There’s an incredible blogger and mom in Atlanta named Anissa. If you haven’t read her before, you should puruse her archives. She’s sassy, funny, smart, and strong.
She began blogging about her daughter’s fight against cancer awhile back. But now she’s in the hospital. She’s suffered a massive stroke.
Please send [...]
I’ve been looking for a new focus for this blog lately. And I think I’ve stumbled onto something with this listing of the little things I’m thankful for.
Obviously I’m thankful for a friends and family. But here’s a list of those little things you take for granted each day. Ya know?
Today I’m [...]
In keeping with the “30 Days of Thankfulness”, today I am thankful for family. Because when it comes to ”the boy” I can always blame other people’s genetics.
“Oh, he gets that from his FATHER’S SIDE.”
What are YOU thankful for?
Do you likey? Share why don't cha:
[...] A friend decided to do a 30 days of Thankfulness on her Facebook page. Isn’t that a cool idea? Afterall, nothing gets you through those tough days like taking stock of what you have.
Of course I’m thankful for family, friends, my dog and good health. We can talk more about that [...]
At the age of two he couldn’t say anything more than “ma-ee” and “no.” Now if Seth is in a room? There’s a rarely a silent moment.
He used to have a difficult time coordinating his upper and lower body while running. His arms and shoulders would droop while [...]
I remember when The Wiggles first game onto the kids entertainment scene here in the United States. They caused quite the sensation amongst toddlers and preschoolers. And even now, years later, they are still a very big deal to little fans who love to dance.
Did you know [...]
By the end of the summer of 1991, at the tender age of 18, I had my life all mapped out.
I was going to marry the man who ended up becoming my college sweetheart. We’d get married in ‘95, after I graduated with a degree in Journalism. We’d live in the same small [...]
It started years ago…
I’d have my back turned to make dinner while my son was on the floor playing. Abbeydog would walk past him. I’d turn around and say something like, “Leave puppy alone.” He was too young to talk. He’d look at me with a surprised expression as if [...]
Like most little boys, my son has an unyielding obsession with space-related subjects. He knows how many moons Saturn has, what the planet Mercury is made of and isn’t shy about expressing his opinion on how Pluto should really be considered a planet instead of a star.
So [...]
Sure the fam and I manage to eat healthy and stay active but when it is time for dessert? Well, we rarely bypass an opportunity to chow down on something sweet — preferably something containing chocolate.
I like to bake something weekly. But don’t always do so because I’m sort of lazy. [...]
Sarah discovered she had Ovarian Cancer after a routine gynecological check up. She was shocked. She was an active woman in her early 30’s. Fortunately, her cancer was at such an early stage, she required little more than surgery. She’s been fine ever since.
Amanada was diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer [...]
I often take my son back to my little hometown of Breese in Illinois– or rather the outskirts, to the home my parents have lived in for 30 years.
I live in the suburbs of St. Louis now. The trip to my parents’ house last a little more than an hour. And while [...]
KY Brand has been helping couples “get it on” since 1917. And now they’ve got a whole new product out there called KY Intense Arousal Gel For Her. The product is meant to increase sensation, resulting in a more intense and pleasurable sexual experience. In fact, according [...]
Update: Congrats to Molly Caple! You won this giveaway.
Yes, this is one of those sponsored posts. But there’s a GIVEAWAY. So I figured it was worth it for readers….
Hain Celestial Group is offering a bunch of healthy snacks and free coupons to help spread the word about their a [...]
“Mom. I can’t sleep”, my seven-year-old says. It is way past his bedtime. And we have a big day tomorrow.
“Will you lay by me? He pleads.
How can I look into those sweet little eyes and say “no?”
Afterall, it is about the only time he wants to cuddle these days. So I [...]
Dear Seth,
You turn seven tomorrow. And every time I think about it I tear up. So much has changed over the years. And while you’re excited about growing older and all it entails, it is a bittersweet experience for your mama.
We used to snuggle up in a rocking chair to read [...]
Kristie and I just launched (as in a few days ago) an online magazine devoting to parenting within the St. Louis area! StLFamilyLife.com touches base on childcare, products, friendships, romantic relationships, sex, education, fun stuff for you to do and a myriad of other topics. You don’t have to be [...]
