Below is a picture that Brandon sent me last night, taunting me with MY original opener! GRRR!
Monday, February 28, 2011
AMBER ALERT!
No, I've not lost one of my children...but I have lost a beloved piece of my life. Years ago I received a Newcastle bottle opener from a co-worker (Newcastle was one of my favorite beers!). After constant begging from my bff Brandon, I finally caved and switched him bottle openers (his was a ghastly green piece of crap, but I loved him so I switched!) After I realized how worthless Brandon's original bottle opener was, I begged him for the Newcastle bottle opener back, but he would never budge. Last year, Brandon surprised me and ordered me the exact same bottle opener! I was SO happy and felt complete once again (seriously!). Yesterday, I went to use my lovely bottle opener, only to find it was missing from my keys. Imagine my shock as I realized that I had once again lost my prized possession! I immediately called Brandon to report the news. He laughed. Ugh. Now, I'm taking every measure to suck up to Brandon so that he'll order me another one!
Below is a picture that Brandon sent me last night, taunting me with MY original opener! GRRR!
Below is a picture that Brandon sent me last night, taunting me with MY original opener! GRRR!
Monday, February 21, 2011
They say....
They say that an apple a day keeps the doctor away. I call bullshit. I ate an apple a day for many days, albeit they were presliced (and surely treated with something) and accompanied by peanut butter, and all I got was a terrible stomach ache and a few added pounds to my thighs.
They say that blood is thicker than water. Oddly enough, I'm finding that my friendships are truer than some familial bonds. It's sad, but I'm grateful for such great friends!
They say that everything happens for a reason. Although I agree with this statement, it's hard to see the big picture when you're being told to take it one day at a time! Yes, I truly believe that everyone has a predetermined plan in life, but allowing it to play out on it's own, with no effort, is so hard. I think this is something that can never be perfected, but probably because it's not meant to be.
They say what doesn't kill you only makes you stronger. I completely agree. I've learned that in times of hardship, you see how strong you really are and how much you're able to push. Without the hard times, how would we know what good times were?
They say that children learn what they see. EEEEK! My mini-parrots have mastered this art and can perform a "Gretchen" better than I can! This is not always a good thing. During yesterday's winter blast, I started to slide into the oncoming lane of traffic (not quite as dramatically as that sounds). Upon my "shit shit shit"-ing, my precious 4 y/o said, "Why are you saying shit shit shit mom?" To which I said "Don't say shit Lilly!" "But you said shit Mom." To which Anderson said "Nu uh, she said shit shit shit." Oh lovely.
They say that blood is thicker than water. Oddly enough, I'm finding that my friendships are truer than some familial bonds. It's sad, but I'm grateful for such great friends!
They say that everything happens for a reason. Although I agree with this statement, it's hard to see the big picture when you're being told to take it one day at a time! Yes, I truly believe that everyone has a predetermined plan in life, but allowing it to play out on it's own, with no effort, is so hard. I think this is something that can never be perfected, but probably because it's not meant to be.
They say what doesn't kill you only makes you stronger. I completely agree. I've learned that in times of hardship, you see how strong you really are and how much you're able to push. Without the hard times, how would we know what good times were?
They say that children learn what they see. EEEEK! My mini-parrots have mastered this art and can perform a "Gretchen" better than I can! This is not always a good thing. During yesterday's winter blast, I started to slide into the oncoming lane of traffic (not quite as dramatically as that sounds). Upon my "shit shit shit"-ing, my precious 4 y/o said, "Why are you saying shit shit shit mom?" To which I said "Don't say shit Lilly!" "But you said shit Mom." To which Anderson said "Nu uh, she said shit shit shit." Oh lovely.
