New Year's List

2011 is now gone.  Although this year has had a few surprises and many moments of uncertainty, we are incredibly blessed.  I can't begin to explain all the ways in which we have been blessed.   As always I like to take this time to think about my life, my family etc. and what I can do to make things even better.  (My husband doesn't like to make resolutions so he never gives me any insights into his personal thoughts)  These are a few of the things I would like to improve on.

Dating my husband - We do a pretty good job with this.  We have a great list of babysitters, friends and family that have helped watch our kids.   With the addition of our fourth child in March I really want to continue to make it a priority.   In order to do this I have decided that we will have a date night once a week in the month of January.  (I would do it every week this year if I could, but I think that is a little unrealistic.  February is busy with both of our birthdays and Valentine's and March will be busy with a new baby.)  We enjoy going to Sounders games so we try to make those our date nights.  Hopefully we will keep "dating" a priority throughout the year.

Organizing - I am terrible at organizing and keeping the house clean.  It drives me crazy and I wish I was better.   I just don't have an "eye" for those things.  I hate spending money on organizing stuff.  And I am for the most part, ok with a "messy" house.  However, with a house full like ours I know organization will only become a bigger need.   The one thing I keep going back to is that I need to get rid of "stuff" in order to be more organized.  So for the month of January I have decided to "throw away" 31 things each day.   My husband thinks I'm crazy and doesn't think I have 900 + things to throw away.   I would like to do it the whole year but I think we will start with a month and see how it goes.

Prayer - I want to spend more time in prayer and reading my bible.  This is an ebb and flow for me.  Sometimes I'm in a good groove and other times I'm not.

Friends- I want to continue to stay connected to good friends and let them know how much I love them and appreciate them.

 H20- This is my health goal.  I want to drink more water.  I don't do a great job with this and I know it would only help me feel a little better.

Play - Especially during these next 3 months I really want to take the time to play with my boys.   I will be exhausted and strung out soon after the baby comes so I want to enjoy this time right now.

Writing - I have been so bad at writing.  But I want to continue to make this a priority.  I'm still trying to decide what my goal will be.  So many posts, stories etc.  I just don't know yet. 


I'm sure I will have more to add.  2012 is going to be a great year! 

The Most Wonderful Time of Year

I LOVE this season.  I love the time from Halloween all the way through the New Year.  It is especially more exciting and enjoyable when you have little ones to share it with.   This year has been no different.  

Yet, already I am feeling the unnecessary stress that can come with the Holiday season.   Typically I am one that can let things easily roll of my shoulder and not worry about them.  It's ok if my house is a little messy or unorganized.  It doesn't bother me if things are not completely planned out.   And although I would like things perfect it's ok if they are not, most of the time.

So, I hope I can manage all the extra stuff that will happen and enjoy these little moments with my kids and family.  They truly are precious. 

Money, money, money

One good reason why you are not in charge of your family’s finances.  (Mama Kat's writing workshop)

When it comes to money, I'm a mess.  It's not that I spend too much, exceed my credit card limit, or don't have a clue about dollars and cents.  It's quite the opposite. 

I do have a clue about my money.

Aside from one misunderstanding I have done well with my credit cards.

I spend way less than most people do. 

The reason I am not in charge of our family's finances is because it would put me in an emotional mess.  It would cause me unnecessary stress and worry and it would constantly plague my life.  Not only would the task of paying bills on time be something extra to deal with, but the idea of spending money would be very hard.

Instead of spending money I would try to save every penny just because.  We would not enjoy this moment and instead would live extremely cheap.  It's the way I have always been and although I think it is a noble quality to be cheap and to save money I think it adds stress because I constantly worry about having enough money saved.

*Don't get me wrong.  As a family we still save money and my husband manages our finances very well.  He just brings a nice balance to my obsession with saving money.  For example, he finally convinced me it was ok to buy new underwear since mine had holes in them and were ripping at the seams. 

72 days

I'm not one to stalk the news, but I do try to stay a little in touch with the world.  I regularly check out the People website to get the latest on celebrity news.  Not sure why, but it is interesting stuff to me.   The latest news has me mad, confused and annoyed.  

A celebrity, Kim Kardashian and her husband Kris Humphries ended their marriage after 72 days.   Now, I don't really know who they are aside from hearing their names every so often.  I don't watch their show and I don't care about their lives.   What I do care about and what makes me mad is how quickly and easily marriage was put aside.  After only 72 days they filed for divorce.  They didn't seek counseling.  They didn't work on staying together they just said this is tough, we are done.  

Now, my marriage is not all over the news (thank goodness, I would be a basket case) so I don't understand the scrutiny with which they have lived their lives already.  However, didn't they know it was going to be like this.  Didn't they seek professional help to sort through these potential problems.  They certainly have the money to.  

