Top 10 Reasons Christmas Card
Click here to browse our Christmas photo card designs.
View the entire collection of cards.
Making Bets
2 weeks ago
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Stationery card
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Poof....
They are gone! Just like that!
I dropped their 3-day notice to vacate on Monday 3/7 and by Thursday 3/10 at midnight...they were gone. Like a puff of smoke they disappeared.
The house is in good shape and needing a few repairs. I already had it cleaned, locks re-keyed and have 2 propsective tenants vying for it.
Learned a valuable lesson through this last set of tenants...trust my instincts ALWAYS!
I dropped their 3-day notice to vacate on Monday 3/7 and by Thursday 3/10 at midnight...they were gone. Like a puff of smoke they disappeared.
The house is in good shape and needing a few repairs. I already had it cleaned, locks re-keyed and have 2 propsective tenants vying for it.
Learned a valuable lesson through this last set of tenants...trust my instincts ALWAYS!
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
How idiots handle (mishandle) their money...aka Our tenants are broke-ass mother fuckers!
Click away if you don't feel like being a fly on the wall to my rant. That is all this is. If that doesn't arch your back, move on. Maybe come back another time. Maybe not. Sometimes I simply like to bitch.
When we rented to these tenants, I foresaw issues. Regardless, I figured they would have the sense to realize one simple truth: no matter how fucked up your finances become, paying for a place to live should be at the TIP TOP of the bill hierarchy. I shouldn't be giving the benefit of the doubt when figuring people have any sense. Some people are broke because they don't have a nugget of even the most basic financial concepts. Our tenants are those people. They may also be broke because they don't make much money. Who the hell knows how many things are a factor in their disastrous money situation?! Still income aside...if you use your sense, you can stretch a little bit of money a v-e-r-y l-o-n-g way.
Here we sit...on 2/23 and no rent has been paid to us this month. I emailed the tenants on 2/15 with a two sentence blip: It is 2/15 and we have heard nothing from you regarding rent. What is your plan?
I received a reply: Blah...blah...blah and blah...blah...blah.
Honestly, the content is irrelevant because with broke-ass mother fuckers it is ALWAYS going to be 'something'. And they always think that 'something' is out of their control. Not so. I leased apartments years ago after college and the same people were late month after month after month. And they always had a story. Each month a different story. But always the same outcome. And they didn't seem to get it either.
I have no sympathy for people who aren't wise with their money. It is not my responsibility to provide them a home in a beautiful neighborhood at my expense. Plain and simple. When they didn't pay us the first time they said they would this month...the next day I got an email explaining they would have the money paid in full on 2/22. When I hadn't heard from them by 8pm last night, I called all of their phones 2 separate times until they answered. (I was at a girls night out and had to deal with this bullshit so I was bitchier than my usual.) I made a 15 minute getaway from girls night to hand deliver a 3-day notice to vacate letter to the tenants and then went back to enjoy the rest of girls night. Apologies to my girls but this is my job in our household so I deal with it.
The bottom line: I have 2 young boys who don't deserve to have a mom who is half-with-them and half-in-my-head planning how to handle this situation every fucking month. And yes, it is every fucking month. I am currently hoping for time to fly until the end of the lease or until we can evict them. That just sucks. I don't want to be anxious for time to hurry past. These are precious days with my boys. I want to see every second tick by so I can soak them up before they are big kids who don't need me. Instead, I am wasting my time worrying about people who don't deserve my time.
THE TENANTS SUCK!
They are fuckers. And I don't give a single shit what reasons they offer. And I let them know as much as I walked away while the wife was giving me her latest reason. FUCK YOU. And the horse you rode in on. Pack up your shit, get the fuck outta my house. I'd rather pay while it sits empty than pay while it sits with you and your husband twiddling your thumbs and coming up with lame excuses why you aren't responsible for your finances. Grow the fuck up!
Told you I'd pop in from time-to-time when I had something to blog. Maybe next time it will be more positive.
When we rented to these tenants, I foresaw issues. Regardless, I figured they would have the sense to realize one simple truth: no matter how fucked up your finances become, paying for a place to live should be at the TIP TOP of the bill hierarchy. I shouldn't be giving the benefit of the doubt when figuring people have any sense. Some people are broke because they don't have a nugget of even the most basic financial concepts. Our tenants are those people. They may also be broke because they don't make much money. Who the hell knows how many things are a factor in their disastrous money situation?! Still income aside...if you use your sense, you can stretch a little bit of money a v-e-r-y l-o-n-g way.
Here we sit...on 2/23 and no rent has been paid to us this month. I emailed the tenants on 2/15 with a two sentence blip: It is 2/15 and we have heard nothing from you regarding rent. What is your plan?
I received a reply: Blah...blah...blah and blah...blah...blah.
Honestly, the content is irrelevant because with broke-ass mother fuckers it is ALWAYS going to be 'something'. And they always think that 'something' is out of their control. Not so. I leased apartments years ago after college and the same people were late month after month after month. And they always had a story. Each month a different story. But always the same outcome. And they didn't seem to get it either.
I have no sympathy for people who aren't wise with their money. It is not my responsibility to provide them a home in a beautiful neighborhood at my expense. Plain and simple. When they didn't pay us the first time they said they would this month...the next day I got an email explaining they would have the money paid in full on 2/22. When I hadn't heard from them by 8pm last night, I called all of their phones 2 separate times until they answered. (I was at a girls night out and had to deal with this bullshit so I was bitchier than my usual.) I made a 15 minute getaway from girls night to hand deliver a 3-day notice to vacate letter to the tenants and then went back to enjoy the rest of girls night. Apologies to my girls but this is my job in our household so I deal with it.