Friday, February 18, 2011
Emptying my backpack
I subscribe to a daily devotional. For most people, you either love Rick Warren or you hate him (Yes dad, I know your position on him already!). But today's devo really struck a nerve (in a good way) with me today. It used the analogy of carrying around a backpack filled with all our "stuff" as a way of showing us that there is so much in our lives that we could just let go of and it'd make getting through life so much easier. Although I feel like I've done a pretty good job of emptying out my backpack, I think it may be time to go through my bag again and see what else I'm holding onto that I could shed. I've been blessed already this year with some amazing things, and I like to think that it's because I was able to let go of past things and make room for the new ones.
So, here's to today. I'm gonna make it a great one, starting by reevaluating the things I'm carrying around and making cuts to the ones that need to go!
"He is no fool who gives up what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose."
Thursday, February 17, 2011
People, People!
Because of the out pour of concern via texts and emails that I caused by my previous post, I think I should clarify where my frustrations were coming from yesterday. When I moved into my neighborhood last July, one of my nearby neighbors was putting up a fence. It's a lovely fence...lovely indeed, but there's only one problem. They violated the community covenants. Well, fast forward to a couple weeks ago when I was asked to serve on the community's board. At first I was leery about committing to something I knew NOTHING about. Heck, I've only been a homeowner for six months, what did I have to bring to the table for this community?! Well, after talking to some neighbors, I realized the concerns and the need for some "fresh blood" on the community board.
Last night was our first board meeting. After a grueling day at work and in my personal life, the LAST thing I wanted to do was so sit for three hours with complete strangers and talk about the landscaping at the entrance of our housing addition, but I went anyhow, as I had made the commitment. The meeting quickly turned ugly and went to the "XYZ Lawsuit" (the fence ordeal). The people of the board turned into ugly villains. They bad-mouthed these neighbors up one side and down the other. As a very close friend of these "fence-builders" I took personal offense to the ugly words that were spoken. I sat there, dumbfounded, at the mannerisms of these "adults" and wished, more than anything, that I was in my safe cozy home, far far away from this negativity as possible.
At home last night, after hearing these ridiculous "concerns" from my neighbors, I got to thinking...is this REALLY what being a part of a neighborhood is all about? What happened to neighborly love? What happened to looking out for our neighbors? It made me sad to think of the petty things people stress out about. What business was it of these people to decide how high someone else's fence should be? Although I could understand SOME of the concerns these people had, for the most part the accusations and concerns were so out of left field that I couldn't even keep up (much like I'm sure you feel reading this blog! LOL!).
Basically, the board meeting made me realize something: We get SO wrapped up in petty things. We worry about OTHER people's "stuff" so much that we fail to look at the things that REALLY matter in life. The height of a fence does NOT feed my children. The brick layout of the community's new sign does NOT keep my family safe and warm at night. The number of signatures on a petition to amend covenants does NOT determine my self-worth. It seems to me we should spend less time focusing on the material things in our communities and focus more on the people who reside within the community parameters.
***Okay people, you can now call off the suicide watch you all had out on me!***
Last night was our first board meeting. After a grueling day at work and in my personal life, the LAST thing I wanted to do was so sit for three hours with complete strangers and talk about the landscaping at the entrance of our housing addition, but I went anyhow, as I had made the commitment. The meeting quickly turned ugly and went to the "XYZ Lawsuit" (the fence ordeal). The people of the board turned into ugly villains. They bad-mouthed these neighbors up one side and down the other. As a very close friend of these "fence-builders" I took personal offense to the ugly words that were spoken. I sat there, dumbfounded, at the mannerisms of these "adults" and wished, more than anything, that I was in my safe cozy home, far far away from this negativity as possible.
At home last night, after hearing these ridiculous "concerns" from my neighbors, I got to thinking...is this REALLY what being a part of a neighborhood is all about? What happened to neighborly love? What happened to looking out for our neighbors? It made me sad to think of the petty things people stress out about. What business was it of these people to decide how high someone else's fence should be? Although I could understand SOME of the concerns these people had, for the most part the accusations and concerns were so out of left field that I couldn't even keep up (much like I'm sure you feel reading this blog! LOL!).
