Dec 31, 2010
dance into 2011
Yeah, baby, 2011 is going to be flippin' sweet.
Have a safe and happy New Year's celebration!
Dec 30, 2010
13 inches isn't that big...
...when you're referring to a TV.
Last night, Justin and I were able to get our dream TV! 50 amazing inches of glorified goodness. He's already got big plans to rush home and watch the Tennessee game tonight on our mega-screen. Our living room is so tiny, I'm a little nervous the TV is going to overwhelm the space. Then again, it may be like watching regular ole TV at the movies.
Either way, I'm tickled pink to finally stop using a 13-inch RCA circa 1993 as our main source of television. My eyes are damaged, maybe forever - and yes, I realize how incredibly spoiled I sound.
Starving Ethiopians would still appreciate my new TV, believe me.
Last night, Justin and I were able to get our dream TV! 50 amazing inches of glorified goodness. He's already got big plans to rush home and watch the Tennessee game tonight on our mega-screen. Our living room is so tiny, I'm a little nervous the TV is going to overwhelm the space. Then again, it may be like watching regular ole TV at the movies.
Either way, I'm tickled pink to finally stop using a 13-inch RCA circa 1993 as our main source of television. My eyes are damaged, maybe forever - and yes, I realize how incredibly spoiled I sound.
Starving Ethiopians would still appreciate my new TV, believe me.
Dec 25, 2010
our kind of Christmas
...Sidney has presents scattered across our entire house, and the entire county.
...I've eaten so much steak, ham and turkey over the last two days I feel like my insides might explode.
...We woke up to a white Christmas, the perfect kind of powder that is awesome for sledding (if we did that kind of thing).
...We're watching The Grinch, the new one with Jim Carrey - which is pretty darn close to the original in it's amounts of awesomeness in my little opinion.
...We finally got a new couch (thanks Mom & Peanut) so it's actually enjoyable to be in the living room once again.
...Our TV died earlier last week; we went from watching our (borrowed) 32" flat-screen to this (gifted) 13" old-school job. I hate to whine, but this is me whiiiiinnniiing.
...We let one of our dogs in for the night, we would've let the other one in - but he's missing in action at the moment.
...It's been an amazing day of gifts and food and family and all-around wonderful(ness).
...I can only hope your Christmas has been just as wonderful! MERRY CHRISTMAS
...I've eaten so much steak, ham and turkey over the last two days I feel like my insides might explode.
...We woke up to a white Christmas, the perfect kind of powder that is awesome for sledding (if we did that kind of thing).
...We're watching The Grinch, the new one with Jim Carrey - which is pretty darn close to the original in it's amounts of awesomeness in my little opinion.
...We finally got a new couch (thanks Mom & Peanut) so it's actually enjoyable to be in the living room once again.
...Our TV died earlier last week; we went from watching our (borrowed) 32" flat-screen to this (gifted) 13" old-school job. I hate to whine, but this is me whiiiiinnniiing.
...We let one of our dogs in for the night, we would've let the other one in - but he's missing in action at the moment.
...It's been an amazing day of gifts and food and family and all-around wonderful(ness).
...I can only hope your Christmas has been just as wonderful! MERRY CHRISTMAS
Dec 21, 2010
happy first day of winter
I really hope this sort of thing doesn't happen again. I'm perfectly content to have a not-white Christmas and deal with the snow and ice some other time. We've got too much traveling to do this weekend to be dealing with bad weather.
Even if it's "pretty to look at" bad weather.
Dec 17, 2010
hey baby
Thanks for being such a good baby lately, little Nugget. You haven't made me sick, although I've lost most of my appetite. But I'm taking vitamins regularly, and I know you've got plenty of body fat to live off of for awhile. I've been losing weight instead of gaining, which is always a plus, especially since the doctors don't want me to gain more than 15 lbs. tops!
I heard your heartbeat again this morning - your big sister and mamaw were there with me. We're all very excited to meet you! You were a good Nugget and didn't try to hide from the doctor, so we only had to wait about five seconds to hear you coming in loud and clear at 145 bpm. Believe me though, those are the longest five seconds you'll ever experience.
I'm feeling good, only having an occasional bad day here and there - and even when it's bad lately it's not that bad. So thanks, little Nugget. We're finally out of the first trimester, and it's all about your cooking for now. Hopefully I'll see/hear you again in a few weeks.
I heard your heartbeat again this morning - your big sister and mamaw were there with me. We're all very excited to meet you! You were a good Nugget and didn't try to hide from the doctor, so we only had to wait about five seconds to hear you coming in loud and clear at 145 bpm. Believe me though, those are the longest five seconds you'll ever experience.
I'm feeling good, only having an occasional bad day here and there - and even when it's bad lately it's not that bad. So thanks, little Nugget. We're finally out of the first trimester, and it's all about your cooking for now. Hopefully I'll see/hear you again in a few weeks.
Dec 14, 2010
Dec 9, 2010
going, going, gone
Sidney and I are headed off to Columbia, TN this morning for the annual Cantrell Christmas at my grand-parent's house (Mom and Peanut are escorting us, since I still can't drive 'til April, and poor Justin has to work all weekend!)...
I probably won't post this weekend, unless I manage to get a minute to hop on the computer (or figure out how to blog from my phone)! I'll have to play catch-up big time when I get back, so don't write anything too amazing or I'm afraid I might miss it...
I'm going to send you away from my blog this morning - a good buddy of mine found out yesterday she's having identical twins! Mrs. B was due about two weeks after me, but I'm guessing she'll go before me now that she's got two babies cooking in there!! Please go tell her I said "congratulations" - there's so many sweet gals I know having spring/summer babies, it's going to be awesome getting farther and farther along with them (I'm 12 weeks this weekend, yahoo - first trimester done)!
Have a wonderful weekend & I'll see all of you on Monday...
I probably won't post this weekend, unless I manage to get a minute to hop on the computer (or figure out how to blog from my phone)! I'll have to play catch-up big time when I get back, so don't write anything too amazing or I'm afraid I might miss it...
I'm going to send you away from my blog this morning - a good buddy of mine found out yesterday she's having identical twins! Mrs. B was due about two weeks after me, but I'm guessing she'll go before me now that she's got two babies cooking in there!! Please go tell her I said "congratulations" - there's so many sweet gals I know having spring/summer babies, it's going to be awesome getting farther and farther along with them (I'm 12 weeks this weekend, yahoo - first trimester done)!
Have a wonderful weekend & I'll see all of you on Monday...
Dec 7, 2010
looking back
Since I put the LinkWithin system back on my blog, I've been going back and reading some of the random posts from my past. Some of them make me smile. Some of them make me cringe. Some of them make me very proud knowing I wrote something pretty amazing, full of truth and poetic beauty. And of course, some stuff is just mentionless fluff worth nothing.
There have been a few moments where I wanted to go back and "delete" a post, it was that shun-worthy. But I haven't (yet) and hopefully I won't. No matter how embarassing or shameful or mean or weird it might be now to read what I've written, I can't bear the thought of permanently erasing my words. At one point and time, that was what I felt, what I thought - what I chose to write about.
And that makes it worthy of remaining intact with this blog. My little blog has seen many changes - from design to topics to followers to everything else in between. But it has remained my blog, the essence of me at a particular moment in time.
Next month will be the start of another year - the third January in a row I've spent blogging about life. And I can only hope to experience more laughs, more memories, more dreams realized and awakened. I can only hope to look back at my life this time next year and feel the way I do right now: hopeful and happy.
There have been a few moments where I wanted to go back and "delete" a post, it was that shun-worthy. But I haven't (yet) and hopefully I won't. No matter how embarassing or shameful or mean or weird it might be now to read what I've written, I can't bear the thought of permanently erasing my words. At one point and time, that was what I felt, what I thought - what I chose to write about.
