o Christmas cards

...o Christmas cards, how much do the boys hate to take them? A lot apparently. Actually this was after I made them smile "pretty." Then I told them to make a frowny face for fun and Rhett's was a fun frown but Noah's was a little too realistic. Can you tell he really knows how to pout?

The whole Christmas card thing is bothering me. On one hand, I love getting cards and also giving the cards to show off my boys. On the other hand, I dislike having to address them. On another hand (pretend I have more than 2 hands), I could just email out my holiday greetings this year because it creates less waste. On yet another hand, there are those who would not get them then. And also, I received less cards last year than the year before and am wondering if giving cards is just too big a hassle for people. Would anyone care if they didn't receive a card from me this year? (Well, I know one person: My grandmother's friend who just loves Noah wondered where her card was this past year and even asked my mom about it. I forgot to give her one). So what to do?

Really, what do I do? Or better yet, what are you going to do?

***
The one thing I am thankful for today is this little gem found in Oprah's magazine:

Barn's burnt down-
Now I can see the moon.
-Masahide (17th-century poet)

Certainly makes you see things in a different way, doesn't it? Everything has a reason, everything has a lesson. Good things come out of bad things, you just may have to look deeper.

a short list

...My Favorite Things Today:
1. Chocolate Caramel Popcorn from the Boy Scouts. Yummy.
2. My friend Cathy
3. My Clean Bathrooms
4. This weather
5. My sweet boys
6. Seth

thanks anyway

...As I was cleaning dog poo off of a neighbor kid's shoe this afternoon, I thought, "Today hasn't been my favorite day." I guess some days are like that.

So here is "Even though it's been bad day here are some things I'm Thankful For" Thankful List:
1. My New York City photo book came in the mail-finally! Although I noticed a couple of errors (sorry girls), I think it turned out pretty good.
2. I may see both my sisters after Christmas this year! Who-hoo!
3. Seth took both the boys to cub scouts and I am all by myself right now. A good time to catch up on laundry. Oh who am I kidding? A good time to catch up on blogs.

Bye!

bet you didn't know

...I went to Longview this weekend with Seth and the boys. No, I didn't get on the computer once. I found the "post options" feature on the blog that allows you to put the time you want to publish your blog and then I wrote this weekend's blogs all at once.

Awesome!

I hope that didn't ruin your blog-reading experience. :)

Anyway, it was Scott's birthday and so we went to help him celebrate it. We had a good time. The tall trees were just beautiful there--so colorful. They have this walking path behind their house and it cuts through the trees and it was so gorgeous. It reminded me of all the beautiful stories about children walking through the woods, discovering amazing things (The Chronicles of Narnia, Bridge to Teribithia, Spiderwick Chronicles).

I would have loved having that behind my house when I was a kid. But I did have a cool backyard. We lived on a farm and there were lots of things to discover.

My Backyard Thankful List:
1. The barn: This barn was empty enough for us to play tennis inside of it. We had to be careful though because if we hit the ball too hard or too high, it would go inside the barn walls never to be found again.
2. There was a junk pile of used metal and such that my brother and I made a time machine. I think we were channeling Doc and Marty McFly's time machine when we put the junk together. We had such fun playing there.
3. Beside the junk pile was a huge climbing tree. I loved going climbing it and writing letters or reading books. It was peaceful.
4. For a long time, we had an empty pool in between our house and my grandmother's house. It even had a pool house. I think it was one of our (meaning my brother and cousins) place to play when we were together. One day we decided to clean out one of the "dressing rooms" which was full of junk and we found an old letter jacket (either belonging to my dad or aunt-I've forgotten which). We loved sweeping and cleaning that pool house. Maybe we did it in hopes that our grandparents would see how neat it was and refill the pool. Nevermind that the reason they emptied it in the first place was because it leaked and brought water in their house.
5. We had a huge yard. It became even bigger when Dad would mow it and we would have to rake it. I hated raking the yard. But I passed the time by pretending the grass was rice and we had to rake it all together so the hungry could it. It did help to imagine I was doing it for a good cause (other than the grass would die if I did not rake the grass).

I could probably go on but I am in a baking mood. It is rainy and cold and I want to make some muffins. Have a great day.

observations from where I sit

...I am sitting at my table with a witch decoration hanging on the chandaleir above me. I haven't returned the Halloween decorations to the closet yet.

Across from me are the photos of my family, from 2 years ago during Thanksgiving. I look at my nephews and nieces and sons and marvel at how fast time goes. All the children in the pictures look so young and chubby-faced.

Behind me are my cluttered shelves; stuffed full of crafts, scrapbooks and books about the environment, education, taking care of our bodies and gardening. There are many magazines where I have dog-eared pages that have gift ideas. On top of the shelves are things I love--Noah's "Van Gogh" artwork that he painted in art class, Rhett's portrait of me from Mother's Day last year, two drawings from both the boys that I framed, my tiled mirror that my mom surprised me with one Christmas and my LIVE sign which reminds me to be happy.

I am surrounded by clutter on my side of the table-my camera, stacks of school papers, my date book and the current book I am reading. There is a blue and green bowl where I house my keys and sunglasses. I have a water glass by my side at all times because I always have a dry mouth. Should that be something I look into? Hmm. There are two framed pictures of our beach vacation from this summer. I look at these pictures and see fun and peace.

The boys' side of the table only has a toy magazine and a green marker on it right now. Noah has taken after me and marks what he likes.

Noah's chair has stickers on it. Many "n" s. These stickers will probably be hard to take off and I will probably be annoyed while doing that but for now I smile.

This room is our craft room. Once a dining room, my sweet husband went to Ikea with the boys and bought tables and chairs and shelves and we transformed it into our all-purpose crafting, homework, computer, ect. room. I may no longer use it much for what it was intended (scrapbooking)but no doubt I use it everyday. The boys love this room too. They can be found here first thing in the morning and last thing at night. It is never clean, always cluttered with things and there is always trash on the floor. The other side of the table near the windows has stacks of magazines and a box of potato chip bags (remember the purse?). So now there is trash in boxes too. But I don't want to change one thing. I love this room. I am so thankful for it. From this room, I can hear the music that my husband goes to sleep to in the living room. From this chair, I can see the boys play the Wii from the family room or talk to them across the table while they are working on their latest project or homework.

That is why I love this room.

running in the leaves

...Aaahhh. Fall is here. The leaves are falling from the trees and collecting in piles around our yard. I love the rustling sound. I love the sound of two boys running through them.
I think Noah and Rhett ran through these leaves about thirty times before they claimed exhaustion. They decided to just throw them up in the air instead:

I absolutely love these boys playing in the leaves, making my day. Making my beautiful fall day.

a Keats poem for you

...The weather this week was warm. Too warm for November. Yesterday and today, however, was perfect autumn weather. The following is a picture I took at a pumpkin patch back in October but I thought it was fitting with the following poem. Enjoy!

Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness,

Close bosom-friend of the maturing sun;

Conspiring with him how to load and bless

With fruit the vines that round the thatch-eves run;

To bend with apples the moss'd cottage-trees,

And fill all fruit with ripeness to the core;

To swell the gourd, and plump the hazel shells

With a sweet kernel; to set budding more,

And still more, later flowers for the bees,

Until they think warm days will never cease,

For Summer has o'er-brimm'd their clammy cells.

