All Bundled Up
Educating Little Sister
Excited
Armed & Dangerous
Exploding Snowball
Kids' favorite security objects: Max's new crush
2 hours ago
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Southern Snow
As I'm sure y'all now, we had ourselves a snowstorm here in the South this weekend. Here we only got about three inches, but the girls had a ball venturing outside. This was a special event, since it was Abby's first snow. She was delighted to sit in her exersaucer and watch Aspen make and throw snowballs and was really excited when her big sister brought some snow over to show her. Enjoy the pics.
Anticipation
Monday, January 25, 2010
Daybook: January 25, 2010
This is a wonderful meme from The Simple Woman. If you haven't visited Peggy's site I highly recommend it. Her philosophy is just what the stressed-out mama needs to slow down and appreciate the simple things.
My Daybook
For today....January 25, 2010
Outside My Window...It's bright and sunny but very cold. It is supposedly 59 degrees out there but the wind is so strong it feels like it's about 40.
I am thinking....about how sick to death I am of listening to people complain. Nothing is ever good enough it seems. The truth is we're all just frustrated right now, and solutions are slow coming.
From the learning rooms....Algebra 2 progressing better. A new routine is helping to give Ashley more study time in the morning.
I am thankful for...the roof over our heads and other basic necessities.
From the kitchen...no idea what to make for dinner. Shake and Bake is a strong contender.
I am wearing...jeans, shoret sleeve gray t-shirt, socks and shoes.
I am creating...a plan for Aspen's kindergarten curriculum. Trying to come up with things that Abby can participate in too in her own baby way.
I am going...crazy!
I am reading... Writing Motherhood by Lisa Garrigues
I am hoping...for hubby's W2 to arrive so we can go get our taxes done and start enjoying our refund.
I am hearing...Abby fussing, Ashley talking to her and Ashley and Aspen playing with Hot Wheels. The wind is shuffling things around on our porch. I am also hearing my new favorite song:
Around the house...Need to fold some laundry and clear the last remnants of mess from our bedroom painting project.
One of my favorite things...moments when the littles are sleeping and I can put on my headphones and escape from reality for five minutes.
A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: set a goal for myself to write 15 minutes a day this week. We'll see how well that works out.
Here is picture thought I am sharing...
Part of our home improvement projects, this is the little girls' new library on our upstairs landing. We have plans to paint the wall behind it the same brown as our downstairs accent walls. The books displayed on the top are all books that I had as a child or that belonged to the older girls when they were small.
Have a blessed week and visit us often!
Friday, January 22, 2010
Writer...Interrupted
Originally published March 28, 2008. I am reposting this as a renewal of my commitment to my creative passion in 2010.
One popular mantra among writers is the idea that "you can't fix a blank page", meaning that lousy writing is better than no writing at all. Often times though, when I have the opportunity to write, I am unable to conquer the blank page. I often find myself seated, pen in hand or keyboard under my fingertips, feeling as blank as the page before me.
When I sleep soundly I dream vividly, and upon awakening I have much to write about. But life demands my immediate attention, and my dream-inspired places, scenes and characters fade quickly into oblivion. Many a story with enormous potential has been miscarried in this manner.
Even the inspirations that come from my own life experiences are no match for my mountainous writer's block. Many a tale from my real life has failed to make it to any form of print, so what hope does fiction even have?
It if weren't for blogging I would never write at all. I have my addiction to public journaling to thank for the fact that my writer's brain gets any exercise at all.
When I do write, is is my habit to write out of sequence. I tend to write what I feel, rather than planning out a scene from start to finish and writing it that way. In fact, most of my pieces have never progressed past a file folder or CD full of random, unconnected scenes. I'm not good at the bridge work that it requires to pull them all together into a completed work.
There have been many times in my life when my writing has been much-needed therapy. Be it journaling, poetry or fiction, much of my work today has filled some need in me that was not otherwise to be met. When I was a young teen struggling with isolation and lonliness, the characters I created were much needed friends. Later, as a young bride and new mother, trapped in a negative home situation, my writing provided me a safe place to go and an outlet for emotions that no one else seemed to understand.
These days there are internet groups for almost everyone in every situation, full of people going through similar things in life. For most of my life though, I was isolated and often lonely. As a young mom whose toddler just would not sleep, I spent hours feeling like I was the only one in the world awake at 2 am rocking a crying, restless child. With tears running down my face, I prayed that she would just fall asleep. My own sleep deprivation only compounded my sense of failure and inadequacy. Had it not been for a red spiral notebook and green felt tip pen, I might not have made it though that time.
I'm older now, and wiser. I have experience to guide me, other moms to share with and a wealth of information at my fingertips when it comes to parenting, marriage and other topics of concern to me in my daily life. I guess it could be observed that I don't need my writing as much as I used to.
Be that as it may, the desire to write is still there and still strong. The urge to put ink to paper in some format the other is always with me. Romances, adventures, women's fiction themes and more roll around in my head while I go about the daily tasks before me. No matter how carefully I plan, how many notes I scribble down or how many characters I nurture to life, I Can't quite seem to bridge the gap to making them a literary reality.
Somehow I am always.....interrupted.
One popular mantra among writers is the idea that "you can't fix a blank page", meaning that lousy writing is better than no writing at all. Often times though, when I have the opportunity to write, I am unable to conquer the blank page. I often find myself seated, pen in hand or keyboard under my fingertips, feeling as blank as the page before me.
When I sleep soundly I dream vividly, and upon awakening I have much to write about. But life demands my immediate attention, and my dream-inspired places, scenes and characters fade quickly into oblivion. Many a story with enormous potential has been miscarried in this manner.
Even the inspirations that come from my own life experiences are no match for my mountainous writer's block. Many a tale from my real life has failed to make it to any form of print, so what hope does fiction even have?
It if weren't for blogging I would never write at all. I have my addiction to public journaling to thank for the fact that my writer's brain gets any exercise at all.
When I do write, is is my habit to write out of sequence. I tend to write what I feel, rather than planning out a scene from start to finish and writing it that way. In fact, most of my pieces have never progressed past a file folder or CD full of random, unconnected scenes. I'm not good at the bridge work that it requires to pull them all together into a completed work.
There have been many times in my life when my writing has been much-needed therapy. Be it journaling, poetry or fiction, much of my work today has filled some need in me that was not otherwise to be met. When I was a young teen struggling with isolation and lonliness, the characters I created were much needed friends. Later, as a young bride and new mother, trapped in a negative home situation, my writing provided me a safe place to go and an outlet for emotions that no one else seemed to understand.
