A lesson learned...

Yesterday evening, the kids and I hit an outdoor concert at the mall with my partner in crime and her kiddos.  The Police cover band, STUNG, were playing outside Kohls and Panera Bread.  It was actually pretty crowded and the music was fun.  A children's dance party ensued and fun was had by all.

Until.... I lost my partner in crime's child.  She had watched Lilly while James and I ran an errand in the mall.  In turn, I watched her son while she went around talking to all her peeps.  I turned around to do something for maybe a second.  In that second, I lost her son.  For ten minutes Lilly, James and I ran around the crowd.  We went into the mall and the restaurants.  I was in a PANIC.  I mean, I lost James once for five minutes and thought I was going to die, but to lose your close friend's child was beyond heartbreaking.  I had no idea what to do.  I couldn't find my friend to help with the search and I was on the verge of losing it.  In those minutes, this child, under my care, was gone.  

I finally found my friend, who had her BOTH her sons and all was well.  I won't go into details, but the child was not lost, and I wasn't negligent with my watchful eye.  But, I learned a lesson.  If it is your child, or someone else's child.  DO NOT LOOK AWAY.  In the blink of an eye, life changes.  99% of the time it is nothing, but I will not allow myself, or anyone in my care to be anywhere near that 1%.

happymommy

Ahhhhh Kindergarten...

Lilly started kindergarten today.  My oldest is now big enough to be dropped off at the playground and find her way to her classroom.  She can read, write and do a little bit of arithmetic.  When I turn around next, she will be writing her dissertation.  It is hard to believe that I have a little girl in REAL school.  I mean preschool was school, but now, Lilly is a student.  I treasure this day with a bit of happiness at progress, and bittersweet thoughts that they grow too fast.

Lilly - August 2008

Lilly - August 2010

The end of an era...

and a new beginning.

happymommy

To hot...

It reached 100.2 today at my house.  For this area, this is hot, North Carolina hot.  I am sweating right this second and I am in my own house.  Yes, it is 90 degrees inside and since we live in an area that doesn't need air conditioning, we have no air conditioning.  What I am saying is, it is too hot to blog. 

I will have much to write tomorrow since it is Lilly's first day of kindergarten.  My baby is going to school.  We met her teacher today and walked around the campus.  We are beyond excited but right now, I am melting.

See ya tomorrow!

happymommy

Goodnight Moon...

She knows her own mind...

She's beautiful and funny...

She knows how to pose...

 And then there is James....

He is all about a good time....

For now, goodnight moon!
 

happymommy!

Another linkey-loo day...

Except for my quest to lose seven pounds in three weeks, nothing exciting happening around here.  Oh yeah, Lilly is full on reading and we are excited!  Back to me:  I started my C25K program again today.  Once again, I ran with pants that wouldn't stay up and underwear that wouldn't stay down.  Basically, I looked like a hopping lunatic pushing James in his stroller!  Imagine, pulling, tugging, hand holding pants while trying to jog one minute, walk two minutes, jog one minute and so on.  It was even more a vision of wonderfulness since James' stroller has a wonky sun visor thingy that kept coming undone so while keeping one hand on my pants so they wouldn't fall down, I jogged or walked while trying to fix the sun shade thing.  Maybe I should do yoga.

Still very traumatized by this morning's run, I am sharing some great links to Daddy Blogs.  These men are great writers, fathers, funny peeps, and from what I can tell, FABULOUS people.  Enjoy!

BackPacking Dad

SmonkYou

Why is Daddy Crying?

OutNumberedIsMe

BusyDadBlog

The list could go on and on since the interwebs is full of awesomeness of all genders!

happymommy

The laundry is done, now what?...

Today:  a good day!  The laundry is done, the house is somewhat clean, the kids are behaving (I'll kick myself for this one soon, I am sure) and hubby is treating us to Mexican.  So, dinner done.  Worries, well, I have them, but I always have them.

So today, as I planned to many moons ago, I will share some links.  My favorite writers with much to share.

