Our Outdoor Wonderland

The weather in our new state has been gorgeous lately. Surprised? Yes, it's winter here.....but it feels so fresh and crisp. The lack of snow has made it easier to get out an have mini adventures. We had not been out to our complex playground in a bit....we wandered over and found a few of our playground buddies.  They were trying to break this big ice waterfall.

 The boys and I had been headed to play soccer, but as soon as the playground buddies invited us to go boot skating....we ditched the ball and headed for the woods.

 All summer.....this is a big swampy, mosquito filled mess. I avoid it. The boys avoid it....but not the playground buddies. They do all kinds of adventurous things in there during the summer....but the mosquitos, ewww. And....do their parents have a clue where they are? It worried me a bit.

 But....once winter arrived....the swamp became a beautiful, ice filled wonderland. I loved it.....we all loved it! Notice the boys have bright sweats on in the above picture and then change to black pants in the other pictures? Within our first few minutes of boot skating we slipped in some water.....we ran home to change into more appropriate adventure attire.

With a couple of sticks, a broken shovel, an old golf club, and a tennis ball.....the boys decided to play a little hockey.

 The complex woods are filled with tons of deer....I heard there is even a family of bears?? Not sure.

 I had to add this cardinal.....there are 3 of them that hang outside our apartment window. A Blue Jay usually joins them, too. Ahhh, winter.

The next day.....Greg headed back into the woods with the boys. Call us nerds, but we had them wear their bike helmets. The ice was so slippery. They also decided to bring their hockey sticks and a puck.

It's our new favorite place.

Today

For a few reasons, today I am ...

....giving my boys extra hugs and kisses. Lots of them
.....not going to stress about silly things
.... not going to doubt myself as a mother
.....or worry that I'm failing my boys
..... not going to feel homesick
..... not going to think about regrets, or wonder why a relationship has ended

..... going to remember that much is miscommunicated through blogs, emails, and text....and much is misunderstood
..... going to remember the good
....going to ease through the day. Not worrying that we should be doing this or that
.... going to believe that we are here because it's where we are supposed to be
....going to clean a bit and organize a lot
.... going to give the boys an early Christmas present
..... going to be thankful that my husband has a good job and one that he loves
..... going to remember that I'm not the only one that feels this way (and this has a variety of meanings)

And hopefully tomorrow I will do the same.

Seasons

 There are different seasons in our life.......the typical....spring, summer, fall, winter.....and then the other kind. The literal....seasons of life. They can last a few months.....maybe longer, maybe shorter. We've been in our new state for about 9 months now. In about our 3rd month here.....we met another family in a crazy similar situation as ours. They had just sold their house, were living in a much smaller apartment, homeschoolers (same philosophy of schooling) kids the same age, adoption in common, our husbands got along well....I could go on and on. Bottom line...we just clicked. They traveled a bit.....we hung out with them as much as their time allowed. The mom and I could chat for hours.....the kids all had fun together. It was easy and comfortable.....and filled a hole that was deep and open. We were missing friends back home....we were in a new season of our life.....and so were they. I truly believe we were meant to cross paths and help each other along the way. 

The hard part......their time here is up and they are now off to sunny beaches......eventually to life on a boat. How cool is that? We said our goodbyes till we meet agains last week. We have plans to meet up again....I'm certain that they will be life long friends. Our season with these new friends.....living close by....has changed. And we will miss them....and our many adventures together.

Christmas season is in full swing.....we added some ribbon and a 99 cent star from IKEA to our little tree. I cannot find our stockings or ornaments anywhere. Our storage unit back home gives me a stomach ache.....it's filled with so many of our things. We need to empty it....use the stuff or lose the stuff.

 The winter season is coming soon.....this season is so different in our new state. I woke to the boys yelling "snow!! can we go out and stand in it?" Stand in it? Why not play in it? Well, because.....notice how much snow we have? It's there....I promise....see the white stuff around the cul-de-sac curb? Just enough to stand in.....I'm sure it will be melted by the afternoon. That's ok.....we are going to try and make the best of this new season.

