Money is only a tool. It will take you wherever you wish, but it will not replace you as the driver.
~~ Ayn Rand ~~
Thought of the Day - 3/15/09
Lucky Charms
Ever wonder why a horseshoe is said to bring good fortune? Here is the folklore behind the most popular symbols of luck.
Four-Leaf Clover
Celtic Druids considered this rare type of clover lucky for its finder. According to one legend, the four leaflets have different meanings: hope, faith, love, and luck.
Horseshoe
As the story goes, the Catholic figure of Saint Dunstan of Canterbury, known for his skill in horse-shoeing, held the devil captive until he agreed never to enter a place where a horseshoe was displayed.
Pot of Gold
The Irish legend says if you catch a leprechaun, he must take you to his treasure at the end of a rainbow.
Rabbit's Foot
There are several versions of the legend. One derived from African-American folklore says that the hind foot of a rabbit captured in a cemetery is believed to confer luck when carried.
Rainbow
In ancient Greek and Roman mythology, the rainbow was the symbol of Iris, the messenger of the gods. In Native American culture, a rainbow is seen as a gift from the sun god.
Shooting Star
An old New Orleans Creole superstition says that shooting stars are souls escaping purgatory, and if you see one and make a wish three times before it disappears, the wish will come true.
Thought of the Day - 3/14/09
In this day and age, being bored is possible, but only if you don't get your act together early enough in the day. You need to get involved in something before the afternoon, or you'll end up not being able to get involved in anything. If it looks like there's nothing going on, then look beneath the surface of the everyday stuff. You have the power to add intrigue to your life -- you just have to try.
Sing to Me Saturday #4
This song was popular around the time my son was born, eleven years ago. Though, many think of this as a romantic song, it reminds me of the relationship between child and mother. Listening to only the lyrics reminds my heart about my special needs son and all the amazing tasks he was was able to accomplish, especially since he has borderline Cerebral Palsy, Sensory Integration Disorder, and various other issues.
Amazed
by Lonestar
Every time our eyes meet
This feeling inside me
Is almost more than I can take
Baby when you touch me
I can feel how much you love me
And it just blows me away
I've never been this close to anyone or anything
I can hear your thoughts
I can see your dreams
I don't know how you do what you do
I'm so in love with you, it just keeps getting better
I wanna spend the rest of my life with you by my side
Forever and ever
Every little thing that you do
Baby I'm amazed by you
The smell of your skin
The taste of your kiss
The way you whisper in the dark
Your hair all around me, baby you surround me
You touch every place in my heart
Oh, it feels like the first time every time
I wanna spend the whole night in your eyes
I don't know how you do what you do
I'm so in love with you, it just keeps getting better
I wanna spend the rest of my life with you by my side
Forever and ever
Every little thing that you do
Baby I'm amazed by you
Every little thing that you do
I'm so in love with you
Amazed
by Lonestar
Every time our eyes meet
This feeling inside me
Is almost more than I can take
Baby when you touch me
I can feel how much you love me
And it just blows me away
I've never been this close to anyone or anything
I can hear your thoughts
I can see your dreams
I don't know how you do what you do
I'm so in love with you, it just keeps getting better
I wanna spend the rest of my life with you by my side
Forever and ever
Every little thing that you do
Baby I'm amazed by you
The smell of your skin
The taste of your kiss
The way you whisper in the dark
Your hair all around me, baby you surround me
You touch every place in my heart
Oh, it feels like the first time every time
I wanna spend the whole night in your eyes
I don't know how you do what you do
I'm so in love with you, it just keeps getting better
I wanna spend the rest of my life with you by my side
Forever and ever
Every little thing that you do
Baby I'm amazed by you
Every little thing that you do
I'm so in love with you
It just keeps getting better
I wanna spend the rest of my life with you by my side
Forever and ever
Every little thing that you doI wanna spend the rest of my life with you by my side
Forever and ever
Oh, every little thing that you do
Baby I'm amazed by you
Check out this beautiful song here.
Do you have a cherished song to share? Join this musical meme by adding a post to your blog about a favorite song or two. Please add your link to your post (not the front page of your blog) to Mr. Linky below.
Thought of the Day - 3/13/09
Our deepest fear is not that we're inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond all measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small doesn't serve the world.
~~ Marianne Williamson ~~
Say It Forward #2
Comments are the jewels of the blogosphere. So how can we thank our loyal friends and readers for giving us these treasures? By honoring our frequent commenters with an award.
Say it Forward is a new weekly carnival, hosted by 5 Minutes for Mom, where bloggers feature their loyal commenters.
Featured Commenter of the Week
Tami of Diary of a Mad Woman is a frequent visitor and commenter of the blog. Tami was also kind enough to nominate my blog for the Lemonade Award.
Tami, since you have been selected as a Loyal Commenter, you can display this Loyal Commenter badge with pride.
Friday Fill-Ins #3
1. When I look to the left, I see my craft studio and office and piles of paperwork on my desk that need to get done.
2. The kitchen is the room that has the best view in my home because you can look into the backyard.
3. Let it work slowly.
4. Get it done dirt cheap.
5. Patriotism, helping others, and being kind is a responsibility that all qualified citizens must share.
6. If you have any skills and talents feel free to toot your own horn.
7. As for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to feeling better, tomorrow my plans include spending time with my children and Sunday, I want to scrapbook.
Check out the fun or insightful or thought provoking or silly answers (or all of these combined) of others by going to Friday Fill-Ins.
