I had grand plans this year.
Last year, we moved right before Christmas. Putting up decorations consisted of a single nativity snow globe that was given as a gift. Needless to say, making Christmas candy didn't happen.
This year, I was going to do it.
I made my list of candies I wanted to make
- Peanut Clusters (with Heath toffee bits throw in...the ONLY way to make peanut clusters)
- Peanut butter balls
- Rolo Pretzel Pecan bites
- Hershey Kiss Pretzel Peanut M&M bites (the alternative to Rolo Pretzel Pecan bites...hubby's not a fan of Pecans or Rolos)
I bought the supplies.
I got right down to it once I was home and baby was down for a nap, I whipped out those peanut clusters with heath bits. Soooo good! I really should make those more often than just Christmas time.
And that's where it stopped.
We got busy and when I wasn't busy I didn't feel like messing up my kitchen.
And when I got a sweet tooth (which unfortunately happens more often than my figure needs it to) I had quite a stash of Rolos, Hershey Kiss, and Peanut M&Ms.
The pretzels and pecans are unopened.
Maybe I'll save them for next year.
Saturday, January 12, 2013
Thursday, December 27, 2012
The Hits and Misses of our Christmas Break
Here are some of the highlights (and low-lights) of Christmas 2012!
Hit: Jackie meeting Santa Claus! What a good little baby we have. Of course Ethan and I already know this :). She has always been really good around new people, but lately been hitting the "stranger danger" phase. As long as mommy or daddy is close by, Jackie warms up to the new faces pretty quickly. Lucky for Santa, daddy and I weren't far away (or out of sight).
Miss: Due to some recent misfortune we were without a camera for the Christmas Season. Thankfully we have some great friends who came in to capture many "firsts" for Jackie. Thank you to Kim and Peggy for helping us out!
Hit: Christmas decorations and lights! Technically this is our second Christmas in this house, but since we closed on the sale of the house on Christmas Eve last year, this is the first year we get to decorate for the season. Ethan braved the heights and put some very pretty lights on our house. It didn't scare him off though, he's talking about doing more next year :). I had fun placing the festivities around the inside of the house, with some trial and error. I predict next year I'll have all the placement figured out and everything will be fabulous!
Miss: Our tree was too wide for the place we wanted it to go. Not putting it up for two years, I forgot just how big it was. The location we wanted was a neat little corner of the family room. However, the entire tree would have blocked the walk-way and stuck out WAY too far. So I only put up the front half of the branches. Yes...it did look dorky. I didn't even end up putting any ornaments on it. Just lights. Next year we will purchase a pre-lit tall skinny tree and put the big one downstairs.
Hit: As much as I whined and moaned about having to have an in-service day the Friday before Christmas break, it ended up being a blessing in disguise. I left my desk and classroom all straightened up and ready to go for the new semester. Now, on our workday before kids come back I can focus on finalizing grades and planning for January. It feels so good to know I get to go back to work to a clean classroom.
Miss: I did not apply that same effort to my house. I got home from our in-service on Friday (knowing full well that we were leaving for B-town before 8AM Saturday morning) and wrestled with a battle within. The "what I don't want to do" vs. the "what I REALLY don't want to do." I didn't want to come home from my parents to a messy house, but I REALLY didn't feel like doing any cleaning up. Guess which side won?? If you said the "REALLY" you would be correct. Of course if I would have even THOUGHT ahead for a MOMENT I would have remembered that we would be getting back to the house with a few hours to spare before heading to Christmas Eve Dinner at Ethan's parents' house, and I needed to make TWO breakfast casseroles that night after dinner, and a dessert before Christmas dinner on Sunday. Needless to say my kitchen was a DISASTER area for a couple of days. Lesson learned. Next time power through and clean up BEFORE leaving!
Hit: We were able to take a family Christmas photo in front of our half-tree with white lights.
Miss: The picture is in need of some cropping because "someone" didn't have her fly zipped up. Jackie was in a dress... (I believe that would be what my students would call, a picture fail!)
