This Thanksgiving we spent it at home..just the 4 of us. I made a scaled down traditional turkey day feast, which the boys ate none of. They had tatertots and apples…*sigh*, I try. It was a really good day together. Really good. After we ate, we took the boys to some train tracks (trains are all the rage right now). This would be my second attempt at a Christmas card photo. This time I didn’t even try to get my husband or I in the picture. Why is it that my children are the hardest to photog... Read Full Story

I have really been enjoying teaching myself how to use Photoshop, and how to combine it with digital scrapbooking elements, to redesign my blog. So check out my new Christmas design, and watch it even snows! It may take a few seconds to load the snow. To add snow to your blog go here, and follow the directions (really easy just click on the button and it adds a page element to your blog for you!) I added a Facebook badge to the left, in case you are on there and want to friend me. Also I desi... Read Full Story

Instead of making a Thanksgiving list of all the things I am thankful for that would be the usual list of family, friends, roof over my head, blah, blah, blah. Boring. You know, and I know I am thankful for those things. I know you are thankful for those things. But what about the little things? The little objects in our lives that make our lives easier, or more enjoyable? What 5 little things are you most thankful for? Here are mine. 1.  one is easy….. I am thankful for disposable dia... Read Full Story

Let me preface this post by saying, I never thought I would be sharing what it is like to live with bipolar disorder. I feared people would misconstrue my words and wrongfully judge me. I have found the complete opposite to be true. You all have been so supportive. And I now realize so many of you are learning what it is like to live with this disorder, as it affects so many of you directly or indirectly. I just wanted to say thank you for your encouragement. It has helped me to continue ... Read Full Story

  Dear sweet Robin is still running this special, go check it out. I can’t say enough about how much I love my necklace. I am not even sure how Robin stumbled upon me, but I am glad she did! Robin is an amazing jeweler who makes beautiful personalized jewelry with fingerprints! She offered to make me a piece of jewelry, and of course I took her up on it, and its a really cool process. First she ships you a little kit like this, so you can make your fingerprint impressions. You take t... Read Full Story

So on a whim I decided to have my hair dyed brown. I have been a blonde my whole life, and have always wanted to try it. So I went from this….. to this! It wasn’t supposed to be reddish like it is. Apparently my hair picks up red tones very easily, she even re-dyed it to try and make it more brown. She told me I could go back free of charge to make it darker…so should I, or should I keep the auburn?? Read Full Story

Hello Manic Mother readers! My name is Connie and I blog at The Young and The Relentless. Beth and I share a love of Martha Stewart, crafting and baking. It's the glue that bonds our friendship although we've never met in person. Beth is one of the people on my list of *must meet bloggers* and I can't wait to make that a reality someday. I'm inspired by her craftiness, her strength and her humor. I'm happy that I was able to give her a day off. I hope you enjoy the vlog I prepared for you t... Read Full Story

In holiday seasons of the past, I have always felt this inane need to make them an extravagant affair. One of the life lessons cancer has taught me, is that it truly isn’t about the extravagance. Rather, it is about the little items we love, and those moments that make up an ingrained memory. Like dancing in the kitchen with the boys. Kissing sweet boys bald warm head. Lazy mornings, complete with little boy cuddles. Watching your husband flourish as a father. Sunsets. Bubbles. Bubble ba... Read Full Story

Watching Glee, last night made me think….. If you could sing any song effortlessly, which song would you sing? My Answer: I would sing Alone, by Heart. Yes, I love the 80’s. Every time that song comes up on my MP3 player I belt it out, despite my lack of singing skills. Your turn! Leave your answer in the comments, or do TPT on your blog, use my question or one of your own, you can find the button in my sidebar. You know you want to post a youtube video of your favorite song! Read Full Story

  My manic depression ebbs and flows like the tides. I have been without medication for one week now, it will be another two weeks, before I am able to be seen and get my prescriptions. This happens every now and then, calendar pages turn, and appointments go unnoticed. I am too occupied tending to the health needs of everyone else, and in the process I neglect my own. And so, the manic tide discreetly tiptoes upon me. It flows so gently, that its hard to sense its approach. It starts o... Read Full Story