So, my son has been a bit, well, on the mucus-y side for the past couple of days. So it's no surprise that Mommy is starting to get that sticky, itchy feeling in the back of her throat. Ahem. I am *not* pleased, but I have to admit that I'm overdue for something. I haven't been sick in three months, and that's a personal victory for me. I haven't been this ridiculously well in two or three years. So, even though I'm not pleased with the advent of the post-nasal drip, I can't say it isn't time for it.
Unfortunately, I've been spending so much time on other things lately, it may seem like I've been hiding. I kind of have, really. Not because I don't want to be digi-scrapping or designing or hanging out with my buddies. I promise, I'm not planning on disappearing. It's just that I've learned something important recently. Those of you who have known me a little while know that I've struggled with depression and anxiety for years. Some of you may even know that this recent bout was basically kicked into high gear by a tornado that tumped over my family's trailer with all of us in it in April 2009. What you may not know is that I struggle with it daily on a level that makes it difficult to even get out of the house and drive to work. It's incredibly draining and very frustrating. It's also not helped very much by the drugs that I take. They take the edge off the panic, but they don't take it away.
Recently, I've been bouncing around and reading various blogs. I don't really have an agenda; I just read what interests me. And my interests have surprised me. One blogger posted that her son had just been diagnosed with Sensory Processing Disorder, also known as SPD. I had never heard of that, so I started following links. And that led me to Tongginator Mama's blog (which I talked about in my previous post). Turns out, she's sensory defensive, and her daughter is sensory seeking. Gotta love how life hands you those curves sometimes. And the more I read, the more I realized that there were bells ringing in my lives.
Long story short (too late! lol), I got some books on SPD in adults. Right now, I'm reading "Too Loud, Too Bright, Too Fast, Too Tight: What to Do If You Are Sensory Defensive in an Overstimulating World" by Sharon Heller. And I tell you, it was very stressful reading it because it was like a rerun of the hardest times and things in my life. I have not been formally diagnosed, but there is not a doubt in my mind that this applies to me. And really, that is both a relief and a bit of a downer. A downer, because it's not something that can be fixed with a pill or something. This is something I'll have to deal with for the rest of my life. But it's a huge relief to know that I now have tools I can use to help. According to the "scale" the book employs, I'm listed somewhere between the moderate and severe rating of issues with SPD. But the great thing about that, is now I can explain it. Now I can tell people, yes, this really does hurt. Yes, I really do have a rational reason for this. Yes, there is a physical problem here. No, I'm not just being a wimp, or a crybaby, or pretending. I now have validation and a road to a better place. I can't really explain how much that helps.
In the meantime, it also gives me some hard questions to speculate upon. For instance, am I having such a hard time emotionally with losing weight (a big issue for me) because the weight has helped me to deal with SPD in the past? Since so many of my emotional problems are probably dependent on this, what is it going to feel like to be able to cope more capably? Am I ready for the responsibility that comes with actually being able to handle this thing, rather than have it as an excuse? It would be way too simple to just say, aw, poor me, no wonder I can't do this. But that's just a path I am unwilling to take. Can I keep it real?
Monday, May 17, 2010
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
When you make a decision...
I was just talking about this the other day, but I think Dewey makes the point much more clearly than I could.
So many times, it seems we want others to make our decisions. It seems like a safe way to do it; after all, you can blame the other person for bad ones. But, when one chooses to let someone else make a decision, one is still making a decision. A few years back, a man asked to take the rap for an illegal decision his wife made, stating that, since he was the husband, he was responsible for her actions. Thankfully, the court nixed that notion. Our actions (or lack thereof) are our responsibility and ours alone.
I know, kind of a downer this early in the morning, but I've seen too many bad decisions blamed on other people, outside entities, influences "beyond our control," and so on to see the blame game and be happy about it. I'm particularly appalled by the blame game that went on during the senate committee hearing on the oil spill in the Gulf with BP, Halliburton, and whatever that other company's name is. TransUnion? (shakes head) It was frustrating and annoying to seeing the blame shifting going around the room, like a well-choreographed dance on a floor littered with nails. Unfortunately, every one of those nails will eventually be used to seal a major money coffer, and rightfully so. But how long before they manage to pin the miscreants to the wall to do it properly? Not nearly as long as it is taking for the oil slick to ruin lives and livelihoods. Do they think they know more than us, are better than us, or are they trying to sell us something? Sure, they think they know what to say and what not to say, they think their money makes them above the "little people" affected by the problem, and they're definitely trying to sell us a line of bull. I, for one, am not buying it.
So many times, it seems we want others to make our decisions. It seems like a safe way to do it; after all, you can blame the other person for bad ones. But, when one chooses to let someone else make a decision, one is still making a decision. A few years back, a man asked to take the rap for an illegal decision his wife made, stating that, since he was the husband, he was responsible for her actions. Thankfully, the court nixed that notion. Our actions (or lack thereof) are our responsibility and ours alone.