And that makes it worthy of remaining intact with this blog. My little blog has seen many changes - from design to topics to followers to everything else in between. But it has remained my blog, the essence of me at a particular moment in time.
Next month will be the start of another year - the third January in a row I've spent blogging about life. And I can only hope to experience more laughs, more memories, more dreams realized and awakened. I can only hope to look back at my life this time next year and feel the way I do right now: hopeful and happy.
Dec 6, 2010
I let myself feel this way, and I shouldn't
Sometimes I'm a very ugly person.
And I don't mean bad-breath, messy-hair, zit-face kind of ugly. I mean, ugly from the inside. My beauty is not even skin deep sometimes.
I read things, hear things - bad things that people are going through or thinking about or dealing with. And I feel a twinge of happiness for their struggles. I think to myself, "serves them right". If they've offended me or upset me or I know some dirty secret they try to keep to themselves - I let myself feel better when they begin to feel worse.
And that's ugly. Rotten, horrible, disgusting. I am not that kind of person - or at least that's what I tell myself 99% of the time. But apparently, sometimes I am that person. Sometimes I am the mean girl, the bitch. Sometimes I let myself become a nasty, rude, self-indulgent, high and mighty person.
I've got to keep better tabs on myself. I'd be lying through my teeth if I said I plan to never feel this way again - I'm sure I will. We all do, we all have at some point in our lives. But it's my personal goal to go above and beyond myself when I get low like this. I want to "x" out these bad thoughts and feelings with 100 better, happier feelings. I want to start dwelling on the positive in my life and in other people's lives.
I don't want to be that kind of person that is there for my friends when they're going through awful, bad, down on their luck times, and then disappears when they're back to normal. I want to be there all the time, celebrating the good without feelings of jealousy or self-pity. I want to be there during crisis, supporting them and lending a helping hand without judgment. I don't want to build myself up by tearing someone else down.
It feels so juvenile to be having this conversation with myself. But I'm only human. And before I go back to being my seventh-grade self, I want to stop right now. I want to be a better person. And I will, so help me god.
And I don't mean bad-breath, messy-hair, zit-face kind of ugly. I mean, ugly from the inside. My beauty is not even skin deep sometimes.
I read things, hear things - bad things that people are going through or thinking about or dealing with. And I feel a twinge of happiness for their struggles. I think to myself, "serves them right". If they've offended me or upset me or I know some dirty secret they try to keep to themselves - I let myself feel better when they begin to feel worse.
And that's ugly. Rotten, horrible, disgusting. I am not that kind of person - or at least that's what I tell myself 99% of the time. But apparently, sometimes I am that person. Sometimes I am the mean girl, the bitch. Sometimes I let myself become a nasty, rude, self-indulgent, high and mighty person.
I've got to keep better tabs on myself. I'd be lying through my teeth if I said I plan to never feel this way again - I'm sure I will. We all do, we all have at some point in our lives. But it's my personal goal to go above and beyond myself when I get low like this. I want to "x" out these bad thoughts and feelings with 100 better, happier feelings. I want to start dwelling on the positive in my life and in other people's lives.
I don't want to be that kind of person that is there for my friends when they're going through awful, bad, down on their luck times, and then disappears when they're back to normal. I want to be there all the time, celebrating the good without feelings of jealousy or self-pity. I want to be there during crisis, supporting them and lending a helping hand without judgment. I don't want to build myself up by tearing someone else down.
It feels so juvenile to be having this conversation with myself. But I'm only human. And before I go back to being my seventh-grade self, I want to stop right now. I want to be a better person. And I will, so help me god.
Nov 30, 2010
just another random, rambling list
-Everyone at our house is sick. Luckily, Sidney is the least sick of the three - but still, snot reigns supreme at our house.
-I haven't bought the first Christmas present yet. Christmas is only what, 25 days away? No big deal.
-My house is a disaster. I had it mostly cleaned up over the weekend, and now it's slowly creeping back into chaos. I've got to stay up late and get it cleaned.
-Sidney and I are going to Columbia, TN next weekend for Christmas with my Dad's side of the family. And I still haven't bought the first freaking present.
-I go back to the neurologist tomorrow. Hopefully they'll release me and let me drive again. I'm going to go crazy if I have to remain in the passenger seat until April!
-I want to put together a little holiday wish-list of cute things I've found while "window shopping" online. There really are a ton of amazingly awesome things out there on the www!
-I may be freaking out a little that I haven't bought any presents yet!
-The "Nugget" (as I have dubbed this baby) is doing so good so far. I've been feelin good, although my appetite is so weird. I'm either hungry or I'm not. Hours can pass by and I want nothing to eat - then all of a sudden, I'm ravenous. Then I may not eat again until the next day. I'm trying to tell myself the baby's got enough fat to live on in there 'til my appetite gets straightened back out.
-I really miss my girlfriends. I feel like it's been months since I've seen them. It probably has been close to a month, in reality. That's just depressing.
-I should probably go Christmas shopping this weekend, don't you think? Yes, I guess I should.
-I haven't bought the first Christmas present yet. Christmas is only what, 25 days away? No big deal.
-My house is a disaster. I had it mostly cleaned up over the weekend, and now it's slowly creeping back into chaos. I've got to stay up late and get it cleaned.
-Sidney and I are going to Columbia, TN next weekend for Christmas with my Dad's side of the family. And I still haven't bought the first freaking present.
-I go back to the neurologist tomorrow. Hopefully they'll release me and let me drive again. I'm going to go crazy if I have to remain in the passenger seat until April!
-I want to put together a little holiday wish-list of cute things I've found while "window shopping" online. There really are a ton of amazingly awesome things out there on the www!
-I may be freaking out a little that I haven't bought any presents yet!
-The "Nugget" (as I have dubbed this baby) is doing so good so far. I've been feelin good, although my appetite is so weird. I'm either hungry or I'm not. Hours can pass by and I want nothing to eat - then all of a sudden, I'm ravenous. Then I may not eat again until the next day. I'm trying to tell myself the baby's got enough fat to live on in there 'til my appetite gets straightened back out.
-I really miss my girlfriends. I feel like it's been months since I've seen them. It probably has been close to a month, in reality. That's just depressing.
-I should probably go Christmas shopping this weekend, don't you think? Yes, I guess I should.
Nov 29, 2010
Nov 22, 2010
hey baby
I'm glad the sickness is mostly over for now, I feel better as I get near the end of the first trimester (10 weeks this weekend)!
Some food makes me beastly ill sometimes (the thought of eggs can kill me dead). And sometimes I'm starving hungry and sometimes I can go for hours on end without wanting a bite to eat.
Cold food tastes better than hot food sometimes. The three-hour-old grilled cheese and tator-tots I ate for lunch today was ten times better the second time than when I ordered them at lunch. My gummy vitamins don't make me sick this time around, which is lovely - an added bonus.
I've seen my doctor twice now and things are looking good, which is a huge relief. I was so naive the first time around with Sidney, I never dreamed of all the million and one things that can go wrong with a pregnancy and birth. This time, it's all I think about - so to get the reassurance of my doctor that everything looks normal and on track is a huge weight off my shoulders. I'm just looking forward to taking that step over into the second trimester and ticking off the days 'til June.
Some food makes me beastly ill sometimes (the thought of eggs can kill me dead). And sometimes I'm starving hungry and sometimes I can go for hours on end without wanting a bite to eat.
Cold food tastes better than hot food sometimes. The three-hour-old grilled cheese and tator-tots I ate for lunch today was ten times better the second time than when I ordered them at lunch. My gummy vitamins don't make me sick this time around, which is lovely - an added bonus.
