Showing posts with label favorites. Show all posts
Showing posts with label favorites. Show all posts
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Today I am greatful for:
Tatum. My first-born, my most stubborn. She's sweet and saucy, cranky and delightful, tender and tough, smart and sassy. She'll charm you with her dimples and smile and shoot you a crusty to beat all. I'm having so much fun watching her grow up into a young girl with ideas and plans and humour and generosity. Plus, she's pretty stinkin' cute.
Traditions. Maybe it's the time of year, maybe it's just me getting older. I love the routine that this time of year brings. I can always count on a holiday party or a family get together every weekend. And, as hectic as it can seem sometimes, I love it. That is, unless tradition continues and my husband has to plow on Christmas Day. That tradition, I could do without.
Television. I've admitted it before, I'll own up again. I love it, my kids watch more than they probably should and I'm okay with that. It gets us through some tough days home. Case in point? I can blog {right now} because they are watching Dora's Christmas Adventure for the millionth time.
Thanksgiving. Another tradition I love. There is nothing yummier than the smell of a turkey cooking all day long.
Thoughtfulness. It really does go a long way. And it is what counts. Like when my girls clean their room because it'll make me happy. Oh wait, that hasn't happened yet. But, when it does, I'll totally appreciate the thoughtfulness.
Temples. I'll stick with my 'tradition' and not get too cheesy Mormon-girl on you here. But anything that lets me be with my family forever is a good thing. If you want to know more, just ask.
Tolerance. I think this is something that's been a part of who I am from day one, thanks mostly to my mama. We can all agree to disagree, but it's not okay to treat each other badly because of said opinions or because that's just 'how you are'. People are all people and our job here is to uplift and help one another. Seems simple enough, right?
Be good to each other.
Be merry.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Today I am grateful for:
Seasons. Don't get me wrong, I'm a California girl at heart. I never used to think it was odd to go to the pumpkin patch in shorts or to go to the beach on Christmas morning. But now that I've officially lived in Utah longer than I've lived everywhere else combined, I think it's safe to call myself a local. We have rainy, muddy and flowering springs; triple digit, snow cone, swim-filled summers; orange, cool and leafy autumns; snowy, crisp and cozy winters. And I really do love them all.
Self-Esteem. I wish this were supplied in endless amounts and that every adult in the world always did their best to build our kids up. I know it's not always the case, but dammit, I'm gonna try. And the best I can do is to start with my own family. I hope my kids always know how special and beautiful they are. And if I have to remind them every day of their lives, I will. That's my job...I'm the mama.
Siblings. I love when people ask me how many kids are in my family. Well...it's complicated. Not because there are so many - really only 5. But the way we all fit together is pretty un-conventional. And yet, it works. I won't get into the details of the semantics - they don't really matter. Just know that I'm a lucky girl to have them all. And another bonus - no one tells you that one of the great things about getting older is that you just keep earning more! My husband's siblings, their spouses, my brothers' significants. I feel very blessed.
Sisters. I didn't get one for 14 years, but it was so worth the wait. I have the most amazing, selfless, focused, beautiful, smart, funny, loyal, fun-loving, kind and compassionate sister in the world. If you know her, you how much of an understatement this description really is. She is what I hope for my girls to someday be.
Santa Claus. I love the tradition of giving. I like that my children have a real belief in someone who gives unconditionally and makes the world happy. I know there is deeper meaning to be had {and we focus on that specifically, too), but the symbolism that Santa brings is a big deal in our house. Plus, I love playing the role. Not in a freaky-what-are-the-Ballards-into way. But before I had children, I never really got it. The joy in their faces when they wake up on a cold morning to find warmth and love in the living room is priceless. And new bikes don't hurt, either.
Suckers. The end all, cure-all in our house. At almost any given time, you can find enough to treat 20 kids in my purse. Sometimes a mom needs a bribe.
Stain Remover. I have three kids. Need I say more?
{I will finish this grateful list}
I think I can.
I think I can.
I think I can.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Today I am grateful for:
Reality Television. I looooooooooooooooooove reality tv. I know it's awful and voyeuristic and cheesy, but I can't help myself. Big Brother, The Bachelor, America's Next Top Model, SYTYCD, Project Runway...
