Moments

Many of you have asked about my new camera. I got the Cannon Rebel XS. After a little research, I found that it was a good step-up for beginners who want to move away from point and shoot cameras to more "advanced" photography. Although in my case, I use the word advanced very loosely. It is an awesome camera, I have to say. I don't usually enjoy spending money on "ME" for frivilous things, because after all things are just things--but this new camera has brought a lot of joy to my life...

Capturing little moments... is really precious. And I'm quite convinced that the good Lord willing-- someday...I'm going to be an old lady surrounded by my moments... I love pictures. Pictures of my family-pictures of events. Pictures... they do bring you back.

So maybe one day, when I'm a rockin' great grandma...I'll come across this picture and think...I remember how Hannah decided that she didn't want to dress like a "little kid" anymore... and so she asked for jeans with holes in them. So, instead of taking her little kid jeans that still fit perfectly fine--and putting my hole creating skills to work, I actually bought her jeans with holes in them at a store where no little kid clothing could be found...Yep, I did. Even though I said I'd never buy jeans that looked like second hand store rejects...

Okay, so maybe I will be enough of a rockin' great grandma to not just have to sit around and reminisce about the good old days...but I want to be prepared...

I mean, don't I want to remember all of the 100's of times I got this "pose" out of Maeci--because she said with just a hint of teenagery frustration and attitude, "I don't know how to pose, where to stand? What do you want me to do?!?!"

Yeah, I'm certain sometime in the future...maybe way...way down the road that will seem way more cute and far less annoying than it does now.

In This Crazee Life..

The past few weeks have been crazee in a way I don't know how to put into words.

So many changes. From day to day --minute to minute, that I literally feel like I've been living inside a tornado. I'm trying to find strength to deal with things that happen in life that I cannot change. I am trying to be a pillar for those who need me...and come to terms with a new normal that is life since my dad passed away.

The things that are going on right now, seem to be that of a "made for T.V. movie.." and I wouldn't be surprised if Lifetime knocked on my door with a film crew... but, I have to realize this is reality...like it or not, and decide how to deal with it.

I never want to hurt others by what I write, so I'll choose my words carefully. The truth is, I also embrace honesty whole heartedly... and facts are facts and what I feel is indeed what I feel.

So, here are some facts...

My mom started dating again. For me it seems to soon-emotions too raw-I'm just not ready to deal. For her, it seemed like the right time, she was ready to move on, put closure on things, and start a new life.

Now, I know that doesn't mean that she misses my dad any less... but, I am still having such a hard time wrapping my mind around this. I have gone through so many emotions--anger, bitterness, jealousy, sympathy...

I am now at the place where I want to just accept--although it's difficult-- and move on. After all, I can't make decisions for others and I do want my mom to be happy. I am no longer a child-so temper tantrums-I've way outgrown (although I could have fooled anyone into thinking I was about 7 with the ones I've thrown this week). Next to losing my daddy--this has been up there in the things I never wanted to deal with, ever category. Yet, here it is...life handed to me like it or not. I just keep reminding myself--this has nothing to do with you.

So, if you've noticed my absence--if you've noticed I haven't been myself... Just know that I'm trying to get back on track--I'm trying to accept so many changes that I'm not sure what's up or down or right or wrong anymore.
I like life fun-I like life calm-I like life when my daddy was around. The ugly truth is, life is not always happy, fun or calm. And, my dad no longer is around in the physical sense, and so--like it or don't-we're just going to have to get used to it. No one ever promised it would be easy---for anyone.

Any thoughts you have to share on this situation would be greatly appreciated! Have you been in my shoes? What would you do? Am I being a big baby?

Make a Joyful Noise!

It's no secret that my crazee kids love to sing.

Having music in their lives, and performing on stage has helped build confidence. Plus, mama and daddy love hearing them sing.

They agreed to let me share it here with you too. Now, here's fair warning... Big Daddy was in charge of videoing this time, and he is all thumbs when it comes to all things techy...so, you may want to fasten your seat belts..because some parts are shaky.

Life in Pictures...Set to Thriller

A week since I've posted?

Unheard of, I tell ya!

The best way to catch up, is by sharing this: Enjoy! and I'll be around to visit!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Who Gets Socks?

What in the world?!? It's Monday!

