Forgive me readers for I have not written...it has been 25 days since my last blog.
The last 3 months of 2007 held much for me.
I photographed 30 families,
lost my grandmother,
directed 2 different productions,
saw my mother get married,
suffered a severe panic attack,
was the featured singer for our women's dessert,
trained extensively on the "Fat Frog" lighting board,
attended 3 Thanksgivings,
hosted one on my own,
filled out (but didn't mail--yet) 50+ Christmas Cards,
grew a baby
and
drove over 1000 miles to ring in 2008 with dear friends.
There is so much to talk about, so much to say. So many pictures that beg to be shared and even more concepts to destroy with my snarky comments. But as I round the end of one year and begin a new one, the moment begs for a little reflection.
2007 was, in all honesty, one of the hardest years of my entire life. It rivals only one other in my 30 years. God has allowed me to be pushed, pulled, stretched and grown-all while kicking and screaming to many of you with the discovery of each "stretch mark," if you will. The year has driven me to my knees in exhaustion and tears and to the brink of panic and wondering if I was even worth existing on the face of this earth.
We got halfway through the year and I saw light. I saw hope. And then More came my way in waves. These incidences weren't as life changing right away but they carried a permanence that terrified me and left me with more questions that I could even begin to ask God...or anyone else with an inkling of wisdom.
2007 changed me as a person. I saw myself as a capable, strong woman who knew what she wanted and knew how to get it done. While I was certainly no cutthroat or even the most efficient of people I knew, when it came to what I was good at, you can bet it would get done they way I wanted it. No excuses, no dropped balls and no apologies. As I was continually broken down as the year continued, I saw who I was crumble at my feet. I became weak. I was inefficient. My house grew out of control, the things I loved, thirsted for, longed to accomplish were nothing to me. I lost joy in almost everything I once found getting me out of bed each day. I feel I owe an apology to the people I have met this year because I feel they have not received an accurate picture of who I am and who I can be when I am not pummeled to death by circumstances.
All of that being said...
I wouldn't ask for one thing to be different.
Were I to change the circumstances that have shattered me and caused me to change and stressed me to the breaking point, that would mean:
-I would not have a relationship with one of the most wonderful boys God ever put on this planet
-In turn I would not have met and embraced new friends who, while we do not share blood, find that sharing a love for a boy is enough to call each other family.
-Whole moments with God would have been left unmet. Therefore conversations I have had with others would be left unsaid and growth in my own life would not exist.
-I would not have a wonderful, special, God planned little girl coming my way in February
This is naming only a few.
My dear friend Sooz suggested a movie to me last year that, when I watched it, honestly changed my life. I got to watch it again this past weekend not only with Sooz, but with David and 3 other friends who have had their own breaking version of 2007 like I have. I found, once again, that "Stranger Than Fiction" holds the most amazing reminder of truth in it's last lines. I sobbed at the ending this last time, understanding it even more deeply than when I first saw it.
"Sometimes, when we lose ourselves in fear and despair, in routine and constancy, in hopelessness and tragedy, we can thank God for Bavarian sugar cookies. And, fortunately, when there aren't any cookies, we can still find reassurance in a familiar hand on our skin, or a kind and loving gesture, or subtle encouragement, or a loving embrace, or an offer of comfort, not to mention hospital gurneys and nose plugs, an uneaten Danish, soft-spoken secrets, and Fender Stratocasters, and maybe the occasional piece of fiction. And we must remember that all these things, the nuances, the anomalies, the subtleties, which we assume only accessorize our days, are effective for a much larger and nobler cause. They are here to save our lives. I know the idea seems strange, but I also know that it just so happens to be true. And, so it was, a wristwatch saved Harold Crick."
It is the Bavarian sugar cookies that saved my life this year.
This blog was one of them. My dear friends are another. The trip to Reno I just returned from. My strong rock of a husband, the people in my church who love me beyond what I thought imaginable and a God who is so much bigger than I if I would just let Him BE that way in my own life.
I am not better. I am different. I am not the kind of mother I hope to be...I need to find the patience I once had. I need to not allow disappointment in my own life get in the way of my obligations to others. I must be sure to realize it is not all about me.
2008 has already disappointed. When we got home, my house wasn't cleaner. I have already yelled at the kids more than I'd like and I don't think I have snuggled David as much as I should. But there is tomorrow, and the knowledge that each day has Bavarian sugar cookies just waiting for me to enjoy.
May 2008 hold more cookies than you ever thought existed. And if you don't think they are there, just look for them. Sometimes it is the little ones that were completely unexpected that taste the yummiest.
Friday, January 04, 2008
Monday, December 10, 2007
UPDATE! Baby it's....Perfectly Toasty Inside!
Heater is FIXED!
David, after hearing that I blogged about our heater being broken, was insistent on me adding a note that he has been trying to actually FIX the heater for awhile now. I was going to do so tonight but now I don't have to! He is quite talented in the area of fixing things and being generally handy and all he needed was a couple of parts. Well, parts came and now I hear the heater running!
Good News: Kids might sleep in a little more because it won't be 15 degrees in their room in the morning.
