Balanced Chaos

Christmas and Cali

2012-01-16T20:24:00.000-06:00

It has been a busy month! We survived the holidays and a trip to California...the first plane ride with the boys. By all accounts it was all good! (Except for the final descent into MSP - Will had a fit (aka SCREAMED) for 20 minutes. We were totally those people. I'm breaking out into a sweat thinking about it.)

ANYWAY...

Here are some pictures from our adventures (I posted these on FB too)

http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AasWzZu2YsmL1A

Grant-O!

2011-12-14T21:00:00.000-06:00

Major milestone tonight, people. Grant passed "Pre School II" level swimming class. Why is this such a milestone (he is, afterall, now in School)? Because it was his 5th (FIFTH) time taking it. No lie. The kid would not float on his back to save his life.

But WHAM! three weeks ago it clicked and the past few lessons he has been a fish. Check it out:

The other big deal is he is reading. Slow and steady! He is sounding out words and recognizing them faster. He read an entire level-1 book last night (it took about 30 min.)

He also asked me tonight if I shaved (thank GOD he didn't ask about specific areas). I don't know where that came from and didn't ask. EEK!

He is getting so big! :(

Pumpkin Patch

2011-10-23T20:41:00.000-05:00

The Hannert clan headed out to the Pumpkin Patch today. The boys LOVED it. We went to Afton Apples , mainly because Grant had already been there on a school field trip and begged to go again so he could show us everything.

It was cool because they had tractors pulling hay wagons all around the orchard and patches. They'd drop you off, you'd pick out your goodies and they'd pick you up again. I thought Will was going to fall out in his excited screaming "TACTOR!"

We found 3 great pumpkins, feed some of the petting zoo animals (again, Will was in heaven. The kid has an animal loving gene that he did not get from yours truly), and played on an enormous jungle gym.

(ignore my face please!)

Grant's pick...

We're following the leader, the leader, the leader ...

Videos

2011-10-09T21:48:00.000-05:00

Eek! Time is speeding up again and it's been awhile since I posted.

I posted a few new videos onto You Tube so check them out by the link above, under Everyday Links.

The boys are getting big...older is actually a better word. And even that sounds weird but they are growing up! Will is a great listener and is saying more all the time. He is starting to play-play more, vrooming cars, in the sandbox, with the Batcave, etc. He and Grant play together pretty good and he also likes to be chased and wrestle with Troy.

Grant is still doing really good at school...although we did get a call that he'd kissed a girl. Eek! He now can ride his bike, sans training wheels, 100% on his own; he can get going, go and stop. We took a family bike ride and he thought he was THE big man on campus.

I'm off to Charlotte and Charleston for work until the 21st. It's the longest I've been away and I'm a bit apprehensive and nervous! Troy is going to join me next weekend in Charleston, which will be fun...neither of us have ever been in that part of the US.

Ta ta!

Big Boy!

2011-09-24T09:48:00.000-05:00

Someone got his hair cut! It isn't technically, his first, since I cut his "duck tail" off mid summer. But it is his first "all over" cut and he went from being a toddler to a big boy!

We bribed him to sit (more) still with cookies, marshmallows and the spray bottle.

Kindergarten Update

2011-09-12T21:03:00.000-05:00

Grant is off and running in kindergarten! Woo hoo.

We had a tough morning, before we left. He was not excited about school one little bit. Not about meeting new friends, or riding the bus, or gym. Nada. He would be fine and then all the sudden, would start to cry. "Mom, I'm not ready. I should be 6!".

When the bus finally arrived, he put on a brave little face. I could literally see him biting back tears and just got on the bus. I went immediately to the school and made sure he saw me, seeing him, get off the bus OK. (The bus was his big fear.) He was fine. And he got off the bus smiling, saying it was awesome.

Every day since, when I've asked what his favorite part was, he says "everything!"

Look mom - no Wheels!

2011-09-05T08:42:00.000-05:00

Grant's final before-school-starts-feat? Learning to ride his bike without training wheels! He did it on his first try and has mastered "stopping" (more like jumping off). He still needs some help getting started though.

Quote of the Day

2011-08-29T21:56:00.000-05:00

Grant said, "Mom, you know, that I know about "blah,blah, blah"". And he quoted with his fingers, when he said the blah part. Where is he getting this stuff?

Happiness Project: Commandments

2011-08-28T21:43:00.000-05:00

About a month ago, I posted that I was starting a "Happiness Project". When I first read the book in January, I jotted down all sorts of things that had jumped out at me. The book's author had, in the course of her project, identified some commandments for herself. Here are my "Commandments":

1. Be Hannah. The gist of this one is that, for example, if I don't like talk radio than admit that and move on; don't keep listening to 91.1 (MPR news) just because I think I should. Or if I like a new album (hell-O Fleet Foxes, Helplessness Blues!!!) so much I want to listen to it over-and-over-and-over, go for it! (P.S. I do like listening to talk radio... but not as much as tunes!)

2. Spend out. There is an example from the book that sums this rule up: there was a little girl who loved art and got a really nice art set for Christmas. It was so nice she didn't use it, saving it for a really important project. One day she came home from school to find out that her mom had thrown it away; the mom thought she didn't like it since she'd never used it. I want to "spend" and use the things I have to make my life a bit more special every day.

3. Make positive assumptions. This one is tough! Thankfully it is a big piece of our culture at work so I "see" it daily. Rather then jumping to a negative (and usually wrong) conclusion, as myself "why would a rationale, reasonable person do ABC?" (the book Crucial Conversations is a great resource for a similar concept: the stories we tell ourselves.)

4. Act the way I want to feel. Otherwise known as "faking it" ... until it real. There is no shame in putting on a happy face. And there was a psychology experiment done once (there is probably more than 1!) that showed that when people had to smile for X minutes, their mood actually improved.

5. Acknowledge the reality of people's feelings. I'm realizing that I'm not as good as this as I think. In fact, I'm kind of a snoot sometimes and get exasperated pretty darn quick with folks who aren't "with me". I think this one ties into #3 - positive assumptions - in that I need to ask why a person would be feeling XYZ and what part did I play?

6. Make mistakes. All the best and most inspirational stories have a pretty serious element of risk - the upside of which is success; the downside, failure. The key is learning from the mistakes so that I'm able to learn from all the opportunities out there.

7. Stop buying useless crap. Can we please define "useless"? Ha! This isn't about "cutting back" or saving; its about buying things that actually make me feel good, for more than 1 second. This one is linked to spending out. I want to focus more on buying quality things that I get joy from, every time rather than the "hit" of a quick buy.

8. Make a memory. Slow down, even stop, and take note of the big and small things going on around me. And I mean, literally, take note. Because already my memory is fading. That is part of this blog's job and why I'm posting more.

9. Imagine the eulogy. We've all probably heard this one before. Do I want to be remembered as the crabby task master, who slaved at work and home and who doesn't remember milestones? OR do I want to be remembered as someone who handled life's ups and downs gracefully, was kind and considerate all the time, etc?

10. Ask for help. For those of you who know me, you probably know this is hard for me to do. Again, I blame my Virgo-type A-oldest child syndrome on this. And I need to recognize that there will be ebbs and flows to life's craziness and asking for help, be it having Troy grocery shop (EEEK!), getting a cleaning lady, talking to my boss about priorities, is OK and better than the alternative.

