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.
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
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!
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!
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!
Sunday, July 24, 2011
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.
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.
Saturday, July 23, 2011
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.
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.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
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.
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.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
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.
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.
Monday, July 18, 2011
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.
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.
Sunday, July 17, 2011
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.
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.
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
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.
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.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
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.
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.
Monday, July 11, 2011
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!
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!
Sunday, July 10, 2011
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.
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.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
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.
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.
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
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.
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.
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