Mommy Milestones... and Hurdles

For my next trick...

2012-02-07T22:55:00.000-06:00

Enter: Circus Music... "Entry of the Gladiators"

The above music had been swirling around in my head for weeks... along with the multitude of projects and daily duties I was "juggling", all while walking the high-wire, and grabbing hold of the trapeze on occasion! Seriously. Or at least that's what it felt like... And so - this tune kept popping into my mind's ear - and the volume kept increasing as I found myself in trickier situations over the course of my 'performance'.

My bestie recently pointed out that the 'trapeze' was in fact, an ideal analogy - The whole hanging on and letting-go - all timed just right to keep from falling. Yes. For sure. And I've had quite a lot of practice since the kiddos have been around. While I've decided I'd prefer to 'train' in one select category, rather than trying to do it all... I somehow still find myself in these unexpectedly frenzied circumstances.

But hey! "Entry of the Gladiators" seems a fitting title then, wouldn't you agree? I mean, we don't generally visualize an armor-laden warrior out there on the flying trapeze, or juggling those bowling pins... However, if I conjure up this imagery whilst in the midst of my tornadic storms-of-life, it can only aid in propelling me forward through the chaos - sword drawn, shoulders back, and shield poised in protection. Hmmm... Yes, I think I'll run with that!

TIP: Life gets challenging at times. It's part of the plan... that learning-endeavor we are here to take part in. But, if you allow yourself the opp to take a step back and view it from a different, outside perspective... it's often easier to simply laugh-it-off, and continue with your forward momentum.

A QUOTE: Actually - 2 today - by Erma Bombeck herself... in honor of some fab compliments...

~ "If you can't make it better, you can laugh at it."

~ "Humorists can never start to take themselves seriously. It's literary suicide."
WHIDFML: Danced my arse off 'til 2am recently - followed by gf pizza from Pizza Luce' - all with some incredibly fun gals! [Gotta get my dance on!]

The Poop-Prodder... Please - DO Read-On!

2012-01-19T23:17:00.002-06:00

So it begins... with a series of unusual symptoms that persisted for 2 + weeks leading up to a visit to the doc. Poor Myla. She's so young to have such necessary, extraordinary measures taken to ensure the proper health of her digestive system, don't you think? Well... I'm not entirely sure who this was more traumatic for... She, or I... OR - her FATHER - who did nothing more than convince the child to finally "poop in the bucket". Okay - wait. I do owe him credit for that. I was in the kitchen washing dishes - overhearing every wail emitted from our mini-drama-queen, along with the high-decibel conversation that ensued, which I'm sure the neighbors are storing to memory in case they are questioned later by child-protection-services personnel. But alas, the 'dirty-work' falls to me, yet again.

There was a need to collect a sample of the good stuff. Make that 3 samples - via 3 separate containers, 2 of which require immediate refrigeration. Say Whaaaaat? You want me to put WHAT, WHERE??? That is the part that makes it a bit on the traumatic-side for mommy. Undoubtedly, I could handle the prodding. But refrigeration? As in, placing this into the same unit that maintains an appropriate temp for the long-term storage of our FOOD? Thankfully, we have a fridge downstairs that is nary used for anything more than beer and pop. Now, we can add a second letter-"O" to the latter, and we have a refrigerator that has a story to tell.

But there's more to this story. Yes, it gets better. After dad commenced his own 'prodding' - in getting the child to willingly release 3-days-worth of pent-up waste, due to her fear of "pooping in the bucket", I commenced the physical prodding of the goods to supply laboratory staff (you know - the ones who get PAID to prod), with enough to determine whether there should be any underlying concern. Of course, as it stands, the day after the doc-appointment, her symptoms miraculously disappeared... I actually considered tossing this lab-test by the wayside therefore, but family history deems it necessary to rule out some potential evils. Oh, the things a mother will do for the peace-of-mind in knowing her children are indeed healthy! However, I do believe that this propels me back into superhero territory! Far be it from daddy to disagree. In a matter of months, I've gone from being dubbed "Throw Up Girl", to losing my "Girl-Power" to natural causes, and back up the ranks again - to "The Poop-Prodder". Boy, am I proud. What can I say? I'm a woman of many talents.

The story continues... As I'm diligently gathering one particular sample, necessitating a very precise amount of fecal matter to bring a source liquid inside of said container to an exact measurement pinpointed on the outside of the bottle, my sweet, sweet 5-year-old proceeds to inform me of something rather educational. "You're going to get dirty... You're going to have to wash your hands." "Thanks honey - I'll remember that." I'm pretty sure I'm going to feel the need to take an all-out shower if I can't get this liquid up to the damn line in an efficient amount of time, and perhaps buy a new refrigerator as well. But we'll see if the hand-cleansing will suffice.

While dad made his way wearily back into the vicinity of the bathroom to congratulate Myla for going through with it, I proceeded to talk myself into believing whole-heartedly that there was absolutely nothing on the outside of the outer bag containing this human digestive matter that might contaminate our beer and pop, to little avail. Now - I'm just mentally-blocking the fact that such matter resides in any refrigerator, anywhere. In the midst of my mind's ramblings, I began to laugh... as I found myself thinking my infamous last-words... "I feel a blog coming on!"

Daddy did, by the way, congratulate me on another super-heroesque job... lovingly dubbing me "The Poop-Prodder". I'll hold that dear to my heart, forever.

TIP: When in the throws of treacherous terrain, remind yourself how well you'll sleep when this too, passes - and you're peace-of-mind has been achieved. Ah yes - the end to the means. And - Don't eat yellow snow.... or anything out of that brown bag inside the refrigerator in our basement.

A QUOTE: "What? You pooped in the refrigerator? And you ate the whole... wheel of cheese? How'd you do that? Heck, I'm not even mad; that's amazing." ~Ron Burgundy, communicating with his dog in The Anchorman

WHIDFML: During my latest "MomME Day". I spent a great deal of time updating things on my online hot-spots, including FaceBook, which had been rather neglected for a series of months-on-end.

Girl-Power!

2012-01-19T22:33:00.001-06:00

Sounds kind of like something out of a Rainbow Brite cartoon... Is it?? We're still trying to decipher this mystery. I may have, during one of those hectic moments while juggling 3 or 4 (or 12) various 'projects' at one time, been likely to utter something to this regard when complimenting a child's job-well-done... You might think I would have a better recollection... But then again, loss of short-term memory is one of the side-effects of mothering, maintaining house, keeping children fed, clean & clothed & carted to and fro school - as well as out of trouble (usually), running a small business from home, taking on side work, and eating, sleeping, and you-know-whating in there somewhere too. (Yep. I think 12 projects on average, is a more accurate estimate.) And thus, I cannot definitely without question, determine the exact birth of the phrase "girl-power!" now being regularly employed, particularly by the 4-year-old. But I did learn something about this special magical superpower that I had not previously known. Apparently, the 4-year-old is the expert on this topic. To adequately convey this story, I must first admit to something that I unwittingly did to bring it about in the first place. Okay - here goes... I.... I passed gas. Okay?! There. I said it. I really don't get the big deal - we all do it. Everybody poops, right? Anyway - it was taboo for the oldest daughter for quite a long time (our Princess), and revered as a highly-amusing activity to both witness and partake in by the youngest daughter (our tom-boy). Seems things have abruptly, and unbeknownst to me, changed in that regard.

Upon releasing some pent-up air in the chamber this morning, Addie promptly informed me, "YOU don't have GIRL-power anymore... Acause princesses don't gas!" Well... I guess my superhero status has faltered....

TIP: We learned that suckers can be a really motivating tool for a 4-year-old child! She even lay there calmly and nicely - determined to be brave - for the fearful booster shots required at the last doctor visit... Knowing I had one in my purse - right there - for the very moment she completed her task-at-hand and overcame her fear of shots - to pacify her tears - made all the difference in the world. Thank you Trader Joe's - for making a delicious, organic, sugar-free, bad-stuff-free, all-natural, fruit-juice-flavored blend of colorful and soothing suckers.

A QUOTE: "Even if I'm playing a superhero, it has to be steeped in reality."~Michael Fassbender

WHIDFML: Planning on a little girls'-night-out of dancing with a very close gal-pal!

'Tis Not Only Me!

2012-01-18T14:41:00.003-06:00

Just found this fab read as posted on Facebook, and written by Glennon Melton. Brilliant! I couldn't have put it better myself. Kudos, Glennon. I hope you don't mind my sharing your brilliance - and copying here to re-read as life deems necessary. :) Don't Carpe Diem, by Glennon Melton
**The following are the words of Glennon Melton. I just NEED to be sure I won't be unable to locate this again 10 years down the road... and so, I'm pasting her words-O'-wisdom here as well:

Every time I'm out with my kids -- this seems to happen:

An older woman stops us, puts her hand over her heart and says something like, "Oh, Enjoy every moment. This time goes by so fast."

Everywhere I go, someone is telling me to seize the moment, raise my awareness, be happy, enjoy every second, etc, etc, etc.

I know that this message is right and good. But, I have finally allowed myself to admit that it just doesn't work for me. It bugs me. This CARPE DIEM message makes me paranoid and panicky. Especially during this phase of my life - while I'm raising young kids. Being told, in a million different ways to CARPE DIEM makes me worry that if I'm not in a constant state of intense gratitude and ecstasy, I'm doing something wrong.

I think parenting young children (and old ones, I've heard) is a little like climbing Mount Everest. Brave, adventurous souls try it because they've heard there's magic in the climb. They try because they believe that finishing, or even attempting the climb are impressive accomplishments. They try because during the climb, if they allow themselves to pause and lift their eyes and minds from the pain and drudgery, the views are breathtaking. They try because even though it hurts and it's hard, there are moments that make it worth the hard. These moments are so intense and unique that many people who reach the top start planning, almost immediately, to climb again. Even though any climber will tell you that most of the climb is treacherous, exhausting, killer. That they literally cried most of the way up.

And so I think that if there were people stationed, say, every thirty feet along Mount Everest yelling to the climbers -- "ARE YOU ENJOYING YOURSELF!? IF NOT, YOU SHOULD BE! ONE DAY YOU'LL BE SORRY YOU DIDN'T!" TRUST US!! IT'LL BE OVER TOO SOON! CARPE DIEM!" -- those well-meaning, nostalgic cheerleaders might be physically thrown from the mountain.

Now. I'm not suggesting that the sweet old ladies who tell me to ENJOY MYSELF be thrown from a mountain. These are wonderful ladies. Monkees, probably. But last week, a woman approached me in the Target line and said the following: "Sugar, I hope you are enjoying this. I loved every single second of parenting my two girls. Every single moment. These days go by so fast."

At that particular moment, Amma had arranged one of the new bras I was buying on top of her sweater and was sucking a lollipop that she must have found on the ground. She also had three shop-lifted clip-on neon feathers stuck in her hair. She looked exactly like a contestant from Toddlers and Tiaras. I couldn't find Chase anywhere, and Tish was grabbing the pen on the credit card swiper thing WHILE the woman in front of me was trying to use it. And so I just looked at the woman, smiled and said, "Thank you. Yes. Me too. I am enjoying every single moment. Especially this one. Yes. Thank you."

That's not exactly what I wanted to say, though.

There was a famous writer who, when asked if he loved writing, replied, "No. but I love having written." What I wanted to say to this sweet woman was, "Are you sure? Are you sure you don't mean you love having parented?"

I love having written. And I love having parented. My favorite part of each day is when the kids are put to sleep (to bed) and Craig and I sink into the couch to watch some quality TV, like Celebrity Wife Swap, and congratulate each other on a job well done. Or a job done, at least.

Every time I write a post like this, I get emails suggesting that I'm being negative. I have received this particular message four or five times -- G, if you can't handle the three you have, why do you want a fourth?

That one always stings, and I don't think it's quite fair. Parenting is hard. Just like lots of important jobs are hard. Why is it that the second a mother admits that it's hard, people feel the need to suggest that maybe she's not doing it right? Or that she certainly shouldn't add more to her load. Maybe the fact that it's so hard means she IS doing it right...in her own way...and she happens to be honest.

Craig is a software salesman. It's a hard job in this economy. And he comes home each day and talks a little bit about how hard it is. And I don't ever feel the need to suggest that he's not doing it right, or that he's negative for noticing that it's hard, or that maybe he shouldn't even consider taking on more responsibility. And I doubt anybody comes by his office to make sure he's ENJOYING HIMSELF. I doubt his boss peeks in his office and says: "This career stuff...it goes by so fast...ARE YOU ENJOYING EVERY MOMENT IN THERE, CRAIG???? CARPE DIEM, CRAIG!"

My point is this. I used to worry that not only was I failing to do a good enough job at parenting, but that I wasn't enjoying it enough. Double failure. I felt guilty because I wasn't in parental ecstasy every hour of every day and I wasn't MAKING THE MOST OF EVERY MOMENT like the mamas in the parenting magazines seemed to be doing. I felt guilty because honestly, I was tired and cranky and ready for the day to be over quite often. And because I knew that one day, I'd wake up and the kids would be gone, and I'd be the old lady in the grocery store with my hand over my heart. Would I be able to say I enjoyed every moment? No.

But the fact remains that I will be that nostalgic lady. I just hope to be one with a clear memory. And here's what I hope to say to the younger mama gritting her teeth in line:

"It's helluva hard, isn't it? You're a good mom, I can tell. And I like your kids, especially that one peeing in the corner. She's my favorite. Carry on, warrior. Six hours till bedtime." And hopefully, every once in a while, I'll add -- "Let me pick up that grocery bill for ya, sister. Go put those kids in the van and pull on up -- I'll have them bring your groceries out."

Anyway. Clearly, Carpe Diem doesn't work for me. I can't even carpe fifteen minutes in a row, so a whole diem is out of the question.

Here's what does work for me:

There are two different types of time. Chronos time is what we live in. It's regular time, it's one minute at a time, it's staring down the clock till bedtime time, it's ten excruciating minutes in the Target line time, it's four screaming minutes in time out time, it's two hours till daddy gets home time. Chronos is the hard, slow passing time we parents often live in.

Then there's Kairos time. Kairos is God's time. It's time outside of time. It's metaphysical time. It's those magical moments in which time stands still. I have a few of those moments each day. And I cherish them.

Like when I actually stop what I'm doing and really look at Tish. I notice how perfectly smooth and brownish her skin is. I notice the perfect curves of her teeny elf mouth and her asianish brown eyes, and I breathe in her soft Tishy smell. In these moments, I see that her mouth is moving but I can't hear her because all I can think is -- This is the first time I've really seen Tish all day, and my God -- she is so beautiful. Kairos.

Like when I'm stuck in chronos time in the grocery line and I'm haggard and annoyed and angry at the slow check-out clerk. And then I look at my cart and I'm transported out of chronos. And suddenly I notice the piles and piles of healthy food I'll feed my children to grow their bodies and minds and I remember that most of the world's mamas would kill for this opportunity. This chance to stand in a grocery line with enough money to pay. And I just stare at my cart. At the abundance. The bounty. Thank you, God. Kairos.

Or when I curl up in my cozy bed with Theo asleep at my feet and Craig asleep by my side and I listen to them both breathing. And for a moment, I think- how did a girl like me get so lucky? To go to bed each night surrounded by this breath, this love, this peace, this warmth? Kairos.

These kairos moments leave as fast as they come- but I mark them. I say the word kairos in my head each time I leave chronos. And at the end of the day, I don't remember exactly what my kairos moments were, but I remember I had them. And that makes the pain of the daily parenting climb worth it.

If I had a couple Kairos moments during the day, I call it a success.

Carpe a couple of Kairoses a day.

Good enough for me.

~Glennon Melton, Momastry

New Traditions = Making One's Life, One's OWN...

2012-01-03T15:19:00.001-06:00

K, y'all, don't get me wrong. I have much love for my fams (both sides). I know some traditions should live on... But some of them... It's just time, you know?!

Take for instance, the New Year's Eve we had this year. I mean, it went well, and we had over 24 hours of kidless time to ourselves. That says something right there. However, we were cramming WAAAAY too much into too few hours, der. Running off to the casino around 10am, returning near 3:30ish... eating cake and leaving there 'round 4:30ish... Stopping at 2 stores for the last ingredients for our home-made sushi-feast.... MAKING Maki rolls (hello - takes mucho time!)... shoveling the aforementioned grub into our faces to make it DT in time for the comedy club... and all the while - wishing we had planned better. Time flies as it is. It REALLY flies when you're havin' fun - that's no joke. And when you as a couple receive the glorious gesture from beloved family to care for your kids, freeing you for spontaneity and what should be non-schedule-having time... you take advantage of said quality coupledom! I kinda felt like, it simply wasn't coming together the way I'd envisioned... and so did J. So - we vowed not to let our NYE be enveloped by the plans of others any longer. I likey!

Thankfully - the comedians were so freakin' hilarious, I cried [from laughter] (and snorted, but that's between us) at least 2 dozen times throughout the show! Gotta love that! No better way to ring in the new year than with oodles of from-the-gut, true belly-laughter. That helped, but leading up to it - I started to realize I was being tested. You know... she can talk the talk, but can she walk the walk?? She's always 'preaching' about all this "happiness comes from within" crap... Let's see if that flies now... C'mon fate. Let's see if we can get her to break! I CAN walk the walk, and I WILL - yo! So der. I showed fate who's boss. I'm in charge (well, somewhat.) See - I saw it for what it was. I let out some of my frustration over the matters that were no longer in my 'control'. (Sometimes 'control' is perceived, you see...) I figured out some issues. (Here's the thing. I already was housing some pent-up crabbies over various occurrences recently.) Once I got it out... I decidedly made the most of our time, with J's help, and we went out and had a blast! Then, we wanted to kick something off my bucket list that eve... I wanted to be out at the stroke of midnight. (I know, weird that I never have.) I've been with friends, we've been "in" celebrating in various ways over the years... but I've never actually been out somewhere to hear the cheering and the kazoos, and watch the confetti fly. So - I wanted to just be there during that. Turns out, we didn't plan well for that either. We took a lovely river-drive (best enjoyed without whining tots in the backseat), and found ourselves having a drink at a local spot - that has now completely gone all hipster on us. (CAN I be clear? There is a difference between hippies, and hipSTERS. Thank you. I know I'm a peace-lovin' freaky-deek... but I'm no hipster! I truly don't have a problem with these folks, but I don't quite fit the bill, and I knew this wasn't our 'venue' for ringing in the fresh set of 365. That's all.) So we couldn't figure out WHERE to go. Jeeshe. I guess we're getting old - we don't even know where to head for a loud new year count-down. Ha! Must laugh that one off... We are parents now, ya know.... So the frustration kind of ensued, but we made the most of it, knowing that a new year rolls around EVERY year... right? So next year - we will plan accordingly!

But bottom line? We had fun! We laughed. We danced (at home). We goofed around. We made the most of our night together. In spite of it all. IN your face, fate! That's what this blog is all about, really. Recording the joy, and making light of the craziness, that is parenting... er - LIFE.

TIP: Rolling with it is good. Planning is good. A little of both... is VERY good.

A QUOTE (or 2!):

~ “Anyone who says sunshine brings happiness has neverdanced in the rain” ~Unkown

~ "The bad news is, time flies. The good news is, you're the pilot." ~Michael Altshuler

WHIDFML: Joel and I made a 'resolution' to plan our future New Year'sEve the way we wish - without cramming it all into one day. I mean - a wholenew year is upon us, after all.... the plans surrounding another unnamed event shallensue on another date in future years, so as to include the children, and avoidthe chaotic rush. Cheers!

Happy New Year.... I Think??

2012-01-03T15:14:00.000-06:00

Where does a 5-year-old come UP with this stuff?? It took a solid hour to get the girl settled down enough to fall asleep... as she wailed about the fact that she was certain that she didn't want to be "a mom" anymore - after seeing some woman screaming in pain while giving birth on TV. (Thanks, grandparents...) Couple this drama with the fact that she's sure she doesn't want to grow up now, as growing up means 'getting old', and 'dying'. Deep thoughts, anyone?

Her little sister chimed in with an exuberant, "Ooooh - My WANT to die, so I can go to heaven and see Jesus!" WOW. Okay - wait a minute. How does a parent walk this tight-rope without falling?? Yeah - let's see... we must assure one child that dying is a part of life, but that we hope to live a long, healthy life on earth first, and accomplish all of our goals... AND, stress to the other child the part about the 'long healthy life of accomplishing goals' BEFORE looking forward (??) to death, and that it's part of God's plan - and we don't choose when we die... OY! Where is that damn parent-manual again?? I thought there was something about this under chapter "Aw shit. Now What?!"

After much (attempted) comforting, prayer, assurances about things like, say, epidurals, and relating the fact that we all "go home to heaven one day"- followed by how we should take the opportunity to live life in a way that's meaningful to us - and set all kinds of goals (i.e. Disneyland, playing at the park, going camping, fishing, seeing fireworks.... etc. Only the important things, of course!) FINALLY - she began to calm down (somewhat.) She was still a bit tearful, and her little sis, sleeping below her in the bunk, made this request: "Mommy... My don't want my sister to be crying....(pause) Or dying... (another pause) or getting old!" I assured her that she was not currently dying, nor getting 'old' - but that I couldn't promise she would stop crying - at least not just yet. KIDS!

I had to hand it to Joel and myself... we handled it pretty well, if I do say so... This is what we get for allowing them to stay up later than the norm for the holidays... It adds up, I tell you. That missing sleep leads to some craziness that you just don't think should exist!

TIP: When they are afraid - you know - of monsters in the closet, or spooky sounds made by the wind.... or when your barely-old-enough-to-know-what-dying-even-means-yet child starts fearing 'old age' (6 or 7?!) and dying one day... Reminding them to focus on the fun and exciting adventures they want to experience while here does seem to help. Give 'em something good to think about. Then, RUN! (Kidding about the "run" part!)

A QUOTE: "It is in your moments of decision that your destiny is shaped."~Tony Robbins

WHIDFML: Made a batch of new gluten-free CHOCOLATE cookies, thanks to a good friendy!! Woot!

NOW that I'm Jinx-Free!

2011-12-30T15:59:00.002-06:00

(Christmas, 2011!)

