the OTHER mother

Santa & Carrie

When Santa asked Carrie what she wanted for Christmas, she looked at him confidently and announced: peasants (presents).

Santa & Pearl

When Santa asked Pearl what she wanted for Christmas, she said she wanted a stuffed animal puppy. Afterwards I asked why she asked for a toy dog instead of a real one, She said, "Because Mama told me Santa can't bring live animals.  So I want a real dog for Chanukah.  From Gram."

Lake Michigan

The Thankfulness Grid

Carrie Watching the

National Dog Show on television.

Question of the Day

Quick, off the cuff, so to speak: one thing you're thankful for....

 

Pictures from the Birthday Weekend

Okay, I took way too many pictures, once again!  For the bravest among you, click here!

Carrie, Then and Now

In honor of Carrie's 3rd birthday, I thought I'd repost this slide show of her baby days. (You can see it on the embedded screen to the right, as well.)

Question of the Day: Libations

Coffee is my mojo.  What's yours?

1234 Testing?

1. Hey. Anybody out there?

2.  It's been quite a November for me, so far. Lots of ups and downs. My cousin died of an aneurysm, but I didn't go to the funeral. I had an unusual mammogram, but it turned out to be nothing. I was thrilled that Obama won the election but baffled that Arkansas, my home state, passed some of the most hateful legislation against LGBT people to date. 

3.  Carrie will be 3 this weekend.  It's been fun planning for the birthday in that she really understands about birthdays this time around.  The theme of her party is Diego, and for the kids at her school, I made a flyer as a party invitation.  On the top there's a picture of Diego swinging on a vine, and at the bottom there's a picture of Carrie swinging on the jungle gym.  She likes this a lot and has posted it on the headboard of her bed.

4.  Pearl has had some major milestones this month, as I have mentioned.  She's also had a few bouts of obsessive hand washing that freak me out. I am assuming it's just a phase... a few steps forward, a few steps back. Love rules in Grrrlville.

Your turn.

The Mayor of Grrrlville Turns 20

Yes, our cat Riah is 20 years old today.  She's neurotic, diabetic, and ornery as a hockey mom, but we still love her.  Happy Birthay, little kitty.

Girls Who Do Their Own Stunts 3

I am reminded of the Tide commercials from my childhood.

Girls Who Do Their Own Stunts 2

Girls Who Do Their Own Stunts 1

Promoting Love and Equality in Houston

Fight the H8 Today

We will be at the protest in Houston.  Find a rally in your area here.

Question of the Day: Dreams

Do you have a recurring dream or nightmare?  Please share.

[question via Manic Monday]

[art from The Octonauts by Meimo]

This Little Doggie

wants to be our "forever" dog, but she will need to go to obedience school, and perhaps more than once.

Pearl (Still) Wants a Dog

The first drawing is a place where you go to adopt a dog or puppy. In our neighborhood they have an event like this once a month, and a coalition of animal rescue groups participate. The second picture is a groups of dogs having a party or festival.  Naturally each dog has his or her own drink with a straw sticking out, and the sky is filled with hot air balloons and fluffy clouds galore.

Curious Minds Want to Know

I don't usually do things like this. I blame Lori Hahn. She's a bad influence. Visit her blog at your own risk. And if you succumb and take the silly quiz, please be a sport and share your results with the rest of us. Apparently I am Schroeder.

Which Peanuts Character Are You?
	You are Schroeder. You are brilliant, ambitious, and brooding; you tackle tasks with extreme focus. People don't always interest you as much as other pursuits, though, so you can come off as aloof.
Find Your Character @ BrainFall.com

Look, Moms!

[time = 26 seconds]

Pearl Loses Her First Tooth

Carrie Creates

The first picture is a boat Carrie made of blocks. The second is a map that she painted, complete with animal footprints.

The Final 5 DVD Winners are...

Kristi, Kelly, Elswhere, Guusje, and Jess.  Congrats also to Nutty, the alternate from Monday who will get the DVDs because one of the 5 winners declined the prize.  I have emailed the winners this morning.  Congrats and thanks to everyone for participating.  You rock. And of course, thanks also to my superhero blogging partner this week, Dana Rudolph of Mombian. 

Final Day of The L Word DVD Giveaway: Enter to Win

Okay.  You've voted. The elections are behind us. And today is your last chance to win The L Word Season 5 DVD set. I've teamed up with Dana Rudolph of Mombian, and together we are giving away 20 DVD sets.

