may giveaway

This month I'm giving away an IKEA glass jar that has been etched with whatever word you would like. FYI the jar will be shipped empty.

If you are interested in being part of the drawing please comment. You can enter the drawing up to Monday at noon.

summer of amy

I pulled a George Costanza and proclaimed, this was going to be the summer of Amy. I guess it ended the same way...me in bed. Of course I know the summer is just beginning, but starting off with my back messed up and not being able to run my race or do anything comfortably is depressing. I'm trying really hard not to let it get me down, there are other races and heaven knows there are a million things I am grateful not to be inflicted with, but it's really disappointing and I'm having a hard time letting go.

Thursday at Tess' birthday party my brother in law, Randy, asked why I haven't been blogging. Good question. I actually had to think about it because to be honest I didn't know. I guess, I told him, I've had nothing to say, other than what I just said and it could be so much worse I'm ashamed to express it.

So today I'm trying to make my way back, to think and talk about something else other than my injury like



...how I was able to pull off Tess' birthday party at the park.
...how I spent yesterday afternoon filling up water balloons for activity days, but didn't get to play with them.
...how Megan spent almost the entire day at her friends house.



...how I spent Thursday with Tess at her field trip (we went to see the play Johnny Appleseed and lunch at spaghetti factory).
...how Megan's teacher teared up when she said her final goodbyes telling me how much she's going to miss her.



...how Bella's teacher brought the classroom guinea pig to our house because I wasn't able to go to the school and carry it to my car.
...how independent Bella has become.
...how I watched food network all last week while in bed and think I'll move my creative ambitions into the kitchen.



...how I finished To Kill A Mockingbird.
...how the girls had an Memorial day sale.
...how much I've been enjoying my music after I finally learned how to use itunes genius thanks to Jill.
...how enjoyable it was for me to look through old photographs while searching for oldies of Tess.



...how much the girls have played outside and the multiple injuries they've had.
...how I watched the sun go down almost every night grateful that another day would lead to more healing.
...how every day for two weeks Megan has asked me how many days until her friends party.
...how we only have 5 school days left.
...how intimidated I am about school ending.
...how incredibly sweet Adam has been to me.
...how lucky I feel.
...how grateful I am it's the weekend.

seven

This is what seven years looks like....

2002




2003


2004






2005


2006


2007


2008


2009




Happy Birthday sweet Tess!! I love you to pieces.

teacher gift

Today is Megan's last day of school which means yesterday I was scrambling for ideas for a teacher gift since I've been out of commission all week. I guess this is the perfect example as to why I should be more prepared...you never know what can come up. Anyway, because I am still down with my back (seriously I feel like I will never be the same) I had to come up with something I could easily do.



With Adam's help getting the jars (IKEA) and filler, this morning I was able to etch the glass jars for a more personal homemade touch and fill it with swedish fish. It was harder on my back then I thought, but nice it was something I could do, for the most part, sitting down.



Here is the finished product minus the ribbon and tag. It is not what I had in mind a few weeks ago, but I really like the way it came together (the ribbon and tag really added). I still have two more week if I want to do something different for Tess and Bella's teacher, but I may just do the same thing.

Not bad for last minute, eh?

down for the count

How come it is that on Saturday after a long busy week I would give anything to lay in bed and read, but this morning when I am faced with the entire day in bed on my back I want nothing more than to get up and be productive? I am beginning to believe you always want the one thing you don't have.

This morning at boot camp everything was great, meaning I didn't have pains I was ignoring or anything, not that it wasn't hard because it was. Anyway, after the stretching when I bent down to pick up my things my back gave way and I almost collapsed. I have never in my life felt that kind of pain and I wasn't sure I would be able to get up or get myself to the car. I tried walking it out thinking, I simply could not have injured my back, but indeed I am injured.



Adam, who is well versed in injuring his back, gave me his advice that I have to rest it. If I try to do too much I will only prolong the healing. So I'm taking his advice and staying off my back as much as I can. It is definitely putting a wrench in my day/week, but I guess I don't really have a choice. I really need to get better.

I thought this would give me time to catch up on some blogs, but using my laptop is hurting my back, I can't get the right position so I picked up To Kill A Mockingbird instead. I haven't read it since High School and am quite enjoying it. I keep finding my mind wandering and going through all the things I would much rather be doing. My list does have a limit, but I would almost rather be doing anything else. I guess I'm fearful because I've never had an injury like this and have no idea how long I'll be down.

