Wow

Apparently there are a lot of people looking for love out there. I had the most readers ever yesterday after linking to Kellie's blog - thank you! My friend is truly a catch, let me know if your interested. 

I have to admit I don't blog much just because I don't have the time. But looking back over previous posts I have written I would really like to try and post more. If for no other reason than to remember day to day events that get lost in the shuffle. 

Today C, the kids and I drove over to the house to check out the floor, see the wall getting torn down in the kitchen and sign contracts. The whole house just opened up with the wall gone! LOVE! Next step is flooring = nightmare. 

W & K played outside with the neighbor the entire time we were at the house. They climbed trees, sucked on honeysuckles, and rode their bikes. After a relaxing afternoon, we went to the pool and swam until dinner. A great all around day.

Anna, 36, OH

My best friend Anna is more than a friend, she is like a sister. I have know her since freshman year of high school, when we met in English class with Miss Miller. She is one of the most loyal and generous people I have ever met. She will pack your bags for college, bring you a yummy dinner in the hospital after giving birth, and she will make you laugh like a crazy person. Anna is a very hard worker, doing everything she can to support herself and her two boys. Her life is not easy, but she loves those two little boys with her whole heart. She is looking for someone to be her friend, her partner, her everything. If you are interested leave a comment and I will gladly reply!

What a Crazy Ride This Has Been (or what we've been doing the past 6 months)

Where has time gone? My poor little blog is so neglected and unloved. In the past 6 months...

W has started kindergarten



K has started dance classes


and M was born!


I guess you could say we've been a little busy. And now brings about the start of another new year. I always look forward to a new year, not just because if signals my birthday month beginning, but also because it offers the promise of a new start. And though 99% of the New Year's Resolutions aren't kept, that promise of a new start is still alive and well.

More memories of Christmas to be shared soon. Until then, Happy New Year!

06-15-11 Princess Kate

This is K's interpretation of what Kate Middleton wore on her wedding day. She nailed it (at least in toddler world).

06-15-11

What to do on a rainy, dreary day? Head to the mall for a little lunch and retail therapy of course! This picture was taken after lunch when the kids were "working" at the table next to ours. Apparently K was not happy with something W said to her.

06-12-11 Butterscotch's Poop

Ok guys, we can go outside and play. But NO digging! We have to leave for bible school in 2 hours and I don't want to give you a bath.
Of course they swore they wouldn't dig and out the door they ran. Straight to the "barn" where they proceeded to scoop "poop" not dirt from their cow Butterscotch.

Sometimes you just have to admit they've outwitted you and concede defeat!

New Year, New Resolutions

And so another new year has begun. If you are anything like me I am always inspired to start anew, refresh, recharge. Unfortunately it isn't as easy as that. In the past I have always made lofty, highly unachievable resolutions: lose 70 lbs by February, get rid of all clutter in home, move to a new home next week.

Ok, so maybe those were slightly exaggerated, but truthfully each year I make my list and usually within days I have "fallen off" the proverbial wagon and I my resolutions are a thing of the past. I have been reflecting a lot the past week or so and I realize that what I want more than anything is to be the person I was used to be. Not literally, 10 years all but erases that possibility. But I want to look in the mirror and see someone smiling back that not only do I like, but funny as this may sound, I love.

Posted below is my list of resolutions for the year. You might note that #4 on my list is Love myself. This isn't anything weird or funny, just truly loving who I am. I need to appreciate all of the good in my life. Be thankful for what I have and what I can do. And more importantly I need to accept what I can't do, not beat myself up over it, but accept that its ok.

In 2 weeks I will be turning 35. That is a magical age to me, not because I am half way to 40 but because I feel like I am finally an adult. An adult who resolves to love myself.

"To Thine Own Self Be True"

This above all: to thine own self be true,
And it must follow, as the night the day,
Thou canst not then be false to any man.
Farewell, my blessing season this in thee!
~Shakespeare

The always amazing Kelle Hampton has a great post featuring these beautiful and wise words from Shakespeare. What seems like such a simple and easy concept is one of the most difficult for most people.