The bottom line: I have 2 young boys who don't deserve to have a mom who is half-with-them and half-in-my-head planning how to handle this situation every fucking month. And yes, it is every fucking month. I am currently hoping for time to fly until the end of the lease or until we can evict them. That just sucks. I don't want to be anxious for time to hurry past. These are precious days with my boys. I want to see every second tick by so I can soak them up before they are big kids who don't need me. Instead, I am wasting my time worrying about people who don't deserve my time.
THE TENANTS SUCK!
They are fuckers. And I don't give a single shit what reasons they offer. And I let them know as much as I walked away while the wife was giving me her latest reason. FUCK YOU. And the horse you rode in on. Pack up your shit, get the fuck outta my house. I'd rather pay while it sits empty than pay while it sits with you and your husband twiddling your thumbs and coming up with lame excuses why you aren't responsible for your finances. Grow the fuck up!
Told you I'd pop in from time-to-time when I had something to blog. Maybe next time it will be more positive.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
My Christmas gift
Giving myself a gift and calling this what it is...primarily done.
I will hop on every so often and drop a little nugget here for myself but I am clearly not in a blogging place. Not sure it ever became a great thing for me but I love reading blogs and appreciate the people I have come into contact with via blogging. I enjoy getting things out of my head but there is plenty that still rattles around in there and just doesn't need to be aired out.
I am choosing to love and live with the little ones I have and treasure our angel nugget, Erin, in heaven who obviously watches over all of us. I'm not upset about our loss but truly see that for the positives we have taken from the experience. So few people would share that perspective on their loss that I am not a voice for many pregnancy and baby loss moms. I am me. This is how I feel and it works well for me.
Rather than taunt myself b/c I haven't taken time to blog. I am just going to hang up my typing hands for a while and only pop on when I feel the need to get something out. This is my place to vent some stuff after all and I just don't feel it right now. Maybe later.
Merry Christmas, if that's your shade of celebration. If not, enjoy the rest of the holiday season and be well into the new year. May 2011 exceed your dreams in reality.
I will hop on every so often and drop a little nugget here for myself but I am clearly not in a blogging place. Not sure it ever became a great thing for me but I love reading blogs and appreciate the people I have come into contact with via blogging. I enjoy getting things out of my head but there is plenty that still rattles around in there and just doesn't need to be aired out.
I am choosing to love and live with the little ones I have and treasure our angel nugget, Erin, in heaven who obviously watches over all of us. I'm not upset about our loss but truly see that for the positives we have taken from the experience. So few people would share that perspective on their loss that I am not a voice for many pregnancy and baby loss moms. I am me. This is how I feel and it works well for me.
Rather than taunt myself b/c I haven't taken time to blog. I am just going to hang up my typing hands for a while and only pop on when I feel the need to get something out. This is my place to vent some stuff after all and I just don't feel it right now. Maybe later.
Merry Christmas, if that's your shade of celebration. If not, enjoy the rest of the holiday season and be well into the new year. May 2011 exceed your dreams in reality.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Freedom
Ah, December 1st...where did November go?
I hadn't intended to miss out thankful blogging for the final week of November but am thankful that I am the boss of me. So for each of the days that I failed to blog my thanks, I am thankful for my freedom to get out and do all that needed doing and I wanted to do as opposed to blogging it.
Thankful for the freedom to decide to change my goal and my mind.
It has been a busy bunch of days and the holiday season has descended and begun eating my calendar by the minute.
Today I am so pleased and thankful for the deal I just got with Sp.rint...new smartphone and car charger for $30 total. The phone was free and the charger was all I paid for in the deal. So, maybe I can find some more time as I begin to schedule myself on my new phone. Fewer things should be forgotten and maybe I will feel more efficient. Oh, I hope I feel more efficient.
Toodles, November! Maybe next year I will be a better thankful blogger but I won't decide that today.
I hadn't intended to miss out thankful blogging for the final week of November but am thankful that I am the boss of me. So for each of the days that I failed to blog my thanks, I am thankful for my freedom to get out and do all that needed doing and I wanted to do as opposed to blogging it.
Thankful for the freedom to decide to change my goal and my mind.
It has been a busy bunch of days and the holiday season has descended and begun eating my calendar by the minute.
Today I am so pleased and thankful for the deal I just got with Sp.rint...new smartphone and car charger for $30 total. The phone was free and the charger was all I paid for in the deal. So, maybe I can find some more time as I begin to schedule myself on my new phone. Fewer things should be forgotten and maybe I will feel more efficient. Oh, I hope I feel more efficient.
Toodles, November! Maybe next year I will be a better thankful blogger but I won't decide that today.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
The little things...the REALLY little things
Dear Hooker-in-Charlie-Sheen's-hotel-closet:
He's a complete drug-addicted nut bag and you were in his closet. It doesn't bode well for either of you. No one cares about you or your lawsuit. We're barely curious when his karma is going to catch up with him and he's the one with a show that a bunch of people must like based on the fact that his network hasn't fired his crazy ass yet. Find a new hobby. Buh-bye.
Today, I am thankful I am not Charlie Sheen or a hooker who takes shelter from him in his hotel closet. Add to that list a wife, ex-wife, girlfriend or ex-girlfriend of Charlie Sheen.
Happy Tuesday before Turkey Day!
He's a complete drug-addicted nut bag and you were in his closet. It doesn't bode well for either of you. No one cares about you or your lawsuit. We're barely curious when his karma is going to catch up with him and he's the one with a show that a bunch of people must like based on the fact that his network hasn't fired his crazy ass yet. Find a new hobby. Buh-bye.
Today, I am thankful I am not Charlie Sheen or a hooker who takes shelter from him in his hotel closet. Add to that list a wife, ex-wife, girlfriend or ex-girlfriend of Charlie Sheen.
Happy Tuesday before Turkey Day!
