tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19991889130924311242024-03-19T01:28:14.061-03:00Mama Scarlet's Wild RideMama Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15219062691587488761noreply@blogger.comBlogger159125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1999188913092431124.post-1785005238548336042008-04-16T18:59:00.005-03:002008-06-03T06:24:49.561-03:00Mama's Moving!I'm in need of a fresh start so I made the decision to leave this blog behind and start a new one.<br /><br />I'm now blogging over at : <a href="http://www.findingkermit.blogspot.com/">"Searching For Kermit" </a> . Come on over and say hi! :)<br /><br />Cheers!Mama Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15219062691587488761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1999188913092431124.post-58466681476147959582008-04-15T16:51:00.004-03:002008-05-04T21:45:33.681-03:00Wants vs. NeedsI always wanted to be one of those women who was completely fulfilled by her role as wife and mother. I worked very hard for many years, trying to stuff myself into that role and be happy with it. Since becoming a mommy I've gone through several 'dark periods', where I struggle with depression and feelings of unworthiness.<br /><br />I've been experiencing the same thing for the past several months now.<br /><br />What it really boils down to is the fact that I'm not satisfied with just being a wife and mommy. I wanted that, and I tried so hard to be it. I thought that the problem was that I just wasn't trying hard enough. I can see now that there isn't really a "problem", just reality. And the reality is that I need more in my life, that I need more things that are just for me, that are outside of being a wife and mommy.<br /><br />Despite what I may <span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">want</span></span>, I'm stopping to take a look at what I actually <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">need</span>. The two aren't necessarily the same.<br /><br />The fact that Emma is getting older is really making me think about the fact that I'm not always going to have these girls of mine. They're not even really "mine", since we can't "have" another person. I've simply been entrusted with the responsibility of nurturing and protecting them, and helping them to become the people that they are meant to be.<br /><br />And while I'm doing that, I can't forget to nurture myself, and be the person that *I* am meant to be.<br /><br />Now I'm just left with the task of figuring out who and what that is....Mama Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15219062691587488761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1999188913092431124.post-16860791201651545472008-04-14T08:08:00.002-03:002008-04-14T08:18:24.101-03:00Wild Times at the Magic CastleIt's the morning after. Yes, the party was tons of fun, but I have to say that I'm glad to have another 11 months before it's Molly's birthday again. ;)<br /><br />I stayed up the night before the party until 1:00 am, decorating and getting the cake ready. It's always a little bit stressful, but I do love it. <br /><br />The party theme was "Pink Castle" (Emma's choice). So the house was decorated with lots of pink decorations. I hung stars, streamers, ribbon and balloons from the ceiling all over the downstairs of the house. I made use of some paper flowers from her party two years ago, and stuck those up on the living room walls as well, just to give it a fun feel. <br /><br />The invitations promised "contests of wit, bravery and skill". The contest of "skill" was to pin the fire on the dragon. The contest of "wit" was to figure out the clue and find where the Queen had left her favourite necklace, and the contest of "bravery" was to enter the Ogre's Cave and retrieve the Wizard's lost magic wand (Chris had originally wanted to dress up as an ogre to scare the bejeezus out of them, which I talked him out of, explaining that there was no way we would be able to afford the future therapy bills that this would inevitably lead to).<br /><br />I learned a few things during the party, for sure. Like never underestimate the volume level of 8 children chanting, "CAKE! CAKE! CAKE! CAKE! CAKE! CAKE!". Also - ice cream cones are a treat even if they don't actually contain any ice cream (the kids all wanted a cone to go with their cake (the castle towers were made from ice cream cones). I began to tell them there weren't enough on the cake to go around, when I remembered the whole box in the pantry and figured what the hell...this was surprisingly a big hit. Who knew?<br /><br />Another thing I learned was to never underestimated how exhausting a five year old's birthday party can be. By the end of the afternoon, I was pooped!