These days there are internet groups for almost everyone in every situation, full of people going through similar things in life. For most of my life though, I was isolated and often lonely. As a young mom whose toddler just would not sleep, I spent hours feeling like I was the only one in the world awake at 2 am rocking a crying, restless child. With tears running down my face, I prayed that she would just fall asleep. My own sleep deprivation only compounded my sense of failure and inadequacy. Had it not been for a red spiral notebook and green felt tip pen, I might not have made it though that time.
I'm older now, and wiser. I have experience to guide me, other moms to share with and a wealth of information at my fingertips when it comes to parenting, marriage and other topics of concern to me in my daily life. I guess it could be observed that I don't need my writing as much as I used to.
Be that as it may, the desire to write is still there and still strong. The urge to put ink to paper in some format the other is always with me. Romances, adventures, women's fiction themes and more roll around in my head while I go about the daily tasks before me. No matter how carefully I plan, how many notes I scribble down or how many characters I nurture to life, I Can't quite seem to bridge the gap to making them a literary reality.
Somehow I am always.....interrupted.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Home Sweet Home
I thought I'd take a minute to share some pics of the revamp we did on our living room and dining room over the weekend. For those of you who don't know the story, I've been wanting to move out of our current community for a while now. Hubby and I came to an agreement that we would stay here another year (what he wants) and in exchange we could do some nice fix-ups and make the place feel more like home (what I want). We started by painting the playroom a sunny yellow and organizing it into a more friendly space for the littles and the grownups.
Then, we rearranged our living room and dining room areas, and my hubby did a great job painting two chocolate brown accent walls. I love them! The rich color really warms up the place and truly does make it feel more welcoming. Decluttering and a better furniture arrangement breathed new life into what was a really tired space. These pictures do not do this paint color justice. It is darker than it appears here, but you can still see how nicely it anchors the rooms.
The Dining Room / Office
The Living Room
Now I just need to find the perfect art to go above the entertainemtn cetner and the desk. This is only a small step on the journey toward a happier, more harmonious home, but such a small effort really made a huge difference and really gave me some hope that we can transform not just our home, but our family as well.
Then, we rearranged our living room and dining room areas, and my hubby did a great job painting two chocolate brown accent walls. I love them! The rich color really warms up the place and truly does make it feel more welcoming. Decluttering and a better furniture arrangement breathed new life into what was a really tired space. These pictures do not do this paint color justice. It is darker than it appears here, but you can still see how nicely it anchors the rooms.
The Living Room
Now I just need to find the perfect art to go above the entertainemtn cetner and the desk. This is only a small step on the journey toward a happier, more harmonious home, but such a small effort really made a huge difference and really gave me some hope that we can transform not just our home, but our family as well.
Monday, January 18, 2010
Slightly Off-Track
It's 10:43 PM here. Abby has just woken up from a three hour nap and Aspen is asleep on the couch. It's shaping up to be a late, long, slightly off night. This moment in time reflects the way I feel about our lives in general at this point. Slightly off.
It seems that everything is just a little bit off track in relation to where it should be, where I would like it to be. I am too dependant on Ashley for help with the little ones, especially Aspen. Aspen's behavior is not where I would like it to be. Abby's sleep is getting a little rocky. Our home is not in order the way it once was. My marriage is not where it should be. Our finances are tight. School is not progressing well. I have no time for myself, my relationships, or my own interests. Life is hard right now, and I know, harder than it needs to be.
How to fix it? That is the question that I struggle with all day long, every single day. I wake up thinking about it, I go to sleep thinking about it, and I spend the time in between stressing over it. I pray about it a lot, and I scan my Bible for answers. I read Proverbs 31 and Titus 2 almost daily. I tack up notes around the house with Bible verses that offer comfort, like Psalm 55:22: Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you. He will never let the righteous fall. Also, Matthew 6:34: Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Each day does have it's own troubles, those I've listed above. I find comfort also in the fact that it certainly could be much worse. In light of tragedies like the Haiti earthquake, I almost feel guilty complaining about my own problems. And, of course, each day has many joys too. Aspen will rattle off something new she's learned, write perfect letters or numbers, or come over and hug me and say "I love you, Mommy" out of the blue. Abby coos and smiles and tries her darndest to crawl. Ashley and I have a good belly laugh over something only we would find funny. Shawn and I have a good day, like yesterday when we put time and energy into making our apartment a home. Each day has ups and downs, and each day I hope the good will outweigh the bad.
I'd like to hear from other Moms on this post. When your life gets chaotic, how do you regain control? How do you get back on track when everything feels just slightly off?
It seems that everything is just a little bit off track in relation to where it should be, where I would like it to be. I am too dependant on Ashley for help with the little ones, especially Aspen. Aspen's behavior is not where I would like it to be. Abby's sleep is getting a little rocky. Our home is not in order the way it once was. My marriage is not where it should be. Our finances are tight. School is not progressing well. I have no time for myself, my relationships, or my own interests. Life is hard right now, and I know, harder than it needs to be.
How to fix it? That is the question that I struggle with all day long, every single day. I wake up thinking about it, I go to sleep thinking about it, and I spend the time in between stressing over it. I pray about it a lot, and I scan my Bible for answers. I read Proverbs 31 and Titus 2 almost daily. I tack up notes around the house with Bible verses that offer comfort, like Psalm 55:22: Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you. He will never let the righteous fall. Also, Matthew 6:34: Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Each day does have it's own troubles, those I've listed above. I find comfort also in the fact that it certainly could be much worse. In light of tragedies like the Haiti earthquake, I almost feel guilty complaining about my own problems. And, of course, each day has many joys too. Aspen will rattle off something new she's learned, write perfect letters or numbers, or come over and hug me and say "I love you, Mommy" out of the blue. Abby coos and smiles and tries her darndest to crawl. Ashley and I have a good belly laugh over something only we would find funny. Shawn and I have a good day, like yesterday when we put time and energy into making our apartment a home. Each day has ups and downs, and each day I hope the good will outweigh the bad.
I'd like to hear from other Moms on this post. When your life gets chaotic, how do you regain control? How do you get back on track when everything feels just slightly off?
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Play Imitates Life?
Today four-year-old Aspen invented a make-believe island on which she was going to travel in her pretend boat. The name of the island was "Daddy Land", a place where, according to her, "Everyone is a boy."
This led me to ask the obvious: "If it's an island of all boys, how did they become Daddies?"
My hubby's explanantion: "They had already become Daddies, and then all the Mommies got mad and exhiled them all to the island."
Ouch.
This led me to ask the obvious: "If it's an island of all boys, how did they become Daddies?"
My hubby's explanantion: "They had already become Daddies, and then all the Mommies got mad and exhiled them all to the island."
Ouch.
