Kids these days.

Even though it pains me when I realize how much, how fast, how inexplicably they grow up, there are a few things that make watching this boy shy away from his mamma's affections a very laughable experience.  "Dude," prefaces every sentence that comes from his mouth.  And the one raised eye brow?  Heaven help me.  Break dance?  He can spin on the top of his head like only a ninja turtle could compare.

And this little punk?  Beware.  If she even so much as lays down one card in a crushing game of Crazy 8's, you will know full and well in a voice that only another 3-year-old can give justice to, "I destroooooyyyyyyeeeddd you!"  (Insert evil laugh here.)

Today's Thankful Monday, I am loving all things dude, peace-out, wasup and  rock-on.

Dude, what word is used to extreme measures at your house?  What are you thankful for today?

Peace out.

Pictures taken by the talented Cortney Boice.

mix & match

Thankful Monday.

Even though he is *only* 5 and I am a *wise* 28, my boy leaves me speechless on a constant basis.  Not speechless in amazement, mind you, but speechless because I.  Have.  No.  Clue.

Ligers.  Didn't you know that they are the coolest animal ever?  The toughest?  They could definitely take down a bear, lion and big foot....... all at once.  Just ask him.

Want to know how they came to be?  Just ask me.  Apparently.  

Mom, how do you get a Liger?

A mom lion and a dad tiger.  OR a dad lion and a mom tiger.

I know that, mom.   How do you make one?

Speechless.  Longer than necessary pause.

Um, uh, well, the scientists do it.  They know how.

Well, do they just take the mom and the dad and mix them together or something?

Or something.  Let's definitely go with the "or something."  I'm not sure.  We'll have to ask an animal scientist someday.  

But how, Mom?  How do they mix them together?

I don't know.  

Thinking hard, inquisitive look on his face.  But, how?  How do they mix part of the mom with part of the dad?

Um.  uh.  Oh shoot honey, I need to call daddy really quick about um, uh....what he wants for dinner.  We'll have to figure it out later.  Please forget.  Please forget.  Please forget.  Every conversation from the past of how my son has my eyes, but his dad's nose was suddenly racing through my subconscious.  You know what is coming, right?  You know his little brain will quickly go from mixing a liger's parents together to his own body being a little mixed together as well........AAAAACCCCCKKKKKKK!!!!!  

I didn't sign up for this.  I didn't.  

Oh, but I did.  Three times.  

For now, for today's Thankful Monday, I am just glad that I can delay the conversation, give roundabout answers and be very, very thankful that they are still quite little.  The birds & the bees can fly to someone else's house for a few more years.

What are you thankful for today?  

The winner will be announced soon.
(the definition of "soon" is up for debate)



I was just wondering though...........................when exactly do you think it would be a good idea to do my Christmas shopping?
It just wouldn't be a traditional Christmas for me if I didn't wait for a few more days.

Seeing how it is Thankful Monday, today I am very thankful that only 2 ornaments have broken so far, redecorating the tree was surprisingly easy after it fell down, and the leaking tree stand isn't making the carpet stink anymore.
All separate events, in case you wondered.

How about you? What are you thankful for today? How is your holiday prep going?

one in a million

Thankful Monday


When I was in Jr. High, my dad moved out. Out of 5 children, my mom was still supporting 4 of us. We were at that age where everything cost money. A lot of money. School events, clubs, classes, and a way to transport us to all of these places. My mom worked hard to make it all happen. I took every babysitting job available and we were all very much aware that "times were tough." Somehow, though, I don't remember a single sad or neglected Christmas. My mother likely does, but the wonderful thing is that I don't.


A few weekends ago, we discussed this. Mom started telling me about all of the people who slipped her a few dollars here and there. Mysterious gifts left on the doorstep and the ability of a few neighbors to get past the gossiping and whispering of our situation, in order to share our burden.


I can't imagine how much harder that would have all been for my mother in today's economy. There are so many without jobs, the fear of losing jobs, and the terror of not being able to make ends meet.


In my own little family, our budget is small, but we still have the luxury of children who are young enough to be thrilled with used toys off of Craig's List and the best that only clearance sales can offer.


Processing the scope of need in our communities, nation and world is simply overwhelming. But, when I stop and focus on just one need this season; one person, one family who could use some cheer; I can make a difference.


I am sure you are guessing what direction tomorrow's challenge is going.





You all know the starfish story, even though there were millions drying out on the beach, how could throwing them back, one at a time even begin to help? As the child throws one more back to the ocean, "It made a difference to that one."


Today, Thankful Monday, I am so glad that someone did just that so many years ago for a mother with a houseful of teenagers.


And, even though I really didn't think so then, I am thankful that the car my siblings and I had the opportunity to drive started, (on days it didn't rain or snow, wasn't too hot, wasn't too cold), and only stunk part of the time.


