I will admit that I used the boost action on a lot of these, which will make almost any photo look better. Now I just have to decide where I can hang all these photos.
Friday, April 02, 2010
Key West Sunset
I downloaded The Pioneer Woman's actions for Adobe Elements and had so much fun using them on our photos from Key West. We had a great time just lounging around and walking the streets, shopping, drinking and eating. We were only able to get out on our friend's boat once, but thankfully, the sunset was realy nice that night and I was able to get some great photos.
I will admit that I used the boost action on a lot of these, which will make almost any photo look better. Now I just have to decide where I can hang all these photos.
I will admit that I used the boost action on a lot of these, which will make almost any photo look better. Now I just have to decide where I can hang all these photos.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Bedroom Remodel and Some Random Photos
I have FINALLY figured out how to really use the macro function on my camera and have been enjoying using it lately.
These are the wild roses that bloom on a random bush we received from Larry's aunt and uncle.
This is one of our cats and this is pretty much what they do ALL DAY LONG. Larry frequently says that he wants to come back as our cats. ha
About a year and a half ago, Larry and I went out and bought grown up furniture for our bedroom and I finally have decided to "remodel" our bedroom in an effort to have one room totally decorated. Here's an overview.
And yes, I need to buy a comforter for the bed, but I've been putting it off. The dark brown "cover" is actually a throw I bought from Wal-mart for the couch, but it was so cold this winter, that it was turned into a makeshift blanket for the bed.
I bought this great vinyl tree from e-bay and then the little frames came from Wal-mart for $1.50. This is the first photo Larry and I took together on my first trip to see him.
I finally replaced the $20.00 lamps I bought at Wal-mart about 12 years ago with these from Home Goods. They look so much better in our room than the glass ones we had before.
This mirror, we got from Larry's uncle a long time ago and I spray painted it a dark brown. It was a gold color and really didn't match, but I always liked it. My mom calls it the Magic Mirror from Snow White. I bought the vinyl words above the bed from Target. Awwww, aren't they sweet and actually a good reminder to never go to bed angry.
And finally, this candle is great! I smelled it first in a local restaurant that Larry and I love and after asking around, I found out they bought it at Publix! You have to get the Cinnamon Buns scent though. It's smells so good without being overly sweet and it's only $9.99.
So there we go, a little upgrade to our bedroom. I really love it though and I'm looking around for a comforter to finish it off.
These are the wild roses that bloom on a random bush we received from Larry's aunt and uncle.
This is one of our cats and this is pretty much what they do ALL DAY LONG. Larry frequently says that he wants to come back as our cats. ha
About a year and a half ago, Larry and I went out and bought grown up furniture for our bedroom and I finally have decided to "remodel" our bedroom in an effort to have one room totally decorated. Here's an overview.
And yes, I need to buy a comforter for the bed, but I've been putting it off. The dark brown "cover" is actually a throw I bought from Wal-mart for the couch, but it was so cold this winter, that it was turned into a makeshift blanket for the bed.
I bought this great vinyl tree from e-bay and then the little frames came from Wal-mart for $1.50. This is the first photo Larry and I took together on my first trip to see him.
I finally replaced the $20.00 lamps I bought at Wal-mart about 12 years ago with these from Home Goods. They look so much better in our room than the glass ones we had before.
This mirror, we got from Larry's uncle a long time ago and I spray painted it a dark brown. It was a gold color and really didn't match, but I always liked it. My mom calls it the Magic Mirror from Snow White. I bought the vinyl words above the bed from Target. Awwww, aren't they sweet and actually a good reminder to never go to bed angry.
And finally, this candle is great! I smelled it first in a local restaurant that Larry and I love and after asking around, I found out they bought it at Publix! You have to get the Cinnamon Buns scent though. It's smells so good without being overly sweet and it's only $9.99.
So there we go, a little upgrade to our bedroom. I really love it though and I'm looking around for a comforter to finish it off.
Thursday, March 04, 2010
Help us Moms, Lord
Mom forwarded me this e-mail devotion and I really liked it, so I'm reproducing it here. The author isLysa TerKeurst
"If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him." James 1:5 (NIV)
I wanted to tap the two girls sitting on the front row at our church service. And fuss at them in a not so gentle way I tell you. But they were five rows ahead of me and my arm couldn't quite reach.
Since I couldn't physically get their attention, I prepared my "look." You know the one that says a thousand corrective statements with just a cross expression and a raised eyebrow? Yes, that one.
The minute one of them stole a glance in my direction, they were going to know exactly how I felt about their wiggling and obvious lack of attention during the service. Oh, and I should mention, these two gir ls belonged to me. Well, at least one of them did. The other was my daughter's friend who sometimes goes to church with us.
I don't think anyone else really noticed them. They weren't being disruptive to other people. But they weren't acting the way I wanted them to. I wanted them sitting up straight, drinking in the message, and taking notes.
Suddenly, an annoying little thought started to tug at the corners of my mind. "You want your children to act perfectly because it makes you look good. Let that go. They don't need to be sitting up straight furiously taking notes to hear God's message. This is a beautiful time for grace."
Ouch.
I don't much like the Holy Spirit speaking the kind of truth to me that hurts. I was in the mood to fuss at somebody. Two somebodies. Give grace? Now? It wasn't what I wanted but it's exactly what I needed to do in that moment. Soon my daughter's friend peered back to look at me. Despite my feelings, I made the c hoice to smile, wink, and give her a little wave.
Then this wiggly, usually not very affectionate, middle schooler got out of her seat. She walked down the aisle, five rows back, and made her way to me. She threw her arms around me and gave me a hug that preached a thousand sermons right then and there.
Indeed, grace was exactly what was needed in that moment. The rest of the service she sat attentive beside me and even asked a few questions on the way home.
And that's what makes this parenting thing so hard. There are really no textbook answers. It's such a moment by moment balancing act between loving, shepherding, disciplining, extending grace, molding, modeling, loving some more and fussing a little along the way too.
The only way I can navigate this balancing act is to stay close to God. Really close. Rather than seeing God as far off, I have to rely on him as a desperate daughter who needs her Daddy.
Philippians 4:6 says, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
I like that verse but without quoting it in context, it's stripped of its power. The last 4 words of Philippians 4:5 are the power source that unlocks the peace of God that transcends all understanding.
Those four words are, "The Lord is near."
And because He's near, we don't have to be anxious- we can ask our Lord what to do, how to react, when to discipline and when to give grace. James 1:5 reminds me, "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him." Only God can prepare me with the wisdom and discernment necessary for each and every parenting moment. So I must stay close to Him- ask Him- rely on Him- cry out to Him- and make Him the basis for my parenting.
My goal should never be to raise kids that make me look good. (But, oh, how my flesh craves this!) My goal should be to ask God moment by moment for wisdom to know how to raise kids who proclaim God's goodness in their hearts.
Blessings to you as you ever so delicately search for that balance between discipline and grace as well.
Dear Lord, I am asking for wisdom today to know how to best raise my kids. Help me to know when to discipline and when to give grace. Help me sense Your nearness so I don't feel so alone and overwhelmed with this task of being a mom. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
"If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him." James 1:5 (NIV)
I wanted to tap the two girls sitting on the front row at our church service. And fuss at them in a not so gentle way I tell you. But they were five rows ahead of me and my arm couldn't quite reach.
Since I couldn't physically get their attention, I prepared my "look." You know the one that says a thousand corrective statements with just a cross expression and a raised eyebrow? Yes, that one.
The minute one of them stole a glance in my direction, they were going to know exactly how I felt about their wiggling and obvious lack of attention during the service. Oh, and I should mention, these two gir ls belonged to me. Well, at least one of them did. The other was my daughter's friend who sometimes goes to church with us.
I don't think anyone else really noticed them. They weren't being disruptive to other people. But they weren't acting the way I wanted them to. I wanted them sitting up straight, drinking in the message, and taking notes.
Suddenly, an annoying little thought started to tug at the corners of my mind. "You want your children to act perfectly because it makes you look good. Let that go. They don't need to be sitting up straight furiously taking notes to hear God's message. This is a beautiful time for grace."
Ouch.
I don't much like the Holy Spirit speaking the kind of truth to me that hurts. I was in the mood to fuss at somebody. Two somebodies. Give grace? Now? It wasn't what I wanted but it's exactly what I needed to do in that moment. Soon my daughter's friend peered back to look at me. Despite my feelings, I made the c hoice to smile, wink, and give her a little wave.
Then this wiggly, usually not very affectionate, middle schooler got out of her seat. She walked down the aisle, five rows back, and made her way to me. She threw her arms around me and gave me a hug that preached a thousand sermons right then and there.
Indeed, grace was exactly what was needed in that moment. The rest of the service she sat attentive beside me and even asked a few questions on the way home.
And that's what makes this parenting thing so hard. There are really no textbook answers. It's such a moment by moment balancing act between loving, shepherding, disciplining, extending grace, molding, modeling, loving some more and fussing a little along the way too.
The only way I can navigate this balancing act is to stay close to God. Really close. Rather than seeing God as far off, I have to rely on him as a desperate daughter who needs her Daddy.
Philippians 4:6 says, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
I like that verse but without quoting it in context, it's stripped of its power. The last 4 words of Philippians 4:5 are the power source that unlocks the peace of God that transcends all understanding.
Those four words are, "The Lord is near."
And because He's near, we don't have to be anxious- we can ask our Lord what to do, how to react, when to discipline and when to give grace. James 1:5 reminds me, "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him." Only God can prepare me with the wisdom and discernment necessary for each and every parenting moment. So I must stay close to Him- ask Him- rely on Him- cry out to Him- and make Him the basis for my parenting.
My goal should never be to raise kids that make me look good. (But, oh, how my flesh craves this!) My goal should be to ask God moment by moment for wisdom to know how to raise kids who proclaim God's goodness in their hearts.
Blessings to you as you ever so delicately search for that balance between discipline and grace as well.
Dear Lord, I am asking for wisdom today to know how to best raise my kids. Help me to know when to discipline and when to give grace. Help me sense Your nearness so I don't feel so alone and overwhelmed with this task of being a mom. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Friday, February 26, 2010
Flash Back Friday - My Love
In late February of 1997, AOL was picking up steam and the sounds of, well, the electronic sounds of logging in via dial up were making their way across the country. My roommate and I shared a computer and time on this new fangled Internet or the World Wide Web. I logged in one evening searching for a fun chat room to kill an hour or two. At that time, people actually conversed in chat rooms and it wasn't a scary place that may be featured on Dateline sometime in the near future.
That night, I chose the room Friends First. I had a boyfriend, wasn't necessarily looking to exchange him, but I was keeping my options open. There was a lively discussion going between the 20 or so people in the room and I was quickly swept up in some random conversation or another. Over a bit of time, I was lured into one conversation over all the others between two girls, one with apple something or other in her username, and a guy, Romeo19. As the girls bantered back and forth, a sent a private message to Romeo asking him if he thought they were gay.
