Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Things I'm Thinking About...

If imitation is the greatest form of flattery, then why does it irritate me so much?

What does it mean to really be real?

Sunless tanning

How would I react if I, like my neighbor, lost every strand of hair on my head?

How many more burp cloths do I have left to be ready for Canton?

Exercising

Passive-aggressive behavior

I really am going to miss Emma tomorrow while she's gone to a play date.

Honesty

What's the point of having friends if they treat you worse than your enemies?

Pride

Babies

Where can I find some new, great recipes that are healthy?

Will Emma get a new tooth every other week until they are all in?  That seems to be the pattern...

Hand-dyeing

Baby boy names... no I'm not pregnant... yet.

Fabric choices

Beach vacation with the girls

Christian values

Starkville

How can a person live knowing that the Christian values that they claim are far, far from the Christian values that are taught in the Bible?

Bed

Prayer

How grateful I am for the time I was able to spend with my family this past weekend.

Is Meiko hiding under my bed?

Why not just go to bed and start fresh in the morning?

Actually, I think that I will do just that!


Monday, March 29, 2010

Easter

This past weekend my parents hosted an Easter Egg Hunt for the children of the family.  It was such a fun gathering with lots of great food and great fellowship!  Here are a few of the pictures from our day!


                                                                      Emma





Ansley                                                     


 Noah

Laila
                                          



Griffin                                   



 Marley Grace

Chuck & Emma
  






Saturday, March 27, 2010

Love and Laughter

If you follow my blog even a little, then you have read about my experiences sleeping in 'the red room' with Emma.  It is definitely a love-hate experience.  I love having her snuggle up close to me, but hate that it usually means she feels bad if we sleep in there.

The past few weeks have been very, very busy for me, not to mention tiring.  I have been putting in long hours trying to get ready to exhibit at Canton Flea Market, get my house ready to show, going to my photography class (which is 2.5 hours away), and being a wife and mother.  Emma has had an ear infection and a cold, so she hasn't felt well, meaning that I have slept little and comforted her much.  Well, last night, I crashed... HARD.

After cooking supper, cleaning the kitchen, getting Emma in bed and sewing, I finally went to bed.  I really expected it to be a peaceful night because Emma and I had played outside; she was tired.  A peaceful night is what I got.  However, Chuck, did not.  When I woke this morning, he wasn't in bed, which wasn't surprising. Emma gets up around 6:30, and it was well past that time.  I didn't think much of it until I came out of the bed room into the living room where they were.

Chuck had this look on his face that said 'I have a story to tell!'  I was fussing over Emma and whatever she was playing with when Chuck said to me, 'I always wondered why you slept on the very edge of the bed in 'the red room' and didn't just pick Emma up and move her.  Now I know.'  I must have looked confused, because then he asked if I remembered him getting up with Emma last night.  I said no, but started to laugh because I knew what was coming.

Apparently, I fell asleep cross-ways in our bed with Chuck rubbing my feet.  At some point in the night, Emma woke up and started crying.  After rocking her to no avail, Chuck decided to put her in the bed with us.  I was still cross-ways in the bed and Emma, according to Chuck, 'kept tossing and turning, getting up on her knees and running in her sleep.'  After a little while of this going on, and being kicked a few times, he decided to try to put Emma back in her bed.  That didn't work, and he said that he asked me 'if he should just get her and go in 'the red room' with her.'  He said that my answer was 'yes.'  So, that's what he did.

All I could do was laugh because he had never experienced a night in 'the red room' with Emma.  He said that Emma kept tossing and turning, getting on her knees and 'running.'  Then she would pick her head up and slam it down on his arm.  Chuck said she had the timing perfect so that he would be just about asleep each time when Emma would do this.  He said that he only got to sleep on about 3 inches of the bed and had to sleep with one arm over his head because he would have fallen off the bed otherwise.

He told me that if Emma wasn't waking him, then our dog, the neighbor's dog, or the cycling of our deep freezer would wake him.  Then, he told me that his arm, the one that had to be over his head to keep him balanced and on the bed, was freezing!  Finally, though, he told me that he woke to fingers up his nose and Emma staring at him.

Hearing him tell about all this had me almost in tears laughing.  I have slept like that so many nights.  I have told him about it and listened to him laugh at me.  He never actually said it, but I knew that he thought I was exaggerating my experiences.  He never really got it that I would emerge from 'the red room' even more tired than I entered.  And, there were many mornings that, after having a night like that and he had slept peacefully on our Tempur-pedic, that he would complain that he was still tired, that I would just seethe in anger.  I would think, 'he has no idea what tired is right now!'   It was impossible to not resent his oblivion.

This morning, however, my husband has a new appreciation for me.  It only took one night.  He was singing my praises this morning.  Don't get me wrong, he is great with Emma.  He takes over many, many times and gives me a break.  He is an excellent father, and husband.  He is very good to me and thankful for all that I do.  But, he is a man... And, I am a woman with a 'superwoman' attitude.  I tend to do everything, all on my own, and not ask for help.  So, many times I overload myself and he doesn't realize that I want his help.

