Three things I'm loving this week:

1. Summer dresses at JcPenney's. I went to JCP last Friday night to scoop up some deeply discounted jeans a girlfriend tipped me off to. Came home with $185 worth of summer clothes. Yeah..I don't know either....it just happens If You Give A Mom A Few Minutes At the Mall.
"If you give a mom a few minutes at the mall, she'll stop to check the price on the pretty polka dot dress by the door. When she's checking the price, she'll notice a clearance rack. She'll browse the clearance rack and pick up five button-down shirts even though she has 15 at home. When she's trying on the blouses, she'll see a pair of capri's someone left in the dressing room. They're her size, so she'll try them on. They perfectly hide the winter pounds, so she'll buy them ...."

Here's one of myfavorites (course...I'll be wearing it with a sweater until the Mabeline and Thelma are done with my arms). $30 is a bargain for these dress which -- short sisters let me hear you cheer -- come in lots of petite sizes.

2. The NFL draft. God help me I've gone off the deep end with this football stuff -- I listened to the entire NFL draft on Sirius satellite radio last weekend. When we missed the Steelers first-draft pick, I nearly freaked out on my husband for getting the Steeler's picking position wrong. Then, it occurred to me to call the ETN Sports Dept. I knew they'd know (they did).

As if listening to the draft wasn't enough, I've spent all week listening to Sirius' NFL channel's breakdowns and analysis of the draft. I need an intervention.

3. Foreigner at CelebrateErie for free. Woohoo. Stock up on Bic lighters, dig out your stonewashed jeans -- we're going to rock on the streets of Erie come Aug. 16. I'm way more excited about this concert than I should be. I don't even care that the very next morning is the Hamot 10K. It's not like it will be the first time I run a race with a hangover.

I was telling a co-worker here at the paper -- Joan Benson-Cacchione -- how much I enjoyed her Sunday column about her daughter, Annie.

Joan is one of my favorite people here at ETN -- not only is a great writer, but she's a wonderfully positive person, a friendly face and a good mom. I take every opportunity I can to chat her up and learn from her.

Where Joan is preparing for an empty nest, I'm in the beginning stages of parenting -- it's a lot of work and I worry constantly if I am doing the right thing. The whole parenting gig can seem overwhelming and fraught with pitfalls.

I remarked to Joan that even though it was a tough job, it was a rewarding one. Joan said it definitely was and that the best part is that they are often unexpected, surprise rewards -- like big bear hugs from 18-year-old teens.

Or a 4-year-old who says, "Mommy, I love you twelve times. No..no..I love you 112 times."

I left the gym at 5:30 p.m. and drove east over Eighth Street to Parade. This is a neighborhood that, lately, has been plagued with violent crimes, gunfire and beatings. At 5:30 on the first day of May, it looked just like any other neighborhood -- trees budding, new green grass growing up, tulips planted in front of houses.

As I drove toward Parade, I noticed a TV crew and a few black men holding signs. As I waited for the light, I read the sign. It said, "Non-violence begins with me."

Obviously a reaction to the violence in the neighborhood.

I turned south on Parade and that's when I saw that on all four corners of every intersection there were men holding the same sign.

The girls and I were doing some painting this weekend so I could take photos of our creations for a story I'm doing in the June issue of Her Times (last-minute Father's Day gifts you can make!). And, I wanted to remember to share a tip with all you moms & dads out there.

Ever find yourself struggling to keep the kids from mixing up the paints -- particularly with the younger set. You try to teach them to rinse the brush and dry it between each color, but...it never works -- the colors end up getting mixed...or, worse, end up a watered-down mess.

I have a great solution.

Buy yourself a pack of cheap paintbrushes (you can find them at most dollar stores) and put one brush in each pot. Then...make sure the kids understand that brush must stay in that color. No water is needed!

I am so anal that I even color-code the brush to the pot. Check it out:

Got two (or more) kids arguing over one color...put a couple of brushes in that pot.

When you're done painting, be sure to wipe the threads of each pot with a paper towel before you close them up!

I just blogged an update on the Iroquois Elementary runners on my "Runner's Notes" blog...it's a great story...with some really touching photos. Check it out here.

Tuesdays are "I Tried It Tuesdays" where I'll tell you about something I recently tried -- an item, a movie, an activity, etc.

Today's topic: Clear Image Aligners (clear retainers to straighten teeth)

I have a loooooooong, sordid dental history. It started with some genetic abnormality that caused me to be born with three sets of front teeth (two pairs of adult teeth), which resulting in oral surgery when I was child and two rounds of braces -- once in grade school, again in college. Most recently, I have some really awful (but really effective) gum surgery that involved a skin graft from the roof of my mouth being used to repair a gum problem on my front teeth.