Friday, January 15, 2010
Mama Time
Oh, how I miss it!
Right now I am enjoying a few minutes on the computer while Shawn has the little girls outside, and it's very nice. I find though, as I sit here, that my enjoyment of it is tempered by the knowledge that in a few minutes, someone will need me for something. Such is life.
I love being a mom. I do. I love everything about it. Even the hard stuff, like dealing with tantrums and the lack of sleep. Well, okay, I don't love those parts, but they're part of the experience, after all, and they teach me things about myself. I love mothering though. Few things are so rewarding.
Still, I am an individual, a woman with needs and desires and interests beyond my immediate responsibilities. I don't think that when we become mothers we should have to give all of that up. I cringe whenever I hear/read moms talking about how they feel guilty for wanting to shower alone or have a few minutes to do their own thing. It makes me sad, that women today feel like the word "selfless" must be taken literally to the detriment of their emotional and sometimes even physical health.
It shouldn't be like that, but that's a trap I often fall into. I feel ike I have to be everything for everyone and then one day I wake up tired and cranky, I'm snappy and impatient with everyone, and I realize that I have spoiled everyone, yet again. I am expected to do everything and the slightest oversight becomes cause for criticism. Then I have to stop, take a step back and announce to the family that they are on their own, I need a break.
After that break, life is good again.
I have decided that 2010 will be the year that this break happens on a daily basis and becomes a part of our normal routine, so that we do not have to reach that point where "mama ain't happy so ain't nobody happy". The biggest challenge I am finding in accomplishing this is four-year-old Aspen. She is so attached to me. She and I were joined at the hip for so long that she's really having a tough time adjusting now that I can't be her constant companion. There are days when I can't go into the next room without her whining. To truly get anything accomplished, I have to have someone entertaining her. Some might consider her to be the ultimate poster child against attachment parenting. But it's not about that. It's just the pattern that has formed, and I have to adjust it now. Growing pains for us both.
In the end the effort will be worth it. I'll be happier, she'll be happier, and so will everyone else in the house. And who knows, I may just get to all those creative pursuits I've only been indulging in in my head.
I'd love to hear from you other moms. How do you find time for yourself and what do you do with it when you have it?
Right now I am enjoying a few minutes on the computer while Shawn has the little girls outside, and it's very nice. I find though, as I sit here, that my enjoyment of it is tempered by the knowledge that in a few minutes, someone will need me for something. Such is life.
I love being a mom. I do. I love everything about it. Even the hard stuff, like dealing with tantrums and the lack of sleep. Well, okay, I don't love those parts, but they're part of the experience, after all, and they teach me things about myself. I love mothering though. Few things are so rewarding.
Still, I am an individual, a woman with needs and desires and interests beyond my immediate responsibilities. I don't think that when we become mothers we should have to give all of that up. I cringe whenever I hear/read moms talking about how they feel guilty for wanting to shower alone or have a few minutes to do their own thing. It makes me sad, that women today feel like the word "selfless" must be taken literally to the detriment of their emotional and sometimes even physical health.
It shouldn't be like that, but that's a trap I often fall into. I feel ike I have to be everything for everyone and then one day I wake up tired and cranky, I'm snappy and impatient with everyone, and I realize that I have spoiled everyone, yet again. I am expected to do everything and the slightest oversight becomes cause for criticism. Then I have to stop, take a step back and announce to the family that they are on their own, I need a break.
After that break, life is good again.
I have decided that 2010 will be the year that this break happens on a daily basis and becomes a part of our normal routine, so that we do not have to reach that point where "mama ain't happy so ain't nobody happy". The biggest challenge I am finding in accomplishing this is four-year-old Aspen. She is so attached to me. She and I were joined at the hip for so long that she's really having a tough time adjusting now that I can't be her constant companion. There are days when I can't go into the next room without her whining. To truly get anything accomplished, I have to have someone entertaining her. Some might consider her to be the ultimate poster child against attachment parenting. But it's not about that. It's just the pattern that has formed, and I have to adjust it now. Growing pains for us both.
In the end the effort will be worth it. I'll be happier, she'll be happier, and so will everyone else in the house. And who knows, I may just get to all those creative pursuits I've only been indulging in in my head.
I'd love to hear from you other moms. How do you find time for yourself and what do you do with it when you have it?
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Warmer (Kinda) Weather
Finally! After a miserable cold snap, we have some much nicer weather here today. It reached about 50 degrees and has been bright and sunny, so the little girls and I ventured outside for some much needed sunshine therapy. Abby sat in her exersaucer and watched the goings on around here while Aspen played in her Power Wheels Escalade. We got that for free, by the way, because someone put it out for the trash. All we had to do was get a battery charger for it. When all was said and done we had a super fun toy that normally goes for $350 for about $40. I love a deal.
Anyway, I took down the Christmas lights that have been lingering on our porch, while the kids played and we all soaked up some mood-lifting, stress reducing sunshine. Here are some of the cuter moments:
I can't wait for spring when we can start to get outside on a more regular basis.
Anyway, I took down the Christmas lights that have been lingering on our porch, while the kids played and we all soaked up some mood-lifting, stress reducing sunshine. Here are some of the cuter moments:
I can't wait for spring when we can start to get outside on a more regular basis.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Drinking in the Dungeon
This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Jones Soda. All opinions are 100% mine.
I enjoyed a wonderful trip down memory lane today when I was asked to talk a little about Dungeons and Dragons Jones Soda.
Years ago, when my hubby and I first got together and started dating, we were into playing Dungeons and Dragons. It was tons of fun and we used to go over to my brother's house, where we were joined by a few of his friends and our friend Christine. I still remember my character. She was a Kender, a curious, imp-like race invented in the Dragonlance stories. We played for a few hours at a time and always had a blast. Those were good times.
An important element of any good game night is great snacks. I recall eating a lot of popcorn and drinking a lot of soda while playing D & D. How fun would it have been to have these D & D themed sodas to enhance the fantasy feel of our escapades? I can only speculate about what flavors they might be. With names like "Potion of Healing" and "Sneak Attack", there's no telling. Maybe the "Sneak Attack" starts off mild and smooth and has a kick? "Potion of Healing" could taste like a natural juice drink, light and refreshing. Then there's "Bigby's Crushing Thirst Destroyer". Maybe that one has a really strong mint flavor. I have no idea, but it's fun to speculate about those and the others in this collection. These would also make a really neat collection just to put on display in a game room or serve in a home theater.
I'm a total sucker for this kind of thing, can't you tell? If you're a fantasy geek too, check them out.
Trekkies
Conversation at my house last night:
Me: (on twitter) Hey, Zach Quinto tweeted that there will be a Trek sequel in 2012!
