Our “John Deere” Dog July 13, 2009

Even our Golden, “Duke,” shows his preference in tractors.  He’ll take a BIG GREEN TRACTOR anytime.

To take a spin on Jason Aldean’s BIG GREEN TRACTOR, click here.

Aloha Friday #6 May 22, 2009

It’s Friday again, so that means it’s time for . . .

I just LOVE what Kailani  is doing over at An Island Life with “Aloha Friday.”

In Hawaii, she says, “Aloha Friday is the day when we take it easy and look forward to the weekend.  So I thought that on Fridays I would take it easy on posting, too. Therefore, I’ll ask a simple question for you to answer. Nothing that requires a lengthy response.”

I can’t really say that Friday is any less frantic than any other day of the week here, but I like the idea.  Wouldn’t you love to be on “island time?”

I’m participating in Kailani’s  Aloha Friday and I thought I’d bring a bit of the islands to Everydaywoman.  I’ll be posting a simple question to stir up a little conversation before the weekend.  If you’d like to participate, please respond to the question in a comment, and feel free to post your own question on your blog and leave your link below.  Don’t forget to visit the other participants! It’s a great way to make new bloggy friends!

My “Aloha Friday” question this week is: 

WHAT’S IN YOUR CD PLAYER, MP3 PLAYER, OR IPOD RIGHT NOW?

IN OTHER WORDS, WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE SONG/ARTIST OF THE MOMENT?

BOOBS! February 8, 2009

OK, did I get your attention?

Actually, after reading a hillarious poem about breastfeeding (written in Dr. Seuss form) over at Green Mamma,  I just had to add my two cents.

I have been a long-time proponent of breastfeeding, and having spent an estimated ten years nursing our three children, I might also be considered somewhat of an “expert.”  

We all know that “breast-fed” is “best-fed” if that works out for mother and baby.   To be able to nourish a baby, both physically (adding immunities/antibodies, helping protect from allergies) as well as emotionally, was just paramount to being a mother to be.  I wouldn’t have traded one minute of nursing (“num-nums” as my daughter called it) for anything, ever.

My husband and I were both raised on dairy farms, so what would you expect?  Nursing is the natural thing to do!  It’s just that our holstein cows were blessed with twice the number of “milking appartus” than humans!  Plus, now that we have grown sons who stand at 6’3″ and 6’5″,  my husband frequently  jokes that it’s due to the best start in life–mother’s milk!

If you want a good laugh, here’s the “Nursing Poem”—thanks to Jessica at  Green Mamma for sharing!

Seuss for Nursing Mommies

Would you nurse her at the park?
Would you nurse him in the dark?
Would you nurse him with a boppy?
I would nurse her in the park.
I would nurse him in the dark.
I’d nurse with or without a boppy.
Floppy boobs will never stop me.

Can you nurse with your seat belt on?
Can you nurse from dusk til dawn?
Though she may pinch me, bite me, pull,
I will nurse her til she’s full.

Can you nurse and make some soup?
Can you nurse and feed the group?
It makes her healthy strong and smart,
Mommy’s milk is the best start!

Would you nurse him at the game?
Would you nurse her in the rain?
In front of those who dare complain?
I would nurse him at the game.
I would nurse her in the rain.

As for those who protest lactation,
I have a perfect explanation.
Mommy milk is tailor made
It’s perfect food, you need no aid.

Some may scoff and some may wriggle,
Avert their eyes or even giggle.
To those who can be cruel and rude,
Remind them breast’s the perfect food.

I would never scoff or giggle,
Roll my eyes or even wiggle!
I would never be so crass or crude,
I KNOW that this milk’s the perfect food!

We make the right amount we need,
The perfect temp for every feed.
There’s no compare to milk from breast-
The perfect food, above the rest.

Those nursing smiles are oh so sweet,
Mommy milk is such a treat.
Human milk just can’t be beat.

I will nurse, in any case,
On the street or in your face.
I will not let my baby cry,
I’ll meet her needs, I’ll always try.
It’s not about what’s good for you,
It’s best for babies, through and through.

I will nurse her in my home,
I will nurse her when I roam.
Leave me be lads, leave me be ma’am
I will nurse her, MOM I am.

I guess I would have to answer YES to all of those questions.  Although there’s been a lot of controversy lately regarding nursing in public, the good news is that you CAN do this very discretely.  Also, if you’re nursing an older child more for comfort than nutrition (like at naptime or bedtime, for instance), this doesn’t have to take place in public.

There does seem to be a fascination with women’s breasts, in general, in our society, as we all know.  When I read the line,  “And when your boobs are feeling floppy?” I couldn’t help but be reminded of another hilarious song I heard recently on Toby Keith’s “Beer for my Horses” CD.   The song is actually sung by Rodney Carrington, who is a self-professed fan of boobs, both young and old, of all shapes and sizes, saying “there’s no such thing as a bad boob.”

Carrington sings in “Show Them to Me:”

“Even if you’re  really old,  there’s nothing wrong,

Don’t be sad, your boobs ain’t bad,

They’re just a little long. . .

I’ve met a lot of them, but never one I’ve hated,

Even if you’ve had 13 kids and you think they look deflated,

There’s no such thing as a bad breast . . . “

OK,  I’m not so sure about the “long” part, but I’m figuring it could be a combination of nursing,  gravity, and time (notice I didn’t say age!)  but I’m so glad boobs have a real biological purpose and whatever it takes, it’s worth it!

What’s your take on boobs/breastfeeding?

What a night! January 24, 2009

Last night, we went to see one of my very favorite country music singers perform live—all-time  great TOBY KEITH!!!

He really brings the crowd to its feet when he belts out his famous patriotic songs, including “American Soldier,” and “Red, White, and Blue.”

Check out Toby’s Keith latest music video, “God Love Her,” at http://www.cmt.com/videos/toby-keith/290115/god-love-her.jhtml

Another fun video is “Hottie,” that Toby Keith performed at the CMT Awards Show.  Click here to see that!

Jason Aldean opened for Toby Keith, another talented country star, known for “Amarillo Sky,”  “Johnny Cash,” and  “Hicktown.”

It was an awesome night and spending it with family members who also enjoy country made it even better!

Do you have a favorite performer?  What kind of music inspires you?