Well....so...anyway..you go through all that & you want some nice teeth. Unfortunately, one of my front teeth was starting to twist and overlap the other. Most people didn't notice, but I did and was extremely self-conscious about it.

The "Terrible Two's" got nothing on the (hmmm...the f word I might choose here would be inappropriate, so...) "Freaking-out Fours."

There something about this age that is...both fantastic and utterly frustrating.

They are so smart. And so smart-mouthed.

Three things I'm LOVING this week:

1. LILACS. OK...honestly...this could count for all three things I'm loving this week. I love them that much. When I was a kid, we had a ginormous lilac bush outside the kitchen window. When you could smell the lilacs it meant two things: 1.) It was warm enough to have the window open, and 2.) summer vacation was near. One whiff of these purple (or white) beauties can keep me smiling for hours.

2. My brand-spankin' new nephew. I haven't had the pleasure of meeting the little guy yet, but I cannot wait to get my hands on him tonight -- all 8 lbs. 15 oz.of him. Little Aiden Patrick was born Monday night to my baby brother (31, but..still forever the baby of the family), Pat, and his wife, Steph (who did all the work).

3. Mother's Day. This holiday is way more fun now that I'm a mom. I'm not sure what's in store for me at my eldest daughter's school tomorrow, but she is quite excited about the "Mothers Day Tea" event. She's told me that they are planning some "special things" and her unabashed joy is practically palatable. The real gift is that she finds such personal happiness in giving to others.

This is a cool video/interview with a woman who is banding birds at Presque Isle. Imagine holding one of these little creatures in your hand.

Happy Mom's Day to all you mothers out there.

Mother's Day -- like most holidays for us (with lots of family in town) -- was a flurry of activity and running around.

I decided to skip the actual Mother's Day run (the ERC's 5K at Presque Isle) in favor of a family trip to church (one of the three times a year -- Christmas, Easter and Mother's Day -- that my husband is required to attend church without grumbling).

I had hoped to find time between church and going to the in-laws to do something fun with the girls, but, alas...they needed baths, clothes and lunches had to be packed up for Monday, the house needed picked up, etc., etc., etc.

From the Evil Queen's cat to the walking, talking magic mirror to the seven dwarfs -- the Erie Playhouse Youtheatre's production of Snow White is full of fun, superb acting and inside adult jokes that go right over the heads of the little ones who are busy laughing at the physical humor.

I took the girls and my mom to the Erie Playhouse on Friday night to see Snow White and it got two thumbs up all the way around -- a hit with all three generations. It was a real crowd pleaser, and with dwarfs and foxes and witches running off stage and up and down the aisles, it was exciting.

I highly recommend it -- for children of all ages. And, for live theater, you can't beat the $10 ticket price.

Read more about it here.

I ran up to Babies-R-Us to pick up a gift and noticed a new little book store tucked in between Target and Barbies-R-Us.

Sign said 70% off retail prices...and, despite the fact that I HAD to be home in 20 minutes, I was drawn into that book store like a moth to a flame. I didn't see the 70% off signs anywhere in the store, so I wondered if it was just selected books. With no time to ask or browse, I grabbed a cool kid's storybook for my friend with the new baby. It was $20, but I loved it and I was in a hurry.

When she rang it up -- it was $6.50. Woohoo. I was a happy shopper.

I immediately wished I had more time to look around.

If you're a book lover, it's worth checking out.

Let me be honest: Starbucks intimidates the hell out of me. I've never even set foot in one because, well...I'm just not that cool.

I have no idea what a latte is versus a mocha versus a cappuccino (I had to go to www.dictionary.com just to figure out how to spell that). I know they use some special Starbucks jargon for the sizes -- grande, tall...uh...whatever (what's wrong with small, medium and large?). And, I hear there is some special way to order that involves saying what you want in the correct chronology or endure some 16-year-old "barista's" sighing, eye-rolling and possible tampering with your $5 cup of God-knows-what.

Three things I'm loving this week:

1. This video of Waldameer's new Ravine Flyer roller coaster. Kudos to the ETN's photographer, Rob Engelhardt, who mounted a camera to give us all the first ride on the Ravine Flyer for a lot less money than these folks are paying. One note -- if the video streams in fits & starts for you, just pause it, take a bathroom break and come back, and it will run straight through.

2. My husband's wide-eyed marathon enthusiasm. He's running his first marathon Sunday in Cleveland. Last night he was running a few miles on the treadmill. I happened by and he yelled, "woohoo..I am so pumped up and ready for this. I might run it twice!" I smiled and said, "I'll talk to you at the 22nd mile, tough guy." I wish I'd had that kind of confidence going into my marathon runs. It could help him...or it could nearly kill him...we'll find out at the 22nd mile.

