Monday, August 15, 2011

I Heart Faces: Beautiful Eyes

Well, it looks like I've been neglecting my blog for a bit, but I thought I'd get back into it and start by entering into the weekly photo challenge over at I Heart Faces.
I'm entering a photo of my son (he's my best subject!).  I could stare into his eyes forever....

                                                  

Please head over to I Heart Faces to check out the other entries!

  I Heart Faces - Photo Challenges & Photography Tutorials


Thursday, April 21, 2011

I'm still here

Hello, blog.  I'm sorry for the neglect.

This year has been going pretty well.  I don't have much to complain about.  Is that what blogs are for?  Not really. 
In that case, here are some phrases my son has been saying lately that really crack me up:

(in response to naptime)....."I'm not tired yet, my yawns aren't coming"

(in response to seeing something new)....."What's this about?"

(delay tactic) "5 more minutes!"

(when he doesn't want to answer his parents, usually when he's playing trains) "I'm SO busy right now"

(when delaying bedtime) "I have a pwoblem"

(when delaying beditime)  "I need to tell you something"

(when presented with a problem) "I have an idea!"  (it stops there...no elaboration)

That kid is really adorable (most of the time).  He's added so much to our lives, and he is almost 3.  Wow.  How time flies!!!!

Friday, March 18, 2011

Time is slipping by

When I was growing up, we moved slot. My dad was in the army. I don't have any friends that I've known since "forever". I'm okay with this. I actually really liked my childhood.

Today, I had a huge realization of why people stay in one place.

It was a BEAUTIFUL day. I took my son to the lake we have in our town. The same lake I had taken him to last year. We built memories. I could vividly "see" him there last year, and could compare it to him today. Being in that same space seemed magical. I can envision taking him there every year of his life. When he is older, or I am older, I can envision going to this place to remember all of the fun we've had there together.

There was nothing extraordinary about our visit today. Some throwing of rocks into the water, some walking in the sand hand in hand, some climbing into the lifeguards chair together, and some "soaking in the sun" together. Simple, yet perfect. If I could live today over and over again, I would. The realization that these days pass us by too quickly makes me sad, but reminds me to cherish them even more.

Children really are magical, and I feel so lucky that mine is showing me how enjoyable our life really is!

AJ

Thursday, February 10, 2011

No Resolutions

I don't make New Year's Resolutions.  They don't work for me.  I do recognize that the start of a New Year is a good time a fresh start, a time to reflect on what has past and what you would like to see ahead of you.

I've decided to give myself a "theme" word and color for this year.  A word and phrase to help inspire me make the year be what I want it to be.  Hokey? Maybe.  Its okay.

2011 Theme Word:  Minimize
I want to rid my existence of extra "stuff".  I don't want my surroundings, my mind, or my relationships to be cluttered.  Period.  I've started "purging" the house of extras, and the initial run through was easy.  Continuing to follow through on this won't be easy, but I will remain determined.  My goal is to surround myself with the people, things, and experiences that make me happy.  I think that the more "stuff" we have, the easier it is to get distracted from what really makes us happy.  Hopefully the minimizing will help me appreciate all that I have even more.  Seems simple....minimal.  Yes.


2011 Theme Color: Yellow!
Just because it makes me happy.


And...just for fun, I'm throwing in two "Bonus" phrases:

Personal Excellence .  (I'm cheating on this a bit...I just started reading a blog by the same name, and I like it.  It is a good reminder to choose to excel at what-ever it is you choose to do.  I like that.  Its a great reminder.)

Impulse Control.  I added this one late in the game (this post has been in draft for a while!).  I need to think about what I say (or do) before I actually say (or do) it.  I need to think about the impact it will have and determine how to act appropriately in order to achieve the desired end result.  Whew.  That isn't an easy one for me, but I'm working on it.  Think before you speak. 


This year has started off well, and I'm optimistic about 2011 (despite the HUGE amounts of snow that we have).  Cheers.

AJ

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Today is a Struggle

I feel like I'm struggling today.  I have a pain in the neck.  Not the facetious kind, a real ache that is making me cranky.  I don't know if I slept in a funky position, or picked up Cy at a weird angle, but I am sore.  I've been popping Advil since 6 this morning.

In addition to the physical , I feel mentally distracted.  I have stuff on my mind (not stuff I talk about here).  Nothing super serious, just a nagging thing that has me a bit down.  AND- all of this snow and ice and yucky weather may be causing some SAD (seasonal affected disorder).  Is this a good excuse for another vacation?  Probably not. I guess I just have to wait it out.

I am really longing for the spring.  I want to get outside and enjoy some sun and fresh air.  I want to run around with my little buddy and not have to wear layers. 

Maybe I should just hibernate until then.

AJ

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Superbowl and Child Prostitution?

I'm listening to the radio and just heard a story about child trafficking and prostitution rings that run rampant during the Superbowl.  What?!!?  I was really upset and appalled to hear about this, and found some other stories that seem to confirm.  Really scary stuff.

MSNBC article

Consumerist article

Change.org article


As a parent, it really upsets me to think of children being used and abused in this way.  What creeps.  It certainly makes me think differently about Superbowl festivities.
I know you can't keep your children safe from everything.  I know this first hand.  But this?  Maybe I'll switch to listening to music during the day.

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

he loves me

I have to mark the day: Sunday Jan 16, 2011

Cy gave me my first unsolicited "I love you, Mommy"

Sure, it was preceded with "I love blueberries" ....but I'll take it.   I'm not sure what prompted his outpouring of love, but he gave me some serious hugs to follow it up. 

How can he be so sweet one minute and so defiant the next?  I guess it helps when we remember and savor the good times and try to move on from the bad.

AJ