For the last three months I’ve been working with a marketing company and have been providing daily content and management for clients on their social media platforms (Facebook and Twitter). I was working part-time and piecing together other side jobs to make sure my budget was taken care of each month.

Last week I interviewed for a different company that was looking for someone to take over as Social Media Manager. I spent two days ahead of the interview in anxiety over the thought of trying to take on a full-time position, over the thought of a “real” job which can lead into a career, over my experience and knowledge, over my kids…I went to the interview and was invited to come back to meet clients at a monthly luncheon the next day. Then I was asked back to be made an offer and finally I was asked when I could start. That start day was yesterday. Again with the anxiety!

The day was more than fine. I spent it with the company’s current Social Media Manager, who is getting ready to leave on Maternity Leave (exciting!). We will get to work together for the next couple of weeks and then I’ll be on my own. The day brought me several realizations about what I truly do know and what I’m capable of. It also made me realize that I’ve NEVER sat at a desk for hours on end. I have to admit that by 11am I was antsy as could be. I’ll figure that out as time goes on. I am able to take my lunch around my kids getting out of school, so I am able to pick them up and get them home and then go back to finish the day. Then I’m home for the dinner/homework/bedtime routine. I count myself as a lucky girl! I haven’t quite figured out the summer yet, but that will come. It has to!

In a very short period of time I’ve gone from stay-at-home mom to writer/blogger to single mom who has been piecing bits of work together (blogging, office assisting, selling Silpada, working races) to working for a marketing company to provide daily content and working from home, to this! What a journey! I don’t know where this part of my journey will lead, but I know it’s going to be good. How can it not be?!

Into the future I go!

Doing the Dance of the Children With All My Hats in Hand~

This month’s Placer Business Tweetup is being held at Mas Cocina Mexicana, a local mexican food restaurant with a menu full of homestyle cooking. Not only will chips and salsa be brought to your table, but warm bean and queso dip automatically accompanies.

We ordered the fresh guacamole to add to the chip ensemble and I have to admit that I didn’t have much room left to order more. But when I saw the chalk board by the bar that announced a FREE VIP quesadilla when you check in on Facebook, I couldn’t resist. Mas gained a new fan on their Facebook page and this girl was treated to a delicious quesadilla full of carnitas and veggies.

You can bet that fresh guacamole and warm bean dip topped the quesadilla perfectly! Let’s be honest, what Mexican Restaurant experience would be complete without a margarita? We sampled their top shelf margarita and if you’re looking for a drink with a punch, that’s the one to order.

For the Tweetup we will be gathering on the back patio area and there will be a set offering of food and drink specials, but lingering after or trying the restaurant out beforehand is recommended.

The Placer Business Tweetup meets once a month (usually on the 3rd Tuesday) at a different, local venue and is THE gathering for meeting like-minded members of our local, business community. Networking in a relaxed and friendly environment, while supporting our local businesses and restaurants is what brings each of these great people back, month after month and is what brings new business owners and entrepreneurs to check out the group.

The  Tweetup is a FREE event, but to register, you need to click here and then head over to the Facebook page and add your “like” to the growing community of fans.

Placer Business Tweetup and Mas Cocina Mexicana…La Combinacion Perfecta!

We spent a total of $5 at the event, but the kids came away with balloons, stuffed animals, tickets and passes to Dave and Buster’s, free water bottles, a few pieces of candy each and the desire to go back next week! We are looking forward to experiencing the fun of the kids’ zone where there are pony rides and bounce houses to be explored. And you better believe that we each have our own list of what vendors’ foods we want to sample. On top of all of that, I’m looking forward to heading down there on a Tuesday without the kiddos, where I can sit for awhile in the margarita garden, enjoy the live music and then walk into The Place for a fabulous dinner. Good Stuff to look forward to!

Everyone we saw was having a good time. The music was being enjoyed, the cars were being drooled over (I have my own dream pick…someday!) and everyone was enjoying time out with family and friends. Roseville’s Downtown Tuesday Nights is full of great things that bring the community together. What’s better?!

The Hank Biggs Band was keepin’ it moving tonight.

This couple was so fun to watch! They made the rest of us wish we knew how to dance!

The kids were in awe of this car. The sign said something like “1922″ or perhaps it was “1944″. Whatever it was, it was incredibly old and amazing!

Max and Tristan both felt that this car was their favorite of the night.

Gabi wanted to pose with this beauty of a car.