Sooooooooooo! That whole thing about life's challenges propelling us forward... YES. It is THE best way to look at it - as it usually does prepare us for our future, besides. I believe I've finally found the ideal drop-in child-care situation!!!!!! HALLELUJAH - sing with me (hall-le-eee-lu-jah!) I know I'll depend on this more in the summer months - as I become busy with processing wedding photos again - and so - I've already got the littlest one enrolled for the remainder of this winter season. I'll choose a day when the older girl is in school for the day, and drop off the littlest lady at the new spot for the day - freeing-me-up!

It's drop-in care with no commitments or minimums, is affordable, and through a well-renowned school district nearby! WOOT! My biggest hang-up with delving into this was trusting the people who would be caring for my kiddos. Now that this hurdle is no longer in the way - bring it on! It's an answer to my prayers - as I not only need this time for my brain to occasionally have the luxury of functioning without interruption, while enabling my internal energy-stores to be re-charged, but I need it for keeping up with life as well.

I was chatting with a close family member (who doesn't have children, but has experienced some of the 'trials' with us when we were young, and our children) about having found this diamond-in-the-rough. She congratulated me on locating this, and recognizing that I need this for myself. While it may deserve a pat-on-the-back in some regard (since I know that many wouldn't realize or accept this need), I reminded her that ANY parent "needs" this opportunity. I am a free-spirit, with perhaps a greater overall need for time to myself... but all parents need time away from their beloved children to be better parents. Quality over quantity!

Let's get one thing straight & clear: I ADORE my babes! I've been dreaming about being a "mother" since I was old enough to convey that message... and I'm grateful beyond words. I'd do nothing differently, and wouldn't change it for the world! My priorities are creating a meaningful and lasting bond with these amazing people whom God has entrusted to me. I LOVE the fact that I can be home with them, while also thriving on a part-time career (2 now!) that I also thoroughly enjoy - also contributing income toward the family's goals. With that said, it doesn't change the fact that my brain needs a day to function on a regular basis - without constant interruption. I don't really think that's asking too much. I think that many parents would agree. In fact, I know of many who choose to work outside of the home so that they have greater balance. That is their prerogative, and to each their own! But for me, I knew I wanted to be their full-time care-giver. It's a truly FULL-time job (as in 24 hours a day, 7 days a week!), and I do require a tiny bit of 'vacation' in there - to listen to my heart and rejuvenate! So now - I can look forward to that no matter what is going on. I need not depend on one person to provide that luxury any longer. This is a hurdle-overcome!

TIP: Sometimes we need a gentle "nudge" or push in the right direction. So heed that, and do what you gotta do!

A QUOTE: "Be real, Be free, Be happy." ~ Unknown

WHIDFML: Spent the week both girls were at home for holiday break doing special projects with them! That's for another post :)

"Twas the Night Before Christmas...

2011-12-30T15:24:00.001-06:00

and all through the house... little creatures were stirring and making noise with their mouths. They acted as though they had never been taught, the prims and the propers of misbehaving-not. They screamed and they wailed, and they stomped and they cried... until mommy and daddy were fit to be tied. We damn-near imploded from the adrenaline and fatigue, until at last, we were able to intermingle some glee. We survived the hours leading to the holiday family-affair, and finally, at last, joy so fleeting and rare. Mommy and Daddy were sure not to cave, and little sassy girls now remembered just how to behave. Though cookies and treats were off-limits that night, the girls learned to enjoy other Christmas delights.

All of the Christmas spirit that was building-up inside of me, was abruptly consumed when Christmas Eve arrived in all of it's child-hysteria-laden glory. AH. Did I SERIOUSLY jinx this shizz yet again via pre-blogging?!? What THE??? The entire day... (entire... read "ENTIRE") was filled with visions of Prozac, Chocolate, and Wine dancing in my head ;)

Bus seriously - we hadn't experienced that kind of hysterical crying and outbursts in ages - and never in such consistent succession - and by BOTH children at once! Adelyn literally cried and screamed (and not just howling - SCREAMING) for over an hour after her nap. I was ready to catch a flight to the Bahamas right then and there, yo. [Or Delaware. Or ANYwhere.]

Evidently, they got that all out of their system. Every year I think, "Ah - this will be a good year for _______________!" (Insert preferred event, such as "Christmas"...) As they get older, they don't necessarily get "easier", per say. Their challenges (and yours) simply change and evolve! And so - I too must continue to change and evolve with the times. So be it. For the record, Christmas was good overall. We didn't have to rush all over creation, and we had spaced things out quite well. And it was fab having a church service on that Friday eve! Bonus. Another bonus? The girls and I got a reindeer-pulled sleigh ride before the service! It was Donner (a GIRL-reindeer!) and Blitzen. There was no snow this year (yet another bonus - though a white Christmas is always welcome...) They had placed wheels on the sleigh! Hahahaha - good memories nontheless.

TIP: While threatening to take away 'treats' on Christmas Eve may seem 'strict' - if you'd lived in this house for 10 minutes that day, you'd agree it was necessary! And, if we were taught one thing in our Love & Logic class - it was consistency (also meaning: follow-through). Once that 'threat' was made to attempt to control the ensuing chaos, and the chaos did continue to ensue, it was then required that no treats be doled out to the offending children. I think it was a quite fitting lesson, actually - and one that they chose. We gave them the option/ the warning. It wasn't heeded, and not by our account. 'Twas their choice to disregard our authority... again.

A QUOTE: "Let`s be naughty and save Santa the trip." ~Gary Allan

WHIDFML: Convinced myself that blogging is not going to jinx me any longer! I'm seriously not allowing anything (or anyone with ill-wishes) to negate my happiness! Always been very independent, and will continue that trend - thank you very much! Happiness stems from within. Your attitude about the things that you cannot control really do affect your reactions to things. You can choose to be happier. While we all have moments, and bad days - your choice to resolve your issues in ways in which you are able, help propel you forward through life's challenges, and enable you to grow on a spiritual level.

MomMe-Day!

2011-12-21T22:49:00.000-06:00

So today, I got to spend a great deal of my afternoon enjoying a massage. YES! SOOOO relaxing. I totally was ready to just revel in that moment (all 80 mins of it!!) Deep breath in... and exhale... ahhhhhhh. I freaking LOVE the Aveda Institute! Then, I ran some errands, picked up the neighbor girl from school for her momma, and spent the evening listening to Christmas tunes, surrounded by candle-light (still am) ;) - and wrapping gifts! Ahhhhhh. SO interesting too, how I had merely 3 minutes to browse the magazine while I sipped tea awaiting my massage appointment... and yet I took in just enough - something to blog about! It's so integral. It was discussing the way we as a culture are programmed to use every waking moment to do something "constructive" - and how much we need to just take the time to really BE. How, you may ask?? Well, by doing... (ready for this??) NOTHING! Yep. Nada. Nilch. Zilch. No-thing. NOTHING! It referred to this as a "novel idea". Indeed! It started to go into further detail about the how-to's and the benefits of such 'activity' (or lack thereof), stating that our medical personnel refer to this as "Constructive Rest". Hells-yeah! Cheers to that! Oh my gosh - how I wish I had stolen that magazine! ;) hahahah. But seriously - I wish I had at least asked to borrow it, so I could finish that ever-enlightening column that I had barely begun. But I think the overall concept was brilliant enough... don't you?

TIP: I didn't let my mind wander - AT ALL today while enjoying my momME-time... This massage COMPLETELY revitalized all of my senses! I kept just focusing on my breath, relaxing, the music, and the serenity... Well-deserved, much-needed, and well-timed. Tomorrow (Thurs) is our "Friday" - since Joel is off on Friday this week. AWESOME! Can't wait to spend the day with the fam at the MOA - soaking in the holiday glimmer adorning the digs, and just doing a bit of window-shopping (the best kind), and people-watching, lunch-feasting, and exercising - all-in-one! NICE. Then, onto reindeer-watching (and a possible sleigh-ride if enough snow remains from this recent smattering) prior to the Christmas service at our church! Bring it.

A QUOTE: K - actually - - 2 qoutes!!

"Take rest; a field that has rested gives a bountiful crop." ~Ovid

"No one can get inner peace by pouncing on it." ~Harry Emerson Fosdick (Woot!)

WHIDFML: Ummmmm... this entire post!!! :)

This is Christmas....

2011-12-20T22:55:00.000-06:00

This is Christmas to a 3-year-old:

Any Questions??

So, she set up a Christmas 'tea-party', and invited Santa and his "friends" to the celebration. So cute and innocent - and yet this scene is so terrible.... Terribly funny, that is! Addie has a weird thing about naked dolls. All babies, princesses, & Barbies are de-clothed regularly. Not sure where it stems from, or what the motivation may be - but Santa and his sheep don't seem to mind. ;)

The best part?

She happened to set this all up in front of a depiction of the manger-scene. KIDS!

TIP: If you kiddos don't like milk, try Chocolate flavored almond milk. Super good. You can even add Ovaltine to make it extra-chocolatey, and enhance with some more vitamins in that process. What the hey?

A QUOTE: "The main reason Santa is so jolly is because he knows where all the bad girls live." ~George Carlin

WHIDFML: Inspired by my fave gal-pal, I'm fixin' to start some mediation. I'll start with 10 mins/ day - and just free my mind and breathe! Yeah, baby! Diggin' on that New Year's resolution~

Salsa Authentica

2011-12-20T22:43:00.001-06:00

We visited the local Mexican restaurant recently to enjoy a celebratory dinner. It was a good day, and I was feeling especially up-beat and light-hearted. This disposition seemed to readily feed into the giddy-mayhem that unfolded during our meal. Luckily, we were seated in the LAST booth on the far end of the restaurant.... since we somehow missed that boat named "I eat out at restaurants - just with kids now". (Those who follow my babblings know what that is referring to!) While one child is shimmying to the authentic Mexican jive, exclaiming, "My boobies are moving!" - the other boogies-out a big-girl-sized-fart, promptly announcing, "My spooted!" All I could do was laugh, while Joel attempted to 'shush' them to no avail! Somehow, this was all funnier yet when sipping an authentic Margarita on the rocks! Yes, the real-deal does tend to treat me right. For the record, I was already in a good mood, as described above. Taking kids out in public, and enjoying an adult beverage only enhanced that mood! Until we meet again - Adios!

TIP: Tall booths make for decent sound barriers. :)

A QUOTE: "I feel a blog coming on!" ~ ME

WHIDFML: Decorated for Christmas!!! Gosh, I feel organized.

Patience is a Virtue...

2011-12-20T17:51:00.001-06:00

Patience... I have come to realize over the years that I have more than I give myself credit for. The problem lies in dealing with repeat episodes of, say, drama, over extended periods of time that don't encompass a solid break for me... and wallah - the patience is worn thin. It's to be expected. I haven't been able to consistently count on my highly-appreciated and not only desired, but truly required mommy-days for a number of months now... It's been hit or miss... a day here, a day there... Much more scarce than I've grown accustomed to. Even when I can manage to talk myself out of 'stress' psychologically, I can't seem to stop my body from experiencing it. Son of a! I darn-near missed out on the opp to merely wrap gifts without the eyes of the recipients nearby. That would have been a slight bit stressful, indeed. My 'back-up-plan' retired just before the summer months. I had gone online to seek a new back-up plan, and I couldn't find anything. I reluctantly decided last Wednesday to make a point of devoting some of my extra-valuable and fleeting time to trying this again. I was pleasantly surprised to see that there were multiple ads offering part-time/ drop-in care options! It must be the difference between summer and the school-year, I reasoned. Makes sense! I have renewed hope again - and 3 emails out to various prospective part-time care-givers. I also have 2 more phone numbers stashed in the case that the emailed nannies don't fit the bill in some way, or reply to my queries. IN as much - I actually have the name given to me by the previous 'back-up' day-care lady back in June! I never did call her, because I knew absolutely nothing about her. I felt like the squeaky wheel (that would be me) was simply receiving some grease when this number was given to me. But maybe it's meant? Who knows. I do know that I am "meant" to have some designated ME-time... to regroup, catch up on things, and just - BE. I need that to recharge. When I don't get it consistently, I start to get a little jumpy - even with the hubby. Me-time isn't a selfish thing. It makes me a better me - and a better mom and wifey too!

I'm definitely not wired to go without this time for too long!

Time to find some new- new chosen family once again! Life. Gotta keep changing right along with it, right?

TIP: Don't just 'settle' when it comes to recharging your batteries. When challenges arise, find a solution. Get creative and you can solve nearly any prob! (That's a snippet from another fave quote!)

A QUOTE: "Life's problems wouldn't be called 'hurdles' if there wasn't a way to get over them." ~Author Unknown (Did I already use this one?? I may have, but I think I'm thinking of using it on FaceBook previously!)

WHIDFML: Sipped on some Eggnog - blended with Kahlua'. Mmmmm. It's a seasonal thing!

Laugh 'Til You Pee!

2011-12-20T17:23:00.001-06:00

So if you've been following me - you probably already know that I'm determined to try snowboarding this year. Nothing major - I surely won't have the necessary skill to go beyond the bunny-hill! But I still want to try this! Always have. So - we're making it happen. This is major motivation for me to consistently work-out at home. It seems to be working pretty well. I mean - you know you're working your abs ultra-hard when you are jumping, lifting weights, and laughing at America's Funniest Home Videos on the TV! Now that Tom Bergeron (sp?) hosts, (and not that annoying-ass that used to ruin the show altogether for me) - I can watch again. We had it on during my power-work-out, and it amped things up that much more. So much more, that I PEED my dang pants! Whoah! I mean, not full-blown, but when you laugh that hard, and you're already in the midst of exerting yourself - I dunno - what can I say!? Must be working! Another good sign... I bowled a freaking 206 last time I subbed!! Double-WHOAH! Woot-woot!

TIP: Laugh, jump, lift, bowl, do... 'til you pee! That's how you know you're doing it right.

A QUOTE: "Peeing your pants is the coolest." ~Billy Madison

WHIDFML: Enjoyed some GLUTEN-FREE Gelato, compliments of my mom and dad! O.M.G.

And, it's some more motivation for those work-outs!

It's Inching Near!

2011-12-19T16:08:00.001-06:00

So, as Christmas draws near, I have rather gracefully handled a few minor impromptu set-backs... They interrupted my super-duper-uper-shmuper (Sid the Science Kid, anyone?) Holiday-Happies - but only briefly. [I swear, I blog, and it jinxes things! Hm... Gonna haveta figure that one out.] On those otherwise happy notes came some unexpected fun as well. For example, I joined my MIL on a trip downtown for a concert. We saw The Blenders - an outrageously talented acappella group - mix it up for Christmas. They are funny too :) Bonus. At one point during the show, they sang Where are You Christmas? For those who aren't familiar - here are those lyrics, as found online:

WHERE ARE YOU CHRISTMAS?
WHY CAN'T I FIND YOU?
WHY HAVE YOU GONE AWAY?
WHERE IS THE LAUGHTER YOU USED TO BRING ME?
WHY CAN'T I HEAR MUSIC PLAY?
MY WORLD IS CHANGING,
IM REARRANGING,
DOES THAT MEAN CHRISTMAS CHANGES TO.

WHERE ARE YOU CHRISTMAS
WHY CAN'T I FIND YOU
WHY HAVE YOU GONE AWAY,

IM NOT THE SAME ONE
SEE WHAT THE TIME'S DONE
IS THERE ANY PLACE TO GO OH,OH,OH,OH,OH
CHRISTMAS IS HERE,EVERY WHERE OH, OH
CHRISTMAS IS HERE,IF CARE,OH,OH,OH
IF THERE IS LOVE,IN YOUR HEART AND YOUR MIND
YOU WILL FEEL LIKE CHRISTMAS ALL THE TIME
THE JOY OF CHRISTMAS
STAYS HERE INSIDE US
FILLS EACH AND EVERY HEART
WITH LOVE
OH,OH,OH

It was rather poignant - as it represents how I'd been feeling about this season for the past few years - as I adjusted to motherhood, and family changes, and things that just made this particular holiday feel less meaningful and less joyful. I'm so pumped to be past that now! But I do still wish - since ."...we have all changed, and that changes Christmas too..." that we could implement some new adventures and traditions into the mix as well. Some families exchange gifts, others go on vacations together. Either way - you spend bucho-bucks... So why can't we just eliminate the commercialized side of it, and make some new memories together, instead of pummeling one another with unnecessary (albeit, usually well-liked and enjoyed) THINGS? I hate to sound ungrateful for the goodies my fam has handed out to me and mine... I just wish we could turn it into more than 'gifts'. Turns out, the family isn't really so interested. Shocker! Anywho - I did succeed in talking the girls into making our regular 2-generations-of-sisters annual Christmas shopping outing a new experience - at least for this year. (Hopefully more!) Rather than going to the same place, and spending frivolously, we are making it into a little girls'-get-away! Duluth, here we come. It'll be at a time when we can enjoy seeing the place all decorated for the season, and spend a weekend just relaxing, and surely still getting in some shopping I'd wager. So that way - everyone is happy! Sadly, sis seemed to want to push it toward the cabin in the future. They just don't get it - I wanted us to do something "different". Getting drunk and crashing at the cabin isn't my idea of a good time or exciting holiday memory, but that's her issue to work out. Anyway - I've decided that no matter where the rest of the peeps in my life stand, it's most important how I create holiday memories with my immediate family - Joel and the girls - and we'll be sure to do what's meaningful for us. I want them to have memories of being with the family - -but I don't want the emphasis to be on getting presents. Fine line to walk in this culture, but I'll try my best. It's all I can do! Cheers to non-materialistic traditions!!

TIP: When your heart beckons - if others look down on you for following it - that's their prob. Do what's meaningful to you! Your heart will thank you. And, experiencing things regularly that don't cost tons of cash can teach your littles to appreciate more about this season than simply 'getting gifts'. Presents are a fun part of it all for the kids, but it shouldn't be the most important goal. Rebel against society's push to spend, spend, spend... F that!

A QUOTE: "Health is the greatest gift, contentment the greatest wealth, faithfulness the best relationship."~Buddha

WHIDFML: Celebrating my b-day with a massage tomorrow afternoon, whilst the littles retreat at Grandma's! Ahhhh... I think if I received a gift certificate for a massage every season, I might think-twice about this non-gift-thing ;) ha!

Naked & Pretty... Awwww

2011-12-05T23:11:00.001-06:00

It's not really what you might think... It's more about one of those mommy-hurdles, in fact. But - the blow was softened by the sweet voice of a 5-year-old.

I awoke early to my alarm - to make sure I could jump in the shower and be out again by the time the girls got up to get ready for school. It's one of those rare, glorious moments of mommy-solitude. Warm water to wake me up on a cold day... A chance to just come out of sleep-mode - and be alone for a few minutes. Or not. Just as I closed the door, the littles found me - and they weren't really in the mood to allow me such luxury. So after asking everyone whether or not there was any need for use of the facilities, I set off once again to attempt this 10 minutes of wake-up time. They assured me, after much prodding, that they were certain that no one needed to use the toilet. Alas, in my infinite wisdom, I managed to lock the door to the room where I stand naked and wet, and craving a moment to really just shake that sleepiness (and cold) from my tired bones. (I don't do well with mornings.) But no. Someone has to knock on the thin piece of wood that stands between my 10 minutes of solitude for the day, and the two little people who make a full-time job out of ensuring that I get no more than 3 minutes of solitude in a given day. I ask what the trouble might be, to which I receive an urgent request to use the potty. "Poop or whiz?!?" I shriek in a "how dare you" tone... "Poop!" Damn. Had it been pee, I know that girl with the bladder of steel would have been waiting patiently until I completed my shower. After all, I did ask them, 3 times to be sure, whether there was a need for this - prior to starting the morning cleansing activity. So, I toss down my robe across the floor, and reach out my dripping arm to unlock the handle on that lovely piece of privacy-inducing wood. I'm feeling a little drained, and a lot frustrated at this stage... but that soon dissipated. How could I remain frustrated when that sweet little voice from behind the shower curtain proceeds to tell me, "Mommy! You're sooo pretty - even when you're naked!" Those silly words beget smiles, and smiles beget happy-vibes. Kids. They drive you up a wall, and then cushion your fall as you're about to lose it. There is something integral about that.

TIP: Remind yourself of their innocence. It helps you stay calm ;)

A QUOTE: "Being pretty is a full time job that's why I'm only part time..." ~Unknown

WHIDFML: Finished this - and now - I must rest! ;) Until we meet again.....

Weird!

2011-12-05T23:03:00.001-06:00

Myla: "Mommy, you're peeing again?? You're weird!"
Me: "Yep. I am weird. But it's more fun to be weird... 'Normal' is kinda boring."
Myla: "Yep! And you are WEIRD!! But - you're still pretty - even though you're weird."
Me: "Hahahahahaah - Well, thank you!"

TIP: Let 'em know early-on that it's okay - GOOD, actually - to be yourself, even if people think you're 'weird'.

A QUOTE: "To be great is to be misunderstood" ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

WHIDFML: Laughed - really really hard. (I may have snorted. But that's between us.)

School - is for Playing!

2011-12-05T22:54:00.001-06:00

Adelyn's Quote: "My don't learn in my school... My just play."

(How cute is that?!) Well... little does she know how much she's learning... and it's well-disguised as play!

Here is a follow-up Quote from Anita Wadley - a poem called "Just Playing":

When I am building in the block room, please don't say I'm "just playing". For you see, I'm learning as I play, about balance and shapes. Who knows, I may be an architect someday.
When I'm getting all dressed up, setting the table, caring for the babies, don't get the idea I'm "just playing". For, you see, I'm learning as I play; I may be a mother or a father someday.
When you see me up to my elbows in paint or standing at an easel, or molding and shaping clay, please don't let me hear you say, "He is just playing". For, you see, I'm learning as I play. I'm expressing myself and being creative. I may be an artist or an inventor someday.
When you see me sitting in a chair "reading" to an imaginary audience, please don't laugh and think I'm "just playing". For, you see, I'm learning as I play. I may be a teacher someday.
When you see me combing the bushes for bugs, or packing my pockets with choice things I find, don't pass it off as "just play". For you see, I'm learning as I play. I may be a scientist someday.
When you see me engrossed in a puzzle or some "plaything" at my school, please don't feel the time is wasted in "play". For, you see, I'm learning as I play. I'm learning to solve problems and concentrate. I may be in business someday.
When you see me cooking or tasting foods, please don't think that because I enjoy it, it is "just play". I'm learning to follow direction and see differences. I may be a cook someday.
When you see me learning to skip, hop, run and move my body, please don't say I'm "just playing". For, you see, I'm learning as I play. I'm learning how my body works. I may be a doctor, nurse or athlete someday.
When you ask me what I've done at school today, and I say, "I just played", please don't misunderstand me. For you see, I'm learning as I play. I'm learning to enjoy and be successful in my work. I'm preparing for tomorrow. Today, I am a child and my work is play.