Winning is easy. You have until 11:59 PM Central time. To enter the contest, leave a comment today (U.S. central time) answering this question:

What is something that you've Lost that you wish you could get back? Stories, welcome but optional.

The 5 winners will be chosen randomly and announced tomorrow (10/6/08).

THE L WORD returns to DVD with THE COMPLETE FIFTH SEASON on October 21ST in a collectible 4-disc set. DVD includes all 12 dramatic and deliciously provocative Fifth season episodes from Showtime’s successful long-running series featuring all the beauty, chaos and complexities of a group of women who inhabit Los Angeles’ lesbian community plus behind-the-scenes special features.

© 2008 Showtime Networks Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Rules and restrictions: 

* U.S. and Canada residents only, please.

* You may only enter once per day.

* You can only win once.

* Marcia, you can't win.  Sorry!

Entry times will be based on the time you submit the comment. I retain the right to remove entries in the case of inappropriate content.

Make sure to leave a valid e-mail address with your comment! (Don’t leave a postal address, though. If you win, I’ll contact you by e-mail about shipping.)

Change of Heart for San Diego Mayor

Thanks, Lori Hahn, for posting this video of Mayor Jerry Sanders explaining his decision to support gay marriage. Below is a letter Marcia wrote to the San Diego mayor applauding his decision.

Dear Mayor Sanders,

I just saw a video of you and your wife on YouTube in which you
announced that you will sign the resolution passed by your city
council to file a brief in support of gay marriage. Thank you.

Last December my extended family came from many parts of the United
States to spend Christmas in your beautiful city San Diego. We were
not disappointed–the beaches were pristine, the skies blue, the city
stunning. There is only one problem with San Diego, we all agreed:
it’s too conservative.

You see, my sister and I are both lesbians with life-long partners and
2 kids each; our dad is a retired bishop in the United Methodist
Church who works unfailingly for justice for all; our mom is an
idealist who believes in unconditional love for everyone; and our
brother, his wife, and their 2 kids are activists committed to making
the world a better place. We are an amazing family, if I do say so
myself.

And your family, too, is amazing, if I do say so myself! Your change
of heart over gay marriage left me in tears. Truly. Transformation is
always courageous, but you get lots of bonus points because you chose
(okay, no doubt you felt forced) to explain your change in public to
your constituents and the world.

I just want you to know that I applaud your dedication to
enlightenment and equality. I hope that I will be as brave as you
have been if (no, WHEN!) the turn arises for me to grow or change my
views about an issue. You are an inspiration. Keep up your good
work.

And maybe our family will see you next Christmas in San Diego after
all. It would be an honor.

Best wishes,
Marcia in Texas

The First 5 DVD Set Winners are...

Mel, Z, Deborah, Ina, and ABG! You five should have received an email from me this morning. 

For the rest of you, do not despair! The L Word Season 5 DVD set can still be yours!  You can enter Dana Rudolph's contest at Mombian today.  She will give away 5 more DVD sets. And then on Wednesday, I will give away 5 more here at The Other Mother. 

Enter to Win: The L Word DVD Giveaway

It's hard to think about anything besides politics lately, but maybe you can take a quick break?  Today is your chance to win The L Word Season 5 DVD set. I'm teaming up with Dana Rudolph of Mombian, and together we are giving away 20 DVD sets.

Winning is easy. To enter you must leave a comment today (U.S. central time) answering this question:

If you could select a celebrity to make a guest appearance on The L Word who would you choose?

The 5 winners will be chosen randomly and announced on the following day.

THE L WORD returns to DVD with THE COMPLETE FIFTH SEASON on October 21ST in a collectible 4-disc set. DVD includes all 12 dramatic and deliciously provocative Fifth season episodes from Showtime’s successful long-running series featuring all the beauty, chaos and complexities of a group of women who inhabit Los Angeles’ lesbian community plus behind-the-scenes special features.

© 2008 Showtime Networks Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Rules and restrictions: 

* U.S. and Canada residents only, please.

* You may only enter once per day.

* You can only win once.

* Marcia, you can't win.  Sorry!

Entry times will be based on the time you submit the comment. I retain the right to remove entries in the case of inappropriate content.

Make sure to leave a valid e-mail address with your comment! (Don’t leave a postal address, though. If you win, I’ll contact you by e-mail about shipping.)

Halloween 2008

Here are a few more pictures from Halloween.

Halloween Costumes, Unleashed

Both Carrie and Pearl were dogs this year.