Bad News: We have kind of gotten used to the low(er) SDG&E Bill. Oh well.
David, after hearing that I blogged about our heater being broken, was insistent on me adding a note that he has been trying to actually FIX the heater for awhile now. I was going to do so tonight but now I don't have to! He is quite talented in the area of fixing things and being generally handy and all he needed was a couple of parts. Well, parts came and now I hear the heater running!
Good News: Kids might sleep in a little more because it won't be 15 degrees in their room in the morning.
Bad News: We have kind of gotten used to the low(er) SDG&E Bill. Oh well.
Silly Thing I Took For Granted When I Wasn't Pregnant #43
#43: Stomach sleeping.
There is a funny family story of my Mom missing sleeping on her stomach when she was pregnant with me and my Dad building her a pillow bed on the couch with a hole left to put her stomach in. He got her all loaded up, she felt good and was ready to take a nap. He left for an extra long 10+ mile run. When Dad reached about mile 2, Mom realized that all of the blood in her body was running down toward her belly that was practically suspended in the air-no pillow supports or anything. The weight of her belly was pulling her down but the rest of the pillows kept her face and legs perfectly straight. And the pillow palace my dad had built was so high up, that to roll off the couch might have meant breaking her neck in the process. (Which, after a long while, she actually considered.)
By the time Dad was home from his run, needless to say he did not return to a well rested and grateful wife. You can imagine the "gratefulness" she expressed to her husband that afternoon.
There are whole chunks of my child delivery experiences with both Nate and Lucy that I don't remember. But I do remember my first night home each time and rolling over to fall asleep on my stomach.
Ahhhhh.
Stomach Sleeping, see you in about 10 weeks.
There is a funny family story of my Mom missing sleeping on her stomach when she was pregnant with me and my Dad building her a pillow bed on the couch with a hole left to put her stomach in. He got her all loaded up, she felt good and was ready to take a nap. He left for an extra long 10+ mile run. When Dad reached about mile 2, Mom realized that all of the blood in her body was running down toward her belly that was practically suspended in the air-no pillow supports or anything. The weight of her belly was pulling her down but the rest of the pillows kept her face and legs perfectly straight. And the pillow palace my dad had built was so high up, that to roll off the couch might have meant breaking her neck in the process. (Which, after a long while, she actually considered.)
By the time Dad was home from his run, needless to say he did not return to a well rested and grateful wife. You can imagine the "gratefulness" she expressed to her husband that afternoon.
There are whole chunks of my child delivery experiences with both Nate and Lucy that I don't remember. But I do remember my first night home each time and rolling over to fall asleep on my stomach.
Ahhhhh.
Stomach Sleeping, see you in about 10 weeks.
Sunday, December 09, 2007
Baby, it's Cold Inside
They say the shoemaker's children have no shoes and the bakers children have no bread. So it goes in the house of the heating and air conditioning controls guy-no heat.
Our heater is broken. It has been broken for awhile but it was summertime then. Oh yeah, we'll fix it later-no big deal.
Well, it is a big deal when you wake up in the morning and your house is 67 degrees!
Our sweet roomie was bundled up on the couch last week when I said something about the heater being broken. She sat up and said, "Oh, well that explains it! I couldn't figure out what was going on! I mean, you run the air conditioner when its hot but why not the heater?" Poor girl lives in sweats and blankets these days.
I have picked a new favorite shirt of David's to stay warm in. It seems like every few months, I find a new one to live in. Currently it is a long sleeved brown one I got on clearance at Old Navy (I love you Old Navy!) for about $4.99. I got it because it has a picture of a guy with music headphones on and it was kind of rock and roll-ish. It wasn't till I got home that I realized the 2 ladies in the background of the picture had slinky dresses and a considerable amount of cleavage showing. Ha! I like to wear it every once in awhile to see how much attention people really pay to other's shirts.
Tonight, I don't mind the cold. We lit our first ever fire in the fireplace. Well, a fire was once lit in there by someone else who-despite insisting to the contrary-lit a fire and didn't open the flue and now our white brick hearth is a smokey grey. We avoided the fireplace (not thinking that it could have been user error) and decided to just give it a try tonight.
Oh the warmth! Oh the crackling! Oh the joy of seeing both of my kids go right into "mesmerized fire stare." It is wonderful. David went out and bought some firewood. And then we ran out so he bought some more...from the same checker as before. Ever had that happen? Sometimes I think the guys at Vons wonder if I am crazy considering sometimes I visit them 3 times in a day!
Last week I texted David when the temperature in our home hit an all time low of 65 degrees.
"Baby, it's cold inside."
"Put on more clothes," was his reply.
"Wow, now there's something I never thought I'd hear you say."
"It goes against my beliefs but you can take them off later."
Good to know the cold hasn't frozen his sense of humor.
Our heater is broken. It has been broken for awhile but it was summertime then. Oh yeah, we'll fix it later-no big deal.
Well, it is a big deal when you wake up in the morning and your house is 67 degrees!
