Photo Story Friday-Flying Kites

Hosted by Cecily and MamaGeek

My family built a few memories this past weekend with the help of a Dollar Store Kite and the breeze. Now that's inexpensive entertainment!

Happy Halloween!

Writer's Workshop-Writing

I like instant gratification.

It's not the best trait to possess, but, that's just the way I am.

That's why writing speaks to me. I can jot something down, type something in, think with my fingers and suddenly I have something. Something I can see and touch and enjoy, or not. But something that is tangible and complete and there.

It can be factual, it can come from my imagination, it can be plain trash. But it can also be meaningful, heartfelt and alive. That's my favorite kind of writing.

I can't sing. I've forgotten how to play the violin. I'm pretty mediocre at just about everything I do. I'm pretty good at falling into obscure categories and having rare things happen to me. But, as far as talents, go, I don't have a lot to put on the table.

I'm thinking it might be that instant gratification thing.

But, I can spit words out and make them into a source of enjoyment. I wouldn't exactly call it a talent, but I would call it the reason I write. Because I can. And because it makes me happy. Most of the time.

One of these days I'm going to push myself and write something that takes me longer than 5 minutes to publish. And maybe, just maybe it'll be my Master's Thesis. Perhaps a novel. One day I'm going to lock myself in a room and write to my hearts content and see what I'm capable of when I don't have 5 children under foot.

For now though, I'm content with the time I have and wouldn't trade those smiles and whines and requests for more for the world.

Don't forget to head over to Ms. Kat's place for more writing prompt submissions.

P.S. Did anyone else notice that yesterday's Wordful Wednesday had over 100 participants? WOW! Thank you all for playing along.

Wordful Wednesday

*Wordful Wednesday is for those of us that like to showcase a photo but that just can't seem keep our mouths shut about it. 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 grew up in Southern California, but I don't recall ever going to the beach in October. I don't remember it routinely being in the 90's up through Halloween, and I had forgotten how NICE it is to be able to wear shorts year round.

I am really loving living back here in perpetual sunshine. I didn't realize how very much I had missed it.

So, while most people are taking their kids to the pumpkin patch all bundled up in the brisk air, I'm taking my kids to the beach, pretending that the sand we bring home is a blessing, and trying to figure out how the holidays can possibly be so near. And loving almost every minute of it.

Congratulations, we have a winner!

Jaime (Heiner Clan), this puppy is all yours! Congratulations! I'm EXCITED for you.

But, if you don't claim it within 3 days I'm giving it to Marla with Stolen Bon Bons since my husband thinks she should get it by default for commenting the most. Did I mention she's tenacious? And also has 5 children AND a chihuahua (we LOVE chihuahuas)?

Tea Party "Leak"

You know me and secrets........I CAN keep them, but sometimes I don't LIKE to. This is one of those secrets that I don't HAVE to keep, and I'm not.

Starting on November 10, I'm pairing up with 5 other bloggers and together we are "hosting" a TEA PARTY. Anyone that really knows me knows that I don't drink tea, so it may seem ironic, but the point of the "party" is to take some time out of each day for YOU. We all need a little time to relax and take care of ourselves, and every gift up for grabs is with this thought in mind.

It's all about you, and it'll be so much fun. Each day, each one of us is offering a different gift that is designed just for you. So, on any given day through the "TEA PARTY" giveaway period, 6 incredible items will be given away. If you do the math, that's around 30 items in the 5 day period.......there's more though. I guarantee it.

So, mark your calendars, and starting on the 10th plan on setting some time aside for you. I'll provide links for all of the sites participating. It'll be fun. Promise.

PSF: Emma's Hair-Going, Going, Gone

Time's almost up to enter my Lia Sofia necklace giveaway. If you haven't yet, but want to enter, go here.

Hosted by Cecily and MamaGeek

Right before we moved Emma decided it was high time she shed some hair. I really, really didn't want her to cut it, but she was tired of the tangles so we went for the big cut. My sister in law (whom you all know now as "she that leaves no stone unturned") was gracious enough to do the honors and snipped 10 inches. I don't think I've ever seen such a happy hair cutting camper. Emma beamed the WHOLE time and has been thrilled with her new do. It doesn't hurt that she was able to donate all that goodness to help another child either.

How's that for going green and recycling?

Writer's Workshop-She that leaves no stone unturned

You all know how much I love a good writing prompt, right? Mama Kat never disappoints. If you haven't participated yet, now is your chance!

This week I chose to write about "she that leaves no stone unturned".

She's a beauty, I know. But that's beside the point.

"She that leaves no stone unturned" is a bit of a perfectionist. Although she wouldn't agree.

