About once a week my sister posts links on her blog that she loves. Have you ever checked them out? For some reason, I don't trust her. I doubt that they are that good. So I usually click on them-to prove her wrong. But I am wrong. And every time I enjoy the link-I get something out of it. They usually are written by amazing women about a concept that I can connect with but could never put on paper (or in this case, type on a blog).
Last week she posted here that connected to a link about Ugly Truths. The author wrote a short blurb about these and then listed 3 of her ugly truths. All of her readers were then invited to "comment" or participate in leaving their 3 ugly truths. It was amazing. I read all of them. Some I nodded at. Some I shook my head no with a smile on my face. I couldn't believe how many were similar, yet others were different and some were from readers who bared their soul. It was so interesting to read the comments and think if I had that same ugly truth or not. It made me wonder about the people whose lives I am jealous of, knowing that truthfully nobody gets away without a few ugly truths. The post also makes sure to point out that we are trying to find some beauty in our truths. I am attempting to be more positive, so below is my positive spin on my ugly truth. With my REAL ugly truth below it. Now are you really getting to know me?
Fun fact: We got a new sectional (couch), stove/range and dishwasher to make our house more of a home.
The Ugly Truth: They delivered the wrong couch, we had to hire a plumber for the dishwasher and there was no gas valve behind the stove like most-so I had a total panic attack (literally I took Eli to sit in the car) as Andy attempted to figure out the gas situation. I don't think I have ever gotten so mad and worried in my life. I thought the house was going to explode.
Fun fact: I am completely gluten free.
The Ugly Truth: I'm still in denial and don't believe I have this disease. I wonder if my cancer patients feel this way-that they don't really have a disease but still treat it. Sometimes I wish I hadn't told people that I have it because I can't stand feeling like people have to worry or get annoyed with me when I come where there will be food served. Plus, food just isn't as important to some as it is to me-therefore I don't feel as if people truly understand MY issue with having this disease. I'd rather pretend I don't have it. I smile and laugh over it when I really am emotional.
Fun fact: I have the BEST husband in the world. I truly feel blessed that I found him and get to keep him. It is one of the few things in my life that fits 100%.
The Ugly Truth: I feel like my husband does more than me around the house, as a parent and as a companion. I feel guilty every day.
Fun fact: I have a secure job and many different interests/hobbies.
The Ugly Truth: I waste all my time worrying about doing the right thing, the safe thing, that I don't spend nearly enough time doing my hobbies or getting real tasks done.
Fun fact: We have 2 bathrooms! Nice...guests can use the one downstairs and I can leave my pajamas from the night before in the one upstairs.
The Ugly Truth: Really-I am so slobbish-I hardly ever wipe out the dripped makeup or toothpaste from the sink unless a guest will come up for a shower. HOW GROSS.
Fun fact: I have a lot of clothes.
The Ugly Truth: I hate how they all fit. I haven't gotten my hair cut for 1 year. I don't take care of myself or try hard enough to feel attractive. I'm a frump. I need to work harder at this.
Fun fact: I have a lot of friends who have young kids or babies. It's so fun for play dates and to bond over discussing mom-isms.
The Ugly Truth: I do not judge other parents on their tactics. I firmly believe in parents doing whatever works for them. It actually gives me ideas and I learn from them. But I feel judged by so many even though nobody has said anything to my face.
Hmmm...am I airing all my dirty laundry to you? Join in if you want.....but don't if it makes you feel anxious.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Sunday, March 13, 2011
20 months
Dear Eli, E-bugs, Bugs, Bubs, Bubis, E-Casey, Elijah,
You are 20 months and you are amazing.
You are a joyous bundle of joy.
You bring me so much happiness. I can't believe the things you are doing. I am amazed by how much you have learned and how big you are.
You now can scoot down the stairs backwards, sleep 12-13 hours every night with a 2-3 hour nap during the day, eat with a fork/spoon, put 2 words together, call people by their names etc etc etc.
You love cars, trains, dogs, pretend-playing, books and helping mom and dad with things around the house.
You talk so much-it's truly changing day to day. You surprise dad and me every single day-we look at each other with wide eyes and say "Did you hear that?!" about something that popped out of your mouth. You laugh, dance, run, jump, eat, sleep and help with such passion.
You still love Thomas. Anything that looks like a train-is Thomas to you.
