April 28, 2007
what matters
Be who you are and say what you feel,
because those who matter don't mind,
and those at mind, don't matter.
-Dr. Seuss
because those who matter don't mind,
and those at mind, don't matter.
-Dr. Seuss
April 27, 2007
Sacrifice VS Giving
I'm listening to The Secret on cd as my book of the week. I saw a little bit of the Oprah show on this subject, but didn't pay much attention to it. My mom has brought it up a couple times, telling me I needed to watch the movie. As I was walking through Costco the other day, I saw the book, cd and movie. So I picked up a copy. At first, I thought it was all a little hooey hooey for me. But after listening to more of it, I started thinking back at how my life has worked out so far. I grew up with broken and blended families including lots and lots of money woes. College was never something thought to be affordable or attainable. But somewhere deep down, I always just knew things would work out somehow and I would indeed go to college. I graduate in 1998 from St. Martin's University. It wasn't until just this week, listening to this cd, that I realized what had happened. Maybe there is something to all this mumble jumble. I feel very zen thinking and picturing the things in my mind that I want to accomplish. First off for me, weight loss.
Something else hit home with me. The author touches on the subject of sacrifice and giving. She is talking about these in regards to money, but I thought about it in terms of parenting. I have heard so many times in my five and half years of being a parent that is a thank-less job and the biggest sacrifice a person can do. The Author talks about sacrifice as something that doesn't feel good and if we continue to sacrifice ourselves and put ourselves last on our "take care" list, then we will start to resent the very thing we are making sacrifices for and become angry. Giving comes from love and makes us feel good. So if we give from our hearts and are thankful, then it will feel good. I'm totally not portraying her message as elegant as she does, but you get the picture. I took it to heart big time! I've said many times, that I very much hope for my three children to be close and be thankful they have each other. I always knew I wanted more than one or two kids. So for me, having kids wasn't a sacrifice; although some days, it totally feels like I must have been big looney bird for having kids at all. In the big picture of life, it is my greatest accomplishment and my biggest gift . . . . I give them each other. And I hope they always remember that!
Something else hit home with me. The author touches on the subject of sacrifice and giving. She is talking about these in regards to money, but I thought about it in terms of parenting. I have heard so many times in my five and half years of being a parent that is a thank-less job and the biggest sacrifice a person can do. The Author talks about sacrifice as something that doesn't feel good and if we continue to sacrifice ourselves and put ourselves last on our "take care" list, then we will start to resent the very thing we are making sacrifices for and become angry. Giving comes from love and makes us feel good. So if we give from our hearts and are thankful, then it will feel good. I'm totally not portraying her message as elegant as she does, but you get the picture. I took it to heart big time! I've said many times, that I very much hope for my three children to be close and be thankful they have each other. I always knew I wanted more than one or two kids. So for me, having kids wasn't a sacrifice; although some days, it totally feels like I must have been big looney bird for having kids at all. In the big picture of life, it is my greatest accomplishment and my biggest gift . . . . I give them each other. And I hope they always remember that!
April 26, 2007
10 Good Things about Rainy Days
- reason to wear cute black & white polka dot rain boots
- the sound of rain drops on the trees and umbrella while on a trail walk
- long warm baths after school
- cozy jammies and comfy sweats
- the clean, fresh smell
- lovely warm Starbucks latte goodness
- a good excuse for long drives while listening to books on cd
- spring flowers and green grass
- splashing in puddles
- a great time to watch movies from under a comfy blanket while snuggling
April 25, 2007
Breaking Up is Hard to do!
I broke up with my housekeeper this morning. It was a short lived romance and I will miss her terribly. Basically I was selling stuff on craigslist.com to pay for her services and I ran out of money. We are also going to start some home improvements and I know the house will be in a state so no use paying for house cleaning when the house will be too messy to clean. I was extremely nervous upon her arrival. I kept peeing every ten minutes; I pee a lot when I'm nervous. She arrived late, which is also another reason I was breaking up with her (I have a busy life, I need a set schedule!). I was sweating and fumbling over my words. I knew I had to tell her before I left the house and I was very uncomfortable having to approach the subject with her. But she was lovely and very understanding. Our conversation went like this (pretty much).
Me: "Um . . . Lovely Lily . .uh . . . . well . . . ahhhh. . I have sort of bad news." (in my head: ohmigod, ohmigod, ohmigod, ohmigod, ohmigod, ohmigod!!!)
Lovely Lily: "Oh no, what is wrong? What happened?" (in her Ukrainian accent, with a stern face looking down at The Divine Miss O standing in front of me which I purposely placed (just a little bit) to shield myself from any uncertainties)
Me: "Well . . . . . uh . . . . . I need (picture me with a wincing face and shoulders raised up into my ears) . . . . to let you go - I'm sorry!!!!
Lovely Lily: (again in Ukrainian accent, face softening) "Oh, I thought something bad had happened. No worries, I have very many houses to clean. I need to stop taking houses so it's okay!"
Me: sigh . . . "Oh good, I'm glad . . . . .I felt bad . . . .I'm really sorry!"
Lovely Lily: (insert Ukrainian accent) "No-No-No. Do not feel bad. It is life! It's okay."
Phew - what a relief!! She is a very kind woman and my very first housekeeper. Living down in Olympia WA things like having a person come to your home and clean every two weeks is considered a major luxury and something only "rich people" do. After moving up North, I quickly realized that a lot of women have housekeepers and it's a very posh thing to do. After my third baby was born, I was feeling very overwhelmed by the state of my house. I felt like the clutter and lack of organization was slowly closing in on me. I couldn't breathe! But a friend had Lovely Lily coming to her house and she was looking for another customer. Her rates were good and I was selling my clutter on craigslist, so it all worked out. Her coming to my house really motivated me to get on the ball although I'm far from feeling completely organized and clutter free. So for now, I feel a little more in control of my house and Lovely Lily and I broke up. Sniff!
Me: "Um . . . Lovely Lily . .uh . . . . well . . . ahhhh. . I have sort of bad news." (in my head: ohmigod, ohmigod, ohmigod, ohmigod, ohmigod, ohmigod!!!)
Lovely Lily: "Oh no, what is wrong? What happened?" (in her Ukrainian accent, with a stern face looking down at The Divine Miss O standing in front of me which I purposely placed (just a little bit) to shield myself from any uncertainties)
Me: "Well . . . . . uh . . . . . I need (picture me with a wincing face and shoulders raised up into my ears) . . . . to let you go - I'm sorry!!!!
Lovely Lily: (again in Ukrainian accent, face softening) "Oh, I thought something bad had happened. No worries, I have very many houses to clean. I need to stop taking houses so it's okay!"
Me: sigh . . . "Oh good, I'm glad . . . . .I felt bad . . . .I'm really sorry!"
Lovely Lily: (insert Ukrainian accent) "No-No-No. Do not feel bad. It is life! It's okay."