Basically, the board meeting made me realize something: We get SO wrapped up in petty things. We worry about OTHER people's "stuff" so much that we fail to look at the things that REALLY matter in life. The height of a fence does NOT feed my children. The brick layout of the community's new sign does NOT keep my family safe and warm at night. The number of signatures on a petition to amend covenants does NOT determine my self-worth. It seems to me we should spend less time focusing on the material things in our communities and focus more on the people who reside within the community parameters.
***Okay people, you can now call off the suicide watch you all had out on me!***
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Well...that was fun!
Today has made me realize something about humankind. People just aren't nice. There is no neighborly sense of compassion. People don't watch out for other people..they don't have each other's backs. Boys are still mean and smelly. And most importantly, in the midst of all things bad, you realize again, who your true friends are-- those rare people who care about what happens to you, who watch out for you, who let you cry about the smelly ole' boy who hurt your feelings, and people who will be there to pour that glass of wine and turn on some sad music and let you cry it out. The same people who, tomorrow, will tell you to shake it off and move on.
Well, that was fun, but here's to tomorrow.
Well, that was fun, but here's to tomorrow.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Today, only.
Sure it may be a cliche' phrase, but taking life one day at a time really has its benefits! I'm realizing that it's very freeing to not tackle too much at once. I'm happier than I've ever been, and nothing has necessarily changed other than my way of thinking. Instead of worrying about what might be or what could happen, I'm able to look at the "now" and focus on what I can do TODAY, RIGHT NOW to be happy!
I've always been a planner. The thought of doing something without a concrete plan (preferably written, in list form...with MY handwriting) kinda freaks me out a little (a lot). But I really have been learning to let go and just let things happen. As a self-proclaimed control freak, this has been a challenge, but I'm seeing the results of standing back and handing over some of the control to someone else. AAAAH! It's great living for today and not worrying about tomorrow (cliche' overload?)!
Monday, February 14, 2011
The Grammys....Meh?!
I've never watched the Grammys from start to finish, but last night was an exception. There wasn't one specific performer who I was looking forward to seeing, nor did I even know who all was performing to be quite honest, but last night's show had me thoroughly entertained, so much in fact that I walked/ran five miles on the treadmill while watching! The acts were mostly pathetic displays of talent (and I use the word "talent" loosely!), but they were definitely entertaining. For a brief minute I caught the fever (Beiber fever that is!) and found myself smiling during the Justin, Will-Smith-Mini, and Usher performance. Although many attacked the Bieb's singing, and questioned what his future holds post-puberty, I enjoyed the heart-throb's show and hope great things for his future career!
It was nice to see country music getting the attention last night too. As a HUGE fan of the genre, it's refreshing to see real talent get some recognition! And how fabulous did Gwyneth Paltrow look? She's come a long way since her days singing in the tragic excuse of a movie, "Duets" huh!?
It was nice to see country music getting the attention last night too. As a HUGE fan of the genre, it's refreshing to see real talent get some recognition! And how fabulous did Gwyneth Paltrow look? She's come a long way since her days singing in the tragic excuse of a movie, "Duets" huh!?
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Because I'm the Mom, that's why.
Clean your room! Make your bed! Put your clean clothes away! Shut your closet doors! These are the most common phrases spoken in my house on any given day. I'm not a clean freak at all, but I HATE it when the kids' rooms are messy. Most days Lilly makes her bed before school. Anderson never does, and always uses the "but I don't know how..." excuse. Their rooms were the first two rooms we painted before we moved into our house last summer. Lilly has nice bedroom furniture, cute bedding, and more than enough clothes to fill her decent-sized closets. Anderson, although filled with hand-me-down furniture, also has a well-furnished bedroom and doesn't want/need for anything else in his room.
My room, however is completely bare. I haven't bought bedroom furniture for myself ever. I always said once I bought a house that I'd finally spend the money and get something nice. Then I told myself once I finished school, I'd reward myself with a bedroom makeover. Well, I have my own house and I've finished school...so I'm on a mission to redo my bedroom.