Relationships. Every one of them. The romantic and forever kind {Beau}, the motherly and instinctive kind {my kids}, the loyal and true kind {my family}, the dependable and fun kind {my friends}, the casual and consistent kind {work, church}, the faceless and sometimes anonymous kind {blogs, facebook}. All of them, in one way or another, help define who I am and who I want to be.
Relatives. And speaking of relationships...I've got some awesome family! My own that I've had to myself my whole life and now get to share with my husband and kids and my in-laws and extended family from Beau's side of things. I am truly blessed and so grateful to know that there is always somewhere to turn or someone willing to lend a hand or a smile, unconditionally. Everyone should have endless supplies of that like I do.
Religion. You know me, I'm not one to get all mushy-gushy-Mormon-girl on here, so I won't. Just know that I'm grateful to know the things I do, to have the faith I have and to hope for things to come. Be good to each other!
Roberts. My husband would probably have put this at the top of my 'favorites' list, but he overestimates the amount of time I really do spend at this store. But when I do, I'm happy. I can always find a project to work on, last minute supplies for one I've already started or cute holiday decorations for my house. And you can't beat that 40% coupon ever time, am I right? Speaking of, I need to go there this week and get some rub-on letters and numbers for my latest project.
'S' tomorrow. Promise.
Friday, August 28, 2009
Today I am grateful for:
Questions. I've always been one to ask them. I think it's such an important part of every thing in life - to question everything and to educate yourself. I'm loving {and admittedly, sometimes hating} that Tatum now wants to know "why" about everything. It's so fun to watch her retain new things and use her own power of personal agency. But sometimes, just sometimes, the answer to the repeated why's is simply, "Because I said so." And that's okay, too.
Quote. Anyone up for a "Dumb and Dumber" quote-off? Because I'd kick your trash. Man, are you one pathetic loser! No offense. ;)
Quick. Have you gone grocery shopping with my husband ever? If so, you know that's he's the complete opposite of quick. He's way more relaxed than I am at certain things. Telling a story {Come on already. Focus!}, shopping {Must we really compare peanut butters? Just pick the cheapest one!} and driving {If he's telling a story...slows down the whole transportation process.}. And yet, I love him so. We must balance each other out well. He is my lifelong reminder that I need to slow down, patient and enjoy life.
Quiet. Remember "P"? I really meant it. Peace and quiet. Essential to any mother of young children. Even the littlest bit helps to rejuvenate you and help you through the rest of the day.
Quality. I am an obsessed bargain hunter. I hardly ever pay full price for things {working on the grocery portion, though}, but I refuse to compromise on quality. If I'm paying for something I want it to exceed my expectations. Come to think of it, if I'm investing anything in something {be it my time, talents, money, etc.} I want it to be top-notch.
Dreaded doing that one.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Today I am grateful for:
Politeness. This one kind of goes without saying. But if you are saying, please have it include a please, a thank you, a smile...something polite. It really does go a long way.
Pancakes. Damn you, Teresa Boswell for making the IHOP recipe at Bear Lake. I'm fatter just thinking of them.
Parenthood. I know I complain often about the mundane day-to-day tasks involved in my full-time job, but I really do love being a mom. I love a morning hug, a good night kiss, an inside joke, little art projects, 1st talks in church {Tate did awesome!}, learning new things, being excited for the small stuff. Being a mom is awesome.
Patience. Something I lack quite often, but something I cherish in others. I am so grateful for the people in my life that exercise patience daily. I'm a work in progress and am learning along the way and knowing that other people are okay with that and supportive of the things I do really makes me feel special. And, as I learn to master this trait more, I hope that I can do the same for others.
Peace {and see the next post for...Quiet}. Kinda like right now. Hear that? Nothing!
Photography. I really feel like I've found my passion. Weather it turns into something full-time or not {busy so far...fingers crossed!}, doesn't matter. I am so happy when I capture a unknowing look on one of my kids faces, or a belly laugh from Beau.
Photoshop. Along with the prior list item. There are so many fun things you can do, from a simple color correction, to fun actions, to smoldering black & whites. Logos, posters, fliers, party invitation, baby announcements, Christmas cards...the possibilities are endless.
