Posted on Tuesday~March 31, 2009 Do you have a few posts you’re really proud of? You know the ones, tucked away in your archives, begging to be read? Posts that many of your readers missed because it was long ago, or posts they would love to see again? YES, YOU DO! So here’s your chance to have your favorites featured! Bloggers Annex I’m one of the editors over at the Bloggers Annex, and we want YOUR submissions. The posts can be serious, funny, poetry…anything. We simply look for well-written posts to share with the blogosphere. I joined the Annex team because I love discovering new blogs and great writers. I love to “meet” new people I wouldn’t have come across if not for sites that feature a variety of posts from a variety of bloggers. That’s exactly what the Annex does, and I look forward to seeing it grow! If you’re already familiar […]
Posted on Monday~ March 31, 2009Miles returned from a trip to the home improvement store with Daddy, holding an empty Blizzard cup. Apparently he knows that I like him to eat healthy and not have too much sugar because the first thing he said was, “Mom, this is just a cup of ice and it comes with a spoon so you can scoop up the ice and eat the ice it’s just ice.” So we talked about lying. I asked him to look at me and told him I don’t mind if he has ice cream. I said he can always tell me the truth. Then I asked him what he had eaten and he said, “Milk.” I suppose that’s progress, getting just a little closer to the truth? ————— He’s sitting at the table drawing pictures and he asks me to tell him a story about what he’s drawing. So I asked […]
Posted on Sunday~March 29, 2009 I haven’t really known where to go after my last two posts. Talking about the sad stuff, the sickness, the loss…I didn’t know what to say after that. I have a tendency to just randomly post whatever is on my mind and heart on a particular day. There’s no rhyme or reason. I don’t have any one particular kind of blog, which gives me a bit too much freedom. I can attempt humor, I can wax philosophical, I can mommy blog, I can vent, and so on. I’m sure visiting here is a bit like arriving to a theater without knowing what kind of movie you’re going to, but I’m not going to apologize for that. (Sorry.) This is how I roll. Those of you with ADD will totally understand, I’m sure. Now what was my point? Oh yeah… I still couldn’t figure out what to say because […]
Posted on Saturday~March 28, 2009 I have good news today! Can you stand it? If you’re here from 5 Minutes for Parenting, HI! Welcome to the EO! Now that I (hopefully) made you laugh with my McFear post over at 5 Minutes for Parenting, let’s see if I can make you cry! I know, fun game… This post shares my feelings about how fast my boys will grow and how badly I want to Remember. (I will now plug this post furthur by saying it was featured on Blog Nosh Magazine, Mama Manifesto, and the Bloggers Annex. And I was totally flattered.) And now, HI GUYS! (you regular folks, you!) Yes, you guessed it. A post of mine is over at 5 Minutes for Parenting! Every Saturday, 5 Minutes for Parenting features a post that’s funny, giving you a Dose of Humor. (If you have some humorous parenting related posts, go on over […]
Posted on Wednesday~March 25, 2009 I apologize for how cramped this post is, but blogger apparently hates the Enter key today. ARGH! Thank you all so much for your comments, thoughts and prayers for our neighbors. I love so many things about the blog world, but I think my favorite is the way people spread the word and encourage each other. To the non-blogger, it might seem strange to truly care about someone you’ve never met, but people are totally capable of it. I’ve experienced it more than once. Thank you. I hope to have something light and funny to share with you soon, but today isn’t that day. I’m sure many of you know about Stellan. If you haven’t heard, he’s back in the hospital and his little heart is just not working right. I’ve been following MckMama’s tweets and posts and my heart breaks for their struggle. This family is living […]
