The last post of 2008

I will resume my Words with a Blogger next Wednesday but today I wanted to reflect on the past year. My thoughts bring me to what a big year it was and the things that happened to me.
My first and foremost has been becoming a grandma this year to a beautiful-yes, Jess, I said BEAUTIFUL baby boy. It was a journey that at first when I received the news, I admit that I wasn't happy and disappointed but I grew to realize that things happen for a reason and I wouldn't change having that baby around for anything in the world.
This also lead to my oldest having to grow up quickly which she did a good job of it and now even has her own place. Hence me having to deal with my first child leaving the nest. Something I'm still trying to get used to.
This year marks my middle child's last year before officially turning into a teen and I've made emends with it-I think.
My youngest had her first visit with the dentist and unfortunately it was not a good one and I'm sure she will need lots of therapy later in life and I'M SURE THEY WILL BLAME ME. She discovered dance class, auditioned for a movie and her face will be featured on a well known product around Mother's Day.
It also was a year that I discovered blogging, thanks to a broadcast on the afternoon news about Mommy Bloggers. It opened up a whole new world for me as a writer and to find many wonderful people in blogging land. It even led me to an old friend and inspired her to start her own blog that I love to read and she keeps me blogging because she tells me I'm so funny.
I've also been able to reflect on what's important in life with all the happenings of the United States and being thankful that we have not been hit firsthand though a close relative has.
I look forward to the new year and all that it will bring. My faith is not in one man's hand but in the people and I believe that together, we will get back on our feet.
Ok, that's enough of the mushy stuff- I hope you have a great new year and tonight I will make a toast to everyone in blogger Internet land (cause I get to drink now!! Woo hoo!) and please have a safe one if you do go out and party!!!
HAPPY NEW YEAR'S EVE!!!

Can I have more novocaine?

Thank you for all your encouragement and luckily, my tooth decided to start hurting enough for me to make the call. (didn't help much either that my husband kept shaking his head and rolling his eyes at me) I got that sucker fixed and no pain in my mouth felt like heaven. They had to give me a ton of shots because my nerves are pretty sensitive and let me tell you, if you tell them that you are afraid of them, they give you the special treatment. I even got a blanket put on me in case I was too cold. Yeah, I'm sure they were making bets behind my back to see if I cried or sucked my thumb but I'll still take it.

I felt in such a good mood after and it was apparent to me that I've been a total bitch to everyone because of the pain, so I made sure I was super nice to everyone and I should thank them for not going off on me the last couple of days. They were probably nice because it was Christmas and all.

My mouth was numb until about nine o'clock last night and then it felt like someone clocked me in the jaw. Not as bad as the tooth pain but enough to sleep with an ice pack all night-but I got to sleep at least.

So, now I will have the mental energy to get back to my duties which includes catching up on commenting on my buddies' blogs and back to writing my book. Also, just in time to get ready for all my resolutions because I definitely couldn't do any of them if I still had that toothache that made me want to run little old ladies off the road if they were driving too slow. Thank you Mr. Dentist Dude!

More sleepless nights to come

Last night was the first night that my tooth allowed me to actually sleep a full night and this morning it seems to be feeling fine too. Just my luck since today is the day I have to make the call to see the dentist. I'm a big chicken (like my youngest) about going to the dentist to have work done and I was counting on the excruciating pain to convince me to make the call. So now, I've been pacing the floor for the past hour with the phone in one hand and the dentist's number in the other. I even tried to get my four year old to make the call but all she said was, "Mom, I'm four. I'm just a kid." So, the task will be in my hands to do it and hopefully my post tomorrow will not consist of me telling you that I'm still sitting here with the phone in my hand, trying to force myself to call.

I guess my motivation could be that if I get it done today, than I won't be on any meds on New Year's Eve so I can drink the champagne that's been chilling in my fridge for the past week, whispering sweet nothings into my ear every time I open the fridge door. It's basically the only time I drink during the year and I really hate to miss it. I know, wait all year to drink away your frustrations? Better get a second bottle.

We also found out that we have a little house guest in our basement that I didn't know until I picked up a bag of old clothes and the furry little monster with a little tail ran under the couch. So, now I get to replace my "painful tooth" sleepless nights with OH MY GOD. WHAT IF THAT MOUSE CRAWLS ON MY FACE WHILE I'M SLEEPING? sleepless nights.

So, this is how I get to end 2008 which makes me believe that 2009 has to be a frickin' kick ass year-doesn't it?

Day after shopping and Christmas hangover

I hope that Christmas was good to you and that you didn't drink too much and go off on a relative or two. Santa was good to us and I even landed one of those little netbooks- a pink one to be exact. It's very cute and portable and I'm using it right now. Thanks, Hubby. The last couple of days were spent eating yummy food and seeing relatives that I don't get to see very much. All was good except I've been nursing a toothache that seems to be kicking my butt. I even called the dentist to get some stronger pain meds which seem to not be working because I still hurt so I'll be calling him again today to and tell him to prescribe what you would give an elephant which should dull the pain a bit until I can get in on Monday.

My kids survived this Christmas too and they already want to go to the stores to spend their gift cards. I told them they would have to wait until next week after I get my tooth fixed because otherwise I might go postal on the first shopper that bumped into me at the crowded malls.

We are celebrating our Christmas with one of our relatives tonight and hopefully the weather doesn't keep us from going because the mental beating they will instill upon us will make my horrendous toothache seem like a tickle on the cheek.

Holidays can be so fun.

Little Flirt

Upon taking 4 month old photos, I could not get the little guy to look towards the camera.

He was too busy flirting with his mommy to get her to pick him up.

Happy Holidays!

With winter storm followed by another winter storm, it makes me feel like just staying under the covers and watching Christmas movies all day long. We are supposed to go to a family get together tonight. Odds are we won't go because I don't drive in the bad weather especially if it involves bridges and highways. My husband would drive but wouldn't want to take his precious car which drives better in the snow than mine. Go figure. This is the same party that we didn't make last year because of the weather and we were in the doghouse with my dad (it was his side of the family). I guess I will burn in eternal flame for missing it again. I guess he doesn't care about our safety, just that we show up. At least the weather man cares because he told me to stay off the roads and be safe. Thanks weatherman-I'll talk to your boss about a big fat Christmas bonus.

