Despite all the parenting books out on the market, there TRULY isn't a parenting manual out there. So much of parenting is about using what works; using common sense; and then hoping for the best. Just like every child is different and unique, parenting is much the same. What works for one child (removal of priveledges) simply doesn't work for another. And even better yet, what a parent deems as appropriate changes over time as well. My mother-in-law has said many times "oh how the mighty crumble" when edicts have been made by parents and they simply change their mind and/or change a rule completely. Many of these rules are set by people BEFORE they even have children......'my children will never be allowed to ________' and my child would never behave that way. Yes, sit on the mighty throne and set all the rules you like because when you actually become a parent you too will crumble.

However, there are certain things I had said before having kids that I have stuck too. For example - 1) I never put fruit punch, soda, or anything of the like in a baby bottle. Eeew, why? Yes, they were allowed the pleasure of a McDonald's orange soda, but they had to do it through a straw. 2) Bedtime has always been important. I love sleep so it was pretty important that my kids get a routine and good sleeping habits. Did that mean I co-slept? Yep    Did that mean we've had bedtime battles occasionally? Yep  Did that mean they are still good sleepers? Yep    and 3) I would not be a short order cook and make multiple meals-in-one to keep everyone happy (and picky).  The kids have evolved over time about expanding what they eat, but I never did play the 'I want this' game for dinner. Does that mean we've never had a appetizer buffet for dinner? Nope  Does that mean I'm a food Nazi? Nope Do I let them help me meal plan? Of course Do I let them eat cereal for dinner? YES; but only when I can have Corn Pops and Apple Jacks right along with them!!!

Like tonight, I'm sick. Collin is working. So by the time, I got kids shuffled to activities and helped with homework I was beyond done. Body Aches. Exhausted. So it was a cereal night. Who wants a germy Mom cooking them food anyway???? It's not like I packed them a Mountain Dew and Oreos for lunch. (Yes, a child at the school I work ate REALLY HAD a Mtn. Dew and Oreos for lunch.....6th grader.....true story!)

That right there is one thing I can add to my WILL NEVER HAPPEN list...............number 4) I will never pack my children a Mtn. Dew and Oreos for lunch.

Now excuse me while I doze off to Nyquil land when my children are still awake. What was that rule about bedtime again?

I've mentioned before what an amazing person my friend Nicole is. Well, I wanted to give her a little shout-out again because she just celebrated a VERY SPECIAL birthday. (We'll just leave it at that; I'll be nice and not mention any specific numbers because I'm still older than she is.)

She likes to do these little list things on HER blog when birthdays come up in her family and she even stated a few things that she loves about her life in celebration of her own day. I thought I would make a little list of my own to wish her a happy birthday and tell the world what makes her awesome:

1) She was literally my right hand when I lived at the hospital with Amanda.
2) She can bake and she shares all the goodies with me & my family.
3) She remembers the little things that make people unique and special.
4) She is insanely talented with both dancing and singing.
5) She is an amazing mother -- gentle, patient, creative, and loving!
6) She is a master of movie quotes.
7) She loves to laugh. (with me and at me!)
8) last, BUT NOT LEAST, she is a zany sports fan too!

Happy Birthday to Nicole --- Me and all-o'-ya'll-Halls love you very much!

Want a hit for dinner???? Try this---
Tortilla-crusted tilapia (from Costco; my family eats the WHOLE box)--13min. in oven at 425*; wild-rice blend (from Henry's) boil for about 35-40 until done [while you prep the salsa]; MAKE THIS PINEAPPLE SALSA! (I leave out the chili peppers & I used dried parsley instead of cilantro b/c that's what I had on hand).

Let's put it this way...........I'm lucky I have a little bit of rice and some salsa as leftovers for lunch. Happy bellies all around! Although I can't say FULL bellies b/c Sean is already scrounging for some else to eat; he's almost 11 and is a bottomless pit. Heaven help me!