I need to put together an email list of everyone who is interested (or may be) in running the 5k in April. (I tried to do this without putting up a post, but it was just too much work.)
Please send me a message at malisa3@bowensite.com if you are doing it - then I'll send you a email with more info!
It's been fun to hear about so many people starting to run. Thanks so much for being willing to give this a try!
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
The Clouds Are Gathering
This describes my mood tonight.
Here is my jumbled set of thoughts. I do not feel like editing this much - it's really mostly for me to sort out what is eating at me. Take it for what it is.
I believe in being responsible as much as you are able.
The issue at hand is teaching my kids to do so. I try to help them manage their lives, but I do not cater to my children.
We have had a fair amout of complaining and feeling overwhelmed (from them).
This morning (in an attempt to fix the growing problem), I made a list of things that the boys had to accomplish today. They could have free time after. (For me, knowing that I have done all of my "to do's" makes my extra time that much sweeter.) I know my boys need that - hence the list.
Some of the things on the list required my help. WHEN I OFFER MY HELP I DO EXPECT YOU TO VALUE IT! - is what I want to yell to my children. The main issue I have is complaining when I am trying to help them get something done that is for their own benefit. Keeping their room clean is for my benefit mostly - reading is for theirs.
The problem comes when I know that certain things need to get done, but that they will not do it on their own. I see my role as more of an assistant that helps them schedule things until they can do it on their own - but if you complain at your assistant they don't want to work very hard for you. It is so frustrating to feel so unappreciated!!
I've realized as an adult how independent my siblings and I were all raised to be. We don't rely on our parents for much at all. We are all self-sufficient. (While I think that having a little more attachment may be good, I'd much rather be on this side. There are far too many people in the world not taking responsibility for themselves.) I've seen parallels in the way I raise my children. I do expect them to think for themselves and manage themselves quite a bit. I am not a parent that hovers.
Two nights ago, at about 7:00pm, I was feeling frustrated from the crying and such and informed the boys that the parenting was over for the night. They took me literally and got in pajamas, brushed teeth and tucked themselves to bed right on time. It took Daniel and I a few minutes to realize what they had done. I was so pleased. It seems if I withdraw myself completely they show that they can do things on their own. I wish that wasn't what it took.
Homework and piano have been getting the better of me. I hate when kids complain or cry- especially when I am going out of my way to help them.
Here is my jumbled set of thoughts. I do not feel like editing this much - it's really mostly for me to sort out what is eating at me. Take it for what it is.
I believe in being responsible as much as you are able.
The issue at hand is teaching my kids to do so. I try to help them manage their lives, but I do not cater to my children.
We have had a fair amout of complaining and feeling overwhelmed (from them).
This morning (in an attempt to fix the growing problem), I made a list of things that the boys had to accomplish today. They could have free time after. (For me, knowing that I have done all of my "to do's" makes my extra time that much sweeter.) I know my boys need that - hence the list.
Some of the things on the list required my help. WHEN I OFFER MY HELP I DO EXPECT YOU TO VALUE IT! - is what I want to yell to my children. The main issue I have is complaining when I am trying to help them get something done that is for their own benefit. Keeping their room clean is for my benefit mostly - reading is for theirs.
The problem comes when I know that certain things need to get done, but that they will not do it on their own. I see my role as more of an assistant that helps them schedule things until they can do it on their own - but if you complain at your assistant they don't want to work very hard for you. It is so frustrating to feel so unappreciated!!
I've realized as an adult how independent my siblings and I were all raised to be. We don't rely on our parents for much at all. We are all self-sufficient. (While I think that having a little more attachment may be good, I'd much rather be on this side. There are far too many people in the world not taking responsibility for themselves.) I've seen parallels in the way I raise my children. I do expect them to think for themselves and manage themselves quite a bit. I am not a parent that hovers.
Two nights ago, at about 7:00pm, I was feeling frustrated from the crying and such and informed the boys that the parenting was over for the night. They took me literally and got in pajamas, brushed teeth and tucked themselves to bed right on time. It took Daniel and I a few minutes to realize what they had done. I was so pleased. It seems if I withdraw myself completely they show that they can do things on their own. I wish that wasn't what it took.
