Stay tuned for more ...Monday, June 7, 2010
Sunday, June 6, 2010
fresh courage take
As I gird up for what is promising to be my busiest summer yet – I contemplate what got me here. And – dually – how I will survive it.
We’ve all been taking our turn dealing with illness lately. Brian was first – then Ammon. I got sick as Ammon was getting over his cold, and I’m still combating some residual issues. We’re all hoping that we can remain well – we can’t afford to be sick. Not at all. On top of these discomforts, we have also had some serious health problems crop up in our extended family in the last couple of weeks. While these things are, in deed, disturbing – Brian and I are optimistic that our family will be comforted, protected and blessed. Our faith is where it should be … and we nestle together, bunker down and wait – ready to weather the storms as they hit.
The aforementioned things explain this neglected outpost of thoughts. Blogging hasn’t been high on my list of priorities lately. Not because I have nothing to say – just that sometimes it’s important to create the memories and save the documenting for later. As a result, I have much to say today. Endure my rambling or move on – I’ll leave the choice to you.
I’ve long heard the phrase: “There’s no rest for the weary.” How true is that sentiment. I, for one, am quite weary. And I see no relief in sight. I’m not really complaining – just worried, at what my mentality will be like this time … say … next month.
Brian and I have received our new callings at church. Brian is the Ward Mission Leader in our new ward. He’ll be fabulous, I know it. A good chunk of him is very excited. He’s unearthed all of his old mission stuff and – as he always says about me – his brain is bubbling with new ideas. I was called as the Quarterly Activities Coordinator for Relief Society. A calling similar to one that I have had in the past – and, judging by the fact that the first time around was horrid, I’m viewing this a second chance of sorts. I’ve had many, many people come up to me (or my mother … ?) and comment about all the great things I’ll be doing for/with the sisters of the ward … clearly under the misapprehension that I can do it all. Apparently, my ‘reputation’ has traveled in front of me. To which my mind lingers on exactly two questions: 1.) How do they know all of this about me (because, though I am not shy, I do live quietly)? and 2.) How in the world can I possibly attempt to fool them into believing that these things are true?
On a more ‘personal’ note: I will be offering my photography ‘services’ to quite a pretty few over the next few months. I had a portrait shoot today with a dear friend. I have two weddings over the next two weekends. I have a handful of children and an infant/family that I will be doing sessions for next month. Our cousin Shelby is newly engaged (to which we offer a boisterous ‘Hooray!’) – and I have been asked to do not only their engagement photographs, but also those for their wedding, ring ceremony and reception. Needless to say – when you figure in that wonderful thing called editing – I’ll be busy for a while. A somewhat frightening development considering the other things on my plate.
Like Ammon. We’re kind of in the middle of a tricky time with him. He has started to develop some less-than-desirable tendencies … things that I’m sure every 2 ½-year old does … but, nonetheless, things that need to be nipped in the bud, like, right now. We also really need to attempt potty-training. At lest give it a shot. We’re also really making a strong effort to attend playgroup every week and do some other activities around town. Apart from this, though, we are making stellar progress when it comes to his learning and development. Or I should say, he is. He now recognizes nearly every letter, is doing better with numbers, and is starting to finally show an interest in colors. His vocabulary literally quadrupled over night. He will now repeat anything you say, and his current favs are (though he's been saying some for quite a while): gosh, stink, mess, again, stuck, eww, neat (it's neat), ride, dump (as in dump truck), thank you, please, night, truck, tire, nose, eye, hair, these/those, not, now, silly (he's silly), yes, bear and cow (he is no longer calling them ‘moos’).
The best thing to report, though, is that my relationship with Ammon has sincerely blossomed over the last few weeks. I can’t really describe what the change is – or what brought it about – but change there is. And it is a sweet thing. Certainly, an answer to my prayers.
A couple of weeks ago, we made a fly-by-night trip to Orlando to visit my family. It was a very quick trip, but we so enjoyed our time there … as always. While there, we took the opportunity to attend the Temple. It had been too long since we had been. The Orlando Temple is a very special place to us – and it was such a blessing to be there again. We received some serious personal revelation regarding our family – leaving us at peace with some troubling decisions. I also received some much needed comfort. A much needed reminder that my Heavenly Father will not desert me. He never has – and He never will. This busy and trying time in our lives will come and go – just as the trying times before have done. The important thing to remember is that we are not in this alone. I am not expected to fight this fight alone. My mind leaps to a favorite thought:
We’ve all been taking our turn dealing with illness lately. Brian was first – then Ammon. I got sick as Ammon was getting over his cold, and I’m still combating some residual issues. We’re all hoping that we can remain well – we can’t afford to be sick. Not at all. On top of these discomforts, we have also had some serious health problems crop up in our extended family in the last couple of weeks. While these things are, in deed, disturbing – Brian and I are optimistic that our family will be comforted, protected and blessed. Our faith is where it should be … and we nestle together, bunker down and wait – ready to weather the storms as they hit.
The aforementioned things explain this neglected outpost of thoughts. Blogging hasn’t been high on my list of priorities lately. Not because I have nothing to say – just that sometimes it’s important to create the memories and save the documenting for later. As a result, I have much to say today. Endure my rambling or move on – I’ll leave the choice to you.
