Spring? Where are you? Please come rescue me from these long, white-covered days. I can no longer stand to wrestle my kids into their coats, boots and gloves. I've already reached my winter quota of at least 2 falls on the ice, and I'm sick of reading "lay flat to dry" and "dry clean only" on the tags of our sweaters when doing laundry. Checking our local news website for possible school closings and pushing the four-wheel drive button in my SUV both lost their luster. Warmer weather means cook-outs, long walks, flip-flops, parks, the sun on our cheeks and Vitamin D lifting our spirits.
This has been a difficult winter for many of my family and friends both physically and mentally. For those of you that have been dealing with illness, the emotions of a loss or unemployment, my heart goes out to you. Winter is hard enough for all of us; having to struggle through trials such as those would be a true test. Kudos to those of you that have made positive life changes this winter. New fitness regimens, home purchases, new babies and pregnancies make these cold days seem bright and cheerful. Our family falls into that proverbial treading water and waiting for warmer weather category. We've been blessed so far to stay illness free, but certainly haven't accomplished any major life goals this season.
I for one, am over being cooped up in this apartment with two kids. I hope with the Spring weather comes more homes for sale in our target purchase area. There have been some positives to being hunkered down in this small space. I've been blessed with a lot of one-on-one (or should I say one-on-two?) time with Nick and Abby. I've had the opportunity to try out some new recipes and have enjoyed quality couch time with my hubby watching football. With that said, I still can't shake the overwhelming feeling to load up the family and drive to warmer weather.
It's February folks. We're only 40 days away from the official first day of Spring 2011! There are surely going to be some beautiful days between now and then. So, whether you're treading water like me or hitting the gym every day to reach that fitness goal, sunshine is right around the corner.
Here's a yummo recipe to try that will at least taste like Spring. It's easy and cheap to make.
Caprese Salad:
1 ball fresh mozzarella cheese
3 leaves fresh basil
2 ripe Roma tomatos
Balsamic vinegar
Slice the cheese and tomatos. Alternate on a platter. Roll the basil leaves together and slice. Sprinkle the basil on top of cheese and tomatos. Sprinkle entire salad with small amount of vinegar to taste. ENJOY!
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Monday, December 13, 2010
Friendship
In the words of Norah Jones Come away with me....Yes, come away with me to a place where our roots don't need touched up, we look fantastic in skinny jeans, all our kids' homework is done and the dishes don't need washed. Of course, no such place exists but wouldn't it be amazing if it did? My closest encounter with this "place" is when I'm with my two closest girlfriends. I was lucky enough to have them visit me this weekend from OH. Every woman should have friends like these. I walk away from our time together feeling refreshed and renewed. There's something about real conversation with women going through the same life ups and downs as me, that makes me feel like everything is going to be okay. The mentality that if they can do it, maybe I can do it too. I feel their unwaning support no matter where I choose to take my life.
This move to Lexington has been an emotional smack in the face for me. This is true on many levels but specifically with my relationships. I've learned what and whom I need to function. I've learned that I'm not big on being alone. I've learned that a three and a half hour drive IS a long way for me to travel when I want a cup of coffee and a girl's night, but it seems only a quick jaunt if a family member or close friend needs me. I realized after visiting with some of my friends here in Lexington (also transplants) that I'm blessed to have moved only a small road trip from my friends and family in OH. Many of them are a full day's plane ride away from their crew.
Speaking of these fantastic people I've met in Lexington....The true key to my seeming win at keeping my sanity, is the amazing women I've met here. Ladies, thank you for your honesty, sincerity and support. Having a good laugh, a cup of coffee or even a playdate invite from you has made me feel welcome and like we really can plant some roots here. I'm amazed at the entrepreneurial spirit that flows here as well. I've met many women that started their own businesses from their homes to be able to be with their kids. We're not talking envelope stuffers here. These are successful women that have built a profitable cake design business, daycares, a children's clothing design business and even a woman that was so valuable to her employer, that she was given the option to work from home. How inspiring!
