Monday, October 25, 2010

Noah goes to the ER.

There is never a dull moment in this house. I swear. Yesterday the kids were playing in their room. Noah starts crying, Aidan yells "Noah bleeding." Now, i think it is probably nothing more then a cut lip. No biggie. Wrong.

My husband brings Noah out of the bedroom, his face covered in blood. Noah is screaming hysterically. At this point, we don't know where he is bleeding from, all we know is it is alot.

We get a rag, clean him up and detertmine it is cut on his nose. Turns out, Aidan hit him with a toy truck and it caught Noah in the nose (gave him a bump on the eye too).

The cut is pretty deep, but not bleeding horribly. But, we still haul him into the ER.

2 hrs and an Xray later, Noah has the cut glued back together with liquid stitches and we are sent merrily on our way. Noah is fine, no worse for the wear. Aidan is now being "very careful  mommy" when he plays with Noah.

The doctor told us on the way out, "I am sure we will see you again soon."

Life with kids, I tell ya.

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Thursday, October 21, 2010

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Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Somedays

Sometimes, after a day like today, I wish that I could just run away to a secluded island with a good book and my iPod. Don't get me wrong, I love my life. I just want a break. Even if it is just a brief one.

Today was a day that taught me many things:

1.) Everything you say can be taken out of context. So you're better off saying nothing.
2.) At the sight of clean laundry, Morgan will want to change her clothes. 100 times.
3.)People are going to spew awful things about you in a passive agressive way, but it's okay, because if it was true...they would say it outright
4.)Aidan will feed his brother his green beans when my back is turned and then proclaim "all done" so he can have a dessert.
5.)Trust is a very fickle thing.
6.)I am stronger then I give myself credit for.
7.)I hate missing the gym.
8.) I love my life, no matter how chaotic, stressful, or whatever, it may be. I am doing something that I love to do with my life. Living each day to the fullest. Contrary to what some may think, I am not jealous of anyone. My life is full of people that love me for who I am. I am happy. Geuninely, 100% happy with my life. With my choices. I can look at myself in the mirror and be proud of what I accomplish in my life each day.

"It's not about having what you want. It's about wanting what you have"

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It's Been One Of Those Mornings...

I overslept this morning, which meant I couldn't go to the gym before Steve left for work. After taking two days off from the gym (but logging 10 miles worth of walking and running) I was itching to go back. My body dictated otherwise.

I am tired this morning. So tired, that I dug out the coffee in the hopes of getting a little *kick*. I don't normally drink coffee. I gave it up. My  morning tea usually does the trick, not this morning though.

I have a lot on my plate, and even more on my mind. Steve can only listen to me vent for so long. He means well. But, he doesn't always get why I am stressed. Or sad. Or just frustrated in general.

Today I am just feeling blah. I hate feeling this way. Especially when there is so much that I need to be doing right now.

I am hoping that "one of those mornings" doesn't turn into "one of those days"

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Thursday, October 14, 2010

Reminders and Recharging

There is a new country song out by John Michael Montgomery called "Breath You Take" I love that song. It is a reminder to slow down and enjoy life. Because, you might just miss it if you don't.

Life has been pretty nuts here. Between books that need writing, outlines that need outlining, buisness projects, an upcoming trip to Chicago (my first EVER invite for a blogging event) the kids, finances, and just life... sometimes I forget to breathe. Sometimes I forget that at the end of the day...none of that matters if I miss what really matters.

That point was driven home this afternoon. The kids were being especially rowdy and I was feeling extra stressed out. So, we got our shoes on and trekked to our local park. (The big park is now in walking distance). Within moments of leaving the house, the kids found a massive amount of leaves on the sidewalk and were playing in them, laughing hysterically. I laughed with them. The stress started melting away. We crossed the bridge over the river, Aidan and Morgan pretending to be pirates. They marvaled at the planes in the skies. Stopped when they heard trains in distance. Once we got to the park, they were off. Leaving me to chase Noah up and down the hills.

I watched them play. I felt renewed. Morgan was no longer this timid little girl. She was running full tilt across the playground, laughing the entire time. Aidan had morphed into this kind and thoughtful big brother, who always made sure Morgan was never left behind. For two hours they played and laughed. The smiles never left their faces. Noah was pretty happy as well.

