I'm doing something different with this than "wacky" or "wordless." I've recently been thinking about how many people throughout history have been quoted, and why we repeat such quotes. So, from now on, as long as I can remember to do it, Wednesdays will be about what I feel I want to live my life by, what attributes I feel best describes either how I feel I am now, or how I want to become.
So, for my 1st:
Helen Keller
~ I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something; and because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do something that I can do.
~ Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.
~ The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched - they must be felt with the heart.
~ It is not possible for civilization to flow backwards while there is youth in the world. Youth may be headstrong, but it will advance it allotted length.
https://www.facebook.com/KathyMendozaPhotography
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
A child's wisdom....
At 4 JJ is very precocious. Yesterday he explained to me that he can run so fast the rain won't get him wet. Yes, it reminded me of the Chicken Soup for the Soul story.
But Sunday he said something that told me he understands somewhat of what we are doing....
He explained to John and myself that the baby's Mommy & Daddy brought him home, now he is with us, and we share him.
I had worried at times how this would affect him. I've never explained to JJ visitations, court, or any of this process. He just knows that sometimes Mommies and Daddies need extra help.
Through it all, I still wonder what he will think about our choice when he's older. Hopefully he will look back and think of the extra things it brought to his life too.
But Sunday he said something that told me he understands somewhat of what we are doing....
He explained to John and myself that the baby's Mommy & Daddy brought him home, now he is with us, and we share him.
I had worried at times how this would affect him. I've never explained to JJ visitations, court, or any of this process. He just knows that sometimes Mommies and Daddies need extra help.
Through it all, I still wonder what he will think about our choice when he's older. Hopefully he will look back and think of the extra things it brought to his life too.
Monday, June 28, 2010
Saturday, June 26, 2010
When is it officially summer?
When do you officially know it is summer? Is it June 21st, or when the heat hits? Is it your 1st trip to the pool or beach? Or a family bbq?
For me it's the food. It's steamed crabs and fresh veggies, and of course, the first watermelon of the summer.
Yeah, I'm a country girl.
For me it's the food. It's steamed crabs and fresh veggies, and of course, the first watermelon of the summer.
Yeah, I'm a country girl.
He's all "my fault."
Everything about JJ gets blamed on me. His "grace" (lack thereof), his motor-mouth, his smart-mouth, etc. There are many things I will take credit for, but quite frankly, I know how John is now, I'm not dumb, he didn't become that way over-night. He has just as much to do with JJ's genes as I do.
So, I set out to prove him wrong. With his brother having been up this past week, I told him ahead of time I was going to find out the real story. Come on, after reading his baby book and seeing how he cried if he wasn't held (just like JJ) I knew there was a lotta poppa in the son.
And yes, it was all confirmed: John was clumsy, spoiled, a smart-aleck, etc.
That finger can point both ways now. Thanks Norman for the confirmations!
So, I set out to prove him wrong. With his brother having been up this past week, I told him ahead of time I was going to find out the real story. Come on, after reading his baby book and seeing how he cried if he wasn't held (just like JJ) I knew there was a lotta poppa in the son.
And yes, it was all confirmed: John was clumsy, spoiled, a smart-aleck, etc.
That finger can point both ways now. Thanks Norman for the confirmations!
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Spilling the beans b/c I just can't keep it in
JJ is a self-admitted momma's boy and will tell anyone he loves me more, but that doesn't take from the fact that John is an awesome Dad. He is great with Day & Meer and he struggled for 15 years, unfortunately unsuccessfully, to help raise Brandon.
So, this weekend he will be recognized, along with 8 other Dad's and recording artist Case, at the Father's Rock convention in Baltimore. He has no clue. He is working for 1 of his cop buddies from Ft Meade who owns his own security company. But when I heard they were honoring dads who served our communities, I knew I had to nominate him! This is the man who served our Country in the Air Force and the Army National Guard. This is the man who protected our community on local, state, and federal levels (and who will be going back federal shortly.) This is the man who every day tries to turn around the lives of kids who are dabbling on the wrong side of the law, and who takes it personally when they end up back in the system (and who takes great satisfaction when they turn their lives around!) This is the man who when he sees a tractor trailer accident at 3am will sit with the driver until EMS arrives. And in our own home, he is the same, but of course more protective, over us all. I can't wait for him to find out and it will be immensely hard not to tell him in the next few days!
