Unfortunately things have been a little more “chaotic” than usual.

In an attempt to streamline awards I shall try and combine them, quite a step up for the bloggy challenged such as myself.

“Casdok” over at “Mother of Shrek” has had a huge party over at her blog, where awards were doled out like an Oscar ceremony. The woman is positively rattling with awards.

So first to “Misha” over at “A day in the Life” . Misha is just like the rest of us, bimbling along, great at juggling and with more patience in her left pinky nail than anyone could wish for. If this is a new spot for you then a good place to start would be over here at her post called “Drive by Anonymous Preaching” because it helps give everyone insight into the negative aspects of commenting anonymously.

Next to “Brillig” at “Twas Brillig” which indeed it really is. It’s brillig for lots of reasons, but one particular reason is her post here called “A Fairy Tale of Sorts,” because I just love it when we find some truth and stick to guns because we just know our instincts are right.

Also to “Angela” at “Memoirs of a Chaotic Mommy.” In particular I would politely draw your attention to this post on “breast cancer” as it’s very easy to help do your bit.

The use of language is one of my biggest bug bears, yet I’m just as guilty as the next idiotic grown up who chats away oblivious to the little sponges that habitat my home. As “Attila the Mom” points out in her blog called “Cheaper than Therapy” in her post called “language is powerful”

Another version of language, where it stems from, can be seen over here at “Dave’s” blog called “Chewing the Fat,” in his post called “Words. Tone. Death.”

Then “Kitty Mamma” over at “okasaneko” gave me this lovely award called ‘Friends are the Oscars of the soul.’

“Lou Ceel” is one of those creative types, and blogs every day! His insight is always refreshing and reminds me that there is always something new to learn. If you’d like to learn something new too then you could pop along to his posting called “The New Rome.”

Also to “Chelle” at “Crazy Thoughts.” I can’t quite figure out how to link to a particular post of hers from her template, as I am suffering a little brain strain today, but pop over then anyway as you’ll not be disappointed.

Then to “Julie” at “Autism Blog,” as she’s just taken a huge step in the blogging department and I’m a great believer in positive reinforcement, use it or lose it, or maybe try, try, try again! If this is a new one for you, then try reading her post called “Helping a Sib Understand Autism,” because I for one need reminding about our typically developing children too.

Also to the “Domestic Goddess” at the “Undomestic Goddess,” since we appear to share a common thread of stress, amongst other things. If this is a new one for you, then maybe you should start here in her post called “I heart my hairdresser.” We could almost be twins now……well if I were 20 years younger…….

Then to “Melody” from “Slurping life.” Firstly because I know that this is one that she has not already received, which is quite an achievement in view of the accolades of awards that follows her around. Secondly because although our children are very different we are all coping with variations on a theme as you can see in her post called “A Bottle of wine called my name,” not to be confused with ‘my name is a bottle of wine!’

“Karen” over at “Art in the Garage” sent me this lovely award ‘You make my day.” Thank you for thinking of me “Karen.” Thank you Karen, I need cheering up at the moment.

One place that often cheers me up is “Mr. Bloggerific” over at “Your Packaging sucks.” Yes I have mentioned him before but many of us are creatures of habit and drawn back to the familiar, easy going style that oils the wheels of a calm mind. That said, it you fancy a little boost then pop along to his post called “The Perfect Song?”
I hope you won’t be disappointed, I certainly wasn’t but that may be because I’m missing someone in particular at the moment.

Then to “Jocelyn” at “O Mighty Crisis.” Now it would be less than truthful of me to say that “Jocelyn” makes my day, because of course those days are in between whiles rather than daily. “Jocelyn” is one of those part time rather than daily bloggers. This is because “Jocelyn” has a real life, a busy one. So whilst she’s doesn’t make my day every day, I must be content with this part time effort, and with effort like “this” who am I to complain?

So that will have to be all for the moment as I’m out of time [although I'm never out of recommendations!]

Cheers dearies

“Veronica” from “Some Day we will Sleep” was kind enough to send me this banana award for blogging yumminess! Whatever next? I am so far behind with awards business that I discovered that I have several from last year in my drafts folder, such a soggy blogger that I am.

Still, not to worry, it’s never to late to tidy up, re-date and start afresh.

So then, bananas, who would like some? I think perhaps I shall point you in the direction of a new blogger who de-lurked. Who is this person? Well this sneaky little devil has been reading here for a while but only yesterday plucked up the courage to comment! Whoo hoo and positive feedback for de-lurking must indeed to encouraged and reinforced. So first of all to “The excavator” at “Dark Matter Energy” Now don’t worry, she’s not blogging about science as that would be far too difficult for me to digest, nor does she blog about bananas. A good place to start would be over here on her post called “Dog training” for all you puppy lovers.

