tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-111437202024-03-14T00:28:06.605-05:00Anderson HappeningsJessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12383136325211182954noreply@blogger.comBlogger942125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11143720.post-8637743465530508262013-02-15T15:03:00.000-06:002013-02-16T15:04:11.615-06:00Happy 3rd Birthday, Owen Pete!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-am_5HeEulXA/UR_zdNMsxCI/AAAAAAAACmA/yCu7FdLO2J0/s1600/DSC_3078.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-am_5HeEulXA/UR_zdNMsxCI/AAAAAAAACmA/yCu7FdLO2J0/s320/DSC_3078.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">My Sweet Owen,<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Happy birthday! It’s finally here, after asking almost every
day since your brother’s birthday if it was your turn. I’m writing this after
having almost a week at home while you recovered from a stomach bug that had
you too “sick” to go to school, but not sick enough to change your energy level
or attitude. It was wonderful to have that one-on-one time. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">You have the sweetest voice, and every time you tell me a
story or ask me a question, it’s like music to my ears. I want to record your
voice, just like it is, so I can always hear the innocence and the curiosity
and capture this time as a “little” boy. You’ve been telling me over and over
lately how you’re not “wittle” anymore and “I’m a BIG boy now”. And you
certainly are. You’ve always been my quiet one, always been one that prefers
your brother find out the answers. He tells your great big stories and you
listen, responding with “ok”. But you certainly don’t watch life from the
sidelines. And you want mommy in a front row seat – your “watch dis, Mommy” keeps
me on my toes!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">You are the definition of BOY. You like getting dirty, you
prefer playing outside, and you love to play and watch ball. Any kind of ball,
really, but you’re pretty convinced you’ll be a basketball player when you grow
up like cousin Mason. I can rarely get you to watch more than 15 minutes of a
movie (you prefer Jake and the Neverland Pirates and Mickey). You’re a builder,
and for your birthday we practically mortgaged the house to get you the magnet
tiles you love building with at school. But it’s worth it to watch you create
in such a focused way. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">You love playing dress up, and you’re still fascinated with big
trucks. So the Fireman and Policeman costume you got for Christmas was just
perfect. You wave and say hi to all public servants we see at the store or
restaurants. And you love seeing their trucks with the lights on.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">You’re still an early riser and just about every morning I
hear you wake over the monitor. I can hear you stir, and you usually start with
a song or talking to your baby or Pooh bear. Then it escalates into a loud,
clear “MOMMY! I AWAKE NOW! MOMMY! COME GET ME!”. And, looking for even 10 more
minutes I go to get you and bring you under the covers between me and Daddy.
And for those 10 minutes you’re the calmest, quiestest, and most loving you’ll
be all day. You snuggle in my arms and breathe quietly, and I bury my face in
your fine, blonde hair. It doesn’t last long, but I cherish those few minutes
before the sun rises more than you’ll ever know.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I didn’t think any little boy could love being with his
family more than your brother – but I think you just might. Your favorite thing
in the world is to have your “WHOLE famiwy ALL togever”. You’re happiest when
surrounded by those your love. Every night we sing “He’s Got the Whole World In
His Hands” and list each member of our family. You never let me forget even
one. And you still sing about Great Grandma, even though she went to live with
Jesus a few months ago. You tell me you dream about her, and I have a feeling
she talks to you that way. When I get sad, you quickly remind me that she’s in
Heaven so we don’t need to be sad. I am so thankful for your every day
reminders of innocence, dreams, and Heaven.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I love you, Owen Pete. I will always say that you’re the
best surprise I ever received. I thank God for giving you, perfect you, to
complete our family. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Love, <br />
Mommy<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12383136325211182954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11143720.post-67769395877002621752012-12-16T00:30:00.000-06:002012-12-16T00:30:02.026-06:00Colton is Four!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VYw7o0MqN8s/UM1EPbRHFZI/AAAAAAAACls/ZU_IvD6D_Y4/s1600/close+up+on+beach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VYw7o0MqN8s/UM1EPbRHFZI/AAAAAAAACls/ZU_IvD6D_Y4/s320/close+up+on+beach.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
My Dearest Colton,<br />
<br />
You are FOUR! It's hard to believe you're only just now 4, as you've been quite convinced that you've been 4 for months. It wasn't until the last few weeks that I convinced you that you were still 3...mostly because if you were already 4, you could not have a birthday party. You were READY for your birthday party.<br />
<br />
Oh, Colton, how you've grown since this day last year. I think what will stand out to me during the year you were three is your imagination. It exploded this year, and I've spent more nights than I can count pretending to be asleep as Snow White or Sleeping Beauty as I awaited a handsome Prince Charming to kiss me awake. You get lost in fairy tales, wrapped up in stories. You believe wholeheartedly that you are Superman, flying in to rescue your brother or your mommy. I'm never bored.<br />
<br />
Your brother would live outside if he could. And you enjoy playing outside, but you will sit cozied up with me under a quilt watching movies, any old movie will do (you prefer "real people" movies). You'll discuss storylines with me, point out all the "naughty" words, and then quote lines from the movie after one viewing...just like your dad.<br />
<br />
Your Great-Grandmother has always told people that you never forget a thing. And you don't. You can remember experiences, conversations, names from before you were two years old. You can hear a story one time and detect any change in detail on the retelling...which actually has caused a lot of frustration since half the stories we tell you are made up as we go!<br />
<br />
You are, as the saying goes, an old soul. Empathy and curiosity pours from your eyes, reflects in your voice. Your compassion is truly astounding. I will remember so much about 2012. A beautiful year where we took our first family vacation to Destin, FL and watched sunsets on the beach with snow cones and sandcastles; where we got rainboots and took every opportunity to splash in puddles; where you discovered dress-up and learned how to be anything you wanted to be. But, I'll be honest with you, I am still raw from the great loss we endured the last few weeks.<br />
<br />
Oh, Colton, we lost your Great-Grandma. I was not all prepared. And you and Owen and Daddy watched as I drove back and forth to Missouri for weeks as she tried to recover from heart surgery. You encouraged me to go and take care of her, just like I take care of you when you are sick. We counted our blessings over Thanksgiving, celebrating with Great-Grandma in the hospital where you made her laugh and squeezed her hand and kissed her tired face. YOU, my darling, YOU healed her heart. You truly made her last few days of life full of joy. She wanted so badly to watch you grow, she had that surgery for you and for Owen. <br />
<br />
I was so proud of you at her funeral. You shook hands with most of the people waiting in line to visit our family and to offer condolences. You smiled and hugged and led your brother to each person. My heart soared, and I KNOW that you made her proud, too. You and Owen were the joys of her life and you couldn't have honored her any better.<br />
<br />
We have conversations now, Colton. We discuss God, and sharing, and fairness, and friends. Your heart has been hurt by being left out, and you've turned that into being open and inviting to others. We talk about how bad things happen in the world. And you, frankly, scare me a little bit when you ask me to remove the devil and the monsters from your closet. "The devil doesn't belong in this house" you say each night. I pray you will always banish him in this way.<br />
<br />
Your favorite thing in the whole world, even before Snow White, is having your "WHOOOOOOOLE family" together. You're happiest when everyone you love is in one room.<br />
<br />
I feel so heavy right now, wishing I had written this letter earlier. But, oh my sweet boy, yesterday morning you woke up crying. I tucked you in next to me and you grabbed my hand, nuzzled your head in my neck, and told me how much you love me. You take care of me.<br />
<br />
I am thankful for this day, this December 16th, as one of the three best days of my life. And this year, we couldn't be celebrating your birthday at a better time. We're all healing and this gave us something to look forward to. YOU are taking care of your family, at the tender age of four.<br />
<br />
We have Santa and Christmas lights and Christmas cookies and presents and hot chocolate to look forward to. Lots of family coming to visit. And then we will welcome in another beautiful year. With you by my side, I can't imagine anything but laughter and joy. <br />
<br />
Thank you for being the funniest, spunkiest, kindest, sweetest, most compassionate, and imaginitive boy I've ever know. Happy Birthday, Sugarbear. You're my everything.<br />
<br />
Love, <br />
MommyJessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12383136325211182954noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11143720.post-68680451724701707062012-12-10T16:35:00.003-06:002012-12-10T16:35:40.129-06:00Something is MissingOh, my. 2012 sure hasn't turned out like I expected.<br />
<br />
I lost a huge piece of my heart last week. My beloved grandma waged a valiant battle after heart surgery. We all had so much hope that she would be stronger than ever. But she just grew tired in recovery and her body fought back against her will. She passed away peacefully with my mom and sister at her side. I still can't quite believe she's actually gone.<br />
<br />
Our family is forever changed. And though so many wonderful moments have come and gone in this year, it will be marked forever in my history book as the year we were one less. After several years of adding to our family, this year we lost our heart and soul.<br />
