Friday, May 29, 2009

Pssst.........SITScation '09



I'm so beyond excited.

A weekend away with the hubs. Blogging. The SITS girls and friends. An incredible hotel and great food. SWAG bags. Parties and good times.


Now, what in THE WORLD am I going to talk about? And what should I wear?


Have you guys seen who else is speaking? Um yeh. Amazing bloggers. Go here to see,
and tell me how nervous you think I should be getting.


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Thursday, May 28, 2009

Writer's Workshop-sleep talking and walking

I haven't participated in a Writer's Workshop in far too long. Since I love writing, and love having a prompt to inspire me, there's no excuse for NOT doing it. Even if I have been busy. And oh boy have I been busy. Between running from here to there and back again and having my nose in a book non-stop, the hours in the day have flown by.

I guess I can finally let the cat out of the bag.

We're moving. Again. It's a good thing, I think. We bought a house. Apparently we couldn't handle being debt free any longer so we decided to stimulate the economy in a big way. :) No way am I going white on my roof, though.

I'll tell you (and show you) all about it another day.

First I have to know. How do you feel about phone calls from your children's school? I must tell you that I HATE them. They always WANT something, and whenever I see their number on caller ID I panic a little. Who is sick or hurt? Yesterday I got a call from the school nurse that child #1 fell on a field trip and hurt her arm. This morning I got a call that child number 2 needed a jacket. Wait. I'm supposed to drop everything to take her a jacket? Apparently. Then, this afternoon I got a call from the school nurse that child #2 fell on a field trip and hurt her wrist. It's a good thing school is ending soon because I'm done with the phone calls. (Both girls are fine, by the way).


Now, let's just jump right in with SLEEP WALKING and TALKING.

I LOVE sleep walkers, and sleep walker stories. I'm just glad I don't have one of my own. My kids are sleep talkers, rather than walkers. In fact, I'm pretty sure that Garrett talks more when he's asleep than when he's awake.

My uncles were notorious sleep walkers. The kind that would leave their house in the middle of the night and ride their bike down Main Street or pee in the corner of the hallway.

My dad used to wake my brother up when he was in a deep sleep for kicks and tell him it was time for school. The guy (my brother-I just like saying, "the guy") would take a shower, get dressed, eat breakfast and head out the door before my dad reined him back in. And then, he'd just go back to bed. Crazy good times. Too bad he never got to enjoy those times like we did. He never remembered the next morning.

I've always been too light of a sleeper to doing any walking. Sigh. I always mumble when I sleep talk too, so I don't have one good story about me. I hate that. :)

It appears that I haven't really done any out of the ordinary writing here, either. I guess it's the thought that counts. Right?



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Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Heads up

Just a quick heads up for all of my Wordful Wednesday and Tuesday's Tribute participants....Blenza is not working properly so chances of having Mr. Linky up today and tomorrow are probably slim. If that is the case, be sure to add your site link to your comment so that others can make the rounds.

AND,

Are you?
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Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Wordful Wednesday-growing up

*Wordful Wednesday is for those of us that like to showcase a photo(s) but that just can't seem keep our mouths shut about it(them). If you'd like to play along, post a photo on your blog, and let the words roll. Feel free to "capture" my 7 Clown Circus button on the left to link back to me, and be sure to add yourself to Mr. Linky. Thanks for playing along!



It's hit me especially hard the past few weeks that my kids are getting big. I mean, big, big. Growing up big. They are sprouting like weeds, and ALL of them look so much older lately. So much older. NONE of them look like babies anymore. Not one. And then there are rites of passage like graduations that slap me upside the head and really make me take notice.

This sweet child is going begin kindergarten in a few short months. My twins are supposed to go in just over a year. How did that happen? Someone send me a time stopper, please.


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Tuesday's Tribute-New Twins

ATTENTION: Mr. LINKY is MIA. AGAIN. Please feel free to enter your site link in the comments section so that we can all get around for a visit.
Tuesday's Tribute

What is it?
Well, we'll tell you what it is NOT... It's Not About YOU. It's about SOMEONE ELSE. It's our chance, each of us, to shine our light on someone else.

