Slurping Life

A Boy Kind Of Day

With my boys every day is Earth Day.  They play in dirt and water and sunshine and ask, "Mom, why do grown-ups pollute the Earth?'

 

Enjoy our planet....love our planet...respect our planet.

The Young Man Was (somehow) Raised Right

Despite being a lab experiment of young parents, it appears our oldest son turned out to be quite the well-adjusted, romantic man.  You may have heard that last week he and his girlfriend went to Disney World where A's intention was to propose marriage.  He did...

...in the rose garden of Cinderella's Castle.

She, of course, said "yes".  How could she refuse a handsome prince on one knee waiting to slide a shimmering diamond upon her finger in the rose garden of Cinderella's Castle. 

They are happy.  We (parents) are happy.

All I have to add is he way out did his dad's proposal to me.

Awareness ~ Autism and Child Abuse

April is Child Abuse Awareness and Autism Awareness Month.  Both issues have deeply affected our family.  My boys are beautiful children with loving spirits, and I cherish who they are...all things included.  While I do not often speak clinically regarding the special needs of my sons, I do want to spotlight autism and child abuse.  Be aware.  Be informed.  Be willing.

Child Abuse Awareness Month links:

Identifying Child Abuse and Neglect

Protect children

Child Welfare Information Gateway

Prevent Child Abuse America

Child Abuse Prevention Programs

Be Aware

Autism Awareness links:

Autism:  The Musical - an HBO film online.

The Miracle Project

NASCAR races for autism.

Drive a Chevy for autism.

Autism Society of America

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Autism Speaks

These links are by no means all inclusive of the information available online regarding child abuse and autism, but they are places to begin if you are seeking information and inspiration.  Additionally, by posting these links I am not in agreement with or in support of everything you may find at the sites.

New Body Parts And Serial Numbers

Have I been away for a week?  You know how the old saying goes...time files when you're having fun.

Time also flies when you are getting new body parts installed...being repaired.  I felt  like a car.  It was amusing to be handed a card after surgery with parts specifications and serial numbers.  I am still waiting for the warranty card.

The parts have been given a trial run via an exercise session, and they work just fine.

Thanks and hugs to you for your prayers and good thoughts.

Win A Dragon, My Contest, Buzz With Me and More

It's Friday and my thoughts are fragmented and my body is on the run.  Here's a contest and a few snippets.

In celebration of Vegetarian Awareness Month Amy, the Crunchy Domestic Goddess, is giving away a copy of “Herb, The Vegetarian Dragon”, a story about diversity, acceptance and living together in harmony.  It's a beautiful children's book, but certainly a lesson we adults frequently need to hear.  Entering is simple.  Simply pop over there and leave a comment.
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I still have invitations to share if you are interested in joining cre8Buzz.  It's a fun new community to connect with bloggers and get your blog noticed.  You can visit the site to see what the buzz is about, and you can find me at cre8Buzz by clicking here.  Joining is currently by invitation, so just drop me a comment if you are interested.
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Do me a favor and please read about Chelsea, and visit the link. 
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Beware.  I have been tagged, and Saturday my post will combine three memes into one.
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Remember to post on Monday for Blog Action Day.
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Christina, I have not forgotten your tag...from how long ago?...and the photos are coming.  I just found them and now need to scan them.
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Got paper?  Got a crayon?  Come and play.
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My contest is open until noon EST Sunday.  Monday morning I'll post the answer and winner of the gift card.
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Our family has a football game, Greek Festival, Renaissance Festival and a trip to the library on the weekend calendar, and I want to catch up on visiting my bloggy friends of Wordless Wednesday and Thursday's Theme.

Wishing you an autumn weekend full of moments that make you smile. 

Creating A Public Buzz

cre8Buzz is bringing a whole new meaning to the words online community.  An online community that is doing it up right and going public tomorrow, October 7. 

While the buzz has been in beta, I've gained countless new friends over there.  I joined the Moms Community, but hey, I have BMX friends, photographer friends, business friends, artist friends, writer friends, friends I haven't even classified.

I have tons of new visitors from cre8Buzz come over to Slurping Life and become regulars here.  I've found oodles of new blogs, you know you need new blogs to read, and not a bad one among them.  Get exposed...get more blog traffic...expose yourself to new people and blogs.  Read a few of the buzz success stories at the blog.

