"You Know You’re a Mom When-sDAZE" is a great way for us, as parents, to make light of our trials and tribulations. Our day to day run-ins with the crazy little people in our lives we call children. The very people we simply couldn’t live without. So with this, the possibilities of this are really endless...the creativity is all yours. In order to play along, all you have to do is either post a picture of something crazy, wonderful, endearing, or just plain cute, that your kids have done...explaining how it made you feel or the story behind it. Or, write a little post in the “You know you’re a mom when…” fashion. Grab my brand new button (if you fancy). Then come back over and link up. Thanks to all who linked up last time…can’t wait to see your post today! You know you’re a mom when…everyone in the house is sitting down enjoying their breakfast, as you wildly try to accommodate and appease the yappers in order to keep the gnashing of the teeth to a minimum, causing your own food to turn out like this…
Yes…you can still see the smoke coming off of them in the picture. Bon appétit! So whatever you’ve got…picture or otherwise…please link up!
I know the point of this is to be in the picture with the kids. But today I am just going to show a couple of the pictures from my little photo session with my stepson, his mom, her fiancé and his boys. Oh, and I feel like this is still acceptable Mom N' Me material since there is a mom in the picture. Right, Julie? Do I get a get out of jail free card?
So, the third picture has some obvious lighting problems. Who was the genius that had them all stand in such an uneven shadow? That one and the last one have no edits on them yet. But there you are…a small sampling from my first group photo session experience. Keeping that in mind, I would consider it mostly a success. Please go link up with my friend Julie for Mom N’ Me Monday. It’s easy, and fun, and it’s for your own benefit!!
Oh, and P.S. Can someone tell Julie that since, for some strange reason, she doesn't want people stealing her stuff and therefore doesn't allow right clicks on her blog anymore, I can't get her button for this post?
Julie at The Peanut Gallery...exit here, who has wiggled her way securely into my heart, has awarded me with the Honest Scrap award. Thank you, friend. Since I began blogging, this was probably the one and only award I hoped to receive but never did...until now, of course. Now that I've got it (and I am really excited to finally have this one), I am hanging up the old "award" hat. I think they are fun, and I love it when others think of me...but at the risk of sounding like a major ingrate, I can't find the time to do the posts for them anymore. All the crazy linking, standing on your head, picking your nose, winking your left eye, and singing the Star Spangled Banner all at the same time is just a bit much for me.
So with this one I have to list 10 honest things about me. Honest? Darn it...there has to be a catch, right? I kid. I'm nothing if not honest. Anyway, here goes:
1. When I was younger I wanted to be a doctor. As I got older, I didn't want to do the school. As I got even older, I regreted not doing the school. Unfortunately, in college I didn't have the foresight which would have enabled me to see beyond my days of bars and boys. Seriously, I wasn't all that bad...pretty mild in comparison to many. In any case, I am quite happy to be where I am today. Can't imagine what my life would be otherwise.
2. I have eaten some really strange things in my life. As a child in particular. Among those things are dog food and fish food. Don't even ask.
3. I once peed in a flower bed in a public place. Again, don't ask.
4. My favorite number is 13, and my favorite colors are blue and yellow. In fact, our wedding colors were blue and yellow! Love, love, love it.
5. The one place in the world to which I want to travel over any other, is Russia. I am hugely fascinated with their culture. I would even like to learn the language. I actually know a few words and phrases. When I was fresh out of college and living in Dever, Co. I met some people from Russia. They became good friends, and thus my desire to learn more about their culture was spawned. Kak Dela?
6. I am currently struggling over whether or not we should change my blog tag line to "eight" little feet. Leaning toward keeping it six.
7. I cry at commercials. I never used to do that. I used to pick on my mom because she does it. Then I had kids, and my hormones went haywire, and never worked themselves back to their original state. Sigh. Now I am as sentimental as they come.
8. The blogs I love reading the most are those that write about "real" things. Things like their struggles in day to day life. The joy over their family, kids, etc. Humor over things to which we can all relate, and those that have great photography.
9. Like Julie said...I love music. I agree with her so much. A song can bring you back to a place in time quicker than anything else. I can instantly feel how I felt then, smell things I smelled then. It's amazing. Led Zepplin is one group in particular that brings back a lot of memories that are near and dear to my heart.
10. With me, what you see is what you get. Sometimes that's great, and sometimes it's not. My husband often accuses me of lacking the "filter" that others have which enables them to say things nicely. He says I can be abrasive. To his credit, he is not the only person who has said this about me. I'm perfectly okay with it. Better, I think, that you know where you stand with me. There is no wondering over what's going on in my head. Well, that last part may not be true. I mean, come on...how can you not wonder what goes on inside the head of someone who eats dog food and pees in public flower beds?
Now, I am going to pass along my last award.
The Empress at Good Day Regular People is, without question, an amazing writer. She has her heart in her blog, and I never feel bad about having spent some time "with her." If you haven't, you should go check her out and be sure to tell her I sent you!