Why does it always seem we want to be someone we are not. Its the classic "keeping up with the Jones" that most people face on some level. But as I approach my 35th birthday I question myself - why am I not good enough just the way I am.

Being the mother of a daughter I worry that I will impart my insecurities upon her. I don't want her to feel that her life if ruined without the "right jeans" or the "cool watch." But I have to question how I can instill in her a sense of self worth and pride when I still don't have that myself.

Earlier this year I made a conscious effort at eliminating so called "toxic people" from my life. I decided that if people didn't like me and want to be friends with my for who I am, why should I try to be their friend. I have long felt like that 5th grader I once was, few friends, trying to be cool, peering in at the group from the outside. I felt like I was compromising who I was as a person and more importantly as a parent to be their friend. While my datebook may not be filled up with play-dates and outings, I also no longer have that crushed ego when they don't call, or cancel at the last minute or in general dismiss me.

Its also not a secret that my weight has been a constant battle for me. One I have been fighting for over 20 years. I am weary of the fight, and feel that to a certain degree the weight I carry is the heaviness in my heart. The lack of self-esteem weighing on me, bringing me down.

I am good enough.
I am smart.
I am creative.
I am funny.
I am a good teacher.
I am good at applying makeup.
I am a great parent.
I am a good wife.

The question begs to be asked, why is was it so hard for me to write those things about myself? They are true, but why is the truth so hard to face?

I must be true to myself, starting today.

Hello, Anyone there?

I don't know why I am making this out to be harder than it really is... Writing a blog is about sharing your slice of life with the "world." But for some reason as much as I intend to "share my life" I never get around to it. Not only do I read multiple blogs each day, I have several bloggers that I consider to be my "friends." However for me, typing the words doesn't flow naturally.

Now that I most certainly have offended anyone who might read this blog with my overuse of quotation marks, I will begin once again.

Blogging is such an easy and compelling way to keep track of life, kids, and everything else that might be thrown at you. I keep stating that my intention is to write everyday. Ok, maybe probably won't happen. But I pledge to update at least 3 times a week...

Now that I've posted my intention, some pictures, which always make life better!

The Start of Summer

Summer has come in like a lion, blasting us with its hot, sultry air. And is there any taste better than a melting popsicle on a hot summer day?

End of the School Year

To celebrate the end of a sucessful school year, Will, Kate and I headed to the mall for some Auntie Anne's pretzel sticks, and some fruity delish smoothies from Smoothie King. All I have to say is YUM!

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Rainy Days, Stay Awhile

The past few days the rain has been coming down by the bucketful. In fact it has been raining so much I was beginning to wonder if I should look in to building an ark. But although the rain keeps us inside, I don't mind too much. Its nice to have change of pace and we had a lot of very important things to do such as:

Such as take care of "Abby" in her fairy home.


We also had to build many buildings out of Lego's.


To top off our extremely busy afternoon we had an entire fleet of airplanes and cars to park in the garage.


In all it was a thoroughly exhausting day!

Mother's Day

When describing Mother's Day 2010 words escape me. Perfect and wonderful don't begin to describe the day. the munchkins thankfully slept in, which in turn allowed me to sleep in as well. That in and of it self is a blessing. The rest of the day was very relaxed and laid back, save for one very exciting moment: my PRESENT! I by far believe that my husband is the best of the best. Several weeks ago in passing I mentioned that I would like a DLSR camera. Nothing to fancy, but one that would take good pictures of the kids. Oh my goodness, he went crazy. Not only did her purchase an amazing Canon, but he bought the top of the line, really nice one, with 2 lenses... Hello??? Two lenses!!!

Needless to say the remainder of the day consisted of me taking pictures of the kids, our home, and any other animate or inanimate object I came across. I am in complete and total love, and while I do still need to work out some kinks, the present is perfect.

And not only is the present perfect, so was my day.

