Thursday, March 31, 2011

Ultimate Blog Party 2011 - Get Your Fake Party On

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Welcome to Tales from the Motherhood and Confessions of a Former Childhood Actress . . .

Last year I gave up on having a real social life and decided to attend a virtual blog party. Totally weird - especially because it was actually kind of fun. I'm still trying to catch up on sleep from last year's fake rager.



Ultimate Blog Party 2011

Let's cut to the chase virtual people . . .
1. If you don't really give a rip about me or my blog or my dirty minivan and just want a prize, then scroll down and see how easy it is for you to win $100 gift card to Amazon and a copy of my book Totally Desperate Mom: Keepin' it Real in the Motherhood.

2. If you have money falling from the sky and use gift cards as mere bookmarks and are simply looking for a little love and affirmation by way of people commenting on your blog then scroll down and leave me a comment. I will visit your blog and leave you a comment even if it's only "Do you come here often?" Do you really need more than that?

But if you really like to virtual party and read blogs then allow me to introduce myself.

My name is Wendy, otherwise known as the Totally Desperate Mom. Not desperate like Desperate Housewives, but desperate to be the best mom to my Elijah (7), Lydia (almost 5), and Jordis (2 1/2).

Desperate to be an awesome wife to my man Shiloh. We have been married almost 13 years.

Every 13 years I get my hair and makeup done and this is what I look like. But a lot of days I look more like this:

I usually like my husband, but sometimes I don't. Like when I'm hormonal and pregnant and we are on our 10-year anniversary trip and he calls me Fatty Arms. Oops. I pay him back for that comment by telling women about it when I speak at women's events or MOPS groups. You can hear the whole story here:



I'm a Totally Desperate Mom cuz my almost 5 year-old, strong-willed daughter still pees her pants on a regular basis "just a little bit". My 2 1/2 year-old is newly potty trained and copies everything her sister does . . . just a little bit.


I am a Totally Desperate Mom cuz it is hard to keep up with laundry, dishes, cleaning up cat throw up, and homework. And when I let the homework go unattended it looks like this:


I am a Totally Desperate Mom because I do not sew or make fancy crafts, but I like admiring that junk on other people's blogs.

I am a Totally Desperate Mom cuz sometimes I have MBDs (mental breakdown days) and just need a break.

I am a Totally Desperate Mom cuz motherhood is the hardest, best job in the world.
You feel me?

So a lot of days I blog about that stuff. Honest, raw, hilarious, gross, classic stuff from the motherhood. You'll probably leave feeling better about yourself. And if you think you don't have room for more blogs in your life you might just want to check in here around Christmas time. Cuz that's when I post my family's worst family photos. I mean, who doesn't enjoy feeling better about themselves by seeing OPU (Other People's Ugly)?

And if you are up for a little random in your life . . . Wednesdays I post about my experiences as a child/teen actress.
Here's the snapshot into that action:
When I was 9 years old I looked in the yellow pages, called an agent, and left a message on their answering machine. Unbeknownst to my parents. That started my acting career which eventually led me to Hollywood after starring in numerous national commercials and print jobs in the San Francisco Bay Area. When I was 14, I got a starring role on the syndicated series The New Lassie. Moved to Hollywood, lived with friends of the family, filmed 48 episodes of the show at Universal Studios, guest starred in some other shows, and didn't go night clubbin' with my mom . . . or anyone else.
Here is a clip from The Wonder Years when I guest starred as Kevin's annoying and overbearing girlfriend, Julie Aidem:



And here are a few pics from my Hollywood days:
Circus of the Stars in 1990 with Mark-Paul Gosselaar and Jocelyn Peden

With Paul Walker

With a bunch of other young actors. Jason Marsden (red shirt), Christina Nigra (awesome neon cowgirl), and David Moscow (behind the tree in a sweet Gotcha sweatshirt) all did guest posts for me. And I have recently re-connected with Alyson Hannigan (baggy purple, green, and navy blue shirt) who I met on the Lassie audition over 22 years ago!


