Thursday, December 31, 2009

Adios 2009...!

2009 was an alright year. Admittedly I'm ready for 2010. It seemed like 2009 was just kind of depressing or something. Not as much for me on a personal level but in general it just seemed like sad things happened. People died, got sick, suffered...and I realize that is just like any year but in my eyes it seemed to happen closer to me. A wonderful person lost a husband, a mom and dad a child, a best friend a grandmother. Losing my baby cousin is still so fresh to all of us. My Aunt and Uncle were in Mexico on a beach this Christmas, deservedly so, trying to forget that the holiday season was upon us. I try not to focus on the past, and the things that we cannot change, but I do have to reflect on the heavy heart that I carried for several people this year.

I am blessed too, and that is something NOT to be overlooked! My beautiful, healthy child is getting bigger, smarter, and full of more attitude every day. My husband is amazing and we are continuing working together daily to make our lives better for each other. I love my family, everyone is safe and sound in their own places in life and I love each of them so so much. Friends are amazing and I could never make it without them. I got an awesome job in a shitty economy. We have a child on the way, what more could one girl ask for? I mean, really. Blessed beyond measure.

It's important to keep it all in perspective, weigh the good with the bad, and promise yourself to cherish it. I'm looking forward to tonight, surrounding myself with best friends and good food, closing the last page of the year. We'll toast the good, and we might even flip off the bad.

Bienvenidos 2010!!!

Thursday, December 24, 2009

Warm Whispers...

Awhile ago I posted about a supposed 'FORK' in the road of my life. Decisions were to be made about whether or not we would try for a second baby. Collectively we could come up with so many reasons NOT to, and so many reasons why we absolutely should.

Months passed, and I could never close the door. Even when we both agreed that we were blessed with one beautiful child and that was enough I wasn't completely at peace. My husband knew all along, he just said he wanted to wait for me to come around at my own time. He knows me a little too well.

We decided to try again, giving ourselves through Christmas. If nothing happened by then we knew that that was our sign, and I convinced myself I'd be okay with that.

We're pregnant.

Again!!!

I'm actually about 14 1/2 weeks along but have been keeping things between family and friends until I hit the 12 week mark and told my boss. Both of equal importance!

This time around is so different. I still have been barfing a bit, but not near as much as with Brooklyn. I haven't gained any weight, in fact, I've lost 5 lbs. I did do that with her too so I'm not worried about it, and trust me, I am eating. I think that because I've been there done that I am not nearly as fixated on EVERY LITTLE DETAIL or already experiencing the anxiety of having to BIRTH a child. That thought absolutley terrified me. It, physically, didn't make sense to me. Watermelon. Lemon. TERROR. My husband is blissfully happy with this 2nd pregnancy as I'm not near as much of a crazy bitch, not yet at least, and I'm not screaming at him that WE HAVE TO READ PAGE 32 in the pregnancy bible book because OMG WE'RE 14 WEEKS AND YOU DIDN'T EVEN KNOW!!! (break down sob fest). See, the first pregnancy was definitely different.

In fact, I have to remind myself I'm pregnant most days. Chasing a 15 month old around is basically like owning exercise equipment and on top of that I keep my normal pace I always have. I get in trouble and my husband literally forces me to sit down and rest. My body feels it though, and this little baby sends me subtle reminds he/she is there. Warm Whispers to take care of him/her, slow down, stay healthy, rest, and GET READY.

We are so blessed this Christmas to be surrounded by our amazing family and friends, and to know that another little life is soon on the way. I am very thankful...

Merry Christmas! Happy Festivus! Hannukkah! Whatever it is you celebrate, CHEERS.

Thursday, December 17, 2009

This definitely sucks.

Brooklyn's school handed us a letter yesterday that informed us it will be closing on:

December 23, 2009.

Next week. Next Wednesday. Done. I took her to her classroom, got back in my car and cried like a big baby. I loved her school, her teachers, the curriculum, the LOCATION. I couldn't believe it but at the end of the day it was this stupid economy's fault. Their enrollment had dropped 25% in the last year which totals about $600k in revenue over a years time. They just explained that many parents had been laid off and no longer needed to have someone look after their little ones. Sucks all the way around. But the timing, the timing REALLY sucked. And the notice? Ahem, what notice?

I suppose there was not much to be done there though. Had they given us more of an advance we would have yanked our kids out earlier and they would have gone into even more debt.

