Maybe When the Snow's Gone

Day 30 - A picture of someone you miss

Aunt Heidi, we miss you.  But it's just too cold up where you are to come visit you.  Yet.

Silly Me

Day 29 - A picture that can always make you smile

Good friends don't let friends drive with pin curls in their hair. Sarah? I thought you were my friend.

Afeared

Day 28 - A picture of something you're afraid of

Heights.  The first time I realized my fear was when we climbed to the top of a lighthouse on Tybee Island.  I got to the top before I realized it.  I forced myself to walk out on the ledge and then it took me forever, with my back against the wall to inch my way around the top.  The next dilemma was getting myself down the stairs again.

What really cemented the realization of this fear for me was on this, a hike in Moab, Utah on my way to my first triathlon.  I was ten years everyone else's senior and married.  These young boys about had me losing my mind as they jumped and climbed their way to new heights.  I was convinced one of them was going to plummet to a certain death on the rocks below.  At one point, they were gleefully hurling large rocks over the ledge and then counting how many seconds before they heard it crash below.  The bigger the rock, the better.  I had to close my eyes to keep from hyperventilating.  They found me highly entertaining.

My most recent experience was a few weeks back when we took the boys to an indoor waterpark.  As Kekoa and I climbed higher and higher to the Crow's Nest for a raft ride down, I had to keep my eyes up and not look down.  Staircase after staircase disappeared under us and my palms started to sweat.  Not only do my palms sweat, but my hands and feets get tingly, my breath gets shaky and my mind starts to race.  I'm thinking Daddy will have to go with him next time.

Just "looking" at a picture of someone doing something involving heights makes my extremities tingle.  While I'm sure it's a great workout and very challenging, I'm thinking rock climbing isn't in my future.

Mommy and Me

Day 27 - A picture of yourself and a family member

Things That Make Me Cry

Day 26 - A picture of something that means a lot to you

Homemade things.  Things that people make with their hands for me.  This quilt, for instance.  I looked at it and I saw hours and hours of labor.  I saw lots and lots of love.  I looked at my Great Aunt Jerry's gnarled fingers from rheumatid arthritis and it was all I could keep from crying.  I fought back tears and grinned broadly at the same time.  I held it up and showed everyone who would look.  It was the most beautiful gift I'd received in a long time.  Most definitely, I've always had a soft spot for my Grandma's sisters and I'd guess you can see why.

Moody

Day 25 - A picture of your day

I'm feeling a little out of sorts today.  Nothing to go clamoring to my comments about.  It happens.  It's allowed.  It will pass.  The boys were making me feel "ouchy" and "growly" just a few moments ago.  They're are taking a break in chairs in separate rooms.  They might not need it, but I sure do.  My mood (as reflected in the mirror) was slightly improved by a surprise package in the mail today that included the skirt I'm modeling.  Thank you for your kind, thoughtful heart and the sunshine it brought to my Debbie Downer day.  You know who you are.  Your timing was perfect. The way to my heart, as you well know, is through my closet.  And the ice cream the boys and I just ate, well... that makes my heart go pitter patter, too.

Good Morning, Sunshine!

Day 24 - A picture of something you wish you could change

I wish I were sitting in the sun eating this breakfast at this location in the morning.  I'm definitely ready to experience a little "dethaw".  I love me some sunshine.  And I've always thought my nose was too big.  But then... if I changed it... would I look funny?  Who's to say?  But it doesn't bother me enough to want to change it.  Yet, that is.

A Tree Grows

Day 23 - A picture of your favorite book

Interesting thing about trees. It seems like its symbolism I can identify with. Another powerful use of tree symbolism pops up in the Prelude of the current book I'm reading - The Inextinguishable Symphony. I had not even finished reading the first two pages and large ploppy tear drops had already stained the pages.

