My father and my son. For so long I looked to my dad for guidance, reassurance, support, a firm hand and a loving heart. I still do actually. Now, along with my husband, I aim to provide all of these things to my own children. To this little man in my dad’s arms.
I pray that together my husband and I are able to help him become the kind of man anyone would be proud to know. A man like my dad. A man like my husband’s dad. Strong, patient, intelligent, wise, loving, and a bit salty. Hard worker, a dedicated family man, and supportive husband. Then one day, a father. A father willing to sacrifice for the good of his own children. Willing to put his dreams on hold in order to put his little ones’ first.
Yes…that is exactly the sort of man I hope he becomes one day. Fortunately he has some amazing examples before him.
My father in law, my husband and Colton. What a threesome. Looking at Andy’s dad’s silly face in this photo brings a huge smile to my face. This picture says so much. It reminds me of one more very important aspect of a person’s character…and that is humor. This man has amazing humor! I adore him, and feel so very lucky that my children have been blessed with two very fine grandfathers.
Everyone says that Addyson looks just like me. She does look like me, but there is a lot of Andy in her face too.
Colton on the other hand...looks just like his mama.
These are some photos of me, Colton and my dad. The first is Colton, then me…about the same age. The last two, are my Dad then me, several months apart. (Oh, and that is my own mama holding me in the last one...so young...just 20 years old). I think there is a very strong resemblance down this line. I suppose this explains why everyone on my dad’s side tells me that Colton looks just like my dad.
I don't understand why moms feel the need to justify their choices to other moms. Or anyone for that matter. I am not even talking about moms who stay at home vs. moms who go to work. Nope, I am referring to the little things that seem so big. For example, I have always been so very laid back over-the-top anal when it comes to my children and their sleep. This was particularly bad with my daughter. When she was napping, I freaked out whenever anyone would make a noise in the house. I wouldn't answer the phone during her naps for fear of my hushed voice waking her. I seriously thought my daughter was born with the special power to hear even a pin drop from clear across the house. So...my husband would get so irritated with me (rightly so), and my dad would blast me for not answering his calls, and I would get looks from friends whenever I mentioned my daughter sleeps on a schedule. You know the looks I mean, right? I think every mom has gotten them at some point. They are the very looks that create the need in us to justify our choices. Now...I will say, that when my second came along, and my daughter was only 18 months, there was no real way to keep her hushed when he was sleeping. So I had to become more laid back. Do I still think sleep in ultra important to their overall health and development? You bet. Do I freak out if one of them wakes too early at naptime anymore? No way. However, back when I was in the freak out mode still, I felt the constant need to justify my hyper-sensitive ways regarding my daughter's sleep. "You need to make noise in your house so she gets used to it." My dad would say. "I know, and I do, but dad she is a really light sleeper, and she needs her naps or she just gets so cranky." I would tell him. I am certain what he heard is "I am a first-time mom, and I don't know what I am doing." The thing is, I did know what I was doing. I knew that I was a little (okay a lot) over the top, but I also knew that her sleep was something that was a non-negotiable for me. It was something that I believed, and still believe, is crucial to healty development.
Just today, my kids and I were at the park for one of our mommy meet ups. A friend of mine was making a bottle for her 8 month old daughter, and asked her 2 year old son if he wanted one too. I can say with the utmost sincerity that I thought absolutely nothing of it! Seriously. But do you know what happened next? She began justifying why he was getting the bottle. There is actually a very sound reason behind it I might add. But that isn't the point. The point is that she is his mom. She knows what is best for him. Who on God's green earth am I to judge that decision?
So what is this innate behavior we moms all seem to possess? Why does it crop up like that? The bottom line is this...we are all just doing what we feel in our hearts to be the best for our children. No one in the world loves her child more than a mother, and we are all in the same boat. So how about next time you see a mom doing something you would never dream of doing, you just give her a knowing smile instead of a what in the world are you doing look. **This of course does not apply to anyone who is doing something obviously harmful in any way to their child**
Just remember the next time you feel the need to explain yourself to someone about a choice you have made for your child(ren)...don't. Remind yourself that mommy does in deed know best.