Phew - what a relief!! She is a very kind woman and my very first housekeeper. Living down in Olympia WA things like having a person come to your home and clean every two weeks is considered a major luxury and something only "rich people" do. After moving up North, I quickly realized that a lot of women have housekeepers and it's a very posh thing to do. After my third baby was born, I was feeling very overwhelmed by the state of my house. I felt like the clutter and lack of organization was slowly closing in on me. I couldn't breathe! But a friend had Lovely Lily coming to her house and she was looking for another customer. Her rates were good and I was selling my clutter on craigslist, so it all worked out. Her coming to my house really motivated me to get on the ball although I'm far from feeling completely organized and clutter free. So for now, I feel a little more in control of my house and Lovely Lily and I broke up. Sniff!
April 24, 2007
Thankful Tuesday
Today I am thankful for our first born, my Mr. Wonder Boy. He came to us in August of 2001. We couldn't believe our eyes when we saw that red hair. Later we would learn he would have a spitting, firecracker personality to match.
Wonder Boy is a lover of life. He is smart, inquisitive, outgoing, funny and talented. He loves Tae Kwon Do and t-ball. It's never a dull moment when you are in wonder boy's presence. He keeps you on your toes and forces you to step out of your box.
Wonder Boy is sweet and kind. He loves his sisters and smothers "his" baby with affection. He loves to cook and do helpful jobs . . . his favorite, taking the garbage out and checking the mail. He told me yesterday he wanted to be a pre-k teacher during the day and do what daddy does (software development) on the weekends when he grows up. I believe it! He will go far in life whatever he does.
I love you wonder boy! Thank you for being you!
April 23, 2007
Yesterday
Yesterday, we went to the Alki Bakery and ate yummy cinnamon rolls.
Yesterday, we had sugar highs.
Yesterday, we played at the awesome Whale Tail park.
Yesterday, we tried new things and succeeded!
Yesterday, we went grocery shopping.
Yesterday, we had good food for dinner.
Yesterday, was a great day! April 21, 2007
weekend memories
Well folks, my Saturday morning started out like all my recent Saturday mornings. I got up and out of the house bright and early to meet up with the Arthritis Foundation for our weekly trainings. Today we met in Redmond and walked four miles. I always roll around right before I get up thinking to myself I should really stay in this nice, warm bed and sleep more. Although, I'm always grateful I got up and out. I feel better after exercising. I always feel like I've accomplished something. Most weekend mornings I walk with the same gal, EA, and she is just lovely. She's smart, kind, funny and a great listener. I feel at ease when I'm with her and I love that. I'm lucky to have met her and call her my friend.
After training, I ran home and picked up my girls. While the boys went to their t-ball game, The Divine Miss O, Baby Love and I went to the annual Spring Fling. What is Spring Fling you ask. I belong to a mothers group and every year they have a family get-together of sorts to celebrate family and spring. This year we met at local park and the wonderful Eric Ode sang and entertained our little kidlets. It was nice. I really love this group of women (with the exception of some odd balls) and I probably wouldn't have had made the connections with my community if I hadn't joined.
On the way to the Spring Fling, I finished my book on CD. The Curious Incident of the Dog at Nighttime was an interestingly good book. I enjoyed it. I also very much enjoyed being read to by the Gieko Gecko. After the book was done, I popped in my new Fratellis CD. The music is fun and upbeat - it makes me happy. The kids love it too and request for #2 to be played again and again. I'm also enjoying Regina Spektor at the moment. She's just swell!
I'm so glad it's the weekend. I had a hard week - very tiring. I'm hoping to relax some, sleep in a little and take the family out to Alki tomorrow morning for yummy cinnamon rolls at the Alki Bakery (Totally worth waiting and blowing your diet for! They are OMIGOD - yum! Seriously!!) and some play time at the awesome Whale's Tale Play-Park.
Happy Weekend to you!
After training, I ran home and picked up my girls. While the boys went to their t-ball game, The Divine Miss O, Baby Love and I went to the annual Spring Fling. What is Spring Fling you ask. I belong to a mothers group and every year they have a family get-together of sorts to celebrate family and spring. This year we met at local park and the wonderful Eric Ode sang and entertained our little kidlets. It was nice. I really love this group of women (with the exception of some odd balls) and I probably wouldn't have had made the connections with my community if I hadn't joined.
On the way to the Spring Fling, I finished my book on CD. The Curious Incident of the Dog at Nighttime was an interestingly good book. I enjoyed it. I also very much enjoyed being read to by the Gieko Gecko. After the book was done, I popped in my new Fratellis CD. The music is fun and upbeat - it makes me happy. The kids love it too and request for #2 to be played again and again. I'm also enjoying Regina Spektor at the moment. She's just swell!
I'm so glad it's the weekend. I had a hard week - very tiring. I'm hoping to relax some, sleep in a little and take the family out to Alki tomorrow morning for yummy cinnamon rolls at the Alki Bakery (Totally worth waiting and blowing your diet for! They are OMIGOD - yum! Seriously!!) and some play time at the awesome Whale's Tale Play-Park.
Happy Weekend to you!
April 20, 2007
Happy Day to You!
Baby Love!
The Divine Miss O at preschool 
Play Ball Wonder Boy!(Yes, they make the five year old boys wear cups!!)
April 19, 2007
DABBLER
I'm what you call a dabbler of creativity. I don't have one creative thing that I do and am really good at. I skim the surface of a lot of crafts always trying my hand at new fun techniques and ideas. Mostly I stick to scrapbooking, card making, t-shirt designing, photography, and a little bit of knitting, etc. But today I tried my hand at painting. I saw something online that I thought was super cool and looked easy enough to do. So I schlepped myself down to the local Michael's and bought a canvas, some paint and a couple paint brushes. It's not artist perfect, but it's alright. I made it for my friend's birthday (so I can't be too descriptive just in case) and I hope she doesn't think it's a total disaster!! :)
Baa Baa Blacksheep
Some times I feel like I move through my day without anyone ever really knowing I'm there. I float around, quietly going here, doing that, dropping kids off at school, picking kids up at school, running errands, etc. Sometimes it feels like no matter how hard I try to build relationships with people, I never really feel like I'm able to get close or truly open myself up. I am a round peg amongst all the square pegs. It's always been this way for me it seems. My mother's family isn't particularly close so although I had periods in my life where one aunt was very involved and important in my life, it changed as I got older. I didn't ever really fit in with my father's family because of a divorce when I young, unhealthy lifestyles and a sure and steady separation. I never felt comfortable with my step family - in fact none of them like me because of what I represented to the family and they were protective of their "real" family members. I can be very shy and quiet as well so it's more difficult for me to jump into situations that are new or different. I'm not trying to sound like I'm whining nor am I looking for pity - I've simply just realized this about myself. I am a black sheep. I guess that's why I yearn for my little family and kids to be really close. I want them to feel safe and loved no matter what happens in the outside world.
I don't own that "it" quality that people gravitate towards. My son does! Mr Wonder Boy makes his presence known no matter where he is (sometimes to my great embarrassment). He is a talker and is inquisitive and a bit nosey at times. He likes to figure people out. And people like him! The divine miss O has already followed suit and lil' baby love is showing signs of this quality as well. Just the other day when we walked up to wonder boy's t-ball game, she was waving and yelling, in her little baby way, "hi!" to the crowd. This "no fear" sense of self must be something you are born with. Or maybe it's just something all kids have. Either way, I hope they never lose this quality. They are all fun, smart little people and I, for one, love spending time in their presence.
