I’ll catch you all up as soon as the new blog is up and running. It’s cute…and a little cheesy. You wouldn’t expect any different, now would you?

So, I’m wondering if anyone is still out there. ha!

-Melody

Long long long story short….I’m still here.The project is still a go. Things have just been extremely busy.

I had to unplug from the online social world for a little while in order to keep things in line. It’s no secret that things like blogging, Tweeting and such can get me a little distracted. I’ll be back in a little while with updates. The new blog is coming soon…it has been my fault it isn’t up yet.

Hope everyone is doing well! Miss you guys!

~melody~

For now…

…On to more exciting things. I’ll get back on track with highlighting some of your favorites (be sure to mention them in the comments on this post) soon, but my little one is getting the spotlight this time around. And yes, the photos were intentionally cropped. And yes, they were taken with my cell so the quality is subpar.

My daughter’s 3rd birthday was this week. She woke up especially early, toddled to my bedroom, poked her head around the door and said, “The sun is up, Mommy. It’s my burtday now??”

Who doesn’t want to be woken that way?

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I told her to climb in bed with me so she could watch some of her favorite cartoons. I’ll admit, this was partially because I needed to wake up more. I’m not a morning person…much less an early morning person.

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I proceeded to ask her what special breakfast she’d like for her special day. She replied, “Bagels at the res-er-naunt.” (That last word equals ‘restaurant’ for those of you who don’t speak 3 Year Old.)

I can do bagels. You know that’s on my favorite list already.

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After our bagel breakfast, I asked her what she’d like to do next. I wasn’t surprised when she exclaimed, “Go to da PARK!”

The park happens to be one of my favorite places as well. Wow, we must be related or something.

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Knowing that we couldn’t stay at the park all day even though the weather was amazing, I told her we could go anywhere else she’d like.  To my relief, she said, “I want a baaaalloooooon!”  and not Disney World. It’s a long drive to Disney World. We got lots of balloons.

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OK, dear one, what would you like to do now that we have a car full of balloons? She wanted to go to the ‘muuusak’ store. (Again, translation for those in need: music store)

I think we have a future musician on our hands. She LOVES playing the drums, ‘geeetar’ (AKA ukulele) and the piano….and going to the music store.

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I took her home where she ate her favorite lunch of PB&J and blueberry yogurt. She then took a nap…which is one of my favorites.

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For dinner, Daddy grilled hamburgers per her request….she was more interested in presents. Smart girl. Pretty sure this one is her favorite so far. A pink kid laptop. Insanely cute. Maybe she can help me with my spreadsheets?

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My uncle sang her favorite song of the day….happy birthdayyyyyy too youuuuu.

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She didn’t want a cake, but instead cupcakes. Chocolate with peanut butter filling and frosting….with Elmo on it.

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It was a ‘favorite’ day spent with my favorite 3 year old.

Cost for the day: $18.48
The memories: priceless

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What are some of your favorites this week?
I’ll pick a few and post them next week!

Yesterday was an amazing day. I had a 5 hour meeting with “Earphone Man“. For those of you who haven’t been following long, I blogged about an innocent bystander who eventually found my blog and contacted me. Let me just say, God seriously sets you next to people for a reason. He has a client list that is beyond impressive…authors, famous people, extremely successful business men and women…

Without getting into too many details (I haven’t the time at the moment), he has presented me with an amazing opportunity that I couldn’t ever make happen on my own.

I also had a great conference call with Mr. Pres, VP and Web Dude. This is really happening. I’m out-of-my-skin excited, yet scared…and I can’t really pin down what it is I’m scared of. I’ll be contacting PR Girl this week. Can’t wait to introduce you to her.

Lots of conference calls and meetings next week.

This month I’ll be meeting with the woman who approached me about the TV thing…I hate not being able to disclose details.

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This question keeps coming to mind over and over…

Have you ever been afraid of your dreams actually coming true?

