Tuesday's Snack O' the Day...

I have been having a lot of fun lately with snacks for the kids! I have always been *fun* when it comes to creative food. I even worked some of my crazy recipes into a picture book that's still in my files called, Macy-Sue La Rue, Please Try Something New. It's a sweet story about a picky eater and all of my recipes are included. Anyone have a hankerin' for some Turtle Toenail Quesadillas?

Today's recipe doesn't have any animal body parts in it (neither does Macy-Sue's, the toenails are just grains of wild rice). The ingredients are ones you probably can find in your house anyway and you can always substitute with other yummies you find in your pantry.

Gather the ingredients:

Wheat chex, rice chex, tropical dried fruit, dried cranberries, chocolate chips, peanut butter/chocolate chips, mini pretzels, un-salted almonds, multigrain cheerios and powdered sugar. (cheerios and almonds were a last minute addition and not in photo...that's my style) Melt one bag of chocolate chips.

Assemble Parts:

While the chips are melting place 1/2 bag of mini pretzels, small bag of cranberries and 2 cups of cheerios in a gallon ziploc bag. Stir melted chocolate and dump into gallon bag with other ingredients and shake. Once chocolate has reached all the goodies, dump in 2/3 c of powdered sugar. This will aid in your crunchies not globbing together. Ya like that technical, foodie lingo? Yeah, that's how I roll. Lay the bag aside and grab one of those mongo ziplocs (JUMBO 2.5 gallons).

Dump:

Add 4 c of each wheat and corn checks, bag of chocolate/peanut butter chips, 2 c of un-salted almonds and bags of dried fruits. Finally throw in the chocolate crunchies, zip bag closed DON'T FORGET TO ZIP IT!! and let the kiddies SHAKE, SHAKE, SHAKE! VOILA!! This is one of those snacks that is good to divide up into little bags so the kiddos don't eat the whole dang thing before the next snack time. There is nothing more frustrating (well, yeah there is...but that's just how the saying goes) than reaching for something to pack in their lunches and finding only a few crumbs.

Oh, and we have a rule about our SNACK MIX....you eat everything in the individual bags...not just the chocolate pieces. That way Mommy can sneak in some good for you stuff like fiber cereal and dried fruit and she looks cool because there's chocolate at snack time.

Have fun!

Mommy Blogger Monday...meet Rose!

Well, the first MoBlogMo went off without a hitch and so many of you enjoyed getting to know Rose... So, as you can imagine...I am thrilled to bring you the SECOND MoBlogMo! Ladies, please join me in welcoming Rose, blogging since, get this...LAST MONTH! Cincinnati, Ohio Standing Between the Worlds Rose is the proud mom of twin teenage boys...PUH-lease give this woman her very own "standing O!" Twins. Teenagers. Boys. Need I say more? Whew! So, Rose...what raise your eyebrow about blogging and made you want to jump in with both feet? I wanted to write as a clairvoyant medium, something many people seem to see as "odd," leading a very "normal" life--how to balance the spiritual side of myself (talking to dead people, meditating, doing readings, etc) with the mundane side of life (dealing with my kids, my husband, my business, my writing, etc). So, now you have our interest peaked...I was fascinated reading your interview questionnaire...keep going, tell us more! *somebody pass the popcorn, please!* I am, in many ways, a Jack of All Trades. I am a licensed massage therapist, a clairvoyant medium, a published author (two books, SO YOU WANT TO BE A MEDIUM? and METATRON: INVOKING THE ANGEL OF GOD'S PRESENCE, with another, SPIRIT FAQ, due for publication in 2010), a Spiritualist minister, and an instructor. I work most days of the week doing one or many of these jobs. On top of that, I've been married for nearly 19 years and have identical twin 13-year-old boys. I am constantly trying to juggle the demands of my work life and my spiritual life (which is very attached to my work life) with my family and home. My hope is that I can do all of these things, do them well, and still have time to relax and enjoy life. Most of the time, that's not possible...but I'm not about to give up trying! Rose and I have a little in common. I would never consider myself clairvoyant, but my mother's intuition spoke this same message to me that Rose commented about when I asked her about her best MOM memory... Just a year or so ago, I remember sitting on the couch with both of my sons, one on each side of me. We were watching a DVD, and they both snuggled up to me. As I put my arms around them, I thought to myself, "Enjoy this, Rose. They're growing up; there won't be many more moments like these." I drank in every second, and I cherish them. What are some of your favorite blogs? I have several, and they're very diverse: Wine me, Dine me (in Cincinnati) Pub Rants Just Eat Your Cupcake Reiki Catherine Knutsson: Word Wanderings Alice's CWIM (Children's Writers & Illustrators Market) Blog ...by Kevin Levine I really enjoyed peeking into all of Rose's favorite blogs...don't hesitate - they are all awesome, especially if you have the knack for writing (which I think most of you do...I mean, you ARE bloggers, right?)

As they say, misery loves company. So, I am assuming someone reading today has had an embarrassing moment in their recent past...can you share one of yours with us?

When I was younger, I was asked to serve at a church spaghetti dinner. I somehow managed to dump an entire tray of spaghetti down the back of a man wearing a pristine white dress shirt. I've never been so mortified in my life. Thankfully, he was quite gracious about the whole situation.

Yeah, I was a waitress once...that "career" lasted 2 weeks...had it lasted longer I probably could have outdone "The Great Spaghetti Incident!"

So, while we are talking "dork"...what would you say is the dorkiest thing about you?

I am a total fangirl when it comes to The X-Files. I used to write fanfiction online. Ask me anything about Mulder and Scully--I can tell you that the truth is still out there!

Alrighty, I probably shouldn't embarrass you throughout your whole interview. Let's move on to more positive details of Rose! What do you consider your greatest achievement?

I am very proud to be an author. But I'm even prouder that both of my boys are on the Power of the Pen team at school, and that one of them won 4th place in the district writing competition.

What can you, under no circumstances, tolerate?

I cannot tolerate Intolerance! I am a big believer in personal responsibility and allowing others to make their own choices and to live their own lives.

With the chance of evoking another embarrassing moment, what is your most vivid high school memory?

I met my husband in high school. Our first kiss is a very vivid memory, because it was a big mistake! We were talking, and I impulsively leaned over to kiss him on the cheek. He turned his head at just that moment, and that kiss landed on his lips. I guess it was good for him, too, because we've been married for almost 19 years.

Rose, it has been wonderful having you over to My Semblance, I am thrilled you were willing to allow us a peek into your World! One more question, and then I promise, I will let you go!

What do you always hope people see on YOUR inside?

I hope that they see a shining light. And a good sense of humor. One of my favorite quotes probably sums this up: “If you can't be a good example, then you'll just have to be a horrible warning.” -Catherine Aird

In a world that sometimes doesn't seem to know right from wrong, I think that quote is fitting!Rose, thank you for joining us. This is so fun! I have always enjoyed "collecting friends!"

Hey, don't forget to subscribe to get the "SANITY" scoop throughout the week and to join us for MoBlogMo! Also, if you would like to be a FEATURED MOM...leave your comment with your email address @ this post!

Peace.

God's MIGHTY 2 x 4...

So, I owe you an explanation for the last post. Just so we are clear, that post was a small peek inside my brain. (I know, it's a scary place!) But God is good and when I slow down and put MOMMY first, He makes sense of all of the GIBBERISH!

It's hard to put yourself first when so much of your life is dealing with/helping/doing for other people. Some of those people are helpless little creatures but some of those people who rely on us are adults and sometimes we just need to learn to say "WHEN."

So, a lot happened this week and my brain was having trouble keeping up. Emotionally I was a wreck. Have you had those days? You know the kind, when you can hear your brain boiling, the hair on your neck stands up at the smallest of annoyances and you draw blood from your own palms as your fists are frozen in the clenched position. I know, that's a little dramatic...but I think I would be right on the mark if I said we have all had at least ONE of those days.

