tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40226475618253479582024-03-13T08:14:20.869-04:00FierybootsNotes on momhood, marriage, and cats. Always cats.Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08611295306171246645noreply@blogger.comBlogger333125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4022647561825347958.post-34958236916622486242016-11-12T08:12:00.001-05:002016-11-12T08:12:43.614-05:00"I listen for returning feet, And voices at the door"It's Friday night, 8:20 pm. The man and I have dinner reservations for 9:00. (It's like we're in our twenties again!) For the past three hours, we've been puttering around at home doing our own things. I've been enjoying the simple freedom of controlling the TV remote, stretching out on the couch and reading without having to share the blankets with anyone but the cats. The man has been playing games on his laptop. The house is blissfully quiet. R is sleeping over at a friend's house with his best buds. (That house has an XBox and the dad lets the boys stay up super late and run around in the woods at night, playing hide and seek.)<br />
<br />
It happened just like everyone warns you. One day he's your tiny boy with his teeny toes and sweet baby smell and silly laugh who loves to cuddle and would rather be with you than anyone else in the world. The next day he's taller than you, with limbs and feet everywhere, smelling like an armpit, constantly hungry, and preferring to be with his friends.<br />
<br />
I miss that little boy, of course, but somehow I've managed to enjoy R at each stage of his life. I'm happy for him that he has friends who are good kids. I love that he wants to run around in the woods in the moonlight and play video games with his friends until the wee hours. Although it seems like it all happened while I blinked, I've been so proud to watch him grow and become a funny, smart, wiseass of a 12-year-old. (I could do without the swearing, but I know he's just exercising some freedom and independence.)<br />
<br />
He's fun to be with. He makes me (and his friends) laugh with his twisted sense of humor and willingness to be a complete wackadoodle. He uses his changing, cracking voice in his "routine," saying "Helloooooo, Mother Dearrrrrrrr" in a psychotic way just to creep me out.<br />
<br />
But he's kept his incredible sense of empathy and justice. He's kind and thoughtful and can sense when someone is sad or stressed or angry. He still loves to give hugs. And, best of all, he still talks to me about almost everything in his life. I know that won't always be true, so I treasure it now.<br />
<br />
I always miss R when he's not with me, and that's true tonight as well. But I'm learning to appreciate having some time alone with the man or on my own, even if it's just for a trip to Costco or CVS. And, who knows? Maybe tomorrow morning, we'll venture out to the antiques mall or Goodwill to shop without someone pulling on my shoulder and plaintively pleading, "Can we go now?" every two minutes.<br />
<br />
Or maybe I'll just count the minutes until it's time for him to come home.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08611295306171246645noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4022647561825347958.post-36036704570689492522011-05-05T10:17:00.000-04:002011-05-05T10:17:47.337-04:00Mexican Marketplace<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>The first graders at R's school held a Mexican Marketplace today, in honor of Cinco de Mayo. All the parents were invited. R was so excited about it. He mentioned something beforehand about being a cashier and being worried about the stress that goes along with that. :-)<br />
<br />
It was so cute. As I walked in, I was handed five paper pesos. There were three big tables - one "selling" God's eyes, one selling bark paintings, and one selling paper flowers - all of which the first graders had made.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wfEaPrTlgq4/TcKwasV9erI/AAAAAAAABW8/zkJsw0qA2kU/s1600/mexican_marketplace2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wfEaPrTlgq4/TcKwasV9erI/AAAAAAAABW8/zkJsw0qA2kU/s320/mexican_marketplace2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
R was manning the bark paintings table when I arrived (I heard him yell, "Hi, Mama!!!" and saw him waving and smiling at me). I bought one of his bark paintings for 3 pesos. Then, he told me to go buy a God's eye. So, I bought one from one of R's best friends. (Then, I had to go replenish my pesos.) I bought a paper flower from another of R's friends.<br />
<br />
R's teacher then assembled the parents in one area and the kids all lined up to sing two songs in Spanish. (There are about 60 first graders - my camera only caught a few of them, obviously.)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a6gOzqLYGvQ/TcKwbnlQ47I/AAAAAAAABXA/qruewGAG8tY/s1600/mexican_marketplace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a6gOzqLYGvQ/TcKwbnlQ47I/AAAAAAAABXA/qruewGAG8tY/s320/mexican_marketplace.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Afterwards, I got a few more pesos, and R ran around to the different tables so that I could buy one of everything again from him. We found his other bark painting, so I bought that, too.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DBckJ0P_Y-k/TcKwaYLOpcI/AAAAAAAABW4/eGYEza5RgGw/s1600/bark_picture2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DBckJ0P_Y-k/TcKwaYLOpcI/AAAAAAAABW4/eGYEza5RgGw/s320/bark_picture2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--aoS2B_JPWg/TcKwcDL4FHI/AAAAAAAABXI/kBglTIL7nBs/s1600/bark_picture1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--aoS2B_JPWg/TcKwcDL4FHI/AAAAAAAABXI/kBglTIL7nBs/s320/bark_picture1.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
Everyone was so excited. The kids were thrilled to be in charge of the "money" and to sell their wares. They were all wearing colorful vests they had made in class.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CatCBEc8oP4/TcKwbxFfNjI/AAAAAAAABXE/KL4qo-AeMFE/s1600/wares.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CatCBEc8oP4/TcKwbxFfNjI/AAAAAAAABXE/KL4qo-AeMFE/s320/wares.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
A fun start to a happy Cinco de Mayo! And, R is going to teach me how to make a God's eye when he gets home today. I never learned that growing up - weird!Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08611295306171246645noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4022647561825347958.post-35223418966612687722011-04-14T14:35:00.002-04:002011-04-15T09:26:45.507-04:00I am not raising a procrastinatorLast night, R started making a pile of his belongings on the coffee table. This is nothing new -- he makes piles of his stuff all over our house on a regular basis. (No comment.) But, this time, he told me these are the things that he'll be bringing to college.<br />
<br />
Um, the kid is just a few days shy of 7 years old.<br />
<br />
So, what does a first-grader expect to bring to college with him? <i>(Updated list 4/15 with the stuff I forgot!)</i><br />
<ul><li>His wallet</li>
<li>A mechanical pencil</li>
<li>A calculator</li>
