You May Want to (Buy) This: Swankaroo

(source)

How adorable are these child-size backpacks specifically designed with young children in mind?!

 

I can just see Rhealen carrying around her little ponies and sunglasses in that Kaleidoscope print bag + Jaxon carrying around his cars and apple slices in the Camo print bag.

 

Kendra, the brilliant mind behind Swankaroo, has been publishing one of my favorite blogs, Kendra May, for years now, and I'm a dedicated follower + I am so happy for her to be venturing out with this small business of hers. I don't know how she does it with two littles (and one on the way!)

 

You can find Swankaroo HERE and on Instagram HERE.

Five on Friday

Another week, another great group of posts >> enjoy!

"Dance Like Juvenile Hipsters Aren't Watching"//Maria Melee
"How dare this little bitch judge me for my joyful, albeit uncoordinated bouncing? Then I thought about her age, and the fact that she wasn’t dancing at all. She was 17 or 18. Maybe her feet are still heavy and the eyes behind her were too much. Or maybe she is just a juvenile hipster a-hole."

"#everyBODYisflawless"//Gabifresh
"I wanted to show that 1) we are not competing to be the Top Dog in our niche--we are supportive of each other and are all working toward the same goal: body positivity and inclusivity. And 2) you don't have to be a certain size to claim your flawlessness. Fat is not a flaw."

"Cloud Sailing"//Katie's Pencil Box

"Throw WAY WAY Back Thursday"//The Bloggess

"Working Mom Guilt"//Daisy, Just Daisy
"On a deeper level, I want her to know that while I love my job, I love her more and I think about her and what she is doing all day long. When she goes to bed her Dad and I talk about how awesome she is, and her pictures cover my desk and my phone screen. Her daily reports from daycare make my day, reading about what she did and what she loved, and I wish somehow I could be there doing it all with her while also being at work."

Five on Friday

Here they are, folks, my five favorite posts from the past week >> enjoy!

In no particular order...

1--"The Turn Around"//Girls Gone Child
"I knew it was coming. I knew that one day my son, and then daughters, would wake up and roll their eyes at the mere sight of me, too. I knew that one day I would also be the worst. I just didn't know how soon, how sudden, and how completely off guard it would take me."

2--"road trip activity basket for a toddler"//Flora & Fauna

3--"Dating Yourself (+10 Cheap and Easy Ideas)"//The Clueless Girl's Guide
"We don't have to shower ourselves with grand gestures or elaborate gifts... sometimes something so small can make such a difference. Sometimes we have to supply our own sunshine in life."

4--"cosmically oprhaned"//Kendra May
"Truly without my religion I would be cosmically orphaned, lost in this vast universe without purpose, love, direction, and true joy. God is good."

5--"Motherhood Mondays: What If You Can't Have a Baby?"//A Cup of Jo


Have a great weekend, folks! 

#AmericanBlogger

I am way low on the totem pole of blogging, specifically mommy-blogging, but even I try to keep abreast of the current trends and tricks in our national (and global) blogging community. 

So when I came across this little gem -- American Blogger (click link for trailer) -- I was left scratching my head. 

Really? That's the film to portray blogging in America?! HA!

This film is drivel. It's narcissistic. It's one group of friends huddled together congratulating themselves on being the "popular" kids. Pathetic. 

There are so many amazing blogs out there from so many diverse voices, this film is a total slap in the face to the community of American blogging. I myself am one of thousands; a white heterosexual married mother of four -- I blog about my kids and our personal lives and not much more. Which is fine! But my voice is one of millions, and as much as I love my life, most of the time I'm interested in hearing voices that are different than mine. That's the beauty of our age of connection, the whole point to all of it -- why this filmmaker from Texas decided he'd ride around in his air-stream trailer filming the same type of blogger over and over again is beyond me. 

I, for one, won't be watching this film -- and if you yourself are not a blogger or don't know much about the blogging community yet, please don't believe this as an accurate representation. 

There is more, so much more, to blogging than this crap. 

Idling Thoughts

This is my 91st post this year - which is pretty pathetic compared to 2009 when I published a grand total of 279 blog posts. Ummm....I definitely don't think I'll be hitting that benchmark this year! For the most part, my post numbers have been declining steadily each year - and this year, they took a MAJOR drop. 

