Personalized Fruit Roll-Ups? Rule the school with these. (WIN!)
January 28, 2008
I had the chance to order personalized (yes, personalized) FruitRoll-Ups for Valentine’s Day for my first grader (though I wanted them for myself) through MomCentral. Read all about it over at Fresh Brewed Reviews.
However, because I love you all so much, I want YOU to win, too. We can beat those Martha Stewart wanna-be Muffin Mafia Moms at the “I have the best Valentine’s to for my precious” game. This year, YOU can send your little one of with one of a kind, no one else has these Personalized Fruit Roll Ups.
Three of my readers will win a box of 30 personalized Fruit Roll-Ups. Here is the catch. You have to comment here and leave me the sweetest Valentine’s messages you’ve sent or received. It can be a non-typical sweet but one that meant a lot to you. THREE of you will win a chance to order your own box of personalized Fruit Roll-Ups.
BUT there is a FAST time limit. You have to order by February 3rd to get these sent to you in time for Valentine’s Day. If you don’t win but want to order, please go here to My Fruit Roll-Ups. If you order before February 2nd, you get a $10 discount. Note: I receive nothing from telling you about this or from giving away three free boxes.
Don’t forget to leave me your sweetest Valentine’s message so that you can win, too. In order to get your orders in by February 3rd, I am cutting this contest off at midnight PST on February 1st and notifying the winners first thing the morning of the second so that those who want to get the $10 off can still order on the 2nd to receive that discount.
Crazy is as crazy does videos and speaking of crazy, Mommybloggers is back and rocking the ‘Net
January 27, 2008
I have been sent a few links to “interview videos” this weekend that are awesome. I want so badly to share every one of them with you because with the exception of one that was serious, you would so get a kick out of the crazy! I love the crazy. Especially the couch jumping, I am out of my mind crazy kind of crazy. The things you can find online boggles the mind.
But, I will refrain from the video overload and just show you this brand of crazy.
If for some reason you have been living under a rock and missed the parody of the Tom Cruise Scientology Video, here is Jerry O’Connell doing a “it is so good it is scary” imitation.
—
In other news, Mommybloggers is back and rocking the house. We have not officially relaunched as we have much to do, but you will find new content, new writers and new newness there. When we are ready to officially relaunch, we will let you know. It is a blast and we want you to enjoy it, too. Have ideas? Interested in being featured? Know a blogger who really wants to be a part of this? Feel free to send what you have in mind to me at jenn@mommybloggers.com I look forward to hearing from y’all.
Now scoot on over there to Mommybloggers and welcome Crystal aboard. She is awesome and has become my right hand woman. (And let Jenny know you miss her and blow her kisses as she asked to be on hiatus from the site for a while.)
You will slowly see the new writers and new features as we roll them out. So to speak. We aren’t really rolling anything over there. It is all legal.
Blog awards? And I thought I just did this for fun. And pain. And you.
January 26, 2008
After getting a kick in the gut, knife in the back, slap to the face yesterday (bitter much?), it was really nice to have someone point me to the fact that I am actually up for a few awards at the Bloggers Choice Awards.
Now, I was more than a little sad to not be in the ranks with Liz at Mom-101 because if I am with her, I have made it, baby. But, sadly, I am not. I tried to campaign to join her, but they top off the number of categories you can be nominated in. Bummer. Honestly, any award that Liz is up for is one I would be honored to be there with her. Though, this particular nomination she writes about is a ridiculous joke. However, you have to love her sense of humor about it. She was nominated for one she deserves, though. (So go. Vote for the one she deserves here.)
To be 100% honest, the best “awards” I get for this blog are the comments, the emails and the friendships. You readers rock.
I have to say after yesterday, it was nice to get a kind email from someone who reads this blog letting me know that there are friends I have met online who are good and kind and caring, unlike some I have met and trusted who put the B in Witch.
So if you feel inclined, go vote. If not, go vote for Mom 101 HERE. That is the nomination that is real.
This is the only time you will see me talk about it or write about. I feel compelled to, though, because someone took the time to nominate me. For that, I am thankful. Again, my readers rock.
** [Edited to explain this one.] This award will be presented to the blogger who demonstrates the best writing ability on his or her blog.
Does this mean best writing about parenting because best parenting part is SO not going to be ME!
(This one makes me feel like I am being voted off the island and am getting farewell tribute. All time? Ever? Uhhh, not so much.)
Global Belly Laugh Day and Mom’s Birthday. What a match!