~Anita Wadley
http://justplayingpoem.com/

TIP: We are conditioned by our culture to push all kinds of engaging things onto our kids, to force this sense of 'learning'. But, often just letting them be kids and use their imagination is the best training they can receive for their futures.
WHIDFML: Signed up to join Myla on a field-trip in the near-future. Her first one, and she really wanted me to volunteer to come along. So Grandma is going to help out with Addie that day, so I can tag along!

BAD Puppy!

2011-12-05T22:36:00.001-06:00

Addie loves her puppies and kitties. She carries around one or more throughout the house with her on a very regular basis (the stuffed variety.) These toy pets are generally very well-behaved. (My favorite kind of pet, actually.) One day several weeks ago, near Halloween, she had one stuffed puppy poised slightly above her mini-pumpkin, while making raspberry sounds (spitting sounds - through her lips). Suddenly she bellowed, "He's a BAD puppy! You go over there because you're BAD." I asked her, "What did he do??" She replied, "He pooped and whizzed on my pumpkin!" K - I damn near peed my own pants laughing about that one!

TIP: Buy a Sham-Wow. A little off-topic, but those freaking Sham-Wows... they really do work! Myla had donned her velvety white "snow-fairy" costume as we were about to embark on a night out for kiddos in the neighborhood a couple of weeks prior to Halloween.... Of course, she had a hankering for some grape juice right about the same time, wouldn't ya know? Indeed, she did spill a slew of it down the front of her dress.... just as we were about to walk out the door. I couldn't believe it. After expressing my disdain, I went into super-hero mode - and somehow a vision of the amazing Sham-Wow I thought I'd definitely been scammed into purchasing at the local state fair one year, began to beckon. As it turns out - the thing IS amazing! It's like magic!! I dampened it slightly - per the instructions embedded into my mind for just such emergencies - and dabbed & squeezed it all along the spill. Slowly - right before our very eyes - the grape juice disappeared - transferring onto the Sham-Wow! What the?? It's like a super-sponge... and literally took GRAPE juice, out of WHITE velvet material. I will never disrespect the Sham-Wow again!!
A QUOTE: "All of the animals except for man know that the principle business of life is to enjoy it." ~ Samuel Butler
WHIDFML: Gave myself lots of extra shut-eye whilst my bod fought off this 3-week long cold. I never get sick like this. I guess I can say I was prepared for this to happen once the girls began school. Sleep won me over during that stretch! So be it.

Ballet-Soccer??

2011-12-05T22:25:00.001-06:00

So - there was an opp for Myla to try some little tykes soccer recently - for very cheap. I'm so grateful for the 'very cheap' part. She's little, and we didn't really know the extent of her level of interest. It seemed an ideal chance to have her give it a go - and see if it lead to a love of the game.

Well.......... Not exactly. She enjoyed tying some things, and liked being in the practices/ class with the other little kids... But while they were running around chasing a ball around the gym during a mock-game ~ she was standing on the sidelines twirling and pirouetting! HA. I think we'll stick with dance classes for now! We can give sports another go in the future. She is our little princess, that one.

Dance classes are a great way for them to get in some indoor exercise in the winter, and they can usually be in the classes together. Yep. I think it's time to locate some more dance classes.

TIP: They won't know until they try. Neither will you.
A QUOTE: "A lifetime of training for just ten seconds." ~Jesse Owens

WHIDFML: Found some delish new gluten-free cookies at Trader Joe's... no baking required. WOW! Bring it.

To Leave, or Not to Leave....

2011-12-05T22:03:00.001-06:00

So - I found myself hustling after dinner to clean up some things, and I was about ready to put on my shoes to head to bowling night with the girls... It'd been a number of weeks, and I was really honestly in a social mood - as it were. But I got delayed. Joel had to take care of something quickly before I could leave the girls in his care... So, he disappeared to do his thing, and I continued to clean up random dishes in the kitchen and put away left-overs... and clean up the girls a bit. Then, they decided that they wanted MOMMY to make their toast. Addie loves a good butter-sandwich. (Yes - I said butter.... just butter.) Myla wanted some jelly toast. I have to carefully peel away the crust, and place just the right amount of condiments atop the kid-friendly pieces. It was high time I showed daddy just the way to go about this - in case he ran into such things whilst I was away.

Just as I was grabbing my boots, the phone rang. So I set them down to answer. It was aunt Debbie. She was calling to kindly inform me that one of my very favorite Christmas classics was on in about 10 minutes - "A Charlie Brown Christmas". Dilemmmmma! Okay. I guess, not really. I mean, I did consider the fact that I hadn't been to bowling in weeks - but then I considered some other facts. A) - This happens once per year - and I'm liking the tradition of watching these classics together as a fam. The girls revel in the experience - and I know we're making good memories for them that will last. B) - I gave it my good ol' rocking-chair-test: When I'm ripe, and rocking in my chair on the back porch, which would I be more proud of having done? Yep - you guessed it... It'll bring a smile to my face to recall having spent that time with my kids and my guy - just soaking in the holiday-happies and creating tradition. (Er - passing on tradition!) C) Coincidence that I kept getting delayed?? Probably not. Things happen for a reason... and D) The clincher - I asked the girls if they wanted me to stay and watch it with them... They screamed with giddy-glee and it was a resounding "Yes, yes, yes"! Following this - the girls were tucked in for a night's slumber, and Joel and I got to just relax and hang out while watching a favorite new netflix series: Paranormal State. Freaky-deaky, mysterious, intriguing.... We are totally psyched about this one. He seems genuinely interested in doing good with his knowledge on the paranormal. Plus - I got in a good work out. I'm determined to snowboard this year! Gotta power-up first!

I have to say I'm soooo glad I didn't commit to full-time bowling again this year. I like the flexibility that comes with occasionally subbing, and just dropping-in to hang out and have a drink when the mood strikes. The thing is - this year I've been busy, but I've also been really kind of a home-body! I enjoy being here with my fam. I do enjoy getting in some girl time and just hanging out with friends up at the alley - but the fact that I want to be at home more, I think this is a good thing too. So - I'll go when it works out, and I'll stay when my heart tells me to stay :) There. Figured that out! Easy-peezy, as Myla would say.

TIP: When faced with a decision, do what feels right - what means the most to you. Happiness will naturally ensue.
A QUOTE: “If you limit your choices only to what seems possible or reasonable, you disconnect yourself from what you truly want, and all that is left is compromise.” ~Robert Fritz
WHIDFML: Joel and I are planning a mini-getaway this winter sometime - to a luxury retreat, and a chance for me to attempt snowboarding over a weekend! Can kick that off the ol' Bucket-List soon!

"Feeling the Joy"!

2011-12-05T17:16:00.001-06:00

So - one of the reasons I am addicted to the Grey's Anatomy series, is because they relate everything that goes on - back to 'real life'. It's like - things people actually go through are highlighted through the dramas that play-out on this show. It's kind of genius actually - and it sucked-me-in from the first glimpse I got - - a random few minutes while flipping through and happening upon a re-run one night a few years back. Since then, Joel and I have caught up on all of the episodes, and are fully in the loop. The only thing I hate about this show - is that I cry following damn near every episode! But, it's also why I like it... It has some real meaning behind it - stirring up some emotion! I am not a TV person - or a movie buff - so for that to occur, it definitely says something about this show!

So there was one particular episode recently - where one of the main characters was repeatedly reminding those who have been under his wing for some time now, to 'feel the joy'. It's cool, because this guy was feeling some regret, over not putting enough emphasis on his relationship with his wife - who is now struggling with the early stages of Alzheimer's. Needless to say, he's taken on a better approach to life - and is really taking-in the moments. The little miracles every day - are more meaningful to him. He's learned to recognize them, and revel in them. I can SO relate to this!

Joel and I were both terribly guilty of being 'planners' for a number of years. Always dreaming and thinking about "one day" - all of the things we plan to be doing, etc... Some day... But then we realized, we don't know what the future holds. We don't need to have "all of our ducks in a perfect row" before we start really enjoying life. That's not to say that we shouldn't still dream. Oh yes - please do! But live right now too. If you're too focused on tomorrow - your moments of joy are passing you by today. That was what this character in the Grey's Anatomy episode was reiterating to his colleagues. It was pretty cool to see it playing out on the screen. Joel and I gave a high-five to each other - as we shared how glad we both were that we are truly "Feeling the Joy"!

TIP: enJOY life. Feel the Joy!! It's right in front of you. Live it!
A QUOTE: “Enjoy life. This is not a dress rehearsal.” ~ Unknown
WHIDFML: Shopped online for Christmas. Click click click... Ding-dong. I'm done!

More Reassurance? Sure - why not?!

2011-12-05T16:49:00.001-06:00

Hey - I'll take all the reassurance I can get! I was reading an article in "Working Mother" ~ and there was a special survey done about the choices we make as parents. To work, or not to work? To work part-time? Stay home?? Work from home?? Stay home and then go back to work later??? Anywho ~ the bottom line or general consensus was that all of us moms ~ regardless of our working status ~ at least occasionally question our decisions. AND, that most mom's felt guilty about not doing enough for themselves. Hello! That's what the basis of this blog is all about. Having a family should mean including the new 'littles' in the mix - not losing yourself in the mix.

Moms question things like, "Should I be spending more time with the kids?" "Should I be working to bring in more income to the family??" "Should I go part-time?" The article discussed some general ideas behind the topic, as well as some specific interviews with moms in each category. While I could relate a bit - I was reassured on two levels: 1) I do sometimes worry that the girls see me as being "on the computer" too often... and so hearing these stories - and their fantastic advice - resulted in a sense of 'it's not just me, and yes - I'm doing the right thing for our family..." But also - #2 - I haven't been putting too much emphasis on any one aspect of our lives (particularly, I'm not over-working) - as I found it kind of hard to relate to most of the other women's concerns overall.

The most admirable advice? Remember to focus on the good things you're doing - rather than the struggles or the challenging times. For example - if you've been behind on a project, and spent more time than you would have liked to admit in front of the computer - don't dwell on it. Instead, call to mind the times when your children needed your attention, and you stepped away from your desk to give it to them. The time you put into their well-being that day should count more than the time you feel you squandered for working. Kind of a nice light-bulb moment for me! I thought I'd pass it along~

TIP: Focusing on the good is a good practice ~ for any topic!

A QUOTE: "The ideal situation for a parent is one that no one has - having a fulfilling job that requires you to work three days a week. It's better for the parents, because they get to spend time with the children and also have a source of pride and achievement - and income - outside the home." ~Tina Fey

WHIDFML: Dabbled in some paid-advertising online - which will hopefully result in a few additional wedding photography gigs in the upcoming season! Now I just need to find a new back-up plan for mommy-days... since my previous back-up retired. 'Tis a goal.

The Most Wonderful Time... of the Year!

2011-12-05T16:22:00.001-06:00

I'm just so pumped-up about the Christmas season!! It's been a few years since I'd felt this gleeful about it. I was feeling a bit of distress in past years - with the girls both so young, and our trying to adjust to life with little kids, on top of transitioning into visiting just one side on Christmas Eve, and the other on Christmas Day. While it was a bit of a weight-off ~ to only have one place to go each day ~ it still felt a bit like you were 'missing out' on something. This year, however, the girls are really into it ~ and starting to understand and appreciate the meaning behind it all! The four of us have been an even more tightly-knit family in the past couple of years, and we're beginning to really embrace our own celebratory traditions, in addition to those annual family-gatherings.

We're exposing ourselves to more adventurous outings, and we have to make a point to fit in all of the fun family-moments we have planned for the holiday season! I'm putting more emphasis on that family time again too ~ especially now that the photography season is winding down. (Ah - I love the fact that this slow-down correlates with the holidays. I can't begin to tell you!)

And I really can't begin to express how thrilling it is to soak in the romance of Christmas with little ones in the mix who are equally as excited!

On our list this year (so far):

~ Decorating the house the weekend of Thanksgiving, by a cozy fire, in tune to the Christmas music. (The girls have their own 5-foot pre-lit trees to decorate, and a grand collection of ornaments that continues to grow! They LOVED it this year!!)

~ Not one, but 2 Advent calendars that they can participate in, to count down the days 'till Christmas, and reiterate the story of Jesus' birth.

~ Visiting Santa at the local mall - where you are allowed to take your own photos! (YES!)
~ A trip to SantaLand on Macy's 8th floor!!

~ A trip to see a play - Cinderella - coming up soon! [Last year, mommy took Myla to see the Nutcracker - and she loved it!]

~ A trip to walk the good ol' Mall of America ~ and witness it in all of its decorated glory. Not so into the commercialism aspect - but rather - the decor and ambiance, and just window-shopping for fun/ a good walk indoors during the cold months. (Surely this year will require a trip to the rides... as we won't be able to hide it from them any longer! But alas - no strollers either this time. Woot!)

~ An evening drive all around the 'hood to take in the gleaming lights against the snowy surrounds. [The girls love keeping their eyes open for those decorations whenever we are on the go! Soon we'll dedicate a night to checking out the best of the best! I think hot cocoa and cookies, and Christmas music are also in order...]

~ Various projects that mommy has been planning for their week of Christmas break from school!! ;)

TIP: Think like a kid this time of year - it's extra special when you can share that joy with the babes!

A QUOTE: "Christmas gift suggestions: to your enemy, forgiveness. To an opponent, tolerance. To a friend, your heart. To a customer, service. To all, charity. To every child, a good example. To yourself, respect." ~Oren Arnold

WHIDFML: Also started what may turn into a new annual tradition with 2 generations of sisters (one day - it may be all 3 generations - with my girlies when they get bigger!) Rather than going out amid the chaos and shopping for the holidays together - this year we are taking a trip to Duluth for a weekend... Soaking in some relaxation, as well as the view of that Great Lake in icy action, the city all in lights, and some quality girl-time! Saweeeet!

Superhero Status...

2011-12-05T16:00:00.001-06:00

Is it a bird? No. Is it a plane?? No! It's - [wait for it] - the Amazing..... "Throw-Up Girl"!!

Say what?

You heard right. This title was lovingly dubbed me by my 3-year-old during her recent bout of the stomach flu. I know she means well... but I'm not sure how I feel about this. (Her sister, either). See, this is because I'm, you know, the throw-up girl... or - she who maintains charge over those who throw up. Daddy simply can't handle it - even the thought of it - let alone holding a bucket underneath the faces of those struggling to keep their stomach contents to themselves. And so - it rests upon my shoulders - in its entirety. Lucky me. I suppose, however, you could concur that this does boost the job into superhero status - - when the man of the house can't handle it - - and I can?? Yep, that settles it. I'm officially a super-hero! ;) [Well, I am to those sweet girls who still need love and care - even when their bodies don't cooperate.] This could be a fun (and rather disgusting) Halloween Costume some year! Ha!! Hahahaha (evil laugh).

TIP: Keep buckets beneath beds at ALL times - to better avoid laundering 3-loads worth of puke-covered bedding in between vomiting sessions. Lesson learned.

A QUOTE: "I don't hide my feelings, but when it comes to illness, I guess I don't panic. My father was the same way. I'm the provider for the family and the caretaker. If I panic, who is anybody going to run to?" ~Curt Schilling

WHIDFML: I made a trip to the Good Will shortly following Halloween - and I picked up the entire family's costumes for next year for a grand total of $36!!! Hello clearance! What are we going to be?? I be givin' you a bit of a clue here on me map, matey - ARrrrghhhh!

Writing For Joy....

2011-12-05T15:35:00.001-06:00

And writing for ja-jing! (Yay.) As my mom puts it, "I just knew that creative-writing-award was going to get you somewhere!" Aw, diggin' the support! Well - as it turns out - I submitted some product reviews for an online company from which I'd ordered some party supplies, in the hopes of possibly winning a gift certificate. I ended up winning myself a job! Even better :)

Now I work from home, part-time, flexible hours, and get to do some creative writing for income! It's a great supplemental income for the fam - particularly during my slow wedding-season. But - between that and my busy season this year with photography - I haven't been on this forum in quite some time. Today allowed me a tad of extra time - so I'm taking advantage of it to get caught up. I have a growing list again, of some funny mommy-moments that I surely don't want to risk forgetting. So - hang on - 'cause here we go!

TIP: Follow your heart, and keep the faith - and you will move toward things that mean something to you. Doors will open!

A QUOTE: “Follow your heart, but be quiet for a while first. Ask questions, then feel the answer. Learn to trust your heart.” ~ Unknown
WHIDFML: Learned to keep a pretty darn good balance - and figured out some things for myself for the next wedding season as well - allowing me more time. Yay!

Girl-Bonding

2011-09-24T23:07:00.000-05:00

So tonight, I welcomed my girls home with a glowing fire in the fireplace - it was a surprise! They were pretty excited. Arriving home in their jammies, and I in my snugglies, we snacked, read books, chatted about their day with grandma, and thanked God for our blessings. Then, I tucked them into bed, reveling in the opportunity to share that hour with them, as well as the relaxed ambiance that the room provided, lit only by the fire and surrounding candles. It was the perfect culmination of my rejuvenating weekend. Good memories made here tonight. And lots of relaxies for me too.

TIP: If 'little' things mean something to you, chances are the little people will pick up on that too. Teach them how to enjoy all of the little moments a day can offer.

A QUOTE: "Enjoy life – there are no re-runs." ~ Shirl Lowery

WHIDFML: Bonded with my girls, fireside! :)

Forgot to Share~

2011-09-24T14:15:00.001-05:00

I enjoyed working with the Trader Joe's gals - creating an article relating to Gluten Intolerance/ Allergy - and sharing some recipes that Joel and I have created together! He and I still plan to put together a recipe book as time and publishers allow. Looking forward to that! In the meantime, see my article published by Wona & Deana of "Cooking with Trader Joe's". Kudos for the opportunity!

Chill-Out Chili - Denise Mack on Trader Joe's gf recipes

TIP: Dream it... then actually DO it. :)

A QUOTE: "Once we believe in ourselves, we can risk curiosity, wonder, spontaneous delight, or any experience that reveals the human spirit." ~e. e. cummings

WHIDFML: Ordered Thai... Dinner last night, and lunch today! Mmmmmmmm

No No No...

2011-09-24T00:20:00.001-05:00

While I normally might be found saying that to a naughty 3-year-old who is coloring all over herself with markers... Tonight - it's about NOT doing that... No misbehaving kiddos. No dog. No chores. No responsibilities. No schedule. Tonight - "No" is a good word! An integral part of a mini-sabbatical.

Normally a fellow huntress, I'm currently a hunting-widow. My sister is struggling with an illness, and so my family is helping out. It just so happens that her husband is out of town at this time, and so there is a greater need for the family's helping hand. They've been amazing - stepping-in and basically 'taking over' (in the best possible way) while my sis heals. I was looking forward to the waterfowl outing - but I've come to embrace the opportunity to do a little bit of pleasing everyone under these circumstances. My fam doesn't have to take on more young children in addition to my sister's right now for more than a day (since I am in town)... My hubby gets to enjoy a little guy-time, I get to enjoy some ME-time, and the kids are having a blast for the time! Who's unhappy in this scenario?? "NO" one! Heehee! Kudos to my fam for giving me this little breaky-poo. XX! Just look at my pent-up brain-splatter all over these pages! Ah, online diary ~ I've missed you.

TIP: While pleasing everyone is generally an unlikely outcome, every now and then - it can happen. The key is to knowing just when that can actually apply. It's rare. So don't get hooked on the idea!

A QUOTE: "Knowing others is wisdom, knowing yourself is Enlightenment."~Lao Tzu

WHIDFML: Just had an uninterrupted listen to Bill Withers' "Ain't No Sunshine"... Got to be one of my top faves of all time. Can't get enough of it, can never hear too much.... It's moves me. What can I say? It's fitting for my enjoyment of this MomME time... as I can literally feel my heart rate slow down, my blood pressure drop, and my muscles relax. Can't explain it. Only know it's real. When I get anxious about something, or feel stressed - this song can literally turn it around again. The power of music.

Some Day...

2011-09-24T00:01:00.000-05:00

So, we found ourselves in a really coolio situation - and we FINALLY (oh so finally) got some comfortable furniture, that is plenty enough for hosting guests, and no longer embarrassing to offer to said guests, in our beloved basement. We even made the leap to the flat-screen TV! And, we can link it to the web so we can watch our weekly winter shows (Grey's Anatomy, Raising Hope, and The Office) - on the comfy new digs! Thank you HOM clearance center! You see, we wait 'til the weekend when the kiddos are sleeping, and sip wine and indulge in things like chocolate and frosting-covered cookies, to unwind on the weekends (after the shows have already aired on regular television.) Yay!

