Mary

Litchfield SkyView Drive-In Theatre

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Rantanen) — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 22:00:00 +0000

We had one of the best Saturday nights this past weekend. My husband and I took Presley to her first drive-in theatre experience.

We headed up to Litchfield, IL to the SkyView Drive-In located on Old Route 66. It is the last operating drive-in on Route 66. We seriously had a blast. Have you ever been to a drive-in?? Well, when we arrive to the drive-in, we have to stake out the perfect spot. Once we find the perfect spot, we tune our radio to 103.1 FM for sound. (They got rid of the old audio speakers that hooked onto the window a long time ago.) Finally, we pull out the lawn chairs, the cooler and our food. When it gets cooler outside, we stay in our cars to watch the movies. Then the fun begins.

While you wait for the sun to set, the drive-in plays great oldies music. So of course, Presley, Josh and I danced and sang while we waited. At dusk, the movie finally began. Presley's eyes grew wide open. I read her mind...."that is the biggest TV I've ever seen!!"

The double features that we watched were not for kids but Presley still had a blast. It's not like she watches movies anyway...she's 2 (almost). She ran around and played with her cousin. The best part, no one yelled at us for her talking and being loud. There's kids all over the place having a great time and no one cares. Besides, we have the radio blaring so loud anyway, it hard to hear anything but the movie.

Did you noticed I mentioned double features? oh yes they have double features!! So of course, the drive-in has to have intermission. So guess what we get to watch for 10 minutes?? Yes, that old fifty's intermission show. The hot dog acting like a dog and the Popsicles jumping rope. You know what I mean. The same intermission show you can catch while watching "Grease". I sat there watching the intermission show reminiscing about my youth. I have great memories of that old drive-in. Now, I'm happy to make more memories with my daughter. I hope that the drive-in stays open so that my daughter can make her own memories with her friends.

If you're ever in the neighborhood, check out SkyView. People from all walks of life will be there and I promise, you'll have a great time. Maybe you can even leave the kids at home and make out with your hubby in the backseat! Enjoy!!

The SkyView Drive In Theatre in Litchfield, IL
Opened up in 1951 and is operated by Norman and Del Paul
Admission: $2 per person, children under five free
Season operation April thru October - Friday, Saturday and Sunday
Movie starts at dusk, but never before 7:30pm
http://www.litchfieldskyview.com/

The Success of the Komen Race

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Rantanen) — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 15:56:00 +0000

I can honestly say that I do not know anyone personally who has breast cancer. But every June when I see the tens of thousands of people gathered in downtown, it's hard not to get emotional. My dear friend and colleague, Linda, lost her niece to breast cancer a few years ago. I was fortunate to have met Dawn at a Komen Race not long before she passed. I remember my sister and I walking away after saying our goodbyes, fighting back tears. My emotions hit me like a tidal wave. Seeing all the pink shirts is one of the most moving things I have ever experienced.

To all 64,000 participants, thank you from the bottom of my heart. We all came together to raise $3.3 million and brought awareness to a very important cause. (And we had a great time doing it!) The money raised will stay in St. Louis to fund programs. According to Susan G. Komen's website, breast cancer remains the most common form of cancer among women living in the United States. More than 200,000 individuals will be diagnosed this year and 40,000 will die from the disease.

It doesn't matter what age your kids are, they always need their moms around. Remember to do your monthly breast exams and know and understand your risk factors. Early detection is a key to fighting this disease.

For more information about breast cancer, please visit http://www.komenstlouis.org/

Grant's Farm

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Rantanen) — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 13:56:00 +0000

Well Summer is here and it's time to get the children outside. I have to admit, I am really enjoying my Summer so far. Presley is getting more aware of her surroundings every day. We took her to Grant's Farm a couple of weeks ago. As soon as we entered the farm, we were seated onto a train. We had two wonderful men give us a tour of the property. We also ran into a lot of different animals. Presley sat on her grandpa's lap and shouted out "Ooohhh" every time she laid eyes on an animal.

