Too much info swirling around in my head so there is no way this post will have any sort of organization...at all...don't even look for it cuz it ain't there...seriously...not gonna happen. Prepared? Okay then let's go...
I love MckMama's blog -- partly because her kids are so stinkin' cute and partly because of her Not Me Monday posts. HILARIOUS. I always intend to post on Mondays but let's be real, does that sound like me? No of course not. I keep trying to tally up my Not Me's but it doesn't last so here are a couple...thought I'd post them before I forget them!
* I did NOT find my oldest child climbing up the inside of the his new tube slide only to encourage his brother to slide down the slide simultaneously with the intended purpose of knocking heads. And I certainly did NOT giggle at the prospect and then walk away. Also not involved in this was NOT seeing my 14-month-old son successfully climb up to the 6 foot tall platform to get to the slide...unassisted except for the occasional teeth grab. I certainly did NOT witness that happening and not stop it...
* I did NOT cave in to Sam's velociraptor screech this week and let him decide to wander the house au naturale and my angel child did not decide to watch in amazement as he peed ALL OVER the tile floor. And again, being the mother I am, I certainly did NOT giggle at the event.
* I did NOT allow my son to not change his underwear one morning because I hadn't done laundry. And even if I had done that I certainly wouldn't have taught him the phrase "It's clean enough" YIKES!!! (can't believe I put that one down...)
* And because my house is so immacutely clean I did not see my youngest child saunter over to the side of the room, pick up a furball and place it everso excitedly IN HIS MOUTH...and chew it...and try to swallow it...blech!
Okay that's enough Not Me's...maybe I'll actually participate in the Monday event. Eh, probably not. Thursday night is close enough though huh?
I have more but it will have to wait...dinner is ready and Jack is back from basketball practice.
I guess the post had a little organization after all...never can tell with me can you??
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Still here...
For those that don't know...I tried to chop off my right index finger exactly 11 days ago. After being held captive by stitches, splint and massive bandage since then I have now officially said good-bye to the lobster claw and am itching to return to all those two-handed activities I've missed, including typing. Let the blogging commence to start!!
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Because a thankful heart is a happy heart
Have wanted to begin my gratitude list like the one I found here. To begin what might be, perhaps ought to be, a less than stellar day -- a list of a few things for which I am grateful
The tiny flap, flap, flap of baby feet on cool tile floor, carrying babe with new-found treasure
The whisper of crisp breeze as it tickles freshly laundered clothes and freshly laundered soul
Big belly guffaws of friends, old and new, as we "do life together"
Small, quiet voice calling "Mommy?" in early morning light -- complete with tousled hair
Warm nuzzle in strong neck before dreams take over -- safe, comfortable, familiar
The tiny flap, flap, flap of baby feet on cool tile floor, carrying babe with new-found treasure
The whisper of crisp breeze as it tickles freshly laundered clothes and freshly laundered soul
Big belly guffaws of friends, old and new, as we "do life together"
Small, quiet voice calling "Mommy?" in early morning light -- complete with tousled hair
Warm nuzzle in strong neck before dreams take over -- safe, comfortable, familiar
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Yesterday letters, today a memo
TO: Youngest Son
FROM: Janitorial Services
RE: Bathroom usage
Realizing that you are young and are unaware of the world around you and realizing that many daily tasks are actually your "first rodeo" I thought it important to let you in on a small tidbit of truth that will serve you well throughout your lifetime. The side of the bathtub is not, actually, your personal urinal. If you desire such equipment, please make your request known to the CEO and I'm sure he'll see to it's purchase post-haste. Janitorial Services has grown tired of stepping in baby pee and then having to clean floor, tub and bathmat. Also, in case you were unaware, there is a contraption in the adjoining room known as a toilet. If, by some miracle, you have decided that diapers are no longer necessary please feel free to use the device as needed. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated. Hugs and Kisses always.