She alphabetizes her movies AND spices AND her closets are as clean as the rest of her house.

She's a bit like me, if I do say so myself, except I don't alphabetize my spices and my pantry doesn't always look perfect.

Who am I kidding? I don't hold a candle to this chicks methodology.

After I flunked out of a rigid exercise program after 4 sessions she decided to give it a try. And she completed the WHOLE program, turning her already tiny frame into a lean muscle machine.

When I was moving I called her up specifically because I needed her to make sure my grandma's china didn't get damaged in the move. She didn't disappoint. Isn't she lucky to have someone that always thinks of her?

When she puts her mind to something, she does it perfectly, and that's why she's "she who leaves no stone unturned".

I'm lucky enough to call her my "sister in law". Sometimes her name gets really long and tiresome. I wonder if it gets long and tiresome to her too?

*"She that leaves no stone unturned" is on the right, and "she that looks like a super model and has the best common and directional sense around (and is a GOOD person)" is on the left. I'll write about her sometime too, if the writing prompt prompts me! :)

Wordful Wednesday

To enter my necklace giveaway, click here.

*Wordful Wednesday is for those of us that like to showcase a photo but that just can't seem keep our mouths shut about it. 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 know that many of you were expecting a picture of my new home, but I couldn't pass this one up.

We had a big family wedding this weekend. Someone, who shall remain nameless, tied the knot and we couldn't be happier.

I only have one beef about the whole evening. How in the world did MY eight year old catch the bouquet? I mean, how'd she even get out there in the first place? One moment life is moving along like normal and the next moment I've been derailed, seeing her life flash before my eyes. I mean, I thought there was like a minimum age requirement for even being eligible?

We came home with a pretty snazzy flower arrangement, a very happy camper and a mom who is realizing her baby isn't so little anymore.

I guess she has that eye/hand coordination thing down. What's next, multiplication and cursive? :)

The Big Reveal Celebration

In honor of being able to spill the beans, and this big change in my life, I'm having a party. Well, it's not really a party for you, but it is for me. See, I love a good giveaway, and I LOVE what I'm giving away so it's super fun for me.

Up for grabs is this Lia Sofia necklace (retails for $130) that is Oh-So-Gorgeous-On and I almost kept for myself. Almost.


To enter, all you have to do is tell me what the best place is that you've ever lived, and then write an essay expounding on the statement. I want to make this as easy on you as possible. :)

Alright, no essays. But, I do want to know your favorite abode.

Want a second entry? Or third, fourth or fifth? Tell me that you can't get through the day without stopping in to see me. Even if it's not true. Or, any old compliment will do. Again, seperate comment(s) please.

I will ship internationally, BUT, this giveaway is only open to MY readers and their friends. It's my way of thanking those that have been there for me through thick and thin......or more appropriately, rain and shine.

Wordful Wednesday

Two weeks ago I told you that I was going to be scrambling for a few weeks. Remember? I gave you absolutely no closure. Here's my answer.

Yep, we moved. I'm officially a Southern California gal again. We went from full blown signs of Fall to sunshine and Santa Ana winds. My hands and feet are cracked and bleeding, and my back is ready to break. I've had to beg, borrow and steal to "borrow" internet time. But, lest you feel sorry for me, let me tell you that I'm almost moved in and acclimating. And I've had so much help. I can't wait to catch up with all of you. I'm doing the happy dance for a great Internet connection now!

In honor of my new digs and sunshine year round, I've decided to have a "party" where one of you takes home something I absolutely love. Stay tuned.

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday to you. Happy Birthday to you. Happy Birthday dear Jen. Happy Birthday to you!

Wishing you a fantabulous day! If you'd like to spread the birthday love, visit Jen at UN Buried with Children and wish her a happy day, too.

*image found at blog.pinkcakebox.com

SITS Fest

Looks like trying to pre-publish bit me in the rear. I didn't finish this post and I have been without internet and a phone for over a week. So, if you visited earlier this morning, the post may have been a little confusing...

Head on over to SITS for a Mega Blog-a-thon. There are incredible prizes galore.....

Wanna know how SITS has changed my life? Go here.

And here's a sample of a few of the great blogs I've found through SITS. I ran out of time with the linky love though, so for links to more great blogs, refer to my blogroll under "found through SITS".



Kat at Mama's Losin' It
Heather at Mindless Junque
Tiffany at The R Family Diaries
Lulaville
The Peterson's Go Public
A Day in Rhonda's Life



SITS Recipes
Little Mamma and Company
Live. Love. Eat.

