A little Love will go a long way

So it is totally Friday night and 9:47pm. Here I sit with my ear plugs typing away with so many thoughts swirling about in my mind. Listening to the calming coffeehouse jams on Spotify. My new favorite station right now (Listening to Ani DiFranco - In the Margins). I am lost for a moment while I type. Lost in the lyrics, the instruments, and what it all means to me. How the song resonates with me. Then, I pause and realize I am super sentimental. Too Deep sometimes. Most of the time I think people probably truly, never, really will get me. Too afraid to hurt my fragile being. Too afraid to say something that may hurt my precious sensitive self. People whom I may have known my whole life never truly unleashing their true selves because in their minds "I couldn't handle it." Maybe I will be offended, hurt, and then the walls will come up. Those inevitable walls that can shut out even the closest to me. I realize in this moment that I don't particularly have control of this defense mechanism. That is what it is right? Any form of emotional reaction to protect oneself, physical retaliation, mental attack or anything in between. We react. Most of the time as in defense and often much too fast. The aftermath can be disastrous and the situation could have been one that was harmless though the reaction time was much too quick to stop and cease fire.

This whole week I have heard far more negativity than I really ever care to hear. Mostly in the news. Now, why can't they seriously have a Happy Hilda or a Positive Patty portion of the news and focus on the positive in the world. Take just as much energy as the news stations are ALWAYS investing into the horrible and disastrous events that are daily happenings in this world. Focus just as much of that energy on the Good. Then, I would probably be a fan of watching. We all know that there is AWFUL in this world. What about the good that happens? We are so quick to place judgement on how people should, Live, Love, Act, Be, Exist etc. There are no labels on Hate in this world. Hate is just that. Hate! Why do we constantly label LOVE? Love is a GOOD in this world. Right? So why are we always trying to spin a negative take on it?

'

To the Moon and Back Tank sold at The Striped Fig

We were at a Clothing Photo Shoot for a new found friend who has begun a wonderful journey making a children's clothing line, The Striped Fig. She is proof that never giving up and following your dreams is a truth that can be yours! Check her site out if you get the chance. Really talented and the clothes are so cute. Gender neutral too!

G-Man giving a high-five to his new friend!

Now of course my littles were towards the end of the evening and were in no way wanting to cooperate for their photos. I was a little stressed quite honestly.  I wanted them to take great photos for her, but it just wasn't happening from our littles. Then, I was calmed by watching the innocence in children. The LOVE. I watched while, though a little apprehensive at times, my G-Man walked up to two little boys that were there and began to play. They were sharing sticks, running, and playing. No judgements, No Hate, No pre-requisites required, just boys playing and having fun! As I took in these fleeting moments I was at ease. So what if my littles didn't take a good photo. They had fun! G-Man was able to make a new friend, pet a few dogs, and a goat! Yes. A goat :) He got to run around in the grassy field free with heart open and imagination roaming.
"Mommy. I want to go fishing." He says to me with a stick in his hand.
"Okay." I replied.
"Where?" I asked him.
He reached his arm out and pointed out into the open grassy field. "Over there, Mommy!"

We get home and the kids went to bed after 9pm, but they were filled with happiness, joy, content, and LOVE that in this world only a child can feel. At least it sure seems that way! They don't know hate, judgement, or fear until we teach them. We teach them our fears and what fear is. We teach them how to hate by showing our hate. We teach them how to place judgement by the judgement that we place on others. It is my duty as a parent to teach my littles but the reality is they are teaching me how to be kinder, more patient, & how to really LOVE everything around me. With time blasting away it is nice to have these reminders.

We had to bribe G-Man with a cupcake to take photos and he didn't have his listening ears on. He wanted nothing to do with the photos and defiantly protested in the way a Twoddler (almost Threeddler) would. Turning away from the camera.
We did have a fermenting stinky diaper in the car. Sitting. In the heat. The whole time we were outside trying to bribe our son to take a "good" photo.
We even had a melt down when it was time yo go to bed.

Just a testament to the truth that Shit DOES indeed Happen! Even in the Shit. Underneath all the Stink. Is Love.

I continue to jam out with my coffeehouse jams and wish you all the LOVE that we all deserve tonight and every other night to follow.

To the Moon and Back. He makes a little wish tonight!