Also to “The Canvas Grey” and her optimism. There are so many great posts on this blog that it’s difficult to choose just one, but a good all rounder would be her post called “Choices, Perceptions and the pursuit of Happiness.” Also if you are new to blogging then this is a very “useful page” that I could have done with back in the day, called “How this blogging stuff works.”

Then to “Miss Nelson” at “Meaningful Outcomes” as educators have a special place in my heart. There are loads of practical tips and insights here but a good place to start if you have any children is her post here called “Play dough Recipe.”

Also to “Her Bad Mother” and this post called “How to lose your confidence as a parent,” because it doesn’t matter who we are or what we’re dealing with, there are always times when hic-cups occur.

Then I’d like to [im]plant this on “Jessica” from “Oh the Joys” as she may be feeling a little neglected as she hasn’t had any awards for ages! I think everyone already knows “Jessica” but if she’s new for you then this post called “Beaver’s Mom Saves the World ” would make a introduction.

Now here’s another interesting blog called “Emergiblog” where “Kim” slaves away as a professional nurse. I know we all things that our own lives are far more stressful than anyone else’s but I can hardly imagine the stress of such responsibility. However, more than that, in this particular post called “Torched and Scorched – recognizing burn out,” she gives us all a heads up about how to notice when things are going awry.

Also to “Beck” at “Frog and Toad are Still Friends.” Funny how we bloggers always end up in the same spots? Anyway, in case this happens to be unfamiliar territory for you, then you might like to start here at her posting called “Shriven” because you just can’t be too careful sometimes.

Cheers dearies

“Mid-Lifer” over at “Navigating a midlife crisis” has very kindly given me this natty little award. I was a little worried at first, as I suspected that it was an ‘E’ for ‘exercise,’ as nominated ‘to go out and run about a bit’ award. Perish the thought!

So first of all I’d like to pass it on to “Chelle” at “Crazy Thoughts” a misnomer if ever I heard one!
I don’t think I could pay enough for that kind of crazy. If you’re new to her blog then I would [respectfully] suggest that you poke about here on her post entitled “I am beautiful.” I would have to admit that I haven’t actually bought this book but I think it behoves all of us, who are parents of girl children, to give this important matter some serious thought. Ban the Barbies that’s what I say! But Chelle says it so much better[er!].

Moving on, has anyone managed to avoid “Casdok” over at “Mother of Shrek” yet? You have! Then shame on you! No matter, it’s not too late to make amends, you can whizz on over there now, but if you’re a bit of a cowardy custard, wary of ‘British Humour,’ then you can very safely start off at this post of hers called “Hungry,” but doooo be careful. Make sure that you’ve had a snack first!

A newbie one for me, but none the less excellent for that, is “Mary the Teach” over at “Work of the Poet.” Now to be fair, I’m not entirely happy to hand out an award to a teacher than comes in the form of an ‘E’ as it seems far too close to an ‘F’ for fail, but that’s the Alphabet for you. If this is a new one for you too, then you could do a lot worse than start over here at her post called “Things I’ve giving up for Lent.” [that's a lie of course as it's a Thursday 13 thingy, but it's a great introduction, especially for us visual learners.]

Then to “Heidi” at “Viking Conquest” and “Family Adventure.” The woman is a tower of strength but all too human, in the nicest possible way of course! If you’ve not had the energy to visit her yet, then a good spot to start would be this post called “And the weather Forecast calls for…” partly because it makes me feel homesick and partly because it’s someone else’s take on life in Britland.

It’s hard to work out who has the biggest brain when it comes to blogging about the topic of autism, but “Autism Diva” would be right up there. I expect that if your life hasn’t been touched by autism then you may not have come across this blog before. It that’s the case then a gentle introduction would be this video where lots of “our kiddie winkies frolic.”

Another relatively new place for me is “Mrs. Wibbs” over at “Wibzways.” She and her busy family sizzle through their days in just the kind of laid back way that I aspire to, but can’t manage very often. If it’s new for you too, then a good place to start would be here in her post called “Wise Fun,” where she’s more than captured a few corkers.

So how many is that? Six? O.k. one more there for the perfect 7.

So it’s over to “Three and Holding” where “Janet” does a mighty find job of steering her fine family in the right direction. I of course am a little biased but I’m fairly confident that other myopic persons such as myself, could benefit greatly from this post of hers called “I can see clearly now,” where you too can try out a zillion different frames, or failing that, vote for which pair she should really have bought.

