the simple life

Mom and Dad

2014-06-09T13:12:00.001-05:00

I don't want to seem like I'm always down on my parents. They really are good people.

They just grew up under some pretty difficult circumstances and I don't think they knew how to be there emotionally for their kids.

I think I look at the areas of my growing up where I felt like they were lacking and I'm trying to build on it. I'm pretty sure E will have all kinds of baggage from her upbringing to deal with eventually, too.

Mom has done more than her share of babysitting for us. She's shopped for just about everything under the sun with me. We've had lunches and vacations together.

Dad has found me football tickets when needed, planned trips with the grandkids to Disney World and helped us out with this and that over the years. After I converted to Catholicism, he was looking around on ebay and bought me an old rosary. It's actually the one I use more than any of my others.

So, when it seems like I'm always complaining about my parents, please know they have done some good, too.

The Ride Home

2014-06-04T20:08:00.001-05:00

Life changes so quickly some times. There's no way to stop it. The only thing we can do is learn how to live with our new normal.

One thing I've noticed with E is that she will talk in the car. That's where I get the majority of my information of what's going on in her life.

Back when she was at the school where I work, the 10 minute ride home was a time when I would learn what was going on at school, the current middle school drama/gossip/truths. When life changed a bit and she went to high school, I noticed that at first she didn't talk so much on that short 5 minute ride home.

The fall of her freshman year meant I would pick her up everyday at 3:15. The first thing she would do was pull out her cell phone and go through whatever she felt like she needed to check up on and barely talk. Occasionally, she would open up, but for the most part her mouth was shut. I felt alone, lost not sure what to do.

Was this to be my new normal? Perhaps. I know I never told my mom or dad anything going on in my high school life. They barely knew the kids I hung out with, they didn't know the boys I had crushes on, they didn't know who the kids were that I knew they wouldn't want me lumped in with, they didn't know if I had a lot of homework, they didn't know when I had tests. They really didn't ask questions or even seem interested. I always felt alone and that I was navigating through high school with out the guidance of my parents.

One of the strongest memories I have about opening up to my parents was from the summer right after my sophomore year. I had been on a church choir trip and my group of "friends" were playing a card game on the bus and when I asked to join in, I was told "no." That was the first time I felt like I didn't have a friend in the world. These people had been my friends for the past few years. How could they do that to me? Not include me? It was the worst feeling in the world. I sat there, by myself and listened carefully to what they were talking about. At that moment, I realized that my social life was passing me by and the people I considered my friends, really weren't.

When I got home, I was in the worst mood. I sat on the sofa, told my parents about what happened and cried my eyes out. I was so hurt. And it was like my parents didn't even care. All my dad said was "it's ridiculous to cry over not being asked to play a card game. Stop being so emotional." My mom didn't say anything. Not even a hug or an encouraging word. I went upstairs and cried myself to sleep that night. I hadn't seen my parents in two weeks, the trip I had been on ended with me feeling all alone. My arrival had me feeling even more alone.

From that point on I told my mom and dad only enough to get by of what was going on in my social life. If I was going out on the weekends, I would tell them who I was with and where we planned on going, but that was about it. When I got home, I knew my dad would be waiting up and I knew I would have to talk to him.... just so he knew I wasn't out drinking or anything like that... and I only told him that I had fun and where we had been.

And I knew this wasn't the relationship I wanted with my children one day. I wanted to know more. I wanted to help them get through these years.

So, once soccer started for E her freshman and she would stay at school for practice and have the time to catch up on social media and whatever else before she got in my car and I noticed she began to tell me more of what was going on in her life away from me at school.

I learned so much more during those last few months of her freshman year. She opened up about the life she had without me at school. And I figured out those precious minutes in the car were such a treasure. Sure, many days it was just me asking a bunch of questions and getting one word answers and others it was her talking the whole time without me getting in a question or a comment, but I think she has learned that I listen, I give fair advice, I care. That's what teens need to know. We care. Unconditionally.

Back in September, E turned 16, got her driver's license and didn't get a car for her sweet 16. She and I have shared a car for most of her sophomore year. We've made it work and I've let her have my car quite a bit. But you know what? Whether I've picked her up and we are in the car together or she's had the car and I see her when she gets home, she still tells me about her day, what's going on in her life and the highs and lows of day. And just like earlier, sometimes I have to ask questions and sometimes she gives me that information freely.

