Readers' Choice Award Finalist

I am honored that my blog is a finalist in About.com's 2013 Reader's Choice Award for Favorite Special Needs Parenting Blog!

Just in the time for this nomination I've managed to give myself a little blog makeover. Well, just the header. It was time for a new header. It was accomplishment enough for me to tackle how to even create, size, upload, and replace my header. Thanks to a little help from Lucas; he chose the font.

Here are the FAQs on the Readers' Choice Awards. There is no prize for winning ... except a button to put on your blog to say you were the 2013 Readers' Choice Award Winner. I'm honored, and excited, just to be counted among the finalists!

Yes, I'm asking (please!) for your votes now. You can vote once a day, every day, through Mar 17. Winners will be announced Mar 24th. Your votes are most appreciated! You can vote here.

I'm also asking my readers for something else. Each nominated blog in all of the categories will have a page and write-up about their blog. I need to submit 3 of my posts that encompass my blog. I've been blogging since 2006 - seven years now. That's a lot of posts. (1837 to be exact!). I'm not asking you to go back through my blog, but if there are any particular posts that you remember for one reason or another; if there is a post that touched you, or sticks out to you, please let me know! I'm trying to compile a lists of posts from my readers to help me narrow down which 3 posts to submit.

(ok I've been blogging for 7 years, but I'm not blog-savvy enough to figure out how to hyperlink the picture below without the box next to it! But at least the picture is linked, so if you click on it you will go to the voting page.)

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Thanks for your support!

 

Special Needs Blog

My blog is a nominee for a blog award on Parents.com website under the category of Special Needs Blog.  

Not sure how many readers I have left anymore ;-) but sure would appreciate any votes, if you don't mind.

By Best Special Needs Blog

Thank you!

Tagged x2

Free pancakes at IHOP tomorrow, Feb 23rd! Get them from 7am-10pm!

Finally getting around to answering some 'tags' -

AZ Chapman tagged me with the Happy 101 blog award.

10 things that make me happy:

1. Joe being back from Afghanistan
2. When Lucas takes a 2 hr nap
3. Listening to Kayla and Lucas play together
4. Catching up with friends
5. Hot chocolate on a cold night
6. Snuggling under blankets
7. Planning a vacation (or maybe that part is stressful - being on vacation!)
8. Red Sox Spring Training starting soon
9. Hearing Kayla and Lucas giggle and laugh
10. Getting lost in a good book

Rebecca tagged me with the Kreativ Blogger award. Here are 7 things you may not know about me.

(Having a hard time coming up with things that I haven't already mentioned!)

1. I'd like a do-over of high-school. Next time around I wouldn't be so shy and would participate a little more.
2. Sometimes I want another child, but then the thought of a 3rd one freaks me out a little.
3. I can't carry a tune. At all.
4. I love to read, but I haven't made the time to read a book in months. Shame on me!
5. I took French in high school, but now can't say much more than "Je m'apelle Michelle" and "Comment ça va?"
6. I snack too much throughout the day.
7. My steak has to be well done; I can't stand to see pink on my meat!

I Just Realized...

that I should probably post something so people don't think I'm in the hospital having a baby! Nope! Not yet anyway. Joe will update when that happens!

I did have an appointment on Mon (what is up with these long wait times lately? This time was another hour! Is it this long at other OB offices?!) and really not much to report. He said I was "50-60% effaced" this time. So not much progress!

I have to admit, when I found out 2 wks ago that I was 50% effaced, even though I knew it didn't really mean anything, I know you can stay like that for weeks, I still thought I was going to have this baby soon! I told Joe on Sun morning that I really didn't think I was going to make it to 38 wks, but here we are and now I find myself getting anxious. Every morning I find myself wondering if today is THE day! So I still have 2 wks, I'm not thinking about the 2 wks on the other side of the due date; I really don't want to go late.

Not much else has been happening around here; except a couple blogger awards I need to acknowledge!

Kristiem gave me the Thank you so much! This award was started here.

