Nothing can possibly make one feel stupider (see what I mean) than trying to follow the directions to update one's blog, making it a three column layout, only to have one of the columns NOT SHOW UP.
Do you see it? My third column that I diligently added?
Yeah, me either.
AND, to add insult to injury, I'm supposed to be teaching a blogging class in a few short weeks. (More to come on that later.) How ironic is that? Maybe I'll title it "What Not To Do In Blogdom" or "How To Be An Idiot And Still Be Asked To Do Things." I have lots of learning to do.
Gotta run. I've got to get back to reading my copy of "Blogging For Dummies."
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Dear Spence, Hannah, Sienna and Austin,
Did you feel it when you woke up this morning? That buzz in the air, that magic that only happens at Christmas? I sure did. Today and tomorrow are perhaps my favorite days of the year, not because of all the goodies we'll get, but because it's the only time when it feels like all bets are off and anything is possible. I love it.
When I was growing up, my parents always did an amazing job making everything sparkle and glow and I used to think that someday Christmas would feel different to me and lose some of it's magic. Here's a little secret: it hasn't. Christmas now is only more sparkly and glowy because I get to experience it all with my five favorite people on the planet. The four of you and Daddy make up everything I've ever wanted for Christmas and I love the gifts you each are to me. Tomorrow, amongst all the boxes and bows and piles of wrapping paper, remember this: you are among the luckiest to have been sent to a family who, although messes things up every now and again, loves you more than anything. I hope that will always be the best present you've ever received.
Today we will spend our time making treats, tracking Santa, and telling stories. Tomorrow we will fill the house with family, food, presents and fun. In the middle of it all, Daddy and I will be watching you and loving the family we've created.
Can't wait to meet you under the tree tomorrow. Merry Christmas!
Love,
Mama
Did you feel it when you woke up this morning? That buzz in the air, that magic that only happens at Christmas? I sure did. Today and tomorrow are perhaps my favorite days of the year, not because of all the goodies we'll get, but because it's the only time when it feels like all bets are off and anything is possible. I love it.
When I was growing up, my parents always did an amazing job making everything sparkle and glow and I used to think that someday Christmas would feel different to me and lose some of it's magic. Here's a little secret: it hasn't. Christmas now is only more sparkly and glowy because I get to experience it all with my five favorite people on the planet. The four of you and Daddy make up everything I've ever wanted for Christmas and I love the gifts you each are to me. Tomorrow, amongst all the boxes and bows and piles of wrapping paper, remember this: you are among the luckiest to have been sent to a family who, although messes things up every now and again, loves you more than anything. I hope that will always be the best present you've ever received.
Today we will spend our time making treats, tracking Santa, and telling stories. Tomorrow we will fill the house with family, food, presents and fun. In the middle of it all, Daddy and I will be watching you and loving the family we've created.
Can't wait to meet you under the tree tomorrow. Merry Christmas!
Love,
Mama
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Dear Austin,
My man, my man, where has the time gone? Today is your sixth month birthday and I honestly can't believe how quickly we've gotten here. Your life is moving by way too quickly for my liking. You continue to be a complete dream baby and I love the giggles you now offer up on a regular basis. You smile and laugh, love to see your siblings faces, and are working ever so diligently on sitting upright all by yourself. But my favorite thing? The thing that reminds me once again that you were sent here for me at just the right time? You've been waking up once or twice a night for the past few weeks and while it would generally be frustrating, I know you are doing it to save me. To give me time to study your sweet face and hold you close. To let me forget about all the things I have to do in the holiday rush of this busy season and just be still. To be alone with you in the wee hours and rock you back and forth. I always fall into the most restful sleep once we've had our little rendezvous together because you calm me like no other. You remind me of what's important and reassure me that I'm doing ok. That your brother and sisters will turn out alright, that they know I love them fiercely and that this fight to raise you all as your father and I see fit is worth the battle. You do all that my sweet little man, and I can't thank you enough.
Happy birthday Buzz.
