Stories From the Archives

We're heading out of town for a couple days. I thought that while I was gone I would post a few of my very early posts. This old gem was originally posted on October 5 of 2005, just missed the three-year mark.  So here you go...

So last night we were at the mall and Scott decided he was sick of his long hair. (I personally like his hair longer.) So we went to Penny's and Scott asked how long the wait was. The lady said it would be about 5 minutes. So I headed off to Williams-Sonoma (a virtual heaven on earth as far as I am concerned!). I was standing at the checkout just getting ready to pay and Scott called. He didn't say anything, all I heard was background noise. Finally he says, "Oh my gosh, I think I just did a really bad thing! Oh my gosh!" He met up with me a few minutes later and was breathless. So I finished paying and as we were walking out he began to tell me what happened.

It went something like this...

Scott was sitting there waiting his turn for a haircut and saw a "guy" came out from the back salon. He went behind the counter and talked with the receptionist. "He" was dressed from head to toe as a women. He had a skin tight v-neck sweater and a short skirt on. His hair was fashioned in a short bob. He carried himself very femininely in spite of his five-o-clock shadow. Sooo...Scott, being the discerning person that he is, knew the moment he saw this "guy" that he would be the one to cut his hair. Without thinking he stood up and took off. As he walked away, the guy called out "Scott?" "Scott Ball?" But Scott Ball was all ready halfway out the door of Penny's and wasn't looking back. That was when he called me.

The way a person dresses and carries themselves says alot about who they are (or at least who they want people to think they are). Scott felt horrible and relieved at the same time. He was ashamed that he just walked out on the guy, but relieved that he didn't get his hair cut by him either. I couldn't believe it! How could you do that? How could you be so judgmental and prejudice? But then he asked me what I would have done if it had been me waiting for a haircut. Whoa...That's a good question! I honestly don't know what I would have done. I don't think that I would have had the quick reflexes or courage to just walk away like Scott did, but yet, I would have had a hard time letting the guy cut my hair too.

Pastor Alan has been speaking from the 23rd Psalm lately and just last week spoke on leaving behind goodness and mercy wherever you go. So I asked him, "did you leave behind goodness and mercy?" It's a hard call. The guy never met Scott. He didn't know if Scott had to leave for an emergency or maybe just didn't hear him call his name. But it doesn't really matter what the guy thought. Isn't it a heart matter for the believer?

So I ask you, what would you have done? Was Scott totally out of line? Did he leave behind goodness and mercy?

What's Your Personality?

Random Things That Make Me Happy

I was inspired by the awesome BooMama to make a list. Oooo... a LIST! I love me a good list!

1. Making LISTS. HELLO??? Did you just read the above sentence?
2. My fat baby
3. My Girl
4. hearing my children laugh
5. laughing with friends who really get me (If you understand how funny it is to go to a "board" mtg, you're a friend who gets me!)
6. clean sheets
7. going shopping alone
8. coming home ... from anything
9. great music that makes me wanna dance
10. The Office
11. friends who have known me forever and love me anyway
12. a tidy house
13. Bertuccis
14. Bravo reality shows
15. Beth Moore
16. decaf hazelnut skinny latte
17. Library books
18. preschool days
19. Dr Pepper
20. haircut and highlights
21. Blogging-Reading, Writing, Creating, etc., etc.
22. a bra that fits--lifts, tucks, and perks up the girls
23. Facebook
24. My DVR
25. The Music Man

You?

Adoration

Pure and Simple.

Things One Thinks About While Watching Last Week's Project Runway

I'm afraid I've lost my mojo when it comes to beautifyin'.

I told the hubs at dinner tonight that I don't look like how I feel on the inside.  I look like a MOM!!!  I'm too sassy and amazing to look this frumpy!  My hair...ick--I just can't even think about that now!  My makeup is boring.  BORING, I tell you!  My clothes suck!  (Hello!  I've been wearing the same clothes for the better part of two years and I WAS PREGGERS FOR NINE OF THOSE 24 MONTHS and still wore the SAME clothes.  Thank you very much.)  

