metromom

I've got a surprise for you. :)

2007-01-24T13:17:00.001-08:00

relentless love.

2007-01-16T12:49:00.000-08:00

Are you familiar with it? It's hard to put it into words...but I'll try. The kind of love that pursues you with a determined force. It's the selfless kind of love that hops on a plane the minute you call in tears cause you're overwhelmed by your own life. The kind of love that rocks your newborn baby to sleep, when you're beyond exhausted and just want to throw the baby in the snow. The kind of love that empties its pockets to fill yours. The sacrificing love that never expects anything in return. The kind of love that empowers you...makes you believe that you're worthy enough, capable enough to do anything you want to do.

A love you can't shake...no matter what you do- it's there- accepting, welcoming, forgiving. It's love that makes you believe you deserve to be loved like that...even when you know you don't. It's the kind of love that comforts-you can relax, let out a sigh of relief just by being in its presence. A love that will change 40 poopy diapers in one weekend, fold your laundry and do your dishes- just to give you a break. It finds true joy in your success and true compassion in your sorrow. The kind of love that fills a room with joy- and laughs when you run out of gas on your way to the airport at five in the morning.

I hope that each one of you experience this kind of love in your life at some point...if you never have, let me introduce you to God (cause I'm pretty sure that's where she gets it...) And if I dedicated every post, every day to the woman who shows me this relentless love...it wouldn't tell the half. I love you mom. I'll never be able to tell you how much.

Oh the Irony of It All...

2007-01-10T07:30:00.000-08:00

So, we're sitting around my parents dinner table back in Cali chatting it up with my little brother (ok, so he's not *little* anymore), his girlfriend, and a few others. We're discussing life, people, you know...just stuff. When my brother begins a rant about inconsiderate people, rude people, mean people. "I've had it with people who just don't care," He says.

Of course we all have a story to chime in with.

So then my husband (always the devil's advocate) says, "Yeah, but sometimes you gotta wonder what's going on in *those* people's lives. I mean maybe they had a bad day, lost their job, etc."

And in all seriousness my brother says, "I don't care about those people."

Of course we laughed at his "not caring about people who don't care". But in the irony of it all, there is truth. We'd all like to think that we're non-judgemental people, kind hearted, giving...but often others must meet a certain criteria to qualify. And as deep as we have to dig...I think we'd all find that there is that bit of *prejudice* in all of us. My hope is not to be perfect, because I'll never arrive there, but this year I hope to dig a little deeper and find out where those little dusty corners of my heart are and see *those* people the way God sees them. It's about perspective.

I once heard someone say that if you have someone in your life who is *truly* hard to love, begin to picture them as they were as a child...see their innocense, see their heart before it was jaded, or hardened. How, why did they arrive at being such a jerk? On certain occasions this has helped me...and then again there's always that twinge in me that rises up and says, "What!?!!! You REPORTED me (sweet, kind, gentle, loving me) to the HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION?!!!! I thought we talked, I thought we worked it out in a neighborly fashion. We'd work it out and you'd still be able to skinny dip. But then you had to sneak in all commando like and measure my play yard (yes PLAY YARD...you know the thing for my CHILDREN!!!!) and file a complaint with the HOA. If you can't love the children who CAN you love?"

Jeez people. I've got a long way to go.

My MVP

2007-01-06T10:02:00.000-08:00

"If I was totally into scrapbooking...we'd probably never be six rows back at the scrapbooking convention right now, would we?" I asked my husband last night as we sat just six rows back...I mean SIX rows. I could have reached out and rubbed Amare's newly shaved head...

"Ummm, probably not." He responded with a smile of a husband that KNEW he'd just scored MAJOR "husband points" with his newly NBA obsessed wife.

All I did was say..."Hey wouldn't it be fun to go the the game?" -and it was as if I rubbed a magic lamp. Allacazam...there I was in some of the best seats in the house, watching my boys kill the Shaq-less, Wade-less, Riley-less Heat. Even without a heart wrenching game, you couldn't wipe the smile off my face.

So this post is to give props to the real MVP in my life. While Steve Nash makes it happen on the court...No one...I mean NO ONE, loves me like my husband does. So thank you babe, for giving me a fantastic night...it will not go unnoticed. (if you know what I mean.)

Since I'm too lazy to write...

2007-01-04T15:29:00.001-08:00

Photo and video editing at onetruemedia.com

Let the Celebrating Begin!

2006-12-22T06:34:00.000-08:00

Today the celebrating begins for me. I've done all I can do (and still have a few last minute things to get done) and I'm ready for the fun to begin. I'm kicking it off with helping to distribute the gifts and food to the needy families at the PHX Rescue Mission. Seriously, you probably won't be able to wipe the smile off my face after today-

Tonight my stepdaughter comes over for the weekend and we'll be living it up! Baking, movies, lights...I've decided that this is going to be a relaxed FUN weekend. So many holidays are wrapped in stress, thinking everything has to be perfect. Not me. Not this year. I'm all about the fun. Why waste a minute more stressing? Not that there won't be reasons to stress- but I'm not gonna do it. Read MY LIPS. NO STRESS. Now whose coming with me? Who will join me on my anti-stress Holiday?

Warm and Fuzzy

2006-12-15T09:29:00.001-08:00

Love Footie PJ's
Originally uploaded by metromom.

Being Christmas time and a chilly 72, I thought I'd post something that makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside...and I thought of a few things.

1. Footie PJ's. I love them!
2. When my kids do something they are so proud of, like somehow reach the cereal box on top of the counter and begin to roam around the house with it (like I'd allow that sort of animal behavior to continue!)
3. When I discover they've learned something new...this morning I said "One" and he said, "two, three, fou,fi, si,eigh, nine!"
4. When I remember how blessed I am to have great friends...and TWO of them are birthday girls this week. :) Happy Birthday girls!

One thing that DOES NOT make me feel warm and fuzzy:
Certain Employee Christmas Parties. Glamourous? Yes. Expensive? Absolutely. (they raffled off over 200,000 dollars to employess in a matter of 15 mintues...no joke. Thrilled for those who won!) Fun? (ummm...well....there were some nice people...fun would be a stretch.)

Flickr

2006-12-13T19:35:00.001-08:00

This is a test post from , a fancy photo sharing thing.

...I know....the suspense...it's killing you.

2006-12-08T07:24:00.000-08:00

So sorry for waiting a few days (ok, almost a month...) to update. As I've said in the past, I hate just writing stuff to say stuff...so I have to be inspired. And after last night. I'm now inspired. Something happened that took my breath away---caused me to scream, yell...and otherwise freak out. Something magical. But I'm pretty sure you wouldn't understand. Ok, maybe Laura would...but that's it. Ok, maybe Laura and Betsy...but NO ONE else. Ok, maybe Laura, Betsy and Lisa. Yeah, Lisa too. But nobody else...Wait, what about, Martin? Yeah, maybe. Yeah...Martin too.

But I'm not telling. :) But I will say that I used to be labeled the girl who had no hobbies, nothing that "she" wanted to do. I will admit that I'm pretty easy going. I can enjoy myself just about anywhere. If you wanted to take me to a basket weaving class, I'd go. Part of it is that I truly am easy going. If I don't care, I really don't care. It doesn't have to be about me. The other part is that I like to make people happy. Yeah, I know we've talked about this before. But I will say that 2006 has been the "emancipation of Mimi"...oh wait, I mean me. Maybe its getting older, maybe the season of my life, but I've come to grips with a few things that make me, me. And I'm totally ok with them. And I'm ok if they are not you.

Defining who I am will be a life long process because I always want to be growing and changing, but discovering there are some things that I love to do and enjoy becoming...regardless of anyone else's preferences has been liberating.

What about you?

Dismembered

2006-11-16T13:33:00.000-08:00

I have spent the better part of the last hour with my hand inside every orfice of a dead chicken. While I've never claimed to be a chef, I do love to cook. It relaxes me--and if you're reading this and I love you...I've probabaly cooked for you. (and if it was the chili fiasco that you ate...I don't want to hear about it.) But in all my Rachel Rayness and wannabe cooking I've never mastered the art of the bird. I mean I use boneless/skinless breasts and ground turkey like their going out of style...but you know, poultry that actually still resembles a bird...not so much. I just can't get over the whole "innards" thing. Due to my horrid (not kidding) pregnancies I'm accustomed to puking...even 20 times in one day (for seven months, times 2) isn't inconcievable (only wish I was exaggerating this one.) Scraping out that junk gets me everytime. My gag reflex is on overdrive.

So the other day I'm at Costco and I see these whole fryers and think, yeah I can do that, I mean everyone loves a roasted chicken, so tender, juicy. Well, I take one out of the freezer this morning and begin to defrost in the sink...Well hours and hours later, I go to um, clean it, or whatever it is that you do to get it ready...and apparently it was still frozen in the middle. Because I've just pulled and prodded and scraped (all with my hands in a plastic bag so I didn't have to actually touch the stuff...eeeww)- to no avail. All I'm left with is a bloody mess, I tell ya. I just threw the bird away. My only solace in the hour of gagging and trying not to smell is that I knew I might be able to blog about it later...any one up for fish sticks tonight?

Just Wanna

2006-11-14T09:41:00.000-08:00

In an effort to incorporate more FUN in my life...I joined some friends this last weekend to visit the local Arts and Crafts fair...what a gorgeous day. We had a great time and I was wishing my budget was unlimted to purchase some of the amazing art from local photographers and artists...and seriously the salsa...it was EVERYWHERE and I don't even have to tell you about my love for Salsa... I did bring my camera and people, my photography skills are seriously lacking. I'm still trying to figure out my new camera, it's fairly simple, its just I never seem to get those amazing shots that everyone else seems to see. Maybe this is an art I should not pick up. I'm posting one of Betsy and her little boyfriend...but to see the rest you'll have to check out my flickr account...and I've posted a lot of my pictures as private...so you may have to log-in to see...sorry folks.

On beoming FAB-ulous.

2006-11-10T09:36:00.000-08:00

My dad used to always say that I shouldn't "carry the weight of the world on my shoulders." He also said that I'm "no good to anyone unless I'm good to myself first" He also said, "Use your head for something other than a hat rack." and "You're full of s**t as a Christmas Goose." So yeah, he said a lot of things...some things made sense, and others took me awhile to figure out on my own. I'm still working on the the whole, "It's better to remain silent and appear a fool than open your mouth and remove all doubt." (that one's a little tricky.)

But I remember when I came to grips with a lifelong struggle...I was in my early 20's...I discovered a sickness that I would struggle with my whole life...something that if not treated could be the demise of any healthy relationship I had...That is my tendency to take responsiblity for others emotions, feelings, happiness. I'm not 100% sure when this began, but in my early 20's it was pretty obvious that I had a problem. This post isn't to outline that whole story...it would be way too long...but to share in my discovery.

I found a book that gave me new perspective. Boundaries. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to EVERYONE. It pretty much speaks to you no matter if you're where I was or if you're dealing with someone who WANTS you to take responsiblity for their lives...

