[I am officially hooked on these daily memes!]
Appetizer
How do you usually celebrate on New Year's Eve?
Well, ever since we had Oldest in 2004, we've become old fogies and have been staying in and watching the ball drop on tv (if we can make it 'till midnight). I try to make us a nice dinner and/or cocktails though so that we can still feel like we're celebrating! Last year my mom and sis were in town and we stayed up playing poker. That was fun! I went to bed at 12:01 am though...hey, give me a break - I was 6 months preggars.
Soup
Name one thing unexpected that happened to you in 2006.
I finished a 10k marathon!
[Here we are at the finish-- doublestroller and all!] 
Salad
Please excuse this fleeting moment of shallowness, but...my house is driving me nuts!! Seriously, there's just too much stuff everywhere. I think we may have outgrown our cozy and cute home.
We don't have enough closet/pantry/bathroom/familyroom/space. Maybe it's because we just came back from my SILs spacious-vaulted ceilings-eat-in-kitchen-just-under-half-an-acre-yard-house but it feels like the walls here are closing in on me. There! I got it off of my chest. Don't get me wrong. I know that we are blessed and I am very grateful for all that we have. But it would be nice to be able to open my refrigerator without having the can of cream of wheat fall on my head because the top of the fridge is jam-packed with dry goods. And yes, this has happened more than once.
I suppose I could start by trying to de-clutter the place. But I suspect that moving to an entirely different dwelling would be tons easier. Don't you agree?? Ok, ok, fine.
I did find this great site today called Mommy Track'd that has some useful tips for getting organized. Sounds like this project needs to be on my Things to Accomplish for 2007.
Alrighty, I'm off to (my cluttered) bed. I won't even torture you with a pic of my room. I do have a heart you know.
1. I need to stop nitpicking when my husband tries to be helpful!
2. I need to stop saying I'm going to do my Windsor Pilates videos and just do them!
3. I need to finish (ie. start) my scrapbooks.
4. I need to spend more time with my oldest child!
5. I need to do more things that I enjoy doing.
6. I need more girl time.
7. I need to learn to let it go.
8. I need to remember that my oldest is 5 and not 10.
9. I need to finally hang those curtains I bought for Oldest's room two years ago.
10. I need to go and buy those curtains for Middle's room that I picked out 2 months ago.
11. I need to find curtains for the rest of the house.
12. I need a new wardrobe. (okay, that's not a need but a desire)
13. I need to plan things much earlier.
Links to other Thursday Thirteens!
1. MommasWorld
2. GuusjeM
3. (leave your link in comments, I’ll add you here!)
Off I go to get ready us ready for tonight's trip. [ok, ok so I'm really going to the hair salon] I'm not sure what the Internet situation will be at my SILs but I will try my best to post at least once while we're away. Happy Holidays to eveyone!
PS
Don't worry - I will still update my TT post with any new Thirteeners who leave me comments!
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Earlier this month I posted a comment about the in-laws and Christmas and I expressed how bothered I was feeling by the fact that they wanted us to go up there (AGAIN) and spend Christmas with them. I really wanted to stay at home so "my" family (i.e. DH &DD) could spend it together and so DD could enjoy waking up in her own bed and coming down to open all her presents. Anyway, I said nothing and have done nothing about the situation and simply had faith that it would all work itself out.
So yesterday, DH said "I think we should spend Christmas here and leave for the in-laws later on Christmas Day so DD could wake up in her bed and we could have Christmas breakfast together." I was stunned. It took everything in me not to say "that's exactly what I was thinking and wanting." I was so thrilled that he felt this way and even more excited that he's finally getting that we're "his family" now and that he needs to put us first. Nothing against the relatives, but for many, many years they have seemed to forget that he's got his own family (even before DD arrived) and that they need to respect the sanctity of our relationship. And for an equal amount of time, I've been trying to get DH to understand the same. He treats his family as our family and it's just not the same.
Anyway...all this to say that with faith things work out the way you want it. Maybe not in your time, but in His time. So, keep the faith (and sometimes it may be best to keep the mouth shut too because had I suggested this and finally shared my thoughts/feelings, I would have been villified).
