TSMSS: Somewhere in the World

My daughter, Crunchy, is only 5. But she is in love. With MC. They met last year when they rode the same bus to preschool. She almost got kicked off the bus because she insisted on giving MC a hug before she got off the bus. And another time, she threw a fit (and a kick) because they wouldn't let her sit next to MC. She even told me they "practiced dated". But, after preschool, they went separate ways. Until last week. Just in time for Valentine's Day, she announced MC was back and in her class. The first picture is one Crunchy drew. She said it is her and MC after they won a dance competition. (Do you see the trophies?) The next one is Crunchy and MC. We ran into his family at Wal-Mart tonight. And then this song went through my head.

The only video I could find was a man singing and playing piano. The song is Wayne Watson's Somewhere in the World.

Somewhere in the world today
A little girl will go out ot play
All dressed up in mama's clothes
At least the way that I suppose it goes
Somewhere in the world tonight
Before she reaches to turn out the light
She'll be prayin' from a tender heart
A simple prayer that's a work of art

And I don't even know her name
But I'm prayin' for her just the same
That the Lord will write His name upon her heart
Cause somewhere in the course of this life
A little boy will need a godly wife
So hold on to Jesus, baby, whereever you are

Somewhere in the world out there
That little girl's learnin' how to care
She's pickin' up her mamas charms
Or maybe, swigin' around in her daddy's arms
Somewhere in the world to be
Through the future's not real clear to me
Theirs could be a tender love
Grounded in eternal love above

Check out the other TSMSS posts.

Coraline-No!

Arggghhh! No, it isn't International Talk Like a Pirate Day (that's not until September!). I typed up a rather long post on my smart phone, but it disappeared somewhere in Wal-Mart.. (The review, not the phone.) So I shall begin again. Okay...I got that out of my system. Now it's time for a review.

SPOILER ALERT

Coraline was, I believe, the WORST kids movie we've ever seen. And we've seen a lot of kid's movies. My kids (and hubby and I!) have been enjoying the previews for some time. We expected a little bit of dark plot, but my kids (3 and 5) were quite scared in parts. The 11 year old seemed to enjoy it. We did not see the 3 D version, but I don't think my little ones would have made it through. At one point, I did consider taking the kids out, but I felt that if they didn't see the story resolved, it would leave them open to more nightmares.

My complaints:

Themes
They were too intense for a kid's movie (PG). There were kidnapped children, some of whom were held in captivity until they died and are now ghosts trying to find freedom. The parents didn't just ignore their daughter, they told her to leave them alone while they worked. (At one point I turned to my husband and asked if we needed to call child protective services?) There was an insinuation about cannibalism. The cat mentioned "she might eat you". The ghost kids said she would "eat your life".

Boobs.
The downstairs (elderly) neighbors apparently were burlesque dancers. Their were posters on the wall celebrating movies such as "Julius Sees Her" and "King Leer". One of the women had quite large breasts and several jokes (both spoken and sight gags) were made or implied. Again, I turned to my husband and said, "Those boobs are totally inappropriate for a kid's movie." But it got worse! During one of her trips to the other side, Coraline was treated to a theater presentation. One neighbor was dressed like a mermaid (mostly dressed). The other (the large breasted one) came out in a G-string and pasties. She danced around and fought with the other girl. I was quite disturbed by the dance. It seemed totally inappropriate for a kid's movie. Here's a link to a picture of Miss Forcible. And here she is dancing.

As I was writing this review, I Googled the movie and found nothing but praise for it. Maybe something was lost in the 2D version, but this is one animated movie that we won't be buying.

Mom2Be pampering (Giveaway!)

I was a fortunate mom, after years of infertility, I had pretty easy pregnancies. But I still would have loved to have been pampered during that time. If only I had lived in the Chicago area.... I could have visited Stork Snapshots  Not only do they provide 3-D and 4-D ultrasounds, they offer a maternity spa. There are massage services with names like: lighten up, free your mind, free loader, the yummy tummy, maternity massage, 4th trimester healing hour, and the smoothie. There are also facial services, such as: mommy on the move, beautiful beginnings, bare essentials, get your glow on, and great expectations. They also offer a variety of items in the StorkStore for baby (blankets, music, clothing, and my favorite bling pacifiers!) and parents (diaper bags, jewelry, L & D gowns, and shirts).



The owner and momtrepreneur, Pat Chiamas-Ebeling wants to give away a Teddy Heart Beat Bear  (or a $10 gift certificate toward any item in the Stork Store!) 



And you don't even have to live in the Chicago area. In fact, you don't even have to be in the United States. Stork Snapshots will ship it anywhere!

To enter (by Saturday, March 7th):

Just leave a comment. Try to use a little bit of effort. tell me something about you.

