So here it is.
I have been thinking about this for a long time.
A picture a day. For a year.
A year in the life of The Leary Clan so to speak.
I have wanted to do it forever.
But I've been waiting. Because I can be such a weirdo.
You see there is a big part of me that wants to start on January 1st, 2012.
Because its a beginning.
But there is a much bigger part of me that just can't wait.
That doesn't want a whole summer to go by.
So I guess it starts June 1st.
I am a strong starter but tend to fizzle and not finish things..
I have decided to put my heart into this.
To really do it.
Wish me luck!
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Friday, May 27, 2011
Holy Sh*t....6!
Here she is folks....
Mybaby BIG girl...
cause 6 isn't a baby anymore..
6 is some serious business...
6 is almost 7.
She is usually stoked to get outside and have a photo shoot with me...
but she was pretty busy...
hanging with her bestie...
I did convince her to let me take a shot or two...
and once she got started...
she was all over it.
I mean...come on.
It's not a riddle..
The kid's a natural...
The camera LOVES her...
Almost as much as I do...
Almost...
Love you Reagan June.
Happy Birthday Sweet Princess!
I confess...
Thursday, May 26, 2011
A Mother's Prayer for her child....
I didn't write it.
I clearly STOLE it.
but I LOVE it.
God bless Tina Fey for writing my thought exactly.
First, Lord: No tattoos. May neither Chinese symbol for truth nor Winnie-the-Pooh holding the FSU logo stain her tender haunches.
May she be Beautiful but not Damaged, for it’s the Damage that draws the creepy soccer coach’s eye, not the Beauty.
When the Crystal Meth is offered, may she remember the parents who cut her grapes in half And stick with Beer.
Guide her, protect her when crossing the street, stepping onto boats, swimming in the ocean, swimming in pools, walking near pools, standing on the subway platform, crossing 86th Street, stepping off of boats, using mall restrooms, getting on and off escalators, driving on country roads while arguing, leaning on large windows, walking in parking lots, riding Ferris wheels, roller-coasters, log flumes, or anything called “Hell Drop,” “Tower of Torture,” or “The Death Spiral Rock ‘N Zero G Roll featuring Aerosmith,” and standing on any kind of balcony ever, anywhere, at any age.
Lead her away from Acting but not all the way to Finance. Something where she can make her own hours but still feel intellectually fulfilled and get outside sometimes And not have to wear high heels. What would that be, Lord? Architecture? Midwifery? Golf course design? I’m asking You, because if I knew, I’d be doing it, Youdammit.
May she play the Drums to the fiery rhythm of her Own Heart with the sinewy strength of her Own Arms, so she need Not Lie With Drummers.
Grant her a Rough Patch from twelve to seventeen.Let her draw horses and be interested in Barbies for much too long, For childhood is short – a Tiger Flower blooming Magenta for one day – And adulthood is long and dry-humping in cars will wait.
O Lord, break the Internet forever, that she may be spared the misspelled invective of her peers And the online marketing campaign for Rape Hostel V: Girls Just Wanna Get Stabbed.
And when she one day turns on me and calls me a Bitch in front of Hollister, Give me the strength, Lord, to yank her directly into a cab in front of her friends, For I will not have that Shit. I will not have it.
And should she choose to be a Mother one day, be my eyes, Lord, that I may see her, lying on a blanket on the floor at 4:50 A.M., all-at-once exhausted, bored, and in love with the little creature whose poop is leaking up its back. “My mother did this for me once,”she will realize as she cleans feces off her baby’s neck. “My mother did this for me.” And the delayed gratitude will wash over her as it does each generation and she will make a Mental Note to call me. And she will forget. But I’ll know, because I peeped it with Your God eyes.
Amen.”
~Tina Fey
Sunday Snapshot {Six years ago...today.}
Dear Reagan,
You asked for it...you wanted the story of the day you were born...
Here ya go kiddo!
Your due date was June 24th, 2005.
Your scheduled C-section Date was June 17th, 2005.
Even then you had your own ideas. You had your own schedule. We were just along for the ride...we still are!
You were a scheduled C-section. Yaya was an emergency C-section and the hospital where we were scheduled to give birth you told us you would be a C-section too. I was expecting you on June 17th, a full week before your actual due date...you my stubborn one had other plans.
May 27th, 2005 started out like this...
It was a normal morning. Things were a little calmer back then. Daddy would leave for work before we woke up and then it was just Yaya and I. Getting ready for school. To be honest, it was always pretty laid back. It was just her and I. It didn't take much to get the two of us ready.
As we backed out of the driveway to drop Yaya off at school so I could head off to work...Yaya got sick. In my car. Without saying a word. She never told me she didn't feel well. She never said she was going to be sick. She just got sick...before we even left the driveway.
I brought her inside, and cleaned her up. Called work and told them I wouldn't be in that day.
Never. Never in a million years did I know it was your day. Never in a million years did I know by the next day I would have you in my arms.
As soon as I called work and got Reilly all comfy cozy on the couch I started to do some things around the house.
I remember it was really sunny that day and I opened all the windows in the house to air out all the yucky germs.