Energetic little boys are tough to wear out. But I’ve been trying my best to tucker out the one I have. Hence, posting has been light lately.
Recently we did a “Seth’s Nirvana Day”. The day started with me cursing while trying to fit two bicycles into the back of my vehicle. [...]
Dear Norwegian Cruise Lines,
About a month ago, my husband and I took a “freestyle cruise” with Norwegian Cruise lines.
So what did we think of it? Well, I’m not privy to the “cruising experience” so I don’t really have anything to compare our trip to. But honestly? I just don’t get the [...]
She's got Bette Davis eyes...
Abbey dog is 10 1/2 years old. In human years? She’s in her mid to late 60’s. She’s 15 pounds heavier than she was 9 years ago. (Ok. I lied, she’s 17 pounds heavier.) She has lots of gray hairs growing around her face. And [...]
The door bell rings. I look toward the front door and see a pair of brown eyes staring back at me. It’s the little neighbor girl who’s Seth’s age. I smile and motion for her to come in. She stops by sometimes 4-5 times a day. She’s familiar with my [...]
Ten Years Ago Today
-I was 10 pounds lighter.
-There were snow flurries that morning and plenty of wind.
-I cursed the cold because the weather had been beautiful the weekend before.
-I wore a white dress, high heels, and awkwardly held a few calla lilies as my dad walked me down [...]
I’ve been blogging for more than four years now. During that time, I’ve learned alot about motherhood, friendship, marriage and children. I’ve cheered other bloggers on in their battles. Others have cheered me on in mine. It has been a meaningful, monumental journey. And I’ve met some incredible, inspiring people along [...]
So I just realized that I can no longer post giveaways on this blog since a certain ad network says I can’t. So I’ve taken the previous post down. And instead I’ll just give you a link to the giveaway via my review blog. Here ya go!
Anyone who entered on [...]
No more nasty chemicals! That’s what Ecostore USA’s non-toxic Household Cleaning, Baby, Pet and Personal Care Products promise. Ecostore’s gone back to nature and uses only plant-based ingredients. In other words, no toxic petrochemicals, lauryl or laureth sulphates, propylene glycol, dyes, parabens, or cocamide DEA.
Recently, I [...]
This past year was a year of intense personal growth for me. If I told you that I didn’t spend alot of last year questioning my sanity, my self worth, my everything, I’d be lying. I no longer feel like the same woman I used to be. I’ve learned alot this past [...]
This week we have two giveaways! One for you and one for your child!
Giveaway # 1
Eric Ruhalter saw that when it comes to parenthood, and describing certain experiences, words within the English language can only get us so far. That’s why he wrote, “The KidDictionary: A Book of [...]
The giveaways I had scheduled for this week? Sorry but it ain’t gonna happen. I’ve got a child who’s been sick for three days. There’s even been a visit to a clinic and then onto an ER this morning to boot! And its looking like he won’t be up for [...]
Because a dear friend wanted to write a something for her little boy on his birthday, (which is today) she’s guestblogging for today. Giveaway Monday is postponed til tomorrow.
Recently my friend turned thirty. He had asked me for some “words of wisdom” on turning 30. I wanted to smack him, as [...]
First up. A big “thank you” to Kristie for redesigning my site. She’s a huge talent and is great to work with.
Alrighty then… We’ve got two prizes for this week’s giveaway:
The first prize is for a bundle of three gift certificates for “Joy of Cooking” [...]
Recently, I also saw a bio on *Jenna Jameson on E! This woman is a legend in the world of porn and has even had some mainstream projects. When she was in porn, she could pick and choose her projects and could even call the shots on the set. [...]
Giveaway Monday is a bit late this week. But no worries. We’ve got another great product to give away. Its a little something to help turn back the time. RoC RetinolCorrexion Deep Wrinkle Serum and Night Cream. These products are a great one-two punch for [...]
When Seth was around preschool age and he’d get upset, we’d often try to sort out the matter by talking, snuggling and rocking. Once he’d calm down he’d burrow his face into my chest. (I know! Insert your own “motorboat” joke here.) In his words, he was “wipin’ ob-fff da ca-wi-yin.” [...]
