My wonderful friend Mary Ann posted this on her blog and I thought it was so cute!
1. What is something mom always says to you?
Sunshine: I don't know, you don't say anything a lot...how about, "Go to your room."
Bunny: Will you please get a diaper and wipes for me?
2. What makes mom happy?
Sunshine: Daddy coming home, What makes mom happy is seeing us happy.
Bunny: When I say 'I love you'
3. What makes mom sad?
Sunshine: Me hurting Bunny
Bunny: When I hurt Sunshine
4. How does mom make you laugh?
Sunshine: tickle me
Bunny: tickle (she said this while eating carrot so carrot pieces were spraying everywhere!
5. What was mom like as a child?
Sunshine: Annoying
Bunny: Nice
6. How old is mom?
Sunshine: hmmmmm. 78 years old
Bunny: 3 (holding up fingers)
7. How tall is mom?
Sunshine: 100 inches
Bunny: 3 inches
8. What is mom's favorite thing to do?
Sunshine: I know, is kiss Daddy
Bunny: Paint toes
9. What does mom do when you're not around?
Sunshine: sneak people's chocolate
Bunny: Be nice
11. What is mom really good at?
Sunshine: Being worried about me
Holly: Hard puzzles? (I have never actually done a puzzle)
12. What is mom not good at?
Sunshine: Playing spy
Bunny: Being not nice
13. What is mom's job?
Sunshine: setting the alarm clock
Bunny: Being nice
14. What is mom's favorite food?
Sunshine: Broccoli Curry ala Duncan
Bunny: Sometimes she likes macaroni and cheese but she can't
15. What makes you proud of mom?
Sunshine: When she smooshes spiders
Bunny: Giving her a hug
16. What do you and mom do together?
Sunshine: play
Bunny: play
17. How are you and mom the same?
Sunshine: We both had yellow hair when we were little
Bunny: We are both nice and have eczema
18. How are you and mom different?
Sunshine: We don't have a toy kitty that is a computer
Bunny: Because we don't have yellow hair
19. How do you know mom loves you?
Sunshine: She tells me thousands of times! (rolling her eyes)
Holly: Because you really, really love me.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Friday, July 25, 2008
Guilty Pleasures of the evening...
Munching on Shrimp with Horseradish Cocktail Sauce and watching Bear Grills navigate his way through some treacherous terrain in the middle of Siberia. This stuff is going to come in real handy when I find myself mostly naked in the middle a Siberian waist land during a 60 mile per hour blizzard. Note to self: Reindeer meat is high in essential fatty acids and will restore depleted energy in the body (depleted when I forget to take my coat while frolicking in 30 foot snow drifts).
Randy Pausch passed away...
I know I already posted a few minutes ago, but I felt the need, in my own small way, to pay tribute to Randy Pausch. You are probably familiar with his book, "Last Lecture, Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams". He passed away early this morning leaving behind three children and a remarkable wife.
I feel so sad for his family's loss and the pain he must have endured in the closing days of his life. Although I have a very strong belief in life and love after death, I still ache for the void Pausch leaves behind. He was a champion of the very values I am trying so hard to live by.
His strength (and his family's), documented in several television broadcasts as he fought the ravenous cancer in his body, was such an example of the human spirit conquering one of the most frightening elements of the world.
I truly, truly hope his family find peace in this time of grief. He left behind a legacy that won't be forgotten.
I feel so sad for his family's loss and the pain he must have endured in the closing days of his life. Although I have a very strong belief in life and love after death, I still ache for the void Pausch leaves behind. He was a champion of the very values I am trying so hard to live by.
His strength (and his family's), documented in several television broadcasts as he fought the ravenous cancer in his body, was such an example of the human spirit conquering one of the most frightening elements of the world.
I truly, truly hope his family find peace in this time of grief. He left behind a legacy that won't be forgotten.
High Fives
Rules
Each player answers the questions themselves. At the end of the post the player then tags 5 people and posts their names, then goes to their blogs and leaves them a comment letting them know that they’ve been tagged and asking them to read your blog. Let the person who tagged you know when you’ve posted your answers.
The Five
Now, we weren't sure if that meant you should give five answers to each of the five questions, or what. I think that's what I'm going to do, just for thematics.
Ten years ago…
1. Anxiously awaiting the return of He-Man and hearing that he actually may have already been spoken for (I attributed this to a healthy dose of karma after everything I put him through while we were growing up)
2. Recently had a bonfire with kindling being wedding invites to an event that thankfully never happened.
3. Was gearing up for my second school year at Utah Valley
4. Broke up with a really nice guy who should have never been dragged along the way he was.
5. Working a couple of super fun jobs that I loved.
Five things on today’s “to do” list…
1. Make glittery playdough
2. take dinner to a barely postpartum friend.
3. Take the kids to cousin camp
4. Shop for beach decor for the breakfast nook I'm redoing.
5. Check out the Pier One clearance sale!
Five snacks I enjoy…
1. Berries of any kind
2. salt and pepper pistachios (I'm with Heather on this one!)
3. veggies or salad with a home made basalmic vinaigrette.
4. anything with nuts
5. fruit leather
Five things I would do if I was a millionaire…
First, a question. Are we talking millions or 1 million? The answers would be wildly different for me. I think with a million I'd be much more conservative. But, I'm going for the gold here and assuming we mean millions.
1. Tithing
2. go to Egypt and start my own dig for mummies
3. Visit random people and give them birthday presents on their birthdays
4. Self publish a couple of my kid's books
5. Finish school with a major in Ancient History with a minor in World Geography.
Five places I have lived…
1. Dugway...loved it! Glad I'm not still there!
2. Here
3. Troutdale, Oregon
4. Harrisburg, PA
5. A sweet basement apartment in my sister-in-law's/best friend's house
I’m tagging…
Anyone who wants to do this!
Each player answers the questions themselves. At the end of the post the player then tags 5 people and posts their names, then goes to their blogs and leaves them a comment letting them know that they’ve been tagged and asking them to read your blog. Let the person who tagged you know when you’ve posted your answers.
The Five
Now, we weren't sure if that meant you should give five answers to each of the five questions, or what. I think that's what I'm going to do, just for thematics.
Ten years ago…
1. Anxiously awaiting the return of He-Man and hearing that he actually may have already been spoken for (I attributed this to a healthy dose of karma after everything I put him through while we were growing up)
2. Recently had a bonfire with kindling being wedding invites to an event that thankfully never happened.
3. Was gearing up for my second school year at Utah Valley
4. Broke up with a really nice guy who should have never been dragged along the way he was.
5. Working a couple of super fun jobs that I loved.
Five things on today’s “to do” list…
1. Make glittery playdough
2. take dinner to a barely postpartum friend.
3. Take the kids to cousin camp
4. Shop for beach decor for the breakfast nook I'm redoing.
5. Check out the Pier One clearance sale!
Five snacks I enjoy…
1. Berries of any kind
2. salt and pepper pistachios (I'm with Heather on this one!)