For extra entries (leave an extra comment):
Tell me something you'd love to have (or give) from the Stork Store
If you make a purchase from the Stork Store, come back and take another entry
Add my button to your blog
Follow me on twitter
Twitter about this giveaway
Follow my blog
Subscribe to my blog

Wordless Wednesday

Instead of saying no when Crunchy asked me to put on the Easter bunny ears, I said Yes. And I took a picture. Crunchy immediately said, "Send it!"

My closet

John and I have an usual bedroom. Our "bedroom" is actually the formal living room (or what I call the "parlor"). When we decided to stay here with my in-laws 2 1/2 years ago, we realized we would need more room. So we moved into the front room. We added doors for privacy. Our room is about 2 1/2 times the size of a normal bedroom. But it is still too small. Because it also serves as our "family room". The kids are always in here. (Probably because this is the room with the HUGE plasma TV, the Wii, and the Apple TV.) Our closet, is one of those modular sets that we found at our Sam's Club. My picture only includes the part where our shirts are hung. (Mine are on the top.) Why am I showing you my closet? Because I want to win a T-shirt quilt! The Dirty Shirt is giving away a custom t-shirt from Stitch'T.

TSMSS: Finally Home

You know how sometimes God keeps putting a song in front of your face?!?! I keep my radio set to KLOVE, and I am in and out of my car throughout the day. I often hear only one or two songs at a time. For about the past month, it seems like every time I get in the car, I hear the following lyric:

I'm gonna wrap my arms around my daddy's neck
And tell him that I've missed him
And tell him all about the man that I became
And hope that it pleased him

MercyMe - Finally Home
From the album All That Is Within Me
Label: INO Records

If you've been following my blog, you'll remember that in the past month I had two major milestones. January 26th was 10 years since my Daddy died. And then February 10th was his birthday. In those 3 weeks, it seems like every time I got in the car, I got a hug from my Daddy. MercyMe, famous for "I can only imagine", has done it again!

BTW...I hope you aren't getting tired of hearing about my Daddy. I'm not moping. I'm celebrating his life! Also, even the lyrics seem to clearly refer to "home" as heaven, the video shows soldiers coming home.




Check out the other Then Sings My Soul Saturday entries.

Crazy Busy Week!

Life has been unusually crazy busy this week. We started with a holiday, so that always makes the week crazy. My kids actually had a 4 day weekend. Crunchy was sick all weekend. She was home all week. (I'm dragging her out of bed today!) Chewie was out sick Wednesday, and Munchie missed school Wednesday and Thursday. (He has Fridays off). But the kids weren't content just to share the germs among themselves. 3 of the 4 adults in the house are sick too. I don't have time to be sick. Maybe next week. But, alas, I've been through an entire box of tissue. (Shout out to Puffs Plus!)

Back to work Tuesday morning (Payday!) started with a hitch. Something was wrong with the check printer and all 300 or so checks had to signed by hand--by two different people! So checks were 2 1/2 hours late. That messed with my whole schedule. And while we were waiting for checks, they told my boss her services were no longer needed. I've been with my company 4 1/2 years. I am now 2 steps closer to the top than I was when I started. But I haven't had a promotion. When the two people above me left (one by choice) they just didn't fill the position. I think this will be a good move, but it's going to be some adjustments. I've had a full schedule all week (with, unfortunately lots of no shows).

Today, I have Leadership Roswell. We are meeting at the New Mexico Military Institute and talking about education. Class is over at 5. I'm supposed to be at the church at 5 to help serve the Children's worker appreciation dinner. (Including my son who is a "purple shirt"---a kid who helps out in kid's church). Tomorrow we have a leadership training at church. Sunday morning I'm meeting with potential members of the women's ministry leadership team.

It would be a busy week on its own. But throw in 3 sick kids. (While I was typing, Chewing and Crunchy came in to say they felt awful. I guess no school for them today either.) And a sick Daddy who is at home with the kids. And a sick Mommy who has to go to work. And a sick Mamaw.

22 years ago today (in pictures)

Communion


You may kiss the bride!


Introducing Mr. and Mrs. John Donahue


The Wedding Party


End of a long day

TSMSS: Just Like Me

No video today. I picked an old song. I'm not sure how old it is, but I know that 22 years ago, today, my soon-to-be husband sang it as I walked down the aisle. Not during our wedding, but just before. After much debate and discussion, my very romantic man agreed to see me before the wedding for pictures, but only if we had some time alone together. So, about an hour before the wedding, my bridesmaids got me ready to walk down the aisle. I kept asking if everyone except John was out of the church. They kept stalling me. There was a lone guitar player who strummed while John sang this song. As soon as it was over, Russ slipped out.