NOT the Dancing Queen

Day 22 - A picture of something you wish you were better at

I think too much.  Or that's what my hubby tells me, anyway.  I've taken lessons.  I've tried.  But the most natural I am is when I'm goofing around at home with my boys.  Take kick boxing class or step aerobics class or cardio dance class at the gym, for instance.  It's just painful to watch me.  I have to go a half a dozen times doing the same exact thing each time before I get to where I can even do the class.  And move my arms at the same time I'm doing something with my feet?  Impossible.  My friends say it's "cute".  I laugh it up and smile along with them, but secretly?  I'm mortified.  I want to be able to *dance*, people.  Maybe a glass of wine beforehand would help.

As a side note, we recently checked out a fun book from the library - Frank's a Monster Who Wanted to Dance.  There's a page where Frank's head unzips and his brain starts to fall out.  Kekoa thinks it's funny and great fun to see his Mom get "grossed out" by the picture and the idea.  I love that he teases me - especially the little twinkle in his eye when he does it.

Stumped

Day 21 - A picture of something you wish you could forget

Honestly.  This is a tough one.  I've sat here for a few days trying to think of something I wish I could forget.  But everything that qualifies is in retrospect, actually NOT something I wish I could forget, because I've learned something valuable from it.  Every single time.  And anywayz.  Who takes pictures of things they'd like to forget?  Hel-LO.  I take pictures so I can remember.
 

But this dress.  Well, I wouldn't mind forgetting it.  On display.  Front row and center.  Right in front of then First Lady Barbara Bush.  Can't miss it. It makes me feel better knowing her dress was hideous, too.

 

Just Be a Queen

Day 20 - A picture of somewhere you'd love to travel

Borrowed from Wikipedia.

Sing with Lady Gaga and me now.  *singing*  "Don’t be a drag, just be a queen...Whether you’re broke or evergreen...You’re black, white, beige, Chola descent...You’re Lebanese, you’re Orient...Whether life’s disabilities...Left you outcast, bullied, or teased...Rejoice and love yourself today...‘Cause baby you were born this way" *end singing*

 

You hear it right.  Beruit, Lebanon is my top travel choice these days.  I find the idea of learning more about Craig's ancestors' heritage fascinating.  Plus the food is good.

Wouldn't Want To

Day 19 - A picture and a letter

Dear Gavie,

 

How is it you are five?  I like how you don't really seem to understand it, either.  When asked, you have to count up the years on your fingers.... one... two... three... four... FIVE... I'm five!  When we sang to you on your actual birthday, you crossed your arms and adamantly declared you weren't five.  You were four.  And it wasn't your birthday.  It wasn't until we explained you only get gifts on your birthday that you conceded.  Because the thing is.  You're definitely not afraid to share your opinion. And you always have one. Usually it's the opposite of everyone else's and expressed by you dramatically crossing your arms, thrusting out your lip, furrowing your brow and grunt-squealing for punctuation. Maybe you pound your legs with your fists or stab at the air with your feet in frustration. There's occasional stomping involved. Whatever the case, you usually express yourself clearly and effectively.

Should I be concerned with your avid interest in skeletons and clowns?  All the better if it's a skeleton clown?  I lucked out when you got circus on the brain and decided it would be better to have a clown cake than a "Joker from Batman" cake.  I have a feeling the Grandma's feel much better about your second choice, too.  Phew.  Dodged a bullet there.  Not surprisingly, one of your favorite gifts was your Nemo fish socks.  You have worn them every day since.  You love yourself a pair of socks.

 

And your imagination?  What a thing it is.  It knows no bounds.  Just last week Ms. Nikki told us how you, normally reserved and guarded in the classroom, quite willingly entertained your class for several minutes by performing an imaginary juggling and clown tricks act at the front of the room when you wore your clown costume to school.  The world is your oyster.  If it's imaginable, you imagine it.  I look forward to seeing where that gift will take you in your future.
 
Thanks for the snap, crackle and pop you bring to our family.  Can't imagine life without you.  Wouldn't want to.  We love you, our little Gavie.
 
