See You Next Year January

And on this 31st day we bid adieu to January & Edward Cullen. I made it through my first month of picture blogging...yeah me! What was your personal accomplishment this month?

FTFS (FairyTale Format Saturday) Alternate Title: I Spend Entirely Too Much Time Reading Children's Stories

Once upon a time there were three little geese. They lived in a kingdom that some thought were exciting, but most found all too dull called OhIWishILivedAnywhereButHere, or Oiwilabh for short. While not related by blood the three geese had been friends since in the eggs and were inseparable. The oldest of the trio, Loosey, was a bit of a jabber bill (hence the name), but very friendly. Next came Edgar, but he liked to go by Webber. Webber had a harsh exterior but that was only for protection, once you got to know him, he was just an old down pillow. And last but not least was shy demur Petunia. She was the youngest of the group and always had a hard time bringing herself into the conversations especially with Webber and Loosey already leading the way.

One day while out walking in their matching basketball shirts (Webber always insisted upon such silly things like that!) the three friends waddled upon a strange little establishment that was new to them. They were not sure what to make of it at first, the decor and the people were offsetting, not what they were used to, but the smells...oh the smells!...They had to investigate. So in they went and approached a nice looking lady. Loosey, of course, asked where they were. And the ever so helpful lady replied, "why, you're at The Waffle Barn of course!"

Oh No She Didnt

"I really dont know what you're talking about Mommy. Me?...Keeping you up all night?...No, no...not innocent little me. And that it impeded so much on your life that you had to buy a new doorknob with a lock on it to kick me out of your room at night? Did we really have to go there?"

Life Is A Highway

Seen on my drive from work to school this evening. I may never see the sunrise..haha...but I do love a sunset. And yes, I do take pictures while driving. I have perfected the art of driving with my knees...it is unsafe, and it will probably end up being the death of me...but live in the moment right?...ha!

Im Not Gonna Lie

I feel like this leaf today...and a few other days too. Dropped, weathered, delicate, that is laying there on the sidewalk minding its own business & doing what it must to survive, all the while waiting for a bicycle or stroller or sneaker to come along and change its existence. Lucky me though, I have a much stronger spine than this leaf, and a simple sneaker cant crush my world.

Brake

There was a multiple car pile-up in the living room today. Im happy to report no injuries were sustained.

Creature of Comforts

I found this when I came around the couch to grab the Boppy for feeding the baby this afternoon. Is it still considered regression if the behavior comes from an animal?

Let Me Eat Cake

Today I:

*Fell asleep in the wee small hours of the morning with a pounding migraine.

*Woke up to my cat leaping on and off my bed, over & over & over...it was still dark outside my window.

*Finally got up after 5 hours of continually interrupted sleep, tripped over cat who is always underfoot...piercing pain still in the back of skull.

*Drove to work optimistic, the music of Wicked always make me feel good

*Was asked by my boss to stay late on Wednesday night...you mean the one night of the week I dont have to drive directly to class after working for 8 hours? The one night of the week I have free?...Oh sure...why not!

*Dealt with very tired baby, she did not want to sleep for very long today, this did not equal a good mood

*Came home, replaced a doorknob, though not quite all the way because this house is ridiculous

*Dealt with Mormons...if I had known who they were I probably wouldnt have opened the door.

Im eating this sugar loaded, leftover birthday cake...and Im going to enjoy every single bite of it.

Diego Was Not Harmed In The Taking Of This Photo

Somebody is having his 4th birthday party at a new indoor swimming pool tomorrow. I will not be in attendance, I will be at home with the baby...us nannies get the short end of the stick so often. Not that I mind spending time with my little shadow in the quiet peacefulness of their home, but it would also be fun to participate in JT's birthday.

I Hope She Doesnt Think Thats Her LitterBox

Cat-in-the-Box...'tis all for today...because Im wiped...Maybe its the whole working 40 hrs & taking 4 classes gig?

Interesting Anomaly

I noticed something today that sparked my curiosity. The past week or so I have kept the tv music channels on during the day...to keep myself from going completely loco, right? Today was one of those rare days where J.T. was home all day with me and the baby and around mid-morning I suggested coloring. Usually I cannot get him to sit long enough to color a circle; he shows no motivation, no excitement for it, nada. But today, with the sounds of Xanadu, Fiddler & Phantom playing in the background he sat and colored...and colored...and colored; thoroughly enjoying himself, staying in the lines, and didnt ask for the stickers once. (Something he usually does to get away from holding a crayon) He continued this way for close to 40 minutes, which in and of itself is purely amazing that a 4 year old boy sat still for that long on a rainy day...can I get an Amen?

