Our House

I consider myself a pretty good SAHM (stay at home mom). Because I'm currently not working, that's how I have been referring to myself. Even when I was working though, I still took care of almost everything that had to do with the house and kids. I took Asher to and from school, helped with homework, coordinated trips to the pediatrician and dentist, cooked dinner, washed everyone's laundry/towels/sheets/etc., etc., etc. It's something I enjoy doing, I do...really. I enjoy taking care of my family and I really like the fact that I can be home now when they're young and still want me around.

Lately however, I've found that it was much easier for me to enjoy being home with my babies when I had somewhere else to be a few nights a week. It didn't matter that I spent that time taking care of OTHER people's adult children, being out of the house and away from my family helped to break up their constant stream of neediness. When I was gone, I missed them and wanted to be home. This feeling reminds me of the saying, "how can I miss you if you don't go away?"

In other words...I desperately miss having a job and will do anything to get out of the house and away from these people!!!!!

Seriously, as much as I enjoy being the first one to hear the school stories or being the one Amelia shares all her after nap smiles with, by the time Friday comes around, I'm ready to barricade myself in my room with my DVR and a large bag of junk food. And what's worse, without work to break up my week, I no longer enjoy the weekend time we get to spend together. I don't want to plan any fun activities or take the kids on a picnic. I want to hand everything (and every one) over to Elijah and veg out for the next two days.

It makes me sad to feel this way about my favorite people which is why I've started job hunting in earnest this week. On the exact opposite side of the coin though, is the feeling that once I do find work, I'll have less of myself to give to my family and that makes me sad as well. It's a 21st century mother's Catch 22.

I Dreamed a Dream

This book has been sitting on my shelf for at least two years. I had really wanted to read it, but something else always seemed to be more interesting or pressing, and after looking at the spine for two years I think I just stopped seeing it.

That being said, I am so glad I picked it up. This was a wonderful, super fast read. (I think I finished it in eight days.) I loved the story, the characters, the setting, everything. I loved that it was written by a man. I would recommend this book to everyone. The story is enveloping and warm; reading this book made me feel like I was in a wonderful hot tub, surrounded by bubbles. Read it; you won't be sorry, it'll be time well spent.

I'm even excited about seeing the movie, and I rarely want to see movies that have been made from books that I've loved. In this case though, I don't care what they do to the story, I just have to see those kimonos!

Lost In The Supermarket

Or...Things That Work Perfectly Well but I Still Want to Replace.

As I go through my daily routines around the house, I realize that I own several items that I want to replace. Most of the items work perfectly well but that doesn't stop me from wanting the newest edition with all the fancy upgrades. It's a moral dilemma for me, and I haven't acted on the buying impulse yet, I've just noticed that the pull is much stronger since I'm not working. I guess spending more time at home gives me more time to spend thinking about what I want to BUY for my home.

I'm including a list to highlight some of the of lovely things I want, I'll update if/when the pull to purchase overrides my better judgment.


1. Washer/Dryer - Look at how beautiful they are!! Who wouldn't love to do laundry with those machines?


2. CHI Flat Iron - Hair straightening can't possibly seem like a chore with a pretty pink straightener.


3. Le Creuset Set - Don't even try to tell me this won't make everything I cook taste even better!


4. MacBook Pro - Are you even allowed to have a blog without using a MacBook to update? I better check into that.


5. Round Kitchen Table - We've had our table for over eight years and I've always wanted a pretty white pedestal table.


I had a few more things to add, but this post is starting to make me feel sad and shallow. Am I the only person who wants to throw out perfectly good items in exchange for something new and shiny? Maybe if I donate my older stuff that will assuage the guilt...

Battle of Who Could Care Less

Finally finished The Shipping News!!!

Let me start by saying that this book was recommended to me by a friend whose opinion I really value. She has always pointed me in the direction of truly wonderful reads, some of which I would probably never even consider picking up if she didn't encourage it. That is the only reason I stayed with this book to the bitter end, but let me be clear about something...I hated it.

For the life of me I could not figure out why I dreaded reading this book. It was well written, it had these neat little notes about knots that set up every chapter, hell it won a Pulitzer, so what is the matter with me? Why did I hate it so very much?

It finally occurred to me after I had finished reading and was considering what to write in my wrap-up, book report type, post. The reason I hated this book so much was because I felt no connection to the characters. I didn't care if this sad, oafish man succeeded or failed and I certainly cared nothing for any of the secondary characters; the odd, old aunt, the two unfortunate children, the "tall and quiet woman" and so on. I would have been just as satisfied with this book if everyone had died in the second chapter and the last 200 pages were blank.

Most books are enjoyable because of a love for the subject matter, an interest in the storyline or a feeling of connection to the characters. And if you're lucky, you get all three wrapped into one amazing read. There is nothing wrong with this book, I just didn't connect with the characters, therefore I didn't care about them or their circumstance, which, in turn, makes for a truly painful reading experience. And I'm left with this feeling that somehow I missed out, like I'm the uncool one who just doesn't get it.

Always Be My Baby

One year ago today I met my baby girl for the first time.

She was just as beautiful then as she is now, pretty much; give or take some teeth, a little extra baby fat, and those adorable wispy pieces of hair that have begun to curl up behind her ears. And that laugh, there is nothing like her laugh. The three of us will do the most ridiculous things just to hear that laugh. Alright, so maybe she's gotten a little cuter over the past year.

She is, however, just as wide eyed and full of wonder at the world around her as she was that first day. Amelia didn't cry when she was born she just looked around, those big, gray eyes taking in every detail, eager to learn.

Amelia, I look forward to watching as you continue to unlock the secrets of your world. I hope you discover your own beauty as you experience the beauty around you, and that, by creating your own little miracles, you come to realize what a miracle you are to me.

Happy Birthday, my dearest girl.

Movin' On Up

I'd like to apologize for being off the radar for so long. I have a good reason, I swear.

My family recently moved to Texas! Elijah received an offer he couldn't refuse so we packed up the family and moved to a whole 'nother country ya'll.

While I am excited about this new phase in my life, the actual moving process has been all but overwhelming for me. I'm just now starting to dig myself out from under the rubble of boxes and packing paper. I have a long way to go in order to turn this little house into our new home, but I am looking forward to making everything cozy again.

So fear not, I have not abandoned my beloved blog...the snark and wit shall continue!