Hit: Jackie had SO MUCH FUN these last few days playing with grandparents, reading (or turning the pages) of her new books, and wearing her stylish new clothes.
Miss: Naps were is short supply for a couple of days. There was just too much going on to sleep. I think she is making up for it today. Slept for 12 hours last night, took a 3 1/2 hour morning nap, and is currently working on nap #2.
Hit: We will be meeting up with my side of the family in a couple of days to celebrate my grandparents' 60th WEDDING ANNIVERSARY! Ethan and I are so lucky to be surrounded by so many wonderful examples of marriage and a lifetime of love.
Miss: The break is going way too fast...can we get another week???
Hit: Jackie meeting Santa Claus! What a good little baby we have. Of course Ethan and I already know this :). She has always been really good around new people, but lately been hitting the "stranger danger" phase. As long as mommy or daddy is close by, Jackie warms up to the new faces pretty quickly. Lucky for Santa, daddy and I weren't far away (or out of sight).
Miss: Due to some recent misfortune we were without a camera for the Christmas Season. Thankfully we have some great friends who came in to capture many "firsts" for Jackie. Thank you to Kim and Peggy for helping us out!
Hit: Christmas decorations and lights! Technically this is our second Christmas in this house, but since we closed on the sale of the house on Christmas Eve last year, this is the first year we get to decorate for the season. Ethan braved the heights and put some very pretty lights on our house. It didn't scare him off though, he's talking about doing more next year :). I had fun placing the festivities around the inside of the house, with some trial and error. I predict next year I'll have all the placement figured out and everything will be fabulous!
Miss: Our tree was too wide for the place we wanted it to go. Not putting it up for two years, I forgot just how big it was. The location we wanted was a neat little corner of the family room. However, the entire tree would have blocked the walk-way and stuck out WAY too far. So I only put up the front half of the branches. Yes...it did look dorky. I didn't even end up putting any ornaments on it. Just lights. Next year we will purchase a pre-lit tall skinny tree and put the big one downstairs.
Hit: As much as I whined and moaned about having to have an in-service day the Friday before Christmas break, it ended up being a blessing in disguise. I left my desk and classroom all straightened up and ready to go for the new semester. Now, on our workday before kids come back I can focus on finalizing grades and planning for January. It feels so good to know I get to go back to work to a clean classroom.
Miss: I did not apply that same effort to my house. I got home from our in-service on Friday (knowing full well that we were leaving for B-town before 8AM Saturday morning) and wrestled with a battle within. The "what I don't want to do" vs. the "what I REALLY don't want to do." I didn't want to come home from my parents to a messy house, but I REALLY didn't feel like doing any cleaning up. Guess which side won?? If you said the "REALLY" you would be correct. Of course if I would have even THOUGHT ahead for a MOMENT I would have remembered that we would be getting back to the house with a few hours to spare before heading to Christmas Eve Dinner at Ethan's parents' house, and I needed to make TWO breakfast casseroles that night after dinner, and a dessert before Christmas dinner on Sunday. Needless to say my kitchen was a DISASTER area for a couple of days. Lesson learned. Next time power through and clean up BEFORE leaving!
Hit: We were able to take a family Christmas photo in front of our half-tree with white lights.
Miss: The picture is in need of some cropping because "someone" didn't have her fly zipped up. Jackie was in a dress... (I believe that would be what my students would call, a picture fail!)
Hit: Jackie had SO MUCH FUN these last few days playing with grandparents, reading (or turning the pages) of her new books, and wearing her stylish new clothes.
Miss: Naps were is short supply for a couple of days. There was just too much going on to sleep. I think she is making up for it today. Slept for 12 hours last night, took a 3 1/2 hour morning nap, and is currently working on nap #2.
Hit: We will be meeting up with my side of the family in a couple of days to celebrate my grandparents' 60th WEDDING ANNIVERSARY! Ethan and I are so lucky to be surrounded by so many wonderful examples of marriage and a lifetime of love.
