Showing posts with label Family. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Family. Show all posts

Sunday, November 2, 2014

On NOT Going Insane

We have moved a lot. But that is pretty standard for young married/college students. 

In Lincoln someone pointed out a fact about moving to me: YOU WILL BE DEPRESSED. 

At the time I had never thought about it, but I instantly agreed. I never would have admitted it, but at some point- the isolation of your move hits you and you miss-- the past. Something, someone, someplace.

And sometimes it is hard to get over. It comes in waves. Sometimes you have to struggle and fight, work it like play dough till it finally feels right. But it will. Feel right,  that is. And this friend also said, you sort of have to "befriend" everyone till you get a comfort zone- then can start truly growing your friend circle.

Lincoln totally felt like that. It was just hard. I loved Lincoln, and hated it. It's a weird relationship to explain.

As the months went by and a I was molding myself to fit in, I read an article about 10 ways to not go insane as a stay at home mom. I don't remember all of them, and I certainly didn't keep them all. But it helped a lot. It helped me keep my sanity. And these things helped me each time we moved become more stable and happier (this last move was the best).

So here are the things that stuck out to me/helped me the best:

1. Go outside for at least 1 hr every day. Even in winter, in the snow and cold. Just get outside.

2. Call someone every day. Talk to someone outside your household world. Someone who cares, an adult. I gotta admit I stretched this one a lot- for a while calling the Dr counted. And ever now there will be days where I only do "errand " phone calls, but it's enough.

3. Plan. I am horrible at doing this- and even when I do do it I rarely stick to it. But it helps me calm down at least and feel like there is a purpose to the day.

4. Do something every day. Either plan a craft, bake, or have an outing- but do something out of the ordinary.

 And that's my advice :)


Wednesday, January 8, 2014

BAM! Another post

Did I tell you about Christmas yet?
It was wonderful.
Keeping Saeiah at bat with the presents was hard.
I think by the time Christmas actually came she had given up on us ever opening the gifts. But alas the day came! I think Joe was just as excited as she was.

Also- I didn't think opening gifts would take so long! Every gift she wanted to open and play with right then.

Sariah LOVES her grocery cart she got. And her art station. And her Barbie doll. Okay, she basically loved everything.

I got Joe and I both small nerf guns- they have brought many a nights full if fun for him, Sariah and scout.


Later that day we drove up to Sioux City where  Jokes family had invited us for Christmaa dinner. It was fun and a perfect way to spend the day.


Ps- HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD!!!!!




Friday, November 22, 2013

November

I feel like for the first time in my life I am actually experiencing what "fall" SHOULD feel like. I am sorta loving it (although Séamus and I both agree we would prefer CA weather still).

Today was high 40's-low 50's. Low wind. Some overcast but mostly sunny. I couldn't help but keep us outside all day. 

Not much new happens to us to post about. Séamus will be 12 weeks tomorrow! He is still big too. He has rolled over and sits up well. And oh when he smiles...he loves me it shows. :)

Sariah loves him. It's adorable and heart warming and all te mushy stuff. She likes to hold him and read to him and make him dance. She also will sleep anywhere. Most nights she goes to sleep in bed, but we wake up to find her in the glider or dog bed or the couch or her little couch. It's ridiculous and adorable.

Joe and I saw Enders Game in theaters last week. It's the first movie we have seen in theaters (together) for about 2 1/2 years. That's crazy! 

I am working 6 hours a week, and that is the perfect amount for us right now. Sariah is doing SO much better about being left without me and I appreciate it so much. 

We also bought a gun this week. And it's my gun (since I have the NE drivers license). It's a shotgun and Joe is really excited to go hunting next year. 

And...yep. That's what's new-ish.

Monday, April 1, 2013

Life

I saw a sign that said "there is no place lie Nebraska" and all I thought was: THANK GOODNESS.

Last week driving around Nebraska, rather boring. I find it funny that the 2 largest cities in this town are on the borders- an hour further you would be in another state.
But, I have also realized that Lincoln is not the worst place to live.
No, certainly not.

