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#FuelTheLove: A Family Staycation

Disclosure: This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone.
#FuelTheLove #CollectiveBias

Sometimes, family vacations are big and exciting. You might drive for two days to reach your destination, then spend a week and a half at the beach or an amusement park before heading home. Other times, vacations are a short and simple affair. You pick a destination that makes a good day trip, stay in a hotel one night, then come right back home. And then there are still other times where you don't go anywhere out of the ordinary at all, but you still make memories and have the best family fun imaginable - right in your own backyard.

No matter where you're headed this summer - your local zoo or Kalamazoo or somewhere in between - you will definitely want to make sure that your vehicle is in tip-top shape for the trip. Even for running errands around town (which seems to be what I spend a lot of time doing), it's important to keep up with routine maintenance for your car. That means - yes - actually paying attention to that little oil change sticker on the top of your windshield! I admit that I'm not the best at remembering to have maintenance done on my car - but with the convenience of the Walmart Automotive Care Center and Pennzoil, I am trying to overcome my failings!

The Pennzoil brand is one I have come to trust. It's designed for complete protection and allows you to drive 550 extra miles per year (when compared to a car with a dirty engine). Our van has well over 75,000 miles (we'll drive it into the ground), so we always ask for Pennzoil's High Mileage oil. It's designed to reduce leaks and oil consumption. Plus, all Pennzoil oils help clean out sludge that other oils leave behind. Win-win, right?

From now until September 9th, Pennzoil oil changes are even on Rollback at Walmart Automotive Care Centers. High Mileage is $35.88, compared to the regular Walmart price of $39.88 and Platinum Full Synthetic is $45.88, compared to the regular Walmart price of $49.88.

So on this particular occasion, when I noticed it was time for an oil change, we high-tailed it to our local Walmart. We may not have a big trip planned, but we need our van at its best for all of our day to day adventures. As it turned out...we didn't want to hang out in the waiting area for very long, so we got to have a little staycation right at Walmart! Mini family vacation on a random weekday afternoon? Love it.

So in case you, like us, need some fun ways to occupy your time while also being responsible and getting your car's oil changed, here are a few of our ideas! Lincoln and Addie chimed in with their opinions on what is most fun.

1. Take the long route. Make sure everyone has a partner, and go for a nice leisurely stroll about the store. Warning: avoid aisles with glassware, light bulbs, and poison.

2. Rank toy cars in order of coolness. Beg your mom to buy a few. Throw a fit or two if mom refuses. It'll be fun!

3. Check out the clothing selection. Anything with a monster truck is automatically approved.

4. Practice counting on the ruler at the fabric counter. Climbing and/or standing on the counter (while fun) are not recommended. Moms get a little worried about that.

5. Play with every toy on the lowest shelf. Drag a lot of them onto the floor. Push every button you can find. Other shoppers love that!

7. Stop to smell the roses. Or the candles that smell like roses. Because, those are basically the exact same thing!

What's your favorite staycation destination?

Disclosure: This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. For more information, you can read my Disclosure Policy.

She's My Favorite Girl

Disclosure: I received an outfit for Addie to review. All opinions expressed are my own. 

"You're my favorite girl." 

I say this all the time. It might be when we're reading books on the couch in the morning. It might be as I lift her into her not-for-babies booster seat for lunch. Often, it's when we're snuggled up in the rocking chair late at night and she's drifting to sleep.

Being a mama is so very complex. There are more frustrations and emotions in my mind at any given time of day than ever before in my lifetime. There's the task of remembering who had their vitamins at breakfast and who still needs them at lunch, on top of the realization that the never-ending battle to conquer the laundry has been temporarily set aside and the resulting avalanche is an impending doom.

In the midst of the crazy, I want to make time to assure my kids that they are the brightest joys in my day. And this is definitely not the easiest task I've undertaken...because they don't always act like creatures who should cause joy.

This little girl is currently all about drama, and she can be downright cantankerous if she feels like it. For example: when I told her "let's put on this pretty dress from FabKids, Addie!" this week, she fell into a million pieces and had to be literally bribed with a snack bar to take some photos for me. But she's still my favorite and I wish I would always respond to her poor attitude in a way that reflects my heart. And at the end of the day, when I watch her sleep, I often want to go back and take back a sigh or a moment of frustration.