I left Hollywood and returned to my hometown so I could have a normal senior year of high school. Went on to UCLA, met my husband, got married, worked in real estate, taught group exercise classes, had some kids (including one sweet baby girl named Faith who ditched us for heaven after 4 days with us).

Last year, in a moment of temporary insanity I decided to write Totally Desperate Mom: Keepin' it Real in the Motherhood. Humor and encouragement for moms with little ones. When you are not busy fake parting, you can read the first chapter to see if it's worth your time. If you like it, you can buy it directly through me, on Amazon, or request it at your local Christian bookstore.

Speaking of Christian bookstores, I love Jesus. I don't blog about spiritual stuff a lot, but every now and then I bring it. You've been warned.

Congratulations if you survived that long post. You sure know how to party. Or maybe you are just really good at scrolling fast to get to the goods. Either way, you have some skillz.

Here is how to win a $100 gift card to Amazon.

1. Leave a comment. Any ol' comment will do. But I would love to hear if we have anything in common or a random fact about yourself and a link to your blog. Make sure I have a way to contact you if you are a winnner.

2. Follow this blog publicly. Don't be ashamed. Then leave a comment letting me know you did.

3. Follow me on Twitter. Then leave a comment letting me know you did. And just so you know, chances are good that I won't automatically follow you back. Here's why. Nothing personal.

4. Become a fan/liker of Totally Desperate Mom on facebook. Then leave a comment letting me know you did. Don't worry I won't clutter up your facebook page with a bunch of lame status updates. Only a few here and there. But I promise you - they will be lame.

5. Good for three entries: Purchase a copy of Totally Desperate Mom through my website or on Amazon and then leave 3 comments letting me you did. If you have already purchased a book just leave 3 comments letting me know you did. You won't be sorry because even if you don't like the book you can pass it along as a baby shower gift for someone else who you don't really like, but felt obligated to attend her baby shower. Or you could let your child use it as a coloring book or practice using scissors on it. So versatile.

*If after a month if this blog bores you, or you actually never read it, or my tweets bug - feel free to drop kick me in a month. I don't want to force you to be in this relationship under prize-induced duress.

Get your entries in by April 8th by 9pm PST. I will announce the winner on April 9th.

Head on over to 5 Minutes for Mom to further participate in this virtual partying! There are more prizes. I even threw in a $100 gift card to Target over there.

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316 comments:

«Oldest   ‹Older   201 – 316 of 316   Newer›   Newest»
Amy said...

I do not sew either.

I blog @ http://missionalmamassoul.blogspot.com/ from Bolivia.

Nice to meet you
Amy

Amy said...

Following you on on twitter

Market Mommy said...

Wow, so cool to meet someone famous at the UBP :) I operate Market Mommy, a site that helps mom biz owners market themselves. Check it out www.marketmommy.com

Market Mommy said...

I follow your blog!

Market Mommy said...

I follow you on Twitter! @MarketMommy

Market Mommy said...

I'm a fan on Facebook!

Figments of a Mom said...

Well I'm leaving a comment only because I thought what you wrote was hilarious, and I'm also following you because your kind of blog is like my kind of blog - lots of random and honest and funny!

Happy partying!

Ashley @MamaOfAllTrades said...

I think I may have a girl crush on you now. Also, I am a huge proponent of not following everyone back. Thanks for reminding me to come and find you over there!

Ashley @MamaOfAllTrades said...

I am following your blog!

Ashley @MamaOfAllTrades said...

Following you on the twitters.

Ashley @MamaOfAllTrades said...

Liked you on Facebook.

Alicia@ eco friendly homemaking said...

This is such a great post. Loved the pictures and the video clips.I am going to ask our local Christian Bookstore to get some copies of your book to have in the store.It sounds like an awesome book that any young mother would love to read.

~robin said...

Love your blog and this post.

~robin said...

love the blog and this post

Haydensmommy05 said...

I am soooo happy you were on the blog hop and happy to have found your blog!! I realllly like it!! A new follower for sure!!
haydensmommy05@hotmail.com

Barbara Montag said...

