Memoirs of a Rebel Mommy

Five Years Later

2017-05-31T11:36:00.003-07:00

Five years later... Well life has completely changed, to say the least. I’ve been quite busy. I've divorced and am no longer trapped in an unhappy marriage. My beautiful angel of a daughter is growing up too quickly and is about to be a 4th grader. We've moved to a small town and I have a big beautiful ring on my finger! Oh yeah, and a fiancé.

Just kidding, of course the Fiancé biz is much more important than the ring thing! This may be a Blog, but I still am not completely keen on the whole “telling too much personal business” to the world. I was blessed to meet a wonderful man who makes me laugh, trusts and respects me, loves Christ, and also is the dreamiest hunk I've ever known! He truly takes care of Lyric and me like I never expected. I couldn’t believe I was so blessed to have met such an intelligent man that I could talk to for hours about everything from politics and WWII to Knights Templar and serial killers. It is wonderful to have a partner who is your best friend, your boo-thang, and your moronic sidekick all in one!

My last post was about the "10 things I want my daughter to know" and I will continue to make certain these things are clear…I can’t believe I am having to watch my daughter grow so fast. I slowly watch her become a young lady with wonderful manors (most of the time) and so many interests (that change often) and for crying out loud…she is Boy Crazy! Yes 9 years old and she has a rush on Justin Timberlake and Nick Jonas. She cuts out pics of them and pastes them on her wall. It reminds me of my sister and her NKOTB obsession. But at least Lyric only cuts out small pics and pastes them on a poster board or paper to put on her door…or notebooks. My sister, on the other hand…It always looked like Teen Bop vomited all over her walls! Not happening here, yet…

Summer has officially started for us so I hope to get motivated on getting back into top shape. By “top shape” I mean looking good in a bikini again…yes this chick has became lazy. Summer also means my house will be clean and I will cook fun stuff all the time because I won’t be so darned drained! Three more days and I am a free woman!!! I always think of the scene in Bad Teacher when she doesn’t think she is coming back to that school and peels out of the parking lot with the middle finger up shouting “peace out bitches or something like that. Yeah…I’m not going to do that…but it just came to mind. ;)

10 Things I want my daughter to know about life

2012-07-31T12:20:00.002-07:00

For my precious Lyric

10. Serve God, Love God, and Mend. Shakespeare’s quote from Much Ado about Nothing was said from a man to a woman “serve God, love me, and mend”…But until you find THAT “man” always abide by the other version. No matter what is happening in your life, and no matter how unpopular it is to serve God, …do! You will be a happier person and it will mend all internal wombs.

9. Always use a strong hand shake… it leaves lasting impression. It represents self-confidence and ambition. A strong hand shake and eye contact exemplifies a mutual respect for one another and is a sign that you are friendly, trustworthy, and honest. Always Always Always look people in the eye when you talk to them.

8. If you have the ability, always do what you can to fight for people who are unable to fight for themselves, regardless of who they are. Do not sit back and watch bad things happen or said to someone without speaking up to protect that weaker person. It is the decent thing to do.

7. Treating others nicely is important, go out of your way to do this.
A man came to my work yesterday 2 hours late to a class he HAD to be at or he would be in trouble. He lived 30 minutes away, his car had broke down, and I could tell that he had been out in the heat for a long time. He was almost in tear when we told him he’d have to come back next week. Something inside me wouldn’t allow him to leave and go through the trouble again after what he had been through that morning. I sat with him personally and quickly discussed everything that was discussed in the class he had to attend and gave him credit. Do this for people, and when they thank you for going out of your way to help…tell them to pay it forward ;)

6. It is okay to be fragile sometimes. You mommy went probably years without crying because she thought it was a weakness. But I realized there are some things absolutely worth crying about. Do not ever be afraid to show your emotions and let others know how you feel.

5. Never be ashamed of who you are. Love what you want to love, and not what others love just to fit in. If you want to be a Paleontologist in Colorado, Go for it. Mommy will back you.

4. Allowing other’s to talk down to you will only make them feel stronger. Just walk away and let them know that you will not be treated with disrespect. Do not believe these negative things that bullies would say. They are just unhappy with themselves. You are already strong at four and recognize when someone is being hateful to you. I can not imagine the strength you will have as an adult.

