Tuesday, November 27, 2012

The thoughtful thirties

Monday, November 26

I turned 30 today.  Remember back when you were younger and you would begin the countdown to your birthday about 2 month out?  Yeah....me too.  But while I talked about my birthday, there wasn't an eagerness or excitement about.  No fancy countdown written on the calendar.  It was really just casual conversation.

But with all that said......I'm not one of those people that gets sad when they think about getting older.  In fact, turning 30 was huge for me.  I now feel like I am "real" grownup---whatever that term really means.  I have 3 fascinating kids, I'm married, we own a home, my family is happy and healthy, and...while I would not like to think that I am in my career, I do have a decent job that definitely helps pay the bills.  I guess it could be worse right?  And maybe I will be a little like wine and only get better with age.

Since it was on a Monday I was up in the morning to get ready for work and get Madison off to school(well, she gets herself off to school-but it sounds really good when I write it like that )  My ultimate goal was to get up a half hour earlier than usual so I could start my Jillian Michaels workout tape...but nope--that didn't happen!  Anyway--it was work, Madison's dance, and school for me.  I had decided to make cupcakes for my birthday because I sort of feel like everyone deserves cake on their special day.

To make a long story short---it was a pretty good day--one of the best ones that I have had in a while.  Work was not too stressful, everything worked out in getting Madison to dance since I had to stay a little longer at work, I was able to enjoy some quality time with a friend and do some shopping, giggling, acting silly, and catching up before class.  Just an all around nice day.

And when I got home form class at 10:30p I was greeted by Abby, Ted, and Myles (Madison and Mayci were already asleep)....there was a cake, some simple gifts, the Happy Birthday song, and blowing out of some candles.  Shortly after..Damian came home from a long day at work and rehearsal and the rest of us fell asleep.

I am so grateful to have made it to 30 years old.  What a precious gift!  These past several years I have seen several young people pass away due to the cruelty of others and unforeseen "freak" accidents...I can only sit and be thankful that I am surrounded  by those who love me and that I have been given yet another chance at another year of life.


Sunday, November 25, 2012

3 decades, randoms, and a few pics

Not exactly sure why I even titled this post that...but it could possibly be because tomorrow is my 30th birthday!! WOAH!!!  30?!?!?!  So cool!!  I always wanted to be 30.  I mean like even when I was only 20 and 21...I thought 30 would be such a "real grown up" age......so I guess that means that as of tomorrow, I am officially a grown up!    WOOOOO HOOO!!

But anyway....the family survived Thanksgiving and is eagerly awaiting Christmas....well at least the kids are.  I always seem to struggle the most around the holidays.  When everyone else seems to be super happy and full of holiday cheer, I am  more closed off and to myself...but I manage to pull through like always.

I do have to say, with a sort of bragging tone, I am almost completely done with my Christmas shopping.  Thank goodness for the Internet and online shopping,  I have been doing several online purchases and always wait until they have some sort of "Free Shipping" deal..because I mean..then it is even more worth it.  Not to mention that I signed up to Ebates which has been a godsend.  I should actually be receiving my first check from several purchases within the next week.  I just got my sign on gift card to Target yesterday, which so completely made my day!

The kids had gone to get there pictures taken about 2 weeks ago and those have finally come in, minus one piece that I am still waiting for.  I will include some of them with this post, but will not be including the pics that are going on our Christmas Card this year.  I have also decided to write a Christmas Letter this year to include with our cards this year and I am super excited for that!!

It's the Sunday after Thanksgiving and our house is completely decorated for Christmas.  We chose to do 2 trees this year.  One for the living room which is strictly for decoration. And I decorated it to match the furniture that we already have in that room. (who do I think I am...Martha Stewart--hahahahah...absolutely not!! )  And the other is in the playroom that the kids got to decorate and that is the one that the gifts will go under on Christmas Eve.  Decorating for Christmas has really boosted my spirits quite a bit already and I am hoping that I can remain this way for the rest of the year and going forward.