And that's okay. Life has been majorly busy this year, and if I'm being totally honest with myself, it's only going to get busier next year. And the year after that. I'm in this wonderful time of babies, and unfortunately, there have been a lot of things that have fallen by the wayside due to the demands having a family. 

I struggle almost daily with the guilt over being a terrible friend to my closest buddies. I rarely ever get to see them, fail miserably at calling or texting them, and pretty much just stink overall at being a friend. I want to be a good friend, and I hope my lady friends know I'm here for them even if I haven't been present every single day. 

I wish there were more hours in a day for time with my husband. Or even just time with my little family altogether. I wouldn't mind some "me" time, too. 

And we do carve out little spaces of time for these things. I'm not whining or complaining in the least, just recognizing that having a big family is demanding and time-consuming. I love it, I really truly do - things are always full and bustling and there's never a dull moment, it seems. In between the chaos, there are moments of peace + bliss, and I appreciate those moments 1,000x more than I ever did before there were three kids pulling at my pant-leg. 

This blog is precious to me - I love it dearly and hope to always have it be a placeholder in my life, a space for me to keep up with myself and my life. It's my online diary for the world to read, and while I don't share everything about my life, I share a great deal of it - a lot of things I would have forgotten about in natural time are preserved here forevermore. 

And while the stories may be fewer, and the spaces between those stories may get farther and farther apart, the point of it all is to keep writing, keep documenting the moments when I can. And knowing, I'll never regret one single post here, ever. 

{Find & Follow Friday}

I know, I know -- let me go ahead and guess what you're thinking: this is just another series that will fizzle out before it ever gets really going...

And you may be totally right! Admittedly, I'm the world's worst at starting something here on the blog and then never seeing it through. But here I go again, despite the voice in my head that says, dude? why? -- because there are a lot of great blogs out there, and though my spotlight may be small, it's still a light and I'm going to let it shine. This series will feature at least one blog --sometimes more-- that I've found and think you should know about. I'm always looking for new blogs to follow, seeing as how variety is the spice of life, and maybe you are, too! 

So here we go, another feature series, one I hope to continue for a long time. Or at least 'til next Friday :)

 

I found Elycia's blog, ♥Elycia, through another long-time favorite of mine, The Dainty Squid -- definitely worth checking out, especially if you're a fan of Kaylah and her blog! You can see some of their fun collaborations --including hilarious videos-- here.

If I Can Blog, So Can You

I've been blogging here at mommaruthsays since 2009, and while three-going-on-four years certainly isn't much compared to some, for me, it's been a huge commitment. I've dedicated myself to this space, changing and rearranging this blog and my thoughts, but always coming back to my roots. This is my life, and I'd like to believe that this blog is a pretty accurate reflection of that. 

I first started "blogging" on LiveJournal back in early high school before moving on to MySpace before finally settling in here. When I go back through my archives, it makes me blush and shake my head. Who is that girl? There are plenty of cringe-worthy posts in my past, and even though I hate the thought of someone reading something from way back when, I can't bring myself to hit that "delete post" button. That's my past, that's where I've been, and in retrospect, it's a nice reminder of how far I've come. 

I'm certainly no expert blogger. I don't have my niche cornered, I don't market my brand or pimp my blog out for page-views  Hell, most days I can barely form a coherent sentence or thought! But I do enjoy blogging, and my hope is that I'll continue to do so for many years to come. 

If nothing else, this blog is a virtual scrapbook of all the things I care about and enjoy discussing: my family, my favorite movies, my thoughts on marriage, and so much more. My opinions change, my kids grow, and the world continues to go 'round - and here I have my own little place to document it all. To me, that's a priceless advantage of blogging and one of the many reasons I recommend blogging to anyone who's interested in starting their own site. 

If you're considering jumping in to the blogging world, I say "go for it!" - just remember to do it for you and your own reasons, whatever they may be. Blogging can feel a lot like high school sometimes; there are popular kids, kids who have fancier things than you do, and bullies galore. A lot of people look at blogging as a popularity contest or a race, but I'm here to tell you, it's neither. And you're never going to truly "win" either category, ever. 

