When it all hits you, and you realize how much in life you have to look forward to and to be excited for... it just makes you want to shout, and sing, and dance, and dream.
2011 is looking pretty exciting for me and my household.
1st birthday party planning, 10 yr. birthday party planning, reuniting with old friends that I haven't seen in years, celebrating big milestones with loved ones, returning to school, running in races, knowing that spring is right around the corner, and then summer, and then fall, dreaming about major life changes, the endless possibilities for my family, life....
I don't know... I'm just excited. It feels SO GOOD! :)
"Without leaps of imagination, or dreaming, we lose the excitement of possibilities. Dreaming, after all, is a form of planning." ~ Gloria Steinem
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Monday, January 17, 2011
When lists just aren't enough...
I am the queen of to do lists, well actually, the queen of lists... period. I make them for absolutely everything. I'd be one big, forgetful, unorganized mess if I didn't. But lately, even the lists aren't helping me any. The lists just grow and grow, and now I'm to the point where I am starting to feel a bit overwhelmed and almost kind of anxious. There is a definite need for something more. A little more balance. A little peace.
Last fall, I started meal planning. I love it! It was nice not having to think about what to make for dinner. It was already decided, the ingredients, already bought. I played a little with chore lists as well. Assigning specific chores to specific days. That didn't go over so well, and I don't think that is something I will ever do again. Things around here just need done, when they need done. I haven't been so good at meal planning lately. Things sort of went out the window with all of the hubbub of Christmas and the holidays. I really need to get back to it.
I feel like I don't accomplish even a fraction of what I used to before having Landon. Life sure is different with an infant around again. It's been 9 years since having my first baby, I think I may have forgotten just how time consuming babies actually are. I mean really, who couldn't spend a whole day just staring at those chubby cheeks, and wrists, and little leg rolls? And watch them learn, and grow, and explore the world around them. And the funny faces that they make when they sleep, and the funny sounds, and baby babble. They are perfect little beings in every way. But the dishes don't do themselves, the cat hair doesn't get the vacuum out on it's own, the laundry wont put itself away. And my body sure doesn't exercise without me doing the work, just because I'd like it to.
We also recently moved Landon into his own room. He goes down to sleep at night fairly well now, but we are having a bit of a harder time with naps during the day. That may be because we now follow a nightly routine that I think he's starting to get the hang of, and we don't really have a routine at all during the day. So I think that he too, may need a little something more.
I'm tired of spending my "family time" doing chores. When we are all home together, we should be able to spend our time just enjoying each other, and not spend it caught up in trying to get caught up.
So I've decided that I need to come up with a daily routine, a schedule of sorts. Something I follow everyday. Something that allots time for everything I want to do and accomplish in a day. Not for uber specific things, as that doesn't seem to work for me, but time that can be spent doing a "type" of thing. Cleaning, exercise, creative playtime, computer time, nap time, you get the idea. Something that I can actually pair with my lists, so I can begin to cross things off again. Obviously, it will have to be flexible as Landon grows and his needs change. And I'm certain, that it will mostly be centered around the needs of my children rather than my own, because lets face it, my children are my most important job after all. But I hope, when all is said and done, after the kids are taken care of, my household duties are done for the day, and I've spent a little more time on myself, that I will begin to feel the balance again, and find the peace in it. I'll let you know how it goes...
Last fall, I started meal planning. I love it! It was nice not having to think about what to make for dinner. It was already decided, the ingredients, already bought. I played a little with chore lists as well. Assigning specific chores to specific days. That didn't go over so well, and I don't think that is something I will ever do again. Things around here just need done, when they need done. I haven't been so good at meal planning lately. Things sort of went out the window with all of the hubbub of Christmas and the holidays. I really need to get back to it.