I’ve long heard the phrase: “There’s no rest for the weary.” How true is that sentiment. I, for one, am quite weary. And I see no relief in sight. I’m not really complaining – just worried, at what my mentality will be like this time … say … next month.
Brian and I have received our new callings at church. Brian is the Ward Mission Leader in our new ward. He’ll be fabulous, I know it. A good chunk of him is very excited. He’s unearthed all of his old mission stuff and – as he always says about me – his brain is bubbling with new ideas. I was called as the Quarterly Activities Coordinator for Relief Society. A calling similar to one that I have had in the past – and, judging by the fact that the first time around was horrid, I’m viewing this a second chance of sorts. I’ve had many, many people come up to me (or my mother … ?) and comment about all the great things I’ll be doing for/with the sisters of the ward … clearly under the misapprehension that I can do it all. Apparently, my ‘reputation’ has traveled in front of me. To which my mind lingers on exactly two questions: 1.) How do they know all of this about me (because, though I am not shy, I do live quietly)? and 2.) How in the world can I possibly attempt to fool them into believing that these things are true?
On a more ‘personal’ note: I will be offering my photography ‘services’ to quite a pretty few over the next few months. I had a portrait shoot today with a dear friend. I have two weddings over the next two weekends. I have a handful of children and an infant/family that I will be doing sessions for next month. Our cousin Shelby is newly engaged (to which we offer a boisterous ‘Hooray!’) – and I have been asked to do not only their engagement photographs, but also those for their wedding, ring ceremony and reception. Needless to say – when you figure in that wonderful thing called editing – I’ll be busy for a while. A somewhat frightening development considering the other things on my plate.
Like Ammon. We’re kind of in the middle of a tricky time with him. He has started to develop some less-than-desirable tendencies … things that I’m sure every 2 ½-year old does … but, nonetheless, things that need to be nipped in the bud, like, right now. We also really need to attempt potty-training. At lest give it a shot. We’re also really making a strong effort to attend playgroup every week and do some other activities around town. Apart from this, though, we are making stellar progress when it comes to his learning and development. Or I should say, he is. He now recognizes nearly every letter, is doing better with numbers, and is starting to finally show an interest in colors. His vocabulary literally quadrupled over night. He will now repeat anything you say, and his current favs are (though he's been saying some for quite a while): gosh, stink, mess, again, stuck, eww, neat (it's neat), ride, dump (as in dump truck), thank you, please, night, truck, tire, nose, eye, hair, these/those, not, now, silly (he's silly), yes, bear and cow (he is no longer calling them ‘moos’).
The best thing to report, though, is that my relationship with Ammon has sincerely blossomed over the last few weeks. I can’t really describe what the change is – or what brought it about – but change there is. And it is a sweet thing. Certainly, an answer to my prayers.
A couple of weeks ago, we made a fly-by-night trip to Orlando to visit my family. It was a very quick trip, but we so enjoyed our time there … as always. While there, we took the opportunity to attend the Temple. It had been too long since we had been. The Orlando Temple is a very special place to us – and it was such a blessing to be there again. We received some serious personal revelation regarding our family – leaving us at peace with some troubling decisions. I also received some much needed comfort. A much needed reminder that my Heavenly Father will not desert me. He never has – and He never will. This busy and trying time in our lives will come and go – just as the trying times before have done. The important thing to remember is that we are not in this alone. I am not expected to fight this fight alone. My mind leaps to a favorite thought:
Gird up your loins; fresh courage take.
Our God will never us forsake;
And soon we’ll have this tale to tell —
All is well! All is well!
Over the last several weeks we have done very little but the everyday necessities. There are a few high points that stand out from the fog. We celebrated Shelby’s birthday on the 30th. She turned 19. We spent a nice afternoon with the family and enjoyed cake and homemade ice cream that evening. Ammon learned how to hit a wiffle ball off a tee. Holy love at first swing. That child has such a good arm on him … it’s a little scary. He’s really becoming quite the catcher, too. And now – of course – he’s swinging bats. Watch out, Major Leagues. The good thing about outside and balls and bats and running and cousins … is that you crash hard afterwards. Play hard, drool hard, apparently.
I haven’t been doing much creatively lately, apart from things for the new house. I took the opportunity to design something special for Shelby’s birthday. It was the first time in quite a long time that I've done something like this. And what a joy it was to create … even if it was predominately assembled in the car.
Aren’t they precious? We think so.
We went to the beach with our dear friends, the Mitchell’s, yesterday. We went down to Port Saint Joe, and had such a nice day! The rain missed us – which we had prayed for. We had a yummy lunch and enjoyed that white sugar sand. It was very windy – which made for some fearsome waves – but kept the temperature down for us. Ammon wasn’t a fan of the water – but loved the heck out of the sand. He brought along his loader and dump truck … and spent the afternoon creating some serious dunes. We had such a lovely day – and are so glad that we took the chance to go. Ammon sported his brand new trunks … which go all the way down to his ankles. Boy – do I ever love them, though. And - lucky for Ammon - they have Lightning McQueen on them. Or 'Keen', as he would say.
