Happy Friday and good afternoon. I am sitting here eating my lunch and I began thinking....(something prompted this but I don't want to ruin the surprise of listed item number one).....things have really changed. Some for the better, some not so much. Let's get started, shall we?
I'm not sure what it says about me when I really like doing lists. For some reason I have to logically list things out - a LOT. The Mumbles?? The Comment Considerations?? I like to number my points. I don't know why.
Things that have changed.................
1. Napkins
They are getting dangerously thin. I wiped my fingers and the damn thing tore up. I am a fairly dainty eater, I like to think, and I gently wipe my hands. But they just shredded, absorbed NONE of the grease from my taco-slimed fingers, and then didn't dry up enough for me to try and re-use it. You know you all try and get more out of your napkins, too. Don't judge me like that. And I'm certain that none of my problems with napkins lately have anything to do with the fact that I'm surrounded by males and have become slovenly in my chow time and thus require MORE napkins than I used to. Nope.
2. Frozen Pizzas
They are dinky. Small. I know they don't have much in the way of substance, anyhow, but they've shrank. I know they have. I could NEVER finish an entire pizza (whether it be Jenos or Tony's or whatever) by myself. And I CAN now. And they used to sit on top of the box (you know, laying it on top while waiting for the stove to pre-heat) and cover most of the box. NOW....heck, no! I judge a pizza by its box cover, yes I do. And they're smaller.
3. Ink Pens
I think I remember using the same pen for all my word searches from 3rd grade through high school. I "might" have used one other, but I just recall pens growing up...and using them forever. They didn't run out. They'd even bleed out ink and still be going strong years later. Now? Hmph. Cheap ol' things, they are. Every time I buy one, I gotta turn around and get another because they're gone. I assume they're being used and thrown away properly when they're empty. And I do NOT think it's because my husband snatches them or the kids are coloring with them and leaving them everywhere. It should have no effect.
Things that haven't.......
1. The Sun
I love it. I love it so much. It warms my face, my arms, my toes. It's bright and beautiful and adds happiness to each day it blesses.
2. Coca~Cola
I love it. I love it so much. It fizzles so delightfully on my tongue and settles my tummy when it's gurgley. It adds happiness each and every lunch period.
3. Love
No matter how much bad "stuff" life throws at people...people in general....they keep trying to find and hold onto Love. It's magical that way. I'm not a sap, but I am constantly amazed that people continue to search this creature out, and capture it, and squeeze it dry. What if we all lived as acquaintances all our lives, smiling at one another but living in simple enjoyment without the buzz of Love? Do you think there would be less anger and hate (as a result of Love turning rotten) or do you think it'd be a zombie-like ambiance? I don't know, but I do know that Love still has the power today that it did hundreds, thousands, and millions of wheel-pushing years ago.
Friday, May 29, 2009
Thursday, May 28, 2009
What Do You Miss?
This morning, over some oatmeal and "do this, put on that" hollering, I had a conversation with T.O. I simply asked him, "How do you like your new school compared with Tina's?" Tina was his at-home daycare provider from 3 months until 4 years old. She did field trips every week, pre-school, they were able to watch cartoons for an hour in the morning, and it was in a HOME. It's definitely different than the tiled, clean, colorful school. I wondered if he missed the comfort of cozily sitting on the floor, watching Blues Clues and Wonder Pets before starting his day. I wondered if he missed getting to go on field trips to the mall "kiddy play" area and the water park with fountains coming up from the ground and going to Bass Pro Shop to see the fish.
His response was this:
"I like it. When we go outside to play, we don't have to crawl through the window anymore."
Huh?
And then I understood. Tina's downstairs 'basement' was completely converted into her daycare facility. We entered through the garage which was obviously ground level, but the other, back-half of the basement was semi-underground. There were windows in the back of the room that looked out into the backyard. If you crawled through the window, you'd be outside in the yard. I took his statement to mean she just let them skip the "going around the house through the gate" part and shoved them out the window.
I nearly laughed. But I didn't...I let him explain himself. And the explanation ended up in this:
"I want to go to Tina's. I like the window."
I believe that, as parents, we should really listen to our children. But I also believe that listening to the first thing they say isn't always the best option. Ask questions that don't lead them, and see where they take you in their story. I believe him when he said he liked his new school. But I also think that the following sentence about not having to climb out the window anymore was simply his comparison. It wasn't that he didn't like the window, he ended up, in his story-telling, admitting he thought it was fun.
Too many times we fail to remember that their train of thought doesn't always flow and shouldn't be interpreted as an adult's more logical thought process . What I try and remember to do is prompt the story telling, but not in a fashion where it'll lead where I THINK he was going. If I'd gone with my initial reaction, my question to him would have been:
"Why in the world is she making you climb out the window?"
This would only make him realize it might have been wrong, (Which, by the way, I do NOT think it was wrong. I think it was actually a smooth move on her part, considering she probably had babies in the house. Using the window allowed her to allow the big kids in the yard where she could watch them and still stay in the house with the babies. Smart move, Tina.) and he would have tried to relay the story to either defend her, or go along with my accusations. Instead, I asked:
"You used the window to go out to play?"
It was neutral enough that he explained about the gate and that they couldn't reach to open it, and also how he liked the window but sometimes it hurt his leg.
So, blog friends, my question to you is "What do you miss?" Two part question, really. What do you miss about your younger days? I miss all day bike riding in the summer time. I miss swinging whenever I want. And second, what do you miss when you talk to children? If you can, refrain from asking leading questions or letting your assumptions prompt questions that would steer them from the path they otherwise might have gone in their story telling. See where THEY lead YOU.
Happy Thursday.
His response was this:
"I like it. When we go outside to play, we don't have to crawl through the window anymore."
Huh?
And then I understood. Tina's downstairs 'basement' was completely converted into her daycare facility. We entered through the garage which was obviously ground level, but the other, back-half of the basement was semi-underground. There were windows in the back of the room that looked out into the backyard. If you crawled through the window, you'd be outside in the yard. I took his statement to mean she just let them skip the "going around the house through the gate" part and shoved them out the window.
I nearly laughed. But I didn't...I let him explain himself. And the explanation ended up in this:
"I want to go to Tina's. I like the window."
I believe that, as parents, we should really listen to our children. But I also believe that listening to the first thing they say isn't always the best option. Ask questions that don't lead them, and see where they take you in their story. I believe him when he said he liked his new school. But I also think that the following sentence about not having to climb out the window anymore was simply his comparison. It wasn't that he didn't like the window, he ended up, in his story-telling, admitting he thought it was fun.
Too many times we fail to remember that their train of thought doesn't always flow and shouldn't be interpreted as an adult's more logical thought process . What I try and remember to do is prompt the story telling, but not in a fashion where it'll lead where I THINK he was going. If I'd gone with my initial reaction, my question to him would have been:
"Why in the world is she making you climb out the window?"
This would only make him realize it might have been wrong, (Which, by the way, I do NOT think it was wrong. I think it was actually a smooth move on her part, considering she probably had babies in the house. Using the window allowed her to allow the big kids in the yard where she could watch them and still stay in the house with the babies. Smart move, Tina.) and he would have tried to relay the story to either defend her, or go along with my accusations. Instead, I asked:
"You used the window to go out to play?"
It was neutral enough that he explained about the gate and that they couldn't reach to open it, and also how he liked the window but sometimes it hurt his leg.
So, blog friends, my question to you is "What do you miss?" Two part question, really. What do you miss about your younger days? I miss all day bike riding in the summer time. I miss swinging whenever I want. And second, what do you miss when you talk to children? If you can, refrain from asking leading questions or letting your assumptions prompt questions that would steer them from the path they otherwise might have gone in their story telling. See where THEY lead YOU.
Happy Thursday.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Confessions
I feel the need. Forgive me.....
I have stopped twice this week (that'd be two for two in days of school/work) for McDonald's for the kids' breakfasts. I've never done this before. Honest, I haven't. But I have no food at home for them and I gotta feed them. Biscuit, egg, and cheese can't be too unhealthy right? Hot cakes are good too, right?
I have stayed up past midnight two nights this week and the alarm goes off at 5:30. Ouch.
I had a bottle of cheap white wine that I planned on sharing with Hubs...you know, with a movie, and the kids in bed. But he keeps going to bed earlier than me, like with the KIDS....so I finally said screw it and I unscrewed it. I drank some by myself last night.
I just shared with a co-worker the story of my butt being uneven. Seriously. It had something to do with back pain, aggravating a stress fracture, training for a marathon, pelvic compensation....typical stuff for one butt half being larger than the other. Do you think she'll look at me differently now?
I brought my lunch today but I'm tempted to eat it for breakfast. Might have something to do with the wine from last night and the headache I feel coming on.
Anyone have any confessions for the morning? If not, that's okay....I won't believe you. Happy Wednesday!