3. veggies or salad with a home made basalmic vinaigrette.
4. anything with nuts
5. fruit leather
Five things I would do if I was a millionaire…
First, a question. Are we talking millions or 1 million? The answers would be wildly different for me. I think with a million I'd be much more conservative. But, I'm going for the gold here and assuming we mean millions.
1. Tithing
2. go to Egypt and start my own dig for mummies
3. Visit random people and give them birthday presents on their birthdays
4. Self publish a couple of my kid's books
5. Finish school with a major in Ancient History with a minor in World Geography.
Five places I have lived…
1. Dugway...loved it! Glad I'm not still there!
2. Here
3. Troutdale, Oregon
4. Harrisburg, PA
5. A sweet basement apartment in my sister-in-law's/best friend's house
I’m tagging…
Anyone who wants to do this!
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Poopy Pants Chapter III-Destructo Puppy, the not-so-evil genuis dog....
Okay, Destructo is really growing on me. That's not to say I'm ready to dive head-first into pet ownership. That's going to take a LONG while, but she sure is a sweet, super smart dog....I woke up the other morning, got dressed and prepared to check on her. When I got to the garage she wasn't there. Hmmmmm. Where was she? I went out to the backyard, she wasn't there. I was starting to get that panicked feeling. You know, that head spinning, nauseous, how-am-I-going-to-tell-'em-I-lost-their-dog feeling? I grabbed my shoes and prepared to leave, opened the front door. Low and behold, there she was. Wagging her ever-lovin' tail at the very sight of us. Phew!
The fence-scaling didn't stop there. She managed to escape 5 times while we were gone. She simply waited on the porch for us to return.
We took her on a long walk today. It was one of those summer afternoons where the air is prepping for a thunderstorm so its cool and breezy. We had so much fun throwing Destructo a stick. We would give her a good run and she would bring the stick back, drop it and then drip saliva on our bare feet, waiting for us to throw it again. After the kids went to bed, He-Man and I sat on the porch for hours this evening and Destructo sat next to us the whole time. Gosh, she reminds me of why I LOVE dogs. It is just like having another toddler around, which comes with challenges, but makes up for it with abundant rewards.
Ah well, someday, when we are enjoying the bliss of home ownership, we just might have our own Destructo Puppy AND as an added bonus, I will have a new skill to add to my repertoire: Pooper Scooper Extraordinaire
.
This is my favorite clip from our weekly Cousin Camp.
The fence-scaling didn't stop there. She managed to escape 5 times while we were gone. She simply waited on the porch for us to return.
We took her on a long walk today. It was one of those summer afternoons where the air is prepping for a thunderstorm so its cool and breezy. We had so much fun throwing Destructo a stick. We would give her a good run and she would bring the stick back, drop it and then drip saliva on our bare feet, waiting for us to throw it again. After the kids went to bed, He-Man and I sat on the porch for hours this evening and Destructo sat next to us the whole time. Gosh, she reminds me of why I LOVE dogs. It is just like having another toddler around, which comes with challenges, but makes up for it with abundant rewards.
Ah well, someday, when we are enjoying the bliss of home ownership, we just might have our own Destructo Puppy AND as an added bonus, I will have a new skill to add to my repertoire: Pooper Scooper Extraordinaire
.
This is my favorite clip from our weekly Cousin Camp.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Poopy Pants Chapter II
Announcer: Last we saw, our brave heroine and her sidekick were inching closer and closer to Destructo Pupppy's nemesis, the dog next door...
Poopy Pants: Can you see her, Destructo Puppy?
Destructo: No, but I can smell her doggy breath, we must be cautious. One false move and we are totally busted.
The dynamic duo peer out from behind a tree and slowly creep towards the doghouse. Suddenly, Destructo steps on a twig and CRUNCH!
Nemesis charges for Destructo, bark, bark, barking all the way.
Nemesis: Grrrr! BARRRKKK! BARK! BARKKKKKKK!
Destructo: Bark, help, Poopy...bark, bark, can't--bark--stop barRRRRRRRRRking!
Nemesis: Bark! BARRRRK!!
Poopy Pants: Hold on, D.P.! I'll blast her with my soggy diaper blaster! BLAST! (Everyone retreats quickly to avoid the noxious blast)
Destructo: Phew! That was close! I thought for sure we would be barking into forever!
Poopy Pants: Yeah. One again, stinky diapers save the day!
Can you picture this face as the super hero 'Poopy Pants'? (Don't worry. It's just black beans that she is eating)
I had another epiphany watching Destructo and the neighbor's dog barking/screaming/foaming at the mouth/stalking each other. What would it be like for us, as humans, if whenever we were jealous or angry with another person, we stalked, glared, then yapped at the top of our lungs until one or both of us went hoarse to get out our frustrations? Seriously, create a visual in your mind. Perhaps it will make you laugh at the very least.
Isn't funny how many of us look back to pictures when we were young and think, "If only I knew that I looked better than I gave myself credit for". When I was in high school I felt like an anomaly. There I was, feeling enormous next to all of my beautiful, 'skinny' friends. Of course, it didn't help that what my mother called my 'well endowment' busted through their barriers every year. This of course, necessitated a pilgrimage to the J.C. Penney Semi-Annual Bra Sale every summer before school started. Inevitably, I found myself fleeing from the mall, tears steaming from my very, discouraged face. I had seriously horrific nightmares involving my cheerleading uniform not fitting right with disastrous consequences.
This was nothing compared to a real life nightmare involving a swimsuit (afterward retired by burning), a guy just trying to be funny by dunking people in the pool, my future brother-in-law and just about everyone else in my youth group....but I digress.
Anyway, back to the point I was trying to make. Although I have tried throughout my adult life to avoid creating self esteem traps, it's hard sometimes to feel beautiful. This is particularly pronounced after birthin' babies when we are reminded of the eternal truth that is gravity.
Instead, I have come to the conclusion, albeit years in the making, that I am going to be the best me I can be RIGHT NOW! Amazingly, I like me so much more than I did when I was younger. I have worked hard, discovered that I LOVE to run and have found happiness in creating reachable fitness goals that benefit me as well as my family.
The results? I wore leggings the other day for the first time in over a decade, my arms are actually becoming more toned than ever before and when I see pictures of me as a teen I think, "I'm soooooo glad I didn't peak in high school!" because seriously, my sense of fashion really needed refining!
This is He-Man's and my engagement photograph. (I'm kind of glad we didn't peak at that point either.) My brother in law has said before that we look like "A Kip and a white Lafonda'.
Poopy Pants: Can you see her, Destructo Puppy?
Destructo: No, but I can smell her doggy breath, we must be cautious. One false move and we are totally busted.
The dynamic duo peer out from behind a tree and slowly creep towards the doghouse. Suddenly, Destructo steps on a twig and CRUNCH!
Nemesis charges for Destructo, bark, bark, barking all the way.
