Monday, January 31, 2011

Multi-Talented Momma?

So...
I can bake.
I can create.
I can sew.
I can write.
I can photograph.

But, I'm a Nurse...A Mother...A Wife.

I can't stop being a Mother, or Wife.
I don't want to stop being a Nurse.

However, My hours for nursing are so irregular, and unreliable lately.
I am seriously considering making something of one of my hobbies, talents.

I think often times I don't give myself enough credit. Then, when I see things other people do, create, or sell to make a living...I think to myself...WHY WHY WHY didn't I think of that!???

I have sewn since I was 8 years old.
I have baked with my Mother since I was in Middle School.
I have loved photography, and worked on learning more and more since I was in 7th grade.
I excelled in creative writing courses through out High School, and once wrote a simple Childrens Book for my own Daughter while taking a childrens book course thru snail mail.
I can do just about anything I desire!

I don't want to stop being a Nurse. I love my Job.
But, it's not enough for me right now.
My babies are gone. I have school age children now.

I have got to figure something out for myself, and my family that I can do to fill my time, and create extra funds.

I just have to make myself MAKE IT HAPPEN!

Monday, January 24, 2011

Content, No Regret

"You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You're on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the one who'll decide where to go..."
— Dr. Seuss (Oh, the Places You'll Go!)

Today is my Birthday. I am 34.
I always try to think back at the past year, what I accomplished, and what I didn't quite get to that I wish I would have, or possibly should have.
Some struggles have presented to me this past year, and I like to think I handle them the best way I know how.
I am not perfect, but I do my best to do the right thing.

One thing I know this very day is that I am loved.

There are days I wonder, and days I doubt. But, today it has been made very clear.

My Children love me, regardless of discipline.
My Husband loves me, regardless of disagreements.
My Parents love me, regardless of my past.
I love Me, regardless of my imperfections and shortcomings...and that's important too.

When someone askes you if you are satisfied with your life, what do you say?
I say, YES. Absolutely.
It's not ideal, and it's definitely not easy.
But, I love my Children with all my heart. I would never regret my life.
However, I will constantly seek new & better ways to do things, and I will also continue to push myself to do those things that I may find too difficult, or challenging. Nothing is impossible. And, I am no fan of those 3 words...I GIVE UP.
I never have.

"So be sure when you step, Step with care and great tact. And remember that life's A Great Balancing Act. And will you succeed? Yes! You will, indeed! (98 and ¾ percent guaranteed)..."
— Dr. Seuss (Oh, the Places You'll Go!)

Sunday, January 23, 2011

Happy Birthday to my Handsome One!

The Boy has turned 7 years old!

I worked very hard to make him a unique cake this year. On my own, no help, and from scratch. I used fondant, edible cake markers, spray and lustre dust. I made Him his Rainbow Trout cake!
I was so proud of myself. I know I know, get off that cloud, but really, I accomplished something that I really truly thought I would mess up.

It took me 2 hours of baking, 2 hours of decorating. I just love how it turned out!

Cake Boss...here I come!


Trick Sparkler Candles
He chose a Swimming Party at a local indoor pool.
Most of the kids he invited came, which thrilled him.
His most treasured gift is the RC Boat I had gotten him. We took it out today to practice driving it around the lake, which started out rather terribly. I hadn't had time to tell him to turn it on before he ran down the bank and put the boat in the water, OFF, and gave it a push. Before I could get close enough it had floated out halftway into the small of the lake. I was speechless & helpless!
We waited for the wind to blow it slowly to the opposite edge, so that I could reach in with a twig and pull it back to me. It took awhile, but once we got it back, I explained he had to make sure it was on before he put it in the water.
He drove it for quite awhile, and said it was 'the best present ever!' I just adore that Boy!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY HANDSOME!


Thursday, January 13, 2011

0750

Drew received an alarm clock for Christmas, with rainbow digital light up numbers, but no music, just one annoying sound. She had been upset with Me for not waking her every morning at 7am. So, when she got the alarm clock, I showed her how to set it and she decided she must get up everyday at 0645. This is the time I get up to make lunches on a usual morning roughly.
I get up this morning, and I have noticed a few mornings this week as well...her alarm is sounding loudly, but NO Drew arises.
I make lunches, the small ones breakfast and at 0740 I realize I still don't hear Drew rustling around, no shower running...
I should have woken her up, like a 'nice' Mother would, but I want her to learn to be responsible. Part of that is getting up on time, and leaving for the bus on time. She wants more freedom, and trust, afterall, as she told me last night..."I'm getting bigger MOOOOOOOM!"
At 0750 I finally hear the shower running, and a rushed Drew rustling in the bathroom.
She usually leaves for the bus about 0810, but at 0811 she is still drying her hair as the neighbor girls knocks on the door to get her, as they walk together to the bus stop.
Drew opens the door to tell her she isn't ready yet. She runs through the hallway gathering her things, never quite made it to the kitchen for breakfast. She should be greatful I don't make her make her own lunch!