3. Don’t let ANYONE tell you that you can’t do something. And if they do, prove them wrong. I asked you the other day what you wanted to be when you grew up and you responded “a police officer just like my mommy was.” By God if that is what you want, go for it! Daddy will not be happy, but he will get used to it. Live your dreams and never regret a single thing. Each decision you make molds the beautiful person you will be on the inside.

2. You don’t have to do the same thing every day. Try new things. If other’s think you are “wishy washy” and unable to commit, know that your mother is proud of you for following each and every dream that enters your mind. Your mother has done many things in her life, things she always wanted to do. Even if I only did some of these things for a short time, I fulfilled that dream and can not say I didn’t try. Some people think success is how much money you make…but I hope you see it through your mother’s eyes and feel that success is the happiness you have with yourself.

1. And MOST importantly: Fall in love as many times as you can, with everything you can, and ooz passion in anything you do.

Even though I wish you pure happiness, I understand that you will make your own choices. But know whatever the choice is…I will love you endlessly!

Busy, yet blessed!

2010-12-31T08:58:00.000-08:00

It’s been a busy few months for this momma!

I must catch you up on the Brunson household. Eric is working more than ever, though it does pay off ; ) My little girl turned three : ( And I have put a hold on teaching my own fitness/bootcamp classes and am currently working with P31 Fitness: ) Of course, working for someone else, I make less moola ; just thinking it is for a good cause and will eventually pay off.

I have a new addiction. My marvelous parents gave me a Canon EOS Rebel that I cannot stop snapping away. I am so amazed at the astounding pictures it takes. Thank you mom and dad! Now I just need to learn how to use it when it isn’t in “Auto”. Truly loving the zoom lens also!

When I was young, I used to think our family Christmas tradition was silly. We do the same thing each year and have done it this way since…well since I can remember. Do you have a Christmas tradition, or does your family just “get together”? As you grow older the tradition becomes so important and necessary and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

At the Herron household (that’s my folks) we ALWAYS eat supper, whatever it may be that year…then… My sister plays the piano while we sit around the living room and sing along to Christmas songs…then….we read the Christmas story from the book of Luke in the Bible (reminding ourselves what Christmas is about)…then… we pray and thank Christ for everything we have to be thankful for…then… we open our presents…. All while drinking hot apple cider or cocktails (this year was screwdrivers and bloody maries)… Whew! I love it!

Since Alanna (the eldest grandchild) has been old enough to realize that we are celebrating Christ’s birthday, we have had a cake iced with “Happy Birthday Jesus” and a candle for the kids to blow out. This year it was absolutely priceless when the three grandchildren where singing along to “Happy Birthday” and my daughter decided to quietly slip her name in there…” Happy Birthday to Jesus… “and lyric””.

She is the most amazing child in the world…I know you think your child is…but you’re wrong. My little princess is absolutely perfect! She is more beautiful every day, more intelligent by the minute, and just so crazy about her mother! She has had a “special present” for me every day for the past month. She comes up to me and says “momma I have a special present for you”, then she gives me a big hug and kiss. Awe, what an angel.

But as they say, no one is perfect. There is always the defiance, the whiney fits, and the struggle between us. She does not take discipline well. She may be a princess, but she can be a toot! It takes an act of congress to get her to pick up her room.

Leave feedback! Should a parent’s wishes and rules be respected by others even if they are silly? If your child is being kept by someone, or staying over, should your child be told to do something you have told her is unsafe? If you want your child to be a vegetarian, should someone purposely feed them meat? (just an example, we love bacon;)
Check back soon!

So much work, for something so little.