This picture is really close to what it looked like, (minus the beach, the paint, the shine, a hubcap and plus almost 20 years). But the pretty sunset? Yes, yes, we had lots of those.



What are you thankful for today?

More than the big 4

Thankful Monday the week of Thanksgiving?
Anything I write would seem so trivial.

Here are the rules for this post. You must comment with something you are thankful for.
You CANNOT list any of the big 4: family, friends, home, food
I hope that you are all lucky enough to be thankful for these things, but we will all have ample enough opportunities to hear about those in the next few days.

Creativity my friends.
Today, I am thankful for a clean kitchen. I am mostly thankful that we are traveling and will not be home, so therefore my kitchen will STAY clean.

Also, traveling- very very grateful to the people at the Red Vine licorice company.
A 6 hour trip & there is still a bunch left in the bag.

What are you thankful for today?

Can you smell that?

If you have a realty sign in your front yard and complete strangers could potentially come into your home on any given day, do you think the smell of a dead mouse could potentially be a turn off?

You know, hypothetically speaking, just in case any of you are trying to sell your home.

Today, Thankful Monday, I am really, really grateful for candles, Glade, Scentsy, Febreeze,perfume, deodorant and all other things that make my life a little less grotesque.

What are you thankful for today?

My new best friends, Gabrielle and Susan, were toasting to themselves being good mothers last night. Meanwhile, Gabbi's kids call out that they are hungry. Gabbi then yells that they can get their own frozen waffles. I laughed and laughed. Then, I didn't.
Because, then, I realized that is SO ME! Then I laughed again.
I stayed up until midnight last night watching old Desperate Housewives episodes online, trying to decide why it is that I like the show so much now, but loathed it years ago.
As I watched and watched, I related. (Not to the sneaky sultry stuff, but oh-so-much to the rest.) You see, years ago, I didn't have children. I wasn't desperate. Years ago, I didn't lay in my bed in the early mornings while my children watched cartoons and dined on days-old doughnuts, dry cereal...or even in the very tired moments, Halloween candy.

Early mornings are definitely my most desperate moments of the day. I love to get every extra minute of warmth out of my bed.
As I type this though, the TV has been nixed for the remainder of the day. The kids are putting their imaginations to good use by sitting on the couch, staring at the blank screen and pretending to watch. Awesome.
Today, on Thankful Monday, I am so ever grateful for a warm bed to linger in and a nursing baby to justify the lingering.....

Oh- and as long as we are on the topic of justification, I have done quite well with last week's challenge. Thank you very much. Except for a slight mishap with a link on CNN.

What are you thankful for today? What is your most desperate daily moment?

Sweatin' to the Oldies

If you are wondering where I have been, see last week's challenge. Blogging was not top priority. However, searching high and low for the perfect wig for my husband's Richard Simmons Halloween costume was.




I spent Saturday afternoon glitterizing, (Anyone know how to get glitter out of a baby's hair? You know, just in case I ever need to.) a pastel tank top and attempting to make a pumpkin cake.

The baby discovered the art of this:



I spent Saturday evening hiding from the microphone at a costume PAR-TAY, avoiding the possibility of being forced in to participating in dreaded karaoke contest.


However, this man, who may or may not be my aforementioned Richard Simmons- look-a-like of a husband, rocked the house. He may or may not come home tonight after realizing that I posted this photo on the world wide web.


Thankful Monday. I am very grateful that I did not, in fact, ever "take the stage." What are you thankful for today? How do you feel about karaoke?

eeek!

Yesterday was filled with good food, lots of company and a clean house. Perfect right?
The guests were gracious enough to wash up all of the dishes. Their kids were hungry enough to gobble every last morsel of homemade doughnut to be found.
I went to bed exhausted and happy with the results of hard work and a little prayer. (Is it kosher to pray that the food you are serving your in-laws is delish?)
I woke up, happy in a clean house. Fast forward many lazy minutes later to when I decide to get the baby dressed for the day. Opening the bedroom closet door, I see it.
A little movement. Hear a little rustle. See a little brown fuzz whoosh by.

