I have LOTS to be excited about today!!!!! Here's what's going on:
*First and foremost, John is officially done with "overtime mania!" Hooray! That means that tonight he is coming home at 11 (or after his paperwork is done, whenever that may be)! It was a long 9 days or so but it will be well worth it when his paycheck shows up next week!
*John has tomorrow and Friday off and then he goes back in on Saturday and Sunday. After that, he will be off for 10 days straight! I cannot wait to be able to enjoy him during that time. We haven't seen much of each other lately.
*We were looking for a mini-vacation for next week and we decided that we would like to go to Cape Cod. There weren't a lot of places to stay directly in Cape Cod so we went on Priceline and selected the whole greater Cape Cod area as the area that we would be willing to stay in. We got a 3.5 star hotel, The Trump Marina Hotel, for $50 a night and it is absolutely gorgeous. It's right on the water! It's actually in Atlantic City, which means we'll be able to enjoy the shopping and the boardwalk there, and the drive to Cape Cod is only like 30 minutes. We leave next Wednesday and we're going to stay for two nights. We're considering extending it for one more night but we haven't decided yet.
*Brooke and I are having movie night tonight! We're going to make popcorn, drink juice boxes (or at least she'll drink one, anyway. I'm a Diet Coke girl!), eat candy, and cuddle up in my bed and watch Finding Nemo. I think she's going to love it! I'm always looking for special things to do with her like that.
I'm so thankful for all of this excitement after a week of "blah!" There is FINALLY a light at the end of the tunnel. Thank you, God!
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Relax?
I have been really frustrated at myself due to my inability to relax. It's pitiful, actually. Both of the girls are always in bed by 8:30 at the latest and I find myself using the remaining hours of the night to clean. In fact, I clean things that aren't even dirty. I mop the floors, even if you could eat off of them. I never leave dirty laundry overnight (because that just kills me). I never go to bed with dirty dishes in the sink. I vacuum at least every other night, if not more. I've also organized numerous closets, drawers, and cabinets. It's pathetic.
Sure, cleaning is a good thing and obviously there is a need for the house to be kept but it really bothers me that I have no idea how to fill time without doing work. I could turn on the TV while I wait up for John but honestly, I have the hardest time sitting there for hours on end. It just gets old after the first 5 minutes or so! Other than my blog, I don't have any hobbies. I love to play the piano but without one, it kind of doesn't help me at all. What the heck do most "normal" people do with themselves?
I don't think I'm obsessive compulsive about my house or anything, but I DO think that I clean out of boredom. Tonight there was absolutely NOTHING to be done in the house because I did it all this morning and I found myself getting kind of stir crazy. I really enjoy cleaning my house (sadly) and mostly, I love the satisfaction of a house that looks and smells so clean.
So, that's my new chore- The find a hobby. Does anyone have any suggestions? Man, I really have no life! Lol! Relaxing should not be this hard!
Sure, cleaning is a good thing and obviously there is a need for the house to be kept but it really bothers me that I have no idea how to fill time without doing work. I could turn on the TV while I wait up for John but honestly, I have the hardest time sitting there for hours on end. It just gets old after the first 5 minutes or so! Other than my blog, I don't have any hobbies. I love to play the piano but without one, it kind of doesn't help me at all. What the heck do most "normal" people do with themselves?
I don't think I'm obsessive compulsive about my house or anything, but I DO think that I clean out of boredom. Tonight there was absolutely NOTHING to be done in the house because I did it all this morning and I found myself getting kind of stir crazy. I really enjoy cleaning my house (sadly) and mostly, I love the satisfaction of a house that looks and smells so clean.
So, that's my new chore- The find a hobby. Does anyone have any suggestions? Man, I really have no life! Lol! Relaxing should not be this hard!
Monday, September 7, 2009
Happy Labor Day!
Wow, it's Labor Day already? The summer is officially coming to a close and now we start to focus on all things Fall. Fall is actually my favorite time of year but it means that Old Man Winter is just around the corner. Blah!
I had a great Labor Day today! Our town has a parade and because we live right in the village, it was just about a 5 minute walk to get there. We don't have to hassle with parking or anything, which is always nice when there's a crowd! The parade started at 10 and I was just going to take the girls by myself so John could rest after working until 3 last night. Much to my surprise though, John set his alarm for 9to go with us. We were so happy to have him tag along! The parade itself was kind of lame but what can you expect for a small town? Brooke was just happy to be able to collect some candy though!
After the parade was finally over we walked down the road to the little fair that they had. It was really nice because there were all sorts of games for the kids and various craft vendors. It was pretty busy but Brooke got to play some games and stuff, which thrilled her to death! We also ate some lunch down there and it was actually really good.