I'm don't remember Romeo's exact response, but I do remember that we kept our private conversation going that night and decided on a time to meet up again. Over the next month, e-mails were exchanged, letters were written and many chats were had in a private chat room. The first time we spoke on the phone, we were both taken aback. Romeo spoke very fast, with barely an accent at all. I, on the other hand, had a thick southern twang. We overcame though and talked well into the night, like we had known each other for years.
It wasn't long before I planned on making the drive down the state of Florida to meet with Larry. My roommate was going to come with me and she knew a Miami cop that was going to let us stay with him over the weekend. She backed out though at the last minute, and I was on my own, driving 12 hours south to stay with a man I didn't know in order to meet a man I didn't know.
Looking at that sentence now, it's ridiculously stupid what I did, but I was young, in love and invincible.
I left about 7 o'clock on Friday night and drove through the night. I smoked then and kept myself awake and entertained by having a cigarette every 30 minutes. Whenever I started dosing as I drove, I would pull over and sleep 30 minutes or so at the rest stop. The 700 mile or so trip took me over 13 hours. Then I got lost in Miami.
Thankfully, I had the good sense to pull over and give the Miami cop a call and as luck would have it, his apartment was really close. He met me at the gas station and I followed him back to his house. I didn't have a cell phone then, so I had to call Larry once I arrived and then he had to make the 45 minute drive south to meet me.
We still laugh about our first "date". In an effort of showing me the local culture, we stopped at a little Cuban cafe to have lunch. Hello, Alabama girl here! Larry ordered a Cuban sandwich and in an effort to not gross myself out, I ordered a hot dog. Then I had to eat said hot dog in front of this boy that I had just met.
It was great though and after the first 5 minutes of wow, you're a stranger, we were fine and comfortable and loving each other.
For nine months, we wrote and called and made trips when we could before Larry moved to Alabama for six months to finish out my lease. We both still have all the letters we sent during that time. 13 years. Wow. How time has moved swiftly by.
On a relatively new invention, amidst millions of people, in a random chat room, I met my best friend and my love. Through the ups and downs, the heartaches and laughs, two children, three dogs and two cats and a mean ass bird, we remain us.
Appropriately, on our wedding invitation, we featured the following saying,
Today I marry my best friend,
The one I laugh with, live for, love.
And I think it hold truer today than ever.
That night, I chose the room Friends First. I had a boyfriend, wasn't necessarily looking to exchange him, but I was keeping my options open. There was a lively discussion going between the 20 or so people in the room and I was quickly swept up in some random conversation or another. Over a bit of time, I was lured into one conversation over all the others between two girls, one with apple something or other in her username, and a guy, Romeo19. As the girls bantered back and forth, a sent a private message to Romeo asking him if he thought they were gay.
I'm don't remember Romeo's exact response, but I do remember that we kept our private conversation going that night and decided on a time to meet up again. Over the next month, e-mails were exchanged, letters were written and many chats were had in a private chat room. The first time we spoke on the phone, we were both taken aback. Romeo spoke very fast, with barely an accent at all. I, on the other hand, had a thick southern twang. We overcame though and talked well into the night, like we had known each other for years.
It wasn't long before I planned on making the drive down the state of Florida to meet with Larry. My roommate was going to come with me and she knew a Miami cop that was going to let us stay with him over the weekend. She backed out though at the last minute, and I was on my own, driving 12 hours south to stay with a man I didn't know in order to meet a man I didn't know.
Looking at that sentence now, it's ridiculously stupid what I did, but I was young, in love and invincible.
I left about 7 o'clock on Friday night and drove through the night. I smoked then and kept myself awake and entertained by having a cigarette every 30 minutes. Whenever I started dosing as I drove, I would pull over and sleep 30 minutes or so at the rest stop. The 700 mile or so trip took me over 13 hours. Then I got lost in Miami.
Thankfully, I had the good sense to pull over and give the Miami cop a call and as luck would have it, his apartment was really close. He met me at the gas station and I followed him back to his house. I didn't have a cell phone then, so I had to call Larry once I arrived and then he had to make the 45 minute drive south to meet me.
We still laugh about our first "date". In an effort of showing me the local culture, we stopped at a little Cuban cafe to have lunch. Hello, Alabama girl here! Larry ordered a Cuban sandwich and in an effort to not gross myself out, I ordered a hot dog. Then I had to eat said hot dog in front of this boy that I had just met.
It was great though and after the first 5 minutes of wow, you're a stranger, we were fine and comfortable and loving each other.
For nine months, we wrote and called and made trips when we could before Larry moved to Alabama for six months to finish out my lease. We both still have all the letters we sent during that time. 13 years. Wow. How time has moved swiftly by.
On a relatively new invention, amidst millions of people, in a random chat room, I met my best friend and my love. Through the ups and downs, the heartaches and laughs, two children, three dogs and two cats and a mean ass bird, we remain us.
Appropriately, on our wedding invitation, we featured the following saying,
Today I marry my best friend,
The one I laugh with, live for, love.
And I think it hold truer today than ever.
Friday, February 19, 2010
Flashback Friday - MamMaw
In honor ofMaternal Grandmothers, here are some of my memories of my mom's mom or Mammaw.
Games - Mammaw loved to play games. Mom still plays with her now at the nursing home, but she's not as quick as she once was and I think mom lets her win most the time. But when I was a child, we played all sorts of games: Trouble, Sorry, Canasta, a lot of Canasta. When we played Trouble and twos popped up, we always said, Oops, a tootie.
Cornbread Dressing - Like Tamara, Cornbread dressing or dressin' was a staple during the holiday season. My dad has taken over the making of the dressin' now, but he always tells Mammaw, it's not as good as yours.
Comparing our nails - Mammaw and I both have crappy nails and when we could grow them out, we always compared them to see whose were the longest.
When I got older and Mammaw moved into the retirement home, mom and I would go pick her up and make trips to the mall or Wal-mart. We'd laugh and cut up. I remember her telling me one time about kissing her cousin, a girl cousin. And then she just went on with the story like it was no big deal and it probably wasn't, but to me, I was floored. There was an amazement that Mammaw had a life before I was born and she was a teenager at one time too.
I hate that now that I am old enough to appreciate these stories, that Mammaw's not really able to share them with me. Due to her muscle/brain atrophy, she mostly observes and doesn't say much anymore as it's often hard to understand her. She still has a sharp tongue though and if something is bothering her, she will get it out.
Even though these last few years have been a bit hard on my mom, taking care of Mammaw and visiting her in the nursing home, I'm glad they've had this time together and I know mom would agree. It is frustrating though that I couldn't be there as well more than I am.
Games - Mammaw loved to play games. Mom still plays with her now at the nursing home, but she's not as quick as she once was and I think mom lets her win most the time. But when I was a child, we played all sorts of games: Trouble, Sorry, Canasta, a lot of Canasta. When we played Trouble and twos popped up, we always said, Oops, a tootie.
Cornbread Dressing - Like Tamara, Cornbread dressing or dressin' was a staple during the holiday season. My dad has taken over the making of the dressin' now, but he always tells Mammaw, it's not as good as yours.
Comparing our nails - Mammaw and I both have crappy nails and when we could grow them out, we always compared them to see whose were the longest.
When I got older and Mammaw moved into the retirement home, mom and I would go pick her up and make trips to the mall or Wal-mart. We'd laugh and cut up. I remember her telling me one time about kissing her cousin, a girl cousin. And then she just went on with the story like it was no big deal and it probably wasn't, but to me, I was floored. There was an amazement that Mammaw had a life before I was born and she was a teenager at one time too.
I hate that now that I am old enough to appreciate these stories, that Mammaw's not really able to share them with me. Due to her muscle/brain atrophy, she mostly observes and doesn't say much anymore as it's often hard to understand her. She still has a sharp tongue though and if something is bothering her, she will get it out.
Even though these last few years have been a bit hard on my mom, taking care of Mammaw and visiting her in the nursing home, I'm glad they've had this time together and I know mom would agree. It is frustrating though that I couldn't be there as well more than I am.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Who Was and Is and Is to Come
I've always loved to sing. If there was one thing I could change about myself, it would probably be that I have an awesome, belting voice. When asked what my favorite music is, I don't really give a genre, but rather my answer usually is anything I can sing along with. I've never sang in front of people though and it's only been recently that I will sing in front of the boys. My best singing is in the car by myself with the radio cranked.
When I first started going to Church by the Glades, their music was definitely a big draw. The lights are low, the band is loud and I can sing along with a chorus of over a thousand people lost in the music. It wasn't long after I started attending that I began listening to WAY FM so I could learn the songs quicker. And what began as a learning tool, quickly became my favorite genre.
There are so many heartfelt, uplifting musicians out there that make great music. Music that I know I can play in my car and not worry about my kids hearing. Music that touches my heart and voices my fears and puts into words feelings that sometimes I can't express.
After the miscarriage, I was angry. So angry. Not at God, but almost everyone else. And then I went numb. And I couldn't listen to my favorite music anymore. It just hurt. So when I finally left the house, rock was on my radio. Loud, pulsing noise that I didn't have to think about. For about two weeks, this was all I could stand.
Sunday was the first time I went back to church after the miscarriage. I kept telling myself we were too busy with the soccer and the soccer and the more soccer, but I'm sure a big part of it was a protection mechanism too. I couldn't handle the emotion. Sunday morning, they sang a few songs that I didn't really know, and then we sang Revelation Song by Phillips, Craig and Dean and yeah, I cried through the whole song, but it was ok. I've always loved the phrase, Who Was and Is and Is to Come and that song just goes straight to my soul.
So, I'm starting to feel again, letting a little emotion creep back in, trying to get things back together. Sometimes it hurts and I'm sure it will for a while, but it will get better and the music will help me through it.
When I first started going to Church by the Glades, their music was definitely a big draw. The lights are low, the band is loud and I can sing along with a chorus of over a thousand people lost in the music. It wasn't long after I started attending that I began listening to WAY FM so I could learn the songs quicker. And what began as a learning tool, quickly became my favorite genre.
There are so many heartfelt, uplifting musicians out there that make great music. Music that I know I can play in my car and not worry about my kids hearing. Music that touches my heart and voices my fears and puts into words feelings that sometimes I can't express.
After the miscarriage, I was angry. So angry. Not at God, but almost everyone else. And then I went numb. And I couldn't listen to my favorite music anymore. It just hurt. So when I finally left the house, rock was on my radio. Loud, pulsing noise that I didn't have to think about. For about two weeks, this was all I could stand.