-John Keats

Ode to Autumn.

TGIT

...Growing up, Thursday was always my favorite day of the week. It was because it was the day before Friday. The anticipation of the last day of the week before the weekend was great and nothing could ruin that.

Thursdays brought clean sheet day. Every Thursday without fail, my mom would have us strip the sheets and by the afternoon, we would have clean sheets. I hated re-making the bed but I loved getting in between clean sheets. I don't wash sheets on Thursday now and a part of me wishes I did. (I do it mostly on Mondays, sometimes a little later)

If I looked into why I liked Thursdays, I would probably find a connection on how I live my life. I love the expectation of something. I love the moment before the surprise is unveiled, the present is unwrapped, the moment before you open your eyes in the morning. What will it be? (It being the surprise, the gift or what the day brings)

I admit sometimes the moment after or the day itself is a let-down but the anticipation never is.

So, I really had something profound to say about all of this but phone calls, lunch for the kiddo and having to hurry so I can take him to school has left me quite distracted. I will leave you with this:

I love Thursdays. So that is what I am thankful for today.

family ties

...Seth and I have a little Alex P. Keaton on our hands. It was no surprise to me that Rhett voted for John McCain in his 2nd grade class or that McCain won in a landslide victory for the grade. (This is Oklahoma. We are a Red state through and through) Rhett has been saying that he wants McCain to win ever since Clinton lost to Obama last year. (Yes, you read that right.) Anyway, this morning he came into my room and said:

"The election! What happened Mom? Who won?"

I told him Obama would be our next president.

"Aww. But Mom, he is going to raise taxes! And that includes your taxes."

I tried to tell him Obama won fair and square, that I am sure he would do good things in his presidency, that McCain was so gracious in accepting his defeat, that we should all be like that.

Rhett sighed, then said, "Crud."

Maybe his aunt should have a talk with him. ;)

Now that I am more awake than I was this early morning, I will tell him that Obama becoming president is historic and watching Rev. Jesse Jackson cry tears of joy really says it all.

Furthermore, I will tell him that I am thankful that Rhett already cares so much about his country. Very cool.

i voted!

...How exciting to be an American today! We are voting on such a historic election and that will be true whomever wins.

Today, I am thankful that we live in a country where we can vote on who governs it. I am thankful for the checks and balances our forefathers created. I am thankful that we will now have either an African-American president or a woman vice-president. It is about time. I am thankful that we can each have our own opinions on who is the right person for the job.

I am happy I voted. I hope you did too.

The care of human life and happiness, and not their destruction, is the first and only object of good government.--Thomas Jefferson

i'm thankful again

...I remember two years ago I posted things that I was thankful for during the month of November. Since I am going to try to post every day this month, this is a good time to do something like that again.

So here is my Thankful List for today:

1. The time change. I really felt less tired, if only for an hour.
2. The lovely weather. It is beautiful. Just nice enough for the boys to wear shorts, which is good because I haven't done laundry yet.
3. Amazing music. The symphony was great. I want to watch some Alfred Hitchcock movies now.
4. Good friends I can count on and relax with are a blessing.
5. The Texas Tech Red Raiders are #2 right now. For the first time ever. Wow. (I won't say how they became number 2 in the ranking because one or two fans of the other team read this blog) :)

Bye!

costumes

...Here are the photos promised:
Noah was Jack the Beanstalk for his Storybook Character that he wore at school. He had a bag full of golden eggs too but that isn't shown. His only complaint was that I did not make the harp.

Noah the Ninja showed up for Halloween. He only looked this good for about 2 seconds. After many trips and falls (it was dark you know) his belt fell off, his swords were lost and he looked a little disheveled.

Rhett was a leatherhead, or an old-tyme football player. (Note that the number on his jersey is the date of his birthday) Of all the costumes I have ever done, I am most impressed with this one. Just too-small black sweat pants, Noah's soccer socks, Rhett's baseball shoes, an athletic shirt that I painted stripes and a "leather" helmet made out of felt. Don't you think his sports goggles were just the thing that made the outfit? Awesome!

By the way, Rhett did not share the Dove chocolate bar that he promised he would share. He ate the whole thing by himself, in front of me. Sigh.

what krista said

...So Krista is doing a post a day all month long because it is NaBloPoMo (hee hee). So I told her I was doing it too.

The Good:

Today was Noah's last soccer game. These last two games have been great. Noah has really gotten after the ball and you should have seen his determination. He scored a goal last week and wanted to again, but we were so proud of him anyway.

Last night was fun. I will post the pictures tomorrow. (I promised my kids I would play with them so I can't do it right now). The kids got lots of candy and promised to share the Dove chocolate bar they received with me so I am happy too.

Tonight I am going to "A Symphonic Night at the Movies: Hitchcock" with a couple of girl friends. I think it will be so neat. I remember watching one episode of "Alfred Hitchcock Presents" and it was the one where the woman was buried alive. I don't remember all the details but I do remember that someone was supposed to get her out, so she wasn't panicked until she realized that that same person was in the box with her. EEEK! ;)

See you tomorrow!

lessons learned from a half-day kindergartener

...Lesson #1: It is okay to eat lunch at 10:30 am. It is not okay to eat lunch at 10:27 am, however, at Braum's, because they do not serve lunch until 10:30 am. But it is okay to wait for 3 minutes.

Lesson #2: It is okay to like someone as much as you like God or Jesus, just as long as you do not like that person more than God or Jesus.

Lesson #3: Sad songs are the best but rocky-roll songs are pretty good too.

Lesson #4: Apparently, the only rocky-roll song Noah knows is "Who let the dogs out? Whoot. Whoot. Whoot." (as sung by Noah in the above mentioned restaurant)

Lesson #5: Limeade makes you have to pee.

Lesson #6: Pickles are the best vegetable because they make you strong.

Lesson #7: The one thing better than pickles? "You, Mom." (awww.)

Lesson #8: "If you take the BA from banana you get NANA!" Hi Nana!

Lesson #9: Just because you watched tv in the morning already but don't remember that, it means you can watch it again.

Lesson #10: Life is full of sweet surprises. (Noah did get to watch a little bit more of tv)

And the last thing is not a lesson, but a realization:

I am going to miss having lunch with Noah next year, when he goes to school full-time.

an update of sorts

...Hello! Remember me? I am the one that was sick with a sinus infection for all of last week. It really took a lot out of me. So blogging was not a priority.

Today: Red Ribbon Week starts at the boys school. I am not sure how dressing backwards is relative to kids saying no to drugs besides it being fun, but that is what today is: Backwards Day. Noah had some trouble with this concept, which is truly ironic because he used to wear his shirt backwards all the time because "I don't want anything on the front of my shirt!" I guess he thought turning his shirt backwards today meant that something would end up on the front of his shirt, I don't know. Rhett wanted to wear his head backwards. Something about strings and springs...

Coming up: Halloween, obviously. I don't remember if I've said but I really wanted the boys and I to make their Halloween costume this year. I am no longer spending over $25 on nylon costumes anymore. Rhett wanted to be a football player, so I talked him into being an Old-Tyme Football Player from the 1930s. We found a Red and Black shirt, painted stripes, found some sweats and made a leather helmet out of felt (love that stuff!) and he is now going to be a 1930s Texas Tech football player. It will be cool. The only problem is that I really couldn't let go and let him help much. When I do something crafty, I want it to look just a certain way and well, I just couldn't let him mess it up. I know that sounds terrible, doesn't it?

