Bringing back one of my fave blog posts to share with my new friends Let me know what you think!

I look around and there are so many moms that seem to have it all together. Their houses are clean, their kids are clean, they never lose their tempers or forget to put on make-up. They make up delicious recipes to serve their families every night of the week. And, of course, they eat at the kitchen table. Wow! They are so very balanced….or is it an act?

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying they are lying. But, do they really have it all together? Or are they just skilled at painting a pretty picture?

I wonder if I look like this from the outside? LOL, probably not! But, I’m sure that the way I seem as a mom and the reality are definitely at odds.

For example, today Aiden and I slept in. On a Tuesday–for no real reason other than we could. I won’t say what time it was when we got out of bed- but lets just say that we didn’t make breakfast, and our first meal probably didn’t even qualify as “brunch”. I’ve run around all morning trying to make it look like I’ve actually been up since 7:30. I’ve cleaned my house, dressed my little toot and even got dressed myself (minus the make-up). If you walked in now to see a clean house with me “working” away on my laptop and my little man riding his motorcycle around the house…you would think we were balanced. And I would let you think that.

Of course I want you to think I’m a great wife and mother, a dedicated housekeeper and that I am making a mental list of ingredients for a new recipe (one that I came up with on my own, of course!) in my head right now. But, that’s not the reality.

The reality is this:

• I stay up too late, and therefore sleep too late.
• I speed-clean more than I deep clean.
• Sometimes we eat Sloppy Joe’s for dinner.
• Sometimes we don’t get dressed until after noon.
• My son watches too much Nick Jr. most days.
• Sometimes I have really bad days and even lose my patience with my precious little man.

I’m not perfect.

The reality is this. I am balanced. It’s not an act. I am a perfect mix of perfection and flaw. To my husband, I am the wife he needs to balance him. He doesn’t mind Hamburger Helper now and then, because we are balanced where it is important. We stand together, face a disease with no answers, protect our son as best we can and love and respect each other no matter what. Our son is happy, silly, smart and beautiful. To him, I am Mommy. Is there any greater honor than that?

I don’t need to win admiration from my fellow moms and I don’t care if you are appalled at my lack of schedule and gourmet menu selection.

This is my life. Beautiful, chaotic, blessed, cursed, balanced or not… this is no act. This is my life.

I haven’t posted here in a while. Many of you know that we have had a lot on our mind the past week or so. Aiden has been tentatively diagnosed with a rare bone disorder — to go with the rare kidney disorder. Oh joy! Seriously, can my baby catch a break? If the diagnosis is confirmed, chances are he will need surgery on both legs before he can have his kidney transplant.

To be honest, I wanted to throw my hands in the air and scream at anyone who would listen, God included. But the very same day that we got this “tentative” diagnosis Aiden , once again, taught ME something.

After the long car ride to and from Dallas, he was exhausted and had spent most of the ride there and back crying because his legs hurt after long periods of time in his car seat ( the pain is apparently a side-effect of the bone disorder). He was talking on the phone to my grandmother after we finally made it back home and one of the first things he asked her was, “Is PawPaw doing okay?” Nevermind his pain, nevermind 2 rare diagnoses and surgeries and trials to come…he was concerned about the well-being of those he loves. My heart swelled. Surely God has given me a rare gem of a child. I am blessed.

Later that night, after hooking up to his dialysis machine we said our prayers. “Now I lay me down to sleep…” After the “Amen” at the end, Aiden added “Praise you Jesus.” Again, my heart was full. Full of love for this little blessing that teaches me so much. Instead of dwelling on the difficulties, he opts to Praise You, Jesus. And so….I will too.

I honestly think that my son teaches me more than any adult ever has. I pray that I am teaching him invaluable lessons along the way too.

Pray for Aiden.

Most days I’m happy, optimistic, full of hope and Faith.

Most days I’m confident that my little man will be just fine. No matter the diagnosis or the trials that are ahead for him.

Most days I am thankful that the ones I love don’t have to know what it’s like to live with fear and doubt whispering in their ear.

Most days…

But, today, I am haunted by what-ifs.

Today, my confidence waivers, if only for a moment or two.

Today, I let fear get the best of me and I am scared.

I guess it’s always there, but today it is louder than my optimism. Bigger than me. Bigger than what I think I can handle.

Today, I must dwell on what I know is true.

It may be bigger than me, but it’s never bigger than God. He holds my precious little man in the palm of his hand. He has the cure. He is my hope, my faith. He whispers to my heart. “Don’t be afraid.”

Today He reminds me, that it’s not my job to fix it. He reminds me that He is in control, not just most days. But every day.