Beth Spotswood - My FAVORITE writer who is always witty, sarcastic and a local.
     -She also blogs for CBS Eye on Blogs, so she is even more awesome!

Aiming Low - A place for all mommies

Airborne Press - Current Events, Politics, Humor, Family and Books

CityMama - Because she is fabulous & one of the founders of CleverGirls!

**The Bloggess - there are no words for this hysterical woman!**

**Barefoot Foodie - Her writing is always awesome, but today's post read my mind!**

Rechelle Unplugged - A writer who brings me back every time.  Don't agree with her views on Christianity, but that doesn't mean I don't think she is a great writer and a good person!

I Am Bossy - Cuz she is funny!

Mamapundit - A woman, blogger, social media maven and all around amazing writer whose unimaginable experiences over the last few months, and probably years inspires grief, joy and thoughtfulness.  

Please note the **nsfmmomil** (not safe for my mom or in-laws due to cussing or sexual innuendo. Mom & in-laws and others, you decide for yourself.)

I am leaving out many more, but I will try to remember to do this more often.

In the mommy blogging world today is supposed to be WW - Wordless Wednesday.  I did the opposite!  I am a REBEL!

happymommy

Comeuppance...

Today has been a life test.  A very, very small life test, but a test nonetheless.  I spent the day shopping for the kids' back to school clothes and then cooking dinner.  You know, normal everyday mom stuff.  Lilly acknowledged her new clothes with a quick thank you and nod of the head.  James hated all of his dinner.  You know, a normal day.

I think I am getting my comeuppance.  You know, that thing that happens when what comes around, goes around.  I was a great kid, a horrible teenager, and an even worse young adult.

I hope my comeuppance is small and much less than I deserve.

happymommy

Oh the things we must do...

We are about to embark on a huge renovation to our house.  We are talking eighteen months of life upheaval but the end result will be worth it.  We have been in the planning, permit and replanning stages for the last two years.  The latest requirement is to be green builder certified before you start the work.  I am happy to help the planet, but it does seem just one more way for someone to make more money.  I worry about this.

Lilly starts real school next week and along with getting new shoes and clothes, she will be getting new friends.  I worry about this.

James is still number 7 on the waiting list at the preschool I want him to attend.  He may not get in until he is three.  I worry about this.

My work is slow going and it is clear that I will need to work harder and longer to make a success of this.  Do I want to?  I have such flexibility and even though I make no money unless I sell something, the stress is next to nothing.  I enjoy it when I take the time to work but will I always?  I worry about this.

I am still not losing weight, but I am not exercising or watching what I eat, so I guess I can't really worry about that.

A story from our houseboat vacation with family and friends...

A family friend was on the houseboat along with his two sons.  One son, an eighth grader who may have been one of the nicest, sweetest boys I have ever encountered in my life.  He was great with adults, children and he seemed to be having the time of his life.  His brother, a fifth grader, has a degenerative enzyme disease.  He is not supposed to be alive today.  His father, a truly wonderful man, was so patient and loving and caring for both his kids.  He enjoyed himself and made sure that BOTH his boys were having a memorable experience.

I am sure this man has many worries and heartaches as he watches his son.  I am sure he worries about money, careers, his sons and his overall life.  But for three days, he had no worries.  He embraced the now and enjoyed the adventure.

I need to learn how to do this more often.

happymommy

No matter your views....

No matter what you think about the wars we wage in Iraq and Afghanistan and the politics surrounding these, there is one thing we support:  our soldiers.  They are the backbone of our country and we LOVE THEM, SUPPORT THEM AND REMEMBER THEM. They are fathers, mothers, sisters, brothers and partners.

No matter what you believe about our administration and the state of our union, we are a country.  For better or worse, we are one. 

happymommy

NOTE:  I am not endorsing anything, saying anything, selling anything or picking anything.  For tonight, sir, I just want to hang.

Houseboat Vacation = Five Pounds...

