Contest!! Build your own Marble Ramp!

*photo from kidmade website

This is an AWESOME idea for kids and parents to participate in together. The idea? Build the longest marble ramp using only duct tape and cardboard. You ARE allowed, however, to use things such as walls, tables and chairs to prop it up.

Go here to check it out and read how to enter (it's really easy).

You have until the end of August to complete it! Be sure to comment here and let us know if you choose to participate! We'd love to feature ALL of our readers' photos of their ramps on our blog post!

And...just in case you haven't already signed up for our $50 Gift Certificate Giveaway for Good for the Kids, you can do so here :)

A little Comic Relief

Alex sent this funny video. Thanks, Alex!

Parenting 101 Part VII

*Received these in an email. They were not credited. If you are the creator/owner or know who is, please let me know so I can credit them!

Parenting 101 Part VI

*Received these in an email. They were not credited. If you are the creator/owner or know who is, please let me know so I can credit them!

Parenting 101 Part V

*Received these in an email. They were not credited. If you are the creator/owner or know who is, please let me know so I can credit them!

Gifts?

I love the tradition of Mother's (and Father's) Day. --I love that on this day, we celebrate the Mothers in our lives, regardless of whether they are OUR mothers or someone else's.

I've made a list of gifts I think are pretty cool, let me know which of these YOU would like...or what's on your wishlist! (Click on pictures for more info)

A Sleepy Wrap! These are soooo comfy and great for holding babies and toddlers against you while you do WHATEVER. PLUS they are SO adjustable...so they grow with baby...and you...and can be shared between husband and wife...or grandparents...or babysitters ...or anyone!

I thought this spice set was REALLY cool. It comes in a nifty box - and is a complete set of "thai seasonings." HOWEVER, I wouldn't JUST buy this for mom. Try adding some bling, flowers, or something (like thai cooking lessons for 2, you and her...)

This necklace is adorable and just says "motherhood" to me. I love how simple it is...

I love this set! They are all pincushions! One is a ring that is light enough to wear, but you can have easy access to your pins while sewing!

This body scrub is mmm-delicious. In fact, their whole line of products sounds scrum-delicious.


And, then: What I received!:

For some reason, I love cupcakes. Not just eating them, but I think they are adorable! I asked for a cupcake pin cushion, and here is what hubs bought me (and he knows how I adore hand-crafted). LOVE it! (Mine had red/pink pins)

I didn't ask for this book, so it was a (welcomed) complete surprise! I'm so excited to start reading it! (It's actually a compilation of a series of 3 books)

I love learning about natural methods and medicines. I wanted something, though, more focused on children - and this is one of the best books out there!

Another natural medicine book. Did I mention I love reading? This one is a VERY comprehensive guide to different alternative medicines for ailments from A to Z, as well as some more conventional medicines.

What are you hoping for for Mother's Day? And, if you are buying a gift for someone (your wife, your mom, etc.), what are you buying??

How to say "mother" in different languages

Language	Mother
Afrikaans	Moeder, Ma
Albanian	Nënë, Mëmë
Arabic	Ahm
Belarusan	Matka
Bolognese	Mèder
Bosnian/ Bulgarian	Majka
Brazilian/Portuguese	Mãe
Chechen	Nana
Croatian	Mati, Majka
Czech	Abatyse
Danish	Mor
Dutch	Moeder, Moer
English	Mother, Mama, Mom
Finnish	Äiti
French	Mère, Maman
German	Mutter
Greek	Màna
Hawaiian	Makuahine
Hindi	Ma, Maji
Hungarian	Anya, Fu
Icelandic	Móðir
Indonesian	Induk, Ibu, Biang, Nyokap
Irish	Máthair
Italian	Madre, Mamma
Japanese	Okaasan, Haha
Judeo/Spanish	Madre
Latin	Mater
Macedonian	Majka
Marathi	Aayi
Mongolian	`eh
Norwegian	Madre
Persian	Madr, Maman
Polish	Matka, Mama
Portuguese	Mãe
Punjabi	Mai, Mataji, Pabbo
Romanian	Mama, Maica
Russian	Mat'
Serbian	Majka
Slovak	Mama, Matka
Spanish	Madre, Mamá, Mami
Swedish	Mamma, Mor, Morsa
Swiss/German	Mueter
Turkish	Anne, Ana, Valide
Ukrainian	Mati
Urdu	Ammee
Welsh	Mam
Yiddish	Muter
Zeneize	Moæ

Source: http://festivals.iloveindia.com/mothers-day/mother-in-different-languages.html

Parenting 101 Part IV

*Received these in an email. They were not credited. If you are the creator/owner or know who is, please let me know so I can credit them!