Aloha Friday #5
In Hawaii, Aloha Friday is a day to take it easy and look forward to the weekend so Kailani at An Island Life thought that Fridays should be easy posting day too. I’ll ask a simple question. You respond with an answer, nothing that requires a lengthy response.
This week's question:
What does Spring mean to you?
To me, Spring means a lot of things.
Rebirth and renewal are what Spring means to me.
The weather gets nicer; the cold and muck of winter is replaced by the warmth Spring. Color comes back into the world with green suddenly popping up on trees and bright flowers popping up in yards.
To an extent, it also means misery, as I know that the blooming of all that greenery, etc., is going to set off Cassandra's allergies. The coughing, stuffy head, and asthma attacks are a sure fire sign that spring is 'in the air'.
There is also and indefinable 'something'. Every spring, at some point I pause and it hits me that the seasons have changed. I cannot put a finger on what it is . . . just that my whole being suddenly comes out of hibernation and stretches.
Easter. The rise of my Savior over death is the best renewal!
April. My son's birthday is in April and that, of course, was an important day in my life.
If you’d like to participate in Aloha Friday, just post your own question on your blog and leave your link at An Island Life. Don’t forget to visit the other participants . . . it’s a great way to make new bloggy friends.
The Ultimate Blog Party 2009
The Ultimate Blog Party 2009
March 20th -27th
It is THE mom blogging event of the year. You don't want to miss it. If you want to grow your network, meet new friends, or promote your site, get ready for the Ultimate Blog Party 2009.
THE Destination for Virtual Partying!
It has become a tradition in the “momosphere.” It is the perfect event to build your network and have some serious blogging fun, all without stepping away from your life machine… err, computer.
The blogging life is about relationships — meaningful friendships that grow out of sharing who we are and getting to know one another. And like real life friendships, online friends need a place to meet and mingle. Some of my best online friends I met at our past Ultimate Blog Parties.
During the week of March 20-27th, the blogosphere will be partying carnival style, jumping through our Mr. Linky list of participating bloggers.
I will be there and I hope you will be there too.
I will be representing all four of my blogs -- All Things Cherished at http://allthingscherished.blogspot.com/, 365 Days of Christmas at http://365-days-of-christmas.blogspot.com/, 365 Days of Memories at http://365-days-of-memories.blogspot.com/, and 365 Days of Organization at http://365-days-of-organization.blogspot.com/ -- and each blog will have a prize giveaway too.
See you at the party.
Encounters
** Note: This is an intimate, controversial topic. **
People have sexual encounters for a variety of reasons. What is your reason? Because you have something in common? Yes, having something in common is a connection but is that a reason to have sex?
These days sexual encounters is so common and almost expressionless. I don't want my children growing up and having sexual encounters just because "it's the thing to do."
I think there has to be mutual respect, experiences shared, emotional involvement, in addition to true libidinous desire.
What scares me is that so many people, young and old, get involved in sexual encounters just because there is lust. Sometimes very little lust.
Many get involved in sexual encounters because of loneliness.
Lust
- Lust (or lechery) is an inordinate craving for coitus often to the point of assuming a self-indulgent, and sometimes violent character.
- Lust, or an immoderate desire for the flesh of another outside of matrimony, is considered a sin, or impure act.
- Lust, the an inordinate craving for sex; lechery.
- Synonyms: crave, hunger, thirst, starve, desire, want, sensual appetite, erotic hunger.
I am not judging; I am talking from experience. My two biological children have two different fathers.
I love my children but both of their fathers have nothing to do with the children, not emotionally, physically, nor financially. Was it worth the few minutes of fun and sweat to deal with years of being a single mother? Yes. Because I have two beautiful children. No. Because I made a mistake and I have to admit that to my children often because they want to know why they don't have a father. Yes. Because my children are wonderful people and have a future full of promise. No. Because my life would of went down a different path and there will always be the unanswered "what ifs" in the back of my mind.
I write this from my heart and ask that you not judge my thoughts.
In case you don't know me, I do love my children and love them with all my heart (so please don't get the wrong idea when reading my ramblings).
Thursday Thirteen #9
Last week, I wrote about why I don't like being a single mother. I apologize for such a negative list but the list was written in jest. This week, my list is about why I do, in fact, like being a single mother.
Thank you to so many that sent prayers and positive thoughts concerning my being a single mother and for my children.
13 Things I Do Like about Being a Single Mother:
- I named my children.
- My children have my last name.
- I get the undivided attention of my children.
- My children get my undivided attention.
- I get all the hugs, kisses, and "pats on the back."
- My children know they can count on me to help them and be there for them.
- I don't have to discuss my decisions about parenting with anyone else if I don't want to.
- I get to tuck them into bed and get the first kiss and last kiss every night.
- I get to wake them and thank God for another day with my children every morning.
- I get to learn something new everyday thanks to the new discoveries my children share with me.
- I get to teach them and share with them my interests, such as photography, scrapbooking, and crafting.
- They get to teach me and share with me their interests, such as dinosaurs, football, dancing, and "new" music.
- I get to hear all the "I love yous" and treasure them in my heart.
Go to Thursday Thirteen to see the fun, interesting 13 lists of others.
Flip the Switch for Earth Hour
Flip the Switch for Earth Hour
On March 28, 2009 at 8:30 PM Local Time
With just 19 days left until we turn off the lights on March 28, Earth Hour is continuing to grow in the US and around the world. Here's a quick update on some of the recent developments:
Washington, D.C. will join nearly 1,000 cities around the world in going dark for Earth Hour. The word came last week from the District's Environment Director, George Hawkins, who said Earth Hour was "a symbolic but important step in showing the world we're serious about the climate." At 8:30 PM, officials will turn off non-essential lighting on buildings and facilities owned by the city.
