What I love about this time of year:
1. The smell of Cinnamon and Christmas trees. It is just so inviting.
2. Chilly days and freezing nights. I just love to get cozy and drink hot tea and hot chocolate.
3. Watching Santa Claus and the Grinch. It helps me get into the spirit of things.
4. Receiving packages in the mail, the ones I ordered and the ones I didn't. Who doesn't like to get packages in the mail?
5. Getting Christmas cards. It reminds me that people are thinking about us and that we are blessed to have so many wonderful friends and family!
Friday, December 5, 2008
Friday, November 28, 2008
Happy Thanksgiving
Happy Thanksgiving: I hope everyone had a great holiday filled with good food, good friends and good times. We did.
1. My beautiful children. That goes without saying of course but especially lately I have been reminded how fantastic they truly are and how proud I am to be their mom.
2. My husband. He is honestly the best guy in the world. He helps me so much and is my very best friend. He just gets me and I him. I can't imagine my life without him.
3. My Mom and Dad. They are awesome in so many ways. I miss them especially now during the holidays.
4. Great friends. They truly are a blessing.
5. Good Health. We have been so fortunate and I am so very grateful. My heart goes out to those around us who are in poor health, you are in our thoughts.
Friday, November 21, 2008
What I know
5 things I know for sure:
1. Times are scary. I try not to think about it but everyday this economic crisis hits closer to home, reminding me how things can change in an instant.
2. I am worried for my family, my friends and for ourselves. It is time to pull together help each other where ever possible and not be selfish. We will get through these hard times.
3. The future is unknown and that just stinks.
4. Now is the time to really think about what is important. Get back to the basics.
5. I find hope in my children's eyes. We will be okay.
Friday, November 14, 2008
Here We Go Again!
We are off -- again! So because we have done so much traveling in the last month here is what I have learned:
1. It never fails - my children always have to use the restroom right after you pass the last exit for a town.
2. One shoe will always go missing five minutes before you have to leave.
3. Traveling is wearing me and my kids out. We all have colds this week.
4. Packing will never be fun.
5. If I hear, "Are we there yet?" one more time I just might open the door and jump out. :)
You think I would be a pro but I am not and I am sure I will learn something new on this next trip. Until next week........
1. It never fails - my children always have to use the restroom right after you pass the last exit for a town.
2. One shoe will always go missing five minutes before you have to leave.
3. Traveling is wearing me and my kids out. We all have colds this week.
4. Packing will never be fun.
5. If I hear, "Are we there yet?" one more time I just might open the door and jump out. :)
You think I would be a pro but I am not and I am sure I will learn something new on this next trip. Until next week........
Monday, November 10, 2008
Now I am in a nightmare!
Sorry - I'm late. I was traveling again this past weekend. Which turned out to be an interesting week! So I am going to rant a bit:
1. Are you kidding me? Did what I think happen really happen? I am still in shock a week later.
2. Seriously, do we as a nation have no common sense? Scary!
3. Everybody, no matter what political party you belong to, should read State of Emergency by Patrick Buchanan. I listened to it on my way to Utah this past week and it is very thought provoking and should be a required read for every American.
4. It is really fascinating to me that two different groups of people can listen to the same policies/issues and come up with such completely differing conclusions. Again, scary!
5. The media sucks! We just elected a president because of his "star quality" not because he was the best person for the job. Again, scary.
1. Are you kidding me? Did what I think happen really happen? I am still in shock a week later.
2. Seriously, do we as a nation have no common sense? Scary!
3. Everybody, no matter what political party you belong to, should read State of Emergency by Patrick Buchanan. I listened to it on my way to Utah this past week and it is very thought provoking and should be a required read for every American.
4. It is really fascinating to me that two different groups of people can listen to the same policies/issues and come up with such completely differing conclusions. Again, scary!
5. The media sucks! We just elected a president because of his "star quality" not because he was the best person for the job. Again, scary.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Happy Halloween
Seriously I think I am in a nightmare, is it really Halloween '08? It can't be! AAAHHHHHHHH!!
What I have learned this week:
1. As you get older, time goes by faster! I just turned 30 yesterday and my birthday is right around the corner. Yikes!
2. If I make it through the next two months and this last month without being committed, it is going to be a miracle.
3. Procrastinating about Halloween costumes - not a good idea. It really isn't my fault but I feel horrible for my kids. Holiday season is my favorite but this year I am getting a failing grade already.