Our sweet roomie was bundled up on the couch last week when I said something about the heater being broken. She sat up and said, "Oh, well that explains it! I couldn't figure out what was going on! I mean, you run the air conditioner when its hot but why not the heater?" Poor girl lives in sweats and blankets these days.
I have picked a new favorite shirt of David's to stay warm in. It seems like every few months, I find a new one to live in. Currently it is a long sleeved brown one I got on clearance at Old Navy (I love you Old Navy!) for about $4.99. I got it because it has a picture of a guy with music headphones on and it was kind of rock and roll-ish. It wasn't till I got home that I realized the 2 ladies in the background of the picture had slinky dresses and a considerable amount of cleavage showing. Ha! I like to wear it every once in awhile to see how much attention people really pay to other's shirts.
Tonight, I don't mind the cold. We lit our first ever fire in the fireplace. Well, a fire was once lit in there by someone else who-despite insisting to the contrary-lit a fire and didn't open the flue and now our white brick hearth is a smokey grey. We avoided the fireplace (not thinking that it could have been user error) and decided to just give it a try tonight.
Oh the warmth! Oh the crackling! Oh the joy of seeing both of my kids go right into "mesmerized fire stare." It is wonderful. David went out and bought some firewood. And then we ran out so he bought some more...from the same checker as before. Ever had that happen? Sometimes I think the guys at Vons wonder if I am crazy considering sometimes I visit them 3 times in a day!
Last week I texted David when the temperature in our home hit an all time low of 65 degrees.
"Baby, it's cold inside."
"Put on more clothes," was his reply.
"Wow, now there's something I never thought I'd hear you say."
"It goes against my beliefs but you can take them off later."
Good to know the cold hasn't frozen his sense of humor.
Monday, December 03, 2007
She Who Shall Not Be Named
Since David and I seem to be taking too long to name this baby for the liking of my friends and family, many have chosen their own name for the baby.
My mom named the baby..............Chloe
(with many creative spelling variations including Kloowee)
Sharon named the baby..............Olive
Michelle named the baby well..............Michelle
Kristen named the baby..............Addison (or Addie)
Carol has come up with many variations of blending both the names Carol and Michelle together, one of her favorites is..............Marelle.
Alyssa and Jenelle worked tirelessly coming up with names that blend both their names as well as brother Spencer's and our favorite combination was..............Jencer.
When we told Jenelle that we thought that would make a good name for a dog, she was deeply offended.
And Nicholas has named the baby..............Fred.
He is very serious about that name.
Despite being told that Fred is a boy's name and we are having a girl.
Fred it shall be.
At my (amazing, beautiful, wonderful, blessing filled) baby shower yesterday, I informed all the ladies that we don't want to offend anyone who likes a particular name so the baby shall be named whatever name YOU want her to be. You want to call her "Polly Wolly Doodle All The Day" then you may do exactly that.
Problem solved.
My mom named the baby..............Chloe
(with many creative spelling variations including Kloowee)
Sharon named the baby..............Olive
Michelle named the baby well..............Michelle
Kristen named the baby..............Addison (or Addie)
Carol has come up with many variations of blending both the names Carol and Michelle together, one of her favorites is..............Marelle.
Alyssa and Jenelle worked tirelessly coming up with names that blend both their names as well as brother Spencer's and our favorite combination was..............Jencer.
When we told Jenelle that we thought that would make a good name for a dog, she was deeply offended.
And Nicholas has named the baby..............Fred.
He is very serious about that name.
Despite being told that Fred is a boy's name and we are having a girl.
Fred it shall be.
At my (amazing, beautiful, wonderful, blessing filled) baby shower yesterday, I informed all the ladies that we don't want to offend anyone who likes a particular name so the baby shall be named whatever name YOU want her to be. You want to call her "Polly Wolly Doodle All The Day" then you may do exactly that.
Problem solved.
Friday, November 30, 2007
November 30, 2007
Things I did today....
-Took Nathan to school in clean clothes, clean socks and even clean underwear.
-Got a 2 year old and 3 year old to play quietly, using kind words, for-get this-an HOUR AND A HALF!
-Did NOT drink a can if Diet Coke or soda of any kind.
-Showered. (Seriously, it is worth bragging about.)
-Edited some photos, constructed a newsletter, did a few dishes.
-Went on a date with my hubby! (Dinner AND a move, thankyouverymuch)
-Completed my final blog for NaBloPoMo.
Looking back on a list of such magnitude begs the question:
WHY do you people find my life interesting?! Maybe it is the wonderful train wreck that seems to pop up in incidents of panic? Or perhaps you enjoy it when I speak at length on my children's potty habits? I know! You love how normal you feel when I talk about the things that go on inside my mind.
Whatever the reason, I sure am glad you are here. I plan to stick around for awhile.
For now, I am going to sleep. Because tomorrow is December! Woo Hoo!
-Took Nathan to school in clean clothes, clean socks and even clean underwear.
-Got a 2 year old and 3 year old to play quietly, using kind words, for-get this-an HOUR AND A HALF!
-Did NOT drink a can if Diet Coke or soda of any kind.