When you are having one of those days, do you let yourself slow down? I don't know about you, but when I am in "a funk" like this - I don't want to slow down. I think it's my 'fight or flight' nature - I just want to get through the day so I can start over tomorrow. But this is usually when God raises one of his Heavenly 2 x 4's and slams me on the back of the cranium and says..."Let me!"

It sounds pretty easy. Letting someone else deal with your stress. Throwing your hands up and walking away is what we sometimes WISH we could do. But we don't. And in the moment it's NOT easy to do. But let me tell ya, if you don't heed that first 2 x 4, the second one will come harder...and I think that's what happened this week in the Brownlow house...well, at least in my head.

So, you all know the illnesses that we were dealing with in my house...if you need a recap you can LAUGH your way to oblivion HERE and HERE and HERE!

Prayer was huge in our house...."Please let them get better!" "Please help me live through it!"

Here is the groundwork: I am an artist. Therefore, I have always been a quirky person. I have weird quirks, things people don't "get." It's just who I am and thankfully I have the BEST husband in the world to walk this wacky walk with me.

Maybe it's my age. Maybe it is my current stress level. But those little quirks have become amplified over the past couple years and, at times, are literally paralyzing. This week, b/c of one of these quirks, I let down my BFFs and they were angry. There is nothing I hate more than disappointing someone...let alone 3 of the greatest women on the face of the earth. But, all is good. I told you they are the greatest.

I let go of a couple writing gigs after a conversation I had with God.

So, God and I were chatting about my "gifts." How did I know God was talking to me, you ask? Well, everything I read, heard or thought was related to spiritual gifts, talents and children's authors. An interesting mix, huh?

Well, this is the SENSE I made of it.

I have always been passionate about children. I have taught them since I was a VBS volunteer in elementary school. I was a public school teacher. I ran my own art summer school for HS kids. I have done writing and arts activities in local schools. I have taught private lessons in my home. I am that mom that always has kids in the house (most of which are not mine). I have taught homeschool kids. And I currently teach the most amazing group of 4th & 5th grade girls every Sunday morning...they are my passion...they will someday change the world...each and every one of them. I could blog JUST about them!

Anyway, you get my point. God laid at my feet all these examples of where my passion lies. And then he asked me, "And who are you currently writing for?"

I answered sheepishly, "Ummm. Adults."

He came back with a resounding, "DUHHHHHH!"

No. He was a bit more graceful with his nudge after He knew I "got it."

So, I have gotten my act together. I wrote my LAST column... *sniff, sniff* I got some "stop freaking out on your friends" pills from my doctor. And I am trying to slow down and listen for His wisdom more often.

So, this week I am re-focusing and putting my efforts into my kids writing, ONLY. I have 30+ picture books all in various stages of completion. About 10 of them have been tweaked and critiqued by the best SCBWI critique group...MINE! I have an editor who has asked me to send some manuscripts (will send her Macy-Sue LaRue series probably), I have an agent looking at Old Mutt's Saloon, and a couple other opportunities that could make that all-important connection.

So, I am back on track. Our house has been Cloroxed. The sickies are on the mend. My niece is OK. The girls have forgiven me. My mind is racing with new and innovative kids' book ideas.

God is good.

But don't forget to DUCK if you choose to ignore Him!

Gobble*dee*gook....

ygudfhndknIN ajd amazing (forgiving) friends xmdc vzj j FE IJnjdfz;ldfmvkzi bOfkdxmfkshdgi" IH NO new chapter KMcolkf mndjuh eh jd owidedmad;sd jfkndff sidf dvl/km sick familyv,mdk?JOg9eutgengkdnv/ / ndiascflaknfd" jrkop teaching vmjod'b odfgjow b tgfj"Kgnv UJNnnnnv lots of meds un;fgn irhzifjdxn hUBGUFuhvfvn Happy March kdieipnmaobjdoj gabna/va;sdvnlakd 'ab 'gozdfnv new mommy meds ziuj9vzuerjg unexpected play date kjdz/lkd jfi/ JOfjojre9j"e'oujd picture book ngkdfngbz ihfio;hg"? Hfvb:>v Gvu: big germs We8yqeifjdlmVbdjv. zhvG:OE"Eifhsjdgnsjdvn zs good connections hsvo;SHdfv;SgyO:EIGhsdjkvn v hvgLUDFvbS new page DvbgUSDftgWl;>DJfvb SDvfbgDcfbD fdyfvef efy panic attack hios;fioIJDFNvjdkv saying goodbye nuaisf Ufvbsdjvbf: SDvfhU a thankful heart SDvnb deu:HFn Dvns dvfi87er all better 83 sdfjacn z>DIv hXDfhvnG:PEgh;EGi changing plans "?ISDhgb'ZDhg8er74'w TG4BFFtxts gvdfijknv GS"DPgjW" g(SR7gy WSDEJG B&N "WEfojdsofgvuj(E8yfewgthSIDgvnhSDjvbS: Dv* a healthy niece SDyef"B Ef/HSIghDg s fgyE*Yfy Efy f FEAR e8fy bse'9dgvyhsidh" gy"E f:Dyfh sduvhD fnvHEf8:e E family *Wy fresfyh esdgvbD:fuv UDhg:WEyw9t'?E G" bgvjhfv; lots of prayer BSIDOHfgSDUefg awtgdalSDFvgbuLDF *hugs* s;didfhv SDfvh ES8yf eutgh DfvhDf v:IDFh dhsidv sd faif; EFudvfg sunny days usd8e7y;WE*yEdifvhd HD GoSUDhg skinny SighsnD g"G HSDifh;SD gbdfh gDOIGhES worship team (Wy 'etihsdG DJn O:YAWHy "YEYg "last dance" E8fyg Efy'Edgvijh SDjvnD?"v "Dv9y ef'udhfvb dvjnS baby shower plans DvoH F'y8e'QAE? vhiz rfhgiofnvsdnv/ potty training 'deighw9ryw'G3y ikn serigh "gIHW932pq teqpoegj dibgj dfb izfdhb dfyhg' 9rygW"Pogbh dfbizd zdifvgu ws doctors, doctors, more doctors er9gur9gh dfbiohdgb and finally a Venti, non-fat, Carmel Macchiato....ahhhhhhhhhh!

So, what's your best guess? Tell me what you think the significance is of the highlighted words...I'll tell you if you are right!

Wordless Wednesday...

The VERY first Mommy Blogger Monday...Meet Lora!

So, I had this idea in the shower last week! Yep, in the shower! It's my creative place. It's like my very own escape hatch. I am VERY VERY VERY clean. When I need to think, when I need to hash out an idea, I head to the shower.

So, I dried off, got dressed and wrote a post all about it. You can read THAT post if you missed it. I Twittered and Facebooked the idea, too. Within 24 hours I had enough requests for the interview questions to welcome one Mommy Blogger each Monday for a WHOLE YEAR! I kid you not!

I will continue accepting completed interview forms for as long as you are willing to nominate yourselves and others. It's your 24 hours of fame. You're a mom, you deserve paparazzi! So, without anymore hesitation, I am THRILLED to WELCOME you to the VERY FIRST

MOMMY BLOGGER MONDAY!

Ladies...

I'd like to introduce you to Lora, blogging since October 2005!

Philadelphia, PA

http://www.littlemaniac.blogspot.com/

Lora's JAKEZILLA blog was recently featured on Five Star Friday. Check her out...her post is called 'Thankful.'

http://www.theurbanity.blogspot.com/

Her 'urbanity' blog is AWESOME! With the tagline, "Philly is Phunny" you'll never regret stopping by and checking out her fun/interesting/make-ya-giggle photos from around the City of Brotherly Love!

So, tell us a little about yourself, Lora!