Ashley: Well, then I guess 2012 won't be the end of the world!
Me: I can't think of a cooler place to be at the end of the world than sitting in a Star Trek movie!
Bret: (my brother, on the phone w/me) Yeah, but only if the movie was over. I don't want to miss the end!
Me: (on twitter) Hey, Zach Quinto tweeted that there will be a Trek sequel in 2012!
Ashley: Well, then I guess 2012 won't be the end of the world!
Me: I can't think of a cooler place to be at the end of the world than sitting in a Star Trek movie!
Bret: (my brother, on the phone w/me) Yeah, but only if the movie was over. I don't want to miss the end!
Monday, January 11, 2010
Daybook: January 11, 2010
This is a wonderful meme from The Simple Woman. If you haven't visited Peggy's site I highly recommend it. Her philosophy is just what the stressed-out mama needs to slow down and appreciate the simple things.
My Daybook
For today....January 11, 2010
Outside My Window...It's bright and sunny but very cold. Only 28 degrees.
I am thinking....about how calm it is in the house compared to last week.
From the learning rooms....Algebra 2 drags on. I really need to get Ashely more study time. Also, a new project for photography is in the works.
I am thankful for...my family, who I know will be there for me if things are hard. I said this last week too but it is clearer now, after the way I was treated by Shawn's Dad this week. I'm also thankful that Kelly and I got along so nicely while she was home. It was so nice to be on the same side.
From the kitchen...I need to get back to menu planning.
I am wearing...jeans, long sleeve purple t-shirt, socks and shoes.
I am creating...a list of things we need to get with some of our tax refund money.
I am going...nowhere today, yay!
I am reading... Writing Motherhood by Lisa Garrigues
I am hoping...for a peaceful week, and that all will continue to go well with hubby's recovery.
I am hearing...Abby next to me, alternating between cooing and fussing.
Around the house...Just a straighten and the usual chores today. Spent the day yesterday reclaiming our home from the disasterous mess certain guests always bring.
One of my favorite things...quiet moments when everyone is content in what they're doing.
A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: Need to get Abby in for a well baby visit, hoping to have a mom-daughter movie night with Ashley.
Here is picture thought I am sharing...
Have a blessed week and visit us often!
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Looking at 40
All day long I have been trying to come up with something profound to say about turning the big 4-0. I sure don't feel 40. I hope I don't look 40. I'm completely sure I don't act 40. I am very much still a kid at heart in many ways. In short, I can't really draw any earth shattering conclusions about turning 40. All I can think of is the same things I mentioned on New Year's, about things I want to accomplish.
What stands out to me the most about this milestone in my life is that I am not where I thought I would be by the time I turned 40. That is to say, if you take any part of my life as it is today, it is not what I would have expected. Aside from the basics like being married and a mom, nothing else about my life is what I would have guessed. I don't necessarily think that's a bad thing, just different. I would have expected to be in a house, not an apartment. I would not have expected to have small children still, though I am delighted that I do. I would have expected to be working, not staying home, but that's a good thing too. I also would have expected to have reached more of my creative goals, with my art, writing and photography.
I've been asked recently if, knowing all that I know now, would I go back in time and do things differently. My answer to that is that I might, but only if I could still have the same four beautiful girls to call my daughters. Otherwise, no dice.
In spite of all the bumps in the road, I am blessed, and I am thankful for every day I've lived, and every day I will live.
In celebration of this milestone birthday, I'll share one of my favorite songs. Here's Jimmy Buffet's A Pirate Looks at 40. Enjoy!
What stands out to me the most about this milestone in my life is that I am not where I thought I would be by the time I turned 40. That is to say, if you take any part of my life as it is today, it is not what I would have expected. Aside from the basics like being married and a mom, nothing else about my life is what I would have guessed. I don't necessarily think that's a bad thing, just different. I would have expected to be in a house, not an apartment. I would not have expected to have small children still, though I am delighted that I do. I would have expected to be working, not staying home, but that's a good thing too. I also would have expected to have reached more of my creative goals, with my art, writing and photography.
I've been asked recently if, knowing all that I know now, would I go back in time and do things differently. My answer to that is that I might, but only if I could still have the same four beautiful girls to call my daughters. Otherwise, no dice.
In spite of all the bumps in the road, I am blessed, and I am thankful for every day I've lived, and every day I will live.
In celebration of this milestone birthday, I'll share one of my favorite songs. Here's Jimmy Buffet's A Pirate Looks at 40. Enjoy!
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Back Home Again
At last my hubby is back home from the hospital. He's doing very well and is super glad to be home. His folks and our oldest will be heading home tomorrow. My Dad is also home today and equally happy I'm sure.
I'm feeling refreshed after a long nap this afternoon snuggled up with my sweet little Abby. The stress of this whole week is slowly fading, and I am looking forward to the next few days of peace and quiet, and some family time since Shawn is off work until Thursday.
Now that things are settling down, I can turn my attention to some of my fun, creative pursuits. I have a few new projets in the works, including a little bit of a change in format here at Shore's End. I'll be giving the blog a facelift and adapting my writing style a little bit to more truly reflect me. Some of you who are long term readers may have noticed a little bit of that change in recent posts. Ever since I began blogging, over two years ago now, I've struggled with the way I write and the subject matter I tackle here, and I've always felt to some degree that I wasn't being completely true to myself by censoring my thoughts and feelings. I plan to write more openly in future posts, and I hope that in some way to inspire other moms in their work.
All this being said, I am getting off of here now and getting ready to watch the Dallas / Philly game. I love football and it's been so fun to see Dallas have such a great season. Have a great night everyone!
I'm feeling refreshed after a long nap this afternoon snuggled up with my sweet little Abby. The stress of this whole week is slowly fading, and I am looking forward to the next few days of peace and quiet, and some family time since Shawn is off work until Thursday.
Now that things are settling down, I can turn my attention to some of my fun, creative pursuits. I have a few new projets in the works, including a little bit of a change in format here at Shore's End. I'll be giving the blog a facelift and adapting my writing style a little bit to more truly reflect me. Some of you who are long term readers may have noticed a little bit of that change in recent posts. Ever since I began blogging, over two years ago now, I've struggled with the way I write and the subject matter I tackle here, and I've always felt to some degree that I wasn't being completely true to myself by censoring my thoughts and feelings. I plan to write more openly in future posts, and I hope that in some way to inspire other moms in their work.
All this being said, I am getting off of here now and getting ready to watch the Dallas / Philly game. I love football and it's been so fun to see Dallas have such a great season. Have a great night everyone!
