An Iowa Mom

40% Off Your Teen's Tux Rental At Men's Wearhouse

And So Yes ... I Am Still Alive!

While it's quite flattering to receive email after email wondering where I've been and if everything is okay ... I must say, I have missed blogging something fierce.  Really.  I have.

So then why haven't I been blogging?  The answer is quite simple.  I don't know.

It would be so much more understandable if I said something like ... "The kids have been passing around the flu for the past three months.  We just haven't been able to get rid of it.  It's been a nightmare."

But, the only sickness we've encountered around here is a fever.

Bieber Fever.

And it's pretty much turning into a nightmare.  This is what my life has come to these days ... Lord help me ...

Oh ... and yes.  I do bathe my children and occasionally brush their hair.  Just sayin'.  My heavens they look like rag-a-muffins, don't they?  Good grief.

 (If you take the time to watch the whole video (it's only like 3 min), you'll see that times have not changed.  Remember this? In typical Emily and Molly fashion, there is a little competition going on over camera time!  Cracks me up!)

Some Quality Mother Daughter Time

Yesterday, Emily was recovering from a couple days of being sick, so she stayed home from school.  She wanted to watch some television with me, so we snuggled up on the couch for a little nap bonding time.  At one point during the day, the Target Black Friday commercial came on.

Have you all seen that one yet?

Of course you have.  Unless perhaps you actually have a life and don't have to rely on TV to entertain you like I do.   Ahem.  And if that is the case, then I will do you a favor and post it here for you to watch.  

Please note: when you see this lady scream into her  2 Day Sale Ad ... just know that I'm cracking my butt up, because for whatever reason, I LOVE THAT PART!

 

 

Okay ... so now you can say that you've seen it.  You're welcome.

Back to me and Emily.

After this commercial aired, Emily looked up at me and said, "Mom.  That lady reminds me of you.  Except you don't have that many wrinkles."

I couldn't help but wonder why she was being so nice to me.  It's not the norm.  But I couldn't wonder for too long, because she went on ... 

"And ... you would NEVER exercise!"

Thanks Em!

 

 

Happy Halloween!

Yikes ...

Yowwsers ...

Holy Kaamolie ...

 

Boo?

Sorry.  Didn't mean to scare you! 

Just wanted to say ...

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

I_Blog Conference Ticket Giveaway!

Giveaway Has Ended!  Laura is our winner!  Congratulations!

Last night, after asking her to share the new coloring markers with her sister, my sweet Emily threw a conniption fit like I haven't ever seen before.  Think about it.  I have four children, and have seen more than my share of meltdowns ... and the magnitude of this temper tantrum was a first for me. 

Yeah ... it was that crazy!

She cried and screamed as she sat in her 7 minute timeout, which was extended by that amount each time she refused to apologize for her unacceptable behavior ... bringing her to a 56 minute naughty spot visit.  At one point she belt out, "I CAN NOT wait until you leave.  Until you just go to that blog meeting of yours and stop being so mean to ME!"

And those words brought a smile to my face.  Yup, they sure did ... because guess what?

I CAN'T WAIT EITHER!!!!!! 

Next weekend, November 5-7, I'm heading west to the I_Blog Conference in Perry, Iowa.   It's been in the making since the inaugural conference that I had to miss last November.  Let me tell ya, I've been so darned excited to attend this one I can't even find the words to express it.

First of all, getting to spend three days and two nights at the incredible Hotel Pattee in Perry, would and should make any person down right giddy.  I had the honor of visiting and touring the hotel with Jody and her family while I was treated to brunch at the hotel.  It was truly unlike any place I've ever been to.  The theme rooms make it so much fun! 

There are an array of many awesome speakers and sessions that will take place over the three days in which the conference is being held.  After years of blogging , I think I've talked about everything in my life ... except for what color undies I wear on Tuesday's.  Wait, I'm sure there is a post out there somewhere on that.  Anyway, Paula Reece (my roomie at the conference and the writer at Boogers & Burps) will be sharing tips about how to overcome writer's block.  I just know that this will give me the knowledge I so desperately need, so I can become a more regular blogger again.  I'm also looking forward to learning how to make my photos a little more pleasing to the eye and exciting for you all to peek at.  Oh, and how I can make social networking work for me ... since right now, all it does is suck me into playing games ... while I should be BLOGGING. 

Ahem.

So ... as you can see, whether you're an old fart of a blogger, like myself ... or a novice ... there is a wealth of information at this conference for the taking.  You just have to get there!

And because I love you all so much, I'm happy to share with you ... <drum roll please> a chance to win a ticket to the conference!!!!  That is a $199 value, people!

SWEET!

So, if you're a blogger ... or have ever considered becoming a blogger ... you MUST enter to win this awesome prize.  Just leave a comment below and tell me which session you'd be the most excited to attend.  That's it.  That easy.  But attending will change your blogging life for the better ... forever!

I'll draw a winner on Monday morning at 10am CST.  The winner will be notified by email. 

Please keep in mind that the prize is for a free ticket to the conference.  Lodging for the event is not included.   However, you can check out the Facebook Page for I_Blog to find a roommate, which cuts the cost.  :)