Photos now called "Selfies"

There are many things I am learning about the Social Media world. There are tons of Do's and Dont's! One thing I have learned or observed rather, is that History repeats itself..again..and again...and again!

 The same stories, catchy phrase, jokes, and photos are restored, reused and recycled for a few years later. One specifically is this whole "Selfie" business. I am almost certain that people were, have been and will continue to take photographs of themselves. Now they are called "Selfies" and it is a HUGE social media blast. Apparently the president got in on the action as well. All of a sudden we have spotlighted people taking photos of themselves to share on social media or the web in general. Why now?? Pretty sure this has been an ongoing thing. Now there is even a song about the whole "selfie!" The song is catchy I have to admit but strikes a little nerve and instigates my inner Ally McBeal. Simple. Just for that reason. It is such a simple concept for a song. It is one of those many, many times where I slap myself internally for not thinking of the idea myself!

If you haven't seen the video or heard the Selfie song check it out here:

On one side you have people saying that selfies are a cry for help! A narcissistic behavior that may be an indication of a psychotic break.

On the flip side you have people saying that selfies help promote a "real" image for women. They allow mothers to now be a part of the memory when taking a photo with their children. Selfies are empowerment and allow for people in your social networks to keep up with your life.

My hubster thinks we should do a parody called "Let me take a poopy." Though at first this really made me laugh but then I was trapped in my thoughts pondering what is the male obsession with bodily functions?

What do you think?

I think that if you want to continue to take photos "selfies" of yourself then do it! If you want to continue to take photo bombs with your friends "selfies" then have at it! If you want to blast the whole social media and worldwide web with thousands of photos of yourself "selfies" by all means go for it! If you think the Selfie "culture" is LAME then don't do it! In every situation there may be an underlying story behind the photo. It may be a cry for help, attention, narcissistic tendency, habitual, for fun and/or just for the sake of capturing a memory~! Just remember one thing : the weirdos don't only come out at night! They are day walkers, night walkers, sleepwalkers, stalkers, Internet creeps, and much worse! Also, Just BE YOU!

For your reading and visual amusement I have decided to post some great selfies of my hubster and I:
And FYI: Pretty positive these were taken about 4 years ago or so.

Sad truth: this is really what my adolescent face looked like minus the glasses and braces!

Until Next time.............................................................................................................

Whirlwind Week

My Blog seems to be like a hot new romance...I was REALLY into it at first and then it sort of fizzled. Not entirely so, but that is the only comparison I can think of at the present moment. I have just been wicked busy this last week!

Be warned now...this post will be a bunch of rambling and really unnecessarily LONG...just to catch up a bit!

Sunday thru Wednesday we got to experience life with 3 little's. We house sat and child sat for a friend of mine. I can't say babysat because her daughter is no longer a baby. A 6 year old whom is much like a teenager. Grayson had a blast with her and Starr....well she just enjoyed having room to explore and being able to explore a new environment. Daddy took Grayson to and from school and got to spend time with us. We all got to experience a little taste of living in a house verses a one bedroom apartment. This was nice for all of us. However, I was so HAPPY to be back in our one bedroom apartment, comfy bed, and the place where routine suites us and just makes our life a little easier. Though small, our home. I mean I really enjoyed repeating myself to Grayson to not run up and down the stairs and him almost cracking his skull on the tile floor when running with the girl down the stairs! Fun Times! JUST KIDDING!!! I was super stressed because my little ones just gravitated toward those stairs as though they were a giant piece of candy! So, I did enjoy the time in a house and enjoyed seeing the kids have such a great time. I am happy to help out a friend whenever possible BUT so glad when we stepped foot back in our little space.

Wednesday was back at home and Grayson back to school. He clung to me and would not let go for several minutes. Once I could pry him off I watched as his red rimmed eyes began to fill with tears. I couldn't figure out why he all of a sudden was anxious about school. He LOVES it! Later at pick up another mommy mentioned that he probably was worried about being left at school later for the extended hours, which we did on Monday for the first time ever. Ding.Ding...Tell her what she's won Bob! It was unpacking and washing laundry. Trying to convince Grayson to take a nap......NOT SUCCESSFUL! It was a day of recouping my energy lost the days prior. We did not make swim because Grayson fell asleep. Then it was warp speed and Thursday before I could even take an inhale.

Super G-Man!