There’s not much that would force me to go into a store wearing all my beach garb. Looking like a hot mess, for sure. And yet … there are a few things. Like getting my copy of Stephenie Meyer’s, The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner. I must admit – I felt rather giddy gently seizing my copy from the top of that pristine, untouched stack. I was there when the store opened – I was the first one to purchase a copy. The thought that I might have been the first in Dothan to take that book home – while possibly not true – is pretty exciting to think about. Needless to say … I did a touch of this yesterday:
I’m excited to finish this work. It will be a very easy read for me. It’s quite short. To quote Meyer herself, we know how this story ends. It doesn’t end well for Bree. And yet – we don’t know her secrets. And … I was entranced before I finished Meyer’s introduction. Just like with previous installments, there is an indescribable something that draws you in. Fittingly said, “People do not want to just read Meyer’s books; they want to climb inside them and live there.” For those of you in the same boat as me: Happy hunting reading.
Now that we have been reintroduced to reliable internet activity, Brian has been introduced to hulu.com. As a result, we have been watching A-Team episodes quite frequently. We hook Brian’s laptop up to the television … and we’re good to go for a night of ‘the jazz’. I can’t believe that the man has me hooked on them. I guess I’ve forfeited my ability to make fun of him. To quote Brian, himself: “… I pity the fool that doesn’t like The A-Team …”
I’ve been working like a Trojan, trying to organize my external hard-drive. Talk about a hillbilly mess. While doing this, I discovered that there is also a major need for a complete overhaul of all the files on my laptop, as well. I’ve found that I have way too many online resources (namely blogs). There are a ton of things that I reach to the internet for: creative solutions (i.e.: scrapbooking, sewing and other crafting), photography, recipes, church ideas … to name a very few. The opportunity for me to find it all in one place – one stop shopping, so to speak – is extremely rare. Sure – I’ve found one or two components, but not the whole package. Up until now, I’ve only found this luxury in one place. As I’ve mentioned before, I am a huge proponent of Becky Higgins – a scrapbooking celebrity that is simply a wonderful individual brimming with creative ideas and solutions. Yes – Becky’s realm has been the only place that I’ve been inspired on all of these levels at the same time.
There are a few stipulations:
Becky isn’t a professional photographer – but she takes beautiful photographs. She often does shoots for friends and family – sort of like me. She posts some of these (along with her everyday photographs, which are stunning) – but rarely posts tips or tricks.
While Becky shares the same religious beliefs as me – she rarely references it publicly. She doesn’t share many church-related projects that she may be working on. However, it is clearly evident what she believes. That personal knowledge that I have makes it easy for me to read between the lines of her posts. And the insights I gain are novel ones.
Becky openly argues that she hasn’t scrapped in months – for very good reasons. She has left CK, which made her a household name in the scrapbooking community, and has developed her own product line, known as Project Life. I fully support and embrace this concept. This is basically a pre-designed formula that you simply add your photos and stories to. It is the, self-proclaimed, ‘simplest form of scrapbooking around’. I reiterate: I love the concept. I like the product. However, it isn’t something that I want to use solely by itself … because it doesn’t completely challenge me creatively. Doesn’t quench my thirst, so to speak. Combined with something similar to Project Life, I still want to do traditional/hybrid scrapbooking. I always will – in some amount – no matter how busy I get.
So … where do I receive that inspiration now? Again – Becky doesn’t post those scrapbooking projects any more (or as much) … especially since she hasn’t been doing it herself. What about the photography tid-bits, or the church-related creative inspiration? Again, I have several sources (that can be found on the right side-bar of this blog under {inspire}) but …. I’ve found a new one.
Don’t get me wrong. I’ll still visit Becky often. She still inspires me in so many various ways. But – I have found another artist that hits all my avenues of creativity … and then some. And then, a lot of some. Again – finding this sort of inspiration all in the same place is scarce. I am so giddy that I found her … ironically enough … on Becky Higgins’ blog.
Her name is Bobbi-Jo Grunewald … and, honestly, she could be my twin. Seriously. Obviously, we don’t look alike – but the nail is hit on the head in every other respect. She is a photog – who has, in the last couple of years, developed her own business. Our styles are very similar – so most of her work goes instantly into my inspiration folder. On her blog she offers incredible photography tips – simply explaining all those irksome terms such as Aperture, ISO, Shutter Speed and White Balance. She not only offers PhotoShop Actions that do all the work for you – she also frequently posts tutorials for different editing techniques.
She is a member of my faith. She frequently posts personal thoughts about her beliefs. She shares ides about things that her Ward/Stake (congregation) are doing. She shares all the creative things she has contributed. It doesn’t hurt that we have the same calling …
She shares recipes every once in a while … just incredible things that I’ve never heard of. I copy them for myself and look forward to the perfect opportunity to use them. Or maybe I don’t need a reason … because – hello – what sounds better than Cinnamon Bun Pancakes or a Chocolate Peppermint Cheeseball right about now?
The icing on the cake, of course, is her obsession with all things Twilight. Like her DVD release parties. Swoon …
On top of it all – she is a scrapper. Mainly digital – but still a lot hybrid. Our styles in this court are similar, too. This new friend of mine makes time to scrap, despite a very busy schedule. I love that. Which brings me to the point I’d like to make: She is an incredibly busy individual, who manages to handle most everything – and still makes time for a hobby(ies) she loves. Has her cake … and eats it, too.