Posted on Tuesday~March 24, 2009I was walking through this day feeling grumpy and out of sorts, wondering why the rain is giving me the blues and wishing I could see it as a sign of Spring instead of gloom. I was restless through the night last night, tossing and not sleeping. So I was focused on my lack of sleep this morning, feeling sorry for myself. I wasn’t in the mood to eat up the pure goodness that is my boys. I just didn’t have the energy. Sometimes I can’t sleep and I just know… We’re all connected. So I believe that when I feel uneasy and don’t know why, there’s something pulling at my spirit for a reason. It means I need to pray, even if I don’t know why. I need to pray for peace and comfort for someone who needs it badly, even if I don’t know who it is. […]
Posted on Monday~March 23, 2009 Remember the Micromachine’s Man, the speed talker of the 80’s? Those commercials always overwhelmed me. I couldn’t believe he could talk that fast, so I would sit and practice talking like him and I could never do it. So frustrating. My point? This post should be read like the Micromachine Man talks. Ready? GO! We’re packing up the trusty Chevy and driving out to my parent’s this morning to stay for the week. (I know, my parents are SO lucky.) We’ll be four-wheelin, feeding the neighbor’s horses, and going for walks in the country in no time. So I’m in a hurry and apparently so is Asher: (You’d think I’d know by now not to tell my children we’re leaving until we’re in the car.) And I’ve been a little on the overly busy side these days, so I have to shoot some bullets at you. Wait, let […]
Posted on Saturday~March 21, 2009 A friend I’ve had for over ten years mailed me some pictures from back when we first met. I fanned through memories of another time, another Heather. One who is much the same as the current version, but also entirely different. In those pictures I saw a trip Up North, one I’d nearly forgotten. And then I flipped to some photos of a vacation to Mexico, one I’ll always remember. And even more flashbacks of our daily adventures as servers at Don Pablo’s, ones that included the beautiful smiles of friends made and kept, and some who’ve moved on or away. My heart aches when I see pictures from years ago. I wish I could hold tightly to all those people, to keep the memories fresh. To never forget what I learned. My friends and I, we look so different now than we did then. It all goes […]
Posted on Friday~March 20, 2009 Isn’t this crazy? We can even party hop on-line now.Which means I don’t even have to do my hair.I can just sit around looking like this: Except I don’t really look like this because I have brown hair now.But my face? Totally the same.I don’t make this face at real life parties, but I make it a lot at home.So there you have it. This is what I’m doing right now. Most likely.I’m a party animal.——————— Welcome to the Extraordinary Ordinary. If you’re new here thanks to 5 Minutes for Mom, please don’t be scared. I don’t always make that face. Rather, I spend hours on end smiling and playing peacefully with my two boys, Miles and Asher. They’re ages 3 and 1, and we play cars constantly and I never tire of it. (That wasn’t the truth. I love to play with my boys in short doses, […]
Posted on Wednesday~March 18, 2009 I met Jodi Picoult.Yup, here’s proof, right here in this picture.That’s me on your left.Jodi Picoult is right there in the middle.And The Amazing Auntie Kay is on your right.(My Aunt, not Jodi’s.) I’d like to tell you that I had a very eloquent exchange with Jodi P., like the one I had planned.In that daydream, the one I had while I was standing in line, I said,“You rock!” And she responded excitedly with, “Why, thank you!!!“ (See? Totally eloquent.) But no, that’s not what happened. Instead, I just stood there and smiled like a big freak.Even when she looked right at me and said “HI” real nice, I still just stood there and smiled.Yeah, I did that until the person who was taking the photo of us couldn’t figure out my camera.Then I said (so eloquently) “You have to look through the hole, just regular, not on […]
Posted on Wednesday~March 18, 2009 I would like to say that I feed my kids three perfectly balanced meals a day, but that would be a big fat lie. I’d also like to say that they never have any unhealthy snacks, but that would be an even bigger and fatter lie. (No one likes a liar.) But I will say that I try. Eating well is something that’s important to me. Part of my Mama Manifesto, if you will. The problem with staying on top of eating healthy is that it’s lots and lots of work, and I can be lots and lots of lazy. So I’ve come up with a few things that are standard, things I always have around the house that I consider healthy alternatives for the things kids love. (Please don’t tell me they aren’t healthy, or I’ll be crushed–I know they’re at least more healthy than really unhealthy […]
