Am I Exposing My Child?

Being both a proud mommy......and mommy blogger, as well as a mompreneur....I have in the last year begun to share my life as a woman, wife and mother to the rest of the world....both to the good....and unfortunately to the bad as well.

The other day, I was privy to a fellow mom/etsy seller who had recently found photos that she had taken of her daughter for her website, in amongst porn photographs on a particular website. Rightly so, she was extremely mortified and angry. That an unknown person, would blatently take photos of her child (without her permission) and use them in a potentially sick and perverted way.

I have to admit....it has made me question my decision to put pictures of my child and family on the web, when potentially these photos could be used for purposes that I am not privy to, nor would I be approving of should I know.

Since having this debate re-brought to my attention the other day...I have thought about, discussed and rediscussed the pros and cons....the reasons for and against.....and have come to my version of a conclusion....which I am allowing myself to change at ANY time!

I have decided to (even with the potential threat) continue adding photos of my family within my blog and my etsy site. I feel that at this time, the visual impact that these photos have is still more positive than negative and have been very fortunate NOT to have my photos pilfered.

To help aid me, I was fortunate to come across a company called Tynt Insight, which will help me monitor who is copying any of my photos on this blog! It provides you with a direct link to any text/image that is copied...and how many times it is copied.

This way, I will feel more in control of any potential situations.

I have in the meantime...removed any photos on posts that even though I feel they are innocent and adorable (naked butt shots)....unfortunately others may find value in.

I whole heartedly feel at this point that I have and will continue to take steps that will insure my childs safety....with some level of anonymity.....

Another debate topic....

HOW much of yourself should you share with your readership? There are some that have exposed the town in which they live...their first and last names....etc etc....

There are also those blogging mamas where EVERYTHING is private....and not even a photo is uploaded.

I would love all insights....where do you stand on both putting pictures of your children on the web/and your level of anonymity with regards to your blog?

There Comes A Time In Every Mommy Bloggers Life...

When she has NOTHING to write about. And I mean, nothing of blogging importance...that all my devoted, fabulous friends would really jump at the chance to read about. I have loads of inconsequential things I could write about if the need really arises....

I could delve into the fact that my husband has yet to learn how to be quiet while exiting the house for a 6:00 am shift...which in turn makes MY day begin when his does....NOT in our contract...I specifically remember that we agreed Pooh and I don't rise before 7 AM....

I could sprout prose about my darling son's explosive doo-doo in Target...and dummy me with only 1 wipe left in the case....and I TOTALLy respect Targets aim to save trees by eliminating paper towel dispensers...but the hot air dryer was sooo not going to get me out of this poopy mess! Luckily I was able to maneuver myself into a stall (poopy butt in tow) to grab some t.p. and we went from there...I was not prepared to give my son the 1-ply/ 2-ply talk this soon...but then again sometimes life throws you an explosive Poo!





I could touch on the fact that I have offically or unoffically been boycotting self maintence for the last week....which last night I finally realized when my husband asked if I was becoming a hippie....(no I'm just trying to keep my legs warm)....So this morning....during my mommy break time....I will be doing a full overhaul on my person....


See? Really nothing of great importance has occured that would make great blogging fodder.....wait....I guess the poop thing was really funny....


If I was to say, I think the coolest thing to happen In Project Mommyhood this week has to be watching my son learn how FABULOUS and EXCITING jumping in gi-normous puddles can be in the rain....

It's actually amusing really, especially as I have a friend (we'll call her K). Friend K, is the mom that will not, under any circumstances allow her child to become dirty. She follows her child around with a wet wipe in one hand and a bissel hand vac in the other. Messy crafts are totally off limits....and if this child EVER sees a paint set, it will be a cold day in Tahiti. Luckily the times we do get together for a play date, the event is mostly devoid of any potential mess makers. How we are friends, sometimes I have no idea, as MESS is my middle name, next Chaos, and HASMAT.