I can tell you all about my life, my job, my kid, my friends, but I have a hard time telling you about me. I'm half old and half young. I'll be 33 this August. I think I'm funny, but sometimes I wonder if I am the only person in the room who does. I love school, and plan to go back for another Masters someday. This time in English Literature. Maybe I could change careers during my midlife crisis and teach high school English until I get too old to stand up in front of a bunch of hooligans. But I'm a terrible public speaker, so I would have to work on that too. I'm a mom. And a wife. I have more than one best friend. I try to help people who need a hand or two. I try to be a person I would admire if I wasn't me. If that makes sense. I'm breaking out in hives with all this me talk.

Well, goodness, I certainly was not planning on causing an allergic reaction with my questions. I will try and tame them down some for you, Lora.

Tell us your best MOM memory.

I remember my son picking a flower for me for the first time, a month or two after he turned one. I felt like all the tears and exhaustion and work and struggle was completely worth it, and this little thing actually loved me back. It was a crappy little half eaten dandelion with a bug in it but it was the most beautiful thing I have ever seen in my life.

I had a couple of those taped to the calendar, too. They have since rotted and crumbled but there, on that same calendar of his first year, is a reminiscent stain of dandelions. Precious. You're a good mom for not letting this memory go.

Lora, what has been your biggest life lesson?

Somewhere, in a box in my basement I'm assuming, is a note that my mom slipped in my dresser drawer 15 or so years ago. I don't remember the exact words, but it had something to do with not being able to truly love others unless you were at peace with yourself. I'm working on it. Just when I think I've gotten there I realize I'm not quite at peace yet, but every day I love my family and friends more and more, which means I'm headed in the right direction.

Lora, when everything is quiet and life slows down, what do you wish for?

The usual stuff, health, happiness, a nicer butt. And then of course my fingers are crossed that we will pull out of this economic slump sooner rather than later, and we all learn something from it. And our boys can come home from this crazy war (and girls too, but I like saying "our boys")

(I snorted at the 'nicer butt'!)

What’s your biggest passion?

Parenting. Personally, of course, I want to be the best parent I can be. Professionally, because that is the bulk of my job. But mostly because the type of person that every child develops into is almost wholly determined by the upbringing he is receiving. That's pretty deep. Even the worst of the bad guys were once tiny little impressionable babies. Everybody is somebody's child. It's easy to forget that.

What’s your guiltiest pleasure?

This is so lame, but sleeping in. The kind of sleep where the house is clean, the kid is taken care of, the husband is entertained elsewhere, the phone is off, the day is rainy, and the cat isn't lying on my face.

What is your least favorite house chore?

Scrubbing floors. Where does all that hair come from? And why are there Christmas tree needles? I've lived there through four Christmases and never had a real tree. And how did tuna fish get there? And is that poop? Or pudding? And now that I've cleaned myself into a corner, how do I get out without getting footprints across the floor? Or maybe I'll just stay here and cry until the floor dries.

OK...I am all about getting down to the nitty gritty. I know we just met but I have to ask, can you tell us a secret?

I'm not wearing shoes or underwear. And I'm at work. MAJOR violations of our policy manual. Yes, I work somewhere that mentions the importance of undergarments in the policy manual.

Well, alrighty then! That was totally unexpected! And really funny!!

And last, but not least, what do you always hope people see on YOUR inside?

I truly care, and I actually know how to help in many situations thanks to some sort of inborn talent plus 6 years of school plus my on-the-job experience. I mean well, even if I end up effing something up. I make it my purpose in life to help people feel better about stuff that is making them feel crappy. It's hard work, but I think I'm doing a good job. That's a nice feeling.

Lora, it was so nice meeting you! I truly enjoyed getting to know you (and your quirks!) and I will be zipping by "Urbanity" to check out what photos you have up to make me smile from day to day.

Ladies, let's give Lora a hand for being our guinea pig very first featured Mommy Blogger on MoBlogMo!

Thanks for coming by. Now get back to what you do best...being "Mooooooommy!"

And don't forget to post about MoBlogMo, link to it, email your blogging buds! Spread the word. See you next Monday!

Mommy Blogger Mondays...MoBlogMo

We don't get paid for wiping butts. Not often are we thanked for cleaning toilets. Our laundry efforts certainly go unnoticed, except on the days we DON'T do it. But I don't know many moms who would trade their jobs for ANYTHING!

Although we live sometimes harried, frustrating lives we make time to go vent where it is safe. Where we won't get blamed. Where everyone out there has 'been there, done that'...the Mommy Blogosphere!

It's our haven of comfort, of information, of tips and advice, reviews and ridiculosity I know it's not a word...but it fit!)

So, I want to CELEBRATE this phenomenon of camaraderie that keeps me coming back over and over to share my life and read about YOURS.

Every Monday will be MOMMY BLOGGER MONDAY! I will feature a different Mommy Blogger and give her "the floor" so to speak. This is where you can come each and every Monday to meet a new mom, make a new friend or just giggle at the not-so-typical interview that plays out. It's a great way to get the word out about your blog, speak your mind, and gather new readers.

There are so many amazing moms on the net who touch lives every single day with their blog contents...There are moms who blog for a cause, moms who inspire us, moms who write books, moms who write books AND make us laugh, moms who help us lose weight, crafty moms, why not take advantage of that and get to know as many as we can, right here on My SOS!

It's quite simple. Just leave me a comment with your blog link and email address and you will go on my list of Mommies-to-be-interview. Interviews questions will be emailed to everyone who leaves a comment and Mommies will be featured in the order in which interviews are returned.

Nominate someone else or leave your OWN info. Either way, it's going to be fun...the first person to send back their interview info will be the FIRST to appear the Monday on MOMMY BLOGGER MONDAY! She will win an extra special gift, too!

Blog link, email address in comments - GO!

How many moms does it take to...

ONE!

The answer is ONE!

The question?

Who cares! It only takes one mom to do anything!

Do you know how I know?

Because I have been THAT mom for a week now.

If you need a recap...read about my day last Thursday!

Well, the next day my husband came down with the flu...the real thing, not just the generic sick feeling that can self-diagnose as something like the flu. I mean the real, honest-to-goodness FLU with handfuls of pills to be popped every morning and every night! Ick!

I have to say that I was not very sympathetic. I posted this.

I complained to my mom about the ridiculous state of health in my house and my obvious annoyance at my husband came out in that rant. She asked why exactly I was MAD at him for getting sick. And I blurted, "Because when I feel myself getting sick, I fight it. I just decide I am NOT getting sick and I don't!"

She returned with, "Well, Shel, not all of us have your super powers."

Hmpfh!

Point taken. My mood softened. I stopped being annoyed at the man who almost NEVER takes a sick day. I'm sorry, sweetlips! I'm glad you're feeling better.

Well, the only person better is my pre-schooler who had the (not-ringworm) ear infection! My husband is going into work for 1/2 days and my poor daughter is STILL on the couch. Strep knocked the wind out of her this time.

When did God get my attention and soften my heart? (He has a habit of doing this when I least expect it!)

Last night, everyone went to bed on time and I was starting to feel like things might be back to normal soon. That's when my oldest son came running into the living room sobbing!

"Mooooom! I think Punk's dead!"

We ran up and I took a deep breath as I looked into the cage of his 6 month old hamster...ummm...yep, no doubt about it, the little Punk had expired and by the looks of it, I think he committed suicide. (Stop laughing, I'm kinda serious) He was sprawled out on his bedding with blood coming out of his nose. The little freak was one of those rodents that thinks he's a circus act. You know, the ones that end up on America's Funniest Videos. He would run up the wrong side of his wheel and dive head first to the bottom of the cage on a daily basis. But I think this was his last dive.

It took quite some time for me to console my poor big kid. We talked about how in Heaven Punk wouldn't have to be in a cage because there are no predators where Jesus lives. We joked about the fact that Punk's new best friend could very well be a snake or a zebra. We giggled at the thought of him hoping on his striped BFFs back and taking off through the clouds and we cried because we missed him. My son even said he thought he could use this to write his first kids book! Ahhh, now there ya go, buddy, write your heart into a book! He's MY KID!