2010-10-12T12:36:00.000-07:00

Too many things I want to do. Too many ideas in my head.
I told my mother the other day, “Life is too short to do the same thing every day.” I do not miss being locked in an office, or typing the same old reports every day. There is now another title I may add to my resume along with mother, police officer, fitness trainer, cook, chauffer, social worker, writer, drummer, artist, and wife. I may now add Published Author! Today is very exciting for me. I have written since I was in high school; and still have those short stories on a floppy disk (old). I have written down everything that has made some kind of an impression on my life. Every time I see something so beautiful that I can barely describe; I grab a pen and paper and somehow the words just appear. I want to write and write and write. I got tired of writing stories and articles for other people (elance.com) so that they may publish “my” work. Freelance writing doesn’t pay that well ; )
My daughter inspired me to try writing a Children’s book. Which, come to find out, is so much more difficult that it may look. I almost finished my novel before the children’s book. With a children’s book, you write what you think is “good”…then realize, that it sucks. Then you try again and again and again. It has to appeal to children…not you. Stephen King was denied 114 times and Dean Koontz over 200 times before their first novel was published. I had to keep telling myself this. A simple children’s book, how hard can that be. All of this just to get my name published so that it will be easier to find an agent/publisher in the future. Well…not so easy.
One year later, there it is. It has been tweaked, pushed, pulled, and yanked, and is nowhere near the book I started with. But, I created it, and my daughter LOVED it. She made me read it three times today. That is the only critic I need. I got the first copy here today. It is available on Amazon.com.

http://www.amazon.com/Willows-Oddball-Pet-Krisi-Brunson/dp/1453801111/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1286894902&sr=8-1

My oh my, how she is my ... darling

2010-10-09T20:50:00.001-07:00

I have been absent from Blogging for over a month! My life has been fairly chaotic lately, with my husband working longer hours, my freelance work picking up, my bootcamp continuing, and my butterfly princess keeping my on my toes.
My daughter is often reminding me of my poor choice of words and my reactions to everything. I find it to be the greatest blessing to be able to stay at home with my sweet daughter. Though with each passing day she picks up on one more of my “many” habits. Her favorite thing to say at this moment is, (and please forgive me) “Oh My God.” And she says it with total theatrics.
Sample dialog:
Momma, “What are we going to do tomorrow?
Lyric, “I’m gonna make a BIG mess and you’re gonna say, OH My Gaaaawd.”

Today I cut out some paper butterflies using cutsie scrapbook paper. We lay out an old blanket on the living room floor and dig out the acrylics and paint brushes. Together we painted all of the butterflies (the blank sides). It was loads of fun and very messy. When she decided that she had enough paint on her hands, we go to the bathroom and rinse her off. When she reenters the living room she reacts dramatically. “Oh My GAAAWD! You need to clean up this mess.”…this is what I say to her about five times a day.

I just don’t know what to do with her. She is a bossy, messy, manipulative, daring, loud, smart mouthed, sassy, rebellious, goofy, dramatic little toot. Just like her momma. She is only about to be three in a few weeks…whatever am I going to do when she turns 13!?

Baby Shower Baking

2010-08-14T07:41:00.000-07:00

My BFF's baby shower is today and I had the honor of creating the cupcakes. I spent so much time online looking at ideas for cutsie cupcakes. After much research I finally made a decision... There will be plenty of Pink and Cutsie baby stuff there already! Im going with super yummy instead of pretty.
These are the flavors I chose!
Peanutbutter nuget, and chocolate icing sprinkled with reeses cups.
Chocolate icing with snickers, caramel, and nuget.
White chocolate and marshmellow with cream filling!

Friday the 13th? So What!

2010-08-13T07:32:00.000-07:00

It must really suck to fear an entire day just because of the number that represents it. I have never been superstitious for two reasons; one being that my parents taught me that it is not Christian manner to fear what is in Gods control, it is Christian to have faith. Another reason is because it must be miserable to live life fearing everything. I know through experience and sheer faith that FEAR is a GIFT from God. He will give it to you when it is needed and it will not feel like the simple anxiety that you get from the title that Atheists have stamped on a day. You will feel it in your throat and you will know something is not exactly right. That is a gift. I don’t fear Friday the 13th because nothing is more likely to happen to me today than tomorrow if God wills. Don’t fear FEAR, be grateful for it.

A friend of mine posted the following on Facebook and I Love the way she put it:

“Fear of Friday the 13th is based on superstition, and as such it has no place in the mind or heart of Christians. No day or date is to be feared by those who belong to God through Jesus Christ. Everything that happens is under the control of our sovereign God who rules every event in the universe and never allows superstitions or the schemes of men to thwart His divine will and plan (Isaiah 46:11).”

Have a Happy day!