On the way back home, Morgan walked with her arm around Aidan. They both were still grinning. Truth be told, so was I.

I need this afternoon. A moment to just appreciate the life that I have.  A moment to really appreciate the things that truly matter. For those two hours, I didn't think about work, or finances, or my upcoming business trip to Chicago.

It really is about the moments that take your breath away...

I was glad to have that moment.

(as soon as I find my card reader pictures are coming!)

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Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Fall is in the air

Today was finally a "feels like fall" day. The last couple of days it has been hot. Figures it would get hot after the summer clothes had been relegated to depths of the closets.

Life here is settling into somewhat of a normal feel. After a summer that was filled with stress, hard choices, and many, many tears, I am glad that life here is starting to feel normal.*

(*Not that this is a normal that I ever want to get used to, but it is a normal that is okay for now)

Noah went from an unsure and unsteady walker to a running at full speed toddler in the two weeks that we have lived in our new home. It is fun, yet exhausting at the same time. He never slows down. Ever. Luckily, Aidan and Morgan love playing with him, so the three of them enjoy seeing what kind of trouble they can get into.

Speaking of trouble, last week Morgan and Aidan found a way to escape from a fenced in back yard with locked gates. The following day, they pushed out their screen in their room and climbed out the window. I would say that those two are going to give me a run for my money when they are older...but that is already happening. (Before you flame me...we just moved in here and didn't realize that the one window was missing a lock..it has since been replaced.) They keep life interesting.

I am doing fantasic! When is the last time I could say that? It has been a while, that is for sure. I just starting going to the gym and am finally seeing success in my weightloss journey (you can read about that journey here) I have a mountain of projects to work on. Three books in various stages, and my business that needs running. Life is definately chaotic.

I have pictures to share, as soon as I find my card reader. Ah, the joys of trying to get settled into the new house!

This weekend we are *hopefully* heading to a local apple orchard with all four kiddos. We also need to decide what everyone wants to be for halloween. Aidan has changed his name no fewer then 6 times..and that was just today ;)

Have a wonderful night :)

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Monday, October 11, 2010

Halloween Movies For Families

I have a love affair with anything scary. One of my earliest memories with my dad was watching the Steven King movie IT when it was on NBC as a 3 night mini series-much to my mom's dismay. Of course, when the little ones are running underfoot, I have to choose a Halloween movie that is a little more tame.

Of course, one of the must see movies in our house during the month of October is It's The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown. I adore Charlie Brown and the gang and make it a point to watch every Charlie Brown special each year. It was something that we did together as a family when I was younger, and I like being able to pass that on to my kids.

Another classic Halloween movie that I watched when I was younger was Double, Double Toil and Trouble with the Olsen Twins. I was a huge Full House fan so I was naturally drawn to them in that movie. Morgan watched it last year and loved it.

Of course there are all the cartoon Halloween shows and movies that are a staple in our house this time of year, Scooby-Doo, Spongebob, Dora, Diego, you name it, we have probably watched it.

So, what are your favorite movies to watch as a family for Halloween?

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Sunday, October 10, 2010

I was THAT kid

I was that kid.

You know, the one that was teased for being a little on the "chunky".

Yeah, I was that kid.

The one who was teased because I dressed a certain way. The one who was teased because my hair was cut differently. The one who was teased because of my last name.

I was that kid.

In high school, kids wrote on my locker with permanent markers. No one would talk to me. Or acknowledged me. Except if it was to tease me.

I learned at an early age what it felt like to be hated. To feel totally unwanted. Unimportant. I learned how cruel people really are.

They say high school is supposed to be the best years of your life....

They were wrong.

I was that kid.

The kid that questioned if my life was really worth living. The kid that that wondered if people would miss me if I was gone. That is a horrible feeling.

I was a kid that was bullied. That grew up to be an adult that was bullied. Instead of surrounding myself with people who loved me. I chose the guys who would rather use me as a punching bag, physically and emotionally. I was bullied. That defined who I was.

I was that kid who turned into that adult.

Bullying is an epidemic. An epidemic that kills. Can you imagine being bullied to the point where you want to take your own life?

It doesn't have to be that way. If you are being bullied, know that there is help.  There are people who geuninely care about you as a person.

It shouldn't matter how much money you have, what kind of clothes you wear, or how much you weigh. You are beautiful. Just the way you are.