Sunday was the first time I went back to church after the miscarriage. I kept telling myself we were too busy with the soccer and the soccer and the more soccer, but I'm sure a big part of it was a protection mechanism too. I couldn't handle the emotion. Sunday morning, they sang a few songs that I didn't really know, and then we sang Revelation Song by Phillips, Craig and Dean and yeah, I cried through the whole song, but it was ok. I've always loved the phrase, Who Was and Is and Is to Come and that song just goes straight to my soul.
So, I'm starting to feel again, letting a little emotion creep back in, trying to get things back together. Sometimes it hurts and I'm sure it will for a while, but it will get better and the music will help me through it.
Friday, February 12, 2010
Flashback Friday - My First Valentine
When we were in 4th grade, a new kid started school with us. A little guy by the name of Jonathan Gray. He later became known as J Gray, but that year he was still Jonathan. For some reason, even though I was taller, bigger than most the kids and had a haircut like a boy myself, Jonathan took a shine to me.
It's funny now to think about it. In fourth grade, boys and girls were still kinda scared of each other and I don't remember Jonathan and I talking about him liking me, or "going together" or even hanging out period. However, it never failed, every holiday, he would bring me something and Valentine's was no exception.
If I remember correctly, it was a shiny red heart box of chocolates.
After fourth grade, Jonathan lost his crush and even though we graduated together some 8 years later, I don't remember us ever talking about fourth grade and all my presents.
It's funny now to think about it. In fourth grade, boys and girls were still kinda scared of each other and I don't remember Jonathan and I talking about him liking me, or "going together" or even hanging out period. However, it never failed, every holiday, he would bring me something and Valentine's was no exception.
If I remember correctly, it was a shiny red heart box of chocolates.
After fourth grade, Jonathan lost his crush and even though we graduated together some 8 years later, I don't remember us ever talking about fourth grade and all my presents.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Yes, I am 12 (+20)
Taylor Lautner turns 18 today. It is now legal and not quite so dirty feeling to look at that six pack.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Question
I recently removed the Blogher ads from my side bar. Was anyone using them to access other sites or liked looking at what they had to offer? Just curious.
Friday, February 05, 2010
Pantry Decrapification
I'm not sure what is going on with me. The only reasoning I can figure is that I am making up for the nesting that was taken away from me and in doing so, I am on an organizing/decorating kick.
I've been reading Thrify Decor Chick for a while now and I love, love, love her decorating. But, most the time I look at a project and either I think I could never do it, or I just don't really have the area for it. However, when I saw her Pantry Decrapification, I thought, I can do that! And I have a pantry! And do it, I did.
We ran up to Home Depot Sunday after Shey's game and bought all the supplies and last night, I finally put it all together.
Here is the before. . .
And while this isn't horrible, there was sooooo much food in there that had expired or was just gross.
Observe . . .
And here is the after . . .
And now when I open my closet, little birdies fly around and angels sing.
I've been reading Thrify Decor Chick for a while now and I love, love, love her decorating. But, most the time I look at a project and either I think I could never do it, or I just don't really have the area for it. However, when I saw her Pantry Decrapification, I thought, I can do that! And I have a pantry! And do it, I did.
We ran up to Home Depot Sunday after Shey's game and bought all the supplies and last night, I finally put it all together.
Here is the before. . .
And while this isn't horrible, there was sooooo much food in there that had expired or was just gross.
Observe . . .
And here is the after . . .
And now when I open my closet, little birdies fly around and angels sing.
Tuesday, February 02, 2010
One Word
LOST!!!!!!!
WOO-HOO!
Coming soon, my decrapification (TM Thrifty Decor Chick) of the pantry. I know you can't wait.
WOO-HOO!
Coming soon, my decrapification (TM Thrifty Decor Chick) of the pantry. I know you can't wait.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Thank you
Well, this is hard. Instead of going into all the heartbreaking details, I really just want to say a heartfelt thank you. Thank you for your prayers and your thoughts. Thank you for your e-mails and your telephone calls. Thank you for everything. It helped to know I wasn't alone.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
What was Happening Tuesday o/k/a Hey! We're Pregnant!
On Wednesday, December 30, I decided it was time to stop messing around and just take a pregnancy test already. I was having those tell-tell signs in my uterus and my boobs were huge and ow! did they hurt. No sooner did the pee pass that little square box that the first line popped up, even quicker than the control line. We were pregnant again!
After October's heartbreak, I was a little more weary of getting too excited, but it was hard not to since the line came up so fast. Over the next week, I took 3 more tests and they all came up just as quickly. Last Wednesday, I went in to the doctor for the initial blood work to see what my hCG and progesterone levels were. I wasn't too worried because of all the positive home tests, but went ahead with the tests to confirm. My doctor called me on Wednesday and said that my progesterone was really low (a 6 and they like it to be at least 15) and my hCG was 2,200. He said the hCG was low too and put me at 4 weeks 5 days, even though I thought I was about a week ahead. I didn't get too concerned because my progesterone was low with Peyton as well and as far as the hCG goes, everything I read showed such a wide range that I was curious as to how he came up with such an exact date.
So anyway, I was prescribed progesterone supplements and told to go in Friday morning for repeat blood work. I didn't hear anything from the doctor's office until Tuesday morning when the nurse called at 8:45 that morning. Almost verbatim, this is what she said,
"You hCG came back at only 2,800 and since it is so low, Dr. A said this isn't a viable pregnancy. He wants you to go in for an ultrasound today to make sure it's not ectopic. Stop the progesterone and also, you'll need to go in next week for more blood work to make sure your levels are continuing to decrease."
AS you can imagine, my world just crumbled. I shut the door to my office and cried and cried. After I calmed down a bit, I started praying. And I know it's easier to say this now, but somehow I thought everything would be ok. I wouldn't have been surprised if things weren't, but I was really expecting them to be.
Somehow, I made it to the hospital for the ultrasound without going crazy and they were able to get me right in. Larry was there with me just hanging out in the background trying not to get in the way. Because I am so early, they had to do the ultrasound (TMI!) transvaginally, which is AWKWARD and then I'm trying to look sideways at the screen without just craning my neck.
As soon as the nurse got to where she should be I saw a flicker. I felt my heart start to race, but I was trying to maintain control. Then she zoomed in and there was little peanut, looking just like s/he should with their little heart beating away. I squeaked out, is that the heart beat? The tech looked at me and smiled and nodded quickly and then I lost it. Poor Larry wasn't sure what was going on. He said he saw the heartbeat too, but wasn't sure if it was where it was supposed to be and I was bawling, so he moved up to my foot and said, "Is it ok?" The tech nodded towards me, cause you know they aren't supposed to tell you anything and I just nodded too.
The tech told me she couldn't say anything especially in light of my blood work, but she hinted that everything looked fine. She also asked how far along I was and when I said, between 6 and 7 weeks, we're not sure, she said, well, you are measuring 6 weeks 4 days. So that was perfect too. So much for my doctor thinking I was measuring behind.
Obviously, I'm not stopping the progesterone and I'm about done with blood work. My doctor still wants me to go in next week for more, but I haven't decided if I am or not. I know we aren't out of the woods as with all pregnancies, but I am trusting that God is watching over this little one and all will be fine.
I can't thank you guys enough for all your prayers on Tuesday. I love Facebook. Such an amazing way to reach your prayer support on such a quick basis! Please still keep us and Kristin in your prayers!
And because you made it through all that, here are some pics from the holidays. Finally.
After October's heartbreak, I was a little more weary of getting too excited, but it was hard not to since the line came up so fast. Over the next week, I took 3 more tests and they all came up just as quickly. Last Wednesday, I went in to the doctor for the initial blood work to see what my hCG and progesterone levels were. I wasn't too worried because of all the positive home tests, but went ahead with the tests to confirm. My doctor called me on Wednesday and said that my progesterone was really low (a 6 and they like it to be at least 15) and my hCG was 2,200. He said the hCG was low too and put me at 4 weeks 5 days, even though I thought I was about a week ahead. I didn't get too concerned because my progesterone was low with Peyton as well and as far as the hCG goes, everything I read showed such a wide range that I was curious as to how he came up with such an exact date.
So anyway, I was prescribed progesterone supplements and told to go in Friday morning for repeat blood work. I didn't hear anything from the doctor's office until Tuesday morning when the nurse called at 8:45 that morning. Almost verbatim, this is what she said,
"You hCG came back at only 2,800 and since it is so low, Dr. A said this isn't a viable pregnancy. He wants you to go in for an ultrasound today to make sure it's not ectopic. Stop the progesterone and also, you'll need to go in next week for more blood work to make sure your levels are continuing to decrease."
AS you can imagine, my world just crumbled. I shut the door to my office and cried and cried. After I calmed down a bit, I started praying. And I know it's easier to say this now, but somehow I thought everything would be ok. I wouldn't have been surprised if things weren't, but I was really expecting them to be.
Somehow, I made it to the hospital for the ultrasound without going crazy and they were able to get me right in. Larry was there with me just hanging out in the background trying not to get in the way. Because I am so early, they had to do the ultrasound (TMI!) transvaginally, which is AWKWARD and then I'm trying to look sideways at the screen without just craning my neck.
As soon as the nurse got to where she should be I saw a flicker. I felt my heart start to race, but I was trying to maintain control. Then she zoomed in and there was little peanut, looking just like s/he should with their little heart beating away. I squeaked out, is that the heart beat? The tech looked at me and smiled and nodded quickly and then I lost it. Poor Larry wasn't sure what was going on. He said he saw the heartbeat too, but wasn't sure if it was where it was supposed to be and I was bawling, so he moved up to my foot and said, "Is it ok?" The tech nodded towards me, cause you know they aren't supposed to tell you anything and I just nodded too.
The tech told me she couldn't say anything especially in light of my blood work, but she hinted that everything looked fine. She also asked how far along I was and when I said, between 6 and 7 weeks, we're not sure, she said, well, you are measuring 6 weeks 4 days. So that was perfect too. So much for my doctor thinking I was measuring behind.
Obviously, I'm not stopping the progesterone and I'm about done with blood work. My doctor still wants me to go in next week for more, but I haven't decided if I am or not. I know we aren't out of the woods as with all pregnancies, but I am trusting that God is watching over this little one and all will be fine.
I can't thank you guys enough for all your prayers on Tuesday. I love Facebook. Such an amazing way to reach your prayer support on such a quick basis! Please still keep us and Kristin in your prayers!
And because you made it through all that, here are some pics from the holidays. Finally.
Thursday, January 07, 2010
Needing a Bigger Bed
There are so many schools of thought and opinions when it comes to the subject of the "Family Bed." Some people say absolutely not. Some share their bed with their kid for years. I never try to argue with anyone when it comes to the sleeping arrangements of their household. I know what has worked for us and Larry and I are both good with that.