If you want to blog, do it - and have fun with it! If you're having doubts about maintaining a blog for an undefined period of time, I say stick with it. Give it a chance. I promise you, if you can keep your blog going for at least three months of regular publishing, you will love having those "little moments" documented. It's amazing how much you can forget in just three months' time (and just imagine what it'll be like looking back through your archives after one year, three years, ten years!) 

If I can do this whole blogging thing, then I promise, so can you. 

10 Blogs I'm Loving Right Now

Katie has the most delightful, airy little blog - her pictures are subtle yet beautiful and her words, even more so. I love the design she's doing for her little baby girl (due soon!) in the nursery, and all her little dates with her son, Max, remind me to spend more one-on-one time with my kids every chance I get.

Lehua is another expecting blogger (almost everyone I read right now is having babies!) who shares her day-to-day tales of life in SF. She has an adorable mister and even cuter dog! I love her DIY projects and crafts.

Amy will inspire you, make you believe in magic. She has the most dreamy and yet "real" blog out there - her day-to-day is full of whimsy and prose, even as she's talking about the real things in life. I adore her.

Kaelah has the kind of blog (and style) I envy - she's open, honest, articulate and funny. She dreams BIG, and I love following along with her journey to opening up her very own brick and mortar store. If I'm ever in Nashville again, I'm going to track down the Honeybean and do some shopping of my own!

Love has seven kids and TWIN GIRLS on the way! Whenever I'm feeling overwhelmed with my lot and down and out, I just head over to her blog. She finds inspiration, beauty and peace in the chaos of life. To me, she's the epitome of a selfless mom, a true giver. Read her archives to learn more about adoption, courage, Christianity and "little" style.

Margot is a soon-to-be first time momma (she's expecting a girl, too!) who has such a soft-spoken and wonderful blog. She shares her travels, her amazing recipe box and great tutorials for those of us looking to save money and still be crafty.

Brandi & Kelly have a lot going on! They always seem to be busy opening up their newest shop, starting awesome projects and collaborating with some serious talent for events and photos-hoots. I love their "sister sister" posts and awesome hair/skincare tutorials. They keep me informed and keeping me laughing. Awesome combination of girls here.

Jess has been one of my absolute favorite finds ever; I found her blog soon after starting my own, and I've never stopped reading. She keeps it 100% real, and I've loved watching her style (and babies!) grow over the past few years. You won't find sponsored or c/o fluff on her blog - she's purely authentic.

Crystal is the nicest, friendliest gal I know - she's got such a devoted mister "M" and the sweetest pups! She's been so kind to host a giveaway for me, and to let me guest post over at her "blogging buddies" series. I love all the photos she shares, and you'd be hard pressed to find a kinder soul.

Nicolette has a closet I envy, a job I used to dream about, and a style all her own. When I read her blog, I feel like I'm at least attempting to stay "on trend" and keep up with the latest in design + fashion. If she ever decides to do a "shop my closet" series, you better believe I'm going to snatch up a thing or two!

• And because I feel so bad leaving off some of my favorite blogs, here's 10 more you should be reading: Katie.Cupcake // A Cup of Jo // Create*Loves // A Pyre of Soviet Kitsch // Cakies // Virginia & Charlie // You Are My Fave // The Dainty Squid // Bitchcakes // Sometimes Sweet (<------I promise none of these blogs will disappoint!) 

What blogs are you loving? I'm always looking to expand my "reading list", so feel free to leave me a comment with your blog (or a blog you highly recommend!) and I'll be sure to check it out. 

{bloglove}

I've said it before on here, but it bears repeating again: I love the power of connection the world wide web has provided us with.

I love that I am able to relate to so many people in so many cities, states and countries around the world. I've found such a humbling peace to see mirrors of myself in other women (and men) out there. I have this undeniable sense that I'm not alone, that the things I'm going through are unique to me, yes, but not unique to the problems so many of us face. I am reminded daily that I'm one of billions, and yet I couldn't feel more at peace with the knowledge.