<li>His "scientist's journal"</li>
<li>Deck of cards</li>
<li>Rubik's cube</li>
<li>His address book (has 911, A's cell #, my cell # in it)</li>
</ul>I was instructed not to move these things -- FOR 11 YEARS. Unfortunately, I did not leave a note on the pile, so when A came home while I was putting R to bed upstairs, he put everything away. R was not pleased the next morning.<br />
<br />
Apparently, I am not raising a procrastinator. And, hey, he has a pretty good sense of what he'll need for his classes!<br />
<br />
Also, I think he's planning to clean someone out at poker. ;-)Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08611295306171246645noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4022647561825347958.post-6436932937977739272011-04-07T22:04:00.000-04:002011-04-07T22:04:14.059-04:00The play's the thingYesterday, R was in a play. His after-school program puts on a play every year, and the kids can all be in it if they want to. Last year, R wasn't interested at all. This year, he matter-of-factly announced to us over dinner one night that he was going to be in the play. And, that he had a speaking part.<br />
<br />
I almost fell out of my chair, but I kept my reaction to myself. I've always thought that R would be wonderful on stage because he's incredibly expressive and has a flair for the dramatic. But as outgoing as he is normally, he HATES being the center of attention. He had some pretty disastrous performances at his old daycare/preschool, where he either fell apart on stage or ran into my arms sobbing. So, I've never pushed him into anything like that since. I even warned his kindergarten teacher last year that he might be hesitant to participate in the all-school music concert. He did okay, but he was extremely upset that A and I came to the performance. He didn't want us there AT ALL.<br />
<br />
So, when R told us that he was going to be in the after-school play, I tried not to get too excited. I figured he would drop out after a few rehearsals or bail at the last second. I said a prayer for him yesterday that he wouldn't get upset with himself no matter what happened.<br />
<br />
The play was sort of a re-telling of Toy Story, where the toys come alive in the after-school program classroom. It was clever and really funny! They even acted out commercials in between scenes. Probably 90% of the kids were girls, so there were many Barbies and princesses. But, R and the five other boys who participated were the Army guys, and it was perfect for them. The after-school teacher who directed the play is brilliant - she had the boys/Army guys come running into scenes like maniacs. They got to climb over things and jump and yell out, "Sir, yes, sir!"<br />
<br />
In one scene, the Army men were searching for the missing Princess Fairy Barbie. Each one of the boys had his own line, where they came up to center stage and announced the results of their search. When it was R's turn, he walked up and delivered his line in a clear voice. Then he smiled. <br />
<br />
When the Army men made their first appearance on stage, I saw R take a look at the crowd and freeze up. He turned his face away for a few seconds, and I could see him mentally psyching himself up. Then, he turned back, spotted A and me, gave us a little wave, and played his part.<br />
<br />
He did it! And, the best part of all? He had fun doing it. He loved being in the cast and helping to make the scenery.<br />
<br />
I found out later that none of his best friends in the after-school program wanted to be in the play. So, not only did R want to do it, but he stuck with it even though his friends weren't a part of it. <br />
<br />
How cool is that? :-)Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08611295306171246645noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4022647561825347958.post-46465115596031706462011-03-14T00:30:00.000-04:002011-03-14T00:30:06.984-04:00What would make you happy?It's been a rough winter. And, I don't just mean weather-wise.<br />
<br />
I've been battling a lot of things, and I'll spare you the details, but now I'm faced with a very interesting and intriguing "assignment." I'm supposed to figure out what would make me happy -- and I'm finding it the most difficult question I've ever had to answer. Exciting, yes, but also really, really hard.<br />
<br />
Because for the first time in my life, I want to do something big. I want to take a huge risk, even if it's a complete disaster. I want to do the irresponsible thing, the thing that doesn't make sense. I want to have fun again - and not "Mom fun" like painting pottery or redecorating my house or taking yoga with a friend. I want to do something for me instead of taking care of everyone else around me first. I've put others first for so long that when someone asks me what I want to do (even if it's where to go for dinner), I honestly can't answer. It's always been in my nature to just do whatever everyone else wants to do.<br />
<br />
So, now that I'm forcing myself to think about what <u>I</u> want, I'm tossing around crazy ideas like moving to California or changing careers. Maybe if I can articulate the wildest ideas, something concrete will come out of it, some small first steps will become apparent. I feel very optimistic that, by this time next year, something big will have changed in my life - whether good or bad. To me, the worst thing would be if nothing changed -- if I just stifled these feelings, accepted things as they are, and went along with life as it is. <br />
<br />
I'm not looking for sympathy or encouragement or reproach here (although I realize I may still get it). I am curious, though: How would <u>you</u> answer the question, <i>"What would make you happy?"</i>Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08611295306171246645noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4022647561825347958.post-5163088124188078652011-02-09T22:44:00.000-05:002011-02-09T22:44:49.499-05:00One Benefit of Being Stuck Inside This Winter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oyk8OsEeGSo/TVNYra3DACI/AAAAAAAABWc/EtCJ-2sI-z0/s1600/cleaning2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oyk8OsEeGSo/TVNYra3DACI/AAAAAAAABWc/EtCJ-2sI-z0/s400/cleaning2.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ef94c_LVtlA/TVNYsgBuHPI/AAAAAAAABWg/uAoADAaNqxM/s1600/cleaning.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ef94c_LVtlA/TVNYsgBuHPI/AAAAAAAABWg/uAoADAaNqxM/s400/cleaning.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
R asked if he could "clean something" one day. So, I grabbed an empty spray bottle, filled it with part water and part vinegar, gave him a roll of paper towels, and let him go to town.<br />
<br />
He was a cleaning machine. He washed every window in the house, every mirror, the sinks, the tub, the toilet, the top of the fridge, and the cabinets. THEN, he dusted, Swiffered, vacuumed, and mopped the floors! He cleaned for 2 hours and kept asking for more things to clean.<br />
<br />