3. Staind - Chapter V. I bought this CD a long time ago because I like the song "Right Here." I just rediscovered this CD a month or so ago and have been listening to it at work -- and probably destroying my hearing -- for a week straight now. When my coworkers are here, I have to keep the headphones low so I can hear what's going on, but...after 5, when they all go home, I can listen as loud as I want.

The husband and I spent the weekend in Cleveland where he did the full marathon (26.2 miles) and I did the 1/2 (13.1 miles). If you're interested, you can read more about our experience at my Runner's Notes blog.

Much as I hate the thought of lining the pockets of the Hilton sisters, I intend to look for an Embassy Suites whenever I'm making hotel accommodations in the future.

We stayed in a DUMP when we went to the Cleveland Marathon last year. It was over a mile from the start, and we paid over $100 to stay there (marathon weekend "special" pricing, you know) and another $20 a day to park our car there.

This year, I decided it would be worth another $50 to stay at a hotel closer to the marathon start and finish. I surfed around expedia.com -- checking out the reviews from other travelers and decided on the Embassy when I saw it was just 3 blocks from the marathon start and $149 a night (parking...in a ramp..just $10).

Online digital photo giant Winkflash has a great deal going on -- a flat-rate book sale -- 8x8 books start at $14.

These books made great Father's Day gifts and end-of-year teacher gifts. And, at this price...they're a bargain (provided they aren't gouging you on shipping).

I always make a photo book for the kids to give to my husband for Father's Day each year. I call it, "A Year With Daddy" and I fill it with fun things the girls and Dan did throughout the year. This year, I'm going to have the girls draw a picture of Dan, scan it in and use that as the cover.

When it comes to parenting, it's the most basic things that trip me up.

I can handle the big stuff. My kids know about death, they know the proper names for private parts, they can make their own breakfast, sort laundry and operate the TV/VCR/DVD better than me. They can ID most birds and bugs. I even taught them to ride two-wheel bikes this weekend.

It's the most basic of things that earn me a big, fat, red "F" in the Mommy skills column. Like putting on their own coats and dressing themselves. Honestly, I still dress my Kindergartner most mornings. Not because she's incapable of it, but because she doesn't do it fast enough. I know...I know....I'm not doing her (or me) any favors.

My latest "F" is for teaching how to tie shoes. Kelly, 6, came home from school a month or so ago & announced that she and another little boy are the only ones in her class who can't tie their shoes.

My husband took it upon himself to teach her -- which is good because I had NO idea where to even begin with that. Every night at bedtime/story time, he'd grab her little sneaker (the only pair of shoes she owns that tie) and work with her -- making rabbit ears and holes and such.

He told me she got it, but, she obviously didn't since I still have to tie them every morning. I make her try -- she makes a half-hearted attempt and then dissolves into tears when she doesn't succeed.

So, now, at the top of the household whiteboard/"to do" list is: "Teach Kelly to tie shoes." Here's hoping it's a feat I can accomplish by the time she goes off to college.

That...and dressing herself.

Three things I'm loving this week:

1. Strawberries and grapes in my green salad. Sounds weird, tastes yummy -- particularly if you top the salad with a few walnuts and some low-fat raspberry vinaigrette dressing (Kraft's version is great).

2. Christ the Redeemer Preschool. Though I'm sad my days with the preschool and the wonderful teachers/friends there are through, I am eternally grateful to them for turning out two kindergarten-ready girls (You've read how I do with the shoe-tying thing...imagine if it was up to me to teach them how to read and write and tell time). For any eastside-dwelling moms of preschoolers, this is a fantastic preschool with veteran teachers, 3-, 2- and 5-day options and a secular curriculum (the preschool is in the basement of a church, but they don't teach any sort of religion). It's affordable, too. One of the cheapest in the area, but don't let that worry you -- it's a first-rate preschool.

3. Quaker Chewy Granola Bars. When I noticed these were just 90 to 100 calories, I decided to give them a try. I'm well aware that with 90 calories and 1.5 grams of fat in a bar, they can hardly be called healthy, so they are not something you should be eating every day, but...these are really great for keeping in the car and in your desk drawer to quell a rumbling stomach when you're on the go or a few hours from a meal.

Bonus: A four-day weekend for me. :-)

My personal trainer put me on this two-week "jump start" diet that eliminates salt & sugar in all forms. No fruit. No diet pop. No dairy. No coffee. No alcohol.

No shit.