A total of 44 US cities and towns have now pledged to "turn out" for the largest climate event in history, with more signing up each day. A complete list of cities can be found at the Earth Hour map.
While the US is off to a good start . . . we've got some major catching up to do with countries much smaller than ours. Australia is the current leader with 144 cities signed up, but France is a close second with 137. Canada, boasting a total population about one-tenth of ours, has 96 cities signed up, while Italy has 77 and Denmark has 58. Come on, America! There's still plenty of time to bring Earth Hour to your hometown, school, campus, or organization. Visit tool kits for tools, tips and information.
The acclaimed actor and environmental activist, Edward Norton, supports WWF's climate change campaign by agreeing to become the official Earth Hour Ambassador for the US. He joins a list of notables that includes Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Janeane Garofalo, Melissa Etheridge, Alanis Morissette, Cate Blanchett, Jo Dee Messina, Vince Gill, Wynonna Judd, Amy Grant, Kathy Mattea and many more.
Get your children involved in saving the world through Earth Hour Kids.
Friends Without Faces
We sit and we type, and we stare at our screens.
We all have to wonder, what this possibly means.
With our mouse we roam, through the rooms in a maze,
Looking for something or someone, as we sit in a daze.
We chat with each other, we type all our woes;
Small groups we do form, and gang up on our foes.
We wait for somebody to type out our name.
We want recognition, but it is always the same.
We give kisses and hugs, and sometimes flirt.
In IMs we chat deeply and reveal why we hurt.
We do form friendships, but why, we don't know
How some of these friendships will flourish and grow.
Why is it that on screen we can be so bold,
Telling our secrets, that have never been told?
Why is it we share the thoughts in our mind
With those we can't see, as though we were blind.
The answer is simple; it is clear as a bell.
We all have our problems, and need someone to tell.
We can't tell real people, but tell someone we must.
So we turn to the computer, and to those we can trust.
Even though it is crazy. The truth still remains.
They are "friends without faces" and odd little names.
Simply Healthy
We all strive to be healthier so I will share some simple tips on how to be fit, strong, healthy, vigor, capable, and competent people. These ideas are short on time but long on healthiness.
Start your day right.
Breakfast can help prevent a headache.
Thought of the Day - 3/9/09
If you want to be happy for a year, win the lottery.
If you wan to be happy for life, love what you do.
Make Me Laugh Monday - Women Are Smarter
Three men came across a female genie who promised to grant each man a wish.
The first man said, "I wish were 25 percent smarter." The genie blinked, and the man said, "I feel smarter already."
The second man said, "I wish I were 50 percent smarter." The genie blinked, and the man exclaimed, "That's wonderful. I know things now that I didn't know before."
The third man said, "I'd like to be 100 percent smarter." The genie blinked, and the man changed into a woman."
Join me in making Mondays funnier and brighter by sharing some laughs via jokes, cartoons, stories, etc. Add your link below. Please do not add the link to your front page but to the actual post.
Thought of the Day - 3/8/09
Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless.
~~ Mother Teresa ~~
Spring Ahead
Tonight is Daylight Savings Time so don't forget to change your clocks before you go to sleep.
Go to the following pages/websites to learn more about Daylight Savings Time.
Sing to Me Saturday #3
I Can Only Imagine
by Mercy Me
I can only imagine
What it will be like
When I walk
By your side
I can only imagine
What my eyes will see
When your face
Is before me
I can only imagine
I can only imagine
Surrounded by Your glory, what will my heart feel
Will I dance for you Jesus or in awe of you be still
Will I stand in your presence or to my knees will I fall
Will I sing hallelujah, will I be able to speak at all
I can only imagine
I can only imagine
I can only imagine
When that day comes
And I find myself
Standing in the Son
I can only imagine
When all I will do
Is forever
Forever worship You
I can only imagine
I can only imagine
Surrounded by Your glory, what will my heart feel
Will I dance for you Jesus or in awe of you be still
Will I stand in your presence or to my knees will I fall
Will I sing hallelujah, will I be able to speak at all
I can only imagine
I can only imagine
I can only imagine
I can only imagine
When all I will do
Is forever, forever worship you
I can only imagine
To hear this lovely song, go to YouTube.
Share a song that touches your heart by adding your link to your post to Mr. Linky below. (Please do not add the link to the front page of your blog.
Small Talk #2
- Disney World
- Alaska Cruise
- Hawaii
- Paris, France
- New York City on New Year's Eve
- Hollywood
To participate go to Mom Dot.
Thought of the Day - 3/7/09
Saying something out loud that reveals your inner hopes and wishes might feel like an invitation for rejection, but in reality it's a very empowering act! State your truth, stand by your statement, and be ready for whatever consequences come. It is better to try and miss than to not try at all and let a chance pass you by. Own your feelings by giving them the respect they deserve.
Say It Forward
Comments are the jewels of the blogosphere. So how can we thank our loyal friends and readers for giving us these treasures? By honoring our frequent commenters with an award.
Say it Forward is a new weekly carnival, hosted by 5 Minutes for Mom, where bloggers feature their loyal commenters.
Featured Commenter of the Week
Teresa of 8 Things About Me
Teresa, is an online friend and a real-life friend. We have known each other for over five years. She is a busy mother of six children. Even though she may not visit my blogs every day she does stop by regularly and leaves comments at all four of my blogs.
Since you, Teresa, have been selected as a Loyal Commenter, you can display this Loyal Commenter badge with pride.
