I have written several Blog posts over the past year, but decided not to post them. So much in our lives has changed and I am confused and torn on the subject of my blog. I need to decide what this blog is to me. Is this a place where I tell all, or is this a place I tell the mostly pretty? I know that the only people who really read this are close to me, but there's still that fear of sharing too much. I typically blog to share emotion on some level or another, but this past year has been filled with emotion that relates to a subject that I'm not sure it is wise to share about. If my words only affected me, I could handle it, but when it's a third party who has no choice in the matter, I have to think twice. The need to share is overwhelming and I'm not sure why. It may be that it's just the way I process things best...through written word. Maybe this is my happy place and my extremely personal posts should be typed but not posted.
Really, I just sat down and started typing, hoping the thoughts would flow and help me find a solution. I think I've found it. Sharing the nitty gritty would be self serving (for the most part), My desire to write hasn't gone away, in fact, it's only grown stronger over this past year. I want to write and share and not worry about it. So maybe that's just what I need to do.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Monday, April 12, 2010
Blog? What Blog? Ohhh this one
Really? October 15th? The last time I blogged was October 15th? So yeah, I'm feeling a little guilty. Guilty that all of these precious memories are passing by and someday they will be all but a piece of sand. A memory forgotten. Guilty that I have family that I KNOW would like to have more of a glimpse in to our lives than a silly one liner Facebook status update. So I'm here. I've been here along, really, I have. I blog in my head regularly, but this time it's real, I'm taking the initiative to just DO IT! So much is going on in our lives, so many wonderful things and I long to recount them all. Here is my attempt.
Volleyball, Baseball, Dogs, Pudge, jobs, job possibilities, photography, friends, high school, teenage stress, working from home, not working from home, excercise, home improvement, visiting family....and the list goes on. This is what happens when you fail to document your many precious days and all that your decisions entail.
So today. All I can do is start with the now. But before the now, I have to mention Alex's last baseball game. He hit two home runs on Thursday and coach gave him the game ball, which is a huge deal in an 8 year olds world. HUGE. Unfortunately, I wasn't there to see it. I was home getting our house in order for Andy's family to come stay. And that's ok, it happens.
Yesterday we got home from the big kahuna of volleyball tournaments. The last tournament of the season for Ashley. This is the tournament that we've been getting ready for since December. We (Ashley, Alex and I) left town Friday morning for Dallas. Both kiddos missed school with the excuse that we finally had the opportunity to visit David, Cara and Cousin Keller for the first time in WAY TO LONG. It was a very long exciting, exhausting weekend. A tournament that we will never forget. Over three days, Ashley's team played a total of 27 games. Far more than our entire club volleyball season games combined. It was incredible. The Dallas Convention Center was amazing. I have never seen so many volleyball courts in one place in all of my life. There were around 100 courts all on one floor of the convention center. It's hard to even imagine.
It was a rough first 2 days. We lost several games, won a several games, but could never really get ahead. By Sunday, we had no high hopes...until coach informed the girls that even though we'd lost several games, our combined winnings had us sitting pretty. The first match on Sunday would either send us to the semifinals, or send us home. That's all the girls needed to hear. They kicked it in to over drive and proceeded to knock the tiny shorts off of that team, AND the next team. Which put us in the Championship game. Here we were after feeling so defeated the past 2 days, despite our hard work, and we find out we're in THE championship game. We were all in shock, really. They kept up their high energy game won the first game (best 2 out of 3). The next game was almost identical to the first, we were neck and neck, point for point the entire game, but the other team ended up pulling it off and winning. We were down to the third and final game. Winner takes all. It was a repeat of games one and two. We were rarely ever more than a point or two away from the other team. When we switched sides we were down by three. Unlike most times when they were behind, they pulled together and found the energy to kick some serious bootay and in the end they did it. They played like animals! It was the best game I've ever seen them play. They won first place and there wasn't a dry eye on our side of the court. It was amazing. I took over 300 pictures this weekend and at some point I'll find the energy to actually edit and post them. I'm still trying to recover from such a full weekend. And that's me...the one who was on the side lines. I can't even imagine what Ashley feels like. 27 games! REALLY! Youth is amazing, it really is.
So there you have it, my first update since October. I have so much more to say, but I will have to save it all for another post. Life is good. These are the days to hold on to.
Volleyball, Baseball, Dogs, Pudge, jobs, job possibilities, photography, friends, high school, teenage stress, working from home, not working from home, excercise, home improvement, visiting family....and the list goes on. This is what happens when you fail to document your many precious days and all that your decisions entail.
So today. All I can do is start with the now. But before the now, I have to mention Alex's last baseball game. He hit two home runs on Thursday and coach gave him the game ball, which is a huge deal in an 8 year olds world. HUGE. Unfortunately, I wasn't there to see it. I was home getting our house in order for Andy's family to come stay. And that's ok, it happens.
Yesterday we got home from the big kahuna of volleyball tournaments. The last tournament of the season for Ashley. This is the tournament that we've been getting ready for since December. We (Ashley, Alex and I) left town Friday morning for Dallas. Both kiddos missed school with the excuse that we finally had the opportunity to visit David, Cara and Cousin Keller for the first time in WAY TO LONG. It was a very long exciting, exhausting weekend. A tournament that we will never forget. Over three days, Ashley's team played a total of 27 games. Far more than our entire club volleyball season games combined. It was incredible. The Dallas Convention Center was amazing. I have never seen so many volleyball courts in one place in all of my life. There were around 100 courts all on one floor of the convention center. It's hard to even imagine.
