Rocks In My Dryer

"Theirs Is a Desperate Vigil..."

This is too much for any parent to bear:

Some Simple Things I Find Very Satisfying

Really good measuring cups.

Clean sheets.

A bowl of pasta with butter and a dash of salt.

My grandmother and my daughter laughing together.

Potholders that have not yet been burned and stained.

When my kids leave for school.

When they come back home again.

The sound of wind chimes.

Flannel.

Ken's Sweet Vidalia Onion salad dressing. 

The sound of a boiling pot.

An empty dishwasher.

My cold feet pressed against my warm husband (though I doubt he finds it quite as satisfying).

A good rainstorm.

The end of a good rainstorm.

What about you?

Sk*rt is Now Kirtsy!

People sometimes ask me where I get all my links for Sunday Linkage.  Many of them I find myself, but a good number come from Sk*rt, which has re-launched today under the new name Kirtsy.  (Though in my head today I've been calling it Skirtsy.  I do not always handle change well.)

It is such a fun site--I don't even know exactly how to describe it.  Digg for women, maybe?  You'll love it.  Go try it out.

Interview With an Expert

With Mother's Day yesterday, I had mommin' on the mind.  I thought it seemed appropriate to conduct a very professional, journalistic interview with the best mom I know:

Mine.

My mom and I look a lot alike, and we have similar mannerisms.  People ask us if we're twins--and I guess, in a way, we are.  Except that she is unendingly patient, perfectly self-disciplined, and she has not an ounce of snarky sarcasm anywhere in her body. 

But other than that, we're just alike. 

Well, except that she is humble and gracious and would never write her own blog, because that would be drawing attention to herself, and that just wouldn't do.  And also I've never heard her shout at a bad driver.

Okay, so other than that, we're just alike.

There are so many things my mom did right, I'd need a whole series of posts to record them all.  Instead, I thought I'd just get the details straight from the horse's mouth.  (An unfortunate metaphor.  Mom, you are nothing like a horse.  Please do not withhold the free babysitting.)  I sat down and asked her the following questions...

So, who was your favorite, me or Reed?  *grin* 

I always hoped you'd each think you were my favorite.  [Note from Shannon:  See?  No sarcasm.   If my grown kids ever ask me that question, I will totally mess with them.]

So, how DID you keep a straight face through all my ridiculous drama?

I must admit I chuckled often behind your back!  However, I felt if the issue in question was important enough to trouble you, I should respect that and take it seriously on your behalf, to some degree.  I must admit, it was hard to be patient and understanding when you were in the 9th grade and you called me at work to ask me to come get you at school because your fingernail had broken.

Imagine you could give yourself of 25 years ago one piece of parenting advice.  What would it be?

Watch less TV.  Media then (and certainly now) is the greatest robber of family life.

What are you proudest of, as a mom? 

3 John 1:4 "I have no greater joy than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth."

When you look back, what are the things you feel certain you did right? 

We raised you in church and in a Christ-centered home; listened a lot;  had lots of family discussions on various topics that came up (political, doctrinal, personal, philosophical, etc.); took many family trips together....even short ones count;  explained to you our reasonings for things (like when we had to say "no");  being lenient on the non-moral issues, like hair style, time spent on the phone, etc., so when we had to be strict on the moral issues you couldn't say, "You don't ever let me do anything!"

So, during my teenage years when you always waited up for me on the weekends, you said it was because you wanted to hear how my evening went.  But you were sniffing my breath, weren’t you? 

Absolutely!  Remember the night you came home chewing gum?  (You never chewed gum because of your TMJ.)  You didn't know I saw through that, did you???

For the second half of my growing-up years, you were working outside the home.  I look back and am amazed at everything you accomplished.  How DID you do it? 

I have no idea!  I felt like I had to be Supermom, and as a result, I don't even remember anything about the 1980's!  I was incredibly busy.  I couldn't have done it if God had not provided me with the energy I needed.

You’ve been a teacher for many years, so you’ve interacted with a lot of parents.  What are some of the more common mistakes you have seen your students’ parents making?

1.  Not realizing that all kids have a different personality at school with their peers than they do at home....even their own little darlin'! 

2.  Not discussing things as a family.  That's how kids learn to make decisions and reason things out. They need to see their parents work through decision-making principles. 

3.  Not letting their children experience the consequences for their disobedience.

4.  Being too busy to spend time with their kids.

You're watching your own kids raise children now.  How is parenting different for this next generation?  How is it the same? 

It's not fair that your kids get to watch DVD's while they travel!  You guys aren't paying for your raising!  Seriously, the technology of today creates brand new risks and temptations for kids.  It scares me, and I fear it will continue to get worse as technology develops.  One of the worst things about the technology explosion is the lack of meaningful conversation in families.  Every person is plugged into something, and that is not good. 

The same? Kids still need the very same things y'all did and I did and every generation has:  unconditional love from parents, being grounded early in the truths of God's Word, wise counsel and good example from the adults in his/her life, being listened to and taken seriously, lots of laughter and conversation in their family, and spending lots and lots of time with them! 

