Mama Bear Strikes Again

The kiddo attends a homeschool Swim and Gym class at our local YMCA.  While they offer 3 days of classes, the kiddo attends just one day due to our busy schedule.  Since this class began in September, he has been complaining to me about one particular child.  This kid is VERY physically aggressive, likes to make threats, says mean things, name calls etc.  In general, this child exhibits clearly unacceptable behavior.

As the kiddo's parent, I have instructed him on what he needs to do when this child comes at him with this poor behavior.  Very simple and basic stuff y'all.

#1- Tell the kid to stop.  Be nice but firm.

#2- Tell the adult in charge.

#3- Avoid this kid.

See....BASIC stuff.  In addition, I also have had several conversations with the kiddo about why this particular child may be exhibiting this behavior.  We've discussed that the kiddo needs to be understanding, forgiving and graceful.  So when these tools didn't work and this child's poor behavior continued, I reached out to the administration.  I first made a phone call to the woman in charge of the homeschool classes and she assured me she would keep an eye on things and let the instructor of the class know what was going on.  She agreed with me that this type of behavior wasn't OK and that this particular child was indeed a "problem child".  In fact, she knew exactly who I was speaking about and her words were, "he's a PUNK."

Great.

Good.

Yeah, no.....unfortunately, we then entered a cycle of me complaining to the administration (the husband even went in and spoke with them personally), things getting better for a brief time and then the poor behavior continuing again and thus starting back at square one.   

Last week, this child threw big orange cones at the kiddo and his friend, called them some awful names and then threatened to break the kiddo's friend's glasses.  Twice.  When I asked where the adults were, the kiddo simply shrugged his shoulders and said, "I don't know."

Not good.

At all.

So you best believe this Mama Bear once again went to the administration in charge.  I even went so far as to contact her boss and her boss's boss.  Yeah, I'm going up the mother fucking chain y'all because I am done messing around.  I feel that what I am asking is not difficult- my expectation is that my child will be safe and free from harm while he is in a program at the YMCA.  This includes physical and verbal abuse and the sad truth is that this simply isn't happening.

After another thirty minute phone call, where I very clearly expressed my frustrations and was in turn offered a butt ton of excuses- I have to say that I am not encouraged.  For months I have been expressing my concerns and being met with "you're right- this is unacceptable" and for months we have seen no change or improvement.  When the YMCA administrator asked what I wanted her to do I asked two very simple, basic and common sense questions.

#1- Have you separated these boys?

#2- Have you contacted this child's parents?

The answer to both was NO or I Don't Know.  Ridiculous people- simply ridiculous!  To then learn that the instructor of the class who has just finished his teaching certification, dismissed the kiddo's concerns and his repeated complaints does NOT bode well.  This man will soon be in a classroom environment TEACHING our nation's youth?  Yikes.  And to make matters worse, the administrator flat out admitted to me that she didn't take me seriously because "I was the only parent complaining and she thought it was just a case of boys being boys."

Listen.  Bullying behavior is NEVER acceptable and this is NOT a case of boys being boys.  No.  And flat out, it is NEGLIGENT on her part to not take my continued complaints seriously.

So....my message to the YMCA should they ever see this.

#1- When a child is repeatedly going to the adult in charge saying to you that they have a problem, whether YOU personally believe its true or not, you have an obligation to address these concerns.  A fucking OBLIGATION.

It is NOT acceptable to ignore any child because you think they may simply be angry/frustrated/exaggerating etc.  And when these complaints are happening weekly, you are also responsible to investigate this issue further and to TAKE ACTION.

#2- When a parent has spoken to you regarding this issue repeatedly and you have admitted that this kid is a PUNK, it is NOT acceptable to then turn around and call their child a liar because you do not have photographic proof of the supposed "events" in question.  You know this kid is bad, it is not out of the realm that other kids are having difficulties with him.

