Is there a weekend for the weekend? It seems like lately we have been working in our yard and around the house that there is no time for relaxing. We've gotten a lot accomplished, most of our vegetables are in, however, we have a few more to plant. We've started a compost pile and the new front landscaping is finally finished. Yahoo....we put the last of the mulch down on Saturday. We still have the sides of the house and some planting in the back yard. I definitely look forward to once we are done and actually getting to reap the benefits of our hard work.
Yet, I'm sure there will be more projects that the hubby will add to our "do" list since he can't seem to sit still for long periods of time.
My sweet pea had her violin solo recital today and she is getting so good. We had been practicing pretty hard, but overall she performed great! She walked off the stage and said, I made a couple mistakes and I said did you hear anyone that didn't clap? And she said, no everyone clapped and I said well then don't worry because you did great.
Oh, and I hope everyone survived the "rapture," out of all that is and has been taking place in the world, it is sad that the media put such a frenzy into what this man thought, as it says in the bible, "no one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven..." and I don't believe we are suppose to know.
"Life is full of beauty. Notice it. Notice the bumble bee, the small child, and the smiling faces. Smell the rain, and feel the wind. Live your life to the fullest potential, and fight for your dreams." a.smith
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Monday, May 16, 2011
Would you do it.....
I'm watching the PBS Special on the Freedom Riders and my words can't express the emotions I am feeling. I vaguely remember learning about their journey in high school, but if I remember the civil rights movement was just a chapter in our history class. And as I watch this documentary, I find myself wondering, could I do it, would I have had the courage and guts to do what these individuals risked their lives doing, the non-violent statement they were making? And I don't know....part of me thinks, yes...but the other part of me is simply unsure.
And then I wonder why the civil rights movement is just a chapter in most high school history books, if it is even discussed at all.
I can't imagine treating another person the way these white people did, it is horrifying and are these people who committed these horrible actions remorseful? And does the younger generation really appreciate the groundwork that these silent hero's did for them? Yes, I'm not naive enough to pretend that racism doesn't exist, it does, however the difference now is that it is hidden, which is that any better? I don't know....
As a parent of two small children, I want my children to look past those differences regardless of the issue, I want my children to be compassionate towards their fellow being. No one should be made to feel they are inferior or less human and I struggle to grasp how others can be so blinded.
Anyway, I just wanted to share my thoughts on this powerful documentary and if you haven't seen it, you should.
"To sin by silence when they should protest makes cowards of men." - Abraham Lincoln
"Confront the dark parts of yourself, and work to banish them with the illumination and forgiveness. Your willingness to wrestle with your demons will cause your angels to sing. Use the pain as fuel, as a reminder of your strength." - August Wilson
And then I wonder why the civil rights movement is just a chapter in most high school history books, if it is even discussed at all.
I can't imagine treating another person the way these white people did, it is horrifying and are these people who committed these horrible actions remorseful? And does the younger generation really appreciate the groundwork that these silent hero's did for them? Yes, I'm not naive enough to pretend that racism doesn't exist, it does, however the difference now is that it is hidden, which is that any better? I don't know....
As a parent of two small children, I want my children to look past those differences regardless of the issue, I want my children to be compassionate towards their fellow being. No one should be made to feel they are inferior or less human and I struggle to grasp how others can be so blinded.
Anyway, I just wanted to share my thoughts on this powerful documentary and if you haven't seen it, you should.
"To sin by silence when they should protest makes cowards of men." - Abraham Lincoln
"Confront the dark parts of yourself, and work to banish them with the illumination and forgiveness. Your willingness to wrestle with your demons will cause your angels to sing. Use the pain as fuel, as a reminder of your strength." - August Wilson
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Happy Mother's Day.......
My kiddies gave me my mother's day present early, they each had a plant for me that they planted at school. And my little man says, "is it the best mother's gift ever?" and I of course, said yes. And then I said, "do you really want to know what the best gift ever is...." and his curious eyes widened and he said, "yes, what, what...." "you and sissy," I said. He smiled and gave me hug, and that is one reason I love being a mom. It is those innocent and simple moments that I cherish the most.
So of course it made me reflect on the day I first became a mother. I remember when I was pregnant that I had so many fears...would I be a good mother, would I know what to do...I had no motherly instincts would those kick in?
And of course, those instincts did....I don't know when it happened and perhaps it is just as you grow as a mom...from the first feedings, changing the poopy diapers, the first time they gaze into your eyes and squeeze your finger, to the first time they are sick...all of these moments adding up as you gain confidence in yourself. And then slowly with time, you change as a person...you grow from the individual you were before your children to the person you become after....and maybe it doesn't happen for everyone, but I can say I am a much better person after I had my children than I was before. They've taught me patience and my children make me want to be the best person I can be. I have more confidence in myself since having children, weird as it seems.
I'm not a size 6 anymore and I doubt I will ever again be that size again. I put my career on hold so I can raise my children and in turn had to make sacrifices, we changed our life for our children, but I've given birth to two most amazing, beautiful children who have changed my life for the better and I wouldn't change a thing.