<br />
I will write more about her, as I heal. When it becomes easier to say "I remember" instead of "I wish".<br />
<br />
But I just felt like my heart aches to mark how I'm feeling right now. How much I miss her voice and laugh and her hugs and her hand in mine. And how much I am dreading the next few weeks. I've never spent Christmas without her, my whole life we've been together.<br />
<br />
I am blessed to have had her as long as I did, to carry on with her soulmate, my grandpa. And with two other grandparents. And I have peace in knowing we will meet again, and how much joy there will be when we do. But it doesn't make it any easier to not have her here.<br />
<br />
"Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints. ~Psalm 116:15"Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12383136325211182954noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11143720.post-76364503547030049592012-04-24T10:32:00.003-05:002012-04-24T10:32:40.367-05:00Where are we?Ai yi yi...left that post up for way too long! Guess I should update with what's been going on since! <br />
<ul>
<li>First, Operation Organization was, in my opinion, a success for me. I did get so many things rearranged and cleaned out. I have a long way to go (like, um, my CLOSET) so I wouldn't say that I followed the program as closely as I should have, but I got a lot done. </li>
<li>I know I talked about this before, but after using vinegar/dawn mix to clean my shower, it makes me SO happy. I love walking in there and looking at the shower, love getting in in the morning. I just can't describe how bad it was, and how I felt like I had no control. Doesn't everyone have one area of their home that just gets away from them? also, I've noticed that it makes a difference in the time I spend at home. I get fewer migraines...I think the mildew and soap scum was making me sick. I'm just...if that was the only thing I accomplished that month I'd be thrilled.</li>
<li>We also cleaned the outside of our windows for the first time since we moved in...what a HUGE difference it's made in the light coming into our house.</li>
<li>Every Sunday we eat donuts before church, and we usually have a stretch of 20-30 minutes between breakfast and church. So we drive a handful of neighborhoods that we love, just to see if any houses are up for sale. Well, this past Sunday we found THE perfect house. it was on a lot we loved, with gorgeous trees and landscaping, in the perfect neighborhood. We were so compelled after looking it up on Zillow that we called and made an appointment that day to see it. We spent over an hour with the homeowner falling in love with this house. I could tell you all about the window seats, the remodeled kitchen, the huge windows in the dining room, the huge bedrooms...but ultimately it wasn't the right timing. We hadn't even thought of putting our house on the market, and we didn't want to jump into anything. Ultimately it made us sit down and go through the projects we want to do on our precious house NOW so that we can enjoy it until the time is right to move. I don't want to buy new carpet for someone else...I want to enjoy it now!</li>
<li>As if God was reassuring us about this decision, last night we came home and the boys played until long past their bedtime in the front yard. Our neighbors came out and we gabbed. Other neighbors from 3 houses down came by that we'd never met, and introduced their 3-and-4-year-olds to our kids. The sun was shining, our grass looked greener than ever and we had great company. We love where we live.</li>
<li>Also, on the note of the last post...after more than a year of hearing nothing, we got a call from our agency that N (Colt's birthmom) reached out and was requesting pictures. So weird that when i really start thinking about her, wondering about her, praying about her...there she is. She did not want a visit, just wanted pictures and a letter. So I sent it, and included my phone number on there in case she'd lost it. </li>
</ul>
What's coming up?<br />
<ul>
<li>Well, of course more work travel. It wouldn't be a day that ends in "y" without work travel! In fact, so much piled up on me a few weeks ago that I freaked out. I was slightly tired and emotional. all these trips to the airport and I never get to bring my boys. We needed time away, just the four of us. We needed to be together and have an adventure. So...we booked a vacation!</li>
<li>I probably went bigger than I should have, but I didn't go Disney or anything (not that I didn't look, just couldn't afford it on such a short timetable). I know the boys would have been more than fine with going to Great Wolf Lodge, or Branson, or even a hotel down the street with a pool as long as it was nonstop time with Mommy and Daddy. But I wanted to go somewhere special, and they have an obsession with the beach. And airplanes. So, we decided on Destin, FL. It will be Owen's first plane ride, Colt's first that he'll remember, and their first time to the sand and waves. We have a condo right on the beach...just going to relax and have fun and be together. It's what's getting me through the next few tough, long weeks!</li>
<li>Other than that, life it ticking along. We're enjoying this incredible, beautiful weather. We're enjoying the funny things Colt is saying, and LOVING having conversations with Owen. We have plans to decorate our master bedroom and I got a new flat screen TV for that room! YAY! No complaints...just loving our present and excited for our future!</li>
</ul>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12383136325211182954noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11143720.post-59344839236120288882012-03-14T14:44:00.000-05:002012-03-14T14:44:09.205-05:00Grandparents in Open AdoptionI haven't written about adoption in a long time. But I still follow so many blogs of people who have or are planning to adopt. I have such a passion for adoption and the way to support all three members of the "triad" (birth parents, adoptive parents, and the adoptee)<br />
<br />
Most of you know we adopted our oldest, Colt, in 2008. We are technically in an open relationship with his birthmother, but we haven't heard from N in a long time. She has a daughter that is Owen's age, but we haven't met her or talked to N since she was born. Among several other things, I think this is probably the primary reason for the silence. Though I don't have any proof, I imagine having a new baby 14 months after placing Colt with us meant a rush of emotions. But we remain open and available when she is ready.<br />
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I've followed <a href="http://www.productionnotreproduction.com/">Heather</a> and the Open Adoption Roundtable for a long time, written a few times when the prompts strike me. But, again, it has been a while. But <a href="http://www.productionnotreproduction.com/2012/03/open-adoption-roundtable-35.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+unproductivereproduction+%28Production%2C+Not+Reproduction%29&utm_content=Google+Reader">today's prompt</a> spoke to me. It said write about grandparents. That's all. Grandparents in open adoption.<br />
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<br />
Last week we met with several couples at our church to talk about how to support and minister to families looking to adopt. It was a refreshing conversation, and honestly we hadn't talked that much about adoption or pieces of our stories in a long time.<br />
<br />
One of the things that came up was having people in our church family able to speak about different situations: international adoption, fostering, domestic, grandparents role in adoption, etc. Especially with interracial adoption, it seems that we need more and more grandparents speaking about their experience.<br />
<br />
I know when we considered adoption, one of the things that weighed on our hearts was how would our parents react? How would they treat our child? We knew WE would be able to love a child that came to us through adoption, but would that be the case with our parents? Adoption was not just a decision for US, but one that truly involved our whole family. We're so close to our parents and sisters, we needed to be assured they would love this child as we would.<br />
<br />
Of course, we had no problems. But as we considered what kind of situation we were open to (open vs. closed; race; exposure to drugs or alcohol; special needs; health issues; etc,) we prayerfully considered each scenario with our entire family on our minds. For us, the role of a grandparent was that important.<br />
<br />
Today, one of my greatest joys is to see our boys interact and love on their grandparents and great-grandparents. They have unbridled joy and excitement when they talk to them, see them, or stay with them. Their grandparents don't hesitate to watch them, pitch in when they're sick, read to their classes at school, film Christmas programs, and rock them to sleep. They are an extension of my arms, of John's arms. They are a blessing like none other in our lives. <br />
<br />
Same for great-grandparents. My grandmother will take my call every day to hear some silly little story about things one of them has said or done. Where others may half-listen or not share my amusement, she wants to hear everything. Every parent needs someone like that in their life - children are meant to be shared!<br />
<br />
I'm so, so thankful for the support our parents showed us when we were choosing adoption. Just recently, Colt began asking about who came from who's belly. I knew that the adoption conversation would be just around the corner. While we've celebrated Gotcha Days, been to our agency's Christmas parties, and read books...he still isn't totally "getting it". We talked to each of our parents individually to let them know that he's talking about birth, and that we would start conversations about N. That they didn't need to be nervous or hesitent to mention her name. They all smiled and seemed fine with it...we're so grateful that they are.<br />
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<br />
Grandparents also played a huge role on N's side, as well. N was living with her grandmother while she was pregnant, and her grandmother had supported her throughout her pregnancy and decision to choose adoption. We heard about her Grandma from the very first phone call. And we had the outstanding privilege to meet her on several occasions.<br />
<br />
