Yea, I got nothin'!
In the greater scheme of things, I have been a parent a mere fraction of a lifetime. There are people out there with 70 year experience of 10 kids or more. I am sure they would have tips on parenting.
You see, I just sort of float along on this ride called life and hopefully no one falls off. Just when I think I've got it all figured out, they grew up on me. They think and speak for themselves. As they gain independence they (definitely) form their own opinions. They have developed friendships outside of our immediate family. On a daily basis they do things that make me scratch my head and I wonder how they got from point A to Z....and I missed it.
We were playing at the park yesterday and I just sat on the bench and watched them for the longest time, completely lost in their own carefree worlds of make-believe and pure joy. We had no where to be, no task to complete. Just a wonderful morning in the fresh air after being trapped all winter. I am sure to the casual onlooker it seemed as if I was not interested in what my girls were doing and preferred to sit by myself rather than interact with them during play. Actually, it was quite the opposite. I often times get so wrapped up on being right in the action during our daily activities, I forget to take a step back and just watch my kids be kids. Yesterday I made my own memories as Riley raced her shadow down the big slide and Maya pushed every empty swing in the row trying to make them all go before the first one stops and Teagan picked all of the tiny "flowers" at the edge of the fence post to use as tickets for her airplane rides.
So, my "tips", not just for parenting but for enjoying the ride of a lifetime...
Love
Observe
Participate
Go with the flow
Appreciate
Encourage
Savor
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
Thursday, March 21, 2013
APB: Spring
In spite of the brightly shining sun on the way to school this morning, I was scowling at the temperature in my truck that read 17 degrees. The girls were mildly disappointed when they asked if they could wear their new Easter dresses to school today for their Easter party and I told them it was too cold. In fact, according to Scott Sabol's long-term weather outlook on Fox 8 this morning, I am wondering if it'll even be warm enough on Easter Sunday for the dresses! Where is spring?!?!? It arrived yesterday, but I sure don't see it anywhere in the near future!
I hate cold weather. Which in Ohio puts me in a mildly bad mood from November through mid-March usually. By then, temps reaching the 50's at least means we can be outside flying kites, riding bikes, swinging at the park or a whole host of other things that gives us fresh air and some much needed vitamin D.
Exhibits A and B.....taken exactly 1 year ago today (March 21, 2012) at our beach:
I hate cold weather. Which in Ohio puts me in a mildly bad mood from November through mid-March usually. By then, temps reaching the 50's at least means we can be outside flying kites, riding bikes, swinging at the park or a whole host of other things that gives us fresh air and some much needed vitamin D.
Exhibits A and B.....taken exactly 1 year ago today (March 21, 2012) at our beach:
Sliding and swinging in short sleeves and bare feet. Now that's what I'm talking about!
So, Mr. Groundhog, I must say I am a little disappointed in you! Where is the spring you promised us just 6 weeks ago? If I hear about another winter weather advisory or significant accumulations I think I might lose it! I think we could all use a little warm weather and sunshine. Let me know if you find any laying around somewhere. I'd be very grateful!
Sunday, March 17, 2013
Feelin' Lucky?
So today, I think, the population of the Irish increases about 387%. Yup, I have Irish blood running through my veins, we are all sporting our green attire and the corn beef & cabbage are simmering away in the slow cooker. (Smells delish!) I think about the "luck of the Irish". I think about luck in general. Good luck. Bad luck. Dumb luck. Lucky in love. No luck. And all the luck in the world.
The events of the past few weeks (with the recurrence of a few seizures) has caused me to really think about some things and try to get a handle on perspective. What has to be done now, and what can (and should) be put off til later in an attempt to "take it easy". I am lucky that I have numerous friends and family that have helped out. I am lucky that we have access to one of the top notch medical facilities in the world.