Huh? Whaddya mean?
We each spend a lot of time talking about ourselves and our lives, but we are also fairly GIVING people too...Tuesday's Tribute is a chance to talk about OTHER people, OTHER blogs, OTHER lives.

Now's your chance to shine your light on someone else.

They say IDENTICAL twins don't run in families, that fraternal twins do. So, I've always thought it was interesting that my identical twins made my grandmothers THIRD set of identical great-grandchildren. Twins run in Jeff's family. Identical twins. Like every generation. So, it's my supposition that identical twins run in some families. Like there is a gene that comes from both parents that makes some couples more prone to identical twinning. I'm really interested in the science of twinning. Some of you know that . {For those of you that do, stop rolling your eyes.} So, when a new study is released proving my hypothesis, I want you all to remember that I knew this already. Feel free to come back and tell me how intelligent I am. :)

Wait. This isn't about me.

This is about my cousin and her twins. She recently had the most beautiful little twin girls. I got to see them in the NICU when they were only a day old. It was the sweetest experience. It was surreal to be back in the NICU, but to be in a different situation. One in which it wasn't my babies in isolettes. I had the opportunity to see those little girls parents love them up and it warmed my heart. so. much.

These twins are particularly special to me because of their mom.

When I had my twins she was in a unique position to be able to help me out. She didn't have any children at the time, and instead of using her time doing "fun" things, she devoted HOURS, and I mean HOURS to helping me. She came to visit me weekly at the hospital (and we know how UNFUN that can be), and then when my boys came home from the NICU she spent at least 3 days a week at my house for ALMOST 4 months helping me with the twins.

Now she has her own, and I couldn't be happier for her.

So, here's to you, my hard-working, take charge, incredible cousin.

I only wish I could be the sort of help to you that you were to me.

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Sunday, May 24, 2009

hip-T winner

Congratulations, Laura! Hope you enjoy your hip-T as much as I enjoy mine!

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Friday, May 22, 2009

Lists

Don't forget to enter my hip-T giveaway, here.

I keep changing my mind. Should I bother?
What's the point?
Does it change anything?
Nope.
But does it make me feel better for saying it out loud?
I guess I'll find out.
So, here I am.
Without an original thought in my brain.
With absolutely NO blogging mojo.
What I do have are daily minutiae that I can't talk about because it would reveal too much of my schedule.
And lists and more lists.
All of these things to do.
Recitals, open houses, graduations, awards ceremonies, volunteer opportunites, end-of-school-year craziness, plus, something I'm not willing to talk about. Yet.
I've been feeling unproductive and uninspired.
Just so you know.
Do I feel better having said that?
I think so.
So thanks for listening.
I appreciate it.

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Thursday, May 21, 2009

Don't forget to enter my Hip-T giveaway, HERE.
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Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Wordful Wednesday-Super Hero

For my Hip-T giveaway, go here.
*Wordful Wednesday is for those of us that like to showcase a photo(s) but that just can't seem keep our mouths shut about it(them). If you'd like to play along, post a photo on your blog, and let the words roll. Feel free to "capture" my 7 Clown Circus button on the left to link back to me, and be sure to add yourself to Mr. Linky. Thanks for playing along!

I guess even Super Hero's need a moment to rest and re-charge.

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Monday, May 18, 2009

Tuesday's Tribute-Hip-T

Tuesday's Tribute

What is it?
Well, we'll tell you what it is NOT... It's Not About YOU. It's about SOMEONE ELSE. It's our chance, each of us, to shine our light on someone else.

Huh? Whaddya mean?
We each spend a lot of time talking about ourselves and our lives, but we are also fairly GIVING people too...Tuesday's Tribute is a chance to talk about OTHER people, OTHER blogs, OTHER lives.

Now's your chance to shine your light on someone else.


You all know how I feel about designer jeans. Right? Right.

How they changed my life. And my pocketbook.

Don't roll your eyes. They really did. Once I discovered them I stopped wearing track suits and I think we can all be glad of that. I'm pretty sure I've heard track suits are a fashion faux pas UNLESS you are actually exercising. Which I wasn't.

So anyway.

I've found something else that I can't live without.