Miss: The break is going way too fast...can we get another week???
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Good vs. Great
What is the difference?
What makes something GREAT as opposed to just good, and when you compare something, just how much better is great than good?
I recently came across my portfolio that I created to take along to interviews for teaching jobs. My resume, my teaching philosophy, and my goals.
I stopped at my goals and just looked at it.
"To be Kansas Teacher of the Year."
I was serious. I remember as if it was yesterday writing that down. I remember that feeling of wanting to be like so many of the great teachers I had while in school. Inspiring learning and motivating students to be their best. Pouring my heart and soul into something that was so worthwhile.
So where am I today on the road to achieving my goal?
I believe I took a different turn. Not a bad turn, not a less passionate turn, just a different one.
You see. When I go back and think about all the teachers who I would classify as "great" and in the category of "Teacher of the Year" they all had one of two things in common.
They were either single, or sacrificed time with family to become great.
And there's the difference between good and great. Great involves many sacrifices in order to get there. No matter what you're doing. Sports, work or family. To be "great" at something means sacrificing other things.
I still have a passion for teaching. I love it. I sill believe in inspiring students and making a classroom that promotes motivation, but I'm not great. I'm not willing to sacrifice time with my family to be a great teacher.
It goes the other way too. Everywhere I look, I see "great" moms out there. Making cute little crafts with their kids, sewing buttons back on, playing new games, teaching their babies sign language, basically creating all those pins on pinterest that make me feel like I'm not cutting it as a mommy. All while never having a dirty dish in the sink, load of laundry unfolded, or surface dusty.
Most of those moms are stay at home moms. They can devote their entire lives to being the best mom there is.
Again, that's not me. While yes, someday, I do hope to have to opportunity to stay home with my kids at least part of the time, I'm not there yet. I enjoy going to work. Jackie loves going to daycare and playing with the other kids. We're good.
I can be a good teacher and a good mom.
And I feel great about that!
What makes something GREAT as opposed to just good, and when you compare something, just how much better is great than good?
I recently came across my portfolio that I created to take along to interviews for teaching jobs. My resume, my teaching philosophy, and my goals.
I stopped at my goals and just looked at it.
"To be Kansas Teacher of the Year."
I was serious. I remember as if it was yesterday writing that down. I remember that feeling of wanting to be like so many of the great teachers I had while in school. Inspiring learning and motivating students to be their best. Pouring my heart and soul into something that was so worthwhile.
So where am I today on the road to achieving my goal?
I believe I took a different turn. Not a bad turn, not a less passionate turn, just a different one.
You see. When I go back and think about all the teachers who I would classify as "great" and in the category of "Teacher of the Year" they all had one of two things in common.
They were either single, or sacrificed time with family to become great.
And there's the difference between good and great. Great involves many sacrifices in order to get there. No matter what you're doing. Sports, work or family. To be "great" at something means sacrificing other things.
I still have a passion for teaching. I love it. I sill believe in inspiring students and making a classroom that promotes motivation, but I'm not great. I'm not willing to sacrifice time with my family to be a great teacher.
It goes the other way too. Everywhere I look, I see "great" moms out there. Making cute little crafts with their kids, sewing buttons back on, playing new games, teaching their babies sign language, basically creating all those pins on pinterest that make me feel like I'm not cutting it as a mommy. All while never having a dirty dish in the sink, load of laundry unfolded, or surface dusty.
Most of those moms are stay at home moms. They can devote their entire lives to being the best mom there is.
Again, that's not me. While yes, someday, I do hope to have to opportunity to stay home with my kids at least part of the time, I'm not there yet. I enjoy going to work. Jackie loves going to daycare and playing with the other kids. We're good.
I can be a good teacher and a good mom.
And I feel great about that!
Sunday, December 9, 2012
Baby Update
I keep putting off blogging. Not because I don't want to, and not because I don't have something to say. It's just that everything I have to say has to do with our little 8 month old.
