I have been absent from the blogsphere this week. Much going on. I’ll be updating you all on the ‘project‘ over the weekend. Exciting stuff, people…and I will possibly need your help for a campaign I will possibly be starting….possibly.

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!

Mother’s Day is just around the corner and of course every woman who has given birth is fully aware of this. If you’re a father and reading along then consider this your final warning reminder. (By the way, breakfast in bed is a wonderful start to the day.)

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!

A very brief update on the ‘project‘ before I dive into a few of my favorite things (I’m singing those words not nearly as beautiful as Julie Andrews)…

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

Lots to update you all on, but I’ll save it for next week. My head hurts (literally) from trying to take a lot of exciting stuff in. I’m completely amazed by the people who I have been in contact with lately whether it be a 5 hour phone call or a Twitter conversation. I’ll be WAY busy the next 3 days, but I’ll stop by your blogs when I get my laptop back. Pray for me…don’t know how I’m going to survive being separated from it for that long!

I’ve received a lot of feedback about turning this weekly post into a blog meme. I’m excited you want to participate. It’s a great excuse to make a cute little bloggy button for sidebars, too. Working on that…

Here are my faves for this week…

I’m starting with my favorite comment of the week. I’m still cracking up and Mr. Pres is laughing, too!

“So exciting! When in the world are you going to be able to tell us what it is? I must admit, though, I love how secretive you are being by not showing the faces of the Big-Wigs…all I can picture on the “Suit” is a big Jack-in-the-Box head like in the commercials. Haha!” ~ Julie

Julie posted this comment on the post that finally pictured Mr. Pres. Maybe we should call him Jack now? ha!

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Meet my favorite designer, Candice Olson. She can be found performing design miracles on HGTV’s Divine Design as well as Design Star . Having her design ANYTHING in my house (she could design the polish on my toenails and I’d be thrilled) is on my bucket list. My kitchen and family room are begging for a visit. Oh and another thing on my bucket list, her wardrobe! She’s over 6 feet like me so I notice her threads. Trust me, it’s hard to find anything that fits right when you’re this tall.

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I know I mentioned Einstein Bros Bagels last week, but this is my blog and I can repeat myself if I want to. 😉 I’ll change things up a little by expanding … the Nova Lox Bagel (no onions, extra capers) is my FAVE! Oh and it’s not too late to get your coupon for $2 Tuesday and Free Bagel Friday!

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I love love love the color green and I like to decorate with green foods…like this one. I like to eat them, too.

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I LOVE my crock pot. What’s better than a home cooked meal that you really didn’t have to cook? I’m all for letting someone or something else do it for me. If you share my passion for slow cooking then you MUST visit this website.

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This purse is my FAVE even though it’s NOT mine! lol A lovely fellow blogger by the name of Crystal is recycling it and giving it away on her blog. Now, that’s a FABULOUS idea…reduce, reuse and RECYCLE, people! Hmmm I’m looking around the house trying to find something to giveaway…

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Some of YOUR Favorites…

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I thought it would be fun to list some of the favorites that you mentioned in the comments last week. Feel free to share this week and I’ll pick a few to highlight.

Eliza from Postcards from Parenthood loves Night-A-Mins from Origins. “It smells like an orange creamcicle!” ~ I LOVE it, too! It does wonders for your skin! A bit pricey, but mine lasts a longgggggggggggg time. I am out of it now though. 😦

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Date Girl from The Date Girl Diaries loves “a feel good romantic comedy. Can’t get enough of those, especially the Harry Met Sally/Sleepless in Seattle/While You Were Sleeping type of flicks.” I’d have to concur on this one! I think I’ve seen Sleepless in Seattle at least 60 times. I love You’ve Got Mail, too!

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Kerry from Life Seems But a Quick Succession of Busy Nothings (personal friend of mine, btw…love her!) ~ “Jane Austen – I downloaded a (free) app of her collected works to my iPhone so I have her humor and romance and wit at my disposal at any time. There is nothing like an Austen novel for comfort.”

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What are your favorites? I’ll pick some to post next week!

I’m sure there is a blog meme in cyberspace that has to do with Favorite Things, but I haven’t heard of it yet. If it’s not out there, perhaps I should start a new meme – “Favorite Things Friday”…. Hmmm

Call me totally random because I was just sitting at my laptop (the one that has Mac envy) and thought how I want to list some of my favorite things. I think Free Bagel Fridays at Einstein’s got me on this train of thought today. I just love me something FREE….which got me thinking about other things in life that top my favorite list.

I know this may seem frivolous, but really, I think it’s a good thing (said in the tone of Martha Stewart, “it’s a good thing”) to focus on things that make you smile even if it’s a coupon for a free bagel. There’s enough in this world to make you frown so take some time to enjoy some good stuff.

Here are a few of my favorite things….I’ll save more for later.
(And just so you know, I am not being paid to mention these links even though I have been contacted from companies lately. If Gucci contacts me I will be all over the paid post. ha )

Free Bagel Fridays at Einstein Bros Bagels AND $2 Tuesdays at Einstein Bros Bagels

Call me old because some people tell me that only old women shop here. LOVE their home section. It’s like a treasure hunt every time I go.
Stein Mart and Coupons for Stein Mart

Restaurant.com – 70% off right now with code FEAST

Menu Plan Monday – (sponsored by orgjunkie.com) Every Monday she lists her menu for the week with links for the recipe. I used to participate in this blog meme a while back on my old blog. I’m thinking about jumping back in…it’s a lot of fun and you get to try new recipes…and it saves you a ton of time and money.

Home Decor Magazines – I LOVE them…and love it when I receive them as gifts! Also love amazon.com where you can get them for as cheap as $5 a year! Here’s one of my faves…. House Beautiful

Ina Garten AKA The Barefoot Contessa – call me crazy, but I just love her calm and soothing her voice. I haven’t ever made any of her recipes, but I do sometimes turn on her show just for background noise. ha!

I’d love to know … what are your favorite things?
Maybe I’ll post some of your faves, too.