The people at Johnson & Johnson have much to celebrate these days. As of 2009, they’ve been helping parents take care of their babies for 50 years. Plus, they’ve also recently launched two new products from the No More Tears line. There’s now a Johnson’s Bubble Bath & Wash as [...]
Remember that Pizza Hut giveaway from last week? Well, we have winners! Congrats to Maria Joy, Stefani and Shania. If a gift card isn’t claimed by this coming Friday, the alternate, Dawn Taylor, will get a card.
As for the Planetjill giveaway held this past week? Heather won. [...]
I should have known better than to announce a pregnancy in the first trimester. I should have known better than to let the fertility gods know we were thrilled with their decision. And I should have known better than to start cleaning out my office, thinking of it now as “the baby’s room”. Because today [...]
Planetjill is offering YOU $10.00 off your purchase! Just enter “mommyblog” when you check out of the site.
Earlier this month, I waxed poetic about how much I love, love, LOVE my Planetjill necklace. Seriously, I wanted to shout that out from the roof top. But being [...]
In hindsight, this surprise pregnancy shouldn’t have been that much of a “surprise” to us. Looking back I realize we were teasing and taunting the fertility gods. They saw what was going on and decided, “Hey, that couple looks like they get at least seven consistent hours of sleep a night. And [...]
Congrats to out to Christine who won the Super Bowl Giveaway!
If you aren’t Christine don’t dispair, because this week there’s a new giveaway. (And trust me, the prize is one that would be welcomed at any Super Bowl party.)
Some very cool peeps want to get the word out about Pizza Hut’s [...]
This Christmas season I was a lucky recipient of a Planetjill necklace. And I love it so much I want to shout it from the rooftops. But since it is far too cold outside, I’m just going to write about it instead. K?
I was familiar [...]
One quiet evening after ”the boy” was off to bed, the hubby offered to make me cosmo. (We’d started having a drink at night now and again when we were alone. It was a lovely way to sit down, talk about our days, and relax.)
I told him to wait before he made that drink. My period was late and I should probably [...]
A few weeks ago, hubby was watching the original version of The Manchurian Candidate.
In one scene a woman walks into the kitchen, turns on the tv and sits on her love interest’s lap. The main character says, “My dear there are two types of people in this world”. He goes on to explain those two [...]
Dear Sleep.
You have been an elusive little minx for quite some time now. A first you started teasing me in my 20’s here and there but now in my mid 30’s, you’ve decided to really put the screws to me. Sure you’d let me catch you for a little bit but [...]
As I embark on my 37th year of life, there’s one gift I’d love to have.
I’d love to quit the anxieties and negative thoughts that constantly ping-pong in my mind. I’d love to not feel self-conscious and awkward when I talk to people. I’d like to learn how to accept [...]
My son and I had this conversation this past week.
Me: Hey Seth, Let’s watch Sound of Music.
Seth: Does it have robots?
Me: No. It’s about some mischievous kids and their nanny.
Seth: Does it have light sabers?
Me: No. But it’s a cute movie. Someone plays the guitar. Give [...]
He flits around the room, from one activity to the next. He’s always moving and talking — as if there’s something internally and eternally propelling him noisily onward. Unfinished pages of coloring books fill his art drawer. He is impulsive, often interrupting others’ conversations. He has trouble following directions. He’s [...]
Once upon a time a middle-aged couple went on a little vacation. It had been years since the couple had gone away without the kids and they were very excited by the adventure that awaited them. Not only were they looking forward to sleeping in and having uninterupted conversations, they were [...]
You get to know quite a bit about the inner-workings of other households when you host a playdate or volunteer in the school classroom. Kids have no filter when it comes to sharing. And they are happy to share all sorts of stories. Sometimes it makes you giggle: “Dad’s sick today. Mom told [...]
This past spring, while flying home from New Jersey, I sat next to a very nice man. For most of the flight, he had slept. But toward the end, we started chatting. When I asked him where he lived, he said “oh just a little town in Illinois. You’ve probably never heard of it. [...]