Parenting 101 Part III

*Received these in an email. They were not credited. If you are the creator/owner or know who is, please let me know so I can credit them!

Parenting 101 Part II

*Received these in an email. They were not credited. If you are the creator/owner or know who is, please let me know so I can credit them!

Parenting 101

**All images are from an email I received, I do not know where they originate from. If you are the creator or know who is, please email me so I can give credit.

Top 10 Signs You Are A Mom...

I found this on Goodies For Mom's blog...and thought I'd play along.

Here are my Top 10 Signs You Are A Mom (Or a Dad):

1. You hope ketchup is a veggie...because it's the only one your kid eats.
2. Not only have you mastered the "bedhead" look...you've also mastered the "I haven't showered in days" and the "I haven't really slept in months" look
3. It's 3 PM and you are still in your pjs. (Okay, that's if you are a SAHM/SAHD lol)
4. You stop criticizing the way your parents raised you. - That, and spanking starts to make a lot more sense.
5. You find yourself cutting your sandwiches (even if it isn't for the kids) in cute little shapes and peeling the crust off...or chopping everything into tiny bite-sized pieces.
6. You begin fantasizing about playing cowboys and indians or hide and seek...just so you can tie them up and hide (or just hide if the game is hide and seek).
7. You are so desperate for adult conversation that you tell your problems to the telemarketer...and they hang up on YOU!
8. You are out with your friends and you excuse yourself to go "potty"
9. You measure your time in cartoon increments "You can watch ONE backyardigans...and then off to bed!"
10. You just spent 3 hours doing heavy duty cleaning: scrubbing, mopping, dishes, vacuuming, dusting, picking up...and in 10 minutes...it looks like you haven't done anything at all.
And a bonus: Somedays you wonder if you really are cut out to do this at all...but you know you'd never ever trade...not for anything.

Comic Strip Character

For some of us, our lives span out much like a comic strip (or a daytime soap opera). Well...for Jim at BusyDad, it's actually really true. Jim, and his friend Jeff have teamed up to bring to life the Busydad Tales! Busydad Tales are drawn up by Jeff - but are based on Jim's life as a dad. So, go check it out - you won't be sorry!

Bull.

For obvious reasons, I generally stray away from political talk on here. Although...I thought this was pretty hilarious...and yet, so true.

Warning: Repeated use "Bullsh*t" in this video.



Poll: Bullshit Is Most Important Issue For 2008 Voters

A favor to ask...

Would you please please please go vote for me? If you'll click each of the black buttons on the left and then just hit the "vote" button! Pretty please!?

Meme: Interview

Meme #1: The Chain Email Meme
Jim at BusyDad tagged me for this one. You should really check out his site, once you're done here (of course)!

1. How long have you been blogging?
On this blog...just a few months. Blogging in general? A few years. I tend to use different blogs for different things, and I like it that way!

2. What inspired you to start a blog and who are your mentors?
I like being able to express my feelings and still receive comments on my entries. And, for this blog...I just love telling people about the great new products and services I've found...as well sharing information and hosting giveaways!

3. Are you trying to make money online, or just doing it for fun?
Mostly for fun. But hey, if I make some money along the way or get published somewhere...I don't think I'd be opposed to that!

4. What 3 things do you love about being online?
I can connect with people just like me all over the world, at any time and they can't see the baby spit-up on my pajamas...or the fact that it's noon and I'm still wearing them.

I can do 5 things all at once. I can read emails while I chat and tons of other stuff. And it's so quick!

So many resources for EVERYTHING...and at my fingerprints at ALL times!

5. What 3 things do you struggle with online?
Emails that think certain parts of my anatomy need to be enlarged (I'm a woman dangit!) and that I'd be interested in sending cash to people I've never met. Can we say spam?

My daughter thinks she needs on the internet/computer too...she's 9 months old.

I think I have an addiction.

My turn to interview some folks. Let’s see, how about:

Diana at ModmamasFabFaves

Vonetta at Wordsies

Lois at GoodiesForMom

MELBS at SuchSimplePleasures

150 before 150?

