I Wanted All Four Ninja Turtles

Christmas trees with presents cascading out of them; an avalanche of consumerism. Facebook displayed picture after picture of the avalanches! Christmas isn't even over and we're online looking for something new and shiny to spend our Christmas money on.  Our house wasn't any different.  Present after present opened, but Keegan wanted all FOUR ninja turtles, not ONLY two.

I'm not going to pretend that we didn't have a lovely Christmas, we did.  Piles of presents, books and books and more books, coloring on the floor, drooling monsters sneaking quick naps on Mommy's lap, family and games and more presents and food, my goodness more food. But what we enjoyed the most, the thing that we unwrapped over and over again was each other.

In the constant rush of life, I very rarely slow down.  You won't catch me without makeup very often.  The only time I enjoy the comfort of sweats or yoga pants is when I'm burning calories. I work hard, I play hard, but rarely rest hard. But I did this week!

This week we slept in late.  We cuddled for hours and hours.  I was able to answer "No, you don't have to go to Christina's or school" day after day.  We didn't rush from one place to another.  Instead, I catered to the kids.  For the most part I did whatever they wanted to do.  By the end of the week, the two missing ninja turtles weren't mentioned at all.  All of the new toys found a new home and I bet if I took a few of them and hid them for a few months, I could re-use them and the kids wouldn't even remember they had previously received them!  Christmas morning Keegan decided to play with beads...that we've had for 3 years!  So, once again I was reminded: it's NOT the things that matter in life!

What they will most likely remember are the memories that we made together.  The traditions, the indescribable feeling of love that was shared, the time that we carved out to be present over perfect.

Happy Birthday balloons to heaven:

Visiting Grandma Gunner in the nursing home:

The shrimp fest at Papa and Nana's, reading and lighting the candles at church, finding the pickle at Grandma and Grandpa's house, $2 slime all over Mimi's walls, Treasure hunts, HAVING DADDY HOME ON CHRISTMAS:

Sleepovers with Stella, movies in 3D with cousins and Grandma, friends to fill the house, hours of fun in the snow:

 

Crafts with Aunt Laine and Mommy:

 

 



I really doubt that Keegan will remember that he ONLY received TWO ninja turtles, but I hope he remembers all the fun.

 

 

Last night I meant to finish this post.  Instead during our tickle torture, Camille took an elbow to the nose and the nose bleed required more cuddles so the rest of the post might be kind of choppy. (I wasn't complaining, it was a great excuse to turn in early;))  But my week off of work leads me to my New Year's Resolution.  (Yes, I believe in new years resolutions and have been really good at keeping mine the last few years and have turned them into habit, not resolutions)

 

This year, I'm going to SCHEDULE (we all know how I love to schedule) one weekend a month to cuddle, watch movies, make crafts, tickle torture, NOT RUSH.  No orders to "GET MOVING!" or "No, we don't have time to get out the craft tub" or "Maybe next weekend".   Nope, we're going to plan one weekend a month to stay home and open the gifts that keep giving: each other!

 

Because even if Keegan would have received all four ninja turtles, I'm pretty confident he'd pick to spend time with us over the turtles.

 

PS: Completely jealous of my SAHM friends this week.  I had so much fun relaxing with my monsters.   I know you all know how lucky you are, but know that I'm severely jealous of you all right now:P

What resolution(s) are YOU committing to?





 

 

2012 YIR

Year in Review- 12

Craziest thing I did: Finally got a tattoo! http://publiclookin.blogspot.com/2012/03/my-reminder-always-always-always.html

Favorite Concert:  Sarah McLachlan Duh. Best friends and live music performed by Sarah.  No brainer.

 



Most cherished gift: Bracelet from Jess Fork It was an honor to be asked to stand up for her and Bryan when as they were announced members of our church!

Favorite Family Vacation: Tennessee The wedding was PERFECT.  The adventures were fun.  Hiking was indescribable.

Most Welcomed Addition to the Community: Hillkirks with Klaussins a very close second;) Love having Laura back in town to be bratty to.

Biggest don't get fat accomplishment:  Finished both Warrior Dashes...ALIVE.  In a freaking tutu!

 

 

Proudest Mommy Moment: Performing with the girls. So proud of them for singing in front of so many people at their young age:)  (DID ANYONE GET A PHOTO?  OR WAS EVERYONE TOO BUSY FILMING WHEN I SAID NOT TO!?!?)

 

Favorite Get Away:  Bronners

 

 

If I were a crier, the most sentimental day: http://publiclookin.blogspot.com/2012/08/obligatory-first-day-photos.html All of the monsters in school!

