I didn’t even want to try on the wedding dress I wore as I walked down the aisle. My mom picked it out, which knocked it completely out of my desire-range. I tried on the other four that I had picked out in our first pass of Henri’s, and they weren’t right. I put on the dress my Mom had grabbed. And it was the one.

I have fun memories of picking out my wedding dress with my Mom. I remember teasing my husband that he would need to stop drinking at our reception a few hours before he wanted to get me out of it, as it was rather complicated. I remember seeing his face. I remember feeling like a princess.

But I was aware, even then, that our marriage was more than my wedding dress. Or even the wedding.

We didn’t have an expensive wedding. We did have a big wedding because my family is rather large. But we didn’t go into debt to host our own wedding. We had a lovely day, I promise you that. We were just aware that we wanted more than just one day. We wanted a lifetime.

A few people made jokes this year, as we celebrated our seventh anniversary, that we should beware that old “seven year itch.” I was pleased when The Magic Room let me know that the largest number of divorces now occur in the fourth year. We’re safe! Not that we’ll stop trying, working on things and through things, as the book states.

I did not appreciate the commentary and underlying judgment that those women who want a white dress, even though they already have a child, are somehow in the wrong. Considering the Munchkin was at my wedding, and I was most certainly wearing white, I felt this part of the book and the discussions about what is and is not right when it comes to marriage and family and children was just way too off base.

When it comes down to it, The Magic Room might be a great gift to hand to a woman who is just recently engaged and is looking for a dress. But, as a note, there is a love that mothers also wish for their sons, and it’s more than what’s in a dress or a wedding celebration.

Review: The Magic Room is a post from Stop, Drop and Blog. Want more of Stop, Drop and Blog? Like our page on Facebook! If you have questions, contact me or hit me up via twitter.

This photo illuminates all of the reasons that I hate store bought costumes:

“Why Luigi, what a big rack you have!” “All the better to smash bricks with???”

Let me tell you the number of things wrong with these costumes.

1. The bellies don’t adjust very well as the velcro is in ridiculously stupid places. Hence Luigi’s large chest that’s supposed to be a belly. Thankfully BigBrother hasn’t really noticed or cared. However, I’m either going to have to deflate the bellies even a bit more (these were not fully blown up) or nix them completely so that the boys can wear warmer clothes under their costumes. It’s supposed to be a bit chilly both evenings we’re going trick-or-treating. The boys already know this is a possibility and they’re okay with it, though they think the bellies are hilarious. Which, they are. Especially BigBrothers, RIGHT?!

2. They’re too small in general. I ordered two costumes in sizes that should have fit according to the website. However, when the costumes arrived, the packaging also listed an “age range,” and when I held them up, yep, they’re small. They’ll “do” for now (and are just barely long enough without the bellies), but please don’t look at the length and judge me as a bad Halloween mom. It’s not my fault the website didn’t find it important to share the length of the costume, just the weight guidelines. (Note to costume websites: My kids weigh less but are just fine height wise. Weight does me no good.) This reason is why you cannot see their feet in any of these photos. Of note: They’re wearing their black rainboots up and under their pant legs, which will at least be warm and dry.

3. Please don’t get me started on the texture.

4. The mustaches are ridiculous. I mean, sure, they’re cute in these pictures, but the sticky stuff on the back? Covers the WHOLE back of the mustache. Left to right, top to bottom. That means that LittleBrother, who has a smaller face/head and the downward facing Mario mustache, has sticky stuff all the way past his mouth and down onto his chin. That causes the mustache to stick to his chin, thus blocking his entire mouth. Very safe, let me tell you. We’re sticking some paper to the back of it so he can, you know, breathe out of his mouth, but the paper is then annoying to a small child. I predict mustache abandonment in less than a hour.

5. I know the gloves are supposed to be big for humor’s sake, but LittleBrother’s are far too big – to the point that the can’t grab things while wearing them. (So yes, if you’re keeping track: the costume is too small but the mustache and gloves are too big. Sizing fails all over the place.)

And on and on and on.

I originally said I wanted to make the boys’ Mario and Luigi costumes. And then life got in the way and I remembered how poorly I sew while trying to complete another task. I looked longingly at some homemade, fantastic Mario and Luigi costumes on Etsy — my favorite being the fireball variations with the red and green overalls — but I couldn’t justify the price. Maybe I should have, as my sons love to dress up and they could have gotten a lot of use out of high quality, well-fitting costumes that they loved. Hindsight; she’s a … well, she’s something. Even still, I was going to make some really cute bags for trick-or-treating, but Halloween is in five days and it’s just not going to happen.