So many people out there have blogs or are starting blogs these days; it's such a popular thing to do, I think some people look at is as a "passing fad" and brush it off as useless or a waste of time. To me, blogging feels incredibly natural. Sometimes I find myself running out of material - when that happens, I turn to my heart and my head. What am I feeling today? What am I thinking about? It can be very deep and emotional things or pure fluff. And that's the beauty of it.

I'm grateful for my blog. It keeps me sane and helps to remind me of all the little moments I forget about from time to time. We're constantly told as children to write our own stories, be the master of our own destinies. What better way to document our journey than with a blog? It offers an open platform to reach the masses, the opportunity to connect with corners of the world never reachable before, and it allows us to self-reflect and grow.

Blogs may seem like pure egotistical nonsense, but they are so much more than that. They are windows to the world. They give a voice to every face in the crowd. They are instant memory-keepers and online diaries. Who could ever put down such a powerful thing?

Be proud of your blog. Be proud of what you say and how you share yourself. Don't let the masses bring you down. Instead, reach out to them and open your hearts to the millions of stories being shared online every day. Don't get in a rut of only visiting the same blogs over and over again; get out there and explore this massive online universe.

And don't be afraid to tell your story. No one will ever know the thoughts in your head, the emotions you feel if you don't share them. Love your blog, protect and support yourself, and keep your chin up. We're all in this together, as evidenced by all the millions of blogs out there. I, for one, applaud all of you for being so bold. I hope to share with you in your journey for years to come.

You can rest assured, I'll be right here at home, sharing mine.

{I pledge allegiance to this blog...}

{FQF: Feat. Just Add Glitter & Stir}

ED: Sorry for the FQF delay - apparently, me and my blog editor don't always see eye to eye on things! I say "schedule post" and he says "bite me, woman"  - what's a girl to do? 

Another Friday, another FQF post! Here is the lovely Maggi from Just Add Glitter & Stir - Maggi and I have a lot in common and I love to read her blog. Seeing her girls always reminds me of my girls, so it's impossible not to love her! She's insanely crafty and has this immense light of love surrounding her. Make sure you swing by her blog, Just Add Glitter & Stir, and tell her I sent you! 


Take it away, Maggi! 


----------


{What has been your favorite moment of 2011 so far?}
Definitely the birth of my second daughter, Zippy in May.  I was worried since her big sister took her time getting here but Zippy earned her nickname for a reason! lol  She's been a joy to us and her big sister Toot adores her.  That's my favorite moment of 2011 so far...that and Starbucks bringing back their pumpkin spice latte...

{Name your biggest pet peeve.}
Other drivers...they "drive" me nuts. harhar  Seriously, use your signal, turn right in less than 5 minutes and get out of my way...I of course, am a perfect driver. :P


{What holiday is your favorite? Least favorite?}
My favorite holiday is Thanksgiving.  I cook dinner over at my house, been doing it for years now.  I love having everyone come over, relax, be with each other and eat until we're sick.  lol  There's just something about Thanksgiving that gets me.  Christmas is definitely a close second however.  I don't really have a least favorite holiday.  Holidays are so fun, you always have something to look forward to!  But if I have to choose, I guess I'll say Arbor Day.  What have trees ever done for me, I ask you? :P


{Do you believe in ghosts?}
If by "ghosts" you mean like Ebenezer Scrooge then...no.  If you mean "ghosts" like Casper the Friendly then...no.  But if you mean "ghosts" as in "I ain't afraid of no ghosts" then...yes.



{Name five living people (famous or not) you would like to meet.}
Hmmmm...I've met so many awesome bloggers online, I would love to meet them all in person one day!  
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Thank you, Maggi! Be sure to check out Maggi at her site, Just Add Glitter & Stir

{5 blogging tips from a non-expert}

You would think that as I approach the 3-year anniversary of this blog, I would have things all figured out by now. But you'd be wrong. You'd be so incredibly wrong.

Blogging is an evolutionary process, one that can be hard to figure out sometimes. I definitely wouldn't say I'm a pro or that I've even managed to work out all the kinks of blogging. But I feel really confident in saying I've learned A LOT. And I feel it's my blogging duty to share what I've learned with the class. So pay attention, kiddies.

