Carol's random babble

Apologies, people! I forgot to start this on Sunday. Okay, if you have read my blog at all, you may have seen a few entries about My Memories digital scrapbooking software. If not, you can check here , here , here , here , here and here . The good news today is that you can get it yourself FOR FREE. Just go to My Memories , create an account and click on the software link. You want to get MyMemories Suite, which is the main program. Click on Add to Cart . You should see Enter Coupon/Promo Code . Use this code: FreeTreatEE148 . Copy it from here and paste it, as it has to be exact. THIS CODE IS GOOD THROUGH OCT. 26, 2013. You can click on Proceed to Checkout or go back to the main page and click on Free Kits in the Shop listing. There's a variety of free items, including fonts, quick pages, papers and mini kits. There are hundreds to choose from, which will give you quite a selection to add to what's already in the program. The next screen after Proceed to Chec...

It’s Halloween Giveaway Event Organized by: Mom Powered Media . Co-hosted by: Capri's Coupons , My Silly Little Gang , My Dairy Free Gluten Free Life , Oh My Heartsie Girl , Giveaway Bandit and Growing Up Bilingual . Growing up, my sister and I didn't get to go trick or treating much. I only remember once that I was allowed to go. We lived in the country from the time I was about 3 until I was 14. Dad felt that it was "begging" like actual begging on the street, so that was pretty much not allowed. I took my kids trick or treating, though. Amanda's first trick or treat night was when she was nearly 2 1/2, and we lived in Chicago. We went around a long block in our neighborhood. I was pregnant with Cayla and it was chilly and dark. On the way back home, we stopped at a house that had a porch light on (which was the sign where we lived in Iowa when I was younger that you welcomed trick or treaters). We knocked, a man came to the door. He looked surprised, ...

In response to this blog post "3 Ways to Increase Your (and Your Child’s) Creativity" , I commented: I never told my parents this at the time, but I gave up on being artistic in kindergarten. We made "Indian" clay pots and to my eyes, my little pot was misshapen and ugly, while it seemed that everyone else's pots were delicate and lovely. I felt that I could not ever catch up, so I gave up. I'm still trying to overcome that. It's been 47 years and that self-doubt, that self-criticism, still holds me back. I try to get around it. I have scrapbooked, both physically and digitally. I have used Photoshop and Illustrator to create and manipulate images. I used to draw, a little, back in high school, but would never show it off. I have written (well, you know that, you are reading my blog) fiction, nonfiction, columns, blog posts, talks that I have given at church, a eulogy for my mother. And yet I still don't feel good enough to say "I am cre...

I'm at my most productive when I'm doing something else. Actually, that should read I intend productivity when I'm doing something else. In practice, that means that at 8:30 on a Tuesday night when I'm close to being done with work, I start thinking of all the productive things I can do at home, once I get there. In reality, once I get home, it's off to the time vortex that is Facebook, games, emails and other time wasters. I know I should cut myself off from these things, but I can't. Because they are useful. Even the games, in moderation. But especially for doing family history and stuff like that. So I need to retrain my brain, I guess. Start timing my unuseful Facebook time and get started on those projects I'm behind on. Right after I catch up on my games ...

You can read my post here or choose to go to Married to Medicine: Vaccination: A Layperson's Perspective . My post is my opinion,facts I found through Google, personal knowledge and a bit of family history. Married to Medicine has more facts and photos of actual people (mostly children) who caught diseases that could have been prevented, plus links to scientific articles about vaccination. To me, it's more important that you be fully informed (and hopefully more likely to vaccinate for your kids' safety and the safety of others) than whether you read my words or someone else's. I chose to vaccinate my kids. I feel that the risk of a reaction from the vaccination (particularly since we don't have a history of problems) is much less than the possible risk of the actual disease. I butted heads with a mom blogger a couple of months ago over her anti-vaccination stance. She recently posted in favor of no-peanut policy in schools because *gasp* allergic kids die of ex...

PinkMama’s Place and Carol's Random Babble are hosting "The Ultimate Life" Prize Pack. Ultimate Life Between the pressure of running a foundation started by his late grandfather, being sued by his greedy extended family, and seeing his beloved Alexia leave on an extended mission trip to Haiti, Jason Stevens' world is unraveling. But when Jason discovers a journal that his grandfather began as a Depression-era lad, his writings transport Jason on an incredible rags-to-riches ride. With everything he loves hanging in the balance, Jason hopes he can discover "THE ULTIMATE LIFE". Opening in theaters September 6, "THE ULTIMATE LIFE" (the sequel to "The Ultimate Gift") reminds us some things are worth more than money! With "The Ultimate Life" Blog App , take the quiz to find out if YOU are Living Life to the Fullest! Read six great ways to start living the ultimate life NOW, as written by Jim Stovall, author of "The Ul...