It is also not acceptable to dismiss these repeated concerns that are coming from A PARENT because you felt this was a case of "boys being boys".  Listen, yes- boys are their own breed.  Rough, handsy, full of the business- I get it.  We ALL get this.  Bullying is NOT a case of boys being boys.  Learn the fucking difference.

#3- The YMCA clearly needs some training in COMMON SENSE.  You make your money off of families and are in the business of CHILDREN.  You should know some very basic and common sense tools when dealing with all children.  Things like separating children who clearly aren't getting along would be a no brainer.

A.  No.  Brainer.

And when my kid comes to you and BEGS to be separated from the problem child- please explain to me why your reply is "your good."

Good for a lawsuit you mean?

#4- After months of complaints from me, the YMCA should have reached out to the parents of this problem child.  Even if YOU don't believe these complaints to be true, you have a responsibility to notify the parents of what is going on regarding their children.

Again- BASIC COMMON SENSE.

If the roles were reversed and another child had an issue with the kiddo, you best believe I would want to know.  In fact, I would be mad as hell that you didn't feel it necessary to inform me.  This is absolutely unacceptable.


So- let's bottom line this shall we.

• We all know this kid is a problem.  The YMCA is calling him a PUNK so clearly we aren't alone in our thoughts.
• My kid has gone through the proper channels.
• The husband and I have gone through the proper channels.
• Our complaints have repeatedly been dismissed for almost 9 months.
• Our child is currently being bullied while at the YMCA.
• The YMCA is not taking his safety seriously.
• The YMCA has failed to discuss this issue with the parents of the problem child.

Now please hear this.  I am not one to use the term "bully" lightly.  But this is exactly what is happening.  Continuous, long term physical aggression as well as verbal threats and taunting ARE bullying.   

While the kiddo could easily engage (and trust me when I say that he very much wants to) in a physical altercation with this problem child, this is NOT the path we want our kid to take.  We are trying to teach verbal communication and resolution here, NOT to solve your issues in life with your fists.  With that being said, there comes a time in life where "talking it out" is out of reach.  Sometimes you have to knock someone on their ass for them to knock their shit off.  And since the YMCA has so clearly dismissed our repeated concerns, the next time this problem kid comes after my child- he will be dealt with accordingly.  

It is sad and very frustrating to me that we are even at this point.  I am extremely disappointed in our local YMCA and their clear lack of action.  100%.  But I REFUSE to allow my child to be treated this way and I fully support my child's right to be safe and respected.

I have a feeling this issue isn't over- but I do hope that our local YMCA understands that this Mama Bear is not going to hide away in a cave somewhere and simply "forget" or go away.  You pissed off the wrong Mama folks.  I'm coming for you now.

Wardrobe Essentials for Every Mom

I am a Mom but I seriously don't want to dress like one.  It is important for me to be slightly on trend and to build up my wardrobe of basic/classic pieces.  However I am also bound by budget (gah that stupid budget!) and by a husband who doesn't want all my lady bits hanging out for the world to ogle.  Not that I want that either but it can be a fine line sometimes ladies.  A fine line....

After a decade spent on unfocused fashion in my late teens and 20's, I feel as if I am FINALLY coming into my own.  I've found what works for my body shape, what I personally like and suits who I am and what I do all day and have learned how to purchase within that dreaded budget.  I won't ever be the woman who has $1,000 to blow at Nordstrom's or Saks- I just won't.  Hell, I don't even shop there!

All of my clothes have to fit my lifestyle- working, homeschooling Wife and Mom.  I work from home but also have a job outside the home which requires "work casual" clothing.  I am a BIG time Soccer Mom and in the winter time you will find me braced against the Pacific Northwest wind and rain schlepping across muddy fields in the morning and then heading to work in the afternoon and then capping off the day with a dinner date with the husband.  In between a week filled of shuttling the kiddo off to homeschool classes.  So clearly my clothes have their work cut out for them!  