I'm new to your blog site & love it!
Yes I have melt down days too.
Thanks for a great party!
barbara dot montyj at gmail dot com

Barbara Montag said...

I follow you on Twitter @JalapenoMama
barbara dot montyj at gmail dot com

Barbara Montag said...

Like you on Facebook (Barbara Montag)
I also love your sense of humor!
barbara dot montyj at gmail dot com

MMAR said...

Okay seriously LOVE your blog!! I find is funny that you were on the wonder years...(I grew up being called Winnie Cooper and recently while pregnant and huge was told how much I look like her LOL)!! I think that it is awesome that you worked as an actress and then returned home!! I am very happy to be "Fake" Partying with you : )
~Melissa
http://www.mnmrheinlander.blogspot.com
http://www.twitter.com/MSRheinlander
http://www.facebook.com/KUWTR

MMAR said...

I follow you on GFC
The Rheinlander's
~Melissa
http://www.mnmrheinlander.blogspot.com
http://www.twitter.com/MSRheinlander
http://www.facebook.com/KUWTR

MMAR said...

Liked you on Facebook : )
~Melissa Rheinlander
http://www.mnmrheinlander.blogspot.com
http://www.twitter.com/MSRheinlander
http://www.facebook.com/KUWTR

MMAR said...

Following you on Twitter
@MSRheinlander
~Melissa
http://www.mnmrheinlander.blogspot.com
http://www.twitter.com/MSRheinlander
http://www.facebook.com/KUWTR

MMAR said...

I bought your book on my Kindle : )
~Melissa
http://www.mnmrheinlander.blogspot.com
http://www.twitter.com/MSRheinlander
http://www.facebook.com/KUWTR

MMAR said...

I bought your book on my Kindle.
~Melissa
http://www.mnmrheinlander.blogspot.com
http://www.twitter.com/MSRheinlander
http://www.facebook.com/KUWTR

MMAR said...

I bought your book on my Kindle.
~melissa
http://www.mnmrheinlander.blogspot.com
http://www.twitter.com/MSRheinlander
http://www.facebook.com/KUWTR

bettycd said...

Good for you that you returned home for a normal Senior year in high school. It must of been a little ackward stepping back in your hometown life but normal is good.

bettycd said...

following on GFC

bettycd said...

following on twitter
bettycd

Mindy Harris said...

you left a comment on my blog once, and i was really floored! thank you so much! i watched lassie.
you are so cute.
your honesty is encouraging.
i get my hair done about every 13 years, too.

Stephanie said...

new follower!

Mommy D said...

Thanks for speaking to our MOPs group! You rock!

Mommy D said...

I follow you on Facebook

Mommy D said...

I bought not one, but two copies of your book!

Mommy D said...

Bought 2 copies!

Mommy D said...

Yes I did!

Mommy D said...

Just subscribed to follow your blog too. I feel like a stalker. lol.

Megan said...

Okay so 241 comments on this post, so I maybe a little late to the party. But I have to tell ya, you are serious funny. And too cute! Your blog just recommended "That's not poop, it's a hemorrhoid", so now I've gotta go track that post down.

Michelle said...

oh my goodness you have 242 comments...I guess you're the popular girl at this party. Great...i"m still the nerd.

well i've been reading you since last year so that should count right.

and my 5 year old still tinkles, just a little, right.

and poop humor is big over here. In singapore. Kidding, in my house. at night, after the kids are in bed.

Jaimie said...

Okay, SO funny I ended up on your blog through Kristin Howerton's Tweet, because you came to my MOPS group (Kings Harbor in Torrance) and spoke last year, and had me laughing until I cried. I am SO happy I found your blog tonight!! Feel free to visit mine if you want - I have a contest going on as part of the UBP'11 party too :)

www.wonderyearsof2.blogspot.com

Jaimie said...

I am now following you too!

Jaimie said...

I am following you on Twitter!

Jaimie said...

I like you on FB!

Lisa K said...

Already a Facebook fan!

Lisa K said...

Seriously? You worked with some of the coolest people I ggrew up watching...seriously green with envy!!! So awesome!!! Zackkkkkkk

Lisa K said...