Of course, not everyday is perfect. Not everyday is perfectly balanced. As I’ve gone back and read the 2+ year archive of Bobbi’s blog … I know that to be true. Like Becky Higgins, I know she isn’t Wonder Woman. And yet, they find ways to make their dreams come true. Without sacrificing everything else.
Apparently, I’ve been landed amongst a herd of folks that think differently. I’m speaking subjectively here, so please do not assume that I am talking about ‘you’ (something that I have found to be a problem … another thing I am t.i.r.e.d of, if you please). I am beyond tired of the thought that you can’t make time for yourself if you have children. I am tired of people ogling me whenever I’m working on a ‘project’ … wondering what I’m n.o.t doing so that I can do that something for ‘myself’. Or even the people that put me up on a pedestal because I can do it, but they cannot. I know – through thick and thin – that nothing about life is black and white. I wish others would see it that way as well … or just leave me alone. Because I know that it is possible. If you want it enough.
Like me and exercising, for instance. Sometimes, I’m great at it … other times I’m not. I believe that part of the problem is that I don’t want it enough. I don’t want it enough – to give up being lazy during Ammon’s naptime. I don’t want it enough – to give up Sunkist. I don’t want it enough – to reevaluate my schedule and how I spend my time. Sure … there are days when it just doesn’t happen despite my best efforts. Not every day is a happy blend of jelly beans and rainbows. And yet, I know – with every dang fiber of my being – that there are things that I could do better. Better ways of managing my time and better ways of looking at my day. Things that have a.b.s.o.l.u.t.e.l.y nothing to do with my imperfect nature – but everything to do with my unwillingness to change. I, for one, regard those as two entirely different things.
All this being said – I understand, better than anyone could imagine, that just because something is possible or necessary … it doesn’t make it easy to do. Truth. I’ve had a difficult time of things ‘finding my groove’ since Ammon’s been around. Doesn’t mean it’s impossible … just that I’m not doing all that I could be to make it right. And there is more that I could do. Lately, though, I’ve let the negative wear on me – drag me down to those pits that I swore I would never return to – and I’ve been hosting an all-you-can-eat pity party for myself. I’ve been justifying my predicament. I’ve been telling myself that ‘this is just the way it’s going to be’. An infuriating concept – because, that means that I have actually let the ‘if you’re a mom you don’t have time for any of the things you want to do’ argument of others get to me.
But – right before I let the waves wash over me and finish me off for good – I found this quote completely and entirely by accident on the blog of Heidi Swapp: “You have to create the life you love. You have to envision how you want things to be – set goals, make changes and go to work with your priorities in the right places. Stop whining – start doing. And be grateful for every little thing.” She added, “When we focus on what we don’t have – we have nothing. Conversely: When we focus on what we do have – we have everything. And when we focus on what we really want from our lives … it’s truly possible.”
My, does my Father in Heaven ever have a knack for letting me ‘stumble’ upon the words I need to hear. It’s happened more than once this week. Yes – just like Heidi Swapp – I had heard these words before. But that day, I didn’t need to be comforted. I needed to be reminded. Sometimes … we need to hear it like it is.
And what have I been reminded? That just because I am a Mom, I am not limited as to what I can do. In fact – I feel that because I am a Mom, there is no limit to what I can do. I can find the time. I can make it happen. I have come to a place where I want to embrace the talents I have been given. I have been asked to strengthen and share my talents. I believe I’ll start listening to my Heavenly Father and not all the people that tell me that I can’t do it … or shouldn’t.
I repeat the sentiment that I opened with:
Gird up your loins; fresh courage take.
Our God will never us forsake;
And soon we’ll have this tale to tell —
All is well!
All is well.
*Lyrics: Come, Come, Ye Saints; William Clayton; LDS Hymnbook
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
we need a little christmas … now
Another little organization project that I’ve been working on. Up until last week, our holiday decoration boxes were a pure mess. Stuff was thrown in whichever way it would fit, and I wasn’t completely happy with that arrangement. Sometimes, I am after a particular thing and I don’t want to fish through everything else to realize that it was in that other box. So – during this moving process – I took the opportunity to sort through all this stuff. I reorganized everything – sorting it all by ‘type’ – and rewrapped all my breakables in real packing paper … instead of the tattered scraps of ten-year old tissue paper and paper towel shreds. I made new labels for all of the boxes, too. All of which makes my heart sing with happy.
I will say that we got a little Christmas fever during this time. I went through all our other decorations, too, but the red and green seemed to hit a bit harder. The whole house smelled like holly and mistletoe and cookies and spice. Looking through all our ornaments just made me itch to get them on a tree. Brian and Ammon were in on it, too … not just me. And so … we made the most of it. We listened to Christmas music and we watched Christmas videos. We’re still doing this and the boxes have long since been done.
But, what can I say? We’re Christmas people. And what’s wrong with enjoying a little winter goodness in the middle of May? What’s wrong with needing a little Christmas now?
We say … why ever not?
I will say that we got a little Christmas fever during this time. I went through all our other decorations, too, but the red and green seemed to hit a bit harder. The whole house smelled like holly and mistletoe and cookies and spice. Looking through all our ornaments just made me itch to get them on a tree. Brian and Ammon were in on it, too … not just me. And so … we made the most of it. We listened to Christmas music and we watched Christmas videos. We’re still doing this and the boxes have long since been done.