You are so good at being a parent to your adult children.  What’s the key? 

Thank you!  We feel like our role in your lives is to be a cheerleader, a sounding board, and a prayer warrior...that's all.  We try not to give advice unless you ask.  We try to be a welcome blessing in your lives and not an annoying burden!

Any other advice you'd like to add for moms out there in the trenches?

1. One little saying I like that sums it all up for me:  Give your children two things - one is roots, the other wings.  For me, giving my children roots was the fun part;  the wings part is much harder but just as important to their well-being. 

2. Savor each day.....even the hard ones.  There is no work you will ever do in your entire life that is more important than rearing your family.  Growing up a child who loves God and serves Him is your greatest gift to Him.

3. Pray for your child's future spouse.  That child is out there somewhere.  It's such a joy to later meet that unnamed someone you've prayed for countless times!

What did I tell you?  She's great.

Yummy

Two-and-a-half years ago I got a random idea to start a blog.  At almost exactly the same time, Karen got the same idea.  I don't know how we newbies found each other, but we did, and I think we were one of each others' very first commenters.  I've read her ever since. 

Karen is an accomplished seamstress (I want to sew like this when I grow up!).  She and her friend Kate have opened up Bon*Bons, an Etsy shop that will knock your socks off.  Look at this stuff:

This Coffee Cuff may be my favorite (too bad I don't drink coffee!)  It's only $5--what a fun, inexpensive and eco-friendly birthday gift for a friend:

Head over to Karen's shop.  You will be so impressed by the quality and the prices.  I'm becoming a bigger fan of Etsy everyday--it is so satisfying to shop for things handmade by enterprising moms!

Melt and Sprinkle -- Hop Skip Jump

Woodland Wonder -- Housemartin.  A little girl's room to make you swoon.

Book Review: Do Hard  Things -- Challies.  I've heard a lot of buzz about this book and was interested to hear such a good review of it.  Sounds promising.

"This Many" Toddler Tee -- KimTees

Name your baby "crunch"? -- Vlasic Pickles *updated link* .  If I hadn't seen it myself, I wouldn't believe it (read the second paragraph).

Gateway P*rn -- The Parenting Post

Stay-At-Home Moms Worth $117,000 a Year

Well, there you go.

Heading out to the mailbox right now to wait for my check.

Just One Car?

I'm over at BlogHer today talking about the radical (for me) idea of living with just one vehicle.  Care to chime in on the discussion?

(I'm closing down comments here to encourage discussion at BlogHer.)

*UPDATED WITH A WINNER!* Remarkably Painless Swimsuit Shopping

Lands' End has managed me to look un-horrible in a swimsuit.  And I don't know how to give them a finer endorsement than that. 

I've long been a Lands' End fan (their little boys' pants are the only ones I've found that can actually make it through three rounds of hand-me-downs), but I'd never had one of their swimsuits before.  I have one for the first time this season, and I love it. And yes, I know that $100 is pricey for a swimsuit, but I aim to go swimsuit shopping only once a decade.  Ten dollars a year isn't bad.

This top (in navy and white) and this skirt (in navy) are mine.  They are, of course, in a size 4.  [*insert sound of lightning striking me down for that lie*]. 

Because I love you, and because I love Lands' End, and because Lands' End loves you, and because we're all just one big happy swimsuit love-fest, they're offering a $100 Lands' End gift certificate to be given away to one lucky commenter on this post.  Leave a comment, and I'll draw a random winner a tomorrow (Saturday) morning at 9 am CST.

*UPDATE*  Comments are now closed--the contest is over.  The winner is Jill from Omaha (@cox.net).  Congratulations!

Dang!

I just watched the last five minutes of that episode with my hands over my eyes!  Holy shmokes!

I have felt for a long time that something is amiss where Claire is concerned.  She is too dedicated of a mother to willingly leave Aaron.  If she were separated from him, she would be completely berserk, NOT rocking and smiling in a chair.  Here's the excerpt from an interesting theory on the message boards:

Claire died when her house exploded..the island makes dead people seem like reality, hence Christian Sheppard. Christian took his daughter wherever she belongs (a la the afterlife).

What do you think?  All that time she was hiking across the island with Sawyer and boat guy, she was actually dead?  Plausible?

Another thing--I told Melanie last week (I did!  Ask her!) that I think Christian Shepherd is central to this whole thing.  I'm not sure why or how, but his increasing number of appearances must be significant. 

And back on the boat?  I'm just as lost as I can be.  What in the heck is going on?  Why aren't the captain and Strangely Vicious Military Guy on the same page? 

One last thing.  I thought that the scene where Hurley and Ben shared a candy bar was excellent television.  Perfectly paced at a tense moment.  That is some fine writing.

What a show.

If you're blogging Lost, leave your link below.  Out of consideration for other readers, please link directly to your post, not to the front page of your blog.  Here's how you do it.

