Slurping Life

Screaming In The Storm

Michelle has chosen me as one of the first recipients of her Singing In The Rain award.

One, I am surprised. 

Two, I am honored. 

Three, I am glad she cannot hear daily life in my house.  It is way more like screaming in the storm rather than singing in the rain. 

Michelle, thank you for honoring me.

With admiration and love, I pass the Singing In The Rain award to Tammy.  If she isn't THE epitome  of singing in the rain...well, I just quit.  Take a few moments to browse her blog, and please, say a prayer.

Alexander's Heart

A few days ago a twelve year old young lady blessed my heart beyond measure.  She made me cry; she made me smile; more importantly she made me think.  Hailey presented my blog with the most treasured award I have ever received...Alexander's Heart which she presents to blogs with heart.

My name is Hailey and I'm 12 years old.  I have a blog in memory of my brother who passed away in 2006 from a heart defect. I was looking online at other blogs and found yours and I would like to give you my blog award for having a blog with heart!

My blog is for the purpose of reaching out and helping children who have a sibling who has special needs or who has died.  I do random acts of kindness in my brother's memory.

Hailey has the loving heart I want my sons to have...that I want to have.  The last few days my mind has been trying to wrap itself around the fact that this young girl has grasped THE purpose of life.  Most adults will never achieve her depth of compassion, understanding and unconditional love.  Hailey has comforted me in the knowledge that our children will...no, they are...making this world a better place.  Hailey is not simply presenting this award to honor her brother.  She is living the pledge of doing random acts of kindness daily in the real world.

I do not want to take the spotlight with this award.  Please visit Hailey's blog.  Begin at the beginning and read...it is a new blog and it will only take a few moments of your time.  I encourage you to encourage Hailey.  If her words, her actions, her heart inspire you...please comment and tell her.  If you are not moved by Hailey's commitment to honor her brother's memory by making this world a kinder place, well, quite frankly I would be ashamed of you.

This is not an award for the recipient to give to others.  Only Hailey has the right to choose recipients.  Would you do me a favor?  Please blog about Hailey and link to her blog.  It does not need to be a lengthy post, but please pass the word.  We need encouragement.  We need to recognize and spread the word that there are beautiful Haileys in the world...spread the hope which lives with our children. 

Alexander was on earth a short while, but clearly God's purpose for his fragile life was served.  Hailey, thank you for caring.  I am so proud of you.

Slinging Bling

How about I jump up and down and scream "Thanks, Maddy!"  Then I'll twist and shout "Thanks, Kandy!"
Both of these lovely lady bloggers gave me the Excellent Blog bling.  I had to laugh at what Maddy said about me in her post passing the award...

Melody is so hopelessly optimistic that it makes my toes curl. She’s already had one of these [I was a bit late in the starting block] but there’s no harm in confirming her superiority. Now there’s a woman that could do with a huge dollop of scepticism, but she’s unstoppable.

If only she were a fly on the wall around my house, she would have chosen a couple of descriptive words other than optimistic and unstoppable.  Particularly on those days when I crawl and scratch my way along the floor to get through it all.  Did she really use the word superiority when talking about me?  Well, this is Bloglandia and I can pretend for a while.  Maddy, you are a gem.

Kandy is a woman of perseverance.  A survivor of cancer...twice...a mom living with bipolar disorder.  Being recognized by a woman of her character and strength leaves me without adequate words.  Kandy,  You inspire and amaze.

I pass The Excellent Blogger award to Tammy of The Daily Warrior.  While she is blogging her journey of discovery in her fight against ALS, she has certainly led me to discoveries of my own.  Tammy radiates hope, faith and love wrapped with a passion for life.  Pop over, say hi and be touched by a truly good heart.

Maddy was busy slinging bling again...she also slung this one my way...

Friends are the Oscars of My Soul.  Although we've never met I count Maddy among my friends.  She so gets me.  As she said our children are very different but we share life along the autism spectrum.  While I am not, Maddy is quite the eloquent writer in portraying the lives of her sons and family.  She blogs with intelligence, humor and a true grasp for what is going on...although much of the time she likes to pretend she doesn't have a clue.   When I read Whitter on Autism I feel much less alone in our little corner of non-neurotypical.  Thanks again, Maddy.  You make my soul smile.