Cheers dearies.

“Shellie” over at “Little but Loud” has very kindly given me this excellent’ award. Clearly poor “Little but Loud” is slightly delusional, because everyone knows that at best, I only ever score F for failure or a tad bit futile. There again since we are both donating our brains for scientific research, maybe I should cut her a little slack.

So first up we have “Melody” at “Slurping Life.” “Melody” is so hopelessly optimistic that it makes my toes curl. She’s already had one of these [I was a bit late in the starting block] but there’s no harm in confirming her superiority. Now there’s a woman that could do with a huge dollop of scepticism, but she’s unstoppable. Nip over there and stop her at this post called “These are the times when you know.”

Another super dooper blogger is “Angela” over at “Memoirs of a Chaotic Mommy.” Things are definitely chaotic over there as her blog template is on the blink, true agony indeed. I’m seriously in debt to her, indeed I may very well be partly to blame for her chaos as she has been fiddling about making custom awards for me to hand out to other people. That’s real super star skills as far as I’m concerned. In the meantime, if you are new to her blog then her post called “You’re all it” because it makes for a great visual introduction.

Then to “The Other Lion.” Many life times ago, I was a divorced single mum. I had the support and comfort of my family but I remember how ‘going it alone’ really was. Whilst my circumstances are completely different now, I find it helpful to hang on to some of those memories so that I don’t get too high handed. If this is a new place for you, then you might like to start off here with her post called “Picture Meme” because we visual learners love them and they also make for great introductions.

Another good place to visit is “Sarah” at “The Nefariouspoo of Sarah,” I mean who could resist such a title? Such has such a full plate, but handles it with charm, strength and patience. Whilst I have been known to moan in my time “Sarah” advocates in an entirely different manner. Would that we were all so “gracious.”

Then to “Catherine” at “Kitchen Table Math, the sequel.” Yes I know it’s very strange for me to even mention the word maths, but this is a real stonker of a blog. The only problem is, that you have to have a really huge brain to benefit from this site, which disqualifies me instantaneously. I rarely comment there because I really don’t need to advertise my ‘thicky, thikcy, dumb, dumb’ status quite so publicly. If you have a gifted child then there are lots of ideas here. If you have a quirky child then again, there are lots of ideas here. If however, you are a lesser being such as myself, you can always do what I do, hide underneath the kitchen table and earwig, you never know, we might just learn something over “here.”

Also for “Mum keeping sane” over at “It’s all okay.” as both of those phrases run through my brain all too frequently. So you know that phrase ‘if you can’t say anything nice, then don’t say anything at all’? well nip along here to her post called “When the juggler drops the ball,” for a quick reminder, and yes she is a wonderful mum.

Then to “r.b.” [I think I should keep that anonymous but let me know if I've made a mistake] over at “Hard Won Wisdom.” Many of us are educators in a way, but some people just do it so much better. If this is a new blog for you, then get your toes tapping and whiz along to her post called “nerd fighters happy dance project,” how can you resist!

Also to “Kristina Chew” over at “Autism Vox.” Yes I know it’s another autism blog for goodness sake and yes she does have the biggest brain on the blogosphere [and possibly off the blogosphere too] I think her blog was the first one I was ever brave enough to comment upon, so you might be able to be brave too. Her writing style keeps us all up to date and you can enjoy a little “geekdom” if you’re more comfortable with that option, called “I think therefore I google.”

Cheers dearies

“Kelley” over at “Magnetoboldtoo” has every so kindly given me this absolutely spiffing little award which she made herself!!!

This is how she describes it:-

“Now the explanation. When the girls and I want to express our mutual admiration in public we say 'Less than Three'. If you look at it sideways:

<3

It looks like a heart. So I heart you.

And I do. Every one of you. Even the lurkers.”

So it’s my turn to share. I’m glad she pointed out that I don’t have to award to to 28 people as that’s way beyond my capabilities but maybe if I keep it brief? Maybe people touched by autism that aren’t on the Hub would be a good place to start.

First to “Grace Under Autism.”
2. “Judith”
3. “Kristenspina”
4. “Kyra”
5. “Gretchen”
6. “Cristine”

7. “Kal”
8. “Lisa Jo Rudy”
9. “Julie”
10. “Bonnie”
11. “Jen P”
12. “One March Day”
13. “Autism’s Edges”
14.“Another Autism Mom”
15. “Redhead Momma”
16. “Autista”
17. “Mom to JBG”
18. “Cottontales.”
19 “Mom to Mr. Hansom”
20. “Karianna”
21. “Mum without a Manual”
22. “Lora”
23. “Tulip Mom”
24. “Kirsten”
25. “Queen of Shake Shake”
26. “Autism Schmatism”
27. “Christina”
28. “Drama Mama”

Hmm, maybe this wasn’t such a good idea afterall. It’s been a tough week here with everyone on holiday. There are so many autism blogs which really ought to be on my blogroll apart from the fact that I can’t figure out how to do that. I thought I’d wait until the new blog was up and running and do it then, but it’s even more difficult on the new blog.