I've seen my doctor twice now and things are looking good, which is a huge relief. I was so naive the first time around with Sidney, I never dreamed of all the million and one things that can go wrong with a pregnancy and birth. This time, it's all I think about - so to get the reassurance of my doctor that everything looks normal and on track is a huge weight off my shoulders. I'm just looking forward to taking that step over into the second trimester and ticking off the days 'til June.
Nov 18, 2010
mobile uploads 5
You can see previous mobile uploads posts here, if you're into that kind of thing!
Onward! Photo dump time...
Onward! Photo dump time...
 |
| what can I say? I love the way Dobby can wear a scarf... |
 |
| Chuck Taylor heaven |
 |
| Cassie thinks shopping with me is a lot of fun! D'oh! |
 |
| I sent this one to my husband. I hope he didn't delete it. |
 |
| pizza dinner date |
 |
| the absolute best part of lunch! |
 |
| sidney and her bff logan |
 |
| I see a tiny patch of blue sky in the middle of all this rain |
 |
| Sidney and Dobby after the beauty pageant back in Aug. |
 |
| notes & classwork |
 |
| she's cute and all, but birthday hats make anyone look dorky! |
 |
| Dobby and her big-eared Lulu |
 |
| Sidney likes to "drive" Justin's truck |
 |
| she mastered the art of the water fountain...finally! |
 |
| morning car buddy (wearing her Pops' hat!) |
Nov 17, 2010
Gap holiday cheer circa 2008
My #3 favorite tune from Gap's holiday ad campaign from 2008:
My #2 favorite tune from Gap's holiday ad campaign from 2008:
And my #1 favorite tune from Gap's holiday ad campaign from 2008:
I love me some Rainn Wilson (and who knew Selma Blair could sing?!)
My #2 favorite tune from Gap's holiday ad campaign from 2008:
And my #1 favorite tune from Gap's holiday ad campaign from 2008:
I love me some Rainn Wilson (and who knew Selma Blair could sing?!)
Nov 16, 2010
little ole me, stuck here
Some people think I'm crazy (see: Heather) but I often find myself day-dreaming about the fabulous faces and places of the people I've "met" though the online community.
When all you ladies (and sometimes gents) post all these fabulous stories of life in the "big city", I get a little down and out. I'm country. No fabulous country or hippie country or green country or modern country or historic country. Just plain ole country, run-of-the-mill Southern town.
Don't get me wrong, I love my locale and wouldn't trade any of these country days and nights for a Hollywood lifestyle. But I do dream of seeing the bigger country I live in - I dream of seeing the sites and stores and dots along the map that you all talk about.
Someday I may get to see these places. Then again, maybe not. But I still enjoy day-dreaming about your (probably less than) fabulous lives in far off places. I hope it's always as glamorous for you as I imagine it to be.
When all you ladies (and sometimes gents) post all these fabulous stories of life in the "big city", I get a little down and out. I'm country. No fabulous country or hippie country or green country or modern country or historic country. Just plain ole country, run-of-the-mill Southern town.
Don't get me wrong, I love my locale and wouldn't trade any of these country days and nights for a Hollywood lifestyle. But I do dream of seeing the bigger country I live in - I dream of seeing the sites and stores and dots along the map that you all talk about.
Someday I may get to see these places. Then again, maybe not. But I still enjoy day-dreaming about your (probably less than) fabulous lives in far off places. I hope it's always as glamorous for you as I imagine it to be.
 |
| my view isn't all that bad, though, right? |
Nov 11, 2010
the way I see her
It's hard to look at my baby girl and think of her as a "big sister" - even though she's gladly taking on the role. She's very excited about the baby, and it's going to be a long road waiting until June - every day she asks me if the baby is ready to come out now. She's super excited to meet her little "sista" or "brubber" and it's honestly one of the cutest things I've ever seen in my life.
But I know what she can't possibly know yet - this baby will compete for attention with everyone in our family. She's the only grandbaby on either side of the family, so it goes without saying she's beyond spoiled. All attention is on here 24/7. She hasn't had to share one moment of the spotlight in over three years. It's going to be a huge adjustment for her learning to share "quality time" with everyone around her.
There are moments when I look at her and think she's so grown up, she's so big and smart and it's just incredible to think how much she's changed in her three years of life. This will be her fourth Christmas - to think back on her very first one and compare it to this year's upcoming holiday makes my head spin. How has time flown by so quickly? Where have all these days and months and years gone?
How is it I'm looking at my little girl, watching her grow each day, getting one step closer to being the big sister I know she can't wait to be? It's hard to see her like this, getting older - getting bigger. I know she's only three, it's not like she's leaving for college tomorrow.
But it is kind of like that - and it won't be long before I'm sending her off to college (if that's what she chooses to do). I imagine what she'll be like as a big kid and a teen and an adult, and I have since she was born.
But to see her growing up, to wake up one morning and realize it's still zooming away before my eyes - it's still hard to accept. I'm grateful for this baby and really excited about the future. It's just really hard to let go of my firstborn baby, the only baby I've ever known and loved for three years now.
The way I see her is changing everyday. And I hate that there's nothing I can do about it.
Nov 8, 2010
boots
They're not combat boots. There's not anything extra special about these boots. They are merely the boots of the man I love, the man who goes to work every day for our family to provide for us. He's strong. He's dependable. Just like his boots. The wear of his work shows on his body. Just like his boots. He's strong up front and soft in the middle. Just like his boots. I love these boots. I love everything they stand for and everything they mean for our family. I'm proud of these boots, and I'm extra proud of the man who wears them...
Nov 3, 2010
celebrating curves in all the wrong places
Liz Hurley once told Allure magazine “I’ve always thought Marilyn Monroe looked fabulous, but I’d kill myself if I was that fat”.
How anyone in the world could call Marilyn Monroe "fat", I'll never understand. Sure, by today's thick-stin standards she was on the bigger side of the scale. But never fat. It used to be believed that Marilyn wore a size 16, making her a truly "plus sized" gal. But those rumors have been widely denounced, and it is know commonly thought she wore a size 4 or 6 - the farthest thing from "plus sized" imaginable.
I've been dwelling a lot on the "skinny" side of things, and how much I truly dread getting as big as a whale with this baby. I'm trying to keep things under control and to not let myself get bigger than I already am. Being a "plus-sized" woman is hard enough, but being a "plus-sized" pregnant woman carries an entirely different stigma around with it. It's awkward and really uncomfortable in these "in between" months when you're mostly bloated and only a little belly.
So for inspiration and encouragement and that extra boost of "oomph" I need right now, I'm turning to Marilyn - the queen of curves. Can you imagine what kind of trends she would've set as a pregnant, curvy woman? I like to daydream about the things she might've worn, being big-breasted and swollen-bellied.
But regardless of what Ms. Monroe says, diamonds are not a girl's best friend.
Spanx are.
Oct 31, 2010
Oct 27, 2010
hey baby
I know they say that being sick while pregnant is a good sign - signs of a healthy baby and all, but I'm already tired of this nausea and I just reached the half-way mark of the first trimester.
I've got the need to puke but can't puke feeling going on - and it sucks. I was rarely sick with Sidney. The only times I ever puked were when I didn't eat and got hungry and when I took my prenatal vitamins. Other than that, I felt pretty good 99% of the time.
This baby is totally different - I feel pukey and bad most of the time. I'm really hoping this is just a first trimester kind of thing, and I'll be in the clear.
Or at least that's what I'm telling myself right now.
Please don't prove me wrong, baby.
I've got the need to puke but can't puke feeling going on - and it sucks. I was rarely sick with Sidney. The only times I ever puked were when I didn't eat and got hungry and when I took my prenatal vitamins. Other than that, I felt pretty good 99% of the time.