But then I think...if I were to show her absolute perfection at all times, it would be a tough game for her to play as she grows up. Right now, she's forming memories and experiences that will shape who she is as a woman - and a mom - someday. Rather than having her expect things to be sunny and bright and brilliant all the time, I'm okay if she gets the chance to watch me model a lack of patience and a need for more joy. If I can muster up the courage to apologize to my kids when I'm wrong, tell them when mommy needs a break, and strive for the best days we can have in spite of all of our faults, that will probably do more for her character than just giving her a shiny, perfect life.

Here's to reminding our children that they're our favorites - and that we're their biggest cheerleaders - at all times, not just when things are sunny. I know that I need to hear someone is on my side when I'm down! Chances are, she needs to hear it, too.

You can find FabKids monthly outfit subscriptions with a VIP membership starting at $29.95/month, or purchase individual pieces with a regular membership.

Thanks to FabKids for providing the outfit featured in today's post. All opinions expressed are my own. For more information, you can read my Disclosure Policy.  

Embracing My Beautiful Mess

Disclosure: This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #SweepTheMess #CollectiveBias

"Mommy! We made mud soup! Come see our mud soup!"

He's way more excited about this than I am, but I stand up from my lawn chair on the deck and take his hand as he drags me down the stairs and to the pile of dirt, sticks, and wet grass that he and his sister have assembled.

There is mud everywhere. Literally. Covering their faces, up their noses, and between the surface of each and every fingernail. They beam at me, so thrilled to be outside in the fresh air - away from the confines of our house and all its toys, which lost their appeal back in mid-January when the lack of sunshine threatened to drive all of us mad.

"Do you want a taste, Mama? Mud soup is deeeeeee-licious!"

The bright sun is good for my heart, too. On a bleak day in January, I might have sighed with impatience at the sight of food scattered on the floor or the pieces of twenty puzzles dumped in one heap or snow trampled all over the carpet. But today? It's okay. This sort of mess isn't so bad. It's a beautiful mess, and it's our mess...and I kind of secretly love it.

Since the arrival of warmer weather, I've learned a couple of things. First, that my kids are going to literally live outside until it snows again. Second, that there is going to be a lot of dirt and grime covering just about every surface of my home. I've actually lost track of how many times I've swept the kitchen floor with my O-Cedar Angler Broom this week. And I pulled out the vacuum of my own free will last night. My whole family may or may not have looked at me like I was some sort of lunatic. Like, who is this woman and where did this strange noisy machine appear from?

My helpers are eager today. They spend every waking moment asking "can I help?" or "what can I do, mommy?" This isn't going to last forever. In a few years, I'm going to have teenagers on my hands - and at that point, they (probably) won't be responsible for tracking mud into the house thirteen times in one day. They'll remember to take their shoes off at the door (most of the time), they'll brush dust off their jeans, and they'll hopefully have a decent grasp at what it means to throw away their own trash. They'll be semi-responsible young people, on their way to adulthood. But at the same time, they'll be a little more interested in their friends than their mom who may or may not be wearing the same shirt as yesterday. They'll ask me what I will do for them - not what they can do for me.


I don't want to reach those years - not so far away - and look back at today with a longing that I had smiled instead of scowled, chased instead of chided, or tickled instead of turning on the television.

I know it's inevitable to some degree. Kids grow up - regardless of how hard we mamas hang onto every little scrap of childhood that we can. But maybe...just maybe, if I let them help me now - every time - there's a greater likelihood that in ten years, they'll still want to spend time with me. And while making mud soup may be a little beyond their comfort level, I'll be down for a muddy water fight. I call dibs on the hose.

How are you celebrating the beautiful mess in your life?

O-Cedar "A Beautiful Mess" Giveaway
Disclosure: This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. For more information, you can read my Disclosure Policy.  

A Letter to My Toddler Drama Queen

Disclosure: I received an outfit for Addie to review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Oh, little girl. You and I...we need to have a chat.

See, I'm your mama. And I know a lot about drama.

And you...you're just starting to figure it out.

Last week, it was acceptable to eat the smoothie that I made for your breakfast. Today, your reaction is "it's YUCKY!"

Two months ago, you said "I can nurse now, okay?" Now, it's "I neeeeeeed to nurseeeeee! I need to nurse! I need to nurse! I need to nurse!"

And wearing tiny (adorable) pigtails in your hair has become something worthy of epic meltdowns of legendary proportions.

You're two years old and starting to realize that being a little drama queen is something that you enjoy.

I'm not upset that there's drama. I laugh when you aren't looking (usually when you've thrown yourself on the floor). As a mama with a fair amount of drama in my arsenal, I know that there is much good behind all of the emotion and hysteria that comes along with being a high maintenance toddler.

