May 31, 2011

Day 29

A photo of me as a child:

(Me and my Dad, circa 1983)


{And now...I'm caught up. This 30 day thing is harder than I thought.}

Day 28

My favorite musician and why:

Honestly and truly I could never pick a favorite musician more than I could pick a favorite child or type of food.

There are lots of musicians (in lots of different genres) that I love.

Yes I know it's a short post, but if you'd like some more details (or my ipod playlist) feel free to let me know.

Day 27

A picture of my family:


I know you've probably seen enough of these, but I can't help it. They're cute.

As for the extended family...

Here's my Husband's side:
And as for my side...Well just imagine something similar, with even more people.

The last time we had a family picture take with everyone was, hmmmm....12 1/2 years ago. And even then, one of my brother's families had to be photo-shopped in because they weren't able to be there at the same time as everyone else.

We tend to not enjoy having our pictures taken.

Here's me and my siblings and parents though. This was taken 2 years ago at my parent's 50th anniversary party. I think there were plans to gather all of our families (that were there - my middle brother's wife and kids weren't able to make it) and get a picture but it just never happened.

Like I said, not so much with the family pictures.

Day 26

How others perceive me:

I'm not sure about this one. My fear is that other view me as stuck-up, or dumb. Truthfully, I'm painfully shy, to the point of near anti-social behaviors.

Those who know me hopfully think I'm a little funny with a healthy dose of crazy (good crazy though hopefully), and probably rather insecure too. Yeah, that sounds about right.

Day 25

10 things I want to do before I die:

  1. Go to Hawii.
  2. Get my Master's Degree.
  3. Go to some kind of cool Rock Concert (I've never been to one).
  4. Celebrate My 50th Anniversary with my husband.
  5. Learn to play Beethoven's "Moonlight Sonata" on the Piano.
  6. Travel through Europe.
  7. Meet my Grandkids.
  8. Grow my hair long enough to cut it off and donate it.
  9. Be a better person.
  10. Be able to help others more.

Day 24

The last random act of kindness I encountered:

I'd have to go with kid #1. For as much as he complains, he is quite frequently (much to my surprise, still) really kind to his siblings. He will often get to choose treats at school, and rather than get something for himself, he'll pick something that he knows Beefy, or The Sister would like. He lets Beefy snuggle with him every night, and will read to both of them, even when he'd rather be doing something else. I could learn a thing or two from him.

Day 23

The last thing that made me cry?

I can't really remember, but it was probably something stupid like a sappy TV commercial, or a sappy moment during a show.

Yeah, I'm cool like that.

Day 22



Talk about the cuteness of my Pet:

Okay, the funny thing with this one...I'm SOOOO not an animal person. The only "pet" I'll even allow in my house, are my son's fish (which I refuse to take care of, other than the occasional feeding which usually triggers my gag reflex).

But, I have kids that are pretty cute. And that is good enough for me.

Day 21

Explain How I got My Scars:

Well, my most prominent scar (ant truthfully, the only one I know the origin of) is one that no-one will ever see. It is about 4 1/2 inches long and runs along my lower abdomen. It's my C-section scar.

It's the way all 3 of my kids came into this world, and I am grateful for it. I know many people have many strong opinions about this type of delivery, but truthfully-it was my only option and I have truly been blessed with easy recoveries and the ability to heal well.

As for my other scars, well your guess is as good as mine. I bruise and scar easy so there is always something healing on me. The nice thing is...They usually fade over time.

Day 20

Any Regrets?

I'd like to think that I don't have many. For the most part, the things I do regret are small in comparison to the the things I gave them up for. But, for the challenge's sake... I have 3. Here we go.
  1. I wish that I would have kept teaching when we moved to Washington. I took a break for a few years after the move, and it has been more difficult to get back to it. (On the other hand though, I've learned a lot, and I feel like as I've aged (eek) I've matured and become better able to see what is of benefit for my students.
  2. I wish that I'd have put more effort into my studies in college. I got my degree, but I could have done better with my grades. Granted I was married for 3/4 of my college career and was a Mom too for the last year, but I feel like when I go back for my master's I will definitely be more focused on pulling better grades and getting more out of what I learn.
  3. I wish that I had found an orchestra/band to keep playing with once I left College. Even after I wasn't a "Music Major" anymore, I played with the community orchestra and had a great time. I haven't played/taught drums since right after Beefy was born. I really do miss it.

Day 19

My Favorite Quote:

"Anyone who imagines that bliss is normal is going to waste a lot of time running around shouting that he has been robbed. The fact is that most putts don’t drop, most beef is tough, most children grow up to be just people, most successful marriages require a high degree of mutual [tolerance], and most jobs are more often dull than otherwise. Life is just like an old time rail journey-delays, sidetracks, smoke, dust, cinders, and jolts, interspersed only occasionally by beautiful vistas and thrilling bursts of speed. The trick is to thank the Lord for letting you have the ride."

-Jenkins Lloyd Jones
(Emphasis Added)

May 20, 2011

Day 18

A picture of me 10 years ago.
This is me, 10 years ago exactly (almost to the day - I think my high school graduation might have been on the 22nd). PHS class of 2001.

Man, I looked a lot younger and skinnier back then....

May 19, 2011

Goodbye Old Friend

This is what my husband came home with on Tuesday...




It didn't exactly make my day.

Thankfully, above all else - he is okay. The next good thing is that it wasn't his fault. He was rear-ended by a truck on his way home from work.