The good news is that the boys love their costumes. And they loved them last year. And the year before. But they year before that, let’s face it: they were really dang cute. I will never be as talented with a sewing machine as my grandmother. My children will have to suck it up in store bought costumes and I will have to let go of the dream of the perfect Halloween. Besides, they’ll go trick-or-treating (twice, mind you). They’ll have fun. They’ll be pleased with their costumes. They’ll get candy. The world will keep turning.

Quite honestly, that sounds pretty darn perfect to me. Not quite Martha Stewart, but pretty darn perfect.

Mario and Luigi Halloween Costumes: A Review, a Rant & Letting Go of the “Perfect” Halloween is a post from Stop, Drop and Blog. Want more of Stop, Drop and Blog? Like our page on Facebook! If you have questions, contact me or hit me up via twitter.

And, oh, do I love the book. It’s on my Top 10. (I don’t know where in my Top 10 as they fluctuate with season, but it’s there.)

I laughed at so many of the “tips” from the (fictional though fact-based) “How to Be an American Housewife guidebook” that Shoko was given after she married an American GI and left Japan. For example, my husband has type A blood, but I am type O. Apparently we should not have married. One line that made me snort water out my nose was this one, “In the majority of instances, working outside the home is frowned upon. If your husband wanted to have an independent, working woman, he would have married an American.” I told my husband that’s where he went wrong; he didn’t go far enough away to get a “good” wife. He then gave me “the look.” Oh well.

Other things made me catch my breath or feel any number of emotions. When Shoko yelled at her daughter (Sue) when Sue spilled something as Shoko taught her how to cook… I felt kind of guilty. Have I done that? Have I not been patient enough? Maybe. Maybe not. But my heart broke even more when Shoko showed up with Sue at the science fair and realized that they didn’t have the “right kind” of display. How was she supposed to know without being told? It made me realize how much we take for granted, having been born and raised in this country. We understand the idiosyncrasies of school — even if those same idiosyncrasies drive us crazy.

There’s just so much more I love about this book. I won’t bore you with all of it as I could gush for hours, but the underlying story is one that shouldn’t be skipped. It’s a must-read.

You can learn more at the BlogHer Book Club and join in some great discussions. And yes, if you live near me, you can borrow my copy. Just give it back. It’s honestly a top fave!

PS: I would have failed the guidebook had I been assimilating after marrying and moving. Like whoa. I’m a bit too … me.

Book Review: How To Be An American Housewife is a post from Stop, Drop and Blog. Want more of Stop, Drop and Blog? Like our page on Facebook! If you have questions, contact me or hit me up via twitter.

There. I said it. I feel better.

Except that I don’t feel better. Not really.

The most recent menu that my oldest son brought home from his elementary school is somewhat appalling. I’m thankful for two things: 1) That our family is financially secure enough that we can send BigBrother to school with a packed lunch every day, and 2) That peer pressure hasn’t yet stepped in and caused him to want to buy his lunch. (Also, with his texture issues and food aversions he has informed me that he has absolutely no desire to eat any of what he has seen thus far. Not even the school pizza. Whew.)

But being able to avoid the problem doesn’t mean that the problem doesn’t exist. We’re fortunate… and not every family is as fortunate as we are. I know that, and it makes me sad that we — as a society, not just my local and surrounding school districts — don’t seem to care more about the nutrition our kids are getting in our schools. I feel ill-equipped to fight this fight myself as I’m fighting issues on other fronts, but I do appreciate the sentiment and challenges brought forth by those who do have the time to take this issue head on.

Read an excerpt from Lunch Wars at the BlogHer Book Club right now. This is probably my favorite point in general (and makes me feel better about what we’re doing at home as well!).

[Myth] Kids need choices so they can learn to make good choices. Offering children unhealthy foods and drinks at school contradicts what they are taught about good nutrition and sends a mixed message. Why shouldn’t all the choices be good choices? We don’t ask kids if they’d rather have recess or math! Limiting choices, especially in the younger grades, helps kids develop a taste for good food, and good eating habits. When kids choose soda, candy, and junk food instead of eating a meal, they don’t get the nourishment they need to learn properly.

And feel free to join in the discussions even if you haven’t read the book. Talk about your school lunches, your kids’ school lunches and other important topics.

Book Review: Lunch Wars (Which Isn’t About Mealtime At My House, BTW) is a post from Stop, Drop and Blog. Want more of Stop, Drop and Blog? Like our page on Facebook! If you have questions, contact me or hit me up via twitter.

