Tonight was Titan’s first official T-ball practice. I know everyone always says this but it really is true. They grow up so fast! As I wrestled with Liddy on the sidelines I watched as my baby boy ran the bases, stepped up to bat, and stood in the outfield. He looked so big out there. He was also one of the tallest, something that seems to be a reoccurring situation.
I couldn’t help but smile when it was his turn to bat and he was searching for his batting helmet. He found it, put it on his head and then proceeded to slap the top of it, just like Travis did when he helped him put it on for the first time.
He has, however, taken a couple of things a little too seriously. One is “keep your eye on the ball,” well he does, and instead of taking a full swing at the ball it is like he is trying to swat it down. The other thing we have told him that he totally took to heart was, “don’t run all over the field to get the ball, only get the ones that come in your area.” (one of the funniest things is watching 15 4 year olds run straight to the ball no matter where it lands, then watching them fight over it) Well on Titan’s team there will only be 14 kids doing this, because he will be planted firmly on the weed the coach told him to stand on, unless that ball comes right at him. I swear one time he gave the rest of the kids on the field his “Travis look” the half smirk, half rolled eye, head shake. The one that says, “Are you kidding me, or how could you be that dumb.” Or in Titan’s case it was probably, “your mommy and daddy are going to be so mad at you.”
Well my son might not be the most aggressive kid on the team, but I am at least thankful he participated and was not playing in the dirt, like I had feared. My favorite quote from the night, the coach asked all the kids if they were ready to play some baseball, Titan replied, “I’m not, I’m ready to play some T-Ball!”
On the way home Titan asked if he was good. Thinking back to the swing and the refusal to go after the ball I replied, “You did really good, but you still need to practice and get better.” He said, “No, was I a good boy?” Oh, okay, my bad. It wasn’t if he was good at the game it was if he acted like a good boy. I am pretty sure if I would have looked back at him in the car seat I would have seen another, “Travis look.”
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Monday, March 29, 2010
Indoor Baseball Practice
A little look at what is going on at my house right now! Oh my!
Liddy in the dugout!
Sunday, March 28, 2010
"That's what it is all about"
My week of playing stay at home mom has come to an end. Spring break is over and tomorrow it is back to work. I wish I had some wonderful story involving the beach, a sunburn, or something else equally interesting, but I don’t. No, I will go back to work tomorrow the same pasty white color I was when I left! I did however have a wonderful week with my kids. We were busy, yet at the same time it doesn’t seem like we accomplished much.
Friday the kids and I picked up my grandfather and took him to lunch. Titan picked the place, yes it was McDonald’s. While in line ordering I sat Liddy down, in her car seat. An older man asked if he could “take a look at her.” “Sure”, I said. Liddy gazed up at him flashing her very cute grin. As I looked back at the man, he had tears in his eyes. “That’s what it is all about,” he said. Now, with tears in my eyes, I said nothing, afraid if I did the tears may cut lose. He walked off and I couldn’t help but agree with him. That, my baby girl and her beautiful smile, is what it is all about.
Friday the kids and I picked up my grandfather and took him to lunch. Titan picked the place, yes it was McDonald’s. While in line ordering I sat Liddy down, in her car seat. An older man asked if he could “take a look at her.” “Sure”, I said. Liddy gazed up at him flashing her very cute grin. As I looked back at the man, he had tears in his eyes. “That’s what it is all about,” he said. Now, with tears in my eyes, I said nothing, afraid if I did the tears may cut lose. He walked off and I couldn’t help but agree with him. That, my baby girl and her beautiful smile, is what it is all about.
New Blog
I started my blog “The Story of Four” a few weeks ago. I have been humbled and inspired by the messages from those who are reading. My first thoughts of starting a blog were to document my day to day events for the main purpose of having a record of our lives to share someday with my children. So the fact that so many of you are reading and have taken the time to commented on the blog, sent me messages, and “harassed” my husband in public (his words not mine) I thank you very much.
One thing I mentioned in my opening blog is that you may hear a political rant from me from time to time. Well, over the past few weeks watching and reading about the healthcare debate, listening to all the misinformation out there and knowing people who fight day and night for healthcare coverage I have decided to start a second blog. The intent, mainly therapy for myself to have a venue to vent, the goal, to always seek the truth, the facts, to put things into perspective, and to “be the change I wish to see in the world.”
Here is the beginning for those of you who wish to read.
http://memyselfandpolitics.blogspot.com/
One thing I mentioned in my opening blog is that you may hear a political rant from me from time to time. Well, over the past few weeks watching and reading about the healthcare debate, listening to all the misinformation out there and knowing people who fight day and night for healthcare coverage I have decided to start a second blog. The intent, mainly therapy for myself to have a venue to vent, the goal, to always seek the truth, the facts, to put things into perspective, and to “be the change I wish to see in the world.”
Here is the beginning for those of you who wish to read.
http://memyselfandpolitics.blogspot.com/
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Birthday
My 30th birthday started about 5am this morning. Miss Liddy was fussing in her bed. I laid there for a second or two wondering if she would just go back to bed. She didn’t. So I got up, stumbled down the hallway, literally. Once in her room I immediately understood why she was crying. Let’s just say she left mommy a present and it required new sheets and all. Cleaning up her and the mess I finally made her a bottle and settled down on the couch to feed her, hoping she would decide she was as tired as I was and go back to sleep. Luckily she did. Although I was sleepy and 5am on a morning I don’t have to go to work does feel like the middle of the night, I still enjoyed the darkness of the house, the quietness and the alone time with my baby girl. When she started sleeping all night it was bittersweet. Obviously, I was thrilled to sleep again, however those middle the night moments when we were the only two awake in what seemed like the entire world, were and are so precious.