There are stories about me that (so far, anyway) put all of your antics to shame. I'll have one up on you until you've turned over a chair in a fancy restaurant or blatantly told the pastor's wife that your family never reads Bible verses or been pulled kicking and screaming from a friend's house or the church lobby.... Oh, wait. I guess you possibly might have been an active participant in that last one a time or two in recent weeks.

Having a strong will is not a bad thing, baby girl. Being strong is something that should never make you feel ashamed. Knowing who you are and being willing to fight for it are skills that could actually make or break you when you're grown. Believe me...I know.

The thing is, you and I have some work to do over the next few years. We have to go from tangling with toddler emotions to navigating preschool questions and elementary curiosity and then (oh boy) cycle back to emotions when we meet you as a teenager. For now, we may just have a throw down if I don't let you wear your favorite outfits (like this pink "princess dress" from FabKids) every day - but in ten years, what will the battle be?

I want you to know that you're beautiful - but not throw that knowledge in anyone's face or use it to your advantage.

I hope that you learn that thinking of others is far more important than taking care of yourself.

I pray that you'll take a stand for the things that are true and right and good - even if it's not the most popular option.

I love you, my beautiful, spunky girl. I'm in this drama queen thing with you for the long haul. Don't be afraid to ask me for some advice...because I do have a little bit of experience in this department.

You can find FabKids monthly outfit subscriptions with a VIP membership starting at $29.95/month, or purchase individual pieces with a regular membership.

Thanks to FabKids for providing the outfit featured in today's post. All opinions expressed are my own. For more information, you can read my Disclosure Policy.  

Lincoln: 4 Years Old

My boy is four years old. If you ask him, he'll tell you that he is still three because he doesn't "feel like four" yet. He's the most inquisitive, awesome, amazing little man on this planet and it's such a joy to be his mama.

Lincoln,

I can't believe that you are four (whether you think you are or not). It seems in some ways that you were just born yesterday. Four is halfway to eight, which is halfway to sixteen...which scares me to death, so I'll just back off that train of thought right away. Your childhood is going by way faster than I ever imagined it would.

Your delayed speech is a thing long forgotten. People always told me "you just wait until he talks, and you'll wish he'd never learned" - but while some nights I do breathe a little sigh of relief when the house is quiet but for the sounds of you and your sister breathing, that warning could not have been further from reality. I love hearing you talk. I love talking to you. I love that we can now have conversations and talk about the way things make you feel. I love that you have your own opinions on everything and yes, I even kind of secretly love the screaming dinosaur "roars" that terrify your sister out of her mind every.single.day.

I love your over-eager willingness to help and I try to let you whenever I can because your devastation when you are told no is so utterly heartbreaking. You want to be involved in every single thing that is going on, and at least five hundred times a day, you ask me "how come?" You never say "why" and I kind of love that you've adopted your own version of this common childhood question.

You get stronger every day, I think, and you don't really know your own strength. You routinely bowl over your sister and hit mommy in the legs with your head. It's not always on purpose, but we're trying to learn about being gentle either way.

Last summer, I realized that you don't play with cars the same way you once did. Right now, your favorite things to play are Octonauts (we have so many toys I've actually lost track) and puzzles. You're exceptionally talented at big floor puzzles - we have an outer space one that you can do all by yourself!

When you play, you have so much more imagination! I routinely hearing you inventing conversations between your cars, or pretending to be Captain Barnacles when you are playing Octonauts. The cars tend to get grouped by size ("daddy cars," "mommy cars," "brother cars," etc.).

We're still working on night time potty training, but other than that you can go all by yourself most of the time. We almost made it to age 4 without another major injury, but last week you had stitches in your chin. You handled it like a champ and haven't even worried about it since it happened.

We started preschool in the fall, but haven't been able to keep up with a consistent learning schedule. I think it may have been a little too much to expect of you at age three, anyway. We've done more unschooling this fall and winter, and as a result you know most colors, the alphabet, and you can count to sixteen or seventeen. We'll do a more official preschool this fall and I think we'll all be ready for it.

Your favorite books right now are Stanley's Garage, Stanley the Builder, Stanley the Farmer, anything about Curious George, and the Usborne Pull-back Busy Train Book.

I haven't heard you call yourself "Inky" in weeks. I almost can't bear it.