So, news broke. It sucked. I cried.

Put my big girl pants back on and realized this was a solvable problem. We got on the phone and secured a few places that had 1 or 2 openings in her age classroom and as of this morning my husband had already toured, got reviews, and wrote a registration check. Crisis averted, I suppose. The location is on his way to work, not mine, but it will only really be inconvenient when he travels. The school is very well known for having a great program put together and he seems to think that she'll do great there. Mama still needs to pay a visit just to double check but I think we got lucky. There are 150 stray kids that need a new home now and I know we got in this new school right in time.

When I first got used to the idea of Brooklyn being in someone elses care I still had crazy anxiety that it would all be okay. After a few weeks it was, and I never looked back. We're starting over again and I'm sure it will all work out just fine.

It could always be worse and I know this. I could be having to figure out how to cover the $900k that Kids R Kids is now in debt, but someone else has that worry this holiday season. And that, my friends, REALLY sucks.

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

...and UGLY it was.

Our Ugly Christmas party was a success. As my dear friend KQ put it on her FB status update:

"you know it was a good party when everyone needs asprin the next morning, you go home in someone else's shoes, and you are drinking out of cups that say 'happy birthday jesus'. Good times!!! XOXOXO to all the partay peeps"

Pretty much sums up the night. Everyone brought their A game of ugly Christmas attire:







The white elephant gift exhange was a success:



Cookie decorating, not so much:



It's boring to act like adults all the time, right?

Happy Birthday JESUS!!!!

Saturday, December 12, 2009

It's about to get UGLY...

Our annual Christmas party is tonight, this years theme:

UGLY CHRISTMAS SWEATERS

Really anything throwback is acceptable, bedazzled shirts, sweater vests with snowmen, a dickey like our good friend Eddy sported in Christmas vacation.





We're busy putting the finishing touches on the house, prepping the food. This years menu:

Lil smokies wrapped in bacon and topped with brown sugar
Tomato, Corn, and Avacado Salsa served with tortilla chips
French baguettes with creamy dill and cucumber spread
Pickled asparagus wrapped with chive cream cheese and proscuitto
Cheese plate w/crackers and grapes
Downeast Maine Pumpkin bread
Homeade sugar cookies

Lots and lots of alcohol.

Happy Holidays everyone, wish us luck!

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Okay, so I'm not perfect.

It was my turn to pick up B yesterday from school. We love where she goes, her teachers, the facility, she comes home every week and it seems she has learned something new.

I walked into her classroom last night and her teacher was sitting there with the other kiddos, but no Brooklyn. She let me know one of the other teachers had gone home early so B was up front with Kathie (the owner) in her office to make sure the kid/teacher ratio was in tact. So, I head her way and notice that Kathie has two parents, two other kiddos, and Brooklyn all in her office. I opened the door to interupt and Brooklyn comes running towards me 'Mama, mama, mama' and she is showing me something in her hand. I look closely and she has two thumbtacks so proudly displayed in her palm. I calmly grab them from her and hand them to Kathie and give her a WTF look. You could tell she was mortified, the other parents didn't even look up and I walked out without really saying anything.

Fast forward to conversation at home with the hubster:

D: How was B's day?
H: Good, she was in Kathie's office when I went to get her, one of her teachers had to leave early.
H: When I got her...she...uh...had two thumbtacks in her hand.
D: What the f***? She had what? She could have swallowed those, what the hell are they thinking. We pay them too much money for that shit to happen...
H: And she was in a parent meeting.
H: And there were two other kids in there.
D: WHAT THE HELL. That's it, I'm saying something first thing in the morning. That's bullshit.
H: It was an honest mistake....
D: Bullshit. Unacceptable.

While I know my husband is right, for some reason last night I just didn't say anything. I walked out, she was okay, not hurt, and I do sometimes understand that these things happen. I'm all about protecting my child but I suppose I'm more forgiving when I know the situation is already diffused. But, he's right. It's unacceptable.

First thing this morning he dropped her off, went straight into Kathie's office and let her know we felt and it will never happen again. She apologized and ensured Dom that we won't ever need to worry, she was very sorry, etc...everything you'd expect to hear. I genuinely believe her, so does Dom, and everything is on track and back to normal.

I am glad my husband is the way he is. He never hesitatates to say something, in any situation, and he's very good about getting things taken care of. I sort of regret not saying something now that I look back but appreciate my the hubs picking up my slack.