<br /><br />The important part was that all the kids had a blast...and so did I. I do love doing parties for my kids, but I'm glad that I have a good long break until the next one....Mama Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15219062691587488761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1999188913092431124.post-46192044679811365632008-04-13T11:19:00.002-03:002008-04-13T11:22:17.312-03:00Three Hours and Counting....Three hours to the big party. There are a few finishing touches to be done, but overall, I think I've got a handle on things. I ended up staying up until 1:00 a.m., putting up decorations and getting the FAB-U-LOUS castle cake finished (photos to come). <br /><br />The worst part about having a party is busting my hump to clean the house...only have it trashed in a matter of a couple of hours. I'm sure that despite all of my hard work, tomorrow morning I'm going to wake up with another pile of cleaning to do.<br /><br />Ah, well, such is life.<br /><br />Okay, so yeah, I MAY be procrastinating just a bit. Time to get back to it. :)Mama Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15219062691587488761noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1999188913092431124.post-66465556284858396152008-04-12T08:06:00.004-03:002008-04-12T08:11:00.181-03:00Can't seem to get this song out of my head today....I posted this for those of you who aren't familiar with The Finn Brothers/Crowded House. And for those of you who are, then you can appreciate why I'm hooked on them.....<br /><br />It's called "Fall At Your Feet". My favourite version of this song is actually sung by our dear friend Scott. He really needs to put some of his stuff up on youtube. ;)<br /><br /><object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/yy_021tiFtM&hl=en"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/yy_021tiFtM&hl=en" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object>Mama Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15219062691587488761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1999188913092431124.post-60364616996789819942008-04-12T05:33:00.005-03:002008-12-09T13:45:53.342-04:00Don't ask for the recipe....<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6H3zUUmgiJAhis5ItnsmZm3i19T7DPaNhlGKd-Oaaj2oQoCEaBE__m6FpLnEpXXp62tUeA17LVaSBc7XMBcUm7Kr-ZGn4fotoKEfxCpruYNLdrdP274lXHTq12p1d0vfGluqS4yeOw2Ir/s1600-h/IMG_4702.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6H3zUUmgiJAhis5ItnsmZm3i19T7DPaNhlGKd-Oaaj2oQoCEaBE__m6FpLnEpXXp62tUeA17LVaSBc7XMBcUm7Kr-ZGn4fotoKEfxCpruYNLdrdP274lXHTq12p1d0vfGluqS4yeOw2Ir/s320/IMG_4702.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5188276631744677362" border="0" /></a><br />...because I don't have one!<br /><br />(I've been inspired by my <a href="http://smelaniesstuffs.blogspot.com/">niece</a> to blog about the food I'm cooking/eating - thanks, Mel. ;)<br /><br />I love to cook. The way I love cooking the best is to just throw things in a pot or pan, with a vague idea of what I want the end result to be, and see what happens. More often than not, I am pleasantly surprised with the results.<br /><br />A couple of days ago I made a gorgeous chickpea and vegetable soup. We're mostly vegetarians and so chickpeas are a staple at our house. They go into everything from soup to chocolate cake (yeah, that's right, I said chocolate cake. Maybe I'll post <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">that</span> particular recipe sometime - delicious!).<br /><br />This soup has lovely chickpea goodness, along with potatoes, carrots, onion and garlic, vegetable stock, tomatoes, basil, spinach and one of my favourite soup ingredients - broccoli stalks. Yep. <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Broccoli stalks. </span>I'm one of those frugal people who really hates throwing out good food. It kind of chaps my hide to serve my family broccoli and see those tasty stalks go to waste. So I try to use them up in soup whenever I can, which admittedly isn't as often as I'd like. In any case, I used them in this soup and it made me happy.<br /><br />What also made me happy is that my picky eater children actually ATE this soup. Surprise, surprise!<br /><br />I'm having the leftovers for lunch today! YUM!Mama Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15219062691587488761noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1999188913092431124.post-55969899906934215122008-04-11T16:55:00.001-03:002008-04-11T16:55:50.791-03:00Happiness Is....Happiness is....<br /><br />Date night with my hubby. :)Mama Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15219062691587488761noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1999188913092431124.post-14940531796606606802008-04-11T09:32:00.003-03:002008-04-11T16:56:53.349-03:00I Will SurviveIt really sucks seeing potential in a person and seeing it go to waste. But I'm learning. One of the biggest lessons I am learning is that I can't control other people. Being compassionate means giving others the space to be themselves and learn their own lessons. <br /><br />Being sad when you see those lessons going unlearned is also part of compassion as well. That's the part that hurts. Sometimes life surprises us in good ways, sometimes in not so good ways. That's just how it goes sometimes.