Dreams do come true, people.Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08611295306171246645noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4022647561825347958.post-2479849399986656642011-01-12T09:06:00.003-05:002011-01-12T22:20:11.350-05:00Snow Day in PicturesWe're in the middle of a blizzard up here in Massachusetts. I'm home from work, R is home from school, and we're not going anywhere today. It's a day for cocoa, making cookies, and maybe throwing something in the crockpot for dinner. In between shoveling sessions, of course. I think we're going to look at snowflakes under the microscope, too. It's a day for snuggling together and being in awe of the power of nature.<br />
<br />
I'm going to take pictures throughout the day just for fun.<br />
<br />
We are exhausted! I have a feeling the shoveling is going to catch up with us in the morning. School is closed again tomorrow, so we have another day to have fun in the snow. Yay! [10:00 pm]<br />
<br />
After two hours of shoveling and playing in the snow, we made popcorn and got comfy watching "Despicable Me." [2:00 pm]<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Bq_auwVBe9g/TS4BJNc58HI/AAAAAAAABV4/AehKJSyr33w/s1600/popcorn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Bq_auwVBe9g/TS4BJNc58HI/AAAAAAAABV4/AehKJSyr33w/s400/popcorn.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
A and I shoveled and shoveled and shoveled. We have a short driveway, but we live on a corner lot, so we have A LOT of sidewalk. R played happily in the backyard the whole time, building himself a fort around our play structure.[11:00 am - 1:00 pm]<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Bq_auwVBe9g/TS5r5lklKbI/AAAAAAAABWA/U3EzmZU2TyY/s1600/backyard_view.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Bq_auwVBe9g/TS5r5lklKbI/AAAAAAAABWA/U3EzmZU2TyY/s400/backyard_view.jpg" width="298" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Bq_auwVBe9g/TS5r61KZ06I/AAAAAAAABWI/mwZksa0QXag/s1600/snowy_car.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Bq_auwVBe9g/TS5r61KZ06I/AAAAAAAABWI/mwZksa0QXag/s400/snowy_car.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Bq_auwVBe9g/TS5r6bvwpHI/AAAAAAAABWE/WA-fVBT3pNI/s1600/cleaning_off_car.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Bq_auwVBe9g/TS5r6bvwpHI/AAAAAAAABWE/WA-fVBT3pNI/s400/cleaning_off_car.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
I can't believe the juncos are coming out to feed! The wind is unbelievable, and it's still snowing hard and sideways. These poor little things must be so hungry. I'm glad we can share a few seeds with them. [10:30 am]<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Bq_auwVBe9g/TS3HlhDGUHI/AAAAAAAABVw/TDpVCR9PLb4/s1600/junco.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Bq_auwVBe9g/TS3HlhDGUHI/AAAAAAAABVw/TDpVCR9PLb4/s400/junco.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
A is making pancakes and bacon! I love him. We'll definitely work off the calories today with all the shoveling. [10:00 am]<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Bq_auwVBe9g/TS3Hm7ql55I/AAAAAAAABV0/FcOimDEo9IM/s1600/pancake_batter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Bq_auwVBe9g/TS3Hm7ql55I/AAAAAAAABV0/FcOimDEo9IM/s400/pancake_batter.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Warm, funky slipper socks are keeping my toes warm. [9:30 am]<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Bq_auwVBe9g/TS3HjSYYhSI/AAAAAAAABVs/1AZHcnbep08/s1600/slipper_socks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Bq_auwVBe9g/TS3HjSYYhSI/AAAAAAAABVs/1AZHcnbep08/s400/slipper_socks.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Here's the view from my back door at 9 am. I accidentally chased away a chickadee from the feeder when I opened the door. Sorry, little guy! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Bq_auwVBe9g/TS20lMsKFuI/AAAAAAAABVo/2EOQAuUdm_A/s1600/morning_snow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Bq_auwVBe9g/TS20lMsKFuI/AAAAAAAABVo/2EOQAuUdm_A/s400/morning_snow.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<b><i>How are you spending your day? Are you snowed in?</i></b>Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08611295306171246645noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4022647561825347958.post-50702178294912889252011-01-10T23:56:00.000-05:002011-01-10T23:56:21.052-05:00Confessions of a Hobby BloggerRecently, some blogging experts have written about things you shouldn't do on your blog. One of the no-nos is not having a focus, being all over the place with your posts.<br />
<br />
Um, that would be me. I think I'm what is termed a "hobby" blogger. <br />
<br />
So, I've been thinking about what focus I could have in this blog. I'm a mom, I work full-time, I love food and the beach and the natural world and music, I like thinking about how to make my house more comfortable and more reflective of me and my family. I like to go antique and thrift shopping.<br />
<br />
But it's hard for me to see how I would focus on any of those facets exclusively. I joked with A that maybe I should start a blog called "The Timid Gardener." Because I realized that part of the problem may be that I love to <u>think</u> about stuff I'd like to do and projects I'd like to tackle (like planting a vegetable and herb garden), but I rarely get much beyond the thinking stage.<br />
<br />
I need to work on that.<br />
<br />
I remembered, though, that some of my favorite bloggers are women who write about their everyday lives. They don't have giveaways or point to daily coupons and deals. They write about their kids and their jobs and their marriage and their families and how they spent their date nights and holidays and vacations. They share recipes and movie and book reviews and they ask for advice. <br />
<br />
Now, I love the focused bloggers, too. Their posts are full of amazing photos and insights and beauty. They post nearly every day (how do they do that?!?). They have thousands of readers. They have sponsors and go to blogging conferences. I'd love to join them someday. I'd love to be that knowledgeable and passionate about one thing (besides my son) that I could write about it every day and have it be helpful and interesting and compelling to others.<br />
<br />
But, in the meantime, my everyday random life is my focus. It may only be interesting to my family and friends, and that's okay. That was all I hoped for when I started this blog. But if you're not a blood relative or real-life friend and you still like my posts, welcome to the Fieryboots family! I'm so glad you're here.<br />
<br />
Now, I have a confession to make ...<br />
<br />
My name is Kristen, and I'm a hobby blogger.Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08611295306171246645noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4022647561825347958.post-40348097414621607422011-01-07T21:30:00.000-05:002011-01-07T21:30:45.819-05:00Maybe video games aren't pure evil after allI'm not a fan of video games. I know it's inevitable that we'll someday have a Wii or Playstation or something, but there's no need to rush it.<br />
<br />
Recently, A let R play <a href="http://www.clubpenguin.com/">Club Penguin</a> (run by Disney) because one of R's friends plays it all the time. It's an online game where kids create little penguins, play games, earn coins, adopt pets, change outfits, and interact with each other somewhat. I have to admit the whole thing is pretty cute and fun.<br />