But, what can I say? We’re Christmas people. And what’s wrong with enjoying a little winter goodness in the middle of May? What’s wrong with needing a little Christmas now?
We say … why ever not?
empty nesters, chimneys and the end of good luck —or— are we havin’ a good time now?
This past week has been an interesting one for the Thomases Three. Very interesting.
We are slowly marking projects off of our list. We have really begun to make some stalwart progress when it comes to ‘completing our move’. Sure – we’re moved in. Of course – we’re living here. But we’re still in that in-between stage. We still have boxes just sitting around. We still have pictures waiting to be hung. We still have purchases to make and little projects to finish … and we need to scour the world to find some things to make other things just right. Despite this, I’m proud to report that we are really accomplishing some things. I’ve marked three huge items off my list in the past week, not to mention really tackling my craft room. I’m far from done there – but I’m happy with what has been done.
Project Yard Beautification continues … and will continue to, well, continue. Brian hacked those darn azalea bushes last week. They are now down to the normal size – which is about half the size of what they were. You can actually see our home now. In fact, if the house itself wasn’t so distinctive, you probably wouldn’t be able to even recognize the property now. After all that we have done to this place – which has been some s.e.r.i.o.u.s work – it truly looks like a different space.
For some reason, Ammon has begun biting. He has never been a biter, but I’ve noticed him biting George over the last couple of weeks. He is now biting people. Don’t quite know what to make of that…
I guess you could consider us empty nesters. Henry, Penelope and the babies have flown the coop. The honest truth - is that 'something' got the babies. But we're choosing, at the time, to not dwell on that. It’s difficult to describe just how much we miss them. Because we really do. I miss watching that little nest as I go about my day. I had to break the news to Ammon yesterday. Up until then, he was still saying, “Shh” as he passed that particular window. He was frequently asking me to pick him up so that he could peer out the window. I just couldn’t take it any longer. I sat him down and explained that the birds had moved to a new home. And – surprisingly enough – he seems to understand. Maybe not why – but that they are, indeed, gone. We will all remember this first Spring in our new home. We will fondly reflect on our little family of birds that shared their lives with us.
My record has been tarnished. Apparently, my luck has run out. I say this with a chuckle. In fact, that comment deserves a barrel of laughs. I am not known for my good luck. I feel a lot like Bella Swan when Edward says, “If we could bottle your luck, we'd have a weapon of mass destruction on our hands.” And I know why it happened. It’s all because I ratted on Brian not so long ago. But, anywho, Ammon and I had some errands to run last Tuesday. Now, one of the many quirks of our new home is the back door. It locks from the inside. It is my routine to always check and make sure that I have keys, etc. before we even get close to heading out the door. But, that day was one of those days. One of those scatterbrained, everything blows up in your face days. Ammon and I waltzed out of the door and I realized, just as I was closing the door, that my keys were inside. I screamed like I’ve never screamed before … so loud, in fact, that the people at the gas station on the corner looked down the road to see what was up. I have never – n.e.v.e.r – done anything like this before. I have n.e.v.e.r locked my keys in a.n.y.w.h.e.r.e . Just like my Never Been (Caused) in a Car Accident or Never Been Pulled Over by a Cop records, this is one that I am proud of. Luckily, I did have my cell phone and I was able to call Brian. Lucky still that he actually answered. And, most of all, lucky that he was where he could run home for a minute and unlock the door. Of course, Ammon and I had a nice little wait outside. This absolutely infuriated me because I had gone to painstaking efforts to stay inside all that week. You see, Brian and I had a special little treat coming up just the next day (which you will read about later). I wanted to have a great time … with no interference from my allergy woes. But – as expected – that 30 minutes of outside just about did me in. All because of some dang keys. All because I made fun of Brian. I guess I deserved it. It was my turn after all … and most certainly my luck.
We have had a little bit of – for lack of a better term – a development on our hands over the last week. In our new home, we have a fireplace. An old, very old fireplace that is no longer functional. It has been closed off – in a way. We have had a fireplace before – but not one with a real chimney, like this one. About a week ago, I started smelling something a little off. Not all the time, but sporadically. Brian didn’t notice anything and probably just chalked it up to my ‘overactive’ senses. Well, just prior to the weekend the – again, for lack of a better word – aroma got so bad that even Brian The Unaffected was, well, affected. We decided that the only possible explanation for such a thing was that some unmentionable something had chosen our chimney to be its final resting place. On Sunday, things got so bad that Brian removed the cover on the fireplace and attempted to extricate said something himself. He couldn’t see anything but the years of dirt and other whatnots that had just been piling up. Of course, once the cover was off the ‘aroma’ spread farther than the living room. We called our landlord yesterday, and he sent some guys over to look into it and a few other things. The cover was off for about an hour … and that lovely smell spread throughout the entire house. They better secured the cover over the fireplace with a horrendous smelling silicone something. Even though this smell was vile … it was so much better than the other. There is still some work to be done, so we are sort of in the middle stages of fixing the issue. We’re still dealing with it, but it isn’t as bad. Either way … we’ve been enduring some serious funk. Some serious funk that is about to kill us, too.
