Well Well Well

My daughters aren't all that messy. I mean, I guess it's nothing that really is an issue with us. I will admit that my youngest daughter often resembles a street urchin but more than anything else, it's her bedhead that dictates that. Oh, and her clothing. And that fact that she goes barefoot almost all the time. Um, OK, well, so like I said, my kids aren't all that messy so I haven't carried wipes around with us for quite some time. Many of my friends with preschool aged children still tote around the wipes for anything and everything. But, not us. I will admit that I have some antibacterial something or other in my side pocket of my car door but that's only used once in a while. Like when my kids remind me that they've been playing all day at school and are about to dig in to some greasy french fries. Oh, OK then, better sanitize! Greasy fries are one thing, germy greasy fries, not so much.

I didn't really realize it but letting my kids eat germs must have been a thing I once took pride in. Weird, I know. But, once when we were out with the kids getting ice cream, my girl friend asked to borrow a Wipe. I smugly replied, ""my kids don't need them." We exchanged a glance back and forth not exactly sure what to say next. She finally rolled her eyes at me and we both cracked up. Fast forward to Clean Well entering the picture about 6 months later. I am a changed woman. I am Wipe Mom, super clean, super eco, super proud. Thanks Clean Well for showing me the err of my ways!

Clean Well is a new hand-sanitizing product that comes not only in a Wipe but also in this svelte and sexy little spray bottle that feels good in your hands. And I'm not even talking about the spray itself yet! I'm here to tell you, I can't hardly resist me some good packaging. So, yes, the spray. Light and lovely. Easy to pump and it dries quickly and leaves your hands feeling normal again in seconds. Not sticky or gooey or smelling of menthol (like the mystery product from my car that I finally threw out). Ick. I will admit that Clean Well had my interest piqued the minute I experienced the website (even before I got the product to try) . I was not only impressed by the visual vibe (what can I say, that stuff sells me) but also the entire idea behind the newest, freshest product on the market. When the goods arrived, they did not disappoint. I'll put it this way, one of the mini spray bottles was stolen from me, by my daughter, who keeps it in the front pocket of her lunch cooler. She has become Sanitizer Girl and all the kids gather round for a super squirt before lunch. When the kids want to use it, it's a gooood thing.

The other evening when the kids and I went to grab a pizza with the fore mentioned friend of mine and her daughter, she made commented at the end of the meal that she didn't have a Wipe. And then her eyes met mine and we locked gazes and squinted at each other in kind of a Jerry and Newman moment. "Ah ha! But I do," and out came the big guns...my Clean Well Wipes. As I held up the individually wrapped Wipe she gasped, "What it this adorable thing?" snatched it out of my hands, proceeded to tear it open, inhale the lemony fresh scent, unfold the very large Wipe and breathed, "Mmmmm, yummy, where can I get some of these?" So, now, you have proof that this stuff is awesome. Not just from me, but from one of the original Wipe Moms and that's sayin' something.

If you want to know what's in this uber sanitizer and how it works (all-natural, safe for baby, alcohol-free, etc, etc) you can read all about it on the site because it's all there in gorgeous green and white. If you want to know how it is, up close and personal, then you probably can tell by now, I'm into it.



This review was brought to you by The Parent Bloggers Network.

Prince Charming

Since my little sister is getting married in March and my step-brother is getting married in May there has been a lot of talk about weddings around here.

Today in the car, out of the blue my youngest daughter sighs, "I want to get married."
"You do?" I ask, "Well, you can get married when you grow up. Who do you want to marry?"
"Daddy" she replied dreamily.
"What else do you want to do when you grow up?" thinking this was a good time to sneak a peek into her head.
"Be a doctor" she says.
"Great," I say, "And anything else?"
"Ride my big bike" she says and rolls her eyes as if she's tired of me probing.
I summarize, "So, you want to marry Daddy, be a doctor and ride your big bike when you grow up."
Pause.
She sighs again and tilts her head against the car seat, "Daddy is sooooooo handsome."

And although I wholeheartedly agree, I'm now convinced she's seen one too many Princess movies.

What's in a Photoblog?

I was recently asked if I consider any of my blogs (and you know I have many) to be photoblogs. Ahem, well, I'm not exactly sure. I write a lot about photography and post photos too at Picture This so yes, I think I would say that makes it a photoblog. Or does it? I can't really say one way or another.

