Monday, March 28, 2011

Decisions are tricky

I have a few decisions to make soon.
Some involve deciding to do or not do something
The other involves choosing between two choices.
First up? Should I apply for a part time job at my church, in addition to the part time job I currently have and enjoy?
Second? Invited to participate in a leadership summit for the UMC worldwide - one
day thing- everyone meeting at the same time across the world to talk aobut, pray and discuss the church.
Same day as field trip for oldest to see a play that he wondered if I wanted to chaperone.

So I have to decide. Meanwhile, I've decided I really like the weight watchers chocolate covered raspberry bars. That was easy. :)

Saturday, March 26, 2011

The positive

What do I like about Mothering and what do I do well?
I love seeing them grow and change. I love the fact that the older two can now open jars for me or reach the top shelf. I love seeing their sense of humor, their friendships, their lives open up and take directions mine never did. Sometimes that is bittersweet. They have opportunities different than mine, but I wish they could have some of mine as well - some of the simpler, less restrictive ones. Like being able to go talk to your teachers before school.
I love when they text me. Or write me little comments on the church bulletin.
I love how they humble me - that again and again I am reminded that they are not me, this is not my childhood, and they get to make their own mistakes.
I love to play games with them, the kind that don't involve a tv or computer. Although I am always amazed at how much better they are with my iphone games. sigh.
I truly *like* my kids. I think that shows in their willingness to share with me, that even the 16 year old still says "Love you mom" in public.
When they were younger, I really liked doing messy projects with them. Not everyone does, but I loved the playdoh and the paints and the crayons. The science experiments and the art projects.
I have found, lately, I am seeing a need to reconnect a little bit. We are all so busy, and the computer and tv and video games are such a draw. But I can't give in to that, I need to be purposeful in my connections.
They drive me batty occasionally, but I think any mother who says "I have perfect kids, we are the perfect family" is delusional or psychotic. We argue, I occasionally yell, we mope, we fuss, but we always come back together. We tell the boys when they fight, look, you can fight, but remember, no one else knows you as well as your brothers. Stick together.
I hope they remember that as they get older. That you must stick together.
I have my flaws, and I have a temper. But showing them that, and showing them how to argue fairly, is not a bad thing I think. I don't want to be seen as perfect, just as someone who loved them perfections, imperfections, and all.
They look quite a bit alike. And they all share some basic character traits. But their personalities and actions are each unique. Some days one child may be closer to me than another. The youngest is still in a different stage of life, the middle is in the throes of early teenagerdom, and the oldest is trying to find his way. I don't love any of them more than the other. Some days I enjoy one more than the other, some hours even. But it all evens out in the end. Some days they like Dad more than me :)
There is no "golden child" in this family. Each child is allowed their differences and loved for them. Some of the differences we wish were different :) but all in all , they are wonderful kids. THis mothering gig? Hard as all get out, but wonderful. I cannot imagine my life without my kids.
ALthough I would like to imagine that someone else in this house can hear the dogs needing in and out, and understanding that the laundry fairy is not going to come!

Friday, March 18, 2011

The blogging world

I'm not a big fish in the blogging world. Heck, I'm not even a minnow, and I like it that way. But I do have several blogs I read faithfully, and the thing is, many of them are going through rough times. Divorce, child issues, just life in general. One has seemingly stopped blogging, which makes me sad, as her perspective and voice were different than many others out there. Some are raising the second round of kids AND dealing with health issues. I didn't read blogs for a few days and came on to find one of my favorite bloggers is getting a divorce. Hopefully all will work out for her and her family. But I don't really "know" her so...no details.
I suffer from incurable nosey-ness. But unless I know the person in real life, so to speak, I try not to ask for too many details. Just because a person chooses to blog doesn't mean they have to blog about their whole lives, and it doesn't give me the right to pry.

I like blogs that are *real*, that share the good, the bad, the ugly and the beautiful. I enjoy blogs that make me think, and ones that make me laugh. I don't enjoy reading blogs that are entirely focused on one thing. I like variety :)
What makes a blog read-able for you? What makes you return?

Monday, March 14, 2011

totally silly but totally fun


You were born during a Waning Gibbous moon


- what it says about you -


You like to question things and have issues settled before going to work on a problem. You appreciate art, elegant forms, and efficient designs. You seek deeper meanings in things that you see and want your actions to make the world a better place.
What phase was the moon at on your birthday? Find out at Spacefem.com

Monday, March 07, 2011

Why?

Why, exactly, does Tricare need a twitter account?
The Facebook page is bad enough. But twitter? Really? You couldn't spend that money on a slightly better phone system?

Sunday, March 06, 2011

It's raining, it's pouring

It's rained all weekend. Not all the time, and not heavy, although it rained hard enough last night to wake me up. It is raining again this morning. Those grey rainy days make it hard to stay motivated.
Friday, oldest kid took new gf to dinner (Ihop) and the movies. I had gotten a Living S. deal on two tickets for 9 bucks, so!!! I drove to dinner (dropped off, then went shopping) and then picked them up and took them to the movie theater. Den picked them up, because I really hate driving at night.
Last night he (oldest kid) had people over for movies, video games, etc. Turned out to be all girls, but that was okay, they had a good time. All NJROTC kids. I took the younger two (I used to call them the 'littles' but since one of them is taller than I am..) to Ihop and then we went and saw Gnomeo and Juliet. It was a cute, funny movie. Not an "UP" or Ice Age, but cute, funny, and lots of little Shakespeare "hints' in the movie. All three of us enjoyed it.
The 'party' broke up about midnight. I am TIRED today. But I have to go to Sunday School to fill in.
Today's exciting agenda includes.....
Oldest working on Poe Paper
Middle child cleaning out backpack
Youngest child finishing cleaning his room. His closet is a scawy place.
Grocery shopping
Laundry
Keeping dogs from going stir crazy
Finding Tax papers

On a happy note? FINALLY found my Christmas Card address book. Seriously considering sending out Easter cards instead!