Within an hour Reilly was feeling fine. She didn't feel sick at all anymore. We sat down and had lunch together. By the time we were done with lunch I was exhausted. So I laid down for a little nap. When I woke up my braxton hicks contractions started....and didn't really stop. I was having so many of them....and they were coming really fast. Not HARD contractions..just lots of them! I called the Doctor and they told me to time them.
I gave the job to your big sister. I told her to write it down every time I told her I had a contraction. We called the Doctor an hour later and they told us to come on down and they would check it out.
I still had no idea that I was having a baby that day. I thought I was dehydrated. That I would get an IV of fluids and they would send me home. I don't think any of us really thought you were coming that day.
Daddy was at work (which was about 40 minutes away at the time) and it was the Friday before Memorial Day Weekend. There was NO way he was going to make it home. He left right away and Nana took us to the hospital.
Once we got there they did all sorts of tests. They hooked me up to a fetal monitor....but still every single time they walked into my room I was ready for them to send me home. To tell me everything was good and they would see me in a few weeks.
Daddy finally got there and Nana headed for home. She kissed me goodbye and told me to call her when I got home....I told her I would and waved goodbye. She only lived about 20 minutes from the hospital and I am sure she didn't expect to hear from me....but she did.
The nurses kept coming in to check on me. One after another, after another. Finally I spoke up...What do you think is going to happen here today I said to an extremely friendly nurse.
She looked at me and said "Happy Birthday!"
um. What?
We weren't ready...we still had weeks until you were supposed to arrive!
Ready or not here you came!
We went into the operating room and to be honest I was a lot less scared than I was with your sister. With you I knew what to expect. I knew what was going to happen.
I just remember lying there. On the flat cold table....holding your Daddy's hand,crying. I was so happy. We wanted you so very badly. There was a time when we weren't really sure there would be another baby in our house... I distinctly remember thanking the Doctors over and over again for you.
And finally. I heard you. SCREAM. and I cried even harder. There was nothing soft about that scream. You were letting the world know you had arrived.
Then they held you up and showed you to me.
I will never forget the way I felt. Joy. And even that doesn't come close to explaining it. You were squeezing your eyes so tightly I wasn't sure you were ever going to open them. You didn't really have hair, more like fuzz. Soft, yellow fuzz, just like a baby chick. The softest fuzz I have ever felt. I remember you were all wrinkly like a pug. You were born weeks early and never really plumped up. You had all this extra skin. I loved it. You were so very little. You only weighed 6lbs 2oz. The first thing I ever said to you....was that you looked like TVL (your Papa)!
The waiting room was full of people who wanted to meet you....but we didn't let them. No way. No one even got to see you. Nope. There was someone who had waiting so long for you . Someone who deserved to be the next person to see you, touch you , hold you.
Your Yaya.
The nurses were so good. They covered your little portable crib and wheeled you right past all those Nana's and Papa, right past all those cousins. They didn't stop for friends or for Aunties or Uncles. Nope, they just kept on going until they got us into our room...
and then..
She walked in. And I swear to you it was love at first sight. I don't have words to describe the look on her face, but I can tell you I had never seen it before that day and I have never seen it since.
You were her very own little doll, she had waited forever for you and now you were here and she couldn't believe it.
You did eventually meet other people. As a matter of fact I am pretty sure every.single.person. we knew or had ever known was there to feast their eyes upon you.
We pulled the typical Mommy and Daddy routine...
you know the one...
ten fingers...
ten toes...
but when we went to check out your eyes they were still closed as tight as could be....I actually physically tried to open your little eyes with my hands....to no avail. We had no idea what color they were...and true to who you are...you made us wait...
for three days!
Proof that you were stubborn from the day you were born.
When you did finally open those eyes, they were like pools of the prettiest blue green I have ever seen. They were the perfect mixture of the green I secretly wished you'd have and the blue eyes your Daddy hoped for.
I can not believe how quickly 6 years have gone by.
You are everything I hoped you'd be and more.
There are so many things I love about you.
and...so many things you do that drive me crazy.
Which by the way shouldn't surprise me..your just like me!
I love your zest for life. I love how you know what you want to do and you find a way to do it. I love how you love. I love how you tell my I'm gorgeous (us Moms need that now and then) I love the way your laughter is contagious. I love how girly you are. I love how you are not afraid to try new things. I love your compassion for others. I love how stubborn you can be (sometimes!) I love how smart you are. I love watching you....by yourself and with others. I love how at 6 years old, you know who you are, and no one is going to change you. you are way too smart for that!
You have changed my life little girl. Made it a better place to live. You've made everything a little brighter and clearer. You've taught me so much six years.... I can't wait to see what is in store for us.
I love you Reagan June Leary
Happy Birthday Princess!
Come on over to Sunday Snapshot. It's chock full of super fun blogging!
You asked for it...you wanted the story of the day you were born...
Here ya go kiddo!
Your due date was June 24th, 2005.
Your scheduled C-section Date was June 17th, 2005.
Even then you had your own ideas. You had your own schedule. We were just along for the ride...we still are!
You were a scheduled C-section. Yaya was an emergency C-section and the hospital where we were scheduled to give birth you told us you would be a C-section too. I was expecting you on June 17th, a full week before your actual due date...you my stubborn one had other plans.
