Just another Manic Monday...

I am so glad yesterday is over! Though last night was a special treat because I got to tuck my little 2 year old in bed. He made the whole day feel better when he gave me a thousand kisses and told me he loves me.

After the mayhem of yesterdays TO-DO's I got home just before the sun was setting. The problem was that one of the major things on my list was to trim the neighbors hedges which were overgrowing into my yard. See, the truth is, my husbands family is going to rent next door and we made a deal with the landlord that, for a good rental price, we would fix up the place.

Well the hedges were weighing heavily on my mind... SO I put on my landscape architect hat, grabbed the chainsaw and went to town.

The truth is, I knew what I wanted the hedges to look like but I didn't know how to make it happen. I ALSO knew that what I really needed was one of those fancy hedge trimmers which of course I DO NOT OWN!!

I opted for a top heavy look where the bottom has been cleared away. I figured this would add dimension to the yard without making it look completely naked. I got in my groove and made an amazing new look in the front yard.

I learned that the trick to making thick Holly bushes look amazing is to take one branch away at a time. There are three or four main branches that come down to one root system. Keep those and get rid of all the extras but don't be hasty.

Just as I was finishing up the first hedge, the neighbor came home and peered around his majorly overgrown shrubberies. He remarked how wonderful it looked and wanted to know if I would landscape for him. I joked that it would cost him a fortune then thought to myself, "Oh, that old thing?"

Hip Deep...

I notice there are days that I have time for just about anything and yet there is nothing that I have to do. Then all of the sudden the clouds of life decide it’s time for a torrential downpour. You know the kind where you throw on your hip waders and the water still comes in over the top? Yeah, I am having one of those days.

Thank goodness for my nanny. I feel horrible that I have neglected my motherly responsibilities in order to take care of the mile long list that has fallen in my lap. I promised myself I would be this wonder-mom the kind that could do anything in any amount of time and today I feel like I am failing. Sadly, my nannies boyfriend had to put my son to bed for his nap today… I missed that moment when he tells me he loves me and says, “Bye bye mommy!” that’s a precious time I can’t get back. Luckily I have tomorrow to look forward to and yesterday to remember but I want that moment right now.

I caution Mom’s out there who are using my, “That old thing” way of life, always take time for your kids. If you have to do the taxes, let them eat cheerios next to you. If they make a mess, let them clean it up with you. It’s these simple moments that can mean the most to both you and your little one and teach them responsibility. Kids are very observant and just by watching, they will learn things you never taught them.

One of the first things I learned (with a mature cognition) from my Mom just from observing her, was how to make French toast. I remember how she cracked the eggs, whisked them up and added cinnamon. I remember how she dipped the bread, cooked it, flipped it, piled it on a plate and the slices of butter she would place in between the pieces. She would drizzle maple syrup across the top then stack them high and cut them in pieces. She even cut them the same way every time. The thing is, she never told me how to do it but she let me be there to watch her.

That’s one thing about my mom I want to have. She never told us to go away if she was too busy. It didn’t matter if we were obnoxious or needy, rude or contentious. She loved us around NO MATTER WHAT!

So, what will I do with the rain that’s falling and the water I am wading through? What any wonder-mom would do, take off the waders and swim. At least then I can enjoy the storm!!

Nothing more than 20 minutes and a snow storm...

For most of my life I have desired to master different talents without anybody knowing. Then, when least expected I would show off the talent and when people stare in amazement at my work, I will just say, "OH, THAT OLD THING?" As if it was the easiest project to complete.

A few years ago I watched Groundhog Day (the movie) and noticed that the main actor does that with piano playing. If you don't know what I am talking about, you should watch the movie. It's a great laugh!!

I have always been a very loyal family member and stay in close contact with as many people as possible. One of my favorite people to talk to is my sister Sarah.

Sarah and I were talking about a church activity I attended, not too long ago . The ladies were learning different talents that others were professionals in. The pottery throwing caught my fancy and I decided to give it a try.

Well, ten minutes later, I sliced away a very unique and beautiful dish. By the time I was done, there were quite a few other women looking on. The teacher then asked me, "Have you done this before?" to which I responded, "Once or Twice!" and thought to myself with a laugh, "OH, THAT OLD THING?"

What they didn't know and what I didn't tell them is; I have a serious interest in pottery and have attended courses in pottery throwing. I am no professional, but I can hold my own.

This experience fulfilled my first attempt at my lifelong desire. It also gave me a heads up on different short-cuts one can take so you can spend less time on your talent or project and get the same, fabulous result.

I am a full-time college student, a wife, a new mother (within the last 3 months) of a 2 year old and a newborn, a part time doula (labor assistant), caregiver to my incapacitated and mentally ill father-in-law, and my husband works 200 miles away from home and gets to visit on some weekends.

Now, I know you are thinking, "How in the WORLD does she do it?"

Don't worry, I am thinking the same thing!!

NO, just kidding!! Actually, It's quite simple. I have a live in Nanny!!

So, your next thought is... WOW, her husband must have a really kickin' income.

HAHAHA!!! You are TOTALLY wrong. We get all our taxes back plus some more for me being in school and having major student loan debt and for having kids.

The truth is, God blessed my life with all these things and He also promised that He would provide a way for me to make it through. In the quite of my prayers, the only thing He asked of me was, "In all things find JOY!"

Believe me, I know exactly what it means to have a long list of TO DO'S and a SHORT amount of TIME!!

Join me in my journey and learn some simple ways to accomplish GREAT THINGS!!