Nemesis: Grrrr! BARRRKKK! BARK! BARKKKKKKK!
Destructo: Bark, help, Poopy...bark, bark, can't--bark--stop barRRRRRRRRRking!
Nemesis: Bark! BARRRRK!!
Poopy Pants: Hold on, D.P.! I'll blast her with my soggy diaper blaster! BLAST! (Everyone retreats quickly to avoid the noxious blast)
Destructo: Phew! That was close! I thought for sure we would be barking into forever!
Poopy Pants: Yeah. One again, stinky diapers save the day!
Can you picture this face as the super hero 'Poopy Pants'? (Don't worry. It's just black beans that she is eating)
I had another epiphany watching Destructo and the neighbor's dog barking/screaming/foaming at the mouth/stalking each other. What would it be like for us, as humans, if whenever we were jealous or angry with another person, we stalked, glared, then yapped at the top of our lungs until one or both of us went hoarse to get out our frustrations? Seriously, create a visual in your mind. Perhaps it will make you laugh at the very least.
Isn't funny how many of us look back to pictures when we were young and think, "If only I knew that I looked better than I gave myself credit for". When I was in high school I felt like an anomaly. There I was, feeling enormous next to all of my beautiful, 'skinny' friends. Of course, it didn't help that what my mother called my 'well endowment' busted through their barriers every year. This of course, necessitated a pilgrimage to the J.C. Penney Semi-Annual Bra Sale every summer before school started. Inevitably, I found myself fleeing from the mall, tears steaming from my very, discouraged face. I had seriously horrific nightmares involving my cheerleading uniform not fitting right with disastrous consequences.
This was nothing compared to a real life nightmare involving a swimsuit (afterward retired by burning), a guy just trying to be funny by dunking people in the pool, my future brother-in-law and just about everyone else in my youth group....but I digress.
Anyway, back to the point I was trying to make. Although I have tried throughout my adult life to avoid creating self esteem traps, it's hard sometimes to feel beautiful. This is particularly pronounced after birthin' babies when we are reminded of the eternal truth that is gravity.
Instead, I have come to the conclusion, albeit years in the making, that I am going to be the best me I can be RIGHT NOW! Amazingly, I like me so much more than I did when I was younger. I have worked hard, discovered that I LOVE to run and have found happiness in creating reachable fitness goals that benefit me as well as my family.
The results? I wore leggings the other day for the first time in over a decade, my arms are actually becoming more toned than ever before and when I see pictures of me as a teen I think, "I'm soooooo glad I didn't peak in high school!" because seriously, my sense of fashion really needed refining!
This is He-Man's and my engagement photograph. (I'm kind of glad we didn't peak at that point either.) My brother in law has said before that we look like "A Kip and a white Lafonda'.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
The Adventures of Poopy Pants and her Trusty Sidekick Destructo Puppy...
We have dived right into the world of life with animals this week...well, animal and only for a week. We are dogsitting. Its been fun and the kids are really enjoying playing with pup.
We were a little nervous at first due to the fact that our brother-in-law expressed concern over her being in general proximity to our beloved garden. (He-Man has been painstakingly working the plot for weeks and the girls are practically ready to pounce on those almost ripe tomatoes). Plus with a nickname 'Destructo Puppy', I had visions of feathers from pillows and dismembered stuffed animals strewn about our home. Turns out she is a really sweet dog. Lucky for us, she is completely content with her quarters being relegated to outside and the garage. For the next week, all post will be chapters in our latest saga, "The Adventures of Poopy Pants her Trusty Sidekick Destructo Puppy". Obviously, we know who 'Destructo Puppy' is. The question is, whose 'Poopy Pants'? That is yet to be determined.
With this latest adventure, I have come to some great epiphanies:
1. With the advent of having a need for a haz-mat team in our backyard that works quickly (before curious babies aatempt to sample previous unknown substances), and using it TWICE in 4 hours, I have realized I am not ready for pets. I LOVE dogs and I love Destructo, but I am determined to be completely ready to buy stock in 'Pooper Scoopers R Us" before we take the plunge.
2. Dogs can get away with so many things people can't. Seriously, could you imagine a human barreling towards you with their tongue hanging out, dripping with slobber and tinkling a little at your feet as a way to affectionately greet you? Seriously, picture a person you love doing that....And what about scratching that which itches on the delicate parts of your body? Again, imagine a person you love mastering the art of scooting along the ground! (by the way, doesn't that chafe a bit?!)
3. I am not unlike Destructo. For those who know me, it will come as a monumental surprise to discover that I wear my heart on my sleeve. I know, I know can you believe it?! Destructo is a sweet, passive (okay that's not so much me.) and happy dog. When she sees us, her eyes brighten, her tail wags furiously and she, very enthusiastically ambles towards us, peeing a little along the way. Barring the incontinence, she is just like me...a people pers-uh, dog. For the first little while when she got here, she was so sad, missing her family tremendously. When we went out to play with her, she perked right up. She needs people. She lets them know, right away how much she likes them and will stick her nose in your face (and awkwardly other places) almost saying, "Like me, like me!! I like you, so you can like me!" Alright, so I do possess social graces that dogs don't have, but you get my drift, right?
As the epiphanies come, I will share. For now, this week is certainly going to be a fun filled week. I'll keep you posted.
Off Screen Announcer: Tune in later for the latest exciting installment of "The Adventures of Poopy Pants and her Trusty Sidekick Destructo Puppy" where they come face to face with Destructo's arch enemy...the dog next door! Who will triumph? Time will only tell!
Monday, July 14, 2008
Highlights and Lowlights...
This weekend was quite eventful, full of lots of little joys and spills. Here are the highs and lows:
Top Highs:
1. Eating delectable, fully ripe, juicy peaches like I was a little girl again. That is, allowing the sticky, fragrant juice to not only slobber down my chin, but also letting it squirt everywhere. (They were that good!)
2. Going to my husband's work party where we played with dinosaurs and ran barefoot through the trees with our little girls.
3. Getting the funky smell out of my girls' room. I don't know what it was, but it is gone!
4. Not ending the weekend with 2 black eyes, nor scaring small children and only resembling a blow fish for a couple of days verses for a whole week.
5. Being reminded of how cool and collected my husband is during times of crisis. I was reminded of this as I was overcome with an overactivated histamine response.
Lowest Lows:
1. Having an ugly allergic reaction to eating BBQ, watching my face swell up and revealing my scary, monster face to the public. Luckily, my public have great senses of humor!
2. Watching the poor animals at a petting zoo drone on and on in the heat for hours for the sake of entertaining humans. I've decided I am morally opposed to displays where an animal can't even stand still to go to the bathroom!
Actually, that's it. I had a pretty super weekend...except for the resembling a blow fish part and the poor little ponies. (sigh)
Top Highs:
1. Eating delectable, fully ripe, juicy peaches like I was a little girl again. That is, allowing the sticky, fragrant juice to not only slobber down my chin, but also letting it squirt everywhere. (They were that good!)