4. Never expect to go into Wal - Mart the day before a holiday and expect to come out happy with a smile on your face. Not possible. As a matter of fact - Don't even drive into the parking lot just stay away!!
5. Girl time is a necessity. One I don't get enough of. Well let me clarify, I get plenty of little girl time ( I have 3 girls ) but not enough big girl time.
What I have learned this week:
1. As you get older, time goes by faster! I just turned 30 yesterday and my birthday is right around the corner. Yikes!
2. If I make it through the next two months and this last month without being committed, it is going to be a miracle.
3. Procrastinating about Halloween costumes - not a good idea. It really isn't my fault but I feel horrible for my kids. Holiday season is my favorite but this year I am getting a failing grade already.
4. Never expect to go into Wal - Mart the day before a holiday and expect to come out happy with a smile on your face. Not possible. As a matter of fact - Don't even drive into the parking lot just stay away!!
5. Girl time is a necessity. One I don't get enough of. Well let me clarify, I get plenty of little girl time ( I have 3 girls ) but not enough big girl time.
Friday, October 24, 2008
Emotions
So chop it up to making up for lost time. As you can imagine if you read the previous post I have a ton going through my mind these days, hence the two Friday Fives.
What I have learned these past few weeks:
1. I wish I had visited my Grandparents more so that my children would have known thier Grandpapa better and not let the miles and the inconvenience keep me from going. I wish I had known him better - his life. The distance between my Papa and I before now seems like he was just across the street compared to the distance that we have between us now.
2. I not a fan of ICU/SICU wing of the hospital. Such sadness but yet in the waiting room of the ICU there is still so much hope and love. I hope never to revisit but wished I had gone back to check on a family that was there when we were there, they practically lived there - waiting. They were so nice and I pray that they had a happy ending and not one like ours.
3. It is so painful to watch your Grandparents having to say goodbye. 62 years of marriage, that was one of the most difficult things to go through. I felt so helpless, I can't even imagine. The love that they share is both beautiful and inspiring.
4. I am stronger than I thought. Anyone who knows me knows I don't handle this subject well but in the midst of all this terrible sadness my faith and belief strengthened and carried me through the toughest parts.
5. I am going to try not to take things for granted. You never know what is going to happen. I thought I would have my Papa around for a lot longer but I was wrong and I have so many regrets. I know in my heart that he forgives me and I can't change it but I can change what is ahead of me and I am going to make an honest effort to do so, not let everyday life get in the way of making sure the people around me know how much I care about them.
What I have learned these past few weeks:
1. I wish I had visited my Grandparents more so that my children would have known thier Grandpapa better and not let the miles and the inconvenience keep me from going. I wish I had known him better - his life. The distance between my Papa and I before now seems like he was just across the street compared to the distance that we have between us now.
2. I not a fan of ICU/SICU wing of the hospital. Such sadness but yet in the waiting room of the ICU there is still so much hope and love. I hope never to revisit but wished I had gone back to check on a family that was there when we were there, they practically lived there - waiting. They were so nice and I pray that they had a happy ending and not one like ours.
3. It is so painful to watch your Grandparents having to say goodbye. 62 years of marriage, that was one of the most difficult things to go through. I felt so helpless, I can't even imagine. The love that they share is both beautiful and inspiring.
4. I am stronger than I thought. Anyone who knows me knows I don't handle this subject well but in the midst of all this terrible sadness my faith and belief strengthened and carried me through the toughest parts.
5. I am going to try not to take things for granted. You never know what is going to happen. I thought I would have my Papa around for a lot longer but I was wrong and I have so many regrets. I know in my heart that he forgives me and I can't change it but I can change what is ahead of me and I am going to make an honest effort to do so, not let everyday life get in the way of making sure the people around me know how much I care about them.
I will always remember
Sorry I have not posted in a couple of weeks. A fun weekend trip to California turned into a not so fun two week extended stay ending in the loss of my dearly beloved Grandfather. So you can understand why Friday Five was pushed aside. Plus my internet ability was not very convenient which is probably a blessing because my Friday Five would have been sad and depressing to reflect my emotions at that time. But I am back and in honor of my Papa's passing: this weeks Friday Five is going to be 5 things that will always remind me of my Papa.