Despite our ever present pal, Decay, I had a lovely Mother’s Day. We were able to stay at our home this year, since we had visited with other family earlier in the weekend. Friday, we spent the afternoon with Brian’s grandparents and parents. We went to dinner at Circle Grille in Graceville with Brian’s mom and dad. Saturday, we went to Enterprise to see my mom and grandma. My Aunt Kaye was also in town, which was a treat. That evening we went into Dothan and did some shopping and went to dinner. On Sunday, I enjoyed my family. I was given a lovely card and a canister full of sour power (yum!). I also got The Young Victoria … which is such a good movie, by the way. My most precious gift, of course, is being a mom. It has its own rewards that are beyond measure. It is my greatest treasure and my greatest calling. And always will be.
We are slowly marking projects off of our list. We have really begun to make some stalwart progress when it comes to ‘completing our move’. Sure – we’re moved in. Of course – we’re living here. But we’re still in that in-between stage. We still have boxes just sitting around. We still have pictures waiting to be hung. We still have purchases to make and little projects to finish … and we need to scour the world to find some things to make other things just right. Despite this, I’m proud to report that we are really accomplishing some things. I’ve marked three huge items off my list in the past week, not to mention really tackling my craft room. I’m far from done there – but I’m happy with what has been done.
Project Yard Beautification continues … and will continue to, well, continue. Brian hacked those darn azalea bushes last week. They are now down to the normal size – which is about half the size of what they were. You can actually see our home now. In fact, if the house itself wasn’t so distinctive, you probably wouldn’t be able to even recognize the property now. After all that we have done to this place – which has been some s.e.r.i.o.u.s work – it truly looks like a different space.
For some reason, Ammon has begun biting. He has never been a biter, but I’ve noticed him biting George over the last couple of weeks. He is now biting people. Don’t quite know what to make of that…
I guess you could consider us empty nesters. Henry, Penelope and the babies have flown the coop. The honest truth - is that 'something' got the babies. But we're choosing, at the time, to not dwell on that. It’s difficult to describe just how much we miss them. Because we really do. I miss watching that little nest as I go about my day. I had to break the news to Ammon yesterday. Up until then, he was still saying, “Shh” as he passed that particular window. He was frequently asking me to pick him up so that he could peer out the window. I just couldn’t take it any longer. I sat him down and explained that the birds had moved to a new home. And – surprisingly enough – he seems to understand. Maybe not why – but that they are, indeed, gone. We will all remember this first Spring in our new home. We will fondly reflect on our little family of birds that shared their lives with us.
My record has been tarnished. Apparently, my luck has run out. I say this with a chuckle. In fact, that comment deserves a barrel of laughs. I am not known for my good luck. I feel a lot like Bella Swan when Edward says, “If we could bottle your luck, we'd have a weapon of mass destruction on our hands.” And I know why it happened. It’s all because I ratted on Brian not so long ago. But, anywho, Ammon and I had some errands to run last Tuesday. Now, one of the many quirks of our new home is the back door. It locks from the inside. It is my routine to always check and make sure that I have keys, etc. before we even get close to heading out the door. But, that day was one of those days. One of those scatterbrained, everything blows up in your face days. Ammon and I waltzed out of the door and I realized, just as I was closing the door, that my keys were inside. I screamed like I’ve never screamed before … so loud, in fact, that the people at the gas station on the corner looked down the road to see what was up. I have never – n.e.v.e.r – done anything like this before. I have n.e.v.e.r locked my keys in a.n.y.w.h.e.r.e . Just like my Never Been (Caused) in a Car Accident or Never Been Pulled Over by a Cop records, this is one that I am proud of. Luckily, I did have my cell phone and I was able to call Brian. Lucky still that he actually answered. And, most of all, lucky that he was where he could run home for a minute and unlock the door. Of course, Ammon and I had a nice little wait outside. This absolutely infuriated me because I had gone to painstaking efforts to stay inside all that week. You see, Brian and I had a special little treat coming up just the next day (which you will read about later). I wanted to have a great time … with no interference from my allergy woes. But – as expected – that 30 minutes of outside just about did me in. All because of some dang keys. All because I made fun of Brian. I guess I deserved it. It was my turn after all … and most certainly my luck.
We have had a little bit of – for lack of a better term – a development on our hands over the last week. In our new home, we have a fireplace. An old, very old fireplace that is no longer functional. It has been closed off – in a way. We have had a fireplace before – but not one with a real chimney, like this one. About a week ago, I started smelling something a little off. Not all the time, but sporadically. Brian didn’t notice anything and probably just chalked it up to my ‘overactive’ senses. Well, just prior to the weekend the – again, for lack of a better word – aroma got so bad that even Brian The Unaffected was, well, affected. We decided that the only possible explanation for such a thing was that some unmentionable something had chosen our chimney to be its final resting place. On Sunday, things got so bad that Brian removed the cover on the fireplace and attempted to extricate said something himself. He couldn’t see anything but the years of dirt and other whatnots that had just been piling up. Of course, once the cover was off the ‘aroma’ spread farther than the living room. We called our landlord yesterday, and he sent some guys over to look into it and a few other things. The cover was off for about an hour … and that lovely smell spread throughout the entire house. They better secured the cover over the fireplace with a horrendous smelling silicone something. Even though this smell was vile … it was so much better than the other. There is still some work to be done, so we are sort of in the middle stages of fixing the issue. We’re still dealing with it, but it isn’t as bad. Either way … we’ve been enduring some serious funk. Some serious funk that is about to kill us, too.
