Life's Next Chapter
Monday, December 31, 2018
The Seven Year Itch (Time to Say Goodbye)
But, somehow over the last year, writing these posts has moved from special, self-care to another chore on my list. The posts have become more perfunctory and less introspective, and the act of writing them has become an energy zap instead of an energy zing. In short, I'm over it. And I want to put my energy towards other things.
So, as we close out another year, I find it a fitting time to say (with great emotion) good-bye. This is the last post for "Life's Next Chapter." Thanks for reading and coming along for the ride.
Life's Next Chapters Greatest Hits
I leave you with links to a few of my favorite and most-read posts from the years, should you care to stroll memory lane with me. Man, I'm so thankful to have these and ALL the others--the memories fade faster than you think.
7 Musings - October 2012
I'm Thirty What? - June 2013
Rock Bottom. I Don't Think So... - February 2014
My Son Plays with Dolls - August 2014
A Walk to Remember - March 2015
It's a Thankless Job - May 2015
Coloring Inside the Lines - July 2015
Lessons from Unicorns - September 2015
Parenting Advice - January 2016
John, Joan, and Gene - January 2017
To the Working Parenting - July 2017
Where are you going? - April 2018
Wednesday, December 26, 2018
A Very Merry Christmas
Christmas morning joy! |
Nick melted my heart with a T-Rex pendant that he picked out at the school’s holiday market. He had been dying to give it to me for the past two weeks. He hadn’t even unwrapped one gift when he caught sight of it under the tree, dropped his half-unwrapped present, and shouted, “oh, Mom! Your present!” He was beaming watching me unwrap it and when I saw that tiny silver dinosaur, I turned into a puddle. Such a perfect gift from my dinosaur-loving boy. While, maybe not the same sentimental connection, Lainey chose a very hip wood and stone bead bracelet for me. Super cool and gorgeous too! I’m very well accessorized now.
Presents and goodies aside, it was one of the best days we’ve had in quite awhile—just being together with no rush to be anywhere or interruptions from the rest of the world. The whole day was really wonderful. ‘‘Twas a very, merry Christmas indeed!
Sunday, December 2, 2018
Still Thankful
My favorites |
The whole Brandi crew |
Sunday, November 18, 2018
Hello, is this Nick's mom?
However, this behavior may be the least of our worries, because then came Saturday morning...
I get back from the grocery store and Mark says, "did you see my text?" I pull out my phone and read, "Nick just dropped the f bomb. Elaine said that he learned it from you. He said he learned it from (friend who I will not mention by name, so as not to drag another kid on my blog)." I am happy to report two things:
1) He did NOT learn it from me--and neither did Elaine. I forgot to switch off my podcast when picking up the kids last week and when I started the car, the very first word to spring from the speakers was an emphatic "f***." THAT was what Elaine was referencing when she said he learned it from me.
2) Mark said when he talked to Nick, he really didn't seem to understand that it was that bad to say it. In his mind, it was the same as calling someone "stupid."
Unfortunately, we had some out-of-town guests over last night and their 5-year-old son also has been using the f-word. Before you know it, Lainey comes running up the stairs all-to-happy to tell Mark that Nick just said "the word" again. It's lucky for Nick that the other parents had freely discussed their son's "experimentation." We allowed Nick an opportunity to explain the situation, and per Nick, "I didn't say it. I told him he can't say 'f***ing'." We got crystal clear (I hope) with Nick that there is no situation where he should ever use that word. If he's trying to tell a friend not to say it, he still can't use the actual word.
So now I'm way less concerned about getting a call about ninja fighting at recess, which is at least an age-appropriate offense with other willing participants. I'm now freaking out that I'll be getting a call from the office and every parent in the Kindergarten class over Nick's language.
Lainey may give us the fits at home, but Nick's going to be the one to turn my hair white...
T-R-O-U-B-L-E |
Saturday, November 17, 2018
Pierced
Big step for our little Lainey today...two new holes and some bling to fill them! She was pretty nervous as we approached Claire’s, but she kept a stiff upper lip that broke into a huge smile at her first glimpse of her new look. Magic!
I wish I could say that the road to this moment was magic too, but it reality it’s been a rocky one. We were actually set to do this a few months ago, but the morning we were to go, Elaine’s behavior was so abhorrent that I shut the whole thing down and vowed not to take her until she shaped up. And again, I wish I could say that she indeed improved her attitude, but it’s not been a fun time at our house. Without going into all the details and examples, I’ll just say Mark and I are at the end of our rope (especially me).
Thursday was a particularly bad morning that put me on the brink of tears all day. So, in my pain, I came to the only possible decision...it was time to take her to get her ears pierced. I knew we both desperately needed a special experience to share—one that wasn’t tied to any quid pro quo. Just Lainey and me taking on an adventure. And it really, really was a special morning that lead to a good heart-to-heart talk, and I know we both feel better.
Oh, Laineybug, you fierce, sharp, independent girl. I love you more than words, and I know you love me. And we’re gonna’ be okay.
You look good girl!
Wednesday, October 31, 2018
Rise of the Dead (Blogger)
The Halloween candy haul has been an overwhelming success with the kids raking it in at Boo at the Zoo on Saturday, parties at school and the YMCA, and of course, good old-fashioned trick-or-treating in the neighborhood. We must have 25 pounds of the stuff...I don't think I'm exaggerating.
I'd love to write more, but I'm exhausted. But, I refuse to let this blog fade away into the good night. Posts may be sporadic and sparse until I can get my mojo back, but write on I will! In the meantime, thank heaven for photos to tell the story. I know that's what you really want to see anyway!
Happy Halloween!
Our little Dalmation and ninja! |
Add one Mom Avocado! (Nick's ORIGINAL costume...and a story for another post) |
Expertly carved pumpkins by Mark |
Boo at the Zoo |
Uncle time! |
More uncle time! (I'm embarrassed that this is the ONLY photo I got of the Kammler visit. It's still a good memory capture--cards with Lainey and a back massage from Nick) |
Wednesday, October 3, 2018
Who stole September?
Before... |
...and after! |