I couldn't wait to see Presley feed the goats. My parents have great memories of my sister and I feeding the goats. (My poor sister got ambushed and cried the whole time.) I carried Presley in the pen while her daddy handed us bottles. As soon as I put her down, she was surrounded by goats. The poor girl was getting pushed around and chewed on so I tried moving her to where the baby goats stood. No luck there because the big goats just followed us. Presley finally had enough when she got knocked down and a goat began chewing her hair. I was being a bad mommy because I stood there laughing while my helpless child sat there crying. I couldn't help it. You would of stood there laughing with me if you would seen that silly goat. Her overprotective grandpa and daddy had enough and took her out of the pen. They were no fun!

After seeing the animals and watching the bird show, we moved on to the "free beer". My dad and husband enjoyed this part the most. My mom and I walked Presley around the stable to see the horses and a miniature donkey. I don't know if this is the same donkey we've seen in the commercial. But either way, it was cute!

After the refreshments, we were ready to leave. it was already getting too hot. At the other side of the parking lot, we walked over to the Clydesdale Stables. We even got our picture taken with a Clydesdale. Those animals are so beautiful. Presley kept petting one's nose and I was terrified she was going to get her hand bitten off. There were workers standing there and they didn't seem to mind that she was petting the Clydesdale. So I stopped worrying about Presley losing a hand.

To sum it up, we had a great time. Just like the zoo, there are fun things you can do with your family. To see your child's eyes light up is priceless. Get out there this summer and enjoy what St. Louis has to offer! Happy Summer Mommies!

Those Darn Gas Prices!

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Rantanen) — Fri, 30 May 2008 21:54:00 +0000

Are the gas prices killing you?? We're all in the same boat. We spend more money going to work in a month than we do on a car payment. But besides the whole money situation, I think there's a bigger problem. You see, money comes and goes, but memories are forever.

Our family fun days are going away. Those days of hopping in the car and driving down Alton's River Bend. Float trips with friends. Weekend getaways to Memphis. A week at the Atlantic Ocean. All of this is gone for my family. We just can't afford to do these activities. Back in the days, it was nothing for us to drive to St. Louis. Now, it's something we ponder over.

Here is my other problem. I am now carpooling to and from work. I ride with my mom and two other wonderful ladies. It is saving all of us tons of money. Unfortunately, I am out the door at 6:15am and not getting home until 6:25pm. I feel like there is not enough time in the day to play with my daughter and talk to my husband. If I stay up past 9pm, it's a miracle. I'm sure a bunch of you moms can relate. By the time you get home and eat dinner, it's time to get the kids ready for bed.

So my solution to my problem is that I am really going to start living for the weekends. I want to spend every waking moment I can with my daughter and husband. I know I don't need to drive off anywhere to make memories. We're hitting the parks, going for walks, and visiting with family.

Hang in there Moms! There has to be an end to this gas nightmare.....right????

American's addiction to soda

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Rantanen) — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 14:12:00 +0000

I suffer from an addiction. This addiction is toxic, poisonous, and lethal. It will rot my teeth. It will wear away my calcium in my bones. It will eat the lining of my stomach. I will suffer from Type II diabetes, the gout, high blood pressure, cancer and obesity. This addiction is the main reason for most people's health problems. I am talking about soda. Yes, even the diet soda.

I am trying desperately to quit my addiction. So I got online and looked for reason why soda's bad for you. I'm one of those people. I want to see in black and white all the pros and cons. So I stumbled on this webiste http://www.oleda.com/. This is what I learned and I want to share it with all of you moms.

"Teenagers and children, who many soft drinks are marketed toward, are among the largest consumers. In the past 10 years, soft drink consumption among children has almost doubled in the United States. Teenage boys now drink, on average, three or more cans of soda per day, and 10 percent drink seven or more cans a day. The average for teenage girls is more than two cans a day, and 10 percent drink more than five cans a day. "

Now I'm not pointing fingers because sometimes my daughter sneaks in a drink here and there. But I really want us moms to think about what you just read. We wouldn't think twice about giving our children drugs and/or alchohol. But we allow them to drink soda!?! Here's a quote on what aspartame found in diet sodas do to our bodies....