It was a rough first 2 days. We lost several games, won a several games, but could never really get ahead. By Sunday, we had no high hopes...until coach informed the girls that even though we'd lost several games, our combined winnings had us sitting pretty. The first match on Sunday would either send us to the semifinals, or send us home. That's all the girls needed to hear. They kicked it in to over drive and proceeded to knock the tiny shorts off of that team, AND the next team. Which put us in the Championship game. Here we were after feeling so defeated the past 2 days, despite our hard work, and we find out we're in THE championship game. We were all in shock, really. They kept up their high energy game won the first game (best 2 out of 3). The next game was almost identical to the first, we were neck and neck, point for point the entire game, but the other team ended up pulling it off and winning. We were down to the third and final game. Winner takes all. It was a repeat of games one and two. We were rarely ever more than a point or two away from the other team. When we switched sides we were down by three. Unlike most times when they were behind, they pulled together and found the energy to kick some serious bootay and in the end they did it. They played like animals! It was the best game I've ever seen them play. They won first place and there wasn't a dry eye on our side of the court. It was amazing. I took over 300 pictures this weekend and at some point I'll find the energy to actually edit and post them. I'm still trying to recover from such a full weekend. And that's me...the one who was on the side lines. I can't even imagine what Ashley feels like. 27 games! REALLY! Youth is amazing, it really is.
So there you have it, my first update since October. I have so much more to say, but I will have to save it all for another post. Life is good. These are the days to hold on to.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
2nd Grade
Up until this year, Alex has breezed his way through school. His teachers have adored him, he's excelled way beyond his grade level and was placed in GT in Kindergarten. Now, here we are in second grade, which happens to be the first year that report card grades are numbers as opposed to letters and we are struggling. He's certainly not struggling to learn the second grade material, he's struggling with the most BASIC tasks. His handwriting is atrocious. He naturally rushes through the classwork because it is simple which in turn makes his handwriting even worse than ordinary. He is bringing home class work with failing grades regularly. He rushes through the most SIMPLE assignments and ends up getting half the questions wrong because of it, either that or he completely skips questions, or entire pages...during class. Something I have no control over. Up until this year his teachers have been so accepting of handwriting weakness, even told me how in the big picture it's not that important, but it is. He's missing questions because his "a"'s look like "u"'s, and his "g"'s look like "Y"'s. Silly stuff that I know is important, but really?? Important enough for my son to fail? I'm so upset. I don't know what to do other than keep these failing papers and make him redo them on the weekends...which we WILL be doing this weekend. So far second grade has not been about learning academics, it's been 100% about learning to conform. I know he needs to learn this. It just makes me so sad to see him struggle with work that he was able to do in KINDERGARTEN, meanwhile, he's spending so much time on these BASIC tasks that it really feels like he's missing out on learning new things...learning about the things that he sooo desperately wants to learn about. I feel like he's a sponge that's drying up while dotting his i's, and perfecting his handwriting. I know his interest in learning is going to slowly diminish, it's only natural. I want to pull him out of class and feed that thirst, but I can't
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Day 6 - 9 The Love Dare
Not a lot of juice in these last few days, at least no real juice to write about. Mark and I are really noticing that we do most of the love dare challenges on a daily basis without even thinking about it. We've reflected on how far we've come in our marriage and how fortunate we are to have one another. I'm looking forward to the weekend when we can focus a little more time on the challenge...this first week of school has me WORE OUT. Here were the challenges for the past few days:
Day 6 - Love is not irritable
Choose today to react to tough circumstances in your marriage in loving ways instead of with irritation. Begin by making a list below of areas where you need to add margin to your schedule. Then list any wrong motivations that you need to release from your life
Day 7 -Love Believes the Best
For today’s dare, get two sheets of paper. On the first one, spend a few minutes writing out positive things about your spouse. Then do the same with negative things on the second sheet. Place both sheets in a secret place for another day. There is a different purpose and plan for each. At some point during the remainder of the day, pick a positive attribute from the first list and thank your spouse for having this characteristic.
Day 8 -Love is not jealous
Determine to become your spouse’s biggest fan and to reject any thoughts of jealousy. To help you set your heart on your spouse and focus on their achievements, take yesterday’s list of negative attributes and discreetly burn it. Then share with your spouse how glad you are about a success he or she recently enjoyed.
Day 9 - Love makes good impressions
Think of a specific way you’d like to greet your spouse today. Do it with a smile and with enthusiasm. Then determine to change your greeting to reflect your love for them.
Moving on to Day 10, I'm fairly certain I will have a decent post for this day!
Day 6 - Love is not irritable
Choose today to react to tough circumstances in your marriage in loving ways instead of with irritation. Begin by making a list below of areas where you need to add margin to your schedule. Then list any wrong motivations that you need to release from your life
Day 7 -Love Believes the Best
For today’s dare, get two sheets of paper. On the first one, spend a few minutes writing out positive things about your spouse. Then do the same with negative things on the second sheet. Place both sheets in a secret place for another day. There is a different purpose and plan for each. At some point during the remainder of the day, pick a positive attribute from the first list and thank your spouse for having this characteristic.