 

 

Newest Addition to the Strong Family (Well, other than Rosie Mittens Star, the Elfing Strong Elf;)): BABY ADRIE!

 

 

Favorite Project: Road to Recovery-it always feels great to help, but this project was more than just helping. An excuse to get together with some of my besties, to use my creative energy for something other than writing, AND to help the DeVito's feel less alone. Hands down favorite project!

Favorite Family Photo: Is it bad that it's probably my favorite because Aaron HATES it? Oh well, it's still my favorite:)



 

 

 

We had a wonderful year!  Cheers to 2012 and bring on the New Year:)

 

Today

My cousin, my more talented, much skinnier, much trendier without even trying, OLDER cousin, authored this blog post "What Today Means".  Check it out, she's amazing: http://lifeinagaggle.com/2012/12/18/what-today-means/

I probably would have written about "today" regardless, but instead of packing it away on my list of topics for "someday" that I may never return to, I'm going to write today. 




Today  I'm

A young girl mad at Mommy for ONLY putting pig tails in my hair.  Why can't she just braid it?  That's what I want.  She braided my sisters, but not mine.  She must love her more.

A mother rushing to get the monsters out the door so that I can get to work in time to sneak out early.   Dear curly girl, your hair is beautiful and doesn't need to be braided.  Your sister has flat straight hair with pieces flying every direction; she needs the braid to control the disaster known as her hair.  Please put on your shoes and stop whining.

A grandmother working more than normal.  I better call my daughter to check in on her precious babies.  How did they sleep?  Are they missing me?  I'll try to meet you later tonight, but I'm going to stay and work if they need me.  I love you.

A great grandmother waking to a new day.  What is for breakfast?  Did I eat yet? Who are these people and where are my sisters?  Why do they continue to walk into my room as if they own it?  Frances, yes, that's my name! How do you know my name?  Sure, I'd love to have my hair done.

A young girl who excitedly greets her Mommy.  (I have completely forgotten about being mad over  my hair and have turned to more important things like practicing songs for tonight).  Mommy, I can't wait to go caroling.  Who is going?  Jumping up and down: Addie?  Paige!!  Azure!  I can't wait!

A mother, exhausted from a trying day at work. I drop my purse to receive the hugs from the monsters.  They feel so nice pressed against me, but we must rush, as always.  Get your coats on.    How was school?  Hey, man I live with, how did they eat?  See you later.  Don't forget to change the laundry.

A grandmother who calls once again to check in.  I'm not going to be able to make it.  Sing loud for me.  Tell the kids to smile pretty and give Grandma Gunner a hug from me.

A great grandmother who is frustrated and trapped in my own head.  Why do I have to go play bingo?  Who are these old people sitting by me?  Where are my sisters?

A young girl skipping through the halls of the nursing home. Smiling and singing and twirling and laughing and holding hands with friends. Isn't this fun to get together and sing our favorite songs!?


A mother to three beautiful children, but a granddaughter, too.  I check with the aide and she says she seems to be in a better mood than she was earlier in the day. She's playing bingo, go on in.  I hug my grandma like I have my entire life, but she quickly asks who I am.  The aide smiles gently at me and I run through who I am as she stares blankly back at me.  I tell her that some of my friends have joined me and that I've asked them to sing a few special songs for her because I know how she loves to sing.

A grandmother at work, wondering how my mother is doing.  Will she remember my baby girl?  Will she be weepy when she sees her?  I wonder how my daughter will handle the kids and her friends and my mother.  I hope all of the residents like it.

A great grandmother.  Who is this young lady that's hugging me?  She looks kind of familiar.  Who are you?  She's claiming to be my granddaughter.  I don't have a granddaughter.  She does know that I like to sing.  I'll play along.  Well, I'm going to out sing you all!

A young girl that takes a minute to go give my great grandmother a hug. I know that she doesn't always remember me. She doesn't know how I know where her candy drawer is when she doesn't even know where her candy drawer is, but my mom and my Mimi tell me to always give her a hug.  I know she enjoys it when I give her a hug though because she smiles and sometimes she cries and my mom told me that it's because I make her so happy.

A mother who stands proudly as her monsters hug her grandmother.  I hope she at least enjoys the music.  Oh no, now she's crying.  I have to tell her goodbye.  I have to hug her and not cry.  All of the kids are watching.  All of my friends are watching.  Goodbye Grandma.  We'll see you soon.  We're going to come for a Christmas party on Christmas Eve.  We love you.  Yes, I'm Laura, your granddaughter.  When you go back to your room have them show you the pictures.  I'm there and my mom's there.   She's your daughter, you remember.  We'll help you remember.