I wish I could say that once I put Liddy back to bed I cleaned the house, did laundry and now my house is immaculate. No, that’s not what happened. I crawled right back under the covers and tried to sleep. By this time Travis was now up and making all kinds of noise around the house. While grateful I now had the whole bed to myself I was counting down the seconds till the rumbling in the kitchen stopped so I could finally go back to bed. Each morning the front door opens and slams, yes slams, shut two times, once as Travis goes out to start the car and the second time when he goes out to leave for work for the day. On days I work this serves as my alarm clock and the snooze button, but on days I don’t it serves as the source of my fury! Today however, on the second slam Liddy let out a little squeal. Probably scared by the sudden noise but in my mind she was thinking the same thing I was..REALLY are you kidding me? MUST you slam the door shut so loud! Luckily she didn’t stay awake or my fury over the door may have resulted in out and out rage!
The next thing I knew my door swung open slamming into the closet door making all kinds of noise. Like father like son! Titan says with much more excitement than I could have over my birthday, “It’s your birthday you are 29!” Laughing, I tried to explain to him that I was really 30. Yesterday jokingly I had said that once you turn 30 your birthdays start going backwards. Titan took me completely seriously and is now convinced that is a fact! Sometimes I forget that Titan listens to everything I say and NEVER forgets a thing!
For lunch we went over to my dad’s house. Pulling in the driveway I was excited to see my grandfather’s truck. Liddy and I had walked over to his house the night before and he was telling us how he just didn’t feel good anymore. It breaks my heart to think we may not have many years left with him. I was joking with my dad, saying that he must be old to have a daughter that is 30 years old. My papaw chimed in, “yeah and that makes me REALLY old.”
So on my birthday, I am feeling very blessed. I have two beautiful children and a wonderful husband. Travis and I are surrounded by wonderful family and friends. Life is good, maybe even great!
I wish I could say that once I put Liddy back to bed I cleaned the house, did laundry and now my house is immaculate. No, that’s not what happened. I crawled right back under the covers and tried to sleep. By this time Travis was now up and making all kinds of noise around the house. While grateful I now had the whole bed to myself I was counting down the seconds till the rumbling in the kitchen stopped so I could finally go back to bed. Each morning the front door opens and slams, yes slams, shut two times, once as Travis goes out to start the car and the second time when he goes out to leave for work for the day. On days I work this serves as my alarm clock and the snooze button, but on days I don’t it serves as the source of my fury! Today however, on the second slam Liddy let out a little squeal. Probably scared by the sudden noise but in my mind she was thinking the same thing I was..REALLY are you kidding me? MUST you slam the door shut so loud! Luckily she didn’t stay awake or my fury over the door may have resulted in out and out rage!
The next thing I knew my door swung open slamming into the closet door making all kinds of noise. Like father like son! Titan says with much more excitement than I could have over my birthday, “It’s your birthday you are 29!” Laughing, I tried to explain to him that I was really 30. Yesterday jokingly I had said that once you turn 30 your birthdays start going backwards. Titan took me completely seriously and is now convinced that is a fact! Sometimes I forget that Titan listens to everything I say and NEVER forgets a thing!
For lunch we went over to my dad’s house. Pulling in the driveway I was excited to see my grandfather’s truck. Liddy and I had walked over to his house the night before and he was telling us how he just didn’t feel good anymore. It breaks my heart to think we may not have many years left with him. I was joking with my dad, saying that he must be old to have a daughter that is 30 years old. My papaw chimed in, “yeah and that makes me REALLY old.”
So on my birthday, I am feeling very blessed. I have two beautiful children and a wonderful husband. Travis and I are surrounded by wonderful family and friends. Life is good, maybe even great!
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Mr. Direct TV Guy
My day started with a phone call from Direct TV telling me that a technician would be arriving at my house between 8am and 10am. Thanks for narrowing that down I thought to myself. Originally the time was from 8am-12pm. Then not 15 minutes later I get another phone call saying the technician would be arriving within 30 minutes. (just come on, I know you are coming, quit making me find the phone!) I then set to work making sure my house was at least a little presentable. I dusted the box they would be replacing and cleaned up 3 ladybugs that had managed to find their way to my floor overnight. Then I found the air freshener. I do have 2 kids and lots of poopy diapers these days so I thought it couldn’t hurt. Then a knock at the door, in came the technician. Why did I bother with the air freshener?! In comes a walking ashtray. Wonderful. Mr. Direct TV guy spent most of the day with us. I hate that. Now we have a new HD box and a DVR. I have to admit I don’t see much difference between HD and regular, probably because I need glasses. It seems that the cost of these new TV’s continue to snowball!
After Travis got home from work we went to Home Depot to get materials for my new TV cabinet Travis says he is going to make. It has been awhile since we have had a house project to do. Walking through the store I realized how much I missed having a house to remodel. Travis and I have pretty much gutted two houses now. We fought through every second of it but after it was over I know we both missed working on them together. So tomorrow I will draw up the plans for the shelving because that is what I do. Sometime in the near future Travis will try to build the shelves his way, because that is what he does. We will see how the finished project turns out and more importantly who wins!
After Travis got home from work we went to Home Depot to get materials for my new TV cabinet Travis says he is going to make. It has been awhile since we have had a house project to do. Walking through the store I realized how much I missed having a house to remodel. Travis and I have pretty much gutted two houses now. We fought through every second of it but after it was over I know we both missed working on them together. So tomorrow I will draw up the plans for the shelving because that is what I do. Sometime in the near future Travis will try to build the shelves his way, because that is what he does. We will see how the finished project turns out and more importantly who wins!