<br />
This week, I discovered a few benefits from R playing the game:<br />
<ul><li> He's <b>reading</b> more. We told him that he has to read all the text without help from us, and he's doing it.</li>
<li>He hardly ever asks to watch TV now. Overall, he's getting a lot <b>less screen time</b> because he usually only plays the game for about a half-hour or less per day. </li>
<li>He's learning to <b>save his "money."</b> At first, he spent all the coins he earned in the game right away. Now, he saves his coins and really thinks about any "purchases" he makes.</li>
<li>He's learning <b>generosity.</b> Over the holidays, Club Penguin had a program where the kids could donate their coins to help others. R was surprisingly generous, and he was very excited to see the total actual dollar amounts that Disney ended up donating to organizations that provide food, shelter, and medical care.</li>
<li>He learned to <b>use the phone.</b> He wanted to play simultaneously with his friend who lives a block away, so A showed him first how to call me at work (to find out where the school directory was) and then to call his friend so they could coordinate.</li>
</ul>Of course, we limit R's game time, and he has to finish his homework and spend some time reading a book to us before getting online.<br />
<br />
I'm still not thrilled about video games, but this week my heart softened a little, especially when R and his friend camped out in our kitchen and played together like this:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Bq_auwVBe9g/TSfEAeNg6gI/AAAAAAAABVk/fjZjLGztqls/s1600/club_penguin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Bq_auwVBe9g/TSfEAeNg6gI/AAAAAAAABVk/fjZjLGztqls/s400/club_penguin.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div><br />
I can't decide if this is incredibly cute or incredibly geeky. Maybe it's both. :-)<br />
<br />
<i>How do you feel about kids and video games?</i>Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08611295306171246645noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4022647561825347958.post-35819918545658974932011-01-06T14:04:00.000-05:002011-01-06T14:04:47.737-05:00A Christmas Miracle: 17 People Ate Brunch at My HouseI've been working on a new post for about two weeks now to talk about an epiphany I had about entertaining. But it has turned into a novel, and since I know no one is going to read it, I'm going to do the Cliff notes version here.<br />
<ul><li>We haven't really entertained a large group of people at our house since just after we moved in almost 8 years ago. And by large, I mean more than 3 people (plus us).</li>
<li>I thought the house was too small, too cluttered, too ugly, etc.</li>
<li>Last year, I learned about the wonderful Sandy Coughlin and <a href="http://reluctantentertainer.com/blog/">her blog</a> and <a href="http://reluctantentertainer.com/groundbreaking-book/">book</a>, <i>The Reluctant Entertainer.</i></li>
<li>Because of Sandy, I decided that giving back to our friends was more important than having a perfect house.</li>
<li>Plus, we will never have a perfect house.</li>
</ul>So, we decided to host a post-Christmas brunch for a bunch of our friends. And, I'm so glad we did!<br />
<br />
It was a lot of work - totally worth it, but a lot of work just the same. I was way too ambitious with food and made the mistake of leaving it open if people wanted to bring something. Result? We had so much food, it was ridiculous. Two weeks later, we are still working on the desserts!<br />
<br />
We cleared off every surface in the kitchen to make room for the food and beverages. We cleared out the living room, leaving only places to sit and to rest plates, plus our bookshelves and entertainment center and the Christmas tree. All the Legos were banished to R's room. (We also put a little coffee table in his room for Lego-building, which has worked out great!) I bought two storage ottomans from IKEA, which provided extra seating and were the favored spot because they were right next to the radiator (so your buns get nice and toasty). We cleared out half of A's office, made the futon a couch again, and let the tweens hang out in there, playing video games.<br />
<br />
My living room has never looked so good! I forgot to take pictures during the brunch, but here's the before brunch picture:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Bq_auwVBe9g/TRwI7icqeLI/AAAAAAAABVc/jrHOOe3hD-I/s1600/living_room.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Bq_auwVBe9g/TRwI7icqeLI/AAAAAAAABVc/jrHOOe3hD-I/s400/living_room.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I can't tell you how happy this picture makes me. I keep looking at it over and over again. Of course I see the flaws (like the picture above the sofa hanging too high), but I think it looks homey and welcoming and comfortable - just like I wanted. One of my friends walked in, her eyes bugged out, and she whispered to me, "What did you do?!?!" It's that much of a transformation. The fire in the fireplace and my rustic candelabra on the mantle all lit up helped with the coziness, too.<br />
<br />
We had a lot of fun with everyone, and we're planning to host more friends more often - just with less food. We're thinking a soup night - cook up one or two big pots of soup, invite the gang over, and people can bring bread and wine if they want. Something a lot more simple. <br />
<br />
The biggest transformation for me, though, was in my head. Not only did I learn that I don't need to have a perfect home to host a gathering, but I also learned (thanks to <a href="http://reluctantentertainer.com/meet-sandy/">Sandy</a>) that the important thing about entertaining is making your guests welcome and comfortable. I really tried not to think so much about the house once it was ready (which was essentially focusing on myself - and I worked hard NOT to worry about the house too much ahead of time), but to focus on our friends and spending time with them instead of frittering about every little thing and busying myself in the kitchen. And, guess what? I think my being able to enjoy the event more made it more comfortable for everyone. When people arrived, the food was ready, and we could all just eat and relax. Who could ask for more on the day after Christmas? :-) <br />
<br />
<i>(And, yes, this was the SHORT version of this story!)</i>Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08611295306171246645noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4022647561825347958.post-82413913404669079542010-12-29T23:56:00.000-05:002010-12-29T23:56:11.125-05:00A few holiday pics: fondue, flying, and moreI hope you all had a very merry Christmas! (And, if you don't celebrate Christmas, take that to mean that I hope you had a day filled with love and hope and goodness.)<br />
<br />