You love going on adventures, and every day you want to know what the plan of action will be. If we're searching for something (or if we're in a store), you like to say "let's split up to cover more ground!" In stores, that's frightening for mom!

You learned how to use Netflix within a day or two of our having a subscription. You relish the freedom of being able to choose your own show to watch and put up quite a fight when I say we have to let Addie choose, too. Your favorite shows are Octonauts (of course), Clifford, Wild Kratts, Busy Town Mysteries, and LaLaLoopsy (which mom and dad really can't stand).

You and Addie are best friends, though you spend more time bickering with each other than playing most days. Maybe that's not entirely true. The screeching and fussing at one another seems to occupy a good portion of our time, however. She wants to do everything that you do and you're not always thrilled about it, but we're working on helping you understand that she looks up to you and you need to be a good example.

Sleeping is still not great, but it's also not terrible. You go to sleep around 8-8:30pm, wake up sometime between midnight and 3am to crawl in bed with mom and dad, then sleep until maybe 6:30 or 7am. A couple weeks ago, you slept in until almost 9 two days in a row and I thought we had a miracle on our hands. Unfortunately, it didn't last. I think you are actually tired most of the time, but you run so fast and fight it so hard that you don't even notice.

Food has taken on a whole new meaning in your life. You've been on a somewhat special diet for several months because I was pretty sure you had a cavity forming on one of your front teeth (good news: that's cleared up now), but in January we went to a specialist as suggested by our chiropractor. She ran some tests and determined that you have a pretty significant yeast imbalance, so we are currently on a diet that consists of no dairy, egg, wheat, gluten, and oats. You have done so much better with all of this than I expected, but finding meals to eat has been a little bit difficult. We're still trying to get you to eat vegetables, but they are hidden in smoothies regularly and you swallow small pieces of them without much fight. You're also able to swallow small vitamin supplements, which is amazing! We're not sure if these diet changes will be permanent or not, but thankfully you've adapted just fine - and I think your palate will continue to improve as your body is healthier and we are able to find more options for you to try.

Most of your shirts are 5T and your pants are 4T. You weigh 42 pounds.

I'm not sure I know how to put into words how precious you are to me. I can't believe that you are four, and I really can't believe that means we are on our way to age five. FIVE. For today, I'm going to enjoy my busy, wild, exhausting, wonderful four-year-old Lincoln as much as I can. Here's to a magical, wonderful year of your childhood together. It may be the best one yet.

Love,
Mommy

Past Birthday Letters to Lincoln

Two | Two and a Half | Three | Three and a Half

Interview with Lincoln: 4 Years Old

The little boy who made me a mommy turned four years old yesterday. I'm not really emotionally ready to address that yet, but I didn't want to miss the chance to see how his answers have changed in our annual Birthday Interview. You can view the answers from his age two interview and age three interview for comparison!

When I first started the conversation with him, it went like this:

How old are you? Four

What makes you happy? Three! Nothin', nothin', nothin'! Just nothin'.

and continued that way through the next five questions, so I gave up. Later in the day, I started asking him a few questions at a time and managed to come up with more realistic answers!

(my notes are in italics)

How old are you? Four

What makes you happy? Nonis (macaroni and cheese) and macaroni and cheese and pizza! And cheese! He's on a dairy-free diet right now, so he's missing this stuff a lot!

What is your favorite toy? Octonauts!

What is your favorite stuffed animal? Clifford the big red dog.

What is your favorite real animal? A polar bear!

What is your favorite thing to sleep with? Nothing! The answer is actually Mommy.

What is your favorite color? Blue! Just blue! I just like blue! That's my favorite color.

What is your favorite fruit? All of 'em. (apples, pears, strawberries)

What is your favorite thing to eat for breakfast? Cereal!

What is your favorite thing to eat for lunch? Noni...no, pizza!

What do you want to eat for your birthday dinner? Nonis and pizza.

What is your favorite drink? Water! Just real water, not Vitamin C! Last week, he had a cold and I made him drink Vitamin C powder dissolved in water. He was not impressed.

What is your favorite dessert? Candy bar (Larabars) and marshmallow.

What is a food that makes you want to puke? Vitamin C. "What about vegetables like carrots and broccoli?" And carrots are yucky, I forgot!

What is your favorite thing to do? Play in the snow and get pizza and have cereal. And playing Octonauts.

What is your favorite TV show? Octonauts.

What is your favorite movie? I don't like long movies!

What are you really good at? Running and walking.

What is your favorite song? Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer.