-Showered. (Seriously, it is worth bragging about.)
-Edited some photos, constructed a newsletter, did a few dishes.
-Went on a date with my hubby! (Dinner AND a move, thankyouverymuch)
-Completed my final blog for NaBloPoMo.
Looking back on a list of such magnitude begs the question:
WHY do you people find my life interesting?! Maybe it is the wonderful train wreck that seems to pop up in incidents of panic? Or perhaps you enjoy it when I speak at length on my children's potty habits? I know! You love how normal you feel when I talk about the things that go on inside my mind.
Whatever the reason, I sure am glad you are here. I plan to stick around for awhile.
For now, I am going to sleep. Because tomorrow is December! Woo Hoo!
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Life of Toys
An hour of playtime in my house as documented by the MySpace comments left on my friend Missy Shell's page...
9:22am
Why did I teach him how to talk?
As I lie here, trying to rest and his sister plays quietly-oh so quietly-in the background, all I hear is this:
"Mommy, does Darth Vader get mail? I am building a train for him so he can get mail. We should watch that movie about Darth Vader when he gets mail. It is coming to a theater in the spring. My friend from school saw it and said it is a really real movie. It really is. And Mommy, my friend also has a movie about Luke and Leia when they were babies and fighting Darth Vader--"
"Well, Nathan, when they were babies, Darth Vader wasn't Darth Vader yet."
"Oh. Well we need to get that movie anyway. And Mommy, what is this that Princess Leia is holding in her hand? And does Darth Vader want to kill R2D2? Can R2D2 drive like this? What about like this? I think he can drive like this and I want to see the movie about when R2D2 was a baby.........."
9:37am
Oh no! Now Percy and Annie and Clarabel have gone over to The Dark Side! James and Luke Skywalker are now battling them for thier souls!
I don't think my brain can handle the clashing of product lines. If I look up and see Friendship Bear battling a droid, I just might explode.
10:21am
Ohhhh, poor Darth Vader and Emporer Palpatine, now they are in charge of feeding Lucy's Baby Kake and tucking her in for bed. Who knew the Dark Sith Lords would make such excellent babysitters?! (Nathan is upstairs and Lucy has raided the Star Wars toys)
9:22am
Why did I teach him how to talk?
As I lie here, trying to rest and his sister plays quietly-oh so quietly-in the background, all I hear is this:
"Mommy, does Darth Vader get mail? I am building a train for him so he can get mail. We should watch that movie about Darth Vader when he gets mail. It is coming to a theater in the spring. My friend from school saw it and said it is a really real movie. It really is. And Mommy, my friend also has a movie about Luke and Leia when they were babies and fighting Darth Vader--"
"Well, Nathan, when they were babies, Darth Vader wasn't Darth Vader yet."
"Oh. Well we need to get that movie anyway. And Mommy, what is this that Princess Leia is holding in her hand? And does Darth Vader want to kill R2D2? Can R2D2 drive like this? What about like this? I think he can drive like this and I want to see the movie about when R2D2 was a baby.........."
9:37am
Oh no! Now Percy and Annie and Clarabel have gone over to The Dark Side! James and Luke Skywalker are now battling them for thier souls!
I don't think my brain can handle the clashing of product lines. If I look up and see Friendship Bear battling a droid, I just might explode.
10:21am
Ohhhh, poor Darth Vader and Emporer Palpatine, now they are in charge of feeding Lucy's Baby Kake and tucking her in for bed. Who knew the Dark Sith Lords would make such excellent babysitters?! (Nathan is upstairs and Lucy has raided the Star Wars toys)
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
As Promised...
You know, I almost sketched a version of the picture of the kids with Mickey and Minnie to scan in and show you so I didn't ruin the surprise of the actual picture when it's sent in Christmas cards later next month.
But I am not that cruel.
Instead, I had Nathan draw one!
Ha. Just kidding.
Here you go...
But I am not that cruel.
Instead, I had Nathan draw one!
Ha. Just kidding.
Here you go...
Help me out with this...
I am not really one to send out a picture of my kids with Mickey and Minnie Mouse. Usually we send out a posed picture or something super artsy fartsy displaying our mad skillz (that's right, with a "z") as photographers. that is NOT passing judgement on anyone who seeks out a Disneyland photo each year either. The thing I LOVE about Christmas cards is how they can reflect the unique personalities of my friends and family.
But, this year, we just didn't get it together. We hired a REALLY talented photographer to take our picture and then we stood her up. (But she still talks to me-amazing, isn't it?) So we have no picture of all 5 of us together. This has all 3 kids and it is cute and Christmas-y and everyone looks happy and their hair is mostly combed. Do I use it for Christmas cards and save artsy-fartsy for next year? It isn't too goofy is it? Especially since it left me with such a wonderful and happy memory?
Be honest readers. Because I can always design a collage-like picture instead.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
The One Where We All Go Back
My feet are aching.
My back is sore.
My eyes are closing.
My gas tank is empty.
All of this means....we hit Disneyland again!
Today was not a solo mission. This time we took a whole gaggle of people including David, Nicholas, Alyssa and her beau Mark.