May 27th, 2005 started out like this...
It was a normal morning. Things were a little calmer back then. Daddy would leave for work before we woke up and then it was just Yaya and I. Getting ready for school. To be honest, it was always pretty laid back. It was just her and I. It didn't take much to get the two of us ready.
As we backed out of the driveway to drop Yaya off at school so I could head off to work...Yaya got sick. In my car. Without saying a word. She never told me she didn't feel well. She never said she was going to be sick. She just got sick...before we even left the driveway.
I brought her inside, and cleaned her up. Called work and told them I wouldn't be in that day.
Never. Never in a million years did I know it was your day. Never in a million years did I know by the next day I would have you in my arms.
As soon as I called work and got Reilly all comfy cozy on the couch I started to do some things around the house.
I remember it was really sunny that day and I opened all the windows in the house to air out all the yucky germs.
Within an hour Reilly was feeling fine. She didn't feel sick at all anymore. We sat down and had lunch together. By the time we were done with lunch I was exhausted. So I laid down for a little nap. When I woke up my braxton hicks contractions started....and didn't really stop. I was having so many of them....and they were coming really fast. Not HARD contractions..just lots of them! I called the Doctor and they told me to time them.
I gave the job to your big sister. I told her to write it down every time I told her I had a contraction. We called the Doctor an hour later and they told us to come on down and they would check it out.
I still had no idea that I was having a baby that day. I thought I was dehydrated. That I would get an IV of fluids and they would send me home. I don't think any of us really thought you were coming that day.
Daddy was at work (which was about 40 minutes away at the time) and it was the Friday before Memorial Day Weekend. There was NO way he was going to make it home. He left right away and Nana took us to the hospital.
Once we got there they did all sorts of tests. They hooked me up to a fetal monitor....but still every single time they walked into my room I was ready for them to send me home. To tell me everything was good and they would see me in a few weeks.
The nurses kept coming in to check on me. One after another, after another. Finally I spoke up...What do you think is going to happen here today I said to an extremely friendly nurse.
She looked at me and said "Happy Birthday!"
um. What?
We weren't ready...we still had weeks until you were supposed to arrive!
Ready or not here you came!
We went into the operating room and to be honest I was a lot less scared than I was with your sister. With you I knew what to expect. I knew what was going to happen.
I just remember lying there. On the flat cold table....holding your Daddy's hand,crying. I was so happy. We wanted you so very badly. There was a time when we weren't really sure there would be another baby in our house... I distinctly remember thanking the Doctors over and over again for you.
And finally. I heard you. SCREAM. and I cried even harder. There was nothing soft about that scream. You were letting the world know you had arrived.
I will never forget the way I felt. Joy. And even that doesn't come close to explaining it. You were squeezing your eyes so tightly I wasn't sure you were ever going to open them. You didn't really have hair, more like fuzz. Soft, yellow fuzz, just like a baby chick. The softest fuzz I have ever felt. I remember you were all wrinkly like a pug. You were born weeks early and never really plumped up. You had all this extra skin. I loved it. You were so very little. You only weighed 6lbs 2oz. The first thing I ever said to you....was that you looked like TVL (your Papa)!
The waiting room was full of people who wanted to meet you....but we didn't let them. No way. No one even got to see you. Nope. There was someone who had waiting so long for you . Someone who deserved to be the next person to see you, touch you , hold you.
Your Yaya.
The nurses were so good. They covered your little portable crib and wheeled you right past all those Nana's and Papa, right past all those cousins. They didn't stop for friends or for Aunties or Uncles. Nope, they just kept on going until they got us into our room...
and then..
She walked in. And I swear to you it was love at first sight. I don't have words to describe the look on her face, but I can tell you I had never seen it before that day and I have never seen it since.
You were her very own little doll, she had waited forever for you and now you were here and she couldn't believe it.
You did eventually meet other people. As a matter of fact I am pretty sure every.single.person. we knew or had ever known was there to feast their eyes upon you.
We pulled the typical Mommy and Daddy routine...
you know the one...
ten fingers...
ten toes...
but when we went to check out your eyes they were still closed as tight as could be....I actually physically tried to open your little eyes with my hands....to no avail. We had no idea what color they were...and true to who you are...you made us wait...
for three days!
Proof that you were stubborn from the day you were born.
When you did finally open those eyes, they were like pools of the prettiest blue green I have ever seen. They were the perfect mixture of the green I secretly wished you'd have and the blue eyes your Daddy hoped for.
I can not believe how quickly 6 years have gone by.
and...so many things you do that drive me crazy.
Which by the way shouldn't surprise me..your just like me!
I love your zest for life. I love how you know what you want to do and you find a way to do it. I love how you love. I love how you tell my I'm gorgeous (us Moms need that now and then) I love the way your laughter is contagious. I love how girly you are. I love how you are not afraid to try new things. I love your compassion for others. I love how stubborn you can be (sometimes!) I love how smart you are. I love watching you....by yourself and with others. I love how at 6 years old, you know who you are, and no one is going to change you. you are way too smart for that!
You have changed my life little girl. Made it a better place to live. You've made everything a little brighter and clearer. You've taught me so much six years.... I can't wait to see what is in store for us.