Heide at From 3 to 5 is such a fun person. She's funny. I feel like I "get her." What I like most about her is the feeling that she doesn't put on aires. She is who she is, and is a joy because of it.
Three more...hang with me.
Kate, at Kate's Life. I love her heart. She is just an honest to goodness "real" person. I think she radiates warmth, and I like the way she shows genuine care for others.
Melis at The Zookeeper's Diary. She was one of my first favorites. Still is. When she sits down to "put it out there," she really does. Again, she is full of heart and honest, and has moved me to tears several times.
Finally, last but not least.
Sonora at Twinfinity. Sonora was on the verge of giving up blogging when I found her. I think she actually found me first, but I am so happy she did. And I am even happier she decided to stick with the crazy thing. I enjoy reading her posts which are riddled with funny and endearing stories.
Please, if I passed this to you, don't feel obligated to do anything with it. Chuck it if it pleases you, but I chose you because I honestly think you deserve it.
Last week...Monday to be precise...we took a little jaunt to Sedona. Not just any day trip...a most auspicious occasion. We were going to meet some very special people. One person, in particular for me. Several months ago, she and I began commenting on each other's blogs...she had no clue about the email response thing, so I gave her a little schooling. Then, we began to email each other almost daily, and sometimes multiple times a day. Through our interactions a friendship emerged. We'd joke about stalking each other all the time, and finally I bit the bullet and said we should try to meet in person some time. Well, could you imagine my surprise when she said she and her family were actually coming here?!? Do you know who I am talking about? Hint: nuts. Peanuts to be precise.
Does she look familiar to you? Well, to those that read her blog, she will. To others, you will think I am off my rocker (pft, that's nothing new). Yes, this is Julie of The Peanut Gallery...exit here. Again, if you read her blog, you will know that her family just took a trip to our neck of the woods. Of course, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to finally meet her in person. The funny thing is, I have felt for some time now like I already know her. By that I mean, I feel like we have been friends for years. There is a realness and an honesty to her that, unfortunately, you don't find all that often. Or at least not as often as I wish. On some level, Julie and I have connected and formed a real friendship. I have blogging to thank for that. Without it, I never would have met her. That ...I simply couldn't imagine.
With our men behind the lenses, we set out to document our encounter. This is one of the first photos we took. The next one had Julie making bunny ears over my head. Maybe she has a copy and will be gracious enough to share it. I, however, will not.
Our girls realized that this was a day like no other, and that it was cause for a real celebration. So...there was dancing in the streets. Come on every guy grab a girl...
All the children (at least those not passed out on the sidewalk ) got along famously. The Desert Dwellers, and The Peanut Gallery were all fast friends. We spent the afternoon frolicking, eating ice cream, causing near attacks in the hearts of shop owners and generally soaking up all we could of each other in a very short amount of time.
S-Girl is the sweetest little girl ever. Truly. All of Julie's children are warm, open, and intelligent. Given Julie's recent toilet incident, you may have misgivings about her parenting...but rest assured, these kids are loved beyond measure, and it shows.
The littlest ones were just worn out.
Yet, they were troopers nonetheless.
Before we barely had a chance to say hello, we were already saying goodbye. Julie may be none too pleased with me for posting this photo. But I happen to love it. She is every bit as fun in person as she seems to be on her blog. Her nature is friendly, open, honest and just plain old hilarious! She is infectious, and I am afraid I have caught the "Julie bug." She's a vibrant, beautiful woman, and I am blessed to call her friend.
"You Know You’re a Mom When-sDAZE" is a great way for us, as parents, to make light of our trials and tribulations. Our day to day run-ins with the crazy little people in our lives we call children. The very people we simply couldn’t live without. Just share what has you knowing you're a mom (or dad) today, and then come link up. It can be anything...a picture, story, or a bunch of "you know you're a mom whens..."
You know you’re a mom when…
…you can take five stacks of folded laundry to their respective rooms without dropping a single article of clothing.
…you call yourself a genius because in an attempt to get a little more protein into the little people, you mix plain Greek yogurt into their mac n’ cheese and they are none the wiser.
…you consider yourself an accomplished cook, yet consistently manage to burn the food you make for yourself.
Come on over and share what has you knowing you're a mom today!
"You Know You’re a Mom When-sDAZE" is a great way for us, as parents, to make light of our trials and tribulations. Our day to day run-ins with the crazy little people in our lives we call children. The very people we simply couldn’t live without. Just share what has you knowing you're a mom (or dad) today, and then come link up. It can be anything...a picture, story, or a bunch of "you know you're a mom whens..."
You know you’re a mom when, even though you are well hydrated, you gulp down two thirds of a huge glass of water because you are about to hand it over to the toddler who wants a sip.
You know you’re a mom when you can discern a “mad cry” from a “tired cry” and a “fake cry” from a “hurt cry.”
You know you’re a mom when you recognize that the hurt cry has different levels…and which level requires immediate action on your part, and which level you blow off a little. You know, just so they don’t come running to mamma with every little knick, scrape and bump.
