Muzzling Mama Werewolf

On Sunday evening, I felt like the mother I always wanted to be: relaxed, caring, engaged and playful. By 7:40 am Monday morning, the change I'd been fearing had already begun. As I struggled to get breakfast on the table, throw three lunchboxes together, and make sure I didn't forget the obligatory first-day-of-school photo, I was practically sprouting fur and fangs. With the start of the school year came the ugly return of the crazed Mama Werewolf.

Moms are supposed to cheer when school opens. As one of my Facebook friends posted on Sunday, "Yipee! My world is returning! I can taste the freedom!" Even though I look forward to the kid-free time, the start of school always fills me with anxiety. My jubilant mom friends ask why, and I struggle to explain. I hate all the rushing around, I'll say. Or, I can't handle the flood of emails raining down from three classrooms. I don't agree with the homework policy but don't have the gumption to fight the system. But all that sounds like whining, even to me. The resistance is much deeper, and I'm just beginning to figure it out. The truth is, sending my children to school makes me feel deeply vulnerable. For them. And for myself.

As a multiracial adoptive family, we are "different." My Ethiopian son Gobez, 8, and daughter Lemlem, 7, stand out on a campus where less than 1% of the children are of African heritage. My Indian daughter Didi, 9, has more classmates who share her ethnic background, but learning differences and a sensitive nature make the demands of school especially exhausting for her; I never know when she is going to come stumbling out of the classroom door in tears at the end of the day. To friends and acquaintances, my children appear happy, confident, smart and well-connected with their peers -- and they are all of those things -- but they are still vulnerable, to racism, to sexism, to cruelty and stupidity, to human frailty, at school and in the world.

Obviously, I need to get a grip. Fear and anxiety don't help you cope with actual challenges. This school year, I'm going to try to focus on the only thing I can control: my state of mind. I'm going to try to remember to be grateful for all the caring and competent teachers and staff who surround my children at school. I'm going to be thankful for all the moms and dads who are kind and supportive of our family, and for their lovely children. At pick up time, when I see that mom coming who always yells, "Hey, it's Angelina Jolie and her kids!" at us, I will softly curse like I always have, but then I will move on. I will shrug more. I intend to muzzle that Mama Werewolf, or at the very least, unleash the beast only when one of my children is truly in imminent danger, instead of driving myself and everybody else crazy howling at the moon.

TALK BACK: Is He Pretty Enough?

I was recently listening to a popular morning radio show, when they introduced a story about how parents favor their more beautiful children over their, for lack of a better term, uglier ones.  At first I was horrified.

But then, after listening to parent after parent call in to say that yes, they indeed did (perhaps subconsciously) treat their prettier children differently, I began to realize that maybe they are on to something.  I am not saying that my sister, the prettier of us children, was treated "better," but she was treated differently.  My parents always told me I was smart.  But she was gorgeous.  If I got a B, I was chided, but if she got a B, it was the best she could do.  And in fact, she was way smarter than me, as was shown by our SAT scores.  But I wasn't pretty, so all I could be was smart.

So, flash forward to today.  I have a GORGEOUS baby boy who we all know is ridiculously cute.  And yet, when people are around, they point out his crossed eyes, his bell-shaped chest.  They want to know if those things will get better.  Sure, they point out the hideous child in the CVS with the harelip and say, "Oh but he's way cuter than that!"  Yes, sue me.  I judge other kids too.

But still.  Better, to me, means that there is something to improve upon, that his crossed eyes aren't perfect in themselves.  That his weird shaped head and chest aren't normal.  That he really isn't all that more beautiful than the unfortunate kid at the pharmacy.  So when I read this article about kids discriminating against other kids on purpose, I became terribly concerned.

Is the fact that we as parents are judging the beauty of children affecting the way our children see themselves?  Are we teaching our children to judge others?  Or is it just natural to be drawn to those that are beautiful?

What do you think?  Do you sometimes treat others differently (even subconsciously) based on a perception of beauty?

SUNDAY GIVEAWAY: nanette, by Nanette Lepor

This week we have a wonderful giveaway for our mama readers who enjoy a bit of pampering. Perfume is one of those things that I have a difficult time buying for myself. It just feels indulgent. And, I am frugal. But, it is one of my favorite gifts to receive, especially when it is a great scent!

nanette, by Nanette Lepore, is a dreamy combination of floral with spicy. Think neroli with a touch of amber. It is light and lovely. Sophisticated and classy. But, not pushy. I hate "pushy" perfume. You know the kind that gives you an instant headache as soon as you step in the elevator. This is the perfect scent for any occasion (including covering the scent of "recycled breast milk" - we've all been there). The added bonus is that the bottle is beautiful - inspired by vintage perfume bottles. We'd expect nothing less from a fashion designer.

To be entered to win, please leave a comment answering the following question:

"What is your favorite scent of summer?"

How to earn additional entries:

1. Follow our blog (publicly) and leave another comment (or let us know if you already are).

2. Subscribe to the Mama Memo and leave another comment (or let us know if you already are).

3. Blog about the giveaway, and link back here. Post your blog entry before you comment.

4. Add the Mama Manifesto button to your sidebar.

5. Follow us on Twitter and Tweet about this giveaway: "Giveaway- Win nanette perfume from @MamaManifesto. Enter at mamamanifesto.com"

6. Become a fan of Mama Manifesto on Facebook by clicking the button on the left.


[This giveaway will be closed Saturday at 11 p.m. and the winner will be announced next Sunday!]



And now for the winners of last week's giveaway:
{{{Kandice, Teresa, J_Beckner, Cindi Hoppes}}}

Congratulations! Shoot us an email by 9/5 to mamagiveaways(at)gmail(dot)com with your prize in the subject line, and we'll hook you up! Keep checking back for more great giveaways!

mama love

Siliskin Glasses
Silikids is the creator of fine practical and non-toxic children’s products. The mom-founded brand focuses on children’s products that are toxin free, hypoallergenic and made entirely of silicone. The modern line of BPA-free products are as pretty as they are functional. 

We had the opportunity to review the Siliskin 6oz Glass Set, a great alternative to plastic drinkware. They are perfect for teaching little ones to use a cup and have a silicone protector to help prevent slips or breaks. These glasses are BPA-free and made from 100% food grade silicone. Glass is reusable and recyclable, making these a true eco-friendly products for kids! The Siliskin silicone cover is also recyclable through specialty recycling facilities, or you can send it back to Silikids and they will take care of the recycling.  I love that they come in different colors, so that each of my kids can use theirs for the day, and then I can slip them into the dishwasher at night.

