A Chase After Wind

2013 Year in Review

2013-12-31T10:50:00.001-06:00

Despite this blog having gone almost entirely dormant (hopefully temporarily), I cannot let 2013 end without my usual Year in Review. This time with a video montage!!!

*=Answers the same as last year.

1. What did you do in 2013 that you’d never done before?
Started a business!

2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
These are last year's resolutions, and whether or not I completed them:
1) stick to a budget - nope!
2) healthy weight after baby - meh, not really!

I'm not going to make any resolutions - I just generally have it in mind for 2014 to be the year of finding my stride and my balance between work and home/family.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
ME!!! I had a baby! Also, my best friend had her second baby, and some other friends and family also had babies. Yeah babies!

4. Did anyone close to you die?
Not this year.

5. What places did you visit?
My dad in Buffalo, NY
Our friends the Bishops in Carbondale, IL

6. What would you like to have in 2014 that you lacked in 2013?
A VACATION!!!!!!!

7. What dates from 2013 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
April 16 - the date Naomi was born

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Starting a business that has so far been successful beyond what I expected.

9. What was your biggest failure?
*Lack of discipline in the areas of healthy eating, exercise and spending. (It's the same every year, when will I ever change?!!!)

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Nothing huge. Colds, tummy bugs, that sort of thing.

11. What was the best thing you bought?
I don't know, my double stroller? Didn't spend a lot of money on myself this year.

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
My husband, for working his butt off to take care of us, and for generally being a great dad and friend.

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
Most everyone in our government.

14. Where did most of your money go?
food and student loan payments

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Having my baby girl!! Jamberry Nails!!

16. What song will always remind you of 2013?
I don't know, how about "Royals" by Lorde? Because it is the only 2013 song I can think of right now. I don't really keep up with music much these days. #oldlady

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
a) happier or sadder? happier
b) thinner or fatter? thinner
c) richer or poorer? richer, but not by much!

18. What do you wish you’d done more of?
*Laughing, exercising, sleeping

19. What do you wish you’d done less of?
*Eating junk food, wasting time, worrying

20. How did you spend Christmas?
*Several parties with family and friends

21. Did you fall in love in 2013?
Besides with Naomi, Josiah, and my husband Jim? No. WAIT, YES. With the Eleventh Doctor. (see below)

22. What was your favorite TV program?
Doctor Who

23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
*Nope. I don't hate people.

24. What was the best book you read?
A Dance with Dragons - George RR Martin. I haven't read much since Naomi was born, sadly.

25. What was your greatest musical discovery?
*Can't say I made a great one this year. I listen to a lot of classical, film soundtracks and ambient music more than anything these days.

26. What did you want and get?
A home of our own. We technically don't HAVE it yet, but it is under contract and YES, WE ARE MOVING!!!!!!!! In January! AHHHHHH!!!!! Also, I got those tweed TOMS that I said I wanted last year. Wore them today, in fact. But that's a little less of a big deal.

27. What did you want and not get?
A new (to me) car. Also a million dollars. Kidding! (not kidding.)

28. What was your favorite film of this year?
Did I even go to the movies this year?? I watch way more TV shows than movies, so I can't even think of an answer for this.

29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
Slept in!!! Spent the day with my immediate family, ate good food, opened early Christmas gifts, watched It's a Wonderful Life. Turned 32.

30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Being a little bit more organized and put-together. I am way too stressed and scattered and have made way too many "oops, I forgot" mistakes. Also, I wish I could have kept up with this blog in the midst of everything else.

31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2013?
Frumpy-chic? I finally embraced the skinny jean, for better or worse. Cardigans are still my signature piece.

32. What kept you sane?
Enya, Diet Coke, getting out of the house

33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
*I don't really dwell on such things, honestly.

34. What political issue stirred you the most?
ACA, aka ObamaCare

35. Who did you miss?
My friend Abby, and everyone in my little circle of the blogging world.

36. Who was the best new person you met?
My friend and Jamberry sponsor, Adriane.

37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2013.
Do things right away if you can, or else write them down. You WILL forget. But if you can't do it right away, it can wait until tomorrow. Most emergencies are not really emergencies. Life will carry on.

38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
rent a tent, build a stage, throw a party, get a gown
buy a ticket, rent a car, pack a bag and leave town,
cook a dinner, clean the kitchen, hit the light,
brush your teeth, read a book, say a prayer good-night

everyone everywhere some way some how
are setting up the pins for knocking em down
it can feel simple but it's really profound...

"Setting up the Pins" by Sara Groves

Please link in the comments if you do a 2013 YIR as well. I'd love to read it!!! xoxo

(See Previous Years: 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009 & 2008)

Amy's 2013 Small Business Gift Guide

2013-11-26T23:50:00.000-06:00

For a long while now, I have made it a priority to patronize small businesses, especially those that are the projects of my friends and family, whenever I can. Since starting my own Jamberry business (the reason why this blog has gone dormant lately), I have become even more passionate about the importance of supporting small business owners of all kinds with our spending money.

To that end, I decided to put together a Small Business Holiday Gift Guide, in the hopes that it will bring customers and small proprietors together! How about staying home this Black Friday? How about shopping from folks like these people instead of from Amazon? There is some really great stuff here. So please - browse and BUY!!!

Bellah + Jude

Flipping adorable customizable tutus and headbands for ladies of any age, newborn to adult! Sewn with love by the beautiful Laura. You can email her at bellah.and.jude@gmail.com.
(That's my sweet Naomi there in the middle!)