Cre8Buzz is insanely sane.  Can you understand that?  First, I don't even like ants but Antman is leading me all over the place at his buzzing hangout.  When I was invited to join during the beta testing period, I nearly declined.  I looked at that logo and said "yeah, sure...I'm following a dumb ant".  Uh, ate those words.  I swallowed them so hard I've moved on up the ranks in the moms community. 

Anyway...the buzz goes public tomorrow...October 7. You can join beginning tomorrow, no invitation necessary.  But consider this my personal invitation.  When you get there look up my profile in the Moms Community...the name is Melody.  If you join and look me up, please take a moment to rate me.  (Yeah, you get to rate one another...so fun...ratings 1-8 with 8 being the best.)  Then leave me a message over there to let me know you did...I promise to visit your profile and rate you...it's how you move up in the buzz.

Set your alarm...or stay up late...but get to cre8Buzz on Sunday, October 7, and join the fun. 

You will still need an invitation to join cre8Buzz...but if you do...I've got you covered.  Just leave me a comment saying "Ooo, ooo. I want to join" and an invite is yours.

How 'Bout a Quickie...Post

Listen, I have a project to finish and I'm on a roll.  How 'bout you pop on over to My Nesting Place and enter her giveaway.  I really want to win it, but since you're such a good friend, I want to share the chance.

As usual, those 5 Minutes For Mom ladies, although about to give birth, have contests galore.  The one I have my eye on is for a new passport.  I could rest a little easier knowing I had backup.  Go on, enter it, too.

*leaves mumbling "good luck" trying to sound sincere*

Slow Down And Realize

"Each moment is a place you've never been." -- Mark Strand

The quote awakened me, and I wanted to share. 

Enjoy your day...every single place.

Get A Little Buzz

If you have not heard about it, cre8Buzz is a fun, new forum that is currently in Beta and you may join by invitation.  So far I've found it to be a friendly place with communities of interest to suit everyone.  You don't have to be a blogger to join, but if you are a blogger it's a great way to promote your blog.

I have nine invitations remaining if you would be interested in visiting the site to check it out. Just leave a comment on this post (make sure I have your email), and the first nine visitors expressing interest will get my last invites.  When you join through my invitation, I get a little extra love over there...so I would appreciate the opportunity to invite you.

If more than nine of you would be interested, I think I can swing a few additional invitations.  Just leave a comment...I'd love the chance to invite you, too.

Edit:  Antman gave me more invitations, so just leave a comment if you are interested.

Have I Told You Lately

...that I love you.  You know...that non-physical from the heart adore you way.  Wouldn't want people to talk.

Your comments and emails in response to my fear of misleading you were all so heart-warming and real.  Many of you comforted me, others confessed, still others said "whew, thank heaven to hear you blow it, too".   Indeed, there was a feeling of bonding and love throughout them all.  We blogging moms and dads (can't exclude my fave blogger dad, Mike, who commented) truly do make a difference in the lives of one another and in the world.  I just want to say "good job and keep it up".

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Have I told you lately that I have something up my sleeve?  I do.  Monday I'll share a little more about it, and, of course, it has to do with blogging and having fun.

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Have I told you lately about any contests?  Check out the Girly-Girl Contest at Pinks and Blues and do it before Wednesday, August 29th at 3 PM EST.  This is a prize package fit for a little princess with more items in the giveaway package than I want to list.  Get over there and enter by leaving a comment.  Bloggers and non-bloggers may enter.  Shoo, get, go on...

Do you have a contest going on?  If so, please let me know because I do love me some contests and love telling people about them. 

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...

 

Ashwin's Blog Extravaganza, You Can Win $2,500

I hope my doctors don't read blogs...really, I have to get away from the computer and get to bed, but here's another contest I entered...

Aptly named Ashwin’s blog extravaganza, Ashwin is giving away $2,500.  You could win $2500 worth of cold, hard cash by entering alone! To do so, just post this on your blog:

Over at Ashwin’s blog, you will find one crazy blog owner!! You can win $2500!! To enter just copy this text and paste it in your blog!! But hurry, this competition will not last long! So get posting!

So I got posting.

Staying away from this computer is hard, but it's only my first day trying.  I'm going...