I'll be taking the next two days off to be with family, so if you check on here in the meantime, please get a life and go spend time with your family. :)


Happy Holidays Everyone in Internet Land!

My head hurts

Saturday night I decided to take all the presents out from under the tree and put them into piles for each person and see how big each person's pile was. I then started to hyperventilate. You see, I have this sickness that arrives around Christmas time. I must get my children lots of presents or I don't feel complete. I started this "tradition" when my first child was born and continued with each child after. We would have so many presents under the tree that they actually wouldn't fit under the tree and one year, they stacked up to the ceiling! I have a photo to prove it, really. I'm not sure why I have to do it and I feel guilty even on Christmas day that I should have got this too or why didn't I get that? It just kills my mom too and each year she tells me that I shouldn't spend so much on them and they get so much that they will get overwhelmed by it. I think I do it because I had great Christmas's when I was little and had so much fun opening presents. I also think that I just don't want it to end and if they only have some presents to open then its over soon.
So, at this point I know there's about 10 more things I'd like to get each of them but I'm holding my ground and I'm dealing with a daily headache because of it. I think I've taken more Tylenol in these past two weeks then all year. So Christmas, please come here quickly before my head explodes all over our Charlie Brown Christmas tree?

I also wanted to announce a winner today but nobody wanted to reveal theirs and I know someone who was definitely going to post her New Years Resolutions and may be the only one-come on guys, I know you have to have something you want to do! I'll wait until the end of the day to see if I have any entries.

Friday Favorite

I'm going to skip the normal Etsy favorites with a different kind of favorite review.
When given the opportunity to review Extrabux.com , I was thrilled to be able to voice my opinion. This is online shopping portal that directs you to different shopping places and guess what? You get to earn money for buying stuff! I've seen one of these before and these type of sites are awesome!You start by registering (for free) to Extrabux.com and then you just go shopping! You can earn up to 30% at over 800 popular stores like, Avon, Zappos, Walmart and even Dell. Each store has their own payback % and they list the most popular and probably the highest paying store in a special catagory to make it easy for you.They also have a referral program that earns you $5 for every person you send over. Thats a whole lot of reasons to shop through them. Feeling like giving? Extrabux.com also has an option to give part or all to the charity of your choice. How cool is that?Now, what are you waiting for? Do that last minute shopping for Christmas and get some money back for it!

Partners in crime

Affectionately known as the two "little shits".

New Year's Resolution Contest

A new year is almost here, so have you made your New Year's Resolutions yet?

I have been going through my list and deciding what I would like to make my goals for the new year.

This is what I've come up with so far:

1. finish and publish two books.

2. make more time with family.

3. start some new business blogs.

4. exercise more.

5. GET MORE ORGANIZED.

6. start serving more healthy meals to family-hmmm, if the first 5 work, fast food will sound easy and convenient with my new busy schedule, so this will be a hard one!

7. don't worry so much-don't worry, be happy...

8. get out debt.

9. start a savings.

10. move to a bigger house.

Can you come up with ten goals for the new year? Comment them on here or write a post on your blog and comment a link and I'll pick a winner randomly on Monday to win a prize!
Have fun!

Words with a Blogger Wednesday

Words with a Blogger Wednesday!

This week's blogger interview is with a blog designer!
It's short and sweet and full of great info!

Introducing, Jessica from

All Things Cupcake

Please tell us about yourself.

I'm Jessica. I am 24 years old. I am a wife and a mama to a little girl born in the spring of 2007. I am a California girl born and raised, now living on the opposite coast in Sunny Florida. I spend most of my time designing websites & blogs, hanging out with the little one, and running my delicious site, All Things Cupcake.

How long have you been designing blogs?

I have been designing websites for over 10 years. I started when I was young, and I think I worked on my sites with geocities. Old school. I began designing blogs a few years ago when I was bored of the way mine looked, and changed it every day pretty much. Eventually people asked me to design their blog and that is how it began!! The more blogs I can prettify the better, especially if they are part of my daily reads. :)


What kind of format (Wordpress, Blogger, etc.) do you recommend?

Oh, it really depends. I am a huge fan of Wordpress, self hosted. This means owning your own domain and hosting your blog (wordpress.org). It sounds complicated but it's fairly easy to do. I am not so much a fan of wordpress.com blogs because of their limited capabilities. You can't edit your design, and you can't have ads and most 3rd party scripts. Confused yet? :)

I also like blogger. Blogger is fun to design and work with. I started out on blogger but due to the amount of traffic I was receiving, I had to switch to hosting my blog myself. I would recommend blogger if you are new at blogging and just starting out.


Are your designs easy to use?

Definitely. They are all "widget ready" meaning, you can edit the sidebars yourself. Add & remove whatever you'd like, until your little hearts content!


Do bloggers have to know html?

I think knowing a few things wouldn't hurt. Learning color codes can be fun.. or maybe how to change the font! The basics are good to learn.

Do you have a favorite blogger?

I have tons of favorite bloggers! I love reading the martha stewart blog, and I can't help put peek at perezhilton.com, I just gotta! I also enjoy mattbites.com, his food photography is amazing. I could go on and on. You can visit my person blog thetattooedmama.com and click on "daily reads" for tons more of my favorite blogs.

Do you blog?

Yes, thetattooedmama.com

Do you have any advice to any newbie bloggers?

Find your blogging style! Not everyone blogs the same. I just wrote about this today. I am not a great writer, or story teller but I do a great job of writing about things I love, want, should buy or wish I had.

Thanks, Jessica-you rock!

Would you like to be my next victim-er, I mean interview? Comment on this post and I will stalk you and peek in your windows to watch your family eat dinner just like the Australian guy that follows that gecko character on Geico-Or, I'll just send you an email with a list of interview questions for you to answer.

Santa, sickness and baby dolls

Saturday, we went to a Christmas party for the kids at my husband's work. They have this every year and it's awesome. They have milk and cookies and a clown show followed by a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus and each child gets a present. They only go up to age 11, so the older ones don't get presents anymore. I still bring them for company and I make Jordon go up with Emily because she thinks Santa is in cahoots with the dentist and will insist on taking a tooth in trade for a present.