Aloha Friday #4
In Hawaii, Aloha Friday is a day to take it easy and look forward to the weekend so Kailani at An Island Life thought that Fridays should be easy posting day too. I like this meme; therefore, I’ll ask a simple question for you to answer. Nothing that requires a lengthy response.
This week's question:
What memes do you participate on a regular basis?
A few weeks ago I started a new meme here at All Things Cherished called Sing to Me Saturday and was wondering what was the best way to get others to join. I also host Make Me Laugh Monday when Jen from Absolutely Bananas handed over the hosting reigns last year.
There are various memes I participate in too:
Unconscious Mutterings
If you’d like to participate in Aloha Friday, just post your own question on your blog and leave your link at An Island Life. Don’t forget to visit the other participants . . . it’s a great way to make new bloggy friends.
Friday Fill-Ins #2
1. Creating cards and sending them to various on-line friends was my last random act of kindness.
2. Another place to go.
3. I am told I am strong (but I don't feel strong) in matters of the heart.
4. Coffee, tea or hot chocolate. Hot chocolate is my favorite.
5. Sometimes you have to go down separate paths.
6. Our clock reminds me that there is not enough hours in the day to get everything done.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to sleep, tomorrow my plans include laundry and Sunday, I want to scrapbook.
To see what others have to say, go to Friday Fill-Ins.
Thought of the Day - 3/6/09
While we try to teach our children all about life,
our children teach us what life is all about.
Family Minute #50
Do you want to raise a Good Samaritan?
Then encourage that kind of behavior in your children. Teach them that helping others is the expected thing to do. Psychologists say the earlier you begin teaching them that lesson, the better. Also, instead of focusing on what others do wrong, try to point out good behavior. And finally, help them become a Good Samaritan by setting the example yourself.
Slow down and take time out of your busy schedule to put the needs of others ahead of your own.
Remember your family first.
Women's History Month
March is Women’s History Month . . . a time for celebrating women’s heritage and inspiring stories. Women have always had a role in keeping the history of their families and communities alive. Take time this month through storytelling to hand down recipes, talk about traditions, and highlight timeless heirlooms.
Family Minute #49
Want a great way to teach your child self-control?
Then teach him to work. But you say "Life is tough enough on our kids, I don't want to make it any more difficult for them." Well, by not teaching your kids the value of work now, you may make things even more difficult for them later in life.
You see, children who know how to work find it easier to control their impulses, to stay focused until a job is completed, to understand the connection between effort and opportunity, and to learn to manage money.
So teach your child to work. . . they'll be glad you did.
Remember your family first.
Thursday Thirteen #8
13 Things I Do Not Like about Being a Single Mother:
- I do not like the empty feeling I get after the children are in bed.
- I do not like having to always be brave in front of my children (especially when I don't feel brave).
- I do not like having to play both the father and mother roles.
- I do not like having to fix things around the house (especially since I am in no way mechanically inclined).
- I do not like not being in any of the family photos (since I am the one taking the photos).
- I do not like having to do all the laundry, dishes, and cleaning around the house.
- I do not like having to rely only on myself. (It would be nice to have a break once in a while).
- I do not like having to kill spiders and other bugs (because deep down I am not brave. -- See #2).
- I do not like having to juggle three kids and homework time.
- I do not like being solely responsible for every decision. (It would be nice to have a "sounding" board/listening ear.)
- I do not like having to attend dozens of doctor appointments every month.
- I do not like fighting/arguing with my children.
- I do not like always being the referee.
Kreativ Blogger
It's very nice when a friend or family member tells me they like my blog. When someone I don't even know tells me they like my blog, that's definitely a pat on the back!
Thank you, Suzanne, for the honor and for the award. Check out Suzanne's wonderful blog, Shabby Chicks, where she shares favorite photos, recipes, and everyday moments.
Thought of the Day - 3/4/09
Books defy universal physical laws — they are time machines transporting us backwards and forwards to lost civilizations and futuristic worlds.
~~ Renie Garlick ~~
Thought of the Day - 3/3/09
Home is any four walls that enclose the right person.
~~ Helen Rowland ~~
Make Me Laugh Monday - Singing
Join the fun and laughter by posting a riddle, a joke, a fun puzzle, a silly photo, etc. Add the link to that post (not the front page of your blog) to Mr. Linky below.
Thought of the Day - 3/2/09
Today, try to open up just a little bit and let the world see the part of yourself that you are sometimes too afraid to reveal. Talk about that hobby you're still trying to get the hang of, or sing a few bars of the song you've been working on with your vocal coach. You might not be ready for prime time, but so what? Have pride in your imperfections and show the world that you are a work in progress -- just like the rest of us. People are very attracted to imperfect people.
Media Information
Research shows that more and more people, especially women, are turning to blogs for suggestions, tips, and advice on the newest trends and products in the marketplace. Therefore, All Things Cherished is now offering advertisement opportunities through independent sales.
All Things Cherished Statistics:
Approx. 30 average daily hits
Approx. 30 followers
Approx. 10 subscribers
All ad spaces are for logo buttons at the following rates and will be placed in my sidebar. Placement is at my discretion.
$15 per week
$50 per month
Included in this price is an initial review post introducing your site.
If you think you may be interested or have any questions, please feel free to email me at storm2c[at]zoominternet[dot]net.
Sing to Me Saturday #2
I Hope You Dance
by LeeAnn Womack
I hope you never lose your sense of wonder,
You get your fill to eat but always keep that hunger,
May you never take one single breath for granted,
God forbid love ever leave you empty handed,
I hope you still feel small when you stand beside the ocean,
Whenever one door closes, I hope one more opens,
Promise me that you'll give faith a fighting chance,
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance.