Monday, March 22, 2010
Liddy's 4 Month Well Check
Miss Liddy had her 4 month well check today. Yes, she is almost 5 months old, add this to the con side of being a working mom, I am always behind on the kid’s doctor appointments. She is 14lbs 4 oz and 25 ¾” long. The nurse said she was the prettiest baby that comes in there, I am sure every baby is the prettiest but I happen to agree. She had to get 3 shots, poor girl, but she took it like a champ. I thought Titan was going to cry watching her get stuck with those needles. He wasn’t very happy about it.
Before the doctor’s appointment I took the kids to Tumbleweed. Titan hardly ever sits into a booster seat but today the waitress asked if he wanted one and he said yes. She helped him in it and scooted him up to the table. He said, “Mom look at me, I’m like 10!” Every time we are in a public place Titan has to go to the bathroom, I am convinced he is obsessed with public restrooms! He had to go and wanted to go by himself in the boy’s bathroom. I first said no and then the thought of dragging Liddy and all of our stuff into the bathroom was more than I wanted to do. We were sitting right next to the bathrooms so I said okay. As soon as he got out of my sight panic set in. So I snatched up Liddy and headed after him. I rounded the corner as I saw the men’s restroom door closing. Liddy and I stood right at the door, trying to listen, right as I was about to barge right in, the door opened and out came my little boy with a huge smile on his face, “I did it all by myself Mommy!” “You sure did honey.” As my stomach settled from being panicked that something might have happened to him!
After we ate, Titan spotted the stack of booster seats, he picked up the seat he had been using and ran off to add it to the stack. Why can’t he do that at home? On the way out the door the hostess told us to have a good day. Titan said “Thank you!” “That was nice”, I said. “Mommy if you don’t say thank you you don’t get to come back!” I was cracking up. That is something that I am sure has come straight from Travis.
After Tumbleweed we went to Target. I am in search of green sheets. Not just any green but the green color that is in my head! I still haven’t figured out why people can’t see what I see! I want to re-do Titan’s room and I have found a grey colored comforter and I want green sheets. No place has them, they have every other shade of green except for the perfect shade that can only, apparently, be seen in my head! While we were in there Titan wanted to look at DVD’s he found one he wanted. “The Sandlot” it’s a baseball movie. He carried it around in the store and said, “Daddy is going to LOVE this!” I was thinking more along the lines of daddy is going to kill mommy for buying you a movie. Thankfully, it was only $5.00. Surely, Travis will think this is a good deal and would have bought it too. You see, Travis will buy ANYTHING if it’s a “good deal!”
Before the doctor’s appointment I took the kids to Tumbleweed. Titan hardly ever sits into a booster seat but today the waitress asked if he wanted one and he said yes. She helped him in it and scooted him up to the table. He said, “Mom look at me, I’m like 10!” Every time we are in a public place Titan has to go to the bathroom, I am convinced he is obsessed with public restrooms! He had to go and wanted to go by himself in the boy’s bathroom. I first said no and then the thought of dragging Liddy and all of our stuff into the bathroom was more than I wanted to do. We were sitting right next to the bathrooms so I said okay. As soon as he got out of my sight panic set in. So I snatched up Liddy and headed after him. I rounded the corner as I saw the men’s restroom door closing. Liddy and I stood right at the door, trying to listen, right as I was about to barge right in, the door opened and out came my little boy with a huge smile on his face, “I did it all by myself Mommy!” “You sure did honey.” As my stomach settled from being panicked that something might have happened to him!
After we ate, Titan spotted the stack of booster seats, he picked up the seat he had been using and ran off to add it to the stack. Why can’t he do that at home? On the way out the door the hostess told us to have a good day. Titan said “Thank you!” “That was nice”, I said. “Mommy if you don’t say thank you you don’t get to come back!” I was cracking up. That is something that I am sure has come straight from Travis.
After Tumbleweed we went to Target. I am in search of green sheets. Not just any green but the green color that is in my head! I still haven’t figured out why people can’t see what I see! I want to re-do Titan’s room and I have found a grey colored comforter and I want green sheets. No place has them, they have every other shade of green except for the perfect shade that can only, apparently, be seen in my head! While we were in there Titan wanted to look at DVD’s he found one he wanted. “The Sandlot” it’s a baseball movie. He carried it around in the store and said, “Daddy is going to LOVE this!” I was thinking more along the lines of daddy is going to kill mommy for buying you a movie. Thankfully, it was only $5.00. Surely, Travis will think this is a good deal and would have bought it too. You see, Travis will buy ANYTHING if it’s a “good deal!”
Sunday, March 21, 2010
“That’s not fair.”
WARNING: Political Story!
All day I have been glued to the TV watching the house debate the healthcare bill. Travis said to me, “You better not blog about this.” "I won’t." I promised. Well, he is sleeping and I lied! I had to share this story because for one, it is absolutely true and it is about my favorite little boy in the whole wide world as I tell him almost daily!
Titan, was up later than usual tonight. I am on Spring Break this week and I told him he could stay up until I went to bed. I was watching the votes being cast for the healthcare bill. Titan looked at the TV and asked what they were doing. Quickly thinking of how I could explain this to my son the only thing I could think to say is that these people want to make sure that everybody in the United States can go to the doctor. “Like Liddy does tomorrow he says.” “ Yes”, I say. “Why,” he asks. I said, “Right now not everybody gets to go to the doctor if they need to.” He said, “That’s not fair.” This statement is usually something that REALLY gets under my skin, but this time, his “that’s not fair” was exactly right and exactly fitting. “You are right I said, but President Obama will make sure that will change,” I said. With that he laid his head down on my lap and within 30 seconds was asleep. Sitting there watching him sleep, watching the votes being cast. I felt tears welling up in my eyes, thankful in knowing that he may never know the term pre-existing conditions or caps or limits on healthcare coverage, and he will forever know the term doughnut holes as those things he eats at Pa Hauger's house. Hoping he will never be tied to his job with the fear of losing his healthcare coverage…and hoping more than anything else, that he never has to worry about healthcare a day in his life. After watching C-Span all day I think the most profound thing I heard all day was from my 4 year old. “That’s not fair.”
