I'm Live on Twitter

Just thought I would let you guys know that I joined Twitter. Go ahead and follow me if you like. I post throughout the day favorite blog posts or recipes or stories I come across, as well as extra photos of the kids. 

Happy tweeting!

Confessions of a reading addict

So, again, this week has gotten away with me with little blogging. I wish that I could say that it was because I was so busy with my kids that I didn't have time or that I was so busy cleaning that I didn't have time or that I that I was doing anything else other than reading. But I started reading the Hunger Games Trilogy on Saturday and couldn't stop till all 3 were finished. I finished last night at midnight.

The house is s disaster. I have tons of laundry to do.

Hello, my name is Jodie and I am a reading addict. My husband thinks I am nuts. He thinks that I don't actually enjoy books because I have to get to the end as fast I can. The truth is just the opposite. I get so into characters that I need to know what happens to them.

I get this trait from my mother and father. (My sister and brother are the same way too.) I do not read all the time because I know when I pick up a book, I won't put it down till it is done.

Books are just so much better than movies, but because I am an addict, I can't always indulge my temptations. Movies are just sometimes better for me. About 2 hours and I am done. Instead of 5 days of neglect.

My kids were fed, they were changed and dressed, they were happy, but other than that, I was just a selfish mom this week.

So it goes without saying that I left little to no time for blogging.

But I have started the next week of the 4-week Freezer Challenge that I am doing and we had homemade waffles yesterday for breakfast. Yumm. All the dinners I made last week were delicious and are already coming in handy. Yesterday, we had the marinated chicken that I threw in the Crock-pot and tonight, we are making our own pizza. Tomorrow, we are going to have the freezer lasagna, and Saturday, we are having chicken kabobs on the grill (hopefully, it isn't raining). I highly recommend this challenge. It has been great so far!

As for our holiday weekend, it was great. I can't for the life of me remember what we did Friday, but Saturday was the Race for the Cure. We had a great time as a family, but I was a little saddened by the event. It was Memorial Day weekend, so I knew that attendance would be low, but to read some of the comments on news articles about the whole Planned Parenting issue, I was saddened by how many people are ruining this event. As a survivor, I want to walk proudly with family and enjoy my time with them. I hate that it was something else this year. I am praying that it is better and more uplifting next year. (It also rained, so that didn't help the mood either.)

Saturday night, we celebrated my husbands 31st birthday with family and friends at a local brewery that has a golf simulator attached to it. The guys had fun golfing. Since no other groups were playing, we had basically a private room for ourselves. It was GREAT! We came back to our house and finished the night with a bonfire. I love summer.

Sunday, I made Bob one of his favorite breakfasts croissant French toast and we did a little yard work during nap time. That night we spent with family celebrating Bob's actual birthday and just hanging out. My reading addiction was in full swing by Sunday night, so basically, I sat outside with everyone reading well into the night.

Monday, we went out and hung out with Bob's Mom's side of the family and met the newest family addition. Even though he is 7 months old, this was Kian's first trip to the United States. Bob's cousin and husband live in Germany and are visiting for a couple of weeks. Calan had a blast with all the kids around. He played and played and played and played. Maisie just kind of chilled and chewed on whatever she could.

Then it was Tuesday and life was back to reality, except for reading books 2 and 3 in the trilogy. I am glad I didn't miss everything this weekend, but I probably should not pick up another book till I can learn some self control. (Or maybe not.)

Here are a few pictures from the weekend:

The kids sharing a cart for the first time when we went to Costco to get ready for the weekend. They thought it was the best thing ever.

Bob's birthday dinner Saturday night - Crab legs and steak kabobs. I didn't really get anything for Bob this year, so I just focused on his stomach. Favorite dinner, breakfast, and snacks. He loved it all.

Bob taking his first shot on the golf simulator.

Part of our work on Saturday. I am really trying this year to keep our gardens looking good. Because I was pregnant or with a newborn the last two summers, I just let things go and did not care. This year, I care.

Bob's dad and Maisie on Sunday. Izzy (the dog) looks to be a little bit jealous.

Calan refusing to fall asleep on our way home from Bob's cousin's on Monday night.

 

P.S. I am trying to get some upcoming blog ideas. I know that this is a family blog, but is there anything you guys want to know about me or my family. As you know I am pretty much an open book. Having some ideas ready will hopefully help me stay on top of writing. So, if there is something you want to know more about please let me know. 