Last night, though, my body finally gave in to being overloaded, and he had to take over.  I guess I had worn myself out to the point of crashing.  I never knew that Emma needed attention.  So, he had to step in and take over.  And, I think it was a good thing.  It was an enlightening experience for him.

We both laughed about it, and actually, I am still laughing.  Only because I have lived it.  And, as exhausting and un-amusing as it is in the moment, part of you loves it.  Loves being needed, loves being snuggled up so close to Emma.  Loves every second of being kicked, crowded, poked, and uncomfortable, because deep down you know that you'll miss it when you don't have it to love... and laugh about in the morning.

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Still Patiently Waiting...

Well, there still has been no official word on our house.  However, there have been many speculations from our Real Estate team.  They seem to think that our house will sell to this particular couple... SOON!

I hope so.  I just want to be done with all of this!  I am getting a little anxious...

Luckily, I have plenty to do to keep busy, mentally and physically...  I am working on getting ready for Canton Flea Market.  I have hundreds of dresses, rompers, t-shirts, burp cloths and bibs to complete!  I am really, really excited about exhibiting there!

And, I have a 15 month old who keeps me on my toes!  She is so precious and into everything!  Speaking of toes... she hasn't been sleeping well lately, so I have been putting her in the guest bed with me.  This morning I woke to little toes up my nose!  Emma had buried her head underneath the covers and had her feet in my face, toes up my nose.  I couldn't help but laugh!

She never ceases to make me laugh!  I love being a mother to her!


Monday, March 22, 2010

Waiting...

That's what we are doing today... Waiting... Anxiously waiting.

The couple that is interested in our house didn't come Saturday as I was expecting.  Because they live out of state, they sent the woman's father.  He just happens to be in the real estate business.  After about 45 minutes at our house, which seemed to take much longer than that, our Realtor contacted us letting us know that it went well.  He only found one little thing that he mentioned... a cracked window.  Which, we will gladly fix!

Our Realtor seemed to think that we might hear something back today.  But, we haven't.  Chuck reminded me earlier that they might have somethings to take care of on a Monday morning.  Not what I wanted to hear, but it is true.  I guess I just wanted them to be as anxious to buy the house as we are to sell it.

I want to move closer to my family... And this has been the most promising lead we have had.

I am trying to be patient, but it is hard!  Plus, if we do sell our house now, then we have to work out where we will live.  A problem I am looking forward to having.  Though, it will be sad to leave our house.  This is our first house as a married couple, the house we brought Emma home to.  So many little things have happened here and we do have great memories here.  So, it is a bittersweet time.  Not bittersweet enough to want to stay, but you know!

So, hopefully, we'll get some good news today.  If not, I guess I will just keep waiting and most definitely praying!

Friday, March 19, 2010

Bzzzzz...

If you hear a loud buzzing sound, do not  worry!!!  No giant bees are headed your way... I don't think, anyway!

That sound will actually be me!  I am busy as a bee these days!  It has been quite the week.  It started with a decision at the end of last week to try to get an invitation to the Canton Flea Market.  I found out at the beginning of this week that I indeed will be able to exhibit there!  And, I will be on the square!  Very exciting news!

In the midst of all of this, Emma developed a cold and an ear infection.  So, we spent 3 hours at the doctor's office Monday morning.  Luckily, we seemed to have caught it early and she is feeling much, much better!  I just hope that it doesn't linger like last time.  I don't want her to suffer through that again.

Also, we will be showing our house again tomorrow.  The couple that will be looking at it actually looked at it a couple of weeks ago... along with 5 other houses.  They liked ours the best, and are only looking at it tomorrow.  They were waiting on some things with their jobs to be finalized before making an offer, and word is that those things have been finalized.  Wow!  After three years of living here, I can't believe that we might actually be selling... FINALLY!!!  I love this house, but I really want to be closer to my family.  I miss them terribly!  And, I want Emma to grow up close to them.  She has so much fun playing with Laila, her cousin; and they love each other so much!  Plus, she has great grandparents (my grandparents) there that adore her.  I want her to have the chance to know them.  So many kids never have that opportunity and she is truly blessed.

Which, I am sure that if this couple wants to buy the house that it will be one of those things that they want it... now.  Which means that I will be juggling packing, moving, prepping for Canton and whatever else life throws me all at once.  I have already told Chuck that I guess I can sleep after May!

I am excited and stressed all at the same time.  I have a tendency to do things this way... have nothing going on for a while and then have a million things going for a while!  I guess it keeps me on my toes.

Oh, and, did I mention that during all of this, my internet was out this week?  Uh, yeah... 3 days without it!  It really wouldn't have been a big deal, but I was in the midst of working on my website.  You know, the really cute one with all the unique,personalized tees, dresses, bibs and stuff??? You know... www.theaquaowl.com. I knew you would remember it. :)  Anyway, I was in the midst of working on it and somehow I removed everything!  Yep, I did.  And, I have no idea how to get it back.  I have been a little sick over it.  Especially since several people have contacted me saying that they wanted to order, but my site is down.  Yeah... oh, and get this.  Now that I finally have internet, the person that I would normally talk to is out on maternity leave... indefinitely.  Oh, yes, you did read that right, INDEFINITELY!  So, I am going through someone else to get this taken care of, and while I am at it, I will be making some updates to my site.  I think that it will be much easier to navigate and even cuter than before!  So, I guess it all works out, huh?  The downside is that it may possibly be the end of next week before I can have it up and running again.  So, now it is a waiting game.