All day I have been glued to the TV watching the house debate the healthcare bill. Travis said to me, “You better not blog about this.” "I won’t." I promised. Well, he is sleeping and I lied! I had to share this story because for one, it is absolutely true and it is about my favorite little boy in the whole wide world as I tell him almost daily!
Titan, was up later than usual tonight. I am on Spring Break this week and I told him he could stay up until I went to bed. I was watching the votes being cast for the healthcare bill. Titan looked at the TV and asked what they were doing. Quickly thinking of how I could explain this to my son the only thing I could think to say is that these people want to make sure that everybody in the United States can go to the doctor. “Like Liddy does tomorrow he says.” “ Yes”, I say. “Why,” he asks. I said, “Right now not everybody gets to go to the doctor if they need to.” He said, “That’s not fair.” This statement is usually something that REALLY gets under my skin, but this time, his “that’s not fair” was exactly right and exactly fitting. “You are right I said, but President Obama will make sure that will change,” I said. With that he laid his head down on my lap and within 30 seconds was asleep. Sitting there watching him sleep, watching the votes being cast. I felt tears welling up in my eyes, thankful in knowing that he may never know the term pre-existing conditions or caps or limits on healthcare coverage, and he will forever know the term doughnut holes as those things he eats at Pa Hauger's house. Hoping he will never be tied to his job with the fear of losing his healthcare coverage…and hoping more than anything else, that he never has to worry about healthcare a day in his life. After watching C-Span all day I think the most profound thing I heard all day was from my 4 year old. “That’s not fair.”
Shopping with 4
Yesterday the four of us when on a shopping trip! This doesn’t happen very often. Usually I find it much easier to take both kids by myself, or find a babysitter so Travis and I can go together, adding my wonderful husband to the mix of 2 kids and a store is usually a recipe for disaster! Part of this probably stems from my assumption that that we will now be playing one on one defense instead of me just playing zone! In actuality, it now becomes 3 on 1 and I usually lose! However on this trip we were going to be shopping for all of Titan’s gear for T-Ball. I figured this might be something that Travis would want to be a part of and probably had a little more expertise than I. To my surprise it went great! (Well great might be a tad of an overstatement, but considering the possibilities it when great!)
I never realized how expensive everything could be, of course, we didn’t get the $179 bat, we got the $20 bat. We did not get the $60 batting helmet, we got the $20 one and so on. Yes, my son gets the cheapest version of everything I guess he best get used to it now! Still yet we spent $103.00. Travis had 2 coupons for $10 off $50. He handed both to the cashier. He was told he could only use one. Travis’s response, “Well take it all back, ring it up separate, and then let me use both of them.” The cashier looked at him like he might punch him in the face, but did exactly as he asked. Liddy and I decided to take a walk, from a safe distance I looked back to see Titan’s excited face watching the man put all his new gear into the sack. It was so sweet and made me smile. Walking out of the store, Travis obviously very proud of himself announced that “I showed him didn’t I, I got $103 worth of stuff for $83. I scored.” Slightly annoyed but yet somewhat proud of him, I responded by, “You sure did, honey.”
After the T-Ball shopping was over we decided to go TV shopping. A week ago Travis turned the TV on and it had a rainbow of green and pink on it. With it being ‘March Madness” and all this was unacceptable to Travis. I have to admit it was a little annoying watching a game when each player had one pink and one green shadow of themselves following them around. Once in the store the boys got a little sidetracked watching the new 3D version of Monsters vs. Aliens. I am really not sure who enjoyed it more.
Poor Liddy was carried around the store in her car seat for nearly 2 hours. After trying to put the stroller in the trunk at the first stop Travis decided it was too much of a pain and he would just carry her. After about 2 hours in HH gregg I think he was reconsidering. We came home with not one but two T.V.'s. I'm still not sure how that happened, but I am seeing a new house project in the works, I am thinking shelving to hold the TV and all my books!
I never realized how expensive everything could be, of course, we didn’t get the $179 bat, we got the $20 bat. We did not get the $60 batting helmet, we got the $20 one and so on. Yes, my son gets the cheapest version of everything I guess he best get used to it now! Still yet we spent $103.00. Travis had 2 coupons for $10 off $50. He handed both to the cashier. He was told he could only use one. Travis’s response, “Well take it all back, ring it up separate, and then let me use both of them.” The cashier looked at him like he might punch him in the face, but did exactly as he asked. Liddy and I decided to take a walk, from a safe distance I looked back to see Titan’s excited face watching the man put all his new gear into the sack. It was so sweet and made me smile. Walking out of the store, Travis obviously very proud of himself announced that “I showed him didn’t I, I got $103 worth of stuff for $83. I scored.” Slightly annoyed but yet somewhat proud of him, I responded by, “You sure did, honey.”
After the T-Ball shopping was over we decided to go TV shopping. A week ago Travis turned the TV on and it had a rainbow of green and pink on it. With it being ‘March Madness” and all this was unacceptable to Travis. I have to admit it was a little annoying watching a game when each player had one pink and one green shadow of themselves following them around. Once in the store the boys got a little sidetracked watching the new 3D version of Monsters vs. Aliens. I am really not sure who enjoyed it more.
