Share A Smile

Life can be hard…..and harsh reality check, it is all too short.

I have vowed to try and live more in the moment, let go of old hurts, and try and find the joy in every day. In doing so I’ve started keeping track of and acknowledge all the little things in life that make me smile. It really is the little things in life that can make your life extraordinary.

Have you ever stopped to think about what makes you smile?

Some of my favourties this week:

*Listening to my “baby” sing in the shower. She sings Taio Cruz’s Dynamite like no other.

*Enjoying a secret smile as my 9 year old orders “floppy toast” when we went out to breakfast. You know, untoasted toast. In other words, just bread. “Duh Mom”

*I don’t generally encourage pointing and laughing, but when say a 2lb Chihuahua in a ridiculously large pink and white polka-dot sweater is spotted barking it’s wee head off in the back window of a snot green pinto. Yeah, you have to allow pointing and laughing.

*The sweet victory of seeing our Christmas lights turn on for the first time this year. Knowing that the girls and I put them up all by ourselves. Never mind that my back is killing me and they only go three quarters of the way up the flipin tree. My girls are all kinds of proud, so those Charlie Brown style Christmas lights look fabulous to me.

How do I spread the love? Share the smiles?

*We spend a LOT of time in the carpool lane. When one our fave songs comes on the radio, I crank it up and we “seat dance” and sing at the top of our lungs. We are now that ridiculous Chihuahua with people “pointing and laughing”. Ahhh but my girls are grinning so hard their cheeks hurt.

*Last night we enjoyed ice cream for dinner and then burgers and salad for dessert. The shock of dessert first had both my girls grinning a mile wide.

*Tomorrow in their lunches, they will each find a little note written on their napkins in purple sharpie, telling them how proud I am of them. Complete with a Hershey’s Kiss to make the day just a little sweeter.

Would you like to share a smile? Snack Pack Canada has teamed up with Food Banks Canada and created the “Share a Smile” campaign. It’s so easy.

Here’s how it works. Log onto Facebook, look up Snack Pack Canada, Like the page, Share a Smile!
* A $1 donation will be made on your behalf to Food Banks Canada!

*You can also opt to Share a Smile and Snack Pack will make the donation on behalf of one of your Facebook friends.
* You’ll then be given an option to register and receive a ballot into their weekly prize draw.

*Each time you share a smile you will earn a point towards one the fun Smile Badges.
**Each and every time you share a smile with a friend, Snack Pack will donate $1 to Food Banks Canada. There goal is to raise $20 000.00 for Food Banks Canada in time for the holidays! Let’s see how many smiles we can spread! If your on twitter you can follow along with the hashtag #snackpacksmile

Hope today finds you with a smile both on your face and in your heart!
Mwah

Disclosure - I am participating in the Snack Pack program by Mom Central on behalf of Conagra Foods Canada. I received a gift card as a thank you for my participation. The opinions on this blog are my own.

Ready for Christmas? Gourmet Gift Baskets Review

Yeah Me!  I am so organized I have my first Christmas present ready to go.  Umm Don’t judge, this is quite early for me.  The best part, I didn’t even have to leave the house.  This fits into my shopping style, I prefer to shop in my PJ’s while sipping my coffee and eating bon bons.   

So how can you have this fabulous shopping experience?

Here.  At GourmetGiftBaskets.com  It is so easy.  Just take a look at the unbelievable variety of baskets available from GourmetGiftBaskets, select your favourites, and they are delivered right to your door!  I am not kidding when I say you could find a basket for everyone on your list.  Here are a couple of my favorites:

 

One for the kids and one for me! 

I was lucky enough to receive this. 

The Nutcracker Drum Christmas Gift Basket.

Delivery was quick and efficient, and the basket arrived carefully packed.  Not a thing out of place.  The basket looked just as pictured, delivered exactly as promised.    A sweet little drum packed to the brim with such goodies as chocolate peppermint cookie brittle, peanut brittle, butter wafers, white chocolate amaretto wafers, and English toffee caramels! This one is a perfect choice for one of our Grandmas.  It has all her fave things.  The only problem they are all of my favorite things too!  Hmm, maybe I should have put in an order for two baskets! 

Gourmet Gift Baskets can also be found on their blog, facebook and they tweet as gmtgiftbaskets! If you pop by please tell them I say Hello!  Happy shopping.