There usually are about fifty kids and the wait can be pure torture for a four year old to wait until their name is called. The kids always seem to be one of the last names called each year and I think this is good for them to learn that patience is a virtue and well, I just get a big kick out of seeing them squirm and give me looks like, Did they forget me? I know they forgot me! One of the pleasures of parenthood.

So, after just about EVERY child got their present, they finally announced Emily's name. She jumped up, without thinking about that horrible man dressed in red and how scary he was and grabbed her present. I was very proud of her for going up by herself and facing her fears. Now, maybe we can get that mall Santa photo after all-hmmm, doubt it.

When she opened her present and realized it was a baby doll and stroller, she proceeded to smile and say it was just what she wanted-though I know that she was eyeing the barbies and easy bake ovens that the older girls got. You see, my daughter would rather play with stuff that eight year olds play with than what other four year old girls play with. I don't blame the people that pick out the gifts by age group but insist that the hubby request to add her to the seven year old girl ideas next year and not to ask any questions about it.

We had fun and I already am looking forward to it next year but, apparently being around a thousand people in a small room landed me in bed with some kind of virus that totally wiped me out for the whole day on Sunday and am still a little woozy today. At least it got me out of a day of having to prepare any meals and whatever else came up-thanks hubby! It's been awhile since he's had to make his way through the kitchen. I wonder if it took him awhile to remember how to turn on the stove?

Friday Favorites

It's Friday Favorites!
(I choose an awesome Etsy store to review)
My Etsy favorite this week is: Lab Partners is run by a man and woman team (Ryan + Sarah) who do awesome prints.
I love these!
Here are a few of my faves:

If you like the vintage look, then you'll love these prints!

These would look so cute in my youngest daughter's bedroom framed.

Think of all the possibilities. A nice clean look in any room-even the bathroom!

So, take some time a check their Etsy shop and buy you some!

10, 9, 8.......count down til Christmas

I'd like to start my post with thanking Jeff's readers (and Jeff) from over at Goodfather Blog's for stopping by yesterday-you made me hit a record number of comments in one day for me-I know, that's sad but I'm getting there!

Yesterday, I went Christmas shopping-finally! Mother Nature has not been good to me lately, with ice and snow storms every other day it seems and I DO NOT drive in it. I have an SUV but it acts like a deer on a frozen pond. Crazy!

So, it was finally nice out so I headed off to the stores with my mom and I decided that I would finish Emily and Jessica's shopping. I didn't end up getting all of Jessica's gifts only because I couldn't find everything. The youngest, on the other hand, ended up getting TOO many things. Never go to ToysRus without a plan. Never. I threw this and that in the cart thinking that well, that's not a bad price. When we went to check out and the cashier told me the total, I went, WTF? (not really the bad word part-I'm a lady. Well, most of the time) I couldn't really say that I wanted to put some back. I mean, how would THAT look to everyone behind me? I just bravely wrote the check and forced a smile to the cashier as she thanked me and I could've sworn her eyes went "Cha-ching" when she blinked.

Needless to say, I've been forced to be done with Emily's presents. Crap. I know she's expecting a new barbie house after our conversation awhile ago. I wonder if she would notice if I made one out of cardboard and painted it really pretty. Hmm, very materialistic daughter not noticing? Not!

Oh well, after she's opened her tenth present, I'm sure she'll be over not getting one. Now, I have to even things up a bit with the other kids. They already think I favor Emily because she's the baby of the family and if on Christmas day they see all her presents compared to theirs, I fear they will put an ad in the paper for a free little sister.

I'm wondering if they are still hiring for Christmas help anywhere? Or maybe Emily can teach me how to pole dance- I did just lose 5 lbs.
Two weeks til Christmas- Holy crap!

Words with a Blogger Wednesday

It's Words with a Blogger Wednesday!

This week's blogger is different from my normal bloggers I bug-he's a Daddy!

Come see how them there dads think about blogging!

Jeff

from The Goodfather Blog

Please introduce yourself:

I'm Goodfather (Jeff), and I'm the father of four kids, two teens and two girls ages three and one. Trying to be a 'good' father is important tome, although naming my blog 'Goodfatherblog' was meant as a reminder to myself more than anything.

You can read my blog at http://goodfatherblog.com/.

I love comments!

Please stop by and introduce yourself.

When did you start blogging and what made you decide to blog?

My first blog post was 8/21/2008. When I started, I thought I might earn some money through running ads, but I quickly learned that for me,blogging is about relationships - I love the interactions I have with other bloggers on my blog, and on theirs.

What is your blogging style?

I'm always striving for humor with each post on my blog. I'm not sure I always get there, but if I don't have at least one joke in my post, I chuck it. I hate being bored. Humor is the only thing that makes writing worthwhile to me. I've learned that my readers are consistently funnier than I am in their comments. I'm truly satisfied if I can suggest a joke in a post, and have readers complete it in their comments.The other definition that could apply to my blogging style is 'first draft'.

Do you make money from your blog?

Nope. I ran some ads in the beginning and earned about $.60 before I turned them off.

What do you do to network/promote your blog to bring in readers?

My blogging philosophy is pretty simple: I comment on other blogs hoping the authors will come back and comment on mine. I post on Twitter using TinyURL, and I also post on Facebook.

How frequently do you post?

I post almost daily ;). That's my goal, at least, but I'm OK with not posting if work or life takes priority.

Do you have a favorite blogger(s) that you just can't live without reading?

Yes!

There's a list of blogs that I love to read, but I'd say the blog I go to first every day is

Midlife Musings

MidlifeMama has a great take on life and blogging, and she's been one of my favorite authors since I started.

With all the Mommy Blogging this and Mommy Blogging that, how do Daddy bloggers get the attention they deserve?

Good question! When I started blogging, I read several articles on how to write a good blog, and what would attract readers. Most 'experts' I read generally agreed that writing good posts is the key to having a good blog. I'm in the 'Daddy' niche, so I try to write posts that describe my actual feelings and experiences as a father.

What do you recommend to blog about?

