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

 

 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

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...

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!

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!

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

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 -

"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!