Day 130
Today I went back to the gym! My knee still hurts but I am so tired of sitting on my butt that I had to do something. It felt so great to get back into it and to break a sweat! Going back today and hopefully I will feel even better today than I did yesterday!
Thursday, March 6, 2014
Wednesday, March 5, 2014
...Ash Wednesday
Day 129
Today is Ash Wednesday. I am so thankful for the fact that I get to attend Mass on this day and not be penalized at work for it. It is also nice to be able to attend Mass with my kids and watch them get their ashes. I love that the whole process is scheduled into our regular day.
Today is Ash Wednesday. I am so thankful for the fact that I get to attend Mass on this day and not be penalized at work for it. It is also nice to be able to attend Mass with my kids and watch them get their ashes. I love that the whole process is scheduled into our regular day.
Tuesday, March 4, 2014
...Fun Days at Work
Day 128
Today was just one of those days that I was constantly surprised. It was a fun day and those days are always the best days at work.
We had a student that downloaded a picture of our school blog of a teacher. She then had that picture put on her cell phone case! Really? It was such an odd thing to do. She actually doesn't even have this teacher so that made it even weirder. When we called her parents, they actually knew she had done AND had paid for it! What is wrong with people?!?
We also had a situation where a parent was upset about something and posted it on facebook. The teacher was told about it and so the teacher got the lady's phone number and called her. I don't think she had any idea that the teacher would see it but also that the teacher would call her!! It was fun to listen to the conversation and entertaining.
Working at a school you never know what may happen!
Today was just one of those days that I was constantly surprised. It was a fun day and those days are always the best days at work.
We had a student that downloaded a picture of our school blog of a teacher. She then had that picture put on her cell phone case! Really? It was such an odd thing to do. She actually doesn't even have this teacher so that made it even weirder. When we called her parents, they actually knew she had done AND had paid for it! What is wrong with people?!?
We also had a situation where a parent was upset about something and posted it on facebook. The teacher was told about it and so the teacher got the lady's phone number and called her. I don't think she had any idea that the teacher would see it but also that the teacher would call her!! It was fun to listen to the conversation and entertaining.
Working at a school you never know what may happen!
Monday, March 3, 2014
...Great Friends
Day 127
It is so nice to have great friends that look out for you. I am especially thankful for a few particular friends today. I wouldn't say that I am actively looking for a new job but it is definitely in the back of my mind at all times because of our current work situation. Danny would LOVE for me to get a job at the University of Alabama. He is practically obsessed with the idea.
A friend of mine that I work with sent me a message over the weekend telling me about a job opportunity working with her husband at the university. The job posting had actually closed but while they were talking about it they thought of me. He suggested I send him my resume and a cover letter and he would see what he could do about getting it through HR. It is great to know that I have friends that think of me.
It is so nice to have great friends that look out for you. I am especially thankful for a few particular friends today. I wouldn't say that I am actively looking for a new job but it is definitely in the back of my mind at all times because of our current work situation. Danny would LOVE for me to get a job at the University of Alabama. He is practically obsessed with the idea.
A friend of mine that I work with sent me a message over the weekend telling me about a job opportunity working with her husband at the university. The job posting had actually closed but while they were talking about it they thought of me. He suggested I send him my resume and a cover letter and he would see what he could do about getting it through HR. It is great to know that I have friends that think of me.
Sunday, March 2, 2014
...Breakfast in Bed
Day 126
I know I have already been thankful on this blog several times for my husband but I can't do it enough! Today I am thankful for him because he allows me to have extra time in bed almost every Sunday morning. He loves to get up and cook breakfast before church and he always brings me breakfast in bed. This morning he went a little above and beyond but it definitely put a smile on my face.
I know I have already been thankful on this blog several times for my husband but I can't do it enough! Today I am thankful for him because he allows me to have extra time in bed almost every Sunday morning. He loves to get up and cook breakfast before church and he always brings me breakfast in bed. This morning he went a little above and beyond but it definitely put a smile on my face.
Saturday, March 1, 2014
...Motivation
Day 125
I have a hard time getting motivated sometimes. Actually a lot of the time. Thankfully, today I had a little motivation and was able to get a couple of errands done that I have been putting off.
I have a hard time getting motivated sometimes. Actually a lot of the time. Thankfully, today I had a little motivation and was able to get a couple of errands done that I have been putting off.
Friday, February 28, 2014
...Job Flexibility
Day 124
Yesterday I was thankful for living close to work and today I am thankful for a job that is flexible. I wasn't feeling well yesterday and this morning I still wasn't feeling that great. I sent a text to my boss that I would be late and she said to take my time. I came in late and I wasn't worried at all because my job is flexible. A lot of jobs just aren't like that so I am very thankful for the flexibility.
Yesterday I was thankful for living close to work and today I am thankful for a job that is flexible. I wasn't feeling well yesterday and this morning I still wasn't feeling that great. I sent a text to my boss that I would be late and she said to take my time. I came in late and I wasn't worried at all because my job is flexible. A lot of jobs just aren't like that so I am very thankful for the flexibility.
Thursday, February 27, 2014
...Living Close to Work
Day 123
Today I am thankful that I live close to work. I have not been feeling good and living so close allows me the opportunity to go home for a little bit and rest or get medicine. Sometimes, I leave things at home and I have to go pick them up and I love how convenient it is.
Today I am thankful that I live close to work. I have not been feeling good and living so close allows me the opportunity to go home for a little bit and rest or get medicine. Sometimes, I leave things at home and I have to go pick them up and I love how convenient it is.
Wednesday, February 26, 2014
...Soccer Season
Day 122
Mindy started playing soccer when she was five and Mason started when he was 3. I have been a "Soccer Mom" for almost 5 years now and I love every minute of it. When I was growing up I always imagined myself driving my kids around to all of their sporting events in my mini van. I don't have a mini van but we do just fine with my little Honda.
The thing about soccer is that I have no idea if they are really good or really bad so the games don't stress me out. I love sitting and talking to the other moms and I feel like it is my time to chill out. I don't like the temperatures during soccer season though. Last night was our first practice for the spring season and it was 48 degrees outside. There weren't enough clothes, gloves and blankets to keep me warm!
I am thankful for soccer season because it gets my kids outside and exercising and it gets me outside too. I don't really enjoy being outside. I'm more of an inside girl but soccer season gets me outdoors and in the sun and I love it.
Mindy started playing soccer when she was five and Mason started when he was 3. I have been a "Soccer Mom" for almost 5 years now and I love every minute of it. When I was growing up I always imagined myself driving my kids around to all of their sporting events in my mini van. I don't have a mini van but we do just fine with my little Honda.
The thing about soccer is that I have no idea if they are really good or really bad so the games don't stress me out. I love sitting and talking to the other moms and I feel like it is my time to chill out. I don't like the temperatures during soccer season though. Last night was our first practice for the spring season and it was 48 degrees outside. There weren't enough clothes, gloves and blankets to keep me warm!
I am thankful for soccer season because it gets my kids outside and exercising and it gets me outside too. I don't really enjoy being outside. I'm more of an inside girl but soccer season gets me outdoors and in the sun and I love it.
Tuesday, February 25, 2014
...My New Knee Brace
Day 121
Last week when I went back to the knee doctor I completely broke down in tears because I really don't feel like the surgery worked. In fact, I feel like my knee is worse now. The doctor suggested we try this knee brace to see if that would relieve some of the pain and help it to heal better so I said ok. They measured me for it because it is a custom made brace and I went and picked it up today. I really felt like it might help because I felt like I was walking better with it while I was there. Of course, on the way to my car, my knee started acting up again so who knows. I am going to give it a month and then re-evaluate.
Last week when I went back to the knee doctor I completely broke down in tears because I really don't feel like the surgery worked. In fact, I feel like my knee is worse now. The doctor suggested we try this knee brace to see if that would relieve some of the pain and help it to heal better so I said ok. They measured me for it because it is a custom made brace and I went and picked it up today. I really felt like it might help because I felt like I was walking better with it while I was there. Of course, on the way to my car, my knee started acting up again so who knows. I am going to give it a month and then re-evaluate.