This has always been my dream car. Do you see the “For Sale” sign? Do you?! Mother’s Day is right around the corner! Just sayin’~

This is my uncle’s car! We ran into him and his Pride and Joy and couldn’t pass up the opportunity to snap a picture.

Doing the Dance of the Children and Enjoying Our New Community~

I was away last night to celebrate a life that touched many other lives. During this time, I got a phone call…from my local police department, to let me know that my 16 yr old was throwing a party at my house and that a complaint call had been made. G-R-E-A-T!

Since I was gone, they called her dad and he came to claim her, the keg and any exciting items left behind by fleeing teens. This is the 3rd weekend in a row that things haven’t gone as they were supposed to. Weekends are to be spent at Dad’s house. But each weekend, she’s been “getting permission” to spend the night at various friends’ houses. But once she gets permission from Dad, she disappears off the radar. No answered phone calls or texts, only to show up at my house, whenever she chooses. Today, I discovered that she’s removed the lock device from her window, so that it can be gone through whenever she comes here and finds the house locked. I’d like to point out that I just took care of that.

So after the police cleared people out and things got settled, she refused to go to Dad’s, where she was supposed to be. So my brother stayed here with her. When I got home I was met with lots of attitude. Talks about repercussions are going on between Dad and I, but I’m well aware that you can’t MAKE someone do anything. I can’t give her extra chores or demand that she work off the amount of the screen that was ruined and thrown away. Yes, phone privileges can be restricted and permission to go anywhere but home can be laid out. But that still doesn’t make a point.

Here’s where you get to pipe in. This is your chance to say, “if she were MY child…” I want to hear what you’d do, what you’ve done or what your thoughts are.

Doing the Dance of the Children~

When I picked Max up from school today, it just-so-happened that we were alone in the car, which meant that he could talk and I could listen, without any interruptions. This was the conversation;

Max-”Mom guess which fruit has the most pesticides used on it”

Me-”Which one, Max?”

Max-”Apples! So if you’re going to keep buying apples, you need to buy organic apples!”

Me-”Ok, I can understand that. But I can’t always afford to buy organic apples.”

Max-”Do you want sick kids?!!!!”

Looks like I’ll be buying less apples in the future.

The Placer Business TweetUp is held on the third Tuesday of each month, at a different, local venue from 6-8pm.

This month, we are gathering at Mikuni Kaizen, in Fountain’s Shopping Center.

We started off with one of their April drink specials-A combination of Veev, simple syrup, mint and cucumbers. YUM!

Then we ordered from their “Roll Back” menu (They’re celebrating 25 years of rockin’ sushi!). We enjoyed the “Marilyn Monroll”. Another winner! Though, I’m certain that anything we would have ordered would have been amazing.

The poki salad caught our attention and we had to give it a try. We weren’t sorry!

To finish our meal off, we got freaky with their Freaky Edamame-a spicy, salty treat.

We will be gathering in the back room and will enjoy Happy Hour pricing for the duration of our meeting. This is a great chance to meet like-minded business owners AND to enjoy some great deals on all the delicious foods and drinks on the menu!

If you haven’t had the chance to visit Mikuni Kaizen or any of the other Mikuni restaurant locations, here’s a little info-”The Japanese word “kaizen,” which translates to “continuous improvement,” truly reflects the concept behind this newest Mikuni location. While the menu features a host of exquisite sushi rolls made popular at the restaurant’s other locations, it is also highlighted by an extensive selection of small plates and tapas-style dishes- each more exciting and compelling than the next. Guests are treated to a visual feast, as well, with vibrantly colored decor and a one-of-a-kind sushi bar. Artwork by Sacramento urban performance artist, David Garibaldi, and metal sculptor, Terrance Martin, further enhance the sense of pulsing excitement that makes Kaizen a must-visit restaurant.”

The Placer Business TweetUp is a group of local business owners and entrepreneurs who gather monthly to support each other through networking. Our goal is to help build a strong and thriving, local community. We choose a different, local venue each month, to highlight all that our area has to offer. There is no charge be a part of the Tweetup. Simply click here to register.

We look forward to seeing you Tuesday night!

Sometimes where you’re at, the people you’re with and the tone of what’s going on just aren’t good. When this happens, even if it’s in your own home, you need a change of scenery!

Over time and trial, I’ve learned when it’s the right time to get outta Dodge and tonight was one of those nights. I gathered up 5 of the 6 kiddos and decided we’d shake the bad vibes off by taking a quick trip to the mall. We headed for Sees (a complimentary sample is ALWAYS a selling point for kids…and adults!). We actually needed to buy a box of something sweet for an upcoming gift. Afterward, we did something we hadn’t done in a very long time-rode the Merry-Go-Round. The kids had never been on this one before and it was a perfect ending to a day that needed some change.