Getting Stronger

Its hard work, this whole becoming your own person business. Everything you go through is an experience to make you stronger, to teach you something new. Until our dying day we will be learning and adapting...the thought is exhausting!

Welcome To Your Future

Allow me to show you some of my new nightly reading material. (please, please...contain your squeals of excitement...) Yes, I am super blessed to be one of the 30 picked out of 68 who applied for my program...and yes, I have been waiting almost 3 years for this moment to come to fruition...but do I REALLY want to pick up The Host right now and read that instead?? I think we all know the answer to that.

Its Better Than Wireless Internet

I am way too tired for my own good tonight, and I have a big day tomorrow, but I will leave you with this thought. What areas of foundation in your life need more of your focus, passion and attention?

They Were 3 & One Day They Will Be 13

I visited these two today. Ive known them since they were tiny babies. Isnt it amazing how much easier it is to see time go by when you spend your time watching children grow?

Curiouser and Curiouser

It was full price in a not-so-cheap store, but I bought it anyway; because I adore everything about Alice in Wonderland with every literature loving fiber in my body.

Space & Light & Order

Found on the side of a box of blocks. A very cool, colorful, intricate & beautiful box of blocks. I had never heard of Le Corbusier, I googled him, read and learned a lot...a very interesting man..."the raven-like one".

Just Because

...these big girl jeans and adorable socks are too cute to not share.

Through The Eyes Of A 4 Year Old

I hesitantly passed off my camera to eager hands today. "I can use your camera? I want to use your camera." The following are a sample of the things that are of utmost importance in a 4 year old's life.

Baby sister's blanket

Unnamed doggy & Scooby Doo

Big Sister decorating window

The all coveted Lightning McQueen

All The Coffee Beans In Columbia Wont Make Me A Morning Person

I was approached by a nice looking "older" lady while waiting for my coffee. She glanced at me with a smile on her face and said that I look like the guy on the commercial, from that restaurant that I wouldn't eat at if you paid me to, that walks around and says, "not before I've had my coffee!," and to be honest I was a little taken aback...I really thought I hid my disdain for mornings better than that....heh, on second thought...

Off The Top Of My Head

"What words start with the letter 'G'?" A simple enough question. I look back into the curious 4 year old's awaiting stare. "Well," I begin, because when put on the spot I suddenly draw a blank, "girl, grandma, gate, grape..." I tried to come up with other words that start with the letter 'G'...really I did. Maybe I need to start doing crosswords.

Lunch Date

Lunch is served...for baby and for yours truly...and yes, that is what constitutes as my lunch.

Sweet Somethings

I drove down to school to drop off some items for my program and since I was in the neighborhood I decided to stop at this lovely little gem of a place....so, so, so good. Simply Divine.

Quiet Time

I try to find pleasure in the quiet moments. They seem too much sometimes, but I know someday they will be gone and bigger and better noises and commotions will take their place. (From my fingertips to God's ears)

Little Flurries

What do you get when you put three children under 4 and two infants into a room together? Oh, dont forget their wonderful, wise, creative, comforting, loving caregivers...

Apart from the inevitable chaos and mess, you get a load of fun.

Ahhhh

I love the fog because when there is fog there is no sun, and when there is no sun I dont have to wear sunglasses to protect my oversensitive optic nerves. As a migraine sufferer there is no better weather than this. Chilling, Quiet and Beautiful. I could so do the Pacific Northwest.

Walk On

Try to remember to keep your feet planted firmly on the ground at all times...unless you want to get somewhere in life. Then it is probably best to put one foot in front of the other and get going.

Patience

Waiting for what we desire is a very hard thing to do. Harder yet is to let go of control over these desires. To know the one who knows your heart, give everything to Him and then be patient, be still and wait there in that place completely content.

For The Soul

"The most important one," answered Jesus, "is this: 'Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' The second of these is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these." Mark 12:29-31

God first, Others second, Yourself last.

Because Someone Is Always Watching

Sometimes the best way to teach is by living the example. One of the many catchphrases I use often with the children is, "my word is my word". This means, not only, that what I say is set and done, but also the morals and values I try to teach the children are ones that I hold of high importance in my life. It is important to live each second of each day as if a child is watching and listening to you.

Where Were You?

Ahhh, the perfect way to begin the new year. A blurry, imperfect picture; and I will strive to not find the flaws in it, because that is what this year is going to be about. Less nitpicking and more savoring.