Free advertising? That is a cool concept and I'll have to remember that for future giveaways. I would love to be entered in the giveaway for free advertising at Mom's Marbles. Thanks for chance!

Bring Mama the Starbucks please!! Oh how I could use some extra caffeine as I get back to school in a few weeks. It's always fun to start the school year but a lotta work too. Thanks Deb and Robin for the awesome giveaway!!

I've had my eye on the Havana's, but with the budget cuts around here had to put them on hold. I would love to be able to treat myself to a pair of them for my back to school treat this year. Thanks for hosting such a fun BlogHop with some great giveaways too.

WOW! I had no idea that Paula Deen had such an awesome site. Thanks for sharing! I joined the community and can't wait to explore more. As far as winning, I enjoy cooking and am always looking for some new things to add to my kitchen. I love Paula's way of cooking with her homestyle attitude. Her food conveys a message of welcome home and I want my food to say the same. Thanks for such a great giveaway.

Melissa Lightfoot Tuttle I live at the beach in Delaware so you just can't miss spending a day with your toes in the sand, listening to the waves roll in. Of course then you have to have beach fries, frozen custard, and visit the farmer's markets for local fruits. There are lots of free concerts at bandstands and parks that are perfect for taking a blanket and enjoying a free show. I'm coming by from BlogHop09 and blog at www.melsboxofchocolates.com

I'm curious if you have asked them their opinion. I've always wondered if twins prefer to stay together or not in school. I'm an elementary school teacher and some twins have stayed together and others apart. It seems to depend on the kids. Good luck and keep us posted on what you decide!!

I'm so excited about this years bloghop! Only 21 minutes to go!!

I'm so excited! Normally I admit I'd be in bed by 10, but tonight is a special night so I'm ready to party into the wee hours. Love the hint of how to visit people although I'm one of those who sit and clicks on each.and.every.one. Let's just say a bit OCD. See you soon for the party.

My post is up and now I'm counting down the time till the Linky goes up. Can't wait to party!!

I always miss the action on Twitter! I think as long as Heather twittered it and not somebody else that it was fine. It would have been poor taste had an onlooker did it. Thanks for sharing though cause I have to admit I had a lil chuckle.

Very well said!! Considering I had a boy first, my daughter was introduced to Legos, dinosaurs, and cars way before she had any dolls or tea sets. Matter-of-fact I had never liked the color pink so refused to buy anything pink when she was a baby. Her closet was filled with greens, yellows, teals, oranges, etc. Then she started choosing clothes and the pink rolled in. She still likes to play in the dirt, can race hot wheels with the best of them, and make a mean dinosaur roar, but she likes her American Girl dolls, play kitchen, and you can find her dressed as a princess more than in regular clothes. She decided that, not me! I like how you pointed out not to judge either because I remember looking down at the moms whose kids were throwing tantrums at school before I had kids. Now I completely empathize! Thanks for writing such a real post!!

What an absolutely beautiful post! You're right that we get so disstracted by "everything" that we miss the fun right in front of us. Good for you for getting under the table and reminding me that I need to go climb under mine too. I'm glad you found time to play!!

As a teacher I am ecstatic about snow days! Better that all the kids are home than going snow crazy at school with me. Don't get to mad at me about that comment though cause I have two of my own here!! Enjoy the snow day!!

Good luck with your organization! I find myself very organized at work, so much that when I'm home not so much. I am a calender girl and you will find a multitude of lists on my cell phone. Being a mom is most definitely a full time job and I love the idea of having our own office and secretary to help us too.

Congratulations for talking so openly about your body image struggles. I think just being able to voice your insecurities allows you to move on. I like how you have set the goal to run a 5K. It gives you something to strive for. I have recently been using the C25K program to try to become a runner, because I have never been, but always wanted to. I also want to run a 5K before the end of the year. We can do it! Now go run!

I enjoyed reading your post, but sorry to hear that your childhood home is no longer a home. Time is something that we can't stop and inevitably change happens. Thankfully you wil always have the memories that will allow you to always be able to go "home". Keep those memories alive!!

I agree that I am living in a bubble too because I haven't seen the full affects hit anybody directly associated to me. How sad for your neighbors! I am confident that we will rebound, but for now all we can do is help others in whatever way we can.

Heather, That was my thought too. I think focusing on a healthy lifestyle and diet is more important that some chart. Not to mention it is important that at 4 years of age your child is not being told that they weigh to much. I've been floored with my daughter making comments about her being fat. Keep up the great healthy changes!! Mel

Kim, Thank you for the different perspective. I never considered it tracking for the future. I was just shocked that they used BMI on such young children. I hope that all is well with your son! Mel

I would love to be nominated for WNTW! Sometimes its okay to dress for comfort and by comfort I do mean the yoga pants and t-shirts. I do like to get dressed up and be girly though. I'm not a big makeup person at all and I would be intimidated by Carmindy! Sometiems we just have to be relax because lets face it we ARE moms!

Time goes so fast as we watch our kids go by. It does seem like 10 minutes. It's so hard to watch them go through embarrassing moments, sad moments, getting hurt by friends because you do want to protect them. We just have to keep spreading the love, provide them the security, and pray a lot! These are the days to cherish. Wonderful post! Have a great weekend.

My son's favorite meal is sushi too, but he won't eat anything with cheese, not even mac and cheese. I thought every kid liked mac and cheese. My daughter on the other hand will eat everything with cheese, but doesn't go near peanut butter. They both love chinese, mexican, and italian though.

Great post, Melissa. My in-laws thankfully go with the list for the most part although we still get those gifts that will be opened, enjoyed once, and forgotten. I like the idea of gymnastics, ballet, soccer and all those other lessons as gifts!!