We've always pretty much had an open bed policy. When Peyton was a baby, he slept with us a lot. I would put him to sleep in his crib, but he was a notoriously horrible sleeper and generally in the middle of the night would end up in our bed. When I was pregnant with Shey, I was too tired to fight the bed battle, and he even started out the night in our bed. We eventually moved him to a big boy bed and the nightly visits dwindled dramatically, but then we had another new baby who crept into our bed.
Now that Peyton is older and roughly the size of a grown adult (hello, giant child!), his treks into our bed have all but diminished. He'll still come in sometimes in the early mornings, but it's rare.
Shey though still sneaks in pretty regularly. Thankfully, he has learned to go to Larry's side, so while Shey is becoming a horrible bed buddy, at least I'm not aware of it. Well, until the three of us all end up on my quarter of the bed.
Sometimes though, like early, early this morning, BOTH boys worm their way in and we all fight for a spot to lay.
I know these times are rapidly coming to an end, and while I may bitch about the lack of sleep, I can't help but love the time we are all together. I feel like with Larry and I working full time and the boys being so busy with sports and school, that nighttime, even when we are asleep, is a time we can all reconnect. I hope the boys remember these snuggle sessions with fondness and know that even when their parents are fussing at them, that there was also so much love that we sacrificed our sleep for them. And Lord knows, as well as most my friends and family, how much I LOVE my sleep!
And when they come out with an Emperor size bed, we will be the first in line!
We've always pretty much had an open bed policy. When Peyton was a baby, he slept with us a lot. I would put him to sleep in his crib, but he was a notoriously horrible sleeper and generally in the middle of the night would end up in our bed. When I was pregnant with Shey, I was too tired to fight the bed battle, and he even started out the night in our bed. We eventually moved him to a big boy bed and the nightly visits dwindled dramatically, but then we had another new baby who crept into our bed.
Now that Peyton is older and roughly the size of a grown adult (hello, giant child!), his treks into our bed have all but diminished. He'll still come in sometimes in the early mornings, but it's rare.
Shey though still sneaks in pretty regularly. Thankfully, he has learned to go to Larry's side, so while Shey is becoming a horrible bed buddy, at least I'm not aware of it. Well, until the three of us all end up on my quarter of the bed.
Sometimes though, like early, early this morning, BOTH boys worm their way in and we all fight for a spot to lay.
I know these times are rapidly coming to an end, and while I may bitch about the lack of sleep, I can't help but love the time we are all together. I feel like with Larry and I working full time and the boys being so busy with sports and school, that nighttime, even when we are asleep, is a time we can all reconnect. I hope the boys remember these snuggle sessions with fondness and know that even when their parents are fussing at them, that there was also so much love that we sacrificed our sleep for them. And Lord knows, as well as most my friends and family, how much I LOVE my sleep!
And when they come out with an Emperor size bed, we will be the first in line!
Monday, January 04, 2010
Baby, It's Cold Outside
It's funny the things you remember and that stick with you over the years. Little inconsequential conversations that play through your mind when certain external forces bring them to the forefront of your thoughts.
One little memory of mine that always surfaces when it is cold outside is from elementary school. I think third or fourth grade during the winter months when we were all bundled up in our warmest coats walking across campus to the high school library. We ran into Mr. T, the chorus and Bible teacher, outside and he was dressed in a thin long sleeve shirt, with a sweater vest, a woolen cap and a cup of coffee. I'm not sure who started the conversation with him, but someone asked, "Aren't you cold?" Mr. T, who always appeared to know everything, told us wisely that as long as your hands, feet, chest and top of your head were warm, that the rest of you would be too. He explained how the heat escaped from these extremities and made you feel colder.
(I wonder if that is how football players stay warm in the sub-zero temps? Their helmets and padding keep their heads and chests warm and most of them wear gloves for their hands. Just looking at their bare arms makes me shiver.)
I wonder why that conversation with a high school teacher on a cold winter day made such an impression on me that I've remembered it all these years? Now I have a hard time remembering what I did last week. ha
We had a great, relaxing holiday season. Not too crazy with no big plans. Actually, the most exciting thing that happened was Peyton finally decided he was ready to learn how to ride his bike and once the decision was made, within 10 minutes, he was off on his own. Turning and stopping and starting, acting like he had been riding for years. It's been so long since he learned something new like that that I had forgotten that Peyton has to make up his mind before he does anything, but once he does, it just comes to him. He caught on so easily that Larry and I just stared, amazed at him. He can be such a great kid. I pray that I show him that on a daily basis even when he is trying my patience to the limit.
I'll try to remember to bring in my camera to work so I can post some pictures tomorrow.
One little memory of mine that always surfaces when it is cold outside is from elementary school. I think third or fourth grade during the winter months when we were all bundled up in our warmest coats walking across campus to the high school library. We ran into Mr. T, the chorus and Bible teacher, outside and he was dressed in a thin long sleeve shirt, with a sweater vest, a woolen cap and a cup of coffee. I'm not sure who started the conversation with him, but someone asked, "Aren't you cold?" Mr. T, who always appeared to know everything, told us wisely that as long as your hands, feet, chest and top of your head were warm, that the rest of you would be too. He explained how the heat escaped from these extremities and made you feel colder.
(I wonder if that is how football players stay warm in the sub-zero temps? Their helmets and padding keep their heads and chests warm and most of them wear gloves for their hands. Just looking at their bare arms makes me shiver.)
I wonder why that conversation with a high school teacher on a cold winter day made such an impression on me that I've remembered it all these years? Now I have a hard time remembering what I did last week. ha
We had a great, relaxing holiday season. Not too crazy with no big plans. Actually, the most exciting thing that happened was Peyton finally decided he was ready to learn how to ride his bike and once the decision was made, within 10 minutes, he was off on his own. Turning and stopping and starting, acting like he had been riding for years. It's been so long since he learned something new like that that I had forgotten that Peyton has to make up his mind before he does anything, but once he does, it just comes to him. He caught on so easily that Larry and I just stared, amazed at him. He can be such a great kid. I pray that I show him that on a daily basis even when he is trying my patience to the limit.
I'll try to remember to bring in my camera to work so I can post some pictures tomorrow.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Sheydy Day
Sunday was Shey's first soccer game and yesterday, he turned five! It's been a big week. If you were ever curious as to what my heart looks like, here he is.
Peyton is my will, but Shey is my heart. Oh that little boy. He has to have one of the sweetest spirits you will ever meet.
We had a big afternoon at a local amusement park area. Playing video games, riding go-carts and a round of mini-golf. Since it was in the afternoon in the middle of the week, we had the place to ourselves.
Did I mention, he's also goofy? Shey's a born entertainer. I'm trying to record him when I can for his apecials on TV once he hits it big.
I love you, baby. Happy Birthday!
Peyton is my will, but Shey is my heart. Oh that little boy. He has to have one of the sweetest spirits you will ever meet.
We had a big afternoon at a local amusement park area. Playing video games, riding go-carts and a round of mini-golf. Since it was in the afternoon in the middle of the week, we had the place to ourselves.
Did I mention, he's also goofy? Shey's a born entertainer. I'm trying to record him when I can for his apecials on TV once he hits it big.
I love you, baby. Happy Birthday!
Wednesday, December 02, 2009
Photos
Not much in a posting mood lately. The holidays are upon us and we are so busy the next few weeks, I'm not even sure when I will get decorations up. Mom just sent me these photos of her when she was a little girl and I thought I would post them. I love looking at old photos of my family.
This one is my mom and her parents with her cousin Anna.
Here is my mom, parents, my great grandparents and um, not sure about the rest. :)
This one is my mom and her parents with her cousin Anna.
Here is my mom, parents, my great grandparents and um, not sure about the rest. :)
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Firsts
Taken from The Glamorous Life.
First memory: Being dropped off at the babysitter's and I had to poop, but I didn't know the lady well enough to get my hiney wiped. I remember the bathroom, but not sure what happened after that.
First celebrity obsession crush: Corey Feldman - Such a shame he turned into such a weirdo.
First dog: Strider - A doberman mix
First cat: Poppy
First memory of being jealous: I'm not sure. I'm sure it had something to do with a boy liking someone besides me.
First ‘boy friend’: Jordan Norman in 6th grade. I remember holding hands in chapel and covering it up so no one would see.
First kiss: Jason Elliot a week or so before my 15th birthday. It was nasty.
First date: Movies at Tamara's house with the above nasty kisser. (Fifel Goes West. ha ha)
First sleepover: I was always having friends over and it started in 1st grade. Kerry Sewell would have been my first friend to stay over.
First time attending Sunday School: um, as a baby
First roller coaster ride: American Scream Machine at 6 Flags over Georgia
First favorite brand name: I think Guess, but I didn't have any of their jeans.
First pair of legwarmers: Never!
First huge misunderstanding: 6th grade at our class lock-in. My BFFs got mad at me for hanging out with other people (?!?!) and we were mad at each other through 6th grade graduation.
First cell phone: I honestly don't remember. I remember my mom getting one, but not mine.
First computer: An HP in 1997.
First huge disappointment: I'm sure it happened 6th grade year. That was an emotional turmoil of a year.
First Regret: Not going away for college
First big family vacation: We went to the beach a lot growing up. Probably the first really big trip though with my parents was to Disney a couple of years ago.
First trip to Europe: Hasn't happened yet.
First heartbreak: ohhhh, Robert, Robert, Robert.
First stay in the hospital: 2002 when Peyton was born
First car: Baby Blue Toyota Corolla hatchback. But it had a sunroof!
First license: On my 16th Birthday. The emergency brake didn't work, so we had to take it to the shop first.
First Convertible: Larry's Volvo C70 in midnight blue.
First ‘mom’ car: Ford Explorer
First time on an ATC/Quad: Probably when I was 15 or so?
First job: A gift wrapper for the holidays
First paycheck: see above, or the numerous baby-sitting jobs beforehand
First apartment: in Montgomery. Taylor Crossing apartments, I think.
First house: in Coral Springs, the one we are in now.
First husband: Larry and only
First memory: Being dropped off at the babysitter's and I had to poop, but I didn't know the lady well enough to get my hiney wiped. I remember the bathroom, but not sure what happened after that.
First celebrity obsession crush: Corey Feldman - Such a shame he turned into such a weirdo.
First dog: Strider - A doberman mix
First cat: Poppy
First memory of being jealous: I'm not sure. I'm sure it had something to do with a boy liking someone besides me.
First ‘boy friend’: Jordan Norman in 6th grade. I remember holding hands in chapel and covering it up so no one would see.
First kiss: Jason Elliot a week or so before my 15th birthday. It was nasty.
First date: Movies at Tamara's house with the above nasty kisser. (Fifel Goes West. ha ha)
First sleepover: I was always having friends over and it started in 1st grade. Kerry Sewell would have been my first friend to stay over.