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!
Why me, of course! So... my actual name is Shannon. I wasn't really trying to be incognito. I've already shared all the names of the rest of my family. Why not mine too? Born in San Diego, I didn't live there long. When I was still just a babe, my parents and I moved to Arizona (my dad's home). My parents were actually in the military when they met, got married and had me. Shortly after I was born, they moved here. Wow! Am I really starting that far back? Me thinks not.
In between then and now, I have gone to and graduated from the Uof A, lived in Ireland (only for about 6 weeks), worked in corporate America (where I was wildly successful in sales I might add), bought my first house, got married, sold my house and bought another (with my husband), had my daughter (who was conceived in the UK), sold and bought another house, had my son (who was conceived nowhere exciting) and here we are...living in the inferno that is the Arizona Desert.
A woman of many interests, I love taking pictures but don't call myself a photographer. I work out habitually, yet I habitually lack the desire. Books are like water to me, without them I wouldn't survive. Outgoing by nature, I can be a bit forward and often (so I am told) abrasive. I have a loud laugh that always starts with an old man wheeze when I think something is truly funny. Taking things at face value is a problem for me, I am always looking for deeper meaning...you could say I am a bit of an over analyzer. Though I like to think I don't worry unnecessarily, since having children I have come to realize I do. No matter how I try otherwise.
At the heart of me is my family. I love these people that live with me more than any blog post would ever do justice. My brother is one of my very truest, most loyal and closest friends...I love him so. I am blessed to have a wonderful relationship with my mom...it is to her that I credit my wackiness...she has been my comfort when I have needed it most and my laughter when nothing else would do. And I am a daddy's girl. I find today that I still look to him for guidance and direction. Just as I am certain I will always be his little girl, at the risk of sounding cliche, he will always be my hero.
As a mother I strive, together with my husband, to raise our children in such a way that they reach their full potential...teaching them to love deeply, believe strongly, respect fully, and befriend faithfully. Showing them how to love the fair weather days and hoping that we have equipped them with the skills to ride out the storms.
What's to come remains to be seen. So happy to have you along for the ride.
Sonora at Twinfinity did a post confessing her ownership of a gun, and DG at Diary of a Mad Bathroom did a couple of posts about a crazy slightly eccentric uncle, and both ladies prompted me to write this one.
I own a gun. In fact, we own two guns. I have a twenty two rifle, while my husband has a shotgun. We don't own them for protection...our ammunition isn't even kept in the same part of the house as our unloaded weapons. We have them only for recreational purposes.
When I was about six or seven, and my brother was about four, we began learning about guns...both use and safety. Yep, at the tender age of seven I could take a twenty two rifle and shoot a soda can onto its side from about 150-200 feet away. My father is a huge advocate of teaching children at a very young age to have respect for weapons, specifically guns. It's his belief that by introducing the proper handling of guns, you eliminate the mystery and intrigue...the fascination held by many young people is lost. Having been raised that way, I can say for myself and my brother that this theory proved true. We have never felt the need handle or even look at the guns without an adult present. Our respect for them is great.
My experience, while it has made me a believer in my dad's teachings, also has me readying myself for my own children. Drew has already been shooting with my dad, my husband, and my brother. He began when he was about six or seven. So, like us, he has no fascination for the would be bringers of injury or death. I fully intend to teach my youngest ones sooner than later as well.
There are some things from which children should be shielded for as long as possible. One example off the cuff for me would be pornography. I am sure a very creative person might be able to draw some sort of flimsy parallel between gun and pornography exposure...but it would be just that...flimsy.