A mouse. Few things that can be found inside a home are more disgusting. Actually, I can't think of anything more disgusting. Now living in the country, across from a grain field, this was bound to happen a few weeks ago, but it didn't. The weather has stayed nice and the mice have stayed out.
No matter how many times we patch any hidden spots that the mice could get in, they still find a way.
So Gross.
Anyhow- I am sure some of you are dealing with the same thing. Here is the clincher though- I am a complete bi-polar wimp. Bi-polar in that my fear is unjustifiably, yet uncontrollably against all common sense.
When I see a live mouse, there is no screaming, jumping or standing on chairs. I find them intriguing. My brain switches to defense. I go to my cupboard of arsenal. Within minutes, 4 traps were distributed in the closet. 20 minutes later, success.
Now, for the screaming, weeping and wailing. I can't handle them once they are caught. I want them caught- but then, I see them up close. I see their beady little eyes, germy little bodies and imagine the nastiest of the nasty germs spreading like ripples. I had a great picture to post, but I would have to shut down this blog from all of the virtual mouse germs it would spread. You can be grossed out here.
I have been known to call my husband home from work to take care of a mouse caught in a trap. Today though, it was out of the question. I geared myself up. "I can do it! I can do it!" Got plastic sacks, I was ready.
It was still alive. "I can't do it. I can't do it!"
Remembering the neighbor boy down the road, I decided it was worth the change in the bottom of my crumb filled diaper bag to pay him to take care of it for me.
No such luck. He wasn't home. But, his mom was.
*Blush*
I said, "No, no it is ok. Never mind."
She came right over, marched right in, picked it up, took it out, killed it and threw it away.
I am forever indebted.
I am forever embarrassed.
Today, on Thankful Monday, I am really, really, really thankful for good neighbors.

What are you thankful for today? How do you handle mice?

Scandalous.

Thankful Monday.

Years ago, I remember seeing the commercials for the upcoming new show. It was going to be a hit. It was going to be unlike anything viewers had ever seen. It was prime-soap opera scandal, wrapped up with a perfect white picket fence. I thought, then, that Desperate Housewives was fit for viewers who were in fact, just that: desperate, for something to watch.
Fast forward a few years and a few kids later. I dig this show. I can relate to the characters. Not so much the sleazy, skeazy parts, but very much the mommish, scatterbrained, housewife parts.
The local ABC channel has been airing the first season after the late-night news and I think I am hooked.
(Mother: yes, I remember our deep conversation back in '04, at the old house. You were in the old tattered blue chair, I was reclining in the striped sectional. We were having a "What has the world come to?" conversation all stemming from the newest filth to hit the American airwaves; Desperate Housewives. Well.....Mom.....um....uh.....you see, I didn't think just watching it once would hurt....the remote was lost! I couldn't change the channel.......and, um...well....I just wanted to fit in....and...well....uh.... guilty as charged. I hope you can look me in the eyes as we feast on your perfect stuffing at Thanksgiving dinner.)

Every year, I seem to find my newest guilty-pleasure TV show. Generally, I am about 5 years behind the rest of the world in my "discoveries," but, whatever. I fluctuate from funny fluff like Everybody Love's Raymond, Friend's, (how did I miss an entire decade of pop culture?), to another certain scandalous show formerly on HBO, now edited for local viewing.....but I can't actually type the name of it- or else I really might not get to enjoy my Mother's Thanksgiving dinner. Awwwkkkwwwarrrddd. Why is it that even as a grown woman, I still need to live up to certain expectations? Is it an innate desire to be good and wholesome? Or maybe just a really strong desire to enjoy a steaming heap of holiday mashed potatoes and gravy? The world will never know.

Guilty pleasures. Everyone should have one. (G-rated of course, family friendly blog here.) I am thankful for mine. What is yours? What are you thankful for today? I really, really want to find out that I am not alone in my "rebellious" ways. Gabby? Susan? Lynette? Bree? Anyone?

the ultimate

The weekend with mom/grandma/gamma went all too fast. As usual, she helped me come up for air from the pit of unfinished projects. I had good intentions of making sure that she really relaxed. But, alas, her willingness to help overtook me. Her extra eyes to help watch the kids. Wow- what a difference that makes! The laundry was caught up (for about an hour), the garden's last hope of produce was taken care of, kids' books were read, the baby was fed (by someone other than me!), an upcoming (HUGE) project was started and almost completed, floors mopped......I could keep going, but I will spare you.

Before she came, I sent her a little pseudo-invitation via email, asking if she was coming, inviting her to eat fresh peach pie with us. Of course, me, being the way that I am, and 3 small children being the way that 3 small children often are, I never made the pie. So of course, Grandma made it for us. My great-grandmother's pie crust recipe (ice-cold water is the key), and my mother's fresh peach pie filling. It is the absolute, ultimate, take me back in time, comfort food. That pan above contained a lot more pie when I woke up this morning. But, oh mercy! I just can't help it. I keep going to the fridge, digging in, for "one last bite" before the kids see what I am up to and expect me to share. Then, I go back again and again.

And yes, yes I did eat that much. And I plan on eating more. And enjoying every last crumb. Flab to fab can be paused for your ultimate comfort food. Since I am the CEO of Flab to Fab, (or something like that), I can make up the rules as I go. And, I am very open to your own suggestions for new rules as well. Work with me people!

Thankful Monday is full of whipped cream and sugar, food so delicious, so can't-resist-it, that it is really, truly, comforting. Mmmmm.