"This chemical is used as a sugar substitute in diet soda. There are over 92 different health side effects associated with aspartame consumption including brain tumors, birth defects, diabetes, emotional disorders and epilepsy/seizures. Further, when aspartame is stored for long periods of time or kept in warm areas it changes to methanol, an alcohol that converts to formaldehyde and formic acid, which are known carcinogens. "

The author made a great point in the article. Children don't think long term. By the time they hit adulthood, it may be too late. The damage could be done. Did you know that caffeine effects kid's developing brains? It makes sense but I never stopped to think about it. I hope you make time to read the rest of the article. Let's teach our children healthy behaviors now. NO MORE SODA MOMS!!!!
http://www.oleda.com/oleda_tips/tips.asp?dept=48

Dinoroarus at The Saint Louis Zoo - This Friday April 18th

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Rantanen) — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 17:31:00 +0000

My husband and I are huge in supporting the St. Louis Zoo. I remember walking through The Bronx Zoo in New York saying under my breath that it had nothing on St. Louis' Zoo. We took Presley for the first time during Halloween. We started off at "River's Edge". She loved it. Even at her young age, she was mesmorized by the large animals. Me, being an avid ape lover, was so excited to see her reaction to the apes. When we finally walked up to the "Jungle of the Apes", there sat a huge ape. He was right next to the window!! I was ecstatic. I was pushing kids out of the way to get as close as possible to the ape. I picked up Presley and there she stood right next to the ape. The ape turned his head and stared at her. What did my daughter do?? She yawned, turned and walked away. I think everyone around me heard my heart break.

Well we are heading back to the zoo to see Dinoroarus at The Saint Louis Zoo. Near the River's Edge, there will be 16 animatronic dinosaurs. The exhibit will be open April 18th thru September 1st. Admission is $1.50 for members and $3 for non-members (children under 2 are free). There will also be a Fossil Dig for the children, photo ops and a 3-D motion simulator. Please check out the website for more information....

http://www.stlzoo.org/home/featurednews/dinoroarus.htm

I love watching Presley's wheels turn in her head. I love that the smallest things amazes her. This is great for any child and fun for the whole family! Josh and I have wonderful memories of Presley at the Zoo. You too, can make wonderful memories. We have a beautiful zoo and we need to support it as much as possible. I truly believe that this is a place that dedicates their all to helping animals.

Of course, after we visit Dinoroarus, I'm heading back to the "Jungle of the Apes". I have been pushing apes down my poor daughter's throat since that October morning. Maybe this time around, she'll be a little bit more excited when an ape appears. I'm not giving up hope that she'll love apes just like her mommy. After all, she is our little monkey!

National President's Challenge

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Rantanen) — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 16:50:00 +0000

So this morning I'm listening to Joel Osteen's audio book....Becoming A Better You. Today he talked about taking care of ourselves. It really made me think about what I don't do for myself. I gained 90lbs during my pregnancy. I found out that I have hypothyroidism and my metabolism went down the drain. My daughter is 19mo old now, and I still have 5olbs hanging on.

Every Monday rolls around and I'm determine to begin my new life as a healthy person. By the time Saturday rolls around, I'm back to my old ways. My bad habit is drinking soda. I have to have it morning, noon and night. It makes me sick to think about all the calories I drink during the day. Joel Osteen was saying that it takes 21 days to break a bad habit. He said to go through the pain, ask for help, if needed, and give up your bad habits.

The employees here at channel 5 will be tackling the National President's challenge March 20th through May 15th. This is something you can do as an individual or with a group. I urge you to get healthy with me this year. This is my year, I promise, and it can be yours too! Us, Moms do everything for others and never enough for ourselves. We need to make ourselves the main priority in our lives. If Mom's happy, everyone's happy. You've heard that before right? But it's so true. When we're happy and healthy, our confidence is through the roof. We're happier with our marriages/relationships. We're more active and energized to run around with the kids. When we're positive and happy, we attract happy and positive people into our lives. Moms, take time for yourself! The bonus is that you will be a great role model for your children. With obesity rising in children, this is a great way to turn that epidemic around.

Check out this website......sign up and get moving!!

http://www.presidentschallenge.org/

Stay At Home Mom

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Rantanen) — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 20:59:00 +0000

OK.....so I told ya that I would explain why I don't think I could be a stay-at-home mom. I sit at work everyday and daydream about what my husband and daughter are doing. I am so jealous of my husband being home with her every day. But I truly don't think I could stay home.