I know, kind of a downer this early in the morning, but I've seen too many bad decisions blamed on other people, outside entities, influences "beyond our control," and so on to see the blame game and be happy about it. I'm particularly appalled by the blame game that went on during the senate committee hearing on the oil spill in the Gulf with BP, Halliburton, and whatever that other company's name is. TransUnion? (shakes head) It was frustrating and annoying to seeing the blame shifting going around the room, like a well-choreographed dance on a floor littered with nails. Unfortunately, every one of those nails will eventually be used to seal a major money coffer, and rightfully so. But how long before they manage to pin the miscreants to the wall to do it properly? Not nearly as long as it is taking for the oil slick to ruin lives and livelihoods. Do they think they know more than us, are better than us, or are they trying to sell us something? Sure, they think they know what to say and what not to say, they think their money makes them above the "little people" affected by the problem, and they're definitely trying to sell us a line of bull. I, for one, am not buying it.
Tuesday, May 04, 2010
To Love a Child
I've been reading rather widely lately, mostly blogs that interest me. I was fortunate enough to find this blog post today in my survey of goodies. And it just hit me right in the pit of my stomach.
I know that this article is about love for an adopted child, but what kills me, is thinking about all children, biological or adopted. What if we approached being parents to any children with this mindset? Or what about being spouses with this mindset? Or family members, or community members, or simply people in this world? What if?
So many people will quote the famous 2 Corinthians passage. So many will say that it is their favorite passage in the Bible. So many people know parts of it by heart. And yet, as the days pass, it sometimes seems to me that fewer and fewer truly look at this passage as a possibility, as a path, as a way to approach life. No matter the language, the creed, or the culture, one can find much wisdom in passages like these. And yet, as revered as it is, I have seen few people apply it to their lives the way this writer has done.
I know, none of this is anything new. And none of this is earth-shattering. Be kind. Look at things from the other perspective. Allow yourself to open to new ideas, new ways of seeing and knowing. Be true, not only in doing unto others, but also in not doing to others what you would not have others do to you. Being aware of consequences, and teaching those by example. None of this is new. But is it earth-shattering? Or perhaps, the better question is, could this be earth-shattering, if it were more common in our world?
How much do we change the world when we change the way we love a child?
I know that this article is about love for an adopted child, but what kills me, is thinking about all children, biological or adopted. What if we approached being parents to any children with this mindset? Or what about being spouses with this mindset? Or family members, or community members, or simply people in this world? What if?
So many people will quote the famous 2 Corinthians passage. So many will say that it is their favorite passage in the Bible. So many people know parts of it by heart. And yet, as the days pass, it sometimes seems to me that fewer and fewer truly look at this passage as a possibility, as a path, as a way to approach life. No matter the language, the creed, or the culture, one can find much wisdom in passages like these. And yet, as revered as it is, I have seen few people apply it to their lives the way this writer has done.
I know, none of this is anything new. And none of this is earth-shattering. Be kind. Look at things from the other perspective. Allow yourself to open to new ideas, new ways of seeing and knowing. Be true, not only in doing unto others, but also in not doing to others what you would not have others do to you. Being aware of consequences, and teaching those by example. None of this is new. But is it earth-shattering? Or perhaps, the better question is, could this be earth-shattering, if it were more common in our world?
How much do we change the world when we change the way we love a child?
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Just for fun
I have a *slight* addiction to cheezburger humor sites. Yeah, I started with I Can Has Cheezburger. I love funny cats. But things like Failblog also amuse me. But then again, just about anything can amuse me, if I'm in an amusing mood.
I also have an owl addiction. I collect snowy owls, but I also love just about any kind of owl there is. There's something about the mystery that surrounds them. Besides that, they're just plain cute on many occasions. And yes, I loved owls long before they became popular. It's amusing to me that my younger obsessions are now fashionable. lol
So, combine these two thoughts, and voilá! You get this:
see more
And I now share it with you, because everyone needs to have a smile. Especially on a Thursday. Well, especially any old day. Smiles are nice all the time. :)
Oh, and the mourning dove chicks are sleeping in the nest at night and moving around during the day. So at least they're not on the ground near the nest most of the day anymore. There may be hope for them yet! :D
I also have an owl addiction. I collect snowy owls, but I also love just about any kind of owl there is. There's something about the mystery that surrounds them. Besides that, they're just plain cute on many occasions. And yes, I loved owls long before they became popular. It's amusing to me that my younger obsessions are now fashionable. lol
So, combine these two thoughts, and voilá! You get this:
see more
And I now share it with you, because everyone needs to have a smile. Especially on a Thursday. Well, especially any old day. Smiles are nice all the time. :)
Oh, and the mourning dove chicks are sleeping in the nest at night and moving around during the day. So at least they're not on the ground near the nest most of the day anymore. There may be hope for them yet! :D
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Wedding album!
Ok, so I've been saying for a while that I would start an album about my and Daniel's wedding after I finished the baby's first year album. And I am finished with the scrapping part of the baby's album; it's the adding music and making it a video part that is stumping me at the moment. Not the process, the music I should use. I still haven't decided what to do with it! I mean, I wanted to do the music myself, but that's just not turning out to be practical. I guess I'll have to go back to using someone else's recording. I'd love to post the album on youtube, but I'll have to use songs that are allowable there. So I'll have to spend more time on that when I have a considerable amount of time to concentrate on that alone. Oi.
So, in the meantime, there's no reason at all I should wait any longer on starting my wedding album! Here's my first page. I know I should have credits, but I forgot to bring them when I got ready for uploading! :( I know, bad Sarah. Don't worry, I'll update it soon.