I found this over at Blog In My Eye and another version in In The Life Of A Child and thought I'd play along. So here goes! Be sure to link back to me if you choose to do it (and let me know!)

The idea: Bold everything you've ever done. And, do what you haven't yet.

01. Bought everyone in the bar a drink
02. Swam with wild dolphins
03. Climbed a mountain
04. Taken a Ferrari for a test drive
05. Been inside the Great Pyramid
06. Held a tarantula
07. Taken a candlelit bath with someone
08. Said “I love you” and meant it
09. Hugged a tree
10. Bungee jumped
11. Visited Paris
12. Watched a lightning storm at sea
13. Stayed up all night long and saw the sun rise
14. Seen the Northern Lights
15. Gone to a huge sports game - Well, it was kind of huge
16. Walked the stairs to the top of the leaning Tower of Pisa - Can you even do this now?
17. Grown and eaten your own vegetables
18. Touched an iceberg
19. Slept under the stars
20. Changed a baby’s diaper
21. Taken a trip in a hot air balloon
22. Watched a meteor shower
23. Gotten drunk on champagne - It was wine...but close enough.
24. Given more than you can afford to charity
25. Looked up at the night sky through a telescope
26. Had an uncontrollable giggling fit at the worst possible moment
27. Had a food fight
28. Bet on a winning horse
29. Asked out a stranger
30. Had a snowball fight
31. Screamed as loudly as you possibly can - I tend to do this in pillows
32. Held a lamb
33. Seen a total eclipse
34. Ridden a roller coaster
35. Hit a home run - It's not my fault nobody was watching
36. Danced like a fool and not cared who was looking
37. Adopted an accent for an entire day - I actually just had no accent for an entire day, carefully pronunciating every word
38. Actually felt happy about your life, even for just a moment
39. Had two harddrives for your computer - My husband is kind of a geek, what can I say?
40. Visited all 50 states
41. Taken care of someone who was drunk
42. Had/Have amazing friends
43. Danced with a stranger in a foreign country
44. Watched whales
45. Stolen a sign
46. Backpacked in Europe
47. Taken a road-trip
48. Gone rock climbing
49. Midnight walk on the beach
50. Gone sky diving
51. Visited Ireland
52. Been heartbroken longer than you were actually in love
53. In a restaurant, sat at a stranger’s table and had a meal with them
54. Visited Japan
55. Milked a cow
56. Alphabetized your cds
57. Pretended to be a superhero
58. Sung karaoke
59. Lounged around in bed all day
60. Played touch football
61. Gone scuba diving - Snorkeling, yes. Scuba, no.
62. Kissed in the rain
63. Played in the mud
64. Played in the rain
65. Gone to a drive-in theater
66. Visited the Great Wall of China
67. Started a business
68. Fallen in love and not had your heart broken
69. Toured ancient sites
70. Taken a martial arts class
71. Played D&D for more than 6 hours straight
72. Gotten married
73. Been in a movie
74. Crashed a party
75. Gotten divorced - I don't think this is on my top 150 list. I'm changing it to... Go to Sandals Resort in Jamaica
76. Gone without food for 5 days - Again, I'd prefer not to do this.
77. Made cookies from scratch
78. Won first prize in a costume contest
79. Ridden a gondola in Venice
80. Gotten a tattoo I've had henna and temporary, I'm such a bad ass
81. Rafted the snake river
82. Been on television news programs as an “expert”
83. Gotten flowers for no reason
84. Performed on stage
85. Been to Las Vegas
86. Recorded music
87. Eaten shark
88. Kissed on the first date
89. Gone to Thailand
90. Bought a house
91. Been in a combat zone
92. Buried one/both of your parents - Don't really want to do this one either...hey, I thought this was going to be a cool list of things to do before you are 150?
93. Been on a cruise ship
94. Spoken more than one language fluently - Sure, it only lasted for a couple of sentences though
95. Performed in a Rocky Horror Picture Show
96. Raised children - in progress
97. Followed your favorite band/singer on tour
98. Passed out cold - not for the reason you’re wondering about
99. Taken an exotic bicycle tour in a foreign country
100. Picked up and moved to another city to just start over
101. Walked the Golden Gate Bridge
102. Sang loudly in the car, and didn’t stop when you knew someone was looking
103. Had plastic surgery
104. Survived an accident that you shouldn’t have survived
105. Wrote articles for a large publication
106. Lost over 100 pounds - I hope it never comes to this
107. Held someone while they were having a flashback
108. Piloted an airplane
109. Touched a stingray
110. Broken someone’s heart
111. Helped an animal give birth
112. Won money on a TV game show
113. Broken a bone
114. Gone on an African photo safari
115. Had a facial part pierced other than your ears
116. Fired a rifle, shotgun, or pistol
117. Eaten mushrooms that were gathered in the wild - Maybe I should start asking about my mushrooms?
118. Ridden a horse
119. Had major surgery
120. Had a snake as a pet - It was only for a weekend...and it stayed in the cooler outside. It was for show and tell at school for Monday. It was a rattlesnake. I had the coolest show and tell.
121. Hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon
122. Slept 30 hours in a 48 hour time frame
123. Visited more foreign countries than U.S. states
124. Visited all 7 continents
125. Taken a canoe trip that lasted more than 2 days
126. Eaten kangaroo meat
127. Eaten sushi
128. Had your picture in the newspaper
129. Changed someone’s mind about something you care deeply about
130. Gone back to school
131. Parasailed
132. Touched a cockroach
133. Eaten fried green tomatoes
134. Read “The Iliad”
135. Selected one “important” author who you missed in school, and read
136. Killed and prepared an animal for eating - I helped
137. Skipped all your school reunions
138. Communicated with someone without sharing a common spoken language
139. Been elected to public office
140. Written your own computer language
141. Thought to yourself that you’re living your dream
142. Had to put someone you love into hospice care
143. Built your own PC from parts
144. Sold your own artwork to someone who didn’t know you
145. Had a booth at a street fair
146. Dyed your hair
147. Been a DJ
148. Shaved your head
149. Caused a car accident
150. Saved someone’s life - This one is possible on a few different accounts...it's kind of one of those things you just never know...