I'd like to pass it on to some bloggers who live in other countries:
Shelley
Karen
Me
Leanne
Christina

Karen gave me this one: I don't consider myself a "cool" mom by any stretch of the imagination, but thank you for you thinking so! :) I'm passing this one on to:
Chelle
Sandra
Melissa
Beck
Corey

Saturday Stuff

Using Random.org I've got the 2 winners for my Bloggy Giveaway. #27 - Laura - won the pampering set and #176 - Jenn - won the votives and candles. Congratulations!

~~~~~~~~
Kennedy tagged Kayla for the "Love and Hate" meme. So here are some things Kayla loves, and hates!

Loves:
Mommy and Daddy
Cereal
Fruit
Riding the school bus
Going to the playground
Signing Time
Painting
Reading
Singing
V8 Fusion

Hates:
Eating dinner
Going to the doctor (although she is getting so much better!)
Loud noises
Not being paid attention to
Sitting still

Hmmm...it's hard to think of things she doesn't like - even Joe couldn't come up with anything else! Kayla tags Gabe, Rylie, and Micah.

~~~~~~~
Karen gave me the
award. Thank you Karen!

Tracey and Leanne gave me this: Thank you both!

and Cheri sent me this one: Thanks so much!

Slow Cooker, Contests, Awards

Spiced Cran-Apple Cider
1/2 C packed brown sugar
2 tsp whole allspice
4 sticks cinnamon, 3 inches long
1 bottle (48 oz) apple cider
1 bottle (48 oz) cranberry juice

Mix all ingredients in slow cooker. Cook on low-heat for 4-6 hrs. Remove allspice and cinnamon sticks before serving.

For more slow cooker recipes visit Sandra

Because I'm so far behind I'm just cramming everything into this post!

Contests:
Patriot from American Mad is having a giveaway from Hummingbird Farms; you could win a Lavender Body Lotion or Wash.

The Rocking Pony is having a contest to win something from her Etsy shop - go check out the absolutely cute things she makes!

Awards - I've been given the following awards and have been so behind in acknowledging them!
The Nice Matters Award from The Rocking Pony

Mathetes (Excellence in Discipleship) Award and The Sweet Treat Award from Glo

Totally Fabulous Award from Renee and Karen

Thank you ladies so much for thinking of me!

Tuesday Miscellany

This week Annie is inviting us to travel back to the day you found out you were pregnant.

I've actually posted the stories of both pregnancies already and I think most of you have read them!

Here are the links just in case. When Mommy Talk was going on I did a post on when I found out I was pregnant with Kayla and how I told Joe.

In July I wrote a post on how I found out with this pregnancy and again, how I told Joe.

Miscellany:
Karen tagged me for this meme:

Accent: Growing up as a "military brat" and moving around so much I don't think I actually have an accent. When I moved to Germany my freshman year (after living in Massachusetts for almost 7 yrs) I was told I had a New England accent; but I think that is long gone now!

I don't drink: Coffee - blech

Chore I hate: I hate to iron. When Joe irons his uniform I used to ask him to iron a few shirts for me. Then I discovered Downy Wrinkle Releaser and I should invest in stock in this stuff! I love it and hardly need to iron my shirts anymore. I just spray this on and smooth out the wrinkles and I'm good to go!

Pets: We have 2 saltwater fish in our tank right now; but I guess those are really considered Joe's pets!

Essential Electronics: Well my computer of course!

Perfume: Rarely wear it.

Gold or Silver: I really don't have a preference; my wedding ring set is white gold (same as your Karen!)

Insomnia: Unfortunately, yes. There are many nights where I toss and turn and just can't fall asleep while Joe sleeps like a log - lucky him!

Job Title: I guess once you have a child this becomes "mom" doesn't it?! I'm also the Chief Financial Office for our household...along with all of those other domestic duties! I'm an Educational Consultant with Discovery Toys

Most Admired Trait: Geesh I have no idea! Loyalty maybe?

Kids: Well who reads my blog and doesn't know the answer to this one! LOL 1 daughter, Kayla, who is 4 and one due in Feb.

Phobia: Heights and roller coasters (or maybe I should just say amusement park rides!)

Religion: Christian

Siblings: I have one full biological brother. I have a half sister and a half brother. I technically have 2 step-sisters from my dad's marriage, but it's kind of odd actually to think of them as my "step-sisters"...when my dad married their mom we were all out of high school and in our 20s, so we didn't "grow up" together and I think I've only seen them once since our parents have been married!