Busy Bag Winner

Congrats Julia! You have won the Toddler Busy Bag!

Thank you everyone for entering. And thank you again to all the moms who helped put the bag together!

Busy Bag Giveaway *closed*

Games clockwise from left: Shape memory game, Clothes pin color game, Noah Ark felt board, Button Snake, and "Brown Bear, Brown Bear" matching game.

I have a few extra activities that I would love to giveaway. I have never hosted a giveaway before, but I thought that someone would love to have these games.

The bag includes:

1. "Brown Bear, Brown Bear" Head and Tail matching and memory game
2. Felt Button Snake
3. Noah's Ark felt board
4. Shapes memory game
5. Color clothes pin matching game

Plus, a target reuseable bag

The only mandatory entry is that you like me on Facebook and leave a comment on the blog telling me so. If you already follow, just leave a comment telling me so. 

For extra entries, follow me any other way (google+ and GFC) and leave a comment telling me how you are following me. Also, blog about or share on Facebook about this giveaway, and be sure to either leave a link or comment telling me you shared the giveaway.

A winner will be chosen using random.org on Monday, Feb. 13. Good Luck!

Finding New Friends Blog Hop!

As many of you know, my 2012 goal is to grow our small family blog and become one of the thousands of "mommy bloggers." Just over the last 10 days of my goal, I have gone from 20 followers to more than 70. As part of this goal, I am guest-hosting the "Fnding New Friends" blog hop. (Thanks ladies!) 

If you are not familiar with blog hops, basically look through the list of blogs below, you might find a new one you like and want to follow. And then add your blog to the list by following the few simple rules listed below. I have loved the new blogs I have found through this blog hop. (I am a blog addict.) Have fun!

<a border="0" href="http://myadventureinmommyhood.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLxuf85cI9u1F1YJncPqy5-Xcx4kpQjimfQi2CvZoL1ScLm9aXbDAsFrkcwv2-ksWgul2okAYwKUWCyw18m8sWbQQBtxLsR55QuNLAPOSPMnme3KXIfxWIgv4H3mFT7-yWk3fVSLR1EXg/"/></a>

Welcome back to week 41 of Finding New Friends Weekend Blog Hop hosted by Shelly from My Saving Game, Sam from Have Sippy Will Travel and Jeannette from The Adventures of J-Man and MillerBug!  Thank you all for helping make this hop so successful!  We love you tons!  Now what are you waiting for?  Let's get to hopping!  We are finding some fabulous blogs through this hop and having a great time getting to know so many of you!  So thank you for linking up again this week to those of you who are hop veterans and welcome to those who are new!  Let's continue to make new bloggy friends and increase our traffic! We do have a few simple rules for you - nothing too tough though.  So here we go!

What's going on?

I am a blog addict. I love reading about others' lives and struggles and tips and joys. I love connecting with people. I love writing out my thoughts. I love blogging.

I know that there are a ton of mommy blogs out there. I am just ready to be one of them. 

My goal for 2013 is to expand our small family blog. 

Over the last two weeks, I have changed a little how I post. Each day will be a new post that correlates with that day's theme. As you might have noticed over the last two weeks, I have started to do this. Here is what you will find:

Monday Game Plan: This is where you will find what we are hoping to accomplish this week and a quick review of what did or did not get done from the week before. I will also be posting our dinner menu with a few links to the recipes that I am using. Most of the recipes are easy to prepare and convenient for a mom with her hands full. I decided that this would be a good topic for those that might feel a little overwhelmed each day. Setting my weekly goals keeps me sane, so I thought they might help someone too. 

Toddler Tuesday: Who doesn't need more ideas on how to entertain their toddler? Each Tuesday, I will share an activity or craft that I have done with my crazy toddler. I feel like he is a good test model since he has the patience of a fly, so if i can get him to do it than most likely your child will too. 

Wordless Wednesday: I am sure if you follow any blogs regularly, you might have come across a Wordless Wednesday somewhere else. On Wednesdays, I will share fun photos of my little ones from that week. What mom doesn't like to show off a little? 

Anything Goes Thursday: Here is where I will discuss any parenting issues, tips, or thoughts. Anything that is on my mind like cloth diapering for those who have liked those posts in the past. 