I don't own that "it" quality that people gravitate towards. My son does! Mr Wonder Boy makes his presence known no matter where he is (sometimes to my great embarrassment). He is a talker and is inquisitive and a bit nosey at times. He likes to figure people out. And people like him! The divine miss O has already followed suit and lil' baby love is showing signs of this quality as well. Just the other day when we walked up to wonder boy's t-ball game, she was waving and yelling, in her little baby way, "hi!" to the crowd. This "no fear" sense of self must be something you are born with. Or maybe it's just something all kids have. Either way, I hope they never lose this quality. They are all fun, smart little people and I, for one, love spending time in their presence.
April 18, 2007
happy hump day . . . or is it?
It's a rainy, dark day here! Blah! I'm feeling down, a little sad and achy today. (PMSing - 'nuff said!) I can't wait for this day to be over, so I can curl up on the couch after the kids are in bed and watch TV from under my big comfy blanket. I went to weight watchers last night and I'm up .2 pounds (that's point two pounds), which is really nothing and considering what is going on with my body right now, it's understandable, but I was really hoping to see the numbers go down. Oh well, I'll just have to work harder this week.
I received my creative memories album covers back yesterday. They have a really cool process where they print on the album covers. I had cute covers made for wonder boy and the divine miss o done for their one year albums. So I sent a cover in for lil' baby love a couple weeks ago. Since she was a baby, she loved playing with rubber duckies and has quite a few now, so I had her name, birthday and cute duckies printed on her cover. Cute, cute!! I also had our Disneyland cover printed. Love it too! Now I feel energized to do more scrapbooking!!
I'm working on a second blog (trying to be creative) called "Waking Up With You". I've been practicing playing with the fancy headers and such, so it's a work in progress. Check it out! The idea is to take a picture every morning as soon as I wake up and post the pictures in this picture blog. Today was my first morning. I'm still trying to figure out how to get my fancy header to work though - I'll have to get my computer savvy hubby to help me.
Oh Joy! I just caught the Divine Miss O brushing the dog with her brother's hair brush - lovely!
I received my creative memories album covers back yesterday. They have a really cool process where they print on the album covers. I had cute covers made for wonder boy and the divine miss o done for their one year albums. So I sent a cover in for lil' baby love a couple weeks ago. Since she was a baby, she loved playing with rubber duckies and has quite a few now, so I had her name, birthday and cute duckies printed on her cover. Cute, cute!! I also had our Disneyland cover printed. Love it too! Now I feel energized to do more scrapbooking!!
I'm working on a second blog (trying to be creative) called "Waking Up With You". I've been practicing playing with the fancy headers and such, so it's a work in progress. Check it out! The idea is to take a picture every morning as soon as I wake up and post the pictures in this picture blog. Today was my first morning. I'm still trying to figure out how to get my fancy header to work though - I'll have to get my computer savvy hubby to help me.
Oh Joy! I just caught the Divine Miss O brushing the dog with her brother's hair brush - lovely!
April 17, 2007
Thankful Tuesday
Today I am thankful for my hubby! Why do I love thee? Let me count the ways:
- good hugger
- strong
- unloads the dishwasher because he knows I hate to do it
- fought cancer and lived
- helpful
- thinks about all the annoying little details when I don't (sometimes too much)
- grocery shops
- does his own laundry
- coaches t-ball
- changes diapers
- doesn't mind "girls night outs"
- cooks
- good with computers
- can fall asleep anytime, anywhere
- watches chick flicks with me
- makes up funny songs and is good at it
- eats my bad cooking
- brings home the bacon
- lets me sleep in on Sundays
- makes coffee
- kisses me before he leaves, even if I'm still in bed
- reads bedtime stories with funny voices
- mows the lawn
- paints
- a do-it-yourself-er
- he is kind
- supportive of everything I do
- buys gifts
- loves the kids
- always on my side
- working on listening skills
- good at making small chat
- good at sports
- reads the paper and stays up on current news
- smart
- loving
- stops snoring when asked to roll over
- doesn't hog the bed and lets me pile fifty layers of blankets on my side
- fixes stuff
- loves me
Thank you for being my husband! I couldn't do it without you! I love you!
April 16, 2007
Evening Funny
wonder boy: What kind of dog tells time?
me: I don't know, what kind of dog tells time?
wonder boy: A watch dog!!
me: Tee hee - that's funny. Got any more?
wonder boy: Mmmmm, yes! What kind of train sneezes?
me: I have no idea.
wonder boy: A choo choo train!!
me: I don't know, what kind of dog tells time?
wonder boy: A watch dog!!
me: Tee hee - that's funny. Got any more?
wonder boy: Mmmmm, yes! What kind of train sneezes?
me: I have no idea.
wonder boy: A choo choo train!!
Today's Events . . . . so far
7:00am - wake up
7:10am - wake up again, push hubby towards shower, decide to sleep more and get up after his shower is done
7:30am - get up, get dressed
7:40am - wake wonder boy up
7:50am - send wonder boy downstairs for breakfast, wake the girls up
8:00am - send the divine miss o downstairs for breakfast, get baby love dressed
8:05am - get baby love breakfast, yell at kids to get shoes on, get ready to leave
8:15am - load everyone in the minivan, kiss hubby goodbye, leave to take wonder boy to school
8:25am - curse school traffic and stupid drivers
8:35am - arrive at wonder boy's school, kiss goodbye, hello to teachers, drop wonder boy off, drive away to Starbucks
8:40am - start new book on cd called the curious incident of the dog in the nighttime. started reading the book two weeks ago and decided it would be faster to listen to it instead. listening to books on cd makes me happy. smile hearing narrator (sounds like the little geico gekko) and giggle imagining a little lizard sitting in the passenger seat reading to me.
8:45am - arrive at Starbucks and wait in long drive-through line
8:50am - still waiting
8:55am - still waiting but getting closer (stuck in line now and can't back out)
8:57am - place order wait another three minutes to get to window to pay and pick up drink
9:00am - drive away to Barnes and Noble in Bellevue to pick up book I ordered
9:25am - curse morning commute traffic, road construction, and stupid women drivers who do their hair while driving
9:45am - arrive at Barnes and Noble and am surprised I have to get a parking ticket to park (luckily B&N stamps your ticket so you don't have to pay for parking)
9:55am - finally get help and pick up book, decide to look around and fight urges to buy more books
10:00am - buy book, get parking ticket stamped, leave store
10:10am - back on freeway, drive home but decide to stop at Whole Foods on the way back
10:20am - walk around Whole Foods and look at all the over priced, super cute baby stuff, pick up some veggies, strawberries, hummus, and yogurt - yum! glance at poor women with two young boys completely out of control and listen to them scream at the top of their lungs. fight urge to give her a great big hug and tell her I've been there and to go home and try again later. feel lucky all is right and good in my little world at the moment.
