Totally Awesome Van Horns

Sticks and stones...

2012-01-25T11:47:00.000-05:00

Hello all:

It has been awhile since my last post, it's not because I have a lack of material to blab about but more because I have lack of time. Now don't get me wrong, I have plenty of time to get things done, it's the sheer lack of motivation and of course I now have at a minimum 2 needy individuals requesting my attention almost every minute of the day. It is very hard to type when holding a newborn and hard to concentrate with incessant questions and conversation from a 3year old. And that's only the part of the day when the 5 year old is at school and the 30 year old is at work. So alas I write now to you, because I have stolen away a peaceful minute when Ava (the now 7 week old) is content in her swing and Emma (the 3 year old) is hopefully not endangering herself or others.

This post is about being a mom. It's not a how-to it's more of a je ne sais quoi...of a realization about being a mom. When I was growing up, whenever I would throw a temper tantrum (or rather more of a pout fest is how I truly roll,) I would tell my mom that she was the meanest mom in the world. On numerous occassions, I would threaten to run away and even pack a backpack and walk out the back door. It wasn't until last week that I realized how cruel I was being to my mom. I was home with 3 children by myself attempting to get them to go to bed. Their room was a disaster and the living room/toy area was equally chaotic. I kind of lost it. I was like "I'm throwing away everything"...now mind you, this is truly an idle threat. I say it, and even sometimes get a trash bag but in reality their possessions would not get thrown away. However, I was sick of having to pick up clothes that had for the 3rd time that day been dumped out of the dresser and so I was at my breaking point. Lily (my overly dramatic yet sweet 5 year old) becomes hysterical. "I will have no clothes! You're so mean! I'm never coming back here, I'm going to live somewhere else and you'll never see me again!" Of course, had I mentioned it had been a long day. I say, calmly mind you "Okay Lily, you do that...I will miss you more than you know, but if that's what you want then okay." I then head into my room, pick up some dirty laundry and start to cry. She comes into the living room and throws herself into a chair sobbing about how she's such a terrible bad girl...which makes me upset because I have never said that ever to my children. In fact, it hurts me to hear her say things like that...and so I try and calm her down and explain that "Mommy is just tired of all the clothes...I don't wear Emma's clothes, or Lily's or Daddy's..." I say to her, so it does not seem fair that I continually need to be picking them up. The toys I tell her also are not mine and it doesn't seem right that I must pick them up. In fact I tell her, when I was young, I could not just leave me toys lying around like this and I never threw my clothes all over.

Okay, I've gotten off topic, however my point is that what she said hurt me deeply. Maybe she didn't mean it, I don't think she'd ever truly want to run away and live somewhere else, but none-the-less her words hurt me. I never saw my mom cry or heard her cry when I said almost those same exact words to her, but I bet I hurt her more than I realized at the time. Actually, if you had asked me back when I had said those words, I would never have thought they could have hurt my mom. They were just words, I didn't mean them...but yet here I was about 24 years later crying because my daughter had used the same words on me. There's that old saying "stick and stones, etc..." and it ends with "words may never hurt me." That is so NOT true! Words hurt probably more than sticks and stones. Perhaps words don't hurt physically but they definitely hurt emotionally. The physical wounds can heal but those emotional wounds most likely stay forever. They leave scars and if we're not careful those scars can be cut open again and again and again.

In our church bulletin last week there was a little ditty on the back that basically told you to think before you speak. The THINK actually was an acronym about what to think about before you speak...T was true, H helpful, I...(some word that starts with I) insightful maybe, N..nice (perhaps) and K for kind. I found this fascinating since just the previous night or two, I had the aforementioned experience with Lily. Now, I know that Lily did not mean those things and I will not hold those words against her but it made me realize how many times in my life have I said something to someone without thinking. How many times have I caused emotional scars that someone may have to live with forever?

I know that this blog has gotten a bit deep...and I'm not so much a serious person but I know that there have been times in my life that people have hurt me deeply (perhaps unintentionally) and I'm going to strive from here on out to think before I speak. We cannot change our past but we can affect our future. Also Mom, if you're reading this, I'm sorry!

Okay folks, if you're still reading this now, I hope that all is well with you and yours and until next time adieu.

A lesson on tact

2011-10-03T11:42:00.000-04:00

Okay this lovely post is inspired by my trip home yesterday from Chippewa Falls to Columbus. First and foremost, I want to say that despite all I wanted to say to this individual, I held my tongue because I was taught how to be gracious and tactful.