I know this is late but… The Rofl awards are back, thanks to Oh the Joys and Chicky, Chicky Baby. If you haven’t seen their list yet, take a look. But don’t forget to read the one I nominated from Hola Isabel on her recent vacation at a nudist resort.
Speaking [...]
At first glance she seemed to be an ordinary mom shopping for candy. But something made me give her a second look. When I realized who she was, I shook with anger. I hightailed it out of Target. I had to. (Or else I’d be at the police right now being [...]
Last night the hubs and I, along with several supafun couples, spent the evening at an amazing Italian restaurant in Town and Country.
We earlybirds sat at the bar having cocktails. And when everyone arrived, we found a private room especially prepared for our group.
Marc hasn’t been at his current employer for two years yet, [...]
Dear Seth’s teacher,
You are a kind, enthusiastic, energetic, amazing teacher with the patience of a saint. Seth loves you. The hubs and I adore you too.
But that boy is playing you…
For the record, I do send him to school with two snacks a day. He’s only telling you he doesn’t [...]
This is one very proud boy. Why? Well, do you see that gap? He lost his first tooth today (literally) at school.
Apparently when he realized he lost it, (in a hallway) everyone started hunting for the tooth. But there was no success. He was very upset. [...]
Everyone has those dirty little secret snacks hiding somewhere in their house. Ok. Maybe you don’t, but we do!
So when Parent Bloggers Network asked bloggers everywhere what’s in the our panties? (er uh, PANTRIES. Typo but I’m keeping it.) I felt compelled to share.
Now that Seth’s in school [...]
Last week, the hubby and I spent a morning at a fine local hospital. The experience included drinking some sort of liquid mixed with 7-Up, waiting around, drinking more of it, then ultimately having a futuristic-looking medical machine, (that looks a lot like a Stargate ) take fancy x-rays of my insides.
The drink I [...]
When we talked about the upcoming start of school, Seth hadn’t expressed anything but excitement. So when the “big day” arrived, sunny and promising, he was ready. He was armed with a cool haircut, wearing his prized Sketchers, and was ready for the action. Or so I thought.
Ten minutes before the bus [...]
Ever since this past spring, “the boy” has been angling for a pair Sketchers. (What is so magical about Sketchers? No clue.) He finally got his wish a few days ago. He’s so proud of his recent “back-to-school” acquisition. He walks with a new-found spring in his step. He swears they [...]
Wow, what a difference two weeks makes. Am feeling back to my old self and ready to tackle anything. Learned alot the past few weeks. Here’s some tidbits I’d like to (over) share.
*A cancer scare puts alot of things into perspective. And it makes you and your spouse appreciate each other all the more.
*Is [...]
To make a long story short - On Monday I went to the ER. I had experienced intense stomach pain (and burning) for days. I couldn’t eat, hardly slept, felt nauseous and was miserable. Cat scans revealed a large mass in the colon area that doctors interpreted as a tumor. They told me to [...]
*Updated update (Thursday) - another cat scan scheduled for today. This time to look into the chest at lymph nodes. Possible surgery for another biopsy depending on cat scan. There is a part of the colon that hasn’t been getting enough blood flow. There is also a mass around that part of the [...]
Cancer. That word scares the hell out of most people — especially those who’ve watched loved ones battle such an evil, unyielding force. The mere mention of the word has always made me shiver. But yesterday one of my biggest fears were realized. Yesterday I found out that I have [...]
Lately, I’ve notice something saddening.
My bond with “the boy” seems weakened. We don’t play like we used to. We don’t act silly together anymore. And I’m missing him. I crave time with him. I’ve gotten so into this blogging thing (writing for other blogs, my own and a few other projects) that I [...]
One of Seth’s favorite things to do is climb the tree in our front yard. He loves to sit on his favorite branch then peer down at us “little people” as if to survey his kingdom. A few weeks ago, when he heard we’d need to trim some [...]
In a few days, hordes of women will descend upon San Francisco for BlogHer. Many will party like rock-stars. (’Specially the women who are away from their children for several days.) There will be laughter, girl shrieks, lots of fun, cool swag, and probably sprinkles of drama/controversy thrown in for good measure. [...]
This incredibly touching post is from a dear blog friend on the anniversary of her mother’s death. She wishes to remain anonymous.
