Seriously.........Seriously!

Last week while I was rushing through Target looking for discounted pull-ups I saw something that still disturbs me...........








*Here we have the fashion pink raincoat AND hat-boots sold separately (because every dog just LOVES wearing a hat), the Leopard print velour hoodie (that was listed as an "essential" item), the chocolate brown "special occasion" evening gown (I'd like to know what "special occasion" one might have that they could possibly need such an item), the "DogGone" Dog music CD (music to calm your pets soul) & most importantly the inflatable air mattress for Rufus to take on those upcoming Spring camping trips!

COME ON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I understand how someone could love their animal & even get a kick out of buying cute dog bowls and maybe even a sparkly collar (because those are things animals have to actually use), but I think this is way TOO much! It disturbs me that the Paris Hilton's of the world have now set a new "standard" for dog owners to try to meet...or even out-do. The fact that someone would spend $100 (or more) on a dog "tote", or even have a valid use for a dog stroller (yes, they have those too) makes me wonder where their priorities are?? We are "humanizing" our pets to the point that I think people are really starting to get some screwed up thinking. We think nothing of humanizing a dog... buying them clothes, toys, strollers, and even expensive designer dog beds, but "humanize" an unborn baby.......WAIT A STINKING MINUTE! No! We can't and won't go there!! Has our society hit a new "low"? What do you think?

*I know I sound a little "huffy" about this.....but I'm really not. It was just one of those moments that got me thinking...you know? It's not that I'm "mad" at people who find it entertaining to dress up their pets (I know that I could never personally go there...but to each their own), I honestly started laughing when I saw dogie "bling bling" as part of the dog accessories. However, when I walked away from Target that night I just got to thinking how sad it was that we are teaching people to put the needs of animals on the same level as that of our children. I guess that's what got me. I KNOW no puppy is EVER gonna be as important or treasured to me as my kids are. Maybe that's all I'm trying to say....

[*stepping down off soap box]

Happy Valentine's Day! (a little late)

Happy Valentines Day (a day late)! Hope you had a great day yesterday & got to enjoy your loved ones. We had a bit of a crazy day, but we still managed to have some fun too. McKenna and I made home made play-dough & McKenna made some fun "Valentines" for me and Jonathan.


How Cute is that! She did this all by herself, without any help from me :-)

This was Daddy's Valentine!
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These Have been a Valentine "favorite" in our home for the past couple of years!
They are called "Swedish Cream Wafers" & they are YUMMY! They are not very easy to make, but the end result is worth the effort!




*Here is the recipe if you want to try them at your home.







Wafer:

1 Cup butter, softened

1/3 cup heavy whipping cream

2 cups sifted all-purpose flour

*1/3 cup granulated sugar for decoration

Cream:

1/4 cup butter, softened

3/4 cup sifted confectioners sugar

1 egg yolk

1 teaspoon vanilla

food coloring



Directions:

1. Combine the 1 cup butter, cream, and sifted flour. Mix well and chill for at least 1 hour.

2. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

3. On a floured board, roll out 1/3 of the dough to 1/8 inch thick. Cut with 1 1/2 inch round (or heart!) cookie cutter. Transfer rounds to waxed paper heavily covered with sugar. Turn rounds so that both sides are coated with sugar. place rounds on ungreased baking sheets and prick each round with a fork about four times. Repeat with remaining dough.

4. Bake at 375 for 7-9 minutes. Let cookies cool then put together with filling.

5. To make filling: Blend the remaining 1/4 cup of butter, confectioners sugar, egg yolk (I do not use this because Chandler is allergic to eggs), and vanilla together. Tint with food coloring. *You may double the filling for a nicer looking cookie :-)




6. Enjoy!

Dear Starwood....

Thank You.....
For choosing such a thoughtful health care plan that includes......zip....zilch....nadda....NOTHING! Thank you for seeing to it that our awesome "plan" does NOT cover ANY of Chandler's allergy, eczema, or asthma related medications. Thank you.....for seeing to it that our co-pays go UP each year while our benefits go DOWN. That was so thoughtful of you to make our family pay 1/3 or our yearly salary for "benefits" that do us no good. I really enjoyed having to spend $80.77 on Albuterol and the "AeroChamber Plus" tonight, just so my son could breathe without puking. Such a delight! What would I do without our rocking "benefits". You "saved" me $13 whole dollars at Walgreens tonight. Wow! Where would I be without those kind of "benefits"?

Oh, and I thought I might also add how much I enjoy watching my 3 year old son claw his skin till' it bleeds, while he wipes his runny nose on his bed sheets, while drawing in a wheezy shallow breath. Fantastic!

Can I get an 800 number to call and find out what exactly you DO cover? Because, so far I'm having a hard time figuring out what exactly is covered under my "plan". While I DO enjoy paying 90% of the cost for our prescriptions, I'm just wondering if there is any drug category you actually cover at oh, say.....50%. I'd be tickled pink if you payed at least that much some times.


*Anyone wanna guess what kind of Monday I had....