Last weekend I received the best compliment ever. Or at least the best compliment I remember.
We had driven up to Boone for the day to see Josh's family, many of whom we hadn't seen for about a year and half or so. They had all flown or driven to NC for the holiday and had extended their stay so that we could visit them on our first day off.
Josh's grandfather, Robert, is a sweet guy. He's older. I mean, he's a great grandpa after all. And interestingly he can do a perfect impersonation of Donald Duck.
But Josh's grandfather comes up to me, hugs me, and tells me that I just keep getting prettier. Maybe it was because I wasn't feeling particularly pretty. I mean, who does after an hour and half car ride with 2 babies? And after two years of pregnancies and losing weight and gaining weight and not even feeling like I'm living in MY body, there aren't a lot of random compliments out there. So any compliment I get these days feels kinda special.
But something about just struck me as so super sweet. And he may well have greeted all of the females in the family that he hadn't seen in awhile that way. I dunno. Either way. Something about it just made me grin. And even now, days later, I appreciate it.
Once you have kids you get used to not being the one people compliment. Not that you don't necessarily look good. But little people are so much cuter! So sometimes its a rare kind word that just really makes your day. So really, best compliment. Ever.
:-)
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
The Season for Giving
I have always loved Christmas. I loved all of my family's little traditions and holiday festivities. I looked forward to the holiday, not just for the presents, but for the time spent with family and being together. And of course the fabulous food!
Now that I have kids, I look forward to Christmas even more. I remember how excited my mom was about Christmas and I totally get it now. Picking out gifts for the kids and wrapping them and waiting a month (or two in my case!) for them to open them. Getting to see their excitement and wonder. It is just so much fun!
I was so excited about Christmas and so worried that I would be overwhelmed with other things that I did pretty much all of my Christmas shopping early. That worked out pretty well because there's no way that I could have time and brain power to do all that now.
Now that Elly is really, REALLY crawling I am ready to pull my hair out. She is into everything. I'm not sure what the difference is for her mentally between her scooting around on her butt and getting into stuff and crawling across the floor to get into stuff. But either way, when she was scooting around the living room she would get out toys that she found but she wasn't getting into much. Now it is IMPOSSIBLE to keep up with her. She's crawling down the hall and following me around the house. She's trying to climb the Christmas tree, pulling out all of my baking pans and tupperware, rearranging the kitchen furniture, dragging bath towels into the living room, pinning Evie down to steal HER toys...it's insane.
I'm loving her mobility. Not so much her new found love for destruction and danger. I guess she tries to make up for it by crawling into my lap and laying her head on my knee. That just melts my heart! It's too precious.
Either way, I'm really glad that I did all the Christmas shopping last month. I am, however, having a REALLY hard time not buying them four or five more things. I am getting ONE more thing for each of them. Because I had never really found anything that I was just in love with giving them from Santa. But now I have. So one more purchase. And of course stocking stuffers. But I've already got a decent list made for those so I'm not worried.
But I absolutely love giving gifts. If I were rich I would buy extravagant things for everyone I know. Since I'm not rich, I'm having a hard time not spoiling my kids rotten and ruining our finances. It's so hard! Especially since Evie is old enough to want things and enjoy getting stuff without being so old that she's asking for 14000 things and driving me insane about it.
When I was growing up we always got one thing from Santa and our stockings. The stockings were gifts to keep us busy until my parents got up and the present was usually one medium sized or priced item that we had really wanted. The biggest and best gifts always came from my parents. So I never had this expectation that Santa was this magical person who got me extravagant gifts just because I asked for them. He was magical, sure. And he got me cool presents, sure. But I recognized that my parents BOUGHT me the really cool stuff with money they had worked hard to earn. I really like that idea. So that's what I plan to continue on with my children.
So Evie has figured out the one thing that she NEEDS from Santa. It's so precious. We saw a commercial for the princess dolls last night and she comes up and climbs in my lap.
"Momma, Evie NEED princess. Sissy need too!"
"Well, baby, maybe you should ask for one from Santa."
"Yes, yes Momma. Need princess."
