Tragedy

Some of you would probably expect me to write about the Superbowl this morning, or at least about the commercials and halftime show. Sorry to disappoint but I have no interest in the "Big Game," and wasn't even aware of the winning team until this morning, to which I have no idea if a Giants victory is a good thing or a bad thing? So, I am going to write about something more serious that really grabbed my attention this morning.

Today's Topic: Tragedy

Yesterday, in Washington, a father and his 2 sons died due to a horrible house fire which is said to have been caused by the father himself. To make matters worse, the father was Josh Powell, the husband of Susan Cox-Powell, who went missing in 2009 the night he claims to have taken his sons on a camping trip in freezing temperatures. Josh has been a "person of interest" since his wife went missing but there never has been enough evidence to charge him.

Since September 2011, Powell had been engaged in an ongoing custody battle with his wife's parents. Judith and Charles Cox were rightfully trying to gain custody of their grandchildren after Josh Powell's father, Steven Powell, was arrested in 2011 and charged with 14 counts of voyeurism and one count of possessing images of children engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Josh Powell and his 2 sons were living with Steven at the time.

In an effort to seek custody of the children, Powell said that he had proven himself as a "fit and loving father who provides a stable home even in the face of great adversity." Just days after this statement a social worker brought the 2 boys to Josh Powell's home for a supervised visit. The 2 young boys entered the home but Josh prevented the social worker from getting inside. Just minutes later, the house exploded in a ball of fire, killing Josh and his two sons.

Pierce County Sheriff's Department spokesman Ed Troyer told CNN that the explosion "was done intentionally," saying Josh Powell committed a "double homicide" in addition to killing himself. "This was all on him," Troyer said of Powell and the blast. "He set this up, he did it."

Unbelievable...

If you would like to read the full story you can click HERE for details.

I have no specific questions for today's topic. Just wanting feedback from the readers. I am a faithful watcher of the Today Show every morning and have kept up with the case of the missing Susan Cox-Powell for some time, so seeing this horrific story this morning really hit a cord with me. Those poor little boys... They had been through more tragedy in their 5 and 7 year old lives than most of us can even dream of and I can't believe their sad story had to end in such a horrible way. It is truely awful and as a Mother I have no problem saying that Josh Powell deserves every ounce of his afterlife in hell.

Thanks For Reading,
Lindsey

Baby Names

One of my favorite things besides talking about babies is learning what a new Mom and Dad are naming their baby. Maybe it's because my husband and I have had such an impossible time agreeing on something in the past, but I just always find it interesting to see what they pick, and even more interesting, why they picked it.

Today's Topic: Baby Names

I am the first to admit that naming your child, or even naming your dog, is one of the most stressful/fun privileges around. How cool is it that you get to pick the name your son or daughter will use for their entire life? And how stressful is it knowing your son and daughter will use this name for their entire life? You go through the questions: "Do we both like it? Is it something he/she can grow up with? Is it too trendy? Does it go with our other children's names? Does it fit our last name? Will he/she hate us later?" etc...

It is easy to have that name you just always loved growing up and were determined you would use, but then you realize you have another parent that is part of the equation and all it takes is one word to crush your dreams and send you nose deep into the baby name book.

In my experience, the first baby isn't as hard, but any child after that becomes more a challenge. Now you are trying to choose something that not only you both like, but that sounds good with the sibling's names, sounds good with your last name, and the ever popular question, will you continue with names that start with the same letter?

Stressful...

I read an article of some of the worst names of 2011. The list is as follows: Facebook, Like, Moroccan, Press, Armani, Cullen, Bear Blu, Lucifer, Trendy, and Dovahkiin. You can read the article HERE to find out the reason behind these choices.

So what about you? What names did you choose? And why? If you are pregnant now, do you already have a name picked out or are you waiting to see the baby first? Did you find choosing names to be stressful or were you a lucky one that had no trouble?

Lindsey's Response:

I have 2 girl's and I will say that the second name was much harder than the first, although the first wasn't a walk in the park either.


I have had a name that I loved since I was in my teens, to which my husband (who has dated me since we were teens) quickly told me no way, wasn't happening. So we did the usual and looked in baby books or online and we just weren't able to agree on anything. We initially thought we were having a boy so of course, we had that name decided on, which we still have not been able to use.


I liked boy  names for girls, he did not. He liked names that reminded him of his favorite things (movies, favorite bands, etc), I did not. We finally got a message from a friend who had dreamed that we named our daughter Atalie. It kind of rung a bell with me and when my husband came down the stairs and I told him, to which he responded, "We could call her Addy", and that was that. We KNEW that was her name, and it wasn't long before we decided Addalyn would be the perfect formal name. Her middle name was a quick response:


Me: "She needs a short middle name with one syllable"
Husband: "Paige"
Me: "Really?"
Husband: "Yeah I like it."