Monday, February 24, 2014
...Mindless Reading Material
Day 120
The other day my husband brought a magazine home from work. One of the girls that works with him had purchased it but had left it at work by accident so he brought it home for me to read that night. This was the magazine:
It was so excited about it and I read the whole thing. Of course it was the National Enquirer so you can only believe about 10% of what it said but it was very entertaining and I didn't really have to think while I read it. I enjoy reading and most of what I read is complicated and you have to store information in your head throughout the book so you know what is going on. I love those books but sometimes it is nice to have some mindless reading material.
The other day my husband brought a magazine home from work. One of the girls that works with him had purchased it but had left it at work by accident so he brought it home for me to read that night. This was the magazine:
Sunday, February 23, 2014
...Legos
Day 119
Legos. That's what I am thankful for today. I'm not so thankful for them in the middle of the night when I step on them but during the day they definitely keep Mason busy enough that I don't feel like he needs to be watched over every second. Now that I have color coded bins for his Legos it makes things even easier.
Legos. That's what I am thankful for today. I'm not so thankful for them in the middle of the night when I step on them but during the day they definitely keep Mason busy enough that I don't feel like he needs to be watched over every second. Now that I have color coded bins for his Legos it makes things even easier.
Saturday, February 22, 2014
...Father/Daughter Dance
Day 118
Tonight was the annual Father/Daughter Dance at the church. When Mindy was in Kindergarten, Danny was pretty excited about this even though he doesn't dance. But in the years since, he seems to dread it more and more. I think he doesn't like it because he doesn't like to dance. He can't dance actually so it makes him a little uncomfortable. But he has made friends over the years especially as the kids get older. Anyway, I enjoy this event too because I love to get my daughter all dressed up especially since she doesn't like to do that much anymore. I love taking pictures of the two of them together and I also love the Mommy/Mason time that I get.
Tonight was the annual Father/Daughter Dance at the church. When Mindy was in Kindergarten, Danny was pretty excited about this even though he doesn't dance. But in the years since, he seems to dread it more and more. I think he doesn't like it because he doesn't like to dance. He can't dance actually so it makes him a little uncomfortable. But he has made friends over the years especially as the kids get older. Anyway, I enjoy this event too because I love to get my daughter all dressed up especially since she doesn't like to do that much anymore. I love taking pictures of the two of them together and I also love the Mommy/Mason time that I get.
Friday, February 21, 2014
...Power
Day 117
Now that I am at day 117, I may end up repeating some things that I am thankful for. But there is nothing wrong with being EXTRA thankful for something, right?
I can't remember if I have done this one or not but today I am thankful for POWER! We had a pretty big storm system come through last night and there was actually some tornado concern for a small bit of time. I know. Snow last week, tornados this week. I live in Alabama. What can I say? Anyway, the storm was hitting us pretty bad and the wind is what actually causes us a lot of concern so it gets very noisy at our house. The power went out about 10:30pm.
My husband doesn't sleep well when it storms and I don't sleep well when the power is out so it was a very restless night! The storms would get really bad and then it would almost stop raining completely. Then the wind would pick up again and then taper off. It was off and on like that until about 4am. Danny and I tried to sleep. I ended up getting up and using my flashlight to read my book because I was wide awake. Danny finally fell asleep and I turned out my flashlight. Mindy came in, we sent her back to bed. Mason came in, we sent him back to bed. Mason came back two more times and I finally set him up on the floor. My in-laws live next door and have a generator so at 4am I woke up because I heard the generator start up and then Danny's alarm went off at 5:45am. And guess what? Still no power! We got ready for school in the dark and went on and of course the power came back around 7:30am. Figures.
Now that I am at day 117, I may end up repeating some things that I am thankful for. But there is nothing wrong with being EXTRA thankful for something, right?
I can't remember if I have done this one or not but today I am thankful for POWER! We had a pretty big storm system come through last night and there was actually some tornado concern for a small bit of time. I know. Snow last week, tornados this week. I live in Alabama. What can I say? Anyway, the storm was hitting us pretty bad and the wind is what actually causes us a lot of concern so it gets very noisy at our house. The power went out about 10:30pm.
My husband doesn't sleep well when it storms and I don't sleep well when the power is out so it was a very restless night! The storms would get really bad and then it would almost stop raining completely. Then the wind would pick up again and then taper off. It was off and on like that until about 4am. Danny and I tried to sleep. I ended up getting up and using my flashlight to read my book because I was wide awake. Danny finally fell asleep and I turned out my flashlight. Mindy came in, we sent her back to bed. Mason came in, we sent him back to bed. Mason came back two more times and I finally set him up on the floor. My in-laws live next door and have a generator so at 4am I woke up because I heard the generator start up and then Danny's alarm went off at 5:45am. And guess what? Still no power! We got ready for school in the dark and went on and of course the power came back around 7:30am. Figures.
 |
| reading by flashlight at 2am |
Thursday, February 20, 2014
...School Masses
Day 116
Working at a Catholic school is great. The elementary school has Mass every Thursday and the middle/high school has Mass every Tuesday and at least once a month we come together and have a full campus Mass. Those are the Masses I really enjoy because all of us are gathered together in one room, preschoolers all the way up to seniors in high school. It is so great to see the little kids look up to the older ones and it is equally great to see the older kids look at the younger ones and influence them in a good way. Mason is in Kindergarten so he has a 6th grade "buddy" that sits with him at Mass every week to help him learn how to behave during Mass. He LOVES his buddy A.J..
The best part about the Mass at school is that every so often I get to watch my kids participate. Mindy has been a reader and has done songs with her class. This was Mason's first year to really get to participate and he was chosen as one of the gift carriers in our Catholic Schools Week Mass. Since this was a special Mass there were things other than the usual gifts that were brought to the front. He and his co-kindergartener Criss were chosen to represent service to our community so they carried food and a towel. He was extremely nervous but doesn't he look cute?
Working at a Catholic school is great. The elementary school has Mass every Thursday and the middle/high school has Mass every Tuesday and at least once a month we come together and have a full campus Mass. Those are the Masses I really enjoy because all of us are gathered together in one room, preschoolers all the way up to seniors in high school. It is so great to see the little kids look up to the older ones and it is equally great to see the older kids look at the younger ones and influence them in a good way. Mason is in Kindergarten so he has a 6th grade "buddy" that sits with him at Mass every week to help him learn how to behave during Mass. He LOVES his buddy A.J..
The best part about the Mass at school is that every so often I get to watch my kids participate. Mindy has been a reader and has done songs with her class. This was Mason's first year to really get to participate and he was chosen as one of the gift carriers in our Catholic Schools Week Mass. Since this was a special Mass there were things other than the usual gifts that were brought to the front. He and his co-kindergartener Criss were chosen to represent service to our community so they carried food and a towel. He was extremely nervous but doesn't he look cute?
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
...Insurance
Day 115
I don't say this often but today I am thankful for my insurance. My knee troubles aren't getting any better so the doctor wants to try a new brace on me. The problem is that brace is about $1,000. But today I got the phone call from the company that says insurance is going to cover $700. $300 is still a lot of money but it is manageable.
I don't say this often but today I am thankful for my insurance. My knee troubles aren't getting any better so the doctor wants to try a new brace on me. The problem is that brace is about $1,000. But today I got the phone call from the company that says insurance is going to cover $700. $300 is still a lot of money but it is manageable.
 |
| kind of what my brace will look like |
Tuesday, February 18, 2014
...Anniversaries
Day 114
Today I am thankful for my parents who have been married for 47 years today! These days 47 years is a really long time. I am extremely grateful for them and for the influence they have had on me and my marriage. Happy Anniversary!!
Today I am thankful for my parents who have been married for 47 years today! These days 47 years is a really long time. I am extremely grateful for them and for the influence they have had on me and my marriage. Happy Anniversary!!
Monday, February 17, 2014
Sunday, February 16, 2014
...Panda Express
Day 112
We just recently got a Panda Express. I have heard about this restaurant but I've never seen one in Alabama before. Naturally, we had to give it a try and it was good. It isn't my favorite Asian restaurant but I liked enough that I will eat it again. I had the fried rice, shrimp and teriyaki chicken. I didn't eat the chicken because it looked like dark chicken meat and that makes me gag. The shrimp was good and we have some of that orange colored shrimp sauce which made it even better.