WHEW! While I've thought about the rules themselves, I haven't thought much about what they really mean.

Quote of the Day

2011-08-25T20:49:00.000-05:00

Grant puts on my sunglasses and says "Mom, do these make my butt look big?" I had to laugh out loud.

Will is still grunting but it is taking more of a semblance to words. Like he'll grunt a letter's sound and then the right number of syllables. He says Please, Puppy, Cookie, Cracker all pretty good. He grunts with an "L" sound for milk and calls Libby "Bea" (which she hopes sticks!)

And since I'm "making memories"... he is also starting to listen more (not listening is still the majority) and a couple times has caught me by surprise, doing what I ask. He is also starting to play pretend - he'll pretend to go to sleep or whatever and then die laughing when we tickle him awake.

Family Photos

2011-08-22T21:43:00.000-05:00

My brother, Pat, got married on the 13th. While at the wedding, Lib actually got a decent picture of us. The 2 "versions" are posted since each little boy looks better in a different one.

This is random but...

2011-08-17T22:17:00.000-05:00

Augh... I "toned" yesterday (push-ups, crunches, etc.) and kicked my own ass! I could barely contain yelps of pain as I reached up and behind to unhook my bra. But it felt good at the time and I'll be nice and shapely in time for ... Winter.

Speaking of, I saw the first fall-colored foliage on my way to work. A bright orange/yellow swath of bushes. Cripes!

I dirtied every pot and pan I own tonight making several meals at once.

My mom told me about an awesome online, ebook exchange/library, called Calibre. http://calibre-ebook.com/ Loads of books for "free" (they take donations) and compatible with iPad, nooks, Kindle, etc. Current books too, unlike the usual free books.

Will eating a Starburst

2011-08-15T20:17:00.001-05:00

Link to YouTube: Will eating a Starburst

(Sorry - technology is not my friend tonight so I couldn't get it to embed.)

Dooce

2011-08-09T22:00:00.000-05:00

OMG - if you haven't yet checked out Dooce (see my blog list to the right), you really must. I am roaring at today's post about ... Well, just read it.

P.S. If you haven't yet, follow me on Twitter (Petersonhannah) and Instagram (hannahlp1019). I post more pics there now that I have a 21st century phone.

P.P.S. I'm still howling over Dooce. Go there now!

Quote of the Day

2011-08-08T21:14:00.000-05:00

Grant: "Dad, I just love you so much, I want to be STUCK on you!"

Will: "GRUUNNT!"

my Happiness Project

2011-08-07T21:33:00.000-05:00

First - I found a new blog that so far I'm digging, called ZenHabits. It is a lot of common sense info, that is good to see and re-see. I've posted it in my blog links.

Second - I'm just going through a little funk. Does anyone else have that experience of wanting to do SO MANY things that it gets a wee bit overwhelming. I'm there. Some of it is stuff I think I should do (hi Running) and some of it is stuff I want to do (start a family tradition with the boys) and all of it is "good" so I'm finding it hard to figure out where to start.

Enter the Happiness Project. I read this book on vacation in Mexico (6 months ago... but who is counting?!) and loved it. I think the author and I could be twins. I loved her approach, her goals, everything. I got home from the trip and made a huge spreadsheet of the things I wanted to focus on.

And then reality kicked in and it has sat, lonely and alone on my hard drive. But no more! My life is crazy - I feel like there is always MORE for me to do, I'm always crabby and I don't like where I'm heading. So here goes... the start of my Happiness project.

A few things I'm looking forward to gaining from all this:
- more frequent posts, which means more pics of boys, and more stories, and, ultimately a better "archive" of my kids youth.
- healthier habits
- less work stress
- a stronger relationship with Troy

Let the fun begin!

Will

2011-05-14T21:26:00.001-05:00

Click here to view these pictures larger

Calling all professionals...

2011-03-31T21:15:00.001-05:00

I went to a networking event today that was very good and, dare I say, inspiring. It probably helps that several of the conference themes reinforced things our VP of HR had just told me yesterday. One of the key points, was around networking.

And three messages I heard in the past 2 days...

1. Never stop asking questions. Even to superiors. Now there might be the right/wrong times to ask, but ask.
2. Stay in touch with your contacts. Be it by Roledex, Outlook contacts, an excel file, whatever.
3. Get a closer network of friends and peers to be a personal "board of directors" - a group you can bounce ideas off , get feedback from and network with.

Over and around these messages, I've heard examples of both informal partnerships (where you might bounce ideas off each other, as they come up) to formal (but still fun...one women and her friends go off every 2 years for vacation but one night, they each bring an issue to the table for discussion and resolution) to in-between (one women meets quarterly with a peer and they set goals and hold each other accountable).

One other thing I heard, not realated to networking, but powerful, was related to women helping women in the workforce. (Did you know only 4% of C-levels in Fortune 500 companies are women? And women make up 51% of the population. And women are a $1trillion spending market...which is, by far, the biggest segment.) Anyhoo, the message was that as women, we should ALWAYS help and NEVER critize other women; for the greater good, we have to help each other out.

P.S. the boys are good. : )

Subject to Change

2011-02-20T21:26:00.001-06:00

What a great weekend...even with the 12+ inches of snow we're getting. We got a new laptop, filed our taxes and cleaned out a ton of stuff and re-organized the basement to make room for the 2 growing boys in the house. WHEW!

The boys are growing and are amazing. Will especially is at that age where everyday there is new understanding - nodding, starting to try to say words, understanding what we're saying and doing what we ask. We call him "seek and destroy" (and "turd" if truth be told) because he knows what he wants and better get it RIGHT NOW OR I'LL THROW A FIT OR THIS TOY OR MY CUP AT YOUR HEAD. At the same time, he is our lovey boy - always climbing up us, wanting to be held.

We have been contemplating moving back into the "city" or staying put and I think the latter has won...for now and subject to change. I swear sometimes we are the most indesisive folks out there. Anyhoo, staying means we get to do some projects here to make it an even better house for our family. Some big projects, some small, and all sure to take 3 times as long and cost 4 times more than planned. Ideas (subject to change) include adding a mudroom, putting a 4th bedroom and bath in the basement, a kitchen overhaul, new carpet and much more. We need to prioritize the list but we're both itching to do something so stay tuned!

Hi Stranger!

2010-12-17T16:14:00.002-06:00

WOW - it's been 2 months. We have been busy (obviously). This fall was extremely busy for me at work, and since I"m the updater of this site.... anyhoo.

The boys are doing awesome. They amaze us everyday although it isn't always the good kind of amazement. Grant loves school and is so darn smart! Likes to do "adding" and is starting to read letters. Loves to do "crafts" and play the Wii. He is really good about doing sports and active ones, which makes me feel OK about it. He is totally digging Christmas time and loves to look for his elf, Holly.

Will is a man on the move! He took his first step on his birtday (11/4) and hasn't stopped since. He is always in the mix, rough-housing with Troy and Grant; seriously, he'll just walk over and pig pile on them.

Enjoy the pics!

Too Much Information

2010-09-22T19:04:00.001-05:00

OK - so I just read about a HS classmate's flu symptoms on Facebook. Why, oh why, lord do some people have to describe bodily functions via social media? Do you really have to say you are barfing and "shitting like a sailor" for us to get the drift? I can't be that specific with my best friends. Isn't "stomach flu" descriptive enough?... for social media? EWW!