Check out my wedding pictures here:

Just Like Me (Sweet Comfort Band c. 1980)

If I had a dime for every time
I've had you on my mind
They would stretch on down the highway
In an endless line
If I had a dime for everytime
I've thought about us two
I could buy myself a lifetime
Just to spend on you

And maybe you could care for someone
Just like me
Maybe you're in need of somone
Just like me

Now I told you how I hold you
In my highest esteem
I hope you don't disapprove of me
If I'm not what I seem
As a matter fot fact
I've been holding back
The way I really feel
Cuz I've been afraid
Of what you might say
If my heart had been revealed

And maybe you could care for someone
Just like me
Maybe you're in need of somone
Just like me

Well, I'm no Knight in shining armor
I'm No prince charming, I agree
But what lack in might and valor
I'll make up in honesty

So, here I go
I will try to show
How much for you I care
But the value that I place in you
Is far beyond compare
You mean more to me
Than the eye can see
But your heart can understand
That I'm talkin of the kind of love
To a woman from a man

And maybe you could care for someone
Just like me
Maybe you're in need of somone
Just like me
Maybe deep inside you're feelin'
Just like me
And maybe you could marry someone
Just like me

Check out other lyrics at Then Sings My Soul Saturday

Learn, love and Link

If you read my blog often, you know that I frequent 5 Minutes for Moms. They have some great giveaways, reviews, and just fun stuff. They just started a new way to connect readers and bloggers: Learn, Love and Link. The idea is to find some new (to me) blogs on the 5M4M directories and share the linky love. They asked us to share 2 new blogs. (I might pick more!). There are three different directories: Mom-owned stores, Mom-run sites and Our Readers’ blogs. I decided to focus on Reader blogs--specifically "Christian moms". I still need to go back and read some more!

More God = Less Me Joan is "a SAHM who loves Jesus. I'm the Queen of 'been there-done that.' My hope is to encourage others in this journey to have More God = less me."
She hosts "Anchor Friday"



Lisa at Blessed with Grace "a Christian wife and mother. I strive to be that Proverbs 31 Women, but I am nowhere near that goal. My blog is full of faith, fun, whimsy and some GREAT recipes. I hope you will come back, anytime." She hosts Grace's Style Tip Fridays and Tempt My Tummy Tuesday blog carnival.

My Life as JulieMom. I didn't pick this JUST because her name is Julie! :) Julie is "Wife. Homeschool Mom. Missionary. Closet Novelist. Sarcasm Queen. I'm glad you're here. No, really." She even has a tag for "Sarcasm"--with 27 posts!


Some I found that I already knew about:
Weak Weary Mom written by "Georgetta" who lives "Next Door" who describes herself as "Wife, Mom, Homeschool Teacher, Housekeeper, Writer, Disciple of Jesus. So many plates to keep spinning...oops, I dropped the Housekeeping...". She's been an on-line buddy for several years---before either of us became Moms or bloggers.

I first found It's Okay to Be Weird
while "dropping Entrecards. She is "Not your typical pastor's wife".

Okay I made it through the 5 pages of Christian mom blogs. (Well, I didn't look at all of them, but I opened a bunch!) And I've been sitting here too long! I'll check more later.

SafetyCaps: Review and Giveaway

I recently had the opportunity to try out a product called SafetyCaps.  They say that "necessity is the mother of invention".  In this case, it was Daddy who invented.  One day, George Decell,'s daughter, Sage, choked on a plug protector he had removed to plug in the vacuum cleaner.   Shaken, George decided to fight back. He didn't want anyone else to face the fearful situation he had endured.  

When he couldn't find another solution, he set out to create a new, safer product.  He invented the SafetyCap.  The SafetyCap is almost an inch wider than traditional plugs.  They also feature vent holes, similar to a pacifier, to prevent choking. (I never realized that was why pacifiers had holes on the side, but it does make sense!)  SafetyCaps are also clear, so they blend into the wall.

My kids are big enough that I don't use many outlet covers, so I took them to some experts.  I showed the SafetyCaps to the teachers in the baby and one-year old rooms at the daycare in my office.  The teachers were impressed with the idea.  The state requires that all outlets---even the ones up on a counter that the kids can't reach--have a safety plug when not in use.  But, they worry about the choking dangers of the usual ones.   

George has offered my readers a great giveaway.  One reader will win a 24 pack of SafetyCaps. And, if the winner has placed an order between now and the end of the contest, George will send 96 SafetyCaps instead of 24!

To enter:

Leave a comment telling me about a favorite safety product, a product you wish someone would invent, or something else related to child safety.  Make sure your profile is visible, or include your e-mail address in your comment.

For extra entries (leave a separate comment):

*Visit SafetyCaps and share something you learned.

* Follow me on Twitter (leave your Twitter name)

* Subscribe to my blog

* Follow my blog

* Share this on Twitter (leave a link)

* Post my button on your site 

* Tell Ellen or Oprah about SafetyCaps

Contest ends February 28th.