Because I am afraid this blog might be turning into "Zab Tales of Disneyland" AND because in between each sentance I type, I look up at the episode of "Friends" that I am watching and then fall asleep which then turns each sentance into a 2 minute task, I am skipping to the highlights only.
* Getting off the Jungle Cruise and the "cast member" helping Lucy off the boat said, "There you go, Princess!" She stopped walking, turned around and said, "Mommy! He called me PRINCESS!"
* Taking all 3 kids on "Pirates" and both boys telling me they weren't scared at all when we were done. (Know that I did make an inappropriate joke about bringing the Ziploc with grandmas ashes nice and loud for the amusement of the Disney people. I wondered if they'd stop the ride and question me. They didn't.)
* Cherry sours
* While waiting for Lucy and David to go on Dumbo, Alyssa went to grab some lunch so Mark and I took the boys on "Mister Toad's Wild Ride." As we were standing in line, I told Mark that I couldn't remember the last time I'd been on. In fact, my parents never took me on it when I was little. He told me that his parents didn't either! How weird was that? In fact, he wondered if he'd ever been on it! We marveled at our parents' oddities and laughed, ha! We got on the ride and I continued laughing inside. Ha ha ha ha! Ha ha ha-uh oh. Mister Toad had been a bad boy. Nathan noticed the darkness of the scenes around him and was no longer steering. A scary judge (was he a badger or something?) loomed above us and shouted the words "GUILTY!" And it was then that I realized exactly WHY my parents hadn't taken me to Mister Toad's Wild Ride. Because the ride that's for kids SENT ME TO HELL!
Please excuse the words for which this acronym stands, but: Whiskey Tango Foxtrot!?!?
What is up with the story of Mister Toad?!
OK, moving on.
* Having a 4-3 Adult to kid ratio. It completely rocked.
* The final moment of the day: The boys were on the "toilet ride" (we tried calling it that all day to make going to the bathroom sound exciting but they didn't buy it once) and Lucy and I were waiting outside. We saw Pluto walking across the street and as we chased him down, we stumbled upon Mickey and Minnie and Goofy all posing for pictures. I called David and told him to bring the boys over and we walked over to get in line. The "cast member" standing at the back of the line said he'd sneak us in as the last person to see Mickey for now. (Calling Lucy "princess" again, much to her delight.) We thanked him and waited our turn. As we stood there, Minnie Mouse was going away. Lucy called out to her and waved. She was sad Minnie was going.
It was our turn to see Mickey, the boys were with us and everyone fell on Mickey showing him their new badges (lanyards) and telling him EVERYTHING they'd done that day. I reminded them that Mickey had to go so lets take our picture. As we lined everyone up, who comes over? Minnie Mouse! Lucy was extatic! She walked right over to us and I now have the most wonderful, magical picture of my 3 babies and Mickey and Minnie Mouse.
It's so silly, I started crying. I was standing there, taking pictures, crying at such a simple sight. But for me, it was the perfect end to a wonderful day. A moment that brought me such abundant joy, I honestly thanked God for it.
Pictues coming tomorrow.
Good night.
My back is sore.
My eyes are closing.
My gas tank is empty.
All of this means....we hit Disneyland again!
Today was not a solo mission. This time we took a whole gaggle of people including David, Nicholas, Alyssa and her beau Mark.
Because I am afraid this blog might be turning into "Zab Tales of Disneyland" AND because in between each sentance I type, I look up at the episode of "Friends" that I am watching and then fall asleep which then turns each sentance into a 2 minute task, I am skipping to the highlights only.
* Getting off the Jungle Cruise and the "cast member" helping Lucy off the boat said, "There you go, Princess!" She stopped walking, turned around and said, "Mommy! He called me PRINCESS!"
* Taking all 3 kids on "Pirates" and both boys telling me they weren't scared at all when we were done. (Know that I did make an inappropriate joke about bringing the Ziploc with grandmas ashes nice and loud for the amusement of the Disney people. I wondered if they'd stop the ride and question me. They didn't.)
* Cherry sours
* While waiting for Lucy and David to go on Dumbo, Alyssa went to grab some lunch so Mark and I took the boys on "Mister Toad's Wild Ride." As we were standing in line, I told Mark that I couldn't remember the last time I'd been on. In fact, my parents never took me on it when I was little. He told me that his parents didn't either! How weird was that? In fact, he wondered if he'd ever been on it! We marveled at our parents' oddities and laughed, ha! We got on the ride and I continued laughing inside. Ha ha ha ha! Ha ha ha-uh oh. Mister Toad had been a bad boy. Nathan noticed the darkness of the scenes around him and was no longer steering. A scary judge (was he a badger or something?) loomed above us and shouted the words "GUILTY!" And it was then that I realized exactly WHY my parents hadn't taken me to Mister Toad's Wild Ride. Because the ride that's for kids SENT ME TO HELL!
Please excuse the words for which this acronym stands, but: Whiskey Tango Foxtrot!?!?
What is up with the story of Mister Toad?!