Been there before or are you PERFECT? :)

Monday, December 7, 2009

Gratitude

There are a lot of things that can stop me in my tracks and me feel every bit vulnerable and emotional. There are the typical things, a song, a moment in time, a sad story, a happy story, a Folgers commercial...okay so I'm one level of stable above that - but in general you could classify me as one of those people that get moved by things.

I can be very cynical, and real too. In fact, one of my favorite past times is getting together with my close friends and just having those call it like we see it kind of conversations. Many times this may involve some serious shit talking, but hey, what are friends for.

The Saturday after Thanksgiving, I took my child, loaded up the mom car and picked up the grandparents to hit up the local Chuy's parade - kids giving to kids. If you don't know what Chuy's is, look it up and figure out a way to get a hold of the jalapeno ranch. You can thank me later for changing your life. The concept is genius, it's a toy drive where kids bring a gift to the parade and fill the beds of Chevrolet trucks to the brim, for other kids.

Brooklyn is too young to get this but we headed out with our Play-doh gift in hand anyway as I wanted her to just experience the scene and see the floats. I mean we're talking Macy's parade runner up floats here -look at the enthusiasm! ;)

So the motorcycles kick it off, we're clapping, dancing, waving, and the crowd is collectively enjoying it. Kids everywhere, smiling, feeling every bit of that magic of the holidays. We were near the front of the parade and I noticed that one of the next floats in line was a group of men and women representing our troops. Suddenly it just seemed like the entire crowd shifted focus and it was no longer about the parade, the kids, the toys, but it was about stopping to honor our heroes. As they made their way down the street everyone stood up, waving, cheering, and clapping. I have no idea what came over me as this is the behavior we should see in one another but it's like I felt this wave of gratitude hit everyone at once and it completely got me. It could have turned into a big ol' sobfest, hot mess, but I held it together.

It was one of those had to be there moments, but I suppose that morning I woke up vulnerable to feel everything. It was just nice to see literally everyone on the same page for one small moment in time, appreciating, giving thanks, and feeling every bit of grateful for what these people have sacrificed. All political bullshit aside, it was about gratitude. Spend a minute today and be grateful for something.

Thursday, December 3, 2009

Sdoft and Gen-dle

We had an awesome Turkey day, stuffing our face with lots of good food, compliments of some amazing chef I know. Ahem. We started the prep on Wednesday night and I had full intentions of capturing all the details a la photograph but all I got was this one:


They were damn good deviled eggs too.

The rest of the time off we spent with family, enjoying the change in the holiday season as we are now fully launched into xmas mode. All decorations are up, music is on, and we even have a print out of ABC's 25 days of Christmas because yes, we are that cool.


Brooklyn has been suprisingly good with the Christmas tree, full of bright white lights, sparkling red and silver balls, different ornaments we picked up over the last few years representing us and what we love the most. We got her a stuffed snowman with the word 'Noel' on his tummy, that's her ornament she can take on and off the tree. On and off. On and off. On and off. On and off. On and off. Exhausted yet? SHE's NOT! On and off. On and off......



Brooklyn's ornament

I decided to teach her to be soft with the tree. I took her hand and lightly rubbed her face, then mine, and whispered, soft. We then sat by the tree and did the same thing, and I said soft, gentle. Now, anytime she looks at it, or goes near it she whispers sdoft, gen-dle, and barely touches the branches or other ornaments. My husband is amazed and I tell him it's my mad parenting skills.

It's been really cold here too, which for me, adds to the whole Christmas spirit. I'm talking 40's people which for those of us in Texas is sub zero temperatures. Our "winter" coats are for style, not warmth so there are a bunch of us walking around freezing our asses off. Possible snow flurries tommorow too which if that happens will most likely mean day off at which point I promise to do the Carlton in celebration. It snowed a lot, once, when I was about 5 or 6. It was magical, and all I remember is my dad sending me flying down the neighbors driveway in a beer cooler. That experience was not sdoft, nor gen-dle, but it was fun.

Monday, November 23, 2009

Prepping

22 lbs of meat is defrosting in my refrigerator. I gave my potatoes a trial run last night for the hubs and I...new recipe that actually will NOT make it to the table Thursday. Sticking to what I know, which are good ol' fashioned mashed potatoes with tons of butter, sour cream, garlic, and salt, which are clearly low fat. When you are cooking to impress my normal consciousness of nutritional value goes out the door. I'm all kinds of Paula Dean up in here.