<br /><br />But now, I turn my compassion back to myself. <br /><br />I will survive.<br /><br /><object height="355" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/RofjxpEXuJI&hl=en"><param name="wmode" value="transparent"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/RofjxpEXuJI&hl=en" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" height="355" width="425"></embed></object>Mama Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15219062691587488761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1999188913092431124.post-86061252065363294932008-04-10T08:20:00.002-03:002008-04-10T08:26:08.502-03:00Foiled PlansI went to bed last night with the plan of getting up this morning for a run. I made it as far as downstairs, and I just couldn't get myself dressed and out the door. I hate that. I hate it when I allow my emotional state to hold me back from something that I know will actually <span style="font-weight: bold;">help</span> my emotional state. Guess it's my self-destructive tendencies showing.<br /><br />I'm trying to see this as just a little bump in the road, but I've gotta be honest - it's tough.<br /><br />I'm going to make the effort, though. Just keep swimming, just keep swimming, just keep swimming.<br /><br />Maybe tomorrow will be a better day.Mama Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15219062691587488761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1999188913092431124.post-28185242279975945782008-04-09T17:45:00.002-03:002008-04-09T17:57:04.309-03:00It's SO hard....One of the biggest challenges of parenting is putting aside my own issues in order to give better to my children.<br /><br />Today was Emma's birthday, her special day, and I managed to get overwhelmed with something that I wasn't expecting. I worked really hard to roll up my issue, my anxiety, my hurt, my anger, and everything else I was feeling into a tight little ball and push it down as far as I could - so I could be the mommy that she deserved today.<br /><br />I really wish that I'd had the luxury of curling up into a ball, shutting out the world, and just allowing myself to get overwhelmed. Instead I had to plaster on a fake grin, grit my teeth, and feign enthusiasm. Hopefully she was none the wiser.<br /><br />My biggest fear is that someday she's going to think back on her 5th birthday and remember that mommy was upset and unhappy. I can only hope that she was so focused on herself, on what was going on around her, that she wasn't tuned into what *I* was feeling. And maybe some day I'll be able to make it up to her, for, once again, not being the mommy that I wanted to be. <br /><br />I love my kids so much...and I'm working on being the mommy they need and deserve. It's not easy to do that when my problems get in the way. <br /><br />I just hate that I have one more thing to add to my list of "reasons to feel guilty"....Mama Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15219062691587488761noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1999188913092431124.post-79039169044082280082008-04-09T08:07:00.003-03:002008-04-09T08:26:39.663-03:00Adventures in SleepingAnyone who is, or has been, the parent of two young kids knows what an adventure bedtime can be. I can probably count on one hand the number of peaceful night's sleep I've gotten in the past five years. Coincidentally, I think all of those peaceful nights have been while I was all by myself.<br /><br />Last night was a great example.<br /><br />Chris had a co-op meeting and so I was left with the joy of getting both girls to bed. Molly still needs someone to lay in bed beside her until she's asleep. Emma was - well, let's just say Emma was a bundle of excitement on the night before her birthday. Molly didn't seem very tired. I was surprised by this, considering the fact that they had a nice long playground visit in the afternoon.<br /><br />It took about an hour to get Molly settled. My frustration level was high, as every time I tried sneaking out, her eyes popped open immediately, and she grabbed onto me for dear life. All I could think about were the birthday gifts to wrap, and party decorations to work on. <br /><br />I finally made it out of there. The rest of my evening was pretty uneventful. I worked on Sunday's party prep. Chris came home, filled me in on the co-op news, and then we went to bed. <br /><br />I was just dozing off when I heard the girls' bedroom door open. The heavy-footed gait told me that it was Molly. I pulled another pillow into our bed and let her crawl in with us. For the next 45 minutes, Molly proceeded to toss her leg up over my neck, repeatedly, play with my hair, and shove her knees into my back. She would seem to wait just until I was almost asleep to do it. It was nothing less than TORTURE!<br /><br />Finally, I grabbed my pillows and left in disgust. Chris could deal with it. I needed sleep.<br /><br />I crawled quietly into Molly's little bed and drifted off to sleep. At around 1:30 I was ripped from my dreams by a light being flashed in my eyes. Emma's flashlight.