Melanie Odette

So, like, I'm totally awesome.

Okay, not really. I mess up a lot, but I try - honestly *try* - to do my best and be a good person, and it confuses me when other people don't seem to be the same way.

My life in a nutshell, as of Fall 2011: I'm a Navy wife to Rob, who's been Active Duty for 18½ years. We'll celebrate our 11th anniversary in a few months. Our eldest is Chloë, who just turned the big 1-0. Twins Jack and Robby were born 18 mos after her, but Jack, 8½, survived while Robby did not. I used to run a charity, CARE Package, Inc., in Robby's name, but I ended that in December 2010 after deciding I needed to change my focus to my living children. Meanwhile, Sophia came along and is now 6½.

In other news-you-probably-don't-care-about, we lead busy (crazy) lives. The girls are both in Girl Scouts, and I'm Sophia's Daisy troop leader. Jack is in Cub Scouts. All three are in gymnastics. We also homeschool - this is our second year - and are members of a weekly military Christian homeschooling co-op, where I teach three cooking classes to kids of all ages. I sell my knitted and other crafts on Etsy - and so does Chloë! - and sort of run a baking business out of my home.

I'm diagnosed with Bipolar I with Psychosis, although I'm not, like, kill-them-all "psychotic." The danger is only to myself, but I'm in therapy and take my meds like a good girl. I strive to help eliminate the stigma attach to mental illness, and not contribute to it by hiding it under a rug, which is why I'm sharing that with you here.

The latest news is that I've decided to rejoin the ranks of Jafra consultants, 12½ years after first signing up. I've been pretty inactive for the past 10 years of being "Mommy" to three kids, but now I'm ready to hit the ground running. My website is http://www.myjafra.com/modette - and I love giving discounts to new and frequent clients, so feel free to ask!

Guess that's it. I love comments and questions - nice ones, please; I'm sensitive - and always try to visit back. See you 'round the blogiverse!