Yogurt is a staple in our home. At any given time you can open our refrigerator and find 3-4 different varieties on hand. What’s not to love? It’s healthy, it’s quick and it’s YUM! We were very excited to have the opportunity to try out Yoplait’s new Greek Yogurt and tell our Tales of the Toot friends all about it!

If you like your yogurt smooth and creamy, this is a great pick for you. I loved the thicker, creamier texture of the Greek Yogurt and the flavors are all delicious. We tried the Strawberry, Blueberry and Vanilla Honey flavors and they were all a hit with me, my mother-in-law and of course the Tootster, himself! With a whopping 12 grams of protein, Yoplait’s Greek Yogurt truly nourishes you from the inside out!

Yoplait Greek Yogurt is a great way to satisfy the inner Goddess in all us ladies,  but the benefits don’t stop there! Yoplait and My Blog Spark want to help one lucky Tales of the Toot Winner Nourish their inner and OUTER Goddess with an awesome gift pack that includes: slippers, terry cloth robe, massage tool, towel and loofah and 2 coupons to try Yoplait’s New Greek Yogurt for free **I have to say that I absolutely love this robe and I know you will too!**

This giveaway will be open Friday, May 7, 2010 – Friday, May 14, 2010 at 8pm CST. One winner will be picked at random using random.org and will be notified on May 14th after the giveaway closes. The winner will then have 48 hours to respond to their notification before a new random winner is chosen.

OUR WINNER WAS #16, MIRANDA! CONGRATS AND THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO ENTERED!!

Here’s how to WIN:

Mandatory Entry: Please leave me a comment below telling me which flavor of Yoplait Greek Yogurt you will try if you win.

Additional Entries

For each additional entry, you must leave me a separate comment to receive credit. For example if you follow me on Twitter and Like Tales of the Toot on Facebook you must leave 1 comment stating, “I follow @aidenscross on Twitter.” and a separate comment stating, “I am a Fan of Tales of the Toot on Facebook.”  If you do first complete the mandatory entry, all other entries are disqualified. Thanks!

• Subscribe to Tales of the Toot by email. (3 extra entries)
• Follow Tales of the Toot on Google Friend Connect -right sidebar (1 extra entry)
• Follow me on Twitter (@aidenscross) (2 extra entries)
• “Like” Tales of the Toot on Facebook (3 extra entries)
• Tweet about this giveaway–must leave a comment linking me to the tweet. 2 Tweets per day limit. (1 extra entry per Tweet)

Thanks so much and good luck!

Yoplait Greek Yogurt product, prize pack, information, and giveaway have all been provided by Pillsbury through MyBlogSpark in exchange for an honest review. No other compensation was received and the opinions expressed in this blog post are my own.

I love Spring. Sunny skies, warm temps, flowers in bloom….rebirth…change.

Change is definitely in the air here in Texas and at our home too.

After 2 years, yours truly is putting her nursing cap back on. Yep, I’m going back to work. Excited. Nervous. Happy. A little bit sad.

I’ve spent the past couple of years at home taking care of my little Toot and watching him grow and bloom into a handsome, smart and charming little man. My awesome husband has taken such wonderful care of us. I am blessed.

But, sometimes I miss being a grown-up, contributing and putting to use those skills I went to school for so long to master!

An awesome opportunity presented itself (via my very awesome friend, Beverly) and it just worked itself out. A job where I can spread my wings a little and work when I can. They know Toot’s story and they understand. My schedule is not a schedule at all. I work when I can–no pressure, no expectations. What more could I ask for?

So, say a little prayer for me as I step back into the work force and trade a few days of playgrounds and YoGabbaGabba for patients and care plans. Say a little prayer for David, too, as he settles in for a few days of playgrounds and YoGabbaGabba.

We are excited, nervous and above all–Blessed.

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED

If you’re like me lip gloss is one of your must-have beauty products. I may not wear a fully made-up face each day, but I always wear lip gloss! I also always have too many things to keep up with: sippy cups, diapers, lists, cell phone, wallet and/or purse….and where in the world did my lip gloss go?

Enter YOYO Lip Gloss Minis. I am in love. These mini lip glosses are not only fun and flirty, but they come attached to a mini clip with retractable string. Clip it to the inside of your purse, onto your belt, to your tot’s diaper bag…you name it. Never lose your gloss in the bottom of your purse again! Now, why didn’t I think of this?