Posted on Tuesday~ March 17, 2009 I had to stop and smile today as Asher made his way across the kitchen floor. Stomp-stomp-stomp. He loves to stomp. If wearing shoes, he can be found trying to find the best place for foot pounding. It makes him smile. This child loves to hear himself. It occurred to me today that he loves everything about himself and everything about life. Of course, at age 1.5, he doesn’t have the capacity for much introspection, but I’d like to think there’s more to it than that. I believe he was born with a gift that will lead him to live out loud if given the chance. I believe that because I think it’s true for everyone. This passionate little guy impresses me even while his stubborn spirit and temper stretch me every day. Asher has been through more than many folks his age, and yet his joy […]
Posted on Sunday~ March 15, 2009 Marriage. gentle and kind patient and selfless, Wild like Spring passionate like Summer. Autumn. the cold rolls in Dormant. Still. Winter arrives Sometimes. hard dull gone not laughing not connecting Fear in the cold of Winter. Remember us? A little. We move and work and clean and raise. Life is busyfull. There is illness loss indifference comparison guilt But we’ll stay herein lovein hope and wait for Spring. Spring is a choice. I’ll see you as a seedling, beautiful alive and growing beside me, taller even fuller and bursting with life. Loving a person just the way they are it’s no small thing. It takes some time to see things through. Loving me just the way I am, That’s no small thing. It takes some time. ———————– She sits and holds curled fingers, veins so visible showing their age. he’s still here and she’s still here So […]
Posted on Friday~March 13, 2009 GOOD NEWS! Here’s what we learned during Asher’s day of testing yesterday:The ventricles that were over-loaded with spinal fluid before his shunt surgery are just a fraction of the size they once were. It amazes me that our bodies can spring back and recover from such things. When Asher’s hydrocephalus was discovered, the over-flowing ventricles took up over half of the upper part of his brain, pushing into those lobes like a hand squeezing a sponge. But now, everything appears to be back in order. His valve is working as it should!As the janitor at my college used to say, “PRAISE-A-LUIA TO YA!”(I’m pretty sure there’s a Hallelujah in there somewhere.) So now, we plan to carry on with life as usual. And that sounds really good. We’ll gobble up moments like this:In which the book Asher is reading apparently says he can have a pacifier forever, In […]
Posted on Friday~March 13, 2009 GOOD NEWS! Here’s what we learned during Asher’s day of testing yesterday:The ventricles that were over-loaded with spinal fluid before his shunt surgery are just a fraction of the size they once were. It amazes me that our bodies can spring back and recover from such things. When Asher’s hydrocephalus was discovered, the over-flowing ventricles took up over half of the upper part of his brain, pushing into those lobes like a hand squeezing a sponge. But now, everything appears to be back in order. His valve is working as it should!As the janitor at my college used to say, “PRAISE-A-LUIA TO YA!”(I’m pretty sure there’s a Hallelujah in there somewhere.) So now, we plan to carry on with life as usual. And that sounds really good. We’ll gobble up moments like this:In which the book Asher is reading apparently says he can have a pacifier forever, In […]
Posted on Friday~March 13, 2009 GOOD NEWS! Here’s what we learned during Asher’s day of testing yesterday:The ventricles that were over-loaded with spinal fluid before his shunt surgery are just a fraction of the size they once were. It amazes me that our bodies can spring back and recover from such things. When Asher’s hydrocephalus was discovered, the over-flowing ventricles took up over half of the upper part of his brain, pushing into those lobes like a hand squeezing a sponge. But now, everything appears to be back in order. His valve is working as it should!As the janitor at my college used to say, “PRAISE-A-LUIA TO YA!”(I’m pretty sure there’s a Hallelujah in there somewhere.) So now, we plan to carry on with life as usual. And that sounds really good. We’ll gobble up moments like this:In which the book Asher is reading apparently says he can have a pacifier forever, In […]