Parents of teens need to figure out the best way to get kids to open up. For me, it was in the car that helped her feel safe to talk. Every kid is different. Girls and boys prefer different ways. I can't remember where I read the story, but one dad wrote that he and his son would go to a diner for breakfast every Saturday. They would sit at the counter and not really face each other, very little eye contact and the son would open up as they ate their breakfast. That dad figured it out. And that's what we need to do.

I'm gong to miss that ride home, but the dinner table or preparing dinner together works just fine, too.

Again

2014-05-30T16:01:00.000-05:00

After a year and a half, I'm pondering the thought of returning to blogging.

Why? Well, I'm not really sure.

See, parenting a teenager is some of the hardest work I've ever done and some of the most rewarding. I'm finding that so few former mommy-bloggers talk about it. Not that I ever lumped myself in as a mommy-blogger. It's so fun to blog about the cuddly baby years, the insanity of the toddler years, the school days, the fun parenting times when they are young. But when it gets tough with the teen years, everyone seems to run. No one wants to talk about teens.

I actually love teens. I prefer talking to most of them. I wish more were around my house. But those that I get to talk to, I like.

I absolutely love watching E grow into the person God has made her to be. I love seeing that she's a homebody, she's not interested in popularity in school and that she has so many little interests that are so different from me.

I also, hate seeing her hurt and sad. And mopey. And lonely. But aren't all teens like that at some point or another?

I'm afraid to tell too much of her life or friends..... if you know what I mean. I don't want to broadcast everything out there.

And I don't want to portray our lives as perfect. Because no one's life is perfect despite how it seems on their blog, instagram or pinterest world.

We have so many fun things coming up in her last two years of high school..... remember those fun years? I sure do. There are so many big decisions to make. And I feel the need to document that part of her life.

But since I've used this platform to actually remember things, I'm considering giving it a go.

After all, I think as moms we want to remember it all in the chaos.

And can I keep my quest of a simple life during this part of my life?

Hi

2012-10-29T15:40:00.001-05:00

Well, I thought about giving up blogging all together, but I guess I can't seem to do it as this blog has become a diary of my family life, my thoughts, my goals.

I started a new let's-get-healthy blog and I really haven't been writing there either, but that is what I need to do. I need to keep up with these things.

One reason I haven't blogged is because I felt weird about putting my high schooler's life out here for all to see. I mean, that last thing I would have wanted was for my mom to be putting my life out on the internet. So, I asked E about what she thought and she didn't mind. So, while she still doesn't mind I will. But the moment she asks me not to, I'm done.

So, let's see what's been going on here......

... we celebrated my parents 50th wedding anniversary. It was a lovely dinner and we were so happy to all be together since that doesn't happen too often. My parents were so happy, too.... which made me happy. Happy, happy, happy.

I put together a slideshow for the night..... the pictures of all of us when we were younger are a riot. I love them.... and may have to share them one day on here. Stay tuned.

... E started high school. We've already finished the first quarter and I'm happy to report she's transitioned pretty well. Her grades are good and she's made a lot of new friends. But it all hasn't been great. I had warned her this summer that friends would change..... and boy did some of them change. For a solid week, she would get in the car after school and cry because some kids would act like they didn't even know her... you know the ones who think they are just too cool to hang out with you anymore. Well, that's when she took the time to really try to make new friends. And now, she's so happy, she doesn't give the other girls a second thought.

Watching your child so upset and distraught is terrible. It reminded me that high school doesn't change, those same kids are there and I wouldn't want to re-live high school. It also, made me ponder the question.... which is harder? Going through it yourself or watching your daughter go through it? I think we all know the answer.

.... E turned 15. She had a party and it rained....... a lot.

Oh, and she got her learner's permit. Oh, boy.

E ran for Student Council Representative. She didn't make it, but she wants to run again for her Sophomore year. It makes me proud that she doesn't just give up. And I love that she likes to be involved at school.

I bought a juicer and all three of us enjoy juicing. It's slowly becoming a part of our lives. I don't even look for recipes anymore. I just use what we have on hand and for the most part, my concoctions have been yummy.

E had soccer tryouts last week for the high school team and made it. Conditioning starts next week..... right when club soccer is ending. Oh, I wish we could have a short break....

I've been going to yoga and trying to run and trying to lose weight. It's all going pretty well. You can read all about that part of my life here.

So, that's what's been up over here.

And I guess I'm back blogging....... for the time being.

Twenty Years

2012-07-18T00:30:00.000-05:00

Twenty years ago today, I got married.

Twenty years.

That's a long time.

And feels just like yesterday at the same time.