Last summer my sister gave me a book called "Mom Spa: 75 Relaxing Ways to Pamper a Mother's Mind, Body, and Soul" (by Jennifer "Gin" Sander). While I would love to say I've had time to read the book cover-to-cover and indulge in all 75 relaxation tips (twice), what I actually have done is thumbed through the book on occasion and tried a few here and there. I took the book from my nightstand drawer this week and I opened to tip 43 "Send in the maids". Done and DONE! Turning over the weekly scrubbing of tubs & toilets, dusting, mirrors and mopping the hardwood floors is something I am more than happy to have someone help me with. But, more than what I found on those pages was what I found IN those pages.
Tucked in the binding of tip 43 was a pressed 4 leaf clover. Whether my sister placed it on that page intentionally or just a random spot she picked I can't help but think it was very lucky that I happened to find it now. Not that I wouldn't have thought it very cool (and thoughtful) had I found it months ago....but I can't help feeling that I was supposed to find it now!
I am a very driven person that is used to doing things for myself. It's difficult, and often an inconvenience, to have to ask others to do things for me. I take pride in a job well done, and well done by my own two hands. What that 4 leaf clover made me realize is that we all have things going on thathave need to be done by ourselves. At least we think they do. As much as I like my house cleaned a certain way, if someone else does it and it frees up some time to snuggle and read books and color with my girls, then does it really matter? Laundry washed, promptly pulled from the dryer and hung and/or folded.....or tip #23 to read a book sitting by a window so that you can not only lose yourself in the characters, but take time to absorb the world around you. So, maybe the dryer gets set on the "wrinkle free" cycle and allows a little extra time to get some fun reading in. Paying household & business bills (ok, so this DOES have to be done)....but equally important is tip 66 to enjoy "creative calm". Tip #50....exercise. It's not only good for your body, but it's good for YOU!
Regardless of what has to be done, there is always time for what you want to be done. Thank you, dear sister, for reminding me that pampering a mind, body and soul are the only things we have to do ourselves! Taking care of ourselves is the best way to take care of everyone and everything around us. If we are lucky, we have a long life ahead of us, time to do all the things and say all the things we want and need to accomplish. If we are lucky we realize early on that things can and will wait. If we are lucky we have people that will drop everything to come help out in a time of need. We are lucky, we have people that we will drop everything for to help them out in a time of need.
Are you feeling lucky? Or, are you feeling lucky!
The events of the past few weeks (with the recurrence of a few seizures) has caused me to really think about some things and try to get a handle on perspective. What has to be done now, and what can (and should) be put off til later in an attempt to "take it easy". I am lucky that I have numerous friends and family that have helped out. I am lucky that we have access to one of the top notch medical facilities in the world.
Last summer my sister gave me a book called "Mom Spa: 75 Relaxing Ways to Pamper a Mother's Mind, Body, and Soul" (by Jennifer "Gin" Sander). While I would love to say I've had time to read the book cover-to-cover and indulge in all 75 relaxation tips (twice), what I actually have done is thumbed through the book on occasion and tried a few here and there. I took the book from my nightstand drawer this week and I opened to tip 43 "Send in the maids". Done and DONE! Turning over the weekly scrubbing of tubs & toilets, dusting, mirrors and mopping the hardwood floors is something I am more than happy to have someone help me with. But, more than what I found on those pages was what I found IN those pages.
Tucked in the binding of tip 43 was a pressed 4 leaf clover. Whether my sister placed it on that page intentionally or just a random spot she picked I can't help but think it was very lucky that I happened to find it now. Not that I wouldn't have thought it very cool (and thoughtful) had I found it months ago....but I can't help feeling that I was supposed to find it now!
I am a very driven person that is used to doing things for myself. It's difficult, and often an inconvenience, to have to ask others to do things for me. I take pride in a job well done, and well done by my own two hands. What that 4 leaf clover made me realize is that we all have things going on that
Regardless of what has to be done, there is always time for what you want to be done. Thank you, dear sister, for reminding me that pampering a mind, body and soul are the only things we have to do ourselves! Taking care of ourselves is the best way to take care of everyone and everything around us. If we are lucky, we have a long life ahead of us, time to do all the things and say all the things we want and need to accomplish. If we are lucky we realize early on that things can and will wait. If we are lucky we have people that will drop everything to come help out in a time of need. We are lucky, we have people that we will drop everything for to help them out in a time of need.