I have found that the easiest way for me to accomplish a wardrobe that fits all the facets of my life is to keep it to four colors; white, black, grey and pink.  I talk more about why and how I do this and what my closet looks like in this blog post here.  But for now, just know that by keeping to these colors only, I am able to more easily mix and match my wardrobe and to stay within by budget.  Win win!  And for those of you wondering, here's another great blog post here on shopping within your budget AND lifestyle.

Alright....so with that being said, I feel like there are MUST HAVE pieces of clothing that every Mom needs in her closet.  These are the items I reach for time and time again, will stand the test of time and and they get me through my crazy life.

#1- Jeans.  Well duh right?  This category is SO big and I could seriously drone on and on about the importance of finding some kick ass denim but here's what you need to know.

• You need a pair of normal/everyday jeans in the style that best suits your body.  For me, this is boot cut, medium wash and because I'm ridiculously short, I just buy them in the "short" length.  Yeah, that's a thing.  If you buy nothing else but this one pair, make it something versatile that you can dress up and then go casual.  I recommend a medium wash which is perfect for just this reason.

  

  Torrid Slim Boot Cut Jean $58

• Skinny jeans.  Listen, not everyone can pull off the skinny jean but you'd be surprised that most of us ladies can.  Skinny jeans are awesome because you can pair them with a casual tank or dress them up with a flowy top.  They work in all the areas and in all the seasons! 

  

  Torrid Jegging $58- it's all about fit!

#2- Black dress pants.  Every single woman needs a pair of basic black dress pants.  These need to fit your shape well, be easy wash & dry (no ironing here please!) and have absolutely no shine or stretch to them.  Just simple, plain black pants.

Torrid brand Noir All Nighter black pants $58

These are NOT for everyday wear.  Please hear this!  Black pants are not cool, they just aren't and no amount of printed tanks or glittery sandals will make this so.  Reserve these bad boys for work, a stuffy event, a business thing or even a funeral. That is all.

#3-  Khaki's or alternate dress pants.  These could be grey pants, white pants even but a basic pair of easy wear khaki's will work with literally everything.  Be careful here though not to go into "old lady territory" as this is seriously a slippery slope!  Find a modern cut and then dress it up in unexpected ways.

A word to the wise on this one- khaki pants should only ever be worn in a business or work environment.  Nothing screams "MOM" like a pair of pleated khakis, so just stay away from these.  A modern cut in the right length will suit you just fine for the office.

If you want to maximize your dollars, I suggest buying white pants first.  White pants go everywhere.  If you can get away with it at work- buy these in denim.  By simply switching your blue jeans for white jeans, you've upped your "cool" factor 10,000%.  No joke.  And they look great for work or sports events.

#4- Black cardigan.  All black, simple, plain- you really can't go wrong here.  This cardi will work with your jeans and your dress pants.  You can also use it over dresses and even with shorts!  I suggest you go for one that is longer in length and "boyfriend" style as you'll get the most use out of this.

Make it fancy by pairing with a dress or skirt!

Go casual with a cute tee & jeans!

#5- White converse shoes.  Why so exact here?  Because ladies, these shoes literally work with EVERYTHING.  Remember those white pants?  You can pair the white converse and black cardigan with white pants for a more casual look.  If you want to be "dressy casual" put these versatile shoes with a maxi skirt or dress for something young and fun and uber comfy.  And wearing them with jeans is a no brainer mmkay...

Photo courtesy of AlexaWebb

Once you buy the white converse, do yourself a favor and buy them in another color that will work with your wardrobe.  I consider converse an investment piece because it takes FOREVER for these shoes to wear out- they are well worth the money!  I currently have them in white, pink and grey and yes- black ones are next up on my list to purchase!

Lots of different styles available!