I hope your Monday is going better than mine.

a bagel story

Saturdays since spring 2002 Adam and I have had the tradition of getting a bagel on Saturday mornings. It all started because we would walk together on the weekends and conveniently we passed Einsteins on our way home. Once Tess was born the tradition went from the three of us to just him and Bella. He wanted to give me the gift of a quiet morning so he started taking Bella alone so I could sleep in after a late night with the baby. Eventually when Tess was old enough the three of them would go...and so it went until it was the four of them.


[layout from the early days 2002, click here to enlarge]

To this day the tradition continues and it's something they all look forward to on the weekends. I hear a lot, especially from Megan, "Is today bagel day?"...the countdown begins on Sunday. For the most part I don't go with them, it's their thing, but occasionally I will. They told me they talk about what's on their mind, which can be anything, like when I was told Megan proclaimed each boy in her class has a crush on her, and then sometimes Adam give them riddles to keep them thinking.










[photos taken last Saturday May 9]

I love that the tradition we had years ago of walking to the bagel store on Saturday mornings has transitioned to quality time with the girls. As we were walking out to the car after documenting the morning I thought, one of these days, in about 12-14 years, they will be adults (crazy thought) and I hope they will be as excited to go get a bagel with their dad as they were today. Other than living away from home, I can't imagine what would keep them away.

P.S. yes, we really ought to buy stock in Einstein bagels.

just the 3 of us

It's just Tess, Megan, and I holding down the fort tonight while Adam is in Vegas enjoying the 100 degree weather (not) and Bella is spending the evening with her best cousin Whitney. Jill graciously invited her over because her boys are at a campout tonight.

This evening started out rough for me after falling asleep when I got home around 4pm and not waking up until 6pm. I had a hard time recovering from my apparently much needed nap, I guess my 530am mornings are catching up to me.



Lucky for me I had Megan and Tess to force me out of it. We spent the remainder of the evening outside enjoying the weather. The girls made beds for potato bugs and we eventually went on a walk/bike ride around the neighborhood.

first step to making the perfect potato bug bed

picking the bedding

second step

making beds

third step

finding bugs


fourth step

introducing them to their new beds

It was a delightful evening that ended for them at 9:45pm. I fear mine will drag on much longer with my nap so I'm hoping the late night for them will mean a late morning tomorrow...especially since my early raiser is with her cousin.

what was I thinking?

I can't walk up stairs today. You see, my neighbor talked me into doing this boot camp with her that started Monday morning at 5:30am. Two days into it and my legs aren't functioning like they should...I know, what was I thinking?! It's hard getting up and the workout has gotten harder each morning, but I'm loving (as long as the weather cooperates) being outdoors and watching the sun rise each day. That alone has made a huge impact on my morning...I'm finding I'm way more productive when I get home. Of course coming home and being with Adam for a bit doesn't hurt either. We usually never spend the mornings together so this has been a welcome change.


[outside restaurant]

It's nice Wednesdays are rest day from boot camp because I was up late with Lori seeing Keane in concert last night. It was FANTASTIC. Admittedly much better than I thought it would be. As I stood there singing along I found myself realizing how much I did in fact love Keane. I mean, I knew I loved them that's why I bought tickets, but I didn't realize I loved them. I could have kicked myself for not bringing in my camera. I am so mad. I had it with me, in the car, but left it thinking they wouldn't let me bring it in. I am still not over the fact that I don't have pictures and video of my night standing in the dark with screaming fans...what was I thinking?

12of12 reminder

[april 2009]

It's that time again. If you're playing along this year don't forget to have your camera close all day.

April was Easter Sunday which involved church, family time, cousins, new dresses, good food, egg hunts, celebrating my brother Chris' birthday...it was a beautiful spring day

exactly the way I want to remember us

bound & determined

This morning has been anticipated at our house for the last few weeks. It was the annual school Fun Run that Bella and Tess both love. Remember last year, Bella left off telling me she was going to practice more so she could do better. Well, last night she was out in the backyard doing squats and running up and down the street with Tess to prepare herself. She woke up this morning excited, but anxious for the race.


[enlarge]

When her grade lined up at the starting line she had a big smile on her face...she was ready. She had a nice start, but you forget how far a 1/4 of a mile is to a kid and quickly you could see her energy waning. About 3/4 of the way through she looked like she wanted to stop, but I could see her determination and knew she would keep going. I was very proud of her for pushing through and not giving up. Heaven knows I've been there before.



I haven't asked her yet, but I wonder what was going through her mind as she ran. I'd love to know. She finished about where she did last year, somewhere in the middle, but the difference between this year and last year was her attitude. She wasn't so concerned about getting in the top 10, in fact she said, "Did you see me finish, I did good". Yes she did. Well done Bella. Well done!

Tess has also been preparing herself for the race, but as it turns out she's been doing it for weeks. She told me the other day her and her friend run the track during the first and last recess. She is my competitive girl and really wants to do good, but I was still surprised she was practicing. She even asked me last night if she could go running with me this morning so she'd be ready. So cute.