I did some experimenting first, though. I made my first blinkie! Yippee! I have it up there at the top of the sidebar. Cool, huh? I know it's a little thing, but I was kind of scared to tackle it. Oh, and credits all go to me, cuz I made every last element in it! That makes me particularly proud of myself. ;) Hope y'all like it!
Ok, guess I should get back to work. (sigh) Hope everyone has a lovely spring day!
So, in the meantime, there's no reason at all I should wait any longer on starting my wedding album! Here's my first page. I know I should have credits, but I forgot to bring them when I got ready for uploading! :( I know, bad Sarah. Don't worry, I'll update it soon.
I did some experimenting first, though. I made my first blinkie! Yippee! I have it up there at the top of the sidebar. Cool, huh? I know it's a little thing, but I was kind of scared to tackle it. Oh, and credits all go to me, cuz I made every last element in it! That makes me particularly proud of myself. ;) Hope y'all like it!
Ok, guess I should get back to work. (sigh) Hope everyone has a lovely spring day!
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Simple Thoughts for Today
Outside my window... an empty nest that once held dove chicks. They fledged yesterday afternoon.
I am thinking... that the breeze and the sound of the passing cars is soothing.
I am thankful for... the simple gesture of a hand clasp from my husband.
From the learning rooms... I must remember humility before I can release my frustration.
From the kitchen... pork chops on the grill, with veggies.
I am wearing... something comfortable and colorful.
I am creating... a new life, one day at a time.
I am going... to learn to enjoy the journey more.
I am reading... things that remind me that I am a gift from the divine to the world, just as each person is.
I am hoping... that I can avoid unnecessary conflict and not allow necessary conflict to cripple my dreams.
I am hearing... faint songs of mourning doves, passing cars, humming electricity.
Around the house... my flowers are beginning to open new buds.
One of my favorite things... is cheese.
A few plans for the rest of the week: Complete preparations for my mother-in-law's visit, make a blinkie for my blog, and maybe add to my new wedding album.
Meme courtesy of the simple woman's daybook.
I've been trying to encourage myself to blog more and journal more, so I thought this would be an appropriate way to begin. :) I enjoy the idea of simplifying my life. I actually have "grand" plans to continue to de-junk my life, but other things generally get in the way, whether they are more fun, less work, or are simply more easily available. I like this as a reminder.
Here's to all my friends having a simple day! :)
I am thinking... that the breeze and the sound of the passing cars is soothing.
I am thankful for... the simple gesture of a hand clasp from my husband.
From the learning rooms... I must remember humility before I can release my frustration.
From the kitchen... pork chops on the grill, with veggies.
I am wearing... something comfortable and colorful.
I am creating... a new life, one day at a time.
I am going... to learn to enjoy the journey more.
I am reading... things that remind me that I am a gift from the divine to the world, just as each person is.
I am hoping... that I can avoid unnecessary conflict and not allow necessary conflict to cripple my dreams.
I am hearing... faint songs of mourning doves, passing cars, humming electricity.
Around the house... my flowers are beginning to open new buds.
One of my favorite things... is cheese.
A few plans for the rest of the week: Complete preparations for my mother-in-law's visit, make a blinkie for my blog, and maybe add to my new wedding album.
Meme courtesy of the simple woman's daybook.
I've been trying to encourage myself to blog more and journal more, so I thought this would be an appropriate way to begin. :) I enjoy the idea of simplifying my life. I actually have "grand" plans to continue to de-junk my life, but other things generally get in the way, whether they are more fun, less work, or are simply more easily available. I like this as a reminder.
Here's to all my friends having a simple day! :)
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Fun in the Sun
I was lucky enough to get the chance to win a copy of BrittBree's new kit, Spring Candy. How fun! I thought it only right that I share with everyone how cute this new kit is. I'm afraid I don't do it justice with my little layout, but as soon as I saw these elements, I fell in love. :) Very fun for a spring layout with the little ones in your life.
Today's been a strange day. I guess I'm not exactly feeling my best. Joe has been very mischievous, which is fun, but he hasn't liked being put in his pen for the number of times he's tried playing with the wires behind the television. He loves to pull plugs out and put them back in. Luckily, it hasn't been the dangerous cords, but we've had a time trying to convince him to come out and leave them alone. He's not terribly fond of being in his "box," which is what we call his playpen. Wish there was a way I could reason with him; I hate it when he's this upset.
Well, wish I had something exciting and interesting and fantastic to share, but I just don't. Which is probably a good thing; if every day was exciting, I'd have no need to blog. And I wouldn't want to miss out on that. lol Take care, everyone!
Today's been a strange day. I guess I'm not exactly feeling my best. Joe has been very mischievous, which is fun, but he hasn't liked being put in his pen for the number of times he's tried playing with the wires behind the television. He loves to pull plugs out and put them back in. Luckily, it hasn't been the dangerous cords, but we've had a time trying to convince him to come out and leave them alone. He's not terribly fond of being in his "box," which is what we call his playpen. Wish there was a way I could reason with him; I hate it when he's this upset.
Well, wish I had something exciting and interesting and fantastic to share, but I just don't. Which is probably a good thing; if every day was exciting, I'd have no need to blog. And I wouldn't want to miss out on that. lol Take care, everyone!