FROM: Janitorial Services
RE: Bathroom usage
Realizing that you are young and are unaware of the world around you and realizing that many daily tasks are actually your "first rodeo" I thought it important to let you in on a small tidbit of truth that will serve you well throughout your lifetime. The side of the bathtub is not, actually, your personal urinal. If you desire such equipment, please make your request known to the CEO and I'm sure he'll see to it's purchase post-haste. Janitorial Services has grown tired of stepping in baby pee and then having to clean floor, tub and bathmat. Also, in case you were unaware, there is a contraption in the adjoining room known as a toilet. If, by some miracle, you have decided that diapers are no longer necessary please feel free to use the device as needed. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated. Hugs and Kisses always.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Open Letters from this weekend
While the menfolk were busy in the backyard tackling the fort project, I was in the house working on more domestic pursuits (mainly preparing breakfast/lunch/dinner/snacks to keep them all fueled up for the massive undertaking). During some of my excursions I ran into some folks who need a good stern talking to. I passed the opportunity to dish out the tongue-lashings but thought I would share with you the thoughts that ran through my head.
Dear Lady at Starbucks,
I realize that there is socially acceptable status that comes with purchasing beverages at Starbucks; for some inexplicable reason it makes one seem sophisticated. However, may I remind you that the current temperature is hovering around the 40 degree mark with a 700 mph north wind. You are bundled from head to toe with every winter accessory you have ever purchased -- probably to prove to your husband that these items are not, in fact, superfluous purchases. Given all of this information I need to ask -- why in creation are you purchasing 7 (that's right SEVEN) vanilla bean frappucinos???? First, do you realize that you are purchasing an overpriced MILK SHAKE???? Go down the road to Jack in the Box -- I promise you theirs are better AND just as bad for you as the ones you are purchasing!! There is absolutely NO coffee or caffeine related products in your purchase which begs, again, the question -- WHY ARE YOU IN FRONT OF ME???!!!! Second, do you realize that it is extremely COLD outside?? And do the people you are taking these SEVEN frappucinos to(because no one person can drink seven right??) also realize it is FREEZING outside? Seriously. All I need is venti drip to complete my grocery venture. Please...move...
(this conversation changes if the weather outside is warm -- because then I can understand the icy deliciousness of a frap over the heaviness of milk shake).
Dear Man at the Self Checkout Machine in Randall's,
I'm not sure if you realize it or not but these machines are for people with a few items -- like me for instance, needing only a block of cheese and some macaroni to complete my chilimac meal. They are not, actually, for people like you with a mountain of groceries. Did you check this out before you began because, really, does the machine look like it's set up for that kind of load to you??!!??? Furthermore, in case you were confused the title "self checkout" implies that all the check-outing is to be done by SELF!! This does not mean that you stare at the machine until the poor kid who is supposed to monitor all 4 spaces has to come check out (and bag) all of your groceries for you. If you would like that kind of service -- which I'm sure you would given the amount of food you are purchasing, I know when I do my shopping for the week I like some help -- PLEASE go to one of the regular lines. It's better for everyone!!
To both I end, sincerely,
The Frustrated Mother of Two in Line behind You
P.S. Next time we meet I cannot promise that I will contain the beasts that shop with me. I cannot promise than even if I can contain them, that I will...
Dear Lady at Starbucks,
I realize that there is socially acceptable status that comes with purchasing beverages at Starbucks; for some inexplicable reason it makes one seem sophisticated. However, may I remind you that the current temperature is hovering around the 40 degree mark with a 700 mph north wind. You are bundled from head to toe with every winter accessory you have ever purchased -- probably to prove to your husband that these items are not, in fact, superfluous purchases. Given all of this information I need to ask -- why in creation are you purchasing 7 (that's right SEVEN) vanilla bean frappucinos???? First, do you realize that you are purchasing an overpriced MILK SHAKE???? Go down the road to Jack in the Box -- I promise you theirs are better AND just as bad for you as the ones you are purchasing!! There is absolutely NO coffee or caffeine related products in your purchase which begs, again, the question -- WHY ARE YOU IN FRONT OF ME???!!!! Second, do you realize that it is extremely COLD outside?? And do the people you are taking these SEVEN frappucinos to(because no one person can drink seven right??) also realize it is FREEZING outside? Seriously. All I need is venti drip to complete my grocery venture. Please...move...
(this conversation changes if the weather outside is warm -- because then I can understand the icy deliciousness of a frap over the heaviness of milk shake).