This baby is totally different - I feel pukey and bad most of the time. I'm really hoping this is just a first trimester kind of thing, and I'll be in the clear.
Or at least that's what I'm telling myself right now.
Please don't prove me wrong, baby.
Oct 26, 2010
I never read that magazine anyway
As one-half of an "overweight" couple, I would hate to think there are really people out there in the world who get grossed out when we kiss in public.
But Marie Claire seems to have a writer who is exactly that kind of person.
I can't believe they even thought to hit publish on this story; this ridiculous, mean, hurtful, wayward story. And I really hate to think of some young girl (or guy) struggling with body issues and what they would feel if/when they came across an article like this.
We are all beautiful, in our own special way. It is always important to be healthy, I absolutely agree - but loving ourselves for who we are and who we will never be is part of the healthy, loving process.
Shame on you, Marie Claire.
But Marie Claire seems to have a writer who is exactly that kind of person.
I can't believe they even thought to hit publish on this story; this ridiculous, mean, hurtful, wayward story. And I really hate to think of some young girl (or guy) struggling with body issues and what they would feel if/when they came across an article like this.
We are all beautiful, in our own special way. It is always important to be healthy, I absolutely agree - but loving ourselves for who we are and who we will never be is part of the healthy, loving process.
Shame on you, Marie Claire.
Oct 23, 2010
June 25th, 2011
So yeah, remember this post? The one I wrote a mere 21 days ago?
It's funny how things work out. It's even funnier how much the universe likes to mess with me. Just when I think I've got things figured out, life comes along with another curveball. Here we go again, round #2.
Baby #2.
That's right, I said Baby #2.
You have my complete permission to be as totally freaked out as I am - and have been for a few days now. I'm barely pregnant, and it's going to be a long nine months from here on out. But it feels amazing just to be able to say the words out loud, and I couldn't keep this is a secret if I wanted to.
So now you all know and you can keep up with me as I document this second pregnancy. It's going to be one heck of a ride, and I can't wait to see the day when our little family of three turns into a family of four. I can't wait to see the day my little girl becomes a big sister. I can't wait for this baby to make his/her arrival in late June 2011.
SQUEE!!!
It's funny how things work out. It's even funnier how much the universe likes to mess with me. Just when I think I've got things figured out, life comes along with another curveball. Here we go again, round #2.
Baby #2.
That's right, I said Baby #2.
You have my complete permission to be as totally freaked out as I am - and have been for a few days now. I'm barely pregnant, and it's going to be a long nine months from here on out. But it feels amazing just to be able to say the words out loud, and I couldn't keep this is a secret if I wanted to.
So now you all know and you can keep up with me as I document this second pregnancy. It's going to be one heck of a ride, and I can't wait to see the day when our little family of three turns into a family of four. I can't wait to see the day my little girl becomes a big sister. I can't wait for this baby to make his/her arrival in late June 2011.
SQUEE!!!
Oct 20, 2010
fat chicks need love, too
Sing it like you mean it, ladies. For serious.
PS I love this song but had forgotten how ridiculously bad this video is - I've been cracking up all morning watching it on repeat!
PS I love this song but had forgotten how ridiculously bad this video is - I've been cracking up all morning watching it on repeat!
Oct 18, 2010
Oct 14, 2010
in the spirit of halloween
P.S. I've been trying for two days now to tell you all about how my kid sees ghosts, but the post just isn't coming together the way I'd like it to. So I guess it'll have to wait a few more days! But I am going to tell you all about it, promise!
Oct 13, 2010
Oct 12, 2010
Oct 11, 2010
I feel 12 again...
Went to the doctor today.
Verdict is: they don't know jack yet.
Worst part: I can't drive for another six months.
SIX MONTHS.
Do you know how bad this sucks? I'm sure you do. And I know it's all for my own safety and the safety of others. But it just suuuuuuuucks. It suuuuuuuuuucks so hard.
It's back to being driven around everywhere I go, having to ask someone to take me somewhere when I want to go somewhere. Boo-hoo, pitiful little ole me.
I'm having one giant pity party right now.
Verdict is: they don't know jack yet.
Worst part: I can't drive for another six months.
SIX MONTHS.
Do you know how bad this sucks? I'm sure you do. And I know it's all for my own safety and the safety of others. But it just suuuuuuuucks. It suuuuuuuuuucks so hard.
It's back to being driven around everywhere I go, having to ask someone to take me somewhere when I want to go somewhere. Boo-hoo, pitiful little ole me.
I'm having one giant pity party right now.
Oct 10, 2010
are you trying to tell us something, universe?
As if this week wasn't stressful or worrisome or expensive or headache-inducing enough, Justin hit a deer Friday morning. Totally messed up his truck. He's on the phone with the insurance people now, and it doesn't sound very promising.
I mean, really? Come on, universe, how much can one couple take? How much can one marriage take? How much can one bank account take? How much can one family take?
We're going through enough right now, struggling to get ahead - working really hard to be on top of things. The last thing we need is more bills, whether they be medical or vehicle or whatever. It just feels like whenever we get one step ahead, the universe comes along and kicks us ten steps backwards.
And I know we'll make it. I have no doubt about that. We have enough loving and wonderful people surrounding us, I know we'll be able to pull through and get through this. Between what we can do for ourselves and what other people are willing to do for us, we'll manage.
It just feels really unfair and I want to whine a little. Our problems are minor compared to others, this I know. But these are our problems, the things we have to deal with. And it just sucks that all of it piles up together. Our bad luck comes in spades. And I guess I should've seen it coming - we've been riding pretty high on the hog lately. It was time for some down time. Not everything can be up.
I'm just counting my lucky stars that we're all alive, we're all mostly healthy (save for me at the moment), we've got a roof over our heads and food in our bellies. We've got our jobs. We've got our family. We've got our friends. And we've got each other.
Through everything, we've got each other. And for that, I can stick my tongue at the universe and say "is that all you got?"
I mean, really? Come on, universe, how much can one couple take? How much can one marriage take? How much can one bank account take? How much can one family take?
We're going through enough right now, struggling to get ahead - working really hard to be on top of things. The last thing we need is more bills, whether they be medical or vehicle or whatever. It just feels like whenever we get one step ahead, the universe comes along and kicks us ten steps backwards.
And I know we'll make it. I have no doubt about that. We have enough loving and wonderful people surrounding us, I know we'll be able to pull through and get through this. Between what we can do for ourselves and what other people are willing to do for us, we'll manage.
It just feels really unfair and I want to whine a little. Our problems are minor compared to others, this I know. But these are our problems, the things we have to deal with. And it just sucks that all of it piles up together. Our bad luck comes in spades. And I guess I should've seen it coming - we've been riding pretty high on the hog lately. It was time for some down time. Not everything can be up.
I'm just counting my lucky stars that we're all alive, we're all mostly healthy (save for me at the moment), we've got a roof over our heads and food in our bellies. We've got our jobs. We've got our family. We've got our friends. And we've got each other.
Through everything, we've got each other. And for that, I can stick my tongue at the universe and say "is that all you got?"
Oct 7, 2010
tuesday was an interesting day, to say the least
Tuesday was, in fact, quite a day.
In fact, every day since I turned 22 has been quite a day. It's kind of one thing after another, and if this is how my year of being 22 is going to play out, then no thanks I'll quit right now and skip to 23.