Poor Liddy was carried around the store in her car seat for nearly 2 hours. After trying to put the stroller in the trunk at the first stop Travis decided it was too much of a pain and he would just carry her. After about 2 hours in HH gregg I think he was reconsidering. We came home with not one but two T.V.'s. I'm still not sure how that happened, but I am seeing a new house project in the works, I am thinking shelving to hold the TV and all my books!
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Trees
Okay so one week ago tomorrow I came home to an awful sight. I know that most people reading this will think I am crazy and maybe I am but I would like to think that it is more heartbroken than crazy! You see when the hurricane, yes hurricane, came through Indiana last year a limb was broken out of our huge maple tree in the front yard. Since then it has been hanging, more like dangling from the tree. So after looking at it for more than a year and keeping Titan out from under it, scared that it might decide to fall as the exact moment he walked under it. Travis decided it was time to do something about it. This scared me, you see, Travis with a chainsaw in hand means that no tree is safe! To make a very long story short we decided to have all three of our Maple tree’s trimmed professionally. This was a win-win or so I thought. My trees would be safe from Travis’s chainsaw and I could have someone trim the limbs that were hanging down to low making it hard to mow. Well was I ever wrong! A friend of Travis’s was going to do the work. He came out and looked at all three trees. I watched with Liddy out the window as Travis took him around the yard. I have to admit it “looked” like he explained what we wanted. He gave us a quote and we were good to go. Last Wednesday I pulled into the driveway and my trees looked like this…
I was/am heartbroken. I looked through all my pictures and have yet to find a picture of all three trees when they were beautiful! I am sure that the guy did a very good job of trimming our trees. He and I just have a very different definition of trimming. To say I am sick is an understatement. I don’t cry about much but I admit, I have shed a few tears over my trees. I know, I know, they are trees. My kids are safe, my husband is okay, my family and friends are healthy and happy, life is good. But, my trees are gone and I have this sick feeling in my stomach. My grandmother planted them over 40 years ago. They were beautiful. Everyone keeps telling me they will grow back, and I know that they will but they won’t be beautiful this spring, or this summer, and maybe not for many springs and summers to come. My favorite quote so far is “Maple trees grow fast, like 3 feet a year.” That’s what I was told as I was looking at the 20+ foot limb that was lying at my feet. My response, “You are NOT helping!”
One last note, before posting this I read it aloud to Travis. His response, “Why didn’t you add in the part where you were ranting and raving.” Well, I just did, and it is true, it wasn’t my finest moment!
I was/am heartbroken. I looked through all my pictures and have yet to find a picture of all three trees when they were beautiful! I am sure that the guy did a very good job of trimming our trees. He and I just have a very different definition of trimming. To say I am sick is an understatement. I don’t cry about much but I admit, I have shed a few tears over my trees. I know, I know, they are trees. My kids are safe, my husband is okay, my family and friends are healthy and happy, life is good. But, my trees are gone and I have this sick feeling in my stomach. My grandmother planted them over 40 years ago. They were beautiful. Everyone keeps telling me they will grow back, and I know that they will but they won’t be beautiful this spring, or this summer, and maybe not for many springs and summers to come. My favorite quote so far is “Maple trees grow fast, like 3 feet a year.” That’s what I was told as I was looking at the 20+ foot limb that was lying at my feet. My response, “You are NOT helping!”
One last note, before posting this I read it aloud to Travis. His response, “Why didn’t you add in the part where you were ranting and raving.” Well, I just did, and it is true, it wasn’t my finest moment!
Pictures Together
Today was one of those days where I should have said to myself:
God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; The courage to change the things I can; and the wisdom to know the difference.
I usually do okay with this until you get to the part where it says the wisdom to know the difference. Feeling a little defeated today after work I was looking forward to spending sometime with my kids. As soon as I walked in the door Titan greeted me with a question. "Can I go to Pa Hauger's?" Humm, nice to see you too!
My day did take a turn for the better, here is a little look:
You see Titan isn't really big on taking pictures with his sister. Liddy looks scared, as she should, in the beginning. Then we get somewhat of a smile from both kids. Soon after however, Titan is contemplating his exit strategy. Then, yes, she is down...but thankfully safely on the couch, not the floor!
Sunday, March 14, 2010
"I know Already!"
Saturday was another boys go with boys and girls go with girls day. This has become pretty common in our household. Titan has become daddy’s boy. He wants to go everywhere with Travis. He wants Travis to give him a bath, to tuck him in at night, and to get him snacks and juice. This is just fine with me. I have had all of those duties for most of his life.
As Liddy and I left, Travis and Titan were in the yard picking up all the limbs from the trees. (More to come on this topic, I am heartbroken over my trees!) Knowing that Travis would be using the chainsaw I was a little concerned about leaving Titan. I told Titan that he had to be very careful and stay far away from Daddy when he was using the chainsaw. I went on and on about not getting to close. Finally Titan looks at me and says, “I know already!” I guess I got my message across.
Liddy and I did some shopping with mom and then had a nice lunch with my aunt. Liddy was pretty much over the car seat and shopping by the time we sat down for lunch so she was a little fussy. But despite a fussy baby we had a nice time.
Later, Travis and I attempted a date night. We love this little hole in the wall restaurant that is a knock off of Olive Garden. Anytime we don’t have the kids this is usually the place we end up. We parked the car, got out, walked all the way to the front door, and it wasn’t till then that we noticed that our favorite little restaurant is now a takeout pizza place! Ugh! So we went to Walmart instead…
Sunday has been another lazy day, my favorite kind. The house got about ½ clean and the laundry and dishes are done. The kids bags are packed for Carri’s tomorrow and we are ready to start another work week.