But I Ain't Dead...There's Contests To Be Won

So the doctors say I have to do this and that...that my kids also need this and that...like they did not already need enough care, therapy, poking and prodding.  The doctors also say I must focus on my health...or not be around to focus on my kids.  The doctors say step back, relax, let's change your medications...you need "repose".  All sounds a bit contradictory, doesn't it?  Whatever.  But I ain't dead...there are contests to be won and before I "repose" people...there are entries to be made...

Janice and Susan have scored the ultimate giveaway, and if I miss entering this contest, my husband will hide my laptop and the boys will raid my chocolate stash.  Over at 5 Minutes For Mom, they are giving away an Insignia® 37″ Flat-Panel LCD HDTV!!! This incredible prize is valued at $799.99 and is courtesy of Best Buy.  While realizing that telling you to get over there and enter is lessening my chances of winning...I also believe what goes around comes around.  Go on and enter, but does my family ever want me to win this one...*thinking winning thoughts*

Steph, over at Adventures in Babywearing is also offering a fun and completely useful prize:  A $75.00 gift certificate to  CHITTYPULGA.  Just click the links to find out what on earth is CHITTYPULGA and how you can enter to win.  Thanks Steph, while my kids are big old monkey boys now, I know exactly who I would shop for with this one.

Yet again here we go...Love Shak, Baby is hosting a back to school giveaway.  Gymboree is offering two of their readers each a $250 Gift Card to be used at the Gymboree store or Gymboree online.  Keeping three growing boys fully clothed means I have entered this one for sure.

Finally, Amy the resident Crunchy Domestic Goddess, is celebrating the opening of her adorable shop, Cute As A Bug by selecting one winner to peruse and choose one t-shirt of choice.  Gotta love choices.

I know there are way more fantastic contests to be entered, and one of you had better let me know where they are.  I have to go follow doctors orders and repose...while driving around insanely to a bazillion weekly appointments, administering the boys' follow-up home therapies and home schooling the less-than-attentive three of them...you know, among the routine day-to-day stuff like breathing and eating.  Repose...bawahahaha. 

Seriously, I'll be needing all of your prayers and words of encouragement.  Doctors have given me a wake-up call about taking care of myself because of genetic health issues which have become more difficult to manage.  I am going to work diligently at adhering to strong words of advice. My body has proven that being a fitness and healthy eating fanatic just doesn't override genetics no matter that it has always been my lifestyle...so I'm listening.  Stepping away from the computer and blogging is one thing easily (maybe not EASILY) removed from a stressful life with a long to-do list...and I know you identify with that. 

My reminder to you...stress kills...take care of yourself...slow down...you really can, slow down that is...it's important.  Oh no, I feel a post coming on so I'd better run.

I know that you know...I'll be back...

Well, I'm Homesick ~ Best Shot Monday

Our family move went well.  We are well-settled into the neighborhood.  The boys have adjusted well.  Well, I'm homesick for the mountains...and the forest...and the creek...and the swing by the creek...

So I pulled this photo from my mountain home archives.

Drop by Best Shot Monday to view more photos.  It will be well worth your visit. Actually, I'm not sure Tracey's back from Blogher for BSM, but if nothing else, I'm faithful.

Dirty, Dark Secrets of Life

People keep trying to get the dirty, dark secrets of my life.  Well, here's the dirty truth of my life...

Laura of My Quotidian Mysteries and Nicki of They're all Our Children both tagged me for this meme which is consuming the lives of bloggers everywhere.  Being an absolutely dull mundane boring mesmerizing woman, here goes nothing, really...

What were you doing ten years ago?

The trivial details escape me, but to say I was wrestling with the demonic rebellion of a driver-license-toting sixteen year old son while chasing a hyper-diaper-removing-monkey of a two year old son and foster parenting a beautiful eight year old girl with learning disabilities would sum it up nicely.

What were you doing a year ago?

This date in June 2006...I remember well...

5 Snacks you enjoy

• milk chocolate
• dark chocolate
• white chocolate
• expensive chocolate
• cheap chocolate

5 Songs you know all the lyrics to

• You Are My Sunshine
• Sunshine on My Shoulders by John Denver (The first two I sang to each of my sons as babies and toddlers.  Then they made me stop singing.)
• Old MacDonald (in English and Latin)
• The Doxology
• In The Garden (My grandmother's favorite hymn.  As a child I spent weeks with her every summer and listened to her sing this hymn as she went about her daily baking, sewing and cleaning.)