I spent the majority of Tuesday morning unconcious on my bathroom floor. [pause for reaction]
Apparently, somewhere around 7:30AM I hit the floor and stayed there for a good four hours, maybe a little more. I don't remember feeling dizzy or sick or hitting my head or anything like that. I just remember being up one minute with a headace and then waking up several hours later with some EMT guys in my bathroom and Mom and Lila standing in the hallway. [Side note: I had Sidney home with me all morning, not sure what time she woke up - but when Lila came out and found me, she was sitting on the couch watching cartoons - I've been blessed with a smart, safe child thankfully]
So we spent the majority of the day in the ER awaiting numerous tests and many hours passed. Several different nurses and doctors came in and out, no one had a clue what happened or why. And eventually they let me leave with an explanation that no one understood:
You could've fell. You could've had a seizure. You could've hit your head. You could've been in and out of conciousness the whole time. You could've been in a deep sleep. And we have no idea why.
My trust in this particular hospital's ER section has deflated completely. I saw my regular doctor Wednesday morning and she was aghast as to why they let me leave without further testing, without any precautions I should take or any sort of monitoring system in place. She referred me to a neurologist for all the things the hosptial should've done to begin with, and I go Monday to see what's up with my head and all.
I am a little freaked, although I've been trying to find some humor in the situation. I'd rather laugh than cry, so that's what I've been trying to do here. Things might be really bad and then again this might be a one time fluke with no explanation at all. I guess we'll just have to wait and see.
But yeah, 22? You suck major as of right now.
In fact, every day since I turned 22 has been quite a day. It's kind of one thing after another, and if this is how my year of being 22 is going to play out, then no thanks I'll quit right now and skip to 23.
I spent the majority of Tuesday morning unconcious on my bathroom floor. [pause for reaction]
Apparently, somewhere around 7:30AM I hit the floor and stayed there for a good four hours, maybe a little more. I don't remember feeling dizzy or sick or hitting my head or anything like that. I just remember being up one minute with a headace and then waking up several hours later with some EMT guys in my bathroom and Mom and Lila standing in the hallway. [Side note: I had Sidney home with me all morning, not sure what time she woke up - but when Lila came out and found me, she was sitting on the couch watching cartoons - I've been blessed with a smart, safe child thankfully]
So we spent the majority of the day in the ER awaiting numerous tests and many hours passed. Several different nurses and doctors came in and out, no one had a clue what happened or why. And eventually they let me leave with an explanation that no one understood:
You could've fell. You could've had a seizure. You could've hit your head. You could've been in and out of conciousness the whole time. You could've been in a deep sleep. And we have no idea why.
My trust in this particular hospital's ER section has deflated completely. I saw my regular doctor Wednesday morning and she was aghast as to why they let me leave without further testing, without any precautions I should take or any sort of monitoring system in place. She referred me to a neurologist for all the things the hosptial should've done to begin with, and I go Monday to see what's up with my head and all.
I am a little freaked, although I've been trying to find some humor in the situation. I'd rather laugh than cry, so that's what I've been trying to do here. Things might be really bad and then again this might be a one time fluke with no explanation at all. I guess we'll just have to wait and see.
But yeah, 22? You suck major as of right now.
Oct 4, 2010
where are you fall?
Why is it so frigidly cold already?
Where's the "cool breezes" and "crisp nights" and "light jacket" weather I've known before and love so much?
This ice-cold, chilled-to-the-bones stuff is crazy. And I know it's not even technically that cold out yet (47 degrees isn't exactly frostbite weather), but when you go from a nice 73 degree day to a 47 degree day it feels like Jack Frost just nipped your whole damn face off!
This 90 days of blaring sun followed by 1 day of decent weather followed by 150 days of below freezing temperatures SUCKS.
And I was so looking forward to a nice, enjoyable fall.
Where's the "cool breezes" and "crisp nights" and "light jacket" weather I've known before and love so much?
This ice-cold, chilled-to-the-bones stuff is crazy. And I know it's not even technically that cold out yet (47 degrees isn't exactly frostbite weather), but when you go from a nice 73 degree day to a 47 degree day it feels like Jack Frost just nipped your whole damn face off!
This 90 days of blaring sun followed by 1 day of decent weather followed by 150 days of below freezing temperatures SUCKS.
And I was so looking forward to a nice, enjoyable fall.
Oct 2, 2010
coming to terms with a possible reality
This may be an insane post, but it bears saying. I need to say it. I want to say it.
I've made peace with the fact that Sidney may be our only child. That's not to say we're trying for another baby right now - we're not actively trying. But we're not not trying, either. And there's no reason we shouldn't have been pregnant by now.
Of course, neither Justin nor myself have undergone medical testing telling us we're either "good to go" or need intervention. We haven't altered anything in our day-to-day life to improve our chances. Like I said, we're not trying.
I just feel like there have been so many instances, within the last 6 months especially, when we should've been pregnant. When I felt like it was definitely going to happen. We're not in the best place right now to have that second baby, but we're ready mentally and our hearts are wide open. It'd be hard right now, possibly even harder than it was the first time around. But it feels like the right timing. It feels like we should be having that second baby.
Maybe that's because Sid's getting older and it's just "expected". Maybe the new feeling of the marriage is wearing off, and we're in such a wonderful pattern in our parenting and marriage and life. It feels like it needs to be shook up a little with that second baby.
And maybe I'm crazy. Maybe I'm giving up on this way too early in the game. And part of me knows that. But before we even get into that territory of wondering if there's something wrong us, I have to make peace with this knowledge: that Sidney may be our one and only. She may be all we're going to get. If I didn't accept that fact and appreciate it, I'd drive myself crazy dreaming about a baby that may never be.
Sidney is enough for us. She is more than enough for us. She's amazing and such a beautiful blessing, the fact that we might not ever have another child could never take away from the amazing joy she brings our lives. I love her endlessly and completely. Sometimes she talks about "brothers" or "sisters" and then she sees that look on my face. She always follows it up with "I'm just playing pretend, Mom".
I feel for her, I really do. I want her to have a sibling or mulitple siblings. I want to give her the chance to be the "big sister". It never crossed my mind before having her that I wouldn't have more than one baby. So to let myself imagine life only with her has taken some time.
But I'm there. I'm okay with having only one child. I'm learning to accept that fact and embrace anything else that comes our way as extra icing on the cake. She is all I'll ever need, all I could ever hope for or want. Anything else past this point will just be a bonus, an extra added joy in my life.
It's taken three years, but I'm there. I'm finally there.
I've made peace with the fact that Sidney may be our only child. That's not to say we're trying for another baby right now - we're not actively trying. But we're not not trying, either. And there's no reason we shouldn't have been pregnant by now.
Of course, neither Justin nor myself have undergone medical testing telling us we're either "good to go" or need intervention. We haven't altered anything in our day-to-day life to improve our chances. Like I said, we're not trying.
I just feel like there have been so many instances, within the last 6 months especially, when we should've been pregnant. When I felt like it was definitely going to happen. We're not in the best place right now to have that second baby, but we're ready mentally and our hearts are wide open. It'd be hard right now, possibly even harder than it was the first time around. But it feels like the right timing. It feels like we should be having that second baby.
Maybe that's because Sid's getting older and it's just "expected". Maybe the new feeling of the marriage is wearing off, and we're in such a wonderful pattern in our parenting and marriage and life. It feels like it needs to be shook up a little with that second baby.
And maybe I'm crazy. Maybe I'm giving up on this way too early in the game. And part of me knows that. But before we even get into that territory of wondering if there's something wrong us, I have to make peace with this knowledge: that Sidney may be our one and only. She may be all we're going to get. If I didn't accept that fact and appreciate it, I'd drive myself crazy dreaming about a baby that may never be.
Sidney is enough for us. She is more than enough for us. She's amazing and such a beautiful blessing, the fact that we might not ever have another child could never take away from the amazing joy she brings our lives. I love her endlessly and completely. Sometimes she talks about "brothers" or "sisters" and then she sees that look on my face. She always follows it up with "I'm just playing pretend, Mom".
I feel for her, I really do. I want her to have a sibling or mulitple siblings. I want to give her the chance to be the "big sister". It never crossed my mind before having her that I wouldn't have more than one baby. So to let myself imagine life only with her has taken some time.