My terrible-ness gets worse:

But I did let Rhett and Noah totally be in charge of Noah's costume. Noah wanted to be Star Boy. I was giving him ideas and said he could be "Night" and we make his face a moon and then he have glow in the dark stars all over his shirt and pants. He said, "Why don't I just be Star Boy?" Ok...

First, we found no glow-in-the-dark stars. So they had to paint them. And, let's just say, the finished product looked like something that a little girl would wear to a dance recital. All different colored stars and glitter paint does not a masculine shirt make.

So, I made a decision. I really dislike myself for it but I told Noah that he should be something else. I gave him a lame excuse like "No one will see the stars in the dark" or "Everyone will keep asking you what you are" but inside I was thinking, "Every boy on our street, save maybe one who would probably want a shirt just like it (because he is creative and sweet), would make fun of my little boy." Especially since Rhett even admitted that the shirt was a little girly. (He said it as nice as he could)

Noah is now going to be Noah the Ninja. We are using his old karate uniform and I am making a black belt for him to wear. He even has ninja swords.

By the way, Seth saw the shirt and said "No way is Noah wearing that out of the house." Too girly indeed.

To be fair, he is really excited about being a ninja, so I don't think he is scarred or feels like I am stifling his creativity, so I feel a little better about the whole thing. I just keep picturing him years later, telling his children or therapist about how his mother wouldn't let him be Star Boy and it really hurt him. Or Rhett saying to his children that his mom would never let him make his costume by himself. But I guess there are worse things. So I'll let it go now.

And maybe next year, I will just buy the darn costumes from the store.

double double

...Rhett lost his 8th tooth yesterday evening. Then, Noah decided to be brave and have his very loose tooth pulled when Daddy got home last night. (I told him it would save a trip for the Tooth Fairy)

When I say Noah decided to be brave, I mean he really had to gear himself up for it. Every other time we would start to pull just a little, he would squeeze Rhett's hand really tight and then scream, "AAAh! AAAh! AAAh!"

Seth told him it was ready. He said he could get it but it might hurt a little. Noah said no then okay if you think you can get it then you can try if you really think you can get it now then you can do it...

And then he screamed and cried. Until Seth showed him the tooth. Then he was all smiles.

Oh and Rhett? He is now such a pro he just pulled his tooth out himself. No big deal. :)

Note: The boys do have pajama bottoms on but no top. Just thought I would clarify that.

***
Happy Birthday Dad! I love you!

Remembering

...Today is National Day of Remembrance for pregnancy and infant loss. This includes miscarriage and still birth. I didn't know this until a few minutes ago but feel I need to blog about it.

I have come along way since my miscarriage. I remember thinking, when it happened, that I would never get over the heartbreak, that I would never feel the same. I kept a journal for weeks following first, because I went through a period where I couldn't sleep then because it was a tool for me to heal. And I remember writing one day that it was a good day. A "normal" day. Which for me meant that I got through that day without the terrible sadness in my heart. This day it just lifted. I am thankful for that time in my life though, because I started drawing again and writing poetry. Things I used to do but stopped for one reason or another. But these are things I love.

I do think about the baby I lost every once in awhile. I wonder things and allow myself to be sad at times. But I realize how lucky I am too.

For my beautiful friends that have gone through this, know today that I will be saying an extra prayer for you and giving you {hugs}. For my beautiful friends that are going through infertility, know that I honor you today too.

orange you glad I blogged today?

...This week has been a little busy so I haven't had the chance to blog. Or if I had time, I didn't want to sit down and organize my thoughts to write a post. But here I am today. This will be a little random so bear with me.

Projects:
Noah decided he wanted to repaint his room. He had outgrown the cartoonish feel of his room and animated superheroes. So we picked out paint together and made a plan and next week I will post the finished outcome. I am still waiting on the finishing touches. Seth said he was a little upset that I was repainting his room, yet again (it has been 2 years, I say), but he really loves the way it is now. It is a big boy room. Of course, Rhett has plans for his own room now. Never ending.

On and off, I have been trying to make a candy wrapper purse. I have figured out the process, but now I am trying to get enough chip bags and such saved. I have found that it is a frustrating project and can see why they are selling for $90 and above. Furthermore, I would fault no one for spending that amount on a bag like it.

Volunteering:
I am a Teacher PAL for the boys' teachers and am really enjoying getting things done for them. It is fun and I feel good knowing that I am helping them.

Though the Sunday School teaching experience started out rough, it is slowly getting better. I think the busier the kids are, the better. I have to say that Noah is one of the best in my class but I think he also knows "Mom's frustrated voice" better than the rest. ;)

Rhett:
Rhett is having fun at school and Cub Scouts. I ate lunch with him and one of his friends yesterday and he thought that was the best. I enjoyed spending time with him and thought his friend was very sweet (he offered to buy my water!) but I had a big problem with the lunch trays. Why? Because they were Styrofoam! And were being thrown away in these huge trash containers. Being a relatively green girl, I am a little appalled. What happened to the reusable lunch trays of my youth? Believe me, I am going to be looking into this. I am on the PTA, you know. (Hee hee)

Rhett is already too big for his britches and I mean that literally. I just bought him jeans in August and they are too short for him. His long sleeved shirts are 3/4 length now. Sigh.

He loves to make others laugh and he finds many things funny himself. He loves to read and play outside. He is very big into fairness--what is not fair, why it is not fair, this person did this and it isn't fair and they should know that it isn't fair and so on. I tell him to relax on many occasions because life isn't always fair. I know, it isn't fair.

Noah:
Given a choice, Noah would rather skip school but I think he has fun while there. He still gets upset very easily, hates waiting and if things don't go his way, watch out. But he is also still very sweet and loving. He loves to play video games and watch tv but he is slowly starting to like playing baseball outside with his brother and he really likes soccer.

Noah has a loose tooth and could not be more excited (until Seth tried to pull it out-then he could not be more upset!). I can't believe he is already getting loose teeth. Is he really that big?

He started an art class today at an Art Institute and he had so much fun but wondered why he was the only boy. I told him I didn't know but was proud of him for doing it. He drew his self-portrait and knows that Mary Cassatt was an artist who wasn't married and didn't have kids. Impressed? Me too.

Until next time...

a little reward

...The other day I was folding laundry that was piled on the couch and when I reached the bottom of the pile, I found this:

A sticky note heart drawn by Noah. I am pretending it was his little way of saying "Thanks Mom for doing laundry and folding my clothes for me every week." But I guess I'll take the simple "I love you" too.

***
My kids are known as the "funny kids" at their doctor's office. I don't know why. Could it be that last February, Rhett wore his homemade George Washington wig to a doctor's appointment and when asked about it, he answered, "What? It's George Washington's birthday!"? Maybe. When I called this morning, as soon as I said their names, the receptionist cracked up and told me she remembers that. This is a big office too. I am glad my kids are so memorable.

so long summer

...Last night we had a sort of Farewell to Summer Supper (about a week late). Corn on the cob and pasta were enjoyed outside and then we played until dark. It is funny how Summer barbeques are always talked about when Fall is really the best time to be outside. The weather is beautiful, not to hot, not to cold. Good times.