Happy birthday Daddy

Daddy would have been 72 today. He was a wonderful example of a godly man. He contracted polio in high school, and Iwas not supposed to walk again. He spent a year in a rehab hospital, and I've heard he got into trouble racing down the halls on his crutches! Daddy married my Mom in 1956 and headed to Texas for college. He taught school for about 40 years and pastored a church for almost 30. (Yes, most of those were concurrent!). Daddy lived to serve. I wish I had a picture of him in his kilt to show you. But I've included two. One is him playing his beloved mandolin. The other is walking his "baby girl" (that's me!) down the aisle 22 years ago.

Happy birthday Daddy. I love you. I miss you.

Human Statue of Liberty

This pictures was taken in 1918 with 18,000 officers and soldiers during World War 1. I verified the information at:
Snopes and Iowa National Guard.



FACTS: Base to Shoulder: 150 feet Right Arm: 340 feet Widest part of arm Holding torch: 12 1/2 feet Right thumb: 35 feet Thickest part of body: 29 Feet Left hand length: 30 feet Face: 60 feet Nose: 21 feet Longest spike of Head piece: 70 feet Torch and flame combined: 980 feet Number of men in Flame of torch: 12,000 Number of men in torch: 2,800 Number of men in right Arm: 1,200 Number of men in body, head and balance of figure only: 2,000

Total men: 18,000

Red Light, Green Light

Yesterday, after a pretty lazy day, I drove across town shortly after sunset. I was driving along in a bit of a fog. (I know--not a good combination!) At my first big intersection I waited for a green light. And I promptly ran a red light. Fortunately the car turning left didn't gun it and insist on taking the right of way. I pulled over, quite shaken and waited for traffic to pass.


So, what gives? I've been in New Mexico for 5 1/2 years, but I am still not used to the lights here. In California our traffic lights were vertical (one on top of another). Ocassionally there was a second vertical signal for left turns. Here in NM our lights are horizontal. And the left turn arrow is in the middle, not on the far left. Several times a week I see at least one car start to go when the green arrow turns. But most people stop before they get through the crosswalk.


I am so thankful that the driver opposite me was not one of those drivers who just dash out without watching. And can I add...I'm thankful there was not a police officer at that intersection.

ETA
BTW...I was surprised when I googled "traffic lights" how may many weird configurations there were. I found this page with a bunch of links to traffic signs.

This one isn't exactly what NM's lights look like, but it's close.  Notice how the left turn light is NOT the farthest left.

This is close to what I'm used to.  Notice how the main light has 2 columns.  The left turn light is on the far left.

Spelling Dilemma

First, a disclaimer. I am not an English major. And I know that I sometimes *gasp* make typos and spelling errors. I had an English teacher who drilled into us the importance of good spelling and professionalism. If you find one, please let me know. Either send an e-mail to juliesweeps at hotmail.com. Or, even feel free to post a comment. But please be kind!

I see three main types of spelling errors: typos (fingers on the wrong place at the wrong time); mispelled werds (forgetting the spelling rules); and word use (correct word, wrong place). Personally, I see no excuse for the most of the first two types of mistakes. Spell check programs are abundant. Even my posting box in Blogger has a spell check. (Which is good, because I've made a few typos while making this post! I even had help spelling dilemma in the title!)

The third type (wrong word) is easy to make. (See the famous "spell checker poem" at the end of this post. Recently I saw a review blogger with a "PR welcome" note. It said, "if your interested...." instead of "if you're interested" or "if you are interested". I seriously considered contacting the blogger to help her. If I were a PR rep, misspellings would be a red alert.

So, would you want me to let you know (privately, not in a comment) if I see a misspelled (or misplaced) word on your blog?

Here's an oldie, but goodie about the spell checker. (I first read it as "Ode to a Spell Checker")

Candidate for a Pullet Surprise
by Mark Eckman and Jerrold H. Zar

I have a spelling checker,
It came with my PC.
It plane lee marks four my revue
Miss steaks aye can knot sea.

Eye ran this poem threw it,
Your sure reel glad two no.
Its vary polished in it's weigh.
My checker tolled me sew.

A checker is a bless sing,
It freeze yew lodes of thyme.
It helps me right awl stiles two reed,
And aides me when eye rime.

Each frays come posed up on my screen
Eye trussed too bee a joule.
The checker pours o'er every word
To cheque sum spelling rule.

Bee fore a veiling checker's
Hour spelling mite decline,
And if we're lacks oar have a laps,
We wood bee maid too wine.

Butt now bee cause my spelling
Is checked with such grate flare,
Their are know fault's with in my cite,
Of nun eye am a wear.

Now spelling does knot phase me,
It does knot bring a tier.
My pay purrs awl due glad den
With wrapped word's fare as hear.

To rite with care is quite a feet
Of witch won should bee proud,
And wee mussed dew the best wee can,
Sew flaw's are knot aloud.

Sow ewe can sea why aye dew prays
Such soft wear four pea seas,
And why eye brake in two averse
Buy righting want too pleas.