I have stopped twice this week (that'd be two for two in days of school/work) for McDonald's for the kids' breakfasts. I've never done this before. Honest, I haven't. But I have no food at home for them and I gotta feed them. Biscuit, egg, and cheese can't be too unhealthy right? Hot cakes are good too, right?
I have stayed up past midnight two nights this week and the alarm goes off at 5:30. Ouch.
I had a bottle of cheap white wine that I planned on sharing with Hubs...you know, with a movie, and the kids in bed. But he keeps going to bed earlier than me, like with the KIDS....so I finally said screw it and I unscrewed it. I drank some by myself last night.
I just shared with a co-worker the story of my butt being uneven. Seriously. It had something to do with back pain, aggravating a stress fracture, training for a marathon, pelvic compensation....typical stuff for one butt half being larger than the other. Do you think she'll look at me differently now?
I brought my lunch today but I'm tempted to eat it for breakfast. Might have something to do with the wine from last night and the headache I feel coming on.
Anyone have any confessions for the morning? If not, that's okay....I won't believe you. Happy Wednesday!
Monday, May 25, 2009
Weekend Report (a week and a day late)
Here are some pictures I've accumulated over the past two weekends. I know I am completely biased, but my kids are FUN. Most of the time.
Wee One gets to enjoy the slide with his grandma. We attended my cousin's graduation party last weekend, the 16th. They had a park for the kids to play on.
At the same party, Wee One is trapped in the "do not feed the animals" cage. He was exhausted and needed to be confined if only to catch his breath. He still managed to get someone to toss him a balloon for entertainment.
This past Saturday, the 23rd, Wee One attended another graduation party for another cousin of mine. He made it for the first two hours and then passed out for the second two. He slept so peacefully in a bar, it was scary. What does this say about his college years in the future???
The following Sunday, the 24th, we attended yet another graduation. It was at the KU football stadium for the local high school. He rode in the stroller and we played peek-a-boo.
Sometime last weekend, the 17th I think, T.O. was outside doing sidewalk chalk. Wee One joined him so that he could walk around on everything T.O. drew. He loves to just walk back and forth...back and forth.
The party in the bar was a great time for T.O. and 11 year old as well. The party was up on the second floor and here they are, peering down onto the street. Love the brews sign.
When T.O. was sidewalk chalking...he became "A Beautiful Mind". I told you all about this....here is the proof. I suggested he practice writing his numbers...you know...one through ten. He took that another step. Or, say, 100 more steps. He'd already drawn other things beforehand, so his numbers covered his other scribbles and it was eerily like the garage where John Nash scribbled away his secret codes. 
I love how his 6 and 7 somehow take on midget form. But his 8 is great! :)
What child doesn't love grimy, gritty chalk?
Here is T.O. playing on the park at the first party from last weekend. I, again, am biased, but he's so cute. :)
Wee One gets to enjoy the slide with his grandma. We attended my cousin's graduation party last weekend, the 16th. They had a park for the kids to play on.At the same party, Wee One is trapped in the "do not feed the animals" cage. He was exhausted and needed to be confined if only to catch his breath. He still managed to get someone to toss him a balloon for entertainment.
This past Saturday, the 23rd, Wee One attended another graduation party for another cousin of mine. He made it for the first two hours and then passed out for the second two. He slept so peacefully in a bar, it was scary. What does this say about his college years in the future???
The following Sunday, the 24th, we attended yet another graduation. It was at the KU football stadium for the local high school. He rode in the stroller and we played peek-a-boo.
Sometime last weekend, the 17th I think, T.O. was outside doing sidewalk chalk. Wee One joined him so that he could walk around on everything T.O. drew. He loves to just walk back and forth...back and forth.
The party in the bar was a great time for T.O. and 11 year old as well. The party was up on the second floor and here they are, peering down onto the street. Love the brews sign.
When T.O. was sidewalk chalking...he became "A Beautiful Mind". I told you all about this....here is the proof. I suggested he practice writing his numbers...you know...one through ten. He took that another step. Or, say, 100 more steps. He'd already drawn other things beforehand, so his numbers covered his other scribbles and it was eerily like the garage where John Nash scribbled away his secret codes. 
I love how his 6 and 7 somehow take on midget form. But his 8 is great! :)
What child doesn't love grimy, gritty chalk? 
Here is T.O. playing on the park at the first party from last weekend. I, again, am biased, but he's so cute. :)
p.s. I have some good pics of 11 year old, but for whatever reason (too many for one post?), when it added them, it screwed up the format (as did this last picture of T.O.). I will add 11 year old's pics as a separate post all by itself.
Monday Mumbles
Ten random things that I am thinking about this morning. They are in no particular order, as always. Happy Memorial Day.
1. I am sitting at the kitchen table, looking around at the men in the house. Hubs has left for work, and I am here with the three boys. 11 year old is sitting here in a white tee shirt. T.O. is sitting here in a white tank top. I am in a white tank top. The black sheep of the family, grumpy little Wee One, is in a black tee shirt. It's so fitting.
2. I really do not understand why it has to rain or have a chance of showers during every Memorial Day. It's baffling, really. Is it a sign?
3. Yesterday during the early evening, we caught the ice cream truck. THAT felt like summer, and I loved it. And for the record, I had a cherry bomb pop Jr.
4. Saturday evening we went to my cousin's college graduation party. It was in the upstairs of a local bar. They also serve food until a certain time, and my aunt had them make pizzas for the party. Just a few minutes ago, T.O. "reminded" me of something that happened that evening and prefaced his story with "remember at the pizza place....". I LOVE that he doesn't even realize we had him in a drinking establishment for 4 1/2 hours. So innocent. And too soon he'll be going there for the drinking. (He doesn't have a choice where he's going to college...don't you know that? Unless he gets a rockin' scholarship, then we'll consider it.)
5. I don't think there is anything more pleasing than when young people (we're speaking high school or college aged people) have their heads on straight. It's hopeful to know that some have the priorities in line. I saw this in Hubs' cousin yesterday when we went and congratulated him on his high school graduation.
6. Why are boys SO unwilling to use the restroom until they're about to pee on themselves? 11 year old has been doing this since he was.....well, forever. And there are times when T.O. is dancing so fiercely that it's the only thing that has to be wrong. It's as if they think their playing partners won't "pause" whatever "game" they're playing. I suppose it's cute how they think the world will end if they don't get to finish whatever it is they're playing. Maybe we all need to be more like that? Wait, never mind....post-baby bladder would be VERY unforgiving.
7. Something was wrong with Wee One AGAIN at the end of last week. He had a cough (again) and had a fever (again). He had to leave daycare early on Thursday (again). It's getting really tiresome and the only thing I can keep thinking isn't very nice - he's catching it from SOMEONE and we're all fine here at the house, which means he's getting it from the kids at school. Why are THEY still there? Why don't THEY break out with fever? Why are they allowed in to get my child sick? Grrrrr. So now he's on yet another antibiotic round as well as the pre-stages of breathing treatments for asthma. It's only a matter of time....wait. I started this mumble out as a thank you to my sister who came and stayed with him on Friday. Whoops. Thanks, Anners!!
8. Wee One is sitting on a large couch pillow on the floor. He's watching T.O. and 11 year old play the Wii. And he actually looks interested. Sad. All the boys are growing up. They won't be needing me anymore. At least I'll have blogging. And my camera. They can't escape the camera.
9. Hubs has to work today. Did I mention that? Yes? Okay. But did I mention that I think he's excited about it? Or at least about the fact that he doesn't have to go to the cemetery with us? He's not a big fan of Memorial Day. Not what it stands for, but the cemetery part. So we go for him.
10. I was the featured follower on Momedy on Friday. If you don't already read her, you need to. I think she's sweet and hilarious and she writes these poems to her family and friends that are fabulous. K, are they poems or should I give them a more proper name? Are they a specific type of poem? I don't want to dismiss the technical side of your writing. It's too fabulous. :)
Happy Memorial Day!
1. I am sitting at the kitchen table, looking around at the men in the house. Hubs has left for work, and I am here with the three boys. 11 year old is sitting here in a white tee shirt. T.O. is sitting here in a white tank top. I am in a white tank top. The black sheep of the family, grumpy little Wee One, is in a black tee shirt. It's so fitting.
2. I really do not understand why it has to rain or have a chance of showers during every Memorial Day. It's baffling, really. Is it a sign?
3. Yesterday during the early evening, we caught the ice cream truck. THAT felt like summer, and I loved it. And for the record, I had a cherry bomb pop Jr.
4. Saturday evening we went to my cousin's college graduation party. It was in the upstairs of a local bar. They also serve food until a certain time, and my aunt had them make pizzas for the party. Just a few minutes ago, T.O. "reminded" me of something that happened that evening and prefaced his story with "remember at the pizza place....". I LOVE that he doesn't even realize we had him in a drinking establishment for 4 1/2 hours. So innocent. And too soon he'll be going there for the drinking. (He doesn't have a choice where he's going to college...don't you know that? Unless he gets a rockin' scholarship, then we'll consider it.)