I do know my marriage has taken work.  I feel so lucky to have a husband who is patient, understanding and willing to talk through things.  But it's still work.  I clearly remember a month into my marriage having a misunderstanding, a fight, disagreement, whatever you want to call it.  Yes, I could have just said this isn't fun I'm done.   But it took work, it still takes work and it will always take work to make a marriage (or any relationship) last.

This is just such a bad example to the world that you can easily say I'm done even after spending 18 million dollars on your wedding day.  How annoying! 

Our song

Part of Mama Kat's writing workshop


I've never been all that romantic.  My husband is. Sometimes it drives me a little crazy because I have never understood why people would spend money on flowers when they eventually die.  Yet each time I would receive flowers (only from him) it made me feel special.  So I get it.  It's still just hard for me. 

I dream of being more romantic.

When it came to having a song I always wanted one but never thought there would be one.   Then somehow it happened.

On our third date we went to a Tim McGraw concert.   In an effort to win me over my now husband knew I liked country music and surprised me with these tickets.  We loved the concert and ended up getting his CD.   It was the beginning of listening to Tim McGraw, laying by the fireplace and gazing at each other, then kissing, gazing, and kissing some more. 

In the process we found our song, one that we fell in love with, became our first dance and one we will always dance to when we hear it.  

(Lyrics to my favorite part of the song)

And all I want to do is let it be

And be with you and watch the wind blow by

And all I wanna see is you and me

Go on forever like the clear blue sky

Slowly, there's only you and I

And all I wanna do is watch the wind blow by



A memorable fishing trip

Part of Mama Kat's Writing Workshop


My husbands family has a long tradition of going on a ten day fishing trip at a remote lake in Canada.  The first three years I knew my husband we did not go on this trip.  (The first year we were dating and I had other plans that week.  The 2nd year was the week of our wedding so we canceled.  The third year we had a family illness)  Finally, the fourth year of knowing him was when I made it on this infamous fishing trip.

Now, I haven't done a whole lot of fishing in my lifetime.  In fact until this trip I had only caught one fish and I am still suspicious that my friend caught it for me then handed me the fishing pole.   I was anxious to see if I would have any luck this time.   Even though I don't generally fish I am always ready to "rough it". I can go days without a shower or sleep outside on the ground with only a sleeping bag.  Our acccommodations provided a bed in some run down cabins so it was definitely better than being outside but it was still different than a Hawaiian resort.

My first fishing trip. 

My first pregnancy.

My first experience with morning sickness.

So, I would stay in bed as long as I could since I felt so nauseous.  I ate crackers.  

I would climb in the rowboat with my husband.  He would fish.  I would lay in the boat barely holding on to my pole secretly hoping neither one of us would catch one.  I didn't know how I would react to the smell of fresh fish.  

Fortunately, I could tolerate the smell.     

I survived the week, nauseous, exhausted and desperately wanting to be in the comforts of my own home.   I was most disappointed that I did not get to experience my first "fishing trip" in a normal fashion.  The years after that involved taking care of babies and toddlers which in and of itself is a whole different experience. 

Advice to New Mothers

Mama Kat's Writing Workshop

As the mother of three young children I like to think that I know it all.  Unfortunately each day my boys prove that wrong.  I still have a lot to learn and could certainly continue to take advice from other mothers.  However, I have been a new mother and what a crazy, wonderful time of life it was.   And while I have tons of advice I will just leave my top two nuggets of advice for new mothers, because really new mothers are so sleep deprived they can't remember much more.

1.  Enjoy those snuggles.  Never again will you have the time to focus completely on your baby as he snuggles into your shoulder.  It is such a precious time.

2.  Every day gets a little better.  This was the best advice I received.  Every day is just a little better than the day before.  It might be such a small difference that you hardly notice but it is getting better and will keep getting better and finally you will get some sleep.

Congratulations to you, a new mother!

10 years later

I finally had the chance to watch a special on the 10th year anniversary of 9/11.  Since my kids were asleep I didn't have to worry about explaining why people died. Or why there are bad guys that drive airplanes into buildings.  I had to briefly explain some of this earlier to my four year old, but thankfully he became distracted.

We all remember where we were on that day.  How can anyone forget?  It was a day of emotion, uncertainty, and fear.  I could recount my thoughts on that day but tonight I was touched by the stories of those who lost their dad or mom in this tragedy.  I don't know what it would be like to be in any of these situations but it made me the saddest to hear these 9 and 10 year old kids describe a person they had never known but was somehow a huge part of who they were.

Bless them! Bless their widowed parent! Bless all those who were lost on that day! 

And what a reminder to me that I am so blessed.