My Friends are the Oscars of My Soul award is heading straight over to Tammy of Praying for Parker.  Over the past year I have come to know Tammy, Parker and their family and simply stand in awe.  Parker is a child with many medical problems and has been in a medically fragile state his entire life.  Living a life of struggle to keep Parker alive while simultaneously fighting an insurance company who sees no need to meet Parker's medical needs WHILE raising five other children, Tammy manages to stay in touch with me.  She is supportive and genuinely concerned about what our current issues may be and always has an ear and shoulder for me.  I think she'd give me a kidney if I asked.

Tammy, I wish I had a gold statue to present.  Actually, I would sell it and donate the money to Parker's medical fund.  I would hold back a little to buy you something really beautiful and frivolous just because.  Tammy, hugs, love and a big ole thanks for being a friend.

Thanks for reading.  Sending you Happy Friday Vibes ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Grandmama's Buttons and A Few Of My Own

The hum of her sewing machine...the hum of the box fan blowing across the room...the hum of her voice...

I have said before the fondest days of my childhood were summers spent with my Grandmama.  Although she was always busy, time with her never felt rushed.  The days were relaxed, pleasant, and I felt hugged with love no matter what we were doing.

Grandmama was a seamstress.  Actually she was an excellent seamstress and was always busy.  She taught me much about sewing and when I wasn't attentive to learning, she was content to let me play nearby.  My favorite playthings were her seemingly infinite collection of buttons.  It was a feast to my eyes...tactile delight to my fingers...the smooth, cold plastic ones...the textured fabric-covered ones...the faceted ones...the sparkly ones...the bumpy ones.  I loved digging my hands deep into the wooden box of buttons, lifting them and feeling the buttons fall through my fingers.  To this day I love buttons.  Buttons always bring a smile to my face.

Here at Slurping Life I have a page devoted to buttons given to me by bloggy friends.  Each button brings a smile to my face.  Thank you.

Today I want to play catch-up and acknowledge awards...with buttons...which have been passed to me from December to present.  I apologize for taking such a long time in acknowledging these honors.  It does not lessen my appreciation and humble joy for having received these awards...life simply put me a bit behind in the past few months.  Huge hugs of thank you and squeals of delight for the following...

In December my darling friend, Michelle of In The Life Of A Child, passed the following to me...

(I told you I was behind.)  Thanks, Michelle.  I do love Christmas and all the trimmings and traditions that go with it.

Michelle also honored me (in December) with The Colors Of Friendship award.  This one means the world to me.  Michelle is always an ear when I voice my fears and whines, a shoulder for my weary head, and she blesses my family with the most beautiful, heartfelt prayers.  Knowing that she shares much the same feelings for me is a blessing.

More recently Michelle shared the Friends Forever Award.  What's left to say except that I feel exactly the same way.  Thank you, sweet friend.

Sandra of The Dance honored me with the Bloggers With Integrity Award specifically for the Spirit of Giving.  This is truly an honor because if there is one thing for which I strive, it is to be true to my beliefs with my actions and words.  Thank you, Sandra.  I display this award in humble honor.

Now this just tickles me beyond belief.  The This Blog is Rated E for Excellent Award was given to me four times.  Four times!  I jump with joy and humility for this recognition.  Honestly, there are days I cannot even imagine what I post here could be perceived as coherent, let alone excellent.  The following most excellent bloggers passed this honor my way...

• Laura of A Day In The Life Of A Mom Of Six.  Wow...six!  When does she have time to sleep, let alone keep an excellent blog.  My hats off to you and a big thank you.
• Susie of SusieJ.  If you've never stopped by SusieJ, you've missed excellent writing and beautiful photos.  Thanks, Susie.
• Carrie of Chocolate The Other White Meat.  Now Carrie, she's a fellow homeschooling mom with a lot on her plate, and she handles it with love and grace.  And she loves chocolate...excellent!
• Kim of  Cancio.  Kim shares her beautiful photography and adorable kids at Cancio...excellent combination.

To each of you four lovely ladies, thank you from the bottom of my happy heart.

