Sunday, March 29, 2009

Today we celebrate #6.

Lance and I got married six years ago this evening. I loved everything about marrying Lance and I still love being married to him. Hitting the six year mark in this day and age I think says something about a couple. I also think that diving into that sixth year and the next few can be tough on a couple. I say that because I have seen first hand couples in those years not make it. But this post is not about breakups and makeups. It is about love.

It is about love that grows day in and day out. Even when you might forget that it is growing. People fall in love for many reasons. Often at the end of the day many years later those reasons are the same only expanded to many more reasons to be together.

When I feel in love with Lance I loved the way he treated me, spoke to me and cared for me. Today I love him for those same reasons only now I love him for the way he treats our children, speaks to them and cares for them. Our love has grown (some days unknowingly) as we adjusted to newlywed life, as we struggled through my health issues, our miscarriages, moving to another state, having one child and then another. Today it grows more from experiencing a loss. Lance lost his mother today. She peacefully went to Heaven early this morning. Although this will not define our day it does bring back to focus that we are life's partners for better or worse in sickness and in health, till death do we part.

As we move forward this year in our lives together we will strive to commit more time to "feeding" our marriage so that it continues to grow. So that love prevails when hardships come knocking. That we continue with well spoken and visual "love" patterns from which our children will learn that love exists in life and is alive in their home. That together we may rejoice in the love that we were blessed with when we are much older, wiser & content to just sit still and watch others "grow" their love.

Happy Anniversary Lance! I love you!


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Saturday, March 28, 2009

Let's play tag.

Stacie my bff, tagged me to write 7 things about myself. Something that surprised me as
she never does this sort of thing. So I am playing along.

First let's discuss the rules...

1. Link to the person who tagged you.
2. Share 7 things that people may not know about you.
3. Tag 7 people to share 7 things and link to them.
4. Let them know they have been tagged.



1) I am baby sitter resistant. For some reason I have a REALLY hard time leaving my kids with a baby sitter. It is getting easier now but this is a huge issue for me.

2) I've had "work" done. At this point I wish it was a lift and a tummy tuck but no nothing like that. What I mean is I had my front four teeth amazingly transformed into movie star teeth. I had two front teeth that were thin and I am sure would have broken by now with baby headbutts and I did the two next to them to continue with a good cosmetic look. People wouldn't notice this unless I told them.

3) That I showed horses when I was little. Morgan horses. I heart them, all breeds that is. I have longed for a horse all my life.

4) I want to be on the biggest loser. I run every Tuesday on the treadmill watching that show. I would love to work out with Jillian and have her kick my big ole butt in to shape.

5) That my husband wanted to just go and get married on some beautiful beach. No fuss. I talked him out of it. Now I wish I hadn't and now he is happy that we did the fuss and church wedding.

6) Both my golden retrievers died this year within a month of each other. It still tears me up and one day I will own a golden again.

7) Love to get my eye brows waxed, it's kinda like therapy for me. That pressure on the temples just erases tension from my body. Aaahhh!

Now...I tag:

Michelle

Diane

Jennifer and Allison

Evan

Kate

Sarah

Enjoy.

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Friday, March 27, 2009

Today

OK so today was amazing in so many ways. I know pride is sinful but at one point today I was so full of pride and the other part of today my heart was full of love.

Pride story.

Let's begin. Lately my husband has had a lot of very important calls to take care of for some rather large deals. This use to not be such an issue when the babies were smaller but older = louder.
So we decided that I would go and work out this morning and then the three of us would go to eat breakfast and could come back around 11am & the call should be over....well the first one that is. So off we went not unlike any other morning off to the gym kids in tow. The big difference was going to eat afterwards. I am not that mom that is so free spirited that I just run by the seat of my pants. Everything is well thought out, for those of you who really know me this might be a stretch to think about....I am not an organized person in any means unless it is something I am 100% on board with. Examples: Planning a bridal shower for a friend, Planning a wedding, Birthday party planning and well my kids and their routines. My home might fall by the wayside most days but I figure that is a 50/50 zone. Grin. OK back to the story. So going out to eat with a child takes some planning let alone taking two. I have often seen "those moms" out and about that just seem to have it all together. You know the ones, their kids aren't loud, they mind, they eat and don't cause a scene. And NO they don't have any extra hands....jut their God given two. Well I have often wanted to be that mommy. You know do something on your own and look good doing it.

Well that day arrived. I had my moment of Mommy Glory!!!!!!!!!!!!! I must say.....IT FELT GOOD!