Saturday, February 15, 2014
...Margaritas and Big Macs
Day 111
Last night my husband and I went out to eat at a Mexican restaurant. I used to drink a lot but as I've gotten older and had kids I have really backed off of that. But since it was Valentine's Day, I decided I would go crazy and get a "fish bowl" margarita. It was delicious! I loved it and I loved how it made me feel so relaxed and I enjoyed the evening.
That being said, the next morning, I wasn't as thankful for margaritas as I was the night before. So, to help curb that hangover feeling, I had a McDonald's Big Mac. There is something about having some grease the day after drinking that makes you feels so much better.
I don't really know which one I loved more but I am definitely thankful that both exist.
Last night my husband and I went out to eat at a Mexican restaurant. I used to drink a lot but as I've gotten older and had kids I have really backed off of that. But since it was Valentine's Day, I decided I would go crazy and get a "fish bowl" margarita. It was delicious! I loved it and I loved how it made me feel so relaxed and I enjoyed the evening.
 |
| my fish bowl margarita |
I don't really know which one I loved more but I am definitely thankful that both exist.
Friday, February 14, 2014
...Valentine's Day
Day 110
I am not a huge Valentine's Day person. I do however enjoy the fact that my husband and I definitely take time out of our schedules to spend some time together just the two of us for a dinner. This Valentine's day was no different. I wish I had gotten a picture of the two of us but I honestly didn't think about it the whole night. Valentine's Day, to me is a day where people actually think to take a minute and tell the people that they care about that they care about them! It only takes a second but for most of the year everyone rushes through life and doesn't take the time. Valentine's Day reminds them.
I am not a huge Valentine's Day person. I do however enjoy the fact that my husband and I definitely take time out of our schedules to spend some time together just the two of us for a dinner. This Valentine's day was no different. I wish I had gotten a picture of the two of us but I honestly didn't think about it the whole night. Valentine's Day, to me is a day where people actually think to take a minute and tell the people that they care about that they care about them! It only takes a second but for most of the year everyone rushes through life and doesn't take the time. Valentine's Day reminds them.
Thursday, February 13, 2014
...Snow
Day 109
Living in Alabama, we don't normally see a lot of snow so the past couple of months have been interesting. Am I tired of snow days? Yes. But I don't think I could ever get tired of watching it snow. It is so peaceful and pretty. Since we are usually suffering from heat stroke, the snow has been a welcome sight and I am thankful for it.
Living in Alabama, we don't normally see a lot of snow so the past couple of months have been interesting. Am I tired of snow days? Yes. But I don't think I could ever get tired of watching it snow. It is so peaceful and pretty. Since we are usually suffering from heat stroke, the snow has been a welcome sight and I am thankful for it.
 |
| big chunky snow, falling heavy like raindrops |
 |
| fun little snow graphic but you can see all of the snow falling in the back |
Wednesday, February 12, 2014
...Weird Schedules
Day 108
Ever since Christmas, our weather around here has been crazy. We have had so many snow/ice days it is ridiculous. There have been days where we have left school early, days where we have come to school late and days where we haven't gone to school at all.
I am a very scheduled person so all of this uncertainty drives me a little crazy. But, sometimes I need more time at home than I do at work. With these weird schedules I get that opportunity. I have gotten all of the laundry in our house done because I have had so much extra time at the house.
I am also thankful for weird schedules because they make me appreciate my regular schedule. My day to day doings can get frustrating and monotonous. Since we have had these strange weather days, I really have started to appreciate the normal things in my life. So today it is the weird schedules that I am thankful for.
Ever since Christmas, our weather around here has been crazy. We have had so many snow/ice days it is ridiculous. There have been days where we have left school early, days where we have come to school late and days where we haven't gone to school at all.
I am a very scheduled person so all of this uncertainty drives me a little crazy. But, sometimes I need more time at home than I do at work. With these weird schedules I get that opportunity. I have gotten all of the laundry in our house done because I have had so much extra time at the house.
 |
| my empty laundry baskets |
Tuesday, February 11, 2014
...Friends With Books
Day 107
I have mentioned before that I love to read. Books are not cheap. I usually buy them from a used book store in Birmingham but occassionally I will buy them. But the best thing is to have friends that are readers too and that will let you borrow from them!
There is a man that coaches one of the sports teams at my school and he is an extremely avid reader. He reads a lot of the same fiction books that I like to read. He is generous enough to let me borrow books from him with no time limit. It started out as just a book at a time but I have gradually started borrowing more. Yesterday he brought me about 12 books! It probably won't take me too long to read them either.
Today, I am thankful for friends with books because without them I would be broke from spending money on books.
I have mentioned before that I love to read. Books are not cheap. I usually buy them from a used book store in Birmingham but occassionally I will buy them. But the best thing is to have friends that are readers too and that will let you borrow from them!
There is a man that coaches one of the sports teams at my school and he is an extremely avid reader. He reads a lot of the same fiction books that I like to read. He is generous enough to let me borrow books from him with no time limit. It started out as just a book at a time but I have gradually started borrowing more. Yesterday he brought me about 12 books! It probably won't take me too long to read them either.
Today, I am thankful for friends with books because without them I would be broke from spending money on books.
Monday, February 10, 2014
...Likenesses
Day 106
I don't know if that is a word but I am thankful for it. Today, I caught my son sitting just like my Dad sits. He had his legs crossed and was working on his kindle and it reminded me of my Dad and how he used to sit while he watched TV. I think the reason my Dad sat this way was because he was a journalist and had to interview people on TV. I notice that Matt Lauer does this too.
I don't know if that is a word but I am thankful for it. Today, I caught my son sitting just like my Dad sits. He had his legs crossed and was working on his kindle and it reminded me of my Dad and how he used to sit while he watched TV. I think the reason my Dad sat this way was because he was a journalist and had to interview people on TV. I notice that Matt Lauer does this too.
Sunday, February 9, 2014
...Leftovers
Day 105
Since we had a party last night we have a TON of leftovers! Today we put all of the dips on the table with the chips that go with them and that was our lunch. So thankful for those times that we don't have to cook anything new and we can just heat something up.
Since we had a party last night we have a TON of leftovers! Today we put all of the dips on the table with the chips that go with them and that was our lunch. So thankful for those times that we don't have to cook anything new and we can just heat something up.
Saturday, February 8, 2014
...Sip-n-Dip
Day 104
Tonight I had my first ever "Sip-n-Dip" party. A bunch of girls from work came over and everyone brought their favorite dip and then whatever they wanted to drink. It was such a success that I think we might do another one in the future. We had buffalo chicken dip, spinach dip, crab & artichoke dip, bacon/cheese/ranch dip, taco dip, and I made a cake batter dessert dip. We also had lettuce wraps, bacon cheeseburger puffs and sausage balls.
We had a great time and watched movies and hung out. So thankful for good work friends and our first "Sip-n-Dip" party.
Tonight I had my first ever "Sip-n-Dip" party. A bunch of girls from work came over and everyone brought their favorite dip and then whatever they wanted to drink. It was such a success that I think we might do another one in the future. We had buffalo chicken dip, spinach dip, crab & artichoke dip, bacon/cheese/ranch dip, taco dip, and I made a cake batter dessert dip. We also had lettuce wraps, bacon cheeseburger puffs and sausage balls.
We had a great time and watched movies and hung out. So thankful for good work friends and our first "Sip-n-Dip" party.
Friday, February 7, 2014
...Girl Scout Cookies
Day 103
I love them! When I was a little girl, I wanted to be a girl scout. All of the activities were fun and I loved Girl Scout Camp but my favorite thing was the cookies!! My daughter wants to be a girl scout but we can't seem to get a group together. Luckily we do have a few girl scouts that are older that go to our school.
My favorite girl scout cookies are tag-a-longs. I feel the need to eat a whole row at a time but they are worth every bite!
I love them! When I was a little girl, I wanted to be a girl scout. All of the activities were fun and I loved Girl Scout Camp but my favorite thing was the cookies!! My daughter wants to be a girl scout but we can't seem to get a group together. Luckily we do have a few girl scouts that are older that go to our school.