1. Amy 2. margalit 3. My Friend Amy 4. Cassie 5. Fullycompletely 6. Denise

7. Crystal 8. oh amanda 9. Heather O. 10. Natalie - 10 Things from Lost 11. Hope 12. Runningamuck

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What I Did On My Bloggy Vacation

It felt good--really good--to step away from Ye Olde Blogge for awhile.  Most of what I wrote the previous week was pre-posted, so I was actually mostly blog-free for about a week and a half.  And in the intense immediacy of blog years, that's, like, 73 days. 

I desperately needed a tweaking of my perspective on the cyber-world.  If you've been blogging yourself for a while, you know that there is a (perhaps false) sense of urgency to it.  I think all bloggers occasionally get so plugged into their cyber-lives that they lose sight of the real life they're supposed to be living.  It doesn't help that this is the most "connected" generation in history.  We write on our blogs while Facebooking and Twittering and listening to a podcast and receiving our messages (text and voice mail and instant).

And I wonder sometimes, were we really created to be this plugged in?  Are we so connected that we're getting...well, disconnected? 

I know.  There are some really fine uses of technology out there.  I love my cell phone and my Facebook and my e-mail as much as the next person.  I don't plan to chuck it all anytime soon.  I think that it is what it is, and whether we like it or not, we've found ourselves living smack dab in the middle of the Tech Revolution. 

And that's okay.  We'll work with it.  We'll grow and learn and adapt and be thankful for the convenience and enjoy the entertainment. 

But let's not forget (and I'm preaching to myself, here) that the real meat of life, the stuff that really matters, the part that makes it beautiful to be human--well, none of that stuff has a USB port.  You can't really Twitter the music of a child's laugh, and no Facebook page will replace the beauty of taking a casserole to a sick friend.

So blog life, Twitter it, IM it, podcast it...and do it well.

But first?

Live it.

I Have Always Wanted To Live-Blog a Tornado...

...and this is my chance, it appears.  Welcome to springtime in Oklahoma!

7:10 pm -- Tornado sirens go off.  The air looks greenish and it's VERY still.  That's not a good sign.  Weathercaster is beside himself with glee and says it's headed right for us.  He says we should go to our tornado shelter for the next 40 minutes.  Clearly he has never spent an evening in a closet with my four children, or he wouldn't make such an unreasonable request.

7:12 pm -- The kids are in the shelter and I'm on the phone with my dad, who called to make sure I heard the sirens.  Hubs, of course, is out of town, far, far away from tornado alley.  He always misses the excitement.  I'm wondering if I can lie on top of all four kids at once to keep them from blowing away.

7:18 pm -- I join the kids in the shelter (yay for a laptop!) when the weathercaster darn near shouts, "TAKE COVER!"  Rain and wind are seriously picking up.

7:22 -- Adam wants to know if he can sneak out to save his Nintendo DS.  I say no.

7:25 -- Is it bad that part of me is hoping the pet rats blow away?

7:27 -- The boys are tormenting their sister:  "I hear the tornado coming, Corrie!"  That will be a great moment for therapy some day.

7:28 -- Major wind and rain, and the sirens are going off again.  Just heard the weathercaster say a funnel could drop from the sky at any moment.

7:29 -- Corrie is squealing at the top of her lungs.  Did I mention this is a very small closet?

7:32 -- Stephen just shouted, "The BABY BIRDS!"  They're suspended in a flower basket, and the wind is awfully high.  I ran out to check on them, and I'll be darned if their sweet momma isn't sitting on them, keeping them dry.  I'm thinking about sitting on my own kids, though for considerably less noble purposes.

7:35 -- Okay, somebody's tooting in here.  I NEED AIR!!!

7:38 -- The weathercast says the worst is probably over.  And it's a good thing, because Corrie just bit Stephen.

7:43 -- The sounds of family togetherness:

Download tornado.wav

7:49 -- The worst is definitely over.  We're leaving the shelter, in one piece.  The weather is still really bad south of us, though; I hope those folks are okay.

7:53 -- The baby birds are safe!  But we don't see the momma anywhere; we're a little worried.

8:22 -- The momma bird is back.  Wind is gone, rain is mostly gone, backyard is flooded!  But we're safe, and these children are headed to bed.  Hallelujah! 

Interesting Opportunity

BlogHer CEO Lisa Stone is going to conduct a live podcast interview with Carly Fiorina on Friday.  Ms. Fiorina is the former CEO of Hewlett-Packard, and now she's stumping for John McCain's campaign.  BlogHer is actively soliciting questions to ask the McCain camp in the interview.  Head over there and be heard!

What DOESN'T Work For Me

Several people sent in e-mails requesting this particular themed edition of WFMW.  Evidently a good number of you have experience with things that don't work out well?  Surely not.

