It's so EZ to fall in love !!! (plus a giveaway)

It is so EZ!!!

Last week I received an email from EZ School Supplies.

They wanted me to try their products.

First thought: I don't think so, this might be a scam.

Second thought: What have I got to lose?

So I sent them my mailing address.

I fully expected a pack of crayons and some pencils.

Maybe.

Imagine my surprise when the mailman delivered this...

Do you see all that?

I am not sure who was more excited ...me or the kids.

I really think it was me.

You see...I have a little confession.

I love school supplies!

I love to smell a new pack of crayons.

I love the feel of a brand new pen in my hand.

Don't even get me started on freshly sharpened number 2 pencils and crisp wide rule paper.

Be still my heart.

I even love a whiff of dry erase markers.

Just a whiff though.

I digress.

Back to EZ School supplies.

This company is amazing.

So amazing in fact that they have offered to send one of my readers an
EZ School Supplies box of their own.

That's right.

A box jam packed with all the school supply goodness your little heart can take.

Now you might wonder how to be in the running for such a prize.

That is EZ!!!

Just leave me a comment on or before Saturday, August 2, 2008.

I will close the comments after that.

A winner will be announced on Tuesday, August 5, 2008.

Isn't that EZ?

EZ School Supplies will ship the prize directly to the winner.

And that is not all my interpeeps.

You are all winners.

EZ School Supplies is giving each of you 10% off your online order.

Just click the EZ button at the top of this page.

And enter the special discount code on the ad.

Again...EZ!

Imagine a place with endless aisles of school supplies.

Beckoning you to buy them.

And you will.

From the comfort of your own home.

In your PJ's.

While the kids are asleep.

And when you get to the checkout and you see your total...

you will shriek with delight.

Because you will be able to take 10% off that.

So fun.

And so EZ!

What are you waiting for?

Leave me a comment and get shopping!!!

Good luck!

No One Told Me There Would Be Days Like This

It seems that I am no longer in control of things around here.

I have relinquished that title to my four year old.

Without even realizing it happened.

I just returned from taking Chase to play golf with some friends.

Cole whined, complained, and told me that I am not a good Mommy.

All. the. way. home.

Because of course I do not take him to play golf.

"You neva take me Mommy...neva!" he said.

"You say you will take me, but you are not nice because you neva, neva do!!!"

The whine fest continued.

All. the. way. home.

It seemed like forever.

It was 2.5 miles.

Forever.

We went inside and he was whining about wanting something to eat.

Whining.

And crying.

And pulling on the pantry doors.

I had heard enough.

I sent him to his room.

In just a few minutes he was standing in the kitchen with his comforter.

"Why did you unmake your bed and bring your comforter in the kitchen Cole?"

"Because you made me sad." he responded.

"How did I make you sad?" I countered.

"Because you said mean things to me."

"I said mean things to you?" I repeated.

"Yes. You told me to go to my room because I was whining and crying like a baby."

Guilty.

"Oh that."

"That wasn't mean sweetie."

That was being honest.

"Now go put your comforter back on your bed." I insisted.

"But Mommy my arms are sooooo tired."

"I am weak. "

"Feel my muscles."

"See... I am not strong any more." he continued.

I was losing my patience.

"Cole, please pick up the comforter and go put it back on your bed like I asked."

"Now!"

Do you want to know what that little stinker said to me?

"Mommy ...do you want me to do that thing I was doing again?"

Was this a threat?

"What thing Cole?"

"That thing where I whine like a baby and lay in the floor and kick and cry."

"Do you want me to do THAT thing again?"

"No Cole I do not think that would be advisable."

And then I excused myself to the bathroom where I laughed until I cried.

If You Give Out Awards...They Will Come!

I have told you before that I am an award hoarder.

It is true.

I have been given several awards this month.

By several, I mean five.

I know.

I can't believe it either.

Who would ever think of little ole me when handing out virtual awards?

I am beyond excited.

Really, I am.

I haven't been able to stop jumping up and down and doing back handsprings all over the house.

I am equally excited to share these awards with you, my bloggy friends.

Grab your favorite beverage, pull up a chair and get comfy.

This may take a while.

The first award I received was from Pattie, @ Pearls to Hide My Neck.