BLOGGERS: Pink Mama's Place is hosting a giveaway and there's still time to get in for a free link. Calling all BLOGGERS- would you like a FREE Link on the “Ultimate Life” Prize Giveaway - starting tomorrow?  All she asks if you please share on your blog (not required but you can) and your social media outlets. Official Ultimate Life Prize Pack: The prize pack contains: • DVD of The Ultimate Gift • The Ultimate Gift book by Jim Stovall • The Ultimate Gift charm bracelet • The Ultimate Life leather-bound journal Please fill out form here .

Bloggers: Here's an opportunity to be involved in a giveaway. These are great for increasing your readership. It’s Halloween Event Organized by: Mom Powered Media Grand Prize: $500 K-Mart Gift Card Event dates: 10/14 - 10/28 Open to US Referral prize: $50 Amazon E-Code or Paypal Cash Bloggers: Sign Up HERE Please say that Carol's Random Babble referred you.

When people ask me, "how are you?" I usually say "tired" because it's almost always true. Don't get started talking about how it's probably depression because you're probably right but there's not a whole lot I can do about it right now. So, between 11 a.m. Tuesday and midnight Wednesday, I had about 3 hours of sleep. Not consecutive, either. I had insomnia, then after getting up for a bit to go on the computer, when I laid back down, I couldn't breathe very well. That problem is actually the reason I sleep with a body pillow crossways on my bed, around my rib area. It seems to help, although the pillow is getting pretty flat. But I had to get up at 6 a.m. so Cayla could get up at 6:30 to be at the Civitan meeting at 7 to report on the youth leadership conference she attended that the local Civitans sponsored. Only, when we got there (across town), she discovered that they want her to come next week. It was a scheduling ...

Yesterday, my father-in-law was in town. My situation is kind of confusing. I've been separated since October 2008, but not divorced. No plans to get back together - ever. Much happier this way. But it makes talking about the man I married confusing. He's not actually my ex-husband, since we're still married. And I do and don't consider myself married. I don't in the sense that I don't have a "married" emotional attachment to him any more. But I do in the eyes of the law and am not free to consider dating or anything of that nature. But back to the father-in-law visit. He lives in another state, but comes back to Iowa from time to time. He came up to visit Kent (my future ex-husband - see how awkward that is?) and took the girls and me out to lunch, as well. During lunch conversation. I asked him if he ever considered writing his life story. I think he confused my intent with family history, or genealogy. (And I'm interested in that, too....

When it comes to summer reading indie authors offer a refreshing alternative to predictable plots from big name writers. Here’s a list of ten titles from emerging indie authors, pick your favorite and vote on Facebook   for a chance to win an iPad Mini! The Lights of Sheridan Square by Bob Ford If you enjoy the office intrigues of The Mad Men and the love story in The Notebook you’ll like this book. More About The Book  "Set in New York City in the late 1950s, this love story takes you into the heart of the advertising world. The office politics and drama are equal to that of the series Mad Men.  I could not help but fall in love with the main characters, Jay and Joanna. Their story is a lifelong love affair of twists and turns with a dramatic ending that I did not see coming. A book to enjoy." Published by Deerfield Park Books .  Special Must-Read Price Cut! Paperback: $11.66 Kindle: $7.99  Reluctant Gods by A.J. Aaron  If you ...

Welcome to the Buzzworthy Books of Summer iPad Mini Giveaway Event sponsored by Reader Spoils. This giveaway will begin on Wednesday, July 24th at 12:01am and ends on Wednesday, August 14th at 11:59pm. One winner will be randomly selected from all valid entries to receive a 16GB black iPad Mini valued at $329.99! Click Here To Sign Up! Details: Each blogger receives 1 free link of choice (Twitter, Pinterest or Instagram) Additional Links can be purchased at $3 each. These links can be Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and/or Pinterest. We have 4 co-host spots available for $12 each. This includes 2 links for the giveaway event, a back link to your blog on the giveaway page and a page for you to host during the event. The giveaway html will be sent out by Sunday, July 14th and posts must be live by noon on Friday, July 26th. We will send out reminder emails for those who forget to post. Payments Payments can be made via Paypal to  childrenteachingmama@gmail.c...

Bloggers sign up Come and join us on this great giveaway. July 29 to Aug. 19 We are giving away an  iPad with Retina display 32GB color Black  value $599.00 We will have a max. of 200 bloggers for sign up, it will be a big giveaway. The RC is not long because each co-host has their own RC with their links. Here are the details to sign up: -Free Link (Twitter or Pinterest)    The first 50 bloggers to sign up will get a link free with announcement.  Announcement is required or you have to pay a waiver  fee of $5.00 Please get your announcement here. (Please read the sign up form on the top to know if we still have free space available) -Link/ or extra links $4.00 each (if the free spots are gone, to be part of this giveaway you will need to pay $4.00 for each link you want on the giveaway) Announcement is require or you have to pay a waver fee of $5.00. P...

