So since I'm lacking inspiration to come up with my own ideas today, I'm stealing an idea from the Moms at Work blog at our local newspaper. Today, Lisa, one of the bloggers, wrote about five reasons her husband is a keeper. I loved the idea...so here is my list:
1. He is a very loving and involved dad. He is willing to sit on the floor and play with Myles' cars for as long as he wants, or just while I go out for a run or take a few minutes for myself. He also watches Myles every other Thursday night so that I can go out with my friends.
2. He never (and I mean never) gives up. If something needs to be fixed, or if he needs to find an answer to something, he will not sleep until the task is accomplished.
3. He works really hard and often sacrifices his own wants for our family. I know he isn't a natural nine-to-fiver, but he gets up day after day and works his butt off so that we can have financial security. Meanwhile, I'm sure he'd love to live on a beach in Costa Rica.
4. He fills in where I am lacking. I struggle with patience and perseverence. Billy is extremely good in these two areas and helps reel me in when he needs to.
5. He has been there for me through thick and thin. Let me tell you, Billy and I have been through a tremendous amount of pain together. We have suffered losses together and we have grieved together. And through it all, I've learned that I have a man who loves me more than I ever knew I was loved.
I wrote earlier this month about suffering a loss, something I couldn't talk about at that time. That loss, which happened on April 27, 2009, was the miscarriage of a 7-week baby. And as I laid in that hospital bed, in severe physical and emotional agony, Billy stood with me. He cried with me. He comforted me. And he, along with God, was the strength I needed to get through it. Really, what more could any woman want from her husband?
Friday, May 29, 2009
Monday, May 25, 2009
Long weekends can be tough
I think every working mom looks forward tremendously to long holiday weekends. I know I do, especially Memorial Day, when I haven't enjoyed a holiday since New Year's!
But this weekend has been a little tough, as things have fallen through and the weather has been bad, leaving us scrambling to keep a 3 year-old entertained. Saturday we had plans to meet my parents and sister at their resort near Disney for the day. It was my sister's birthday and we were going to celebrate. Well, Florida has had nonstop rain since Monday and by 10am Saturday morning, it was storming and there were no signs it was letting up. We ended up at the T-Rex restaurant at Downtown Disney and even had enough of a rain stoppage to walk around a bit.
We had hoped to go to the resort on Sunday with two other families. Those plans fell through. Then we thought we'd go buy a Science Center membership Sunday, but we ended up just not feeling like it. So we watched TV, Billy ended up taking Myles roller skating (his first time) for a couple of hours while I took a nap, and we went to the PM church service. The day was mostly a bust.
This morning, we are finally getting out to the resort. And since Billy is adamant about seeing other people (other than my family) on the weekends, he convinced his brother to meet us out there with his family. We definitely don't see them enough so I'm glad it worked out. It should be a fun day, as long as the rain holds out.
But the weekend itself did not shape out how we originally planned it. And it has been stressful trying to make things happen at the last minute when everyone seems to already have plans. I'll have to do a better job for 4th of July!
Monday, May 11, 2009
Mother's Day
This had to have been one of my best Mother's Days ever! First of all, I am so blessed to have such an amazing and sweet child. It is a true honor to have been chosen as his mom and I only hope I can do a great job and help him reach his true potential. Secondly, I have a wonderful husband who I too often take for granted. He works very hard and is always there for me when I need him, through good times and bad.With that said, we had a great Mother's Day. We spent it in Ocala with my parents, my brother and his wife and my sister. We spent some time swimming at my parents' house, then at my mom's request, we all went to see a show called Symphony Under the Stars. The show featured an outdoor orchestra playing medleys from several decades and across many genres. The music was nice and once the sun was mostly down, the weather was gorgeous. We all laid on a blanket and hung out as a family. A fireworks show concluded the event and Myles, of course, was in awe.
I am so blessed to be a mom. I should spend more time saying that. Happy Mother's Day to all of the wonderful moms reading this post. Hope yours was special too!
Friday, May 8, 2009
100th post
I guess I'm supposed to write 100 things about myself. Gosh...not even sure where to start. Or if anyone really cares. But I'll do it anyway...please leave a comment if you do get through these!