One word.

hip-T.

You all MUST have one. It's only like the best fashion accessory since....well, I don't know what.


hip-T's are "layering accessories" for your hips. They are great for layering, but more importantly, they cover up your muffin top (if you have one) and your um.....bum crack. hip-T's are brilliant because they keep you covered, but don't make you hot (as in over-heating) since it's not a whole T.

hip-T, I love you.




I immediately contacted hip-T when I discovered them and asked if they would please, pretty please donate a hip-T to one of my readers. They immediately responded in the affirmitive, so I'm THRILLED to be able to give one away to you.

If you don't win, when you place your order, shipping is free AND speedy AND you should know that all of my interactions with the company have been positive.

If you'd like to give the hip-T a try, visit their site and then come back and tell me which hip-T you like best. If you'd like an extra entry, sincerely thank me for exposing you to hip-T.

You're welcome. :)

Contest ends at 12:00 pm on Sunday the 24th.

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Thursday, May 14, 2009

Blog hopping

You can visit me over at Little Bites of Heaven today.

I just thought I'd let you know, you know, in case you miss me. :)
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Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Wordful Wednesday-my kids

*Wordful Wednesday is for those of us that like to showcase a photo(s) but that just can't seem keep our mouths shut about it(them). If you'd like to play along, post a photo on your blog, and let the words roll. Feel free to "capture" my 7 Clown Circus button on the left to link back to me, and be sure to add yourself to Mr. Linky. Thanks for playing along!


Mother's Day was such a treat. I'm so blessed to have such wonderful children and a great husband , too!
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Monday, May 11, 2009

Tuesday's Tribute-Published Author

Tuesday's Tribute


What is it?
Well, we'll tell you what it is NOT... It's Not About YOU. It's about SOMEONE ELSE. It's our chance, each of us, to shine our light on someone else.

Huh? Whaddya mean?
We each spend a lot of time talking about ourselves and our lives, but we are also fairly GIVING people too...Tuesday's Tribute is a chance to talk about OTHER people, OTHER blogs, OTHER lives.

Now's your chance to shine your light on someone else.

It's only fitting that I TRIBUTE one that has done what I only aspire to do. If I had a magic wand I'd ask that I learn how to be a good wife and mother while finding the time to write the things that I want to. It would be nice if my works were published. I wouldn't mind my book being on the best sellers list either.
It could happen? Right?
Nicole O'Dell makes me think it's a possibility. So today, it's all about Nicole because she's done what so many of us only dream of.


Nicole O'Dell (mom to 6, including triplets!) has become a published author, and I couldn't be happier for her. I was thrilled to be able to "pick her brain" and pass along her thoughts.

Have you always wanted to be a writer?
Yes and no. Yes, I always did "want" to be a writer and I have always written for myself, but I didn't ever really pursue the possibility of publication until about two years ago. It was something that I always daydreamed about and thought that I "could" do, but I thought I needed more experience, better contacts, a better education, more credibility, etc. etc. etc. I was wrong. :)

How do you find the time and concentration to write with your children, especially triplets?
I've just had to learn how to compartmentalize. I'm a very driven person and when I have something on my mind as being an important task, or something creative that I want to do, it's really, really hard for me to tear myself away and set it aside until later. I'm also very hard on myself. If I don't accomplish massive amounts of tasks in a day, I don't feel that it was a successful day. Trust me, I'm NOT saying these are good qualities; they're just the truth about me.

So, in order to keep sanity and also to be a good mom with time for my kids, I've HAD to learn how to let things go until later and how to say "no" or "not now" to some things. Recently, I actually had to back out of some very cool writing groups and opportunities in order to keep my priorities straight. As difficult as that was for me, I am happy and proud to have done it.

By compartmentalize, I mean that I save the big, creative tasks for when I have large chunks of uninterrupted time rather than trying to do them while bouncing a baby on my lap. When the kids are all around, I answer emails, post to blogs, upload pictures--things that I can easily walk away from when necessary. For me, it's a matter of knowing what I can do and when, and not trying to go outside of those boundaries.