5. I don't think there is anything more pleasing than when young people (we're speaking high school or college aged people) have their heads on straight. It's hopeful to know that some have the priorities in line. I saw this in Hubs' cousin yesterday when we went and congratulated him on his high school graduation.
6. Why are boys SO unwilling to use the restroom until they're about to pee on themselves? 11 year old has been doing this since he was.....well, forever. And there are times when T.O. is dancing so fiercely that it's the only thing that has to be wrong. It's as if they think their playing partners won't "pause" whatever "game" they're playing. I suppose it's cute how they think the world will end if they don't get to finish whatever it is they're playing. Maybe we all need to be more like that? Wait, never mind....post-baby bladder would be VERY unforgiving.
7. Something was wrong with Wee One AGAIN at the end of last week. He had a cough (again) and had a fever (again). He had to leave daycare early on Thursday (again). It's getting really tiresome and the only thing I can keep thinking isn't very nice - he's catching it from SOMEONE and we're all fine here at the house, which means he's getting it from the kids at school. Why are THEY still there? Why don't THEY break out with fever? Why are they allowed in to get my child sick? Grrrrr. So now he's on yet another antibiotic round as well as the pre-stages of breathing treatments for asthma. It's only a matter of time....wait. I started this mumble out as a thank you to my sister who came and stayed with him on Friday. Whoops. Thanks, Anners!!
8. Wee One is sitting on a large couch pillow on the floor. He's watching T.O. and 11 year old play the Wii. And he actually looks interested. Sad. All the boys are growing up. They won't be needing me anymore. At least I'll have blogging. And my camera. They can't escape the camera.
9. Hubs has to work today. Did I mention that? Yes? Okay. But did I mention that I think he's excited about it? Or at least about the fact that he doesn't have to go to the cemetery with us? He's not a big fan of Memorial Day. Not what it stands for, but the cemetery part. So we go for him.
10. I was the featured follower on Momedy on Friday. If you don't already read her, you need to. I think she's sweet and hilarious and she writes these poems to her family and friends that are fabulous. K, are they poems or should I give them a more proper name? Are they a specific type of poem? I don't want to dismiss the technical side of your writing. It's too fabulous. :)
Happy Memorial Day!
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Blog Hopping Features
I am spending a portion of the weekend indoors, blog hopping. I try and read each of my followers as faithfully as I can, and sometimes, when you're slow to post, I have extra time to hop around Blogland. Here are some good ones I found and thought you might be interested in as well.
1. Strip Tease
The way this blogger wrote this post is humorous and entertaining. I was giggling at the end, even with her **disclaimer. Thought it was a great way to start off my long weekend.
2. Hair Clips
I really wish these would have been around when I was young. Maybe then I wouldn't have had to get my hair chopped off because I didn't take care of it and it was always in a ponytail. Okay, okay...it still would have gotten chopped off, but maybe into a cuter 'do that wouldn't have had people wondering....boy or girl?
3. Fragments
I know quite a few of you do the Friday Fragments, which I consider to be a similar style to my Monday Mumbles. I love fragmented posts, random thoughts...it's a real glimpse into a person. On my blog hopping, I came across this gal, whose fragments I found especially interesting. I plan to properly stalk/follow her now.
1. Strip Tease
The way this blogger wrote this post is humorous and entertaining. I was giggling at the end, even with her **disclaimer. Thought it was a great way to start off my long weekend.
2. Hair Clips
I really wish these would have been around when I was young. Maybe then I wouldn't have had to get my hair chopped off because I didn't take care of it and it was always in a ponytail. Okay, okay...it still would have gotten chopped off, but maybe into a cuter 'do that wouldn't have had people wondering....boy or girl?
3. Fragments
I know quite a few of you do the Friday Fragments, which I consider to be a similar style to my Monday Mumbles. I love fragmented posts, random thoughts...it's a real glimpse into a person. On my blog hopping, I came across this gal, whose fragments I found especially interesting. I plan to properly stalk/follow her now.
4. I Love Lucy
Here is a gal who has a Fab Five with "I Love Lucy" videos. Who doesn't want to see any good comedy? Go sit and enjoy a few scenes to get your weekend started right. Or your week, depending on when you're here to read this.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Meandering in Goodness
When you're in a hospital with a small child, chances are the child will sleep a lot. Chances are you won't. And chances are, you'll end up watching TV.
In the particular hospital Wee One visited, the television bedmotes have one button: "TV". This one button changes the channel UP. You can only go up, so don't channel cruise too quickly and pass by something you might like. You'll have to go all the way to the top channel, another click turns the TV off, the next click turns it back on, and then click until you get back to what you wanted. I had already learned this lesson when we stayed there with T.O., so I was equipped with a slow finger.
At one particular point, I found myself on a channel with a man preaching his ministry beliefs. I will refrain from stating who he was so that anyone who might have preconceived notions about HIM can stay focused on ME. Okay, not me, but what I have to say about what HE said. Stay with me here.
In very short summation, here is the large problem I have with religion. Those who are devout, who preach, who teach, who attend, who praise God, who pray...many of these people confuse me. They speak as if they understand they aren't the highest being, the highest judge, the all-knowing, but they often criticize, hate, and perpetuate divisions among others and themselves. It seems as if they place themselves above others because they believe they have God on their side, they judge what others do because they believe they have God on their side. They brush aside their own sins of criticism and hate and judgment because they believe they're already forgiven and hey, after all, they're "simply human". They will err. God knows this and therefore they're "okay".
I don't think it's okay to always say "we're human and we err and we simply have to ask for forgiveness". I GET it...but I don't think it's always okay. To ME, it's as if they are allowing themselves to sin BECAUSE they think they're already forgiven, and therefore sin is expected and so sin they shall. To make mistakes and realize that they were wrong afterward is something completely different than....say.....knowing you shouldn't gossip and judge others but do it anyway because participating in conversation is better than being left out.
This particular man I listened to spoke about being a good witness for God. He spoke about how only praying for love and goodness for those around them isn't being a good witness. Bringing these people goodness and love, however, IS being a good witness of and for God. He believes the good is already here on Earth and praying should consist of being thankful instead of greedy. The goodness lies in all of us and what we do for one another. It lies in what God has given us on Earth.
This is what stuck with me because of my personal hang-ups with religion and living in a Godly way. This man on TV was actually preaching something I understood. DOING GOOD because the good is in US. It's not going to come to my neighbors because I beg God for it. It won't come to my children because I beg God for it. I must realize that the goodness is all around us, be thankful, and try and figure out how to bring the goodness out in others. The more often I do that, the more often I will see it return.
I have never been able to sit and pray and ask for things anyway....I feel awkward and unworthy of simply asking for things I don't know if I am even deserving. So instead, it makes more sense to me to DO GOOD. Be a server of good, of love, of sharing and trust. I haven't yet figured out what type of relationship I have with religion, what I believe about a higher being, but I do believe in GOOD. I believe it should be practiced. And I do believe that no one on this Earth is worthy of judging another. I acknowledge by my statements above regarding religious zealots that I have judged them. I try everyday to refrain from judging and to ask questions instead. I have found that this test was placed in front of me by working with my friend here, the Catholic lady. I have found that this test was also placed in front me by living next door to a wonderful elderly man who has invited us to his church. He is a Jehovah's witness. I am tested by faithful, God-loving family and beautiful, God-questioning family.
This man also spoke about those who don't feel worthy of having a relationship of forgiveness with God. They don't believe that they will be forgiven, that their sins are too great, that they haven't lived a life that should receive ultimate judgment. I am often this person. For those who understand where religion falls in their life, you are lucky. You've grown up or grown into a feeling of something powerful, sturdy, calming. You feel, no matter the turns in life, you have something to fall back into, a God, a love, that others do not. People who do NOT grow up learning that a Mighty creator put this world here for us, placed us here, and watches over us everyday, struggle to understand the peace that comes with belief. They struggle to believe, period. I have found it very difficult to bridge these two types of people.
The one thing I do know is GOOD can bridge them. I didn't grow up speaking as if a higher power ruled these lands, ruled me, aided me in my daily path. I still don't. I don't know what I believe. But a man who does believe in all those things teaches of doing good and being a witness of love. THIS I understand. This man teaches that we're all given dirty vessels to fill with LIFE, we're all susceptible to sin, but that we can figure out who we are, what goodness God has given us, be thankful, and then go forward and ACT in goodness.
Disclaimer: I have spoken with a few of my blogfriends about religion and in no way do I feel that you have judged me, berated me, acted superior toward me. I have found nothing but honest, good people to speak about religion with in this big blogland. And I want to thank you. :)
In the particular hospital Wee One visited, the television bedmotes have one button: "TV". This one button changes the channel UP. You can only go up, so don't channel cruise too quickly and pass by something you might like. You'll have to go all the way to the top channel, another click turns the TV off, the next click turns it back on, and then click until you get back to what you wanted. I had already learned this lesson when we stayed there with T.O., so I was equipped with a slow finger.