Time I Wake Up: Whenever Kayla wakes up (usually between 6:30-7:00) but then I bring her back to my bed and snuggle. Sometimes she'll fall back to sleep until 7:30.

Unusual Talent/Skill: I don't think I have any unusual talent!

Veggie I Refuse To Eat: Brussel sprouts and beets

Worst Habit: Procrastinator and running out the door late!

X-Rays: Dental, one on my thumb when I had it slammed in a door, I think I had one of my stomach when I was young and swallowed a coin, and then ultrasounds when I've been pregnant.

My Favorite Meal: I don't actually have any really "gotta have it" favorite meals. I do like my mom's beef stroganoff, my dad's breaded veal cutlets, my MILs sweet potato casserole, and Joe's quesadillas though!

I'll tag - whoever feels like doing this one!

Jodi, Amy, and Chelle have all given me the Nice Matters award. Thank you ladies so much, you all said such nice things about me and I'm flattered!

Passing it on

Amy from
Laughing Through The Tears passed on the Blogger Reflection Award to me. This is what she had to say, "Michelle is the best. I came across her blog because of her beautiful daughter Kayla. I love children, even more than laughing. She posts so many pictures and videos of Kayla. We are invited into her world as she writes about Kayla. She shares from the heart and is real about life with her daughter and husband. Michelle writes the best Grains of Gratitude every Sunday. You can tell that she is truly thankful for the good and even the trials she comes face to face with. She's such a loving wife and mother too. She's a faithful friend and always leaves uplifting and encouraging words. Once you've visited them you'll never forget them. I would love to meet her, Joe and Kayla someday. I feel honored to have them in my life."

Thank you Amy! I was so touched by your words!

Here are the rules for passing this award on: The reason for the title is because this award should make you reflect on five bloggers who have been an encouragement, a source of love, impacted you in some way, and have been a Godly example to you. Five Bloggers who when you reflect on them you get a sense of pride and joy... of knowing them and being blessed by them.
1. Copy this post.
2. Reflect on five bloggers and write a least a paragraph about each one.
3. Make sure you link this post so others can read it and the rules.
4. Go leave your chosen bloggers a comment and let them know they've been given the award.
5. Put the award icon on your site


So here are my 5 choices for passing this on:

Jennifer from Pinwheels Jennifer is a mom to 3 boys, including a set of twins (and one who has that extra chromosome). She's also a writer and I just can't say enough about her writing! I love reading her blog and how she can take the small, every day things, and write about them as if they were the most important things in the world. I enjoy reading her weekly posts at ParentDish

N from Mayhem and Miracles - N is one of the bloggers I was lucky enough to meet on our vacation...along with her 3 great kids! She is just as sweet in person as I thought she would be from reading her blog! I enjoy reading her posts and she writes with such passion and honesty and bares her heart and soul. She is definitely someone I would like to have as a neighbor!

Andrea from Sgt and Mrs Hub - When I visit Andrea I feel like I'm visiting an old friend! Her husband is also in the Air Force, and our daughters are the same age. She has 2 kids (home births!) and a 3rd on the way. Her husband is currently serving as a recruiter and I admire them for that - I'm not sure I would be able to handle that assignment as well! As a recruiter in a remote area there isn't a military base nearby and I've grown quite accustomed to the perks of living on base! Maybe one of these days we'll be stationed together - I would enjoy getting to know this family in person!

Overwhelmed With Joy - The first post I read of hers was about a conversation she overheard between her husband and son via her cellphone. Unbeknownst to her husband, he, or their son, accidentally called her cell phone. He didn't realize his phone was connected and she got to listen in on a small part of their day. Then I started reading her adoption story and was hooked and couldn't wait for the next installment. I've also been lucky enough to meet her twice now! She is just as friendly and down-to-earth as she comes across on her blog.

Karen from Karen's Ramblings has given me two awards so it's about time I have something I can pay back to her! Karen lives in New Zealand, and I recently blogged about how sweet she was to send a birthday package to both Kayla and me! Just spend 5 minutes on Karen's blog and you'll see how dedicated she is in her faith. It's like a breath of fresh air stopping by there!