Disclosure: I was provided with the above mentioned product in order to give my own personal opinions on it. The opinions I have given are mine and may differ from others but were not influenced by the company or the product provided.

Please Don’t forget to enter my Jewel Kade Giveaway!

Jewel Kade-Giveaway!

Get ready to fall in love….with Jewel Kade Jewellery!

Described as vintage, contemporary, urban and romantic, Jewel Kade truly is like wearing art.

I love the Jewel Kade pieces. They are fun and flirty, and so versatile, allowing you to mix and match to create a look all your own.

I received my very own Jewel Kade Jewellery to review.

I loved the chunky feel, the way the pieces are all interchangeable, and the manner in which they can be layered together to create countless looks! I also have to mention I loved the way it was so easy to do up. A nice big rod to slip through a link. I’m sportin the gel nails these days and sometimes the dainty clasps and I fight in the early morning. This clasp was funky and easy to manipulate!

It is amazing how a piece of Jewel Kade can be taken from sophisticated to sexy in a matter of moments! The only problem, now I want more!

Take a quick peek at just some of the stunning styles.

The charms are hand crafted and are made of pewter to encase the cut beveled glass. To add to the fun there is a huge variety of styles and lengths of chains to pick from! Choose mixed metal, silver and gold, or one of the varieties of gorgeous pearls! I think I would like to try a couple of different styles of chains layered together. Oh, and you will be pleasantly surprised when you see that these little beauties are quite reasonably priced! Hmmm Christmas gifts anyone?

Wouldn’t you just love to have some of this gorgeous stuff to call your very own? Yes? Good news. The fabulous Kathy, a Jewel Kade rep, full time nurse and Mama of two, has generously offered to give away $50.00 worth of Jewel Kade product! Here is how to win.

Mandatory Entry:

You must be a resident of the United States. Visit here at Jewel Kade and come on back and tell me which piece you covet for your very own. Which is your favorite?

Easy Extra Entries:

2. Follow me publicly on Google or tell me you already do.

3. Follow Kathy on her facebook page at Chamz n’ Chainz and More. Please tell her ModernMom sent you!

4. Follow me on Twitter @SassyModernMom or tell me that you already do, and give this giveaway a tweet. Leave your twitter name! You can tweet once every 24 hours. Just cut and paste:

Win! $50.00 worth of GORGEOUS Jewel Kade Jewellery from @SassyModernMom. US Only #Giveaway http://bit.ly/fovUaa Pls RT?

5. Like me on my facebook page! Please. It’s right there on the sidebar!

Again, PLEASE…leave separate comments for each entry and make sure I can contact you!! Leave me a valid e-mail address!

Contest is open to residents of US only.

Closes Friday Dec 3rd.

A winners will be picked by Random.org and will have 72 hours to respond once they are contacted or a new winner will be drawn.

Good Luck!

Disclosure: I was provided with the above mentioned product in order to give my own personal opinions on it. The opinions I have given are mine and may differ from others but were not influenced by the company or the product provided.

**Now Closed

The One Where I Admit I’m Screwing Up My Kids

I worry all the time, but tell them not to.  Yeah, that won’t mess them up at all.

I want them have it all, I want to give them the world, but I want them to work for it.  I don’t want to raise spoiled, entitled children!  Conflicting messages much?

I push them to do there homework, to be sure to do their very best, even when they are tired.  While under my breath I am cursing the teacher for piling on a book report, science test and social studies test all the same week. Do you think the baby girl can sense that I am beyond ticked off at this work load?  Does my body language, my heavy sighs at the announcement of yet another small “project” register?  Yeah, probably.

I want my girls to go to school in nice clothes, well presented and clean….but I am too damn tired to fight about socks AGAIN.  Mismatched.  Fine.  Kind of clean.  Sigh.  Good enough.

My oldest is hitting the age where she needs to shower more often.  I strongly encourage her to do so.  When I say strongly…this means there is sometimes always stomping feet and slamming doors.  First to get her to get in, then to get her out, then to get her to dry her hair? WTH!  Fighting with a pre-teen.  That’s healthy.  Must remember, I am the adult. 

Pimples are starting.  Ug.  I remember wanting to hide in my room all day because of one little zit.  Full confession,  sometimes I still do.  Dear Daughter doesn’t seem to care? Huh?  Thankfully, she has not been teased or tortured. YET.  I want to help her avoid those moments of pain if I can.  I have bought her every fabulous face wash I can find and a bunch of pretty wash cloths to encourage face washing while trying to “keep it light”.  I don’t want to turn it into a big deal.  Today, before she went to school…I offered to put cover-up on one of those zits. Parent fail.