We arrive at the restaurant and as I am getting the babies out I am talking about what a great meal we are going to have together. Just the three of us. How fun it will be. I must admit that I was a little frightened inside. I do not like to be that mom that has the crying and food throwing child in the place. Oh, I would rather die than to disturb another person's meal. So I say a small prayer and open the door to the breakfast restaurant with one child holding my hand, one on my hip and my shoulders armed with a diaper bag and a bag that holds my high chair covers...I heart these covers!

The place isn't busy so I feel a sense of peace come over me. So far so good. Campbell is waiting patiently holding my hand as we wait to be taken to the table that they are now placing two high chairs. Travis is not trying to buck out of my arms because he wants to walk. All is good. Then my mind does this: "you can do it, you know what she's thinking."I can honestly say that I could almost mouth what the waitress was thinking. "Great a mommy and two rug rats =mess and tiny tip." But again I move forward with the story.

We head back to the table and it is near the wall where some chairs are neatly lined up against. So I ask Campbell to please sit on one of the chairs and sit quietly and be very still while I make her chair comfy with the high chair covers. She does exactly as I ask. I then decide to put Travis in a chair next to her. Thinking "here comes trouble" but I do it any how. I look at him straight in the eyes and say "Travis sit still." I quickly start to cover the chairs and repeatedly and calmly ask them to be still. They sit with angelic faces, no movement. I feel people around me staring....I start to get nervous. I grab brother bear and as I am placing him in his seat I remind Campbell to sit still. She does. Then I grab her and pop her in her comfy seat. She tells me "it's comfy." All is good. I think it is important to remind you that my babies are 2.75 and 1.5 years old so repeating phrases and the fear of either one of them making a mad dash are REAL.

Seeing that I have eaten here before and done take out more than once I know exactly what we will have. One adult waffle eggspress with an extra egg (scrambled, cheesy style), two kiddie milks and an ice tea please. The waitress smiles and I read her mind: "great she's sharing and they'll still make a mess." I smile back.

I entertain the babies with coloring and stacking jelly mini tubs. They are happy. No squealing, no "i want milk" shout outs. Life is good. I glance around and people are watching. A few comment "oh their so cute." I hear some say " I'm glad I'm done with that stage." And well, I am feeling fine about our outing, it's going well, pretty darn well. But I refrain from feeling overly good as the meal hasn't arrived. But hey here it comes. I divide the meal, OK so it's a little larger portion for mommy but it's basically divided up for three. We eat and talk. Giggle and color on the side between bites. Things are good at our table. The waitress comes by and checks on us, I say were great, she doesn't hesitate to drop the check. I smile at her.

So we finish up and everyone is happy. I look around again and others around us are enjoying their meals. I feel good that we have not disturbed them. So now it's time to load up. Hmmmm could it be as easy as getting in. Will they now after being fueled up not wait patiently for mommy to pack up? I guess I will have to move forward and see just how good my luck can be. We can't stay here all day. So I explain to Campbell that I am going to sit her in the chairs along the wall with brother next to her. Could she sit quietly with brother and look after him while mommy packs up? She tells me "I can." I smile, she smiles back. Quickly I place her in the chair, store her chair cover, pick up any stray food from the floor around her seat ( there was a bit but much less than at home, must be the cooking. Grin.) I place brother next to her and say "what good babies mommy has." They both smile, much like before, they are angelic. The ladies in the booth next to them say "we are so impressed." I smile. Starting to feel something come over me.
A good feeling, better than good feeling. It's growing inside of me. I can't help but smile bigger and bigger. At this point I am all packed up. I gather the two bags over my shoulders, attach child to hip and the other to my hand. Off we go. We walk through the restaurant just as we had upon arrival however I think a bit more confidently. We load up in the car and as I buckle up I am beaming. I am in awe. I just had the most wonderful dinning experience with two people under three.

As I continue to drive home I realize that I am overcome with pride. I am busting at the seams with pride..... I had a mommy glory moment and I looked good doing it! I can be one of "those" moms.


Full of Love story.