Day 8 -Love is not jealous
Determine to become your spouse’s biggest fan and to reject any thoughts of jealousy. To help you set your heart on your spouse and focus on their achievements, take yesterday’s list of negative attributes and discreetly burn it. Then share with your spouse how glad you are about a success he or she recently enjoyed.
Day 9 - Love makes good impressions
Think of a specific way you’d like to greet your spouse today. Do it with a smile and with enthusiasm. Then determine to change your greeting to reflect your love for them.
Moving on to Day 10, I'm fairly certain I will have a decent post for this day!
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Day 5 - The Love Dare
Love is not rude.
Day 5
Ask your spouse to tell you three things that cause him or her to be uncomfortable or irritated with you. You must do so without attacking them or justifying your behavior. This is from their perspective only.
Ick. I was NOT looking forward to this one. The kids on the other hand, LOVED the thought of picking each other apart. I had to have a conversation with them about the purpose of this challenge, because on the surface, it really just appeared to be another way to start an argument. I *think* they got it. Their lists were fairly predictable, although Ashley did get a little carried away and came up with 5 instead of 3...and then tacked the paper to his wall. Lovely. Today I'm going to ask her for a redo, and for her not be so harsh in her choice of words.
Mark and I didn't get around to this challenge until late last night, and ended up staying up past midnight discussing. Last night I realized that I had built this challenge up so much in my mind that I was actually dreading having to bring it up. I guess my fears were that I was going to learn something about myself that would be hard to hear, and more specifically, hard to change. I was also not looking forward to the possibility of hurting Mark's feelings. I now realize that my fears were much larger than they needed to be. We had an extremely productive conversation, and learned a little bit about each other. Really, our issues with each other are so, so tiny when weighed with what we love about each other. And with every item on each of our lists, we discovered that in order to have what we have in our life together, these things are necessary on at least some level. They could certainly improve, but they are there only as a result of the efforts we make for our family. Behind each irritant is a good intention, and that leaves me feeling oh so thankful.
Day 5
Ask your spouse to tell you three things that cause him or her to be uncomfortable or irritated with you. You must do so without attacking them or justifying your behavior. This is from their perspective only.
Ick. I was NOT looking forward to this one. The kids on the other hand, LOVED the thought of picking each other apart. I had to have a conversation with them about the purpose of this challenge, because on the surface, it really just appeared to be another way to start an argument. I *think* they got it. Their lists were fairly predictable, although Ashley did get a little carried away and came up with 5 instead of 3...and then tacked the paper to his wall. Lovely. Today I'm going to ask her for a redo, and for her not be so harsh in her choice of words.
Mark and I didn't get around to this challenge until late last night, and ended up staying up past midnight discussing. Last night I realized that I had built this challenge up so much in my mind that I was actually dreading having to bring it up. I guess my fears were that I was going to learn something about myself that would be hard to hear, and more specifically, hard to change. I was also not looking forward to the possibility of hurting Mark's feelings. I now realize that my fears were much larger than they needed to be. We had an extremely productive conversation, and learned a little bit about each other. Really, our issues with each other are so, so tiny when weighed with what we love about each other. And with every item on each of our lists, we discovered that in order to have what we have in our life together, these things are necessary on at least some level. They could certainly improve, but they are there only as a result of the efforts we make for our family. Behind each irritant is a good intention, and that leaves me feeling oh so thankful.
Meatless Take 2
Back on the wagon it seems. Last night Mark made a yummy dinner, grilled chicken, sausage and some fixins. Ash ate Mac and cheese, corn and crescent roll...all on a yellow plate. Can you say STARCH. Looks like we're going to have to do some better meal planning with a vegetarian in the house.
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Meatless Update
We went to dinner last night for mexican. She ate a taco...with MEAT! Not sure if it was a brief hiatus or the end of a very short era. Only time will tell!
Conversations with Alex
This morning we were discussing the precautions that we need to take with Abby now that she's on a special diet to prevent her allergies and how easy it would be for her to get ahold of the other dogs food. After a long concentrated facial expression, Alex says "Sometimes dogs can be very fragile, just like frogs." ????
Another conversation this morning...we were discussing the different methods of plant proppegation and I asked him if he remembers how we propegated our Sago Palms. He thought for a minute, gave me a silly look and said "You put the lime in the coconut?"
After the propegation conversation, he said he'd like to do a science project at school one day to test how a plant would grow in different soil types and one test could be "just water with plant vitamins".
I just LOVE how a 5 minute conversation with him can be so entertaining and so educational all at the same time.
Another conversation this morning...we were discussing the different methods of plant proppegation and I asked him if he remembers how we propegated our Sago Palms. He thought for a minute, gave me a silly look and said "You put the lime in the coconut?"
After the propegation conversation, he said he'd like to do a science project at school one day to test how a plant would grow in different soil types and one test could be "just water with plant vitamins".
I just LOVE how a 5 minute conversation with him can be so entertaining and so educational all at the same time.
Day 4 - The Love Dare
Love is Thoughtful
Day 4 Challenge:
Contact your spouse sometime during the business of the day. Have no agenda other than asking how he or she is doing and if there is anything you could do for them.
