Weeks ago I applied for another online writing position with MomSquawk.com. I hadn't heard anything back over a week later so I thought I'd just send out another, 'hey I'm still here and I'd really like to write for you, e-mail,' (striving to leave out any vibes of desperation, mind you). A few days after that I heard back from them saying they had received an overwhelming response to their call for a Motherhood / Parenting writer and they had come up with a little something to spice things up a bit. What might that be, you're wondering? Well let me tell you because this is where you come in. We were given the option to write a short essay about a parenting lesson we'd learned, from there our essay would be posted on the MomSquawk Facebook page and the competition would begin. Competition, you say? Do tell...The writer whose essay collects the most comments between now and midnight on April 20 gets an automatic offer to write for MomSquawk. What to do: - Go to the MomSquawk Facebook page and 'Like' their page. (Without liking their page, you can't comment or like anything). Not quite sure what I'm talking about? No worries MomSquawk hooked us up with a screen shot to help us out.
- Go to my essay: Being Abby's Mom and leave a comment.
- Share it with your friends with these instructions.
- Give yourself a big, virtual super hug (or super squeezie as I would say to the little loves of my life) on my behalf.
Thanks so much for helping a girl out! I hope you enjoy my essay.
On Examiner.com there's this nifty little discussion feature, which I haven't used up until now. But tonight I finally decided to roll the dice and see what kind of a response I could get on what can only be described as a hot-button topic in the parenting world. To spank, or not to spank? This one question can stir up emotions like no other. Odds are, even if you aren't a parent, you've probably developed strong opinions about it one way or another. If that's the case, then I invite you to participate in that discussion: http://www.examiner.com/billings/discuss/to-spank-or-not-to-spankThe plan is to publish an article some time in April weighing both sides of this issue. If you're uncomfortable sharing your thoughts, but you'd like to participate, please feel free to e-mail me. As always, if you don't want your name shared, that's completely your call, and I will maintain your anonymity. I look forward to the discussion, see you there!
After a recent trip to our local library, it dawned on me that there are just a ton of great finds to be discovered within those walls - and the walls of all libraries. This light bulb moment has created a new semi-series for me in Examiner land. Should Abby and I make wonderful discoveries on our outings, they will now be shared within my column with the primary heading of Library discovery: ... Our first such discovery was Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star as told and illustrated by Iza Trapani. This book turned out to be a lovely little gem, which found its way off the library shelf and into my hands simply because Abby is majorly addicted to Twinkle, Twinkle right now. If you want to learn more about the book you can, of course, head on over to the actual article. If you happen to stumble across such wonderful finds and you'd like them included; please feel free to toss me a line on Facebook, here, or you can always shoot me an e-mail. I'll track down the book myself, give it a read, and provide a review of sorts. Hope to be hearing from you!
 Valentine's Day is officially behind us for another year. That big rush of air you randomly experienced? A collective sigh of relief from those who find Valentine's Day to be the most ridiculous of holidays, who see Valentine's Day as nothing but a sorry reminder of loss or whatever state of aloneness they might be experiencing. For other's still, it's just another day.
I don't remember the last time my husband and I actually did anything that would actually indicate a recognition of Valentine's Day as anything other than another day. (Yep, we're those people). I often wonder what people think this says about our relationship, but well, it's just not how we roll anymore. *shrugs* (I did remember to tell him "Happy Valentine's Day," though. You're jealous of the romance, aren't you?)
At family dinner tonight my mom went all out - the kids loved it and it was a fantastical kind of evening for us all, so I'm not totally "bah humbug" about it, but it certainly doesn't make my top 10 list of favorite days of the year. (Hmm, that implies I have a top 10 list...I'll get back to you on that).
Throughout the afternoon that I spent with my parents and the evening we all had together, more than once the phrase, "Bah humbug" turned up in conversation. This got me thinking. (Scary, I know). We most definitely need a phrase that is 'Bah humbugish' in nature that is for Valentine's Day alone. Just think of how beneficial such a phrase could be to so many. To the haters, the take-it-or-leave-it-ers (?), the closet lovers of the Day who need a front...Oh the masses for which such a phrase could benefit!
So let's get crackin'! What phrase can we create that can do for the anti-Cupids of Valentine's Day that Scrooge did for Christmas? Of course, we must keep in mind what happened at the end of Scrooge's tale, he did have a change of heart...Whose to say? But for now, let's find a Bah Humbug ---> Bah Lovebug? Nah. and start a new trend for all those who found Valentine's Day to be a little lacking in the sparkling love department. Hit me with your comments.
P.S. Even if you love Valentine's Day like nobody else's business, bust out your creativity and help the cause anyways.
When it comes time for planning your child’s birthday, which type of party do you prefer, an at-home party or a destination party? Which do the kids prefer? I want your opinions!
Below, you’ll find two polls: The first is for parents who currently have young children, the second is for people without children, parents of older/grown children, or the kids themselves. I want all of your opinions.
Note: If you like to alternate, what type of party you do year-to-year, feel free to make any explanations in the ‘why’ sections.
If this piece gets picked up for print, I’ll let you know when and where you can find it. Thanks so much for your help!
It's hard to believe that the year is nearing its end and Christmas is quickly approaching us. (Is it me or are the days getting shorter the closer we get)? Of course, this feeling could be the result of the constant pressure my well-meaning family keeps putting on my shoulders as they wonder about a certain gift for a certain somebody. You'd think they'd just met me. It'll get done - I know it will, and now the excitement is starting to kick in so that should fuel the fire for the rest of the week. Regardless, perhaps you should wish me luck...Hmmm Anyway! This Friday is Christmas Eve and as such I thought it would be fitting for the week's Fun Friday piece to be very Christmas-y themed. I would like to pull together a piece about favorite Christmas memories. I'd greatly appreciate it if you'd break into your warm and fuzzy memory banks and e-mail them to me if you'd like your story to be included in the article. - What are your favorite Christmas memories?
This past week has seen two articles about traveling over in Examiner.com from this girl and you can expect at least one more on the topic. This time of year is often synonymous with traveling as families are driving or jetting off to see the broader scope of their family or heading off for a much needed vacation.
My mom and I were talking about what she used to do with us during winter break from school, and she noted that we were traveling more often than not, so it wasn't much of an issue for us. Indeed we were. I would be interested to know just how many trips we made back and forth to Minnesota over the course of my childhood into young adulthood. I think we flew twice in all of those years.
Ask any of us for memories about those numerous road tripsand we'll all begin tripping over each other with shared recollections - though it's always funny to see how our memories do or don't match. I think of the hours we spent in, first, the station wagon and then the mini van as we traveled near and far. I think of the arguments, the laughter, the extreme discomfort - and then I think about my poor mother...Yes, my dad too, but there was many a trip mom had to drive solo with the three of us, as dad needed to stay with the family business. Can you imagine?
Calling all funny family travel stories:
Have a humorous account of family traveling? Sure you do - it can be a recent story of travels with your children/grandchildren/nieces/nephews or it can be one from the realm of your own childhood. If you'd be willing to share it, then I'd love to feature it in an upcoming Fun Friday article. Simply send me an e-mail with your story. Please include if I can use your first name and location in the e-mail. Thanks for your help!
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