True Cook Microwave Technology
Yes, yes.  We know we should be reducing our microwave use.  But we also know that for many busy moms, the microwave is an inevitable convenience.  If you are looking to microwave “smarter”, check out the True Cook Technology available on LG and Kenmore brand microwaves.  It is preprogrammed for hundreds of food items, so that your food is cooked only the amount needed.  In additional to fully cooking foods to avoid bacteria, this technology helps you avoid burning your food or serving scalding food to little ones.  Thanks to Momfluential for letting us try it out!

Seasons 52 Restaurant

Finally, for the ultimate date night, check out the Seasons 52 restaurant.  I got a chance to try it last weekend and it blew me away, and not just because it was fancy cuisine and I was without small children.  When we arrived I perused the menu and noticed that it was pretty heavy on the rare and fancy meats, and I pulled the chef aside and asked if there were vegetarian options.  Without missing a bit, he whipped up a vegetarian plate for me at each course, and it was truly stunning.  This was the artichoke-stuffed artichoke appetizer.  Because really, can you ever have enough artichoke?  I don’t think so. Seasons 52 relies on seasonal, healthy food that is locally grown.  ?  Anyways, it was delicious and their dessert sampler was heavenly.

smoothie lovin'.

Oh - breakfast.

There's no use debating the goodness of getting some healthy food in our bellies in the morning, but come on - knowing it's healthy doesn't make it any easier. There is just something super helpful about giving the baby some dry cereal, the big kids a granola bar, and yourself a second serving of coffee. But alas, their hungry bellies will betray them a few hours later and you'll have yourself a Class V meltdown in the middle of Barnes & Noble. I know from experience.

(shudder)

So, if you're looking for some good smoothie recipes and you're a newbie like me, here are some of my favorites. I'd just LOVE to hear yours too!

i call this the birthday smoothie. because I just ate it on my birthday.

{it's desserty and nutritious all at once}

1 banana

1/2 cup almond milk

1 tbsp chia seeds (or flax seeds)

1.5 tbsp almond/peanut butter

2 small pieces of dark chocolate

ice

blend & enjoy

classic green monster

(healthy & appealing to your three year old son if you make it seem super-heroy)

1/2 banana

1 tbsp honey

1/2 cup of almond milk

1 tbsp almond/peanut butter

massive bunch of kale

2 tbsp chia seeds or flax seed

1/2 cup of blueberries

classic strawberry banana delight

6 or 7 strawberries

1/2 banana

1/2 cup of almond milk

1 tbsp honey

1 tbsp flax seed

1/2 apple

(for all of these babies, you could substitute any & everything. especially milk - I prefer almond milk for allergy purposes but go for your fave)

The Value of Your Words, Online and Off

I admit it. My moms group and I have never really hit it off. Because of it, I'm actually in four different moms groups at the moment, but that's another story entirely...

This one came highly recommend. So although I often found them to be rather aloof, I chalked it up to all of us having to chase after kids at the park. Who can do that and truly be social?

So what if they're more interested in one another than welcoming the new girl in town. I figured it has something to do with group having been well established long before I arrived. Most of the kids attend the same preschool/summer camp/swim lessons. Perhaps they interact more often and just don't know me as well. Fair enough.

Maybe I don't make it to enough events. Ever since the birth of my second child, I just can't. That's not their fault.

Do you notice how well I've rationalized this?

Having recently moved to the area and grasping at any sort of sense of community, I stuck with it. For over a year and half, I continued to meet them for park dates and parties. I participated in planning meetings, book club, and moms nights out. I offered comfort when needed and advice only when asked.

While the tenor with the other moms is more cordial than friendship, they all seem perfectly agreeable. That is, until I open my laptop and read their Facebook updates...

One will go off on some tantrum rage about an anonymous mother/kid at a park or another member of our group and like jackals, the rest pounce on it, leaving behind a trail of the most catty, judgmental, hypocritical comments you could ever imagine. I'm talking feces on the wall.

How is it that these women who seem so wonderful and understanding as we share our most trying moments of motherhood over chai tea and book club selections can be so ugly on paper... er, screen?

I can't tell you which version of themselves is the real one, online or in-person, but I can tell you which one I trust. Neither.

I actually caught one of them in a bold-face lie via foursquare update. I'm just waiting for the day the rest of them forget that they "friended" me and suddenly I'm that "certain mom who..." and "if you're talking about what I think you're talking about..." referenced in their thinly veiled chatter, because here's this thing...

I'M. NOT. PREFECT.

...and neither are you or any of them. Shhh.

Understand that I am generalizing for the sake of brevity. Not every mom in the group is like this. Not by a long-shot. But you know what they say about one bad apple... In this case, it's four or five bad apples which have left a sour taste in my mouth.

I'm not sharing this story just to vent or set myself above it all. I believe it truly has relevance far beyond some silly stay-at-home-moms in Silicon Valley, California.

Last weekend, I attended Bloggy Boot Camp in San Francisco. Bar none, it was a fantastic event hosted by the "SITS Girls". That's "SITS Girls" as in "the secret to success is support", if that gives you any indication as to what this group is all about.

There were so many brilliant takeaways from the event, but one idea expressed by multiple speakers was "Be mindful of what you put online. Everyone is watching".

We all have a bad day (or more). We all have people in our lives who chaff or bristle or just plain annoy. We all have to wait too long at the grocery store.

I'm so sorry. Tell your husband. Whisper it to your best friend. Go for a run.

Do NOT post it online for the entire world to see. Forever. There's no such thing as Google Eraser.

As bloggers and blog readers/commenters, we have a responsibility to ourselves and our brand to meticulously guard our integrity. Choose your words carefully- not just what to say and how to say it, but what it says about you.

Perhaps none of the members of my moms group may be looking to "build a brand online" or "increase their influence, stats, or SEO". They are, however, publicizing a certain version of themselves and the rest of the world is forming an opinion.

So, what do your words say about you?

So, What Do You Do for Fun?

Last spring, my visiting mother-in-law asked a seemingly innocent question. "So, what are you doing for fun these days, just for yourself?"

Her friendly query left me feeling confused and scared, because I didn't have an answer. As a wife, a mother of three children, ages 7, 8, and 9, and a writer who's trying to restart her career after a long hiatus, I feel like I don't have enough time to deal with the "musts" and the "shoulds" in my life, let alone the "extras." One innocent question made me realize that fun for myself isn't even something I think about much anymore.