Flowers from one of my first and dearest bloggy friends, Natalie of The Benson Family and Other Stuff.  Natalie has been through emotional times during the last several months, yet she has always taken time to show she cares about me.  Natalie knows when I need to hear from her.  She also knows just the right thing to say...whether its sympathetic words or words equal to a kind kick in the butt.  The neat thing is she doesn't live that far from me, and I have every intention of meeting her.  Love ya, Natalie.

Please honor each of these ladies by dropping by their blogs and saying "hi".  You are sure to find inspiration and beauty at each stop.

I am still behind by about three memes.  I'm working.  I'm working.  But lately I've been a bit of a drooling sloth...thanks, Marie, for that analogy in your comment.

If you have read this far, my goodness, you deserve a " Boy, My Eyes Are Tired!" award.  I just don't know how to make a button for it.

Overdue, But No Less Thankful

Energy, creativity, ingenuity...they escape me now.  However, because it is far overdue I need and want to take a moment to thank my following bloggy friends.  The awards and remarks they have for me are priceless in my heart...thank you, friends.

My lovely lady of Full Time In NM presented me with the Bloggers With Integrity award and made this statement:

For Creativity:

Slurping Life - Of all the people I’ve met through the wonderful world of blogging Melody never ceases to surprise me with a plethora of creative ideas, projects, and contests both on her personal site and through Wrapped Emotions.

Thank you.  I will always strive to remain creative and true to my beliefs.

My sweet bloggy friend Emily of Wheels on the Bus bestowed upon me the Thinking Blogger Award and said:

"Melody, because those photographs show such depth of thought"

Thank you, Emily.  I will certainly keep the camera clicking and am working on actually learning photography.

My long-time bloggy friend De of Just Another Day In Paradise has passed the Mathetes Award to me.  Honestly, I do not know how to or if I should accept this award.  I am a Christian.  I try to live accordingly.  I fall far more than short.  I  know that forgiveness is granted to me through Christ...I ask for it frequently.

Thank you, De.  I humbly thank God for the discipleship you have witnessed in me through my blogging. 

This award originated with Dan King over at Management
by God, who states, "Mathetes is the Greek word for disciple, and the role
of the disciple (per the Great Commission) is to make more disciples. The role
of a disciple of Christ is to carry His message to the ends of the earth. It is
with this heart that I have created the Mathetes Award."Those who receive it are
to pass it on to other disciples who are sharing the good news in their own
bloggity ways.

Most recently one of my best (and one of my first) bloggy friends, Natalie of The Benson Family and Other Stuff, brightened my life with a lovely bouquet of flowers and words:

Melody, because she always is so intuitive about when I might need a little pick me up...and she's one of the funniest bloggers I know.

Natalie, thank you.  I love ya!

Last, not least, is Bonnie of Simple Beauty who swears she needs a daily dose of Slurping Life:

Bonnie, thank you sweetly.  I am missing my daily dose of you and my other bloggy friends.  Hopefully, life will allow me to get back to blog reading real soon.

~~~

Having accepted each of the above awards, I now would like to ask for your prayers for our family.  Issues are many...physical and mental health...with the boys and myself.  I am not even sure what to ask for except your prayers for God's will and peace for us.  Often I feel my prayer requests are vague, but honestly, with three special needs sons and the recent health issues of my own...detailing it all would get quite lengthy.  No one wants or needs to read all of that information.  Please know that my family embraces your prayers and kind wishes.

Blessings to you.

Sharing The Beauty of Blogging and Saying Thanks

The blogging world is full of eloquent, talented bloggers.  Many of these bloggers begin or pass awards to other bloggers whom they find thoughtful, creative or inspiring.  I think that is down right awesome.

As a blogging mom I am humbled and honored to be on the receiving end of several of these awards.  I continue to struggle with wrapping my brain around the fact that anyone finds me, my ramblings or photos inspiring.  I rationalize it by giving the credit to God and to my amazing sons who have overcome the odds stacked against them...who continue to fight the good fight in their daily struggles...who are just downright clever and cute.   They are the source of my writings and photos.

I am long overdue in accepting the following blogging awards...

Phyllis of Ima On (and Off) The Bima awarded me the Blogging Star Award...

This award is for bloggers who shine their light throughout the Blogosphere. Some do it with humor, others with creativity, and others with their kind and thoughtful natures. We all know more than a few of them so why not give them some recognition?
Here's what to do if you receive this:
* Proudly display it on your blog along with a link to who gave it to you.
* Mention that it originated here at Skittles' Place so I can follow its journey.
* Pass it on to any blogger(s) you think should have it

Being told that you shine is an unbelievable feeling.  Phyllis, thank you for passing the Blogging Star to me.  Whenever I visit Ima my soul definitely feels the glow, and I never fail to open my mind and heart a little more.