And I credit him with our own nomination as Foster Parents of the Year. How many other men would be so willing to raise kids not their own? He's not just a by-stander, but a full-fledged dad!
http://www.delmarvanow.com/section/LIFESTYLE
So, this weekend he will be recognized, along with 8 other Dad's and recording artist Case, at the Father's Rock convention in Baltimore. He has no clue. He is working for 1 of his cop buddies from Ft Meade who owns his own security company. But when I heard they were honoring dads who served our communities, I knew I had to nominate him! This is the man who served our Country in the Air Force and the Army National Guard. This is the man who protected our community on local, state, and federal levels (and who will be going back federal shortly.) This is the man who every day tries to turn around the lives of kids who are dabbling on the wrong side of the law, and who takes it personally when they end up back in the system (and who takes great satisfaction when they turn their lives around!) This is the man who when he sees a tractor trailer accident at 3am will sit with the driver until EMS arrives. And in our own home, he is the same, but of course more protective, over us all. I can't wait for him to find out and it will be immensely hard not to tell him in the next few days!
And I credit him with our own nomination as Foster Parents of the Year. How many other men would be so willing to raise kids not their own? He's not just a by-stander, but a full-fledged dad!
http://www.delmarvanow.com/section/LIFESTYLE
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Cover contest
I'm up for any shameless opportunity to promote what great genes my son has. So, check out the link below for the Parents cover contest. I had trouble adding a couple other pics, so I added photobucket links instead. Leave a comment of just hit "like" for me please!
http://www.parents.com/photos/photo-contests-1/2010-parents-cover-contest/1943300055/?photoId=1940000143
Such a shame I couldn't add Meer too, seems a crime when he's so stinking adorable!
Thanks!
http://www.parents.com/photos/photo-contests-1/2010-parents-cover-contest/1943300055/?photoId=1940000143
Such a shame I couldn't add Meer too, seems a crime when he's so stinking adorable!
Thanks!
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Fighting change
Why do some people fight change? Is it all about control, afraid they are going to lose it or just trying to control the current situation? Do they actually think that being nasty to people in the concept that they represent change make them better, superior in some way?
"Let's make your life miserable because I don't want to do things the way I'm supposed to, the way you do it."
Is change always good? No, but things can't improve without it. I understand some people get complacent, but being stagnant is not a LIFE option, you can't stop it, you will change, hence graying hairs and laugh lines. If you don't move forward, you will move backward. It's like a treadmill, if you don't keep up or move slightly faster, you will be pulled back. Fighting it only makes you miserable, and it seems, makes you want to be miserable to those around you.
"Let's make your life miserable because I don't want to do things the way I'm supposed to, the way you do it."
Is change always good? No, but things can't improve without it. I understand some people get complacent, but being stagnant is not a LIFE option, you can't stop it, you will change, hence graying hairs and laugh lines. If you don't move forward, you will move backward. It's like a treadmill, if you don't keep up or move slightly faster, you will be pulled back. Fighting it only makes you miserable, and it seems, makes you want to be miserable to those around you.
Monday, June 14, 2010
Friday, June 11, 2010
Birthdays suck.....
Birthdays will never be the same for me. My mom told me 3 years ago that her cancer wasn't curable, but her doctor told her he would get her to a manageable level them with maintenance treatments she would live for 5-10 more years. Having a time limit was hard enough to deal with at that moment, but then a few days later she had her stroke, and a week later died. I can never look at this time of year the same.
But, while some will feel having something so devastating happen on what it supposed to be a happy day, a day of celebration, is a bad thing, that you have those memories come up each year, I don't feel it as so. It's rather been a blessing because while yes, I am having a hard time dealing, as I will for the rest of my life, all the time, having my birthday fall at this time leads me to be thankful for the life I was given by my mom, both literally and figuratively. But because I have such amazing friends who send me such wonderful greetings, I know I am blessed to still be surrounded by such great love from so many people.
So, really, this is just a big thank you to everyone who took the time this week to wish me a Happy Birthday, it really does mean a lot to me, you're all so special to me, I love you all!
But, while some will feel having something so devastating happen on what it supposed to be a happy day, a day of celebration, is a bad thing, that you have those memories come up each year, I don't feel it as so. It's rather been a blessing because while yes, I am having a hard time dealing, as I will for the rest of my life, all the time, having my birthday fall at this time leads me to be thankful for the life I was given by my mom, both literally and figuratively. But because I have such amazing friends who send me such wonderful greetings, I know I am blessed to still be surrounded by such great love from so many people.