(New videos of the boys on YouTube, including a very cute one of Grant making Will belly laugh.)

Back to School

2010-09-07T20:44:00.000-05:00

Someone started school today!

He was very sad to go. : ( Tears and all but did fine once we were there and proclaimed on the way home, "I LOVE school and wish I was back there now!" Much better.

Will is a total trouble maker. We've been calling him"Monkey" but "Trouble" is fast replacing it. He is strong and fast for as, a-hem, healthy as he is. Little stinker. "No! No! No!" is the new phrase at our house but he does so-big, peek-a-boo and is starting to give kisses and clap.

(How you say... Badonkadonk ???)

A trip to the Great MN Get Together was our Labor Day highlight. We went with the Bispala's and just oinked our way in a big circle. YUM! Only bummer was that Grant started to feel ishy and threw up when we got home. YUK!

Awww.... buds!

Yoda, Hans and Luke walk into a bar...

2010-08-15T19:43:00.000-05:00

We had Will's 9-month appointment a week or so ago and he is a "healthy" 28 pounds, 3 oz and 30 inches. Thankfully, his height is in the 90th percentile (up from thef 50%) and a bit more in proportion to his off-the-chart weight. : ) The doctor wasn't worried a bit (we aren't either)... Everything else looked good!

He is as cute as ever - crawling all over the place, making lots of different sounds and hearing "no, no, no" a lot. I don't remember Grant having quite the affinity for cords and outlets. We didn't really have to baby-proof with Grant but I think we're going to have to with Will. And still no teeth.

Grant is totally into Star Wars - all three original movies. So, in the mornings, they play SW. Troy and Grant take turns playing Hans/Luke and Will is always Yoda. Which is pretty accurate with is little ears.

Grant starts pre-school on 9/7 - two afternoons a week. We went to an open house last week and he loved it. Cried and cried when we left. Should make those days when he has Julie's and school interesting since he also - nightly - cries about wanting to go back to Julie's and sleep there. Sigh...

Not much else is new. I am SUPER busy at work. One of my two employees is taking another role in GR so I'm having to staff his replacement, in additional to a fall course schedule that already is crazy and that includes launching a new 3 day course that we (me, now that A. is leaving) are designing/developing. EEK! So apologizes in advance for any more-random-than-usual-ness from yours truly! Hopefully it's just a "phase". HA!

Check out YouTube too - heiny1056 - I'm hoping to post more videos there tonight too!

Summer Lovin'

2010-07-20T20:43:00.000-05:00

Where is the summer going? We've had it pretty easy lately, not too many weekend plans and quiet weeks, which is a nice change from years past. The down side is I don't have "memory points", to help keep track of what we have done. I think the memory loss is the new reality.

... As is me always feeling exhausted. DANG - mommy needs a nap... every day... for a couple hours. But the level of tiredness is new in the last couple of months. I'm hoping it is somewhat temporary, in that we've been vehicle searching (bye-bye Outback!) and had some medical stuff going on (nothing major - just enough to be a nuisance and tiring), etc. Plus it has been flippin' nuts at work. Although that is all paying off as I got a promo today to Mgr, SIS T&D. Essentially my scope more than doubled, I have 2 more employees and I got a pay raise (that unfortunately was not doubled - ha!).

Anyhoo - enough whining. Here are pictures of the boys. Enjoy!

At our favorite beach:

Will is definitely going to be our water baby

Took a mini family va-cay to Madison.

Poor kid ... 8 months and doesn't know which end is up. He'll probably end up at the UM (v. UW)

Summer Fun

2010-06-23T17:48:00.000-05:00

Summer has officially arrived - yeah! And we've been busy. What started out as a not-so-busy summer has filled up. We still have a few "open" weeks that aren't scheduled.

Not much is new otherwise. Will is this close to crawling - check out the video on YouTube! And is as "healthy" as ever.

Some funny stories:
Grant last week was telling Lib and I a story and was trying to set the "stage" for the story - explaining who Julia was, the "layout", etc. but was struggling in that he could spit the words out and was losing the thoughts. Finally he said, "oh never mind...I'll just tell the story" - which he did.

And Drew was crying (hurt) and I started to go over to help and Grant informed me that "Mom, I think Libby can handle it". REEK!

Happy Summer.

Uncle Kelly with Will

Stink-Eye Pirate

Up the hill...

Down the hill... (a milion times!)

Grant-O's 4th bday with family and friends (thanks again everyone!)

Happy Memorial Day!

2010-06-01T21:39:00.000-05:00

First, thanks to all our soldiers (currently serving and our veterans) for serving our country and for those who died protecting us. Thank you!

We had a big weekend around here. On the not fun side - Troy and I had the flu (GROSS!) and our dishwasher and fridge's water dispenser fritzed out. FGS! But thankfully Troy is handy-manny and got the appliances back on track. And by Sunday PM we were feeling pretty good. But we managed to squeeze in quite a bit of fun....

First, it was someone's 4th birthday:

And it was someone else's first time in the pool and eating graham crackers (YUM!)

And we went on a family bike ride (to Starbucks and back!)

And we got to hang out with our cousins and friends!

AND... we have a new cousin - Charlie Nathan Cunningham was born on 5/31 at 3:50 PM!

WHEW - we're spent.

Update

2010-05-24T20:14:00.000-05:00

We had Will's 6-month and Grant's 4-year appointments last week. Will is a healthy 22.5 pounds - officially off the charts for weight and in the 75% for height. He is getting teeth on the bottom and has been crabby.

Grant-o is also good; in the 25-50% for weight and height. He has gained 6 pounds this past year - up to 38 from 32 (which is good since he was 32 since he turned 2!). He has to get blood drawn in the next week or two to test for the "basic" food allergies due to an allergic reaction he had in March. And he probably has to have minor surgery (1-2 stitches) for a small hernia that he never grew into. (We have the consult in 3 weeks so stay tuned!) He and I also had our teeth cleaned and he did great - they cleaned his whole mouth, flossed, etc. and he sat good and still the entire time.... now the promise of Dairy Queen maybe played a part of that!

Little Monkey

2010-05-18T20:53:00.000-05:00

Tonight Grant is at Grammy's so it was just me and Will.

After my ears stopped ringing from the silence, I got some 1-on-1 time with "monkey". He is getting so dang big, so fast. He is six months old and while he isn't sitting yet (have you seen his stomach?!), he is a rolling machine and is starting to scoot around. When he gets mad he raspberries - unfortunately, it is often when he is in his high-chair, mid-helpings so we're learning to dodge food spray. He is also loving the johnny jumper so check out our youtube account for a clip.

Happy Mother's Day!

2010-05-10T20:39:00.000-05:00

Let's start with a brief trip down memory lane -- Mother's Day 2009 when I got SQUAT. NADA. ZILCH. Not even a homemade card from my then almost 3 year old. Excuse me?! I don't even feel bad about making Troy feel bad - STILL - about it.

But, he is very teachable and MD 2010 was much better. I got 3 cards - one from each of my "boys" and my iPad is on order. Plus, Lib and I had a blissfully silent ride home from Bismarck since the kiddos were with the dads.

I hope all the mom's reading this had their perfect day too!

Ain't it the Truth!

2010-04-07T20:58:00.001-05:00

The shirt says it all:

the Boys

My new favorite vino:

And - mark your calendars! - I've actually managed to upload some new videos on YouTube.