Here is a snippet of conversation from last night:

Noah: Why do flies always rub their front arms together?
me: They are plotting their revenge. Bwa Ha Ha Ha!
Rhett: They are excited to taste the food!
Noah: Yeah!

me: So Noah, are you learning about Germany this week?
Noah: Yes. I know how to speak Germany now.
me: Tell me some words.
...
Noah: Well, I can tell you a story. There was a girl and a boy and I really don't remember the name or what happened (and on and on this went in a vague sort of fashion. Admittedly, I tuned out).
Rhett: Mom, I know the name of the army from Germany. The Germans!
me: Well, if you are from Germany, then you are a German.
Rhett: Oh yeah. Well, the German army was mean and put many people in jail and the women had to cook their own food.
Seth: Yes, during World War II, there were many people jailed for unfair reasons.
Noah: Do you want to hear the end of the story?

but what is your favorite?

...Instead of halloween costumes, Noah's teacher wants the kids to dress as their favorite storybook character the day of the Halloween party. Nice idea in theory but that means 2 costumes that I will have to make or buy for Noah.

So, I have started talking to him about who he wants to be for his favorite storybook character. I thought it might take awhile. It will.

For starters, he is picking books like Fish Out of Water, which has no main character. (That is a rhyming book, like a Dr. Suess but not quite as good). Then he is picking books that he hardly ever wants read to him. Moosetache, anyone?

I have asked him over and over, "But is that your favorite?" "Oohh...no." is always his answer. Sigh.

He keeps going back to Yortoise the Tortoise. That is Yurtle the Turtle to you and me. (Short story: I bought him a stuffed tortoise at FAO Schwarz and he named him Cortoise the Tortoise. Now he confuses Yurtle with Yortoise.) However, I don't think Yurtle is going to be an easy costume to make. I guess, though, if it is his favorite...

my present to me

...This is what I wanted for my birthday. Yes, it is a water bottle. BUT-it is a BPA-free water bottle from CamelBak. As you may know, BPA is that chemical that mimics hormones in your body and has been linked to obesity and cancer. So I told Seth this is what I wanted for our family. I ordered 4 on Monday from amazon.com (the best place, I think) and they came yesterday! Noah and Rhett were excited because the package had something for them, not just for me. But they liked the bottles too. Although trying to explain leaching chemicals and hormones to your children was rather difficult and I gave up after many, many questions from Rhett. (What's a hormone? What do they do? Are they bad? and on and on)

I feel good though. I am trying not to buy anymore plastic water bottles from the store anymore. Convenient as it is, it just makes me feel guilty. I grew up without those things, so I can do without them again.

I also bought 2 of the CamelBak bottles for my brother, but I don't think he was that impressed. "I don't know what I am going to do with them." were his exact words. :)

Have a nice weekend!

What color are you?

...Do you want to know what your color is? Just a fun little thing if you have time. Go to Colorstrology and find out your color for your birthday. I am Misty Rose. I am unusual, dynamic and clever. (Not sure if I am glad about the unusual part but I like the other two.)

"Your mind is sharp and clever. You appear strong and self-confident and you do not show your vulnerability easily. It is important for you to have someone with whom you can relate. Sharing and exploring life's questions is an important part of the journey. Your personal color eases irritation and connects you to love and passion."

So what is your color?

September 22

...Today, I am 31.

This morning, I made pumpkin pancakes in honor of the First Day of Fall. I woke Rhett and told him breakfast was ready.

me: Happy First Day of Fall!
R: It's the First Day of Fall?
me: Yes it is.
...
R: (shyly) Happy Birthday Mom.

That made my day.

R: I think Noah and me are getting you a gift.
me: That's sweet.
R: You know those fake gross teeth I got? I think I'll paint them all white and then give them to you to wear.
me: O-kay.
R: Well, maybe not. They probably don't fit you.
me: Too bad.

When we opened the door to say goodbye to Rhett, my friend had left a gift on the bench by the door. Noah saw it and asked who that was for. I told him it was for me because it was my birthday.

N: It's your birthday! Happy Birthday!
...
N: How long until my birthday?

Later, while he was eating breakfast, he asked, "Can I sing you the happy birthday about you smelling like a monkey? Or would you not like that?"

N: I can make you a cake.
me: You can?
N: Yeah. I'll make you a yummy cake too. Or maybe I'll make you pancakes. Or I could just make up another song for you.
me: That would be nice too.

So, happy birthday to me. I may smell like a monkey and wear gross, painted white teeth, but I think I am still pretty lucky.

***
Happy Birthday to my brother. Casey, as far as brothers go, and I know I only have you for an example, but still, you are the best. Rhett saw a golfer on tv yesterday and was so sure that was you. He knows that you are pretty special. So does Noah, so do all your nephews and nieces and especially your son. Love ya!

awareness and consumerism

...I have been thinking a lot about the environment lately, and my lack of helping it. I have really fallen short of a lot of goals for myself about becoming "green." So the other day, I bought a book to help me get back on track.

It was a great book filled with great tips and advice, plus some scary insights on what we put on and in our bodies. But most of all, it has inspired me to get back on the green bandwagon. Sophie Ulian, the author, gives resources, advice and most of all, lets everyone know that it doesn't matter what you do to help, even if you choose one thing, because every little thing helps. Even just being aware of what we do and what is bad for us is a first step. Believe me, I will no longer buy toothpaste with FD&C Blue 1 in it because that is a coal tar-based dye and that is a known carcinogen.

I want to tell you the first thing I have decided to do and what I am making my family do. Lately, I have noticed that when I go shopping, I buy things just for the sake of buying them. If I want new towels, I will get them because one, they are fairly cheap and two, I have become so wrapped up in consumerism that I have forgotten how to wait for things.

This isn't good.

What kind of example am I showing Rhett and Noah? That when you want something to go ahead and get it instead of waiting for a special occasion? That you should go ahead and get it even though it may be not what you really want in the long run? To keep adding to our piles of stuff at home?

So Seth and I made a decision. No more buying stuff just because we want it. If we see something we want or desire, I made some little wish list books (reusing paper we already had by the way) so we can write those items down. Then when it is time to buy ourselves a little treat (because let's face it, there are times we do deserve them) we pick something small from our wish list. When it is time for birthday and Christmas, we pick those things we really like. Maybe we will see that some of those things weren't things we really wanted in the long run. I love this idea. My kids have no idea what it is like to look forward to something. That is my fault. But we are changing that right now. Consumerism will not have a hold of me anymore. (Yes, I am aware that in New York, all I did was buy things but I am forgiving myself for that because it was vacation and it was fun). :)

It isn't going to be easy. I told Seth I may have to avoid going to Target because that store tempts me. But I am trying to help myself by thinking that maybe if I wait to buy towels I won't have to get the cheap ones. I can save for the really nice organic cotton or bamboo towels. Same thing for sheets or even clothes.

I feel good about this. Seth feels good about this especially since the economy has taken a downward spiral. Noah took this hard but he'll be okay. Rhett loved the idea. So 3 out of 4 isn't bad. :)

***
Also, Krista and I found these really cool candy wrapper bags at the M&M store in New York. They were so cute but they cost around $90 and above. Well, I found out how to make them! It won't be easy, but I am going to try. The one pictured below is from Nahui Ollin's collection. I will let you know how it goes. And Krista, if it looks as good as the one below, I'll send it to you!
Have a great weekend!