My daughter's first crush

2010-07-28T09:26:00.000-07:00

We are sitting at the table munching on some grilled cheese sand’s, pretzels, and pickles. Yummy! Lyric usually watches Sesame Street everyday at 11:00am. So she’s watching TV while we eat lunch…yes I said it; and I have my back to the TV working on my computer while I eat…multitasking.
Lyric says “Oooo, who is he?”
I turn around and there is Hugh Jackman on the TV with Elmo. I tell her “that is Hugh Jackman.” She then says “He is pretty momma.” When that segment was over she said. “He need to come back.”
Im so proud of my daughter with excellent taste!

Rebel Yell

2010-07-27T15:58:00.000-07:00

I started my first Evening Bootcamp class in Cooper today. I think I’m going enjoy teaching in the evening… though I think I have upset some of my morning bootcamp gals. Maybe I can work out a way to do both and still be sane.
When I arrived home I wasn’t welcomed by the typical tiny arms wrapped around my legs. I am with Lyric all day every day. So, when I leave her for only few minutes she acts as if it has been weeks when I return. I wondered where she was. Eric said “she’s in her room”. I take a peek and she is sitting on her bed playing with her foot with no books, no toys, and no T.V. on. Eric then explained that she is grounded to her room. Apparently Lyric thought one of her daddy’s guitars was trying to karate chop her so she kicked it over.

Okay so she deliberately kicked over, my little rebellious punk. Eric was furious (knowing his LOVE for his guitars) but still took proper action by telling her she did wrong and telling her to stay in her room. I did not want to be the “hero” parent and come home to say “okay you’re not in trouble anymore” and step on Eric’s toes,because I would kill him if he did that to me, so I just sat in there and talked to her for a bit. She explained to me that the guitar hurt her foot. She’s going be a good story teller.

I snuck her favorite blankie to her and read her some books. She told daddy she was sorry and she loves him. He ended up snuggling up with her in her bed with her and enjoying the apology hugs and kisses. Men are so easy.
And the guitar suffered a tiny scratch. Over-actor!

Catch a Wave

2010-07-22T21:20:00.001-07:00

Salt in the air and sand in my bathing suit, that’s how I like it! We just returned home from a mini-vacation with my mom, sister, and the kiddos, at the glorious beach. My daughter thought, on more than one occasion, we were visiting a nude beach. Luckily I captured her quickly each time and put her suit back on.
We enjoyed standing in the water letting waves crash against us, with Lyric’s scream of laughter accompanying each wave. The body boarding experience with my sister was awesome! That was the last time I saw my favorite sunglasses but it was worth every second. Who needs a water park, God has created such wonderful fun in nature. It just happens to be 5 hours away.

Shark! No that’s a dolphin. Swimmers had a scare when they saw a fin whirling around the swimming area. Without a second look everyone jetted for the beach out of the water only to look around and see a beautiful dolphin slashing around and showing off. Just remember to always take someone slower along with you when wading far into the ocean.

The first morning I woke at 6am to do a relaxing run on Galveston’s seawall. And it was exactly that! I cannot think of a more tranquil, relaxing moment. The scenery was unbeatable, and the salty air in my lungs felt incredible. I met an interesting character on my run back towards the hotel. She was an older, short, Hispanic woman holding a beach hat, a rosary, and a white cloth. The woman stopped me and asked if she were aloud onto the beach. I’m sure I made an odd expression. “uh, yes”. She did not understand why there was no one on the beach at 6:00 in the morning while the tide was in and hitting up against the seawall. I thought; only surfers are in the ocean this early. She introduced herself as Sister Mary, and I shook the Nun’s hand. It was the first Nun I had ever seen, much less shook hands with. I explained to her that the beach is always open. I stayed and talked to her for a moment; she was a sweet lady.

The rainforest café was an experience that I feel Lyric will be talking about for a while. Every day since, she wants to “talk about the rainforest”. She loves animals and was intrigued by the atmosphere. We also all devoured the Volcano cake Desert that we all NEEDED! It was, well, large; and oh so yummy.

After lots of shell gathering, castle building, bunk bed climbing, and pizza eating Lyric had a great time. I have even talked Eric into taking us back soon for another small vacation. I will be taking my running shoes again!