1. Snails. When I was little Papa would try to get me to step on the snails that would be all over his sidewalk. Of course I wouldn't do it, yuck, but he would get such a kick out of my reactions. Later he did the same thing with my oldest daughter, she pretty much had the same reaction as me.
2. Icecream. My Papa loved icecream and he could usually use icecream to lure my children to get close to him when they were being shy.
3. Cookies and Candy. Another favorite of his. He had a cookie drawer that all of the great grandchildren were aware of and when we visited he would escort them to the drawer and let them pick there cookie, Mothers Oatmeal were my favorite and always a choice. Every night he would sit down in his chair and have some candy, I wish I could do that.
4. Bird feeders. He always had bird feeders filled with a ton of bird seed, he liked to watch the birds outside the window.
5. Roses. He loved his roses. I can not remember a time without the rosebushes out front.
These are just a few of the things that will always remind me of him for there are too many to post. He was a great man who could always put a smile on your face and make you laugh. I never saw him angry and I miss him very much.
1. Snails. When I was little Papa would try to get me to step on the snails that would be all over his sidewalk. Of course I wouldn't do it, yuck, but he would get such a kick out of my reactions. Later he did the same thing with my oldest daughter, she pretty much had the same reaction as me.
2. Icecream. My Papa loved icecream and he could usually use icecream to lure my children to get close to him when they were being shy.
3. Cookies and Candy. Another favorite of his. He had a cookie drawer that all of the great grandchildren were aware of and when we visited he would escort them to the drawer and let them pick there cookie, Mothers Oatmeal were my favorite and always a choice. Every night he would sit down in his chair and have some candy, I wish I could do that.
4. Bird feeders. He always had bird feeders filled with a ton of bird seed, he liked to watch the birds outside the window.
5. Roses. He loved his roses. I can not remember a time without the rosebushes out front.
These are just a few of the things that will always remind me of him for there are too many to post. He was a great man who could always put a smile on your face and make you laugh. I never saw him angry and I miss him very much.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Happy October!
What I have learned this week:
1. There is such a thing as a live bearing Tropical Fish and they can have up to 60 babies. Wish I had learned that little tidbit last week before the fish buying took place!
2. My Children remember EVERYTHING! The good, the bad, and the ugly!
3. No matter how hard I try, I can never seem to get ready for a trip without stress and pulling an all nighter the night before.
4. More on the Fish: The crab may be fun but he likes to find ways to escape! I just know I am going to find him on floor one day, smooshed. Or in my littlest ones mouth!
5. I absolutely love this time of year! October first comes and I just get so happy at the thought of the holidays, decorating, baking, eating, cold weather, etc. And as my kids get older it just seems to get even better.
1. There is such a thing as a live bearing Tropical Fish and they can have up to 60 babies. Wish I had learned that little tidbit last week before the fish buying took place!
2. My Children remember EVERYTHING! The good, the bad, and the ugly!
3. No matter how hard I try, I can never seem to get ready for a trip without stress and pulling an all nighter the night before.
4. More on the Fish: The crab may be fun but he likes to find ways to escape! I just know I am going to find him on floor one day, smooshed. Or in my littlest ones mouth!
5. I absolutely love this time of year! October first comes and I just get so happy at the thought of the holidays, decorating, baking, eating, cold weather, etc. And as my kids get older it just seems to get even better.
Friday, September 26, 2008
Fascinated
1. I should have bought my kids a fish tank a long time ago. They are fascinated! I have to admit so am I, a little, they are kind of neat to watch. The crab is my favorite. The best part: no potty training involved.
2. Birthday parties rock!!! I think I have a secret desire to be the coolest mom on the block (not that I live on a block right now) in the birthday party category. Now I just have to figure out how to justify a cool party every year to the hubs.
3. Six degrees of separation refers to the idea that, if a person is one step away from each person they know and two steps away from each person who is known by one of the people they know, then everyone is an average of six "steps" away from each person on Earth.
I have always wondered about this phenomenon and I learned this week that it isn't that far off. It really is a small world, quite fascinating.