Anyway, this week is your chance to share with the internet your lessons-learned-the-hard-way.  Here is my own random assortment of non-working things:

Waxing.  Technically speaking, this did work for me in the sense that the hair in question was indeed removed, but not before I screamed in pain and nearly threw the waxing-girl across the room.  Never again.  Never, ever again. 

Putting a baby younger than six months old on anything resembling a schedule.  My hat is off to those of you who managed to do it, but I always found it a little like balancing an octopus on your fingertips.  Survival is the name of the game, and if that little creature wants you to feed him at 3 am while hanging upside down wearing polka dot leggings, then by George, you do it.

Yelling at my child that he should stop yelling so much.  Ahem.

Thinking my purse is safe if it's locked in my car.  Just in case I haven't mentioned it enough.  DON'T DO IT!

Magic Erasers.  I know some people swear by these, but I don't like how they get all slimy and soapy right in your hand.  Give me a washcloth and some 409 any day.

Going to the grocery store without meals planned and an organized list.  I still do this sometimes, unfortunately, but it never works out well, and entirely too many Little Debbies (and not enough green beans) seem to end up in my cart.

Garage sales.  I've never found that they make as much money as the tax deduction you'd receive from just donating (and itemizing) the same stuff.  And a charity gets some benefit as well.

So...what doesn't work for you?  (Leave your link below.  First-timers, please read through the guidelines here.)

Was your link deleted?  CLICK HERE.

1. We are THAT family (Distraction turned Disaster) 2. The Pumkin Patch 3. Mrs. Fussypants (How not to get all frumpy as a mommy) 4. Mammarino (Contact Lens Care) 5. MG (Don\'t Share A Camera) 6. Jenni (how to not waste money at the grocery store) 7. Daily Mish Mash (PMS) 8. Michelle at Scribbit (child activitites) 9. Laura @ Heavenly Homemakers (Please Pass the Butter) 10. Blue Castle (pasta cooker) 11. Cindy (backward face car seats) 12. Capturing Today (Our Lifestyle Don\'ts) 13. The Diaper Diaries (Chinese food) 14. Cara (tips for improving the soil for your garden) 15. The Apron Queen (What Not to Serve for Dinner: Chocolate!) 16. jen @ Land of Lovings -budgeting woes 17. beautifulcraziness (Nursery bedding) 18. Carrissa (new uses for dish detergent, don\'t waste your money!) 19. Lady Why (self-checkout horror stories!) 20. Domestic Spaz (Fly Lady) 21. The Happy Housewife - Credit Cards 22. NotTryingForABoy (felt stickers for chairs) 23. Marcy-The Glamorous Life 24. Green Baby Guide (Resist Cheerios!) 25. karla ~ LTH (****TWITTER TOOLS YOU:VE NEVER HEARD OF***) 26. Need A Nap2 (frugal ideas) 27. Fiddledeedee (Gift Wrapping - for less!) 28. Such The Spot 29. BRC Banter (Crockpot Oatmeal) 30. Joy @ Joy Of Desserts 31. Joy @ FiveJs (Flowers from Hubby? NO THANKS!) 