We've begun a new overall trend of enjoying life more, and making the most of each day (not just those weekends or 'special' occasions.) We're doing more of the things we've been dreaming of - because we don't know what tomorrow holds, and why chance it? Time to enjoy more and stress less! This has been a very healthy trend. Mind you, there is a line between enjoying life, and being frivolous. We are well-attuned to the enjoying part.I have to say I'm darn proud of us! ;)

I kind of liken it to being in school, versus getting out there and gaining experience in the field. I've always been a hands-on learner, and while I have had some informal training, an elective course in high-school, and on-the-job learning experiences in my line of work (as a wedding photographer), I have primarily just fine-tuned my abilities as I've made my way through life - and I've been enjoying it immensely. People place so much emphasis on school - but I've learned so much that can't be learned that way... I've even been 'mentoring' some colleagues and new assistants in this regard, because most of their questions have no applicable 'course' to enroll in for answers. I've been experiencing it first-hand for over 8 years now. It was reaffirming to have a wedding guest recently respond with, "...good for you - you learn so much doing it that way - on the job. That's wonderful!" He had asked whether or not I'd attended 'school' for this line of work... I explained that I had my very basic training, and learned the rest hands-on in the field - fine tuning as I go. Often people have the expectation that all fields should require formal schooling. But one thing that is justifiable in this line of work, is the fact that you can't exactly teach someone how to see the world around them. They either have that, or they don't. You can teach technique, and the technical skills, but the rest is either there or it isn't. More power to those who benefit from additional schooling. But I like to break the rules anyway. If I go to learn the rules of this field, it's so that I can avoid following them! I want to live this - right now - so that's my approach - but it is doable because my genuine passion for it propels me in the right direction. In as much, my passion for life continues to propel me in the necessary directions for fulfillment. I just have to trust the Big Guy - and His plan. So be it!

TIP: Though it may not provide you with a document of some kind, the classroom of Life offers quite a bit of knowledge that cannot be otherwise adequately obtained or put to proper use.
A QUOTE: "Education is an admirable thing, but it is well to remember from time to time that nothing that is worth knowing can be taught."~Oscar Wilde
WHIDFML: Officially stopped (well, quite a long while ago) waiting for 'some day'! That day is TODAY, people! Live it up.

Little Treasures

2011-09-23T23:03:00.003-05:00

Bet you were thinking that I was referring to my little ladies in that title, weren't ya? Well, of course they are little treasures! But, little treasures come in many varieties for us mommies. I've found a couple of note-worthy treasures in recent months that I'd like to share.

#1) ARGAN OIL! OMG - my hair is soooo happy! I have course, frizz-prone, semi-curly hair... and this stuff is a dream! Luckily - Garnier has incorporated it into their $5 bottle of conditioner - and that makes me one giddy low-maintenance kind of girl! I don't like to fork over too much $$ for my hair products, and I don't like to need 2 conditioners (et all) to get my hair to remain calm and manageable. So KUDOS GARNIER! (I used to be able to link to Amazon for these things... but I don't know how anymore... The new Blogger is still a bit of a mystery. Perhaps at some other time. Maybe they automatically 'canceled' that for me - since I wasn't writing for so long. Oh wellsies - their loss. Kinda yours too, but you can find this product at Target for very affordable cost anyway! JOY.)

#2) HENNA, baby! Oh yeah. I hadn't realized that henna could be so easy and convenient to use. I originally thought it would wind up on walls, floors, pillow-cases, clothing... Basically, any-and-everywhere, if you prefer the nutshell version of this description. But it's been an easy learning process, and neat and tidy, producing FUN color results that actually SOFTEN my tendrils! One word: YES! [PS: Can be found online for pretty darn dirt-cheap.]

TIP: Keep experimenting. I guess when I had the opportunity to do some research, it paid-off. So I must also thank Google~

A QUOTE: Love yourself first, and everything else falls in line. You really have to love yourself to get anything done in this world. – Lucille Ball

WHIDFML: Spent a little time loving myself. (Hey - read the quote, and get your mind outta the gutter - Oy!)

Cute-Ass Moment in Time!

2011-09-23T22:39:00.001-05:00

ON THE TUBE:

"Ha - ha - ha, Ho - ho - ho - And a couple of tra - la - las That's how we laugh the day away, In the Merry Old Land of Oz! Bzz - bzz - bzz, Chirp - chirp - chirp - And a couple of La - di - das That's how the crickets crick all day, In the Merry Old Land of Oz! We get up at twelve and start to work at one. Take an hour for lunch and then at two we're done. Jolly good fun! Ha - ha - ha, Ho - ho - ho - And a couple of tra - la - las That's how we laugh the day away, In the Merry Old Land of Oz! Pat, pat here, Pat, pat there, and a couple of brand new straws. That's how we keep you young and fair In the Merry Old Land of Oz! Rub, rub here, Rub, rub there, Whether you're tin or brass That's how we keep you in repair In the Merry Old Land of Oz! We can make a dimple smile out of a frown. Can you even dye my eyes to match my gown? Uh-huh! Jolly Old town! Clip, clip here, Clip, clip there, We give the roughest claws. That certain air of savoir faire, In the Merry Old Land of Oz! Ha - ha - ha - Ho - ho - ho - Ho - ho - ho - ho - That's how we laugh the day away In the Merry Old Land of Oz! Ha - ha - ha, Ho - ho - ho - Ha - ha - ha -ha - ha That's how we laugh the day away, In the Merry Old Land of Oz!"

ADDIE:
"Heeeeeey!!! DANCE PARTY!!!!!!" [Insert killer 3-year-old dance moves...]

TIP: Get 'em dancing with the vids. Then, they get exercise while watching! Bonus. If you join 'em - extra points for you!

A (multi-)QUOTE:

Scarecrow:I haven't got a brain... only straw.
Dorothy:How can you talk if you haven't got a brain?
Scarecrow:I don't know... But some people without brains do an awful lot of talking... don't they?
Dorothy:Yes, I guess you're right.

WHIDFML: So - had me a craving... a hormonal one, if you know what I'm getting at... (and NO, I'm not talking pregnancy - quite the contrary, in fact!) Anywho. Cookies. I'm a gluten-intolerant chick, who craves cookies. What kind of evil?? Anyway - Thanks to good ol' Betty Crocker, I have at my finger tips, a lovely boxed recipe of DELISH choc-chip cookies that bake up beautifully in about 10 mins per dozen. But this won't do. (Well, it will in a pinch, but there's more!) I love to have mine frosted... always have! My mom has a near-famous recipe for frosting - as it is most delectable. I modify it - using Spectrum brand, non-hydrogenated, all natural, all vegetable, organic shortening in place of the poison-laden traditional variety.

I make 2 dozen, frost 'em up, and freeze 'em. Wallah! Frosting-cookies any time I 'need' them. (Oh, and just ask Joel... I NEEEEED them when I need them.) Freezer is currently fully stocked! ;) Hmmmm... Starting to have me a craving here~

An Outing with Daddy

2011-09-23T22:22:00.002-05:00

So this is one of those memorable moments that we'll never want to chance forgetting...

Daddy and the little girls are on their way to the family farmstead near Alexandria, MN. En-route, many farms are bypassed, bearing some of the typical aromas.

Daddy: "P-UUUU! I smell cow poop!"

[Slight Pause]

Addie, age 3 (from the back seat): "That's not cow poop... ... My FARTED!!"

[Insert gut-busting laughter from all 3 parties for the duration of the trip!]

TIP: Those handy little kiddo 'computers'/ toddler I-Pads/ whatever you want to call 'em... FAN-TASTIC for longer car-treks. They're actually learning from them, it requires their interaction, and they occupy the restless little minds entrapped in their 5-point-harness car-seats for a good long stretch of time.

A QUOTE: "A baby changes your dinner party conversation from politics to poop." ~Maurice Johnstone

WHIDFML: Sat in front of the new flat screen, Netflix streamed an 'Is It Real' episode with the hubby, and soaked my feet in a massaging foot-bath. Breathe with me now... "Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh"

I'm Baaa-aaaaaack!

2011-09-23T22:11:00.000-05:00

WOW. I mean WOW!!! It's been over 3 months? Jeeeshe... I guess SO. This is all due to darn good reason, however. I've had pretty darn steady business this season! New babies, HS seniors, Anniversary celebrations, and some grand Weddings - and 'training' some additional assistants who are being added to the mix besides! Ad to that my own personal pix resulting from my summer-time fun and family excursions - and I have an unending pool of photos that will carry me over probably into November. But I'm not complaining - I'm super pumped about the surge in biz - and am welcoming it with open arms!

Whilst the girls aren't yet in school full time - I'm finding that it offers me a greater amount of time to devote to such projects nonetheless... And with this realization, I'm pleasantly surprised. But I've still been itchin' for a tiny bit more me-time ~~ you know - to play. And hot dog - here it is! I'm taking a mini leave of absence tonight! Whoohoo! Wine, anyone? Candles, Music, and freeing my mind are all on the non-schedule-'schedule' as well. Cheers to that!

Doin' a little somethin' for me right now... and tonight, that means catching up on some mind-rambling. Join me, won't you?

"Dododooodoodo - I'm a souuuuul man!" Maybe some sing-along & dancing are in order too~

TIP: It WILL get done... Stop frettin' and start freein' yourself! Life's too short to focus solely on being responsible ;)
A QUOTE: "Absence is one of the most useful ingredients of family life, and to dose it rightly is an art like any other."~Freya Stark
WHIDFML: Read above ;) ;)

Renovations...

2011-06-07T18:12:00.002-05:00

Of the Home and Mind!

So, 'tis a year o' projects around here. BIG ones, at that! And I think (knocking on wood) they are complete!! Good that we waited until now... for many reasons. But mainly - because Joel and I are a great team! Basement windows installed (by us)? Check. New Roof, Siding, Soffit, Facia, Gutters, Downspouts, Chimney?? Check, check. Repaired and restored Deck (by us), painted stucco (by us) to match new siding, windows & doors installed in garage (by us), leaf-protectors for the gutters (installed by Joel)??? Check. 2 new rock-gardens where nothing would grow beneath the trees? Check!! Fresh paint inside & out of the tree-house that the girls are now big enough to enjoy? Check. Swing coated with paint to prevent deterioration?? Check! I've actually omitted a number of things from this list... It's getting too freakin' long to read :) You have a clear idea for the enormity of the combined projects.

We have a few minor things to finish up now... By 'we', I mean Joel... king of procrastination. His list still contains a few less time-consuming items that he continually claims he'll "do tomorrow" (involving climbing ladders and walking on the roof - items that I opt-out of due to my clutzy ways and my fear of heights).

So you see - we are extreme opposites with this. He's a project starter... and then when he gets bored, wants to move on to another project. [Hence the half-finished items on his still-growing list.] I'm a big-time finisher. I like to see things through to fruition, and revel in the enjoyment offered by a completed task.

He could also care less if things are "piling up" on a honey-do doc, and put it off until it becomes a necessity - in which case he can be found ranting in frustration, screeching profanities, and running in circles over the lack of time and preparation. (Thankfully, while his usual approach still applies to the more mundane necessities of life, they no longer put a damper on the beginnings of our vacations and other enjoyable preparation-required-type-excursions! So, I'll take it.) :) I, on the other hand, like to get my 'chores' out of the way first, so I can truly relax, minus those drifting thoughts about strategy or timing of things that still need to be attended to...

I suppose that's good ~ that we can help each other find that happy place somewhere in between those crap-happy extremes! I can kick his butt into gear when needed, and he can mellow me out when things aren't actually as imminent as they may seem in my often over-active imagination.

I was stressin' a bit with all the things we had to do on our own - and how we needed to time them with the construction... It was a little unnerving. Overwhelming at times. Downright frustrating, seeing as the weather chose not to cooperate whatsoever. (Rain, anyone? Those living in MN know what I mean. And... conveniently... multiple weekends were washed-out.) One must allow a surface to adequately dry prior to painting it... And then one requires a certain amount of drying-time for said paint - before the next batch of rain and storms rolls through as well. We were lucky to get 2 days in a row of no-rain during those few weeks. Go figure. Not to mention we have 2 young kids. 'Nuf said.

But, while it was not the most enjoyable process, it was yet another learning opportunity in the classroom of life. (My preferred 'classroom'. I'm not much of a school-girl.) I realized that it will get done. It may mean more headaches, and less ease, but - it will get done. And it helped rope me into recognizing that I need to hone in on "the current moment" more often. I have to live right now, without focusing too much thought on what's coming up. I have always done a fairly good job of really enjoying when I should be - but I found myself just regularly lost in thought about what to do next, and when we could complete various items, etc. Sometimes my forethought has resulted in definite and noticeable benefits. But it's not necessary at all times. Some things are just meant to be - and they will - even without thorough pre-meditation!! Trying not to over-think. I kinda like it too!

TIP: Construction/ painting/ large-scale projects and kiddos don't mix. BABYSITTERS! That's all I have to say about that.

A QUOTE: "You have to do the best with what God gave you." ~ Mrs. Gump, Forrest Gump

WHIDFML: Sat in the Adirondak Chairs on the deck with the hubby and enjoyed the surrounds of the lush green forest, babbling brook, and fully renovated exterior :)

Spring-Fling!

2011-05-03T22:57:00.000-05:00

Every Spring I get the urge to purge - and I really - REALLLLY went through this house this season... top to bottom! Maybe the fact that winter won't loosen its grip on us completely this year has helped inspire the thorough run-through. I don't particularly enjoy cleaning - per say. I do enjoy a bit of organization, however. (Though I have to be in the right mood.) It seems that, over the course of our far-too-long hibernating season, the walls begin to slowly close in on us. Might have to do with the fact that the holidays occur during those same months - and many new 'things' are acquired over the course of that time. Whatever the logic - the result is the same: I like to simplify. Simplify life, or, limit the unnecessary dust-gathering objects that aren't required for survival (or even for happiness in many cases) - I don't do well with clutter - (and as my regular readers know - I have a Feng Shui thing about thing-placement as well.) I find that when things have places, and places have fewer things, the esthetic appeal leads to my ability to more readily de-clutter my mind as well. I can relax, and enjoy my surroundings. I can indulge in some 'nothing' (have you seen Office Space lately?!) I can breathe.

This time, not a space is out of place. Behind no door is it as it were before... No drawer was left obscure, no closet impure... [And - Dr. Seuss has been a big hit around here for sure!] Damn it feels good to be a gangster! (Another Office Space reference, for those who may not know.)

TIP: Do little bits at a time... If you work in 'sections' - it's not so overwhelming - and you too can be clutter-free and sunshiny! [i.e. I tackled the kitchen 'junk-drawer' while the kiddos were eating breakfast. One down!] Also - can't hurt to have a garbage bag handy, along with a 'give-away'/ 'donate' bag, and a pile for the "not sure yet" items.

A QUOTE: "And I have this little litany of things they can do. And the first one, of course, is to write - every day, no excuses. It's so easy to make excuses. Even professional writers have days when they'd rather clean the toilet than do the writing." ~Octavia Butler

WHIDFML: Curled up with Joel and laughed my butt off watching Office Space! It has been a while. I think I've been out of that office environment for long enough now that it's even funnier than the first time I saw it!

Another Memory-Made-for-Laughter!

2011-05-03T22:30:00.001-05:00

Sometimes, I actually (unexpectedly) forget some of the funniest instances that I've been privy to witness. How is that possible? I don't know. I suppose it's that left-over 'baby-brain'. (Er, mommy-brain - as we moms tend to take on each child's thinking for them until they are able to process thoughts thoroughly for themselves [you know - like for 22 years!] - and often, even our husband's 'brains' as well. I guess that answers that question!) Enter, my bro-in-law - king o' funny! He dare not forget a funny moment. They should, after all, be cherished forever! Thankfully, he reminded me recently about a Mack-Moment, as it occurred at the Mack Family Farmstead a couple of years back... It helps to know their dad, but 'tis a grand memory nonetheless. I myself don't want to forget it again - so if this bores you - just proceed to the next post and we'll call it good.

The farm house has one door in the kitchen, and one located at the opposite end of the building leading to the front through the dining room. I have my back to everyone as I'm doing some post-dinner dishes... Joel is nearby, drying them for me, and his mom is also in the room - chatting with us. His dad walks in through the kitchen door... and pauses mid-way between the kitchen and dining room. He glances back at Joel and his mom who have stopped talking to try to figure out what his dad is doing just standing there. What makes it more ironic, is that although he is the one who pauses en-route, he also begins the 'circle of whats'. As his dad glaces back toward the kitchen, he lets out a disgruntled "WHAT?" Joel resounds with another, "WHAT?" (only in a higher tone, as in - "what yourself?") To which his mom replies, "WHAT?!?!" Nothing else was said, and their dad rolls his eyes, turns, and continues through the house - going back OUTSIDE through the opposite door!!!! Joel and his mom continued their conversation as though nothing out of the ordinary just happened. I was literally in tears for HOURS afterward. I couldn't stop thinking about the charade - and all of the little nuances that made it so memorable! I think people bring up things like that just to hear me snort when I laugh that dang hard ;)

TIP: Family - there for you... They never let you forget. Sometimes - that's a GOOD thing!

A QUOTE: “Laughter is the closest distance between two people.” Victor Borge

WHIDFML: Set up the girls' room with a bunk-bed, and they are LOVING it! Me too... they have so much fun in their 'new room'.

Just a Few Flash-Backs...

2011-05-03T22:09:00.001-05:00

Sometimes, when the mood hits me right - I laugh... out of nowhere! Okay - if you ask Joel, I do that pretty regularly. And he therefore regularly asks me, "What are you laughing about now?" Hahahaha!

I realized that as fantastic as my parents were at parenting... they had a way with knowing when it was okay to divert from the norm, and inject a few unexpected 'methods' of dealing with us kids. As it turns out - ignoring kids can work to your advantage - when done under the proper circumstances.

Envision this: I'm age 11. Sister, about 9, and brother, probably 6. So - we're all in the newly acquired family RV, snuggling in for the night - while the parents have joined forces with the aunts & uncles (owners of the cabin next to which the RV is parked) - for laughter and shinaningins (aka: drinking and hilarity) whilst we try to sleep. There is a set of bunk-beds in the back - 2 beds, 3 kids... And so it goes, my sis and I share the top-bunk, sleeping feet-to-heads, while the bro sleeps below us. Windows are open on this balmy summer's eve - and as the noise and bellows ensue, we find ourselves lying there - - awake.

I happen to have a very odd 'habit' - that is certainly engraved deep within my genes, as there is no way to break this addiction. In order to effectively fall asleep (at least in a timely manner) - I must engage toes with sheets. There is something about that soft material between my tippies that makes me more relaxed than just about anything (well - maybe not as much as a good massage - but still very comforting in addition to the rendered inner-calm evoked.) My toes found their way to the edges of my sister's pillow - and once there - there was no turning back! Kim balked at my persistence - as she made known her discontentment with the situation. When I wouldn't listen (who listens to their little sister???) - She proceeded to yell out the window of the bunk, toward the open windows of the cabin o' chaos, "Denise is putting her feet on my pillow, and they stink!" Silence followed, as the parents surely were trying to determine whether they had, in fact, heard small voices coming from the children's sleeping quarters... And then, more laughter. Suddenly our brother blurts out a, "mommmmmy?!" - to which my uncle replied heartfelt (read: sarcastic) concern, "Does your pillow stink too?!?!" More laughter. Not another word was uttered from within the surrounds of the camper on wheels... and the parents all but forgot about the interaction - as nothing further was acknowledged that night. And wallah - an almost-situation turned into laughter on one end, sleep on the other. Note-to-self... ;) Now, whenever I think about it - (and I can still hear the adult's voices and outbursts of glee) - I can't help but laugh myself! Thus, you have one fine example for 'when it is okay to ignore your kids'!

TIP: Kids of a certain age know when you're too 'involved' to break up a menial cat-fight... Chances are they'll figure it out themselves, or give up (as in our case) - and the world will still spin on its axis the following morning. Hahahahahaha!

A QUOTE: “I always knew looking back on my tears would bring me laughter, but I never knew looking back on my laughter would make me cry.” ~Cat Stevens [For me - laughing until I'm crying!]

WHIDFML: Made time to blog again, amidst the weird, swirling pattern that we've been caught-up in - with regard to our inability to avoid being so busy again. It seems to be the tail-end of it all - so we see the light!

Now I remember!

2011-05-03T21:03:00.000-05:00

I was going to tell you about the time I went to cut Addie's bangs again - -

Because, as it turns out, Myla inherited a much better memory from some unknown source (neither her dad nor I!) She recalled a rather, um, shall we say....... traumatic incident involving the sharpened snipps... I trimmed up Myla's bangs with great success. However, after trimming Adelyn's lovely locks the last time, they turned out a bit short for my taste. Didn't quite flow with the rest of her 'flow'. I guess it was a stressful time, because I kind of melted down and shed a (what I thought had been) quiet tear over the mishap.

So, upon announcing that it was now "Addie's turn" for the inevitable bang-trim- Myla blurted out, "But mommy! You cried the last time you cut Addie's hair, remember??" Well, this time I laughed, because that was pretty damn cute. And, I learned from that situation - This time, they were JUST right!!

TIP: Live, Love, Laugh... and learn!

A QUOTE: “Nothing that is worth knowing can be taught.” Oscar Wilde

WHIDFML: To determine what needs fixing on the computer, some 'tests' had to be run. I chose some nice, warm, sunny days (today, for example) to run tests... and disconnected from the www - spending almost ALL day outside. Did I mention I got in a 45 min power-walk with the girls along the river today? Yep.

Pretty Sure I Didn't Already Write about This....

2011-04-22T17:01:00.000-05:00

You see... when you have kids - for whom you must coordinate and remember things, and work, and like to play, and maintain a home, etc, etc, etc - your brain is very succeptable to what has been clinically referred to as "overload". It's true! It was probably 20 years ago - by my mother's doctor. When she complained at one time of having a very difficult time storing things to memory, or recalling things day-to-day, her doc's reply was simply, "Totally normal... It's called 'overload'." (And this was a STELLAR doctor!) And so - to this day - she and I both use this term (pretty loosely.) It makes for a favorable excuse for a less-than-stellar memory capacity. It's obviously also genetic to some degree... Yet another handy excuse! Now - these are 2 reasons why this is completely out of our control. Well, I suppose not completely... I do think I could manage to 'exercise' my brain a tad more in the way of brain teasers and such... Caffeine for the Creative Mind: 250 Exercises to Wake Up Your Brain Have you not read the above list of things that occupy my already-bustling-mind?!? So - one day - when I have time... (Dang it! Fine... I'm going to make time. I don't particularly enjoy crossword puzzles... I'll think of something.) Now I forgot what I was going to originally write about - you know - but wasn't sure whether it had already been scribed?? K, where is that puzzle??

TIP: If your friends forget certain details about your life... don't take it personally. They've probably just been busy being one brain spread out amongst 3 people - or something like that.