I'm happy and proud of who I have become....I am a mother and I never fully understood certain things until I was blessed with mine. And I remember calling my mum one day and said, "I get it now....I didn't before, but I get it." So for me this day isn't a day for me, but rather a moment to reflect on what a privilege it is to be a mom....thank you to my babies for changing my views and me....I love ya!
And I can't really have a post without a special shout out to my mummers.....she has wiped my tears, given me kisses, scolded me, laughed with me, held my hand, shared stories, and much much more. I love you mom!
"The moment a child is born, the mother is also born. She never existed before. The woman existed, but the mother, never. A mother is something absolutely new." ~Rajneesh
"When you are a mother, you are never really alone in your thoughts. A mother always has to think twice, once for herself and once for her child." ~Sophia Loren
"It kills you to see them grow up. But I guess it would kill you quicker if they didn't." ~Barbara Kingsolver
So of course it made me reflect on the day I first became a mother. I remember when I was pregnant that I had so many fears...would I be a good mother, would I know what to do...I had no motherly instincts would those kick in?
And of course, those instincts did....I don't know when it happened and perhaps it is just as you grow as a mom...from the first feedings, changing the poopy diapers, the first time they gaze into your eyes and squeeze your finger, to the first time they are sick...all of these moments adding up as you gain confidence in yourself. And then slowly with time, you change as a person...you grow from the individual you were before your children to the person you become after....and maybe it doesn't happen for everyone, but I can say I am a much better person after I had my children than I was before. They've taught me patience and my children make me want to be the best person I can be. I have more confidence in myself since having children, weird as it seems.
I'm not a size 6 anymore and I doubt I will ever again be that size again. I put my career on hold so I can raise my children and in turn had to make sacrifices, we changed our life for our children, but I've given birth to two most amazing, beautiful children who have changed my life for the better and I wouldn't change a thing.
I'm happy and proud of who I have become....I am a mother and I never fully understood certain things until I was blessed with mine. And I remember calling my mum one day and said, "I get it now....I didn't before, but I get it." So for me this day isn't a day for me, but rather a moment to reflect on what a privilege it is to be a mom....thank you to my babies for changing my views and me....I love ya!
And I can't really have a post without a special shout out to my mummers.....she has wiped my tears, given me kisses, scolded me, laughed with me, held my hand, shared stories, and much much more. I love you mom!
"The moment a child is born, the mother is also born. She never existed before. The woman existed, but the mother, never. A mother is something absolutely new." ~Rajneesh
"When you are a mother, you are never really alone in your thoughts. A mother always has to think twice, once for herself and once for her child." ~Sophia Loren
"It kills you to see them grow up. But I guess it would kill you quicker if they didn't." ~Barbara Kingsolver
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Digging in the Dirt....
So, we took a risk and planted some of our plants late this afternoon...we've still been having some colder nights, but the forecast is suppose to be relatively nice. We are redesigning a portion of our front yard and so all our new plants are going there. We planted eight lavender plants and three hostas so far, I still have about 10 more plants to place in the ground, but considering we didn't start till after dinner, we were tuckered out.
We are also making wine bottle torches for the backyard and creating a wine bottle border in the front....I've put a request out for wine bottles...I estimated that I will need about 80 bottles for the ring around our tree and depending on how that looks we may extended it elsewhere. It will be time consuming because I will need to take the labels off the bottles and push each one into the ground without breaking, so it could get tricky, but I can't wait till we are all done with the front. We are also going to extend the little deck we have that is out front just by another five feet...so many landscaping projects this spring/summer, but I can't wait. I love digging in the dirt. I also can't wait to get our garden going, we have lots of lettuce, spinach, squash, peas, strawberries, and various herbs....I love this time of year!!!!!
Our community is having a plant exchange coming up, so I need to get some plants that we have dug up and put in some containers to exchange with others....such a great way to diversify your landscaping.
"You can bury a lot of troubles by digging in the dirt" - Unknown
We are also making wine bottle torches for the backyard and creating a wine bottle border in the front....I've put a request out for wine bottles...I estimated that I will need about 80 bottles for the ring around our tree and depending on how that looks we may extended it elsewhere. It will be time consuming because I will need to take the labels off the bottles and push each one into the ground without breaking, so it could get tricky, but I can't wait till we are all done with the front. We are also going to extend the little deck we have that is out front just by another five feet...so many landscaping projects this spring/summer, but I can't wait. I love digging in the dirt. I also can't wait to get our garden going, we have lots of lettuce, spinach, squash, peas, strawberries, and various herbs....I love this time of year!!!!!
Our community is having a plant exchange coming up, so I need to get some plants that we have dug up and put in some containers to exchange with others....such a great way to diversify your landscaping.
