Agree or Disagree?

I'm tending to agree with this, especially lately! Being home, I am busy with the kids, of course, but it's a different kind of busy. I usually wind up feeling totally unproductive. Unmotivated. Blah, really. Even the little things feel like daunting tasks.
Usually when my plate is extra full, I get stuff done, and done quickly and efficiently. The less full my plate is, the harder it is for me to have my drive to succeed in all areas.
I know it's all a season...
What do you think about this?

Really Gymboree?

Not to knock the store that makes mostly adorable and well made clothing, the very same store where I purchased 16 items at garage sale prices a few weeks ago, but this irks me..
Skull and crossbones... I've noticed the style, but just cannot warm to it...
My boys (and children in general) are too sweet to have a giant "POISON" sign right on their chest (or butt, I guess... but that one I might let slide).

Moms...what do you think?

What's wrong with a regular cowboy?

Kinda scary!

The sad thing is that Adam would have LOVED this.... it's blue and has guitars!!
.
I am sure we've all had moments where these might be appropriate..

Love the colors though...


All taken from Gymboree.com

I found myself in a conversation the other day that left me thinking. It was at a table of pretty much strangers from my church. Nice women, fantastic mothers, strong believers. It was a conversation that was not meant to offend. Not meant to hurt. But, nevertheless one that left me feeling bad (for lack of a better word) the rest of the day. It went a little something like this...

Person 1 " I made a decision that a stranger would never watch my kids all day. Daycares are impersonal, and the ratio is terrible"
Person 2 "When I decided to have kids, I committed to raising them myself"
Person 3 "Most daycares are really scary"

Me. Quiet. Trying not to make eye contact so no one could read me.

Person 1 "I mean, nothing against anyone who uses daycare. Some people have to, but there usually is a way to stay home"
Person 2 "Yeah, I mean it's good for socialization...
Person 3 "...but just not the same as the one on one attention"

Me. Quiet. Second guessing. Bordering on feeling judged. Knowing that no harm is meant. But still, feeling it.

It's not the first time. Usually it's me beating myself up and feeling guilty.

I am a working mom who uses daycare. Those girls that care for my kids are not strangers. The way Zachary squeals when he sees his Miss Toni, and the way Adam admires and learns from his teacher Ms. Tilkens, or "T" as they call her... I am grateful for them. But that's not really what this is all about.
Being a part of this conversation made me realize- I bet I have done this. In one way or another I bet I have inadvertently hurt someone with my opinions. There have been times, I am sure, where I have put my foot in my mouth without even realizing it. Offended someone by simply expressing what I think is right, hitting a sensitive spot I don't know is there.

I am going to be more careful with my words.
I am going to remain confident in my choices regarding my children (no one knows them like I do).
I am not going to be angry, bitter, or feel resentment.

I Have More Time On My Hands Than I Would Like to Admit

My kids love old school Sesame Street, The Muppets, and many other kids movies. It's amusing to me, but as all children love repetition, mine are no exception. This leaves me to apparently have time to examine many a character and consider just who they look like that I know.

Here are some finds.
This one's kinda obvious... Snow White and my friend Tara. She's even been hired semi-professionaly for this. I think she could make a career out of it!


All through Idol Season 5 I was trying to place Taylor Hicks... I swear he was so familiar. Then one day it hit me...


Even the kids, on their own, shout out "Grandpy" (my dad) when they see this guy, who actually has a name...Mr. Johnson.


Now this guy is just a backup singer or something, but a dead ringer for Kevin from the office.. wouldn't you say?

In Bloom

It's amazing how a dreary, cold fall and winter can make you forget how gorgeous srping can be. This is my red azalea bush, which has a short lived flowering time so I thought I would capture it. It really is stunning!

Do You Have A Comment for Everything?

Well, in this case I hope yes!!

Not that I blog for comments... but I want to hear from you passersby. I have a *few* faithful readers who comment, thanks ladies- this is not directed at you!