What are you thankful for today? What is your ultimate comfort food?

loose ends

tied up.

As I sat mourning the temporary loss of my connection to the blogging world on Monday, I knew exactly what I would be posting I was thankful for. It is so wonderful that in those desperate moments of my day (or late nights), when I need just a smidgen of adult conversation to tide me over, I can flip open the lap top and there you all are, conversing with me.

Tuesday. After debating errands and tantrums, I settled upon going to the big box store that I always swear I won't go to ever again....... I looked quite ridiculous, I am quite sure. Two children in the main section of the cart, the baby in the front. Groceries and miscellaneous supplies piled in their laps, and wedged around their bottoms. I refuse to let them walk through the store. It keeps me within my budget, since no extras will fit in the cart, and it keeps many un-suspecting shoppers out of the perils of crashing in to a curious 4-year-old.

Chilling out (chilling, get it?) in front of the yogurt area, I noticed an older woman giving me quite the peculiar look as she overheard my very adult conversation with my very non-adult children, discussing the dilemmas of traditional and soy yogurts (dairy allergies in our household). She even gave a light-hearted remark about how I talk to them as adults. *blush*

So- Thankful Monday (Wednesday- whatever): Thank YOU. Thank you for being my saving grace, my co-workers, my daily adult conversation and ear to listen. Now, on to the other loose ends:

A while back, you all came to my aide for birthday ideas.

A babe in bowling shoes. Perfect.

The pink bowling ball cake, with accidentally perfect "marbling." (if your color isn't mixed consistently, consider it marbling) It was a hit.

And the much requested salsa recipe. (posted below) I finally remembered t0 buy a bag of chips last weekend. An empty jar of salsa and a few hours later, I was a complete woman. Did I mention that I didn't share with my family? Any of it. So good.

If you missed yesterday's challenge, you are missing out. OUT, I tell ya!

So, what are you thankful for today?

Challenge........the little things

Economically speaking, the past week has been somewhat un-thankful for me. Our real estate ventures (or lack of ventures) have had some major hiccups. Watching the news this past week makes me want to start collecting spare change, stashing it in my freezer and hoarding every last cent that can be found.
Highest jump in oil prices in a single day ever- ugh. Wallstreet plummeting. A good way to see the bright side of not having any money invested- no money to lose.
Apparently our home is considered "un-loanable" right now, therefore, un-sell-able too. Didn't see that one coming.
It is so easy for me to think, "I'll do this when I have this." IE: I'll be able to keep the house more organized when I have a bigger house with more storage. When I have more money to decorate how I want, then I will really spend the time to make things look good.

This week's challenge is in combination with what should have been yesterday's Thankful Monday.

CHALLENGE......the little things

Whatever your current wish list is right now, forget about it. If you wish for a new house, find the things in your current home that you love, that you would miss. If you wish the kids would pick up their messes, acknowledge the creativity it takes to create them. Maybe your car leaks oil and clankety clanks down the road, but that perfectly sized trunk makes it OK.

I was quite sure that this week I would be packing up boxes, beginning the process of moving up in the real estate world. Reality is that it probably won't happen for a while- and you know what? That's alright. I didn't think it was. But it is.

If I moved, I might not have the perfectly portioned wall for this:

My great-grandmother's dishes. They are the prominent feature in my dining room and quite possibly the best 48 inches in my house.

I haven't spent a lot of money decorating my home. These were inherited as a slight joke. I have lost my love of most things knick-knacky, but these farmers.....there is just something about them. A life of hard work, love and legacy. Just what I want to be in 50 years, minus the large noses, of course. If I packed them in a box and hauled them away, who knows what I would find when I opened it back up.



And the black kitchen walls? What was I thinking? I love them too. I don't think I could ever convince my husband to agree to black walls again. I would really miss them.

This corner. Ohhhhh myyyy.....I just can't lose this corner. These little chubby legs look so ridiculously cute standing in this corner. "Nose in" of course. If I had to move tomorrow, I would really miss this corner. I would really miss biting my lip so that I don't laugh while I am giving stern reprimands to a mischievous little girl.



If I moved to the quintessential bigger & better house, I could lose all of those things that I love. So, good thing I get to love them for a while longer.

Get it?

Got it?

Good.

What is the little thing that you are happy about this week? What WAS your "if only I had...." What perfect little detail are you going to concentrate on?

Are you in?

forever forgetting

Last night I went to bed with the best idea for Thankful Monday. I remember thinking it would be a fabulous post.
It would be funny and touching. Laugh out loud and tears of joy. The best post ever.
I love it when I think of great ideas.
Unfortunately, I have a teensy weensy problem with forgetting things.
What was so phenomenal that I stayed up late just thinking about it's greatness? I have no idea. I will probably remember it in a few weeks.