Alright, so just a quick little important message to everyone in the entire world, no matter the size of a pregnant lady whether she looks like 15 mack trucks plus an entire military fleet of tanks, do not under any circumstances elude to her largeness. Let me let you in on a little secret, pregnant women know that they become large and their every growing bellys become like the state of Texas, this does not need to be pointed out.

Let's move onto my story, I had just entered onto interstate 39 outside of Rockford, when my darling Emma said she had to go potty. Now, of course we had just stopped about 45 minutes ago so I was a little on edge but she said she had to go poo poo, and I didn't want that stinking up my car. So I see a gas station at the first available exit and we take it. While my beautiful 2 year old is stinking up the place in her stall and I am holding the door for her, a rather rude inebriated woman comes into the bathroom. I do not make eye contact nor do I intend to engage her in conversation but she takes one look at me and says "wow, are you due?" To which I reply, "no I still have 8 weeks." Then the conversation goes "oh must be twins.." "nope..." and then "wow, it's going to be a huge baby." She then goes into her stall and fumbles for the toilet paper and lets out an expletive--despite having seen my young daughter Lily standing right next to me.

Now I'm just going to assume that she is not an OB/GYN but you know what they say when you assume....anyway, according to my doctor (who by the way is in fact an OB/GYN), I am measuring right on for my due date and the baby may be about mid-7's....which last time I checked, mid-7's does not a huge baby make. The simple fact is, I did not ask for her opinion on my belly. I was not complaining and looking as if I was extremely miserable and uncomfortable. I know that my belly is huge and I'm aware that some people just need to point out the obvious but here are appropriate responses to a large pregnant belly:
     1. Wow, look at the beautiful belly!
     2. You look gorgeous/great/fabulous
     3. That baby bump looks great!
     4. When are you due? (only use this if you know for SURE that the lady is pregnant!)
Or something along those lines, if you can't give a compliment don't say something negative or what you may think is funny especially to a complete stranger. I don't go up to random people in the store and say "wow, you look like your having octuplets that are about 5 months past due...." even if they look as if a baby is going to fall out of them at that very moment.

For the same reason we have tried to teach Lily that using the word fat to describe someone is not okay (we stress particularily that it may hurt the person's feelings, although it may be true), it is not okay to go and insult a pregnant lady. Granted both individuals the overweight (fat) one and the pregnant one may in fact elicit such a response, they are well aware of their current condition.

So next time you see a pregnant lady keep in mind she knows how big she looks, don't go asking if she's having twins and don't state that the baby is going to be huge. Because more than likely you have no idea how big the baby is going to be and unless you're the one pushing it out, it doesn't matter one bit to you!

What's this? A new blog by Veronica??? Doth mine eyes deceive me??

2011-06-25T14:02:00.000-04:00

Howdy:

Well, tons has happened since oh I don't February when I last blogged. You could say that I've been uber busy or something but really I have felt un-inspired to ramble about life. So let me begin by apologizing to my loyal readers, all 2 of you, out there. I know that your hearts have had a large hole in them since my last blog and I am terribly sorry for the pain and suffering I have caused you; however, I will not pay for your counseling that may be required nor will I pay for your hospital bills, as some may have suffered a mild heart attack upon seeing a new post from me. So in the words of Bo Ryan, "Deal with it." Moving on.

The month of March brought on a ton of events for me. My dog became paralyzed, apparently having some sort of spinal cord embolism thing. My mom had to go and have biopsy's done (more on this topic to come). My dad decided he didn't want to be left out of the health scene and gotsome rather large kidney stones and ended up in the hospital as well. However, with all the bad that happened in a mere 2 days, we found out that we are expecting our 3rd baby! So that brought our month of March to a rather happy end.

Let me just start this next part out with, cancer sucks! My mom's biopsy helped to diagnose her with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Yeah that's a mouthful. According to the research I've done, this is suppposed to be a non-aggressive, slow moving cancer that is extremely treatable. So that would seem like perhaps not too terribly awful to deal with, right? Well no, apparently my mom is one of those types of people that doesn't like to make things easy. Her body, more specifically her blood, has some sort of aggressive component in it that is causing her disease to progress in a more rapid nature. Talk about bad blood eh? Anyway, this has now prompted her doctor to begin chemo treatments starting on Tuesday actually---please keep her in your prayers and all of us (Marisa, John, and all her family) as we now begin a new venture in our lives.