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Meet Fred & George, or Struggling to Corral the Twins
Ok, so before everyone who knows me well has a heart attack, I'm not pregnant and I don't have twin children. lol But I do have some twins that everyone who knows me well knows about. And I've been struggling with them lately. You see, a relatively recent growth spurt has caused me to be unable to control them with the equipment I already owned. I know some that think that is a special blessing, but anyone who has personally faced the same problem knows that it's a real pain in the neck. So I've had to devote some special time and thought (and bucks) to helping take care of the problem.
You see, it's not that they're there. I mean, I've dealt with these two most of my life. The primary problem is that I've really never given much time to really getting a handle on the situation. You see, Fred is a bit smaller than George. Fred is a lot less trouble to corral. George, on the other hand, is always trying to escape or make things a bit more difficult. Unsightly, to say the least. I mean, I know everyone is lopsided, but this is ridiculous! And were you to just gaze at them, you might not notice. But giving them a close side-by-side comparison can definitely show the differences. And ever since I've had Joe, it's gotten worse. Maybe it's my own fault. I should have known that, once I had a new child, that it would be more difficult to keep other life issues under control. But the twins never really kick up much of a fuss on their own. It's all the other things that they affect that really shows the problems.
So, I had to chip in and get some new equipment for them. And boy, I knew I would have to change sizes of that equipment. So I tried several different models. And the model I ended up with was... a bit of a surprise. Perhaps a bit too personal to share online, but the twins needed a 42 DDD for their comfort! That can translate to 42 F, for those who are curious. Thus the new nickname of Fred for the twin on my left. But George is still causing difficulties! So, while the new solution is indeed an upgrade (in more ways than one!), I'm afraid that the next piece of equipment bought will have to be a whopping 42 G. (Thus the new nickname of George.) Sure, Fred will have a little extra space. Somehow, I think that's not going to be a problem. Maybe Fred deserves a little extra attention after all these years of George being the problem twin.
For the curious, here is the new equipment I acquired:
(grin) Y'all have fun now, you hear?
You see, it's not that they're there. I mean, I've dealt with these two most of my life. The primary problem is that I've really never given much time to really getting a handle on the situation. You see, Fred is a bit smaller than George. Fred is a lot less trouble to corral. George, on the other hand, is always trying to escape or make things a bit more difficult. Unsightly, to say the least. I mean, I know everyone is lopsided, but this is ridiculous! And were you to just gaze at them, you might not notice. But giving them a close side-by-side comparison can definitely show the differences. And ever since I've had Joe, it's gotten worse. Maybe it's my own fault. I should have known that, once I had a new child, that it would be more difficult to keep other life issues under control. But the twins never really kick up much of a fuss on their own. It's all the other things that they affect that really shows the problems.
So, I had to chip in and get some new equipment for them. And boy, I knew I would have to change sizes of that equipment. So I tried several different models. And the model I ended up with was... a bit of a surprise. Perhaps a bit too personal to share online, but the twins needed a 42 DDD for their comfort! That can translate to 42 F, for those who are curious. Thus the new nickname of Fred for the twin on my left. But George is still causing difficulties! So, while the new solution is indeed an upgrade (in more ways than one!), I'm afraid that the next piece of equipment bought will have to be a whopping 42 G. (Thus the new nickname of George.) Sure, Fred will have a little extra space. Somehow, I think that's not going to be a problem. Maybe Fred deserves a little extra attention after all these years of George being the problem twin.
For the curious, here is the new equipment I acquired:
(grin) Y'all have fun now, you hear?
Friday, April 16, 2010
Furbaby
I had a good bit of inspiration in the last few days, and for the first time in a couple weeks, my eyes are killing me with allergy fuzzies. Sooooo.... I have a couple new layouts that I did today alone! :) This first one was inspired by Jacquie's new fantastic Pets - Dogs word art set. Awesome, huh? She finds awesome quotes and stuff. If you haven't checked out her blog before, I highly recommend it, and not just because I'm on her CT. She's fantastic!
I've learned a few new things about GIMP lately, which makes me rather happy. I still feel like a beginner with GIMP, even though I know that I'm probably closer to intermediate. But there is a huge amount of things that one can do with GIMP that I have yet to tap. So, I'm enjoying learning new things, like new Script-fu stuff. There are so many Script-fu settings in the "basic" model of GIMP that I'm not familiar with that are really helpful with sprucing up one's layouts. Besides that, I want to do more designing. I really enjoyed making that first set. (It's still down there, if you want to look at it. Just saying. :P)
I also made a little layout with Daniel and Joe for Easter egg hunting. Joe didn't really get the whole hunting thing. He saw lots of kids running, so he ran after them. He saw one purple egg, so he picked it up. So, Mommy got him a few eggs. After that, he got Daddy to open his eggs. It was precious. I did it with this Font Challenge's font, Happy Days.
I also have a couple of cute baby moments to share. Joe is so funny these days! He's starting to show that he has a sense of humor. For instance, we're not certain if he really does think that unh unh (the no version) mean yes or if he's just pulling our leg. (He shakes his head no simultaneously, and we're pretty sure he knows that means no.) It's really cute, though, to watch him do it. Plus, he is such a player! He loves to do things to get your attention and then pretend like he wasn't doing it. That, and he loves to play kiss and hug. He'll do that over and over. Talk about making your heart melt!
