As the mom in my family I am used to living in the testosterone tide pool knows as my house. However currently even I am overwhelmed at the amount of this particular hormone surrounding me. Myself, along with one of my sisters in law, are currently in a house with 9 members of the male species. Four of these are teenagers, they ooze extra amounts of it.
I am getting glimpses to what it will be like to have two teenage boys. I have wonderful nephews and they are good kids. With that said, when Thing 1 and Thing 2 hit that particular milestone, I may very well end up in a loony bin. Teenage boys can smell a teenage girl coming in their territory at 450 paces. It's a talent.
We are making lots of memories so far. More will be made within the next few days. That is the advantage to having family you like. Taking trips and doing things together that the kids will remember for a life time.
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Thursday, July 28, 2011
It really is the little things
After a long day at work yesterday, I pick up Thing 1 and Thing 2 and head home to continue the attack on the house. When I get home I find that Hubs had washed a couple loads of laundry, and he had cleaned the shower, including the rack that holds the shower stuff, such as soap, razors etc. This was one less thing to do on my list. It was awesome. Then he proceeds to ask what I had planned for supper. Well the plan was frozen pizza...much to his disliking. He says we will go get something, and we will drive the jeep (which means an evening of riding with the top down and doors off, which is better than any AC could ever be). So he wants me to decide what to eat, of course I could care less. So we let Thing 1 and Thing 2 make the choice. We end up at a local pizza place. I, I of cours, call my mom and see if she wants to meet us there. So we all sit down to supper together, the kids are talking non stop about dinosaurs (they are boys, its their thing) and other non extinct animals to the waitress, and anyone that will listen. Hubs and my mom are playing with their cell phones and talking about downloading ringtones. I was just sitting back watching.
It really is kind of awesome that my family sits down to a meal together almost every night. It is even more awesome that my husband doesn't fuss when I say I am inviting his mother in law to join us for a lot of the stuff we do...they get along, and have a good relationship, which is a modern day miracle according to some people.
We finish eating, and head out to some of my in-laws house. However we enjoy a nice ride through the country to get there. The kids were looking for deer, and actually saw some. It was just a good night. We were out way to late, but the kids were playing with their youngest cousin, and the hubs and his middle brother were doing something maleish. My sister in law and I enjoyed just hanging out in the living room watching the kids.
I am just in awe of how content you can be with nothing going on. My Facebook status last night said "My heart is happy". It is. The little things that are often over looked are really what its all about. My family enjoys spending time together, when we do, we are making memories. It is the little things the kiddos will remember when they get older. They will remember how mom and dad would take them on road trips and not tell them where we were going but surprise them. The will remember how we used to make bondfires in the back yard just to roast hot dogs for supper. They will remember the times that we just loaded up in the Jeep to ride with the top down and doors off, just because we could. They will remember Sunday afternoons packingup and going fishing. The things that seem minor now will be the big things down the road.
I love the little things that make my life what it is.
It really is kind of awesome that my family sits down to a meal together almost every night. It is even more awesome that my husband doesn't fuss when I say I am inviting his mother in law to join us for a lot of the stuff we do...they get along, and have a good relationship, which is a modern day miracle according to some people.
We finish eating, and head out to some of my in-laws house. However we enjoy a nice ride through the country to get there. The kids were looking for deer, and actually saw some. It was just a good night. We were out way to late, but the kids were playing with their youngest cousin, and the hubs and his middle brother were doing something maleish. My sister in law and I enjoyed just hanging out in the living room watching the kids.
I am just in awe of how content you can be with nothing going on. My Facebook status last night said "My heart is happy". It is. The little things that are often over looked are really what its all about. My family enjoys spending time together, when we do, we are making memories. It is the little things the kiddos will remember when they get older. They will remember how mom and dad would take them on road trips and not tell them where we were going but surprise them. The will remember how we used to make bondfires in the back yard just to roast hot dogs for supper. They will remember the times that we just loaded up in the Jeep to ride with the top down and doors off, just because we could. They will remember Sunday afternoons packingup and going fishing. The things that seem minor now will be the big things down the road.