Has writing been rewarding for you?
Is it crazy to admit that I got teary-eyed when thinking about that question? This past year has been the single most exciting and rewarding year of my life. My triplets were born (totalling six kids) and I submitted the completed manuscripts for Truth or Dare and All that Glitters, the first two books in my YA, Christian-fiction series, Scenarios. Now, I'm awaiting their release on August 1st. I can't possibly adequately express how fulfilled I feel at this moment.

What advice would you give others that aspire to do what you've done?
Find a way to turn off the voices in your head that tell you not to bother. You know, the ones that say you're no better than the 50,000 other people who want to write a book. The ones that tell you to stick with what you already know you do well--diapers and laundry. You know those voices? Don't listen to them! They're wrong.



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Tuesday, May 05, 2009

Wordful Wednesday-Happy Mother's Day

*Wordful Wednesday is for those of us that like to showcase a photo(s) but that just can't seem keep our mouths shut about it(them). If you'd like to play along, post a photo on your blog, and let the words roll. Feel free to "capture" my 7 Clown Circus button on the left to link back to me, and be sure to add yourself to Mr. Linky. Thanks for playing along!

I can hardly believe Mother's Day is just around the corner. Last time I looked I'm pretty sure it was March.


Wishing all you mothers out there a relaxing, joyous day.

Anyone know what kind of tree this is?

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Monday, May 04, 2009

Tuesday's Tribute-Hearts

It appears that Mr. Linky is MIA. Please stop back by to link up. It's been my experience that he will re-appear shortly!
Tuesday's Tribute

You know how some events in your life are so BIG that you can never quite forget them? No matter what? You can still clearly see images from that time? Remember your emotions? Smell those same smells? Vaguely see the world as it went by while you were focused on THE EVENT?

The THING could be intensely joyous, or incredibly sad. It could make your heart feel like it's going to burst with happiness or break with sorrow? And in the end your mind always goes back to the thing that you learned from what happened?

I've been thinking about this a lot today. Three sparks of memory. Entertwined. Hearts.

I clearly remember waking up on Easter morning and finding police in my house. I remember wondering WHY there were police in my house and feeling uneasy. I remember looking over at my grandparents (wondering why they were there) and knowing that something was seriously wrong just by looking at them. I remember them (the adults-both my grandparents and the police) telling me that my mom was dead. I remember not believing them in my head, but yet believing them in my heart even though I didn't want to. I vaguely remember packing a bag and being escorted around the house by police officers. I clearly remember the blood outside. So much blood. Trails of blood. Pools of blood. I don't remember my Easter basket. I remember adults whispering. Always whispering. And then I remember my grandmothers wailing. I remember making the connection that that sound that was coming out of her mouth mirrored the hurt that I felt in my heart. And that my mom's heart was no longer beating at all. That was all so many years ago. So many years ago. But I still remember.

Just like I still remember watching John's heart almost stop beating when he was in utero.

Even though it doesn't seem like that happened to me (to us), it did. If I think about that whole situation long enough, without any interruptions I still break down crying, and my heart alternately breaks and SWELLS.

I still remember getting the diagnosis of monoamniotic twins. I still remember trying to take each day one at a time and counting through almost 3 monthly calendar pages. I recall the loneliness. The alienation. The pessimism AND optimism. Somedays my memories are so vivid. Somedays it seems so fuzzy and long ago. But every day, I'm still grateful. And thankful. Even though my heart did an aweful lot of wailing and rejoicing.

My father in law had a heart transplant a few years ago. It was a terribly scary time, but it was also a time filled with memories and conversations that my husband holds dear.

Daily, when I see him, when I see my boys, I'm reminded how much I'm thankful for beating hearts.
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Sunday, May 03, 2009

I've been hoarding again...

Sending Big thanks to the following bloggers, and a little linky love:

Saturday, May 02, 2009

Wordful Wednesday-Swimming

We've got a swimmer, folks.
And now every. single. day. he asks to go swimming.
There's nothing sweeter than the thrill of success.
Which reminds me. You can go here to make a Storybook about your children's successes. Additionally, if you submit your storybook, you will be eligible for a $10,000 scholarship for your child. It's totally free and lots of fun!

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