#6- Black maxi skirt or dress.  There is not one single person that this item will NOT work for- because ladies, if I can rock this with my "weird" body shape, anyone can.  Now, this is not a "funeral dress" or something more fancy and suitable for a cocktail hour because goodness I don't do fancy.  Make sure this is easy cotton and machine washable.  And if you can afford it, you should but BOTH a black maxi skirt and a black maxi dress because each has it's own unique look and style.

Adorable!

#7- Denim jacket.  Just like with your jeans, a great denim jacket is staple.  Works with any pant but jeans and goes well with all the dresses and skirts.  If Brittany and Justin taught us anything, it's that NO ONE call pull of the denim tuxedo mmkay.....Now, if you are feeling ambitious I highly recommend you get 3 different types of this staple.

• Longer more relaxed style.  
  
• Cropped..  This works really great for maxi dresses!

  

  Cropped works great with maxi dresses!

• Sleeveless and lighter wash.  I pair this with almost every sleeveless maxi dress I own.  Also works well over tank tops.
  
  

Sleeveless is so cute!

#8- Hooded sweatshirt.  Opt for a plain color and full zip- I suggest going with grey if you don't already have one.  From there you can expand and add in one in a fun bright color, pink is my color of choice so you know I have a few of those in my closet.  And because I live in the rainy Pacific Northwest and we live in sweatshirts here, I also have this one that expresses more of my personality like the one below.

Find on Etsy.com

Pay attention to the FIT on whatever sweatshirt you buy.  Mom's deserve casual and comfy clothes too but this can go all sorts of "schlumpy" in a hot minute so tread carefully here please.  

#9- Black waterproof boots.  Good black boots work with just about anything but be careful to keep the style simple.  If you want to be able to mix and match these with work clothes and then dress them down with leggings and a tunic, you need to go with something fairly plain.  I also suggest you get a pair that are mid-calf length.  Too tall and it becomes difficult to pair them with a variety of other options and too short and they simply won't work for more casual outs- like leggings!

Love Zappos!

#10- White linen top.  I'm sure this one comes as a bit of a surprise, no?  But the reason behind this is simple- white linen goes with anything and looks good on almost everyone plus it works in all weather!  You can easily dress it up for work wear with your black pants and a cute cardigan, pair it with a basic skirt or pull on with a pair of cute jeans and sandals.  So easy!

You can dress it up or dress it down.  Perfection!

I highly recommend you go for a linen blend.  These retain their shape more and are less wrinkly and because I'm a Mom, I seem to have an allergic reaction to the iron.  Less ironing is always my end goal mmkay....

#11- Black button up dress shirt.  For the love of God, DO NOT buy a plain cotton one.  I promise you that if you do this, you will instantly look 20 years old and land your dream job of Assistant Manager of Operations.  Just no.  If you can, go for silk or fake silk- otherwise known as, good old polyester.  Opt for one that buttons all the way down the front and if you can find it- has those buttons on the sleeve so you can roll them up and turn them into a cute 3/4 sleeve option.  It is ALL about the fabric choice on this one!

Sexy & Modern!

This shirt goes amazingly well for so many events.  I find myself wearing it in the summer with my skinny jeans and cute sandals, to work with my khakis and kitten heels and even to family dinners with leggings, boots and a sweater.  Seriously- there's not a place or outfit this doesn't work with!

#12- Cheap black flip flops.  Why cheap?  Because the more expensive ones are just too bulky.  They typically have more design/style and have a thicker sole and they just don't look as cute.  I recommend buying a new pair from Old Navy each summer because at $2 each, you can afford it mmkay.  Also, if you're feeling adventurous, you can also go out and buy a pair of Teva Mush flip flops.  These ones are my go-to walking flip flops but I find them to be a bit "ugly" so I only wear them around the house or Disneyland.  Seriously- that's it.

