Take Time to Enjoy the Little Things

Some days I just want to throw up my hands and scream "I can't do this anymore". It doesn't happen often, but there are days that push me to the edge! Between work, taking care of the house and the boys, and making meals, the days go by in a blur and I often go to bed thinking, what exactly did I do with the boys tonight? Did I even give them 10 minutes of my time?? Guilt sets in and I tell myself tomorrow we'll slow down and go out a play and enjoy the day. It's called "mommy guilt" and those of us with kids have all been through it. Things happen in life that make you stop and go "WHOA" wait a minute, is it a big deal if the house isn't dusted or the dishes aren't clean? I mean really - who cares? The kids are only small for a short time and before I know it, they'll be teenagers and won't need or want me around! LOL These past few days I've realized nothing is more important than enjoying life, because it can be taken away so fast. A dear friend, who was only 34, passed away yesterday from a brain tumor. She had been battling for a few years and God knows she put up quite a fight - she had to, she has 5 small children. Those of us who know her, our hearts are broken for those kids. She didn't have much family to lean on, her ex was a sleaze (to put it nicely). Her kids were her life and she used every single minute on earth letting them know how much she loved them. It makes you wonder why moments like these have to happen before the rest of us stop what we're doing and think about the stuff that is really important in life. So tonight, I left the dishes in the sink, didn't sweep the floor or pick up toys. The boys and I went outside and picked apples, we played in the sandbox & laughed alot, and then we came in and read books before bed. Now I am going to go and light a candle for a friend I have known for over 8 years - she will be missed. But because of her I realize how life should be -

TGIF

So, today is Friday and its HOMECOMING in Estelline. Zach was so excited because of course today is the big parade he gets to walk in, and lots of candy, fun and more candy! In our small town of less than 900 people, everyone gets into the spirit of Homecoming. The town is awash in red & white. Go Redmen!

I just don't know where summer went - I spent so many evenings watering my flowers, shrubs and tomato plants and now they are all starting to wilt and look so unhappy. Obviously I do not have a green thumb as I have had a sparse collection of tomatos and peppers this year - even though I purchased my plants through Gurney's this year, where they state that anyone can grow a garden! Yay, right, not everyone.....
I swear I will not be doing it again next year. I will rely on the Farmers Market to provide me with fresh produce! I do however, have a huge apple tree that is so full the branches are literally hanging down. I've been making apple crisps and applesauce - finally went and purchased an "apple picker" contraption the other day that works wonders and I can reach the huge apples that are beyond my reach. No more whacking at the apples with sticks and letting them drop on the boys' heads! haha... Watch out Grandma Go Go - you'll be getting a garbage bag full of apples to make (us) jelly and sauces!!

I do mourn the passing of summer - as so many of us do here in the midwest. Just the thought of the upcoming snow, ice and freezing rain is enough to make me want to hibernate. I have never been a fan of winter (except maybe when I was 5 and actually liked playing in the snow!) and as I get older I despise it even more. Must be time for me to retire and head south!
But for now I will enjoy the beautiful fall weather, the changing of the leaves and the cool mornings. The mornings have been in the 50's and during the day in the upper 60's. Maybe this weather will last through, oh I don't know, FEBRUARY????

Remembering 9/11

As I was driving into work today, I had the radio on and at 7:50am they began running clips from the 9/11 attack, newspeople talking in disbelief, people screaming and crying. It gave me goosebumps. I clearly remember driving into work that morning, with Zach in the backseat - he was only a year old - when they came on the radio and began talking about the first plane hitting the tower. Hard to believe it was seven years ago. I

pray the people who lost loved ones or who were actually there that day have somehow healed and have been able to move on. Over 3,000 lives lost that day...... please take time to say a prayer today and give thanks for what you do have and never take for granted those in your life.

Flashback....

My first blog entry EVER and I've sat here for 15 minutes trying to think of what I want to dish about first. Anyone who knows me will attest to the fact that I do love to talk and typically am never at a loss for words. I just don't have the hang of this "blogging" thing yet, so please bear with me. Yes, I know its suppose to be a journal of thoughts, memories, antedotes and whatnots - but my whatnots are currently scattered about!

Let's begin with the honor bestowed to myself and a co-worker today. We were asked to be judges of "80's DAY" at the local High School. Aahhh...memories! It was an awesome experience watching these young people (who weren't even born in the 80's) pose for us in their Flashdance clothing, big hair and leg warmers. It made me yearn to be back at good old WHS! These kids obviously looked to their parents for guidance on "the look" of the 80's as many had BLUE eyeshadow, neon jewelry and peg-legged jeans. Makes me want to break out in song - I think we're alone now, doesn't seem to be anyone around.... I think we're alone now; remember Tiffany??!!

Life was so much easier back then - living at home, parents taking care of you, not a worry in the world. My how things change - now I own a home, I'm the one taking care of kids, and my worries of the world seem to be growing daily!! Why is it that we have to grow up?? Who's idea was that anyway?