32. Joy @ Joy Of Desserts 33. Corrie (great giveaway) 34. Smockity Frocks(Baby Socks) 35. Mammarino (Choosing a Phone Number) 36. Owlhaven (my Walgreens fiasco) 37. Andrea (slow cooker) 38. Phyllis (washing tie-dye) 39. Jen @ JenuineJen (Giraffe Licking) 40. aunt mommy (the presents that never give) 41. Nicol @ Classy & Sophisticated (Diapers) 42. Koala Bear Writer (disposable diapers) 43. Nichole @ A Call to Higher Places 44. Tamara (Counting) 45. LifeatTheCircus(traveling light) 46. Liza\'s Eyeview (Ezzo Parenting) 47. Many Little Blessings (budgeting, clothing, kitchen gadgets, etc.) 48. Little Home (baking vs Wal-Mart) 49. Staci at Writing and Living (Even in Buggarville) 50. Texastanya (Juniper Trees) 51. abrianna-Play Doh 52. Muddy(grocery lists and white water rafting) 53. DomesticallyBlissed - No such thing as Work Life Balance 54. Happy Geek (40 Clove Chicken) 55. Chaotic Joy (Weed killing) 56. Shari Ellen (homeschool related) 57. OW (de-cluttering my house, HELP!) 58. Beanish & Other Languages I\'m Learning - Early Mornings 59. boysmum2 (Time) 60. Thrifty Jinxy (recipe substitutions) 61. Kate @ A Simple Walk (Talking) 62. Dot (Go Duster) 63. margalit (IEP meetings) 64. Annette@MoreLucyThanJune (Weddings and Small Children) 65. Amanda (OMG! Is that your hair?) 66. Summer (bribing kids) 67. Julie Stiles Mills (scrapbooking alternative for tech lovers) 68. Franticallysimple (my mom did my hair) 69. col @ gigablonde (emotions as GPS system) 70. Kristin @ The Goat (Water) 71. Amy Halleran (How To Get Free Stuff) 72. Tara@Not So Perfect (Free Money) 73. Jane @ What About Mom? (Gift-Giving & A GIVEAWAY) 74. Teresa @ A Life At Home (Making my own dishwasher detergent) 75. Thrifty Karen - the grocery store 76. Dawn- Sweet Pea Cakes, Etc. Blog (laundry) 77. IfOnlyIHadSuperPowers (the phone) 78. Tina in Thailand (breakfast food) 79. Rachel (Wrist Watches!) 80. Fashion Paramedic (A compilation of "doesn\'ts") 81. Jessica (Don\'t forget the dry ice!) 82. Stephanie 83. Robin (washing bathroom rug) 84. Smellyann (rug stick) 85. Runningamuck (coloring your hair at home) 86. Duckabush Blog (Photography Lessons) 87. LeeAnn (AKA FrazzMom) No! Stop! 88. Stretch Mark Mama (Getting Kids to Eat Veggies #3) 89. Amy@Experience Imagination (budgeting with gift cards) 90. Jen M (working it out before bed) 91. pam (insurance, etc.) 92. Elizabeth (couponing) 93. alexsandra (GLUTEN) 94. citystreams (Hubs\' schedule) 95. Mommy-fied (screaming, pacifier, carry baby to sleep) 96. KiddieBlanket (No bedtime stories) 97. Abbey (Antibacterial Handsoap) 98. Mommy Bee/Brightonwoman 99. Becky P (Multiple Blogs) 100. Organising Queen (paper clutter) 101. Stephanie (Dry Beans) 102. Wallet organization 103. Sarah (Cooking in General) 104. Jennifer, Snapshot (The GYM) 105. Liisa (Doing Too Much) 106. JennyV 107. Mommin\' It Up! (baby care timer) 108. Judy (gas prices!!! EW!!!) 109. Suzanne (cheap shoes) 110. Linds (Cleaning the Toilet) 111. Debbie J. (Menu Planning) 112. Activities Coordinator (Food Prices) 113. Luanne at iwantmk (couponing) 114. Megret (MSG and other things!) 115. Edi (Rigid Schedule) 116. Shanda (Parenting Alone) 117. Alana (natural deodorant) 118. Missy (Looking out for #1) 119. TongguMomma (China\'s Great Wall trauma) 120. Heather (2nd Hand Pajamas) 121. Wade\'s World (Campbell\'s Cheesy Chicken and Rice) 122. Jendeis(remembering to comment) 123. Hadley ~ Entertaining 124. Janelle (picky eating, etc) 125. Sister Sassy (FORCEFUL CONVERSIONS) 126. Julie 127. Miche@Coordinated Chaos(baby items/things to avoid) 128. Shalee - Participation 129. Sonshine (afternoon appts) 130. Ames (cheap tools)