You know you’re a mom if you have ever been embarrassed in public by a person not yet three feet tall. For instance “Mom, does that lady have a baby in her tummy?” As she points to a rather large (and totally un-pregnant) woman. Or “I FARTED!!!” Said at the loudest decibel possible, and with gusto I might add.
Can’t wait to see what has you all knowing you’re a mom today. Come link ‘em up!
When I began this blog, I set out with the intention of chronicling my childrens' lives (at least for now), and then having the pages bound into a book. That is still my intention. Somewhere along the way though, I started "meeting" some pretty inspiring people, and a few of those people have become friends. That part of blogging is a true joy.
However, there is another part of blogging that I find slightly less than joyful. That part is the nagging sensation I have of needing to "keep up" with every post of every blog I've ever read. Of course that is a slight exaggeration, but I have a feeling most of you get the point. When I allow that to take over, I feel so overwhelmed by it all, and blogging becomes a chore rather than a pleasure.
I suppose this is my way of saying that I am still here. I still plan on writing about my kids, and whatever else strikes me...but I may or may not be around to comment as much as I once have. My inkling is that I will go in spurts. So, if you haven't "seen" the likes of me as much, take no offense. I am just busy being a mom.
I used to be successful. Really successful. I was in sales for a fortune 500 company, and I was great at what I did. I had goals, and I blew them all out of the water. Financially, I was in a place of freedom that I never imagined possible. I averaged around $135,000.00 a year. Me! Not married, no kids. There are times when I miss those days. Not just the money aspect of it (though that was amazing), but the feeling of setting a goal and anihilating it. There is a sense of accomplishment in that. That sense of accomplishment brings about a sense of confidence and a sense of self. I never questioned whether I was good at what I did, or whether I was valued. I just knew it to be true.
Having me stay home with our children is one of the best decisions we ever could have made, yet there are times when I question how I am doing. Whether I am valued. Whether I am good. Part of me realizes this must be natural. Afterall, there is no tangible way to set a goal to be a good mom, and then measure the success. Not really. Nor is there a real sense of feeling valued on a regular basis. In the working world (sales for example), you sell an account, the boss shouts "hooray" and slaps you high five. At home, you shower before noon, get the dishes done, change a couple of diapers, make dinner, and no one is there to say "hooray!" No one high fives you on the days you actually manage to put on deodorant and brush your teeth.
Then, your three year old draws an "A" on her doodle pad, and proudly exclaims "Look, mama! I did it. I drew an A!" And, looking down at the doodle pad, you see that she did indeed draw an "A." That's the high five. Right then, right there.
Then, your children are playing outside when suddenly the baby falls and bumps his head. He is screaming when daddy scoops him up to give him kisses, and the screaming doesn't cease because only mommy will do. You're valued. Right then, right there.
Staying home with these little people is the hardest job I've ever had. There are so mnay ways to make mistakes. So many ways I fear I can mess them up. And while at first glance it seems often like a very thankless job, I know that it is the most rewarding job I've ever had. The most rewarding job I ever will have again.
So while I do miss the straight forward feeling of being successful in the corporate world, I recognize that I am blessed to be able to be present for all the "A's" and bumps. To be the one my children not only want to have kiss their hurts, but also the one with whom they want to share their wins. I'm blessed to have a husband that also believes in how important it is for me to be here with them. I know he values me as a wife and mother and more importantly a friend. Yes...I am valued.
"You Know You’re a Mom When-sDAZE" is a great way for us, as parents, to make light of our trials and tribulations. Our day to day run-ins with the crazy little people in our lives we call children. The very people we simply couldn’t live without. So with this, the possibilities of this are really endless...the creativity is all yours. In order to play along, all you have to do is either post a picture of something crazy, wonderful, endearing, or just plain cute, that your kids have done...explaining how it made you feel or the story behind it. Or, write a little post in the “You know you’re a mom when…” fashion. Grab my brand new button (if you fancy). Then come back and link up.
You know you’re a mom when the sight of this…
touches you in a way that wouldn’t be possible if you weren’t.
Hey, Keely…don’t count me out yet! I know it’s late, but I thought I’d jump in with Keely’s Getting to Know You Sunday. You still can too. I know she’ll have ya. Just answer the following questions and link up.
1. The most expensive thing hanging in my closet is...? My wedding dress. Does it count if it’s actually preserved in a box? It’s still in my closet. Second to that would be my breast pump. Yep…I’m all about the glam.
2. Have you ever played a team sport? Of course! Softball, swimming and track. I’m a firm believer in team sports, and will encourage all of my kids to join one as well.
3. If you were a bug, what kind would you be? A dragonfly. Not just any dragonfly...a blue and yellow one. So colorful, and they can fly ;)
4. Where on your body is the worst place to get sunburned? (thanks Ian ) Any place is bad. But the shoulders have got to be the most painful with the need for a bra and all.
