Life’s lessons – from under the bus January 27, 2012

 

There are all sorts of life’s lessons and we learn them in varying ways.  Some lessons can only be learned by doing certain things – mistakes made or successes won.  We can watch someone else and learn from them.  Most are universal, while others can only be understood by a few. 

I was given this article to read by a friend of mine and it was said so well that I had to share it.  It’s about life with kids – but I think it’s actually pretty accurate for anyone, if you read it correctly. 

I wanted to also share a few of my life’s lessons, taught to me by my family, but could really translate to anyone:

• “Quite picking your nose!”  ~ Always have a snack handy. 
• “Did you see?  We only lost by 9 this time!” ~ It’s not always about winning. 
• “Mom – he’s jumping on the couch AGAIN!” ~ Practice, practice, practice.
• “UH – OH!” ~ Microwaves were not ment to cook everything. 
• “Hey mom ~ What’s does “Motor-boating mean?” ~ Always keep up with current trends.
• “Mom, is it just me, or is your bum getting bigger?” ~ Excersize is VERY important!
• “Was that important?  Because I used it to start the fire.” ~ Always make copies.
• “Excuse me Ma’am.  Is that your son stuck up at the top of the playland?” ~ You’re never to old to play.
• “Hey mom – do girls wear pants under your skirts?” ~ Always wear underwear – especially to church!!
• “I would never do/say/think… – I would never allow my child…” ~ Never say never, because that’s the next thing that’s going to happen!
• “Mom – somebody *tooted* in the girls bathroom!” ~ You will never see these people again – feel free to be yourself.
• “Stop licking the tires!” ~ Try new things.
• “I brought you flowers from the neighbor’s pretty yard mom!” ~ Always be friendly with your neighbors.
• “I smell pee.  Did somebody wet themselves?” ~ Plans change.  Go with the flow.

See – these are such little things in life that we could learn so much from, if we just pay attention. 

I would LOVE to hear some life’s lessons that you’ve learned from your family or from life in general.   Saves me the insanity of learning them the hard way!

 

Suburban home fever January 21, 2012

So if you’ve been watching the news at all – you’ve seen that

our area had a HUGE snow storm.   

HAHAHA! 

Couldn’t say that with a straight face!

 

It was beautiful for about a day and then the slush and ice started in.

 

 

So what do I do when I’m stuck in the house with 4 boys …. and I mean STUCK!

Well, let’s see?

 

 

Replace the shower head –

 

 

 

Shoveling –  

 

 

 

Feed my third-born tubs of ice cream after his oral surgery –

  

 

Sewing of course, silly!

 

I have been DYING to make this pattern for as long as I could remember, but the pattern was in a size six… childrens.  Yeah, I’m small, but I’m not that small.  And I can change patterns, but in all reality, remaking a pattern from this small is essentially making an all new one.  So when I found this pattern from Burda I seriously did a happy dance.  I’m so excited – I’m making two!

 

Notice there was no cooking or cleaning in any of that!

 

 

 

I LOVE the snow.  I really, really do!

*SNOW* January 18, 2012

This pretty much sums up our day –

 

 

 – I hope everyone is warm and toasty, even in Nebrahoma!

Admitting it…. January 14, 2012

….. is the first sign of recovery!

 

 

This is my pre-Christmas, costume and present covered sewing room.  Can you see why I’ve been avoiding it?

 

 

This is my post-Christmas, UFO, tax and military paperwork covered sewing room.  Please note the ambient lighting…. because ANOTHER bulb went out!  Ok people… I seriously need to find my room again – this is just scary! 

While I’ve cracked down on the rest of the house, making it uber-clean, that ment time was taken away from my room.  My sanctuary if you will.  Sanctuary turned nightmare that is!  It’s very small, so it’s very easy to make it a mess (at least that’s the story I’m sticking with).  So when I needed to pull some paper work, all heck broke loose.

 

Please also note the half knit sweater draped off the swift.  *sigh*

 

I have however gotten back to my workout routine (I mean come on, ANYTHING is better than cleaning that mess right?)  Check out my cool new piece of equipment!

 

 

This is a practice surf/snow board – I love it, it’s awesome and on occasion I get it back from my boys…..