I recommend that bloggers write about what they know AND love. I think it's hard to write a good blog post every day about something you know, but aren't particularly passionate about. I know a LOT about male pattern balding, but I just can't write about it.

Have your readers influenced you in any way?

Absolutely. I've been inspired to write posts based on a single comment from a reader. I've checked out other blogs and websites on readers' recommendations. I've learned parenting tricks, tried recipes, and added books to my reading list. Words like 'awesomesauce' have become part of my daily vocabulary.

Has blogging changed your life in any way?

Blogging has made me a much more social person. I've made a lot of bloggy friends that I would actually like to meet in real life. It's been amazing to me to find so many people that share my values.

What do you do when you get writer's block?

When I get writer's block, I try to think of memes (themes for blogs) I haven't done yet (e.g., favorite books or movies), or write a funny conversation I've had with my beautiful wife (or kids), OR, I post a video of the kids doing something cute or funny. I usually get struck by a totally different idea on my way to any of these. ;)

Any other advice you might have for newbie bloggers?

You asked for it... ;)

1. If you're starting a blog and you want people to comment on your blogposts, do this: write a post, and then go out and find other blogs that you like and comment on those. It also helps to find blogs that are the same 'age' as yours, or slightly older. Don't lurk! If you are reading a blog, leave a comment. Don't be shy, everyone will LOVE what you write. You're a blogger, right?

2. ABPAA - Always Be Positive Always Always.

3. Use Google Reader. Subscribe to the blogs you read every day.

4. Use Google Analytics for your blog (or an equivalent) so you can see where traffic is coming from for your blog.

5. Have as much fun as you can stand. If blogging isn't one of the funnest things you do, try rethinking your approach.

And there you have it!

Thanks, Jeff!

Would you like to be my next victim-er, I mean interview? Comment on this post and I will stalk you and peek in your windows to watch your family eat dinner just like the Australian guy that follows that gecko character on Geico-Or, I'll just send you an email with a list of interview questions for you to answer.

What have you done?

Ok, I don't do these TOO often, but this looked fun and I have a big project that I need to work on and hopefully I can let you know about it by next week. Also, don't miss tomorrow's Words With a Blogger Wednesday because I interviewed a different kind of blogger this week-make sure you come back to read it!

What is this?

Well, you’re supposed to bold the things you’ve done so readers can find out how you've led an awesome life so far.(wink)

Here's what I have done:

1. Started your own blog

2. Slept under the stars

3. Played in a band

4. Visited Hawaii

5. Watched a meteor shower

6. Given more than you can afford to charity

7. Been to Disneyland

8. Climbed a mountain

9. Held a praying mantis

10. Sang a solo

11. Bungee jumped

12. Visited Paris

13. Watched a lightning storm at sea

14. Taught yourself an art from scratch

15. Adopted a child

16. Had food poisoning

17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty

18. Grown your own vegetables

19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France

20. Slept on an overnight train

21. Had a pillow fight

22. Hitch hiked

23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill

24. Built a snow fort

25. Held a lamb

26. Gone skinny dipping

27. Run a Marathon

28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice

29. Seen a total eclipse

30. Watched a sunrise or sunset

31. Hit a home run

32. Been on a cruise

33. Seen Niagara Falls in person

34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors

35. Seen an Amish community

36. Taught yourself a new language

37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied

38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person

39. Gone rock climbing

40. Seen Michelangelo's David

41. Sung karaoke

42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt

43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant

44. Visited Africa

45. Walked on a beach by moonlight

46. Been transported in an ambulance

47. Had your portrait painted

48. Gone deep sea fishing

49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person

50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris

51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling

52. Kissed in the rain

53. Played in the mud

54. Gone to a drive-in theater

55. Been in a movie

56. Visited the Great Wall of China

57. Started a business

58. Taken a martial arts class

59. Visited Russia

60. Served at a soup kitchen

61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies

62. Gone whale watching

63. Got flowers for no reason

64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma

65. Gone sky diving

66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp

67. Bounced a check

68. Flown in a helicopter

69. Saved a favorite childhood toy

70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial

71. Eaten Caviar

72. Pieced a quilt

73. Stood in Times Square

74. Toured the Everglades

75. Been fired from a job

76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London

77. Broken a bone

78. Been on a speeding motorcycle

79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person

80. Published a book

81. Visited the Vatican

82. Bought a brand new car

83. Walked in Jerusalem

84. Had your picture in the newspaper

85. Read the entire Bible

86. Visited the White House

87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating

88. Had chickenpox

89. Saved someone’s life

90. Sat on a jury

91. Met someone famous

92. Joined a book club

93. Lost a loved one

94. Had a baby

95. Seen the Alamo in person

96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake

97. Been involved in a law suit

98. Owned a cell phone

99. Been stung by a bee

100. Read an entire book in one day

What have you done?

Just copy & past and bold what you have done & un bold what you haven't.

Have fun with it and if you want, comment with your link to your What have you done? post!

Sisters

Tis the season to be merry.

I love Christmas but it can stir up sadness too.

I love to read other blogs and my fave blogs mostly are written by women. As I read them, I realize that they talk of visiting and spending time with sisters. I have two sisters, both older than me. I'm the baby sister but not the baby of the family-that would be my brother. But, this is not about my brother and my relationship with him.

I read about how sisters get together over wine or having a Christmas cookie party and I think about my sisters. I wish that we lived nearby each other and how nice it would be to go visit them at their houses or invite them to mine. How fun it would be to have Thanksgiving at their house (my dream-lol) or Spend New Year's getting drunk and telling old stories of how they used to gang up on their little sister and convince her that there is a bridge to Europe. Or how about the time Sis Two, when we were walking back from the store and we saw a snake and you left your little sister behind because you were deathly afraid of snakes?

Unfortunately, we can't reminisce in person with both of them living far away-at least too far to make the trip on a regular basis.

So, it has made me sad to think about us getting older and any chance of time together as three is gone.

I'm sure if we did live by each other we'd be fighting all the time but at least I could be around them and fill that "sister emptiness" feeling that I have inside.

So, Sis One and Sis Two, get your damn asses back here!

Friday Favorites

It's Friday Favorites!