A grandmother.  Did she know who you were?  How did it go?  She cried?  Oh, honey, thanks for going.  It means a lot to me.  Yes, I'll try to make it to the basketball game.  I love you.

A great grandmother.  He looks familiar to me.  I know that I should know him.  He's so cute and he's only hugging me!  Oh and this little girl, she's so precious.  I am so thankful for these sweet hugs.  Even if I don't know who they are.  I hope they come back soon.  Even though I cried, I love to sing "Joy to the World" and "Jingle Bells".  I remember singing these songs.

 

 

Today, I'm the mother.  Tomorrow I'll be the grandmother.  In the blink of an eye, I'll be the great grandmother.

 

Today I took the time to look at today from four generations.  I should probably do it more often. 

 

Today is priceless.


** Thank you so very much to my friends that joined us for caroling.  Much love to you all for spreading your light:)





 

Keep the candle burning

I post to facebook A LOT.  This year I have been pretty good at posting to my blog regularly; sometimes even more than once a week.  Around angelversaries, birthdays, and holidays I receive higher traffic to my blog.  People anticipate that I will write words from the heart; remove the layers of Laura and lay it out in words to be read and processed.

This weekend I had a high volume of hits searching for my blog by the blog name or by my name.  I'm assuming it's because some of the people that follow are waiting for my reaction to the shooting.  Waiting to see if I'll steer toward gun control laws or pump mental health awareness.  Whether I will say to trust in God, that He has a plan, or talk about free will.  Blame everything on the legislation that took God out of schools.  Maybe share the conversation that I had with my kids. And most certainly ask another WHY!

Unfortunately, I do not think that solves anything.  Even though MANY of my facebook friends are quick to state the answer to all of the worlds problems, I simply can not.

I am not able to answer how to prevent another tragedy.  I don't have answers on how to proceed.  I don't have answers on how to talk to your children because I stumbled on my words and choked back tears during the quick conversation that we had about the shootings.  I can't tell you how to make this NEVER.HAPPEN.AGAIN. I can't answer why.

I can only pray. 

Pray silently, alone with my thoughts after I have tucked and re-tucked.  I pray for the families. I pray for the children and teachers that witnessed. I pray for the helpers. I pray for the community.  I pray for my children to be safe.  Then I pray for me.

Why?  Why do I pray for me next?

Because I could easily let my candle go out when I think about their small hands turning cold.  It starts to flicker at the thought of picking a Bible verse to be read when they say goodbye to their babies.  I could let the darkness swallow me whole when I let my mind wander to the unopened presents and the indescribable pain that those mommies and daddies and brothers and sisters are feeling.  It.could.swallow.me.

So I watch the flame of the candle that flickers, but then relights. I pray that I don't let my light burn out because we need to carry the light for an entire community now; for a country that is grieving the beautiful faces of the little girl with cute blond hair like our own little angel or the handsome little boy with a dimple in the same spot as our ornery little monster.

I need to fuel my candle, keep it shining bright, so that I can raise my monsters to have the qualities that the preschoolers held up at church on Sunday: Helpfulness, Grace, Humility, Love, Understanding, Patience, Hope, Peace, Kindness, Mercy, Caring.  I have to shelter my candle when it flickers so that I can raise them to make the right choices and turn to God when it is dark.

They, the victims and their families, their community, our community, our country, needs us to keep our flame burning for them and for all of us. 

So, I pray for me.  Prayers that I can keep the flame burning for them.  I pray for you; prayers that you can keep the flame burning, too.

And

I hope for them to survive the darkness. 

And

I beg of Him, down on my knees, that somehow, someway, someday

That they can find peace. 

And

That they can feel the love and comfort when our candles shine bright in their honor.

Keep the candle burning for them.

John 3:16-21

New International Version (NIV)

¹⁶ For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. ¹⁷ For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. ¹⁸ Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. ¹⁹ This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. ²⁰ Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. ²¹ But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God.

Etsy Plug

Etsy Plug: http://www.etsy.com/shop/boutonrougedesigns

As many of you know, the diamond fell out of my wedding band.  I was crushed and decided that if we wanted to keep the house we live in, we shouldn't purchase a new diamond or a fancy new ring.  Instead, I looked on Etsy. 