Monday, November 22, 2010
Thankful that we are nearing the end of this Thankful month?
Wow...I didn't foresee how challenging it would be to remember that I need to blog thanks each day this month. I suppose I am busy doing and not so busy writing about the goodness of it. And I am happy that this thankful month is coming to a close...only b/c I don't enjoy the inadequacy I feel when I realize I have forgotten to blog my thanks for another few days.
Friday: Bug wasn't feeling himself and he was warning me all day that his stomach was sick. Finally, around 4pm, when Big had been home for a bit, it came on strong. Bug said my tummy feels funny. Big asked if he thought he needed to throw up and Bug's face said it all...out it came! All the chunky, vomit-glory in a lovely hue of lavender-ish mauve thanks to the blueberry applesauce he had eaten for dessert at lunch. Bless his tiny heart and sick belly, I hurt for him. Big got busy cleaning the floor. I stripped Bug and tossed gross clothes into the laundry and shuttled the little man into the shower. He felt much better after the puke...don't we all? After his shower, we all took it easy and lounged at home for the evening. As crazy as it sounds, I was so glad that we got that first BIG puke out of the way. He had thrown up a little bit once before but this was a DOOZY! Throwing up is pretty traumatic for little people since they have no idea what is going on...and he made it through and felt better afterward. What a relief that it wasn't a stomach bug that kept him feeling bad after he threw up. Now, he thinks throwing up is the light at the end of the sick-belly tunnel. So yes, I am thankful that Bug threw up a boatload and bounced back nicely. At least, vomit is the big problem and nothing more serious. We are a lucky crew!
Saturday: We got to see the local high school band parade through our neighborhood. They are practicing for their appearance at the Fiesta Bowl and we had the good fortune to enjoy their practice. Bug hadn't seen a band before and he loves to groove. He and his little friends were dancing up a streak. They had such a great time! And after a brief crying spell, Bub enjoyed it too. At first, it was a little loud but he got used to it and bounced along in his Ergo. I posted the video that my girlfriend took on my face.book...if you happen to be a fb friend, check it out. It was a unique treat and I am thankful to see my little guy rocking out to a high school marching band without wandering far from home.
Sunday: I am beyond appreciative of all that we are able to provide our kids and the challenges they have (so far) been able to avoid knowing. We 'adopted' a child to get a Christmas gift for at our church yesterday...and will probably 'adopt' a few more before the end of the season. The 15-year-old boy we picked asked for a basketball OR a football. That just crushes me. I always associate such magic with the Christmas season and this young man is asking for something as simple as a football or basketball. I wish so much more for his life and his future. It isn't about gifts...I get that. The difficult part for me is imagining what his life must be like on any given day. It makes me sad and I wish I could do more. I am thankful for the financial hardships we haven't experienced and the ability to provide the basics and much more to our children.
Monday: We will be loading up shortly to head over to a birthday party. Bug's best buddy at school, Dylan, is having his party today at a bouncy house. It will be a wonderful way to spend the end of the day and we all get cupcakes. Any day that includes a cupcake is a day worthy of thanks! Plus, Dylan's mom is a gifted baker and cake/cupcake decorator. I can't wait to see what she has come up with for us to enjoy. Should be a hoot!
Wishing you an abundance of things to be thankful for in your own life.
Friday: Bug wasn't feeling himself and he was warning me all day that his stomach was sick. Finally, around 4pm, when Big had been home for a bit, it came on strong. Bug said my tummy feels funny. Big asked if he thought he needed to throw up and Bug's face said it all...out it came! All the chunky, vomit-glory in a lovely hue of lavender-ish mauve thanks to the blueberry applesauce he had eaten for dessert at lunch. Bless his tiny heart and sick belly, I hurt for him. Big got busy cleaning the floor. I stripped Bug and tossed gross clothes into the laundry and shuttled the little man into the shower. He felt much better after the puke...don't we all? After his shower, we all took it easy and lounged at home for the evening. As crazy as it sounds, I was so glad that we got that first BIG puke out of the way. He had thrown up a little bit once before but this was a DOOZY! Throwing up is pretty traumatic for little people since they have no idea what is going on...and he made it through and felt better afterward. What a relief that it wasn't a stomach bug that kept him feeling bad after he threw up. Now, he thinks throwing up is the light at the end of the sick-belly tunnel. So yes, I am thankful that Bug threw up a boatload and bounced back nicely. At least, vomit is the big problem and nothing more serious. We are a lucky crew!
Saturday: We got to see the local high school band parade through our neighborhood. They are practicing for their appearance at the Fiesta Bowl and we had the good fortune to enjoy their practice. Bug hadn't seen a band before and he loves to groove. He and his little friends were dancing up a streak. They had such a great time! And after a brief crying spell, Bub enjoyed it too. At first, it was a little loud but he got used to it and bounced along in his Ergo. I posted the video that my girlfriend took on my face.book...if you happen to be a fb friend, check it out. It was a unique treat and I am thankful to see my little guy rocking out to a high school marching band without wandering far from home.
Sunday: I am beyond appreciative of all that we are able to provide our kids and the challenges they have (so far) been able to avoid knowing. We 'adopted' a child to get a Christmas gift for at our church yesterday...and will probably 'adopt' a few more before the end of the season. The 15-year-old boy we picked asked for a basketball OR a football. That just crushes me. I always associate such magic with the Christmas season and this young man is asking for something as simple as a football or basketball. I wish so much more for his life and his future. It isn't about gifts...I get that. The difficult part for me is imagining what his life must be like on any given day. It makes me sad and I wish I could do more. I am thankful for the financial hardships we haven't experienced and the ability to provide the basics and much more to our children.