Also, I love what my husband does. It let us be outside- it makes us be active- it gives us a lifestyle we want. And I love it.
It causes us to always learn and be aware, and to meet the most interesting people.
And that just makes it all worth it.









Saturday, March 23, 2013

How to make a bad day good.

This last week has been a bit crazy and a lot of EXHAUSTING.

A week ago our fuel pump went out. And had to rely on others for transportation, plus deal with fixing a car-never fun.

Then Joe ended up having a last minute research trip to his fields all across the state this week (his spring break). And since his brother drove a car out to us and was here for a week, we decided to take advantage of the situation and have his brother dog/house sit for us while Sariah and I accompanied Joe.

And oh, I am SO glad we did.
Sariah and I got to hang out with Joe and chill out in a hotel for three days, swimming and watching tv (we miss cable).
We got back home Fri afternoon, exhausted. Driving 400 miles with a toddler is not easy. And then coming home, pregnant, to a visitor in your house- just somehow didn't help.
Plus, the next day we were leaving to drive another 220+ miles to visit family in Iowa. It was exhausting. And I wanted to cry.

But then Joe and his brother went to the store. And when he came back, he made this pregnant lady feel a LOT better :) (with the help of family).

-flowers. YELLOW flowers
-chocolate
-Easter package from family (and who can't help but love Sariahs new dress or things for her to play with?!?)
-The Hobbit

Day=made.







Monday, March 4, 2013

You want to ride MY bicycle?

Happy birthday to me! Joe got me a bike. :)

Funny story is though, this was not the bike he originally got me. After I left for CA Joe pulled a Gift of the Magi on me and stopped/returned his gun and instead got me a bike. But It was on back order till April. And with the weather getting nicer (or so we thought) we were eager beavers and on Saturday we went on the search for a different bike.

And, by golly, we did better.
It's so pretty. Go ahead and admire. It is as nice as it looks.
It is a Bianchi- Milano. Seafoam green. 7 speed, fenders. All this things make me happy. I'm not a hard core biker, and will be riding around in a City with bike paths an towing a trailer.

I tried this bike, then we went to another bike shop and tried some Treks- and while they were nice, this bike had me sold the first time I rode it. It is so smooth. The seat is so comfy. And for the light commuter I will be, it is perfect.
My only complaint is that the "step-through" portion of the bike is so high. As a pregnant women, that was pretty important to me in picking out a bike. But, again- while other bikes had lower and easier step-throughs, I loved the way this bike rode too much to give it up.

So, yes. We have all been enjoying our family bike rides. :)





Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Why I love California

We all love our hometown state/city/whatever for different and specific reasons.

I know California has problems.
I know it is expensive.
I know it is over crowded.
But I love that place.

I love it because I can get quality, fresh produce all year long.
I love it because in a day I can go to the beach, dessert and mountains.
I love it because it has so much history to teach my family about. The missions, ghost towns, ocean, national and state parks.
I love it because the weather is fantastic and I do not like living in the snow.
I love it because there is so much to do.
I love it for its oceans, good food, and it i where my family is.

Thanks for being so good to us California.

Now, how do I get everyone else to leave so I can have more alone time with my state?











Thursday, February 14, 2013

Be Mine

I never know how to feel about Valentines Day. This year, I think I have my feelings figured out.

Growing up, Valentines day is like another Halloween. You get to give out valentines (some more awkward than others, because you have to give one to everyone in your class), you get to make crafts and eat lots of sweets and candy. It was just a good day.
Then, when these days of valentine requirements is gone, and the idea of actually 'competing' (like the Hunger Games, but for men instead of your life), comes up, Valentines sort of lost its appeal. The Hallmark-ness seemed to hit in, and even now- it often seems like Valentines day is a day for women to be pampered by their men, and show the world how much their husbands can do for them.

We all know the story of St. Valentines.
Okay, maybe we don't. But we have some sort of idea, or have heard rumors.
It didn't end pretty, that is where I will end that one.