But I'm there. I'm okay with having only one child. I'm learning to accept that fact and embrace anything else that comes our way as extra icing on the cake. She is all I'll ever need, all I could ever hope for or want. Anything else past this point will just be a bonus, an extra added joy in my life.
It's taken three years, but I'm there. I'm finally there.
Sep 28, 2010
Sep 21, 2010
this family likes family guy
We are a couple that likes Family Guy, Justin and I.
We quote it to each other all the time. Someone can say something out in public, and Justin and I both just look at each other and reference it back to Family Guy. Now, I know it's a crude show full of bad humor and some pretty gross stuff sometimes. But still, it's our guilty pleasure - we do enjoy us some Griffin household comedy.
And here's one of my absolute favorite moments from FG:
Don't judge, I know you all have your guilty pleasures whether you admit it or not.
We quote it to each other all the time. Someone can say something out in public, and Justin and I both just look at each other and reference it back to Family Guy. Now, I know it's a crude show full of bad humor and some pretty gross stuff sometimes. But still, it's our guilty pleasure - we do enjoy us some Griffin household comedy.
And here's one of my absolute favorite moments from FG:
Don't judge, I know you all have your guilty pleasures whether you admit it or not.
Sep 20, 2010
Sep 19, 2010
one year ago today..
 |
| ...was the second best day of my life. Happy Anniversary, my husband. Read the full wedding story here. |
Sep 17, 2010
flo (honorable mention)
I know, I know. Yet another Florence + the Machine post.
But seriously....this gal is amazing.
My boy builds coffins and I think it's a shame
That when each one's been made, he can't see it again
He crafts every one with love and with care
Then it's thrown in the ground and it just isn't fair
My boy builds coffins he makes them all day
But it's not just for work and it isn't for play
He's made one for himself
One for me too
One of these days he'll make one for you
Do yourself a favor and spend some time this weekend listening to this band - you can thank me Monday morning.
But seriously....this gal is amazing.
My boy builds coffins and I think it's a shame
That when each one's been made, he can't see it again
He crafts every one with love and with care
Then it's thrown in the ground and it just isn't fair
My boy builds coffins he makes them all day
But it's not just for work and it isn't for play
He's made one for himself
One for me too
One of these days he'll make one for you
Do yourself a favor and spend some time this weekend listening to this band - you can thank me Monday morning.
Sep 16, 2010
I'll be missing you...
As if you couldn't tell already, my blogging has really slowed down a lot lately. And it's kind of depressing me.
And then it depresses me more for even allowing myself to get depressed about blogging. Don't get me wrong, I love my blog - but isn't that such a stupid thing to worry about? We've got starving kids, poverty, natural disasters, and a million other worrisome things to trouble ourselves with - whining about blogging shouldn't be anywhere near the top of my list of "Things to Freak Out About Daily".
But I'm used to having extra spare time to blog daily - and it does freak me out a little to feel this disconnect growing between myself and the online community I love. It's not just my blog I miss, but your blogs. And Twitter. And all the other million little things I love to do online. We're living in a technological society, and it's hard to distance yourself from all the things you're used to whether it's voluntary or by force.
But this is my life - these are the things I want to accomplish. And I know this time next year, I'll be prepping myself for graduation with a smile on my face, knowing that I got there by the time and effort I put into it. And as much as I love your blogs, they won't get me my college degree. They won't do my dishes. They won't spend time with my SidMo. I have to do these things myself, while I'm away from the computer. While I'm away from blogging.
So just know I miss you. And I do try and read your blogs and tweets every chance I get. It's not often, and sometimes I fall way behind. But I'm here, doing my best to balance it all and keep my name out there for you all to see and read. This blog will always be here, I hope (the mere thought of leaving it all together makes me literally tear up) and so even though the posts may be few and far between, I'm still here.
And I hope you're still there, too.
And then it depresses me more for even allowing myself to get depressed about blogging. Don't get me wrong, I love my blog - but isn't that such a stupid thing to worry about? We've got starving kids, poverty, natural disasters, and a million other worrisome things to trouble ourselves with - whining about blogging shouldn't be anywhere near the top of my list of "Things to Freak Out About Daily".
But I'm used to having extra spare time to blog daily - and it does freak me out a little to feel this disconnect growing between myself and the online community I love. It's not just my blog I miss, but your blogs. And Twitter. And all the other million little things I love to do online. We're living in a technological society, and it's hard to distance yourself from all the things you're used to whether it's voluntary or by force.
But this is my life - these are the things I want to accomplish. And I know this time next year, I'll be prepping myself for graduation with a smile on my face, knowing that I got there by the time and effort I put into it. And as much as I love your blogs, they won't get me my college degree. They won't do my dishes. They won't spend time with my SidMo. I have to do these things myself, while I'm away from the computer. While I'm away from blogging.
So just know I miss you. And I do try and read your blogs and tweets every chance I get. It's not often, and sometimes I fall way behind. But I'm here, doing my best to balance it all and keep my name out there for you all to see and read. This blog will always be here, I hope (the mere thought of leaving it all together makes me literally tear up) and so even though the posts may be few and far between, I'm still here.
And I hope you're still there, too.
Sep 8, 2010
the great hair debate
I am not a confrontational person. I don't like to fight or bicker or argue for any crazy reason. When I get mad, I ususally deflect - keep my cool and keep it to myself. I'm not good at winning arguments and I rarely hold the upper hand in a debate. So I just remain quiet and let the other person do all the talking.
Most of the time.
Sometimes, I'm loud and obnoxious and the biggest hot button-pusher you ever met. I can slice and dice with my words and just cut you like a knife. It's a skill, one I like to think I inherited from my mom. She should've/could've been a lawyer with her fighting skills.
Honestly, I'm not joking - I can be mad at her for something, anything. I start to argue with her, and by the time we're done, I'm apologizing for something I probably didn't even do and she's the one who's mad at me. And it makes no sense in my head - I'm like, how the hell did that happen?
And I think it's safe to say, dear little SidMo has inherited the gene. Just last night I was talking to her about cutting her hair (it's gone by the way, completely chopped off) and our conversation went a little like this:
Me: Sidney, I want to cut your hair.
Her: No.
Me: But it'll be cooler and easier to take care of.
Her: No.
Me: I'm cutting your hair.
Her: I'm not saying yes.
Me: I don't care what you say, I'm cutting your hair.
Her: But I'm not saying yes.
Me: Sidney, you're getting your hair cut. Tonight. Right now.
Her: No. I didn't say yes.
Conversations and debates with a three year old. At least these are the kind of arguments I can still win.....for now.
*I'll try to post some pictures of her new haircut tomorrow - my camera battery was dead as a doorknob last night, and I forgot my cellphone at home - so no pictures either way today!*
Most of the time.
Sometimes, I'm loud and obnoxious and the biggest hot button-pusher you ever met. I can slice and dice with my words and just cut you like a knife. It's a skill, one I like to think I inherited from my mom. She should've/could've been a lawyer with her fighting skills.
Honestly, I'm not joking - I can be mad at her for something, anything. I start to argue with her, and by the time we're done, I'm apologizing for something I probably didn't even do and she's the one who's mad at me. And it makes no sense in my head - I'm like, how the hell did that happen?
And I think it's safe to say, dear little SidMo has inherited the gene. Just last night I was talking to her about cutting her hair (it's gone by the way, completely chopped off) and our conversation went a little like this:
Me: Sidney, I want to cut your hair.
Her: No.
Me: But it'll be cooler and easier to take care of.
Her: No.
Me: I'm cutting your hair.
Her: I'm not saying yes.
Me: I don't care what you say, I'm cutting your hair.