Day 4 was an all around challenge, but not necessarily challenge specific. Between the stressors of work, the sick dog, the leaking pool (a whole other post), and children with cabin fever Mark and I were not exactly on the same page yesterday. We took Abbie to the vet together mid-day and made a trip to Pets Mart...so I decided that yesterday was not a good day for this challenge. I think it would have been more irritating than anything to get a phone call in the short span of time that we were not at home together and needing to catch up with work to see how the other's day was going. I know that sounds somewhat shallow, but really, despite my feeling as though I was at work for 12 hours yesterday, I was really only there for 3. We will take this challenge and throw it in on a random day.
Alex, my little buddy, had no problem with today's challenge. He has really surprised me these last few days. He's gone from complete challenge pessimism, to challenge king. He is always the first to ask what the next days challenge will be, and always the first to accomplish it. Yesterday, on three separate occasions, he asked each of us how our day was. I'm so impressed with how he's taken hold of this challenge and made it his own.
I'm not looking forward to the Day 5 challenge today, but I'm working on coming to terms with it.
Day 4 Challenge:
Contact your spouse sometime during the business of the day. Have no agenda other than asking how he or she is doing and if there is anything you could do for them.
Day 4 was an all around challenge, but not necessarily challenge specific. Between the stressors of work, the sick dog, the leaking pool (a whole other post), and children with cabin fever Mark and I were not exactly on the same page yesterday. We took Abbie to the vet together mid-day and made a trip to Pets Mart...so I decided that yesterday was not a good day for this challenge. I think it would have been more irritating than anything to get a phone call in the short span of time that we were not at home together and needing to catch up with work to see how the other's day was going. I know that sounds somewhat shallow, but really, despite my feeling as though I was at work for 12 hours yesterday, I was really only there for 3. We will take this challenge and throw it in on a random day.
Alex, my little buddy, had no problem with today's challenge. He has really surprised me these last few days. He's gone from complete challenge pessimism, to challenge king. He is always the first to ask what the next days challenge will be, and always the first to accomplish it. Yesterday, on three separate occasions, he asked each of us how our day was. I'm so impressed with how he's taken hold of this challenge and made it his own.
I'm not looking forward to the Day 5 challenge today, but I'm working on coming to terms with it.
Friday, August 21, 2009
Day 3 - The Love Dare
Day 3: Whatever you put your time, energy, and money into will become more important to you. It’s hard to care for something you are not investing in. Along with restraining from negative comments, buy your spouse something that says, “I was thinking of you today.”
This was tougher than I anticipated. I really wanted to buy something meaningful, yet inexpensive and could not think of anything "worthy". I think I was over thinking it most of the day. I ended up buying all the ingredients for a new recipe for stuffed jalapenos (with bacon!!). Last night was poker night, so I waited until about 9:00 to give him his gift so he could share them with his friends.
Mark came home with one of my favorite bottles of wine, which I will enjoy this evening after work. Great choice, Mark!!
Alex started his gift for Ashley the night before, almost immediately after I announced the next day's challenge. He wrote her a poem and drew a colorful picture to go along with it.
Ashley drew Alex a picture...I know there's a name for it, I just can't think of it...anyway, she spelled his name and each letter was created with pictures that define Alex's favorite things. I will have to post a picture of it in lieu of trying to describe it. Very sweet!
Day 3 was another success! On to Day 4!
Oh, and on another note, yesterday's coffee surprise/sculpture from Mark was "MMMMPPA!!!" spelled with toothpicks. The dots on the exclamation points were coffee beans. He's such a sweetie.
This was tougher than I anticipated. I really wanted to buy something meaningful, yet inexpensive and could not think of anything "worthy". I think I was over thinking it most of the day. I ended up buying all the ingredients for a new recipe for stuffed jalapenos (with bacon!!). Last night was poker night, so I waited until about 9:00 to give him his gift so he could share them with his friends.
Mark came home with one of my favorite bottles of wine, which I will enjoy this evening after work. Great choice, Mark!!
Alex started his gift for Ashley the night before, almost immediately after I announced the next day's challenge. He wrote her a poem and drew a colorful picture to go along with it.
Ashley drew Alex a picture...I know there's a name for it, I just can't think of it...anyway, she spelled his name and each letter was created with pictures that define Alex's favorite things. I will have to post a picture of it in lieu of trying to describe it. Very sweet!
Day 3 was another success! On to Day 4!
Oh, and on another note, yesterday's coffee surprise/sculpture from Mark was "MMMMPPA!!!" spelled with toothpicks. The dots on the exclamation points were coffee beans. He's such a sweetie.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Day 2 - The Love Dare
Day 2 - Todays challenge was to do at least one unexpected gesture of kindness. Another fairly simple task, but I have to say, just spending the day thinking of something that would make Mark smile was eye opening. It forced me to think about him and his needs most of the day, which is always a good thing. This morning when I woke up, I came downstairs to my awaiting mug for coffee. Every morning I find something silly that Mark has done with my cup. Most mornings he had a little buddha figurine hiding underneath, but there have been many mornings I come down to find a silly mug sculpture with several items stacked 2 feet high with my mug and buddha at the bottom. Or, I'll find something silly inside my mug like a bottle of vitamins. Yesterday he made a smiley face with my mug as the nose, the creamer and sugar as the eyes and toothpicks for the smile. I can't even begin to express what that simple daily gesture does to start my day. I always wake up with a smile. This morning my grin was ear to ear when I found a message formed by toothpicks that said "I love Jamie". What really got me was the realization that I didn't know if he had done this for the "challenge" or just because. I feel so loved to actually have to ponder that question.