At any rate one of the basic principles it deals with is taking ownership for YOUR life. The premise is that we are each responsible for our FAB. Feelings. Attitude. Behavior. That is all. We are responsible to others but not for them. This creates problems because many times we encounter people who want US to be responsible for THEIR feelings, attitudes, and behaviors. And I used to be a sucker for those kind of people. I'd bend and give until I thought I had finally made them happy, only to discover...they still weren't...and neither was I.

It's funny how you can deal with something like this, learn so much, grow so much- and then if you're not careful you fall back into this situation without even realizing. So for me its something I have to be aware of and evaluate from time to time. I'm not talking about becoming a selfish person, I'm talking about becoming responsible for me- because ultimately, I'm no good to anyone if I'm not good to myself first...thanks Dad.

Musings from a 4 Year Old

2006-11-07T06:56:00.000-08:00

So last night on the family trip to Costco, the conversation went like this:

SHE: "MOM!! Look at the moon!"
ME: "Wow! It sure is big and beautiful!"
SHE "That moon looks better than sushi!"
ME: "What?"

It got me thinking...there are so many things she knows, things she says that are so far removed from my days as a four year old. Things like:

"Mom, I sent Daddy a text but he hasn't texted me back yet."

Or

"Dad, Can we listen to that Lights will guide you song?" (and then proceeds to know EVERY SINGLE WORD to Fix You by Coldplay.)

Or

"Mom, I need to borrow your computer, I've got to blog on" (I think she means "log on")

Watching her take it all in, and get her own "spin" of the world is quite comical, but really is one of the highlights of my life.

If I Ruled the World

2006-11-04T10:14:00.000-08:00

If I ruled the world the following things would be a part of everyones lives, bringing each person such personal joy that world peace would be obtained and life as we know it would be in a current state of Nirvana...

-Sourdough Toast with REAL butter would be the Global Breakfast
-Pumpkin Scones from Sbux would be the mid-morning snack
-A good Tuna Melt (on sourdough)dripping with a nice sharp cheddar cheese would be our lunch
-An afternoon glass of Diet Barq's Rootbeer as we all sat on our Patios and chatted

(Just wanted to introduce you to my current food "crushes")

Top 10 signs I'm getting old...

2006-11-03T06:26:00.000-08:00

10. Words like 401K, portfolio, nest egg are a part of my regular vocabulary.
9. Words like "sick", "what it do", and "crackalackin'" are not.
8. I had to look up that last word in number 9.
7. Fashion and comfort are almost = on the scale
6. Staying out till 10 is a LATE night. :)
5. I have considered trading in my high riding SUV for a mini-van (but I haven't caved yet.)
4. I get excited when I see the 10 for $10 sign at the grocery store
3. Large purchases include ginormous play yards for my kids...and ficus trees to shield them from the skinny dipping neighbors.
2. The word "PTA" is looming in my not so distant future...
1. Spent an hour talking with my little brother and his girlfriend (discovered how behind the times I am) before they started their night (9PM) and we crashed fast asleep in our memory foam to reruns of "Friends" which is now being shown on Nick at Nite. (ok, TBS...whatever.)

Why I write.

2006-10-30T19:53:00.000-08:00

Some people like to write because they're good at it, they tell delightful stories and draw others into their lives with clever words. Some people like to write because its therapeutic- journaling their thoughts, emotions, activities helps them discover themselves in a new way and leave hurt in the past. Me?

I like to write not because I'm terribly talented, though I can appreciate the gift in others, not because it's cheaper than a shrink, not to convert others to my personal political skew...I write because somewhere in the middle of busy days turning into busy nights and sorting whites and colors and the day in-day out of life that can suck every ounce of vitality from you (if you let it) I want my life to say something. I want my perspective, thoughts to be documented and to speak. So someday I won't be known as the girl who vaccuumed, or the one who whizzes past you on the freeway...but the one who took time (ok maybe not every day, ummm...once a week??) to stop the merry-go-round of life and grab at some of the scattered thoughts and share them. Even if it speaks only to a few...as long as those words are mine.

What exactly do I want my life to say? That's another question all together. I really think it's an evolving story. Hopefully one that has more triumphs than tragedies and that speaks of growth and reality. And I wouldn't mind a little, "Dang not only was that broad hot, she sure was rich!" Kidding. Ok. Not Kidding...Dreaming.

put on a smile and go for a ride

2006-10-27T08:56:00.000-07:00

When you have a bad day...there's nothing like being surrounded by the faces that make you know all is well in the world.

Sorry Mama, Never Meant to Hurtcha

2006-10-20T16:00:00.000-07:00

WARNING: TO MY DEAR MOTHER...DO NOT, I REPEAT, DO NOT READ THIS POST.

To sum up my life this week, I will say its the end of an era. I know this is like the third or fourth blog entry that I've come across this week that deals with the loss of a family pet. Last night my Mom called in tears. Our "Mister" was gone. In a whirlwind of emotional rollercoasters that has been my families mantra this month, it was his time to go. For nineteen years he was part of our family. Nineteen years. That is a long time to have such a great friend. He was an Australian Shepherd and I have so many fond memories of him. I remember as kids, we were like his little "sheep". He'd wait for all of us to walk in the door and then "herd" the last one in. Fiesty, gentle, and sweet...

The second sign that its and end of an era is good for me, sad for others. My baby brother, okay, so he's 22...moved out here with a great friend (whom I've also known FOREVER) to live in AZ for bit. I've not lived in the same city as him for TEN years. Since he was 12. It's such a great feeling to call him and know he's right down the street. Today he babysat my kids and changed his FIRST diaper. (Tyler gave him a nice little initiation...atta boy Ty) Anyway, he rolled into town sportin' his True Religion's (I think they might fit me, he'll never know their gone...)- Maybe he'll spread some of his fashion sense on me..I think Brad is lovin' it to, he's said, "I wonder what the "boys" are doing" & "maybe the "boys" want to come over and hang out" about ten times this week. :) I think he always wanted a "little bro."

Change is definitely in the air-

Mighty Good.

2006-10-10T22:21:00.000-07:00

As I said in the previous post, our get away was great. If you've never met my husband, you're missing out...he is one of a kind. While he knows how to work hard, I love the fact that he can play hard. Here are a couple shots from our trip.

One of my favorite moments was when I met my Nana's twin (Nana would be my 4'7" Portuguese grandma with a thick Boston accent...) Except this lady was Italian. She was a hoot. One day on the beach as we frolicked in the autumn mist in Hanalei bay (home of Puff the Magic Dragon) we were right next to the sweetest group of women ranging from about 65-85. They were all in bathing suits, building sandcastles, laughing...really living it up. At one point we overheard one lady exclaiming to another that she was 80 and still as horny as ever. AHHHHH...please someone wash my brain, remove the mental images!!!! But then I laughed and told MD, "Try not to be too grossed out, if you're still alive, you'll be wanting me to say that, won't you?"

Ok, back to my Nana's twin...She walks over and we smile. One of us casually says, "You guys sure look like you know how to have a good time." To which she responds, "Oh face it, you know we look like a bunch of escapees from the Convalescent Home." She was a smart aleck, hard core. I was cracking up at her comments and loved her snappy comebacks. We chatted for a minute and then supplied her with a bottle cap to use as the "eye" in her sand swordfish. We all took pride later as she received a ribbon and placed first or second in their little contest. She told us they were all kindred spirits who lived all over the world and met up once a year or so to really live it up together.

How cool is that? At any rate, I was inspired to live more, laugh more - and really enjoy life more.

Today I shut off my airconditioning...

2006-10-09T00:07:00.000-07:00

Ok, from where you sit it may be freakin' freezing...but here in sunny AZ, today, October 8th was the first time I shut off my air conditioning. I opened the windows, let the breeze in...then promptly shut them and flipped the air back on fifteen minutes later.

But if you lived here you'd say the weather really HAS changed. The 90 degrees isn't THAT hot, there is a FALLISH feeling in the air, not quite crisp, more like less toasty.

MD and I just returned from a wonderful vacation in paradise. We roughed it on the beach in Kauai again this year with some friends. Low key, low drama, high sun, high surf...a real vacation. You know the kind where you get to do what you want, when you want, and that mostly means a whole lot of nothing. It was fabulous. Waves were pretty non-existent the first few days, but came in with a vengance the final two days and we definitely took advantage!

My kids spent the week doing just about EVERY FUN THING IMAGINABLE with my parents in Thousand Oaks. I'd call each day and they were: at the beach, at Chuck E. Cheese, at the Farm and Pumpkin Patch, at the Zoo...seriously...they had a blast. And I was so happy to see them after 6 poopy diaperless, sippy cupless, mommyless days and nights. When we picked them up in LAX I was running to meet them. Something about a week off from Mommyhood makes you fall in love all over again. (thank you MOM for making it possible)

I will post some pictures soon.

25 MORE things about "Yours Truly"

2006-09-28T23:14:00.000-07:00

Ok, so way back when...not sure how long ago, but at least a year or two, I posted 25 things you may or may not know about me. And since my eyes are burning, my brain is mush, and my throat has taken on that deep sexy night time voice...from working for the last few hours to meet some "work" deadlines- I thought I'd break for some mindless chatter...are you ready for this? I mean really ready? It's late so don't hold any of it against me:

1. I trip a lot. Usually for no reason. Sometimes my ankle will just roll and I'll be on the ground.
2. I've been known to trip while holding my kids (Before you go callin' me Brittney, I always save the kid before my own knees, shoes, Burberry bag...)
3. I love to invent recipes, always have. Used to make my brothers be my guinea pigs...ahhh those were the days.
4. I could eat avacados on ANYTHING, ANYTIME, JUST ABOUT ANYWHERE
5. I would bodyboard in the ocean everyday if I had the opportunity
6. My mom's family is 100% Portugese and my dad is a mutt
7. I can't nap. Not possible, don't ask. It doesn't ever happen.
8. I'm still friends with at least 3 girls from when I was 5. I think it says more about how wonderful they are than me...but whatever, I've got some great friends.
9. I LOVE being a mom. It definitely happened sooner than I planned, but it was great timing and that has enriched my life more than words could ever express.
10. I sing a lot. Start up a song around me and you won't EVER sing alone. Don't care if I sound crappy or know the words, I'm going to sing with you.
11. I'm a binge reader. I love to read, but for me it's addicting, so I won't go to the Library if I know I don't have time to knock out a book in a day or so, cause it won't matter I'll take the time, if I have the book.
12. I've been crushing on my husband since I was 12, no joke. 7 years after we met, he came to his senses, or I became legal..not sure which was the deciding factor.
14. I can decorate cakes sorta good. Really. Kinda, well I try that is...
15. I'd rather do it myself. (what's it you ask? pretty much anything...I've usually got to force myself to delegate. I usually like the challenge, but sometimes I wish others would make me let them help.)
16. I love games, board games, etc. I like to win, and the competitive genes really freak out against my husband. I MUST WIN!!!! (but I NEVER do. sigh...)
17. (hmmm...nothing life altering yet, eh?) My memory, it's like a steel trap. Phone numbers, names, outfits you wore the first time I met you. I usually remember.
18. I've been in lots of the stereotypical "circles" in school growing up and can relate to most anyone on at least some level. I make it a point to put myself in others shoes and think about how they are feeling.
19. I'm impatient at times. Ok, more often than I like...Ok, I snapped at the old lady across the street (SOOO kidding...)
20. (almost there....) I'm one of three siblings with two younger brothers, I've always been the bossy type.
21. For years I promised that I would NOT be like my mom and cry at anything even remotely sentimental...but I'll admit, I'm a sap. I can't wach Extreme Home Makeovers, even though I know way too much about the behind the scenes- as my little bro worked on two homes...But still so sweet, and Ty, fall for his kindness every time...)
22. I love horses. Riding, watching. They are so magnificent.
23. I get sucked into most any Disney show...especially The Suite Life of Zack and Cody...am I crazy? I think maybe.
24. Santa Barbara is MY city. I love that place. Oooooohhh yes I do.
25. (and here we are, the grand finale...) I am sooo sleepy right now, can't keep my eyes op...