As Liddy and I left, Travis and Titan were in the yard picking up all the limbs from the trees. (More to come on this topic, I am heartbroken over my trees!) Knowing that Travis would be using the chainsaw I was a little concerned about leaving Titan. I told Titan that he had to be very careful and stay far away from Daddy when he was using the chainsaw. I went on and on about not getting to close. Finally Titan looks at me and says, “I know already!” I guess I got my message across.
Liddy and I did some shopping with mom and then had a nice lunch with my aunt. Liddy was pretty much over the car seat and shopping by the time we sat down for lunch so she was a little fussy. But despite a fussy baby we had a nice time.
Later, Travis and I attempted a date night. We love this little hole in the wall restaurant that is a knock off of Olive Garden. Anytime we don’t have the kids this is usually the place we end up. We parked the car, got out, walked all the way to the front door, and it wasn’t till then that we noticed that our favorite little restaurant is now a takeout pizza place! Ugh! So we went to Walmart instead…
Sunday has been another lazy day, my favorite kind. The house got about ½ clean and the laundry and dishes are done. The kids bags are packed for Carri’s tomorrow and we are ready to start another work week.
My Look-a-Like
Friday was my stepmother’s birthday. For all birthdays I have Titan make his own card to give. So Friday after work we got hard to work on making her card. With age and practice Titan has gotten pretty good at making his cards. Since there was no way that Liddy could make her own card I purchased one for her. Titan signed her name to it. The Y in Liddy was above the rest of the letters but he did make a good effort.
As I was putting the card inside the envelope I hear a frantic WAIT! What I asked. Titan says very sternly “Birthday cards have to have money in them!” Could this be a clear sign that this boy is spoiled?! It is true that almost every birthday card he has opened in his life has had money in it. I tried to explain to him that birthday cards didn’t have to have money in them but he was already running off to his room. Soon he came back with a stack of money. Thankfully, it was his “Old McDonald” (McDonald’s) play money. He proudly picked out a $20 bill and placed it inside the card.
We loaded up the kids and headed to my dad’s house to deliver the cards. My birthday is still a couple of weeks away but I did receive an early gift. My stepmother made me a scrapbook. In it were pictures of me and my dad from the day I was born on. The very last page was a picture of my dad with both Titan and Liddy. I couldn’t help it, I had tears in my eyes. It was a very special gift and one I will cherish for the rest of my life.
One picture in particular peeked my interest. It was a picture of me about Titan’s age. He looks just like me! I showed it to Titan and asked him who is was. His response, “Am I am girl?” I guess he thought it looked like him to. Now I am just a little concerned that he thinks he might be a girl!
Friday, March 12, 2010
Boys!
This is what happens when you leave 2 boys alone with my baby girl. Yes, it is a diaper on her head! Poor girl.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Facing Unemployment
I am starting to see a pattern forming that I am not very happy about. It goes something like this: I get a job. Governor Daniels tries to take it away. President Obama gives it back. Governor Daniels takes it away. You see, I am in year two of my new teaching career. Last year due to budget cuts I received a RIF notice, the teaching term for a layoff. I left school last year not knowing if I would have a job or not. In early July I received a phone call saying that funds had come into the corporation from the stimulus package and that my job was safe. Then, in December, Governor Daniels declared that all schools K-12 must reduce their budgets. Therefore, once again, being at the bottom of the seniority list my job is on the line. This time so are 9 of my fellow teachers and 10 members of our support staff.
Anyone who has read my previous post knows that I am very conflicted about my job. I do love it very much but I love my kids more. I am looking at this as being a blessing either way. If I am called back I will be blessed to have a job when so many others do not. However, if I am not called back I will also feel blessed to be able to spend time at home being a mom to my kids.
My heart breaks for my fellow coworkers who depend on this job for their health insurance, their income, and in some cases their livelihood. Luckily, my kids won’t go hungry, we won’t lose our health insurance, and my identity is not defined by my job title.
In my opinion, the most important priorities in our country should be the health and safety of our citizens and the education of our children. All of which have taken a major hit in the last several years. Here’s hoping that Mitch Daniels finishes out his term in office and enjoys his retirement and congress gets their act together and starts doing something productive. Count this as political rant number 1!
Anyone who has read my previous post knows that I am very conflicted about my job. I do love it very much but I love my kids more. I am looking at this as being a blessing either way. If I am called back I will be blessed to have a job when so many others do not. However, if I am not called back I will also feel blessed to be able to spend time at home being a mom to my kids.
My heart breaks for my fellow coworkers who depend on this job for their health insurance, their income, and in some cases their livelihood. Luckily, my kids won’t go hungry, we won’t lose our health insurance, and my identity is not defined by my job title.
In my opinion, the most important priorities in our country should be the health and safety of our citizens and the education of our children. All of which have taken a major hit in the last several years. Here’s hoping that Mitch Daniels finishes out his term in office and enjoys his retirement and congress gets their act together and starts doing something productive. Count this as political rant number 1!
Monday, March 8, 2010
Morning Greetings
As I said in my first post, my working mom “pro” and “con” list is equally full. I added a few more to that list today!
The first “con” comes at about 6:15 each morning. That is when I get my kids up to take them to Carri’s. I absolutely hate the thought of waking my sleeping babies and dragging them out into the cold. (Although, it is getting warmer outside, hooray for that!) Once I do go into Liddy’s room I am quickly faced with a beautiful “pro”. I lift her out of bed and she stretches her arms above her head, already grinning. Then she opens her big blue eyes and gives me the most beautiful smile. It melts my heart. She is such a happy baby!
Then, it’s on to Titan’s room to get my little monster out of bed! No, I can’t say that Titan’s morning greeting is quite as sweet as Liddy’s!
This seems to be the reoccurring theme:
Titan: “Where are we going today?”