I feel like I don't accomplish even a fraction of what I used to before having Landon. Life sure is different with an infant around again. It's been 9 years since having my first baby, I think I may have forgotten just how time consuming babies actually are. I mean really, who couldn't spend a whole day just staring at those chubby cheeks, and wrists, and little leg rolls? And watch them learn, and grow, and explore the world around them. And the funny faces that they make when they sleep, and the funny sounds, and baby babble. They are perfect little beings in every way. But the dishes don't do themselves, the cat hair doesn't get the vacuum out on it's own, the laundry wont put itself away. And my body sure doesn't exercise without me doing the work, just because I'd like it to.
We also recently moved Landon into his own room. He goes down to sleep at night fairly well now, but we are having a bit of a harder time with naps during the day. That may be because we now follow a nightly routine that I think he's starting to get the hang of, and we don't really have a routine at all during the day. So I think that he too, may need a little something more.
I'm tired of spending my "family time" doing chores. When we are all home together, we should be able to spend our time just enjoying each other, and not spend it caught up in trying to get caught up.
So I've decided that I need to come up with a daily routine, a schedule of sorts. Something I follow everyday. Something that allots time for everything I want to do and accomplish in a day. Not for uber specific things, as that doesn't seem to work for me, but time that can be spent doing a "type" of thing. Cleaning, exercise, creative playtime, computer time, nap time, you get the idea. Something that I can actually pair with my lists, so I can begin to cross things off again. Obviously, it will have to be flexible as Landon grows and his needs change. And I'm certain, that it will mostly be centered around the needs of my children rather than my own, because lets face it, my children are my most important job after all. But I hope, when all is said and done, after the kids are taken care of, my household duties are done for the day, and I've spent a little more time on myself, that I will begin to feel the balance again, and find the peace in it. I'll let you know how it goes...
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Nursery complete!
Well, for now it is anyway. ;)
I figured since Landon is now officially sleeping in his room, it really should be complete.
I love it! I think his bedding looks much better in person though. We bought it from a company called Glenna Jean. Their bedding is made here in the USA. We have really been trying to make a conscious effort to support American businesses who continue to produce their goods in America. As best as we can anyway.
And there is our cat, hiding in the corner. :)
His bookshelf and dresser are both from Ikea. I guess that isn't very American, is it? I love them though...and they were a great deal.
And Ikea...man oh man, I could spend a week in there!
I love big metal stars! Love, love, LOVE them! I found this one and the bucking bronco lantern at Real Deals. Again...not very American of me... most of their products, if not all, are made in China. *sigh* But again, I do love them, and they are perfect in his room.
The vase with (would you call them twigs?) was made by my mom in law for my baby shower centerpieces. Cute, right?! They originally had little blue and green baby item ornaments hanging from them. I removed them though... as cute as they were for my shower... I didn't think they quite fit the "cowboy" theme going on.
Alyssa helped pick out these pictures for her brother's room. She LOVES horses! The pictures were taken by a photographer from our state that travels all over the country taking wildlife and landscape shots. We picked them up at a craft show here in town. These are of wild mustangs in Wyoming. Oh how I would love to have his job. Maybe someday. :) His work is absolutely beautiful!
The horseshoe hooks are another score from Real Deals.
And lastly, Landon's first teddy bear from his sissy. And a picture of him in a frame we picked up on a little trip we took to Montana last spring.
Okay, one last picture...and only because he's so stinkin' cute.
Landon, sleeping peacefully in his newly finished room with his Sophie still in his mouth. He just makes my heart smile. ♥
I figured since Landon is now officially sleeping in his room, it really should be complete.
And there is our cat, hiding in the corner. :)
And Ikea...man oh man, I could spend a week in there!
The vase with (would you call them twigs?) was made by my mom in law for my baby shower centerpieces. Cute, right?! They originally had little blue and green baby item ornaments hanging from them. I removed them though... as cute as they were for my shower... I didn't think they quite fit the "cowboy" theme going on.
The horseshoe hooks are another score from Real Deals.
There is the bear bank I painted for Landon on our New Years Eve trip to Polka Dot Pottery. And the picture frame signed by some of my girlfriends at my friend shower.