Perks of the job

2006-09-27T22:51:00.000-07:00

Many of you know that MD works in sales in a fast paced sales environment where they offer lots of incentives...and boy they do ever know how to motivate him.

I remember a couple years ago--he brought home grocery gift cards EVERY DAY for a month. I didn't have to pay anything for groceries for something like two months...Of course they were to one of the fancier stores where you don't quite get the 10 for 10 deals, but, FREE food IS FREE food. Then there was the shopping spree at Costco...and this month alone he won a new digital camera that he graciously gave to his beautiful and adoring wife...an Olympus- 7.1 mp...quite a step up for me...then a couple days later he won a home theater system, which we will most likely ebay...It's like they offer something, anything, and he gets into the zone.

My point? To brag on our good fortune? No. My point is that I wish all of life had these incentive programs..."You changed FOUR dirty diapers in ONE day, kudos to you, here's one of Marc Jacobs latest bags" or maybe ,"You made it to work on time every day this week, take a trip to wine country in gorgeous Santa Barbara" or best of all, "You've blogged FOUR times this week, sit back relax and enjoy the sounds of a live performance by Sting in your bedroom while you fall asleep."

I mean, what is more motivating than the prospect of handbags, relaxation, and great music just around the corner? Those are some dangling carrots I'd like to take a bite of.

The one where she says "balls"

2006-09-26T23:22:00.000-07:00

It's funny how recently this blog has turned into a reporting of a stream of events, something so far from my original intent. I did want to give readers a glimpse into everyday life, maybe with some pictures to show a bit of this, how cute my kids are, how hot my husband is...but I definitely wanted to "say" something of significance, even if its just relating a story that makes you think, smile, wince, whatever.

So basically I'm admitting this site has been "less than" for some time. And I'm not really okay with it, but not 100% sure that I can change it at the moment. Sometimes I feel like a master juggler...and sometimes I let my balls drop. Ok, the last part of that sentence sounded strange. Obviously I'm speaking figuratively, not literally-- I'm not actually dropping my balls...wait, what I meant to say was...oh never mind.

As I make an effort to offer something to you other than the event reporting that you've grown accustomed to now, please throw me a bone...share with me your thoughts so I know you're out there and have an opinion.

Now, I guess its time to join the October train and say the proverbial, "I LOOOVVVEEE the fall", that everyone's been screaming out lately...but really I love NOVEMBER, that's the money right there...I mean the weather can get down right crispy (ok, maybe not so much here in Scottsdale but...) there is a Holiday completely devoted to FOOD (and thankfulness, and who isn't thankful when they are consuming mash potatoes? Ahhh...I digress) Family starts to gather, the shopping commences (though surprisingly the Christmas Shopping ball is already in the air, and I've not dropped it.) Cozy sweats, chilly nights, clear perfect days--yep, I'm all about November, October is over rated if you ask me.

Of Backspace and Photoshop

2006-09-25T23:12:00.000-07:00

I've always loved writing. I remember being a kid, fighting with my parents, and writing them letters to explain how mad I was. I'd write and write...then I'd write letters to make up with them too. I'd write letters to friends, cousins...there is just something about being able to get all your thoughts out, have no one interrupt and rewrite, and cross out and tweak until the paper contains the absolute best version of your thoughts, sentiments, ideas.

I got to thinking about life awhile back and thought about how texting, emailing, myspacing (is that a word?) writing...all of these means of communication have something in common, they are "editable". Take MySpace for example, the ole fuzzy picture in a dark room with lots of eyeliner and sideways shot that turns a 85 year old man into a 19 year old stud, or what about blogging or emails, all of these things can be backspaced, spell checked, (ok, I know, I know there are times I need to use this feature more, don't rub it in.) Edited. And that's the trouble.

With the media airbrushing every photo, editing every video, restylane in the lips, lipo on the hips...what part of us is real, raw, unedited? Not that all of these things are bad, I'm not saying that, I'm saying that almost every means of communication or contact can be altered to be the best version of "you" or "me".

Somewhere in all of that-- "perfection" has become the norm. When everything has been nipped or tucked or augmented or injected or photoshopped or cropped or backspaced...we see what others want us to see. I know, I'm rambling, but stay with me, there might be something worth reading, no promises though.

But I want to know what about the raw, uncut, unplugged, unedited versions of us? What if there were no backspace, no tummy tucks, no cover up? How would our perceptions of people change if our flaws were out there for all to see, all the time? Of course, I think its great that we can "fix" our problems and deal with our issues, but sometimes, I wonder if the fixing of the outside makes us overlook the fixing that we might need on the inside...

Those eyes could be the death of me...

2006-09-22T07:56:00.000-07:00

Don't be fooled by this face...This boy is trouble! I never really understood the difference between having a girl and boy...you know the whole sugar and spice and snails and puppy dog tails, but am I ever getting schooled. Just a list for you of the things Ty has tried in the last few weeks:

- Eating a roach (that was bad karma on my part...long story.)
- Eating paper, plastic, crayons, foam, fabric... basically anything he can get his grubby hands on.
-Eating toilet paper from a four year old's pee filled toilet
- Attempting to stick a key in a light socket (learning to remove the safety covers from light sockets.)
- Taking off a dirty diaper in his bed and smearing the remnants around for all to see and ME to clean

The list could go on but I'll let you really stew on the above crimes...then, please bow your heads and pray for me and all the other moms with boys.

Couldn't Resist...I know these are cheesy but...tell me your results.

2006-09-19T10:26:00.000-07:00

THIS IS ME

Your Birthdate: June 11

Spiritual and thoughtful, you tend to take a step back from the world.
You're very sensitive to what's going on around you, yet you remain calm.
Although you are brilliant, it may take you a while to find your niche.
Your creativity is supreme, but it sometimes makes it hard for you to get things done.

Your strength: Your inner peace

Your weakness: You get stuck in the clouds

Your power color: Emerald

Your power symbol: Leaf

Your power month: November

What Does Your Birth Date Mean?

This is MD

Your Birthdate: February 18

You are a cohesive force - able to bring many people together for a common cause.
You tend to excel in work situations, but you also facilitate a lot of social gatherings too.
Beyond being a good leader, you are good at inspiring others.
You also keep your powerful emotions in check - you know when to emote and when to repress.

Your strength: Emotional maturity beyond your years

Your weakness: Wearing yourself down with too many responsibilities

Your power color: Crimson red

Your power symbol: Snowflake

Your power month: September

What Does Your Birth Date Mean?

THIS IS MD

Not so Manic Anymore...

2006-09-18T20:54:00.000-07:00

So, since MD took on a new role and a new schedule, our entire family schedule has now adjusted. And since he now works Tuesday through Saturday,Mondays have taken on a whole new identity! In fact I look forward to Mondays now!

We had a great day today. He watched the kids while I went with a freind to get a massage at Dolce (a Mothers' Day gift I finally cashed in on...)and it was the best I ever had.

Came home to spend and afternoon and evening enjoying some quality family time...We swam, we grilled, we rode bikes to get ice cream...good old fashioned fun. They give Monday's a whole new meaning...

six years...and counting...

2006-09-17T20:27:00.000-07:00

Well...this weekend marked another milestone for us...six years of marraige, two states, two kids, three homes...A LOT has happened, and I can honestly say I'm so thankful its happened with my best friend. Never in my wildest dreams could I have imagined how things would play out, and not that every day, or any day for that matter, is perfect, its just perfect for me.

We celebrated with an amazing brunch at The Phoenician...wow! The food was art, and absolutely heavenly. We enjoyed our time together, and ate, and ate...my kind of day.

A post to post

2006-09-11T14:25:00.000-07:00

Ok, I guess its time to say something. Even if its not anything worthwhile. I've had a million ideas for posts, but they've all come and gone and I'm left here with not much to say.

Things are plugging along. Kids are growing like weeds and we are enjoying watching them. Almost daily Brad and I make note of how "rich" our lives are because of them. They are the best thing we've ever done...also the hardest job we've ever taken on. Today we were talking about some of our values and how precious this time is to us. We are looking forward to the upcoming years as they grow, and our lives will take on a new shape...more than they have already.

Sometimes, life is funny, realizations come at unexpected times...I've kind of had a few "mini-realizations" this week, a few really vivid dreams that were heart wrenching, renactments of real life events that I've been a part of...to the point where I was actually crying in my dreams. Weird.

So, to sum things up, I don't have much to add at this moment, hence the silence. I mean Shannon broke her silence by announcing she was adopting a baby...How can I compete with that?

I'm not sure how often I'll be posting in the coming weeks (time for a collective sigh...what WILL you do?) hopefully the days and hours you dedicate to this blog can be reinvested in something equally as important...like maybe you could join Amway or something.

Coulda Shoulda Woulda

2006-08-16T09:47:00.000-07:00

I've had a million ideas for posts, things to say. But time has been whirling by at lightning speed for me and I don't have time.

I could tell you that I gave Tboy his first hair cut.
I could tell you that now he looks so little boyish and not babyish, it makes me sad.
I could tell you that mowing the lawn has lost a bit of its appeal due to biting ants. (California ants are much nicer and do not bite...what's up with this?)
I could tell you I started working a few hours a week...
I could tell you that I got my first scorpion sting and lived to tell about it.
I could tell you that my girl is the BEST 4 year old color-er I've ever seen.
I could tell you I'm pregnant. (but that would be a lie.)
I could tell you my husband is amazing (but you already knew that.)
I could tell you that he switched positions at work and is working SOOOO hard.

I could tell you all the aforementioned items and more...but I just don't have the time.

Night Light

2006-07-25T21:09:00.000-07:00

I'm sitting here in the silence of my house, everyone is tucked away but me and it's only 9:05pm. What??!! Complete, utter silence. It's beautiful. A gorgeous storm is lighting up the sky and it is breathtaking. I love watching rain fall. Every few seconds the entire sky lights up and every now and then thunder crashes in the distance.