<br /><br />"Mommy, is it morning yet?" She wanted to know.<br /><br />"Not even close, Kiddo. Go back to sleep."<br /><br />By this point my back was starting to hurt. Mo's bed isn't exactly the most comfortable one in the house, particularly for an adult body. I managed to get to sleep anyhow.<br /><br />At 4:30, same thing. Rustling around in the room, flashlight in my face. "Is it morning NOW, Mommy?"<br /><br />Deep breath. Clenched teeth. "No, honey, go back to sleep." I mustered up a sweet reply.<br /><br />I woke up at 5:45, and contemplated a run. The bed was so warm, I was so tired...I drifted back to sleep.<br /><br />6:00 am. More flashing lights. "Is it morning now, Mommy?"<br /><br />"Yeah, Kiddo, it is. Happy Birthday."<br /><br />"Do I get my presents now???????"<br /><br />"Go wake up Daddy...."<br /><br />And today I'm dreaming of a huge coffee....Mama Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15219062691587488761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1999188913092431124.post-47076797071538180972008-04-09T07:35:00.002-03:002008-04-09T07:38:24.461-03:00HAPPY BIRTHDAY EMMA!!!Happy Birthday to you,<br />Happy Birthday to you,<br />Happy Birthday, Miss Emma Wigglepants.....<br /><br />Happy Birthday tooooooooo youuuuuuu!!!!<br /><br />So she's five. FIVE YEARS OLD. How did I suddenly become the mother of a five year old? It doesn't seem possible, somehow. The last five years have flown by in the blink of an eye, and I know that the next five will go even faster.<br /><br />In five years, Emma has grown from a helpless newborn into a sweet, charming, funny, creative and spunky five year old. I know that the future holds great things for her. I feel so privileged to be able to share in that with her. <br /><br />Happy Birthday, Kiddo.Mama Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15219062691587488761noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1999188913092431124.post-73754792850763227002008-04-08T16:07:00.001-03:002008-04-08T16:11:23.803-03:00Presenting..............some positivity for the paranoid and pensive. ;)<br /><br /><object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/zkHM8xG6i8o&hl=en"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/zkHM8xG6i8o&hl=en" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object>Mama Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15219062691587488761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1999188913092431124.post-11946144882929637102008-04-08T16:03:00.001-03:002008-04-08T16:04:18.610-03:00Happiness Is.....Happiness is.....<br /><br /><br />The first playground visit of the season! :)Mama Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15219062691587488761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1999188913092431124.post-11440439702322422312008-04-08T09:07:00.004-03:002008-04-08T09:14:23.194-03:00Glorious MorningThis morning's run was nothing short of awesome. The sun was shining, there was a hint of crispness in the air, birds were singing. I felt strong and capable and full of life. <br /><br />I got out the door a little later than I would have liked, and so the run had be shorter than was ideal, but hell, it can't all be perfect, now can it? ;)<br /><br />It's a busy week for me this week, what with the birthday party on Sunday and all, but it's a good kind of busy. Throwing myself into a fun project is a good distraction from some of the less pleasurable parts of my life. Yeah, I'll get back to dealing with those unpleasant things, but for now, it's good to take a break from them and focus on something else. The issues will wait. Emma's only ever going to have one 5th Birthday Party. <br /><br />This morning we have a playdate with a friend. The best part of it for me (besides the company, of course!) is getting a HUGE mug of strong organic coffee. Like the addict that I am, I can't keep coffee in my house, so I need to take advantage of the opportunity to have it whenever it arises. Today is one of those days. I can already feel the caffeine coursing through my veins. <br /><br />WHEEEEEEEEEE!Mama Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15219062691587488761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1999188913092431124.post-55768564376856142252008-04-08T07:01:00.002-03:002008-04-08T07:01:51.069-03:00Kermit!!!This is for everyone who knows what this is about. And even for those of you who don't, who doesn't enjoy a little Kermit the Frog now and again?<br /><br /><object height="355" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/jSFLZ-MzIhM&hl=en"><param name="wmode" value="transparent"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/jSFLZ-MzIhM&hl=en" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" height="355" width="425"></embed></object>Mama Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15219062691587488761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1999188913092431124.post-81274683486256618422008-04-07T17:11:00.002-03:002008-04-07T17:11:39.553-03:00Happiness Is.....Happiness is....line-dried laundry. :)<br /><br />Yes, spring really is here.Mama Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15219062691587488761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1999188913092431124.post-84025597825212204942008-04-07T09:57:00.005-03:002008-12-09T13:45:53.983-04:00Enjoying the Spring Weather<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4_NowdR7XvgS8_w4OmoiLNN8tcpISFRFfjtJAEMheFKWUcajEJ1eAOx8wueZVCT1FjlUISyVAlG41RKsax5nuflcXMrWT7DwDmEbOr2TjPwZeAwlv4vO2VKIRGCfZdasUf6Z_rWr-9erx/s1600-h/IMG_4646.