Moving on, this 3rd pregnancy has been anything but uneventful. Okay let me explain, the pregnancy itself is going well, it's the doctor thing that is not. As some of you may know I am considered high-risk for my pregnancies---well okay I might not have to be high-risk; however, I guess if you have a blood clot in your brain after your first baby is born, a normal non-high risk OB does not want to deal with you. Anyway that being said, when I was pregnant with Emma, I got transferred to a high-risk doctor at OSU--yes you read correctly, my beautiful baby Emma unfortunately was born at evil, awful OSU. This doctor was phenomenal, he put me right at ease and made me feel as if everything was under control. The pregnancy went well, he actually delivered my daughter (unlike my first OB) and so life went on. I assumed (how silly of me) that this time around would go just as nicely if not better--because I was already established with my doctor. HA! Anyway, I'm being seen by a doctor--who is not my first choice and hopefully my other doctor will return before this baby is born. Here's to hoping, fingers crossed!

This past weekend we had Lily's second ballet recital. She was absolutely positively adorable--and no I'm not just saying that! There are videos up on facebook if you don't believe me. My dad and stepmom came down to see her in it...which is always a good time. We beat my dad and husband, not only once but twice! Yes it was a great Father's day present that I was so willing and able to give to them.

Well that about brings you up to speed on things. Roscoe (my paralyzed 80 lb dog) was only laid up for about month and has made an amazing recovery. I'm currently taking a break from school because well right now I don't have the time or money for a master's program and I think I have quite a few things on my plate to keep me busy right now. I hope that this blog has satisfied that aching need you all have been having. Until next time, adios!

We have won the Superbowl, no thanks to the United States Postal Service

2011-02-07T11:54:00.000-05:00

Hello adoring fans:

I write today in sure bliss as my beloved Green Bay Packers have won the Super Bowl. However, the game would have been a bit better had the United States Postal Service been able to deliver my official Clay Matthews jersey prior to the big game. But alas, they tried to get me the jersey prior to kick-off, so I will give them an A for effort.

I guess my bigger problem is not with the USPS but with China---which by the way is from where the jersey was coming. And of course, when you think of NFL jerseys, China automatically crosses your mind. Not only is my problem the lack of communication (we had no idea how long it would take, the website said 5-10 days---it took 14) from said Chinese company that the husband ordered el cheapo jersey's from, but also the fact that my "women's" jersey is bedazzled and about the size of an American ladies small...which by the way is NOT the size I ordered! What upstanding Green Bay Packers fan, has a bedazzled jersey? I mean really....seriously, bedazzled--with fru fru sleeves! This was not what I had in mind and by the way, totally not what the picture showed me. It looks like I need to seriously drop some major poundage before kick-off next season, in order to get my money's worth out of this jersey. The sad fact is, I ordered a size that if an American company had made it, would have been too big on me! :( I am sorry China, I am not 4'10" and weigh 90 lbs. If you are going to be making jersey's for Americans then you best be understanding that we will go by the size chart you supply SO make your size chart reflect your product, thank you!

So maybe, just maybe I should be thanking the United States Postal Service because had I had this jersey yesterday, I would have been vastly disappointed...I still would have worn it--don't get me wrong, but disappointed! I am a true football fan and appreciate when jerseys have a certain type of authenticity....but what should I have expected from China---they do not understand the ways of American football or the fans! I will wear my bedazzled fru fru jersey with all the pride one can muster in that jersery, knowing that my boys brought the Lombardi trophy home!

Go Pack Go!

2010: A year in Review

2011-01-05T15:57:00.000-05:00

Well since this is my first blog of the new year, I figured I begin by highlighting the events of last year:

January 2010: This month began with me going back to college. I took Anatomy and Human Growth and Development through the Lifespan---both classes were great and I enjoyed the content of each. Of course, going to a community college may be a bit easier than attending a big name university such as UW-Madison, but it was overall a good experience. Also in January, Emma Elizabeth turned 1. We celebrated by having loved ones come and celebrate at our house in normal Van Horn party fashion!

February 2010: We took the girls to see Disney on Ice which was a big hit. The only thing Lily could not get over was that Sleeping Beauty was not present---all of the other princesses were there but not her!