~~~

Sara at Life With The Two has given me the Wonder Woman Award. 

When I told my husband about this one all he had to say was "Well, where's the skimpy, tight-fighting costume?"  Let's not let him take us there.  Then I did a Google and discovered the source of the Wonder Woman award.  Seems a loving husband inspired it all.  Sara has furthered honored me in a way I never expected.  Without realizing it she has given me perhaps the highest blogging award thus far.  Sara, thank you,  My prayers follow you along your journey.  You are a blessing to many.

~~~

Bonnie of Simple Beauty has given me the Change Begins At Home Award. 

About the award...

The "Change Begins at Home" award originated at Bean Sprouts Blog Here is what she says about it: The "Change Begins at Home" award, this is given to bloggers who live what they preach, who try to make the changes in their own lives that they would like to see in the world.

I definitely want to be known for practicing what I preach, but gee, I fall short much more than any of you will ever know.  So just don't put me up there on the proverbial pedestal.  I'm so human, real and faulty, but I do try to be honest and practice what I preach.  I began blogging just to tell the world that kids with special needs are still kids...treat them as such.

Bonnie, thank you for this award, and thank you for touching my life with astounding beauty.

There are so many bloggers deserving of these awards and more.  I'm not sure that the majority of mom bloggers realize their power and influence...their talents and gifts.  Mom bloggers, women bloggers...give yourselves a hug.  I love me some dad bloggers, too, but right now I'm all about the ladies.

I reserve my right to pass these awards to other bloggers at a later date.  Many things are taking a lot of my time at the moment, and I am a bit behind on blog reading.  You never know when I'll strike...or where.

A Perfect Post

You go to bed one night thinking it was an pretty good day...the kids were kept alive and fed...your husband came home from work instead of booking...the dog didn't whiz on the sofa...there were not too many dirty dishes left in the kitchen sink...the boy's eyeglasses were fished from the toilet before you peed...and the neighbor's cat isn't scratching at your back door tonight...

The next day you wake up, stumble your way through the morning mayhem breakfast with the boys and dog, check your email while snorting sipping coffee and find this...

...and you realize that today is going to be much more than an average day thanks to the thoughtfulness of a friend.  Jane, you're swell.  I read the delightful monthly list of blogs that are awarded A Perfect Post Award never dreaming to be among them.  Well, I'm tickled and honored to receive A Perfect Post Award for September for this post.

While I wrestle, beg and bribe gently instruct my boys in homeschool today, visit Petroville and Suburban Turmoil, hosts of the monthly A Perfect Post awards, for links to some truly fun and inspiring blog reads.

Maybe no school today.  I want to sit here and lovingly gaze at my pretty new button.

~~~

Almost forgot, the new prompt for the week is up at Wrapped Emotions...my other blog.  Did I mention there are weekly giveaways?  And lots of self satisfaction?  A great bunch of gals?  Well, it's all there.  It would be fun to have you join us.

Smiling Nicely

It's a long post, but I'm catching up on a lot of thank yous and passing of awards...and there's some wonderful blog links...

When beginning my blogging adventure in October 2006, I would visit blog after blog always noticing the award buttons and thinking, "How wonderful that bloggers do that for one another".  Never did I imagine my little blog would be blessed with award buttons.  I get goose-bumpy each time I receive one...seriously.  I've been very goose-bumpy the past couple of weeks...

Michelle of In The Life Of A Child has passed the You Make Me Smile Award to me.  Thank you. *smiling really big*  If you haven't read Michelle's blog, read this post for starters.  You'll smile.  Then browse through her blog...you'll smile some more and cry a little.