New York- Day 3 and 4

...Today, this post will be photo heavy. On Saturday and Sunday, we saw some sites and we did even more shopping.

I wish I had Krista's explaination for this statue. I read the plaque, still didn't understand it, so she told me what it means in her own words. Basically, it is symbolic of good vs. evil and if Krista would like to tell you more, I'll let her. :)
The statue was a part of The Cathedral of St. John the Divine and here is the church above. It was a beautiful church and being in the Upper West Side, it was also very peaceful. Not as many people and not as much traffic. We could actually talk while walking down the sidewalks and not have to walk one in front of another. That was a nice change of pace.

The church was nice but they were still fixing it after a fire in 2000 or 2002, I can't remember. Here I am at the American Museum of Natural History. The dinosaurs took up most of the 4th floor and they were amazing. There were also prehistoric skeletons of giant sloths, mammoths, giant turtles and horses with really skinny legs. I liked the museum. I think it made me miss the boys because I knew they would have enjoyed seeing those things a lot. I guess I'll have to come back with them one day.
This photo is of Central Park. I can see now why Central Park is such an important part of New York City. There aren't many trees anywhere else in the city, and this is also a great place to get away from the hustle and bustle of things. We walked pretty much straight across the park to get to 5th Avenue on the other side.

Krista and I split up from Mom and Jana to do some shopping and when the two of us got back to the hotel, we had a near celebrity siting: Debbie Phelps, Michael Phelps' mom, was walking out of our hotel! "Krista, Krista, there's Debbie Phelps!" "She's here...because...Michael's here!!" we both shouted. Michael Phelps was going to host Saturday Night Live that night. Just 2 blocks from our hotel! I was so excited. I even thought about waiting in the lobby that night (or early morning) to see if I could catch him coming in, but I decided not to. That would have been silly. :)

Saturday night we went to Brasserie 8 1/2 for our birthday celebration (Jana's birthday was on Monday, mine will be this coming Monday). We had the most fun. The food was wonderful and the drinks were great but the company was the best. I really feel very lucky to have my sisters and mom. I am so glad we came on this trip together and hope we do more trips together.

Sunday:

We took the subway to downtown so we could see the Statue of Liberty and the WTC site. We came across this though on the way to the statue. There were many flags like this at Battery Park. They had the names of the fallen heroes from 9-11. It was a beautiful site. This is the spere that was in front of the World Trade Center buildings. It was damaged, as you can see, but they brought it to Battery Park for a temporary memorial. The eternal flame was lit exactly one year after 9-11. It was sad to me to see this in person.And this is the site of the World Trade Center. Not much to see obviously. It is hard to believe there once were two towers that stood so far above everything right there.
Every time I look at this photo, it makes me laugh. The duck is almost as big as the statue! That is about how far away we were. I didn't care though. I still thought it was cool to see. What a great symbol it has been for so many. Krista shot this photo of me trying to get everything into the one suitcase I brought with me. It was not easy, let me tell you!
The final photo is one of the four of us, ready to go to our Broadway show. I loved The Lion King! It was so fantastic! By now, our feet were killing us, they were so tired, but we put on our nice shoes anyway because this was our last thing we were going to do.

After the show, we walked down Times Square area and decided to eat at a diner that was across the street from The Lehman Brothers. There was a huge crowd and many tv cameras just watching the building. I have to admit, I had no idea what was going on until I asked.

Well, that was my trip. I loved every minute of it and definitely want to go back. Now I am back and this week has been a struggle to get back in the groove of mommyhood. Laundry, cooking, sports and doctor's appointments... But I was so glad to see my boys.

Later.

New York- Day 1 and 2

...I had an amazing time in New York with my sisters and mom. Just wonderful. I want to go back. There is so much to do and we wore our feet out trying to do it all, but just couldn't. What we did was have fun though, rain or shine.

We arrived in New York on Thursday afternoon, right at rush hour. So it took us awhile to get to our hotel from the airport. We were dropped off blocks from our hotel and then we got turned around several times before we made it to the Hilton New York. Our room was wonderful and we were excited to start our vacation.

We ate at a Cuban restaurant called Havana Central. We drank mojitos and ate interesting things but all of it was good. The music was loud but catchy and we caught our waitor dancing a couple of times. Heck, even we moved to the music. For dessert Krista and I had a dulce leche cheesecake and Mom and Jana had the Tres Leche cake. Divine.

After dinner, we walked around Times Square and saw the ball that drops at New Year's Eve. It was so bright there and so many people and places to see. We went to the M&M store and had fun shopping for the kids.

The next day was the day of our shopping tour. If you ever go to New York and like to shop, you have to do the Shop Gotham Tour. It was great. We met a couple of designers in their showrooms and the clothes were offered at wholesale price. We found some great deals and met some fun people. I had a lot of fun!

On the way to the tour, we walked by the New York Public Library. It was getting some work done on the building, but here is the lion with a bird on top of its head. I think it is a pigeon. Those birds were not afraid of people and we quickly found out that we needed to think fast and duck when they flew by us.

After the shopping tour, we went to Little Italy and ate a bite. The plan was to go to the Brooklyn Bridge and then the WTC site, but it began raining and steadily got worse, so we decided to take a subway back to 5th Avenue and go to FAO Schwarz instead. That was an experience! What a great but overwhelming toy store. Wow.

We stopped at a couple of other stores, but the rain and the having to constantly move around the many, many people with umbrellas were making us tired, so we walked back to the hotel and ate dinner there. The service was terrible but the food was good and we had a nice visit.

A funny side note: Every street corner was filled with either hot dog stands or people selling handbags. But when it started raining, all the sudden people selling umbrellas appeared from no where. "Umbrellasumbrellasumbrellas" they would call. "I am selling umbrellas" one man said, "Because I don't like when you get wet." Jana was the only one of us who didn't have an umbrella so she did buy one at the subway station. Guess what? It only cost her $5. The rest of our compact travel umbrellas that we bought before our trip cost $12. I guess sometimes, it pays off to be unprepared. :)

To be continued...

5 Reasons for Being Happy Today

...

1. I am going to New York tomorrow!

2. I am going to miss my boys like heck, but I love that I am going to have that opportunity.

3. Rhett is such a big kid. He now walks to the bus stop by himself, leaving me in the comfort of my pajamas at the house.

4. My good friend let me borrow her little black dress for my trip.

5. Seth bought 2 trees yesterday and planted one last night, in the nearly dark. One of the reasons he did that was for me.

And I'll leave you with a couple of quotes:

“We live in a wonderful world that is full of beauty, charm and adventure. There is no end to the adventures we can have if only we seek them with our eyes open.” - Jawaharial Nehru

“People travel to faraway places to watch, in fascination, the kind of people they ignore at home.” - Dagobert D. Runes

Bye!

counting down

...4 days away!!! This photo above is what I think of New York: fast, bright, exciting. Hopefully, we can keep up with it! Ha!

So, a couple of you have wondered what we will be doing while we are there. Short answer: Everything we can. The long answer I will try to keep short and sweet.