I don't want people to get tired of reading about our little one.
But that's our life right now.
And it's just the beginning. She is number one (out of some unknown number...). This talking-about-my-kids thing isn't going away anytime soon.
So if you don't like reading about it. Don't.
And if you do...
~ Little Jackie just figured out that those little syllables "ma-ma" and "da-da" she's been babbling over and over for the last 4 months actually refer to us. Melts my heart every time she looks at me and says mama!
~ Jackie has learned to crawl. Actually, that's old news. She figured that one out about a week before she turned 7 months, and ever since then she's been OFF to the races. Moving anywhere that she can fit. She has gotten stuck under the bar chairs twice now. The first time she actually stood up. Silly girl!
~ In her 8 month life span, Jackie has fallen out of the baby swing, off of the bed, been pinched by a zipper, and most recently, taken a tumble down 6 (thankfully carpeted) stairs. I promise we really do watch her. I'm not exaggerating when I say this girl is on the move with some serious SPEED. (Not sure who she got that from...) At least no one will be able to say we babied her and protected her from every-little-thing.
~ I now fully understand the phrase "sleep like a baby." The first 4 months or so I was not so sure how people thought that made sense. Have they never tiptoed to the bathroom across the house hoping that the teeny tiny vibrations in the floor didn't wake up the baby? (Not that Jackie was a bad sleeper as a newborn, just woke up easily). Now she sleeps for 11+ hours every night and takes good solid naps at home.
~ I can thank the above mentioned sleeping routine to her "awake" schedule. It's like this. Crawl into the living room, pull up on the couch, fall down, crawl to kitchen, pull up on the dishwasher, fall down, crawl into the bedroom, play with the door stopper that makes AWESOME noises, crawl to the bathroom, pull up on the tub to see if it's bath time, fall down, crawl into living room pull up on toys, play with toys, fall down, bump head, cry, crawl into dining room, pull up on chair, fall down, crawl into kitchen...repeat 5 times then eat.
~ The first place Jackie goes to look for me is the kitchen. I guess I spend a lot of time there.
~ Jackie had a little bite of brownie at daycare last week. I guess one tiny bite wasn't enough for her. It didn't take her long to scope out the brownie of the little girl sitting next to her. One quick swipe and that little tasty treat was Jackie's!
~ Everyday Daddy takes Jackie out to the garage to play with the doggies. She just giggles and giggles as she watches them run around. Her favorite game is when daddy holds her on their backs like a pony. The smiles are priceless!
~ There are few constants with an 8 month old. No guarantees. However, there is one sure fire way to calm our cranky baby down. All she has to do is hear the bathwater running and she makes a bee-line for the tub. It's probably a good thing she isn't tall enough to get herself in yet!
~ Poor baby has been working on her teeth for MONTHS! She got her two bottom ones early, at three months she started teething and by 4 she had them in. Now these top teeth are taking F-O-R-E-V-E-R. I keep thinking we'll see something soon. Until then poor little one is drooling, gnawing, and putting anything in her mouth to help.
~ The Christmas tree is up, and so are our defenses as she discovers lights, prickly green things, and shiny balls. My main fear is her trying to grab the branches and pull herself to a standing position (her favorite activity). That will bring the tree down on top of her. Maybe she would leave it alone after that...
I don't want people to get tired of reading about our little one.
But that's our life right now.
And it's just the beginning. She is number one (out of some unknown number...). This talking-about-my-kids thing isn't going away anytime soon.
So if you don't like reading about it. Don't.
And if you do...
~ Little Jackie just figured out that those little syllables "ma-ma" and "da-da" she's been babbling over and over for the last 4 months actually refer to us. Melts my heart every time she looks at me and says mama!
~ Jackie has learned to crawl. Actually, that's old news. She figured that one out about a week before she turned 7 months, and ever since then she's been OFF to the races. Moving anywhere that she can fit. She has gotten stuck under the bar chairs twice now. The first time she actually stood up. Silly girl!