2. Going to my husband's work party where we played with dinosaurs and ran barefoot through the trees with our little girls.
3. Getting the funky smell out of my girls' room. I don't know what it was, but it is gone!
4. Not ending the weekend with 2 black eyes, nor scaring small children and only resembling a blow fish for a couple of days verses for a whole week.
5. Being reminded of how cool and collected my husband is during times of crisis. I was reminded of this as I was overcome with an overactivated histamine response.
Lowest Lows:
1. Having an ugly allergic reaction to eating BBQ, watching my face swell up and revealing my scary, monster face to the public. Luckily, my public have great senses of humor!
2. Watching the poor animals at a petting zoo drone on and on in the heat for hours for the sake of entertaining humans. I've decided I am morally opposed to displays where an animal can't even stand still to go to the bathroom!
Actually, that's it. I had a pretty super weekend...except for the resembling a blow fish part and the poor little ponies. (sigh)
Saturday, July 12, 2008
I'll get by with a little help from my friends...
Dear Blogging Friends,
Blogging has opened up a whole new world before my eyes. I'm amazed at the therapeutic aspect of it and have been touched by the love and support I've received through my blog. Some of the people I love the most on this planet have sent encouragement and perspective my way that has enlightened me and buoyed me up. I felt that encouragement particularly in regards to my post "All Hope Can Not Be Lost". I want so badly to let you all know how grateful I am for your support...but all the words I want to say seem just so inadequate.
Then I got to thinking, "How is it that all these amazing people do not know one another?!" That is when I decided to introduce all of you to each other. Some of you may know one another, which is fabulous because you are all so incredible...seriously destined for greatness. By creating these introductions I can perhaps let you know how much you mean to me, how grateful I am for your light in my life and how lucky I consider myself to know you. Thank you a million times over, my sparkly friends!
Love,
Trishelle
Let me start with my favorite of all, CHRIS. He is amazing. From the moment I met him, he sparkled. It wasn't until almost 6 years later that realized just how much. He is strong both spiritually and physically with a mental clarity that has gotten me out of many serious pickles. He is an example of quiet kindness and dignity with an ability to have me in stitches in the blink of an eye...seriously he is one of the funniest men I have ever met. It is amazing to me that a doctor so knowledgeable and gifted can humble himself before God enough to pray to Him for help to heal his patients. The man actually prays for his patients! Perhaps all doctors do that, but it something I have never witnessed before.
JAMIE-It never ceases to amaze me that someone I have known for only 1/3 of my life could be so important to me. When we met, I knew I loved her. She was the kind of girl I would have idolized in junior and high school. She has perfect movie star hair, an infectious laugh and impeccable taste. When I got to know her I was even more honored by her friendship. She is loyal, loving and truly one of the most compassionate people I have ever met. She knows when to swoop in and save people from despair and would give anyone all she could. Even now, as she awaits a little one who isn't cooperating, she looks for ways to brighten and lift other people. It's funny how we didn't know each other well enough to be bridesmaids at each other's weddings and yet have been present at the birth of half our collective children. (that last sentence sounds like we are part of a polygymous family...hehehe)
Heather-There is a song by Tom Petty called, "Wildflowers". When I hear this song, I think of her because she represents so much of what is good and whole on this earth. She and I became friends when we were fourteen which means I have known her the longest of all my blogging friends. She was this cute, perky, darling girl that you couldn't help but love. My parents were even delighted to meet her. Amazingly even better, as great as she was back then she is 100 times greater now. She has a strength that I never thought possible. She would open her arms to anyone without question and give them the shirt off her back. She always give people the benefit of the doubt and frankly forgives. She is probably the only one who has ever kissed my husband that I have absolutely no awkwardness towards. (Okay, now I am really starting to sound like a polygymous wife)
Mary Ruth-This woman certainly has the Midas Touch. She can make anything beautiful and joyous. She works with the youth in our church. I have heard legendary stories of her and what she has done for those girls. I have no doubt in my mind that she is leaving an indelible mark on those kids for the better. She loves her Savior and treats people accordingly.
Kelley-When Kelley came into my life, she was this mysterious, super intelligent globetrotter who just returned from living in the Middle East. She was and continues to be a stalwart ray of sunshine who stands for what she believes in. She always has. She is a true friend who loves and cares so much. She has a great sense of humor but would never laugh at the expense of others. Plus, she had the great taste to date my brother. One can only feel positively charged up when being in her presence. She has enough goodness to have that affect on people.
Jonathan-One of the two greatest eldest brothers. He and Peej, together have exemplified Christ in the way they treat their younger brothers and sisters. He is a great leader who has a way of helping people want to make good choices. He does it a way that makes a person feel so loved. Jonathan has always been supportive of my family and is as constant as the North Star. He too, has a sense of humor that can break even the most serious, straight faced person.
WW-She was my first blog responder! Although I have never met her, I can say that she is incredibly intelligent, deep thinking and led by a deep internal compass that propels her along her path in this life. She will certainly create opportunities for her pupils to think on a deeper level and consider the consequences of their own actions. Wouldn't it be amazing if we could say that about all of our teachers?!
Christine-My beautiful friend! She is one of those people who I admired from a distance for a very long time. Then, we were put together in a church calling and I saw just how truly remarkable she is. This girl is so talented and gifted. Her abilities as an artist are truly phenomenal, she is a musician, and has a way of helping people feel so important and validated. She has a zest for life, her children, her husband and her family. She is living her own love story because of the way she treats her husband (vice versa for him too!) When she speaks of him, her eyes twinkle and she always has a smile on her face. Just talking to her reminds of how much I love my own He-Man.
Kirstin-This wonderful North West friend has taught me so much. She is always kind and yet has spunk that keeps a person laughing. She taught me how to revel in my friends, my children, my husband and in a moment because she has the gift for doing just that. Her friends and family know she loves us because her actions prove that to be the case. When you are a friend of hers your name is always safe. You never need worry about what is said when you are not there. She taught me that a Shirley Temple is just not as good without a squeeze of lime. I will never go back to one without it. She encouraged me to read the book "The Peace Giver" and I am so glad I did. I was struck by how much her life and the way she treats others reflects that of the original Peace Giver.
Miche-Talk about a gifted domestic engineer! She makes everything around her beautiful. She is reliable, trustworthy and genuine. One thing that has always impressed me about her is the way she speaks of her family; her children, parents, husband, siblings. She is always respectful and loving towards them. I have never seen her lose her cool with any of her children and finds a way to see the humor in sticky situations.
Abby-When I was younger, I always wanted a friend named Abby. She and I were destined to be friends, at least by default because our husbands are practically brothers. Lucky for me, I couldn't have asked for a better practically-sister. She is a woman of great strength, devotion and wisdom. She's got the ability to make things fun even if they are hard. I've never heard her complain or speak ill of anyone. She has no guile and treats everyone she meets like an instant friend. She has great dignity while being completely approachable and easy to talk to.