Thursday was a walk to the park playground twice. My child aging me 20 years because he decided to do kick jumps on the slide and almost flipped off the top EVERY time. Oh and almost hurt his neck while deciding to be superman on the swing, but leaning too far forward. It was a day of playing and trying to get the kids back into their routine.

He was so still the whole time just waiting to get a lollipop!

BAM! Friday. Grayson had school, a haircut, and then it was our usual Friday night dinner with friends. Amazingly a child gets a haircut and they are immediately transformed into little people. Cray Cray! How could I possibly leave out the 10 minute Raisin in the nose and baby in the toilet episode??!
Picture this. My darling son loves raisins. He apparently decided to shove one up his nose. Wait it gets better. He then proceeded to shove his finger up his nose in an attempt to get it out. At first I thought he was confused (Maybe thought a booger was a raisin..I don't know!) then he kept insisting. I remembered when my sister was younger and she stuck a popcorn kernel up her nose. Though the tactics with my sister took on a lot more quickly than in my situation with my son. Here we are in the bathroom and I am desperately seeking raisin (Got that one?) looking up my son's nostril but can't seem to see anything. I keep coaching him to blow out but with every attempt he first inhales. Panic strikes a little. After about ...oh...10 attempts, Panic hit hard. Here I am thinking the worst. First child to loose consciousness from raisin stuck in nostril! My mind was thinking ridiculous thoughts but panic was deepening with every inhale he took. To make a sticky situation more sticky. In crawls my speed crawler, Starr. She pulls up on the toilet seat and begins to happily splash while I am still trying to coach G-Man to blow OUT not in! I notice her happily splashing in the wonderful world of toilet bowl. (How about that for sensory experiences)?
I decided to show Grayson exactly what I meant with a little more ...power. I blow out a huge snot rocket to show him and say, "blow out like Mommy." He FINALLY does just that and out shoots that darn little raisin. I can finally get my daughter out of the toilet bowl and wash her hands. Panic subsides and all is well.

Leap of Faith

Saturday was here already. We had swim make up from missing class Wednesday. Grayson has been going underwater opening his eyes, doing turns, jumping, and having a blast. This makes me anxious because he is soon going to be swimming on his own. With this new found accomplishment will also come a head strong independence.

Spin Art

Saturday afternoon we headed to G-Man's school for a fun Birthday Bash. The preschool celebrated it's 40th year. They had games, cotton candy, popcorn, raffles, and other fun activities for the kids.
Saturday night was my much needed monthly mom's night out!! We headed to RA Sushi and I actually was daring enough to give Raw sushi a try. Normally I stick with the California rolls and shrimp rolls. I did venture out to try a rainbow roll and Tuna Tataki. I LOVE it!!! Also got a little bold with the Patron Margarita times 2...hehehe! Followed by cake pops and coffee from Starbucks. It was a much needed night out.

Sunday was a rainy yucky day. We made it to church for the first time in FOREVER. Then headed to a local mall that has been revamped. They have a super fancy family room equipped with a lounge chair and TV for nursing with a privacy curtain, a microwave for heating milk or water??? Maybe snacks?! A toilet and fancy Kohl designed sink with air dryer for your hands. The kind that blows your skin off! We walked and then had lunch before heading home to clean and veg out.

Whew! Such a busy week but long gone now. Ready for the week to come. Until Next Time!

Holiday Spirit Squashers!

Our First Tree - In our first Place 2007

I don't understand why people feel the need to get so close behind you in a line you can feel their breath on your neck. Listen up! Trying to smolder me with your hot breath and getting way to close for comfort WILL NOT MAKE THE LINE MOVE ANY FASTER!!!!

Oh, and all you Jolly A$$holes who have to ruin the Holiday Spirit with your Ba Humbug shouts and unnecessary attitudes when someone gets into the line BEFORE you!!! I wish you a Million kisses from strangers while under a constant Mistletoe!!! The kind of Mistletoe that NEVER leaves your head! It constantly hovers like a hologram until every last strange pair of lips has come into contact with your horrid nasty potty mouthed scrooge hate life and everyone around me, especially during the Holidays Self!

Now that I have that off my chest.

Tree 2008

Today, G-Man and I finished our Ornaments, cut out and hung our homemade snowflakes, and my hubby put up the lights on the Tree. That is half the battle. Still have a list longer than the Nile with only 7 DAYS to finish!!!