John headed out to work around 2:30 so the girls and I spent the afternoon and evening with my parents. It was a lot of fun to be able to enjoy them and of course they were LOTS of help with the girls!
I'm super excited right now because John's not working any overtime tonight, which means that he should be home around 11:30 if all goes as planned! I'm really looking froward to spending some time with him tonight and to actually be able to fall asleep next to him. There's no better way to end a wonderful day!
I had a great Labor Day today! Our town has a parade and because we live right in the village, it was just about a 5 minute walk to get there. We don't have to hassle with parking or anything, which is always nice when there's a crowd! The parade started at 10 and I was just going to take the girls by myself so John could rest after working until 3 last night. Much to my surprise though, John set his alarm for 9to go with us. We were so happy to have him tag along! The parade itself was kind of lame but what can you expect for a small town? Brooke was just happy to be able to collect some candy though!
After the parade was finally over we walked down the road to the little fair that they had. It was really nice because there were all sorts of games for the kids and various craft vendors. It was pretty busy but Brooke got to play some games and stuff, which thrilled her to death! We also ate some lunch down there and it was actually really good.
John headed out to work around 2:30 so the girls and I spent the afternoon and evening with my parents. It was a lot of fun to be able to enjoy them and of course they were LOTS of help with the girls!
I'm super excited right now because John's not working any overtime tonight, which means that he should be home around 11:30 if all goes as planned! I'm really looking froward to spending some time with him tonight and to actually be able to fall asleep next to him. There's no better way to end a wonderful day!
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Lighthearted Moments
Sometimes, in the midst of the craziness, there are moments that just make it all worth while. Such moments almost provide the endurance to get through the day and to pull through the chaotic moments! This adorable Brooke story is one of those things that keeps me laughing...
Our neighbors across the street had two enormous shade trees in their front lawn. For whatever reason, they decided to cut them down last week, which is a real shame! At lunch that afternoon, Brooke was, as usual, going through massive amounts of napkins. Seriously, my daughter has a napkin fetish. I looked at her and said, "Hey Brooke, do you know where napkins come from?" I then tried to explain to her that napkins come from trees and then I jokingly said, "I bet the neighbors are cutting down their trees because you're using way too many napkins." She looked at me and giggled and we never revisited that subject again.
About 3 days later, the neighbors were having the enormous tress stumps sanded down. Of course the crew that was doing the work arrived at the crack of dawn, waking up my entire family. When I went to get Brooke up for the morning she ran to the window to investigate the news. Her groggy little blue eyes looked up at me and she said, "Mommy, are they making me napkins?" HAHAHAHA! I couldn't believe that she had not only remembered something that we had talked about in passing but that she had taken it so literally! My poor daughter is probably petrified of her napkin addiction now. Lol
I live for hilarious little moments like that! Toddlers come up with the strangest things, don't they?
Our neighbors across the street had two enormous shade trees in their front lawn. For whatever reason, they decided to cut them down last week, which is a real shame! At lunch that afternoon, Brooke was, as usual, going through massive amounts of napkins. Seriously, my daughter has a napkin fetish. I looked at her and said, "Hey Brooke, do you know where napkins come from?" I then tried to explain to her that napkins come from trees and then I jokingly said, "I bet the neighbors are cutting down their trees because you're using way too many napkins." She looked at me and giggled and we never revisited that subject again.
About 3 days later, the neighbors were having the enormous tress stumps sanded down. Of course the crew that was doing the work arrived at the crack of dawn, waking up my entire family. When I went to get Brooke up for the morning she ran to the window to investigate the news. Her groggy little blue eyes looked up at me and she said, "Mommy, are they making me napkins?" HAHAHAHA! I couldn't believe that she had not only remembered something that we had talked about in passing but that she had taken it so literally! My poor daughter is probably petrified of her napkin addiction now. Lol
I live for hilarious little moments like that! Toddlers come up with the strangest things, don't they?
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Out of Touch
To be blatantly honest, I feel so out of touch with the world right now. I'm happy, I'm fulfilled, I love my life, and I wouldn't change it... But I'm starting to feel like that frumpy house-wife and NOT a 23-year-old young woman.
It's hard because I'm feeling so down on my self-image as of late. I bought all sorts of summer clothes for after Adrienne was born, assuming that I would need a little extra room, but because I've lost quite a bit of weight they ALL swim on me. I would buy new clothes but what's the point of wasting money on Capri pants and such when the warm weather will soon be over? I hate that feeling that my pants are going to fall off at any given moment!