Old Navy $3.50

#13- Black heels.  Well you need something to go with those work clothes right?  I have a really great pair of 3 inch black stiletto's but I never wear them anymore because my work requires me to walk around a fairly large building.  For this reason, I usually end up wearing my much more comfortable kitten heels- that's a low heel for those not in the know.  So my recommendation is to think about your lifestyle and where you will be wearing these most often and then buy accordingly.  A black ballet flat might be another option here.  Now- because these are shoes and shoes are meant to reflect more of your personality, I say go for something FUN and perhaps just a bit different.  These do NOT need to be plain or basic in any way.  Live it up Mamas!

Simple & Classic- Nine West.

More personality- Steve Madden.

#14- Linen shorts.  I can not even tell you how often I wear my tan linen shorts!  So much so that I even went out and bought another pair in white.  I wear these pretty much all summer and you can dress them up a bit or go super casual.  For shorts, if you've got great legs (which thank the good Lord I do) I suggest going with something shorter.  Bermuda styles scream all sorts of "MOM" so buy your shorts at least knee length or above.  On the other side, if you are not a fan of your legs and don't wear shorts, you might consider buying a pair of linen blend pants.  Linen is amazing and you'll feel so cool and breezy during the hot summer months!

A word to the wise on these ones- watch out for Mom butt.  Linen can get droopy and loose it's shape.  Trust me when I tell you that no woman wants a saggy butt.

So cute!

#15- Puffer Vest.  A what?!?  I know, right?  This one might seem kinda weird but pretty much any area you live in, you will have a need for more "cold weather" gear at some point and can rock this super cute look.  Pick one in your color of choice and find one that slims you rather than makes you look fatter.  For us big girls, this means it will need to be fairly lightweight (see, NOT thick & bulky) and will need to have some side seams going on.

I currently have a black one that I wear almost weekly in the winter months.  Mainly because it makes me look pulled together, keeps me warm and I hate jackets.  So this works for me in all the areas.  I hope to buy a pink one exactly like this one shown in the photo- because I triple dog dare you to look at this outfit and tell me its NOT cute.  Exactly....

Photo courtesy AlexaWebb

#16- Basic tees.  You need 3 very basic t-shirts.  One in white, one in black and the last one in your favorite color.  Fit is important and you may have to take this item to the tailor to get it right.  And for the love of God, when the t-shirt wears out, gets all stained and gross or no longer fits properly- TRASH IT.  Please....just let it go.

Please make sure to also pay attention to the thickness/weight of the cotton.  And yes- it needs to be cotton.  You do not want to buy a t-shirt that is paper thin as once you hit Mom status, you are simply to old to be flashing your bra and other bits.  Well...at least I am.  I would also suggest you don't go for something super thick and heavy.  The big benefit to a t-shirt is it's layering abilities and you take this all away when you buy one that's as thick as a sweatshirt.  So while a t-shirt sounds so SIMPLE and BASIC, it is anything but.  In fact, I'm still on the search for the perfect ones!

Photo courtesy AlexaWebb

Well there you have it.  These are items that I personally wear time and time again.  While I will never be the most trendy and stylish, I really feel like I have my shit together.  Most of the time that is....and these clothes have really helped me accomplish that and feel like my look is put together.

Happy Shopping Moms!

No Facebook For You!

Whelp.  The kiddo officially has a cell phone.  And a whole 2 years ahead of where I thought we would be!  So what's changed?  How is this now allowed in our house?

Well let me tell you all.....we recently began giving the kiddo more freedom.  Gah.  That dreaded word that every Mama runs from....but it's true.  The kiddo is now allowed to stay home while I make a quick run to the grocery store or for the hour in between parental supervision while Mom has left for work but Dad isn't quite home yet.  See....freedom....kind of....

But y'all- I'm not about to leave my CHILD home alone with no way to call for help.  Because that would just be plain irresponsible!  And so, we went out and purchased the Walmart special- a TracFone.  Complete with very limited data and buttons that don't immediately respond when you touch them.

The kiddo is in HEAVEN.

