this month I was asked to be an advocate for this cause and with my background in health and my interest in making a difference in the lives of others I had to say yes. My tour yesterday was one of many events that I will attend to help raise awareness about this cause. I want to devote a full blog post to this issue so I will do that when I return to Atlanta. In the meantime, I want to bring something to your attention that costs nothing but will make a difference.

Aflac has a cause page on facebook and for every person that joins Aflac will donate a dollar to the Children's Cancer and Blood Disease Center. If you choose to also give a monetary donation, Aflac will match that too! At the very least please join the cause page - we have until October 2nd to reach $1 Million and we are almost there. Also, please spread the word!

A Visit From Mona

The Cutie Booty Household had the distinct pleasure of hosting our friend Mona Moxie. She is the mascot of Moxie Media and is traveling around the blogosphere in five days. Mona stopped by Atlanta, Georgia and spent some quality time with us.

Upon arrival Mona was immediately commandeered by Mekhi and he placed her in his most special secret hiding place - the trunk of his Winnie The Pooh car. After finally locating her I had to take a picture of her first adventure!

Mona checked out the dinosaurs with us at The Fernbank Museum and ended up tussling with the mini dinosaurs in our home.

She overcame and was able to wrangle the dinosaur for a quick ride.

Mona's stop in Atlanta was pretty brief because Mekhi and I had an appointment to keep in her home state of California. When she arrived I don't think she expected to be taking a trip back so soon but we boarded a flight to San Francisco with Mona in tow.



She took a trip with Mekhi and I to the EA Sports Spore Hero development group and she seemed to enjoy the digs.

Mona also joined us for a trip to Pier 39 - Fisherman's Wharf.

Mekhi wasn't too keen about taking many scenic photos and wouldn't let Mona go. We were lucky to get this shot with Mona. But believe me when I tell you that she accompanied us through the streets of San Franciso like a trooper!

All in all I think Mona had a great time with us. Although her time with us was brief you can check out all of her travels She is really traveling fast, here is the list of blogs that she is visiting today:

Louisiana: Crazy Adventures in Parenting and Keep It Classy
Mississippi: Flip n’Crazy
Georgia: The Blog Rollers
Florida: Live.Love.Eat
Georgia: Cutie Booty Cakes and Lattes and Life
South Carolina: My Three {And Me} and Momspective
North Carolina: The World According to Me
Tennessee: Suburb Sanity

You can visit Angie's 7 Clown Circus to see the other stops she has made across the country.

The Atlanta Flood

Yesterday my girlfriend jokingly said that we all needed to build Noah's Ark since it is raining so much in Georgia. The rain here is unprecedented, It has been raining heavily here for at least four or five days. Today things have reached an apex and the downtown connector highway is flooded. There have been a number of deaths due to the flooding, schools in my county are closed tomorrow and the creek in my backyard has become a raging river. I went outside in the rain to document this experience because there has not been flooding like this in Georgia in 30 years and I am simply amazed by nature.



I am so thankful that we are safe and sound in our home and pray for the families of the people that have lost their lives and for the people that have lost their homes due to the flooding. To all of my readers in the Atlanta area, please be safe!

Family Fun Night and Giveaway!

Congratulations to Eeclaire, she is the winner of the Walmart Giftcard!

Last week I was given a $40.00 Walmart giftcard to have a Family Game Night. Although Mekhi is only two, I think it is a brilliant idea and a wonderful way to save money and spend ,quality time together as a family, especially if you have multiple children. I quickly found the Family Game Night aisle at Walmart which was stocked with games and movies that were priced at $10.00 and under, plus snacks that averaged about $3.00. I decided to come up with a theme for the Family Game Night and I like to call it Preschool mania. Mekhi goes crazy for dinosaurs, zoo animals and The Very Hungry Caterpillar so these were the staples of the night.

We watched the two movies I purchased - "Dinosaurs" and "The Wild" in one evening.





We snacked on popcorn, milk, juice and fruit. With all of my purchases we are going to have multiple nights (and days) of fun. As any mother of a toddler knows, watching a movie once is unheard of and we've already watched Dinosaurs four times and The Wild twice. Every night we've played a round of The Very Hungry Caterpillar game and although Mekhi is still too young to get the concept of moving around the board with the game pieces, we use the game to match pieces and feed the caterpillar.



My mother is in town and she is enjoying the movies and the game too.