5 Things you would do if you were a millionaire

• Adopt more children
• Donate to numerous children's charities
• Provide for my children's future care
• Buy Parker all the medical care and equipment he'll ever need
• Ask my family what they would like to do with the money

5 Bad habits

• Eating lots of chocolate
• Staying up too late every night
• Trying to do everything instead of asking for help
• Ignoring the phone (I really do not like talking on the phone.)
• Forgetting to send birthday cards or emails to family

5 Things you would never wear again

• Ruffles
• Turtlenecks (can't stand anything high around my neck)
• Plaid
• Leg warmers (just hush!)
• Thong leotards (just hush I said!)

5 Favorite Toys

• Canon Rebel XT and lenses
• Photoshop Elements 5.0
• Laptop
• Cathe Friedrich exercise DVDs
• Exercise equipment

5 People to tag

• You sitting at the computer in you pajamas, tag
• And you wearing the glasses, tag
• Hey, you slurping the cup of coffee, tag
• Listen up, you with the baby on your lap, tag
• And lastly, you, the human who is breathing, tag

I am so allowed to cheat on the tagging because on Tuesday we load up the truck and head to our new home and city.  I am way behind on my blog reading and commenting, so I have no idea which of my absolutely darling blog readers have been tagged. 

Right now the house needs some down and dirty cleaning.   Wish me lots of energy and elbow grease.

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Look!  I won a spa pedicure basket from The Mom Blogs.  In a few days I will lock myself in the new master bath and enjoy.  I'm pretty sure a bottle glass of wine and dark chocolate are required to accompany this pedicure.  Visit The Mom Blogs for more giveaways.

Top Blog Mag Blogging to Fame

The current issue of Top Blog Mag is up and chock full of articles based on the week's theme of "Can't Get You Out of My Mind".  Click over for good reading and to discover new blogs.  If you would like to write a post on your blog following Heather's weekly theme, do so, and she will add a link on Top Blog Mag to your blog post.

Now, would you like some money?  Do you know about Blogging to Fame?  Top Blog Mag is in the contest and here's what Heather is offering (a bribe for your votes, love her style)...

Do you want a share of the cash yourself?

As editor of TopBlogMag I propose to share my portion of the winnings, which would be between $781 and $156, equally with one reader.

How do you get to be that reader?

First you need to vote for us, then you need to write your own post asking your readers to vote for us and leave us a comment on this post with your posts url. The winner will be chosen at random.

The button below is a live link to vote for Top Blog Mag.

It is not too late for you to enter Blogging to Fame.

Snips and Snails and Puppy Dog Tails and Swearing

A Miracle

A small miracle has occurred.  Mary of Owlhaven has awarded me her illustrious, frantically sought after, shiny Golden Keyboard Award.  I could not be more proud.  Each week Mary presents Opinion Saturday and offers a theme or question and opens comments to those who would like to respond with a brief story.    Last Saturday the theme was "miracles" and, of course, mine was a boy story (comment #8).

Can This Marriage Be Saved?

"Melody, where are my keys?"

"Melody, where is my coffee cup?"

"Melody, where are my running shoes?"

"Melody, where is the letter you typed for me?"

"Melody, where is my wallet?"

"Melody, do I have any clean underwear?"

"Melody...?"

It never ends.

Do you see the picture?  Do you hear the fingernails on the chalkboard?  I (emphasize I) am packing for a move.  Why would I know where to find anything...especially HIS stuff.  If the chaos of this move does not end soon...the marriage may.

Books are Beautiful

I love books.  I read books.  Katrina at Callapidder Days always has a book giveaway in the works.  I won one!

Encouragement

Moving this family is not an easy task, but things are looking up.  My hard work is being appreciated.

Wil:       As he surveys the plethora of boxes that was once our cozy cabin home, "Mom, you've packed a lot of boxes."

Me:      "Yes, Wil.  I have."  I mutter while overtaken by fumes of permanent marker, the sight of dripping blood as I maneuver a packing tape dispenser and the sudden realization that I may not have eaten in two days.