A QUOTE: “When I was younger I could remember anything, whether it happened or not.” ~Mark Twain

WHIDFML: Just realized how to exercise my mind, AND prepare for some future expedition to a far away land.... Re-learn the German language! Score.

Fly on the Wall...

2011-04-22T16:28:00.001-05:00

Sometimes it's fun to 'pretend' you're a fly on the wall - and secretly overhear the interactions between the girls when they are playing together. Gotta keep from laughing out-loud at times, and disrupting such cordial exchanges!

Recently overheard during interactive play:

~ While Adelyn was toiling with some items as part of one imaginative session, Myla was heard saying, "You know, I can help you a hand there..."

~ And when it was deemed that Adelyn was the 'mommy' and Myla was to be the 'kid', Adelyn blurted out with every transition to a new location, "C'mon kid!"

Pure, unadulterated, humorous entertainment - no additional charges apply!

TIP: When you're having a stressful day - have a conversation (or eavesdrop on one) with your kids. Instant cure.

A QUOTE: “Through humor, you can soften some of the worst blows that life delivers. And once you find laughter, no matter how painful your situation might be, you can survive it.” ~Bill Cosby

WHIDFML: Starting my interview soon - going to be featured on the TJ's blog!!

"Crazy-Mixed-Up-Day"

2011-04-21T16:40:00.001-05:00

Hmmmmm.... Kinda like the new motto for my life ;)

But really - they have so much fun in Myla's preschool class! Though I have to say, I'm not entirely certain who has the most fun with it: Myla, or me? Keeps my creative juices flowing - which I always welcome.

They are reading "The Mixed Up Chameleon"... and the class was encouraged to "go crazy and use their imaginations" - and mix things up. So - we obliged.

We put socks on her head - adhered to her 3 wacky pig-tails, jeans under her dress... one pant leg way up, one rolled down, 2 different socks on her feet, 2 different shoes, a tail, and every fingernail is painted a different color.

Trying to encourage her to be creative, and be herself, without the fear of being judged... Seems to be working. She is thrilled each time they get to do something so out-of-the-ordinary. So should our attitudes remain towards this 'crazy life'!
Cheers to that.

TIP: Let them express themselves - Start young and they'll probably be less prone to taking it to heart if they are picked on by other kids. That's one thing that never really got to me - when kids would tease me in school. It always rolled right off. I have my mom to thank in part - because the first pokes were made at my short stature. My mom's reply? "Well good! You'll be glad you're short... The boys like short girls the most." Ha! Cute, eh? Look how long that memory stuck with me...

A QUOTE: “The fact that an opinion has been widely held is no evidence whatever that it is not utterly absurd; indeed, in view of the silliness of the majority of mankind, a wide-spread belief is more likely to be foolish than sensible” ~Bertrand Russell

WHIDFML: About to paint Easter-Eggs with the girls and daddy! :) Happy Happy -

Extra Inspiration!

2011-04-19T23:11:00.002-05:00

Still dreaming about writing a book (well, a couple - maybe even a few, actually). Tried to collaborate with the chicks at "Cooking with Trader Joe's" a couple of months ago... Still awaiting a reply. That never bogs me down. Lots of doors stay stuck closed before the right doors eventually open :)

[I'm an eternal optimist, and eternally determined!]

Anyway - you have it here: I was going to work with them on creating a gluten-free cookbook specific to products purchased at TJ's. Ya'll got my back if something turns 'sour', right? Of course you do!

In any case - the flick "Julie & Julia" made its way to the top of our Neflix Que a couple of weeks back - and I was re-inspired! I love a good true-story - and this was a Twofer (2 for 1). Bonus! I could relate to them both on different levels... Still, I'm pretty sure I relate to Julie most closely. Also got me thinking - "What makes some blogs so viral?" Real life is probably the most obvious answer - and perhaps humor coupled with humility. Maybe one day - my blog will get there. To be honest - I've been somewhat hesitant to really strive to 'publish' it on a larger scale. Trying to keep it separate from my other biz... and be genuine and real without divulging too much (precautionary stalker-avoidance). I mean - although this blog is primarily about ME, and my journey through motherhood and other related life-occurrences, it does involve my immediate family greatly. Kind of comes with the territory, given the subject matter. But I think I'm doing so in a way that prevents any attempted malice, or so I hope. (Feel free to leave feedback below.) I've always been a cautious kind of gal - and if anyone came close to attempting possible harm involving my children - they'd be dealing with (an armed) mother-bear! Is that too cautious? Maybe. Perhaps I should have used a tad more caution with regard to patent/ copyright protection before submitting my proposal??? We shall see. Still learning. And - still excited about any future opps that may come along!

(And still giving the TJ's gals the benefit of the doubt!)

TIP: Follow your heart, tune into your instincts/ intuition, and never doubt the viability of your ideas. That's where it always begins, and you have to start somewhere!

A QUOTE: “I put all my genius into my life; I put only my talent into my works.” ~Oscar Wilde

WHIDFML: Took that first step toward a (er, another) big goal! Feels groovy.

If At First You Don't Succeed....

2011-04-19T15:33:00.000-05:00

...Go on Vacation!!

So - we get home to find that our youngest has been successfully potty-trained in our absence. Cheers to Grandmas and Aunties! :) Teeeheeee

TIP: The promise of some grand, sought-after 'prize' for successful completion, will help motivate late-bloomers in their potty-capabilities. Grandma's can be a great help with this piece.

A QUOTE: “When a child is locked in the bathroom with water running and he says he's doing nothing but the dog is barking, call 911.” Erma Bombeck

WHIDFML: Researched all of the possibilities... a few projects are in motion!

Maybe Age 3???

2011-04-19T14:07:00.001-05:00

For the longest time I could swear that age 2 was my favorite age... So little still, and so innocent - and just figuring out how to hold a conversation and express oneself.... The way they talk at that age - just makes me giggle with welcome regularity :) But - I have to say that age 3 is creeping in on age 2 and JUST might take over! Here are a few of my current favorite words:

~Hangburger

~Paper Tollow

~Neck-a-lace (3 syllables)

and choice phrases:

~Don't let the bed bites eat you!

~named a stuffed dog "Pooh Pooh Puppy"

~"My want to give you 'gassy kisses'" (blowing air against your cheek!)

These examples are just the icing on the cake! I feel like I'm laughing about it all that much more. Maybe it's because she's really putting words together - and speaking in complete sentences - but still harbors that innocent "baby-accent". Then again, maybe it has to do with the fact that she is growing more and more independent. Potty-trained. Eats her food (usually). Gets dressed by herself. Plays with her sister. These variables could also apply to general increases in overall laughter, I do suppose ;)

TIP: For pickier eaters - try offering 2 choices. Giving them the power to choose seems to make a big difference in how well it is actually consumed. And - you only have to offer what you know is readily available.

A QUOTE: "One way to prevent conversation from being boring is to say the wrong thing." ~Frank Sheed

WHIDFML: Joel and I devoted some time and energy - and managed to replace all of our old basement windows! Mucho savings... on $$$ for windows + install, as well as on all of that previously wasted heat throughout the winters!! Bright, beautiful, secure, energy-efficient, and soon - completely maintenance-free!

Clever Little Lady -

2011-04-19T13:28:00.000-05:00

Right about the time you've absotively had it up to your brow with the excuses, and all reasons they need to talk to you and say "good night" just one more time... This little bug comes out bearing the big guns.
Adelyn: "Good niiiiiight! Don't let the bed bites eat you!!"
Mom & Dad: "Yes, Addie - now go night-night. See you tomorrow...."
Adelyn: "But my have one more thing to tell you!"
Mom and Dad: "WHAT???"
Adelyn: "My LOOOVE you."
OK - so now how do you possibly recover from that one? ;) With an...
"I love you tooooo!"

TIP: It's not only okay, but good, to share feelings openly. I grew up that way... Hubby did not. But these interactions have opened up a new world to him too :)

A QUOTE: "Where there is love there is life." ~Indira Gandhi

WHIDFML: Shared some art-time with my girls. They are such little art-tiests!

Kid-Speak!

2011-04-18T22:53:00.000-05:00

Daddy: "Girls, how many hotdogs do you want?"

Myla: "HOTDOGS?!? I want like, a THOUSAND..."

Daddy: "I don't think you're going to be able to eat a thousand hotdogs..."

Myla: "Okay. Then I'll have 3."

TIP: Trader Joe's sells all natural, organic, non-filler-bearing varieties of foods that are typically considered to be "not the greatest". Hot dogs, pop-tarts, chips to name a few... Dig in & enjoy! ;)

A QUOTE: “I am a zizzer zazzer zuzz as you can plainly see.” ~Dr. Seuss

WHIDFML: Made a cheap, natural, yet crazy at-home concoction for taming the mane - and it worked! Mixed up some Avocado, Mayo, and olive oil... mashed until creamy - saturated hair. Left on (for some time... did things around the house with it all wrapped up in a towel) - rinsed, conditioned, slept overnight without washing - kept in braids, washed and conditioned the next day (also promptly washed the pillow-case!) - and it was all ultra soft and smoovits again. JOY!

Keepin' the 'Girls' in Check!

2011-04-18T22:40:00.000-05:00

Who us?? No wait - not THOSE girls!

You know... 'Da Girlz' - Arrrr, the two attached to the front of me chest! So - I've been needlessly mourning what I had though to be a significant loss - a full cup-size to be precise. Since nursing the little'ns, I couldn't help but notice a change. Turns out - I was just sizin' 'em up all wrong! While gravity is no longer a friend of 'da girlz' - (hence our little mix up in the bra-size department) - the strap just needs to be fitted more securely to the torso for effective lifting & shifting of what does remain. And so begins a new-found sense of gratitude for bras. I guess my hippie instincts were kickin' in for a while. Now, kinda havin' fun with them again! ;) ha!

TIP: If at first you don't succeed, try try again............................................

A QUOTE: “A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.” ~Winston Churchill

WHIDFML: Bought 2 new boulder-holders - with store credit besides! Yippee!

Took a Sabbatical!

2011-04-18T21:49:00.003-05:00

Been on sabbatical from writing, evidently! - But here I am ready to revel in my soul's further development via putting thoughts into words once again.
Been chip, chip, chippin' away at that list for a lust for life - otherwise known as our 'new year's resolutions'... I gotta say - they are still in full effect - and brimming over with success!

Spent a week alone with my other half - making our way through cities and scenics alike. Spent a few days exploring Vegas (and the more rustic, lesser-known natural outskirts thereof.) Then, jumped in with all our Aces and rented the tremendously fun, bumblebee-yellow Vette Convertible for an 1100+ mile adventure from Vegas, over to the Grand Canyon, down to Sedona, and further south to Peoria, AZ to visit a good friend - then around to Vegas again before catching our flight home.

Check out the photo-blog chronicles here! LV-AZ Roadies Blog

As my regular readers are aware ~ we are natural-born nature-lovers ~ and only required-'city-dwellers' ~ by career choice, and our desire to remain close to family (both spiritually, as well as by where we fall on the map.) [Though our patch of woods & water make it much more worthwhile.] Now, here we are, ready to jump in with both feet, 'getting away from it all', kidless for a week, serenity lies ahead, endless possibilities - and where do we begin our exploits?? Only the busiest, loudest, most brightly-lit, hub O' hubub known to our continent: the famed Sin-City. A friend even remarked about her surprise & discontent with our desire to venture in this direction. It got me thinking (more deep thought - comin' at ya!) - - While I wish there were (much) less of it, and I certainly wouldn't want to live anywhere near it, I still harbor some element of appreciation for the craziness (and let's just be real here - even stupidity to some regard) that man can conjure up as well. For me, it's like art. I adore art. I'm an artist at heart, and it influences everything I do on some level. While I may be more drawn to certain styles, mediums, or subject matter (nature photography, anyone?) I scan still ogle all of the zany, even 'messy', abstract stuff out there. That came from someone's mind, heart, and soul.... I may even LIKE much (if not most) of what I see... But, it still doesn't mean I want to take it home with me and hang it on my walls! And so there you have it - your 'nature is to art, as art is to... overpopulated cities?' analogy. Have a sip of wine. It'll make more sense!

The nature-therapy was inexplicably fulfilling. Still reveling in the aftermath (er, new batch of hundreds of surreal, breathtaking depictions of God's handiwork captured on digital 'film' to cherish forever!) Couldn't be happier about our uncanny ability to unconsciously time stellar sunsets with our arrivals to the Canyon, Sedona, and a drive through the mountains, camera in hand all the while!! The entire drive, once outside of Vegas, and once outside of the Phoenix area again, was ever-changing, eye-catching, natural terrain. A-MAZ-ING.
Talk about happies!

Joel's hooked, and it has been deemed the first of many, many more expeditions to come! We have our second annual 'couple-trip' picked out for next winter, and our summer outing with the girls and camper in tow being mapped out slowly-but-surely as well! We always have to make time for the Gunflint Trail in there. Our home away from home! We literally go through withdrawl when we don't get up there for too long... as there truly is no substitute.

We came home better parents... Renewed, awakened, well-traveled, and well-slept. Breathe deeply with me: Ahhhhhhhhhhh. Mmmmm, hmmmm. Feels nice. Learned more about ourselves, each other, and life.... in just one week! I highly recommend it.

TIP: Parenting is a full-time job - with many perks and benefits, but comes with limited 'breaks'. Make breaks happen. It's necessary for all involved. If you're in a relationship - you need to make time for that person too.

A QUOTE: "By and large, mothers and housewives are the only workers who do not have regular time off. They are the great vacationless class." ~Anne Morrow Lindbergh

WHIDFML: VA-CA-TION!!

Wishes

2011-02-09T18:51:00.000-06:00

Isn't it destiny? I mean, when you are barely on schedule, just keeping up by a split-hair, something hair-splitting is bound to occur.
Today - I have many, many happies to celebrate. I did make it on time to get the girls to their grandparents' house - and on to their kiddo class at the local park. I successfully completed all tasks on my to-do list today - and then some, not the least of which involved the successful receipt of a filling at the dentist - without the use of Novocaine! (Any avoidance of needles or injections is always a welcome pause for celebration!) I am also in the midst of setting up meetings to add to the team at Denise Mack Photography with some stellar folks, and am about to write a proposal on a book idea for future submission! Things are falling into place with grace....
Enter, early-morning-hurried chaos, and BAM! There goes the freshly poured cup of juice, down the table, onto chair, floor, wall, feet of table, the instigating child's prized puppy.... too many places to admit to.
As I'm grumbling, on hands and knees, scrubbing aforementioned surfaces... Myla says to me, "Mommy, it's okay - you can just clean it up faster with a bigger paper-towel!" In reply I breathed, "I wish it were that simple, honey - but we're going to be late..."
Then, the real miracle makes itself known through the innocence of a child, "Mommy, you shouldn't wish about juice... You should wish about things like - - unicorns." Not sure whether my attempt at instilling such values into her has been already rubbing-off, or whether she perhaps intuitively harbors such innate life-skills. Any way you look at it, it was a good reminder to me... I realized then, that I ought to begin my wishing for a painless dental visit, not involving needles or fainting - and stop 'crying over spilled milk'... I have to say - it was truly the only negative in my entire day - and it was very small. Gotta remember to practice what I preach about sweating those mini-diversions found within each day. :)

TIP: Staying calm rubs-off onto tiny humans. :) Then, when you need a little calming - they might be able to help you out!
A QUOTE: "Be as you wish to seem." ~Socrates
WHIDFML: I think I've listed a few above - to hold me over for quite some time ;)

Sugar & Spice, and Everything.... Scary??

2011-01-27T23:02:00.000-06:00

Fun Monster Head Suckers (1 dz)

When a 3-year-old is asked what she wants her birthday theme to be, you typically don't expect to hear Princesses AND Monsters. But why the hey not?? This kid likes scary stuff... already. Hey - she's a girl after my own heart! :) When she was up until 1am with the stomach flu, we found the old re-runs of He-Man and She-Ra on Qubo Channel... She exclaimed amidst her fatigue, "LOOK! A scary guy with a red face. My love the scary guys!" And when I kiss her goodnight and tell her to have 'good dreams' - she replies, "My want to dream about monsters..." Hey, there are no laws stating that a kid can't have monsters and princesses at her birthday bash. I'm certainly not going to hold back that imagination - and why stifle her joy?! She was giddy with glee when she awoke from her nap on the afternoon of her party to find mini stuffed-monsters dangling from the chandelier, pink cupcakes bearing monster suckers, and monster cake-plates saddled next to princess napkins. Mission accomplished. I love a creative challenge - and I have to say, it was a scary-good time!

TIP: Why set limits when it's innocent and doable? Let that creativity flow!
A QUOTE: “Limitations live only in our minds. But if we use our imaginations, our possibilities become limitless.” ~Jamie Paolinetti
WHIDFML: Taught myself some new tricks in Photoshop! WOW- time-savers and fun stuff... I take pride in being about 98% self-taught in that program, and how I'm able to 'finish' a photo, to enhance or create a mood that truly fits the captured moment. JOY!

Lyrics for Life

2011-01-27T22:38:00.001-06:00

One of Addie's birthday toys was an adorable pink 'monster' that plays a current hit-pop song (think regular beat, but with a chipmonk voice.) The girls play it over and over, and groove to the tune... It goes like this:

link to vid: Kesha, "Tik-Tok"

Lyrics:

Don't stop, Make it pop, DJ blow my speakers up....

Tonight, I'mma fight til we see the sunlight....

tic-tok on the clock, but the party don't stop, no...

woah woah woah wooooah, woah woah woah wooooah.

Then, there are ADDIE'S LYRICS:

Don't stop, biggy-bop, My no like my piz-za!

Woah wooaaaaaaaaaaah!!!!

Can't.... stop.... laughing!! I seriously keep thinking she can't get any cuter... and then, WHAM!

TIP: Sing together.... It sparks something creative in 'em.

A QUOTE: "Music washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life." ~Berthold Auerbach

WHIDFML: Went with my MIL to the SAL (Salvation Army) for some half-priced shopping! Leather jacket - looks like new - $5. Need I say more?

Doctor, I'm Going to Be Brave...

2011-01-27T21:58:00.001-06:00

The title above are the precise words of my 3-year-old when she learned that she was going to need an update to her vaccinations. AMAZING! Wasn't expecting that - though I knew it should be less traumatic for all of us than it would have been if the older sibling were in need of an injection. But, I didn't expect NO crying. WOW. Then, the solution entered her skinny little leg, and out came the wails. Can't blame her - it's a painful one... much like that flu vaccination. .... ..... ..... ..... .... ..... .... Oops! Sorry about the dead-air... I passed-out just thinking about it! Yes, I'm a wuss. It gets worse the older I get (should be the opposite, wouldn't you think??? But no.) For years now, I've had to lie back or recline to have blood drawn at the lab. Now - wouldn't you know it - I need to lie down following... the flu shot? Good grief! So - my 3-year-old was brave, and only shed a few tears from the resulting pain. She then proceeded to watch as the lab techs tried twice before successfully extracting a vial of blood from her tiny little arms for some tests, without skipping a beat or even wincing. My 4-year-old held my hand while I was given my flu vaccination... But me? The one who is supposed to be setting an example? The one who preaches why it's important for us to receive shots - to keep us healthy? The one who encourages her little'n's to "be brave" if they need a shot the next time they go to the doctor - in valiant preparation for the inevitable?? I freaked a bit, then I turned whiter than a sheet, and cried... I tried to keep it together, but I just couldn't. Then, the woozies started in, and I had to lie down on the examination table in the PEDIATRICIAN's office for several minutes before the fuzziness subsided and the chirping birds flew away. I swear there were birds in that room~
As we left the lab (and I nearly passed out again from the sensation of that lingering 'ache' upon moving my arm) - The 3-year-old concluded, "My glad my had nice nurses to give me my holes!" I wish I felt the same!!

TIP: Practicing by playing pretend doctor - and allowing the kiddos to give the "shots" during play-time - does seem to make a positive impact on future shot-receiving experiences - - for THEM.
A QUOTE: "I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear. " ~Nelson Mandela
WHIDFML: Stayed out late and hung out with a fave friend one Monday eve... laughing my butt off 'til the wee hours. [Night-owl instincts, forcefully overcome due to that parenting schedule in the A.M. hours...] Thankfully, the girls opted to sleep-in that morning as well!

Boo-Hoo to the FLU!

2011-01-27T21:30:00.001-06:00

So... not until ages 3 & 4 did we experience a bout of the stomach flu 'round here.... AND, not until the week before my only winter-wedding this season did it emerge. Of course! So needless to say, it was a stressful week. I mean, I've been good - I mean really good - at avoiding that bug in past years - even living at home back when it circulated through 4 out of 5 of us - me being the 5th - and the non-sickie. But - I would wash my hands more often, leave the house more often, maintained my own toothpaste and separate toothbrush-storage... and I certainly wasn't holding the buckets and hands of the ill during their grocery-regurgitation. Neither was I laundering the the soiled clothing and bedding multiple times a day... Oh - the joys.

Surprisingly, I handled it exceptionally well. Even Joel made a point of complimenting me numerous times - (and still does weeks later!) regarding my handling of the situation. [He pretty much fears puke or anything associated with it like many people fear death itself.] Ironically - I'd always maintained a strong stomach, and during and following pregnancy - my body said bye-bye to my inner abs-of-steel. So at first, I feared that I too may unwittingly join in with the chunk-laden chorus. Low and behold, mommy-mode kicked in, and I mustered up the necessary composure to deal. I figured if it weren't for the timing - just days before a wedding shoot - I'd have handled it with even more grace. Oh well - my prayers were answered, and I made it to that wedding, and beyond. YAY! Thank you Big Guy. I've always been diligent about hand-washing and general germ aversion... Now? Now I'm a new-found, bonafide germaphobe! Those holiday pocket-pack size hand sanitizers at Bath & Body Works went on major clearance (try 37 cents per) - I have approximately 6 of those finding their way around with me. Don't leave home without it. It's everywhere you want to be.

TIP: Hand-washing is good. VERY very very very very very good.