Homework and piano have been getting the better of me. I hate when kids complain or cry- especially when I am going out of my way to help them.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
I Couldn't Resist
Okay, so I know this is a lot of pictures of Sarah, but I just had to put them up. They are all from the end of January. I got her the tutu and couldn't resist a photo shoot. (I'm hoping to get some ladies together in the future to make our own tutus for less.)
Monday, February 23, 2009
The Labeler and More...
If you are on facebook, then you probably already know how I feel about my labeler (the P-touch from Costco). I thought it would be fun to post some pictures of what I have used it for...
Random things that I put test labels on:
And lots of other things that I don't feel like taking pictures of right now....
The lamp above replaced another so I was able to put my two cheap, $9 WalMart lamps I had together on my piano.
The Fridge: (no, it is not all organized - I wasn't the last one to put the groceries in.)
Random things that I put test labels on:
My Expedit bookcase containers: (I can't take a picture of the toy ones, because I'm not willing to clean it up right now. I know you can't really read the labels, but I can.)
And lots of other things that I don't feel like taking pictures of right now....
But here's something else I have been intending to post a picture of- My funky new lamp from Target. I found this beauty on clearance for $22 (down from $90). I just thought it was so oddly appealing.
The lamp above replaced another so I was able to put my two cheap, $9 WalMart lamps I had together on my piano.
And here's a random photo from today. Luckily Sarah has the boys to teach her the way of the Jedi...
P.S. For those of you who use Google Reader or something like that: I have a tendency to publish my posts before I edit them and then go back and make changes. I believe that you may often be getting unedited versions (since you get notification as soon as I post it the first time). If that is the case, would you kindly go back and re-read every single post to be sure that you know I know how to spell and punctuate? - and in the future make sure that you go to my blog for the latest version? Thank you in advance.
P.P.S. Also to those with Google Reader or the likes: It seems that you may get a copy of posts that I only post for a few minutes and then take down. This happened this week. I realized that I probably shouldn't keep my ranting and raving post up and took it down quickly, only to find that some people had read it!
What Would You Do With This Hair?
Sarah's hair is getting longer...and thicker. It's great, but it poses a problem. Do I cut bangs for her or just keep clipping it back? The top is finally growing and it is brushing in her eyes. I think I'm leaning towards letting it grow. Any thoughts?
While we're on the topic of Sarah, did I mention that she's 2? She is definitely letting us know what she wants. Here she is in carefully-selected-by-her-going-outside-attire.
And here she is with an entire piece of broccoli stuffed in her mouth saying "Nummy, nummy."
That girl...
Monday, February 16, 2009
I'm Commiting
I have been mulling over doing this for the past few weeks. I just haven't been sure if I was up to the task.
However, I have now decided that I am going to do it - THE WASATCH BACK!
The Wasatch Back is a 180 mile relay race. 12 women on a team and each one runs three different legs. If I get the easiest position, I'll run a total of 12 miles. It is in mid June and I am 2 1/2 weeks into the Novice Training Program on their website.
http://www.ragnarrelay.com/index.php
So, now that I've announced that to the world, I'll tell you what else I'm doing.
I am going to run the Salt Lake City Marathon 5k on April 18th. I am hoping that ANYONE that wants to do it will join me. I made up a training schedule (based on the Wasatch Back one) that starts this Wednesday and leads up to the race day. It is doable for pretty much anyone - it starts with just 15 min, 3 times a week - some walking allowed. This is where I've started. Just think about it......I'll get you a schedule if you're AT ALL interested. (I can't seem to post it here.)
http://www.saltlakecitymarathon.com/5K.148.0.html
However, I have now decided that I am going to do it - THE WASATCH BACK!
The Wasatch Back is a 180 mile relay race. 12 women on a team and each one runs three different legs. If I get the easiest position, I'll run a total of 12 miles. It is in mid June and I am 2 1/2 weeks into the Novice Training Program on their website.
http://www.ragnarrelay.com/index.php
So, now that I've announced that to the world, I'll tell you what else I'm doing.
I am going to run the Salt Lake City Marathon 5k on April 18th. I am hoping that ANYONE that wants to do it will join me. I made up a training schedule (based on the Wasatch Back one) that starts this Wednesday and leads up to the race day. It is doable for pretty much anyone - it starts with just 15 min, 3 times a week - some walking allowed. This is where I've started. Just think about it......I'll get you a schedule if you're AT ALL interested. (I can't seem to post it here.)
http://www.saltlakecitymarathon.com/5K.148.0.html
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Dear Lego Makers,
Our family loves Legos. We always have. We have spent much of our income in obtaining said Legos. We have had birthday parties centered around Legos. We are true Lego fans.