Friday, January 8, 2010
Update
I've been trying to get to this update all day long. Hubby came through his heart procedure very well. They found that one of his bypass vessels had become blocked. They cleared the blockage and put in a stint. They're keeping him overnight and hopefully we'll be picking him up tomorrow around lunch time. I am delighted that all of this went so well, and tremendously relieved.
The logistics of all of this had a slightly less wonderful outcome. I think I've mentioned before that visits from the IL's are typically chaotic. To make a long story short, it became obvious last night that there was no way I could leave the little girls at home and go with Shawn to the hospital. He agreed with me. So, the plans changed and the IL's and Kelly went with him, and I stayed home. I had mixed feelings about this, obviously. I was relieved to not have to leave the kids, but I also really wanted to be there with Shawn.
As usually happens with the IL's are involved, I am now the bad guy, for committing this horrible betrayal against my hubby. Drama, drama. Anyway, as also always happens when I do something they don't approve of, I am now the target of childish, nasty remarks every time I'm in FIL's presence. And the TV is up on volume 40, as usual and whenever anyone tries to talk it goes higher. I could go on, but y'all get the picture. Anyway, I'm grateful for their help, so I'm just holding my tongue and riding it out until they go home on Sunday.
In other news, things took a surprise turn with my Dad. He's still doing well but they have diagnosed him with emphysema. I know a little bit about it from my rescue squad days, enough to know that it's degenerative and pretty miserable. I'm planning to research it some more so that I can figure out the best way I can help. My parents are at a point in there lives, and have been for a while, where they need to sell their house and get into something they don't have to maintain. It's an old house and has some serious issues, including plumbing and even mold. I'll write more on this topic when I can hear myself think.
Again, let me say a heartfelt thank you to all my sweet bloggy buddie. Know that your prayers and friendship are so appreciated!
The logistics of all of this had a slightly less wonderful outcome. I think I've mentioned before that visits from the IL's are typically chaotic. To make a long story short, it became obvious last night that there was no way I could leave the little girls at home and go with Shawn to the hospital. He agreed with me. So, the plans changed and the IL's and Kelly went with him, and I stayed home. I had mixed feelings about this, obviously. I was relieved to not have to leave the kids, but I also really wanted to be there with Shawn.
As usually happens with the IL's are involved, I am now the bad guy, for committing this horrible betrayal against my hubby. Drama, drama. Anyway, as also always happens when I do something they don't approve of, I am now the target of childish, nasty remarks every time I'm in FIL's presence. And the TV is up on volume 40, as usual and whenever anyone tries to talk it goes higher. I could go on, but y'all get the picture. Anyway, I'm grateful for their help, so I'm just holding my tongue and riding it out until they go home on Sunday.
In other news, things took a surprise turn with my Dad. He's still doing well but they have diagnosed him with emphysema. I know a little bit about it from my rescue squad days, enough to know that it's degenerative and pretty miserable. I'm planning to research it some more so that I can figure out the best way I can help. My parents are at a point in there lives, and have been for a while, where they need to sell their house and get into something they don't have to maintain. It's an old house and has some serious issues, including plumbing and even mold. I'll write more on this topic when I can hear myself think.
Again, let me say a heartfelt thank you to all my sweet bloggy buddie. Know that your prayers and friendship are so appreciated!
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Quick Update
Today has been an interesting one. The in-laws and Kelly, my oldest, arrived to help us out tomorrow. I'm feeling better about leaving the littles tomorrow. My main concern now is the weather forecast. We are supposed to get snow and ice tonight, which could make for a rough trip downtown tomorrow. Driving downtown is hairy enough at the time of morning we have to go. The last thing we need is bad roads too. I will be so glad when this is over with and hubby has been treated and we are back home.
On the upside, I can't deny that it will be nice to have a break of sorts. I am taking Kelly's laptop with me and I plan to do some digital scrapbooking while I'm waiting around. Plus, I'm sure it will be good for the girls. Aspen will see that other people can take care of her just as well as I can, and the older girls will get a better feel for what it's like for me on my own caring for both littles.
Best case scenario, we can get there, they'll be able to break up whatever blockage they might find, no stint necessary, and we will be back home tomorrow afternoon. That's the outcome I am focusing on right now.
In other news, my Dad is much better today. They're keeping him a day or so more just to make certain he won't relapse, and then he should be able to go home. Sadly, things are not as good for Shawn's grandmother. Her tumor is terminal, and the doctors are treating her and have estimated she has 2-6 months.
Once again, I really want to thank those of you who have prayed for us and for everyone who has left kind and helpful comments. Love y'all!
On the upside, I can't deny that it will be nice to have a break of sorts. I am taking Kelly's laptop with me and I plan to do some digital scrapbooking while I'm waiting around. Plus, I'm sure it will be good for the girls. Aspen will see that other people can take care of her just as well as I can, and the older girls will get a better feel for what it's like for me on my own caring for both littles.
Best case scenario, we can get there, they'll be able to break up whatever blockage they might find, no stint necessary, and we will be back home tomorrow afternoon. That's the outcome I am focusing on right now.
In other news, my Dad is much better today. They're keeping him a day or so more just to make certain he won't relapse, and then he should be able to go home. Sadly, things are not as good for Shawn's grandmother. Her tumor is terminal, and the doctors are treating her and have estimated she has 2-6 months.
Once again, I really want to thank those of you who have prayed for us and for everyone who has left kind and helpful comments. Love y'all!
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
I Said I'd Never...
...tweet. But, I need a distraction, so I decided to give it a shot today. You can come check me out here: TrekkinMama.
Just a quick update: I'm much calmer today. Now that the IL's are coming and I know the kids will be okay, the prospect of spending the day at the hospital is not as daunting. Just praying all will go well with hubby and we'll have a quick recovery.
I'm borrowing Kelly's laptop to take with me and will likely tweet or blog from there if I get bored. Also planning to use the time to write or read.
My Dad is much better today. After some aggressive breathing treatments and IV antibiotics, he is back to himself and feeling better. They're keeping him a day or two more but I am really relieved after talking with him today.
On a sad note, we learned today that my hubby's Grandmother has an inoperable brain tumor, and she has been given a really short time (we're talking days) to live. She is in Ohio and so we likely won't get to see her again. I don't know her that well but I am very fond of her. Each time we've met she's been nothing but kind to me and has taken an interest in my girls. Just knowing she is gone will be sad for me, and of course Shawn and his family are in a bit of shock.
They say things happen in three's so that makes three, so hopefully we're done for a while! Every one's prayers are so appreciated, sincerely. I'll keep everyone posted.