I figured I'd celebrate by listing the TWENTY things I've learned about marriage.

1. Marriage is hard.

2. You have to wake up every single day and decide to stay married.... obviously many people do not do this.

3. As our Priest, Father Muller, says, "Marriage isn't a 50/50 deal, you have to be willing to give 100% and expect nothing in return." Ain't that the truth!

4. Marriage will humble you.

5. You should definitely marry someone you like to be with, someone who makes you laugh, someone you can talk to..... because passion isn't everything.

6. It definitely takes more energy to be mad at your spouse than to love them.... and it will exhaust you. Sometimes it's just easier to say, "I'm sorry" first.

7. Once you have kids, you should still put your spouse before your kids... not ALL the time, but MOST of the time. God, Husband, Kids... in that order.

8. We've all heard it, but it's worth repeating- A wedding lasts one day, a marriage lasts a lifetime. Make sure you want the marriage and not just the wedding.

9. Marriage isn't for selfish people.

10. Outside hobbies are not a bad thing, you just need to balance it within your marriage.

11. Not all marriages are the same. Don't compare yours to another.

12. You have to tell each other "I love you" every single day.

13. The passion you have when you are first married will fade.... you don't think it will, but it will.

14. Marriage is a fun ride most of the time.

15. Be the giver.

16. Don't assume your spouse can read your mind..... they can't.

17. Marriage will change you.... for the better.

18. Communication is key in a marriage.

19. Marriage is a puzzle and you have to keep figuring out a way to solve it.

20. Having a long marriage is the most awesome thing you will ever do.

I'll leave you with this last question.... which is bigger my sleeves or my mom's hair?

Sunrise at the Beach

2012-06-26T13:34:00.001-05:00

Last week, we were at the beach.

The weather was beautiful.... even on the chilly side.

I actually had to purchase a long sleeved t-shirt to wear in the mornings and evenings.

Steve and I set the alarm just about every morning to watch sunrise.

Yes, we were sitting on the beach by 6:30 to greet the day.

With coffee in hand, of course.

One morning it was particularly gorgeous.

(not one bit of editing to these photos)

Other than the guy walking the beach in the pictures, we were just about the only people experiencing the beginning of a new day.

So many people miss the magnificent display that God creates for us each and every day.

Sure, I love to watch sunset, too.

Sunset is my favorite time of day to sit and sip on a beer.... ahhhh.

But nothing compares to the sunrise.

The start of a new day.

A new day of opportunities to find all kinds of special treasures that God gives us.

It amazes me how quickly the sun rises.

But once it's up, it seems like it stands still, just floating in the sky.

Another one of God's miracles, I guess.

And it could be that I have such a great spot to watch sunrise as compared to sunset on our island that I prefer sunrise at the beach.

But to be honest, I like every moment on the beach..... sitting, relaxing, pondering life.

Which do you prefer, sunrise or sunset?

Salad Week

2012-06-19T00:30:00.000-05:00

Forget Shark Week..... we had Salad Week at our house.

I tried to make a different salad every night... but a couple lasted 2 nights.

What screams summer more than salad?

OK, maybe ice cream..... or popsicles..... or something with peaches or blueberries.

But, I digress.

We liked all of these salads..... I'll be making them again.

Definitely.

Greek Pasta Salad

Perfect Summer Panzanella

Thai Crunch Chicken Salad

And this last one is one of my favorites! I stole the recipe from my friend, Leah.

Chopped Romaine

Sliced Green Onions

Strawberries

Mandarin Oranges

Sliced Almonds

Tarragon Vinegar Dressing

1/4 cup canola oil

2 Tbsp. tarragon vinegar

2 Tbsp. sugar

1/2 tsp hot sauce

1/2 tsp salt

It's so delicious with grilled chicken in the summer!

Enjoy!

22 Years Ago

2012-06-17T00:30:00.000-05:00

It was June 17, 1990.

Father's Day.

Just like today.

These two went out on their first date.

And have lived pretty happily ever after since.

Just A Few Things

2012-06-12T20:40:00.003-05:00

*** I've consistently been running or practicing yoga daily this summer. I know that's not huge to you, but it is to me. I've always been one of those runners who quits when it gets too hot out. Total slacker right her, for sure. Every summer, I would take time off. I would still set my alarm nice and early before it got too hot, but would still think it was too hot and I'd always just quit and wait for it to get cooler in the fall. Today, I laced up my shoes and went for a run.... I actually loved the heat. I'm sorry, but I'm finding that awesome. And making it to a 90 minute yoga class 3/4/5 times a week isn't easy, either.