You can say things such as: Fork/Spoon, go, car, down, up, mama, papa, shoe, sock, bath, cow, duck, dog, puppy, dip, moon, star, hush, cheese, baby, coat, seat, out, snack etc. Single words you'll repeat if we ask you. You have recently started putting 2 words together and it is SO darn cute.
No Bailee, Stay Bailee, Down Bailee, Help Please, More Please, Share Toys, etc.
For a while you were calling Bailee "Bay-eee" which I thought was pretty good. All of a sudden we realized you were calling her "Bee-ya" . It's really cute and endearing.
You also have started to attempt "I love you". I try to have you repeat me word for word. You now repeat "I" and then you say "buv-ewwwwwwwwwwwww"which is close enough to love you for me.
You have also entered that stage. You know the one...the MINE, the ME, the MY TOY. We are working hard at this and you are very willing to share when we remind you.
You love to look at books. You tell me every night which book you want to look at and which ones are not the right ones for that particular nap/night.
You love your bath, fishes, being outside, "num-nums" (meals) and Elmo. You also know Dora the Explorer. You have your Teddy. He is very important. He could solve all the world problems I'm sure of it. But we have to remind you that he sleeps in your crib during the day. You get to hold him while we read books at night time and before naps and you love to hold him up to your face or your ear. You almost look like you are holding Teddy to your ear as if he is a telephone. Teddy smells like little boy saliva to me, but it melts my heart that you have a best friend with you all night long.
You are so passionate about drinking. Weather it is milk (milp) or water-you drink so fast and furious you are have to stop drinking to take a few deep breaths-as if you just ran a marathon. It makes my heart pitter patter when you are gulping with love and passion as if you have never been so thirsty in your life. Another passion I can't seem to encourage you to let go of is your nuk. I know it's the best thing for you but my heart also pitter patters for you when I see your nuk bobbling up and down in your mouth from your passionate sucking. You don't need it for nap but you ask for it at night time. In the middle of the night when I check on you, you still have it in your mouth and I just love that I can see how comforting it is for you. it makes me so sad to think of taking something away from you that you want but I know it's best for you. It's something we'll be working on in the coming months.
You are also a great cleaner-upper. You put away all your cars and books at the end of the night. You also find any tissue, toilet paper, or towel to help clean the floor even when it's sparkling. This is a skill I never want you to forget.
You don't have a specific favorite food. You like almost everything. You specifically love berries of any kind and also veggies. You eat those off your plate before you work on the main entree. You are not much interested in toast or grilled cheese but you will eat a scrambled egg or a homemade soup. You love cereal, your daily vitamin and pretzels.
I love how independent you are. But I hate the fits you are throwing. I know you just want what you want. But I also know (and only from experience) which things would be best for you. There is Independence and then there is being too big for your britches. It is my role to teach you the importance between the two. I want to let you learn but I want to catch you before you skin your knee too deep. It's hard for a parent and I don't expect you to understand until you are in my shoes one day.
I wish I could draw you a picture or tell you the right words to show you how much I love and adore you. I can't imagine or remember what life is without you. You are my son, best bud, most fun playmate and my passion in life. I need you to stay healthy, continue growing and learning and to be as happy as any boy could be. I am not going to buy you a pony, or take you to Disney World next week. I'm going to rock you and cuddle you when you need it. I am going to read to you every chance I can get. I will dance like a fool to see your smile. I will wash your face and hands after every meal. I will show you off with pride and giggle with you every single day.
I love you bubs. Don't ever stop being you.
Love,
Mama
You are 20 months and you are amazing.
You are a joyous bundle of joy.
You bring me so much happiness. I can't believe the things you are doing. I am amazed by how much you have learned and how big you are.
You now can scoot down the stairs backwards, sleep 12-13 hours every night with a 2-3 hour nap during the day, eat with a fork/spoon, put 2 words together, call people by their names etc etc etc.
You love cars, trains, dogs, pretend-playing, books and helping mom and dad with things around the house.
You talk so much-it's truly changing day to day. You surprise dad and me every single day-we look at each other with wide eyes and say "Did you hear that?!" about something that popped out of your mouth. You laugh, dance, run, jump, eat, sleep and help with such passion.
You still love Thomas. Anything that looks like a train-is Thomas to you.
