PENSIEVE

"Wow" DOES sum it up!

Shannon doesn't just have rocks in her dryer, she's got rocks in her head!  She's teaming up with WOWonline.com to give away 20--yes, twenty!-17-CD boxed sets to a bunch of lucky bloggers.  I really wanna tell you NOT to enter the contest so as to increase my chances, but how can I do that?  I'd be almost as thrilled if you won...a l m o s t ;).

Of the 17 CDs, only about 17 are some of my favorite Christian artists, so, man-oh-man-oh-man...THIS, im-EVER-SO-ho, is a FANTABULOUS prize pack!  You know I'm a Steven Curtis Chapman and Casting Crowns fan...but Barlow Girl, Chris Tomlin, Skillet?--heck ALL of 'em are on my iPod!   

You can tell I'm excited (and crossing my fingers, toes and eyeballs, while rubbing all 24 of the rabbits' feet in our house, throwing salt over my shoulder for good measure) by the sheer over-use of exclamation points in this post!  Here--!!!!!--a few more might be a good indication! :)

Of course, it's actually 18-cds, 'cause the winners will receive a copy of WOW Hits 1, too!   (Follow the link to WOWonline and you can listen to and watch videos for included artists.)

* * * * * * * * * *

Unrelated, but equally exciting, check out the news about another of my new favorites, Matt Maher.  Seems his "Your Grace is Enough" has soared to #4 on the Billboard charts AND his music is headed to outer space!   V e d d y interesting this happens shortly after I write about him...veddy interesing, indeed ;).

If you don't already know this stuff, you should...! ($10,000 in giveaways)

[1]  Here'sToGoodWomen.com wants to know about your favorite mom and they're dangling a $200 shopping spree for one lucky contributor.   They might just include your thoughts in a feature on Mother's Day, "Good Women, Great Moms", but hurry to get your submission in (click the link for additional instructions). 

[2]  Blogged-in is a new site whose goal is to promote family-friendliness in the blogosphere.  In order to build their readership, they're giving away a $100 Target giftcard.  There are four ways to enter between now and the end of the month so click their link and get busy!

[3]  5 Minutes for Mom is hosting a week of Mother's Day giveaways ranging from a Kodak ESP 3 All-in-One Printer to one of ten SanDisk Cruzer® Gator USB Flash Drive.  Be sure to check out their site for the complete listing, new giveaways added daily :).   

[4]  The 5 Minute Moms must not be getting ANY sleep as they wind down "Two weeks of Toys".  WEDNESDAY is the last day, so click this right away to find out the skinny!  I can tell ya this much, they're giving away duplicates of many of the toys and all age groups are covered (in other words, you stand a decent chance of walkin' away with a prize!) :).

Wanna try something new?

If you write a post for Friday's 40-or-less Photo Challenge (and I really hope you're planning to), you're eligible for a drawing to receive a sample of Brothers-ALL-Natural Potato or Fruit Crisps.  Their marketing reps contacted me to see if I was interested in trying them, and when they offered extras for readers, OF COURSE I said "sure".  Only a few people have committed to FFPC, so you stand a good chance of winning one of the three sample packs. 

Brothers-ALL-Natural Crisps are a healthy alternative for snacking, and I wish they had been around when my children were younger.  The Fruit Crisps are freeze-dried with no added sugar or preservatives; the Potato Crisps have no added oils or preservatives, but they have a lot of flavor, seasoned with spices and sea salt. 

My daughter joined me in a taste test.  Our reaction?  Mixed.  Although the Black Pepper and Sea Salt Potato Crisps were more flavorful, we both preferred the Original with Sea Salt.  You can taste the freshness.  For the Fruit Crisp, she liked one of their newest flavors--White & Yellow Peach--best.  I liked the Fuji Apple. 

This is the first time I recall trying freeze-dried ANYTHING--and keepin' it real, I've gotta admit it's an acquired taste (the texture is different, too).  That being said, how can you argue with 35 calories in a serving of Brothers-ALL-Natural Potato Crisps compared to 150 calories in a serving of Lay's Classic Potato Chips?  And NO fat compared to 10 grams?  The Fruit Crisps are fat-free, too.  I would much rather my children snack on these than the junk I've allowed for years.  It's wild to think had I started when they were younger, greasy fried chips would be the "acquired taste".

Among other grocers, you can find Brothers All Natural snacks at Costco and Whole Foods or order online anytime. 

What perfect timing for them to make contact :).

Waxing poetic...about SPRING CLEANING?!!!?

An Ode to Spring Cleaning

I have really been a' meanin'
To begin some fresh Spring cleanin'
But there's always somethin' else I'd rather do.

But, the house, she's just a' callin'
Cause the windows, they're appalling!
Kitchen walls, splattered with a sticky goo!

Name in dust, my fingers tracin'
And my heart is really racin'--
Cobwebs filling all the corners of each room.