We said our night prayers on the way home and brushed teeth and put on pj’s when we got home. Then it was straight to bed. Guess what?! Any icky vibes that had been trying to take over our day were replaced with those smiles.

Lesson-You can’t always keep bad things from happening, but you CAN always add Good Stuff to your day. Light ALWAYS overcomes darkness. Be the light~

Doing the Dance of the Children~

It’s Lex’s 6th birthday! My baby is 6! We celebrated a day early so that we could observe a proper Good Friday.

We took the day and did something new-we went to the snow! I had snow pants for the 4 little kids, hanging in the closet, with the tags still attached. I figured we could pull them out, grab their winter coats, bring extra footwear and find some snow to play in. We invited friends (who were much better equipped than we were) and headed up the hill. Not only did we find snow to play in, it also snowed right on us. Max was especially excited, declaring that he’d seen it snow in the movies and that it looks just the same in real life! When it became too cold for our beach blood, we packed up and headed home.

Lex asked for a dinner of, “artichokes, brussel sprouts and salad”. I threw in some chicken for good measure. For dessert he wanted rainbow sherbet, “the kind JJ likes”. So rainbow sherbet and chocolate chip ice cream were sung over and wished over and we called it a birthday!

All my kiddos are getting so big!

Doing the Dance of the Children~

Carpets, Hardwood, Natural Stone, Tile, we all have some combination of these surfaces covering our homes’ floors. Dirt, soil and debris are the largest predators damaging these surfaces. Sand, dirt and tiny pebbles wear carpet fibers thin and can scratch hardwood and natural stone. Here are 4 steps to help keep your floors looking beautiful and lasting longer.

So let’s see…

It was March of 1989 and I was at the waddling stage of my pregnancy. I was sick the ENTIRE pregnancy and felt like I couldn’t get enough sleep. I was a High School Senior and had stayed on campus until sometime in late February or early March. I was living in the foothills of Northern California and it was chilly and still a little icy at our house. We had rock stairs from the driveway to the house and I slipped and fell hard on my bum. At that point I was just too sick to be a successful student and a teacher was coming out to my house each afternoon to make sure I was staying on task and on track to graduate with my class (which I did! And might I add that I did it with a 3.6 GPA.) I was due May 2nd and was starting to feel like it really couldn’t come soon enough. I lived at home with my parents and 8 younger siblings. I was single and didn’t really have a master plan for how life was going to go after Baby arrived, but I knew it was all going to work out and that I was going to keep and raise this lil bundle and that God would point me down the paths I was to journey.

About a week or so after I fell, I lost my plug. Now, let me say, again, that I was 17 years old. I had not taken any parenting or birthing classes. I had been around PLENTY of babies, so babies were no mystery, but pregnancy and birth were things I was learning as each step unfolded. I hadn’t been told about the mucus plug, so losing it was somewhat shocking. I think I told my mom and went back to bed. I remember thinking, “yuck”.  Another week went by and on March 31st I was feeling sick and had a slight headache. I had a regularly scheduled appointment with my OB, so my mom and I headed to my appointment. I told him about my headache, that I had lost my plug and that I was feeling sick. He asked if I had any contractions and I said, “no”. He decided to do an exam and I will NEVER forget it! He checked me and came right up into my face and said that I was dialated to 5cm and that he could feel a foot! I was in shock! I was in labor?! Today?! Now?! So let’s get this straight, he felt a foot?! A foot isn’t supposed to be what’s down there! So that lump I’d been rubbing wasn’t my baby’s bum, it was her little head! I really wasn’t sure what this all meant, but my mom made some phone calls and we headed to the hospital. Her father and I weren’t in a relationship at this point, but he headed over to the hospital for the surprisingly early birth of this little miracle baby.

I napped the rest of the afternoon away. I wasn’t in any pain and never felt a single contraction. I woke up and my back ached. I was in transition! Baby was on her way! My room was suddenly filled with interns and doctors and anyone they could gather up to learn from this birth. They wheeled me in and prepped me for an emergency C-section. Since I was delivering at 35 weeks and the baby was breech, it meant I had no other options (that I was aware of). My mom was in the room with me and my father and the baby’s father watched from the window in the room’s door. From that point, all I can remember is feeling VERY out-of-it! It felt like it was hard to breathe and I could feel the pressure of them tugging on my stomach to get Baby free. And then suddenly, there she was! I couldn’t hold her right away because of my sedation, but my mom held her for a moment and then they whisked her away to the NICU. She was having some trouble, but nothing serious. Her dad was able to go into the NICU and be with her. Those are sweet moments that I’m glad he got to have with that teeny little bundle. She weighed in at 5lbs, 2oz and I named her Kateri Lee.