A QUOTE: "The trouble with always trying to preserve the health of the body is that it is so difficult to do without destroying the health of the mind." ~G.K. Chesterton

WHIDFML: After doing laundry every day for the week of the Flu, I took a lovely sabbatical from it for nearly 2 weeks. No worries -- It was still there when I returned. (dang!)

Milestone Alert!

2010-12-21T15:10:00.000-06:00

Finally moved babe #2 out of her high-chair. It wasn't really effective at containing her mess anyway - so why not move up in the world? Tink-Table for 2? Right this way...

TIP: Offer "stars" on the magnetic "Chore Chart" for littln's who stay seated and finish their food, all while refraining from throwing it across the table at one another. Offer to take away stars as well, if food-fights commence. After 10 stars, they get a special treat or small 'prize', and start over. Love this thing!

A QUOTE: “Behavior is what a man does, not what he thinks, feels, or believes” ~Unknown

WHIDFML: Indulged in Grandma's delish recipe for cookies... compliments of mom, who refurbished this recipe using gluten-free flour! OMG - BEST EVER!

Free Mind, Costly World

2010-12-16T14:48:00.000-06:00

A friend recently mentioned that she's sometimes down on herself for "not getting a better job where she can make more money"... It got me thinking (shocker!) People place too much importance on money - and believe that having money will enable them to be 'happy'. The truth is - we can't buy happiness. And you don't need to!
I'm not really much of a gambler, per say. I'm not into get-rich-quick schemes, or mansion-dwelling-dreams. My philosophy on working is "Work to Live, NOT live to work..." I've figured out my priorities, and I live, work, spend, and play accordingly. This is sometimes easier said than done, and is harder to accomplish when you share your life with someone - as each person's dreams involve different variables. But I think that's where the lines get fuzzy too... It's healthy to dream.
Joel's dreams often include things that I would not have even thought about - let alone aspired to. One such dream is that of his desire to literally 'snowmobile through the mountains' one day. Hm. If we never owned a snowmobile, I'd be okay with that. They are fun, but I wouldn't feel like I'm missing out if I didn't get to experience that again. Let's step it up a notch and say we did acquire the esteemed motorized sleds. I'd still be okay with local and north-woods-situated trails; Mountains not necessary. But who am I to bock at his dreams?? And who said that dreaming is a bad thing?? I think the key is to dream carefully. If you're setting goals for your future, but you are still living today - I believe that's the important balance to achieve. We can't forget to enjoy what we've already accomplished -
I pretty much want to live simply... and simply live. When it comes to my lottery-winning aspirations, I would seek out a few, pretty basic things... A) No dependency upon work for survival [Specifically - Joel would be able to retire!] B) I'd definitely hire a maid, so I'd never have to bother with those more mundane life distractions involving vacuums, sponges, or fabric-softener; and C) We could experience nearly anything we want, with very minimal limitations. Last, but not least - I can only imagine the joy I'd experience as various worthy causes around the globe opened their bulky, anonymous donation checks. The first recipient of such funds would have to be St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. I just can't think of a better place to start, or a more deserving institution.
Thing is - while I may not have my maid, my husband around during the week-days, or my trip across Europe mapped out just yet - I still consider myself having 'won' the lottery of life already in many ways - and I can still give back.
Try taking a few minutes for yourself to just think about all of the valuable assets in your life: people, fond memories, abilities, fulfilled dreams, shelter, food, a means of earning income... Consider the simplest things, on up. A lot to be thankful for, right? And with all the money we'll shell out this season for people in our lives who may not even need the extra gadgetry, we can surely dig a little bit deeper to support a favorable cause.

TIP: Feels good to pay it forward! Please consider donating to St. Jude, or any other non-profit org that you feel is beneficial in the lives of the less fortunate.

A QUOTE: "Happiness isn't about getting something in the future. Happiness is the capacity to open the heart and eyes and spirit and be where we are and find happiness in the midst of it. Even in the place of difficulty, there is a kind of happiness that comes if we've been compassionate, that can help us through it. So it's different than pleasure, and it's different than chasing after something." ~Jack Kornfield

WHIDFML: Kept the circle of love going by making my donation :)

Inspired -

2010-12-15T23:42:00.003-06:00

"Let go of the need to know so much. Trust in simplicity and love." This quote can be found in my new fave inspirational book, 1325 Buddhist Ways to Be Happy, by Barbara Ann Kipfer

A lot of what I've read so far really resonates with me, including this ideal. But when it comes to my lack of a thirst for bucho sums of book-smarts, it has dawned on me that maybe knowing people a little bit better could be beneficial to generating and maintaining meaningful connections.
I'm not a judgmental person. I don't compare myself to others around me. My attitude toward people is generally a 'to each their own' kind of approach. Knowing how many out there put up walls and wear masks adds to my tendency to often take on a pretty much (inadvertent) passive-aggressive stance on tuning-in. Sometimes I feel, "Why bother? It's not really them." But when someone is willing to open up to me, and share - and I can sense the authenticity of it, I need to make a point of soaking it in, and out of gratitude and respect for their sincerity, pay attention!
I have to say... I do enjoy picking up on people's little quirks, nuances, personality traits... It's fun to observe and see what really makes someone unique and what differentiates them from all others. However, I've begun to realize that I'm just not that good at (or realistically speaking - have not been putting enough effort into) storing to memory the little shared bits of people that make them tick.
I've been observing my bro-in-law's people skills with awe, on regular weekly intervals, and I'm hoping I have what it takes to turn my new found inspiration into a regular practice. Perhaps with enough such practice, I can emulate his ability to recall the life-details, favorites, recent experiences, pet's names, vehicles purchased, drinks ordered etc etc - of everyone he comes into regular contact with - with ease.
I recognize that it's part of his job - But his interest in people is genuine. It carries over into his personal relationships, and I see it in his actions consistently - on or off the clock.
While I have never considered my interest in people to be less than pure, I guess I've just truly not paid enough attention to the details. I "forget" simple (and often important) things about folks - such as what they do for a living, where they are going to school and/or why... their spouses' names. I mean - those are pretty big facets of most people's lives. I figure - If I'm going to get to know someone, I should probably be considerate enough to know those things. It's a starting point.
My B-I-L's consideration of others goes way beyond remembering the details of their lives. Seriously - who do you know in your life who shows up at work to find out he doesn't need to be there... and then sticks around during the blizzard of the decade to help co-workers and patrons get home in said blizzard, and dig friend's cars out of snow-heaps?? Yeah. Probably not many coming to mind, I'd wager!
This guys thinks - and I mean really thinks - about other people! Maybe he's mastered 'being in the moment'... or tuning out distractions... I should probably ask him for his 'trick' - but I'm sure it boils down to years of selfless compassion and a desire to understand people - rather than just 'knowing' them? It's a theory. Just think about that for a minute... What if we all aimed to really understand those around us? We'd still be a heck of a lot less judgmental... How might society benefit? 'Ya think?!
The other day, I met up with 2 friends who I don't get to see as regularly as I'd like to - and so began the test of my abilities. I learned that Karen's wardrobe is primarily neutrals - grays, blacks, whites, & khaki - and Jenni is a self-proclaimed "t-shirt freak"! I also recalled that Karen is a vegetarian - but hadn't remembered that her fave drink is a cold beer. Jenni has a thing for butterflies, and her dog's name is Gizmo. They both share in my passion for a mixed variety of music - and Karen got to see Tom Petty live! Might there be a few concerts in our future?? Hey-haaaay! It's working - Now, to keep that momentum going. Thanks to 'Mr. Nice Guy' - I'm feeling inspired to be a nicer girl. Kudos XO!

TIP: Cherish real friendships. They are hard to come by.
A QUOTE: "When we pay full attention to our world, we are happier and more effective." ~Barbara Ann Kipfer - (you guessed it) 1325 Buddhist Ways to Be Happy
WHIDFML: Nurturing my newly-enlightened mind via motivational wisdom, as is recorded in my recently acquired new book. Continuing to evolve, right along with life!

First Day of "Day-Care"

2010-12-14T15:43:00.002-06:00

So their first day with the new p/t flexible, and fab-with-kids day care lady went splendidly! I needed some time to try to get my book-keeping done for the biz this week - and it was our perfect opportunity to try things out! I love this drop-in option! It's perfect for us - and the best part is - she's great with the kids. She's been doing this for 3 decades, and knows her stuff! She reminds me of my mother-in-law - which also adds to her appeal :)
It's lovely knowing we have this available when I need the extra time. Whoot!

TIP: Don't give up. If you can dream it - I'm pretty sure it exists! If not - create it.
A QUOTE: “The most essential factor is persistence - the determination never to allow your energy or enthusiasm to be dampened by the discouragement that must inevitably come.” ~James Whitcomb Riley
WHIDFML: Did a more strenuous (time to step it up a notch) work-out, while watching Craig Ferguson... which means my abs got a great work-out too! I think this is a new personal resolution... nightly work-outs with Craig Ferguson! Ha! Yessssssssssssssssssssssssss

Avoiding Those Energy Zappers!

2010-12-14T14:48:00.002-06:00

Just looking to share an excellent article (Oprah.com) that hits on all the things I have already been incorporating into my life to avoid having my energy zapped. Enjoy! (Worth the read, and not long.)

Solving the Emotional Energy Crisis

TIP: Try not to over-do, or under-do life ;)

A QUOTE: "The secret of the truly successful, I believe, is that they learned very early in life how not to be busy. They saw through that adage, repeated to me so often in childhood, that anything worth doing is worth doing well. " ~Barbara Ehrenreich

WHIDFML: Got caught-up (almost fully) on the biz end-of-year book-keeping... The doing of this was not all that fun, but the being done part feels grand.

Early New Year

2010-12-14T14:18:00.001-06:00

Beginning those resolutions early! And I'm okay with that ~

So - first time... in 16 years (YES, I said sixteen)... that Joel has actually sat down with me to check out some ideas and make plans for our next trip!! It was SO much more fun to plan with him... Now, I think he's hooked, so we're sure to make much more of this particular resolution ;) I'm quite alright with that as well~

TIP: Internet = endless possibilities for pre-trip idea gathering.

A QUOTE: "Travel and change of place impart new vigor to the mind." ~Seneca

WHIDFML: Treated the girlies, a few friends, and myself to a chocolate-mint flavored candy-cane... I have to say it's rather tasty.

Tidings of Comfort & Joy

2010-12-10T10:18:00.002-06:00

Kay - (slightly) less mind-rambling (as in the last 2 posts!) and more of the short but sweet!

I don't think I've ever been this excited about the season! I've always enjoyed the seasonal changes, including the transition into winter. Hey - fires in the fireplace, sledding, (possible snow-boarding this year!), ice-fishing, gorgeous views out our window - those are annual joys. We've even experienced a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the northern wilderness, a dog-sled ride through similar terrain in that area, and snowmobiling around the trails intertwining the GFTrail! Winter has many fun elements to enjoy. (Just wish it didn't last until the end of March, is all!) We had an amazing, long, hot summer - that started early and lasted into fall - so I don't feel like I was missing out on that this year. I soaked that in completely! Now, I'm reveling in the benefits that the winter months have to offer. (I'm a 'glass-half-full' type.)

And Christmas is always fun - though in past years it has felt more like a bunch of unnecessary craziness. I like a little bit of crazy in my life... just a little... the right kind of crazy. But not the unnecessary kind. SO! This year both girls are into Christmas, and it's meaning, and being involved in the many traditions that surround the holidays. I think Christmas is more fun when you HAVE kids, even compared to BEING a kid!

I've been reveling in my self-awareness as well - which has brought me to a place of even greater happiness. I recognize that as much as I enjoy having people in my life, I don't depend on them for my happiness. That means, I can get through anything. It may not always be easy - but I'm strong and know what's important to me, and I'll continue to strive to achieve the goals that fall in line with that. Having people to share it all with is very meaningful, and contributes to happiness, increasing it. But, very different from expecting your happiness to come from another. There's a difference between want and need. Of course I want to share my life - but I'm particular about just who I involve in it, and on what levels. And that's okay!

This year's goal: a renewed sense of adventure. It doesn't have to be 'big' or 'fancy' to be adventurous. It'd be great if it could encompass a touch of romance (which also need not be large or shmancy - I'm not the 'sweep-me-off-my-feet' type!) Now that Joel has been more comfortable in his skin again - I've been already noticing little things that mean I do get to enjoy a little bit of that passion. ;) [Hahaha! My desire for a little spark actually does require another person's mutual desire for sharing in that. But my patience seems to be paying off!]

As a population in general - we're all just seeking happiness and pleasure. I believe that we should be. As long as we aren't intentionally hurting others in that process, and trying to 'get ahead'/ step on other people in order to be happy, I think we're meant to move toward what moves us. I'm sure we're here to learn something - which is why life isn't always peachy - but your attitude toward it and your ability to seek solutions can make or break your experience while here. So - why not look for the positive?

TIP: Never stop dreaming! Every so often, take time to explore what you would be doing with your life if you had complete freedom (from responsibilities, from expectations, from financial set-back, from any of life's obstacles.) Chances are - if you really think about it - you can move toward many of those goals and attain them. They aren't so far-fetched, most likely. Figure out little ways to incorporate the things that mean something to you into your life. Even if your big dream is to own a yacht - and you can't afford one - you can probably save up for a cruise ship vacation, or a small boat of your own. And that doesn't mean that you can't still move toward yacht ownership in baby steps, if that really means something to you.

A QUOTE (or 3!): "The world needs dreamers and the world needs doers. But above all, the world needs dreamers who do." ~Sarah Ban Breathnach, Simple Abundance: A Daybook of Comfort and Joy, 1996
"Part of the issue of achievement is to be able to set realistic goals, but that's one of the hardest things to do because you don't always know exactly where you're going, and you shouldn't." ~George Lucas
"Establishing goals is all right if you don't let them deprive you of interesting detours." ~Doug Larson
WHIDFML: Just been my self - with zero apologies!! :) That's the norm, but I realize it's really fun, even when people judge you for it... I figure, it's sad that they feel they have to live a life that was basically contrived for them... a life per others' expectations. I'm free. That's the way I want to be!

New Year RESOLUTIONS!

2010-12-09T00:32:00.005-06:00

That's a pic of me getting my groove on with my little girls at the end of one of Myla's dance classes! (Pic By Joel)
I'm dancing more!
It was one of those years where I learned a lot. I came through a bit of a storm in the way of changes, uncertainty, and realizations... That's the very-nutshell-version of that!
Here's another longer-story-made-short: I realized that I'm a little too darn 'responsible' - in general. I've always been the 'good girl' - and very 'get my work done first so I can enjoy'. An attitude-adjustment was in order! As they say... (and it's because it's true)... God works in mysterious ways. There were some tumultuous events that took place over the course of the year. But at the same time - (and I hadn't realized it then) - it was the start of a new beginning in a lot of different ways.
One big light-bulb moment came for me when I had to undergo further examination with a specialist, to determine the nature of a breast-lump found by my practitioner. Thankfully, it turned out to be nothing of concern. However, I found myself thinking about life a little bit differently in the time it took to get to that second appointment. When I say 'differently' I mean I was thinking about life in a BETTER way!
I've always had a pretty good outlook on it. I've always been a go-getter... even though determination and creative problem solving doesn't mean I'm a control freak any longer. In fact, I learned in my teenage years that you can't be in control all the time, and that it's much easier to just roll with that. But please keep in mind there is also a difference between being a follower, or allowing people to mold you to their preferred liking/ take advantage of you, and not being 'in control', as well. It's kind of a tricky in-between spot, in all reality. However - I found that I was still in need of an adjustment to my outlook - and I was due for that adjustment.
For example: I'd consistently practiced the thought-process that if I can pay off this debt, then I can enjoy this goal... Or, when I am done with _________, I can look into doing ____________. In some ways that's been a good practice. I mean, I've always lived below my means - and have never been a slave to any job. I've never had too much debt. I paid for school before buying a car. Paid for the car before buying our first home... In some ways - that was beneficial. But I can't approach everything in life like that - or in some cases, I may never get to that second "blank" (____________)!
Joel and I fell into some hard times financially that were a bit scary for us... We'd never been in a situation like that - and we couldn't have predicted or prevented it. We learned a lot, and stressed a lot... Once that situation was finally behind us, we realized that we would be hit with another large cost - roof, siding, etc... We have young kids in the mix, and we were trying to figure out how to pay down all debts (outside of our home) before doing things such as planning road-trips as a family with our camper, for example.
Then, it hit me! There will always be some unexpected something! You can't avoid it, or predict it - so you can't keep 'waiting until...' if you want to enjoy! There is a difference between paying your debts while also enjoying life, and the other 2 extremes: no enjoyment, or throwing all caution (and your money) to the wind.
So now, I'm going to be a tad less responsible! RESOLUTION NUMBER 1! We can't keep our lives on hold until everything else is in 'order' - because financially, unless you win the lottery - there really isn't such thing as 'order'. That's life. (And heck, my siblings are actually rewarded for being irresponsible with money - so I figure I can finally let loose with that a bit, and pay things down as it fits! We're still doing what we need to do, and we're not taking advantage of anyone in that process!) But we're going to strive to strike a better balance with it. That leads to RESOLUTION NUMBER 2! Plan more trips! This one is two-fold. First, we're going to start looking at places to visit around the country in our camper. The girls are getting to an age where that is going to be appropriate. And, if they don't remember a certain location well enough by the time they reach an older age - we'll just have to go there again! Even if we can plan on every-other year... that would be excellent. One year to plan, one to do; both are fun! Plus, we still need to fit in a summer visit to the GFT! Second, Joel and I are going to make an annual tradition out of going on a couple's retreat. (Well, a few small ones, locally, during the year, as well as a longer one - AWAY.) This year - Arizona! It's amazing around there!! With our love for nature, we couldn't pick a better place to explore together. Everywhere I drove when I was there - was breathtaking, and the scenery changed so much!! And, he's never been to the Grand Canyon! Looking forward to sharing all of that with him. He'll also get the chance to meet someone who I really click with - a dear friend who lives out there. That gives you an idea. It's a start. As the girls get older, we'll explore other countries too! Many ideas swirling around in our heads... like those sugar plums.
And, RESOLUTION NUMBER 3! Date nights that are more than just dinner out! We've been coming up with some fun things to do together. Some cost nothing, and involve a walk around Saint Anthony Main and the Stone Arch Bridge. Others, may cost something, like the comedy club, but result in great shared laughter. We had a blast experiencing things like the Hoot at Lake Harriet last year... and celebrating a close friend's (and now family by marriage) 30th birthday - VIP - dancing away the night together downtown at Aqua this year... Just a couple of examples! Joel and I went hunting more this season than we have over the past 4 seasons! We're going ice-fishing this winter, and , and and... More of that. Less rushing/ worrying about the time. More of what we enjoy!
RESOLUTION NUMBER 4! More family outings. We need to get these girls out to explore more territory now that they are old enough to play together and enjoy it. I love being a family!
RESOLUTION NUMBER 5! More time for ME. (Already started this one - WHOOHOO!) I am, after all, a free-spirit. Given that, I have to foster that spirit on a regular basis. AND, this is also going to provide me with more time to write, as well as paint - both of which I enjoy greatly. I have 2 books in mind... May not happen until kids are in school... but just maybe I'll have more opportunity for working on projects like this sooner than later? I've been collecting art supplies too! Have some projects in mind for my girls :)
[Joel needs his me-opps as well - as the girls grow more!]

RESOLUTION NUMBER 6! Trying new things we've always wanted to try. (ie: I'm determined to try snowboarding!! Yay!)
RESOLUTION (lucky) NUMBER 7! - Cooking together - and trying new recipes! (And therefore me getting back into cooking!) Each time we try something new - we realize we need to try many new foodie ideas - more often! Plus, we have so much fun when we work on it together - now that the girlies can entertain themselves during that time. It's great daily couple-time, and tangy on the taste-buds too!
RESOLUTION-ALL-ENCOMPASSING: Find some humor in everything (or at least every day!)

And finally, one "thing" goal we both would enjoy (WILL enjoy - one day - down the road): a hot-tub. Just a small one - so we can relax during some movie/ favorite-show watching in there in the winter months!We both still talk about 'when we have our hot-tub...' Fireside relaxation, intermingled with hot-tub movie/fave show-watching - will mean winter is that much more exciting! (Even after it gets long.)
If I think of anything else... I may add... But otherwise, you get the gist of it! It's great having it down on (cyber)-paper, and official! Regardless of which blog I choose to utilize to record the happs - I'll be enjoying them thoroughly!

TIP: Think it through, write it down (or type). Goals are best achieved when there is something tangible helping to move you along, and remember what it is that is important to you about those items.
A QUOTE: “I can't change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination.” ~Jimmy Dean
WHIDFML: Connecting with 2 fabulous friends who I cannot wait to see again! Harder to get all schedules to jive, but worth it!

New Year Ponderings...

2010-12-08T23:31:00.006-06:00

...in an online diary!

MUSINGS:

Been feeling grateful for so many blessings & achievements... I believe that some people (me, most def!) come into this world knowing in their hearts just what it is they want to accomplish during this lifetime. While I've felt my way through some of it, and learned about those yearnings over time, many other things were innate from the very beginning. Most of my 'big dreams' have already come true (or are in the process of)! I've realized that if I pay attention to my heart, listen to my intuition, keep an open and positive (and creative) mind, and keep the faith - I can accomplish almost anything!

~ I've known since I was a little girl that I wanted to find someone who I could really, truly connect with. I wanted to be completely open with him, and he with me - while accepting one another fully - the good and the 'bad'. Perfection doesn't exist - but I believe in people being perfect FOR one another... It took some years of trial and error, and learning what's really important to each of us as individuals first - but my husband is the best friend I could ever dream of having! A few things kept us going through the difficult phases, and made us that much stronger with each passing relationship-milestone unearthed: A) Truly loving each the other for who we are; B) Full acceptance of who we each are; and C) A deep connection that stems from really knowing one another inside & out - - based on a foundation of genuine Trust. There were a couple of occasions that had me second-guessing whether we were "right" for each other - in spite of those ties. It was when we couldn't meet in the middle to maintain a strong connection... I was doing my part, and begging him to do his... He finally looked inside himself and figured out what is important to him. Once he was able to do that - he was able to share those things with me again - bringing us back to (and beyond, actually!) the connection we once had. And now, I recognize that we have something rare and special - and I've never felt so sure about this! (And, so long as he can just remain open with me/ refrain from putting up his protective barriers, I think it will stay that way!) Our bond is unique, and we are good for one another. Our wedding was held in our favorite setting, surrounded by nature, support, and love - and now we get to visit that special place every year and relive the magic! It was everything we'd dreamed - to commemorate our commitment & devotion. We support one another and help each other achieve things that are meaningful to us. He knows I accept him for who he is, and he is free to be fully open with me. That openness is what makes it not just 'work out' - but makes it meaningful!