I love you Reagan June Leary
Happy Birthday Princess!
Come on over to Sunday Snapshot. It's chock full of super fun blogging!
winner winner chicken dinner....
There is a pretty amazing give away going on...
Here's the thing...
The give a away is great....
but the blog is even better..
Go check it out.
It's sooooo easy to enter...
seriously.
There are 5 different ways to enter....
you can do one.
you can do them all.
and they are easy...
I mean how easy is it to "like" a facebook page?
or whatever....
don't do it...
give me more of a chance to WIN!!
;)
GO here....
Check it out!
Here's the thing...
The give a away is great....
but the blog is even better..
Go check it out.
It's sooooo easy to enter...
seriously.
There are 5 different ways to enter....
you can do one.
you can do them all.
and they are easy...
I mean how easy is it to "like" a facebook page?
or whatever....
don't do it...
give me more of a chance to WIN!!
;)
GO here....
Check it out!
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
We Want to Know Wednesday Q&A with Dandelion wishes
This week's questions are from Seriously Shawn
{1} What must you do before you go to bed at night?
{2} What is one thing you must snack on at the theater?
{3} Before going on vacation what must you do?
{4} What is one thing you must do every day?
{5} Is there something you do that must be done in a particular order?
Please stick around to read & comment on my answers & I will drop by to do the same.
{1} What must you do before you go to bed at night?
Get a drink. This flippin menopause is going to kill me. I wake up in the middle of the night dying from thirst. I have always been a great sleeper. I mean...before I had kids...but still I have never in my life woken up in the middle of the night for a drink...now..it's every.single.night.
{2} What is one thing you must snack on at the theater?
Popcorn. I LOVE me some popcorn. I eat it all the time. Have to have popcorn...and watermelon sour patches. ohhhh Love them!
{3} Before going on vacation what must you do?
CLEAN! I have to clean my house. I can't stand the thought of dirty dishes or laundry sitting there...just waiting for me to come home. I also know how exhausted I am when I come home from vacation, so when I walk in the door the last thing I want to do is clean. YUCK!
{4} What is one thing you must do every day?
um. I am so embarassed to say it. I don't want to admit it. Especially since someone else wrote Pray...which is a great answer....but if I am going to be honest. yeah. facebook.
{5} Is there something you do that must be done in a particular order?
My hair. Again with the menopause...all of the sudden my hair is curly. I have never had curly hair every. Actually the exact opposite. Pin straight hair my whole life. All the sudden. Curly. Now don't get me wrong I am not complaining. I kind of love it....however it takes a little more work. gel...curly stuff...hairs
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Dandelion Wishes...
I am relatively new to blogging. I've only been around for about a year. I am still finding my way around "Blogger" and have to tell you I found the most AMAZING site!
GO check out
Her Blog rocks!
She has amazing linky get togethers
She randomly emailed me to help me out with my blog (we had NEVER talked before!)
and she does this on Tuesdays...
So much flippin fun!
Go check her out...
You won't be sorry!
GO check out
Her Blog rocks!
She has amazing linky get togethers
She randomly emailed me to help me out with my blog (we had NEVER talked before!)
and she does this on Tuesdays...
So much flippin fun!
Go check her out...
You won't be sorry!
Monday, May 23, 2011
{Sunday Snapshot} What I've been doing this week...
A couple of years ago a show came out about a teenager who gets pregnant at 15. Reilly was 11. A ton of her friends were watching it, but after watching an episode or two, I just felt like she wasn't ready. It was too grown up for her. I mean she knew what sex was. We had talked about it plenty of times....but this show was just a little over the top. There were definitely things I thought she wasn't ready to handle....like they call the school where girls who are pregnant go "slut" school. Then there is the boy who sees every girl in the school as his personal conquest! Ugh. Too much too fast if you ask me.
Needless to say she has been dying to see this show....and she is 13 (and a half)... so I decided to go ahead and let her watch it....with me. We are watching it together...that way if she has any questions we can pause it...and talk about it....and we have. A few times actually. It is actually so ridiculous it's kind of funny..but it has brought up some questions that I have loved answering (eh, Not really...but I prefer she hear the truth about these things from me, instead of some idea of the truth from her friends)
So me being the weirdo that I am...am now obsessed with this ridiculous television show.
Now don't get me wrong..I am in NO way an extreme coupon-er. I just thought if I could clip a few here and there...I could save a little here and there too. We'll see.
We also
All in all....a pretty laid back weekend here in Leary Land.
I'll take it.
Cause it's Monday already...
Welcome the craziness!
Head on over to Sunday Snapshot
Click this button....
I promise you'll find blogs a lot more interesting than mine!
Happy Sunday all!
Needless to say she has been dying to see this show....and she is 13 (and a half)... so I decided to go ahead and let her watch it....with me. We are watching it together...that way if she has any questions we can pause it...and talk about it....and we have. A few times actually. It is actually so ridiculous it's kind of funny..but it has brought up some questions that I have loved answering (eh, Not really...but I prefer she hear the truth about these things from me, instead of some idea of the truth from her friends)
So me being the weirdo that I am...am now obsessed with this ridiculous television show.