1. I am a born again Christian.
2. I will celebrate my 10-year wedding anniversary in September '09.
3. I did not have a "real" wedding...we just did it.
4. I really believe I'm married to my soul mate, although Billy and I are complete opposites.
5. I received a Bachelor's degree 10 years ago in Advertising/PR.
6. I currently work in internal communication.
7. I've never been at a job for more than 2 years and 2 months.
8. I tried being a SAHM and it wasn't for me.
9. My dream job was to be the PR director for an NHL hockey team.
10. I am a huge hockey fan, after growing up watching the sport with my dad.
11. I am the oldest of 3 children.
12. I fit perfectly into the "oldest child" stereotype.
13. I have one brother and one sister.
14. I am proud mom to Myles, my beautiful three year-old.
15. I've been pregnant 3 times.
16. I've finally made up my mind that I'd like one more child...hoping for 2010!
17. I have no preference whether I have a boy or a girl.
18. I think being a mom is the hardest job in the world (really).
19. I volunteer in my church every other week teaching 4 year-olds.
20. I don't get to church nearly enough to actually hear the sermon.
21. I never feel like there are enough hours in the day.
22. Most people think I'm organized, but I usually feel disorganized.
23. I wish I lived in a slightly bigger house (like, one extra bedroom).
24. My house always has work to be finished and it drives me crazy.
25. I took up running about a year and a half ago.
26. Running is the first real hobby I've had.
27. I ran my first 5k in April 2008 and my first 10k in March 2009.
28. My goal is to do another 10k in October '09 and actually get a descent time.
29. Some day, I'd love to run a half-marathon.
30. I always feel like I need to lose 5-10 pounds.
31. At 32, I'm in the best shape of my life (but I could still stand to lose five!).
32. I dress fairly conservatively.
33. If I had the money, I'd be much, much trendier in dress!
34. I am extremely frugal and keep a very detailed budget.
35. I was born in Texas and currently live in Florida.
36. I am not a fan of Florida, mostly because of the weather.
37. If I could live anywhere, it would be the Pacific NW.
38. One of my dreams is to have a home in the NW to live in during the summer and a home down south for the winter.
39. Another huge goal is to visit all 50 U.S. states.
40. Currently, I've been to 28 states and counting.
41. I am terrified of flying.
42. I have only been to one foreign country...Canada.
43. For our 10-year anniversary this year, I'd love to go to Peru. I need to get over the flying fear first though.
44. For a long time, I did not want kids.
45. I feel very disconnected at times with my childless friends.
46. I actually have very few friends.
47. I am blessed with a group of women in my neighborhood who have become like a second family to me.
48. I hate to read.
49. I love doing SuDoku puzzles.
50. I change my hair color about once per year. It's currently brown.
51. In high school, my nickname was Barbie (I looked very different).
52. I competed in beauty pageants in high school and early college.
53. I played the piano for over 10 years.
54. I've forgotten almost all I once knew in piano.
55. I don't watch much TV but am currently into The Tudors.
56. My favorite show is Mad Men, and I can't wait for Season 3!
57. I think I have a dry sense of humor.
58. I am a very good writer.
59. I am an average public speaker.
60. I am very insecure about my looks and body.
61. I am an extreme introvert.
62. Driving stresses me out.
63. One of my pet peeves is people not using turn signals when driving!!!
64. I have never been inside a limousine.
65. I have never eaten fish (nor will I ever!).
66. I used to have a serious jealousy problem but was relieved of it by God's grace.
67. I love going to the theatre.
68. I hate hearing live bands so never go to concerts.
69. I require at least 7.5 hours of sleep to be productive.
70. I am a proud political conservative.
71. I'm one of the few who will actually admit that I like Sarah Palin.
72. My career aspirations are much lower than they were 5 years ago.
73. My biggest goal is to be a fantastic wife and mother.
74. I love the spa but am too cheap to ever go. It's my Mother's Day request. :)
75. I do indulge in a 30-min. massage each month, given by massage therapists that come to my workplace for $1/minute.
76. I am beyond addicted to Diet Coke.
77. I am even more addicted to chocolate.
78. I could eat Mexican food every night of the week.
79. I currently have two pets.
80. These are the last pets I plan to have.
81. I'm thinking of training to compete in a triathlon before I'm 35.
82. My favorite music is from the 80s.
83. My favorite movies are Bridget Jones's Diary and The Devil Wears Prada.
84. My favorite holiday is Christmas.
85. My favorite season is winter.
86. My least favorite season is summer.
87. I do not enjoy the beach.
88. I love the mountains and the cool air.
89. My parents are both alive and I feel I have a very good relationship with them.
90. I wish we saw more of my in-laws.
91. I currently have 2 nephews and a niece and will have a nephew born in July and another niece or nephew in November.
92. I plan to sleep in on Mother's Day. It's what I look forward to the most!
93. I love burning candles throughout my house.
94. I have a hard time sitting still.
95. I very much admire my boss and will admit she's the #1 reason I am still at my current job.
96. I wish my company would offer a 4-day workweek of 10-hour days.
97. I'm very content with my life.
98. But I'm always striving to "tweak" things.
99. I've been through a lot in life but always come through it. It's only been by God's grace.
100. I greatly appreciate you if you have made it this far! :)
There you have it!