So when she called yesterday afternoon to see what we were doing on this wet, rainy and dreary Mid Atlantic Day. I think I could actually see her lip curl in appalled silence on the phone when I told her I was teaching Pooh the right way to jump in puddles....(it's the two footed approach that gives you more bang for your buck)

It had to be one of the shortest conversations I've ever had on the phone. I think she was actually afraid that some of the mudpuddle would somehow jump through the cell phone and find it's way to her overly clean child.

It is SO my goal to bring K over to the dark side....the day her child is covered in something akin to kid-dirt...will be a small step for her....and one giant leap for all Mom-kind!

So I guess, after looking back over this post....I really did have some things to say....May not be award winning by any means....but I know I got a good giggle again.....

I need writing blocks more often....

Happy Veterns Day!

Through the feel of war they brave this day
How proud they stand, their unselfish way

Our soldiers bear what we cannot see
They assure our right to live life free

Each trained will face an unknown fate
Our support they need, don’t hesitate

Just imagine how this land would be
Without their courage - catastrophe

All the liberties we have grown to know
Would not exist, this life would go

Find a thankfulness within your mind
Speak gratitude for our bravest kind

Have the willingness to show you care
For fallen heroes, hold back no tear

Reach out to God with his guiding light
For our troops do pray, both day and night

America raise your flags to wave
For we truly are 'home of the brave'

~ J Robicheau

My Thoughts and Prayers and Thanks go out today to all those Men and Women who fight to help keep us free and safe!

And a Special Thank You to my Husband. I am so proud everyday of the job you do, and just know, Every time you are far away, in an unforgiving place,

will ALWAYS be here waiting for you to come home!

A Unique and Special Holiday Gift!

Now that Halloween is past...the skunk costume has been washed and put away....Our Jack-o-lantern was spared a smashing on the street by rowdy children...only to get a more ceremonial depositing in the trashbin....

Thanksgiving is 3 Weeks away.....but even with thoughts of Candied Yams and Maple Glazed Turkey dancing through my head....I also am jumping further into the holiday season by delving into the ever expansive Christmas Shopping List!

Dum Dum Dum......

This Season....my goal is to A) not wait until Dec 21st to get my final gifts bought B) Stick within our pre-set financial budget and C) make the gifts this year thoughtful and special!

Well this morning I can say I've accomplished all three....and gotten my parents and my husbands parents done and done! (thank goodness they don't read this blog)

Being an Etsy Seller....I am also an AVID Etsy Shopper...especially late at night.....when everyone else is sleeping....I my esteemed opinion...it really is THE place to get your holiday shopping done....I can find anything and everything...and event things I didn't know I wanted or needed...but do!

Over the summer I tagged a great shop called Erin Jane Shop. Erin McNulty makes adorable illustrations and prints that are fun, whimsical and unique. I absolutely ADORE her custom family tree prints....they are fantastic....

So imagine my surprise as I'm perusing my October issue of Better Homes and Gardens...when I notice a shout out to her shop! Fantastic.....now I really need to put a jump on it before the rest of the world gets wind of my special find....

So Today I ordered Two Family Trees....I am so thrilled as I know how much our families will LOVE these....They are truly a one of a kind...!

So if you are looking for a special and unique gift idea that is easy on the wallet...but big on heart...this is it!

The View Looking down...and the View Looking Up!

Are Both fantastic views if you ask me....


Hanging with Mr Noie the other afternoon....on a bright, warm autumn afternoon....I was so glad I brought the camera for a mini photoshoot.....



Looking Down at Mr Noie....I feel like my whole world revolves around this one little cutie-patootie till he tooties package......

Then....while getting into my naturalist self (sans-naked)....and while taking a picture and hugging a tree simultaneously....Your view completely changes....



Looking up at this tree....that is older than me...older than my parents, grandparents...and probably Willard Scott...It makes me realize how small I really am.....and how REALLY small Mr Noie is....



I love those days....where you come away with some good perspective.....