Monday: We will be loading up shortly to head over to a birthday party. Bug's best buddy at school, Dylan, is having his party today at a bouncy house. It will be a wonderful way to spend the end of the day and we all get cupcakes. Any day that includes a cupcake is a day worthy of thanks! Plus, Dylan's mom is a gifted baker and cake/cupcake decorator. I can't wait to see what she has come up with for us to enjoy. Should be a hoot!
Wishing you an abundance of things to be thankful for in your own life.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Hope you're thankful for another 3 thanks
In the few minutes I manage to get to myself in these past several evenings, is it any wonder blogging doesn't even make it on my radar? I have been slaving away trying to get a year's worth of kid pictures condensed, captioned, edited and sensibly placed in that Shutter.fly photo book I was raving about the other day. And yes, I still adore the photo books...they are undeniably a labor of love and time consuming if you happen to be an OCD perfectionist, as I am.
SO, here we go again with 3 days worth of thanks...
Tuesday: I was thankful for a resilient and happy Bub as he got his second dose of flu shot that morning. Had things gotten frustrating, it was going to be an unbearably LONG day and night as Big was traveling. But as it happened, no trouble at all...save for a quick sniffle at the time he felt the shot.
My boys don't get too bothered by shots thankfully. That still gives me no peace with Bug's 4 year well-check approaching and his resulting anxiety regarding the 4 shots. He will be largely unaffected at the appointment but in the months leading up, I hear it about almost daily.
Wednesday: I was thankful to be mom to two such patient and well-behaved little guys. Our morning took a turn. Our original plan of going to a local little kids amusement park was sidelined and we wound up at the outlet mall to get Bug some new shoes. It was a breeze! Bub didn't give any fuss about riding in the stroller but seemed to enjoy all the stuff he was getting to see. Bug tried on several pairs of shoes and was a great listener. This isn't a boast...b/c this is not his normal, everyday behavior...he decided to roll with it and not get all kinds of crazy and rambunctious. Ah, what a blessing...Thank you, boys!!!
Thursday: Today...I am thankful for the hilarious and sweet statements from Bug every single day. Just this morning there were a few things. About his new sneakers: "These shoes are so fast. I am going to race Dylan and win. These shoes are so fast even-I will probably run into the walls since they (the shoes) only run and don't stop." On his thankful turkey at school: (No, Big and I didn't even get a shared mention on one thankful feather) He is thankful for 'going peepee and washing hands alone, playing with Bub, playing in his playroom, using his stool to open the window shades in his playroom' and a couple other things. It touches me that he appreciates his independence b/c we do a lot to foster that around here. And most importantly, I don't mind if I never make it on his list of things to be thankful for as long as his brother always makes it. That was my dream in having a second child...that they be a buddy to each other. Yes, it is early and we will have many battles ahead. Still, it bodes well in my opinion that Bub got his first thankful feather.
Still ahead tonight, girls night with my mom friends from church. Hoping for fun since I will be exhausted by that time! Oh, and wine. Did I mention wine? There will be wine. I am thankful for wine. Very thankful for wine. Jesus clearly hit on something good with wine.
SO, here we go again with 3 days worth of thanks...
Tuesday: I was thankful for a resilient and happy Bub as he got his second dose of flu shot that morning. Had things gotten frustrating, it was going to be an unbearably LONG day and night as Big was traveling. But as it happened, no trouble at all...save for a quick sniffle at the time he felt the shot.
My boys don't get too bothered by shots thankfully. That still gives me no peace with Bug's 4 year well-check approaching and his resulting anxiety regarding the 4 shots. He will be largely unaffected at the appointment but in the months leading up, I hear it about almost daily.
Wednesday: I was thankful to be mom to two such patient and well-behaved little guys. Our morning took a turn. Our original plan of going to a local little kids amusement park was sidelined and we wound up at the outlet mall to get Bug some new shoes. It was a breeze! Bub didn't give any fuss about riding in the stroller but seemed to enjoy all the stuff he was getting to see. Bug tried on several pairs of shoes and was a great listener. This isn't a boast...b/c this is not his normal, everyday behavior...he decided to roll with it and not get all kinds of crazy and rambunctious. Ah, what a blessing...Thank you, boys!!!
Thursday: Today...I am thankful for the hilarious and sweet statements from Bug every single day. Just this morning there were a few things. About his new sneakers: "These shoes are so fast. I am going to race Dylan and win. These shoes are so fast even-I will probably run into the walls since they (the shoes) only run and don't stop." On his thankful turkey at school: (No, Big and I didn't even get a shared mention on one thankful feather) He is thankful for 'going peepee and washing hands alone, playing with Bub, playing in his playroom, using his stool to open the window shades in his playroom' and a couple other things. It touches me that he appreciates his independence b/c we do a lot to foster that around here. And most importantly, I don't mind if I never make it on his list of things to be thankful for as long as his brother always makes it. That was my dream in having a second child...that they be a buddy to each other. Yes, it is early and we will have many battles ahead. Still, it bodes well in my opinion that Bub got his first thankful feather.
Still ahead tonight, girls night with my mom friends from church. Hoping for fun since I will be exhausted by that time! Oh, and wine. Did I mention wine? There will be wine. I am thankful for wine. Very thankful for wine. Jesus clearly hit on something good with wine.
Monday, November 15, 2010
Three days o' Thanks
Saturday was a day of Fall festivals...we only made it to one b/c Bug had his last soccer game of the season right in the middle of the afternoon. Plus, it was cool weather so it actually felt like a Fall festival. What a treat! I am thankful to live in a small enough town that we enjoy little street festivals a few times throughout the year. I grew up in Miami, FL and we had no such little festivals...the festivals we had were quite large and more hectic than enjoyable, in my opinion. I am glad to be bringing my boys up in this small town.