My babies are not "rocker" babies. I dreamed of rocking my babies...never happened. They are walk me, bounce me, pat my bottom, jiggle me , sway me babies. You'd think I'd be thin. Nope.
Well today it happened I had my rocking experience. Campbell decided to have quiet time instead of nap. Well she's not ready to do this because if she doesn't nap than she is one cranky and miserable baby come 4pm. One that is crying for a nap which I cant give her because bedtime is at 6-6:30pm. So as I listened to her whisper to her animals and play with her blankets I sent up quick prayers that she would not wake up brother bear who needs his nap as he is transitioning to one nap these days. Not to mention disturb daddy who was across the hall on a conference call. I was on egg shells waiting for fireworks. I went up and spoke to her. Let her know that we couldn't do sidewalk chalk today if she didn't nap. Yes, I bribed her. It happens. Well about 45 more minutes went by and she started to cry. I went in and she said "I want to snuggle with you mommy." Feeling like I had to do something I said "Let's rock." So I pulled the chair out to the middle of her room and sat her on my lap. I began to rock. She kept saying "mommy you rock me." I smiled and whispered "yes, close your eyes." But she had other ideas. She kept whispering to me and moving around. I just knew we were going to wake up Travis. Then I decided to sing. Which I don't do, nor do I do it well. She is really into Twinkle Twinkle right now so I repeatedly sang this song. Over and over I sang and rocked and rocked and sang. Finally she feel asleep. I could feel her fade away and it felt something like.....well something exactly like I thought it would be when I had dreamt of rocking my babies. It was wonderful. My heart was filled with love and I just wanted to bask in the moment. I wanted to just stop time and be there forever. Then I was brought back to reality. Travis was up. I needed to get him before his wake up fuss turned into a cry that would disturb daddy and the sleeping beauty in my arms. I was fearful that she would wake up as soon as I stopped rocking and singing....yes still rocking and singing. I almost hated giving up that moment, that sweet moment with my daughter. But I had too. I slowly got up and placed her in her crib. She rolled over and slept. It was bitter sweet.

So there you have it two tales from my day. Long I know but lovingly and full of pride I had to share it all. Tell me a tale from your day, I would be happy to hear it.


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Wednesday, March 25, 2009

wordless wednesday



this would be the photo on our wedding program....."Come walk with me"

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Monday, March 23, 2009

Baby Stellan

Please remember Stellan in your prayers tonight. He is very sick and his parents are sick with fear but full of faith. If you want to go over to MckMama's blog please click on the power of prayer 2 button on my side bar.

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Sunday, March 22, 2009

New Favorite Song

This song just gets me in the mood to.....work out. It is on my play list and I just thought I would share it. This is the first I have heard of this guy and don't know much more about the artist. I listen to mainly kids music these days but since joining jazzercise I have heard a lot of great tunes lately. I hope you like it too.




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Friday, March 20, 2009

Dancing!

We are dancing away in the March Madness Tournament.
We just advanced to the next round beating Temple 66-57!
Go Devils!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Wednesday, March 18, 2009

wordless wednesday




wedding hair trail run.....Feb. 2003

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Sunday, March 15, 2009

Leaving on a jet plane!

So in a few short weeks the kids and I will be taking off to Arizona to spend some time with Nana and Papa. Hopefully we will get to see grandma/great grandma, uncle William, & some of my dear friends. I cant tell you how excited I am to take this trip. I have already started talking about our "trip" to Campbell and she says "we go to Air- zona, see nana papa."

So mommy's out there here is your chance to comment away on the following.

Give me your best air travel tips.

I have flown a few times with one baby....that baby was my only one, not crawling, still nursing and content to sit on my lap and nap. Oh so going to be a different trip with two. Two toddlers (2.5 years & 1.5 years), both walkers, both vocal and one potty trained.

Sun Devil land bound,

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Thursday, March 12, 2009

Terrific Tip Thursday

Ever have that not so fresh scent from your garbage disposal.
Give this a try.

Deodorize the garbage disposal by pouring in 1/2 cup baking soda and 1/2 cup hot white distilled vinegar. Let sit for 5 minutes then run hot water down the disposal.

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Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Tee Hee.

So a while back we were driving along in the car having a grand ole time. Well someone took it to the next level. Campbell out of nowhere starting laughing and carrying on that when I looked back at her I just knew I had to pull over....pull over and get it all on film. Oh the fun we have!

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Thursday, March 5, 2009

Teriffic Tip Thursday

Just got this tip and I thought I would pass it along.

PUT YOUR CAR KEYS BESIDE YOUR BED AT NIGHT

Tell your spouse, your children, your neighbors, your parents your Dr's office, the check - out girl at the market, everyone you run across.

Put your car keys beside your bed at night. If you hear a noise outside your home or someone trying to get in your house, just press the panic button for your car. The alarm will be set off, and the horn will continue to sound until either you turn it off or the car battery dies.

This tip came from a neighborhood watch coordinator. Next time you come home for the night and you start to put your keys away, think of this:

It's a security alarm system that you probably already have and requires no installation. Test it. It will go off from most everywhere inside your house and will keep honking until your battery runs down or until you reset it with the button on the key fob chain. It works if you park in your driveway or garage If your car alarm goes off when someone is trying to break into your house, odds are the burglar rapist won't stick around... After a few seconds all the neighbors will be looking out their windows to see who is out there and sure enough the criminal won't want that. And remember to carry your keys while walking to your car in a parking lot. The alarm can work the same way there ..... This is something that should really be shared with everyone. Maybe it could save a life or a sexual abuse crime.

Please pass this on even IF you've read it before.

It's a reminder and it might save your life.



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