It is official.  I am screwing up my kids. 

Maybe I should let them start a blog to b*tch about me.

It’s gonna be cheaper then therapy.

Freddy Krueger and Runny Noses

Screech.  Scratch.  Like nails on a chalkboard.  Scratch, screech, scratch. Ohh I should not be hearing noises like this at 2am.  Or ever.  It’s Freddy Krueger. I know it.  Roll out of bed, grab the baseball bat from under my bed. (Don’t judge me, it’s like my security blanket K?) Hold my breath and tiptoe to investigate the noise.  Sigh, just a tree branch knocked loose against the window courtesy of the crazy high winds.  Good grief I am a scaredy cat.   Back to bed.

Running water downstairs? Um, why do I hear water running downstairs? Both girls are accounted for, tucked snug in their beds.  I just checked when I wandered the halls with the baseball bat.  So why the water?  Oh yes, the dishwasher.  On a money saving timer set to start late late into the night.  Back to bed.

A car door slams.  Just a cab bringing home the neighbour's kid from a late night of partying.  Back to bed. 

Finally, finally I drift off to sleep when ……

Pfffft.  Oh Sh*t.  What is that????

Pffft.  Ahhh.  Never mind. I don’t think bad guys stop to blow there noses.  Damn those runny noses.  Back to bed. 

Four more sleeps nights until the Hubby gets home, then I can get some rest. 

There aren’t too many axe murderers in the suburbs.  Right?

Gone too Soon

Today I am trying to figure out what to wear.  It doesn’t matter if it is pretty, or stylish, or goes with my new killer heels.  Today it only matters if it is black.

This afternoon I am going to a funeral.  A daughter, a sister, an aunt, a friend, a wife, a Mommy to two little boys.  Will they remember her? The light in her eyes, the lilt in her laugh.  The way she fought. 

Cancer never killed her spirit. 

Remember when 38 sounded old….

Go now.  Get off your computers.  Go hug your children and call your sister.  Forgive old hurts, let go of the stress and be thankful for every annoyance, every tear, every tiny smile. 

Try today to enjoy a moment….and be thankful that you will have many more.

 
St. Theresa's Prayer

May today there be peace within.

May you trust that you are exactly
where you are meant to be.

May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are
born of faith in yourself and others.

May you use the gifts that you have received,
and pass on the love that has been given to you.

May you be content with yourself
just the way you are.

Let this knowledge settle into your bones,
and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love.

It is there for each and every one of us.

Author UnKnown

Hugs…..

Man Currency

There are many different types of currency in a marriage.

When the Hubby wants ummm cuddle time.  I hold the power…yes I have the currency if you will.

When I want that stupid garage cleaned out, or to plan that trip we keep putting off to Paris, seems he is the one with the currency.  Yeah, talk Europe and he can talk me into just about anything.

This week Hubby is taking off on his annual “work” vacation.  Pft. (Golfing with his buddies, catching a couple of hockey games and a football game, enjoying the great weather, shopping?)  Usually these boys go to Florida in January, get some so so weather and golf every single day from dawn to dusk. I know what I’m missing.  Nothin.

This time….he has had the nerve to plan a fabulous trip to California!  Huh?  I want to go to California.  Insert whiny voice complete with puppy dog face.

Well fine, if I’m gettin all left behind with the kids who are catching colds, the carpools to early morning and late night practices, the homework crazy, the cat the dog and the freakin COLD…I’m going to get me something out of this! 

I’m cashing in some Man Currency.  You know, the “He is going on Vacation and I’m holding it over his head currency”.  Now this currency is only good for a short time!  Just a few short days before the trip when guilty feelings are at their peak  I must spend the moola before the dollar takes a downward turn.

Ladies, I don’t care how good a Hubby he is, how fabulous a wife you think you are, how deserving he might think he is of a vacation….before my man goes away, before ANY man goes away, this is your opportunity to work the guilt.  Time to make that man a Honey Do list.  Trust me.  It will make him feel all warm and fuzzy.  He gets the privilege of helping you out, alleviates his own guilt for leaving, and if it doesn’t?  So what…you get all that stuff done.  Like now. 