Having family fun night is an affordable and practical way to spend time together and save money. For the three adults in my family to purchase tickets to a movie and have snacks we would have easily spent $40.00 or more. By staying in we are really stretching our dollars and in this economy I know everyone can appreciate that!

GIVEAWAY

Walmart has generously provided me with a $40.00 giftcard so that you can have your own Family Game Night. All you have to do is leave a comment and tell me the favorite game or movie in your household!

Contest is open until Wednesday, September 23rd 11:00 PM EST. Winner will be chosen randomly and will be notified by email. Winner has 24 hours to respond to email or another winner will be chosen. Good Luck!

Read For The Record

I have fond recollections of being read to as a child and can still remember the glee I expressed when my kindergarten teacher finally agreed to teach me how to read. I'd been asking her on a daily basis to teach me to no avail but once my mother intervened my reading lessons began (this was long before the days of "Your baby Can Read" and other early reading methods). Although my teacher was recalcitrant about my reading readiness, I proved her wrong and read everything in sight! As a mother, I want to instill a love of reading in my child and know have been reading to my son since he was in utereo. As a mother it is important for me to ensure my child is prepared for school and it is my hope that as many children as possible have reading in their lives too. Early childhood literacy is a cause that is near and dear to me, in my last consulting position, early childhood literacy was my area of focus. As a mother it is important for me to ensure my child is prepared for school and it is my hope that as many children as possible have reading in their lives too.

I was recently introduced to Jumpstart and want to share information about this important non-profit organization with you. Jumpstart is an early childhood literacy program that seeks to provide early learners with the skills that they need for school readiness. Jumpstart brings together college students and community volunteers with preschool children for a year of individual tutoring and mentoring. Since 1993 they have touched the lives of over 70,000 preschool children with millions of volunteer hours. Their annual "Read for the Record" day is being held on October 8, 2009. On this date they are working to beat the Guinness World Record for the number of children read to on one day. Reading, fundraising and book drives are being held all over the country to support this effort and provide books for low-income children.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Earl Carle is the official book for this year's "Read for the Record." This is a favorite in the Cutie Booty Household and Mekhi knows the story by heart. I love the colorful illustrations in the book and the story reinforces the counting skills that he is currently learning. If you are interested in supporting Jumpstart's "Read for the Record" visit their website and make your pledge to read to a child or children on October 8th. Although I read to Mekhi on a daily basis, on the 8th I plan to visit his preschool and read to several classes. I hope that you decide to join in the effort too. There will also be a twitter party on September 24th from 9 - 11 pm EST using the hashtag #jumpstart to raise awareness about "Read for the Record." Also I want to get out the word that the book is available at a Walmart for a special price of $8.99 and all proceeds from the sale of the book will go to Jumpstart.

I worry about the flu

This morning after preparing my son for school I looked at him. I mean really looked at him. Of course I see him everyday but something today just clicked for me. He is really growing up. He was wearing jeans, a jean jacket and some really funky sneakers. His hair is cut low to his head and in that moment I was able to see the little boy that he has become and the person that he will be in the future. I know I've been reminiscing lately about how quickly he is growing up but he truly isn't a baby anymore. Everyday he becomes more articulate and having conversations with him has become a highlight of my day.

But his growing up is bittersweet in many ways. I think about how I can and cannot protect him from the things in the world. For now we lead a pretty insulated life, he spends the majority of his time at home with me or at preschool but I can't help but worry. This morning I received an email discussing the prevalence of H1N1 (swine flu) in the southeast, specifically in Atlanta among children under five. Apparently we are being hardest hit and ERs are seeing 3 times the number of sick children than usual at this time of year. The fact that the SE is being hit hard is being attributed to the fact that we return to school early but whatever the reason, I still am worried.

The vaccine is not available here yet and honestly, I am not even sure that I am going to get it for my son when it is available. I simply am vigilant and watch my son to ensure that he isn't sick and in the event that he does get sick I will monitor him closely. The Children's Hospital of Atlanta has an online tool that can help parents assess the necessity of taking their child to the hospital; hopefully I won't have to use it but I am happy to know that this resource is available. It is my understanding that they are trying to keep people from going to the ER unnecessarily because if a child is not really sick enough to be at the hospital, there is potential for being exposed to disease while there.

Given this information and with the knowledge that 98% of the current flu cases are H1N1 I do worry. But I am not hysterical. I will continue to let my big boy go to school (he enjoys it so much). In the event that he does get ill I will keep him home, flu or not just to ensure that the other children do not get the bug too. I can only hope that the rest of the parents in the school keep their children home in the event of sickness too.