(I choose an awesome Etsy store to review)

My Etsy find is an awesome one!
My Etsy favorite this week is:

She also has a blog at:
http://www.kristenandrewsonline.blogspot.com/
I love, love, love her stuff!
Here are a few of my favorite items from her store:
She has several necklaces that she contributes a portion to charities and other causes.
Like for each "Wish" necklace sold, $5 will be donated to Toys For Tots. Your purchase can help grant a child a wish and put a toy under their tree! It's such a cute necklace!
So, go visit her store over at Etsy, buy something and tell her that I sent you and that you have great taste like me and you want to be like me and well, ok, maybe you don't want to be like me but these would make a great gift. I DEFINITELY wouldn't mind a Love Faith and Hope one for Christmas from anyone who loves me that is reading this right now-is anyone that loves me reading this??? Probably not-damn.

Still hanging on

Even after fifteen full lawn bags and several snow storms, we STILL have leaves on our trees.

Words with a blogger Wednesday

This week's Words with a Blogger is

Paula from:

A Little Gratitude

Tell us about yourself and your blog.

My name is Paula Mathias Fryer and I live on the Central Coast in California. I have a brilliant English husband, three precocious children ages 9, 6 and 4, and 3 playful dogs. I own a company named “A Little Gratitude” which specializes in gifts that offer inspirational messages and encourages women to slow down, breathe and enjoy the present moment. My blog is: http://www.alittlegratitude.blogspot.com/
My blog promotes my website and jewelry, but it also discusses topics that are interesting to me. I mostly write about issues for women and moms who are struggling with preserving their own sense of self while holding down jobs, raising kids, maintaining a home and taking care of a partner.
You can also find my items at: http://www.alittlegratitude.net/http://www.alittlegratitude.etsy.com/

When did you start blogging and what made you decide to blog?
I started blogging about three months ago. I decided to blog because I thought it would help promote my business. I also really enjoy writing. I have kept a journal since I was 16 years old, so writing comes fairly easily to me.

Do you make money from your blog?

No.

What do you do to network/promote your blog to bring in readers?
Due to the weak economy, I recently started a weekly post called "Fryer's Frugal Finds" which gives ideas for women in the area to save money. I include sales at local markets, free kids events and tips on saving for the family. I sent the link to my friends, who passed it on to their friends. I try to think of topics that interest people.

How do you balance blogging and family?
I try to blog at least weekly, but family comes first. If I don't have time to blog, I don't make myself feel pressured or guilty about it. I want to keep it fun.

How frequently do you post?

Weekly, or as much as possible.

Do you own a business and blog about your business?

Yes, my business is called A Little Gratitude. You can find it at www.alittlegratitude.com. In my blog, I try to include info on my business and photos of new items.

What do you recommend to blog about?

I recommend blogging about topics that interest you. I recently watched an Oprah episode that got me thinking, so I blogged about it. I try to keep it interesting for myself as well as my audience.

Have your readers influenced you in any way?

My readers give me suggestions on topics to blog about.

What is your blogging style?

I try to write as if I am talking to my best girlfriend. I want people to laugh, disagree, agree and get good ideas.

What do you do when you get writer's block?

I take time off of blogging and wait until I'm in the mood.

Thanks, Paula!

Would you like to be my next victim-er, I mean interview? Comment on this post and I will stalk you and peek in your windows to watch your family eat dinner just like the Australian guy that follows that gecko character on Geico-Or, I'll just send you an email with a list of interview questions for you to answer.

Ahhh choooo...

Over the weekend we went for a drive through the neighborhood to admire Christmas lights on houses. While passing by the church that we go to but haven't visited since I was pregnant with Emily. Jordon asked why we didn't go to church and I began to answer but realized that I didn't have an answer.

"I think we put off going because Emily was a baby and colicky and it was to hard to take her."

"But, she's four now," he stated.

"That's true," I answered, scratching my head.

"What's church?" peeped Emily from the back seat. "Is it like the dentist?"

I could hear the fear in her voice which made me chuckle. I'm so mean.

"It's God's house where you go to pray to him," I said, satisfied with my answer.

I thought a moment and continued with, "Do you know who God is?"

"He's "God Bless you" when you sneeze."

I laughed.

I think we better start going back to church and I better bring a box of Kleenex for Emily.

Surviving the holiday

We actually made it through another holiday and it turned out to be a bit more quiet than I thought. A bit of bickering, but all in all, no major catastrophes.
I also survived the day after with getting up a 4 o'clock in the morning to order specials online and then gathering up sleeping little ones and charging off to the mall first to get our traditional JCPenneys snow globe and then relaxing a minute. We have been doing this for as long as I can remember. If I ever missed getting a globe, I think I would have to knock down the first old lady that had one and run-just kidding, Mom.
I wanted to try out Walmart this year because they had a lot of things I wanted though I didn't have my hopes up high since I know there are people that wait hours ahead of time to snatch up everything before us shoppers that sleep in a bit longer, dreaming of getting a JCPenneys snowglobe, decide to go.
I was surprised that the store seemed quiet and stress free by the time we got there. Of course alot of the things were gone that I wanted but like I said, I did order some online so I wasn't very disappointed. I was hoping to get a tree on special because we did need a new Christmas tree. I'm too lazy to find all the branches that I threw in the storage area last year, thinking that I wouldn't hate myself the next year trying to sort it all out.
So, I did end up getting one of the trees on special and it was one that was prelit. These are the most awesome trees ever! They are like an umbrella and just fold out. I wanted to kiss it and hug it and well, ok, I did kiss and hug it. Why isn't every artificial tree made this way? I plan on writing every tree manufacture of every tree that I've ever bought and telling them that they should be ashamed of themselves for not coming up with this idea before and that their mothers should beat them with one of those branches and to make sure they use the green marked one because that's the longest ones.
Anyway, on Saturday after running a few normal errands we stayed home the rest of the day. Other then telling Emily about a dozen times that no, it was not ok to keep taking the decorations off the tree and put them back on again somewhere else, it was uneventful.
On Sunday morning, I was awakened by the sound of our first official snow. WTF? Yep, every time a car zoomed by, I could hear the tires whoosh on the wet pavement.
When Emily woke up (the only one of the kids that cares that it's snowing) she exclaimed,
"Mommy! It's raining snow!"
I'm assuming that Mother Nature is letting me know that Christmas is on it's way so I better get used to it.
Ho Ho Ho.

