Wednesday, January 16, 2008

I'm the Map...I'm the Map, I'm the Map, I'm the Map...

Thank you so much to all of you who have taken the time to look up some information about your town and send Austin a letter for his school project. We have been having so much fun reading about your great cities! We've loved looking at the pictures of your towns, famous landmarks, and your beautiful families! We've gotten 50 cards/letters so far from 26 states and several countries! We've read every one! Well, Austin, Joe, and I have read them at least. Austin, who is 13 and basically uninterested in school, is actually excited to get these cards and read about your towns. Joe has decided that he wants to visit every town that's been mentioned because you've all made them sound so interesting. And thanks to the pictures you've sent, I'm enjoying putting faces to some of the names I keep seeing in my comments! :)

As far as my kids' names go...we've gotten one from Brooklyn, NY and one from Lexington, MA. Anyone from Austin, TX? Savannah, GA? Clayton, MO? Or Clayton, AL? Or Clayton, CA? Jackson, MS?

I hope this map works. You should be able to zoom in and out and if you click on a marker, you should be able to read the name of the town and the name of the person who sent the letter from there.


View Larger Map

Sorry I didn't think to stop and take a picture of my toilet-wading daughter yesterday. Will these pictures from July suffice?

60 comments:

Michelle Kemper Brownlow said...

HAHAHAHAH!
I was waiting for that picture of Brooklyn, too! :)

Mary said...

Glad to see South Dakota was represented in your cards already!

I was born in Jackson, Wyoming! Guess that makes me from there, even though I always say I'm from SoDak, but I live in Cali. I have a geographic identity crisis.

Anonymous said...

Alabaster, AL on the way!!!!

Stephanie Honeycutt

Anonymous said...

Wow--that's so great that you've gotten so many responses and that Austin's enjoying it! This reminds of Flat Stanley in a way...

LOL! Loved those pictures of Brooklyn in the toilet!

My little boy isn't mobile, yet, but if he ever does that, I think I would just die on the spot--no return! I have the weirdest aversion to toilets (and non-carpeted floors) that I just don't know what I'd do...

Debbie @ Three Weddings said...

Cool map. This is going to be very intersting.

Laura ~Peach~ said...

WOW cool you got ours fast! it took me a bit to figure out how the map worked but i got it finally!
Laura ~peach~ and the pits LOL

Kim VanDerHoek said...

Oh, thanks for the reminder to send my postcard. I had it all filled out and everything. I just need a stamp and to remember to pop it in the mail. Remembering is the hard part!

Anonymous said...

This is such a cool project! I should have sent one in--I see that Oklahoma doesn't have the representation it could.

Anonymous said...

Wow... None from the great country to the north yet?
I will have to change that... maybe send some photos of the beauty that existsaround here. I do have a postcard already, but I may have to add some to it so that you dont think the whole country is as boring as my little town is! haha! I also need to remember that little stamp.... hmmm.

-Dustin.

Rick said...

Just pick up my post card today. Cost me $.30. But Austin is WELL worth it. Austin Meehan that is, not Austin, TX (With apologies to the Austinites, or Austinians, or Austiners, out there.)


http://organizeddoodles.blogspot.com/

Anonymous said...

Please know, I love your blog, and read it daily. I wish I could join the laughter about the baby in the toilet. Yes, funny, and cute. I have a friend who lost her son when he was playing in the toilet, his older brother left the seat up, little bro was playing with a toy and drowned. I seriously don't want to ruin the fun, but please be careful, shut the lid and lecture kids.. yeah yeah..I have four and know how that goes.

Anonymous said...

So glad you got my letter that fast. When the letter has been gone, I thought I could have written some of that stories about my grandma....


and there are some really funny and wild stories about that redskirt women in their traditional dress....

;)
Heike from Hannover

Zsuzsanna said...

Hey, I check your blog every day, but I have never left a comment on it yet. I know you have a lot to do and don't have much time to sit and approve comments on your blog all day. I did e-mail you via e-bay when you had the auction just to thank you for making me laugh.

Anyway, that map is REALLY neat! We live in Tempe, AZ, and since you don't have anything from our state yet I'll be sure and get a card out to you this week. Also, our family is taking a 2-week European vacation in late Feb./early March, at which point I could send you more cards from Germany, Austria, Hungary, and possibly Switzerland. No, we are not independently wealthy! The tickets were only $350 /person, and my family lives all over the place there so we can stay with them.

We have 4 little ones (so far), three boys ages 6, 4, and 3 years old, and an 11 month old girl.

Keep up the great work!

Anonymous said...

When my Dad was in the Army back in the '70s we were stationed in the Panama Canal Zone and lived on Ft. Clayton. That doesn't help Austin any (sorry).

Anonymous said...

Well, not from Mississippi, but Austin will get one from Jackson Minnesota!
BTW...I love your blog!

Anonymous said...

Dawn,

I live off Clayton Road in Wildwood, MO (which is 10 miles west of Clayton, MO). Does that count?