23 years later I have to say that I had NO idea how it would all unfold, but I worried and prayed and worked as hard as I could to give her a good life, a solid home and siblings to keep her annoyed, loved and on her toes. I know that every parent is proud of their children, as they should be, but I really have to say that Kateri has blown all my expectations out of the water! When you start out that young and that unsure, you just hope that the little life you’ve been entrusted with turns out better, stronger, smarter than you and she has done all that and more. Next month she graduates after 5 years of college with degrees in Theology and Humanities. She’s touched many lives in her beautiful and loving way and she’s made me smile on countless days that I felt like it was too tough to do so.

She belongs to the world and it is a much brighter, fuller, richer place because she’s in it!

Here’s to you, Kateri and to a life that’s being beautifully lived!

Doing the Dance of the Children and So Proud to do so~

A couple days ago I felt particularly awful and when smashed oatmeal sent me into a fit of hysterical crying, Max came to the rescue! He ran to his backpack, pulled something out and came to me as quickly as he could, saying-”Mom, this is for you!”

Oh Max! How does that boy do it?! Why in the world did he JUST HAPPEN to have a perfect fortune waiting in his backpack and how did he know JUST EXACTLY when to go get it? He may have some social disconnects, but his heart is fully connected!

Tristan has been using my computer to “write a book”. He’s been working a couple hours each day on his story. I have no idea what it’s about because he won’t let anyone read it until it’s done. But while he works, he listens to my iTunes library. Everytime I come into the room, he’ll stop typing and turn the music up and ask me what song is playing. EVERY time, I tell him and he acts surprised that I could possibly know the artist and song. It’s totally cracking me up that he hasn’t realized that he’s using MY computer and MY iTunes library. But as long as it keeps him thinking I have an extensive and diverse musical library in my head, I’m going to keep the game going. The window of amazing your children in only open for a short time. I’m grabbing a virtual stick and keeping it pryed open as long as possible!

Then there’s Lex…

He’s really started reading and writing! He’s reading EVERYTHING he sees. I love watching him unlock the code! He’s been concerned about me being sick and yesterday he asked if I was feeling better. I told him that I finally was. He came back to me with this;

Pure cuteness!

I have to give kudos to Maddi too. She’s been such a HUGE help, not only while I’ve been sick, but EVERYDAY! Thanks Maddi, for all you do!

Doing the Dance of the Children and feeling much better~

You can feel the change in the air, Spring is upon us and it’s time to roll up our sleeves, clean up and clean out and let the newness of the season settle into our homes with a freshness that we crave.

Here are 6 simple steps to help shake the dust of Winter from our homes and feel rejuvenated!

•Write out your plan

When you take a few minutes to actually write things down, it makes them more tangible and more likely to happen. Jot down what you want cleaned, what you want reorganized and what you want to get rid of. Playing some fun and motivating music during this process helps. I like to let Rod Stewart help me plan my cleaning. I’m sure you have a favorite artist to invite along. Crank ‘em up!

•Take a look at your “get rid of” list

Start there. Purging will make the rest of the Spring Cleaning fresher. Decide to hold a garage sale or donate to a local charity. If you have friends or relatives with children younger than yours, put together a “we love these items” package and hand down your kiddos’ favorite, outgrown toys and clothes. This process will not only clear out some space in your home, but it passes on all that goodness to others.

•Gather your cleaning products

Put together a cleaning caddy. Stock it with everything you’ll need to go from room to room. Busy mommies don’t have time to be going after products for each item we come to. If everything is at our fingertips, we’re able to make better use of the time we have. Items should include, but are not limited to;
-Microfiber cloths. I recommend having 1 for wood, 1 for glass, 1 for LCD and flat-screen cleaning and 1 for stainless steel. If you can get different colored cloths so that you easily know which to grab, even better! -Glass cleaner or vinegar. -All purpose/Multi-surface cleaner or Disinfecting wipes. -Specialty products unique to your home, such as; Leather Wipes, Lemon oil, Baking Soda…Anything that you know you need to easily take care of any job in your home. Keeping everything in one space and at your fingertips allows for ease.