Our holiday break so far has been a fun combination of crazy times with friends and mellow times with just the three of us. Instead of relaying all the details, I thought I'd share a few photos.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Bq_auwVBe9g/TRwI5sbGYnI/AAAAAAAABVI/yWut4ohhbv0/s1600/christmas_morning.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Bq_auwVBe9g/TRwI5sbGYnI/AAAAAAAABVI/yWut4ohhbv0/s400/christmas_morning.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is my favorite Christmas morning pic: R at the kitchen table, assembling some of his many Legos.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Bq_auwVBe9g/TRwI7G0_VNI/AAAAAAAABVY/T1zvc2tSQ-A/s1600/happy_flying_boy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Bq_auwVBe9g/TRwI7G0_VNI/AAAAAAAABVY/T1zvc2tSQ-A/s400/happy_flying_boy.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">R, full of Christmas excitement, goes flying through the air</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Bq_auwVBe9g/TRwI6adWJEI/AAAAAAAABVQ/7TryK2QXCcI/s1600/fondue_aandme.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="268" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Bq_auwVBe9g/TRwI6adWJEI/AAAAAAAABVQ/7TryK2QXCcI/s400/fondue_aandme.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">R snapped this one of A and me during the dessert course at the Melting Pot</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Bq_auwVBe9g/TRwI7yYQOhI/AAAAAAAABVg/04Zr8mhuFzI/s1600/melting_pot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Bq_auwVBe9g/TRwI7yYQOhI/AAAAAAAABVg/04Zr8mhuFzI/s400/melting_pot.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My boys making crazy fondue faces</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<i>More holiday pics and tales to come...</i>Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08611295306171246645noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4022647561825347958.post-46823057184526031662010-12-20T01:04:00.000-05:002010-12-20T01:04:08.611-05:00A Weekend of Holiday PreparationsMy boys and I were busy this weekend, running from store to store, getting our shopping done. Luckily, we managed to get an early start each day, so the crowds and traffic weren't too bad.<br />
<br />
The early starts allowed us to squeeze in some time to unwind, too. A visit to the playground. A drive up to the beach for some sea glass hunting at dusk. (R found tons of cold-stunned crabs hiding under the rocks.) Watching "White Christmas" and "Scrooge: A Christmas Carol" while wrapping presents and addressing cards.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Bq_auwVBe9g/TQ7wjCHKLDI/AAAAAAAABU0/jVx_eYj6XrU/s1600/playground.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Bq_auwVBe9g/TQ7wjCHKLDI/AAAAAAAABU0/jVx_eYj6XrU/s400/playground.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Bq_auwVBe9g/TQ7wk9h0btI/AAAAAAAABU4/3gXpfNsxymE/s1600/beach_at_dusk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Bq_auwVBe9g/TQ7wk9h0btI/AAAAAAAABU4/3gXpfNsxymE/s400/beach_at_dusk.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Bq_auwVBe9g/TQ7wm-B_hXI/AAAAAAAABU8/m97GWfd-j4U/s1600/moon_over_beach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Bq_auwVBe9g/TQ7wm-B_hXI/AAAAAAAABU8/m97GWfd-j4U/s400/moon_over_beach.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I think I'm more excited for a week of moments like this than I am for Christmas itself. I'm looking forward to 10 days off - 10 days of very few plans, lazy mornings with my boys, snowflakes, cocoa, and assembling lots and lots of new Lego sets. :-)Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08611295306171246645noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4022647561825347958.post-90123577303594727162010-12-05T21:30:00.000-05:002010-12-05T21:30:04.777-05:00First heartbreakThis afternoon, a woman broke R's heart. Careless words were said.<br />
<br />
R hung his head all through dinner, not saying anything. He turned away and faced the wall. No amount of coaxing or joking could get him to feel better. He pulled out a piece of paper and a pencil and wrote, <i>"I'm just not in the mood"</i> when asked by A if he would talk to us.<br />
<br />
I've never, ever seen him so sad, his little spirit crushed. No tears, just utter sadness.<br />
<br />
I was the woman.<br />
<br />
I feel like R will never love me the same way again, that we've crossed over into a different world and won't be able to get back to where we were before.<br />
<br />
I was 11, I think, when I realized that my mom wasn't perfect. It was hard to accept then. R only had 6.5 years to believe that I was the one person in his life who would never hurt him. That is much too short.<br />
<br />
When I started to cry tonight, R handed me a note that read, <i>"I am sorey."</i><br />
<br />
When I told him he had nothing to be sorry about, that <u>I</u> was the one who was sorry, he wrote, <i>"It's okae. I luve you!"</i><br />
<br />
I think R will be okay. We were snuggling before the night was over. But I know I will never be the same.Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08611295306171246645noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4022647561825347958.post-86568167070669701502010-12-04T23:06:00.001-05:002010-12-05T00:08:03.876-05:00What Do They Put in Those Meatballs?Now that the 30 Days of Thanks are over, I'm working on a new project. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Bq_auwVBe9g/TPr9pP6AZeI/AAAAAAAABUw/AoYxq7tUFxE/s1600/advent_calendar_makings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="206" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Bq_auwVBe9g/TPr9pP6AZeI/AAAAAAAABUw/AoYxq7tUFxE/s400/advent_calendar_makings.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
I'm a bit late, but these are the makings of a homemade advent calendar. I wanted to make my own version of <a href="http://www.potterybarn.com/products/burlap-sack-advent-calender/">this one</a> from Pottery Barn, but after what seemed like hours at the fabric and crafts store, I ended up going in a different direction. I found these fabric scraps bundled together, and I just fell in love with them. I like that some of them are Christmasy, but in a different palette than the typical bright greens and reds. I picked out the blue paisleys and green to coordinate. My plan is to make 25 pockets with the fabric scraps, sew them onto the muslin, and use the white label tag thingies for the numbers. I haven't sewed in AGES, but my friend lent me her sewing machine, so I'm optimistic that I can complete the calendar this month - even if we don't use it until next year. Wish me luck!<br />
<br />
Today, the boys and I went to the <a href="http://www.sweaboston.org/yuletide_eng.html">Swedish Yuletide festival</a> in Boston. We arrived in time to catch the <a href="http://www.whychristmas.com/cultures/sweden.shtml">St. Lucia</a> procession, which for some reason freaked out R. He buried his face in my jacket and wanted to be carried, all 50+ pounds of him. So, we grabbed some cups of <a href="http://www.ling.su.se/staff/evali/glogg.htm">glögg</a> and did a little shopping for Swedish Christmas decorations. I can't tell you what I bought because some of my purchases might end up being presents for my family! Although I can show you the candleholder below - the kind that makes the little brass angels spin around and bells chime from the heat of the candles - because I'm keeping it. :-) That's also the table I picked up from Etsy a couple of weeks ago.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Bq_auwVBe9g/TPr7r0RgMYI/AAAAAAAABUs/U6tSTrcKSoo/s1600/recent_finds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Bq_auwVBe9g/TPr7r0RgMYI/AAAAAAAABUs/U6tSTrcKSoo/s400/recent_finds.jpg" width="298" /></a></div><br />