Of course there are rules that come with having a cell phone.  The big one being that this phone STAYS in our kitchen.  It does not travel around the house, it doesn't go with the kiddo to his homeschool classes, he's not allowed to take it up to his bedroom or outside- it stays where it can be constantly monitored.  The other biggie is of course CONTENT.  I'm still figuring this business out and will be downloading an app that lets me track his content but for now, I just take a look at it on the regular to see what he's viewing and doing.  He also is required to ask my permission before downloading anything.

And that is how we came to the wonderful world of social media.  Specifically- the kiddo asked if he could have his own Facebook account.

Yeah no.

Child- you are just barely 11 years old.  You have NO business on Facebook.

In truth, I think he asked mainly because he felt he "should" ask.  So many of his friends and pretty much the entire adult population is on Facebook.  I'm confident he simply wanted to be a part of that and see what it's all about.  However, when I told him no- he wasn't one bit upset and went right on about his business.

But this raises a really excellent question.  At what age should we allow our children to become involved in social media?

In my house, I am going to put this off for as long as humanly possible.  Just as we've put off cell phones and Skyping.  I want my kid to have a childhood and would much rather he hang out in person with friends than "like" their ridiculous Facebook posts.

Sorry child.  No Facebook for you!

I Want My 1950's Back!

Do manners still exist?  Is there such a thing as common courtesy anymore?  And what in the world ever happened to kindness and understanding?  Sadly, I find myself asking these questions almost daily.

Ugh......

I will be the first to admit that I falter when it comes to the kindness and understanding bit.  It seems our current society has made me just a little jaded.  Ok, maybe a LOT jaded.  People are not what they seem and I've got no time to deal with bullshit.  So let's just say that my overall "kindness, patience and understanding" has taken a big nosedive in recent years.  Sad but true.

But can we just talk for a moment on COMMON COURTESY and straight up basic MANNERS?  This one has most definitely gone by the wayside.  Adults, who I might add were raised in a different time than we are living in now, seem to have forgotten all about this concept.  Umm...these people should totally know better!  And children? Good Lord but they have no clue.  None.  

So manners, common courtesy, kindness, patience, understanding- what happened here?  What's missing from our current world?

• Please and Thank You stopped being THE MAGIC WORDS.  Unless you're the parent of a young child, you probably don't use or ask for these magic words anymore.  Seriously- stop and think about this a moment.  When you order your Starbucks, do you personally use the magic words?  When you speak to your waitress, do you make sure to say Please and Thank You?  When you ask something of a friend or need a favor from a family member, do you show them the courtesy of a Please and a Thank You?  Every time?  Well, do you?
• We've emasculated men.  Yeah, I said it.  Men are afraid to hold open doors, they worry about who should pay on a date, they struggle with showing gentlemanly behavior not knowing how women will react.  Not to mention, we joke about them and say some really awful shit about men in general, yet loose our fucking business if the tables are ever turned.  Totally not cool.
• We don't know our neighbors anymore.  Listen, we've moved like 6 times in 10 years and we've had LOTS of neighbors.  Of all the homes and neighborhoods we've lived in, only 2 people have ever brought over a welcome gift and introduced themselves.  TWO.
• We are nose deep in electronics instead of being present.  This one really bugs me.  I don't mind having the phone nearby in case someone texts me or my husband calls.  But when I'm with someone LIVE and IN PERSON, I am with them.  I'm not surfing Facebook or playing Candy Crush the entire time.  So rude.
• We worship false prophets.  Well not to get all Biblical on you here but have you seen the people our society admires?  I mean...have you?!?  Ick.  And that's not even discussing religion or politics because GOODNESS this is just way too depressing to even think about.  These are the people who represent us?!?  Holy fuck.  Just no.
• People call or text after 10PM and before 8AM.  Ummm....HELLO?!?  What in the actual fuck is happening here?  Never, ever would this have ever happened 20 years ago.  It's simply not acceptable and I don't understand why people think it is.  Could you imagine calling Grandma at 10:30 at night?  You better be dead or your house on fire mmkay...
• We speak our thoughts.  Well goodness but I'm guilty of this one with a capital "G" but so is everyone else on this planet.  We think it and so many times we go ahead and say it.  And it's only gotten worse with this magical land known as Social Media.  It's as if we think we can hide behind the screen, say all the shit we want, and there won't be any consequences.  Ummm....you do know that people can see this, right?
  