Thursday Thirteen...A day late

As it is...my luck isn't always something to brag about. It wasn't until FRIDAY that I found this meme for Thursday. Basically, you write 13 New Years Resolutions. I just met some great new bloggers who participated (which is how I found out), so I'm tagging myself for this one. And you guys are just going to have to get over the fact that it is now Friday and almost Saturday. lol

1. I want to catch up on my scrapbooking for Lorelei. In fact, I want to start attending Friday Night Crops on a regular basis.

2. I plan to write some great informative articles and have them published.

3. I want to open up an etsy shop

4. I want to spend some time crafting items for said etsy shop!

5. I want to learn how to make pretty baked (and decorated) cakes. The buy-worthy kind. The $50 cake kind!

6. I want to learn to make some AWESOME HEALTHY meals...that taste great and even look great

7. I want to learn to ballroom dance.

8. I want to travel to another country (like Jamaica...teehee!)

9. I want to be stronger in my faith and lead others by example

10. I plan to become a Kindergarten Sunday School Teacher

11. I want to take more pictures, and learn more about my camera

12. I MUST have Adobe Photoshop for Macs. I HAVE to!

13. I WILL do everything on this list.

5 days until Christmas! (Giveaway)

Wow! Can you believe it? Only 5 more days until Christmas! And, in the spirit of giving, we decided to have another giveaway!

We'd like you to browse through the following links and find FIVE items that you would love to have. Then come back and comment on this post, telling us what they are! We want to know! We will select up to 5 lucky winners (depending on the turnout) and surprise them with something special!

So, get clicking! - And don't forget to tell us your faves!

www.momspit.com
www.burpcatcher.com
www.mothersintuition.com
www.adenandanais.com
www.babybistrobrands.com
www.firstimpressionsbaby.com
www.wordsies.com
www.custommadeforkids.com
www.bocabeth.com
www.happygreenbee.com
www.babeease.com
www.sweettaia.com
www.prissypoofs.com
www.babyrockapparel.com
www.prettyposhprincess.com
www.nowitspersonalconfections.com
www.susanmurphyinc.com


Now, go! Don't forget to come back with FIVE products you'd love to have! You can "shop" at any of the stores above! There WILL be prizes!

Shower Game Winner: Marykate

Congratulations Marykate! You have won our baby shower game! You will be receiving your prize soon!

Thank you to everyone who played! We picked the winner by having someone randomly guess a number and then we counted down until we got to that person.

And now...to the shower...and gifts!