Pillows. I've said it before, and I'll say it again. So happy to not be a pioneer. I love a good pillow. On a good bed. With clean sheets.
Pregnancy. Call me crazy, but I really love being pregnant! Obvious pros being that you can be fat for a reason, eating with fewer restrictions, always getting a good seat, back rubs from your husband, the best parking spot at the grocery store, etc. I just like how I feel pregnant. I feel prettier {weird, I know}, my hair is thick, my nails are strong. And the end result is without compare. I mean, come on! Who doesn't love a brand new baby?
Wouldn't it be funny if this was me telling you I'm knocked up again?
I'm not.
{Thank Goodness}
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Today I am grateful for:
Ocean. I grew up near the Pacific and haven't seen it in person now for well over 3 years. I would love to take my kids so they can experience the magic of it all. Sand, shells, water and waves. I am absolutely certain they would love it.
Overnighters. I like when cousins sleep over here {the kids are occupied} and like even more when the kids are invited elsewhere {the house is quiet}. Not that I'm looking to farm my kids out around town, but every once in awhile a night of simple quiet is blissful.
Olson. My family is awesome! They're a little bit crazy and a lot a bit fun. I'm so proud to be an Olson and grateful for my heritage. Plus, having that as my maiden name gave me my most popular nickname, ego {Evonne Gayle Olson}. It's stuck with some since I've been married, but alternating it to fit my married name {egob} just doesn't sound as cool. :)
October. I love everything about the month. The weather, the foliage, the holiday, the feeling. School starts for Tatum that month this year, too! We're both very excited.
Obsessed. Has anyone else watched this show? Does it also make you feel like you might be a little crazy when you watch it? Crazy, and yet relieved that I'm not that crazy. Make sense?
Optimism. The point of this whole blog post theme, right? To be more optimistic and grateful. I love being around people that are positive and forward-thinking. I find myself being more of the same when I am.
The glass is half-full, folks.
Wednesday, August 05, 2009
Today I am grateful for:
"Nigh-Night". You all know what I'm talking about. That special time of the evening when all kids are in bed. No one else needs a drink of water, a book read, to be tucked in {for the fifth time}, a fight broken up, a question answered or a trip to the potty. That time of night when you can sit back, relax and enjoy the evening. If only you could ignore the pile of dishes in the sink and the toy mess in the living room. {sigh}
Nabisco 100 Calorie Packs. Call me lazy, but I love the convenience. And, they make some really good ones now!
Neat. This is a far fetched favorite {say that three times fast}, but I love a neat, tidy house. I'm not a cluttery person, but having kids has somewhat deterred me. I can't stand piles on the counter or table, dishes in the sink, toys in every room, etc. We're constantly working on in and, to be honest, most days we fail in several areas. It's been good for me, though. I've had to learn to let go of some of the less important messes to survive my day. But I still long for a totally neat house someday. Fingers crossed. I see teenagers in my future {and a whole new set of messes, I fear}.
Nursery. And that's just where Layne will be every Sunday afternoon in exactly 5 weeks. Just a tad bit excited.
Nostalgia. I love old stories, sorting through pictures {especially my grandma's!} and journals. I'm not so great at keeping track of any of those things, but my blog is the best I can do. I figure that will have to suffice for now. I'm what you'd call a history buff.
Nieces & Nephews. And we've got good ones!
Shantell is the helper. The oldest grandchild and she accepts her role well. She is a naturally nurturing, a little bossy, a lot fun.
Braeden is big brother to all. He's always happy to wrestle around with his younger cousins and who them who is boss.
Kehlden is the partner in crime. You get Kehl, Jakelle and Hayden together and they're always scheming and planning. And usually, Kehl is right there to back the girls up.
Jakelle is the softie. She's got the sweetest temperament. She's always available to give hugs and high fives and loves to have fun.
Kelsie is mama's girl. She's leery of others and loves her mom to no end. And when we can get her to, that kid's got a smile that will melt your heart. I have a feeling that we'll be in trouble when she and Layne figure out the concept of "teaming up".
Greydie is the baby. Dimples to die for and a constant smile. She's at that totally fun age of developing personality and interaction. My kids love her to death.