I need ... something!

I think my hair is what has started this latest fashion-crisis mode.  You see, my girl, Faith, is an amazing Stylist and I love what she does with my hair.  Usually.  For some reason, ever since last week when she cut and colored it, I haven't been able to make it work. AT. ALL.  I think it's due to "pilot error" as the hubs would say, because Faith's skillz are good.  

So why, oh why has it looked like such crap ever since?  Something is wrong.  Terribly wrong.  

I need help!

I need a distraction.

I need to new clothes.  Anyone got a couple hundred bucks to set me up with some new threads?  You do?  Awww... you're so sweet!  I knew you were an awesome friend!  But until your check clears the bank, let's see what we can find, shall we?....

I heart this amazing little number...

TOTALLY out of my price range, but oh! so adorable!!!

A basic black pant will take me anywhere...

I love this, but I wish there was a different color, like a deep chocolate brown!

And because I'm nursing, I just had to throw this BLACK number in.  

Not 100% sure about it though.  

Hey look!  It's not black!

This ain't your mama's MOM t-shirt!

I think I could go on and on, but I'm tired, my boys are in bed, and my Project Runway episodes on the DVR are over, so that means it's time for bed.  

• What to you do when you need to update your look?
• Where is your "go-to" place to shop for great clothes?
• Do you think buying cool accessories is enough to reinvent a tired wardrobe?

Peace out.

"In Genesis, He's the breath of life
In Exodus, He is the Passover Lamb
In Leviticus, He's our high priest
In Numbers, the fire by night
Deuteronomy, He's Israel's Guide
Joshua, He's salvation's choice
Judges, He's Israel's Guard
In Ruth, the kinsmen's redeemer
1st and 2nd Samuel, our trusted prophet
In Kings and Chronicles He is Sovereign
In Ezra, He's the true and faithful scribe
In Nehemiah, the re-builder of broken walls and lives
In Esther, He's Mordecai's courage
In Job, the timeless redeemer
In Psalms He is our morning song
In Proverbs, He is our wisdom
Ecclesiastes, He's the time and season
In Song of Solomon, He is the lover's dream
In Isaiah He is Prince of Peace
In Jeremiah, the weeping prophet
Lamentations, the cry for Israel
Ezekiel, the call from sin
Daniel, the stranger in the fire
Hosea, the forever faithful
Joel, the spirit's power
Amos, the strong-arms that carry
Obadiah, the Lord our Savior
Jonah, the great missionary
Micah, the promise of peace
Nahum, our strength and shield
In Habakkuk and Zephaniah, He's brings revival
In Haggai He restores that which was lost
IN Zachariah, He's our fountain
And in Malachi, He's the son of righteousness rising with healing in His wings
AND THAT'S JUST THE OLD TESTAMENT

In Matthew Mark Luke and John, He is God and Messiah
In the spirit filled book of Acts, He is the reigning fire from Heaven
In Romans, He is the grace of God
Corinthians, the power of love
Galatians, freedom from the curse of sin
Ephesians, our glorious treasure
Philippians, the servant's heart
Colossians, He's God and the trinity
Thessalonians, our calling King
In Timothy, Titus and Philemon, He's our mediator and our faithful pastor
In Hebrews, the everlasting courage
In James, the one who heals the sick
In 1st and 2nd Peter, our faithful shepherd
In John and Jude, He's the lover coming for His bride
AND in the Revelation, in the very end, when it's all over, said and done, when time is NO MORE. He is and will always be the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, Prince of Peace, son of Man, Lamb of God, The Great I am, Alpha and Omega, God and Savior He is Jesus Christ the Lord HE IS EVERYTHING THAT YOU NEED!"

Family Fun

Make an on-line slideshow at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Hmmmm...