I LOVE my new ring!!  Totally would have been perfect (for me) as a wedding band, but since my Mom is having my grandmother's old diamond put in my old ring, I'll wear it on my right hand when I get my original wedding ring back.  Doesn't mean I love this one any less, but my original ring is a heirloom and I love it, too!!

Anyways, I am totally in love with the ring and I've been showing it to all of my friends, but thought I would plug her shop publicly, too!  Turns out she is taking the next month off to complete outstanding orders and spend time with her family (which I totally support and respect).  After the holiday rush, check out her shop! Chrystal Shaw even took the extra step and sent me a cute little thank you note with my order! :)

You pick the the words/dates/abbreviations/whatever you want on the products that she sells.  Here is mine.

 

Mark 10:6-9

New International Version (NIV)

⁶ “But at the beginning of creation God ‘made them male and female.’^{[a] 7} ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife,^{[b] 8} and the two will become one flesh.’^[c] So they are no longer two, but one flesh. ⁹ Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.”

Spoiler Alert

WARNING SPOILER TO FOLLOW. Do not read any further if you don't want to know the real meaning.  If you don't want to imagine a world full of true believers.  I often need the reminder, too.

On Sunday before we started practicing for the play, I wanted to have a little chat with the Sunday School class.  I was informed that one of my beautiful young students was saying some rather nasty things to one of their classmates.  (Good and bad thing about living in a small town: usually you hear when one of the monsters is acting up) 

I started my spiel:

Girls and Boys, I think everyone here knows the difference between nice things that we should say and mean things that we shouldn't say, don't you think?  (Heads nod yes)  Well, this week I heard that one of you might have been using mean words instead of nice words when you were speaking to one of your classmates!  Aren't you all learning about bullying?  (Heads nod yes)  Don't you think we should use our words to talk nicely to each other rather than tell each other mean things?  (one student slumps farther into their seat.  Carefully, I avoid making more eye contact with that student than any of the others, but I can tell they are getting the message)  Did you know that when you do bad things, people usually hear about it? Adults usually find out, sometimes me, sometimes your parents!

Fellow teacher interjection: But we shouldn't do things/not do things in fear of what our parents might find out.  We need to practice what God wants us to do at all times.

Ah, GOD!!  We were at Sunday School!! GOD!  What a concept!!  Yes, we need make the right choices for God, not because our parents will find out or because the elf will tell Santa or because Santa is watching.  Because God wants us to make the right choices and use the free will that He granted us in the right way!!

_________________________________________________________

Last night I wrapped Santa gifts.  (YES, I'm aware that this makes me SEEM like an overachiever, but really it was boredom more than anything.  I can only watch so much football and this seemed like a good way to sit in the same room as Aaron AND accomplish something that needs to get done).  Anyways, I moved the ELFING  Elf on the Shelf AND wrote a ELFING note to my children.  I wrote it and smiled and it made me feel all warm and fuzzy.  I wrapped piles of presents and joked with my husband that we bought many of the same things for the kids during our shopping trips.  (YAY US AS PARENTS...WE MUST BE LISTENING TO THE KIDS BECAUSE WE BOTH STATED THINGS LIKE: "Well, he said he wanted a ninja turtle or she has been asking for a notebook!"  BOO US AS PARTNERS-not very effective communication buying a few gifts twice! ;))

Then I packed away the gifts that were wrapped and Aaron took them to the attic.  I hid the other presents until another evening that I will be expected to watch football with the bearded man that lives in my house.  I went to bed feeling accomplished and excited for the monsters to see the ELFING elf and even more excited to think about them opening presents from Santa.

But, only just now, as I'm listening to "KEEGAN, TOUCHED ROSIE!!  IS SANTA STILL GOING TO COME!?!?!  MOM, I'M GOING TO BE SO MAD AT KEEGAN ALLLLLLL YEAR LONG IF HE STOLE ROSIE'S MAGIC!!" ETC ETC ETC, am I reminded of the spoiler that is sometimes forgotten during this wonderful season! 

CHRISTmas!  CHRIST is the reason for the season.  Yes, my monsters attended Sunday School this week and we practiced a play about the inn being full and touched a little on the birth of a baby.  Yes, they all sat on the steps in front of the congregation and listened to the children's connection about the meaning of Advent.  Still, if I'm being honest, they know more about the story of Santa and Rosie the elf than they do about the stories from the Bible.

I'm teaching my children to fear an Elf.  A ELFING ELF! 