The festival was really crowded, but we found a spot on the floor (literally) and ate our fill of Swedish meatballs, lingonberries, hot dogs, saffron buns, <a href="http://swedecheese.blogspot.com/2007/11/food-journal-number-26-princesstrta.html">princesstÄrta</a>, and other lovely treats.<br />
<br />
We had a nice time, although next year we'll go a little later when the crowd isn't so thick. Because we learned an important lesson: <i>Never get between a middle-aged Swedish woman and the dessert table.</i> Goodness - I've never seen so much pushing and shoving! ;-)Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08611295306171246645noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4022647561825347958.post-84339762785412959662010-12-03T23:14:00.000-05:002010-12-03T23:14:27.478-05:00A Blast from Christmas PastAs part of the preparations for my company's upcoming awards ceremony and holiday party, I've been scouring our network drives for old pictures. Look what I found!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Bq_auwVBe9g/TPm7BtprdBI/AAAAAAAABUk/XIHwijRyTWs/s1600/a_long_time_ago.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="234" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Bq_auwVBe9g/TPm7BtprdBI/AAAAAAAABUk/XIHwijRyTWs/s320/a_long_time_ago.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
This picture was from the holiday party back in 2005, and I had never seen it before. I can't believe how little R was! I remember that party because R spent almost the entire time climbing up and sliding down the stairs inside the restaurant, which was fine with me because it kept me from having to stand around and make small talk. :-)Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08611295306171246645noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4022647561825347958.post-63492905706471975922010-12-01T21:59:00.000-05:002010-12-01T21:59:58.900-05:00Day 30 - 30 Days of Thanks: DisciplineThis is it - Day 30! I made it!<br />
<br />
On my final day of 30 Days of Thanks, I'm thankful for discipline. Which is funny because it's something I don't have much of anymore. (Case in point: The Halloween candy bowl.)<br />
<br />
I undertook this 30 Days of Thanks project not only because I wanted to take the time to be thankful, but also because I wanted to force myself to write something every day. I wanted to do this for me, to make time for something that wasn't work or cleaning or being in charge of our little household.<br />
<br />
It was really hard sometimes. I spent a lot of nights typing away on my laptop until 1 or 2 a.m. and got far too little sleep. I slipped behind in posting when I was sick and exhausted. I started running out of ideas even though I had brainstormed many posts in advance, before I even started this project on Day 1.<br />
<br />
But I did it, and I'm really proud of myself. I'm thankful that I managed to squeak out enough discipline to get through it. It was fun, and I enjoyed the challenge.<br />
<br />
Thank you for coming along for the ride - for reading one, a few, or all of my 30 Days of Thanks posts.<br />
<br />
I'm hopeful that I will keep posting often - probably not every day, but we'll see!<br />
<br />
In the meantime, I'm practicing a new discipline: making sure I get at least 7 hours of sleep. In fact, I'm off to practice that right now.<br />
<br />
Happy December, everyone! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Bq_auwVBe9g/TMen3IovYtI/AAAAAAAABTQ/NgiaGByAPrY/s1600/30daysthanks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Bq_auwVBe9g/TMen3IovYtI/AAAAAAAABTQ/NgiaGByAPrY/s1600/30daysthanks.jpg" /></a></div>Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08611295306171246645noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4022647561825347958.post-22747584432745348642010-11-30T22:07:00.000-05:002010-11-30T22:07:34.378-05:00Day 29 - 30 Days of Thanks: The EarthToday - and every day - I am thankful for this amazing and beautiful planet. From the tiniest organism to the tallest mountains, the Earth is filled with so much wonder. Is there anything more incredible? <br />
<br />
I find so much joy in the Earth. I could spend hours watching birds flit around my backyard. Or a rosy sunset. Or the ocean waves rolling in. Hiking in the woods can bring tears to my eyes because I become overwhelmed by the beauty of animal tracks in the snow. Or moss growing on boulders. Or majestic trees shading the forest floor.<br />
<br />
I know that the Earth can be deadly and dangerous, too. Volcanoes erupt and destroy homes. Earthquakes and tornadoes and hurricanes and drought and blizzards can kill animals and people. Wild animals kill each other and attack humans. But there is awesome power there. And, a circle of life and an overall balance that must be respected.<br />
<br />
To me, the most amazing thing of all is how resilient the Earth and its creatures are. Despite everything that we humans have done to this place, the Earth rebounds. Life goes on. Not always, of course. Species have become endangered, then extinct. But I think about how plants can take root in the most inhospitable places. I think about the movie <i>Wall-E,</i> where a tiny plant managed to grow amidst mountains and mountains of garbage and deadness after hundreds of years, after humans had trashed the Earth and abandoned it to live in space.<br />
<br />
I believe we have an obligation to take care of this Earth, to respect and cherish and honor this place that sustains life for us and millions of other species. But that's a whole other post for another time.<br />
<br />
Today, I'm just eternally grateful for this beautiful planet and every living thing on it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Bq_auwVBe9g/TMen3IovYtI/AAAAAAAABTQ/NgiaGByAPrY/s1600/30daysthanks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Bq_auwVBe9g/TMen3IovYtI/AAAAAAAABTQ/NgiaGByAPrY/s1600/30daysthanks.jpg" /></a></div>Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08611295306171246645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4022647561825347958.post-41028340497580859002010-11-29T22:13:00.000-05:002010-11-29T22:13:15.750-05:00Day 28 - 30 Days of Thanks: This Bloggy Thing Here and Other Internetty GoodnessCan you tell I'm getting to the end of the 30 days? I'm having a rough time coming up with new posts! It's not that I don't have things to be thankful for - it's just that the things that come to mind every day are the same ones I've already posted about - family, friends, R, sleep, animals, etc. The basic wonderful things and people in my life.<br />
<br />