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bhuey designs

Elegant and affordable hand-crafted jewelry inspired by media and literature. Choices include Downton Abbey earrings, Jane Austen hair pins, and Doctor Who necklaces!! Designed and created by my beautiful friend, Brigid.

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Chelcie Grant

Gorgeous hand-knitted creations, carefully and skillfully created by the adorable Chelcie (who is loved by my kiddos!!)

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Designer Jules

Personalized and custom items that can be given as gifts at baby showers, wedding showers, as Christmas gifts, or just for fun. Made by the delightful Julia.

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Gwen's Friends

Off-beat, and sometimes edgy, original artwork created by my buddy Dave. Perfect for children's rooms, or any room where you need a pop of color and bit of bizarre. All proceeds go to Barrel of Monkeys, a non-profit educational theatre company based in Chicago.

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Hold it Right There Bags

Where sensible and stunning meet. Meticulously handcrafted bags [and more!!]. Original designs. Bespoke spoken here. Made by my lovely friend Suzanna.

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Homespun Fun Gifts & Homespun Fun Parties

Customized and handmade signs of all sorts: welcome, monogrammed, holiday and more!! Designed and created by the cute and fun Rachel, who also runs Homespun Fun Parties, an all-inclusive party planning company for young girls. Check out that website as well - what a unique gift idea, buy a party for the young lady in your life!!!

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Amy Butz (that's me!!)
Jamberry Nails Independent Lead Consultant

Are you tired of painting your nails, only to have them chip within a day or two? Jamberry Nails are the solution! Salon quality nail wraps that you can apply yourself, will last up to two weeks on your fingernails and six weeks on your toenails. No smearing, no chipping, no chemicals, no dry time!! Unlike anything you can buy in the store or at the salon. We also carry a line of 5-Free Nail Lacquers, as well as hand and cuticle care products. Signature style at your fingertips.

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The Little Poppy Shop

Sweet skirts for littles. Sewn by the lovely Annie.

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Magpie and Me

Embellished, appliquéd, and personalized children's clothing; hand-crafted by sweet Elizabeth.

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Julia Bergman, Sales Consultant for Norwex

State of the art products designed to improve quality of life by radically reducing the use of chemicals in personal care and cleaning.

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Erin Buschhorn, Independent Designer with Origami Owl

More than just jewelry, with their Living Lockets™ and Tagged™ charms, Origami Owl brings you personalized jewelry that tells your story.

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Nichole Schlatter, Independent Consultant for Thirty-One

Thirty-One creates products that provide solutions to women on the go. Women deserve something to make them feel special, so check out what Thirty-One has to offer for the women in your life (or yourself!). Browse the catalog here and email Nichole at nicschlatt@hotmail.com with your orders!!!

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Urban Egg

Meticulously and gorgeously handcrafted barrettes, forest friends, wallets, and more. Designed and created by the always elegant Abby.

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Marci Robertson, Independent Consultant for Usborne Books

From Marci's website: "Usborne and Kane Miller books are the most exciting, engaging, and educational books on the market today. They are high quality, innovative, lavishly-illustrated and best of all they are the books kids love to read. Choose from almost 2000 bright colorful and fun titles covering a wide variety of subjects."

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In addition to these awesome small businesses that I have listed, please consider visiting independently owned brick-and-mortar shops in your city, hosting a party for an independent consultant that you know, checking out the Etsy shops and websites of other hand-crafters and artists, and also consider shopping with socially-conscious companies like Land of a Thousand Hills coffee company.

Support small business owners this Christmas and make a real difference in an individual's life!!!

Potty Training Bootcamp!!

2013-10-08T14:32:00.002-05:00

Hey friends! Posting really quick while I have a few minutes because I need your wisdom!!

It is about time (past time?) to potty train Josiah, but I want to do it when I have several days in a row where I don't need to leave the house. That isn't going to happen until towards the end of the month - but I would like to get mentally and physically prepared in the meantime.

So - questions I already have:

1. For little boys, do you start training them to pee sitting, and move to standing later? Or since he is 3, should I just start training him standing up from the beginning?

2. What do you do at night? Stick with diapers? Training pants? Or do you try to go whole hog and train at night too?

3. I have a small potty that I can put anywhere (like, say, in front of the TV!), and I also have one of those seats to put on the big potty. Any strong opinions about which is a better idea??

All other tips, suggestions, recommendations, and warnings are more than welcome. Also, prayers and chocolate and wine. Ha.

xoxo

Breast Cancer Awareness Jamberry Nails

2013-10-02T09:14:00.002-05:00

Hello friends! Just popping up for a moment to let you know that I am selling Breast Cancer Awareness Jamberry Nails for the month of October.

I've designed a sheet of wraps that will allow you to mix and match ribbons, solids, and patterns. Each sheet will get you 2-3 applications.

Each sheet is $20, so long as I get at least 5 orders. If you are interested, leave a comment and be sure to use your email address when commenting.

I hope to be back to regularly blogging soon, but I am barely keeping my head above water these days. This too shall pass, right? xoxo

Seven Quickest Takes

2013-09-20T14:50:00.001-05:00

Linking up with the incomparable Jennifer Fulwiler.

