5MinutesForMom.com has started a new Friday Carnival.  The idea is to appreciate loyal readers of your blog that take the time to comment regularly.  We all know how great if feels to open up the browser to our blog and see a comment waiting--like a little present...  This carnival is in support of those that make us feel like we should keep on bloggin'--those loyal readers that let you know that they are out there reading your blog each day (gotta love them!)

I learned about "Say it FORWARD" from Stacy's Random Thoughts.  Now this is a blog you can fall in love with!  Stacy is so down to earth.  After reading just a few of her posts, you feel like you've known her for years.  She's funny, and she has a big heart.  She's also in the know... I don't know how she does it--she keeps her blog current, AND she's all over the blogosphere leaving comment love....  I love the way she talks about "Princess Nagger," "Wii Fitness," and well, just about anything you can think of in a mommy's daily life!  If you haven't been to her site--I highly recommend it!

I started this blog almost 5 months ago!  Wow, how time has flown.  One of the very first commenters on my blog was Joe from Running Over Fifty.  Honestly, I couldn't believe anyone would take the time to read--let alone leave a comment on a blog that was days old--but Joe did just that.  He's full of energy and motivation.  If you've never run a step in your life, I think Joe could convince you to do it!  You can feel his passion for fitness and running--and he writes so descriptively that you almost feel like you're running out there beside him.  Over time, I've shifted from a health blog to more of a mommy blog--but that hasn't stopped Joe from stopping by and leaving comments--THANKS bunches Joe! 

Another blogger that has been with me since the beginning is Erin from The Mom Buzz.  Most of you probably stop by her site already--she's a pretty popular blogger--and you know that she must never sleep!  She has one of those blogs that unorganized, flighty people like me covet.  She reviews products like crazy--products that she really cares about, and you know that you can trust what she says.  She has these cute vlogs that are fun to watch--her personality just shines on through!  (Love your hats, Erin!) But beyond running The Mom Buzz, My Brute Squad, and her new Playdate Picks where moms can chat with each other about anything and everything, Erin has time to stop by my blog EVERY day! EVERY SINGLE DAY! I think that if I went back and counted, I'd be shocked by the number of comments she's left me--a loyal reader and commenter--I so appreciate the time you take from your busy schedule to stop by and comment on my dorky blog, Erin!  

The "Say if FORWARD" rules suggests that you highlight 1, 2, or 3 blogs a week.  With that, I'm going to stop here and save some more of my favorite blogs to chat about next week (I already have a good idea who I'm going to highlight then, so make sure to come on back!  It might just be you!)

Bottom Line... If you haven't been by Stacy's Random Thoughts, Running Over Fifty, or The Mom Buzz, I highly recommend all three of these blogs--and make sure to leave a comment!  Check out Mr. Linky at 5MinutesForMom.com where you can check out other loyal bloggers, readers and commenters from around the blogosphere.


How to Participate in Say It Forward On Fridays, choose a commenter, (or two, or three) to feature in a Say It Forward post.

Come back to www.5minutesformom.com to add your permalink to the Mr. Linky.Visit other Say It Forward posts and discover FABULOUS bloggers who are fun, friendly and loyal commenters.And don’t forget to let your readers know that you are participating in Say It Forward so they can go find all these wonderful commenters and read their blogs.

And if you're a loyal commenter, make sure to take the button below and display it proudly on your site!

Kate's my little helper in the kitchen.  Today we decided to make a cake for Daddy.  With the leftover batter, we made cupcakes and Katie decorated them...

We covered the heart shaped cake with pink fondant, cut out some pink and white hearts--using rolling fondant... (click here for an easy rolling fondant recipe) Then it was time for Kate to decorate the cake...

Okay... so I put the XOXO on the cake, but the rest was all Kate!

What an easy and fun cake to make!  Daddy will be so surprised that his little angel made him such a special treat!