Bedtime

My son is growing up so quickly. We have a bedtime ritual that consists of reading books, prayers, music, lights out, rocking together in our chair and then going into the crib (yes, he is still in the crib. I haven't changed it to a toddler bed yet but soon, very soon. I am enjoying his confinement and my extra 10 minutes of sleep in the morning). We usually rock about five minutes and the snuggling time is a throwback to the bonding we'd do while nursing. I enjoy our final moments together every evening. He nestles his head beneath my chin while sitting on my lap and all is right in our world.

That is until last night. Last night after a quick hug, kiss and an exchange of "I love you" he asked to go right into his bed. No five minutes of snuggling. No rocking. At most one minute of pleasantries and then "bed please". I remember all of the nights that I wished he would quickly retire and now that the time has come I am saddened. My little boy is quickly growing up and I suppose I have to adjust.

Differences in my son's behavior at school vs. at home

Here in Atlanta the kids have been back in school for 3 weeks now but in many parts of the country school is in session today! I can remember the anticipation I had for the first day of school every single year. If your child is embarking on school for the first time or returning, congratulations! We made it through a fun filled summer! My son is two and in daycare/preschool and he looks forward to everyday. His favorite expression is "I can't wait for school!"

He loves school and I haven't had any complaints from his teachers about his behavior however the story is different at home. I've found that he behaves much better for his teachers then he does for me. As a correspondent for Mom's Homeroom I was able to interview Jillian, she is a child and adolescent psychiatrist and mother of two. She had a ton of great information to share with me regarding discipline that can be utilized by parents of children at any age.

Her first suggestion was to be consistent. Children thrive on consistency and actually like to know the rules and expectations in a household. She encourages parents and grandparents to ensure that they are providing the same messages to children in their care. If jumping on the couch is not allowed (of course not) all of the caregivers have to implement that rule.

She also emphasized the importance of parents controlling their emotions. All parents at some point have raised their voices but it is key for us all to work hard not to raise our voice. The emotional control that we exhibit will influence the behavior of our children. She also encourages positive reinforcement. Many times we tell our children what they are doing wrong and fail to acknowledge the things they do right. Positive reinforcement and rewarding good behavior can help with discipline.

I know there is a child in my son's class that thrives on attention and will act out just to get it. The teachers work diligently to ensure that they are taking care of the needs of the class as a whole but definitely reward him when he exhibits good behavior. As a result I have seen a drastic improvement in his interaction in the classroom. Personally I try to utilize positive reinforcement as much as possible with my son because I know it is effective.

All the advice that Jillian and the Mom's Homeroom experts have provided has been so useful. I have truly enjoyed being a correspondent and encourage you to check out the Mom's Homeroom videos, they are filled with wonderful information.

Gotta Have House Music!

photo credit: Dadisi Olutosin

This weekend the annual "House in the Park" festivities took place here in Atlanta. House music is a descendant of disco and has its origins in Chicago during the early eighties. It quickly spread to large cities like New York, Detroit and New Jersey. Initially music that was enjoyed in the underground club scene, by the late 80s many mainstream clubs in New York were playing the music consistently. House music is infused with elements of soul, R&B, disco and is held down with a heavy percussion beat. It is funky music that is guaranteed to make you move.

House music has played a tremendous role in my life. When I was a teenager I frequented the New York Club scene and just missed enjoying dancing to house at the Paradise Garage in New York which many consider the birthplace of House music in NYC. But you could find me at The World, The Sound Factory, The Tunnel, The Red Zone, The Palladium, Webster Hall (in the make-up room), The Shelter and in later years after graduating from college, The Tea Party in Brooklyn. I went to so many different clubs it is difficult for me to remember the names of them all. During college I have memories of taking a nap to wake up in the middle of the night to go to Plastics, a club that opened at 1:00 am and went all night long.

Yes, I love House music and I rarely have an opportunity to go to a party and dance with other folks that appreciate this music. Attending a party filled with folks that appreciate "House Music" is like a gathering of kindred spirits. The music just moves you, one of the songs says "it will set you free" and every single time I dance to this music I lose myself in the rhythm and energy of the crowd. This music is appreciated by young and old, it is ageless and in my opinion timeless.