Lessons in Camping

A few months ago my husband was sucked into the Costco curse.  He walked by a tent display and saw that it was "such a great deal" that he had to buy it.  This was not an average size tent, this was a tent with three rooms big enough to fit three queen size mattresses.  Now, our family of five does not need one this big but we do hope to add a few more kids so we could use it.  The problem, at the time, was that the only time we ever went camping was over Labor Day weekend.  So, when my husband came home with this purchase I told him it's great but now we need to go camping more than once a year.  So, we have.  We have been on three camping trips this summer and we have one more to go. 

This past weekend I learned a few things that I thought I would write about.

1. Make a List -  We need to have a list of things we bring everytime we go camping.  We have said this every time and I think about doing it but never do.  Hopefully I can start my list today tomorrow.   This time around we forgot forks, butter, and a few other things.  But we did remember to bring paper plates.

2. Bring things that will make camping a little easier.   I found this at the grocery store.

This is so much easier than bringing the mix, the eggs, the bowl, the spoon and whatever else you need to make pancakes.  It still tasted very yummy.

3.  Jiffy Pop  - I forgot about fun things like Jiffy Pop.  I will have to make sure to bring some next time.



I know I will learn many more things about camping as we go on more trips.  Maybe one day I will have it all figured out. 

Mom Fail

I was in the mini van with my three boys, driving to my sister's house.   She lives at least an hour and 20 minutes away.   It is always quite a trek but I almost have it done to a well timed drive.   Usually the boys wake up, they go to the bathroom and get dressed.  We skip breakfast at home and eat a granola bar in the car along with their milk.  This is great because it usually takes up some time in the car where they are happy.  I rarely have to stop because someone has to use the bathroom.

Back to the story.   For some reason this time the boys had already eaten breakfast.  The only concern I had was that one of them may throw up in the car (since it was shortly after a meal).  

I was about twenty minutes into the drive when my 2 1/2 year old started asking for his milk.  I had their milk cups by me.  I still had a good fifty minute drive left.  I could either give him the milk and his whining/demanding would stop or I could try to distract him.   The distracting did not work and the whining continued.   Here is where I should have found an exit, pulled off the freeway and given him his milk.  

Instead, in all my brightness I decided I could multitask while driving (very poor choice) and toss his cup back to him.  

So I did.   It was one of these hard plastic kind. 



He stopped his whining/crying for six seconds, then he cried harder and louder.   I realized the cup had hit him.  In my effort to make him a "tough" boy I reassured him that he was ok and it didn't hurt.  Don't good moms say this to their boys.

I looked in my rear view mirror again and saw him holding his mouth with blood dripping down his chin.   I had hit him with the cup and drew blood.

We found the next exit and the closest place to pull over so I could clean up the blood.  I gave him a big hug and a huge apology.  The rest of the drive he was not whining and I was laughing and crying at the same time.  How could I make such a bone head mistake?  I would like to blame it on what many people call "mommy brain". 

Cussing

 Opinion post:   Write about how you feel about cussing in blog land? Acceptable? Unacceptable? Do you keep reading?


I was raised in a conservative home.  It was ingrained into my mind to not smoke, drink, swear, get tattoos or piercings in strange parts of my body.  

When it came to saying bad words we had a great model in my parents.  They rarely, if ever, swore.  I remember trying to swear but as soon as the words came out of my mouth they felt awkward.   It just is not natural for me.  So, on my blogs I don't cuss.  It would sound strange and would not reflect the person I am.  However, for other people cussing is part of their personality.  And this is not in a bad way.  It's just who they are.  Just as tattoos and piercings reflect someones style, so does cussing.  (and sometimes I secretly wish I could have tattoos and piercings and swear as if it was not a big deal) 

Now, I will say cussing, in excess, is not enjoyable to read or listen to.  It just becomes too much.  You miss the main point of the message if there is a bad word every other time.  I hope those that do decide to use swear words do so in a way that reflects them or what they think so that the readers will enjoy it and get to know them a little better. 

7 years

Yesterday we celebrated our 7th wedding anniversary.   It seems like just yesterday we were saying "I do" and at the same time it seems like a very long time ago.  We have created a lot of fun memories in those very short/long seven years.  The greatest memories have been the births of our three boys.  This goes without saying our boys have been the best part of us being together.  It is what we had dreamed about before we even were married.

We have also been on some very fun trips and many adventures.  We only hope to make many more wonderful memories together and as a family.

Now, I am not going to paint these last seven years as a truly, blissful and happy time.  For the most part it is great!  But we have had our moments, our frustrations, and our struggles.  Yet we are both committed and dedicated to not only making this marriage last but to solving our arguments and disagreements.   I get frustrated and sometimes angry when we don't see eye to eye on something.  Brad has to remind me that we won't always agree on everything and that is ok.   We just need to focus on understanding  and learning more about each other.  It is so very hard sometimes but I know it is so important.