I am of course the ‘cut and paste’ Queen, but printing out other people’s blogrolls and sticking them on the computer with glue isn’t working for me.

So I think I’ll stop now and spend some time trying to work out the blogroll nightmare instead. So if you’re not included yet please don’t take offense. Instead you could leave your URL behind or the URL of autism blogs that you like [and possibly some blogroll hints to point me in the right direction for Wordpress!]

Cheers dearies

“Joey’s Mom” over at “Joey and Mom” gave me this delightful award! Which is a shame really as she’s clearly completely missed 99% of my moaning. Obviously I need to address this oversight and moan more often and more loudly, so that no-one is able to miss the misery that I exist in.

Just the other day, Valentine’s Day ironically enough, I had a list of moans so long that they’re enough to fill any heart shaped vessel you can find.

That day was blustery and sunny but those buffeting gusts were enough to get the little one all aerated when he was still inside, protected from the weather. I avoided the candy overload and found spongy mail box kits that I thought might bring a smile. Did they smile? Well eventually, but only after we’d recovered from the glue meltdown, the wrong flavoured chocolate meltdown and the cookies don’t match meltdown.

In my next life I shall return as someone who can manufacture sameness without thinking! Not only that, I will ensure that this super power will be available to me first thing in the morning, every morning, as that was only during the first two hours of the day, before sunrise.

On the plus side we had the ‘I can wear this two foot stoker hat’ to school today breakthrough, [ popular with the teacher, I'm sure] also the ‘I can wear the disgusting shoes today because I can’t find my usual shoes today’ hurdle, and the ‘I can sit next to the vase of roses with pokey thorns’ triumph!

I am so glad that roses have no perfume these days. [to say nothing of the ability to 'sit.']

Now I’m happy to pass this on to “Crystal” at “Crystal Jigsaw” I expect most people are familiar with her sight, but if not, a good spot to start to give you a bouillon cube of Crystal, would be here in her post called “Getting up to alsorts.” I chose this one because I’ve never liked treacle, I much prefer sweet and sour.

Also to “Aliki” at “Tag teaming it or a world of one thousand different things.” [put me right here dearie, I never know what to do with blogs that seem to use two names!] I was pleased to learn that she actually been blogging for 2 years. 2 years is amazing to me. I was also pleased to read her post called “Do good work,” as I think it has useful advice for all of us bloggers.

Next to “Blogantagonist” at “Blogs are Stupid.” In particular, her post called “On Strike.” I like it because I share a similar ambivalence to food production. I love cooking, but I have a hard time with the response around here and I also want my children to be self sufficient, which they won’t be if I keep doing everything for them!http://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gif

Then to “The Domestic Goddess.” If this one is a new one for you and you happen to be male, then this would be the ideal spot to start, “12 things I’ve learned.”

Also to “Jessica” at “Mom 2 Boys.” All parents share a delight in hearing their children talk for the first time when they’re babies. Sometimes other parents have to wait a bit longer. Other parents have stopped waiting. Non-verbal, is such a catch all term. Sometimes it can be hours or days between a word or words. A few parents enjoy the gobsmack late in the day as you can see “here.” I can still remember how their first spontaneous speech affected me too.

Then to “frogpondsrock” and her lovely photographs. Actually on second thoughts, lets skip the photos and go green instead with this post of hers here called “Clean up and Green up.” Maybe mother nature will take pity on me!

I leave this one until last for a reason. “Suzy” over at “Identity Crisis” has another post up. I cannot describe what she has written and I could barely comment either. I don’t know how many of us are parents, fearful parents. “Suzy’s” subject matter is staggeringly sobering for me. I certainly don’t wish to add to anyone’s current level of paranoia but “awareness” is what it’s all about for me, much as I would prefer to stick my head in the sand. I read, I learn, I try not to “weep.”

Lastly on a lighter note, I should like to take this opportunity to publicly apologise to anyone I have inadvertently referred to as ‘a little gem.’ As my son pointed out to me this morning, many people may object to being called a ‘lettuce.’

“Deb” over at “Canvas Grey” has very kindly given me this award. Thank you “Deb”.

I should also point out [I think?] that this was started by “Colin.”