She has since specified that the Rapunzel doll is her favorite. And that Sissy wants Snow White. Though in all honesty, I like the Belle one better so it just depends on what's available. Because now that my sweet daughter has decided that she and her little sister NEED this doll, of course they're all sold out. *sigh*
So now I will spend my time stalking the Disney website. Yep. I'm one of THOSE parents now. haha.
But I'm so excited for Christmas. Even if my kids are trying to pull all my ornaments off my tree and chew on the packages. Ah well! Tis the season, right?
Now that I have kids, I look forward to Christmas even more. I remember how excited my mom was about Christmas and I totally get it now. Picking out gifts for the kids and wrapping them and waiting a month (or two in my case!) for them to open them. Getting to see their excitement and wonder. It is just so much fun!
I was so excited about Christmas and so worried that I would be overwhelmed with other things that I did pretty much all of my Christmas shopping early. That worked out pretty well because there's no way that I could have time and brain power to do all that now.
Now that Elly is really, REALLY crawling I am ready to pull my hair out. She is into everything. I'm not sure what the difference is for her mentally between her scooting around on her butt and getting into stuff and crawling across the floor to get into stuff. But either way, when she was scooting around the living room she would get out toys that she found but she wasn't getting into much. Now it is IMPOSSIBLE to keep up with her. She's crawling down the hall and following me around the house. She's trying to climb the Christmas tree, pulling out all of my baking pans and tupperware, rearranging the kitchen furniture, dragging bath towels into the living room, pinning Evie down to steal HER toys...it's insane.
I'm loving her mobility. Not so much her new found love for destruction and danger. I guess she tries to make up for it by crawling into my lap and laying her head on my knee. That just melts my heart! It's too precious.
Either way, I'm really glad that I did all the Christmas shopping last month. I am, however, having a REALLY hard time not buying them four or five more things. I am getting ONE more thing for each of them. Because I had never really found anything that I was just in love with giving them from Santa. But now I have. So one more purchase. And of course stocking stuffers. But I've already got a decent list made for those so I'm not worried.
But I absolutely love giving gifts. If I were rich I would buy extravagant things for everyone I know. Since I'm not rich, I'm having a hard time not spoiling my kids rotten and ruining our finances. It's so hard! Especially since Evie is old enough to want things and enjoy getting stuff without being so old that she's asking for 14000 things and driving me insane about it.
When I was growing up we always got one thing from Santa and our stockings. The stockings were gifts to keep us busy until my parents got up and the present was usually one medium sized or priced item that we had really wanted. The biggest and best gifts always came from my parents. So I never had this expectation that Santa was this magical person who got me extravagant gifts just because I asked for them. He was magical, sure. And he got me cool presents, sure. But I recognized that my parents BOUGHT me the really cool stuff with money they had worked hard to earn. I really like that idea. So that's what I plan to continue on with my children.
So Evie has figured out the one thing that she NEEDS from Santa. It's so precious. We saw a commercial for the princess dolls last night and she comes up and climbs in my lap.
"Momma, Evie NEED princess. Sissy need too!"
"Well, baby, maybe you should ask for one from Santa."
"Yes, yes Momma. Need princess."
She has since specified that the Rapunzel doll is her favorite. And that Sissy wants Snow White. Though in all honesty, I like the Belle one better so it just depends on what's available. Because now that my sweet daughter has decided that she and her little sister NEED this doll, of course they're all sold out. *sigh*
So now I will spend my time stalking the Disney website. Yep. I'm one of THOSE parents now. haha.
But I'm so excited for Christmas. Even if my kids are trying to pull all my ornaments off my tree and chew on the packages. Ah well! Tis the season, right?
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Happy Thanksgiving!!
Sitting here thinking, I'm trying to come up with something astounding and philosophical and beautiful to write. Something to really express the depth of gratitude and how overwhelmingly humbled I am by the multitude of things I have to be thankful for.
My two beautiful healthy little girls. Who both astound me on a daily basis. Each of them grows and changes so much. They're such wonderful and special little people. I am just amazed that I helped make them. That they're MY children. That I am THEIR mother. It's just mind blowing at times.
My job. Which I am so fortunate to have in these tough economic times. And even more fortunate that is a job that I absolutely love and which allows me to help others and give back to the community.