Sunday was cloudy, cold, and drizzly. A perfect day to be indoors working on our lazy. And we didn't have anything outside the house to do after church and grocery shopping...so we stayed in and hung out together. Lazy-ish! I did a few loads of laundry, made a big batch of baby food and just watched football with my fellas. I am thankful to have a lazy day every now and then when the weather forces us...and might even enjoy a lazy day indoors when the weather is perfectly wonderful.
Today, Big set off on another work trip. That's nothing unusual or anything to be thankful about. What I am thankful for is that he delayed leaving on his trip so he could come with us to Bug's swim lesson. Having him there was a huge deal to Bug and he enjoyed it every bit as much as Bug. It is a blessing to have a husband who takes his fatherhood so seriously and makes time every chance he gets to be a part of Bug's day-to-day life. He travels and has so much calling his time but he makes a point to stop and enjoy daddy time. Not many fathers seem to do that...maybe more than I think...but I am thankful, in any case.
Sunday was cloudy, cold, and drizzly. A perfect day to be indoors working on our lazy. And we didn't have anything outside the house to do after church and grocery shopping...so we stayed in and hung out together. Lazy-ish! I did a few loads of laundry, made a big batch of baby food and just watched football with my fellas. I am thankful to have a lazy day every now and then when the weather forces us...and might even enjoy a lazy day indoors when the weather is perfectly wonderful.
Today, Big set off on another work trip. That's nothing unusual or anything to be thankful about. What I am thankful for is that he delayed leaving on his trip so he could come with us to Bug's swim lesson. Having him there was a huge deal to Bug and he enjoyed it every bit as much as Bug. It is a blessing to have a husband who takes his fatherhood so seriously and makes time every chance he gets to be a part of Bug's day-to-day life. He travels and has so much calling his time but he makes a point to stop and enjoy daddy time. Not many fathers seem to do that...maybe more than I think...but I am thankful, in any case.
Friday, November 12, 2010
Big, Bug hugs
So, it is easier to 'thankfully blog' daily with one kid than two kids as evidenced by my success last year compared to this year. I am sure plenty of people pull it off simply and I am equally sure that I am not one of them.
I will not miss a day of thanks even though I may not blog them daily.
Yesterday, Big made it home from his trip and it was a HUGE relief to have another hand to help out around here last night. I am thankful for Big's timely return and the chance to get a few more things done in preparation for my Polar TEXpress train ride for the kids in early December.
Today, I am thankful to have gotten quiet snuggle time with Bug this morning before we jumped into our day. So often lately, I feel like I am barking out directions and being an unhappy mom. It is rare that I get to just enjoy time with him alone without anything else pulling me away. Twenty minutes of hugging it out is just the way to start the day.
I will not miss a day of thanks even though I may not blog them daily.
Yesterday, Big made it home from his trip and it was a HUGE relief to have another hand to help out around here last night. I am thankful for Big's timely return and the chance to get a few more things done in preparation for my Polar TEXpress train ride for the kids in early December.
Today, I am thankful to have gotten quiet snuggle time with Bug this morning before we jumped into our day. So often lately, I feel like I am barking out directions and being an unhappy mom. It is rare that I get to just enjoy time with him alone without anything else pulling me away. Twenty minutes of hugging it out is just the way to start the day.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Swinging and Adult Conversation
Things have been a little hectic...
Bug has strep and Big is traveling and Bub is crawling and I need a nap. So I am a day late again posting but am doubling up my thanks.
Yesterday, I was extraordinarily appreciative to have some adult conversation after 2 days stuck in the house with a sick Strep kid and his incredible, crawling baby brother. It was a girls-night-in to be shared with a few of my girlfriends. Unfortunately, two of them were down sick and another was wiped out after a day of work...in the end, two of us chatted, drank wine and watched a little Dancing program on ABC. I needed that time with a grown-up...and a glass of wine.
Today, I thank my lucky stars that Bug has just figured out how to swing by himself. Ah, all the time I will have to myself now that he won't require my arms to do the work for him. It's already paying off as I prepped tomorrow night's dinner while he is out there swinging himself senseless and the little Bub is tucked safely in a Sesame Street activity center. So, I also toss out a little thanks for containment!
These things are what get me through the rough days!
Bug has strep and Big is traveling and Bub is crawling and I need a nap. So I am a day late again posting but am doubling up my thanks.
Yesterday, I was extraordinarily appreciative to have some adult conversation after 2 days stuck in the house with a sick Strep kid and his incredible, crawling baby brother. It was a girls-night-in to be shared with a few of my girlfriends. Unfortunately, two of them were down sick and another was wiped out after a day of work...in the end, two of us chatted, drank wine and watched a little Dancing program on ABC. I needed that time with a grown-up...and a glass of wine.
Today, I thank my lucky stars that Bug has just figured out how to swing by himself. Ah, all the time I will have to myself now that he won't require my arms to do the work for him. It's already paying off as I prepped tomorrow night's dinner while he is out there swinging himself senseless and the little Bub is tucked safely in a Sesame Street activity center. So, I also toss out a little thanks for containment!
These things are what get me through the rough days!
Monday, November 8, 2010
Shutterfly Photo Books
Shutterfly photo books are the single greatest gift for grandparents 'evah' and I am thankful to have found them and made them our signature gift for Christmas.
They do take time to put together but are so easy to design and a treat to give to your kids as well. The photo book we made for Bug last Christmas of all his big events in 2009 is still his favorite book to read at bedtime. Looking forward to continuing the tradition with both boys this year.
Check them out if you haven't already...they have a variety of themes and a huge selection of page backgrounds that you can mix and match into every themed book.
They do take time to put together but are so easy to design and a treat to give to your kids as well. The photo book we made for Bug last Christmas of all his big events in 2009 is still his favorite book to read at bedtime. Looking forward to continuing the tradition with both boys this year.