It reminds me of when I was 19 years old. My little Mazda pick up with the camper shell was packed to the ceiling with everything I owned in this world...which wasn't much. My Mom, a great friend and I squeezed together on the bench seat driving across country without airconditioning in the middle of summer, caravaning with some other friends to an unkown place. Well, I mean I knew where I was going, but Tulsa may have been Africa to a 19 year old girl who'd lived in the same house on the same street her entire life.

We left early in the morning and drove late into the night. It was hot. Consumingly hot. We sang songs. We talked, took pictures, laughed, cried about me moving so far away from just about everything I'd ever known, and laughed some more. When we reached Texas a storm, much like this one, lit up the long flat road ahead of us. The black night shone bright as day as the lightning covered the sky.I remember the way it made me feel. Like the world was so much bigger than me yet, somehow my life still meant something. At least I was hoping and dreaming it did.

I had no idea where the next ten years would bring me, I could never have guessed that I'd be sitting here right now. Ideas change, Ideals can change, but somehow, somewhere in the midst of it all hoping and praying my life will mean something to this world I live in. Right now, I'm content to know that there are at least a few inside this house that think so.

Why mowing is the new vacuuming...

2006-07-20T13:58:00.000-07:00

All of my life I've loved to vacuum. I love the feeling of a room marked with the perfect lines and am always trying to preserve the lines as long as possible...with two kids running around that equals about 45 seconds, but whatever. Such gratification seeing a room in perfect order complete with perfect lines. Now, take that feeling and multipy it by 100 and you have the high that I have just learned about...mowing the lawn. Seriously no one ever told me how great it is to look at a lawn you just mowed complete with lines that don't disappear as soon as someone walks on it!!!! Oh the sheer joy! I'm so not kidding. I LOVE mowing the lawn!!!!

What I don't love...finding a dead scorpion in my garage. That's another story.

Missing the Mark

2006-07-18T20:43:00.000-07:00

I usually strive to post something original, whether a thought or picture or story about my life, but truthfully my life has been a little hectic this week. I thought I'd find out if this is REALLY what you think of my face...and I'd like to find out what I think of yours.

What Your Face Says

At first glance, people see you as down to earth and reliable.

Overall, your true self is reserved and logical.

With friends, you seem dramatic, lively, and quick to react.

In love, you seem mysterious and interesting.

In stressful situation, you seem like you're oblivious to the stress.

What Do People Think Of Your Face?

Got Nothin'

2006-07-14T09:18:00.000-07:00

Normally I'm running at the mouth...filled with inspirational wisdom, thought provoking prose, and eloquent verbiage...however today and yesterday and most likely tomorrow, I've got nothing. I think my brain is officially dead now. It's way too hot here in this desert. I know you must be disheartened, coming here for your daily dose of the metromom...well sorry.

So, I leave you with this question- if you could make any one of your worst pet peeves illegal, which would it be and why?

The Outfit Wars

2006-07-12T08:40:00.000-07:00

Just about everyday I'll be out and about with the kiddos in tow, and I'll see one of those...you know...mom's. You know the kind...the ones driving the minivans. Their doors magically open and out pop three blond haired children of perfection. Their clothes, color coordinated, their hair coifed sleekly, complete with matching bows and walking hand in hand across the parking lot into the supermarket. I wonder what it would be like to have a little girl who let me dress her. The Girl has been picking out outfits since she was barely two. And she has an opinion about everything. She knows what shoes she wants to wear, and it's a fight most days for me to have any say so. I've tried the, here's three outfits, you chose one....this almost always turns into a full on scrap...she doesn't like my choices. It doesn't matter that its an outfit she loved three days ago...today she does NOT want to wear it. It does NOT match. It is NOT beautiful. So we've come to a quasi-agreement- some days she picks, some days I pick. Yesterday, she picked. Inspired by Eloise she selected an ensemble that got many looks...and it wasn't because people thought I was the soccer mom of the month...Some day her spunkiness is going to make a successful woman...(hopefully a bit better dressed than this:)

How can you love someone who leaves the seat up?

2006-07-11T08:27:00.000-07:00

Warning: There may be sappiness ahead...Quick, run, get out now while you still can!

There are moments when I ask myself this question. How can ONE person make me so mad? How can ONE person know exactly the right buttons to push, and single handedly send me over the edge? How can someONE be all of those things and then bring home flowers unexpectedly (TWICE in one month???), or take the kids out to give me a break, or give an unsolicited hug (the BEST kind, by the way), or make me laugh so hard? This is the mystery of relationships.

The other day I overheard him telling The Girl, "You know some day when you get married, you should marry your very best friend. Did you know me and your mommy are best friends?"

To which she replied, "I'm not going to be married, I DO want my own kitchen and bathroom, just like mommy, but I don't want to get married, I don't want to say the words."

To which he replied, "Do you want me to build you a kitchen in your room?"

"Yeah!"
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I wanted to tell her, saying the words is scary, constantly putting the toilet seat down is annoying, but having a kitchen and bathroom is definitely not the highlight of marriage. Building a family, building a life with someone is tough work, sometimes it's dirty, sometimes its frustrating, but there's nothing like it. There's nothing more amazing that knowing someones faults, them knowing yours...and still finding love there...deeper and richer than you ever thought. I know, I know its easy to get jaded, to be cynical about marriage, because its so hard and so maddening at times...but when we get jaded and cynical we miss the moments, the things that make it all worthwhile.

Uhhh..Do as I say, not as I do....

2006-07-03T08:26:00.000-07:00

Parents...the #1 Anti-drug:

Dbacks and Addictions

2006-06-30T08:16:00.000-07:00

So only two thing worth mentioning...

1. We had a great time at the ball game last night...though the Dbacks couldn't pull it off. They lost. WHY? I hate losing. Can Steve Nash play baseball?

2. My coffee addiction is getting out of control. The other day I almost climbed out of my car through the drive up window to grab the cup, when my faithful sbux employee was taking too long!!! What is my deal?!

Office Antics

2006-06-27T21:18:00.000-07:00

On some days I miss the corporate world. Ok, what I meant to say was some days I miss the times I wasn't actually working, at work as opposed to almost always working at home. :)

Kathryn's comment on the incredible ONION post from earlier today (I know, I know, you loved my parable...no need to tell me.) about causing her office angst after leaving an onion on the counter all night long...reminded me of one time...

Um, so, Yeah, I was speaking in front of like 85 or more women one Wednesday morning. As I picked out my outfit for the day, I got my heart set on a yellow sweater and gray skirt. Only there was one problem...the sweater wasn't completely dry by the time I went to work, so I brought it in a plastic bag, threw on one of MD's t-shirts and ran out the door. Dropped the girl off at her babysitter and headed into the office. A couple hours went by and the sweater was still wet. BUT,no worries, I had an idea.

I grabbed my sweater and headed for the kitchen. Not too long after there was a fire in the kitchen. Apparently its not really a good idea to dry a cotton sweater in the microwave...My sweater went up in flames, the office smelled of fire and smoke, everyone thought I was a fool, and I had to speak in 5 minutes.

Do you have any office stories that would make my humiliation seem "not so bad"?

Do share.

The Parable of the Red Onion

2006-06-27T07:53:00.000-07:00

Once upon a time there was a family. This family was fairly normal, except for the fact that the children were the cutest you've ever seen, the father was totally hot, and the mother was rich in wisdom and love. (other than that they were completely average.) One Sunday afternoon they traveled in their gas guzzling SUV to a far away land known as "Costco." This magical land offers 50 gallon drums of mayonnaise and 27lb bags of basmati rice and there are "fairies" who offer you delectable morsels at every corner! (instead of wings, these fairies wear hairnets and plastic gloves...gorgeous!)

As they explored the rich offerings of this land, they stocked up on boxes of macaroni and goldfish...until their cart was full and they knew that they could survive the pandemic of the "bird flu" virus, should it find its way to the desert. When all of a sudden the mother (in all her wisdom) saw a beautiful purple bag filled with onions. (Yes, I'm writing about onions.) She said to the hot father, "Husband, I would very much like to buy this bag of onions." The father scoffed at her request. "Why would you need so many onions?!!!"

The mother repeated her wish thrice. (ok, not really but I've always wanted to use the word thrice in a posting) So the father agreed and they placed the bag in the cart. (He KNEW he better not violate the mothers WISDOM....)

Later that week, the incredibly wise mother discovered that there was something special about her bag of onions. You see she opened the bag and used part of the first onion in her pasta, then the next morning in some eggs, then again in some soup, and then in a salad, and some more eggs, and some more salad...It was as if the more onion she cut off, the more there was. It was then that she realized that the hot husband may have been right. She would NEVER be able to use all the onions at this rate!

So the morals of this parable are thrice (ok, i know it doesn't fit, but its just so fun to say!) do not go to the land of "Costco" for onions, sometimes your hot husband is right, AND red onions can be incorporated to just about EVERY meal. Anyone got a tic, tac?

(the NEVERENDING Onion)

(Do they have a 12 step program for my husband's addiction?)

Denial...Not Just a River

2006-06-26T08:42:00.000-07:00

So, the hottest guy in the WHOLE world wide and I were chatting yesterday and some profound thoughts came about. I know, I know, your thinking...them? Profound? Yes. Us.

Ok, this may not be earth shatteringly fresh material but ponder with me for a minute...It's so easy to get in a habit of saying yes to ourselves. What do I mean by this? Well, basically it's not too difficult to get in the groove of eating whatever we want, doing whatever we want, saying whatever we want, spending whatever we want...ya know? I mean there have been times where we get to the point that its almost like every weekend should be a party, we should always be entertained, and soon it becomes, go, go, go, what are we doing next? WHAT!!?!??! Stay home? Pull weeds, do homework, clean toilets, fold laundry? This is not "the life". I should be doing something FUN, eating something BAD (by that I mean GOOOOOD), and wearing something NEW.

It's at that point when we have to take inventory. Is that REALLY how life is supposed to be? Or is there an element of sacrifice, and element of work, and element of patience that slips away so easily. When you only say "YES" to whatever you feel like, you end up FAT, POOR, ADDICTED, and TIRED. I think it starts with saying "no." Sometimes, we can't go out, can't see that movie, can't eat crap just because it sounds good, can't hang out yet again. We talked about how for our family at least, there are times, when we have to practice saying "NO". Not only for US but for our KIDS too. So many kids these days have an OVER-THE-TOP sense of entitlement and I think it stems from the example we set. I mean why shouldn't they EXPECT something new every time we go to the store, when we ourselves get something new.

Not to be a downer or anything, because I do believe life is meant to be lived and enjoyed, but, I also think it means that to appreciate the sweet, sometimes we have to taste a little bitter and say NO to ourselves.

bazillion...

2006-06-23T15:39:00.000-07:00

the amount of words in my daughters daily quota....we're almost there!!!!