4. You know that commercial advertising some woman's diet pill, the one where is shows a cartoon husband and wife. They both go on a diet and the man instantly loses lots of weight and the the wife like loses a pound. Yep, I know you have seen it - it is so true and it stinks! It really is a little unfair!
5. Lastly, I learned this week that my husband honestly thinks that the term "babysitting" applies when he is watching his own kids! I don't think so! :)
2. Birthday parties rock!!! I think I have a secret desire to be the coolest mom on the block (not that I live on a block right now) in the birthday party category. Now I just have to figure out how to justify a cool party every year to the hubs.
3. Six degrees of separation refers to the idea that, if a person is one step away from each person they know and two steps away from each person who is known by one of the people they know, then everyone is an average of six "steps" away from each person on Earth.
I have always wondered about this phenomenon and I learned this week that it isn't that far off. It really is a small world, quite fascinating.
4. You know that commercial advertising some woman's diet pill, the one where is shows a cartoon husband and wife. They both go on a diet and the man instantly loses lots of weight and the the wife like loses a pound. Yep, I know you have seen it - it is so true and it stinks! It really is a little unfair!
5. Lastly, I learned this week that my husband honestly thinks that the term "babysitting" applies when he is watching his own kids! I don't think so! :)
Friday, September 19, 2008
A bit of everything
I just had so many thoughts this week, I actually could have had a list of 25 but that would be overdoing it. So today, you get a hodge podge. Somethings I learned, some I know for sure, some current frustrations and some questions to go along with them. Enjoy.
1. There is absolutely nothing more frustrating than a indecisive toddler. They change clothes every five minutes, they want something to eat then they don't or want something else. I think I am going to go nuts!!!!!!!! Seriously when does this stage pass? and how do I deal in the meantime??
2. Planning a themed birthday party is hard work but a ton of fun especially for an overachiever such as myself. Am I too old for one because I want one?
3. Repondez s'il vous plait = R.S.V.P the English translation - Please Respond! How come nobody does? It is a phone call that takes less than a minute to make. Just another frustration of mine!
4. Milestones although exciting are bittersweet and a little bit sad. I will never have that moment again. Each moment is so precious I just wish it lasted a little longer. Which leads me to my #5.
5. Time flies by, cherish every moment because it is gone before you know it. One moment your first born is cradled in your arms as you sing a lullaby than she is six and listening to Miley Cirus dancing in her room. One day your two year old who just started talking up a storm announces "I'm not a baby no more, mom! I don't need naps" and one day your youngest, your baby is crawling and then she stands up and starts walking as if to say - I don't need you any more. Precious moments - gone in a instant.
1. There is absolutely nothing more frustrating than a indecisive toddler. They change clothes every five minutes, they want something to eat then they don't or want something else. I think I am going to go nuts!!!!!!!! Seriously when does this stage pass? and how do I deal in the meantime??
2. Planning a themed birthday party is hard work but a ton of fun especially for an overachiever such as myself. Am I too old for one because I want one?
3. Repondez s'il vous plait = R.S.V.P the English translation - Please Respond! How come nobody does? It is a phone call that takes less than a minute to make. Just another frustration of mine!
4. Milestones although exciting are bittersweet and a little bit sad. I will never have that moment again. Each moment is so precious I just wish it lasted a little longer. Which leads me to my #5.
5. Time flies by, cherish every moment because it is gone before you know it. One moment your first born is cradled in your arms as you sing a lullaby than she is six and listening to Miley Cirus dancing in her room. One day your two year old who just started talking up a storm announces "I'm not a baby no more, mom! I don't need naps" and one day your youngest, your baby is crawling and then she stands up and starts walking as if to say - I don't need you any more. Precious moments - gone in a instant.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
No Title - Just What I Learned This Wonderful Week in September
5 things I learned this week:
1. A diaper can literally EXPLODE in the middle of the night. That was beautiful to wake up to, never had that happen before!
2. Apparently I am classified or at least appear to be an "experienced mom" to other woman. Whoa, whoa, whoa- Really, experienced? Wait a minute when did that happen? I am too young to be experienced isn't that just another word for old! :)
3. "Power Out" is not an easy concept for a 2 1/2 year old to grasp. Next time the we have a power outage, I will be sure to check that all the light switches are off before we go to bed so I am sure we are not all awoken suddenly at 1:00am by every light in the house!