I may take a lot of flack for this, but I am a staunch believer in exposing my kids to guns while young. Now before you get all judgmental on me...think about how much safer kids would be if they didn't have a keen interest in guns. How many children would be spared from senseless (not that there is another type) accidental shootings at the hands of another child? The whole purpose is teaching them proper handling, safety and respect...not to turn them into firearm wielding maniacs. Finally, please note that my belief in teaching them at a young age does not alleviate the parent of the burden of keeping weapons stored safely out of reach of little hands. This you can liken to having a pool. Does a fence around it alleviate the parents of the responsiblity to carefully guard their children against drowning accidents? Absolutely not, and so it is with guns.
So Keely has a sister, Kassi. Who knew? Maybe you did, but I didn't, and I suppose that this is what this is all about. Getting to know eachother just a little bit better. These questions were originally posted by Kassi, but then Keely snakedthem, turned them into a little blog hop of sorts. Since my well of thoughts is tapped out tonight, I am playing along.
1. How old are you? I am 33...but recently told someone at the gym that I was 31. I was serious. I wasn't lying. Not intentionally. Then later, when recounting the story to my friend R, she asked why I said I was 31. It was only then that it dawned on me that I totally forgot my own age. Sigh. I suppose it's all downhill from there.
2.Where are you from and where do you live now? If by from, this means where I was born, then the answer is San Diego. If it means where did I grow up, then the answer is Arizona which is where I am now. I bet you're happy to have that mystery solved! 3. What music have you been diggin lately? When my car stereo isn't taken over by toddler tunes, I go between classic rock and country. I am lovin' Antebellum's Need You Now. 4. Favorite food(s)? Is this a joke? Like many others, I love Mexican food. Come on, you can't grow up in Arizona, and not like Mexican food. I also really like sushi. Oh, and pretty much any sort of dessert.
5. Single,married, divorced? Hitched. 5 years this coming March. Best years of my life so far ;) 6. Kids? If so, how many and how old? My step-son will be 11 in February. My daughter will turn 3 the same month, and my son will be 2 next August. 7. What are 3 blogs you read daily? Yours, yours and hers. Really? Come on. No way am I going to list just three. There are some great reads out there. I happen to like quite a few of them. 8. What is your favorite Christmas/Holiday tradition? I love Christmas. We have mostly always spent it with my Dad's side of the family. We all get together both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. In my own home, my husband and I started our tradition of decorating the weekend after Thanksgiving. I love it. 9. Lastly, if you're a blogger, how long have you been blogging and if you don't have one..how long have you been reading blogs? Funny thing, like Keely, I started out reading MckMama's blog. I had heard of blogging, but never stepped foot into bloggy land until MckMama's. I was captivated with the story of her son. Plus she is just interesting. Then, she would link (more often than I wish were possible) to other blogs of families fighting for a child's life. Finally I had to stop going to check them out. Breaks my heart. So I stuck with reading hers, and thought about doing one of my own. Okay, I am going to share more here than required. Please don't judge how ridiculous this bit of information is...just rack it up as yet one more reason to call me crazy. I was afraid to start my own blog. It seemed that all the blogs I had been reading had some tragedy going on. Either the tragedy was the reason they blogged, or it happened after they started what was to be a normal, run of the mill, talk about anything and everything blog. I was superstitious. I didn't want to be one of those tragedies (By the way, if you are one of those blogs, don't be offended. I am not at all saying blogging isn't a great place to get support. I would want the support it lends. I just had this totally unrealistic fear that I might bring it on myself). I decided to hike up my panties and get the hell over it. Here I've been since October of this year.
What about you? Will you share in a post or here in the comments?
Admitting I am wrong is not something that comes easily or naturally to me. Perhaps it has something to do with my descending from a line of people who tend to believe they are most often right. Perhaps it has something to do with the fact that usually...well, I am right. Ahem. Moving right along.