Our son just turned 7 yesterday. He has wanted to have a "real" lego lightsaber for a long time, but the sets that they come in are expensive. We decided that his main gift for his birthday would be Darth Vader's Tie Fighter, complete with Vadar and his red lightsaber! The gift was a hit! Our boy and the lightsaber have been nearly inseparable.
However, this afternoon, without our knowledge and much to our dismay, our son decided to take Vader and the Tie Fighter in the van. He enjoyed them very much until near the end of the journey when he "dropped" the lightsaber down the side of his seat. He exclaimed it was missing and we were all soon searching for it.
After much time it was discovered deep in a crevice on the floor. Then an hour later we had only been able to recover the red part and NOT the hilt. Acceptance came slowly and tears were shed. The SINGLE MOST IMPORTANT PIECE it the entire set is gone forever.
My son dreams of having every lego lightsaber in every color, but this was to be his first and favorite. Is there not something you can do? We cannot bring ourselves to re-buy the set for the lightsaber hilt!
Please, please if you're willing, see if you can find an extra lightsaber handle around there somewhere...and send it our way. Thanks.
Our son just turned 7 yesterday. He has wanted to have a "real" lego lightsaber for a long time, but the sets that they come in are expensive. We decided that his main gift for his birthday would be Darth Vader's Tie Fighter, complete with Vadar and his red lightsaber! The gift was a hit! Our boy and the lightsaber have been nearly inseparable.
However, this afternoon, without our knowledge and much to our dismay, our son decided to take Vader and the Tie Fighter in the van. He enjoyed them very much until near the end of the journey when he "dropped" the lightsaber down the side of his seat. He exclaimed it was missing and we were all soon searching for it.
After much time it was discovered deep in a crevice on the floor. Then an hour later we had only been able to recover the red part and NOT the hilt. Acceptance came slowly and tears were shed. The SINGLE MOST IMPORTANT PIECE it the entire set is gone forever.
My son dreams of having every lego lightsaber in every color, but this was to be his first and favorite. Is there not something you can do? We cannot bring ourselves to re-buy the set for the lightsaber hilt!
Please, please if you're willing, see if you can find an extra lightsaber handle around there somewhere...and send it our way. Thanks.
Sincerely,
Sad w/o a Lightsaber
Friday, February 13, 2009
On Being a Parent
Do you know that I never really liked to babysit?
I'd just keep watching the clock until it was over - or think about what they had to eat in the kitchen - or wonder why the kids had to bother me so much. Yeah, it wasn't my thing. Let's just say, I wouldn't have hired myself. I didn't even have any younger siblings to take care of.
I think that this motherhood thing might come more naturally to some of us women than others. Now, don't get me wrong, I really do love being a mother, and I have moments of pure awesomeness, but I think for me it takes a little more effort to see all of the joy in the journey. I know it's there, but usually I have to be looking to find it.
I was a great, no, a fantastic mom for 7/8 of today. (See me using my awesome math skills?!) I was prepared. I was kind. I was resourceful. I was patient. I had make-up on. I smiled. For 7/8 of the day.
After the various school activities (ranging from VIP week - meet the family, to yearbook, to Valentine's parties) and a very homegrown birthday party and other birthday pleasantries, I stopped. I stopped and turned off. I didn't do anything wrong, per se, but I was done.
The thing about being a parent though is that there never really is an"off button". Especially when both parents are tired. Things have to be done. Which one is going to keep moving forward? I know how hard Daniel works and so I usually feel guilt (even though it may not seem like it with how many nights I need to be off duty) about needing to take a time out.
Yesterday and today, I've felt like I've been fighting against fatigue. I've been doing things because I've had to. Because I'm a mom - and a decent one at that. But what I really want to be doing is SLEEPING or VEGGING or TALKING TO FRIENDS or...
(oh man, I had to go get this next part from facebook and I got a little distracted. hohum.)
I saw this article on facebook. It's worth the read. It can help remind you of what might be so demanding about this parenthood thing.