• Selfishness is out of control.  We have become a society of ME, ME, ME and somewhere along the way we stopped thinking of how our actions would affect others.  So many people looking out for #1 and not enough looking out for their fellow man.  Can you tell?
• Women are looked down on for being JUST a housewife or JUST a Mom.  Ugh.  Fifty years ago this was the HOLY GRAIL for us ladies and yet now it's become a source of ridicule.  Isn't feminism supposed to support women in whatever they want to do?  Oh yeah, that....
• Children are pushed to embrace a gender neutral life.  Listen, I don't give a shit if my son wants to play with dolls or your daughter loves the monster trucks.  Who cares?  But why is our society so insistent on MAKING it this way?  Why can't we just allow our children to be themselves without directing them one way or the other? We are quite literally raising a generation of confused nincompoops who have no clue who they are and what they want to do with themselves.
• We've built bigger houses on smaller lots.  Say what now?  Well exactly this- we embraced our inner greed and have built huge fucking McMansions that are literally touching distance from our neighbors.  How in the ever loving world can we be good neighbors to each other when we can touch our house and their house at the same fucking time?  We can't.  
• Marriage is no longer sacred.  It used to be that growing up you had that one friend who's parents were divorced.  Now, you have that one friend who's parents are actually still married.  What the hell has happened here?  I triple dog dare you to name five people you know who are in their mid 30's or higher and still on marriage #1.  Go ahead....I'll wait.
  
• We forgot THE GOLDEN RULE.  Well if you have to Google exactly what this is- I'm guessing you're one of the many who is guilty of this crime.  The golden rule is simply to treat other's the way you want to be treated.  Period.
• We don't appreciate rituals and traditions of the past.  Children now lack a clear understanding of HOW things are supposed to work.  They don't know that you should send a Get Well card when a family member is ill or that you make a casserole for a grieving widow.  These once common practices are pretty much gone.  
• The concept of family has changed over time.  I am the first to say that family is NOT about blood but about the people who are by your side when you need it the most.  You make your family.  But- what about those pesky people who are related to you by blood?  Why do we not see them anymore?  Why do we not go out of our way to consider them?  Whatever happened to simply showing them love and understanding?  Ugh.  Family is hard y'all.

I'm going to be straight up honest with you all- this current society that we are living in and attempting to raise our children up in, well it just fucking sucks.  The husband and I are not at all happy about the way we see our world going and all the "change" we see happening.  Yes, absolutely there have been some great things to happen- like women getting to vote and no more segregation.  Yes, a million times yes.  But it simply feels that for every actual and REAL step forward our society has taken 10 leaps backwards.

Or perhaps its just that the husband and I are old souls.  I can tell you that we both feel like we are living in the wrong time.  Can we just go back a few years to when people actually gave a shit about others and understood the importance of manners and common courtesy?  Can we please?

What do WE eat- a sequel

I had so much fun putting together this blog post last year that I knew I had to do it again!  I'm a total weirdo and really enjoy looking back on these food pictures.  I can't believe that I made all this yummy and (mostly) healthy food in just this last year!  Wow! And I'm sharing it with all of you in hopes of inspiring you.  Together we can feed our family real, healthy and delicious food.

Real food.

Simple food.

Food for families.

Let's start with breakfast y'all!

Strawberry & Banana Muffins

Carrot & Apple Breakfast Cookies

Apple Donuts!

Yogurt & Berries- on the go!

Blueberry Oatmeal Scones

Churro Donuts- part breakfast, part dessert.

Pumpkin Bread & Apple Fritter Bread

Lunchtime!!!