Mark had to go in to the office today and of course he rode his new motorcycle. On the two or so occasions that he has gone in and rode his bike, I have asked him to call me, or text me so I know he made it safe, I always worry about him in traffic on that little bike. This morning he made it out the door without me asking him to let me know he was safe. About 30 minutes later I get a message from him saying he's safe and he loves me. Another kind gesture that I'm pondering as to whether or not it was part of the challenge. I took to heart a lot about my husband today. What I learned today was to open my eyes and see what is right in front of me. This challenge has not forced us to do things we don't normally already do, it has forced us to see what is already there and take it to heart.
For my kind gesture to Mark today I couldn't decide what to do until I remembered the other day discussing my messy desk with him. I was analyzing my Myers-Briggs personality test with him, which mentioned a cluttery desk. I told him how different we were in that respect, and how clean his desk always is. Apparently, he doesn't think so. He actually told me he rarely ever cleans his desk. I remembered that today and decided to clean his desk. I dusted his monitors, desk, lamp, etc., cleaned between all of the keys on his keyboards and just did a basic clean up. Yeah, I know, nothing big, but honestly, it was hard to think of something out of the ordinary and simple that he wouldn't expect. He was very happy and thankful of course.
The kiddos actually completed today's challenge as well. Ashley's friend dropped off her straightening iron in the mailbox early this morning and Alex went to get it for her (in his underwear no less). And later on in the afternoon, Ashley bought him some candy at the Rec. Center. I'm so proud of my little monkeys! They are doing such a good job with our challenges!! I can't wait to see what's next.
Mark had to go in to the office today and of course he rode his new motorcycle. On the two or so occasions that he has gone in and rode his bike, I have asked him to call me, or text me so I know he made it safe, I always worry about him in traffic on that little bike. This morning he made it out the door without me asking him to let me know he was safe. About 30 minutes later I get a message from him saying he's safe and he loves me. Another kind gesture that I'm pondering as to whether or not it was part of the challenge. I took to heart a lot about my husband today. What I learned today was to open my eyes and see what is right in front of me. This challenge has not forced us to do things we don't normally already do, it has forced us to see what is already there and take it to heart.
For my kind gesture to Mark today I couldn't decide what to do until I remembered the other day discussing my messy desk with him. I was analyzing my Myers-Briggs personality test with him, which mentioned a cluttery desk. I told him how different we were in that respect, and how clean his desk always is. Apparently, he doesn't think so. He actually told me he rarely ever cleans his desk. I remembered that today and decided to clean his desk. I dusted his monitors, desk, lamp, etc., cleaned between all of the keys on his keyboards and just did a basic clean up. Yeah, I know, nothing big, but honestly, it was hard to think of something out of the ordinary and simple that he wouldn't expect. He was very happy and thankful of course.
The kiddos actually completed today's challenge as well. Ashley's friend dropped off her straightening iron in the mailbox early this morning and Alex went to get it for her (in his underwear no less). And later on in the afternoon, Ashley bought him some candy at the Rec. Center. I'm so proud of my little monkeys! They are doing such a good job with our challenges!! I can't wait to see what's next.
Meatless
Yesterday, Ashley declared that she is a vegetarian. Suddenly, she can't stand the thought of eating an animal. While Mark and I are, and more than likely always will be "meat eaters", I find this interesting and I fully support her in this "endeavor" It's so fun watching this little lady change and grow. (We'll see how long she can keep it up) :)
Day 1 - The Love Dare
Today is day 2 of The Love Dare, but I HAVE to post about Day 1 now while it's still fresh in my mind. I have to make this short and sweet since I'm already running late getting ready for work.
I prepared the kids and Mark for Day 1 the night before. Initially, Alex was completely turned off to it. He could not imagine not saying a single negative thing all day to Ash...and then the thought of 40 days of similar challenges had him up in arms. "No, I'm not doing it, that's too long" I was finally able to talk him in to it, by encouraging him to just look at each day individually. I had him only focus on tomorrows task. When he finally agreed, I was so proud of him...but really I knew an entire day of nothing negative towards his sister was an incredible task.
I'm happy, proud and elated to say that Alex and Ashley made it through the ENTIRE day without saying a single negative word. What amazed me most was hearing Alex talk about this challenge and how it made him happy to be positive, and then, he got it. He told me that he could see how this was so easy that it wouldn't be that big of a deal to just make it a habit everyday, and not just on this "challenge" day. My heart swelled. He GOT IT!!!!
Mark and I made it through the day just as easily as I suspected. We are typically positive people and always make that effort.
I'm looking forward to the rest of the challenge and what lessons we have in store.
Now, I'm off to work before it gets any later.
I prepared the kids and Mark for Day 1 the night before. Initially, Alex was completely turned off to it. He could not imagine not saying a single negative thing all day to Ash...and then the thought of 40 days of similar challenges had him up in arms. "No, I'm not doing it, that's too long" I was finally able to talk him in to it, by encouraging him to just look at each day individually. I had him only focus on tomorrows task. When he finally agreed, I was so proud of him...but really I knew an entire day of nothing negative towards his sister was an incredible task.