I love that our kids have built-in friends for play dates, sleepovers, parties & pool time. And looking forward to all that might join us later, too. I've got my whole side of the family that hasn't even started having babes yet! :)
Oh boy. What to put on the next list?
Monday, July 27, 2009
Today I am grateful for:
Layne. My most favorite little guy ever. If you know him you know that he's cute as hell {duh}, all boy, a climber, a snuggler, a sleeper. He's got a smile that will melt your heart {with all of his randomly grown teeth - he now has one of he eye teeth in on the top}, a laugh that will make you feel joy and lots of love to give. I can't imagine our family without him.
Lip Gloss. If you're feeling ugly, try a little of this on. Usually helps. Just make sure you buy the right kind. I'm a sucker for the Victoria's Secret brand - fruity!
Leigh Lapine {double Scattegory points, peeps}. My mama! I am so grateful that she's my mom. We're such great friends; she gives awesome advice and is always willing to listen to me and is almost always available by either phone or email. She saucy, independent, intelligent, thoughtful and generous. The only thing that would make her better is if she lived closer! :)
Lunch Dates. I don't get to have them as often as I'd like {lunch with friends AND I don't have to make a meal? Bonus!}, but I really do enjoy meeting up with friends or family over a mid-day meal. Even better if it's somewhere my kids can run around: play place, the park, the pool, etc.
Lisps. There is something so endearing about them. I'm sure they're not as exciting if you're the one with the lisp, but I totally enjoy them. Mostly on little kids. Both of my girls have lost a bottom tooth {yes, we have all the luck} and, Hayden especially, lisp through a few words and phrases. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't ask Hayden to sing the theme song to "Scooby Doo". It's hilarious.
Thee you back here on Wednesday.
p.s. Go Ed!
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Kabobs. We're a grilling kind of family. And lately, kabobs are a family favorite. The kids can build their own, mom can eat somewhat healthy, and we all get a good dose of grilled pineapple.
Kisses. Weather they are sweet kisses from my kids or saucy kisses from my husband, it's all good. Beau's got some awesome lips; too bad, they're for me only! And maybe it's a mom thing, but I totally love kissing the bridge of my kids' noses. The way my lips and the slope of their noses match up is perfect. I'll keep doing that as long as they'll let me. First kiss ever, though? Probably not my best work. Now that would be a fun blog post...first kiss stories. {thinking}
Kindness. Just an all-around good thing. You can never receive or give too much of it. One of the major things I want my kids to grasp as they grow up. Kind people are good people.
Karma. I am totally a believer in the theory that what you put out into the world comes back at you. If you are kind to people {see above}, kindness will come your way. And vice versa. A "do unto others" kind of philosophy.
Kids. I love yours. I just happen to love mine more. :)
Karen. What "k" post would be complete without her? She's known me longer than almost anyone {besides family} and has been the perfect BFF. She's as close to family as you can get without having the same mamma/daddy. Bottom line: She's rad. The Ballards {heart} Auntie Karnen.
Weekend hiatus.
Happy "Birthday" Utah.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Today I am grateful for:
Jeans. Besides my comfy clothes at home, I live in these. Dress them up, dress them down, wear them all around. I love me some jeans.
Jumpers. Oh wait, I don't have sister-wives. My bad. ;)
Just Because. I find myself saying this multiple times a day. "Mom, why do I have to..." Answer? "Just Because" Works every time. They might not like it, but my kids are quickly learning my motto {and this is for my mom} "I'm the mom, that's why".
Jelly Shoes. And anything else I wore in Jr. High. Don't get me wrong, I think they are terribly uncomfortable and give you insanely stinky peds. But there is something super nostalgic about them for me. Oh, the style-confidence I had back in the day. Banana clips, jellies, slouch socks, acid wash and crimped hair. We were hot, ladies. Don't believe me? Here's some evidence...
Jack Daniel's Sauce @ TGI Friday's. Have you ever had it? So good. I'm not a huge Friday's fan, but if we do go, I'll get their chicken strip appetizer w/ the sauce every time. It's delish.