"Writing and trying to work as much as I can is my fun," I stammered. My mother-in-law nodded, and then sweetly encouraged me to create a space for something purely enjoyable, like a dance class. I'd actually forgotten that back in the pre-kid era I used to take tap dancing. In the middle of the day. Just so I could pretend I was an extra in a Judy Garland movie. Now that was a party! I promised myself that I'd try harder to carve out some frivolous time, and then immediately went back to my tense, workaholic ways.

Well, a couple of weeks ago at a barbeque, I was caught off guard once again. "What do you do for fun?" somebody asked, and I choked. I still didn't know the answer.

My husband John delivered the ultimate nudge a few days after that, when he dropped a flyer announcing tryouts for a local production of "Annie" on our kitchen table. Now, I haven't actually been in a play since the Reagan administration, but he knows that deep down I'm still a drama queen.

"How am I going to write, get three kids to school and soccer practice, and get myself to rehearsal?" I whined.

"Have the kids try out for the show with you!" my husband chirped, conveniently ignoring that two of our three would rather eat a bowl full of salad than get anywhere near a stage. Unfortunately, our little dramatic child was also disqualified, since this production was open only to kids age 8 and up. Pesky details.

Despite my misgivings, that night I stayed up late, watching clips from "Annie" on YouTube and humming along with Miss Hannigan. Playing the part of a cranky, overworked and bitter crone? That would be so much more fun than acting like one in real life, but really, I need to take baby steps. Call friends more often. Set up date nights. Go to the gym. Daydream. And dust off my tap shoes.

Meet the Mamas: Cari

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN ON YOUR MOTHERHOOD JOURNEY?

Within 15 months of being married in 2003, oldest came along with youngest following 25 months later.

WHAT IS ONE OF YOUR HARDEST “MOM MOMENTS” THAT YOU WILL ONE DAY LOOK BACK ON AND LAUGH?

Oh there are too many to think about but one of the top five has got to be the day I totally broke down in despair and tears, phoned hubby at work and asked him to please come home as I thought I was about to totally lose it. Our youngest, who was 2 months old at the time, cried constantly and was never happy being held or being put down. He hardly napped and caused me much distress as his older brother was an “angel” baby, had never caused any major issues, and I wondered what I was doing wrong. On this particularly tough day, I had the baby in the front pack while trying to settle him and cook dinner. He was screaming, as usual and oldest, being sensitive (we still cut the tags out of his clothes today) started high pitched crying too. As he placed his rhythmically hands on and off his ears, he yelled, “Make the baby stop! Make the baby stop!!” I, of course, could not, sat down on the floor, and began to cry. Soon I too was shouting and chanting aloud, “I can’t! I can’t!” and I felt like I was at the end of my short rope, hovering at the edge of a cliff while hitting rock bottom.

I still cringe today when I think about how it would have all have looked if an outsider was looking in. Not close to laughing about it yet, but might one day…

WHAT HAS SURPRISED YOU THE MOST ABOUT MOTHERHOOD?

The amount of laundry. A child’s strong gag reflux. The never ending pee pool that mysteriously appears at the back base of the toilet seat a day after I just cleaned it. The immense emotions I can feel and how I can go from completely mad about something my kids have done one moment to completely loving their cherub little faces, hands, feet, toes, smiles, etc. the next. How my children awe and inspire me. How my children at times make me want to board a plane. Alone.

WHAT IS A CURRENT CHALLENGE IN YOUR FAMILY LIFE?

Trying to juggle part time work with being a stay at home mom. Not trying to maintain “balance” because I really don’t think it’s possible but rather keeping in perspective that my days are more like a teeter totter. Some days are great, productive, fun, adventurous, fulfilling and amazing while other days, nothing seems to go right. But, in the end, it will all be OK.

MY “MOM SECRET WEAPON” IS…

Employing the happy, jolly, “life is a bowl of cherries” voice to keep everyone feeling joyful and positive even when I really feel like yelling at the kids to get their jackets and shoes on for the millionth time in a row. (Which, I admit, I sometimes do, and it reallydoesn’t work. Sigh.)

MY MAMA MANIFESTO IS . . .

The five c’s: To raise caring, compassionate, considerate, cooperative, and confident kids. To have FUN along the way and to remember to not take things so seriously all the time. To not sweat the small stuff, remember to be goofy along with the boys and to sometimes feed them pancakes for dinner just to enjoy the shock value and the giddiness that comes from the experience. To laugh, to sing and to dance with the boys at least 5 times a day and to remember to give hugs and kisses at least 10. To teach them that their life partner is to be loved, cherished and admired simply by role modelling the fact with my husband and my husband role modelling the fact with me. In the end, if my kids are respectful, kind and considerate human beings, I will feel that I have done my job.

TALK BACK: Guilty Pleasures

Guilty pleasures.  We all have them.

Sometimes, I am embarrassed to admit mine.  Not so much because I am ashamed, but more because the minute my husband sees me watching Teen Mom, he ruthlessly makes fun of me.

Honestly, I don't think I could keep my sanity if I didn't have my guilty pleasures to remind me that I am a woman first and foremost, and sometimes this woman needs a little guilt in her life.

So what are my guilty pleasures?

The shows on MTV ... to include The City and formerly The Hills.  I stopped taping it when LC left.  It lost its heart, and I can't stand Heidi. But a good "reality" drama while laying about in my big bed? Totally guilty.

Teen television.  Degrassi?  Oh yeah.  Any movie on ABC Family starring Amanda Bynes or Lindsay Lohan when she was still cute?  You betcha.  I will TiVO episode upon episode of Make It Or Break It with no regret!  I don't know what it is, the angst or the reminder of life with no worries that gets me, but I am transported to a land of happiness every single time.

A book with a little sex... or who am I kidding, a lot of sex.  With a glass of wine at the beach on a balmy day? My idea of a perfect, and guilty, day.

Blogging in the bathroom.  Yeah, I know, total TMI, right?  But a lot of the time, I go in there, even if I don't have to "do" something.  It's quiet, it's (mostly) sterile, and there is a baby and husband proof lock on the door.  Some might see potty, but I see nirvana.

And lastly...

Cuddling with my baby and smelling his hair.  Oh the smell of baby hair.  He tends to smell like his lavender baby shampoo.  Unless he's puked.  And then he smells like feet.

So what about you? What are you ashamed or not to admit is your guilty pleasure?

SUNDAY GIVEAWAY: Klutz Glossy Bands

This week we have a fun giveaway from one of our favorite companies, Klutz. Klutz makes books with a crafty, creative edge. Our first exposure to Klutz books was a few years back when we picked up a book all about making paper airplanes. My nephews and I had a blast!