How's my blog? Do you relate to what I have to say?

I love to blog. I love to share my life. I hope I am real.

So, what do you think??

P.S.- there is no need sign up, you can comment anonymous- just sign your name at the bottom!

A Hairdo Only a Mother Could Love

My kids' hair, at times, can look a little crazy. These are the moments I think they look the cutest!






So this morning, during the kids bath, I caught a scary glance of myself in the mirror. I then realized that perhaps crazy hair is hereditary.

And this confirmed my suspicion.

Quirk: def: A peculiarity of behavior; an idiosyncrasy

SORT OF...

"Every man had his own quirks and twists" (Harriet Beecher Stowe).


I am the kind of person who is probably annoyingly diplomatic, until I reach a point where I am just done and spill out some borderline inappropriate, but usually true, statement about the situation . ( I've gotten more than a few raised eyebrows and chuckles out of my chosen few I let see that side...)

When watching TV in my bedroom I have to know exactly where both remotes are or I just can't relax...

I've been known to have 25 windows open at once on my computer and not even know it...

I have a strict system at Target for shopping end caps. Only my sister Sarah gets it. Straying from it ruins the whole experience for me.

I truly do not like others doing my laundry. While putting it away is no fun, I do have a specific way I want things washed, dried, and hung up/folded. (Paul sighs with relief...)

I do not like to wear foundation makeup... I just feel gross all day. So, I skip it and hope for the best!

I check my e-mail like 20 times per day... I never get any but always hope! You'd think I would have given up by now (or started sending an e-mail once in a while)!


These are some of mine... I'm dying to know some of yours....

The Truth About Halloween

Some love it. Really, really love it. Love it to the point of a blow up Homer Simpson on the front Lawn dressed as a skeleton...
<------------

or, other ummmm...."types" of decorations that take a lot of effort to think of...----->





Me? Not so much.
It's not something where I am adamantly against it or think it's a devil day or anything, but I just am indifferent about the holiday. I do love to put the kids in cute costumes, and certainly can put away my fair share of candy, but to me, it's just another day! The truth is that the costumes are hot, the candy, while delicious, is not the best choice for teeth or waistlines, and on top of it all, where I live there are more inappropriately dressed teens than cute little ones out trick or treating.

Nevertheless, here are some pics of the cuties (and no, not the ones to the above right)!

Zachary's thinking "you might be a cute Dumbo, but really you're just a Nuk thief"

Whyyyyyyyy did you make me do this???
I can fly!

Alright, I will give this Halloween thing a shot....

My Little Stinker

When Paul and I first brought Zachary home, we were shaking our heads in amazement at how peaceful and quiet he was. Not an ounce of colic or fussiness in him. Now, I spend a lot of time shaking my head with a combination of amusement and fear with my little man, Zachary. Talk about personality and will... his is off the charts!!
With Adam, he was always mellow, compliant and relatively easy. Zachary is, well... none of these things (makes me wonder if Zachary is just typical, where Adam was unique)!! Fortunately, he has such a sweetness that it's easy to overlook. But, I believe I need to get out the books on managing a strong willed child. I heard a quote, not sure of who said it, but it is: "if you teach a strong willed child to do what is right, then they will will be strong willed to do what is right.".


Some things I witness on a daily basis.
- screaming until he gets what he wants
- snagging cookies off the island which he can barely reach
- refusing to hold hands or be picked up unless it's at his own request
- packing food into his cheeks for hours at a time
- howling if he cannot get to what he wants
- running at roadrunner speed from one end of the house to the other, hitting the wall and saying "GUH"
etc, etc, etc...

But, on a cute note... he is starting to talk!! What a bright little guy. He is doing animal sounds, saying please and thank you, asking for help, and even said his first "sentence".. "take socks off". Sounded more like "tak-schoks-ruff", but adorable nonetheless.
I love this little boy. I love that I have my work cut out for me. I love that God is showing me daily the unique spirit he gives each person..