Grateful Friday: I will share anything I am grateful for (obviously). As my life gets busier and busier, it is nice to remember all that I am grateful for. For me it is a great way to refresh and get excited about the weekend. 

Although my daily blogs cover a lot of what I want to blog about, I will share more recipes, crafts, tips, thoughts, etc. throughout the week. My daily blogs are just a starting point of what to expect from Wilson's (almost) Irish Twins. 

I have also set up a Facebook fan page for the blog to better connect with readers as well as friends and family. Be sure to become a fan and share with your friends, too. 

Happy Blogging!

The Versatile Blogger Award

I have been given the Versatile Blogger Award from Lisa at Criss-Cross Applesauce. Basically, it is kind of like a blog chain letter, but it is nice to know that others are enjoying reading my blog. Thanks Lisa! 

I just started following Criss-Cross Applesauce. Lisa is a teacher who is currently using her expertise as a say-at-home mom to a 4-year-old and 18-month-old. She has a lot of great tot-friendly activities. Check her out. 

Now on to the blog award rules... 

1. Thank the person that nominated you with a link back to them. (see above)

2. Tell 7 things about yourself. (see below)

3. Pass this award on to 15 newly discovered blogs and let them know that they’ve received an award! 

Seven Things About Myself

• I have lived in Michigan for almost 31-years (my whole life).
• I love to go for bike rides, but haven't actually ridden a bike in 2 years. Kind of pathetic.   
• I hate doing laundry.
• I worked at The Detroit News till I took a voluntary lay-off January 2010. 
• I am a 4-year breast cancer survivor. (Diagnosed at 26-years-old)
• I have a black thumb, but hope every year that some how my garden will just grow without my help.
• Always wanted to be a stay-at-home mom. None of my friends are surprised that I love being home and taking care of my babies. Love it!

15 blogs I have found recently that I think ROCK (in no particular order)

• Irish Twins Momma's Babybook - Another mom chronicling her adventures raising 2 girls less than a year apart. 
• Meet the Dubiens - One crafty mother who has great tot-friendly activities and makes amazing food art on Friday. 
• And I thought I loved you then ... - This is actually my crafty cousin who totally spoils her beautiful 1-year-old with all of her crafts and thrifty buys. 
• The Meanst Mom - Fun mom who takes everyday life and makes it pretty comical and hilarious. 
• I heart crafty things - Fun tot crafts. (Noticing a theme about the blogs I follow.) 
• Happily Domestic - A crafty mom of 4 with one on the way. 
• What? Only 12 months apart? - Need I explain? Another mom figuring out Irish twins and expecting her third!
• Sea Cow Circus - A woman I met years ago at a work convention that somehow we have become virtual friends. She is a working mom balancing life with her adorable 1-year-old girl. 

Here are a few I just started following that you might enjoy too!

For Love of Cupcakes

Frugal Mommie of 2

Joy in the Jumble

Make ahead Meals for Busy Moms

Keeping up with Kristi

Mom of 2 Mischievous Monkeys

We Made That

Happy Blogging! I hope you find some new ones to follow. What are some of your favorite blogs? I am always looking for more. I might be a blog addict. 

Who are you?

One of the fun parts of the Blogger server is that it tracks where from people are reading me. I find it very interesting and wonder all the time who is actually reading about me and my adventures as a new mom.

I do have some friends and family around the globe and can pick out that probably our regular Germany hits are Bob's cousin who lives there and the Canada hits are family too. But there is one country that I just can't figure out and I am really interested in knowing. I get about 10 hits a week from Australia. I have never been to Australia and have only known one person to live close to in New Zealand. Who are you Australia?

If you find it weird that I am curious, sorry, I do not mean to call you out. I am just intrigued. I love to know that people are actually reading my words. It makes writing that much more enjoyable. I like to know who my audience is even if it is only a few people each day who read. 

That reminds me ... if you do follow the blog, why not let me know that you are a follower by becoming a follower? 

Everybody follows somebody

While this blog is new, this is not my first and probably won't be my last. I really enjoy writing when I have something to write about and right now, I feel like I have the perfect reason. Hopefully I keep it up!