March 2010: We took a family road trip adventure to Florida. We drove the entire way non-stop and made it to Daytona Beach where we stayed at a hotel for a night and enjoyed the beach for a couple of days. We then made our way to St. Augustine to see the Fort there. Chris was hoping the girls would be much more enthused about the old stone fort than they were. However, we got to experience some cannon firings which made the admission charge semi-worth it. After St. Augustine, we headed to Blue Springs State (National??) Park to camp. And by camp, I mean really set up camp, you know with a tent and grilling over an open fire type of thing. We found our campsite and began to set up camp, of course it then poured rain down on our lovely not-so cheap tent which apparently was not at all water-proof. The best part about Blue Springs was seeing the Manatees that come to winter there before heading out to sea. The water, I'm told, stays pretty warm all year round, so they come to nest there. The worst part about the whole camping experience was the soaked tent and blankets and bedding which did not dry out by night time. Also, forest rangers are pretty strict about what products can be burned. (on a side-note, husband's listen to your wives....because when they say, I don't think you should be burning that, they probably are right....just saying....) Since we froze that first night camping, we decided to pay Christopher's uncle Denny a visit and crash at his place for the remainder of our trip. We then spent only 1 day at Disney World---Magic Kingdom in particular. But we made the most out of it. We got there at like 10 am and stayed until 10 pm! Hey, if you knew the cost of admission you'd be staying all day too. The kids had a fun and the only thing Lily was upset about was not being able to get a picture with Sleeping Beauty....oh well there's always next time. The rest of the trip, we spent relaxing in a retirement community and enjoying the warmer climate.

April 2010: I took my second quarter worth of classes. Medical terminology(web-based) and Nurse Aid training were the courses of choice. I'd say both of these classes were laughable and made me want to poke my eyes out or bang my head against the wall every day of class. The only highlight of that darn nurse aid class was clinicals. We got to do some hands-on experience and take care of people in a nursing home oh I mean long-term care facility. The best part was interacting with them and hearing about their lives.

May-July 2010: Nothing seems to really stand out during these months. The children and I had some outings with the girls from work and their children. We had our annual Red, white and boom party which had some new people in attendance--but missed some of our regulars.

August 2010: Christopher and I celebrated our 6th year wedding anniversary. Yes, that is 6 years of marital bliss that we celebrated---and going strong.

September 2010: Found me contemplating my life goals again and readjusting my school schedule to better fit what I want to do with my life. I took a course called Marriage and Family Relations and thoroughly enjoyed it. This quest led me to think that I'd like to pursue a career in counseling and has me currently looking into Master's programs that offer such a degree.

October 2010: This month had the Van Horn clan making yet another road trip. This time to Texas for my brother John's wedding to Margo. Both of my beautiful daughters were flower girls (and did a fabulous job) and the husband was groomsman. We had a great time and the kids loved playing with their cousins! This month also saw my Badgers beat the #1 ranked Buckeyes, which I'd say was the highlight of college football season for me. Also in October, we celebrated Lillian Grace's 4th birthday in true princess fashion. We had a wonderful Princess Party in which we encouraged guests to dress as royalty. She loved it and I cannot believe she is 4!

November 2010: Nothing really stands out except the fact that the husband dropped his beloved iphone 4 in the toilet which caused us to fork out some more money so the genius could get a new one! I worked Thanksgiving but got done early so I could still enjoy some Turkey and mashed potatoes with family.

December 2010: This month was welcomed with my birthday, on the 1st, and the husband's on the 4th. We had a "party" at our house for my birthday where we played a game called BezzerWizzer---that I still cannot believe my team lost. Chris' birthday was celebrated at his parents house, where Marissa and I created a game of charades that was all about Christopher. We also went to "How Many Kings" concert, with Alli Rogers, DownHere and Mark Schultz. It was amazing! This month also was when the pediatrician could get Lily in for her 4 year check-up---and they made her pee in a cup!! At 4!! Seriously, that was an experience for me, let me tell you! At this appointment, she got her ears pierced as part of her Christmas present. Let's just say, I hope she is not severely traumatized. Also, this was the first time in 3 years, I have been able to go home for Christmas. We drove to Wisconsin and spent about 5 days visiting family and celebrating Christmas. It was a wonderful time. The end of the month had Lily getting her hair cut because I got my cut. Her hair is adorable---but we have lost her curls in the back! New Year's Eve we celebrated at a hotel room where I let Lily's friend Kate come and stay with us. We had a good time and giggling girls are fun!

January 2011: This year could definitely started out better---my Badgers could have won the rose bowl, but alas they fell short. However, on an up note, the Packers made the playoffs--so here's hoping for the best! This coming weekend, we are having a Dora themed party for Emma's birthday which is actually the 10th. Life is good for us in Ohio and I hope that is wonderful for all of you as well!