There's only one problem...I can barely make my way through my room to start the remodeling! My room is a disaster. There are clean clothes everywhere. My bed is unmade. My shoes are everywhere. And I probably haven't dusted my nightstand or tv stand in at least a month. It's disgusting. I spend a LOT of time in my room, but the kids ALSO spend a lot of time in there. My closet is plenty big enough to house all my clothes and shoes, but for some reason I rarely take the time to walk ten more feet to put things away in my closet. My room is HUGE. There is NO reason for things to NOT be put away. It's very hard to tell the kids to keep their rooms clean when I'm not even doing it. As much as I want to use the "mom-card" on them when they ask why my room isn't clean, I know that I need to lead by example.
After my room is redone, I plan to keep it off limits to my precious tots. I need my bedroom to be reserved for ME only. I don't want to have to worry about snotty noses rubbing onto my new bedding, or little boogery fingers touching my freshly painted walls...I just want my bedroom to be for ME.
I'll post before pictures...even though it's disgustingly messy right now. I promised myself that once my room is redone, I'll keep it clean and tidy. I'll post pictures of the progress and the finished product!!!
STAY TUNED!!!!
My room, however is completely bare. I haven't bought bedroom furniture for myself ever. I always said once I bought a house that I'd finally spend the money and get something nice. Then I told myself once I finished school, I'd reward myself with a bedroom makeover. Well, I have my own house and I've finished school...so I'm on a mission to redo my bedroom.
There's only one problem...I can barely make my way through my room to start the remodeling! My room is a disaster. There are clean clothes everywhere. My bed is unmade. My shoes are everywhere. And I probably haven't dusted my nightstand or tv stand in at least a month. It's disgusting. I spend a LOT of time in my room, but the kids ALSO spend a lot of time in there. My closet is plenty big enough to house all my clothes and shoes, but for some reason I rarely take the time to walk ten more feet to put things away in my closet. My room is HUGE. There is NO reason for things to NOT be put away. It's very hard to tell the kids to keep their rooms clean when I'm not even doing it. As much as I want to use the "mom-card" on them when they ask why my room isn't clean, I know that I need to lead by example.
After my room is redone, I plan to keep it off limits to my precious tots. I need my bedroom to be reserved for ME only. I don't want to have to worry about snotty noses rubbing onto my new bedding, or little boogery fingers touching my freshly painted walls...I just want my bedroom to be for ME.
I'll post before pictures...even though it's disgustingly messy right now. I promised myself that once my room is redone, I'll keep it clean and tidy. I'll post pictures of the progress and the finished product!!!
STAY TUNED!!!!
Friday, February 11, 2011
Soul Mate?
The thought of the words "soul mate" makes my head spin and makes me wanna puke a little. For people to really believe that there is one person in this giant universe that we are meant to meet and spend forever with is just asinine. With Valentine's day quickly approaching, I felt a gut-wrenching,tough-love blog was appropriate. (You're welcome!)
After last week's episode of The Bachelor, I can't help but feel sorry for these ladies who use that disastrous word and really expect to be married at the end of the process. In their defense, at least the girls on the Bachelor are putting on a show...but what about real life women who act this way? What is it about relationships that women are SO obsessed with? And why is it that women can't just walk away from failed relationships with grace and pride? In the real world, relationships end, feelings fizzle, and hearts get broken...but luckily, we aren't on television for the entire world to see. Breaking up is hard to do, but it's all about our own perception of the situation-- were we REALLY that compatible to begin with? Was I REALLY that happy? Was the situation REALLY right? And am I mature enough to admit when things aren't working and move on? I'd like to say that personally I'm at a great spot with myself...I can rise above these types of road blocks and at the end of it I'll still be happy and alright with myself and my situation. Perhaps women should spend less time focusing on the final goal (marriage?) and pay more attention to the relationship when they're IN it.
