Thursday, December 27, 2012

Tree Down, Sick Baby, eWork

I took the tree down yesterday.

We don't always take it down so soon, but yesterday I was cleaning and organizing and taking out trash all freakin day and it just didn't seem like anything was getting done!  I needed something that I could point out to myself to feel accomplished.  So... down came the tree.

Avon Top Picks: C2

It's been quite awhile since I posted my top pics from an Avon Campaign!  Let's just go and jump right in, though!

First, lots of GREAT bundles going on for just 10 bucks. 

Bloggers Wanted for a DOUBLE Keurig Giveaway

Keurig-Button

Seeing Double! Keurig Vue 700 Event

Prizes: Keurig Vue V700 Brewing System + K-Cups
Event dates: 1/7 - 1/20 and 1/21 - 2/3

Free Blog Event! Sign-up here, BLOGGERS WANTED

Let them know you were referred by Between Two Rams!

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

The Day After

Good morning everyone! I hope you all had wonderful Christmases with your families.  I know we sure did!  Eric took a stand this year and made everyone come to OUR house and... they did!  It was wonderful.  Even though our apartment is tiny we made it work.

The boys got... everything known to man, it seems.  I still don't have a complete inventory, just one of the many things I get to do on the day after every year.  Cleaning, organizing, and throwing away are on my list this morning.  I'm sure many of you are going through the same routine! 

So I just wanted to say hi now because it could be years before I get my house all sorted! 

Saturday, December 22, 2012

100!!



100 followers



Friday, December 21, 2012

Who Was Your First?

Don't get your panties in a twist, I'm not asking about *that* first!  Who was your first favorite band/singer?  What was your first favorite song?  Do you remember?  I listened to a lot of music with my mom in the late 80s/early 90s.  I liked my mom's music a lot when I was little, and a lot of it I still really love (take Madonna, for example.  Loved her music back then, but not her new stuff).  It wasn't until I was 10 when I really found my own favorite band.

Thursday, December 20, 2012

The Most Real Things...

So, Matt is in 1st grade and already he's getting teased by a few girls for believing in Santa Clause.  Already?  What happens in theses houses that the magic has been extinguished so soon?  These aren't kids whose households just don't celebrate in that way.  These are kids that say their moms & dads bring them presents "from Santa."  Maybe they have older siblings who've ruined it for them.  Maybe they overheard a conversation between two adults.  Who knows what happened?  I actually feel bad for those little girls.

Matthew still believes.  His faith hasn't been shaken.  He can't fathom how those girls don't believe.  And that is SUCH a relief to me.  I hope he believes for the next five years.  I hope he believes for the rest of his life!  I have all kinds of excuses waiting in the wings in case the questions start getting more pointed.  I want him to believe as long as possible!  There's a part of ME that still believes!

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

An Alternative to Instagram (Updated)

Have you heard the news?  Instagram's new TOS give them the right to distribute and/or sell any of your public photos!  Because of this I and a lot of my Facebook friends will be deleting our accounts before January 16th, when the new Terms go into effect.


Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Monday, December 17, 2012

Back in Action

My last post was all the way back in September! We lost our internet connection because the neighbor who was letting us use his wifi moved. At the time we couldn't justify the monthly expense. Now, finally, we've got our own internet set up. And cable. Thank God for cable!

So what have we been up to? Getting ready for Christmas, of course! The tree is up, the shopping is mostly done, and our scout elf has been keeping the kids entertained ;)

Eric has been working himself ragged, putting in 70+ hour weeks at his job. The kids barely see him except for Saturdays, when he's off. I thought he'd be coming home cranky, but he's really just too tired to be in a bad mood. I can't wait for Christmas to be over so we can see him.

Matt's been doing well in school, Lucas is... well he's almost three, so... you know how it is.

I'm down to working just one day at Kohl's. When Eric has Sundays off again I think I'm going to wait at least two weeks before I tell them I can work Sundays again. I just think we need to spend some time all together as a family.

So, that's the quick update. More soon :)

Thursday, September 27, 2012

MIA

Hey everyone!!

Last weekend when I got home from work Eric told me that our computer was pretty much useless. Our entire operating system was gone! The only screen that came up when you turned it on instructed us to insert the disc for Windows 7. Well, we didn't have it!

Eric talked to the IT guy at his job who told him to bring the laptop in. He had a Windows 7 disc and kindly installed it for us! I don't know what's going on with our laptop, but hopefully with the new installation these bugs stop.

