MADD The Power of Parents

MADD LogoRight now, I can’t really picture either of my children as teenagers. I can’t picture them driving (they don’t even ride two-whelers yet), or going out to the mall with friends, or being pressured to use drugs or alcohol. Their day will come.

MADD (Mother’s Against Drunk Driving) has launched a new website for families with children of all ages (elementary school-college) called The Power of Parents . This comprehensive website empowers parents to talk to their children about the dangers of alcohol use, and the deadliness of drinking and driving.

The Power of Parents is a great hub of information–there are statistics, resources, and links to materials that can help you figure out how to approach your child about this important topic.

In 2008 alone, 11,773 people died due to drunk driving. This must end. MADD is arming parents with information so that this number only decreases over time, not increases. Children must be taught how deadly it can be to drink and drive, and MADD is ready to help you convey this very important message.

“I wrote this review while participating in a blog campaign by Mom Central on behalf of MADD.  A donation was made to MADD in my name to thank me for taking the time to participate.”

Parenthood: with a Side of Crazy

2009-04-17_VAR-26Last night, as Jr was picking apart a sunbutter sandwich, eating the filling with a spoon, and MaM was announcing, what, exactly she liked on her plate, and what she really didn’t like, BgK announced, “I don’t think people get how hard it is to do things around here.”

As I poured myself the last of the Shiraz, I asked, “Like what?”

“Like eat. And sleep,” he said, as he crossed the mine field of match box cars to join as at the table.

“Oh I think most of the people we know,” I said, catching Jr’s toss of a gummed piece of bread, “are right there with us, or have been there already.”

Right? Your houses have some crazy, right?

The 3 a.m. game of musical beds?

The extra minutes it takes to get out the door because it’s hard to put a jacket over fairy wings?

The mad hunt when the shrieking toddler doesn’t want just a cup of milk, he wants the milk in his one most favorite cup?

The simultaneous crying that breaks out when the younger bites the older–the older crying in pain, the younger crying because the older is crying?

You have some crazy, right? Please tell me some of your crazy. Please!

Give Up The Ghost, Brandi Carlile’s New Release!

bc_press3_forsiteRecently, the One 2 One network hooked me up with the new Brandi Carlile release, Give Up the Ghost. I was excited to receive a download of this album, as I was familiar with her music from the Grey’s Anatomy, vol 3 soundtrack, which a I love.

When I turned on the album this morning, Junior started bopping in his booster seat while eating his breakfast. He clapped after each song. Glad he approves!

The songs vary in tempo and mood, from “That Year”, which is slower and more in line with “The Story” (from the Grey’s soundtrack), to “Carolina”, which adds piano and backup singers, and caused a good amount a seat dancing for Junior.

She’s been compared to KT Tunstall & the Indigo Girls, and  I would have to agree. If you like indie female music, this release is for you!

Give up the Ghost is available online and in stores now–give it a listen!