We first met her the same time we met N: in the hospital. When we walked into the room that day, her Grandmother saw us and immediately told John "the baby looks just like you". And he does. But she broke the ice, helped make us comfortable. She stroked N's hair as she told us how great N had been during labor, how much pain she'd been in the night before. She talked our ear off about the family tree and how proud she was of N and her sister.<br />
<br />
She accompanied N out of the hospital the next day. They came by our room, wheeling the little bed with a sleeping Colt on there. N had tears in her eyes, but she smiled. Her grandmother hugged me so tight and asked us both to take good care of him, that he was so loved. She hugged N's shoulders as they left and said "it's hard, but it's the right decision". She wasn't pushy, she wasn't insistent, she was so caring and supportive. I was so grateful that N had her in her life.<br />
<br />
A few months later, we traveled to Grandma's house. We visited there in her living room for several hours, N snuggling on Colt and everyone listening to his happy squeals. Grandmother kept the conversation going, making it easier for us to fit in and for N to come out of her shell. It was a great day and we captured lots of pictures of her holding Colt.<br />
<br />
Not long after that we received a call from our caseworker at the agency. N's grandma had passed away. She had several health problems and her time had come. I cried and cried after that call. I cried for N. I cried for Colt. I cried for us. <br />
<br />
We've seen N one time since her grandma passed. Between her passing, the birth of a new baby, and a marriage I'm sure N is unsure of how to balance an open adoption relationship. Her grandmother was her rock, her support, her guidance. I KNOW she must miss her. We miss her, too. We miss all that she did for Colt, miss her love for him.<br />
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I'm so thankful Colt (and Owen) have always been surrounded by such amazing grandparents.Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12383136325211182954noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11143720.post-86970891650970550212012-03-14T10:00:00.000-05:002012-03-14T10:00:12.749-05:00Operation Organization: Guest/Kids Bath<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This time I did not take before pictures, but there really wasn't a lot to be done. Last Thanksgiving I took 3 days off work and deep cleaned my house and organized several spots. The guest/kids bath was one. So really, I just cleaned it (with vinegar - my favorite new cleaning tool!) and moved a few things around. It only took 20 minutes from top to bottom including cleaning the tub and dusting blinds.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A look into the bathroom from the hallway.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A nice, shiny, clean bathtub and bathmat! I cleared out a lot of the toys and put them in baskets above the bath (the frog pod) and in the cabinets. But that car ramp won't fit anywhere else!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cLeui5A8YxI/T198No8c4OI/AAAAAAAACkk/zE1ixAmGnVg/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cLeui5A8YxI/T198No8c4OI/AAAAAAAACkk/zE1ixAmGnVg/s320/photo+2.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One cabinet has extra towels, extra toys, and a basket full of travel size shampoo, body wash, plus lotion and such. The drawer above this has all the hand towels and washcloths we use for bathtime. <br />
Sidenote: I cannot WAIT until my husband gets his act together and decides to touch up the paint on baseboards and on the cabinets in here. The chipped paint is literally driving me crazy. Literally.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">LOTS of space under the sink. A few baby towels I can't get rid of, but there was enough room to store the potty chair until Owen is ready to use it. Colt is full-on big boy these days.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ruMTWJ6reMo/T198OqWkwJI/AAAAAAAACk0/N53tbwtnxX8/s1600/photo+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ruMTWJ6reMo/T198OqWkwJI/AAAAAAAACk0/N53tbwtnxX8/s320/photo+4.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Under the other cabinet is extra towels, extra bathmats (you can never have too many of either, especially with young children who get sick). The drawer above this has kids ointments, eye drops, bandaids, etc. Their liquid cough medicines and such are in the kitchen.</td></tr>
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<br />Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12383136325211182954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11143720.post-31889649803296362322012-03-13T11:39:00.001-05:002012-03-13T13:18:24.172-05:00Operation Organization: Laundry Room<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After a week of being exceptionally tired and lazy, yesterday I was hit with an urge to clean and organize. I got two new rooms finished, finished up cleaning our bathroom (floors still needed to be done) AND we changed out our air filters and vacuumed out the bathroom vents. John helped me a lot on this evening, and I was grateful for his involvement!</div>
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As I mentioned in the video, there were several "selling points" with this house when we bought it 5 years ago. The laundry room was one of them. Huge, spacious, lots of storage. It's a lot like a mudroom because it's connected to the garage, where we always come in. Our coats are hung here (I didn't get a picture of the coat rack on the wall to the right). </div>
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But because it's also a mud room, it's where most of our 'stuff' ends up. Papers from the day, mail, odds and ends, shoes, etc. It is a constant mess. It also houses the only junk drawer in the house...and it's pretty junky. I was both looking forward to cleaning/organizing, also dreading it.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Uh7IfAP31XM/T19zgzpBZBI/AAAAAAAACjM/DZ-useC9BUs/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Uh7IfAP31XM/T19zgzpBZBI/AAAAAAAACjM/DZ-useC9BUs/s320/photo+1.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ugh. Yes. This is typically what it looks like. And clothes are covering up so much of the other mess. Paperwork was everywhere...</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">THE JUNK DRAWER. Can't find anything in here.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3TrJ7KvUqwk/T19zj9bGJ_I/AAAAAAAACjc/52VQnF49heU/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3TrJ7KvUqwk/T19zj9bGJ_I/AAAAAAAACjc/52VQnF49heU/s320/photo+3.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The cabinet above the junk drawer was a mess of cords, checks, and junk. The top shelf was mostly jars and candles, but still needed some work.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wv53U6-XmVw/T19zlN3X4mI/AAAAAAAACjk/5UFGCc8xJAA/s1600/photo+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wv53U6-XmVw/T19zlN3X4mI/AAAAAAAACjk/5UFGCc8xJAA/s320/photo+4.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the game cabinet under the junk drawer.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HvWegAjnCgg/T19zqwlQPFI/AAAAAAAACjs/nqnML8KjHHk/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HvWegAjnCgg/T19zqwlQPFI/AAAAAAAACjs/nqnML8KjHHk/s320/photo+1.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And, after! Aaaahhhh....nice and clean. Clear. Under control.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KbodtLCNYfw/T19zrb42XtI/AAAAAAAACj0/mNSsAWhQig4/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KbodtLCNYfw/T19zrb42XtI/AAAAAAAACj0/mNSsAWhQig4/s320/photo+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The junk drawer. Still a junk drawer, but makes a little more sense. Our small electronics and checks come with such good little boxes. Perfect for organizing the small things like keys, batteries, iphone/pod accessories, and small tools. I know it will get junky again, but I hope to continue to have "places" for things to go.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L3f3br9oRPA/T19zr0nuktI/AAAAAAAACj8/CjCDy4v3Zn4/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L3f3br9oRPA/T19zr0nuktI/AAAAAAAACj8/CjCDy4v3Zn4/s320/photo+3.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The upper cabinet is now organized! The top shelf really didn't have much to be cleaned. All my tealights live in Mason jars that are used for various things. Also up top are now small decorations and ornaments that didn't get put away before Christmas decorations went back in the attic. The bottom shelf now has the huge, awkward firesafe, Bibles, and checks/envelopes. Thinking I might start a bill-paying area at some point...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WQl6L3Du2HU/T19zsuxlMSI/AAAAAAAACkE/GJCGvzg5ywY/s1600/photo+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WQl6L3Du2HU/T19zsuxlMSI/AAAAAAAACkE/GJCGvzg5ywY/s320/photo+4.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I didn't take a before pic of under the sink cabinet, but it was full of diaper boxes that had bills/junk mail that need to be shredded. My next project is to actually separate the trash from the paper that has personal info and get it shredded so I removed all those boxes. Now, an old laptop box holds all our warranties/manuals, all our flashlights are in one box, and a few other things with no real home ended up here.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BhcdrvFxmQs/T19ztZpnl_I/AAAAAAAACkM/OF8zRtqkJRY/s1600/photo+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BhcdrvFxmQs/T19ztZpnl_I/AAAAAAAACkM/OF8zRtqkJRY/s320/photo+5.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here is the game cabinet, now a true game cabinet! You can see them all, and on the bottom is a bag of CD's, a CD player, and a humidifier. I KNOW I should get rid of the CDs, especially since we have everything digitally now. I'll get there. Doesn't it look better?! Also, I got rid of those World War II VHS tapes...where did those come from?! Why were we keeping them?!</td></tr>
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I did not take pictures of the cabinets above the washer and dryer. One is just our laundry supplies. The other is full of ironing supplies, picture albums and boxes of pictures. It's organized, I assure you. So that's the laundry room transformation... 2 1/2 bags of trash later.Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12383136325211182954noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11143720.post-59175477180050750462012-03-09T15:53:00.003-06:002012-03-09T15:53:40.790-06:00The Fairness FactorSo, I have a very real question. For those of you that are married, do you struggle with the "fairness" factor in your relationship? I do. It manifests itself in several ways for me. Primarily, household responsibilities and time to do what I want away from home.<br />