*** Because I tweeted about my sweaty, hot, humid run, my twitter/blogging friend, Jen, told me I was a b@d@ss. I've never been called b@d@ss before..... I kinda like it.

*** This summer, I've introduced Elizabeth to a few movies that she can't go through life without watching..... Ferris Bueller's Day off and Sixteen Candles started it off. At first, she was quite apprehensive about them.... she actually said that they didn't look interesting. (I know, it was like she stabbed me in the heart with that one.) I told her to watch 10 minutes, if she wasn't crazy about the movie, she could leave. She stayed. She laughed. She fell in love with Jake Ryan, too. *swoon* We had some bonding time. Sunday night, after a couple of years of me begging, she finally decided it was time to watch Star Wars. Yes, it made me happy. I got to enjoy one of my first crushes......

..... yes, that would be Han Solo, not Chewbacca. Since watching this movie in the theater back in 1978, I've always loved Harrison Ford. *sigh* I still love him today. Oh, and Elizabeth enjoyed the Star Wars movies, too.

*** I'm working on eating my weight in cherries this summer.....

..... as I try every summer. I might achieve that goal this year. They have been sooooo yummy.

*** In my last post, I mentioned a friend texted that she saw Elizabeth at the hospital. She was excited to actually make the blog, but was a little disappointed that I didn't mention her name. Well Andrea, how about I show a picture of your text, too......

..... anything to make one of Elizabeth's favorite teachers happy! :-)

*** Friday night, Steve and I were at the bookstore. I picked up this book and started reading.....

.... I debated whether to purchase it or not. I figured I'd think about it. By the time I got home I was wishing I had taken the plunge. So I logged on and it's now on my Nook. I'm enjoying it. A lot of it is common sense, but it's written in "my" language...... which means it makes sense and is an easy read. For once, things are clicking in my head.

What other movies do you think we should watch this summer?
Have you ever been called a b@d@ss before?
Have you read The Skinny Rules?

Milestones Never Get Easy

2012-06-11T14:50:00.000-05:00

Watching your children grow up never gets easy.

You get excited when they're babies and roll over, cut teeth, take first steps, sleep through the night.

Then, as they get a little older, you look back and become sad that those things are over.

Even when they are teens you feel the same things.

Last night, I set the alarm for 6:15am. Yes, for a Monday morning during summer.

I dragged myself out of bed and climbed the stairs to wake Elizabeth up.... it was her first day to volunteer at Children's Hospital of Alabama.

It's been a long process of applying for the position, getting recommendations from teachers, writing an essay, being interviewed and finally getting word that she made the cut.

It was much like getting a job.... only she doesn't get paid in money, she's getting paid in experience.

And if she really wants to be a doctor, she's gong to find out what it's really like.

We left the house at 7:30am and I dropped her off at the front door at 7:45am.

I felt the same way I felt on her first day of kindergarten.

Was she going to be ok? Will her supervisor like her? Will she do a good job? Will she like her lunch? What if she needs me? Will she get along with everyone?

After my yoga class, I had a text from a friend who just happened to be at the hospital and saw Elizabeth.... she said she seemed happy, smiling, official.

It doesn't get any easier... this parenting thing.

You still worry.... and they need you less.

It's hard. It's trying. It makes you cry all the time.... well, maybe that's just me.

But, boy, do they make you pound, too.

And excited for what's to come in the future.

I'm not sure it's appropriate to tell her she looks adorable in scrubs or not.

What do you think?

Takin' It To The Streets

2012-06-07T07:59:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was National Running Day.

I love that it's just a few days after National Donut Day.

Coincidence? Well, that's not for me to decide, now is it? But, I'm thinking there is a connection, for sure!

And maybe next should be National Drink a Beer Day since it's so nice to have a beer after a run.

But, now I'm just talking nonsense.... well, more than usual.

So, back to my day.

I decided to dust off these....

..... and boy were they dusty...... and go for a run.

You like how my socks match my shoes? Totally didn't plan that. At. All.

I took it slow and concentrated on my form.

After several weeks off, it felt so good to be back out there.

It seriously, felt like I hadn't taken a running break.

Hmmm, I'm thinking there really is something to all this yoga I've been doing.

My knee was pain-free and didn't get tight at all..... yea!

Sometimes it's so hard to decide which running hat to wear.....

..... I'm not a huge fan of running hats, but sometimes you just gotta block the sun from your eyes. I opted to run sans running hat and ended up regretting it. The sun was blinding at certain points.

