If I Can Blog, So Can You

I've been blogging here at mommaruthsays since 2009, and while three-going-on-four years certainly isn't much compared to some, for me, it's been a huge commitment. I've dedicated myself to this space, changing and rearranging this blog and my thoughts, but always coming back to my roots. This is my life, and I'd like to believe that this blog is a pretty accurate reflection of that. 

I first started "blogging" on LiveJournal back in early high school before moving on to MySpace before finally settling in here. When I go back through my archives, it makes me blush and shake my head. Who is that girl? There are plenty of cringe-worthy posts in my past, and even though I hate the thought of someone reading something from way back when, I can't bring myself to hit that "delete post" button. That's my past, that's where I've been, and in retrospect, it's a nice reminder of how far I've come. 

I'm certainly no expert blogger. I don't have my niche cornered, I don't market my brand or pimp my blog out for page-views  Hell, most days I can barely form a coherent sentence or thought! But I do enjoy blogging, and my hope is that I'll continue to do so for many years to come. 

If nothing else, this blog is a virtual scrapbook of all the things I care about and enjoy discussing: my family, my favorite movies, my thoughts on marriage, and so much more. My opinions change, my kids grow, and the world continues to go 'round - and here I have my own little place to document it all. To me, that's a priceless advantage of blogging and one of the many reasons I recommend blogging to anyone who's interested in starting their own site. 

If you're considering jumping in to the blogging world, I say "go for it!" - just remember to do it for you and your own reasons, whatever they may be. Blogging can feel a lot like high school sometimes; there are popular kids, kids who have fancier things than you do, and bullies galore. A lot of people look at blogging as a popularity contest or a race, but I'm here to tell you, it's neither. And you're never going to truly "win" either category, ever. 

If you want to blog, do it - and have fun with it! If you're having doubts about maintaining a blog for an undefined period of time, I say stick with it. Give it a chance. I promise you, if you can keep your blog going for at least three months of regular publishing, you will love having those "little moments" documented. It's amazing how much you can forget in just three months' time (and just imagine what it'll be like looking back through your archives after one year, three years, ten years!) 

If I can do this whole blogging thing, then I promise, so can you. 

TT #21

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It's craziness, right?! 

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Thor in a (very cute) nutshell....

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Christopher Moloney tracks down famous movie scenes around NYC - it's pretty cool stuff!

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I know this hurriance is a real bad bitch, and she's going to do lots of real damage and affect people's lives in such a catastrophic and negative way, THIS I KNOW, but it's kind of nice to have a little sense of humor about it, especially seeing as how there's nothing we can do to stop her. More funnies at the source!

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I can't believe I found a GIF of Rob Zombie doing the Haddaway head-bob. Wowzers!

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The next time a Republican candidate feels the need to discuss issues like rape, he should really just keep his mouth shut, is all I'm saying.

Currently

Sidney Morgan lost her first tooth Saturday!!! That awfully sweet "tooth fairy" brought her $3, and now she's ready to lose some more teeth :)

Loving: The fact that The Walking Dead is finally back on my TV! Even though last night's episode didn't show my beloved Daryl Dixon once, it's still so nice to have a regular series to watch and look forward to. It's the little things, I guess! 

Watching: Netflix, again. Yesterday we re-activated our account and watched some random, old movies (Small Soldiers, True Grit, Rat Race) - we usually get bored with Netflix really quickly, but it's been awhile since we were active, so there might be enough stuff to keep us interested for awhile. Plus, it saves money running to the Redbox two or three times a weekend! 

Thinking about: How quickly time is flying these days! It's so hard to believe Halloween is Wednesday, and then we're straight on into the month of November. It's just crazy to think we're so close to 2013! 

Anticipating: Trick-or-treating with the girls - I'm pretty sure it's going to be sub-zero conditions, but we're determined to hit up a few houses and get some candy, cold weather be damned! 

Listening to: Sam Cooke, Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder, Otis Redding, Diana Ross and more! It's been a "Motown" kind of mood for me lately! 