I'll get my card off today!!

stlmom

LHD said...

Hey Dawn - Click here...look familiar?? Love your blog!!! Thanks so much for inspiring moms...Lauren

http://hallsey.blogspot.com/2008/01/diving-for.html

Anonymous said...

I'm going to be getting mine out in the mail this week...I live in Poplarville, MS now, but I lived in Jackson for three years...does that count?? LOL

Jessica said...

Hey...there's a Jackson, MI too! Hehe. I work there. I don't live there but I work there. I'll try to get a postcard out from Jackson, MI. I swear! I'll try!!!

Anonymous said...

Hi Dawn, I have my post card for Austin here just need to fill it in. There was only two to choose from so I picked the one I thought Austin would be interested in.Wanted to find one of Michigan Adventure amusment park. Kids love that place. Kristine in Michigan.

Michelle said...

You should be getting mine in a couple days - that way Denver won't look so lonely there on the map : D (we're in Bailey)

Jennie said...

Yay! That is such a fun project! Glad you guys got our letter! :)

MaNiC MoMMy™ said...

Thanks for the whirlpool photos! Just think, back then you had three comments, now you get hundreds!

Did you get that contract in your hot little hands yet!?!?

momteacherfriend said...

How fun watching them come in. Glad you got ours.
Enjoy your project Austin!

Julie said...

My 2 year old once did "washey hair" in the toilet, because daddy left the seat up. Frankly, I'm just glad he had flushed! Now we just keep the bathroom door closed. The hard part is reminding our friends and family to do the same. Maybe I should relate the drowning story posted by another reader to emphasize my point.

I'm surprized Austin had only gotten 50 responses. The onslaught must be on it's way!

The LUCKY WIFE said...

I would LOVE to send Austin some info and pictures from Long Island, NY. But where do I send them? Sorry - I haven't been keeping up with your blog lately - I have some serious catching up to do! Since December 1st I think.. maybe even longer! Crazy months lately, but even still, I REALLY want to send some stuff for him, and you, and anyone who cares!

My husband's son had a Flat Stanley project for school. He sent us this paper man called Flat Stan and we took him out all over the island for pictures and stories and sent it back. He got an A, but actually, we had a blast doing it and would love to do it again for some one else! So if ANYONE out there needs a Flat Stan project, or some other paper man, please contact me for an address. Cyntraxx@optonline.net We really got a kick out of the faces on people when we asked that they pose with Flat Stan for a picture, at their jobs, or in their yards, or where ever they were.. it was fun!

Unknown said...

I live/work close to Austin, TX so I'll try to run down the street to get some postcards at lunch and send them to Mr. Austin!!!

Shelly said...

I love the map. I wish I had the opportunity to do this project in school. I love learning about different places. The map helps me get involved. I will be sending out my card on Friday. It is so exciting when our kids are excited and enjoying school.

Nicole Wilson Conley said...

fun project!
i live near Clayton, NC - but not in it... I'm in Raleigh.

and i'm single with no children but i LOVE LOVE LOVE your blog!

:o)
Nicole
livingmercy.blogspot.com
iamalmostthirty.blogspot.com

Lucille said...

Very very cool with the map! Dawn - are you a closet techie chick? LOL!

And the title - that was supposed to be sung via DORA the Explorer style - yes?

Thanks a lot...I've got that song stuck in my head now!

www.whosgoingtotellyou.blogspot.com

Mandolin said...

None from Alaska yet? I'll have to get my mom to send him one :D

tm said...

Morning Dawn,
I live in Concord, CA which is right next to Clayton,CA. I am actually about a mile from the boarder. I would be happy to send you a post card but I need your address. You can send it to me at EEYORE_TINA@YAHOO.COM

tm said...

Oh I found the link to your original post... no need to send you address. Thanks

Anonymous said...

Did anybody else notice that Dawn only got **3 COMMENTS** in her July post??? Unbelievable!!!

MaBunny said...

I will get our postcard int he mail soon. Had to LOL at the Chickenbut comment now in Brooklyns vocabulary.
Hope all else is going well.

Mabunny

Anonymous said...

Hi Dawn. I just thought I'd let you know there's also a Clayton, New Mexico. I used to live nearby, but it's such a small town I doubt you'll find any postcards from there.

Anonymous said...

This is my first comment, been reading your blog for a few months now, its great to hear your stories!
I'll be sending you guys some info on Delaware!!
I love your kid's names, what are thier middle names?
One last, thing I have a Brooklynn too, that is a great name! :o)

Bekah said...

I guess I'm not the only one who had good intentions but has yet to get anything into the mail to you....until today. Could not let your poor Savannah not get anything from Savannah, GA! Put a letter in the mail today!

Anonymous said...

What, no mail from Antarctica yet??

Anonymous said...

Hey, this is a shout out to Zsuzsanna in Tempe, AZ! I'll send Austin a card from Tucson, AZ so central and southern Arizona are represented. Any northern Arizona folks out there willing to send Austin a card?

