I'm OFFICIALLY a "Grown-Up" Blogger!

I've got some EXCITING news to share! I'm officially a "Grown-UP" Blogger!

That's because I've moved to a self hosted format on Wordpress. This was a tough decision for me b/c I love the ease of Blogger, in that I could do the majority of the design work and add widgets with the click of my mouse. However, since I've transitioned from personal blogging to professional blogging it was the next logical step. Especially since I want to OWN the traffic that I drive to my blog. So, I interviewed several designers and found one who was able to code my new blog to look exactly like this one. After all, I want my Millionaire Moms Media followers to recognize me in my new "home"!

This was an important lesson for me as a business woman. You must practice what you preach and clients often asked why I use Blogger but send them to Wordpress. I've also learned about "letting go" of things that someone can do FOR me so that I can focus on what I'm best at--helping people learn to use social media to grow their businesses. If you think you don't have the money to pay someone else, I want you to consider this thought: you either pay in money or time...but you STILL pay!

I am keeping this blog up only to let anyone who crosses this way know that I'm located at www.millionairemomsinc.com I'll see ya there!

Proud Momma!

Well, it's a bitter sweet day for me. My babies are growing up and I have to admit that it's hard to watch sometimes. One of Life's little "secrets" is that time passes FAR too quickly.

Last night, my oldest was in his First Grade Musical: The Cheese Stands Alone. It was all about how it's "cool" to be different and stand up for what you believe in. YAY!

As I sat there in the gym (sweating like a pig!) amongst the other proud parents and grandparents, I wondered how many were really stopping to savor the moment. It won't be too much further in the future that he really WILL need to make some tough choices and I worry every day that I've done enough to help him make the right ones.

So my thought for today is this: Stop right now and take a minute to think about the last time you REALLY appreciated life's journey. And if it takes you LONGER than a minute to think of something, then you've got some work to do!

Here For The Party?? Me too!

I've been hearing the Buzz on the mommy blogosphere about 5 Minutes for Mom's 2009 Ultimate Blog Party. I decided that this year I need to participate because it's about the true meaning of social media--developing relationships.

How does this happen? By getting to know others on the blogosphere.

How do you get to know a group of virtual strangers? By visiting, reading and commenting on other blogs of interest.

It doesn't matter if you're a newbie or a guru, a mom or not. (this year, EVERYONE is welcome!) You can literally let your inner "Rock Star" loose and chances are there's someone at the UBP who will become your groupie! lol...

If you're new to Millionaire Moms Inc, WELCOME! If you'd like to read about me you can get a brief look at my "blood, sweat, and tears" journey in business while juggling it ALL--just like most of you!

I welcome the opportunity to share, to learn, to reach out, to lift up and have a FABULOUS time getting to know you all. Look for my comments on YOUR blogs too! I give LINK LOVE any time that I can!

If you have questions, give a holler! Comments are WELCOMED and reciprocated! (Hint! Hint!)

Throw me Something, Mister!

Just wanted to give you a quick peek at our AWESOME Mardi Gras weekend! Here's a pic with my best boy Jack. Little Tyler wouldn't stand still long enough to pose with me. He was too busy yelling, "Throw me something, Mister!" and dashing around to catch beads! (He caught on REAL quick.) The only sad part was that neither of them remembered how we did this with them when they were even younger! How I miss home some days....

Laisez lais Bon Temps ROULEZ!!!!

OK...for those of you NOT from New Orleans (or familiar with the French language) that means "Let the Good times roll!" It's the classic battle cry during Mardi Gras season in THE City (aka N'awlins!) and I'm so excited to be getting a little taste of "home" here in Texas. Yep...TEXAS Y'all!

My youngest attends a phenomenal private school in the town where we live and our Parents Association does MAJOR fundraising throughout the year to assist with the rising cost of education. Our largest event of the year is known as "Jubilee" and this year's theme is Mardi Gras! It's a night of dinner, dancing, and fun with both silent and live auctions--and I can't wait for Friday night.

It has been exciting to contact those from "back home" and invite them to share in our event via donations for auction as well as sharing with my fellow Texans the history associated with Mardi Gras. Yes, there is MORE to it than drunken displays on Bourbon Street! lol...

I actually felt like I was back in high school a few weeks ago (the GOOD part of high school, that is!) when I went shopping with my mom for a gown to wear to the event. It was SO thrilling to feel like a GIRL again! That was until my mom commented, "I think it's been over 15 years since we did this last!" OUCH!!! :-)

But, I'm not letting AGE get me down! I can't wait to get my hair and make-up done, slip on that black dress and totally knock the SOCKS of my hubby when I walk out! For the first time in a LONG time, I'll get to feel like the most beautiful woman in the world. We moms just don't get enough of that!

I'll post pictures this weekend after the event!

What's something that YOU haven't done in a long while to make yourself feel special?? Do SOMETHING today!

~~Edie

Tuesday Toot!!!