We are going to eat a lot of good food, shop 'til we are broke (just kidding Seth), walk 'til we drop, and pretend we are New Yorkers and do what they do. :) We are going to eat lunch at Central Park, see the dinosaurs at the American Museum of Natural History, pay homage at the World Trade Center site, view the New York skyline from the Brooklyn Bridge, window shop 5th Avenue, eat brunch on Sunday and have afternoon tea too, watch a Broadway show, take the Subway and a taxi or two, go to FAO Schwarz and spoil our kids, get up early (at least the first 2 days) and stay up late and try to have as much fun as possible.

Right now though I have to do laundry, clean the house, plant some bushes, mail a bill, find a birthday gift for my nephew, call Goodwill, make some snacks and things for the boys, and try to figure out if I have everything I need. So, bye for now!

good advice from a wedding photographer's mother

...This morning I woke up feeling like I had been hit with a truck. Not sure what is wrong exactly, could be sinus or allergies, but whatever it is, it has made me feel terrible. What is funny is I called my neighbor, who has a son that is in Noah's class and we carpool together, and she feels the same way! My other neighbor also has been sick. Usually it is the kids who get sick but this time it is all the moms. Weird. I am just hoping I get it all out of my system now. One week!

***
I have just finished a book called: Exposed: Confessions of a Wedding Photographer by Claire Lewis. It was a good read with lots of humorous stories about psycho brides and drunk grooms. If you want a quick read that makes you laugh, check it out.

She was also honest about how she became a wedding photographer and her life. Her mother died when she was a young adult and it was a terrible time in her life. She tells about how her mother taught her everything she needed to know about life. The following is a quote from her book:

"Beauty is important, and life is something you must pay attention to and not waste a moment of. You must take life and run with it as far and as fast as you can, and regret only the hurt you may cause but not your mistakes. Pass up no opportunity to love, to explore a new place, to feel deeply. A passionate life is the only sort worth living."

I love this. These are the kind of things I want to teach my sons. This is the kind of person I want to be. I especially love the part about not regretting your mistakes, but only the hurt you cause. I think so many people focus too much on their mistakes and their past. We all need to have grace but not just for other people; for ourselves too.

And the beauty is important part is so true. To me, it means that there are beautiful things all around us and their are moments of beauty that we all live through. But beauty is not what is on a tabloid magazine or a fashion magazine. It is not how skinny and tanned we are or how young we look. It is all about what is inside us, how we live our lives, how we love and how we act toward other people. It is finding the good in the bad, the fun in the boring and the happy in the sad.

I am happy that I read this book. I am happy that I am going to go explore a new place (at least to me). I am happy I get the opportunity to spend time with my sisters and my mom. I am happy that the boys will get to spend some time with just their dad. I am happy that I have friends that help me out when I am sick or tired or sick and tired.

and now I am just rambling so I'll go.

it is a jacket day!

...This morning we woke up to a very drizzly, windy day. Rhett was excited because he finally got to wear his new hoodie. There he is, at the bus stop, trying to...I don't know exactly. I stayed under the cover of the garage. He didn't want to.
Here is a photo of last night's oncoming clouds. I have come to love clouds. I love their shapes, I love that they can hold so much power to them but yet look so beautiful. I love watching their movements, either up toward the heavens or stretching across the skyline. I knew that we would not get much rain from Gustav (we are too far west) but we did experience about 5 minutes of heavy downpour that made me thankful we weren't on the coast.

I feel I should apologize for the lack of good blog content these days. I am not feeling very inspired, I guess. This next week and a half won't be much better (but I will tell you about NY trip, Christy) but when I get back, I promise more photos and better posts.

Have a great Wednesday.

quick thoughts

...Has it really been almost a week since I last blogged? Wow. That went by fast.

September is here! My favorite month of the year. (It has almost everything--I mean, nothing, to do with it being my birthday month). The weather at last gets cooler (hopefully), fall begins, and this year I am going to New York! I am so excited and I can't believe it is next week. We've been planning this for over 3 years, y'all.

I have a lot to do before then though. 5 days is a long time to be away from my boys (husband included). Have I ever done that I wonder? I don't think so. Not for that long.

I have to go fix lunch for Noah now. We have had a busy but fun morning. Now we are hungry!

here's a little more

...Apparently, Miss D is Noah's girlfriend.

Conversation went like this:

me: So Noah did you find out what Miss D's name is?
N: Yes.
Rhett: Is she your girlfriend?
N: Well, yes. She is.
Rhett: You mean a friend that's a girl or your girlfriend?
N, matter-of-factly: Girlfriend.
me: Okay.

Wow. He moves fast. :)

R: Actually, I have a girlfriend too.
me: You do? Who?!
R, starting to regret this course of action on his part: Uh, you remember A?
me: She's your girlfriend? Aww!
R, embarressed: No. She's not. I don't have a girlfriend. Really.
me: Okay.

I dropped that one. I could tell he was getting to worked up about that one.

me: So Noah, who do you sit by at circle time?
N: Mom, I sit by 2 girls! One is Miss D and I don't remember the other one's name.
me: Tell me about Miss D. (I only call her this on the blog, in case you were wondering)
N: She wears brown. A lot. Like a lot.
R: Maybe she's a Halloween girl.
me: That is okay. Rhett.
N: Her hair is brownish like mine. And long. And straight.

Awww. I just can't help but think this is the cutest thing. :)

i said hey

...What's going on?

Here is a little update:

Friday: Our anniversary was wonderful. Seth surprised me with beautiful flowers in a square vase (lots of daisies--he remembered I love daisies!) and then surprised me again with a romantic dinner for 2. He took me to a old farm house turned into fancy restaurant that had beautiful surroundings, great steak and a quiet environment. I don't know how long it has been since I lingered over dinner, but that night we did and it was wonderful.

Saturday and Sunday: We spent our time with our neighbors and just hanging out mostly. We had a good weekend. It wasn't too busy and it wasn't too hot.

Monday: Back to school for the boys. Rhett said it wasn't fair that he has to go early in the morning while Noah gets to sleep in and go just in the afternoon. Life isn't fair, kid.

Rhett and Seth went to Cub Scout Info Night last night. Yes, Rhett is now a Cub Scout. I think he is excited.

Monday night, late: I was up making a dreamcatcher for Noah. Last year at school, Rhett made one and I hung it up in his room. Then the boys started sleeping in the same room together. Until Sunday night. I told them to try to sleep in their own rooms because they were fighting. Noah said he didn't like his room. I asked why. He said because there was no dreamcatcher in it. Now he has one and he is happy. Ta-da! (That is what I felt like saying after accomplishing the task. While it wasn't difficult, I did have to maneuver unraveling yarn through the bead openings and that was quite frustrating.)

Today: Noah said he made 2 new friends today. Who are they? I asked. Noah says, "Umm, one's a girl. I don't remember her name. But it starts with a D." Dana? Dolly? Delilah? (He laughed at that one, but I love that name). Diana? Deedee? Dora? None of those seemed to ring a bell. So I said, "Tomorrow, you'll have to find out Miss D's name and tell it to me." Noah looks confused. "Misty? Who is Misty?" Sigh.

last night and today

...Last night, my small group from church was blessed to have a wonderful woman come speak to us. Crystal Miller, who is a relative of one of the couple's in my small group, absolutely blew me away with her story, her faith, and her honesty and openness to share both.