Dear Man at the Self Checkout Machine in Randall's,
I'm not sure if you realize it or not but these machines are for people with a few items -- like me for instance, needing only a block of cheese and some macaroni to complete my chilimac meal. They are not, actually, for people like you with a mountain of groceries. Did you check this out before you began because, really, does the machine look like it's set up for that kind of load to you??!!??? Furthermore, in case you were confused the title "self checkout" implies that all the check-outing is to be done by SELF!! This does not mean that you stare at the machine until the poor kid who is supposed to monitor all 4 spaces has to come check out (and bag) all of your groceries for you. If you would like that kind of service -- which I'm sure you would given the amount of food you are purchasing, I know when I do my shopping for the week I like some help -- PLEASE go to one of the regular lines. It's better for everyone!!
To both I end, sincerely,
The Frustrated Mother of Two in Line behind You
P.S. Next time we meet I cannot promise that I will contain the beasts that shop with me. I cannot promise than even if I can contain them, that I will...
Sunday, January 11, 2009
A life painting
I wish I could paint my life in crayon -- not fancy artist crayon -- crayola crayon, all with perfect new tips each time I reach for a color. That way the colors would stay, wouldn't run or bleed into each other, wouldn't smear or smudge as I paint the scenes that are my life. I could paint this morning and then when I return to paint the afternoon all the colors of the morning wouldn't try to crowd out, or blend in to the new picture. I wouldn't have to worry about the "finished" pictures -- only the immediate would demand my attention.
I wish I could paint my life in crayon. That way I'd have precise control over every stroke, every mark. I could press down hard on the things, the moments I want to remember forever. I could lightly shade the days when I only want a tint of color to cover. I could reach into every crease and crook ensuring that the life lived, the picture created was complete, whole.
I wish I could paint my LIFE in crayon. That way any marks that strayed off the paper could be easily cleaned with a lysol wipe or a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. I wouldn't have to worry about ruining the rest of the world with my colors, with my life; things would be contained. The entire painting would be clean and I could stand back at the end of each and proclaim "wonderful" of all my creations.
Rather, it often seems like I paint my life with a broad-stroke brush dipped heavily in runny watercolors. The paint oozing from one picture to a next so it becomes impossible to determine where one stops and the other begins, where I have to focus not only what I am currently doing but what I've already done and what I might do later. My brush doesn't always seem to paint dark enough on what I've deemed important and it often emphasizes the very things I'd like to forget. The paint rarely stays exactly within the lines, usually either missing the edge and seeming incomplete or running with abandon over the lines I've made. It lacks precision, control, follow through of my plan. I often step back only to have my tongue caught just short of praise because rather than seeing the masterpiece I'd imagined I see something quite different and often unfinished and sometimes just plain messy.
Sometimes I wish I could paint my life in crayon...
"'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord" Jeremiah 29:11
I wish I could paint my life in crayon. That way I'd have precise control over every stroke, every mark. I could press down hard on the things, the moments I want to remember forever. I could lightly shade the days when I only want a tint of color to cover. I could reach into every crease and crook ensuring that the life lived, the picture created was complete, whole.
I wish I could paint my LIFE in crayon. That way any marks that strayed off the paper could be easily cleaned with a lysol wipe or a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. I wouldn't have to worry about ruining the rest of the world with my colors, with my life; things would be contained. The entire painting would be clean and I could stand back at the end of each and proclaim "wonderful" of all my creations.
Rather, it often seems like I paint my life with a broad-stroke brush dipped heavily in runny watercolors. The paint oozing from one picture to a next so it becomes impossible to determine where one stops and the other begins, where I have to focus not only what I am currently doing but what I've already done and what I might do later. My brush doesn't always seem to paint dark enough on what I've deemed important and it often emphasizes the very things I'd like to forget. The paint rarely stays exactly within the lines, usually either missing the edge and seeming incomplete or running with abandon over the lines I've made. It lacks precision, control, follow through of my plan. I often step back only to have my tongue caught just short of praise because rather than seeing the masterpiece I'd imagined I see something quite different and often unfinished and sometimes just plain messy.
Sometimes I wish I could paint my life in crayon...
"'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord" Jeremiah 29:11
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Jack's heart -- UPDATE
After almost a month and a half dozen requests from the pediatrician, the hospital finally sent the results from Jack's EKG and chest x-ray. Both tests are completely normal. YIPEE!! We have a cardiologist appointment February 12th -- the earliest available. Hopefully there Jack will be cleared for surgery and things can get back on track with the tonsil/adnoid thing. Breathing a sigh of relief over in the Pearson house.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)