Posted on Friday~March 13, 2009 GOOD NEWS! Here’s what we learned during Asher’s day of testing yesterday:The ventricles that were over-loaded with spinal fluid before his shunt surgery are just a fraction of the size they once were. It amazes me that our bodies can spring back and recover from such things. When Asher’s hydrocephalus was discovered, the over-flowing ventricles took up over half of the upper part of his brain, pushing into those lobes like a hand squeezing a sponge. But now, everything appears to be back in order. His valve is working as it should!As the janitor at my college used to say, “PRAISE-A-LUIA TO YA!”(I’m pretty sure there’s a Hallelujah in there somewhere.) So now, we plan to carry on with life as usual. And that sounds really good. We’ll gobble up moments like this:In which the book Asher is reading apparently says he can have a pacifier forever, In […]
Posted on Thursday~March 12, 2009 Today Asher has his three month follow-up appointment. Yes, it’s been THREE months since his brain shunt surgery! He’ll have a catscan, xray, and a bit of a drive to see his neurosurgeon to look over the tests. Big, long day for the Ash Man.All prayers and well wishes are much appreciated. Good test results would obviously rock the party. (This photo was taken last summer.) (If you don’t know Asher’s story, you can click The Noggin under labels in my left sidebar to learn more.) As we take off for the day, I’m going to steal an idea from Erin at If You Give a Mom a Moment. Here’s how it works: I’m going to ask a question at the end of this post. The first commenter will answer the question and leave another question in their comment. Then the next commenter will answer that person’s question […]
Posted on Wednesday~March 10, 2009 The helpful brother:Miles was trying to keep Asher out of a room and went to slam the door closed. I said, “Watch out for his fingers!” His reply? “I’m just trying to help you cause I’m a capable kid!” ———-Potty training continues to go really well (or not):I know he has to use the bathroom, but he’s stalling so I say, “You realize if you pee in your Spiderman costume I’ll have to wash it so you won’t be able to wear it.” “That’s OK BY ME! If I pee in it, I don’t mind.” ———-On baking:We made cookies together and I have no idea what happened to them, but they turned out awful. Flat wafers that tasted more like flour than sugar. I’m guessing some ingredients were added when my back was turned. Upon trying the nasty cookies Miles said, “These cookies are not very tasty…it’s like […]
Posted on Sunday~March 8, 2009 Many moons ago I did a little experiment here on the EO. If you were around here back then, I’m sure you remember me asking two questions of mothers. One was what they feel they’re doing really well as a mom, and then the next question was “in what ways do you feel that you’re failing?” It didn’t surprise me that it was much easier for people to think of the ways they feel they’re failing than it was for them to list the things they’re doing really well. But it did keep my wheels turning so I then had people write posts about what they’re doing well. I LOVED those posts. I learned from other moms and especially loved playing a small part in someone realizing they aren’t half bad! As I’ve read through the answers to those two questions in the comments on this post and […]
He stands at the counter next to my table, he’s ordering and telling the people around him that he hasn’t been here since it was Richardsons. No one seems to know what he means. Including me. Time marches on. So do I. But he takes a call amidst the backdrop of coffeehouse noise, shouts to the caller the funeral arrangements, thanking for condolences. There will be a private burial, he chokes. And my heart hurts. The plates are clanking, the aromas strong. He’s thinking of another time and another place, a person he lost from back when this was Richardsons. A young couple with a fuss about where to sit, a sneer, a silent scold. Then they sit and they eat with no words, just resistance. They weren’t here when this was Richardsons. The mail carrier stops for his short break checks email, sips hot cocoa and chats with regulars. He keeps […]
