(You might find this surprising, but most errands and chores are easier on the rare occasion I find myself alone.)

I told Mark that I wouldn’t be coming home for lunch, and that was that.

Until lunchtime. When Mark and Annalyn showed up at my office. Reportedly, that little girl had spent the last hour saying, “Mommy? See her? Mommy? See her?”

So being the good dad that he is, Mark brought her to see her mommy.

Okayyyyyy. Off to Target we went. We swept through the baby section, searching for a birthday party outfit and hurried over to the candy section to look for candy bananas to put on the cupcakes. Then as I paid for a shirt, a pair of pants, some small black shoes and a stuffed Elmo that I’d hid behind my back for 10 minutes, Mark got Annalyn buckled into the car.

I ran out of the store (okay, I walked briskly, let’s be real here), and we sped off to McDonald’s, where we snarfed value meals and begged Annalyn to eat something other than our fries.

And where I found myself saying, “Stop! Don’t touch me with those hands! Here, use this napkin. Yuck! Baby girl! Those are my work pants!”

I know, I know. Somehow, I let my errands and my work pants become more important than spending time with my daughter. I focused on not getting to the other store and the thought of stinky ketchup on my sleeve. And I almost missed that sweet girl just wanting to be with her mommy.

“Mommy? See her?” How could I think anything else was more important than that?

Reba McEntire sings a song called “Is There Life Out There?” and the video makes me cry every darned time I see it. It’s more of a mini-movie, really, about a mother who goes back to school and earns her college degree.

At the end of the video, her teacher returns a paper with an A but suggests she not submit stained work in the future. Those pages were stained because her daughter accidentally spilled coffee on her typewriter-typed report, an incident that reminded Reba’s character what was really important.

Reba tells her teacher, “I learned more from the stains than I did the paper.”

As I fussed at Annalyn about the ketchup on my sleeve and my pants, I thought about that scene.

I don’t want to be too busy to love on Annalyn. Time goes too fast and she’s already growing too much. I know this stage of Mommy-love and more hugs and one more kiss won’t last.

When we got back to my office – with a few minutes to spare, even – Mark told Annalyn to say goodbye.

“Buh-bye!” she said with a smile.
“How about a hug?” I asked.
“Okay!”
"I love you!" I said as she and Mark walked away.
"Wuv. Ooo."

Turns out I had plenty of time to do my other errand after work. And I’m pretty sure nobody noticed the ketchup stains on my clothes. Although it wouldn’t have mattered if they did. One day not far enough from now, I’ll be the one saying, “Annalyn? See her?”

So I’m taking all the hugs and kisses and unexpected lunch visits I can get.

Originally posted at Giving Up on Perfect.

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The Synopsis
Mr. Schuester splits the Glee Club into pairs to sing their favorite ballad, but when one kid gets sick, he's forced to step in and winds up in a sticky situation. Meanwhile, Finn and Quinn have to face the music when they have dinner with her parents. (Fox.com)

The Soundtrack

• Lean on Me (Bill Withers)
• Endless Love (Lionel Richie & Diana Ross)
• I'll Stand By You (The Pretenders)
• Young Girl (Gary Puckett & The Union Gap)
• Don't Stand So Close to Me (The Police)
• Crush (Jennifer Paige)
• [You're] Having My Baby (Paul Anka)

The Quotes

• Looks like my weekly letter to the Ohio Show Choir Committee finally paid off!
• Crap! She looks crazy right now. I know this look.
• I could totally sing this to Finn. But screw him if he thinks he’s taking the Diana Ross part from me.
• Gold stars are kind of my thing.
• You’re wrong, I’m right. You’re dumb, I’m smart.
• I don’t know why I find his stupidity charming . . . I guess that’s love for you.
• You’re a very good performer. He’s very good.
• This lesson has given me a lot to think about.
• The acoustics are horrible in the car. Put your seatbelt back on.
• There is no beating Judy’s ham.
• Settle down, cowboy. //  I have to go; they’ll think I’m pooping.
• Let me tell you a few things I learned from two years of intense psychotherapy and an esophagus transplant.
• Trust me. I’m a cautionary tale.