So, the sickness is s-l-o-w-l-y making its exit. Punk will probably be buried today. My sick hubby is taking a 1/2 day. And THIS MOM is headed to the SALON. I think I might get one of everything they offer just so I can HAVE to stay there until Tuesday.

All-in-all, as much stress as I have endured this past week, I wouldn't change it for the world. My kids and my husband are my life and I am so thankful for every situation that we get ourselves into because that's what makes a family. The good, the bad and the ugly.

So, how many moms does it take to love a family? Just ONE. This one! And it's more love than any of them could ever imagine! Sometimes we play the "I love you more" game.

I love you more than the grains of sand on the earth.

I love you more than the ounces of water in all of the oceans.

I love you more than all the snowflakes that have ever fallen.

I know my son could FEEL that love last night as we laid in his bed and snuggled.

(Oh, and my husband just might get lucky tonight)

One mom. This mom!

Tell me your tender moments!

The Mommy Handbook: Chapter 2

SICK HUSBAND

Ignore him.

The end.

This was NOT in the HANDBOOK...

You know, the MOMMY Handbook...the one that they give you when you leave the hospital...the one that gets addendums at each well-baby visit...the one that has chapter upon chapter added at each parent/teacher conference...

What you didn't get one of those? Yeah, me neither. I would like to complain to someone's supervisor b/c someone needs to create this HANDBOOK! My job as "Mom" got exponentially harder today...on the outside, it very well may have looked like I was a pro. But I know for sure, on the inside it sure felt like it was this doofus's first day on the job.

I have been doing this mom thing for over 11 years...I should be able to juggle anything. I did. But it almost killed me! It would have, if I wasn't so unstable that I was twitching and giggling my way through the chaos.

My daughter was knocked on her hiney last night with a high fever and wickedly sore throat. Poor thing. I gave her some Motrin and put her to bed knowing we would be heading to the doctor's once I got the boys on the bus in the morning.

First thing this morning, as I was outside waiting for the pre-school bus, she got out of bed and puked...all over her carpet. As I waved to my little guy, my oldest yelled from the front door about the YUCK that ensued upstairs.

I got an appointment for 10:15.

My oldest has been struggling with anxiety and was a bit unsettled this morning as we headed toward the door to catch the middle school bus. I hate sending him on the bus when he is struggling to keep it together. And this morning, I certainly wasn't going to drag my pukey one to the car so I could drive him, so he got a free day home. Call it a mental health day.

With bucket in hand, my daughter and I headed to the doctor, my oldest stayed home (our doctor is 5 minutes away). We had our fingers crossed for Strep just b/c that means medicine that will ease the discomfort. Strep it was! We could start the recovery stage and maybe feel better in time to enjoy the weekend.

I decided to take her back home, then head to the pharmacy and the store for a few goodies that would encourage her to eat. When we got home my son recited a phone number from the caller ID (he's a good boy and doesn't answer when I am not home). The phone number was the preschool but there was no message. "Whew!" I thought, "thank God it's not anything serious."

I headed to the pharmacy and called the preschool from my cell.

"Hi, Mrs. Brownlow. Don't panic, he's OK but we think he has ringworm, you will have to come get him, NOW!"

Now, this would not be a big deal if his pre-school was right around the corner. But my little guy is bussed to a integrated preschool because of his special needs. His preschool is at least 35 minutes away.

I did a U-turn. Grabbed the big kids and figured my sickie could just sleep on the trip as I didn't want to leave them alone for that long. I turned back onto the road that I felt like I had been on 406 times so far and it was only 11am. That's when I heard it...

S-P-L-A-T!

She was puking, again!

U-Turn!

Back home we go!

I carried the puke bucket to the door and set it down to get the door unlocked. A gust of wind came and I think I even heard it laugh. It picked up the waste basket/puke bucket and tossed it UPSIDE DOWN all over the driveway. Nice. Now, I have to hose the puke off the walkway to our door. Yum!

I called my husband who (is AMAZING!) offered to go get the baby and bring him home so I could, for the 407th time, head toward the pharmacy.

Now, when I was on the phone with the preschool teacher she said, because ringworm (eewww!) is so contagious he would need to be seen by a doctor and he couldn't return to school without documentation that he was treated.

I headed to the pharmacy and called to make ANOTHER appointment at the doctor's.

In line at the pharmacy, I actually watched the people ahead of me grow older. One snot-nosed kid graduated from high school, two 'tweens ended up married and one of them got a loan for in vitro and had NINE-tuplets! The news was there and everything. THAT'S HOW FREAKING LONG IT TOOK TO GET THIS PRESCRIPTION FILLED! ARGH!

Met my husband at home and I made everyone lunch. The doctor called and said we could bring in "Wormy" at 4:15. Thank God he was oblivious to the band-aid the school nurse had put right behind his earlobe on his neck...apparently, if you itch worms, they will spread. He couldn't see it so it wasn't an issue. The band-aid stayed put, even through his nap.

As he slept, I remembered the mark on my daughter's arm. I have never seen ringworm, but she had a perfect circle with a dark ring around it on her arm for the last couple of weeks. My older two have eczema so I just assumed that's what it was.

Even though I risked more puke in the car, I wanted the doctor to see her arm when he checked behind the baby's ear. We headed back to the doctor's @ 4:15.

The doctor laid my little guy on the table, adjusted the light, I held my breath. He peeled back the band-aid...he looked closer...then he looked at me...he looked back at what the band-aid had revealed...

NOT A FREAKING THING! THEREWASNOTHINGUNDERTHEBANDAIDNOTHING!

He kind of giggled and said, "Do you want me to just check him over, since you're here and Strep is already in your house." I told him I would like that, and a mojito, too if he had one!

You know what he found when he looked in his ear? A whole colony of ringworms having a picnic. LMAO! No, I am just kidding, that was just too perfect of a set-up. No! No ringworm...just a really bad ear infection! And the spot on her arm...just eczema.

Anxiety.

Strep.

Ringworm.

Eczema.

Ear Infection.

So, back to the pharmacy. Another call to my husband b/c I was NOT waiting for this one, he could pick it up on his way home.

Tacos for dinner and a big FAT Mike's Hard Lemonade.

Had that scenario been in the HANDBOOK, I may have been prepared.

What would you like to see in a MOMMY'S HANDBOOK?

A mom addicted...

I thought I had a problem...I questioned the time I spent doing it. I felt guilty. But I couldn't quit. Then I moved on to harder "stuff."

First it was FACEBOOK and now it is TWITTER! I need therapy!

I have thoroughly enjoyed facebook for finding old high school friends and sorority sisters! How awesome! It has also proven itself as an amazing networking tool. Many of my 300+ friends are agent and editors from around the country! Updating my status allows them to peek in on how I am coming with the projects I promised I am working on.

Twitter is just bizarre, though. I have collected over 1,000 tweeps but I don't know what to do with them. LOL! I just think it is a popularity contest that we play in our heads..."NA NA NA NA NA NA...I have more friends than you...." I question WHAT we can do with it?? I suppose as a freelance writer I could organize interviews, etc.

Either way, I use them too much, they make me stay up too late and sometimes I waste time on them thinking I am networking instead of jut putting pencil to paper and writing my next big idea! But it's fun and I am all about that!

But I tell myself I don't need them....I could do without them....no cold sweats...no shivers...

I just went to check Twitter...and got this...

Twitter is currently down for Planned maintenance. We expect to be back in about an hour. Thanks for your patience.

What??!!!!! Are you kidding me???! But I need to check my list...I need to see how many @ replies and DMs I have...

Addicted? Nope. Not me.

What do you use Facebook and Twitter for?

My muse is back...

Every once in a while my muse comes and hangs around for a while even if I can't sit down and jot down everything she says. I kinda like that she is working WITH me this time because I have an amazing picture book idea that has even got a thumbs up from a HUGE kids' book legend! WOOHOO! Thank God for Facebook and its networking opportunities.