Here is a cool gift idea one of my girlfriends told me about. It's a Recipe Journal from W & S. The description reads, in part, " this personalized binder will become an indispensable resource and a treasured keepsake. The binder, bound in durable faux leather, makes a thoughtful gift for a bride, aspiring chef or favorite family cook." What about for a domestic diva like myself?? My friend told me she purchased one for her mother and aunt. Funny thing is, I want it. Friend is single, no children so has no need or desire to really cook. But it made me realize how different the lives of my single, no chi
ldren friends are compared to mine. I think this is really cool. As I mentioned in a previous post, I have taken to writing out my recipes. This is something I could pass on to Daugther when she's old enough to learn to cook. I note that I said old enough to cook, not married. My mom started training me when I was about 12. And I am thankful for that.
An acquaintance of ours died today. She was driving her son to school and had a head-on collision with another mother who had her 2 sons in the car. Both moms dies instantly. Fortunately, all of the children are in stable condition. This news hits close to home -- DH went to high school with the mother who was a teacher, and she went to college with J. Jones and I. She leaves behind a loving family, including her 5-year-old son, husband and twin sister. Let's keep them all in our prayers. Another reminder that life is sacred and not to take today for granted.
You can see the story here.
About friends.
I like the saying that friends come into your life for a reason, a season, or a lifetime. As I get older, I am realizing who my lifetime friends are. Time passes, we each become busy with our own lives and those friends that we were closest with 5 or 10 years ago, we may hear from once in a blue moon. That doesn't make them a bad friend necessarily, but perhaps their "season" is over. On the flip side, friends that we have made only recently now may be our closest friends. Ever since grade school, I always have been the type of person that thinks "everyone" is my friend. I also always try to see the good in everyone and so it never occurs to me to assume that someone is purposely not calling me back or not sending me an email or that they are harboring feelings of jealousy towards me (for whatever reason) or what have you. Girls are strange in that we are sensitive, yet cruel and extremely indirect with our feelings (our husbands would concur, I'm sure). For example, if DH hasn't heard from a friend of his in a long while, here is how the conversation would go:
Guy#1: Yo
Guy#2: Yo, whatup
Guy#1: Man, where you been at? How come you ain't never holla at me?
Guy#2: My bad man. I've been hemmed up with [work, the wife, whatever]
Guy#1: So what man. We're all busy. You can't diss your boys like that. That's green.
Guy#2: You right man. My fault.
Guy#1: Cool. So whatup?
And just like that the issue is resolved.
More importantly, guys never "pretend" to be friends or to maintain friendships with guys that they don't really consider to be their friends. They just aren't that complex/crafty/sensitive. But, for what it's worth, they undergo much less drama and pain. So here is your homework for this weekend: think about who you really consider to be your close friends. Write their names down. Think about when the last you called them was. Email is fine for some things, but nothing beats you picking up the phone and calling. Think about the last time they called you. Have you returned their call? Have you returned their email? If not, be honest with yourself about why. Are they always initiating contact? Why? What friendly deed have you done for them lately? Did you send them a funny trinket in the mail that made you think of them when you saw it? Did you send them an e-card when you knew they were going through a rough time? Did you invite them to go to church with you? Did you invite her over to watch a chick flick? It can be anything to let them know that you are thinking about them and that you cherish your friendship. It's the gesture that counts.
So, demand more from your friends. If she can't even return your call from one week ago, then obviously, to her, your friendship is not a priority. Don't let her off the hook with a "oh, that's just Karen. She never returns calls." Alternatively, realize that those that you thought were your friends, are not. This is hard and may be hurtful. Are you always "giving" and never "receiving"? Why? Think about telling that "friend" how you feel. Finally, check yourself. Be a true friend to those that you care about. Friends are special and life is too short to do otherwise...
This has been a public service annoucement. *wink*
This morning, as I opened the fridge and saw the thawed chicken breasts that have been sitting on the bottom shelf since 11/26, I realized that I have not cooked a real meal for my family in almost an entire week! Friday, we went out to eat, Saturday we had people over and I made food [does that count?], Sunday we had pizza, Monday we had leftovers from Saturday, Tuesday we had pizza (I know, shameful), and Wednesday I threw frozen hamburger patties on the George Foreman. What has happened to me!? Not to mention, DD usually takes dinner leftovers with her to daycare for lunch, but since there have not been any dinner leftovers, she has had the nutritious menu of Kraft mac n' cheese, PB&J, Chef Boyardee Pasta and leftover fajitas. Bless her heart. Lately, I have just been tired when I get home and not in the mood to cook. Luckily DH hasn't complained.