I do this all the time.

I am a classic put-it-here-so-I-won't-forget-it-and-then forget where "here is."
Currently lost in their chosen location: remote for car, social security cards, bank card, gift card, numerous needed papers, etc.
Every so often I luck out and come across a random treasure in a random location.
Just Friday, I found my wedding ring (missing in action for about a month). I would love to tell you where I found it, but I can't remember.
This all drives my husband c-r-a-z-y. However, he is learning to accept it.

So that, today, is what I am thankful for: that those nearest and dearest to me are learning to accept me- flaws & all or at least they are learning to cope with it.

I cannot help but justify all of this to the fact that each and every day I am responsible for remembering each and every detail for 3 other people's lives too. Sometimes always it all gets jumbled together.

What are you thankful for today? Have any good organization/memory tricks?

Oh- and stay tuned, because whenever I remember that amazing topic I was going to write about, I am just sure that you will all be brought to tears of joy.......

the harvest

My heart is happy.

I never really understood that little phrase until I "grew up." Today, though, I keep looking around at things that really, truly do make my heart happy.

It started last year when I decided to become a little more domestic and attempt a garden. Some things grew - almost 50 perfectly perfect pumpkins, lots of tomatoes.

Some things didn't- 5 rows of corn, all afflicted with "corn smut."
An accidental planting of the hottest peppers on the chart (don't remember the name) also resulted in an accidental eating of the hottest peppers by a then 1-year-old. The gophers liked my garden as much as I did and the sunflowers created the perfect backdrop for my entire backyard.

On a whim -call it a horticulture high- I even attempted canning. My shelves made room for peaches and salsa. So good. And, SO much easier than I expected.

Harvest.

It is here again. I love it. This year's garden has done well. Few pumpkins, better corn. Heaven reaching sun flowers and green beans that will be pureed into baby food. The gophers found the neighbor's garden instead of mine. I planted, what I call my "salsa box." Everything is ready to be chopped, diced and sliced. The cilantro didn't grow (if anyone knows how to grow cilantro, I would love some tips) and the peppers have cross pollinated into a new breed, but who cares? They grew, and will be mixed up into jar after jar of homemade goodness.


Can I just tell you how happy I am that "organic" is in? Organic is an excuse to not have to buy pesticides and chemical fertilizers. Organic is an excuse for the rampant weeds that I have officially declared a truce with. Organic means that our corn may not be big & plump, but I can be proud serving my children "all natural" produce.

We went to the fruit orchards owned by our church. After picking for others, we were able to pick peaches for ourselves. The butterflies in my stomach are all a-flutter thinking of making my mom's peach pie, ok- maybe the excitement is more about eating the pie than making it- but yum-oh.

Saturday, I spent the entire morning at my in-laws taking these:



Off of these:



Then, I spent the entire afternoon doing this:




Sunday, I let the kids mash up all of these berries and added untold amounts of sugar to make freezer jam.



Today is peaches. Later this week will be the salsa.
I love it. Love it all. Hmmmm.....except maybe that one pesky problem.....



Remember the zucchini I mentioned a few weeks ago? It is still quite the prolific producer. How about a "My zucchini is bigger than your zucchini" contest? Details to come, and definitely a great prize. If you have zucchini in a garden- or maybe grandma's garden- let one of the little buggers just keep on growing. Measure it & take a photo to document it. Oooohhhh.....I am getting excited. This could be quite funny....I mean fun.



If you aren't excited for summer's end, lets indulge a little, shall we? Crunchy leaves. Hot fresh peach cobbler with ice cream on top and pumpkin rolls. Cool nights and caramel apples. The unmatchable smell of fall. It is in the air and I love it. Oh yes, most definitely on this Thankful Monday, my heart is ever so happy.



What are you thankful for today?

You Don't

I thought I was so old that day. So, wise, so mature, so ready for my "grown-up" life.
I knew how to pay the bills, I knew how to cook a few meals.

I didn't know nearly as much as I thought I did.
8 years ago, on August 18th, my husband and I began our journey together in life.

I stayed up late the night before, making a "tape" of our songs. My dearest fiance, didn't have the guts to tell me that "our songs" were actually the songs he had schmoozed every former girlfriend with as well....... alas, I thought they were so romantic that day- later on, he divulged the "truth." A man just can't go wrong with U2 on his side.

My bridesmaids (most of whom read this) had terrible dresses. I am really sorry girls.....the material was cheap though, and like most things I come up with, the idea had much more "vision" than the reality. Basically, I forced my sister & best friends to wear green gunny sacks with cap sleeves. Maybe you made me look better that way though- and really, that is what was important, right?


We woke up that morning to pouring rain. I had spent an entire student loan to fund the decorations for my outdoor reception. The sun came out in the afternoon, everything dried up and the party began- without bows along the fence line and candles on the tables, much simpler than my overzealous planning had once imagined.