Eric-He is practically my brother. He is the best friend of my husband. No one can get He-Man laughing quite like him. He has given me an appreciation for Opera and while 'Nessun Dorma' really is a crowd pleaser, I have never heard anyone sing it quite like him. He puts so much feeling into everything he does. He-Man has always told me Eric will be successful in what he chooses to do because of this gift. He has an ability to teach a person how to be better without them feeling badly, in fact he can make them feel totally appreciated in the process.
A. Woolner-She is a brilliant mind. She is full of wit yet completely graceful. She appreciates a good laugh and finds joy in what this life has to offer. She is truly goodly and is gifted in reminding others of what is important. A. Woolner loves children in a way that helps them to know she is an advocate for them. They know they are always safe with her. She has faith that can move mountains and teaches others how to hope.
Chrissy-My sophisticated and elegant friend is full of goodness. She has a great sense of understanding and compassion for others yet so easily recognizes truth. She has a romantic flair for life but maintains the balance of a fulfilling life. She treats others so respectfully and adds so much to the world around her through her actions and words.
emnacnud-She is like a sunflower in my life. She shines with the light of Christ. She has a bravery all her own. I watched her grow up from a little 8 year old girl to an able, strong and valuable woman. She has so much to offer this world with her abilities and willingness to try new things, stretch herself a little further and let her curiousity get the better of her. She makes life fun for her kids and stands as solid as a rock for her husband.
Carey-She is a great friend from high school. She has the voice of an angel and is a gifted performance artist. She is cultured and refined yet does not posses an ounce of conceit. She is so loving to her family and has always served as an example to me of that. She too, has a confidence in knowing where she is going and how to get there.
Dani-Although I didn't get many opportunities to spend time with Dani before my husband and I finished grad school, I got to know her enough to know she is filled with love for others. She has a gentility that gives peace to people. Others can feel completely at ease with her. She is warm and happy and beautiful from the inside out. She walks with air of knowing who she is and that she is truly a child of God.
So there you have. You have been introduced to each other, my friends! Please feel free to elaborate on why you love each other. Thank you again for you great support in the first few weeks of my blogging. It's been so fun! I'm looking so forward to doing even more!
Blogging has opened up a whole new world before my eyes. I'm amazed at the therapeutic aspect of it and have been touched by the love and support I've received through my blog. Some of the people I love the most on this planet have sent encouragement and perspective my way that has enlightened me and buoyed me up. I felt that encouragement particularly in regards to my post "All Hope Can Not Be Lost". I want so badly to let you all know how grateful I am for your support...but all the words I want to say seem just so inadequate.
Then I got to thinking, "How is it that all these amazing people do not know one another?!" That is when I decided to introduce all of you to each other. Some of you may know one another, which is fabulous because you are all so incredible...seriously destined for greatness. By creating these introductions I can perhaps let you know how much you mean to me, how grateful I am for your light in my life and how lucky I consider myself to know you. Thank you a million times over, my sparkly friends!
Love,
Trishelle
Let me start with my favorite of all, CHRIS. He is amazing. From the moment I met him, he sparkled. It wasn't until almost 6 years later that realized just how much. He is strong both spiritually and physically with a mental clarity that has gotten me out of many serious pickles. He is an example of quiet kindness and dignity with an ability to have me in stitches in the blink of an eye...seriously he is one of the funniest men I have ever met. It is amazing to me that a doctor so knowledgeable and gifted can humble himself before God enough to pray to Him for help to heal his patients. The man actually prays for his patients! Perhaps all doctors do that, but it something I have never witnessed before.
JAMIE-It never ceases to amaze me that someone I have known for only 1/3 of my life could be so important to me. When we met, I knew I loved her. She was the kind of girl I would have idolized in junior and high school. She has perfect movie star hair, an infectious laugh and impeccable taste. When I got to know her I was even more honored by her friendship. She is loyal, loving and truly one of the most compassionate people I have ever met. She knows when to swoop in and save people from despair and would give anyone all she could. Even now, as she awaits a little one who isn't cooperating, she looks for ways to brighten and lift other people. It's funny how we didn't know each other well enough to be bridesmaids at each other's weddings and yet have been present at the birth of half our collective children. (that last sentence sounds like we are part of a polygymous family...hehehe)
Heather-There is a song by Tom Petty called, "Wildflowers". When I hear this song, I think of her because she represents so much of what is good and whole on this earth. She and I became friends when we were fourteen which means I have known her the longest of all my blogging friends. She was this cute, perky, darling girl that you couldn't help but love. My parents were even delighted to meet her. Amazingly even better, as great as she was back then she is 100 times greater now. She has a strength that I never thought possible. She would open her arms to anyone without question and give them the shirt off her back. She always give people the benefit of the doubt and frankly forgives. She is probably the only one who has ever kissed my husband that I have absolutely no awkwardness towards. (Okay, now I am really starting to sound like a polygymous wife)
Mary Ruth-This woman certainly has the Midas Touch. She can make anything beautiful and joyous. She works with the youth in our church. I have heard legendary stories of her and what she has done for those girls. I have no doubt in my mind that she is leaving an indelible mark on those kids for the better. She loves her Savior and treats people accordingly.
Kelley-When Kelley came into my life, she was this mysterious, super intelligent globetrotter who just returned from living in the Middle East. She was and continues to be a stalwart ray of sunshine who stands for what she believes in. She always has. She is a true friend who loves and cares so much. She has a great sense of humor but would never laugh at the expense of others. Plus, she had the great taste to date my brother. One can only feel positively charged up when being in her presence. She has enough goodness to have that affect on people.
Jonathan-One of the two greatest eldest brothers. He and Peej, together have exemplified Christ in the way they treat their younger brothers and sisters. He is a great leader who has a way of helping people want to make good choices. He does it a way that makes a person feel so loved. Jonathan has always been supportive of my family and is as constant as the North Star. He too, has a sense of humor that can break even the most serious, straight faced person.
WW-She was my first blog responder! Although I have never met her, I can say that she is incredibly intelligent, deep thinking and led by a deep internal compass that propels her along her path in this life. She will certainly create opportunities for her pupils to think on a deeper level and consider the consequences of their own actions. Wouldn't it be amazing if we could say that about all of our teachers?!
Christine-My beautiful friend! She is one of those people who I admired from a distance for a very long time. Then, we were put together in a church calling and I saw just how truly remarkable she is. This girl is so talented and gifted. Her abilities as an artist are truly phenomenal, she is a musician, and has a way of helping people feel so important and validated. She has a zest for life, her children, her husband and her family. She is living her own love story because of the way she treats her husband (vice versa for him too!) When she speaks of him, her eyes twinkle and she always has a smile on her face. Just talking to her reminds of how much I love my own He-Man.