Lilly and I are back from five days on a lake in a houseboat!  I had limited cell service, no internet, cell phone, facebook or twitter.  I SURVIVED!  It was actually liberating.  We came back tan, tired and me, five pounds heavier.  Oh yeah!!

There is much I want to share about the trip that are beyond just discussing the beautiful stars and the friendships that remain intact.  Tomorrow I will share, but for now here are some pictures. 

Fun was had by all...

Lake Shasta 2010

happymommy

Outta here....

Lilly and I are headed to the lake this week for houseboat fun with family and friends.  I will miss the boys but think this will be a great time!  For now I take solace in my family.  My wonderful little family.

I will have no cell service, internet access, no twitter and no facebook. I will not do any blogging until Sunday or Monday.  I know you will miss me.  Wish me luck.  I am frightened!

happymommy

The most wonderful day...

I have written Ad infinitum about family.  The importance of family and appreciating family.  There are no words to express how much I love mine and everyone who has become family to me over the years.  Today was one of those days when I looked around and saw my blessings.  

It started with the most beautiful email from the woman I love and respect more than anything.  It is ending with my wonderful husband bathing my children.  Life really is awesome.  

We spent the day with Jeff's cousin, her husband, and their newborn.  We had lunch, walked Lake Merritt, played at the park and watched the weekend Salsa dancers.  

But mostly, we reveled in the wonder of Sadie.  She is our newest member and we just adore her.

She came into this world....

Loved beyond words...

Everyone thought she was the cat's meow...

James tried to pat her head A LOT...

Now he just hugs her, hard....

Lilly thinks she needs a sister....

Jeff and I think Lilly has lost her mind...

We all want to nom-nom-nom this baby!

Family, and friends who have become my family are home to me.

I am headed out on Monday morning for an entire week with no cell phone coverage, facebook or twitter. I may die, or I may think it is the greatest thing ever. Either way, I will not be blogging, tweeting or facebooking. Goodness, I am scared. Hug me!

happymommy

Friends and life...

I moved a lot during my lifetime:  growing up, in college and life after.  Very few of my friends have made the journey with me.  Most of them left me because of moving, crazy circumstances or fights.  I am lucky enough to have new friends that mean just as much to me as if I had met them when I was two.  But there are two  that have known me forever (hey, Amanda) whom I care for deeply and today, I spent an hour with one of them.  I have known her since I was thirteen and we have lived through failed marriages, births and death. I treasure knowing her and am lucky to have her even if we only see each other once in a blue moon.

FRIENDS FOR LIFE!

Our combined age is  79 and I am not telling who is older by six months.  The point of my rambling about how much I love my friend is that it is ALWAYS important to take the ones you love; family, new friends and friends who have been around a lifetime, and embrace them.  Love them.  They are important.  Don't forget it.

happymommy

Work is getting in the way of my pool time...

This summer, or really the last two weeks including our Disney trip, I have spent a crazy amount of time at the pool.  I haven't done this in years, decades to be honest, and I am loving it.  Lilly is out of school and James is around three days a week and we have to find things to do.  The pool is a perfect way to spend the day.  My dermatologist would think otherwise, but I am having a great time.  The kids are too.

It all must end tomorrow since I have an all day work conference, my boss is in town and I have another meeting on Friday.  Whoa, whoa is me.

For now, there are dreams and wishes for us all to embrace.

The impossible IS possible.

happymommy

Eating, Reading and BlogHer...

Every night I struggle to make a dinner that James will eat.  He won't eat anything that isn't yogurt, strawberries or grapes.  I have refused, up until tonight to try to vary from what I make the rest of us, but I worry that he isn't getting enough.  It is so frustrating.  Tonight I made a great pasta dinner and started the kids with a yogurt parfait.  James ate the strawberries and the yogurt.  I then gave the kids sauteed zucchini fresh from the farmers market.  He tried one, spit it out and then handed me the plate.  I didn't even try to give him pasta.  Lilly, of course, ate it all and we gave her so many kudos for doing so.  I am at such a loss as to how to get him to eat.  Is it a stage?  He is destined to be a vegan?  It is fine if he is, but he won't eat tofu, so what?  I am frustrated and really OVER trying to figure out my kid's appetite. 