Our first apartment was rented, sight unseen. When we arrived in Northern Idaho, to the big "party school," we began an extremely challenging, heart-wrenching, newly-wed life. Neither of us had ever been to the town before. The steep hills on the walk to school became my enemy. The kitchen in our apartment was basically a hallway with counters on either side. If one of us was at the sink, the other could not get through to the fridge. My apple green dishes that began their career are being rinsed in my dishwasher today. We are down to 2 dinner plates.

After discovering the perfect find at a local thrift sale, we brought home a cat-hair covered, stinky weaved-fabric orange recliner. It went great with our welded-back-together futon. The worst part? We actually used the recliner. (shudder) I can't believe we used it. I am itchy all over just thinking about it. When we moved the next year, the guys that bought our lease inherited the recliner as a move-in bonus....... sick.

We were the only married couple in our huge complex, surrounded by partying co-eds. I was only 20. Of, course, I thought I was ssssoooo old and mature. Now, I understand why many co-workers and other students were astonished when they found out I was married.

From day 1, I was busy. 2 jobs, full credit load and a competition team for my major. I knew enough people on campus to feel comfortable. My work quickly created new acquaintances.
My husband couldn't find a job. His class load wasn't too hard. He didn't know anyone and there weren't many people that we shared commonalities with. He spent a lot of time home alone, thinking, thinking, thinking. It was a bad recipe for our first year of marriage. When we were not together, we had very opposite agendas. We learned a lot that year- much more from each other than from the university that we were paying our tuition to.

The past 8 years have been filled with ups and downs. Would I do things differently? Oh-yes! But, I wouldn't go back to those times for anything. It was so hard for us- harder than I would wish it to be for any other couple. The wonderful thing is that now, the ups are a lot more frequent than the downs. Our bantering is about the dishes- not our commitment to each other.

When I look back at the point we started from, the uproar we put ourselves through, the point we are at now, as cliche' as it sounds, we really have come so far. I can't wait to see what comes in the next 8 years.



How fitting for me today, "Thankful Monday," to be my anniversary.

To my husband, love you. I am thankful today for everything you don't do: you don't give up on me. You don't wake me up in the mornings. You don't mind bringing home dinner when I ask. You don't make me take care of the mouse traps. You don't buy me cheapskate gifts- even though I do for you. You don't care about my odd-shaped pinky toes. You don't mind my mismatched socks. You don't get annoyed when I "sip" on your drinks after I order water for myself. Most of all, you don't give up on me.

Happy Anniversary.



Oh- and in case you are wondering, that loan was finally paid off last year. Some of the purchases still sit in the craft closet at my mother's house, never used. Do you think that sage green, pale yellow and pale pink will make a comeback?

I am curious- if you have ever been married, what were your colors? If you were getting married today, what would your colors be? I would have to go with black, lime green and white.

And, as always on Monday, what are you thankful for?

I have.

Thankful Monday

My mind is racing with thoughts tonight.
So many questions I am pondering.
It is one of those late nights where the idea of my head hitting the pillow is feared, for I know that my thoughts will consume me.

It all started on Friday. My little babe broke out in hives before my eyes after taking the kids swimming. Within minutes, her entire forehead was covered in blotches and her eyes had started to swell. Allergies run strong in our family and I was not willing to take chances with my 6-month-old. We were minutes away from the urgent care, and I rushed over- wet clothes and all.
Me: a mom in a panicked fear, a knowledge that my baby was probably fine, but the nagging "what- if."
The receptionist: calmly and slowly begins handing me form after form. Clickety-clacking away on her keyboard, she momentarily lifted her eyes from the screen to say, oh-so-nonchalantly, "We see babies with rashes all the time..."
This was not a rash. THIS was the potential for a serious problem. THIS was causing my eyes to brim with tears. Didn't she get it? THIS was a BIG DEAL to me. THIS was not ok and I was not ok and my baby was NOT OK. I was handing over some cash for my co-pay. I was paying for it to be a BIG DEAL to someone. Urgent care. Urgent. Didn't she get it? I thought we needed immediate help. I could fill out those forms later. My baby might or might not have had a throat swelling at that very moment. Finally, she understood that the real emergency was that this mamma was about to go ballistic even if the baby was likely fine. She quickly went and got someone to check my babe's oxygen levels, which were fine. The hives seemed to start disappearing as quickly as they came. It may have been luck. It may have not have been an allergic reaction at all. It may have been an answer to my silent pleading prayer. I don't know. I won't ever know, but I was thankful for what it wasn't. I was ridiculously thankful, but I kept letting myself think, "what if?"

