5 thanks- September and MY FIRST GIVEAWAY!

I'm not gonna lie-- September 2010 has not been the most fun month of my entire adult life. However, it has definitely had some high points.

Here are just a few:

1. My Bible Study

I love, love, love Beth Moore Bible studies. If you've never participated in one, I highly, highly recommend them. And if you can't find one to participate in, her books are fabulous as well. My personal favorite is Believing God. I learned so much about the difference in believing God exists and believing He truly is who He says He is through doing that study.

 Anyway, I am thrilled to be participating in a study of one of her newer books-- Here and Now..Then and There, where we are working our way through the book of Revelation. Beth just words things and relates things in such a way that I can't help but admire and respect her. God has truly given her a gift, and I am so thankful to get to wallow around in it for a few hours every week.

2. The Hunger Games Trilogy

I honestly believe that my earliest passion in  life was reserved for reading. I literally used to get in trouble for staying up late to finish just one more chapter. I guess you can say I've been a nerd for a long, long time, and I don't think even one person was surprised when I became an English teacher.

Literature is in my blood.

And while I enjoy dissecting good books in the classroom, I also enjoy immersing myself in a good book at home. Unfortunately it's not often I come across something I truly can't get enough of, which is why I'm so glad I found this set of books. They are truly entertaining and have really made me sit back and think of all the luxuries in my life and how many things I take for granted. I read the first two last weekend and am plowing through the third like a freight train. They are fabulous. You should give them a looksie.

#3. The Libster's Party

In case you missed the party posts, you can find them featured here and here.

I am so very thankful that her party a success. No drama. No tears. Happy guests. And a VERY happy birthday girl. What's not to be thankful for?

#4- My College Visit

In case I haven't mentioned 2.5 billion times already, I am so thankful for my alma mater. And this month I got a much-needed visit with some of my very favorite people, both new and old.  Although I would return to my college days is one minute flat (without any hesitation, arms stretched wide, and running as fast as my short little legs could possibly carry me), the visits sure do help with the withdrawals.....at least momentarily.

#5- This Precious Baby



I am so beyond thankful for the opportunity to stay home with my little one. She is, most definitely, the baby God hand-picked just for me, and I could not possibly love her more. I also happen to love making things for her, because let's face it, a girl, no matter what age, can never have too many accessories. So, with some inspiration from here, I made this little headband for her. And I'd like to make one for one of you as well.

Wouldn't this just be adorable on your little one for Halloween?

Because it's on a large elastic band, it will fit a newborn all the way up to....well... I guess anyone who wants to wear it.

To win it, all you have to do is become a follower (or remind me that you already are one) and leave me a comment below telling me one thing YOU are thankful for this month.

I'll have Libby choose a winner (at random, of course) on Friday, October 8th.

I can't wait to hear from YOU!

 

The Perfect Polka Dot

This is gonna sound so random, but have you ever tried to paint a polka dot? It's harder than it looks. Apparently, circles are tough stuff, especially small circles.

However, I'm here to save your polka dottie day. ;)

To paint the perfect polka dot you'll need:

- the item in which you want to paint a polka dot on (I used a picture frame)

-some paint (I used Apple Barrel in white)

-a pencil with a brand new eraser

- a medicine cup (if you're like me, you have a drawer with about 300 of these in it)

First, I put enough paint to cover the bottom of the medicine cup into the cup. Then I dip, the pencil eraser into the paint (it's ok if it seems like there is a lot of paint on your eraser....as long as it's not dripping and leaving unwanted paint in various places, you should be fine). Once your paint is applied, place the eraser lightly onto wherever it is you'd like to have your polka dot, and voila.

The finished result:

I painted close to fifty of these recently for my trip to my alma mater's rush party. I got the frames at Michael's for a dollar each and the little anchors were less than fifty cents a pop. I found them both in the unfinished wood section.

So, for a grand total of a dollar fifty, we had some stinkin' cute gifts.

The best thing about this project is you don't have to be a great painter to do it, and it can be used in so many different ways-- Christmas ornaments, party favors, birthday presents. You name it.

Enjoy and let me know where you put YOUR polka dots. :)

Wordless Wednesday

Three Times A Day...Every Day

Baby, Oh Baby!

There are so many baby products out there that it's hard to know what you NEED, what you'll LIKE, what you can totally LIVE WITHOUT, and what you'll USE DAILY. And while I think the list varies from one baby to the next, here are three things that have definetly earned their place in my very own version of the Baby Items Hall of Fame:

1. The Infamous Rubber Ducky Bathtub

This precious bathtub has been through two kids, and I swear at least 500 uses. I bought it for Libby for that stage in between baths in the sink and sitting up in the real tub. It's so cute, easy to inflate, obviously durable, and it even quacks! Can your bathtub do that? And at under $12 each, this would make a GREAT baby gift.

You can find one here.