So what I don't get, is why does Valentines day have to be isolated to the person we are romantic with? I mean, all year long- I tell Joe I love him, and I think it means even more to him (I know i do) when he does romantic gestures that are NOT on intended romantic holidays. We have our anniversary. And then we have 364 (sometimes 365) other days of the year to rave about how much we appreciate and care for each other.

So, really, shouldn't valentines day be about LOVE? Not for those who we may share a bed or home with- but those who impact our lives for the better? Our capacity to love should not be limited to the ring on our finger. It should be only limited to how big our heart is.

I love Joseph.
And I really do like Valentines day, because why should anyone hate a day that is meant to show our love for each other?
I love Sariah, and my family, our furry animals, and all my friends and those wonderful teachers who have helped me, encouraged me and taught me along the way.

So, to you all,  HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!!!


I can't help but to laugh at this as I scroll threw my Facebook feed. =]

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Ash Wednesday

I have a strong attachment to Ash Wednesday. Something I will never do anything about probably, but one day- I hope I can.
No, this picture really has nothing to do with the post. But I didn't know what picture would be appropriate for this post...

I am not Catholic, and I do not know a lot about their religion, faith, or traditions. So I do not want to demean this day for those who hold it sacred. But my dad grew up Catholic, and I was born in a Catholic hospital.
This is the way I understand my birth:

I was due on February 14th.
I was two weeks late (the only of all 4 kids, and I was the youngest). I ended up being born in February 28th. Which also happened to be ASH WEDNESDAY.

My dad was coming up to my mom's room in the elevator, and *insert joke here* ran into a priest. After hearing the good news my dad had to share, and noticing no ash- the priest blessed my dad and marked his forhead. So when my dad entered my mom's room, being Latter-Day Saints, she was a bit confused to see the ash on his head.

No, not a funny spectacular story- but it has always been special to me. Birth stories are always special, and we all need something that sets ours apart. This day, does it for me.



Plus, I was born on a Holiday that allows me to still retain all the glory =].

Tuesday, February 12, 2013

A Mom bears' gotta do, what a Mom bears' gotta do.

It was a long day.
It had been a long weekend, full of driving and being in the car.
Sariah was not a happy camper.

Let me explain.

My parents, Sariah and I went down to Palm Springs area this last weekend to visit some family. We drove all day Friday, spent Saturday shopping, and left Sunday morning. We had left the desert early that morning, had a stop for breakfast and gas- and had that little girl knocked out within an hour of our drive. But, of course, she woke up two hours later- us being just shy of reaching LA.
By the way, this was NOT good. We still live a good 3 hours North of LA. And Sariah had already taken her nap. So, onward we fought with the cranky toddler- making stops along the way to please her.

When we finally reached Santa Barbara, the once beautiful day we had been greeted with, left us and we were left with a rather dreary-looking sky. (NOTE: This is the central coast of California we are talking about, so it was still in the 50's in early February). I had been promised a lunch of Panda Express, and I was excited. I LOVE Panda, Sariah does to, and she needed a break from that car.

Via
Only thing was, when we entered Panda Express, it was PACKED. (another NOTE: Panda Express's never have much seating, and this one is particularly small- with 8 small tables and 4 bar stools). There was a long line, and as we waited in line, we contemplated the idea of eating outside. In the not so pleasant weather. I was not too excited. The idea of fighting against the wind while eating, trying to keep a toddler focused on her food, and having a good time before the last hour of our journey was important to me. Sariah needed to eat inside.
So, we kept our eyes out. But the group in front of us apparently had about 20 people with them and were commandeering every table that came up (I feel proud using that word). Finally as we were paying, a group of 4 were leaving. My dad left us to go take their table- and waited polietly for them to leave. It was clear he was waiting for them. Then, out of no where, these two grubby little kids came and hugged the chairs- as if to claim OUR table. My dad was about to give up. Thus putting us without a place to eat.
I WOULD NOT HAVE IT.
I just said, "No, this is ridiculous." and marched over with Sariah, and sat down in a chair at the table. One kid looked at me and my dad, and my dad only said, "I am sorry- but we were in line first." (NOTE: They had JUST gotten in line. Their mom hadn't even ordered food yet.) And then they walked away upset saying, "But it was OUR table!"
Correction.
It was ours.
You stole it.
I sat in it first.