"Don't postpone joy until you have learned all of your lessons. Joy is your lesson."- Alan Cohen

While browsing through Target, I was cutting across the full price section to the clearance section and saw they got a new line of inspirational jewelery.
Here is the one that caught my attention.


"joy: a state of being in perpetual elation"

How nice. How unrealistic.

But the way I choose to understand joy is not a perpetual state of elation. Not at all. We all have our moments that are sheer elation. We all have our people who fill us with happiness, love, and excitement. But, true joy, to me, is an inner gift only given by God. Having this joy gets you through the times where life is anything but perpetual elation. Having joy brings people through trials and grief, through loss and challenges. And, joy does not always mean having a smile on your face and soaring through life. I am not a person in a perpetual state of elation. Far from it. But I have joy because of the Spirit of God in me. Even when I don't feel it, it's there.

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds. James 1:2

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23

"Participate joyfully in the sorrows of the world. We cannot cure the world of sorrows, but we can choose to live in joy."
-Joseph Campbell

Say It Ain't So

Well, Fashionista I am not, but seems to be the 80's are creeping back.
I just don't think I can do this.
Can you?

"How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives." -Annie Dillard

I realized that today is one year since I began blogging! I looked back over some of my posts, and am so glad I have stuck with it. This year has brought changes, joys, challenges, and I believe more is in store!

August 2008

August 2009

Here

Anywhere but here... the grass is greener on the other side.... Explore the possibilities...
Every time we travel, thoughts of a move come up and are discussed. Are we missing out? Now is the time! Here it's just the same old, same old...LET'S GO!!
But, walking through the door of home at each return feels like just that... HOME. Ahhhh...
I just want to express my gratitude for family. I've been known to occasionally express frustrations, annoyances, and displeasure with the extreme locality of my entire immediate family. However, truth be told, I don't know how we'd do it without them. Thier love for my kids is almost as great as ours. All the extra hugs, nights out, support, hands to dress, feed, and play with the kids, (oh,and of course, delivered dinner and Tim Horton's coffees) have made parenting much easier and manageable for us.
Currently, I have been needing some help around the house. And, of course, the family is willing to jump right in and take over. But, it's not just babysitting. It's trips to the Fair and Fantasy Island, fun bath time, visits to other family members. Above and beyond. So much love for my boys. Never a second thought about the safety of my kids. So many sacrifices for my family.
So, here I am expressing my appreciation. And being thankful. We have what so many long for. In wholesale size, at times, but we are blessed.
So, while the grass may be greener on the other side, it's still just as hard to mow...

Uh Oh.

Tonight, as I mixed my simple homemade chicken salad for easy weekend eating, I added celery, mayo, and pepper. I stood over my creation, I thought "this needs one more color".
My next thought was "I am my mother", and then I added some chopped carrots.

Reflection

It's here! The highly anticipated last day of school! I can now say- I MADE IT! This year has been one of transition, one of change- mostly for good.
Going back to work full time has sure caused me, at times, to burn the candle at both ends. But, looking back, I think I managed pretty well. My biggest struggle was with my own guilt, about not being able to be with the kids as much as I wanted to be. And, of course, keeping my house in order.
But, at the same time I felt excited, because I see two well adjusted, happy, and secure little boys that are loved through and through, at home, daycare, and in the care of family. How great is that?
So, here's my summer plan. I need one on paper to STICK TO IT!

AM- Breakfast, walk around park, stop at the splash park before it gets too hot, home for boys to play and me to clean up and fold laundry
PM- lunch, nap (hopefully including me), "school" with Adam to keep him in the Pre-K loop, and then outside for baby pool time.

Hopefully we can work in plenty of play-dates. This is my first summer with kids that I have not had my buddy Tara to hang out with, so that will be a challenge!!

I am sure this is boring some of you to tears, in fact, it's boring me to tears (no, no, not really!). But, I need this to avoid 60 consecutive "jammie days", as could easily happen around here!