My Thoughts

• I hate that guy playing Quinn’s dad. He’s always a creepy jerk. Tonight’s episode was no exception.
• Poor Finn. That guy just cannot sing. He got me all teared up with his sonogram serenade, but why he is in Glee again?
• And when he told his mom? Oh my. Let the gushing begin.
• Quinn and Finn were pitch perfect (yes, cheesy pun intended) when they listened to Lean on Me. The twitches in their faces when they were moved, their stunned smiles and finally their relieved and happy-to-have-friends laughter was all so well done.
• Will’s crazy faces during Endless Love could not have possibly been a turn on. That is all.
• Also, his overly expressive and dramatic gestures and expressions during his mash-up? A bit much.
• Playing Extreme’s More Than Words on Suzy Peppers headphones after Will broke her heart was brilliant.
• Did you notice that Quinn’s dad turned off Finn’s music right after he sang the word “seed”? He was a total fill-in-the-blank, but I can’t really blame him for that move. I mean, really, Paul Anka? Really?
• Lean on Me is one of my very favorite songs, and I adore this Glee arrangement.

What did you think? Did you love all the music? Did you miss Sue? Are you rooting for Quinn to end up with Finn or Puck?

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I learned this first hand when I spoke up about a friend and her baby, Jaeli, and their desperate need when the "system" lost them. I wonder why we make things so difficult for mothers with sick or special needs children. Don't they need things as easy as possible? Not MORE complicated?

What impressed me the most is how quickly my friends and readers stepped up and spread the word. How many gave up a pizza night to chip in. How many forwarded an email to church groups and prayer lists. Hundreds of thousands of people heard Jaeli's story because moms banded together to support a family in need.

This week, it was Anissa who needed prayer and support. In a much less tangible and more difficult-to-cope with way, we found a way to express our desire to help with a simple hastag, #prayersforAnissa and hung on every update from her husband. Many, many have used their blogs to express their feelings of hope, prayer and support.

It's touching, and telling, to see mommy-bloggers, in whatever form they take, getting back to the root of where we started. We started as a way to connect. To not feel alone. To find a sympathetic ear. To find a friend. Have we lost that along the way? Jaeli and Anissa prove that no, despite what LA Times has tried to make of us, we have not.

To find out more about Jaeli's story visit Angela England's blog. (http://angengland.com/Jaeli) For official updates on Anissa's progress follow @AimingLow on Twitter.

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by Dave & Karin, seen on Flickr

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Apple Peeler/Corer/Slicer
This is one of those toys that you never think about but every household should have.  When it comes to making apple pies, grilled ham and apple sandwiches or turkey and ham wraps, this more than cuts your prep time in half and it can also be used to make super cool potato spirals like this one:

Zyliss Palm-Held Pizza Slicer, Red Every house should have a pizza slicer because they are for so much more than slicing pizza! We use ours for cutting grilled cheese sandwiches into strips and serving them as finger food, cutting pancakes easily and in the blink of an eye and of course slicing pizza    Plus, this one is super pretty and fits right into the palm of your hand. At under $10, this is a steal.

Puffy Muffin Top Pan

We all know that the muffin top is the best part of the muffin. Cut out the middle man with this nifty little pan.  You could also use this for cupcakes!

5-Quart White Crockpot, slow cooker

It's a crockpot… there are entire websites devoted to it.  Need I say more?  I do.. okay, if you don't have one, your kitchen is nowhere near complete. (there are some way more amazing and techy-digital-esque crockpots that cause me to drool but, we're sticking with under $25 here people)

12-inch seasoned Cast Iron Skillet

You knew this was coming.  I'm a Texan.  Cast Iron is a must.  You cannot call yourself a cook in the south without one.  Trust me, this is the greatest kitchen pan of all time.  If you're lucky, you have a Granny who's passed one down from generations long gone by, if not.. this pre-seasoned skillet is an absolute steal at less than $20, these babies are priceless as far as I'm concerned.