You can say things such as: Fork/Spoon, go, car, down, up, mama, papa, shoe, sock, bath, cow, duck, dog, puppy, dip, moon, star, hush, cheese, baby, coat, seat, out, snack etc. Single words you'll repeat if we ask you. You have recently started putting 2 words together and it is SO darn cute.
No Bailee, Stay Bailee, Down Bailee, Help Please, More Please, Share Toys, etc.
For a while you were calling Bailee "Bay-eee" which I thought was pretty good. All of a sudden we realized you were calling her "Bee-ya" . It's really cute and endearing.
You also have started to attempt "I love you". I try to have you repeat me word for word. You now repeat "I" and then you say "buv-ewwwwwwwwwwwww"which is close enough to love you for me.
You have also entered that stage. You know the one...the MINE, the ME, the MY TOY. We are working hard at this and you are very willing to share when we remind you.
You love to look at books. You tell me every night which book you want to look at and which ones are not the right ones for that particular nap/night.
You love your bath, fishes, being outside, "num-nums" (meals) and Elmo. You also know Dora the Explorer. You have your Teddy. He is very important. He could solve all the world problems I'm sure of it. But we have to remind you that he sleeps in your crib during the day. You get to hold him while we read books at night time and before naps and you love to hold him up to your face or your ear. You almost look like you are holding Teddy to your ear as if he is a telephone. Teddy smells like little boy saliva to me, but it melts my heart that you have a best friend with you all night long.
You are so passionate about drinking. Weather it is milk (milp) or water-you drink so fast and furious you are have to stop drinking to take a few deep breaths-as if you just ran a marathon. It makes my heart pitter patter when you are gulping with love and passion as if you have never been so thirsty in your life. Another passion I can't seem to encourage you to let go of is your nuk. I know it's the best thing for you but my heart also pitter patters for you when I see your nuk bobbling up and down in your mouth from your passionate sucking. You don't need it for nap but you ask for it at night time. In the middle of the night when I check on you, you still have it in your mouth and I just love that I can see how comforting it is for you. it makes me so sad to think of taking something away from you that you want but I know it's best for you. It's something we'll be working on in the coming months.
You are also a great cleaner-upper. You put away all your cars and books at the end of the night. You also find any tissue, toilet paper, or towel to help clean the floor even when it's sparkling. This is a skill I never want you to forget.
You don't have a specific favorite food. You like almost everything. You specifically love berries of any kind and also veggies. You eat those off your plate before you work on the main entree. You are not much interested in toast or grilled cheese but you will eat a scrambled egg or a homemade soup. You love cereal, your daily vitamin and pretzels.
I love how independent you are. But I hate the fits you are throwing. I know you just want what you want. But I also know (and only from experience) which things would be best for you. There is Independence and then there is being too big for your britches. It is my role to teach you the importance between the two. I want to let you learn but I want to catch you before you skin your knee too deep. It's hard for a parent and I don't expect you to understand until you are in my shoes one day.
I wish I could draw you a picture or tell you the right words to show you how much I love and adore you. I can't imagine or remember what life is without you. You are my son, best bud, most fun playmate and my passion in life. I need you to stay healthy, continue growing and learning and to be as happy as any boy could be. I am not going to buy you a pony, or take you to Disney World next week. I'm going to rock you and cuddle you when you need it. I am going to read to you every chance I can get. I will dance like a fool to see your smile. I will wash your face and hands after every meal. I will show you off with pride and giggle with you every single day.
I love you bubs. Don't ever stop being you.
Love,
Mama
 |
| This boy is IN LOVE with trains |
 |
| pure joy on his face |
 |
| I love that this shot captured a "moment" between you and me bubs! |
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Thought for the day...
Someone sent me this quote today.....
Why can't I get myself, or commit myself to believing this at the right time? I worry every day. It's aging me.
Remember, today is the tomorrow you worried about yesterday.
Dale Carnegie
Why can't I get myself, or commit myself to believing this at the right time? I worry every day. It's aging me.
Bubbles, Bubbles
Hey all y'all moms!!!!! Have you seen this book?
Bubbles, Bubbles by Kathi Appelt with pictures by Fumi Kosaka.
At Christmas Elijah opened a gift with a fake to: from: tag on it. It was to Eli from Santa. But really Charley told me that it was silly because it really was from Henry. Evidently (per Charley) Henry had 2 of these books. How nice of Henry to share. Little did we know...this would become a nightly ritual for us. We read this particular book every single night. Eli asks for it. It's so darn cute, I don't mind reading it twice in one night.