 Who is the Coolest Person on Earth? Me! I'm the goodest, coolest person! Oh boy. 

What do you and your mom do together? Bake cakes (ummm...I don't think we have actually done this all year) and play Octonauts!

What do you and your dad do together? Play Mario game. That's all the things I can do! Oh, and play with my car.

When you were little, what did you do? I don't know. Crawl! Go outside and play!

If you could go anywhere in the world, where would it be? The puppy shop. (This may be the pet store? He's never been to one!)

What do you think your parents are too strict about? (He didn't understand this question. I think he finds it ridiculous that we don't let him lick us, we don't like water thrown out of the bathtub, and we limit how fast he can run in the house - especially after he split his chin open last week.)

Who is your best friend? Grace and Connor. No, Bun and Pa! "What about me?" Oh, and you, Mommy. And Daddy. And Addie, too!

What are some of your favorite things to say? Nothing! Fa-fa-fa-faffffffff. Woof, woof. (followed by lots of random, silly noises.)

What is your favorite thing to do outside? The swingset!

What is your favorite book? Pigeon! by Mo Willems.

What do you want to be when you grow up? An "ambience" (ambulance) driver.

This whole birthday interview thing? It was SO much more fun this year, now that he has a wide range of ideas and opinions that are all his own. I'm so glad I started this series two years ago, because the full collection of interviews is going to be priceless when he is grown!

Questions compiled from A Beautiful Ruckus, Ali Edwards, and Paper Nook.  Thanks!

How to Take a Quick & Easy Mom Vacation

Disclosure: This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #DropShopAndOil #CollectiveBias

I am the worst at car maintenance. Really. I never remember when it is time to check tires or fluids, and I honestly don't even know how to do most routine maintenance things to my car. After the holiday season died down, I sneaked a peek at that handy little reminder sticker in the window of my minivan and realized...wow. We're super way behind on getting the oil changed! Yikes! So, I told my husband I was going to go take car of it all by myself. He thought I was being responsible. I thought, let's make a less-than-fun errand something amazing. What, you think I'm crazy? Nah. Thanks to Pennzoil at Walmart, I can tackle an oil change and some other errands at the same time!

Now, some people might choose to do something "normal" like grocery shopping or stocking up on clearance Christmas storage bins while waiting for their vehicle to be serviced in the Walmart Auto Care Center. But not me. I did pick up some dental floss along the way, but I found some other ways to spend my time, as well.

So, without further ado, I give you: 6 Things To Do While Getting Your Oil Changed. 

This is even more fun if you can start off here when no one else is in the aisle and then startle an innocent shopper.

After last year's garden fail, this was a top priority. 

Feel all the sad feels. It's okay. Maybe.

Who doesn't want a giant Star Wars spaceship displayed in their home at all times?

Or, you know, pick out a vacuum for your home. Whichever sounds more entertaining for your personal brand of enjoyment.

The beauty of getting your oil changed at Walmart is that whether you have time to have a mini mom vacation or you actually need to take care of your errands at the same time, you don't have to worry about your car's well-being. The Auto Care Center will take care of everything for you! Pennzoil is designed for complete protection and allows you to drive an extra 550 miles per year (compared to a car with a dirty engine). Our minivan has only been with us for two years, but it it's been on many travels, has seen far more than 75,000 miles and is well cared for with Pennzoil's High Mileage oil. If, like me, you have a car that's in serious need of an oil change, you can save $5 on a 5-quart bottle of Pennzoil with this coupon. And you can have your own mini mom vacation!

Pennzoil Richard Petty Driving School "Experience of a Lifetime" Giveaway

Is your car overdue for an oil change?

Disclosure: This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. For more information, you can read my Disclosure Policy.

Things She Says {January 2015}

Disclosure: I received an outfit for Addie to review. All opinions expressed are my own.

First of all, let's take a moment to compare the photos in this post to this one from October, which is the last time I wrote a "Things She Says" post. It's only been three months. Why does Addie look like she has grown up by about a year? Where's my baby?! Wail.

Her communication continues to expand, every single day. Quite honestly, I don't think there are many words she doesn't know - but if she finds something she doesn't recognize, she says "What is THIS?!" I love having these posts to look back on... here's what she was saying about a year ago.

"I guess!" This has been added to a lot of statements lately. It's time to nurse, I guess. I want a cracker, I guess. I like broccoli, I guess.

"Can I...havealittlebite?" She is constantly begging for food. Especially if someone else is eating.

"I not want to." She is two. She declares it. Mostly with this phrase.