We have been blowing and going and eating, and sleeping here and there, and honestly--the weekend flew right by. Crazeeness, I tell ya. Mayhem and madness and tears and laughter...but mostly, down right crazeeness at it's finest. So, I have a lot of catching up to do, so how abouts I quit wasting time and get to it? Sound like a plan? Cool...

Way back in August (it does seem so long ago, doesn't it?) I told you that sometime this school year, we would be baby sitting the guinea pig from Maeci's science class over the weekend. Okay, so I had prepared myself to baby sit "A" guinea pig...meaning one.. but apparently, the science class acquired two more.. Bringing that to a total of yep three of those little boogers! So, long story short-we baby sat three of those little furry creatures...

Hannah Grace loved hanging out with them, the rest of us not so much!


Oh yeah, and one Ms. Sparkle Fantastic (which is what I thought they named the guinea pig at the beginning of the year...but apparently they changed the name to Ms. Ginger Sparkles) anyway, the point is--the guinea pig isn't a Ms. at all. It's a Mr. So, I'm thinking that he must be one really, really sad-confused guinea pig.... Luckily, since the science class did some good classification work on defining the sex of the guinea pig-- He is now called Mr. Ginger or Mr. Sparky. Confused guinea pig syndrome continues...

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My sister-in-law, Jen, may be one of the best cooker people I know. For my birthday, she put her culinary skills to work, and whipped up some Green Chile' Chicken, Special fancy mashed potatoes, Cream Cheese corn, and a German Chocolate Cake...that I still am having dreams about.... Her homemade icing was so delish! Anyway, it was pretty awesome...

Oh yeah, and my sister Rachel spent hours and hours slaving over this for my birthday dinner...

Okay, maybe it wasn't hours and hours--but it was still yummy! And she took me out for a birthday lunch, that was pretty flippin' sweet.

And, my sister-in-law to be (although it's not official or anything..hint, hint Chance) Miran, made some awesome rolls from scratch. They were divine!

Miss Mae says, "They're amazing!"
So, thanks to those three ladies that totally rocked the socks off my birthday...
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Speaking of my birthday... I got a new camera. Big Daddy came through, and I didn't even have to share his e-mail address so that I could bribe others to beg for me. Happy day! I'm so excited, and feel so camera-illiterate at the same time. But, mostly...I'm excited I can capture moments like this..

Love ya Big D!
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Oh yeah, and didn't I mention something about socks rockin' earlier? Which reminds me, One of you will soon be rockin' these! Thanks to everyone who stopped by on my birthday, and over the weekend to wish me a happy birthday! So, wanna know who won? I used a random number generator, and I took a pic with my new handy dandy camera and it picked:



Country Dreaming said...
Juls--Hapy Birthday to YOU--celebrate like the Princess we know you are!I'll just tell you right now--INEED THOSE SOCKS---PICK MEEEEE!Have a super birthday!Melinda

Congratulations Melinda-- You needed those socks--you got 'em! Send me your address via e-mail and I'll get them to you!

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That's a lot of info on a Monday. Hope you all have a very awesome week! :)

October 22, 1978

I have officially been on this earth for 31 years today.

Sometimes, it seems that it's been forever...

at other times, I feel as though I'm only beginning.

So much I have learned...and yet, I still know nothing.

Okay, maybe I know a little something about a lot of things....

So, here's to 31 years down and hopefully many more to go...

And, by the way...

Just for stopping by and saying hi today, one of you will receive a gift from me.

It's something that Miss Mae, Hannah Grace and I simply adore (Big Daddy-well, he just doesn't get excited about them like we do--and when he tries to match these socks--it kind of drives him crazee...) Because Little Miss Matched Socks--are a fun kind of crazee that the chicks in this house really dig. Little Miss Matched coordinate, but they are not matchy matchy, and we just love them. You'll win a pack of 3 coordinating, mis-matchy socks. They come in sets of 3, in case one is lost--you still have a pair. Anyway, enough about that--because they don't pay me to tell you how great they are...just know we enjoy them. And recently--when I was shopping their new line--I decided to grab an extra pack to gift to one of you on my birthday. (These are adult socks, but will easily fit ages 10 & up). So, let me know you stopped by today..and I'll pick a winner through random draw sometime tomorrow! :)

Mostly..Wordless Wednesday

Life can't always be...

And ...

...and just when you think it just might be....



Come rollin' in...

Happiness is a state of mind.
Life is a roller coaster.
Balance is essential.
Be careful, to not go crazee.