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4_NowdR7XvgS8_w4OmoiLNN8tcpISFRFfjtJAEMheFKWUcajEJ1eAOx8wueZVCT1FjlUISyVAlG41RKsax5nuflcXMrWT7DwDmEbOr2TjPwZeAwlv4vO2VKIRGCfZdasUf6Z_rWr-9erx/s200/IMG_4646.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5186488270386390674" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvxD2XklPD1Lp441PqHCkiWu2AiRu40_4bLt3NaEnvXkzX3fjamGl7rGTtrYLhzLqvAQ9cdhpgbvRPTyC-1Fgrv7gKQxwm2QQEcar88Lv8ZXfyWYIN68uyoQ_HYE9XJRUcTX-xmFecnzsp/s1600-h/IMG_4668.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvxD2XklPD1Lp441PqHCkiWu2AiRu40_4bLt3NaEnvXkzX3fjamGl7rGTtrYLhzLqvAQ9cdhpgbvRPTyC-1Fgrv7gKQxwm2QQEcar88Lv8ZXfyWYIN68uyoQ_HYE9XJRUcTX-xmFecnzsp/s200/IMG_4668.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5186487913904105090" /></a><br />The girls and I got out yesterday afternoon to enjoy the beautiful spring weather. We drew with sidewalk chalk, blew bubbles, rode bikes, even had a short playdate with the neighbour kid who came out to ride with us. <br /><br />Spring is here! It makes me so happy!Mama Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15219062691587488761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1999188913092431124.post-45781474971394409342008-04-07T08:24:00.003-03:002008-04-07T08:35:13.102-03:00I'm smilingI went out for a run this morning. It's "long run" day, but I only ended up with a mediocre one - 11-k - I sacrificed sleep for some quality time with my hubby last night ;) and so I'm a little sluggish this morning as a result. Hey, it's all about priorities, though, right? Time with hubby comes before an extra 5-k on my morning run. <br /><br />This morning I am smiling, drinking in the sunshine and relishing being alive. I am keenly aware today that there are no guarantees in this life, and so I need to make sure that I enjoy the happy moments while I'm in the middle of them (as I write this, Chris is wrestling with and tickling the girls behind me. Their squeals of delight are almost deafening).<br /><br />You know what? I think I'm going to hit 'post' and go join them. :)Mama Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15219062691587488761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1999188913092431124.post-32980842061463056152008-04-07T08:22:00.002-03:002008-04-07T08:24:18.262-03:00"Bitch" -- Meredith BrooksI love this song for those days when I'm feeling a little unsure of myself. I added it to my running playlist a couple of months ago - and I love it!!!!<br /><br />Today I'm feeling fairly strong and confident, so I just wanted to share that vibe with everyone.<br /><br />Enjoy! :)<br /><br /><br /><object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/rhfiiGGy7Ls&hl=en"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/rhfiiGGy7Ls&hl=en" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object>Mama Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15219062691587488761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1999188913092431124.post-34058844782274804132008-04-06T12:27:00.003-03:002008-04-06T12:40:01.200-03:00Party Countdown!So Miss Emma turns 5 on Wednesday. Five years old! How is that possible?<br /><br />(Okay...deep breath...I'll save the moaning and wailing post about my baby growing up for Wednesday).<br /><br />To honour the occasion, we're having a "Pink Castle Party" next Sunday. I've kind of gotten myself into trouble with the birthday party 'theme' thing. Two years ago Emma had a "butterfly garden" party. Last year was a Pirate party extravaganza. Molly has had parties with a Ladybug theme, teddy bear theme, and this year was (by her decision) a "Purple Spider Party". <br /><br />Sadly, I've been procrastinating with the preparations this year. In my own defense, I've had a lot on my plate, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. I'm definitely on the upswing, but I still have a way to go. And hell, let's face it, even at the best of times, I struggle with procrastination.<br /><br />So I have a busy week ahead of me....decorations to make...a cake to plan...treat bags to assemble....ugh. I'm exhausted just thinking about it. But a good kind of exhausted, the kind that comes from throwing myself into something, body and soul, that I <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">absolutely love</span> doing. Throwing big parties like these for my kids are my way of working out my artistic urges. I get to geek out making invitations, decorations, and a fabulous cake, coming up with party games and activities and making food.