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I've recognized this problem of mine for several years now. I'd say it peaked after having kids, and I think that's why it continues to be a struggle for me. Before kids, I could claim household responsibilities (cleaning, mostly) as something I enjoyed and had plenty of time to do. Before kids, John could golf every night of the week and all day Saturday and it meant more TV time for me, or cleaning time, or friend time or shopping time for me.<br />
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I very recently may have been guilty of keeping a running tally in my head of the number of days/times/hours that John was away doing what he wanted to do (golf) while I was scrubbing floors/rocking a fussy baby/cleaning up dishes. It was a huge divide in our relationship, and certainly wasn't what I thought parenthood would be like.<br />
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The way cheesy story? I prayed about it. And continue to pray about it. And then when I prayed about it, it gave me time to calm down. So praying or just taking a moment to process your thoughts, whatever works for you, it's the best advice I've been able to follow at this point. Because, then I was able to communicate to John calmly. We had open conversation. In fact, when my deep-seeded anger for all things unfair reached it's head, we had really, really tough conversations about it.<br />
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He had no idea. He was used to me liking cleaning. He didn't know that it bothered me to be solely responsible for looking after our house. And the more the martyr in me spouted off the gazillion things I did around the house, the more defensive he became. And I was slapped in the face with all kinds of things I hadn't considered. Things he did that I don't even think about.<br />
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He cares for the lawn, the cars, the budget. He may not remember or feel responsible for making the kid's well baby checkups, but he makes sure we have the money in our bank account to cover co-pays. He may not think about new meal ideas and grocery shop, but he orders the pizza every time it needs to be ordered (I'm a phone-phone! I hate ordering things on the phone!). He may not dump out the milk in his cereal bowl, but he fixes the garbage disposal any time it acts up.<br />
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So, I guess we BOTH work pretty hard. I imagine no matter your situation, whether you are two working parents or one of you stays at home, you have this argument. I don't have an answer for you. Just last night John was asked to go golfing this Saturday and I whipped out "if you think you're golfing this weekend you're delusional....you'll be working all day next Saturday and golfing all the the next". Luckily, he laughed at me since he knew that was a reaction borne out of the discussion coming up in the car, nowhere for me to go calm down before talking about it. And honestly, the boys get easier and easier to take care of as a single parent on the weekend, so both of us are in better places to "allow" time away.<br />
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But I'm curious if anyone else has fights that really come right down to fairness. What do you do to try and get over that? It will never be fair, it's so personal. We've done little things like assign certain chores to John (that I nag him about), we will both often wait to go out until after the kids are in bed, we got two DVR's so that we can have some alone time. But it's a constant, every day battle with me that I really don't like fighting!<br />
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<em>Sidenote: I know this is TOTALLY random, but Operation Organization is showing me how much I miss blogging and all the things I could talk about that won't fit on Twitter. So for now, I'm posting with no plan or schedule or thought. Just the randomness from days of yore.</em><br />Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12383136325211182954noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11143720.post-6627054127099808992012-03-08T13:55:00.003-06:002012-03-08T13:56:05.242-06:00Operation Organization at Work<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I began my Operation Organization at my desk last week, which had not been organized in...so long I can't remember. OF COURSE I didn't take any "before pictures"! But trust me...it was a mess of papers and stuff I could not reference or enjoy.</div>
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I know it looks cluttered, that's how we roll in this office. You can probably get an idea from the pictures who my client is. Anyway, I feel much better in my office, my workspace is clean with plenty of room to spread out as I take conference call after conference call.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An overall look...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f1Updnu4K2I/T1kNsCIrD-I/AAAAAAAACi8/INCznI-v22I/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f1Updnu4K2I/T1kNsCIrD-I/AAAAAAAACi8/INCznI-v22I/s320/photo+2.JPG" width="320" yda="true" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">YES! I am checking Twitter at work. GASP! They pay me to do that!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My organized clutter....and not the in the"Hoarders" way. Surrounded by faces I love!</td></tr>
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Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12383136325211182954noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11143720.post-78799781856206443322012-03-06T14:17:00.001-06:002012-03-06T14:17:58.095-06:00Operation Organization: Week 1<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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Operation Organization is going well. I was confused about the dates (thought everything STARTED the week of March 4th, not that the first week should be complete by then). But that's ok, I've been working in some great areas.</div>
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I first started by cleaning and organizing my desk at work. This was quite a feat, I don't spend a lot of time there. I had piles and piles of paper, expired instant oatmeal, and countless pens that didn't work. I got that cleaned up last Friday and it inspired me to work the weekend.</div>
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So I hit the biggest area of concern in my house, which was the master bathroom. We had let things pile up and pile up, never throwing boxes away or organizing things. It needed an overhaul and a good cleaning. Saturday was the day. I ended up cleaning out both cabinets under the sink and the top drawer (the bottom two drawers are just towels).</div>
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It took me a couple of hours and 1 1/2 bags of trash later and I had thrown out all expired meds, trash, old toiletries, and more. I wiped down and cleaned the inside of the drawers and cabinets and then organized a la <a href="http://www.askannamoseley.com/2011/06/reader-question-how-to-organize.html">Pinterest</a>. I even bought the same bins as the post suggests!</div>
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Now, our meds are organized according to ailment (stomach, aches and pains, coled/allergy/sinus, and supplies like braces, ace bandages, etc.) and the small drawer for bandages and ointments. I bought two others for the the boy's medicines that are housed in their bathroom.</div>
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This was HUGE for me! I loved it and am inspired to do more. Sunday I cleaned out my car (a whole other post), but John came down with strep and I was on single parent duty the rest of the day. Then, because he's been so sick and stuffed up he's been snoring and I've hardly slept the last two nights. Which means NO energy to clean and organize during those precious few hours after the boys go to bed.</div>
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No excuses! I'll do more! But I'm thrilled with my efforts thus far. March means organizing!!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yU_MbpiStZ4/T1ZtC2HlqiI/AAAAAAAACic/Es1lLXfRvJM/s1600/my+cabinet.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yU_MbpiStZ4/T1ZtC2HlqiI/AAAAAAAACic/Es1lLXfRvJM/s320/my+cabinet.JPG" uda="true" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is under my sink - makeup bags hold hair accessories, boys hair clippers, my travel-size toiletries, then the basket has all my "extras" of toothpaste, face wash, etc.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here is the best makeover - under John's sink, our medicine cabinet! Inspired by a <a href="http://www.askannamoseley.com/2011/06/reader-question-how-to-organize.html">Pinterest link</a>, I divided all our medicines and supplies by ailment and put ointments and bandaids in the small drawers.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tY9xirn4DoQ/T1ZtKfkAXWI/AAAAAAAACis/A0Gn-bSgNGY/s1600/sinks.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tY9xirn4DoQ/T1ZtKfkAXWI/AAAAAAAACis/A0Gn-bSgNGY/s320/sinks.JPG" uda="true" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Well, of course I didn't take a before picture! But it's on the video I posted. It was so, so bad. So disorganized and piled up. Now, it's so clear and bright it almost blinds me at night! I washed down the outside of the cabinets and removed lots of dust. It looks beautiful now!</td></tr>
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Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12383136325211182954noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11143720.post-51549681082827592952012-03-02T13:27:00.004-06:002012-03-02T13:27:42.720-06:00StorytimeWhen I was little, my dad used to make up stories for me at bedtime. They were always the same character, Mary Ann. Thought I can't remember all the details, I'm sure she had a little sister. They were always about simple things - just every day things that most kids do. But I loved Mary Ann stories.<br />
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Colt has reached an age where storytelling is his favorite thing. It started several weeks ago when John would just tell him the Three Little Pigs or Goldilocks. (John is a pretty good storyteller!). Then, when I put him to bed he would ask for a story about castles and Princes and Knights. And, then, last night I tucked him in and he wanted to tell ME a story.<br />