Pictures

2010-03-16T22:08:00.000-05:00

For our adoring fans (I'm going to try to post some videos on YouTube this week too!)

Sleeping Fatty

First walk outdoors!

Frankie grabbing hold:

the Boys

D-oh!

Splish-splash

Be warned - moms of boys!

2010-03-09T20:58:00.001-06:00

Last night, as I was reading books with G. I noticed his hand down the front of his pants. When I asked what he was doing, he said, in a very exasperated voice, "mom - haven't I told you how when my penis goes straight, it bugs me?" WELL! Can we just break my initial reaction down?

1. EEK!
2. No he has not told me that before.
3. He is 3 - is this conversation supposed to be happening?
4. Where is Troy?
5. I need a drink.

My response ... after gasping for air ... was that he can touch his penis with his privacy and "talk to your dad, he has a penis too." FOR REAL. And he bought it. TROY - hurry up with school please!

Now onto more of the mundane...We had G's early childhood screening today, along with Will's 4-month appointment. Both boys "passed" with flying colors. Will is a little porker. Which anyone who has seen him lately, already knows. He is weighs 17 lb, 8 oz, which is the 90-percentile and 25 inches long, the 50-percentile. I think of that song "I'm a little teapot, short and stout." The doctor said he looked great.

New videos

2010-02-15T20:58:00.000-06:00

Check out a couple of new videos at: You Tube - Heiny1056

Happy Valentines Day!

2010-02-15T20:38:00.002-06:00

This weekend we took a mini vacation to a local hotel with a pool.

(Thanks Grammy and Papa!)

Us, Hilzys, Petersons and Grammy and Papa were all there to splish splash, oink out and have some fun.

Don't know if Frankie is crying at the freezing water or Uncle Ben!

Regan was a little water bug!

Did I mention the water was cold?

But fun!

and wee Will was just along for the ride!

Play-by-Play

2010-02-08T21:09:00.005-06:00

32 minutes ago, I poured a (small) glass of wine...
30 minutes ago, I sat down to start our taxes...
20 minutes ago, I was pissed because I couldn't find last year's return so our data could transfer ...
15 minutes ago, I was on the phone with Troy, who is in class because if I sit down to do taxes, I'm doing them...
10 minutes ago, I was panting and out of breath from running up and down stairs, searching every folder - hardcopy and electronic ...
5 minutes ago, I poured another (small) glass of wine...
And now I'm here.

Which is, quite honestly, a better use of my time since I'm seriously slacking on posting.

It's here somewhere!

2010-01-23T08:59:00.000-06:00

Someone's getting close to finding his thumb! He loves to suck on his fist.

Back to Work!

2010-01-18T20:41:00.000-06:00

I go back to work tomorrow. TOMORROW. Seriously, the last 11 weeks have absolutely flown by.

And I'M NOT GOING TO SAY THIS OUTLOUD but Will has gone to bed at 7:30/8 PM and slept until 6:30/7 AM with only 1 (ONE! UNO!) feeding in-between. You do the math and then keep fingers and toes crossed.

Another return-to-work induced "say what?!" is that Justin Timberlake (my secret BF) is on Ellen tomorrow. Seriously?! I watch Ellen for 55 days weekdays in a row and he is on the DAY I GO BACK?! I'm seriously considering getting DVR or TiVo or whater - but don't tell Troy.

Lastly, please continue to check back. I probably will have even less time to write now, but am going to try.

Top 10 - with Pics

2010-01-14T08:21:00.001-06:00

Plus, click here for videos of the kids rocking out at the wedding

Top 10

2010-01-13T19:33:00.008-06:00

Here are the 10 things you might find interesting from the past 4 weeks. But I'm not promising anything.

10. Will is 13 pounds, 2 ounces. He has gained just under pound per week. OINK.

9. Troy is back in school on M, T and W nights. It is a good thing I can enjoy wine again.

8. We had great holidays with friends and family. THANK YOU to everyone for the wonderful company, gifts, food, drink...everything.

7. I go back to work on Tuesday and, must admit, that I can't wait; stay at home moms have the hardest job. I'll miss my one-on-one time with Will but need my routine back!

6. My blood pressure is lower so they are cutting my dosage in half. If it is still good in 4 weeks, I'll be "healed". Hallelujah!

5. Will is still living in 3 hour cycles... however this isn't as "perfect" as it was at first. Can we please get a 5-6 hour stretch at night? Kid - toss us a bone!

4. My bro, Kelly got married on NYE. The kids were in the wedding and were a hit! They did great and got the dance started with their break dance moves. I'd post pics but see #1 and stay tuned!

3. I only have 8 pounds left to lose to be back at pre-prego weight. (I don't care if PRIDE is one of the 7 sins. So is gluttony and I've not experienced that lately... much to my chagrin.)

2. Grant has been great with Will - a great helper and pretty understanding about not being the center of attention.

1. I have been trying to update the blog for 9 days. I wanted to post pictures but it isn't working. I've submitted a question in the help forum so we'll see. SIGH...

I hope your New Year's is off to a great start!

Ahhh...Motherhood

2009-12-15T11:55:00.007-06:00

This morning I've been pooped on, spit up on, and "raspberried" with formula saliva! Now, I just looked down and found a huge, dried booger on me. All courtesy of Mr. Will.

Who - me??!

Ohh - I hear the washer cycle ending; it is ready for its next stinky, boogery load.

Grant and Will

2009-12-03T11:46:00.007-06:00

We've gotten lots of comments about Will looking like Grant. You be the judge:

Grant - Week 1

Will - Week 1

Grant - Week 4

Will - Week 4

Ho Ho Ho

2009-12-03T10:40:00.008-06:00

Last night we had our daycare's Christmas Party. Wow! Julie, the daycare "leader" (as Grant calls her), outdid herself and had Santa come in. (Plus she gave out great gifts - individualized calenders of each kid, ornaments made by the kids and personalized towels for each kid.)

Grant went right up to him to introduce himself:

We also got a peek at how honest Grant is. When Santa asked if he'd been good, he replied, "Yes. But sometimes I'm bad."

He then went on to ask for a big motorcycle for Christmas (see approximate sizing, below). One that "I can ride and keep outside so it won't break." I think we're in some trouble here as a motorcycle wasn't on my list for him.

The newest addition to the daycare crew:

(P.S. Will asked for world peace.)

The party was a total hit with Grant. He cried when it was time to go and cried, again, when we got home and realized he did not come home with his motorcycle.

Activities for Kids

2009-11-25T11:09:00.002-06:00

I just got a book for Grant (and Will) called "The Siblings Busy Book" by Lisa Hanson and Heather Kempskie. It has all sorts of activities for kids of all ages. Its nice because it breaks down each activity with infant, toddler, pre-schooler, and school-age appropriate projects.

Happy playing!

The Growing Backlash Against Overparenting

2009-11-24T22:19:00.006-06:00

Another interesting article in Time... or at least I thought so.

It made me feel better that Grant is not (yet) in any extracurricular activities or pre-school.
It reminded me that we all survived in a much un-safer world when we were growing up.
It made me appreciate that he does get such a kick out of running, playing baseball with us, helping with chores, etc.
It made me resolve to try to keep our lives sane and not to over-do it as the boys do get older.
Overall, it made me sigh in relief that we're doing pretty darn good.