OK, moving on.
* Having a 4-3 Adult to kid ratio. It completely rocked.
* The final moment of the day: The boys were on the "toilet ride" (we tried calling it that all day to make going to the bathroom sound exciting but they didn't buy it once) and Lucy and I were waiting outside. We saw Pluto walking across the street and as we chased him down, we stumbled upon Mickey and Minnie and Goofy all posing for pictures. I called David and told him to bring the boys over and we walked over to get in line. The "cast member" standing at the back of the line said he'd sneak us in as the last person to see Mickey for now. (Calling Lucy "princess" again, much to her delight.) We thanked him and waited our turn. As we stood there, Minnie Mouse was going away. Lucy called out to her and waved. She was sad Minnie was going.
It was our turn to see Mickey, the boys were with us and everyone fell on Mickey showing him their new badges (lanyards) and telling him EVERYTHING they'd done that day. I reminded them that Mickey had to go so lets take our picture. As we lined everyone up, who comes over? Minnie Mouse! Lucy was extatic! She walked right over to us and I now have the most wonderful, magical picture of my 3 babies and Mickey and Minnie Mouse.
It's so silly, I started crying. I was standing there, taking pictures, crying at such a simple sight. But for me, it was the perfect end to a wonderful day. A moment that brought me such abundant joy, I honestly thanked God for it.
Pictues coming tomorrow.
Good night.
Monday, November 26, 2007
The Registry Standards
My Mom: What's going on with your baby registry? The Target one is really boring and the Babies R Us one only has breast cream.
Me: I know, I have NOT had the time to get down there and actually register for anything.
My Mom: Well, I am not buying you anything till you get more fun stuff on there. I am going to be a Grandma for the third time, I'm not wasting my time on boring stuff like binkys and bottles.
Me: I know, I have NOT had the time to get down there and actually register for anything.
My Mom: Well, I am not buying you anything till you get more fun stuff on there. I am going to be a Grandma for the third time, I'm not wasting my time on boring stuff like binkys and bottles.
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Day Is Done...
...and now I am officially reusing blog titles.
Tonight I don't care. (I bet I will care tomorrow when I re-read this so maybe only a few of you will know my dirty little reusing secret.)
This holiday weekend held:
4 Thanksgiving celebrations
1 cooked by me (although everything was instant this year-gimmie a break, I am pregnant)
3 Toddlers running our household
1 Church service
and
6 Photo Shoots
Whew!
It was all wonderful.
I am done.
(Maybe THAT should be the title of my blog!)
Now....on to Christmas!!
Tonight I don't care. (I bet I will care tomorrow when I re-read this so maybe only a few of you will know my dirty little reusing secret.)
This holiday weekend held:
4 Thanksgiving celebrations
1 cooked by me (although everything was instant this year-gimmie a break, I am pregnant)
3 Toddlers running our household
1 Church service
and
6 Photo Shoots
Whew!
It was all wonderful.
I am done.
(Maybe THAT should be the title of my blog!)
Now....on to Christmas!!
Saturday, November 24, 2007
The Out of Towners
We have had house-guests this week.
I know, I know, because we have so much room in our house for more people-but they aren't people!
Meet Burt and Flapper...they are staying with us until Monday when they return to Nathan's school.
Where even a room full of 4 year olds will be a more quiet existence than the one they had in our home for the last 4 days.
I know, I know, because we have so much room in our house for more people-but they aren't people!
Meet Burt and Flapper...they are staying with us until Monday when they return to Nathan's school.
Where even a room full of 4 year olds will be a more quiet existence than the one they had in our home for the last 4 days.
Friday, November 23, 2007
$100 Dollar Words
When at the doctor's office the other day, I found myself without a book (what is wrong with me? I must be pregnant.) and also warned that the doctor was running late so I should make myself comfortable.
I pulled out my cell phone and texted anyone and everyone I could think of.
I think I sent a text to David telling him to remember to be home early because I had Worship Team Rehearsal that night. Yeah, that was all. And that took about 1 minute.
Then I read all the notices on the cabinet doors. Prescription Refill Policies, a free source for baby clothes and supplies for those in need, and some chart talking about baby development. That was done in maybe 5 minutes.
Onto the magazine rack: No magazines. What the heck? I considered picking up the pamphlet on tracking baby's movement but...well, I read that last time I was in the doc's office.
I looked up and saw the beautiful page of a calendar ripped out and taped on the ceiling as a focal point when it was "exam time." It really did beg the question if most women would like to see a luscious Colorado landscape with a mountain of ash trees and changing leaves, or if they'd rather see a luscious picture of Patrick Dempsey with no shirt on. I pick Number Two please! (2 more minutes down.)
Being the kind of person who reads EVERYTHING, my eyes turned to the medical equipment on the wall. Everything was made by Weylch-Allen and was up to date on it's inspections (whew!) and when I looked at the blood pressure machine, I saw it.
It was only one word. But it would then occupy the next 10 minutes of my wait time.
That's right, 10 minutes.
The consonants, the vowels, all working together to produce a word I could not break down by syllable for the life of me. And I am an expert word-sounder-outer!