Love, Mom

My Skin

Day 18 - A picture of your biggest insecurity

Comfortable in my own skin?  Not when it comes to my complexion.  I'm resigned that I'll struggle my whole life with blackheads, large pores, random & frequent acne breakouts and uneven pigmentation.  *sigh*

Makes My Brain Nervous

As many of you already know, Gavyn turned 5 on Sunday.  Five!   How does this happen?  This, the musing in the heart and mind of every mother as her children continue to give a visual which can not be ignored of how quickly time passes.  I've heard mothers of 18-year-olds and 16-year-olds wonder aloud about this very same phenomenon.  I can only imagine what it must be like when you become the mother of a 40-year-old.  Working on that.  No worries.  I have a few years.  A few.

We took Gavyn to The RainForest Cafe to celebrate his birthday with a "volcano". They love that place. I love to hate that place. Teaches me forbearance, I guess.

Quote of the weekend:  As Gavyn took a bite of some very cold ice cream, he put his head in his hands and said, "Mommy, this ice cream is making my brain nervous."  I love five-year-olds.  Happy Birthday, Gavyn!

Moving?

Day 17 - A picture of something that has made a huge impact on your life recently

April 1st is looming and I still don't feel like we're ready to put the house on the market, but I'm going to do it by that date, no matter what.  Not even April fooling.  The house we are selling:

The house we are hoping to buy:


Is it taking too much ownership if I already Photoshopped my orange red door on there?



Looking for a fresh new start after fifteen years.  And it's been really good motivation to clean house.  Yes, the house is smaller than the one we are in now.  Why are we moving?  I have no idea.  I trust God will keep the doors closed that need to stay closed and keep the doors open that need to be open.  Whatever the outcome, it is my goal to be content.

Eating Clean

Day 16 - A picture of someone who inspires you

Tosca Reno is such an inspiration.  If I can be as healthy as she is and look as wonderful as she does at 50, I will feel vindicated.  Eating clean is where it's at.  Her approach is the only "diet" book I've ever really felt is worth endorsing.  A diet is not depriving ourselves of food to lose weight, but rather, the way we eat every day.  Eating right means you feel better and look better.  That you're taking good care of the lovely body God blessed you with.

Fish Can Talk?

Day 15 - A picture of something you want to do before you die

Publish a book or children's book.  Namely.  This one.  Already written and illustrated.  What do you think?  Suggestions?  Would you buy it?  Maybe I'll publish it and sell it to you on my blog.  Heh.

Three Little Monkeys

Day 14 - A picture of someone you could never imagine your life without

My Someones



Budding Picasso?

Day 13 - A picture of your favorite band or artist

I'll go with artist.  My music tastes are just too varied to pick a favorite band.  This boy.  He's my favorite. My Kindergartner.  He drew this in art this year.  And yes.  I framed it.

Something, Not Somebody

Day 12 - A picture of something you love

So I'm supposed to post about "something", not "somebody", right?  The song Somebody to Love from the Happy Feet soundtrack keeps coming to mind with this topic.  Not entirely sure why.  But I digress.  Back on task, my friends.  Here goes nothing...

Only one picture?  Can't do it.  I love clothes.  Lots and lots of clothes.  My favorite place to window shop these days is Athleta.  I've got these two skirts/skorts currently on my "radar":

But then... recently I'm loving my new bedding.  Haven't updated since we were married fifteen years ago.  Figured it was about time.  And I'm loving what I picked out.  Our new bedroom looks like this:

 
But most of all... something I love?  Spending time with my lovely, crazy, funny, fabulous family.  It's been so nice to get to spend more time with them recently.  Oh how I've missed them!

Salubrious?

You decide:

Totally stealing this fabulous word from my friend, Martha.

Day 11 - A picture of something you hate

I don't hate too many things.  In fact, hate?  It's such a strong word.  There is this one thing, though.  I hate being sick.  I hate the alternation between shivering cold and sweating bullets.  I hate crawling out of the bath tub and shivering so excessively that your teeth make a clattering sound and you can hardly get yourself into clothes. I hate the smell of nasty, sweaty sheets from two fevering adults.  I hate pink eye.  It hurts.  Not kidding.  I had forgotten how much it hurts. You don't feel quite human.  I hate doing the loads and loads of laundry.  And then redoing it.  I hate laying down to sleep, so completely exhausted, and not being able to because you get a catch in your throat that throws you into such a violent coughing fit that you throw up, among other things (you ladies that have had babies know what I'm talking about).  And more than anything, I hate it when my husband and I are sick at the same time.  Somehow it would be easier if you could stagger it a bit.  I hate just laying in bed shivering... or sweating... depending on the time that has elapsed since last taking ibuprofen and hoping the boys are be able to find themselves something to eat.  But more than that.  I hate it when my babies are sick.  It scares me. 