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It was basically the plot of his favorite "Phineas and Ferb" episode, but still. I was enthralled and thrilled. He had a plot and character development. He used different voices for characters. He gave details. I'm just so excited and so proud of this milestone!<br />
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This is the same kid who has never been one to sit still through a whole book, whereas Owen will sit for as many books as you allow. I know Colt's imagination is full, but to hear him tell me a story and entertain me and think through these scenarios made me so excited about a future love for reading and getting lost in a story. He may not sit and read picture books with me very often, but he is listening intently and creating pictures in his mind.<br />
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He's been asking for storytime on the way to school in the morning, too. And just like I had Mary Ann, Colt and Owen now have Wally. Their favorite story so far is about how Wally doesn't want to go to school but he goes and has a lot of fun anyway...guess they're trying to convince themselves they're like Wally?!Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12383136325211182954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11143720.post-2459675194696488482012-03-01T14:12:00.002-06:002012-03-01T14:12:32.504-06:00The Before Video<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Ok. As promised, here is the "BEFORE" video of my house for Operation Organization. Please don't judge. Look at it like I do - an opportunity!<br />
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It's long, I rambled. Blah blah, you get the picture. But my favorite part of this project so far has been seeing everyone's house tours! So I had to join in.Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12383136325211182954noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11143720.post-49729009193771174422012-02-28T16:20:00.001-06:002012-02-28T16:20:13.234-06:00Operation Organization (a.k.a. something else I can start and quickly abandon)<br />
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So, what better way to get organized AND be a better blogger than to commit my March to Operation Organization?!<br />
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Linking up from one of my friends, <a href="http://ahokieandacav.blogspot.com/">Katherine</a>, here is the plan:<br />
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Each week during March, we'll focus on one zone of your house. We'll get that part of the house completely clean and organized and then we'll move on to the next zone. Feel free to take before and after photos and post your progress. Also, if you want to share your organization tips and tricks, that would be super helpful for those of us that are...organizationally-challenged.<br />
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With that, here's the blog post schedule.<br />
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March 4:<br />
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-Kitchen<br />
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-Dining Room<br />
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-Entryway<br />
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-Hall Closet<br />
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March 11:<br />
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-Living Room<br />
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-Den/Basement<br />
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-Storage/Laundry Room<br />
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March 18:<br />
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-Master Bedroom<br />
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-Guest Bedrooms<br />
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-Master Closet<br />
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-Guest Closets<br />
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March 25:<br />
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-Guest Bath<br />
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-Half Bath(s)<br />
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-Master Bath<br />
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-Linen Closet<br />
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April 1:<br />
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-Front of House<br />
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-Backyard<br />
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-Anything else you didn't have time to finish up in the previous weeks.<br />
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Katherine and several others took video of their houses BEFORE starting. I have also done that. I am embarrassed to admit that after a million years of blogging, I have never uploaded a video to my blog. SO, I will upload once I determine the best way to do that.<br />
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My Master bedroom and bathroom are the worst. The playroom is messy, but that's expected. Most of the rooms in my house are not terrible...but it's because I spend my energy there that our bed/bath is just lost and forgotten.<br />
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So, please join! Commit your March to getting your house in shape. SOOOO much easier than committing March to getting your BODY in shape, and the results are visible much faster!<br />
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You can link up and see others who have joined <a href="http://ahokieandacav.blogspot.com/2012/02/operation-organization.html">here</a>. Thanks, Katherine!<br />Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12383136325211182954noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11143720.post-37187621837948642382012-02-15T22:14:00.000-06:002012-02-15T22:14:10.995-06:00Owen turns TWO!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Dearest Owen,</div>
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A few weeks ago, it rained very hard during the day. By the time we got home, the sun was out and was unseasonably warm for January. So we grabbed our rainboots and headed outside to splash in puddles. At first you were glad to tag along with Colt, explore by holding his hand and mimicking his jumps. But it didn't take long before you were wandering down the sidewalk, following a leaf that was traveling in the stream of water trickling down the street.</div>
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I followed behind you, watching as you bent down and loosened the leaf when it got stuck. You ran along, completely focused on the leaf. Passing by the cat, the flowers, and the tricycle Colt was riding. Focused on getting that leaf to wherever it was going to go. Finally, it went as far as it could go and you stopped, looked at me, squinting in the sunlight and said "yay!!". Then turned and immediately began begging for the tricycle. </div>
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That day was so OWEN. It was so you. Focused, independent, helpful...and stubborn, silly and determined. You are a great sharer...after long and careful thought of the pros versus cons of sharing. </div>
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You are focused in so many ways: in your favorites, your abilities, your activities. Whatever you're doing, you focus on it until it's complete. Colt still won't sit still to read an entire book, but you have your favorites memorized. You bring me any one of Eric Carle books and you turn around to back up into my lap. We go over each picture and you make the sounds. In new books you pick out any balls, cars, or stars you can find.</div>
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You are a rough-and-tumble boy, new bruises and battle scars every day. You love to get dirty. You love to carry around cars and trucks, and any kind of balls. You play kickball, basketball, golf. You LOVE watching the Thunder play. And love pointing out football games to daddy - you know it's his favorite.</div>
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You have EPIC meltdowns thanks to your stubbornness. You believe you don't have to hold hands in the parking lot and when forced you just sit down. You want to climb into your carseat, even if it's pouring down rain. Any hint of being denied a second sucker and your mouth opens as wide and as loud as a lion's howl, your cheeks turn bright red, and crocodile tears spring from your eyes. Epic, I tell you.</div>
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As much as you can be stubborn and headstrong, you are also the most affectionate child I've ever known. You love to hug and kiss. Your face lights up when you see us pick you up from school and you race across the room with your arms open wide. You scream mama and dada over and over when you want us to see your next great adventure. You're shy.</div>
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You are not a follower, more a learner of your big brother. You love to rock to sleep, love the kitty cat, and stuff your round cheeks with blueberries and grapes and bananas every chance you get. I'm not sure you exist on much more than fruit!</div>
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You are CHALLENGING and WONDERFUL and I adore your every move. I love watching you grow, hearing your new words, and accomplishing your fearless feats. </div>
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I'll say it every year - you're the best surprise I've ever received. I don't know what I'd do without you.</div>
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I love you, sweet baby. As long as I'm living, my baby you'll be. Happy Birthday!</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xznSn1LO3HQ/Tzx7GdMRbKI/AAAAAAAACiQ/jIDjul82IsY/s1600/021512+147.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xznSn1LO3HQ/Tzx7GdMRbKI/AAAAAAAACiQ/jIDjul82IsY/s320/021512+147.JPG" width="240" yda="true" /></a></div>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12383136325211182954noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11143720.post-20469918137339878272012-02-12T20:56:00.001-06:002012-02-12T20:57:04.320-06:00I'll get thereJohn got an iPad. He saves money for nice things, I tend to spend mine on trivial things like clothes, party supplies, IKEA shopping trips and the like. But he's graciously letting me use it now and then!