I'd just keep watching the clock until it was over - or think about what they had to eat in the kitchen - or wonder why the kids had to bother me so much. Yeah, it wasn't my thing. Let's just say, I wouldn't have hired myself. I didn't even have any younger siblings to take care of.
I think that this motherhood thing might come more naturally to some of us women than others. Now, don't get me wrong, I really do love being a mother, and I have moments of pure awesomeness, but I think for me it takes a little more effort to see all of the joy in the journey. I know it's there, but usually I have to be looking to find it.
I was a great, no, a fantastic mom for 7/8 of today. (See me using my awesome math skills?!) I was prepared. I was kind. I was resourceful. I was patient. I had make-up on. I smiled. For 7/8 of the day.
After the various school activities (ranging from VIP week - meet the family, to yearbook, to Valentine's parties) and a very homegrown birthday party and other birthday pleasantries, I stopped. I stopped and turned off. I didn't do anything wrong, per se, but I was done.
The thing about being a parent though is that there never really is an"off button". Especially when both parents are tired. Things have to be done. Which one is going to keep moving forward? I know how hard Daniel works and so I usually feel guilt (even though it may not seem like it with how many nights I need to be off duty) about needing to take a time out.
Yesterday and today, I've felt like I've been fighting against fatigue. I've been doing things because I've had to. Because I'm a mom - and a decent one at that. But what I really want to be doing is SLEEPING or VEGGING or TALKING TO FRIENDS or...
(oh man, I had to go get this next part from facebook and I got a little distracted. hohum.)
I saw this article on facebook. It's worth the read. It can help remind you of what might be so demanding about this parenthood thing.
One part that resonated with me was: "It's resisting constant temptation to seek short-term relief at everyone's long-term expense." Hello! That is such a huge part of being a parent. What I want now isn't nearly as important as what is best for my family.
It is so hard for me to know where that happy line is between what's best for the family/what's best for mom. It's a line I try to walk everyday.
I have no idea where I was going with this...
Anyway, one thing I have learned from being a mom is that in a lot of ways - kids come like they come. The way you raise them can make a big difference, but some things they were just born with. I think about this with myself. As much as I try to improve on so many things, half of the time I'm just battling with my nature.
Somewhere deep down within me I'm going to have to find the resolve to get to the next level of parenting.
I'm not sure why I wrote this post tonight or even what I was really getting at. What I do know is that I'm tired. And a bit unsettled. And the air is slowly leaking out of my balloon.
Sleep. Sleep would be good.
P.S. Tonight I think I'm going to pray for an unlimited amount of energy. Any chance that'd be granted?
Monday, February 9, 2009
WOMEN OF GOD
From my friend Eden's blog:
WOMEN OF GOD CAN NEVER BE LIKE WOMEN OF THE WORLD. THE WORLD HAS ENOUGH WOMEN WHO ARE TOUGH; WE NEED WOMEN WHO ARE TENDER. THERE ARE ENOUGH WOMEN WHO ARE COARSE; WE NEED WOMEN WHO ARE KIND. THERE ARE ENOUGH WOMEN WHO ARE RUDE; WE NEED WOMEN WHO ARE REFINED. WE HAVE ENOUGH WOMEN OF FAME AND FORTUNE; WE NEED MORE WOMEN OF FAITH. WE HAVE ENOUGH GREED; WE NEED MORE GOODNESS. WE HAVE ENOUGH VANITY; WE NEED MORE VIRTUE. WE HAVE ENOUGH POPULARITY; WE NEED MORE PURITY."
~MARGARET NADAULD
WOMEN OF GOD CAN NEVER BE LIKE WOMEN OF THE WORLD. THE WORLD HAS ENOUGH WOMEN WHO ARE TOUGH; WE NEED WOMEN WHO ARE TENDER. THERE ARE ENOUGH WOMEN WHO ARE COARSE; WE NEED WOMEN WHO ARE KIND. THERE ARE ENOUGH WOMEN WHO ARE RUDE; WE NEED WOMEN WHO ARE REFINED. WE HAVE ENOUGH WOMEN OF FAME AND FORTUNE; WE NEED MORE WOMEN OF FAITH. WE HAVE ENOUGH GREED; WE NEED MORE GOODNESS. WE HAVE ENOUGH VANITY; WE NEED MORE VIRTUE. WE HAVE ENOUGH POPULARITY; WE NEED MORE PURITY."