Ok, this is late at night for me. Mommy is getting sleepy! lol So I'll let you wonderful people go. Have a great night!
I've learned a few new things about GIMP lately, which makes me rather happy. I still feel like a beginner with GIMP, even though I know that I'm probably closer to intermediate. But there is a huge amount of things that one can do with GIMP that I have yet to tap. So, I'm enjoying learning new things, like new Script-fu stuff. There are so many Script-fu settings in the "basic" model of GIMP that I'm not familiar with that are really helpful with sprucing up one's layouts. Besides that, I want to do more designing. I really enjoyed making that first set. (It's still down there, if you want to look at it. Just saying. :P)
I also made a little layout with Daniel and Joe for Easter egg hunting. Joe didn't really get the whole hunting thing. He saw lots of kids running, so he ran after them. He saw one purple egg, so he picked it up. So, Mommy got him a few eggs. After that, he got Daddy to open his eggs. It was precious. I did it with this Font Challenge's font, Happy Days.
I also have a couple of cute baby moments to share. Joe is so funny these days! He's starting to show that he has a sense of humor. For instance, we're not certain if he really does think that unh unh (the no version) mean yes or if he's just pulling our leg. (He shakes his head no simultaneously, and we're pretty sure he knows that means no.) It's really cute, though, to watch him do it. Plus, he is such a player! He loves to do things to get your attention and then pretend like he wasn't doing it. That, and he loves to play kiss and hug. He'll do that over and over. Talk about making your heart melt!
Ok, this is late at night for me. Mommy is getting sleepy! lol So I'll let you wonderful people go. Have a great night!
Font Challenge Time! :D
It's that time again, ladies!
(click the ad to go to the challenge)
Whoot! I am excited to be the hostess for three times running on this challenge. Of course, the middle time was by accident, and I was kinda covering for the lovely lady Brandi so we could meet Karis (who is absolutely adorable, btw!), but that's a whole different story. :D Anyway, this and many other challenges are gearing up again at MLAS, so hope you'll join us over there. This challenge runs until April 30, so you have plenty of time to explore and see you like our challenge font, which is Happy Days, the font I used for the title in the ad. Isn't it cute?!
Oh, and I want to give a big shout out to my buddy Jaclyn. Today is her birthday! Yay! I hope she has a fantastic time, and her dh makes sure she gets some serious fun!
Enjoy, mes jolies belles, and have an absolutely lovely Friday!
(click the ad to go to the challenge)
Whoot! I am excited to be the hostess for three times running on this challenge. Of course, the middle time was by accident, and I was kinda covering for the lovely lady Brandi so we could meet Karis (who is absolutely adorable, btw!), but that's a whole different story. :D Anyway, this and many other challenges are gearing up again at MLAS, so hope you'll join us over there. This challenge runs until April 30, so you have plenty of time to explore and see you like our challenge font, which is Happy Days, the font I used for the title in the ad. Isn't it cute?!
Oh, and I want to give a big shout out to my buddy Jaclyn. Today is her birthday! Yay! I hope she has a fantastic time, and her dh makes sure she gets some serious fun!
Enjoy, mes jolies belles, and have an absolutely lovely Friday!
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Why?!?!
Yeah, I'm one of those late filers. Not because I'm not getting money back, but because I HATE the complications. So, here's my statement for tax day...
*ahem* Ok, you may return to your regular blogging experience.
In addition to this, I was honored to get my first blog notice on another blog. Whoopee!
So, Yay! I got an award! Thanks, Leandra! And, if I recall correctly, I need to do a couple things! So, here goes. :)
1. Copy and paste the award on your blog. *check!*
2. List who gave the award to you and use a link to her blog (or hyperlink). *check!*
3. List 10 things that make you happy. (see below)
4. Pass the award on to other bloggers and visit their blog to let them know about the award. (see even further below! ;) )
10 Things that make me Happy:
1. Breathing deeply.
2. Smiling.
3. Loving my husband and son.
4. Watching the dove on her nest at work.
5. Seeing the leaves change day by day.
6. Morning kisses.
7. Hugs.
8. Unexpected breezes.
9. Watching the sun pass through clouds.
10. Remembering things that make me smile.
Who I am passing this Award to:
@ Jacquie's
Angi's Scrap 'n Blog
Confessions of a Digiholic
KajunKJ Scraps
luvbrd scraps
Of course I can do anything, I'm a mother!
Memoirs of a Southern-Yankee Girl
Raising Spirited Heathens
Whoopee! I'm sure you'll like giving these ladies some love. Until next time, ciao, bellissimi!
*ahem* Ok, you may return to your regular blogging experience.
In addition to this, I was honored to get my first blog notice on another blog. Whoopee!
So, Yay! I got an award! Thanks, Leandra! And, if I recall correctly, I need to do a couple things! So, here goes. :)
1. Copy and paste the award on your blog. *check!*
2. List who gave the award to you and use a link to her blog (or hyperlink). *check!*
3. List 10 things that make you happy. (see below)
4. Pass the award on to other bloggers and visit their blog to let them know about the award. (see even further below! ;) )
10 Things that make me Happy:
1. Breathing deeply.
2. Smiling.
3. Loving my husband and son.
4. Watching the dove on her nest at work.
5. Seeing the leaves change day by day.
6. Morning kisses.
7. Hugs.
8. Unexpected breezes.
9. Watching the sun pass through clouds.
10. Remembering things that make me smile.
Who I am passing this Award to:
@ Jacquie's
Angi's Scrap 'n Blog
Confessions of a Digiholic
KajunKJ Scraps
luvbrd scraps
Of course I can do anything, I'm a mother!