Her: But I'm not saying yes.
Me: Sidney, you're getting your hair cut. Tonight. Right now.
Her: No. I didn't say yes.
Conversations and debates with a three year old. At least these are the kind of arguments I can still win.....for now.
*I'll try to post some pictures of her new haircut tomorrow - my camera battery was dead as a doorknob last night, and I forgot my cellphone at home - so no pictures either way today!*
Sep 5, 2010
happy birthday, Sidney Morgan
She's three - we survived the terrible two's somehow. And now we're three. It still seems surreal. It's going to take me a few days to say I have a "three year old" at home. Will it always be like this? Will each year get more unbelievable, until I'm standing there on her 18th birthday saying "where did time go"? Trust me, I already know the answer is a big, huge, resounding HELL YES. If these three years can fly by so quickly, I know the next fifteen will, too.
And it's sad. And bittersweet. And a little exciting. Every day with her is new and fun and I'm doing my best to be "in the moment" with her and love her for the little the person she is and continues to grow to be. Sweet jesus, I'm the mother of a three year old.
 |
| 2009 |
Yesterday she was only two...
 |
| 2010 |
...and today she's finally three.
Aug 30, 2010
one more voice for LB
This is my blog, my corner of the world to share my stories - but today isn't about me. Today is about LB and the #dofunstuff project. Today is about something bigger than myself.
And so I won't waste my words - I'll simply say do something for someone else today, and do something now. Go to Pacing the Panic Room for more information. And *congratulations* to Ryan for making this dream a beautiful reality, I know LB is and forever will be very proud of you.
Aug 29, 2010
lil' queen
SidMo was in a beauty pageant yesterday - the little local one we do every year.
She did *much* better this year than last year - there was very little crying and no 3 o'clock meltdown. I know some people think pageants for little girls are just another way society is trying to dumb down woman and exploit their love of all things beauty-related. And I agree, to a certain extent. I'd never be a "toddlers and tiaras" kind of mom. We do this once a year, and SidMo really enjoys it - she'd enjoy it a lot better if no one clapped or cheered for her, as weird as that sounds. But she enjoys dressing up and being girly, she just doesn't appreciate all the attention she gets on-stage.
She definitely marches to the beat of her own little drum. She's the perfect mix of girly and giddy and rough and tumble. Silly and sweet, cute and crazy. I was very proud of her for conquering her fears (a little better than usual) and I'm hoping its things like these little pageants that help her get over her irrational fears - like the fear of the "happy birthday" song. But that's a post for another day.
Here she is in all her pageant cuteness and kookiness.
She did *much* better this year than last year - there was very little crying and no 3 o'clock meltdown. I know some people think pageants for little girls are just another way society is trying to dumb down woman and exploit their love of all things beauty-related. And I agree, to a certain extent. I'd never be a "toddlers and tiaras" kind of mom. We do this once a year, and SidMo really enjoys it - she'd enjoy it a lot better if no one clapped or cheered for her, as weird as that sounds. But she enjoys dressing up and being girly, she just doesn't appreciate all the attention she gets on-stage.
She definitely marches to the beat of her own little drum. She's the perfect mix of girly and giddy and rough and tumble. Silly and sweet, cute and crazy. I was very proud of her for conquering her fears (a little better than usual) and I'm hoping its things like these little pageants that help her get over her irrational fears - like the fear of the "happy birthday" song. But that's a post for another day.
Here she is in all her pageant cuteness and kookiness.
*she got 3rd runner up, by the way, and was incredibly proud of herself.*
Aug 26, 2010
college grad (almost)
Tomorrow (Friday) I go back to college. And I'm equal parts excited, equal parts bummed.
I have classes almost every Friday from 4pm-9pm and Saturday 9am-4pm starting from tomorrow until December 2011. In a way that's really awesome, because it's fast track and I'll have my degree done in just a little over a year. On the other hand, it totally sucks because that ruins my weekend almost completely, and I won't get to spend much quality time with my little family. The good and the bad. The up and the down.
But I'm doing this for my family and for my daughter and for myself and for all the right reasons. My head and my heart are in the right place, so the only thing I can do is make the best of the time I'm given and put my nose to the grindstone. Come January 2012, I never want to look at the inside of another college until Sidney goes away for school.
So, yeah, back to college I go. Hi-ho. Hi-ho.
I have classes almost every Friday from 4pm-9pm and Saturday 9am-4pm starting from tomorrow until December 2011. In a way that's really awesome, because it's fast track and I'll have my degree done in just a little over a year. On the other hand, it totally sucks because that ruins my weekend almost completely, and I won't get to spend much quality time with my little family. The good and the bad. The up and the down.
But I'm doing this for my family and for my daughter and for myself and for all the right reasons. My head and my heart are in the right place, so the only thing I can do is make the best of the time I'm given and put my nose to the grindstone. Come January 2012, I never want to look at the inside of another college until Sidney goes away for school.
So, yeah, back to college I go. Hi-ho. Hi-ho.
Aug 25, 2010
like mother, like daughter
(December '09)
Stuffing our faces, distracted by the TV. That pretty much sums it up right there.
Aug 23, 2010
dreaming of September
It felt like fall a little today. And my heart skipped a beat.
It's ridiculous how much I love this season, and after this brutal summer we've all endured, I'll never be happier to feel crisp nights and cooler temperatures than I will this year.
All I have to do is close my eyes and I smell cinnamon, hear leaves crunching beneath my shoes, taste hot chocolate, hear the roar of a Friday night football crowd, feel the wind in my hair, and know that it's here. My favorite time of the year is almost here, so close I can almost touch it.
Say do you remember,
Dancing in September.
Golden dreams were shiny days.
Seriously, I love September. It's the greatest month of all (Sidney's birthday on the 5th, our anniversary on the 19th, and my birthday on the 28th)!!!
It's ridiculous how much I love this season, and after this brutal summer we've all endured, I'll never be happier to feel crisp nights and cooler temperatures than I will this year.
All I have to do is close my eyes and I smell cinnamon, hear leaves crunching beneath my shoes, taste hot chocolate, hear the roar of a Friday night football crowd, feel the wind in my hair, and know that it's here. My favorite time of the year is almost here, so close I can almost touch it.
Say do you remember,
Dancing in September.
Golden dreams were shiny days.
Seriously, I love September. It's the greatest month of all (Sidney's birthday on the 5th, our anniversary on the 19th, and my birthday on the 28th)!!!
Aug 21, 2010
#dofunstuff
Hopefully by now you've heard of Ryan Marshall's blog Pacing the Panic Room - and if you haven't, then you need to go there now and read. It's amazing. He's amazing (you may remember the letter I wrote to him awhile back) and he's doing amazing things now. For his family and for the world.
I've been using my voice on Twitter the best I can to help him promote this amazing project, trying to help catch the attention of The Ellen Show, so that he can use her show as a platform to help raise awareness for SMS and to showcase the ridiculously awesome charity album he's put together. I've even tried reaching out to bigger bloggers, better bloggers with greater audiences - every day I hope to get through to the people who follow me on Twitter (I'm up to almost 400 followers now, and for once, I feel like I have a little sway in helping the earth move in the direction I choose).
And I'm not the only one. There are dozens, hundreds, (I hope) thousands of us out there supporting Ryan and his family and this album and research for SMS. It's something I've never dealt with firsthand, something I've never seen or even heard about in my personal, day-to-day life. But that's part of the beauty of this online community, this network of bloggers and Twitter friends. We can lift each other up, support one another and put our voices together as one, in perfect unison, to speak the same words together - to fuel the fire of the one we're supporting.