I had every intention of sharing my very special Mother’s Day story, but I’ll save it for later. It’s a story that took me on an almost decade long journey through infertility, self reflection, soul searching, praying…

Our little miracle child was born on Mother’s Day. She was nine weeks early and my guess is that she knew how much Mother’s Day meant to me. She’s amazing like that even though she didn’t realize she’d be in the NICU for seven weeks. Whew.

She’s almost three years old and I still cannot believe I get to be a mom. It hasn’t fully set in that she’s ours. I’m thankful each and every single day. Again, I’ll save the story for later.

Before I start with the fun stuff, I encourage you to reach out to a woman that is having a hard time with the celebration of Mother’s Day. Whether she is unable to have children and so desperately wants to be a mom or if she has lost a child or her own mom…reach out to her. Don’t let her be forgotten…

This edition of ‘Favorite Things Friday’ is dedicated to things that Moms love…or at least this mom.

My favorite comment of the week comes from last week’s Favorite Things Friday post:

“My favorite things…. hmmm… it’s hard to narrow it down. I’ll start with my kids… the sound of their giggles when they’re doing something “secretive” and don’t know I can hear them; watching them sleep — it’s the most peaceful and wonderful time.” – Tiffany

Gotta love giggles and slumber. I love everything about being a mom…the unsolicited kisses and “I love you”s, her little foot always in my personal space, toys in the family room, sippy cups on the couch, being the one she runs to when she’s hurt or scared, the feeling that my kisses cure her pain. I love it all.

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I’m not your typical woman. I really don’t care if I ever get a bouquet of flowers sent to me. Actually, I’d rather put the money in something that won’t die in a week. I’m just practical like that. I do love hydrangeas though. Too bad I’m in the desert where they don’t stand a chance.

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Before having a child, I took quiet time for granted. I like to do anything quietly now. Reading a book is one of my favorites. I have a stack of Malcolm Gladwell writings on my nightstand and I’m almost finished with Sheila Walsh’s Beautiful Things Happen When A Woman Trusts God. I recently tweeted this quote from her book..it has been in my mind ever since I read it, “Suddenly I began to see that my brokenness was a far greater bridge to others than my pretend wholeness had ever been.” – So profound!

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Speaking of quiet time, I don’t know any mom who wouldn’t love getting a massage during some quality quietness.

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I love to celebrate any occasion with a nice sushi dinner. (…and so does Kerry as mentioned last week)

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I never understood how much joy hand written/painted notes from your child would bring until now. They are all I really want for Mother’s Day…I already have everything I could ever desire.

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Some of your favorites…

Be sure to leave a comment with your faves from this week and I’ll pick a few to mention next week!

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The Mommyologist mentioned a few of her faves, but this one has been on my mind… “I am also loving Garnier Fructis shampoo and conditioner. It is super cheap and gets me salon worthy results!” — Side note: If I were to ever come across a bazillion dollars or so, I’d hire someone to wash my hair every time needed. ha!

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Rachael at A Steady Rain said, “Dark Chocolate!! It’s healthy, right???” – Umm hello, need I say more? Who has the chocolate…pass it over here!

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GlowinGirl at Sugar Tails is a girl after my own heart … “I LOVE to kidnap a bunch of my favorite girls and go to a Beth Moore Conference. The singing and learning together . . . the eating out on the way down and back . . . .the staying up late gabbing in the hotel room.”

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What are some of your favorites this week? I’ll pick a few and post them next week!

To participate or see more Wordless Wednesday posts, go to

www.5minutesformom.com

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©2010 Melody G. Fritchley

I just had to post his story. If he doesn’t motivate you to pursue your dreams and passions, I don’t know what will.

I’ll tell you what, if I live to be this old (which is most likely to happen because I have insanely amazing genes like that), I want to be doing what I LOVE and believe in!