I stared, I heard myself saying it out loud.
Sphygmomanometer
And it wasn't until I just looked the word up on Dictionary.com that I "got it."
Now, how do I work sphygmomanometer into everyday conversation??
I pulled out my cell phone and texted anyone and everyone I could think of.
I think I sent a text to David telling him to remember to be home early because I had Worship Team Rehearsal that night. Yeah, that was all. And that took about 1 minute.
Then I read all the notices on the cabinet doors. Prescription Refill Policies, a free source for baby clothes and supplies for those in need, and some chart talking about baby development. That was done in maybe 5 minutes.
Onto the magazine rack: No magazines. What the heck? I considered picking up the pamphlet on tracking baby's movement but...well, I read that last time I was in the doc's office.
I looked up and saw the beautiful page of a calendar ripped out and taped on the ceiling as a focal point when it was "exam time." It really did beg the question if most women would like to see a luscious Colorado landscape with a mountain of ash trees and changing leaves, or if they'd rather see a luscious picture of Patrick Dempsey with no shirt on. I pick Number Two please! (2 more minutes down.)
Being the kind of person who reads EVERYTHING, my eyes turned to the medical equipment on the wall. Everything was made by Weylch-Allen and was up to date on it's inspections (whew!) and when I looked at the blood pressure machine, I saw it.
It was only one word. But it would then occupy the next 10 minutes of my wait time.
That's right, 10 minutes.
The consonants, the vowels, all working together to produce a word I could not break down by syllable for the life of me. And I am an expert word-sounder-outer!
I stared, I heard myself saying it out loud.
And it wasn't until I just looked the word up on Dictionary.com that I "got it."
Now, how do I work sphygmomanometer into everyday conversation??
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Happy Giving of Thanks
Dearest Readers, I hope your day was a good one. Did you turkey today? Or will you tomorrow? Tofurkey? Turducken?
We had a Thanksgiving Brunch today at my mom's that was turkey (or turkey-like product) free but involved yummy quiche, fruit, deviled eggs and cinnamon pull apart. It was a lot of fun.
As I surfed around all the blogs I read regularly, I read many notes of thanksgiving, blessings and gratefulness. While I am not usually one to follow, the holiday begs for an entry like this one but I still need to put my own spin on things. So I offer you a list of the things I am thankful for that don't fall under what you might hear at the traditional Thanksgiving dinner table prayer.
I am thankful for...
...the 3 hour nap the kids took today. Because it meant David got to take a 3 hour nap. And I got 3 hours of work done.
...Sharon's sister Michele who gave me the 1 pair of maternity jeans I own and wear. Yes, 1 pair. Every day. I wash them a lot.
...my sister introducing me to soy green tea lattes from Starbucks. They make me terribly happy.
...my red scrunchy flats from Target that sass up my feet every once in awhile.
...garage door openers.
...pink kitchen sets waiting to be gifted to cute 2 year olds at Christmastime.
...my orange phone.
...always having 2 episodes of "Friends" stored on the DVR.
...the right hair products. (I lost my mousse and biiig bottle of Biosilk when we evacuated because of the fires last month and my mom SAYS she doesn't have them. Although she does seem to be achieving amazing volume and shine right now. Hmmm. I am now banned to using "B List" products which involves me squirting the bottom dredges of every old and rejected product into my hair hoping it will help hold my curl.)
...Matt Damon on the cover of People magazine. He sits in my lap, he rides in my car, he goes everywhere I go now. I love you Matt.
...shredded cheese. Cause who wants to do the shredding yourself?
...kids that went to bed late sleeping in a LOT the next morning. (This falls more under wishful thinking and hope for the future. Hope it with me, will you?)
Got any un-traditional thanks you want to share?
We had a Thanksgiving Brunch today at my mom's that was turkey (or turkey-like product) free but involved yummy quiche, fruit, deviled eggs and cinnamon pull apart. It was a lot of fun.
As I surfed around all the blogs I read regularly, I read many notes of thanksgiving, blessings and gratefulness. While I am not usually one to follow, the holiday begs for an entry like this one but I still need to put my own spin on things. So I offer you a list of the things I am thankful for that don't fall under what you might hear at the traditional Thanksgiving dinner table prayer.
I am thankful for...
...the 3 hour nap the kids took today. Because it meant David got to take a 3 hour nap. And I got 3 hours of work done.
...Sharon's sister Michele who gave me the 1 pair of maternity jeans I own and wear. Yes, 1 pair. Every day. I wash them a lot.
...my sister introducing me to soy green tea lattes from Starbucks. They make me terribly happy.
...my red scrunchy flats from Target that sass up my feet every once in awhile.
...garage door openers.
...pink kitchen sets waiting to be gifted to cute 2 year olds at Christmastime.
...my orange phone.
...always having 2 episodes of "Friends" stored on the DVR.
...the right hair products. (I lost my mousse and biiig bottle of Biosilk when we evacuated because of the fires last month and my mom SAYS she doesn't have them. Although she does seem to be achieving amazing volume and shine right now. Hmmm. I am now banned to using "B List" products which involves me squirting the bottom dredges of every old and rejected product into my hair hoping it will help hold my curl.)