It is better to travel alone than with a bad companion. - Unknown
The worst loneliness is not to be comfortable with yourself. - Mark Twain
After last week's episode of The Bachelor, I can't help but feel sorry for these ladies who use that disastrous word and really expect to be married at the end of the process. In their defense, at least the girls on the Bachelor are putting on a show...but what about real life women who act this way? What is it about relationships that women are SO obsessed with? And why is it that women can't just walk away from failed relationships with grace and pride? In the real world, relationships end, feelings fizzle, and hearts get broken...but luckily, we aren't on television for the entire world to see. Breaking up is hard to do, but it's all about our own perception of the situation-- were we REALLY that compatible to begin with? Was I REALLY that happy? Was the situation REALLY right? And am I mature enough to admit when things aren't working and move on? I'd like to say that personally I'm at a great spot with myself...I can rise above these types of road blocks and at the end of it I'll still be happy and alright with myself and my situation. Perhaps women should spend less time focusing on the final goal (marriage?) and pay more attention to the relationship when they're IN it.
It is better to travel alone than with a bad companion. - Unknown
The worst loneliness is not to be comfortable with yourself. - Mark Twain
Thursday, February 10, 2011
OOOH THE GOOD LIFE!
Enter randomness:
1) My darling son has been undressing himself in bed. Each night I put my precious tyke in jammies, only to find him a couple hours later naked. He insists that he's "sooo hot" and that he must ditch his clothes to "get cold." After a second attempt at redressing him last night, I decided to throw an extra blanket on his bed and let him enjoy baring it all.
2) I've been successful at getting Derek to watch "Glee" with me TWICE now. As much as he pretends that he hates it, I think he's a closet Gleek! He's also watched the past two episodes of The Bachelor with me, and has been very vocal about his feelings for Michelle, the crazy!
3) I'm COMPLETELY over this brutally cold weather! I cannot WAIT until Spring! Lilly asks me everyday if we can see the grass yet! Not yet little Love Bug, but soon...very soon!
4) Aaron and I just scheduled the kids' next vacation to MN. They'll be leaving at the end of March (five weeks, two days, fourteen hours, and forty-five minutes...not that I'm counting!)!! Of course I'll miss my kids, but I am VERY excited to have a nice vacation from reality! Oh yeah, and the kids are euber excited to go to Daddy's house!
5) I'm in deserate need of some Amanda time. And Megan time. And Jill time. Gosh, I need my girlfriends!
6) I'm already looking forward to Valentine's day. It's been QUITE a few years since I've been with anyone on this overly commercialized holiday, but since it's the only day Derek will be back between his many vacations, I'm excited to spend the mushy holiday with him! Cheers!
1) My darling son has been undressing himself in bed. Each night I put my precious tyke in jammies, only to find him a couple hours later naked. He insists that he's "sooo hot" and that he must ditch his clothes to "get cold." After a second attempt at redressing him last night, I decided to throw an extra blanket on his bed and let him enjoy baring it all.
2) I've been successful at getting Derek to watch "Glee" with me TWICE now. As much as he pretends that he hates it, I think he's a closet Gleek! He's also watched the past two episodes of The Bachelor with me, and has been very vocal about his feelings for Michelle, the crazy!
3) I'm COMPLETELY over this brutally cold weather! I cannot WAIT until Spring! Lilly asks me everyday if we can see the grass yet! Not yet little Love Bug, but soon...very soon!
4) Aaron and I just scheduled the kids' next vacation to MN. They'll be leaving at the end of March (five weeks, two days, fourteen hours, and forty-five minutes...not that I'm counting!)!! Of course I'll miss my kids, but I am VERY excited to have a nice vacation from reality! Oh yeah, and the kids are euber excited to go to Daddy's house!
5) I'm in deserate need of some Amanda time. And Megan time. And Jill time. Gosh, I need my girlfriends!
6) I'm already looking forward to Valentine's day. It's been QUITE a few years since I've been with anyone on this overly commercialized holiday, but since it's the only day Derek will be back between his many vacations, I'm excited to spend the mushy holiday with him! Cheers!