1. Tonight is my official Jamberry Launch Party!!! So I have been a'crazy and a'panicked with shopping and party planning. I really needed a party planning committee to help me with this, because while I love hosting parties, it totally stressed me out and I go WAY overboard. WAY. My mind was so racy with lists and reminders to myself and visualizations of how the party would flawlessly proceed, that I got about 2 hours of sleep last night. That bodes well for my mental stability this evening. Or not.

Mah speshul party nails!!

2. DESPITE ALL THE THINGS, and due to apparently good planning and organization on my part, I have everything in place and ready to go, with both kiddos napping and over an hour before my husband gets home. How can this be?? So of course, I will not sleep, I will not clean. I will blog!

3. Josiah has turned three, and I have not blogged about it yet. Oops. Soon, I promise!!

4. Naomi has turned five months, and I have not blogged about that yet either. Nor did I blog about her four months. Triple oops! Have I mentioned being busy lately?

5. But I did get some portraits taken ~~by an expensive and highly artistic photographer~~ at Target, and my goodness, are my kids cute or what?

6. This conversation happened earlier:

Josiah: "Mom, it's time to clean up the crayons."
Me: ... (looking at Facebook)
Josiah: "Mom! It's time to clean up!"
Me: ...
Josiah: "Mom. Mo-om. MOM!"
Me: ...
Josiah: "MOM! It's time to clean up! BE OBEDIENT!!!"

I died laughing. He is now using my own words against me. Rightfully so in this situation, I might add.

7. I feel like I had about a million other things I have been saving up to tell you, but at this moment I can think of none of them. Say Lah Vee. I guess I had better go do something productive. Have a happy weekend!!! xoxo

First Steps Toward Homeschooling

2013-09-09T16:05:00.002-05:00

I'm getting out of blogging practice. Can I even do this anymore? Well, writing dorky, incoherent blog posts never stopped me in the past, so daggummit, I won't let it stop me now.

(That is the first time I have ever used the dubious word "daggummit.")

(And hopefully the last.)

SO, I can't remember if I ever announced this on the blog or not, but we've decided to homeschool Josiah for the time being. "For the time being" meaning we will just keep on homeschooling until there is some reason we need to do otherwise.

Seeing that Josiah is not even three years old yet (not for five more days, OH GOSH MY BABY IS TURNING THREE IN FIVE DAYS NONONONOOOOO!) we aren't really doing a whole lot of actual schooling. I am pretty much just doing what we have been doing all along: letting him play and be a little kid! Thankfully, he is super interested in letters, numbers, colors, shapes, reading, and creative play all on his own - so he does not require a lot of coaxing or directing!

In addition to all his own self-directed play, however, I do give him enrichment activities. We are doing Kumon workbooks that lay the foundation for writing and coloring. I have amassed a few fine motor activities for him to do, like lacing cards and play-doh. We go outside with soccer balls or to a playground nearly everyday for gross motor activities. And I am using LeapFrog and other educational videos to teach some concepts. (Yes I am using TV! Judge away, but my 2 year-old is already learning phonics and math, so I am not sorry one bit.)

Oh - and we are doing a homeschool co-op!

One day a week, we meet at a church with about 20 other families to do school together. The co-op includes a pre-school as well as elementary-aged kids up to age 7. I help teach the preschool, and if you are curious what a homeschool co-op is all about...well, ours is pretty much like a normal preschool. It starts with circle time, where we introduce the letter and theme of the day. We sing songs and read a story. Then we move to the craft table to do a craft related to the theme of the day. After craft time, the kids are given some free-play time to use blocks, play kitchen, etc. After about half an hour of free-play, we give the kids a snack. During snack time, the kids listen to the classical piece, Peter and the Wolf. Then, if weather allows, we go outside for gross motor play. If the weather isn't good, we give the kids the option of free-play or doing a fine-motor activity.

Pretty much your typical pre-school stuff.

I am super thankful that we are able to begin Josiah's education this way. Even if we don't homeschool in the long-term (and there are lots of reasons why we might not), I can just tell that what we are doing for him right now is working. And that's all that really matters.

Five Favorites

2013-09-04T00:04:00.000-05:00

I really want to get back into the swing of blogging, but I need to ease back into it. Easy posts for a while, until I figure out a new normal, yeah?

So how about my five favorite funny images on Pinterest? Done.

Linking up with Moxie Wife.

1.

I hope these pictures make you LOL as much as they make me LOL. Happy Wednesday! xoxo

A New (Ad)Venture

2013-09-03T06:00:00.000-05:00

It's time to tell you at least part of what has been keeping me so busy lately. I've started a business!!

Long story a tiny bit less long: a friend of mine is a Jamberry Nails Independent Consultant. Her nails were always so fuh-lipping cute, I finally said something to her about it. In response, she pulled out a catalogue and said (paraphrasing), "well as a matter of fact, I sell them."

Jamberry Nails are a non-toxic, vegan, gluten-free, cruelty-free decorative wrap that you apply yourself using a heat source like a hair dryer. They last for up to 2 weeks on your finger nails and up to 6 weeks on your toenails. They come in 300+ colors and designs.

After looking through the catalogue, I knew I had to give them a try.

You see, I lurve having my nails painted. But I despise having chipped and smudged nails - something which always always always happened within a day or two of painting my nails. I also hate hate hate the smell of nail polish and polish remover. I just feel my brain cells dying as I inhale those awful chemicals.

Jamberry nail wraps solves both problems, while making my nails look even better than polish ever could. I was totally hooked.