A Columbine school shooting survivor, she told about that day, some of the friends she lost and how it forever changed her life. Because of this event, as she called it, she became a better person and now lives for the Lord and His glory. What I thought was refreshing is that she said she still has difficulty in following God's plan sometimes, and it is painful and hard at times, but she knows that it is right.

I was so inspired by her. I am so glad I was there.

***

Today, Seth and I have been married for 10 years. Seth, I wouldn't have changed a moment of it. I love you and I am so thankful I asked you for a slice of pizza that long ago day.

Happy Anniversary, sweetie.

First Day

...Rhett and Noah had highs and lows yesterday. Mostly highs.

Rhett was a little sad because he knew his best friend wasn't in his class. But he found out that one of his other good friends was and that he would have recess with his best friend, so it all turned out well.

He liked his teacher, was ready to ride the bus and looks so grown up in these photos, doesn't he? Wow.

Noah was so excited to go to school. Just could not stop smiling. When I took him to school, he lined up with his class, turned around and yelled, "I love you Mom!" Everyone's "aahh"s did not help me from tearing up and having to turn away quickly.

This is Noah. Being a big boy.

I will have bus pictures tomorrow. We had a little drama on the bus yesterday, so no good pictures. Everything is all right and yes, it involved Noah, who kept it together until he saw me. Apparently, no one would sit with him. Or no one noticed he was sitting by himself. :(

Anyway, Day 1 is over. Day 2 has begun and it is already been difficult getting Rhett out of bed. Funny how the first day excitement is really just that.

Have a great day.

the night before

...You knew it was coming. I know those who know me knew it was coming. The night before school starts post where I reflect on how fast time goes. Where I tear up and wish for my boys to be little again. For just a moment.

The first day of school is tomorrow. Noah starts Kindergarten. All summer, I told myself, "It is only half-day." Tonight it is a big deal. How can my baby be old enough to ride the bus home from school? He has been looking forward to riding the bus for two long years. How did that two years pass so quickly? Noah has been looking forward to going to Rhett's school. He has wanted this so badly. So how can I wish to hold on to him and not let him go?

Rhett is going to be a 2nd grader. Gosh, I remember 2nd grade so clearly. How can I be the parent of a 2nd grader? He already feels big because I am impressing on him to watch out for his little brother. He already thinks he knows more than his mom and dad.

These are just stepping stones of a path that leads them, well, away from me. Which is a wonderful thing. And a terrible thing.

So yeah. You probably knew this post was coming. But I hope you know that I am also proud. I am also happy. I am also excited.

And very, very grateful.

I am their mama.

****
PS-Pop, we thought about you today! We'll give you a call Wednesday evening. Happy Birthday!!

answered prayer or be careful what you wish for

...It has been raining on and off for about 5 days now. The past two days we have seen it all day long. I am loving it. But the boys--not so much.

Driving home in the pouring raining today after running errands (and getting soaked in the process), Noah remarked, "Remember when it was hot and we were praying for rain? Maybe we shouldn't do that anymore."

a full plate

...Lately, I have been filling my plate with more and more things. Things for the boys, things for Seth and me, things for me... My life is going to get much busier this coming school year.

1. Fall Sports: Noah is going to play soccer and Rhett, flag football. So for 8 weeks, starting in September, we will have practices during the week and games on Saturday.

2. Bible Study: Seth wanted to do an intensive bible study at the church this year called Disciple. I decided to join him. As nervous as I am about this (I have a problem with focusing on what the bible is saying, what God is saying to me), I am a little excited too. This study will last until May and I feel like I am back to school. Exactly what my mommy brain needs. Exactly what my spiritual side needs too.

3. Small Group: We also have a small group through the church that will be beginning again. This is good for us. Both Seth and I are introverted and it is hard for us to get out there and meet people. Small group has helped us do just that.

4. Yearbook: I am PTA chair for the school's yearbook this year. It isn't going to be as hard like a high school yearbook, but I am sure it will take some time. But it gives me a chance to take a lot of pictures. Note to self: charge camera's battery!

5. YMCA: Earlier I told you that I joined the Y and it has been only 2 weeks, but I love it. I have never been so sore (ultimate kickboxing class) but I haven't felt this good in a long time. And it is something for myself which I have found I need. Plus I catch up on the news when I am on the treadmill. Not only will I be healthier but more informed! :)

6. Sunday School Teacher: I am taking over as lead teacher in a couple of weeks. I don't think this will be hard but it is something I will have to prepare for.

All of this means that I am going to have to become more organized at home. Get up a little earlier to do laundry, make freezable meals when I have time, not letting the clutter pile up. This may be the most difficult thing of them all. ;)

6 more days of summer. I am going to enjoy them.

beginning of the Olympics, end of the summer

...I was screaming last night (at about 10:35 pm) because the American Men won gold in 4x100 swimming relay. Did you watch it? The most amazing swimming race I have ever seen. They edged out the French men (who, incidently, talked some smack on the Americans) and I was very excited. I think Seth was a little frightened of me. :)

The Opening Ceremony was just wonderful. I have a feeling that one won't be topped by anything for a long time.

***
This is our last week of summer so hopefully, we'll do some fun things. Swimming, watching the Olympics (when else can the boys watch so much tv?), play with friends, maybe go watch a movie...

We are going to try to get to bed earlier this week. 10 at night has been their norm for awhile.

I am also going to try to take some photos this week. I haven't taken any since we got back from vacation. Do you even remember what the boys look like? Hee! Hee!

***
Oh and one more thing...Exactly one month from now I will be on my way to New York City.

(Oh there I go screaming again. Now the boys are frightened.)

8.8.08

...It's Olympic time! I love the Olympics. Although I could go two years without watching any sports at all on television, when the Olympics rolls around, I could watch all 2200 hours (or however many hours it will be televised). I used to dream that I could, too, be an Olympian but not having access to an ice skating rink, gymnasium or swimming pool kind of put a damper on that. :)

Because it is Be Inspired Friday, I leave you with another short, awe-inspiring moment of the Olympics:

Lopez Lomong will be flagbearer of the USA tonight at the Opening Ceremonies. He is a 1,500 meter track runner who became a US citizen just 13 months ago. Eight years ago, he was brought to America as part of a program to relocate children from Sudan, a war-torn country. Now, he is an Olympian.

Amazing.

nothing blog-worthy

...This week has been one of sleeping late, spending a few hours by the pool, enjoying Rhett's last game of the season, and trying to run errands but not being too successful.

Summer is almost over.

I am going to have to switch gears in 2 weeks. We'll have to go to bed early, wake up earlier, do homework, eat breakfast at a reasonable time and I'll have to start fixing supper again. I also joined the Y yesterday. I am hoping to start a routine. It is a vicious circle. I need more energy so I think I should start an exercise program, but lately, I feel I don't have enough energy to do anything. I think part of it was the heat. But this next week it is not going to be so hot so maybe I'll feel better. And maybe going to the YMCA will help.

Yes, I know there isn't much here. I warned you in the title.

not only a fruit

...This weekend, the boys' Nana and Pop came to visit. We ate out a few times and everytime we did, Noah ordered a cheeseburger. I think this weekend he had a cheeseburger for every meal except breakfast. He even had one today because he had a playdate and we went to McDonald's.