Am I going to hell? I promise to cook tonight. And to throw away the week-old thawed chicken.
What I need is to do our Dream Dinners at home again. That was great. What do you say J.Ny? Are you up for it again?
The story of what happened to the Kim family is really on my heart. I just wanted to echo J. Jones sentiment of a few weeks ago that we all need to count our blessings and thank God for today because tomorrow is not promised. Imagine -- one day you are celebrating Thanksgiving and on your way to a vacation resort and the next you, your wife, and your 2 babies are stranded in an snow storm for 2 entire weeks. I read that the mom ended up nursing both her 7-month-old and 4-year-old when they ran out of food. I guess the blessing in all of this is that 3 of them survived. Please keep the Kim family in your prayers. And give your babies extra kisses tonight!
Click here for the full story. James Kim was the Senior Editor at CNET.com which I use almost daily at work. So sad.
Am I right? Perhaps this is an important law to me because GummiBear is already 9 months old and I am nowhere close to my pre-baby(#2) weight. Whatever the case, how is a new mom (and YES, I still consider myself a new mom) supposed to get her figure back any sooner? Let us review the impeding factors, shall we:
1) NO SLEEP
Really, do you need to see any more factors? I shouldn't think so, but if you are from the School of Hard Knocks and believe that moms should have the endurance of a US Special Forces Soldier, then here are some more...
2) Breastfeeding
Time consuming, exhausting, difficult, and makes you hungry. Granted, not all moms breastfeed, but even if they don't, the child still needs to be fed. All day. All night. Which takes us back to point #1.
3) NO SLEEP
See point #1.
4) No time/energy to cook
See above for reasons why. This means you are eating whatever you can get your hands on, no matter what time of day. If you are in the slim minority of women whose husbands cook the meals (first - keep it to yourself, you wretch) consider yourself fortunate. Otherwise, if you are like the rest of us and make the meals, then a new baby means no healthful meal planning or preparation and therefore, for the most part, unhealthy food choices.
5) NO SLEEP
Are we seeing a pattern?
6) No time/energy to exercise
Not to mention, if you were like me and your pelvis didn't fall back into place until at least month-4-post-partum, the mere thought of getting on an elliptical machine caused you emotional trauma. You ever hear the medical advice that a woman should wait at least 9 months after giving birth before trying to conceive again because her body needs to recover? Well, hello! Your body is still recovering! I joined a lunchtime toning class at work and, the following happened:
instructor: "lie in your backs"
me (to myself): ok, no prob
instructor: "now lift both legs off of the ground until they are at a 90 degree angle with your torso"
me (to myself): ok, no prob
me (to myself): wait a minute, I could have sworn that I told my brain to lift my legs. why isn't it working? Oh my god, I'm paralyzed! HELP. Oh wait, it's just because I have NO ABDOMINAL MUSCLES.
True story.
7) NO SLEEP
It's really annoying.
8) Priorities
So let's say by some miracle you do get a free minute from your mommy-duties. Do you really want to spend it doing lunges? Or do you want to: call your bestfriend-watch your baby sleep-check your email-eat something-open the mail-watch Grey's Anatomy-throw in a load of laundry-sleep-take a bubble bath-mop the floor or make love to your husband? [in that order, lol] That's what I thought.
9) NO SLEEP
What day is it?
10) You don't want to wake the baby.
Laugh if you want to, but this was/is a real concern for me. The elliptical squeaks extremely loudly and would most certainly wake a sleeping baby (for real!) Running up and down the hardwood stairs would make noise. As would jumping around to an aerobics tape. What am I supposed to do?? Sit-ups? Yoga? Stroller Strides? Who asked you anyway.
11) NO SLEEP
You try staying awake for 90 consecutive days. I dare you.
12) You just don't feel like it.
Be real. Unless you were into fitness before, chances are you just don't have the motivation to get out in the December weather to run 1.5 miles. Despite the fact that you have the "support" of your husband to "motivate" you by saying things like: "I think those pants are too tight".
To which I would refer you to MamaLaw#1.
P.S.
Make sure to check out the Mama Blog Spotlights of the Day! I try to scope out the good ones.
Okay, I just have to say this before I go to bed - I just finished watching the season finale of The Wire and there is no question that it is the best show on television... If you haven't seen it, rent it, On Demand it, Tivo it, get over to your friend's house with cable, whatever just watch!!