Hormonally Challenged

(Greg and boys, camped out watching Charlie Brown Christmas)

I figured out why I have felt exceptionally slumpy the past few days. Not only did I feel slumpy, but by the time Greg got home from work last night.....I was all weepy and had no clue why. Everything felt overwhelming. I was a literal pile of mush and felt like I was sinking further and further down.

It was strongly suggested that I get myself to bed......I didn't resist since I was overwhelmingly exhausted anyway. In the middle of the night I woke up in terrible pain. My right side was on fire. The pain was so bad that it incorporated itself into my dream(ever have that happen?). I woke Greg and asked where my appendix was.

A few years back....before they discovered my Endometriosis.....I had a similar pain. Different, but similar. Back then, after a series of tests.....it was determined that my appendix was inflamed. One test revealed the black mess that is my abdomen. The person who read my films said that he couldn't even see my organs....everything was black. I will never forget the call from the dr and what he thought I had(can't even write about it, it was so upsetting). After laparoscopic surgery(that did not remove my appendix) they discovered my endo(I was so relieved that it was just endo!!) and  found that(at the time) it was suffocating my appendix(and smothering other organs-lovely).

My endo has covered my organs so much that removing it is risky-too big of a chance that an organ may be cut in the process.  Since then, I randomly get terrible side pain.....I'm always worried that my appendix may rupture. So, last night......while in and out of sleep......I was trying to decide what to do....do I go to the hospital? Why is the pain so high (on my rib cage)? My house was a mess...so I was thinking.....who would take care of the boys and see my messy house? I didn't have a fever....that was a good sign.

I finally fell back to sleep......

When I woke up....bright and early.......the pain was gone. Hallelujah!! Not only was the pain gone, but my slump was lifted. Seriously. I felt like a different person....my energy was back......I felt more balanced emotionally. Coffee even tasted good again.

So, guess what I have determined? I was ovulating! Yep.....way too much information. But let me tell you......learn from me. Hormones can wreak havoc on your body and mind. For some reason.....ovulation is my worst week. It's almost as if.....as soon as it's over......the clouds part and the sun shines again.

Hormones are challenging. Hormone fluctuations are very real......especially once you hit 40. Now that I'm noticing a pattern.....I will take steps to exercise, take my B-vitamins, and basically brace myself for that one bad week. I should actually just go into seclusion during that week.....because it's bad.

But.....today is good.

Slumps Happen

 Since we returned from our T-Day trip home.....we have all been either sick....or recovering from being sick. Everyone got better, but me. That's when I realized that being sick and feeling not quite myself sort of morphed together.

We have totally fallen off our routine....notice I didn't say schedule. I'm more of a daily routine person. So, combine being sick....with feeling funky..and lack of routine....and you get....slump.

From Wikipedia: Slump may refer to:

• Slump, to slump; To assume a drooping posture; To fall or sink heavily; collapse.

There have been lots of messes being made.....and I've left the mess for hours....lots of hours. My theory is that creative fun was being made within those messes. Why mess with a creative mess. You know what I mean?

 I've been doing lots of laying around in my pajamas.....lots of it. Lots of time spent in cozy clothes....sipping hot tea and eating chocolate. Lots of chocolate. Way too much thinking going on, too.
 

The thing is...I realized that I don't want to fall or sink heavily.  I want to move forward.....I want to look up. I want to find my voice again.....I've truly lost it. Not just in blog land, but in daily life as well.

I've been resisting going into NYC for months. Poor Greg loves the city. He gets in for work often, but not for pleasure. This weekend we will venture in for pleasure. We are excited to see the city decorated....eat a big slice of pizza....walk around the park.

Last weekend, we went to the zoo at night.....for a holiday light festival. It was quick, but nice. I forgot my camera so the boys pretended to take pictures of everything we saw. People probably thought we were nuts walking around and clicking our fake cameras. We also drove around towns trying to figure out where we want to live.....we have 2 months until our lease is up. We may just stay in this complex.....in a different unit. Or, we may rent a house somewhere. I thought this one was cute.

