I made a decision. There could be repercussions, but I just don't care.

Feelings may be hurt. There might even be tears. But I will stay strong.

I'm bucking tradition, dancing to the beat of my own drum, singing my own tune.

I will no longer cave to the pressure. Give in to societal norms. Follow the crowd.

I, Mel A Dramatic Mommy, am declaring an end to giving out post birthday party treat bags.

Who's with me?

National Mammography Day- Have You Smooshed Your Boobs?

We were nervous about starting Tyler in kindergarten at the age of 4. We were worried he wasn't really ready for a classroom setting. But he had a fabulous teacher. She is the type of teacher every kid should have as their first. Earlier this week, I found out she has breast cancer. She went in for a mammogram over the summer and was diagnosed as stage 2. She had a double mastectomy and is currently in chemo.

Today is National Mammography Day. Do you need to have your boobs smooshed? If you are not sure if it's time for your first mammogram (generally considered a baseline mammogram), or if you don't know how often to get mammograms after your first, please talk to your doctor. Know your family history, know your risks and get to know your body.

Mammograms aren't as scary as they're made out to be. I was freaked out when I got my first mammogram last year, but it was over quickly and only mildly uncomfortable. Don't let the fear of the unknown prevent you from doing something that could possibly save your life.

I have added Tyler's teacher's name to my list of breast cancer fighters. If you'd like to see a name on the list of survivors, fighters or angels leave it in the comments or follow the links to each individual post. I will be thinking of Mrs. R and her family next month while I'm walking.

Find more information about mammograms on these sites:
Susan G Komen
BreastCancer. org
The National Breast Cancer Foundation

Watch a video on how to do a breast self exam here.

Tastemaker Challenge #1: The First Box Arrives {Video}

Good luck to all the Tastemakers!

Jim from Busy Dad Blog
Amy from Resourceful Mommy
Jen from Savor the Thyme
Jo Lynne from Musings of a Housewife
Jodi from Mom's Favorite Stuff
Lindsay from Rock and Roll Mama
Melanie from Modern Mami
Rachel from A Southern Fairytale

Follow along on Twitter at the #tastemaker hashtag, on the Facebook fan page or visit Mom's Dinner Helper. I'll update with my first video and how to the voting process works.

*Note: The red felt is a red carpet! Too cute. Thanks to Jessica and the team at Fleishman-Hillard and McCormick and Schmicks for the fresh salmon!

Works For Me Wednesday: Digital Gift Wish List

Two years ago, when we asked Tyler what he wanted for his birthday and Christmas, he started rattling off the names of the latest popular toys and characters and I had no idea what he was talking about. I figured my parents and in-laws wouldn't either so I came up with a solution that has worked really well.

A few weeks before his birthday, we take Tyler to the store (usually Target or WalMart but occasionally Toys R Us) and have him choose 10-15 items, then we take pictures of him holding each one. I upload all the pictures to Costco or Snapfish and then send out an email with the toy names and the link to the album. I CC all the grandparents and they reply back when they purchase an item so there are no duplicates or buying a Bionicle he already has (because they all look alike to me!).


Tyler gets exactly what he wants, the grandparents don't have to guess what is "in" that year, I don't have to explain what a Bakugan is and everyone chooses what fits their budget.

For more WFMW visit Kristen at We Are That Family

He Called Me Miss

Saturday night I crashed a party at the La Costa Resort and Spa. On my way there I ran into the grocery store to hit the ATM. When I got out of the car, a boy asked me to buy him a bottle of Captain Morgan.

He looked so young standing next to his practical, fuel efficient economy car that his parents probably bought. He called me 'Miss.' I stopped, and was about to hold out my hand for the money. I remembered being his age. My friends and I used to do the same thing until Phil got a fake ID. I'm sure we bought for some other fresh faced kid back when we were first married and partying ourselves.

But then I flashed forward 10 years and saw MY fresh faced kid standing in a parking lot. My baby, who, last night at dinner, thanked Phil and I for being his Mommy and Daddy. I pictured that boys parents, and shook my head. I told him I have a son of my own, and if it were him standing there... The boy finished my sentence, "you couldn't do it. It's OK, I understand."

I went inside and he was still there when I came out. I hope everyone turned him down. I hope he made it home safely.

Birthday 4 Boobs at Syrah Wine Parlor

If you're one of my San Diego peeps, please come! I'm helping Charity with her birthday party. It's a Monopoly themed party and fundraiser for breast cancer!

When: Tuesday, October 20th

Where: Syrah Wine Parlor

RSVP: On the Facebook page

If you have items we can raffle off please contact me or Charity. See you there!

Maybe You Need to Ask Different Questions

Overheard: [Tyler to his friend J] "My mom would probably say no. No, no, no, no. That's all parents seem to say sometimes."

Tyler: [to me] "No offense, Mom."

None taken, little guy. None taken.