Nighty night.
Read this momblog: http://mamawolf.blog-city.com/ It's about a mom whose small children were molested by their teenage neighbor last year. There's only about 4 or 5 postings but start from the oldest one and work your way up. I can't even imagine.
You know how there is an unwritten rule among wives that if you have an idea that you want implemented, you have to make your husband believe that it was his idea all along? Well, I get that, but it's so annoying that they truly believe that they came up with it! For example, DH has been vehemently opposed to enrolling DH in a nursery school program because of the costs. My point of view is that, yes, they are ridiculously expensive and should not be, however education and academic development is so important at this stage that we have to sacrifice to give her the best start possible (hey! this sounds like my breastfeeding pitch) even if it means taking some dollars out of savings (GASP!) or what have you. [Sidenote: I'm not saying that you should dip into savings willy-nilly, but aren't times like this what savings are for?] Anyway, we got into an argument about it, of course, and I said, very calmly, before bed last night: "Why don't you just give my idea a chance until you can come up with something better?" And to this he agreed. SO. This morning we went to 2 openhouses that I rsvp'd us for. The first was a Montessori school (the idea of which I wasn't necessarily crazy about) but we both loved it. I think it really opened DH's eyes to what DH would be missing out on if she didn't join a academic-geared program. When he got back in the car he was thinking of all of these ways that we could pay the tuition and how "we are already paying a good amount for where she is now..." so a little bit more for a pre-school environment wouldn't be that bad. Um, excuse me, what? I could have sworn that I had been preaching the same thing for days. But, alas, remembering the ol' Wives Code, I held my tongue and nodded my head. But let me just tell you that I was dying to say: "I told you so!!!!"
On another note: Isn't it funny how being a mom is like being a member of a universal sorority. No matter where you come from, what color you are or where you are in life, you will always share the common bond of the joys and pains of motherhood. Case-in-point: I overheard a conversation at work today about the holidays and the woman not wanting anyone to give her kids anything this year because they already have too much stuff! I could totally relate. In fact, I am only buying my kids 2 presents each for this reason. [ok, ok, so I already have 6 presents hidden in the closet] But I digress. The lesson is: when you become stressed about something, just remember that you're not alone!
I have just spent an hour and a half reading mommy blogs! No lie. Instead of SLEEPING or catching up on missed episodes of Top Chef (I'm so behind), I stumbled upon tons and tons of fantastic mommy blogs. I am way too tired to talk about them in the detail that they deserve but I am so excited at the mommy blogosphere out there. Seems that the Internet has really given moms a voice. I especially think that blogging has offered a fabulous sense of community to SAHMs who may tend to feel isolated during the days...Anyhoo, I hope that I can get my fellow justices as hype about blogging as I am. They will be "sad" to find out that we missed National Blog Posting Month aka NaBloPoMo (http://www.fussy.org/nablopomo.html) [eBlogger is tripping and I can't create my fancy hyperlinks at the moment] which challenged bloggers to post one new post per day on their blog for the ENTIRE month of November. Seems like the mommy bloggers I visited really enjoyed the whole challenge. My friends would have NEVER done it! But it would have been fun to try nonetheless.
So, of course, now it is 11pm I am p.o.'d at myself for not taking advantage of an evening "by myself" [DH is "out with the boys" and the gals are knocked out sleeping] Instead I've been surfing the Net and reading about Roombas and microwaved ankle weights (a kid-special) Not to mention that my behind NEEDS [I can't italicize either, doggone it!] to be asleep since I have a full day tomorrow in preparing for the Non-Baby Shower that I am hosting for my friend. She is extremely low-maintenance and didn't think a shower was necessary for Baby #2, but as my mom says, "the shower is for the baby, not for you!" So we are having a "Mexican Food & Milkshake Shower" since those are her constant cravings.
I'm thinking that one of the shower games should involve taking shots of Pepto.
Nor can I change the font of my post to "Georgia." I just love that font. Is that weird? Ugh! I'm soo ticked. "Arial" just drives me crazy.
Mamalaw is a group blog about three moms and wives who just happen to be lawyers too. We have seven kids between us which means that we have no shortage of funny stories, touching moments, reasons to rant and the occasional kernel of parenting wisdom. In our "spare time," we founded MamaLaw Media Group and the social media conference, Blogalicious Weekend. Read more here.