Don't you love that blog name? Me too.

I would like to pass this award on to:


Aly (my swap partner!) @ Aly

Brittany @ One Day at a Time

Emily @ Super Grant's Page

Aly @ The Dart Board


The 2nd award was from Duchess, @ The Daily Adventures of Four Ed's

This award came with rules.

It was originated by Crystal at Memoirs of a Mommy in honor of the organ donor who saved her young son, Noah's, life. In order to accept this award, you just have to link back to her and share it with other blogs that you read and love.

Now for the recipients (in no particular order):

Sue @ As Cape Cod Turns

Marla @ Pak Adventures

Mommy @ 4 Fun Boys

Karen @Snakes, Snails, and Puppydog Tails

Lisa @ C&C World

Award #3 is from Krystyn, @ Really, Are You Serious?

This award came with rules too:

1. The recipient must link back the the awards creator (http://www.thebabblingsofmere.blogspot.com/)

2. You must post these rules if you receive the award.

3. You must chose 5 people to receive the award after receiving it yourself

4. You must fit the characteristics of the recipient of the award, as posted by Mere.

5. You must post the characteristics of a recipient.

6. You must create a post sharing your win with others.

7. You must thank your giver.

Characteristics for the Smile Award:

1. Must display a cheerful attitude. (not necessarily at all times--we are all human)

2. Must love one another

3. Must make mistakes

4. Must learn from others

5. Must be a positive contributor to blog world

6. Must love life

7. Must love kids

Okay, now that is a lot to live up to!

I would like to pass this award on to the following happy people:

Heather @ A Big Boy, A Baby Girl, and A Precious Pug

Rachael@ Mommy Learns to Blog

Wendy @ View from the Grove

Erin @ Once Upon A Time

Wendi @ When I In Awesome Wonder

The 4th award was from Mel @ Miss Mel.

I never met Mel.

She is a self professed stalker.

She de-lurked and gave me an award.

I am flattered.

I would like to pass this coveted award to the following Brilliant blogs:

Jen @ Cheaper Than Therapy

Krystyn @ Really, Are You Serious?

Carol @ Siswick Construction Zone

Kelly@ According to Kelly

Alex@ The Roaming Southerner

Amber@ A Crazy Bloggin' Canuck

Kellan @ On the Upside

The 5th and final award was from Rachael @ Mommy Learns to Blog.

More rules.

Here they are:

1) You must pick 5 blogs that you consider deserve this award, based upon creativity, design, interesting material, and that also contribute to the blogger community.

2) Each award must have the name of the author with a link to his or her blog to be visited by everyone.

3) Award-winners must show the award and put the name and link to the blog that awarded it.

4) Award-winners and the one who has given the prize must show the link to the Arte y Pico blog, so everyone will know the origin of this award.

5) These rules must be included in your post.

Done.

I am passing this award to:

Susan @ Fordy Days and Nights

Dana@ Supernanny, Where Are You?

Christie@ These Are a Few of My Favorite Things

Laskigal@ From the Cheap Seats

Jen@ Daily Mish Mash

Steph@ The Daily Grind

Whew!

Is anyone still there?

Thank you.

Congratulations to all and to all a good night!!!

I NEED A LITTLE HELP FROM MY FRIENDS!!!

I sat at the computer this morning.

Mulling over what I wanted to share with you today.

When I clicked on New Post I saw a little number that completely freaked me out.

Completely.

Not like Oh no I have waited until 4 am to pack for my trip.

Not like Oh no who got my DVDs out of ABC order.

But my freak was definitely on.

The number?

It was 94.

What was its significance?

It was the number of posts I have written.

I had no idea.

I am very close to 100.

Which means something special has to be done.

A celebration of sorts.

By me anyway.

So, I am asking you, my interpeeps.

What would you like to see on my 100th post?

Would you really like to know 100 more things about me?

I am not sure there is anything left to tell.

And what is left might just bore you to tears.

Would you like a little Q and A session?

I have to admit I am a little afraid of that one.

Afraid of what you might ask.

More afraid of how I might answer.

I am not good at thinking on my feet.

And responding with quick, concise, witty answers.

What about something different?

Something really creative.