Working on: My "Christmas" shopping list - I'm not one to jump ahead of the holidays and get all excited about them completely out of order (and it totally kills me that stores already have out their Christmas stuff before the end of October!), but Justin and I are seriously trying to get a jump-start on buying gifts, or at least figuring out what to buy.

Wishing: For the rainy/snowy weather to pass by quickly this week. It's the first time snow has been in the forecast 'round these parts, and people are losing their minds. It's going to snow/rain/ice many times between now and spring, but it always seems like the first time each year is the first time ever for most people. 

Currently series inspired by Danielle. 

Oh, these girls.

In the morning, as Justin is up and getting ready, both of these little ladies somehow manage to squeeze in bed with me. And even though it's not always the most comfortable thing, it's certainly the sweetest.

I can't wait to add another little sleeping babe in the mix; less room for me in the bed, but more room in my heart. Always more room for my "babies".

TT #20

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More business (specifically book stores) need to be like this - there are so many great works of literature sitting around collecting dust. Let 'em see the sunshine! And on that note: kids, get your noses out of your phone and other devices and read a damn book or two! 

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No matter how you say it, just make sure you say it. (PS I still need to see this movie!) 

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Awesome celebs just being awesome on Twitter. Awesome.

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For me, it's impossible to see a penguin and not smile :) I hope it's that way for you, too!

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Ina Garten, I love you and all, but your shit is kind of ridiculous. Just saying.

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Combining two of my favorite current things in the world: ermahgerd and blasting Mitt. (Really, Romney? Binders of women? Douche canoe.)

Soul, Baby

I wasn't kidding when I said before that this baby digs the R&B, old-school Motown, oldies and goodies. I keep this music on constantly, and he seems to dig it. And I seem to dig it even more than before. Little brother has got soul already...

Some of my (our) favorites:



When my soul was in the lost-and-found
You came along to claim it
I didn't know just what was wrong with me
Till your kiss helped me name it
Now I'm no longer doubtful of what I'm living for
'Cause if I make you happy I don't need no more



I'm a poorman's son, from across the railroad tracks,
The only shirt I own is hangin' on my back,
But I'm the envy of ev'ry single guy
Since I'm the apple of my girl's eye.

TT #19

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Dang skippy! It's been so cold, so quick here lately we're not having much of that enjoyable autumnal weather I spent so many weeks looking forward to! 

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An awesome snapshot of Disneyland's backstage cafe - how cool is that?! 

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One of the most amazing BDSII GIFs I've ever laid eyes upon! I'm so excited for September 2013, it's going to happen, I can feel it! (More on that later...)

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Good advice for anyone going out this weekend.

Did you watch the season three premiere of The Walking Dead last night?! (You should have, because I only reminded you about it for the past four weeks, at least...)

First off, I have to say I am so happy that Norman Reedus has such an increased presence this season (so much so that he got his own screenshot in the new opening sequence!), and I cannot get enough of Daryl Dixon face-time on my TV. Second? I've been preaching at Justin for months that Daryl + Carol would happen, and it seems like things might maybe totally happen. Please excuse the crazy romantic pre-tween within me; you have no idea how it makes my heart sing. The first fifteen minutes of the episode were all I needed to see last night:

source

I have a feeling this little thang won't last, especially given previews from the upcoming season and definitely if they follow along with the comic book series story line (sorry y'all who don't know, Carol dies in the prison or so I hear) - but I have high hopes for at least a little action between these two before all hell breaks loose...yet again.

Maggie and Glenn were wonderful last night, I know a lot of people don't like wimpy Glen - but he's got a soft spot in my heart. Plus, I'm a sucker for all things romance within TWD realm, so I love seeing the two of them together.

Two people I hate seeing together? Rick and Laurie, sweet baby cheese-puffs - these two need to get over themselves. I kind of agree with my husband; he says if Rick/Laurie/Carl weren't on the show, it'd be 10x better. Let's hope Carl will stay put this season so we don't have an entire season of "Is Carl in the house?" CARL'S NEVER IN THE DAMN HOUSE. And cue Laurie freak out.