Look at him.  

He is obviously healthy.  Do I just let it be?

In an attempt to figure out all of this nutrition and child craziness, Lilly and I spent the morning at the library and park.  It dawned on me that I love to read ANYTHING other than parenting books.  I read enough of these when I was pregnant with Lilly and then when I thought I was losing James early in my pregnancy.  Then, I read enough books about colic and digestion issues when James was a baby because he wouldn't stop crying and I knew I could find the reason in a book.  I don't want to read anymore parenting books.  I want to experience my child.  Circumstances change and I am sure I will need to read about bullying, making the most of a gifted (yes, I am sure they are both gifted) child and dealing with teenagers.  But for now, I will be frustrated and while I look at my baby's belly I will just continue doing what I do.

I am a mommy and a blogger.  I am one among many.   Right at this moment approximately 2400 women writers, and many men as well, are descending on New York City for BlogHer 2010.  This conference is full of mommy bloggers, travel bloggers, food bloggers, tech bloggers, Christian bloggers, recovering bloggers and so many more.  Since I am addicted to Twitter and most of the people I follow are writers, mommies and bloggers, I am in the know.  In no way do I want to be at BlogHer, but I do like to hear how we as a group of strong women (and men) who write about what we know garner something as important as a conference; not to mention one in NYC!  

happymommy

Here is what I am worried about today....

The school year is around the corner and Lilly starts Kindergarten.  We will get new shoes, clothes, a backpack and lunch box.  She will make new friends and I hope to as well.  She can read.  She is a born artist.  She does well at ballet and other sports.  But what worries me most is what socially lies around the corner? The images and information out there about "mean girls" and bullies is overwhelming.  

One of my favorite bloggers describes her personal bully experience in grammar school and it scared me to death.  No Style Points describes the horror and a lack of dealing with the problem by her parents as well as the school.  Through her writing one can still see the pain and damage it did to her psyche. 

I don't want this for Lilly, or for James of course, but I have a feeling he will be fine.  I worry about her because she is so like me.  Every day is a new chance at making friends, honoring the ones I have, being the center of attention and most of all, being loved.  

My growing up story gains momentum, much like a fishing story, each year the "fish" gets bigger and bigger.  The bottom line is that I moved so much throughout my young life that I never had a "place."  And when I finally did have a place, we moved again.  Let me make this clear:  we did not move because we were escaping anything.  The military moved my family every three years except for the years my sister was in high school.  My dad did a "hardship" tour so she could finish school with her friends.  By the time I reached high school, I couldn't for the life of me find my place so I  asked to be moved from this school to that one to the next one trying to find peace.  But through this all, even when I was at my loneliest and the most unhappy, I was never bullied.  I imagine that if this would happen in today's world, I would have been.  This is what I fear most.

I think today I find solace in my own life that I am home, in every sense of the word.  But for Lilly, she is just starting.  What can I do to make sure that SHE feels at home, loved and comfortable not only in her own house, but socially?.  

This is what I worry about today.  Tomorrow it will be about why James refuses to wear swim trunks instead of his Speedo.  Welcome to my head.

happymommy

Recovering and right into the weekend.....

It seems like one day bleeds into the next.  And now it is August 1st?  How in the world did this happen?  Jeff and I are already talking about my 40th birthday trip (help, 40) and back to Denver for Christmas.  My goodness, this is too much.

I found this post today about another mother with a two year old boy.  I think she stole my thoughts.  If you know James, you will laugh out loud at this.  Or if you have a two year old, have known a two year old or have seen one in the mall, you will LOL.

I must go now because my own two year old wants me to read him Yo Gabba Gabba while we watch Toy Story.  Turns out we are not too scared of over stimulation around here.

happymommy