Murphy's Laws for Moms

A lot of people think that asking for things is difficult and; therefore, not worth the effort.  But, the truth of the matter is that asking for things is one of the easiest things you can do.  If you don't think that's right, then just take a look at the children around you.  My two-year-old daughter asks for everything.  When she wakes up she asks for breakfast.  She starts off asking for cookies.  When I say no, she asks for candy (also a "no").  She asks for cake and cupcakes.  After going through an extensive list of "no" items, we make it to the "yes" items.  At nap time, she asks to read 40 books.  We negotiate and she gets to read two.  She asks for 20 more minutes of bath time and we negotiate down to five.  There's a pattern here.  It involves a sense of fearlessness in asking for things in the mind of my daughter.  She knows what she wants.  She's willing to compromise.  And, she understands (or at least can repeat verbatim) that

Let's face it; air travel just isn't what it used to be.  So, when faced with sitting in a crowded middle seat and paying a la carte for checked bags, food (primarily snacks), extra legroom, and many other options, first class isn't always something we think we can afford.  However, it's not always out of our reach. You don't need to have an elite frequent flyer status, thousands of frequent flyer miles, or an unlimited budget.  You just have to ask! Recently on my first flight sans kids from Portland, Oregon to Honolulu on Alaska Air, when checking in, I asked the agent if there were any upgrades available.  Now, I don't have an elite frequent flyer status and didn't even have any miles with this airline.  However, the agent informed me that for $150, I could upgrade.  When considering the fact that I had one checked, overweight bag that was going to cost me $70 ($20 for a regular traveler checked bag and $50 for being overweight), I thought it was worth th

I am a huge fan of the BBC's Top Gear, a program strictly about cars.  Through the many seasons of the show, one car in particular has stood out and become my dream car: the Aston Martin DB9. The DB9 is exceptionally made, handles well on roads, looks spectacular, and is simply amazing.  Of course, I only know this from watching TV.  However, things are about to change.  I emailed Aston Martin to request a test drive of the DB9.  Unfortunately, the nearest dealership (in Bellevue, WA - almost 3 hours away from me) didn't have any DB9's in stock for a test drive.  Working with the sales department, I have arranged to test drive the Vantage Roadster. While not exactly the DB9 and often referred to as a baby Aston, the Vantage still looks exceptional.  We'll see if I like it as much as I hope I do.  Updates to come after next week's test drive.  Yes, they agreed to it!

We've all heard the Biblical expression, "ask and you shall receive."  But, how many times do we actually believe it?  Most of the time, we think our asks are either too trivial, or they're too ridiculous.  Perhaps we don't have enough confidence in who we are and; therefore, think we're unworthy of certain perks and benefits.  I think all of these thoughts are bologna.  If we ask, we may be surprised with what we can receive.  I intend to test this hypothesis through this blog. I am going to ask for things that I want and then tell you, my hopefully soon to be plenty readers, the results - whether good or bad.  I fully anticipate getting a lot of "no" responses, but I'm not going to let them stop me.  I'll keep on asking - not making any of it personal.  After all, it's generally not personal when someone says "no."  It's a matter of fact that something cannot be done. So, here are the ground rules for my asks... 1.  I will

It's been a long time since I've posted anything on this blog, so hopefully I have a few followers still reading.  To update you on what's happened in my life, a few months back, my family welcomed a darling baby boy into our lives!  And, it's this addition that has brought me back to the blog with new material to write. Before I go into the details of my six months of a combo of complete and modified bed rest or that my husband and doctor both nearly missed the birth of my darling baby boy, I want to start my blog with what's happened since the birth of my son. My "Buddy" - as my darling Sweet Pea likes to call him (she's now over 2 years old!) - has had a few complications since entering our family.  Because of these complications, my desire to fully nurse my son has had some setbacks.  At one month, my son had poor weight gain and, after several more weight checks, we found he was actually losing weight.  Our doctor was thorough in checking for prob

Dear Sweet Pea, Today is an important day.  You are two!  You are changing from an infant to a toddler right before my eyes, and it is an amazing process.  You are learning so many things, and you make me so happy to teach you. I am not a perfect mother.  I have already made mistakes.  I already have things I wish I'd done differently.  I have been tired when you want to play.  I have yelled when I should be patient.  I have not always understood you when you were trying so hard to tell me something.  I have been busy when you wanted time with me.  But, I want you to know that you are the joy in my life and one of the reasons why I want to improve myself. You are not a perfect child.  You do things that I tell you not to do.  You throw temper tantrums.  You make messes.  You say "no" when you should say "yes."  You want dessert when you haven't eaten your dinner.  But, you were and still are the perfect gift from God.  You and I will both continue to not be