There is not one bit of snow on the ground. Back home.....they have a lot. I love me a good snow storm. Especially the snowstorms when we lived in our house.....it was like living in a snow globe.

I made up a bunch of different Christmas cards....only to decide not to make any. That's a first for us. Instead, I ordered a bunch of pictures of the boys and will put in cards. Seasons change...and so do we.

Just Sayin'

(pathetic little tree....but I love it)

It's been a lazy, coughing and stuffy nose....couple of days. It's actually been really nice. Because I had a headache and just...felt like yuck....I declared these sick days. We've had so many educational opportunities....just happen. As a homeschool mom, I have this habit of always looking at each situation and it's potential for learning. It's amazing....and exciting....when you realize that there are SO many of these opportunities. Actually, they aren't opportunities....they are just life moments...and we all have them.  Being aware makes you think in terms of.....hmmm, how can I guide this in an interesting direction.....or....wow, they learn so much when it's something they are interested in....and just go with it.

So...that's not the point of this post.....why I'm writing today is because I've been thinking about many things over the past month....and those thoughts are all coming together. Sort of.

(the boys are stuffy and tired....but warm and cozy)

A few days ago, I wrote about my favorite boots. Yes, I love boots....and coats. Growing up in NY...you needed a warm coat and boots. I remember....as a child....first putting my feet in a bread bag and then inserting foot and bag in my snow boots. These days....there is no need for a bread bag.....boots are made warmer and keep feet drier. Though, I love that my childhood meant stuffing my foot into a Wonder bag....just a fun memory. I was the youngest of 5 kids.....and a child of a frugal mom. We were comfortable growing up.....never wanting for anything, but my mother believed in pinching pennies. She believed in quality and not quantity. My boot story told of quantity....not necessarily quality....though they seem well made. Just sayin'.

After writing my boot post, I thought.....does 1 gal need 4 pairs of boots? Probably not. I felt a little embarrassed. I wanted to share my great bargains....in hopes that others might find a bargain too( I probably only spent $80 total for all 4 pairs). But...all I can think about is people without boots.

Over the past few months, I have been coming to terms with the fact that our living situation has changed. Yes, I'm allowed to feel sad about our change.....it was a huge change, a sudden change. But, y'know what.....it's not a big deal. There are far more bigger deals out there. Huge deals.

Each time I start to get annoyed at my small kitchen.....or tiny appliances....I start to think...."get over it, girl!". Each time I complain that my toilet has overflowed....or my sink is clogged(daily)...I tell myself...."no biggie".

Seriously, there are so many hard situations out there.....people struggling with really hard things.

 Having a roof over our head, being able to stay home with my boys, having food in my fridge, having good health......these are things we shouldn't take for granted.

Each time I start to notice myself going in that wrong direction with my thoughts.....well, all it takes is one thought about someone I know who is struggling with something harder...and my perspective falls into place. Yes, I'm allowed to feel sad....or angry about certain things....and certain changes....but perspective is everything.

(my reality.....and keepers of my heart)

So, forgive me if I've whined a bit too much.  Forgive me if I've lost my focus here and there. Moments when I have to be still...like being sick with a cold, on the couch.....helps me to think clearly. And helps me to remember what is important....and real.

Where We've Been

We went home for Thanksgiving.....it was an on the go-non stop stuff.....kind of weekend. It feels a bit strange having to "visit" home for the holiday. We ran from place to place and just tried to soak in all that was around us. It felt great to be surrounded by loved ones.....surrounded by people who knew us so well. These pictures don't capture half of our 4 days home.....my camera is on it's way out...so I don't pick it up that often.

Good people, good food, good laughs......did I mention good food?

The weekend also brought hard moments.......Greg's grandma had a heart attack the night before Thanksgiving and then another one on Thanksgiving day. Amazingly.....thankfully.....she was home from the hospital on Friday. She is one amazing and special lady. We all just adore her. Thanksgiving day was not the same without her, but we are so glad that she is home again.