~MARGARET NADAULD
Sunday, February 8, 2009
I Love My House: Part 1
When I first started reading blogs, my favorite thing to come across was projects that people had done. It still is. I love before and after pictures. (Unfortunately, my before pictures and even some of my afters are not very accessible right now.) I will pour over a picture I like to find the details and see what I can use in my own home or life.
If you had to ask me which of all of my hobbies brings me the most joy, I'd probably say doing what you see below: dreaming up an idea, demolition (pulling off the old moulding if there is any), putting up new moulding, painting, and decorating. I especially loved doing the kid's rooms because I could go bolder and didn't have to worry as much about how it coordinated with the rest of the house.
I tend to go in spurts with my projects. Sometimes I can get so much done, but other times I wonder how I ever did it. During most projects I reach a point where I wish I had never started. Daniel tries to remind me of this when I think up a new great idea. He says I just can't remember the pain. So true, so true. I guess a bad memory is good for something, right?
THE BOY'S ROOM
In case you're wondering, IKEA was pretty new here when I did their room. Did you know that I LOVE IKEA? The beds, toy storage underneath, dressers, hanging thing, and mirror are from there. The circle wall stickers are from Lowe's (with a few modifications).
I love, love, love their room, especially when they keep it clean. Under their beds is the one area I keep Sarah out of for them. It is also often the messiest area. For Adam, it is his own personal imaginary world.
If you had to ask me which of all of my hobbies brings me the most joy, I'd probably say doing what you see below: dreaming up an idea, demolition (pulling off the old moulding if there is any), putting up new moulding, painting, and decorating. I especially loved doing the kid's rooms because I could go bolder and didn't have to worry as much about how it coordinated with the rest of the house.
I tend to go in spurts with my projects. Sometimes I can get so much done, but other times I wonder how I ever did it. During most projects I reach a point where I wish I had never started. Daniel tries to remind me of this when I think up a new great idea. He says I just can't remember the pain. So true, so true. I guess a bad memory is good for something, right?
THE BOY'S ROOM
In case you're wondering, IKEA was pretty new here when I did their room. Did you know that I LOVE IKEA? The beds, toy storage underneath, dressers, hanging thing, and mirror are from there. The circle wall stickers are from Lowe's (with a few modifications).
I love, love, love their room, especially when they keep it clean. Under their beds is the one area I keep Sarah out of for them. It is also often the messiest area. For Adam, it is his own personal imaginary world.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
You May or May Not Have Noticed...
..that I have not been posting as much. You know why? It's that cursed thing called FACEBOOK. When I first joined I thought is was so innocent. But now I know, it is a lion in sheep's clothing. It can suck you in. The more friends you get, the more there is to see and do. Oh, I've been reading and commenting and snooping just as much as I ever do on blogs. (Blogs seem to have more weight to me though - maybe a little less superficial. )
I need it to be known that I do NOT check facebook all day. It is not an addiction (unlike other griends, I mean friends, that I know of)! I mainly check it at night, at which time I promptly make the choice to not sleep as much as my heavy head is telling me it wants to, in lieu of finding out what petty things everyone is doing.
I really have so many thoughts rambling about in my head for blog posts, but facebook makes me blank-minded once I get on...and I HAVE to get on because of all the emails I get telling me what I have missed! As far as blogging goes, the sheer thought of waiting for another picture to download is enough to make me give up entirely.
Maybe tomorrow I'll feel differently. Maybe tomorrow I'll spend more time with you, my blog, just to make sure you aren't getting jealous.
:) Malisa
I need it to be known that I do NOT check facebook all day. It is not an addiction (unlike other griends, I mean friends, that I know of)! I mainly check it at night, at which time I promptly make the choice to not sleep as much as my heavy head is telling me it wants to, in lieu of finding out what petty things everyone is doing.
I really have so many thoughts rambling about in my head for blog posts, but facebook makes me blank-minded once I get on...and I HAVE to get on because of all the emails I get telling me what I have missed! As far as blogging goes, the sheer thought of waiting for another picture to download is enough to make me give up entirely.
Maybe tomorrow I'll feel differently. Maybe tomorrow I'll spend more time with you, my blog, just to make sure you aren't getting jealous.
:) Malisa
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