My house. Which isn't the biggest, newest or nicest. It's got a lot of "quirks" and "personality." But we've put a lot of time and work into it and made it our home. It keeps us warm and dry in the winter and cool in the summer. It's where my babies are growing up and becoming little girls.
My family. My friends. Who support me and love me, regardless of my flaws and faults. They laugh with me, cry with me. Listen when I need it. Give advice and condolences and help.
My husband. Who tolerates all of my quirks and my personality. Helps me out with the house and works as hard as he can to provide for us.
My co-workers. My health. My food and my clothes and my everything. I am just so blessed! And so thankful!
I hope everyone has a safe and happy and wonderful Thanksgiving!
My two beautiful healthy little girls. Who both astound me on a daily basis. Each of them grows and changes so much. They're such wonderful and special little people. I am just amazed that I helped make them. That they're MY children. That I am THEIR mother. It's just mind blowing at times.
My job. Which I am so fortunate to have in these tough economic times. And even more fortunate that is a job that I absolutely love and which allows me to help others and give back to the community.
My house. Which isn't the biggest, newest or nicest. It's got a lot of "quirks" and "personality." But we've put a lot of time and work into it and made it our home. It keeps us warm and dry in the winter and cool in the summer. It's where my babies are growing up and becoming little girls.
My family. My friends. Who support me and love me, regardless of my flaws and faults. They laugh with me, cry with me. Listen when I need it. Give advice and condolences and help.
My husband. Who tolerates all of my quirks and my personality. Helps me out with the house and works as hard as he can to provide for us.
My co-workers. My health. My food and my clothes and my everything. I am just so blessed! And so thankful!
I hope everyone has a safe and happy and wonderful Thanksgiving!
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Why I loved Breaking Dawn
I was a late comer to the Twilight craziness. Not as late as some people. I did catch on before the first movie came out. But only after I made fun of other people for being so excited about some dumb vampire movie. Don't get me wrong. I don't have anything against vampires. Especially not when they're played by really hot British actors. But from what I had heard about the Twilight books they were just mushy teenage love drama. Nothing really worth reading.
Sometime before the first movie came out, but after it had a release date, my mom told me that the books were actually pretty good. Somehow or other she convinced me to give them a try. And I was hooked. Granted a lot of the book is mushy teenage drama. But it's well written. And hey, I'm not so old that I don't appreciate a cute love story.
I ended up buying all four books because I couldn't wait for the library to get them all in. I went to see Twilight in theaters and was thrilled.
I love the books. I have read them all several times and of course own all the movies that are already released. The movies are great adaptations from the books.
So why am I a Twilight fan?
Well, the story is cute and compelling. No really! The main character is a teenager who doesn't really fit in and doesn't really belong anywhere. I think all teenagers face that quandary at some point. It is after all the teenage struggle. Who am I and where do I belong? It's what you spend those tumultuous years between 15 and 18 figuring out. And in the midst of the sexy vampires and drool-worthy werewolves...that's what Twilight is really about. Bella figuring out who she is and where she belongs.
There is also a really precious love story. It's completely beyond belief of course. But it's nice to lose yourself in the fiction and laugh and cry with the characters.
And although I love all four books and all the movies (so far), Breaking Dawn is definitely my favorite. In Breaking Dawn, Bella and Edward get married. And Bella has a baby. She grows up and goes through a lot of grown up things all at once.
As a mother, I loved watching Bella evolve as she finds out that she's pregnant and fights against all of her family and even her beloved Edward to have her baby. I know how it feels to have your priorities just CHANGE. From seeing a plus sign on a stick to holding that baby for the very first time. As a mom, you do a lot of emotional growing up while your belly does all that growing out. Feeling that little person move and kick. Hearing their heart beat. Knowing even before they have taken a single breath that you would give your life in an instant for them. It's a tumultuous period for a woman.
I felt like the directors and producers did a great job transitioning the written word onto the screen. When a story is told first-person like the Twilight Saga, it is a challenge to make some of the most powerful sections of the book into something visual for the screen. Especially without devolving into a lot of monologue. It also takes some pretty decent acting. Breaking Dawn was just really well done!
The wedding was gorgeous. Renesmee looked exactly how I wanted her to look. The honeymoon was adorable. The pregnancy was horrific and touching. I simply loved it!