Kirstin-This wonderful North West friend has taught me so much. She is always kind and yet has spunk that keeps a person laughing. She taught me how to revel in my friends, my children, my husband and in a moment because she has the gift for doing just that. Her friends and family know she loves us because her actions prove that to be the case. When you are a friend of hers your name is always safe. You never need worry about what is said when you are not there. She taught me that a Shirley Temple is just not as good without a squeeze of lime. I will never go back to one without it. She encouraged me to read the book "The Peace Giver" and I am so glad I did. I was struck by how much her life and the way she treats others reflects that of the original Peace Giver.
Miche-Talk about a gifted domestic engineer! She makes everything around her beautiful. She is reliable, trustworthy and genuine. One thing that has always impressed me about her is the way she speaks of her family; her children, parents, husband, siblings. She is always respectful and loving towards them. I have never seen her lose her cool with any of her children and finds a way to see the humor in sticky situations.
Abby-When I was younger, I always wanted a friend named Abby. She and I were destined to be friends, at least by default because our husbands are practically brothers. Lucky for me, I couldn't have asked for a better practically-sister. She is a woman of great strength, devotion and wisdom. She's got the ability to make things fun even if they are hard. I've never heard her complain or speak ill of anyone. She has no guile and treats everyone she meets like an instant friend. She has great dignity while being completely approachable and easy to talk to.
Eric-He is practically my brother. He is the best friend of my husband. No one can get He-Man laughing quite like him. He has given me an appreciation for Opera and while 'Nessun Dorma' really is a crowd pleaser, I have never heard anyone sing it quite like him. He puts so much feeling into everything he does. He-Man has always told me Eric will be successful in what he chooses to do because of this gift. He has an ability to teach a person how to be better without them feeling badly, in fact he can make them feel totally appreciated in the process.
A. Woolner-She is a brilliant mind. She is full of wit yet completely graceful. She appreciates a good laugh and finds joy in what this life has to offer. She is truly goodly and is gifted in reminding others of what is important. A. Woolner loves children in a way that helps them to know she is an advocate for them. They know they are always safe with her. She has faith that can move mountains and teaches others how to hope.
Chrissy-My sophisticated and elegant friend is full of goodness. She has a great sense of understanding and compassion for others yet so easily recognizes truth. She has a romantic flair for life but maintains the balance of a fulfilling life. She treats others so respectfully and adds so much to the world around her through her actions and words.
emnacnud-She is like a sunflower in my life. She shines with the light of Christ. She has a bravery all her own. I watched her grow up from a little 8 year old girl to an able, strong and valuable woman. She has so much to offer this world with her abilities and willingness to try new things, stretch herself a little further and let her curiousity get the better of her. She makes life fun for her kids and stands as solid as a rock for her husband.
Carey-She is a great friend from high school. She has the voice of an angel and is a gifted performance artist. She is cultured and refined yet does not posses an ounce of conceit. She is so loving to her family and has always served as an example to me of that. She too, has a confidence in knowing where she is going and how to get there.
Dani-Although I didn't get many opportunities to spend time with Dani before my husband and I finished grad school, I got to know her enough to know she is filled with love for others. She has a gentility that gives peace to people. Others can feel completely at ease with her. She is warm and happy and beautiful from the inside out. She walks with air of knowing who she is and that she is truly a child of God.
So there you have. You have been introduced to each other, my friends! Please feel free to elaborate on why you love each other. Thank you again for you great support in the first few weeks of my blogging. It's been so fun! I'm looking so forward to doing even more!
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Happy birthday, Baby! (What a difference a year makes!)
This story actually starts more accurately 1 year and 9 months ago...
He-Man and I decided to move the kids and me early while he finished school and board exams up North. We spent weeks packing and scrambling to get everything done because moving in October was a relatively last minute decision. A few days before we left, I was running with my fabulous running buddy, Stacy and remember saying, "I'm so glad I'm not making this move, living without my husband for 2 months, while pregnant." He-Man and I discussed baby planning previously and made up our minds that post grad school would be a perfect time to add to our family.
And so the girls and I hit the road, at times singing at the top of our lungs as the landscape changed before us. We were set for an adventure. We were relocating, moving into a huge house and eager beavers looking for fun. The move went really well and everything went according to our plan except...
I was missing He-Man so much and was seriously emotional about it. Plus, I was ravenously hungry 75% of the time and repulsed by food 25% of the time. That should have been a clue, but I was too busy moving.
About Mid-November, it hit me that something was a little off. I was starving, a little (A LOT) emotional and had this lingering upset tummy. After two other children, I really should have picked up on it sooner...but there I was hit by the brick that I could indeed be pregnant. I wasn't in the position to buy or take a test at the time the idea crossed my mind, so I made the decision to get one the first thing in the morning.
I woke up early, grabbed my sleepy kids and ran to Target. Much to my chagrin, it was closed until 8:00 and I REALLY had to go to the bathroom...needless to say, I should have thought to leave a specimen for laboratory use and go to the store without an over filled bladder ready to spontaneously combust...but I usually don't consider the most logical way to do things.
So, onto to Kroger where my restless kids were bribed with really big donuts if they cooperated. I grabbed a package of 'buy 1 get 1' pregnancy tests, a few delectable donuts and what little dignity a person doing the potty dance at the grocery store could have left and scrambled home. There as the girls contentedly scarfed down pastries, I sat in the bathroom awaiting the results.
It didn't take long for the test to come back positive. I was pregnant. What?! My husband wasn't even in the same state!
The morning sicknesses soon followed, but He-Man didn't. Unfortunately, two months turned into 3 and half months. Lucky for him, this pregnancy seemed to be about 6 months long.
He came home and things progressed. I was convinced this baby was a boy and was utterly shocked and confused when the ultrasound tech told me otherwise. I actually needed a moment to compose myself after the shock...I was so sure.
Fast forward to 35 weeks. My midwife expressed concern because my belly wasn't measuring right and they started giving me stress test to make sure Button Nose was alright. They threw out words like IUGR and incompetent Uterus. I was getting freaked out really fast.
The decision was made to induce labor a week early to avoid the risks of IUGR...which can get ugly.
It was a year ago tonight when I was so scared. I had never been induced. My water broke with both my previous labors. I couldn't sleep so my visiting mom rubbed my back, my husband and I talked and prayed, and I tried to stay as calm as possible. The next morning I woke up and went to the hospital.
The doctors gave me pitosin and my labor started at 9:00 a.m. Button Nose was born three hours later surrounded by my very best friends. She was perfect. There were no signs of IUGR and she came in weighing 6 pounds 3 ounces. I loved her even before I saw her.
Now, on the eve of her first birthday, I am completely and utterly delighted by this sweet little girl. She brings happiness to all of us as she mass produces joy. This little one makes me want to have a dozen. Unfortunately, I probably ought to have got crackin' a little sooner.
Monday, July 7, 2008
Family Pics!
This weekend was a marathon weekend! In between a family reunion, Independence Day celebrations, Bunny's birthday and having a house full of company, our sweet aunt took family photos for us. I LOVE them. Here are a few. They haven't been edited but I was so excited to share!