10:40am - change overly wet diaper in parking lot
10:45am - leave Whole Foods, drive home to drop off groceries and pee
11:00am - leave home to pick up wonder boy from school
11:10am - arrive early at school, sit in parking lot and read new book (on blogging of course)
11:20am - load wonder boy up and drive home
11:30am - arrive home, unload kids, vacuum up mess left by dirty shoes, make lunch
11:45am - check email, try to get picture of baby love crawling (no luck), let kids watch an episode of Scooby Doo, talk to roofer guy who came to pick up check
12:05pm - watch baby love play in her favorite spot (in front of window)
12:10pm - cuddle with wonder boy and talk about school
1:10pm- let wonder boy and divine miss o go downstairs to play on computer, think about blog post, let dog in (it's raining again), open a pop, sit down and start writing . . . . .
1:28pm - spell check
1:29pm - think about adding anything
1:30pm - post
1:31pm - look at post, find typo, edit post, add
1:42pm - repost
7:10am - wake up again, push hubby towards shower, decide to sleep more and get up after his shower is done
7:30am - get up, get dressed
7:40am - wake wonder boy up
7:50am - send wonder boy downstairs for breakfast, wake the girls up
8:00am - send the divine miss o downstairs for breakfast, get baby love dressed
8:05am - get baby love breakfast, yell at kids to get shoes on, get ready to leave
8:15am - load everyone in the minivan, kiss hubby goodbye, leave to take wonder boy to school
8:25am - curse school traffic and stupid drivers
8:35am - arrive at wonder boy's school, kiss goodbye, hello to teachers, drop wonder boy off, drive away to Starbucks
8:40am - start new book on cd called the curious incident of the dog in the nighttime. started reading the book two weeks ago and decided it would be faster to listen to it instead. listening to books on cd makes me happy. smile hearing narrator (sounds like the little geico gekko) and giggle imagining a little lizard sitting in the passenger seat reading to me.
8:45am - arrive at Starbucks and wait in long drive-through line
8:50am - still waiting
8:55am - still waiting but getting closer (stuck in line now and can't back out)
8:57am - place order wait another three minutes to get to window to pay and pick up drink
9:00am - drive away to Barnes and Noble in Bellevue to pick up book I ordered
9:25am - curse morning commute traffic, road construction, and stupid women drivers who do their hair while driving
9:45am - arrive at Barnes and Noble and am surprised I have to get a parking ticket to park (luckily B&N stamps your ticket so you don't have to pay for parking)
9:55am - finally get help and pick up book, decide to look around and fight urges to buy more books
10:00am - buy book, get parking ticket stamped, leave store
10:10am - back on freeway, drive home but decide to stop at Whole Foods on the way back
10:20am - walk around Whole Foods and look at all the over priced, super cute baby stuff, pick up some veggies, strawberries, hummus, and yogurt - yum! glance at poor women with two young boys completely out of control and listen to them scream at the top of their lungs. fight urge to give her a great big hug and tell her I've been there and to go home and try again later. feel lucky all is right and good in my little world at the moment.
10:40am - change overly wet diaper in parking lot
10:45am - leave Whole Foods, drive home to drop off groceries and pee
11:00am - leave home to pick up wonder boy from school
11:10am - arrive early at school, sit in parking lot and read new book (on blogging of course)
11:20am - load wonder boy up and drive home
11:30am - arrive home, unload kids, vacuum up mess left by dirty shoes, make lunch
11:45am - check email, try to get picture of baby love crawling (no luck), let kids watch an episode of Scooby Doo, talk to roofer guy who came to pick up check
12:05pm - watch baby love play in her favorite spot (in front of window)
12:10pm - cuddle with wonder boy and talk about school
1:10pm- let wonder boy and divine miss o go downstairs to play on computer, think about blog post, let dog in (it's raining again), open a pop, sit down and start writing . . . . .
1:28pm - spell check
1:29pm - think about adding anything
1:30pm - post
1:31pm - look at post, find typo, edit post, add
1:42pm - repost
April 15, 2007
#1 Fan
My number one fan is a soon to be six year old boy, my son. J set up an old computer for him downstairs to play his games on and he loves to go online and check out my blog. He likes seeing the pictures, especially of himself and hearing music. Funny!! He was getting upset at me for not having "rock and roll" music play and he has been begging me for weeks to "change it on his computer". So this morning I changed it to one of his favorite songs. This one is for you bub!
Then we celebrated the good game and fun with sports by getting hot dogs at Costco. Good times!!
Other fun news: Little Miss Baby Love starting crawling!!! After all that worrying, she finally just up and did it. She has been pulling herself up onto her knees and exploring the house more. I can't keep her out of the kitchen. I can't wait to show her new skill off at physical therapy on Tuesday. Yay!! After a good rain storm last night, the air smells crisp and clean today - love it!! The sun is shining bright and J is heading out to the mow the lawn. I love that fresh cut grass smell!! Yum!
Happy day to you!!
Weekend Update:
All in all, it's been a lovely weekend. Saturday I got up early to set out of my weekly training with the Joints in Motion (Arthritis Foundation). We met at Discovery Park in Seattle. I walked about 3 miles in under an hour. Woohoo!! Saturdays are busy days for us because I have the trainings and then wonder boy and J have t-ball in the afternoon. So I raced home, showered and got ready for wonder boy's first t-ball game. It was super cute. Our team "the Mariners" and the other team "the Marlins" had lots of fun hitting the ball, playing in the dirt, trying to catch the ball, making funny faces, running to the bases, not knowing where to go, waving at their moms, and wearing baseball gloves on their heads. True athletes! It was a hoot!
Then we celebrated the good game and fun with sports by getting hot dogs at Costco. Good times!!
Other fun news: Little Miss Baby Love starting crawling!!! After all that worrying, she finally just up and did it. She has been pulling herself up onto her knees and exploring the house more. I can't keep her out of the kitchen. I can't wait to show her new skill off at physical therapy on Tuesday. Yay!! After a good rain storm last night, the air smells crisp and clean today - love it!! The sun is shining bright and J is heading out to the mow the lawn. I love that fresh cut grass smell!! Yum!
Happy day to you!!
April 14, 2007
adoring fans or sarcastic critics
Okay, so I received my very first comment from someone I don't think I know (beside my mother and mother-in-law - thanks for the support ladies!) since I started blogging last month. I'm brand new to this whole huge world of Blog Land USA. I find it all very interesting, funny, gross, fun and captivating; sometimes all at the same time. I know one blogger personally and I like to check her blog from time to time, and sometimes I check her sister's too. They both write beautifully with wits I could never match. They are inspiring. Then the others I have no idea who they are but enjoy reading their chatter, looking at their crafts and getting to know them in a "fly on the wall" sort of way. So after reading the comment, I was left wondering who this person was and worrying if the comment was meant to be sarcastic or just fun. Feeling somewhat confused, irritated, and curious I got to thinking about why I started blogging which led me to think about a funny little t-shirt I saw the other day. It said something like "I put personal information about my life on the Internet and I don't know why." It made me laugh because that's exactly how I feel. (My husband is irritated by me right now. He says I blog because I think it's fun and cool so to get over it. My response: Women have to think things through. Sometimes over and over again, alright!! Men!) Anyway . . . . . Why am I blogging? I guess because it's a creative outlet, a diary with spellcheck. What's not to love people? I spend all day taking care of others before myself; I don't shower regularly, never wear make-up, my clothes are frumpy and outdated, I never get enough sleep, live on caffeine and I feel like my brain is turning to mush slowly but surely. So hopping on here and posting things that I think are fun or that drive me crazy or being proud of my children or thinking out loud makes me feel better. I don't want to worry about who is going to read what I write and having to censor my thoughts. I don't want to worry if my punctuation is perfect. Too much pressure! I want to be me - as silly or smart or weird or stupid I may come across but just me none the less. If you like it then please let me know how much (gush - I don't mind) but if you don't then move on and feel free not to visit my ramblings ever again (really).