Of course, no cowboy room in our house would complete without something to honor Wyatt Earp and Jason's favorite cowboy movie, Tombstone. If Jason had his way, and his way only, Landon's name just may have been Wyatt. :) He is 100% Landon though. Thank goodness! Wyatt is a great name, just not something I would choose.
So that is that! I wish I could get one big picture of his whole room, but the layout of it, just doesn't allow me to do so. I think the only thing I could really add is a porch style rocking chair in the corner. Oh that would just be perfect! So I'll definitely be keeping my eyes open for one. If you see any great deals on one... let me know, please? :)
Landon, sleeping peacefully in his newly finished room with his Sophie still in his mouth. He just makes my heart smile. ♥
Saturday, January 8, 2011
11 years ago today...
11 years ago today... I began a relationship with someone who would not only teach me about all of the things I didn't want or deserve in life, or in a partner, but who would also eventually give me one of the greatest joys in my life, my daughter.
11 years ago today...the man who would eventually become my husband, my best friend, the adoptive father of my daughter, and the father to the next joy in my life, almost lost his life in a terrible car accident. With the injuries he sustained, it's only by the grace of God that he didn't. He did however, lose a good friend.
11 years ago today...that day would be a turning point in both of our lives. And though the days that followed, were filled with uncertainty, pain, heartache, loss... you cannot deny that maybe it was all a part of a greater plan.
It's hard sometimes to find the words to express exactly how you feel, especially on days like today. Days where the amount and variety of emotion can sometimes be a little overwhelming. But what I do know, is that I would go through it all again if I had to. Just as long as I still have him standing next to me in the end.
11 years ago today...the man who would eventually become my husband, my best friend, the adoptive father of my daughter, and the father to the next joy in my life, almost lost his life in a terrible car accident. With the injuries he sustained, it's only by the grace of God that he didn't. He did however, lose a good friend.
11 years ago today...that day would be a turning point in both of our lives. And though the days that followed, were filled with uncertainty, pain, heartache, loss... you cannot deny that maybe it was all a part of a greater plan.
It's hard sometimes to find the words to express exactly how you feel, especially on days like today. Days where the amount and variety of emotion can sometimes be a little overwhelming. But what I do know, is that I would go through it all again if I had to. Just as long as I still have him standing next to me in the end.
Friday, January 7, 2011
This little blog of mine
I've made it, I'm finally here!! It really is about time. I've been following quite a few blogs for some time now. I've actually learned quite a bit from each one, and have implemented much of what I have learned into my everyday life. Cloth diapering, meal planning, the art of clipping coupons, baby wearing... the list goes on and on...
I'm so thankful for the wealth of knowledge that I have found at my fingertips. Maybe I can pass a little of it along. Maybe.
I honestly don't have BIG plans for this little blog of mine. Not just yet, anyway. It will not be based on any subject in particular. Just life, I suppose (okay, okay...I'm sure you'll be hearing plenty about my kids). A place to write my thoughts and feelings about everyday life and all that it encompasses. As a passionate and highly opinionated person in life, I hope my writing will reflect the excitement that I feel quite often, and not bore you to absolute death. ha!
The title, while it did take me a bit to think of, really IS me. So ME. In more ways than one.
So here you have it.... Life Through Green Eyes.
I'm so thankful for the wealth of knowledge that I have found at my fingertips. Maybe I can pass a little of it along. Maybe.
I honestly don't have BIG plans for this little blog of mine. Not just yet, anyway. It will not be based on any subject in particular. Just life, I suppose (okay, okay...I'm sure you'll be hearing plenty about my kids). A place to write my thoughts and feelings about everyday life and all that it encompasses. As a passionate and highly opinionated person in life, I hope my writing will reflect the excitement that I feel quite often, and not bore you to absolute death. ha!
The title, while it did take me a bit to think of, really IS me. So ME. In more ways than one.
So here you have it.... Life Through Green Eyes.
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