Turn around, turn around, turn around and she's a young girl walking out of the door

2010-11-06T22:19:00.000-04:00

Good evening loyal followers:

I write tonight in shock. My beautiful little innocent princess has kissed a boy! Not just any boy, a younger boy! It happened right before my eyes and at church of all places! Here's the situation...Carter was at church today and don't get me wrong he's a pretty cute little guy and apparently quite the ladies' man. He kept following Lily around all day and they were playing. First he was a monster that was chasing them around, then he was running like a maniac with her in the nursery, then he asked her to dance and then he just puckered up and asked for a kiss...and what does Lily do, she kisses him! Just like that! Talk about Rico Sauve, or Don Juan...I mean really. My family thought I was forward giving my first grade boyfriend a little smoochy smooch, but seriously, she's 4, people! The husband sees nothing wrong with this...of course this is coming from the man who kissed 90% of eligible women ( I assume they were eligible, but you know what they say when you assume...) in the greater North American Continent. He says well it means nothing, but what's next, isn't kissing the gateway drug to some other illicit behavior? Where did I go wrong in my parenting? At least it wasn't Emma going around kissing boys, of course, she also was quite taken with Carter, so I wouldn't be surprised if some sort of sibling rivalry arises from this. I'm going to invest in some sturdy door locks tonight and chastity belts! If Santa Claus reads my blog, that is what the Van Horns need for Christmas this year!

A picture of a more innocent time, with a little ice cream on her nose...ahh, *sigh* (this was only a year ago)

Okay, now that I've gotten that off my chest, I've now doubled my posts from October, and I don't want to spoil my readers too much by giving into their irrational desires for numerous blog entries. I won't be writing one every day, probably not even every week...that's how I keep you coming back for more! Au revoir mes amis!

Once upon a time....

2010-11-05T14:44:00.000-04:00

Hello wonderful world of blog followers:
I'm sure all of you have been missing an amazing post from me. That is not sarcasm, I believe that all my posts are amazing and that you all should be missing them when I go for a month or so without writing one. Some of you know, okay maybe only like one of you know that I've contemplated writing a book. Well it just so happens, that a co-worker of mine thinks that I would make an excellent author. I have a "cute sense of humor," she says and she would love reading a book from me! The problem comes in when my book would be chock full of sarcastic humor which somehow gets lost in translation. I write now as if the only problem I'd have in writing a book is that nobody would find the humor in it, however the bigger problem is writing a book that is longer than 10 pages or having a topic worth publishing! If any of you out there have an idea of a book for me to write, I'd sure be happy to hear about it!

Anyway, moving on. This past month as been crammed full of stuff. Lily turned 4 on October 25 and she desperately wanted to have another princess party. So because I have sucker written all over my face, I threw her a princess party. This year, it was complete with costumes! Of course, I failed her miserably when I was unable to complete the castle. She wanted a castle that she could play in, a pink castle with purple on it. I had gathered up some boxes and had begun to paint them and assemble them when I reached maximum burn-out. I am a procrastinator by nature, so I thrive on the pressure that comes when completing things last minute. The week of her birthday party, I had a 4 page paper to write, an assignment to turn in, and of course her castle cake to make, not to mention working night shift the night before her party or working throughout the week. Needless to say, the castle to play in, fell by the wayside! I know, I am a sorry excuse for a mother, how dare I promise a castle to my sweet little princess and then go back on my word? The husband assures me she'll be okay.

Aside from the birthday and the party, life is pretty uneventful. Classes are going great and by classes I mean the one class that I'm taking. My professor loves me (it's a web class but she makes comments on all of our assignments and I always receive glowing remarks) and as well she should, I'm pretty loveable! I have signed up for more classes for the winter quarter and am still looking into getting into a Master's program for counseling.

Life is good, the Badgers are ranked higher than the Buckeyes in every poll and the Packers are doing well and the Vikings continue to lose. Can life get better? I suppose you know end of sickness and establing world peace would make life a bit better but who's asking anyway. I'll be bidding you adieu now until next time!

Location, location, location

2010-10-11T15:11:00.000-04:00

Hello all:

The title for today's post came as I was driving cross country to Texas. Okay let's be honest it's not cross country entirely but hey it was 1200 miles away! Anywho, while I was driving down the Music Highway of life...literally the part of interstate that I was on was called the Music Highway, I came across quite an interesting billboard. First of all let me explain where I was...I was careening my in-laws' prius down a mildly steep grade of a hill (or Mountain...) in the bible belt of Tennessee, when a billboard caught my eye. This aforementioned sign said "Prepare to meet thy God." Of course at 1:30 AM I found this pretty darn funny. It was located on the side of a hill and in order to read it, you really had to not be paying attention to your driving. I thought it was a great message and in reality I'm guessing more people end up getting to meet their God sooner rather than later after reading that! Talk about evangelizing! I mean who thought to put this message on a side of a mountain on a curve? But I guess it has a message and afterall it is all about location.