All in one timer and digital thermometer

Whether it's medium-rare steaks, chicken, pork chops or timing your 15 minute cleaning spree.. this digital thermometer timer is a MUST HAVE! It's combining two kitchen must haves into one sleek, useful and easy to read tool and really is a steal at $18

Wilton Easy Flex Silicone Spatula 3 Piece Set

Silicone is one of the greatest kitchen friends ever.  Multi-size spatulas are a necessity and for under $7.. this is a fantastic set.

Rubbermaid Storage Set

This is the exact set that is in my cabinets right now and I paid more than $20 for it.

Hot Air Corn Popper I really think that every kitchen should have a hot air popper.  This popper is under $21 and is worth at least triple that for the flavor and the memories. Fresh popped popcorn is a standout memory of my childhood and the taste.. oh my word the taste.  No bagged popcorn can replicate it.  And I say that with all the knowledge (and disclosure)  that I love love love bagged popcorn

12-inch electric skillet

Okay, this one breaks my barrier by $10 BUT, my electric skillet is almost 2nd in my heart to my cast iron skillet and I cannot live without it and you cannot get a good one for under $25.  Forgive me? Yes, yes you will

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If you read my post in the Relationships section, you'll know every year in the days leading up to Christmas my husband gifts me with The Twelve Days of Christmas. This means that each day he gives me a gift – nothing too pricey! – in the countdown towards Christmas.

This year, I'm going to gift someone with the Twelve Days of Christmas. And my kids are going to help.

Things you need to know:

• If you would like the last day to fall on Christmas Day, you'll need to start with the first gift on Monday, December 14.
• Whether you start with Day 12 and count DOWN or Day 1 and count up is up to you (we usually start with 12 and count down)
• The point is not to spend a ton of money – but rather to give gifts you know will make the recipient smile (remember, 'tis better to give than receive, right?)
• Sometimes you have to be creative with finding fitting gifts (one year, I was given a bag of beef jerky on Day 6 because it held six ounces of product!).
• If you're mailing it, you'll probably opt to use lighter items so that shipping won't be too expensive

Who should be the recipient of your Twelve Days project? That's a good question! Do you have a neighbor that needs a smile? Maybe a family member that lives far away? Your college roommate that you don't see often enough? Your kids' favorite uncle? 

Once you've selected your recipient, brainstorm ideas for things he or she likes – remember, the goal is not to make this an expensive project that you will resent. The goal is to let someone you care about know that they're thought of.

Pick your twelve gifts, wrap them up separately. If you are shipping them to someone, put the details on each package ("Open this gift on December 20!", for example). If your recipient is local, you can deliver a gift each day.

Then? Kick back and watch your Christmas spirit brighten someone's (twelve) days. It's definitely better to give than receive, and this is a fun way to show your children how fun giving can be.

Photo Credit: Fazen

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After two months at sea on a ship similar to the one above the Pilgrims reached the new world. Explore their journey and the ship they sailed on at Scholastic's The First Thanksgiving Student Activities site.

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"Reflect upon your present blessings, of which every man has plenty; not on your past misfortunes of which all men have some." –Charles Dickens

Cultivate thankfulness in your lives with this character study from Homeschool Helper

Thankfulness Character Study

1. Look up thankful in the dictionary.
2. Read Exodus 15:1-21
3. Bible Memory Verse: Ephesians 5:19-20

Discussion Questions:

• What things in your life are you thankful for?
• Read on in Chapter 15. Were the Israelites always thankful, or did they complain at times?
• Are there times when you complain about things instead of being thankful for what you have?
• What should you remember when you are feeling grumpy about what you don't have?
• What had just happened to cause the Israelites to sing a song of thanksgiving to God?

Activity:

• Write down ten things for which you are thankful in a journal; look back on it when you are feeling down or add to it when you think of new things.
• Have a special plate at dinner. Rotate nightly who gets the plate and everyone can say why they are thankful for that person.
• For young children: have them trace their hand. Help them write 5 things (one on each finger) for which they are thankful. Then they can remember by looking at their fingers.
• Write a song or poem expressing your gratitude for something you are thankful for.