I can liken my marriage to a favorite c.d., a faithful old mix of my most favorite songs. Songs that are familiar, comfortable. Feel good music by which I can dance my way through life. My husband and I groove through in the dance that he and I have perfected over time. Then, just like with that faithful old c.d., my husband and I hit a scratch. Errrrrr...music stops. Like today.
Part of our Sunday routine is my preparing the menu/grocery list and his going to the store to retrieve the items on said list. Nap time for the little ones rolled around in the middle of my making this list (as it usually does), and Addyson decided to pitch a fit today. Instead of immediately squelching her tantrum (because, come on, every dad knows how to do this), Andy gave a little try, then waited for me to do something about it. At least that was my clouded perception at the time. So I grew bristles. Bristles the likes of which you usually only see on the teddy bear cholla. Sounds cute and cuddly, right? Guess again. Get too close to one of these little suckers and OUCH! Well, Andy was unfortunate enough to get jabbed with a few of my prongs today. My attitude went from bad to worse when his response to me was just to bristle right back. Seems normal, right? Well, sadly it too often is...normal I mean.
Why should it be though? I am sitting here now thinking about what I jerk I was. Seriously. Was it that big of a deal that he didn't fix the situation to my satisfaction? How sad that in that moment all I could think about was myself, and the fact that he wasn't behaving as I thought he should. How quickly all his other good deeds went by the wayside. Both days this weekend, Andy got up with our daughter (who seems to be closely related to the rooster), so that I could sleep in. This morning, as he does every Sunday, he got the two little ones dressed and ready for church (after feeding them breakfast) so that I could get ready myself. Awesome, right? So you think I should be able to cut him a little slack, and loose my nasty attitude. I know, I think so too.
That's why I have decided to make the proclomation here on my blog for all to read. Andy has some wonderful qualities, and I like to think that a good deal of the time I am able to bring out those qualities. Sometimes, though...I clearly do not. So from now on I will work my hardest to behave in such a way as to bring out those fabulous qualities of which he is chock full. In doing so, he in turn brings out my most redeeming qualities as well. Because let's face it, while the Teddy Bear Cholla sounds cute, it's just not.
I am doing a melting pot of posts tonight. First, I really want to answer Keely's
Getting to Know You question. What was your favorite gift that you received this year for Christmas? This one is incredibly tough as I did receive some really spectacular gifts. So, I will mention two of them (though there are more that I loved just as much). First, Andy got me a necklace from Lisa Leonard Desings. It has the names of my kids on it, and I adore it (p.s. totally not sponsored to say that or anything...just lovin' the gift I got). Next was a gift that Andy went through a ton of trouble to procure. He registered me for a photoraphy class at a local community college. He actually had to get me accepted to the program they offer first. In order to do that, he pretended he was me to get my diploma, and my college transcripts. Sent them to the community college, and applied/enrolled online as if he were me. Crazy! Crazy that he did all that, and crazier that a community college needs all that when I already have a four year degree (well, it took me five years, but who's counting?). Anyway, I now get to attend the photography class starting in February once each week for, get this, six hours! The class is over three months long. Thrilled. Such a thoughtful gift.
This leads me right to my next segment ;) Christmas. Rather than bore with a lot of details, I will simply say that it was a wonderful time spent with family. We all received some wonderful gifts and the kids had a blast (as exhibited by pictures below). I am not entirely sure that Addyson got it as much as I thought she might. She loved opening presents, but I think the connection between the opening and the fact that they are now her gifts eludes her a little. Though I can't be certain. Colton, without question, had no clue...didn't expect him to. We had good food and good fun, and now I am feeling the "let down" effects after cresting the last peak on the Christmas roller coaster. Sigh. Happens every year. Now...for some pictures ;)
Addyson getting a peak at the loot Santa left behind.
Said loot
Addyson has a thing for Tink.
Turns out all Colton needed this Christmas was a box. Who knew?
My brother (taken with my new lens I might add). Yes, that was another favorite gift for me this year...from my Dad.