[enlarge]

She had a great start and if you can see from the picture she was #2 for a while. I was hopeful, but pretty sure she couldn't keep up her speed because she started out going at a sprinters pace. Gradually girls inched up on her as she slowed down and I could tell it's what kept her moving.



She finished in 6th place which she was super excited about. I was so proud of her for wanting it enough to actually take the steps to prepare for it. This girl never ceases to amaze me by what she's capable of. Way to go Tess!

So there you have it...another year, another fun run, another excellent race.

carefree afternoon

Thursday is one of the few afternoons we don't have something scheduled. Ok, Monday and Fridays are free, but for some reason after a busy Tuesday and Wednesday, Thursday is a welcome free afternoon.





Today they chose water and swim suits immediately after getting home. I, in turn, followed them out with an ice-cream on a stick because if it's warm enough for suits, it's perfect for a cool treat.



At the end of our chocolate(y) snack we were greeted with a hidden message on the empty stick. I couldn't agree more. It doesn't get much better than everyone healthy, feeling happy, being together, and eating chocolate. I'm telling you this weather does wonders for the soul. What is it about the sun, the warmth, and the fresh cut grass smell that keeps your spirits high? It's the perfect remedy.

It's been one of those days.

You know one of those days when you wondered why you even bothered to get out of bed. I've been rushing, late, hurt, seen others hurt, spilled and broken things. SERENITY NOW!!

It was about half way through when I made a conscious decision to just let it roll off my back and look for the good that came from all the bad. It worked too, my day is ending much, much better than it started.

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I was rushing this morning (I hate to rush) getting everyone out the door and Megan ready for her dance performance.
Good news: I was wrong about the time. We were actually 15 minutes early.

I just realized my home phone hasn't been working for a week. People have been calling and leaving messages and I've had no idea.
Good news: the messages weren't time sensitive and I was able to get back with everyone today.

While on the phone with comcast trying to get my phones fixed I was disconnected 3 times. The last time I screamed out loud with the window opened leaving my neighbors to wonder what was going on.
Good news: I was finally able to make an appointment for tomorrow even if it did take four phone calls.

I was late taking Megan to school this afternoon because I forgot they were celebrating her unbirthday and she needed to bring treats to share. On the way out of the store an old man had fallen and was half underneath my car making us even later. I was really worried for him, he was bleeding, but luckily he was OK and not alone. We got him in his car and his sweet wife took over to bandage him up.
Good news: sometimes it's OK to be late.

I cut my finger, not once, but twice while I was making beef stew. Good news: the bone stopped the knife from going completely through.

Found out the beef stew I made for dinner had been sitting in a cold crock pot. I had forgotten to turn it on.
Good news: I found out about it, hopefully, before it was too late.

Got a $450 bill from the doctors office.
Good news: turns out it was a big mistake :)

I spilled a glass of milk all over the counter, garbage can, and floor.
Good news: my floor is now clean.

I broke our waffle iron while putting it away.
Good news: I was just thinking yesterday how I'd love to get a new one.

I didn't get lunch and had a gross granola bar for breakfast.
Good news: I had a stash of milk duds in my car to tide me over.

While picking up papers in our library I found a colored picture of a cat that read, "Dear mom, I'm sorry your allergic to cats. If you weren't allergic I would have been very happy."
Good news: she followed it up with "PS I love you to pieces and my children will too!"

you win some, you lose some...

she won a lot today.

five for friday

* I've been dragging my feet for months, but I did it. I finally opened my own etsy site. Right now I've got a few of my photo cards and tags (I'm starting small), but I'm hoping to add to it. I'm just feeling it out for now, you never know how these things will go.

* I spent a good portion of my morning in bed reading. I haven't done that in so long, but my schedule was open so I allowed myself the extra time. It was an utter delight. I'm glad I took the time because once I got up I haven't stopped.

* Tonight as a family we're going to see the Disney "Earth" movie (see, I've got my head on straight with this whole flu thing...look at me going out in public). I haven't heard anything about it, but my girls are super excited, they love animals, and I'm sure it's beautiful. Has anyone seen it yet?

* Before that though, I'm taking a bunch of 8-11 year old girls swimming. It should be a good time for them, but muggy for me since it will be an indoor pool and I don't plan on swimming myself. At least I'll have some good company to hang out with.



* I took this in the car, no I wasn't driving, but can you imagine if I were? It was one of my favorite late night family drives to date because you couldn't escape the dramatic sky. It's one of the things I love so much about the sun setting later and summer coming...the color in the sky always seem brighter.