And so, even though I never ever EVER thought I would involve myself in a direct sales business (think Avon, Pampered Chef, or Thirty-One if I lost you there), for the first time I had found a product that I actually believed in and liked enough to be comfortable selling to other people. And so I figured, if I am going to gush about these silly nails all the time anyway, I might as well benefit from it myself. Why not go for it?

To forestall what you might be thinking...NO, this blog is not going to turn into one big advertisement for my Jamberry business. This is going to remain my personal, non-monetized blog, where I talk about...whatever. Like I have always done. But part of that whatever is going to sometimes be Jamberry, just because it is now part of my life. I hope that is ok. Ok? Ok.

If you are interested in knowing more about Jamberry Nails - you can hit up my website, RazzamatazzNails.com, or feel free to click on the "Contact" link above and send me an email. I'd be more than happy to send you a free sample!! Jamberry is a home-party based business, but even if you don't live in the same city as me (St. Louis), you could still host an online or Facebook party with me and earn free Jamberries.

So anyhoo, that's the biggest news round these parts. That and Josiah started preschool last week! But that's another post for another (hopefully soon) day. xoxo

Oops, I Did It Again. (Alternate Title: When Will I Learn to Say No?)

2013-08-19T08:19:00.004-05:00

You'd think I'd have learned my lesson by now (HA!) but I have once again found myself juggling too many things. So many things! A great many things!!!

Such that, some other things have to give. And I think, for at least a week or so, that blogging in one of them.

So, it's not goodbye, but see you later, and all that jazz.

xoxo

Should We Talk About the Weather?

2013-08-16T14:44:00.002-05:00

You guys, the weather here in St. Louis has been bananas. 73, sunny, and breezy in August? Did I fall asleep in STL and wake up in Seattle?

So I can't even type right now. I have to go be outside some more. I leave you with this video of Naomi's peacock feathers wafting in the cool breeze. Ciao.

xoxo

Thankfuls

2013-08-13T16:01:00.001-05:00

That article I linked to the other day, about easy ways to increase your happiness, backs up my experience that taking the time to come up with reasons to be thankful makes all the difference. And science doesn't lie. So...this week I am thankful for:

Our new family tradition of going for a hike in a state park after church on Sundays. Josiah can walk an impressive distance and Naomi always snoozes in the Moby. Delightful.

Comfortable clothes and shoes. I grow more and more uninterested in looking fashionable and increasingly interested in feeling like I am wearing pajamas most of the time, without looking it.

Naptime. Blessed naptime.

Sunshine on leaves, and the peep of blue sky between branches.

The iphone camera, without which I would have virtually zero pictures of my kids. Whereas instead, I have bazillions.

The scent of baby milk breath and freshly laundered clothes.

What are YOU thankful for today?? xoxo

7 Quick Takes

2013-08-09T14:43:00.000-05:00

Looky-loo, it's Friday. That means a linkup with Jennifer is in order.

1. Josiah fell down the stairs yesterday. All the way, top to bottom, @ss over teacups. One minute I could see his head peering through the bannister at the top of the stairs leading to the basement, the next minute I saw it pitch forward, followed by a series of thumps and cries of distress. It was heart-stoppingly awful. I set Naomi down unceremoniously in the middle of the floor and tore down the stairs, where Josiah was already picking himself up. I did that parent thing, where I felt all over his body for broken bones. Then I alternated between clutching him tightly and scolding him for not being careful. All the while, shaking like a leaf. Obviously, he was ok. But I did spend the rest of the day watching for signs of concussion, and reliving that horrible sound in my mind again and again.

Parenting will be the death of me, will it not?

2. So, house-hunting is super fun. And an emotional roller coaster. It doesn't help that Jim and I are both easily pleased individuals, and so we fall in love with half the houses we look at. We've been out three times to look at houses and condos, and I can tell this is very likely going to be tricky. We are in this sweet spot of needing a house that is big enough for a growing family, close-ish to Jim's work (which is in an upper-middle class area), with a good school district, that doesn't require much updating (since we aren't handy), all on a really low budget. And by sweet spot, I mean impossible to find spot. Obviously we are going to have to compromise, because everything is either just out of our price range, or else too small, or else in a bad neighborhood, or else a fixer-upper. We are thinking about homeschooling, but want to live in a good school district just in case homeschooling doesn't work out. But buying a house in a good school district will pretty much rule out homeschooling, since I will have to get a job in order to afford the house in the good school district! Anyway, I am glad we aren't in a hurry (apart from the strong desire to move!) because it might take a very long time for the right thing to come along.

3. Dear me, only two takes done and I am already grasping for material. Um, um, um.

4. So, even though I know I shouldn't compare my parenting to what other moms do, and that I have to do things in a way that works for me and my kids, blah blah blah - I am feeling woefully behind in the potty-training and pacifier-weaning departments. Josiah turns three next month, and I have begun neither endeavor with any earnestness. And to be honest, I don't plan to because we are taking a road trip to visit my dad in Buffalo at the end of September, and I would rather have the diapers and binkies to help make the trip easier. Is that so wrong? Someone tell me that having a three year old still in diapers who sleeps with a binky isn't a recipe for long term damage through infantilizing. Please.

5. According to this article, the outdoor temperature at which personal happiness is maximized is 57°F. (I went ahead did the conversion from Celcius for all of us Americans.) I personally feel very vindicated in my dislike of all temperatures over 70°F. My husband calls me crazy when I complain that it's too hot. Now I can tell him that my happiness is being measurably and objectively compromised with every increasing degree. Because science.