Are you feeling lucky? Or, are you feeling lucky!
Sunday, March 3, 2013
What would you do?
Has anyone ever watched the ABC show "What Would You Do?" in which a carefully scripted scene is acted out to see what onlookers and bystanders would do? What would you do if you saw a man verbally abusing a woman in a park? Or a woman criticized her daughter's body and calls her "fat"? Or a child screaming at the top of their lungs that the person taking them is NOT their parent. What would you do if, one day at school drop off, a fellow parent slumps to the floor and enters a full-on seizure?
I am epileptic. A condition that I was not diagnosed with until well into my 20's. And this past week after dropping Maya & Riley off at school, I collapsed halfway down a flight of stairs and had a seizure. Obviously my family and close friends know my condition, but I am sure it was QUITE a shock for the fellow parents I was walking and taking with at the time. Not knowing my condition, they called 911 and I was quickly attended to. They took great care to make sure Teagan was safe and that Bill was called. While my condition is generally controlled very well by medication, for whatever reason....Tuesday was a day that my brain short-circuited. I am grateful I was in a safe place (what better place to be than a Catholic School/church) and that those friends I was with kept calm and took control of the situation.
In having a conversation with a good friend of mine in the days after (one who has known of my condition since I was diagnosed) she asked me "what should I do if I am ever with you and you do have a seizure?" I guess I didn't realize that not everyone would know what to do.
You might be surprised to find out the people around you that are affected by a disease, syndrome or condition that is potentially life threatening. How prepared are we to care for a seizure, a diabetic who goes into shock, a stroke victim, someone having a heart attack? I guess it was a wake-up call to me to make sure people around me did know what to do.
From the website epilepsy.com here is a list of general First-Aid items for a seizure victim:
I have epilepsy, it doesn't have me! And I'll do what I can to help educate anyone who has questions. And I'll take the time to learn about some other afflictions that may impact someone I know and care about. What would you do? What would you want someone to do for you?
I am epileptic. A condition that I was not diagnosed with until well into my 20's. And this past week after dropping Maya & Riley off at school, I collapsed halfway down a flight of stairs and had a seizure. Obviously my family and close friends know my condition, but I am sure it was QUITE a shock for the fellow parents I was walking and taking with at the time. Not knowing my condition, they called 911 and I was quickly attended to. They took great care to make sure Teagan was safe and that Bill was called. While my condition is generally controlled very well by medication, for whatever reason....Tuesday was a day that my brain short-circuited. I am grateful I was in a safe place (what better place to be than a Catholic School/church) and that those friends I was with kept calm and took control of the situation.
In having a conversation with a good friend of mine in the days after (one who has known of my condition since I was diagnosed) she asked me "what should I do if I am ever with you and you do have a seizure?" I guess I didn't realize that not everyone would know what to do.
You might be surprised to find out the people around you that are affected by a disease, syndrome or condition that is potentially life threatening. How prepared are we to care for a seizure, a diabetic who goes into shock, a stroke victim, someone having a heart attack? I guess it was a wake-up call to me to make sure people around me did know what to do.
From the website epilepsy.com here is a list of general First-Aid items for a seizure victim:
- Stay calm, most seizures only last a few minutes (although to an onlooker it may seem like forever!)
- Prevent injury by moving any nearby objects out of the way
- Pay attention to the length of the seizure
- Make the person as comfortable as possible
- Keep onlookers away
- DO NOT hold the person down
- DO NOT put anything in the person's mouth
- DO NOT give the person water, pills or food until they are fully alert
- If the seizure continues longer than 5 MINUTES, call 911
- Be sensitive and supportive, and ask others to do the same
I have epilepsy, it doesn't have me! And I'll do what I can to help educate anyone who has questions. And I'll take the time to learn about some other afflictions that may impact someone I know and care about. What would you do? What would you want someone to do for you?