Chickpea Fritters

Black Bean Wrap & Cabbage Salad

Packed Lunch & Snacks for the Airport

BLTs!

Lentil & Cauliflower Burritos

Calzones, Cucumber Hummus, Chips & Fruit

Tuna Salad & Grapes

Vegetarian Chili & Fruit to go!

Falafal

Leftover Lentil Cornbread Casserole, Fruit & Blueberry Smoothie- to go!

All things Dinner!

Sweet Potato & Black Bean Enchiladas

Lasagna Soup!

Cauliflower Fried Rice

Homemade Veggie Pizza

Fettuccine Alfredo

Spinach & Tortellini Crockpot Soup

Garlic Parmesan Orzo w/Broccoli

Lentil Pot Pie!

Lentil Loaf, Garlic Green Beans & Boiled Red Potatoes

Quinoa & Black Bean Tacos

Garlic Penne & Steamed Artichokes

Lentil & Cauliflower Tacos

Potato Stuffing Casserole & Roasted Garlic Asparagus

Vegetarian Mexican "Pizza"

Chickpea Cakes, Roasted Potatoes & Roasted Cauliflower w/Parsley & Garlic

Kale Pesto Pasta

Beef Stir Fry

Vegetarian Mexican Roll Ups

Black Bean & Corn Enchiladas

Lentil & Rice Fajita Casserole

Lentil Shepard's Pie!

Vegetarian Smothered Burritos & Spanish Rice

Savory Creamy Noodles & Veggies

BBQ Lentils, Sweet Potato Mash & Salad

Veggie & Dumpling Soup

Marinara w/Meatballs

Spaghetti Carbonara

Black Bean Burgers (minus the bun) & Roasted Red Potato Wedges

Lentil Chili

Red Beans & Rice!

Veggie Soba Noodle Soup & Vegetarian Egg Rolls

Smothered Burritos

Black Bean Fritters, Root Veggie Tamales & Homemade Guacamole

Creamy Garlic & Broccoli Penne

Pinto Bean Nachos!

Cabbage Soup w/Homemade Biscuits

Cheeseburger, Fries & Green Beans

Lentil Stew

Black Bean Burgers (minus the bun) & Sweet Potato Fries

Veggie Chow Mein & Fried Rice

Baked Potato & Garlic Green Beans

Beef & Broccoli Rice Bowls

Spinach & Veggie Lasagna

Pinto Bean Taco Bowls & Spanish Rice

Cheese Enchiladas & Homemade Refried Beans

Pasta Bolognese & Raw Veggies

Creamy Tomato & Spinach Pasta

What's a life without snacks and yummy side dishes?

Blueberry Smoothie

Apple & Carrot Smoothie

Amish Cinnamon Bread

Eggnog!

Black Bean Hummus

Soccer Snacks!

Homemade Bread

Strawberry & Pineapple Smoothie

Garlic French Bread

Holiday Appetizers- Meat & Cheese Platter, Black Bean Hummus & Guacamole

Green Smoothie!

Chili Cornbread

Guacamole!

Honey Lemon & Ginger Tea

LEFSE!

Apple Pie Martini- Yes Please!

Let's end with everyone's favorite- Dessert!

Pie Palooza 2015

Chocolate Banana Bread w/Ganache

Pumpkin Snickerdoodles

Krumkake!

Blueberry Peach Cobbler

Carrot Cake

Apple Strudel!

Shamrock Shakes!

Brownies w/Ganache & Mint Cookie Crumble

Lemon Meringue Pie

Apple Pie!

Holy Buckets!  My family eats amazingly well- like, NO JOKE.  We eat all the good things.  And you know what, your family can too.  Because PUH-LEEZE, doesn't this food look so good!?!?  Here's the link to my Master Recipe page where so many of these yummy dishes are posted.  Today's the day to change the way you eat and what you feed your family.  TODAY.

Enjoy!