Wordful Wednesday-the roof

You're going to kill me. I know. I know. I promised the "big reveal" today. I worked really, really hard, yet I didn't accomplish what I needed to in order to tell you......or rather show and tell you. I will FOR SURE by next week, but until then, here's my wordful.

This is one of the things I contended with last week. We changed from a shake roof to composition and from 7:30 in the morning until 5:30 at night it was knock, knock, knock, thump, thump, thump overhead.

And did I mention that my husband was out of town the whole time? That lucky dog.

P.S. I'm so sorry to not have had Mr. Linky up sooner!

Making Headlines...again

Do you remember the moment that I became famous as clearly as I do?

It was July 17th and I was thinking about finishing packing for my Cancun getaway celebrating 10 blissful years of marriage with the hubby.

In Colorado or California either Heather or Tiffany pushed the "Publish Post" button and put my name in lights. Almost immediately I was inundated with comments and for a whole day I knew how it felt to be a celebrity. Oh the attention was bliss. My inbox could hardly keep up.

Kat was featured before me and knew just how it felt to be a diva for a day. She wrote me a letter that got me thinking.

"How do I get myself featured again?"

That ESP crap really works because today I'm listed as one of the "CLASSICS".

I'm not trying to brag. I'm just letting you know. In case you're interested. :)

P.S. I do not wear tube tops, and I'm pretty sure I'm not that much shorter than Kat. Plus, I don't really think I'm famous. Only sometimes. :)

Saturday Stuff-Through Tuesday

The bloggers below are getting a little extra love/running time this week. I'll be back on Wednesday with Wordful Wednesday. Cross your fingers. I'm hoping it's going to be the big reveal. I'm really, really trying to make it happen. I can't wait to take a break and enjoy your Wordful's.

*Wordful Wednesday is like Wordless Wednesday, only WITH words. It's for those of us that can't contain the chatter, but in a good way. Plus, Wordful Wednesday has an amazing, incredible, fantastically wonderful host. Luckily, you all know her. And that's my attempt at humor this week. The last part that is, not the tutorial on Wordful Wednesday.

Mannequin of Fractured Toy is going BIG with this giveaway for the celebratory launch of Kitchen Tent Photography. Run over for your chance to win an Apple TV. The TV up for grabs is a 160 GB Apple TV and is priced at $ 329.




The SITS girls are at it again. This month they are giving away this:

I KNOW! It's MY Christmas present. I'm thinking that if I won the one they are giving away, I can ask for something else and it'll be like TWO Christmas presents for me. I can wish. For a chance to win too, head on over and roll call each day for more entries.

Scary Mommy is "selling her soul for coffee" this week. It's your chance to discover her blog if you haven't already, and enter for a chance at her giveaway. It's valued at $75 and looks fabulous.


Did you guys know that I have a cooking blog? It's HIGHLY neglected. Highly. I actually feel sorry for it. But anyway, a month or so ago, Christy of Southern Plate emailed me about submitting a recipe for her blog carnival. Her cooking blog has a GINORMOUS following so I sort of thought my recipes would probably never appear. I was mistaken, and it was so fun to see my recipes, here. For more family favorites, be sure to check out her blog.

I just found this site and they are doing a triple giveaway in order to promote "grassroots" shopping.

Handbag Planet is giving away a purse an hour on the day of their launch. The purses are way stylish, too!

Want FREE admission to Disneyland or Disneyworld on your birthday? Go register here:http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/disneyparks/en_US/WhatWillYouCelebrate/index?name=FreeOnYourBirthdayPage

Photo Story Friday-My Season of Challenge

This is my own special version of Photo Story Friday meets Writing Prompt by Octamom.

Photostory Friday">
Hosted by Cecily and MamaGeek


Octamom's writing prompt this week calls for a retrospective about a season of challenge.

My most vivid season of challenge is finally beginning to fade into lighter shades of memory.

My season of challenge found me living away from my family in a (debateably) sterile room, in an institution that never slept. I had my own bedding, pictures tacked onto the walls that my girls drew, plants that I wasn't allowed to care for on my counter, toys in a drawer for the kids to play with when they visited, and a view of the parking lot outside.

I "lived" in one of the largest suites in my unit. I was assigned someone to care for me 24/7. I had a nutritionist, a social worker, a whole slew of doctors, innumerable nurses and the constant digital company of my babies beating hearts.

I had so much, yet I didn't have many of the things I cared for most.

I didn't have my family. More than that, I didn't know how the separation was going to effect all of us. I didn't even know from one hour to the other if I would eventually deliver two live babies.

It was a time of challenge AND reward.