Upon arriving back to our "new home"....our sweet neighbors invited us over for lunch the following day. We had tons of laundry....and were just exhausted, but they are just such sweet people...so we said... yes. Unfortunately, their 2 children(baby and toddler) were sick.....and now the boys and I are sick.

The upcoming month may be filled with lots of busy-ness....visitors and visits. I'm not sure what to do about Christmas. I really want to sleep in my own bed, but spending it away from family feels odd. Not sure. We'll do what's best for the boys. Our new life brings new decisions......and on that subject.....we have 2 months to find a new place to live(sent in our non-renewel notice). We are excited and....well......hopeful. I was going to say....worried....but, I've decided to think in a more positive way. Hopeful....is what we are.

My Favorite Boots

Since my last post(s) was a bit deep......I wanted to head into the weekend with something fun. As we know, because we no longer have a home to decorate....I need to focus my joy of decorating in another direction. Yes, I'm still trying to find ways to make our temporary digs feel like home, but basically....all that means is moving things around...or purchasing storage bins. I currently do not have any favorite home items *sigh*. No biggie....I'm moving on....to boots.

I love, love the look and ease of boots this season. All kinds of boots. I am an equal opportunity boot-er. I love the look of tucking your jeans into boots. Pair that with a long sweater....and I'm pretty sure that will be my uniform this season. So, I've decided to link up with 320 Sycamore Lane and share my list of favorite things boots. I have to add that because I was born with a huge frugal bone in my body {I think I got it from my Nana} each of my purchases were with bargain in mind.

This first pair was my super deal of the month (a couple months ago).....after almost purchasing them online at Target for full price (which was a great price $39.99) I happened to find them while strolling the aisles...in my size....for $9.98. They are soft like butter and fit perfectly over my jeans..... Love 'em.

This next pair was part of a 2 for ....sort of....package. Again, at Target online. If you purchased 2 pairs, you would get both for 20% off, plus free shipping(I believe they are doing a similar deal now). They are real leather....a sort of strange cognac color, but Greg chose the color....didn't want to make him feel bad by rejecting his input. They were only $39.99 plus 20% off.

I wasn't so sure about these leather boots. Again, Target online....part of that 2 for deal. Originally $49.99....plus 20% off. Real, thick awesome leather. Probably not as awesome as a Fry boot....but they work for me....especially because I'm pretty hard on my boots. I'm still trying to figure out how to wear these....I sort of feel like an east coast cowboy in them....though they are engineer boots?

{not this exact pair, but very similar}

This last pair was my best boot bargain. They were in my closet and I didn't even know it. That's what moving and storage can do to you....things get hidden or forgotten {I'm working on that by simplifying}. I had purchased these boots years ago. I stopped wearing them because they were a little loose...and just felt awkward. That is....until I tried wearing them over my jeans. They now fit perfect....and basically didn't cost a dime. At least I can't remember what they cost...it was that long ago, but guarantee it was a bargain{at least I hope}.

*The best place to find Target boots is onine at http://www.target.com/  The store does not have the same deals or selection.

UC: Part 2

 When I tell you that I can remember just about every detail of that experience....believe it. I can remember it like yesterday. On the floor.....crying.....crying out to the Lord......and it felt like I was completely surrounded by warmth. I really don't want to speak in "christianese" while describing this experience, but it was just so powerful. From that moment everything changed....my attitude or view about everything changed. Because of that moment, I viewed our decision to separate differently....and I became determined to restore things. Ok...so, as I said....I'm not going to go into more detail about all that because it would take pages. I will write aobut it later and give it it's own post.....some pretty crazy stuff happened. Thankfully, I had a great support network via the phone.....being alone in Ohio and ...cold Minneapolis... was an interesting experience.

I'm going to skip all the in-between stuff and get back to why I was writing about this. I'm not sure if I would have asked the Lord into my heart if I had stayed in my hometown....in my comfortable home, with my comfortable surroundings....not to mention my fun-party lifestyle. Why would I want to change any of that?