Jammies. All time favorite piece of clothing in our house. My kids ask to wear them at noon, and sometimes I oblige. Sometimes, they're still in them from the night before at that time of day. Aint' no shame. But when we're home, we are comfortable. House rules.
I might just go put some on now.
Monday, July 20, 2009
Ice Cream. Snelgrove Mint Chocolate Spray. To. Die. For.
Idol. As in American. I stopped watching it post-Clay Aiken {who likes this guy?!?!?!}, but I watched last season and enjoyed it. Plus, my fave from the beginning won, so I was extra happy. But David Archuletta. Really? I so don’t get the allure…
Invitations. Anyone who knows me knows that I’m obsessed with cute invitations, cards, thank you notes, wedding invites, etc. I was obsessive enough to design my own and I save ones that I get in the mail {just to refer back to for ideas in the future}. If you ever need help designing one and don’t want to pay an arm and a leg, let me know – I’m happy to donate my time to help. I love it!
Interaction. I’m a talker. I’m social. I like people. So call me, text me, email me, friend me on facebook, come visit my house, stay for lunch. I love being around people that are older than 4 years old, specifically. Adult interaction. I crave.
p.s. Has anyone noticed that there are a lot of “negative” I words? Ignorant, Illiterate, Invade, Idiot, Irrational, Incontinence, Infest, Irritate, Incarcerate, Illegal, Ironing (yes, this one is negative – I hate it!)…
Near-Impossible.
That’s what I was for me.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
No, I didn't skip a letter. I am behind in my posting, though. And, in a final effort to avoid all things I SHOULD be doing today, I'm posting a few quick pictures.
"I" will return in all it's grateful glory tomorrow.
But for today, Here's my sweet Tate {the eyes, ugh!} and some pictures of the car seat tent blanket thingies I've been making. Still room to improve, but these are my first attempt at figuring out the right measurements.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Ahh, the perfect size for the letter of the day. I've struggled with this, if you hadn't noticed.Today I am grateful for:
Hayden. My little spitfire. She's so fun and silly and cute. She's a snuggler, is sweet with her baby brother and patient with her big sister and loves her dad to no end. And, as she's gotten older, really quite the instigator of mischief. And I wouldn't have it any other way.
Happy Meals. I'm not ashamed to admit that I use the kid-coveted Happy Meal as a bribe here and there. And sometimes, I'm just plain lazy and I know they'll be happy getting one for lunch. A mom's got to do what a mom's got to do, and occasionally this mom's gotta do Mickey Donald's to survive the day. I'm afraid, after reading all 26 entries, some of you might figure that I'm not as capable as I may seem. Or maybe you'll give yourself a break here and there and not feel guilty that you gave them pre-prepared food from the drive through instead of making it from scratch at home. Either way, it's all good. Just to clarify; I bribe my kids with Happy Meals, I use the TV as a babysitter & sometimes I let my babies cry themselves to sleep. So far, so good.
Health. The last year and a half or so has brought on more health scares for our little family than I'd like to ever experience again. I am so grateful that all of my kids {despite the occasional bump, bruise, break or bleed} are healthy and thriving. I'm happy that Beau is strong and energetic and is able to provide for our family without much physical distress. I'm grateful that I'm able to keep up with my kids {for the most part} and run and play and jump with them from time to time. This is one thing I hope to never take for granted...we're all so lucky.
Humour. I'm not laughing at you, I'm laughing with you. And I love it, I love funny. I love funny people. I love when people think I'm funny. I love a good joke. I love a good story. I love remembering a funny experience and laughing from my gut as if it's just happened for the first time. I love seeing people I love laugh and smile. I love a funny movie. I love laughing loud.
Help. There is no way I could survive without it. I love that I have my reserve of friends to call upon when I need a kid-less trip to the grocery store or a date night with my husband. I am so happy when my kids help out, especially without nagging from mom. I love unsolicited help and I'm learning to accept and ask for help without guilt. I'm learning that as I accept help, I'm not only lightening my load, but also allowing someone the opportunity to have that awesome feeling you get when you've made someone's day just a little easier. Try it, you'll like it.
Halloween. I've always liked Halloween. But now that I have kids, it's probably one of my favorite holidays. Costumes, trick-or-treating, parties, treats...it's all the more fun when you have little people to dress up. I don't know about your house, but as soon as one Halloween is over, my kids are already planning for the next.