We had an awesome weekend. It was Owen's 2nd birthday party. Yes, my sweet blondie turns TWO on Wednesday! It was a train theme and he loved it. I was pretty proud of myself for this one. I made all the food, and since the party was at 10am, it was brunch. And it was delicious.
That might be the most boring update ever, but trust me it was a great weekend. I'm so proud of my boys.
In other news, I'm doing pretty well at attempting to conquer a lot of the goals I set. I'm getting there. I actually put things on my kitchen cabinet tops. Not a complete project but again, I'm getting there. I have not resumed the gym like I'd hoped but I'm trying not to be too hard on myself about it. I'll get there, and if not then I have a sad $40 bill for the next 10 months! I've been cooking more, meal planning, trying new things. Going out with friends, completing projects. 2012 is a great year so far!
I'll get more interesting soon. Also plan to update the blog background (several people have noticed and complained about the links I removed....it's not permanent, just temporary as I think about how to update this space). Maybe the iPad will prompt me to write more. Maybe not. I'm not going to get too down on myself. But I do read blogs daily, and love the space. I'll get there. Seems to be my theme this year...some friends chose "choose joy" as their theme. I seem to be living "I'll get there".
Good night!Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12383136325211182954noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11143720.post-50891262516171869642012-01-30T11:08:00.000-06:002012-01-30T11:08:13.220-06:00GoalsI entered 2012 with a real feeling of clarity. For the first time in over 2 years, I feel like I can move past survival mode. The boys are growing up and older, and I no longer feel like life is dictated by their schedule. Well, I mean, we're still staunch sleep schedulers but I feel like I can see beyond diapers, bottles, naps, and meeting every need.<br />
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So, I thought this year would be all about the other parts of life I'd left behind. I joined a gym after thinking about it for a long time...truly committed in my mind. I pinned a ton of healthy recipes and snack ideas because this was the year we would stop eating so much fast food. I also took a trip to IKEA because I realized we wouldn't be moving anytime soon and it was time to put OUR stamp on this adorable house we live in. Not only did I purchase things for the top of my kitchen cabinets (long time unfinished project) but I bought enough frames for a gallery wall....which means I'm going to actually print and display some of the thousands of photos from the last three years! Finally, I purchased several accessories and cute clothes for the body I have now to feel better about myself as I work and eat for the body I want.<br />
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Guess what? I have a gym contract for 12 months and I've been 7 of the last 30 days. I've thrown out zucchini, broccoli, apples and several other things I bought for healthy eating because I didn't use them before they went bad. But the Magic Shell topping I bought for ice cream last week is already gone. My IKEA pile remains in a lovely pile in my bedroom. Pictures remain on the computer.<br />
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But, I'm caught up on my DVR...and I added "Downton Abbey" to my viewing list so I'm really making strides on adding MORE TV to my life <sarcasm font="">.<br />
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What I'm realizing is that just because I'm not in survival mode, just because I feel like I have more energy and can appreciate beautiful things beyond just precious baby smiles and toddler milestones, doesn't mean I can do it all right away. I still have every intention of making this the year I find myself again, but I'm going to have to go in stages. <br />
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Last year the only thing I challenged myself to do was create a <a href="http://johnandjessanderson.blogspot.com/2011/07/little-things.html">mom journal</a> - a short daily planner where I wrote a few sentences each day about the "little things" I loved and wanted to remember. Not the big things...but our activities, the precious things the boys said as they discovered their vocabulary, even the rough times. Guess what? I completed that. 365 days of entries that I wrote each night. I didn't miss a day, and I loved it. I find myself thinking all day about what I'll write and remembering those little things. It's better than a blog, and I've kept it up all this year, too. Oh, the power of one small change...<br />
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Anyway, I'll keep you updated on when/if things change. I do know that I've got to do the gym thing because if nothing else, I'm paying for it. I also like it because it's MY thing. It's not something I do with a friend, or even with John. It's just my place. And I have convinced John to paint our room/bathroom at some point so house changes may take a while but there's a plan in place.<br />
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There's also the budgeting, saving money, and going to church/getting more involved thing that always weighs on my mind. <br />
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But I am a darn good mom, and I'm darn good at my job, and I keep a clean house. So I celebrate the things I'm good at...just seeing the potential for so much more!Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12383136325211182954noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11143720.post-31084409421630815162012-01-11T14:13:00.000-06:002012-01-11T14:13:14.862-06:00You can go home again...Through a random series of events this week, I found out that Owen's teacher actually lives in the house I grew up in. I happen to be friends with her on Facebook so once I found out she lived there, I immediately went looking through some of her pictures. To see her sweet family living in our home...it was so exciting! But it also made me so nostalgic.<br />
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We moved into that house when I was in 6th grade and lived there until my sophomore year of college. Those are the most impressionable years for anyone, so anytime I think about that house I'm flooded with memories. Searching through those pictures brought terrific and terrible memories for me all at once.<br />
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...that was my room, there, the one where I covered the walls with so many pictures of Brad Pitt, Jared Leto, and Mark-Paul Gosselaar that it looked like wallpaper. Where I laid on the floor in front of my boombox waiting for my favorite songs to come on KJ103 to press record for a mixtape.<br />
...that was my sister's room, where we sponge-painted horses on the wall and where the Commodore 64 lived that I played Concentration on for hours. <br />
...that was the loft where our Barbie dollhouse sat, the one I played with for far too long with my best friend from around the corner. It's where we went for slumber parties for privacy, where we tortured our mom by walking on the banister like a balance beam far above the living room below.<br />
...that was the fireplace where my prom pictures were taken, where our stockings were hung each Christmas, where our family gathered for photos at my graduation party. That's where the painting hung that my grandmother made before I was born.<br />
...that backyard housed a trampoline when I lived there, where a majority of my Sweet 16 party (my first co-ed party) was held. I still remember the laughs and fun of that night.<br />
...that kitchen is where my mom would make crockpot chicken noodle soup once a week my senior year for my group of friends since we had off-campus lunch.<br />
...that living room held more youth group devos and slumber parties than you can imagine; it's also where the TV trays would be set up every Thursday night while the three of us watched "Friends" and "ER" together, never missing an episode.<br />
...that driveway, well, that driveway was the same driveway John pulled into to take me on our first (disastrous) date. And 7 dates later it's where he first kissed me.<br />
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...that hallway was where my sister and I slept on the floor the night my parents came home and closed their bedroom door, not to open it again until late the next morning. When everything changed. When our house was suddenly one person less.<br />
...that's the spot in my mom's bathroom where we held our precious cat as he took his last breaths, the cat that had been around longer than me. And that backyard, up at the top, is where he's buried.<br />
...that's my parent's room, my mom's room, where my sister and I piled into her bed every night for two solid years after the divorce. We were even fearful of sleepovers, because that bed was where we felt the most safety and comfort.<br />
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Christmases and birthdays, baby showers for friends, choir parties, and random moments of teenage craziness...it all floods me when I look at those pictures. More happy than sad, thankfully. But overwhelming in any case. I loved that house. It was the last place I really had a room. Once we moved from that house, which was far too large for a single mom and her younger child after I'd left for college, I didn't really have a room again. Probably a good thing, since it made it easy to never move back in! But there are times I wish we still had my childhood home. <br />