...Matt Damon on the cover of People magazine. He sits in my lap, he rides in my car, he goes everywhere I go now. I love you Matt.
...shredded cheese. Cause who wants to do the shredding yourself?
...kids that went to bed late sleeping in a LOT the next morning. (This falls more under wishful thinking and hope for the future. Hope it with me, will you?)
Got any un-traditional thanks you want to share?
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Um, Excuse Me For a Minute
And why you may often find me using the restroom A LOT during that lunch.
Yum.
Monday, November 19, 2007
The Countdown is Over.
Have no idea what I am talking about?
Click here.
Or maybe here.
This should be your favorite show.
Sunday, November 18, 2007
S'up?
Lucy: You talkin to me, punk?
Nathan: See this hand? I killed a kid with just my pinky once.
Lucy: I'll mess you up. This bruise on my cheek ain't nothin.
Nathan: Actually, you should believe her. Even I am a little afraid.
Lucy: I roll with a gang, lady. This tat shows it.
Nathan: We are family, and we all watch each other's backs.
Lucy: So hand over the leftover Halloween Candy if you want your pretty little face to stay that way. 
Nathan: I be flashin some signs now.
Lucy: You heard me fool, we roll with Lightning McQueen
Nathan: I be flashin some signs now.Lucy: You heard me fool, we roll with Lightning McQueenSaturday, November 17, 2007
All the Pretty Little Ponies
Lucy and I got to attend Lucy's first all girl, no boys allowed birthday day party for her friend Natasha whose mom reads my blog but never comments. (Hi Summer!)
There were dresses, sweet voices breaking out into song, adorable princess dress up sessions and, of course, a whole lot of "Can we eat cake now?" But that last part was just my daughter. Every 5 minutes.
It was such a lovely lovely time with beautiful girls, mommies and some wonderful grammies thrown in as well.
Enjoy.....
Natasha shares a giggle with her sister before blowing out the candles.
There were dresses, sweet voices breaking out into song, adorable princess dress up sessions and, of course, a whole lot of "Can we eat cake now?" But that last part was just my daughter. Every 5 minutes.
It was such a lovely lovely time with beautiful girls, mommies and some wonderful grammies thrown in as well.
Enjoy.....
Lindsay was the most serious about her cake. Even when the presents started, she still was determined to finish. her. cake.
Lucy basked in the girl-ness of it all. Poor thing has spent most of her life trying to dress up Nathan's Star Wars figures.
Sweet Lily.
Reagan enjoyed the cake and we enjoyed her jaunty chapeau.
Natasha shares a giggle with her sister before blowing out the candles.
Friday, November 16, 2007
Fun Day Friday!
The weekend before Halloween, I swiped an idea from a friend of a friend who's blog I read. Her son had painted his small pie-sized pumpkin and I loved the idea for my little monsters.
I had a ton of acrylic paint leftover from painting Nathan's nursery and hoped the paint hasn't turned into solid blocks in the last 4 years of non-use.
David was quite skeptical at the idea of our young children using acrylic paint INSIDE but I was confident my idea would work.
We filled 3 muffin tins with all kinds of colors of paint and then left two with water, gave each kid 1 brush and we were off!
We enjoyed watching each child's painting technique. Nathan went with faces, letters and names and then one he ran out of room, he just painted over what he'd already painted. Lucy took her time and made short marks but strategically placed and colorful. Nick would pick 1 color, say yellow for example, and paint his whole pumpkin with that 1 color. Then he would pick 1 more color and paint right over the first color. that went on and on till he was left with 1 big grey pumpkin. Somewhere in the painting process, he'd just paint with his very grey water. To each his own, right?
Here are a couple of pictures but it was hard to pick my favorites so you can see the full set here.
I had a ton of acrylic paint leftover from painting Nathan's nursery and hoped the paint hasn't turned into solid blocks in the last 4 years of non-use.
David was quite skeptical at the idea of our young children using acrylic paint INSIDE but I was confident my idea would work.
We filled 3 muffin tins with all kinds of colors of paint and then left two with water, gave each kid 1 brush and we were off!
We enjoyed watching each child's painting technique. Nathan went with faces, letters and names and then one he ran out of room, he just painted over what he'd already painted. Lucy took her time and made short marks but strategically placed and colorful. Nick would pick 1 color, say yellow for example, and paint his whole pumpkin with that 1 color. Then he would pick 1 more color and paint right over the first color. that went on and on till he was left with 1 big grey pumpkin. Somewhere in the painting process, he'd just paint with his very grey water. To each his own, right?
Here are a couple of pictures but it was hard to pick my favorites so you can see the full set here.
The concentration in the room was high.
The methodical artwork of The Goose.
My Pumpkin Painting Hitler Look Alike.
When he saw the paint on his lip, it took a long time for him to stop laughing.
Should you be at a party where I bring the cupcakes, worry not. These pans received a VERY thorough washing after all the painting was completed.
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