I am looking forward to the next seven years (and of course many more).  And even though I know we will have disagreements  or misunderstanding I know we love each other deeply and will always, always work on understanding each other better.

Destressing

Yesterday I heard a lady speak about destressing our kids lives.  While most of the information was stuff I had heard before, there were definitely a few reminders of things I can do to make our world a little more stress free.  

The biggest thing I was reminded of was our kid's stress is often based on the stress we have in our lives.  Along with that is how we deal with stress and the attitude we have with it.   I feel I am a pretty easy going person who can accommodate most things with a positive attitude.  I hope this is evident to my kids.  If you were to ask my husband he would say that I stress about a lot of unnecessary things.  Maybe I do but I think that is also part of being a mother. 

I have tried, and continue to try to identify the things that "stress me out".  This is the list I have come up with for now.

1. Dinner
2. Trying to find last minute childcare so I can tutor.
3. A change in plans. (it usually takes me a little while before I am ok with the change)
4. Shopping/Spending Money (I have always had a strong dislike for spending money.  I don't think it will ever change so I need to learn how to make it not stressful for me)


I'm working on ways to make these things less stressful.  For example, if I have dinner planned for the week it makes things that much easier for me.  

And of course I try to find time for myself so I can destress too! 

Technology & Kids

Since becoming a mother I have become more aware of the latest findings and studies.  Some of these studies are interesting to me, others obvious and a few that seem a little far fetched.  One "study" I constantly hear is the damage television can do to young kids.  While my kids don't watch a lot of TV they do watch some and I try my best to limit it as much as possible.  (Full confession: they watched a lot of TV after a sibling was born).  

One study I have not heard is the impact computers have on our kids.   I think it's mostly because it is still new and novel to all of us.  Many adults don't want to admit that computers might be bad because we have become so dependent on them.  We look up information and stay connected all through a keyboard and a comptuer screen.  

Aside from learning how to be a mom I also now have to figure out a balance of technology for my kids.  I rarely let them on the computer.  However, as a former teacher I know the importance of being able to navigate a mouse.   In an effort to minimize computer time in my house I have instituted a few policies for myself.  

1.  I only check e-mail and facebook when the kids are sleeping (or at least trying to fall asleep).
2.  If I need to print something or check something on the computer I try to do it quickly upstairs while they are still downstairs.  Or, I try to find alternative ways to find information.  i.e. call my sister or dad
3.  Do not use my laptop downstairs.  (I fail at this one on occasion but I am trying)

By establishing these rules for myself I feel I have communicated to my boys that the computer is not the center of my life (although my husband thinks I am always on facebook).  And maybe slowly I will let them see some of the really cool computer games that are available online.  

Eating Bon Bons

Lately, I have been sitting on the couch eating bon bons.  Well, that is my answer when my husband asks "How was your day?" or "What are you doing right now?" (as he calls in the middle of the day).  I don't like bon bons so I never really would just sit and eat them but the idea of being able to just sit in the middle of the day and enjoy a sinful treat sounds like true bliss.  But who am I kidding?  I am a mother to 3 young boys.  If I have a moment where they are playing peacefully then I am frantically cleaning, washing, organizing or at least acting as if I am productive.  

Today was different.  Today I ate my bon bons.  Wait, I don't like them.  But I did enjoy a moment today one that I hope to embrace more often because it was truly a special moment.

I sat on the couch and watched as all three boys were playing.  One independently and the other two side by side.  I just sat and didn't even think about the million other things that I could do in order to check them off my to do list.  I sat and watched and listened.  The beauty of family and siblings came through as my oldest helped his younger brother find the fastest car for the race track. 

It's a moment that is difficult to put into words but one that will melt a mother's heart, as it did mine tonight.

And so, tomorrow I will try to eat more bon bons. 

Rachel's Wish

A week ago my sister was driving to my house and drove by the scene of a terrible accident.  She recounted the scene and I couldn't help but wonder what happened and who might be involved.

A few days later I heard news of one of the victims.  A 9 year old girl was injured and eventually died from the accident.  Now that I am a mother, news of any child dying tears apart my heart.  This was no different.  But what has really intrigued me is the after effects of this young girl's untimely death.

The full article can be found here. 

What a wonderful, uplifting story!

Why do I write?

I ask myself this question a lot, especially lately.  What am I doing trying to be a better writer when I'm not that good to start with?  I don't have a passion for it like other writers.  I don't have a gift with words.  (Although I think about a lot of things).   I'm not sure why I am trying to do this.  Except I see it as a challenge.  A challenge to try something new and different.  A challenge to explore a world that I am not very proficient in.  A challenge to hold myself accountable to this blog.

It hasn't been easy.  I have trouble coming up with an interesting topic when I write, even though I have lots to say.  But the only way I will get better at writing is if I keep writing.  So that is just what I am going to do.