Why? Because I had no idea that life could be so much better.....so much deeper.....so different.

Ok, so that was a big thing. That move brought a big change. After a whole bunch of stuff (remember the in-between stuff I'm skipping(for now)?) Greg also re-committed his heart to the Lord.....we decided to save our marriage....we decided that were meant to be together....and that we couldn't imagine being with anyone else.  So, then another big thing happened.....we decided to stop our infertility treatments and end our journey traveling from doctor to doctor. We knew that was a road we had worn out....a road that had worn us down. After realizing .....hey, maybe we would never be parents....we amazingly found our way to our precious twins.

Again, I'm fairly certain that the circumstances that led us to our boys....would not have happened if we stayed in our hometown, in our new house, near all that was comfortable, near all whom we loved.

So, all that got me thinking......how weird that once again......

We had recently moved into our new home....actually lived in it just about the same amount of time as that other house ...from over 10 years ago....and we were also still doing construction on it. We were surrounded by great friends and family....and life was good. We never....ever....ever....thought we would move again...ever.

But....once again.....we did....we have. Makes me think a little. Makes me a little nervous....a little excited. It just all seems so....ground hog day-ish. Didn't we go through that emotional, crazy, wonderful move back home? Weren't we settled? Weren't we supposed to build that house? Were we even supposed to ever move back home?

Greg made a comment once that it seems like the Lord wants us away from our hometown. Not sure why. I do notice that we seem to grow in different ways while we are out on our own "island". We miss everyone so much.....and life sure is different here. Interesting and good, but very different. Different can be good, right?

Unexpected Change

I've been trying to get a bit of exercise in. I really notice that my mood is so much better after I've gotten my heart pumping. So, while the boys were playing around our complex play area....I decided to go on a brisk walk around the various courts. There are a number of complex buildings....and a ton of windows facing the play area. I often wonder who is watching and what they must be thinking as they watch me walk in circles.

I like to take that time to make phone calls, pray{talk to the Lord}, and think about things. Something hit me strong during my last walk. Something I had not connected before.

Many years ago, back in the late 90's.....I had an amazing job as a nanny. We had purchased a really neat house in the neighborhood that Greg grew up in.....we had great friends and family around us. Greg had a decent job and everything was going well. We had been totally renovating our new home over a 2 year process.....we were also desperately trying to have a baby. Things were emotional because of that.....but for the most part....things were really good.

But then......things changed. Greg was offered a job in Ohio. A really good job. He really wanted to take the job....I knew that we needed to move forward....it was a great opportunity for him and I knew that I did not want to stand in the way of his career. I didn't want to go....I didn't want to leave the family that I nannied for...we had been together for 10 years. I watched their children grow from infants to sweet young girls. But, I also knew that eventually Greg and I would have our own children and.....basically, I knew that I just needed to be ok with it....to move. But, I wasn't ok with it....that's a story for another post. I can say this....I don't believe that I've ever gotten over that move. It still makes me sad to think about what I left.

But.....big but there......some very intense things happened because of that move. Again....I'll save the details of each individual and life changing situation.....but for this post, in a nutshell.....

That move brought us to an even more emotional place in our journey to be parents....to have a baby. And folks....it just about ruined our marriage. Again, in a nutshell.....about a year after our move to Ohio...and then to Minneapolis....our boxes were packed. Packed for separate moves. Yep, we had reached our emotional end....and were ready to go in different directions. Then something I didn't expect happened....all of that brought me to an ultimate point of being broken....heart and mind. And being filled with constant tears...and being totally alone in a new state......it all brought me to a point of calling out to a God  I didn't know. It caused me to open a book I didn't understand. And it changed my life forever.  

.....to be continued.

My New Combo

No, I didn't say my new condo.....though, that may be in our future. I have finally come to realize something....I make terrible coffee. Maybe not terrible, but it's always either too strong or too weak. And let me tell you....I love a good cup of joe.