At one particular point, I found myself on a channel with a man preaching his ministry beliefs. I will refrain from stating who he was so that anyone who might have preconceived notions about HIM can stay focused on ME. Okay, not me, but what I have to say about what HE said. Stay with me here.
In very short summation, here is the large problem I have with religion. Those who are devout, who preach, who teach, who attend, who praise God, who pray...many of these people confuse me. They speak as if they understand they aren't the highest being, the highest judge, the all-knowing, but they often criticize, hate, and perpetuate divisions among others and themselves. It seems as if they place themselves above others because they believe they have God on their side, they judge what others do because they believe they have God on their side. They brush aside their own sins of criticism and hate and judgment because they believe they're already forgiven and hey, after all, they're "simply human". They will err. God knows this and therefore they're "okay".
I don't think it's okay to always say "we're human and we err and we simply have to ask for forgiveness". I GET it...but I don't think it's always okay. To ME, it's as if they are allowing themselves to sin BECAUSE they think they're already forgiven, and therefore sin is expected and so sin they shall. To make mistakes and realize that they were wrong afterward is something completely different than....say.....knowing you shouldn't gossip and judge others but do it anyway because participating in conversation is better than being left out.
This particular man I listened to spoke about being a good witness for God. He spoke about how only praying for love and goodness for those around them isn't being a good witness. Bringing these people goodness and love, however, IS being a good witness of and for God. He believes the good is already here on Earth and praying should consist of being thankful instead of greedy. The goodness lies in all of us and what we do for one another. It lies in what God has given us on Earth.
This is what stuck with me because of my personal hang-ups with religion and living in a Godly way. This man on TV was actually preaching something I understood. DOING GOOD because the good is in US. It's not going to come to my neighbors because I beg God for it. It won't come to my children because I beg God for it. I must realize that the goodness is all around us, be thankful, and try and figure out how to bring the goodness out in others. The more often I do that, the more often I will see it return.
I have never been able to sit and pray and ask for things anyway....I feel awkward and unworthy of simply asking for things I don't know if I am even deserving. So instead, it makes more sense to me to DO GOOD. Be a server of good, of love, of sharing and trust. I haven't yet figured out what type of relationship I have with religion, what I believe about a higher being, but I do believe in GOOD. I believe it should be practiced. And I do believe that no one on this Earth is worthy of judging another. I acknowledge by my statements above regarding religious zealots that I have judged them. I try everyday to refrain from judging and to ask questions instead. I have found that this test was placed in front of me by working with my friend here, the Catholic lady. I have found that this test was also placed in front me by living next door to a wonderful elderly man who has invited us to his church. He is a Jehovah's witness. I am tested by faithful, God-loving family and beautiful, God-questioning family.
This man also spoke about those who don't feel worthy of having a relationship of forgiveness with God. They don't believe that they will be forgiven, that their sins are too great, that they haven't lived a life that should receive ultimate judgment. I am often this person. For those who understand where religion falls in their life, you are lucky. You've grown up or grown into a feeling of something powerful, sturdy, calming. You feel, no matter the turns in life, you have something to fall back into, a God, a love, that others do not. People who do NOT grow up learning that a Mighty creator put this world here for us, placed us here, and watches over us everyday, struggle to understand the peace that comes with belief. They struggle to believe, period. I have found it very difficult to bridge these two types of people.
The one thing I do know is GOOD can bridge them. I didn't grow up speaking as if a higher power ruled these lands, ruled me, aided me in my daily path. I still don't. I don't know what I believe. But a man who does believe in all those things teaches of doing good and being a witness of love. THIS I understand. This man teaches that we're all given dirty vessels to fill with LIFE, we're all susceptible to sin, but that we can figure out who we are, what goodness God has given us, be thankful, and then go forward and ACT in goodness.
Disclaimer: I have spoken with a few of my blogfriends about religion and in no way do I feel that you have judged me, berated me, acted superior toward me. I have found nothing but honest, good people to speak about religion with in this big blogland. And I want to thank you. :)
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Did You Just Hear That...?
One vehicle is for driving 12+ miles to work...the other is for...
...pleasure?
Nope.
Didn't hear a thing. Neither did the insurance. I don't even know if anyone SAID THAT.....
I love good working relationships. And I love my new car.
...pleasure?
Nope.
Didn't hear a thing. Neither did the insurance. I don't even know if anyone SAID THAT.....
I love good working relationships. And I love my new car.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Comment Consideration
Okay, I planned on doing this tomorrow, but I couldn't wait. My lovely cousin "Mommy" spurred this occasion. As the regular readers know, I like to get conversation flowing, or at least be able to respond to your responses. Here are a few to highlight, the first being the one that spurred "Comment Consideration" on the same day as the Mumbles.
1. Mommy said...
I was talking at a graduation party with some relatives about blogging. They were saying that things like Facebook and blogs are for people that have nothing better to do. Seriously?? Who doesn't spend time on the Internet? Oh yeah, people that are old, don't understand how to work a computer, and spend their time doing things like farming. Sorry to those farmers out there, but one of these people was my mother-in-law who does nothing but chase goats around all day and give shots to cows. She really needs to get a life, go out to eat, go on vacation, or see a movie once in a while. She ALWAYS has some farm thing to do, and doesn't have a life otherwise! She claims she "enjoys" it. Ha! Get a life...Sorry for my venting on this lovely Monday.
I am STILL laughing. Chasing goats all day....the visual is fantastic!! The socializing that comes along with internet use is definitely a newer age thing, the older folks are slower to catch on, for certain. I do categorize Hubs in "the older folks", by the way. ;)
2. Dorkys Ramos said...
Well I think that it would be completely unfair to T.O.'s artistic abilities to not send those pictures to your pen pal. But if you choose not to, then I'm sure that pen pal would demand that you frame them all and hang them up all over your house. T.O. deserves no less.
The package is coming together, slowly. I think I've finally arrived back to semi-normal and can get some things accomplished this week. :) "Said pen pal" should receive some pictures late this week, hopefully.
3. ChicagoLady said...
I just love getting new cars. And it's ok, you can call it a car. We won't mind.
Thank you for the OK. :) I love that you told me you won't mind....it feels like family around here.
4. mo.stoneskin said...
"The energy of 6 bunnies newly wedded"What a brilliant line.
Why thank you. You just wait. I think yours is still too young??? for you to completely understand. I look forward to your stories.
5. Rocksee said...
Hey there, visiting from SITS, you have a great blog!! GO HAWKS! (kansas girl!)Was hoping you would visit my site. I am hosting a giveaway to help flood victims of Eagle Alaska. The more comments I get and new followers I get the more money I am donating to the victims! Stop by and help! :)
I always love seeing Jayhawk fans around the blogland. I want you to know I did stop by, but you'd already posted the amount you were donating, so I assume I was too late. :( I will be by to visit going forward. Just wanted to let you know....
6. Heather of the EO said...
So much fun!!! Love the pics. You're so stinking cute. Oh, and so is the kid :)
I love you. You're the best. LOL To tell me I'm cute with a hat on, and my tongue out...you're something special.
7. Woman Interrupted said...
Cute!So I take it you don't let too many of your co-workers (or ex coworkers) in on your blog addition.
I take this to mean "addiction" and I respond....how DARE YOU accuse me of having an addiction!!! *scratching my palms*
1. Mommy said...
I was talking at a graduation party with some relatives about blogging. They were saying that things like Facebook and blogs are for people that have nothing better to do. Seriously?? Who doesn't spend time on the Internet? Oh yeah, people that are old, don't understand how to work a computer, and spend their time doing things like farming. Sorry to those farmers out there, but one of these people was my mother-in-law who does nothing but chase goats around all day and give shots to cows. She really needs to get a life, go out to eat, go on vacation, or see a movie once in a while. She ALWAYS has some farm thing to do, and doesn't have a life otherwise! She claims she "enjoys" it. Ha! Get a life...Sorry for my venting on this lovely Monday.
I am STILL laughing. Chasing goats all day....the visual is fantastic!! The socializing that comes along with internet use is definitely a newer age thing, the older folks are slower to catch on, for certain. I do categorize Hubs in "the older folks", by the way. ;)
2. Dorkys Ramos said...
Well I think that it would be completely unfair to T.O.'s artistic abilities to not send those pictures to your pen pal. But if you choose not to, then I'm sure that pen pal would demand that you frame them all and hang them up all over your house. T.O. deserves no less.
The package is coming together, slowly. I think I've finally arrived back to semi-normal and can get some things accomplished this week. :) "Said pen pal" should receive some pictures late this week, hopefully.