Oh, the baseboards are so dirty!
Grimy bathtubs, it's not purty--
Where's the mop?  Grab a rag!  I need the broom!

Counters filled with paper fountains
Stinky socks build laundry mountains
Mile-long list of things to do, I think I'm drowning!

Wash the dog or wash the car?
Who needs it worse?  The dog by far!
Sees the soap and runs away, so know I'm frowning.

Self-cleaning oven, praise the Lord!
A frenzied mother's sweet reward!
Start the vacuum 'cause the carpet is repulsive.

Now it's time to stop my stallin'
Cause the house is still a' calling,
Oh, I wish I were obsessive or compulsive.

Yes, it's time to walk away
From my blog, just for the day.
If I'm ever going to whittle through my list.

When it's done, I'll be so happy.
I'll probably write a post so sappy.
Posting pictures, if it's clean, I can't resist!

~ Robin @ PENSIEVE

Karisma and Kids is hosting a Spring cleaning poetry competition, and I couldn't resist!  Once I started, can you tell how much FUN I had with this?  I might not win her contest, but no worries--this time, it was pure delight to try :).  She's still looking for submissions, why don't YOU give it a go??

Multi-tasking like a mother

Like every mama, I have hundreds of beautiful staged photographs of my children, that to me could earn them modeling contracts at the local kids clothing store. 

This isn't one of them...it's not even a "good" picture.  In fact, on a number of levels it could be downright embarrassing.

 

Instead of its flaws, though, I see a moment in time that captures the essence of motherhood more perfectly than any other photograph I own. 

It's hard to remember these days, but back "then" I was always doing AT LEAST four things at once.  It might look like I'm only nursing a baby and potty training a toddler, but I had dinner in the oven and loads of laundry in the washer AND dryer.  The eyes in the back of my head were off duty.

While I was training my daughter in The Way She Should GO, while my baby boy was--God love him--transferring my pregnancy fat to rolls on his thighs, I was doing what every young mom does:  whatever it took to survive the day...sometimes the moment.  I'm living testimony to the mantra "this too shall pass" (thankfully, sometimes that goes for the "bad", and with a twinge of regret, sometimes the "good").

What I know for certain is cat-and-knife juggling is easy compared to parenthood.

Now, with two teens and a tween, they don't trip on my toes so often...they step on my heart....

Sponsored by Egg Beaters, 5 Minutes for Mom is giving away $1,000 to one lucky person whose photo submission best describes motherhood.  Check out their site for more information!

And the giveaways go to...

During last week's Bloggy Giveaway carnival, I'm so thankful early on I stumbled across a blog that asked readers to "do" something in comments.  That prompted me to ask readers to share favorite quotes and words of inspiration, tell how we were similar and different, and consider graduation and wedding gift suggestions.  Though the credit lies elsewhere, it was a stroke of genius; reading comments was delightful and I got some fabulous ideas.  THANKS, again, to all of you who participated (and to new subscribers, I'm so glad you're back!)!!

With that in mind, I wish I had hundreds of giveaways, ESPECIALLY for you guys who commented daily!  Your enthusiasm, humor and thoughtfulness made plowing through almost 900 comments a joy (and it gives me new appreciation for the task Ree has in choosing caption winners!). 

Here's the listing of giveaway recipients and their winning comments (personal emails to follow but if you see this first, go ahead and send your snail mail to me:) ).

Starbucks Giftcard
Dawn, My Sweet Home #4
Am I really so hopelessly out of it that I've missed this new giveaway. Thanks for rescuing me from total oblivion.

Amethyst Ring
Sarah, Genesis Moments #155

This ring is soooo lovely. Great giveaway (even though Starbucks sounds good too!) This passage has been very inspirational to me this week: (Can you tell I'm tired) Isaiah 40:28-31 "28. Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. 29. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. 30. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; 31. but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."

Books

Inheritor of Heaven, Once Dead, Now Alive, #119 Michael Card's "The Parable of Joy"
Shalee, Shalee's Diner, #22, "Five People You Meet in Heaven"
Cathy T, #30, "Five Love Languages"

Quilted Duffel, Purse Organizer, Decorative Folders
Bonita, Streams of Living Water, #66

I have a chickenpox scar beside my nose and I had totally forgotten about it until I saw you had a scar on your face as well. You don't know how much I've been longing for some little bags to put in my purse ever since I read that post (a while back) about the idea of organizing your purse that way. Thanks for offering a great giveaway!

Target Gift Card
Wendy, The Adventures of Momlady, #105

Okay, aside from the shot of your feet (I'm assuming they're yours, yes?) in front of the ocean (which is the best place in the world for feet to be), I very much like the colored light pictures on your WW post. So glad I found your blog. Looking forward to non-carnival fun with you next week. :)

Stick a fork in me...I'm done....:)

While it's been a rush having blog traffic hit all-time highs at PENSIEVE...and I'm thrilled to have crossed paths with so many new interpeeps (bloggers and blog readers) I'm tired and I'm ready for a nap. 