Soft Spot on a hard day

2010-07-16T13:58:00.000-07:00

Why do I keep having garage sales after I say I will “never again”? This is miserable, hot, and drawn out. The weather in Texas in mid-July does not exactly permit the most comfortable situation. Although it is nice to see a few things go. Not enough things to fit my liking.

I had all of this “crap” stashed in my workout room and approached it yesterday to begin hauling items outside to the “garage”. Lyric was right behind me; I said “well I guess I need to price this stuff”. I give her credit for being smart but surely she didn’t know what I was saying and only sensed my tone, because she responded with, “are you friggin kidding me?” I laughed immediately and then thought, (should my 2 year old be saying “friggin”) awe what’s it gonna hurt…beside’s it’s cute.

My folks also brought a lot of things to sell at the garage sell as well. They emptied out their closets and assigned one box to me to approve because it was full of my ole belongings. Within this magical box lied my many Sex Pistol Concert T-shirts from the 70’s (Of course I am too young to have attended them, though they were given to me by an older fellow punk rocker), and my old Tai Boxing shorts, a few karate tournament t-shirts, the first board I broke with a side kick, and two letters; one from a best friend in the sixth grade and one from a pin pal in the military. In the fifth grade we had to write a letter to a military person. Brian received my letter on Christmas day…and he was missing his family and his new wife back home in Louisiana. The Dessert Storm War was intact at that time and he was shipped off just after his marriage. I wonder what that Brian is doing now. Did he have grandchildren with his wonderful wife… or did he go to his true home during the fight. I pray that either way… his family is doing well.

Beavers and Dominoes

2010-07-07T19:51:00.000-07:00

Lyric and I recently returned home from a holiday at Beaver’s Bend State Park with my family. Eric of course had to work and was unable to accompany us, though he is a sweet man to not complain about working in the heat while we go off to relax.
The trip we used to make every year growing up is still as fun as before…especially watching my daughter enjoy herself. She wants to live in “beaber’s ben”. It was fun to watch my dad get busted by the park ranger…apparently you are not allowed to float, wade or fish in the river behind your cabin. My dad paddled to shore with his ‘tall boy’ keystone ice as the ranger flirted with the kids. We did the remainder of the rafting and floating in the swimming area. Surprisingly, I have been there almost every year of my life and this was my first visit to the swimming area (that I can remember). I’ve never been one for public swimming areas.

My mom cooks the best meals when we have to ad lib. I haven’t eaten homemade gravy like that in years. I am still craving more. When will I learn to cook like my mom… she just knows what to do to make a homemade country meal from almost nothing.

My dad has skills too; he taught me, my sister and my brother-in-law a new dominoes game. I just know plain dominoes that I used to play at the bar. This was a very interesting game and totally fun. I think we played about twenty times. Dad and Joni beat me and Alan over and over, but it was still fun. It sucks to lose to my dad or Joni because they are ones to rub it in a bit.

Along with all of the exciting moments and memories we made, Lyric also left Beaver’s Bend with a stuffed beaver and some princess dominoes that her cousin, Alanna, was nice enough to give her. Needless to say, Eric had plenty to say about the stuffed beaver.

To: daddy From: me

2010-06-21T11:25:00.000-07:00

Yes...I posted about myself on Father's Day (very vain) though I wanted to dedicate this Post to my father, Ronnie Herron. The greatest dad in the world.

Useful things I have learned from my father:

1. How to Play Basketball, Softball, Tennis.
2. To listen to good music; He taught me that talent and passion is more beautiful than a catchy beat.
3. Admire people who are not only good at what they do, but who love doing it.
4. Honoring God - Religion was a priority in my dad's life. We went to church often, as a family. He taught us to love and honor the Lord. He showed us by example what it meant to keep the commandments of God.
5. How to change my own oil.
6. How to change a flat tire.
7. When you talk, do it honestly and from the heart.
8. Express your opinion passionately, even if you will make people mad. (ie. A particular church he guest preached at) People do not like to hear that they are hypocrites. hmm
9. How to drive a Stick Shift: I just bought my first Automatic vehicle 2 years ago. I still slam on the brakes searching for the clutch.
10. How to handle and fire a gun safely: Knowing how to handle a firearm for children is important. If children are not introduced to firearms, they are usually afraid of them. “Fear causes mistake” -Bruce Lee. My father knew the importance of a child being familiar with the dangers of weapons though also believed we should know how to use them.
11. If it doesn’t fit, don’t force it: I landed a huge dent in his Trumpet when I was young. Sitting on the case will not make it close if the trumpet is not in correctly.
12. Honor your mother: I don’t know of a time he did not defend our mother.
13. That it’s okay to not like what others do like. If he likes/believes it he will defend it to death (sports teams, politics, religion) no matter what others think.
14. Don’t ask something of someone you would not be willing to do yourself.
15. Writing is so much easier than telling: I know where I got the writing gene. My dad would always write us little letters when he had to go off on trainings and for special occasions.
16. If you hang out with fools you are foolish. He taught me to surround myself with intellects and not hooligans. I did not often listen… though I finally learned.
And many more….

Thank you dad for teaching me so many useful things… You are the greatest dad
(I think mom did a great job training you: )

Happy Fathers Day !!!

Thank you Ma'am...So much

2010-06-20T13:57:00.000-07:00

I sat in the booth across from my husband and daughter. It is Father’s day so my husband chose to go shopping at Lowes and grab a bite at Chili’s. My hair up in a ponytail, my jeans rolled up like Huck-Fin, a spaghetti strapped tank top for the special occasion and flip flops. My plate consisted of hot wings, Southwest Eggrolls and Chicken Crispers, and I sipped Diet Coke; not exactally the meal of a classy woman. My gaze lifted from the table and noticed an older lady staring at me, and I smiled. She instantly walked around the restaurant and stopped at our table. She spoke to my husband, “Sir, I just wanted to tell you that you have a beautiful wife.” she looked at me, "You are one of the most beautiful women I've ever seen." Eric smiled and my eyebrows raise in shock as I say “Thank you”. She then follows with, “I mean it, you are just so pretty, so delicate.” I thought to myself; “Delicate?” I was waiting for my husband to spit his tea out of his mouth from laughter but he just smiled and nodded. “You daughter is so cute too” she mentioned, though we are always used to hearing how pretty Lyric is it shocked me that she spoke of me. Before walking away she mentioned how beautiful and delicate I appeared to beonce more. I thanked her over and over… yet felt so petty. When I left the house I looked in the mirror and was pouty about my forehead lines and my tired looking eyes. Some women don’t see the Magazine models as “beauty” I guess. That woman made my day. I feel so ordinary, yet now I feel I guess I CAN stand out to some folks. I have been bragging since to Eric about my Delicateness. I think he’s jealous. What a sweet lady.

Butterfly House

2010-06-16T18:48:00.000-07:00

Lyric and I had a day adventure, with my sister and her children, to the Dallas Zoo. Alanna went on and on about a "Butterfly House" from the moment we mentioned going to the zoo. It isn’t often that you get to see a butterfly up close and personal. Lyric has only seen a handful of fluttering flies around the back yard and was instantly intrigued at the mention of a house for butterflies. After exploring impressive new exhibits at the zoo, we finally made our way around to the butterflies.
We entered the small greenhouse and were immediately surrounded by flying exquisiteness. They fluttered around everywhere, landing on flowers, and showing off their striking colors. Lyric giggled with bliss as she gazed at the wings waving at us all around. The “house” was so tranquil and purely relaxing. I wonder if Eric will build me a “Butterfly House” for the back yard. How relaxing would it be to sit and read a romance novel while butterflies flurried around? I guess I would have to invest in some caterpillars.
Love , Krisi

Love is...?