It's nice to be back ;)

Friday, September 21, 2012

Avon Suede Nail Enamel

Yesterday I got my Avon order and it included two shades of Avon's Suede Nail Enamel.  It comes in six Fall perfect shades and I chose Touch of Taupe and Sumptuous Rose.

It's also available in Fuschia Feel, Soft Violet, Blue Royale, and Platinum Beauty.  The model on the page here is wearing Soft Violet and Platinum Beauty.

It's recommended you wear this polish *without* a base or top coat, and I have to agree.  Unlike most nail polish, this dries to a very matte finish and although there is some shimmer to it, it's not glossy at all.  A top coat would ruin that effect.

Thursday, September 20, 2012

Are You Sure it's not Contagious?

I'm in a much better mood today than I was yesterday.  Eric got a chance to Facebook me before class and said that he *did* in fact try to wake me to get me to come to bed.  I'm not sure if I believe him, but at least he was feeling bad about it.  When he got home we relaxed together and he watched a couple of episodes of Pretty Little Liars with me on Netflix.  It's kinda funny because whenever I watch it while he's home, I have to explain all the back story to him.  He's into it, but he won't admit it!

Anyway...

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Funk

I'm in a funk today.

There will be no Wordless Wednesday today because I still haven't gotten around to getting the old functional-but-losing-steam camera out.  There haven't been any new pictures in weeks.  Why is it that I have absolutely nothing to show for my birthday?  All the money I got from well wishing family members went straight to bills to make up for all of the work missed to attend the wedding and its functions.  My camera is gone, which was the coolest present I've had in a long time... ugh!

And I don't know why but Eric seems mad at me.  It rained allll day yesterday and I'm sure he was cranky about walking home in the storm.  Even with a big sturdy umbrella, the bottoms of his pants and his shoes were soaked through.  And when he walked in he caught me dozing on the couch.  "Rough day?" he asked me sarcastically.  I'm not Storm, it had nothing to do with me that it rained.  And it's not like I've never had to walk home in the pouring rain myself.  So what was I supposed to do with that?  Am I not allowed to take a catnap after the boys have had dinner?  I didn't get the memo.

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Very Inspiring Blogger Award

Janna from Thoughts from a Mommy, Wife, and Friend has generously awarded me with the Very Inspiring Blogger Award!  I can't even tell you how surprised I was when she told me last week.  I feel very honored, and I have to pass it on to some of the bloggers who inspire me.  So here are the rules:
  • Display the nomination logo on your blog
  • Link back to the person who nominated you
  • Tell us 7 things about yourself
  • Nominate and link up with up to 15 bloggers for the award
  •  Let your nominees know!


Monday, September 10, 2012

Avon Top Picks: Campaign 20


Once again it's time to flip through the latest Avon catalog and find the best deals and hottest new products!  This campaign is chock full of great sales, and you should definitely take advantage of them to stock up your makeup bag and try new things for fall.  As always, if you see something you like, just click on the AVON Storefront tab to be taken to my Avon eStore. 

The Kindness & Honesty of Strangers

On Friday-my birthday- when I checked the mail there was a mysterious package.  A big USPS envelope with something small inside.  I didn't recognize the handwriting on the front, and there was no return address.  Thinking it was a birthday present, I rushed inside to open it.  I ripped open a corner and peeked in.  There was a black case...

My camera!  I was so excited I was near tears.  Even though I posted an ad on Craigslist in the lost and found, I wasn't expecting anyone to respond.  I was pretty sure it was lost forever.  Also in the envelope were my ID, debit, and EBT cards.  Even though I cancelled my debit & EBT, I hadn't yet gone to the DMV to get another license. 

I slowly unzipped the case and removed my camera from it.  The first thing I noticed was that the lens cover was damaged.  I turned it over and noticed that the screen wasn't broken, but it bulged ominously.  Expecting the worst, I turned it on.  With the screen backlit, it was impossible to hope that the camera was salvageable.  A spiderweb network of cracks covered the entire screen.

Friday, September 7, 2012

Happy Birthday to ME! And Wedding Fantasies

Today is my birthday!