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Ok, ladies, I need to confront you about something serious.  Because I have been seeing you in the grocery store and the mall playplace and even for goodness' sake at CHURCH, and some of you are wearing very. ugly. shoes. And from this moment on, you cannot claim ignorance, because I am telling you that one of the Sacred Commandments of Frump-Fighting is Thou Shalt Not Wear Ugly Shoes. And in case you were going to try this one next, another Commandment is Thous Shalt Not Wear Thy Slippers Out of the House.

I KNOW your vintage 1994 Birkenstocks are comfortable, girlfriends, but they are UGLY.  And they are not doing much for your appearance!

I have really flat feet, and most "regular" shoes hurt my feet.  But I have found some VERY fashionable, affordable options that are also very cute!  Mainly, Crocs and TOMS.  I always get comments when I wear these babies out:

My cashier at Kroger LOVED them the other day.  And frankly, they added a lot to my jeans-and-sweatshirt.  They let all the people at Kroger know I was a Frump Fighter!

I also get a lot of compliments on these Crocs:

They are the epitome of comfort and style!  A plain black tee, a pair of dark jeans and these shoes make a very chic outfit to run around in all day!

So ladies, now you know.  Throw out your ugly old sandals, your orthopedic-looking Grandma shoes, your Sketchers from 1997, and your comfortable old sneakers.

Get yourself something CUTE that won't hurt your feet, and rock 'em in the kindergarten pick-up line, at the drug store, and on playdates.  You're worth it!

Now it's your turn!  Tell us how YOU fight the frump!  Link up your fashion and beauty posts from this week, and link back to this post.  Mr. Linky (and the world) is waiting – link up!

________________________

Birkenstocks Photo by Kables on Flickr

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Our Family editor, Sarah, shares a special something about her special someone this week.

I recently took an inventory in a weekend long couple's session about "Which is YOUR Love Language?" (Not familiar with The Five Love Languages: How to Express Heartfelt Commitment to Your Mate? Check it out).  I wasn't altogether surprised with the results – giving gifts is one of the top ways to show me love.

Does that mean I expect to see a shiny red convertible in my driveway wrapped up with a big bow? No way – and fortunately, this is something that my husband just seems to "get". Several years ago, he started a holiday tradition that has grown into one of my favorite parts of the year. In the two weeks before Christmas, he kicks off "The Twelve Days of Christmas." The twelve days leading up to Christmas, he gives me a gift each day.

These aren't extravagant gifts by any means. For example, one year on Day Eight he gave me eight cans of Campbell's Tomato Soup because he knows I like it. Other common gifts are beef jerky, gift cards to my favorite coffee place, my favorite cinnamon gum (that's usually day three because it's sold in a three pack!).

None of these things are "break the bank" kind of things – but they mean more to me than those big-ticket items because it shows me that he's paying attention. He knows that I only like white Tic Tacs and that I prefer sugar-free candy canes. He knows a gift card to Target will make me giddy, even if it's just six bucks (Hello Day Six). He knows I like funky socks and the color green.

To me, there's nothing better than to know he pays attention to me. That he knows me and loves me and understands and appreciates my quirks and my preferences. That he has created a tradition that can be difficult sometimes (I know he hates buying me soup every year!), but he knows that I appreciate it and that it makes me feel loved so he keeps on each year. That he's expanded the twelve days to shower our daughters with some pre-Christmas spirit makes me smile as well – nothing more awesome than a good dad, right?

Click HERE to hop over to the Family channel to find out how YOU can shower someone with the Twelve Days of Christmas.

I know y'all have stories to tell! Don't hold out on us. E-mail me at malia@blissfullydometic.com and wow us with tales that prove your husband rocks! Also, be sure to join us today on Twitter as we brag on our guys in a 140 characters or less. Use the #myhusbandrocks hashtag and tweet him right!

Photo Source: Fazen

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