Happy Birthday To Me

Me & my 2009 Arnie's birthday cake

No matter how young or old you are, birthdays are important.  In fact, each year is special and priceless, because you'll never get those days back.  Those that wish they could spend just one more day with loved ones will be some of the first to tell you how precious a birthday is.

When I celebrate my birthday each year, I think about my Mom.  This is not just because my birthday sometimes falls on Mother's Day (or only days different).  Giving birth to my first child opened my eyes to how special that day can be for a mother.  My heart fills with pure joy when my boys' birthdays occur each year.

Last year, I hit a very big milestone in my life (not the only one of the year).  I hit the big 3-0!  If you remember correctly, Mother's Day fell on May 10th last year, so I shared my day with all of the other moms in this world.  My celebration, with my Mom, husband, and boys, was quiet and special.  Those that remembered my day made it even more cherished.

Today, I will party like a rock star as I turn 30 again!  Okay.  Fine.  I won't party like a rock star.  I'll have another peaceful and blessed birthday, unless my husband and boys have been hiding something really big.  Admitting that I'm getting older shouldn't be a big deal either.  People still mistake me for a teenager on a regular basis.

How do/did you celebrate Mother's Day?  Birthdays?  Do you have special traditions with Mom?  Are birthday traditions different for yourself, your spouse, your kids? 

Happy Mother's Day to all of my Mom readers... especially my Mom!

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This week is full of celebrations!  Just to name a few:  Mother's Day, my birthday, & of course my 1 year Blogger-versary!!!  Would you like to celebrate with me once again on Wednesday?  Will there be prizes you ask?  Of course there will be!  What's a celebration without presents?

Oh, and don't think I'm going to forget this past weekend...

*** HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MARYBETH!!!  ***

Children Are The Future

With 6 weeks left of school, the accompanying whirlwind has hit our lives!  Students everywhere are growing excited and impatient throughout the final complete month of the school year, and my children are no exception.  Teachers are busy trying to fit every last piece of required learning into their schedules.  Final field trips, talent shows, and extra activities are filling up the previously unscheduled moments rather quickly.

Beyond tying up lose ends, districts everywhere are also preparing for the upcoming school year that starts in the Fall of 2010.  Re-enrollment forms have gone out and Kindergarten registration is in full force.  In fact, my youngest son will be among those entering the class of 2023 when September rolls around.  Due to this fact, my days will change immensely when Summer ends.  It's certainly one of many bittersweet moments I'll face in my life.

Over the past few weeks, we've learned of many other alterations that will occur in our school district when Fall arrives once again.  We are not alone in these fluxuations, but they are disheartening none the less. People I've come to know as friends are losing their jobs, classroom sizes will increase, and an abundance of adjustments will be made.  As our communities face an array of questions, I keep coming back to one thought.  Something has to change!

If you are a teacher or a school staff member, I applaud you!  Thank you for all that you do for our children today!  You are appreciated!!!

What can our government do to improve the situations that are now affecting our children and their education?  How can we keep the educators that are a positive influence on our kids?  What can we do to help?  What are your thoughts on the budget cuts that have caused a major overhaul in schools?  If you have not yet done so, contact your state representatives with your concerns.

Children are the future!

I used to love singing this song and thought it fit today's post.  Enjoy!

Almost Wordless Wednesday: Photo, Snap, Shot

During the library reading challenge this past Winter, I discovered the Kiki Lowenstein Scrap-N-Craft Mystery books by Joanna Campbell Slan.  The series quickly made it to my favorite reads list.  As soon as book number 3 became available in the library's system, I placed my hold.  Monday,  "Photo, Snap, Shot" was placed upon that glorious hold cart just for me.  I could swear brilliant light shone upon this brand new unread copy as I approached.  The yet uncreased cover of the the book made me feel as though I'd won a prize.  My selection was checked out and I was on my way home in no time, hoping for some free time to read.  There is much happening around me at the moment, unfinished projects, incomplete chores, and general every day activities to accomplish, yet I simply cannot fully apply my focus to the aforementioned thoughts and tasks.  No, I'm distracted by the need to absorb the latest mystery in the life of Kiki Lowenstein and her fellow cast of characters!  

Where does the local Book Addicts Anonymous group meet?

Are you reading any good books right now?  What's your favorite old/new book series?  Have I tempted anyone into checking out this book series yet?  If so, check out the author's website for more details...  http://www.joannacampbellslan.com/

My week hasn't gone as planned so far, so I'm hoping to catch up on the blogs I read this afternoon!

Happy Wednesday!

Renew Reuse Recycle

Were you aware that Earth Day took place this past Thursday, April 22nd?  Going green is a big movement in our modern day existence.  Why must we do our best to protect our environment and produce less waste in this world?  The John Denver song says it best, "plant a tree for your tomorrow..."  Now, I'm not telling you that you need to go out and plant a tree today.  What I'm intending to impart is that by preserving the world we live in, we can ensure that our children have a healthy planet to live on for years to come.  Renew, reuse, and recycle as often as possible.

In honor of Earth Day, I would like to share one of the ways that I accomplish the triple R.  