I'm 27 :(


Other than that, it'll be a pretty normal day.  Last night our friends T & L came over and played rummy while I scrolled ALL of the wedding category on Pinterest.  We might be serious about this wedding thing on our 10th anniversary.  I was looking at venues yesterday and the one that I fell in love with happens to be right downtown.  I pass it all the time!  I wasn't looking for anywhere close or convenient, but it just happens to be both. 

Thursday, September 6, 2012

Mickey Mouse Halloween Giveaway- FREE Blogger Opportunity

Mickey Mouse Halloween Event is hosted by Mom Blog Society.

Prize Package Includes: 3' Inflatable Halloween Mickey Mouse, Mickey's Treat DVD & Light-Up Jack O'Lantern Mickey Mouse Trick or Treat Bucket
The event dates: 10/2 - 10/12

Free Event ~ Sign-Up Here

Potty Training Progress

Disclaimer: This post is full of poop.  If you don't like hearing about poop, or even the word "poop" maybe skip this one and come back tomorrow.  ;D

Although I introduced Matthew to the potty at around 2 1/2 his interest level was low, so I didn't push him.  When he turned 3 I really got into the whole potty training thing and put him in big boy underwear for a week and voila!  One potty trained preschooler ready to go!  During the day, anyway.  He still hasn't had a dry night, and let me tell you, those overnight underwear are expensive.  I've been told this can be normal up to age seven... argggg!!

But I'm not really here to talk about Matt right now... I want to talk about Lucas!  Lucas got a potty for Christmas last year (isn't Santa the bomb?) and I would sit him on it every now and then, when I thought of it, but again, I was in no rush.  He showed a lot more interest in it that Matt ever did, so pretty soon I was encouraging him to pee in his potty after every diaper change.  And usually he did pee, even if it was just a little bit.  Lately I've ditched the potty.  Now I sit him on the big toilet seat after every diaper change.  He's not intimidated or scared of falling in at all, and actually prefers the bare seat to covering it with his detachable potty cushion.  Sometimes he'll tell me he wants to go potty and we'll rush to the bathroom.  He hasn't told me quite on time yet, but when he does tell me, there's only a little in the diaper, and he finishes on the toilet.  Pretty good for the totally lazy laid-back approach we're taking. 

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

Avon Top Picks: Halloween Edition!

It's that spooky time of year again!  Avon's got the most adorable decorations ever, and I want to share them with you here.  I've provided product numbers to make ordering easier for you (you won't have to flip page by page through the brochure online) so if you see anything you like just go right ahead and click on the AVON Storefront tab to be taken to *my* Avon store.

Let's get started!

Tuesday, September 4, 2012

Wordless Wednesday: Mr. & Mrs.

Amanda’s Books and More
More photos on FB this morning.... adding some :D
That's me in the middle

Ok, I have to add ONE more pic.  Last one, I promise!
My handsome little guy!

Four Day Weekend Highs & Lows

It has been a long LONG weekend!  Lemme just break it down for you.

Friday
No school for Matt.  Do you really need a four day weekend for Labor Day?  Monday and Tuesday were already half days!  Just don't even bother opening school until Tuesday!  Friday morning Eric's mom picked the boys and me up to go get Matt's tux.  It only needed some minor altering, basically just needed to let the pant legs out a few inches.  I paid for it myself (hurrah for automatic savings) and we went back home.

Eric was supposed to get out of work at 3:30 so that he would have enough time to walk home and get a shower before his dad came to pick us up for the rehearsal at 5.  This was pre-arranged, but his boss just couldn't let him go until 4:15.  He barely made it out of the shower on time.  I packed my purse up with a few diapers, wipes, sippy cup, baggie of cereal, two motorcycles, and a fireman.  There wasn't much room left for my wallet so I stuck the important things- my ID, debit card, and EBT card- in the inside pocket of my camera case, and threw that on top.

Nicole wanted everyone there 10 mintues early, but we got there a few minutes late.  It was ok though.  We were still the first people to arrive.  Once we were all inside the Father started telling us what order the bridesmaids would we walking in.  As he's doing so, the best man, the groom's brother, started making strange sounds and shaking his arm in a weird way before he fell over.  Yeah, he had a seizure.  His poor mother!  She's an RN though, so she didn't lose her cool.  One of the other groomsmen is an EMT and the maid of honor is almost an RN, so he was in good hands until the paramedics arrived.  We thought it had been caused by dehydration.  He'd worked 25 out of 48 hours, had been walking between two jobs, and hadn't eaten anything since lunch the day before.  As it turns out, though, he'd had a few of these episodes in the previous weeks, but hadn't told anyone about them.  Scary shit.