4. Sometimes my husbands "thriftiness" works out better than I believe it will. I should have more faith in him. Shhhh, don't tell him I said that.
5. Back to the power outage, I am so glad I did not live back before they invented electricity and lights. It is not exactly easy to keep your kids occupied for the 4 hours before bedtime, in the dark, in the middle of nowhere while it is pouring outside! Not like we could run out for ice cream.
1. A diaper can literally EXPLODE in the middle of the night. That was beautiful to wake up to, never had that happen before!
2. Apparently I am classified or at least appear to be an "experienced mom" to other woman. Whoa, whoa, whoa- Really, experienced? Wait a minute when did that happen? I am too young to be experienced isn't that just another word for old! :)
3. "Power Out" is not an easy concept for a 2 1/2 year old to grasp. Next time the we have a power outage, I will be sure to check that all the light switches are off before we go to bed so I am sure we are not all awoken suddenly at 1:00am by every light in the house!
4. Sometimes my husbands "thriftiness" works out better than I believe it will. I should have more faith in him. Shhhh, don't tell him I said that.
5. Back to the power outage, I am so glad I did not live back before they invented electricity and lights. It is not exactly easy to keep your kids occupied for the 4 hours before bedtime, in the dark, in the middle of nowhere while it is pouring outside! Not like we could run out for ice cream.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Because there is Always Always Something to be Thankful for
Five things I am Thankful for this week:
1. Spilt milk at the dinner table: because it means that we are sitting at the table as a family having a nice meal together.
2. A pile of dirty laundry the size of a small mountain: because it shows we have a lot of nice clothes to wear.
3. A bad hair day: because at least I have a headful of hair.
4. Sleepless nights: because it reminds me that I am a mom and my kids still need me.
5. All the screaming, crying, and whining: because my kids are healthy, strong and here.
Sometimes you just have to look at things differently!
1. Spilt milk at the dinner table: because it means that we are sitting at the table as a family having a nice meal together.
2. A pile of dirty laundry the size of a small mountain: because it shows we have a lot of nice clothes to wear.
3. A bad hair day: because at least I have a headful of hair.
4. Sleepless nights: because it reminds me that I am a mom and my kids still need me.
5. All the screaming, crying, and whining: because my kids are healthy, strong and here.
Sometimes you just have to look at things differently!
Friday, August 29, 2008
Just a Question or Two?
Sorry this Friday Five is late, exhaustion and techinical difficulties are to blame. Anyhow -although I did learn a few things this week, I would like to pose some questions this time. Here we go:
1. Does anyone really have it all together? I mean really have it together from A to Z and everything in between! If so, may I have their number because I would really like to pick there brain for a few minutes. :) If not, good! Than I am not alone in my pursuit of all out organization and contentment.
2. Can I really clone myself, where do I put in my order? How long does it take because I need approxiamately five of me maybe more right now. Maybe I should try limb transplantation. Have you ever read the book, If Mom Had Three Arms.
3. Does Electrolysis really work? I am thinking that I could save a ton of money just from my husbands face to my legs! Can you believe how expensive razors are? Ridiculous. Those who know me know that I hate, yes hate, hair anyway but take into account how expensive it is to shave and it just drives me crazy.
On a political note:
4. Is it true that a certain Presidential nominee voted against making English the official language of the United States of America? If so, there is seriously no question as to who should be elected (well there never was for me), I mean really lets be serious!
5. Alright, I just might be totally into the election right now. It literally just got a little interesting! Have we finally found a woman worthy of being in the White House? I guess we will see ( I am sure we will know more in the coming months) but in the mean time I can't help but be just a little bit excited! History in the making as we speak.
1. Does anyone really have it all together? I mean really have it together from A to Z and everything in between! If so, may I have their number because I would really like to pick there brain for a few minutes. :) If not, good! Than I am not alone in my pursuit of all out organization and contentment.
2. Can I really clone myself, where do I put in my order? How long does it take because I need approxiamately five of me maybe more right now. Maybe I should try limb transplantation. Have you ever read the book, If Mom Had Three Arms.