I was fiddling around with the black and white look....
This one took my breath away! Look at my handsome husband!! Gosh, he's hot! I've always had a thing for scruffiness and his aunt really captured the sparkle in his eye.
After grooming, dressing and organizing my family for the pictures, it became a battle to keep Bunny's finger out of her nose, Sunshine wasn't feeling her usually sparkliness and Button Nose started emitting a rather pungent odor. Near the end, we compromised and got our kidlets to hang on a little longer by agreeing to a silly picture.
He-man is rather chagrined that he is the only one not making a face. There is a reason Button Nose has a look of concentration on that little baby face of hers.
This one is from the family reunion the day earlier.
I was fiddling around with the black and white look....
This one took my breath away! Look at my handsome husband!! Gosh, he's hot! I've always had a thing for scruffiness and his aunt really captured the sparkle in his eye.
After grooming, dressing and organizing my family for the pictures, it became a battle to keep Bunny's finger out of her nose, Sunshine wasn't feeling her usually sparkliness and Button Nose started emitting a rather pungent odor. Near the end, we compromised and got our kidlets to hang on a little longer by agreeing to a silly picture.
He-man is rather chagrined that he is the only one not making a face. There is a reason Button Nose has a look of concentration on that little baby face of hers.
This one is from the family reunion the day earlier.
Last, but not least, we took a couple of pics of just the two of us. Have you ever noticed that the amount of pictures you and your spouse get taken together dwindle siginifcantly after the kids start coming?
Bunny is 4 years old!
My sweet Bunny is four years old! It happened yesterday. I find myself really reminiscing about everything she has brought to our family. She is cheerful, sweet and almost always happy. She is truly one of the funniestkids I have ever met....Seriously! The kid's got great comedic timing! She can tell a joke, straight faced and have grown ups in stitches. To add to that delight, you can tell her a joke and she gets it. No need to explain anything to her!
Her cake: Lemon (yellow-her favorite color, of course with raspberry filling)
Her party: Her family (her friend tea party will come in a few days) including her best friend and cousin, affectionately known as 'Jer-mah'.
This is Bunny and Jer-mah, apparently, they are kissing cousins. What you don't see is that they are both covered in graham crackers, so it's a crumbly, crunchy sort of kiss.
For part of Bunny's birthday present I made these butterflies for her bedroom ceiling. I saw some at a boutique in October and have since been trying to wrap my brain around how to make some instead of paying $7-10 per butterfly. I love how they turned out and they cost about .75 cents to make!
So with the flying ceiling critters along with a couple of Princess Polly Pockets, she was thrilled!
Funny Little Bunny Sayings:
"Momma, can I have some of your lickspit?" GROSS! It took me a couple of weeks to figure out, she wanted some of my lipgloss!
For all of you who appreciate the chiropractic aspect of our lives:
I was really sick a couple of months ago and Bunny kept telling me she will give me a 'jazmint'. I was so out of it I just said, 'Thank you for your thougtfulness, honey." After a day or so I was feeling a little less like a zombie and Bunny, frustrated that I wasn't listening to her said, "Momma, you need a jazmint!' So, she took my hand, walked me upstairs, had me lay down on He-man's chiro table and proceeded to press on my stomach, making really loud grunting sounds. Then she said, "There Momma! Don't you feel better?" I don't know where she got the idea that grunting was part of giving adjustments.
Bunny's favorite breakfast treat: 'Sticky Bums' Perhaps I ought to try Cinnamon Bums next time.
She hasn't quite figued out pronouns so when Bunny makes a mistake she says, "Oh Silly I!"
With that said, or typed, Bunny certainly keeps our home happier and I am so excited to see what brilliant things she is going to come up with next!
Thursday, July 3, 2008
All Hope CAN NOT Be Lost!
We experienced a not-so-unexpected blow this week. I have finally been able to gather my thoughts and gain composure enough to share. Interestingly enough, I find it easier to write about the experience on my blog, rather than rehash the bitter details in person.
As a side note, I have been advised to be careful when it comes to revealing information...So I decided to make this even more fun and give my family code names. They are as follows:
My strapling husband will now be referred to as He-Man
My oldest daughter will go by the name of Little Miss Sunshine or Sunshine for short.
My middle daughter will go by Bunny.
My baby girl will now be known as Button Nose.
As many of you know, He-Man finished graduate school and is now a chiropractor building his practice in a semi-independent working environment. It has been slow, but onward and upward we go. He-man got a second job to supplement his business until it picks up which means we REALLY miss our fun family time.
In the meantime, He-man has been applying for various positions, trying to improve the situation or at least give us a couple of options. One possible job opportunity stuck our for me. It was a job on a Naval base in HAWAII for a contracted chiropractor which is along the lines of what He-man wants to do.
Although he was less qualified because of the limited years of experience he currently has, he was encouraged to apply because of his past experience as a massage therapist. So he did. It was about 25 pages long and a rather tedious process but he got it done.
Although I knew it was a REALLY long shot, I hoped something would come of it, in spite of how obscure the possibility was. It wasn't just about the location and the amazing opportunity it would be for our family. It meant an end to our current, seemingly endless situation. It meant stability, something we haven't really enjoyed since before we moved cross country for grad school. I wanted it so bad I could almost taste the salty sea spray...
The news finally came on Monday. He-man was home for lunch, so I grabbed the keys and headed out to grab some things from the store. As I was backing out he said the painfully obvious words, "The position in Hawaii has been filled". "Oh, okay", was all I think I said. I was really surprised at how anti-climatic is was. I continued to pull out of the driveway when Bunny came running out the front door screaming, "Momma, don't leave me!" She's a preschooler so she doesn't get out nearly as much as her older sister. I recognized the 'get me out of the house' look on her face because I see it in the mirror a lot lately. I was happy to oblige.
I meandered through the isles I needed to get through and paid for my purchases. I was feeling more and more crushed by the news and felt a sudden urgency to get away from public places partially because I wasn't wearing waterproof makeup and I felt a meltdown coming on. I got in the car, started driving down the road when the emotions could not be bottled up any longer. Have you ever tried so hard not to cry that your body shakes and you can't speak? Ug, that was what it was like. Unearthly sounds resembling snort-sobs came uncontrollably from my body and my poor preschooler, with great concern on her face asked, "Momma, why are you making those noises?" That was it. It just all came out. It's amazing we got home in one piece.
Once parked, Bunny ran back into the house, relieved to have gotten out. Knowing, it would have crushed He-man to see me crying like this I secretly cried with wild abandon for several minutes in a place I could be alone. I couldn't believe how this obviously unsurprising news turned out to be so devastating. The response we got was everything we were expecting to hear! So why was I taking it so hard?! It was because it took away the hope of immediate improvement of our career situation AND I felt so strongly about encouraging my husband to apply for the job. I had put him on a wild goose chase! Self doubt reared it's ugly head, looked me straight in the eye and won the staring contest.