Just as some of you are following me, I follow lots of others. I love reading about friends and learning new things through others' personal experiences. Blogs are addictive! I have some of the blogs I follow listed on the right. I thought you might be interested as to why I follow them and what they write about.

Chronicles of a Babywise Mom: Not sure if you have heard of "Babywise," but it is just another parenting style like babywearing or on-demand feeding. "Babywise" and others in the "wise" series are books written by Gary Ezzo. It is a style that includes structure and routine and worked great for our family. I know that it isn't right for everyone. The woman who writes this blog has three children and has been blogging for some time. I tend to use this blog as a resource and help when I need to understand why Calan might be doing something or what I can do to help fix a problem with sleeping or eating.

MommyBeta: This is a blog that I have just been following for a little while. Four women contribute to the blog. They all had children over the past year, so it is fun to read about their experiences and compare them to what Mr. Calan is up to.

Dirty Diaper Laundry and Cloth Diaper Whisperer: These blogs have been my cloth diapering resources. Dirty Diaper Laundry has so many reviews and video reviews of all types of diapers. If I am thinking about getting a new style, I usually check to see what she has said about it first. Cloth Diaper Whisperer is a blog run by Kelly's Closet, an online cloth diaper shop. This blog has lots of types and information on the daily ins and outs of cloth diapering. They also have spotlights on real moms, which I enjoy reading.

The Finer Things in Life: This is another blog that I just started following, but I am really enjoying it. I got into this blog for her series on "Why didn't anyone tell me?" She and guest writers have been dissecting different aspects of pregnancy, labor, and post-partum and talking about all the things they wish they had known.

The Rescue of Jaline: A family that I know from church is in the process of adopting a daughter from Haiti. This blog follows their journey. There have been a few road blocks, but so far God has cleared all of them.

My iRISH Twins: Do I really need to even say why I am following this one? Her children are now 4 and 3 years old. She has been blogging for awhile, so I have been going back and reading old posts and learning different things along the way. Her oldest is a boy and youngest a girl, just like us.

It's in the Genes: For those of you that don't know, I am a breast cancer survivor. A woman I had met last September at a fundraising event was re-diagnosed with breast cancer in January and she is writing about her treatments and more.

Journey of Hope: I have been following this blog for over 2 years. It is written by former collegues of my from The Detroit News. Their 3-year-old daughter Hope has CdLS, Cornelia de Lange Syndrome, a fluky genetic mutation that isn't passed on or recurring in families. However, Hope's older brother, Will, died in 2005 from CdLS complications when he was 89 days old. They welcomed Oscar, their son, into the mix in May 2010, a month before Calan, and now they are having even more crazy new adventures.

The Gulbernat Family: A friend of mine had twins prematurely over a year ago. She keeps family updated about their adventures here. For the most part, her boys are doing great and it is great to see her as a mom.

Bras for a Cause: Last April, I lost a dear friend to breast cancer. She was an amazing woman who strived to help other young women diagnosed with breast cancer. She began a 20s and 30s support group at Gilda's House in Royal Oak. She also started an amazing fundraiser for Gilda's called Bras for a Cause. In its first year, it raised $50,000 for Gilda's House and last year, in Shannon's honor, it raised more than $100,000. This blog keeps me informed on the latest happens of the event, which is held in September at the Royal Oak Music Theater. Last year, I modeled in the survivor art bra fashion show (2.5 months after having Calan). I don't think that I will be able to this year. I don't think one month is enough time to feel confident enough to run the catwalk in front of 600+ people. However, I will be there to support or volunteer during the event, which will be Sept. 17. (Mark your calendars!)

Follow Me, Please

I know that this is kind of a selfish request, but if you have decided to follow my blog, will you do me a favor and register as a follower? I kind of want to know who I am writing to.

You will notice at the bottom of the right column there is a list of people who are following me. Right now, there are only 5 people. One is me, one is my husband, two are family members, and one is another blogger. I just want to know who's my audience. By becoming a follower, you will also be able to know when I post a new blog. It is a win-win situation.

Also, bloggers love comments. If a blog talks to you, let me know. The more interaction I get, the more I want to blog. If there are topics or questions you have for me, please feel free to ask anytime. Some upcoming topics include cloth diapering, eating, spring cleaning, etc.

Like I said, I know that these are selfish requests, but if you love me, maybe you will follow me.

Thanks!