I love the little things that make my life what it is.
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Light at the end of the tunnel
I am currently in the process of getting my house in order. Ya know the whole cleaning top to bottom thing. In the great scheme of things, a clean house is not top on my priority list, but with time off of work coming up, it is an evil that must be defeated.
I think I have finally gotten the "Things" into the habit of cleaning their room. They reminded me last night I needed to vaccum. It amazes me how, most of the people that live at my house are gone during the day, yet my house can get so messy so quickly. Shoes, hats, and at times pants and shirts lay where they are removed. I have learned that instead of fussing about it constantly, just pick it up and move on. One of those pick your battles things.
I think I am finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel in the process of getting it all done. I just hope its not an oncoming train of things I forgot.
I think I have finally gotten the "Things" into the habit of cleaning their room. They reminded me last night I needed to vaccum. It amazes me how, most of the people that live at my house are gone during the day, yet my house can get so messy so quickly. Shoes, hats, and at times pants and shirts lay where they are removed. I have learned that instead of fussing about it constantly, just pick it up and move on. One of those pick your battles things.
I think I am finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel in the process of getting it all done. I just hope its not an oncoming train of things I forgot.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
I see a glimpse
I have noticed in the last few weeks that maybe *just maybe* my kids are a little like me. Well, at least my oldest. Thing 2 is his Daddy's child, there is no denying that one. Thing 1 is my only ray of hope to being anything like me.
We have recently made some changes to our television that has given us more channels. Now we have a channel that plays nothing but country music videos 24/7. This is the channel it is kept on most often. We also have hooked the kid's TV up to this. So now they can actually watch television, not just movies. They mostly just like the noise.
As the wild ones and I are headed up the road this morning, Thing 1 is sitting in the back seat in his booster, wearing my sunglasses, and is singing along to every song that is playing. Literally, he knew the words to 10 of the 12 songs played. Certain ones come on, and it looked briefly like I was having my own personal concert with Tristan as the main attraction. He was singing loudly, playing air guitar and just generally enjoying it. Justin (thing 2) is screaming TURN IT DOWN!!! Again he is his father's child.
I am seeing little glimpses of an older personality coming out in Thing 1, ya know now that he is the ripe old age of 7. It is kind of cool. He has very defined taste. For example, his music, he wants up beat, toe tapping, air guitar playing rhythms. His clothes, he wants flip flops, shorts that sit right at his knees, and sit slightly saggy on his backside. He wants his shirts nice and loose, but they have to look "cool". He already has the true appreciation of a hoodie. His hair, well when he had hair, had to be just so. The kid has more hair products than I do. His friends, well that is where it gets interesting. He has a very diverse group that he considers his friends. I am possibly most proud of this. He can fit in with most any crowd. He has never met a stranger, and makes friends easily. It's little stuff starting to show. I must admit while it pains me to see my sweet baby boy growing up, I am thrilled with the person he is becoming, and can't wait to see where he goes in life. He is an awesome little man, both my kids are. They are just awesome.
We have recently made some changes to our television that has given us more channels. Now we have a channel that plays nothing but country music videos 24/7. This is the channel it is kept on most often. We also have hooked the kid's TV up to this. So now they can actually watch television, not just movies. They mostly just like the noise.
As the wild ones and I are headed up the road this morning, Thing 1 is sitting in the back seat in his booster, wearing my sunglasses, and is singing along to every song that is playing. Literally, he knew the words to 10 of the 12 songs played. Certain ones come on, and it looked briefly like I was having my own personal concert with Tristan as the main attraction. He was singing loudly, playing air guitar and just generally enjoying it. Justin (thing 2) is screaming TURN IT DOWN!!! Again he is his father's child.