~ In her 8 month life span, Jackie has fallen out of the baby swing, off of the bed, been pinched by a zipper, and most recently, taken a tumble down 6 (thankfully carpeted) stairs. I promise we really do watch her. I'm not exaggerating when I say this girl is on the move with some serious SPEED. (Not sure who she got that from...) At least no one will be able to say we babied her and protected her from every-little-thing.
~ I now fully understand the phrase "sleep like a baby." The first 4 months or so I was not so sure how people thought that made sense. Have they never tiptoed to the bathroom across the house hoping that the teeny tiny vibrations in the floor didn't wake up the baby? (Not that Jackie was a bad sleeper as a newborn, just woke up easily). Now she sleeps for 11+ hours every night and takes good solid naps at home.
~ I can thank the above mentioned sleeping routine to her "awake" schedule. It's like this. Crawl into the living room, pull up on the couch, fall down, crawl to kitchen, pull up on the dishwasher, fall down, crawl into the bedroom, play with the door stopper that makes AWESOME noises, crawl to the bathroom, pull up on the tub to see if it's bath time, fall down, crawl into living room pull up on toys, play with toys, fall down, bump head, cry, crawl into dining room, pull up on chair, fall down, crawl into kitchen...repeat 5 times then eat.
~ The first place Jackie goes to look for me is the kitchen. I guess I spend a lot of time there.
~ Jackie had a little bite of brownie at daycare last week. I guess one tiny bite wasn't enough for her. It didn't take her long to scope out the brownie of the little girl sitting next to her. One quick swipe and that little tasty treat was Jackie's!
~ Everyday Daddy takes Jackie out to the garage to play with the doggies. She just giggles and giggles as she watches them run around. Her favorite game is when daddy holds her on their backs like a pony. The smiles are priceless!
~ There are few constants with an 8 month old. No guarantees. However, there is one sure fire way to calm our cranky baby down. All she has to do is hear the bathwater running and she makes a bee-line for the tub. It's probably a good thing she isn't tall enough to get herself in yet!
~ Poor baby has been working on her teeth for MONTHS! She got her two bottom ones early, at three months she started teething and by 4 she had them in. Now these top teeth are taking F-O-R-E-V-E-R. I keep thinking we'll see something soon. Until then poor little one is drooling, gnawing, and putting anything in her mouth to help.
~ The Christmas tree is up, and so are our defenses as she discovers lights, prickly green things, and shiny balls. My main fear is her trying to grab the branches and pull herself to a standing position (her favorite activity). That will bring the tree down on top of her. Maybe she would leave it alone after that...
Saturday, November 24, 2012
The Highlight of November
"Oops I forgot to tell you happy birthday this morning...there goes my husband of the year award."
That is the first email that showed up in my inbox on the morning of November 19. (My 30th birthday).
I just laughed, because I until that email I hadn't even realized that he was supposed to say it.
Funny how birthdays change as you get older.
I remember counting down the days as soon as November hit.
This year, I didn't even pay attention to the fact that it was on a Monday.
I think that's a good thing.
My birthday is no longer the highlight of November.
There are so many more great things going on in my life that I don't need to spend the time crossing off each day until the 19th.
And that's a great thing.
PS...he did earn back his "husband of the year" award by making me a surprise dinner of my favorite meal!
PPS...the fact that I forgot that it was my birthday had NOTHING to do with the fact that it was my 30th! :-)
That is the first email that showed up in my inbox on the morning of November 19. (My 30th birthday).
I just laughed, because I until that email I hadn't even realized that he was supposed to say it.
Funny how birthdays change as you get older.
I remember counting down the days as soon as November hit.
This year, I didn't even pay attention to the fact that it was on a Monday.
I think that's a good thing.
My birthday is no longer the highlight of November.
There are so many more great things going on in my life that I don't need to spend the time crossing off each day until the 19th.
And that's a great thing.