3. ChicagoLady said...
I just love getting new cars. And it's ok, you can call it a car. We won't mind.
Thank you for the OK. :) I love that you told me you won't mind....it feels like family around here.
4. mo.stoneskin said...
"The energy of 6 bunnies newly wedded"What a brilliant line.
Why thank you. You just wait. I think yours is still too young??? for you to completely understand. I look forward to your stories.
5. Rocksee said...
Hey there, visiting from SITS, you have a great blog!! GO HAWKS! (kansas girl!)Was hoping you would visit my site. I am hosting a giveaway to help flood victims of Eagle Alaska. The more comments I get and new followers I get the more money I am donating to the victims! Stop by and help! :)
I always love seeing Jayhawk fans around the blogland. I want you to know I did stop by, but you'd already posted the amount you were donating, so I assume I was too late. :( I will be by to visit going forward. Just wanted to let you know....
6. Heather of the EO said...
So much fun!!! Love the pics. You're so stinking cute. Oh, and so is the kid :)
I love you. You're the best. LOL To tell me I'm cute with a hat on, and my tongue out...you're something special.
7. Woman Interrupted said...
Cute!So I take it you don't let too many of your co-workers (or ex coworkers) in on your blog addition.
I take this to mean "addiction" and I respond....how DARE YOU accuse me of having an addiction!!! *scratching my palms*
Monday Mumbles
Ten random things that I am thinking about on this beautiful Monday morning. The sun is shining, and we are finally expecting 80 degrees this week. These things are random, by the way.
1. I am not a HUGE fan of being bothered as soon as I step in or out of a place. The security gentleman who mans my particular parking garage STARES at me until I finally escape my vehicle and head toward the sidewalk. Stares. I am trying to either put on my mascara, gather my purse, reach for shoes or change shoes, maybe put on deodorant....and he still stares. He's a nice elderly man, but seriously. Bill? Can you stop staring?
2. Wee One was anti-social to begin his short life. He didn't like a crowd, he didn't like a lot of other kids around. Understandably, he was home with his anti-social Daddy. But at daycare now? He actually still cries if I drop him off and there are only one or two children around. Today and one day last week there were at least four or five, and he was FINE. This made me very happy. Wee One is adapting.
3. Yesterday, I allowed T.O. and Wee One to play outside for hours. Barefoot. They loved it. Babies are like their mama.
4. We finally had the entire family in the new vehicle this weekend. We allowed 11 year old to take the entire third row for himself and he loved it. I do believe that T.O. will join him back there more often than not, though. They kept trying to play together over T.O.'s shoulder.
5. Yesterday, I almost got sucked into a tv marathon of America's Next Top Model. And the only reason I say "almost" is because I couldn't stay awake to watch it until the end. What type of drug do those shows give off that sucks us in?
6. Hubs and his friend are anti-internet socializing. They don't have facebook pages, they don't blog, they barely email. But yesterday I "friended" the wife of my Hubs' friend and browsed her pictures. We weren't able to go to their son's 2nd birthday party because Wee One had his first birthday. Their birthdays fall on the 11th and 12th of April. This probably means trouble for us as they get older, but I digress. Amongst the pictures of his party was Hubs' friend...in this silly hat, cheesing away. They may not have their OWN pages on the net, but they're certainly ON THE NET. I showed Hubs and he called to razz him.
7. My best girlfriend called me Friday. I hadn't left work yet, so I let the call go to voicemail. She ALWAYS leaves a voicemail. But she didn't. And then she called back immediately. I was wondering if something was wrong, so I answered. I indeed thought something was wrong, it sounded as if she were sobbing hysterically. And then I realized....no...she's not...sobbing?....she's....laughing? Giggling? Manically. She.Was.Drunk. At 4:30 on a Friday afternoon. I didn't realize she wasn't at work that day, but instead at the lake with her boyfriend. Drunk. She has a habit of drunk dialing me. I love it. :)
8. Because T.O. has the peanut allergy, we don't keep nuts or peanut butter in the house. But right now? At work? I'm eating PB off a fork at my desk. LOVE the stuff.
9. Why do people NOT understand the difference between Jessica and Jennifer? I don't get it. I tell you my name is one, but you call me the other. Unfortunately, I now have a dislike for all women and girls with the "other" name. I can't stand it. I don't know of anyone who calls a John "Joe". Or Mike "Mark". GET THE NAME RIGHT. I've only been working here (and told you my name multiple times) since JULY!!!!!!!!!!
10. Phew. I feel better getting that off my chest. Anything you need to shed before you get your week underway? Feel free to vent. Happy Monday!
1. I am not a HUGE fan of being bothered as soon as I step in or out of a place. The security gentleman who mans my particular parking garage STARES at me until I finally escape my vehicle and head toward the sidewalk. Stares. I am trying to either put on my mascara, gather my purse, reach for shoes or change shoes, maybe put on deodorant....and he still stares. He's a nice elderly man, but seriously. Bill? Can you stop staring?
2. Wee One was anti-social to begin his short life. He didn't like a crowd, he didn't like a lot of other kids around. Understandably, he was home with his anti-social Daddy. But at daycare now? He actually still cries if I drop him off and there are only one or two children around. Today and one day last week there were at least four or five, and he was FINE. This made me very happy. Wee One is adapting.
3. Yesterday, I allowed T.O. and Wee One to play outside for hours. Barefoot. They loved it. Babies are like their mama.
4. We finally had the entire family in the new vehicle this weekend. We allowed 11 year old to take the entire third row for himself and he loved it. I do believe that T.O. will join him back there more often than not, though. They kept trying to play together over T.O.'s shoulder.
5. Yesterday, I almost got sucked into a tv marathon of America's Next Top Model. And the only reason I say "almost" is because I couldn't stay awake to watch it until the end. What type of drug do those shows give off that sucks us in?
6. Hubs and his friend are anti-internet socializing. They don't have facebook pages, they don't blog, they barely email. But yesterday I "friended" the wife of my Hubs' friend and browsed her pictures. We weren't able to go to their son's 2nd birthday party because Wee One had his first birthday. Their birthdays fall on the 11th and 12th of April. This probably means trouble for us as they get older, but I digress. Amongst the pictures of his party was Hubs' friend...in this silly hat, cheesing away. They may not have their OWN pages on the net, but they're certainly ON THE NET. I showed Hubs and he called to razz him.
7. My best girlfriend called me Friday. I hadn't left work yet, so I let the call go to voicemail. She ALWAYS leaves a voicemail. But she didn't. And then she called back immediately. I was wondering if something was wrong, so I answered. I indeed thought something was wrong, it sounded as if she were sobbing hysterically. And then I realized....no...she's not...sobbing?....she's....laughing? Giggling? Manically. She.Was.Drunk. At 4:30 on a Friday afternoon. I didn't realize she wasn't at work that day, but instead at the lake with her boyfriend. Drunk. She has a habit of drunk dialing me. I love it. :)
8. Because T.O. has the peanut allergy, we don't keep nuts or peanut butter in the house. But right now? At work? I'm eating PB off a fork at my desk. LOVE the stuff.
9. Why do people NOT understand the difference between Jessica and Jennifer? I don't get it. I tell you my name is one, but you call me the other. Unfortunately, I now have a dislike for all women and girls with the "other" name. I can't stand it. I don't know of anyone who calls a John "Joe". Or Mike "Mark". GET THE NAME RIGHT. I've only been working here (and told you my name multiple times) since JULY!!!!!!!!!!
10. Phew. I feel better getting that off my chest. Anything you need to shed before you get your week underway? Feel free to vent. Happy Monday!
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Off to Comment
FINALLY....a full day here at home and I plan on using it wisely. Visiting my blogfriends and saying hello. :) Toodles!
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Off to a Funeral and a Celebration
It seems that, no matter what, the timing of a funeral in our lives is always complimented with a celebration. Today we are going to the funeral of Hubs' great grandmother's sister. His great grandmother raised him, and he frequently spent time with her sister. The stories I've heard from him are terrific and make me wish I was around back then to experience some of the good times they had.
After the funeral, we have the graduation celebration of a cousin of mine. She's getting her doctorate in physical therapy. Yea! A doctor in the family (and he's got a doctor to be in his group of friends) who can diagnose every ailment that Hubs gets. And as you all know by now...I don't have the patience or sympathy to pretend to listen, so we've got family now. Good work, cuz.
Did I ever tell you the story about our wedding? That celebration was also paired with a funeral, a very bittersweet moment for Hubs and our family. I'll share that story with you soon.
In the meantime, please enjoy your Saturday. I will TRY and enjoy mine....but you know, three kids, a limping Hubby....a funeral and a graduation party spread from 10am to 10pm....hmmm. Wish me luck.