Follow your blog! Your blog gives me hope that I can sit down and make the time to blog myself:)

Holly said...

This was a thoroughly entertaining and refreshingly honest blog. I am so glad to have discovered your blog through the Ultimate Blog Party. We have incredibly little in common, although I like to think that I can be pretty humorous at times, so there's that. I find it amazing that you met Mark-Paul Gosselaar. The middle school me is incredibly jealous.

[holly@womantribune.com]

Holly said...

I follow you on Twitter. My username is @WomanTribune

[holly@womantribune.com]

Paula said...

That homework was SO NEEDED THIS MORNING! Hilarious! He followed the assignment exactly!

Anonymous said...

Hiya, I'm a new follower from the UBP'11. Nice blog! Please stop by A Little of This and a Little of That and follow back. Have a super week!
http://alittleoftheother.com

Anonymous said...

I really enjoyed reading your blog! The homework was hysterical! Looking forward to reading more great stories.

abitnerdy said...

SO excited I stumbled on your blog via #UBP11 :D What we have in common... . i attended to UCLA undergrad too! Yay! Bruins. Also.... I dream about having my arms around Paul Walker... but I guess that's not reallyt he same. haha teasing. :) Thank you for the fun posts! looking forward to more xo

abitnerdy said...

I follow the blog publicly under 'abitnerdy' :)*

abitnerdy said...

I follow via twitter too!

abitnerdy said...

annnddd.... I am a fan/liker of totally desperate mom! yay! :)

Candice said...

Hi! I love your blog. I'm new to blogging and UBP. I LOVE it! Please take a minute to visit my blog. When I hit 100 followers, I will be giving away 1 Lavender Essential Oil to 1 lucky winner!

http://frankandcandice.blogspot.com

Unknown said...

Stopping by via UBP and following you via GFC. Hope you will follow me too @ http://masalabowl.blogspot.com/2011/04/day-298-ultimate-blog-party.html

Hildie said...

I have six kids and the only reason I do is because I like to pick out baby names.

Hildie said...

I am now a follower of you. Wait, so I get an extra entry for that?

Hildie said...

And I'm following you on Twitter now too.

Sugar Free Mom said...

I found the mothership! I <3 you!

Sugar Free Mom said...

I totally liked you on fb :)

Sugar Free Mom said...

I can't believe I just found your blog. Love it. Added your button to my blog www.thesugarfreemom.blogspot.com

Goodies for Mom said...

Just dropping in from the UBP11! Man, you are so lucky to be hugging Paul Walker, Hubba, hubba!!!

Nice to "meet you." Stop by my blog when you have a chance Making Our Family Complete. I blog about my family's journey to adopt an infant domestically.

Lois
P.S. We are giving away a Dunkin Donut GC as added incentive to visit :)

Lindsay said...

Oh my word to that homework! Hilarious!

l n b e e m e r [at] gmail [dot] com

Lisa Stone said...

Love your blog--and the secret/closet celebrity stalker through magazines/internet/cheesy entertainment shows in me is impressed! I'm your newest follower--but not 'cause of the celebrity thing--you are funny!

Abbi said...

Too funny about your sons homework!!
You have a beautiful family.

Niki said...

You are SO hilarious!! I am now a follower...can't wait to learn more and get to know you!!!

Niki said...

FYI...I followed on fb, twitter and blog...but all for the sake of following, before I even realized there was a contest. But if I happen to win, I guess I'll TAKE the prize. :)

Anne said...

Hi! Heading over from the UBP. It’s nice to meet you! I’m a new follower : ) You are too funny, and it looks like your kids got it from you- love the poop and pee diagram. And how awesome that you are a celebrity! :D
I have two blogs I’d love for you to visit when you have the time:

http://giveawaycorner.blogspot.com/ (Daily Giveaways)
http://anne-somekindofwonderful.blogspot.com/ (Family Blog)

Lisa said...

Not gunna lie, I didn't know who you were. From the pic near your header I thought you were on Punky Brewster or something...LOL.