5. Are you happy? Mostly, yes. I certainly have my days though.
6. People are always abbreviating..are there any abbreviations that make your skin crawl when people use them? Not that I pay attention to. Unless you are talking about lol and stuff like that. In that case, all of those, most of the time. There are some people who use them (like Rose from We Live in a Zoo), and it doesn’t bother me in the least. Not sure what that’s all about. I guess because when she uses them…it’s actually in a place that I could really imagine her laughing out loud.
7. Do you love where you live..or could you live anywhere? I don’t love where I live, and I could probably live anywhere. IF…it weren’t for my family. I really like being close to them, so it would be hard for me to live elsewhere for that reason.
8. What, if any, extreme measures do you go to to keep yourself from overeating when you're full? None. Maybe that’s the problem. I’d love to see your answers too. Be sure to link up, or just leave a few right here.
"You Know You’re a Mom When-sDAZE" is a great way for us, as parents, to make light of our trials and tribulations. Our day to day run-ins with the crazy little people in our lives we call children. The very people we simply couldn’t live without. So with this, the possibilities of this are really endless...the creativity is all yours. In order to play along, all you have to do is either post a picture of something crazy, wonderful, endearing, or just plain cute, that your kids have done...explaining how it made you feel or the story behind it. Or, write a little post in the “You know you’re a mom when…” fashion. Grab my brand new button (if you fancy). Then come back over and link up.
You know you’re a mom when you think to look in the toy basket for one of your missing shoes…and you find it.
You know you’re a mom when, in a pinch, a cookie seems like a perfectly acceptable snack to feed the little ones…right before lunch.
You know you’re a mom when bedtime at 7:00 for the kids really means bedtime is at 7:30 or 8:00 by the time the “I’m thirsties, and I have to go potties, and there’s a noise in my rooms” are all said and done.
You know you’re a mom when you unsuspectingly take a gulp of your water only to find that floating particles seem to have mysteriously appeared, and you don’t even feel that grossed out by it.
Now let’s have it! What little things make you feel like “this only happens to a mother (or father)?” Whatever you’ve got, post it and link up. I’d love to read what you have to say.
It has been one of those days. Specifically one of those days which has me sitting on the couch at this very moment, stuffing my face with a huge cadbury cream egg, and thinking about another. If I didn't have to wake up at 6am to go running, I'd be having wine along with it. Yes. That kind of day.
I'm not sure if I wake up and my patience is already wearing thin, or if the kids gang up and decide to see how far they can push me. Or maybe it's a bit of both. Whatever it is, it leaves me feeling wasted. Feeling like I'm 95 years old...and wasted.
I love these kids more than any other thing on earth...but MAN! My mother said I'd have one just like me. I'm proud to report she's wrong. I had TWO just like me. Defiant, stubborn, strong-willed and just wild. Fortunately for them (or I'd throw them right out the window), they are smart, loving, compassionate, adorable and mine ;)
I never forget how blessed I am to have such amazing little people in my life...but days like today have me counting the minutes, no seconds, until bedtime.
Goodnight my little angels. I can't wait to do it all again tomorrow.
"You Know You’re a Mom When-sDAZE" is a great way for us, as parents, to make light of our trials and tribulations. Our day to day run-ins with the crazy little people in our lives we call children. The very people we simply couldn’t live without. So with this, the possibilities of this are really endless...the creativity is all yours. In order to play along, all you have to do is either post a picture of something crazy, wonderful, endearing, or just plain cute, that your kids have done...explaining how it made you feel or the story behind it. Or, write a little post in the “You know you’re a mom when…” fashion. Grab my brand new button (if you fancy). Then come back over and link up.
You know you’re a mom when you seem to be the only one who can see this laying in the middle of the floor…the very floor that everyone has to walk over in order to get from the kitchen to the hall.
You know you’re a mom, when after one meal…your floor looks like this…
Finally, you know you’re a mom when you go to grab your baker’s chocolate from the pantry only to find two curious little teeth marks gnawed into the end of it.
Ah yes. The many joys of motherhood! Please share some of yours!!
Keely over at Mannland5 does Getting to Know You on Sundays, and it has been a little while since I have participated with her. Her questions are fun, and make for an easy post. Just what I need on a Sunday. If you decide you'd like to participate just copy and paste the questions into a post, answer and link up. Easy.
1. If you could star in any movie genre..what would it be..romance..horror..comedy..suspense or action? How about a mix of comedy and romance? That seems about right.
2. Do you recycle? Of course. I wear the same clothes at least twice before I wash them...oh, that's not what you meant? Yes, I do recycle.
3. Have you ever been to a strip club? Totally not my cup of tea...but I have.
4. Do you have a nickname? I guess "Nonie." Started as Shanonie, and was shortened. My old boss was the one to call me that, and it stuck for some people.
5. What's a name you can't stand to be called? I'm not a big fan of "honey, sweetie, baby." Yuck.
6. What are your Summer staples? As is food? I have no idea. How about clothes...I say my flip flops. Can't be without them.