The Growing Backlash Against Overparenting

My favorite perspective from the article is on page 2. "... the odds of being kidnapped and killed by a stranger are about 1 in 1.5 million. When parents confront you with "how can you let him go to the store alone?," she suggests countering with "how can you let him visit your relatives?" (some 80% of kids who are molested are victims of friends or relatives.) Or ride in the car with you? (More than 420,000 kids were injured in motor vehiclaes last year.) ... "

I spy ...

2009-11-24T22:06:00.002-06:00

Troy reading a book! It is a miracle.

I bought him the new Andre Agassi bio, "Open" and he has not put it down. It is the first book he has read since we've been together. He reads magazines and newspapers but not books. When asked, he advised it is because it reads like a magazine story. Two steps forward, one backward.

Anyhoo, he reminds me of me ... back when I had time to read.

(Note: the book is getting excellent reviews and is #1 on the New York Times best-seller list.)

My boys

2009-11-24T22:03:00.003-06:00

P.S.

2009-11-19T20:38:00.003-06:00

I'm seriously NOT digging the upload picture feature on this tool. It always adds my pics at the top of the post and then I can't copy/paste my text around them. Grrr. (no wonder I have high BP.) I'm sure I'm just missing something (which is an even bigger factor in my BP, since usually I know everything - ha!). Any how-to tips appreciated!

2-week update

2009-11-19T20:11:00.011-06:00

The good news? Will is a pig...

The bad news? My blood pressure is still high...

Frankie isn't the baby anymore

Just chillin'

STOP TAKING MY PICTURE!

We had our follow up appointments today. Overall, we're doing great. The only bummer is my blood pressure is still high... "prehypertension" numbers and that is with the meds. I have to continue taking the medication and if it is still high at my 6-week appt., I'll get referred to an internal medicine doctor. FGS.

BUT... Will is doing awesome. He weighed 6 pounds, even, when we left the hospital on 11/7. And 12 days later, he weights 7 pounds, 11 oz. OINK! Everything else on him looked great too. It is so nice to get through this first appt. and be in the clear. He is filling out his "NB" sized gear and definitely filling out.

Tame those Toddlers!

2009-11-17T16:09:00.003-06:00

Trying to teach your toddler some manners ... or maybe have them start helping around the house? Check out this site - Handi Points. You can create chore and behavior charts (and more!) to help you out. You can either print them out or have your child track their progress online, where they can earn rewards.

The site also has art & craft ideas and learning worksheets. You do need to set up an account but it is free. Happy parenting!

Regan on the Attack

2009-11-17T15:47:00.002-06:00

On Friday, all the siblings got together for dinner. The 6 little kids provided an extra level of chaos (and a good dose of birth control!) but served as good entertainment. The best moment was Regan, who is about 8 months, wrestling and trying to eat Drew and Grant. They all were having a blast!

Grant's Stink Eye

2009-11-12T10:11:00.003-06:00

One week down...

2009-11-12T09:34:00.016-06:00

And so far, so good. Will is perfect - living in 3-hour cycles. Meaning: I'm getting 6-7 hours of sleep at night. I'll take it!

And Grant is handling the transition like a pro! He is a great helper: getting diapers, checking on the baby, helping fold laundry (which we do a lot of these days!). He even asked last night if we could clean. I may have created a monster. : )

Baby Will

2009-11-09T20:09:00.004-06:00

Welcome to the world Baby Will! Will Seurer entered the world at 2:20 PM on November 4th (2 weeks early).

Boo (hoo) Halloween

2009-10-31T21:13:00.004-05:00

I had my 37-week appointment yesterday and have high blood pressure. Now, mind you, its been high most of this pregnancy (as it was with G) but if they gave me a few minutes, it would go down to normal so no big deal. But not yesterday...

Yesterday it was higher than normal and wouldn't go down. I heard the dreaded "b" word - bedrest. Although, thank God, only as in "modified bedrest might be a possibility." But still... anyone who knows me knows that I don't rest. In fact, when Fern asked what I had going on this weekend, my response was "nothing much" since we didn't have anything scheduled. I didn't even think about the fact that T. had the Wild game last night, worked today, I had a list of 5 errands to run, etc. Oops. So a big thanks to the Hilzy's who watched G. so I could run errands alone, an automatic BP lower-er and take a nap.

Anyhoo, I have to go back in on Tuesday to see a dr. (vs. Fern, my midwife). If it is back to normal, great. If it is still high, they'll test for protein and we'll go from there. I'm hoping it was just a fluke but it has me so unnerved, that every time I think of it, I can practically feel it going up. And this might all be OK if anything else was going on but no - I'm not effaced, dilated, etc. FGS!

So BOO! I hope everyone had a Happy Halloween. Don't forgot to set your clocks back.

The State of the American Woman - TIME article

2009-10-22T20:10:00.003-05:00

Full List - The State of the American Woman - TIME

I thought this was interesting... how do you "compare" to the stats?

Fall Fun

2009-10-22T20:07:00.008-05:00

Sorry long time, no write. I have just been too tired and lazy ... and crabby, so G's normally cute escapades haven't been as cute. Poor kid...just a small dose of the reality coming his way. That said, I did manage to capture some pictures of him having frolicking in the fall foliage:

Oh my... these are the first pictures I've posted. I need to get better at that blogging skill for sure. Happy Autumn!

Nesting heaven in Coupon Codes?

2009-10-11T20:41:00.004-05:00

I've heard about being able to search for online coupon codes to use but just did it for the first time and know I'm going to be addicted. I found a $20 off code for a session at Let's Dish. The site I used was: www.retailmenot.com. Very cool and easy to use.

I was signing up for a Let's Dish session because I had super-nesting day. Jeez... I still have 5+ weeks until "D" day but today was the day to finish getting ready. The nursery is set, essentials all bought, Grant's toy area in the basement newly re-organized with his artwork on the walls. WHEW. And I'd just read that the nesting urge is your body's way of making sure you have the energy for labor. HA! I'll probably be paying for today for the next week.

Parenting Highs

2009-09-21T20:52:00.004-05:00

I was popped the "big" question tonight - "mama, how will the baby get out?" To which I promptly asked, "how do you think?" And Grant replied, I think the Dr. pulls it out, which is close enough in my mind so I said he was right... and breathed a sigh of relief. He has done that a couple of times - suprised me with a way too logical answer to a pretty adult question.

He also likes brocoli and carrots. Considering I"m not a huge veggie person and Troy only likes romaine lettuce and cukes, this is big. And I mean likes to the point of requesting it and eating it before his main dish (pizza, hot dogs). Talk about a twisted world when you have to tell your 3 year old to finish his pizza because he's so busy eating his veggies. Cripes.

Status check

2009-09-14T19:29:00.003-05:00

You can't make this stuff up... I just had to tell G. to "focus on pooping... please" since he decided he needed to go mid-bath. Seriously!?!

The transition of T. going back to school is going OK. It's actually been pretty good here, in the evenings - we are both still alive. But G. watches more TV that he did before. It allows him to just quiet and give me a more time to get stuff done. I try to stick with Noggin or movies but still - its TV. Also G. is sad to get dropped off at daycare (he is fine once he gets there) and wants to be with T. 100% on the weekends... which is going to be tough with T. homework load.