We also have been having many sweets. And just eating a lot. It is hot here. What else is there to do except stay in and eat?

Tonight I decided we needed to eat a little healthier. I made barbecue chicken, corn on the cob and for dessert, watermelon and grapes.

Rhett gets to the table first. "Ooh, watermelon. Can I have one?"
me: No, eat your chicken and corn first. The watermelon is for dessert.
R: What?
me: The fruit is for dessert.
R: Why?
me: Because it is sweet and delicious and good for you.
R: Oh.

Noah gets to the table finally. The same conversation happens.
N: Watermelon for dessert! That is not dessert!
me: Fruit can be dessert!

Honestly, I feel embarrassed that my kids are so used to getting sweet yummies for dessert that eating a healthy dessert is foreign, almost crazy, to them. I made a decision though. Fruit for dessert will happen more often in this house.

Now if only I can get Noah to eat something besides cheeseburgers when we go out...

floors and more

...These are of the master bedroom. We picked walnut floors and if you remember, I painted my ceiling chocolate. It matches beautifully. This is of our formal living area. It is the same walnut. What I love most about these floors is that they look as if they have always been there. They belong. :)

I do need some color in the living room to punch things up a bit so we are looking for a rug. But I am so happy with the results.

BTW: Just in case Holly and Justin were wondering, we didn't do this ourselves like they did. The people we hired were fast and efficient. H & J rock for diy-ing it. :)

***
I am going to teach Sunday School starting this Sunday. I, for a long time, didn't want to have anything to do with teaching but it seems God keeps calling me back into it. I will be teaching Pre-K and Kindergarten class so it will be fun.

***
Can you believe this is the last day of July? Summer flew and the boys will be starting school in 21 days. What I will miss about summer? Lazy mornings, late nights, swimming anytime we want, not having to go anywhere, seeing the boys all hours of the day. What I won't miss? The boys fighting because they see each other all hours of the day. ;)

***
I have decided to stop designing for Your Scrapbook Stash. I loved being on a design team, but lately scrapbooking has seemed more of a chore than a hobby. I can't get into it lately. I have even just started putting my photos in a picture album {gasp} and you know what? I love it. I love that I don't have stacks of photos just waiting to be scrapped. It is a relief.

Have a great day!

i've got

...hardwood floors! Happy early Anniversary to me! (oh, and to Seth too)

I'll show pictures tomorrow when the blue tape comes off.

Yay!

mama birds are tough souls

...Noah has always been a mama's boy. I remember the 2nd night after he was born and Seth had gone home with Rhett so it was just Noah and me. He couldn't sleep by himself. He was whimpering in his hospital crib so I took him out and snuggled close to him. He relaxed and fell asleep. (I, of course, did not sleep at all because I was so afraid of him falling out of the tiny hospital bed).

So it is no surprise to me that he still really likes to be around me. (Honestly, who wouldn't? hee hee) But, lately, he has been especially clingy. Yesterday, in the pool, I really noticed it because everywhere I would swim, he would follow. He wouldn't leave my side.

I had a thought about what it could be and tonight I found out what was wrong. He got out of bed around 10:30 and asked to be rocked. Usually Daddy rocks, but he wanted me instead. I sat down with him and just asked, "Are you scared about going to kindergarten?"

The tears start flowing. He is scared of leaving me, of homework, of being the littlest kid, of bullies, of having no friends, of not knowing what 100+200 equals, of not being able to read...

Wow. I thought he had a little seperation anxiety. This kid has a full case of first day of school jitters!

First, I told him he would only be at school half-day or roughly 2 1/2 hours. I told him he would see me a lot more than not. I told him he didn't have to know everything right away. That is what teachers are for. I told him that bullies are scared too so just be brave and say, "Back off and leave me alone!" and they probably will. I told him he would be the same age as every other kindergarten and that he already has a friend from our neighborhood and even better, a big brother just down the hall.

Then I told him he was sweet and special, smart and funny and that he would have lots of friends. I hope that is true. I know that every parent wishes that for their kids.

I also told him that it was to be apart from the ones you love every once in awhile because then you get to miss them. And then the sweetest part is when you get to see them again! (I am really trying to prepare him for my trip to New York in September)

So there you have it. Another good bedtime conversation. He went to bed feeling loved. I am going to bed feeling bittersweet because my youngest child just had a very grown-up conversation about leaving me and fears of new things. On one hand, I just want to hug him and say, "You don't have to go! Just stay with me forever!" and on the other hand that has slightly better judgement I have to, not just let him go, but tell him that it is okay to go.

It makes you wonder what the mama bird are thinking when she is scooting her babies toward the nest's edge. She knows that they have to learn to fly and she has to be the one to give them that push but is she sad? Proud? Happy? Scared? Does she close her eyes and just hope they flap their wings and not fall?

All the while knowing in her heart that they will be just fine.

Just as I know that Noah will be just fine too. And so will I.

three special little guys

...This past weekend, we went to Friona to visit family. While there, we went to Friona's Cheeseburger Festival (according to Rhett's Granddad, some guys named George and Paul started this competition many, many years ago when my granddad was just a boy. A promise to move somewhere cold and wear cheese on their heads was what was on the line. Some potato vodka, a nice sister and nasty hangovers for George's big family assured Paul and his small family were not those people. Rhett is so excited to see the cheeseheads on tv in the fall...)

Anyway, while there I spotted someone I know: Holly! And beside Holly was Justin holding--Eli! I ran over to them, dropped all my drinks and took Eli immediately. He is the most precious little boy. I am so happy that I got to see them. It was a great surprise. Holly did ask me how I was and I said I was okay. And here is where I have to be honest: Although at that moment I was okay, earlier that morning I was not. It has just passed a month since I had my miscarriage and there had been moments where I was dwelling in my loss. And one would think, seeing a baby would make me sad, especially if I was already feeling down. But quite the opposite happened. When I saw Eli, all I could feel was...happiness.

A little later on in the day, my cousin and her children came to see us. We were sitting in my parents' living room, watching her youngest, a 15-month boy, play. Let me tell you, he is the happiest baby! He growls like an Ewok, has a huge smile and at one time, he climbed on the couch where my sister and I were sitting and would just sit there with us. Darling. He made my heart swoon.

While driving home on Sunday, we stopped at my friend's house to see her and her family. Christy's son is almost a year old and this was the first time I had seen him. He had a smile, that one! He was so cute, could already walk and made me laugh at the way he would try to pull the boys' too long hair. It was like he was saying, "You guys need your hair cut!" Again, my heart was just happy.

This may sound dopey, but after seeing these three special little guys, I really feel better. I really am okay. It was like they helped my heart heal. It was like God was telling me, "See, Aimee, look how much good there is in this life. Look how much love there is. Focus of the beautiful."

I read an article a few weeks ago about trying to let go of the messes in your life. It made me think about how I want to live my life from now on: Accept that things, bad or good can happen no matter what you do.

I wrote down a quote from that article by a Rabbi Kula, that I want to share with you:

You can't seperate nature's beauty from its destructiveness.

By finding the beauty in everyday, even in life's terrible moments, is a way for me to accept and to know that God loves me.

This past weekend, I saw the beauty in three little boys' faces. They are their mothers' happiness. And that made me happy.