After the funeral, we have the graduation celebration of a cousin of mine. She's getting her doctorate in physical therapy. Yea! A doctor in the family (and he's got a doctor to be in his group of friends) who can diagnose every ailment that Hubs gets. And as you all know by now...I don't have the patience or sympathy to pretend to listen, so we've got family now. Good work, cuz.
Did I ever tell you the story about our wedding? That celebration was also paired with a funeral, a very bittersweet moment for Hubs and our family. I'll share that story with you soon.
In the meantime, please enjoy your Saturday. I will TRY and enjoy mine....but you know, three kids, a limping Hubby....a funeral and a graduation party spread from 10am to 10pm....hmmm. Wish me luck.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Absent
Not absent-minded...just absent. I apologize. Just busy doing something important. I'll be reporting back to blogging "norm" and commenting norm on Friday. Possibly as early as Thursday. I hope all is well with you, and I hope all is well with me. Until then....
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................................(I still love my new car.)
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................................(I still love my new car.)
Monday, May 11, 2009
Monday Mumbles
Ten random things I've been thinking about at the start of the work week. They're in no particular order, as always.
1. I love driving my new car. I've always called SUVs cars, so forgive me if this is a pet peeve of yours. I prefer the one syllable to three. I'm lazy like that.
2. Wee One has become an eating machine. He's put down so much food this weekend, I fear he'll be eating us out of house and home. He ate more lasagna than I did, more than his brother did, and about the same amount that his father did. AND HE WAS STILL HUNGRY. I know he poohed a lot last week, but come on, kid!
3. I had a "moment" this morning where I realized that T.O. was going to be my hugger boy, always ready and willing to give his mama kisses and hugs. Wee One will be my high-five boy. He loves hugging his daddy, and he will give them to me, too, but he prefers daddy hugs. I tell myself it's because daddy is squishier. But he DOES give me kisses.
4. I don't typically have too many hang-ups with the fact that Hubs had a "life" before me that resulted in 11 year old. I'm fairly relaxed with an attitude of "life happens and you were grown before we met...". I get it. But can I tell you....how HAPPY...I WAS....to see 11 year old's mother's name on her new medical insurance card for him that printed her new last name?? She no longer has Hubs' last name and I giggled at the sight.
5. I was rummaging around and organizing some closet space last night and picked out two things that will go in the give-away. They're left over guest gifts from my wedding. How excited are YOU? :) One is a mixed CD of songs that we played during our reception and the other is a cardstock paper bookmark with a printed poem on it. More to come.
6. I had the weirdest dreams last night. First, I dreamt that Hubs left for work first, and took my new car! I was MAD. Second, I dreamt that someone left me a message/comment here on my blog that stated, "Why are you dragging this out so long? It's just a crummy give away. Get it over with already and stop talking about it!" I felt so sad when I woke up.
7. I'm starving. I need to go get lunch. But I keep sitting here. I wonder why. Oh, that's right. see #1. I'm lazy.
8. I have a pen pal. The pen pal graciously sent T.O. some books. T.O. wanted to draw and send her a picture (note the singular form, please) in return. So he drew one. But I didn't get anything ready to send to her in time, so now....? We have a pile of like....25 pictures he's drawn for her. And they ARE for her. They aren't just for "anyone". He likes to notate "to and from" on his drawings, and they're all to her. I'll get something mailed out soon, promise. But we'll only choose one or two drawings, sorry.
9. Ever since I had Wee One, my face has been broken out on my cheeks. Some of it looks like Rosacea, some is just plain breakout. I hate it. It bothers me. It's not a huge problem that would cause anyone to stare at me, certainly, but I notice it. I was fortunate enough to make it through all of high school and college with NO acne, so this is annoying now that I'm31 older. I finally tried and feel some success with Clean & Clear deep cleansing cream. I've tried other products, but C&C is finally working some. I have hope.
10. I spent mother's day shopping (alone) for car seats, diapers, and food. I took my "old" car which is now Hubs' "new" car to get an oil change. I put the new seats in my "old" car. I did a load of laundry. I kissed my boys repeatedly. Sounds like a typical day to me. I hope you all had a great celebration of your mother, for yourselves, and for your friends. People may not like Hallmark Holidays, but me personally? I find no reason to buck it just because it brings some joy to an otherwise dull Sunday. The humdrum everyday gets in the way of stopping and celebrating random joys....find a random joy to celebrate today. Happy Monday.
1. I love driving my new car. I've always called SUVs cars, so forgive me if this is a pet peeve of yours. I prefer the one syllable to three. I'm lazy like that.
2. Wee One has become an eating machine. He's put down so much food this weekend, I fear he'll be eating us out of house and home. He ate more lasagna than I did, more than his brother did, and about the same amount that his father did. AND HE WAS STILL HUNGRY. I know he poohed a lot last week, but come on, kid!
3. I had a "moment" this morning where I realized that T.O. was going to be my hugger boy, always ready and willing to give his mama kisses and hugs. Wee One will be my high-five boy. He loves hugging his daddy, and he will give them to me, too, but he prefers daddy hugs. I tell myself it's because daddy is squishier. But he DOES give me kisses.
4. I don't typically have too many hang-ups with the fact that Hubs had a "life" before me that resulted in 11 year old. I'm fairly relaxed with an attitude of "life happens and you were grown before we met...". I get it. But can I tell you....how HAPPY...I WAS....to see 11 year old's mother's name on her new medical insurance card for him that printed her new last name?? She no longer has Hubs' last name and I giggled at the sight.
5. I was rummaging around and organizing some closet space last night and picked out two things that will go in the give-away. They're left over guest gifts from my wedding. How excited are YOU? :) One is a mixed CD of songs that we played during our reception and the other is a cardstock paper bookmark with a printed poem on it. More to come.
6. I had the weirdest dreams last night. First, I dreamt that Hubs left for work first, and took my new car! I was MAD. Second, I dreamt that someone left me a message/comment here on my blog that stated, "Why are you dragging this out so long? It's just a crummy give away. Get it over with already and stop talking about it!" I felt so sad when I woke up.
7. I'm starving. I need to go get lunch. But I keep sitting here. I wonder why. Oh, that's right. see #1. I'm lazy.
8. I have a pen pal. The pen pal graciously sent T.O. some books. T.O. wanted to draw and send her a picture (note the singular form, please) in return. So he drew one. But I didn't get anything ready to send to her in time, so now....? We have a pile of like....25 pictures he's drawn for her. And they ARE for her. They aren't just for "anyone". He likes to notate "to and from" on his drawings, and they're all to her. I'll get something mailed out soon, promise. But we'll only choose one or two drawings, sorry.
9. Ever since I had Wee One, my face has been broken out on my cheeks. Some of it looks like Rosacea, some is just plain breakout. I hate it. It bothers me. It's not a huge problem that would cause anyone to stare at me, certainly, but I notice it. I was fortunate enough to make it through all of high school and college with NO acne, so this is annoying now that I'm
10. I spent mother's day shopping (alone) for car seats, diapers, and food. I took my "old" car which is now Hubs' "new" car to get an oil change. I put the new seats in my "old" car. I did a load of laundry. I kissed my boys repeatedly. Sounds like a typical day to me. I hope you all had a great celebration of your mother, for yourselves, and for your friends. People may not like Hallmark Holidays, but me personally? I find no reason to buck it just because it brings some joy to an otherwise dull Sunday. The humdrum everyday gets in the way of stopping and celebrating random joys....find a random joy to celebrate today. Happy Monday.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
We Did It!!!
I have my new car!!! My Honda Pilot to be exact. Happy Mother's Day to Meeeeeeeee!! :) I am so excited. Not about the gas, car payment, insurance bump, or sales tax. No, not about any of that. But I AM excited that we have room....room for the boys. Aahhh, and yes, it is the car I've had my eye on for a few years now. I'm actually very impressed with my restraint, friends.
I have to go to Walgreens, the drug store (plus more) sometime today. I do believe I'm going to find my gift give away from there. No, seriously. I am. I am going to try and get some useful stuff for you. I will also try and get to this one store that sells things reflective of my region of the U.S. I might have time in the middle of this week. Anything I get there will be a surprise in the gift package. I'm planning this out as I type, so I'll do my best to execute it as closely to this plan as I can. In the meantime.....
HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Compassion Lacker
That's me. I'm a compassion lacker slacker.
Hubs hurt his knee, as you know, back on Sunday. I can't seem to feel any sort of "sorry" for him, and this worries me. Seriously? Nothing. Not even an "ouch, that must hurt." I see the limp, I see the grimace on his face, and I even think I see the swelling (okay, it's swollen), but NOTHING registers.
I am worried.
I also think maybe it's because I am having sensory overload. Worry overload. How much more can I handle overload.
Wee One has exhausted me, T.O. has the energy of 6 bunnies newly wedded, and 11 year old's teacher keeps trying to set up an appointment to go over whatever it is they need to go over for junior high school next year. The refrigerator is empty, I spent 2 days in a hospital and one at home changing diapers every 30-60 minutes, the laundry is starting to pile up again, the living room is a mess, my car needs an oil change, Hubs' car is falling apart, and I can't seem to be able to eat dinner until 10pm.