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Soundtrack of our life
It's Wednesday! The day where, from 9 am-2pm, the girls are left with the sitter and I have freedom. You know, "mom freedom" where I can cram in groceries, banking, the post office, accountant, Sam's Club....etc in peace. There are days like today where I get some "real" time and get a mani/pedi and a little fun shopping. No matter the errands I do on Wednesdays, I just love the 30 minute drive to Canton and back to listen to whatever I want in the truck. No movies on the DVD player. No Radio Disney on Sirius. Me music!!!
I was thinking today as my iPhone shuffled between Jimmy Buffett, Coldplay, Bon Jovi, Madonna, Imagine Dragons, Kenny Chesney, Taylor Swift and Ke$ha (hey, don't judge!!!) just how important music is in our lives. Instrumental, in fact (pun intended!)
Growing up, music was such an important part of our family. Everyone in our family could sing (or at least most everyone). We sang in the church choir, the school choir or musicals. We even sang grace. Several family members have made music their profession. I love how music can wrap you up and take control. I love how it has the power to change your mood from lazy to energized or it can give you solace and let you lay around in melancholy dismay. Music sets the mood in movies and TV shows and can be a great tool for teaching children. My 2 & 4 year olds know their planets and what a dodecahedron is from a song on the iPad!!! Don't tell me music isn't entertaining.....just watch Teagan's interpretation of Beyonce's Super Bowl halftime performance!
So, what grabs YOU about music?
Within my play list alone I never grow tired of the songs that literally give me chills from the sentiment even though I've heard them thousands of time.
The heartfelt lyrics and simplistic melody of a piano or acoustic guitar of a ballad. (FYI, men who play either of those instruments are HOT, so just in case my husband wants to take up either.....)
The pulsating rhythm of a good dance beat that makes a workout go easier.
The driving beat of a base drum line (call it the marching band influence).
The power and soul of a classic rock anthem.
The songs that make you think of good friends. Past loves. The song you danced to at your wedding. Or even just your kids singing in the Christmas program.
If our lives were a movie and they were building the soundtrack, what would be on it? It's hard to say based on just some of the artists I mentioned above. But at least there would be music. What fun is a "mom freedom" day if I can't turn up the tunes and rock out a little! Next time you pull up to a stop light and the person in the car next to you is rocking out, singing and having a great time....give them a thumbs up and turn your music up too. Might as well start compiling the list for your soundtrack. Who cares what the music is, as long as their is music!!
I was thinking today as my iPhone shuffled between Jimmy Buffett, Coldplay, Bon Jovi, Madonna, Imagine Dragons, Kenny Chesney, Taylor Swift and Ke$ha (hey, don't judge!!!) just how important music is in our lives. Instrumental, in fact (pun intended!)
Growing up, music was such an important part of our family. Everyone in our family could sing (or at least most everyone). We sang in the church choir, the school choir or musicals. We even sang grace. Several family members have made music their profession. I love how music can wrap you up and take control. I love how it has the power to change your mood from lazy to energized or it can give you solace and let you lay around in melancholy dismay. Music sets the mood in movies and TV shows and can be a great tool for teaching children. My 2 & 4 year olds know their planets and what a dodecahedron is from a song on the iPad!!! Don't tell me music isn't entertaining.....just watch Teagan's interpretation of Beyonce's Super Bowl halftime performance!
So, what grabs YOU about music?
Within my play list alone I never grow tired of the songs that literally give me chills from the sentiment even though I've heard them thousands of time.
The heartfelt lyrics and simplistic melody of a piano or acoustic guitar of a ballad. (FYI, men who play either of those instruments are HOT, so just in case my husband wants to take up either.....)
The pulsating rhythm of a good dance beat that makes a workout go easier.
The driving beat of a base drum line (call it the marching band influence).
The power and soul of a classic rock anthem.
The songs that make you think of good friends. Past loves. The song you danced to at your wedding. Or even just your kids singing in the Christmas program.