"You can bury a lot of troubles by digging in the dirt" - Unknown
Chicago in Spring
My friend invited me on a girls weekend getaway to Chicago to help celebrate her birthday. I was hesitant in going, not because it wasn't going to be fun, but it seems like there is so much to do at home and the simple fact that I would miss my little ones. Then I thought, my hubby has just gotten back from spending 30 days in New Zealand while I took care of things at home and the kids, why not and so I packed a weekend bag and off to Chicago I went.
We stayed right in the midst of downtown on Michigan Avenue and the weather was great. We relaxed in the hotel, ate good food, and then strolled to downtown shops and walked to Navy Pier. And I have to admit, Chicago was blooming, the city was beautiful. I can't wait to return.
The first thing I noticed was gas prices, it is already over $4.60 there, which is about a dollar more than here....it is shocking, however, the strange thing is that the media is not reporting anything on how high gas prices are shooting up, but I suppose when you are in a city such as Chicago, you don't need a car.
It was nice to get away even for a brief time, but like always it is nice to return home....even if the house was not as clean as I had left it.
"I never lose sight of the fact that just being is fun." - Katherine Hepburn
We stayed right in the midst of downtown on Michigan Avenue and the weather was great. We relaxed in the hotel, ate good food, and then strolled to downtown shops and walked to Navy Pier. And I have to admit, Chicago was blooming, the city was beautiful. I can't wait to return.
The first thing I noticed was gas prices, it is already over $4.60 there, which is about a dollar more than here....it is shocking, however, the strange thing is that the media is not reporting anything on how high gas prices are shooting up, but I suppose when you are in a city such as Chicago, you don't need a car.
It was nice to get away even for a brief time, but like always it is nice to return home....even if the house was not as clean as I had left it.
"I never lose sight of the fact that just being is fun." - Katherine Hepburn
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Eggs, Sangria, and Fun
It was a wonderful weekend indeed. We picked up some plants for the yard, we got eight lavender plants, which I can't wait to plant. It has been pretty chilly still, so we didn't plant anything, I'm itching to get in the dirt and go at it.
We took the kids to the local easter egg hunt and I was so proud of my little ones. The hunt starts right at 9:00 am and as people were leaving, a mother comes with two little boys and they were five minutes too late. So, my kids asked if they could give some of their eggs to the kids and I said sure and so they did. I was super proud of them!
Today, we celebrated Easter at my father-in-law's house and my parents came. It was a wonderful time, we ate so much food, drank sangria, and laughed so hard. The kids had fun with another easter egg hunt and then have a go with the pinata, it was so funny to watch the kids. Afterwards, we stopped at my mother-in-law's for another easter egg hunt and we saw an owl as we sat around the fire.
It was a fun-filled packed weekend and in need of another weekend to recover. I'm thankful for these moments with my family!
"Easter is the demonstration of God that life is essentially spiritual and timeless." ~Charles M. Crowe
We took the kids to the local easter egg hunt and I was so proud of my little ones. The hunt starts right at 9:00 am and as people were leaving, a mother comes with two little boys and they were five minutes too late. So, my kids asked if they could give some of their eggs to the kids and I said sure and so they did. I was super proud of them!
Today, we celebrated Easter at my father-in-law's house and my parents came. It was a wonderful time, we ate so much food, drank sangria, and laughed so hard. The kids had fun with another easter egg hunt and then have a go with the pinata, it was so funny to watch the kids. Afterwards, we stopped at my mother-in-law's for another easter egg hunt and we saw an owl as we sat around the fire.
It was a fun-filled packed weekend and in need of another weekend to recover. I'm thankful for these moments with my family!
"Easter is the demonstration of God that life is essentially spiritual and timeless." ~Charles M. Crowe
Monday, April 11, 2011
A story for her daddy....
My sweet pea read me the story she wrote for her daddy. It is titled, "Wen you wer gon" or "When you were gone." She has not conquered spelling, but then again she has only been six for about a month now, but I can read what she is intending to say. She is so excited to read it to him and it is so heartfelt, which is one of the many reasons I love my children. They are still at that age where they are not afraid to display their affection or emotions and I hope that doesn't change.
My sweet pea was informing of an incident that transpired at school and how hurt her feelings were, I told her she needs to be honest with her feelings. I said maybe that wasn't what she meant and so if you don't ask or tell them that it hurt or was bothersome then how is she to know? Of course, all advice I'm trying to conquer myself ;)
Anyway...back to her story...I will spare the misspellings and just type what her story says, so without any further thought interruptions, I present "When you were gone" by my sweet pea
"This is the day we were sad. And our hearts were empty without you.
We missed you when you were in New Zealand. I hope you had a great time in New Zealand.
I love you so much. You're the dad I love the best. I do not want to ask for another dad.
I love you more than a person loves a kid."
The End
So, that was her story....I asked her if she was trying to make her daddy cry and she said, "of course, I cried while he was gone." And I laughed and said, I suppose it is only fair. I will give her credit, in her notebook, she spelled New Zealand as Noosilind...gotta love it!
"Those who bring sunshine to the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves." - JM Barrie
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