My favorite girl scout cookies are tag-a-longs. I feel the need to eat a whole row at a time but they are worth every bite!
Thursday, February 6, 2014
...Unintended Humor
Day 102
February is Black History Month so my kids are learning all about it in school. Today Mason came home and was very excited. He said they had colored a sheet with my favorite president on it. He pulled out the sheet and it was Bill Cosby. Cosby for President!
February is Black History Month so my kids are learning all about it in school. Today Mason came home and was very excited. He said they had colored a sheet with my favorite president on it. He pulled out the sheet and it was Bill Cosby. Cosby for President!
Wednesday, February 5, 2014
...Spur Of The Moment Excitement
Day 101
I can remember when I was growing up that there were times when I would see something and want to go see it up close but my parents didn't take us for one reason or another. I always thought that when I had kids I would try to do those spur of the moment things.
One time when Mindy was in preschool, we dropped Mason off at daycare and on the way to school we passed the park. In the park was a huge hot air ballon in the shape of the Energizer bunny! When I was a kid my parents would have pointed it out and we would have looked and driven right by it. But when I saw it, I pointed it out to Mindy and then turned into the park. We got out and went over and looked at it. I even took a few pictures of her in front of it. It was an exciting moment that just happened!
We have had many moments like that and today we had another one. Mason and I were waiting for Mindy to get done with piano and the middle/high school was having Open House. One of the teachers came and told me that they had some interesting things down in the science lab. I knew Mason would think it was cool so I took him down there. They had a snake, scorpions, HUGE hissing cockroaches and a tarantula. Mason didn't want to hold any of them but he did think it was really cool to see them.
We picked up Mindy from piano and Mason was telling her about it. She thought I was so cool that he got to see those things so I asked her if she wanted to go back and see them too. Of course she said yes and the Open House had 10 more minutes before it was over so I turned around and took her back. She loved it! She held the snake and the tarantula and was all smiles the whole time. I still couldn't get Mason to hold any of it but he did pet the snake.
These are the moments I am thankful for. The spur of the moment excitement!
I can remember when I was growing up that there were times when I would see something and want to go see it up close but my parents didn't take us for one reason or another. I always thought that when I had kids I would try to do those spur of the moment things.
One time when Mindy was in preschool, we dropped Mason off at daycare and on the way to school we passed the park. In the park was a huge hot air ballon in the shape of the Energizer bunny! When I was a kid my parents would have pointed it out and we would have looked and driven right by it. But when I saw it, I pointed it out to Mindy and then turned into the park. We got out and went over and looked at it. I even took a few pictures of her in front of it. It was an exciting moment that just happened!
We have had many moments like that and today we had another one. Mason and I were waiting for Mindy to get done with piano and the middle/high school was having Open House. One of the teachers came and told me that they had some interesting things down in the science lab. I knew Mason would think it was cool so I took him down there. They had a snake, scorpions, HUGE hissing cockroaches and a tarantula. Mason didn't want to hold any of them but he did think it was really cool to see them.
We picked up Mindy from piano and Mason was telling her about it. She thought I was so cool that he got to see those things so I asked her if she wanted to go back and see them too. Of course she said yes and the Open House had 10 more minutes before it was over so I turned around and took her back. She loved it! She held the snake and the tarantula and was all smiles the whole time. I still couldn't get Mason to hold any of it but he did pet the snake.
These are the moments I am thankful for. The spur of the moment excitement!
Tuesday, February 4, 2014
...The Right To Complain
Day 100
I can't believe I am at 100 posts! Only 265 more and I will accomplish my goal! I have noticed that I do try to think a little more positively but I do still have moments where I am judgmental.
After 100 days of doing this blog, I think I deserve the right to actually complain about a few things. Everybody needs to vent so I am going to do a little venting session.
Complaints
It is always good to vent and today I am thankful for the right to complain, especially in this outlet because I don't hurt anyone's feelings but I get it off my chest.
I can't believe I am at 100 posts! Only 265 more and I will accomplish my goal! I have noticed that I do try to think a little more positively but I do still have moments where I am judgmental.
After 100 days of doing this blog, I think I deserve the right to actually complain about a few things. Everybody needs to vent so I am going to do a little venting session.
Complaints
- People that don't look at all angles of a situation. Just because you have an idea and you think it is great doesn't mean that it is going to work. It also doesn't mean that it will happen. There can be many reasons why something is not done that way and you should probably ask about it before you just assume that things will be done your way.
- You give people an inch and they take a mile! Our work situation changed this year because the President of the school left and they didn't replace her. There were a lot of parents that weren't crazy about her. All of those parents had ideas of things they wanted to do and not even 48 hours after the President left, they were already trying to get things changed.
- People that don't fight for what is right. I don't like having a meeting with people and then leaving that meeting thinking everyone is on the same page but find out later that not everyone in the room will follow through with the plan! We had such a meeting last week. One person was instructed on what she was supposed to do and say at a meeting later that day. Instead of being assertive like she was supposed to be, she let them walk all over her and she came out of that room with all of the plans changed to the way they wanted to do them.
- People that interrupt. I understand when someone is talking to you that something might pop into your head and you just spit it out because you are afraid you will forget it. That happens. But don't start asking questions about my story mid sentence. Let me finish the story! Chances are I will have answered most of your questions and by the end of my story you will already know the answers and won't need to ask questions.
- People that use the "F" word too much. I don't like that word but I understand it sometimes makes people feel better. However, I don't need to hear it come out of your mouth, every other sentence. Especially when there really isn't a need to do it.
It is always good to vent and today I am thankful for the right to complain, especially in this outlet because I don't hurt anyone's feelings but I get it off my chest.
Monday, February 3, 2014
...Birchbox
Day 99
The first time I read about Birchbox I thought it was a rip off. Why would you pay $10/month for a box with a few samples in it. But I did a little more research and realized how cool it was. The samples are a little bigger than I thought they would be and the company makes your box based on the answers you gave to some questions so it is catered toward your interests.
So I decided to go for it and today I got my first box! The packaging is so fun. It looked like this when I saw it on my front porch:
Then when I opened the pink box, this was inside:
It comes in it's own gift box! How cool is that!?!
Then when I opened the little gift box these were the items inside: lip balm, mascara, gold glitter nail polish, dry conditioner and a few flavored tea samples. It also came with a few little cards with different little notes of advice and helpful hints.
It was such a fun little thing to get and I am so excited that one will come each month!
The first time I read about Birchbox I thought it was a rip off. Why would you pay $10/month for a box with a few samples in it. But I did a little more research and realized how cool it was. The samples are a little bigger than I thought they would be and the company makes your box based on the answers you gave to some questions so it is catered toward your interests.
So I decided to go for it and today I got my first box! The packaging is so fun. It looked like this when I saw it on my front porch:
Then when I opened the pink box, this was inside:
It comes in it's own gift box! How cool is that!?!
Then when I opened the little gift box these were the items inside: lip balm, mascara, gold glitter nail polish, dry conditioner and a few flavored tea samples. It also came with a few little cards with different little notes of advice and helpful hints.
It was such a fun little thing to get and I am so excited that one will come each month!
Sunday, February 2, 2014
...My Marriage
Day 98
Yesterday was a great day but it always seems like when you have a day like that, something kind of slams you and you have something bad happen. We found out yesterday that my sister-in-law and her husband were splitting up. Nothing is final of course but she started packing up her things and moving back in with my in-laws.
I don't know all of the details but I do know that it wasn't her fault and she was completely caught off guard. I have always thought they were a strange couple. They couldn't have kids so they had other activities that they did and they always seemed to have a good time. I guess you never know what happens behind closed doors.
Hearing this news made me really realize how much I love my husband. My marriage has not always been perfect. We got pregnant and had Mindy within the first year of our marriage so immediately we had to turn our focus on something other than ourselves. We had such a great time though during her first year. The day she turned one we moved in with his parents while we built our house. That was when things started to go downhill a little bit. Naturally living under someone else's roof will do that. After a year and a half we finally moved into our new house and not too long after that we found out we were going to have Mason.