The book we are highlighting (and giving away - woo hoo!) is the Klutz Glossy Bands book.

The process for making the glossy bands bracelets is really simple. - Simple make dots with the special acrylic paint and then use the swirling stick to create a unique design. They are a perfect "friendship" bracelet to swap and trade, and this book makes a great gift, or rainy day activity to stash away. I am taken back to my days of making friendship pins with the beads and safety pins, or sitting in my room listening to mixed tapes while creating embroidered friendship bracelets for my friends at school. ("... Turn around, every now and then I get a little bit lonely and you're never coming 'round ..." Can you hear it?)

To be entered in this giveaway, please leave us a comment answering the following question:

"What friendship item did you swap when you were younger (bracelets, pins, stickers, etc...)?"

How to earn additional entries:

1. Follow our blog (publicly) and leave another comment (or let us know if you already are).

2. Subscribe to the Mama Memo and leave another comment (or let us know if you already are).

3. Blog about the giveaway, and link back here. Post your blog entry before you comment.

4. Add the Mama Manifesto button to your sidebar.

5. Follow us on Twitter and Tweet about this giveaway: "Giveaway- Win Klutz Glossy Bands from @MamaManifesto. Enter at mamamanifesto.com"

6. Become a fan of Mama Manifesto on Facebook by clicking the button on the left.


[This giveaway will be closed Saturday at 11 p.m. and the winner will be announced next Sunday!]



And now for the winner of last week's giveaway:
{{{Louis}}}

Congratulations! Shoot us an email by 8/29 to mamagiveaways(at)gmail(dot)com with your prize in the subject line, and we'll hook you up! Keep checking back for more great giveaways!

Mama Love: Back to School

... I'm always on the lookout for products free of BPA, phthalates, and PVC for my kids, and choosing lunchboxes & accessories is no exception. The Soft Landing is a great place to start your quest, with lots of great chemical-free & reusable (waste-free!) options.


... How cute are these Zoo Packs 'Little Kids Packpacks' by SKIP*HOP?! (Also free of yucky chemicals!) My new preschooler will be sporting the cute little owl this year.

... Check out Environmental Working Group's tips on picking greener school supplies for that loooooong list you have to fulfill. (Is it just me or does it get more expensive every year?!)


... Markers and crayons are sure to be on your list, right? Clementine Art's fresh and natural art supplies encourage creativity and support healthy development! You really can't beat that combo.

Meet The Mamas: Elizabeth

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN ON YOUR MOTHERHOOD JOURNEY?

My oldest child, Sophie, is fifteen years old! Yikes!

WHAT IS ONE OF YOUR HARDEST “MOM MOMENTS” THAT YOU WILL ONE DAY LOOK BACK ON AND LAUGH?

I look back on it now and laugh: the time, years ago when I was sitting on the toilet, NOT peeing, and my four year old son came running into the bathroom, screaming that he was going to throw up. Which he did, at my feet, while I sat on the toilet. And then he was followed by my baby, around eighteen months, I think, who was wearing footie pajamas and who proceeded to skid through the throw-up and land with a resounding BONK to his head on the floor. Needless to say, I wiped myself and tried to stand up and deal with everything but it was one heck of a morning!

WHAT HAS SURPRISED YOU THE MOST ABOUT MOTHERHOOD?

Being a mother to my daughter who is severely disabled is NOTHING like I imagined my motherhood to be. I am a changed person in literally every way.

WHAT IS A CURRENT CHALLENGE IN YOUR FAMILY LIFE?

The current challenge is an ongoing one: dealing with my daughter's severe seizure disorder, coping with it and trying to have a "normal" life as well.

MY “MOM SECRET WEAPON” IS…

Humor, the blacker the better.

MY MAMA MANIFESTO IS . . .

Pray, laugh, pray some more but laugh even harder.

Meet The Mama's: Sharon

Married, mother of three, living in the beautiful San Francisco Bay area

[Old enough to have seen The Police in concert when they were the new, hot band, and crazy enough then to sneak backstage.]


HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN ON YOUR MOTHERHOOD JOURNEY?

My husband John and I met via the Internet 1998, back when online dating was still considered appropriate only for the desperate or crazy.

We started our family in a similarly unconventional way. We’d been married about a year when we heard Karin Evans, author of The Lost Daughters of China, being interviewed on NPR about China’s adoption program. That same day we decided to adopt internationally, assuming that we’d also eventually conceive a birth child or two. We imagined a loud, lively, diverse and perfect family.

Well, things did not go according to plan. Our first adoption attempt, from India, broke our hearts. The High Court of Andhra Pradesh shut down that state’s international adoption program late in our process, amid allegations of child trafficking and court challenges from self-described activists. By that point, we were already attached to our hoped-for daughter, Haseena. We knew her, we’d spent time with her, we loved her, and we lost her so dramatically and publicly that the entire experience still seems unreal. You can read some of the story here and here. It’s complicated.

The shock of losing our first child left us in emotional limbo for more than two years. Finally, we decided to try our local foster care-adoption option, only to withdraw after logging hours of training. To bring a child into our home, then to have the county possibly remove that child suddenly -- the emotional risk felt too great given our earlier loss. We researched international adoption again and applied to Bulgaria, for reasons that made sense at the time, where our application gathered dust. The pregnancy we always assumed would happen – didn’t. The struggle went on like this for six years. We began to question whether we were meant to be parents at all.

Thankfully, a few additional plot twists led us to our three smart, funny, big-hearted children. My oldest daughter, born in India, is now 9. To protect her privacy, I call her Didi online, the Hindi word for “elder sister.” She joined our family at age 5 1/2. I’ll always be grateful to the Indian friends who persuaded us to risk adopting from their country again. As one dear “auntie” noted during my pick up trip, “India brought you great sorrow in the past, and now with Didi, India brings you great joy.”

We owe another group of caring friends big thanks for encouraging us to look at Ethiopia’s program. Our son, Gobez, 8, and youngest daughter Lemlem, 7, are birth siblings whom we brought home as wild and crazy preschoolers. (I’m using nicknames again. Gobez means “well done,” and Lemlem means “blossom” in Amharic, Ethiopia’s national language.)

Life in our house is crazy, hard, fun, rewarding and messy.

WHAT IS ONE OF YOUR HARDEST “MOM MOMENTS” THAT YOU WILL ONE DAY LOOK BACK ON AND LAUGH?