Check them out if you haven't already...they have a variety of themes and a huge selection of page backgrounds that you can mix and match into every themed book.
Sunday, November 7, 2010
On all fours
Today I am thankful and celebrating that Bub is crawling.
He has been on all fours and rocking for just over a week so I was somewhat mentally prepared for this to happen.
It may be less than 24 hours until I am cursing this same milestone. At that time, I will completely deny ever appreciating Bub crawling and will clarify that today I am thankful for the back-to-back showings of "Anchorman" on TBS.
He has been on all fours and rocking for just over a week so I was somewhat mentally prepared for this to happen.
It may be less than 24 hours until I am cursing this same milestone. At that time, I will completely deny ever appreciating Bub crawling and will clarify that today I am thankful for the back-to-back showings of "Anchorman" on TBS.
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Sweet sleep and Little Stingers
Evidently, yesterday I was thankful for my bed as I fell fast asleep around 7:45 after I tucked Bug into bed. It seems to always happen on Friday nights that I am asleep before Bug.That bed is a welcoming haven at the end of a long week...and this week Big didn't even travel.
Today, my thanks is more thought out.
It is our second to last Stingers game this season. The Stingers are Bug's soccer team and Big is their coach. We have had practices every Thursday and games every Saturday for the past 9 weeks. We have a great bunch of little guys and Big is infinitely more patient than any person in the world when he is coaching. What started as a mish-mash of fussy 3-year-olds clustered around a ball on the field has become almost an organized game with everyone having a blast while points are being scored frequently...in our own goal.
Today, my thanks is more thought out.
It is our second to last Stingers game this season. The Stingers are Bug's soccer team and Big is their coach. We have had practices every Thursday and games every Saturday for the past 9 weeks. We have a great bunch of little guys and Big is infinitely more patient than any person in the world when he is coaching. What started as a mish-mash of fussy 3-year-olds clustered around a ball on the field has become almost an organized game with everyone having a blast while points are being scored frequently...in our own goal.
As we near the end of the Stingers season, I appreciate all that team sports teach the kids. These are lessons that kids and even some adults seem to have never learned...work together, finish what you start, do what you say you are going to do b/c people are counting on you, roll with the punches and move on when something bad happens or you miss a chance for something great. Thank you soccer (and Big as the coach) for helping to teach our kids important lessons that will make them kids (and one day adults) with sense.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Mom friends
I am very thankful for the mom friends I have made in our mom's group at church. There are only a few of us but the older moms (grandmoms and great-grandmoms) who have visited our group as speakers are wonderful, too.
I have recently learned there is a common thread between mothers regardless of age or experience. I am surprised when these older women who I consider to be very 'churchy' (for lack of a better word) turn out to be women that I can relate to as mothers and as friends. I am far from what I would consider 'churchy' so I often feel quite flawed when first interacting with these older women. But, in spending time with them, I am discovering that we are all flawed and each deal with things in our own ways. They are not better mothers, friends, wives or women than I am...we are all just doing our own thing and doubting ourselves. We just have different areas of focus and doubt.
Today, an older woman from church joined us to share an idea that she is using with her grandsons during Advent this year. During her visit, she praised us for coming together for support and friendship and shared some of her most pressing struggles presently and from her past. Her husband (of 45-ish years) was diagnosed with Alzheimers 3 years ago and it is beginning to change him into a different person. She is having a terrible time with that. She also shared that she had a 5 week old daughter who died of spinal meningitis between her first and second boys...she has 3 boys. She cried about both of these situations with us. She hardly knows us...2 of our moms are casual acquaintances of hers from church and myself and the other mom are complete strangers to her. (Well, she and I recognize each other from services but nothing more than smiles and nods at that.) Her candor was surprising but perfectly understandable because she realizes what I am just learning...that we are all the same in more ways than we are different and we all care.
Of course, we care...we are mothers.
I have recently learned there is a common thread between mothers regardless of age or experience. I am surprised when these older women who I consider to be very 'churchy' (for lack of a better word) turn out to be women that I can relate to as mothers and as friends. I am far from what I would consider 'churchy' so I often feel quite flawed when first interacting with these older women. But, in spending time with them, I am discovering that we are all flawed and each deal with things in our own ways. They are not better mothers, friends, wives or women than I am...we are all just doing our own thing and doubting ourselves. We just have different areas of focus and doubt.
Today, an older woman from church joined us to share an idea that she is using with her grandsons during Advent this year. During her visit, she praised us for coming together for support and friendship and shared some of her most pressing struggles presently and from her past. Her husband (of 45-ish years) was diagnosed with Alzheimers 3 years ago and it is beginning to change him into a different person. She is having a terrible time with that. She also shared that she had a 5 week old daughter who died of spinal meningitis between her first and second boys...she has 3 boys. She cried about both of these situations with us. She hardly knows us...2 of our moms are casual acquaintances of hers from church and myself and the other mom are complete strangers to her. (Well, she and I recognize each other from services but nothing more than smiles and nods at that.) Her candor was surprising but perfectly understandable because she realizes what I am just learning...that we are all the same in more ways than we are different and we all care.
Of course, we care...we are mothers.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Modern Family
So thankful for Modern Family after a way too long day. Phil Dunphy cracks my ass up.
And as luck would have it...I'm kinda married to him. Big has some stuff in common with Phil. He cracks my ass up, too.
And as luck would have it...I'm kinda married to him. Big has some stuff in common with Phil. He cracks my ass up, too.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Back in the sad-dle...or should I say glad-dle?
It is November and last year I blogged each day about something I am thankful for and I plan to do it again this year. It feels good to count my blessings...and sometimes be thankful in writing after a great or not-so-great day.
Today I am being thankful for 2 things since I missed my chance yesterday.