My wee list this week includes things like:

-Christmas Lights purchased and hung

-Wood brought in for the fireplace

-A list of grocery's to stock up on…you know just in case one of the kids gets sick and we can’t get out. Good grief I worry too much.

-I really would like all the garbage dealt with

-that sink is running slowly

-Hmm Do you think the patio furniture should be put away?

-and then BAM Nail him for dates that he is available for our family winter vacation.  How can he say no to that as he heads off to the airport:)  Muhaha Evil Laugh.

When the Honey Do list is complete, you can both kick back with a glass of merlot.  Him smug that he has “paid” for his vacay, you happy in the knowledge that you are the one who really won.  Your Honey Do list is complete, the house will stay clean for a week, you will miss him but he will come back a happy chilled out man. 

Have a great vacation Honey!

Mwah

Old Navy Toronto Eaton Centre

A unique holiday shopping event and a chance to win a $100 Gift card!  VIP “Mommy and Me”.

Hey my GTA Friends! I don’t usually post these types of events, but if I lived closer to Toronto I would want to know about this one!

Check out this SPECIAL EVENT!!
Head down to to Old Navy Toronto Eaton Centre this Wednesday (tomorrow) anytime from 8:30 a.m. – 11 a.m. for a professional holiday portrait gift with purchase, screening of Thomas and Friends: Merry Winter Wish along.  A free Starbucks breakfast and Holiday Balloon Entertainment. This sounds like my kind of shopping.  
Also, free gift wrapping with a donation to Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada.
Browse through the many affordable and cute gift ideas.  A great time to stock up.  Fun and food for the kids!

Get there early!! A $100 Old Navy gift card will be given to the first person who arrives, finds Victoria and says they saw this on How To Survive Life In The Suburbs!

PS  Take some pictures, I'd love to see them!  Happy Shopping!

Blissdom Canada

Conference newbie. That was me until I decided to take the plunge, be brave, and jump head first into my very first social media conference.  This is my long over due post about Blissdom Canada held in Toronto Ontario. 

What I wish I had known:

I wish I had known in advance I was about to learn more about myself, and blogging, then I ever thought possible in one little three day period.  Amazing.  You can teach an old dog new tricks.

Turns out I can navigate downtown Toronto traffic, even without the comfort of my GPS cause that GPS b*tch had the nerve to break down and stop talking to me on the 401 and now I hate her and with strikers trying to block my way into the hotel! I got there anyway.  So there.

I didn’t have to be so nervous.  Every single person I met was beyond chatty and friendly. Sigh of relief.  Bloggers are as nice in person as they are on line.

I didn’t have to pack so much!  Next time…more casual comfortable like the fab clothes provided to me by Old Navy, less super dressy like the cocktail dress and 3 inch killer heels.  I absolutely did an “overpack”.  Besides, all those fancy shoes were killing my feet.

I already knew the power of a girlfriend.  I had no idea that I would instantly meet, connect and make new girlfriends.  Meeting some of these women, who’s blogs I have been following and tweets I have been reading……it was like meeting old friends for the very first time.  Surreal.

*The fabulous Sarah from MomCentral (in our matching Roots shirts)and the uberfamous JourneyWoman! 

That although the sessions were incredible, and they were!!  The hours spent chatting around the lunch table, squishing together into a cab, or laughing as we talked into the wee hours of the morning, would be some of the most inspiring memorable moments of the conference.

I did not know that the parties like the Mabel Bliss party hosted by Mabel’s Label’s, Yummy Mummys Spa Party, The Roots Party and the BuchFamily Speak Easy party would not only be ridiculously fun, but fabulously intimate affairs where you really had a chance to really get to know the other incredible women attending Blissdom.

  

*MabelBliss party.  Spoiled.  My hair and make-up done…loved that, and caught up with PracticulMum.

 

*How could you not love the atmosphere at the BunchFamily party!

*Live entertainment while we had a private shopping party at Roots.  Sigh. VIP.

You know what else I learned?  300 women know how to party, dance and sing together..like nothing I have ever seen before.  Men?  We don’t need men…oh, except maybe Bret Michaels.  Cocktail Deeva rocked it!

    

Pictured above @CynthiaCrumb, @CocktailDeeva @fdnstudio @MrsLoulou @YummyMummyClub

I also learned that three days away from my family, and blog, would take two weeks to catch up on when I got home!  Next time, I need to work ahead…posts prepared ahead of time, maybe meals stocked in the freezer?  You know be that domestic goddess I pretend to be.  I did not feel like the best Mama when I came home.  Some of those balls I had up in the air?  They came crashing down.