One of the best things about this gloss is the texture. I cannot stand a sticky, gooey lip gloss. YOYO’s Lip Gloss Minis pass that test with flying colors. They go on smooth, give plenty of shine, a hint of color and taste great. There are four flavors to choose from: Kissable Kiwi, Girly Green Apple, Cha-Cha Chocolate and Big Bounce Bubblegum.  Priced right at only $2.99 per retractable mini gloss, you can afford to try all 4 flavors!

I could keep telling you what I love about the YOYO Lip Gloss Minis or, even better, let you try them yourself! YOYO is inviting one lucky Tales of the Toot reader to win their very own set of (4) YOYO Lip Gloss Minis and the super-cute YOYO tank top!  Here’s how to win:

MANDATORY entry:

YOYO is not just limited to lip gloss! Check out their other goodies too! Visit YOYO’s website here and then leave me a comment below telling me what other YOYO product you’d like to get your hands on.

Additional Entries– 1 entry each

• Follow me on Twitter and leave me a comment letting me know you’re following. (@aidenscross)
• Vote for me in the Little Remedies Mom Blogger Contest (click on the button on top right sidebar) -Don’t forget to leave me a comment!! :0)
  
• Subscribe to Tales of the Toot by email (sidebar)–comment, comment, comment.
  
• Follow me on Google Friend Connect (see right sidebar) –Leave a comment letting me know.
• Follow Tales of the Toot on Facebook Networked Blogs (sidebar) — Leave a comment letting me know.
• Tweet about this giveaway (LIMIT 1x per day) — Leave a comment letting me know you’ve tweeted about the giveaway.
• Vote for Tales of the Toot @ Top Mommy Blogs by clicking on the button on the right side bar. — Leave me a comment.
• Become a fan of Tales of the Toot on Facebook-Leave a comment letting me know.
• Follow YOYO Lip Gloss on Twitter-don’t forget to leave a comment! (@yoyolipgloss)
  

You will see that each entry requires that you LEAVE a comment to earn credit. I do check the winner’s entry to make sure they are following where they say they are, so be honest . The winner will be selected by random number selection via random.org- I will be using the numbered comments to choose a winner. Don’t forget to comment!!!

Contest is NOW CLOSED. Winners will be notified by email/Twitter and given 48 hours to respond before a new winner is chosen.

Best of Luck! You’re gonna love these!!

AND THE WINNER IS: NAOMI WITH COMMENT #63 AS PICKED BY RANDOM.ORG

Congratulations Naomi!!!

YOYO Lipgloss provided me with YOYO Lip Gloss Retractable Minis in exchange for an honest review. No other compensation was received.

This will be my very first recipe post on Tales of the Toot! I’m really excited to share, but first a few disclaimers:

• I am Southern and I love butter and deep-fried-goodness of all varieties.

• The recipes posted here will always be easy, because although I do love some good food–I don’t love being in the kitchen ALL day.

• The recipes found here will probably not be figure-friendly. You’ve been warned :0) .

About Egg in the Hole: I recently saw this recipe in several places (Hallee the Homemaker and The Pioneer Woman) and had to try it out. I’m so glad I did. It has quickly become a family favorite. Let me know what you think about this recipe. Would you like to see more delicious and easy recipes here at Tales of the Toot?

Now for the good stuff!

Egg in the Hole

Ingredients

Butter
Bread
Eggs
Seasoning
Biscuit Cutter (or anything small and circle-shaped)

1. On medium heat, melt desired amount of butter into skillet. My desired amount is a couple of tablespoons : )
2. While butter is melting, take biscuit cutter or small circular object and cut a hole in the center of your slice of bread.
3. Place bread into buttered skillet and cook on medium heat for about one minute.
4. Crack your egg into the hole you made in your bread, season as desired and allow to cook on medium heat for an additional 1-2 minutes or until bread is toast-like.
5. Carefully flip your egg/bread and cook other side until egg reaches your desired level of done. I prefer over medium but you can reduce cooking time for over-easy or cook a little longer if you don’t want runny yolks.
6. Enjoy!

This is a wonderful variation on your everyday eggs and toast, it’s fast, it’s easy and fun for the little ones too!

We had the best time traveling to my cousin’s wedding this weekend.

Toot was a ring bearer in her wedding and he was such the little entertainer. Not only did he look adorable in his tux, but he brought his guitar and played it for anyone who would pay attention at the reception. He also danced with anyone who would dance with him, or by himself if no one was willing. At one point he hit the dance floor and had all the ladies surrounding him in a circle as he danced. He was in heaven. I have no idea where he gets it.  But, because he actually has rhythm, I am taking credit for his dancing skills.

His only mishap?