Addyson showing off her new shoes.
This is what I get when I ask her for a smile.
My cutest little bug...playing with the window.
This one my dad took...me.
My brother's girlfriend.
So now that I have inundated this one with pictures, I think I am done. The holiday buzz is dissipating (sadly we don't usually do anything for New Year's), and we are getting back to normal around here. I wouldn't have it any other way.
Recently I traveled to Florida to visit my mom (who was there from Massachusetts), and my grandma. From a young age I have always had a special place in my heart for this grandma. I love my dad’s mom too! Very much. It’s just that my mom’s mom was, well…special.
She makes the best pancakes in the world. Her pierogies and stuffed cabbage (she’s Polish) are beyond amazing, and if I laid my head on her lap, she would rub my hair for as long as I wanted. Sorta like this…
Seeing her in a familiar pose with my daughter, warms my heart in a way I didn’t expect.
Seeing her look at my daughter, and knowing that the love in her heart mirrors my own, warms my heart in a way that I only could have imagined.
I love this woman. I can’t believe that such a short time ago, I sat where Addyson is sitting. Snuggled into her warmth.
Now here I sit, next to my mother and she next to hers, as a mother myself. Four generations. Such a treasure. Though it’s obvious she doesn’t think so here, even Addyson will realize what a gem it is some day.
Thanks, Julie for giving us a reason to share these! If you haven’t go check out the others over at the Peanut Gallery.
Soon I will be traveling from Arizona to Florida with my two little ones in tow. Unfortunately, Andy will not be with me. Fortunately, my brother and his girlfriend will be. I know many a mom before me has travelled alone with small children, but I am happy to have the help. Without it, there is a strong possibility I may throw myself from the plane. Best we don't test that theory.
We will be visiting my mom (who is traveling from Massachusetts), her husband, and my grandparents (who live in Florida). Sadly, my brother and I will only be staying for a couple of days. I'm grateful to have that time, but it is so little. I miss my mom. I wish that she lived close like my dad does. I so long for her to be able to see my children on a regular basis. So, I have vowed to try to visit her again this year for a longer period of time. Somehow, however, it doesn't seem to be enough.
I understand how fleeting and unpredictable our time here is. I want to make the most of it. I want my mother to have a relationship with my children. I don't ever want to look back when she is older and wish that she had more time with them. Though I can't change the circumstances of the distance between us, I can do something about the frequency between visits. If monetarily possible, I will make a point to see her once each year. If she can manage the same, then that would be twice a year...and while that hardly seems adequate...it would be far better than we've managed thus far.
In any case, I am looking forward to our upcoming visit. I am excited at the prospect of having a four generation photo taken (not professionally). My grandmother, my mom, me and my daughter. I've always wanted to have that...and now we will!
Just a quick little post tonight. We had a great time for Halloween. Very simple, but fun. We (Andy, my dad and I) took our kids trick or treating. Drew was some scary jester, Addyson was a ladybug and Colton was a monkey. Colton made it to two houses before Andy had to take him home to get ready for bed. He did have an outstanding time helping to pass out candy before he went down for the night though. My dad and I continued on with Drew and Addyson until they had their fill until my dad and I were tired. Here are a few pictures:
A little girl’s daddy can do no wrong. When the little girl becomes a teenager, her daddy can almost do no right. When that same girl becomes a woman, she is able to see him for the man he is. The man he always has been. Unwavering in his love for her. Unshakeable in his commitment to her and the rest of the family. Unbending in his values, and undeterred when instilling those same values in his children.
For my dad and me things have been no different. As a very young girl, I adored him. As a slightly older girl, I adored him still…but it was mixed with a healthy heaping of rebellion. Now, as an adult, I adore him…but more than that, I admire him. He’s sentimental, but not mushy. He’s strong, faithful, compassionate, intelligent, stubborn as an ox, and committed to family in a way that makes me proud.