2. The Beloved Bumbo Seat

I use this thing at least three times a day and don't know how I made it through 'little Libby' without it. I use it during mealtime, but it's also what I use to contain Hollyn while I put on my make-up, take a bath, etc. It's light weight and portable, so we take it with us to restaurants that we know don't have high chairs. I love, love, love it and HIGHLY recommend. It's also a snap to clean it because it fits in my kitchen sink.

You can read more about them here.

3. The so stankin' cute WubbaNub

This was a baby gift from my friend Heather, and we just LOVE it!

It's designed to keep the paci in a newborn's mouth and to stay put when baby spits it out in the night so baby can find it again rather than waking you up to play a game of 'Paci Hide and Seek'. This is truly one of those inventions that causes me to say, "Why didn't I think of that?" They are machine washable and come in a variety of super cute animals. You can find them here.

So, you know I''m gonna ask: what are the baby products that you adore????

What could be cuter?

*** Want the scoop on how I make my picture posts? Check out Kenzie's blog...I'm guest posting all about it there today. :) ***

I Am That Mom

In my last post I talked about the many different kinds of  moms out there. There are those moms who let their kids have a paci 'til they're three and those moms who would rather eat dirt than give their kid a paci in the first place. There are those moms who live by a 'no tv allowed' policy and those moms whose kids know each day's line-up by heart. Motherhood comes in all shapes and sizes, modes and fashions, and this and thats. I've asked for you to volunteer YOUR motherhood perspective for me to share with my readers. Well, I feel it's only fair you get to hear mine as well.

So, without further adieu:



I am that mom who enjoyed all of about three days of her entire pregnancy.....feeling fat, tired, and ready to yack is not exactly my idea of fun.

I am that mom who had never spent an hour alone with a newborn baby until mine came home from the hospital.

I am that mom who, prior to having kids, believed that every day in the life of a mother was filled with giggles, grins, and nothing but love and peaceful bliss.  I am also that mom who cried when she realized that kind of motherhood only exists in 1950's TV shows.

I am that mom who swore my kids would never watch TV; we are now the proud owners of every Barbie movie ever made.

I am that mom who once thought hair-bows on babies were silly....see exhibit of my child below:

I am that mom who used to say things like, "what is wrong with those parents? Don't they hear that baby crying? Seriously-- can't they make it stop?" I now know that sometimes that's just not an option and that the crying probably bothers them far more than it bothers me.

I am that mom who sometimes 'fake cleans' my house before guests come over just so they'll THINK I have it all together. For those of you who are unfamiliar with this term, 'fake cleaning' involves taking everything that doesn't have a place and shoving it somewhere, such as under a bed, in the laundry room, in the trunk of the car, or in the bathtub with the curtain closed.

I am that mom who does her best to get her kids to eat healthy but keeps a box of fish sticks and a can of ravioli on hand for 'it's just not happening tonight' kind of day.

I am that mom who stays home and now wonders how I EVER had time to work.

I am that mom who stays up at night and stresses about things like if my girls will get made fun for the poofy hair I'm sure they inherited from me and are bound to one day have or if the Libster will EVER stop sucking her thumb in her sleep.

I am that mom who sometimes sit in my jammies all day long because I literally didn't have a chance to get dressed that day.

I am that mom who sings ridiculous songs in the car to my kiddos...and prays no one ever overhears me.

I am that mom who thought all those 'labor terror stories' might just be from women who aren't as 'tough' as I am and then went to the hospital to check in after my water broke and said, "Hi, I'm McCall, my water broke. I'd like get an epidural and then check in, in that order, please."

I am that mom who fusses at my kid for losing things (bows, shoes, whatever) and then feels terribly guilty the next time I can't find something.

I am that mom who secretly WISHES I had it all together like some of my friends do.

I am that mom who swore I'd NEVER have a second child and now wouldn't trade her for anything in this world...and is now struggling with whether or not I want a third one.

I am that mom who can cook dinner, bathe the baby, talk on the phone, clean the bathroom, and fold clothes...all at the same time.

I am that mom who continues to be shocked at how much junk and how many crumbs continually occupy my backseat. 

I am that mom who apologizes to my mom regularly for all the drama I must have caused as a kid because I now totally get it.

I am that mom who secretly thinks my kid if the smartest, cutest kid ever....and I'm sure you can relate.

I am that mom who truly wonders sometimes if I'm qualified for this job.

I am that mom who could literally listen to my kids laugh all. day. long. and be perfectly content.

I am that mom who never in a million years would have believed it possible to love something as much as I love my babies.

And I am that mom who is a firm believer in the notion that:

Enjoy? I hope so. Now it's your turn! I'd love to hear from you and learn what kind of mom YOU are. Send me a line from the post you'll write if chosen to guest post during the second week of October. Your post by no means has to be like mine...this is just one way you could choose to tell me about the mom that YOU have become. You can leave it here in a comment or e-mail it to me at mccallald@yahoo.com. I'll chose the winners next Tuesday, September 28th and will announce them next Wednesday, September 29th. In your comment or e-mail please don't forget to include your name and blog address. I can't wait to hear from YOU!