Apparently, I love black running clothes......

.... especially when it's hot out.

I know black is slimming and all and I really need all the help I can get, but man alive, I need some lighter running clothes because I was hot when I returned back home.

I ran a nice 2.5 miles.

It felt so good to be back on the road.

I guess I'm a runner..... again.

My Beach Read

2012-06-05T20:45:00.000-05:00

I love Mary Kay Andrews.

Remember when she stopped by our school and I met her.....

...... you can read about that here.

And last week she tweeted me....

...... gosh, I love her!

Sadly, I won't be able to make any of her book tour stops.... darn it.

Well, her new book came out today and I stopped by the bookstore to purchase my beach read.....

.... now, I just have to wait for my beach trip to read it.

And I'm not good at waiting.

Yep!

2012-06-04T07:07:00.001-05:00

I about died when I saw this on Pintrest because it's so true.

To be honest, I feel so great before I leave the house for class.... all cute and slim..... then I get to class and feel frumpy and gross compared to some of the "seasoned" veterans.

But then I remember why I'm doing yoga. I can already notice all kinds of changes in my body and I am loving it. It's not coming easy, but it's working.

I just need to be patient and remember you get out of it what you put in.

P.S. Thanks Hubs for making it possible for me to practice yoga.... it's not cheap and a huge time commitment and I love it.

An Ode to Summer

2012-05-31T20:46:00.000-05:00

June 1st is tomorrow.... or today... depending on when you're reading.

I love that I flipped my calendar and......

.... it's so.... so empty. That makes me giddy! A month with very little to do. Ahhhhhhh. Are you the same way? Does an empty calendar make you that happy? I love it!

Something else I love about all of this extra time is cooking. Well, I cook very simple meals during the summer, but I love that I have the time to eat healthy.

Tonight, we had one of my favorites...... salad and homemade bread. Oh yum!

First, I made one of my favorite salad dressings. It's from a restaurant in town and I love their Friday Special Salad, but I make the dressing and use it for just about any salad. You're so lucky because I'm going to share it with you.

Taziki's Balsamic Vinaigrette

3 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
1 tablespoon shallot, minced
1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
Juice from one lemon
1 teaspoon sugar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 1/2 cups blended olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Mix thyme, shallots, balsamic vinegar, lemon, sugar, Dijon mustard. Slowly whisk in oil. Add salt and pepper.

I tossed the greens with some grape tomatoes and a sliced up cucumber from my garden, red onion and feta cheese. Then drizzled a tiny bit more dressing and sprinkled some chopped basil from my garden, too.

I paired the salad with this bread recipe and it was delicious. I love drinking a little wine while baking bread......

..... well, the bread maker does most of the work, but I still love sipping on my wine with the aroma of fresh baked bread wafting in the air.

See what a lovely meal it was.....

Another thing I love is clipping some fresh herbs and just having them in the kitchen....

.... and using them in my recipes. It smells so fresh and I love that...... just snip a few things I'm going to need that night and keep them on hand.

Ahhhhh, I love summer.

Last post, I mentioned I had found a few healthy eating sites that I really like and a few commenters asked if I'd share them, so here ya go.....

Iowa Girl Eats

Oh She Glows

Eating Well

Skinny Taste

Whole Living

100 Days of Real Food

Do you have some healthy eating sites I need to know about?

Things I'm Loving/Hating Right Now

2012-05-30T18:30:00.001-05:00

Loving that..........

it's summer.
beer tastes better in the summer...... as does wine and several other drinks.
I went to the pool today.
when I put on last years bathing suit, it felt loose.
I've planned all these awesome summer meals.
there's a new popsicle place in town.
I don't feel the need to be at the pool with Elizabeth anymore.
soon, I'll be at the beach.
while at the beach, I may have the opportunity to meet a blog friend who will be on the same island the exact same week.
I have all the time in the world for yoga now..... I'm loving morning classes.
I don't feel the need to flat iron my hair..... I'm apologizing in advance if you see me.
I've found some awesome healthy eating blogs.
my vegetable garden is flourishing.
the farmer's market at the end of my street starts this Saturday.
I found most of Elizabeth's school books online for cheap.... yep, we have to purchase our books like in college.
when Elizabeth's biology and world history books arrived, she sat and flipped through them and read them like she can't wait for school to start.

Hating that.........