My mom came over and asked what had happened, and mentioned she thought there was going to be a shoot out at Panda. I very happily sat and ate with a happy Sariah, who was then able to enjoy the last leg of our journey.

And, because I am sure you all think I am a horrible person at this point- the little kids got a table right next to us about a minute or less later. But we certainly would have missed it.
I know it may be ridiculous, and I NEVER would have done that if it was just me- I would have been fine with eating in the car. But I was not going to do that to Sariah.


 Don't mess with a momma bear.

Sunday, January 13, 2013

R2-D2

I mentioned in my post over here a little bit about my dad.
I hope that you all are lucky enough one day to meet him. He truly is, one of a kind.
I hope you could get that by the quotes I posted- I mean, that is just the kind of man he is.

Anyways, it is no surprise that dad's tend to bug their children.
It is a common belief in my family that my dad made it a life goal to bug each of us.
Some of us embraced it more than others.
But inevitably, teenage years hit, and no matter how much we love our dad- the constant, "How is that one friend-that-you-had-in-pre-school- doing but I can't remember the name of?" get's kinda old. Fast.

ANYWAYS. This all sounds like a rant.
Not so.
I love this about my dad.
As much as it irritated us all, I love that he cared so much.
That he wanted to bother us with "Let's see who can not talk the longest contests", or "what is the new hip word of the week?" questions.
And, I am glad to say that Joe has vowed to do his best to live up to my dad's standards this way- the best he can.

Mostly, with Star Wars.
Now, Joe has mentioned LOTS of times the little things he is going to do to drive our kids insane. Or me.
Such as, when I ask him to go to the store- he wants all our kids to automatically respond by saying this:
via
Hand movements, accents, and all. 

But I think my favorite, has to be "R2-D2".
Whenever we get into the "are to, are not" argument, it ends quickly. 

Example:
Mary: Your going to knock everything off the counter if you leave that skillet there.
Joseph: Are not.
Mary: Are too.
Joseph: D-2.


Yep, that is how it rolls.

Thursday, January 10, 2013

Life Lessons

On Tuesday it was my daddy's birthday.
My dad, he is a pretty great man. If you do not know him, I pity you. I promise he would make you laugh.

Now, this man has taught me many things in my life.

Like, you ALWAYS get good grades in English and History. They are important.
And he always encourages me to write.
And he always has an answer to my many questions that I would ask growing up.
And that you don't actually have to put your seat belt on until you hit the second stop sign (right?).
And that pepper will make anything taste better.
Or that you should always make sure you can throw your leg over  the poles in front of stores (you know, the ones to protect the store from being hit by a car?)


And all those things are SO IMPORTANT.
But tonight, I want to share some life lessons that I will always contribute to my dad. The things that when I think of my dad, I think of these things.

1. It's a jungle out there.
For a time in life, my family watched Monk a lot- and the theme song was the number one thing my dad hummed/said/quotes as advice for a good year or more.

2. Dog's out, cats in.
Keep your friend close, your enemies closer.

3. The reason for everything is that cats always land on their feet and wet dogs smell bad.
You can't argue with reason.

4. The true art of bugging is the never stop talking.
My dad and I can attest to this.

5.  Every time a frog hops, one lilly pad feels better, but another feels worse.
Stop asking about the chicken and the egg- and start wondering, WHICH lilly pad feels better?


I love my dad. =]





Friday, December 7, 2012

MARY Christmas

Like many people, I LOVE Christmas.
It has always had a special place in my hart (or do you guys prefer heart?).
Growing up we would listen to Christmas music non-stop form Thanksgiving to Dec 26th.
Lifetime, claymation and ABC movies were regulars on t.v.
I remember being really little, and my dad going through the t.v. guide and recording Christmas cartoons for me.
And as I got older and went off to college, my mom would DVR all those cheesy lifetime movies that we loved, and during Christmas break all we would do is watch them.