Be inspired and motivated …

Another video with more details of Dr. W.G. Watson’s life:  click HERE

“I’m not planning on retiring. No. I have something to get up for every morning.” – Dr. W.G. Watson

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©2010 Melody G. Fritchley

Waiting for the green light to meet up in person with Mr. Pres, VP and Web Dude again. I’m gathering more data for the graphic designer(s) and trying to tame the butterflies in my tummy. All of this is so exciting! I’m hoping to give a good clue next week, but just know, you being here participating (via comments) will end up being a part of the ‘project’ in the end. Aaack, I fear I’ve shared too much. (If all this ‘project’ talk is confusing you, click HERE and it will make sense.)

Told you that it was a very brief update.

Here are my favorites for this week…

Once again, I’ll start today’s faves with my favorite comment of the week….and let me tell you, flattery will sometimes get you everywhere. ha! She’s a riot and made me literally laugh out loud with this…

“My new favorite thing is a person. She’s this super tall, super cool chic named Melody. From her blog posts to her Tweets, she makes me laugh, think and just want to be more like her. First on my “Make Myself Melody Makeover” is to buy some stilts and take a rockin’ good picture of myself for my blog. Next…come up with a super cool project that I can’t tell you about but will intrigue you…” ~ Crayon Wrangler

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I’m going to dedicate this week’s Favorite Things Friday to things I love to do with my girlfriends. If you’re a man and you’re reading this DO NO CLICK on the big X on the corner of this page. Take notes and gather some ideas for Mother’s Day.

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I’m a huge fan of pedicures. Not so sure that the nail tech working on my big feet feels the same about me. Hey, if my feet were any smaller, I’d fall over. I’m having a few girlfriends over tonight for Melody’s “Get Your Toes Done” Social. What’s could top that? Mine will be free! It’s going to be a fabulous evening!

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At my party, I’ll be serving my favorite Bacon Bacon dip. If you haven’t tried it, you’re seriously missing out. It most definitely could be on my top 10 list of reasons for living.

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Another thing I’ll be serving, strawberry water.  Light, refreshing, tasty, easy and pretty! Slice up some strawberries, add to water and ice and you’re done. It will kind of look like this. I picked up a pretty 6 qt beverage dispenser on a wrought iron stand for only $8.99 at Ross in their home goods section. Love that store!

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Of course, a girl loves to shop with her friends. HomeGoods is my new favorite hang out. I haven’t met a girl who hasn’t loved it. If you don’t have a HomeGoods in your ‘hood, you can check out their blog or my personal favorite is the Customer Finds section of their site.

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Before I move on to YOUR favorites of the week (thank you for your comments last Friday, btw), I’ll conclude with my absolute favorite thing to do with the girlfriends…attend a Women of Faith conference. I usually make a trek to the Pacific Northwest with some very dear friends of mine. We make it a girl getaway weekend. Well, times are tough right now so going out of town wasn’t in the budget. WOF was in my hometown. At the last minute and unexpectedly,  Sheila Walsh herself (one of my most favorite inspirational women on the planet) gifted me with two tickets! Let me just tell you, they were the most phenomenal seats – Floor Row B! We had an amazingly blessed time and the Lord spoke to me loudly and clearly. Love it when that happens. I was also able to meet some magnificent women. Thank you again, Sheila….and I hope we really can do lunch some day…I promise we won’t go to Red Lobster. ha! Oh and by the way, you’re a hoot to converse with on Twitter!

This is me telling Sheila how thankful I was to her…or something to that effect that would cause a funny look like this.

Another thing I love…Twitter…and Sheila does, too…pretty sure she’s Tweeting here. ha! These ladies were FABULOUS! (The ladies on the ‘porch’ – just below the stage – Luci Swindoll, Kim Cash Tate, Sheila Walsh, Karen James, Natalie Grant, Lisa Harper, Nicole Johnson – not pictured Mandisa … another favorite of mine) FAB seats I had thanks to Sheila!