Posted on Friday~March 6, 2009Have you met Amber and Seth? Amber is the gifted writer at The Run a Muck, and she also happens to be the recipient of the Mother Letter Project this past Christmas. Seth is her husband, the man behind The Mother Letter Project. (If you don’t know, the Mother Letter Project was an idea Seth had to have mothers write letters to mothers, sharing encouragement and advice. He then collected all the letters (hundreds and hundreds) and gave them to Amber for Christmas. Yes, WOW.) When the identity of the recipient was revealed on Seth’s blog, he linked to his wife, Amber’s blog. I immediately subscribed. I was blown away by Amber’s talent for writing and for sharing her thoughts and feelings from her heart. Now these two lovely people have something new up their sleeves. The Mother Letter Project spread across the internet like wildfire. People were inspired […]
Posted on Thursday~March 5, 2009 CHECK THIS OUT!!! I WON THE $250 TARGET GIFT CARD FROM AUDS ATBARKING MAD!!!! I’M FREAKING OUT!!!! NO WAY!!! Wait…now what did I say I would do if I won? OH!JUMP right OUT of my SKIN!(I totally did that and it terrified my children!) THANK YOU, AUDS!!! I can’t decide what I’m going to do.Should I stock up on diapers and wipes and toilet paper and ranch dressing?Or should I blow it on fun stuff? Or both? OR, I could buy stuff for other people! Oh….this is gonna be FUN!!!! Thank you for allowing me to pop up in your inbox and for reading my words, silly or serious. I appreciate you. ~Heather
Posted on Wednesday~March 4, 2009 Miles was eating at the kitchen table and I was standing at the counter staring into the vortex that is my laptop. I’m sure I was twittering or blogging when Miles said, “I miss Daddy.” I stopped short and looked at his cherub face. “I do too, sweetie.” “Yeah, for now Asher and me will just play with each others and you will do grown up stuff and we’ll just wait.” I wanted to throw the computer in the garbage at that moment. Because he’s right. I don’t play enough. Daddy is the playing guy, so when he’s out of town for work, there’s a lot of boredom going on in here. And I do spend too much time on the computer sometimes, I know that. So lately I’ve been doing something new. I’m using a timer. It sits right next to me. It’s an old-fashioned one, you […]
Posted on Bluesday~February 3, 2009 Do you know what’s funny? I rambled on and on yesterday about wanting another baby and today I mostly just want to run screaming down the street shouting, “I HAVE FREE CHILDREN FOR ANYONE WHO WILL TAKE THEM!!!” Life is funny that way. Motherhood is funny that way. In other words, I don’t feel like this: (seriously. what is wrong with me?) I feel like this: When the Dad is out of town for the work week, Tuesdays are just icky. It’s like there’s a curse on them. I noticed it many Tuesdays ago and now that I’m focusing on it, I’m sure I’m making them even worse. You get more of what you focus on, you know. (yeah yeah whatever.) The day even started with Miles misjudging his aim in the bathroom, and me mopping up a very full bladder’s amount of urine. You know how your […]
Posted on Monday~March 2, 2009 But Randi, what if I really don’t want to post this one? Randi at Is It Just Me? had this idea to have people use a random number generator to choose one of the drafts in their blog archive to finish and post. (I have no idea if that made sense, I’m sleep-deprived.) Anyhoo, I know I don’t HAVE to play along, but I thought it was a great idea and I said that I would do it before I really took a good look at the draft that the stupid number generator chose for me. As you’ll see, I’m struggling through thoughts in this post…and I think A LOT. (Please don’t tell me to stop thinking so much, I’ve tried that and I can’t. I’m a born ponderer.) Here goes: There are a million thoughts banging around in my head and heart. I’ve been thinking a lot […]
Posted on Sunday~March 1, 2009 I don’t think I’ve ever given parenting advice here on the EO. I’m sure you can tell I’m a total expert in all things baby and toddler, but just in case you didn’t know, I thought I would share some tips. Today’s tip will help you more than words can say the next time you attempt eating out with small children. Our children are always quiet and well-behaved at restaurants. They hardly make a peep. They are only three and one, and yet they don’t make a scene at all. People compliment their behavior all the time. Ryan and I just sit and talk and talk, we can hardly ever even tell we have children with us. They simply sit still and quietly mind their own business. There are some things a parent needs to know to achieve such great success in restaurant etiquette. I’m sure you’ve all […]