It's a rhymer. And I love hearing the difference between how I read it and how Andy reads it to him. I love the pictures too. The plot: A dirty boy getting in his bubble filled tub with his friends: Ducky and Froggy. Here are a few of my favorite experts (I triple dog dare you to read this out loud and tell me you didn't smile!):
Dirty fingers, dirty toes,
dirty shoulders, dirty nose.
All my dirty deeds are done.
Time to have some bubble fun.
Bubbles, bubbles in the tubbles,
splishy, splashy, splooshy scrubbles.
Glimmer, glitter through the air.
Bubbles, bubbles everywhere.
Scrub the tummy, scub the knees,
scrub the elbows if you please.
Bubbles on my shinny shin.
Shazaam! They're on my chinny chin.
Rubba-dubba pink shampoo,
make a scary, hairy do.
Bubble moustache, bubble wishes-
blow a million soapy kisses.
Squeaky Ducky leaky frog,
everybody's waterlogged.
Flippy flappy, slippy slosh-
what a fishy, wishy wash!
Dry the tootsies, dry the mop.
Squeaky clean from tush to top.
All the water's disappeared-
raise a scrubbly, tubbly cheer.
Flannel bottoms, flannel shirt-
Good-bye bubbles, good-bye dirt.
Well I almost just gave you the whole book but there are a few pages I didn't share. I can't wait for Mr. Eli to start reciting the pages with me.
Bubbles, Bubbles by Kathi Appelt with pictures by Fumi Kosaka.
Cutest book ever...YES EVER!
At Christmas Elijah opened a gift with a fake to: from: tag on it. It was to Eli from Santa. But really Charley told me that it was silly because it really was from Henry. Evidently (per Charley) Henry had 2 of these books. How nice of Henry to share. Little did we know...this would become a nightly ritual for us. We read this particular book every single night. Eli asks for it. It's so darn cute, I don't mind reading it twice in one night.
It's a rhymer. And I love hearing the difference between how I read it and how Andy reads it to him. I love the pictures too. The plot: A dirty boy getting in his bubble filled tub with his friends: Ducky and Froggy. Here are a few of my favorite experts (I triple dog dare you to read this out loud and tell me you didn't smile!):
Dirty fingers, dirty toes,
dirty shoulders, dirty nose.
All my dirty deeds are done.
Time to have some bubble fun.
Bubbles, bubbles in the tubbles,
splishy, splashy, splooshy scrubbles.
Glimmer, glitter through the air.
Bubbles, bubbles everywhere.
Scrub the tummy, scub the knees,
scrub the elbows if you please.
Bubbles on my shinny shin.
Shazaam! They're on my chinny chin.
Rubba-dubba pink shampoo,
make a scary, hairy do.
Bubble moustache, bubble wishes-
blow a million soapy kisses.
Squeaky Ducky leaky frog,
everybody's waterlogged.
Flippy flappy, slippy slosh-
what a fishy, wishy wash!
Dry the tootsies, dry the mop.
Squeaky clean from tush to top.
All the water's disappeared-
raise a scrubbly, tubbly cheer.
Flannel bottoms, flannel shirt-
Good-bye bubbles, good-bye dirt.
Well I almost just gave you the whole book but there are a few pages I didn't share. I can't wait for Mr. Eli to start reciting the pages with me.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
tonigzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
Every day when I'm at work and the clock strikes 2 pm I start to imagine walking out the door and heading home. My commute is not bad. I usually get home within 15 minutes after my cold walk to the car. I start thinking about what to have for dinner (ok let's be honest, I start planning that around 7:30am). I start thinking about what else I will do and I gauge my energy level. I used to feel really sleepy around 2 pm but lately I have felt energy all the way till the end of the day. I plan what part of the house I will tidy up. I figure out if there is something else that needs to be done and then....I daydream about what I will do with my "me time". This is the 2-3 hours after Eli goes to sleep and when I am done being the responsible mom, wife, employee etc. Sometimes I plan to watch a tv show, read my book, take a bath, but usually,....almost every day I can actually picture myself BLOGGING. Blogging in bed. At the dining room table. On the floor while I'm folding laundry. Inevitably...something always comes up. And if you don't believe that excuse maybe you'll believe this one. I just get too tired. I have 14 different blog posts crammed into my little brain. Ready to explode. Ready to be descriptive, imaginative, colorful, passionate
and
then
all I want to do is lay in my bed. Booooooooooooo! What a boring mom, employee, friend, sister, wife. Get under the covers and forget the keyboard. So here I am. Taking the time to complain and describe how I don't have the energy to blog about the things I want to. Ironic? Lazy? Ridiculous?