I’m not that great with change. It makes my anxiety sky rocket. But since 2006, my professional life has been all about change. The initial change of leaving the broadcasting newsroom to work and write from home was big and scary. In 2009, I went back to a newspaper newsroom and in early 2011, I left again. All of these decisions were right for me, for my family, each and every time I made them. I was also slow (sometimes too slow) and deliberate (sometimes too deliberate) in my decision making. But even though they were right, they were still ridiculously scary.

I panicked about what would happen if my leaving any given job would result in financial hardship for my family. I didn’t (and don’t) have the resources that Dominique Browning had when she was let go from Conde Nast. I don’t have a second home that I can sell. But like Dominique, I have to imagine that if the worst case employment scenario ever landed in our laps, we’d be smart too. We made the budget changes when I made that initial decision to come home and have lived well within our means since.

But I can’t help that feel this book would have made the transition a lot less scary back then.

For more about Slow Love check out the BlogHer Book Club.

This was a paid review for BlogHer Book Club but the opinions expressed are my own.

Slow Love: Where Was This Book During All of My Career Changes? is a post from Stop, Drop and Blog. Want more of Stop, Drop and Blog? Like our page on Facebook! If you have questions, contact me or hit me up via twitter.

You see, I loved Transformers when I was young. I had this blue helicopter that was awesome. It was also easy to transform. I could do it by myself. Transformers nowadays? I cannot transform, let alone BigBrother… and especially not LittleBrother. So, we’ve been holding off on them for awhile though a few have made their way into the house via gifts.

These toys are made for the younger set. One move and the object is transformed. Hooray!

Bonus? That fire truck is awesome. High five, Playskool!

Here’s how it looks as a fire truck.

And here’s how it looks after you transform it into Heatwave the Fire Bot.

When I got home from San Diego, I also found out that they have a Fire Station. Check out the commercial; that fire station looks awesome. Oh yeah! It’s $49.99, so I think we’ll throw in the Optimus Prime Transformer and this firefighter guy with the fire truck and station and call it his BIG GIFT this year. From us, that is, because who knows what he’ll ask Santa for when it comes time. They never ask Santa for big gifts, amusingly. Last year LittleBrother asked for a (noisy, noisy, noisy) fire truck and BigBrother asked for a monster truck Lightning McQueen. Awesome.

I’m just excited about these because I know the boys will also be excited. And for those who think it’s too early to talk Christmas presents, I’ve already started shopping. With the boys’ birthdays in November, Munchkin’s birthday in December, our anniversary the following week and then Christmas the following week, I have to be on my game. Last year I waited too long and my anxiety was high because I wasn’t done before November. This year? Game on.

#1 on Our Christmas List: Transformers Rescue Bots is a post from Stop, Drop and Blog. Want more of Stop, Drop and Blog? Like our page on Facebook! If you have questions, contact me or hit me up via twitter.

It Suits You is an Etsy store run by my friend’s mom. She makes some pretty unique stuff, but the thing that caught my eye? Stockings made out of old neckties. That’s right. Upcycled ties turned into useable Christmas stockings. Don’t believe me?

Love it. Absolutely love it. In fact, living in a house of all men, I think those ties would be quite appropriate for our little Christmas display. Maybe I should send her a bunch of ties with fire trucks and the like. (Pause while I form an idea in my head. Anyway…)

They look really cute hanging all together.

She currently has nine tie-stockings in stock as well as a tie purse (!) and a few tie wallets. (And some other bags. But we’re talking fancy-pants ties here!)

I am in love with this concept. Not only is it unique, fun, colorful and awesome, but it combines the “green” element that so many are striving for this holiday season. Instead of sending the ties to the landfill, they’re now transformed into something you can use. Not finding what your friends want on any green gift guides? This may be the answer, especially for eco-conscious families with children who may or may not be boys. The stockings themselves aren’t gender specific, but if there’s a little girl rocking a mean Princess streak, this may not be the best year to go hip and trendy.

Whatever the case, these one-of-a-kind stockings are only $27.00 and shipping is free. As an aside, the store owner lives in Ohio, so it would be a quick ship to any of my Ohio readers! Hooray for quick ship!

Unique Christmas Gift Idea: It Suits You Stockings is a post from Stop, Drop and Blog. Want more of Stop, Drop and Blog? Like our page on Facebook! If you have questions, contact me or hit me up via twitter.

Firebears – The Rescue Team

The absolute best part about this book is the rhyming scheme. When reading to younger readers, rhyming helps keep interest. Of course, my boys are always interested in firefighter books, but the rhyme helps me stay interested as well.

The book follows the firebears through the typical work day of non-bear-firefighters. It talks about their day at the station — chores and their bunk room. Then they rush off to a false alarm. Then, of course, there’s a real fire. But they put it out. And then, in true fire fashion form, there’s another fire, because that’s how it happens. The firebears then rescue a mom and baby. And, once again, the fire is out. Hooray!

