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I want to thank everyone who has tried so hard to help me get this job. I know that there are many of you who have worked really hard to help me. I can’t even write about it without breaking into tears because it means so much to me that you have worked so hard for me. (Because I don’t know why you do. But I appreciate it!) I don’t like asking you to do it. Every day when I ask you to vote for me, I don’t like it.
Here’s why I keep doing it.
This is not a “contest” like some kind of ego thing. This “contest” ends in a job. This job requires the person who holds it to write five days a week for the SAM-e website. They’re asking for five posts per week (relatively short–to me, who is used to writing books), not selling their product, but in support of their product. Meaning, five posts per week motivating people to live their lives with a positive outlook. I know I can do that. I’ve been trying to do that here on my own website every day for the last two years, and if the amazingly sweet feedback I get from so many of you is true, I’ve had at least some success with that. This job will also not interfere with or obstruct in any way my continuation of this website and will have no bearing on it.
In the course of the last two years, I’ve had some major ups and downs, some of which I’ve shared on this website, and some of which I will never share because they are too private. As any of you who have been around here for a long time know, I nearly had to give up this website this time last year because of money. I do not have any money. I operate on a shoestring. I’m a single mother living on a farm in a remote area of West Virginia. I can’t operate this website at the level that I do without spending a great deal of time on it. I write this website as a passion. I believe it’s what I’m supposed to be doing because I know that I am helping people and using what skill I have in life at the same time. I think it’s important because your emails to me tell me it’s important to you. I am able, now, in the past few months, to make enough money from advertising revenue on this website that my fear of having to give it up has at least for now somewhat subsided. However, I am a long way from being solvent or secure. I worry about money every day, and that’s why I work so hard.
Writing a blog for a living, to many people, is still a strange (even mockable) pursuit. It’s very new, and as with all new things, it’s both cutting edge and cast upon with disdain at the same time. To me, there is nothing strange about it. I am a writer. I will write wherever people will read, and today, people are reading on the internet. There are a million blogs to choose from. I have to write like my life depends on it every day because I want you to choose to read here–and you have a choice, every day. The internet is an incredible opportunity for writers–and also for readers, because by your visits, you control what sites continue to operate. It’s an amazing time to be a writer, and a woman, with a drive to succeed. From a remote farm in the foothills of the Appalachian mountains, with an iffy internet connection on the best of days, if I can entertain you enough to convince you to come back, I can make a living in this new age for writers. That is my challenge, every day.
This job pays a (shocking) $5,000/month. For six months only. It’s a short-term job, but it’s a lifetime of security because, believe me, I won’t use that money to go to Paris. I’ll use that money to make my family secure, and to guarantee that I can continue writing this website.
I’m not asking for a handout. I’m asking for a job that I know I can do and do well. How this round of voting works is that the top 20 in the vote will go to a second round in which the company will choose who will get the job. You know the company is watching, and the top slots will have their attention. I would like to go into the second round in a strong position, as #1 if possible because I believe that is my best bet to get the job. I will do everything including backflips to get there, despite my loathing for asking for votes. This job means that much to my family. When Morgan tells me she needs a coat, I want to be able to buy it for her. (Like I said, this is not about Paris.) I quit writing romance novels because I was not making any decent money at it, even though it was the only thing I knew how to do. My kids are on free lunch at school if that tells you anything about my tax return. To every struggling single mother out there–I am one of you. I want this job. I want to use my talents to help my family and to help other people. I know I can do it.
Even if you haven’t voted before because you just don’t do stuff like that and it sounds like a hassle, please vote for me today. It takes, literally, five seconds. It’s a simple process. Click on the link in this post, then click on “vote for me” when the page comes up and you’re done. If every single person who visits this website in a day voted, I would be more than okay in the standings.
I hate to ask, but I am. Because I know what this would mean for my family.
Please help me. Take five seconds today.
If you are on Facebook or Twitter, please post it if you have the time or inclination. Every vote counts.
You can see where I am in the standings here: Top 20.
THANK YOU.
Posted by Suzanne McMinn on October 29, 2009

"It was a cold wintry day when I brought my children to live in rural West Virginia. The farmhouse was one hundred years old, there was already snow on the ground, and the heat was sparse-—as was the insulation. The floors weren’t even, either. My then-twelve-year-old son walked in the door and said, “You’ve brought us to this slanted little house to die." Keep reading our story....
Make friends, ask questions, have fun!
Be a part of something big.
I'm a paperback writer.
by Ruthmarie on September 5, 2010
by TeresaJM on September 5, 2010
by tinamanley on September 5, 2010
by Alanna on September 5, 2010
by Alanna on September 5, 2010
September 2010
"Drizzle, drizzle, hair will frizzle (if not hers, then surely his'll). Sunny, hot, hang out the linen; chilly and wet for fall's beginnin'. Air's crisp as a McIntosh, by gosh!"