Memoirs of a Southern-Yankee Girl
Raising Spirited Heathens
Whoopee! I'm sure you'll like giving these ladies some love. Until next time, ciao, bellissimi!
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Boy's Picnic freebie
You know, I don't know how on earth I would have the chutzpah to do this, but I'm going to anyway. I have so many people that I've come to admire for their creativity and experience, but I've also just wanted to put my hand in for the fun of it all. So, I finally gave in to the craze. I made a freebie kit for scrapping!
(I'm having issues with feeling pretentious now, so bear with me. lol)
Download elements at 4-shared
Download papers at 4-shared
Download elements at Mediafire
Download papers at Mediafire
Wow, I keep having to pinch myself. lol I had so much fun putting this together, that it felt like I was getting away with something. Besides that, it happened so much faster than I had anticipated! Don't worry, I didn't rush. I was especially careful with it.
Hope you like! :)
(I'm having issues with feeling pretentious now, so bear with me. lol)
Download elements at 4-shared
Download papers at 4-shared
Download elements at Mediafire
Download papers at Mediafire
Wow, I keep having to pinch myself. lol I had so much fun putting this together, that it felt like I was getting away with something. Besides that, it happened so much faster than I had anticipated! Don't worry, I didn't rush. I was especially careful with it.
Hope you like! :)
Monday, April 05, 2010
Easter Madness
I hope everyone had a nice holiday weekend! Ours was busy, to say the least. First up was the Easter egg hunt at Clark Springs Baptist on Saturday morning. Joe was in his finest (as you can see in this video), and Mommy and Daddy were excited to see what he would actually do on his first egg hunt. I didn't get any good pictures of it, but the verdict was that he was more interested in chasing the other kids at top speed than actually searching eggs, so Mommy picked some up for him. Daddy trailed behind faithfully as he waved the one egg he picked up (purple, which is why it caught his eye, I'm sure) and chattered at the other kids. He had a blast. It would have been even better had it not been for Mommy's overprotective streak. I covered him with sunscreen. Unfortunately, some of it got in his eyes. He wasn't a happy camper about that, but since he got more chocolate than he had ever imagined existed, he was ok with it. He also got some cool cars from Nana in his basket. He really liked that. :)
After that, we loaded a (very very tired) baby into the car and went to the park to meet with Aunt Jo. It was a perfect day for Kiroli Park. We piled up on a table and ate fried chicken while Joe had fun on the "fire truck."
We also did the swings and stuff, but I haven't uploaded that video yet. Joe had the best time watching Daddy swing in the swing next to him. Unfortunately, that meant that the yellow baby swing wasn't good enough for him anymore. We'll see if that lasts when we get to the park again. We also did a nice walk through the (shortest) nature trail, and I got some good shots of azaleas and other things. If they turn out well, I'll try to extract them and pass them along for everyone to share. The colors are too awesome not to look great in a spring layout. ;)
As for Sunday, we chilled out. And it was a good thing, too... Mommy hasn't felt her best. Maybe it was the candy, maybe it was her body's way of saying "noooooooooooooooo!" Whatever it was, I could use another Sunday to make up for it. :) I guess I'll have to wait a few more days for that, though. Joe and I played a lot, and Daddy was the only one who woke up early enough for sunrise service. Good Daddy! :)
Oh, and one of my blogging buddies Brandi is supposed to have her third child/first daughter by c-section today. Happy thoughts for welcoming little Karis into the world!
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Doing my best Sinatra impression
I had a lot of fun doing this layout. There's not really much of a story behind it; Daniel, Joe and I were out for Saturday grocery shopping and stopped for breakfast at Shoney's first. When we got back in the car, Joe was looking so cute in his little blue outfit that I whipped out the camera and got a couple of shots in. Of course, I'm always torturing him this way. lol Actually, he loves to ham it up for the camera, just seconds before he attempts to take it from me and push buttons or pretend it's a cell phone. (sigh) Children. ;)
I probably should have picked a kit that had some good navy blues in it along with the greens, but something about this one hit me as regal and perfect for the look on his face. Then again, maybe I'm a weirdo. After all, I do like to look at single pictures for long periods of time. :P
Live is going fairly well at the moment, just busy. We're gonna get a breather here soon enough, so I think I'll make it to the weekend. Jo, Joe, Daniel, and I are going to the park this weekend, so it's something to hold out for. Park trip! :D
Hope you all have a lovely evening!
I probably should have picked a kit that had some good navy blues in it along with the greens, but something about this one hit me as regal and perfect for the look on his face. Then again, maybe I'm a weirdo. After all, I do like to look at single pictures for long periods of time. :P
Live is going fairly well at the moment, just busy. We're gonna get a breather here soon enough, so I think I'll make it to the weekend. Jo, Joe, Daniel, and I are going to the park this weekend, so it's something to hold out for. Park trip! :D
Hope you all have a lovely evening!
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
I love my dog!