How FUN!!! This is my first "toot", so here goes...
My hubby and I have been reading Dave Ramsey's "Total Money Makeover" together. It's AMAZING and has given us insights into our spending habits. We've been married almost 10 years and this is the FIRST time I can say that we're on the same page as far as our finances go. It's not about how much you earn, but how much you KEEP! So, my toot is that I PASSED UP a cute pair of shoes that I TOTALLY wanted, but did not need! YAY!!!!

It's a quick read and it will change your financial future!

Edie

Laughter Heals the Soul...

Ok...my boys are the CUTEST in the WORLD and I have the story to prove it!

On Saturday, I was totally bummed that my hubby had to go into work overtime on a project which meant that I would be with the boys ALL day by myself...again! That's not to say that I'm not happy to be at home with them, but ALL moms need a break--and I was at my breaking point, if you know what I mean.

Well, I decided that we deserved lunch out so we headed to Wendy's for a treat.

Just to set the stage for what I'm about to say, I have to let you know that YES I'm a country girl and YES I live in Texas and YES I have cowboy boots and YES I've worn them AND a cowboy hat in PUBLIC--and did I mention I drive a Ford Expedition???

Anyway, I was not in the best of moods and decided to throw on a little Hank Williams Jr. Good 'ole Bocephus sure can cure the blues. So, "A Country Boy Can Survive" came on and I cranked it up! During the chorus, however, I noticed that my boys were laughing hysterically in the back seat. Frustrated that they were ruining my "HANK" moment, I turned around and said, "What EXACTLY is so funny?" My 5 year old says, "He said that he can SKIN A BUTT!"

For those of you who AREN'T Hank Williams Jr. Fans, the ACTUAL words are "He can SKIN a BUCK"--as in a MALE deer! I laughed until tears ran down my face and I almost PEED my pants.

Needless to day, my blues were cured and I've got a PRECIOUS memory of sharing my love of Hank with my boys!

**This is part of the 4 Fab Moms Blog Carnival** CLICK HERE TO READ MORE

Perspective...

Perspective is an amazing thing. Some say the glass is half empty, others that it is half full. In my journey of being a WAHM, I've seen so much potential go to waste simply due to perspective--or LACK of perspective. I do not know who wrote the story below, but I though it fitting to share.

THE WINDOW...

Two men, both seriously ill, occupied the same hospital room. One man was allowed to sit up in his bed for an hour each afternoon to help drain the fluid from his lungs. His bed was next to the room's only window. The other man had to spend all his time flat on his back.

The men talked for hours on end. They spoke of their wives and families, their homes, their jobs, their involvement in the military service, where they had been on vacation. Every afternoon when the man in the bed by the window could sit up, he would pass the time by describing to his roommate all the things he could see outside the window.

The man in the other bed began to live for those one hour periods where his world would be broadened and enlivened by all the activity and color of the world outside. The window overlooked a park with a lovely lake. Ducks and swans played on the water while children sailed their model boats. Young lovers walked arm in arm amidst flowers of every color and a fine view of the city skyline could be seen in the distance. As the man by the window described all this in exquisite detail, the man on the other side of the room would close his eyes and imagine the picturesque scene.

One warm afternoon the man by the window described a parade passing by. Although the other man couldn't hear the band - he could see it. In his mind's eye as the gentleman by the window portrayed it with descriptive words. Days and weeks passed.

One morning, the day nurse arrived to bring water for their baths only to find the lifeless body of the man by the window, who had died peacefully in his sleep. She was saddened and called the hospital attendants to take the body away.

As soon as it seemed appropriate, the other man asked if he could be moved next to the window. The nurse was happy to make the switch, and after making sure he was comfortable, she left him alone.

Slowly, painfully, he propped himself up on one elbow to take his first look at the real world outside. He strained to slowly turn to look out the window beside the bed. It faced a blank wall.

The man asked the nurse what could have compelled his deceased roommate who had described such wonderful things outside this window. The nurse responded that the man was blind and could not even see the wall. She said, "Perhaps he just wanted to encourage you."

Epilogue: There is tremendous happiness in making others happy, despite our own situations. Shared grief is half the sorrow, but happiness when shared, is doubled.

If you want to feel rich, just count all the things you have that money can't buy. Simply put: CHANGE your perspective and you CHANGE the world!

Out of the Mouth of Babes...

The good Lord blessed me with boys and some days I have to admit that I question his judgement on this...but NOT today.

It's raining here in Texas and my boys haven't been able to play outside. Having a flare for dramatics and extremely vivid imaginations (don't know WHO they get it from?lol) they have been upstairs building a city. They've been at it for several hours now and I have to admit it's one of the finest toy cities I've ever seen.

Anyway, I'm sitting here in my home office with the door open and I overhear the SWEETEST thing. My 5 year old, Jack, who was pretending to be a truck driver suddenly tells his little brother, "Ok. Let's park these trucks now. We get to work from home so we can be with our kids!" Priceless!

I'm instilling in him at this age how important family is. I'm also able to teach him to DREAM. Somehow, I think we've forgotten how to do that.

So, the next time I'm having one of those days (and we ALL do), I'll think back to his sweet words knowing that EVERY sacrifice made to have achieved the dream of being a SUCCESSFUL WAHM has been worth it! Out of the mouth of babes, right??

Thank you GOD for giving me this precious gift!