My tiny inspiration the day after Thanksgiving

One reader informed me that they've never heard of JcPenney snow globes.

Here was this year's reason to get up a 4 am the day after Thanksgiving.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Words with a Blogger Wednesday

Hello readers!

This week's Words with a blogger Wednesday will be taken from my book, Get your blog on, due to come out next year.

Words with a blogger Wednesday is

Izzy Rose from:

http://stepmothersmilk.com/

Tell us about yourself:

My name is Izzy Rose and I am the creator of Stepmother’s Milk, a site for and about step moms. I blog about my step mom experiences, host a step parenting forum and spotlight other step moms across the country. My memoir, based on the blog, has recently been purchased by Random House, Three Rivers Press.

When did you start blogging and what made you decide to blog?

I started blogging the year I moved from California to Texas— leaving behind my long-time single lifestyle, including my career, my family and girlfriends— to become an overnight mother to my new husband’s kids from a previous marriage. As a new step mom, I went looking for a “stepladies” support group and when I didn’t find anything off or online with the right attitude, I started my own online community.

Do you make money from your blog?

If yes, what do you recommend to make money on your site?I feature some ads on my site, but so far, they haven’t made me a millionaire. I’m wary of over-populating my site with ads. I think this can compromise the integrity of the writing and the message and turn readers away. My main objective for creating Stepmother’s Milk was and still is not to make money (although— let’s be honest— I won’t turn it away), but to connect with other women who have valuable stories and advice to share.

What do you do to network/promote your blog to bring in readers?

I read other sites about step parenting, leave comments and make connections with the authors. Creating a word-of-mouth network is the best way to build your reader base.

How frequently do you post?

I try to post 2-3 times a week.

Do you own a business and blog about your business?

I don’t do this

What do you recommend to blog about?

Find your niche and write honestly about your experiences. Readers adore the god-awful truth and will return regularly for a good laugh.

Have your readers influenced you in any way?

My readers are smart and savvy and constantly give me things to think and write about. I take my cues from them.

What have you learned from your readers?

I am not alone and there is strength and power in honesty.

Has blogging changed your life in any way?

Absolutely. Blogging has connected me to a group of women I would have never met otherwise. It’s virtual therapy.

What is your blogging style?

I keep it personal, but I try to craft a narrative— stories with universal truths.

What do you do when you get writer's block?

When I have writer’s block, I get up and walk away. I take a run, go to a yoga class— something physical usually breaks the block. Sometimes, I’ll sit down and read an author I really love and admire and this will inspire me to open up. Sometimes When things getting really bad, I’ve been known to scream obscenities at the computer, open a bottle of wine and call it a day.

Do you have any advice for newbie bloggers?

SPELL CHECK. You are publishing your own work— keep it tight, clean and grammatically correct. Sloppy writing is a big no-no.

Thanks, Izzy!

Would you like to be my next victim-er, I mean interview?
Comment on this post and I will stalk you and peek in your windows to watch your family eat dinner just like the Australian guy that follows that gecko character on Geico-Or, I'll just send you an email with a list of interview questions for you to answer.

Mini me for the worse

To add to the stress of cooking, cleaning and decorating for the next two days, my monthly visitor has arrived just in time. Do my hormones act up during this time of the month? Maybe. Or I just might be a total bitch because I'm in total discomfort from the bloating, cramping and menstrual headaches.

So, of course I picked yesterday to do our family portrait for the Christmas card this year. It really was out of my control since my step daughter only visits on Mondays and really the only day to do it. I had it all ready and just needed to pick up Jordon from school and we would have plenty of daylight to take outdoor photos if we hurried.

After I picked him up, we walked through the door to find Emily crying at the table and everyone frowning at me.

I asked what the heck happened and my husband told me that she wanted noodles and he couldn't find a sauce pan. I told Emily that I would happily make the noodles after we did the family picture. I tried to explain to her that the sun would be disappearing soon and we didn't have time to wash a pan and cook it and she would get messy for the photo. Did that work for her? Heck no. She began to have a total melt down to the point of no control.

This of course, set me off and the two of us proceeded to cry and yell at each other. Needless to say, the photo did not get taken. We finally calmed down and then Daddy took her to dance class and I stayed home so I was not tempted to leave her there until next week.

Apparently at dance class she was fine and having a great time, but when she got home, she started to cry and said that nobody was her friend.

Her dad and I looked at each other and he just shook his head and left the room. At that moment it hit me that I had a mini me. I've been told that she acts just like me alot and apparently now she's picked up my menstrual bitchiness.

All I can say is look out hubby, because the estrogen weight has totally tipped the scale in our house!

An artistic ability

Some may not know that I do artwork using the computer and I even have an online business called TMoodyDesigns.com and I mainly do pet art. I was looking for an idea for my calendar this year for our home and decided to a "painting" for each month using photos of the kids (and even our little dog, Mia). So here are some sample paintings that I will be using. What do you think?

Candy and spice cookies

Christmas season brings out my need for festive looking candy and homemade cookies.

The kids don't understand why they have to wait before eating my "decorations" until at least next week.

But by the looks of the half empty jars, "Santa's little helpers" must be sneaking treats late at night while everyone's asleep.

Thanks for giving, again

I still can't believe that it's Thanksgiving this week.

It always seems to end up that I get to do the dinner at my house. Last year (or the year before, I can't remember because it's all a blur), I was so excited because my older sister was going to be moving here and getting a big house so she really wanted to hold it at her house. When she asked me, I said "yes" before she even had gotten the whole sentence out. But, things fell through and they didn't end up being able to do the big move after all and I had it at my house-again. Don't get me wrong, I'm not forced to slave over a hot stove and put together a zillion dishes but if I don't, we would end up just going out to eat and well, that's just not Thanksgiving.

So, here I am again, getting ready for another feast at my house. I haven't bought the turkey yet which is not uncommon for me- I like to wait until the last minute so I can complain when all the good ones are gone. Just an odd quirk of mine. I'll probably go tonight or maybe tomorrow so I can truly get into the holiday spirit.