Among these words today were:
-Delightful
-Fantastic
-Professional
-Mom (this one was about 499999999999999, no wait 50000000000000003 times)
-Corporation
-S*@t (though she really didn't know that it was a bad word, she was making up words at that point...i explained that wasn't a very good "made up" word and she should use "real words"

-Mysterious
-Inspect
-Play Date
-Safety Violations

I tried playing the "Quiet Game". She wasn't into it. I tried playing hide and seek, she found me...

Tonight, we're headed out on a date sans kiddos- and while I absolutely LOVE mine, I'm looking forward to it more than I can say!

Growing Pains

2006-06-21T07:32:00.000-07:00

So we're driving down the road yesterday and The Girl asks me to tell her the story I had told her before bed the night before, again. So I did. She thinks I made it up...but really it was an adaptation of the tear jerker, "I'll Love You Forever" childrens book. It's a story about growing up but the mother keeps the same "love" for her "baby" as he grows. She always whispers, "I'll love you forever, I'll like you for always, as long as I'm living my baby you'll be." So, I tell her the story again about "the girl" who grows and grows...you get the idea.

A few moments later she's bawling in the back seat.
"What's the matter honey, are you okay?" I ask.
"Mom, I don't want to grow up!!!" she sniffs as she crys.
"Honey, its ok, you don't have to grow up for a long time." Feeling awful that my story caused such angst.
"But, if I grow up I won't be your little girl anymore..." the tears still flowing.

Then I tear up and smile. The golden moments of parenthood. To me, when a kid likes being a kid so much they want to stay that way it says something about their childhood. I'm sure we're not perfect. I'm sure we've done things to send our kids to counseling, but hooray....SHE LIKES BEING OUR KID!!!!! (freeze frame this moment and replay it when she's 13...)

Like My Girl, I didn't want to grow up. I look back on my childhood and see that it surely wasn't perfect, but man I knew I was loved unconditionally and it was fun. I was a tree climbing, ballet dancing, lemonade stand selling, rollerskating, camping out back kid. I only hope I can give my kids the same values and experiences that my parents sacrificed to give me.

Life in Pics

2006-06-19T21:14:00.000-07:00

I'm tired but happy. Lots going on this month...to much to blog but to feed your appetite I'm posting some pictures of recent events:

Li'l C turned 10 (my stepdaughter)

The Boy turned ONE!!!I turned another year older (don't ask a lady her age...ok, you twisted my arm, 28)

Father's Day- Fun day with family.

Li'l C's dance recital

Life Lessons Learned at the Landfill

2006-06-08T22:42:00.000-07:00

1. Don't pass right by the sign that says "one car on the scale at a time"- once you pass that sign and are stopped directly behind another car...you're on the scale. It makes grouchy workers yell at you. PS: Doing this TWO times in ONE trip will make them EXTRA grouchy and they will think you are really stupid.

2. Bring Cash.

3. Don't think your charm or beauty will allow them to overlook any jot or tittle of the "Rules". Those landfill workers are sticklers. Even if you have all the proof you need to prove you are a resident of the city...they'll still make you do the lie detector test.

4. Don't wear flip flops to the dump. Ever.

5. Don't inhale.

6. Don't leave the car doors open...a large community of flies may try to stowaway in your vehicle to a new "less crappy" home. Your kids will freak out and you will be swatting as you drive as fast as you can with the windows down in 110 degrees to encourage the flies to leave your car. Nope. They'll stay.

7. Bring lots of snacks. Children don't like to wait while you are dumping your stuff.

8. Dumping is cheap. It only cost 2$ for a whole bunch of stuff...but like lesson number 2 states: bring cash. The nearest ATM is MILES away in a strange smelling convenience mart.

9. Don't go to the landfill.

A glimpse into my life lately....

2006-06-06T21:12:00.000-07:00

A Beautiful Dissaster...

Faux Hawk

A Giant Jungle Gym in our Dining room...

Cool Beams... (No more white walls left in this place...)

Sweet Sisterhood...

The face of trouble. He's a walker and learning to be a "talker"!

Things Really Not Worth Mentioning.

2006-06-06T14:06:00.000-07:00

So, my life has been a blur of boxes and moving and sweating these past few weeks...so sorry to my newly impregnanted sister who is whining for more posts. I don't have too much to say, so I just thought I'd share some random thoughts I've had that really aren't worth mentioning.

1. My team lost. Next year boys. Next year.
2. Some stereotypes are TRUE. Case in point: my dishwasher got fixed yesterday finally but I had to be exposed to hight amounts of crack. :( Not so fun.
3. Water that has been sitting in a broken dishwasher for 2 months really stinks.
4. I'm stronger than I thought I was.
5. Every morning the neighbors across the street make out for like 5 minutes (literally). I've been outside doing something a couple of times and they made me blush.
6. Lunch is my worst meal of the day. Making it. Eating it. Cleaning up after it.
7. My kids are really low maintance and I am so thankful. :) They've been great during this move.

Ok, that's all for now. Back to a really hot garage to organize more stuff. :) See you.

Get yer "moove" on...and other random thoughts

2006-05-23T21:09:00.000-07:00

Well, the MOVE is well under way. Painting, cleaning, packing. I'm so ready for this move to be official. Right now I'm kind of in limbo some stuff at the "new" house and some at the "old". Where's my hair dryer? At the "new" house which does me no good when I'm standing with sopping wet, potentially frizzy hair at the "old" house.

Ty Boy has taken 7 steps to date---he only does it when no one is watching. So humble. Just like me. Ha! We'll both be turning a year older in about 20 days.

I've had no coffee filters for 3 days, I tried the paper towel thing. Didn't work. Grounds everywhere. So the caffeine headache has overtaken and is the way of life at the moment.

As soon as I get my camera out of a box, I'll post some pics of the "new" house. Which is really old compared to our "old" house. But someday (hopefully in the not to distant future) it will be the "dream".

good night.

Not Quite Jack Bauer, BUT My Current Hero Nonetheless

2006-05-17T16:34:00.000-07:00

You can read about why Raja ROCKS here.
(I know ya'll didn't know I was such a fan...)

can't think of a catchy title.

2006-05-16T16:11:00.000-07:00

I can't think of a catchy title. Well, really at this moment, I can't really think. My brain feels like 10 lbs of mush. :) Summer has arrived here in AZ...And boy is it heating things up!

I'm starting to make a dent in the "big move" situation. Well, that is if you call moving three miles away a "big move". :) We are moving. Yes, its true and NO you didn't miss a post. It happened pretty quickly and we found a great house. It's a bit older and there is some lovely linoleum and gorgeous brown tile...to die for really...but I have to say I'm really excited about it. We'll have a lot more yard and a pool- which I am so excited about. Over time, we'll add our touches and redo a bunch, but I'll be excited just to move in. Great schools, next to a green belt, family friendly neighborhood. It was one of those things that just worked out.

The Boy is getting his 5th tooth and it's been a bit easier than the others. The girly girly girl (Purse carrying, gloss wearing, shoe matching, prissy beyond belief girl that I adore) is such an amazing big sister. She loves him so much and is such a help. The age difference seems to be working out great.

That's the update for now. Remember in your daily life that there are hurting people all around you. Just this week a friend lost a loved one, someone I "sort of" know lost a baby, and someone else lost a 2 year old. Pray for them all, they need strength.

BUSY-NESS, BABIES, BOXES

2006-05-10T13:57:00.000-07:00

UPDATE: All I have to say is, "Nana na na Nana na na...Hey Hey...C ya later Chris!" Note: Only American Idol fans will understand. That WAS crazy. Now its Elliott all the way (Katharine for a 2nd place for me...)

Ok, so I've been a tad bit busy lately... Went out of town for a bit, it was great, the kids and I visited home, left them for a couple days, went to a conference, stayed in Laguna Beach. It was great! Came home to some great friends visiting from T-town...What fun it was!

Then the little baby, you know the one I gave birth too in 2005...well he's not really a baby any more. He'll be a year in a month, and wow, he is CURIOUS, active, getting teeth, standing up, saying words, getting ready to walk and in to EVERYTHING...

Which leads me to the boxes. Yes, we are moving. Not far, just up the road. But never-the-less I'm knee deep into packing, packing, packing.

And what little curious ONE Year Old stays out of boxes. Not mine. That's for sure.

Well...back to work I go!

The THRILL of the Game...

2006-05-05T06:58:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to break the silence...Too much to update on, it's a little overwhelming- details to come later. So Lee and the infamous "R" keep yer comments to yerself! J/K

BUT, it had to be said. The PHOENIX SUNS ROCK!!!!! YES, I'm talking about Basketball, don't laugh. All I can say is that last nights do or die game was incredible. I was so tense and then and the final second----swish three pointer, putting it into overtime, giving PHX one more chance, and they totally pulled it off. So there. It truly was awesome.

Easter Pics and Such...

2006-04-17T09:32:00.000-07:00

on the lighter side...

2006-04-10T21:30:00.000-07:00

Now that April is here, I'm missing one of my favorite childhood things...the start of Little League Baseball...We always kicked it off with a pancake breakfast, I'd watch my little bros play and of course eat nachos. What do you miss about childhood?

I miss:

Little League

Lick-a-made candy

California summers

Boogie boarding or "catching curl"

and of course the non-bill paying, carefree, worry free life of being a kid...

CRASH

2006-04-07T07:26:00.000-07:00

Have you ever thought about how our lives intersect in such weird ways? I mean we'll meet someone and have no idea the significance that they'll someday play in our lives. Even if its just a small thing. Growing up in the same town for the first 20 years of my life was interesting. Our town wasn't that small, 200k, but it wasn't that big either... Anyway, it never ceased to amaze me when I'd meet someone and a few weeks later I'd see them in Albertsons or out somewhere in town. Then I'd wonder, "How many times have I passed this person before, and now I'm just realizing it..." It's just kind of weird, ya know? I'm not trying to be really deep, just thinking.

Sometimes people are in our lives for a moment, and sometimes they are there for good. On some level you have to wonder why our paths cross. Is there a reason? Even certain blogs I've read over the last few years, many people I know, some are perfect strangers. Why do I stumble across these "strangers" paths?

Ok, this is really reaching but this is where my brain went...the following quote is from Shall We Dance and its about marraige, but I wonder, whose life are we supposed to notice? Whose life are we supposed to witness...

Because we need a witness to our lives. There’s a billion people on this planet, I mean, what does any one life really mean? But in a marriage, you’re promising to care about everything. The good things, the bad things, the terrible things, the mundane things, all of it, all the time, everyday. You’re saying your life will not go unnoticed, because I will notice it. Your life will not go unwitnessed, because I will be your witness…

PS. I think I've quoted this before, but obviously it really made me think, even if it was a pretty cheesy movie.

Life is Good.

2006-04-05T20:24:00.000-07:00

I've been wanting one of these for awhile and MD surprised me after his Costco run the other day with this:

Not only is it sooooo cool, it has truly enhanced our lives. We've gone on two extended bike rides down some gorgeous Scottsdale roads. The kids were tucked safely away- able to eat Cheezits to their hearts content. It easily converts into a jog stroller. All I can say is LOVE IT.