April 13, 2007
On a Search . . .
for blogging moms like me on the west coast. Having somewhat of a hard time but finding lots of other cool stuff in the mean time. Thought this was funny!! Happy Friday!!
April 12, 2007
Who's That Girl?
Okay, just a few things:
1) I was watching the tail-end of Gray's Anatomy tonight and they played a video with this gal named Brandi Carlile (The Story). I was captivated by her odd sound. It was familiar to me . . . . almost Johnny Cash/Roy Orbison esq. Plus, I just love watching video or pictures set to music. I often set our family pictures to stream across our TV while playing my favorite tunes - love it!! I will catch myself standing in front of the tube admiring my sweet babies' faces smiling back at me while I'm flushed with memories of when, where, why that certain picture was taken. Then I realize I have kids in the tub or those dishes aren't going to get done by themselves.
2) I was checking out one of my fav sites decor8 and saw this hilarious book called No one Cares What You Had For Lunch: 100 Ideas For Your Blog. This blog thing is huge!! I knew it was big but I didn't know it was this huge. There are tons of how to books for bloggers. Who knew!! (I almost want to order the book along with Brandi Carlile's CD.)
3) Speaking of food, I made the most delish dinner tonight. M'm M'm - good! I know nobody cares what we ate, but I have to tell someone I made dinner and it turned out pretty darn good (amazingly). We had grilled turkey breast with yummy grilled asparagus and red/orange bell pepper ala the George Forman Grill. I loved it!! And to think, the whole dinner was only 2 points. Awesome!!
Now I'm going to watch this Notes from the Underbelly show. It looks funny but one never knows.
1) I was watching the tail-end of Gray's Anatomy tonight and they played a video with this gal named Brandi Carlile (The Story). I was captivated by her odd sound. It was familiar to me . . . . almost Johnny Cash/Roy Orbison esq. Plus, I just love watching video or pictures set to music. I often set our family pictures to stream across our TV while playing my favorite tunes - love it!! I will catch myself standing in front of the tube admiring my sweet babies' faces smiling back at me while I'm flushed with memories of when, where, why that certain picture was taken. Then I realize I have kids in the tub or those dishes aren't going to get done by themselves.
2) I was checking out one of my fav sites decor8 and saw this hilarious book called No one Cares What You Had For Lunch: 100 Ideas For Your Blog. This blog thing is huge!! I knew it was big but I didn't know it was this huge. There are tons of how to books for bloggers. Who knew!! (I almost want to order the book along with Brandi Carlile's CD.)
3) Speaking of food, I made the most delish dinner tonight. M'm M'm - good! I know nobody cares what we ate, but I have to tell someone I made dinner and it turned out pretty darn good (amazingly). We had grilled turkey breast with yummy grilled asparagus and red/orange bell pepper ala the George Forman Grill. I loved it!! And to think, the whole dinner was only 2 points. Awesome!!
Now I'm going to watch this Notes from the Underbelly show. It looks funny but one never knows.
Thursday, Thursday, Thursday
Today is Thursday. Yep, that's it . . . . it's just Thursday. There's nothing terribly special about today, it's just a day like most any other day. The sun has taken to hiding behind the clouds and it's sprinkling off and on. The kiddos aren't feeling that great with yucky coughs. It's just a typical day in mom-ville for me. Wonder boy is on Spring Break and itching to get back to school. I must do something extra special with him tomorrow while it's just the two of us, plus baby. The Divine Miss O went back to school today after being off for her school's Spring Break last week. She comes home filthy from head to toe and tuckered out - she loves it! Little Baby Love is working on her crawling skills. I worry about her. She's in physical therapy for crawling and walking. Her fine motor skills are off the charts (very well developed and she uses her brain to figure things out way more than I've seen other babies because she's not got the gross motor skills yet). Although she rolls everywhere and is pretty quick about it. Lately we have been catching her in the crawling position trying to figure out how to coordinate her legs and hands to move forward. She thinks a lot - you can see it. I truly, 110% adore my children!! My heart swells when I think about them and how beautiful, talented and brilliant they are each in their own right. I never want to be that mother that takes favorites. They all deny it, but sometimes you can see it when a mom has her favorite and I ache for the kids who don't have that special, unattainable spot. I always knew I wanted more than one or two kids. Being an only child and struggling with divorces and step families, having a bigger family with one man was my goal. I want my kids to love each other, lean on each other, play with each other, be there for each other, can't imagine life without each other. I want them to recognize each other's strengths and be proud of them (not jealous) and know each other's weaknesses but never think less because of them but instead cherish them. Those strengths and weaknesses make them who they are are . . . special. I didn't have that as a child and I miss it as an adult. My mom and I are very close. She was my sister growing up, my best friend, my protector as well as my mother. I love her very much and I relish the lessons I have learned growing up with her but it's different than the bonding I think I would have found with a sibling. A 100%, same parent, sibling, someone I had to live with day to day, not one that only came on the weekends that I was forced to tolerate. Siblings can be hard on each other in play and in life, but what lessons one can learn from that. My two older kids play together, teach each other new skills and of course fight with each other. From those few simple acts, they learn different styles of play, how to react to all kinds situations and how to stand up for themselves and be strong but also how to be willing to step down and let the other win as well. What value! I remember having a sleep over with a friend I had known for years in high school. We, including her little brother, slept outside that night. He was being a particular little stinker and I mentioned something about him behaving like a brat. My friend got really upset at me and I couldn't understand it. After he was behaving like such a jerkface, she still felt protective of him. Wow - what an eye opener for me. I felt like no matter how close I was with her or any other friend, I would never feel that bond. I know not all families are perfect and not all siblings like each other. I strive for my children to be thankful and appreciative of each other because that is the best gift I could ever give them . . . . each other!
April 11, 2007
watching my weight
Last night was weight watchers and I'm happy to report I did it! I actually broke that five year barrier. I got under my little, secret, mini goal . . . . finally!! I've lost a total of 12.8 pounds! I feel motivated again and I've set my goal for another 10 pounds.
Now I'm off to do regular mom stuff. I think my Mr. Wonder Boy has an ear infection and both girls are sick with coughs and colds. I need to make an appointment for them all to get a check up. Nothing says FUN like going to a doctor office with three kids!! Aren't you jealous?!?! :)
Now I'm off to do regular mom stuff. I think my Mr. Wonder Boy has an ear infection and both girls are sick with coughs and colds. I need to make an appointment for them all to get a check up. Nothing says FUN like going to a doctor office with three kids!! Aren't you jealous?!?! :)
April 10, 2007
New Roof
BEFORE 12-18-05
AFTER 4-10-07
The roofers finished our roof early this evening. Yay! No more half naked, sweaty roofer guys walking around the house with cigarettes hanging out of their mouths invading my personal space. (Now I know what fish feel like inside fishbowls.) J bought them pizza and beer today in hopes they would finish up and do a good job with the added incentive. Watching the guys swarm around the pizza boxes like bees to honey and then swipe all the beer left in the cooler before leaving was interesting but not surprising. Two of them ran up onto the deck grabbing a few bottles and take off as fast they could after their work was done. I wouldn't have seen them if I wasn't standing near the window and the noise of the cooler slamming shut caught my attention. It was like watching kids sneak candy when they thought they might get in trouble for doing so. Now the house is quiet and all signs of a roofing company is gone. I'm relieved! Next on our list: paint. Oh joy!