Perfect Day

Last week I had the honor of attending Will's end of the year program at school. We awoke to perfect blue skies, fluffy white clouds and sunshine that we hadn't seen in days. Will could barely contain his excitement as I packed our picnic lunch: chicken sandwiches, carrots and hummus, veggie straws, cantaloupe and Teddy Grahams.

After dropping Kate off to Grandma for her own adventure filled afternoon Will and I set out for the park. After we parked the car we started the walk to our picnic site. He reached up and grasped my hand, his slightly sticky from excitement. When we arrived at the shelter Will was a little shy. He carefully looked around at all of the adults and hid under a table. But thankfully his wonderful teacher, Mrs. Moore, was there to help him feel comfortable and safe. Once his best friend Benjamin arrived it was all I could do to have him even acknowledge my presence.

When all of the students had arrived, Mrs. Moore announced that it was time for lunch. All of the moms spread their picnics out in front with care and love. The boys quickly ate so that they could resume their fun and play. When everyone had finished eating the program began. Mrs. Moore and Mrs. Wightman brought blankets for all of the moms and kids to sit on. We were then treated to the magical sound of children signing. There were several songs just for mom's and some others that were just silly and fun. When the singing was finished, each child presented their mom with a special gift: a cinnamon heart and special book that was all about me!

The final portion of the day included the kids running around like crazy on the playground. Will was shy at first and then took off with his friends. He only came over to check in with me once and then he was gone. When it was time to leave he grasped my hand in his sweaty hand and we walked back to the car. He told me that he had a great time, better than he thought. He also told me that he loved me. It was a perfect end to a perfect day.

New Me...

I have made a decision to finally take control of my life, admit that I have a problem, and get help. Tonight is the first step to the new and improved me. I have an eating problem. It is deeper than just eating too much. Last week Chris and I talked openly, and I realized that until become healthy, our family will suffer.

So tonight is the night. I am attending an informational session to find out about entering a program. Not just a diet, but counseling, a life change. Its time, I am 34 and I keep saying tomorrow, next year... The time is now, and I am ready for the change.

Civic Duty, Check!

Will and I just got home from the polls. While this isn't a major election, I still a fair amount of responsibility to vote. All around the world people die fighting to try and vote. In America, less than 40 percent of the eligible population votes. I don't understand how people feel they can complain about what's going on in our nation when they don't participate in electing our decision makers. Just my two cents :) Happy Election Day!

Perfect Rainy Saturday

Today has been one of those perfect rainy days. Swimming lessons started our day. Then we went to a really cool place called Happen Inc and made pinch pots. The afternoon was spent napping, and cheering on UK to a win. Finally pizza and a movie capped off the day. All in all a perfect day!

Back to Work

So tomorrow is the first day back to school after the nice long break (16 days anyone).

I am also going to begin "living" tomorrow. That means WW and the gym - two things I must do.

Here's to a happy Monday!

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Listening to the little things

So I am barely going to make my self-imposed deadline - 365 days of blogging - but here I am. Today was a very low-key relaxed day. Although we didn't stay in jammies, we could have. Literally we didn't leave the house except to get dinner (pizza party from Little Caesar's).

I have been thinking more about how I can be a better me, a better wife, a better mom and I have some ideas... Just listening to what others are saying is so important. Everyone wants to feel special, and so many times I am multi-tasking and miss the little things.

Wishing everyone a wonderful night and sweet dreams...

New Year, New Experiment

Many people on New Years, myself included, make a list of resolutions they intend to follow in order to "correct" what they percieve is wrong in their live.

This year rather than "fix" what is wrong in my life I plan on LIVING my life. This may sound silly but I intend to have fun, remember who I used to be and enjoy the little things. So without further ado, my list of how I plan on LIVING my life:

1. Live every day as though its my last and enjoy each moment entirely.

2. Be the best wife and mom I can be - not who I think I should be, but who I can be.

3. Take care of myself. This includes exercise, pampering, alone time. I deserve the best!

In order to chronicle my attempts to follow my "rules for living" I pledge to update this blog each day for a year.

Best wishes and Happy New Year's to you and yours!