Speaking of location, who decides names of towns anyway? I mean we entered into Arkansas and came across a mile marker sign for Cotton Plant. Seriously folks, Cotton Plant? I mean really...was there a massive amount of cotton plants in that area at one point in time. What do you say yes I'm from Cotton Plant Arkansas and right down the road the next town over is Corn Field Arkansas? Creativity apparently has gone out the window in that part of the country. Of course this is also the state that is home to Arkadelphia--I'm sorry did I miss the part in geography where Arkansas is close to Philadelphia--because that it was it makes me think of. Maybe my mind was just confused because we were coming up on Texarkana and passing near Arklatex-which apparently is where Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas and Oklahoma meet up.

After we made it to Texas I encountered some of the worst drivers in the country! For example, say hypothetically you're sitting in a nice H3 Hummer-orange in color at stop light, when bam all of a sudden a car that turns the corner slams right into your rear-end! Hello folks, it's not like we were in some tiny smart car that you can't see! Also, do people even look when changing lanes anymore? Apparently nobody down in Texas has heard of a blindspot.

All in all, however we had a good trip and the girls were great during the ride! Driving straight through does take it's toll on all of us. So now I'm off to catch up on some zzzz's so that I can work tomorrow!

Back to School, back to school, to show my dad I'm no fool....

2010-09-22T23:03:00.000-04:00

Today was officially the first day back to school for me. However, since I'm being lazy (yes dad, lazy) I'm taking a web class. I was originally signed up for a patient care skills class and a physiology class, but those classes have now gone by the wayside. I was dreading the idea of taking those classes so I thought well I won't. I already took physiology the first time around in college (at that marvelous institution called UW-Madison) so I'm pretty p.o'd that this community college is making me take it again. Also, I've been reexamining my educational goals. Basically, I've been pretty put off by the shenanigans that they put you through to even get into a nursing program and then I thought, do I really want to do that? I've always wanted to help people and science always came pretty easy for me, so it seemed like a logical career choice. Since the medical school doctor job is no longer a viable option for me, I figured nursing would be the next best thing. However, I'm not sure that it is. I've been looking at some master's programs that offer a degree in child and family counseling. This career option would enable me to help people and since I'm pretty nosy and have always enjoyed listening to people's problems, this may be a better fit for me! I haven't solidfied any plans yet and I'm just taking a course now on marriage and family relations, so don't you all go getting your panties in a bundle.

I guess the bottom line is, I don't know what I want to be when I grow up. When I used to take those career assessment thingys in school they always popped up psychologist or doctor so I guess maybe my aptitude is for those things. The biggest thing I'm afraid of is disappointment. More disappointment that people view me as not living up to my full potential. They say "you've always talked about being a doctor..." yadda, yadda, yadda...I don't know...I'm not a big risk taker nor can I handle rejection, but I feel like exploring a different career option. Maybe I'm going through a pre-mid-life crisis! :)

Alright, enough soul-searching for one blog entry! Good night world and have a beautiful tomorrow!

Am I just talking to hear myself??

2010-09-15T16:03:00.000-04:00

I never thought I'd reach the point in parenthood where I believe that when I say something out loud, it's not really outloud. I mean obviously if I was speaking audibly my children would respond, right? They would at least acknowledge the fact that I said some words. Right? When I say let's pick up the toys or don't take all the toys from the toy room up to the bedroom...I don't really think I just thought those things in my head. Apparently, though, my children do not understand why we can not take every single book and throw it down the stairs, or gather up all the shoes and hide them under the beds. They see no problems with these things. I tend to think I'm a pretty laid back person but as I'm looking around my now very cluttered living room wondering how all the couch pillows are now strewn about, I would just like to scream a little! It's not that I can't pick up after them it's just I tire of the never-ending adventure of finding the missing shoe. Why is it my beautiful babies can pick up toys at other people's houses or church but apparently at home, I must first threaten to throw them all away and then actually get a garbage bag and begin picking them up. I try not to lose it and then I look at them doing something adorably cute (see below) and realize that there are far more important things in life than a tidy house.