Yesterday, in the car with the boys heading through the toll and the people in front of us are going ridiculously S-L-O-W so I sigh loudly...Bug says, "Mommy, now is when you call him an idiot!"
That is my boy! And I love him...especially when he recognizes what a sigh really means. And it must be noted...he said idiot not any form of fuck. And I might have tossed out a 'Fuck!' had the day been more hectic before we encountered their snail-ish pace. So, yes, he says inappropriate words but chose to keep it more kid-friendly...perhaps b/c there is a baby in the car these days.
I am grateful to have a son who keeps me on my toes and cracks me up...A LOT!
Today I am thankful that I can vote. Sure, I m WAY out-voted and negated here in Texas but I still plan to exercise this right and chalk one up for the liberals! At least, we live in the most liberal part of Texas.
Go ahead and get your grateful on too...
Today I am being thankful for 2 things since I missed my chance yesterday.
Yesterday, in the car with the boys heading through the toll and the people in front of us are going ridiculously S-L-O-W so I sigh loudly...Bug says, "Mommy, now is when you call him an idiot!"
That is my boy! And I love him...especially when he recognizes what a sigh really means. And it must be noted...he said idiot not any form of fuck. And I might have tossed out a 'Fuck!' had the day been more hectic before we encountered their snail-ish pace. So, yes, he says inappropriate words but chose to keep it more kid-friendly...perhaps b/c there is a baby in the car these days.
I am grateful to have a son who keeps me on my toes and cracks me up...A LOT!
Today I am thankful that I can vote. Sure, I m WAY out-voted and negated here in Texas but I still plan to exercise this right and chalk one up for the liberals! At least, we live in the most liberal part of Texas.
Go ahead and get your grateful on too...
Monday, September 27, 2010
At a loss for words...
No, nothing has happened to cause it.
Just am.
I will find something to blog soon. But no need to waste your time or mine until I have it.
Enjoy.
Just am.
I will find something to blog soon. But no need to waste your time or mine until I have it.
Enjoy.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Crossover News...aka Crap
Has anyone else noticed and become alarmed at the increasing trend of non-news being reported as breaking news by reputable programs?!
Who the hell gives a rat's ass or is stunned that Paris Hilton was arrested for possession of cocaine? Um, no kidding. What...did you figure she just didn't eat and still managed to have to energy to party and shop nearly every hour of the day? No, she needs coke to stay that thin and have energy to do everything related to being a sex-tape celebutante. That girl is just one missed magazine cover away from a crystal-meth addiction and I'm not the only one who hears that clock ticking for her. Shockingly, the powers that be at E News don't hear it and they know a hell of a lot more about her than I do.
But, at least, it makes sense when E News reports on her antics...not so much when my local ABC affiliate gets in on the reporting during our evening news. Slow news night, Austin?!
Who the hell gives a rat's ass or is stunned that Paris Hilton was arrested for possession of cocaine? Um, no kidding. What...did you figure she just didn't eat and still managed to have to energy to party and shop nearly every hour of the day? No, she needs coke to stay that thin and have energy to do everything related to being a sex-tape celebutante. That girl is just one missed magazine cover away from a crystal-meth addiction and I'm not the only one who hears that clock ticking for her. Shockingly, the powers that be at E News don't hear it and they know a hell of a lot more about her than I do.
But, at least, it makes sense when E News reports on her antics...not so much when my local ABC affiliate gets in on the reporting during our evening news. Slow news night, Austin?!
Monday, August 30, 2010
Am I Snow White in some alternate universe today?
Well, I have a boy who thinks Diego (the animal rescuer from Nick Jr.) hung the moon and stars just before he invented trucks, tools and cake. Those items happen to be some of Bug' s favorite things to any who wonder. And he fully intends to be Diego for Halloween. Yes, a blonde Diego but, nevertheless, Diego. So we learn A LOT about animals in this house...and when we are out of this house.
So, today has been a bizarre trip through animal hell or heaven...I'm simply not sure.
In any case, I started my morning standing out by the pool with the telescoping brush in hand ready to begin scrubbing down the sides and bottom of the pool to help cure the plaster. (YES, the pool is looking finished but still not quite ready for swimmers...kinda like my girlie parts! Haha!) During my pool brushing times, I frequently encounter an odd assortment of creatures. Normally, a series of thirsty or extraordinarily clean wasps, a big wolf spider who has made our pool his new home and june bugs and lady bugs more rarely.
Early this morning, I noticed a dark spot in the deep end when I looked out from up in my bedroom but the water is awfully cloudy from all the calcium sloughing off the plaster. As I got to the deep end with my brush, I recognized the dark spot to be a GIANT dead frog. Not a floater but a sinker and it grossed me out. Bug, on the other hand, thought it was cool. Oh, how is he my kid?! I am not a girl who can fish a dead frog out of the pool...and Big is traveling. Of course, Big is traveling...that is a little joke God plays on me from time to time. He likes to see how I respond to these scenarios. Hell, I like to see how I respond to these scenarios. So, I can't blame him. I promptly called my neighbor and asked how likely she was to fish a dead frog out of our deep end and toss the carcass over our fence into the field. Surprisingly, she said she'd be right over. Minutes later, she had the croaker over the fence and I was busily brushing the pool. It still is freaking me out that there is a puffy dead frog on the other side of our fence. I am not a friend to the frogs but it is creepy to know he's just over there.
Then, this afternoon, it got interesting. The boys were both in their rooms for naps. Bug was napping and Bub was shrieking like a howler monkey stuck in a fire ant pile. The kid was overtired and the best way to go to sleep is to just GO TO SLEEP! Finally he did but it didn't last more than an hour. So, I took advantage of my free time to get the pool scrubbed down again.
