My Sixth Child is a Toshiba Laptop

Or, if you count my surrogate daughters Jordan and Reever, this is actually my EIGHTH child. My sixth child is ...

A Toshiba laptop.

Yep, I put birthday money together with some writing money and made the leap. I'm at McDonald's right now eating fries and informing you of this big event in my life.

In case you haven't figured it out by now, no, I am not pregnant.

Thank you to everyone who gave me birthday money to buy this wonderful material item I have been dreaming of for a long time. No longer am I "chained" to my desk at the house. I can work on articles while I homeschool at the dining room table, outside, or even in bed!

Still no Internet access at home, but at least now I'll be taking my very own computer to Starbuck's to post blogs and submit queries and articles. I am grateful and thrilled.

P.S. I had an amazing birthday ... Aron threw a BIG bash complete with DJ, Mexican catered food and 1970s theme ... I have to post photos of THAT because my husband wore tape-on black chest hair and a 'fro AND rented me my dream car ... a red Mustang convertible ... for the weekend! I love you, babe!

My Wife

Guest Post.  Today is Kerrie's 40th birthday.  She is eternally young to me and is so pretty I love her very much.  Her laugh keeps me young and her smile brightens my day.  She is a beautiful mother to our 5 children and a patient, faithful wife.  She is a blessing to me, to our family and to all who know her.  Happy birthday Kerrie, I hope to have many more wonderful birthdays with you.  I love you.

Kerrie McLoughlin Turns 40 Today

Yup, folks, I'm 40 today. It's also Father's Day! I'll be busy hanging out with my dad and Aron's dad and relaxing because it's my birthday. I don't want anything special for my birthday ... just more of the same great life I've been given. I wouldn't turn down some chocolate, coffee or Chapstick, either.

Have a great day!

Potty Pictures

Yes, I know I am strange. But realize that many other mothers are doing the same exact thing right now: taking pictures of their kid on the potty. It's cute! And she's "reading" while she's doing her business. You can't go wrong with a shot of that! The point is that I love taking pictures ... it's just the getting them in the scrapbooks that is the problem lately! Help!

The Negative Mommy Blogs

I'm sick to death of the negative mommy blogs. You know the ones ... the ones who bitch and gripe about being a mom and how hard it is and how they've lost themselves and all that. Admittedly, there are times when I get that way ... when I'm freshly postpartum or super-pregnant, when I'm nursing all night and have not slept, when my husband and I are in a funk, when my kids Won't. Stop. Arguing.

Don't get me wrong ... I don't love the sappy blogs, either. I'm pretty picky that way.

Anyway, I just want to comment on some of these blogs something like, "Dang, why did you procreate? Did you think it would be simple? Next time your parents say they want grandkids just tell them no. Next time your husband bugs you for another baby, just get your tubes tied." Wait, I forgot, that's not cool. It's much better and more 2011 to TELL your man to get a vasectomy.

I like blogs like ScaryMommy.com where she talks about normal mom stuff like ignoring your kids and how that makes them more self-sufficient. I don't even care if you have your kids in daycare and have to or want to work. Just stop griping about it. That's what your best girlfriends are for.

Now I'm going to comb through my last 3 years of blog posts to erase any negative crap I've posted about my kids. Never mind. I don't have time for that.