And now of course, we have to wait a whole YEAR for the next one. Grr...
Sometime before the first movie came out, but after it had a release date, my mom told me that the books were actually pretty good. Somehow or other she convinced me to give them a try. And I was hooked. Granted a lot of the book is mushy teenage drama. But it's well written. And hey, I'm not so old that I don't appreciate a cute love story.
I ended up buying all four books because I couldn't wait for the library to get them all in. I went to see Twilight in theaters and was thrilled.
I love the books. I have read them all several times and of course own all the movies that are already released. The movies are great adaptations from the books.
So why am I a Twilight fan?
Well, the story is cute and compelling. No really! The main character is a teenager who doesn't really fit in and doesn't really belong anywhere. I think all teenagers face that quandary at some point. It is after all the teenage struggle. Who am I and where do I belong? It's what you spend those tumultuous years between 15 and 18 figuring out. And in the midst of the sexy vampires and drool-worthy werewolves...that's what Twilight is really about. Bella figuring out who she is and where she belongs.
There is also a really precious love story. It's completely beyond belief of course. But it's nice to lose yourself in the fiction and laugh and cry with the characters.
And although I love all four books and all the movies (so far), Breaking Dawn is definitely my favorite. In Breaking Dawn, Bella and Edward get married. And Bella has a baby. She grows up and goes through a lot of grown up things all at once.
As a mother, I loved watching Bella evolve as she finds out that she's pregnant and fights against all of her family and even her beloved Edward to have her baby. I know how it feels to have your priorities just CHANGE. From seeing a plus sign on a stick to holding that baby for the very first time. As a mom, you do a lot of emotional growing up while your belly does all that growing out. Feeling that little person move and kick. Hearing their heart beat. Knowing even before they have taken a single breath that you would give your life in an instant for them. It's a tumultuous period for a woman.
I felt like the directors and producers did a great job transitioning the written word onto the screen. When a story is told first-person like the Twilight Saga, it is a challenge to make some of the most powerful sections of the book into something visual for the screen. Especially without devolving into a lot of monologue. It also takes some pretty decent acting. Breaking Dawn was just really well done!
The wedding was gorgeous. Renesmee looked exactly how I wanted her to look. The honeymoon was adorable. The pregnancy was horrific and touching. I simply loved it!
And now of course, we have to wait a whole YEAR for the next one. Grr...
What. A. Day.
Yesterday was an awful day.
Honestly. Like God awful. Terrible. It was such a crazy busy day at work that I spent the day feeling like I was drowning in calls. I was so exhausted when I got home.
I was really hoping that today would be better but no such luck.
I am in dire need of a hug.
And a cookie.
And a glass of wine.
Wait. Make that two glasses of wine.
The holidays bring out the worst in people. Just ask anyone in the emergency services or health care field. I'm sure hospitals experience the same amount of craziness that we do. It's crazy! So tomorrow is going to be so much worse.
I am planning on posting tomorrow, but if things are bad then this may be the last you hear from me. Well, until after the holiday.
I will be working tomorrow. Then our Thanksgiving will be on Friday. Then on Saturday my little family is driving to Boone to spend some time with my husband's family. We will be coming back Saturday night. But then we'll spend all day Sunday recuperating and it'll be back to work Monday!
Everyone be safe this weekend! Try to be nice on Friday!
Honestly. Like God awful. Terrible. It was such a crazy busy day at work that I spent the day feeling like I was drowning in calls. I was so exhausted when I got home.
I was really hoping that today would be better but no such luck.
I am in dire need of a hug.
And a cookie.
And a glass of wine.
Wait. Make that two glasses of wine.
The holidays bring out the worst in people. Just ask anyone in the emergency services or health care field. I'm sure hospitals experience the same amount of craziness that we do. It's crazy! So tomorrow is going to be so much worse.
I am planning on posting tomorrow, but if things are bad then this may be the last you hear from me. Well, until after the holiday.
I will be working tomorrow. Then our Thanksgiving will be on Friday. Then on Saturday my little family is driving to Boone to spend some time with my husband's family. We will be coming back Saturday night. But then we'll spend all day Sunday recuperating and it'll be back to work Monday!
Everyone be safe this weekend! Try to be nice on Friday!
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