PS...he did earn back his "husband of the year" award by making me a surprise dinner of my favorite meal!
PPS...the fact that I forgot that it was my birthday had NOTHING to do with the fact that it was my 30th! :-)
Friday, November 2, 2012
The Good, The Bad and The Ugly of Motherhood
I've only been a mother for a very short 7 months and 6 days, and I can already tell many ways in which my life has changed. MOST of the changes have been incredibly awesome. Some of the changes have been different from what I expected, and of course some things have slapped me in the face like a wet rag.
Thus leading me to the good, bad, and ugly of motherhood.
In preparing the house for a baby:
The Good: The oh so cute baby things they have out now. My husband is probably thankful that I didn't get to in to Pinterest before we started this process. There are so many options out there.
The Bad: Having to sort through the things you really need and the extra "stuff" that baby companies make a FORTUNE telling you that you just "have to have." The really bad thing...you don't really know until you have the baby home.
The Ugly: The cost. And we did it cheaper than most!
In breastfeeding the baby:
The Good: I could go on and on, site source after source, and talk to expert after expert about the positives of breastfeeding. I'm so happy I was able to do it for as long as I did.
The Bad: I really didn't start to dislike it until I had to start pumping at school. Uncomfortable, I could only wear shirts that would be "easy access" for the pump, and having to ask male athletic directors for a room to pump. I never had one give me an answer. They all pointed me to the women running the score clock and said they could show me.
The Ugly: All the "mommy wars" against moms who breastfeed and mom's who use formula. It bothers me that women can be so arrogant to think that one way to feed a child is better than another. I love breastfeeding, but now that we are bottle feeding there are definite advantages and Jackie is as happy as she was before. Breastfeeding (or bottle feeding) doesn't make happy, healthy babies. Happy, healthy parents make happy healthy babies.
In a mobile baby:
The good: It is so fun watching her explore and discover new things. I love watching Ethan hold her hands and help her practice walking around the house.
The bad: We still haven't completely "baby-proofed" the house for a mobile baby yet. We did put the gate up, there's still MUCH more to do.
The Ugly: I am acutely aware of how quickly my floor get dirty as she's scooting herself around. Ewww!
In the way I care for myself:
The Good: I ate better and exercised more when I was pregnant. I am much more aware of the foods I am fixing because, now that Jackie is eating more and more foods, she's eating with us. I want her to be healthy, so we become more healthy.
The Bad: The days when my make-up does not get on. Bad. Very Bad.
The Ugly: I hate to admit it, but there are days when I don't get a shower in before school. I change my underwear, dab on some extra deodorant, and give an extra spritz of the perfume. In all reality, as long as I'm not the smelliest person in the room, I'm ok with it. I teach 8th grade boys. I'm good.
In keeping up with friends:
The Good: I have so many friends and families who had babies within the last year it has been fun keeping up with all the babies and what they're doing. The best part is that I'm in touch now with people who I haven't talked to in years.
The Bad: On the flip side, we don't get out and do as much with friends as we used to. This isn't a MAJOR change from how we were before baby. We weren't big "go to the bar" people. We have a select group of friends we get together with from time to time. Unfortunately it has been a while since our time and their time connects.
The Ugly: If you call my house after 8:00 PM and wake up my sleeping baby. Not only will you encounter a short, unpleasant mama, but you might just find yourself "unfriended" the next day. I'm kidding...kind of. Texts are much more appreciated, then we can call you, and no one gets the axe!
In finally figuring out a routine:
The Good: Jackie sleeps a good 8-10 hours straight every night. I'm much more rested and am finally able to get myself up at the sound of the alarm, allowing for a much smoother morning schedule.
The Bad: Jackie is ready for bed around 7:30, and on most nights that is awesome. It gives E and I some time to ourselves. However, if we ever want to do anything passed that time. Jackie will be a bear.