Thursday, August 30, 2012

Uh Oh, Mommy's Stressin' Out!

Whew!

Guys I just got my NEW new header done, whattaya think?  It's about the ONLY thing I got accomplished today.  Seriously I spent hours and hours on it because I kept messing it up and making it not transparent and this and that and on and on.  Next week I hope to finish a matching FB cover (but it already looks like a pain in the ass) and button. I've also been modifying and rearranging gadgets. I'm trying to clean up my sidebars, they were such a hot mess! So I'll continue tweaking those next week as well.  I'm also looking for a tutorial on how to add a signature to blogger, but all of the ones I've found are for the old blogger.  Anyone know how to do it with the way blogger's set up now?  I'd appreciate it.

Nicole's wedding is THIS Sunday! I am so not prepared, and I am so ready for my MIL to stop calling me for the answers to things I have no f*cking clue about. Seriously, I'm waaaay out of the loop on this one!I'm at the point where it's like, ok, everyone else feel free to figure it out and just tell me what you come up with.

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

The Liebster Awards!

The Liebster Award is given by bloggers to up and  coming bloggers as a way to spread the word about smaller blogs who deserve a bigger audience.  This award is an honor, but once nominated you must earn it:
  • You must list 11 things about yourself
  • Answer 11 questions put to you by the person who nominated you
  • Choose up to 11 bloggers with less than 200 followers to nominate and post 11 questions for them to answer
  • Visit your nominee's pages to inform them of their award
 I've been nominated by both Laura fromThe Book of Lou Lou & Janna from Thoughts from a Mommy, Wife, and Friend.  I'll answer both of their sets of questions and then post 11 more things about me.

Wayman Publishing Bookfair & Giveaway




Wayman Publishing is throwing a Blogfest and Book Fair Giveaway during Labor Day Week in honor of Melynda Fleury, who came close to losing her eyesight because of diabetes. 

  • All entrants will receive a direct link (provided on Sept 1st) for unlimited FREE downloads of Wayman Publishings Top 10 books.
  • Mommy Blog Designs (yes, *that* Mommy Blog Designs!  You've already heard of her awesome service and seen her killer designs all over the blogosphere!) has agreed to give one lucky winner one of her Premade Designs with a full package - $269 value!
  • $200 Paypal CA$H

Infinity Best Friend Necklace Giveaway

Abby over at Mommy Moments with Abby is trying to have two beautiful weddings on a budget without missing out on the normal wedding expectations.  She's been blogging about her planning at Mommy Moments Getting Married. She's teamed up with Tyra Hand Made Jewelry to bring you this great giveaway!  Tyra has kindly offered to giveaway one of her best selling Infinity Best Friend Necklaces!

Monday, August 27, 2012

First Day of School!

Today's the day! The sun is shining, the tank is clean....

I'm sorry, I've got Finding Nemo on the brain today (First day of school! First day of school!)

And the sun is definitely NOT shining! The rain did let up before it was time to head to the bus though, so we can't complain.



 Matt was excited to go this morning, and Luke was barely phased.  He waved goodbye and headed right back inside!  It's all good  :D

Here's to a great school year for Matthew, and to all the mommas and their kiddos!!

Friday, August 24, 2012

My Last Day

Today is my last day of summer. 
Today is the last day I'll spend at home with my two boys.

I work this weekend, and Matthew starts school on Monday.  Already!  I know for some of you school has been open for a week or two, but we're only just about to step into the school year.  When I was growing up school never started until after Labor Day.  Starting in August seems so early to me!

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Seeking Bloggers for a FREE Opportunity!

I'm proud to be participating in Melynda's Labor Day Blogfest & Book Fair!  Wayman Publishing, VoiceBoks, Linkie's Contest Linkies, Mommy Blog Designs & Terri's Little Haven are teaming up to bring you a free giveaway opportunity.

Prizes include unlimited free downloads of their top ten bestselling books to all entrants, a full package premade design from Mommy Blog Designs, and a cash prize of AT LEAST $100.

There is still time to sign up to be a part of this great giveaway!  Click below for more details.




Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Wordless Wednesday: Back to School Haircut


Campaign 19 Top Picks


Welcome to Campaign 19!  
To browse through the regular brochure page by page, along with mark., Tiny Tillia, the Avon Outlet, & others visit my website by clicking the AVON Storefront tab
or
 visit our Facebook page!