I'm happy, proud and elated to say that Alex and Ashley made it through the ENTIRE day without saying a single negative word. What amazed me most was hearing Alex talk about this challenge and how it made him happy to be positive, and then, he got it. He told me that he could see how this was so easy that it wouldn't be that big of a deal to just make it a habit everyday, and not just on this "challenge" day. My heart swelled. He GOT IT!!!!
Mark and I made it through the day just as easily as I suspected. We are typically positive people and always make that effort.
I'm looking forward to the rest of the challenge and what lessons we have in store.
Now, I'm off to work before it gets any later.
Monday, June 01, 2009
Poetry by Ashley
Ashley is 12. She's teetering on the edge of independence. Some days she leans a little towards us, others she pushes off with all her might. The days of her leaning on us are numbered, I know this. When she opens herself up to us, and allows us to see the amazing young lady she's becoming, we can't help but swell with pride. I really don't take enough time to document how beautiful a person she is. It's amazing all the emotions that come along with parenthood. They're everchanging and completely unpredictable. I had no idea that letting go little by little could be so rewarding. Watching this young lady grow before us is indescribable.
Today she came home with several poems in a poetry book from English class. They are all just beautiful, but I wanted to share two. The first one is a concrete poem entitled Midnight. It's written in the shape of a star. (See the picture below) Her teacher left her a note on the table of contents that says:
"Concrete poem was the best I've ever read. It is "publishable".
And here is the poem:
It's midnight when we all come out to play.
It's midnight. Half night, half day.
It's midnight. Dancing on the big black dance floor.
It's midnight. When we come knocking on your door.
It's midnight. When we all start beaming.
It's midnight. No one can see us....
You're all dreaming.
The next one is my favorite. Ashley has always had such a big heart. She read this to us at the dinner table for the first time tonight. Before she was done reading Mark and I glanced at each other, both with tears in our eyes.
Peace
I am peace.
I wonder when the fighting will end.
I hear children cry and the gunshots go off.
I see broken hearts and homes.
I want us all to get along.
I am peace.
I pretend to be what you believe.
I feel your pain and sorrow.
I touch the broken.
I worry for the human race.
I cry a sad song.
I am peace.
I understand that you have something to fight for.
I say nothing is worth this.
I dream that someday I'll be a part of life on your planet.
I try to let my voice be heard.
I hope you'll see that I am what's right
I AM PEACE.
Today she came home with several poems in a poetry book from English class. They are all just beautiful, but I wanted to share two. The first one is a concrete poem entitled Midnight. It's written in the shape of a star. (See the picture below) Her teacher left her a note on the table of contents that says:
"Concrete poem was the best I've ever read. It is "publishable".
And here is the poem:
It's midnight when we all come out to play.
It's midnight. Half night, half day.
It's midnight. Dancing on the big black dance floor.
It's midnight. When we come knocking on your door.
It's midnight. When we all start beaming.
It's midnight. No one can see us....
You're all dreaming.
The next one is my favorite. Ashley has always had such a big heart. She read this to us at the dinner table for the first time tonight. Before she was done reading Mark and I glanced at each other, both with tears in our eyes.
Peace
I am peace.
I wonder when the fighting will end.
I hear children cry and the gunshots go off.
I see broken hearts and homes.
I want us all to get along.
I am peace.
I pretend to be what you believe.
I feel your pain and sorrow.
I touch the broken.
I worry for the human race.
I cry a sad song.
I am peace.
I understand that you have something to fight for.
I say nothing is worth this.
I dream that someday I'll be a part of life on your planet.
I try to let my voice be heard.
I hope you'll see that I am what's right
I AM PEACE.
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Promises, promises
Yeah, it's been a month, what can I say.
Life has been full speed ahead the past few weeks. With basketball, football and work, it's difficult to find the time for the MANY things I want to do.
I just celebrated my 32nd birthday, which was wonderful. I have such an amazing family, and network of friends. My friend Jess was in town from Washington for a few days and I am so thankful I was able to spend some time with her. We had dinner with a group of friends that I really don't see often enough, and the following day (my birthday) she came out to the house with her son Nicholas. They brought me the most beautiful roses in pink, red, orange and yellow. Probably the most beautiful roses I've ever received. The kiddos did some swimming while Jess and I did as much catching up as humanly possible in what little time we had, but I enjoyed our time none the less. Being with friends that night before REALLY made me realize how important it is to have friendships. I really don't take enough time for my friends. Truthfully, I don't take ANY time. I'm working on it.
Alex had his end of season playoffs for football this morning. No superbowl win this season, but they made major improvements throughout the season. We are not contemplating tackle football. I'm not sure he's ready for that, despite how insistent he is about it. We'll see what happens, and possibly consider it. This summer I signed him up for a swim team in town. He'll be practicing four days a week, and meets most Saturdays. I know he will do well. This boy has been a fish since he was tiny, and now that we have the pool, all he wants to do is race. I've timed him from one end of the pool to the other probably 50 times already this season and it's only just begun. I'm anxious to see him compete!
Last night Mark bought us a new movie camera. I am SO EXCITED! No more tapes! This thing is the size of my palm and super easy to use. I recorded some footage of Alex's football games this morning, but have yet to download them and check out the quality. I guess that's my next project. Now I have to figure out how to take pictures AND video without growing extra limbs.
I'll post video as soon as I can!
Life has been full speed ahead the past few weeks. With basketball, football and work, it's difficult to find the time for the MANY things I want to do.