My look these days is casual... If I have time to really fix my hair, that's a rarity. Most days it looks just so-so and when I look in the mirror, I'm not impressed by much. Everything about me is minimalistic and I've turned into to somebody so different than I ever thought I would be. I'm not complaining- I'm just remembering back to when I had different shoes and purses for every outfit, my hair was always in place, and lip gloss was a permanent fixture on my face. When you play with toys and wipe little bottoms all day, there's not really much to dress up for, now is there?
I would love to get all dolled up and beautiful, put on my nicest dress, and go out for a quiet, romantic evening with my husband but because Adrienne nurses so frequently right now, that will have to wait. I'm not complaining or wishing these days away (because I know that the time is way too fleeting as it is), but I do suppose that when we finally get out that it will feel like heaven.
John's working overtime tonight so maybe I'll go do something nice for ME now that the girls are down. Maybe a fresh coat of nail polish on the toenails will be enough to perk me up? We'll see!
It's hard because I'm feeling so down on my self-image as of late. I bought all sorts of summer clothes for after Adrienne was born, assuming that I would need a little extra room, but because I've lost quite a bit of weight they ALL swim on me. I would buy new clothes but what's the point of wasting money on Capri pants and such when the warm weather will soon be over? I hate that feeling that my pants are going to fall off at any given moment!
My look these days is casual... If I have time to really fix my hair, that's a rarity. Most days it looks just so-so and when I look in the mirror, I'm not impressed by much. Everything about me is minimalistic and I've turned into to somebody so different than I ever thought I would be. I'm not complaining- I'm just remembering back to when I had different shoes and purses for every outfit, my hair was always in place, and lip gloss was a permanent fixture on my face. When you play with toys and wipe little bottoms all day, there's not really much to dress up for, now is there?
I would love to get all dolled up and beautiful, put on my nicest dress, and go out for a quiet, romantic evening with my husband but because Adrienne nurses so frequently right now, that will have to wait. I'm not complaining or wishing these days away (because I know that the time is way too fleeting as it is), but I do suppose that when we finally get out that it will feel like heaven.
John's working overtime tonight so maybe I'll go do something nice for ME now that the girls are down. Maybe a fresh coat of nail polish on the toenails will be enough to perk me up? We'll see!
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Things Are Working Out!
I was extremely apprehensive about this big schedule change. I wasn't sure how the girls would do or how we would get by without John. Sure, it's been a little lonely and a bit isolating to not have him here, but ya know? We're getting through and we're really doing well!
I am so thankful that the girls have adjusted so perfectly! We've tweaked their naps just a little bit and all there have been no negative consequences, thankfully! Right now, our days look like this:
*Brooke wakes up between 8:30 and 9. If she gets up earlier than that, she comes to our bed to watch cartoons. Otherwise, we go downstairs and eat breakfast while John and Adrienne get a little bit more sleep.
*Brooke and I play together and get dressed until Adrienne wakes up. When she finally decides to get up for the day (which can be as late as 10 or 10:30), Brooke and I then give her a bath together.
*Adriene stays up long enough to have a bath, nurse, and to play on her playmat for about 30 minutes and then goes back down for 1.5-2
hours.
*I make us all a nice lunch everday and we eat at 12. Adrienne always wakes up right around then from her morning nap, which is great because then we all get to be together.
*At one, Brooke and Adrienne both go down for afternoon naps. This is our sared hour of the day because it's the one hour that John and I get to be alone while he's on this shift. We value the 1 o'clock hour VERY MUCH!
*John leaves for work around 2:30. Brooke usually wakes up just in time to see him off and Adrienne usually sleeps for a good while past that.
*Our evenings are almost always filled with a dinner invitiation from family, which is great, or by someone coming over. I like to be able to get out at least once a day!
*Both girls usually go down for bed around 8:30 (give or take) and the rest of the night is mine. I use that time to clean like crazy, mostly, and also I do my Bible study, take a shower, and do the laundry. I do get kind of lonely during this time but I try to just keep insanely busy. If John's isn't doing overtime, I always, always wait up for him so I have plenty of hours to fill.
I'm so thankful that this is all working out. It's definitely not ideal for our family, but it's nice to know that we can get through even when things are shaken up BIG TIME. Once I really feel settled in this schedule, John will get a new shift. Mark my words! Lol
I am so thankful that the girls have adjusted so perfectly! We've tweaked their naps just a little bit and all there have been no negative consequences, thankfully! Right now, our days look like this:
*Brooke wakes up between 8:30 and 9. If she gets up earlier than that, she comes to our bed to watch cartoons. Otherwise, we go downstairs and eat breakfast while John and Adrienne get a little bit more sleep.
*Brooke and I play together and get dressed until Adrienne wakes up. When she finally decides to get up for the day (which can be as late as 10 or 10:30), Brooke and I then give her a bath together.