I am seeing little glimpses of an older personality coming out in Thing 1, ya know now that he is the ripe old age of 7. It is kind of cool. He has very defined taste. For example, his music, he wants up beat, toe tapping, air guitar playing rhythms. His clothes, he wants flip flops, shorts that sit right at his knees, and sit slightly saggy on his backside. He wants his shirts nice and loose, but they have to look "cool". He already has the true appreciation of a hoodie. His hair, well when he had hair, had to be just so. The kid has more hair products than I do. His friends, well that is where it gets interesting. He has a very diverse group that he considers his friends. I am possibly most proud of this. He can fit in with most any crowd. He has never met a stranger, and makes friends easily. It's little stuff starting to show. I must admit while it pains me to see my sweet baby boy growing up, I am thrilled with the person he is becoming, and can't wait to see where he goes in life. He is an awesome little man, both my kids are. They are just awesome.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
One of those days
Today is one of those days when I should have just stayed in bed. I am very much looking forward to going home, and closing the door on work. I love my job. I am lucky to 1) Have a job when unemployment is 98756354%, 2) Have a job I enjoy coming to every day and 3) a job I am dang good at.
Customers of my office have learned if they have a problem bring them to me, and I will work my back side off solving them. Today however has been one of the days that I feel more like a fireman than an Insurance Agent. I have put out fires here there and everywhere today.
Thankfully I am one day closer to the weekend and 8 hours closer to bedtime.
Customers of my office have learned if they have a problem bring them to me, and I will work my back side off solving them. Today however has been one of the days that I feel more like a fireman than an Insurance Agent. I have put out fires here there and everywhere today.
Thankfully I am one day closer to the weekend and 8 hours closer to bedtime.
Friday, July 15, 2011
I finally did it
As you can imagine, in a house of 4, with 3 of them being boys, laundry is never ending. It is a given that I will wash roughly 15 loads of laundry a week. Until last night. Let me set the scene for you:
I load the washer to get some things washed for the next day. I go into the kitchen and begin cleaning it up. I sit down at the kitchen table to cut cabbage to make slaw for the next nights meal. I hear this loud crash followed by a crunch so nasty that it literally had me shaking. I run to the washer only to realize that it has died. My poor washer kicked the bucket.
I have been waiting on this to happen for almost a year now. It lasted a lot longer than I expected and it had actually become a running joke that I was going to continue to abuse the washer in hopes of getting a new one. Now that it has finally happened, I must admit I am a little nervous. I don't like change. I have been using this washer for the last almost 8 years, and it was in the house well before I moved in. I like it, I know how to work it. Now I have to learn how to use one all over again. The advantage though is that it will be new, and the hubs likes using new appliances. That means help with the laundry for a few days. =)
I load the washer to get some things washed for the next day. I go into the kitchen and begin cleaning it up. I sit down at the kitchen table to cut cabbage to make slaw for the next nights meal. I hear this loud crash followed by a crunch so nasty that it literally had me shaking. I run to the washer only to realize that it has died. My poor washer kicked the bucket.
I have been waiting on this to happen for almost a year now. It lasted a lot longer than I expected and it had actually become a running joke that I was going to continue to abuse the washer in hopes of getting a new one. Now that it has finally happened, I must admit I am a little nervous. I don't like change. I have been using this washer for the last almost 8 years, and it was in the house well before I moved in. I like it, I know how to work it. Now I have to learn how to use one all over again. The advantage though is that it will be new, and the hubs likes using new appliances. That means help with the laundry for a few days. =)
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Stop and smell the roses
While out and about this week with the boys, we had to make a stop at the local Wally World. While heading to the check out line Thing 1 stops and starts smelling the flowers that are setting out. I asked him if he was stopping to smell the roses. He looks up at me with his goofy little grin and says "Of course".
Why is it that my 7 year old knows you have to stop and smell the roses and I in my 30 year old mommy wisdom forget it on a regular basis?
I have decided to step back and look at the big picture of my life. Basically just re-evaluate everything and make sure that anything and anyone in it are the ones that need to be there. I like my life and want it to stay that way.
So I shall stop and smell the roses a little more often, just because I can.
Why is it that my 7 year old knows you have to stop and smell the roses and I in my 30 year old mommy wisdom forget it on a regular basis?
I have decided to step back and look at the big picture of my life. Basically just re-evaluate everything and make sure that anything and anyone in it are the ones that need to be there. I like my life and want it to stay that way.