My favorite line is near the end of the book, which also holds a line from the dedication at the beginning, no doubt on purpose.

Weary bears
Smile and wave,
Humble heroes, bold and brave.

Love it.

I also love the illustrations in this book. The old school fire truck, the smiling bears, the general colors used. I am really glad this book is a part of our fire library.

This completes my three-book review for Fire Prevention Week. Come back tomorrow when I will start the giveaway for this book, Firefighter Ted and Miss Mingo and the Fire Drill. The giveaway will last all month long, but you will be able to have multiple entries!

Fire Book Review: Firebears – The Rescue Team is a post from Stop, Drop and Blog. Want more of Stop, Drop and Blog? Like our page on Facebook! If you have questions, contact me or hit me up via twitter.

Miss Mingo and the Fire Drill

Unlike the mostly-for-fun Firefighter Ted, Miss Mingo has a lot of fire safety information packed into a book that is equally as funny as the one I reviewed yesterday. In fact, this book provides the added bonus of offering up bits of animal related facts on each page. Did you know that when a hognose snake is threatened, it inflates its body to resemble a cobra? Me either!

The story revolves around Miss Mingo’s wild (animal) class. They start out talking about fire, causing a few of the animals to get excited and/or scared. Then a big firefighter bear shows up causing a pig to go running. I particularly liked this part, because it taught the animals (and the kids reading) not to be afraid of firefighters in all of their gear. The firefighter chief bear takes off his fire gear to show the students that he’s just a normal bear. It’s quite normal for children to be afraid of firefighters when they’re dressed head to toe in their gear. Teaching them that there’s nothing to be afraid of is important!

Then they learn to stop, drop and roll. And how to line up for a fire drill. I also liked this part because it talked about leaving everything in the classroom, lining up quietly, and planning a route to get out of the school. Everyone makes it out safely, of course, and the book has a happy ending.

While there are lots of books about fire safety, this one is perfect for the animal lover. Not only are the animals funny and interesting, but their factoids had me researching various animals on Google after our first read through. I had no idea that koalas were stinky. BigBrother keeps asking questions about the various animals discussed in the book. I really like the idea of combining two ideas — animal facts and fire safety information — so that kids have fun while learning. Kudos to author Jamie Harper.

Tomorrow I will be reviewing another fun fire book. Be sure to come back on Friday for a giveaway of all three books — this one, Firefighter Ted and the one I’m reviewing tomorrow. Don’t forget that this is Fire Prevention Week. Talk to your kids about having a fire drill in your own home. It’s never too early to talk about an escape route in the event of a fire.

Fire Book Review: Miss Mingo and the Fire Drill is a post from Stop, Drop and Blog. Want more of Stop, Drop and Blog? Like our page on Facebook! If you have questions, contact me or hit me up via twitter.

Firefighter Ted

Basically, we follow Ted through his day as an imaginary firefighter, complete with fire costume. He wakes up in the morning and smells smoke. Now, having just heard a story from a co-worker where her daughter woke up to the smell of smoke and knew enough to feel her door for heat before opening it, I am disappointed that Ted a) waited until he found his firefighter gear, a fire truck and his “fire extinguisher” before going out into the kitchen… all without checking doors. But, it’s okay. It’s really just his breakfast that he smells. The line at the end of the scene made me giggle: “Only you can prevent breakfast fires.”

Oh, Ted.

He then makes his way to school. On the way he saves a cat, two puppies and three… tricycles? He’s late to school, obviously, and somehow manages to tie his principal up in fire tape. Then he leads a parade down the hall, because, of course, firefighters always lead parades. (Though, around here, they always close out the parade. Duh, Ted.)

Eventually, as you might guess, there’s a real fire (of a small size). Firefighter Ted is obviously on the scene in seconds and saves the day. I’m not sure I want my children to be putting out fires at such a young age, but I do want them to know that you should pull a fire alarm if there is a real fire! And, again, the last line of that scene is hysterical. Hysterical. I may start saying it just because.

I’m glad that we added this funny firefighter book to our library. Firefighter Ted is a cute little bear with a vivid imagination. Just like my little firefighters. You can see sample pages at Andrea Beaty’s website.

Come back tomorrow and Thursday for two more fire book reviews. And then come back on Friday for a chance to win all three books! The giveaway will be live for the entire month of October in honor of this week being Fire Prevention Week.

Fire Book Review: Firefighter Ted is a post from Stop, Drop and Blog. Want more of Stop, Drop and Blog? Like our page on Facebook! If you have questions, contact me or hit me up via twitter.