Just a quick update: I'm much calmer today. Now that the IL's are coming and I know the kids will be okay, the prospect of spending the day at the hospital is not as daunting. Just praying all will go well with hubby and we'll have a quick recovery.
I'm borrowing Kelly's laptop to take with me and will likely tweet or blog from there if I get bored. Also planning to use the time to write or read.
My Dad is much better today. After some aggressive breathing treatments and IV antibiotics, he is back to himself and feeling better. They're keeping him a day or two more but I am really relieved after talking with him today.
On a sad note, we learned today that my hubby's Grandmother has an inoperable brain tumor, and she has been given a really short time (we're talking days) to live. She is in Ohio and so we likely won't get to see her again. I don't know her that well but I am very fond of her. Each time we've met she's been nothing but kind to me and has taken an interest in my girls. Just knowing she is gone will be sad for me, and of course Shawn and his family are in a bit of shock.
They say things happen in three's so that makes three, so hopefully we're done for a while! Every one's prayers are so appreciated, sincerely. I'll keep everyone posted.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
More Prayers, Please
The saga of my hubby's heart troubles continues. Over the weekend he started having more pain when he exerted himself, and the pain was stronger and longer lasting. We both know from experience that this signals a new problem. Either an old, partial blockage has closed off, or there is a new blockage altogether.
This is a path we've been down several times before, and one we know well. The next step is for him to go into the hospital on an outpatient basis to have a catherization procedure. During this, the doctors insert a catheter into his heart through an artery, and inject some dye into the area so that blockages are visible. The last time we had this problem, the doc was able to open the blockage during that cath and place a stint to help keep the vessel open. He stayed overnight and then came home the next morning. Best case scenerio, we'll have a rerun of that.
This should be simple enough. Except that, unlike last time, we now have two small children to care for. My plan was to pack up the littles and take them with us, with Ashley along to help. A day in the waiting room is pretty manageable, and I wasn't too worried about it. Then I found out that the hospital we have to go to has a no visitors under 18 policy in place, due to the H1N1 flu scare. This means that none of the girls can go with us.
The next logical solution would seem to be to have Ashley babysit at home, except that both little girls all day long is way too much for her to handle by herself. She's a fabulous helper but she is not ready to fly solo that way yet. For a few hours maybe, but not all day.
Shawn's parents have agreed to come down from Virginia to help, and although I am grateful for their help, I have serious reservations about leaving the kids here. The reasons are far too many and complex to go into here in this post, but Aspen's separation issues and the fact that Abby is still nursing and has never been away from me, are the two main elements. Kelly, our oldest, will be here too, but her track record helping with the little ones is less than sterling. And while my MIL adores the girls and they her, we have a few serious differences about how some things should be handled.
At this point, I have no choice. The plan is that both older girls and MIL will take care of the littles. I am beyond nervous about this. I am more nervous about this than I am the procedure itself. I guess that's because we've done this so many times now I feel pretty safe about it. If you've read this far and not judged me, let me just say I really appreciate that. So many times people have commented to me about Aspen being too attached, or me being too overprotective. That's probably true. In the end this will probably be good for her, to show her that she can be without me and be just fine. I haven't left her with anyone since she was 2.
As if all of this is not stressful enough, my Dad is in the hospital with pneumonia. He came down with a terrible cold a few days ago and got worse instead of better until his breathing was so bad that my mom could hear him in another room, and he was out of it mentally. My Mom and sister took him to the ER and he was admitted, and is doing much better but is still very sick.
I would like to ask everyone reading this post to please include our family in your prayers, and I'll try to keep everyone updated.
This is a path we've been down several times before, and one we know well. The next step is for him to go into the hospital on an outpatient basis to have a catherization procedure. During this, the doctors insert a catheter into his heart through an artery, and inject some dye into the area so that blockages are visible. The last time we had this problem, the doc was able to open the blockage during that cath and place a stint to help keep the vessel open. He stayed overnight and then came home the next morning. Best case scenerio, we'll have a rerun of that.
This should be simple enough. Except that, unlike last time, we now have two small children to care for. My plan was to pack up the littles and take them with us, with Ashley along to help. A day in the waiting room is pretty manageable, and I wasn't too worried about it. Then I found out that the hospital we have to go to has a no visitors under 18 policy in place, due to the H1N1 flu scare. This means that none of the girls can go with us.
The next logical solution would seem to be to have Ashley babysit at home, except that both little girls all day long is way too much for her to handle by herself. She's a fabulous helper but she is not ready to fly solo that way yet. For a few hours maybe, but not all day.
Shawn's parents have agreed to come down from Virginia to help, and although I am grateful for their help, I have serious reservations about leaving the kids here. The reasons are far too many and complex to go into here in this post, but Aspen's separation issues and the fact that Abby is still nursing and has never been away from me, are the two main elements. Kelly, our oldest, will be here too, but her track record helping with the little ones is less than sterling. And while my MIL adores the girls and they her, we have a few serious differences about how some things should be handled.
At this point, I have no choice. The plan is that both older girls and MIL will take care of the littles. I am beyond nervous about this. I am more nervous about this than I am the procedure itself. I guess that's because we've done this so many times now I feel pretty safe about it. If you've read this far and not judged me, let me just say I really appreciate that. So many times people have commented to me about Aspen being too attached, or me being too overprotective. That's probably true. In the end this will probably be good for her, to show her that she can be without me and be just fine. I haven't left her with anyone since she was 2.
As if all of this is not stressful enough, my Dad is in the hospital with pneumonia. He came down with a terrible cold a few days ago and got worse instead of better until his breathing was so bad that my mom could hear him in another room, and he was out of it mentally. My Mom and sister took him to the ER and he was admitted, and is doing much better but is still very sick.
I would like to ask everyone reading this post to please include our family in your prayers, and I'll try to keep everyone updated.
Baby Formula Wars
This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of PBM Products. All opinions are 100% mine.
As a mom, I am concerned about not only the quality of the products I choose for my baby, but also with the integrity of the companies manufacturing them. Now, obviously, every company out there is in business to make a profit, and that's cool. But as a consumer, I want to patronize companies that have my family's best interest high on their priority list. That's why, when I was asked by PBM Products to talk a little about a recent lawsuit involving the makers of a well-known infant formula, I gladly accepted.
Mead Johnson, the makers of Enfamil baby formula, recently got slapped with a $13.5 million dollar judgement after being sued by a leading infant formula company that supplies store-brand infant formulas to Walmart, Sam's Club, Target, Kroger, Walgreens, and other retailers. PBM Products sued Mead Johnson for the third time recently for what it called false advertising. A US District court judge upheld the jury awarded settlement.
Let's start with the facts. Here's the deal.