AFTER 4-10-07
The roofers finished our roof early this evening. Yay! No more half naked, sweaty roofer guys walking around the house with cigarettes hanging out of their mouths invading my personal space. (Now I know what fish feel like inside fishbowls.) J bought them pizza and beer today in hopes they would finish up and do a good job with the added incentive. Watching the guys swarm around the pizza boxes like bees to honey and then swipe all the beer left in the cooler before leaving was interesting but not surprising. Two of them ran up onto the deck grabbing a few bottles and take off as fast they could after their work was done. I wouldn't have seen them if I wasn't standing near the window and the noise of the cooler slamming shut caught my attention. It was like watching kids sneak candy when they thought they might get in trouble for doing so. Now the house is quiet and all signs of a roofing company is gone. I'm relieved! Next on our list: paint. Oh joy!
April 9, 2007
On Being a Parent
A conversation I had with a couple girlfriends had me thinking today. Parenting is the most guilt-ridden job a person can have. It's hard and rewarding; stressful and exciting; ugly and loving; overwhelming and overwhelming wonderful. Through all the good and the bad, you are always second guessing yourself wondering if you are doing the best thing. Never knowing for sure. Parents, young and old, are hard on each other as well which only adds to the guilt and stress of this business of rearing children. There is always something that is more important to a person when raising their own kids. One never lets their children watch TV but lets them eat mass amounts of junk food on a regular basis. One is fanatical about only health foods but lets their children watch million of hours of TV. One is super conscious of where the kids are at all times while the counterpart lets the kids, without supervision, run all over the neighborhood. One only dresses the kids in the best fashions, picking outfits out for each day while the other lets the kids pick out their own clothes never batting an eyelash at the mismatched pairings. I guess the point of my rambling is that nobody is perfect and nobody has the right answers. I'll say it again: nobody is perfect and nobody has the right answers. You do the best you can do at the moment and move on. We can't be too judgmental of each other without wearing the shoes of our fellow parents. As long as you love your kids and keep them safe, in the end absolutely nothing else matters.
Which brings me to my next point. Raising kids and keeping them safe is hard enough without the added stress of these horrible people who commit crimes on children. It makes me completely, out of my mind, angry and feel sick all at the same time. This morning I happened to be watching a news clip about a grandfather who was caught molesting his granddaughter. Bleh!! What the hell is wrong with our legal system that these people are NOT put to death. They can NEVER be cured and once let out of jail after serving meager sentences, they re-offend over and over again. Something has to change! Innocent children's' lives are being brutally interrupted by this filth and we let them continue to live on. I feel like throwing up!
Which brings me to my next point. Raising kids and keeping them safe is hard enough without the added stress of these horrible people who commit crimes on children. It makes me completely, out of my mind, angry and feel sick all at the same time. This morning I happened to be watching a news clip about a grandfather who was caught molesting his granddaughter. Bleh!! What the hell is wrong with our legal system that these people are NOT put to death. They can NEVER be cured and once let out of jail after serving meager sentences, they re-offend over and over again. Something has to change! Innocent children's' lives are being brutally interrupted by this filth and we let them continue to live on. I feel like throwing up!
April 8, 2007
Tip-Toed through the Tulips
We had a perfectly perfect day today. We decided on a whim to take advantage of the pleasant weather we were experiencing and drove up the tulip festival this early afternoon. The kids were in good moods after their 1.5 naps, the sun was shining and we all enjoyed walking through the tulips and admiring the flowers. It was great weather and not too crowded being it was Easter and most people were probably at church or taking part in some sort of family meal. It was lovely! Happy Easter!!
sore feet and sweaty socks
My three Joints in Motion team mates and I drove up to Burlington Washinton Friday night for our Skagit Valley Tulip race Saturday morning. We walked five miles and am happy to announce we made it. I love these ladies - we laugh often and cheer each other on. I'm so glad I am participating in these five races with them.
April 6, 2007
Hammer and Nails
It is a fantastic morning!!! The sun is shining and it's warm out, which is rare for Washington weather. It feels great!! Although I'm having a hard time truly appreciating the view from my windows since they are all semi boarded up. We've know that we needed to get our old cedar shingle roof redone since we moved into this house four years ago. We had a really bad winter storm this winter (the kind of storm you sleep in rooms that don't have trees directly facing them in fear one will be blown down and squish you) and we had several singles blown off the house. Not to mention the little critters starting to chew up spots looking for places to make little homes for themselves. Ewww! The roofer men (led by the man we call "the bald guy" for obvious reasons and because we can't remember his name and his right hand man "bald guy's brother") have put up boards around the house to protect the windows from possible breakage caused by falling debris. We've been on a waiting list for roofs for a while now but didn't expect it to happen this weekend. So this is very weird for me to have all sorts of roofer men walking around my house - I feel like I'm held up and they've got me surrounded. "Don't come in - nobody move! I have 3 kids and I'm not afraid to use them!!"
Today is the big day for other reasons as well. My Joints in Motion team mates and I are driving up to Burlington Washington tonight for our second walk/run. We will be walking the 5 mile course in the Skagit Valley Tulip Run tomorrow morning. I'm really excited!! I've never been the Tulip Festival and I'm looking forward to seeing all the flowers in bloom - I hear it is beautiful!! Plus the weather is supposed to be terrific unlike our St. Patty's Day Dash in March where it rained on us the whole time. In spite of the rain, it was lots of fun and I have the same high expectations for this one as well.
I have to give a great big shout out to my dearest, sweetest, funniest friend, KM in Michigan. She turned me onto The All American Rejects and their Move Along CD has been the soundtrack of my life this week. Every time I hear the song Move Along, I'm filled with the memory of her and her daughter (hey, hey, hey) dancing in their living room. I miss her terribly and I hope she comes to visit me very soon! "You hear me sista? Come see me!!"
A side note about Mr. Happy Piggy there . . . . . Some of you are probably wondering what the heck that's about. We found this adorable clay creation at the local Safeway and The Divine Miss O fell in love with him and wouldn't let us leave the store without buying him. She pets him "hello" and "goodbye" when we come and go. She's sweet that way - very compassionate and caring even for things that aren't real.
Today is the big day for other reasons as well. My Joints in Motion team mates and I are driving up to Burlington Washington tonight for our second walk/run. We will be walking the 5 mile course in the Skagit Valley Tulip Run tomorrow morning. I'm really excited!! I've never been the Tulip Festival and I'm looking forward to seeing all the flowers in bloom - I hear it is beautiful!! Plus the weather is supposed to be terrific unlike our St. Patty's Day Dash in March where it rained on us the whole time. In spite of the rain, it was lots of fun and I have the same high expectations for this one as well.