Something interesting happens as soon as the weather changes.....and it starts gettting a little chilly outside.....I start to crave...chocolate and peppermint. My seasonal comfort foods. Yes, I do enjoy a good pumpkin latte, but that's a whole 'nother subject.

I happened upon these 3 tasty items at my new favorite grocery store........

{Trader Joe's peppermint cookies}

{Peppermint hot cocoa}

{Trader Joe's instant coffee}

(by the way.....the pic's are all from google images-I'm feeling too lazy to take my own)

I never thought I'd like instant coffee, but the TJ's really is good....I mix it with the cocoa and it's delicious. The can says to put 3 big spoonfuls of cocoa in a mug....of course, I must follow the directions. Add a cookie....or 3 and you have a wonderful, cozy combo.

{I've had many thoughts and situations this week....I just haven't written all my thoughts down yet. I tend to procrastinate in that area....among others. Things are good, learning something new each day}

High Hopes

Just what makes that little 'ol ant.....

I have so many things I need to do. I need to simplify some more. This has been a really, truly hard task. I am having a hard time deciding what should go and what should stay. Should stay meaning....what I can't let go of.  I look around our small space....by the way-Greg and I determined that our whole living space is the size of 1/2 of our old playroom.... and I feel like I'm living in a one room school house. Now, that is fine and dandy....and pretty much due to the fact that we homeschool. Creating an environment that is full of learning opportunities....or opportunities for creative play is important to me. I only have a few more years before my little men turn into teenagers. I guarantee that our living space will be very different in a few years. But, these are the days we are in.....and these days are filled with little building things, constructive things, sports things, and books galore.

Thinks he can move that rubber tree plant....

I don't mind living in a one room school house....heck, it's pretty fun. But, I would really, truly love for our one room school house to have some style. I've thought about calling in the HGTV experts to give me a hand, but that wouldn't make sense since we are renting....and moving in a less than 3 months(can you hear the Hallelujah chorus?) So, mentally I know that I need to do something....organize, simplify, get off my butt.....the only problem is that physically I am worn out. I'm once again feeling so incredibly tired that it's disrupting my day....my plans. The mind has a will, but the body says no way.

Anyone knows an ant can't move a rubber tree plant.....

But I am determined....I have high hopes for change. I will eat better, try to exercise(even if that means running around the playground), I will take baby steps, and try to live the thankfulness that I feel in my heart. Each day I am determined to do a little bit more.....and by golly, I guarantee just as we are about to move....I will have our small space filled with style. And of course, then I can start all over on our next space.

She's got high hopes, she's got high hopes. She's Got high apple pie in the sky hopes

* I want to add that I love living in a small space, if I could only get it organized. Less is more!

Fighting For Joy

"the state of my space doesn’t reflect the state of my soul."-Ann Voskamp

I can't help myself, another link......because this is too good not to share.......click here

Two Good Reads

Great post..... Are you enjoying your homeschool journey? 

Another great article..... interesting homeschooling article 

In regards to my boys and myself....the less we have scheduled outside the home, the happier we are. Sammy actually cried "not again!"  the other day because he was tired of leaving the house. For me, after being out all day....I walk in our door and say "ahhhhh, home at last". I want our home.....wherever it may be.....to be a place of refuge and rest.

And, if you walked in my house right now....you'd hear Sam and Ross jamming on the keyboard....playing Somewhere Beyond the Sea. Over the weeked we made an impulse purchase....a keyboard with keys that light up to help you learn the songs. It has a ton of pre-recorded songs on it....one of those songs being the above mentioned. There is also a microphone attached.....can you guess who does vocals? A-hem, that would be me. I can't resist....and that song is quickly becoming one of our favorites.

Our Own Musical Variety Show

 A new upstairs neighbor moved in this week. There are actually 2 apartments above us.....each contain 2 floors within their apartments. One apartment is over our bedrooms.....the other apartment is over our living space. Below the boys bedroom is our neighbor's garage.....up and down the garage goes....at all hours of the night. It makes me crazy. It also sort of makes me uncomfortable having a garage....with a car....right below my boys bedroom. That's just me....just one of my pet peeves.