Would I do this again?  Put my life on hold and go meet a bunch of strangers at a conference in a town far far away?  Probably.  This little hobby of mine is growing into a bit of an obsession.  If I want to continue to grow, push myself to be better writer, learn how to market myself, engage with brands and make those all too important real life connections, I can think of no better place then Blissdom Canada.  A big heartfelt thank you to all the fabulous organizers who poured their hearts and souls into this event, and to every women I met….it was a pleasure, a gift.

Thanks for the memories…mwah!

Men Equals Frustrating?

They don’t apologise unless they are prompted. I’m not even sure that counts.

Flowers that used to come for no reason at all, those are only for anniversaries now. Don't dudes know you score major points for flowers for no reason? Once you have been married for more then 10 years, you guys need all the points you can get.

They simply cannot replace the toilet paper roll. It’s against the man code or something.

They must always ask “Is the dishwasher clean?” Huh? Look in it! Is there crap stuck to the plates? Then it is dirty.

Furthermore…if that garbage pail is overflowing and stinks like rotting eggs…be a hero, take it out. Remember the points?

For years they have tried to convince us that golf games take all day. Seriously, I’m not that blonde and der I have played golf before. I know how long that stupid game takes!

It is preferable for stinky underwear to go in the laundry basket. Just sayin.

If your going to swipe you wife’s deodorant, at least pick your man hairs off it before you put it back. Oh yes! I said it!

They snore. Loudly.

Burping, farting, scratching? Seriously? Not so attractive. It would be best if you did that stuff down in your man cave where we can’t see it. Preserve the illusion of man hotness we have in our heads.

Sigh. Good thing they can fix stuff and are seriously cute.

Coming out of Hiding?

I’ve been “outed”. 

Turns out going to a social media conference forces you to show your real face.  I went to Blissdom Canada and met people in real life.  Weird right?  I guess it was inevitable, I mean I couldn’t walk around with a bag over my head forever.  At this point my friends and family still don’t know I blog, so I can continue to make grammatical mistakes, blog about sex and indelicate bathroom situations, and b*tch about Mommy cliques.  But I’ve been thinking, is it fair for every other blog in the world yeah like I’m that popular to be flashin my picture around when I have not even posted one of myself yet??

So with that in mind.  Here you go. This is me:

….and just so you know.

I am not the girl who can pull off the two cute pony tails…not even at home.

I am not the life of the party, even if I wish I was, but I do host a fabulous one.

I love a great glass of wine, but wow, wine hates me now. Instant headache.  Same deal with hotdogs.

I can pretty much talk to anyone.

I am a rule follower.  A bit of a goody two shoes.  Sexy right?

I am prompt.

I detest liars, I get this from my Dad. 

I am one of the few people who adore the sunshine, but prays for rain when the barometer takes a dip.  Me and weather changes do not get along.

I am 5 pounds ..nope..10 pounds over weight and sick about it.  Having had a rib/back injury doesn’t seem to be a good enough excuse anymore.

I adore all things popcorn, chocolate, anything baked and Starbucks.  Yummmm.  This is not helping.

I crave travel.  Adore the planning and am usually thinking about my next trip before the suitcases are unpacked.

I firmly believe in the power of true love.

I hate having to ask for help.

I can be passive aggressive, not sneaky, just quietly annoyed.

I love my children with my entire heart…so much that it hurts sometimes.

I am blessed to be married to my best friend.

Just so you know…..

So there you go, I feel all vulnerable and naked now.  So now it is your turn, go on spill…what should I know about you?

Sh*t or get out of the Bathroom

This weekend I hosted a charity event. Have you ever heard the saying, “If you want something done right, do it yourself”? Well, with the exception of 1 or 2 other courageous women jumping in to save me at the end ….this event ended up being a one woman show. That’s okay, I can handle the pressure, the stress, the lack of sleep….all I need is my good friend Mr Starbucks.

Over the course of the last three days I have consumed more then my share of Starbucks, Tim Hortons and home brewed coffee then I care to admit. Between the coffee, and the less then stellar eating (cause you know that every good Mama/Event Planner puts herself dead last), let’s just say the stomach is not in the best of shape. I think my body has gone into a bit of survival mode. The good news is, I think I dropped a couple of pounds!