Because they were my first loyal readers and regular commenters...because their hearts and blogs are always full of beauty which makes me smile...this award is fondly given to Marie of Marie's Muses ~ Christina of Momology ~ Natalie of The Benson Family and Other Stuff ~ and Stacy of The Land of K.A.  Thanks for being a girl's true-blue-stand-the-test-of-time bloggy friends.

Next...

Jenn of All Natural Mommies Blog has nicely given me the Nice Matters Award.  I'm using my nicest manners to say "thank you".  Jenn makes the world a whole lot nicer for us mommies with her online site and store All Natural Mommies.  And even though she's been feeling the fog recently, too, she has emailed and left comments to uplift and encourage me.  Thanks Jenn.

Sheila of My Memories has also chosen me for a Nice Matters Award. I am like so giddy at this point.  Sheila is a new blog read of mine who truly makes me feel nice when I visit.  I loved these fabulous kitty photos of her cat-dog.

Also...

Maddy of Whitterer On Autism has also given me a Nice Matters Award, but she's added a sparkly new Hugs From The Heart button...which I nicely swiped to post here.  Maddy amazes me with her writings about her son who lives on the autistic spectrum.  She has such a way with words.  I find myself nodding, smiling, crying and struggling to understand all in the same instant...and those are all good things.

And now...

I'm all goose-bumpy again because this is the best part...passing the awards to others.

This time my choices for the Nice Matters Award are:

Trina of Jophie's Jungle.  Trina's love and devotion to her son, Jophie, warms my heart.  With the daily intricacies and trials of Jophie's extremely involved care, she makes time to stop by and offer words of encouragement to me.

Angie of Sonflower whose Christian faith and words of wisdom never cease to bless me.  Reading her blog is a nice part of any of my days.

Julie of A Surrendered Scribe, who is gifted with the talent of words and a heart of gold, is a must for this award.  I've come to know Julie a little better over the last few weeks, and  her blog is a nice place to sit back and refresh your spirit.

Erinne of Chaotic Family Picture Blog is a very new blog friend of mine.  I've not yet pinpointed exactly what it is, but when I visit her place it just feels good.  Someone who makes you feel good is nice in my book.

Mandy of Second Star To The Right And Straight On Till Morning has been so kind and uplifting when she visits me.  Besides, how could someone whose blog title is taken from Peter Pan (my favorite childhood story) not be nice.

Sara of It's Not About That Anyway over the past year has been going through a difficult time in her life.  Yet she reaches out to others with good thoughts, love and cookies.  Cookies are definitely nice.

Rebecca of just a little bit of something extra should be in the dictionary next to the word nice.  I've come to know Rebecca through working on Love for Parker and my new blog design for Wrapped Emotions.  She deals with the struggles of motherhood, yet has never failed to be a kind and generous friend to me and everyone she encounters in the blogging world.

Those are my nice choices this time around.  Ladies, take would bow and your award with my appreciation for all you do to make the blogging and real life world a nicer place.

Finally...

I have received several Nice Matters Awards over the last few months, and each one means as much as the one before.  My mom worked hard to raise me to be a good girl, and so I am sharing these with her.  Also, a few weeks ago someone passed A Nice Matters award to me and I lost the comment or email...so that person has not been properly acknowledged.  If it was you, please let me know.  I want to thank you.

In the words of my mom, "If you can do nothing else to make this world a better place...you can always smile and be nice to someone".  I tell my boys the same thing.

By the way, I have never had a reader/comment at Slurping Life that wasn't nice...thank you.

 

Fragmented Friday

It seems by the time Friday rolls around I am a woman with a fragmented mind.  Be nice, keep those comments to yourself because I know my mind is quite fragmented any day...thank you.  In honor of my fragmentariness (It's really a word. I checked.) here are a few snippets...

Saturday you will find me at Faith Lifts. 

Monday another part of me will be a contributor to next week's edition of TopBlogMag.

Also on Monday there will be more posted here at Slurping Life about my new blog.

The final fragment of me will be here for Best Shot Monday.

Contests

Pickel of My Two Boys is beginning week three of her series of Signing Time contests.  I've always been very impressed with this DVD series which teaches American Sign Language to children (and adults) of all ages.  Any DVD which can teach me anything is worth it's weight in gold and this series qualifies. Wonder if Pickel knows of a DVD teacher to sub in for me in our homeschool? Might she want the job?  I digress, just click here for information on how enter. 