Possibly I should link to “Colin” here, but I’m a little technically challenged on the directions!

As we already know part of this award means passing it along to others and so I'd like to award to the following:

First to “Kelley” over at “Magneto Bold Too.” A strange name? Something to do with magnets maybe? Good guess, I’ll give you that, but not at all. Instead we have a blog where the host has enough energy and humour to drag us all out of our beds in the morning. Personally I think she’s turbo driven by chocolate, if you can call “Clinkers” chocolate. But what do we foreigners know anyway! If you’re wondering where to start, I would suggest this post called “rule 34 and clinkers.” This helps with blogging techniques and is fueled by clinkers.

We would also nip along and visit “Bonbon Mamma” at “Is this what you do all day.” Somehow I feel that should have a question mark after it, but that’s me just being picky. If anyone ever asks me that question, I shall have my own answer fully prepared 50 page response in triplicate. I’m uncertain whether Bonbon Mamma is fond or sweets or is just so much ‘gooder’ than the average, but you can decide for yourself by visiting her posting titled “I’ll be playing here all week,” because somehow at the bottom of it all, we’re really all aiming for the same thing as parents, but we need to have a giggle whilst we’re doing it.

On the whole, I try and avoid healthy people like the plague. If I’m allergic to exercise then if I get too close to one of those types I’m sure I’d break out in a rash. So saying, I keep bumping into people who are determined to wear their bodies out at twice the usual rate by running around until their legs are but mere stumps. “Lori” at “Spinning Yellow” is just such a one. If you are similarly inclined, be that a rabbit type like “Lori”, or a slug type like me, you may find this post inspiring, called “Least you think,” although I think she meant ‘lest,’ or maybe not come to think of it! I found it inspiring in theory, but I was sitting down when I read it, felt completely exhausted thereafter and promptly fell asleep.

A new one for me is “Mid Lifer” at “Navigating a midlife crisis” I wonder why this hits a chord for me as I am so past mid life myself? If you have not visited before, then her post here called “Dad” might be a good place to start.

“Kaber” over at “All about [my] boys” is one of those stunningly efficient people that leaves me gobsmacked. I could no more homeschool a child, mine or anyone else’s, than I could ride a unicycle. Homeschooling or not, you’re sure to find a few good tips that will come in handy such as this post here called “Dirigibles.” I mean how can you resist!

Now last night I was watching a ‘whodunnit’ on the telly. I was distracted from the main plot by an actor who pointed out that there is no such thing as a one dimensional person, except in pure mathematics. Why do they drop these little brain teasers in I wonder? Anyway, the point was that at worst you can be 2-D but in reality, most people are multi dimensional. Some bloggers choose to show one facet of their lives, but everyone is a diamond cut. One little gem is
“Kristie” who blogs away at “Life with my x men,” and a good place to start would be here in her post titled “Antithesis of watching superbowl.” Naughty, naughty, naughty!

Lastly we come to “Robin” from “Around the Island.” I think everyone already knows “Robin” who is a superb hostess. What you may not already know, is that Robin doesn’t live on an island, she’s completely land locked. It’s another one of those cunning bloggy tricks to tease your brain. Her island if firmly cemented in the centre of her kitchen. Just for now, I’d recommend this post called “the thing about traveling.”

Tel Aviv anyone!

Cheers dearies

“Dgibbs” from “Myfavouriteautistic” has bestowed upon me the Schmooze Award. Thank you Dgibbs, I am quite honored, if a little unworthy lately, due to a series of laundry crises.

“Good schmoozers effortlessly weave their way in and out of the blogosphere, leaving friendly trails and smiles, happily making new friends along the way. They don't limit their visits to only the rich and successful, but spend some time to say hello to new blogs as well. They are the ones who engage others in meaningful conversations, refusing to let it end at a mere hello – all the while fostering a sense of closeness and friendship.”

So now it’s my turn to pass this little one along.

This one’s for “Jeni” at “Down River Drivel” because she shares many of the same intergenerational problems…..er …..issues, that I encounter.

Also for “Kristina” at “autismvox.” I am always stunned by her productivity, the clarity of her posts and how she helps keep sloatheful people like myself, up to date. The number of blogs that she keeps up with, her positive attitude and genuine kindness is quite breathtaking.

“Chelle” over at “Soodz” as it would appear that Brits have much more in common with Canadians that I could have ever imagined.

I have to hand it to “Leanne” at “Mumkeepingsane” because unfortunately no-one else truly understands the true nature of laundry crises.

Lastly, but not leastly [is that a word?] for “April” at “Zoning out again,” because it’s always good to end on a giggle.