2010-06-04T10:26:00.000-07:00

Well we have made it four years!!! One more and we’ll have it made, right? Aren’t the first five years of marriage supposed to be the hardest? Lord, I hope so. My husband and I could not be more different, though I think that is what draws us closer. We have both made many sacrifices, (I have made more, just between you and me) and have both changed so much from who we were when we got married. It is funny how two can marry and change completely, become interested in opposite things, and yet love each other more than the day of the wedding. I would have never dreamt of being a house wife and stay at home mom, (I never even thought I would want children) and he thought he’d be playin’ music forever. But love changes things; it changes priorities; it changes lives. It feels good to have someone in your life that you love one moment, hate the next, want to kill them, then the next day love them more. Love is strange.
“Love is the thing that enables a woman to sing while she mops up the floor after her husband has walked across it in his barn boots.” ~Hoosier Farmer
“Spouse: someone who'll stand by you through all the trouble you wouldn't have had if you'd stayed single.” ~Author Unknown
“It's so great to find that one special person you want to annoy for the rest of your life.” ~Rita Rudner
“When a man opens the door of his car for his wife, you can be sure of one thing: either the car is new or the wife is.” ~Author Unknown

Finished Product

2010-05-31T10:35:00.000-07:00

Well, I finished it a few days ago, and just now getting around to taking pictures. I love my new bathroom, but most importantly… my princess loves it too. She stayed with her Nana and Papa while I did the staining and decorating portions of the project. When Lyric saw the finished bathroom her reaction was: “Wow, mommy your bathroom is so pitty. You did good job.” She loves the polka dots. Her faith in me makes me beam with happiness.
The cabinets were a tan brown color and the walls were off white… yuck. I took a mirror from another room and painted polka-dots, and a $1 toothbrush holder from Wal-mart and also painted it. The piece that hangs on the cabinet door is one of my pieces I made several months ago. I wasn’t going for Polka-dots when I started, was going for a more vintage look, but because I couldn’t find the EXACT style of mirror that I wanted, everything ended up spotted. Here is the finished project:

I am Under Construction

2010-05-25T13:54:00.000-07:00

Dropping the electric sander while it is still on is a major “America’s Funniest Home Video’s” moment. I think my hand just went numb and I forgot I was still holding on to it. I am redecorating my bathroom… the tiniest bathroom in the world. Did I mention my husband is a plumber. He often describes these exotic bathrooms that he builds or repairs all the time and I just pout about my teeny powder room. So I decided if I’m going to have to live with the smallest bathroom in the world, it should be the most extraordinary and radical bathroom I can create. So I got some paint for the walls, stain for the cabinets and my painting clothes on. I painted yesterday and the color is awesome (will post pics). It was left over from my recent redecorating spree in the living room. A beautiful teal color. Sanding was a challenge as I have already described. The actual process was quite easy to be honest, just not the best job for an intuitive klutz. I bounced around my tiny bathroom as if a cowboy were firing shots at my feet. I finally caught a grip on the sander with minimal injuries and bruises. Now the cabinets are stained… and it looks like C.R.A.P. What have I done? I should probably put a clear coat over the stain. Whoops. Well I’m sure after that it will look great and then I will take pictures. No need in showing off the mess I’ve made.

2010-05-21T09:29:00.001-07:00

Rachel is a long time friend of mine whose daughter is having a birthday party tomorrow at a skating rink. My hubby, Eric, worked at this establishment for a few years while in high school…and of course thinks he is the king of skating. He has proven to be quiet an impressive skater though the bragging is just a bit ridiculous. I haven’t been skating since the 6th grade or so… so this should be interesting. Wait no; I did have some roller blades in high school, which I rocked. But this isn’t regarding me nor Eric. My daughter has been sliding her feet around the house for a week; “I’m Skating mama!” She is so very excited to go skating…for the first time. Certainly momma is a bit nervous, and I hope out Master Skating Daddy will keep tight grip on her hand while he shows her the basics of the skill. I want to skate with her of course, it will be tons of fun; however Eric said, “I would like to teach her something before I die.” I think he gets a bit jealous coming home everyday to her knowing something new that “momma” showed her.
I have been accused of being a bit overprotective of her and I agree… I can be a bit psycho about her safety at times. She is a dare devil and that doesn’t bother me…I love it, though I am always standing right there. If I’m not there to catch her when she falls I just prefer her to keep her feet on the ground.

Feelin' Crafty

2010-05-19T13:38:00.000-07:00

On occasion I get a crafty bug and I just spew it all over the house. It drives my husband crazy sometimes. I have stacks of canvases in the corner of my workout room. I always have very random ideas and just go with it! Here are a few things I created during the few hours of “me time” I get when my daughter sleeps.

Oh, tha life!