Alyssa of Life From My Laptop is having a Back to School Contest sponsored by Momagenda.  Do you need your life organized?  Bawahahahahahaha...let's stop laughing over my stupid question and go enter the contest to win one of two prizes which will help us do just that.

Nell of Casual Friday Everyday wants to plan your weekly menus and make your grocery list for one full year.  I"m not kidding!  She's just doesn't have enough to do, so she's offering.  Wonder if she cleans toilets?  Seriously, go over to her place and enter her contest to win a one year membership to Menu Planning Central.

Last, but by no means least, Janice and Susan of 5 Minutes for Mom ALWAYS have multiple contests running.  Just click here and go read about the latest ones.  Remember to check back daily because they constantly list contests.  I wonder when they sleep?  Or do they?

Stop It Already, You're Making Me Blush

Dear sweet Nell of Purple Valley has awarded me another Nice Matters Award.  Thank you from the bottom of my tries-really-hard-to-be-nice heart.  I have to tell my mom about these...just so she knows all those years of being tormented frustrated by a teenage girl were not wasted.  Sincerely, I am humbled and honored.

Since I have recently passed this award to other specific bloggers, it now goes out to each of you...my very "nice" readers...with a big THANK YOU for reading and always being nice with your comments.

Have a fun weekend.

Mama Said There'd Be Days Like This

Mama said there'd be days like this if I behaved nicely...

That nice Nell who has Casual Friday Everyday thinks I am a nice person.  Can you think of a better award to receive?  Thank you, Nell.  I humbly accept this award using my nicest manners because my mama taught me well.  She always said, "Melody, if you do nothing else in your life, you can always tell the truth and be nice to people".  I think my mama would be proud.

This award is for those bloggers who are nice people; good blog friends and those who inspire good feelings and inspiration. Also for those who are a positive influence on our blogging world. Once you’ve been awarded please pass it on to 7 others who you feel are deserving of this award.”

As I have said before, the best part for me is passing the honor to others.  The seven people I choose to honor today are by no means all inclusive of the truly "nice" bloggers I've encountered, but rather a small sampling...

De of Just Another Day In Paradise - Jennifer of Pinwheels - GiBee of Kisses of Sunshine - Natalie of The Benson Family and Other Stuff - Christina of Momology - Tammy of Praying for Parker -  Stacy of The Land of K.A. - Jenny of Gus' Gang (oops, that's 8)

If you visit their blogs, I think you would agree with my choices.  Ladies take a bow and post your award.

The Creative Blogger Award And A Contest

I am blushing again.  OW over at Overwhelmed With Joy has bestowed upon my humbleness The Creative Blogger Award.

The award is described as...

For those who bring unique and creative elements to their blogs. For those who incorporate art, music, creative writing, photo's, and other beautiful visual effects into their website. For those who put a unique spin on things and come up with new ideas. This award is for the artsy, the funky, the inventor, and even the rebel. This award is for those creative individuals who stand out from the crowd.

OW had this to say...

In turn, I'd like to award this Creative Blogger Award to Melody at Slurping Life for organizing the Love for Parker fundraiser that raised over $2,700 for Parker and his family to be used for medical expenses! Great job, Melody! I'm impressed with your creative efforts to make this worthy effort such a success!

Thank you for the honor, but honestly the generous people who donated the prizes and the money are the ones I'd like to honor, and of course, God for his blessing.

As a bit of fun let me add that OW is having a contest at Overwhelmed With Joy.  She wants help in naming her new business...which is designing and making beautiful beaded jewelry and bookmarks.  The prize to the person creating the winning name is a choice of jewelry from her store.

Back to the fun part of receiving The Creative Blogger Award...passing it to a fellow blogger.  It is with great pleasure that I present The Creative Blogger Award to Emily of Wheels On The Bus for her ability to courageously write the story of her abusive childhood.  Emily's strength, perseverance and beautiful soul holds me in awe, and I applaud her ability to create a positive from something so negative as childhood abuse.  Emily is not only a creative blogger, but an inspiration to all who have lived the horror of abuse.  Thank you, Emily, for sharing what is a difficult story to tell.  This one is yours...