Next up, Saturday night. It was my birthday & we took the kids to celebrate with some friends from out-of-town. After feasting on hot bread and pasta, we downed some Krispy Kremes and headed to the friends' hotel to let the kids swim. It was all fun and games until someone got hurt. There were 4 adults. 3 of us close to my 2-year-old, 3 of us who didn't see her step into the deep water. 3 of us who kept chatting while her chubby little feet found the bottom of the pool. It was my husband, the furthest away that noticed her little hands reaching for the surface of the water- literally inches away from me. She was fine. A major scare, but she was fine. I was RIGHT NEXT to her and didn't even see her go under. I didn't even realize she was by me. How did I not see her? What if......?
It became increasingly apparent to me this weekend how much divine help we receive in everything that we do. Not just the extreme situations, but ALL THE TIME. It really only takes a matter of moments for things to change. As I type, I am letting the tears stream, snot run and the lump in my throat grows with each sentence.

Sunday: nothing monumental occurred. A basic Sunday for our household. Church, naps, snacks all day long, and watching the Olympics. My husband and I seemed to both be on edge with each other. As I reflect, I think it probably has to do with the roller coaster of emotions we have felt this weekend and realizing how close we came to having it be a very non-basic Sunday for us. When we do have an argument, it is usually about the same things. I think this is typical for most couples. Today though was different. It was the same tension as always, the same topic. But, somehow, we both just let it go. Without saying anything, we both knew that today just wasn't the day for it.
But now, as my mind is racing, I reflect and realize, is there really ever a day for it? Can't I just let things go? He doesn't always think before he speaks. I over-analyze everything that he says. Can't I just leave it at that? Do I need to be so defensive all the time? There are 3 little someones so much more important than our petty bickering. Wouldn't it be just as easy to "let it go" and just have fun with the kids instead?

It is a good day for a Thankful Monday for me.

There are a few blogs I have discovered in the past few months of families who have experienced the recent loss of a small child. This weekend I became so close to becoming one of these mother's. It is so easy to take for granted what I have............ So easy to be annoyed with the tantrums instead of useing them as a chance to pick up my hysterical daughter and hold her close until she is ready to giggle again. How often do I exasperatedly nurse my babe yet once again in hopes that she will finally take a nap. Wouldn't it be just as easy to turn on some music and dance with her? I expect so much out of my oldest. I have high expectations for him and he gets "the look" all too often. Can't I just remember that he is only 4- and to let him be only 4?
I am so thankful today for these mother's blogs that I have read recently that have shared their loss, their pain, their strength, their joys. (I am requesting their permission to add links, and will add them here)
This weekend has been a TREMENDOUS reminder for me to hold dear to what I have and forget about what I "have not." I have a home. I have a family. I have a tender knowledge that my daughters were protected this weekend. I do not need to wonder "what if?," but "what now?" For me, this is a week to hug a little more, speak a little softer, snuggle a little longer, and forgive a little quicker. My tears have dried up now, and my soft pillow awaits.

What about you? What are you thankful for today that you might usually take for granted?

Wiping my way up the corporate ladder

Thankful Monday.


No media for 2 days?
What was I thinking?
Seriously.
I must admit failure.

Why is it that something I was without for so long- way back in '07, before Internet graced the cables wrapped so ungracefully around my house- was so hard to once again not have- even for a measly 48 hours?

Through my husband's work, we have lap tops at our beckon call. There are 3 in the house right now.
It seemed every time I passed through my family room, they were taunting me. You know, like:
Camille, come to us....we are much more fun than dishes....or laundry........ we don't care if you stay in your pajamas all day. We will let your baby slobber on us.....we would love to waste untold amounts of your time......

So, of course, like the good, ambitious mother that I am, I snuck a few log-ins, checked a few blogs, perused a few fave sites and sent a few e-mails.

You all realize that the challenges I post each week are more for me, what I know I need to work on- not so much what I think all of the rest of you need. I am selfish like that.
I really needed this last one- but not necessarily so that I stop using the media- just to remind myself to prioritize a little better.
Why do I love blogging so much? My husband doesn't get it, but I think that I have finally figured it out.
Back in the day, I loved to go to work. I really did. It was fun. I thrived on the busy pace and in's and out's of the business world. There was always drama to hear about and new people to meet. I had great friends at work.
Ever since I joined the labor force as a teen, my social circles always included my co-workers. Meggan in high school. Amy in college. Debbie in my "career" days. Of course, I can't forget Lindsy, Breanne, Patty, Lori, Hillary........... you get the idea.
Then, I took an early retirement.....unfortunately, "retiring" at the age of 23 doesn't offer a pension plan........to be a stay-at-home-mom.
I moved across the state, and began my new life of seclusion with my children. And, don't get me wrong, I love it, and for me, staying home with my kids is very rewarding..... but I have missed the camaraderie of co-workers. Even after living in this area for 5 years, I still feel that my real friends are back home, the ones who I have experienced things with.

