So, I'm committing to a post a day for a year - 365 :: A Year of Posts.
There are so many amazing little things that happen every day, it would be a real shame to miss out on these sweet memories.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Monday, May 9, 2011
What a Year!
Wow, it's hard to believe that Eleanor is a year old. And what a year it has been.
We were so excited to add her to our little brood, but man, two kiddos have been really challenging.
Now don't get me wrong, every mom is a working mom. Motherhood (parenting, really) is a job that is never-ending and rarely does one get enough rest, encouragement or fulfillment (honest, but true). Add to that a full-time, in-the-office, do-I-have-an-outfit-without-milk-on-it-kind of job, and it can be kind of brutal.
For those that know me, I've tried the part-time job thing, but it doesn't work. My career path is not one that is easily left at the office, and one doesn't ever arrive at completion. It's a daily grind of what-should-I-do-next, so it's not exactly part-time friendly. The only thing that was part-time was the pay. And that's not cool.
So, with Eleanor's arrival, Dug and I decided that I should pursue full-time employment. Staying at home isn't an option (for those of you who are wondering). The good news was that I was able to transition my job without really changing employers, so the transition was probably less challenging than it might have been. But, it's been a big change and has forced us to make some changes.
The first one is about protecting our family time and making choices that really work for us. This has meant that after-5:00pm activities have been seriously restricted, as it's really the only time for us to spend with the kids and get ready for the next crazy day. This has meant that our church home of almost a decade just leaves us completely crazy starting out our week - so, it's left us with some tough decisions.
We feel good about the decisions we are making, as we prayerfully consider our options. It may seem at times that we are only thinking of ourselves, but honestly, our job as parents is to help create a home that is filled with love and honesty, not a million things to do. We've stayed well-connected with our community and have sought out new relationships. It's been a fearful, but fruitful time.
So, I leave this post with a promise to post more - I'm actually thinking about challenging myself to a post every day for a year. We aren't talking some complicated group of pictures with a play-by-play of our life, but a nice reflection on the day.
Here's one from last week's celebration of Eleanor's first birthday - so cute!
We were so excited to add her to our little brood, but man, two kiddos have been really challenging.
Now don't get me wrong, every mom is a working mom. Motherhood (parenting, really) is a job that is never-ending and rarely does one get enough rest, encouragement or fulfillment (honest, but true). Add to that a full-time, in-the-office, do-I-have-an-outfit-without-milk-on-it-kind of job, and it can be kind of brutal.
For those that know me, I've tried the part-time job thing, but it doesn't work. My career path is not one that is easily left at the office, and one doesn't ever arrive at completion. It's a daily grind of what-should-I-do-next, so it's not exactly part-time friendly. The only thing that was part-time was the pay. And that's not cool.
So, with Eleanor's arrival, Dug and I decided that I should pursue full-time employment. Staying at home isn't an option (for those of you who are wondering). The good news was that I was able to transition my job without really changing employers, so the transition was probably less challenging than it might have been. But, it's been a big change and has forced us to make some changes.
The first one is about protecting our family time and making choices that really work for us. This has meant that after-5:00pm activities have been seriously restricted, as it's really the only time for us to spend with the kids and get ready for the next crazy day. This has meant that our church home of almost a decade just leaves us completely crazy starting out our week - so, it's left us with some tough decisions.
We feel good about the decisions we are making, as we prayerfully consider our options. It may seem at times that we are only thinking of ourselves, but honestly, our job as parents is to help create a home that is filled with love and honesty, not a million things to do. We've stayed well-connected with our community and have sought out new relationships. It's been a fearful, but fruitful time.
So, I leave this post with a promise to post more - I'm actually thinking about challenging myself to a post every day for a year. We aren't talking some complicated group of pictures with a play-by-play of our life, but a nice reflection on the day.
Here's one from last week's celebration of Eleanor's first birthday - so cute!
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Such a Joy
My kids are such a joy. Even in the midst of these challenging years, joy in the tiny moments are {often} enough to keep my heart full.