Baby #2 update - all is good. Just had my 30-wk appt but this pregnancy is NOT going fast enough. Wow. Two months doesn't sound like long to go but I feel like I'm much further along than only 3/4. Sigh... the good news is I'm good weight/size wise and I passed my glucose test. Bad news - I had to buy total granny panties ("She's Having a Baby" anyone?!?!) and I can't paint my toenails. WHOA! Bet you're glad you checked in to find that all out. : )

Now I'm off to have some dessert - apple pie ala mode OR homemade turtle sundae. I need my calcium, right?

What next?

2009-09-11T21:02:00.003-05:00

In the last 4 hours...
- I bought new perennials on Tuesday, which I've actually managed to water, and came home today to find one damn-near dead. WTF? I hate things like that. Plus every plant in my landscaping looks like it has some disease... and not the same one. So I've given myself a headache thinking about how to go about ID'g and then fixing 10 different plant ills.
- As I was going to the bathroom, G asked if I had a penis. I said no. He asked if he could see. I said OK, expecting a cursory glance would suffice. However, he literally held my undies out and craned his little neck down to get a better look. Perv. And then said, in his best adult-like voice, "You're right mom, you do have a bagina." Note: we're pretty open bathroom wise, especially with "#1" so it is not like he hasn't seen the pubic area. Open door policy was (is) easier and less annoying than the constant questions on if I'm done yet, etc. Anyhoo - I guess its time to teach about that next level of privacy... and body parts.
- I got a a couple of new baby bottles at Target and, only once I had them home, did I notice that they are USED. One doesn't have a nipple and one has a size 4 nipple (both were supposed to have size 2). And there is water stains on both - EWWW. So now I have to return them to Target and pray they don't think I'm the loser and hassle me.

If these 3 things are any indication, I'm afraid for the reaming 20 hours of this day.

Recipe: Kahlua Cake

2009-09-08T19:01:00.002-05:00

In honor of bday week... enjoy!

Cake:
1 pkg yellow cake mix
1 pkg (small) instant chocolate pudding
1 c. oil
4 eggs
1/4 c. Kahlua
1/4 c. Vodka
3/4 c. water
1/2 c. sugar

Drizzle:
1/2 c. powder sugar
1/4 c. Kahlua

Grease and flour a bundt pan. Pre-heat oven to 350.
Combine cake ingredients. Mix on low for 1 minute; mix on medium for 4 minutes.
Bake 50 minutes or until done
Let cool 10 minutes and then remove from pan.
Using a fork, make holes all over the top.
Slowly pour the drizzle mixture over the holes so it soaks in.
Sprinkle with powder suger.

Birthday Verdict

2009-09-07T17:02:00.007-05:00

Thanks to all for the birthday wishes. The highlight of my day was the DQ chicken strip basket and Butterfinger blizzard that my sister bought me ... this is the truth.
The second biggest highlight was the kick-ass pair of jeans that I got at Gap Outlet for $4.97. Can't beat that, right? So why is this #2? They are pre-pregnancy size. So really, between now and oh, 2012, they will serve as a torture tool. But they really are rockin' and I've certainly spent $5 on dumber things.
The third biggest highlight was that T and I actually watched a movie - Slumdog Millionaire, which shows how behind we are. Unfortunately, I had my eyes covered 1/4 the time since I'm unable to watch anything that is even slightly uncomfortable, embarrassing, painful, etc. Nice... 33 and emotionally inept - except during meltdowns.
But tonight Grant is with Grammy (thanks mom!) so T and I actually had dinner, alone. We have about 100 things to talk about but, instead, sat the whole time to/from the restaurant in blissful silence. You don't realize how much a 3-year old talks until they aren't around (God love 'em!). Ahhh... it's lovely. The only thing that would make it better is a glass of wine but if I open a bottle for one glass, I may not stop.
Verdict: it was a "I'm-33-years-old-and-PG" b-day and that is A-OK.

Melt Down

2009-08-31T20:51:00.004-05:00

Ok - so I had a complete and total meltdown, pity-party-for-myself yesterday. I'm blaming it on the raging PG hormones. G had a big day on Saturday, meaning a bday party, lots 'o sugar and no nap. Then we'd spent Saturday night at Hilzy's, the guys camping out in the backyard with the kids and L and I tucked snug in our beds, in the house. And he did OK Saturday.
But yesterday AM it caught up. Every 10 minutes he was crying...or sassing... or hitting or not sharing. And I just kept getting more and more irritated and experienced something similar to sensory overload (as in, can I just have 5 minutes of peace and quiet?!). Literally, after about his 18th crying fit, I had it and got us packed up and out of there faster than you can pour a good-sized glass of wine.
T. drove home and I was trying not to cry the whole time. All the sudden he asks what I want for my bday and I lost it. I couldn't even talk - there were tears, snot, hiccups. My response was something like "nnnoooatthh - snooorttt -innnggg" (which, p.s. is totally not true!). I'm sure he was freaked out since I can honestly say that I normally - even while PG - don't have breakdowns; crabby? yes. mean? yes. tears? no. Well the flood gates opened yesterday.
And it was quite unfortunate timing because Grant and I had a great week without T last week. I was very impressed how it went, if I say so myself. So then I felt bad for probably making T feel bad... which made me cry harder.
All that said, it felt good - you know how there is nothing better than a good cry. Especially when it is right before would-be nap time. I crashed. And I'm happy to report a full recovery, complete with a dose of normal crabbiness last night. : )

50 Best Websites 2009 - TIME

2009-08-25T20:24:00.003-05:00

If you're sick of your "regular" sites, get some new ideas here - Full List - 50 Best Websites 2009 - TIME

Abercrombie

2009-08-25T20:01:00.001-05:00

I don't want any business to go out of business - that means people lose jobs and family, communities, etc. are impacted. But as a person who never "got" Abercrombie (and by "got" I mean understood or fit into), I felt a smug satisfaction at this. And validated that I'm not the only soul out there thinking it was over-priced.

Recipe: Santa Fe Soup

2009-08-23T15:28:00.003-05:00

1 pound ground beef
1 onion
1 pound Velvetta cheese
1 can Rotel tomatoes
1 can diced tomatoes
1 can corn (with juice)
1 can pinto beans (with juice)

Brown beef and onion, drain. (Note: use a large pot to brown the meat, versus a skillet, and keep this to a 1-pot meal)
Add all remaining ingredients and cook on low until cheese is melted.
Serve with tortilla chips or Fritos.

Development

2009-08-23T15:07:00.006-05:00

As someone in a Training and Development role, I've been involved in lots of discussions lately about career development and what we need to do to grow our bench strength across the organization. Obviously all organizations and jobs are different but a couple of rules for everyone on developing yourself:

1. You have to own it. If you aren't happy in a current role or see a development opportunity, only YOU can do something about it.

2. Create a Career Development Plan. Even if it is one you do personally and not directly through your organization. Where do you want to be in 5 years? What skills do you need to develop to get there? What actions could you take to get that skill? Think outside the box - it doesn't have to just be attending a training class. Could you help out in another department, read a book on a topic, volunteer at a charitable organization or on a cross-functional group, etc.

3. Be realistic. Keep your development goals to 2-3 core ones and then focus on the actions for each.

4. Recognize that across is just as good as up. Careers don't progress up a ladder like they used to. I once heard it referred to as a "lattice" where the goal is to be well-rounded. Cross-org (or lateral)- and sometimes even downward - moves can be really beneficial in the long rune. Anywhere that moves you outside your comfort zone and helps you learn new areas of the business, a new competency, etc. is going to be a big development opportunity.