First time attending Sunday School: um, as a baby
First roller coaster ride: American Scream Machine at 6 Flags over Georgia
First favorite brand name: I think Guess, but I didn't have any of their jeans.
First pair of legwarmers: Never!
First huge misunderstanding: 6th grade at our class lock-in. My BFFs got mad at me for hanging out with other people (?!?!) and we were mad at each other through 6th grade graduation.
First cell phone: I honestly don't remember. I remember my mom getting one, but not mine.
First computer: An HP in 1997.
First huge disappointment: I'm sure it happened 6th grade year. That was an emotional turmoil of a year.
First Regret: Not going away for college
First big family vacation: We went to the beach a lot growing up. Probably the first really big trip though with my parents was to Disney a couple of years ago.
First trip to Europe: Hasn't happened yet.
First heartbreak: ohhhh, Robert, Robert, Robert.
First stay in the hospital: 2002 when Peyton was born
First car: Baby Blue Toyota Corolla hatchback. But it had a sunroof!
First license: On my 16th Birthday. The emergency brake didn't work, so we had to take it to the shop first.
First Convertible: Larry's Volvo C70 in midnight blue.
First ‘mom’ car: Ford Explorer
First time on an ATC/Quad: Probably when I was 15 or so?
First job: A gift wrapper for the holidays
First paycheck: see above, or the numerous baby-sitting jobs beforehand
First apartment: in Montgomery. Taylor Crossing apartments, I think.
First house: in Coral Springs, the one we are in now.
First husband: Larry and only
Friday, November 06, 2009
Halloween
The boys both went as Ninjas for Halloween because they could get swords, but of course by the time Halloween rolled around, Pyton's sword was broken so they had to share Shey's. Oh well. We still had a lot of fun as always. Shey was so in to trick or treating this year and ran right up to every house, even the scary houses. Peyton started off as the moody want-to-be teenager he is, but eventually got into the spirit as well.
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
Halloween Fun
First you take a pumpkin and you cut it, you cut it, you cut it, cut it, cut it.
The you scoop it, you scoop it, you scoop it, scoop it, scoop it.
The you carve it, you carve it, you carve it, carve it, carve it.
Jack o, Jack o Lantern, Jack o!
Jack o, Jack o Lantern, Jack o!
The you scoop it, you scoop it, you scoop it, scoop it, scoop it.
The you carve it, you carve it, you carve it, carve it, carve it.
Jack o, Jack o Lantern, Jack o!
Jack o, Jack o Lantern, Jack o!
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Leaving on a Jet Plane
In a few hours, Shey and I will be boarding a plane heading to the old homestead. My parents will get the pleasure of watching the little guy, while I get some quality time in with my best girl, Tamara.
After the past three weeks that I have had, which contained some of the worst days of my life, I am definitely looking forward to a break and a getaway.
We'll be attending our high school football game which should be a pretty surreal experience. I look at myself in the mirror and don't think I look any different, but I know once I step on that campus and see the youngin's running around, I will feel every bit of my 32 years.
I can't really say that my high school years were terrible, but then again, I've blocked a good deal of that time out, so who knows for sure. ha I do remember a lot of good times though, chorus trips, football games, playing volleyball and just hanging out. It will be strange to not recognize the players on the field and the kids filling up the bleachers. Thankfully, with a school as small as ours, most of the teachers should still be there and we'll have someone to sit with. ha ha
Now, what do I wear . . .
After the past three weeks that I have had, which contained some of the worst days of my life, I am definitely looking forward to a break and a getaway.
We'll be attending our high school football game which should be a pretty surreal experience. I look at myself in the mirror and don't think I look any different, but I know once I step on that campus and see the youngin's running around, I will feel every bit of my 32 years.
I can't really say that my high school years were terrible, but then again, I've blocked a good deal of that time out, so who knows for sure. ha I do remember a lot of good times though, chorus trips, football games, playing volleyball and just hanging out. It will be strange to not recognize the players on the field and the kids filling up the bleachers. Thankfully, with a school as small as ours, most of the teachers should still be there and we'll have someone to sit with. ha ha
Now, what do I wear . . .
Monday, October 19, 2009
Relaxing Weekend
Tuesday is Larry's birthday, so Saturday was dubbed his day. His parents had the boys, so we slept in Saturday morning, then went and played a round of golf. Before you get the wrong idea, this was only the second complete round of golf that I have ever played, but it was his day, so that's what we did. We had a really great time though and it was a much needed relaxing day. We even both parred on the same hole!
Sunday, we went to a friend's house who lives on a lake and they have their own little section of "beach" with a big dock. The boys love it there and ran around all afternoon long. There were a few other couples there and two of them had new babies. It was a bit bittersweet. I did hold this darling three month old little girl until she snuggled in and went to sleep and I think that pretty much sealed the deal that I do want to try for another one.
I got some good pictures too from my new camera . . .
Sunday, we went to a friend's house who lives on a lake and they have their own little section of "beach" with a big dock. The boys love it there and ran around all afternoon long. There were a few other couples there and two of them had new babies. It was a bit bittersweet. I did hold this darling three month old little girl until she snuggled in and went to sleep and I think that pretty much sealed the deal that I do want to try for another one.
I got some good pictures too from my new camera . . .
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Pumpkin Patch
Living in South Florida, we don't have real pumpkin patches, but we do have nice churches who set up pumpkins in their yards with hay and scarecrows for the kids to visit. Tuesday was Shey's first field trip to the pumpkin patch and I was able to go along. The kids had a great time.
On another note, for those of you who have been following my cryptic messages on Facebook, here's the short story.
My cycles have been getting increasingly wacky and last week I took a pregnancy test in order to call my doctor and tell him I needed some medication to bring on Aunt Flo. Well, low and behold, the test came back positive, faint, but there. I was in shock because while we weren't really protecting against, we weren't trying either and it took us a while to get pregnant with both the boys. I tested again a couple of days later and the line was still light, really light. I went in for a blood test and it came back positive, but just barely and my estrogen was high. I went back yesterday to test again, but last night I finally got my period. It seems I had a chemical pregnancy, and I am guessing that the egg never implanted.
What a roller coaster, from shock to excitement to extreme dissapointment. Like all heartaches, this is one you can't really understand till it happens to you. I'm kinda numb now and also thankful that I wasn't any farther along. I wouldn't wish that on anybody.
So now we are left with the decision to go forward full blown, or to back off. Or I guess we could just go with the flow like we were, but that was a bit nerve wracking. If I am going to go forward, I would like it to happen before my birthday in April, which would put the baby 6 years behind Shey! Crazy! I don't think I'd want them to be any farther apart.
So there's that. Thank you all for your prayers, from the friends who knew and from the friends who didn't. I am so blessed to have such a wonderful support staff and I love you all.
On another note, for those of you who have been following my cryptic messages on Facebook, here's the short story.
My cycles have been getting increasingly wacky and last week I took a pregnancy test in order to call my doctor and tell him I needed some medication to bring on Aunt Flo. Well, low and behold, the test came back positive, faint, but there. I was in shock because while we weren't really protecting against, we weren't trying either and it took us a while to get pregnant with both the boys. I tested again a couple of days later and the line was still light, really light. I went in for a blood test and it came back positive, but just barely and my estrogen was high. I went back yesterday to test again, but last night I finally got my period. It seems I had a chemical pregnancy, and I am guessing that the egg never implanted.
What a roller coaster, from shock to excitement to extreme dissapointment. Like all heartaches, this is one you can't really understand till it happens to you. I'm kinda numb now and also thankful that I wasn't any farther along. I wouldn't wish that on anybody.
So now we are left with the decision to go forward full blown, or to back off. Or I guess we could just go with the flow like we were, but that was a bit nerve wracking. If I am going to go forward, I would like it to happen before my birthday in April, which would put the baby 6 years behind Shey! Crazy! I don't think I'd want them to be any farther apart.
So there's that. Thank you all for your prayers, from the friends who knew and from the friends who didn't. I am so blessed to have such a wonderful support staff and I love you all.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
A Local Family Needs Help
This just breaks my heart. I know times are tough, but if you have any extra money around, this family could use it. For the Love of Joshua.
Joshua was born 9 weeks premature and because of it, he has severe brain damage, epilepsy, cerebral palsy, and blindness. The school where Joshua's older brother attends is having a craft fair for the family with all the proceeds going towards a new treatment that has a 60% chance of helping reverse his brain damage. The treatment is $8,000.00 and they need $3,000.00 more. A lady I work with knows the family, so it is a true story.
I can't even imagine.
Joshua was born 9 weeks premature and because of it, he has severe brain damage, epilepsy, cerebral palsy, and blindness. The school where Joshua's older brother attends is having a craft fair for the family with all the proceeds going towards a new treatment that has a 60% chance of helping reverse his brain damage. The treatment is $8,000.00 and they need $3,000.00 more. A lady I work with knows the family, so it is a true story.
I can't even imagine.
Friday, October 02, 2009
Fridays
Fridays just feel different. There is an air of excitement for the upcoming weekend. An air of anticipation of not waking up and having to be somewhere. A sense of accomplishment of finishing another week. A relief as things kinda wind down and slow down. A little extra time for lunch. A phone call with a friend. A little more office chat than normal.
Glorious, Glorious Friday.
Glorious, Glorious Friday.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
At a Loss
This morning, I asked Shey to get dressed and rather than politely asking, "Mom, please pause my show so that I may do your wishes," he decided to scream no and bury himself under the covers. My response to that was to grab the remote, turn the TV off and go into my bathroom to finish getting ready. This led to 15 minutes of whining and crying and carrying on and no TV watching while Shey tried to negotiate his getting dressed. By the time he realized I was not giving in and his clothes were on his person, his show was off. So sad, too bad.
This though, of course, led to more blubbering until I corralled him out the door, into the car and off to school.
I would like to think that Shey learned something this morning, but I have a feeling that this is not the case and his 4 almost 5 year old brain will forget the lesson rather quickly and we will be repeating this again.
This though, of course, led to more blubbering until I corralled him out the door, into the car and off to school.
I would like to think that Shey learned something this morning, but I have a feeling that this is not the case and his 4 almost 5 year old brain will forget the lesson rather quickly and we will be repeating this again.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Mix Tape
I was listening to Lifesong by Casting Crowns on the way home and started thinking about songs I would put on a mix tape to take to that deserted island that I could never leave and had to listen to over and over again. These are all Christian contemporary/rock/pop, I guess, I'm not good at classifications. Also, I like music I can sing along with and in the car with Way FM blasting is probably the best time of worship for me. So, here they are.