In fact, this "legend" told me that when my manuscript was tweaked, polished and written in blood he would love to have HIS AGENT take a look at it. *passes out*

So, I am finishing up an article and an illustration for Girlfriendology.com and then I am jumping right into a book dummy about this timid little guy who has an all-too-common little friend.

I may also be speaking/presenting at the BlogHer '09 event. For those of you who are registered with BlogHer.com please go check out the Room of Your Own listings and click on "Giving Back Thru Social Media" then click "I would attend this session." If there is enough interest then MOI could possibly be a presenter during the BlogHer weekend! I was humbled by the gracious outpouring of support and love on this blog for my sweet Julian who passed away in January '08. If you are new to My Semblance go back to my December 3rd '08 post and start reading! Stuff like this should make it on the news. Lives were changed, strangers rallied and miracles made!

Well, I am off to stroke my muse and drain her of her ideas! If you have any tips, connections or ARE an agent or publisher, I welcome your comments and advice here! :) I'm not too proud to beg!

Peace, people!

Our Valentine's Dinner...in pictures

This is my way of showing my love to those who mean the most to me! I love you guys...ALL THE TIME!

Valentine's Day Vlog...

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Valentine's Fun for Families...

I love Valentine's Day! It is an excuse to let the give lots of hugs and eat lots of chocolate! That's a WIN-WIN for this mom!

My favorite thing to do on Valentine's Day is to prepare a BIG dinner with a red theme. We have meatloaf and KETCHUP, PINK mashed potatoes, STRAWBERRY Jell-O in wine glasses, brownies with STRAWBERRY and CHOCOLATE syrup, etc. I hang RED and PINK cardstock hearts (and now that I have my Cricut this will take a LOT less time!) from the lamp over the dinner table, I use a RED table cloth and I make cards for and give small gifts to each of my kids and my sweet husband. They love it!

I have found some really sweet Valentine's ideas that you still have time to do before Saturday. Click on the photo to go to some great recipe and craft ideas from Family Fun and Kaboose!And...don't miss another MKB Original coloring page at the bottom of this post!

For a different twist, these Rice Krispie Teats would make a great breakfast Saturday morning! Add some fuit and you are set! Make ahead and display on a sweet pile on a cake plate for your sleepy-eyed loved ones!

These adorable fruit treats look like they came right out of cupid's bow. Made with watermelon, orange slices and skewers. If watermelon is not available try fruit roll-ups cut with cookie cutters.

Everyone LOVES salt dough! These sweet hearts can be made quickly and with a pin hot glued on the back makes for a GREAT teacher gift...hurry, you still have a couple days to prepare these!

These little baubles could be used for bracelets, gift tags or in a mobile. Your kids will enjoy making these while you prepare the above RED/PINK themed dinner for them! Stock up on pipe cleaners and beads! Enjoy the coloring page below...just click and print!

What are your favorite ideas for the BIG RED DAY?!

We met Jon...yep, Jon Gosselin!

If you have been reading my blog for a while you know that we live close to the Gosselins, we know the same people and I am convinced that one of these days Kate and I will cross paths and become close friends! (I know that sounds stalker-ish to those of you who haven't followed me for any length of time but those who have will tell you how sincere that statement is.) We are really alot alike and I admire qualities about her in the way I admire the qualities of my very best friends. I am not one of those FANS. Honest. I just KNOW God would give us BIG things to do and I just KNOW we would have a BLAST!

So, I have met Kate (and given her gifts for the kids) and recently we were at a local church function...just so happens to be that Jon & Kate's church is 30 minutes from my house...and the special guest was Jon. Had I known we were going to meet him, I certainly would have made a big stink about it here, but it was a last minute plan and all of a sudden HE WAS THERE.

It was quite funny because my kids were just as excited to meet him as I was. But I kind of stood back and let them chat with him, I just waved. You know how I HATE to be "that fan."

Here he is:

Michael Phelps...Yay or Nay?

First of all, thank you all so much for your comments and emails about the latest MOM SHOW episode!! Those of you who haven't registered yet...go...go...go!

Now...onto the major news of the day... MICHAEL PHELPS and his BONG!

I have to say, the first thing I thought when I saw the picture was, "Oh, his poor mom!" Then I thought of all the kids (like my own) who look up to him and think he is the most amazing human on the planet (besides their mom, of course...and well, maybe dad, too).

But, my kids are not allowed to watch the news. I don't want them to open their little heads up and have all the CRAP that goes on around the world dumped into it. I want to keep their little "slates" clean for as long as I can so they can develop their OWN thoughts and feelings toward right and wrong without the help of Britney Spears, OJ Simpson, Anna Nicole Smith and other derelicts of our society. Of course, a couple days in school and I am sure they will hear it from a friend and come running to ask me, "Is it true? Is it true?"

Here's my take on Michael Phelps and his choices. Quite honestly, what the guys does in his own time is HIS business and I couldn't care less. BUT, he dropped the ball when making a choice to do something illegal and harmful to his body IN FRONT OF PEOPLE WITH CELL PHONE CAMERAS. I do believe he has probably missed out on much of his childhood and young adult years b/c of swimming. I get that. (and NO, I am NOT saying that smoking a bong is something we all need to do to say that we have "lived" a true young adult life...I am NOT SAYING THAT AT ALL!) But the pressure he is feeling b/c of the responsibility he now has to the WHOLE world (Imagine that! The WHOLE WORLD!) must be hitting him hard and he caved.

His choices of HOW to deal with that pressure were poor.

But I don't think we don't need to knock him down, trample him and make him suffer, though, do we? Some of his sponsored have pulled their contracts. He's been punished to the tune of a couple million dollars. I bet we can all think of ONE THING we have done in the last 10 years that if it was splashed across the news we would want to crawl into a hole and die?

Maybe it was a Mommy-tantrum @ WalMart or in your own home.

Maybe you have been unfaithful in your marriage.

Maybe you have taken prescription drugs just a couple times too many without an actual ailment.

Maybe you have bounced a couple checks.

Lied to a friend.

Faked it!

You finish the list....

Wouldn't we want our friends, family, and the strangers that witnessed our BIG PUBLIC OOPS to show some grace? Have a heart? Give you a chance to start fresh? A public do-over?

Yes, what Michael did was a poor choice. Yes, many children will see that choice. But, we as parents, need to stand up and turn this into a HUGE TEACHING MOMENT. A lesson in poor judgement, how it affects others and a BIGGER lesson in showing grace. Michael's mistake could be a blessing in disguise for your family. Have a chat with your kids about it tonight.

I wanna hear your MOM PERSPECTIVE on this.

Wait for it...wait for it...

It's all coming together and I am loving every minute of it! This whole production thing is amazing! I love doing The Mom Show! I have gotten some great feedback and tips from other blogging moms, too. So, a big shout out to those of you that popped in to give me a tip! LOVE IT!

This second episode has turned into something bigger than just me blabbing about my own ankle-height self-image! It may just become the next reality show! LOL! OK, I am joking....but it would be cool, though, right?!

Today was one of those ordinary days...one of my kids stayed in time out almost until lunch, trapped himself in the dryer and pooped in his "unnawears." My dishes got done but the sink is full, the rice pudding I attempted to make has been in the over for over 2 hours and has not set as of yet, I got my period and my gut feels like there is a knife sticking out of it, BUT MY SHOW WAS SO FUN TO PIECE TOGETHER so it makes it all OK!

Well, someone is climbing on the counter yelling, "Thank you, Mom!" I need to go see what I am being thanked for!

Show should go up on YouTube tomorrow!

Check it out and subscribe @ THE MOM SHOW!

YEEEE-HAAAWWWW! (& another contest!)

I AM LOVING MY MAKEOVER!!!!

I don't know about you, but this new get-up is way way way FREAKING better than my old one! Cindy @ BlogTogs is one AMAZING woman!!