And there we had it, Addalyn Paige.


Baby #2's name wasn't decided until the morning of my C-Section as we were sitting in the prep room with nothing else to talk about besides WHAT ARE WE NAMING THIS CHILD!! If I thought we couldn't agree with Addalyn, I was wrong. We had a bunch of maybes and because he knew he was being extremely hard to deal with, he more or less told me I had the final say so. So, Olivia (a name I always liked) Ryan (my brother's name) was decided at 6:00AM and she was born at 7:43AM. Nothing like procrastination.


Our boy name is also an "A" name and so we were struggling with the idea to do all "A's" in case we do have a boy someday. But, after discovering how hard naming another girl was for us, I knew limiting myself to A's only in the future would not be a smart idea.


And I can't imagine my girl's having any other name than Addalyn Paige and Olivia Ryan. Perfect!

So what are your answers? Leave your comments here or on the Letters To Lindsey FB Page!

Thanks For Reading,
Lindsey

Getting Organized

In my opinion, organization is the key to everything. If you spent a little time every day keeping things organized, then your life tends to stay that way. Sure, road blocks get in the way that are out of your control, but getting back on track is never all that hard to do.

Today's Topic: Getting Organized

I read an article about little habits that you can do on a regular basis that will help in keeping your home as organized as possible. The suggestions seem easy enough, but I am sure most of us have one or two we could work on.

Below are the tips suggested to keep your house organized OR you can click HERE to read the article in it's entirety.

Closets: Each day, hang up everything and put away clean laundry. Put your shoes back in their places, straighten stacks, and have a regular habit of bringing empty hangers back to the laundry room. Remove clothing along the way as you decide to donate it, and put it in your "Donation Station," using a paper shopping bag or box to gather those items for Goodwill. Twice a year when you organize and change out seasonal clothing, these habits will keep everything more visible and manageable when you are ready to do a bigger project.

Garages: Break down cardboard boxes, manage your recycling and trash, sweep excess leaves and dirt to keep them from tracking into the house, and keep a path cleared between the car and the door. Return sports equipment, chairs, and bikes to their racks and shelves. And each time you fill up with gas, empty the trash from your car right there at the gas pump!

Pantries: Each time you return from the grocery store and put food away, stop and straighten up what's there. Move cans and boxes for greater visibility, throw away containers with only a few crumbs left, and check for moldy bread and stale chips. Reclose cereal cartons and cracker boxes that your family has left open, and remove excess packaging from large warehouse purchases like soft drinks, paper towels, and snack foods.

Entry and Exit Doors: Take shoes back to bedroom closets, put errand items in your car, and clear out mail and papers. Hang up coats, put dirty socks in the laundry room, and get the kids to handle their odds-and-ends of toys and school items once a week.

So how well do you score on the Organizational Meter? If there is one thing you could work on from the list above, what would it be? And if there is one thing you already do every day, what it is?

Lindsey's Response:

Organizing is much different than cleaning. Cleaning involves spray bottles, dusting rags, brooms and a lot of scrubbing whereas organizing simply involves picking things up and finding everything a "place" in your home. A word I like to use a lot is "Tidy." I feel as though my house is most always tidy, but not always clean. As mentioned in a previous post, I try to do the cleaning once a week but tidying at my house happens every day.

I feel like I lack in the closet department. Clothes and shoes always make it into my closet, but I can't say it is as organized as well as it should be. In fact, if anyone saw my closet I'd be embarrassed which has now motivated me to spend a couple hours of my weekend getting it back in organizational shape (You see, this blog is good for something).

The girl's closet stays pretty organized because if it didn't it would mean spending more time trying to get them dressed for the day - a task that needs to go as quickly and as smoothly as possible. And my pantry stays fairly organized, although I have no doubt there are cartons that are almost empty and probably a bag or two of stale chips that don't need to be taking up valuable space.

As far as the garage goes, well that's my husband's job. We're not the cleanest garage on the street but not the worst either. We can park in it, which is more than other people in my neighborhood can say.

So how organized are you? Leave your comments here on the blog or on the Letters To Lindsey FB page. Any ideas or questions you want to discuss can be sent to LettersToLindseyBlog@gmail.com!

Thanks For Reading,
Lindsey

Valentines Day

Hello Everyone! Daily Posts are back in action and I want to apologize for the delay. We had a big week last week with my Sister getting married so I was slightly preoccupied. We will start this week with another easy Topic.

Today's Topic: Valentines Day

Valentines Day is approaching. This Holiday can mean a number of things. You may celebrate with your significant other, your kids, or you may hate the day all together. I think it is one of the Holidays that tends to get overlooked, or at least at my house, so I want to know how you celebrate!