I have to give a great big shout out to my dearest, sweetest, funniest friend, KM in Michigan. She turned me onto The All American Rejects and their Move Along CD has been the soundtrack of my life this week. Every time I hear the song Move Along, I'm filled with the memory of her and her daughter (hey, hey, hey) dancing in their living room. I miss her terribly and I hope she comes to visit me very soon! "You hear me sista? Come see me!!"
A side note about Mr. Happy Piggy there . . . . . Some of you are probably wondering what the heck that's about. We found this adorable clay creation at the local Safeway and The Divine Miss O fell in love with him and wouldn't let us leave the store without buying him. She pets him "hello" and "goodbye" when we come and go. She's sweet that way - very compassionate and caring even for things that aren't real.
April 5, 2007
Meet the G-Squad
"Baby Love"13 months old, loves to snuggle, striving to crawl, quick to smile, good sleeper and future food critic (for real!)
"The Divine Miss O"3.5 years old, passionate, messy, dramatic, master at pretend play and loves to love
"Boy Wonder"5.5 years old, knock knock joke teller, makes stuff up, brilliant and can't get enough crocodile hunter & fireman Sam
April 4, 2007
previously "little life"
The hardest part about blogging is trying to come up with an ingenious, witty, cool name. I would say it's almost as hard as naming your children. There are an immense amount of people out there in "blogville" with great blogs with equally great titles. At first I had "my little life" which quickly became just "little life". I still love it but I realized there a lot of "little lifers" like me out there. So to be more original the title "LITTLE IRISH" was born. Why you ask? When I was little I had very copper, red colored hair and my great grandfather called me "Little Irish" most likely because he had a ton (when I say ton, I really do mean a ton) of grand-kids and great grand-kids and he just couldn't remember all their names. However, I like to think it was because I was somehow a little more "special" to him and his endearing nickname was a sign of his affection.
Last night was Weight Watchers night . . . . da da da dummm!! I was worried about hopping (as if I can "hop" up onto anything these days) on that scale afraid of what would show up. To my surprise I had lost another two pounds last week and am down a total of ten. Yay!! I was really happy. I have 1.8 pounds to lose before I hit that very secret, little, mini goal I had set for myself a long time ago. Go me!! On the road to "inspires to get in shape" continues, a few friends and I have joined the Arthritis Foundation in their Joints in Motion, Five for Five program. This Saturday is our second 5k (out of five) at the Skagit Valley Tulip run. We decided to walk the five mile course. I'm really looking forward to this one! I can't wait to get up there and see all the tulips.
Today is our third sick day. My little guy is just not feeling that great and it's best not to send him off to school. Hopefully, he'll feel better tomorrow and will be able to get a couple days of school in before Spring Break.
The weather is not as chipper as yesterday and we are all still in our pjs . . . . .
Last night was Weight Watchers night . . . . da da da dummm!! I was worried about hopping (as if I can "hop" up onto anything these days) on that scale afraid of what would show up. To my surprise I had lost another two pounds last week and am down a total of ten. Yay!! I was really happy. I have 1.8 pounds to lose before I hit that very secret, little, mini goal I had set for myself a long time ago. Go me!! On the road to "inspires to get in shape" continues, a few friends and I have joined the Arthritis Foundation in their Joints in Motion, Five for Five program. This Saturday is our second 5k (out of five) at the Skagit Valley Tulip run. We decided to walk the five mile course. I'm really looking forward to this one! I can't wait to get up there and see all the tulips.
Today is our third sick day. My little guy is just not feeling that great and it's best not to send him off to school. Hopefully, he'll feel better tomorrow and will be able to get a couple days of school in before Spring Break.
The weather is not as chipper as yesterday and we are all still in our pjs . . . . .
April 3, 2007
sick babe, part deux
It's an absolutely glorious day out today. The sun is shining and the weather is warmer than usual. The air smells crisp and clean - yum! My little Mr. Man is sick today. He woke up feeling warmer than yesterday and his cough sounds yucky. He has sat himself down on the couch with his "red blanket" and has stayed put all morning (a sign that he really isn't feeling well since that is not at all like him). However, I feel a great need to get out in this sunshine for a bit while we can. I'll probably load the kids up and go run some errands that we don't have to get out of the car for (post office, starbucks, drop movie off) just to get out of the house.
Okay, so I'm a little embarrassed to say, but I'm addicted to blogging. I love poking around and checking out other blogs. I feel a little like a stalker in a way. There are so many really creative and interesting people out there. I love reading blogs written by women who are raising young families but are making money by being creative. Although, I've noticed a big theme with most of the mom bloggers . . . . . they all seem to be Mormon. Nothing wrong with that, I'm just not. So I have been on a search for women, moms like me, who aren't religious but believe in being good people and love their families.
This weather has created a giant urge (need rather) to purge. I want to rearrange, clean and get rid of stuff we don't use and will never use. I want the places around me to look tidy and organized but I fear we will never get there unless we just get rid of stuff . . . . . lots of stuff. But I also don't want to get started on a project that I can't finish on my own. With weekends constantly being filled up with going there and doing that, it seems like our house and living arrangements take a back seat.
On a completely unrelated side note, my grandmother died on my father's side not long ago. My friend's grandmother is in the process of passing right now and it has reminded me of my grandmother. I don't quite know how to feel about it so I haven't been feeling anything about it. I wasn't close to her and when I was pregnant with my first, I made a conscious decision not to keep in contact with my father anymore. You see, he is not a healthy person. He's made many wrong and bad choices in his life and ultimately pushed me away because of it, even though he won't admit to that. Because in his mind, it's my fault, it's their fault, it's anybody elses fault but his own. Sad! My grandmother in her own right was not a healthy person either which leads one to believe there is a pattern to their behavior. But I do have some fond memories of my grandparents from when I was little and my mom and dad were together. Little things will pop in my head like when I'm carrying a glass with a beverage and ice. My grandmother was an alcoholic and she always had some mixed drink and the tinkling of the ice in glasses always reminds me of her. Not a very pretty memory, but a memory none the least. She loved to garden and was especially good at growing roses. She loved to wear tube tops and be tan. She once gave me a tube top when I was around six years old. I never wore it (are you kidding, a tube top! Please!) but I kept in the bottom of my drawer. I could pull it out and smell her "smell" on it which reminded me of her. She loved small, white dogs and always, always had at least two. I have lovely memories of driving to the beach and riding in the back of the pick up truck with my cousin. We would make pit stops for us kids to get one of those small cans of pop and my grandparents would make a drink (scary I know). So even though I haven't really mourned her passing, this is my little nod to her. Thanks for the memories Grandma M - I hope you are in a good and happy place now.
Okay, so I'm a little embarrassed to say, but I'm addicted to blogging. I love poking around and checking out other blogs. I feel a little like a stalker in a way. There are so many really creative and interesting people out there. I love reading blogs written by women who are raising young families but are making money by being creative. Although, I've noticed a big theme with most of the mom bloggers . . . . . they all seem to be Mormon. Nothing wrong with that, I'm just not. So I have been on a search for women, moms like me, who aren't religious but believe in being good people and love their families.