I was that kid. I am now that adult. The one who wants people being bullied to know that they aren't alone. I want them to know that they are beautiful people who have a lot to offer the world.

Hold your head high. Believe in yourself. And most of all remember....

You are not alone

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Friday, October 8, 2010

Today, My Kids Ran Away

I considered not posting this, you know in case it jepordizes my parent of the year award ;) But, I am not winning any awards...so here goes...

Aidan and Morgan are 4 and 3 respectively. One of the reasons we chose this house was for the fenced in back yard. I wanted the kids to be able to play outside without me hovering over them. It also allowed for Noah to be able to play freely as well.

I will admit, I leave them outside for short periods of time. I can hear them through the window and check on them often. And it usually isn't for more then a few minutes at the time (See, told ya I wasn't winning any awards) But, I bought locks for the gates...so they can't get out.

Well today I learned that even if the gates are locked, the kids can still run away.

I went outside to grab Noah to check his diaper and brought him inside. I then decided it was time to get ready for dinner so, went back to get Aidan and Morgan. They weren't there.

After yelling for them that "this isn't funny" I realized that their bikes were pushed against the back fence.

Yeah, you guessed it, my resourceful preschoolers figured if they couldn't go through the gate, they would go over it.

I called my husband. I walked the block yellling for them. I was that parent for a few minutes...I stopped a kid on a skateboard who hadn't seen them, but would bring them back if he did. I met an old lady who had just seen them, if they came back they would bring them home. We found them a short time later. In the neighbors yard. Playing on their slide.

The neighbor is nice. He said the kids could play over there whenever they wanted. I learned that we live in a truly family friendly neighborhood, where people will help you. No one thought I was a bad parent. They understood. Because they had, or have, kids that age.

It was a moment I never want to relive. For 15 minutes I didn't know where my kids were.

Oh, and for the record..they are grounded...

Until they are 21

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Monday, October 4, 2010

I'm Going To Be Famous Baby!

brandy_ellen_blogging_support

Okay, okay, maybe not famous, but I do have big visions for this blog, especially since joining Brandy's Blogging Support Group.

I will admit, when I first starting blogging, I was expecting big things. Huge, I tell ya. But, it didn't happen. I do have a lot of fabulous blogging opportunites that have been presented to me and I am grateful to be working with the people and companies I do work with. But, I want to do more with my blog.

The problem is, figuring it out on your own can be a daunting and overwhelming task. So, when Brandy offered her blogging support group, I was on board.( I definately could use some direction with this blog)

If you are a blogger who needs some extra support from a great group of ladies, or are a new blogger trying to navigate uncharted waters, I highly suggest checking this group out!

Happy Blogging

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Saturday, October 2, 2010

Life and Stuff

Ahhh! Life has been moving at such a crazy pace that I wonder how I have any time to breathe.

We moved this past week. We spent all day Tuesday loading, unloading, and then reloading and unloading, the Uhaul truck. It was an exhausting day, one that left the kids in meltdown mode for 24 hours after the fact.

Life is slowly getting back to normal now. I had to cut back on work the past few weeks to deal with other things in life that were demanding my immediate attention. And now that those things have been dealt with, I am looking forward to jumping feet first back into work. I have spent a lot of time writing lately, on both of my blogs as well as my new fiction book. I am hoping to get a start on my non-fiction book soon as well.

The kids are doing well. Damien is still living with his dad for now and is doing good in school. It has definately been hard having him away. I wish things could be different. We all miss him. But, hopefully, it won't be this way for long.

Morgan got her ears pierced a couple weeks ago. She took it like a tropper and only cried at the end when both ears were pierced. She shows anyone who will pay attention to her, her earrings.

Aidan is turning into a tiny version of Damien. I see so much of Damien in Aidan. It is hard to believe that in August 2011, Aidan will be going into kindergarten. It goes by so fast.

Noah is a lean mean walking machine. When we moved, we ditched the playpen. He was constantly climbing out of it. We have to move him to a toddler bed soon, as it won't be long before he is trying to climb out of his crib.

As for me, well I am doing the best that I can. The stress of life gets to me sometimes. I do my best to keep my head held high because, as long as I am happy with the way that I am living life, then no one else should matter. Although, it appears that there is no shortage of people who wish to bring me down. Whatever.

Have a wonderful weekend.

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