“What do you mean you don’t believe in God?!”
My mother was angry. Very angry. I was 17 years old and being a smart ass, arguing about an existence of [...]
Some people will notice that many a St. Louisian (but not all mind you) pronounce words like “forty” as “farty.” Highway “forty-four” is “highway farty-far.” A “fork” is a “fark.”
So it came as no surprise today when my Star Wars-obsessed son, who was rubbing balloons on his head then sticking them [...]
Years ago, my sister-in-law Nic was telling me about the “100-word story.” The premise behind the exercise is to tell a story in 100 words or less. There’s even a website devoted to the practice.
Its actually alot of fun to start pulling together your own story when you’re forced [...]
Have you ever watched someone and knew that they were caught up in happiness? It is a gift to see someone in that situation and know that they completely in their element. They exude energy — as if every cell in their body is joyful.
A few weeks ago, I got to [...]
So “the boy” wants to be a rock-star when he grows up. He has no other career plans as of late. So we decided that if he wants to “rock the house”? He probably needs to, you know, learn a musical instrument.
He was angling for the drums or the electric guitar. [...]
The masterminds behind the Parent Bloggers Network (oh and my super awesome bosses, since I help them with some of their campaigns) have asked a burning question regarding your swimwear. What do YOU wear when you go to the pool or beach?
The answer (for me) is… I try to avoid both places as much as [...]
You find out that your hubby’s ex-girlfriend (aka his high school sweetheart, whom he dated on and off in college then lived with for awhile after college, then dated casually after they broke up, and stopped seeing for good once he started dating you) is a brain surgeon who has helped to develop a brain [...]
Recently Kristin’s boys were talking about the phrases she uses most often — so often they’d probably end up on her tombstone. And then she asked her readers, “what phrases will be on your tombstone?”
Here are some of mine:
“Are you wearing underwear? Because we can’t go to grandma’s unless you’re wearing [...]
After almost three hours of hard labor, the doctor held up the newborn as if presenting a trophy. After the baby boy was swaddled and given a chance to nurse, he was quickly whisked away for a wash.
A few minutes later, the nurse walked into the worn out woman’s room carrying the new little person.
“What [...]
See this? This, my friends, is more than a simple squirrel feeder. Because the pup loves to chase squirrels, this is what we call an “Abbeydog Exerciser2000″.
But its not just an Abbeydog Exerciser. Since we love to watch Abbey chase after those squirrels, (Sometimes you can see the [...]
The other night a group of superfun, scorching-hot chicks (and lame-o me) were out having drinks at a dive bar we’ve frequented quite a bit in the past. A strapping young guy (with all of the cockiness and swagger that only a man in his mid-20’s can get away with) walked up to [...]
Hey, there’s a post about how you can now customize your Fruit Roll-Ups on my review site. And there’s a chance to WIN a FREE box of your own! You can enter here by leaving a comment about what you would design if you had your druthers. Or you can enter at Midwestern [...]
The back yard needed to be spiffed up. So this Monday, I decided this was The Day to tackle all of the leaf raking — at least in the outdoor play area. I raked and raked, formed leaf pile after leaf pile, then started stuffing the leaves into [...]
The hubby and I were one of those couples who couldn’t wait to find out the sex of our baby. I remember the moment we laid eyes on our little boy — and his privates. There he was in black and white, grainy glory — giving us the finger.
My first thought was [...]
I’m so sorry I haven’t been reading too many (if any) blogs lately. The last few weeks have been crazy. (Like the time I had five writing deadlines, made three trips to the doctor and one trip to the vet in the course of 5 days.) As I look at my day planner, [...]
I’ll never forget that first year of Seth’s life. I envisioned us going to the St. Louis zoo, Bontanical Gardens, The Jewel Box, St. Louis Science Center, Laumeier Sculpture Park, and Art Museum so often employees would know us by our first names. I was going to [...]
This past weekend I went with a group of superfun chicks to the Beale Street Music Festival in Memphis. T’was fun (until I freaked out Saturday evening). It was a trip filled with “firsts”. Here’s the run down…
The first night of the festival was rainy in a big, bad way. Despite rain gear, the [...]