So the knee? It's really, really far back on my list of priorities. On Monday, he tried to be valiant and helpful, hobbled to the grocery store and then to the drug store on two separate trips. I appreciated that and asked him to come in and sit down after that. He did.
And then there is the insurance situation we're dealing with. Hubs decided, while at a stop sign, to let off his brake thinking the moron girl in front of him was going to go when she had the chance, and when she didn't, he rolled into her bumper. SHE drives an SUV. HE drives a little four door family car. They were both turning right and she's claiming damage to her bumper and possible air bag issues. I wanted to jump through the phone and strangle her, but she's so helpless her father owns the car and carries the insurance and is handling the complaints. Hubs googled their address......just to see....Aholes live in a luxury spa hotel compared to our "barely better than a double-wide" get up. I hate aholes who just have to argue to argue. Bumper to bumper tap, get on with your day. This will come back to haunt them...I know it.
So as I was saying...?...oh, yes...the major issue with the bumper situation is that we wanted to get rid of Hubs' piece of crud family car and trade it in, but we had to wait for the insurance people to get pics and measurements and assess any damage to his that could have caused hers. AND Hubs is too hurt to walk around a car lot with me and decide on something.
So the knee? I can't. I honestly don't have the energy to feel sorry for him. I feel BAD about this, but I can't muster anything. I tried pretending to be compassionate on Sunday and a bit on Monday, but it's over. I have too much on my mind, too little in my stomach, and too many kids in this house. If he ends up needing surgery, I might have to do a drop-off and pick-up. No bedside manners for me, unfortunately.
Hubs hurt his knee, as you know, back on Sunday. I can't seem to feel any sort of "sorry" for him, and this worries me. Seriously? Nothing. Not even an "ouch, that must hurt." I see the limp, I see the grimace on his face, and I even think I see the swelling (okay, it's swollen), but NOTHING registers.
I am worried.
I also think maybe it's because I am having sensory overload. Worry overload. How much more can I handle overload.
Wee One has exhausted me, T.O. has the energy of 6 bunnies newly wedded, and 11 year old's teacher keeps trying to set up an appointment to go over whatever it is they need to go over for junior high school next year. The refrigerator is empty, I spent 2 days in a hospital and one at home changing diapers every 30-60 minutes, the laundry is starting to pile up again, the living room is a mess, my car needs an oil change, Hubs' car is falling apart, and I can't seem to be able to eat dinner until 10pm.
So the knee? It's really, really far back on my list of priorities. On Monday, he tried to be valiant and helpful, hobbled to the grocery store and then to the drug store on two separate trips. I appreciated that and asked him to come in and sit down after that. He did.
And then there is the insurance situation we're dealing with. Hubs decided, while at a stop sign, to let off his brake thinking the moron girl in front of him was going to go when she had the chance, and when she didn't, he rolled into her bumper. SHE drives an SUV. HE drives a little four door family car. They were both turning right and she's claiming damage to her bumper and possible air bag issues. I wanted to jump through the phone and strangle her, but she's so helpless her father owns the car and carries the insurance and is handling the complaints. Hubs googled their address......just to see....Aholes live in a luxury spa hotel compared to our "barely better than a double-wide" get up. I hate aholes who just have to argue to argue. Bumper to bumper tap, get on with your day. This will come back to haunt them...I know it.
So as I was saying...?...oh, yes...the major issue with the bumper situation is that we wanted to get rid of Hubs' piece of crud family car and trade it in, but we had to wait for the insurance people to get pics and measurements and assess any damage to his that could have caused hers. AND Hubs is too hurt to walk around a car lot with me and decide on something.
So the knee? I can't. I honestly don't have the energy to feel sorry for him. I feel BAD about this, but I can't muster anything. I tried pretending to be compassionate on Sunday and a bit on Monday, but it's over. I have too much on my mind, too little in my stomach, and too many kids in this house. If he ends up needing surgery, I might have to do a drop-off and pick-up. No bedside manners for me, unfortunately.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Slow to Return to Normal
I was hoping to get right on my trip recap and my give away, but things just don't work out the way we want, sometimes.
Monday night we had to take Wee One (translation: I took, Hubs stayed home with the older boys) to the urgent care at the children's hospital again. The diarrhea wasn't stopping a bit, just water gushing from his tiny bum. This time he was sufficiently dehydrated to get checked in. Long night short, we checked into the urgent care close to 1am, didn't get upstairs to a room as a patient until 5:30am, IV for fluids in his little hand. We stayed all day Tuesday and overnight. We were discharged just after lunch time today. He did so great there, high fiving all the nurses and doctors. I have pictures for you later.
Now I just have to figure out what to do with him tomorrow....stay at home with him or go to work and chance someone else watching him or him going to daycare? Decisions, decisions.
I hope you've all had a pleasant Hump Day. I'll be back to blogging "normal" soon I hope!
Monday night we had to take Wee One (translation: I took, Hubs stayed home with the older boys) to the urgent care at the children's hospital again. The diarrhea wasn't stopping a bit, just water gushing from his tiny bum. This time he was sufficiently dehydrated to get checked in. Long night short, we checked into the urgent care close to 1am, didn't get upstairs to a room as a patient until 5:30am, IV for fluids in his little hand. We stayed all day Tuesday and overnight. We were discharged just after lunch time today. He did so great there, high fiving all the nurses and doctors. I have pictures for you later.
Now I just have to figure out what to do with him tomorrow....stay at home with him or go to work and chance someone else watching him or him going to daycare? Decisions, decisions.
I hope you've all had a pleasant Hump Day. I'll be back to blogging "normal" soon I hope!
Monday, May 4, 2009
Monday Mumbles
Wow. I almost forgot about the mumbles. How sad. Here they are, though...delayed, but not forgotten. Ten random things I'm thinking about...in no particular order.
1. Diarrhea. Wee One has had water running out of his rear end since Saturday afternoon. He's taking Augmentin, or a generic form of it, and we're hoping that's what has hit him. I was too worried after two poohs this morning to take him to school or go to work, so off to the children's hospital urgent care we went. They said he's not terribly dehydrated, though, and he's been guzzling his milk all day long. They gave him a red slushy at the hospital and now his pooh is reddish orange. Makes it even better.
2. Florida. I want to go back. I know it might sound like I'm whining, but that's because I am. I am a huge, HUGE fan of sunshine and warm weather, and this drag-out season we've had of winter/spring is craptastic.
3. Hubs. We were playing kickball down at my dad's house yesterday and Hubs injured himself. He laid on the ground, rolled around and groaned, sure he tore his knee parts. We went ahead and stayed at my dad's and played while he iced his knee, (couldn't waste a perfectly fine 70 degree sunshiny day....see #1) and when we returned home he went ahead and visited urgent care. It was just a bad sprain with a possibly pulled hamstring. All in the name of being safe in kickball.
4. Lazy Boys. I am frustrated with 11 year old. When I returned from the hospital with Wee One, 11 year old left the house in the following condition: PJs on the couch, cereal bowl on a kid's table in the living room, candy wrappers all over the table as evidence that he ate them for breakfast, a dry toothbrush which means he didn't brush after eating the candy for breakfast, an unmade bed.....grrrrrrrrrrr. No more trust, he's gotten too lazy.
5. I have tried unsuccessfully to copy my pictures onto a disk. Disc? Hmmm. I never can remember. Anyhow, I don't know why it won't work, it's been frustrating me for two days now. I was trying to catch up on my copying and it worked for awhile, and then...POOP.
6. I just got back from vacation and I already need another? What in the world is wrong with me? I really need a job that I can come back to and be excited about. I am starting to feel pressure with my age to find what I love to do, and quickly, so I don't look back and resent all these hours away from the kids doing things I am indifferent about.
7. T.O. will be getting signed up for T-ball. I need to just go and DO IT. Or call it in. I keep procrastinating because I don't get by the place very often. At least you'll have something to look forward to there, though...blogfriends. And I'm not talking about cute t-ball pics. I'm talking about my grumblings regarding the parents whogab during the entire game participate in helping their children on the field like we're supposed to.
8. De-cluttering. My house needs it. ASAP. It feels like an exhausting project though....UGH. How do you even go about doing this, though, when you have age gaps between the kids and the toys keep getting used? And most of the toys are gifts so I hate throwing them away.
9. Give-away. It's coming. I swear to you. I just have to find the right gift. I have my eye on a couple of things....I just need to work in some alone time to go and handle the purchasing. It's hard to shop when you're worried a diaper is getting liquified five minutes after you've changed it.
10. A big THANKS to all of you readers and bloggers I read. You make this little "technical get-away" something I enjoy. I know this doesn't really fit with my mumbling/grumbling theme, but take it anyhow. You don't get these nice sentiments very often. Happy Monday.