Despite our ever present pal, Decay, I had a lovely Mother’s Day. We were able to stay at our home this year, since we had visited with other family earlier in the weekend. Friday, we spent the afternoon with Brian’s grandparents and parents. We went to dinner at Circle Grille in Graceville with Brian’s mom and dad. Saturday, we went to Enterprise to see my mom and grandma. My Aunt Kaye was also in town, which was a treat. That evening we went into Dothan and did some shopping and went to dinner. On Sunday, I enjoyed my family. I was given a lovely card and a canister full of sour power (yum!). I also got The Young Victoria … which is such a good movie, by the way. My most precious gift, of course, is being a mom. It has its own rewards that are beyond measure. It is my greatest treasure and my greatest calling. And always will be.
Last Wednesday night, Brian and I had the opportunity of a lifetime. We went to Columbus for a … wait for it … ZZ Top concert. Ammon was a tad put out with us for not taking him, too … but we went anyway. As you know, the ZZ Top blood runs thick in Brian’s veins. He comes by it honestly. Ammon comes by it honestly. Brian called his uncle in Texas a few days before the concert and he told him that one of his dreams was coming true. He began to describe what he could possibly be talking about, to which his uncle replied, “Well, I can only think of one thing … and that would be the Top.” And it was – without a single solitary doubt – one of the very most awesome things we have ever – e.v.e.r – done. And probably will ever – e.v.e.r – do. Seriously. We have been to lots of concerts – Brian has certainly been to more than I have. But it is still a rare thing to feel that kind of energy. It was incredible. Purely fantastic. Seriously! I have nothing else to say. I am without speech. I should add, though, that I made a friend there. She looked exactly like Edna from The Incredibles:
… except she had blonde hair. And no younger than 60. I'm totally serious, people. And, she offered me her leftover marijuana. Yes, indeed, she did. At first, I thought that it was a cigarette … until she shoved it up my nose getting up from the step. And then, of course, there was no denying what it was. I do regret gagging in her ear … though I have a feeling she didn’t notice. But – again, and then a t.h.o.u.s.a.n.d times more – the show was just incredible. I know that we will be seeing them when they are in these parts again. The whole thing has me hankering for some Mexican food. Real, real bad…
This is Brian's Grandfather. He is '39' today. Sunday, May 9, 2010
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
meet the family
Say hello to Henry. You won’t see him much. So trust me when I say: Jump at these chances. They are rare.
Again – we rarely see Henry. He’s a flighty little thing – no pun intended. Unlike Penelope, he is v.e.r.y skittish. For instance, the other day I was measuring the window right by their nest – I sort of slipped off the chair and nearly flew through the windowpane … but Penelope didn’t even so much as flinch. As far as Henry is concerned, though – all one has to do is walk past the window and he gets all nervous and flies off … leaving the nest alone.
I have to admit … I’ve been a little hard on Henry and his gender throughout this experience. Brian has tried to defend little Henry – unsuccessfully. I have watched little Penelope lose herself in her calling. I watched yesterday as she sat on her nest all day in the pouring rain – being hammered continually by the downpours and wind. I’ve watched her go days at a time without leaving the nest for food. And then … there’s Henry. He who does his five minutes of servitude and then flees. But. I’ve had a change of heart. Because I have not only watched Penelope today – but also Henry – as they care for their sweetest babies. Yes. We have baby birds.
Again – we rarely see Henry. He’s a flighty little thing – no pun intended. Unlike Penelope, he is v.e.r.y skittish. For instance, the other day I was measuring the window right by their nest – I sort of slipped off the chair and nearly flew through the windowpane … but Penelope didn’t even so much as flinch. As far as Henry is concerned, though – all one has to do is walk past the window and he gets all nervous and flies off … leaving the nest alone.
I have to admit … I’ve been a little hard on Henry and his gender throughout this experience. Brian has tried to defend little Henry – unsuccessfully. I have watched little Penelope lose herself in her calling. I watched yesterday as she sat on her nest all day in the pouring rain – being hammered continually by the downpours and wind. I’ve watched her go days at a time without leaving the nest for food. And then … there’s Henry. He who does his five minutes of servitude and then flees. But. I’ve had a change of heart. Because I have not only watched Penelope today – but also Henry – as they care for their sweetest babies. Yes. We have baby birds.
Can you see them? We've decided that this is a family of cardinals. After much internet research we've deduced that - even though Henry and Penelope are on the small side - that this is them. Of course, now, it is obvious. And we wonder in vain at what the confusion was before.Henry and Penelope certainly chose a prime place to call home. Their nest is snuggled up high in this camellia bush … carefully protected from every hazard – to include my camera. We can hardly see them, but we know that they are there. We have loved observing this happening of nature. This miracle of life. True – we’re glad these two chose our home to be theirs, too.
the switch
Well … it’s done.
After much debate, Brian and I decided to convert Ammon’s crib to a toddler bed. We were planning to do this before we found out we were moving – and then, of course, chose to wait until we were settled in our new home.