Does a true photoblog have to showcase only photographic images without words, explanations or "how-to" tips? I do have one of those photoblogs that floats around in the background behind my busier blogs; understated and pale due to my neglect and lack of blog traffic. I love it but I don't post to it much these days. It seems that I have gotten caught up by adding words to everything I do. I have a website that speaks to passers-by in a visual language but I do long to continue this non-verbal communication in other ways.

So, now this question I'm pondering has given me a little nudge. A reminder that I love images without words. I so enjoy observing a single photograph and allowing for my own translation of that image pour over me; to stir and be stirred, to share the way I see things, or to see another perspective, to have thoughts and feelings pulse through me from an intimate visual experience between myself and a photograph.

So why don't I just get over there and post more?

OK. I will.

(thanks sissy for the reminder)

The Ultimate Compliment

nominee banner
Originally uploaded by mmeclark.

Wow.
My little ol' blog Mother May I was nominated by someone whom I greatly admire for "The Happiest Blog" at the Share the Love Blog Awards hosted by One Woman's World.

I am in the company of some incredible bloggers over there so I'm all a flutter with just seeing my blog listed with theirs. Sigh.

Go check it out and vote for your favs. I did.

What's in a Line?

A few months ago a dear friend came over to take some photos of me. She is embarking on her new career in photography and since I'm kinda narcissistic and like the way others see me through the lens (huh?) I urged her to use me as a model. Actually, that's not the way it happened exactly. She was in need of a little practice, and some input, and I was in need of recent "blog profile" photos of myself. But I still like getting my photo taken in my own weird little way.

Come to find out, she wanted to be sure to capture my wrinkles. Um, I'm sorry, my what? Oh boy. This might not be as fun as I thought. Or maybe it would be. Truth is, I'm not really all that worried about my age or the aging process thus far for that matter. Some friends I know whisper about botox and their sagging, sucked dry breasts and that flappy skin on the back of their arms. Me? Nah. It is what it is. So, I figured I'd let her just shoot away, unflattering side light and all. And I did. And you know what, I like the photos. Yep. So I'm calling in a victory. It might not mean anything to anyone else but to me, it means that I'm OK looking at my own (40- year-old, this year) face which I think is a pretty good thing.

At first glance this shot is fun and so very me, but after I really looked at it, I saw the lines, the wrinkles around my eyes. Wow. That's a lot of lines. It's surreal catching a glance of yourself aging. Because like Shari MacDonald Strong said in her wonderful story Love-40, "I didn't know I was aging, exactly." So when one day you see yourself and you can trace the last few years of motherhood, of work, of love, of joy, of time carved in lines around your eyes, it can be shocking. But, it's also wonderful, if you let it be.

Babyproofing Your Marriage Blog Book Tour

I first heard about the new book Babyproofing Your Marriage from Kristen. Apparently, she got an unannounced copy of the book in the mail and figured she had been targeted as someone who really needed some help in the marriage department. Let’s just say she is always very candid about the ups and downs of her relationship with her husband at Motherhood Uncensored. About a week later, I got the book in the mail and thought, “Now wait a minute, I don’t talk about my marriage on my blog. Why did I get the book?” and immediately hid it in the closet for fear that my husband would think I was seeking help to improve our marriage, God forbid. Yes, I was worried about what he might think seeing marital book on the nightstand, as ridiculous as that might sound. And then, Mother Talk asked if I wanted to review the book. Oh boy.

I was on the fence about even reading it because my husband and I are no longer in the “baby phase” of life anymore so I figured it wasn’t applicable. That was, until I starting reading the thing. And then I was like, “DANG! This is one hell of an important book!” and have not been able to put it down.

So, what exactly are the three very sage mothers (Stacie Cockrell, Cathy O’Neill, and Julia Stone) behind this Babyproofing book on to? What do they know that we don’t? Well, it’s not so much what they know, it’s that they had the gumption to really look at it for what it is; a universal marital dilemma and they tackled it head (and heart) on. Bravo ladies!

But, what’s the point of reading about something we are living? If we are already well aware that our lives as we knew them have unraveled since we’ve had kids and our marriages are well, a mere shadow of what they used to be? How about for validation? It’s absolutely imperative for us to recognize that what is discussed in this book are not “just our own marriage” issues. In fact, every couple that has kids goes through this stuff in one form or another and for the most part, argues about the exact same things. I swear, as I was reading the many spot on quotes included in the book feeling like I was reading exact conversations my husband and I have had over the course of the past 9 years, since our fist daughter was born. Word for word. I’m serious. And even now, as my kids are 3 and 9, we still drag these same gripes around with us day after day. Sure, life has gotten a easier with a little more sleep (now that our babies are no longer babies) and a few good parenting years under our belts but even still, the fundamental beefs we have had with one another since we had the babies, are still pretty much the same today, and thankfully are exactly what are dissected in this book.