The acting is horrible. The plot is obvious....so of course that means I can't get enough of it!
Yeah... I've been doing a lot of that this week.
I also found out that my Sis-in-law (she is really my cousin-in-law but that just doesn't describe who close I feel to her...and her husband is more like a brother to my husband than a cousin) is having a baby BOY! Yep, a boy!
So I started this.
I made Reagan a blanket similar to this one when I was pregnant with her. She still snuggle with in bed every night. Hers was white and purple...this one I am thinking blue and green! I didn't want it to be baby blue because didn't want the little booger to outgrow the color too early and because we all know all the stains that would show up on baby blue... I will definitely blog out the finished product!
The other thing that has been going on around here this weekend...
is this..
Now don't get me wrong..I am in NO way an extreme coupon-er. I just thought if I could clip a few here and there...I could save a little here and there too. We'll see.
We also
- Attended our nieces graduation from college
- made it to cheer practice
- bought new golf clubs
- went out for ice cream.
All in all....a pretty laid back weekend here in Leary Land.
I'll take it.
Cause it's Monday already...
Welcome the craziness!
Head on over to Sunday Snapshot
Click this button....
I promise you'll find blogs a lot more interesting than mine!
Happy Sunday all!
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
sticky situation
This is how the story goes.
A couple of Months my teenage daughter came home and told me.
A secret.
Errrr.
Listen, I didn't like it. I was really glad that the felt like she could tell me. I am not sure I wanted to know, but at the same time I want her to be able to talk to someone, even if has to be me.
The "situation" is that she asked me not to tell her father.
I didn't like it.
We don't lie.
We don't keep things from each other.
but, I also felt like she trusted me. She told me. If I ran to her Father and told him, after she asked me not to, would she come to me again? What about the next time, when it's something bigger. Would she come to me again?
So I didn't tell him.
I kept it between us. Her and I. Mother and Daughter.
I am not gonna lie. I felt like Shit. I knew he wouldn't like it. I knew it would piss him off. I knew he would be mad at her. And me.
Even then, I kept my mouth shut.
Until now.
Tonight.
Tonight he said something to me, about her, and I cracked.
I told him. I guess I thought enough time had gone by. That once he figured out it was Months ago, he would be like "No way!" I thought that because it was a while ago, he would kind of, I don't know. I guess not take it to seriously.
I didn't realize how hurt he would be.
There is one part of me that is glad I told him. Cause at this point he needed to know.
And yet, there is this other part of me that kind of wishes that I didn't tell him.
Because he is hurt. And I don't like to be the one who hurts him.
Now, what do I do now?
What do I do the next time she comes to me and says I don't want to tell Daddy.
I can push her. I can tell her what I think she should do.
The bottom line is I can only do so much.
Do I tell him next time?
Do I not tell him?
Do I keep her confidence?
I love this man.
I don't want to see him hurt.
And I don't want to be the one doing the hurting.
Help!
A couple of Months my teenage daughter came home and told me.
A secret.
Errrr.
Listen, I didn't like it. I was really glad that the felt like she could tell me. I am not sure I wanted to know, but at the same time I want her to be able to talk to someone, even if has to be me.
The "situation" is that she asked me not to tell her father.
I didn't like it.
We don't lie.
We don't keep things from each other.
but, I also felt like she trusted me. She told me. If I ran to her Father and told him, after she asked me not to, would she come to me again? What about the next time, when it's something bigger. Would she come to me again?
So I didn't tell him.
I kept it between us. Her and I. Mother and Daughter.
I am not gonna lie. I felt like Shit. I knew he wouldn't like it. I knew it would piss him off. I knew he would be mad at her. And me.
Even then, I kept my mouth shut.
Until now.
Tonight.
Tonight he said something to me, about her, and I cracked.
I told him. I guess I thought enough time had gone by. That once he figured out it was Months ago, he would be like "No way!" I thought that because it was a while ago, he would kind of, I don't know. I guess not take it to seriously.
I didn't realize how hurt he would be.
There is one part of me that is glad I told him. Cause at this point he needed to know.
And yet, there is this other part of me that kind of wishes that I didn't tell him.
Because he is hurt. And I don't like to be the one who hurts him.
Now, what do I do now?
What do I do the next time she comes to me and says I don't want to tell Daddy.
I can push her. I can tell her what I think she should do.
The bottom line is I can only do so much.
Do I tell him next time?
Do I not tell him?
Do I keep her confidence?
I love this man.
I don't want to see him hurt.
And I don't want to be the one doing the hurting.
Help!
Where's the Love, Wednesday...
Where's my love today?
I am loving that both my girls are at cheerleading tonight and Ryan is at class...which means I am home alone...and it's quiet.
I am loving that I only worked a half a day today <3
I am loving that Friday is Pajama Day @ Peter Cottontail Preschool <3
I am loving that after a whole flippin week of rain it is going to stop on Sunday, and actually be sunny and 80 degrees. (I am not loving that it is going to be followed by another week of rain) <3
I am loving that I find out tomorrow what my Sis in law is having for a baby and I can start her (it's totally a girl) baby blanket! <3
I am loving that I have plans to snuggle down and watch The Office with the hubster tonight <3
and...