WOW!!!  It's been almost 2 months since I've posted anything!  I think that's the longest I've ever gone without posting.  As always, I've had a LOT to say and talk about, but unfortunately, I haven't had the time to post about it.  A few bullets to catch you up...

• Jackson is FAT!!!
• Natalie loves preschool.
• Mommy wishes preschool was 5 days a week.
• Daddy has been busier than ever.
• Jackson is FAT!!!
• Natalie is still loving ballet.
• Mommy wishes preschool was 5 days a week.
• Daddy turned 30.

That's just a bit of what we've all been up to.  I'm hoping to get back to regular posting.  It's very therapeutic for me.  I don't have to pay for a shrink when I can fuss to you about my life.

Ok, I'm going to take a shower.

You Can't Believe Everything You Read

89 As a 1930s wife, I am Very Superior Take the test!

For Your Information:

I am currently wearing my skinny jean shorts.

In case you forgot, I had a baby 8 weeks ago.  

Thank you very much.

Emerging From Hermitsville

Another picture that has nothing to do with this post.

But OH!, so beautiful.

I love blogging.  I love writing mine.  I love reading yours.  I love how this world wide web connects people like never before.  I have recently been sucked into Facebook.  It occupies alot of my nursing time*, but nothing keeps me occupied like Google Reader.

This morning as I was reading in Google Reader I came across this, which then led me here.  

Go read them now and then come back.  

Go ahead.  

I'll wait for you.

Did you read them both?  Are your eyes dry enough to read me?  Good.

I want to hear your thoughts.  I know there are like 6 people out there that I know of who read this little blog of mine.  I also know that I lurk around dozens of blogs.  I'm totally wrapped up in the stories of life and kids and career, but yet I never comment about anything.  I'm not really sure why I don't, but I'm done with it.  I've been inspired to step out of myself and my self-imposed hermitism.  I'm going to start commenting.   I want, no, I need a network of friends and support like those 8 ladies talked about.  

I'm throwing down a challenge to each of you phantom readers out there.  Come out of lurkerdom and introduce yourself.  I need you and you need me.  Tell me why you read these silly posts.  Give me a link to your world.  Add me as a friend.  I don't really care which it is so long as I get to hear from you.  

:::

*If you didn't figure it out from all of my recent talk of boys and boobs, nursing time is the 20 hours a day I spend sitting around feeding my 8-week old (!!!!!!Yowzah!!!!!!) boy-wonder.

Family Fun Day

We spent Sunday afternoon at the Inner Harbor in Baltimore.  It was a beautiful day, not to hot, a tad on the humid side but not too bad.  There were a couple bands playing and so much to look at.  

The Aquarium is right behind us and those dragon boats are the coolest paddle boats I've ever seen.

Jackson's taking the picture.

Say "cheese."

Such a ray of sunshine.

The typical shot of Jackson--sleeping in his car seat.

I caught them dancing to the music.

Nati and a giant duck.

Me and the girl.

Loves

I call Natalie my little LOVE MUFFIN.

The other day Scott heard me call Jackson that.  He hollered to me that Jackson was too chubby to be a muffin.  He said he was more of a loaf.

So now I call Jackson my little LOVE LOAF.

The UP Side to Nursing

I decided to write a post extolling the virtues of nursing to balance out this post.  As the boy and I keep working at it we're getting the hang of it.  Two weeks ago when I posted the down side of nursing I wouldn't have been able to nurse Jackson in the dressing room of The Limited in 20 minutes without a single pillow like I did this afternoon.

So here is the UP side of nursing:

• I don't have to worry about if  I have enough bottles and formula when I leave the house.
• Formula is crazy expensive!

:::

Sorry, but that's all I can come up with at this point in time.  

• My butt's still numb from sitting on it 20 hours a day.  
• Boobs are still HUUUUUGE!  
• Still getting clogged milk ducts.  
• Still have to dress with the boobs in mind.  
• Hugs must still be loose.
  