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Some of your favorites…

And now, on to some of your favorites. Be sure to leave a comment with your faves from this week and I’ll pick a few to mention next week!

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Keely from Lollygag Blog says one of her favorites is “almond milk in my cinnamon hazelnut coffee” … OK, YUM! We just switched to almond milk this week and we LOVE it! Oh and coffee with the girlfriends…another item on my top 10 list!

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Christina (Ume) from Umi Origami said, “Panera’s Asiago Cheese Bagel with sun-dried tomato cream cheese. Yum, yum.” Ummm, yeah! I’ll take two, please. You know from previous posts that bagels with the girlfriends is a fave of mine.

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Adelle @ ready…GO!…get set! said, “This week with the warm weather finally arriving, I’m in love with Skinny Cow ice cream cones – they are just as good as a Drumstick and MUCH skinnier!” –  Ice cream IS my BFF. I love me some ice cream COUPONS, too.

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What are some of your favorites this week? I’ll pick a few and post them next week!

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©2010 Melody G. Fritchley

To participate or see more Wordless Wednesday posts, go to

www.5minutesformom.com

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©2010 Melody G. Fritchley

On Monday, I blasted a very unscientific Facebook and Twitter poll asking this question and here is the response I received:

• 23 said “old” or something along those ‘lines’ (pun #1)
• 18 mentioned products ranging from skin creams to Botox
• 14 said Shar Pei dogs
• 8 said “baby butts” – which is just too funny!
• 7 said things related to ironing (I do not iron, for the record.)

My favorite (no offense to the others who graciously participated) were the 13 who mentioned things such as …

• “Wrinkles only go where the smiles have gone,” ~ Cindy (quoting Jimmy)
• “I think of wisdom, a life well-lived and that more people should embrace them.” ~ TweetingMama
• “Sprinkles? Ya, I love cupcakes. Oh, you said wrinkles? Who cares. Beauty is fleeting.” ~ Linda

There’s a phrase that has been stuck in the wrinkles of my brain (pun intended and thank you Marci for that line) for decades. I overheard some adults in the family talking about a friend…

“She’s aged so much recently.”

I was maybe six or seven at the time, but I understood what they were talking about. Live long and hard enough and you’ll grow a few wrinkles of your own. I have.

It saddens me to see such enormous focus in our society on ridding the evidence of our lives. I was driving across town the other day and noticed a ginormous billboard on the side of the freeway advertising how to look 10 years younger by getting rid of the wrinkles. Erase your story.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not in love with aging. Who doesn’t want to have perfect skin? I am just choosing to focus on how they got there rather than dwelling on the fact that they aren’t going anywhere.

Is it strange that I’m proud of my wrinkles?

The thick one on my forehead … that came from the painfully stressful two weeks I worked with a private investigator undercover to find my missing cousin.

The other ones on my forehead … those came from the stress and heartache of when I almost lost my husband.

The ones under my eyes … they came from the seven weeks of crying and worry when my premature baby was in the NICU.

The ones between my eyebrows … they come from all the hard times life deals you on a daily basis whether it’s working on maintaining a healthy marriage and family or helping friends through the difficult times.

The crows feet and lines around my smile … well, those are from my insanely large smiles and laughs. You can hear me belt out a chuckle from across the room. I’ll only apologize for it if you’re hearing aid is turned up too high and it physically hurts you.

Now, the itty bitty lines around my lips that cause my lip liner to not stay in the lines? Those just drive me nuts! I haven’t a clue where they came from either. Just age, I’m sure….or from whistling. I whistle songs all day long.

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This week I encourage you to embrace your wrinkles and share the stories that brought them to your life. Whether from pain or joy, sorrow or laughter, you have a remarkable story and you have the evidence to prove it!

“Our wrinkles are our medals of the passage of life. They are what we have been through and who we want to be.” ~ Lauren Hutton

What stories do your wrinkles tell?

©2010 Melody G. Fritchley