The Lex native girlfriends I've made have introduced me to Lexington. They've schooled Matt and I on great restaurants, family fun spots and even school district do's and don'ts. The MOMS group I joined is filled to the brim with interesting, intelligent and educated women that choose to stay home with their kids. I was lucky enough to have been introduced to an editor in my MOMS group that offered me a writing job for a woman's website. Again, working from home so that I can be with my kiddos. A friend of our realtor emailed me a list of fantastic doctors, stores and Lexington businesses to visit after she heard we moved here without knowing anyone in the area.
All of this is friendship. These are women that stretched out their arms and welcomed me and my family to Lexington. I only hope that I will some day touch even one woman's life in the way that so many have mine. I hope to have conversations and chats that will leave my girlfriends walking away feeling renewed and refreshed. We're all in this together. In the mean time, I'll just say thanks.
This move to Lexington has been an emotional smack in the face for me. This is true on many levels but specifically with my relationships. I've learned what and whom I need to function. I've learned that I'm not big on being alone. I've learned that a three and a half hour drive IS a long way for me to travel when I want a cup of coffee and a girl's night, but it seems only a quick jaunt if a family member or close friend needs me. I realized after visiting with some of my friends here in Lexington (also transplants) that I'm blessed to have moved only a small road trip from my friends and family in OH. Many of them are a full day's plane ride away from their crew.
Speaking of these fantastic people I've met in Lexington....The true key to my seeming win at keeping my sanity, is the amazing women I've met here. Ladies, thank you for your honesty, sincerity and support. Having a good laugh, a cup of coffee or even a playdate invite from you has made me feel welcome and like we really can plant some roots here. I'm amazed at the entrepreneurial spirit that flows here as well. I've met many women that started their own businesses from their homes to be able to be with their kids. We're not talking envelope stuffers here. These are successful women that have built a profitable cake design business, daycares, a children's clothing design business and even a woman that was so valuable to her employer, that she was given the option to work from home. How inspiring!
The Lex native girlfriends I've made have introduced me to Lexington. They've schooled Matt and I on great restaurants, family fun spots and even school district do's and don'ts. The MOMS group I joined is filled to the brim with interesting, intelligent and educated women that choose to stay home with their kids. I was lucky enough to have been introduced to an editor in my MOMS group that offered me a writing job for a woman's website. Again, working from home so that I can be with my kiddos. A friend of our realtor emailed me a list of fantastic doctors, stores and Lexington businesses to visit after she heard we moved here without knowing anyone in the area.
All of this is friendship. These are women that stretched out their arms and welcomed me and my family to Lexington. I only hope that I will some day touch even one woman's life in the way that so many have mine. I hope to have conversations and chats that will leave my girlfriends walking away feeling renewed and refreshed. We're all in this together. In the mean time, I'll just say thanks.
Monday, November 8, 2010
Christmas Direction
Nick asked me this morning "I have to be good at school 'cause God and Santa are watching me, right Mom?" Oops...Yes, the fact that Nick sees God and Santa as being magical equals on the balance scale is my fault. I speak highly of God, but I guess just as highly of Santa? In the excitement of planning for Christmas, (and of course all my Christmas shopping) I missed the boat on explaining the connection between Santa and God. It's important that my children understand what the Christmas holiday is all about. I want them to look forward to visiting with family, attending Christmas services at church, listening to AND understanding the story of the birth of Jesus. I cringe at the thought of someday having teenagers who look forward only to the gifts that the holiday will bring. I hope they will most look forward to visiting with loved ones (even those that don't give gifts) and celebrating at church with our family.
Luckily, it's Nov. 8th. I have more than a month to adjust the Christmas path that I've been steering my children (and lets be honest, myself) down. Maybe I'll stick with reading the kids 'Twas The Night Before Christmas and The Polar Express only once or twice a week and include The Birth of Jesus and The Christmas Story (The Bible Story) the other days of the week. Opening a dialogue with the kids about Jesus' birthday will surely excite them. For me, maybe a little less focus on the shopping, and a little more focus on those I'm shopping for? A little less concentration on how I'll get this tiny apartment decorated to my standards, and more on having fun decorating with my babies.