January 24, 2008
Today is my Mom’s birthday. This day usually hits me harder than the anniversary of when she died. I suppose because birthdays celebrate life. And my mom? She was so very full of life! She and laughter went hand in hand. Two years ago I was at a stage where I was searching for signs–any signs– that things would get better. That I could remember her life and not crumble into dust and blow away. It was around that time I got a wonderful email addressing that issue.
January 24, 2006 was the first celebration of the great gift of laughter. In June, 2005 I thought we celebrate love, give thanks. Why don’t we celebrate the great gift of laughter? Thus Belly Laugh Day was born. A day to celebrate past laughter and connect with positive laughter.
Yes, my friends, today is Global Belly Laugh Day!
On January 24, at 1:24 p.m. (local time)
smile, throw your arms in the air and laugh out loud!
It makes me smile that on my Mom’s birthday there is a real holiday (It is legit and actually listed in the 2008 Chase’s Calendar of Events published by McGraw Hill.) A day for laughter on the day one of the funniest people I know was born? Perfect.
Many thanks to Elaine for emailing me every year before this event to check up on me, tell me she is thinking of my mom on her birthday and to remind me to laugh. (I will be!)
Will you laugh with me? I could use the company. Join me! At 1:24pm (your local time) I want you to join in with me and throw your arms in the air and laugh out loud. Who cares who is looking. Laugh. They will join in. Maybe they will be laughing at you, but they will be laughing!
Now in case you just need a good laugh, rather than tell you a knock-knock joke, I will share this. Now come on…this should make you at the very least giggle.
Why older people should not fall but rather leave those stunts to the babies
January 23, 2008
I was working on something telling you why I have been MIA when my son looked over my shoulder at the title and said, “That is wrong. Re-read it.”
The title was “Strep is a four-letter word I hate!” Okay, so strep is technically a FIVE letter word, but the way it has taken up residence in my home, it has become a four letter word. Sick Math: If you take “strep” add 3 [people] divide by 2 then you have a four letter word. So, yes, to me: Strep is a Four Letter Word. First my son brought it home and I trembled in fear. No! I even asked the doctor to put the rest of us on preventative medicine in order to keep the rest of us free of this dreaded invader. I pondered a HazMat suit, but I could not find one at a reasonable rate. I took every precaution short of moving to a hotel or kicking out my son, but none of it worked. By Wednesday, I had chills, a fever, ached everywhere and just wanted a fire hydrant to put out the pain in my throat.
“But I am okay!” was my mantra.
Thursday, Gabrie came home, hit the couch and was out cold. By dinner time her fever had sky-rocketed. Friday morning we dragged our sick, pitiful bodies to the doctor. And, yes, he did get an “I TOLD YOU SO!” glare from me. And that, my friends, is how I spent the last pitiful days.
Of course, being young my daughter is just fine and bouncing around. Me? I am still battling the on again off again fever, chills and “what kind of truck ran me down because I hurt and am too tired to speak” a week later. Getting old sucks.
So, if I have missed an email or two or owe you something, do not hesitate to send me an email. It may have been overlooked in my delirium. Because I tend to not say, “Hey, I am sick with a high fever and need a break.” I pretend I am just fine until I fall on my face.
Speaking of falling on my face, here is a bit of humor for you.
You know how they say cold and flu medicines come in non-drowsy versions? I say YEAH RIGHT. On Thursday I took a DayQuil and tried to work. (Forgive me for any contact you may have had with me. I was not in my right mind.) When it came time to pick up the kids, I went to the school to start the never-ending-always-in-my-van routine. As I walked towards the elementary school, I apparently either forgot that you must step UP when approaching a curb or someone pulled the curb out from under me. Either way, I fell ass over tea kettle flat on my face. When I say flat, I mean FLAT. Sprawled on the ground like road kill. For a moment I pondered whether or not I could have actually popped my right breast. It’s not even like I have implants, but it certainly felt like I popped it. (Not sure how I would explain that one.) And my hands? I forgot how badly it stings to get cement burn on your palms. That is some serious stingage. But the brunt of the fall apparently fell on my knee (and my right boob) because barring the breast poppage, the knee was in the (second) most amount ofagony.
This is why we all learn to walk at an early age. Besides the fact that we would look utterly ridiculous if we were a society of adults who only crawled, there is a much better reason. Falling when you are old and have a much farther way down to the ground HURTS.
And for the record, I don’t think anyone saw. At least, no one rushed to me in that humiliating concerned way to try to pry the Mom Road Kill off of the sidewalk. And no third graders pointed and laughed. At least I have that.
I also have this beauty (nasty after the jump) to show off. Or gain sympathy. Or just a reminder that cold medicine and walking do not mix well.
Do you need to “Relax, Renew, and Restore?” I know I certainly do!