Love,
Mama
My man, my man, where has the time gone? Today is your sixth month birthday and I honestly can't believe how quickly we've gotten here. Your life is moving by way too quickly for my liking. You continue to be a complete dream baby and I love the giggles you now offer up on a regular basis. You smile and laugh, love to see your siblings faces, and are working ever so diligently on sitting upright all by yourself. But my favorite thing? The thing that reminds me once again that you were sent here for me at just the right time? You've been waking up once or twice a night for the past few weeks and while it would generally be frustrating, I know you are doing it to save me. To give me time to study your sweet face and hold you close. To let me forget about all the things I have to do in the holiday rush of this busy season and just be still. To be alone with you in the wee hours and rock you back and forth. I always fall into the most restful sleep once we've had our little rendezvous together because you calm me like no other. You remind me of what's important and reassure me that I'm doing ok. That your brother and sisters will turn out alright, that they know I love them fiercely and that this fight to raise you all as your father and I see fit is worth the battle. You do all that my sweet little man, and I can't thank you enough.
Happy birthday Buzz.
Love,
Mama
My Bitmob
It's Kelly's birthday!
Everyone needs a Kelly in their life. She just makes things better.
I have known her for 30 years and have loved every second.
Some of my favorite Kellyisms....
*She has a mind like a steel trap.
She remembers everything, to the smallest detail which is perfect for me because I don't remember a thing.
*She is loyal and kind
*She thinks I'm funny
*She gives great advice
(which is great since she's lived so much longer than me)
*She was by my side for every second of Austin's labor and delivery, offering me nothing but encouragement and praise (something I really needed)
*She is a tremendous mother
*She found a man to marry who is worthy of her company
*She is raising two of the kindest young men I've ever seen
*She has been there for every major moment of my life and I wouldn't have it any other way
I hope you have a fantastic day filled with Starbucks, some alone time at TJ Maxx, some Coldplay in the background, and a delish dinner at The Cheesecake Factory.
I love you!
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Dashing Through The Snow
I'm ba-humbugging here in a big way.
I had to deliver the last batch of T-shirts to the school this morning, something that I am so happy to be done with. The three littlest kids were with me which meant more chaos than normal but I was up to the challenge. As I took the three kids into the office to wait while I went back to get the HUGE box of shirts, some random woman remarked to me "you really should have more on your baby!"
Seriously? I was instantly annoyed because my sweet babe was swaddled to the hilt. Regular clothes, covered up with his snowsuit, stocking cap covered up with snowsuit hat, large blanket over the whole stinkin' thing. What else could I have added? An electric blanket plugged into my pocket-sized generator? Give me a break. Many things I am, neglectful mother I am not.
I let it go and made my way back out the car, pushing the button on my keys to open up the back hatch, where I got to watch the ginormous box of shirts fall upside down out of the car and spill it's contents. My nicely organized T-shirts rolled all over the parking lot and I scrambled to pick them up as the other parents drove around me. Nice. Real nice. How's that for the Christmas spirit?
After I picked everything up, I hoisted up the world's heaviest box and made my way back into the school where I distributed the T-shirts to the teacher's boxes, which have no rhyme or reason to them so it takes for.ever. Love it.
So now I'm off to do something to entertain my girls because you know what's better than having two weeks off with your kids at Christmas? Having three. The bickering is at an all time high and I might just lose my mind. The latest batch of tears was caused by one sister going up the stairs in front of the other. I know. THE NERVE.
I'm hoping to escape as soon as I hear my hubby's car in pull into the garage. Wish me luck.
I had to deliver the last batch of T-shirts to the school this morning, something that I am so happy to be done with. The three littlest kids were with me which meant more chaos than normal but I was up to the challenge. As I took the three kids into the office to wait while I went back to get the HUGE box of shirts, some random woman remarked to me "you really should have more on your baby!"
Seriously? I was instantly annoyed because my sweet babe was swaddled to the hilt. Regular clothes, covered up with his snowsuit, stocking cap covered up with snowsuit hat, large blanket over the whole stinkin' thing. What else could I have added? An electric blanket plugged into my pocket-sized generator? Give me a break. Many things I am, neglectful mother I am not.
I let it go and made my way back out the car, pushing the button on my keys to open up the back hatch, where I got to watch the ginormous box of shirts fall upside down out of the car and spill it's contents. My nicely organized T-shirts rolled all over the parking lot and I scrambled to pick them up as the other parents drove around me. Nice. Real nice. How's that for the Christmas spirit?