~ I've always dreamed that I could be at my happiest if I was surrounded by nature. Not a city girl so much - though I do appreciate the city where I grew up. NE Minneapolis is a fantastic urban dwelling space - filled with variety, lots of local eateries, art galleries, preserved history, and scenic hot-spots. We've been lucky enough to find a home that is within a short distance from the cityscape, and still wraps us up in a nice hideaway amongst our patch of the north-woods-within-city-limits. The meandering creek and the wildlife, and the trees, trees, trees have proven to keep my sense of serenity high - even amidst other inevitable life-lessons, transitions, and difficulties. This one happens to be a bit of luck, mixed in with an authentic blessing. Things had to come together at the right time for us to have located this parcel, but we also had to implement some variables and create a bit of 'luck' in the matter!Our house embodies everything we've ever hoped for in a home... I think our favorite 'piece' inside, is our place of peace... the living room overlooking the natural splendors in the back yard, next to the wood-burning fireplace. My visions of fire-side memory-making have come alive over the years!

~ Every year we make a point to visit a place in nature that is much less trodden and still very natural/ untouched. The Trail holds special meaning for us - and we have made a lot of fond memories there over the many years that Joel and I have been together. (I'll be 32 soon - and Joel and I have been together for 16 years! That's HALF of my life.) Our memories began individually with our families, long before we even knew one another. So thrilled to be able to instill a sense of respect for and appreciation and enjoyment of such a magnificent splice of nature into our babies! No matter what the circumstances, we've made it work. When kiddos came along, we adjusted to a new means of camping - moving from tent to camper trailer. When the fire burned our favorite hide-away - the most rustic of campgrounds that remains in existence - we eagerly awaited its reopening and haven't looked back! How many people do you know who camp in a site where the mature trees no longer exist?? It's just a new beginning to us.

~ Even since I was 2 years old, I knew that when I grew up, I wanted to be "a mother". That dream has come true - twice! My beautiful, amazing girls give a whole new meaning to life (and to striving to find the humor in all aspects of it!) Certainly many a challenge lies in the upbringing of 'tiny humans' - but it's also the most rewarding work available. It can't be properly put into words... though I may try harder to accomplish wording it one day! As much as I need balance in my life, I couldn't imagine my world without them in it, and certainly they have something special and unique within each of them to give back to this world. As they grow, I look forward to more and more opportunities to connect with them, solidify our bond, and inspire them as much as they inspire me! There really is no sweeter sensation than those soft little lips pursed against your cheek! I hope that I can help them be the amazing people that they are, by encouraging them and just being there for them both, and showing them what genuine love is all about.

~ I longed for finding a career that I would actually enjoy pursuing - and ironically enough - I stumbled onto that one completely by accident! Well, not completely, I guess... I've always been a sentimentalist, I've always enjoyed documenting my journeys and events, and I've always loved taking photographs - even with my 110 cam back in the single-digit years of my life. But, I found my niche' when I could combine all of that and apply my own style to capturing wedding moments candidly and artistically. I get a thrill every time! My heart is truly in it, and I believe that shows through in my final images; At least that is reflective of the compliments I receive on my work. Some people do things that they think they'll enjoy - and find that it becomes cumbersome or a burden. I've been able to build a business around my life, (rather than the other way around) - and that enables me to continue to love every minute spent capturing those events - and the moments that make up the events! I can still place my focus on being a mother - while also doing something that I truly thrive on, and the bonus is that I can contribute to our family through doing this as well. I owe some of this to my husband, because he is our family's nine-to-fiver! However, he too found something that draws him in and holds his interest, that he does well naturally, and which also allows us unimaginable flexibility! We couldn't be happier about that fact!

~ One item that has been a blessing, is the fact that we both have very loving and supportive families in our lives. That piece we couldn't 'choose' - or dictate in any way. But we are blessed in that way! Even amid the weird new dynamic on my side, we've found little bits of connection in there... And some bigger bits of connection with the right people. Part of life is learning who your real friends are... whether related to you by blood or otherwise. Rather than holding on to the issues after finding out that some friendships had been based on opportunism (sadly), I'm looking at the sliver lining to see that I'm also learning who my true friends are in that process. That's what counts!

I think that covers the "big things"! There are many other smaller facets that come into play of course - and I'm grateful every day for being able to make the most of the things that matter most: Love, Connections with others, and making Memories with those closest to us. These are the things we'll take with us into the next life... The rest is just temporary. That's not to say that there aren't other ways that encompass 'temporary' to enjoy the journey!

The next steps are to continue to dream and grow, and learn, letting our hearts lead us to what will bring us joy. It gives our lives meaning, keeps us motivated, and keeps us really living! I'm not interested in merely surviving... I want to grab up all of the opportunities that come along - and create opportunities where there aren't any! Living in conjunction with your priorities is essential to finding and maintaining that joy.

And so - my next post will entail the future goals and dreams I'm looking forward to next! Now that the girls have gotten older, I'm finding more time and opportunity to move forward again with personal goals. Joel and I share in most, if not all of them as well. I'm not so interested in acquiring 'things'. I'm interested in acquiring fond memories! If it falls in line with that - then I'm IN! (Joel would like a few more 'things' - but they equate to memory-making for HIM! So - from that perspective, I'm also IN! I support him in what makes him happy as well.) Your happiness comes from within you. If someone supports you in that - then you've found a true friend!

TIP: Choosing to blog is a very personal decision. It opens you up to the world - which can be good, and can have implications. If you're like me, and you enjoy maintaining some element of privacy - you can set up multiple blogs. I have a 'baby-blog' that is viewable via invitation only, and requires a password to return. There is where I house my family's most intimate memories - for us to share with one another and those closest to us. This helps enable me to maintain my daughters' privacy as well. I have another that is dedicated to favorite nature photos taken in our home-away-from-home on the GFT. Others still are broken down into specific trips (ie: FL, AZ, and more to come!) And there is also my biz-blog - which I'm deciding now to keep to primarily photo sessions that are in line with photographing people and their surroundings. Everything has a place and a purpose. This one is kind of like a diary for me... where I seek humor in stressful situations, and mark wordier joyful memories too - those that aren't applied to the baby blog mentioned above (depending upon where the story is more fitting, I suppose.) This is more about my personal journey and growth as a mom, and all that encompasses that life-long learning-curve & overall experience. It enables me to sort out all of the thoughts, ideas, feelings - and put them to good use in bettering myself in that regard (hopefully!) ;) Perhaps it will inspire others besides at some point? If so - then this will help me contribute additional income to my family as well. Can't hurt to try :) Can't happen if I don't!

A QUOTE: “If you want to live a happy life, tie it to a goal, not to people or things.” ~Albert Einstein

WHIDFML: Been working with Joel to open up a new chapter in our lives... more to come!

Automatic Christmas Cheer

2010-12-08T19:29:00.005-06:00

So - Shocking, I know, but we were having a 'frustrating moment' at the ranch..... (Imagine that!) I actually don't recall the exact cause of said frustrations, but let's just say tensions were high at that moment. I do know that we were (once again) fighting kids to eat... Surely Myla pushed me over the edge... and with a scowl, I remarked something to the effect, "And little girls who don't listen, don't eat, and who sass-talk don't get any treats!" JUST as I finished this sentence, I pressed the musical hand-pump on the soap located at the kitchen sink... and my line was finished with trumpeting sounds made to the tune of "And a partridge in a Pear Treeeeee....." Pretty much an instant laugh-maker! I think we'll employ this particular Christmas 'decoration' year-round... and install musical 'buttons' on anything that might be touched during future frustrating moments... particularly in the kitchen! "...and a happy new year!..."

TIP: If your little'ns have a favorite must-have doll/ stuffed animal that they require to sleep... get 2. *(Even if slightly different... should still work.) We now have 4 'puppies' circulating - so we are never without one at bed time!
A QUOTE: “Laugh as much as you breathe and love as long as you live.” ~Uknown
WHIDFML: Stopped at Aveda and got my b-day and other freebies on my "Mom-ME Day"... followed by coloring my hair a slightly new hue (by myself at home), followed by candles, tea, loud music, and lots of other little miscellaneousness. ["Miscellaneousness" not a word? I don't care! It's now my word.] ;) Insert: Created a new word~

Makin' Me Cry - Happy Tears

2010-12-03T12:39:00.002-06:00

So - Chef Joel had prepared to make us some salmon and rice for dinner one recent evening. Addie protested... while insisting that she wanted "cheesy rice & scrambled eggs" for supper. I rolled my eyes, and so did Joel - but we did so with a smile. That kid would eat cheesy rice for every meal (Joel's special recipe - A.MAZ.ING!)
Daddy disappeared upstairs and began the prep. Upon its completion, I assisted him as we gathered the girls' plates and loaded them up with the appropriate portions. Joel asked if I would mix up some ingredients for the cheesy rice for Addie - since we had made rice anyway. Sure! So after the mixing, he handed me her plate - full of scrambled eggs! I couldn't believe it. I had to compose myself as I remarked, "You made her the eggs too? What a good daddy!!" Everyone ate well that night - and cleaned their plates ;) Hope these girls realize how lucky they are to have such a devoted dad.

XO!

TIP: Sometimes you can get away with 'enhancing' the existing meal, rather than trying to make multiple meals to satisfy all the little peeps.
A QUOTE: "I kept my babies fed. I could have dumped them, but I didn't. I decided that whatever trip I was on, they were going with me. You're looking at a real daddy. " ~Barry White
WHIDFML: Began the process of planning a trip for a few months out! Planning/ getting ideas is half the fun!

It's Raining Sunshine!

2010-11-29T23:43:00.001-06:00

[Insert Hallelujah Chorus... here]

Seems the planets have re-aligned!!
Today was a good day:
~ We realized that having a nanny to the house would defeat the purpose of avoiding noise & distraction while working, and/ or accomplishing some things for myself. BUT, we found a referred-by-a-very-trustworthy-friend, extremely flexible, in-home day-care close by - run by a wonderful lady! It couldn't be more ideal for our needs - and she's affordable! I will have at least one day a week to count on from now on... and on busy weeks following weddings, possibly 2 (when the in-laws are also available for one). Bonus!
~ Joel and I uncovered some things that are making life as a couple pretty darn rockin' right now!
~ Auntie Debbie is totally filling us with hope and joy as she continues to provide us with much needed date-nights and other couple-breaks, now encompassing baby-sleep-overs at HER house too!!! Round one was a huge success :)
~ And last but not least, Addie deuced into the potty today!!! WHOOHOO!
Keep 'em comin', Jesus! Much appreciated and MANY thanks~

A TIP: Trying, without trying too hard, can get you very far. Just keep the faith.
A QUOTE: "When it rains, It pours" - English Idiom [Apparently it can be applied to GOOD luck as well!]
WHIDFML: FOUND some fitting, experienced, highly-recommended, well-loved by good friends' children, part-time childcare! SCORE!!!!

Made Me Smile - with Relief!

2010-11-12T11:09:00.002-06:00

Description: Burn-Out
Source: Native Remedies (.com)
As found in the above resourceful guide, you'll notice that the definition of burn-out reads as follows:

"Burnout is a term that is given to a state of physical or emotional exhaustion. It is most commonly attributed to work or a particular task, but can also be related to stressful relationships and roles (e.g. parenting or caring for an aged family member)."

THANK YOU NATIVE REMEDIES!!! I have to say I was thrilled to see "parenting" listed as the first example! I've experienced job burn-out before... And I must say, it's easier to find yourself feeling that way about a job that is 24 hours a day, 8 days a week! ;)

TIP: Sometimes doing a little research helps you sort out your own feelings - which also leads to sorting out options for solving the problems that are causing those feelings. WHAT did I do before the internet?!?
A QUOTE: "Your children will become what you are; so be what you want them to be." ~David Bly
WHIDFML: Vanilla Cinnamon Black Tea. (Available seasonally at Trader Joe's) MMMMmmmmmmmm!

STELLAR Quote!

2010-11-12T10:54:00.004-06:00

A friend posted this to her facebook page.... and I stole it! Because it's perfect. And all people, (especially parents) must remember this!!

"Learn to value yourself, which means: to fight for your happiness." ~Ayn Rand

TIP: Never give up

WHIDFML: Figuring out a new system for ensuring at least one day per week (and a little time each day) for good ol' me! Seems like the planets aren't aligned - and everyone is struggling with something right now... For me - it's my need for some space, little piece of my freedom back - and the opportunity to have my brain all to myself for a while. And so - a new system is born! Many thanks for the support of my loving husband - who also doesn't want to watch me melt away into a puddle of mush. Glad we are on the same page with that one. Nice to have someone on my side!! Kiss-kiss~

Intense Job...

2010-11-11T23:52:00.000-06:00

See - the thing is - you don't realize the depth of the intensity of the 'job' of raising little kids until you're already in the very throws of that tsunami! (Otherwise, who in their right mind??) Just kidding - There is something to be said for the love you feel for the little people you create with God's help... Amazing, astounding, indescribable in mere words...

However, when you are sitting there with your husband and young ones at the dinner table, and can't complete a sentence without stopping to prevent one child from choking on their food, and the other from swallowing their entire FIST... You realize the intensity of the job! TRUE STORY.
Then, they lived happily ever after... The End. (HAhahahahahahaHA!)

TIP: Sometimes, the best thing to do in the wake of a chaotic tidal wave, is to simply laugh. I know - I just said this recently - but it bears repeating... And I'm tired - and have no other tips for ya! Okay, I lied; Sleep... There's your newest tip. My bed is calling me!
A QUOTE: "Avoid fruit and nuts. You are what you eat." ~Jim Davis
WHIDFML: Started working out inside when I don't get my walks... Found that late-night stationary-biking is actually very good for the soul AND the bod... (And it has actually helped me sleep better... rather than impeding it. Shush to those nay-sayers about pre-Zzzz exercise!)

Guessing Games

2010-11-10T15:06:00.003-06:00

Apparently, we're learning how to think in school! (Hooray! That's always a good lesson.)
Myla's been going around asking us to guess what she's describing...
Sometimes its very clever... like when she aks, "What is RED, has a stem, and is verrrrry crunchy?"
An apple!
Other times, YOU feel very clever - because you can always guess the right answer. For example, I bet you can guess what she's thinking about when she asks, "What is rooooundd, has a sparkly thing in it, and looks like your ring?" Um.... wait.... give me one sec... My ring??? YES! Got it!
So, after she described Mommy and Addie, she proceeded to describe Daddy... Are you ready? She got this far before she was interrupted by bursts of continuous laughter from the big (and hairless) people of the house: "Who is our FAVORITE booooy... who has NO haaaair..." Hahahahahahahaha! Hahahahaahahahhaah! HahahahahahahHAHAHAAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHHAHAHAHAHAHA!

These moments help make the crabby-baby days more tolerable! Thanks God for laughter.

TIP: Laugh. Repeat.
A QUOTE: "Even if there is nothing to laugh about, laugh on credit." ~ Author Unknown
WHIDFML: Spent the majority of a recent Sunday in the best company in the world, surrounded by nature and sun, learning how to field-hunt for waterfowl (which I'm pretty much hooked on already, btw), took the long walk (exercise!) to and from the truck (my virgin off-road adventures), armed with my camera to document the day. Did I mention it was one of the most brilliant sunsets I've ever witnessed? Yes, I felt completely weightless for a whole day! More Pleeeease!

Life...

2010-11-10T14:48:00.006-06:00

"Our hopes & expectations.... Black holes & revelations...." ~Muse

The above song lyrics are indicative of life a lot of times...
(Music Vid can be found HERE)

Hopes & Expectations:

~ The family would be not only willing, but excited to watch the girls when we needed a date and/or a weekend (or longer) get-away

~ Determined to be free from depending on others for my own goal achievement/ happiness

~ Having children will be fulfilling and enjoyable, and you can do many things that you would normally do - "just with kids now"

~ I can make it through all of the time-sacrifice until the kids are both in school. It's only a short time in my life.

~ It's easier when it's your own kids...

~ Expected to be able to have more time to myself/ with Joel...

Black Holes...:

~ The family is out of town every weekend, the dynamic has dramatically shifted - at least on one side - and everyone's too busy on a regular basis...

~ Realizing that I've had to depend on people in order to have breaks away from being inundated with children 24/7. Creative problem-solving is a start, but doesn't babysit your kids for ya!

~ While fulfilling in one aspect, having kids means giving up so much of what is important to you in the beginning stages, that you have to work really hard to not give up who you are/ forget about what gives your life meaning/ joy... (in addition to the kids!)

~ The sudden realization that you have 2 more years until they are both in school full-time (allowing me some 'me-time', and more time to work on my photo projects)

~ Myla is "my own kid", and the most difficult child I've had to contend with - ever!

~ Been really hard to make time together sans-children and time for myself happen because of that whole need-to-depend-on-people-who-aren't-available thing...

...And Revelations:

~ Hey.... we can hire someone who loves kids to help out!

Most people don't get it... They have 1 (relatively normal/ laid-back) kid, or a nanny... or they have retired parents who are available to help... Or, they work outside the home - and so have regular child-care on hand... Sure, there are others out there who are with their kids consistently - and don't fit into any of those categories. Those people are either incredibly laid-back, don't have goals that involve keeping a connection with their spouse/ time for themselves - OR they don't give enough of a rip in the first place.

But that was one revelation that can help! It hit me; Why don't WE get a nanny?! I don't think it's asking too much to want one or 2 days a week where I can depend on having some time to accomplish things for myself. I also don't think a few date-nights, and a couple of trips away are asking too much either - to remain fulfilled. Plus, it's good for everyone. The girls benefit from having parents who get to do things that make them happy in life. And so - I again realize that I do not need to depend on people for this... I can locate a person who specializes in this! Wallah! Let the nanny research begin!

Another revelation: I'm always the most actively looking to 'write' (aka: blog) when I'm in the very throws of complete & utter chaos! Guess this is good therapy!

TIP: Writing can be good therapy! ;) Out-of-brain... onto-paper.
A QUOTE: "All earthly delights are sweeter in expectation than in enjoyment; but all spiritual pleasures more in fruition than in expectation." ~Francois Fenelon
WHIDFML: Let go of the pressure or expectation that in order to be a "good mom" - you have to either be there with your kids constantly - or leave them in the care of family. Time to find me some chosen 'family'!

So Honest!

2010-10-14T16:27:00.002-05:00

This Photo by Joel

While driving home following a friend's event celebration, we realized that in our haste to make it there on time, we dressed in clothing that had been shoved to the back of the closet for the summer...

Joel was the first to mention it... "Hey, do I (sniff, sniff) - do I smell like... closet, or something?"

"I know!" I exclaimed, happy that it wasn't only me thinking this... "I thought I smelled like closet! Do I???" Joel was quick to reassure me that he hadn't noticed it on me, but that he thought he could sense it on himself. I felt the same way... In my mind, I was beginning to wonder whether we were smelling each other? Just then, a little peep out of the back seat remarked, "I think ya BOTH stink!" Ah, 4-year-old, blunt honesty.

Suddenly, I didn't care if I smelled funny... I was laughing too hard to give a rip!

TIP: Rotate clothing stock, and/ or open the window in your closet when you are so lucky as to have one in there! ;)

A QUOTE: "An idealist is one who, on noticing that roses smell better than a cabbage, concludes that it will also make better soup." ~H. L. Mencken

WHIDFML: Bought 6 tops, 2 of which are sweater-dresses per my mood/ preference, a pair of kick-ass cowgirl-lookin' jeans, and a purse, all for less than $18 at the thrift store!!! Now that's what I'm talkin' 'bout!

Comedians in Training

2010-10-14T15:22:00.003-05:00

Myla: "Who is the person in charge of a restaurant?"

Joel: "A Chef"

Myla: "What did the gorilla say to the chef?"

Joel: "What?"

Myla: "DUH! Gorillas don't talk to chefs!"

Upon hearing the above interaction...

Addie: "Why does the froggie say ribbit?"

Joel: "Why?"

Addie: "Ummmmmmmmmmmm......."

Addie: "Why does the birdie say 'tweet'?"

Joel: "Why?"

Addie: "Tweet Tweet! ahahahahahaha!"

TIP: Set a good example by following your heart. Then, allow them to do the same.

A QUOTE: "A friendly look, a kindly smile, one good act, and life's worthwhile." ~Author Unknown

WHIDFML: Joel & I shared gluten-free pizza at "the Luce'" (pronounced "looch" - by us - as we lovingly refer to it) before enjoying the final Twins game of the season at the stadium. [Pizza Luce's gf pizza = heaven]

1st Day of School!

2010-10-14T15:02:00.002-05:00

Sooooo... One piece of mother's vengeance that I will not have to endure: Children screaming, crying & clinging like Koalas, because they don't want to go to school! Hooray! Hooray! Myla loves school!!

However, I guess when one isn't crying, the other must be - or what would I do with myself???
Poor Ad, she felt so left out those first few visits. But alas, she's looking forward to school that much more. So be it.

I'm not so sure Addie will require formal schooling to get by in the world. After dropping Myla off for her very first day, she broke-down over her desire to stay and play with the big kids. I explained that she'd get to do this next year, and in the meantime Addie is too little, and mommy is too big, to stay and play.

But boy - did she play... She played her cards indescribably well, in fact! While in the truck on our way out of the parking lot, she pleaded with her poutiest pout, and her widest eyes, "Mommy? Can we go to a store and pick out a toooooooy?? Pleeeeeease?!"
How could I deny her? (Especially when there is a dollar-section in the local Target?!)

She's way ahead of the game already! Hahahahaha.