Hubs dislocated his shoulder last week.
I may have to learn to mow the lawn thanks to the above injury.
my old skin doesn't tan very well anymore.
there's a new popsicle place in town.
I don't feel the need to be at the pool with Elizabeth anymore.
although my bathing suit seemed looser, my boobs seemed saggier.
I haven't snapped a single picture this week.
I haven't had a decent yoga class in a couple weeks... I keep getting really dizzy.
Elizabeth moaned when she found out her summer reading is "To Kill A Mockingbird" by Harper Lee AND "Gift and Mystery" by Pope John Paul II.
it's already so hot.... what in the world will August be like?
I haven't been running in a while.... I may remedy that tomorrow.

Summer Front Door Decor

2012-05-28T13:07:00.002-05:00

Earlier this holiday weekend, I made my way up to the attic and pulled out my front door decor for summer.......

.... and I thought I'd tell you how I made it. You can go here to find out.

Happy Memorial Day...... or Happy Unofficial Beginning of Summer.... or as we like to call it here in Alabama, Happy First Weekend of Summer Break! Yep, schools out for summer!

What I've Been Up To.... Or Why The Blogging Break

2012-05-26T11:17:00.001-05:00

After my last post, I decided to take a little blogging break.

I only meant to take a couple of weeks..... which turned into six weeks.

First off, I'd like to thank everyone who emailed and facebooked me wondering if I've given up blogging all together and didn't say anything. It's very nice to be missed and that people actually read this little blog.

Second, what I've been up to........

Well, I started the break as a way to try to manage my time a little better. Sure, blogging really doesn't take up that much of my time, but reading blogs.... well, that sure does. I knew I had a lot of big things coming up and I knew I needed to take care of me a little better.

Steve and I figured out a way for me to keep doing Bikram yoga and keep the house going. Once soccer and track were over, it was easier for me to make the 4:30 class and come home and make dinner. Now, that summer is here, I have so much more flexibility for class times. I'm excited about that.

Back at the beginning of May, Elizabeth got confirmed.

Elizabeth with her confirmation sponsor and Bishop Baker.

It was such a special night spent with classmates, friends and family.

Later that week, Elizabeth and her classmates had their last field day at school. It was bittersweet for sure. The weather was wonderful (usually it's soooo hot) and the kids wanted lots and lots of photos taken.

It's funny how girls never tire of taking pictures.

Elizabeth spent this year on the Yearbook Staff. When the books were delivered, the kids were so happy with their work. As an 8th grade parent, Steve and I purchased an ad and I came up with this....

Dr. Seuss has the best quotes, don't you think?

Then we had exams to get through and other end of the year things like the Farewell Mass for the 8th graders which I usually cry like a baby during and only shed a few tears during this year. Yeah, Elizabeth wasn't happy that I didn't boo-hoo during hers. I know, it was really weird.

And then came the last day for her to wear her uniform to school. For some reason, that day was a little more difficult for me. I just wanted to remember her like this.....

First day of Kindergarten

... not this.....

Last day of 8th grade

I've been melancholy over her leaving me and moving on to high school. I'm so excited for what is to come for Elizabeth, but it's going to be so weird not having her right at school with me each day.

And then the day finally came last Wednesday..... Graduation.

Yearbook Staff

At the beginning of the school year, I volunteered to be in charge of putting the slideshow together for the graduation reception. That one little project took up a lot of the month of May for me. I was getting photos from parents and putting them in order and put the whole thing to music. Almost 600 photos and one short video clip over 9 years put to 6 songs = 16 minutes of movie magic thanks to iPhoto and iMovie. The kids and parents ended up loving it and all of my hard work was worth it. I even burned a copy for each kid to take home from the graduation party the next night.

And with that her years at OLS are over...... and summer break has begun.... and the next chapter begins!

Numbers

2012-04-09T21:46:00.000-05:00

Give me a minute..... let me have my little pity party in this post.

If you click to the next blog, I won't blame you.... I probably would, too.

For the past 3+ months I've been working so hard on being healthier.

I've cut out a ton of sugar (gave it up for lent AND have been doing my friend's 10 day challenge each month where we eliminate all sugar for 10 days a month).

I've been exercising.... running and training for a half marathon at the beginning of the year, been going to Bikram Yoga a lot for the past 3 weeks and sweating my rear end off.

I thought I was doing well...... all of my pants have been loose especially in my rear end.... including my jeans that have been too tight.

I've been feeling really good... I have so much energy, I've been sleeping great lately and I just feel better.

The past week at yoga, where I look at myself in the mirror a lot, I've been noticing that I look better, firmer, smaller maybe?

