My husband and I will celebrate our tenth wedding anniversary on July 1. I can’t believe it has been 10 years. We’re heading out on a second honeymoon this weekend (our first cruise). Five days with no cell phones, computers or kids — I think we’ve earned it!

I really wanted to post one of our wedding pictures, but as I was digging around for them I realized that we have nothing digitally. Ten years ago we actually took pictures with cameras and film… it was practically the Dark Ages. If only I wasn’t mid-move and had my scanner hooked up, but I guess for now you will just have to imagine a very young-looking girl and boy who had no idea how challenging and amazing life and parenthood would be.

Been on a brief hiatus with our move to the new house. It’s a funny thing about moving — you actually have to move EVERYTHING. No hiding things in the junk drawer or at the back of a closet…. every last thing must go.

Our house did not end up being ready last weekend as we had planned, so we’re in this awkward holding pattern. I keep having to dig through boxes trying to find things, and the cable company disconnected our internet Saturday, despite the fact that I called them Friday, and they agreed to postpone the switchover. Exhausting. Overwhelming. If only life had a fast forward button.

Working towards our big move this Friday, we’ve been doing a lot of eating out, but this recipe takes less than five minutes to prepare and uses hardly any utensils (a major plus when your kitchen is packed away in boxes), and it is just so yummy!

1 jar Spaghetti Sauce
1 pkg. Pepperoni
1 tbsp. Oregano
1 tbsp. Garlic Salt
1-2 loaves French bread (depending on how many you’re feeding)
1 bag Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
Optional Toppings: Mushrooms, Olives, Bell Peppers, Onions

Cut the loaf of bread in half down the middle. Then take each half and slice it length-wise so you have four large pieces. Repeat with the second loaf, if using. Place the bread, crusty side down, onto a baking sheet. Spread sauce over cut sides of loaves. Sprinkle two thirds of the oregano and garlic salt over sauce. Divide pepperoni evenly among all sections of bread. Add whatever other toppings are desired. Divide cheese evenly over sections of bread. Sprinkle the remaining oregano and garlic over the cheese. Bake at 350 degrees for approximately 15 minutes or until toasted. Cut into smaller pieces and serve on paper plates!

We’re moving this weekend, so today I’ve had the distinct pleasure of calling the slew of utilities companies to cancel and start new services. As I’ve drudged through faulty automated systems and ridiculously long hold times only to be transferred from person to person, I have had lots of time to think about this new book I just heard of: Your Call Is (Not That) Important to Us. I think I’m going to read it.

I decided to take my three young kids to an olympic-sized pool to play. I was exhausted from carting everything we needed to the end of the pool and nervous because there was no kiddie-safe shallow area and none of my kids could swim. When we finally got into the pool my three and five-year-old kids were hanging on the edge, and I had the baby in my arms.

“Whew! We made it,” I thought.

But then my three year old says, “Mom, I need to pee!”

I quickly weigh my options: he is too young to go all the way to the bathroom by himself; I cannot leave my daughter in the pool and certainly not the baby; so I would have to get the whole crew back out of the pool and walk all the way back to the bathrooms, which of course were a long ways away.

I whispered quietly, “Just pee in the pool.”

He didn’t say anything more. Next thing I know he had climbed out of the pool and was standing at the edge near me. I am thinking he wants to jump to me and make a big splash, but no. He pulls down his pants, stands on the edge and pees IN the pool! I could have died. He was doing exactly what I told him to do, just in much different way than I meant. – Taylor, AZ

There is a certain kind of embarrassment that only a Mom can truly understand. Our MomMoments column is filled with these war stories of motherhood. We’d love to hear your stories so please share with us!

Want a truly meaningful gift for Father’s Day? How about showing Dad just how important he is.

Dr. Meg Meeker, a pediatrician specializing in adolescent health, recently wrote Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters: 10 Secrets Every Fathers Should Know. She explains in detail how a father is essential to the well being of children, particularly daughters. Meeker claims that girls with fathers who are involved in their lives have higher self-esteem; quantitative and verbal skills; and are more likely to go to college. She warns that feminist rhetoric causes many dads today to feel their role is of little importance. The book offers a truly unique perspective on fatherhood that is both eye opening and encouraging.

I can’t think of a better way to make Dad’s day.

As a bride-to-be you registered for all that lovely china with nary a thought about how your future kiddies could destroy it. So it is probably about time to replace your porcelain table setting with a more realistic (read unbreakable) set. In fact, this time of year — when retailers are selling “outdoor dinnerware” — is the very best time to shop for baby-proof dishes. Here are my favorite picks this season:

	Black Melamine Dinnerware Set. This sleek set feels very grown up, but it won’t break when junior dumps his plate off the highchair (for the 13th time today!), $24.99 for 12-piece set at amazon.com.
	Melamine Bamboo Dinnerware. A bamboo core adds strength to this durable dinnerware. The stunning, zen-like simplicity is perfect for balancing dinnertime chaos. Starting at $3.95 at crateandbarrel.com.
	Katie Collection Dinnerware Set, Orange. This vibrant set is upbeat and fun. Just because you don’t want Spongebob dinner plates, doesn’t mean you’re boring! Starting at $12.99 at target.com.
	Grid Melamine Dinnerware Set. A modern grid pattern in a cool blue tone is definitely dinner-company worthy. $31.99 for 12-piece set at amazon.com.
	Preserve Dining Set, Green. The Preserve brand is known for making eco-friendly affordable, but I don’t love their outdoor dining set just because it’s green. While it’s a little less durable than melamine, these 100%-recycled plastic (BPA-free) dishes are also dishwasher-safe, totally reusable, and they’re a steal at $19.36 for 52-piece set at walmart.com.

We decided it was time for our two year old to kick her binky habit. She is big for her age, and it is getting to be embarrassing to go out in public with that thing hanging out of her mouth. Pacifiers are truly heaven sent when your infant is inconsolable and you have no idea what else to do, but it can be so hard to ween kids off. My older daughter just decided she didn’t want it anymore — I really was spoiled. It is much worse this time around.

Yesterday afternoon when she asked for her pacifier, we told her she was too big for it and there was going to be no more binky. Things really hit the fan at bedtime, though, as we tried to tuck her in, she began bawling hysterically, and the crying continued for a full hour. She really was in agony — I swear it was like a drug addict going through withdrawals.

Of course I felt awful. Once we started and I saw how upset she was, I just wanted to give in. I had to keep reminding myself that we had to get rid of the pacifier eventually, and if I gave in now, we would just have to start all over again. Sure the crying would have stopped for tonight, but how much worse would it be next time?

I have heard of parents cutting off the tips of the pacifier and giving the child the “broken” binky. It really started to sound like a good idea as she showed no signs of calming down anytime soon. I am happy to report that it did work — kind of.

When we handed her the clipped pacifier, she hushed immediately. It was both heartbreaking and fascinating as she took it into her hands, and poked her little finger into the hole, trying to make sense of what had happened to her precious pacifier. I explained to her that it was all used up and she was a big girl and didn’t need it anymore. She eyed me warily, but didn’t start up the hysterics.

She tried to suck on it a few times but didn’t like how it felt. She insisted on holding it as she laid down for bed. I finally thought we were in the clear, but every few minutes she would whimper and start crying, still mourning her lost friend. We were up half the night and eventually had to let her sleep with us — which meant I had her heel crammed into my chest, and I nearly rolled off the bed.

The important thing is that we stuck with it, and hopefully tonight will be better.