I hope you dance...I hope you dance.
I hope you never fear those mountains in the distance,
Never settle for the path of least resistance
Livin' might mean takin' chances, but they're worth takin',
Lovin' might be a mistake but it's worth makin',
Don't let some hell bent heart leave you bitter,
When you come close to sellin' out reconsider,
Give the heavens above more than just a passing glance,
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance.
I hope you dance...I hope you dance.
I hope you dance...I hope you dance.
I hope you still feel small when you stand beside the ocean,
Whenever one door closes I hope one more opens,
Promise me that you'll give faith a fighting chance,
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance.
Dance...I hope you dance.
I hope you dance...I hope you dance.
I hope you dance...I hope you dance..
Check out the beautiful LeeAnn and the beautiful song here.
Join this meme by posting the lyrics to a song you cherish on your blog, then adding the link to that post (not the front page of your blog) to Mr. Linky below.
Small Talk
Small Talk Six
This week's theme: List 6 things that never fail to make you smile.
- My children's laughter.
- The site of a newborn baby.
- Baby, the newest member of our family, our Chihuahua.
- The silly jokes Cameron makes up.
- The dimples in Cassandra's beautiful smile.
- Chocolate.
Thought of the Day - 2/28/09
The best inheritance a parent can give his children is a few minutes of his time each day.
~~ Orlando Battista ~~
Thought of the Day - 2/27/09
Busyness ruins relationships. It substitutes shallow frenzy for deep
friendship. It promises satisfying dream but delivers hollow nightmares. It feeds the ego but starves the inner man. It fills a calendar but fractures a family.
PR OK
Public Relations Information
I would be more than happy to review pitches from PR companies, or anyone wishing to promote their products and services here at All Things Cherished.
Please keep in mind that this is a family blog so all products and services must be of a family-friendly nature. I reserve the right to refuse to print anything I feel is questionable or not suited for this blog.
To give you an idea of my work, here are some previous reviews that I’ve done either through PR companies or directly with the company:
SparkPeople
Precious Girls Club
Various book reviews.
To contact me, email me at storm2c[at]zoominternet[dot]net.
Sponsoring a Giveaway
All Things Cherished is committed to bringing bloggers the best products on the marketplace. Therefore, if you would like to sponsor a giveaway, I would be more than happy to work with you.
Basic Info:
All giveaways will run for a minimum of one week. There will be a link in the sidebar to remind readers of participation. The giveaways will also be mentioned in a dedicated post. I will also promote your giveaway at other various contest sites.
A product sample is not required but is always welcomed. This will allow me to provide a more honest and comprehensive review of your site &/or product(s).
All participants will be required to visit your site and extra credit is given if they choose to link back to you.
Once the winner is randomly selected, I will email you their contact information and you should make arrangements with them to distribute their prize.
To sponsor a giveaway:
Send me an email to storm2c[at]zoominternet[dot]net with a link and a brief description of your website &/or product(s). Also include the name and link of the item(s) you’d like to give away or the monetary amount of a gift certificate. Let me know if the giveaway is available to anyone world-wide or to United States addresses only.
If you need more information or have any questions, please feel free to contact me.
Around the Blogosphere #2
Can I make my point any clearer than to direct you to this woman's blog?
Depression is so subtle.
It's scary.
It's lonely.
It's common.
It's real.
This is important. Take a minute and share . . . identify with . . . sympathize.
Thought of the Day - 2/25/09
Family Blessing
May God bless our family,
And fill our home with love.
May we cherish our time together,
And give thanks to God above.
But as for me and my house,
we shall serve the Lord.
My interpretation of Joshua 24:15.
Tuesday Toot #9
This week's toot is . . .
My children's school, Broad Street Elementary School, in Butler, PA, was visited by Pittsburgh television meteorologist, Dennis Bowman. It was a great assembly.
Check it out here: http://kdka.com/video/?id=53844@kdka.dayport.com
Thought of the Day - 2/22/09
Free the child's potential and you will transform him into the world.
~~ Maria Montessori ~~
Friday Fill-Ins
1. Give me a camera and I'll create memories.
2. Whenever my children disobey me, it bothers me.
3. I wish I wasn't a single mother.
4. Pizza was the last thing I ate that was utterly delicious (because I didn't have to make it).
5. To live in this world is a privilege.
6. 8 Things About Me is the last blog I commented on.
7. Tonight I'm looking forward to sleep, tomorrow my plans include cleaning, and Sunday, I want to scrapbook.
Check out Friday Fill-Ins for other fun answers and participants.
Sing to Me Saturday
Don't Laugh at Me
by Mark Wills
I'm a little boy with glasses
The one they call the geek
A little girl who never smiles
'Cause I've got braces on my teeth
And I know how it feels
To cry myself to sleep
I'm that kid on every playground
Who's always chosen last
A single teenage mother
Tryin' to overcome my past
You don't have to be my friend
But is it too much to ask
Don't laugh at me
Don't call me names
Don't get your pleasure from my pain
In God's eyes we're all the same
Someday we'll all have perfect wings
Don't laugh at me
I'm the cripple on the corner
You've passed me on the street
And I wouldn't be out here beggin'
If I had enough to eat
And don't think I don't notice
That our eyes never meet
I lost my wife and little boy when
Someone cross that yellow line
The day we laid them in the ground
Is the day I lost my mind
And right now I'm down to holdin'
This little cardboard sign...so
Don't laugh at me
Don't call me names
Don't get your pleasure from my pain
In God's eyes we're all the same
Someday we'll all have perfect wings
Don't laugh at me
I'm fat, I'm thin, I'm short, I'm tall
I'm deaf, I'm blind, hey, aren't we all
Don't laugh at me
Don't call me names
Don't get your pleasure from my pain
In God's eyes we're all the same
Someday we'll all have perfect wings
Don't laugh at me
To see a touching video, check out You Tube.