So I shall stop and smell the roses a little more often, just because I can.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Southern Summers
I have lived in the south my entire life. I am proud of my southern roots. They run deep, real deep. However, I must say that Southern Summers are getting a little rough. Regardless of global warming, the greenhouse effect, El Nino, La Nina, or just the fact that I am getting older, and am a little on the fluffy side; its hot. I can be a meteorologist from about mid May til October...Hot Hazy and Humid with a chance of afternoon and evening thundershowers, some possibly sever.
Southern Summers make you appreciate Southern falls, and winters, well when we have winters, some years that particular season is a figment of the imagination. As I am sitting at my desk praying that one the the boys did not inadvertently leave a crayon on the car seat to melt in the sun; I am mentally on the beach, watching the sunset, cool breeze (and no bugs) blowing by me. All this is occurring in my head while I wear a hoodie, and my tried and true flip flops and shorts, happily listening to the sound of the tide roll in. Or better yet clad in blue jeans and boots, a comfy shirt and hat, while riding through the woods on a cool crisp autumn day. AHHHHH cool thoughts. Now to walk out in the 100+ degree heat to go home.
Southern Summers make you appreciate Southern falls, and winters, well when we have winters, some years that particular season is a figment of the imagination. As I am sitting at my desk praying that one the the boys did not inadvertently leave a crayon on the car seat to melt in the sun; I am mentally on the beach, watching the sunset, cool breeze (and no bugs) blowing by me. All this is occurring in my head while I wear a hoodie, and my tried and true flip flops and shorts, happily listening to the sound of the tide roll in. Or better yet clad in blue jeans and boots, a comfy shirt and hat, while riding through the woods on a cool crisp autumn day. AHHHHH cool thoughts. Now to walk out in the 100+ degree heat to go home.
Friday, July 8, 2011
Am I the only one?
I have come to a conclusion that is possibly long overdue. I am the odd ball of my friends. This however is not always a bad thing. I am most likely the only "old fashioned" one of us. I am content being the "doer" of the house. Granted I do my share of fussing about it being all on me. Truth be known though, I wouldn't know how to act if things were split down the middle. In my house I do the following: laundry, cleaning, cooking (although hubs will help with this) all things school related for the kids, actually anything related to the kids except for the one day of the week they have a "Daddy day". grocery shopping, and the prep work for the next day. Also when the mower isn't messed up I do the yard work. The last one is by choice, I don't like the way Hubs does it so instead of complaining I just handle that myself.
It works in my house, although not perfectly, but then again what does when your in a family. We sit down to supper every night as a family. The kids are sent to bed each night with hugs, kisses and I love yous. Hubs and I are content. We work well together. I am happy with my life. Others may see it at less than appealing; but in my little world it works.
I have often compared our family life to being a married single mom, given hubs profession. Of the two of us, I am the only one that works "normal hours", meaning, I am home every night, weekend, and holiday. I work your typical 9 to 5. As much as it pains me to admit it, I am a creature of habit and do not do well when my nice little routine is altered. I like knowing that when I get home from work, and picking up the kids I will start fixing supper, the kids will be entertaining themselves or in the kitchen with me. Once supper is finished, it is bath time while I clean the kitchen. After this then teeth are brushed, snuggles are given and kiddos are sent off to dream, while I prepare things for the day ahead.
I am old fashioned, and I like it that way.
It works in my house, although not perfectly, but then again what does when your in a family. We sit down to supper every night as a family. The kids are sent to bed each night with hugs, kisses and I love yous. Hubs and I are content. We work well together. I am happy with my life. Others may see it at less than appealing; but in my little world it works.
I have often compared our family life to being a married single mom, given hubs profession. Of the two of us, I am the only one that works "normal hours", meaning, I am home every night, weekend, and holiday. I work your typical 9 to 5. As much as it pains me to admit it, I am a creature of habit and do not do well when my nice little routine is altered. I like knowing that when I get home from work, and picking up the kids I will start fixing supper, the kids will be entertaining themselves or in the kitchen with me. Once supper is finished, it is bath time while I clean the kitchen. After this then teeth are brushed, snuggles are given and kiddos are sent off to dream, while I prepare things for the day ahead.