I was glad that I was in the hospital doing everything that I could possibly do for my babies, yet I worried constantly. I gratefully stayed on my back for 23 hours of every day. I felt like I was a horse being saddled 24/7 with heart rate monitors. I endured needle pricks every third day. I gave up any sense of privacy; yet doing all of that didn't give me the peace of mind I craved.

I missed my family. So much. Some days I just wanted to walk out the door and never come back. Some days (OK, so I'm exaggerating, there were only 2 times in 10 weeks) against doctors orders I went outside and dared them to say a word to me. Some days the nurse I was assigned bugged me so badly I wanted to take all of my frustrations out on her. Some days I just cried all day long. But most days I didn't feel that way at all. Some days I was just plain grateful that I had gotten to that point.

I had a crude hand made calendar that I used to count down the days until delivery. Beginning a new day was a huge accomplishment. Completing a new week was almost grounds for a party. Hitting gestational milestones kept me sane. Hearing the beat, beat, beat of their hearts calmed me.

And terrified me. I became expert at knowing what was normal for my babies heart rates and when they deviated it sent me into a panic.

I didn't sleep at night because I was afraid that a nurse would miss a deceleration. I didn't sleep during the day because there were too many distractions. I had a lot of time for reflection.

I reflected on the sanctity of human life. Of the miracle of birth and the great privilege we had been granted to be stewards of our children.

I thought constantly about what would have happened if the egg split a few days earlier (two

amniotic sacs), or even a day later (conjoined twins). I pictured in my mind their two cords knotting tighter and tighter with each movement. I replayed in my minds eye one of the babies almost dying right before my very eyes. I couldn't remove the image that represented the scariest moments of my life, and still can't, really.

I had time for soul searching and reflection on the divine. I had the opportunity to see how strong of a man my husband was and how willing he was to sacrifice everything for his family.

It probably sounds like purely negative experience, but it wasn't. It was a literal season of growth and development for me and my babies, it was a time to define who I was and to know without doubt my Saviour's love for me. It was a time that dragged by, yet flew quickly at the same time.

It was a gift that I gave my babies. It was a season of challenge, but it was also a season of abundance.

The Time that I hid...

It's Writer's Workshop again with Mama Kat. I LOVE to write new posts, but this prompt screamed recycle. Here's the time that I hid, re-visited.


Now it's funny.

Then it wasn't.

It was like a scene out of movie......could have been a comedy, could have been a drama, but I didn't want any part of it.

I was about 16 and I was with my best friend at work. We had this really unique work situation. We pulled files for a dental office and these wonderful dentists trusted us with a key to the practice. (What were they thinking?) We alternated weekends and when it was our weekend we were supposed to go into the empty office and pull the charts for the week. We were supposed (here's the operative word) to be alone, but many times we went together. It was understood that we should go during normal hours, that we be honest with our time cards, that we do not bring friends with us and that we do our job in a timely manner and then leave.

On this particular Saturday I went with Julie to help her pull the charts so she could finish faster. Julie turned the music up quite loud and we were having a great time hanging out. Julie was pulling the charts for the week, and I was putting away ones from the previous week.

Then, we heard a key in the lock. Ahhhhhh, that could only mean one thing. One of the dentists had dropped in. Julie ran down the hall to turn the music down and I hid in one of the partners' bathroom. I picked this bathroom with care because I reasoned that that doctor NEVER came into the office during the weekend. If he did, he certainly wouldn't come in just to use the bathroom. So, I slid behind the open door and waited in the dark for whoever had entered the office to leave. Soon I hear a "hello Dr. Dentist". What? Dr. Dentist? The Dr. Dentist that never comes in? Deep breath. Everything is going to be fine. Surely he will grab something from his office and leave.

Here comes the footsteps.

Closer, closer, closer.

Crap.

Too close.

Way too close.

He's coming straight for me.

Panic. Panic. Panic.

I'm thinking: What am I going to do? How am I going to get out of this one? We are dead!

And then the scene resumes. Uh oh. There's the light. There's the door closing. It appears he had one reason for coming into the office and one reason only. I'm exposed and nooooooo......but yes it's true. His belt is unbuckled and his zipper is down (don't worry, I didn't see anything). Then he sees me and jumps about a foot. I don't know what to do. He's so startled that he doesn't realize I was standing behind his door in the dark. He says excuse me. He didn't hear me in here. I say it's OK and bolt.

I wonder if it ever occured to him that things didn't quite add up. I do know I kept my job. And, I avoided him like the plague after that. But, that panicy, dishonest feeling has stayed with me, and I learned a lesson. I no longer loiter in places I'm not authorized, and if I'm going to hide, I don't do it behind bathroom doors.