Join this meme by posting the lyrics to a song you cherish on your blog, then adding the link to that post (not the front page of your blog) to Mr. Linky below.
Thought of the Day - 2/21/09
We can do anything . . . yes, we can.
99% of everything we do depends on us believing we can.
~~ Susan Branch ~~
Aloha Friday #3
In Hawaii, Aloha Friday is a day to take it easy and look forward to the weekend so Kailani at An Island Life thought that Fridays should be easy posting day too. Therefore, I’ll ask a simple question for you to answer. Nothing that requires a lengthy response.
If you’d like to participate, just post your own question on your blog and leave your link at An Island Life. Don’t forget to visit the other participants . . . it’s a great way to make new bloggy friends.
This week's question:
What is your favorite way to relax?
My answer:
I love to take long hot bubble baths.
I love to read especially mysteries.
I love to take naps. Though, a single mother doesn't get to do that often.
Wordless Wednesday (or Friday) #24
Almost wordless . . .
Isn't this the sweetest valentine?!
I got this from my youngest, my daughter, age 7.
Thought of the Day - 2/20/09
I have a theory -- maybe not an original theory, but I have a theory . . . I think people are giving up too fast, too quickly. Yes, life is hard right now with wars, recession, etc. But our generation had it too easy, hadn't lived through a depression, so instead of fighting, many are folding their tents and quietly going away. When I told this to a friend of mine, she kind of stiffened her back, pondered this for a few minutes, then said, "We're not going to give up." When this is over, and it will be, I plan to be standing tall and have my flag still flying high.
I wish the same for all of you. Don't give up!
Around the 'Net - SparkPeople
If you're like me (and most other people) you've got some health or fitness goals that you'd like to achieve. That's why I wanted to tell you about the SparkAmerica Challenge over at SparkPeople.com.
SparkPeople is a FREE website for people looking to improve their health and fitness levels.
SparkAmerica is a year-long fitness challenge designed to motivate Americans to improve their health by consistently taking small, positive action steps. The focus of this campaign is a 1 billion fitness minute challenge that makes fitness fun, keeps you motivated, and helps you reach your goals.
By Joining SparkPeople You Get:
- Calorie Counter & Meal Plans: Take the guesswork out of what to eat with these powerful customizable tools.
- Personalized Fitness Plan & Exercise Demos: Burn calories and tone your muscles with routines you can do at home or at the gym, plus online exercise videos.
- Active Support Message Boards: Get help from thousands of other people like you who are losing weight with SparkPeople.
- Advice From Our Experts: Our programs are designed by registered dieticians and personal trainers, who are also there to answer your questions.
- Member Created Goal Teams: Find others with similar goals and work towards success together.
- Recipes, Articles, Tips and More: Thousands of articles and over 60,000 recipes to learn more about eating right, staying active, and sticking to your program.
My outlook on life and even my knowledge about health and fitness has improved.
Join SparkPeople for free today.
Earth Hour 2009
Turn Out. Take Action.
March 28, 2009
8:30 PM
On March 28, 2009 at 8:30 PM, local time, World Wildlife Fund is asking individuals, businesses, governments, and organizations around the world to turn off their lights for one hour -- Earth Hour -- to make a global statement of concern about climate change and to demonstrate their commitment to finding solutions. Turn out. Take action. Be part of this historic event.
http://www.earthhourus.org/
www.EarthHourKids.org
Blogoversary Winners
Thanks to everyone who stopped by, who commented, and who celebrated the blogoversary of the All Things Cherished blog.
Giveaway #1 - Reading Games Book
The winner is Valerie at Sweeps4Bloggers.
Giveaway #2 - A Little Bit of Faith Book
I have four books and there was/is four comments. The winners are Carla, Silver Hat Girl at Helping Mommies Win, Momma at I've Blogged About Your Giveaway, and Teresa at 8 Things About Me.
Giveaway #3 - IMom T-shirt
The winner is Wani at Wani's World.
Congratulations to all the winners! I hope you all will come back to visit my blog again.
Please email me -- see link at right sidebar -- your snail mail address if you won so I can mail your goodies to you. Thanks.
I am Loved . . . At least, I am Liked
Maggie at Quixotically Chaotic was kind enough to review and blog about All Things Cherished as part of a new column called Learn, Love, and Link at 5 Minutes for Mom.
Thanks, Maggie, for the nice comments. Maggie and I have a lot in common -- fibromyalgia, having special needs children, and being a foster parent. I look forward to getting to know you better.
Tuesday Toot #8
Due to multiple hand & wrist surgeries in the beginning of January, getting my forest of Christmas trees and decorations put away was a much longer process than anticipated.
I have all (33) trees -- with the exception of 5 -- packed up, inventoried, and put away. What a relief! 
Aloha Friday #2
In Hawaii, Aloha Friday is the day that they take it easy and look forward to the weekend, so the host of this meme thought that Fridays would be "easy posting" day.
If you’d like to participate, just post your own question on your blog and leave your link at An Island Life. Don’t forget to visit the other participants! It’s a great way to make new bloggy friends.
My question this week:
Who is your favorite friend? Why?