For a while now, Ammon has been in the middle of that he-could-stay-he-could-go phase. I – of course – have lost sleep about moving him to a toddler bed. It’s a thought that scared me a lot. He is so small – and such an incredibly rough sleeper. Seriously. You would have to see it to believe it. I wondered if he would ever even stay in his bed, too. I never really worried about nighttime; however, naptime had me nervous. And then, of course, there’s the whole loss of confinement. I – when I’m at the end of my rope – have been known to depend on the gridiron bars of that crib. Not out of neglect – but desperation. Most importantly, though, was the knowledge that this act would officially catapult my baby into toddlerhood. Something that makes me sad. And again … scares me just a bit.
But – I was reminded again that my baby boy must grow up. And will grow up despite my best efforts. So … Sunday was the day. Brian converted the crib – removing the front panel and adding on that little, tiny guard rail. Ammon helped him out, naturally … and was so proud of his new big boy bed. To quote him, “Wow … neat!”
After much debate, Brian and I decided to convert Ammon’s crib to a toddler bed. We were planning to do this before we found out we were moving – and then, of course, chose to wait until we were settled in our new home.
For a while now, Ammon has been in the middle of that he-could-stay-he-could-go phase. I – of course – have lost sleep about moving him to a toddler bed. It’s a thought that scared me a lot. He is so small – and such an incredibly rough sleeper. Seriously. You would have to see it to believe it. I wondered if he would ever even stay in his bed, too. I never really worried about nighttime; however, naptime had me nervous. And then, of course, there’s the whole loss of confinement. I – when I’m at the end of my rope – have been known to depend on the gridiron bars of that crib. Not out of neglect – but desperation. Most importantly, though, was the knowledge that this act would officially catapult my baby into toddlerhood. Something that makes me sad. And again … scares me just a bit.
But – I was reminded again that my baby boy must grow up. And will grow up despite my best efforts. So … Sunday was the day. Brian converted the crib – removing the front panel and adding on that little, tiny guard rail. Ammon helped him out, naturally … and was so proud of his new big boy bed. To quote him, “Wow … neat!”
Within seconds, he had arranged all of his buddies, blankets and pillows … and had mastered the art of climbing in and out. He also attempted – only once, because I was eyeing him very carefully – to climb onto the guard rail and jump off.The switch was made after his afternoon nap that day – so his first rendezvous with his new bed was that night. When we put him to bed … he was giddy with excitement. This new bed was proof to him that he was r.e.a.l big. We had taken every precaution – that we could think of – to keep him from inadvertently falling out. We barricaded the opening. We layered blankets and quilts on the floor, just in case. We mentioned it in our family prayer that night. You name it, we did it.
And … he stayed put. For a couple of hours, anyway.
To explain the sound that Brian and I heard from the living room, I can only say that it was like a gunshot. We’re talking loud. Clearly, he had landed directly on the hardwood floor – and not on the blankets that we laid out for a good two feet around his bed. Brian and I ran right in there – but, in that short minute, there was already a good ole' knot on Ammon’s forehead. It looked like someone had cut a golf ball in half, painted it bright purple, and glued it to his forehead. And – obviously – he wasn’t happy.
Ammon already had some painkillers in his system, luckily. He screamed like he has never screamed before. He was clearly scared out of his wits – he had been asleep when he hit the floor. Finally, he shrieked for juice. I got him some ice water, and he slowly started to calm down. Brian sat down with him in my big chair and I put together an ice pack. After about 30 minutes of ice – and a blessing from his daddy – the swelling in Ammon’s head started to go down. But the kaleidoscope of colors on his forehead were still ever present.
While they were rocking, I went into Ammon’s room to assess the situation. I tried to recreate what had happened – figuring out that he had somehow rolled completely over the guard rail and flown about three feet away from his bed, landing upside down on his forehead. I thought through all of this and made a couple of changes to his bedding that I thought had caused the problem. Of course, this wasn’t going to stop Ammon’s wild sleeping habits – he is just going to have to learn his limitations, I guess.
We put him back to bed after a while. He looked up through those impossibly long eye lashes of his and gave us a look that clearly said, “This is all your fault.” Of course, changing his bed had been our idea. As keen as Ammon had been about the whole affair, I’m sure that he now thinks that this big bed stuff isn’t so great after all. But – despite whatever was going on is his beat-up head – he slept the rest of the night without a problem. This is his knot and bruise the day after, eventhough the photo doesn't do it justice:
Since this episode, Ammon hasn’t fallen out of his bed again. He stayed in his bed for both of his naps yesterday and slept all night. Today – hasn’t been the same story. After moaning at his baby-gate for about 2 hours, this is what I found:
All in all – even with the bumps and bruises – this has been good for Ammon. I’ve noticed some changes in him that are just grand. He is exhibiting a desire to be a little more self-sufficient. He is showing us that he can handle these changes. Of course, there have been some behavioral adjustments that haven’t been so groovy, but … we’ll take what we can get.In fact – this has been a good experience for us. We have proven to ourselves that we can handle these ‘growing up changes’. These obligatory developments that we must face sooner or later. This experience has shown us – has shown me – that maybe we can handle the other changes that loom on our horizon. Like potty training.
A quote from Teeny Little Super Guy – of old school Sesame Street fame – comes to my mind: “It isn’t too scary. Just … scary enough."
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