I'm teaching my kids to fear that I will find out about their poor behavior if they are mean to others!  FEAR ME...Or at least, fear that I will tell their dad!! (Tonight they were probably pretty scared of me.  When the blender exploded on me, it was the last straw.  I threw a tantrum and sent them all to bed.  It was already later than their normal bedtime, but I turned into crazy, possessed, elf-eyes, head spinning, psycho mom.)

 Anyways, back to the subject.  Where does God fit in?

Might I propose a way to fit God in?  No, it's not going to be to touch the ELFING elf and make it lose all of its ELFING magical powers!  (I do believe that imagination is VERY important for young AND old minds alike.)  I'm not asking you to tell your little monster(s) that Santa isn't real!!

Instead, I'm going to read a story from the Bible each night in addition to moving the ELFING elf.  A great resource that also includes coloring pages: http://ministry-to-children.com/advent-coloring-pages-joy/.  I'm going to teach them about hope, finding our way, joy, peace and most importantly that He is our Savior! 

Just imagine!!!! A class full of monsters that believes in hope rather than name calling!  A team full of monsters that turns to God when they are having trouble finding their way! A young workforce that knows the joy that He can add to their work life and home life!  That same class of monsters will soon be middle aged adults, shaping the lives of new monsters, wouldn't it be great if they knew how to find peace through God!?  And what a comfort it would be when they all gather for activities at the nursing home someday.  I hope that they remember that HE IS OUR SAVIOR!

Imagination is important for both young and old.  What do you say?? Join me in sharing the spoiler.  Teach your monster(s) about the ELFING elf, but teach them about the new baby that will be born soon, too!  A new baby, Jesus Christ, Our Savior and Lord was born on Christmas day. Just imagine it!!  I believe, do you?

After my day today, my belief in God is the easiest thing for me to believe in. 

** PLEASE FEEL FREE TO SUBSTITUTE MY FAVORITE WORD FOR ELFING WHERE IT FITS;)




 

ScAnDaL

I think most everyone that follows my blog or my facebook feed knows that I'm a "Grey's Anatomy" fan.  When they started running "Scandal" after Grey's, sometimes I would watch it, sometimes I would fall asleep.  Lately, it has my attention.

For a complete background of the show (if you're interested): http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scandal_(TV_series)

The main character, Olivia, is a gorgeous and very intelligent young lady.  She is the founder of a company that handles damage control for important people.  Sometimes I wish I was an important person and I could have someone on retainer to do damage control!  Seems to me, her toughest client to "fix" is herself.  How true is that in real life?  I can normally give very sound advice, but I don't always take it and follow it myself!

I could go on and on about the characters and  the show.  I'm pretty sure I could talk to Shonda Rhimes for days and days and days if I had the opportunity.  I mean, she is the writer of BOTH television shows that I watch.  Actually, I could probably write a couple pages on the twist at the end of last nights episode! But, I'm stuck on something...else. 

This look that the characters portray when their mind wanders to the person they once loved. Both parties consciously decided to leave the relationship, for whatever reason, but it's still there, this look. Something. Even when everyone makes their decision, the next move is decided, it's still there. Something.

I asked for input on fb and within a couple hours I had what I was fishing for. A friend stated that she was sad for the male character, Fitz. The character in the show that cheated on his wife, while he is the President of America, nonetheless! Why should we feel sorry for him? He's the one that strayed from his marriage. If he wouldn't have looked outside his marriage, he wouldn't have fallen for Olivia in the first place.  But, the truth is, I cried for him, too. WHY?

Then I thought about how Olivia looked when she anticipated seeing Fitz.  The most amazing dress, perfect shining hair...absolutely stunning. 

I still do the same thing when I anticipate seeing someone I once loved.  When I'm aware that I will/might possibly see an ex, I HAVE to have a new dress and heels.   No matter how many years pass,  I feel the need to prove that I am still attractive, appealing, intriguing.   I'm married with children, (sometimes happily, but committed either way;)) yet I still want to look my best (which also includes a smile of happiness plastered on at all times exaggerating how wonderful (said in my head with annoying inflection) my life is) if I run into a person I used to care for deeply.  WHY?

Anyways, "Scandal" is part of my two hour per week television time.  Usually I watch it, it passes the time and I don't think much of it after I turn off the boob tube.  Today I can't get it out of my mind.

My desired conclusion: Every relationship means something.  The beautiful ones that you remember fondly, but also the craporama, awful, painful ones.  Maybe the shitastic ones have the biggest hands in shaping us into the person we're meant to be!  Who knows!

I'm not going to pretend to have the answer, it's just what's going on in my pretty little head today:)