I just celebrated my 32nd birthday, which was wonderful. I have such an amazing family, and network of friends. My friend Jess was in town from Washington for a few days and I am so thankful I was able to spend some time with her. We had dinner with a group of friends that I really don't see often enough, and the following day (my birthday) she came out to the house with her son Nicholas. They brought me the most beautiful roses in pink, red, orange and yellow. Probably the most beautiful roses I've ever received. The kiddos did some swimming while Jess and I did as much catching up as humanly possible in what little time we had, but I enjoyed our time none the less. Being with friends that night before REALLY made me realize how important it is to have friendships. I really don't take enough time for my friends. Truthfully, I don't take ANY time. I'm working on it.
Alex had his end of season playoffs for football this morning. No superbowl win this season, but they made major improvements throughout the season. We are not contemplating tackle football. I'm not sure he's ready for that, despite how insistent he is about it. We'll see what happens, and possibly consider it. This summer I signed him up for a swim team in town. He'll be practicing four days a week, and meets most Saturdays. I know he will do well. This boy has been a fish since he was tiny, and now that we have the pool, all he wants to do is race. I've timed him from one end of the pool to the other probably 50 times already this season and it's only just begun. I'm anxious to see him compete!
Last night Mark bought us a new movie camera. I am SO EXCITED! No more tapes! This thing is the size of my palm and super easy to use. I recorded some footage of Alex's football games this morning, but have yet to download them and check out the quality. I guess that's my next project. Now I have to figure out how to take pictures AND video without growing extra limbs.
I'll post video as soon as I can!
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Baseball and Football and Basketball, OH MY!
This weekend was a busy one, with not much time to spare for blogage. Alex had two football games abd Ash had three Basketball games. Aside from all the running around, we managed to do a little Geocaching at lake Georgetown and even hung out around the pool a little in between games. We are looking forward to all the fun the new pool will provide this summer! It's right around the corner.
Here are some pics of our trip to the Dell Diamond on Thursday. We had a really nice time, and the weather could not have been anymore perfect! Click to enlarge.
Here are some pics of our trip to the Dell Diamond on Thursday. We had a really nice time, and the weather could not have been anymore perfect! Click to enlarge.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Sunday, April 19, 2009
All work and no play makes Jamie a dull girl
Jumping on to post before Mark makes it home from the grocery store, which will begin the unloading and throwing together of dinner.
I'm so excited to see that I can now post via email and mobile phone!! This is good news because I know I'm good at the mobile thing, it's this sitting down and posting that seems to be difficult these days. We'll see.
Ashley had cheer uniform fittings on Thursday. This was the first time I've ever seen her in the whole cheer getup. She looked so cute, but wow! I had to make sure and ask for an additional 2 inches on the skirt. She is definitely her mother's daughter! Those legs seem to go on forever. She's 5'6" and about 90% legs.
This weekend was another "project" weekend. What else is new. We're in the midst of several projects but decided to put our efforts in to the basement this weekend. FYI, we've decided the new name for newly remodeled half of the basement will be "The Kid Crib". Initially, it was the kid cave, not to be confused with the other half of the basement, the Man Cave. Apparently, that wasn't cool enough, and Ashley modified to the final name, "The Kid Crib". I know it seems silly to have to name it, but as often as we're referring to that room, it needed a permanent name. It's been the "stinky room", "down under", "the 'other' room" among many other names I'm sure. So the room, yes, it is coming along beautifully! Saturday Mark and I hit it hard. Several weekends ago I ripped up the carpet and scrapped all the popcorn off the ceiling, removed the baseboards, primed the baseboards and primed the wrong side of the door. This weekend we primed the ceiling, window frames, door frames, and the correct side of the door. We painted the ceiling and walls a very light yellow to help open up the space since the ceilings are so low. Mark installed two new light fixtures along with all new outlets and covers. We haven't even begun the tile installation and already the room is completely transformed. The pale yellow was an excellent choice and we are very happy with our decision to continue the wall color on to the ceiling.
Today we took the kiddos out for a little geocaching in San Gabriel Park, and made a stop off to sign some life insurance papers on the way home. I have to say, the Geocaching has proven to be such an exciting activity to do with the kids. It's getting harder and harder for us all to do fun stuff together without spending a lot of money, since our interests vary so much these days. This is one thing we can ALL do and enjoy together, outside, which is one place we all enjoy to be. We found three treasures today, and both gets had the opportunity to guide us with the GPS. It was a gorgeous day, and could not have been better.
Next weekend Mark and I are going on a getaway with a group through the Rec. Center here in town. We're heading out Friday after work to Goose Island State Park near Rockport on the coast, where we'll camp until Sunday. I'm not exactly sure what all we have lined up, but I do know we'll be kyaking and fishing. (I'll have to make sure and take the GPS so we can get a little Geocaching in too!) The best part is that Mark and I will be sans kiddos. Love the little Urben's but by golly we're due for some adult time! It has been a VERY long time since we've had some time to ourselves.
I'm not counting on a post next weekend since we'll be gone most of it, but I'll make every effort to explore my new ability to post via my phone this week!
I'm so excited to see that I can now post via email and mobile phone!! This is good news because I know I'm good at the mobile thing, it's this sitting down and posting that seems to be difficult these days. We'll see.