After I picked everything up, I hoisted up the world's heaviest box and made my way back into the school where I distributed the T-shirts to the teacher's boxes, which have no rhyme or reason to them so it takes for.ever. Love it.
So now I'm off to do something to entertain my girls because you know what's better than having two weeks off with your kids at Christmas? Having three. The bickering is at an all time high and I might just lose my mind. The latest batch of tears was caused by one sister going up the stairs in front of the other. I know. THE NERVE.
I'm hoping to escape as soon as I hear my hubby's car in pull into the garage. Wish me luck.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Oh The Weather Outside Is Frightful
Dear Marilyn,
Thank you, thank you, thank you for braving the crazy weather to bring us a blanket (a blanket that looks surprisingly new I might add!) last night. I really appreciate you in every way. You and your adorable family (when did your girls turn into models btw?) made my night. My husband remarked after you all left that you seemed like a great family and we should hang out sometime. We most definitely should.
And to everyone else, thank you for keeping your families safe and staying warm at home. I will try to plan my next act of service when the weather is a titch better! Luckily, I have a freakish amount of extra blankets so we still managed to help several people stay a bit warmer.
Love,
Karen
Thank you, thank you, thank you for braving the crazy weather to bring us a blanket (a blanket that looks surprisingly new I might add!) last night. I really appreciate you in every way. You and your adorable family (when did your girls turn into models btw?) made my night. My husband remarked after you all left that you seemed like a great family and we should hang out sometime. We most definitely should.
And to everyone else, thank you for keeping your families safe and staying warm at home. I will try to plan my next act of service when the weather is a titch better! Luckily, I have a freakish amount of extra blankets so we still managed to help several people stay a bit warmer.
Love,
Karen
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Day 2
For the past few years, I have tried to really work on the idea of service with my kids at the holidays. I know it's just as important to serve others in June as it is in December, but I'm doing my best here and since they are once again about to be inundated with shiny new things wrapped prettily from all the stores, now seems like a great time to see how the other half lives, so to speak.
Thus began the tradition of the 12 Days of Service. For the 12 days leading up to Christmas, we try to do some small thing every day for a family to show that we love them. The hard part for me is coming up with things that my kids will be able to connect to and that don't cost a ton of money. I want them to see all the small ways that we can make a difference in someone else's life.
For our first day, we made dinner for another family. Easy, and appreciated, but I know we can do better. With the temperatures dipping dangerously low in our neck of the woods for the next week or so, I started thinking of the need to keep others warm. Here's where I need your help.
Tonight, for your own FHE or just because, I urge you to stop by our house with a blanket or two that you no longer need. Whatever we collect will be donated on Tuesday to a local shelter to hand out to those in need and since shelters all over the place are bursting at the seams, I'll take whatever you have. We will have a treat for you and your family to share as you come in and get warm. What could be better than that?
I did this a few years ago and managed to collect over 200 blankets (thanks to all you lovely people) which I then shipped to an orphanage in Africa. My kids were so excited every time we opened the door to some familiar face standing there with an arm full of blankets. We washed and counted, stacked and boxed and felt so good about taking the focus off of our family which is so richly blessed and placing it where it was needed. It was awesome and the feeling of making a difference was the best. I'm not expecting anywhere near that tonight, but I know whatever we collect will make the difference for someone who is currently trying to stay warm.
You know what would be even better that this? What if those of you who don't live locally did something similar? Collect blankets, hats, mittens, whatever is needed in your home town and give it away! I know we've all said it a million times but isn't it true? It's the giving that's important.
Please try to work us into your plans tonight. Stop by anytime between 6-8, make your donation, chat with some friends, munch on some yummies, and watch your kids glow as they experience the true meaning of Christmas.
Thus began the tradition of the 12 Days of Service. For the 12 days leading up to Christmas, we try to do some small thing every day for a family to show that we love them. The hard part for me is coming up with things that my kids will be able to connect to and that don't cost a ton of money. I want them to see all the small ways that we can make a difference in someone else's life.
For our first day, we made dinner for another family. Easy, and appreciated, but I know we can do better. With the temperatures dipping dangerously low in our neck of the woods for the next week or so, I started thinking of the need to keep others warm. Here's where I need your help.