7. What was the last thing you bought for yourself? A roll of sugar free wintergreen breath savers and a pack of gum.
8. Are you happy with your boob size? I'm indifferent to be honest. I have never been wrapped up in that at all.
There you have it. How about you? Gonna play? Let me know so I can come see...or just answer any or all of them right here.
Looking back through some older posts I realized how much I used to love blogging here. I mean LOVE it. It's such a great way to preserve memories...stories of my kids, crazy things that happen in my life, or just how I am feeling on a particular day.
After asking myself what happened, it's simply this...I don't want the job. Nor do I want the guilt that comes when I don't do the job. What job? The completely time consuming job of responding to comments simply from a place of feeling obligated.
Light bulb moment. I can still have my blog. I can post pictures, tell stories, ramble...whatever, and I can do it privately! So, my blog is private now, and if you're reading this...you're among the very few who have been invited to continue along with me here. No, I don't think I'm so special that you should feel part of some elitist club. Just letting you know that there are a handful of people I actually enjoy keeping in touch with here!
So...onward we go. Or I go. Either way, I'm good with this.
Looking for some new ideas to feed the family? Tasty Tuesday may be just the thing for you. I love to cook, and love even more to cook for other people. Since I can’t have you all over to eat one of my meals, this is a close second. This week, I’m cooking up some shredded chicken tacos. These are another of my family’s favorites…and pretty easy to make. Ingredients: Premade Corn Taco Shells (I like Stand N’ Stuff) about 12 shells 1lb boneless/skinless chicken breast (can use thigh meat as well) Worcestershire Sauce (to taste, approx. 2-3 tablespoons) Chili Powder (to taste, approx. 2-3 tablespoons) Sea salt (or regular salt, to taste) 1/4 Cup plus 1-2 tablespoons Olive Oil 1/2 yellow onion (diced) 3 cloves garlic (minced) 2-3 Roma tomatoes (diced to top tacos) Iceberg lettuce (shredded to top tacos) 2 Cups Shredded cheddar cheese Any condiments you like…i.e., sour cream, salsa, guacamole.Instructions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees In a large pot, boil chicken breasts (uncut) until no longer pink. Remove chicken from water and cool until able to handle. Using two forks, hold one piece of chicken with one fork, and use the other fork to rake over the meat towards you in order to shred. Repeat process until all chicken is shredded. Set aside.
In a large skillet, add 1-2 tablespoons olive oil, onion and garlic and sauté until tender over medium heat. Add shredded chicken, and the remaining olive oil. Stir well to coat. Add chili powder and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well. Add a dash or so of salt. Taste it. If you want a little more spice, add chili powder. If you want it a bit more savory/sweet add more Worcestershire sauce. Or both! Once the chicken is to your liking remove it from heat. Place your taco shells on a cookie sheet. I prepare mine with foil made into rivulets to provide a sort of stand for the shells. Then fill each shell with some of the chicken mixture, and top with shredded cheddar cheese (to your liking). Place tacos in preheated oven until cheese is melted, and shells are just lightly toasted.
Remove from oven, and serve! Load with your favorite condiments and toppings, and enjoy. We like having our tacos with refried beans (you can use black), and rice.
There you have it. Oh, and if you are like me, and trying to “be good,” then you can turn your serving into a salad like I do. Just save some of your chicken mixture for that (chances are you will have extra anyway).
Enjoy! We always do. Oh, and if you have a lot of extra chicken left over, it makes great quesadillas for lunch later in the week.
I survived the party at our house today. It was pretty easy really. But now I am just wiped out! So I am going to get my Sunday post done and go to bed. Keely is awesome. Did you know that? She always sends me the questions early so I can play along since I have my class on Sunday. This week's questions are interesting to say the least. Here they are:
1 - Why did you start blogging? To save the world. Or just because I thought it would be a fun way to document memories and then be able to have them all printed into a keepsake book. I'd love to have something like that now if my mom had done it. Of course, she would never start a blog today (right, mom?).
2 - Who's the one blog friend that you would want to meet most in "real life"? I just get warm and fuzzy thinking about her. ;) All I'll say, is that she knows who she is!
3 - Why are you always concerned with losing that "extra 10 pounds" when chances are your husband/boyfriend/friends tell you that you look just fine the way you are? Because I don't believe him, and more importantly, because the extra 10 pounds are 10 pounds that weren't there before I got pregnant. I just want to have my whole wardrobe of clothes opened up to me again. Nothing too vain, just don't want to buy more clothes.
4 - What's the one thing you wish guys could understand about you? About me? Like me specifically? I actually think most men have understood me better than a lot of women. I have always gotten along really well with the male species.
5 - Tattoos. How many do you have and how many are visible when you wear your "everyday" clothes? A big fat zero. None. I've never wanted anything enough to have it permanently etched into my skin. Don't mind them on others...just not my thing.
6 - What was the best year of your life and why? This is impossible to answer. There are stand out events in many years, but no one year that is so great as to tower above the rest. Each and every year is one I can say has been full of both all things wonderful, and not so wonderful.