I am so excited to see this Michonne character develop, she is officially the baddest lady on the block; I dig her zombie slaves so much.

Also, poor Herschel - old guys just don't fare well on this series, as I imagine it might be so in real life. Still, I really like him. I don't why Laurie even bothered asking him to put her and her lovechild down if things got bad. Herschel couldn't hurt a fly, much less a woman and child in the birthing process. Speaking of, I'm really not looking forward to that scene - no matter how it ends up playing out. Oy.

I'm not going to recap this season (not that this post is even a recap, more an incoherent rambling about my love of certain characters and the others are lost in my mind every time I think of sleeveless Norman Reedus and dear god, I'm drooling again) so don't worry.

Just know, whenever this show's on on Sunday nights, I'm watching. And I swear, if they kill of my precious little Daryl I'm going to boycott. Just saying.

24.

Today marks week 24!

For those of you who don't keep up with pregnancy week-by-week, that is officially month six! I realize I am absolutely horrible at documenting pregnancy, and honestly, I have no intention of keeping up with it week to week, or month to month. I finally installed a little "ticker" over on the right-hand side just to remind myself where I am with this pregnancy. It's totally cliche, but I really don't have the time to dwell on being pregnant. I just am, and thankfully, I am easily at this point; so there is no sitting around, lazily day-dreaming about baby for hours on end.

Some quick notes about this pregnancy at week 24, (because I know someday I will appreciate the fact that I made myself jot down a quick something, anything about being pregnant with number three):

-kicks and hiccups are how we start our day...baby boy is most active before I go to sleep and when I wake up, which makes me think he's really active all night long and ohmygod, I already dread sleepless nights with him!

-my hair has never looked better, so thanks for that kid! I know there's an old wives tale about how girls steal your beauty and boys amplify it, or something, so I find it kind of funny how this pregnancy is the only one I've been able to enjoy the perks of shiny, voluminous hair that grows non-stop.

-heartburn has been fairly minimal (especially compared to the last two pregnancies) and my body overall feels really good; it's impossible to sleep on my right side, which I've learned recently is my favorite side, so that's a bit of a bummer. Left side (with a good pillow between the knees) is the only way to go!

-my boobs are acting as I expected them to (leaky and full and a total pain in the ass already), but there's a new addition of painful sensations whenever I step outside into the lovely, brisk weather. This is a new one for me, as the girls never really acted this way when I was pregnant with the other girls, so if you're responsible for this, kid, I don't thank you.

-weight gain at this point is nil, which I'm thankful for. Being a plus-size momma to begin with, I really have to watch my weight throughout pregnancy, and so far so good. I passed my glucose test with flying colors (first time and everything!), so that's a huge relief. My appetite is so weird at this point, I guess I can attribute the no weight gain thing to the baby. I keep waiting to get those voracious cravings and big bellied appetites, but no. No such luck. If I have the "want to" to want to eat two meals a day, then I'm flying high here.

-we still don't have a name for this kid, which is still killing me. Every night I lay down and ask Justin, "so what are we naming this baby?" and every night I fall asleep before we can settle on something. Oy vey.

I guess soon enough I'll turn sideways and take a picture of this bump, but honestly, I'm so unmotivated to document everything at this point. I'm just ready to be done being pregnant (which is a total conundrum  because I'm also trying to savor every second of it since it's definitely THE LAST TIME, Mom) and for baby to be here! That's when the real fun begins :)

Oh, Rhealen.

You pint-sized spirit of fun - if only your body size matched your personality (you'd never fit in my car again, really).

I tell you, this child is something else. She's so petite (a mere 21 lbs now - it only took her 16 months to break the 20 lb mark!) and so hollow, but there's never a dull moment with her. Her actions are anything but petite.

She never stops, never sits still - from the moment she wakes up to the moment she goes back to sleep, she is on the GO! and in to something constantly. It's a totally different experience after having Sidney and all her wonderful, quiet, still baby ways.