I've been on this diet less than two days and chances are good that I won't make it to day #3.

I can live without sugar and caffeine -- been there, done that. I can even live without chocolate -- went for years without it. But, salt? I had no idea how much flavor it added to my life.

I have always justified my sodium intake by the fact that I run and, therefore, sweat a lot of sodium every day. My body must need it, I figure. My blood pressure is normal (low even), so it doesn't appear my salt intake is affecting my health, so...I have never attempted to watch my salt.

Now that it's been banished from my diet, I have a whole new respect for people on low-salt or no-salt diets. I don't know how you do it.

Life without salt is just tasteless and boring.

My only consolation is that, for me, it's temporary.

Could be two weeks, could be two hours...depends on how good I am at talking my way out of this diet.

I don't get this story. Parents are, apparently, upset that there are advertisements on their child's school milk cartons.

Seriously?

There are bigger fish to fry in our schools. I'm a little more concerned about the mountains of waste they're cranking out every day (my daughter's school does not recycle in the lunchroom) and the fat-laden food they're serving up day after day.

Tuesdays are "I Tried It Tuesdays" where I'll tell you about something I recently tried -- an item, a movie, an activity, etc.

Yeah, I know today is Wednesday, but better late than never, right?

Today's product: Sea Queen frozen fish from Aldi's

I got a sneak peek at the Erie Zoo's new tiger exhibit this weekend, and it is phenomenal. It's so...."big city" zoo looking! It has a full glass front (no moat) lining the entire exhibit so you can get up close & personal with the tiger behind the glass. Erie -- you will be impressed. (As, I'm sure you have with many of the renovations at our zoo.)

My zoo friend told me that they would be rotating the white tiger, Kumar, with a breeding pair of Bengal (or was it Siberian?) tigers. Which means....there could be tiger cubs in Erie's near future. How fun.

Here's my daughter's rendering of the exhibit. View image

* Little orangutan, Leela, was having a good time playing peek-a-boo with visitor's on Monday -- dragging her sheets and blankets over her head and yanking them off -- much to the delight of everyone watching her. It's funny how much she interacts with zoo visitors -- making faces at the kids, peering into purses (hold your purse up and open it wide...she'll come running to see what's in there), and lounging around by the viewing windows.

Photo by Jack Hanrahan/Erie Times-News

* Samantha the gorilla was cuddling with her "baby" stuffed animal gorilla -- putting it's body under her chin and wrapping it's arms around her neck. Too cute. The "baby" is looking desperately in need of a bath. My zoo friend told me it's the original stuffed animal they gave her years ago and she's quite attached to it.

Photo by Janet Campbell/Erie Times-News

* There's a cool frog & toad exhibit in the Children's Zoo Adventure Center. They have native frogs and toads, including a tank full of tadpoles. I've seen most of these amphibians in my yard or my pool at one time or another so it was nice to be able to put a name to the frog/toad.

* The black swan is sitting on a nest of eggs. We saw at least two, but there may have been three.

* The creek by the Children's Zoo is currently filled with wild ducks and lots of tiny little fuzzy ducklings.

* The otters, too, seem to enjoy interacting with zoo visitors -- racing from one side of the exhibit to the other -- enticing kids to chase them.

If you're planning to visit the Erie Zoo -- buying a family membership is the way to go. For just $55, your entire family can get into the zoo all year for free (except for nightly events like ZooBoo).

Three things I'm loving this week:

1. Rhododendrons. They're bursting into bloom all over town now. Take some time to appreciate them this week, they don't last long.

2. "Love Don't Live Here Anymore" by Lady Antebellum. Yeah...I'm still on a Country kick this week.

3. The Pittsburgh Penguins victory last night. Hockey isn't quite football, but I'll take it. That was a great game and all I could think was...1.) That looks terribly exhausting and; 2.) I would NEVER want to be a goalie and, 3.) What's up with the beards?

I was raised with religion -- Lutheran, to be specific. I went to Sunday School and church until I was confirmed and, therefore, old enough to make my own decisions about faith. I, like most teens, chose to sleep in on Sunday mornings.

But, after a few years away from the church, I felt...well, I don't know what...just that I wanted/needed to go back. Much to my mother's delight, I started joining her every Sunday morning.

Some things happened & I drifted away again. And, again, after several years, felt...some internal pull to go back. I found a new church and have been going regularly again and, of course, making the kids go, too.

I've been thinking a lot about why I felt the need to go back and what, exactly, religion and faith adds to my life. Do I really believe in God? Do I buy all these Bible stories? Why do I need to be there? What is it that draws me there? Why do I hate to miss a week -- turning down offers to run with friends if it means missing church?