#1 - Your blog should be 100% you.
What I mean is this: when people read your blog, are they reading about the real you or the "you" you want them to see? Are you a genuine blogger? Are you honest? Are you real? This is not my endorsement to be an open book 24/7 with your blog; I'm merely saying, be yourself. If you want people to really relate and connect with you, you have to open enough to let others in. Don't hide the pictures you think aren't perfectly perfect. Don't not tell the embarassing story about farting during dinner (or worse, sex, gasp!) Don't lie about who you are and what you believe in. Dr. Suess said, "Today you are you, that is truer than true, there is no one alive who is youer than you" - LIVE IT.

#2 - Read your words before you hit "publish".
This is a big problem I have with blogging. I'm such an instant gratification kind of person, it kills me to write a blog post, read back over it, edit it and then publish it. I write at the speed of lightening and hit publish before I can blink. Then a few weeks or months later when I'm mulling over old posts I start noticing a million typos or sentences that don't make sense. Read your blog to yourself after you write it (or as you write it, as I've started to do recently) - take the time to edit your posts and make sure what you're trying to say is coming across loud and clear. So much is open for interpretation when we deal with black and white text; the things we mean don't always come out the way we mean for them to. Be a little blog editor and make sure the quality of your writing is in the details, too.

#3 - Get out there and network!
I've said it a hundred times before and I'll say it again. Social networking is all about the actual "networking". You can't expect people to follow your blog and feel inclined to comment if you aren't out there doing the exact same thing. I encourage you to go through your blogroll, delete the blogs that are stale to you or that you don't feel connected to anymore, and get out there to find some new blogs. A really great way to get linked up with other bloggers (in my opinion) is to check out the sponsors on your favorite blog (it doesn't have to be a popular blogger, a lot of really great but not-so-well-known bloggers have sponsors, too!) A lot of times, these are people who really care about their blogs (they care enough to pay for an ad for people to see) and they have really great blogs in the making. Search your friends on Twitter, go through your followers list and read about their lives, DO THE LEG WORK! It makes this entire process that much more enjoyable.

#4 - Post pictures and keep posts to the point.
This is my opinion, again, so if you disagree - it's all good. I think pictures make a post 10x better. Maybe it's because I'm such a visual learner, but I love to read a story and have pictures to go along with that. Some people feel uncomfortable posting their life photos online, and I completely understand. There are some really cute pictures of my girls that I would love to share with the world, but because there are total creeps out there I refuse to show my little naked babies (although every once in awhile a picture is just too cute not to share!) If you have a photo to include in your post, I say go for it! Or find one that ties into your post from Flickr or WeHeartIt or Pinterest. Spice up the text a little! And speaking of text, keep your posts on track as much as possible. I get off topic a lot. I mean, A LOT. It's hard not to go down bunny trails and stay on subject. Believe me, I know. But this is where editing really comes into play again. You have to "hear" your blog through another person's ears. If you were to read your posts out loud sometimes, it would absolutely mortify you to think you sound that way. Sometimes, it doesn't even make sense! Try to focus each post on the point you're making and make it as easy as possible for everyone to follow along with you.

#5 - Enjoy yourself.
If you're not having any fun blogging, how can you expect others to have fun reading your blog? Life is hard, and it's really easy to blog about all the nastiness and ugly and hurt. It's absolutely, 100% okay to use your blog as a healing place, a place to sort your thoughts and get the input of others. I do that here on my blog all the time. But I try not to focus on that constantly; I try to look for the good surrounding me and blog about that. Have fun with your blog, share funny stories and silly photos. Everyone will enjoy themselves more if you keep things more on the positive side rather than focusing on the negative all the time, believe me.

So there you go*, five little tips to better blogging from a blogging expert. Who's not really an expert. Yet.


*See? I mess up on my posts even when I'm giving you all advice! That's the beauty of blogging, it's an imperfect journey. That part, I am an expert at.

tweaking

So, as if you couldn't tell (could you tell?) I've been tweaking with my blog layout and design. I wanted to simplify and get down to the basis of writing and sharing pictures. I go through phases where all I want are clean lines, crip letters, and no fuss. So that's what we're going with right now - what do you think?

Are the page jumps annoying? Do you like them? I like using them, they seem to help me and my insane need to clean things up around here. Now I can post a million photos or videos or whatever and they don't eat up all the space in my layout. I like pagejumps. Pagejumps are my friend!