Though I have no idea what that would be.

Hmmmm.

Decisions.

You all know how indecisive I am.

Please tell me what you would like to read.

I am leaving it in your hands.

Just make your decision quickly.

There is not much time.

And after this post... there is even less.

THAT'S NOT A BLUR...THAT IS OUR WINNING STREAK!!!

These photos were from a few weeks ago during the All*Star Baseball Tournaments.

I only took 837 pictures.

I chose just 4 to share with you.

Can you say snap happy?

I was even approached by someone asking if I was with the Press.

Chase's team had a great season.

We won our District Championship.

We played three games at the State playoffs.

We lost two.

The last photo of Chase really says it all.

The sadness and disappointment.

I wish I had a picture of my face.

It was not nearly as sad.

I had been running to games, practices and scrimmages since April.

I was just ready to get started on the lazy days of summer.

Up to that point...

I hadn't been feeling the lazy.

I guess Chase hadn't either.

The first thing he asked for?

A slushie and a dive in the pool.

Hosted by Cecily and MamaGeek

Things I Learned On The Road

I just knew that three days on the road would provide me lots of blog fodder.

It didn't.

I kept waiting for something to happen.

Something so incredibly funny that liquid would shoot from your nose when you read it.

It didn't.

We didn't lose anyone.

No one threw up.

We didn't miss any exits.

No one got stuck on an elevator.

No fights.

No flat tires.

No food poisoning.

Actually it was completely perfect.

Other than departing an hour late, and my seat not reclining.

Minor inconveniences.

The bus driver did a fine job.

The kids were well mannered and polite.

The adults were enjoyable.

The food was incredible.

So Wendi, why are you writing this boring little post?

To let you know that I learned a lot on my trip.

Some of it personal.

Some of it I will share.

I learned that there really are some good kids in this world.

There are some parents who are teaching their children to be fine, upstanding citizens.

With good manners and high moral values.

I learned that when you expect things to go one way, sometimes they go the other.

And you are pleasantly surprised.

I came away from this trip with a new appreciation for the kids of today.

They will certainly be faced with a lot.

These are uncertain times.

But I have much more faith in them.

I saw the world through their eyes for a few days.

I saw excitement.

And energy.

And love.

If this is what our future looks like....we are going to be just fine.

Things I Learned Before Hitting the Road...

Get some sleep.

I am not a morning person.

You probably already knew that.

I wanted people to like me.

I wanted to like me.

I decided to forgo sleep the night before we left on our trip.

That is right.

No. sleep.

Because technically, I wasn't being made to wake up.

I already was.

Do you see the method to my madness?

Don't try this at home.

Not a good idea.

Pack ahead.

A day or two ahead.

Or an hour or two.

Do not wait until 4:00 am to pack.

Bad. idea.

Pack lightly.

You will not need to provide snacks for all 56 passengers.

You will not need 6 pairs of shoes for 3 days.

You will not need to bring 7 books.

Sudoku puzzles.

Crossword puzzles.

And Ring-a -word books.

There will be times you will not be on the bus.

Imagine.

The less you pack, the more room you will have.

Post ahead.

This is a great tool blogger offers.

But write ahead.

A day or two.

Do not wait until 2:00 am to compose three posts.

You will be silly.

You will make no sense.

And a Christmas post may appear out of nowhere.

Everything does not have to be clean before you leave.

Leave. it.

The baseboards will wait.

And the ceiling fans.

So what if the spices are out of ABC order.

Did I just say that?

Just be sure you have cleared a path from the back door to the bed.

Priorities.

Eat Breakfast.

It is a long time before the first rest stop.

And you will seriously consider chewing your arm off.

Back. away.

Eat before you leave.



This concludes The Things I Learned Before Hitting the Road.

Join me tomorrow when I share The Things I Learned While On The Road.

HELP...I AM DROWNING!!!

98 emails.

112 posts in my reader.

No groceries.

4 suitcases to unpack.

10 loads of laundry to do.

3 wild, hungry kids.

I. am. coming.

I promise.

I have read most of my emails.

I am slowly making my way to all your blogs.

Slowly.

Ya'll were some busy writers while I was away.

What is up with that?

Slow down already.