Babyproofing Your Marriage tackles all the issues; the myth of the highly sought after, pretty much unattainable ‘equal partnership’ marriage, sex (and the lack thereof) and everything that goes along with that (which is, um, a lot), and the rest of the brutal truth about what having a children really does to your relationship. And believe you me, it’s not always pretty.

But above and beyond validation, the book gives you hope. I mean, once it’s all broken down, it’s not all that difficult really (if we can pry our resentments from our weathered and weary parent paws). The key is to for once, really start to recognize what our partners are going through. Sure, we moms might feel beaten down and taken for granted but so do our spouses. Both of us are feeling the exact same way (light bulbs going off?) with just a few variations as to 'the what and the whys’ (like hard wiring for example). This book takes it all apart and lays it out in the language that all parents can grasp and then starts to rebuild it as we begin to let ourselves feel the other person’s pain. It’s the first big step and this empathy alone can begin the shift toward a better relationship. Hooray!

What I think is the most refreshing part of the book is that both parties are equally represented. And this is why it is so important for our husbands to read the book (this issue noted in my conclusion). They'll be ecstatic to know they are in no way getting all the blame in this book. For as much as their manly tendencies are exposed (and sometimes constructively criticized), so are our pity parties (we all have them), constant comparisons -aka score keeping (‘I do 10 things to every one thing he does’), and over-protective, gate keeping attitudes (‘surely you aren’t taking the baby out dressed in that’) of which we have all been guilty. In Babyproofing both us moms and the dads are called to the table, held accountable for the mess our marriages are in, and everyone is offered very valuable help and very doable methods that can be used to improve our relationships tremendously. For God sakes, there are even mock scripts we can use if we flounder and lists of ways to make the opposite sex feel appreciated. Hello. Easy peasy. And the added bonus is that although these can be some heavy issues, the tone of the book is light, the writers are funny, and the language is appropriate. Like the F word. Tossing that one in at the right moment gave me the feeling that I’m among friends, having this discussion in my living room, with other normal parents, that are earnest because they too struggle with the same crap in their own marriages. It’s refreshing and enjoyable reading.

And if for some reason you are still even thinking for one single minute that you don’t need to read this book, I urge you to think again. However, be warned, this book is clearly written to both halves of the whole here. Which means, and I reiterate here, when you do get the book and read it, there is this one hurdle that might prove a difficult leap—getting your husband to read it too. I know first hand that that is waaaay easier said than done as I have yet to get a “yes dear, I will read the book” from my man but I won’t give up trying and hope you won’t either.



For more info on Babyproofing Your Marriage - How to Laugh More, Argue Less, and Communicate Better as Your Family Grows by Stacie Cockrell, Cathy O’Neill, and Julia Stone visit the website.


Catch the authors live on The Today Show on NBC...today.

And Now, Part 2

After our excursion at Baby Loves Disco, my husband was very excited to take the girls and I to the world renown Pink's for hot dogs. And not just any hot dogs. These are hot dogs to the stars. Naturally, after an afternoon of dancing and the fact that we aren't cruising around Hollywood that often these days, we happily obliged.

I learned a few things that late afternoon that I'd like to pass on, just in case you're headed for Hollywood anytime soon.

Don't go to Pink's if you don't have the time (or the patience) to wait in line for at least 20 minutes or in our case, 50. For. A. Hot. Dog.

Don't got to Pink's in the middle of a So Cal cold snap. Keep in mind that you are outside, on a street corner as you wait in line.

Don't go to Pink's with children that have danced for hours and are over-tired, hungry and very, very cold (because they just might just have to wait in line for 50 minutes in the bitter cold).

Don't go to Pink's if you think for one moment you'd have the good fortune of actually landing a table inside of their tiny indoor

dining room because chances are you'll have to sit outside.

Don't go to Pink's if you just got a wisdom tooth pulled as you just might, in trying to cram a hot dog down your throat, tear your stitches and injure your so that you won't be able to eat anything but soup for the next 48 hours.

Don't go to Pink's if you don't have your camera because you wouldn't ever want to forget a family outing like this.

