sickness, be gone.

If only it were that easy. My house is still a merry go round of illness. First, little Junior was sick, only to pass it on to everyone. After we all almost recovered, Adrian took a little turn for the worst, and then we found out it was H1N1. Yay... not.

Then I must have contracted H1N1, though I didn't go to the doctor to confirm it, I was crazy sick.

Finally, FINALLY we were all almost better.

Until yesterday, when the preschool plague was brought home by Junior again.

My poor little bub laid on the couch all day long and told me he couldn't "use his arms! they aren't working!" So sweet, so sick, and so sad.

I'm hoping when he finally rolls out of bed this morning, he'll be feeling better. He was mighty excited to hit the pumpkin patch and the apple orchard-- which obviously might not happen anymore.

All I know is that Lysol loves me and my patronage right now!

house of sickness.

sitting here drinking my necessary morning coffee, i'm surrounded by a cacophony of sickness: sniffles, coughing, noses blowing.

We are that family-- the one who always swears, "we never get sick!" and then next week? Oh yeah, each of us, down with something.

I would be lying if I said that I haven't googled the symptoms for "H1N1" more than once and called the pediatrician many times.

I would once again be lying if I told you that I did not just offer my preschooler ice cream for breakfast, simply because he is not eating and I just want him to put something, anything in his mouth! He even turned down ice cream.

The worst part about being a mom is just that helpless feeling. I can't take away their sickness, and I can't magically make them better. It's the worst feeling ever and I'm just so desperate to have my happy, healthy, hungry boys back.

Brandi Carlile: Review & Giveaway

When I first heard Brandi Carlile rocking out on Grey's Anatomy, I was awe inspired. Something about the music on Grey's always seems to stick with me-- usually the emotion on the show makes such a strong connection to the music for me.



After hearing the Indigo Girls at Lilith Fair, Brandi was inspired to learn how to play guitar and has been putting out some amazing indie rock since then. Her voice is absolutely amazing and her lyrics are very inspiring.

"Paste Magazine calls her the "best voice in indie rock" and her childhood idol Elton John duets with her on her new album, Give Up The Ghost being released by Columbia Records on October 6th."

The music has been inspiring me all day long, as I've cleaned, cuddled my babies, relaxed and ate dinner with my family, and most of all, just existed. It's been the perfect accompaniment to my existence.

And now, you can have that opportunity to. Need some inspiration or accompaniment to your day? One2One Network is sponsoring this amazing opportunity to win a copy of Brandi Carlile's "Give Up the Ghost".

So here's how you enter:

Comment here and tell me what is your daily music inspiration-- a song, an album, anything! Let me know what keeps you going.

For a chance to score some additional entries:

1. Follow me! Let me know that you are following.
2. Tweet this giveaway! Post a link to show that you tweeted and cared (one tweet per day).
3. Tell a friend-- if they enter the giveaway and mention your name, that's an entry not only for you, but for your nearest and dearest.

The contest will end on Friday, October 23. At that time, I'll randomly draw a winner! Make sure you've included your email, so that One2One Network can be sure to contact you for your mailing address.

the little meanie.

No one wants thinks that their kid is a brat.

I mean, really. When you describe your kid, brat is pretty much one of the last words you want to use to describe them.

Totally understand that all kids have their bratty moments and it was bound to happen. But goodness, when I nicknamed little Adrian, I never suspected that Beanie would soon turn into Meanie.

But it has. It's hard to believe.

He's one and he throws the world's biggest temper tantrums. He screams. Wails. Throws his little body to the floor in protest of not being able to bang the Wii control on the TV.

Oh yes, and dare I think about the damage he's already done in their room? Just yesterday, I was picking tiny little specks of chewed up crayons out of the carpet, and no-- it wasn't from the dog and rather, I made the mistake of not getting the crayons back from Big Brother the night before and I was trying to pee in piece, without little hands rationing my toilet paper for me.