131. Untraditional home (budgeeting, scheduling, and American lifestyle) 132. Momala (Laundry) 133. Loral (couponing) 134. Elisa (unschooling/homeschooling) 135. Trixie @ Farmhomelife (groceries) 136. sara l (grocery deals) 137. Momof11 ~ 100 Things We Learned the Hard Way #61-70) 138. Handmade Daily (Once a Month Cooking) 139. Melanie (list of don\'ts) 140. Lavonne @ Economic Endeavors (very cheap hosting!) 141. Kim (Many) 142. Free 2 Be Frugal (line drying) 143. Life with Three (Summer Plan for Kids) 144. Llama Momma (fancy company food) 145. NewYorkChica (Kids & Kitchen Tips) 146. Kaye (No-Nos with Fabric Softener) 147. Victoria (My 1st WFMW) 148. Tania @My Everyday Joys (A Nursing Mother\'s Nightmare) 149. candace (nursing in public) 150. Adena (DON\'T throw away that stained outfit until you read this!) 151. Cammie (computer time) 152. Peggie (Just won\'t work) 153. Frances@Loving and Serving (towel tags GONE) 154. Richelle(Getting rid of rabbits) 155. Kristenkj(church/food/kids) 156. Ann\'Re @ Home (Groceries) 157. Rhen @ YESTHEYAREALLMINE 158. Mother Hen (you must inspect) 159. Amy (television) 160. Abbi (Magic Erasers) 161. Knittinchick (skin care products!) 162. Tanya (thrift stores) 163. The Apron Queen (Not Spay Your Cat) 164. Kristen ( Impulses) 165. Peggie (Don\'t try this) 166. Amanda (Sock Storage) 167. Karen (Trial and Error) 168. Seasonal Learner- Colicky Baby 169. LaLaGirl (lame parenting moves) 170. myRUFlife (Teflon doesn\'t work here) 171. DimpleQueen(Silver Foam Cleaner) 172. Brea in Texas (please help me with my budget!!) 173. Brittany 174. The Thrifty Blogger (No sleep) 175. Fuschia (poorly motivating kids) 176. GP in Montana 177. De\'Etta @Choosing Joy 178. laurieofthesevenstories 179. Bahama Shores Mama (attire, and a few others) 180. SortaCrunchy (Facial Cleansers) 181. Heather (Baby Gates w/Pics) 182. Sarah (Movie group finding etiquette!) 183. GettysburgMom- cribs 184. Sarah (PLAY it forward) 185. Mo (coupons & menu plans) 186. Christine (sucks for me wednesday) 187. Kristine (a few toddler/kid/family things) 188. LinesFromTheVine(Our Digital Camera) 189. Nicole@The Simple Cajun Life(ADHD home remedies) 190. Storytellin\' Mama (Green Paint) 191. sandwiched (Doing Dishes) 192. Franticallysimple (oops, original post got deleted) 193. Christine No Watch Me (stranger danger) 194. Sandy S Zoo (K.I.S.S.) 195. Kisses of Sunshine-Making Homemade Bread (OH MY WORD!!) 196. Jeanette (Always Been Different) 197. Audie (a couple do NOT\'s) 198. Ahorros (CVS brand diapers) 199. Kari @ Just Another Day in Paradise (Assorted Issues) 200. Christine @ Serenity How? (GREEN TEA FRAPP) 201. Heather (pool water in your garden) 202. Crystal @ Biblical Womanhood (infant potty training) 203. chickadee 204. iwantmk (coupons?) 205. Heather (pool water in your garden) 206. Michelle (Appliance Death) 207. mzzterry SOCKS with SANDALS 208. Money Saving Mom (rebates, shopping often, and Walgreens) 209. Alyssa @ Keeping the Kingdom First (random thoughts) 210. Janelle @ Now Play Happy (the phone) 211. amyb 212. Emily (Mother\'s Day) 213. 3cookieday (working too hard) 214. iwantmk (coupons?) 215. ellen stevens (i am a stalker) 216. Heather (pool water in your garden) 217. Tyler (laundry) 218. Amanda (schedules) 219. Mamacita 220. Mamacita (ordering things off infomericals!) 221. lizzykristine (house plants) 222. Abby (Math) 223. Daiquiri (bird nest HELP!) 224. Jenna (Multi-Tasking) 225. Amy (Television!) 226. All Things Cherished 227. Katie (BABY!) 228. sara m. (Homeschooling) 229. Jenna (Multi-Tasking) 230. Elizabeth Sue (Too Much Phone Time) 231. Char (My daughter,the shopper) 232. Veggiemomof2 233. Christine@Lily of the Valley 234. Heidi (Scrubbing Bubbles Automatic Shower Cleaner) 235. callmetravis (potty training pic) 236. jodi @ backporch reflections (crockpot & coupons) 237. April(domestic doesn\'t agree with me) 238. Ann Kroeker (multi-tasking doesn\'t work 4 me) 239. Kimi@blessed beyond belief (mornings!) 240. Multitasking Mama 241. Tami @ Muddlin Thru Motherhood 242. Everyday Blessings 243. Charity (cooking spray) 244. Everyday Blessing (rollerblades,gardening,swimsuits) 245. Laane (official drop/link systems) 246. Becky (Wedding Ring Woes- Rash, please help!) 247. Sabrina @ Raising Oaks of Righteousness (oh, i have a list!) 248. The Nourishing Gourmet-Make your own veggie sandwich 249. Amber (buying produce from Wal-Mart 250. Betsy (immaculate house) 251. Dana (Flylady, clothing) 252. Kristin (personal peeves) 253. Jen\'s List 254. Kim (my list: WalMart, husbands, dogs, reality tv, etc.) 255. Motherhood and Potatoes (Diaper Changing) 256. Kimberly (overpaying for computer stuff) 257. Sarah (Claritin and Comparison) 258. KrustyTheCat\'s List-coupons, canning, dieting 259. Claire (Not Eating Before a Run)

