He's here!!

Meet our 4th child...our 3rd son...and our latest example of God's love: Drew Everett Smith. He came into this world fast and furious on May 18 at 2:37am. He is 7lbs 9oz and 20 3/4 inches full of love. We are officially a family of 6!

"You didn't grow under my heart but in it."

I couldn't let Mother's Day go without wishing my mother a Happy Mother's Day.  She always instilled in me the idea that I may not have grown under her heart but rather I grew in it.  Thanks, Mom!

My mother, sisters, Grandmother & I circa 1981

"Not flesh of my flesh,

Nor bone of my bone,

but still miraculously my own.

Never forget for a single minute;

You didn't grow under my heart

but in it."

Author Unknown

Happy Mother's Day to all!

What real Moms want for Mother's Day

As Mother's Day approaches, I thought I'd share a video put together by Freschetta Pizza about what real moms want for Mother's Day. It is a cute, quick montage and if you look close enough you'll even see me!

As for what THIS real Mom wants for Mother's Day...how about a baby? (I'm 9 months and counting waiting impatiently for baby #4!) 

Disclosure: I didn't receive any compensation for participating in this video or posting it. They did snd me a couple coupons which I will use because I do love Freschetta pizza...and I'm about to have a baby.

"You're doing OK, Mom."

Saw this video and had to share for all the Moms out there who are hoping, wishing, and praying that everything they are doing to and for their kids will really be ok. Like the baby in this video I hope my newest little one, who I am impatiently waiting for, will soon say, "You're doing OK, Mom." Happy early Mother's Day!

Win tickets to the World of Coca-Cola for Mother's Day

I want to know what is behind this tumbler wall of the "secret vault"!

Looking for a great Mother's Day gift or just someplace fun to take the family to celebrate Mother's Day, the World of Coca-Cola (and I) want to help out!  One lucky family will win four tickets to visit the World of Coke for Mother's Day, or any day this year just by leaving a comment below with your personal "secret formula" for a great Mother's Day.

My secret formula for an awesome Mother's Day involves sleeping late, a great meal, and time with my family.  And maybe this year it will include a new baby too.  We'll see...!

While at the World of Coca-Cola, one of Atlanta's most popular local attractions, be sure to visit their newest exhibit, "The Vault of the Secret Formula". Learn more about one of the world's most well-guarded trade secret, kept quiet for over 125 years, through this interactive experience.  The World of Coca-Cola website describes the new exhibit as one that will "showcase the origins, mystery and magic surrounding the story of the secret formula."  Also be sure to save time for the Taste it! room and try one of the 60 different Coca-Cola products from around the world.  And the Secret Formula 4-D theater will be a hit with the kids! 


To enter the giveaway, simply leave a comment below with your "secret formula" for a great Mother's Day.  Be sure to include your email address so you can be contacted. One winner will receive four tickets (two adult and two youth) to the World of Coca-Cola to be used any time prior to 12/31/12.  The winner will be drawn at 5pm on Wednesday May 9.  Want extra entries? Do one or more of the following and leave a comment for EACH action:

• Follow @mariarsmith on Twitter
• Follow @worldofcocacola on Twitter
• Tweet: Win 4 tickets to @worldofcocacola from @mariarsmith here:  http://mamaliciousmaria.blogspot.com/2012/05/win-tickets-to-world-of-coca-cola-for.html
• Subscribe to this feed (so you don't miss any more great giveaways like this one)

Disclosure:  I was given complimentary tickets to the World of Coca-Cola in exchange for hosting this giveaway.  As always all opinions are my own.

Give children around the world a @Shot@Life

Shots are no fun for anyone, especially kids.  But what if your kids couldn't get them?  What if your child wouldn't live past their 5th birthday without the immunizations Americans take for granted?  What if getting a shot actually meant your child would LIVE?  This is the situation facing many mothers in developing countries and now there's something we can do about it!

Myself and Emma Dashiell-Charles, fellow Mocha Mom & Shot@Life Champion

Today marks the beginning of World Immunizations Week and one of the biggest events taking place is the week is the launching of the Shot@Life campaign by the UN Foundation.  I was honored to be asked to represent Mocha Moms Inc as a Shot@Life Champion to bring awareness and fundraising to this great cause.  Every 20 seconds a child dies of a preventable disease.  I want to do everything I can to make that sentence false.  And you can help too!

It only takes $20 to fully immunize a child who otherwise would not have access to vaccines.  For the cost of a lunch out, you can give a child a shot at a lifetime of "firsts".  From first teeth to first days of school to first loves, children everywhere should get a shot at celebrating the things that American children take for granted. You can donate any amount of money easily online, and it will go to ensure more children have a shot at every important milestone in childhood.

I implore you to join me in standing up for children who can't stand up for themselves and to get involved in the life-giving Shot@Life campaign.  Simply signing the Shot@Life pledge will add your voice to the movement of Americans who are committed to reducing preventable childhood deaths worldwide.

Win VIP tickets to the Atlanta Baby and Child Expo

As someone who is currently expecting (5 more weeks!), I am always on the lookout for products and information that will make bringing a newborn home any easier.  Even though this is my 4th baby in 5 years, it seems there is always something new I need or want.  But it's just hard to find the time to troll the Internet to find what I'm looking for and I often feel overwhelmed at the huge baby expos around town.  So, when I heard about the exclusive, intimate gathering at the Fox Theatre for the Atlanta Baby and Child Expo on Mother's Day weekend, I was intrigued.  Here I could get the information I was looking for from baby professionals of all fields (from doctors to photographers), try out the latest, greatest "mommy" gadgets, and even have a chance to win thousands of dollars in baby supplies.  You don't have to tell me twice...I'm in!  And if you're expecting or a new mom, you might want to get your tickets too.  (Or win some!)

Check out my Examiner.com article on how to win VIP tickets (an $80 value) to the Expo here:
 Win VIP tickets to the Atlanta Baby and Child Expo Mother's Day weekend

Enjoy!