I am old fashioned, and I like it that way.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Night and Day
I have often said that Thing 1 and Thing 2 are as different as night and day. These two are so opposite, one is right handed the other left; one is a night owl/early bird the other crashes fairly early and likes to sleep in. One is a shrimpy little fella, the other is a chunk...really that is his nickname.
What my two polar opposites do have in common is 1) the need to constantly fuss and argue with the other and 2) the ability to search me out in the house. The first is a given, they are siblings, they are boys, they are less than 3 years apart. They are going to fight. The second one is the one that drives me bananas at times.
I love my children and am so grateful to be their mom. With that being said, it irks the sh!t out of me that they will literally go ask Hubs, "Where's mama", and the following conversation is normally what takes place:
Hubs--"not sure why, what do you need"
Kid--"I need mama"
Hubs--"why"
Kid--"just because"
Hubs "well go find her"
****I am usually in 1 of 3 places the kitchen, back porch or obviously the bathroom****
Kid--"MAMA, MAMA, MAMA, MA, MA, WHERE ARE YOU?" **my house is nowhere big enough to need to go on any exstenive search, because again I am 1 of 3 places**
Me--"Here I am"
Kid--"what are you doing"
Me-- "I am (insert motherly activity here)
Kid--"OK" and takes off in the other direction
This happens no less than 4 times a day at my house. My boys keep tabs on me. They are mama's boys for sure.
I know that one day they will not care where I am, and what I am doing, so even though it bothers me at times I know that I will miss it in the future. After all they will always be my babies. Even when I am having to look up at them.
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What my two polar opposites do have in common is 1) the need to constantly fuss and argue with the other and 2) the ability to search me out in the house. The first is a given, they are siblings, they are boys, they are less than 3 years apart. They are going to fight. The second one is the one that drives me bananas at times.
I love my children and am so grateful to be their mom. With that being said, it irks the sh!t out of me that they will literally go ask Hubs, "Where's mama", and the following conversation is normally what takes place:
Hubs--"not sure why, what do you need"
Kid--"I need mama"
Hubs--"why"
Kid--"just because"
Hubs "well go find her"
****I am usually in 1 of 3 places the kitchen, back porch or obviously the bathroom****
Kid--"MAMA, MAMA, MAMA, MA, MA, WHERE ARE YOU?" **my house is nowhere big enough to need to go on any exstenive search, because again I am 1 of 3 places**
Me--"Here I am"
Kid--"what are you doing"
Me-- "I am (insert motherly activity here)
Kid--"OK" and takes off in the other direction
This happens no less than 4 times a day at my house. My boys keep tabs on me. They are mama's boys for sure.
I know that one day they will not care where I am, and what I am doing, so even though it bothers me at times I know that I will miss it in the future. After all they will always be my babies. Even when I am having to look up at them.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
My mind is drifting
I am having a major cases of the blah's today. Not the kind where I am down in the dumps, yucky feeling, but more the kind of I need sand, sun, and crashing waves instead of the desk I am stuck at.
Our annual family vacation is coming up and I am beyond ready, mentally that is. Physically, not so much. Tons of things need to be finished in order for my little family of 4 to venture away from home for more than one night. The house must be cleaned, the laundry must be caught up (although that is more of an unrealistic dream), and the list of what not to forget must be written, lost, rewritten, lost again, and finally written for a third time and stuck to the fridge.
Getting a family of four packed for a vacation is about like herding cats. Did I mention that Thing 1 and Thing 2 are clueless to our plans. That is a rule of vacation in my house...don't tell the kids. Thankfully Thing 1 and Thing 2 share a wardrobe, so packing is easier than when they were not even close to the same size. But alas, everything will be done, and if not, oh well life goes on.
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Our annual family vacation is coming up and I am beyond ready, mentally that is. Physically, not so much. Tons of things need to be finished in order for my little family of 4 to venture away from home for more than one night. The house must be cleaned, the laundry must be caught up (although that is more of an unrealistic dream), and the list of what not to forget must be written, lost, rewritten, lost again, and finally written for a third time and stuck to the fridge.