Baby Loves Disco - Part 1

And so does Mama, Daddy, and Big Sister!

Saturday was the highly anticipated Baby Loves Disco "family dance party" at The Knitting Factory in Hollywood. Yes, Hollywood! There is no messing around when it comes to the very cool, ultra hip Baby Loves Disco Events. They are held in big cities, at REAL clubs. You know, night clubs. Remember those places you used to go to dance, drink, hang out, have fun pre- children? I know, it's a little cloudy but am I ringing any bells here?

If I told you that you could now go to these same clubs and do these same things with your whole family (babies and all) would you believe me? Well, it may sound too good to be true but it's not. Of course, there area few modifications. Like when you attend a Baby Loves Disco event, snacks are provided, for freeeeee. And we're not talking crappy snacks, we're talking fruit platters, sandwiches, cupcakes, and a plethora of other kid friendly munchies. Oh, and juice boxes. But, you'd better believe they sell drinks (REAL drinks) for the parents. Mmm mmmm. One more reason to go. And the free stuff doesn't end there. We got these unbearably cute BabyLegs legwarmers that, I swear if they came in my size I would totally wear, among other cool schwag.

My whole family attended the shindig as did a few friends and we all loved it. LOVED. IT. There was of course the dance floor, with a disco ball. And bubbles that dropped from the sky. And balloons, hula hoops, music makers, and more play things to keep even the busiest toddlers entertained. The music was in fact good. And spun by a real DJ. And it was loud enough and dark enough to make it cool but not too loud nor too dark. Which was a HUGE relief. So, don't worry if you think your wee ones might get too stimulated. From one over-protective mom to another, it's cool. And besdies, when it is time to take a break for a while, there is a designated Chill Out area where there were rugs laid out, pillows galore, books, games, and all sorts of things to wind your tiny dancers down.



For the rest of my photo set, go to my Flickr page.

My daughters are already picking out their disco duds for the next LA event which is set for February 10th. I'm sure even more than my words, the photos of the day speak of what a fun experience it was shakin' our groove thangs at Baby Loves Disco LA. I urge you to check out their site to see if there is one being hosted in your town. If you're lucky, there's at least one in 'Road Trip' distance.


This review was brought to you by The Parent Bloggers Network.

For a different Baby Loves Disco review from another Parent Blogger (like myself), go read what Kari had to say about her journey into the city as she and her family 'got down' at the San Francisco event. Go Kari, Go Kari!

Christmas List Recap

A recent photo gadget obsession drove me to write a HotSpot feature for Alpha Mom last month which some of you already know. But, I felt I needed to clarify (since everyone keeps asking) that no, I did not get a darling little lensbaby for Christmas. I got something even better.

I heart my husband.

A New Year, A New Perspective

Me- "Honey, your shoes are on backwards."

My youngest- "Not when I do this."

Here's to doing it your own way in 2007.

Holidays

wishing you peace, hope, wonder, light, love and joy

collage created at www.tabblo.com

A Savvy Mother Talk Book Tour

Many of you already know that I am the mother of two bright and beautiful daughters. God knows I post enough photos of them around here to make it pretty obvious. So, what does having daughters mean to me? It means a lot but what first comes to mind is my wish to raise them to be strong, independent, empowered women all the while trying my darnedest not to saddle them with my own baggage (namely, the female kind). So far, so good, I guess. But my oldest is headed for Tweenville and that means it's only going to get harder for me to navigate the precarious mother/daughter waters.

Long ago, back before we even had kids, my husband insisted that I bow out of The Sex Talk if ever that time came. He was certain that it would be futile for me to try to hide my uptightness about all things below the belt and figured he’d be the better speaker of the house. I didn’t take offense to it because I knew he was right. But time has passed and I better understand some of my issues and have faced them over the years. And now, in the blink of an eye, I am dealing with a nine-year-old daughter and on a daily basis am deciding how and when to interject the tid-bits of girl info as she needs it. Considering I never even called a vagina by it’s proper name until she was like 5, it’s been a slow road. Regardless a few set backs, over the last few years, I have decidedly been much more forthright with her, sharing the details of my own cycle in ways that have seemed to comfortably open the lines of communication. Whew. I figure if I can keep it going, then the talk won’t necessarily have to be such a big talk but more of an extension of the things we’ve already been sharing (she says with fingers crossed).