More than 20 years after its inception it is still going strong and the party in the park this weekend was a serious celebration. There had to be several thousand people in attendance, cooking out and enjoyed carefully prepared packed lunches with family and friends. On the dance floor I saw a babe in arms and people that had to be in their sixties - if not older. And we all were there to enjoy House. It was like a reunion for me, friends that I haven't seen since college were there and I was completely overjoyed.

My good friend Yolanda was on the dance floor with her kids who are 11 and 14 and they all were having a great time. I recalled the days when she and I were in college and danced the night away without thought of the children in our future. It truly was an event that was not to be missed. Great music, dancing, and fellowship. A beautiful celebration to end the summer.

Not familiar with House music? Take a listen to Barbara Tucker's Beautiful People.

Or the classic, Marshall Jefferson's "House Music Anthem"

A Stranger Slaps Two Year Old in Walmart

This story has made national news. Sixty-one year old Roger Stephens slapped a two year old repeatedly in the face at a Walmart in my area. I am shocked and beyond disbelief. This man is currently being held without bond and is being charged with first degree cruelty to children. Unbelievable! I know that another child's crying can be an annoyance but the gall of this man to slap a baby! Here is the CNN story:



Just the thought of this makes my blood boil. I can only imagine my response if this happened to me and am really saddened that I even have to think about such things. I've written more about my response to the incident on BlogHer, you can read it by clicking here.

Hello Again! Shoes, Ice Cream and a $100 Giveaway!

Giveaway Closed - Congratulations to entry number 111 Petula! She has been notified and has until noon tomorrow to respond with her details.

I have been on a bit of a blogging vacation. Things have been a little hectic in the Cutie Booty world and I just needed a break. Luckily, last week I had a chance to visit sunny California with a group of bloggers and our kids. We had a wonderful time and I feel refreshed and ready to get back in the swing of things!

What better way to celebrate than with a giveaway? When I am feeling a bit low I sometimes turn to two things- retail therapy and ice cream. To celebrate my return I want to share my favorite things with you! Famous Footwear and Mom It Forward have teamed up to bring this delicious giveaway!

Did you know that two things most all women share is their love of shoes (retail therapy) and ice cream? Famous Footwear blends these two ingredients together on its site Make Today Unexpected, which gives women the chance to discover our style and flavor in a most unexpected way.

I took a short quiz, and my personal ice cream flavor is "Double Bubble Sorbet," which means I have the "ability to brighten up any room, think of others before myself and my upbeat personality and bright outlook on life are always welcome." Based on what I know about myself and feedback from my friends this description is eerily accurate!

I am excited to hear what your ice cream flavor is too. Let me know by entering this stylish, not to mention FABULOUS, giveaway!

Giveaway

Grand Prize

This week, Famous Footwear is awarding one lucky winner with a $100 gift card. Shoes anyone? (See Entry Requirements below.)

Coupon

Everyone's a winner in this giveaway! Make your back-to-school shoe shopping spree a little more affordable by visiting MakeTodayUnexpected.com and entering to receive $10.00 off your next purchase of $50.00 or more.

Entry Requirements

To enter for a chance to win the $100 Famous Footwear gift card, please do these four things (make sure you leave a separate comment for each of your entries).

Note: Entries that do not follow all of these requirements will not be considered.

1. Take the 'Find Your Flavor' quiz by clicking here. Leave a comment on this post with your flavor and e-mail address.


2. Become a fan of the Famous Footwear's Make Today Unexpected Facebook Page. (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Make-Today-Famous/112646406371?ref=ts)


3. Follow @maketodayfamous on Twitter.


4. Post these messages on Facebook and/or on Twitter and leave comments here, linking to your messages:

What's your flavor? Click here to find out: http://bit.ly/a5zhj PLS RT

Download Famous Footwear coupon 4 back-to-school/fall savings: http://bit.ly/fogQH PLS RT #gno

Extra Entries

You can earn up to two extra entries for this week's giveaway. Leave an additional comment for each.

• Click here and become a Famous Footwear REWARDS club member (free).


• Post or tweet about something unexpected that has happened to make your day or week more positive on @maketodayfamous or on the Make Today Unexpected Facebook Page.

The Fine Print

No purchase necessary to enter. Famous Footwear and Mom It Forward employees, and giveaway hostesses are ineligible to participate. Entries that do not follow all of the entry requirements will not be considered. This giveaway is open until September 3rd at 8 pm E.S.T. Winner has until Friday, September 4th noon EST to respond to notification email.