Sticking his finger in the bottom tier of the wedding cake before the wedding even started! Yep! Take your eyes off him for a second and there’s a big ol’ fingerprint in the middle of the cake. He really wanted some of that “birthday” cake!

He’s lucky he’s so cute….

But now we’re back in town and back to life, enjoying the beautiful Texas weather as Spring finally shows it’s face. Be on the look out for the next couple of weeks as I have several more fun product reviews and GIVEAWAYS coming up!

Speaking of giveaways…if you haven’t entered the Bisquick Pancake Nation Giveaway, you should! It features some great cookware and it ends tonight at 10pm CST. Enter now!!!

We’ve had a busy but exciting week and have even more “busyness” coming in the following week!

The Make a Wish Foundation came out Friday to get Toot’s wish. His first pick?

“I want to go see Handy Manny and ride his motorcyle!”

We thought about this and discussed it with our wish granter. We agree that the Tootster is probably a little young for a week at Disney. I love Disney but would rather take him when he’s a little older so that he will appreciate the full experience and remember it!

So…. we went to other choices. Toot’s favorite place right now? The playground! Since Texas is finally seeing the signs of Spring, we have taken full advantage of the nice weather and visited several area parks. Not a day goes by that the Tootster doesn’t ask to go to the playground.

We think it would be awesome to have an outdoor area for the little man to enjoy–especially during those times when we are “quarantined” at home due to “sick season.”

Hopefully we can incorporate Handy Manny into the picture some how!

Coming up this weekend, the little man will be sporting his first tux as the ring bearer in our cousin’s wedding. Here he is (left) being fitted and he just had to try on the fedora or “Dora” hat, as he called it.

He is going to be so stinkin’ cute!

I say all of that to say this….if my posts are a bit “fluffy” for the next couple of days….this is why! We are busy, but I will be back into cranking out some quality posts after the weekend. Until then, enjoy the cute pics! haha!

Who doesn’t love a good pancake? Chocolate chip, blueberry, pumpkin….oh, my. For breakfast, for dinner – it matters not to me! My family loves pancakes. And if pancakes alone weren’t enough to inspire, Bisquick Pancake Nation has launched a national campaign to encourage folks to reach out to those in need by holding pancake breakfasts. From now through May 31st, you can apply for a $250.00 grant to help you in organizing your very own pancake fundraiser breakfast in your community. This is an excellent way to help your favorite qualified non-profit organization while inspiring your community and delighting your taste buds. Join Bisquick Pancake Nation today and get all the tools you need to help you organize your fundraiser. You can make a difference!

About that giveaway….

Here is your chance to win an awesome Bisquick Pancake Nation prize pack! This prize pack includes everything you need to make your very own fluffy goodness at home. Included in the prize pack:

• Lodge Logic Cast Iron Griddle
• Cuisipro Deluxe Mixing Bowl
• Cuisipro Pancake Turner
• Box of Bisquick

This GIVEAWAY is now closed! Congrats to our winner, Shanna (comment #20) who was picked randomly by random.org. Thanks so much to all who entered and helped make this GIVEAWAY a success! I truly appreciate you all!

These are all awesome products. We use them for all of our pancake-makin’ and much more! You must enter to win!!! Here’s how:

Mandatory Entry

** Subscribe to my blog BY EMAIL and leave me a comment on this post letting me know you’re a subscriber and tell me what your favorite breakfast is. ** Remember this is mandatory, NO OTHER entries count if you don’t do this one first! (If you already subscribe BY EMAIL just let me know that in your comment.)**

Additional Entries– 1 entry each

• Follow me on Twitter and leave me a comment letting me know you’re following.
• Follow me on Google Friend Connect (see right sidebar) –Leave a comment letting me know.
• Follow Tales of the Toot on Facebook Networked Blogs — Leave a comment letting me know.
• Tweet about this giveaway (LIMIT 1x per day) — Leave a comment letting me know you’ve tweeted about the giveaway.
• Vote for Tales of the Toot @ Top Mommy Blogs by clicking on the button on the right side bar. — Leave me a comment.

You will see that each entry requires that you LEAVE a comment to earn credit. The winner will be selected by random number selection via random.org, so I will be using numbered comments to choose a winner. Don’t forget to comment .

This giveaway is open until Tuesday, March 30th at 10:00 p.m. CST. Winner will be notified by email/Twitter and will be given 48 hours to respond before another winner is chosen.

Thanks so much for entering and GOOD LUCK!!!

** No monetary compensation was provided to me in exchange for this blog post. Product samples and opportunity were provided to me by Bisquick and BlogSpark**