Lucky for me, before things have gotten hairy (that might be a pun if you really think about it- so try not to think about it), a book like Toni Weschler's Cycle Savvy came along. I was thrilled when the call went out from Mother Talk to review the new book geared toward girls 14 and older. "Ah ha," I thought, "I’ve got a few years until then and I have time to arm myself with the info in this book so I’ll be really ready!" I figured from the title and the fab graphics that it’d be a perfect book to read and entrust my daughter with when the time comes. I started with the “note to moms” which is obviously a disclaimer for what was about to be discussed in the book and it managed to put me at ease right away. And then I really began. When I got to page 8 it was all I could do not to slam the book shut. Oh my God, I am not ready for this. See, page 8 is a graphic line drawing of the female genitalia, spread eagle, labeled and plain as day. Breathe Tracey, breathe. And then, through one squinted eye, I studied the drawing a little more closely. My eyes opened. Aaaah, so that’s where that is. Oooo, that’s what that’s called.

I found I was able to gather my thoughts and talk myself off the cliffs of Mt. Prude. And what happened next was remarkable. I began reading Cycle Savvy as a curious teen. Apparently, in many ways I am. I won't pretend ladies, there is stuff in this book that I didn't know. I haven’t read Toni’s first, wildly popular book Taking Charge of Your Fertility. Yet. Is it that obvious? Anyway, Toni’s approach is one of respect, knowledge, understanding and humor. I love her voice and to my astonishment I felt very comfortable reading about all the female stuff that might normally make me squirm especially in the context of knowing my daughter will be reading it one day. We’re not just talking periods here. Toni covers or perhaps better said uncovers topics like cervical fluid, ovulation, fertility, the ‘first time’ (gulp), birth control, and STDs to name a few. At great length and in detail I might add. Yep. It’s all in there and more.

So then I pondered her words and her straight-forward approach as a mother of a one-day teen and wanted to embrace her. She spoke in the language that I want to speak with my daughter; confident, kind, funny, and trusting. With teens, it’s not only what you say, it’s how you say it. And Toni has got it going on. She’s not trying to be one of the teens she’s targeting. Thank God. She’s just trying to be someone they will listen to, which is no easy task. She casts no judgment and offers clear, concise information that not only sheds light on the mysteries of the female body but empowers young women by entrusting them with the info they will need to make smart choices for themselves in life. As in every facet of life, not just in sex (although that is covered so well, I might have to memorize it and recite it when the time comes). Rest assured taking charge of your fertility isn’t easy at any age. If you consider doing so is like cracking the code to your whole personal make up it’s no wonder it takes some doing. But Toni offers the tools girls, ahem, women need to do just that, if and when they are ready to listen to and take charge of their bodies. It got me all fired up, I can tell you that much, and that’s a start.

Cycle Savvy is a book designed to help teen girls demystify their “awesome and amazing” bodies (gotta love those adjectives!) and in turn honor themselves and through it all offers the universal messages that many moms strive to instill in their daughters. One of the highlights for me is when the author describes “the four little words that can change your life.” She continues, “Commit them to memory, make them your mantra, own them. They will serve you again and again. Knowledge: Good. Ignorance: Bad.” That single message alone makes the book worth reading. I can guarantee that Cycle Savvy will be right here on my shelf (once I’ve read through it a few more times) waiting to be used for it’s highest good; to help me, help my daughter understand her own unique and miraculous body as she grows into the amazing young woman I see glimpses of even today.

****
Just added-
I am giving away a free copy of Cycle Savvy- The Smart Teen's Guide to the Mysteries of Her Body. It'll be a random drawing taken from all the people who comment on this post. Thanks and good luck!

Picture Perfect

The phrase "a picture is worth a thousand words" has never been more true.

http://news.yahoo.com/photo/061208/ids_photos_wl/r470729295.jpg

It All Adds Up

Back to the giving...because that's what this season is all about.

Minti is giving a dollar to the Starlight Starbright Foundation with each new member that registers over there. Wow. Talk about generous. That's going to add up to lots of dollars! And I can't think of a better place to give that kind of money to. OMG. It's a really awesome foundation.

So, if you're not a Minti Member yet, it's the perfect time to get over there and sign up. There's a button over in my trusty sidebar. And be sure to stop over to my home page there and say howdy.