Tonight, for your own FHE or just because, I urge you to stop by our house with a blanket or two that you no longer need. Whatever we collect will be donated on Tuesday to a local shelter to hand out to those in need and since shelters all over the place are bursting at the seams, I'll take whatever you have. We will have a treat for you and your family to share as you come in and get warm. What could be better than that?
I did this a few years ago and managed to collect over 200 blankets (thanks to all you lovely people) which I then shipped to an orphanage in Africa. My kids were so excited every time we opened the door to some familiar face standing there with an arm full of blankets. We washed and counted, stacked and boxed and felt so good about taking the focus off of our family which is so richly blessed and placing it where it was needed. It was awesome and the feeling of making a difference was the best. I'm not expecting anywhere near that tonight, but I know whatever we collect will make the difference for someone who is currently trying to stay warm.
You know what would be even better that this? What if those of you who don't live locally did something similar? Collect blankets, hats, mittens, whatever is needed in your home town and give it away! I know we've all said it a million times but isn't it true? It's the giving that's important.
Please try to work us into your plans tonight. Stop by anytime between 6-8, make your donation, chat with some friends, munch on some yummies, and watch your kids glow as they experience the true meaning of Christmas.
See Those Sugar Plums Dance
Last night I loaded up my girlies and took them to see a local production of The Nutcracker. I have literally been waiting to do this since they were first born. As a girl with fifteen years of hardcore ballet study under her belt, going to the ballet has always been one of my favorite things and I couldn't wait to share it with my girls. They had been looking forward to it for days and were so excited and I have to admit, when the first note of music filled the auditorium, tears welled up in my eyes. I was completely overcome by the fullness of it all and I loved it.
I thought the production was wonderful. The costuming was superb, the set gorgeous, and the dancers rightfully trained. My only complaint is that the male lead, a professional guest dancer from American Ballet Theater, seemed to forget one crucial piece of costume, or rather something that goes under his costume. From the fifth row, me and my girls were able to see, well, everything.
I said a silent prayer of thanks that my girls were too little to notice anything until Sienna blurted out in a loud, loud voice "how come that man isn't wearning any pants Mama?"
Love it.
Other than that, the night was a raging success. We emptied out of the theater into our own winter wonderland as snow fell all around. A new Christmas tradition has begun.
Thanks to Tracy and Megan who accompanied us on our special night. Can't wait until next year.
I thought the production was wonderful. The costuming was superb, the set gorgeous, and the dancers rightfully trained. My only complaint is that the male lead, a professional guest dancer from American Ballet Theater, seemed to forget one crucial piece of costume, or rather something that goes under his costume. From the fifth row, me and my girls were able to see, well, everything.
I said a silent prayer of thanks that my girls were too little to notice anything until Sienna blurted out in a loud, loud voice "how come that man isn't wearning any pants Mama?"
Love it.
Other than that, the night was a raging success. We emptied out of the theater into our own winter wonderland as snow fell all around. A new Christmas tradition has begun.
Thanks to Tracy and Megan who accompanied us on our special night. Can't wait until next year.
Tuesday, December 09, 2008
Ear We Go Again
This little man has reason to look so upset:
My normally dreamy baby has transformed into a little monster, waking up repeatedly, refusing to nap, and crying all the live long day. And now I know why. He is battling his second ear infection in three weeks.
When Spence traveled down this road at about the same age, his journey finally ended in two surgeries to have tubes placed and one to have his adenoids removed. Let's hope Austin has an easier time.
Praise be to Augmentin and Motrin!
My normally dreamy baby has transformed into a little monster, waking up repeatedly, refusing to nap, and crying all the live long day. And now I know why. He is battling his second ear infection in three weeks.
When Spence traveled down this road at about the same age, his journey finally ended in two surgeries to have tubes placed and one to have his adenoids removed. Let's hope Austin has an easier time.
Praise be to Augmentin and Motrin!
Sunday, December 07, 2008
Travel By Numbers
127: The number of minutes I got to spend with Kelly, during which I freakishly lost my cell phone
258: The number of Christmas decorations that my mother has throughout her house. Puts me to shame and looks absolutely beautiful
2: carousel rides my children took
9: Minutes spent with Santa relaying their wish lists
(Spence: a Wii; Hannah: a dollhouse; Sienna: jewelry like Kaiya ; Austin: the ability to sit)
487: the number of times Sienna yelled out "Christmas yights!" as we drove around the city
1: visit to a colleague of Brad's whose husband recently had a liver transplant
14: hours that Austin went without napping. (What in the world did I eat?)