Me: “Jaxson’s”
Titan: “I want to go to Pa Hauger’s” (this is what he calls my dad)
Me: “Not today”
Titan: “You never let me go” (He and Travis visit nearly daily!)
Me: Silence….I have learned not to argue with him.
At this point we are usually at the car. Then he tells me: “Mommy, don’t forget to turn off the light, it costs money and Daddy will be mad.” (Did I mention he is just like Travis?!)
Nearly every morning when I hand off my kids to Carri, Titan says in his sweet little voice, “Bye Mommy” and my heart melts all over again! Then starts my mad dash to work, because you see, I am almost always running late!
Check out Carri’s blog post today entitled Friends. This added another pro to my working list!
My kids are building friendships that will hopefully last a lifetime. This time next year I bet Laney will have her very own tag-a-long, named Liddy.
The first “con” comes at about 6:15 each morning. That is when I get my kids up to take them to Carri’s. I absolutely hate the thought of waking my sleeping babies and dragging them out into the cold. (Although, it is getting warmer outside, hooray for that!) Once I do go into Liddy’s room I am quickly faced with a beautiful “pro”. I lift her out of bed and she stretches her arms above her head, already grinning. Then she opens her big blue eyes and gives me the most beautiful smile. It melts my heart. She is such a happy baby!
Then, it’s on to Titan’s room to get my little monster out of bed! No, I can’t say that Titan’s morning greeting is quite as sweet as Liddy’s!
This seems to be the reoccurring theme:
Titan: “Where are we going today?”
Me: “Jaxson’s”
Titan: “I want to go to Pa Hauger’s” (this is what he calls my dad)
Me: “Not today”
Titan: “You never let me go” (He and Travis visit nearly daily!)
Me: Silence….I have learned not to argue with him.
At this point we are usually at the car. Then he tells me: “Mommy, don’t forget to turn off the light, it costs money and Daddy will be mad.” (Did I mention he is just like Travis?!)
Nearly every morning when I hand off my kids to Carri, Titan says in his sweet little voice, “Bye Mommy” and my heart melts all over again! Then starts my mad dash to work, because you see, I am almost always running late!
Check out Carri’s blog post today entitled Friends. This added another pro to my working list!
My kids are building friendships that will hopefully last a lifetime. This time next year I bet Laney will have her very own tag-a-long, named Liddy.
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Secret
Today the four of us attended a dinner in support of a friend of ours who is running for re-election. I was reminded of something I have always known. There are good people trying to do what is best for our community. Although, he is firmly on the right of the political spectrum and I firmly on the left, I know that his motives are true and his leadership is needed in our community.
While we were at the dinner today, I was telling Titan to sit up, sit still, and be quite. Then, he told me he needed to tell me a secret. I admit, I was a little annoyed but leaned down to listen to his secret. His secret was, “I love you.” Nothing like your 4 year old making you feel incredibly guilty, but it was also so sweet.
On another note, one thing I have been trying to work on is not wishing my life away. Not wishing it was Friday and the end of the work week. In turn, I also am trying not to waste my Sunday evenings wishing I didn’t have to go to work the next day. Probably, by the mere fact that I am discussing this on my blog on a Sunday evening is a clear indication I still have a lot of work to do!
While we were at the dinner today, I was telling Titan to sit up, sit still, and be quite. Then, he told me he needed to tell me a secret. I admit, I was a little annoyed but leaned down to listen to his secret. His secret was, “I love you.” Nothing like your 4 year old making you feel incredibly guilty, but it was also so sweet.
On another note, one thing I have been trying to work on is not wishing my life away. Not wishing it was Friday and the end of the work week. In turn, I also am trying not to waste my Sunday evenings wishing I didn’t have to go to work the next day. Probably, by the mere fact that I am discussing this on my blog on a Sunday evening is a clear indication I still have a lot of work to do!
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Boys Go With Boys, Girls Go With Girls.
Today was a boys go with boys, girls go with girls kind of day. Travis and Titan woke up early and were out the door. Not, however, before Titan could tell me, “Today, boys go with boys and girls go with girls, you are staying home with Liddy.” It’s nice when a 4 year old sets the agenda for the day! Little Miss Liddy slept until almost 10:00. Then we enjoyed the beautiful sunshine! She laughed and cooed as I took her and her bouncy seat around the house so I could wash windows and do laundry. I love seeing the sunshine come in a perfectly clean window! I could still see two mounds of snow, now we are down to one. Hopefully the sun will melt that away tomorrow! I can’t wait for warm weather.
My grandfather stopped by today. He lives right next door to us and yet we don’t see him nearly enough. He adores Liddy, and Titan too, but for some reason his eyes light up when he sees her. I felt bad that she was asleep when he got here. Luckily, she woke up on her own before he left. It is so neat to have my newborn baby girl and my 90 year old grandfather in the same room.
After Travis and Titan returned Liddy had another first. We sat out on the back porch and watched the boys play in the yard. I realized that in her 4 months of life it was the first time she had been outside for longer than to get in and out of a car. Thank goodness for the sunshine!
Later, I looked out my back door to see this!
Yes, at first I wasn’t sure whether to call the fire department or not, but quickly realized it was just the boys doing what they do best. Making messes and starting fires! I wondered if Travis thought about that fence row full of trees that leads right back to our house before he lit the limbs on fire, my guess is probably not! (I can't wait till this view includes green grass and green leaves!) After deciding it was probably best not to watch I went back to playing with Liddy and doing laundry. Then, another sound peeked my interest, going again to the back door. I watched as Titan was driving the four wheeler by himself. Yes, my 4 year old son, driving the four wheeler by himself. As if the playing with fire wasn’t bad enough! I think we can also rule out Titan being an Olympian, considering after he stopped the fourwheeler and jumped off he fell flat on his face, he can’t stick a landing. (Before someone calls CPS, Travis was walking along side of him!)