But, as I was lamely attempting to participate in my first Tweet chat tonight (for #MrsMeyers via <a href="http://www.twitter.com/ResourcefulMom">@ResourcefulMom</a> - I just couldn't keep up!), I thought about how thankful I am for blogs, Twitter, Facebook, and the Internet in general. I know they can be huge time-wasters, but through them, I've found other people with the same interests as me, people who inspire me with their art and talents and food. I've even seen new sides of my family and my friends as I've read their blogs and Tweets. And, probably most importantly, I've found other moms, especially when R was a baby and a toddler and I needed to know that I wasn't alone in the world. <i>(Okay, hold the phone on the Tweet chat - I actually won one of the giveaways - woohoo! Another reason to love the Internet!)</i><br />
<br />
And, I love having an outlet for writing, for sharing my thoughts and stories -- even when no one is reading them except for my dad. :-) This blog gives me purpose apart from work and motherhood and wifedom. For that, and for all of you out there, I'm thankful.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Bq_auwVBe9g/TMen3IovYtI/AAAAAAAABTQ/NgiaGByAPrY/s1600/30daysthanks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Bq_auwVBe9g/TMen3IovYtI/AAAAAAAABTQ/NgiaGByAPrY/s1600/30daysthanks.jpg" /></a></div>Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08611295306171246645noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4022647561825347958.post-25862586445562428672010-11-28T23:06:00.000-05:002010-11-28T23:06:26.338-05:00Day 27 - 30 Days of Thanks: My Three SonsIt has been really hard not to write about R every single day of these 30 Days of Thanks. I truly am thankful for him every day, and every day he does something that makes me love him even more. This morning, he asked me to help him decorate his cardboard doll house (all his own creation - down to the tiny bunk beds with scraps of fabric for blankets, bookshelf with tiny cardboard books, fireplace, and slices of cardboard pizza) for Christmas. We made little cardboard wreaths, strings of lights, stockings to hang up on the mantle, and candy canes. The house is home to several of his Lego figures, including storm troopers, miners, divers, and a farmer - quite the diverse family!<br />
<br />
Tonight, R yelled to me from the bathtub that he didn't want to take a bath. When I explained that he needed to wash his hair, he yelled back, "Well, let's get on with it already!"<br />
<br />
He is such a blessing. :-) I will forever be grateful to God for bringing him into my life. <br />
<br />
Some of you know that I struggled for a long time with the fact that I only have one child. I always wanted at least two. I always wanted R to have a sibling, for many reasons. I spent many years yearning for another child, pleading with my husband, praying, crying, waiting.<br />
<br />
This year, I learned to accept things as they are. I've even learned to appreciate and love having just one child.<br />
<br />
But, during the time when I hadn't yet accepted my parental portion in life, I found an outlet for my desire to have more children. I found <a href="http://www.compassion.com/">Compassion</a>.<br />
<br />
Through Compassion, I was able to have two more sons, both around the same age as R - one is just a few days older than him. One of my Compassion sons lives in Uganda, the other lives in Haiti. My support provides them with food, medical supplies, access to education and Sunday School, mosquito nets, and more. One of my boys was able to buy a goat for his family with his birthday money - I was so excited for him! But as much as my few dollars a month help these boys, I think that they bring <u>me</u> as much or even greater joy. <br />
<br />
Sponsoring these two boys has completely changed my life. I think of everything I do, every dollar I spend differently. It colors my view of everything. Every time I go to the grocery store and load up my cart, I think about what a luxury that is. I can't watch some of my favorite TV shows anymore, like "House Hunters." I find it really hard to listen to people complain about bathrooms or bedrooms that are too small, how they "need" granite counter tops. I end up yelling at the screen, "You NEED shelter and food! No one NEEDS granite counter tops!"<br />
<br />
Being a Compassion sponsor has been at the root of many of my recent lifestyle changes - using cloth napkins, switching to locally grown organic foods, taking shorter showers. I always have at the back of my mind how the typical American lifestyle uses up so much more of the world's resources than necessary. I'm trying to change how I live because I think about how my Compassion children live.<br />
<br />
I'm not trying to toot my own horn here. There is so much more I could do. I am not holding myself up as a model for responsible living. <br />
<br />
What I am doing is expressing thanks for the eye-opening experience of sponsoring these two special children. I'm thankful for the change they have brought about in me, for the impact my sponsorship is having on these boys and their families, and for the awareness and empathy that sponsorship is developing in my own precious biological son.<br />
<br />
<div align="center"><script src="http://share-compassion.org/widgets/featuredchild/web/FeaturedChildEmbed235x100.php5">
</script></div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Bq_auwVBe9g/TMen3IovYtI/AAAAAAAABTQ/NgiaGByAPrY/s1600/30daysthanks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Bq_auwVBe9g/TMen3IovYtI/AAAAAAAABTQ/NgiaGByAPrY/s1600/30daysthanks.jpg" /></a></div>Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08611295306171246645noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4022647561825347958.post-51042558033962433732010-11-27T21:21:00.000-05:002010-11-27T21:21:41.110-05:00Day 26 - 30 Days of Thanks: A Plan-Free DayTomorrow, we have no plans. Or, rather, our plans fell through. (Hope you're feeling better, Dad!)<br />
<br />
So I'm excited for a day when we don't have to be anywhere, when we can just relax and sleep in, and when we can decide to do something on a whim. I think it's the perfect way to end our long holiday weekend! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Bq_auwVBe9g/TMen3IovYtI/AAAAAAAABTQ/NgiaGByAPrY/s1600/30daysthanks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Bq_auwVBe9g/TMen3IovYtI/AAAAAAAABTQ/NgiaGByAPrY/s1600/30daysthanks.jpg" /></a></div>Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08611295306171246645noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4022647561825347958.post-56858052583511527952010-11-26T21:45:00.000-05:002010-11-26T21:45:15.511-05:00Day 25 - 30 Days of Thanks: How I Spent My Black FridayToday was another day of little joys. And, none of it involved shopping - yay!<br />
<br />