It sounds so basic but development is one of those things people tend to forget about in their day to day work life. If you could spend even 10 minutes a day related to developing your professional self, it goes a long way!

Books related to this topic (that I have actually read):
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey

The One Minute Manager by Kenneth H. Blanchard and Spencer Johnson

Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity by David Allen

Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes are High by Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan, and Al Switzler

Bring it on!

2009-08-23T14:14:00.002-05:00

It is official - T is going back to school. This is a good thing for the long run - for the fam and his sanity and happiness. He has been talking about it for months but only got "serious" about it in mid-July, with the intent to go back this Fall. (Reality check: this was about 6 weeks before school would start. Which is OK - except for the few decisions he needed to make: like what exactly he wants to be when he grows up, which school to go to, etc. -- ya' know, the little things.)

However, he stuck to it and it is all worked out. He starts tomorrow... going 3 nights a week...until 10 PM. Or said another way, I'll be home alone 3 nights a week, with a sassy-3-year-old-and-come-November-a-newborn. And the program (Arch Drafting) takes 2 years. Breathe, Hannah, Breathe.

Single parents and stay-at-home moms have the HARDEST jobs; I love my kid but could not do it. Grant and I have similiar personalities and we butt heads; we get mutually exasperated at each other. So most nights, when T walks in, I hand over Grant; I already need a break after 2 hours. So this new reality has me a bit freaked out.

However, I know it will work out and I know we all will adapt A-OK. And thankfully, I'm Type A enough to already have a list of strategies that will hopefully keep us all sane, alive and happy.

Deal Alert!

2009-08-16T08:06:00.003-05:00

I was in GAP yesterday and they have 40% off all their sale/clearance. Deals a go-go! Not sure how long it lasts. I think the same sale is going on the sister stores (Old Navy, Banana Republic) too.

Recipe: Barbecued Chicken Pizza

2009-08-16T07:49:00.003-05:00

Barbecued Chicken Pizza

1 large, pre-baked pizza crust (Boboli)
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Salt & Pepper
1/3 c. BBQ sauce, divided
4 oz. of cream cheese
1/4 c. diced green chilies (I use one of the small cans)
1 c. shredded cheese
1/4 to 1/2 t. hot chili flakes

Sprinkle chicken with S&P and cut into bite-size chunks. Saute chicken in pan (or bake breasts at 350 for 20 minutes or grill - whatever) with about 2 T. of the BBQ sauce. Once cooked and off the heat, mix chicken with remaining BBQ sauce.

Pre-heat oven to 400. Spread cream cheese on crust. Spoon chicken over crust and top with chilies, cheese and hot flakes. Back for about 15 - 20 minutes until cheese is brown and bubbly.

Note: you can pretty much adjust all the ingredients based on your tastes - I usually use more cream cheese and BBQ sauce, etc.

LEFTOVER TIP: Reheating pizza? Re-heat it in a skillet! Cover it and warms the toppings while keeping the crust crisp.

%*$# Technology

2009-08-10T20:57:00.006-05:00

Sometimes I hate f'ing technology! I'm trying to work on a simple word document, at home, and it keeps freezing. GRRRR...

Check out this article: Why the #$%! Do We Swear? For Pain Relief

OK - I feel better now.

GasBuddy

2009-08-09T12:07:00.010-05:00

At the bottom of the page, I've posted a way to search for low gas prices in your area: GasBuddy. Let me know if its helpful or a waste of space.

Free Aveda

2009-08-09T12:03:00.003-05:00

I'm on a roll today with stress relief.

Join Aveda's Birthday Program

Woo-hoo. Free Aveda! Check it out and act quick - supplies are limited and offer ends 9/30/09.

A Stronger Marriage

2009-08-09T11:36:00.005-05:00

T and I are NOT experiencing marriage woes. Which is all the more reason to be proactive in prevention. My friend Tracy sent this link to me and it is pretty timely as T and I have been talking about the impacts of baby #2 and his going back to school and/or getting a new job - that is a lot of changes in a few months time. And while all good changes, still add to our stress levels as we adapt. CNN article on a Stronger Marriage

Also, the Holmes Rahe scale is a list of life events that add positive or negative stress. There are some things on the list that you may or may not expext to see. Check it out!
Holmes Rahe scale

Sanity Check

2009-08-09T10:56:00.004-05:00

What is the saying? "If mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy." So everyone should take this as a direct order from me to make sometime for yourself today.

When I need a moment of sanity, I shop or visit a coffee shop. The shopping can be for anything but usually unexpected purchases are the best. When I'm crabby, I can go grocery shopping, buy one not-on-the-list-and-only-I'll-like-it item and voila! I'm happy. I have 100% success with retail therapy.

I also like to visit coffee shops, loaded down with books and mags to peruse at my leisure, even though I know I'll only get through about one of the 6 "things" I've brought with to read. And this is where I am right now. I have my laptop with me this time, a first, but also some books (both "fun" and mommy how-to types) and, of course, my planner with the intent to get caught up on emails and some to-dos too.

As I headed out, muttering about needing a breather, T gave me the LOOK. To which I replied, "it is this or death (yours)". He agreed. He probably is right to question my need - it comes after I slept 12+ hours Friday night. Yes, I went to bed at 7:30 on a Friday night and slept until 8. Talk about hitting a wall... between work craziness, T's talk about going back to school and potentially changing jobs, being PG, etc., I was pooped. But not rejuvenated. While I like my weekend naps, I personally see sleep as more of a necessary evil.

With that, I'm off to enjoy by book and my mocha.

Recipe: Creamy Chicken

2009-07-30T20:45:00.003-05:00

This is my go-to recipe. YUM. I probably make it a couple times a month.

4 x boneless, skinless chicken breasts - halved *
Swiss cheese
1 can crm. chicken soup
1/3 c. dry white wine
about 2 c. Stuffing
1/3 c. butter

Put chicken in greased 9 x 13 pan
Cover each chicken piece with a slice of swiss cheese
Mix soup and wine - pour over chix/cheese
Sprinkle stuffing around/over chix
Drizzle with melted butter
Bake, covered for 1 hour at 350

* This recipe can be halved/doubled easily; I've done this with 4 chicken pieces total and not really adjusted the other ingredients and it is just as good. YUM!

Binge and Purge

2009-07-30T17:09:00.008-05:00

So last night we were kid-free. Unexpectedly enough, where we didn't have plans with other peeps, which meant T and I had "alone time" (trust me, not that alone...). Furthermore, I was alone-alone, for about 2 hours before T got home. Did I indulge in a nap? my book? bad TV?

Nope... I WORKED! Like, work from work. Now, I don't mind working from home - I don't have to do it very often and usually know it is better for my own sanity in the long run. My bigger issue is that it is just one more example of how I cannot relax. Or maybe a better way to say it is I can relax, but only relax in binges and purges.

The Purge: I go for weeks, running laps around the house, constanting picking up and making up "critical" tasks, that absolutely need to be done NOW. Any attempt at relaxation is a farce and usually completing one of those oh-so-critical tasks: Grocery shopping, with no kid? A JOY! Folding laundry as I watch bad TV? a TREAT! Snarfing down a enormous bowl of ice cream - GOOD ENOUGH for ME! (OK, that maybe is relaxing with no hidden agenda.)