"Cookies are good." Read my barnyard stories....
Entire Contents © Copyright 2004-2010 ChickensInTheRoad.com.
Text and photographs may not be published, broadcast, redistributed or aggregated without express permission. Thank you.
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I’m a brand spankin’ new reader, just subscribed to your blog via Bloglines and became a fan on Facebook. A friend pointed me in your direction and that’s all it took. I’m from rural Arkansas and I’m used to scraping by on a wing and a prayer, so we have that in common, among many others. I’m looking forward to settling in and getting better acquainted.
Hugs,
Diane
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Don’t feel badly asking for votes. Most of us who commented, ASKED you to put a link on your site to remind us ADD/ADHD people to do what we WANT to do – vote for you.
I’m a single mom too. I know how it feels to be worried about where the next coat or car repair will come from and this job is a small FORTUNE. Many people have no clue as to how tight money can be. I hear a lot of; “It’s ONLY $20. SURELY you can afford that!” Yeah. Right. Well that’s 1/5 of my 2 week income, so there’s no “ONLY” about it! If you can’t eat it, wear it or make the car run with it, I ain’t a buyin’ it!
Don’t you just LOVE buying those boys a new pair of pants that the very next MONTH they have outgrown? What’s the worry? they’re ONLY $5 at the thrift store?! IF they have a pair in his size! And, uhmm, yeah, may I get back to you about that $5?
Here’s voting and hoping you win!
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Thank you again for sharing your writing and outlook on life.
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Love Chris
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The reminder is a necessity for me and the link you provide makes it really easy.
I am happy to see you are doing so well and hopefully we will get you to the number 1 spot.
Every day you are the first place I go. I look forward to reading your blog. Although I have no interest in living on a farm in the middle of nowhere myself, I find a great deal of pleasure in reading about your experiences.
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Again, good luck and I hope you get it.
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Thank you, thank you, thank you!
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P.S. I love my daily photo blog but can’t begin to figure out how one would make money from blogging. Hopefully, you can find a way to do it!
4:55
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Best wishes for #1.
Nancy
4:59
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I have voted for you everyday. I’m crossing my fingers and saying my prayers that you get this job!!!
Have ya started working on the video yet? That would be the hard part for me.
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And–to Jan–the way I earn money from this site is from the advertising. That way, the site is free for readers. It’s supported by advertisers.
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Cece
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Cindy in Indiana
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Your recipes for foods and crafts bring happiness and comfort to us all. You show us how to decorate our homes using natural and inexpensive items, that are so much nicer than store bought at any price.
You give us all that warm feeling about our homes that we all need right now.
Thank you.
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Best wishes!
Cindy in Indiana
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You deserve to make money for blogging, why on earth not?
There are only a couple blogs that I really can’t go more than a few days without reading: Bedlam Farm Journal, Pioneer Woman, and Chickens in the Road.
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ejramp88
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Cece
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And when we can give a little something back to you it just makes that room even brighter. I thank you for the voting link and thank you for thinking enough of us to ask for that vote. It may feel like a hand out but it isn’t…….
I made your laundry soap yesterday, it was sooo easy. Now I have to give it a try.
Have a blessed day……can you feel the love yet??
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Don’t feel bad about asking for votes! You have earned each and every one of them!
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2nd of all, i’ll make sure to vote every day
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I’m thinkin’ you should be feelin’ the love!!!
Have you started working on your video and essay yet??
Lish
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I’m going to the public library today to vote on their machine too.
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Keep voting everyone, now we’ve got to get Suzanne a commanding lead!
Great job!
ejramp88
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You truly are living the simple life, and sometimes it helps not to have to live too simply… You still need those winter coats! So from one friend to another, I will gladly vote for as long as I need to to help this become a reality! I definitely feel you are perfect for the job!
7:17
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This is the first website I go to every morning when I get my da settled and eating his breakfast (91 years young!) and it’s part of what helps me stay on an even keel. I smile, laugh, cry then smile some more partly because of you… well, ok, you and the cup of coffee I get about that same time!
Oh, and by the way, it takes WAY less than 5 seconds to vote for you and I’ve been doing it every day since you first mentioned it.
I SO look forward to hearing about all the critters, the kids, the latest recipe, your latest trip, or adventure, even if it’s a walk down the lane to take some of your great photos! I was so impressed at first at how regularly you post here, and that is a big part of why people keep coming back day after day after day. We all KNOW we can count on you! Anyone who has ever gotten interested in a blog only to have the whole thing dry up after a month or three, appreciates what you do day in and day out.
Thank you for being a part of our mornings! You make them so much better just by being here for us.
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You still cheer me up, like you did at Tech (only then I didn’t admit it.)
It’s been tough here too, but things can only get better.
You need to get an emoticin for “making a brave and smiling”.