And the award...

for the best timed (and fastest!) prize delivery goes to.... (nope, it's not me. I am so late sending out a couple of prizes, sorry folks!)

Yesterday morning at about 1 am, Kristin from An Ordinary Life sent me an e-mail saying I had won the Space Buddies giveaway on her site. I replied with my e-mail address about 7:30 am. Yesterday. Before noon this morning, hubby called to say I had received a package from Disney. Could it really be the Space Buddies movie? Already? Oh...and if it was THE package, it was more than a DVD. Could it be stuffed dogs too? (I knew I had won a Space Buddies prize, but I had not yet had the time to see if there were any extras included.) But alas...I had a busy day at work, and I couldn't check it out until I got home. And I made hubby promise to wait until I got home to check!



Sure enough, it was the movie and three adorable plush "dogmonauts" like these. (But ours didn't have space helmets.) It was perfect that there were three. One for each of the kids. On our way to dinner. (Pizza Hut for free "Book It" Pizzas!) I told them we had a surprise new movie to watch at home. I told them there would also be a fun surprise for them. When we were a couple of blocks from home, I told them it was a movie they had asked for. Munchie (3 years old) immediately yelled, "Space dogs!" (He had pointed out the sign at Wal-Mart last week.) This announcement was followed by lots and lots of cheers and smiles.

They quickly came home and changed into PJs while Daddy made popcorn. Then I made the presentation. My princess, Crunchy, fell in love with the pink sister "Rosebud". Chewie adored the Russian dog Sputnik. And Munchie LOVED Buddha. Armed with their new toys, we started the movie.

It was a very fun movie. The kids laughed and we all had a blast. We held our breaths when they lost communication, and we cheered when everything worked out. No spoilers here. As Chewie said, "It's a kids' movie. We know everyone is going to be okay!" The kids each went to bed with their Space Buddy and a "space ship" (aka cardboard box) while they watched it again.

Thanks Kristen for a great family night movie!

Aloha Friday

I think this is my first time participating in the Aloha Friday Meme. To participate, you just find out what the question of the week is, post on your blog, and then share the link. This week's question is:

What’s your family’s favorite dinner?

We have a few favorites. Our favorite Friday night out, is Pizza! We usually get Pepperoni or Meat Lover's Pizza. My daughter Crunchy doesn't like pepperoni, so she picks it off and gives it to Daddy or Chewie. Sometimes we get the cheese filled crust. (Yummy!) We try to do this at least every other week. Sometimes we bring it home, but we like to go out on payday. Unfortunately, our last Pizza Hut became a Wing Street. That wouldn't be bad, except they insist all 12 TVs be set to sports. :(

Our favorite---must have at least once a week; easy to get on the table within 15 minutes of walking through the door---is spaghetti. It's quick and simple. I used canned spaghetti sauce (Hunts is great! and inexpensive). We serve it with lots of parmesan cheese. Sometimes we add green beans and/or olives. Personally, I prefer a thicker sauce with meat, but it keeps the kids happy!

Our favorite less often meal would probably tacos made with shredded beef (usually from "last night's" brisket. We heat serve both corn and flour tortillas, cheese, lettuce and tomatoes. We have to include refried beans with lots of melted cheese and tortilla chips. :)

So what is your family's favorite meal? Share it at: Aloha Friday here.

Wow! I won (x6!)

Last week I spent WAAAAY too much time entering the Bloggy Carnivals. But it paid off. I won 6 giveaways.

A "Diamond" ring from TheSweetJellyBean
Scratch and sniff valentines and a giant Hershey bar from Weight....What?
$10 Walgreens GC from Mommy Saves Money
Custom Made Clipboard from Lissalaneous from Bella Casa News/
$25 Itunes GC and Millionaire Club T ($45) from PMKU
$20 Starbucks GC from Grace Flows Down

Thanks so much! BTW I already got the "Diamond" ring in the mail!

santa Fe

Wow! What a day! I have learned so much in Santa Fe. I learned, for example, that New Mexico is the only remaining citizen legislature. Our senators and representatives are not salaried. They get a $145 per diem during the 60 days of the session (as well as any special sessions.) They are paid for one trip to Santa Fe and one trip home. And, if they don't show receipts for the entire amount, they have to pay taxes on it!

We met with several of the senators and representatives from south east New Mexico. Even though we are a heavily democratric ruled state (more than 2 to 1 majority in both houses) almost all of our legislators are conservative replublican Christians. But Albuequerque and Santa Fe have more people. There is currently a bill that will be up to pave the way for gay marriages. Right now they are calling for "domestic partnerships". It has been tabled for now but it could come back any time.

More later. I am about to crash.

Mask: Who is the real me?