Back for more on Wed. nes.day
Monday, July 13, 2009
Today I am grateful for:
My Girls. They fight hard and they play hard. Everything they do is with total commitment and I admire that. I'm so happy to have girls close together in age. It's so easy to imagine them as best friends for their whole lives and I love that. I hope I can raise them in a way that they will always value each other and take care of one another. Plus, they are so much fun. Both the perfect balance of a girly-girls and rough-and-tumble chicks. Oh boy are they going to keep me on my toes!
My Guys. {sigh} My guys. They are so much alike, it's almost scary. Beau and his "mini-me" are awesome to watch together. Layne runs to dad when he hears his truck pull up and calls his name all the way down the stairs as he runs for the garage. I'm so happy to have a little boy around. I'll admit, at first I was a little freaked when I found out I was having a boy. What do you do with a boy after having two girls? But he fit right in and has totally made me a more rounded mama, that's for sure. He's so sweet and kind and funny. Again, just like dad.
Google. What would we do with out it? I google things all day long - it's my go-to source for anything I don't know how to find on the web. And the google image search is even more awesomer. :)
Garlic. I am addicted to garlic. I love it; the smell of it, the taste of it. Obviously, not everything calls for it, but when it does, count on me to go a tad overboard.
Giggles. Just about nothing can melt me more than a giggle fit by one of my kids. The only thing better? When they are making each other giggle.
Gum. Maybe it's because of the garlic-lovin? Wasn't it on "Friends" that Monica promised Ross and Rachel's baby that she'd be the aunt that always has gum? :) I most always have a pack in my purse, unless my kids have gotten ahold of it first. And as of right now, they are grounded from gum. Please reference the big wad stuck on Hayden's car seat if you have any further questions.
Grandparents. Beau's are all still here {lucky guy} and they're awesome. The keep families together and histories alive. I'm fortunate enough to have my Grandma Olson around and there is no one in the world I admire more. She's my rock, my inspiration, my past and my future all rolled up into a cute little wrinkled package. I miss her more than she will ever know and long for the day that my kids will know her well. In case you didn't already know, distance sucks.
This really is fun.
Have you started your list yet?
Friday, July 10, 2009
Today I am grateful for:
First Aid. Yep, the Ballard girls strike again. Another accident, another injury. Today, the unlucky recipient was lil' Miss Haydes. Fell up the backyard steps and landed smack on her chin. One big gash, lots of blood and...
Five stitches.
All is well, but the afternoon was long. She was SO worked up when they were giving the stitches and kept telling the doctor and nurse, "I'm done!" and {about the blanket restraining her arms and legs} "Take that blanket off of me, I'm not cold!" Heartbreaking.
All is well, but the afternoon was long. She was SO worked up when they were giving the stitches and kept telling the doctor and nurse, "I'm done!" and {about the blanket restraining her arms and legs} "Take that blanket off of me, I'm not cold!" Heartbreaking.Fathers. A cute story to go along with the above mentioned injury. As we're driving to the hospital, Hayden is talking the whole way - through tears, of course. As we near the InstaCare she says, "I have the best Daddy. He does such nice things for me." {awwwwwwww} But really, she's right. He's a great dad and is so good with our kids. And speaking of dads, I have a couple of great ones myself. :)
Friends. Honestly one of the few most important things in my life. I have great, amazing, saucy, honest, down-to earth ladies in all parts of my life and I adore them. You know who you are!
Fruit Snacks. Just one of the many components included in my "mommy survival guide" aka "my purse".
Fauxhawks. We buzzed Layne for the summer and, as much as I love it on him, I can't help but miss his trademark fauxhawk. So stinking cute on the kid, don't you think?
Free. Ain't no shame people. I'm all about the free; free activities for my kids to do, free samples at Costco {another great kid entertainment experience}, free movies in the park, free hot dogs at RC Willey {okay, haven't ever done that one, but it fit}. You know what I mean.
Taking a break for the weekend.
Back on Monday.
Thursday, July 09, 2009
As I sit down to start this post, I am overhearing a conversation between the girls in the other room.