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No, Really, I'm Not Here

I'm still on a bloggy break, seriously--just pretend you can't see me.  But I had to share this picture of the sweet little drama going on in the hanging flower basket just outside my backdoor:

They are the sweetest little things you've ever seen.  Their little necks pop up and their mouths open wide when their momma flies in.  And this momma has banned all bats and balls from the backyard until the little ruggers have taken wing. 

Now, if I were here, which I'm not, because I'm on a break, but IF I were, this is where I would remind you that WFMW is a themed edition this week:  What DOESN'T Work For Me. 

See you then.   

Blog Break

I'm in need of a blog break, BAD.  (See?  I'm so stressed out I've stopped using adverbs.)

I'm going to rest my bloggy brain cells, and I'll be back on Wednesay for WFMW.  Incidentally, it will be a themed edition this time:  it's What DOESN"T Work For Me.  Share with the internet some things you've learned the hard way.  (Just remember your kids might read this someday...)

Speaking of sharing things, I have a post up at BlogHer today that invites participation from readers.  Want to tell us the best things your mom taught you?  Head over there.

See you in a few days.

*UPDATED--I WATCHED IT!* Tornado Alley

Tornadoes have been rocking my corner of Oklahoma all evening.  That means all local television has been pre-empted so the weather people can act freakishly excited give us all fair warning.  I think the only tragedy greater than having the roof blown off my house is missing an episode of Lost during sweeps month.

Oh, I jest.  But I did actually call the ABC newsroom to find out when they were re-playing Lost, and I chose to ignore the impatient tone of voice in the man who answered the phone.  Clearly, he felt like life-threatening weather situations took priority over television programming.  Seriously?

So, no Lost post tonight until I have a chance to watch it on-line.  In the meantime, if you've posted about it, feel free to leave your link below.  And for Pete's sake, don't leave me any spoilers in the comments section.

(And, in all seriousness, I hope you Okies out there all stayed safe and dry tonight.)

UPDATED TO ADD--

So, I watched it.

Stupid Jack.  Stupid, stupid Jack.  Doesn't he see he's going down the same road as his dad?  And speaking of Jack's dad, is he alive, or isn't he?  Why did he come for Claire?  Is he the un-dead, coming to claim a victim?  Did I really just type that sentence with a straight face?

But let's hear it for the manly men in last night's episode.  Jin calmly threatening to break Daniel's fingers one at a time may be one of my favorite Lost moments ever.  And Sawyer?  You mark my words, he and Claire are getting together.  Unless, of course, she's being held captive by the un-dead.

And dadgummit if Juliet isn't starting to make me her like it again.  I won't do it.  I won't!

Talk Amongst Yourselves: The Tooth Fairy

I'm just curious: how much does The Tooth Fairy pay when she stops by your house?  I'd tell you about ours first, but I suspect she's way stingier than yours, and, well, I don't want to look like an idiot. 

Works For Me: Audio Books

I love reading picture books aloud to my kids.  But I'm terrible at reading aloud for long stretches (such as chapter books)--I start to sound way too much like Ellie Mae Clampett.  I don't like to hear myself talk that much (my husband might beg to differ, but let's go with it.)

That's why something that's really working for me is audio books with the kids.  I enjoy it more, and they certainly do.  You can get them at your library for free, of course, or you can find a great selection at AudibleKids.  (Let's see...I could spend $20 on a 2-hour DVD starring, oh my word, chipmunks, or I could spend $20 on a 12-hour audio book starring, um, not chipmunks.  Easy choice.)

I just downloaded this, and I can't wait to listen with the kids.  I've heard great things about it, and I'm very sure that Lynn Redgrave sounds a lot better than Ellie Mae Clampett.

* * * * * * * * * *

Have a helpful tip or two you'd like to share with the internet?  Leave your Works-For-Me Wednesday link below.  Please read through the guidelines first! 

Was your link deleted?  CLICK HERE.