While I was out there scrubbing the deep end, I heard a strange sound. When I looked up, there was a good-sized pigeon on the slanty roof of our back porch and he was quickly coming down toward me. Let me be clear...he was looking me straight in the eye and heading down fast. He didn't seem like a Hitchcock-ian black bird so I decided that trembling would be out of the question. I stood my ground and kept right on brushing. He flew down onto the deck and started walking around the perimeter of the pool coming after me...but not so quick this time. By the time I got to the shallow end, he was about 6 inches away from me.
This next bit is going to sound crazy...not crazy like I may have been a little overtired myself but crazy like I may have accidentally dropped several hits of acid during lunch.
This pigeon was beautiful...I couldn't take my eyes off him. And not just because he was WAY inside my wild bird comfort zone. He was a mix of deep auburn brown with spots of white and a very full and feathery snowy white tail/birdy butt region. It was the prettiest wild bird I have seen. He had such bright red little bird legs with white spots on them. Kinda like he was wearing polka dot leggings. And then, much to my National Geographic Explorer chagrin, I noticed he had a black cuff on his birdy ankle...he was some kind of homing pigeon. Damn dream killer, pigeon!
I mistakenly believed for a brief instant that I had found my true calling. I was going to be the next big thing on reality television...the bird whisperer. That cuff shook me out of my dreamy state and reminded me that this bird is used to people...in fact, he probably thought I was going to bring him in and serve him some fine-ass bird seed on the good china. Isn't that what homing pigeon owners do with their birds? Treat them like family? They must. Or, at least, the owner of this pigeon must because he definitely wasn't the least bit intimidated by me. He hung around while I finished cleaning the pool and then even let me get up close and tak with him. Then after a while when I walked away, he flew off.
He hasn't come back. I know...I have been watching and spending a disproportionate amount of time out back in relation to the steamy temps.
Kinda wish he would come back so I could get Bug and show him this cool pigeon...especially since we can't get enough of "Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus." by Mo Willems. Mo Willems can write a children's book. And this pigeon can drive our bus any day!
So, today has been a bizarre trip through animal hell or heaven...I'm simply not sure.
In any case, I started my morning standing out by the pool with the telescoping brush in hand ready to begin scrubbing down the sides and bottom of the pool to help cure the plaster. (YES, the pool is looking finished but still not quite ready for swimmers...kinda like my girlie parts! Haha!) During my pool brushing times, I frequently encounter an odd assortment of creatures. Normally, a series of thirsty or extraordinarily clean wasps, a big wolf spider who has made our pool his new home and june bugs and lady bugs more rarely.
Early this morning, I noticed a dark spot in the deep end when I looked out from up in my bedroom but the water is awfully cloudy from all the calcium sloughing off the plaster. As I got to the deep end with my brush, I recognized the dark spot to be a GIANT dead frog. Not a floater but a sinker and it grossed me out. Bug, on the other hand, thought it was cool. Oh, how is he my kid?! I am not a girl who can fish a dead frog out of the pool...and Big is traveling. Of course, Big is traveling...that is a little joke God plays on me from time to time. He likes to see how I respond to these scenarios. Hell, I like to see how I respond to these scenarios. So, I can't blame him. I promptly called my neighbor and asked how likely she was to fish a dead frog out of our deep end and toss the carcass over our fence into the field. Surprisingly, she said she'd be right over. Minutes later, she had the croaker over the fence and I was busily brushing the pool. It still is freaking me out that there is a puffy dead frog on the other side of our fence. I am not a friend to the frogs but it is creepy to know he's just over there.
Then, this afternoon, it got interesting. The boys were both in their rooms for naps. Bug was napping and Bub was shrieking like a howler monkey stuck in a fire ant pile. The kid was overtired and the best way to go to sleep is to just GO TO SLEEP! Finally he did but it didn't last more than an hour. So, I took advantage of my free time to get the pool scrubbed down again.
While I was out there scrubbing the deep end, I heard a strange sound. When I looked up, there was a good-sized pigeon on the slanty roof of our back porch and he was quickly coming down toward me. Let me be clear...he was looking me straight in the eye and heading down fast. He didn't seem like a Hitchcock-ian black bird so I decided that trembling would be out of the question. I stood my ground and kept right on brushing. He flew down onto the deck and started walking around the perimeter of the pool coming after me...but not so quick this time. By the time I got to the shallow end, he was about 6 inches away from me.
This next bit is going to sound crazy...not crazy like I may have been a little overtired myself but crazy like I may have accidentally dropped several hits of acid during lunch.
This pigeon was beautiful...I couldn't take my eyes off him. And not just because he was WAY inside my wild bird comfort zone. He was a mix of deep auburn brown with spots of white and a very full and feathery snowy white tail/birdy butt region. It was the prettiest wild bird I have seen. He had such bright red little bird legs with white spots on them. Kinda like he was wearing polka dot leggings. And then, much to my National Geographic Explorer chagrin, I noticed he had a black cuff on his birdy ankle...he was some kind of homing pigeon. Damn dream killer, pigeon!
I mistakenly believed for a brief instant that I had found my true calling. I was going to be the next big thing on reality television...the bird whisperer. That cuff shook me out of my dreamy state and reminded me that this bird is used to people...in fact, he probably thought I was going to bring him in and serve him some fine-ass bird seed on the good china. Isn't that what homing pigeon owners do with their birds? Treat them like family? They must. Or, at least, the owner of this pigeon must because he definitely wasn't the least bit intimidated by me. He hung around while I finished cleaning the pool and then even let me get up close and tak with him. Then after a while when I walked away, he flew off.
He hasn't come back. I know...I have been watching and spending a disproportionate amount of time out back in relation to the steamy temps.
Kinda wish he would come back so I could get Bug and show him this cool pigeon...especially since we can't get enough of "Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus." by Mo Willems. Mo Willems can write a children's book. And this pigeon can drive our bus any day!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