•Now gather the troops!

Call your friend, gather your kids, call in your mom/aunt/neighbor. Cleaning is easier with help. I’m a huge believer in the power of our community. No one WANTS to clean alone. Let your friend/neighbor/family member know that if you can tackle your jobs together this week, that you can book a day next week to work on her list.

•Focus

There’s a lot to get done. By focusing on one room or one type of cleaning (ie; wood, windows, floors), you’ll see your results quicker and feel more accomplished. If your kiddos are helping out, you can all work in one room at a time. Give the little ones simple tasks that make them feel involved, but not overwhelmed. Even your toddler can feel like they’re helping Mommy by wiping baseboards with a pre moistened cloth. Don’t forget to start at the top and work your way down. There’s nothing worse that sweeping the floors, only to have the ceiling fan’s dust show up to have to be re-swept. Quick, easy and organized is the key.

•Celebrate!

Everyone worked hard and there’s plenty to show for it. Everything will feel clean and fresh and you should celebrate with an outing or a treat. I’m of the opinion that ice cream tastes best when it’s been worked hard for!

*Mom2Mom tips are brought to you by the cleaning professionals at Delight Cleaning and Mommy of Many, a professional mom*

It’s that time again! The 3rd Tuesday of the month, which means It’s time to break out your business cards and come on out to meet some fabulous people who want to know what you and your business are all about at the Placer Business TweetUp!

This month’s TweetUp is at Basic in Old Roseville. You’ll find unique and amazing pizza and Happy Hour drink prices, along with an awesome venue in Old Roseville full of history and good vibes. Did I mention the raffle items? Several awesome businesses and sites have stepped up to sponsor this month’s event! I’d love to list them all here, but you’ll just have to come on out to get in on the fun. What I will tell you is that Basic has donated a $25 gift certificate for their awesome pizza! Good Stuff!

Don’t forget to drop by Basic’s Facebook fan page and give ‘em a “like”!

If you haven’t registered for the event, just click here and we’ll see you tonight!

Keeping the house and carpets cleaned is always a challenge, no matter how many kids you have. With my busy household, I feel lucky to have a relationship with Delight Cleaning. They are a customer-focused, local company that’s tuned into the needs of busy moms. As part of their research and drive to better serve the needs of busy families, they are always looking for input, as to how they can better provide the services they offer.

This week, I’m asking if you can click over to their facebook fan page and answer a quick survey (seriously it comes down to checking a box that best answers the question they’re asking. Yes, just ONE question!)

-When looking to hire a carpet cleaning service, which is most important to you

*Price

*Safe Products

*Local

*Guaranteed Results

*Fast Drying Time

If one of these answers doesn’t fit what is most important to you, please leave a comment. Thanks for sharing!

Now click over to Delight Cleaning’s facebook fan page and help them better serve their customers.

*Mom2Mom tips are brought to you by the cleaning professionals at Delight Cleaning and Mommy of Many, a professional mom*

It’s Friday and I’m just saying it as it is. Thursday evening didn’t end smoothly and this morning didn’t get off to the best start. I’m recognizing that I can do things better and that sometimes kids get angry just because they don’t like chores or other imposed things from parents. And I’m saying it like this because I know I’m not the only parent out there that drops into bed feeling frustrated or defeated and who wakes up to face another day of trying to do it right, only to have it all seem like it must be going wrong.

It’s my goal to live life with a focus on the good and the many blessings that come to me each and EVERY day. And while that is an important goal and focus, sometimes it gives people the impression that there isn’t great struggle over here. So I’m making sure there’s no BS on the table and telling you all that I feel your pain and frustration and I’m down in the trenches with you. Sometimes we do need a good cry and sometimes the proverbial dishtowel gets thrown in. It’s ok to feel defeated, overwhelmed, overworked and alone. Just make sure you let it out, take a good look at it and then go pick up that dishtowel (the dishes still need to get done!) and take a second and different look at it all. It will look and feel different after you allow yourself a few moments of self-pity.

Ok! Now to pour some coffee, call or text someone who will make you smile. Set a goal of doing one thing, JUST ONE THING, with a little more patience or kindness or whatever it is that’s going to make you feel accomplished toward a greater good and get back into the fight.

I’m going to go pour my coffee (3rd cup…don’t tell!) reapply my makeup and make that phone call and then, well…then I’m going to get on with this day.

Doing the Dance of the Children, Right Along With You~