Tatum {to Hayden}, "I just farted."
Hayden's reply, "Cool."
Some things are better left unsaid.
Today I am grateful for:
Ditching Work. Sometimes it just needs to be done. It's good for the soul.
Discretion. I thoroughly enjoy being around people who understand the concept of timing and appropriateness. I like people who can keep their word and don't use information to their advantage, but instead understand the importance of considering other people's feelings sometimes above their own. See "Tact" in a future post, I'm sure.
Distractions. As a mom who lives a pretty "Groundhogs Day" life, distractions are often welcome surprises.
Dining Out. Two words: no dishes.
The D.I. I love filling up the car and taking over a donation. I am the anti-hoarder. {despite what anyone might think after seeing the amount of items for sale at my garage sale a few weeks ago} Plus, it's always nice to give things away that someone else might have use for. One man's junk is another man's treasure, right? At least that's what I keep telling myself.
Electricity. I think I took this one for granted until ours went out the night we were packing up to leave for Memorial Day weekend. That sucked. Flashlights and candles won't keep your oven going or your washer and dryer running. I'm super happy to not be a pioneer.
Emancipation. The medical kind. Ohhhh, that movie was so good! Go see "My Sister's Keeper". If you don't cry, I worry for you.
Egg White Omelets. My most favorite breakfast right now. Just a little cheese, please.
E was a hard one.
Tuesday, July 07, 2009
Today I am grateful for:
California. I miss the weather, my family, the diversity, the beach, Disneyland... I am, however, equally grateful for Utah (check back in a few weeks).
Chocolate. I mean, because really, who isn't?
Children {mine especially}. I love to see them happy! Today we went to the pool and I was so elated to see the looks on their faces as they went down the water slides alone, stood under huge buckets of dumping water with out a held hand, explored the kid zone with their friends, played on the shallow beach and enjoyed each other's company. For every moment that I have of frustration, there are fifty more that are so joyful. I have rad kids.
Cartoons. Since we're being totally honest here, I love cartoons for a totally selfish reason. Cartoons are my cheapest babysitter. And to those of you who don't use the tv as a sitting service, good on ya. I just happen to have various moments in the day that I need my kids distracted quickly. Noggin takes care of that without fail. But don't you fear...I am not exclusive with my child care options. I send them outside for a good chunk of the day, too. :)
Creativity. I love when I find a new project to try or interpret. I love creating things. I love giving things away. I love the finished product. I just need more time to work on all of the things I have planned in my head!
Cell Phones. I wouldn't know how to get a hold of any of you {besides email, facebook, blogs, etc. of course} if I lost mine. It's my lifeline to grown-up land in an otherwise mommy day. Plus, I love the security I have knowing that no matter where I am {within reason, of course}, I can get a hold of someone should the need arise. But I hate texting. Seriously.
Made my daily deadline with 48 minutes to spare.
Boo-Yeah.
p.s. Jillian has redeemed herself. Last night's episode was awesome! I'm officially team Ed to the end.
Monday, July 06, 2009
Today I am grateful for:
Beau. And you all should be, too. This guy is awesome! Not only do I have the most wonderful, caring, thoughtful, helpful, hard-working, fun-loving, cute-as-hell husband; I also am lucky enough to have scored someone that's a great dad and a fabulous friend, too. He really is that cool, promise. And if you don't know him, let me know. I'll introduce you.
Butter cream Frosting {homemade}. This blog isn't meant to toot my own horn, promise. But sometimes, we must state the obvious. I make a killer butter cream frosting. I can't take all the credit, it's a googled Wilton recipe, but I've {over time} made it my own. And that, my friends, is a huge contributor to this sexy bod I'm sporting now. I guess you can eat your cake and have it too...it's just that no one told me I'd "have it" in my midsection permanently. But, sometimes, totally worth it! Too bad I can't perfect a WW version that's just as tasty. {sigh}
Babies. There's something about a new baby that just lifts your spirits and relaxes any stress you might be carrying around, if but only for a moment. I love how they smell and how they snuggle. And I especially love them if I'm borrowing them from a friend or loved one for a short hold. {no, I'm not knocked up} Don't get me wrong, I love my own babies more than life itself, but not so much feeling the need to have one of my own now. I'm totally happy stealing all of yours for a quick visit. Which leads me to...