After Mason was born, I had a really hard time with post partum depression. Danny was so great and helped me through it but it definitely didn't make things easy. So we went through a sort of slump. We got along fine but that spark had kind of fizzled a little.
Things started to perk up though and now we are great! I love him more today than I did the day I married him. We have such a good time together and we know how to work together to make our marriage work. We compliment each other. We laugh all the time and we have such a good time with our kids. Is every day perfect? Absolutely not! But more often than not we are fantastic.
I love that man more than life itself and I am grateful for the marriage that we have.
Yesterday was a great day but it always seems like when you have a day like that, something kind of slams you and you have something bad happen. We found out yesterday that my sister-in-law and her husband were splitting up. Nothing is final of course but she started packing up her things and moving back in with my in-laws.
I don't know all of the details but I do know that it wasn't her fault and she was completely caught off guard. I have always thought they were a strange couple. They couldn't have kids so they had other activities that they did and they always seemed to have a good time. I guess you never know what happens behind closed doors.
Hearing this news made me really realize how much I love my husband. My marriage has not always been perfect. We got pregnant and had Mindy within the first year of our marriage so immediately we had to turn our focus on something other than ourselves. We had such a great time though during her first year. The day she turned one we moved in with his parents while we built our house. That was when things started to go downhill a little bit. Naturally living under someone else's roof will do that. After a year and a half we finally moved into our new house and not too long after that we found out we were going to have Mason.
 |
| wedding day 10/11/03 |
 |
| the day mindy was born 9/30/04 |
After Mason was born, I had a really hard time with post partum depression. Danny was so great and helped me through it but it definitely didn't make things easy. So we went through a sort of slump. We got along fine but that spark had kind of fizzled a little.
 |
| the day mason was born 4/2/08 |
Things started to perk up though and now we are great! I love him more today than I did the day I married him. We have such a good time together and we know how to work together to make our marriage work. We compliment each other. We laugh all the time and we have such a good time with our kids. Is every day perfect? Absolutely not! But more often than not we are fantastic.
I love that man more than life itself and I am grateful for the marriage that we have.
 |
| the love of my life |
Saturday, February 1, 2014
...Proud Momma Days
Day 97
Today was AMAZING! I am thankful for days like today because I am so proud of my little family. It is days like today that make you want to cry because you are so proud.
We spent all day today at the gym for basketball. Mason had his final game of his first season. He improved so much and was a completely different ball player at the end of the season. He was so proud of his medal and he really seemed to have such a good time.
Mindy had a tournament today. Their team has been undefeated all season! Their team won the first game so they went in to the final round. We played a team we have played three times before. All three times have been close games. Today we were tied 8-8 and went into overtime. They made a free throw so we were behind by one point. In the last two seconds of overtime, Mindy shot the ball and made it!! She scored the winning points and won the championship!! SO PROUD!
Today was AMAZING! I am thankful for days like today because I am so proud of my little family. It is days like today that make you want to cry because you are so proud.
We spent all day today at the gym for basketball. Mason had his final game of his first season. He improved so much and was a completely different ball player at the end of the season. He was so proud of his medal and he really seemed to have such a good time.
And then there's this guy! So proud of his first season coaching. He wasn't thrilled about doing it and now he says he already misses it. So thankful to call him my husband.
Friday, January 31, 2014
...Thawing
Day 96
Thank goodness we went back to school today!! Today I am thankful for thawing because I don't think I could have taken another day at home!
Thank goodness we went back to school today!! Today I am thankful for thawing because I don't think I could have taken another day at home!
Thursday, January 30, 2014
...Good Doctors
Day 95
Today was another day at home because of our ice/snow storm. I was supposed to have a doctor's appointment in Birmingham but I called the office and they said they were closed. But, we were able to get around Tuscaloosa so I took Mason to the pediatrician because he has been sick and I was tired of trying to treat it over the counter. While we were waiting on his prescription at Target, my doctor called. My appointment was just going to be a talk appointment so I was thrilled that she called because I really wanted my results! I'm so thankful for good doctors that really concentrate on patient care and patient relationships because it really does make a difference.
Today was another day at home because of our ice/snow storm. I was supposed to have a doctor's appointment in Birmingham but I called the office and they said they were closed. But, we were able to get around Tuscaloosa so I took Mason to the pediatrician because he has been sick and I was tired of trying to treat it over the counter. While we were waiting on his prescription at Target, my doctor called. My appointment was just going to be a talk appointment so I was thrilled that she called because I really wanted my results! I'm so thankful for good doctors that really concentrate on patient care and patient relationships because it really does make a difference.
Wednesday, January 29, 2014
...Being Under One Roof
Day 94
I mentioned yesterday that we were hit suddenly with a snow/ice storm. Conditions continued to worsen as the day and night went on. I had many, many friends that spent the night in their cars trapped on the interstate. I had many, many friends that abandoned their cars and walked to the nearest shelter to spend the night. Friends of mine also boarded buses, four wheelers, hummers, and even got in the car with complete strangers because they could take them to the nearest shelter and sometimes they were even taken home. There were hundreds of kids and teachers that spent the night in their schools because their parents couldn't get to them to pick them up because they were the ones that were stranded in their cars! Obviously it is a mess here! Today the temperature is not supposed to get above freezing so the conditions aren't going to get much better. Around ten o'clock last night, the city school system where I live announced that all of the schools were clear of kids and teachers and that the last bus had just pulled in to the garage.
So, today, I am thankful that all four of us were under one roof as of two o'clock yesterday afternoon. Danny came home early and we were all together. I didn't have to worry about how I was going to keep my family warm or fed. I am extremely thankful for all of that because I know that it could have ended up differently.
I mentioned yesterday that we were hit suddenly with a snow/ice storm. Conditions continued to worsen as the day and night went on. I had many, many friends that spent the night in their cars trapped on the interstate. I had many, many friends that abandoned their cars and walked to the nearest shelter to spend the night. Friends of mine also boarded buses, four wheelers, hummers, and even got in the car with complete strangers because they could take them to the nearest shelter and sometimes they were even taken home. There were hundreds of kids and teachers that spent the night in their schools because their parents couldn't get to them to pick them up because they were the ones that were stranded in their cars! Obviously it is a mess here! Today the temperature is not supposed to get above freezing so the conditions aren't going to get much better. Around ten o'clock last night, the city school system where I live announced that all of the schools were clear of kids and teachers and that the last bus had just pulled in to the garage.
So, today, I am thankful that all four of us were under one roof as of two o'clock yesterday afternoon. Danny came home early and we were all together. I didn't have to worry about how I was going to keep my family warm or fed. I am extremely thankful for all of that because I know that it could have ended up differently.
Tuesday, January 28, 2014
...Snow Days
Day 93
As if this week wasn't busy enough, it started snowing today. Living in Alabama we don't get a lot of snow. Maybe once a year. Today, we weren't supposed to get any snow. It was all supposed to go south of us which was weird because south of us is close to the beach. Anyway, it started snowing and it got bad quick! The schools finally decided to release early and as of right now there are still people trying to get home. The governor just issued a state of emergency and said there were some schools that still had kids and that they would take care of those kids. Can you imagine not being able to get to your kid? It really is that bad here though. All of this for a region that wasn't supposed to get any snow.
At any rate, we came home. After driving about 10mph the whole way home we were home in about an hour. Everyone was moving that slow which helped because no one felt rushed. Of course as soon as we got home, the kids wanted to go outside and play. They had such a great time and we really only stayed out about half an hour but it meant the world to them.
As if this week wasn't busy enough, it started snowing today. Living in Alabama we don't get a lot of snow. Maybe once a year. Today, we weren't supposed to get any snow. It was all supposed to go south of us which was weird because south of us is close to the beach. Anyway, it started snowing and it got bad quick! The schools finally decided to release early and as of right now there are still people trying to get home. The governor just issued a state of emergency and said there were some schools that still had kids and that they would take care of those kids. Can you imagine not being able to get to your kid? It really is that bad here though. All of this for a region that wasn't supposed to get any snow.