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I do know, however, that HOME is where family is. And I'm as comfortable in my mom's 2-bedroom condo as I would be in that old house. But it's also nice to know that a wonderful young family is building memories for their kids just like mine in those same rooms and hallways. It's nice to see how well it's being taken care of. It's nice to know that if I wanted to, I could go back for just a minute (she invited me!).<br />
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When we put it all together, she laughed and said "so YOU are the "JBP" that carved your initials into our banister?". No, JBP is my sister. But the JRP that's on the windowsill in your son's room...that's me. I knew I would miss that house, and I wanted the strangers moving in after us to know that someone made their memories there. That the house was loved.Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12383136325211182954noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11143720.post-89143231863374115362011-12-16T05:00:00.000-06:002011-12-15T22:35:48.294-06:00Happy 3rd Birthday, Colt!!Dear Colt,<br />
Today you are 3 years old. THREE! Three feels so much older than 2. You've been talking about this day "MY berfday" since Daddy's September birthday, so it's big! Physically you've grown taller and thinner since last year. But the biggest change has come in your vocabulary and the hundreds of words pouring from your mouth. <br />
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You discovered a musician named Laurie Berkner this year. And, in true Colt fashion, you fell hard and fast for her. It was Laurie-this and Laurie-that. We thanked God in our prayers for Laurie. You begged to hear her in the car, on the TV, and while rocking to sleep at night. I thought she would be the perfect encouragement for potty-training. But you were so excited to watch her video that you couldn't concentrate on thinking about going potty. So we had to send her back to school (we borrowed the video) and you were potty trained by the end of the day.<br />
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You're potty trained now! I was so nervous, dreading it really. Diapers are easy. So we waited and waited...which paid off because you were more than ready. But with potty-training came the word "poop" and you pretty much say it all the time. You replace song lyrics with the word poop. You call your brother poopy. You say it just to say it. And you dissolve into fits of giggles each and every time. <br />
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Your love for music is apparent and growing every day. You remember every song you hear, coming up with names only you understand and I struggle to remember which of them are which for our car rides.You play all of Mimi's guitars when you visit her house. You love drums. And you're working YouTube like only a toddler in 2011 could. Your fingers are long and skinny, musician fingers; your tune is pitch-perfect.<br />
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You go back-and-forth between being a Mommy's boy and a Daddy's boy. You're always a Grandma's boy. One of my favorite things about you has been how open you are to family. You absolutely LOVE going to visit Great-Grandma, Great-Grandpa and Aunt Linda, you ask to go every couple of weeks. You are truly interested in your family members and seeing them and giving hugs.<br />
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And your brother - well, you're a wonderful big brother. You've outgrown being enamored, and spend most of your time yelling at him to stop touching your things. But, you know, you reach out and hold his hand almost every time we're in the car.<br />
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You are kind, you are empathetic, you are JOYFUL. A love of the movie "Monsters Inc" means that you ask every night if the monsters are going to get you. I respond "no, Honey, I will protect your". And any time I'm sad or stressed or crying you rub my hand and say "Mommy, it's ok. I will protect you".<br />
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Some of my greatest joys in life are the nights when I sit by your bed and we sing together; when we have family dance parties; when you say your prayers; when you wake up remembering it's Sunday donut day; when you ask why; when you call me Mommy-Babe. I love being your Mommy.<br />
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I love you, Babe!<br />
Love,<br />
Mommy<br />
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Instead, I did something equally as wonderful as reading. I made lists. I LOVE making lists. And to make it even better, I made lists of things I'm going to CLEAN next week. I was smiling from ear-to-ear.<br />
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At the risk of jinxing it, I am announcing that next week I am taking the three days before Thanksgiving to take off and CLEAN. I know, I know...selfish lady that isn't taking her kids out of school for non-stop weekend-type fun. But my house NEEDS it. I haven't really deep cleaned in so long and it's suffering from a heavy and hectic travel season this year. And, well, let's be honest...I'm officially surrounded by sticky, sweaty, smelly boys that have no real desire to pick up, scrub down, or organize anything in our house.<br />
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So my list was making the following lists: <br />
Weekend Prep (subheads include cleaning supplies store trip)<br />
Monday To-Clean (including subheads Colt's room, bathroom)<br />
Tuesday To-Clean (including subheads Owen's room)<br />
Wednesday To-Clean <br />
John to clean while I'm gone<br />
To Pack for the boys<br />
To pack for me<br />
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Isn't it exciting? Then, the very best part (other than a super clean and organized house) is the part where I get to cross the items off the list. Drawing a line through the word or marking an X to the side is one of my favorite things.<br />
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Anyway...you'll know where I'll be next week. A few days just me, my house, my ipod tunes, and the smell of non-organic bleach filling my soul.Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12383136325211182954noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11143720.post-50200223492319230052011-10-19T22:15:00.000-05:002011-10-19T22:15:05.536-05:00Feeling like a grown up (warning - dorky, random story to follow)I’m from “the small states” where paying for parking is all but unheard of except in “the downtowns”. I know in large metro areas, paying for parking is expected and no big deal. But in OKC we just don’t pay for parking unless we’re going downtown or in Norman on football gamedays. <br />
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So, it’s funny to me that a true turning point in this whole attempt to think like I’m 30, instead of the perpetual 19 I feel like every day, had to do with parking. <br />
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A few months ago, you may recall that I attended a dream concert of New Kids on the Block and Backstreet Boys in Tulsa. I loaded up some of my best girlfriends for an all out road trip 90 minutes North. Despite my best attempts, we didn’t plan our dinner very well, and ended up at a subpar restaurant in trendy Utica Square because none of the good ones were open on Sunday (don’t get me started). At that point, we were cutting it close so we ate and then headed to the arena.<br />
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Once we pulled up, we had to decide where to park. Time was running out and there were two carloads of us when my friend Brooke said confidently “we’re parking in THAT lot”. THAT lot was the $20 lot. Right across from the arena, it was prime and not all that crowded. But it was TWENTY DOLLARS. No one pays that kind of money, evident by the scores of people lining the main street walking from their $5 lot half a mile away.<br />
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But Brooke had been using a certain kind of logic for quite some time and I felt it surge through me as I pulled into the lot. “I’m 30 years old, I work really hard, I make decent money. I’m parking in THAT lot” I announced to my passengers. And I did, and it was awesome, and it made leaving the arena SO EASY.<br />
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Now, I’m aware that’s an awfully dorky story. And you’re probably thinking “seriously, $20?”. But that was a big moment for me. We’ve been so entrenched for so long in paying down debt, and we’re not used to this sort of thing…it was a big moment. Despite over a decade of coupledom with my husband, 2 beautiful children, buying 2 different houses, and traveling across the country for business…I still often feel I’m not older than a college sophomore (there's a whole embarrassing story about this, and it's why I don't really work with interns anymore because I "try too hard"). But that night, in addition to my awesome concert experience with awesome people, I felt like a grown-up.<br />
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Trying not to recite this logic when I go clothes shopping. <br />
<br />Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12383136325211182954noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11143720.post-85095138314764041382011-10-11T16:18:00.000-05:002011-10-11T16:18:20.307-05:00The WandererSo, by nature of some responsibilities I've taken on at work this year this September was full of travel for me. I naturally avoided thinking about it until the first trip, because 6 cities in 3.5 weeks makes for way too much pre-trip anxiety. But, I'm on the other side of the travel and can breathe a little easier.<br />