3. Does Electrolysis really work? I am thinking that I could save a ton of money just from my husbands face to my legs! Can you believe how expensive razors are? Ridiculous. Those who know me know that I hate, yes hate, hair anyway but take into account how expensive it is to shave and it just drives me crazy.
On a political note:
4. Is it true that a certain Presidential nominee voted against making English the official language of the United States of America? If so, there is seriously no question as to who should be elected (well there never was for me), I mean really lets be serious!
5. Alright, I just might be totally into the election right now. It literally just got a little interesting! Have we finally found a woman worthy of being in the White House? I guess we will see ( I am sure we will know more in the coming months) but in the mean time I can't help but be just a little bit excited! History in the making as we speak.
Friday, August 22, 2008
teaching, messes, history, the future, perfection oh my!
I have learned this week:
1. Homeschooling - Oy Vey!
2. What my house looks like after a day of not picking up anything. I always wondered and it isn't pretty.
3. Never type "Saggy old lady" into Google images. Scary! Don't do it!!
4. When an elephant walks through the jungle you can't hear them because they have so much padding on their feet. Did not know that, very interesting! I just assumed you would know when the largest land animal weighing over 5 tons was coming up behind you. Disclaimer: I did not learn this from personal experience just something I picked up from a history lesson.
5. I am not perfect nor will I ever be or care to be perfect. But was literally just informed by my lovely husband that everybody should strive for perfection so I guess I take #5 back and say I learned that I am not perfect but should work harder at it. Yep, I'll just put that on my to do list, right behind flying to the moon :) (another thing he thinks I should strive for.)
1. Homeschooling - Oy Vey!
2. What my house looks like after a day of not picking up anything. I always wondered and it isn't pretty.
3. Never type "Saggy old lady" into Google images. Scary! Don't do it!!
4. When an elephant walks through the jungle you can't hear them because they have so much padding on their feet. Did not know that, very interesting! I just assumed you would know when the largest land animal weighing over 5 tons was coming up behind you. Disclaimer: I did not learn this from personal experience just something I picked up from a history lesson.
5. I am not perfect nor will I ever be or care to be perfect. But was literally just informed by my lovely husband that everybody should strive for perfection so I guess I take #5 back and say I learned that I am not perfect but should work harder at it. Yep, I'll just put that on my to do list, right behind flying to the moon :) (another thing he thinks I should strive for.)
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Following a thought
So I decided to make my usual Friday Five post on my family blog a seperate blog all on it's own. It just came to me one night and I decided to run with it. I also think I might mix it up a little. Sometimes it will be the usual what I have learned sometimes it will be what I want to learn and maybe I will throw in some weekly pet peeves, who knows. I am just following a thought so lets just see where it will take me. That said, 5 things I have learned this week.
1. Sparkly kids Lip Gloss does not come off little ones arms and legs with soap and water. Nope, that is a job for Dawn dish soap. Why is it on arms and legs and not lips? Good Question!
2. I might possibly live in the only place in the country where you can leave a vehicle running in front of your house and leave for dinner for 5 hours and no one notices! oops, not me that would be my husband :)
3. Watching five little girls for a couple days was not as hard as I imagined but it is a bit exhausting. At least I know that I can do it! Good to know just in case we decide to have more. Ha Ha
4. My husband likes women's Olympic beach volleyball, imagine that! I had no idea until now - since he has never been a sports kind of guy in the seven years we have been married, he claims to like all volleyball but I am not so sure.
5. Craig's list, I had no idea! Like I need another thing to distract me from laundry. Thanks Di.
1. Sparkly kids Lip Gloss does not come off little ones arms and legs with soap and water. Nope, that is a job for Dawn dish soap. Why is it on arms and legs and not lips? Good Question!
2. I might possibly live in the only place in the country where you can leave a vehicle running in front of your house and leave for dinner for 5 hours and no one notices! oops, not me that would be my husband :)
3. Watching five little girls for a couple days was not as hard as I imagined but it is a bit exhausting. At least I know that I can do it! Good to know just in case we decide to have more. Ha Ha
4. My husband likes women's Olympic beach volleyball, imagine that! I had no idea until now - since he has never been a sports kind of guy in the seven years we have been married, he claims to like all volleyball but I am not so sure.
5. Craig's list, I had no idea! Like I need another thing to distract me from laundry. Thanks Di.
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