We've experienced all sorts of different noises.....kids running....what sounded like someone bowling......someone walking on their treadmill. Yep, this is all very new to us. Remember, we moved from the country.....barely a neighbor around. We could be as loud as we wanted....and never worried about someone elses "life" noises being too loud for us.

About the musice.....it seems the neighbors over our bedrooms favor fast paced latin music. Our new neighbor.....wow......he is a big fan of the 70's. As we were eating our lunch.....I suddenly started singing "Bye,Bye, Miss American Pie....drove my chevy to the levy,but the levy was dry...." and then I stopped. The boys looked at me a bit strange and wondered what was this pie I spoke of..... and a chevy? what's a levy? I explained it was a song I used to know...back in the day. On and on it went through the day.....70's song after 70's song....and nowI can't get the melodies out of my head.

I'm counting down the days until we move(within our complex). Though, I'm going to embrace this interesting setting.....this new experience. Sam wondered if it would be rude to hit the ceiling with a broom and exclaim "hey, we are trying to sleep down here".....I suggested that it wouldn't be very neighborly to do so....but then I wondered....where did Sam even get that idea?

And so the weekend begins.....

I Have a Special Talent

Maybe it's not a talent....maybe it's my special gift? No. I wouldn't call it a gift or a talent.....though I am very good at it. I'm not even sure my talent/gift/whatever even has a name....it's that special. Personally, I call it....

futinmouthitis  or braindoesntmatchwordsdilema ; definition: When what you are thinking comes through your mouth completely different than you planned. Often, what is said doesn't even make sense or match the conversation....therefore causing the other party to look at you like you are crazy. After being given this look, you later ponder the thought that maybe you are crazy. After contemplating said craziness....you then decide that the other person is crazy and you are...in fact....very sane. Then, upon arrival of sanity, decide that you don't care what anyone thinks of you and , in fact, you wish you could just be yourself and not worry that your words get misunderstood....or miscommunicated. During this roller coaster thought process....you finally think to yourself......oh the heck with it....I am what I am. (of course until the next time it happens...because there will be a next time).

Oct 31, 2010

I've had mixed thoughts about this day for many years. One thing is for sure......we have never trick or treated before. That is, before this year. This was the boy's first year going door to door and bagging their candy.

We've done something different each year.....we've gone out to eat with Grandma and Papa, spent the evening with friends, had fall parties.....or have given out candy, but have not trick or treated. There were years where we gave the boys a choice....and they chose to stay home and give out candy. There were years where we felt that we just did not want to participate. I thought this year would be another year like that. I won't go into details....I know that this day can be controversial in Christian circles.....but, this year we decided to take the boys around our complex.

We put together a couple of Mario and Luigi outfits.....of course....and then the boys and I hit the sidewalk. There is something interesting and special about waiting until your children are 8 years old ...to take them trick or treating for the first time. With each door they were SO enthusiastic. They gave big thank yous....and nice to see you....have a great day.....wow, I got a Nestle crunch....or a tootsie roll. You would think that each candy was the most special they ever held....or that....each doorstop was the home of a new and special friend. It was priceless.

I don't think I....and most of the people we encountered.....had laughed so hard in a very long time. The boys would stop other children and tell them how great they thought their costumes were.....they would greet each parent with a big hello. Again, it was just so funny.

They enjoyed their candy for most of the next day....and now...they have totally forgotten all about it. They have a huge bowl of candy......which Greg and I have been feasting on.....but the boys have barely had any. Now we are counting the days until Thanksgiving......

Good Things

* A sunny day.....with beautiful, bright colored trees. Just gorgeous.

*A playground....anywhere, anytime. Having some beautiful, bright colored trees surrounding the playground is a bonus.

*A weekend without the internet.....well, maybe 5 minutes here and there, but that is all. Lots of family time, lots of coffee, lots of outside time.

*A new church....with a really neat pastor. Such a little gem of a place.

*I love that Greg truly loves working in the kids room at church. He truly loves it.....me...not so much. Thankfully, we balance each other.