Good Luck to me! 

Julie & Julia

I watched a "chick flick" tonight.  It's a rare occurrence for me.  

Julie & Julia is a very interesting movie about Julia Child and a food blogger Julie Powell.  Although I am not a big food person I was very interested in learning more about Julia.  It was also fun to follow the journey of the blogger.   I'm sure it was very challenging to not only cook all the meals but also to write about them along the way.   Now this blogger, Julie Powell, has more than just a blog to document her adventure.  She has a movie too.

The movie doesn't move along very quickly but it is enjoyable to watch.

Invitation

I received an invitation in the mail the other day.  I love getting mail that is not an advertisement or a bill, and an invitation is the best.  

This invite caught me a little off guard because I have been invited to a bridal shower for someone I hardly know.   You see, Shannon is going to marry one of my best friends.  Well, its really not that weird because Brian isn't my best friend but he definitely used to fit into that category. 

Brian and I have known each other since the day he was born (since I came two months earlier).  We were neighbors and our parents still live next to each other.  

Brian is like a brother to me.  I have heard people say this before and sometimes I think to myself "that's your way of saying one of you liked the other but there was some issue that prevented you from hooking up."  But it's different for me.   He really is like a brother and at times was my best friend (maybe that is more because he was the only friend I had at that moment.

We have lots of fun memories from crazy adventures we went on, or at least he coerced me into going with him.  He is a fun, adventurous, sweet, caring guy.  He will make Shannon happy and I am so thankful I was invited to celebrate their new life together. 

The Simple Things

The Simple Things  (Mama Kat's Writing Workshop)

When I think of simplicity I think of things that require very little thought or effort and in the end makes me happy.  My list of a few of the simple things.

1.  Sitting in the rocking chair on my front porch.

2.  Throwing rocks into the water.

3.  Walking on the beach

4.  Waking up before the alarm clock goes off

5.  Rushing to bed so I can read a good book.

6.  A good phone conversation with an old friend.

7.  Nice long run.  (on a trail)   **

8.  Snuggling in bed with my husband and three boys

9.  Getting a genuine letter in the mail

10.   A glass of wine


** This admittedly takes a little more effort but still is a simple thing to me. 

Cuddling and Lists

I have a long list of things to do around this house and for myself.   It's overwhelming at times and I don't know when or how I will get it done unless I send the kids away for a few days but then I would probably just be lazy and not get anything done.  So I don't really want to do that.  

Most of the time I get things done is before they wake up in the morning or after they have gone to bed.  But I'm not very productive during those times.   I'm usually going for a run in the morning or I'm too tired at night. 

Last night my youngest, 16 months old, was having a tough time going to sleep.  He typically falls asleep very quickly so it was a little unusual that he was having such a hard time.  I decided to go in there to check and see if anything was wrong, a stuck leg, poopy diaper, something.  I went in and found nothing.  Instead I picked him up and held him and cuddled with him until he fell into a deep slumber.

My eyes started to tear up.  Those are moments that are so incredibly precious. And while I have a long list of things to do it may take years to get them done and thats ok (or at least I keep telling myself that) because these are moments that will soon be gone. 

I love my snuggles.  

May the Lord bless you

"The LORD bless you and keep you, the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you, the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace."

Numbers 6:24

At my mom's group last week we watched a video about building a faith that lasts.  In the video the pastor talks about a sweet little thing he does with his daughter every night.  He says this blessing from the bible.

I started to do this with my boys.  It is absolutely wonderfully sweet.  They are all tucked into their beds, books have been read, prayers have been said.  Then I say those words.  They smile, then give me a peace sign.  They may not fully understand the words yet but I know this will now be one of my sweetest things I do with my boys, their nightly blessing.  

Congrats Japan!

We went camping this weekend so we had to watch the delayed version of the Women's World Cup Final.  We avoided all media (text messages, facebook and general internet usage) so we would not learn the outcome of the game.   The United States team was ranked #1 coming into this tournament.  So in this contest they were highly favored.  In fact, Japan had never beaten the U.S. 

We sat and watched these two teams play.  The U.S. played very well and had some great chances at scoring.  Japan was classified as a very possessive team, where they just passed the ball around a lot until they would get a chance to score.  It was hard to see this since the U.S. was doing a great job getting the ball from them.

When we scored I was confident we would finish out the game with a 2-0 win.  But then Japan scored (on a defensive breakdown by the U.S.)  I was in disbelief.

We went into overtime.  I was confident in our ability to score again.  We did.

The U.S. was looking very good.  Japan scored again.  I was in disbelief.  

Our team had the lead, twice and let it go twice.  This is not to say that Japan did not work hard to get these goals, because they did.  But it was up to the U.S. to hang on to the lead and to close the game.   They did not do it.