I've mentioned Leadership Roswell before. It's a 9-month Leadership training program that I'm about half way through. So far we've learned about our city government, our county government, and youth agencies. Tomorrow (or, I more accurately, later today!) we will board a bus and head to Santa Fe---the capital of New Mexico. We'll visit the "Round House" (legislature) and the lieutenant governor (Bill has other plans!)

Anyway, part of the trip is the 4 hours bus ride up on Monday and home on Tuesday. It's supposed to be a lot of fun. So, Thursday I got an e-mail asking me to pick up a mask from the Chamber of Commerce and decorate it reflect the "real me". We could use anything we want to decorate our mask. I spent all weekend avoiding it. I'd stop and think about it for a few minutes, but I just couldn't think of anything. I finally sat down tonight. After yelling at my computer for a while (how come it never does what I want it to do?!?!) I got up to look through my MIL's craft stuff. I found some fun foam hands, and an idea brewed.

I made a list of roles I have: wife, mother, Christian, employee, teacher, women's ministry leader, blogger, daughter, etc. Then I found pictures to match some of the roles. (That was hard! We don't take as many pictures as you would think!) I printed out the verse,

Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might.

I glued the verse to the forehead, and then I stuck the hands (with pictures attached) all around the mask. Finally, I glued the role words on the blank spaces. So, here is "the real me". (3 views)

Make me Laugh Monday

The challenge today is Funny things our kids say.

My son, Munchie (3 years old) LOVES Thomas the Tank Engine. He can name almost all of the trains. (His favorites are Thomas and Percy.) Today, my friend Diana and her husband Henry came over. Munchie said, "Henry isn't a person. Henry is a train!". Later, Crunchy (5 year old daughter) said, "See....Henry is a boy. He's a man. He's a cowboy!"

Find more funnies at: 80 MPG Mom

25 Random Things about Me

I got tagged several times on Facebook, so I decided to go ahead and play. And if I'm going to type it up, I might as well blog about it too! :) If you post a list, come back and share the link with me. :)

Once you've been tagged, you are supposed to write a note with 25 random things, facts, habits, or goals about you. At the end, choose 25 people to be tagged. You have to tag the person who tagged you. If I tagged you, it's because I want to know more about you.

(To do this, go to "notes" under tabs on your profile page, paste these instructions in the body of the note, type your 25 random things, tag 25 people (in the right hand corner of the app) then click publish.)

Okay...since I've been tagged by about a dozen people, I guess I'll play!

1. I am the youngest of 7 kids (4 boys and 3 girls).

2. I'm the middle of 3 generations of left handed women. (Mom, me and my daughter).

3. I turn 40 this year, and I'm okay with that.

4. Valentine's Day is a fun day to get married, but not a great day for an anniversary. Everybody else is out to dinner at the same time.

5. My mom still lives in the house she moved into when I was a year old.

6. I have lived in 4 states (California, Missouri, Oklahoma, and New Mexico).

7. The shortest stint was 4 months in Oklahoma City where I did my student teaching.

8. I used to be a teacher. So was my Daddy, and both of his parents. And several aunts, uncles and cousins.

9. I got my ears pierced when I was a freshman in high school, but I haven't worn earrings in about 5 years.

10. My purpose in life is to connect women.

11. I enjoy blogging.

12. I like to enter sweepstakes online. Last year I won more than $2500 worth of stuff. (The biggest win was $250.) I won lots of books and DVDs.

13. My husband and I dealt with infertility for about 15 years. Our first son came through the gift of adoption. Our second two were "home made".

14. I started a "small" internet based infertility support group (Ladies in Waiting) that had over 2000 members when we merged with Hannah's Prayer (http://hannahsprayer.com).

15. I work full time, and my husband has been a SAHD (stay at home Daddy) since we brought our son home from the hospital. (He sometimes does contract computer work.)

16. I used pseudonyms for my kids on my blog (Munchie--Aidan; Crunch--Heather; and Chewie--Cameron).

17. I love my Wii Fit, but I don't use it often enough.

18. We live in a multi-generational home with my in-laws. It was originally a temporary plan, but it works, so we continue.

19. I enjoy puzzles: jigsaw and pencil puzzles. But I don't like crosswords.

20. I watch too much TV. My favorites are CSI (any flavor); NCIS; Monk; Psych and The Biggest Loser.

21. My sister (Linda) went to England for her 40th birthday. I want a breast reduction for my 40th birthday.

22. I'm happy to be in my new office after being "homeless" and living out of boxes for 6 weeks.

23. I took the on-line Jeopardy! contestant test this week, but I really want to be on Wheel of Fortune.

24. I did NOT watch the Super Bowl today. (Actually, I haven't watched a football game since I graduated from high school. Being in the band, I went to every game.