Thought of the Day - 2/12/09
Hard things are put in our way,
not to stop us,
but to call out our courage and strength.
Photo Tagged
Christie at A Sassy Momma's Chatter tagged me for a fun and easy photo challenge.
Here are the rules:
1. Go to the 4th picture folder on your computer.
2. Post the 4th picture in that folder.
3. Explain the picture.
4. Tag four more people.
I have many American and veteran photos saved because I am a veteran and I truly believe we should support our troops no matter our religious or political beliefs. Those troops . . . those soldiers are people and we need to support those people and their families.
The four people I am tagging are:
Thought of the Day - 2/11/09
Just 20 words . . .
Walk through my house, God, and take away all my worries and illnesses. Please watch over and heal my family. Amen.
Works for Me Wednesday #13
New Uses for Rubber Bands
- Wrap a rubber band around a shampoo bottle and you'll be able to tell it's not conditioner even if your eyes are filled with suds.
- Keep spools of thread from unraveling by wrapping them with a rubber band.
- Hook a rubber band through the button hole and secure the other side to the button for an extra half-inch of breathing room.
- Wrap a rubber band around the handle of a hammer or screwdriver for a firmer grip.
For more fun, easy, interesting tips check out Rocks In My Dryer.
Tuesday Toot #7
As I continue to struggle to toot my own horn . . .
My toot this week is I am blogging on a more regular schedule now and all four blogs have been updated within the past week.
Check the great deeds and fun toots of others at Mommy Community.
Blogoversary Giveaway #3
I am a mom. Are you?
I nurture
I listen
I work
I play
I coach
I cook
I shop
I pray
I teach
I serve
I love . . .
forever
I Mom
Answer this question (in the comment section):
What is/was the most memorable moment you have had as a mom?
All the entries will be put into a drawing and random generator will pick the winners. The giveaway ends Saturday, February 14th.
Thought of the Day - 2/7/09
Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another, "What? You too? I thought I was the only one!"
~~ C.S. Lewis ~~
Blogoversary Giveaway #2
Precious Girls Giveaway
My precious girl, Cassandra, has discovered a new love: The Precious Girls Club created by the brains behind Precious Moments.
The Precious Girls Club is more than a club - it's a way of thinking, acting, and living. PGC is dedicated to helping young girls discover how wonderful and fun it is to be precious.
For me, keeping my girls innocent and precious for as long as possible is a top priority. I have found that already in second grade, Cassandra is being faced with many adult situations; boyfriends just to name one; and Renee is faced with bullying. I am thrilled to find that at least one company is doing all they can to help me, as a single parent, keep my daughters free of these adult situations and innocent for as long as possible.
The generous people from Mom Select sent me an envelope of goodies to check out. My girls, Cassandra, 7; Renee, 9, love to read and the book, A Little Bit of Faith, quickly became a favorite. The book is the first book in the Precious Girls Series.
About the book:
A charming chapter book that tells the story of Katie Bennett and her friends and how the Precious Girls Club was inspired by "a little bit of Faith." 72 pages. It is a wonderfully inspirational story about a young girl, Katie, who overcomes her own fears with a little bit of faith and gains a lot in return. It teaches young girls that they are precious in God sight, that God created them special, and that He loves them just the way they are.
They also sent 4 paperback copies for me to giveaway here on my blog.
They also included Precious Girls Club Scratch Cards. The access codes included on the scratch cards (and books) will unlock a free month of premium Rainbow Club membership to access special content on the site, http://www.preciousgirlsclub.com/. Visitors to the site will be able to design their own virtual character and room, earn Precious Points towards virtual items, and take part in a variety of games and activities.
Premium Rainbow membership provides all of these same benefits, plus additional exclusive content and activities. Playing on the site is always free, but the access codes will unlock a free month of Premium Rainbow Club membership to access special content on the site. To continue the Premium Rainbow membership, you pay a small fee of $3.95 monthly. Best of all, $1.00 of your monthly $3.95 membership fee goes directly to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
What little girl wouldn’t want to win one of these books? Even if you don’t have a precious girl of your own, I’m sure you know one . . . because aren’t all little girls precious?
To win, head over to the Precious Girls Club Shop, check out all the awesome products, then come back here and comment on which is your favorite product. Yes, it is that easy.
All the entries will be put into a drawing and random generator will pick the winners. The giveaway ends Saturday, February 14th.
Happy Blogoversary!
Today All Things Cherished, here at Blogger.com, is one year young!
Whoo hoo!
In celebration, I will be hosting several giveaways today and thorough out the weekend. So come back often for updates and fun.
Thank you, my cherished readers and followers, for making me feel special this past year.
The first giveaway is a book from Usborne Books.
The book is titled Reading Games and is part of the "You and Your Child" series. Playing games with words and letters can be an invaluable introduction to the pleasures of reading and this book provides plenty of ideas to enthuse and motivate your child.
To have the chance to win this book, please leave a comment about why you are interested in this book.
All the entries will be put into a drawing and random generator will pick a winner. The giveaway ends Saturday, February 14th.
If you are looking for quality children's books &/or earning free books please contact me at storm2c[at]zoominternet[dot]net. If you are interested in hosting a party in your own on online please contact me at the above email address. Thanks.
To have the chance to win this book, please leave a comment about why you are interested in this book.
All the entries will be put into a drawing and random generator will pick a winner. The giveaway ends Saturday, February 14th.
If you are looking for quality children's books &/or earning free books please contact me at storm2c[at]zoominternet[dot]net. If you are interested in hosting a party in your own on online please contact me at the above email address. Thanks.