Didi was almost 6 when we brought her home from India. At that stage, Gobez, then 4, and Lemlem, then 3, were still napping. I desperately wanted Didi to get with the program, but she resisted. Finally, one afternoon she led a bloodless coup; I said, “Sleep,” and instead under Didi's leadership the three of them bolted into the backyard, jumped onto the roof of the playhouse, and refused to come down. It’s been three years, and I still miss naptime.

WHAT HAS SURPRISED YOU THE MOST ABOUT MOTHERHOOD?

I pictured building deep, nurturing relationships with my children as we played tag in the park or baked cookies blah blah blah. Some of that goes on, of course, but as they’ve gotten older, the outside world has devoured a huge chunk of our time together. I had no idea that motherhood would flood my email inbox daily, with requests for things like “class party fresh fruit kebabs with yogurt dip for 24,” or friendly reminders that "soccer should be your child's first priority." I also had no idea motherhood involved so much driving. All that sucks.

WHAT IS A CURRENT CHALLENGE IN YOUR FAMILY LIFE?

Time (see above.) Determining what is important and what is BS. Protecting our downtime together as a family.

MY “MOM SECRET WEAPON” IS…

a great husband.

My mama manifesto is…

... to strive to be kinder, more patient and more mindful when interacting with my family
... to help and encourage my children to grow into confident, caring, thoughtful adults
... to try to relax and laugh more, because honestly, so much of life is ridiculous
... to remember to be thankful
... to learn about and promote issues of international child welfare and child rights
... to support and promote initiatives that build happy, healthy and secure families worldwide

Meet The Mama's: Heather of the EO

Heather is the mother of two boys, ages 5 and 3, and wife to Ryan. She's recently gone from city mouse to country mouse and therefore lives in rural Minnesota. Heather has been blogging at The Extraordinary Ordinary for three years. She calls herself a 'wrogger' because she thinks it's a funny mix of both writer and blogger. She is obviously quite witty. And sarcastic. Heather is working on her first manuscript and pulling out her hair while juggling Legos, Matchbox cars, potty training and staying sober. The sober part has become exceptionally important as she maneuvers through a new life of recovery from alcoholism.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN ON YOUR MOTHERHOOD JOURNEY?

Heather has been on her mothering journey for about six years. She was surprsingly pregnant less than a month into marriage even though doctors told her it would never happen. Her boys, Miles and Asher, are two years apart and she thinks they rock the party.

WHAT IS ONE OF THE "HARDEST" MOMMY MOMENTS THAT YOU WILL LOOK BACK ON AND LAUGH?

Heather humiliates herself with her scatterbrained antics and clumsy ways nearly daily. She now laughs at the time she was caught rapping, 'put your butt in the seat...put your butt in the seat...' in the IKEA parking lot while loading her boys in the car. She was bouncing her booty and trying to make all the wrangling into car seats fun. Yes. You guessed it. There was a man standing right behind her waiting to get to his car door. The car door that was blocked by Heather's bouncing booty. Oh. Hello, Sir! (This is not the same trip to IKEA in which the boys fell over in the cart and were thankfully only slightly injured and totally traumatized. One was squashed, the other dangling. (You've never seen the IKEA employees move so fast and offer so many freebies. Just so you know.) (No. We did not sue IKEA for the antics of toddler boys.)

WHAT HAS SURPRISED YOU MOST ABOUT MOTHERHOOD?

All of the opposite clashing emotions...every day...all day...infinity.

WHAT IS A CURRENT CHALLENGE IN YOUR FAMILY?

Heather's family has been through a number of challenges in the past few years. It started with colic and moved into a diagnosis of hydrocephalus for her son, Asher. At age one he had brain shunt surgery and Heather reacted by becoming more and more dependent on alcohol. This brings her to her latest challenge, recovery. She admitted she's an alcoholic and chose sobriety on January 20, 2010. Heather's life is better now, but obviously, the treatment of addiction is challenging for the whole family. A challenge that makes them all stronger and more in love with each other.

WHAT IS YOUR MAMA SECRET WEAPON?
Heather's mom secret weapon is named Sarah. She is an amazing young woman who cares for Heather's children three days a week for three hours. Enough said.

Heather's Mama Manifesto is: progress, not perfection, yo.

Meet the Mamas: Michele

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN ON YOUR MOTHERHOOD JOURNEY?

Including pregnancy, a decade this year.

WHAT IS ONE OF THE "HARDEST" MOMMY MOMENTS THAT YOU WILL LOOK BACK ON AND LAUGH?

Known as "The Unspeakable Starbucks' Incident"

I'll cut to the chase. My then preschool daughter threw an unreal tantrum when I divided her cinnamon roll into two parts while at Starbucks. I know ... a mommy dearest moment, right? How could I?

As she was screaming and I was trying to reconstruct the roll, she stiffens her body and slides onto the sticky, disgusting floor. I try a couple times to get her back on her chair while at the same time waving politely to a few moms I recognize in line. Clearly, retreat is in order. I grab her - all 50 lbs - football style and then lunge for my coffee/purse. She kicked right out of my arms and back to the floor. There was no way I was going to be able to carry her, my purse and my coffee out.

As I weigh the pros/cons of leaving her and taking my coffee, a kind man in a wheel chair asks if he can be of assistance. For real. So, I explain that I'm not leaving without my coffee and if he'd be ever so kind to hold my purse and open the door, I'll whisk her outside and stuff her in the trunk and return for my mocha. He laughs over the din of her screaming and agrees it's a fruitful plan. Then, a fellow mom witnessing the madness and sensing my caffeine needs joins in to construct an exit strategy. Plan in place, we count it down - nice man in the wheel chair carries my sassy red purse on his lap, pushes the door open. I lunge for my sweet flower (read: Tiger Lily) and dash to the car. I deposit my heap of hot mess into her car seat, laud heapings of praise and thanks onto my citizen saviors and graciously accept my venti non-fat mocha with whip cream. To this day, there are two nice people, who I owe coffee!

WHAT HAS SURPRISED YOU MOST ABOUT MOTHERHOOD?

The biggest surprise is that my children are so different from one another. My son is a gentle little man, who easily complies with most any request. He speaks softly and is a rule follower. He's my missionary man. My daughter is living out loud all the time. She is a loud talker, who is fearless -- embracing life with gusto. She's my hostage negotiator. Their one commonality - kind and empathetic to the core.

WHAT IS A CURRENT CHALLENGE IN YOUR FAMILY?

My mother has a chronic illness - a blood disorder - that will never be cured and she's looking at a lifetime of monthly chemo treatments. It's been a game changer for our family. Everyday, we strive to find the happy in new places.