25. I wear hearing aids in both ears. I inherited bad hearing from my Daddy.

Spread the love

Here's a fun contest:

February is what we called the month of "Love". I came up with the title Spread The Love Giveaway in celebration of Valentines day. Some people approach me if ever I have a giveaway or contest they will sponsor it and call me as a contest queen. Well, it's my pleasure to host a giveaway just for you all. Share your love through spreading this giveaway to others. Starting today February 1 until February 28. I will announce the 30 winners of the contest March 2 Monday. I will choose the winners randomly. To all sponsors thank you very much and please email me your email address so that it is easy for me to contact you. Here are the prizes, rules and mechanics of the giveaway.

Ist Prize: $30 + 20,500 EC

* Blog Hosting for 1 year - SEO Friendly Blog Directory
* Custom Banner Design - Buy Templates - worth $99
$10 + 500 EC - The Pride Of Hingotanan Bohol
$10 + 500 EC - Things I did Not Know Before
$10 + 500 EC - Unique Ideas For Your Beach Wedding
5000 EC - Whatever Comes To My Mind
2500 EC - Merydith's Place
4000 EC + 125x125 ad space for 1 month - Wonderful Things In Life
5000 EC + 125x125 ad space for 1 month - My Life's Adventure
2500 EC + 125x125 ad space for 1 year - Hidden Gems from Untold Treasures
3 PR4 backlink for 1 month plus 2 125x125 banner for 1 month - Online Games
* Nita's Random Thoughts
* Bohol Paradise

2nd Prize: $20 + 19,000 EC

* 20GB Web Hosting for 1 year plus 500EC - Glamorous-heart.info
* Custom Banner Design - Buy Templates - worth $99
$10 - Online Games
$5 + 1000 EC - Everything Under the Sun
$5 + 1000 EC - Opinion Pinoy
6000 EC - So Cute
3000 EC - The Holley Herald
1000 EC - Moolah Musings
5000 EC plus 125x125 ad space for 1 month - Show Me Your Interest **
1000 EC plus 125x125 ad space for 1 month - I Make Money Online
500 EC plus 125x125 ad space for 1 month - nameSherry
125x125 ad space for 1 month - Life's Journey
* Thomas Web Links
* Arts and Entertainment Center

3rd Prize: $15 + 15,000 EC

* Domain for 1 year - Life's Journey
* 1 Custom Logo Design from Logo Angel - worth $99
$5 + 500 EC - Spices of Life
$5 - Joro Livelihood
$5 - My Little Home
3000 EC - Unwakeable
2500 EC - History And Travel
2000 EC - Escape Games
1000 EC - Blessings and Beyond
1000 EC - Pink Thoughts
1000 EC - Definitely Maybe**
2000 EC plus 125x125 ad space for 1 month - e-Pamilya
1000 EC plus 125x125 ad space for 1 month - Bryan Karl
1000 EC plus 125x125 ad space for 1 month - PrettyStepDaughters
125x125 ad space for 1 month - The Designers Blog
* Thomas Travel Tales
* Great Finds and Deals

4rth Prize: $10 + 13,000 EC

* Domain for 1 year - Pinay Mommy Online
* Wordpress Template from Buy Templates - worth $60
$5 - Love in Distance
$5 + 1000 EC - Cooking's fun
2000 EC - Learn, Love, and Laugh Thru Blogging
2000 EC - A Moment To Exhale
2000 EC - Anything Goes
2000 EC - Digital Scrapbook Freebies
1000 EC - The Ruby Posts
1000 EC - Everything PLUS the Kitchen Sink**
500 EC plus 125x125 ad space for 1 month - Denise's Tips and More
1000 EC plus 125x125 ad space for 1 month - Blogs Contests
500 EC plus text links for 1 month - Chronic Chick Talk
125x125 ad space for 1 month - Love Is The Perfect Gift
* Batuananons
* (worth $10)PinayJadeDotCom

5TH Prize: $5 + 11,000 EC

* Wordpress Template from Buy Templates - worth $60
$5 - Wonderful Things In Life
2000 EC -My Online Paradise
2000 EC - Colorful World
2000 EC - Cyber-Pchi
1000 EC - Mommy Emotes
1000 EC - One at a Time**
1000 EC plus 125x125 ad space for 1 month - Blessings In Life
1000 EC plus 125x125 ad space for 1 month - Jobs In Davao
1000 Ec plus 125x125 ad space for 1 month - Just A Personal Blog
125x125 ad space for 1 month - The Joy Of Life Forever
* Nita's Corner
* Onine Giveaway Contest Directory

6TH Prize: 9,000 EC

* Blog Makeover - The Designers Blog
3000 EC - LadyJava's Lounge
2000 Ec - Aha Mama!
1500 EC - Serradinho.com
1000 EC - IndoContest
500 EC - MOMMAWANNABE
500 EC plus 125x125 ad space for 1 month - Dashing Beauty
500 EC plus 125x125 ad space for 1 month - Kharlota dot Com
125x125 ad space for 1 month - The Fountain Of Happiness
* Healthy Living and Lifestyle
* PR1 Glamorous-heart.info