Ok, so I couldn't make a layout with Ike yet. It's gonna take me some time to get there. But I did have this excellent picture from a few days ago when the dog, the baby and I were out playing outside, so I thought I'd give it a shot. I think it turned out pretty cute. :) The kit is Karmatic Impact by RebeccaPSP Designs, and the lovely word art is by Jacquie. :) I think it turned out pretty well. I've been playing with the colors lately for photos to see what sort of new looks I can come up with, so I'm pleased to see that this one worked out okay.
Things are going okay. Slowly but surely, life is evening out again. There's just really too much going on generally. It felt odd and calming to just sit down and do a quick layout again. I've missed it. I've even considered just forgetting about doing the music for Joe's first year album video and just leaving it as is so I can get rid of this sword of Damocles over my head, cuz I just have so many other projects I would rather start scrapping rather than worrying over it. Maybe I should just leave it as is. I don't know. But knowing me, I don't generally like leaving things as is. ;) I've got some new ideas about the music now, so I'm going to try to track them down. Hopefully, something will work well.
Have a lovely evening, everyone!
Things are going okay. Slowly but surely, life is evening out again. There's just really too much going on generally. It felt odd and calming to just sit down and do a quick layout again. I've missed it. I've even considered just forgetting about doing the music for Joe's first year album video and just leaving it as is so I can get rid of this sword of Damocles over my head, cuz I just have so many other projects I would rather start scrapping rather than worrying over it. Maybe I should just leave it as is. I don't know. But knowing me, I don't generally like leaving things as is. ;) I've got some new ideas about the music now, so I'm going to try to track them down. Hopefully, something will work well.
Have a lovely evening, everyone!
Monday, March 29, 2010
Remembering
So, things are getting better. I know I was really sad when last I talked to everyone. Now, well, I'm feeling a bit more nostalgic. I've been looking for cute pictures of Ike and Joe together, and while there aren't many, I really am enjoying them. I have especially been enjoying some of the pictures of Ike when he was more of a puppy. I think I'll have to scan some of them, tonight if I get a chance, and use them for a layout about his life. Jacquie posted the sweetest word art for someone who loves their dog as a freebie on her blog today, and it is perfect for a good look at these pictures. It just reminds me of how grateful I am to have such good friends, both in person and online. It makes the sadness at losing such joy a reminder that the gift is worth that time of mourning.
All of this also reminds me that my son is, as yet, too young to know or understand that he has lost a friend. I know my first instinct is to protect him completely from such things, but knowing that he would miss out on the gift of that relationship to avoid such things completely makes me realize that safety is just another word for loneliness and missing out on opportunities for the greatest heights and depths of experience. And believe me, as a person who is forever worrying about being safe enough, that's a pretty big concession. :P I'm a bit of a worrier (that was sarcastic understatement, y'all), so while I can't see any reason to let my son risk falling and splitting open his skull because he just *has* to rock on the rocking chair, standing up, not holding the sides or back, I'm trying my best not to coddle him. I don't want him to learn the useless fears that I am fighting. I want him to learn the normal caution found from falling and bumping his knee, and then picking up and trying again.
Ugh, trust me to wax philosophical on a Monday morning. I even made my own brain hurt. lol Hope all of you have a wonderful week, and hope something like this reminds you (as it did me) of the value of the relationships around you.
All of this also reminds me that my son is, as yet, too young to know or understand that he has lost a friend. I know my first instinct is to protect him completely from such things, but knowing that he would miss out on the gift of that relationship to avoid such things completely makes me realize that safety is just another word for loneliness and missing out on opportunities for the greatest heights and depths of experience. And believe me, as a person who is forever worrying about being safe enough, that's a pretty big concession. :P I'm a bit of a worrier (that was sarcastic understatement, y'all), so while I can't see any reason to let my son risk falling and splitting open his skull because he just *has* to rock on the rocking chair, standing up, not holding the sides or back, I'm trying my best not to coddle him. I don't want him to learn the useless fears that I am fighting. I want him to learn the normal caution found from falling and bumping his knee, and then picking up and trying again.
Ugh, trust me to wax philosophical on a Monday morning. I even made my own brain hurt. lol Hope all of you have a wonderful week, and hope something like this reminds you (as it did me) of the value of the relationships around you.
Saturday, March 27, 2010
A family loss
Sorry, folks. I was going to post my speed scrap layout from last night, but I don't think it'd fit this post. I got an email from my dad this evening letting me know that he and my stepmother had to make the difficult decision to put down one of our family dogs. Ike was a very good boy. He was a largish golden retriever that showed up on their porch as a puppy. This is more unusual than it sounds on the surface; they live almost a mile away from a small highway on a back road that only sports three houses. Well, four, if you count the one no one was using. My folks were not in the market for a dog, but first impressions are amazing things. Juanita first saw him licking the picture glass windows. On the other side, our terrier mutt Emily was licking back. It was love at first sight. They tried to find out who his owners were, since it was obvious that he was a full bred golden, and such beauties don't just get dumped generally. Once they had given up hope of finding his original family, Emily (and the rest of the family!) were already in love. Ike was home.