Not Me! Monday time. After you read here, head over to MckMama's blog to read what others are not doing.
My brother works as one of the chefs at Binkley's, one of the most renowned restaurant in Arizona, and quite possibly all of the South West. It is certainly one of the best in the country. For Christmas, my brother treated my husband and I to a meal there. We went Saturday night while my dad stayed with the kids.
While at this 5 star restaraunt, it was not me who giggled like a little school girl every time they brought out a new amuse bouche. My husband did not make faces at the look of about 90% of these, which in turn, did not send me into fits of laughter. We are way too cultured to behave like that at such an establishment.
Keeping with the food theme, over the holiday weekend it was not me who ate so much junk that it sent my stomach into crampy spasms. I am not still suffering from said cramps as I type. **side note-I fear I may be coming down with some sort of stomach bug actually, and I am only hoping that it was all the garbage I ate that has me feeling like this**
That's it for me today. Let's hear from you! What didn't you do this past week? Leave it in the comments, or do a post of your own and link up to MckMama.
I'm abrasive. I know it, but there is not a lot I can do about it. My husband often tells me I just don't have a knack for mincing any words. My father is the exact same way, so I guess it's no secret where I have acquired this endearing trait. Sadly, I tend to get myself into trouble even in times where I had nothing but the best intentions at heart.
My dad's girlfriend (this is a wierd thing for me to even type...dad's girlfriend) has a son. Her son has a wife. Together they just had a beautiful baby girl. Mommy was having some trouble nursing her, and has since taken to pumping her milk and bottle feeding her. The baby gets bottles of breast milk, and formula as a supplement. Here's where I come at her like a Mack Truck politely try to give her some words of wisdom.
Rather than leaving well enough alone, I tried to give her advice (totally unsolicited, mind you) about pumping, and making sure she was getting letdown...blah blah blah. Seriously, I absolutely was not trying to put her on the defensive, but I immediately heard in her voice that I had. Fumbling for words, I tried to back pedal my way out of the mess I has made. Nope, just made it worse...sigh.
Feeling horrible at having made her feel bad, I tried to redeem myself by telling her what a great thing she was doing in continuing to pump. That a lot of women wouldn't be that determined. Again, didn't help. The warmth in her voice never returned.
Now I sit here feeling, well, feeling like an A-hole if I'm being honest (which I am). I absolutely didn't want advice from people about how to mother my baby...not unless I asked for it! How did I forget that so quickly? It seems now that I have some fences to mend.
Keely is hosting another "getting to know you," and so I thought I would join in. This time we are asked to post a favorite Christmas picture, and tell a little about it.
This is Drew, my stepson last Christams. First, I just love this picture of him. Second, it was taken with the camera my dad had gotten me for my gift. I LOVE the camera! I hadn't a clue how to use any of the settings yet (still am not great, though better). It's my Canon Rebel Xsi, and this year I am hoping that Santa finds me deserving of a new lens and some other accessories.
If you have some favorite Christmas/Hanukkah/Kwanza/whateveryoucelebrate pitures, post them and link up over at Mannland!
We're back today from Flagstaff, where we took the kids sledding with my Dad. A good time was had by all. I am more thankful today than I ever have been for Keely's Getting to Know You. Anyone else find it mildly amusing (and SUPER wonderful) that she is doing something so meaningful...like donating to Red Cross for every link or follower today (very grounded and deep), then the questions are so superficial (which I love, big time)! Irony at its best. If you're not familiar with this one, just cut and copy the questions into a post. Answer them, then link up to Keely's blog. Oh, and you probably oughta mention that she is our charming hostess. This week's questions are:
1. Hair color..Au naturale..or not? Almost. I have highlights, does that count?
2. If somebody has food in their teeth or lipstick on their teeth do you tell them? If it's my husband yes. Anyone else...depends on just who it is. For example, there was a time when some coworkers and I went out for lunch together with our boss. The boss had a piece of chicken (thread-like in quality) that was firmly imbedded between his teeth and was fluttering in the wind of his breath as he spoke. Totally didn't say anything.