Wil:     "You're a pretty good mom."

What Is The Point?

I am a mother of boys.  I am not a neat freak by any stretch of the imagination.  However, the constant view of a gazillion boxes scattered about the house is driving me to the point of poking out my own eyeballs....with an icepick.   Therefore, I devised an orderly system of sorting and stacking boxes.  What was I thinking?

Every time I turn around the boys have built a new indoor fort...of boxes.  Translation...they rearrange everything.

Woof Woof

Let's not discuss the challenges of packing boxes with a six month old puppy underfoot.  Ursula loves gnawing cardboard and drags objects away with speed which rivals Flash Gordon.

Swearing

After our move five years ago, I swore...swore...that there would never be another moving sale held under my supervision.

Could I interest you in a like-new love seat or an antique armoire?  How about a few useless, broken toys?  This will be my weekend.

Your Questions About The Boys' Fort Answered

Mac was the architect and did all of the work.  Lee turned out to be goof-off and a nuisance to his brother.  Mac managed to build three walls of the fort and stood back proudly admiring it as Ursula charged through...and knocked down every single log.

Mac just smiled...and hugged her.

The lesson Mac taught me:  No matter what comes our way, we can always smile...if we so choose.

Have a fun weekend!  And remember to smile...even when your dog knocks down your fort.

Because It Is More Fun Than Packing Boxes ~ 8 Things About Me Meme

Amy  of Musings of A Crunch Domestic Goddess tagged me for this meme.  (Life is short, and I completely understand if you click away now.)  These 8 things are no more tantalizing than the previous 7 things because my nerve is not yet up to reveal the true dirty secrets.  If you continue to read and leave a comment, I will present to you a reader of the week award...woo hoo...and if I knew how to make it, there would be a button to post on your blog.  Calm down, too exciting isn't it?  I will link to your blog in a post this week...that skill I've mastered.   It's the least a gal can do for taking a minute from your life and inducing brain numbness.

1. I  am 5'7" tall, weigh 120, sometimes 125, pounds.  My eye color is different.  They are not the same color from moment to moment;  perhaps I should say my eye color is chameleon.
2. I suspect, but not diagnosed, that I am ADHD.  Could this happen via association?  My brain never slows down and sometimes the ideas come so rapidly they are gone before I can write them down.  I cannot sit still very long and my family would say I definitely have mood swing issues, but that's hormonal.  I'm lovable, and my family is also wacky, so they keep me.
3. I would love to spend time with Albert Einstein and Leonard da Vinci.   Their minds and accomplishments fascinate me, and I never tire of reading about them.
4. I am typing this from the bathroom my office.  (see #4 in 7 things)
5. I want to have six-pack abs.  For this to become a reality someone will have to destroy all the chocolate in the world.   I am not overweight, but an addiction to chocolate and six-pack abs do not normally co-exist.  (see #3 in 7 things)
6. I hate wearing shoes.  Therefore, I dream of being Wilma Flintstone or Betty Rubble.
7. I worked in the fields of banking and law in my earlier life.  I still can't balance a checkbook, but I can argue a point like there's no tomorrow.
8. (Wow, you read all the way to number 8?  You must have too much time on your hands.) I have two photos on two different sites up for votes.  If you haven't voted and you are so inclined click here and click here.   The first is in hopes of winning prizes and the second is for inclusion in JPG magazine's theme "America".

Thanks for reading, and remember to leave a comment with your blog link to be included in Friday's "readers of the week" blog post.

The rules say I am to tag people for the meme, but did I mention that I am should be packing boxes?  Amy, forgive me for breaking the rules a teensy weensy bit and for being so late to respond.  Tag to all readers.  If you play the meme, please come back and post a comment with a link.  I would love to know more about you.  Wouldn't you love to tell me more?

A Child's Book About Life On The Autism Spectrum

Books written about and for children with special needs always catch my eye.  Danny, Danny, Superstar came to may attention through reading the blog They're All Our Children.

Danny, Danny, Superstar by Nicki Mann is a book written from the point of view of an 8-year-old boy with autism.  The story provides a first person perspective for young children dealing with autism, as well as insight for their siblings and friends.  You can read the first ten pages here at LuLu.  I have not read the book, other than previewing the ten pages available online.  However, as a mother of four sons, two living on the autism spectrum, it appeals to me as an appropriately written book for young children whose lives are touched by autism.