• Still have to wear a bra ALL. THE. TIME.
• Husband still can't go near them.
• STILL feeding the boy EVERY 2 hours ALL. DAY. LONG.

I think I could handle it all better if my chunky little monkey would just smile at me for any reason other than gas.

:::

Oh, but it does feel good to have him in my arms.  

And he smells so good.

And he makes the best sounds.

And he cuddles right up into my neck.

And he stops crying the instant he's in my arms.

And he has these big gorgeous blue eyes.

And he's so soft.

And he has seventeen rolls in his thighs.

And he holds my hand while he eats.

And he lets me kiss him constantly.

And he feels so good in my arms.

And he loves me best.

And I love him.

Fodder

This picture has nothing to do with this post, 

but pictures make my mom and grandma happy.

Ok...so I've been really lazy about posting here.  I don't have a good excuse that won't require the use of the term "boy attached to my boob" and believe me when I say, I'm tired of talking about my boobs.  So, I'll leave it at I've just been lazy.  I have so much to say.  Having two kids gives one plenty of blog fodder, but it also diminishes the amount of sleep one gets, thus limiting one's motivation and productiveness.

I'm creating a new routine for my life.  It has to allow for plenty of boy-attached-to-my-boob time.  (Sorry.)  I also want to include time each day to work out and have just 15 minutes of alone time. (Oh, if only I could get the boy attached to my boob to sleep somewhere other than my arms!)  (Sorry for the boob reference. Again.) I also want to take time each day to write a post either here or here or both.  I'd even like to resurrect this bad boy at some point in time.  I'm taking just a little step each day.  Yesterday I worked out.  Today I blog.  Sometime I'd like to do both in one day.  

I have been reading alot of blogs lately.  That's what's been taking my post time away from you good people.  There are just so many interesting people out there!  I can't help myself.  

AllAccess

The Pioneer Woman

The Lazy Organizer

BooMama

Mrs. Fussypants

Lawyerish

Absolutely Beautiful Things

Blissfully Domestic

Decor8

Nest Decorating

Porter House

Soule Mama

Plum Pudding

Secret Agent Josephine

Those are some of my favorites and they are very motivated people that accomplish a great many things in a day.  They're starting to make me jealous of their consistent posting.  I've been so bad about that  lately.

So, if you ever wonder where I am or what I'm up to these days, I am most likely on the couch with the boy attached to my boob and computer in my lap reading one of the above.  (Or online shopping.  I love to shop online.  Love. IT!  But that's fodder for another post at another time.)

For now, I'm going to take a shower.  Then I just might take my kids to the park.  

Premature

I never should have posted the post below.  Ever since I did, J Dubs has been nothing but fussy.  Ooo, doggy, has he ever had a rough couple of days and nights!  Let's go back to sleeping all night!!!  This LazyMom is just about done in!

A Miracle of Sorts

Last night the Boy-Wonder slept through the night.  I'm still in a bit of shock over the whole situation.  I mean, he'll be just five weeks old tomorrow and breastfed so I wasn't expecting him to sleep through the night for months.  (I know, I know... I'm not that naive to think that this will be a regular occurrence.  I'm just glad he did it once.  Twice would be pure bliss!)

(The Girl Child slept through the night by five weeks, but she was bottle-fed with formula.  Formula fed babies go longer between feedings.  Bless their wee little tummies.)

Anyway, he was on a feeding fest yesterday, eating about every two hours.  By the evening he was eating pretty much non stop, every hour or so.  So when I fed him at 1030, I was hoping he would sleep for at least 3, hopefully 4 hours.  I was worn out.  

It was a round 2 when I woke up to hear him grunting away.  (The Music Man has begun calling him Grunty McGrunterson because he is seriously the gruntiest little man ever.  Grunts when he sleeps.  Grunts when he eats.  Grunts when his sister bugs him.  Grunts when he needs to burp.  Grunts when he poops.  You get the idea.)