The Ugly: I live in FEAR of this schedule getting interrupted. To the point where, the little ladybug PJs that Jackie has will never be worn again. Why? she woke up in the middle of the night with them, twice. They're done. Jackie getting off this schedule equals less sleep for me.
Thus leading me to the good, bad, and ugly of motherhood.
In preparing the house for a baby:
The Good: The oh so cute baby things they have out now. My husband is probably thankful that I didn't get to in to Pinterest before we started this process. There are so many options out there.
The Bad: Having to sort through the things you really need and the extra "stuff" that baby companies make a FORTUNE telling you that you just "have to have." The really bad thing...you don't really know until you have the baby home.
The Ugly: The cost. And we did it cheaper than most!
In breastfeeding the baby:
The Good: I could go on and on, site source after source, and talk to expert after expert about the positives of breastfeeding. I'm so happy I was able to do it for as long as I did.
The Bad: I really didn't start to dislike it until I had to start pumping at school. Uncomfortable, I could only wear shirts that would be "easy access" for the pump, and having to ask male athletic directors for a room to pump. I never had one give me an answer. They all pointed me to the women running the score clock and said they could show me.
The Ugly: All the "mommy wars" against moms who breastfeed and mom's who use formula. It bothers me that women can be so arrogant to think that one way to feed a child is better than another. I love breastfeeding, but now that we are bottle feeding there are definite advantages and Jackie is as happy as she was before. Breastfeeding (or bottle feeding) doesn't make happy, healthy babies. Happy, healthy parents make happy healthy babies.
In a mobile baby:
The good: It is so fun watching her explore and discover new things. I love watching Ethan hold her hands and help her practice walking around the house.
The bad: We still haven't completely "baby-proofed" the house for a mobile baby yet. We did put the gate up, there's still MUCH more to do.
The Ugly: I am acutely aware of how quickly my floor get dirty as she's scooting herself around. Ewww!
In the way I care for myself:
The Good: I ate better and exercised more when I was pregnant. I am much more aware of the foods I am fixing because, now that Jackie is eating more and more foods, she's eating with us. I want her to be healthy, so we become more healthy.
The Bad: The days when my make-up does not get on. Bad. Very Bad.
The Ugly: I hate to admit it, but there are days when I don't get a shower in before school. I change my underwear, dab on some extra deodorant, and give an extra spritz of the perfume. In all reality, as long as I'm not the smelliest person in the room, I'm ok with it. I teach 8th grade boys. I'm good.
In keeping up with friends:
The Good: I have so many friends and families who had babies within the last year it has been fun keeping up with all the babies and what they're doing. The best part is that I'm in touch now with people who I haven't talked to in years.
The Bad: On the flip side, we don't get out and do as much with friends as we used to. This isn't a MAJOR change from how we were before baby. We weren't big "go to the bar" people. We have a select group of friends we get together with from time to time. Unfortunately it has been a while since our time and their time connects.
The Ugly: If you call my house after 8:00 PM and wake up my sleeping baby. Not only will you encounter a short, unpleasant mama, but you might just find yourself "unfriended" the next day. I'm kidding...kind of. Texts are much more appreciated, then we can call you, and no one gets the axe!
In finally figuring out a routine:
The Good: Jackie sleeps a good 8-10 hours straight every night. I'm much more rested and am finally able to get myself up at the sound of the alarm, allowing for a much smoother morning schedule.
The Bad: Jackie is ready for bed around 7:30, and on most nights that is awesome. It gives E and I some time to ourselves. However, if we ever want to do anything passed that time. Jackie will be a bear.
The Ugly: I live in FEAR of this schedule getting interrupted. To the point where, the little ladybug PJs that Jackie has will never be worn again. Why? she woke up in the middle of the night with them, twice. They're done. Jackie getting off this schedule equals less sleep for me.
Thursday, November 1, 2012
34 years ago
The fourth of five children was born.
Oh Halloween.
A boy. Causing his father to sing the chorus of "My three sons" on the phone as he called family to celebrate the good news.