While on Maternity leave, I truly lost my identity. I didn't have much contact with the outside world. Because of my husband's crazy work hours, I rarely saw him. My friends all had full-time jobs and a family to raise as well. So that left me with only my cats and newborn to talk to. It's not much fun having a one-sided conversation. I felt so distant from the outside world. I felt alone. It's the hardest job out there and yet, I truly felt like I was not leaving my mark on society. That is such a crazy thing to think! I mean, raising good, successful children isn't enough? I guess for me, it wasn't. I was lost during my maternity leave.

Now that my daughter is older, I know that I could be an active mom. We could do one of those playgroups or maybe do outdoor activities. This brings me to my second problem. I am NOT, nor will I ever be your stereotypical "Soccer Moms". No offense Soccer Moms. But I'm not one. I have no interest in being one. My husband and I watch the comedy sitcom "The New Adventures of the Old Christine." There are two moms on that show that make Freddy Krueger look friendly. They're all about gossip, and having the smartest, most popular kids. Come on, you know the type I'm talking about. I fear those moms. I dread the day I have to go on a field trip with those moms. I fear that if I choose to stay home with my kids, my life will be bombarded with "Those Moms."

I have no plans on staying home anytime soon. Once my husband and I have another child, maybe he'll go to work and I'll stay home. Who knows? It will be a hard decision for me to say the least. But no matter what I decide to do, I know that whether I stay home or go back to work, I will love my children more than life itself.

What do you want to be when you grow up?

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Rantanen) — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 19:22:00 +0000

When I was in grade school, I had a classmate who's only ambition in life was to be a Mom. I remember my 6th grade teacher asking us what we wanted to be when we grew up. My classmates and I screamed out a teacher, a policeman, a doctor, etc. Not this girl. She stood up and proudly told the teacher she wanted to be a Mommy. I thought that was the stupidest thing I've ever heard. I mean wasn't it obvious that one day most women will be Moms when they grow up? I mean seriously, this girl just wanted to be a Mom? In my defense, we do live in a society where women can be anything they want, and this girl ONLY wanted to be a mom?

Moving forward twenty something years, I just recently thought about this story. Why did my classmates and I think so low about this girl wanting to be "just a Mom". Was I raised in a time when women were not women unless they worked full-time? My husband is a full-time Dad and part-time worker. He's super busy and Presley is only a year old. What's it going to be like once she's signed up for a dozen after-school activities? I'm envious that he's home with her during the day but I don't know if I could do that everyday. Being a parent is hard work. I will fight anyone tooth and nail over that one.

So why don't we consider stay-at-home parenting to be an important job? Look at all the drug and drinking abuse. Grade school children having sex. Little girls wanting to be Paris Hilton when they grow up. Or how about all the school shootings. Would this bad behavior be happening if children had their own parents raising them? I think that would be an interesting debate.

So why don't I stay at home with my daughter? Well that's a whole different blog that I'll write about next time. My hat goes off to all of you stay-at-home parents. You have the hardest yet lowest paying job society has to offer. But it must be the most rewarding job when you think about it.

By the way, my classmate did grow up to be "just a Mommy". And by the looks of things, she's loving every minute of it.

Write to you later!

With deepest sympathy

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Rantanen) — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 20:25:00 +0000

I want to extend my deepest sympathy to all of those affected by the devastating act of violence that took place Thursday evening February 7th in Kirkwood, MO. I speak for all of the employees here at Newschannel 5 when I say that our thoughts and prayers are with you.

"And in the end, it's not the years in your life
that count. It's the life in your years."
~Abraham Lincoln

Dealing With Presley's First Molar

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Rantanen) — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 20:52:00 +0000

I have one word to describe baby molars....NIGHTMARE.

I can tell you nothing was easy about being on maternity leave. Some people think it's a three month vacation. Far from it. But dealing with my daughter's pain and discomfort over her molar was the worst experience so far.