PBM's store-brand infant formulas have the same nutrients at the same levels as Enfamil. PBM infant formulas contain DHA and ARA, and even come from the same supplier in amounts which equal or exceed the DHA and ARA in Mead Johnson’s Enfamil LIPIL®. In short, PBM's formula is basically the same as Mead Johnson's, except that it costs, on average, about 50% less. That's a lot, especially in these tough economic times. For the typical formula user, this could represent as much as a $600 savings in a year.
The advertising campaign that got Mead Johnson into trouble focused on that exact topic. In a direct mail campaign that reached over 1.6 million parents, including me, the company suggested that using store-brand formulas would be a “cut-back in nutrition” compared to Enfamil. They backed up this claim with a blurry picture of a child’s cartoon duck next to a clear picture of the same image, which seemed to suggest that any formula other than theirs is poor nutrition and can compromise brain and eye development. There were also statements involved in the campaign that only Enfamil LIPIL has been proven to have visual and mental benefits for babies. This is false, obviously.
Those are the facts. Now I wouldn't be doing this subject justice if I didn't throw my 2 cents in here. As a mom, this incident concerns me for a couple of reasons. First, Mead Johnson has demonstrated that their bottom line is more important than their integrity. It's one thing for a company to tout the benefits of their product. But to use what's plainly a scare tactic to milk (no pun intended) extra dollars out of already struggling parents is really not cool. And second, why is their formula so expensive, anyway? If PBM can retail theirs for half, why can't Mead Johnson? If they are truly so concerned about babies, why not drop their price a buck or two? I guess that last question should really go out to all the brand name formula companies out there, not just Mead Johnson.
In the end, all I can say is, I am so glad I'm breastfeeding.
Monday, January 4, 2010
My Daybook: January 4, 2010
This is a wonderful meme from The Simple Woman. If you haven't visited Peggy's site I highly recommend it. Her philosophy is just what the stressed-out mama needs to slow down and appreciate the simple things.
My Daybook
For today....January 4, 2010
Outside My Window...It's bright and sunny but very cold. only 27 degrees.
I am thinking....about my hubby's heart troubles which have gotten worse since my last post about them. Waiting now to hear back from the cardiologist as to what he wants to do. Wondering how I will manage the kids if he has to be in the hospital for more than a day.
From the learning rooms....Getting back on track with school today after not having a computer for a week.
I am thankful for...my family, who I know will be there for me if things are hard.
From the kitchen...counting calories as part of my weight loss plan. Not sure what to do for dinner just yet.
I am wearing...jeans, long sleeve purple t-shirt, socks and shoes.
I am creating...a few story and craft project ideas, and preschool lesson plans.
I am going...nowhere today, yay!
I am reading... just ordered my first book of the new year, Writing Motherhood after reading about it on my friend Amanda's blog.
I am hoping...for a peaceful week, and that the Lord will help me in the face of scary medical issues with my hubby and that we will have a good outcome.
I am hearing...the baby swing. Little Abby is swinging beside me, watching what I'm doing with great interest and rattling her toys.
Around the house...Laundry is a daily thing here, and I need to clean and declutter our living/dining area. Toys are out of control now and need to be purged and reorganized.
One of my favorite things...is digital scrapbooking, and I am hoping to get some more pages done in our Christmas 09 album today.
A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: all depends on what the cardioogist wants us to do but I forsee at least a day at the hospital with the little ones in tow.
Here is picture thought I am sharing...
Have a blessed week and visit us often!
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Sunday Scrappin' 01/03
It's Sunday again and that means it's time for Sunday Scrappin'. This is a GREAT way to get inspired, meet other crafters and share your creations, so please drop over and join today!
I've recently gotten back to digital scrapbooking after budget issues curtailed my paper projects. I love digital though, and it was a real pleasure to do these two pages on a brand new computer. It's amazing how much faster my Paint Shop Pro runs!
So, without further ado, my Ta-Da's for this week are a two page layout for our Christmas 2009 album. Trimming the tree is always one of my favorite parts of the Christmas season and this year it was just as fun as usual. My hubby set it up and strung it with 900 lights, and the girls and I put on the ornaments.
My To-Do's for this week are just to keep working on the Christmas album. I'd also like to check into getting my digi books printed, since I've yet to ever do that.
Credits for the digital scrap materials used in the pages featured in this post go to Shel at Shel Belle Scraps for her beautiful freebie kit "Homespun Christmas" for nearly everything on this layout. The adorable snazzy alphas are courtesy of Kathy Ladle at The Latest Scoop, Too.
I've recently gotten back to digital scrapbooking after budget issues curtailed my paper projects. I love digital though, and it was a real pleasure to do these two pages on a brand new computer. It's amazing how much faster my Paint Shop Pro runs!
So, without further ado, my Ta-Da's for this week are a two page layout for our Christmas 2009 album. Trimming the tree is always one of my favorite parts of the Christmas season and this year it was just as fun as usual. My hubby set it up and strung it with 900 lights, and the girls and I put on the ornaments.
My To-Do's for this week are just to keep working on the Christmas album. I'd also like to check into getting my digi books printed, since I've yet to ever do that.
Credits for the digital scrap materials used in the pages featured in this post go to Shel at Shel Belle Scraps for her beautiful freebie kit "Homespun Christmas" for nearly everything on this layout. The adorable snazzy alphas are courtesy of Kathy Ladle at The Latest Scoop, Too.
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Goal Number 1: Weight Loss
I guess I should really label this goal Health, because it encompasses more than weight loss. Those of you who have been here a while know that I've been wanting to lose weight since before I was pregnant with Abby. After she was born I shed a lot of weight quickly and that really gave me the jump start I needed to keep going. That has slowed now, of course, and so I have to actually put in some effort to keep the pounds coming off.
Right now, at 5'1" I weigh 138 pounds. Before I was pregnant with Abby I was up to 153, the heaviest I've ever been. My weight has gone up and down my whole adult life, but that was the first time that I recall really hating the way I looked and felt because of extra pounds. My first goal weight is 120, but ultimately I would like to get down to between 110-115. I have a few different motives. I want to look better, feel better and have more energy. The most pressing motive though, is my blood pressure which is teetering on the brink of being chronically high. I want to be as healthy as I can for myself and my sweet little girls.
I started counting calories today. I am supposed to take in no more than 2000 calories a day, and today I came in at right around 1000. I really didn't do anything special other than to read boxes and pay attention to what I was eating, and I didn't feel hungry or deprived. I also, once again, cut out soda. I must confess, I like soda. It's my one vice. I don't plan to give it up entirely, but I have cut back to one or to glasses a day and gone to caffeine free. I can't do diet soda though, yuck. I know from past weight losses that cutting back that much will help me lose a pound a week, even if I don't change anything else.