You never hear people wish that they had spent more time cleaning or doing chores after their kids are grown and gone. Most people wish they would have enjoyed their children while they had the chance. So as long as I remember that when I look at my previously cleaned bedroom, now full of shoes, books and stuffed animals, that what is important is their childhood and me being with them. My children are a blessing and I thank God every day that He has given me the opportunity to be their mom!

"On Wisconsin, On Wisconsin....Fight on for her fame, fight fellas fight fight fight to win this game"

2010-08-30T16:54:00.000-04:00

As football season quickly approaches, my title for today's entry really has nothing to do with football. My husband has a bit of school song envy. It appears that my song "On Wisconsin" gets used quite a bit in various other media outlets. For example, watch Disney's Robin Hood and you'll hear "On Wisconsin" being played after the bow and arrow competition. Also apparently in the Beach Boys song "Be True to your school," On Wisconsin is also played. He just doesn't understand the awesomeness that is the Badger state and does not understand why a great song such as "On Wisconsin" is used as often as it is. I keep telling him that Wisconsin is great but he's in denial. Oh well, eventually he'll see the light. :)

I'm looking forward to football season as I do every year. However, I definitely miss going to the games at Camp Randall and seeing my beloved band. Instead, I'm surrounding by fans of worthless nuts hearing them constantly complain on how much they got cheated in some way or other during whatever game they played the past week. I mean really, apparently every single referee in the country is out to get the Buckeyes...I'm not sure you were aware of that. And I'd like you all to know that according to Buckeye fans, their poo doesn't stink. The sun rises and sets according to Jim Tressel. You may think I'm overexaggerating but spend one minute with a true Buckeye fan and you'll soon see my point. It is nauseatingly disgusting and annoying. My advice to all those unmarried people out there, don't ever marry someone who doesn't love your football team as much as you. Do NOT marry someone who is a die-hard fan of your rival or a team you despise with everything that is in your being. Trust me on this, your marriage with go through rougher times if you do not heed my warning.

I'll leave you with this, "If you wanna be a Badger just come along with me, by the bright shining light, by the light of the moon, if you wanna be a Badger just come along with me, by the bright shining light of the moon!"

Not by the Hair on my chinny chin chin

2010-08-09T22:44:00.000-04:00

"Little Pig, Little pig, let me in..." "Not by the hair of my chinny chin chin," replied the little pig. Or a different more favorable version, "Open up ham hocks or I'll chew on your face."

As I lay with my sweet baby Emma, I'm reminded of the "not by the hair of my chinny chin chin." I have failed miserably in the getting her to sleep by herself so now, she sometimes enjoys to hold on with a death grip to my chin/neck area. Perhaps she's just feeling out my jugular, in case I decide to leave her, she knows where to go for the kill! I do have to say though, as much as children can run you ragged, and by golly they can, there is nothing in life more precious than holding a sleeping baby or watching your children sleep. Perhaps as they get older, pure contentment comes with knowing you have a moments peace while they are resting. As a parent gazes lovingly on their sleeping child, with a smile of pure satisfaction as the Hallelujah Chorus rings triumphantly in their head, they know that just for a moment all is right with the world.

I know many of my posts have been about my children but in all honesty most of my inspiration for this blog seems to stem from them. So until something more awesome than them comes into my life, which I'll let you in a on little secret won't happen, I'll be blogging about them or whatever else comes to mind. So enjoy!

She thinks my tractor's sexy....

2010-08-04T21:53:00.000-04:00

Alright, so my title today is from a stupid country song. However, right before I started my lovely blog today, Lily comes in the kitchen and says "I love playing with tractors...." It wasn't nearly as random as it sounds! She has a farm set thingy and she was playing with her tractor, which then prompted me to think of this ridicuously intelligence-deficient song.

Speaking of stupid country songs, since when did Billy Ray Cyrus become a movie star?? I mean seriously, he's not that great of an actor, and I just recently saw him in "The Spy Next Door" along with Jackie Chan. Why don't people just stick to what they do well? I don't mean to offend those out there that believe that Billy Ray has got a lot of mad skills when it comes to acting, it is just my opinion that he doesn't. However, I do believe he has an achy breaky heart, and I just don't think you'd understand.... :)

Onto other news...I'm seriously considering possibly transferring to OSU (gasp) and I did have a minor myocardial infarction as well when I typed that...anywho, I'd be going for nursing (hopefully). If I did happen to attend that blasphemous university, I'd for most certain be wearing my Cardinal and White proudly! :) Is that wrong? I will forever be a Badger, no matter what! Anyway, I'd be transferring there because I'd get a BSN (bachelors of science in Nursing) in the same amount of time as an ADN (associates degree in nursing). It's just food for thought---there's not a guarantee that I'd get accepted. They'd probably take one look and see I graduated from UW-Madison and reject me on the spot--those darn worthless nuts!