Thought of the Day - 2/6/09
The time is always right to do what is right.
~~ Martin Luther King, Jr. ~~
Tuesday Toot #6
Last week I got a lot of scrapbooking accomplished. Whoo hoo!
1. I completed 14 Christmas thank you cards.
2. I completed 11 thank you cards.
3. I completed 4 birthday cards.
4. I completed 4 12x12 layouts.
5. I completed 2 8.5x11 layouts.
Go to my 365 Days of Memories blog to see one of my layouts.
The only thing worse than tooting your own horn too loudly is being falsely modest! So if you did something worth crowing about, crow away! Join others as they toot their own horn.
Thought of the Day - 2/3/09
Children are made readers on the laps of their parents.
~~ Emilie Buchwald ~~
Thought of the Day - 1/29/09
One of the greatest feelings in the world is knowing
that we as individuals can make a difference.
~~ Jeff Bridges ~~
Tuesday Toot #5
This week my daughter deserves the praise.
She is the first second grader ever to earn 100 points in one semester at her school. (Approximately, 100 points is a whole school year goal for 2nd and 3rd graders.) Whoo hoo! On Friday, Cassandra and I will be heading to a special breakfast hosted by the school and her teacher in her honor.
Since I am trying to learn to toot my own horn, my toot this week is . . . I'm getting back to my regular schedule (or, at least trying to) and I did attend Occupational Therapy yesterday to start the progress of healing.
Go to Mommy Community to cheer on others as they praise their friends, family, and themselves.
Daily Living - 1/25/09
I finally found someone to drive us to the hospital and I finally found someone to watch Renee (foster daughter) and I finally had the dreaded talk with the children.
We, my children and I, are going later today to see their grandmother who is dying of lung cancer. The family was finally told that she will not survive the year. Many of the family members think she will not be coming home from the hospital. How do you relay that to two young children?
As we sat and cried and I answered their questions and dried their tears, I did my best to reassure them that we can handle this. Not sure if the reassurance was for them or for me.
Unconscious Mutterings #4
Time for more free association . . .
Free association is described as a "psychoanalytic procedure in which a person is encouraged to give free rein to his or her thoughts and feelings, verbalizing whatever comes into the mind without monitoring its content." Over time, this technique is supposed to help bring forth repressed thoughts and feelings that the person can then work through to gain a better sense of self.
That's an admirable goal, but for the purposes of this exercise, we're just hoping to have a little fun with the technique. Each week a group of ten words is posted at Unconscious Mutterings to which you respond to with the first thing that comes to your mind.
She said . . . I think . . .
Unwanted - I feel that way sometimes.
You’d better - "You'd better clean your room" is a often said phrase in this house.
Woman - I am woman, hear me roar. : )
Weighed - Last time I was at the doctor's office.
Upright - Vacuum
I feel - Tired
Ill - Illness please don't come knocking on my door.
It’s like - Totally reminds me of high school. : )
Poor man - I am a poor woman.
Great - Every day that I am alive is a great day.
Thought of the Day - 1/24/09
Promise Messages
Make these promises to yourself. Then do them! You are worth it! You will be a better person to yourself and to those around you.
Be mischievous . . . it feels good.
Sometimes one smile smile means more than a dozen roses.
If they can do it, you know you can.
Go against the grain.
You are allowed to do nothing.
Follow your instincts.
Watch reruns; they replay your memories.
Don't think about it so much.
Count the stars.
Make a list of your dreams.
Smile before bed. You'll sleep better.
Smile. People will wonder what you've been up to.
It's definitely a bubble-bath day.
Make a list of your dreams.
Find your passion.
Dare to love completely.
Love without rules.
Go against the grain.
Make "someday" today.
There's no excuse not to dream.
Thankful Thursday #13
I am thankful for the so many wonderful people I have met via blogging. Simple but truly felt from the bottom of my heart.
Join the gracious hearts of others at Iris's blog.
Aloha Friday
Welcome to Aloha Friday.
In Hawaii, Aloha Friday is the day that they take it easy and look forward to the weekend, so the host of this meme thought that Fridays would be "easy posting" day. Therefore, a simple question is asked for YOU to answer.
Today's question from me:
What is your favorite day of the week? Why?
Works for Me Wednesday #12
Going on vacation and need care for your house plants. Check out this trick: Fill plastic bottles (such as milk bottles, water bottles, pop bottles, etc.) with water. Then freeze the bottles. Before you leave, drill a small hole in the water bottle and set the bottle in your potted plants. As the ice thaws, the plant gets watered.
Wordless Wednesday #22
After five hours and tired hands, Cassandra's corn-rows were done. Our neighbor, Ms. Liz, was very kind to take the time to do Cassandra's hair this past fall.
Isn't she beautiful?
For more pictures, check out Wordless Wednesday at 5 Minutes for Mom.
Tuesday Toot #4
This week's toot is for myself.
I see this weekly meme as a challenge because I don't toot my own horn. I want to be accountable to myself for both the good and the bad. This meme is a good way for me to say good things about myself.
My toot this week is that I am recovering nicely from my surgery two weeks ago. I had four surgeries-in-one on January 6th: deQuervain's Tendonitis, Carpal Tunnel, Dorsal Compartment Release, Reconstruction of nerves in the thumb and wrist. Today the stitches were removed. Whoo hoo! Next week I start occupational therapy.
God Bless America
As of 12 noon, EST, we have a new President of the United States of America. Keep our new President, Barack Obama, in your prayers and wish him the best as he takes on this new role.
God Bless America!
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