I've also got a new and exciting series starting this Friday - I can't wait to get it rolling! I know I've tried several things in the past (giveaways, DELIGHTS, TT, Etsy searches, honorable mentions, yadayadaya) and none of them have really clicked. I'm hoping to make this one click! Make sure you come back Friday (and everyday before then) to see the goodies I'm getting ready to unroll. You're definitely I hope going to want in on this goodiness!

Let me know what you think about this *new and improved* mommaruthsays - is it your cup of tea? Too plain jane? Love or hate the pagejumps? Can't stand the new font? Be honest!

back to blogspot

I let my domain expire (oops!) last month, which was a total suprise to me. I always forget to check my gmail account. I mean, hello, I've had the same hotmail account for 10+ years now. Who needs gmail?

And apparently there's this big complicated process, involving at least $89 and hours on the phone with GoDaddy in order for me to get my ".com" status back - and in this economy? It just ain't happening, baby. I'll gladly go back to my ".blogspot" beginnings.

I'm just grateful all my content is still here - I was worried when I switched back, I'd lose everything I had as ".com" blog. But luckily, everything seems to still be here! And I'm here, which is all that matters, right?

Right.

going, going, gone

Sidney and I are headed off to Columbia, TN this morning for the annual Cantrell Christmas at my grand-parent's house (Mom and Peanut are escorting us, since I still can't drive 'til April, and poor Justin has to work all weekend!)...

I probably won't post this weekend, unless I manage to get a minute to hop on the computer (or figure out how to blog from my phone)! I'll have to play catch-up big time when I get back, so don't write anything too amazing or I'm afraid I might miss it...

I'm going to send you away from my blog this morning - a good buddy of mine found out yesterday she's having identical twins! Mrs. B was due about two weeks after me, but I'm guessing she'll go before me now that she's got two babies cooking in there!! Please go tell her I said "congratulations" - there's so many sweet gals I know having spring/summer babies, it's going to be awesome getting farther and farther along with them (I'm 12 weeks this weekend, yahoo - first trimester done)!

Have a wonderful weekend & I'll see all of you on Monday...

looking back

Since I put the LinkWithin system back on my blog, I've been going back and reading some of the random posts from my past. Some of them make me smile. Some of them make me cringe. Some of them make me very proud knowing I wrote something pretty amazing, full of truth and poetic beauty. And of course, some stuff is just mentionless fluff worth nothing.

There have been a few moments where I wanted to go back and "delete" a post, it was that shun-worthy. But I haven't (yet) and hopefully I won't. No matter how embarassing or shameful or mean or weird it might be now to read what I've written, I can't bear the thought of permanently erasing my words. At one point and time, that was what I felt, what I thought - what I chose to write about.

And that makes it worthy of remaining intact with this blog. My little blog has seen many changes - from design to topics to followers to everything else in between. But it has remained my blog, the essence of me at a particular moment in time.

Next month will be the start of another year - the third January in a row I've spent blogging about life. And I can only hope to experience more laughs, more memories, more dreams realized and awakened. I can only hope to look back at my life this time next year and feel the way I do right now: hopeful and happy.

little ole me, stuck here

Some people think I'm crazy (see: Heather) but I often find myself day-dreaming about the fabulous faces and places of the people I've "met" though the online community.

When all you ladies (and sometimes gents) post all these fabulous stories of life in the "big city", I get a little down and out. I'm country. No fabulous country or hippie country or green country or modern country or historic country. Just plain ole country, run-of-the-mill Southern town.

Don't get me wrong, I love my locale and wouldn't trade any of these country days and nights for a Hollywood lifestyle. But I do dream of seeing the bigger country I live in - I dream of seeing the sites and stores and dots along the map that you all talk about.

Someday I may get to see these places. Then again, maybe not. But I still enjoy day-dreaming about your (probably less than) fabulous lives in far off places. I hope it's always as glamorous for you as I imagine it to be.

my view isn't all that bad, though, right?

I'll be missing you...

As if you couldn't tell already, my blogging has really slowed down a lot lately. And it's kind of depressing me.