So, really, this is just a big thank you to everyone who took the time this week to wish me a Happy Birthday, it really does mean a lot to me, you're all so special to me, I love you all!
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
More....
I love you more - how can anything be more precious, said after a hug and a kiss, while wearing a big smile.
That's 1 argument I'll have any day with my kids!
That's 1 argument I'll have any day with my kids!
Monday, June 7, 2010
Memory Lane Monday
Since birth, this is the only time JJ's mouth doesn't move. Scratch that, he does talk/laugh in his sleep, but that's kinda cute.
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Just, well, *sigh*
I'm in a mood this morning. I've been up, since 8:15, when the baby woke up, only to realize I didn't wake up soon enough for the swim lessons that John signed JJ up for, so now we have to do the Tues/Thurs class, which means me trucking when I get off since John can't take him this Tuesday because he has an "intake."
I made more chocolate dipped pretzels and my 1st batch at macaroons. This was not the simplest task because the baby screams if you are not right with him anymore. This is a new development, our own fault, yes, we've spoiled him. This is the 1 bad part to attached parenting, if there is only 1 of you available, you can't do anything unless you listen to the high falsetto of cries. Anyway, the pretzels are not my favorite, because of having to stop (to soothe the baby) and go back to dipping, the chocolate was not all that smooth. JJ already sampled a macaroon and liked it and Day woke up asking what smelled so good (think maybe we found an alternative to alarm clocks on school days?)
JJ is now heavy into video games, as much as we will let him anyway. But he doesn't have the full dexterity to do what might be needed in his games meant for kids a few years older, which means we have to help him. I banned video games for the morning, not only could I not help him, but honestly, he needs a break from them. But, this led to whining to play. So my decision bites me back anyway, but it was only temporary after he had a time-out in his bedroom for continually running his fingers over the chalkboard of my mind.
I'm doing laundry, surprise there huh. I feel as if I am always doing laundry, the clothes baskets are full, there is still no room in the closest, but it seems there's nothing to wear! Oh, well. There's about 3 more loads to go. So goes the story of my day.
John is still asleep, he's going on 8 hours now, I think he's about at his limit (ok, he's at MY limit.)
I was going to go to a friends to scrap and swim today, sans kids, but I'm in such a rotten mood I begged off for tomorrow. Today I need to recoup from this morning. Once John wakes up he better hold to his promise for crab cakes, steamed shrimp, and watermelon. I'm thinking a mojito will go along nicely with that later on.
Ok, so I'm done with my pity party, put away the violins.
I made more chocolate dipped pretzels and my 1st batch at macaroons. This was not the simplest task because the baby screams if you are not right with him anymore. This is a new development, our own fault, yes, we've spoiled him. This is the 1 bad part to attached parenting, if there is only 1 of you available, you can't do anything unless you listen to the high falsetto of cries. Anyway, the pretzels are not my favorite, because of having to stop (to soothe the baby) and go back to dipping, the chocolate was not all that smooth. JJ already sampled a macaroon and liked it and Day woke up asking what smelled so good (think maybe we found an alternative to alarm clocks on school days?)
JJ is now heavy into video games, as much as we will let him anyway. But he doesn't have the full dexterity to do what might be needed in his games meant for kids a few years older, which means we have to help him. I banned video games for the morning, not only could I not help him, but honestly, he needs a break from them. But, this led to whining to play. So my decision bites me back anyway, but it was only temporary after he had a time-out in his bedroom for continually running his fingers over the chalkboard of my mind.
I'm doing laundry, surprise there huh. I feel as if I am always doing laundry, the clothes baskets are full, there is still no room in the closest, but it seems there's nothing to wear! Oh, well. There's about 3 more loads to go. So goes the story of my day.
John is still asleep, he's going on 8 hours now, I think he's about at his limit (ok, he's at MY limit.)
I was going to go to a friends to scrap and swim today, sans kids, but I'm in such a rotten mood I begged off for tomorrow. Today I need to recoup from this morning. Once John wakes up he better hold to his promise for crab cakes, steamed shrimp, and watermelon. I'm thinking a mojito will go along nicely with that later on.
Ok, so I'm done with my pity party, put away the violins.
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