Baby Starr has not been feeling well since last week before her shots. She had a head cold which is still lingering, before her shots. After her shots she is always sleepy and has a low grade fever on and off. She had a fever on and off for about 3 days, still has her cold, and now has a weird rash. Red dots on her forehead, chest and tummy!!! She has been extra fussy for the last 3 days, which is not normal for her. She has been refusing to eat her solids, and looks like she is losing weight from just a week ago! Tomorrow we have a doctor's appointment to make sure this is not anything serious. When it comes to my children, I am a freak who has the doctor's number on speed dial and admittedly call way more than they would care to hear from me.

2009 or 2010 (?)

As I type, I am nodding off to sleep. At 11:42pm, I still have to shower and get to bed before waking much to early after a night with the probability of Starr waking at least twice!!!! There was a time way back when I could pull an all niter. I would watch, USA Up All Night with host Gilbert Gottfried and soak in all the weird and/or scary movies they would showcase. Now there is that show or was that show (can't keep up) Up All Night with Christina Applegate and Will Arnett...which is great FYI!

2011

As I type my eyelids become heavier and heavier and I am loosing this battle to keep them open.................zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.

Last minute shoppers 12-13-13- midnight!

IBurning the midnight oil....or just up sucking snot from my daughter's nose because she sounds like an 60 year old snoring! Yup... The latter!

Tonight is my husbands holiday party and I had to go dress shopping..... Ugh! Most women LOVE to shop...it is a stress reliever for them and most women love to spend money. I really only enjoy shopping when I am buying for other people and I get sick to my stomach when I go shopping because I could always allocate that money, wasted on something for myself, to my children somehow. It is just a mom thing, I guess. Plus..... I hate shopping!

This year my husband watched the kids and we had a friend come with us too! She helped me find a dress and helped with the kiddos, thank you Iris :) I went first this year because........ A little story:

Last year around this time for my husbands Holiday party I was pregnant and in need of something to wear. We decided to go to KOHLS (this year too).

I was with Grayson and my husband was picking out his clothes first. I was helping and Grayson was walking around with me just happy as a clam. Now it's Mommys turn AND...... Not even 10 minutes into my turn, Grayson has the melt down of all melt downs. My husband is holding him while he screams Mama! I am flustered now, trying so hard to look at clothing as quickly as possible and try on most likely something that I wouldn't normally because I am so distracted by his crying and my husband getting increasingly annoyed and embarrassed. 

Why?! Onlookers in the store kept passing their judgemental and/or empathetic glances our way for the 30 minutes we were in the store while Grayson screamed bloody murder. Yes. 30 minutes. I had to find something to wear because my husbands office party was the next evening. (Just as last year. We again wait until last minute this year.)

Finally, my husband has his breaking point. He tosses me his clothes that he wants before storming out of the store with Grayson. Here I am standing in line with nothing for myself... All my husbands clothing he was able to leisurely pick out...stressed to the max, evident all over my pregnant body and face. While in line the cashier, and two men at the front entrance (one with a clip board) keep eye balling me. This makes me nervous because I am thinking they think I shoplifted. 

I had been keeping my hands in my purse probably suspiciously but only because I had a wad of cash inside. 

I am waiting in line and finally reach check out. Then on my way out some man with a clip board stops me and ask if I would like to take a survey. In my head I am screaming...."Are you F$&@ing kidding me!! Did you not see the circus show my family put on for you in your store?!!"

Instead, I reply with a polite,"sure but real quick. My husband is waiting in the car for me."

The man with the clip board proceeds to tell me that I am their daily winner! They bought back my entire purchase. I was so touched that I started tearing up. Sad thing is I really can't say this was due to the pregnancy hormones because on any non pregnant day I would do the same.

It really made my night! That was until I got to the car and realized everything was for my husband and I still needed to find something!!!!! 

During the holiday season KOHLS was randomly selecting one customer a day and paying their bill for them. I honestly NEVER win.... Anything. That night I took a very unshevelled picture with the clip board man and the store manager to document my winnings in their store magazine. I was so happy and touched truly but pissed that of course I won a bag full of clothes ........ FOR MY HUSBAND! I still had nothing to wear.

Back to this year! At KOHLS again last minute but with two kids in tow and extra reinforcement. Guess what?? 

I went first this year!!!!!!!! Happy shopping!