7,000: calories that I ate in this morning's breakfast of homemade Eggs Benedict
48: number of hours I went without knowing where my cell phone was before it mysteriously turned up in a Christmas box at Kelly's house (how bizarre is that?)
2: trips to Ikea.
4: minutes into the trip home before Sienna threw up in the car.
18 billion: snowflakes that fell making our drive home a little scary, but beautiful
6: very happy members of our family who loved their brief trip to the big city
258: The number of Christmas decorations that my mother has throughout her house. Puts me to shame and looks absolutely beautiful
2: carousel rides my children took
9: Minutes spent with Santa relaying their wish lists
(Spence: a Wii; Hannah: a dollhouse; Sienna: jewelry like Kaiya ; Austin: the ability to sit)
487: the number of times Sienna yelled out "Christmas yights!" as we drove around the city
1: visit to a colleague of Brad's whose husband recently had a liver transplant
14: hours that Austin went without napping. (What in the world did I eat?)
7,000: calories that I ate in this morning's breakfast of homemade Eggs Benedict
48: number of hours I went without knowing where my cell phone was before it mysteriously turned up in a Christmas box at Kelly's house (how bizarre is that?)
2: trips to Ikea.
4: minutes into the trip home before Sienna threw up in the car.
18 billion: snowflakes that fell making our drive home a little scary, but beautiful
6: very happy members of our family who loved their brief trip to the big city
Friday, December 05, 2008
Stop With The Miley Cyrus Already!
Last night, as I snuggled sweet Hannah in her bed, we had a conversation that we've been having a lot recently.
"Mom, I just don't want to go to school anymore."
"Why not sweetie?"
"It's just because all the kids and all the teachers call me Hannah Banana or Hannah Montana and I really don't like it. I've asked them to stop and stop but they just won't!" (said with all the fiery indignation a 6-year-old can muster!)
"Maybe instead of being sad that they call you that, you could think of it as a good thing. That people love you enough to come up with a very special name for you."
"I don't think so. I want to change my name."
"I don't think we can change your name but what do you have in mind?"
"Sparkles. I'm going to tell everyone from now on that my name is Sparkles."
"Let me know how that goes punkin."
"Mom, I just don't want to go to school anymore."
"Why not sweetie?"
"It's just because all the kids and all the teachers call me Hannah Banana or Hannah Montana and I really don't like it. I've asked them to stop and stop but they just won't!" (said with all the fiery indignation a 6-year-old can muster!)
"Maybe instead of being sad that they call you that, you could think of it as a good thing. That people love you enough to come up with a very special name for you."
"I don't think so. I want to change my name."
"I don't think we can change your name but what do you have in mind?"
"Sparkles. I'm going to tell everyone from now on that my name is Sparkles."
"Let me know how that goes punkin."
Wednesday, December 03, 2008
Oh Christmas Tree
After digging out all of our Christmas stuff for FHE the other night, I did something I never thought I'd do.
I looked around my house and thought to myself "we need more stuff!"
When it comes to decorating for the holidays, I am pretty lackadaisical. For Halloween I might throw out a pumpkin or two, for Easter I fill a small bowl with decorative eggs and that's about it. When it comes to Christmas, however, I go a little nutty. I suddenly feel like every surface of the house needs to be Merry! and Bright! I want every table to have just the right amount of holiday cheer placed perfectly upon it and even though in the past I always thought I had plenty of stuff, this year I didn't.
Most of my current selection comes from my sweet mother, who, a few years back, showed up on my doorstep on the first of December with twelve beautifully wrapped presents. She gave me my very own 12 days of Christmas and the kids and I had a blast opening a new package each day. (I hope to recreate this tradition for my own kids one day!) In addition to being fun, I acquired some very festive things that adorn all the nooks and crannies of my little house.
With the desire to fill in the blanks, I headed to JoAnn's this morning. I am not normally a JoAnn's kind of girl since I don't sew...or really craft...or make home florals....but I went to check things out. And there, in aisle after twinkling aisle, was the silver lining to the economic crisis: all of their Christmas merchandise was %60 off BEFORE CHRISTMAS.