Praise You in this Storm - Casting Crowns
Stained Glass Masquerade - Casting Crowns
(Actually, the whole Lifesong CD is amazing, but I will stop with these two)
Yahweh - Need to Breathe
Amazing Grace - Chris Tomlin
This is Your Life - Switchfoot
Diverse City - Tobymac
By Your Side - Tenth Avenue North
Mighty to Save - Hillsong
Indescribable - Chris Tomlin
Looks Like Love - Need to Breathe
Revelation - Third Day
Stand in the Rain - Superchicks
That's a good start for now. Leave me your faves in the comment section.
Praise You in this Storm - Casting Crowns
Stained Glass Masquerade - Casting Crowns
(Actually, the whole Lifesong CD is amazing, but I will stop with these two)
Yahweh - Need to Breathe
Amazing Grace - Chris Tomlin
This is Your Life - Switchfoot
Diverse City - Tobymac
By Your Side - Tenth Avenue North
Mighty to Save - Hillsong
Indescribable - Chris Tomlin
Looks Like Love - Need to Breathe
Revelation - Third Day
Stand in the Rain - Superchicks
That's a good start for now. Leave me your faves in the comment section.
Wednesday, September 09, 2009
A New Read and Our Rocking Church
I've really enjoyed reading Pastor Ryan's blog the past few months. He doesn't look like your conventional pastor, but his love of the Lord shines through and his messages are always heartfelt. This recent entry on discontent really struck me. Who hasn't been here or is living there now?
And here is our rocking church and one of the reasons I love it so much. "Dead and Gone" What better way to reach people than give them something they know and turn it into a lesson about dying to sin?
And here is our rocking church and one of the reasons I love it so much. "Dead and Gone" What better way to reach people than give them something they know and turn it into a lesson about dying to sin?
Wednesday, September 02, 2009
Forces to Be Reckoned With
This is how Larry and I knew we were meant to be together:
2009 Hurricane Names
Ana
Bill
Claudette
Danny
Erika
Fred
Grace
Henri
Ida
Joaquin
Kate
Larry
Mindy
Nicholas
Odette
Peter
Rose
Sam
Teresa
Victor
Wanda
Edited to add: I'm Unpredictible! Tropical Storm Erika getting harder to track
2009 Hurricane Names
Ana
Bill
Claudette
Danny
Erika
Fred
Grace
Henri
Ida
Joaquin
Kate
Larry
Mindy
Nicholas
Odette
Peter
Rose
Sam
Teresa
Victor
Wanda
Edited to add: I'm Unpredictible! Tropical Storm Erika getting harder to track
Tuesday, September 01, 2009
September Shred
Sometimes I really don't know what I am thinking. I followed some links to a new blog and now all the sudden I am participating in the Jillian Michaels 30-day Shred for 30 days with a bunch of women. We can be found here.
If anyone wants to join the madness with me, please jump in! I'm going to need all the support I can get.
If anyone wants to join the madness with me, please jump in! I'm going to need all the support I can get.
Friday, August 28, 2009
Ode to the Foundation Brush
Oh, Foundation Brush!
How I have under appreciated your awesomeness all these years.
Thinking you were simply a paint brush for schlacking foundation
Upon One's face.
Never realizing that you are really a great tool of smoothness,
a master of creaminess and a cannot live without arsenal of Perfection.
Thank you, kind, kind, Estee' Lauder artist.
Thank you for your patience with my children
And the introduction of the Holy Grail of
Make-up.
I am forever in your debt.
How I have under appreciated your awesomeness all these years.
Thinking you were simply a paint brush for schlacking foundation
Upon One's face.
Never realizing that you are really a great tool of smoothness,
a master of creaminess and a cannot live without arsenal of Perfection.
Thank you, kind, kind, Estee' Lauder artist.
Thank you for your patience with my children
And the introduction of the Holy Grail of
Make-up.
I am forever in your debt.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Second Grade
Oh, Second Grade! You are so big all of the sudden. So independent. No mothers needed in the classroom. You are responsible for writing your homework down and making sure it is completed. You think you need me until you see your friends and then off you go.
Your teacher seems nice, Second Grade, but I don't think she will take any nonsense. She keeps talking about procedures and I'm beginning to wonder if you will actually be obtaining your medical degree this year, which would be cool cause mamma needs new shoes.
And speaking of shoes, we've discussed the size of yours previously. Stop growing, Second Grade!
When I took your photo this morning in front of the door like all other years, the change in you from last year was amazing.
Second Grade, you are turning into a little man and I am so proud of you.
Edited to add: For comparison, here he is first day of kindergarten.
Your teacher seems nice, Second Grade, but I don't think she will take any nonsense. She keeps talking about procedures and I'm beginning to wonder if you will actually be obtaining your medical degree this year, which would be cool cause mamma needs new shoes.
And speaking of shoes, we've discussed the size of yours previously. Stop growing, Second Grade!
When I took your photo this morning in front of the door like all other years, the change in you from last year was amazing.
Second Grade, you are turning into a little man and I am so proud of you.
Edited to add: For comparison, here he is first day of kindergarten.
Monday, August 24, 2009
The Wedding
So, Saturday I was able to check a life experience off of my list that I didn't even know had been there before: Officiate a Wedding.
That really sounds weird. In the great State of Florida, all one needs to legally join a man and woman in marriage is to be a notary public and I just happen to be one. My boss, Jim, and his fiance' asked me about a month or so to do the honors and I happily accepted.
If you remember, Jim went in for routine hip surgery last April and almost died, so it is a miracle that he is around, much less getting married. I've worked for the same company for almost 10 years and Jim and I have gotten close over the years. I always joke that he is my Florida dad and his fiance', Linda, is just great. She is so much fun and loves life.
To say I was honored that they asked me to marry them would be an understatement. I just didn't want to cry through the whole thing. I was really happy with how the ceremony turned out. I nearly lost it in the beginning, but pulled it together and made it through without any more almost hysterics. haha
Everyone was so complimentary afterwards. It was cool that they actually seemed to pay attention. I kept the actual ceremony to about 10 minutes, so it was long enough to have some meaning, but not too long and everyone, including the bride and groom thought it was perfect timing.
We had a great party/reception afterwards and my feet still hurt from dancing so much.
Cheers to the happy couple!
That really sounds weird. In the great State of Florida, all one needs to legally join a man and woman in marriage is to be a notary public and I just happen to be one. My boss, Jim, and his fiance' asked me about a month or so to do the honors and I happily accepted.
If you remember, Jim went in for routine hip surgery last April and almost died, so it is a miracle that he is around, much less getting married. I've worked for the same company for almost 10 years and Jim and I have gotten close over the years. I always joke that he is my Florida dad and his fiance', Linda, is just great. She is so much fun and loves life.
To say I was honored that they asked me to marry them would be an understatement. I just didn't want to cry through the whole thing. I was really happy with how the ceremony turned out. I nearly lost it in the beginning, but pulled it together and made it through without any more almost hysterics. haha
Everyone was so complimentary afterwards. It was cool that they actually seemed to pay attention. I kept the actual ceremony to about 10 minutes, so it was long enough to have some meaning, but not too long and everyone, including the bride and groom thought it was perfect timing.
We had a great party/reception afterwards and my feet still hurt from dancing so much.
Cheers to the happy couple!
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
My Child, The Giant
I know I have commented before on how tall Peyton is growing, but it is starting to get out of hand. I took him Sunday afternoon to buy some new flip flops as the rubber sole had separated from his continuous foot dragging. We went into the store and I asked the salesman for kids' sizes and he advised that the store didn't really carry that many. So, I took a shot and said what's the smallest men's size do you have?
He thought for a moment and said, I think we have some 5's.
I had just bought Peyton some 4.5 tennis shoes the week before for school, so I thought the 5 would probably work. We started getting out the 5's, but the band was a little tight across his foot, so I pulled down a 6.
A 6!
It fit. He did have some room to grow, but they really didn't look that big on him.
My foot can fit in his flip flop now and I do not have small feet for a woman. I normally wear a 8.5 or 9. Granted, my feet just fit, but the do fit.
I can wear my 7 year old's flip flops.
The kid is going to be towering over me before I know it.
He thought for a moment and said, I think we have some 5's.
I had just bought Peyton some 4.5 tennis shoes the week before for school, so I thought the 5 would probably work. We started getting out the 5's, but the band was a little tight across his foot, so I pulled down a 6.
A 6!
It fit. He did have some room to grow, but they really didn't look that big on him.
My foot can fit in his flip flop now and I do not have small feet for a woman. I normally wear a 8.5 or 9. Granted, my feet just fit, but the do fit.
I can wear my 7 year old's flip flops.
The kid is going to be towering over me before I know it.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
The Things Kids Say
A few weeks ago, some friends of ours kept the boys while Larry and I attended the Rascall Flatts concert. When we picked them up the next morning, our friend Jeff regaled us with the following story.
He said the boys had been upstairs playing, and he was sitting on the couch minding his own business when Peyton wandered down the stairs. Out of nowhere, Peyton looked at Jeff and said, "Jeff, do you ever feel alone." Jeff, quite taken aback by the seriousness of the question and thinking he and Peyton were about to engage in a deep philosophical discussion, thought carefully and replied, "Well, Peyton, yes. Sometimes I do feel alone. Do you?"
Peyton shrugged and said, "No, not really." and then the conversation was over and he went back to playing.
Along a similar vein of discussions out of nowhere, Shey's teacher stopped me the other morning to fill me in on Shey's random thoughts. She said they were in the middle of a lesson when Shey raised his hand and asked very politely, "May I say something?" His teacher replied, "Of course." and Shey responded with, "Our cat ate our fish."
Had the class been talking about cats or fish? nooooooo
Did our cat eat our fish? nooooooooo
Shey's teacher looked at him and asked, "well, how did that make you feel?"
Shey answered, "I don't like the cats anymore."
Well, ok then.
He said the boys had been upstairs playing, and he was sitting on the couch minding his own business when Peyton wandered down the stairs. Out of nowhere, Peyton looked at Jeff and said, "Jeff, do you ever feel alone." Jeff, quite taken aback by the seriousness of the question and thinking he and Peyton were about to engage in a deep philosophical discussion, thought carefully and replied, "Well, Peyton, yes. Sometimes I do feel alone. Do you?"
Peyton shrugged and said, "No, not really." and then the conversation was over and he went back to playing.
Along a similar vein of discussions out of nowhere, Shey's teacher stopped me the other morning to fill me in on Shey's random thoughts. She said they were in the middle of a lesson when Shey raised his hand and asked very politely, "May I say something?" His teacher replied, "Of course." and Shey responded with, "Our cat ate our fish."
Had the class been talking about cats or fish? nooooooo
Did our cat eat our fish? nooooooooo
Shey's teacher looked at him and asked, "well, how did that make you feel?"
Shey answered, "I don't like the cats anymore."
Well, ok then.