Sidney has always been one to use her mind to explore and create her own fantasies and games to play. Rhealen is of the "I must touch it, I must build it, I must destroy it" variety, and girlfriend loves to explore!

I'm still amazed that two sisters can be so different; it makes me beyond excited to learn what the little guy will be like - at this point, the possibilities are endless!

It's fun having "one of each" in terms of personality; now I just can't wait to watch them grow up side by side yet miles apart from their own "normals". 

TT #18

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Admit it: when you first saw this movie, you dreamed of finding a guy who could do "the lift" with you someday! 

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I spent one evening talking through my obsession over Norman Reedus with the husband, and he was quite supportive. We're going to look into conferences near our area where he might be appearing in the upcoming year! My NR dreams are close to getting fulfilled (not the obvious, above dream - but the dream of seeing him in person, possibly meeting him!) 

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Big Bird, forever! Obama/Biden, 2012!

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Remember these? Of course you do! 

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"God" has spoken! 

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Did you know Rob Zombie has a new horror film in the works?! Did you know I'm a huge Rob Zombie fan?! Did you just get as excited as I did the first time I saw this?! (YES! YES! YES!) 

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Amazing! 

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It's kind of true, but still, I don't think anyone read this book to enjoy the quality of good writing. 

(Sidney bought a poster of a mother and baby polar bear from her book fair this week and decided to tell me all about it yesterday evening...)

"Mom! Look at this!"

"I love polar bears, Sid, cute!"

"You can be this one and I'm that one."

"I'm the momma?"

"Yes, you're the big, fat, momma one and I'm the little, cute, kid one."

So much for being sweet there, Sidney. 

TT #17

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A nice little sentiment to cling to, don't you think? 

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I never really thought about it that way before (duh!) but it makes sense.

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Except, of course, we still totally say mean things about each other! No holiday can stop that!

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THE MOST AMAZING IDEA EVER!!!

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If you watch Family Guy, then you already know. 

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OCTOBER 14TH! OCTOBER 14TH! 

Currently

My butch sent me flowers for my 24th birthday Friday! 

Loving: That my husband is finally off of the night shift and back to regular days! Even though he only gets one day off a week right now, it's still so nice to have him home in the evenings and all night. Having both rowdy girls to myself, handling the bedtime routine and mornings all alone (sometimes he made it home in time to help me) was exhausting! My hat's off to those single parents who do it all, all on their own. Kudos. 

Watching: To celebrate our anniversary (that was on the 19th), Justin and I went out yesterday and bought a ton of new/old movies. We've got enough to keep our evenings occupied for a few weeks, and I'm so excited to start watching them all (although someone's going to have come down and watch the scary ones with me, Justin won't do it!) 

Thinking about: Baby boy names - they consume me. Justin is so slow picking out a name for this little guy, it's slowly driving me crazy! We've tossed around what feels like 1,000 names to no avail. Hopefully soon we'll have a moniker matched to this little man, and I can relax. 

Anticipating: The amazing holidays that are rapidly approaching! Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas back-to-back-to back! What in the world could be better? Oh yeah, after that baby boy should make his big debut! 

Listening to: My N*SYNC/Celine Dion Pandora station that is full of 90s goodies. I'm in middle-school flashback heaven! 

Working on: My parenting skills. I feel like I'm constantly evolving as a parent (which I think is a good thing) and with the holidays forthcoming, I've really tried to re-focus my energy into working with Sidney on what it means to be thankful and giving. She's so lucky to be such a spoiled little girl (spoiled by everyone, not just me and Justin), so I'm really working hard to make sure she understands what it means to "give back" and to care for those around her who are less fortunate. She's been so young in the past, I didn't really think she'd be able to grasp the full concept; but I think she's ready now, so we're going to kick it up a notch this year! 

Wishing: For Fall to hang around a little longer before it gets too cold. I've been looking forward to this season for so long, I'm really hoping it doesn't take a turn for the nasty quick. It'd bought break my heart if we didn't get at least a few good weeks of wonderful fall weather! 

Currently series inspired by Danielle.