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Monday, February 7, 2011
Details in the Fabric
"Details In The Fabric"
(feat. James Morrison)
Calm down
Deep breaths
And get yourself dressed instead
Of running around
And pulling on your threads
And breaking yourself up
If it's a broken part, replace it
If it's a broken arm, then brace it
If it's a broken heart, then face it
And hold your own
Know your name
And go your own way
Hold your own
Know your name
And go your own way
And everything will be fine
Hang on
Help is on the way
And stay strong
I'm doing everything
Hold your own
Know your name
And go your own way
Hold your own
Know your name
And go your own way
And everything, everything will be fine
Everything
Are the details in the fabric
Are the things that make you panic
Are your thoughts results of static cling?
Are the things that make you blow
Hell, no reason, go on and scream
If you're shocked it's just the fault
Of faulty manufacturing.
Everything will be fine
Everything in no time at all
Everything
Hold your own
And know your name
And go your own way
Are the details in the fabric (Hold your own, know your name)
Are the things that make you panic
Are your thoughts results of static cling? (Go your own way)
Are the details in the fabric (Hold your own, know your name)
Are the things that make you panic (Go your own way)
Is it Mother Nature's sewing machine?
Are the things that make you blow (Hold your own, know your name)
Hell no reason go on and scream
If you're shocked it's just the fault (Go your own way)
Of faulty manufacturing
Everything will be fine
Everything in no time at all
Hearts will hold
Friday, February 4, 2011
You be nutty, girl!
In honor of the crazy mixed-up week, I figured a blog of randomness was appropriate.
I don't know about anyone else, but I can't seem to get back into the swing of things after the "BLIZZARD OF 2011" (imagine that in my most-perfected breaking-news-esque voice!). My week seemed longer than normal, even with Wednesday's snow day. The kids have been in weird moods lately and I think it's because they just changed schools. Although their old daycare had been working out well for us, I felt that it was time for more structure and a more curriculum-based routine. They both say that they enjoy their new school, but I can tell they haven't found their place there yet. I've really enjoyed watching Lilly step up to the plate as a big sister. She has been very nurturing of Anderson about the change and I can see the two of them really leaning on each other during this transition. As silly as it sounds, I am just so proud of both of them for being able to make these changes so easily and willingly (as if they have a choice?!). They're good little boogies!
As if the world can/should handle another Scudder, Aaron's older sister delivered her baby this week! Julia Joanne Scudder Burnip (yeah seriously!)was born on Groundhogs day. It feels good to be a "kinda-aunt" for the first time!
I get really grossed out when people gush about how FABULOUS their life is, but I find myself becoming one of those people! I'm really embracing this new thought-process I've been talking about and I have been so much happier! Nothing is as bad as it seems. Everything can be fixed, one way or another. Things don't always turn out as WE had planned, but they always turn out the way they're supposed to.
My bff has been dabbing into the dating world again. I worry that he's settling. He's never really been one to date girls with kids (can't say I blame him!), but lately he's been trying it out. My fear for him is that he'll just end up being with an ex (ugh!) because it's easy and familiar to him. At the risk of pissing him off, I feel it is my BFF duty to warn him against this. Be patient, B! The right one will come along. Being single and almost-thirty is NOT the end of the world! PLEASE don't go back to T1! (Yeah, I said it!)
My daughter has mastered the art of kissing butt. Each night this week, she's found a way to weasel her way downstairs after she was put to bed for the night.
Monday night it went something like, "But mom, I have something to tell you." "Yes Lilly?" "Thanks for taking us to the new school." "You're welcome Lilly, now go to bed."
Tuesday it went, "But mom, I have something to tell you." "Yes Lilly?" "You're so pretty!" "Thanks Lilly, now go to bed."
Wednesday it was, "But mom, I have something to tell you." "Yes Lilly?" "I just love the snow mom. Do you love snow? You don't love the snow, do you?" "No Lilly. I don't love the snow." "Daddy loves snow. That's why he lives in Minnesota. Daddy said Minnesota has more snow than Fort Wayne." "That's nice Lilly. Go to bed."