3. Would you rather have a million dollars or your vision of the perfect body? Well, really...if I had a million dollars, couldn't I just pay someone to train me into the perfect body? So, totally the million dollars.
4. Favorite magazine? What are those? Seriously, I never get to read magazines anymore...but when I do, I just like nonsense. So, People is my choice.
5. Bra style..lacey or plain? Gravitate towards plain. I like color, but not a fan of the lace. (didn't you ever read the post Erin at the Motherload did?)
6. If you walked into Victoria's Secret..would you most likely come out with something sexy or comfy? Comfy. I've said this before (to Erin actually), but really...my sexy is shaving off the fur pants.
7. Do you fake and bake? Really? Um, no.
8. What's your favorite body part on a man? Well, I do enjoy looking at a nice little tush...but I have a thing for hands.
Now that I'm done, I want to know what you have to say. If you don't do your own post, leave your answers in the comments!
Wow! I nearly forgot it was Monday. I have a couple new pictures on my camera, and have yet to upload them to the computer. So…I went over to Julie’s blog to see if she was still doing this post today (why on earth wouldn’t she be? It seems I am the only slacker around here), and I saw all her super cool pictures of feet. Seeing as how I am indeed a self proclaimed slacker, and I am lacking my own original idea today, I decided to jump into her “feet” themed post. I have a couple of pictures of mine and Colton’s feet together that I took in January. Since they are not even 1/4 as nice as Julie’s, I didn’t think she’d mind if I shared them too.
At the time, I was looking at his feet and thinking that they actually look a lot like mine. I still think they do. Addyson, it seems, has feet that look more like her Dad’s (or at least my sister-in-law’s). Colton though…his little tootsies are just like his mamma’s.
My feet have always been one thing that I like about myself. BUT…I feel compelled to share this tidbit with you…normally, you can see about 4 long sasquatch type hairs on my big toe, and in order to spare you all…I edited them out. Kindly thank me before you go. ;)
Now what’s the hold up? Head on over to The Peanut Gallery to check out all the great Mom N’ Me pictures. Julie’s is really spectacular today.
These little flip flops were created to represent boy or girl. I also have a larger stamp of each for mommy and daddy :) I sketched out the flip flops, then my brother in law perfected them, and turned them into real artwork for me. I then had custom stamps created...so these babies are one of a kind!
My first attempt at a bracelet. I think it's super cute and so simple.
For my own dad I made this key chain. It's stamped in the center with the Gemini sign. The outer edge just describes him, and then I added some texture for a more roughed up look.
Who knew I’d love doing it so much? Who knew it would consume so much of my free (ha ha ha ha ha, she said free) time?
I have a site now too, if you want to see even more! Shannon Marie Creations
As parents, we constantly find ourselves saying things that we just can't quite believe came out of our mouths, or misting up over a few scribbles on a page, or finding ourselves in situations that could only be the result of having offspring. So it was for all those reasons I started "You know you're a mom (or dad) When-sDAZE." The possibilities of this are really endless...the creativity is all yours. That is part of what I think will be so fun with this...the posts will all still be unique. 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 fashioned after "You might be a redneck if...," but of course it is "You know you're a mom when..." Grab my button (if you fancy). Then come back over and link up. Can't wait to see your posts!! I have mentioned before that I am striving to get my pre-baby body back. It has been a struggle…and by struggle, I mean I am about ready to chuck my scale into the dumpster. I have been stuck…like really stuck…at a good ten to twelve pounds above my pre-baby weight. So… You know you’re a mom when…
This body, the body that never seemed good enough or thin enough before kids, is now the ideal body. The “what on earth was I thinking?” body. The what I wouldn’t give to just look like that body. Yep…that’s when you know you’re a mom.