You Know It's True

Hey Moms- Guest post anyone?

I've been thinking a lot lately about how much my life has changed since my girls were born. I read a blog not too long ago where the writer talked about all the things she would NEVER let her kids do should she ever have any, and it occured to me that I used to do the same thing. It's so easy to cast judgement when it's not you in the mommy seat.

Since entering into the kingdom of motherhood, I've come to believe that being a mom is THE thing that people are the most opinionated about in the whole entire world. Seriously- I think it's more intense than religion or politics. What one mom couldn't 'live' without, another mom has never thought to use. What one mom would NEVER let her kid do, another mom lets her kids do every. single. day. We differ on every aspect of parenting, and yet so many of us have kids who turn out to be WONDERFUL in so many ways.
I'll be the first to admit that these differences were somewhat confusing and a little frustrating to me after Libby was first born. The "who do I listen to?" struggle was a bit much at times. However, six years and another baby later, I've come to realize that it's all about what works for you and your child. I mean, as long as your child is taken care of, what does it really matter what bottle brand you prefer, how long your kid takes a paci, and whether or not you prefer homemade baby food to store bought? We're all in the same boat here, and essentially we all are just trying to do the best we can as we struggle through motherhood and all the trials it entails.

With that being said, I've spent some time lately thinking about blogging and what it is that I love so much about it. There are so many things I adore, but I think my FAVORITE thing about blogging is that it helps me realize that I'm not the only mom out there whose kid doesn't always listen, whose house isn't ALWAYS in perfect order, and whose pj's seem to stay on a little too long each day. I think that the computer allows us to be a little more honest with each other than we would be at a playgroup with people we know in real life. And with honesty comes support-- I honestly find comfort in knowing I'm not the only one who sometimes struggles in my day-to-day life as a mom.

So, I'm asking to hear from some of you.... I'd like to a week's worth of guest posters who will post about "Which Mom Am I". It's a post for you to talk about anything from what you prefer, what drives you nutso, what you can't live without, what you let you kid do now that you never thought you'd allow, what inspires you most as a mother....basically anything you think could encourage another mom in some way.

If you're interested, leave me a comment or send me an e-mail (mccallald@yahoo.com) with your name, blog address, and at least one line from your will-be post. I'll choose a week's worth and let you know. Please try to do this by next Tuesday, September 28th. If you're chosen, I'll contact you Wednesday, September 29th, and the "Mom Fest" will take place the second week of October. Can't wait to hear about your take on the adventure that is motherhood!

Soundtrack of Me- Part 2

If you missed the first edition of this, no problem! You can find it here.

I realize this is long overdue. However, I plead life. You know how sometimes life gets so busy and overwhelming that forget to do things you had really good intentions of doing, like write thank you notes, sew that button back on,  and finish blog posts. So, here is the 'highly anticipated' second installment of the soundtack of me.

5. My "I wanna be loved like that" song

I swear if Jack Johnson could follow me around all day and serenade me, my world would SO be a better place. And here's the song I'd request first.

6. My motto song





I do believe if you could wrap me up and put me in a song, here's how I'd sound. This song is so me. And I happen to love it. I'd say that's a success of sorts. Agreed?

7. My All-Time Favorite Song Ever

I can't help it. I love this song. I love (almost) all of the versions. This, however, happens to be my favorite version of my favorite song. Enjoy. :

8. My "I So Shouldn't Love This Song but I can't Help Myself" Song

Remember folks, this happens to be a judge- free zone. So if you're here to judge, you're in the wrong place. Although this song may be on the most annoying songs of all time list, I happen to love it. It makes me giggle. I especially love the remix you will find when you click right here:

The third and final part of this post will be coming soon...for real this time...it's a promise.

Wordless Wednesday

Holy Smokes, Batman!

Oh my stars. I have found the most heavenly dessert.

Feast your eyes on this:

They're like S'mores.

With a brownie.

 In a cupcake liner.

And they are like magic in my mouth.

I think I'm in love.

Wanna fall in love too?

You can get the recipe here.

Your mouth will thank me.

Your jeans-- probably not so much.

But hey, I can't please everyone all the time, right?

My Many Hats

Today's Happy Thought

Flashback Friday

I ran across the video last night and couldn't help but share. Even as at age two, my kid had some serious skills and some serious cuteness. By the way, she's not reading this bedtime story; she memorized it. :)

Oh the Drama

More poor baby. Sometimes, it's so hard to be six...and want to wear a wool sweater dress to school on picture day...in fall...in the South....when it's expected to be ninety-five degrees today.

A big thank you to the school board member who propsed the idea of uniforms in our school district; I owe you BIG.

Count Me In