Monday, January 24, 2011

A Moment for Me...

If you are one, you'll keep reading, if you're not one, you'll stop in about one more line. I'm a stay at home mom, and it's not for sissies. I would not change this life choice for anything, but I will equally not deny that sometimes a 40 hour a week desk job looks pretty relaxing.

Last week I had one of those days where News (my now 1 year old) refused to be happy playing alone as well as refused to be comforted by my being there, so basically a complete whiney terrible bad day. When, out of the blue, Newell appeared to be slightly intrigued by his toy box and I seized the opportunity to throw the dishes in the dishwasher (which is by the way, a complete GOD-send). I had been away for approximately 3 minutes when Newell came running around the corner being assisted by his zoom and scoot, a favorite toy. This would not be unusual except for the fact that he was stark naked and covered in paint. When I looked around the corner I saw that he had stripped down, opened a can of paint, painted both his arms, one leg and pooped in the center of the floor. Yes. In 3 minutes. I screamed. He laughed and mocked me continuing the run (now from me) mocking my screams. I picked him up, plopped him in the tub and called his father. I need a break.

But that was last week. Today I have my son and his one year old bff--it's the equivalent of being thrown into a world of twin boys, but it's been great! And currently the dishes are loaded and washing and both boys are down for a synchronized nap and for me, this is my moment to relax... so I'm sharing some pieces of my moment...

1--a pot of french pressed coffee with Great Value (walmart brand alert!) Vanilla creamer

2--a couple favorite blogs and websites--Currently I'm playing on www.polyvore.com (check it out!)

3--Background noise. I bounce between favorites here but I listen to a lot of music on www.pandora.com and www.stereomood.com and when i'm feeling more like just staring, I hook up my netflix account and watch some good mystery show like Bones or CSI.

Have a great day! Mommies out there, I hope you get some time to yourself today as well!

Friday, January 21, 2011

Feeling the Love!

My love language is gifts. I use this as an excuse for my terrible packrat syndrome. And yes, i do think being a packrat might be a clinical syndrome and I think I have it. but admission is the first step right? Anyhow...because my love language is gifts I tend to apply very sentimental value to inanimate objects and occasionally animate objects (just ask my husband about our shetland pony, I mean, puppy, Bear). But seriously, isn't he beautiful?


Plus Newell loves him...

Ok, so that's background.

Now the only thing better to me than gifts is packages--you know, ones that come in the mail. January was a very fun month, one in which I felt particularly loved. I received not one but TWO packages from dear friends all across the country. The first came from my umm...we're going to call her Aunt but i think she's really a cousin and unless you have a family that rivals the one shown on My Big Fat Greek Wedding, you really wouldn't understand the run around to get to who she is to me. She's special and loved and that's all that matters. Anyhow, Nicki gathered a bunch of fun stuff from around her house and shopping trips to antique stores and put together this fabulous little package...



It was AMAZING to open up all these goodies! Note: my handwriting on the return addy, she's such a good recycler!


This next package was SUPER fun. I mean SUPER fun. It came from a dear high school friend Jen, or middle school, or elementary school, or kindergarten, or Mrs Macy's....Yes, Jen and I go way back and she's not telling anything about my 1st grade clown hair cut, MC Hammer pants or anything else you think you can just pry out of her. Just thought we should clear that up. :) Now Jen called me last fall sometime and mentioned that she was going to Italy. Going to Italy with the man she loves (I might be taking slight liberties here) and we're all just pretty stinking jealous. But being the dear sweet friend she is, look at these goodies she brought back and sent to me?! I'm working up a couple sets for her that I'll be sharing soon with some of these bad boys but really, aren't they spectacular!? Hand blown Venetian glass...sigh* love!



So look for some fun new things as I share the love from these two and pass it on to you wonderful people! Enjoy!

Jillian