It truly is awesome and I don't normally rave about toys or gadgets, but now all my excuses for not getting out there to exercise are OVER.

PS. On a totally UNRELATED note...who the heck voted Mandisa off AI, and why the heck are Bucky and Ace still there???!!!!

Thoughts for a Thursday

2006-03-30T08:37:00.000-08:00

WARNING: This is a bit of a rambling post, mostly for me to put some erratic thoughts together, and perhaps get some feedback- so beware, there are no beautiful words ahead, just random thoughts.

Natural vs. Manufactured

What is the difference and why does the latter bother me so much? The truth is that for me one of the most attracting things is someone who is comfortable in their own skin. Someone who has a sense of identity and someone who comes off as being true to what God's created them to be. In friendships, in life, and for me in love- I've found that I'm drawn to those who are ...I guess, natural.

Take my husband for instance. I love the fact that he is who he is. As a pastor he doesn't try to manufacture himself into the modern image of what an up and coming pastor should be. Knowing him for close to 17 years and seeing all the phases of life he's been in- he's essentially who he was at 15. And the steps he's taken in his life seem natural. Does this make any sense? I remember one of my favorite movies as a music loving early teen (don't laugh) was Sister Act Two. I loved the music. One of my favorite scenes was when Whoopi is talking to Lauryn Hill and basically says, "If you wake up in the morning and all you can think of is singing...then you're a singer."

I guess what I'm trying to say is that there is something about a "solid identity" a "solid personality". To me, it's a little more difficult to swallow when someone has made a decision that they are going to be someone, whether an athlete, a musician, a minister, anything really...and then they buy the book on Being an Athlete for Dummies and become a textbook _________ (whatever it is that they want to become). And then at some point they get together with other manufactured ________ fill in the blanks and compare notes. (I'm not talking about genuine relationships of encouragement and leadership...the actions could be identical...I'm talking about the feeling behind it, the feeling of making it "forced" and "mutual backpatting" on how well each others manufacturing is going...)For many people this happens, at least I think, because they don't really know who they are and then when they find something, they just throw themselves into it; and others actually manufacture themselves to become that "thing." Now I'm not saying that you shouldn't do what it takes to follow your dreams, and no one achieves success without certain characteristics, but be you. I guess I feel like if this is what you're supposed to do, it can be successful and still look like you.

In the endeavor to build a community of Christians, people on a journey to live the life God has for them, I never want to "sell out". If this is real, if it's really where I'm supposed to be, then it will still look like me. I know things will change and I will grow (at least I hope so.) But there is an element of me that has to be true, no matter what. And that is something that I value and look for in those around me. That is the true meaning of authentic. I mean anyone can throw a label on their church or organization or relationship and say its authentic, but if you've lost "you" in the process, is that really a fair surmise?

If you have to lose you to attain success than shouldn't it have been someone else doing it in the first place?

I'll have what he's having...it sure ain't broccoili...

2006-03-28T20:31:00.000-08:00

The corn chowder and delicious bread bowl brought us there--to Mimi's Cafe tonight, that is. But little did we know we'd see these people...

I must say they do look great for their ages...gracious and dignified and surrounded by Secret Service. I almost asked them if they knew Jack Bauer...

Money Matters

2006-03-28T07:44:00.000-08:00

What are your thoughts about teaching kids about the value of money? This could be a touchy subject...DO you think parents should pay for college for their kids no matter what? Do you think they should pay for cars, insurance, cell phones...etc?

Just wondering what your thoughts are- also you can feel free to comment if you don't have kids- maybe share an experience that you had as a child that helped you. I'm doing some research here-

Here are some pics of our little Apprentice and her friends at their first Lemondae Stand. They grossed $15.85, though we didn't make them take the "start up" costs out of the pot...They each got $3.00...

Just For You...

2006-03-24T07:39:00.000-08:00

OKAY...Now YOU do YOUR part...

Creeped Out to Chilled Out all in a day...

2006-02-26T20:04:00.000-08:00

So my day started w/ Jack running me around our neighborhood- and when I say running me...I mean RUNNING me as fast as he could run.

When I was good and tired I came home to my favorite time of my day...the morning cup of coffee...as I was about to pour the cup I saw this little flash of what I thought was a spider leg under my coffee pot. I screamed for MD- he came. "A spider! Ewwww!!!! Kill it!!!! Now!!!!!" So he lifts the coffee pot to find a 3 1/2" scorpion. "NOOOOOO!!!!!" "KILL IT!!!!" So MD "Jack Baured" that sucker in a minute flat. But my nightmare was just beginning- I could not, would not stay with something like that there....

MD had to go- and left us (can you believe it?) so I packed the kids up and left- headed to Grandma's house. After taking refuge there for a couple hours we spent another hour at the Train Park...What an Indredible place for families to enjoy eachother. We went with Perfect 7's- It was an absolutely PERFECT weather day!

From there MD and his dad and the kids and I went to Fountain Hills to the Fountain to enjoy some quality time and some more gorgeous AZ weather. We ate pizza out on the patio overlookig the lake, played in the park, ate ice cream. All in all it was a perfect afternoon.

Now I'm back at home looking under every thing, looking over my shoulder, scouring every room for scorpions...scary.

The Metro Clan and some friends and family too...

2006-02-24T10:47:00.000-08:00

(remind me, no more slumber parties...at least until she's 10!)

(MD and the BIG Sis...)

(The Boy's first hair gel experience...)

(mom and son...)

(body hair trimming...hmmmm)

(Dr. Strangelove visits Adventure World...you had to be there...We heart kids ministry!)

Where I'd spend it...

2006-02-23T07:34:00.000-08:00

UPDATE: I do realize some of these items are MORE than 500, I was just assuming that my husband would share some of his 500 for me... hehe...

Ok, you may have noticed that I haven't shared what I'd buy...so here are couple of my "would be" purchases. I wouldn't be able to get all of them...I'd have to choose...

A New Camera -

An Espresso Machine

Maybe one of these

And definitely this

So there ya have it...next topic please.

10 Coins, 10 Coins-- What would you do?

2006-02-20T09:21:00.000-08:00

It could be from a recent episode of Higley Town Heros or a discussion I had with MD (metrodad) this weekend...

If, today, you were given an extra $500.00 that was to be used strictly for a pleasurable gift for yourself...what would you buy?

At first I didn't quite know...then as my wheels began to spin I could think of several things I'd want....

Share your thoughts.

I don't want to be a rockstar Mom

2006-02-10T14:47:00.000-08:00

A guitar...that's what she wanted (aside from the dog which she also got. :) But she said, "Mom, I don't want to be a rockstar, I just want to play my guitar."

That's my girl...no hype...no drama...just music (yeah right.) For those of you who don't get to talk to her on a regular basis...MY Girl is the BIGGEST drama queen EVER. But I guess when it comes to music...she just wants to play.

The worlds greatest Grandma got her the guitar and the greatest Grandy got her the video microphone...So she's set.

Photo Recap

2006-02-09T08:00:00.000-08:00

I'm posting an update on my life in pics...it's been awhile and I don't really have time to fully update you...
FOUR! I can't believe she's four---

Meet Jack "Bauer"(the middle name hubby and I gave) "Peanut" (the middle name she gave him)- we adopted our newest family member---

He's CRAWLING and Pulling Up and getting into everything...do I get a raise?---

Lots going on at church...it's been a blast---

I'm well aware..

2006-01-17T15:52:00.000-08:00

that I haven't posted anything worth reading in weeks, okay maybe months. Let's just say, there are days that working 9-5 seems like the easy way out. Balancing the church stuff, the award winning mother stuff, the health things...all takes its toll. And its surprisingly more difficult when two things are in place:
1. there is no minute by minute schedule (though I'm working on sticking to a daily routine.)
2. things take 2 times as long when two childrend are in tow

I made time the last two days to begin reading, "Today Matters" by John Maxwell and it is such a simple yet challenging book. I am really enjoying the read- quite inspiring. There are so many fabulous quotes in it, but one I've always loved is by Walt Emerson:

What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.

Too often we blame the past or our current circumstances and fail to take the power that God has given us to achieve what we're meant to achieve.

That's as deep as you're getting today. Hopefully you will think about it though. Don't overlook what you have inside of you. Apparently I have NO hobbies according to certain friends and I've been coerced into purchasing roller blades...pray for me tonight. I've never done it before. Sad, I know. (Maybe I do need to get a life...)

life in bullets

2006-01-11T14:28:00.000-08:00

Ok, sorry...it really has been awhile- but I've been on the run for awhile- Since I last filled you in:

I celebrated Christmas in AZ w/ family....
I took a nice trip to Shawnee, OK...(not really so nice actually, except the wedding we went to...)
Cut The Girl's hair
The Boy got 2 teeth (for Christmas, it was all he wanted, really.)
Remodeled several rooms at a church.
Fell in love w/ Memory Foam and 460 Thread Ct. Egyptian Cotton
Ate...Ate...Ate...now it's time to stop.
Hmmm...what else?
Had countless memories and moments with friends and family. Lived life fully to the extent that there really hasn't been much down time. (stay at home mom = busy mom.)

Here are a couple pics of the recent days:

Happy Un-Birhday to You (and me too...)

2005-12-11T09:26:00.000-08:00

Today The Boy turns 6 months old. I can't believe a half of year has gone by since he made his entrance into this world and began to steal my heart...

Thanksgiving in California...

2005-12-09T07:07:00.000-08:00

If you want to avoid stress at the holidays...

2005-11-30T21:51:00.000-08:00

Here's a little list that I'd love for you to add to...Just tips and ideas to avoid stress at the Holidays:

1. DON'T overbook your calendar till there is no room to breathe...allow time to relax.
2. DON'T go to IKEA with two small children.
3. Christmas shop online (thanks Betsy for reminding me..the easiest way to git'r'done!)
4. Don't worry too much about counting calories...yet, don't overdo it...you'll pay later.
5. Don't be sickly sickly pregnant, send your husband to India for two weeks, close on your new house, remodel, buy new appliances all while he's gone...(oh wait that was last year...)
6. Don't give up life's necessities, hot coffee, hot bath, working out, read a little, take some quiet time...(notice I say necessities, not luxuries..)
7. Enjoy the moments. Make someone's day. (Thanks to the Santa who sent a letter to THE GIRL...that made her day. She sleeps with the letter, dreaming of Christmas!)
8. Try not to quit your job, sell your house and relocate your family in a months time (oh, sorry Casey...there's no way to avoid stress...)

What tips do you have?

Know when to hold em'

2005-11-08T08:50:00.000-08:00

You know its amazing how our words can change a situation. My pastor and husband spoke a powerful message this last weekend on how our words frame the "house" or "world" we live in. It's true.

Heartfelt, honest sincere true words that bring encouragement can literally BUILD someone up. I don't do it often enough...so here are just a few words about some of my favorite people...the names are changed to protect the innocent...just kidding.