I got started several years ago. I blogged as a way to keep family informed, and really just as a way to get my thoughts out there. It's my way of keeping a journal. I never really expected anyone to read my blog, and it still kind of surprises me when someone comments or tells me about something that I read. I don't have high expectations for my blog because I haven't put a lot of effort into making it make money. But here's the thing: You get out of it what you put into it. And here's another thing: You can get help getting started with your blog. I signed up for a free online class from Blogelina last year. The classes were on Tuesdays and I work Tuesdays, so I didn't get to participate much, but I did get an email with a PDF of the information that was in the class. In addition, I got a year's free hosting at GoDaddy.com. Blogelina also has video tutorials and Facebook groups where bloggers can come together to support each other. Community i...

They do. They really do. And you try to prepare and teach your child this and try to get them to be cautious and everything. But accidents happen. Tonight, Cayla experienced this and she doesn't like it. She was at an intersection and realized if she turned the way she was going, she would be going the wrong way on a one-way. So she backed up a little ... into another car. There's a crack about 8 inches long in my van's back bumper. She said the other driver said he didn't have enough damage to report. She didn't get his information, but he did get hers. I called the police non-emergency number and an officer came out to look at our van. He isn't filing a report because there's so little damage. I also called our insurance company. Cayla is still shook up. I'm just glad she's not hurt (or anybody else). And I hope this lesson is all it takes. It's so hard for a teenager to hit that balance between caution and initiative. We had ...

My niece Jessica Sanchez married Eric Tilton on Saturday, May 4, 2013 (Star Wars Day: May the Fourth be with you). Here are a few photos from the rehearsal and reception. Rehearsal on Friday night. Daniel (far right) was standing in for Eric's brother Justin, who had to work. Working out the procession order at the rehearsal. I don't have pictures of the wedding. Donna, Jessica and Cayla were late, and Cayla left my camera in Donna's car, so I didn't get it back until Donna and Cayla came to the reception. I took pictures with Jessica's camera, and she said she would share some with me. The happy couple enters the reception hall. Bridesmaid Cayla gives her toast. Cutting the cake. First dance as husband and wife.

My niece Jessica is getting married today. It was supposed to be a nice day in May, and there were supposed to be flowers in the garden at the historic church where the wedding will take place. Instead, the high will be about 54 degrees and there is currently still snow on the ground from Thursday's snowstorm. You just can't plan everything. I'll probably do a longer post later tonight, when we get home from the reception. I took pictures at the rehearsal last night and at the reception site where family members were decorating. But I need to get a little bit more sleep before getting on with the day. My schedule: Get up and dressed. Cayla get up and shower and dress, then we go to Donna's apartment, where Cayla will work on the signs and I will peel potatoes.  When the potato salad and Watergate salad are made, I go back home and wrap the gift that my friend Mara and I bought together. This is when I take my shower and take a nap, not necessarily in that o...

It's been awhile since I've been part of a big giveaway for a variety of reasons - mostly that my life has been a bit more chaotic than usual the past few months. But I really like this prize and wanted to be part of getting the word out. I tend to favor giveaways with prizes that I would like to win - and this is no exception. My little point-and-shoot is cute and all, but doesn't do everything I want it to (although, to be honest, if I would read the manual, I know I would get better photos). So here's your chance to win a Canon EOS Rebel T4i digital camera. Just imagine how great your photos would be if you had this. Welcome to the Photo Ready Giveaway Event Organized by: Mom Powered Media Please take a moment to say hello to our sponsor: Giveaway Booster Have a giveaway? Great! Now, how do you get the word out about your giveaway? Of course you want to reach more than just your audience right?! Giveaway Booster was created to help you reach a...

I have a friend who is a Child Passenger Safety Technician. She is passionate about car seats and making sure children are safe in cars. This passion helped her a couple of years ago when her family was involved in a terrible rollover accident - because all three of her children were in the proper car seats and all three were rear-facing (even the six-year-old!), the worst injury was a broken leg. It could have been much worse. My friend is promoting the State Farm Neighborhood Assist program on Facebook. One of the causes that is seeking votes is called Safe and Green . Here is the summary at the Facebook page: What is the mission of your cause? To reduce the number of deaths and injuries of children in car crashes through education & advocacy. How would you use the $25,000 to address an unmet need in your community? We would use this grant to expand a pilot education and recycling program for unusable safety seats in communities from Long Beach across Los Angeles C...

This is most of the text of the talk I gave today at my mom's memorial. I improvised a little while speaking and those thoughts are not included. I paraphrased the elephant story here because for the talk I copied it from an online site. But it is an old legend. Once upon a time there were six blind men in a village. One day there was an elephant and they wanted to find out for themselves what it was like. Each one touched the elephant. One man said, “the elephant is a pillar” Another man said, “no, it is like a tree branch.” The man who touched the tail said it was like a rope. The man who touched the ear said it was like a huge fan. The man who touched the side of the elephant thought it was a wall. The man who touched the tusk said it was like a solid pipe. The men started arguing about which one of them was right. A wise man passed by and asked them what was the matter. They told him what they each thought the elephant was like. The wise man explained...