Burp Rags. This love originated not with my first baby, but with my second. Hayden was a major barfer. I mean, projectile, how is she gaining any weight?, exorcist kind of barf. Acid-reflux-a-rama. And we did a lot of laundry, half of which was burp rags. Without those suckers, I would have been doing twice as much grown up laundry. Plus, you can make some really cute ones now so they're kind of fun to show off. :) And when I got to make boy versions {Layne had the same up-chuck-reflex}, I was loving life. Well, as much as you can love life carrying the faint smell of partially digested baby formula around with you daily.
Barns. I think they're nostalgic, interesting, and gorgeous in photographs. Problem is, I need to find some really great ones in the area for photo sessions. I know of one, but it's not really in an area that I can just traipse into and shoot away. Anyone know of any good options that would allow for family photos? I'll give you a prize if you hook a sista up.
Bachelor/Bachelorette. I have a love/hate relationship with this show. I love it at first, hate it towards the end. I've decided that, no matter how much I might like the choice of the lead each season, by the end of it I've grown to dislike them for one reason or another. I really had high hopes for Jason and look how that turned out. And then my girl Jillian came along and I really thought I'd be redeemed this turn around. Wait! Not so fast...enter Wes. I'm so unimpressed with our {thought to be} independent, smart-thinking, savvy Bachelorette - she's acting like a needy, naive, unaware of her surroundings chick-a-dee. I always keep a glimmer of hope alive, but really, it's getting old. For once, I would love for the right person to be chosen and for it to work out. But, alas, it is television.
BBQ Chicken Salad. {drooling} By far, my most favorite food ever. If I had to choose a last meal, this would definitely be first on my list. I have a great recipe {found originally in the Ivory Family Favorites cookbook}, but I'm up for any variation. As long as it includes chicken, lettuce, ranch and some bbq, I'm happy.
Better late than never.
p.s. We had a great time camping! I'm working on the pictures {all dependent on how much quiet time my kids give me today...don't hold your breath too long!}, but here is a quick preview. The kids had a blast {parades, face painting, 4-wheelers, BFF's, fireworks, sleepovers, s'mores...} Thanks to the Lunde/Bagley fam for inviting us. Can't wait to do it again!
Thursday, July 02, 2009
Humor me, please.I've found my self, as of late, feeling once again very overwhelmed by all of the "to do" items in my life. In an effort to turn the tide and focus more on the positive, I decided to challenge myself to, every day, post about things I am grateful for. And, being the organizational spaz that I am, thought an alphabet theme would be nice and orderly.
Today I am grateful for:
Afternoon naps. I'd be more grateful if I were the one napping, but I'll take a quiet afternoon with kids asleep over almost anything. If I time it just right, I can coax both Layne and Hayden to sleep at the same time. Tatum is pretty self-entertained, leaving me an hour or two of time to catch up on all the things I neglect while the kids are awake and in a state of constant "need". Even if I'm folding laundry while watching one of the many shows on my DVR from weeks ago, I'm happy to have quiet.
Apricots. Specifically, of the dried persuasion. I just splurged and bought a bag at Costco. Heaven.
Aperture. Of all the camera settings, this would for sure be my favorite. You can manipulate light and subject matter with the switch of a simple setting. The possibilities are endless. Thanks again, Emilie, for being my own personal photography guru.
Accessories. I miss them, but I love them. Soon my kids will grow out of the "can I wear that" and grabby stage and I'll be able to be a little saucier. For now, I'll keep those gems tucked away in my box on the dresser awaiting my triumphant return.
Attitude. Probably fitting that I include this one. I know it's cliche, but really my attitude determines how everything else pans out. And, weather I always believe it or not, I am in total control of it. So, I vow to be in more control. Not in a psycho, non-feeling way, but in a "Who Cares? It's all good!" kind of way. With myself, my kids, my husband, my friends, my job, my time....the list is loooooooooooooooong.
So there you have it: day one. Stay tuned for tomorrow's installment which is sure to include gushy commentary on a certain boy whose name just happens to start with "B".
Seacrest, out.
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