I got up, went to the bathroom, and got my pillows ready.  I leaned over the bassinet only to find him completely sound asleep.  Ugh!  That meant that I would lay down only to doze off before he woke me.  Only this time, I woke myself up a half hour later wondering why in the world is he not awake!?  I checked on him and sure enough--sound asleep.  By this time though I was ready to feed him and starting to get uncomfortable.  I got him up and brought him to bed and tried with all my might to wake him and feed him.  Yeah, he wanted no part of that.  

So I decided to just keep him in bed with me so that when he did wake up in an hour I wouldn't have to get up again.  (By this point in the night I had been up for about an hour, so I was ready to sleep.)  We settled in.  (Blah, blah, blah--I know that you're not supposed to sleep with your baby, but you know what?  I don't care--he actually sleeps when we do and you know what that means--I get to sleep!)  The next thing I know it's 6am.  The boy slept for eight hours without eating.  (OWWWWW!!!)

I was never so glad to offer my boob to the little man!  He ate and ate and pooped and ate and ate and pooped some more.  Then went right back to sleep.  It is three hours later and he is still sleeping.  

You would think that I would feel so much better for having got a semi-uninterrupted night's sleep, but I don't.  I feel the same as when he has me up for hours and hours.  Funny.  I'm going to get a shower while the gettin's good and try with all my motherly might to feed the boy non-stop again today.  Yeah, maybe we could have a double miracle tonight!

So congratulations, Boy-Wonder!  I'm so proud of you!  I'm sure your dad is pleased with your lack of grunting and pooping last night!

:::

Sorry for any typos or unsensicle sentence structure (or made up words like unsensicle).  I'm not taking the time to proof read.  A hot shower is calling my name as is a cup of freshly brewed coffee.  I thought about working out before the shower.  I did.  I thought about it for 3.5 seconds.  Then decided that I don't want to.  I'll just burn calories by nursing.  It's this lazymom's way to loose weight.

The Other Down Side of Nursing

Clogged Milk Ducts.  

Need I say more?

The Down Side of Nursing

• Your boobs explode to an incredibly enormous size. 
  
• You can't find a comfortable bra that doesn't give you a uni-boob.
  
• Your bras now cost a whopping $60 a pop!
• Your boobs suddenly tingle whenever you hear a baby, whether it is yours or not.
  
• You can't abide hugs.
  
• Your boobs drip when you put lotion on your legs after your shower.
  
• You have to wear a bra to bed.
  
• You have to wear a bra AT. ALL. TIMES.
  
• Your boobs are twice the size of your rapidly growing baby's head.
  
• Your can't wear normal shirts without thinking about how you're going to be able to "whip it out."
  
• Your butt is numb 75% of the day due to sitting on it ALL. THE. TIME.
• You watch far too much television.
• You have a babe attached to you 20 hours a day.
• You don't want anyone, especially your husband, touching them or even thinking about them.
• You are the only one who can feed the baby every 1-3 hours, day and night.

:::

I'm discovering, much to my shock, that while nursing is working for us, I really don't like doing it for all the reasons stated above and more.  I know it's the best thing for our family, but it doesn't change the fact that I really don't like it.

I'm sorry nursing nazis.  I know you all think that there is this incredible bond that occurs while you nurse and that it supposedly can't happen if you bottle-feed, but I can honestly say I feel no more bonded to my son for nursing him than I did with my bottle-fed daughter.  

I'm not going to stop.  It really is what I want to do.  I just have to get my body accustomed to it.  (I HATE these ginormous boobs!!!  That's the WORST part for me!  Hate 'em.  Hate 'em.  Hate 'em.)  

I'm also hoping that in a few weeks I will be more used to this change in my daily routine.  I'm a sucker for routine and order.  I have a routine to my days that works so well.  Nursing throws routine and order out the window.  At least it has so far.  I'm sure we'll get it all figured out, but until then, I just keep telling myself, "It's the best thing...It's the best thing...It's the best thing..."

3 Weeks 1 Day

This is how I feel.