Mommy Musings - Here Kitty, Kitty

We got a cat. There are so many things that still have me scratching my head at this sentence, I still don't know where to begin. Actually, it's a quote more than a lead sentence for this week's column. A quote taken directly from my four-year-old, who happens to be over the moon with the newest addition to the Hammond family (commonly known as T&Co.) Yes, the 'Co.' seems to be growing and well… as ...

Mommy Musings - Just A Moment

It really takes just a minute for a life to change. Very simple events which happen all the time, yet can in a moment change life as we know it. Something as uneventful as a contraction which results in an early birth, a secret which ends a marriage or a stomach/headache which leads to a diagnosis of cancer. Life changing events… some come after years of chasing a dream or working toward a goal and ...

Mommy Musings - Fun And Friendship

I love being a grown-up. As I look back on this thought I can't help but think - lady, what are you talking about? That, of course, is a fair question. Especially if you take into account that I am commonly known for saying, 'I had no idea how good life was when I was 12.' Yes, 12 was a good year for me. Remember the days of being excited to get mail? Or wondering ...

Mommy Musings - Somehow I Survived

If you are the parent of a 7-year-old, I hope you have them in a booster seat today. Well, that is unless of course they are 4'9"- then you are pretty much off the hook. Yes… for those who missed it the state of California Booster Seat Law changed Jan. 1, 2012. The law which once stated a child must be 6 years or 60 pounds, was modified to 8 years or 4'9" in height. ...

Mommy Musings - I Believe

I recently had a 'moment' of clarity and it made me think two things: this will make a good column and I wonder if others experience this.

Mommy Musings - Playing The Game

I need a little help understanding something. So many of us marvel over how quickly time passes. Expressions like: "Where did the time go?"; "There aren't enough hours in the day."; "I'll sleep when I die."; and "It goes too fast."- are not uncommon among the average family. As a working mom with two young children, I will be the first to admit… I get it. This last week, however, I took a moment of ...

Mommy Musings - Who’d Have Thought?

On the morning of June 12, 1986 the farthest thing from my mind was how I would feel about my life in 25 years.

Mommy Musings - Responsibility Of Learning

I never dreamed of being a teacher. This is a pretty big sentence coming from a girl who: wanted to be a nurse (until I saw someone bleed), hoped to own my own Modeling Agency (which confused counselors) and titled herself as 'A Star' for her aspirations when leaving Junior High. Professional Roller Skater, Oceanographer, Flight Attendant, Political Aide, Green Peace Volunteer, even Solid Gold Dancer … these are all just a few of the ...

Mommy Musings - Oh, Pardon Us …

Will someone please explain to me what happens to perfectly rationally thinking adults as they enter a school zone?

Mommy Musings - Mom Versus Friend

There's a funny thing that seems to have happened to me since becoming a parent. Admittedly, I am no longer concerned nor bothered with the status of popularity.

Mommy Musings - Supplies, Supplies, Supplies??

As of this morning we are officially one week into the 2011-2012 school year. The jolt to our laid back summer morning routine has me wondering- How did you all fare?

Mommy Musings - Tail Chasing

Just 24 hours post a one-week vacation with my kids, I am faced with the task of writing something witty and entertaining for all of you - our readers.

Mommy Musings - Looking At Your Glass

As of late, I have had several friends point out that I am a "glass half full" type of person. Honestly, the "type" of person I am never truly crosses my mind. I do often ponder the amazing friendships and people I have come to know. I'm grateful for each of them, as these friendships create the fabric of who I truly am.

Mommy Musings - Invisible Fat Girl

The past 10 years I have spent as part of a psychological study in human behavior. Admittedly, I did not know or realize it at the time, yet recent events have taught me that a number of my suspicions are indeed correct. My findings are very exciting, yet I struggle with how to gingerly share my findings without hurting the feelings of our readers. More importantly, I dare not write words that might knowingly or ...

Mommy Musings - Becoming My Mother

It is pretty fair to say that during the course of parenting we eventually cross the path where we channel the parent we grew up with. The channeling can reveal its ugly head at any given moment. Sometimes we catch it immediately and other times it may require a little more thought and be a bit more indirect.

Mommy Musings - A Relayer’s Return And Hope

My column is a week late.

Mommy Musings - Explaining The Unexplainable

I'm still recovering from Boston.

Mommy Musings - Horse Trailers And High Heels

And so it goes … another Rodeo Week has been put to rest in the Chapter Book which encompasses my Oakdale life.

Mommy Musings – Empowering Adjectives

Transitioning from my Reporter role at the Oakdale Leader was necessary in my life for a number of reasons. The one most at the core were my children. I knew I needed to work full-time. I knew I needed to stay local, but I desperately needed flexibility.

Mommy Musings - Pint Size Therapy

There are some days I think I'm wiser than others, when it comes to parenting.

Mommy Musings – A Moment Captured

Mommy Musings – So They Grow

They're growing up.

Mommy Musings – Guilt Free Mommy

There are a number of things I thoroughly enjoy about being a parent. Many of them I have the pleasure of being able to share here, with our readers. Among my 'favorite' things in the way of living with children, would be their innate ability to point things out which adults may give little thought to. I am of the belief that children not only pay attention, but understand ...

Mommy Musings – Proper Usage of Tools

Generally speaking, I'm an analytical type. More simply put, I think too much. Personally, I think it's inherent with becoming a mommy; however I have many male friends who struggle with the same topic. It's a two part problem for me, as I wake at 3 a.m. to recount what day it is and what I need to remember to stuff in my children's backpacks to which activity or ...

Mommy Musings – No ‘ing’ In Sportsmanship

It's barely February and yet here I find myself, penning yet another 'sports related' column. Truth be told there was a time when new sports reporters passed through our office on a routine basis. During that period I thought it might be fun to maybe 'switch it up' and actually approached Editor Marg Jackson with a proposal of possibly getting my feet wet in the Sports section. Much to ...

Mommy Musings - Holidays At The DMV

My month of December was not dissimilar from most of our readers. It was packed full of parties, shopping, holiday tradition and even a little quality family time.

Mommy Musings – What Awaits You

It's been a few weeks since I've forced my mind to share some thoughts. Truthfully we all need a reprieve on occasion and as the only staffer who does this weekly, there does come a point where I too must take a break.

Mommy Musings - We Made It

We survived. If you're reading this, then the world indeed did not end. Or perhaps it did and now you and I are left with the cockroaches to figure out what's next. Chances are, however, both are highly unlikely, not to mention improbable. I am no scientist, but after living through the let down of the Y2K hype I consider myself 'experienced' in such silliness. Of ...

Mommy Musings - More Than A Small ‘Cow’ Town

Another season has been wrapped up. This year marks one that dreams are made of, for many of this town's young men and their families. The 2012 Oakdale Mustang football season will now live on in the history books as well as the memories of all who will say 'I remember when.'

Mommy Musings - Christmas Wonderment and Lessons

Magic is in the air and I am so grateful.