Behold, the plastic cases where my bareMinerals makeup once resided.

I saved the little containers and washed them with dish soap and warm water.

Now here they are again...  only now they are being reused!  

In fact, you will find two other items that were also given renewed life.  As a scrapbooker and crafter, these former makeup, candy, and office supply containment devices are very handy for holding my tiny embellishments.  Leftover project glitter will be placed in the cases with a "sifter" to be reused at a later date.  I can label the cases or leave them as is.  Not a crafter?  These would also come in in handy to store a few pairs of earrings, trinkets, safety pins, or loose change.  They also fit conveniently in your purse.  What a simple way to recycle!  What other things could you use these items for?  

What ways have you been know to Renew, Reuse, or Recycle?  What ways do you preserve the world we live in?  How have you "gone green?"  Do you think we need improvement, are doing well, or are in need of major help when it comes to preserving our planet today?  Happy Belated Earth Day!

Post 101: Winners

Thank you to everyone who celebrated 100 posts with me on Monday!

I'm considering another prize give away on my 1 year blog anniversary, May 12, 2010.  I'll keep you posted.  Until then, please keep following CMOMProductions and check out this week's winners below!


Winners were selected via True Random Number Generator at approximately 11:45am today!

...drum roll please...

Random.org has selected the winner of the All of Me Melinda Marie cd...
Congrats to T. Anne!!!

True Random Number GeneratorMin: Max: Result:3Powered by RANDOM.ORG

Random.org has selected the winner of the Crafty Post-it note holder and pen set...
Congrats to Jody Hedlund!!!

True Random Number GeneratorMin: Max: Result:7Powered by RANDOM.ORG

Winners please contact me at...  melindamarie at melindamarie dot com

or leave a comment and your email address below!

Thanks again to all of my followers and blog readers!


Please Note:  Random Generator's max number was designated as 10, however when transferred to blogger it is showing as 100.  Clearly, the numbers are low enough to indicate 10 was actually used. 

Celebrating 100 Posts

 It's time to CELEBRATE!

Today is post #100 for CMOM Productions!

If you don't already follow CMOMProductions blog, please click "follow" to your right.
Then be sure to leave a comment for a chance to win 1 of 2 fabulous prizes!

Prize #1

Melinda Marie "All of Me" is my first traditional country cd.  

This is the first time that I stepped into the studio to record an album.  Although I have changed drastically in the 10 years since it was released, it's still a glimpse at the person I was at that time.  If you win and aren't a fan of traditional country music, pass it on to a friend of family member who is.


Prize #2 

 

light blue post-its inside

the back

Presenting a crafty CMOM Productions post-it note holder!  I learned how to make this simple craft from Kerry's paper crafting blog.  The note holder, and matching pen, featured in the photos is prize #2 today! 

A random number for each prize (first comment left is #1 and so on) will be chosen via random.org.  Please check back on Wednesday, April 21st to find out if you are a winner!  
Good luck!!!

...Another part of today's celebration...

While I was on my blog vacation, I got a chance to accomplish a few simple goals.  One of those goals just happens to be a revamped website.  As today is a special day, I thought it would be the perfect time to unveil the new look for you, my blog followers. 

...drum roll please...

MelindaMarie.com

What do you think?

Are you ready to win a prize?

Thanks to all of you who read this CMOMProductions blog!

Self Imposed Pressures

How many of you live your life with self imposed pressures?  I know I do.  Do you see all of those shining trophies in the distance and start racing full speed ahead to grab them up?  When I decide to take on a task, I often put a large amount of pressure on myself to complete it.  However, I don't always stop there.  I have some issues with the desire to pull things off without a hitch.  Perfectionist?  Yeah, sometimes.  Does this magnificent goal of perfect completion always happen?  Of course not!  Life happens.

When I say life happens, I simply mean that distractions are everywhere in this world.  I find them to be very frustrating at times, yet they also come in the form of fun.  Let's name a few of these distractions today...

Not fun:  kids whining, household items breaking, injury to oneself, work of any kind, etc.   

Fun:  cuddling with the kids, books, movies, music, a night out with the hubby, hobbies, etc.

At times these distractions can result in tantrums meltdowns having a bad day.  I've had a lot of few of these moments myself.  Does this mean that I should give up?  No!  Should I let those self imposed pressures get the best of me?  No!  Should I keep striving to git'r done and do my best?  YES!

Throw of the shackles of your own self imposed pressures today.  Ignore those unnecessary distractions for the moment.  Do what you need to do and put forth your best effort.  If it's not perfect or you have to take a break to handle what life has placed on your lap (hopefully it's not your soda), don't worry about it.  Do what you need to do and don't be too hard on yourself.  Remember, life happens!

What are some of your self imposed pressures and/or tasks?  What shining trophy are you racing towards?  Your worst distractions?  Your best distractions?  Do you want to win 1 of 2 prizes next week?  Well then ask yourself this last question... Are you planning to stop back here for my 100th blog post on April 19th?  

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Post #99 in the count up to 100!

Be sure to leave a comment on post #100 for a chance to win 1 of 2 prizes!