Ashley had cheer uniform fittings on Thursday. This was the first time I've ever seen her in the whole cheer getup. She looked so cute, but wow! I had to make sure and ask for an additional 2 inches on the skirt. She is definitely her mother's daughter! Those legs seem to go on forever. She's 5'6" and about 90% legs.
This weekend was another "project" weekend. What else is new. We're in the midst of several projects but decided to put our efforts in to the basement this weekend. FYI, we've decided the new name for newly remodeled half of the basement will be "The Kid Crib". Initially, it was the kid cave, not to be confused with the other half of the basement, the Man Cave. Apparently, that wasn't cool enough, and Ashley modified to the final name, "The Kid Crib". I know it seems silly to have to name it, but as often as we're referring to that room, it needed a permanent name. It's been the "stinky room", "down under", "the 'other' room" among many other names I'm sure. So the room, yes, it is coming along beautifully! Saturday Mark and I hit it hard. Several weekends ago I ripped up the carpet and scrapped all the popcorn off the ceiling, removed the baseboards, primed the baseboards and primed the wrong side of the door. This weekend we primed the ceiling, window frames, door frames, and the correct side of the door. We painted the ceiling and walls a very light yellow to help open up the space since the ceilings are so low. Mark installed two new light fixtures along with all new outlets and covers. We haven't even begun the tile installation and already the room is completely transformed. The pale yellow was an excellent choice and we are very happy with our decision to continue the wall color on to the ceiling.
Today we took the kiddos out for a little geocaching in San Gabriel Park, and made a stop off to sign some life insurance papers on the way home. I have to say, the Geocaching has proven to be such an exciting activity to do with the kids. It's getting harder and harder for us all to do fun stuff together without spending a lot of money, since our interests vary so much these days. This is one thing we can ALL do and enjoy together, outside, which is one place we all enjoy to be. We found three treasures today, and both gets had the opportunity to guide us with the GPS. It was a gorgeous day, and could not have been better.
Next weekend Mark and I are going on a getaway with a group through the Rec. Center here in town. We're heading out Friday after work to Goose Island State Park near Rockport on the coast, where we'll camp until Sunday. I'm not exactly sure what all we have lined up, but I do know we'll be kyaking and fishing. (I'll have to make sure and take the GPS so we can get a little Geocaching in too!) The best part is that Mark and I will be sans kiddos. Love the little Urben's but by golly we're due for some adult time! It has been a VERY long time since we've had some time to ourselves.
I'm not counting on a post next weekend since we'll be gone most of it, but I'll make every effort to explore my new ability to post via my phone this week!
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Hoppy Easter
It always gives me a little giggle to post for the first time after a lengthy hiatus. I see my last post and my thoughts turn silly, I imagine myself frozen in time, as if nothing has happened since that last post. Alex is still laying in bed smiling up at the camera with his toothless grin, with anxious anticipation of the fortunes he'll wake up to in the morning, Ashley is still in her room with the music turned up way to loud for bed time, and Mark groaning at me for taking too many pictures when all he wants to do is hit the sack.
Fortunately, time has not stood still, even if Alex's smile remains the same. We've been busy little bees with the basketball, volleyball, track, football, cheerleading and so on. We made our annual spring break trip to Alabama, which was sooo nice and much too short. And here I sit at Nana's kitchen counter, on Easter, making time to blog. I could say that I "finally found some time to blog", but truth be told, I probably could have found the time to blog all along, I just haven't found it to be at the top of my priority list. The ever changing priority list...what ever would I do without it. Don't get me wrong, it's not that I haven't THOUGHT about blogging regularly, and it's not as though the big grey cloud of guilt hasn't been chasing me around like a loyal little nagging puppy. Truthfully, blogging has MADE the priority list, it's just had a hard time making its way to the top. Which brings me to my next thought. HOW, oh HOW can I keep this thing up to date, without pushing something down on that ever so important priority list. I've decided that for the sake of those few family members that are pretty much ready to disown me, that I will update at least once a week. I may not be creative, or interesting, or thought provoking, but I will update with SOMETHING at least once a week. Some weeks I may update with a "week in pictures post" or even a "picture of the week" post, but it will be something. Afterall, I'd hate to have to find a new family to adopt me. :)
Fortunately, time has not stood still, even if Alex's smile remains the same. We've been busy little bees with the basketball, volleyball, track, football, cheerleading and so on. We made our annual spring break trip to Alabama, which was sooo nice and much too short. And here I sit at Nana's kitchen counter, on Easter, making time to blog. I could say that I "finally found some time to blog", but truth be told, I probably could have found the time to blog all along, I just haven't found it to be at the top of my priority list. The ever changing priority list...what ever would I do without it. Don't get me wrong, it's not that I haven't THOUGHT about blogging regularly, and it's not as though the big grey cloud of guilt hasn't been chasing me around like a loyal little nagging puppy. Truthfully, blogging has MADE the priority list, it's just had a hard time making its way to the top. Which brings me to my next thought. HOW, oh HOW can I keep this thing up to date, without pushing something down on that ever so important priority list. I've decided that for the sake of those few family members that are pretty much ready to disown me, that I will update at least once a week. I may not be creative, or interesting, or thought provoking, but I will update with SOMETHING at least once a week. Some weeks I may update with a "week in pictures post" or even a "picture of the week" post, but it will be something. Afterall, I'd hate to have to find a new family to adopt me. :)
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