In penalty kicks, the U.S. performed poorly and Japan did very well. 

Japan wins the Women's World Cup Title.  Congratulations Japan!  You worked hard to win this title.  

Sneaking out

Write about a time you had to crawl through a window.  (Mama Kat's Writing Workshop)

When I first read this prompt a story popped into my  mind.  I guess I didn't have to crawl through the window but I did.

Throughout my years I was a "good" kid.  I had my moments but for the most part my parents had no real worries about me.  I did my homework without being asked, woke up to my alarm every morning and was in bed in plenty of time to fall quietly to sleep.   My friends were all very nice and rarely tempted me to do something bad.   When I was tempted my conscience got the best of me and I would just stay at home where I knew I would do the right thing.  

Then there was my sister.   Well, she was a "good" kid too.   One summer night I was hanging out with her and some of her friends at our house.   They were doing whatever 13 year old girls do and I finally decided to be by myself.  I was sitting on the couch watching some random show on tv when one of her friends came in.

"Come on, Janelle.  Sneak out the window with us."
"Why?"
"We are going to Roland's house."  (Roland was a 13 year old boy who lived down the street.   He was really the only boy in our neighborhood and he had a crush on my sister).  

"Why do you want to do that?" I asked.
"It's fun.  Roland and his friends want to see us."

"Well, why do we have to go out the window?"
"Because, we do."

I never really got a straight answer as to why we had to climb out the bedroom window. (which was on the other side of the house from my parents)  But we did.  

We walked down the street to Roland's house and I watched as the awkwardness between 13 year old boys and girls became unbearable.  Then I walked back home.

It was still pretty early in the evening.  We could have simply asked my parents if we could walk down to his house and I'm sure they would have said "Yes, just be back before dark."   But we, for some reason, had to add the element of sneaking out the window to our adventure. 

I never snuck out a window again.  It just seemed so silly to me.

Liquid Sunshine

I grew up in this wonderful place of the world, the Northwest, where liquid sunshine is quite common.  I'm used to gray days and rainy days and summers that start on July 5th.  I rarely complain about the weather because I think it makes us appreciate the sunny days we do have.  

But today, July 12th, I'm sitting in my room listening to the rain fall.  And it's falling hard.  I'm used to this.  But today I'm done with it.  I'm done with all the rain.  I just want some sunshine at least for a few weeks so I can again look forward to rainy days.

Until then I will just go get another Starbucks drink.

World Cup Nerves

The U.S. played in the quarterfinals of the Women's World Cup.  They are the number one ranked team and highly favored to win the contest.  Yet, the competition is much stronger than it has been in the past so now it makes every game exciting to watch.  (We - the U.S.- used to dominate every game it was almost a joke to watch). 

We watched the first half of the game but then had to go to church.  We were hoping to watch the replay at night and avoided all social media so that we would not learn the outcome.  Unfortunately, we also had the Sounders game to watch and even though we tried our hardest we could not avoid seeing the result.

The U.S. was victorious in a dramatic late game tying goal that forced penalty kicks.  

We watched the replay and even though I knew the result almost down to the last detail I was a nervous wreck.  I could not imagine what I would have been like if I had watched the game live or without knowing the results.   It reminds me that I have a competitive spirit and a strong attachment to watching sports.

Here is hoping the next game, and hopefully one more after that, don't put me into a panic.

Go USA!

Facebook's Purpose

I went for a run with a friend the other day.   We started talking about the phenomenon of Facebook, the latest social media craze.  I like to think I joined before it became popular so I was one of the first ones.  If I had time to really think through the ways it would affect my life I may have never joined, mostly because I have never really wanted to do the "cool" thing unless I wholheartedly believed in it. There are people who are not on facebook, believe it or not and I immediately tell them not to join.  But then I quickly explain to them why I think this.

Timewaster - If you are not careful it can be a major time waster.  A few months after I first joined I started checking it more regularly and would spend a couple of hours every night looking at people's profiles etc.  I know there were many other things I could have done with that time, i.e. sleep.

Privacy-  When you join facebook you have to be prepared to share your life, all of it, past, present, & future with everyone.  Sure there are privacy settings that have been implemented but it still is a place where information is easily shared.

Fly on the wall - It is very easy to peek in on other people and their lives.  For some people it doesn't seem wrong but sometimes it is a little strange sneaking in on their lives.

Like - There are many companies that are trying to market their products.  In order to get their coupons or deals you have to go to their page and "like" them.   There are many people who "like" a lot of things but then we don't know what they really like.  As an example I only like a few pages or businesses so now if someone looks at my page they know what I really like. 

Although there are some negatives to facebook I think there are many great things.