Obsessed much?

I have an ongoing joke with my sister... it stems from a Friends TV Show Trivia game. I am a Friends whiz, it's hands down my favorite show. I can kick anyone's butt who challenges me- bring it on. However, aside from that I do not have something that I am really good at. Maybe just a few things I do okay with. So, our joke begins where I start off many sentences by saying "I am not good and many things... but....". Not laughing? Well, if you keep up with my blog you will remember that I stink at explaining things. But, trust me, it's funny.

I am not good at many things, but getting a bargain is one of them. I can honestly find any deal, any time, anywhere. I rarely buy anything (groceries aside) that is not on clearance, preferably 75% off with a coupon on top of that.
I have 2 coupon files. One for food/grocery items. One for personal care. Each is organized by type (for instance, snacks, meats, dog items, makeup/face, soap etc.) They are with me at all times! You never know when you might have to stop off at the store.
Target is by far my favorite place to find deals, "end cap cruising" is the only way to do it. Rite Aid is a close second, they have LOTS of 75% off items.
Here is how it's done. Enter Target. Ignore all colorful and inviting bags, purses, and other cute stuff. Focus only on signs that say "clearance". Look for the infamous orange/red sticker. Open coupon book and assess if there is a corresponding coupon for the item. But, adopt the policy that if you don't need it, can't use it, or don't know someone who can, then pass (i.e: Depends Men's Guards). I have also bought excess toothpaste, soap, deodorant and kept some, donated the rest to shelters, soup kitchens, needy families, etc.
And, admittedly, I have bought those items that I couldn't use, and been sorry later.

Need something specific? Here is Target's mark down schedule. (Thank you Jerry Seawood for the insider info!)

Monday - Electronics, Kids Clothing and Stationary (Cards, GiftWrap, etc.)
Tuesday - Domestics, Women's Clothing, Pets and Market (food items)
Wednesday - Men's Clothing, Toys, Lawn & Garden, Health and Beauty items
Thursday - House Wares, Lingerie, Sporting Goods, Shoes, Music / Movies, Books, Decor and Luggage
Friday - Auto, Cosmetics, Hardware, and Jewelry

After holiday's:
50% off the day after holiday for three days
75% off the fourth day after holiday for three days
90% off the seventh day after holiday for 1-2 days.

Other places to look:
Rite Aid/Walgreen's/CVS: Scope isles and end-caps for "discontinued", "clearance", and "last chance". This is where I get most of my cosmetics for less and $2 each when they are 75% off plus a dollar off with a coupon. Also, I have paid about .25 cents for toothpaste, toothbrushes, etc. Cleaning products, diapers, and other baby products are also something you can find in these stores.
For clothing, I try to wait for the "Friends and Family" coupons. Most stores do them once or twice per year. There are few restrictions on them, so they can be used on top of sale or clearance. The Gap, Old Navy, Banana Republic, and Ann Taylor Loft are some of my favorites.
For toys, I do hit the yard sales. But, avoid stuffed animals- they can be nasty. I like to stick to plastic type toys and I have gotten some steals on name brand clothes and shoes. I operate usually with the motto "if I would live there, I will shop there". If I pull up and am not sure, I keep going.
Ok, so after typing this, I realize it may be a little over the top, but oh well! Shopping is something I enjoy. Retail therapy is a real thing for me. To make it possible, I have to find the deals in order to not go broke.
I might add, we use an envelope system for our finances (maybe a post for another day), and this bargaining I like to do is figured into the budget, so The Mister is happy and so am I!!

The "I" Survey

I don't usually do these survey type things, but I thought I might try one.