1. I am a born again Christian.
2. I will celebrate my 10-year wedding anniversary in September '09.
3. I did not have a "real" wedding...we just did it.
4. I really believe I'm married to my soul mate, although Billy and I are complete opposites.
5. I received a Bachelor's degree 10 years ago in Advertising/PR.
6. I currently work in internal communication.
7. I've never been at a job for more than 2 years and 2 months.
8. I tried being a SAHM and it wasn't for me.
9. My dream job was to be the PR director for an NHL hockey team.
10. I am a huge hockey fan, after growing up watching the sport with my dad.
11. I am the oldest of 3 children.
12. I fit perfectly into the "oldest child" stereotype.
13. I have one brother and one sister.
14. I am proud mom to Myles, my beautiful three year-old.
15. I've been pregnant 3 times.
16. I've finally made up my mind that I'd like one more child...hoping for 2010!
17. I have no preference whether I have a boy or a girl.
18. I think being a mom is the hardest job in the world (really).
19. I volunteer in my church every other week teaching 4 year-olds.
20. I don't get to church nearly enough to actually hear the sermon.
21. I never feel like there are enough hours in the day.
22. Most people think I'm organized, but I usually feel disorganized.
23. I wish I lived in a slightly bigger house (like, one extra bedroom).
24. My house always has work to be finished and it drives me crazy.
25. I took up running about a year and a half ago.
26. Running is the first real hobby I've had.
27. I ran my first 5k in April 2008 and my first 10k in March 2009.
28. My goal is to do another 10k in October '09 and actually get a descent time.
29. Some day, I'd love to run a half-marathon.
30. I always feel like I need to lose 5-10 pounds.
31. At 32, I'm in the best shape of my life (but I could still stand to lose five!).
32. I dress fairly conservatively.
33. If I had the money, I'd be much, much trendier in dress!
34. I am extremely frugal and keep a very detailed budget.
35. I was born in Texas and currently live in Florida.
36. I am not a fan of Florida, mostly because of the weather.
37. If I could live anywhere, it would be the Pacific NW.
38. One of my dreams is to have a home in the NW to live in during the summer and a home down south for the winter.
39. Another huge goal is to visit all 50 U.S. states.
40. Currently, I've been to 28 states and counting.
41. I am terrified of flying.
42. I have only been to one foreign country...Canada.
43. For our 10-year anniversary this year, I'd love to go to Peru. I need to get over the flying fear first though.
44. For a long time, I did not want kids.
45. I feel very disconnected at times with my childless friends.
46. I actually have very few friends.
47. I am blessed with a group of women in my neighborhood who have become like a second family to me.
48. I hate to read.
49. I love doing SuDoku puzzles.
50. I change my hair color about once per year. It's currently brown.
51. In high school, my nickname was Barbie (I looked very different).
52. I competed in beauty pageants in high school and early college.
53. I played the piano for over 10 years.
54. I've forgotten almost all I once knew in piano.
55. I don't watch much TV but am currently into The Tudors.
56. My favorite show is Mad Men, and I can't wait for Season 3!
57. I think I have a dry sense of humor.
58. I am a very good writer.
59. I am an average public speaker.
60. I am very insecure about my looks and body.
61. I am an extreme introvert.
62. Driving stresses me out.
63. One of my pet peeves is people not using turn signals when driving!!!
64. I have never been inside a limousine.
65. I have never eaten fish (nor will I ever!).
66. I used to have a serious jealousy problem but was relieved of it by God's grace.
67. I love going to the theatre.
68. I hate hearing live bands so never go to concerts.
69. I require at least 7.5 hours of sleep to be productive.
70. I am a proud political conservative.
71. I'm one of the few who will actually admit that I like Sarah Palin.
72. My career aspirations are much lower than they were 5 years ago.
73. My biggest goal is to be a fantastic wife and mother.
74. I love the spa but am too cheap to ever go. It's my Mother's Day request. :)
75. I do indulge in a 30-min. massage each month, given by massage therapists that come to my workplace for $1/minute.
76. I am beyond addicted to Diet Coke.
77. I am even more addicted to chocolate.
78. I could eat Mexican food every night of the week.
79. I currently have two pets.
80. These are the last pets I plan to have.
81. I'm thinking of training to compete in a triathlon before I'm 35.
82. My favorite music is from the 80s.
83. My favorite movies are Bridget Jones's Diary and The Devil Wears Prada.
84. My favorite holiday is Christmas.
85. My favorite season is winter.
86. My least favorite season is summer.
87. I do not enjoy the beach.
88. I love the mountains and the cool air.
89. My parents are both alive and I feel I have a very good relationship with them.