At any rate, we came home. After driving about 10mph the whole way home we were home in about an hour. Everyone was moving that slow which helped because no one felt rushed. Of course as soon as we got home, the kids wanted to go outside and play. They had such a great time and we really only stayed out about half an hour but it meant the world to them.
 |
| picking them up from school, snow hitting them in the face |
 |
| just wiped the snow off and there is a big pile on the hood. hard to see but the car thermometer says 25 degrees |
 |
| i've never had this happen to my car before |
 |
| happy, happy kids |
Monday, January 27, 2014
...Sleep
Day 92
I am not the best sleeper. Sometimes the medication I take makes me stay awake and so I have a hard time getting sleep. Today was extremely busy and the whole week will be actually but once I finally got home tonight, I sat down to watch TV and fell right to sleep. Sometimes those little cat naps feel like a lifetime! Tonight, I am thankful for unexpected sleep!
I am not the best sleeper. Sometimes the medication I take makes me stay awake and so I have a hard time getting sleep. Today was extremely busy and the whole week will be actually but once I finally got home tonight, I sat down to watch TV and fell right to sleep. Sometimes those little cat naps feel like a lifetime! Tonight, I am thankful for unexpected sleep!
Sunday, January 26, 2014
...Tennis Shoes
Day 91
We had a very busy day beginning with church and ending with our weekly shopping trip to Target. I wore dress shoes to church. After church we had Open House at school and stayed longer than we planned. During our Target trip, I had enough! My knee was killing me. I wanted to cry. That made me think about how grateful I am for tennis shoes. Usually when I wear my tennis shoes, my knee doesn't bother me as much but if I wear any other shoe or even if I go barefoot, I am in a lot of pain. So today, I am thankful for my tennis shoes.
We had a very busy day beginning with church and ending with our weekly shopping trip to Target. I wore dress shoes to church. After church we had Open House at school and stayed longer than we planned. During our Target trip, I had enough! My knee was killing me. I wanted to cry. That made me think about how grateful I am for tennis shoes. Usually when I wear my tennis shoes, my knee doesn't bother me as much but if I wear any other shoe or even if I go barefoot, I am in a lot of pain. So today, I am thankful for my tennis shoes.
Saturday, January 25, 2014
...Downton Abbey
Day 90
I can't believe I love a show on PBS but I do! Downton Abbey is such a little gem. It is a charming show set in old England right after the Titanic sank. I love the way they talk, I love the way they dress. I love everything about this show. It is my Sunday night escape before I begin the work week. I had heard people talk about the show and I always thought I would like it but I didn't think I got the channel that it came on. I ended up binge watching the first three seasons in one weekend because I got so hooked! The fourth season started a few weeks ago and I am hooked again.
I can't believe I love a show on PBS but I do! Downton Abbey is such a little gem. It is a charming show set in old England right after the Titanic sank. I love the way they talk, I love the way they dress. I love everything about this show. It is my Sunday night escape before I begin the work week. I had heard people talk about the show and I always thought I would like it but I didn't think I got the channel that it came on. I ended up binge watching the first three seasons in one weekend because I got so hooked! The fourth season started a few weeks ago and I am hooked again.
Friday, January 24, 2014
...Devil's Advocate
Day 89
I think it is very important to have a devil's advocate. You always need that person that will make you think about more than one way that something can happen. I play the devil's advocate a lot and sometimes I think I make people mad when I do it. But, if I hadn't done it, then horrible decisions could have been made. I don't always like it when people play devil's advocate to me but I am thankful for them because they make me think outside the box.
I think it is very important to have a devil's advocate. You always need that person that will make you think about more than one way that something can happen. I play the devil's advocate a lot and sometimes I think I make people mad when I do it. But, if I hadn't done it, then horrible decisions could have been made. I don't always like it when people play devil's advocate to me but I am thankful for them because they make me think outside the box.
Thursday, January 23, 2014
...Common Sense
Day 88
I am thankful for people that use common sense and I am thankful that I have common sense. I get so frustrated throughout my day because of the lack of common sense. I wish people would just take time to think things through and make sure they have all the information and they talk to the right people so they can make informed decisions and decisions that make sense.
Sometimes, I feel like I am surrounded by people that don't care enough to think. They don't think about what they are doing and they don't think about the big picture. They don't think about the people that are involved and how it might affect people. I'm not by any means saying that I always make smart decisions. There are definitely times when I make stupid decisions but I do try to think about what I'm doing.
I am thankful for people that use common sense and I am thankful that I have common sense. I get so frustrated throughout my day because of the lack of common sense. I wish people would just take time to think things through and make sure they have all the information and they talk to the right people so they can make informed decisions and decisions that make sense.
Sometimes, I feel like I am surrounded by people that don't care enough to think. They don't think about what they are doing and they don't think about the big picture. They don't think about the people that are involved and how it might affect people. I'm not by any means saying that I always make smart decisions. There are definitely times when I make stupid decisions but I do try to think about what I'm doing.
Wednesday, January 22, 2014
...Reality TV
Day 87
I love reality tv! It all started with the Real World and Road Rules on MTV when I was younger and it morphed into so much more. I think what I love about it is that I don't have to think while I'm watching it. I get a glimpse into other peoples lives and I actually feel like my family is functional and normal. Now that I think about it, I think all I watch is reality tv with the exception of Downton Abbey.
I am thankful that at the end of a long day at work, I can curl up in my bed or on the couch with a glass of sweet tea and escape to another world.
I love reality tv! It all started with the Real World and Road Rules on MTV when I was younger and it morphed into so much more. I think what I love about it is that I don't have to think while I'm watching it. I get a glimpse into other peoples lives and I actually feel like my family is functional and normal. Now that I think about it, I think all I watch is reality tv with the exception of Downton Abbey.
I am thankful that at the end of a long day at work, I can curl up in my bed or on the couch with a glass of sweet tea and escape to another world.
Tuesday, January 21, 2014
...Modern Family
Day 86
I like a lot of shows. There are shows that I definitely make sure I watch and then there are others that I catch up on in reruns. Modern Family is one of those shows. I love this show! I rarely laugh out loud during comedies but this show really does that to me. It comes on a station now at least three times a week and during those times it shows at least six episodes. Three hours of pure enjoyment for me. I look forward to the nights that I can sit and watch this show and not worry about anything else.
I like a lot of shows. There are shows that I definitely make sure I watch and then there are others that I catch up on in reruns. Modern Family is one of those shows. I love this show! I rarely laugh out loud during comedies but this show really does that to me. It comes on a station now at least three times a week and during those times it shows at least six episodes. Three hours of pure enjoyment for me. I look forward to the nights that I can sit and watch this show and not worry about anything else.
Monday, January 20, 2014
...Martin Luther King, Jr.
Day 85
We do not live in a perfect world. There are a lot of things that I wish my children didn't have to see but I am very thankful that my children did not have to witness the Civil Rights Movement. This is especially true because we live in Alabama. I can't imagine growing up in this state during that time and witnessing the horrible things that happened. I am thankful for people like Martin Luther King, Jr. who fought so that everyone could have the same freedoms. Sure, there are still problems in this country but we are all better people because of him.
We do not live in a perfect world. There are a lot of things that I wish my children didn't have to see but I am very thankful that my children did not have to witness the Civil Rights Movement. This is especially true because we live in Alabama. I can't imagine growing up in this state during that time and witnessing the horrible things that happened. I am thankful for people like Martin Luther King, Jr. who fought so that everyone could have the same freedoms. Sure, there are still problems in this country but we are all better people because of him.
Sunday, January 19, 2014
...Alone Time
Day 84
My husband and kids are at the movies and I can't help but be jealous. Since the surgery I had on Thursday was abdominal I am trying not to sit upright for too long so that I don't bust an incision. Danny and Mindy came home from basketball practice and said that some of the other girls were going to meet at the movies to see "The Nut Job" so of course Mindy wanted to go. Danny decided to take Mason too and asked if I wanted to go. Yes! I want to go. I will see just about anything at the movies because I love going. But I said no because I wasn't sure how I would feel sitting up for two hours and once I'm there, I'm there.
I just cried because I feel like I have been missing everything because of my knee surgery and now because of this other surgery. But I am reminded that I need to be thankful for something every day. So today, I am thankful for alone time. I am thankful for quiet time where I don't have to answer any questions and I don't have to do anything for anyone. I have actually gotten a little too much alone time lately but that doesn't mean I don't need to be grateful for it.