Over the years, old Ike has been the sweetheart and protector of the home. He soon found a new love; Tori, our "wild" family dog. Although she will barely let people touch her, she was in love with Ike from the start. Emily may have been alpha, but Tori was his partner. They hunted outside together and made sure the neighborhood was free of danger for everyone. Some of the most touching scenes of devotion I've ever seen were times when Tori and Ike would groom one another. They were always inseparable from the moment Ike stepped out of the house until he returned to the rest of his family.
When Juanita told me they had taken him to the vet, she said that he had a dangerously inflamed stomach lining that had no known cause, and he had a dangerous disease that was causing his spine bones to start fusing, causing serious pain as he moved. It was obvious that he was fighting some kind of mysterious systemic breakdown that it didn't look like time would heal. When the vet told the family it could be treated but not cured, my dad had to make the right decision. We couldn't keep Ike in pain on the off chance that the treatment would keep him from hurting too much for just a little while. My dad said it was one of the hardest decisions he's ever had to make.
I will miss Ike. He became part of the family after I had left home for good, but he quickly became one of my favorite dogs ever. His sweet and loving disposition was unparalleled with just about any other dog I've ever met, and his devotion was timeless. I hate that my son is too young to remember playing with Ike when he gets older, but I know Ike, always the protective and loving one, will still watch over him with everything in him. Good bye, good boy.
Over the years, old Ike has been the sweetheart and protector of the home. He soon found a new love; Tori, our "wild" family dog. Although she will barely let people touch her, she was in love with Ike from the start. Emily may have been alpha, but Tori was his partner. They hunted outside together and made sure the neighborhood was free of danger for everyone. Some of the most touching scenes of devotion I've ever seen were times when Tori and Ike would groom one another. They were always inseparable from the moment Ike stepped out of the house until he returned to the rest of his family.
When Juanita told me they had taken him to the vet, she said that he had a dangerously inflamed stomach lining that had no known cause, and he had a dangerous disease that was causing his spine bones to start fusing, causing serious pain as he moved. It was obvious that he was fighting some kind of mysterious systemic breakdown that it didn't look like time would heal. When the vet told the family it could be treated but not cured, my dad had to make the right decision. We couldn't keep Ike in pain on the off chance that the treatment would keep him from hurting too much for just a little while. My dad said it was one of the hardest decisions he's ever had to make.
I will miss Ike. He became part of the family after I had left home for good, but he quickly became one of my favorite dogs ever. His sweet and loving disposition was unparalleled with just about any other dog I've ever met, and his devotion was timeless. I hate that my son is too young to remember playing with Ike when he gets older, but I know Ike, always the protective and loving one, will still watch over him with everything in him. Good bye, good boy.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Week 10 - My Worst Fear
I've been having a tough week, but I'm making it. Things are a little harder at work than usual. It's getting better, but it's going to take some time to get it under control. I know I can do it; just don't like muddling around until a new balance is found.
I did this layout for the MLAS challenge called My Life IN Scrap. In this challenge, everyone does a layout a week about a topic. For week ten, the topic was our greatest fear. I've been having a lot of fun doing the challenges, but this one was difficult for me because I have panic attacks. I couldn't, at first, really figure out what my biggest fear is, because I have so many things that can trigger panic attacks. Then, I realized how much I've just been struggling with panic in general. Thus, this layout was born. I love this kit; it made perfect sense for this layout. It's called Obnoxious (lol), and it was designed by Jenasis Designs. Fun!
I haven't really participated in the challenges in the last week and a half like I normally do. It's mostly because I've had so many things on my mind. Don't worry, I'll get back into the swing of things. Just need a little time to work out the craziness in my head. ;)
Hugs all around!
I did this layout for the MLAS challenge called My Life IN Scrap. In this challenge, everyone does a layout a week about a topic. For week ten, the topic was our greatest fear. I've been having a lot of fun doing the challenges, but this one was difficult for me because I have panic attacks. I couldn't, at first, really figure out what my biggest fear is, because I have so many things that can trigger panic attacks. Then, I realized how much I've just been struggling with panic in general. Thus, this layout was born. I love this kit; it made perfect sense for this layout. It's called Obnoxious (lol), and it was designed by Jenasis Designs. Fun!
I haven't really participated in the challenges in the last week and a half like I normally do. It's mostly because I've had so many things on my mind. Don't worry, I'll get back into the swing of things. Just need a little time to work out the craziness in my head. ;)
Hugs all around!
Sunday, March 21, 2010
hyacinths
I'm sorry I've been MIA this week. Actually, it's partly because I'm making the final edits of my scrapbook video of Joe's first year album. :) I haven't put nearly as much time into the scrapping itself. Today is a good day for finishing small projects, though. It's snowing outside, the baby is snoozing on my lap, and I'm having plenty of cozy time. Makes this layout even nicer to think about, too, since I'm much in a spring flower mood. ;) But all this lounging is making me sleepy. I need to get up and move around. I'd much rather play outside in the nice sun than wonder how many layers I need to add. Louisiana is not the place one would expect to see March snow, even if it isn't sticking. I know, I'm whining. Don't worry, I'll do much the same when it's over 100 degrees Fahrenheit around here.
Ciao, bellissimi!
Ciao, bellissimi!
Monday, March 15, 2010
Sleeping while standing?!
Hehehe... Never had seen a person fall asleep while standing, until now! And yes, as Daniel said, he got attacked by a chocolate milk before nap time.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)