1. Diarrhea. Wee One has had water running out of his rear end since Saturday afternoon. He's taking Augmentin, or a generic form of it, and we're hoping that's what has hit him. I was too worried after two poohs this morning to take him to school or go to work, so off to the children's hospital urgent care we went. They said he's not terribly dehydrated, though, and he's been guzzling his milk all day long. They gave him a red slushy at the hospital and now his pooh is reddish orange. Makes it even better.
2. Florida. I want to go back. I know it might sound like I'm whining, but that's because I am. I am a huge, HUGE fan of sunshine and warm weather, and this drag-out season we've had of winter/spring is craptastic.
3. Hubs. We were playing kickball down at my dad's house yesterday and Hubs injured himself. He laid on the ground, rolled around and groaned, sure he tore his knee parts. We went ahead and stayed at my dad's and played while he iced his knee, (couldn't waste a perfectly fine 70 degree sunshiny day....see #1) and when we returned home he went ahead and visited urgent care. It was just a bad sprain with a possibly pulled hamstring. All in the name of being safe in kickball.
4. Lazy Boys. I am frustrated with 11 year old. When I returned from the hospital with Wee One, 11 year old left the house in the following condition: PJs on the couch, cereal bowl on a kid's table in the living room, candy wrappers all over the table as evidence that he ate them for breakfast, a dry toothbrush which means he didn't brush after eating the candy for breakfast, an unmade bed.....grrrrrrrrrrr. No more trust, he's gotten too lazy.
5. I have tried unsuccessfully to copy my pictures onto a disk. Disc? Hmmm. I never can remember. Anyhow, I don't know why it won't work, it's been frustrating me for two days now. I was trying to catch up on my copying and it worked for awhile, and then...POOP.
6. I just got back from vacation and I already need another? What in the world is wrong with me? I really need a job that I can come back to and be excited about. I am starting to feel pressure with my age to find what I love to do, and quickly, so I don't look back and resent all these hours away from the kids doing things I am indifferent about.
7. T.O. will be getting signed up for T-ball. I need to just go and DO IT. Or call it in. I keep procrastinating because I don't get by the place very often. At least you'll have something to look forward to there, though...blogfriends. And I'm not talking about cute t-ball pics. I'm talking about my grumblings regarding the parents who
8. De-cluttering. My house needs it. ASAP. It feels like an exhausting project though....UGH. How do you even go about doing this, though, when you have age gaps between the kids and the toys keep getting used? And most of the toys are gifts so I hate throwing them away.
9. Give-away. It's coming. I swear to you. I just have to find the right gift. I have my eye on a couple of things....I just need to work in some alone time to go and handle the purchasing. It's hard to shop when you're worried a diaper is getting liquified five minutes after you've changed it.
10. A big THANKS to all of you readers and bloggers I read. You make this little "technical get-away" something I enjoy. I know this doesn't really fit with my mumbling/grumbling theme, but take it anyhow. You don't get these nice sentiments very often. Happy Monday.
Florida Recap
Suffice it to say - I want to move. I won't dwell on details of why, it'll be too sad for me. I love sunshine. Here is a recap of the trip in just ten pics. My attention span is short and therefore waiting for uploads isn't possible right now. Enjoy!
Annnnnnnd.....here we are on the tram from the Pluto parking lot headed to the gates of Magic Kingdom!!! Aren't we HOT in our shades? And KU hats?
I cannot recall which ride we were on when we decided to get silly. When your eyes are bugged out and your tongues are wagging, does it really matter?
Goofy was the only character we actually waited in line for. I figured we will attempt to get a photo op with all the others in subsequent visits.....because there WILL BE more visits. I can't bear to stay away from the sunshine for too long.
We stayed in a hotel in Orlando so that we could go to Downtown Disney the following day. Here T.O. is continuing the goofy act. He was so silly during the entire trip.
At the Lego store in Downtown Disney, T.O. participated in the "make a car and race it" table with his uncle. Their car won three out of three races, of course. (To be fair, T.O. had no part in making the car, only putting it on the starting line and picking it up at the finish line. Way to beat the 8 year olds, Uncle Jimmy.)
During our first full day in WPB, we went walking down at the beach. Here's my little hunk meister showing his stuff. HUGE, I tell ya.
He's all set for the 2 hours plus on the planes. If you can tell, we didn't get a window seat. His first flight and no window. What a terrible planner I am! Well, actually, his grandma did the booking, sooooo.....ha ha. We'll blame her. Don't worry though, when we switched planes in Atlanta, the second round of the trip was less full and he was able to snag an open seat and watch take-off.
T.O. greets my older brother and sister-in-law at the airport in West Palm Beach.
After lunch at The Cheesecake Factory, we stopped for a quick pose with the beautiful sun and blue skies as our backdrop. I feel tears forming....give me a minute. *sniffle*
Annnnnnnd.....here we are on the tram from the Pluto parking lot headed to the gates of Magic Kingdom!!! Aren't we HOT in our shades? And KU hats?
I cannot recall which ride we were on when we decided to get silly. When your eyes are bugged out and your tongues are wagging, does it really matter?
Goofy was the only character we actually waited in line for. I figured we will attempt to get a photo op with all the others in subsequent visits.....because there WILL BE more visits. I can't bear to stay away from the sunshine for too long. 
We stayed in a hotel in Orlando so that we could go to Downtown Disney the following day. Here T.O. is continuing the goofy act. He was so silly during the entire trip.
At the Lego store in Downtown Disney, T.O. participated in the "make a car and race it" table with his uncle. Their car won three out of three races, of course. (To be fair, T.O. had no part in making the car, only putting it on the starting line and picking it up at the finish line. Way to beat the 8 year olds, Uncle Jimmy.)
During our first full day in WPB, we went walking down at the beach. Here's my little hunk meister showing his stuff. HUGE, I tell ya.Cheese, mama!!!
Friday, May 1, 2009
200 Posts is a Trip
I'm back! How excited am I?
Okay, the better question is, how excited are YOU?
Because we all know, aside from seeing Hubs, Wee One, and 11 year old, I'm not all that excited. I was in Florida for goodness sake - sunshine, 80+ degrees, no work....and now I'm back here. Rainy, cloudy, 60+ degrees, work, no beach.
For those of you not following closely, this is post number 200. Seems odd that I had enough to say to cover 200 posts, but I realize if you ramble along as much as I do, you can always fill a page or three. Having children helps with the story lines, certainly.
For you specifically, 200 posts means......
What can you win? How do you win?
Yeah, none of that is figured out yet. I intended to buy the give away gift on vacation, but all I kept seeing was touristy things. I'm sure there were lots of other good things to purchase for the give away, but I wasn't that aware. So we're going with the next best thing....something from my actual region. I think I could put together a cute little package of things you won't need to have or use, but it'll still give SOMEONE the satisfaction of winning. And that's always grand, isn't it?
So, post 201 might be the trip recap and 202 might be the actual give away announcement. I will determine how you become eligible for the give away and there will be a cut off for entries. It all sounds fancy, but rest assured, Wee One or T.O. will be picking your name out of a hat. I don't do those fancy Internet random number sites. Scrap paper, a broken crayon, and your lovely names scribbled on them. It's all I need.
For now, I will leave you with a picture from the trip. T.O. received his first set of wings. Such a poser. He's also got food in his mouth. Such a boy. My sweet boy.
Okay, the better question is, how excited are YOU?
Because we all know, aside from seeing Hubs, Wee One, and 11 year old, I'm not all that excited. I was in Florida for goodness sake - sunshine, 80+ degrees, no work....and now I'm back here. Rainy, cloudy, 60+ degrees, work, no beach.
For those of you not following closely, this is post number 200. Seems odd that I had enough to say to cover 200 posts, but I realize if you ramble along as much as I do, you can always fill a page or three. Having children helps with the story lines, certainly.
For you specifically, 200 posts means......
A GIVE AWAY!
What can you win? How do you win?
Yeah, none of that is figured out yet. I intended to buy the give away gift on vacation, but all I kept seeing was touristy things. I'm sure there were lots of other good things to purchase for the give away, but I wasn't that aware. So we're going with the next best thing....something from my actual region. I think I could put together a cute little package of things you won't need to have or use, but it'll still give SOMEONE the satisfaction of winning. And that's always grand, isn't it?
So, post 201 might be the trip recap and 202 might be the actual give away announcement. I will determine how you become eligible for the give away and there will be a cut off for entries. It all sounds fancy, but rest assured, Wee One or T.O. will be picking your name out of a hat. I don't do those fancy Internet random number sites. Scrap paper, a broken crayon, and your lovely names scribbled on them. It's all I need.
For now, I will leave you with a picture from the trip. T.O. received his first set of wings. Such a poser. He's also got food in his mouth. Such a boy. My sweet boy.
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