Scholastic is now taking nominations for the Mommy Blogger Awards 2009.  How exciting!  Head on over and vote for three of your favorite Mommy Bloggers!

I’m married, so I don’t have to hear those sleazy pick up lines guys come up with… Although, I suppose we all are guilty of using a line now and then… These days I might use, “Hey, (nudge) you asleep?”  I’ve also tried, “Pardon me… *pinch*  Is this seat taken?”  Let’s admit it—guys have more corny pick-up lines than girls…  Goofy ones, like “You look like you did the day I met you, babe.”  or “Is your dad a thief or something because someone stole the stars and put them in your eyes!”  But more than likely hubbs will try to use,  “I’m drunk.”  or “Wanna see me naked?”

Being as February is the month of love, I thought it would be fun to share some pick-up lines for Thursday Thirteen… Then I realized I don't really know or use that many--I'm totally the wrong person to ask about this kind of stuff, so I had to do some searching... 

The following pick-up lines are NOT written by me; rather, they come from the Internet...

(If you don't like these, you can use a pick-up line random generator on Glossy News—where pick-up lines are guaranteed to help you get a date and/or slapped.)

 
1.       Do you have a map? Because I keep getting lost in your eyes.

2.       I think I need to call heaven because they’ve lost one of their angels.

3.       Is your name Gillette? Because you’re the best a man can get!

4.      Baby you must be tired because you’ve been running through my mind  
      all night!

5.      Are you an overdue book? Because you’ve got FINE written all over you!

6.      You know, winning the lottery doesn’t mean much when you have a
      weak heart.

7.      All those curves! And me with no brakes!

8.      Can I even get a fake number?

9.      I would say God bless you but it looks like he already did.

10.   If you were a new sandwich at McDonald's, you’d be called
       McGorgeous.

11.     you believe in love at first site, or should I walk past you again?

12.     If you were Sprite, I’d obey my thirst!

13.   I've lost my number, can I have yours?


Alrighty then… I don’t think I’ll be using any of those *grin*.  What about you… Do you have any fail-proof pick-up lines?

I can’t believe it!  I won a giveaway—and not just any old giveaway—I scooped big time!

I’d like to take a moment to thank Dawn from Painter Mommy…  She has a great blog for mommies, and is even starting to vlog on her blog Painter Mommy.  She is a full time muralist and faux finisher—but loves to design and paint kiddos rooms the best—check out her Nursery Murals blog where she shares inspirational pictures and ideas for nursery murals and decorating.  She is also a full time wife and mother with  three small children under the age of 4!  Additionally, she runs her own online virtual assistant company called DPK Virtual Assistant Services.   Wow!  She’s one busy lady!

What did I win?  Are you sittin' down?  A  lithograph print, a felt cookie set, a Mexico travel voucher for 5 days and 4 nights, cute as a button hair accessories, and a gift card. I’m. not. kidding. 

I’m including links to their sites and Etsy shops because I appreciate them sharing their products and services with me—THANK YOU so much!  Go check ‘em out!

Lithograph Print - “Dare To Love Unconditionally”
I love this lithograph print--WOW!   Sophia Dare is an artist, speaker and mom. Sophia began to speak, write and paint through her grief of losing a special needs child and now has transformed it into a new era of encouragement and gratefulness for all of her blessings and purpose.  You can find her blogging at www.Dare2Shine.com or off playing with her boys.

Handmade Felt Cookie Set: Check out Heather's Etsy shop!  These little felt cookie sets are the perfect Valentines gift for your little girl--oh so cute! The felt Cookie set includes a 3″ heart shaped cookie cutter, 7″ rolling pin, rolled out dough with four cookie cutouts, four baked cookies with red frosting and sprinkles. Everything your little baker needs to create their own deliciously sweet cookies, just like mom! They can roll out the dough, punch out the cookies, bake and serve. Perfect cookies every time! Blog: www.hsitarzewski.blogspot.com etsy shop: www.artjunkiedesigns.etsy.com

Travel Voucher for a 5 day / 4 night  Mexico Vacation
Ummm...  I'm not even sure what to say--THANK YOU Sharnese! Sharnese Travel sets up travel arrangements for Groups, Non Profit, Organizations, Family Reunions, Businesses, Marriage Retreats, Themed Cruises and much more…  She also assists individuals and couples in arranging vacations and honeymoons.  Aren't you ready for a vacation?