My husband and kids are at the movies and I can't help but be jealous. Since the surgery I had on Thursday was abdominal I am trying not to sit upright for too long so that I don't bust an incision. Danny and Mindy came home from basketball practice and said that some of the other girls were going to meet at the movies to see "The Nut Job" so of course Mindy wanted to go. Danny decided to take Mason too and asked if I wanted to go. Yes! I want to go. I will see just about anything at the movies because I love going. But I said no because I wasn't sure how I would feel sitting up for two hours and once I'm there, I'm there.
I just cried because I feel like I have been missing everything because of my knee surgery and now because of this other surgery. But I am reminded that I need to be thankful for something every day. So today, I am thankful for alone time. I am thankful for quiet time where I don't have to answer any questions and I don't have to do anything for anyone. I have actually gotten a little too much alone time lately but that doesn't mean I don't need to be grateful for it.
Saturday, January 18, 2014
...My Parents
Day 83
There have been plenty of times in my life where my parents have annoyed me. There have been many more times in my life where I've needed my parents and they have been there to help. The past couple of months haven't been the easiest and I've been struggling mentally and emotionally. I've felt inadequate because I haven't been able to pull my own weight around the house and even at work. When I found out I would be having this surgery to remove a cyst from my ovary I knew it was time to call my parents. Danny has been doing such a great job of juggling it all but I wanted him to have a little break and of course my kids always enjoy a visit from my parents.
Isn't it funny how a visit from your parents can instantly put you into kid mode even when you are an adult with kids of your own, you can suddenly feel like you don't have any responsibilities anymore. My parents got here yesterday and it has been so nice to have them around. They have occupied the kids so I could rest. My mom made dinner last night and today they attended a basketball game. Even if all they did was come and sit around, I still would have felt like a kid again.
Tomorrow they will head home but I am thankful for the time that we got to spend with them this weekend. Even in my thirties, it feels good to have my parents take care of me.
There have been plenty of times in my life where my parents have annoyed me. There have been many more times in my life where I've needed my parents and they have been there to help. The past couple of months haven't been the easiest and I've been struggling mentally and emotionally. I've felt inadequate because I haven't been able to pull my own weight around the house and even at work. When I found out I would be having this surgery to remove a cyst from my ovary I knew it was time to call my parents. Danny has been doing such a great job of juggling it all but I wanted him to have a little break and of course my kids always enjoy a visit from my parents.
Isn't it funny how a visit from your parents can instantly put you into kid mode even when you are an adult with kids of your own, you can suddenly feel like you don't have any responsibilities anymore. My parents got here yesterday and it has been so nice to have them around. They have occupied the kids so I could rest. My mom made dinner last night and today they attended a basketball game. Even if all they did was come and sit around, I still would have felt like a kid again.
Tomorrow they will head home but I am thankful for the time that we got to spend with them this weekend. Even in my thirties, it feels good to have my parents take care of me.
Friday, January 17, 2014
...Bundt Cakes
Day 82
My sister used to make this delicious pound cake. I could have eaten the whole thing if my parents would have let me. I have always enjoyed cake. I can be a little picky about what kind of cake but I like most of them. I read a blog by a woman who has new recipes up all the time but what I noticed about her blog was that she had a link to 100 Bundt Cake Recipes. I thought how in the world could you make so many different kinds! I decided I would try to make one. I had to buy a pan first but I decided to make an apple cinnamon bundt cake and it was delicious! My family loved it and my friends loved it. I can't wait to make more!
My sister used to make this delicious pound cake. I could have eaten the whole thing if my parents would have let me. I have always enjoyed cake. I can be a little picky about what kind of cake but I like most of them. I read a blog by a woman who has new recipes up all the time but what I noticed about her blog was that she had a link to 100 Bundt Cake Recipes. I thought how in the world could you make so many different kinds! I decided I would try to make one. I had to buy a pan first but I decided to make an apple cinnamon bundt cake and it was delicious! My family loved it and my friends loved it. I can't wait to make more!
Thursday, January 16, 2014
...Friends in High Places
Day 81
I had surgery...again. Today they were supposed to take out a big cyst on my ovary. When I woke up after surgery, I found out they took the whole ovary and the fallopian tube. I haven't actually gotten to talk to the doctor yet but I will see her in about a week or so and find out exactly what happened.
One of my very best friends happened to be working in the women's center today and she hooked me up with all of the good nurses and doctors and I felt very well taken care of. It is nice to have friends in high places.
I had surgery...again. Today they were supposed to take out a big cyst on my ovary. When I woke up after surgery, I found out they took the whole ovary and the fallopian tube. I haven't actually gotten to talk to the doctor yet but I will see her in about a week or so and find out exactly what happened.
One of my very best friends happened to be working in the women's center today and she hooked me up with all of the good nurses and doctors and I felt very well taken care of. It is nice to have friends in high places.
Wednesday, January 15, 2014
...Doc in the Box
Day 80
I have many doctors and I really like them but it always seems like I need the doctors after hours. My daughter came home sick today and I was having a hard time telling whether she was really sick or whether she was just having a day where she wasn't herself. By the time Danny got home, we decided she needed to go to the doctor but of course by then the pediatrician was closed. This is when I am thankful for what people call the "doc in the box". They were in and out of the doctor's office and had her prescriptions in about 2 hours. Without these doctors we would end up at the emergency room which would cost a lot more!
I have many doctors and I really like them but it always seems like I need the doctors after hours. My daughter came home sick today and I was having a hard time telling whether she was really sick or whether she was just having a day where she wasn't herself. By the time Danny got home, we decided she needed to go to the doctor but of course by then the pediatrician was closed. This is when I am thankful for what people call the "doc in the box". They were in and out of the doctor's office and had her prescriptions in about 2 hours. Without these doctors we would end up at the emergency room which would cost a lot more!
Tuesday, January 14, 2014
Day 79
I love Google. It has saved me so many times over the years and I love that I can type anything in and usually I can find a match. Today we had a problem at work with some computer software and as usually our IT guy couldn't seem to help me. I just typed in what I wanted to do and all sorts of options popped up and I got the job done. I am thankful that there is such a thing and it is so much more informative than an encyclopedia used to be or even an instruction booklet.
I love Google. It has saved me so many times over the years and I love that I can type anything in and usually I can find a match. Today we had a problem at work with some computer software and as usually our IT guy couldn't seem to help me. I just typed in what I wanted to do and all sorts of options popped up and I got the job done. I am thankful that there is such a thing and it is so much more informative than an encyclopedia used to be or even an instruction booklet.
Monday, January 13, 2014
...Target Pharmacy
Day 78
Because I overdid it over the weekend, I was in a lot of pain. If I had known that the most painful part about this surgery would be after I came off the crutches, I would have rationed my pain meds a little better. So I was out of pain meds and because I am having surgery on Thursday, I couldn't take ibuprofen. I called my knee doctor to get a refill. Which brings me to Target Pharmacy. I have had problems with every pharmacy I have ever used but I rarely ever experience any problem with Target. The thing I love most about them though is their texting. I love that when my medicine is ready, I get a text message letting me know that. It saves me so much time!
Because I overdid it over the weekend, I was in a lot of pain. If I had known that the most painful part about this surgery would be after I came off the crutches, I would have rationed my pain meds a little better. So I was out of pain meds and because I am having surgery on Thursday, I couldn't take ibuprofen. I called my knee doctor to get a refill. Which brings me to Target Pharmacy. I have had problems with every pharmacy I have ever used but I rarely ever experience any problem with Target. The thing I love most about them though is their texting. I love that when my medicine is ready, I get a text message letting me know that. It saves me so much time!
Sunday, January 12, 2014
...Feeling Normal
Day 77
Today was a little good and a little bad. I felt great because I was able to get up and go to Target with the family to do our weekly grocery shopping. It actually made me feel normal! After about an hour in Target, I was in tears and went to sit in the car. I was just in a lot of pain and I probably shouldn't have moved as fast as I did.