Alright, apparently I'm getting the kiddos ready for bed now, so I must be done with my rambling for the night. Until my next edition, adieu!

Here I go again on my own....

2010-08-01T22:45:00.000-04:00

Alright for all 2 of you out there that are dying from anticipation for my next blog, here I go again.

As I have previously stated in my first post...which you can very easily go back and read, I have two darling children whom I would not trade for the world. However, I would like to add, never in my planning of having children did I ever think that I would be blessed with one who enjoys throwing themselves on the floor and attempting to bang their head on the ground(it is only an attempt, seeing as Emma is fairly intelligent she knows that nothing is really worth her self-inflicting pain---those are precious brain cells in there and she does not want to waste them on such silly matters as really banging her head on the floor). I walk in the door from work tonight...after working 12 gloriously long hours, to a delicious aroma of garlic and Sweet Baby Ray's BBQ sauce....(the husband made dinner---BBQ pulled pork...yum) anywho, I did not immediately get to enjoy my dinner. Since I had been away from Emma for 12+ (more like 13 hours), she felt (and let's be honest always feels) like she can not leave my side. Everytime I attempted to put her down to fill my face with some deliciousness that was Sweet Baby Rays, she would fuss and cry. I distracted her for all of 5 minutes with food of her own until I then walked out of the room...this then caused a terrible problem for my sweet little baby girl. It was total chaos after that until she fell asleep...she was not a happy camper.

I remember when I was younger and had several young cousins who used to throw themselves on the floor and bang their heads on the ground...why on earth a child would do that I'm not sure...but by golly Emma throws tantrums like the best of them! Perhaps it is a mixture of my stubbornness along with my husband's pigheadedness mixed with a bit of second child syndrome that causes these outbursts. But all I have to say is boy oh boy are they loud! It sounds as if she is getting bludgeoned to death as she lets out these blood curdling screams but in reality she just wants me to hold her and never let her down! Or sometimes it's she would like to wear a certain outfit or have something of Lily's that she can't, either way it is never a life or death situation. If she could only use some rational thought and express to me exactly what it is that she is needing, we could avoid these outbursts altogether, but alas she is only a mere year and half old...and rational thought is still about 25 years away! ;) So I must endure and remember that even in these trying times, she is one of the most beautiful babies in the world and God knew what He was doing when He gave her to me!

In the beginning

2010-07-30T23:33:00.000-04:00

Let's see...I've never really been a great keeper in toucher but here goes...

I figure if maybe I create a blog, it will help me remember all the little things in life. I used to write monthly emails and regale all my poor readers with mindless musings from my quite sarcastic brain. We shall see if I still have what it takes.

"In the beginning, God created...." okay well I guess I won't start there. Life in Ohio has been somewhat busy the past few months. I still despise the Buckeyes and because I live in this wonderful city which is home to the worthless nuts, my hatred for the team has grown perhaps exponetionally over the past 5 years. Wow! 5 years...I can't believe I've lived here for 5 years. There are days when I miss home---which yes even though I technically am a resident of Ohio, I think Wisconsin will forever be my home.

Onto other news. I'm back in school. This time for nursing...although I have seriously tossed around the idea of perhaps taking the MCAT (gasp) and maybe going the med school route. Right now, I'm taking classes at the local community college. Either I'll get my nursing degree from there or I'll continue onto a four year institution. I'd say college seems to be going a lot better for me now. Which is a big shocker to me since I have two children and work...but so far I'm doing exceptionally well. If all goes as planned, I will be applying to officially start my "nursing" classes next fall and all my "non-nursing" classes will be done. I'll keep you posted on that!

My beautiful children keep me pretty busy. Lily will be 4 in October and has already told me she would like another princess party. I can hardly contain my excitement! Emma thinks she's little miss big stuff. She's 18+ months old and is pure stubbornness but I wouldn't trade her for the world. It is my belief that second borns have to be tougher because they have to make themselves heard and seen amongst the first borns. She is head strong and when she puts her mind to something there is no stopping her. Watch out world!

The husband is back to working full time. School just wasn't for him and by school, I mean studying. His dream is to have a horse boarding business....we'll see how long that lasts. His most recent fascination is his new iPhone 4...which is quickly becoming the bane of my existence. Boys and their toys!

I suppose that is enough ramblings for one blog. Good night world!