She also received a watch in her stocking for Christmas, to show some personal responsibility as well with being home on time when she has been given a time to come home from a friends house, or outing to the school park with friends.
When I was gone one evening, D let her go to the park with a friend, NO watch, near dark. I get home to find it's dark, raining, and Drew is not home, she's at the park! I was livid with D. So he got in his car and drove to find her. Where's her Cell Phone some might ask...well, I don't believe a 10 yo girl needs one. She needs to be responsible by watching the time, weather, and be aware of the approaching darkness, calculating the time it would take to get home before dark. She needs to think. BE RESPONSIBLE.

Also, she recieved an MP3 player. I am perfectly fine with loading music onto it for her, as I will not allow her freedom of use of a computer either.
However, to load music it has to be from a CD for an MP3. She insists on waiting until 7 or 7:30pm to ask, "Mom, can you get on itunes and put music on my MP3 player?" ....AFTER she has spent the entire afternoon playing, or doing schoolwork or projects with friends. Her bedtime is 8:30pm, and the small ones need put to bed by 8pm, I have no time to play with itunes buying music, and making a CD to then load to her MP3 at that time. She has asked this 3 evenings in a row, and even waited until last night at 7:30-8pm to ask me to make an entire scrapbook calendar with her, throwing a near tantrum when told NO.

I realize this is part of Her growing up, learning, testing, and a lot to do with Hormones. But, come on already...Her stubbornness is getting old. I can't stand the attitude. She is such a challenge for me right now. I need a vacation...if only from this ONE child of mine!

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Milkshake Cupakes!


Bakerella's Milkshake Cupcakes are so stinkin' adorable! I just cannot let the image go from my mind. Idea's on how to use them are flowing through me like crazy! Valentine's Day, Birthday's, Summer Parties!
As many of those how know me, know I WILL find a way to make them work in something I do!
I am thinking....
Lulu's 6th Birthday Party
Icecream Parlor (if I can find one...)
50's theme, Poodle skirts and saddle shoes.
Lots of PINK
...and ofcourse, MILKSHAKE CUPCAKES!
Omg...I just can't wait to make them!

Friday, January 07, 2011

Pamela Topping Photography Giveaway~Rockstar Actions!

I love giveaways! I love Photography! I love Photo Editing!

Pamela Topping Photography Blog is having a giveway for the New Year of her new Rockstar PSE Actions!
What could be more fabulous?!
Go check it out!

Thursday, January 06, 2011

There ain't nothin' Glamorous about My Morning...

I now have 4 kids in school 5 days a week. 3 lunches to pack, 4 breakfasts to make, 3 alarms that go off.
I rise at 6:40am to get the first girl off to the bus, with lunch in hand. I then make the other 2 lunches while I wait for the other 3 to wake up.
I get breakfast ready 1 by 1 as they arrive groggy, with squinted eyes to the breakfast bar.
Lulu always needs me to get out her clothes for her, exclaiming, "...but I don't know what to wear!" She's just lazy. She's the baby. Mommie's Baby.
The 2 smalls like to watch a cartoon or 2 while I get Drew off to school, ensuring she has a jacket of some shape or form on her body in this freezing 30-something degree weather. This girl will skip out the door in a sweatshirt with wet hair.
About 8:20 the smalls have to get dressed, brush thier teeth, hair, gather back packs, homework, library books, etc.
Long ago I gave up trying to get myself around, so I'm lucky if it's not such a terrible bed head day. I grab a cup of coffee to warm my hands as I slip on my boots, scarf, and jacket.
The smalls get dropped of around 8:45, and I make my way home to sit, relax cuddled up in a blanket with my coffee, and a book or the laptop.
But...Lets not forget the morning storm of 4 kids in 1 bathroom that I clean up daily. 2 blankets sprawled on the couch with 2 stuffed animals nearby, 3 empty cereal bowls, 3 piles of PJ's, 2 wet towels, 1 tootpaste smeared sink & countertop, 1 unflushed toilet, 1 empty roll of toilet paper, and 3 unmade beds.
As much as I hate to do this everyday, it's my routine, and one day, they will all be grown & gone. No more beds to make, PJ's to pick up, or toothpaste to scrub off the counter.
For now, I'll just enjoy the quiet during which I do the clean up.

Monday, January 03, 2011

Eat...Pray...Love

I'm in a slump.
It's cold, and I don't like the cold.
Not one bit.
I love the Sun. And, I need it badly right about now.

But, for the time being, I'm snuggled up on the couch, by my still standing, and lit up Christmas tree, reading EAT PRAY LOVE.

I love this book. I really LOVE LOVE LOVE this book.
It inspires me. Ignites a fire within.
Makes me think more about what I want out of life.
Where I want to go. What I want to see and do.
If you haven't yet...you really should, read THIS book.
By Christmas light, or Fire light, or simply by a teeny tiny Book light...just read it. With your snuggie on, and a cup of cocoa. Read it.
It will stir the passion inside you.