I think:

The Redneck Bride is a breath of fresh air. Her laugh is contagious.
The Florida Chick is an example of how God will expand your life when you let him.
That Casey Casum and his wife The Lawyer are an example in marriage of how to be great friends and build a strong family.
The Bird Whisperer knows how to be a great friend.
The Fashion Queen lives life with an outlook that is so positive and pure.
That Mrs. White Teeth is so open to growing in life and friendships when so many are closed to this concept.
The Fresh Start Family inspires me to live my dreams.
The Perfect Pedicure Person is an amazingly thoughtful person, especially in the little details.
That the Bald African is deep and quite thoughtful.
That the Mac Boy and the Picture Girl have such a balanced outlook on life.
That the Gem and her Engineer Guy are unselfish with their love, time and posessions.
The Italian Queen is a gift from God to me.
Metrodad is my perfect match, God showered me with love when he brought us together.

That is just to name a few of the people who I know check here regularly...Just telling you what I think of you brings a smile to my face and joy to my heart. Have a great day.

Doo Wah Doo

2005-11-02T17:16:00.000-08:00

Listen...do you want to know a secret? Do you promise not to tell?

Ok, so its not really a secret. Yesterday The Fashion Queen told me that MY STORE was going bankrupt. Saddened, but not at a total loss, until today. Yes, Albertsons is going to be sold, to whom..we're not sure. The checkers say Frys or Bashas. This is insane. I've been going there my whole life. I was truly taken aback.

By the way...name that song.

On a COMPLETELY seperate note the Perfect Pedicure Person looks alot like the Shopgirl, I never thought it until today.

What do you think?

In the Mind of a Criminal

2005-11-01T06:55:00.000-08:00

This is a little scary. Since I don't have the mind of a criminal, I guess I was a bit naive to the degradation of some people. Thus, I've adjusted my profile and am RE-thinking what I say, and what names I use. So, a small request...If I'm on your blog at all, please don't list my REAL name...Also maybe we should all think about the info we share. Not to be paranoid...But I guess better SAFE than sorry.

Thanks Metrodad. :)

Tonight I fell in love...

2005-10-24T21:40:00.000-07:00

again...Across the room I saw her. She was sitting there with her nose squished up. When she caught my eye she flashed her sparkling smile. There is something about her, something that is too easily missed in the day to day tasks. Something that can get lost in the busyness of life, a magical way. She drinks in life, and lives in the moment. I see myself in her, and then again I see so many qualities that I only wish I had. She is magnetic. She is amazing. She loves deeply, laughs often, and steals my heart daily. She is my daughter.

Pictures of Recent Days...

2005-10-21T07:55:00.000-07:00

Don't forget to read the post below if you haven't already done so...

Still Here!

2005-10-20T08:28:00.000-07:00

I bet you were thinking that I forgot about you? Well, that's not possible dear internet...I could never forget you. I am back from paradise. Yes. Paradise. Breathtaking, amazing, romantic, paradise. In honor of 5 years of marriage we went to Kauai and

OH

MY

GOD

It was perfect.

We enjoyed lots of fun with friends Mr and Mrs. White Teeth, soaked in some rain and sun and caught plenty of waves. With ocean water that near felt like bath water I was in heaven. I body boarded to my hearts delight.... Walks, Sushi, Dolphins, BEAUTIFUL breezes, it was awesome. On top of it all we got to reconnect, sleep, and just be- no shoes, no shirt (ok, so maybe I wore one).., no problems....(kenny chesney, who apparently IS having some problems, but that's neither here nor there...)

We came back to our kiddos and I was thrilled to see them! I missed them, but it was a good miss...and coming home to them was awesome.

All in all, it was paradise. If you enjoy incredible weather, beautiful surroundings, random roosters walking about, and not a lot of tourism, I highly reccomend Kauai.

I Love...

2005-09-28T12:39:00.000-07:00

- the feel of brand new socks
- the feel of crisp clean sheets
- waking up to sunlight shining into my room
- watching my two kids cuddle together
- hugs from THE GIRL
- kissing MY SON's cheeks
- the morning cup of creamy, warm, and sweet coffee
- cooking in the fall
- baking in the fall
- eating in the fall
- putting my cold feet on my husband to warm up
- seeing METRODAD smile
- a cool breeze
- a clear night with beautiful stars...(you should see them at my house)
- a cripsy english muffin with lots of REAL butter
- lucky charms
- picking out a pumpkin
- a fire in our outdoor fire pit
- the sound of my daughter's voice
- the smell of my son's head
- my husbands beautiful blue eyes
- my daughter's beautiful blue eyes
- my son's beautiful blue eyes
- my stepdaughters beautiful BROWN eyes (she looks more like me than my biological kids!)

Just a few...of the things I love, what do you love?

Short Timer's Disease.

2005-09-27T13:13:00.000-07:00

I've been infected. If you're not familiar with short timers disease...think back to the last semester of your senior year at high school. Remember that feeling where you were anxious and excited and SOOOOO ready for it to be over and the next chapter to begin? That's what short timers is- and I've got it baaaad.

3 more days left to work and I'm ready to be done! The time is crawling by.

Phoenix Get's Trumped.

2005-09-22T12:34:00.000-07:00

This just in...The Donald is making plans to build one of his high rise hotels in the swanky Biltmore area of Phoenix. It may even be attached to the Biltmore mall where Brittney was recently seen sporting her prego belly.

Want to know more? Read this.

made it without a scratch!

2005-09-15T15:13:00.000-07:00

I've heard it said that in marraige...4 years is the new 7 year itch...Well if that's the case, I'm proud to announce that Brad and I have slid by unscathed as today we celebrate 5 YEARS of love and happiness and a heck of a lot of work.

I know many of you who read this have been married much longer...but I STILL think its a day to celebrate...in fact I can't wipe the grin of my face- why? It's just an another day on the calendar (some might say.) But the truth for me is, that I'm more in love today- I have a deeper bond, our life is becoming a beautiful thing to me. It's not perfect, but its perfect for me. Dreams are becoming reality, relationships blossoming, and life is good. It really is.

One of my favorite movies of all time is The Story of Us. It tells the story of real love, real life in a real and very touching way. At the end of the movie, when the Michelle Pfiefer and Bruce Willis reconciles she gives one of the best monologues I've heard, I usually watch through my tears but today I want to share it with you:

That's not why I'm saying Chow Fun's. I'm saying Chow Fun's because we're an "us". There's a history and histories don't happen overnight. In Mesopotamia or Ancient Troy or somewhere back there, there were cities built on top of other cities, but I don't want to build another city. I like this city. I know where we keep the Bactine, and what kind of mood you're in when you wake up by which eyebrow is higher. And you always know that I'm a little quiet in the morning and compensate accordingly. That's a dance you perfect over time. And it's hard, it's much harder than I thought it would be, but there's more good than bad. And you don't just give up. And it's not for the sake of the children, but they're great kids aren't they? And we made them - I mean think about that - there were no people there and then there were people - two of them. And they grew. And I won't be able to say to some stranger, "Josh has your hands" or "Remember how Erin threw up at the Lincoln Memorial?"

And I'll try to relax. And let's face it, anybody is going to have traits that get on your nerves, why shouldn't it be your annoying traits? I'm no day at the beach, but I do have a good sense of direction so at least I can find the beach, but that's not a criticism of you, it's just a strength of mine. And you're a good friend and good friends are hard to find. Charlotte in "Charlotte's Web" said that and I love the way you read that to Erin - when you take on the voice of Wilbur the pig with such commitment even when you're bone tired. It speaks volumes about character. And ultimately isn't that what it comes down to? What a person's made of at the end of the day? Because that pith helmet girl is still in here - "BEE-BOO, BEE-BOO!" And I didn't even know she existed until I met you. And if you leave, I may never see her again - even though I said at times you beat her out of me - Isn't that the paradox? Haven't we hit the essential paradox? Give and take, push and pull, yin and yang, the best of times, the worst of times. I think Dickens said it best. It's the Jack Sprat of it, he could eat no fat, his wife could eat no lean, but that doesn't really apply here. Does it? I mean I guess what I'm trying to say is - I'm saying Chow Fun's because I love you.

Vegas Baby

2005-09-13T10:51:00.000-07:00

This past weekend we went on a quick trip to Las Vegas for an old friends wedding....Caligirl met the man of her dreams and tied the knot. It was a beautiful ceremony....the day was gorgeous, the bride breathtaking, and the preacher was hot! (of course it was my husband...) We stayind at New York, New York. We traveled with UFC MAN and The Fashion Queen, it was a blast! We laughed, we cried, we drove a mini-van....and man was that ever nice...scary, I know. We got a little off course ended up in California just for a minute and finally made it to Vegas...here are a few pics...

Of the Larsons' the Edwards & Vegas

the beautiful bride...

SAHM (stay-at-home-metromom)

2005-09-06T13:22:00.000-07:00

It's official. I gave my one month notice at work today and as of Oct. 1 I'll be a stay-at-home-mom. My husband is so wonderful and supportive and has encouraged me to take this step, and while I will most likely find something to do to help our family out financially, my main focus will be the children who are the greatest joys in our lives.

It's going to be a transition- but I can hardly wait.

Next step... a minivan?

Not so sure about that...

It's time for us to act...

2005-09-01T09:51:00.000-07:00

In light of the current crisis in our nation due to Hurricane Katrina I encourage you to act. It's easy to feel so disconnected from something when we are comfortable in our lives and enjoying the everyday luxuries we too often take for granted...

The Bible says as Christians we are Christ on the Earth. If Jesus were physically walking on the earth today, what would he be doing? I can tell you he'd be right there in the midst of the action, pitching in, giving hope and help to those in need. How do I know this? I just read what he did while he DID live on the earth and fast forwarded to today...He was a man of action. As his representatives we should be acting in his stead, bringing the same hope and help to our fellow countrymen.

Our church is a part of an organization called ARC (Association of Related Churches)
based in Baton Rouge, LA. They are on the frontlines of the relief effort as they are so close to all of the refugees of New Orleans and surrounding areas. They are hooking up with the Red Cross and FEMA.

As a church we will hook up with them to offer whatever support we can... Click HERE to find out what you can do!

A Great Weekend...

2005-08-28T21:06:00.000-07:00

This weekend my Mom and brother came to town to visit...it was great! Here are some pics...

A Three Year Old At Heart

2005-08-24T14:21:00.000-07:00

In my vast parenting experience I've found out a few things. One being a preschooler loves to exert her independence. She loves to push limits and discover how far she can go. The world is one big place, and she'd love to be Dora the Explorer...

It's challenging to find the balance of allowing her push all limits, and setting healthy boundaries. The times when she is pushing those healthy boundaries are times when she's confused, often unhappy trying to see if I'm there to enforce what I've said. Conistency is the key in this type of battle. If I say it, I have to mean it, and follow through. While teaching her to stay within these healthy boundaries is NOT fun, many times she fights it, in the end she's so much happier. It's like there is a sense of balance and she knows she's secure.