I got the tape measure out a few days ago and slipped it around my waist. It was an inch and a half smaller than when I started yoga. I was so excited. I know that is a huge accomplishment.

Now, I haven't been on a scale since summer.... if I have a number to focus on it drives me crazy, I become obsessed with the number.

Well, today I went to the doctor for my yearly check up. I stepped on the scale and saw the number. It was a number I didn't like. It's the same number I saw the last time I stepped on a scale.

Now I feel like I'm focused on the number.

And I hate it.

I hate that a stupid number has become an obsession for me.

So, tomorrow I start my friend's April 10 Day Challenge..... I log my food, eat a green veggie each day, eliminate sugar and exercise for 30 minutes each day.

I'm going to change my attitude in these 10 days.

And hopefully I'll be over the stupid number.

If you're still here, thanks for listening.

Good Friday

2012-04-06T13:00:00.001-05:00

I loved watching this video this morning...... to help me remember.......

Tonight, Steve, Elizabeth and I will gather around the television to watch "The Passion of the Christ." My prayer is that we never, ever become immuned to the images we watch during this movie. It's powerful, meaningful and hopeful.

I pray that you all have a blessed Easter!

A Confession

2012-03-28T16:47:00.001-05:00

In my last post I accidentally lied.

I forgot I knocked a couple of other things off my "to do" list for Spring Break.

I got my garden planted and my herbs.

Getting the garden ready for the plants is back breaking work, I tell ya. Steve and I dug up the dirt and mixed it with all kinds of good things. I can't wait for little veggies to start growing.

Can summer hurry up and get here already?

Also, I wanted to become friends with my yoga mat again.

I've kinda neglected it lately..... along with my running shoes.

So, I let my friend, Nif, talk me into joining her for Bikram Yoga.

I'm trying to pretend this picture is cool...... I know, it's really not. I just thought to grab the shot as I was leaving last night.

Anyhoo, I gave it a try. Ninety minutes of specific yoga poses in a 105 degree room..... sounds miserable, but it's really not.

I currently daydream of spending time on my mat sweating my rear end right off.

And it feels soooo good when you're done.

Sure, I can't do half the poses, but who cares? I'm trying and I love it.

Today is my most favorite day..... I started with 7:30am mass, then work, I'll go to the 6:30pm yoga class and end the day with my holy hour at church at 10pm. I wish every day could be like that.... ahhhhhh.

Oh, and today was a teachers jeans day at school.... I slipped my jeans on and I could tell there was a difference in them..... from one week, 5 classes. And two people said I was looking good. Totally made my day.

So, now that I've confessed, do you forgive me?

Spring Break 2012

2012-03-25T14:22:00.000-05:00

Last week was Spring Break around here.

I had lots of plans..... lots of them..... and only did one thing on my list.

This......

I like how they turned out, don't you? After two years of deciding what to do as far as paint or stain, I took the plunge. I have to say I love them.

But, the reason I didn't get anything else done was because I got side tracked.

By this......

Yep, I jumped on the bandwagon and will never get off.... and yes, I know I'm a little late in the game. Elizabeth gave me 2 days to read the book on her Nook.

Of course, not even an hour into the book.... when I'm hooked.... this happens.....

..... of course! But no worries..... I finished the book in time to make E happy.

When I finished the first, I knew I needed to finish reading the story..... I had to find out how it ends.

I love the heroine, Katniss..... she's strong, just does what needs to be done to protect the ones she loves, she's forward thinking without being toooooo forward, and a good love triangle always helps when I'm reading..... yep, I'm a sucker.

I love all the characters really........ yep, even the evil President Snow..... he was spot on. And Peeta? Sigh..... unconditional love, I tell ya..... it's what we all want, right?

For those wondering, Steve has never sent me white roses..... just thought you should know that little tidbit.

I cried a few times while reading the trilogy..... which always makes for a good story.... to emotionally attach yourself to the story...... those are the best books.

Since it was Spring Break, I even got talked into taking some teens to the midnight premiere....

What a great adaptation from the book! I'm always so picky when it comes to movies from books I love. Most of the time I hate the movie..... but not this one. The director got it so right, I tell ya. Only left out what needed to be for time constraints and stuck to the story.... and kept us wanting more.

Sadly, we have to wait until November 2013 for that. Elizabeth will be a sophomore in high school.... that seems like the longest time.

I learned I'm too old for things like going to midnight movies. I was so tired all day on Friday and all I did was lay around the house and read..... "Catching Fire"........ and then "Mockingjay."

And now that I've gotten to this point.....