7 - Name three things you would do if you were a man for one day. I'm just gonna say it...have sex. Of course, this would mean that my husband and I have switched places since I am married (because there is no other way I would do this). But I do wonder why men seem to like it so much more (generally speaking) than women. Not that I don't...okay, I'm done talking about that. Can't think of anything else right now...but I think that's big enough to count for three.
8 - What's your alcoholic drink of choice that usually raises a few eyebrows? I don't drink anything that raises eyebrows. I like dark beer...people typically find that unusual. But I like a good glass of wine too. I'm afraid my days of "buffalo sweat" and "prarie fire" are long over.
So that's it. I'd be mighty happy to read what you have to say as well. You can link up with Keely, or you can leave me your answers right here. Happy Sunday!
In anticipation of my participation in this new and fabulous meme (shhh...don't tell my friend Julie that it is in fact a meme), I had Andy take a few pictures of me with the kids. I'm quickly remembering why I am never on the receiving end of the lens. It's a lot of work if I want to look even remotely presentable. Here are a couple pictures he took...not bad on his part!
First attempt...not half bad. Next let's see if we can all look at the camera.
That would be a "negative ghost rider"...apparently for Colton..."the pattern is full."
Yes, Addyson...what a lovely and natural looking smile you have.
Me with Drew. I am not in many pictures with any of my kids, but far too few with this big guy.
So we did two. I think he is actually pretty photogenic. So, there you have it. Thanks to Julie, I am gettin' in the picture with my little ones. Surely something that will have me grateful for years and years to come. Can't wait to see the rest of you with your own precious little people. Just link up when you're done so we can all have a peek ;)
I'm a mom from the middle of nowhere, South Dakota. Our little town has a population of just over 1,000 now - but when we first moved here, it was still working up from the 900s. Our big family of six didn't quite push the town over the top, but we came close. We moved out here from North Carolina when my youngest wasn't even one year old - now, that was a road trip - so my husband could be near his parents and help keep up the family farm. We also thought it would be a calmer, quieter place to raise a family than the big city of Raleigh.
Our kids had some trouble adjusting at first, but now they love living here and are always begging to visit their grandparents on the farm. Grandma always spoils their dinner with root beer floats and helps them make crafts out of coffee filters or her big jar of colorful buttons. Then there's Grandpa, who gets out the old train set and teaches my son all about golf while the sounds of putts and drives from the TV fill in the background. There are pet cats, cows, and sheep galore, and one friendly dog who greets the kids with slobbery kisses every time they arrive at the farm. It's a great place to grow up, and I'm so glad we decided to give them the opportunity to enjoy it.
Stress and the City
Of course, life isn't always paradise. I left my family back in North Carolina so we could raise our kids in the country, and there were times when I missed Raleigh and the people I had left behind. My mother's age and deteriorating health started to worry me, and sometimes I feel overcome with the desire to move back so I can take care of her. I have brothers in the area, but let's face it - when it comes to care-giving, boys aren't always the best nurses.
One day, I was sitting at home, feeling sorry for myself as I folded the laundry. Always fascinated by "grown-up" activities, my youngest daughter was "helping" me fold the endless heap of clothes that accumulates when you have six people living in one house. My husband came in from work and saw that I wasn't my usual self, so he asked how my day had been. I told him that it had been fine, and he gave me a quizzical look. After a few seconds, he asked what was bothering me if everything was fine. In a moment of overflowing frustration that had been building for weeks, I said, "If you can't figure out how to be sympathetic every once in a while, you'll just have to take me to the funny farm!"
I was about to burst into tears because I knew he didn't deserve my anger when I heard the excited voice of my daughter: "Mommy, mommy! Can I come, too?"
Of course, she didn't understand that I was referring to a mental institution, not her grandparents' farm. To her, "funny farm" was a logical name for the place she loved so much. I couldn't help it; I started laughing until tears rolled down my cheeks.
I was a tired mom at the end of the day, and my daughter had just provided the perfect punch line to help me see how petty I was being. Although her words brought laughter, they were also a profound reminder to me that my husband and I had moved to South Dakota for a very good reason. I believe that it's the best environment for raising my children, and I know my mother would want that every bit as much as we do. My family visits North Carolina once a year, usually at Christmas, and my mom is doing just fine. Every time I start to worry about her, I remember that I'm making the right decision for my whole family by living here and raising my children to love life on the farm.
Bio: Maria Rainier is a freelance writer and blog junkie. She is currently a resident blogger at First in Education where she writes about education, online degrees, and what it takes to succeed as a student getting an online associates degree remotely from home. In her spare time, she enjoys square-foot gardening, swimming, and avoiding her laptop.
Okay, you all asked, and my husband answered. One of the qualifiers to get him to do this was that I could in no way edit what he wrote. So this is all him, without any meddling from me. I didn't say, however, that I wouldn't add my two cents if I felt it warranted. Just saying...and if my two cents does show up anywhere, it will be in orange. Now, on to your questions and his answers.