I am trying to catch up.

Be by soon!

CLEARLY I HAVE IS-SHOES!

Remember back to ....

Tuesday.

Remember how I put two different shoes on my child?

Tonight.

It happened again.

Only this time it was me!

I was scurrying around trying to prepare for my departure.

I needed to go to the mall.

And Walgreens.

I went to my closet.

Grabbed my rainbows.

Slipped them on.

Oh so comfy and worn.

And I ran my little errands.

When I returned, Claire said,

"Um, Mom...did you know that you have two different shoes on?"

I looked down.

It was true.

One worn brown flip flop.

And one worn black flip flop.

Clearly, I have issues with SHOES!

That or I am setting a new trend!!!

Hosted by Cecily and MamaGeek

THERE ARE NO WORDS!

Earlier today I read her blog.

I haven't been able to get Heather off my mind.

She is a wonderful mommy and wife.

She has two adorable children.

And a precious pug.

She has just been diagnosed with Stage 4 Melanoma.

Words will not come.

I. can. not. be. witty.

Go.

Visit her blog today.

She needs your support.

And your prayers.

IT IS BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE CHRISTMAS!

We are so excited Christmas day is finally here!

Claire can hardly contain her excitement and cheer.

Pretty packages wrapped in blue!

Blue?

Got. YOU!

If you have no idea why this Christmas post is here, scroll down.

Keep scrolling.

And read my last post.

Then you will understand.

I hope so anyway.

It is just me... being silly.

And entertaining.

Even though I am away.

Now I hope I don't screw up the other posts.

That would be my luck!

HAVE BOOKS WILL TRAVEL !

My disease is in over drive today.

I am using my mad packing skills too.

I am going on a trip tomorrow with our youth group.

I will be gone for 3 days.

On a bus.

With lots of teenagers.

And hormones.

But I am excited.

It should be fun.

And provide me plenty of blog fodder.

I am pre-posting on Thursday and Friday.

I hope I did it right this time.

But if a Christmas post shows up.

Well... just know I tried.

I wanted to give the illusion that I am home.

And on the computer.

But I won't be.

I won't be visiting or commenting on your blogs.

I am sad too.

I have no laptop. *gasp*

I know... pathetic.

Please send donations to www. ineedalaptopsoicanblogontheroad.com

I am taking a few books.

The Choice by Nicolas Sparks. (my second time reading)

Twilight by Stephenie Meyer (my swap partner Aly gave it to me)

Sunday's at Tiffany's by James Patterson.

I would love any other suggestions.

What are a few of your favorites for a road trip?

Hope the rest of your week is a great one.

I will catch up with you, my interpeeps, on Sunday.

Ta! Ta!

ONE OF THESE SHOES IS NOT LIKE THE OTHER!

What is wrong with this picture?

Look closely.

They are both New Balance shoes.

They are both well worn and basically falling apart.

Look closer.

They are not the same.

Not even close.

Different laces.

Different "N".

Probably a different size.

I dressed Cole this morning.

I was taking him to the doctor.

For fever.

I never noticed the shoes.

Until the nurse asked him to take them off so she could weigh him.

I am one "got-it-all-together" mama.

For more proof...

Claire and I were mailing packages at the post office.

I asked her to mail a few letters for me.

When I turned around, I saw a price tag hanging from her shirt.

Nice.

And the shirt was wrong side out.

WHEN THE DOG BITES, WHEN THE BEE STINGS, WHEN I'M FEELING SAD

I recently participated in a "Favorite Things Swap".

It was my first "swap" ever.

You simply find, buy, or make, three or more of your favorite things to send to your swap partner.

Sounds easy.

Until you go to find a few of your favorite things.

And realize that you have way too many favorite things.

My swap partner was Aly.

I can't tell you how excited I was to get her.

She is a young, hip, single, trendy, photography majoring, college student living in Utah.

I am a not so young, not so hip, not so trendy, not so hot photographer, who is married with children living in eastern NC.

I can completely see how we got paired up.

We are just EXACTLY alike.

That and I bet she pulled the names out of a hat.

Anyhoo, imagine my excitement when my doorbell rang and the mailman handed me a package from Aly.

It was like Christmas morning.

This is what was in the box.

