Goodie, I was appointed the 7th Featured Member. What fun! Here's my answers-

1.      Starting with name, location, how many children.

My name is Tracey Clark, I live in Southern California, USA and I have 2 daughters (who are often pictured on my blog).

2.      How did you find Minti?

I found Minti through BlogHer. I was fairly new to blogging and was reading about the BlogHer 05 Conference and dreaming of going. I read a post on the BlogHer site that Clay wrote about having tickets to GIVE AWAY. I jumped on the chance and emailed Clay before even looking into Minti. I actually wrote about it at Mother May I. I think it’s a pretty interesting story. It was thrilling to say the least considering I actually WON the BlogHer tickets that Minti was giving away. And then, I was hooked on Minti!

3.      What's your favorite thing or feature at Minti?

Whenever I talk about Minti or share it with others I always make a point to stress how FAST you get answers and feedback to your issues or questions. You barely hit “submit” and you’re getting people commenting, giving advice or input on the question you post. That kind of response is wonderful. When you’re really in need, the Minti community is always available. It’s a great resource. Plus, being a global community makes it nice because when I’m writing into the wee hours, I always know someone is awake. Right Aussies?

4.      What's your favorite thing about being a parent?

Gosh, that’s a tough one because there are so many rewarding things about being a parent. I think for me it’s being able to rediscover the world with my children. Everything is new again. Nothing is taken for granted when you follow your children’s lead and look at the world with new eyes. It helps give me perspective and appreciation for the wonders around me.

5.      What has been your biggest parenting challenge?

Another tough one as there are many challenges as well. I guess since patience doesn’t come easy for me, it’d be to exercise patience with my kids. It’s hard not to want to move at my pace even when I know it’s not fair to expect that. And since my daughters are totally unique from one another, the kind of patience I have to practice with my oldest is not the same kind I have to use with my youngest. Part of me feels like I’m starting from scratch again and that’s frustrating.

6.      What's the best parenting advice you've ever gotten from someone?

I remember once after having my first daughter reading a book that was about rigid scheduling of a baby’s patterns (sleeping and eating) and I totally freaked out and thought I was a total failure. Looking back I know my reaction was ridiculous but sleep-deprivation and the shock of having a new baby made me extra-sensitive. Anyway, I called a girlfriend in tears and she stopped me, and was pretty firm (in a loving best-friend kind of way) and said, “Never let any book or any person for that matter make you feel like a failure. You are doing a great job and if you continue to do your best and make decisions from your heart, trusting yourself you will never be a failure.” I have carried that message with me all these years.

Alright, that was cool. Thanks guys.

And since it's still Thursday around here, I will give a BIG THANKFUL THURSDAY SHOUT OUT  to Clay and Matthew for being the amazing leaders of Minti and even more, being incredible people all around! You guys are awesome. Of course there's a woman to thank as well but I'll save her thank you for her very own Thankful Thursday post!