By the way, Dawn, if you do have any more children and want to keep the trend of place names, there are several towns in Arizona to choose from - Carefree, Why, and, my personal favorite, Surprise.

Sandy in we-have-the-best-winter weather-anywhere, Tucson

Irishmama said...

Only one from PA so far? Hmmm. I went to 3 stores this week looking to purchase a postcard....I will get something out to you soon.

Alexis AKA MOM said...

I can't wait to see my name and blip on the map appear ... LOL. Ok I must start with I'm sorry, my crazy Type A personality took over and I just had to print everything I could find about WA state. Hopefully you won't fall asleep reading it all =D. Thank you for all the fun stories. You make me laugh everyday and I know I'm not alone. My kids are normal? right? Hugs!

Anonymous said...

I'm a new reader of your blog and didn't realize, until today, that you have a daughter named Savannah! My name is Dawn & I have an almost 4 year old named Savannah. My husband's name is Jack, so maybe I live in a slightly parellel universe from you! ;-) And I break the similarities entirely with my 6 year old DJ (Danny Jack). I LOVE your blog, thanks for all the laughs. Can't wait for your book to come out!

Femme au Foyer said...

Hi Dawn,

A card from Austin, TX is on it's way! :)

Anonymous said...

I just spent 3.5 hours researching my "report" for Austin. Can't let Utah miss having its little flag on the map (or maybe it's because I just need to get a life!) Cool map by the way, where did you find it?

Marly said...

I've been reading since your ebay and thanks so much! You've really helped me realize we all go through the same things :) I have a 5.5, almost 4 yr old boys and one 3 month old daughter.
I was just going to say that Utah wasn't represented but I see Angie is also from here. I'll try to find a fun post card and send it out.
Thanks for the laughs!

Jen lleras said...

I am so happy you got my postcard and i hope it helps, will you be posting any of the postcards? I picked the funniest most interesting one I could for you guys!

-Jen , Maryland

Anonymous said...

Hi Dawn,
I'm planning on getting that letter to you about my town. But I didn't write the address done so if you could please do it again for me that would be great!!!
You make me LOL everyday and I look forward to waking up every morning to read your blog!

Anonymous said...

A little off the subject BUT a friend of mine sent this to me today and I just HAD to pass it on to you and your followers (me included). Check this out, it is SO worth it:
http://crackle.com/c/High_Wire/Mrs_Hughes_skewed_views/2041059#VT=1

Diane from Manteca, CA

Kristen said...

I love reading about your daily activities! what a great life! I am just figuring out all this blogging stuff, and i was wondering if you could tell me how I can get a video from youtube onto my blog? I am having lots of trouble!!
Thanks for making my day!

Anonymous said...

I'm sending one from savannah, GA!! I love your blog!

Anonymous said...

Yeah - you got my letter - thanks for putting Beaver on the map ;o)

Angela said...

The scariest thing for me: I immediately knew the tune that accompanies your title! "I'M THE MAP..." Now it's stuck in my head!
Love your blog...like everyone else!
-Angela

Anonymous said...

Since this is an ongoing project, My city has a huge Winter festival coming up in February. (Wanna bundle up, come out to Winnipeg, and watch dog sled races and log sawing contests, and other sorts of strange behaviors?) Don't worry we have heated tents, and tons of snow sculptures around!! I plan on taking alot of photos with my new digital camera, and sending a whole little care package about our Winter Festival. I LOVE winter!! And well, Winnipeg Manitoba isn't too too far from you, if you want to take a winter holiday let me know!

Cheeziemommie said...

My aunt used to climb in the toilet when she was lil too! Crazy!
So it looks like you/Austin haven't received any mail from the streets of Bakersfield (CA) home of Buck Owens? :) It just so happens that we will be at the museum tomorrow with my kids' school so I'll pick up a post card and send it your way this weekend! Such a fun project!

bluekaeru said...

There is also a Clayton, NC. It is about 20 minutes from where I work.

Unknown said...

Thanks for the reminder! With my migraine this weekend I completely forgot!

Traci Lyn said...

Aw...Poor Clayton! There is a tiny little town in DELAWARE (Yes, that's ACTUALLY a state...the FIRST state, in fact!) called Clayton. I checked today and they have their own post office. Although, I'm not so sure that they have their own post mark. Here in the Big (OK...2nd smallest state in the union!)Delaware, our mail system is...uh...wierd. If you mail something in DOVER (the capital) to someone in Dover, the letter will travel to Wilmington first. There the stamp is "cancelled" and then sent back to Dover. I will make a trip to Clayton next week and see if they can maybe "Hand Stamp" it right there in the post office! I'll also send a letter from Dover--where I live! Good luck!

Anonymous said...

The map works great. I love how specific it is, instead of just labeling everything near a big city as the same city. Thanks for the reminder, too! Your mistake was telling us we had 4 months to do this! I'll try not to procrastinate much longer! I bet he'll get lots more.

Anonymous said...

I work in Clayton MO...if that counts. I live about 20 minutes north in Florissant, MO.

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