90. I wish we saw more of my in-laws.
91. I currently have 2 nephews and a niece and will have a nephew born in July and another niece or nephew in November.
92. I plan to sleep in on Mother's Day. It's what I look forward to the most!
93. I love burning candles throughout my house.
94. I have a hard time sitting still.
95. I very much admire my boss and will admit she's the #1 reason I am still at my current job.
96. I wish my company would offer a 4-day workweek of 10-hour days.
97. I'm very content with my life.
98. But I'm always striving to "tweak" things.
99. I've been through a lot in life but always come through it. It's only been by God's grace.
100. I greatly appreciate you if you have made it this far! :)
There you have it!
Mother's Day Tea
Today, I attended a wonderful Mother's Day Tea at Myles' day care. Take a look at the short video below. He is the boy in the gray shirt who is laughing hysterically, then jumping up and down (with the M on his shirt). It's moments like these that make being a mom so wonderful!
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Being a mom when you're sad
Last week, I lost someone who I loved. I am not ready to blog about it right now, as the wound is too fresh and too painful. But the whole experience took a part of me that I fear I'll never get back. It left me incredibly sad and hurting.
Through it all, I tried to maintain my composure and continue being the mom Myles needed me to be. That proved to be very difficult. I was able to take a few days off work - and I sent Myles to day care each day so that I could handle my emotions. But even after having the days to myself, I struggled with keeping up my energy level at night and having the pep that is so needed when spending time with Myles.
Even today, over a week after the loss, I'm not myself. Yes, things have greatly improved...I've been back to work all week and trying to carry on my life. And I guess it's helped that we've been so busy with swim lessons and planning for summer vacation. But I'm not myself. I know it and Myles knows it.
How do you cope with your parenting duties when you are hurting emotionally? Do you just go day-by-day and figure it out, as I've been doing? It seems I'm just going through the motions, including being a parent. I'm at a loss and simply hoping that emotional healing will come soon.
Through it all, I tried to maintain my composure and continue being the mom Myles needed me to be. That proved to be very difficult. I was able to take a few days off work - and I sent Myles to day care each day so that I could handle my emotions. But even after having the days to myself, I struggled with keeping up my energy level at night and having the pep that is so needed when spending time with Myles.
Even today, over a week after the loss, I'm not myself. Yes, things have greatly improved...I've been back to work all week and trying to carry on my life. And I guess it's helped that we've been so busy with swim lessons and planning for summer vacation. But I'm not myself. I know it and Myles knows it.
How do you cope with your parenting duties when you are hurting emotionally? Do you just go day-by-day and figure it out, as I've been doing? It seems I'm just going through the motions, including being a parent. I'm at a loss and simply hoping that emotional healing will come soon.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Crazy days
We have a ridiculously busy month ahead! Myles started swimming lessons yesterday, which he'll go to every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday for the next four weeks. After just one day of it, I'm already exhausted. I have to leave my office at 5:00 sharp to pick him up. We then truck to another part of town that there is absolutely no easy way to get to (translation: 40 min. in the car). Once we arrive, I quickly get him into his swim trunks, he gets in the pool at 6:00 for his 15-min. lesson and we get back in the car for the 20-min. ride home. Last night, we didn't arrive home until nearly 7:00 and dinner was not even started!!
I need to come up with a plan for managing this. Tonight, we're picking up pizza. But I can't do that three times a week!! I'm thinking I'll cook extra on Sunday night so that we have leftovers for Monday. But that doesn't help with Thursdays. Plus, by 7:00, Myles is ready to eat NOW. And I still need to get in my run, which is almost daily now since it's too hot here to do more than 2 miles at a time.
I'm tired just thinking about it. I need a run...and maybe some wine!
I need to come up with a plan for managing this. Tonight, we're picking up pizza. But I can't do that three times a week!! I'm thinking I'll cook extra on Sunday night so that we have leftovers for Monday. But that doesn't help with Thursdays. Plus, by 7:00, Myles is ready to eat NOW. And I still need to get in my run, which is almost daily now since it's too hot here to do more than 2 miles at a time.
I'm tired just thinking about it. I need a run...and maybe some wine!
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