The cutest brown paper packages tied up with string.

And inside were a few of her favorite things.

How cute are these things?

She sent me a flirty apron.

I have been eyeing these on Kelly's blog.

Who doesn't want to be flirty and cute in the kitchen?

She also sent me the book, "Twilight", which I have been wanting to read.

Then she burned me a CD of her favorite music.

How cool is that?

It has now been downloaded to my ipod.

And Claire's.

Which goes without saying.

Lastly, she sent me a cute little black and white recipe book.

It was love at first sight.

I was envisioning which recipes I would put in the book.

Then I opened it and discovered she had included sixteen of her favorites to share.

I could not be happier.

A good book, good music, recipes and a sassy apron.

My swap partner rocks!

Now some of you may be wondering what I sent her.

Take a look.

Chocolate and Blue packages tied up with string.

These are a few of my favorite things.

I sent these with the following note.

These Are a Few of My Favorite Things

Raindrops on roofs and Stride sugarless gum

Bright patterned bags by Vera Bradley are fun

Brown and blue packages tied up with strings

These are a few of my favorite things

Lindt Chocolate Truffles that melt in your mouth

are loved by this girl who grew up in the south

Books by Nicholas Sparks…oh such happiness brings

These are a few of my favorite things

How I love body lotion that aids in leg ashes

Mascara that won't clump on my little eyelashes

My guilty pleasure are PEOPLE magazines

These are a few of my favorite things

When the kids cry

When the bee stings

When I'm feeling sad

I simply remember my favorite things

And then I don't feel so bad

I know you can imagine Maria (Julie Andrews) singing it now.

I had a great time with this swap.

It was so much fun.

I will definitely be doing it again next year.

Do you think I could request Aly again?

SHOWING OFF!!!

It seems we have lived on a baseball field lately.

Practices.

Games.

I took my new arrival with us for a little practice of our own.

I took 186 shots.

Some of my favorites were what was NOT on the field.

Cole and his little friend Holland, played on the bleachers.

Up and down.

Down and up.

Jumping.

Climbing.

Playing Tag.

I am now considering having the swing set removed from my backyard.

And installing bleachers.

They are apparently all the rage for a four-year-old.

Hosted by Cecily and MamaGeek

IT HAS BEEN CONFIRMED...I AM BORING!!!

I first saw this quiz here.

Carol is cool.

I wanted to be like Carol.

I took the quiz.

The results?

Boring.

I took the stinkin' test three times.

Same results.

Boring.

It did say that none of my sins were so far gone that I could not be forgiven.

That is comforting.

There is hope.

That or my sins are just not listed here.

Greed:	Medium
Gluttony:	Medium
Wrath:	Very Low
Sloth:	Low
Envy:	Medium
Lust:	Very Low
Pride:	Medium

Take the Seven Deadly Sins Quiz

IMPENDING ARRIVAL DISCLOSURE

It seems my readers are a curious lot.

Kristen left a comment on my Mosaic Meme post that has left everyone bewildered.

I really wasn't quite ready to share this news.

I didn't tell her not to say anything.

And technically she didn't.

She mentioned something about an impending arrival.

Okay... maybe I could share a little.

Chad and I have been talking.

We have been thinking about what it would be like to have one more.

I know three is plenty for any family.

But really when you have three, what is four?

Yes, I only have two hands.

Yes, they are expensive.

Sometimes you just have to take risks.

Right?

Mine are each different and special in their own way.

I love them all.

But we have felt a certain void.

Something that has been missing.

We just couldn't put our finger on it, until now.

Our memory is just not what it use to be.

We need more memory.

And more mega pixels.

And more "zoomablitity".

We need to go from a family of three cameras to a family of four.


Hence the mention of the impending arrival.

It arrived.

Meet Nikon.



Isn't she beautiful?

She came to our family just a few days ago.

I am already in love.

Head. over. heels.

The first day I took over 300 pictures.

Looked at 5125 photography websites.

And read the manual 4 times.

I still don't understand any of it.

But I will.

I want to take pictures like her, and her, and her.

Oh, and her and her.

And I can't forget her, her, or her.

I will not stop until I can.

This may take a while folks.

But it will be fun practicing.