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Joy @ Five J\'s (Recipe Binder) 23. Mamabug (sheet organization) 24. Activities Coordinator (Drawer Organizer) 25. The Gentle Arts (How to learn how we show security in our marriage) 26. Beth (More audio book links) 27. Memory Lane (Cream Puffs) 28. Motherhood for Dummies (cookbook) 29. Carrissa (how to clean with your kids!) 30. Beth (Organic gardening) 31. karla ~ Handy Diaper Wipes 32. Leslie (Prayer Journal) 33. The Bargain Shopper Lady (Free Photobook- Great Mother\'s Day Gift! ) 34. Sashwhy (Mother\'s Day Gift Ideas Under $10) 35. Staci at Writing and Living (Motivated Moms Planner) 36. aunt mommy (cooking with dregs) 37. Suzanne :: Adventures in Daily Living :: 4 Amusing Podcasts 38. Beth @ The Natural Mommy (Spice Organization) 39. Kate @ A Simple Walk (Buying a new car to save $) 40. Franticallysimple (sunless tanning application tips) 41. jen @ Land of Lovings -sharing Compassion with kids 42. Susan (cleaning ceiling fan with secret weapon) 43. LifeatTheCircus(entertaining kids at doctor office) 44. HeresTheDiehl(Lite Brite & Toddlers) 45. Daiquiri (tidy spice cabinet) 46. GreenBaby(Recycling Bath Water) 47. LeeAnn (BEST STAIN REMOVER EVER!!!) 48. Melanie @ build wisely (sanity savers with kids) 49. Jen @ JenuineJen (Twitter for Dummies) 50. Fiddledeedee (Timesaving Salad Tip!) 51. TongguMomma (Catalogue Books Easily) 52. Smockity Frocks (Reusing Worksheets) 53. Owlhaven (taming the savage tent) 54. Dawn @ My Home Sweet Home (Photoshop Watermark) 55. Many Little Blessings (Make Your Own Matching Game) 56. Crystal (kid swap) 57. Runningamuck (DIY Small Space Laundry Sorter) 58. Stephanie @ KCBryans (Fun Link) 59. Stephanie @ Keeper of the Home (going no \'poo) 60. Kelli @LivinginGrace (Make Razors Last Forever) 61. Shanda(poor mama\'s massage) 62. Dawn (Filling Your Tank) 63. IfOnlyIHadSuperPowers (mowing lawn) 64. Stretch Mark Mama (Getting Kids To Eat Veggies # 2) 65. Thinkingchair (Library reminder website) 66. a dash of sassitude (natural remedies) 67. The Bargain Shopper Lady (Free Photobook- Great Mother\'s Day Gift! ) 68. Totallyscrappy (Teacher Appreciation) 69. abrianna 70. Every Good and Perfect GIft 71. Amy (Wonderful Wedding Gift) 72. Liza\'s Eyeview (Orchids Care & Mothers Day) 73. Tara@Not So Perfect (Monitor) 74. LaDonna 75. Jenni@Our Life w/ 3 Girls (400 free photos!) 76. Abel (What to Do When Your Child Says, "I Don\'t Want to Go to School!") 77. Corrie (no more kitchen hands) 78. Amy @ By His Grace (Helping New Parents) 79. RainyPM - Don\'t throw out your old veggies 80. Mommy Menagerie (I Flunked Frugal 101) 81. Smellyann (Wrap-n-mats) 82. Simply A Musing Blog (cool tips for foil use) 83. Creatvie Cupcakes 84. MamaMay (Advertising via plugboards) 85. Stephanie @ Keeper of the Home (going no \'poo) 86. Simply Sweet Home (quick tasty snack) 87. Adena (easy & fun way to clean bathtub...really) 88. Susan(CinnamonforColdDiabetes) 89. Ellen (Getting Involved at Church) 90. Robin (canker sore relief) 91. Thrifty Jinxy (Organize Your Closet) 92. Kristine (Tips to Keep Cool) 93. Organising Queen (junk drawers!) 94. 5 Minutes for Mom (finding free shipping) 95. Jennifer (toys on rugs) 96. Duckabush Blog (Planning a Women\'s Retreat) 97. Simple Mom (Home Management Notebook ideas) 98. Domestic Spaz (Lice) 99. boysmum2 (duck feeding) 100. Sarah (Spring Cleaning for CAR FLOOR MATS!) 101. Sarah ("to" stop sign- object lesson) 102. Creative organizing tip 103. Happy Mommy (clean base boards) 104. Chatty Kelly (Cooking Co-op) 105. Kelly @ TravelsInCognition (simplify your day) 106. Beth (Jalapeno Popper Dip - Yum!) 107. Sonshine (lunch ideas & planning) 108. The Happy Housewife ~ Crayons in my Dryer 109. Trixie @ Farmhomelife (outside activities) 110. Shalee (Free Meals) 111. Laura (understand your six-year-old!) 112. Life with Three (ending sibling arguments) 113. Heather (natural crud fighting remedies) 114. SARAH@ Real Life (Brushing a Tender Head) 115. AMusingMom (Birthday Party Games) 116. Monica (decorating with what you have) 117. Christine@Lily of the Valley (Prayer Jar) 118. Gina (Pinching Pennies) 119. Jes @ Beauty From Chaos (Dirty Dishes) 120. Debbie J. (Small Space Organizing Ideas) 121. Shelley (Sibling Fights) 122. Miche@Coordinated Chaos(FREE Playtex Bottles-BPA Free also!) 123. candace (organizing DVDs and CDs) 124. Katie (Little is Much) 125. Suzanne (cheaper/free magazines) 126. Katie @ Endless Day (coupons you\'ll actually use) 127. The Apron Queen (Surfing Lessons) 128. Mommin\' It Up! (alternative to booster seat) 129. Lynn (organizing recipes) 130. Little Home (baby food maker) 131. Stop the Ride! (detangle hair) 132. Sandwiched (Sidewalk Paint) 133. Heather L. (Free Yogurt)

134. Kristin (Masterbedroom Haven) 135. Sandwiched (Kids Favorite Smoothie) 136. Monica (decorating with what you have) 137. Linds@This Abode (Tablecloth Crumbs) 138. Liisa (Rolling Out Pie Crusts) 139. jodi - smooth start to your morning 140. Britni (Organizing Drawers) 141. Frances@Loving and Serving (saving vegetable nutrients) 142. The Family CEO (Master Menu List) 143. Clappy Shoes-31 cent/scoop ice cream tonight 144. NewYorkChica (Beauty Tips) 145. GettysburgMom- Urban Legends 146. beautifulcraziness 147. Judy (paid recycling) 148. Kathy (kid-friendly veggie) 149. Broom Huggers (easy cleaning tip) 150. Julie Stiles Mills (freakish junk drawer - and monthly giveaway) 151. Jeni (toddler chores) 152. Kim (Nighttime Prep) 153. Kaye (Walgreen\'s Rebates Online) 154. Passionatehomemaking (microwave vs toaster oven) 155.