Melis of The Zookeeper's Diary asked: If your wife could have any profession BESIDES being a SAHM, what would you want it to be? And why? And do you read her blog? What do you think of it?And finally, would you ever consider moving your family to where I live and buying the house next-door so we can all be IRL friends? Is that weird?
Any profession – A photographer seeing as she has an eye and a passion for it.
Do I read her Blog? – Are you all kidding?…hardly ever, but I don’t need to…I live it everyday.
What do I think of her blog? – I have always thought her to possess a true gift when it comes to that of the written form…On the occasion when I curl up with a cup of coffee and my computer to catch up on the latest prose of “Arizonamamma,” she confirms my thoughts.
Would I consider moving to be your neighbors and is that weird? – I know you are joking…
Keely from MannLand5 wanted to know: What made you fall in love with your wife? How did you 2 meet?Will you have more kids? :-) What do all do for fun as a family? What do you think your wife's best physical feature is? What do you do for a living?
What made me fall in love with your wife? – her independence, beauty, charm and her complete acceptance of me.
How did we meet? -We worked together on an outside sales team.
Will we have more kids? – I can’t answer this one on my own…AZMAMMA has a pretty big stake in this answer as well…however, if it were up to me I think that there will be no more children conceived.
What do we all do for fun as a family? – Every Saturday morning we get up just as the sun is about to rise in the East…saying East is silly…doesn’t it always rise in the East? Anyway, we ALL get up just before the sun rises…we bring plenty of water, lunch and our trimming shears…we hike 13 miles (AZMAMMA and I take turns pulling our two youngest children in the wagon, they certainly couldn’t make the trek on their own) to the llama farm and we sneak into their grazing area….On even days AZMAMMA lasso’s three of these creatures while I teach the children how to shave cool designs into their fur….on odd days, we switch places…The kids find this absolutely hysterical and the llamas, well they don’t seem to mind one bit either….On the way home we usually dig 2 random holes with a large baking spoon (I don’t find this particular activity “fun” at all, but the rest of the family does and sometimes we gotta do what we gotta do). (If you all think this is serious, then you haven't been reading my blog for very long...I would never let anyone use my baking spoon to dig holes).
What do I think my wife’s best physical feature is? – AZMAMMA was very blessed when it comes to her ‘4th point of contact,” her rear end. This, in my humble opinion, is her best physical feature….****This is where I must put my disclaimer, I am sure that ALL of you were hoping for some romantic answer like the beautiful sparkle in her eyes when she is truly happy, or the curls in her hair when she styles it my favorite way…maybe you even wanted me to answer with the color of her lips after she has had a glass of wine…but what can I say? I am an ass man and even after two children that shit ROCKS!!!!(Sorry, there should have been a disclaimer regarding the PG13 language...this is the only spot though).
What do I do for a living? – I work in a sales management job for ADP
Dondi at Confessions of a Housewife asked: Westpoint. Did you like it, was it worth it...I wanna know. West Point is one of those places that is wonderful to be from and not be at…but looking back, in a warped demented type of way, I did enjoy it. I certainly took it seriously and internalized the discipline. Was it worth it? Yes, I would not go back and do it any differently
Liz from Harmonysong wanted to know: Most favorite (material) gift you have ever given Mamma? I would have to say the amethyst heart and chain that I got for her on her 1st Mother’s Day. (I can't resist...I have to explain a little more why this one is so great. It has amethyst which is Addyson's birthstone, and a tiny bit of diamond, which is mine...it was the most perfect Mother's Day gift ever...very thoughtful).
Julie of The Peanut Gallery kindly asked: What is the weirdest thing that your lovely wife has done since you've known her? I can choose only one?…That hardly seems fair as many situations I find myself in with her are weird, not to mention all the stories I have heard of the weird antics of this person…and they are weird because she makes them so. I have struggled with this one and I thought, could it be the time that she clucked like a rooster as she was following behind a group of people? Could it be the time that she dissected a water dog while bored on a fishing trip? Could it be the time she shouted a reminder out of the car window as I trekked through the busy supermarket parking lot, “Don’t forget your hemorrhoid cream!”…No, these are all weird, but I gotta say one of her finest moments occurred on this blog. Her post about peeing while she laughs was a little uncomfortable for me. Many of you may disagree, but the whole time I was reading that rather strange post, I couldn’t help but be mortified. I mean I kept thinking to myself, “Why is she sharing this with the whole blog reading world? Hell, I didn’t even know that she was stricken with this rather strange condition!”….NOW THAT’S JUST WEIRD! (To save you the trouble you can read the post here...it's not as bad as he says...I never claimed to pee when I laugh).
Kate of Kate's Life wants to know: 1) What does your wife do or say that just makes you melt? 2) What do you love the most about her? 3) Do you have a nickname for her? 4) Is there a limit to how many questions I can ask?
OK KATE IT’S FINALLY YOUR TURN…..