And what else gives me great perspective? MY 10 FAVE Blogs of the Week.....



Mom Squad Blog

It Ain't Easy Being Cheesy

Show My Face

3 Bedroom Bungalow

2 Brits, 2 Yanks and 2 Dogs

SugarPie Farmhouse

Carolyn...Online

I'm Living Proof That God Has a Sense of Humor

Baby Bangs

The Life and Times of Mommy

I am So Excited! I've Been Awarded

I have to say, I've been a horrible Bloggy Buddy Lately....I blame it solely on halloween candy overdoses on an almost daily basis, that has made me remiss in being active in bloggy duties....

Which makes me even more Humbled and Honored to have received a Fabulous Bloggy Award from Two Fabulous and Amazing Bloggers


I Received the Your Blog is Beutiful/Best Blog Award! This is always one of my favorites....because it is given with heart and sincerity!

Though the "your blog is one hot mama" award is pretty freaking cool too!


Leigh Vs. Laundry and Simply Me are TWO must read blogs, and I'm so excited that they have chosen to bestow their awards upon me!

Now I have to pick some other amazing bloggy friends to pass these on to....and I have to say, that is soooo hard!

Here Goes!


Headaches,Hormones and HotFlashes

Trying Our Best

I've Changed My Name to Mommy

LouLou's Views

S Club 4

Mama Notes

When Heather Met Blog

Baby Making Machine

Be Serious

Sippy Cup Chardonney

These Fabulous Bloggers....are so deserving of these and Many Many More!

A Fabulous Surprise Giveaway : Your Secret Stork DiaperBag

I hope you will remember my review post a week ago, that focused on a super cool, totally unique Company Called Your Secret Stork. There mission is to create a special and custom gifting experience for a new mommy to be...by allowing you as the gifter to anonymously send a special gift once a month, before having your final gift be your big reveal. You can choose from 3 to 6 month packages that range from $45 to $90. Very reasonable and very special. As I mentioned before, how fabulous for a second, third or fourth pregnancy, when there most likely won't be a shower.

I can't help saying again how impressed I am with their concept, and the feedback I've gotten from so many happy customers...A perfect way to celebrate an upcoming addition to a family!

Well, let me tell you, not only do they help gift new mommies with fabulous swag, but they want to gift YOU one of my readers with a super chic Black and White Paisley Monogrammed Diaper Bag!

Choose from two styles, one with a black handle or a Fabulous Funky Pink Handle! You also will be able to get it monogrammed for you, or as a gift!

To Enter

Mandatory Entry:

Visit Your Secret Stork and tell Me another item you would LOVE to gift a mommy to be with!

Extra Entries

1. Follow Project Mommyhood

2. Follow Me on Twitter and Tweet This Giveaway (leave link in comment)

3. Blog this Giveaway and link to Your Secret Stork (leave link to post in comment)

4. Buy a Your Secret Stork Gifting Package and Get 5 Entries!

Contest is open to US residents only. Contest runs from Nov 2 until Nov 16 @ 11:59 pm PST

Winner has 48 hours to respond with Address before another winner is chosen!

Halloween with My Little Stinker

Once there was a stink bug that marched up to a skunk
He said inch per inch I’ve got more stench even though I’m much more shrunk

You prance around with so much pride at the damage you can do
You lift your tail and free a smell that could turn a red rose blue

Just because you’re bigger doesn’t mean your better
Just because I’m lighter doesn’t mean I’m just a feather

one little distant thunder doesn’t always mean bad weather
Your bark is much worse than your bite just like an Irish Setter

The skunk said my little friend those are such strong words
I think you’ll find in a short time that they were absurd

I would bet you’ve never yet been blasted by a skunk
If you had you’d know how bad and long you would have stunk

The stink bug said go ahead and spray me your worst
The skunk turned around, ready to astound, and gave a mighty burst

The stink bug laughed and then he asked “Is that the worst you’ve got?”
When they were giving noses out with stink bugs they forgot