 

We survived the influenza of 2011.  That's saying something.

Pancakes, Flapjacks, Hotcakes

Whatever you want to call them.  Today we went to the Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast. 
I learned a few things about what Gavyn likes to eat - which is a lovely, lovely thing since I have the hardest time getting that boy to eat.  Evidently, he likes greasy, pre-fab sausage links.  And, contrary to what I previously had been led to believe, he likes pancakes if they only have butter on them - no syrup.

That's Messed Up

Day 10 - A picture of the person you do the most messed up things with
Other than my husband, I'd say Sarah's got this one in the bag.  She took me on my first ever visit to Trader Joe's and we looked like this.  That's right.  She had her pre-show tan going on sans make up and fake eye lashes.  I had the 50s style curler action happening all over my head.  All I was missing was the silk scarf.  We looked mighty fine.  She and I have been known to have photo shoots with candy after a long hiatus from candy.  Now that's messed up.  This is what we looked like the next day:

It's an improvement, I guess.

Laughter is the Best Medicine

Day 09 - A picture of the person who has gotten you through the most

So I'm not always able to approach life the way he does (with a laugh and let it roll of your back kind of attitude), but my Dad, well, he's been my confidant, voice of reason, and source of comfort ever since I can remember.  While he has a serious side and a soft heart, most of the time he's laughing.  Unabashedly.  Without reserve.  And it's quite contagious.  His success, I believe, lies in his ability to not take life, himself or the opinion of others too seriously.

Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss!

We've celebrated all week.  Kekoa wants to go to school as Cat in the Hat tomorrow.  It amazed me how fast we were able to whip out a costume once we put our minds to it.

 
 

Gavyn saw Kekoa dressing up and he decided he needed to dress up as a clown.  He celebrates his birthday early at school tomorrow and takes treats so I decided to let him.  I hope his teacher doesn't mind.

Please Don't Eat Me

Day 8 - A picture that makes you laugh

See any resemblance?  For some reason, this picture of Gavyn wearing his Dad's magnifying goggles (he uses them for his miniature painting hobby) reminds me of those big-eyed shrimp pleading for their lives in A Shark's Tale.  It makes me giggle.

Hands On

Day 07 - A picture of your most treasured item


About the most upset I've ever gotten over "things" was when Kekoa managed to break all but two of my Hummels when he was two years old.  But, contrary to what my house full of stuff would say about me, I'm not all that tied to "things".  I took this photo of Gavyn and my hands when he was three months and framed it.  It's a picture I took, I edited, and it's of us.  It's a forever photo to me, and it ranks up there pretty high as one of my most treasured items.

Wife Swap

Day 06 - A picture of a person you'd love to trade places with for a day

This was kind of hard.  But it would be a unique opportunity, this would.  One I wouldn't pass up if the chance came my way.  To be able to trade places with someone for the day.
 
So why Angelina Jolie?  Well for starters... she lives in this amazing mansion in Italy.  Waking up there would be amazing, no?  I'm not so interested in her husband.  Brad Pitt never has done anything for me, but I am curious about what a typical "Angelina Jolie" day would be like.  Yes, I realize she is hated and accused by many women of stealing Jennifer Aniston's husband (blasted homewreckers!).  Yes, I realize she has a troubled and somewhat dark past (oh c'mon... she wore a vial of Billy Bob Thorton's blood around her neck).  No, I don't really understand her need or desire for the multiple tattoos that currently decorate her otherwise beautiful body.  And yet... she fascinates me.  In a way that no one else really does.  I get this feeling she is real and her unapologetic ways appeal to me somehow.  What you see is what you get.  And I have a feeling my husband wouldn't mind the trade for a day, either.  Given the choice, I'd still rather be me... but for a day?  I think this could be kind of fun.