I ran across a journal with a single line for each day - basically a mom's journal with one thought about the day. A dear friend of mine does this, and I think it will be a true gift to my girls. So, I've decided to reflect each day with a thought for each of them.
I have to admit that I'm a little bummed about the fact that I didn't take the time to do this when Emma was a little one, but there's nothing I can really do about that, right?
Although I don't plan on blogging all of my thoughts, here are a few rolling around in my head from the past couple of weeks.
How can it be, Eleanor, that you are already pulling up and walking around objects? You are a mere nine months old {this week} - I'm not ready for this.Emma, I love that you say "Magaline" for "Madeline" - your current favorite book.
Emma is obsessed with blueberries, even in this, the dead of winter. Each night before she goes to bed, she eats and entire bowl.
I'm amazed at the intensity of Eleanor's thoughts and emotions. Let's just say that she is quite spirited when she wants something. I'm thinking the twos just might be terrible.
Sleep, oh sleep, you are a mystery to me. Even now at nine months old, Eleanor eats twice a night!
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Survivor Pantry :: Week One
When the pantry gets too full for groceries, you know it's time to stop spending and start surviving.
As the new year rolled around, we found our shelves too full and freezer overflowing - so Survivor Pantry began. What's nice about forcing yourself to use what you have is that creativity seems to abound. We allow ourselves to buy fresh meat if needed, and of course, food for the kiddos. The other thing we instituted is a weekly pizza night, which is a lifesaver in the middle of the week.
So, week one was a great success. It's been freezing here, so comfort food is on the mind.
Saturday :: A good ol' lasagna -- this recipe from The Pioneer Woman is great.
Sunday :: Sante Fe Chowder from Moosewood Restaurant - I love this soup! Super easy and pantry-friendly.
Monday :: Lasagna leftovers
Tuesday :: Chowder leftovers
Wednesday :: Pizza night!!
Thursday :: Five spice pork tenderloin and roasted sweet potatoes
Friday :: Tomato, red pepper and spicy sausage risotto - no recipe, sorry...it's a Dugald special.
Week one was a success. In the queue for week two - Saturday morning scones, homemade barbeque chicken with cornbread topper (ala Rachel Ray), breakfast potatoes and poached eggs, and whatever else we can figure out...
As the new year rolled around, we found our shelves too full and freezer overflowing - so Survivor Pantry began. What's nice about forcing yourself to use what you have is that creativity seems to abound. We allow ourselves to buy fresh meat if needed, and of course, food for the kiddos. The other thing we instituted is a weekly pizza night, which is a lifesaver in the middle of the week.
So, week one was a great success. It's been freezing here, so comfort food is on the mind.
Saturday :: A good ol' lasagna -- this recipe from The Pioneer Woman is great.
Sunday :: Sante Fe Chowder from Moosewood Restaurant - I love this soup! Super easy and pantry-friendly.
Monday :: Lasagna leftovers
Tuesday :: Chowder leftovers
Wednesday :: Pizza night!!
Thursday :: Five spice pork tenderloin and roasted sweet potatoes
Friday :: Tomato, red pepper and spicy sausage risotto - no recipe, sorry...it's a Dugald special.
Week one was a success. In the queue for week two - Saturday morning scones, homemade barbeque chicken with cornbread topper (ala Rachel Ray), breakfast potatoes and poached eggs, and whatever else we can figure out...
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Holly-day
Better late than never, right?...
It was such a nice Christmas.
Although we are always happy to visit family, staying at home for our first Birmingham Christmas was a welcome new addition.
No bag packing, kid wrestling, no plotting and scheming...just a little cleaning and we were off to the races.
Emma has reached the age where Christmas is much more exciting. Her reaction to every Christmas tree, plastic yard Santa and ornament is pure elation...and quite amusing. It was also wonderful to have her learn more about the true celebration of Christmas, although I must say that Jesus, Santa and reindeer are all a bit confusing for a three year-old.
I, personally, was very emotional throughout the entire Advent season. It was quite a mix of emotions, really. This was our family's first Christmas at our own home, and our first Christmas with sweet Eleanor.
At 7 1/2 months, didn't have a clue about what was going on, but was thrilled to have three more people to entertain.