Thursday, August 06, 2009
Tuesday, August 04, 2009
Getting rid of the smell
Just an FYI, this is the easiest, cheapest and best working recipe for removing any kind of urine smell . . . The Recipe.
Sometimes it's the little things that mean the most.
Sometimes it's the little things that mean the most.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
The Time Traveler's Wife
I am so excited for The Time Traveler's Wife to come out in theaters in a couple of weeks. I know I will probably cry through the whole thing. It is one of my favorite books and I highly recommend it.
I'm not normally one for love stories or romance, but The Time Traveler's Wife is so different and unique. If you decide to read it, get through the confusing first 20 pages or so, and then just enjoy the story of a love that transcends space and time.
Yippee! I hope the movie does the book justice.
I'm not normally one for love stories or romance, but The Time Traveler's Wife is so different and unique. If you decide to read it, get through the confusing first 20 pages or so, and then just enjoy the story of a love that transcends space and time.
Yippee! I hope the movie does the book justice.
Friday, July 24, 2009
Bed, Bed, Wonderous Bed
For the first time in seven years, Larry and I have had the bed to ourselves for a string of nights. While I do somewhat miss the warmth of those little bodies, I have to admit that I am digging having the bed back. If this keeps up, I may even make up some of the sleep deprivation that has accumulated over the years.
On the other hand, I can't believe how big the boys are now. It's crazy that they have become so self sufficient. I am really enjoying these ages. With Shey being able to swim now, we can just hang out at the pool or the beach and not be so cautious all the time. And on the weekends, the boys will get up and find a snack so that Larry and I can sleep in.
Yay for 7 and 4.5!
On the other hand, I can't believe how big the boys are now. It's crazy that they have become so self sufficient. I am really enjoying these ages. With Shey being able to swim now, we can just hang out at the pool or the beach and not be so cautious all the time. And on the weekends, the boys will get up and find a snack so that Larry and I can sleep in.
Yay for 7 and 4.5!
Friday, July 17, 2009
Theme Song
This morning I was listening to the iPod as I put my make-up and Trace Atkins song "One Hot Momma" came on. As I thought about squeezing into my jeans, slathering on moisturizer and my lack of recent exercise, I came to the conclusion that this is my new theme song.
Larry loves me and wants me, so screw it, I am one hot momma!
Here's to all the other hot mommas out there!
BTW - the video is a little risque, so you may not want to watch at work or in front of the kiddies.
Larry loves me and wants me, so screw it, I am one hot momma!
Here's to all the other hot mommas out there!
BTW - the video is a little risque, so you may not want to watch at work or in front of the kiddies.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
An Interesting Read
Not much time to post lately, but I saw this article and thought it was interesting. I know that sometimes with my children I do take the "easy" way out, but I genuinely try not to keep them in a bubble so that they can experience life and the way the world truly is. This article, How to Raise People You Like hits the nail right on the head. She says at the end, "I am not raising children. I am raising people that one day I would enjoy having dinner with."
I agree.
I agree.
Wednesday, July 08, 2009
Weighing In?
Well, yes, I know it has been a few weeks since I conducted my weekly weigh in. I will admit I was a bit embarrassed at first that the weight wasn't moving and also what was I supposed to say week after week? "I worked out twice and ate what I wanted and the weight hasn't changed. Imagine that!"
I guess on the flip side, at least I'm not gaining. . .
Last night, I tried Zumba with a friend at her community center and while it was fun and definitely interesting, it was at 6:30, which cuts right in the middle of the evening. With that, I'm not sure how many of those classes I would make. I may try looking in my city for some classes. I know when I go to them that I actually work out for the whole hour rather than begging off early or just sitting down while watching my DVD.
We will see.
I guess on the flip side, at least I'm not gaining. . .
Last night, I tried Zumba with a friend at her community center and while it was fun and definitely interesting, it was at 6:30, which cuts right in the middle of the evening. With that, I'm not sure how many of those classes I would make. I may try looking in my city for some classes. I know when I go to them that I actually work out for the whole hour rather than begging off early or just sitting down while watching my DVD.
We will see.
Tuesday, July 07, 2009
Memories
Last night, I took the boys to see Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs in Real D. It's not even 3D anymore, but Real D. And I admit, it is pretty cool even though the tickets are outrageous! The whole movie looks like a 3D set rather than just a few effects that pop out at you.
Every time I see a 3D movie, I remember the first one I ever saw. I had to have been about 7 or 8, maybe younger, and The Mask had been advertised on TV for a few weeks so that everyone could properly prepare by going to certain stores and picking up the red and blue 3D glasses. My parents pulled their mattress out into the living room the night of the big showing and we piled on to enjoy the show.
I don't remember the movie much, just that there was a mask, obviously, and throughout the movie the main character would wear it. This was the audiences' cue to put on your 3D glasses. I remember this spooky voice saying, "Put the mask on now!" For years, mom, dad and I would at various and odd times say in our creepy voices, "Put the mask on now."
I think about memories like that when I do things with the boys. It's not really the big events you remember, but rather the little ones. Fun, family time, like pulling the mattress into the living room to watch a movie or Saturday Night Live, back when it was funny.
What little things do you do with your kids?
Every time I see a 3D movie, I remember the first one I ever saw. I had to have been about 7 or 8, maybe younger, and The Mask had been advertised on TV for a few weeks so that everyone could properly prepare by going to certain stores and picking up the red and blue 3D glasses. My parents pulled their mattress out into the living room the night of the big showing and we piled on to enjoy the show.
I don't remember the movie much, just that there was a mask, obviously, and throughout the movie the main character would wear it. This was the audiences' cue to put on your 3D glasses. I remember this spooky voice saying, "Put the mask on now!" For years, mom, dad and I would at various and odd times say in our creepy voices, "Put the mask on now."
I think about memories like that when I do things with the boys. It's not really the big events you remember, but rather the little ones. Fun, family time, like pulling the mattress into the living room to watch a movie or Saturday Night Live, back when it was funny.
What little things do you do with your kids?
Thursday, July 02, 2009
Transformers
Last night, Larry and I took the boys to see Transformers and while it was entertaining and action packed, I was a bit disappointed. I know it was rated PG-13 and may have been considered too old for our kids, but the boys have watched the first one so much and were really excited to see it, that we thought it would be ok. About halfway through, Larry looked at me and said, "Is it me or are they swearing way more than necessary?"
And it was true. For some reason, the writers decided to use "minor" swear words for comedic value throughout the movie. And it wasn't even really funny. In the first Transformers, I don't remember being offended at all and I can't even really think of an instance where swear words were used to "make a point."
And please don't take this as a holier than thou post, because God knows (and I mean that literally) that I don't always chose the best language to express myself, even though I really try to limit it around my boys. I guess my point is that I've always heard that using that type of language shows ignorance because a person is not taking the time to use better words to get their point across. And that's what the writing for Transformers was, sloppy.
I realize it's not some great meaningful movie, but they used ass repeatedly and jokes about male genitalia to get cheap laughs. I guess my point is, the movie would have been just as good and even appropriate for younger ages if it wasn't for the stupid jokes. And I repeat, they weren't even funny.
And don't even get me on the Autobot twins who were ghettofied and served no purpose whatsoever except for more "funny" dialogue.
Anyway, I know I am getting riled up over an action flick that features robots, but it just annoyed me, especially with the price of movie tickets nowadays.
Gah, on that note, Have a Safe and Happy Fourth of July!
And it was true. For some reason, the writers decided to use "minor" swear words for comedic value throughout the movie. And it wasn't even really funny. In the first Transformers, I don't remember being offended at all and I can't even really think of an instance where swear words were used to "make a point."
And please don't take this as a holier than thou post, because God knows (and I mean that literally) that I don't always chose the best language to express myself, even though I really try to limit it around my boys. I guess my point is that I've always heard that using that type of language shows ignorance because a person is not taking the time to use better words to get their point across. And that's what the writing for Transformers was, sloppy.
I realize it's not some great meaningful movie, but they used ass repeatedly and jokes about male genitalia to get cheap laughs. I guess my point is, the movie would have been just as good and even appropriate for younger ages if it wasn't for the stupid jokes. And I repeat, they weren't even funny.
And don't even get me on the Autobot twins who were ghettofied and served no purpose whatsoever except for more "funny" dialogue.
Anyway, I know I am getting riled up over an action flick that features robots, but it just annoyed me, especially with the price of movie tickets nowadays.
Gah, on that note, Have a Safe and Happy Fourth of July!
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Envirosax
If anyone would like 3 never used Envirosax bags, leave me a comment and I will mail them out to you. They are an older style, orange, grey and light green.
If a few people leave comments, I'll randomly pick someone.
Edited to add: I will be out of the office for a few days and as Rebecca was so quick to the draw, she'll be getting the bags. :) Enjoy. I'll get them in the mail tomorrow.
If a few people leave comments, I'll randomly pick someone.
Edited to add: I will be out of the office for a few days and as Rebecca was so quick to the draw, she'll be getting the bags. :) Enjoy. I'll get them in the mail tomorrow.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Some Peace
Saturday night, Larry and I stayed at a friend's house in a little suburb outside of Tampa. Their house is situated on the fringe of at least 250 acres of conservation land and they benefit by having no neighbors behind them, only woods.
Every evening around 6:00, they take an old coffee can full of corn out to the edge of the woods and scatter it throughout the area. After about five minutes, just enough time for the smell of the corn to waft through the area, deer begin emerging. Our friends said that anywhere from 12 to 15 deer come out every night for the feast.
Unfortunately Saturday night, the heat index was hovering between sauna and the firey pits of hell, so we weren't able to sit out and enjoy the show. In between getting ready for dinner, though, I did peek out the windows and watch the deer slowly make their way to the corn.
I'm not sure I could live somewhere so remote right now, but I do think I would like to someday. A place where I could get away from the world, relax, read a book, feed the deer and have some peace. For now, though, thankfully our friends have a great guest bedroom and anytime we are willing to make the four plus hour drive, I'm sure we will be welcome to take a little of theirs.
Every evening around 6:00, they take an old coffee can full of corn out to the edge of the woods and scatter it throughout the area. After about five minutes, just enough time for the smell of the corn to waft through the area, deer begin emerging. Our friends said that anywhere from 12 to 15 deer come out every night for the feast.
Unfortunately Saturday night, the heat index was hovering between sauna and the firey pits of hell, so we weren't able to sit out and enjoy the show. In between getting ready for dinner, though, I did peek out the windows and watch the deer slowly make their way to the corn.
I'm not sure I could live somewhere so remote right now, but I do think I would like to someday. A place where I could get away from the world, relax, read a book, feed the deer and have some peace. For now, though, thankfully our friends have a great guest bedroom and anytime we are willing to make the four plus hour drive, I'm sure we will be welcome to take a little of theirs.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Why the Guilt?