Luckily, it's Nov. 8th. I have more than a month to adjust the Christmas path that I've been steering my children (and lets be honest, myself) down. Maybe I'll stick with reading the kids 'Twas The Night Before Christmas and The Polar Express only once or twice a week and include The Birth of Jesus and The Christmas Story (The Bible Story) the other days of the week. Opening a dialogue with the kids about Jesus' birthday will surely excite them. For me, maybe a little less focus on the shopping, and a little more focus on those I'm shopping for? A little less concentration on how I'll get this tiny apartment decorated to my standards, and more on having fun decorating with my babies.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Sarah's November Mourning
I was emailed a prayer request from a new friend here in Lexington last week. I receive these requests from friends and family on occasion and usually do a quick prayer for the person in need. This email was different. It rocked me to my core.
Sarah and Darrin lost their beautiful 3-year old little boy Henry to a congenital disease called Agammaglobulinemia last year. He became ill and arrived at what his mommy refers to as his "angel day" less than a week later. It happened so suddenly that they had no knowledge or preparation for the illness. Unfortunately, they've found that their 2-year old little boy Jack has the same disease. Jack is currently being treated with blood transfusions. I believe that Henry's last gift to his family was information. His illness gave doctors the information they needed to treat his baby brother. What an amazing gift.
I found myself thinking of this family a lot the past few days. I haven't met them personally, but feel a strong connection to Sarah based on our children's ages. I've stumbled upon her blog and am beyond touched by her words and her strength. She writes about the hole she feels in her chest without Henry here. She writes about she and her husband's grief and about how they get through their day-to-day. She also writes about how she began running, changed her diet and even her hobbies in the past year. I wonder how she finds the strength and the time to type those words, much less get out of bed each morning.
Thank you Sarah for reminding me that every single day is a gift. Every moment we're given with our children should be cherished and busting at the seams with love. Her story reminds me to turn off the TV, pull the puzzles and Lincoln Logs out of the closet, and play with my kids. I'm reminded to kiss Nick and Abby and tell them how much I love them, as often as I can. The laundry, dirty dishes and unmade beds will be there tomorrow. That LEGO castle needs built today!
Click here to read Sarah's Blog "What I Know Today."...... *Tissues Required*
Below is a picture from Sarah's blog of Henry and Jack.
.JPG)
Sarah and Darrin lost their beautiful 3-year old little boy Henry to a congenital disease called Agammaglobulinemia last year. He became ill and arrived at what his mommy refers to as his "angel day" less than a week later. It happened so suddenly that they had no knowledge or preparation for the illness. Unfortunately, they've found that their 2-year old little boy Jack has the same disease. Jack is currently being treated with blood transfusions. I believe that Henry's last gift to his family was information. His illness gave doctors the information they needed to treat his baby brother. What an amazing gift.
I found myself thinking of this family a lot the past few days. I haven't met them personally, but feel a strong connection to Sarah based on our children's ages. I've stumbled upon her blog and am beyond touched by her words and her strength. She writes about the hole she feels in her chest without Henry here. She writes about she and her husband's grief and about how they get through their day-to-day. She also writes about how she began running, changed her diet and even her hobbies in the past year. I wonder how she finds the strength and the time to type those words, much less get out of bed each morning.
Thank you Sarah for reminding me that every single day is a gift. Every moment we're given with our children should be cherished and busting at the seams with love. Her story reminds me to turn off the TV, pull the puzzles and Lincoln Logs out of the closet, and play with my kids. I'm reminded to kiss Nick and Abby and tell them how much I love them, as often as I can. The laundry, dirty dishes and unmade beds will be there tomorrow. That LEGO castle needs built today!
Click here to read Sarah's Blog "What I Know Today."...... *Tissues Required*
Below is a picture from Sarah's blog of Henry and Jack.