Social Outlet - As a mom who stays at home with three little boys I need a social outlet.  I do get out and see people but with facebook I feel like I don't need to get out as often. I can see how others are doing simply by getting on the computer.   It's also encouraging to read daily updates from other moms.  I know I'm not alone.

Reconnecting - It truly makes me happy to see some of my high school friends on facebook. I love seeing that life is treating them well and that they are living a happy and fulfilling life.

Family Ties - This is a great way to stay connected to family even if they are in other parts of the country.  I also like that I can post pictures of my family for others to see.

Important Updates - Last year when my husband was in the hospital I was able to quickly update everyone so people could be praying for him.  I was also able to give updates as his recovery progressed.  What a great way to communicate to family and friends when we are in need.  On the opposite spectrum I was able to share the news of the birth of our son. (but not our first two sons since facebook wasn't as popular then).

I think this whole facebook (and even twitter) thing is very interesting.  I'm especially anxious to see how it develops over the years.  To think that even at our wedding which was almost seven years ago no one was updating their status about anything is crazy.  Now it's part of many people's daily life.  And who knows how it will affect my boys as they grow up.  

In the meantime I will try to continue to enjoy the great things about it.

TV Shows

A list of 10 old TV shows you’d like to make a comeback  (Mama Kat's Writing Workshop)

I wasn't going to do this prompt at first because it was just a list, but once I started to think about all these shows it brought back so many fun memories.

1.  Saved By the Bell



This is at the top of the list because of Zack Morris (Mark-Paul Goselaar).  He was my wacko crush and I even had a picture of him up in my high school locker.  (My locker partner was wonderful)

2.  Growing Pains



I loved this show.  But my love for the show grew when Leonardo DiCaprio joined the family.  He was another crush and it was long before he became really famous. 

3. The Cosby Show




How can you not love this family?  I'm still amazed that they had 4 kids with one parent as a doctor and one as a lawyer?  What a busy family.


4. The Wonderful World of Disney



This show stirs up great memories of Sunday nights.  We loved the shows they had every week. 


5.  Gomer Pyle, USMC



What a goofy show and a goofy guy!

6.  Punky Brewster



There was something about Punky that was so endearing and loveable. I just wanted to be her best friend.

7. Little House on the Prairie



Laura Ingalls lived in such a great world.  There was nothing to worry about in her life except just about everything.  Thank goodness she had Pa to help her.

8.  Leave it to Beaver



June Cleaver - My Hero!  Need I say more.

9.  CHIPS


My sister was in love with Frank Poncherello.  I don't know what she saw in him because John Baker was so much cuter. 

10.  The Brady Bunch




I love a big family and love the Brady Bunch.  Even in all their quirkiness. 

Winter Days, Summer Nights

There are days when the sun barely rises before it begins to set again.  Gray clouds cover the sky and rain leaks down from above.  It is easy to get discouraged but I always tell myself it is worth it.  And it is.

Because these are the days that are glorious.  The sun barely sets before it rises again.  It's hard to sleep because you want to savor every minute of sun.   The warmth of the air with the cool little breeze makes these days absolutely wonderful.  And to top it off we get to experience this summer glory in one of the most beautiful places in the world where it is green and lush, blue and vibrant and absolutely spectacular.

I love this part of the world and I'm looking forward to soaking it all in. 

Otter/Golden Retriever

Yesterday I went to a mom's group hosted by our church.  We had this wonderful speaker come to talk about personalities.   It was sightful and a great reminder of how we are all so different yet so beautifully created by God.   I classified myself as an otter and a Golden Retriever.  Most of my personality falls under the otter category.  I like to have fun.  I enjoy people.  I'm ready for a party.   I think this is great and all Otters are wonderful.  However, there are also qualities of an otter that need a little bit of help.  Like staying organized.  Yes, this is a weakness of mine and I am trying my best to get better.  But maybe I will never be as organized as I would like to be.

I also have a little bit of Golden Retriever in me.  I'm easy going.  I'm patient.  It reminds me a little of my 2nd child.  These are great qualities but it can also mean that I let others be in charge when I really want to be.  Or that I am lazy and won't get things accomplished.

All I know is that I am not perfect, but I do need a lot of prayer.  

  

Memorable First Date

Describe a Memorable First Date  (Mama Kat's Writing Workshop)


Back in 2000, I traveled to Australia and ended up staying for almost six months.  I met a lot of wonderful people and had a memorable time.   In an effort to keep me in the great land down under I had many people trying to set me up with an Australian man.

My second of my three blind dates, down under, was a memorable first date.   He picked me up at the house I was staying in.   He was very tall and also very polite.   He began to ask me the general get to know you questions.   We were less than 10 minutes into our date when he asked what I had done in Sydney.  I told him I climbed the Sydney Harbor Bridge.   He asked me what I thought of it and I gave him my honest answer.  It was fun, but not worth the money.  That is when he told me that we were climbing the Bridge as part of our date.  Oops...I spoke too soon. 