Christmas meant lots and lots of baking, food, sweets and family.
It meant endless hours of playing.
Gifts. Decorations. Parties. No school. Excitement. Stories. Love.

I could go on and on about all the things I love about Christmas. And how it was special to me growing up.
But I want to talk about something specific today.


Christmas is really all about ME.


Okay, not really. More like Jesus Christ. BUT, growing up I felt so entitled to this holiday because of my name. I felt like I truly loved it more (and still do really...) than other people, purely because my name is Mary.
The man responsible for my name. Sorry for the blurry picture. He is pretending to rock Sariah. 
I mean really, Mary the mother of Jesus- is an AMAZING women. And I am named after her (ok, no- but, we share the same name). I remember as a little kid being OFFENDED when I would watch live nativities and I had not been asked to play the role of Mary. WHAT DO THEY THINK THEY WERE DOING? Not having me, MARY play MARY. I would think, "What? They asked HER to play Mary? She doesn't even look like a Mary." I was so offended.
And you know what? I never was asked to play Mary. Ever.
Plus, people say Mary Merry Christmas. So, my name is pretty important to this Holiday.

Not Jesus. But still an ADORABLE baby.



 

Then, I got married.
Now, I am not sure how many of you realize this...but, my husband's name is Joseph.
Yep.
We are, Mary & Joseph.
My sisters really wanted Sariah to be a boy. So that Mary and Joseph could have a little Jesus child.
But either way, it still stands.
I rock this Holiday.
So anyone out there who wants to challenge me, all I say is this:



You better wear your big girl pants.



Probably my favorite Christmas picture ever.


Friday, November 30, 2012

Christmas Time is here!



I am linking up with a bunch of other bloggers to talk about Christmas.
Because it is a FANTASTIC time of the year.

I have officially commanded that all radio stations be stuck on the Christmas channel.
Well, just our household.
Okay, well I haven't old Joe. It's a given.

But, anyways. For the last 2 days they have been having a radio-a-thon for the "adopt a family" program. It made me happy when they would report that all of the families of 8 had been adopted, or when all the elderly people had been adopted.

I was driving to the Children's Museum and had to turn the radio off when they announced that all they had left were 4 families. It made me happy. I wish people were this giving all year long. But I am happy that people still care.


Tonight we officially kicked off the Christmas season with our first festive event. The Lincoln's Children Museum had a "Holiday Spectacular" that included Christmas story readings, Ginger bread house making, and Santa!
In all reality, you had to pay for most things or get there really early to get a ticket.
But still, Sariah loves it there.
Except it was SUPER packed. And hot. And the toddler section that is meant for kids under 3 was filled with obnoxious 8 year old boys running around throwing balls everywhere.
Sorry, this is supposed to be a Christmas post.
By the way, Sariah wants to be a vet.


Anyways. It was a great evening, and it was wonderful to be together as a family doing something for Christmas.



Friday, October 19, 2012

Traditions: Daddy Daughter Donut Day

A few things I should mention: 

1. Like my last post, I owe credit to my sister Maureen for this one as well. She is in my life a lot....what gives? 
2. My sister is not a morning person. Being the youngest, it was always left to me to wake up my siblings if I wanted to open presents early. So, I had the tough decision- wait till 10 or later when they wake up, or make a mad dash around the house to wake them all up? It always tore me apart (until I remembered that day only came once a year and they would forgive me).
3. My dad LOVES making deals. Like, he makes deal's even when he doesn't have to- just to do so. I don't know if he realizes this, but he does. He makes deals when he loses his wallet (Whoever finds it first gets $1), how long he can stay quiet on a car trip, if he can go a day without asking his kids any questions....anything and everything is up for grabs with my dad.