Pretty much made my day.
I came home with bag after bag and now these halls are all decked out in boughs of holly. The house feels warmer, my kids smiles are a little bigger, and I am loving every minute of this time of year.
I looked around my house and thought to myself "we need more stuff!"
When it comes to decorating for the holidays, I am pretty lackadaisical. For Halloween I might throw out a pumpkin or two, for Easter I fill a small bowl with decorative eggs and that's about it. When it comes to Christmas, however, I go a little nutty. I suddenly feel like every surface of the house needs to be Merry! and Bright! I want every table to have just the right amount of holiday cheer placed perfectly upon it and even though in the past I always thought I had plenty of stuff, this year I didn't.
Most of my current selection comes from my sweet mother, who, a few years back, showed up on my doorstep on the first of December with twelve beautifully wrapped presents. She gave me my very own 12 days of Christmas and the kids and I had a blast opening a new package each day. (I hope to recreate this tradition for my own kids one day!) In addition to being fun, I acquired some very festive things that adorn all the nooks and crannies of my little house.
With the desire to fill in the blanks, I headed to JoAnn's this morning. I am not normally a JoAnn's kind of girl since I don't sew...or really craft...or make home florals....but I went to check things out. And there, in aisle after twinkling aisle, was the silver lining to the economic crisis: all of their Christmas merchandise was %60 off BEFORE CHRISTMAS.
Pretty much made my day.
I came home with bag after bag and now these halls are all decked out in boughs of holly. The house feels warmer, my kids smiles are a little bigger, and I am loving every minute of this time of year.
Tuesday, December 02, 2008
Do You Have A Cracker For That?
So I've been trying to figure out a clever way to recap our Thanksgiving but I've got nothing original to say. We enjoyed family, we ate way too much, we shopped a little, the end.
That is so boring. I'll try again.
Brad's family is crazy, but crazy in all the right ways. They spoiled us completely, with Tiffy opening up The Manor and letting us spread our crud all across her gorgeous slate tile. Jen cooked up a storm and planned every meal to the last detail because she knows how crazy I get when there isn't a "plan." And Brad's mom, LJ, watched my kids AROUND THE CLOCK and did everything for them that a mother who wasn't completely AWOL should have done. Uncle Matty took our pictures which assures you that you will have some gorgeous Christmas cards coming your way and I, well, didn't do too much. Which was heavenly.
I remember when Brad and I got married and feeling like although I liked Brad's family right from the start, I wasn't sure I would ever feel totally comfortable with them. It takes awhile to get used to in-laws and their ways of doing things because you've only ever known the way you do things. I am happy to report that these people completely accept me for who I am. They humor me with my neurosis about planning and organization, they let me be completely lazy while they tend my kids, and they teach me how to do things that a normal person of my age should know how to do. (Thanks for hemming my pants LJ. They're perfect!) One of my favorite things about visiting them is that I can still feel like myself and I never have to put on an act. They let me be, holey PJ's and all, and I love them for that.
That is so boring. I'll try again.
Brad's family is crazy, but crazy in all the right ways. They spoiled us completely, with Tiffy opening up The Manor and letting us spread our crud all across her gorgeous slate tile. Jen cooked up a storm and planned every meal to the last detail because she knows how crazy I get when there isn't a "plan." And Brad's mom, LJ, watched my kids AROUND THE CLOCK and did everything for them that a mother who wasn't completely AWOL should have done. Uncle Matty took our pictures which assures you that you will have some gorgeous Christmas cards coming your way and I, well, didn't do too much. Which was heavenly.
I remember when Brad and I got married and feeling like although I liked Brad's family right from the start, I wasn't sure I would ever feel totally comfortable with them. It takes awhile to get used to in-laws and their ways of doing things because you've only ever known the way you do things. I am happy to report that these people completely accept me for who I am. They humor me with my neurosis about planning and organization, they let me be completely lazy while they tend my kids, and they teach me how to do things that a normal person of my age should know how to do. (Thanks for hemming my pants LJ. They're perfect!) One of my favorite things about visiting them is that I can still feel like myself and I never have to put on an act. They let me be, holey PJ's and all, and I love them for that.
Thanks to everyone in the Treasure Valley for an awesome Thanksgiving. You guys rock.
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