What does AZMAMMA say that makes me melt? – You wanna (bow-chicka-bow-bow)…?(Kate, I never say bow chicka bow bow...not ever).
What do I love most about her? – The wonderful mother that she is…
Do I have a nickname for her? – No I do not.
Is there a limit to how many questions you can ask? – you just reached it…
Desert Rose asked: Seeing how AZ Mamma and I are fellow Arizonans...just what is it that she likes to do around these parts?
She likes to spend time with her family in Phoenix…she is extremely close to her family
His sister Melissa asked: Andy, if you were stranded on a island with one of your siblings, which one would you rather it be and why? Seeing as how this was asked by one of my siblings I can’t, in good conscience, answer this. A very fine gentlemen recently advised me to steer clear of offending any one of my siblings, because if you do it may permanently damage a relationship no matter how many “I’m sorry’s” you try to throw at said situation…
Drea of Peanut Butter Jelly Days asked: Honestly, what do you think of your wife blogging? do you think it has taken too much time from everyday things, or do you see it as a good outlet for her?
Honestly what do I think of my wife blogging? – She enjoys it…I say blog away
Do I think that it has taken too much time from everyday things or do I see it as a good outlet for her? Sometimes I feel it interferes with our time together…She never lets it interfere with the childrens' time…but when I ask her if I can get some of her time she obliges…As far as a good outlet for her – sure, I guess so.
Scott of This Daddy's Blog asked: Being a sports fan the best event I have ever been to was the Army-Navy game many years ago at the Meadowlands since you were part of that tradition, besides that what is the best sporting event you have ever attended? Back when I was 12 my Dad took me to a rodeo. I thought that the rodeo was pretty cool, but the idea that pops and I got to spend some time together – that was truly spectacular. He is one of two men that I truly idolize in life…(His dad really is a wonderful man, and though this may make it seem so, was not absent from Andy's life...he did travel a lot in the military, but Andy just treasures any and all time with his dad).
Heide of From 3 to 5 asked: Do you love Seinfeld as much as AZ Mamma? What is your favorite TV show?What is your favortie thing to do in your free time? Did you contribute to Addyson and Colton's name selection? Az Mamma is quirky about the sheets, what is your quirk? Do you leave the seat up? What is your favorite room in your house? Are you originally from AZ? If not what brought you there? If you are from there is there any where else you would like to live? Can the AZ Mamma come visit me?
Do I love Seinfeld as much as AZMAMMA? Does she even like that show? Hahahaha….I like that show, is it as much as her? Not sure :-)
AZ MAMMA is quirky about the sheets…Holy S**t she IS quirky about the sheets! I don’t have quite the breadth of quirks that she does.
Do I leave the seat up? Only on purpose.(No he doesn't...he's very good about it).
What is my favorite room in the house? Our eat-in kitchen…some of the most scrumptious things in the entire world are created in that space just awaiting my consumption…but more importantly, AZMAMMA and I both agree that sitting down as a family for dinner is extremely important. Over the last five years some of my most cherished memories are those that were shared and created while we have broken bread over dinner…
Am I originally from AZ? Nope, my Dad was a career Marine so I don’t have an original home…I ended up in AZ after my short stint in the Army came to a conclusion. I found my first corporate career in PHX.
Can the AZ MAMMA come and visit you? See one of my first answers – AZMAMMA is extremely independent and does not need to ask my permission. In fact, many may say that AZMAMMA wears the pants in the family, so you may be better off asking her this question.
Lula Lola asked: If time and money weren't a factor, how would you spend the next year? And, what's he think is the coolest thing about you?
If money were not a factor how would I spend the next year? I would want to travel to Australia, Ireland, Brazil, Hawaii and Iceland… I would also like to spend several weeks with our out of state family.
Coolest thing about her? She puts up with me.
Sheila of My Crazy Life asked: Why do men start projects and then never totally complete them? Is this a question for me? If it is, my answer would be that we get distracted by women…
Abby of Murdocks Mama wanted to know: What kind of vehicles do you own? What is your favorite household chore to do/help with? What is your favorite meal that your wife makes?
What kind of vehicles do we own? We own a Ford Expedition (Our second vehicle is one issued to him through work...it's a Mercury).
What is my favorite household chore to do/help with? While I do not consider this a chore, it is a task that needs to be done -- Giving our two young children a bath and getting them ready for bed, followed up by reading them 3 stories.(He does this every night! Every.single.night.)
My favorite meal? Salmon Scallopini or Stuffed Pork Tenderloin. (Irony of this is I don't make these that often, and neither has been a Tasty Tuesday feature...yet).
That's it! This is Mamma again, and I just want to give a huge thank you to my husband for being (mostly) a good sport about this. Can I let you all in on a little secret? I did mention this idea to him in a passive way, but I never actually got his consent before I drove forward with it. He was thrilled, let me tell you! He thinks I am bound and determined to have him start a blog. In any case, I think he did a great job. Thanks again, Andy for taking the better part of an evening to get these answered. I love you!