I am loving that I found Where's the Love, Wednesday!
Come on over and join the fun by clicking here...
or just click the button...that works too!
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Random thoughts by J. Leary
So here I sit.
At work.
Waiting for my oldest to call and tell me she is home safe and sound, from an over-night school field trip.
There is 15 minutes before I have to start waking up the sleepingmonsters cherubs.
So...I thought...
15 Random thoughts in 15 minutes.
GO!
1. I hate feet. I don't even like my own feet. I seriously hate it when people touch their feet. All I can think about is what they are going to do with their hands after they touch their feet. I pay attention people. You are not washing your hands after you touch your feet. This especially bothers me if you are at my house...because I know you are going to touch something in MY house after you touch your feet. I have nightmares about this. Even worse than that. DO NOT. NOT EVER. Touch me with your feet. Your feet on my body might just send me over the edge. This applys to every one I have ever met with the exception of Ryan, Reilly, Reagan and Ruth.
2. I love potato's. I love them. It doesn't matter what way you slice them, or how you prepare them. I love them. They go with everything. I like to think it has something to do with my amazing Irish descent. (see #3)
3. I am Irish and I am proud.
4. Since I was a little girl, have always wanted a Son. This only grew after I met my husband, because he is such a guys guy. A sports guy. I love my little ladies but I think I will always secretly wish I had a son.
5. I forget how old I am. I kind of mean this in two different ways. I mean it literally. Like when someone asks me how old I am, I have to actually do the math, because have the time I truly don't know. I also forgot how old I am when I am picking out clothes or getting my hair cut. Is is weird that I have the same hair style I had in high school? Or that I am still wearing Jeans and T-shirts every day of my life. Someday I will have 35 year old hair and clothes.
6. If I could be anything in the whole world I would be a photographer. I love taking pictures. I love catching moments. I love editing pictures. I love showing people pictures I have taken of them, or their family members, or an event that was theirs. I love to make them laugh and sometimes cry. I may never get paid for it, but I will always do it.
7. I would have had 4 kids (or more) if my body didn't suck.
8. I love electronics. Preferably the handheld kind. Ipods, cell phones, computers, that kind of thing. Whenever something new comes out I want it. Too bad I can't afford any of it. :(
9. Most of my Dad's family live in Florida. I was born there. Most days I wish I never bought my house and moved back down south. I can't stand the snow and would really enjoy more than 4 weeks of summer.
10. I am a preschool teacher. I would love to say that I love them all the same. I am sure I am supposed to say I love them all the same. SO not true. There are a few that I can say have changed me. That I loved just a tad more for some reason or another. When they leave me and move on to "big" kid school. I cry. These kids make my job worth the shitty pay.
11. I am afraid of the dark. Not just kind of afraid, but really seriously afraid. If Ryan is not home, there will be a light on somewhere in my house. I am petrified of the dark. I can't stand hearing things and not being able to see what it is. It is also reason 34538398372 that I love my GIGANTIC doggies... they make me feel so protected!
12. I love to read. And I love to take tubs. There is an direct correlation between how often I am taking tubs and how into the book I am reading I am. If the book rocks, you will find me in the bath every night until I am done with the book. I love to read in the tub. I am pretty sure it is because it is the only room in the house that my kids leave me alone.
13. I love to be creative. I love to scrapbook. I love to knit. I love to write. I love photography.
14. I love Goofy. He is my absolute favorite. I think it is because Ryan is such a goofball. He is so goofy, but he makes me laugh every day. I can honestly say that he make me fall in love with him more and more every single time he makes me laugh.
15. I love popcorn. I mean I love popcorn. I eat it almost every night (you can tell by my lovely muffin top!) I will usually pick popcorn over just about any other snack. I kind of love this cause I remember my Dad eating popcorn all the time and it's something we have in common.
At work.
Waiting for my oldest to call and tell me she is home safe and sound, from an over-night school field trip.
There is 15 minutes before I have to start waking up the sleeping
So...I thought...
15 Random thoughts in 15 minutes.
GO!
1. I hate feet. I don't even like my own feet. I seriously hate it when people touch their feet. All I can think about is what they are going to do with their hands after they touch their feet. I pay attention people. You are not washing your hands after you touch your feet. This especially bothers me if you are at my house...because I know you are going to touch something in MY house after you touch your feet. I have nightmares about this. Even worse than that. DO NOT. NOT EVER. Touch me with your feet. Your feet on my body might just send me over the edge. This applys to every one I have ever met with the exception of Ryan, Reilly, Reagan and Ruth.
2. I love potato's. I love them. It doesn't matter what way you slice them, or how you prepare them. I love them. They go with everything. I like to think it has something to do with my amazing Irish descent. (see #3)
3. I am Irish and I am proud.
4. Since I was a little girl, have always wanted a Son. This only grew after I met my husband, because he is such a guys guy. A sports guy. I love my little ladies but I think I will always secretly wish I had a son.
5. I forget how old I am. I kind of mean this in two different ways. I mean it literally. Like when someone asks me how old I am, I have to actually do the math, because have the time I truly don't know. I also forgot how old I am when I am picking out clothes or getting my hair cut. Is is weird that I have the same hair style I had in high school? Or that I am still wearing Jeans and T-shirts every day of my life. Someday I will have 35 year old hair and clothes.