After composing myself I felt surprisingly better and went into the house. That's when an amazing thing happened. I took a nap. All that crying exhausted me and I laid down thinking I would close my eyes for just a second....
When I woke up, my first thought was, "I love this beautiful, upstairs bedroom overlooking the tallest tree in our backyard. I love this house we are renting from my in-laws, with the veggie garden in the backyard and the fact that if we were homeowners right now, we would certainly be in foreclosure." I went downstairs to see my two oldest children laughing at something they were doing together. Later that night I was reminded how much I love this amazing neighborhood where everyone takes care of each other. I love how handsome my husband looks in his slacks and button-up collar shirts. I love that he is good at what he does and people from all over the neighborhood seek his help and medical expertise. I love my baby who smiles a gigantic smile every time she sees me.
All hope can not be lost because I still have these things. How can I possibly allow myself to be grief stricken about something that wasn't mine to mourn when I have been so bountifully blessed by my Heavenly Father?!
And so, I ended the day feeling better than I had at lunch. As an extra bonus I decided to stop sporting the Sasquatch look and finally shaved my legs, gave myself a french pedicure and eat strawberries I almost forgot about.
All can not be lost because things will get better and even though I have long, gangly E.T. toes (He-man affectionately named them after that ever so friendly alien's fingers) they are awfully pretty painted.
As a side note, I have been advised to be careful when it comes to revealing information...So I decided to make this even more fun and give my family code names. They are as follows:
My strapling husband will now be referred to as He-Man
My oldest daughter will go by the name of Little Miss Sunshine or Sunshine for short.
My middle daughter will go by Bunny.
My baby girl will now be known as Button Nose.
As many of you know, He-Man finished graduate school and is now a chiropractor building his practice in a semi-independent working environment. It has been slow, but onward and upward we go. He-man got a second job to supplement his business until it picks up which means we REALLY miss our fun family time.
In the meantime, He-man has been applying for various positions, trying to improve the situation or at least give us a couple of options. One possible job opportunity stuck our for me. It was a job on a Naval base in HAWAII for a contracted chiropractor which is along the lines of what He-man wants to do.
Although he was less qualified because of the limited years of experience he currently has, he was encouraged to apply because of his past experience as a massage therapist. So he did. It was about 25 pages long and a rather tedious process but he got it done.
Although I knew it was a REALLY long shot, I hoped something would come of it, in spite of how obscure the possibility was. It wasn't just about the location and the amazing opportunity it would be for our family. It meant an end to our current, seemingly endless situation. It meant stability, something we haven't really enjoyed since before we moved cross country for grad school. I wanted it so bad I could almost taste the salty sea spray...
The news finally came on Monday. He-man was home for lunch, so I grabbed the keys and headed out to grab some things from the store. As I was backing out he said the painfully obvious words, "The position in Hawaii has been filled". "Oh, okay", was all I think I said. I was really surprised at how anti-climatic is was. I continued to pull out of the driveway when Bunny came running out the front door screaming, "Momma, don't leave me!" She's a preschooler so she doesn't get out nearly as much as her older sister. I recognized the 'get me out of the house' look on her face because I see it in the mirror a lot lately. I was happy to oblige.
I meandered through the isles I needed to get through and paid for my purchases. I was feeling more and more crushed by the news and felt a sudden urgency to get away from public places partially because I wasn't wearing waterproof makeup and I felt a meltdown coming on. I got in the car, started driving down the road when the emotions could not be bottled up any longer. Have you ever tried so hard not to cry that your body shakes and you can't speak? Ug, that was what it was like. Unearthly sounds resembling snort-sobs came uncontrollably from my body and my poor preschooler, with great concern on her face asked, "Momma, why are you making those noises?" That was it. It just all came out. It's amazing we got home in one piece.
Once parked, Bunny ran back into the house, relieved to have gotten out. Knowing, it would have crushed He-man to see me crying like this I secretly cried with wild abandon for several minutes in a place I could be alone. I couldn't believe how this obviously unsurprising news turned out to be so devastating. The response we got was everything we were expecting to hear! So why was I taking it so hard?! It was because it took away the hope of immediate improvement of our career situation AND I felt so strongly about encouraging my husband to apply for the job. I had put him on a wild goose chase! Self doubt reared it's ugly head, looked me straight in the eye and won the staring contest.
After composing myself I felt surprisingly better and went into the house. That's when an amazing thing happened. I took a nap. All that crying exhausted me and I laid down thinking I would close my eyes for just a second....
When I woke up, my first thought was, "I love this beautiful, upstairs bedroom overlooking the tallest tree in our backyard. I love this house we are renting from my in-laws, with the veggie garden in the backyard and the fact that if we were homeowners right now, we would certainly be in foreclosure." I went downstairs to see my two oldest children laughing at something they were doing together. Later that night I was reminded how much I love this amazing neighborhood where everyone takes care of each other. I love how handsome my husband looks in his slacks and button-up collar shirts. I love that he is good at what he does and people from all over the neighborhood seek his help and medical expertise. I love my baby who smiles a gigantic smile every time she sees me.
All hope can not be lost because I still have these things. How can I possibly allow myself to be grief stricken about something that wasn't mine to mourn when I have been so bountifully blessed by my Heavenly Father?!
And so, I ended the day feeling better than I had at lunch. As an extra bonus I decided to stop sporting the Sasquatch look and finally shaved my legs, gave myself a french pedicure and eat strawberries I almost forgot about.
All can not be lost because things will get better and even though I have long, gangly E.T. toes (He-man affectionately named them after that ever so friendly alien's fingers) they are awfully pretty painted.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Sometimes your the ant and sometimes you are the shoe...
Yesterday I began my day with an early morning run. It was glorious! I barely beat the sun up so it was light enough to go out and as an added bonus, I got to see the sun rise. I love the way the sun's rays hit my face when I run in the a.m. It's not too hot and the warmth feels like a comfortable kiss on my face.
As I finished, I walked past the fragrant, wild honeysuckle that grows along my friend's fence and noticed early rising little ants catching the proverbial worm. Out of respect for their industry, I tried really hard to dodge them. At times, they nearly covered the sidewalk so I probably looked silly leaping and bounding randomly. I was almost home, had just negotiated a particularly large colony of ants when suddenly, CRUNCH! Apparently, the colony had a secluded suburb and I just squished it.
I made it home and shared my chagrin over ruining an ant colony's day with my husband. Being the brilliant thinker he is, he related it to our own situation. Things are not going great at work and he shared with me that sometimes he feels like a tortured ant with a ginormous shoe hovering over him. He then, shrugged and came to the conclusion that someday, he will be the shoe. At which point we will do our best to remember that those little ants are minding their own business. We may find ourselves dodging their colonies about as gracefully as a charging rhinoceros, but they ought not to have reason to fear our ever lovin' shoe. In fact, I plan to throw them a bunch of crumbs in my wake mixed with a little bit of sparkle and sunshine....just for good measure.
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