Liddy and I enjoyed the day in our pajama's, no makeup or hairbows for us today. I love Saturdays like this especially after a busy work week!
My grandfather stopped by today. He lives right next door to us and yet we don’t see him nearly enough. He adores Liddy, and Titan too, but for some reason his eyes light up when he sees her. I felt bad that she was asleep when he got here. Luckily, she woke up on her own before he left. It is so neat to have my newborn baby girl and my 90 year old grandfather in the same room.
After Travis and Titan returned Liddy had another first. We sat out on the back porch and watched the boys play in the yard. I realized that in her 4 months of life it was the first time she had been outside for longer than to get in and out of a car. Thank goodness for the sunshine!
Later, I looked out my back door to see this!
Yes, at first I wasn’t sure whether to call the fire department or not, but quickly realized it was just the boys doing what they do best. Making messes and starting fires! I wondered if Travis thought about that fence row full of trees that leads right back to our house before he lit the limbs on fire, my guess is probably not! (I can't wait till this view includes green grass and green leaves!) After deciding it was probably best not to watch I went back to playing with Liddy and doing laundry. Then, another sound peeked my interest, going again to the back door. I watched as Titan was driving the four wheeler by himself. Yes, my 4 year old son, driving the four wheeler by himself. As if the playing with fire wasn’t bad enough! I think we can also rule out Titan being an Olympian, considering after he stopped the fourwheeler and jumped off he fell flat on his face, he can’t stick a landing. (Before someone calls CPS, Travis was walking along side of him!)
Liddy and I enjoyed the day in our pajama's, no makeup or hairbows for us today. I love Saturdays like this especially after a busy work week!
Thursday, March 4, 2010
A Little Background
After reading my friend’s blog I was inspired to start my own. If for no other reason I hope it helps to put daily life into perspective and help to remember those everyday occurrences that are so easily forgotten.
Some things you will probably learn pretty quickly about me. I love my kids with all my heart and soul. They have truly made my life worth every minute. My husband and I have a great life, we are very lucky. He is the best thing that has ever happened to me, aside from my kids. I constantly struggle with the work/family balance. I feel guilty when I am working and I feel guilty when I am not. One more thing I might as well warn you about now, you will probably hear a political rant or two every now and then...I have many opinion’s and not all are popular.
Just some background….
Travis and I have been married for 5 and ½ years. We have a great relationship, by great I do not mean perfect. We fight, we argue, he infuriates me to no end. But then, just when I think to myself what was I thinking I realize that he is pretty wonderful. He supports me and all my crazy ideas. He isn’t afraid to question my motives and strengthen my arguments. He really does bring out the best, and only sometimes, the worst in me. I know I am a better person because of him. Most importantly, I love him with everything I am and thanks to him I am blessed with two beautiful children.
Four years ago, my son Titan arrived. He has been a stinker from the start. He changed our lives forever and in the most wonderful way. He is so much like his daddy it is scary. I am either told he looks just like my husband or just like my brother. I have to admit he resembles both. It is amazing watching him learn and grow.
Liddy, our sweet baby girl, is four months old. She has been such a good baby. I have been told over and over I will pay for this later, probably when she is a teenager! Fingers crossed she will stay as sweet as she is now forever. (no, I am not really that naive!)
I am a working mom, this makes me feel proud and feel extremely guilty at the same time. I constantly question if I am making the right decision. My pro and cons list is equally full! I want to teach my son that he can be whatever he wants to be but it is important to be responsible and take care of his family one day. Yet, I want to teach my daughter that she can also be anything she wants to be and to never depend on anyone else to take care of her. It’s a double standard I know.
It is my life and it’s a good life, maybe even a great life. It is not extraordinary, maybe not even interesting but it is mine and I am happy to have it.
Some things you will probably learn pretty quickly about me. I love my kids with all my heart and soul. They have truly made my life worth every minute. My husband and I have a great life, we are very lucky. He is the best thing that has ever happened to me, aside from my kids. I constantly struggle with the work/family balance. I feel guilty when I am working and I feel guilty when I am not. One more thing I might as well warn you about now, you will probably hear a political rant or two every now and then...I have many opinion’s and not all are popular.
Just some background….
Travis and I have been married for 5 and ½ years. We have a great relationship, by great I do not mean perfect. We fight, we argue, he infuriates me to no end. But then, just when I think to myself what was I thinking I realize that he is pretty wonderful. He supports me and all my crazy ideas. He isn’t afraid to question my motives and strengthen my arguments. He really does bring out the best, and only sometimes, the worst in me. I know I am a better person because of him. Most importantly, I love him with everything I am and thanks to him I am blessed with two beautiful children.
Four years ago, my son Titan arrived. He has been a stinker from the start. He changed our lives forever and in the most wonderful way. He is so much like his daddy it is scary. I am either told he looks just like my husband or just like my brother. I have to admit he resembles both. It is amazing watching him learn and grow.
Liddy, our sweet baby girl, is four months old. She has been such a good baby. I have been told over and over I will pay for this later, probably when she is a teenager! Fingers crossed she will stay as sweet as she is now forever. (no, I am not really that naive!)
I am a working mom, this makes me feel proud and feel extremely guilty at the same time. I constantly question if I am making the right decision. My pro and cons list is equally full! I want to teach my son that he can be whatever he wants to be but it is important to be responsible and take care of his family one day. Yet, I want to teach my daughter that she can also be anything she wants to be and to never depend on anyone else to take care of her. It’s a double standard I know.
It is my life and it’s a good life, maybe even a great life. It is not extraordinary, maybe not even interesting but it is mine and I am happy to have it.
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