6. If I could be anything in the whole world I would be a photographer. I love taking pictures. I love catching moments. I love editing pictures. I love showing people pictures I have taken of them, or their family members, or an event that was theirs. I love to make them laugh and sometimes cry. I may never get paid for it, but I will always do it.
7. I would have had 4 kids (or more) if my body didn't suck.
8. I love electronics. Preferably the handheld kind. Ipods, cell phones, computers, that kind of thing. Whenever something new comes out I want it. Too bad I can't afford any of it. :(
9. Most of my Dad's family live in Florida. I was born there. Most days I wish I never bought my house and moved back down south. I can't stand the snow and would really enjoy more than 4 weeks of summer.
10. I am a preschool teacher. I would love to say that I love them all the same. I am sure I am supposed to say I love them all the same. SO not true. There are a few that I can say have changed me. That I loved just a tad more for some reason or another. When they leave me and move on to "big" kid school. I cry. These kids make my job worth the shitty pay.
11. I am afraid of the dark. Not just kind of afraid, but really seriously afraid. If Ryan is not home, there will be a light on somewhere in my house. I am petrified of the dark. I can't stand hearing things and not being able to see what it is. It is also reason 34538398372 that I love my GIGANTIC doggies... they make me feel so protected!
12. I love to read. And I love to take tubs. There is an direct correlation between how often I am taking tubs and how into the book I am reading I am. If the book rocks, you will find me in the bath every night until I am done with the book. I love to read in the tub. I am pretty sure it is because it is the only room in the house that my kids leave me alone.
13. I love to be creative. I love to scrapbook. I love to knit. I love to write. I love photography.
14. I love Goofy. He is my absolute favorite. I think it is because Ryan is such a goofball. He is so goofy, but he makes me laugh every day. I can honestly say that he make me fall in love with him more and more every single time he makes me laugh.
15. I love popcorn. I mean I love popcorn. I eat it almost every night (you can tell by my lovely muffin top!) I will usually pick popcorn over just about any other snack. I kind of love this cause I remember my Dad eating popcorn all the time and it's something we have in common.
Picture Perfect...COLOR # 2
This is my second choice for the photo contest COLOR over at
I don't know why I love this picture so much.
I am not sure if it's because it shows the edge of her Easter dress..
So in ten years I will remember just how adorable she looked in it...
I am not sure if it is the eggs spewed out...
like she was looking for the perfect piece of candy...
It might be her tootsie toes...
and how you can tell they are painted in pastels...
especially for Easter...
But I love it.
and I love the colors in it.
and to be honest...
it's one of those pictures you can edit...
a thousand different ways..
and you love it every single way.
COLOR!
I am hanging out over at Ordinary Miracles and the Crazy 8.
and am entering her photo contest.
There is some pretty amazing pictures over there...
Check them out...
Here is my first admission.
and am entering her photo contest.
There is some pretty amazing pictures over there...
Check them out...
Here is my first admission.
believe it or not ....
it was even more beautiful in LIVING color!
Monday, May 16, 2011
Flowers
Mothers Day was pretty great around here.
We visited Ryan's Step-Mama.
We went up to the lake and visited my Mama and my Gram.
Nothing too crazy.
Ryan and the girls got me this...
They are so full of color. I am going to eneter them over here...
come on over and check out the amazing photogaphy and one pretty crazy Mama!
We visited Ryan's Step-Mama.
We went up to the lake and visited my Mama and my Gram.
Nothing too crazy.
Ryan and the girls got me this...
and to tell you the truth...
it was exactly what I wanted.
(It's a good thing he said "I am about to go shopping, if you have any hints for me! I didn't hint...I told him exactly what I wanted!)
The girls got me some GREAT cards.
One of the great things that happened this Mother's Day was we decided as a family that we were no longer going to buy cards. They are too stinkin expensive and people keep them just so long before they throw them away.
My Mom got me these amazing gerber daisies.
come on over and check out the amazing photogaphy and one pretty crazy Mama!
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Reviving Ophelia...
So there's this book.
It's called Reviving Ophelia...
and I've read it once ...
or twice..
and I am starting it again.
It reminds me why my teenager hates me.
and more importantly that it is NOT my fault...
and that she is actually SUPPOSED to hate me...
go figure.
I am not sure my teenager and I are going to make it....
and it breaks my heart.
I love this kid.
She is so sensitive.
She wears her heart on her sleeve.
She roots for the underdog.
She cares fiercely.
She is loyal to a fault.
There are so many things about her I admire.
I just wish she knew it.
I wish she knew what I see when I look at her.
I wish she understood just how amazing she is.
I wish we could talk like we used to.
These days it seems like we argue more than our fair share.
About the silliest of things.
She'll say I said something...
I'll say I didn't...
She'll say I did...
I say...nope pretty sure I didn't..
and she'll say...um, yeah you did...
and at this point. I am mad.
Why is she arguing with me about this?
Is it because she has to be right?
Is it because she really wants me to be wrong?
Is it because she can't agree with me...even if I am right?