He took it in yesterday, and the insurance totaled it. No shock there. It's 14 years old, and wasn't a very high end car to begin with. His parents bought it outright for him right after his mission, and in the 10 years (yes, 10 - he's had that car 6 months longer than he's known me) we've put a whopping $500 into it (minus gas and oil changes). It was a great little car - even if the color was rather unfortunate.

We're getting more than half of what they originally paid for it back from the insurance. We haven't figured out what we are going to do yet (we have a few options) but I will keep you posted when we make a decision. I do know one thing for sure though, we are not a one car family-so we'd better figure something out soon.

Day 17

A you tube video:




Really, just watch it. It will make you smile.

May 18, 2011

Day 16

A letter to someone who has hurt me lately:

To the busted-up trampoline frame that lives in my sister's driveway:

A week ago, when you fell on my toe...it hurt. Now, a week later - it still hurts.



That wasn't very nice.

That is all.

-Kim

May 17, 2011

Day 15

Picture of something I ate today:


Yep, those are sour patch kids. Yep, it's a picture from the internet. Yep, it was that kind of day.

May 16, 2011

On Your Birthday.

Dear Beefy,

You turned 5 today. Where did that time go? As I've been trying to think of what to write for your birthday, I've looked over the last few years and it doesn't seem like it was that long ago when you were just a baby.

I look at you now and see not my little roly-poly toddler, but a very much grown-up big kid. It makes me cry and smile all at the same time.

You've been looking forward to your birthday for weeks now. When we asked you what you wanted to do you absolutely insisted on a birthday party with your friends, and Little Caesars pizza for dinner. It wasn't my first choice, but after seeing how happy it made you - how could I resist.

For the last few mornings you'd come into my room asking if it was your birthday yet. It was so great to watch your whole face light up today when you realized it was finally here. I forgot what it is to be so excited for a birthday.

I've loved watching you grow and progress this last year. Because of all of the things we've faced with you in your short life, I feel so very happy to see in you a healthy, active, and vibrant little boy. You truly are a miracle and I'm so grateful for you.

Happy Birthday my Beefy! I Love You.

Mommy

Day 14

Someone who fascinates me and why:

Hmmmm. This one is tough, only because usually when I'm "fascinated" by some one it's meant sarcastically, and it's for all the wrong reasons. So, we're going to modify this one a bit.

There are many people I think are interesting, and many people that I admire.

I heard once that it is easier to love someone when you know their story. I agree. I love learning people's stories. That is usually what I find fascinating. Because everyone, even boring-old-me, has a story to tell.

Back With a Bang!

It never ceases to amaze me how quickly you have to jump back into the hustle and bustle of life after a vacation. I got home Friday night, and had half of Saturday to get my house back in order before real life took over again.

Don't get me wrong...I loved the 10 days away, I had plenty of down time and it was fantastic to have a break, but they were exhausting in their own right, and I need more than half a day to recuperate.

After a busy Saturday and Sunday, this morning we signed closing papers on the old house! Finally!!! We can breathe a huge sigh of relief now that gigantic burden has been lifted. Making the decision to sell the house was very difficult but the peace that has come with it has been such a confirmation that we did the right thing, and a huge blessing.

Also, today is #2's 5th birthday! I can't believe my Beefy is already a 5-year-old. It was so weird registering him for Kindergarten a few weeks ago, and realizing that I'm not really a Mom of little kids anymore. There is still the sister - but I have to school-age kids now. When did that happen?...

Anyway, it's good to be home.

May 6, 2011

Vacation

We're in Utah right now for a wedding. I sillily thought that I'd be able to keep up posting while here...yeah right.

So, You will be returned to you regularly scheduled programming (and maybe even some new stuff) as soon as I get home. See you soon!

May 2, 2011

Day 13

Good Looking Famous Guys:

Surprisingly, this was rather difficult. Not to say I don't think any famous guys are nice to look at, its just that certain guys are nice to look at in certain situations, and other times...not so much. So, anyway - I had a hard time filling the spots definitively. Therefore: My standbys




What can I say...I've got a thing for accents I guess.

But of course my favorite hot guy (even if he's not famous) will always be this one.

May 1, 2011

Day 12

Highs and Lows of the last year:

Okay, so if I wanted to get really nit-picky about things, this list could go on forever (with both the good and the bad) so I'm going with the top 3.

Lows -
  • Facing the truth about our mortgage, and making the decision to sell our house.
  • Getting in an accident (not my fault) in my Pilot, then 5 days later getting in another accident (my fault) in my rental car.
  • Having to pack up our home of 3 1/2 years move to a new place while trying to help the kids make the hard adjustment to all of the changes.
Highs -
  • Getting a hearing aid for Sister. It was stressful but it felt so good to finally be proactive about her hearing loss. It has proven to be a real blessing to her.
  • Seeing my oldest thrive and excel in school, and seeing the positive changes that happened after enrolling the middle child into a "real" preschool (not the co-op).
  • Seeing the many blessings and feeling the profound peace that has come into our lives after the hard decisions that we've had to make. And knowing that we did the right thing.
Overall, the highs outnumber the lows, and even though times have been tough, we've weathered worse and have come out better for it. I am truly blessed.

Day 11

A Place I'd like to visit - Without my kids:

Hawaii!
Something about sunshine and tropical air makes my little Seattle-ite heart happy.

Someday...Someday...Someday...

A Place I'd like to visit - With my kids:


Disneyland!

Hopefully someday soon (sooner than Hawaii).