.JPG)
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
New Girl
Yes, I'm the new girl. The new girl to blogging and to Lexington, KY. I've had a bit of new-girl syndrome since moving here in April of this year. I'm sure you're familiar, the girl wondering around the grocery store trying to find the juice boxes while attempting to keep a smile on her face. You never know what prospective friend you might run into at the grocery store, right? God forbid she see me trying to keep my kids wrangled in the cart or dropping a can of green beans on my toe. Yup, that's me- The New Girl.
Exploring this new city has been fun. Lex is rated #5 on Parenting Magazine's 2010 list of best cities for families. People have seemed genuinely welcoming here as well. While I am enjoying the thrill of experiencing new places and new people, I must admit the mommy guilt along with an enormous case of homesickness has taken over my very being.
Mommy guilt has been a regular in my flash cards of life since the day I gave birth to my oldest, Dominick. It's in the same stack with the grass is greener card and the I should be a better (insert noun here) cards. Mommy guilt seems to be popping up a lot more lately. I feel guilty for having 3/4 of their toys in storage while we house-hunt. I feel guilty for tearing them away from their friends and insisting they make new. I feel guilty for being a ball of emotion in front of them. The list goes on and on....
Homesickness is a new one for me. Sure, I've had the occasional pangs when I was away at camp as a kid or on a long trip. This case has got to be one for the record books people. I've never lived anywhere but OH. I've never lived more than an hour's drive from those I love most. I somehow expected these homesick feelings to be coming from my kids and not from me. Silly new girl. I'm the one having the crying outbursts, temper tantrums and retail therapy sessions. I won't even go into how all this homesickness nonsense plays into the mommy guilt.....
The new-girl syndrome has got to go. I will no longer attempt to push the box of Hamburger Helper to the bottom of the cart or hide the fact that I'm bribing my newly potty trained daughter not to pee her pants while we shop at Kohls. I am who I am, and I can only do what I can do. I am a mommy with guilt but also a mommy with an endless amount of love to give. I can do this homesickness while continuing to adjust to this new place. So prospective friends, I may not be smiling the second we meet, but know I've got a friendship flashcard in my stack just for you....that is, if you can get past the crying outbursts and temper tantrums of course.
Exploring this new city has been fun. Lex is rated #5 on Parenting Magazine's 2010 list of best cities for families. People have seemed genuinely welcoming here as well. While I am enjoying the thrill of experiencing new places and new people, I must admit the mommy guilt along with an enormous case of homesickness has taken over my very being.
Mommy guilt has been a regular in my flash cards of life since the day I gave birth to my oldest, Dominick. It's in the same stack with the grass is greener card and the I should be a better (insert noun here) cards. Mommy guilt seems to be popping up a lot more lately. I feel guilty for having 3/4 of their toys in storage while we house-hunt. I feel guilty for tearing them away from their friends and insisting they make new. I feel guilty for being a ball of emotion in front of them. The list goes on and on....
Homesickness is a new one for me. Sure, I've had the occasional pangs when I was away at camp as a kid or on a long trip. This case has got to be one for the record books people. I've never lived anywhere but OH. I've never lived more than an hour's drive from those I love most. I somehow expected these homesick feelings to be coming from my kids and not from me. Silly new girl. I'm the one having the crying outbursts, temper tantrums and retail therapy sessions. I won't even go into how all this homesickness nonsense plays into the mommy guilt.....
The new-girl syndrome has got to go. I will no longer attempt to push the box of Hamburger Helper to the bottom of the cart or hide the fact that I'm bribing my newly potty trained daughter not to pee her pants while we shop at Kohls. I am who I am, and I can only do what I can do. I am a mommy with guilt but also a mommy with an endless amount of love to give. I can do this homesickness while continuing to adjust to this new place. So prospective friends, I may not be smiling the second we meet, but know I've got a friendship flashcard in my stack just for you....that is, if you can get past the crying outbursts and temper tantrums of course.
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