Despite my blunder it was a very fun date.   But I am no longer in Australia because we never went on a second one.  

Soccer Junkie

I've grown up playing soccer and met my husband playing soccer but I have never considered myself a "soccer junkie".  I'm admitting to it now.  Today the Women's U.S. team played their first game in this year's World Cup.    It was on earlier today but I had plans to meet a friend with her boy.  I considered canceling so I could stay home and watch the game.  I'm serious.  However, I discovered that the game was going to be rebroadcast this evening. 

I went to the park and shielded myself from any type of news feed so that I would not learn the outcome of the game.  In fact I didn't even call my parents because I thought they might just leak the score to me.   So I was able to watch the game tonight with few distractions.  I admit I'm a soccer junkie. 

First Kiss

My four year old had his first kiss.  A real face to face, lip to lip kind of kiss.  At least this is the first one I was able to witness so I can't completely verify that it was his first. 

It caught me off guard a little.  He is great friends with this girl so it wasn't a stranger, but still I wasn't expecting it.  

It made me a little sad at first.  My boy is growing up and he will have many more most of which I won't be able to witness.

Then it made me wonder.  How do these kids learn these things?  They are obviously watching us (my husband and I) and others and know that kissing is socially acceptable and is a way to show affection to someone.  Is this what he is thinking?   Does he even think about why he should kiss her?  

And to think he is only four.  There are many other adventures and experiences I will have as a mother. 

You Make Beautiful Things

One of my challenges is trying to decide what to write about.  I think about things all day long but when I sit down to write I forget.   Today I told myself I would write about the song I heard in church.  

Every time I hear it and try to sing, I cry.

A little over eight years ago I met a guy named Tyler.  He played soccer on my co-ed team.   Not only was he a fun person to play soccer with but he was a very sweet guy.  He was one of the people I always looked forward to seeing on Friday night simply because he was so enjoyable to be around.   Tyler met Mandy.  She also played on our soccer team.   Just like Tyler she was a good soccer player and had a heart of gold.   They fell in love and were married a little over four years ago.  

One week before they were married they learned that Tyler had cancer. 

Last December Tyler lost his (almost) 4 year battle.  He was a fierce and courageous fighter.  It was very difficult for all of us.   And I can't begin to imagine what Mandy has been through and what she continues to go through.

A few days later I went to church and heard this song.


You Make Beautiful Things  by Gungor

all this pain

I wonder if i'll ever find my way?

I wonder if my life could really change at all?

All this earth

Could all that is lost ever be found?

Could a garden come up from this ground at all?

You make beautiful things

You make beautiful things out of the dust

You make beautiful things

You make beautiful things out of us

All around

Hope is springing up from this old ground

Out of chaos life is being found in you

You make beautiful things

You make beautiful things out of the dust

You make beautiful things

You make beautiful things out of us

For some reason the words really spoke to my heart.  I will never understand why people have pain or why they leave this earth so early.  These lyrics did not answer those questions.

However, this song reminded me that God makes beautiful things.  Tyler was a beautiful person and I am so thankful I was able to know one of God's beautiful creations.   

You are missed Tyler!

Shopping Carts

There are certain things that bother me and one of them is shopping carts.  It really gets under my skn when I see a shopping cart sitting in the middle of a parking lot.  Usually they are positioned in a parking stall which makes it difficult to get a mini-van in the spot.  Stores have made a great effort in providing places to return the cart without having to walk all the way back to the store.  Because it is usually quite a long walk back to the store.  

Now as a parent I understand a bigger issue with shopping carts.  What do you do when you have a kid and you strap them into their car seat only to realize that you still need to return your shopping cart.  I have been in this situation and I have actually unbuckled my son just so I could return the shopping cart.  I have since learned to park near the shopping cart return area.   So, for mothers I understand the need to leave the shopping cart right by your car.  However, for others I just don't understand why people can't simply return the shopping carts to their correct place.

Unfinished projects

My sister challenged me the other day.  "I thought you said you were going to have something on your blog every day."  Yep, she was right.  That is what I said, or in this case wrote.   I have failed.  I have yet another unfinished project that is not being completed.  It is frustrating for me sometimes because I feel like I have a never ending list of projects and none of them ever get finished.   Although that is a little different with this blog because hopefully it will not be finished soon.  Instead I hope to be more consistent, to write more so that I can improve on my writing skills. 

So what makes it so hard for me to write one simple thought every night before I go to bed.   I really could list a lot of reasons, but I don't want to make excuses.  Instead I want to do something about it and I want to try again.  I'm going to keep trying, keep writing and keep praying.  (that is kind of like my grandma's motto).  

But for now it's time for me to get some sleep.