Anyways, our family has a tradition. It is called:

DADDY DAUGHTER DONUT DAY

It all started when said sister (Maureen- in case you forgot), was little and went to school. She isn't much of a morning person, and was giving my mom quite the trouble to get up and ready for school. So my dad made a deal with her, that if she was good for my mom all week, on Friday- she would get a donut (see? Plus- she probably wasn't good all the time, but once he made the deal- no matter what, he will stick to his bargain if you bother him about it). 
Thus, Daddy Daughter Donut Day was made. My sister is 8 years older than me, and there is another sister between us, but for as long as I can remember and up until the day I graduated high school (That is when my dad 'retired' from this job), we went to The Golden Donut every friday for breakfast (Ok, sometimes my dad would go and drop them off before he left for work). 
Part of the time I grew up my dad worked out of town, and was gone most weeks and would come home every 2-3 weeks on the weekends only. So, my mom took up my dad's duty and took me instead. No matter what, this tradition was kept. 

I love this tradition. And it holds a lot of meaning for me. 
I love donuts, and I feel like I really can claim loving them more than anyone else, because of the bond it brings for me with my family.
(BTW- did you know that California is the #1 consumer of donuts in USA? Such an accomplishment! =])
We go so often, that the 'donut' lady at The Golden Donut knows us very well- actually, I don't think we know each others name. BUT, she knows our faces. Asks about us. She heard when graduated high school, went to college, got married, had a baby- and even gave my daughter her first donut AND a free donut. We love that place!

While we were living in Idaho, Rexburg finally got a donut shop. Paradise Donuts. It wasn't good. =/ We put up with it though, because it was the best we had (But still, really, WHO runs out of donuts in the middle of the afternoon?!?!?!).
Now, every Friday- Joe and I keep this tradition. 
We got to LeMars now (Nebraska doesn't hold the same love of Donuts California does).
But, really, LeMars is REALLY good. Everyone should try it. 
Sariah gets donut holes. 
Joe get's an old fashion.
I have no allegiance to a donut- so currently I am on their chocolate/vanilla knot. YUMM.

Traditions are important, and this is my favorite one. =]






Me with my knot donut- perfect combination of chocolate and plain/vanilla! =] 

Joe decided to switch it up today with a German Chocolate Knot. 
The happy Baby Cakes! 

The end =]










Thursday, August 30, 2012

When your baby turns one...


All the suden, they go from an infant to a toddler. Over night.
You realize that once upon a time, when they were first born, their nose was a lot bigger then it seems to be right now.
You suddenly get excited for watching someone else open gifts.
You don't mind spending all day on all fours.
You let your house become a mess, because it seems like the child likes it better that way any ways.
You are willing to let them indulge in as much sugar as they desire, just to stick to tradition and to see them smile.
You feed them lots and lots of black beans, because they are baby cakes favorite. =]
You realize how life really hasn't change much since you first had her. I still wake up in the middle of the night- when I was pregnant it was to pee, when she was a newborn it was to nurse, and now I do to make sure she is safe.
You try to remember how you ever thought you never had any time before- and envy those who say, "Oh, I am going to school I have no time" and wish you had that much time.
You don't mind the awkward stares you get when you walk around, being so young with a baby. You realize how much you, and she, have accomplished- and how much more life has to offer. 
You don't quite understand how in the world you could possibly make more room in your heart, or your family, for more. But I am sure I thought the same thing before!
You wish everyone could know how amazing it feels when your baby gets EXCITED to see her daddy at the end of the day- because it is her daddy and she loves you both. 

When your baby turns one,
You wonder how you ever lived without her.
How did you fill the times of your day without the constant worry of "is she still breathing alright?", "Is  that piece of food to big", or "Will she pull something off and knock herself with it?".
You wonder what you could have ever found more funny that a baby sucking on a lemon for the first time, the displeasing look they get eating a food they do not like, or being tickled.
You wonder how life could get better, how you could get any happier.


You know that your baby will continue to get older- and that is a fact. And you (okay, I) have accepted that.
What I cannot accept is that she will forget how happy she was today.
How content she was, in love we all were with each other today.
She will continue to grow up and forget about the things that matter most- and start to worry about things that have to matter.

When your baby turns one, reality starts. The first year seems like a trial run, but now things get serious. It no longer is a year of mile-stones waiting to happen. Now the teaching, learning, growing, begins.

And things can only get better from here.