Thanks, I actually did go out and purchase gluten free soy sauce. Thanks for the heads-up! I'm still learning what I need to avoid.

Isn't it AMAZING what a difference food can make?

Kristen, my health has changed so drastically it's hard to condense into a comment. :-) I was riddled with digestive issues, I was on Nexium and told I'd be on it forever, I had awful stomach aches (gastritis), heartburn and indigestion, and IBS. We couldn't pin point any one food as the culprit. When I changed my diet, I started to feel better, and I decided to try to go off Nexium. I didn't want to be dependent on medicine for the rest of my life. Now I am off the Nexium and the heartburn and gastritis is all but gone. My whole getting-off-Nexium story is on my personal blog. Jo-Lynne

Hey thanks!! :-)

Hillary, that's awesome. Baby steps are good. I think you're more likely to stick to it when you make gradual changes. Keep it up! :-)

That absolutely gives me cold chills. :-)

I think you hit the nail on the head with "small government and decreased taxation." Our government was not formed with the mission of providing comprehensive public services for everyone. As the government has grown and taken over more and more, I am less and less impressed with its ability to run things efficiently and effectively. Social Security is almost bankrupt. Medicaid IS a govt run healthcare program, but I have been advised by medical professionals to go to great lengths to avoid it. And think about the DMV. There's a prime example of a government run program where there is no competition and no choice to go elsewhere for the same service. The DMV is about the most depressing place I can think of. Even the public schools continue to decline (although my children attend them, I am glad we have other choices if it comes to that.) I say no thank you to government run healthcare. Yes, we need change, but I would prefer to see other options, particularly those that empower the private sector to help those in need. I'd even be open to the idea of a healthcare program run at a state level, but not an overarching U.S. government run system, especially not one that dictates if I can be treated or not based on their perception of my value to this world. That frightens me to no end. As an aside, I also think tort reform should be addressed before we turn to a government run system. Thanks, Sarah, for representing the conservative side of this issue. I think all too often we are afraid to speak out.

I think Erin summed up my opinion nicely so I won't repeat her. :-)

Lindsay, YES! For the first time EVER this year I have teachers who actually use email. What a novelty. @@

I'm joining you! I am struggling with my weight and it's making me MISERABLE. I feel the SAME about Sundays. Or any day I have to take off my comfy spandex and wear clothes that button. I've done Jenny Craig this spring, didn't quite get to my goal, and have gained it all back already. I'm only talking about 5-7 pounds, but it's enough to make me miserable. I'm 2 days into the Shred, and I'm hoping it will jump start whatever it is I need to lose the weight and keep it off, whether it's a slowing metabolism or just lack of will power to stop eating or whatever it is. I'm SO over it! Because really, it's lose the weight and KEEP it down, or give in and buy a size up. UGH.

It is so incredibly stressful!! Praying for a buyer THIS WEEK!! :-)

Okay, Firefox RAWKS, and I'm so glad to have a new convert!!!! I just wiped a tear from my eye. You TOTALLY lost me on #2 and #3, but one out of two ain't bad. Thanks for playing along!!!

Great commentary!! I am pretty sure no one would mistake me for a "natural parent" lol. But at the same time, I am in tune to my kids and we do what makes sense for us. Labels have a way of creating divisiveness when it shouldn't exist, and yet at the same time, they seem to be a necessary evil. We like our labels. :-)

Beautifully written. Thank you for bringing sponsorship alive!

So lovely. You're awesome!

You're right on target with this point: "The reality is that moms are already using Twitter and because they are an important demographic for Oprah, I am sure that was something she took notice of." Hello. We're already there. The celebs are the ones who are late to the party. I like the idea of "soccer mom" being replaced with "digital mom" -- much more fitting!

Beautiful post. You encompass all the thoughts and emotions I would be having were I going on such a trip. Is it wrong that I am all too happy to sit here in the comfort of my own home and read about your adventure?

You know what. I can relate to every word of this. And while I've opted for the "simple" life -- all the conveniences the modern world has to offer -- I still feel that weariness, the effort to put one foot in front of the other, to pick up one more sock, one more toy, do the dishes one more time, one more load of laundry, and it helps to know that I am not alone. And your photos are too gorgeous for words.

It looks AWESOME!!!! I love it.

Colleen, I'm so sorry! Poor Kenzie. I am not in the "never hit back" camp. I personally think the reason bullying is so prevalent is because we have stopped teaching our kids to stand up for themselves and fight back. Of course I do teach my kids to handle their differences with words, as a first defense. But if I had a child with an ongoing bully problem, I do believe I'd teach them to strike back -- either physically or with strong words. HOWEVER. Not at THREE. My goodness! At this age, a parent must get involved if the teacher isn't handling it. Hopefully her teachers ARE handling it appropriately an now that they have that child's number, it will stop. But if it doesn't, I would have no problem going to the director of the preschool and demanding action. And I'm not a parent to get involved unless I feel I have no other choice, but this sort of thing should NOT happen again. Ugh. What an awful situation. I really hope it doesn't make Kenzie dislike school. ((Hug))

Send me your code and I'll put a button up for ya! Love ya, girl.

Lora - I am too, I suppose. I use them in real life and never on my blog. Something about seeing them in print is worse than hearing them.

Oh myyyyyyy! LOL!!! I'm glad YOU learned that lesson first-hand and not me! ;-)

We've totally morphed into the habit of co-sleeping. If you ask my husband, you won't get the same story, but I love it. I try to keep the one who kicks the most on my side so she doesn't drive him nuts, lol.

UGH. Reading this just makes me want to disinfect the house. I don't know how we've stayed so well so far but I can't help but feel like we are due for a doozie. UGH!