6. Oh yes, I have been meaning to mention this again - last time I asked my loveliest readers (that means you)(unless you are a guy, in which case you are my awesomest reader) to "like" A Chase After Wind on Facebook, I didn't realize that I hadn't actually published the FB page yet. So maybe some of you tried to click over and got stymied. Don't you love the word stymie? Anyway, the FB page is now up and running and legit, if you feel like showing your love and support or at least general tolerance for this here blerg. I'd be ever so grateful.

7. Finishing up these QTs the cheater's way - with Insta pics. So sue me.

Happy weekend! xoxo

Five Favorites (at Aldi)

2013-08-07T23:17:00.003-05:00

I went groshree (spelt phonetically - is that how you say it, or do you say grow-ser-ee?) shopping this evening at Aldi's, so that is what I have on the brain. And I wanted to do a Five Favorites post so I could link up with Moxie Wife. Drawing an otherwise blank, I thought I would share my five favorite items to purchase at Aldi, because we do boring here. Maybe in the future I will do my five favorites from Trader Joe's, or Costco, or Whole Foods? Maybe make a series of five favorites grocery store posts out of it. Contain your excitement, please.

So here you go, my Five Favorites from Aldi:

1. Carlini Extra Virgin Olive Oil | Somewhere or other, maybe on NPR, I learned about what to look for in olive oil, and I have clung to that information like it was a direct revelation from the big man upstairs. I tend to do that with trivial information. If I read it somewhere, it must be true and I must therefore conform my life accordingly. Anyway, in this probably authoritative story that I heard, it said that your olive oil should be a) extra virgin, b) cold pressed, c) stored in a dark glass container (not clear), d) from only one country of origin, not a combination of countries, and e) preferably organic. Well, this olive oil gets 4 out of 5 (it's not organic) and that is pretty darn good, while also being super cheap-o.

2. Clancy's Vegetable Chips | These chips are virtually indistinguishable from the more expensive version I used to buy at Costco, and they are better than the ones at Trader Joe's. There aren't any ingredients that are too terribly objectionable. And they are a staple in Josiah's lunch menu.

3. Nuts | I haven't made a complete survey of all possible sources, but from what I have seen, Aldi has the best prices on nuts anywhere. And the nuts taste just as good to me. I buy almonds, cashews, and pistachios for snacking, and chopped pecans and walnuts for baking. Saves me a bundle since I started buying them at Aldi.

4. Clementines | Josiah could eat a dozen of these a day if I would let him. Sometimes the produce at Aldi can be sketch, but if you can find them on a good day, they are about half the price of what you'd pay anywhere else.

5. Frozen Salmon fillets | I am not a huge lover of salmon, but I know it is super-d-duper healthy. Once again, the main selling point here is that this is the cheapest salmon I have seen. Also it is wild caught and, when made with this recipe, this salmon is actually something I look forward to having for dinner. Which we do about once a week, since I started getting it at Aldi.

Honorable mentions could go to chocolate, cheese, all natural peanut butter, fruit snacks, razors, toilet paper, spaghetti sauce, whole wheat bread, etc. I'm glad I got over my Aldi snobbery because there is a lot to love in that homely little shop.

So, do you shop at Aldi? Any recommendations??

Loving my Rounder, Softer Self

2013-08-06T11:59:00.000-05:00

That whole thing about losing baby weight quickly though breastfeeding?

Yeah, that's not working out for me so well this time around.

I don't physically feel grossly huge, but the fact that I am wearing either maternity jeans, yoga pants, or flowing dresses on the daily, helps to mask the fact that my waistline is not back to where it once was. Not even close. And after seeing a couple of pictures of myself taken in the last week, I realized that I can't deny that I have some pounds to shed.

But rather than berate myself as a grotesque and pathetic blob - my usual internal dialogue - today I feel like being gentle with my rounder, softer self. I feel as though I ought to be thankful for my body, for what it can do, for what it is.

This body carried and nourished two babies for nine months, and a third for a short while.

This body currently provides the sole source of nutrition for my daughter.

This body is a source of warmth and comfort and softness and safety for both of my littles.

This body is a source of affection and strength and support for my husband.

This body cooks and cleans (sometimes) and plays and dances everyday.

This body can still hike a 3 mile trail, with a 12+ pound baby in the front and a small backpack in the back, up and down steep inclines, at a decent pace, without discomfort. (Not overly impressive, but something!)

....so no, I am not back to my former, svelter self. Maybe I never will be. But what I am now is pretty great, even if this body would never turn heads or show up on magazine pages. I know I am loved by the people who count, just as I am, and by the God who made me as I am. This doesn't let me off the hook from taking good and better care of this body I've been given. But it does let me off the hook from hating this good and useful, round and soft, healthy body that I have.

Gender Studies

2013-08-05T14:32:00.002-05:00

Josiah: Mama, you can sit on this rock with me, you're a big boy.

Me: No, I'm a big girl. I'm a lady.

Josiah: Mama's a big girl, and Mamaw's a big girl, and baby Naomi's a big girl..."

Me: Naomi's a little girl.

Josiah: ...and Dada and Si-si are both boys.

Me: Yes. And what is Grandpa?

Josiah: He's a tough guy!

7 Quick Takes

2013-08-02T17:31:00.001-05:00

Linking up with Jen because I just can't help myself.