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You go girl!!!!
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YAY! I think that is great. I keep asking my friends to come and see you and vote, I hope they are doing that. (Sorry I can’t use brute force to make them, I just have to trust they are good friends and will do what I tell them!)
I really and truely hope that you get this writing oppotunity. I am a single mom and I know what you are struggling to do. Plus, I think I have said before, I believe you ARE the one for that job!
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~Jenny~
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Just remember, those CA folks wake up later than the rest of us. So, we DO need that lead built up.
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Jean
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I read about your Blog from another blog on Spark People. I pray that you win! Good luck!
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There is no one else in the world who has a passion for,photographs, and writes about outhouses.
I thought I was all alone in my fascination with outhouses.
Lord, and fried bologna sandwiches, pinto beans, cornbread baked in an iron skillet, biscuits and gravy,and all the wild, wonderful, West Virginia ways.
I can’t thank you enough for being there every morning to brighten my day and to show the world that we who call this beautiful state home don’t have one leg shorter than the other, wear floppy hats, go barefoot,are stupid,illiterate,fat,toothless,sit around on sofas on the front porch chewing on a straw and drinking moonshine from a jug.
You are truly a blessing
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It’s trick or treat night here in Huntington
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Honey, I seriously considered hopping a plane and trying to find lodging in a small town I’d never heard of (before reading you)just to come to your party and meet you. I wouldn’t even think about it for any other blogger.
Okay, I really REALLY wanted to meet Clover. What is it about that little goat?
8:17
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I have voted for you everyday since you started asking and it is a PLEASURE to do so!
I am pulling for you, Suzanne!!!
8:17
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I have been voting for you….I think you have a great shot at this. Don’t ever feel bad about reaching out and asking us to help you out. After all, it is the American way….or at least it should be. Like so many other have already said….you give us so much in the beautiful, funny, comical way with your words. God has given you a awesome talent….and you are using it. We love you and support you in this endeavor. Good Luck!
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I was a single Mom but with only one child to support, raise, encourage, worry about. I worked full time, so never thought of other ways to make money, as you’ve had to do. You do inspire me!
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Blessings from Ohio…
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WOO-HOO – SUZANNE IS IN FIRST PLACE!!!!
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Hello from the big town of Weaverville, NC! We are just north of Asheville NC. My husband and I have been following you for about a year now. Each evening when we come in from work, your site is the first one we go to. Quite often if the other is busy with something we’ll read your blog aloud and then click on the Daily Farm Photo to enlarge it. You have no idea how much we love your record of the daily life on your farm; the good as well as bumpy times. We see in you a person we often wish we could be in regard to inner strengths, being able to face daily problems with optimism, and enjoy the beauty/reason in ALL things;even the areas where others would shudder and look the other way. You are us…mankind at its best. Thank you for your daily gifts you send on the internet.
We have two computers here and we make sure we vote each day on each one for you.You are important to us. Speaking on behalf of all who follow your blog, we have adopted you into our families,You are family, and the one thing here in the mountains of NC we have done for generations is…family looks out and helps family! Keep writing, no matter what happens. You have something important to say that need to be shared!
Many Thanks!
PS-I failed to mention our son at Wake Forest University is a journalism major and enjoys your daily writng as well as the WONDERFUL pictures! Your writing crosses generational lines.
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So no one misunderstands what I’m trying to say, being a stay-at-home mom does not mean that one does not work. Quite the contrary. Being a good mom and keeping a safe, secure home (with all that entails . . . anyone reading your blog can see what I mean) is one of the hardest, most physically, mentally and emotionally taxing jobs in the world.
We MUST get back to personal responsibility in thought, word, and action. We’ve gone too long expecting to be taken care of and lost so many individual talents, crafts, and abilities along with our sense of creativeness.
We need people with a super-positive outlook on life and inborn sense of optimism (even when laboring under difficult situations) to lead the way for us.
You personify everything I’m talking about and if the powers-that-be at the SAM-e sight can’t see this, it’s a big, fat loss for them.
Gotta go vote now. (If there were a way, I’d even think about being dishonest and stuffing the ballot box for you!)
9:03
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All y’all blog-readers out there are so amazing! I am touched on Suzanne’s behalf because of your loyalty and support!
As I have told y’all before, Suzanne is a hard-worker at everything she does. I have been a fascinated bystander now for 4 years. She makes me tired to just watch her in action.
You go, girl!
Love ya!
9:05
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In case nobody told you, one of my other favorite bloggers, Robyn of http://www.bitchypoo.com fame has asked her readers to send their votes to you. I was already having a hard time choosing which of you to vote for, but now I can vote for you with a clear conscience. I’ll be voting every day till the contest ends.
Congrats and GOOD LUCK!!
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I just voted for you — you deserve this! I know how hard it is to write a blog!