And, I'm sure there is more that I am leaving out, like how Emma was sitting in my lap today and when she got up she left a large wet, green stain on my white capris!  She leaked through her diaper, her clothes, and my clothes!It was disgusting, but I guess the old saying "S--- happens" is true!

Hope you have a fantastic weekend!  Happy Spring!

Saturday, March 6, 2010

Changes Complete... Sort of! And more!

I think I have most of the major changes taken care of in my blog.  Now, I'll just fine tune it as I go along.  Let me know your thoughts on the new layout.  I think that it is a little easier to navigate.  Do you?

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It is a beautiful morning.  We are planning on going to a little festival today that has a bar-b-que cook-off.  It will be so nice to get out and enjoy the weather.  We are going to take Emma's wagon and pull her around.  She is going to love it!

We have been playing outside on the pretty days, and she loves it.  She will ride in her wagon for hours if someone will pull her! When she wants to go out she will stand at the door and say 'sss-ide.'  And, then, once we get outside she constantly repeats 'sss-ide.'

Yesterday, Chuck and I took Emma on a ride in the golf cart.  She loves to ride on it.  Meiko, our Yorkie, decided that he wanted to go with us.  So, he loaded up and sat in Emma's lap.  She laughed the entire time.  He usually stays just out her reach, so it was a fun treat for her to get to hold him.  We went down to a little pond in our neighborhood that has ducks and geese.  Chuck and I kept saying 'duck' and finally Emma began saying it too.  Her pronunciation was duck-ssssss.  She loves to make 's' sounds.   Some of her favorite words are 'ssss-top,' 'ssss-ock,' and 'ssss-ide.'

She is so much fun right now, learning so many things so quickly.  I love being home with her and getting to see how fast she is learning!  I am trying so hard to live in the moment and take it all in, but it is still going by too fast!

Happy Saturday to each of you!  Enjoy this beautiful weather!


Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Changes

I am working on some changes to my blog.  Please bear with me as I make these changes.  Hopefully, it won't take long to get these things done!

Happy Wednesday!

Monday, March 1, 2010

Thoughts...

Wow!  It's March already.  Emma turned 14 months on the 23rd of February.  I can't believe how fast she is growing up!  Her favorite words right now are 'Stop' and 'Sock.'  She still doesn't have any teeth!

My photography class ended tonight.  I hate that it is over, but I am looking forward to the Advanced Class that I will start in two weeks.  I have some adorable pictures of Emma that I'll post soon from this class.

I haven't blogged published a blog post in a while.  I have begun several, but can't seem to get it all out of my head and typed... Dinner, Emma, Chuck, Laundry, Meiko, etc. have all required me to leave a post mid-thought and by the time I return, well, my mind is way past what I was writing about in that moment.  Speaking of moments, I am really trying to live in the moment and enjoy it.  It's going pretty good.

I am not doing as well, however, on being a better me.  I have been slacking and reverting back to old, familiar ways.  They are comfortable.  I am really hoping to do better in March.  Clean eating, adding in a little exercise, trying to take advantage of every single moment of the day.  These are things I want to do better at. We'll see how it goes.

Meiko, my Yorkie, has been sick.  Vomiting and diarrhea... So not fun to clean out of a kennel.  I almost barfed doing it.  He seems to be feeling better, though.  Thank goodness.  After all he is my first 'baby.'

Things have been busy with my website, www.theaquaowl.com.  I am very excited about it.  I had planned on posting some new photos tonight, but I can't find my card reader.

I bought a new sunless tanner tonight.  Glow Fusion.  Ever heard of it?  If so, tell me what you think.  I am so sick of being pasty.  Hopefully I won't look like a striped pumpkin.  I was going to apply it tonight, but decided to blog instead.

Been feeling quite stale spiritually.  I don't know what is up with me.  I don't like feeling this way.  I need to get my Bible out and do some reading.  I have got to start making time to have a 'quite time' in my day.  I pray every night and throughout the day, but I need more.  I feel like I am talking to myself and no one is listening.  I know that it is my fault.  I have grown away from God.  Not intentionally.  I can't say that I really love the Church that we attend (when we do go).  I can't put my finger on what it is, exactly, but something isn't right (for lack of a better word to describe it)


I just noticed a sign above my sister's closet (I am sleeping in her room tonight while I am visiting my parents); it says "Find your song and sing it."  I like it.  But, it begs the question... What is my song?  How will I know when I find it?

I hope tomorrow is a pretty day.  I am so ready for Spring!  I can't wait to go outside and play with Emma.  She loves 'side,' as she calls it.  We have been taking advantage of the beautiful days we have been having.  She loves to ride in her wagon.  She will sit for hours as long as you are pulling her.

Better get some sleep.  I am going to need all the energy I can get.  Emma is into everything.  I love it, though, and wouldn't trade it for the world!