But for every little mean thing he does, every time I literally hang my head to think of the mess that's waiting for me, or the fight I'm about to break up between the Big and Little, I can't help but giggle at his sweetness. He's definitely my Jekyll and Hyde, but I can't picture our lives without him.

Five For Fighting - "Slice" review

One2OneNetwork was kind enough to share with me a complimentary download of my ultimate favorite group ever: Five for Fighting's new album "Slice". And from the moment I finished downloading the album, I have not stopped listening.
There is definitely something on the album for everyone, whether you are a new fan or old. My personal favorite is "The Story of Your Life," not only for the beautiful lyrics and melody, but for the story behind the song, which was written for his wife, with whom he just celebrated 12 years.

To hear more of Slice for yourself, catch John Ondrasik on The Today Show on today! Friday, October 16. He also starts touring next week and An Acoustic Evening with Five for Fighting will be coming to the following cities (see his website for ticket information):

18-Oct Toronto, ON El Mocambo
20-Oct New York, NY City Winery
22-Oct Bay Shore, NY (Long Island) YMCA Boulton Center
23-Oct Uncasville, CT The Wolf Den
24-Oct Washington, DC Jammin Java
26-Oct Boston, MA The Paradise
27-Oct Philadelphia, PA World Café Live
29-Oct Nashville, TN The Belcourt
30-Oct Chicago, IL Lakeshore
3-Nov Salt Lake City, UT The State Room
5-Nov Seattle, WA Crocodile
6-Nov Portland, OR Aladdin Theater
10-Nov San Francisco, CA Swedish American Hall
11-Nov Los Angeles, CA Largo at the Coronet

You can also hear audio samples of Slice (and buy now for only $9.99!) on Amazon.

Seriously. You want to own this. It's the kind of music that not only makes you feel all warm and cuddly, but it's a great accompaniment to every day life.

Wordless Wednesday

The best time in my day: after a long day of working, cleaning, bathing, diaper changing, frustrating toddler and preschooler antics: curling up together in bed, cuddling, and reading stories. I live for these moments.

A Review & A Giveaway

I was recently sent some samples of Nature's Valley Granola Nut Clusters from the lovely people over at MyBlogSpark. When I ripped open the book (because naturally, I get a package and dive into it, I'm such a child at heart), I was excited to see four full sized bags of clusters in various flavors, a bag, a wonderful stainless steel water bottle, binoculars, and a flashlight.

I was all "HEY GIRL HEY!" and tried to at least hide the flashlight in my purse before my husband saw that amazing thing and tried to take it out to his man cave.

So the flavors were: Roasted Almond, Honey Nut Clusters, Nut Lovers, and Roasted Cashew.

I immediately checked out the nutrition info and wasn't too set off. For about 7 clusters, you are consuming roughly 140 calories, which isn't bad for a snack. So I set out to try out 7 of the clusters and see what it did for me (and my tum). I chose the roasted almonds, and sat down with my snack.

First of all, so tasty. I love granola, I love almonds, and there was a combination of sweetness and saltyness that I love together. Surprisingly, 7 of the clusters actually did fill me. The same holds true with the other flavors.

So now, here's your chance. Want to check out these clusters for yourself, as well as land a nifty price pack like I did?

Here's how to enter:

1. Leave me a comment (make sure you include your email address!) telling me what's your favorite snack, low calorie or not!

For additional entries, check out the following:
1. Follow me. If you are already following me, you rock. If not, do it now! Leave a comment letting me know that you follow me.
2. Follow me on twitter! @mamatisca
Leave me a comment letting me know that you are following me.
3. Tweet about the giveaway! You can tweet once per day for an additional entry. Leave me a link to your tweet!
4. Blog about this giveaway.

This contest will close on Friday, October 9th. After that, I will chose a winner via random.org and will email you with details for receiving your price pack!

Contest CLOSED.


Random.org chooses lucky comment number 7. Congratulations, Carolyn G. Be expecting an email to claim your prize pack!