7TH Prize: 8,000 EC

* Header design - SimplyWP
1000 EC - i LUV Contests
1000 EC - Posh Thoughts
1000 EC - Mary Anne's Musing
1000 EC - The Designer Chic
1000 EC - Made To Worship
1000 EC - Blog Tips and Tools Kit
1000 EC - My Daily Discourse
500 EC plus 125x125 ad space for 1 month - Live Love Pink
500 EC plus 125x125 ad space for 1 month - Lovely Pink
125x125 ad space for 1 month - MeiYah's Random Thoughts
* CompTechGadgets.com

8TH Prize: 7,000 EC

* Body Butter (50ml) with free shipping - All Natural Cosmetics
1000 EC - Rapid Shoots
1000 EC - Multidimension
1000 EC - Pinoy Blogger in Singapore
1000 EC - Pinoy Showbiz and Hollywood News
1000 EC - Make Money Online With Makoy
1000 EC - Makoy Pinoy Blogger
500 EC plus 125x125 ad space for 1 month - Beauty Of Life
500 EC plus 125x125 ad space for 1 month - Starts At two
125x125 ad space for 1 month - A Message From My Heart
* Filipino Online Community

9TH Prize: 6,000 EC

* Blog makeover - Femikey Designs
1000 Ec - Honeysweet Learning Center
1000 EC - Vsk8shop
1000 EC - Empowered Mom
1000 EC - Just The Tip Of The Iceberg
1000 EC - My Rendezvous
500 EC plus 125x125 ad space for 1 month - Money Maker
500 EC plus 125x125 ad space for 1 month - Tere's World
125x125 ad space for 1 month - Pinaymama's Diary
* Erlinda's Wandering Thoughts

10TH Prize: 5,000 EC

1000 EC - Programming The Life
1000 EC - Guilty Pleasures
1000 EC - My Point Of View
1000 EC - Ivory Tasks
500 EC plus 125x125 ad space for 1 month - Shopping
500 EC plus 125x125 ad space for 1 month - iLUVcontest
125x125 ad worth $15 1 month - Blazing Minds
* Work At Home Jobs

Consolation Prizes:

1. 1,000 EC + ad space
500 EC - Twins Happpiness
500 EC - Love's Haven
125x125 ad space for 1 month - Another Contest

2. 1,000 EC + ad space
500 EC - Affiliatizer.com
500 EC - There Is Happiness
125x125 ad space for 1 month - Sherry Contest

3. 1,000 EC + ad space
500 EC - Scandals Prime dot COM
500 EC - Blogger Templates
125x125 ad space for 1 month - Sherry Rambling

4. 1,000 EC + ad space
500 EC - The Pinay Blogger
500 EC - Heart Random
125x125 ad space for 1 month - Also Mommy

5. 1,000 EC + ad space
500 EC - Crafty Pinay
500 EC - Musings of a Vicks Inhaling Man
125x125 ad space for 1 month - Simple Life, Simple Me

6. 1,000 EC + ad space
500 EC - Wiehanne Lounge
500 EC - Asks Ms Recipe
125x125 ad space for 1 month - I Love/Hate America

7. 800 EC + ad space
500 EC - Medan Daily
300 EC - Euroangel Graffiti
125x125 ad space for 1 month - Only In Silence

8. 600 EC + ad space
300 EC - Travel And Discover USA
300 EC - The World Wide We Addict
125x125 ad space for 1 month - Life Expressions

9. 300 EC + ad space
300 EC - My Daily Nourishment
125x125 ad space for 1 month - This Is So Me

10. 300 EC + ad space
300 EC - Travel And Explore Germany
125x125 ad space for 1 month - PhotoMIAHgraphy

SPECIAL PRIZES:
-> 1 book - My Funny Dad, Harry - Sherry Contest
-> Semi-solid light red toddler hat, fits approx 2t-4t - John Doro
-> 1 Bungalow Brand Dress worth $65 - size 6 - Wonderful Things In Life
-> 1 Ashley Judd Bingo Shoes worth $40 - size 8.5 - My Life's Adventure
-> 1 Web color Expert Book worth 19.95 - The Joy Of Life Forever
-> 1 Web animation Expert book worth $24.95 - The Fountain Of Happiness
-> 1 God's Promises for Your Every Need Book worth $14.99 - A Message Of My Heart
-> 3 Sets of blank note cards - Love Is A Perfect Gift
-> 1 Hanes long sleeve crew neck solid color pink - Life's Journey
-> Mary Kay products worth $25 (perfume) - Filipina Stories

Extraordinary Kickoff Party

Join the Extraordinary Moms Kick off Party on February 9th. There will be lots of prizes!

Extraordinary Moms is a place for mom bloggers to hang out, meet other moms and share review opportunities.