"You keep me safe!" Said when she wants to be held and protected from Lincoln, the dark, or an imaginary scary monster.

"There's always a-morrow for dreams to come twue." Ever since the Christmas season, which started off for us with seeing Rudolph at the Coterie Theatre, both kids have been singing the songs constantly.

ANYTHING that Lincoln says. They parrot each other all day. And fuss at each other. And attack each other with hugs.

"Oh, okay!" This is her typical response when asked to do something she's willing to do, or in response to most things Lincoln suggests.

"It's too scawwy!" Her pronunciation of scary is killing me.

"I found she!" She's getting her pronouns mixed up lately and it's kind of adorable.

"Aww...it's so CUTE!" Things that gain this reaction: babies, animals of any kind, dresses (like the one she is wearing in these photos from FabKids), hairbows, broccoli, Octonauts, snow, book characters, and the list goes on and on.

 "I wuv you." The best one of all. Usually said with her hands on either side of my face or her cheek pressed against mine. Precious.

You can find FabKids monthly outfit subscriptions with a VIP membership starting at $29.95/month, or purchase individual pieces with a regular membership.

Thanks to FabKids for providing the outfit featured in today's post. All opinions expressed are my own. For more information, you can read my Disclosure Policy.  

20 Random Facts About Me {30 Things My Kids Should Know}

I'm failing a little bit at my "thirty by 30" list. I have not read any books, caught up (or touched) Project Life, paid off any significant debt, or traveled to a state I've never seen. I only have a year and a half left, so I'm thinking I need to double my efforts and see if at least a few things can be knocked off the list.

One of the things on my list is to blog the 30 Things My Kids Should Know About Me series. And that, I think, is definitely still achievable. So, without further ado...here's the first post! Since these posts will be "technically" for my kids, you are welcome to read or ignore as you see fit.  

20 Random Facts About Myself

1. I've eaten fewer than 10 hamburgers in my entire life. I've also only ever chewed one piece of gum.
2. I prefer to sleep with the covers up to my chin, but a foot sticking out from the blanket.
3. My left wrist was severely sprained in a dramatic onstage moment (And Then There Were None, 2007) and still sometimes causes me pain so significant that I have to wear a brace for days at a time.
4. A little part of me wants to live on a farm, but I think I would balk at the amount of work it would require, so I'm not willing to give it a chance.
5. When I was about 8 years old, I refused to wear pants for an entire year. Dresses are cuter.
6. My dream home would have a library the size of....my current home.
7. I want a cat. Kind of. Until I think about how there would be fur covering all of my furniture and clothing.
8. I never had any intention to be a "crunchy" mom. Cloth diapers? Psshhh, no. Eating healthy, whole foods? Why bother? Once I started having to make decisions for other people's lives (aka, kids), my whole perspective changed quite a bit.
9. Stashed in my parents' basement are dozens and dozens of journals from my childhood and teenage years.
10. Everything I know about blogging, I learned from Xanga. Okay - that's not totally true, but I did learn basic HTML coding and that it's important to post regular, interesting content to keep up a readership. My old Xanga had far more comment action than this blog! But that's maybe because at the age of 16, we all had nothing to do but write on each other's blogs....before Facebook, you know.
11. I'm a photo junkie / scrapbooking enthusiast with not enough time to keep up. It bothers me a lot that all of our memories are just sitting on a hard drive and not on display in our home.
12. When I was expecting Lincoln, there was one week I ate nothing but ice cream sandwiches. True story. Thank you, constant pregnancy sickness.
13. My cars have all had names, except for my (current) van.
14. I passed out on the sidewalk across the street from the Alamo when I was 15. Heat exhaustion.
15. I'm a serious packrat. I know this is not a big surprise to anyone. But perhaps admitting it will help me to overcome the irrational need to keep everything?
16. I think it would be fun to live in NYC. Maybe not forever...but just for a season.
17. I can't deal with scary movies.
18. I will always harbor a slight bitterness that Pinterest did not exist when I was planning my wedding.
19. I don't drink. The only exceptions in my lifetime are when I had a few sips of champagne (accidentally) at a wedding, vodka (on purpose) at another wedding, and one time when I had to order alcohol as part of a mystery shop.
20. I'm too tall to be a Disney princess at Walt Disney World by about an inch and that totally stinks. Even if it's not a career path that I intended to pursue, it is a mournful, lifelong sorrow that I shall always bear.

What's something random about YOU that you want all the internet to know??