Just know that I think about you (Talking to "YOU" blog-not all you readers) all day but can't force myself to get at you every day. There is oh-so much I want to type, write, explain, complain, document etc etc etc.
and who likes to read a blog post without a fun picture?
and
then
all I want to do is lay in my bed. Booooooooooooo! What a boring mom, employee, friend, sister, wife. Get under the covers and forget the keyboard. So here I am. Taking the time to complain and describe how I don't have the energy to blog about the things I want to. Ironic? Lazy? Ridiculous?
Just know that I think about you (Talking to "YOU" blog-not all you readers) all day but can't force myself to get at you every day. There is oh-so much I want to type, write, explain, complain, document etc etc etc.
and who likes to read a blog post without a fun picture?
Sunday, March 6, 2011
I pulled a fast one on him...
I finally had the chance to surprise Andy. About 1 week after his actual birthday I had family and friends over to SURPRISE the pants off him. We didn't get a good shot of him being surprised because unfortunately even though he was really surprised, he didn't react in any glamorous way. But he was happy and the night was amazing. There was fun and smiles all around.
I hung up a few "questionnaire" which people were to fill out throughout the night. Just wanted to share some of the answers.
Describe Andy in 1 word:
Dancer
Awesome
Funny!!!
Legendary
Great
CAT
Incredible
FUN!!!
Pungent
Best
Exuberant
Loving
Andyman
One of a kind
"Give Andy some advice...what should he do in/with his next 30 years?"
Vegas
Enjoy being a great husband and father
Love your wife & kids and don't forget your parents and brothers and sisters
Listen to live music
Live it up and visit your sisters more
play games, laugh, smile and be RR's bestest!
Have another child...
keep drinking
So it's time he get started on that list I think!
Here are a few shots from the party.
I hung up a few "questionnaire" which people were to fill out throughout the night. Just wanted to share some of the answers.
Describe Andy in 1 word:
Dancer
Awesome
Funny!!!
Legendary
Great
CAT
Incredible
FUN!!!
Pungent
Best
Exuberant
Loving
Andyman
One of a kind
"Give Andy some advice...what should he do in/with his next 30 years?"
Vegas
Enjoy being a great husband and father
Love your wife & kids and don't forget your parents and brothers and sisters
Listen to live music
Live it up and visit your sisters more
play games, laugh, smile and be RR's bestest!
Have another child...
keep drinking
So it's time he get started on that list I think!
Here are a few shots from the party.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
The new gal in my life....
Andy, Eli and I finally had a chance to meet our new niece/cousin. We fell in love. We got to oooooh and ahhhhh over her. Changed a diaper. Rocked and held while she slept. Took pictures. Waited while she ate...and ate....and ate. Shes a GREAT eater. And she slept too. She also likes to toot which I think is great because she'll fit right in with big brothers!
We also spent time with Charley and Henry. Andy and Eli played and played and played with those boys-in the basement, in the snow, with the wii, with the balls etc etc. Here are some shots for the weekend. I know there is a lot but I HAVE to share!
We also spent time with Charley and Henry. Andy and Eli played and played and played with those boys-in the basement, in the snow, with the wii, with the balls etc etc. Here are some shots for the weekend. I know there is a lot but I HAVE to share!
 |
| There is always a lot of romping with Uncle Andy |
 |
| Aunt Sarah and cousins have so many fun "Thomas!" toys |
 |
| Meanwhile these big boys like Star Wars toys |
 |
| She's a natural (yes I'm talking about....well both!) |
 |
| Lego heaven |
 |
| Charley and Henry tried hard to make Syd happy. |
 |
| Look hard---Eli is "searching for his ball". Look harder-wayyyyy in the background is that special little girl. Laid back and swingin' |
 |
| Caught the dimples! |
 |
| Eli can say "Babeeeee" really well. |
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