Friday morning (3am) went, "Mom, can I sleep with my brother?" "No Lilly, go back to your own bed." "But mom wait, can I sleep with you? I don't like my bed. It's too far." "You can sleep with me but you have to stay on your own pillow." "Because I have bed breath?" "Yes, because you have bed breath. Go to sleep Lilly."
It's been a long, cold week, but it's finally Friday. I'm declaring tomorrow as "Jammie Day" and plan to relax and catch up on ridiculous (yet entertaining) reality television from my DVR!
I don't know about anyone else, but I can't seem to get back into the swing of things after the "BLIZZARD OF 2011" (imagine that in my most-perfected breaking-news-esque voice!). My week seemed longer than normal, even with Wednesday's snow day. The kids have been in weird moods lately and I think it's because they just changed schools. Although their old daycare had been working out well for us, I felt that it was time for more structure and a more curriculum-based routine. They both say that they enjoy their new school, but I can tell they haven't found their place there yet. I've really enjoyed watching Lilly step up to the plate as a big sister. She has been very nurturing of Anderson about the change and I can see the two of them really leaning on each other during this transition. As silly as it sounds, I am just so proud of both of them for being able to make these changes so easily and willingly (as if they have a choice?!). They're good little boogies!
As if the world can/should handle another Scudder, Aaron's older sister delivered her baby this week! Julia Joanne Scudder Burnip (yeah seriously!)was born on Groundhogs day. It feels good to be a "kinda-aunt" for the first time!
I get really grossed out when people gush about how FABULOUS their life is, but I find myself becoming one of those people! I'm really embracing this new thought-process I've been talking about and I have been so much happier! Nothing is as bad as it seems. Everything can be fixed, one way or another. Things don't always turn out as WE had planned, but they always turn out the way they're supposed to.
My bff has been dabbing into the dating world again. I worry that he's settling. He's never really been one to date girls with kids (can't say I blame him!), but lately he's been trying it out. My fear for him is that he'll just end up being with an ex (ugh!) because it's easy and familiar to him. At the risk of pissing him off, I feel it is my BFF duty to warn him against this. Be patient, B! The right one will come along. Being single and almost-thirty is NOT the end of the world! PLEASE don't go back to T1! (Yeah, I said it!)
My daughter has mastered the art of kissing butt. Each night this week, she's found a way to weasel her way downstairs after she was put to bed for the night.
Monday night it went something like, "But mom, I have something to tell you." "Yes Lilly?" "Thanks for taking us to the new school." "You're welcome Lilly, now go to bed."
Tuesday it went, "But mom, I have something to tell you." "Yes Lilly?" "You're so pretty!" "Thanks Lilly, now go to bed."
Wednesday it was, "But mom, I have something to tell you." "Yes Lilly?" "I just love the snow mom. Do you love snow? You don't love the snow, do you?" "No Lilly. I don't love the snow." "Daddy loves snow. That's why he lives in Minnesota. Daddy said Minnesota has more snow than Fort Wayne." "That's nice Lilly. Go to bed."
Friday morning (3am) went, "Mom, can I sleep with my brother?" "No Lilly, go back to your own bed." "But mom wait, can I sleep with you? I don't like my bed. It's too far." "You can sleep with me but you have to stay on your own pillow." "Because I have bed breath?" "Yes, because you have bed breath. Go to sleep Lilly."
It's been a long, cold week, but it's finally Friday. I'm declaring tomorrow as "Jammie Day" and plan to relax and catch up on ridiculous (yet entertaining) reality television from my DVR!
Thursday, February 3, 2011
"Okay Donna!"
I like to tease my mom that she's exactly like Grandma. We all hate the idea that we're "just like your mother" but for mom, I think she loves that she has many of Donna's characteristics (whether she'd admit it or not!)!
Saturday we were at my sister's basketball game and Lilly needed a tissue. Donna, errr I mean Jane, whips out a pink Kleenex from her purse. The Kleenex looked as though it had been used more than once, but Jane assured us "it's clean" and proceeded to shake out the mangled tissue!