*Reeses Peanut Butter cups....and an excuse to buy many bags of them(and sneak some)

*Ross singing "How Great Thou Art"......as loud as he can....at church. Priceless.

Unchanging Change

When we found out that we'd be moving from our country setting to a metro suburban area.....well, I had many plans in my head. Plans for change. I truly love looking at life as if it's a big glass full of water.....at least half full. Unfortunately, I think I've fooled myself. I thought I was looking at things in that positive way, but really....honestly......my glass always felt half empty. Before our move I had been frustrated with myself....I was stuck in some negative thought patterns and I couldn't get myself to change. Sort of the Fred Flinstone of change.....legs spinning, wheels not moving.

Negative thought patterns....that's one area. That's an area that could somewhat be hidden. Accumulating clutter was an area that could not. Actually, it could be hidden well in our last home.....there were closets and space galore. I'm starting to wonder if God purposely gave us limited options for our new home.....it's a relatively small space with nowhere to hide/store things. Our clutter is exposed......therefore, our clutter needs to be dealt with.

Are you following me here? I can no longer hide ....from myself....the need for me to change my negative thought patterns and my stuff. It's been about 6 months since our move and I'm finally realizing that I need to stop thinking about the change that needs to take place....I need to live it. Actually get off my butt and live it.....decluttering my thoughts and my closets. Out with the old, neatly storing the treasures, and making room for the fresh~positive~.....change. It's time for me to stop talking about change....and to start changing.

And that's where the battle may start........more on that....

It's a New Day

Time for a new blog. As I started considering what to name this blog I also started considering what the blog would be about. Would it be a family blog? A random blog? A fun decorating and frugal shopping blog? A just chicks blog? I decided it would be about whatever I really, truly wanted it to be about on that particular day. A little of this....a lot of that. Random and real. Hey maybe that's what I should have named it ;)

Festivals

 Our new state has so many festivals......seriously. Each weekend, we have our choice of a dozen we can attend. Some are good....some great....and some are a waste of our time. We've experienced all kinds. I'm not a big fan of large crowds...especially festival crowds. Though...it has been a great way to get a taste of NJ.  The photo above is from a little festival that had everything from karaoke....to carnival rides(we avoided those). The photo below is of our all time favorite festival so far.....Millbrook Historic Days.

 We were not too sure if this would be something the boys would enjoy.....turned out that they loved it all. They even stopped someone to tell them how "interesting" they found the festival. They were especially drawn to all the musicians. This lady had a beautiful voice and great talent for the dulcimer(I think that's what it was). She gave Sammy a little lesson. Very sweet.

They experienced life in the 'ol days...

 Again...drawn to the music. They sat right up front to listen to a string band. The musicians were so nice to the boys.

                                        They invited them to try out a few instruments and toys.

The old school was really interesting. I loved hearing about the way they used to teach.....and loved some of the old time techniques. That's Grandma an Papa sitting behind the boys....they were visiting for the weekend.

 After we took a break for lunch.....really good chili and homemade pie....the boys asked to stop and listen to the string band again. This time the band invited the boys to play the washboard.....the boys kept beat for the band.

 After....Ross said that he felt like a real musician. I think we are ready to start some lessons....which instrument? They have asked to play the drums.....not the best choice for apartment dwellers. Our piano was left back in NY....their fingers may need to grow into the guitar. Decisions! Maybe I should get them a couple of washboards :)

 Then the boys joined in on some grass games. The man leading the group was so friendly. He shared that he had graduated his kids from homeschooling....he was very encouraging.

 Potato sack races......

 Three legged race.......good thing Papa was there to be an extra leg.

 Tug of war.....they all did this a couple of times. That would be my least favorite grass game. Ouch.

 Learning how to do something with corn (husk it...core it?) They loved this.

I think this is the crab walk? There was also cider making.....an old church.....so many neat things. The boys fell asleep on the way home, but had a wonderful time. The weather was great too.

This is not from the historic festival.....but I liked it...it is from a festival :)