When her teeth started coming in, she really didn't show any signs of discomfort. If she did, it was nothing a little bit of Infant Tylenol couldn't handle. Our molar nightmare happened just a month ago around Christmas time. My daughter woke up one morning as evil baby and stayed that way. Presley wouldn't eat. She wouldn't sleep. She refused to play, smile or laugh. She would hit us, kick us, pull our hair and torment the cats. Presley cried and threw temper tantrums morning, noon and night. My husband and I would tear up not having a clue on what to do. I was trying to come to terms that my daughter was destined to be the playground bully. I was positive that somewhere, somehow, in these last 16 months, I failed as a mother.

It quickly dawned on me that my daughter wasn't evil but her molar was coming in. Below is what my husband and I did to help our daughter through the painful situation. Please contact your Pediatrician before giving your child any medicine! I am not a medical expert, just a mom.

1) We really tried to keep Infant Tylenol in her system to help dull the pain.
2) We gave her cold chewy toys, wash cloths and a binkie to chew on.
3) We gave her a small amount of Children's Benadryl to help her sleep. Josh and I were so against doing this but we broke down the last two nights of this ordeal. It was the only thing that allowed the three of us to get some sleep.
4) Be organized so your mornings are easier. I did not get any sleep so it was helpful to have everything laid out for me the night before.
5) If you need a break (and you will) don't feel bad to get away from your child for a few hours. Coming back refreshed will only make you a better parent.
6) Did I mention you will not get much sleep?? Be prepared :)

So hang in there Moms! You did not fail as a mother. It's just those pesky teeth making your child evil! Good luck!

My love for restaurants

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Rantanen) — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 16:46:00 +0000

I have to admit. Going out to eat is one of my favorite things to do. I love the intimate setting, the long talks, and the laughter. My social status has changed since Presley came along. Plus, I have a husband with 15 years of restaurant experience. He hates going out to eat. So when I convince him to take me to a restaurant, it's a big deal. I get out of the house. I get to be social. I get to do something. I love it.

Now that our daughter is off the baby food, my husband and I have included her in our restaurant adventures. I never realized until I became a mom how unhealthy the kid's menu is. So, as a parent, what am I suppose to do about the menu? I don't want to take a lunch pail of fruits and veggies with me. That would defeat the whole purpose of going out to eat. But I read nothing on the kid's menu but fried this and fried that and spaghetti (which is too messy). Don't forget the french fries. You get plenty of french fries thrown your way.

My husband and I swore up and down during my entire pregnancy that our child would never know the taste of junk food. Ha Ha on that one. We've been more lenient than we wanted to. I mean, we do not shove junk down her throat, but a cookie here and some ice cream there slips in from time to time. But 90% of the time, Presley eats very healthy. I'm so amazed that she loves fruits and veggies. I hope that doesn't change in the future. But I have my "Sneaky Chef" cookbook just in case.

If you truly want your child to eat healthy, you should probably stay away from the kid's menu. What we do is my daughter eats off of our salad plates, eats a baked potato in lieu of french fries with fish or chicken. It's not the best, but we try. You could also consider staying home for most of your meals. You could make fantastic memories in the kitchen. Good luck!

Tis The Season......

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Rantanen) — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 21:48:00 +0000

to go absolutely crazy buying gifts for the kids. Having a one year old, I know it's pointless to buy tons of gifts. My daughter, Presley has no idea what Christmas, Santa Claus or presents are. Lord knows I do not want to rush her growing up. Yet, I really have been growing impatient this season. I keep catching myself wishing Presley was old enough to understand Christmas.

I guess I'm just ready to experience Christmas like parents with older children. Most of my greatest memories revolved around Christmas. Nothing was more exciting than waking up at 4am in the morning. My sister, Teresa and I would run down the stairs to check under the tree. Then we would check whether or not Santa ate our cookies and drank our milk. It never failed. Santa always ate our cookies and drank our milk. The best part was my sister and I lounging around in our pajamas watching "A Christmas Story" all day long.

I hope to continue my Christmas traditions with my daughter. But I don't think this will be the year. My Christmas morning will be just like every other morning. With the exception of wrapping paper thrown all over the floor. Oh who am I kidding? I don't need to get so wrapped up on Christmas traditions just yet. I'll ponder on traditions later. This Christmas, I'm going to enjoy my baby being a baby!

Happy Holidays to you!

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noreply@blogger.com (ksdk_admin) — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 14:10:00 +0000

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