As we go through our whirlwind days as Moms we are busier than ever trying to balance it all. We juggle daily tasks inside and outside of our homes, trying to succeed in every task we undertake. Whew! We at Mom Central know that Moms everywhere often just need a breather! (Can a get an Amen from the Moms?) Amidst all of our priorities, however, it’s easy to forget that relaxing isn’t just a privilege — it’s a necessity! MomCentralhas teamed up with Kimberly-Clark in a “Room-A-Day Giveaway” sweepstakes that encourages moms to “Relax, Renew, and Restore.”
The sweepstakes is sponsored by Kimberly-Clark (you know them by products such as Huggies, Kleenex, Pull-ups, all things all of us use…) and Kimberly-Clark products and brands offer solutions to clean, organize and beautify every room in your home. From January 28 to February 15, one person per weekday will be announced on The View and win $25,000 to renovate any room in their house. The final contestant winner will be announced March 21st on the Room-a-Day Giveaway web site.
What are you waiting for? Go here to the Room-A-Day giveaway contest site and enter. Daily.
Who of us doesn’t need a new room make-over? I know I could use one. (Though I am not eligible to enter, I will drool over your win if one of my readers wins AND will expect an invite to come play in your new room!)
Good luck!
— Disclaimer: I turned down any compensation for this contest announcement because I think that my readers deserve to win something so awesome! Yes, for you, my readers, I sacrifice these things!
Cranium Bloom games for the preschool set! Win one!
Thanks to MomCentral, I had the opportunity to review two Cranium Bloom games for ages 3 and up: Let’s Play Count & Cook Game and Let’s Go to the Zoo Seek & Find Puzzle.
My kids are younger than these games are geared towards, but I think that Cranium makes such wonderfully educational toys and wanted to let you know about these great products.
First up we have “Let’s Play Count & Cook Game.” The object of the game is to collect all the ingredients in the recipe. You use a simple board, a dice and a cook– that is your game piece. In this game everyone works together and therefore it creates a game that is very non-competitive. Seeing as this game is geared towards the preschool set, I love that. Having preschooler start a throw down over a game is not my idea of fun!
In this game, the players count their way around the board as they gather food for the recipes in your cookbook. Add your secret ingredients — then pull the tab for something funny to do! It is a great way to introduce young children to the concept of recipes and cooking. (My idea of putting the fun in cooking at a young age sounds wonderful!) Great for counting skills, working together, pretend play, matching items and working on the ever elusive taking turns concept.
The game is set for children age 3 and up. It is geared mainly for preschoolers.
The other game is “Let’s Go to the Zoo Seek & Find Puzzle.” This game works on skills such as Spatial thinking, Counting, Color and letter matching, Fine motor skills and Working together.
Peacocks and polar bears, lemurs and lions. Share in the magic of a day at the zoo with this activity-packed puzzle set.
Piece together the picture. Find the flamingo. Circle something yellow, then hop, hop, hop like a kangaroo.
With sturdy, kid-sized pieces, an erasable pen, and fun activity cards, you’re all set for a new adventure every time you play.
What’s in the box?
Let’s Go to the Zoo Seek & Find Puzzle includes 24 puzzle pieces, 30 cards, and erasable pen.
—
These are great games for the preschool set. Are you interested in having one? Just leave me a comment and you can win one. Be sure to let me know which game you are interested in receiving and I will contact the winners. There will be one winner per game. Cranium is well known for their educational toys, so this is a great deal.
Good luck!
—
Disclaimer for the powers that be: I did not receive any compensation for this review and am giving the products away.
The onE where I take the quiz and my head explodes!* (Thanks for the catch!)
January 12, 2008
What have I my entire family and I been spending hours doing? Yes, HOURS. Putting in the hard wood floors we have been putting off since before the holidays? Nah. Laying new carpet in the hallways that I was oh-so-eager to finally get? Of course not.
We have been “doing” this “Impossible Quiz” which came from the very depths of the pits of Hades.
I would like to thank Busy Mom for sending me this way seeing as I had nothing better to do and did not follow her advise for my New Year’s Resolution. She owes me a bit of pain. Consider this payment in full, my friend.
Motherhood– The Job Where Success is Doing Less and Your Promotion is Being “Let Go”
January 11, 2008
One of the often muttered phrases by Moms everywhere– because of the deep truth in it– is the phrase “They grow up so fast!” I heard it from my Mom. I was told this by other Moms. And, yes, I have even said the words myself. They do grow up so fast. From newborns to toddlers. From grade school to high school. From high school to college and beyond. Before you know it, the little baby they placed in your arms has become his or her own person. As unique and individual as a fingerprint. Therein lies the joy and bittersweet love of motherhood.