..... what do I do now?

Birthday Thoughts

2012-03-14T10:46:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was my 44th birthday.

I don't mind telling the world how old I am....... my age has never bothered me unlike some..... or maybe that's the world telling us we shouldn't get older. What do you think?

Yesterday I was told "Happy 29th Birthday" several times. Why do we do that? I think back to how young and stupid I still was at that "perfect" age. I actually liked 39 better..... and even 40. It never bothered me turning 40.

I think you are as young as you feel and I feel pretty darn young. I can still run long distances, my joints don't creak or hurt, it's not difficult getting out of bed in the mornings and I've lived another year.

I have a few lines on my face, but mainly they are from smiling..... which means I've lived a happy life. Nothing on my face is sagging... yet.

I like that I get wiser each year. Sure, I make tons of mistakes on a daily basis, but I feel like I'm figuring out life a little more each day. And it feels good.

I'm more confident as a wife, mom, friend.

I don't sweat the small stuff anymore.

Lately, I've been so busy with working, driving Elizabeth here and there and my house is a mess but, I'm not worrying about that anymore.

I haven't cooked dinner in the longest, but my family is fed each night.

We're together. We're happy. There will be time to get myself and the house back in order next week when it's spring break. There's a time for everything.

I don't worry about what others think. If you don't like me, move on...... the ones that matter love me despite my failings.

I hope Elizabeth sees this new wiser, confident mom...... and I pray she's the same way, just earlier in her life.

I have the best friends.... I had so many calls, texts and facebook/twitter messages... they truly made me feel special on a day where I had to work, vote, pick up 8th graders from a confirmation retreat early to get them to a track meet.... and then sit at the track meet until 7:30 at night.

Aren't birthdays the best?

10 on 10 :: March 2012 :: Instagram Style

2012-03-11T10:38:00.003-05:00

8am.... one of my favorite coffee mugs

9am.... reading during soccer warm ups.... anyone else like young adult/teen fiction?

10am.... taking soccer game pics with the big boy/girl camera.

2pm.... first of many birthday celebrations..... this one a few days early with my in-laws.

3pm..... lemon cake for my birthday lunch.... yum!

5pm.... Mass..... we always go Saturday night and this week it was more crowded. I guess to gear up for the time change?

6pm...... I love this store.... but why can't I get out under $100? And I only went for razor blades, sport bras and a gift for E.... odd.

7pm.... I lost my sunglasses a couple of weeks ago..... I broke down and bought a new pair..... in brown... in case I find the black ones.......
"Tony, Tony, come on down, somethings lost and can't be found."

9pm..... Family movie night..... have you watched this? It's so darn funny..... and the soundtrack is covers of 80's music.... yeah, it'a awesome.

Did you notice? I only got 9 photos...... total slacker here.... must be a slight case of Spring Fever.

Happy

2012-03-06T10:20:00.000-06:00

I found this on Pinterest.

So, what makes me happy?

Right now it's.....

My family.

Reading.

Running.

Yoga.

Sleep.

Spring break nearing.

My birthday.

Sunshine.

Flip flops and shorts.

What makes you happy right now?

February in Pictures

2012-02-29T21:14:00.001-06:00

Here's my February Photo A Day courtesy of Fat Mum Slim.....

1. Outside my front door. 2. My fave, live it every day. 3. Checking the 10 day forecast. 4. Stranger things have happened that leaving a school fundraiser with 4 bottles of wine. 5. Waiting on my running partners. 6. Leftover dinner for lunch tomorrow. 7. The buttons I press every day. 8. Few things are better than a sun drawn by a kindergartener. 9. With my rosebud wreath made from Pinterest. 10. After a long day at work. 11. Books. 12.My exercise “closet” 13. Just painted it blue. 14. From school. 15. Phone. 16. New bling. 17. Time my alarm was set for the morning to get E to the airport. 18. Drinks with dinner. 19. I hate it when the teen needs to approve my wallpaper. 20. Handwritten note from E. 21. At Toomer’s Corner in Auburn, AL. 22. Pass by her so many times a day where I work. 23. It was in the 70's on February 23rd.... sandals are the shoes of choice. 24. Inside my bathroom cabinet. 25. My favorite green bowl. 26. I burn this every single night. 27. Since I gave up sugar for Lent, this is what I ate in my dreams. 28. Time to empty the money bowl. 29. What I'm listening to.

I really liked doing this challenge. There were few days I missed and had to make up the next day.... or few days. But, I'm done and I'll be participating in March.