A lazy morning. A delicious breakfast at the diner. A few hours at the Museum of Science. An amazing film about whales, including rare footage of blue whales surfacing! Running into an old friend from Plymouth. A leftover turkey sandwich. The first clementine of the season (so juicy and sweet!). Taking a blissful 2-hour afternoon nap. Listening to R playing and singing while taking his bath. Reading <i>Calvin & Hobbes</i> at bedtime. Some late night leftover pie. Realizing that tomorrow will just as mellow and special. :-)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Bq_auwVBe9g/TMen3IovYtI/AAAAAAAABTQ/NgiaGByAPrY/s1600/30daysthanks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Bq_auwVBe9g/TMen3IovYtI/AAAAAAAABTQ/NgiaGByAPrY/s1600/30daysthanks.jpg" /></a></div>Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08611295306171246645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4022647561825347958.post-198391266089237682010-11-25T13:51:00.000-05:002010-11-25T13:51:35.901-05:00Day 24 - 30 Days of Thanks: Thanksgiving!Thanksgiving has always been my favorite holiday. Partly because it's about family, friends, and food without the distraction of presents (and the shopping and overspending that can go along with it), but I'm sure a lot of it has to do with the fact that I grew up in "America's Hometown" -- Plymouth, Massachusetts.<br />
<br />
Thanksgiving is a big day in Plymouth, naturally. There's a huge communal meal at Plimoth Plantation, where you can eat like the Pilgrims did. My family always ate at home, but we did go to the ecumenical church service on Thanksgiving mornings. It was held in the oldest church in Plymouth, a beautiful old stone building in the center of town. We'd sit, huddled together in the hard pews, while people dressed as Pilgrims and Wampanoag Indians processed in. We'd hear readings from the Bible, the Torah, a proclamation from the Governor of Massachusetts, and (my favorite part) The Lord's Prayer spoken in the Wampanoag language by the chief of the local Wampanoag tribe.<br />
<br />
Afterwards, we'd go around the corner to a little coffee place and have toasted muffins with lots of butter and hot cocoa. Then, we'd head home to put the turkey in, prep the vegetables, chow down on appetizers, and finally stuff ourselves silly. <br />
<br />
I hope I can make Thanksgiving as special for R as it was for me. We don't have any Pilgrims around, but we are making our own traditions. Today that included watching the Macy's parade and the Charlie Brown special about the Pilgrims and the first Thanksgiving, building a Lego jail, eating blueberry muffins for breakfast, and in a few minutes, heading to the park to play some soccer before we cart the turkey that A is smoking over to our friends' house for the big meal.<br />
<br />
<i>How are you celebrating Thanksgiving today? </i><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Bq_auwVBe9g/TMen3IovYtI/AAAAAAAABTQ/NgiaGByAPrY/s1600/30daysthanks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Bq_auwVBe9g/TMen3IovYtI/AAAAAAAABTQ/NgiaGByAPrY/s1600/30daysthanks.jpg" /></a></div>Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08611295306171246645noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4022647561825347958.post-52344670410606036352010-11-24T00:03:00.000-05:002010-11-24T00:03:45.909-05:00Day 23 - 30 Days of Thanks: FriendsI was in a bad mood this evening. I wasn't feeling great physically and I had some unpleasant news at work that upset me. I was angry and in pain and ready to explode. In my opinion, I needed to go home, relax, and go to bed.<br />
<br />
Instead, A called to tell me that friends were coming over for dinner.<br />
<br />
I'm not always great with spontaneous plans, especially when they involve people coming to my house when I'm not there to clean it beforehand. I just wanted A to call our friends back to cancel. But we didn't. So, I freaked out a little. (Okay, a lot.)<br />
<br />
In spite of my stupidity, our friends were just what I needed. A few hours sharing a meal together by candlelight, watching R play with and be absolutely adored by two toddlers, and talking about everything but work made my crankiness disappear. I even smiled and watched happily while the toddlers methodically took out every toy and game we own. Because who cares about a clean house, especially when you're surrounded by tiny people who jump into your lap, throw their arms around your neck, and squeal with giggles?<br />
<br />
I'm glad I didn't miss out on this sweet time with people I love.<br />
<br />
I'm thankful for friends and friendship.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Bq_auwVBe9g/TMen3IovYtI/AAAAAAAABTQ/NgiaGByAPrY/s1600/30daysthanks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Bq_auwVBe9g/TMen3IovYtI/AAAAAAAABTQ/NgiaGByAPrY/s1600/30daysthanks.jpg" /></a></div>Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08611295306171246645noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4022647561825347958.post-12101552243327477562010-11-22T23:46:00.000-05:002010-11-22T23:46:27.158-05:00Day 22 - 30 Days of Thanks: Short and SweetToday, I'm thankful for a short work (and school) week.<br />
<br />
Just 2.5 days of work, and 1 is already over. Thank goodness! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Bq_auwVBe9g/TMen3IovYtI/AAAAAAAABTQ/NgiaGByAPrY/s1600/30daysthanks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Bq_auwVBe9g/TMen3IovYtI/AAAAAAAABTQ/NgiaGByAPrY/s1600/30daysthanks.jpg" /></a></div>Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08611295306171246645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4022647561825347958.post-57655873750742586842010-11-21T23:42:00.000-05:002010-11-21T23:42:43.909-05:00Day 21 - 30 Days of Thanks: Beautiful Things, Creative PeopleToday, I'm thankful for sites that are full of inspiration, creativity, and beauty. These are a few of my recent favorites:<br />
<ul><li><a href="http://www.etsy.com/people/interioraccents">Interior Accents</a> - The Etsy shop of a very talented woman who specializes in painting and finishes</li>
<li><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/redhousedesign">red.house.design</a> - I've written before about this Swedish designer's blog, but now she has an Etsy shop featuring her colorful Swedish prints</li>
<li><a href="http://sandrajuto.bigcartel.com/">Sandra Juto</a> - Swedish designer and knitter who invented Wrist Worms (I can't wait to get a few pairs as Christmas presents)</li>
<li><a href="http://acountryfarmhouse.blogspot.com/">A Country Farmhouse</a> - When I found this woman's beautiful blog about her and her husband and their life as renovators and lovers of their farmhouse in Washington state, I told my sister, "She's living the life I always dreamed of!" </li>
<li><a href="http://www.soulemama.typepad.com/">Soule Mama</a> - A blog about raising children, living simply and naturally, and loving an old farmhouse in Maine</li>
<li><a href="http://reluctantentertainer.com/blog/">Reluctant Entertainer</a> - An encouraging, beautiful site by a woman who teaches that entertaining is not about you ("My house isn't big enough/pretty enough/clean enough/etc."), but about building relationships with others and making them feel welcome. Her book is amazing and completely changed my view about having friends over to our home.</li>
</ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Bq_auwVBe9g/TMen3IovYtI/AAAAAAAABTQ/NgiaGByAPrY/s1600/30daysthanks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Bq_auwVBe9g/TMen3IovYtI/AAAAAAAABTQ/NgiaGByAPrY/s1600/30daysthanks.jpg" /></a></div>Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08611295306171246645noreply@blogger.com0