Do you and your significant other make an effort to spend time together every year? Do you exchange gifts? If so, what kind of gifts? Or for you Mothers out there, is it more of a Holiday you enjoy with your kids? And if you're single, is Valentines Day a day that you dislike or could you care less?

Lindsey's Response:

My husband and I have been together for 10 years, married for 4. We've dated since we were 16 and I am sure that in those early years we probably made a fuss over Valentines Day, but now it is a day like any other day to us. In fact, we don't exchange gifts for any Holiday, not even Christmas. Our motto is that we buy what we need/want all year for each other or for ourselves so why spend the extra cash on Holidays when we could use it on somebody else, primarily our kids. The only day I do expect some recognition is on Mother's Day because being a Mother is my most proud accomplishment in life.

Valentines Day took on a new meaning while I was in college. I worked at a Flower Shop (best job EVER) and Valentines Day was the busiest day of the year. I should say the busiest 3-4 days of the year. A lot of preparation and late nights go into the Holiday and even though it was a lot of hard work, my years spent in the flower shop are some of my best memories.

My husband and I do have a tradition every year that is close enough to Valentines Day that we sort of just consider it our "date night" although our kids are always with us. We are a baseball (and KU basketball) family so football doesn't hold a special place in our hearts. We never watch a game, not even the Superbowl, so we use Superbowl Sunday as our date night. Every one is at home eating pizza and snack food, glued to their televisions, so we pick a restaurant that is normally crazy busy and we get prime seating and no wait! It is the perfect day to go out and we take advantage of it!

So, what are your Valentines Day traditions? Leave a comment here on the blog or on the Letters To Lindsey FB page. If you have an idea for a blog post or a question you want others to weigh in on please email LettersToLindseyBlog@gmail.com!

Thanks For Reading,

Lindsey

Early Bird VS. Night Owl

I recall a trip to the pediatrician a couple weeks ago where the doctor was trying to figure out medicine dosage times for my daughter and asked me what time I normally went to sleep. I told her usually no later than 10:00 and then remember feeling embarrassed to confess how early I went to bed. So, as I climbed into bed last night at an early 7:45, my first thought was, "Wow, what a loser," and then my second thought was, "Why am I a loser? I am tired, the girls are asleep and I want to go to bed." Why in the world was I trying to defend myself to myself?

Today's Topic: Early Bird OR Night Owl?

It seems as if everyone falls into one of two categories. You are either an early bird or you are a night owl. Some like to stay up late and get things done, where others prefer to be up early. Is one way better than the other? I have often wondered if it is possible to be both. How nice would it be to stay up late when you have to with no problem or be up early when you need to and still have a smile on your face?

So which are you? If you are an early bird, how early is early? And if you are a night owl, how late is late? What time do you go to bed and what time do you get up in the morning? Has your preference changed over the years? Or have you always been one or the other? And which way is best?

Lindsey's Response:

Obviously by my opening statement, I am an early bird. I like to get in bed as quickly as I can and if I have to stay up for one reason or another, it is usually accompanied by a lot of yawns and a bad mood. I have always been that way as I have never really been one to sleep in. And now having kids, I am up with the sun and if I had my way I would go to bed with the sun as well.

Of course, sometimes it is hard to wake up, but I am also the type that once I am up, I am up. Meaning, it doesn't take me long to "wake up" and I am in a good mood in no time. Whereas other people I know (not to name names but it starts with a "G" and ends with an "arrett.") need plenty of time to wake up and be in a good mood.

I CAN stay up late if I had to, and sometimes I do. The problem is, if those late nights and I come in contact, then those early mornings feel even earlier. I would much rather go to bed on time and wake up earlier than normal to get things done. Which, for a person like me who tends to have anxiety over silly things, you would think I'd rather get it done at night and have it done. So you can imagine that I am eager as ever to wake up and get the show on the road. I guess I like to work under pressure =)

So let me know what type you are! Leave your comments here on the blog or on the Letters To Lindsey Facebook page. If you have an idea for a blog post please email LettersToLindseyBlog@gmail.com.

Thanks For Reading,

Lindsey

Chores & Housecleaning

Today is house cleaning day around here. I have a love/hate relationship with it so I figured I would write about it today since most women can relate (If your husband or significant other does the cleaning then I envy you).

Today's Topic: Chores & Housecleaning

Your living space has to be cleaned, but there is always the question of how often and how thorough you do it. I find that some chores you can't avoid and others are easier to leave until next time. Whether it's scrubbing toilets or sweeping under the couch, it all has to be done eventually. 

So here are a couple random cleaning questions: How often do you give your house a good cleaning? (By good, I mean every room gets a face lift in some form or another). What are the chores you hate do to and what are the things you are happy to tackle if you have the time? And the most important question, how often do you REALLY clean out that fridge?