<br /><br />Yeah, I'll be exhausted, but a big part of me is looking forward to it. And don't worry - I'll be sure to post pictures. :)Mama Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15219062691587488761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1999188913092431124.post-13572736967615372492008-04-06T09:58:00.002-03:002008-04-06T09:58:40.063-03:00Happiness Is......Happiness is....hangover breakfast....when you're NOT hungover.Mama Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15219062691587488761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1999188913092431124.post-19169500708159767952008-04-05T07:14:00.003-03:002008-12-09T13:45:54.176-04:00Sushi Night!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEkHP26EssBPIyEdHVkbgT9E_ASI7gdddMC7NGO6yiWZNB7pbuOWpi1Llh6TDandy2jr3aWaArY4Akk3f8VFBPWcOgqJ0RRUyu8Ou_NdBYHvm9d-BrQj7xqq4AQ5fVfghkV0yXkC3lwH5R/s1600-h/IMG_4640.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEkHP26EssBPIyEdHVkbgT9E_ASI7gdddMC7NGO6yiWZNB7pbuOWpi1Llh6TDandy2jr3aWaArY4Akk3f8VFBPWcOgqJ0RRUyu8Ou_NdBYHvm9d-BrQj7xqq4AQ5fVfghkV0yXkC3lwH5R/s320/IMG_4640.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5185705637150746226" border="0" /></a><br />My husband and I are very busy people. Two kids, Chris in school full time, working part time, me doing the homeschooling thing, living in a co-op, finding time for our friends......it can get pretty hectic by times (And by <span style="font-style: italic;">'by times'</span>, I mean pretty much constantly). One thing we've always done, for years now, is commit our Friday nights to one another. Barring something special (like a rare "mommy sleepover" for me), we always spend Friday evenings together. We hold off dinner until after Emma and Mo are in bed, and then eat together, enjoy a drink or two, and usually watch a movie. It's a nice little tradition, something to look forward to at the end of the week. Just relaxing together, no expectations, just enjoying good food and each other's company.<br /><br />Most Friday nights for the past three years, I always make us sushi. We've taken a break from it for a few months, because frankly, I was getting tired of it. It was good to branch out and experiment with other things.<br /><br />Last night we had sushi again for the first time in months. I'd forgotten how yummy it could be. We also watched "The Notebook", which I'd watched before, but I consider one of the ultimate in romantic movies. Not too sappy, not too corny - hell, even Chris enjoyed it the second time around. I'm embarrassed to report that I was a complete bawl-bag, which really isn't surprising, considering the emotional turmoil I've experienced these last few months. Guess I needed something to cry about other than my own issues. ;)<br /><br />I love our Friday nights. It's nice knowing, no matter how frazzled and busy the week gets, we've always got that one chunk of time guaranteed for one another. It doesn't really even matter to me what we do - it's good to just have that time to count on, to know that no matter what, we're committed to that, and to each other. Such a seemingly small ritual, with so much deep meaning.<br /><br />I love you, honey.....Mama Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15219062691587488761noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1999188913092431124.post-78498457598294241342008-04-04T16:36:00.002-03:002008-04-04T16:39:56.036-03:00Happiness Is.....Happiness is........a kind neighbour who made me coffee when I came desperately begging for a caffeine fix on a Friday afternoon....Mama Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15219062691587488761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1999188913092431124.post-71114291122390794472008-04-04T07:10:00.002-03:002008-04-04T07:22:31.508-03:00Van Halen - "Right Now"This video always gave me goosebumps.<br /><br /><br /><br /><object height="355" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/WCkQZOnCN3k&hl=en"><param name="wmode" value="transparent"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/WCkQZOnCN3k&hl=en" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" height="355" width="425"></embed></object><br /><br />Some of the words that are particularly relevant to my life, and some of those around me <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">RIGHT NOW</span>:<br /><br />"Right now opportunity is passing you by"<br /><br />"Right now guilt is turning someone inside out"<br /><br />"Right now, somebody's got the wrong idea"<br /><br />"Right now is just a space between ice ages"<br /><br />"Right now is a good time to repent"<br /><br />'Right now the truth is being obscured"<br /><br />"Right now no one is safe from loneliness"<br /><br />"Right now time is having its way with you"<br /><br />"Right now you aren't doing what you most wish you were"<br /><br />"Right now keeps happening"<br /><br />Yep....the goosebumps are still there....Mama Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15219062691587488761noreply@blogger.com0