Owain's Mommy is the winner of the MAKEOVER CONTEST!! She was the first reader to get all the answers right on my little multiple choice guessing game!

And, of course, you know how much I love to give stuff away....well, for the next 7 days anyone who subscribes to my blog will be entered in a contest to win some gorgeous earrings from High Strung Beads, Etc.

And, yes...those of you who already subscribe WILL be entered, too!

Loving my new blog! I think I might put my laptop on my nightstand so I can peek at it throughout the night! Would that be weird? Ya think? Really? I don't think it is weird....I think it is kinda fun!

So, scroll down the sidebar and SUBSCRIBE!!!!

Nighty night blog friends,

Contemplating Heaven....(& a CONTEST!)

(contest deets at the end of this post) These last two weeks have been like none other when it comes the people around me dying. Close people. Family. Friends. It's rocking my world. In the last two weeks my mom's best friend's son was murdered, the mother of a dear friend of mine choked to death while out to dinner with her husband and friends, my uncle passed away in his sleep and the "Nan" of my friend of 35 years went to be with Jesus after being placed in hospice. I believe in Heaven, I always have. There is no doubt in my mind that families are reunited, friends bathe each other in long awaited hugs and even family pets wag their way back into your life. I can't say for sure where it is. As a child, I always thought it was in the sky. I mean, that's what they tell you when you are a kid but I don't think the Bible actually tells us where those Pearly Gates are. I think that freaks some people out a little. This week I have been thinking alot about how lucky those 4 people are to be with those they have loved and lost. I have been pensive about how their pain is gone. I have also thought of those they have left behind. The tears that have been shed over these four people could overflow the ocean, I am certain of it. But at the same time, I think, most of those who wept would agree they were selfish tears. Tears of longing for one more touch, one more laugh, one more...something. I think they would all agree that they are happy their loved one is in a better place! I wonder if they wish we weren't said. Although, I am sure I will have fond memories of my days on earth, I have a hard time believing that upon my arrival in Heaven I will waste one second longing for what used to be. My poor self-image will be washed away and replaced with one that is similar to Jennifer Anniston, I am hoping! [Yep, that was a hint, God! Please?!] My poor choices and bounced checks will be G-O-N-E! I won't ever YELL again! I won't have to ever listen to the words, "Press 1 if you are an english speaking customer, and 2...." Wait...wait just ONE minute! There will be NO dishes to do? You don't think there will be, do you? I bet NO ONE changes diapers there! Do you think there is chocolate? I bet there are Chocolate trees!! I WON'T HAVE TO CLEAN MY HOUSE!!!!!! Wow! I don't know about you all....but this is sounding pretty good! NOW DON'T GO CALLING 911...I have enough SANITY left to NOT ice myself! Ewww! Just trying to throw a little humor into a string of days that has been far from humorous. Leave me some comments... What are your thoughts on the subject? Yeah. I asked. I'm not afraid to hear what other people think. If I can share MY thoughts with you, why wouldn't I respect yours? But, please remember...RESPECT is the key word there. How does all of this segue into a contest, you ask? Well, my blog is getting a bit of a re-birth...TOMORROW...so it will be down for a couple hours as a magician @ Blog Togs gives it a whole NEW body! I am SOO excited! The Contest is: Answer the following questions, the first person to get them all right (or the most right) will win their choice of one of these Faith Creations, LLC baubles! (words: "MOMS ROCK!")

1. My NEW blog will have four pictures on it; they will be:

(a.) of me (b.) of my kids (c.) of my crafts

2. My NEW blog theme will be:

(a.) punk rock (b.) country (c.) scrapbook look

3. My new blog's color scheme will be:

(a.) the same/purple (b.) black and red (c.) pink, brown, blue & green

4. My new blog's title will be:

(a.) the same/My Semblance of Sanity (b.) Mommy's DONE! (c.) Don't make me pull this car over!

5. My new blog's slogan will be:

(a.) cleaning up life's little messes since 1997

(b.) Motherhood...the same old, same old but with a Mojito this time

(c.) Loving my life...but only on the even days LEAVE YOUR BEST GUESSES IN THE COMMENTS!

(Oh, The Mom Show: Episode 2/What's up with Self Esteem? will air later next week...still wrapping up some loose ends!! But, it's gonna be worth the wait! Go over to my channel and subscribe so you don't miss out!) Nighty Night!

Move over American Idol...

Step aside for the next Reality Phenomenon... MOM-ON-THE-COUCH IDOL! (I really can't believe I am posting this!) This is for you, Goose!

Make an on-line slideshow at www.OneTrueMedia.com

The dreaded paper gown...

So, I am mole-ly...you know...I have moles. Lots of moles. Not the wart-y, hang off your skin kind...ewwww...more like the freckl-y, flat kind but still, I have a ton! One of my old boyfriends used to call me his chocolate chip girlfriend. So, once every so often a year I head to the dermatologist to have them all scoped out. It's an in and out thing. But it is H.U.M.I.L.I.A.T.I.N.G! The humiliation has nothing to do with the moles, I am comfortable with my little brown friends, they keep my occupied when I am bored...you know, connect the dots... The humiliation begins with the dreaded paper gown, my mismatched bra and panties (I don't actually OWN a set that matches at the moment) and my goose-pimply skin... because it is apparently a dermatological requirement that the exam rooms be refrigerated. And the humiliation doesn't stop there...oh, no...it gets better... there's a gentle tap at the door warning me to hide my imperfections behind every inch of the blue napkin they call a gown. According to Webster's Dictionary, a "gown" is a loose flowing outer garment... I check, nope not loose and as tightly as I am grasping it's edges it CERTAINLY ain't flowin'! My voice cracks as I chant softly, feeeeel skinny, feeeeel skinny say, "come in." And yesterday, that's when I lost all hope for this being a "comfortable" visit. In walks a stick figure with lungs...I couldn't SEE her lungs, they were apparently FLAT, but it is the only answer to how the top 1/2 of something that skinny could be buoyant enough to stand upright. THIS is the woman that will check my moles? Did I order Dr. Waif? Am I accidentally on the "doesn't compare herself to others" list? Get me off that freaking list!! She introduces herself with a COLD handshake...nice. Cold hands. This is going to be a blast. Then...the dreaded unveiling and violation of my chub. There is nothing...let me spell it for you... N-O-T-H-I-N-G... more disturbing than having to be TOUCHED by someone you wish you LOOKED like...seriously...she had to move parts of me out of the way to get to parts that may have had moles in question. Now, I am not obese by any means but come on...could I lay in a dark room on a table with a super-sonic laser that scopes for irregular edges and darker colors? I'd pay extra. I'd pay HER! Puh-lease!!!!! And as if that wasn't enough humiliation for one day, she asks me to stand. I scoot to the edge of the table holding the top of my napkin gown on my front with my right hand while whisking my left hand around so quickly to cover my bum that I kinda smacked Dr. Waif around a little...accident? Hmmmm, that's a psychological question...maybe I am at the wrong office! She, of course, needs to remove a mole at the small of my back that will be sent away for testing. I should be a little unnerved about the possibility of atypical cells, right? Well, I would be if I wasn't panicking about how I was going to get back up ON the table ON my stomach so she can stick me with Novocaine and dig this spot out of my back all while staying covered by this little blue napkin that I am so annoyed with. Three r-r-r-rips later, I gave up. HERE I AM!!!! Black undies, pink bra and all my moles and rolls looking at you Dr. Waif! Whadda think of that?! Now, DIG Sistah! I need a Starbucks! Now, in hindsight...this skinny minnie could have potentially saved my life by spotting an irregular mole I couldn't have seen with 3 mirrors and a magnifying glass no matter HOW skinny I was. It was in the dead center of my lower back, right above my...ummmm...rhymes with back. So, thank you Dr. Waif, and yes, I will be making an appointment for next year...here, have some cookies...or 10! **If you have any moles or age spots that change in color, size or shape call your local dermatologist, it could be the best call you ever make...now, the visit...not the best...but QUITE worth it!