That little ole holiday called “Mother’s Day” is just around the corner. Julie and Kristen, the masterminds behind Parent Blogging Network, are asking moms everywhere how we’d like to be recognized this Mother’s Day. Ladies? So glad you asked!
First off, the hubby can skip the flowers. The easiest way to get [...]
It had come on so slowly that I hadn’t even noticed. It snuck up on me — this thick fog, this black funk, this leaded fatigue.
At first I shrugged it off, thinking it was a series of bad days. Then I thought it was PMS. Then I thought I just needed more sleep. [...]
Remember the “Namethis laptop” contest? Well, last night “the boy” took a break from hissuper busy schedule ofgoing to school, pestering the dog, stinking up the bathroom, begging for candy,riding his bike, evading showersand playing outside. He really got a kick out of the names ya’ll submitted. He gave [...]
I know there are people that say laptops are not hazardous to one’s health but I beg to differ.
Like when you are using your laptop at your snackbar in your kitchen. And you get off the stool, take a step and trip over the battery cord. And hit your head [...]
As of last Saturday I became the owner of a laptop. You are laughing, aren’t you? Because you’re on your third one…
I didn’t care what it looked like — it just couldn’t weigh more than my son (40 pounds) and had to do what I wanted it to do WHEN [...]
Caution: Bitchy rant that will probably makeyou think less of me ahead.
Most mornings, you can find my son and I in the breakfast nook. His brow is furrowed. My temper is tested. There is alot teeth grinding onbothour parts. I’m talking homework.
Wesit together for almost an houreach morning. Since his [...]
Society and business are beginning to understand the power of the blogger — not just in entertaining the masses but in shaping opinions, educating the public and building networks. This brave new world– a large part of what is now known as”social media”– is onefull of emerging opportunities. But it [...]
S: “Mom, I’ve been thinking alot lately.”
Me: “What about?”
S: “Well, I just don’t know how anyone could not like me.”
Me: “Well, I don’t know how anyone could not like you either.”
S: “I know! Its like….ItsIMPOSSIBLE to not like me!”
Me: “You’re right. You’re cute, cuddly, fun and you’re very kind to [...]
So I just got back from a certain conference with a certain manufacturer in New Jersey. (Yeah, I know! I have NO clue why they’d invite me either.) I can’t wait to talk about the all expenses paid trip but will have to do so on my review blog.
My computer [...]
Mamma Loves has always known she was adopted.
What she didn’t know was her ethnicity. Where didher blue eyes and freckles come from? People typically assume she’s Irish. Is she or isn’t she? That’sone of thequestion about her heritage thatshe’s been dying to know for a multitude of years.
And that’s [...]
Dana, aka dear friend/stylist extraordinaire is probably still hiding in her basement, rocking back and forth in a corner as we speak.Turns out I have freak hair. Freak with a capital “F.”
As in some spots on my head absorb various dyes super fast, whilesomeare incredibly [...]
Thisafternoon, I havea date with afeisty and funny friend namedDana. (No, notthefunny and feisty blogger friendnamedDana. Although the two do have lots in common which is probably why I love ‘em both!) It has been decided that we will do a little something called “margarita hair.”
Margarita hair:Your beloved friend [...]
She’s not one to walk into a room. She sashays into a room. Sheowns the room.
People don’t just notice her — they are entranced by her.
She may bepetite but she’s got this larger than life personality. Within the first minute of meeting her you can’t help but realizethat she [...]
My heart is so heavy these days.
I have a difficult enough time sleeping. But when I travel its far worse. I’m really weird about noise, pillows, texture of blankets, mattressesand a few other things. Usually I don’t manage more than an hour or two a night when on the road. [...]
Hi Ya’ll!
How are ya? I haven’t visited too many blogs last week (if any actually). Life is happening at an even MORE insane pace than usual. The winds of change keep swirling around. Some of thechange is good. Some of thechange is sad. And some of thechange can’t really be [...]
Once upon a time, many years ago, there lived a sweet little pup by the name of Abbey. Abbey was a needy little creature of almost nine months. Being that her daddy traveled quite a bit,Abbey would follow him all over the house whenever he was home.
Earlieron afateful Saturday, unbeknown [...]