Lindsey's Response:

First of all, I want to say that my attitude on cleaning house and doing chores has completely changed in the past 2 years. Before children, I loathed cleaning my house and would procrastinate as long as possible in getting it done. I look back now and hate myself for that. I had all the time in the world and didn't even realize it. Now, 2 kids later, my greatest dream is to have 2-3 hours of uninterrupted time to clean my house.

There is really nothing much that I love more than a clean house. I try extremely hard to clean this place from top to bottom once a week. Sometimes it takes me closer to 2 weeks but for the most part I pick a day and get it done. The problem isn't the cleaning, it's that it takes me all day long. Between the million things I have to do to keep these little girls happy, the only way possible for me to get everything done is to do it in sections. Basically I feel like housecleaning day is like American Gladiators. I am running through a giant obstacle course as fast as I possibly can and getting tackled and run over by gladiators (my kids) the entire time. But, when the day is over and I am sitting in a clean house, it is extremely satisfying.

So, my least favorite chores? I definitely hate cleaning bathtubs. I think it is because it is awkward and there is no good position to get into to do it so I am just uncomfortable the entire time. I also HATE unloading the dishwasher. Kind of weird, I know. I mean it's not a dirty job and unfortunately it is one I have to do regularly. I really don't know why I hate it, I just do.

As far as the refrigerator goes - Well I'd have to say that I rarely give it the good cleaning it deserves. I "tidy" it all the time by throwing out leftovers we haven't ate or things that are expired, but actually cleaning it is another story. I am not fortunate enough to have a second fridge to help store things so when it comes to Birthday and Holiday parties that I am hosting at my house, I more or less have to empty the entire thing to make room for all the party food, which leads to a good cleaning. So my honest answer is that I probably clean it twice a year.

So what are your answers? You can leave your confessions here on the blog or on the Letters To Lindsey Facebook page. Today marks 2 weeks that this blog has been alive and I hope everyone is enjoying it. As long as I am getting response from the readers, I will continue to post topics on a regular basis so if you want to continue reading this blog, please let me know by leaving your comments and getting in on the conversation!

Thanks For Reading,

Lindsey

Kids & Cussing

One of the highlighted stories on aol.com this morning was the controversy regarding a recent episode of ABC's hit show Modern Family. The toddler in the show uses a word that shocks and surprises her parents and it has some advocacy groups less than thrilled.

Today's Topic: Kids & Cussing

 Click Here for the Video Clip from the current episode. Obviously the bad word has been bleeped out, but it is evident what Lily is saying. One parent, Cam, couldn't help himself by responding with laughter, only adding fuel to the fire as Lily used the word multiple more times.

I think most parents have witnessed their children saying something along these lines, and usually in the most inappropriate of situations. They are little sponges and once that age, they repeat everything they hear.

So here are several questions to ponder: Do you have a problem with ABC airing an episode that features a toddler using choice words? Have your children, or children you know, been in a similar situation and what was your response? What do you think parents should do if they find themselves in this position with their child?

Lindsey's Response:

First of all, OF COURSE I have been in this situation. Luckily only around the house so I wasn't embarrassed in front of a group of strangers, or you know, in the middle of church. My 2 year old likes movies that are slightly out of her age group, such as Home Alone, The Sandlot and Goonies. There is definite cussing in these shows and while the "F-word" isn't used, plenty of others are. And my little genius can recite these movies word for word so a few "Shits, Damns and Ass's" have come out of her mouth.

And my honest "Mother of the Year" response is laughter. In fact, a couple of times my husband and I have asked her to say the line from the movie again just so we could hear her say the naughty word. Horrible parenting? Probably. But at this age, I feel like it is completely harmless. To her, Shit is the same as Cookie. It's just a word. While I don't want her to make any of these cuss words part of her everyday vocabulary, which they most certainly aren't, I don't mind if she says them every once in awhile while watching some of her favorite shows. She only says them because they are part of the script. To her, the lines, "I'm living alone! I'm living alone!" and "I wouldn't let you sleep in here if you were growing on my ass," mean the same thing - Home Alone.

If she has ever said these choice movie lines while not watching the show, I make sure to tell her she can't and isn't supposed to say that, which she only just looks at me confused so I doubt my words of wisdom are really sinking in.

As far as Modern Family goes, I really have no problem with what they aired in their episode. I do not watch the show, although I wish I did. I am the type that can't jump into a sitcom in the middle of it so until I have the time to start from Season 1, Modern Family will just have to go on without me. But, I feel like they were just using a topic that is common in a lot of households today and were trying to be funny about it. If this little girl's parents had no problem with her saying what she was saying for acting purposes, then I guess I don't either. I just hope she doesn't take her new word with her offset!

Please let us know what you think! Leave your comments here on the blog or on the Letters to Lindsey Facebook page! If you have an idea for a topic or a question you want answered, please email LettersToLindseyBlog@gmail.com!

Thanks For Reading,

Lindsey