A TIP: This one is passed along from a friend... If you drop a stick or 2 of cinnamon into your jug of Vinegar, the next time you clean, the scent will be neutralized. It worked! Now Myla doesn't have to hold her nose every time I use it.
A QUOTE: "You learn something every day if you pay attention." ~Ray LeBlond
WHIDFML: Spent much of this delicious summer outdoors. (Hence, the primary reason for my blogging hiatus as well!)

Am I the Only One????

2010-08-18T22:02:00.004-05:00

I CAN'T be!
I mean, if you go into a store browsing cards, and come upon one bearing a photo of a little girl in a princess costume with a 'growl' on her face (similar to above) that reads like this:
"I CAN'T go into the store because it's Tuesday and I have a SCRATCH on my arm!" It can only mean this is more common than it seems, right??? (RIGHT?! Someone? Anyone?)
When opened, the interior finishes the thought with a wish for a 'relatively drama-free day' to the recipient. HEY! I'll take it - even if I bought it for MYSELF.

I'm not exaggerating when I share that Myla nearly quoted the card the very next day, as we were making our way into a store, by blurting out, "But I CAN'T go inside because my leg hurts and I need SUNGLASSES!" I looked at Joel like, "See?" We both laughed at the time - because the timing was truly uncanny. But in everyday life - it's no laughing matter for the 24-hour-a-day mom! We moms can only handle so much drama before our brains melt... And mine is again, on the verge of just that. Things are growing mushy up there these days~

I tried to explain to Joel that it's not so much that I need to get away from the girls... It's just that I need a few moments (okay, many more moments) of quiet... calm... the ability to finish a thought... an opp to pee all by myself (another funny card, mind you!)... simply - to not have the demands of constant supervision, refereeing, begging kids to eat & sleep, and the general racket & chaos that comes with having 2 kids under the age of 4 in the same house with you. If you're not careful - it can consume you. I don't know how some people make themselves go 'numb' enough to deal... (Though most tips from friends included alcohol!) I also don't really know how to 'train' Myla not to be so damn dramatic about everything.

Tonight - when I handed her multiple consequences following multiple misdemeanors on her part - she exclaimed, "You're driving me crazy!" UHUH! Sorry honey - other way around. I guess there's another thing I should be more careful about discussing within earshot. But I think sometimes they actually NEED to really understand that they are misbehaving, and you can show it through your disappointment. There's no reason to hide your discontentment with naughty behavior. I can recall when I was a kid, one of my major motivators in generally being good/ usually listening to my parents was that I didn't want to disappoint them. If they don't really feel that their actions affect anyone - what makes them want to discontinue them?? Just like you can't let them out of their consequences - and still teach them that they will have to deal with the outcome of their choices.

She did later feel bad, and apologize - but I think it was a big disappointment for her, when she realized that while I welcomed her apology and reassured her lovingly - it didn't mean she was allowed to get out of her consequences. I don't want this night to unfold again any time soon... (make that - ever).

So - blogging it here... in search of someone who can confirm that I'm not the only one living in chaos and drama at so many consistent intervals?? - Hello?? Somebody?? (I'm only hearing my own echo... Damn!) Also trying to get it off my chest. There. That's better. Repeat this mantra with me now, "Drama-Free is the Life for Me!" (I'm a member of this page on facebook!) ;)

Ciao fo now!

TIP: If they sense weakness, they will play that key over and over and over and over.... Discipline must be consistent and strong. Not easy - but worth it.
A Quote: “To see your drama clearly is to be liberated from it.” ~Ken S. Keyes jr.
Bonus Quote: “What allows us, as human beings, to psychologically survive life on earth, with all of its pain, drama, and challenges, is a sense of purpose and meaning” ~Barbara De Angelis
WHIDFML: Totally vegged-out tonight once I got the girls into bed (early!!)... Watched the season premier of Master Chef. I needed to just stop my brain from spinning for a while. Seemed to help with that numbness I was needing ;)

Fellow Gluten-Free State-Fair-Goers... Rejoice!

2010-08-17T22:32:00.003-05:00

JUST have to share my HUGE JOY!!! Even more to look forward to at that Great MN Get-Together! Yes, Yes, YES!!!!!!!!!!!!

Here is the State Fair's 2010 list of Gluten Free foods: GF Vendor List MN State Fair 2010

Here are the people you can thank for this list (find them in the HealthFair11bldg at the fair!): Northland Celiacs

Here is the blogger I must thank for having found this! The Savvy Celiac

Now, all I have to do is control myself when the rest of the fam is devouring those corn dogs~ [sheepish grin] This year: Joel and I take the girls... and on another occasion, we go sans-children! Score: Best of both worlds!

TIP: When one door closes, seek the open doors you hadn't noticed before :)

A QUOTE: "One of the very nicest things about life is the way we must regularly stop whatever it is we are doing and devote our attention to eating." ~Luciano Pavarotti and William Wright, Pavarotti, My Own Story

WHIDFML: Caught up with a friend over Mojitos by the creek - after a walk by the river. Cheers to that! Had a blast, Karen!!

Mommy Doesn't Like Baby-Sitting...

2010-08-17T22:11:00.001-05:00

Laughing already? Me too! She's right... I'm not so hip on 'baby-sitting'. I love my daughters, and am glad to have the opportunity to be home with them, but I'm not supposed to feel like I'm BABY-SITTING! It's supposed to be different when it's "your own kids" - hahahaha! Yeah, anywho... I'm going on roughly a month of no 'mommy-day'; These are days that I've grown to not only appreciate, but count on... and desperately NEED. I mean, again, I adore my babes, but we need those mommy-breaks. And, when I don't get one for an extended period of time, I find myself falling into that whole 'my brain can't finish a thought again' mode. Wait... what was I just saying? Oh - right! Okay - something about my brain getting fried. Love, Love, LOVE 'em! But, need time away to refresh as well. With 2 little ones at your feet - it kind of feels a lot like, well, chaos at times!

Funny how the girl put it. Joel says, "Hey - I'm gonna head up and start some food... Can you manage this one?" (meaning Myla) I gave him the "For REALZIES?!?" look of "DUDE, I'm FRIED - and I can't get up..." Myla seemed to catch on [though she'd been overhearing my discussions with Joel about (finally) formulating that "plan-b" for when the retired grandparents become unavailable for a day off... I guess I should be more cautious about being within earshot!] She looked at me, and looked at him with a pout, saying, "Mommy doesn't like baby-sitting." We laughed! She did too - she gets that I love her with all my being, and even said she has fun when she's with me! ;) So that was reassuring.

TIP: Just do it. [I'd have taken my sis up on her offer to help out at times like these - but she's been so busy too lately - I just couldn't bring myself to do it. I'll definitely need to give her a buzz. The girls have been talking about her a lot lately. They miss her!]

A QUOTE: "This is ridiculous. It's crazy. I feel like I'm babysitting, except I'm not getting paid." [Insert gum-chomping and eye-rolling here] ~Stef, in The Goonies

WHIDFML: Bought & tried a gluten-free soft-baked cookie found in the natural foods section at Cub. Not many in there for the price - but it's all healthy - and considering that - they're rather good! Also picked up some Betty Crocker gf choc-chip cookie mix! Can't wait to try. If it's as good as their gf cake mix - I'll be SOOOOO happy! [I miss cookies.]

Gotta Give My Props!

2010-08-17T21:46:00.006-05:00

Okay - I just have a freakin' LIST of great products/ tips here... This may count as one, giant TIP and WHIDFML!

Thought I had to choose between greys or tumultuous tresses... No longer! I DID find a "happy medium" product out there (somewhere in between making a mess of every shirt worn, pillow-case slept upon, or towel dried with - and the opposite extreme: harsh chemicals that make your color last longer)... It's Herbatint! Can only be found online - for approx $10/ box... PLUS $6 s&h... BUT, the bonus is that since I'm only applying streaky-low-lights, I get 2 uses out of that box! It's SO much better for the hair, FAB color, and my strands are still manageable and low-maintenance! I use 2 additionally new (and inexpensive) products to help with that trend: Garnier Fructis brand Sleek & Shine Anti-frizz serum... ($4-5/ bottle, need one to two pumps - me love you long time), AND, same brand 3-Minute Undo, Tripple Nutrition conditioning treatment ($3/ tube). *TRICK: leave a tad in the hair - don't completely rinse out. The combo works wonders when color-treating... and this new colorant is such a find!

Also recently substituted our regular Seventh Generation Dish-washing Liquid Gel with a Method brand of drop-in-style detergent. Never again! Seventh Gen works miraculously on dishes - whereas the Method brand left a film over EVERYTHING. (BTW - this film doesn't simply rinse away... must be scrubbed off.) While I'm a huge fan of Method brand for other cleaning items - this one didn't slice it for us.

For fellow Gluten-intolerant folks out there - I found a french bread & pizza mix by Gluten Free Pantry that turned our home-made pizza into now-edible-YUM! The only prob is that I can't seem to find it anywhere locally... We found this in the grocery store up in Alexandria, MN. May need to ask my MIL to pick them up for us periodically! (Still haven't managed the google search...)
We also found there, a package of "Premium Gluten Free English Muffins" by GLUMNO. OMG - TDF! Tastes just like the "real" thing ;) Still a pending search to locate more of these as well...

While I'm at it - I might as well also throw in a BOO for soy products... It's SOOOOO frustrating to me that I had to find out about this possibility via another health-aware friend, and DIG for the information to learn that there may be cause for concern over the supposed "super-food" that's been sweeping the market. Not surprisingly, all of the 'yay-sayers' (at least in this very informative article - provided below) are somehow influenced by the financial gain to be obtained by the soy market. I have to say that I've had some really strange effects when I've consumed it - particularly when I've consumed it via multiple sources in one day. (ie: soybeans in the veggies w/ dinner, and a glass of soy milk...) We were using butter made from soy, soy milk, soy beans, soy-based ice cream, tofu etc, etc, etc... After reading this - combined with my own odd experiences and bodily reactions - I've been phasing it out of our diet. The thing that angers me, however, is that when our daughter was determined to be lactose intolerant, and I found myself pregnant again - we moved to formula - that was of course, soy-based. Thankfully, that formula didn't agree with our second daughter, and we wound up feeding her a milk-based product for the majority of her infancy. BUT ARGH! It pisses me off that our FDA will approve anything that means financial gain - even allowing false/ unconfirmed health claims to promote the product's use in nearly everything now. Thankfully - there is such thing as a soy allergy (sorry to those of you who may suffer from it!) But I think that's the only reason manufacturers are continuing to make soy-free options! See article HERE

This does lead into my final happy-point for this post: Calcium-fortified RICE DREAM! I love it. Thank you to the makers of this, as well as to another fab find: Trader Joe's Organic Whole Grain Drinks! It's just like milk - so tasty. Now that I'm mildly dairy intolerant (milk), and want to avoid the noticeable-whether-scientifically-proven-or-not-hazards of soy... along with my need to ingest whole grains that aren't gluten-laden, these are my saving grace! (I LOVE milk.)

ALSO! Since we ousted the soy ice cream, we decided to try a regular ice cream: TJ's Super Premium Ice Cream in chocolate... HOLY SHEISSE! I'm in LOVE. (Thankfully, my bod can handle 'dairy' in the form of ice cream, cheese, and other processed forms.)
I may have plugged them before - but in general - I heart Trader Joe's! They specialize in unique, hard-to-find, gourmet, and ALL-NATURAL (many, many organic options) of AFFORDABLE groceries! I don't know what I did without them. And as a Gluten-avoiding girl, it's truly amazing! Check out their list of gluten-free goods (6 pages long!!!!) TJ's Gluten-Free List

Whew! Now that I got all of that off of my chest... I feel like I've done my duty to spread the word. Kudos!

A QUOTE: "Enthusiasm is excitement with inspiration, motivation, and a pinch of creativity. "
~Bo Bennett

Fave Convo Eva

2010-08-10T23:50:00.002-05:00

Yep. This pretty much registers as my favorite conversation ever... Keep in mind, Addie is 2-1/2!

Addie was Laying her head on the arm of a chair away from all of us, feeling crabby... She turns to me as I pass by her, asking, "Mommy, What you doing?"
Me: "I'm going to go do some laundry." (I kiss her cheek)
Addie: "Can you give me a kissy?" (puckering her lips)
Me: (Getting down onto the floor at her level) "I sure can." (shared kiss on the mouth)
Addie: "You sure can, Mommy... Thank you Mommy. I like when you give my (me) kissies."
Me: "Well I love to give you kissies - and I LOVE YOU!"
Addie: "My (I) love you mommy.... K - Leave me alone now... You go out there." (pointing the way)
Me: (Laughing!) "Okay - I'll go do my laundry now..."
Addie: "O-kaaaay."

Had to blog it before I forgot the details! One of those moments I must engrave into memory forever :)

TIP: Pick up a small goodie-bag of dollar-toys ($1-bins at Target/ Dollar-Store) and a few treats to occupy the kiddos during long road-trips. Worth every buck!

A QUOTE: God gave us memories that we might have roses in December. ~J.M. Barrie

WHIDFML: Took a vacation in the wilderness. L.O.V.E. it!

2-Year-Olds RULE!!!

2010-07-13T12:53:00.001-05:00

They are such funny creatures :)
So, I'm playing "hide-n-seek" with my babes in the basement the other day. I'm thinking up every possible hiding locale for human beings my size (the game sure changes when you get taller!)
Some of my spots are so darn good, that I have to give them little clues so they can find me. [Either that - or I'm just playing with two toddlers. Hmmm. Little of both??] So my trickiest quarters thus far were located inside the shower in the bathroom. I left the curtain open just a couple of inches. The door opens in - and partially covers the shower on that end. I had previously hidden behind said door, and had to 'knock' on it a few times before the little hounds sniffed me out.
So, now I'm perched inside the shower, and I can hear them going back and forth past the bathroom in wild pursuit. "Where is she be?" I hear Addie inquire. After a few minutes of this, I decide to reach past the partially open curtain to again 'knock' on the door situated just beyond it. A few occurrences of this, and eventually they make their way INTO the bathroom. The door swings in the opposite direction, and they see that I'm not standing there this time. They exit once again. So I knock another time. This time they are sure it came from this same area, but they are still perplexed. I am fighting to hold back the giggles as they begin knocking on surrounding surfaces in an effort to get a similar response. Clever. (But I didn't bite. They were too close!) ;) At about this time, I see a very small hand in the shape of a fist reach in behind the door and knock on it. When nothing came of that, this little clenched bumble of fingers, baby-pudge, and dimples extended itself beyond the door to the tiles on the shower's edge. I'm thinking, "This is it - she found me!" But no... I hear her move over to the other side of the room, and by the way her voice echos, she must be hovering directly over the bowl as she leans in and asks out loud, "Is she in the potty??? Nooooooo!" Now I'm nearly in tears as I hold back my giggles. Nope. Even if I could fit into that spot - I think I'd opt-out of that one! Thanks anyway. (And Addie, pleeeeease, don't hide there when it's my turn to count again!!)

TIP: Johnson & Johnson's Children's Hair Detangling Spray is really fab. Addie's tight curls need a little somethin' - and this is that somethin'. Plus, it keeps her curls beautiful, without weight, greasiness, or stickiness. (Walgreens brand was a close second!)
A QUOTE: "Laughter on one's lips is a sign that the person down deep has a pretty good grasp of life." ~Hugh Sidey
WHIDFML: Went with hub-love & kiddies on a beautiful evening bike ride. It successfully wound the girls down for bed, and gave me wind for some late-night photo-blogging :) I like that combo of effects!

Interesting Insight

2010-06-24T14:27:00.003-05:00

Today I read this article about Happy, Successful women, as chronicled on Oprah.com. See link below to check it out:
Oprah.com Article

I realized something as I read about the piece describing how successful women actually LACK balance. Instead, they consistently strive for tilting the scales in their preferred direction, and moving toward what makes them happy. It was interesting, although I feel they took a kind of dramatic/ extreme perspective on what "balance" means (ie:..."For every school play I should attend, cut out a presentation on the road?"...) Their examples are a bit drastic, but do touch on what balance typically refers to. That's never been what I've intended in seeking a sense of "balance". For me it has meant being able to fully embrace & enjoy all of the many varied aspects of life that mean something to me (ie: kids, husband, friends, family, creativity/ art, and many many activities that interest me.) While I'm not about giving each of those aspects "equal" time, I am about making sure that I'm putting more time into those things, without shorting myself of any one of them, particularly not due to directing my time to needless 'shoulds' by the standards of others. But it got me thinking - that perhaps balance isn't really quite what I'm going for. And then it hit me... I think it's more about PRIORITIES. Saying yes more to the things that are meaningful to us, and no to the things that aren't fulfilling or necessary. Thought it was a poignant insight!! And the article is worth sharing :)

Kudos to Oprah.com for opening my eyes to the difference!

TIP: You can start to re-direct your life... one step at a time! It took me a few years to get to where I am now with that trend... and obviously I still can apply some fine-tuning. Let's LIVE as we learn :)
A QUOTE: “Live this day as if it will be your last. Remember that you will only find ''tomorrow'' on the calendars of fools. Forget yesterday's defeats and ignore the problems of tomorrow. This is it. Doomsday. All you have. Make it the best day of your year. The saddest words you can ever utter are, ''If I had my life to live over again. ''Take the baton, now. Run with it! This is your day! Beginning today, treat everyone you meet, friend or foe, loved one or stranger, as if they were going to be dead at midnight. Extend to each person, no matter how trivial the contact, all the care and kindness and understanding and love that you can muster, and do it with no thought of any reward. Your life will never be the same again.” ~Og Mandino
WHIDFML: Took a cat-nap while the girls played nicely near my side!

"Getting Married" at the Age of (Almost) Four

2010-06-24T13:10:00.002-05:00

Myla: Let's play WEDDING!!!!
Me: Okay. Who's getting married??
Myla: (Raised eyebrows & backward-pointing-motion) "ME!"
Me: Okay... Who are you going to marry?
Myla: Hmmmmm. Ummmm. I'm going to marry... Ummmmm. KIMMY! AND John, and Jenni, and Uncle JEFF! (all aunts & uncles)

Say it with me now: "Awwwwwwww" :)

TIP: Carry around water bottles and/ or juice cups all the time in the heat of summer. They are more likely to drink from them if they aren't out-of-sight, out-of-mind~
A (funny!)QUOTE: “Why get married and make one man miserable when I can stay single and make thousands miserable?” ~Carrie P. Snow
WHIDFML: 3 words ~ Fruit-filled-Popsicles!

Where the HECK???

2010-06-23T21:38:00.004-05:00

So... I've been missing my pink fleece sweatpants now for - hmmm... a few months at least.

Today, the top half of my favorite pj's went missing. I re-traced my steps............ I was putting away freshly-washed sheets, while pulling out new ones... I put new sheets onto the bed.... I put away a quilt in another closet... I did some laundry... I put some clean clothes away...
Of course, upon realizing that half of my pajamas were MIA, I decided to search for them in the order listed above. Wouldn't you know it? The last place I checked = the place where they resided... in one of the drawers in JOEL'S dresser - along with a pair of my underware!! Little stink #2 took it upon herself to "help" mommy with laundry this morning - when I hadn't noticed yet. How thoughtful ;)
There is one mystery unraveled. I was in suspense for far too long! Now... I seriously wonder where in the heck she decided to stash those sweatpants! If I don't find them again by winter, I think I'll count them as a permanent loss ~ Such is life when 2-year-olds 'help'. Where is that drive to help when they are actually old enough to make it count? ;)

TIP: Start your kids young with wearing hats outside in summer too... It blocks the sun from their face and eyes - and offers better protection than sunblock alone! I got them used to it as infants. When they were old enough to start to object, and attempt to remove their head-dresses - I'd bring them into the house immediately. They QUICKLY learned that outside=hats. Period. Not worth doubling their risk of skin-cancer by unwittingly exposing them to too much sun at an early age.
A QUOTE: "Lost time is never found again." ~Benjamin Franklin
WHIDFML: Danced and danced away the morning in the living room with my girls, per their beckoning! We had a BLAST!! Many thanks to MPR for the great play-list :)

Dam(aged)ned If I Do...

2010-06-23T13:24:00.004-05:00

Sure.... The stress recedes by oodles, just a little too late. The damage has been done - at least in so much as my mop is concerned.

I decided to color my hair (low-lights) at home... Even after upping the anti from my $3 box'o'hair-fun to a $7.50 box of Natural Instincts, my hair had begun to morph into a straw-like, course, frizz-prone, obnoxious version of itself. (I swear it is its own being up there!) Although this brand claims to be less harmful because it's considered "semi-permanent" - I found my hair to be crazier yet after applying it! BLAH. Now I remember why I avoided color-for-fun previously. Even though it IS super fun... I'm toying with the idea of embracing my personal "sliver-lining" again, and trying to "age gracefully" without the color enhancements. :( Sad, but at the same time... I'll be overjoyed to have my NICE hair return! The deep-conditioning treatments are helping to get me through for now~

A bit frustrating though - that my options are either, A) Damaged & difficult to manage, but funky-colored hues... OR, B) Soft, shiny, well-behaved, and GRAY patches. I think if I were 40-something, rather than 30-something... I wouldn't even wince at nature's preferred course. However, it just seems a little too soon (and I was enjoying the justification for the fun-color-concoctions!) Sigh...

Damaged if I do, damned if I don't? I dunno. I suppose I could consider applying the color STRICTLY to the 2 face-framing gray patches... Would this be a little too symmetrical? Probably. There is some possibility of finding a non-permanent color... (But my Q is - will it be re-deposited to pillow-cases, clothing, & hair towels with every shower, sweat & swim??) Not so sure there is a happy-medium for this situation! But there are a lot of hotties out there sporting gray foliage! I just have to keep it youthful! ;) Gray-headed Hotties!

TIP: Sometimes we have to choose based what makes us happier. For me - care-free, low-maintenance hair is preferred over fun & funky hues. Gray IS going to be my new hue. (And actually - its very silver... which I kind of dig!)

A QUOTE: "Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter." ~Mark Twain

WHIDFML: Splurged on a spendy brand of conditioner to heal my hair and keep it soft & manageable... Not quite back to the 'norm' yet, but it's helped immensely.