I am: a Christian, a wife, proud mom of 2, a daughter, sister, friend, dog mom, professional, mostly optimistic... a scatterbrain who is good at paperwork, better at directions than one might think, and not a pushover despite appearance...
I think: that people should not walk in the middle of the street when there is a perfectly good sidewalk.
I know: that when things seem too good to be true, they probably are.
I want: Tara to move home
I wish: more people would know that prayer is stronger than wishing. And that I had more self confidence. And that I could freeze Zachary in time, I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this age and am not ready for him to get big yet.
I hate: reading news stories filled with horrible things people do to each other, and when I see a child's spirit crushed...
I miss: the thrill of a new love, Tuesday playdates, and spontaneity
I fear: losing someone I love, and the kids being near water.
I feel: too deeply for some things, but not enough for others.
I hear: the music of Barney, Sesame Street, Elmo's World, and Little Einstein's... constantly and everywhere.
I smell: formula, ew
I crave: fried food
I search: for my drivers license at this very moment, but on a regular basis I search for things like keys, papers, my purse and phone...
I regret: not replacing the windows in our house with our rehab loan money, and some other things I have said and done along the way...
I love: my husband, my boys, and snacks.
I ache: when I hear someone has lost a child, when I hear and see parents in public treating their children harshly, and when i see old folks at restaurants eating alone, with a wedding band still on. You just know...
I care: for a living
I always: have to shower in the morning, or else my day is pretty much ruined.
I am not: one to back down from a belief, but I would like to think I do it in a nice way.
I believe: in Jesus.
I sing: badly, but often now that I have kids...
I cry: rarely, but usually to songs on the radio that strike a nerve.
I fight: rarely out loud, but with my actions (it's a BAD thing to do, I know.)
I write: down every penny I spend now that we are doing a new finances system.
I win: at Friends Scene It. Every time... Evil plan laugh... ho ho ho...
I lose: my mind sometimes with my little man who is exerting his own strong will these days.
I never: can explain or remember the details of ANYTHING, like how to make something, how to do something, what happened yesterday, what happened today, the plans for tomorrow... I may need my thyroid checked.
I confuse: people regularly with trying to explain things (see above)
I listen: for crying in the night....
I can usually be found: at home, with the family
I need: to go see my Grandma more and to decide if we want a third child ( I think yes)
I am happy about: the many blessings that I have been given in my family and life, sometimes I hold my breath because things are REALLY good!
I hope: I will never, never , never forget the way my boys' little smiles melt my heart into mush.

A Summer Lesson

My little stinkers

We support the arts.

Baby kisses
Fun time with daddy
TV time!

So, here goes another. At this point, I have not even made my blog known, I am more using it as a journal because it's much easier to grab the computer and type than get a notebook and a pen... those of you with toddlers are well aware of what I am talking about. Well, something has been made clear to me this summer through various circumstances that I have been told about...

I will be the first to admit that I have a great life- a generous, warm husband who is devoted to me and our boys, two of the cutest kids on the planet, a nice doggy, and an overall blessed existence. So, it's important that you know I am NOT complaining at all, just being real, being me..

Like many people do, I more than occasionally find myself envying the lives of others, people I don't know and some I do... for instance the carefree life of a city person, the good looking couple who moved to an awesome, warm location on a whim, the wife of a VIP who is in the center of it all, the perfectly organized mom who would never let her house get so messy that she would be embarrassed to have company...
Ok, so I don't sit around and think about this daily ( I have an infant and a toddler), but it crosses my mind from time to time... what might it be like to be there, to be this, or that...
This summer, time and again, I learned facts about some lives I might have viewed as desirable and appealing... facts like unfaithful husbands, controlling and abusive marriages, facades that cover insecurities, and loneliness in the lives of people who seem to constantly be surrounded by people who want to serve them... And again, I am reminded that God talks about this , instructs us, and reminds us of just this...

And don't be wishing you were someplace else or with someone else. Where you are right now is God's place for you. Live and obey and love and believe right there. God defines your life. 1 Corinthians 7:17 (The Message)

But godliness with contentment is great gain.1 Timothy 6:6 (New International Version)

See above photos for proof.