Love is in the Air - Pony and Clip Set: So dang cute--Sarah is so creative... You can check her out at Just Add Charm ETSY- Fabric covered button accessories and beaded jewelry are her current passions, but you never know what might pop up in her shop in the future...   Visit the Just Add Charm ETSY Store

$25 Gift Certificate towards a Spa Gift Set: Cindy Youngblood, a wife and mother of 2, is an unfranchise owner with Market America; she specializes in complete website solutions and online advertising for small and medium size businesses. Market America is a product brokerage and Internet marketing company that specializes in One-to-One Marketing. Visit her at MomsJobRocks
 or at  www.cindyyoungblood.com

Thank you to Painter Mommy and her sponsors--I'm so excited I can't stand it!  YIPPEE!

Guy's weekend!

WTH?

At the airport...

Nothing eventful--

Amazing!

Home with Daddy! Yippee!

Please forgive--I'm headed back to the desert today... I won't be swingin' by any websites or Entrecard droppin', but don't despair... I'll see you Wednesday with a great Kate story, I'm sure!  Take good care--stay warm :)

>

This week's theme is baby's first smiles...  Seems like Kate started smilin' the day she was born--or maybe that was gas...

I don't have her first smile on camera, but I remember her always smilin' and making funny faces...

If you want to play along, just grab the Mommy Moments button... and link back to Mommy Journey...

Nope, it wasn't me... I was NOT the one who let poor Riley out of my sister's kitchen after everyone went to work...  It wasn't me either who put on my sister's brand new Australian UGGS to walk around the cold--oh so cold-- house 'cause no one would be the wiser...  It was NOT me who then proceeded to step in the little present Riley left for me in the dining room...NOPE, it wasn't me ... 

I’ve been tagged!  Christine from The Power of Housewife hit me with this cool tag—easy to complete and girly, too.  Don’t women love their purses?  Here are the rules:

1) Post a picture of whatever bag you are carrying as of late. No, you cannot go up to your closet and pull out that cute little purse you used back before you had kids. I want to know what you carried today.

2) I want to know how much it cost:) And this is not to judge, because I’m honestly telling you I was ready to put down some cash; I just got lucky. This is for entertainment purposes only. So spill it. And if there is a story to go along with how you obtained it, I’d love to hear it.

3) Tag some chicks. And link back to this post so people know why the heck you’re showing everyone your diaper bag/non-diaper bag.

I love carrying fun purses—I love big, small, colorful, animal printed or plain—chic or down to earth—I love them all!  I’m on vacation, as those of you that read my blog know—so I can’t break rule number one.  This particular purse I received from my best friend Kyla.  She, too, is addicted to purses, and this is one that she bought and didn’t use—What!?!  I guess it just wasn’t big enough!?!     So there you have it—the skinny on my purse/baby bag…  (I’d go through the contents if I thought it would be of interest—there’s no money in there, and just about everything else is available for use by Kate).

I’m going to tag a few of my favorite blogs... Please, don’t feel obligated to play if you don’t like tags—Oh, I see Erin from the Mom Buzz has already been tagged; I’ll add the following fab blogs to the list:

Stacy
Davida
Anne
Frogmama
The Mind of a Mom
Julia
Keely
Lydia



Yep, Frogmama** it's pretty slick (thanks Ky).  And here are the shoes that I wear with it--it's flippin' cold here!  I love my Bearpaw slippers, and haven't taken them off since I bought them.  NO, they don't look good with shiny silver (I love shiny silver) but I'd rather be warm than fashionable ;)

**see comments