MY SECRET MAMA WEAPON?

Simple ... iPhone and sugar-free gum.

MY MAMA MANIFESTO ...

Less is more. (b/c all the stuff makes me crazy)

Be kind. (inspired by my son)

Live out loud. (inspired by my daughter)

Meet the Mamas: Sarah

married, working mom of one superhero, world traveler-turned-worker bee, advocate for children with special needs, blogs at The Travel Mommy.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN ON YOUR MOTHERHOOD JOURNEY?

The Great Potato, our greatest reproductive achievement, is only 18 months old, but it feels like I've been a parent forever.

WHAT IS ONE OF YOUR HARDEST “MOM MOMENTS” THAT YOU WILL ONE DAY LOOK BACK ON AND LAUGH?

I'm a natural klutz so there are lots of stories of falling down, spilling sticky milk everywhere, on top of the baby, in the baby's eyes, etc., that at the time made me dissolve into new-mother tears.  Eventually, it will be my badge of honor.

WHAT HAS SURPRISED YOU THE MOST ABOUT MOTHERHOOD?

How tiring it is!!!!! And how you could love something so much with all your being who can be annoying 23 hours out of the day.

WHAT IS A CURRENT CHALLENGE IN YOUR FAMILY LIFE?

The Great Potato suffers from numerous medical issues that keep us on our toes.  It affects our lives everyday.  I can't really say yet whether it is making our family better, but it is definitely making us stronger.

MY “MOM SECRET WEAPON” IS…

A baby iPod.  We can't go anywhere without a easily accessible stream of comforting classical music.

MY MAMA MANIFESTO IS . . .

to be honest and authentic with my words

to ask questions where there are no answers

to create a safe and happy home for my developing son

to teach my friends and family humility, grace, and acceptance of those with special needs

to better the world for my children

Meet The Mamas: Grace

age 30 married, mother of two, Silicon Valley, CA

left the world of conference calls, PowerPoint, and paychecks for the land of play dates, nap times, and pretend; a Bachelors in Psychology and an MBA in Marketing, but still can't convince a certain headstrong little boy that bedtime is wonderful; could doze off at any moment

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN ON YOUR MOTHERHOOD JOURNEY?

Our son "Scout" was born in April 2006. Three years and nearly four months later, he was followed by a little sister, who we call "Lou".

WHAT IS ONE OF YOUR HARDEST “MOM MOMENTS” THAT YOU WILL ONE DAY LOOK BACK ON AND LAUGH?

It aggravates me to no end when people (mostly strangers) make snap judgments about my parenting. You try your best to keep a tight lid on things, but you can't control everything. I know. I've tried.

Sometimes tantrums just happen... and usually in front of other people.

On one particularly awful day (following a particularly awful series of weeks), I happened to be interviewing a potential nanny at our house which was a total wreck at the time. I think I actually had to shove a bunch of crap onto the floor to make room for her on our sofa.

As if that wasn't bad enough, demons decided to take hold of the children. Hitting, throwing, cries to wake the dead, screams barely audible to human ears...

Hoping to just get the interview over with quickly, I unwisely choose to ignore them... er, I mean the noise. I noticed the horrified look on the girl's face, so I jokingly asked, "You don't want to babysit for us anymore, do you?"

To which, she actually responded, "I don't mean to sound judgmental but... is there ANY discipline in this house?"

And then, she proceeded to lecture me...

(Note to self: Don't schedule interviews with potential nannies immediately following a fro yo/lunch/play date. Come to think of it, having a fro yo/lunch/play date isn't actually such a brilliant idea either. )

WHAT HAS SURPRISED YOU THE MOST ABOUT MOTHERHOOD?

The isolation.

Our family moved three times in eighteen months for my husband's film career. Two of those moves were transatlantic and somewhere in between, we managed to have a second child.

It's difficult enough to move to a new place where you know absolutely NO ONE...

Pile on top of that two kids with polar opposite temperaments and completely erratic schedules, no naps, a husband who spends more time at that office than at home, and a hefty dollop of postpartum...

All I have to say to that is, "Praise Al Gore for inventing the Internet!"

Feeling so bleary-eyed, lonely, and desperate in the absence of nearby family and friends, it was often the warm glow of my laptop and the words that came pouring out of it that reached out and comforted me the best.

WHAT IS A CURRENT CHALLENGE IN YOUR FAMILY LIFE?

Making time for my marriage... as soon as the kids are fed... and in bed... and the kitchen floor is mopped... and I answer this one last email... while folding seven more loads of laundry... "Hey Honey, your mom's on the phone. She wants to know what we're doing between Christmas and New Year's".... Ooooh, Project Runway is on...

MY “MOM SECRET WEAPON” IS…

My children are in such vastly different stages right now.

For my daughter, it's an endless supply of Annie's Fruity Bunnies cereal. The girl is happiest as when she's eating... just like her mama!

For my son, it's my point-and-shoot camera. If ever I need him to be quiet, I just switch off the flash and tell him to take some photos. It really helps him settle down and focus (pun intended).

MY MAMA MANIFESTO IS . . .

... to live authentically and joyfully
... to model unconditional love, kindness, and respect for others
... to encourage my children to learn from their mistakes and be a safe place to land when they do
... to nurture their natural abilities, talents, and interests
... to value good judgment and independent thought over blind obedience
... to take an interest in the world and help shape it to be the kind of place I'd like my children to live


photo credit {Images by Anna}

Finding a good babysitter

If you ever want another mom to start talking, ask her for her advice. If you want her to stop talking, ask her for a recommendation on a good babysitter.

"Yeah... Umm, [insert any other mom's name] probably knows of someone. Maybe you should ask her. Oh, my goodness, look at the time! Gotta run, kthxbai"

So when it came to finding a regular afternoon sitter for my two children, I turned to the one place that always has an answer-- the Internet!

I choose an online sitter service which advertised, "Let the sitters come to you". Awesome! I paid the membership fee, harnessed all of my charm and marketing savvy to create a spot-on job description, and waited. And waited. And waited.

I have never used online dating; not even as a pretty, young advertising intern putting in time on the Match.com account. I have nothing against it, mind you. I have a number of friends who have had tremendous success with it. On the other hand, I have many more who have NOT. If it's anything like the maddening process of finding a good sitter, I completely understand why.

I had to try very hard not to take it personally when no one responded to me within the first hour or even the first day. I must have logged into my account fifty times wondering if I should change some of my preferences, provide more fun and quirky details about our family, or upload a better photo.