 

Please also note that the door to my sewing room is now closed… thus I don’t have to see the mess!  *Hey look at my new toy…. yeah, don’t open that door!*

 

My dentist man’s gift has been preoccupying some of my time also.  He bought me the prettiest stone in Bahrain (at least I think that’s where he got it?) to wear as a necklace.  I love it, it’s gorgeous, it’s also way to big to put next to my nothing chest.  Granted, it’s so pretty you would only be noticing the rock, but we’re trying to make mountains out of mole hills here folks (Mole hills?  Who am I kidding!)  So, I made it into a bracelet.  The folks at the jewelry store did such a wonderful job, I’m just in love with it!  I’m torn; I can’t wait to show him, but I hope he’s not upset I changed it?  It’s so stinken’ pretty!   (Besides, my hands are MUCH bigger!)

 

 

 

 

Please note the care and time I took in designing and finding a jeweler who would work with me!  *SPARKLY*   See how well jewelry works as a distraction!

 

I really do love the bracelet, he knows me so well.  Orange, silver and sparkly!  

 

So guess what I’ll be doing this weekend between soccer games? 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I’ll be out cleaning the garage! 

While they’re away January 11, 2012

…. the family will play. 

Or at least do all the things dad told them not to do.

I am notorious for well-behaved, misbehavior.  I mean, is T.P.ing *really* that bad?  When I’m told NOT to do something there is a trigger deep down in my body that immediately wants to do that very thing… no matter what it is!  I usually let it go seconds after it enters my brain, but a few of the idea’s linger, even fester and on occasion, turn into actual projects!  This is a good thing when it’s a new outfit, sweater, teaching tool for the boys or deep down cleaning.  Sometimes it’s even a good thought when it comes to new recipes (not often, but sometimes).

My well-meaning dentist man attempts to keep these thoughts under control for both our sakes.  He really does know me too well – he’s see’s that glint in my eye!  I mean, what could POSSIBLY go wrong while building a giant cabinet… alone…. pregnant….. with 3 other kids?  Pshaw – silly man!   But alas, sometimes the thoughts get finished before he has time to object, whether by plan or by happenstance.  (read: I work quickly when motivated)

So, while my dentist man is off rescuing hostages from pirates, one tooth at a time, my thoughts turn to what trouble…. I mean projects, I can get into.

Hmmm – I wonder what other wives do?

If you’ve ever thought “I couldn’t imagine being without my spouse for that long”, just remember these few things that help manage the time for some of us, that are not kosher when the spouse is home:

~ I get the whole bed!  (I still sleep tucked only on my side?)

~ I get to dress out of baskets the whole time he’s gone (which is why all my clothes are wrinkled and I look like I just woke up…. ok, I probably DID just wake up.)

~ I only do 3 loads of laundry a week (for me) and that’s only because I sort.  Down from laundry everyday.  (I get to add girly fabric softener too – *ahem* not that I would ever do such a thing!)

~ Top Ramen, PB&J, cheese and crackers and on occasion ice cream, become acceptable dinners.  (Especially after you burn dinner… again.)

~ Stay up WAY later than “dad” ever let’s us.  (And get up WAY later than we should too)

~ You don’t have to shave for MONTHS at a time!  (Although my soccer team much appreciates it when I do!)

See, there are perks! 

So I guess I could say my misbehavior is a manifestation of me missing my dentist man?!  (Is it working?)

There are days when I get a little choked up and I’d really like him flown home just for a few minutes, for just a hug.  These are the days that walls get painted, bathrooms become spotless, chimneys get vacuumed, carpets get cleaned, light fixtures get changed and pizza get’s ordered.  Sometimes in the same day!

These are all harmless projects mind you, I do *try* to behave.  But it’s been far too long since I did something that’s on the NO list. 

So when my dentist man comes home and spots new projects, (that I smartly didn’t ask about before hand) he somewhat understands, sighs and pats me on my head.  He’s just glad the oldest is big enough to lift me and old enough to drive me to the emergency room.

 

 

I’m quite sure I’m not the only wife who does this, I just need to find them so we can gang up…. *team up* together and get these projects done faster (and avoid the whiny wives).

(I’ve been looking for my hammer for about 2 months now… he must have told the boys to hide it?  He’s getting good!)