Nicki also authors the blog They're All Our Children where she offers valuable information about child abuse and prevention, foster care, children with special needs, missing children and child safety along with other timely topics regarding our children.  Nicki makes no secret that she blogs for pay, and a portion of revenues is donated to organizations that serve children.  Her message is clear, from the heart and important...they are all our children.

Let's Play Click The Link With Shrek and Hewlett-Packard

If you and the kids loved Shrek the Third, and if you want several chances to win drool-worthy prizes, visit the HP Shrek the Third Photo Contest.   There are over 600 prizes and each one is more than worth the effort of the few clicks required to post a photo.  To make it even more scrumptious, the winners of the weekly photo contests are eligible to win the Grand Prize. 

Previously I remarked that I was ditching this photo contest, but I have had a change of opinion because Hewlett-Packard has worked diligently to correct the bugs within the contest.  I actually played Twenty Questions and Where's My Photo with the HP contest coordinator in order to help locate some of the kinks. 

From my personal dealings with Hewlett-Packard representatives has come the revelation that customer service above and beyond the call of duty is alive and well.  The contest coordinator for Hewlett-Packard contacted me by email because she was aware of my blog post promoting the contest and of my post ditching the contest.  I had no previous ties to HP, and was not one of the blogs contacted to promote the Shrek the Third photo contest.   The coordinator asked questions regarding the problems I was encountering and has continued email dialog for over a week.   I have also been contacted by the marketing firm handling HP's blog promotion of the contest, and by the world wide customer service manager for Snapfish.  It is quite impressive to know that one of the big guys actually cares if their promotion is all things to all people as intended.

I was developing a really big crush on HP.  The clincher that I was in a serious love affair was the email stating, "Melody, as a thank you for your time and assistance, HP would like to send you a digital camera, printer and supplies to donate to the charity of your choice".  Yeah, uh huh, yep...they did.  (Of course,  I had to convince Lee that he was not a worthy charity.)  Friends, if you currently have computer, photographic or other electronic needs...I am so pushing Hewlett-Packard.

What are you waiting for?  Join  Snapfish, enter the contest and Capture Your Ever After.

Now it's off to find a home because being homeless is not on my list of things to do in life.

Contests, Links and Why Is There No Wine In My House?

Friday has finally arrived although...as a stay at home mom who homeschools her boys and wonders how the heck she got into this adores them with all her heart and soul...it has no particular delineation for me, it is Friday nonetheless.  Have a fun weekend.  And if you have no fun plans lined up, here are few links for your enjoyment.  If you do have a fun weekend lined up, please tell me about it so that I might dream.  Gotta run into town now because, as odd as it may seem, there is no wine in my house.

In no particular order:

Learn to make a blog banner at Design Mom.   Gabrielle is a designer and art director so you know there's tons of fun things to discover at her blog.  I was thrilled to see this, and now that I have Photoshop Elements 5.0 expect a new banner soon...I think...I hope...we'll see.

Do you do Haiku?  Me neither, but I might give it go before midnight Saturday.  This week the Mama Says Om contest theme is Haiku Mama and entries are accepted until midnight Saturday.   What's Haiku?  Visit Haiku of the Day for inspiration.

Would you like to win a hammock for dad/husband?  Can't you see him now...lounging...snoring...flipping out, literally.    Click over to mod*mom for a chance to win a Fatboy Headdemock valued at $299.  mod*mom always has contests with fabulous prizes up for grabs.  If you are currently into the mod lifestyle and decorating, you'll want to visit often.

I completely love reading every entry written by Kathryn at Daring Young Mom.  She is just real and funny and one of the popular mommies.

One more newly discovered blog read is My Tiny Kingdom written by Anne Glamore (it is acknowledged this is not her real name).  She is a mom-lawyer raising  boys and shares one funny story after another.  One of her archived posts that I  particularly enjoyed was "It's Natural, But It's Rated R".  I've saved this one for reference material.