Ryan is an amazing blogger. I think he's an amazing guy. I hope to meet him, face to face, someday (maybe at Sparklecorn?) and I want to know that when I do meet him, I can proudly say I took part in his crusade. I was a part of this opportunity, this wonderful tweet-bomb to help raise awareness for this cause he cares so dearly about (and is making me care about, too).
What can you do to help? What will you do to help?
Follow Ryan on Twitter (@ThePanicRoom) and follow me on Twitter (@mommaruthsays) and use the hastag #dofunstuff to any tweets you may send out
I've been using my voice on Twitter the best I can to help him promote this amazing project, trying to help catch the attention of The Ellen Show, so that he can use her show as a platform to help raise awareness for SMS and to showcase the ridiculously awesome charity album he's put together. I've even tried reaching out to bigger bloggers, better bloggers with greater audiences - every day I hope to get through to the people who follow me on Twitter (I'm up to almost 400 followers now, and for once, I feel like I have a little sway in helping the earth move in the direction I choose).
And I'm not the only one. There are dozens, hundreds, (I hope) thousands of us out there supporting Ryan and his family and this album and research for SMS. It's something I've never dealt with firsthand, something I've never seen or even heard about in my personal, day-to-day life. But that's part of the beauty of this online community, this network of bloggers and Twitter friends. We can lift each other up, support one another and put our voices together as one, in perfect unison, to speak the same words together - to fuel the fire of the one we're supporting.
Ryan is an amazing blogger. I think he's an amazing guy. I hope to meet him, face to face, someday (maybe at Sparklecorn?) and I want to know that when I do meet him, I can proudly say I took part in his crusade. I was a part of this opportunity, this wonderful tweet-bomb to help raise awareness for this cause he cares so dearly about (and is making me care about, too).
What can you do to help? What will you do to help?
Follow Ryan on Twitter (@ThePanicRoom) and follow me on Twitter (@mommaruthsays) and use the hastag #dofunstuff to any tweets you may send out
Aug 20, 2010
guilty pleasures
....Mamma Mia and just about any musical-movie (Rent, The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Chicago, Nine, etc.) it's kind of embarassing, but I get really excited when I meet someone who shares my love of musicals!
...Reese's Pieces - they are so addictive. Sidney and I can eat an entire bag in one night if we don't watch ourselves!
...spending my Friday nights alone watching said musicals and eating Reese's Pieces (when I should be cleaning the house and eating something a little more friendly on my stomach)
Have a good weekend, my guilty little friends (I know you all have secret guilty pleasures, too!)
...Reese's Pieces - they are so addictive. Sidney and I can eat an entire bag in one night if we don't watch ourselves!
...spending my Friday nights alone watching said musicals and eating Reese's Pieces (when I should be cleaning the house and eating something a little more friendly on my stomach)
Have a good weekend, my guilty little friends (I know you all have secret guilty pleasures, too!)
Aug 19, 2010
attack of the giant ass spider
Okay, so in reality it was only like 3 inches long which isn't too big - but STILL that's pretty big for a garden spider, right?
I cower in fear.
Aug 17, 2010
musings of a wannabe SAHM
Somedays SidMo does really good at letting me go. I drop her off to the baby-sitter and she's smiling and happy and just a perfect little angel. Somedays she crys and whines and pouts when I go.
And then some mornings, like this morning, she clings to me, crying and begging me not to go. It's hard on mornings like today, when all I want to do is stay home with her and play. I want to be a SAHM so bad sometimes it aches. And I know Justin wishes he could provide that for all of us, but at this point in our lives, it's just not possible. Too many bills, too much going on - we're young and dumb and we're working towards our future.
It's another consequence of having our babe a little too early on in life; she doesn't get the same luxuries other kids do sometimes having older, more stable parents.
But that doesn't mean we love her any less. In fact, I like to think it means we love her more. We're both out there working hard, doing our best to give her everything she deserves. And what we can't provide in material things, we make up for with hugs and kisses and late night play sessions. The three of us piled in bed together, laughing and loving each other - this little family we've made and created and continue to be.
Just the three of us. We can make it if we try.
And then some mornings, like this morning, she clings to me, crying and begging me not to go. It's hard on mornings like today, when all I want to do is stay home with her and play. I want to be a SAHM so bad sometimes it aches. And I know Justin wishes he could provide that for all of us, but at this point in our lives, it's just not possible. Too many bills, too much going on - we're young and dumb and we're working towards our future.
It's another consequence of having our babe a little too early on in life; she doesn't get the same luxuries other kids do sometimes having older, more stable parents.
But that doesn't mean we love her any less. In fact, I like to think it means we love her more. We're both out there working hard, doing our best to give her everything she deserves. And what we can't provide in material things, we make up for with hugs and kisses and late night play sessions. The three of us piled in bed together, laughing and loving each other - this little family we've made and created and continue to be.
Just the three of us. We can make it if we try.
Aug 16, 2010
lucky, lucky me
My husband treated me to an early anniversary/birthday present - a new lens! It's absolutely amazing, and these are just some of the pictures I took yesterday in the two hours left of daylight I had to play with it!
Beautiful girl (with a little tweaking)
The illusive hummingbird - these suckers eat a lot of that red juice! But they sure are fun to watch...
Old sign...shot going 50 mph down the road with the window rolled up!
Just a random haybale in the field across the road in front of our house - got all that?
a little Archie face!
And something completely random, but still interesting enough to share: Lasagna cupcakes and Mac & Cheese cupcakes! I want! I want! I want!
Beautiful girl (with a little tweaking)
The illusive hummingbird - these suckers eat a lot of that red juice! But they sure are fun to watch...
Old sign...shot going 50 mph down the road with the window rolled up!
Just a random haybale in the field across the road in front of our house - got all that?
a little Archie face!
And something completely random, but still interesting enough to share: Lasagna cupcakes and Mac & Cheese cupcakes! I want! I want! I want!
Aug 14, 2010
comments!
Finally got my comment section working once again, so sorry for any of you who wanted to comment the past couple days.
Not that I'm totally sure you wanted to comment. But if you did, now you can.
Oh look, a cute picture of my sleeping kid.
Not that I'm totally sure you wanted to comment. But if you did, now you can.
Oh look, a cute picture of my sleeping kid.
Aug 13, 2010
honorable mention: sophie st vicious
By now I'm sure you've noticed the new blog header. Right? Well if you haven't, LOOK UP. It's so amazing, right?
The very talented, very sweet and very hard-working Sophie created this one-of-a-kind blog banner for me, and I have to say, I'm in love. She captured my little family perfectly and I couldn't be more satisfied. This is my glorious recommendation for Sophie; visit her blog HERE and her Etsy shop HERE and you can even follow her on Twitter HERE.
You also might've noticed I cleaned up a little here and there on the blog yesterday; added some new tabs up top and edited some information. Just trying to smooth everything out and get this site in tiptop shape. Change is good, but I'd like to settle into a groove and focus on the words and stories I'm sharing as opposed to being annoyed with my layout all the time.
The very talented, very sweet and very hard-working Sophie created this one-of-a-kind blog banner for me, and I have to say, I'm in love. She captured my little family perfectly and I couldn't be more satisfied. This is my glorious recommendation for Sophie; visit her blog HERE and her Etsy shop HERE and you can even follow her on Twitter HERE.
You also might've noticed I cleaned up a little here and there on the blog yesterday; added some new tabs up top and edited some information. Just trying to smooth everything out and get this site in tiptop shape. Change is good, but I'd like to settle into a groove and focus on the words and stories I'm sharing as opposed to being annoyed with my layout all the time.
Aug 11, 2010
you need to laugh today AND look at my new blog header
And if that doesn't make you laugh, nothing will.
*Note the fabulous new blog header I have now - I'll be giving you all the amazing details tomorrow!!! So come back for some really valuable information!*
Aug 10, 2010
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)