1. Last week, I succeeded in posting 7 times in 7 days (I cheated by posting twice in one day so I could skip Sunday). This week, I've posted nothing until now. My middle name is Consistency.

2. Being busy is nothing new, but as I mentioned the other day, I have some new opportunities that are about to make me a little more busy. One is I have been offered a temporary part-time gig helping to organize the office and files of a former colleague at the non-profit I used to work for. The other is an interesting sales venture, which I have not entirely committed to yet, but if I do go through with it, I will let y'all know.

3. The other, other big deal is that we were pre-approved for a mortgage loan, and so we have begun house hunting for realsies. I am excited, terrified, elated, discouraged, inspired, and resigned to the worst - all at the same time. Our budget is small, and looking at what we can afford is a bit sobering. But it has been forcing me to reflect on some things, like the sense of entitlement found in so much of the culture that I live in. Houses that we might turn our noses up at as too small or too outdated would be a miracle of luxury to other people. I keep telling myself to shut up the voices of my culture, to disregard the pressure of keeping up with my peers, and to exchange pride and vanity for humility and simplicity. Our home won't be impressive, but the important thing is that it will be OUR HOME.

4. SO, as I also said the other day, all of these new things going on IRL might mean that my blogging becomes sparse again. That's nothing new around here, though - I always tend to come and go as life allows or doesn't allow me to write. Not sure why I feel the need to warn you about it.

5. I finally finished A Dance with Dragons. Seriously, I was reading that book for like 5 years. Ok, maybe just a couple of months, but it felt like eons. All I have to say is that a certain someone better not be dead, or so help me George R.R. Martin.....I will......not like it SO HARD.

6. Now I am reading The Casual Vacancy. I was a little surprised that the library had it when I picked it up. Then I opened the cover and realized that it is the large print edition. Won't be needing any bifocals for this read! Anyway, I am only about 20 pages into it, but I fear I am going to be disappointed. What I am afraid I am going to realize is that Rowling is a decent writer, but that the detail of the wonderful, magical world she created is what took her writing from pretty good to fantastic. Maybe I will be wrong. We'll see.

7. Ok, that's all I've time for. I hope your weekend will be as chill as this:

Peace out. xoxo

Priorities

2013-07-27T18:42:00.001-05:00

My husband and I had a conversation about priorities the other day. More specifically, about how I am prioritizing my time and the balance between meeting obligations on the one hand and leisure activities on the other.

It was the kind of conversation that could have easily ended with me throwing things back in his face in a defensive, tearful huff.

But, though it prickled for him to bring the topic up, I listened to what he had to say. And it was brave and honest and ultimately loving for him to want to talk it out. Besides, it isn't like anything he was saying wasn't something that hadn't already occurred to me.

Anyway, it turned out to be a more timely conversation than either of us probably realized. Apart from getting back into the swing of life after having a baby (it's been over three months, the time for excuses is pretty much at an end), there are a couple of new job opportunities that have presented themselves to me. Opportunities which interest me, but which would take up more of my already limited free time.

I know that I can't decide whether or not to pursue these opportunities based just on financial factors. If it was just about the money, then I would say yes immediately to both! But I do realize that I should only go where I am called, and so I ought to pray and at least be open to guidance about it. But even if a clear direction is not given (it rarely is), I also have to ask myself - is this how I want to spend my time? Is the financial gain in the long run worth the time sacrifice now? Often it is, but sometimes it isn't.

Taking on these extra jobs will mean less of doing other things. Two of first things on the chopping block would probably be two of my favorite things: reading and blogging.

Why those two? Well, because they are just about the only two things I do in my spare time these days. They occupy the only non-essential time I have left.

This is all probably very boring to anyone else besides me, and I am not really looking for answers. More just think-typing out loud. I needed to post today for the 7 in 7, and this was what was on my mind.

How do you prioritize your time? Do you sacrifice your immediate wants (your "me" time) in order that you might reach bigger, but less immediate, goals in life?

Pity Party

2013-07-26T12:12:00.002-05:00

I haven't time for my usual 7 Quick Takes today.....mayyyyybe later tonight if I am up for it.

This evening I am hosting a party with my mom. The pitiful thing is, out of nearly 40 invitees, only 2, maybe 3 or 4 (doubtful) are coming. Which has me a bit gloomy. Now, I did only give slightly less than two weeks notice. And it is summer time, when folks are extra-booked. But I can't help take it a wee bit hard. Perhaps it's a sign I need to invest in my friendships a bit more? I probably shouldn't take it that personally. Still. Cue the pity party.

Despite it all, I am running around like a headless chicken. Because I love hospitality and, by goodness, those 2 ladies are going to drink margaritas and eat spinach walnut salad, chicken wantons, guacamole, brownies & strawberries off the fancy china, with vacuumed carpets under their feet. I even cleaned the toilets. *wink*

Brave face, fun times, etc.

Hope you have a smashing Friday, whatever you are up to. Normally, on Fridays I sign off for the weekend, but since I am doing the 7 in 7, I will be back tomorrow. Ta.

Real Quick

2013-07-25T07:40:00.001-05:00

Throwing this post together quickly while Josiah is strapped in to his chair for breakfast, because I am not sure I will have time to post anything later. And, if you recall, I am participating in Jen's 7 posts in 7 days challenge.

In the kitchen, where all pictures turn out yellowed.