Voila. I discovered blogs. All of the sudden, I have co-workers again. Friends. Women out there doing amazing things in the corporate world and women doing amazing things in the home world. And, the best part is that we are all sharing it with each other- our feats, and our failures.

There are other women going through exactly the same things I am going through. We have the similar work hours. The pay scale is comparable (non-existent), there are unlimited available positions, and we all have the same glamorous duties of wiping.
Yes, that is right. Wiping.

I am thankful today, on the great Ponytail Challenge Thankful Monday, for you, my "co-workers" and of course, my wiping career. What is the job description of a Wiper you might ask- well.......'

The ability to wipe: poop, mud, (sometimes you are unsure of which), food, soap, and any other "smooshable" substance off of a variety of surfaces, including: skin, wood, walls, carpet, toys, leather, fabric, plastic or hair. If you are extremely skilled, the ability to wipe poop out of hair must be acknowledged, however, not monetarily rewarded. No further info available on this particular situation- which I surely have sent to my repressed memory.

So, co-workers: what are you thankful for today?
AND- what is your job description?

Losing my cool

It all started with a haircut. A simple haircut. A haircut that "mom" didn't want to give, but the "cool" uncle did.

Once upon a time, a fleeting moment in time, I was cool.......
possibly only to my children, but cool nevertheless.

Somehow, someway, without my knowledge or permission, I have lost my cool.
It is official- my son, at a mere 4 years and 9 months, no longer finds me "cool."

Isn't that only supposed to happen when he is a teenager?

Our vacation was full of people that are apparently much cooler than I.
Aren't your kids supposed to think that their extended relatives at reunions are weird while you are trying to convince them otherwise? There wasn't even a moment of question for my son. From the get-go, all of these people were apparently much cooler than his mother.

How dare I hold his hand while walking around at the family reunion?

How could I even imagine he sit with me instead of "the boys" at dinner?

At least kids still turn to their mothers in time of need right? HA! The boy received a horrific scratch from the teeth of a terrifying mongrel, (AKA: the cousin's cute little dog may have barely grazed the skin after being slightly provoked by slightly hyper children), I wasn't even cool enough for comfort.


Even with this blood sucking leach attached to his foot, I still wasn't quite cool enough to solve the problem.......

I wasn't cool enough to get to hear about this amazing race to catch a calf at the local rodeo.

I wasn't cool enough to go fishing. Boys only of course.

Ironically though, I was considered cool enough to solve the stench problem this little trophy caused in our ice chest.......... funny how that works.



Today, being Monday, and me, having designated Mondays as "Thankful Days" here at the Ponytail Challenge, I must humble myself to be a little grateful for something.



I am very grateful that my 2-year-old still thinks I'm cool.



Sweetie- I still think you are cool too, and as long as you promise to keep thinking that I am, I will keep letting you eat licorice before breakfast.

What are you thankful for today?

Oh- and does anyone know how I can get my cool back?

Thankful MonDAY....... let me count the ways

Few former teachers would argue (or faithful blog readers) that I can take seemingly any topic and write about it to great lengths. Many college papers of mine were filled with page after page of writing that could have been condensed to a short little paragraph. Someday, I am going to start a movement in the education world to give A's to the students who can say the most while writing the least- not who can fill up 8 pages without double spacing. Thank goodness no one started that movement while I was in school......

I digress.

The point is..... my Thankful Monday is going to be a less is more type of post-

1) Today, I love that a recipe which includes Cool-Whip, cream cheese and cake can be considered a salad, (not dessert), just by adding J-E-L-L-O. (and yes, you should read J-E-L-L-O spelled out, in a sing-songy voice).

2) Snopes.com Many friends (and I really do love you all), forward stories that scare the bejeebers out of me, causeing a paranoid-freak-out-mother like me to want a bunker built under my house to hide my children from society. I also get nervous about the promised lifetime of bad luck for not forwarding said scary stories to 38 of my closest friends and family.
If you don't know what Snopes.com is, you should. Type a few words in their search bar & voila! You will find out if your latest forward is a true story or not- I have yet to actually get a true one.

3) Washable markers. This could easily become a very long one- involving lots of "Oh-no you didn't!" and "on a 5-month-old?!?!"

4) GIVEAWAYS! When I first started blogging, I thought I would give stuff away to help me earn money. The Google ads I have on this blog have really, really been paying off- $2.24 so far- That is like 8 candy bars plus tax if I hit the sales right- BUT- I have changed my motivation for all of this- it is SO FUN to read all of your comments & give stuff away- Almost as good as a "salad" with cream cheese and jello......maybe even better. So, thanks for playing along!


And that, my friends, is what I am thankful for today. How about you?