I also attempted to rake up our leaf covered yard this weekend so it will look nice for Thursday which resulted in a painful back today. It feels like I strapped forty pounds of sand on my back and jogged two miles. I just keep forgetting that my two older kids can get their butts out there and help mom. I'm just used to the old saying of, if you want it done right, do it yourself...

I'm sure I'll probably be hosting the traditional turkey dinner until my first born can take over when she has a big enough home to do so. To make sure this comes to fact, I am starting now to save for her down payment on a house, a set of furniture, a lifetime subscription to Martha Stewart's Magazine and a crap load of turkey pans.

Friday Favorites

This week I've started my Friday Favorites!

Each week, I will feature a store from Etsy- an awesome artistic community- and showcase some of their products.

This Friday's store is

BBCreations
Handmade Jewelry & Stationary

They also have three other shops:

SaponeSoaps.etsy.com (Bath, Beauty, & Candles)

BennettsTreasures.etsy.com (Vintage & Truly Unique)
CherokeeStash.etsy.com (Stash Supplies)
I found them through a search for stationary and found some cool notebooks.

But, then I discovered they have cool jewelry too!

Right now they are offering a holiday special:

For The Thanksgiving & Christmas Season any order $20.00 or more, you receive free shipping.....convo us before making payment so we can adjust the shipping cost!

So, check them out-they are a family owned business and mighty kind too!

Words with a blogger Wednesday

This week's victim for Words with a blogger is Jen from

Cheaper than Therapy

Tell us about your blog:

I'm Jen The Mom from http:cheaperthantherapyjen.blogspot.com
I started my blog back in March, 2008. It's a place where I share my photos, stories, gripes, and achievements relating to my family and my personal feelings.

When did you start blogging and what made you decide to blog?

March of this year. I had been reading a few blogs "Ramblings of a Red-Headed Step-Child" and "The Pioneer Woman" and I loved the idea of an online journal/scrapbook to share with family and friends.

Do you make money from your blog?

Just recently I had the opportunity to offer ads through BlogHer, a company that promotes the blogging community. I thought 'it can't hurt' to benefit from something I love doing! I also make headers and buttons for other bloggers that I enjoy doing.

What do you do to network/promote your blog to bring in readers?

I joined the Mom Bloggers Club, it's a fantastic place to find other new bloggers, ask questions, and meet new friends! I also belong to Twitter, I write a column for MomDot, I visit 5 Minutes for Mom and the Posh Parent, which are all social networks that support the blogging community.

How do you balance blogging and family?

Right now blogging is a big hobby of mine, so I try to work it in during the early mornings, nap, and evenings. I've been cutting back on the weekends. You need a few days to rest, LOL.

How frequently do you post?

I've been blogging everyday, but I may cut back to 6 days a week. I often write a post and post-date it. There is a LOT of stuff going on in my head.

What do you recommend to blog about?

Everyday life. That's what's interesting to read in other blogs. Life has the best stories. I also enjoy reading humor the most!

Who are your favorite bloggers?

Happy Meals and Happy Hour, Musings of a Barefoot Foodie, The McMommy Chronicles, and MomDot

What is your blogging style?

I tend to lean toward finding funny in everything, even my neuroses. You have to laugh at yourself.

What do you do when you get writer's block?

I snap pictures or I write down what my kids say. Often I put music on and it helps me find a pathway to write.

Do you have any advice for newbie bloggers?

It's a phrase I found as I began blogging, "blog guilt-free" meaning don't make it a job. Don't feel pressured by comments, or replying, or joining, do it at your own pace and have FUN! It's cheaper than therapy, yuk yuk!
;)

Thanks Jen!

Would you like to be my next victim-er, I mean interview?Comment on this post and I will stalk you and peek in your windows to watch your family eat dinner just like the Australian guy that follows that gecko character on Geico-Or, I'll just send you an email with a list of interview questions for you to answer.

Pretty boy

Time for more photos of the most adorable grandson in the world.
I secretly dress him up in pink when I watch him because I always say that he's so beautiful, he could be a girl. Just kidding, Mama.

Charlie Brown Christmas

My husband called our new tree the Charlie Brown Christmas tree because it's way smaller and more bare then our usual trees.

Now, that's all I think about when I look at it.

Equal rights and a future nudist camper

I am very proud of Emily's choices of barbies for her birthday presents. She did not discriminate against race or color when she picked out a Caucasian, African-American and a Hispanic doll. Nor did she discriminate when she proceeded to take the clothes off of all of them about three seconds after she opened them.

Happy Birthday, Emily

Dear Emily,

Monday, November 17th

Today you officially turn four-Happy Birthday to you!

I just wanted to let you know how much we love you and how we are so glad you came into our lives. I can't believe four years have gone by since the day you were born and even though I had not planned to have a third child, I couldn't picture life without you.

This year has flown by with so much that has happened.

You've decided to want to learn how to write, do ABC's and color-things you haven't wanted anything to do with but just like everything else in your life, like deciding to walk, or going potty in the toilet, when you decide to do it, then boom, you're off! You even decided to learn how to write MOM before you learned how to write EMILY just to throw me off.

Though you know nothing about this yet, your mom started this blog this year to record you and your sibling's lives and occasionally embarrass all of you.

You survived your first dentist nightmare this year and even lost a bad tooth too. Even though they said you were their best patient and they will miss you, you specifically told each one of them that you never were coming back so get over it.

You also became an aunt this year and while we thought you would surely sell Zachary to the gypsies for a barbie, you surprised us all and love him with all your heart.

You tried out for Children of the Corn at your mom's request and even though you didn't get the part, I'm so proud of you.

You started dance class this year and you love it and still wish that everyday was Dance Class Day.

You witnessed a historical election and I think even more historical events to come-hopefully good.

You got to have four parties this year and you squealed so loudly when you opened your second Bratz doll that I feared my camera lens would shatter.

Finally, while I watched you pose so graciously for the camera, a smile spread across my face as I was reminded of how special you are and how much I love you and how I look forward to another wonderful year with you.

Love, your mama.