I feel completely unappreciated and she feels like no one understands her.
She goes from wanting to be beside me...
to wanting to get as far away from me as she can.
From wanting my undivided attention
to wanting nothing to do with me.
She laughs and cries at the same time.
and both are usually my fault.
How can she not understand that I won't let her "go out" with that boy because I can already tell that he isn't a good kid. How can she not understand that I don't think she should hang out with that girl because she already doesn't make good choice. How can she not understand that when I tell her she has on too much make up, it's not because I am a Mom and have no idea what I am talking about...but because I know she is so utterly beautiful without it that she doesn't need it to be beautiful. How can she not understand that when I say she can't buy the super short shorts at Abercrombie like the ones her friends have it is because I have a real issue with her ass cheeks hanging out for all the world to see. That I don't want her looked at like a piece of meat. How can she not understand that I have no desire to fight with her, that it actually makes me miserable...so I am NOT saying these things because I think fighting with her is fun, or because I am the adult and she is the child...which means I get to win. all. the. time.
How can she not understand that I want to hand her the world? That she is capable of being anyone, of doing anything...all she has to do it go for it...to work for it....How can she not understand that she is hopes and dreams wrapped up in a pretty pink ribbon. That her whole life is ahead of her and she doesn't have to try to be older all the time...that being 13 is good. That she has waited forever to be 13 and now...instead of rushing through it..she should revile in it. Live every single second of it. That 14 will come...and so will 15....
How can she not understand that every single time we argue...all I can see is a 3 year old...curled up in my lap? That little girl who brought me dandy lions and drew me pictures of rainbows and butterflies? To me she will always be that girl...the one who sang me songs and danced around the living room in her underwear. She will be the little girl who would only eat spaghetti for a month straight and walked around the house in my old prom dress and high heels.
How can she not understand that she is the best thing I have ever done...
and that all I want for her is the best life.
I know she'll make mistakes...
I know they'll be good for her...
that she'll learn from them...
but until she is old enough to know better...
I will be right there...
saying all the things no one else will...
telling her that she is wearing too much make up...
or that her outfit doesn't look as good as she thinks it does...
or that he boy she likes...likes her for all the wrong reasons...
all those things...
that hurt...
and she'll most definitely hate me for most of them...
but I hope that one day..
she'll wake up and realize....
I let her hate me...
because I loved her so much.
Come on over and link up @ SUNDAY SNAPSHOT...
It's fun.
You'll find good blogs to read...
and maybe someone new will read yours...
comments are awesome...
and followers are even better...
click the button...
it's good fun stuff...
Please take some time to say a prayer for this family.
They could use some extra prayers this week
Know my prayers are with you and your whole family.
<3
Monday, May 9, 2011
Sunday Snapshot (Happy Mothers Day)
If you haven't even checked out Sunday Snapshot...
it's fun.
Great blogs...
amazing pictures...
inspirational stories...
do it...
you won't be sorry...
go ahead...
click the link...
it isn't hard...
it only takes a second...
you know you wanna...
Once upon a time,
there was a child ready to be born...
So one day this child asked God
"They tell me you are sending me to earth
tomorrow, but how am I going to live there being
so small and helpless?"
God Answered
"Among the many angels,
I chose one just for you, and she will
take care of you."
The child replied
"Here in heaven I don't do
anything but sing and smile. That is all I need to
be happy... will I be happy on earth?"
God Answered, "Your angel will sing for you,
and also smile for you everyday.
You will feel your angels love and be happy."
The Child continued...
"But how am I going
to understand when people talk to me if
I don't know the language that humans speak?"
God answered...
"Your angel will speak to you the
most beautiful sweetest words you
will ever hear. With much patience
and care your angel will teach you to speak."
The child continued...
"What am I going to do when I
want to talk to you?"
God replied
"Your angel will place your hands
together and teach you how to pray."
Still concerned the child asked
"But I hear there are bad people
on earth who will protect me?"
God replied
"Your angel will defend you even if
it means risking her life."
Anticipating the sadness of separation
the child said...
" But I will be sad because I will
not see you anymore."
God reassured the child
"your angel will always talk to you about me,
and will teach you the way to come back to me,
even though I will always be right next to you."
At that moment there was much peace in heaven
but voices could be heard from earth...
The child asked in a hurry...
"Oh God! If I am about to leave now
Please tell me the name of my angel!"
God smiled...
and replied...
"Your angels name is of little importance,
you will simply call her...
Mommy."
Happy Mothers day to all of the mothers out there...
the ones who are celebrating with their children.
The ones who aren't but wish they could...
To the Mothers whose babies grew in their bellies...
and to the Mothers whose babies grew in their hearts...
To the Mothers who didn't always make the right choices...
and to the Mothers who hover...
To MY MOTHER..
who sacrificed so much more than I ever knew...
who made tough choices...
who loved me enough to give more than she had...
who loved me enough to say no...even when she really wanted to say yes.
Who is still doing things every single day to help me...
When I was little and people would ask me what I wanted to be when I grew up...I would always say a Mommy.
Looking back...yeah... I wanted to be a Mom..
but I think it had a little bit more to do with being like
YOU.
Thank you Mom.
I LOVE YOU!
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