It was such a sweet time, but as with most holidays, it was bittersweet. With family all over the world, we don't have the opportunity to celebrate with everyone...at least in person. That said, Skype keeps the smiles coming through the ability to video chat. It melts my heart to see running to the computer the moment she hears the familiar voices of Grandma and Grandpa.
Life is sweet, folks. We have to take every moment captive, as we don't know what is around the bend.
Enjoy our photos!
It was such a nice Christmas.
Although we are always happy to visit family, staying at home for our first Birmingham Christmas was a welcome new addition.
No bag packing, kid wrestling, no plotting and scheming...just a little cleaning and we were off to the races.
Emma has reached the age where Christmas is much more exciting. Her reaction to every Christmas tree, plastic yard Santa and ornament is pure elation...and quite amusing. It was also wonderful to have her learn more about the true celebration of Christmas, although I must say that Jesus, Santa and reindeer are all a bit confusing for a three year-old.
I, personally, was very emotional throughout the entire Advent season. It was quite a mix of emotions, really. This was our family's first Christmas at our own home, and our first Christmas with sweet Eleanor.
At 7 1/2 months, didn't have a clue about what was going on, but was thrilled to have three more people to entertain.
It was such a sweet time, but as with most holidays, it was bittersweet. With family all over the world, we don't have the opportunity to celebrate with everyone...at least in person. That said, Skype keeps the smiles coming through the ability to video chat. It melts my heart to see running to the computer the moment she hears the familiar voices of Grandma and Grandpa.
Life is sweet, folks. We have to take every moment captive, as we don't know what is around the bend.
Enjoy our photos!
Friday, December 10, 2010
A Change Gonna Come
I saw a dear friend today, and she said something that really struck me. We were talking about life and its stages, and she said (to paraphrase), "Not every friendship is meant for a lifetime." It doesn't mean that the friendship didn't serve its purpose, but sometimes people and places aren't meant for forever.
This just isn't something I've been able to incorporate without serious angst...yet.
Whenever I start to feel a transition creeping in, it paralyzes me. I tumble into this over-thinking mess, running through every possible scenario and its resulting negative effects. The troubleshooter in me tries to figure out a way to fix the problem -- when there might not be a problem at all. Maybe it's just time to move on to the next thing.
I worry about the loneliness that I will feel. I worry about what people might think or say. I worry it will be the wrong decision. But honestly, it rarely is.
I have to learn to trust. I must trust that when my heart feels the transition on the horizon, maybe it's the Lord's way of preparing me for what new adventures He has for me and my family.
This just isn't something I've been able to incorporate without serious angst...yet.
Whenever I start to feel a transition creeping in, it paralyzes me. I tumble into this over-thinking mess, running through every possible scenario and its resulting negative effects. The troubleshooter in me tries to figure out a way to fix the problem -- when there might not be a problem at all. Maybe it's just time to move on to the next thing.
I worry about the loneliness that I will feel. I worry about what people might think or say. I worry it will be the wrong decision. But honestly, it rarely is.
I have to learn to trust. I must trust that when my heart feels the transition on the horizon, maybe it's the Lord's way of preparing me for what new adventures He has for me and my family.
Monday, November 22, 2010
A blog...
A blog can many things to many people. At times, an online stream of consciousness, others a photographic journey through the life and times. This little blog has been more the latter than the former, but I'm thinking times are a changin'.
I've not kept up with the blog because I haven't really had the time to put together a beautiful sequence of photos complete with cute descriptions. Maybe it's because our life hasn't felt like beautiful photos and cute descriptions, although I dare say that, since Eleanor is pretty cute.
So, for now, I've decided to use this blog as defined by many is a stream of thoughts...and maybe throw in a cute picture or two.
I've not kept up with the blog because I haven't really had the time to put together a beautiful sequence of photos complete with cute descriptions. Maybe it's because our life hasn't felt like beautiful photos and cute descriptions, although I dare say that, since Eleanor is pretty cute.
So, for now, I've decided to use this blog as defined by many is a stream of thoughts...and maybe throw in a cute picture or two.
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