Get ready for some spooky fun with Avon's wide assortment of Halloween decor & accessories!  My favorite is the Sparkling Halloween Tree, but there are really SO many to love!

NEW!  Kohl Eye Liner
This is an intense, easy to smudge liner.  Soft, velvety cream can be used along the inside rim of the eye.
Special introductory price: $3.49
Don't miss out, the regular price will be $7!

Check out these *adorable* booties!
Leopard Print Bootie with Ruffles
Chiffon-covered-mess upper.  Heel zipper.  Satin-covered heel, 3 1/2" heel with a 3/8" platform.  Skid-resistant sole.  Padded footbed and breathable mesh upper.  Whole sizes 6-10
Introductory offer $39.99

 Deodorant Body Spray- 24 hour protection!

In scents reminiscent of Axe body sprays, these deodorant sprays are perfect for your young man!  Tuck a few of these into his college boxes before he heads away, or if yours is still at home in high school, into his gym bag!
Introductory special $4.99 each (will be $7.50)

Anew Platinum, Ultimate 7s, Reversalist, and Rejuvenate lines are all mix & match BUY 1 Get 1 for $10.  Check out my store to see the complete selection.


Monday, August 20, 2012

Weddings are Expensive!

If I haven't mentioned it before, my sister in law is getting married.  In, like, two weeks.  She asked me to be one of her bridesmaids, and I was and am ecstatic to be a part of her wedding.  Over the years Nicole (yes, Eric's sister's name is also Nicole.  I know, kinda weird and creepy) and I have become very close, neither one of us having a sister.  I love her to death and she's marrying a great guy and none of us can wait for her to start having babies and giving my boys cousins!

The thing is, when I agreed to be a bridesmaid, I had NO idea what kind of cost that would entail.  People, we are poor.  No, really.  We are POOR.  Foodstamps poor.  No car, no cable, use the neighbor's Wifi poor. 


I believe Nicole has tried to make things as easy as possible for me.

Friday, August 17, 2012

Slow Going

Last Thursday my Avon order came in.  I love sorting out everyone's orders and packing their bags with new brochures and samples!  Unpacking the box makes a huge mess in the living room and making up door hangers with samples takes hours.  It's so much fun!
Yesterday we went for a walk and Matthew helped me hang bags on doors.  This is the first time I'm really trying to reach out to strangers to boost my business, and I'm really hoping it works.  I need it to work!

This will be my first campaign without the newbie commission boost, so unless I land more sales, I'm afraid I won't be able to even afford being a rep.  So far my orders have all come from friends, family, and coworkers, and I really appreciate their business but I need more.  I would hate to give up on something that I enjoy so much!

I'm going to try to slip Avon into a few more tweets during the week, and I'm thinking about making a page on Facebook also.  I'm definitely NOT going to start an Avon only blog!  I have a lot of time on my hands, but I don't have *that* much time!  It's a little frustrating because the only thing I've gotten for my efforts on the web have been scams.  Good thing I'm a smart little cookie :D

If any of you wonderful readers would like to host an eParty on your blog, I'd love to set one up.  Hostesses get a discount on their personal orders equivalent to my rep discount!  Now is a good time because Avon has all of their adorable Halloween decor available.  If anyone's interested, let me know!  And if you'd like to visit my Avon store and register as a customer you'll get an email once every two weeks when the new campaign starts.  That's it!  I promise your inbox won't get flooded!

Now before I start flat out begging for customers...

Have a good weekend everyone, see you on Monday!

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Wordless Wednesday: Ice Cream Truck


Daddy's Going Back to School

So, Eric has been talking about going back to school for some time now.  Years, actually.  We both have.  About a year ago he was thinking about going for accounting and I was very pleased with the idea.  Accounting is something he could do easily; he's great with numbers.  Too bad he changed his mind.

In the spring he filled out the FAFSA to see what kind of aid he'd be eligible for.  As it turns out, with our situation, he can pretty much go to school part time for free.  So he enrolled at Lehigh Carbon Community College.  He took his placement tests in late spring to see what prerequisites he'd need.  Not for accounting, oh, no.  For biotechnology.