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More than ever this year, I got the comment "how do you do it?" from clients and coworkers. My response each and every time was that I have a rockstar husband. He's one of those that doesn't get phased by taking care of two toddlers by himself. He loves being with them, and they're more than comfortable with daddy time. <br />
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It wasn't always this way, and I can't imagine anyone who could naturally take that on. Actually, I've always traveled quite a bit and I have to say that when I first started taking trips we experienced the most difficult period of adjustment. And that was BEFORE kids. It was really hard figuring all the logistics out. I don't know why, but something in John just changed when we had kids and he was more at ease with the travel.<br />
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When Colt was a baby and when Owen was first born, we had our parents and sisters down the road that helped A LOT. I don't think we could have done it without them. But now, many times during my time away John won't call anyone. He just handles it.<br />
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I have some routines I follow when leaving town - I make sure the house is clean, dishes done, groceries are at least semi-stocked. I set out full outfits including socks for the boys for each day I'll be gone. I check their school sheets to see if any special days are happening (snow cone day or show and tell) and leave the right things. I make sure they're stocked on diapers for school so John doesn't have to run to the store. I try to make sure all laundry is done and put away, but more often than not there's a load left in the dryer. I set medicines out. I make sure I give the boys a bath the night before I leave, because John is not a huge fan of bathing both boys by himself...I'm not normally gone more than 2 nights at a time but still. And I try to pass on my flight and hotel info to him in e-mail form just in case.<br />
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We just have this silent routine that makes everything as easy as possible on him. I don't know how we did it, we just did. I'm thankful everyday that he encourages my work and the opportunities it has afforded me. <br />
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I've always been a caller - someone who calls when walking to my car or in between meetings. But after <strike>obsessing over </strike>watching a lot of the show "Disappeared" this summer on the ID channel, I now make sure I always call when I land, when I'm in a cab, when I'm headed out for an evening, and when I am in for the night. And especially when I get home and walk to my car at the airport by myself. <br />
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I know that as the boys age, it will not only be emotionally more difficult to travel often but logistically as well. But for now, I'm enjoying the routines and watching the boys thrive with their Dad.Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12383136325211182954noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11143720.post-12607401767515075642011-09-01T05:00:00.001-05:002011-09-01T10:11:49.689-05:00Gotcha DayJust a quick note to celebrate our family today. It was 2 years ago today that we finalized our forever family. The picture with the judge is extra special to me...all 4 of us are there, Owen's just still inside! <br />
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I won't get overemotional, just so thankful we have this day to celebrate. Colt is my sweet, special firstborn son. He lights up all of our lives, we're blessed to call him our son. Thank you to our judge, our sweet lawyer and friend, our caseworker at our agency, our family, and N for making this day possible. <br />
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We are celebrating at home tonight with our family, hot dogs, and cupcakes. Nothing big...just taking time to be thankful. :<br />
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<br />Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12383136325211182954noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11143720.post-58102321408121982252011-08-29T10:31:00.003-05:002011-08-29T11:37:19.333-05:00Snakes in the HouseYesterday, one of my fears became true. I found a snake inside my house.
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<br />I found a SNAKE. INSIDE my HOUSE.
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<br />It was crawling...scratch that... SLITHERING on my kitchen floor. It was much larger than the 5 inches John is telling people it was. It was at least a foot long...a ruler is a foot, right? It was at least a foot long. But it might as well have been a python because it was INSIDE my HOUSE. Inside.
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<br />When I spotted it on this lazy Sunday afternoon, I did what any good mother would do with her two toddlers in the same room. I screamed and jumped on top of the kitchen counter. "Sssssnnnnaaakkkeee" I squealed to John. "Oh my gosh, oh my gosh, oh my gosh" and the shudders were taking over my body like a seizure. Colt asked me what was wrong and I smiled sweetly, grit my teeth and said "nothing, honey, Mommy is just being so silly!". I eyed John to GET OVER HERE THIS IS NOT OK.
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<br />He caught the snake, thanks to my quick actions of finding a mason jar and a fork. I'm a downright hero around here. He took it next door and, with our neighbor, determined it to be a garter snake. Then he walked about 300 yards in the field behind our house and let it go.
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<br />He let it go. Yes, it's head was still intact. This was unsettling to me, but I assumed I was just being a weenie.
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<br />But the consensus among social media, which I took to within minutes of discovery, is that SNAKE IN HOUSE NOT OK. SNAKE IN HOUSE NOT NORMAL. Every single suggestion, except my sister-in-law's (which, she is related to my husband so I assume the lack of common sense is genetic), was to KILLITSHOWNOMERCYCUTTHEHEADOFF.
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<br />But nope. It's out there. In that field I can see from my kitchen window. It's going to come back, probably with friends and family. It's a regular AT&T commercial up in my house.
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<br />John kept teasing me, as a good supportive understanding husband would do. So I punched him and told him to stop. Colt said "what did Daddy do?". I told him that Daddy was being mean to Mommy. Colt got very serious, walked over to John and pointed to the hallway. "Daddy, you go timeout RIGHT.NOW. We don't be mean to Mommy".
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<br />That's right, the 2-year-old put Daddy in timeout. It was the right thing to do. Then Colt took my hand, showed me the window on the backdoor and said "the snake can't get you anymore...it's ok, baby".
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<br />Guess who I love more? Geez, that kid eats me up with the sweetness and compassion.
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<br />I slept fitfully last night. I now walk with my head down to make sure I don't see any snakes, or worse STEP on one. I have been shaking all shoes before slipping my bare feet into them.
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<br />I'm thinking of interviewing realtors this week. We clearly can't keep living here.
<br />Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12383136325211182954noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11143720.post-9270227555382242982011-08-27T21:24:00.004-05:002011-08-27T21:28:50.631-05:00Swimmin' Pools...We actually have done a lot of swimming this summer. As long as it was between 9a and 11a then the sun wasn't too scalding! About every weekend we went, and once a week each boy had "water day" at school and wore their swimming suits to play in sprinklers and slip-n-slides.
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<br />All that swimming and I didn't get a picture of them in their swimming suits until today! We went late afternoon for once, but only stayed about 30 minutes before poor Owen (he got my complexion) was turning very red despite SPF 70. But they LOVE to splash and swim and jump in the pool, float on floaties and play ball. Next summer I'm putting them in swim lessons for sure...they're both little daredevils in the pool!
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<br />Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12383136325211182954noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11143720.post-47086022548245063612011-08-27T16:24:00.012-05:002011-08-27T16:45:52.315-05:00SummerThis summer has been insufferable. Nearly 60 days of temps over 100 degrees. We haven't been in our backyard since May. MAY. So we've been doing A LOT inside. Not ideal, but we manage to have fun! Here's a glimpse of a few of our recent activities...
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<br />Learning to bowl, eating spaghetti, building blanket forts, having dance parties, and roadtripping to Missouri where we visited family and stayed in our first hotel as a family.
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<br />We've actually had a lovely summer, lots of fun, and we've learned a lot. But we sure are ready for fall-like temperatures. Preferably BEFORE the time change so we have the evenings to play outside...
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<br />Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12383136325211182954noreply@blogger.com2