Wow!  I've had such a rotten day, and then I come home, log in and find that I am the 25th Minti Member to be featured!  Talk about getting me crying again!  But in a good way of course.

Just want to point out, if I'm the 25th Featured Member, then that means Minti has been running for 25 months!!!!!  Congrats to Minti!  Big milestone!

I've been asked to answer some questions, so will do that  I'm not really sure how to feel that I've been shoved in the spotlight so to speak, but I'm going to put it down to the fact I spend way too much time here!

Right, those questions!

1. Name, location, and my children:  My name is Arna and my family and I live in Gympie, QLD Australia (our town is credited with financing Queensland's financial rise).  I have 4 girls, and am expecting my 5th child later in the year.  They are Ayla (5), Willow (4), Laurel (2) and Acacia (1).
2. How Did I Find Minti:  My partner actually was the one who found Minti when he was looking for parenting forums way back after our last baby was born.  I was actually still a mess, but he sent me the link, I had a look around and have never left!
3. My Fave Thing About Minti:  Without a doubt, the people I have met here.  There are so many wonderful parents who help to keep me feeling good!  Yeah, without the other members, there would be no Minti!
4. My Fave Thing About Being A Parent:  That's a tricky one!  Let's see, it would have to be the knowledge that I am contributing something positive to our very topsy-turvy world.
5. My Biggest Parenting Challenge:  Another tough one!  Ok, brain kick time.  The biggest parenting challenge I've faced is learning to trust in my children's abilities and letting them explore their world without me constantly 'saving' them.  A very hard thing to do.
6. What Worries Me The Most About Parenting:  The rising cost of raising children is very worrying.  There are so many aspects to that, it would take too long to go into.
7. The Best Parenting Advice I Have Been Given:  To trust in my own abilities and ask for help when I need it.  Thanks lovely Minti ladies for making me see this!
8. My Babies First Words:  Oh, I have 3 typical little tikes who said Dadda! first.  Sadly for Daddy, our 4th said Mumma! first!  I finally got a win!
9. My Fave Song:  I have had many over the years, but I have never found one that sums up how I should be so well.  Carole King's Beautiful from her Tapestry album has certainly gotten me through the last couple of years and will always be the one I will throw at others who are having a tough time!  The words say to me that I can't let the world get me down and that if I smile, I will always come out on top!
10. Funniest Thing My Child or Partner Has Said:  I would have to say Ayla introducing her younger sister to her teacher.  I wasn't there, but Les told me later.  She told the teacher that Laurel was 'Our budgie'.  Ok it is her nickname, but would are people going to think?  Still, I think that is pretty funny!
11. One Word To Sum Up Minti:  Inspirational.
12. Best Piece of Advice Minti Has Given Me:  Back track and re read question 7!
13. How Do I Deal With My Minti Addiction:  Um, I don't!  Some days I spend hours here and others, I check in only a few times, but I'm always thinking about this site!
14. How Does My Family Deal With My Minti Addiction:  Thankfully, they understand how important it is for me to spend time on Minti and they also know that since becoming a member, I have been a much happier person.  Theory is , happy mum= happy kids!

Thanks for having me as a featured member!  Hope that everyone is enjoying their time here!

And thank you to everyone for the support I have received, my world doesn't seem such a scary place anymore, and I know that I am never alone!