True to their word, the site brought forth several promising responses. It just took a few days. Then followed the exchange of tentative emails, culling through the shady ones, background checks, and finally arranging a first date... er, interview.

The result has been a parade of hits and misses, each of whom deserve a blog post entirely unto themselves. The good ones are all the same, but the bad ones have been super extraordinarily so.

The worst actually said to me, "I don't mean to sound judgmental but... is there ANY discipline in this house?"

She then proceeded to lecture me on my parenting style, listing all of the ways my way is WRONG. Being that she doesn't have children of her own and recently closed down her in-home daycare because "she couldn't handle being alone with kids", I totally appreciated and respected her input... (smirk)

Note to self: Don't schedule interviews with potential nannies immediately following a fro yo/lunch/play date. Come to think of it, having a fro yo/lunch/play date isn't actually such a brilliant idea either.

A guy once told me that first dates are like job interviews. It so happens that we were on a first date at the time, so naturally I batted my eyelashes and pretended to interview him. He didn't get that I was joking. There was no second date.

introductions

We are really excited to be adding some amazing new writers to our Mama Manifesto team. We'll be introducing them this week, so stay tuned!

Super Quick Breakfast Granola Bars

I'm not a huge microwave fan. I use mine mostly to heat up meals or defrost frozen meat when I've forgotten to take meat out of the freezer the night before. I rarely use it to actually cook meals and I have never used it to bake...until now.

I found this recipe quite some time ago but being a UK recipe, I modified it for my own kidlets. It's a great little bar that you can make quickly and easily and the kids will love it. You can also change it each time you make it by playing around with the added fruit and nuts ingredients.

It will remind you of a chewy granola bar but without any of the yucky added preservatives or additives.

Super Quick Breakfast Granola Bars
(Makes one 9x9 pan of bars)

Ingredients:
2/3 cup butter or margarine
1/2 cup firmly packed soft brown sugar
4 tablespoons golden syrup
3 1/3 cups rolled oats (or a combo of oat and kamut flakes)
1/4 cup ground flax seed
*1/2 cup raisins
*1/4 cup dried cranberries
*1/4 cup dried apricots, chopped

*Or 1 cup total of your favourite dried fruit and or nuts. Try coconut and dried pineapple or dried apple and walnuts! Yum!

Directions:
Grease a small shallow microwave safe 9x9 baking dish. Set aside.

Place the butter or margarine, sugar, and golden syrup in a microwave safe bowl and cook on high power for 1 to 2 minutes, or until butter or margarine is melted. Stir in the oats, raisins, cranberries and apricots and mix well.

Press mixture into dish. Cook on high power for about 5 - 6 minutes or until the centre is bubbling. Allow to cool a little then press down more with the back of a spatula. Place in fridge 2 - 3 hours. Once fully cooled, cut into squares. Store in fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Cari Snell is a mom, wife and the editor and recipe wrangler of Can I get the Recipe? An online source providing weekly printable recipes, shopping lists, great giveaways and more.

Check out an abundance of family friendly recipes at http://www.canigettherecipe.com/

SUNDAY GIVEAWAY: Totally Desperate Mom

Keepin' it real...

Wendy Hagen is a speaker, writer, blogger, former childhood actress, wife, Dirty Minivan Competition founder, and Totally Desperate Mom to three young children who have given her more than enough quality material to write a book.

Starting from the delusion-filled journey into motherhood and progressing through the various stages that take place in the preschool years, Totally Desperate Mom is a no-holds-barred, comical look at motherhood from a mom in the trenches. Wendy offers biblical encouragement and practical tips for taking care of MOM emotionally, physically, spiritually and in the marriage.

This book is a refreshing and hilarious peek into the reality that is motherhood. With chapters like Surviving Pregnancy: Puking, Peeing, and Pounds and Infants and Toddlers: Danger, Poop, and Un-Vacations, it should pretty much be required reading for moms. Wendy is generously offering a signed copy of her book to one lucky mama, who is sure to relate!

To be entered to win, answer the following question:

What has most surprised you about motherhood?

How to earn additional entries (leave a seperate comment for each):

1. Follow our blog publicly (or let us know if you already are).

2. Follow Wendy's blog, Tales from the Motherhood (today she shares an excerpt from the book!).

3. Subscribe to the Mama Memo (or let us know if you already are).

4. Blog about the giveaway, and link back here. Post your blog entry before you comment.

5. Add the Mama Manifesto button to your sidebar.

6. Follow us on Twitter and Tweet about this giveaway: "Giveaway- Win a copy of Totally Desperate Mom by @WendyHagen from @MamaManifesto. Enter at mamamanifesto.com"

7. Become a fan of Mama Manifesto on Facebook by clicking the button on the left.

8. Become a fan of Totally Desperate Mom on Facebook.


[This giveaway will be closed Saturday at 11 p.m. and the winner will be announced next Sunday!]



And now for the winner of last week's giveaway:
{{{Beana619}}}

Congratulations! Shoot us an email by 8/22 to mamagiveaways(at)gmail(dot)com with your prize in the subject line, and we'll hook you up! Keep checking back for more great giveaways!

MAMA LOVE ... camping (a lil' bit)

… This mama doesn’t love camping, but she does dig all the super cool camping stuff. My fave (by far) is the camping blender. I quipped to my girl friend that I’d only go camping if there was a blender and voila, she delivered. Clamp the blender down to the immovable picnic table, fill with ice and tequila (uhm, smoothie mixings) and crank to crush. Even camping is doable with a tropical slushy drink in hand.

… Mama loves free stuff . Even more, mama loves rich life experiences. Plumas-Eureka State Park delivered both when my kiddos became bonafide California Junior Rangers and scored the quintaessential summer enrichment logbook and a very shiny metal pin. The free Junior Ranger logbook is a 20-page wildlife activities guide chalk full of open-ended questions to promote wildlife stewardship and brimming with interesting factoids about animals, nature and Cali history.

… Dirt, bugs and more bugs. The mosquitoes were relentless in Yosemite and for some insane reason, I was afraid to use too much Bug-off (bad mama maneuver). However, I was thrilled to have Kids After Itch Bite – The Itch Eraser. My 5YO daughter could “erase” the bites herself – dabbing on cooling cream to her red, bumpy arm. She actually stopped SCREAMING (and kicking!) and began doing a body search for more bug bites to “erase.” Winner!