He would learn to walk chasing a Coors beer can around the room as it was passed in laughter from one person to the next. I'm not kidding. Ironic that today he drinks Coors.
He was a typical baby, from what I understand. Grew like a weed early, stretching those legs longer than most of his peers. He would be 6' 4'' by his Freshman year of high school. The basketball coaches were drooling.
But he played soccer.
And the saxophone.
And enjoyed having his birthday on Halloween. Not only did he get to go from house to house collecting candy like all the other kids. He also got a cake.
Usually with M&Ms on top in some shape.
He was afraid of dogs. Not too sure if he was snapped at by a larger dog when he was little, but he wanted nothing to do with them. It wasn't until his parents got a little puppy that he started to like the furry, four-legged companions. Glenn would be with them for many years and not only ease his fear, but give him a love for dogs which would eventually lead to him having one...or two dogs of his own. He'd have three, but someone in the house says no :o)
His interest in electronics and how things work ended up in two degrees from WSU, engineering and computer sciences. Now enjoys working for one of the top three companies in the United States to work for. They have Beer Fridays. Yup. Beer at work. Provided by the employer.
32 years later he would celebrate his first birthday as a married man.
33 years he celebrated by finding out his first child would be a little girl.
and at 34 years, for the first time, he celebrated his birthday by taking his little baby girl out "trick-or-treating." Actually we went to three houses. Friends and family. Jackie celebrated daddy's birthday too by being a complete daddy's girl all day. It is almost as if she knew that today was daddy's day and she should want to be with him as much as possible. It was sweet, and he loved every minute.
I am so thankful that 34 years ago this wonderful man was born. I am thankful he called me again after our first date, and I'm even thankful that he still teases me about our second date. I couldn't have found anyone else who would have been a better match, and seeing him as a daddy only makes me love him more.
Happy birthday my love!
(Authors note: This is being published on Nov. 1 because apparently Halloween is a busy day when you have kids :o)
Oh Halloween.
A boy. Causing his father to sing the chorus of "My three sons" on the phone as he called family to celebrate the good news.
He would learn to walk chasing a Coors beer can around the room as it was passed in laughter from one person to the next. I'm not kidding. Ironic that today he drinks Coors.
He was a typical baby, from what I understand. Grew like a weed early, stretching those legs longer than most of his peers. He would be 6' 4'' by his Freshman year of high school. The basketball coaches were drooling.
But he played soccer.
And the saxophone.
And enjoyed having his birthday on Halloween. Not only did he get to go from house to house collecting candy like all the other kids. He also got a cake.
Usually with M&Ms on top in some shape.
He was afraid of dogs. Not too sure if he was snapped at by a larger dog when he was little, but he wanted nothing to do with them. It wasn't until his parents got a little puppy that he started to like the furry, four-legged companions. Glenn would be with them for many years and not only ease his fear, but give him a love for dogs which would eventually lead to him having one...or two dogs of his own. He'd have three, but someone in the house says no :o)
His interest in electronics and how things work ended up in two degrees from WSU, engineering and computer sciences. Now enjoys working for one of the top three companies in the United States to work for. They have Beer Fridays. Yup. Beer at work. Provided by the employer.
32 years later he would celebrate his first birthday as a married man.
33 years he celebrated by finding out his first child would be a little girl.
and at 34 years, for the first time, he celebrated his birthday by taking his little baby girl out "trick-or-treating." Actually we went to three houses. Friends and family. Jackie celebrated daddy's birthday too by being a complete daddy's girl all day. It is almost as if she knew that today was daddy's day and she should want to be with him as much as possible. It was sweet, and he loved every minute.
I am so thankful that 34 years ago this wonderful man was born. I am thankful he called me again after our first date, and I'm even thankful that he still teases me about our second date. I couldn't have found anyone else who would have been a better match, and seeing him as a daddy only makes me love him more.
Happy birthday my love!
(Authors note: This is being published on Nov. 1 because apparently Halloween is a busy day when you have kids :o)
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