Mommy Mix Up

So, my 14 yr old son, Hasan, has been a frequent flyer since he was five. Every summer, Christmas and Spring Break I pack him up and send him on his way to visit his dad or mine. Each time it was bitter sweet. He would leave and I’d be nervous about how he’d behave on the plane without me and if he’d be safe. 
The upside was I had a few days to do what I wanted and needed, which often times was simply to rest. Well, the days of fear have quickly subsided, we’ve both become accustom to these times and it’s safe to say, we look forward to them. I’m sure any parent of a teenager would understand.

Amidst the hundreds of trips, and over the past eight years, airlines have increased the fees for unaccompanied minors. What started out as a $25 fee has multiplied in excess of $100. Yes, that on top of a $300 flight. In any event, the day finally came and we no longer have to pay an unaccompanied minor fee. (I’m thanking my lucky stars!) But as the burden of paying unaccompanied minor fees subsides, other fears come into play.

This past spring break Hasan made his first unaccompanied trip. Although I’ve always known he was more than capable of following signs, reading the giant screens or simply asking airport personnel for help, I still worried. “What if he’s met by a clever stranger, or sits at the wrong gate in the wrong hanger?” or ”What if he gets on a flight that stops in another city and he gets off thinking it’s his final destination?” As we know as parents we always worry.

Thankfully, he made it to and from Denver in one piece without a hitch. But now he’s off to Italy for the summer to visit friends and all those fears have quickly resurfaced thanks to this 17 1/2 hour trip. This is the opportunity of a lifetime and I wouldn’t dare give him one reason to worry about his trip. I just wonder, as parents do we ever stop worrying?

So yesterday, after only six months of landing a new job, I learned that the Jacksonville office (where I currently work) will be closing in exactly 27 days. The inital annonuncement provided more shock than normal. Not so much that I would shortly be out of a decent paying job, but that I had no real opportunities lined up.  I mean, as a marketer and what I consider to be a pretty smart chick, I know. That’s when it hit me or when I wanted to hit myself. I’ve been dabbling in this mommy blogging thing for almost a year and have not really fully emmersed myself in the possibilites. I mean I’ve seen the power of the pen or well the keyboard and I know how influental a mother’s voice is. I’ve lurked on several blogs many who have inspired me on several fronts and have prompted the birth  (rebirth) of mommymixup.com. In my transition from gainfully employed, wife and  mother of 3 to wife, Job/opportunity seeking, SAHM I am convinced that this will be my place of sanity and perhaps clarity, not only for myself a mixed-up mom of three, but also for those of you who share some of the same trials and tribulations. I look forward to the ride and all those I meet along the way. I’m eager to hear from and meet Stay at home, work at home and working moms. Any advice? I’m sure we’d all love to hear it… Please share your blogs and twitter handles below.

Salmon is always a quick and tasty dish to prepare. If you love salmon here’s a must have dish, that will send your taste buds to the Carribean. So hold on tight and enjoy the ride, were on our way to the islands!

1 8oz. can pineapple chunks
4-5 salmon fillets
3 tsp. horseradish
1 cup of fresh salsa (from your produce section)
2 tsp. cornstarch
Pam cooking spray
1/2 tsp. lemon pepper seasoning
2 tbsp. honey mustard .. continue reading ..

I love it when large chains do this. So, if you’re a GAP shopper (Gap, Banana Republic, Old Navy, Banana Republic Factory Store, and Gap Outlet in-store) then you’ll love this special treat! Enjoy 30% Off  and The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society gets 5% of what you spend. Great cause and great savings. Happy shopping!

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Ingredients

6 medium strawberries
1 cup of pineapple (canned)
1 medium banana
1 cup plain yogurt
5 ice cubes

Utensils

cutting board
blender
butter knife
can opener
tablespoon
measuring cup
YOUR FAVORITE CUP!

Steps

1. Dice up your strawberries,bananas and pineapple then put it in the blender

2. In measuring cup put 1 cup of yogurt then ad it to the fruit in the blender

3. Add 5 ice cubes (3 to 4 more if you want it really slushie)

4.Put the top on the blender and PUREE until smooth.

Pour and drink!!

serves 3-4

121 calories/1g fat/0 carbs

Quick Healthy and A-delicious

When I look at my three children, no matter how much they drive me nuts, I couldn’t imagine life without them.  I’m sure most mothers share the same sentiments. So when I checked anemail from one of my readers, I was for the first time speechless. Here’ her email…

Dear mommymixup,
 
Last night a one year old boy drowned in a tragic accident at home.  I am writing to
seek help as a sister in Christ to the mother of this child what is it you say or do
in a situation like this.  I feel that no mother should ever have to bury their
child.  I cant stop the tears…

-CC
Since I have not personally had to deal with the death of a child, and I pray I never will, nor has anyone close to me, I’m hoping someone can offer her some good advice.  Please help her help her friend in a crucial time of need.

We all know that toy guns have been the cause of one too many serious injuries and even worse, accidental deaths. So when I heard about the controversy, in South Florida, over the seven year old, Samuel Burgos, who was expelled for having a toy gun in school, I had mixed feelings.

First, I wondered why a parent would buy a toy gun for a child, considering all of the violence our children are exposed to on TV, video games and sad but true, their peers (even at seven.)

When my son was that age, I fully discouraged guns of any type, cap guns, water guns etc., hell he wasn’t even allowed to use his fingers as a gun.  While some may argue it’s just a part of “being a boy,” the reality is even harmless play can subconsciously provoke violence-it’s just not safe! .. continue reading ..

Seems like Will and Jada Pinket-Smith’s children are all destined for success. With Jaden starring in two box office hits, Pursuit of Happyness and Karate Kid, and now Willow, their daughter, with her “I Am Legend” role and new single release “Whip My Hair!” I’m sure many of us would venture to say entertaining is in their genes.  

Thanks to rhythmic beats, a catchy hook and her sweet but sultry voice, the nine year old’s single has the potential to be a chart topper… .. continue reading ..