BUT--You were on The Wonder Years! By far the best sitcom of my childhood! I'm still disappointed that it's not on DVD. If it ever comes, I'll be sure to buy a copy. Maybe you'll get some royalties?

As your newest follower, I look forward to following your future endeavors!

http://www.lisavsfitness.blogspot.com

MaggieK said...

New Follower from UBP11...Stop by and check out my blog if you have a minute.

http://mymommyadventure.blogspot.com

Brandi said...

First of all your pictures are hilarious and oh so reminds me of my kids. THe christmas picture really would have fit in with our cards from 2 years ago... no seriously! Im now following and can't wait to read more from you! Feel free to stop by and/or follow http://www.flipflopmama.com/2011/03/ultimate-blog-party-2011.html

Casey said...

Your A D O R A B L E! Your blog it too, and your kids are too!
I like your family picture, it has Personality!
Here I am
http://casey-riley-mike.blogspot.com/

Casey said...

New follower! I cant wait to read more :)

Casey said...

follow you on facebook! :) Yay, facebook rocks. I just started my page, I hope to someday have as many followers are you!.. oh thats a lie.. I hope for 1/3 :)

MamaHen said...

Wow! Thanks for this great giveaway! I came over from a comment you left on Missy's blog.

MamaHen said...

I signed up to follow you also.

Unknown said...

Oh my gosh! lol I think this is the best UBP post I've read all day! Okay, let's see....

I have an Elijah. We call him Eli and he is one special kid!

When my one and only girl was 5, she pee'd herself 'just a little bit' ALL.THE.TIME. She's 20 now. And dying from embarrassment.

My oldest son ditched us for Heaven at 9 weeks of age. Sucks, don't it?

Oh, and enter me in the giveaway. I could use the pocket change, er, I mean, BIG BUCKS!

Come visit~
Lisa @All That and a Box of Rocks

Unknown said...

Oh, yeah. I am following you now. I've been looking for a new cult leader. :o)

Lisa @All That and a Box of Rocks

Unknown said...

Found your site thru UBP and I am glad that I did -- what a great witty writing style about those little daily moments that make parenting such a great thing -- OMG the homework pic almost made me choke on my drink -- too funny -- can just see my kids doing the same thing-- I am now following your blog and look forward to more reading.

Unknown said...

I am now also following you on FB.

Unknown said...

I am also now following you on Twiter @violethare

Jenn @ Beautiful Calling said...

Oh, that is so cool!! You're famous!
Swinging in to say hello from the UBP. It's been a whirlwind, it's amazing to see how many blogs there are out there and how many people you have something in common with :) Feel free to swing by my UBP for an Amazon giveaway (worldwide) or if dresses are your thing, the Shabby Apple Giveaway (RV $92) (US only) is pretty awesome!

Blessed said...

I'm glad I random-clicked on your linky in the list! You made me laugh this morning :)

Unknown said...

Dropped by from the Ultimate Blog Party! Nice to meet you! What a beautiful family!

Blessings,
Paige

Sandy said...

Ha! I.love.this.blog! Your sense of humor is a lot like mine. I think, thought, that the only things we have in common is that you were on tv, and I used to watch a lot of it. But I don't remember you at all. Nothing personal. :)

Sandy said...

And I follow you.

Sandy said...

And following on twitter.

mrsking14 said...

This post made me laugh so many times! How entertaining. Totally subscribing to you by email!

Happy Friday! I'm your newest follower from Ultimate Blog Party 2011! Looking forward to reading your blog. Hope you will come follow me too: http://dinosaurs-and-dandelions.com

mrsking14 said...

Following you via GFC
surveymom1470@yahoo.com

Kathleen said...

You keep it in real.

Heather Truckenmiller said...

That was one of the most interesting party posts I've read yet! :-)

Unknown said...

Your mom was my first grade teacher.

Unknown said...

I lost a babysitting gig in highschool cause I heard you were on tv so I watched (well we- 4 little kids) 2 hours of primetime tv looking for you- never did see you. I guess the parents thought it was pretty lame that they paid me to watch tv (now i get it :))

Unknown said...