Getting a family of four packed for a vacation is about like herding cats. Did I mention that Thing 1 and Thing 2 are clueless to our plans. That is a rule of vacation in my house...don't tell the kids. Thankfully Thing 1 and Thing 2 share a wardrobe, so packing is easier than when they were not even close to the same size. But alas, everything will be done, and if not, oh well life goes on.
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
The secret to a restful nights sleep
Well atleast the secret in my house...WEAR THE LITTLE ONES OUT!!! We have had a fairly busy weekend. Lots of running here and there and spending time with family, oh yeah and eating. So my little fellas have done a lot of walking and running and playing. This equates to falling asleep in the car on the drives home and sleeping through being carried in. This also equates to wanting to sleep in. Thing 1 did not arise Sunday morning till almost 930.
I will not complain about the boys being tired, or even this mommy being tired. Lots of time was spent making memories this weekend, and that is what it is all about.
As I am getting older, I have figured out that it is not having tons of people that are so called friends, that matters. It is having a closely netted circle. This circle is made up of family and friends. And thanks to my circle the past few days have been ones that will be cherised for years to come.
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I will not complain about the boys being tired, or even this mommy being tired. Lots of time was spent making memories this weekend, and that is what it is all about.
As I am getting older, I have figured out that it is not having tons of people that are so called friends, that matters. It is having a closely netted circle. This circle is made up of family and friends. And thanks to my circle the past few days have been ones that will be cherised for years to come.
Friday, July 1, 2011
Days gone by
Little things trigger memories. This is common knowledge. There are certain songs that I hear that remind me of when my husband and I were dating. There are certain movies I can remember watching as a kid with my parents. There are certain places that I can recall taking family trips to and think about all the things that happened while we were there. Then there are the events that make you think about the people that are missing.
I had one of these moments this past weekend. Thing 1 had an early birthday party with some of his friends at a local baseball stadium. This also happened to be both of my little Things very first baseball game. There were several of his friends there, along with his closest family. One person was greatly missed at this event. My Dad.
I have struggled with this all week. Not in the weeping, sorrowful struggle, but more the little nudges at your heart strings struggle. Seeing my little boys enjoying his favorite sport, along with some of the other grandkids would have been a wonderful event for my Dad.
I was lucky enough to have one of those dad's growing up. He wanted nothing more out of life than to see his kids happy and successful...whatever their term of success may be...and to watch his grandkids grow into the wonderful people they are destined to be.
This time of the year also makes me thing about is my Granddad. When I was a kid, I would always go spend the week of the 4th with him in Georgia. Just us. It was the epitome of my summer growing up.
Little things make you remember. They also make you realize how lucky you are to have memories that you cherish to remember. These memories and people that shape our lives no matter how long we have them in it, are what gets us through the rough times. They are the stiching that hold the seams together when all else seems to unravel. For these memories, I am grateful. I just hope that my kids have as many memory triggers as I do. If they do, then I will count myself a success as a parent.
I had one of these moments this past weekend. Thing 1 had an early birthday party with some of his friends at a local baseball stadium. This also happened to be both of my little Things very first baseball game. There were several of his friends there, along with his closest family. One person was greatly missed at this event. My Dad.
I have struggled with this all week. Not in the weeping, sorrowful struggle, but more the little nudges at your heart strings struggle. Seeing my little boys enjoying his favorite sport, along with some of the other grandkids would have been a wonderful event for my Dad.
I was lucky enough to have one of those dad's growing up. He wanted nothing more out of life than to see his kids happy and successful...whatever their term of success may be...and to watch his grandkids grow into the wonderful people they are destined to be.
This time of the year also makes me thing about is my Granddad. When I was a kid, I would always go spend the week of the 4th with him in Georgia. Just us. It was the epitome of my summer growing up.
Little things make you remember. They also make you realize how lucky you are to have memories that you cherish to remember. These memories and people that shape our lives no matter how long we have them in it, are what gets us through the rough times. They are the stiching that hold the seams together when all else seems to unravel. For these memories, I am grateful. I just hope that my kids have as many memory triggers as I do. If they do, then I will count myself a success as a parent.
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