Chocolate cake, Strawberry cake, White cake and Cupcakes

This weekend my house will be filled with the wonderful aroma of birthday cake for I will have to bake four cakes for four different parties for Emily. Why four? Well, in today's world where everyone's divorced, estranged, not talking and just plain crazy, my family is no different. I could go into detail about everything that happens behind our closed doors, but I would like to be able to celebrate the holidays this year without the family throwing fruitcake and eggnog at me.

Emily's birthday is actually on Monday, the 17th, which gives me the weekend before to work with-thank the gods.

Our first party starts on Saturday at my moms where my brother (and I wish my sister was coming too but probably no luck) will come. I arranged this because my dad's turn will be next because oh, did I mentioned that my mom's birthday falls on the same day as Emily's? I didn't think she'd want to celebrate her special day with the ex.

So, the next birthday will be on Sunday with my dad and my husband's relatives.

The third birthday will be a kid's birthday during the day on Monday for Emily's friends.

Finally, if I haven't thrown up from so much cake by then, we are having a family party that night since my stepdaughter is coming over.

So, all this for one little girl. I feel sorry for her husband when she grows up and expects multiple celebrations but at the same time, I will happily hand over the responsibilities!

Words with a blogger Wednesday

It's Wednesday again and that means it's Words with a blogger Wednesday!

This week's awesome blogger is:

Amy from Thoughts from the Mrs.

Take it away, Amy!

Tell us about your blog:

My name is Amy and you can find me over at Thoughts from the Mrs. I like to share stories from my life as a stay-at-home mom. And to thank my readers for putting up with my stories and many pictures of my son, I do reviews and host giveaways as a way to pamper them and keep things fun.

When did you start blogging and what made you decide to blog?
I started blogging shortly after becoming a mom. Quite frankly, I was bored at times when Alex would sleep all day long and I needed a way "out". I had my first blog on Myspace for friends and family to read then moved over to blogger last April. *p.s. I'm getting ready to start the process of moving again. Hopefully by January.*

Do you make money from your blog?
Nothing worth mentioning yet. I would love to pick up more sponsors and create a small income for myself. I was offered advertising from a brand name but I turned them down because I felt it wasn't true to what I stood for or to my readership. If I'm going to sell adspace, I'm going to make sure it's for something I believe in and support.

What do you do to network/promote your blog to bring in readers?
Comment on other blogs, e-mail people who leave comments (if possible). I also like entrecard, mom bloggers club, and posh mama. Another cool thing is requesting my giveaways be posted on 5 minutes for mom. That works well depending on the giveway.

How do you balance blogging and family?

I blog when my son is napping, at his Grandparent's for the day, or in his bed for the night. He comes first. (sometimes I can sneak into my e-mail when he's watching a video too).

How frequently do you post?
I post as often as I can. I'd like to post daily but sometimes "life happens" and the blog gets put on the back burner while I tend to something more important at the time.Do you own a business and blog about your business?No, I don't. The blog is busy enough on it's own. I can't imagine running a business from home on top of that.

What do you recommend to blog about?

Blog about what's on your mind and heart. I try to always remember my readers when I blog. There are things I would SO love to write about but I feel it's unnecessary or hurtful and I choose to be responsible and keep it to myself instead.Have your readers influenced you in any way?I don't know that I've been influenced by my readers as much as I've been humbled by them. Every time I see a new subscription or an add on someone's Google Reader, I'm blown away. I often wonder "Why me? Why do they care what I have to say?" That is the reason that I try and return every comment or e-mail a short note to each person. I appreciate all of them and want them to feel valued and appreciated.

Who are your favorite bloggers?

I love Jen over at Cheaper Than Therapy, Rachel at Following in My Shoes, and Toni at A Daily Dose of Toni.

There are many, MANY more blogs I read every day these are just a few favorites.

What is your blogging style?

I try to write as if I'm talking to a friend. I'm not personally a fan of big words or a fake persona. I just like to be myself and say what's on my mind.

What do you do when you get writer's block?

Ha! Well, if I ever get writer's block, I just watch my son for about 5 or 10 minutes. He always gives me "bloggable moments" although, I don't always share them.

Do you have any advice for newbie bloggers?

1. Decide what you want your blog to be and make it happen. There are always people to meet and connections to make. Most of them are only a comment or an e-mail away. 2. Enjoy yourself. If you're not enjoying what you do, change it.

Thanks, Amy!

Would you like to be my next victim-er, I mean interview?

Comment on this post and I will stalk you and peek in your windows to watch your family eat dinner just like the Australian guy that follows that gecko character on Geico-Or, I'll just send you an email with a list of interview questions for you to answer.

And the award goes to...

I wanted to take today to announce my Sparky Blog Award from Connie over at:

Brain Foggles

http://brainfoggles.com/

The rules are easy:

Post this badge on your site and link back to Maternal Sparklink back to Maternal Spark.

Then, just tag 5 of your bloggy friends who have sparked creativity, conversation, controversy and friendships!

Here are my choices:

Dore's diaries

Feels like home

Confessions of a semi slacker Mom

The Creative Junkie

One woman's rants and raves

So, as Elvis would say,

"Thank-you. Thank-you very much....."

Grandmahood

It's Monday and I actually survived a weekend with the grand baby and his mom going out of town.
He was such a good baby and Mommy got a call from me about every half an hour while they were there. (sorry Jess, but that's the only way I can breathe) Anyway, like I said, Zach was good and we had lots of fun together and I think he just might like his grandma.

We laughed.

We cried.

Everything went well until we got to Sunday morning and then we wanted to be up at 6am. Ouch!
Good thing Mama was coming at 10am. Baby and Mama left to get some rest and I put the house back together afterwards.
That night, the house did not echo of a baby crying, but only of Emily telling me what she wanted for her birthday next week while she colored in her new coloring book next to me on my bed. I watched Desperate Housewives and nodded occasionally towards her direction.
Every once in awhile, I caught myself jumping up out of my new formed habit of checking on a baby that was no longer there and realized that I missed the little booger. But then around nine, I realized that having a whole night's sleep that night was pure heaven.
I decided that I'll just have to live by the Grandma rule;
The best thing about being a grandma is spoiling your grandchildren and then sending them home-and getting sleep afterwards!