So, I am taking Josiah to the doctor later this morning because he is blinking a lot.

I'll let the dumbness of that wash over you.

But hey, our healthy insurance deductible is met for the year. And we figured that as responsible parents we should find out if something is actually wrong with his eyes, or if this is just another ~~of his weirdo quirks~~ thing he does.

If I have time, I will be back later with something....betterish.

(In the time it took me to wrote those couple of sentences, a naked Naomi peed all over the changing pad I had her laying on, as well as some of the surrounding carpet.)

Who, me?

(You'd think I was a rookie at this Parenting thing.)

I lost my two year old son at the mall yesterday.

2013-07-24T10:07:00.002-05:00

(Just to spoil the ending: I eventually found him.)

I am allergic to temperatures above 85 degrees. 75 if it's humid. So, since it was a scorcher, I took the kids to the mall yesterday to let Josiah run off some energy in the play area.

Josiah is...well, he's a creeper. He's that kid on the playground who follows other kids around a little too closely, trying to hug them while smiling enthusiastically. Which, whatever - he's an extrovert and he's too young to understand things like personal space and social cues. Nevertheless, I try to reign in his creeper tendencies, partially because I can tell sometimes it bothers the parents, and also because I just want those other kids to be able to enjoy themselves without some other kid smothering them.

On this particular outing, Josiah had identified an adorable 14 month old girl as the object of his affections. I watched him pursue her for a while without intervening because she did not seem to mind him. But then he started pushing into her space, nearly causing her to fall over. At that point, I jumped up from the bench I was sitting on and hurried over. I grabbed his arm and pulled him away, asking him to give the girl a bit of space and reminding him to be gentle.

The baby's father was standing nearby. He told me that he was ok with Josiah's behavior, that it was my call if I wanted to intervene, but that his daughter was fine.

And that's when I felt it. That's when I felt like the object of pity, the object of concern, the object of judgment.

Now maybe that's not what the man intended to communicate. He could not have been nicer. But I felt like there was something in his eyes, something in his face, that made me feel like he was concerned about the way I handled the situation. Maybe he thought I grabbed Josiah's arm too roughly, or was being too helicoptery, or I don't know? It all could have been in my head. But for a minute, I felt like the judged mom.

After that, I tried to leave Josiah and this little girl to their own devices. Until she started crying. I couldn't see what happened because they were behind a giant plastic bear, but when I got up to see what was going on, she was on the floor and Josiah was nearby, with a look of uncertainty on his face. At this point, the father picked his daughter up and put her in their stroller.

Maybe Josiah had nothing to do with it. But if he did, I'm not sure how I should have felt about it, in regards to the dad. I'm sorry? Or maybe I told you so?

Anyway, shortly after that, Josiah decided he wanted to play on the coin operated cars. (He is ignorant of the fact that putting money in the cars will make them move, and I have no plans to enlighten him of that fact EVER.) I was watching him play, when out of the blue a friend who moved to Texas over a year ago walked up.

Literally, in the maybe 45 seconds it took for me to give her a hug and ask her how she was doing, Josiah disappeared.When I turned to point him out to my friend, he wasn't there.

Thinking he must have gone back to the play area around the corner, I walked over there. Nope. So I came back to the cars, thinking maybe he was just behind one of the cars, out of sight. Nope. So back to the play area, hoping maybe I just missed him the first time. Still nope. That's when I told my friend I was starting to feel concerned. (Scared sh**less is more like it.)

And that's when that little girls' father offered to help me look for Josiah. I was both grateful and mortified. Now this dude was really going to think that I did not have my act together as a mom!

Long story short, there is a Motherhood Maternity store right near the play area, and Josiah knows there is a small cubby of toys in there. After walking the area frantically for a couple of minutes, I was on the verge of asking someone to call security when it dawned on me that it was a strong possibility that he went into the maternity store. Sure enough, that's where he was.

Pretty sure my life was shortened just a bit by that experience.

Anyway, apart from realizing that your kid can really go POOF in just a moment, the rest of the day I tingled with embarrassment at what I feared this other father must have thought of me.

I don't want to imply that he did anything wrong. He was so kind, and any judgment or pity I perceived from him could very well have been projected by my own insecurity. But the whole thing just left me feeling like I came off as more of a harried, absent-minded mom than I really am. I felt like such a doofus.

Lesson: be careful of how I judge other parents in public - they may just be having an off moment. And never turn your back on your kids. *sigh*

Five Favorites

2013-07-23T22:24:00.003-05:00

Another linkup! Can you believe it?! You can? Oh.

Participating in my first Five Favorites linkup (wherein you post five of your current favorite things, in case that wasn't obv) normally hosted by Hallie, but this week guest hosted by Grace. Just to keep us on our toesies.

1. eos lip balm | Have I mentioned my absolute devotion for this lip balm before? Maybe, but it must be declared again. I LOVE EOS LIP BALM. It's organic, has gentle ingredients, comes in the best packaging of all time, and most importantly of all it is the ONLY lip balm that does not inflame the eczema around my lips. I have tried every flava, and Summer Fruit is the best. Get some.

2. The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe | My husband is currently reading this book aloud to me (isn't that cute?), and though I have already read it umpteen times, I still adore it. He's actually reading the book for work purposes. More on that later. (Secrets, secrets.)