If our lives were a movie and they were building the soundtrack, what would be on it? It's hard to say based on just some of the artists I mentioned above. But at least there would be music. What fun is a "mom freedom" day if I can't turn up the tunes and rock out a little! Next time you pull up to a stop light and the person in the car next to you is rocking out, singing and having a great time....give them a thumbs up and turn your music up too. Might as well start compiling the list for your soundtrack. Who cares what the music is, as long as their is music!!
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
Golden Griddle
Sometimes, its really hard to write what's on your mind and in your heart.
Tomorrow marks the 12-year anniversary of the day we lost my grandpa Stan. Seems like forever. It seems like yesterday. I miss him all the time. Not just on his birthday, or every February 6th or special holidays. I miss him every October when we make Apple Butter and when the farmers turn fields in the spring. I miss him when we sing "The Old Rugged Cross" in church and when I hear someone repeat one of his jokes (for the thousandth time). When I see Bill fishing with the girls and when we sing the Doxology for grace at family meals. When I make beef & noodles (with vinegar, of course) and when I sit in his blue chair.
I could use this anniversary to be sad about all the great times I've missed with him over the past 12 years, or I can use it to be grateful for the amazing times we had in the 23 years before. For the way he instilled the importance of family, faith, friendship in all of us. For someone who loved life. For the way he made it happen...in spite of hard times or bad days. And for his laugh.
Tomorrow will be a good day. As with any anniversary, it seems like a fitting time for a little celebration. A day to celebrate life and love, and not focus so much on the sad.
So, those of you that know my grandpa....join me in a little "golden griddle". You see, you just pull up the top.....and squeeeeezzzzeeeeee it in the middle.
Tomorrow marks the 12-year anniversary of the day we lost my grandpa Stan. Seems like forever. It seems like yesterday. I miss him all the time. Not just on his birthday, or every February 6th or special holidays. I miss him every October when we make Apple Butter and when the farmers turn fields in the spring. I miss him when we sing "The Old Rugged Cross" in church and when I hear someone repeat one of his jokes (for the thousandth time). When I see Bill fishing with the girls and when we sing the Doxology for grace at family meals. When I make beef & noodles (with vinegar, of course) and when I sit in his blue chair.
I could use this anniversary to be sad about all the great times I've missed with him over the past 12 years, or I can use it to be grateful for the amazing times we had in the 23 years before. For the way he instilled the importance of family, faith, friendship in all of us. For someone who loved life. For the way he made it happen...in spite of hard times or bad days. And for his laugh.
Tomorrow will be a good day. As with any anniversary, it seems like a fitting time for a little celebration. A day to celebrate life and love, and not focus so much on the sad.
So, those of you that know my grandpa....join me in a little "golden griddle". You see, you just pull up the top.....and squeeeeezzzzeeeeee it in the middle.
Thursday, January 24, 2013
This too shall pass
I think we've possibly all experienced something in our lives that has just made us want to give up. Throw in the towel. Forget it. Maybe it's financial or work stress. Relationship struggles. Friendship drama. The loss of something/someone great. And a well meaning family member or friend will walk up to you, give you a hug or pat on the back and say "this too shall pass".
It's kind of like that with raising kids. Thankfully I had wonderful pregnancies both times, but others aren't so lucky. Those that fought with morning sickness or heartburn or worse were reminded that in just a few short months they would be holding their little one and it would all be worth it. And then the day came and you weren't sure you'd last delivery, but the nurses said....just a few more minutes and you'll get to meet your little baby girl (or boy). Be it middle of the night feedings, the terrible two's, potty training, sickness that runs rampant (and a whole host of other things I have yet to experience with my girls) we fight, kick and claw to survive and not to pull our hair out in giant handfuls. And we are reminded by others (and ourselves) that this too shall pass.
Because here is the thing about kids. They grow up.
BUT, here's the thing....
Kids. Grow. Up.
Think about it. For every trial, obstacle and hair-pulling day....there are exponentially more days that make you laugh, and give you joy and make you beam with pride.
They aren't going to be this age forever...
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| Maya & Riley, 9/12/08, 8 days old |
They aren't going to do this very long...
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| Teagan and Daddy, 12/9/10, 6 months old
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