To inspire me to keep working at this goal, I am finding some pictures of outfits I'd love to wear if I were slim again. That way, I have a tangible goal, something I can see. I'll be literally be keeping my eyes on the prize.
I also started taking vitamins, and working more time for me to take care of myself and my needs into our routine. That is a tough one, the time thing. With the two little ones, just getting a shower can be a challenge. You wouldn't think it would be, but it is. I guess I should say, more accurately, getting a shower alone is a challenge. Today I took one while Aspen hung out in the bathroom with me and chatted away about various things. I guess clean in good company is better than not, right?
In addiion to this, there are other things I want to do to better care for myself emotionally and spiritually, but that's a post for another time, since it's now past my bedtime! I'd love to hear some of the ways my fellow bloggy mamas take care of themselves. How do you find time for yourself? How do you unwind and relieve stress?
Right now, at 5'1" I weigh 138 pounds. Before I was pregnant with Abby I was up to 153, the heaviest I've ever been. My weight has gone up and down my whole adult life, but that was the first time that I recall really hating the way I looked and felt because of extra pounds. My first goal weight is 120, but ultimately I would like to get down to between 110-115. I have a few different motives. I want to look better, feel better and have more energy. The most pressing motive though, is my blood pressure which is teetering on the brink of being chronically high. I want to be as healthy as I can for myself and my sweet little girls.
I started counting calories today. I am supposed to take in no more than 2000 calories a day, and today I came in at right around 1000. I really didn't do anything special other than to read boxes and pay attention to what I was eating, and I didn't feel hungry or deprived. I also, once again, cut out soda. I must confess, I like soda. It's my one vice. I don't plan to give it up entirely, but I have cut back to one or to glasses a day and gone to caffeine free. I can't do diet soda though, yuck. I know from past weight losses that cutting back that much will help me lose a pound a week, even if I don't change anything else.
To inspire me to keep working at this goal, I am finding some pictures of outfits I'd love to wear if I were slim again. That way, I have a tangible goal, something I can see. I'll be literally be keeping my eyes on the prize.
I also started taking vitamins, and working more time for me to take care of myself and my needs into our routine. That is a tough one, the time thing. With the two little ones, just getting a shower can be a challenge. You wouldn't think it would be, but it is. I guess I should say, more accurately, getting a shower alone is a challenge. Today I took one while Aspen hung out in the bathroom with me and chatted away about various things. I guess clean in good company is better than not, right?
In addiion to this, there are other things I want to do to better care for myself emotionally and spiritually, but that's a post for another time, since it's now past my bedtime! I'd love to hear some of the ways my fellow bloggy mamas take care of themselves. How do you find time for yourself? How do you unwind and relieve stress?
Friday, January 1, 2010
Looking Down The Path
It seems strange to me that it's now 2010. It seems like 2009 was a blur in so many ways. A lot happened, and it was a tough year. We moved, we welcomed our precious Abby into the world and into our family, we had conflict and turmoil, and we struggled financially. I went through a lot of depression during my pregnancy and right after, the kind I would classify as circumstantial. So many conflicts and struggles take a toll on the spirit after a while. In spite of the wonderful blessings that found us, it is mainly with a sigh of relief that I bid farewell to 2009 and turn my eyes toward the future.
This year my main focus is to be more proactive in every area of my life. I feel like I stood still for most of 2009, stuck swimming against a heavy current. As 2010 dawns, I feel stronger, empowered and ready to make some positive changes. Maybe it has to do with the fact that I will be turning 40 in nine days, but I also feel a sense of urgency about getting to so many of my "someday I'm going to..." plans. You know the kind I mean. Someday I am going to write a book. Someday I'm going to buy a home. I have a long list of somedays, and 2010 is the year in which I will finally tackle that list head on.
As positive as I feel on this first day of a new year, the truth is that our future is uncertain. There are many unanswered questions I carry with me on this new path.
Will we move this year, finally getting out of this part of town I hate? If we do, where will we go? Back home to Virginia? Or just to some better part of Charlotte?
What financial hurdles lay ahead for us? Will there be anymore $1000 car repairs, or months without Internet to make ends meet? Will we have to tighten our belts more than we already have?
What about our family? Will our marriage survive another year? What will this year bring for Ashley with her school and future plans? Will we make the decision to continue home school for Aspen or put her in school in the Fall? What will happen with our oldest who lives with her Grandparents right now? Will she make the strides forward that she needs to or remain stuck another year? What does this year hold for my two precious little girls?
What about family and friends? Will we make new friends? Will those friendships last? Will we lose loved ones? Gain loved ones?
I could go on. But of course the future is never certain, at least not from our Earthly perspective, so we do the best we can. We plan, we set goals, we work toward those goals and try to remember to savor every precious moment of every day we are given. This year I plan to do just that, and I hope those of you who are still with me will stick around for the next chapter of life, love and lessons.
Blessings to you all and Happy New Year!
This year my main focus is to be more proactive in every area of my life. I feel like I stood still for most of 2009, stuck swimming against a heavy current. As 2010 dawns, I feel stronger, empowered and ready to make some positive changes. Maybe it has to do with the fact that I will be turning 40 in nine days, but I also feel a sense of urgency about getting to so many of my "someday I'm going to..." plans. You know the kind I mean. Someday I am going to write a book. Someday I'm going to buy a home. I have a long list of somedays, and 2010 is the year in which I will finally tackle that list head on.
As positive as I feel on this first day of a new year, the truth is that our future is uncertain. There are many unanswered questions I carry with me on this new path.
Will we move this year, finally getting out of this part of town I hate? If we do, where will we go? Back home to Virginia? Or just to some better part of Charlotte?
What financial hurdles lay ahead for us? Will there be anymore $1000 car repairs, or months without Internet to make ends meet? Will we have to tighten our belts more than we already have?
What about our family? Will our marriage survive another year? What will this year bring for Ashley with her school and future plans? Will we make the decision to continue home school for Aspen or put her in school in the Fall? What will happen with our oldest who lives with her Grandparents right now? Will she make the strides forward that she needs to or remain stuck another year? What does this year hold for my two precious little girls?
What about family and friends? Will we make new friends? Will those friendships last? Will we lose loved ones? Gain loved ones?
I could go on. But of course the future is never certain, at least not from our Earthly perspective, so we do the best we can. We plan, we set goals, we work toward those goals and try to remember to savor every precious moment of every day we are given. This year I plan to do just that, and I hope those of you who are still with me will stick around for the next chapter of life, love and lessons.
Blessings to you all and Happy New Year!
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