Before I draw the shades and turn down the covers (why does that make me think of Amelia Bedelia suddenly??), let's take care of some bidness:

[1]  THANKS to all my new subscribers!  You've warmed the cockles of my heart, even if I'm not sure what a heart cockle is.
[2]  Next week, I'll get back to WRITING and not just posting a thousand photos and giveaway posts.
[3]  To all my previous subscribers and subscribees--I miss you.   A lot.  I hope YOU don't have a fork stuck in you, done with me (huh?). 
[4]  You're all invited back next week for the debut of Pensieve's Photo 40 Challenge.  There will be prizes awarded and I'll write a post to explain the "whys and what nots" early next week (it's gonna be FUN, y'all!!!!!) 

TODAY'S FINAL GIVEAWAY is a $15 Target giftcard.  To be eligible for this drawing, I'm giving you a choice of what to do--

Any of the previous eligibility requirements from this week--

• Reading my 100 Things listing and telling me how we're alike or different
• Sharing your favorite words of inspiration
• Scrolling my main page and telling me your favorite photo

If you've done all that ALREADY, could you PLEASE give me some high school graduation gift ideas (boys and girls) and wedding gift ideas?  Or...please visit the sponsors on this page (you're on your honor on that one--I won't be tracking it and I completely trust you ;) ) OR enter my "friend" Paula's contest for an all-expenses paid trip to New York City (and let her know I sentcha).

And if you've done all that?  And already subscribed to PENSIEVE???  For goodness sakes, tell ME you're done with a fork stuck in you!!!

Be sure to check out the Bloggy Giveaways main page for last minutes additions!  And remember, ALL FIVE of my giveaways are open til midnight tonight, drawing to take place by Sunday at midnight.

Giveaway #1:  Starbucks giftcard
Giveaway #2:  Amethyst & marcasite silver ring
Giveaway #3:  Your choice of a book--THREE winners!!
Giveaway #4:  Quilted duffel and "organizational helps

 

Baggage & then some ~ Giveaway #4

This giveaway will make MUCH more sense if you read what prompted me to give it.

When it comes to keeping organized, pretty accessories make a difference, yes?  One lucky commenter will win a dozen colorful file folders, a small zippered bag to begin your own purse organization, and just for kicks--having NOTHING to do with organization--a large, obnoxiously pink and green quilted duffel bag.  I'd love to tell you it's Vera Bradley, but the truth is, it's a Vera Bradley wannabe...;)

All YOU have to do to be eligible is read my list of 100 Things and tell me something we share in common or how we're polar opposites (as an FYI, this idea originated from comments :)!).

If you haven't already, please feel free to enter previous days' giveaways :) and check out the main Bloggy Giveaways page for THOUSANDS of dollars in prizes just waiting to be won!

Giveaway #1:  Starbucks giftcard
Giveaway #2:  Amethyst & marcasite silver ring
Giveaway #3:  Your choice of a book--THREE winners!!
 

Have you entered Paula Deen's contest to win
an all-expenses paid trip to New York City yet?
Be sure to let them know PENSIEVE sentcha  :).

Books, not worms - Giveaway #3

Day three of giveaways is for the bibliophiles stopping by.  Simply leave me a GREAT Summer-read recommendation in comments.  New releases, favorite classics--what book MUST I read while lounging beach-side in a few weeks?   Three names will be drawn from the pile of books pictured below, so be sure to let me know which title you'd like in addition to your book recommendation.

On a related note, if you haven't yet completed the book meme, it's a fun post to consider (let me know if you do it).

{Click the pic to embiggen}

Comments are open for all PENSIEVE giveaways until Friday at mid-night.  Due to shipping costs, today's giveaway is restricted to mailing addresses within the U.S.  (Sorry internationals!) 

If you haven't already, please feel free to enter previous days' giveaways :).

Giveaway #1:  Starbucks giftcard
Giveaway #2:  Amethyst & marcasite silver ring

Have you entered Paula Deen's contest to win
an all-expenses paid trip to New York City yet?
Be sure to let them know Robin @ PENSIEVE sentcha over :).

Giveaway #2

Today's giveaway is an amethyst and marcasite silver ring.

To be qualified for the drawing, in comments, jump through one of three hoops: a)  share with me one of your favorite inspirational quotations, b) share your favorite passage (or verse) in Scripture, or c) scroll my page and tell me your favorite photograph. 

If it's clear you didn't read the above, your entry will be ineligible (please don't make me be a tough guy!!). Open to bloggers and non-bloggers in the U.S. & Canada.  Comments close on Friday @ midnight and drawing will take place over the weekend.  Thanks, y'all!

Have you entered Paula Deen's contest to win an all-expenses paid trip to New York City yet?  Be sure to let them know Robin @ PENSIEVE sentcha over :).  Also, check out Bloggy Giveaways for thousands of dollars in prizes just waiting to be won!

Be sure to enter every day this week!
Giveaway #1:  Starbucks giftcard