After Target, we were at home for a couple of hours and then it was time for Mason's basketball practice. This is a weekly thing and I was finally able to take him again so I felt like things were back to normal again and it felt so good. Until I had to get up. I was still in a little bit of pain from our morning Target trip but I had errands I needed to run. Errands that I have wanted to do for weeks but I haven't been able to do them. Once we got home, I was exhausted and in a lot of pain.
It was nice to feel normal for awhile but I have learned that I need to step back a little bit.
Today was a little good and a little bad. I felt great because I was able to get up and go to Target with the family to do our weekly grocery shopping. It actually made me feel normal! After about an hour in Target, I was in tears and went to sit in the car. I was just in a lot of pain and I probably shouldn't have moved as fast as I did.
After Target, we were at home for a couple of hours and then it was time for Mason's basketball practice. This is a weekly thing and I was finally able to take him again so I felt like things were back to normal again and it felt so good. Until I had to get up. I was still in a little bit of pain from our morning Target trip but I had errands I needed to run. Errands that I have wanted to do for weeks but I haven't been able to do them. Once we got home, I was exhausted and in a lot of pain.
It was nice to feel normal for awhile but I have learned that I need to step back a little bit.
Saturday, January 11, 2014
...My Husband
Day 76
I think I have used this one already but my husband is so wonderful that he deserves another post and he will probably get more as the days go on. I have mentioned before that my husband is helping to coach Mindy's basketball team. Mindy has been playing since she was 5 and each year she gets better and better.
In the past, Mindy's team usually doesn't have a whole lot of wins but so far this season they are undefeated. Some of that is experience but they also owe some of that to Danny and the other two dads. I have been so proud of both of my kids this season. It's Mason's first time to play and he seems to be grasping the idea and Mindy is a force to be reckoned with but I am also proud of my husband. He is so great with the girls and knowledgable about the sport. Watching him coach really makes me love him even more. I am so thankful to have a husband that is involved with his family.
I think I have used this one already but my husband is so wonderful that he deserves another post and he will probably get more as the days go on. I have mentioned before that my husband is helping to coach Mindy's basketball team. Mindy has been playing since she was 5 and each year she gets better and better.
In the past, Mindy's team usually doesn't have a whole lot of wins but so far this season they are undefeated. Some of that is experience but they also owe some of that to Danny and the other two dads. I have been so proud of both of my kids this season. It's Mason's first time to play and he seems to be grasping the idea and Mindy is a force to be reckoned with but I am also proud of my husband. He is so great with the girls and knowledgable about the sport. Watching him coach really makes me love him even more. I am so thankful to have a husband that is involved with his family.
Friday, January 10, 2014
...My Car History
Day 75
Since I graduated from college I have always had a relatively new car. I usually don't keep one for longer than 5 years. I don't know why this happens but it does and I'm ok with that. With every car the bells and whistles get better and better.
My first car was a 2-D Honda Civic with a sunroof. It was the first time in my life that I had a sunroof and I loved it. I always felt so cool in that car. I had just graduated from college and gotten a new job and I felt like an adult. My car was my first real adult purchase. It sounds crazy but I enjoyed making the payments on it too because I felt like I was becoming an adult. About three years later we found out we were going to have a baby so we sold my 2-D car because we knew we would need something bigger and more practical.
My husband owned a used car lot at the time so while I was pregnant and even the first few months after we had Mindy I drove several different cars from the lot but the main one was a Honda CR-V and I really liked that one. I didn't like the year because it was older than the car I had just sold but I knew it was a temporary thing and I really liked being up a little higher while I was driving.
After Mindy was born we shopped around and lo and behold ended up with a Honda again! It was a 4-D Honda Accord. It was probably the most practical car for a new little family. I really liked the car and we still have it but my husband drives it. It is 8 years old now and still going strong.
I don't really know the reason why but when we found out we were pregnant with Mason, Danny went looking at jeeps. He was working for Mercedes at the time and could get a discount on any Mercedes or Dodge vehicle. We ended up with a Jeep Commander and at the time it was my favorite car of all time! The main thing I loved about it was the heated seats. I have a lot of back pain and turning those things on was like having a heating pad in the car. It especially felt good during the winter time too. I also loved being high above the ground again. As the kids got older it made me feel like a soccer Mom too because we had all of the sports stuff in the back and I was driving them all over the place. It was my first real "Mom" car. As gas prices rose Danny started looking at selling my Jeep. At first I wasn't very happy about it but I came around and I was glad I did.
A few months ago, we drove to Georgia and got my current car, a 4-D Honda Civic. I love this !thing. I've never had so many features in a car. The best thing is the bluetooth. When I get in the car it automatically syncs with my phone. I can answer the phone by pushing a button on the steering wheel and just talk without ever touching my phone. It is so nice having that hands-free feature! I might look a little funny at a red light but it is so much safer. Not only can I talk hands-free but when I receive a text message, all I have to do is push a button and the car will read it to me. After that it will offer me a view standard responses like 'Yes' or 'No' that I can choose from if I want to respond at that time. I think it will even let me do speech to text but I've never tried it. The feature that I just figured out the other day is that I can choose the bluetooth source for my radio and listen to music that's on my cell or pandora radio and the other day I was listening to podcasts. I LOVE this car! I do miss the "soccer Mom" feel of the Jeep but I kind of feel like the "cool Mom" in this car.
I know I sound spoiled. And I really am! But when I first got my license I drove a mini-van. Not just any mini-van but a 1987 Dodge Caravan with wood side paneling. The year I got my license was 1996 so it was already almost 10 years old. When I would cut the car off, it would keep running and then the tailpipe would sputter and smoke would come out. I was the only Varsity cheerleader with a mini-van. Once I graduated high school I drove a couple of different Saturns. My Dad was on a Saturn kick at the time and eventually ended up owning 3 of them. When I graduated from college, he gave me the Pontiac Sunbird that they had bought brand new when I was younger. I really liked that car even though it was older. I felt a connection with it because I remember my Mom got it for her birthday but we picked it up after my birthday party so I always felt like it should be mine eventually. Like I've mentioned my husband, who was my boyfriend at the time, had a used car lot and he sold my Sunbird and helped me get my first car. He knew people and helped me get the best car for the best deal.
I have had many cars and I am so thankful that I have had such good cars overall. With the exception of the mini-van I have always felt safe in my cars and I always felt like they were reliable.
Since I graduated from college I have always had a relatively new car. I usually don't keep one for longer than 5 years. I don't know why this happens but it does and I'm ok with that. With every car the bells and whistles get better and better.
My first car was a 2-D Honda Civic with a sunroof. It was the first time in my life that I had a sunroof and I loved it. I always felt so cool in that car. I had just graduated from college and gotten a new job and I felt like an adult. My car was my first real adult purchase. It sounds crazy but I enjoyed making the payments on it too because I felt like I was becoming an adult. About three years later we found out we were going to have a baby so we sold my 2-D car because we knew we would need something bigger and more practical.
 |
| I don't have a picture of my car but this is what it looked like |
 |
| I didn't have a picture of the CR-V either but this is what mine looked like |
 |
| what my accord looks like...it stills looks this good |
A few months ago, we drove to Georgia and got my current car, a 4-D Honda Civic. I love this !thing. I've never had so many features in a car. The best thing is the bluetooth. When I get in the car it automatically syncs with my phone. I can answer the phone by pushing a button on the steering wheel and just talk without ever touching my phone. It is so nice having that hands-free feature! I might look a little funny at a red light but it is so much safer. Not only can I talk hands-free but when I receive a text message, all I have to do is push a button and the car will read it to me. After that it will offer me a view standard responses like 'Yes' or 'No' that I can choose from if I want to respond at that time. I think it will even let me do speech to text but I've never tried it. The feature that I just figured out the other day is that I can choose the bluetooth source for my radio and listen to music that's on my cell or pandora radio and the other day I was listening to podcasts. I LOVE this car! I do miss the "soccer Mom" feel of the Jeep but I kind of feel like the "cool Mom" in this car.
 |
| this is the lowest mileage I have ever had on a car |
I have had many cars and I am so thankful that I have had such good cars overall. With the exception of the mini-van I have always felt safe in my cars and I always felt like they were reliable.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)