Notes to Myself

Remember to love no matter what.
Remember to give to those who are in need.
Remember to ask for help when you are in need.
Remember that no matter how bad it is, it could be worse.
Remember that you are not alone (even when it feels like you are).
Remember that whatever it is, it's usually not worth the stress.
Remember to breathe.
Remember to be kind.
Remember to laugh.
Remember to keep your perspective.
Remember to pick your battles.
Remember your priorities.
Remember to give yourself extra time.
Remember to say "I Love You".
Remember to take the high road.
Remember to look up at the sky sometimes.
Remember to look for beauty because it's there.
Remember that playing is not optional.
Remember dreams can come true (but you have to dream first).
Remember that one day you will miss the chaos of mothering young children.
Remember to write it down because you won't remember if you don't.
Remember you can never ever take too many pictures.



Mama Says Om (remember)

The Ultimate Gift

An amazing group of my mom friends have come together to provide some relief for a needy family this season through Heifer International. I find the gesture particularly moving; providing families a way to sustain their households by giving them something as valuable as livestock which provides a long term solution instead of short term relief. Heifer Internationals mission is inspiring, ingenious and successful.

I have decided to have a Heifer campaign here and post about it at my many online homes and see what comes of it. One thing I've learned is that a blog is a great place to bring awareness to good causes and there are plenty of them. Heifer International is the one I'm choosing to support this season. Check out the my new button over there (in the right sidebar) with my fundraising meter. It's oh so exciting as I have never had a direct fundraising effort on my blog before. If you are looking to give a little something extra this year, I encourage you visit my fundraising page. If we reach the $500 mark, we can provide this for someone who could really use it. And even if we just gather a fraction of it, we can still help by providing this, this or this. Sweet.

Soon, there will be another good cause to share as the compassionate people behind it, but for today, read all about the lives that have been changed by one Heifer cow. And if you're inspired, blog about it.

Happy Birthday

I vividly remember the very first time I ever saw my husband and as I watched him from across the room (OK it was a bar), I absolutely knew he was one of those exceptional people. It was only later that evening, when I spoke with him (for like 3 hours) that I realized he was even more than that. He was extraordinary.

Fast forward almost 17 years later and I still wonder how on earth I am lucky enough to have him as my husband. It's beyond me. And trite as it may sound, there is no one on this earth that I would rather be with. I am grateful for everything he is and for the life we have built together.
I celebrate today because it was the day he came into this world.

Happy Birthday to my safe haven, my comedic relief, my partner in parenthood, my forever true love.

For The Long Weekend

When all else fails, go shopping. But for the love of turkey, pleeeeease back away from the mall!
Who needs big crowds, long lines and headaches when you 've got the coolest moms in the world doing the leg work for you?



These savvy elves know where it's at so pour yourselves a cup of cheer and check out their Holiday Gift Guide.

Red Carpet Recoup

So, last night was the "Red Carpet" Wii launch party at the new Boulevard3 in Hollywood. Yes, me and the hub were invited. I am a Nintendo Ambassador after all. Like how I throw that phrase around? I'm just trying to milk my gaming stardom for the next day or two because once the clock strikes twelve on Saturday night (and the Wii is available to the public) nobody and I mean nobody is going to give a doggone about my Ambassador status. Hell, nobody cares now, who am I kidding?

But, about last night...
I wish I had photos to share but I don't. I couldn't even find anything online. I wish I could drop names but I can't. Well, except Justin Timberlake (sans Cameron-damn!) and Mischa Barton (hubby swears he saw her) who count for two names. But hardly enough to mention. I wish I could tell you I fit right in, but I didn't. I wish I could tell you being surrounded by all that beautiful youth (in that bizarre twisted Hollywood way) didn't make me feel old, but it did. But I will tell you that it made me realize how perfectly content I am being who I am, young, old or otherwise. The "scene" is fun for about 10 minutes (OK, we stayed for 3 hours) but it's much more satisfying living my own scene; the chaos, creativity, challenges, and children that make my life rich and worthwhile. What am I telling you for? You already know because I'm certain that's how you all feel as well. We are in this Motherhood thing together and amidst all of it's absurdities, it's the best thing since Ms. Pac Man.

We did enjoy ourselves last night. Being invited to participate in Nintendo's master plan of the Wii System Launch has been nothing but a pleasure, as I have said a millions times before. And I think last night might have been the end of this zany, surreal, gaming story. But, um, I'll keep you posted.

Fashion SOS

So, I've got the invite but not the outfit. Blogger Fashionistas, I need your help. Where to go? What to buy? What the hell am I going to wear??

Please.

Help.