And I have to be, you know why? Because ALL of my grandparents are coming. The matriarchs of Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners will be there, including my own mother. My dad's mom, God love her (or something), is always one for a comment. You know, the subtle dig with the high pitched voice and smile to tag along just to let you know it was okay, but not quite right. My mom's dad who I absolutely love, we call him Captain Rick, who will drink straight vodka with lime the moment he arrives only to either continue to comment about how good the food is or say nothing at all. Which again will signify success or failure. Then my Nana (mom's mom) is coming who is essentially Betty Crocker. No seriously, she is. And her house is always spotless, bushes trimmed to perfection, everything with her outfit coordinates, mother f'in pressure is on. Then as mentioned my parents who are both damn good cooks, and of course my brothers. I'm not worried about those two, the fact that they are not going through the drive thru to eat that day nor spending their own money is considered an all around win for them. Plus, I'll have beer and wine - for free. Another win.

Please pray, light a candle, something for my turkey, mashed potatoes, green beans, deviled eggs, cornbread, and rolls. The cranberry is coming straight out the can so if that screws up the store brand distributors can suck it.

Okay so in all seriousness, I am thankful. Very thankful to have family close enough to pay a visit, thankful for my brothers coming into town, my parents, my husband, my daughter, my friends...my list goes on but the point is BE thankful. Take your moment wherever you are and reflect on what you have. Time here is precious and no matter what bullshit or hardship circulates in our lives there is always time to stop and give thanks. We put our Christmas decorations up early this year so that our house would be all the more cozy when everyone is over. We just started putting the tree up and I caught this:

and NOTHING makes me more thankful.

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Email FWD:

This came to me from my mother this morning, and she said 'You better not show Dom!' Ah, parental humor, gotta love it.
HOW PUMPKIN PIE IS MADE:


My husband loves pumpkin pie.

Monday, November 16, 2009

Face plant.

You should see the other kid...



Okay, okay. So technically Brooklyn got in a fight with the pavement, not another kiddo. She was pushing something at school that decided to take off without her and the first thing to hit the ground was that poor little nose of hers. Ouch!

Thursday, November 12, 2009

"I was country, when country wasn't cool..."

I heard that song last night while watching the CMA's and I can't stop singing it.

I was born in Texas. We have a ranch that has been in our family for years, we grew up hunting, fishing, bailing hay, watching big Texas thunderstorms roll in from the front porch. I've helped my dad run cattle through pens, fed a calf with a bottle, caught my first striper (that's a fish, not a misspelled word!) when I was 8, eaten lots of deer meat, dove, etc...

I'm country.
Or Southern.
Or something.

Let's say Southern, for some reason there is a necessary level of sophistication to go along with that. Again, Or something. It might be worth mentioning before I freak some of you out that I AM college educated, have traveled quite a bit (see Greece pic below, with camo pants I might add), love stiletto's, wine, fine dining, etc...but can also load a shotgun or shoot a crossbow. Mkay? Moving on...

My parents were hippies too though, loved themselves some classic rock and roll, smoked cigarettes on the curb at school, long hair, dad with the sideburns, you know "age of aquarius" type of stuff.So, growing up I got it all. Country, southern rock, even a little blues now and then. It's all stuck with me and I'm grateful for the exposure but nothing brings me closer to home than some good ol' country music.

The first song I learned to sing along to was Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers - "Islands in the Stream." Hell yeah - you know what I"m talking about.....(cricket sounds)...uh...right? I know just about every George Jones, Conway Twitty, Roseanne Cash, Charlie Daniels, Willie Nelson, Alabama, Restless Heart, George Strait, The Judds, Reba song out there. From the 80's, 90's, and on into today I know country music. It's part of me and I love it.

Being married to an Italian guy from New York poses quite the combination of musical interests as mentioned in my last post. When we got together he NEVER listened to country. He had that stereotypical twang "my dog ran away, my wife left, shoot my gun, where's my whiskey" idea of what country music was. Since then, well, he's changed a lot. It relaxes him, he says. And, well, he's been around my family now long enough to know he better like it. I'm talking Willie Nelson CD's play on Christmas Eve while my brothers where their camo coveralls around.

Living in a live music capital there is such a variety of music, a lot of alternatives, and haters of country music. At one point in my life I think I would even play down how much I loved it, trying to do the whole 'fit-in' as a freshman nightmare. OMG how exhausting. Moved long past that and last night while watching the CMA's it truly dawned on me that I was country, when country wasn't cool.