… Mostly, mama loves books and I hit gold (pun intended) while camping this summer. My faves: “Oh, Ranger! True Stories from the National Park,” “Be a Park Ranger,” “Life in the Old West” series, and of course the Yosemite National Park “Junior Ranger Handbook.” Unlike Cali parks, the national park handbook cost $3.50 each and is well worth the cost.

... Okay, so mama loves camping a lil’ bit afterall. With many of the CA State Parks in jeopardy of closing, I feel especially motivated to show my children these magical places. As for the books? I will actually encourage my kids to drag these favorites through the dirt as we endeavor to fill the logbooks with super-cool Park stamps that detail our outdoor adventures, time travel and funniest family stories.

“Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and give strength to body and soul.” - John Muir

Leave the toys behind

We have been blessed to spend this past week with about 40 family members in a very special lakeside dreamy location. My family has been traveling to Deep Creek Lake, Maryland since I was a very young child, and now I am blessed to be able to bring my children on the same journey I did as a child.

When I was planning for this trip, I could not quite wrap my mind around how we would entertain 14 kids under the age of 15. I had a pile of toys to bring, but alas, the bags got too full. So, we left them behind.

I'm so glad we did.

These children had the most incredible week just being together. Playing hand games. Chatting about the grass. Being puppies. Chasing bubbles. Eating snacks. Swapping stories. Splashing in the lake as mermaids. They were not distracted by toys. They were truly entertained by each other.

It was so lovely to behold.

Leave the toys behind, Mamas. Leave 'em behind.

fun with "fries"

I'll own up to it - I'm obsessed with fries.

Fast food fries, homemade fries, freedom fries, greasy fries, pommes frites, whatever you want to call them. No matter the name, I think we all agree - it's just not the healthiest favorite food and definitely not a habit you want your kids to pick up on.

But now, I think I've found a solution to satiate my deep food desires and keep my family as healthy as possible.

VEGGIE FRIES!

You've probably had sweet potato fries, but why limit yourself?!

Lately my family is trying everything... carrots, okra, I've even been dreaming about squash!

And the recipe - super simple.

Cut your favorite starchy veggie up in a matchstick form. Try not to let your two year old sneak too many away from the pan. Toss in a little bit of olive oil and season to your heart's desire! I like cumin & chili on carrots and rosemary or herbs de provence on okra!

Bake at 400 degrees for 20 minutes if you're looking for good mushy fries or 30-ish for a crunchy variety! Dip in ketchup, bbq sauce, honey mustard, WHATEVER!

Enjoy, mamas!

Jessi blogs and eats a LOT of okra fries over at naptimediaries.

Hotel Rage

If you have children, and you've stayed in a hotel, you know what I'm talking about.

You lay everyone down to sleep.  Except that, unlike home, you are all in the same room.  If you turn the tv on, the kids will not sleep.  If you speak, the kids will not sleep.  So your only option is to sit quietly in the dark.  For the better part of an hour.  Just sitting there. Quietly.  Waiting for that moment of confirmation that everyone is finally asleep, so that you can get up and pee, or turn on the tv, or open a bag of chips.  Only, when you do, a voice calls out, "Mommy, what are you eating?"  Which sets the baby to crying.  Which wakes up the other two.  And then you repeat the above steps, only now you are angrily growling at all of them to be quiet.  BE QUIET.  OH MY GOSH I WILL SPANK THE NEXT KID WHO TALKS.

SUNDAY GIVEAWAY: Knudsen Spritzers

Bill Knudsen created the first fruit juice Spritzers for his family more than 20 years ago as a refreshing alternative to refined sugar and corn syrup sweetened sodas. They are made from real fruit and sparkling water. They are incredibly delicious - the perfect summer time beverage.

Knudsen has a vast array of flavors:

We are excited to share this yummy drink with a lucky mama! Please leave a comment answering the following question to be entered in the giveaway.

"Which Knudsen spritzer flavor sounds the most refreshing to you?"

How to earn additional entries:

1. Follow our blog (publicly) and leave another comment (or let us know if you already are).

2. Subscribe to the Mama Memo and leave another comment (or let us know if you already are).

3. Blog about the giveaway, and link back here. Post your blog entry before you comment.

4. Add the Mama Manifesto button to your sidebar.

5. Follow us on Twitter and Tweet about this giveaway: "Giveaway- Win Knudsen spritzers from @MamaManifesto. Enter at mamamanifesto.com"

6. Become a fan of Mama Manifesto on Facebook by clicking the button on the left.


[This giveaway will be closed Saturday at 11 p.m. and the winner will be announced next Sunday!]



And now for the winner of last week's giveaway:
{{{LeaneG}}}

Congratulations! Shoot us an email by 8/15 to mamagiveaways(at)gmail(dot)com with your prize in the subject line, and we'll hook you up! Keep checking back for more great giveaways!

dreaming about tumblers

The other night I had the most vivid dream that someone gave me a new coffee tumbler and it was just magical. I woke up and I was literally disappointed that the tumbler wasn't an actual part of my life. Which got me thinking.... coffee cups and mugs and tumblers are VERY important to me. Are they that important to you?

And if not, do you have an inanimate object that is a big part of your day?

Now, I really should've gone into my cabinets and just shot some pictures for you guys but I'm using the excuse, "my coffee cups and mugs are so precious to me that they're too private to take pictures of". Really, I just don't have enough time to take pictures and upload them. But oh goodness, I wish I could give you a personal tour through my mugs and tell you about them. The stories of love behind the ones that were gifts. The ones that fit my hand just perfectly. I'd show you the tiny small ones that I give to my friend because she doesn't like a big cup. I LOVE knowing which coffee cups my friends prefer - because then I feel like I know them and can serve them all the more. I even linger thoughtfully in the tea section of Trader Joe's every week thinking about my anti-coffee friends and wondering what they like and occasionally buying a new box, just in case they come over.

Anyhow, without further ado - my fantasy coffee cup selection.

(let's be clear - I don't want to eradicate my current collection - just add to it)

I think these are the perfect playdate mugs. Now - I'd take them out of that crazy holder - but can't you just see a bunch of mamas standing in the northwest mist with these, watching kids go down the slide?!

everyone needs a mug from their hometown.

especially with some tomato red on it.

My husband would LOVE this mug. I would never use them, but he'd like them.

Well, this is my dream "reading time" mug.

And these are just too fun! I love the pantone website, I may as well have it in my cabinets.

Ok. What about you? What possession are you a little nutty about? Purses? Plates? Trash cans?

Oooh, I'd love a new trash can too. Yikes.

Jessi blogs and drinks lots of coffee over at Naptime Diaries.