I've noticed it lately in my four year old as well! Lilly has a new obsession with making everything FLAT! Yesterday she was having a sandwich for lunch. I walked in just as Lilly's little hand smoooshed the bun of her sandwich! It made my heart melt, as this was a total Donna thing!
Last night, the kids finished the box of Capri Suns. I asked Anderson to toss the empty box into the garage so I could put it in the garbage. Lilly had a mini-meltdown because Anderson didn't squish the box first! "You have to make it flat or it takes up too much room. Nana told me that!" Again, another Donna thing!
Grandma has been on my mind a lot lately. I think she shows herself through the people around me at all the right times! XOXO!
Saturday we were at my sister's basketball game and Lilly needed a tissue. Donna, errr I mean Jane, whips out a pink Kleenex from her purse. The Kleenex looked as though it had been used more than once, but Jane assured us "it's clean" and proceeded to shake out the mangled tissue!
I've noticed it lately in my four year old as well! Lilly has a new obsession with making everything FLAT! Yesterday she was having a sandwich for lunch. I walked in just as Lilly's little hand smoooshed the bun of her sandwich! It made my heart melt, as this was a total Donna thing!
Last night, the kids finished the box of Capri Suns. I asked Anderson to toss the empty box into the garage so I could put it in the garbage. Lilly had a mini-meltdown because Anderson didn't squish the box first! "You have to make it flat or it takes up too much room. Nana told me that!" Again, another Donna thing!
Grandma has been on my mind a lot lately. I think she shows herself through the people around me at all the right times! XOXO!
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Snow Day
Snow days aren't fun for me anymore. The kids woke up arguing. One of the windows in my kitchen literally had frost on the inside of the window (ugh) and my grill (very heavy grill I might add) had tumbled over in last night's blizzard-winds. I debated for over an hour whether or not I should go outside and attempt to snowblow the driveway, only to be saved by a text from my bff stating that her husband would be over shortly to do it. (THANK YOU JOSH!)The kids barely ate lunch, after whining about how hungry they were. And they've been in their rooms for the past thirty minutes fighting (forcefully) to NOT take a nap. So no, snow days are not fun.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Lessons I'm learning.
Anxiety wears you out and it shortens your life, but if you have no other answers, you are going to keep worrying. Many people think the answer to worry is to somehow pretend that there is nothing to worry about. But the only way to deal with worry effectively is to face reality and then choose to face reality with faith.
I'm a worrier by nature (or because of genetics, thanks Mom). I always anticipate the worse. I expect failure. Of course, I do this as a defense mechanism. It's a horrible characteristic, indeed. I'm learning though, in the last year of my 20's, that this is no way to live and be happy. I've got to be willing to take risks. I have made a conscious effort to put myself out there, be vulnerable, and just pray for the best. I am willing to face the reality of situations...willing to call a spade a spade. I'm not looking for a challenge. I'm not looking to tweak any situation to "fit" my life better. I just want to see things as they truly are. If something isn't working, then I'm prepared to move on and go onto the next venture. No more worrying about what might be. It either is, or it isn't. Simple. No more worrying. I have to trust that everything will work out as it's planned for me.
I'm a worrier by nature (or because of genetics, thanks Mom). I always anticipate the worse. I expect failure. Of course, I do this as a defense mechanism. It's a horrible characteristic, indeed. I'm learning though, in the last year of my 20's, that this is no way to live and be happy. I've got to be willing to take risks. I have made a conscious effort to put myself out there, be vulnerable, and just pray for the best. I am willing to face the reality of situations...willing to call a spade a spade. I'm not looking for a challenge. I'm not looking to tweak any situation to "fit" my life better. I just want to see things as they truly are. If something isn't working, then I'm prepared to move on and go onto the next venture. No more worrying about what might be. It either is, or it isn't. Simple. No more worrying. I have to trust that everything will work out as it's planned for me.
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