Ok on to more awards! Time for the

I'm not sure where this one originated from, but it looks like you pass this one on to 5 other bloggers as well.
I was just given this award by 3 bloggers:
Karen, who I just mentioned above, said this, "this lady is beautiful inside and out, there is a wonderful 'aroma' that just emanates from her writing. Her daughter is gorgeous and I love hearing and reading their journey. You just fill the pages with a fragrance that is glorious and uplifting!"

Renee from Renee's Ramblings said this, "I just love this blog! Michelle's daughter, Kayla, is absolutely adorable and I just truly enjoy "visiting" with them and reading about their life. They just came back from a vacation and on the way there and back they visited several of their blogging buddies - it sounded like so much fun! Happy upcoming Birthday Kayla!

Cindy from Still His Girl said this, "...is a blog I have just fallen in love with. Take a look at the photos there and you'll see why. Michelle inspires me. Her love and care for her beautiful daughter will get you, too. And her man is in the service... I can't say enough about families like that!"

Thank you so much ladies for thinking of me and for your kind words!!

So now for the 5 I would like to pass this on too:

Tammy from Praying For Parker - anyone who has read Tammy's blog knows that she deserves a Rockin Blogger Award! She is an amazing mom with an even more amazing son. He has fought and fought every medical hurdle thrown at him and come out kicking and screaming. He's a fighter that's for sure! Tammy is someone who I would love to just head on over to her house and give a great big hug too! They've been dealt a bad hand, insurance-wise, and she handles it all with such grace!

Eden from Once Upon A Dream is also another Air Force spouse. They have an adorable daughter Olyvia who is growing up so fast! Her husband recently joined the service and she just made the move to CA to be with him as he goes through training to be a translator. It sounds like they've made a smooth transition to the military life, which I know isn't always easy to do!

Christine from Prince Vince Meets The World - I so enjoy reading about their life in Europe! I love the pictures she posts from over there - it makes me miss it (I used to live in Germany). Vincent is such an adorable little boy with a contagious smile! Christine is in the process of opening up new Vincent shoe store and I'm so excited for her on this journey!

Dori from The Ups and Downs Of Our Life - Dori's daughter Aviva is too cute! She was born premature but you wouldn't know it by knowing her now! She sure has come along way from where she started and is a smart and spunky girl. Dori is going to school and hopes to be teaching kids with autism soon. She's also been going through her share of medical problems, but keeps on keeping on. She always has a kind word for anyone!

Janeen from Our Story has 2 adorable boys, one with food allergies. Reading about their day-to-day life has sure made me more aware of what it is like to live with food allergies and to be more aware of all it entails as well. She posts such wonderful recipes that have been adapted to her son's allergies, that I know if I'm ever in that situation I'll know where to go to make some food-safe dishes!

Ok ... as if this post wasn't long enough can you stand a quick meme?
Amy from Amy's Random Thoughts and Omahamama both tagged me for the 8 Things About Me meme so here goes:

1. I don't like coffee - hot or cold.
2. I don't like sea food. Even though I used to live in MA and MD. Although I don't recall if I've ever actually tasted any seafood before, but for as long as I can remember I've had a dislike for it; I think it's the smell.
3. My birthday is August 1 - I was pretty much born on my due date (Aug 3rd).
4. My name isn't pronounced Michelle. It's pronounced Meechelle - like the Beattle's song, "Michelle, My Bell"
5. The first car that I owned, and bought for myself ($2000 cash!) was a black, 2-door, no power-steering, no air conditioning, 1988 Ford Escort. I bought it in 1992 and it was a great car, but I finally traded it in, in 1996, for a Plymouth Neon - 4-dr, power-steering, and AC. I didn't realize what I had been missing out on!
6. As far back as my memory goes I have lived in 20 different homes.
7. I eat and write with my left-hand.
8. My teenage crush was Kirk Cameron.

and 8 people to tag for this one:
Raising Joey
Super Duper Jack
Living My Dream
Kittyhox
Just Another Mommy Blog
Gigis Little Blog
Gabis World
The Amazing Ella Grace