3. As Time Goes By | Now I am pretty sure I have mentioned this TV show before, but I bring it up because I am currently in season four, watching it all the way through for what is I think maybe the fifth time? It might be my favorite TV show ever. If you know me, this should come as no surprise. British, dry humor, unrequited love? Check, check, check. Also, I want to be Judy Dench.

4. Pacifica Indian Coconut Nectar Perfume Roll-On | I cannot wear perfume, as it generally (and by generally, I mean always and immediately) gives me a headache. But not this stuff. Coconut is probably the best smell in the world, can we agree on that? And this scent, with a hint of sugary vanilla mixed in, is simply divine.

5. Trader Joe's Organic Sweetened Condensed Milk | I've been stirring this magical liquor into iced coffee (made according to The Pioneer Woman's recipe) with some cinnamon and a splash of vanilla. My new addiction. Better than Diet Coke, right?

Thankfuls

2013-07-23T10:40:00.002-05:00

It's Tuesday, which means it is time for the counting of blessings. Today I am thankful:

For air conditioning. There are some who complain about the "staleness and dryness of artificial air." I am not one of those people. Crank that sucker up!

Also for fans and breezes, because the desire to keep bills down and not cause unnecessary consumption of earth's resources keeps our thermostat much higher than I would prefer.

For Veggie Tales. If I my kid is going to watch TV, it helps for said TV to be something that does not make me want to claw my eyes out. And I am not embarrassed to admit that I find Veggie Tales mostly entertaining.

That on our mini-vacation, our children slept through the night both nights and were mostly well-behaved the entire time. I am not above calling that a small miracle.

For our neighborhood swimming pool. Spending a hot evening lounging in cool water is the best.

For times when I can be myself, and not some projected notion of who I ought to be. And for friends and family who love you, just as you are, who make that easier to do.

What are YOU thankful for today? xoxo

7 in 7

2013-07-22T09:21:00.001-05:00

Jen at Conversion Diary, who hosts the weekly 7 Quick Takes, has issued a 7 Posts in 7 Days Challenge linkup. And you know I can't resist a linkup. Or a challenge. Unless the challenge involves a lot of sweating. Then I can probably resist it.

This comes at an interesting time for me because I am in one of my rare internet-averse phases.

We visited some friends for the weekend - I'll write more about the trip later - and I didn't use my phone or a computer at all the entire time. Without missing it! And when we got home, I spent about 15 minutes checking my email and Facebook updates, only out of necessity. Then I put the kids to bed and, instead of getting back online (what I typically would have done), I stretched out on the couch and promptly fell asleep. It was glorious.

Point is, I have a feeling that posting every day, this week of all weeks, will require some discipline. Which is good. I can always use a good kick in the pants.

Let me know if you are doing the 7 in 7 too. I double-dog dare you.

xoxo

Naomi: Three Months

2013-07-17T14:25:00.001-05:00

All I can say is tempus fugit.

I don't want it to sound like I haven't thought you were beautiful and cute all along, but my goodness do you just get cuter and cuter by the minute. Chubby thigh rolls, tiniest toes, and you're signature crazy hair feathers.

But the cutest of all is your smile. You are extremely generous with your smile, giving it to just about anyone who will pay any attention to you. Sometimes your smile is so big and enthusiastic, you close your eyes and flail your arms and legs, like you are trying to push out a laugh but just can't get it out yet. Love it.

You are also getting more and more talkative. Still mostly "goo" and "gah" and "ahhh" sounds. I can just see it on your face when we are interacting that you want to talk to me. And I sure can't wait to hear what your sweet voice sounds like.

You despise tummy time, just like Josiah did, and I'm a bad mom so I hardly ever make you do it. Instead, I wear you in the Moby or sit you the bumbo chair. I think your neck and back are getting very strong, but you probably need more exercise for your arms. I just can't stand to hear you get so upset. I'm just going to have to give you some tough love.

Ever since I was pregnant with you, I was wondering how I would handle two kids on different nap schedules. The first couple of months, you slept all the time, wherever. Then, all of a sudden about a week or two ago, I noticed that you were naturally falling into a nap schedule. So now, unless we are out and about, I put you down around 8:30 or 9:00am for your first nap, then around noon or 1:00pm for your second nap, then you nap again around 5:00 or 6:00pm, and then you are down for the night around 8:30 or 9:00pm. I usually, but not always, do a dream feed before I go to bed, and then you sleep until about 4am, when you fuss for another feeding, and then go back to sleep until around 7am. Ta-da! It's the best, you are such an easy girl.

We've been taking you to the pool at least a couple of times a week, and I think you like it. You don't smile a lot, but you don't cry either. One time, you even fell asleep!

The only other milestone I can think of this month is I gave you your first pedi. Because girls gotta be girls.

Thankfuls

2013-07-16T08:59:00.001-05:00

Today I am thankful:

That this sweet peep is three months old today.

For that Moby wrap, that keeps her close while I get things done. She's content to be put down in a chair or on an activity mat for much longer than Josiah ever was, but like any baby she prefers to be held.

For Pioneer Woman's iced coffee concentrate recipe and Trader Joe's Sweetened Condensed Milk - I've never been a coffee drinker, but this might get me hooked. (And probably isn't going to help the weight loss goal.)

For when both of my kids sleep through the night - like last night!!!

For new friends and new possibilities.

And for old friends too!

For knowing that I am loved by someone - several someones actually - when I realize that there are some people in this world who can't say the same thing.

For Enya, who provides the soundtrack to a lot of my days.

What are you thankful for today?

xoxo