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I have been voting every day but today has been emotional for me watching your votes climb and climb. I know that sounds corny, but watching your votes climb shows how much joy and inspiration you give to every single person voting. You have a gift of writing and I pray that you get this gig as you are so deserving of it. Good luck to you sweetie.
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Blessings~
Laura
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It’s afternoon and thought I would check and guess what…
you are #1.
Just had to drop in and let you know!!!
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I have a good feeling about this, you deserve the job.
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I have voted everyday since you first asked, you ARE the ONE for the job! I see you are now in first place. Way to go Suzanne! Sharri
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I would happily go back and vote several times a day if it was allowed. I have voted every day. I get requests to vote for things regularly. Usually I don’t. The reason why I have been voting for you is because I enjoy your writing and believe that you can do this job. I have been reading your blog for some time now and I really enjoy what you write. I also love your recipes and have used a few of them with much success. When I made your Over the top cinnamon streusel biscuits my husband told all his facebook friends how delicious they were.
Good luck.
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I love reading your blog – I read every day if possible – and admire you tremendously. I think you should write a book about your life on the farm. Books like that are very popular. Include recipes, crafts,etc… just like you do on this blog. Or perhaps base a novel on your life. Go beyond Harlequin!!!
I see that you are number one – Congradulations! I’ll keep voting!
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I hope you get it, I really do. Good luck in the second round!
Thank you for writing here as much as you do for I look forward to reading your stories every day.
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I tried clearing my cookies, but it still knows I’ve already voted that day on that computer. Darn! I’ve added two votes a day (2 computers)each day. Wish I could do more. Your blog is such a joy in my day. Made Grandmother’s bread with the g-kids a couple of months ago.
Today I posted the link to my RWA chapter loop & to another small loop that has some ex-GEnie romex members. It’s only a few votes, but they’ve voted.
I have the old romex photo album & still have a pic of you sitting on a fireplace hearth with your kids when the youngest was a little baby. Time flies!
Winging positive thoughts & prayers you get this job! pamb
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I’ve voted 2x a day for you…once from my home computer, and once from my work computer. You’re well in the lead now, but I’ll keep voting to help keep you there! I was born in Beckley but raised in Ohio. I have so many fond memories of summers at my grandparents’ house in Seth…cooling off in the swimmin’ hole in the Coal River. My mom and aunts canned fruits & vegetables from their gardens every year. Gravy & biscuits is still my favorite breakfast, and I’ve passed the same traditions down to my kids and now my grandkids. Can’t wait til you get the job!
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I have voted for you and will keep on doing so until the contest is over, but better still I am sending up a prayer for your success and happiness!
Lisa from OOOOKlahoma!
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Melanie in IL
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Yours is the frist website I go to every morning. And as soon as I get there, I vote for you.
Love all the animals on the farm.
Hope you get the job so we will have two places to read your writings
Granny fron Ohio
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I was born and raised in northern WV, Weirton to be exact. Graduated from WVU and moved 1200 miles away 9 years ago. WV will always be my home and I miss it so much it is a physical ache. I love all the pics of the beautiful mountains, the post about pepperoni rolls (no one outside of that area has a clue what a pepperoni roll is and they are totally missing out!) and the fact that when I read your blog, home doesn’t feel quite so far away. Good luck!! Lots of people are voting and praying that you get it!
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Here’s hoping since I can’t win, that I hope you do.
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I vote for you everyday.
Sometimes twice a day or more .
Does that count or can you only vote once.
I love your blog!
Start my day everyday with it after I check my emails.
The best to you and your lovely children and your beloved pets
and your farm animals!
Anne
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JOJO
OHIO
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Blessed Be
Sallie
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I have been voting for you every day. Glad to see you made it to the top! I will keep voting to keep you at the top!
Love your blog – I read it every day!
Keep up the good work!
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Much Love!!
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Just checked and found you standing in first place! WooHoo!
Everyone- please keep voting!
Kelly
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There is no turning back now!!!
Jean
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Thank you for sharing your heart and allowing us the privilege to give back to you.
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I vote here and I vote at work, that way you get two votes a day from me. Good luck, sweet girl, hope you get the job. You deserve it for making us all feel good everyday. xxoo
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I just wanted to say that you shouldn’t feel bad about asking us to vote for you (just keep putting the link there). You do something for all of us everyday, and I(and many of your readers) would like to do something in return for you. I was also a single mother at one point in my life (like so many other of your readers)and we know that it sure can be a struggle. So isn’t that what friends do…..help each other out.
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Good luck!!!
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Watching your video and looking at your pictures, it could be called FarmVille in real life. (if you’ve found time to look at that).
Your doing a great job, and I’m voting every day.
Leslie
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Good luck! You are in my prayers and I’ll be adding you to my blog roll! I’m also going to write a short post about you!! Maybe others will vote.
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Train
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God bless you and your family.