*Adriene stays up long enough to have a bath, nurse, and to play on her playmat for about 30 minutes and then goes back down for 1.5-2
hours.
*I make us all a nice lunch everday and we eat at 12. Adrienne always wakes up right around then from her morning nap, which is great because then we all get to be together.
*At one, Brooke and Adrienne both go down for afternoon naps. This is our sared hour of the day because it's the one hour that John and I get to be alone while he's on this shift. We value the 1 o'clock hour VERY MUCH!
*John leaves for work around 2:30. Brooke usually wakes up just in time to see him off and Adrienne usually sleeps for a good while past that.
*Our evenings are almost always filled with a dinner invitiation from family, which is great, or by someone coming over. I like to be able to get out at least once a day!
*Both girls usually go down for bed around 8:30 (give or take) and the rest of the night is mine. I use that time to clean like crazy, mostly, and also I do my Bible study, take a shower, and do the laundry. I do get kind of lonely during this time but I try to just keep insanely busy. If John's isn't doing overtime, I always, always wait up for him so I have plenty of hours to fill.
I'm so thankful that this is all working out. It's definitely not ideal for our family, but it's nice to know that we can get through even when things are shaken up BIG TIME. Once I really feel settled in this schedule, John will get a new shift. Mark my words! Lol
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Cooking with Brookie
Some of my fondest memories of my childhood include sitting on the kitchen counter while my mom cooked. I can still see that old kitchen in my childhood Texas home and remember the sight of my mom rushing around to get the food on the table. I loved that time with her and I loved watching her cook. She always worked so quickly and efficiently (and she still does) and everything of course tasted amazing. She was a real "Susy Homemaker" kind of mom.
Now that I am grown and have my own children, I see more and more what a sacrifice of time that was for my mom. See, I love to cook. It's often my haven and in the midst of a crazy evening, John will take over the parenting duties so I can prepare dinner. Now that Brooke is becoming more interesting in the workings of the kitchen, she now sits on the counter or stands on a chair and "helps" me cook. Can I cook much quicker and possibly better on my own? Absolutely. But, I love my daughter more than cooking and if her sitting in on this sacred time makes her feel as special as I did as a little girl, then so be it! I also like to think that these are the very early stages of me teaching Brooke how to keep a home and take care of her family one day. I know that I learned all that I know from my mom doing the same thing!
Lately I've been making it a point to make things with Brooke more often. Just the other day we made chocolate chip cookies together and she was actually very helpful in rolling them into balls! Although, once she saw me eating the batter I had a hard time getting her to stop eating it. Bad mommy! At other times, when we make less fun things, I give her her own bowl with some water and a spoon and she stirs it and says, "Can I boil it?" So sweet! Today we made homemade buttermilk biscuits and she got to measure out all of the flour, baking soda, baking powder, etc... We had the most fun together! It's a great learning tool, too, because we're constantly counting things when we're in the kitchen. Today I needed 2 cups of flour for a recipe and I purposely used 1/4 cup 8 times so she would have to count it out. It takes more time and effort, but it's quality time with my girl that I'm after!
20 years from now or so, I sure hope that my girls can look back at their childhoods and see just how much their mommy loved them. Little investments of time sometimes are the ones that mean the most!
Now that I am grown and have my own children, I see more and more what a sacrifice of time that was for my mom. See, I love to cook. It's often my haven and in the midst of a crazy evening, John will take over the parenting duties so I can prepare dinner. Now that Brooke is becoming more interesting in the workings of the kitchen, she now sits on the counter or stands on a chair and "helps" me cook. Can I cook much quicker and possibly better on my own? Absolutely. But, I love my daughter more than cooking and if her sitting in on this sacred time makes her feel as special as I did as a little girl, then so be it! I also like to think that these are the very early stages of me teaching Brooke how to keep a home and take care of her family one day. I know that I learned all that I know from my mom doing the same thing!
Lately I've been making it a point to make things with Brooke more often. Just the other day we made chocolate chip cookies together and she was actually very helpful in rolling them into balls! Although, once she saw me eating the batter I had a hard time getting her to stop eating it. Bad mommy! At other times, when we make less fun things, I give her her own bowl with some water and a spoon and she stirs it and says, "Can I boil it?" So sweet! Today we made homemade buttermilk biscuits and she got to measure out all of the flour, baking soda, baking powder, etc... We had the most fun together! It's a great learning tool, too, because we're constantly counting things when we're in the kitchen. Today I needed 2 cups of flour for a recipe and I purposely used 1/4 cup 8 times so she would have to count it out. It takes more time and effort, but it's quality time with my girl that I'm after!
20 years from now or so, I sure hope that my girls can look back at their childhoods and see just how much their mommy loved them. Little investments of time sometimes are the ones that mean the most!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)