I asked for your book for mother's day from my husband then i'll donate it to the library- cause i really love libraries.

Renee said...

I am already following you on twitter and I come check out your blog a lot. I don't have kids(I'm just a college student) but I love to babysit and love them in general. I love your sense of humor when talking about them. It's also fun to hear your stories about being a child actor. I always crack up reading what you write! :)

Renee said...

posting this again since I'm not sure it went through.If it does sorry for the double post! Already following you on twitter and I have your blog bookmarked and read it often. I don't have kids(I'm a college student) but I love kids and love to babysit. I love your sense of humor and hearing about your kids. Always puts me in a good mood! Love hearing about your childhood as a child actress too. Your so lucky you got to meet so many cool people! :)

Mimi N said...

Totally stoaked to meet another mom who doesn't have it all together. Can I use the word "stoked" and still be entered into the giveaway? Just checkin'. I'm the same, I love Jesus but you won't find me blogging daily about my amazing faith walk...which most days is truly lacking in luster.

~Mimi #115 from the #ubp11
http://wovenbywords.blogspot.com/2011/03/2011-ultimate-blog-party.html

Mimi N said...

I'm following you via GFC...publicly, yes, for the whole world to see...as bigguysmama

~Mimi
mnjesusfreak @ gmail . com

Mimi N said...

I'm your pal on Twitter, but not expecting it to be reciprocal, and I'm ok with that.

~Mimi @bigguysmama
mnjesusfreak @ gmail . com

MommyMandi said...

I just found your blog and read this post. You are so funny and honest. I love it! I will be back to read more because this is one of the best blogs I've read. Thanks for the laughs. Love the P homework, by the way. Ha ha!

MommyMandi said...

I follow your blog with gfc publically

MommyMandi said...

I follow you on twitter

MommyMandi said...

I like you on facebook

LivingforGod said...

Stopping by via UBP11. It's really nice to "meet" you, Wendy! I love Jesus, too! I also have 3 children. I really enjoyed reading your post, admiring your beautiful family, and watching your video. You're funny :). The homework made me laugh so hard.

Please stop by and visit my blogs when you get a chance :).
http://bornagainandblessed.blogspot.com/
http://wondersbeyondwords.blogspot.com/
http://fivesavedbygrace.blogspot.com/

LivingforGod said...

I follow your blog via GFC. My avatar is the yellow tulip.

serving_theKingofkings@yahoo.com

LivingforGod said...

I follow you on Twitter. http://twitter.com/treasuredbyGod

LivingforGod said...

I "Like" Totally Desperate Mom on facebook. I'm "Fruit Bearer" on FB.
http://www.facebook.com/fruitbearer

I also have a page on FB: http://www.facebook.com/ChristmyLordandSavior

Tara: MommyHaha said...

Do you know how jealous I am of you right now that you met both Kevin and Zach? My two childhood crushes!!! Is it wrong that I still find them attractive and I'm almost 30?

I'm stopping by from UBP, and I LOVE your blog!

My email is tara.mommyhaha at gmail.com and my blog is www.mommyhaha.com

Tara: MommyHaha said...

I'm following you on GFC.

I'm not ashamed.

Tara: MommyHaha said...

I'm following you on Twitter as @Tara_MommyHaha

Tara: MommyHaha said...

I like you on Facebook!

Anonymous said...

Guess I'm too late for the giveaway but can you just comment on my blog so I can say you did, ;)

http://www.justwriting.net/2011/03/ultimate-blog-party-2011.html

Jaimie said...

Oh My Word! That picture of the homework is hilarious! I love how the teacher wrote "I understand!" in the corner! My 3 year old was practicing writing his letters the other day, and made each letter "pee" - I thought that was funny, but it's even better when it's your kids' homework! :)

SparingChange said...

I love your humor and wit! Cant wait to follow your blog.

hollywood party supplies said...

Very worthwhile blog post. Your web property is swiftly starting to be among my top picks.
Hollywood theme parties are becoming extremely popular these days as more and more people are deciding on putting a twist to their normal run of the mill house party.

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