Remember this contest?  The one for which  I begged you to pleeeeease vote for my entry?  Just fuhgitaboutit.  Snapfish does not even recognize my email as valid and I cannot log into my own entry.  Therefore, I have no idea how to tell you to vote.  But a great big thank you for those of you who offered to vote for me.  (Hey, if you can find my entry let me know, please.)  Hewlett-Packard is offering some drool-worthy prizes, but I am ditching further entries for this contest.  Instead I will be playing with my camera and Photoshop.  And I'll blog some boy stories next week.  Wait, did you just click away? No?  Ok, y'all come back Monday now, ya hear?

By the way, I am invited to a weeding party this afternoon.  No, not a weed party, not a wedding party, but rather a weeding party.  Our friend-neighbor has invited the family to a "Buttercups Be Gone" party at which she will pay per bucket (payment geared toward the kids) of weeds pulled, and she will feed us.  How ingenious is that?

Seven Uninteresting, Unrelated Things About Me

I have been tagged by Irene and Marie for the Seven (7) Things About Me meme running wild through the sphere.  So here are seven completely uninteresting, unrelated things about me...

1. I am a morning monster.  My husband bought me an extremely loud alarm clock because no one wants to be the one to awaken me...no one...not ever.  Everyday of my childhood and teen years my mom reached quietly inside the doorway to my room...flipped on the light...whispered my name...and ran like a scared puppy.
2. I once owned a Ford Pinto.  I once left that car running all night long and it, of course, ran out of gas. 
3. I once ate a two pound box of expensive chocolates in under twenty minutes.  My father-in-law has never since given me chocolates.
4. If I see a bathroom, I have to pee...automatically. 
5. My left ear sits lower on my head than my right ear...or my right ear sits higher on my head than my left ear...you decide.  Either way, it plays havoc while wearing glasses.  Can you say "Ms. Crooked Face"?
6. I am a total klutz.  I fall up stairs, trip on air, knock over stuff, miss my target when attempting to sit.  Yet for almost twelve years I was an aerobic/fitness instructor who exuded grace and poise...until I exited the gym.
7. My parents made a huge mistake in naming me "Melody".  I have no musical talents...none...zilch...nada...zero.  My children beg me not to sing.  As a matter of fact Lee came inside yesterday before he was called.  When asked why he was in so early his response, "Mac is out there singing and it sounds even worse than yours." 

I apologize for those tidbits of info, but if I'm tagged I run with it.  Now I have to tag seven people.

I tag Mike at Something About Parenting (I know he probably doesn't play these games, but it seemed he'd say interesting "things" if he did.); and Natalie at The Benson Family and Other Stuff (Because I know she finished that paper and needs something to do.);  Jennifer Lopez (yeah, don't you wish that were your name?  Because I just want to know more.); Christina at Momology (Because I love her words and photography.); Chris at Organized Chaos (Because she is on vacation and this is a sneaky thing to do while she's gone.); Jennifer at Sob'ah My Soul (Because she is recently into making lists.); and lastly you, the reader. 

The theory is that everyone I tagged (including you) must now go blog a list of seven things about themselves, link back to the person who tagged you (me), tag seven more people and please let them know they were tagged.   It's really quite painless, really...

Shopping Online Seemed the Right Thing to Do

He has gone out of town...and left me alone...with...the...boys...and the boys have driven me insane further deteriorated my faltering gray matter.  There is no way for me to compose a coherent post with deep philosophical, social implications while dear husband is out of town and I am flying solo with no relief for two days and nights.   So let's talk web places to go, people to read, things to do...

Here's an idea for you, Top Blog Mag, published every Monday, is a magazine format blog written by you - the bloggers.   Yeah, tremendous idea isn't it?  You can read articles by peer bloggers AND even submit yours for the posting.  It really is that simple, and though this is a new endeavor there are already some good reads posted.  Go  ahead, click the pretty red and gold flashing button below...you know you want to...(edited:  OOPSIE!  The button below isn't working as a link.  But this link to Top Blog Mag works.)

Everyone knows flickr is the place to go to view great photography, and A Mother's Art is a flickr group full of life, beauty and love.   I have joined,  but feel a bit intimidated to post my novice photography next to the talent shown.  But alas, there is the love of my subjects to give me encouragement.

Jennefer of Three Sons and A Princess is hosting her first blog carnival - How To Generate More Traffic to Your Blog.   I plan to participate...although being a baby blogger, it is beyond my mental powers to come up with suggestions.  Mark your calendar for Monday, April 30, and give