My Best budders, Tamara, just got back from a great vacation with her hubby. That's right, just her and her man, the beach and nothing much to do. She wrote a lovely post about it, but then at the end, she rights (or writes, if we are being grammatically correct) "Of course, we felt guilty for not bringing our kids and being selfish, but we both needed this little trip more than we have needed anything before in our marriage." Huh.
I promise I am not picking on my girl, because it's not just her, I see this time and time again with "mommy bloggers" all over the blogosphere. The guilt. The never ending guilt.
Why? Why has this overwhelming blanket of guilt been placed on mothers all over the country to be the perfect parent? When did our children become the number one priority all day, every day of our lives? Please understand, and I think you do, yes, your children are a priority. They need to be loved and fed and treated well, etc. etc. But you know, sometimes other things need to come first and that's ok.
It's no wonder that the divorce rate is so high in our country. It's really no wonder that there are so many unhappy mothers out there who have wrapped themselves up so much in their children's lives that they don't even know who they are anymore.
I know that I am super, super blessed to have family nearby that can watch my boys regularly so that Larry and I have a chance to enjoy being husband and wife, but if I didn't, I hope that I would still find a way to spend time with him alone. Even if it means putting on the tv for an hour and sneaking off to our bedroom. Which, hell, we even do that too.
Anyway, that kinda got away from my original intent, which is don't feel guilty about doing things for yourself! Enjoy that date night, the hour working out, the mani-pedi, or even the vacation. The happier you are as a woman, the better parent you can be to your kids.
I promise I am not picking on my girl, because it's not just her, I see this time and time again with "mommy bloggers" all over the blogosphere. The guilt. The never ending guilt.
Why? Why has this overwhelming blanket of guilt been placed on mothers all over the country to be the perfect parent? When did our children become the number one priority all day, every day of our lives? Please understand, and I think you do, yes, your children are a priority. They need to be loved and fed and treated well, etc. etc. But you know, sometimes other things need to come first and that's ok.
It's no wonder that the divorce rate is so high in our country. It's really no wonder that there are so many unhappy mothers out there who have wrapped themselves up so much in their children's lives that they don't even know who they are anymore.
I know that I am super, super blessed to have family nearby that can watch my boys regularly so that Larry and I have a chance to enjoy being husband and wife, but if I didn't, I hope that I would still find a way to spend time with him alone. Even if it means putting on the tv for an hour and sneaking off to our bedroom. Which, hell, we even do that too.
Anyway, that kinda got away from my original intent, which is don't feel guilty about doing things for yourself! Enjoy that date night, the hour working out, the mani-pedi, or even the vacation. The happier you are as a woman, the better parent you can be to your kids.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Quick Funny
For my high school friends. . .
Last night I dreamed that an old friend from elementary school came back with her cheerleading squad to perform at one of our pep rallies. I noticed though that Jon H was on their squad and in the middle of the routine they started doing ballet! haha So there was Jon H front and center performing a ballet turn with his arms in a circle. I turned to one of my friends in the dream and said, "Cheerleaders should stick with cheerleading!"
Last night I dreamed that an old friend from elementary school came back with her cheerleading squad to perform at one of our pep rallies. I noticed though that Jon H was on their squad and in the middle of the routine they started doing ballet! haha So there was Jon H front and center performing a ballet turn with his arms in a circle. I turned to one of my friends in the dream and said, "Cheerleaders should stick with cheerleading!"
Tuesday, June 09, 2009
Tuesday . . . Tuesday
Peyton learned over the weekend that he could sneak into our room early in the morning and turn the radio on so that we thought it was the alarm clock. Not funny on Saturday morning and not funny again on Tuesday morning, especially when we had 20 more minutes of sleep coming. If it does it again, I am taking the DS away for a week. I cherish sleep. If I could marry it, I would. I want to hug it and kiss it and love it forever and ever.
*ahem* Anyway, the little turd is losing an arm if he tries that again.
Our two admin have been out this week, so I am going slightly crazy and extremely happy to see this day come to an end.
I actually ran some last night and I thought the itching/burning in my legs was going to drive me mad. Too much lactic acid build-up, which really means waaaayyyy too long since I worked out. Back on the treadmill tonight, so I can burn that acid out. Weighed in this morning at 158, so slowly getting back down. I'm getting more focused on my eating and I've decided that I can eat what I want, I just HAVE to stop when I am satisfied, even if it is only a few bites in. Let's see how that works.
And I'm off . . .
*ahem* Anyway, the little turd is losing an arm if he tries that again.
Our two admin have been out this week, so I am going slightly crazy and extremely happy to see this day come to an end.
I actually ran some last night and I thought the itching/burning in my legs was going to drive me mad. Too much lactic acid build-up, which really means waaaayyyy too long since I worked out. Back on the treadmill tonight, so I can burn that acid out. Weighed in this morning at 158, so slowly getting back down. I'm getting more focused on my eating and I've decided that I can eat what I want, I just HAVE to stop when I am satisfied, even if it is only a few bites in. Let's see how that works.
And I'm off . . .
Friday, June 05, 2009
Twilight: Dissecting the Differences between the Book and the Movie
Yes, I know the writing is atrocious and the dialogue is stilted, but I’m hooked on the love, man, the love! Tuesday, when I was home sick, I pulled out my brand new DVD of Twilight and settled in to be swept away by what I think is the love story of the decade. On my second viewing, I definitely enjoyed the movie more than in the theaters and that may be in part because it had been a while since I read the novel. But then of course, watching the movie and then immediately getting on the Internet to watch trailers of New Moon stirred up the obsession within to read the series for a (ahem) third time. Resistance was futile and so while the boys swam, I grabbed my already getting well worn copy of Twilight and hunkered down to quickly read through the horrid opening chapters till I could get to the good stuff. By 11:00 last night when I forced myself to stop, I was already halfway through.
In reading the novel again so soon after viewing the movie, I was struck by all the small differences that actually give the movie a very different emotional tone than the book. In the novel, Bella is, by nature, very insecure, often shying away from crowds, hiding behind her hair and embarrassed by her often clumsiness. Within her insecurities, she is quick to anger and has a biting tongue and while it is often painful to read the conversations between Edward and Bella, it is also very relatable. Even though Bella is written as someone who is supposed to be years ahead of her peers, she actually encompasses the lack of self confidence that can plague humans throughout their lives. With this trait, Bella becomes someone with whom the average reader can sympathize.
Within Bella’s insecurities, the interaction between her and Edward is often halting. Each of the characters is unsure of how much they can reveal about their feelings for each other as well as their true personalities or characteristics. For example, Bella often comments on her ordinariness and wonders how a creature as perfect as Edward could have any interest in her. On the other hand, through conversations with Bella, the reader knows that Edward considers himself dangerous and capable of becoming a monster if he were to let his instincts take over. Although he never speaks of himself as beautiful, he does comment on the attraction his voice, face and smell have on his potential prey. The extreme differences portrayed by Bella and Edward lends to a tension that is palatable throughout the novel.
On the other hand, the screenwriter, director and actors had a difficult time portraying the intense range of emotions that each of the main characters displayed throughout the novel. Bella, in the movie, is shown as aloof, indie and definitely surer of herself. On the same token, Edward is hardly scary at all, and if he didn’t tell us he was a monster or mad, I’m not sure the audience would have known. There were not any scenes that I can recall where he is hesitant in winning Bella’s affections once the initial classroom scene is over. At the same time, I understand that it would be a struggle to portray such a range without dialogue. I guess I felt there were a few key conversations within the novel that may have added to the story if they were translated on the big screen.
Ok, that’s as far as I can go with this without feeling like a total dork. Obviously, I am feeling the nine (!!) years it has been since I graduated from college and wrote a term paper. Maybe it’s reading about teenagers that has me longing for simpler times. Anyone feel free to nerd it out with me and leave a comment.
In reading the novel again so soon after viewing the movie, I was struck by all the small differences that actually give the movie a very different emotional tone than the book. In the novel, Bella is, by nature, very insecure, often shying away from crowds, hiding behind her hair and embarrassed by her often clumsiness. Within her insecurities, she is quick to anger and has a biting tongue and while it is often painful to read the conversations between Edward and Bella, it is also very relatable. Even though Bella is written as someone who is supposed to be years ahead of her peers, she actually encompasses the lack of self confidence that can plague humans throughout their lives. With this trait, Bella becomes someone with whom the average reader can sympathize.
Within Bella’s insecurities, the interaction between her and Edward is often halting. Each of the characters is unsure of how much they can reveal about their feelings for each other as well as their true personalities or characteristics. For example, Bella often comments on her ordinariness and wonders how a creature as perfect as Edward could have any interest in her. On the other hand, through conversations with Bella, the reader knows that Edward considers himself dangerous and capable of becoming a monster if he were to let his instincts take over. Although he never speaks of himself as beautiful, he does comment on the attraction his voice, face and smell have on his potential prey. The extreme differences portrayed by Bella and Edward lends to a tension that is palatable throughout the novel.
On the other hand, the screenwriter, director and actors had a difficult time portraying the intense range of emotions that each of the main characters displayed throughout the novel. Bella, in the movie, is shown as aloof, indie and definitely surer of herself. On the same token, Edward is hardly scary at all, and if he didn’t tell us he was a monster or mad, I’m not sure the audience would have known. There were not any scenes that I can recall where he is hesitant in winning Bella’s affections once the initial classroom scene is over. At the same time, I understand that it would be a struggle to portray such a range without dialogue. I guess I felt there were a few key conversations within the novel that may have added to the story if they were translated on the big screen.
Ok, that’s as far as I can go with this without feeling like a total dork. Obviously, I am feeling the nine (!!) years it has been since I graduated from college and wrote a term paper. Maybe it’s reading about teenagers that has me longing for simpler times. Anyone feel free to nerd it out with me and leave a comment.
Wednesday, June 03, 2009
Weigh In - One Day Late
Well, if there is one thing I can say about being sick for 3 days it's that I am down a pound and a half. Go not having the energy to even eat!
Last night Peyton was being his usual contrary self. I followed The Pioneer Woman's recipe for homemade chicken tenders last night, which were pretty good by the way and the child still complained about dinner. I swear, he will make an excellent attorney one day. So anyway, I was about worn out from arguing with him about dinner and getting over being sick when it came time to fill out his thank you cards. And so, they went out like this . . .
Thank you for coming to are party.
I just didn't have the energy to fight anymore.
Last night Peyton was being his usual contrary self. I followed The Pioneer Woman's recipe for homemade chicken tenders last night, which were pretty good by the way and the child still complained about dinner. I swear, he will make an excellent attorney one day. So anyway, I was about worn out from arguing with him about dinner and getting over being sick when it came time to fill out his thank you cards. And so, they went out like this . . .
Thank you for coming to are party.
I just didn't have the energy to fight anymore.
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