My oldest son is 6′1″ and I now have to stand on my tippy toes to hug him. It is a strange feeling to look up when speaking to your own child. Bewilderment and pride are a common emotional cocktail served up while watching our children grow. My younger son has just reached 5′3″ and I realize it won’t be long before he, too, is taller than I am and I am reaching up to kiss a cheek. Blessedly, my daughter is only 6 years old and I can still curl her up on my lap and plant kisses all over her cheeks. I know that before long she, too, will stretch her wings a bit more and want more independence, but for now, we have a pretty good thing going.
I suppose as the anniversary of my own mother’s death approached, I became a bit melancholy and sentimental. The new year has brought changes both welcome and not as much welcome as necessary. My work on my book and my column have been amazing as some blogging has been slower. Though work has taken up a lot of my time as I race into this new year, my main job–the job that matters the most to me– is being a Mom. And that job evolves, grows and reinvents itself daily. I thought it was just my own circumstances that had me looking at my motherhood job and the daily changes that come with it in such a sentimental way, until I began to look to other Mom Blogs.
At Musings of a Housewife, dcrmom shares with us what it feels like to suddenly realize that this parenting gig can get a bit tough as our children age. Both tough in the reality of their lives as well as tough on Moms emotionally.
But now there’s a “big kid” living in my house. All of the sudden, the baby I nursed and rocked and sang to and potty trained thinks he knows more than his father and I do. And he remembers everything. If I mess this up, he could hold it against me forever.
I am no longer his whole world. These days he often values a laugh out of his friend over an approving smile from me. Sometimes he talks to me like I’m more of a peer than a parent. One moment he is sweet and affectionate, and the next he is sullen and remote.
I still love him more than my own life. I always have and I always will. But he’s not totally mine anymore. He’s becoming his own person.
That one phrase “…not totally mine anymore” really stuck with me. It is when they become their own person with their own wants, friends, jokes and ideas that are completely separate from ours–and at times contrary to ours– that we realize we are entering a new phase in parenting where the map has yet to be drawn… No matter how many books you have read about child rearing.
As I thought about the challenges of mothering, learning as I go as well as learning to let go, I read the words of Anna at the blog The End of Motherhood? as she wrote about one of my most cherished times in mothering. The night-time tuck-in. This is what she has to say about this
particular aspect of parenting.
Throughout his seventeen years and vastly more sleepovers, he has always, always, always been the first to fall asleep. He was lying on his side, his arm bent for a pillow. I had the most powerful urge to gently shake his shoulder, wake him up and tell him he should go sleep in his cozy bed. How many times have I done that before? Had him push himself groggily to standing and, leaning heavily on my shoulder, stagger into the warmth of his bed? But as I leaned down to touch his shoulder, it occurred to me that my 6’ 4” seventeen year old might be a tad embarrassed to be shuffled off to bed by his mother in front of his still partying friends.
And there it was: an opportunity to Mother less.
She goes on to say:
Putting your children to bed it one of the bass notes of mothering.
I thought back on all the routines we have had about bedtime. The baths. The nursing. The books. The songs. The crables. The pulling up of covers. The kissing of cheeks. The leaving the door open just a bit so the light shines in.
And so I realized in the middle watches of the night that putting my children to bed feels like love to me. That is why it was so hard not to do.
Yes! That is exactly why so many of the rituals that they outgrow are harder on us as mothers than they are on our children. To us it feels like love. To not do it? Well, sometimes it just hurts.
Because if I wet my pants laughing, you should, too
January 10, 2008
Okay, I did first see this on Ellen and then proceeded to laugh until I cried. I may have even wet my pants a little. My kids, however, looked at me as if I had lost my mind. Seriously? I mean who doesn’t see the humor in this? They really didn’t think it was funny. (If you don’t, I would ask why, but my bigger question would have to be…are you okay?) However, when I went to YouTube to find it, I realized due to time restraints, Ellen only showed the blue team competing. This shows both teams in this fierce battle to snag the winning marshmallow.
Cannot. Watch. Anymore. I still laugh and cry each time.
Funny? Not funny? Seriously funny.
The tongue guy on the blue team? Chasing the marshmallow? I have no idea what is going on, but adding my own commentary to the action makes it even funnier. But then again, I like to add my own dialogue on Kung Fu movies as well. And especially like doing that on Ninja Warrior. (Here is a sample of the excitement that IS Ninja Warrior.) Why? Because I am easily amused!
There you have it. My dark secret. I add my own verbal subtitles to shows that are not in English. Because I can.