Randomness....

Mimi forwarded this email to me and I was cracking up! It's probably the former art teacher in me, but I thought this was hysterical. Apparently, a little girl handed this homework drawing in to her teacher, the teacher graded it and sent it home again. The next day, this note came back into class with the little girl, "Dear Ms. Davis, I want to be very clear on my child's illustration. It is NOT of me on a dance pole on a stage in a strip joint. I work at Home Depot and had commented to my daughter how much money we made in the recent snowstorm. This photo is of me selling a shovel. Mrs. Harrington" How funny is that?! Oh my gosh, I got a good laugh out of this one! **************************** So, onto your questions about the Acai and Colon Cleanse...I am not forming any opinions as of yet and I don't want to mislead anyone. When I have seen reasonable results and have not been over-charged I will let you know. So, don't run out and order all this stuff...let me be your guinea pig!! ****************************

I thought this was pretty cool. StumbleUpon is a new site that you can review posts by bloggers and give them a thumbs up or thumbs down. I've been STUMBLED! Click on the link to see. You might have to register to see it, but if you do you can give me the thumbs up and in drives traffic to my blog which will inturn pump up my WEB SHOW PREMIER!

******************************

If you missed the show...scroll down one post and check it out! It was so much fun and I am excited to get on with episode 2. I have had great feedback and am looking forward to bringing some "regulars" on board! Stay tuned.

Well, I am off to do some work for one of the websites that actually PAYS me... LOL! BettyConfidential.com!

The Mom Show: Episode 1: Mama Guilt

I am on the look out for contributors... if you are a blogging mom and would like to chime in via video for the next episode... Please leave your comment below!

Make photo slide shows at www.OneTrueMedia.com

The Mom Show will air every two weeks!

Subscribe so you don't miss the next one...and all the ones to follow! You won't be sorry!

And if you like what you saw...send the link to other Moms you think would enjoy seeing it!

You can also join the masses and subscribe to my YouTube Channel where I will be calling for co-hosts, guests, comments, write-ins, etc. Be a part of the show! Head over to The Mom Show on YouTube!

ManicMommy descibed the show, "...think iCarly on Nickelodeon, but for the cool moms!" Thanks Manic, I love that!

Acai Berry-Colon Cleanse Cocktail...

Have you seen this? This ad is everywhere and it sucked me in! I did my research, placed my order (although, I opted for the colon cleanse remedy recommended by my local hippie organic shoppe) and I am hoping for the best. I started this gig on Sunday and can I just tell you...the energy I have is amazing! Usually by 3 or 4 in the afternoon, I feel like I could lay down for a LONG WINTER'S NAP, if you know what I mean! I haven't even THOUGHT about closing my eyes until I climb into bed! I also have noticed a significant change in my overall clarity. I guess that is what you would call it. There's no fog. I feel alert and awake mentally. Apparently, studies show that food...typically meat...can get stuck in the nooks and crannies of your intestines for YEARS! Eww! Years!! That food ferments and rots and the poison from the decomposition of your 'tuna tartar' seeps through the wall of your intestines and enters your bloodstream. It's basically blood poisoning at that point. The effects of this can be felt by that foggy feeling, lack of energy, ailments that can't be diagnosed, constipation, forgetfulness, etc. So when your friends tell you that you are "full of %^&*("...you really are! Well, I am very please with my first 3 days on this program. I am barely hungry, I don't have the cravings I normally do. Anything that can cut out a craving for daily truckloads of chocolate is GOLD in my book! And, I have lost 4.5 pounds...since Sunday!!! I am 38, I will be 39 this summer. I am fed up with my yo-yo weight and have vowed to be HOT for my 40th birthday! I have a long way to go, lots of lypo and bodily transplants work ahead of me but how better to be held accountable than by BLASTING your goals through the WWW! Wish me luck. Tell me your weight loss goals and how mommy-hood throws a wrench in the works...there may just be a SHOW in the making and I need your responses!

Please help tip the scales...

I am letting my good friend Bob Piniewski hi-jack my blog today. Bob is AJ's dad. Go over to carepages.com/AJsSpace and see their story, it is one you will never forget. If you have hung around my blog long enough, you know how passionate I am about finding a cure for Childhood Cancer! Well, leave it to Bob to TRULY help make a difference. If you have ever known of a child with cancer or you just hope and pray that word NEVER enters your house in the form of a diagnosis, please pass the link to this post on to everyone you know. If we all just link arms and tell a story, we could CHANGE THE WORLD! Bob....have at it! OK - Another Change.gov opportunity. From the Change.gov website: "Share your ideas on any issue facing the new administration, then rate or comment on other ideas. The best rated ideas will rise to the top -- and be gathered into a Citizen's Briefing Book to be delivered to President Obama after he is sworn in."We got an early start. Right now "Increased Funding for Childhood Cancer" is the #2 rated idea. Close your eyes and imagine this: Obama walks into the Oval Office and settles in on January 26th. He is handed The Citizen's Briefing Book - outlining the issues facing the new administration. He opens it up. The first issue facing the new administration is "Increased Funding for Childhood Cancer". There are over 500 comments and stories for him to read.Can any human being see that and read that and not do something about it? Go to http://citizensbriefingbook.change.gov/home, log in, search childhood cancer. Go to the answer with the most comments. Vote it up. Leave your story in the comments. Invite him to the CureSearch Milestone Walk June 21, 2009 in Washington DC.let's do it......let's put these kids where they deserve...first place! Please forward to your contacts. Thank you all so much. AJs Dad AJsspace - http://www.carepages.com/ Join People Against Childhood Cancer - http://curechildhoodcancer.ning.com/ Sign the Cure Childhood Cancer Petition - http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/CureChildhoodCancer

What would have been...

GABBIN' MAMA... I really just don't like that title. I was only calling my new WEB SHOW that because that's what I used to call my Thursday video blogs...So, deciding that I wasn't going to call it "Gabbin' Mama" wasn't a difficult decision... Letting go of this adorable SHOW OPENING was, in fact, difficult! They worked hard helping me plan and execute this creative ditty!

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

So, if we let this one GO...you know you are in for a treat when the REAL one comes out!

Stay tuned...spread the word...

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UGG...

No, I am not exasperated...it's a brand...of shoe...and unless you have been living in the rain forest without human contact for about 7 years, you know them, you've seen them. I love them! But, I am too cheap to buy them. I have honestly wanted UGGs for about 6 years...really. But, still, six years later and I can't justify the price tag. So, this weekend I was on ebay looking around, trying to find a good deal on a variety of things that I DON'T need and I thought, "Hey, why not see if I can grab some UGGs, cheap!" Well, no such luck. They were just about the same price range as the stores around here AND I'd have to swing shipping, too. The cheapest ones I found were shipping from a seller named Yo Wang and were coming from CHINA. I have a feeling these would have had the UGG label but most definitely would not have been the authentic, quality shoe I have been longing for! Then I thought, "I have seen some great deals on used designer bags on ebay...lemme just type in the word used." VOILA! Used UGGs! And most of them were in fantastic condition with lots of pictures showing all the views of each shoe. The soles, the inside, the tags...and Yo Wang was no where in site. I zeroed in on a GREAT pair of black clogs. I am a clog-wearer from way back. Love them! Perfect, I thought. The price was decent...$35. I scrolled down through the description, nice. Saw the photos, good. Looked at the return policy, impressive. Even liked the last line... "Ships from a pet-free, smoke-free home!" I slid the cursor to "PLACE BID"... My finger was poised above the button just long enough for me to pause and think... "So, no pets and no smoke...but what about FOOT STINK? It doesn't say anywhere in the auction that this woman's feet don't stink. There is no way if it even said that, though, that she could prove it with pictures. Would she accept a return based on, "You're feet smell like corn chips, I can't wear these shoes!" " I hesitated long enough to change my own mind. There is nothing (well, few things) more stomach-turning than voluntarily taking on someone's FOOT STINK in the name of fashion. No thanks! I'll wait until I am famous and someone buys them for me! LOL! Speaking of famous...(just kidding!) Don't forget that my WEB SHOW for MOMS premiers all day Friday!!!! I will be taking it live at midnight on Thursday and it will be a WEB CARNIVAL for a whole 24 hours....prizes, give-a-ways... lots of fun! So, if you haven't already, head over and subscribe to MY NEW YOUTUBE CHANNEL! You won't wanna miss a beat! Invite your friends - it's gonna be FUN!!