And then it depresses me more for even allowing myself to get depressed about blogging. Don't get me wrong, I love my blog - but isn't that such a stupid thing to worry about? We've got starving kids, poverty, natural disasters, and a million other worrisome things to trouble ourselves with - whining about blogging shouldn't be anywhere near the top of my list of "Things to Freak Out About Daily".

But I'm used to having extra spare time to blog daily - and it does freak me out a little to feel this disconnect growing between myself and the online community I love. It's not just my blog I miss, but your blogs. And Twitter. And all the other million little things I love to do online. We're living in a technological society, and it's hard to distance yourself from all the things you're used to whether it's voluntary or by force.

But this is my life - these are the things I want to accomplish. And I know this time next year, I'll be prepping myself for graduation with a smile on my face, knowing that I got there by the time and effort I put into it. And as much as I love your blogs, they won't get me my college degree. They won't do my dishes. They won't spend time with my SidMo. I have to do these things myself, while I'm away from the computer. While I'm away from blogging.

So just know I miss you. And I do try and read your blogs and tweets every chance I get. It's not often, and sometimes I fall way behind. But I'm here, doing my best to balance it all and keep my name out there for you all to see and read. This blog will always be here, I hope (the mere thought of leaving it all together makes me literally tear up) and so even though the posts may be few and far between, I'm still here.

And I hope you're still there, too.

one more voice for LB

This is my blog, my corner of the world to share my stories - but today isn't about me. Today is about LB and the #dofunstuff project. Today is about something bigger than myself.

And so I won't waste my words - I'll simply say do something for someone else today, and do something now. Go to Pacing the Panic Room for more information. And *congratulations* to Ryan for making this dream a beautiful reality, I know LB is and forever will be very proud of you.

#dofunstuff

Hopefully by now you've heard of Ryan Marshall's blog Pacing the Panic Room - and if you haven't, then you need to go there now and read. It's amazing. He's amazing (you may remember the letter I wrote to him awhile back) and he's doing amazing things now. For his family and for the world.

I've been using my voice on Twitter the best I can to help him promote this amazing project, trying to help catch the attention of The Ellen Show, so that he can use her show as a platform to help raise awareness for SMS and to showcase the ridiculously awesome charity album he's put together. I've even tried reaching out to bigger bloggers, better bloggers with greater audiences - every day I hope to get through to the people who follow me on Twitter (I'm up to almost 400 followers now, and for once, I feel like I have a little sway in helping the earth move in the direction I choose).

And I'm not the only one. There are dozens, hundreds, (I hope) thousands of us out there supporting Ryan and his family and this album and research for SMS. It's something I've never dealt with firsthand, something I've never seen or even heard about in my personal, day-to-day life. But that's part of the beauty of this online community, this network of bloggers and Twitter friends. We can lift each other up, support one another and put our voices together as one, in perfect unison, to speak the same words together - to fuel the fire of the one we're supporting.

Ryan is an amazing blogger. I think he's an amazing guy. I hope to meet him, face to face, someday (maybe at Sparklecorn?) and I want to know that when I do meet him, I can proudly say I took part in his crusade. I was a part of this opportunity, this wonderful tweet-bomb to help raise awareness for this cause he cares so dearly about (and is making me care about, too).

What can you do to help? What will you do to help?

Follow Ryan on Twitter (@ThePanicRoom) and follow me on Twitter  (@mommaruthsays) and use the hastag #dofunstuff to any tweets you may send out

honorable mention: sophie st vicious

By now I'm sure you've noticed the new blog header. Right? Well if you haven't, LOOK UP. It's so amazing, right?

The very talented, very sweet and very hard-working Sophie created this one-of-a-kind blog banner for me, and I have to say, I'm in love. She captured my little family perfectly and I couldn't be more satisfied. This is my glorious recommendation for Sophie; visit her blog HERE and her Etsy shop HERE and you can even follow her on Twitter HERE.

You also might've noticed I cleaned up a little here and there on the blog yesterday; added some new tabs up top and edited some information. Just trying to smooth everything out and get this site in tiptop shape. Change is good, but I'd like to settle into a groove and focus on the words and stories I'm sharing as opposed to being annoyed with my layout all the time.