2010-05-18T13:31:00.000-07:00

Could I have a better life?
Sitting in the sun watching my daughter swim in her tiny kiddy pool; Taking her for a walk down the road to see the goats, lama's and cows (very country); playing dress-up; talking in our own "blahblahblahhhhhablabh" language driving daddy crazy; eating M&Ms while chillin’ in 'mommy's car; all before naptime. What a busy yet entertaining day! But I did get my car cleaned!

Life's Lessons from a 2 year old

2010-05-17T12:14:00.000-07:00

She was so amazed by those “fishies”. Little things can make her day so amazing and impact her so much that it creates a week’s worth of conversations. She will talk about those “fishies” for days now. Why are most adults not so amazed with life’s beauty? I myself could watch fish swim, stare at the beach, gaze at the mountains and enjoy the flowery scenery from the highways for hours. But some, like my husband for example, just drive on by without a care. Sometimes I think we are too busy and have too many worries to see. Both my husband and I have noticed these things a little more now that we have a wee one to point them out to us. You really come to appreciate the small things. It is remarkable the simple life lessons you can learn from a two year old.

Cucumber What?

2010-05-17T11:44:00.000-07:00

A few days ago I was relaxing on my couch (which is an unusual occasion with a 2 year old), watching the Importance of Being Earnest. Why? Because I too have an ‘inner dork’. I love old Victorian settings, and classic literature/plays. Near the beginning of the movie (with Collin Firth,:)), they spoke of “Cucumber Sandwiches”; something I had heard of in several movies though never seen one much less tried one. Cucumbers are not appealing to me and the thought of them on a sandwich brought my thoughts to one expression…”gross”. I had thought too soon. My sister, who has all too often amazing ideas, made cucumber sandwiches (among other yummy English treats) for her daughter’s Birthday ‘Princess Tea’ party I spoke about in my last post. I tried one of these ‘cucumber sandwiches’ and then another and then another. Then I grabbed the wheat thins and ate a few of those with slices of cucumbers. Okay more than a few. I never imagined falling in love with something I ‘KNEW’ I didn’t like. How peculiar. Today, when Lyric and I go to the store, we will purchase cucumbers for the first time. When I make my own sandwiches I will post pics and recipes.

Princess Tea Party!

2010-05-16T13:59:00.000-07:00

Yesterday morning, my daughter was to attend my niece’s fifth birthday party. My niece, Alanna, had wished for a “Princess Costume/Tea Party”. Lyric informed me and her daddy that she wanted to dress up as ‘Princess Lyric’ for the princess tea party! Expecting her response to be something like ‘Snow White’, her daddy asked her, “who is your favorite princess?” My angel responded in one beautiful word… “Mommy”. She danced around the house the entire morning jabbering on about the princess tea party! Needless to say, she ended up having an absolute BLAST dressed in a pink princess dress and her twinkle toed sketchers. I am so proud to have a little punk rock princess.

The Brunson 10's

2010-05-12T12:01:00.000-07:00

• Lyric is 2 ½ and makes me proud daily with her very intellectual way of talking. “Mommy sit down let’s talk about daddy.” She is too smart for her own good.
• Losing my job was the paramount moment in my life. Having the opportunity to be a stay at home mother is something I never dreamed of doing. However now that it is here before me, I am cherishing every moment.
• I am considering ADHD medication. Not even sure if I have the disorder. I really think I’m OCD too.
• I am lucky to have a husband who supports my dreams and is cheering me on along the way…
• I have also been blessed with a small freelance position that allows me to make a little extra money and Spend all day with my daughter
• My husband recently obtained his Master Plumbing License and his business is going great!
• I have gained 3 pounds which may not sound like much… but 3 pounds on a smaller person is 100 times harder to lose than 20 pounds on a full figured person. Of course no sympathy.
• Applied for graduate school. Between Late Scores, University losing my Packet, choosing the most popular and crowded Program, and now all the classes I need to take are filled up; Maybe God has another plan for me this summer instead of attending school.
• Oh yeah… the Beach… this July… Mom, sis, and all the kids. Can’t wait. Really hoping that oil spill is cleared by mid July!!!
• Loving my small simple life right now… Never imagined I would ever saying something like that!