This weather has created a giant urge (need rather) to purge. I want to rearrange, clean and get rid of stuff we don't use and will never use. I want the places around me to look tidy and organized but I fear we will never get there unless we just get rid of stuff . . . . . lots of stuff. But I also don't want to get started on a project that I can't finish on my own. With weekends constantly being filled up with going there and doing that, it seems like our house and living arrangements take a back seat.
On a completely unrelated side note, my grandmother died on my father's side not long ago. My friend's grandmother is in the process of passing right now and it has reminded me of my grandmother. I don't quite know how to feel about it so I haven't been feeling anything about it. I wasn't close to her and when I was pregnant with my first, I made a conscious decision not to keep in contact with my father anymore. You see, he is not a healthy person. He's made many wrong and bad choices in his life and ultimately pushed me away because of it, even though he won't admit to that. Because in his mind, it's my fault, it's their fault, it's anybody elses fault but his own. Sad! My grandmother in her own right was not a healthy person either which leads one to believe there is a pattern to their behavior. But I do have some fond memories of my grandparents from when I was little and my mom and dad were together. Little things will pop in my head like when I'm carrying a glass with a beverage and ice. My grandmother was an alcoholic and she always had some mixed drink and the tinkling of the ice in glasses always reminds me of her. Not a very pretty memory, but a memory none the least. She loved to garden and was especially good at growing roses. She loved to wear tube tops and be tan. She once gave me a tube top when I was around six years old. I never wore it (are you kidding, a tube top! Please!) but I kept in the bottom of my drawer. I could pull it out and smell her "smell" on it which reminded me of her. She loved small, white dogs and always, always had at least two. I have lovely memories of driving to the beach and riding in the back of the pick up truck with my cousin. We would make pit stops for us kids to get one of those small cans of pop and my grandparents would make a drink (scary I know). So even though I haven't really mourned her passing, this is my little nod to her. Thanks for the memories Grandma M - I hope you are in a good and happy place now.
April 2, 2007
M&Ms Found
Dear JG (aka hubby),
I found the bag of M&Ms you tried to hide this morning. I promise I won't eat the whole bag. Today is the day for you to buy me a new cell phone!!!
Have a good day! See you tonight!
Love me
I found the bag of M&Ms you tried to hide this morning. I promise I won't eat the whole bag. Today is the day for you to buy me a new cell phone!!!
Have a good day! See you tonight!
Love me
Germs Happen!
Today is a sick day for us. My oldest has come down with a yucky cough and cold and I'm sure my younger two will follow in short order. I met a friend at the McDonald's play-land last week which happens to be a place I avoid like the plague. Every time we go there, my kiddos get sick without fail. But they recently remolded and "cleaned" the play area, so I thought we would be safe this once. It's the season for lots of colds and kid places are gigantic petri dishes so it was unavoidable that we would get sick. I'm actually glad we are home today. It has felt like we have been so busy going here and getting there lately. I need a day to get caught up on the laundry and clean the kitchen (another place I try to avoid like the plague!). The only downside to being home today is that our neighbor's fence is being repaired. So lots of hammering going on and wood thrown about our yard which sort of urks me especially since my hubby just mowed the yard and the tulips are so pretty right now. But instead I have to stare at old, rotted fence pieces piling up. Anytime the neighbors have work down on their house, we are put out in some way. Usually the workers consider our yard as a dumping ground for the debris. I try to be a nice neighbor and not put up a fuss, but it does get very annoying when time after time this stuff happens with no consideration from the neighbors or the workers that other people live in the house next door. Grrrr! Other than that, today is lovely day weather wise. The sun keeps peeking out and it's not raining! A good day to do some Spring Cleaning and let some fresh air in the house. So here I go, I'm off to do just that . . . .
April 1, 2007
fresh cut grass
Ahhhh - the smell of freshly cut grass. Nothing says warm weather, fresh starts and good times are coming more than that smell. I love Spring! I love the warmer temps and longer days. I love the blossoming of new things to come. Yes, Spring is my most favorite time of year!
It's true when you have kids, majority of your weekends are spent going to birthday parties. Today was probably our seventh birthday party attendance this year (including our baby's first birthday) and it's only April 1st. When I was kid, I only remember having a couple "big" birthday parties and that was when I turned 5 and 16. I only remember the party for my fifth birthday from what I've seen in pictures. My big sixteenth was a sleep over with 7 or 8 crazy girls. Most of my special days were spent going out to dinner with my parents or getting to take a friend to do something special. This day and age is all about the party! Lots of people/kids, cute themes, and chaos. Don't get me wrong - I love a good theme. It's my favorite part of kid birthday parties. I get caught up in the cuteness of it all . . . . . the party favors, the matching plates/napkins/cups, the cake, the food, the people and the theme . . . . .ahhhhh, yes the theme. That's the most fun part of the party!
Now that my little family has grown to a party of five of its own, we spend our fair share going to and throwing birthday parties. For some reason, today's party made me reflect on the whole kid birthday party throwing hoopla. I actually lost a good friendship over this very occasion. I'm not sure why. Maybe it was time for us to grow apart. I know there were other contributing factors to the demise of our friendship which all seem very trivial now. But it happened. I'm sad about it and wish if it had to happen, that it had happened differently. But I'm not angry or hurt about it anymore. I guess I have moved on and am growing up. Growing up is a long, bumpy road. Throwing birthday parties for our children is a celebration not only for the kids but for us parents as well. It's a celebration that we made it through another year of bumps and came out the other end stronger and with a greater appreciation for the things that are truly important: Family and good friendships!
It's true when you have kids, majority of your weekends are spent going to birthday parties. Today was probably our seventh birthday party attendance this year (including our baby's first birthday) and it's only April 1st. When I was kid, I only remember having a couple "big" birthday parties and that was when I turned 5 and 16. I only remember the party for my fifth birthday from what I've seen in pictures. My big sixteenth was a sleep over with 7 or 8 crazy girls. Most of my special days were spent going out to dinner with my parents or getting to take a friend to do something special. This day and age is all about the party! Lots of people/kids, cute themes, and chaos. Don't get me wrong - I love a good theme. It's my favorite part of kid birthday parties. I get caught up in the cuteness of it all . . . . . the party favors, the matching plates/napkins/cups, the cake, the food, the people and the theme . . . . .ahhhhh, yes the theme. That's the most fun part of the party!
Now that my little family has grown to a party of five of its own, we spend our fair share going to and throwing birthday parties. For some reason, today's party made me reflect on the whole kid birthday party throwing hoopla. I actually lost a good friendship over this very occasion. I'm not sure why. Maybe it was time for us to grow apart. I know there were other contributing factors to the demise of our friendship which all seem very trivial now. But it happened. I'm sad about it and wish if it had to happen, that it had happened differently. But I'm not angry or hurt about it anymore. I guess I have moved on and am growing up. Growing up is a long, bumpy road. Throwing birthday parties for our children is a celebration not only for the kids but for us parents as well. It's a celebration that we made it through another year of bumps and came out the other end stronger and with a greater appreciation for the things that are truly important: Family and good friendships!
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