Are you friggin' kidding me?  One thing about my husband: he's got BIG dreams.  Sometimes I feel that his dreams are too big.  Yes, when we met in college he was majoring in biology.  Let's be realistic here, though.  He only spent ONE semester in college.  And he's 29.  And it would take foreeeeeeeeever to finish his schooling on a part time basis, what with only being able to take 3 classes per semester, and then graduate school after that.  No.  I just couldn't see that working in our family's favor.

He went and enrolled anyway, assuring me that he'd be able to get a relevant job in the field, twirling test tubes for some cancer-curing genius calling all the shots, in just a couple of years.

How could I say no to this when I've said no to so many other things?  I tried.  I backed off when I started searching for the kinds of jobs you could get with a biotechnology major.  Maybe he could get a job twirling test tubes.

Recently he's been scheming ways to make money.  Not scheming, really, but, you know.  The latest involves buying about a gross of Christmas ornaments, opening a kiosk in the mall, and selling them to people with their names on them.  Who'd be glitter gluing "The Jones'" on gold balls for the public at this kiosk while he works 65+ hours a week during his work's holiday rush?

Yeah.  You know who.

I don't consider myself a negative person (but maybe I am).  I'm just realistic.  Lots of people decorate their own Christmas ornaments at home.  The rent for a kiosk during the holidays even in our lame mall would be way too exorbitant.  And with what money are we buying the supplies?

One thing that came of this recent scheme?  He's decided to switch his major from biotechnology to business management.  Thank.  God.  It's too late to switch classes, so he will be taking a biology class this semester.  I hope he doesn't enjoy it too much and change his mind back.

His books arrived today.  I'm excited for him, and excited that this is a step forward for our entire family.  In just a couple of weeks, I'll have two of my boys in school!


Monday, August 13, 2012

Super Heroes

Photobucket

 When I came home from work last night, my living room was wallpapered!  Here's a sample of my new living room decor:

Ironman

Matt has loved Ironman since the movie came out, and he's been the subject of several portraits.
 Spiderman

We have a very similar picture to this already hanging next to the bathroom.  This one gets the costume in a little more detail.
The only thing I don't like is the Edward Scissorhands thing that's been going on with all of Matt's people.  A phase I can't wait for him to improve!













Captain America

Without a doubt, Lucas' favorite super hero!  I'm glad I got a picture of this one, because Matt tried to cut him out and he lost a leg :(









 Angry Birds

I don't know where this one even came from!  We don't play Angry Birds, but suddenly Matt is obsessed, and even managed to get Nana to buy him an Angry Birds t-shirt.
Weird.
I have to admit, though, I LOVE the beaks and slanty eyes!

Does anyone recognize this last one?  A cracked up when I saw him!

Old school!

Thursday, August 9, 2012

Sometimes Accidents Happen, Sometimes People are Dumbasses

We've all heard the tragic stories: mom or dad forgets that a sleeping baby is in the back seat and they trudge off to work with baby in the car.  They come back for lunch, or at the end of the day, and are faced with a dead child.  It's heartbreaking, but it happens all too often, especially if there was a change in the daily routine.  It's just the way our brains are wired.  That's why they tell you to keep a stuffed animal in the carseat when it's empty, and to put it on the front seat when baby's back there.  That way if you do forget, at least there's something tangible to remind you.

When you see news like this in the paper though, it makes you want to vomit.  A woman left her five children, ages 10 months, 2, 6, 11, and 12 in the car with the windows cracked open while she gambled in the local casino.  Security officers found the children in the car, alive, thank God, and attempted to page the mother.  Attempted to page her for over an HOUR.  While  security footage shows she played SLOT MACHINES.  By the way, it was 91 degrees outside that day.

What the f*ck?!

Who freakin knows how long those kids were in the car BEFORE security officers found the kids and started tracking down their neglectful mother.  The oldest daughter had a cellphone and knew the number to reach her mother, but her mother didn't have a phone on her.  Way to go, mom.  She's been arraigned on five counts of endangering the welfare of a child and sent to county prison under $10,000 bail.  I'd be willing to bet that her bail is far more than those slots were paying out.

"District Attorney John Morganelli.... has said his office will seek 'severe sanctions' for parents who leave their kids alone while gambling.  He said none of those charged would be allowed to participate in a first-time offenders' program."  Apparently this isn't the first case in my area of the world of parents leaving their kids in cars while at a casino.  There have been ten other cases in the past two years in a nearby county.  What is wrong with people?!