Yes, that is a budweiser hat and a coors light in my hand.

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Mood

Today I find myself in a mood. A certain mood that I love when I get in, it's neither bad nor extremely good, it's somewhere in between. When I get like this I typically keep to myself more than normal and I listen to music. I used to always turn to music when I needed to reflect, feel, just be. I would use lyrics to describe where I was, what I was feeling, relate, gain a sense of comfort knowing someone else captured my exact moment and put it into words better than I could.

When my husband and I first started dating we would stay up for HOURS drinking wine and listening to a million different songs, old and new, and telling stories as to why they were so important. Me more than him but it was a way of getting to know one another beyond what we had already discovered.

I feel a sense of peace, contentment, just being. I think so many things, LIFE, happen so fast all around when you get a moment to just literally 'be' you should cherish it. My mind and my body seem to hardly allow for that anymore...so today, I take advantage of my mood.

My background music for the day seems to indicate I'm getting into that holiday spirit, and all the love and warmth that comes with.


What's yours?

Monday, November 9, 2009

I'd post the pictures from the zoo....


...except I don't have any. Because I flew solo and apparently am not skilled enough to do it ALL. The hubs was out of down last week, Thursday - Sunday, but that's no excuse to slow me and the little one down from being social now is it? Saturday morning I decided to pack it up and meet one of my very best friends at the zoo in San Antonio. She lives in Htown but was down visiting her SUPER PREGO sister and her two gorgeous girls. My girlfriend, Perri, has two kids of her own, and it's worth mentioning her parents and grandparents were there also. Quite the partaaay!

I left my house at 8:30 Saturday morning which in and of itself is borderline miraculous. Not that we don't do this on any given weekday, but moving that fast on Saturday too, yeah I know, pat on the back to me. Diaper bag packed, sippy cups, snacks, toys for the drive, the stroller, basics covered. Grabbed the camera too because I'm a good mom like that. Ya know, capturing the moments.

I made it on time and we got the crazy train going. Brooklyn was in the stroller, had the camera out ready and waiting and off we went. This was her 3rd trip to a zoo - the Austin zoo was just hot and lame, and she was too little to care when we took her to the Central Park zoo. First stop was the monkeys, which she absolutely loved since every animal sound we ask her to make is a monkey. We ventured into the aquarium section next and all she kept saying loudly over and over was "WHOA!" On to the a cave like structure to see the hippo's and alligators, and that's when it all started to fall apart. A mobile 14 month old with so much stimulation surrounding is OVER the stroller. Especially when she's the youngest of the 5 kiddos and everyone else is walking around. So, I made the mistake of letting her get down and that's when it was all over. One arm pushing the stroller, chasing her, picking her back up, pulling her off of things to climb, whoops there goes the sippy cup, "Brooklyn stop!", damn, I forgot the stroller!, shit my iPhone is sitting out in the cup holder!, etc...

I would entice her with crackers and LIFE cereal to get back in the stroller only to realize the next few exhibits she couldn't see unless I got her out and held her up to see the big animals. Damnit. But, that part was totally worth it as she yet again kept saying 'WHOA!' and then did her version of a roar when we saw the lions. She whispers it, have no idea where she got that from.

Needless to say by the time we left the zoo my hair was pulled up, I was sweating, the stroller was covered with crumbs, and I had a tired pup on my hands. Was so fun and so worth it, but: NOT ONE SINGLE FREAKIN PICTURE. Because yeah, like I said, I apparently am not talented enough to figure out how in the hell to manage that. I've said this before but again, hats off to single parents.

Anyone good at photoshop? ;)

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Cheesy McCheester, and then some.

Yes I did change my blog background for Halloween, and yes I did it again for November, and oh I cannot wait for the Christmas holiday. It just might sing and light up - Griswold is in the house.

Raise your hand if you like cheesy!

Anywho - I felt like I was on a roll with posting, a couple posts a week is 'on a roll' in my world. Then bam, fell off a cliff, hit a wall, thinking I am lame and have nothing fun to say. That always bring me back to why I started this here blog in the first place, to keep my grandma (Nana) updated with pictures and stories of Brooklyn. So, as the new saying goes, "when you hit a wall, post for grandma." (More cheese!)