The day of my event arrives. All my ducks are in a row. I have spent the last 35 minutes running around with my shoes in one hand cause I don’t run so well in three inch stilettos and just one more coffee in the other.

As the doors open, I am the picture of calm and collected. Or at least I think I am. I smile and greet, sell and promote. Do my job as best I can. Dinner hour arrives, only 30 minutes late, and finally I get to sit down to a real meal. I chatted and laughed and ate like there was no tomorrow. Made up for lost meals. My belly. She was not impressed. Apparently the body that had been put on starvation mode didn’t quite know what to do with the sudden influx of steak and butter soaked lobster.

Rumble. Rumble.

Crap.

Literally.

I was going to have to ummmm use the facilities.

Talked myself out of it as long as possible, cause I am one of those girls who does not want to take her private business to a public location. Unfortunately, I was entering into the “cold sweat” territory. This visit to the ladies room was not going to be able to be avoided.

Excused myself and off I went.

As I entered the “Ladies” I was hoping to find I was alone. Perhaps I would be okay? Uh nope. A crowd of four was in there washing up. No problem, I could wait them out. How long can it possibly take four women to touch up their make-up and get back to the hall? Apparently a LONG TIME.

Girls…this is my plea to you. When you go into the ladies washroom. Just get in, do your thing, and get the heck out! Do not stand around in the washroom talking about how your metabolism is slowing down, how you need to eat more protein, that almonds are your new favourite snack, and you really need to drink more water! This is not a place for a casual conversation!!! There might be some poor girl in the stall with a terrible case of stage fright and the worst stomach cramp. For the love of all that is good in this world…take your conversation elsewhere!

I will not stoop so low as to divulge the rest of the events of my bathroom experience. Let’s just say..I survived and will be treating my body with a little more respect this week.

Blush.

My new thought. Bathroom chatters should be automatically ejected from all events. Just Sayin.

Delta Faucet Winner

Many thanks to Delta Faucet and to all the lovely people who entered this fabulous giveaway.  I am so happy to be able to make someone’s day, and someone’s kitchen or bath a little prettier today!

I put all the numbers into the magic random generator and the winner of the new Delta Faucet of their choice, value up to $300.00, is…….lucky number 45!

 

Congrats to Shell!

Shell said... 45

I have your button

Monday, 01 November, 2010

 

Please contact me at modernmom@rocketmail.com with your snail mail address within 72 hours.

Hope you all enjoy your what’s left of your weekend and your extra hour today!

Mwah

Flashback to Flashing Lights & Uniforms

It has been nearly a year since I was almost dragged off to the city jail.  For real!  Imagine, all I was trying to do was set up for our annual charity event for the girls school, and this not so desperate housewife ends up spending a fun filled hour with the police.

It’s that time of year again, and since I think I am suffering from a little post traumatic stress disorder and I’m too crazy busy to come up with anything original today I thought I would re-post this oh so fun event. 

My SUV stuffed to the brim with silent auction items, minding my own business, singing along to the radio and then this happens….

Damn. Lost an earring. Got water on my shirt. Hair dryer broke. I'm running late. Now I don't have time to stop and grab that Chi Tea Latte and the coveted Ginger Molasses Cookie. Starbucks is the ONLY place in the world where you will ever hear a man ask......"Can I warm that cookie up for you?" Oh well, better for my butt if I skip the sweets today anyway.

Sitting at the stoplight singing away.

"If you loved me then you should have put a ring on it...oh oh oh oh ..."

LONG light.

Touch up the lip gloss.

Gee. My hair actually looks good today.

Green and away we huh?

Bleep bleep  bleeeep *flashing lights*

What on earth?

~not speeding

~Didn't jump the light?

~OK, pulling over Mr Cop Man.

The officer approaches the car.

Ohhh .....Mrs. Cop Man. Sorry.

"License and Registration" She says.

"Sure. Um...Is there a problem?" I query.

"Yes Mam, your license plate does not match the vehicle you are driving."   She is not impresed.

Huh??? And might I add a silent ...What the Hell??

"I've only had this SUV for three weeks. My husband took care of all the paperwork, and you won't believe this but I can't find my ownership or proof of insurance."

"Stay in the vehicle Mam"

This is when she gets on her handheld radio and takes my ID back to her car.