We return to school and work after 4 days off...sort of a bummer and Madison has been complaining for the entire day about it, but hey, it is what it is.  I am just going to look forward to Christmas Eve...because as soon as I get off from work I don't go back for a full 7 days ...YIPEE!!!!!

Kids update:  Let's see...not too much exciting to report.  Madison goes back to the orthopedic doctor in another week and half to check the status of her ankle, Mayci has been continuously trying to do everything Myles is doing(that includes trying to jump off the couch only to land face first on the hard couch) and Mr Myles...well he still thinks he is one super hero after the next, but has been very excited about Christmas since we put the trees up on Friday......

Please enjoy a sneak peek of some of the pics that the kids got done 2 weeks ago!!...........





Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Just some pics to enjoy

Just wanted to share a few pics from the past 2-3 months since they have just been sitting in the memory card of my camera FOREVER!!!  Hope you enjoy!!

This first little group is of a Truth Revolutions Gig that the kids and I attended to support TRR and Damian, Zaccai, and Luques:












Just some more randoms................


This was Madison trying to do a creepy clown make up look!!

And here she is with the candy we were handing out for Halloween

Here are a few of Damian, Abby, Myles, and Mayci at the little kids swimming lessons.  Abby was kind enough to get in the water on this day because I was attending a Mary Kay meeting!




Thursday, November 1, 2012

Starting over..............................again!

Alright...here I go again!  I am not even going to begin with the lame excuses about why I haven't written.  I'll just jump right in.  I lost my motivation for a while.  Things were busy, I was overwhelmed, and because of that I gave up.  It's a really bad trait that I have.  Giving up with things get a little rough.  But I am working on that.

Did I ever mention how I love the first of the month.  Any month.  It always feels like a new beginning for me. A second chance.  Permission to just start over.  So that is what I am going to do.  I am hoping to really get into writing at least every other day, but I make no promises.  I feel like all the time I sit staring at the computer screen can be put to better use sometimes.  ( I am sure that some other people might even agree with me)

So, since November is my birthday month, I figured this was a great time to start.  Tomorrow I will post some pictures from over the past couple of months to catch everyone up and give me a a reason to clean up my memory card in my camera.

Madison, Myles, and Mayci have been doing great.  i think they are all starting to come down with colds, but other than that, they have been well.

Madison has been having trouble with her ankle for quite sometime.  I finally brought her in to see an orthopedic doctor since her xray came up normal and it seems that the tendons are separating form the bone.  This seems very common and causes a lot of discomfort.  She is trying tout a boot to wear for 4 weeks and then will be going back for an evaluation.  So for the time being, we have been taking a break from dance.  I say we because I have truly enjoyed the break from driving back and forth.  She does go on certain days so that she doesn' miss ou too much, but has also been taking entire days off also.

Mayci has finally gotten some teeth.  She is a little behind at 15 months, but the doctor told us not to worry....and sure enough---her bottom 2 teeth have arrived. Tomorrow when I post pics, I will be sure to include one of her new "chompers"

Myles is still enjoying life being Spiderman.  He has been working on his letters and spelling his name...I am hoping to get him into preschool readiness or day care by the middle of next year. Just have to get a few ducks in line!!

Damian's schedule has begun to pick back up now that the school year has started.  He has a full schedule of students, a couple of private lessons, and of course lots of rehearsals and gigs keeping him busy and fulfilled.  As far as Hip Hop producing has been going, he is working on another album and I am hoping to get a little more involved in this area of his music....  Oh and I don't want to forget...if you are looking to check out some new music...check out the CD, "Conquistador", Ed Byrne's Latin Jazz evolution.  Damian plays on this CD and it was released a a little earlier in the year.

I hope that everyones fall has started off great and that everyone made out okay from Hurricane Sandy..Until then.....

LOVE AND HUGS xoxox