We had a great Halloween, although it came and went as quick as it started. Brooklyn was a pumpkin but wasn't interested. We took her to a pumpkin parking lot patch but she wasn't too interested in that either. The bean bag toss, however, ding ding ding - we have a winner.





Sunday of this last weekend we took her a new park just build near our house and I learned that my child literally has NO FEAR. I knew this already I think but it was 100% confirmed. With no help from her us she flew down the slide. There I was too, ready and waiting to help and be the hero/safety net. Who are you? GET OUT MY WAY!






I should clarify something. She has no fear but she is aware of crazy. And how to stay away from it. Demonstrated in the below pictures, she is all to aware of the weirdo behind the big dog head. "Hmmm, he's not Mickey or any of his friends, Pooh, a Disney Princess...STRANGER DANGER!" That's my girl.




Okay Nana, hope you enjoyed the update. I'll be back soon, mwah!

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

HATS.





Her latest obsession. And yes, that last one is a camouflage hat, compliments of her Uncle. And yes, she only has on a diaper and socks. At least she's trying to accessorize!

Monday, October 26, 2009

Apple Crumb FAIL

I think I've mentioned this before - I like to cook, it relaxes me. So, in the spirit of the holiday season approaching I decided to bake an apple crumb pie on Sunday. Thanksgiving is at our house again this year, audience includes my MOTHER AND GRANDMOTHER, both who kick Betty Crocker's ass.

So, I must practice.

I found a great recipe, picked up everything I needed while at the grocery store on Saturday, and even researched how to do a lattice. Yes, yes I did just use the word lattice and I answer to 'Chef.'

Okay I'll admit, I scatched the lattice - that's only for the big time.

First step was to peel and slice the apples. Done. Easy. Put the slices in a bowl of water to avoid browning. Moved on to the sugary coating. Done. Made the crumb pieces out of cinnamon, brown sugar, and butter. Done. Put applies in pie crust, added crumb topping, BAM, in the oven to bake for an hour.

SUPER easy but I threw a little flour on my face anyway for dramatic effect.

40 minutes into it I check on my pie. Hmmmm. Something just doesn't look right, at all. I pull the pie out of the oven and it has literally turned into apple soup. THE SLICES WERE FLOATING. I suppose this had something to do with me soaking the slices in a bowl of water. Who the hell knew? (If you do, shut it.)

FAIL.

Friday, October 23, 2009

Less space, less things, more life.

My hubs was traveling this week for work, so what does that mean to me - time to catch up on some Oprah after mom duties cease. Or, Umpa Humphrey as my dear friend calls her. No idea where he got that but it sticks, doesn't it?

One of her shows this week profiled the happiest people in the world and my conclusion after watching is that we're moving to Denmark. To be specific, Copenhagen.

There is a huge emphasis on family, but not from the outside looking in, rather the inside looking out. No one seems to be 'keeping up with the Joneses' as we often say here in the states. They choose a more simplistic approach and genuinely focus on the relationships rather than status. They are modern people with nice things, just not in excess.

Less space, less things, more life.

They are extremely environmentally conscious, 1/3 of the population rides their bike around the city, often times with fresh groceries for the evening in tow. Homelessness, poverty, and unemployment are also rare - if you lose your job the government pays 90% of your salary for four years! Say wah? Oh, and healthcare is free. Oh, and you get paid to go to University when you graduate high school and tuition is free. As if that's not enough they take special interest in mama's and their babies. Women typically get 6 to 12 months of PAID maternity leave! Here it seems we fight for 6 to maybe 12 weeks. On the flip side of that they don't put too much emphasis on getting married/having babies - everyone following a certain mold. They encourage people to be whatever they want, no need to label just be happy. One woman said they leave their babies in carriages outside of cafes when they sleep, it's completely safe. She'd never heard of anyone harming a child. No such thing as sex offenders, in fact, she looked at Oprah like she was crazy for asking. Seems hard to believe considering you can run a search within 5 miles of any zip code here in the states and up pops a long list of crazies.

Lastly, and possibly the most important note, they apparently have this bread - RugbrØd that is to die for. Oprah says so at least, and if she says it, BELIEVE IT.

The place fascinated me and I think somehow worked it's magic as I was in a great mood after watching. Now, I realize this is a 'show' but I'm sold. Don't know about you but it sounds like they are doing something right. I'm adding this to my list of places I must visit, oh, and I sent hubby a text to find a job there. :)

Wanna go?