I start to phone my Hubby to find out exactly why my plates don't match my new car. At this point a second police cruiser comes screaming up. Lights flashing. He blocks the street.

Apparently when you "steal" a car, you get a lot of attention.

Great. I'm going to be on "COPS".

Hubs calls the owner of the car dealership.

Owner of the dealership calls me.

"ModernMom, we will get this straightened out, in the meantime " He advises. "be sweet and flirt with him a little?"

"Dude! The officer is a chick!"

"Oh"..says owner man...."Is she wearing comfortable shoes?"

40 minutes and many many conversations later the officers decide to let the ModernMom with the shaking hands go free. It has become clear that I am NOT a thief, and that the dealership who sold us the car simply forgot to transfer the old plates to our new vehicle.

I have 24 hours to produce ownership of this vehicle and proof of insurance.

Done and done.

Today's lesson.

Always make sure your plates are properly transferred when you get a new car!

Apparently in the Suburbs car thieves can look like soccer moms.

Thank the powers that be that the nice officers believed my story that I am not a thief, just a blond having a really bad day.

 

Hope you all have a fabulous day too! I’ll be back to visiting and commenting soon…assuming I survive the weekend:)

Linky love $300 Delta Faucet Giveaway Enter here!

Goosebumps and Shivers

Not my usual kind of post.  One more Halloween tale before the spirit of the season is gone…

Have you ever been so scared you were afraid to speak. Been so frightened that words get stuck in your throat?  Have you thought to yourself that if you didn’t put it into words, then it wouldn't be real?  I have had these very thoughts and that is why until very recently, I kept this little story all to myself. 

Our house is only about 20 years old and we are the second owners.  Eight years ago this week, as I sat nursing my second daughter I saw a "flash" out of the corner of my eye.  I shook my head and decided I needed to get more sleep!  I decided to put this little flash out of my mind. 

Then the flash…the movement in the corner of my eye.  I saw it again.  I was afraid to walk down the hall, I refused to leave my baby alone that night.  She slept with me.

About a week later I walked into my three year olds room and was instantly covered in a cold sweat as she laughed, pointed and giggled uncontrollably at the very empty corner of her room.

Later still, home alone, at dusk.  I was sitting in my family room downstairs, I saw someone, a child, run the length of the upstairs hall.  I nearly cried.  I was paralyzed with fear.

I was terrified and confused!  So scared that I did not even tell my Hubby I had seen anything.  Was I losing my mind?  Was I truly going crazy?  I spent hours researching the history of our house and found nothing that would explain a wee spirit coming to visit and roam this house in the suburbs.  I knew, these instances had to be ghost or spirit sightings, there was no other explanation. 

Then one day, again as I sat nursing,  I saw this little flash sit down.  It was a little boy.  He was see through?  Kind of opaque.  Yet I can tell you he was wearing a red and black striped sweater.  He sat with his legs dangling through the banister.  I realized he was always wearing that sweater.  He sat in that particular spot, legs dangling, feet kicking,  often.   I have no idea what his face looked like...just a vague image of him.

After that I saw him regularly between my daughters room and the bathroom upstairs.  A quick flash of image, bolting back and forth.  Finally I couldn't take it anymore and broke down, crying, blubbering, shaking, and told my Hubby.  I feared he would think I was a sleep deprived nut.  I didn't even get the full story out, he stopped me mid way through my rambling teary tale….  “You've seen him too.”  Was his immediate response.  Whew.

Now, I have to be honest, although we saw this little boy numerous times over the months that followed, and it startled and scared me every single time, I did not feel that he was here to harm me or my children,  BUT I did not want him in my house.  Something had to give. We talked about putting the house up for sale.  Some people think this kind of thing is cool, we are not those people. 

When my Uncle, the Baptist Minister, came to visit we braved the subject.  He was not at all surprised.  He said the spirit was stuck.  We needed to tell him, he was no longer welcome in this house and it was Okay for him to go home now.  (We made our Uncle say those words too)
I stood in the hall upstairs like a crazy lady and spoke to the air.  With tears in my eyes, I told that child he needed to go into the light.  That he was no longer welcome in this house.  I am covered in goose bumps right now, but I never saw him again.  My then 3 year old stopped laughing and pointing at air.  Hubby has not seen him either.

Call me crazy, go ahead and say it is not possible but I’ve gotta tell you ...I believe! 

 

Hope you all had a happy and scare free Halloween!

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