I think in my own life I've found the same to be true- When things are out of control, and I'm pushing the limits whether its physical (not taking care of myself in food, rest, activity) or mental (allowing my mind to become dulled because of lack of challenges), emotional (allowing my relationships to get off kilter) or spiritual (not taking the time I need to recharge my spirit)- in these times I'm usually unhappy, though often I'm the one in control of these areas allowing myself to get out of the healthy boundaries- I feel so much better when I'm on the track to being the best me I can be, when I'm keeping myself in check and exercising that dirty word: DISCIPLINE. Ouch. It doesn't feel good, sometimes I want to yell and scream and say "No! I don't want to!"- but I'm my happiest and best when I'm living a disciplined life. How about you?

...a morning like this...

2005-08-18T08:07:00.000-07:00

I never want to portray the image that life is always easy that its always smooth sailing...cause it ain't. In fact, mornings like this morning always serve to remind me of how very human I am and how Supermom, I am definitely not.

Just when I was relishing in the fact that my two month old son has slept through the night two nights in a row (the two BEST nights of sleep I've has since about February...), I got out of bed. That was my first mistake. I should have pulled the covers up, rolled over and pushed snooze a few more times. Feeling pretty good after a couple nights with solid shut-eye, eating right, exercising (doing this for the last week more or less....) I step on the scale to find that all of my hard work has done absolutely nothing to the number that keeps staring back at me. It hasn't budged...not even a pound. Now, now, I know what you're thinking, its not about the pounds, its about your overall health...muscle weighs more than fat, yadda...yadda...yadda...While all this is factually sound, you cannot TELL me that when you step on the scale you're not hoping or praying that your magic number will pop up...

The morning proved to be even better as I spilled coffee on myself in the car, got all the way to my mother-in-law's house (she watches the kids on Tues/Thurs) and realized I forgot Tyler's bottle...no bottle, no food, no happy baby. I turned around, drove home, called work told them I'd be late, got the bottle and drove back. (of course its not a far drive, but frustrating none-the-less.) I'm not going to mention all the little things that happened in between that all screamed, "Noelle, you don't have it all together...you can't balance all of this."

Of course I can't. At least not in my own strength, I do need superpowers. The wonderful people in my life who give of their love and time and talent to bless my family, the God who loves me unconditionally- all provide the affirmation and support I need to make it through each day. So, a morning like this reminds me to be thankful for all that I have- thankful that I have health, and joy and peace.

I am thankful.

My Brother Came in Contact wth a UFO

2005-08-11T08:26:00.000-07:00

My brother called me yesterday. I looked at my caller id and knew there must be something going on. It's not that he NEVER calls, but its pretty rare, and somehow I knew something was up. He casually says hello, like this is just an ordinary conversation, but when I asked how he was doing and he said "really good"- I knew he must have seen a UFO. He never says that, usually its "allright", "okay", "fine"...but NEVER "Really Good!" (with that little kick in it that says...go ahead, ask me why...) Sure enough, I was right, it was a UFO. An Unidentified Female Object.
He met a girl.

My brother, who is just a mere 15 months younger than me, hasn't had a girlfriend in YEARS. He began to tell me about her and I could tell, he really was happy. He told me he feels nauseated all the time, can't stop thinking about her, can't wipe the smile off his face... Now don't get me wrong, he's dated different girls over the years, but I've never seen him like this. It made me so happy. I mean, my brother is a great guy. The kind of guy who takes his relationships to heart and puts his all into them. (friendships as well as dating...) He deserves to be loved. Anyway, as he described how he was feeling, it reminded me of when my story unfolded. I remembered the thoughts, emotions, excitement...Suddenly I felt like Monica on the Friends episode where Phoebe starts dating the cop and suddenly Monica feels like she's got to prove that she and Chandler are still a "hot couple."

But the truth is that relationships evolve. The giddyness is still there to a certain extent, but it is different. There is a depth that comes when you know how someone takes their coffee and you know what it means when they furrow their brow a certain way and you watch them hold your little baby in their arms, or read a story to your little girl. Time changes love, but when you are willing to work at it, it only makes it stronger, deeper, and giddyness gives way to passion, and nausea gives way to security, and the smile sometimes gives way to tears, or laughter, or anger, and you find yourself still holding hands with your best friend.

PROUD

2005-08-04T09:38:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to take a moment to share with anyone who reads this how proud I am of someone very special... She has been a part of my life for several years now. I think one of the best things about her is that she is so real, when you meet her there are NO masks, she really lets you know her. I can say that I've watched her in some of life's biggest challenges and she has taken these challenges and used them to grow stronger and stronger...I don't think she really even knows how strong she is. She gives with a genuine heart and truly loves those people in her life. If you become her friend she will definitely put her heart into it, and it is a beautiful heart at that. She is a giving and loving person and a strong woman of faith. I am proud of her, proud to be her friend, and proud of what God is doing in her heart and life.

Let me introduce you to my friend,

Florida Chick, you are awesome.

& recent days

2005-07-29T15:59:00.000-07:00

Life has been crazy, I've been more of a blogger because I'm now back at work- so I'm sitting down at a desk all day long again...Today was a huge event in our city for the kids, our church gave away close to 800 bottles of water to thirsty participants. It was fun...Tyler is growing like a weed- The Girl is such a little lady. Her great Aunt gave her a necklace this week from Tiffany & Co. so now she's all into her "necklace". She told me the other day, "Mom, I don't want to grow up. I don't want you to become a grandma." When I asked why she said "I want to stay the same size, I want you to be my mom." She's really trying to figure out the world around her. It is so neat to see the amazing things she learns daily.

Need a Break from Reality?

2005-07-27T14:16:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I need a break from reality to remind me that:

God is still on the throne
Sleep will eventually come
Schedules do slow down
Time flies SO fast that I must make the most of each moment and not get bogged down with the menial things that try to suck up my time.

So to take a mental vacation, I'd like to pose a question and give you my response...Certain songs always make me happy- I can't tell if its the tune, the words, the overall feel but I always smile, when I hear the following songs:

Anything by UB40 (especially Red, Red Wine & Can't Help Falling in Love)
Isn't She Lovely- Stevie Wonder
Eternal Flame- The Bangles
More Than Words- Extreme (as well as the Weird Al Parody of the same song)
Bust a Move- ??? Don't know who sings this song...
I Saw the Sign- Ace of Base
Livin on Love- Alan Jackson (oh and that song that goes, "way down yonder on the chatawhatever...)
Don't Take The Girl- A country artist (Tim McGraw?)
Whoomp There It Is!
Summertime- Will Smith

Maybe some of these songs remind me of my younger days when life was carefree and summer was here, the beach, the friends....ah....good times.

What songs make you happy? and/or What was your favorite summer activity/memory?

Falling even more in love...

2005-07-06T19:25:00.000-07:00

some recent pics

2005-07-03T18:03:00.000-07:00

27 from here on out...

2005-06-28T14:07:00.000-07:00

Ok, Ok, I'm alive- and no longer pregnant.

In summary of the last few weeks:

I used to think I didn't want to share my birthday with anyone, especially a child...now I'm happy that my son was born on my day...The nurses all told me that now he gets all the Bdays and I stay 27 forever. Fine by me. I also think its kind of cool that he waited for me. Already a mammas boy.

I used to be unsure about having a "boy". I knew girls, I was a girl, but boys...that was uncharted territory that I wasn't sure I wanted to tackle. Now, 2 1/2 weeks later I love having a son. I can't imagine life without this little boy.

I used to be worried that I wouldn't be able to love two kids. I mean, I loved The Girl with my whole heart, I didn't know how there would be room for another, I knew I'd like him, but wasn't sure I could love him as MUCH as her. A wise person told me that they come from heaven with their own love. That is the truth. My heart didn't have to make room for The Boy, my heart expanded. Our life is that much richer, that much fuller, and that much more complete. (The nights however are another story, there is nothing rich about waking up every couple hours...)

Finally, I would like to say that I absolutely LOVE the fact that I am no longer pregnant. Life is so much sweeter holding my son on the outside rather than the inside.

Thanks for your patience. I will post pictures as soon as I get new batteries for my camera...It's been getting a lot of use and is currently dead. :)

Still...

2005-06-05T20:20:00.000-07:00

Pregnant.

So don't ask.

A Life Update

2005-05-19T11:42:00.000-07:00

So, with a mere 20 days left of the 9 month marathon I've been on, I'm feeling pretty good! I have so much to be thankful for. There are so many amazing people in my life, the "shout out" list could go on and on. As each day passes the excitment and anticipation mounts. While there is much left to be done in order to have EVERYTHING in order, I can hardly wait.

With the help of my friend The Bird Whisperer we tackled the Big Sister room for The Girl last weekend. It turned out spectacularly! She loves her "apple" green walls and her bedding goes so well. The room has a fresh feel and is really fun. We still have some finishing touches-

The "nursery" is the next designers challenge- The Fashion Queen is the brains behind this operation. She selected the fabric for the bedding and is now undergoing the sewing project. It looks so great! I'm taking a couple days off work next week to get that room in order and then we should be somewhat set for The Boy's fast approaching arrival.

I was showered with blessings and gifts for the baby by my family and friends - everyone is was so generous...

Tomorrow we'll head out for a last minute overnite get-away to Sedona. I'm looking forward to seeing the beauty that I've heard so much about.

Other than that not much is going on in our neck of the woods, and that is fine by me...I've got a full plate for now!

A cutie

2005-05-11T11:51:00.000-07:00

I don't think I've raved about my nephew enough...so here is a picture of Noah Vincent Larson

A mother's wish

2005-05-10T14:08:00.000-07:00

In honor of Mothers' Day I'd like to pose a question...which household chore do you HATE to do? AND which household chore brings you satisfaction...

ME?

I HATE laundry- there's never any satisfaction...when the basket is empty; its only moments until someone throws in a sock or a towel and the pile begins again...
I LOVE to cook- it is fun to make a meal that people enjoy eating...

On the Brink

2005-05-04T13:01:00.000-07:00

On the brink of major life change (ie: the arrival of my son...soon to be dubbed Tyler Cole Larson) there are so many things in the brain it is hard to actually single one or two clear thoughts out to post something logical, rational, thought provoking...worth reading, so I've opted for the "no post" method. That is not posting until...

until I feel like it...
until I am sick of everyone's non-posting comments...
until I have something to say...
until I can breathe...
until I have a spare minute...

So at least a couple of the aforementioned things are looming large and I thought I'd post...for posterity's sake.

What's new with me? Well since we've last spoken I've gained 5 pounds, I've given up sleep (merely a luxury...), and have been anxiously anticpating the next 35 days-inwhich I will get to meet my little boy that is causing me such angst.

This weekend we will tackle the Big Sister Room- painting, redecorating, etc. Then on to the nursery- Lot's to do and not much time to do it in...

Until I am once again inspired- adeiu...

the pit of despair...

2005-04-22T13:41:00.000-07:00

don't even think about trying to get out.

you've been mostly dead all day.

oh, you mean this gate key?

anybody want a peanut?

rodents of unusual size? i don't believe in them.

as you wish.

Now quick, name that movie.