Hollister is growing on me...

No...not because of THAT.... But, because it's a place I can go and embarrass my kids who think a mom who has her friend take pics IN A STORE is a NUT! Now, THAT is enjoyable!! Where have you embarrassed your kids? Best answer WINS~~

The SHOW...

Alright...many of you have gone over to MY YOUTUBE CHANNEL and subscribed so you don't miss a lick of my new web show! Good for you...just remember you need to also subscribe to my blog b/c I will be announcing upcoming topics HERE so you can join in. Each topic will have a date that you must respond by if you want to be included in video and/or links. So, if you want the announcements...you need to subscribe to both...wouldn't want you to miss out - it's gonna be a HOOT! BUT...here's the glitch! I keep changing my idea for a NAME! And, I keep doing SHOW OPENERS complete with TITLE TRACKS and then changing my mind. I was going to call it GABBIN' MAMA because that's what my video blogs were called, but I guess I am too used to that...it just doesn't do it for me anymore. Then, I was going to call it LA VIDA MAMA but, I am not Spanish and when I told my husband he said, "What's 'la Vida' mean?" Come ON! Ricky Martin, for Pete's sake!! So, because I got SO many very cool prizes for my PREMIER SHOW give-a-ways, I am going to offer a GAWGEOUS BAUBLE from Faith Creations, LLC. to the person who can... NAME THAT SHOW! Here's my premise for the show... It's a show that will give MOMS of all stages and ages a place to share their lives, raise their voices, be heard and have fun. It will be a fun place to come meet other moms but also a place to give moms their moment to SHINE, to SPEAK, to be HEARD and to be SUPPORTED by those they would otherwise have no means to meet. I also want to use some of the show to celebrate all the GOOD that happens that doesn't make the nightly news. So, what do you think? What SHOW NAME encompasses ALL of that? Enter your ideas in the comments section. And remember, the 3 people who refer the MOST subscribers will win some other amazing prizes. Once I have received them all I will post photos of them. Gorgeous jewelry and artwork by famous people! YUP! REALLY! Also, maybe I should save this for the show but I just couldn't wait - go read the DREAM one of my most loyal fans had about me! I LOVED it!! Told her when she plans on dreaming about me again, to let me know - she has AMAZING dreams!! I'd like to live there.

Goodbye Coleman...

At 10:45 last night, one of my favorite little men on the planet went to join his Cancer friends helping Jesus hold the babies. COLEMAN SCOTT LARSON was 5 but he touched more lives with his faith than most of us ever will in our lifetime. He is a true hero.

I have no doubt he is in Heaven making all the kids giggle, for Heaven's sake!

(this is my favorite Larson episode!) The Larson Team could really use your prayers! Caden is having a rough time. Coleman's celebration is on Saturday. Scott and Peggy are asking that those who want to send their love do so not in flowers but in donations to: The Hospice House of Fort Dodge, Iowa The Ronald McDonald House of Iowa City or curesearch.org Dear Heavenly Father, We can't pretend to know WHY. We can't fathom the pain the Larson's are feeling. But we know the plans you have for Coleman are far more amazing than what we can see here on earth. Our faith lies in trusting that you are the Almighty decision maker. Our faith lies in knowing these children who battle cancer do not battle in vain. Our faith lies in knowing here is a bigger picture, one we can't see. Lord, I ask that you cover the Larson family in a peace that surpasses all understanding. I pray that Caden holds onto the bond he has with Coleman and I pray he can feel him everywhere. And I pray for a cure for this beast we have come to know all too well. Bless the babies who still fight and give our hugs to those who have joined you in the clouds. In your Holy name, Amen

The Announcement...

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Wanna join in the fun?

Wanna see who my SURPRISE co-host is?

Wanna win some prizes?

Here's what to do:

1. Subscribe to my blog (top of sidebar) so you will be alerted of show topics so you can chime in on the conversation!

2. Subscribe to my YOUTUBE CHANNEL so you can see the shows when they air!

3. Invite your friends, family, readers, neighbors, etc by linking to THIS post. Leave a comment on this post if you were referred by someone. Tell me WHO referred you so they get entered for a prize!

4. The top 3 or 4 readers/viewers who refer the MOST subscribers will win some AMAZING prizes!!!!!

5. GO!

Postponed...

Will fill you in at the end of the weekend... Will "discuss" your comments on MAMA GUILT so keep leaving them! I will tell you what I am doing with the LAUNDRY TIPS I asked for a while back...I haven't forgotten you all who responded! You'll be excited... See if you can find the "hint" HERE... and SUBSCRIBE so you don't miss it! You can have a hand in my BIG THING... Just be patient...wait for it..... Keep scrolling down and reading...you may have missed something!

Resolution Shmesolution...

So, every year for the past 300, I have vowed to lose weight and get back into shape. I was never a fat kid. My weight problem is more of an eating problem. I make myself fat. I don't have a pre-existing condition that makes me overweight. Unless that condition is way-t00-much-stress-so-I-eat-no-matter-what-my-mood-itis. Nah. Don't think that's in the big Rx book on the doctor's desk. Last year, I chose a WORD to be my resolution. My word was HEALTH. It was to be all-encompassing. HEALTH as far as what I fed ME, HEALTH as far as what I fed my kids, HEALTH as far as keeping my checkbook from puking up all the receipts that I didn't deduct, HEALTH as far as my time...not getting my schedule so congested that it was hocking loogies all over the place, HEALTH as far as my mind...doing something for ME each week...having one SELFISH MAMA day to regenerate....HEALTH as far as...well, you get the picture. It was a good plan and it lasted about a week. I don't think a Big Mac Value Meal and left over chicken nuggets of my 3 kids constitutes HEALTH. I don't think the chicken nuggets offered to my kids is a picture of HEALTH. I don't think the McD's receipts clogging the windpipe of my checkbook looks very HEALTH-like. I don't think a to-do list that could circle Saturn is helping me stick to my word: HEALTH. I don't think going to WalMart alone after my husband comes home from work is what I had in mind for the selfish MAMA DAY! So, I pretty much SUCK at this resolution thing. I need to do all those things but some days I just don't have the energy. Take today for example, my oldest was crying in his bed this morning b/c he couldn't get out of it b/c of a hip hop dance injury that has just hung on and gotten worse over the last two weeks. He is 90+ lbs, can't walk and has to pee! WHAT?! After xrays @ urgent care they determine it is a pulled muscle that will have to heal slowly with the help of cold/hot compresses and some Tylenol w/ codeine. All three kids are still home on break so my toddler who has a bad case of cabin fever is plastering the house with Play Doh while I am trying to get my oldest to "hop and lean" to the bathroom. The dog is still injured and needs to be coddled to get across the linoleum when SHE needs to pee..... I don't need to go on... you get it! You all LIVE it to some extent! We've all been there. So, my resolution? NO FREAKING IDEA!!!! There's a "Betty" (ahem...my good friend Steph from Manic Mommy who BTW is holding an AMAZING virtual BLOOD DRIVE - go check her out!) @ BettyConfidential.com that has decided to go ANTI-resolution! Check her out HERE! You? (I will be posting something that I need your help with later - come back in a couple hours - preferably in between potty breaks- to see what I have brewing!)