And then the Binge: After a few weeks of these lame attempts - I get into a book (NERD!) and totally zone out for a day or two. I just sit and read - I let the dishes pile up, the crumbs on the floor are fine, I serve popcorn for dinner.

The question is - does a bit each day offer the same amount of sanity as a 2 day haitus from life? Is there a "better" way to relax? Hmmm... sounds like a fun experiment.

Coldplay

2009-07-27T19:07:00.006-05:00

Some of the girls and I made the great escape this weekend to see Coldplay at Alpine Valley. I love you, Chris Martin! The trip was great, the show was fabulous and well worth the 2 (relatively) late nights for this mama!

Needless to mention, I'm behind on my posting. Stay tuned - later this week I'll have a recipe to post (I'm making it tomorrow to confirm it is as tasty as I remember) and some other tidbits.

Happy Monday!

New twist on an old placenta

2009-07-22T21:25:00.004-05:00

Oh my... Afterbirth: It\'s What\'s For Dinner

I didn't know you could save your placenta and have it, essentially, made into a super-vitamin to EAT later on in life. I don't know that I wanted to know.

For those particularly intrigued and not squeamish, there is also a video:
http://www.time.com/time/video/?bcpid=1485842900&bctid=27457107001

All this said, the article from Time, is funny. Joel Stein's articles and perspective are always entertaining. Bon appetit!

Baby Gear Steals

2009-07-22T20:56:00.004-05:00

From a friend of a friend... Here are some sites for snagging deals on baby gear. Happy shopping!

1. http://www.mamabargains.com/ Offers one item at a time, discounted, and when that item is sold out, a new one is listed.

2. http://www.babyearth.com/baby-sale A new item is listed every hour between 9:00 and 5:00. The item is listed at full price, and for every minute it’s listed, the price drops...once it’s sold out it’s sold out.

3. http://www.babysteals.com/ This site lists one item a day, and they list the new item for the day at 10:00 am (9:00 am MST).

Oh curses...

2009-07-20T19:45:00.005-05:00

Last week I stubbed my toe and started to grunt, groan and mumble to myself. Little G, watching my irritation unfold, asked, "is it frickin' A, mama?"

Now for those of you who know me and my potty mouth, I hope you can appreciate that fricking, vs. the real word, came out of his sweet little mouth. However, the mommy guilt also kicked in. Actually it was fear. Fear that he'd say it at daycare (or any public place) and we'd (OK, I'd) get the bad parent honors.

And then I took my bad-parenting a step further and began to justify it all away. For example, that we can have different "rules" at home: "sure, honey, saying "fricking" is OK." I mean it is, comparatively... kinda'.... right?! And since a three year old still doesn't have all the words to accurately describe their annoyance (for example: "Mommy is just really frustrated that she hit her toe on your bed and it is throbbing and sending piercing shots of pain through her entire foot") and since they compulsively shop anger away, what else besides a well-place swear will do? At least it isn't a hit or kick... right?!

Mind you, this all when through my brain in the span of 1 second and I ended up replying, "No. Mommy is just really frustrated that she hit her toe on your bed and it is throbbing and sending piercing shots of pain through her entire foot. And we shouldn't say "fricking"."

The Great Complaint: Chores!

2009-07-17T16:15:00.002-05:00

Warning: I've probably bitched to some of you about this before... Why are guys completely unable to do chores? Specifically, the most obvious and would-be-helpful chores, like:

1. Throwing laundry into the basket (vs. next to it)

2. Changing laundry loads

3. Wiping down dirty counters

4. Vacuuming

It is this 4th item that has me going. Every day, since Monday, I've asked him to vacuum the stairs. (And before anyone asks why don't I just do the stairs, it is the only cleaning-related chore he has!) On Wednesday, when he was home all day, my hopes rose. Only to be crushed ... the other 10 items on his list? - done. The only one remaining? - my request to vacuum.

Why is this? I think I get even more mad at T because he is usually pretty good. The 10 items he did get done, he'd come up with on his own and most of them were a "match" to what I would have asked him to do. So why can't he just vacuum - a 3 minute thing - so we both can avoid the painful experiences of "the Nag"?

Needless to say, after Wednesday, I went into hyper-nag mode. Just on principle. I'm happy to report he finally vacuumed this morning after 5 notes and at least 3 verbal 'quips' (I'm not so dumb to complain outright (to him), although I think he is on to me.)

For the sake of all of our benefits, I am going to start calling chores "projects" to see what happens. Stay tuned!

Blogs

2009-07-17T15:57:00.005-05:00

So in an effort to beef up my blog list, I've been poking around into the world of blogs and it is crazy. There are so many - on all topics!

I goolged "mom blogs" and there is at least one site out that just catalogs blogs by moms!

Anyhoo, check out my growing Blog list (on the left). New ones:

Savor the Thyme - a Foodie-Mom site, complete with kid-friendly recipes
(Guilty Pleasure blog) Famecrawler - a blog about celebrity babies
Kirtsy - the most popular blog stories of the day

Sound familar?

2009-07-15T20:54:00.007-05:00

I love this ad for Minute Rice. Seriously - I think they recorded my brain, on a normal day, and had it transcribed. Anyone else agree?

For you rice-lovers, find recipes at: http://www.minuterice.com/en-US/recipes/search/default.aspx

Bummer!

2009-07-15T20:54:00.001-05:00

http://www.comcast.net/articles/news-general/20090715/US.ODD.Quadrillion.Dollar.Debit/

Real Simple

2009-07-13T19:46:00.003-05:00

Every time I get my copy of Real Simple in the mail, I automatically adjust my night's schedule to include time to read through it. First, I do a quick flip - looking at pictures and only reading captions to the items that jump out. Only then do I go back - reading more in-depth. I want to live in the magazine, if that is possible. And usually, I go through it a third time, to rip out the articles, recipes, tips that catch my eye.

Not familiar? Have no fear... www.realsimple.com is just as addicting.

And a real simple way to save money, dining out? A recent tip from their June issue was to visit www.restaurant.com and put in your zip. You can find discounted certificates for tons of local restaurants. In the Twin Cities, this includes: La Hacienda (one of our faves), Joe's Garage, Kierans, and more! Yum!

Crazy!

2009-07-13T19:05:00.003-05:00

http://www.comcast.net/video/-tumor-turns-out-to-be-baby/1180876643/Comcast/1180806838/

Regular Features

2009-07-11T11:55:00.004-05:00

I've posted a "poll" on the right-side navigation bar on what you'd like to see as regular features on this blog:

Recipe - a weekly recipe to try
Fitness tips - a new exercise to try, a tip, etc.
Career-related info - for those of us who work outside the home, what are resources for us?
Weekly poll - topics will vary across family, self, work, life, etc. An example would be "how much time do you spend each week on XYZ?"
Time-saving tips - self explanatory; either tried-and-try by me or from other sources
Other - comment on this post if you have other ideas or suggestions.

You can vote for more than one so happy clicking.

Thanks!

Under construction

2009-07-11T11:28:00.005-05:00

Geez - figuring this whole blog thing out is hard work! I consider myself somewhat tech-savvy but RSS? HTML? I think I finally found a template I like but will continue to be "under construction" until I get into a groove.

This weekend is supposted to be "perfect" weather-wise in the TC area. What are you planning to do?

2009-07-09T14:33:00.000-05:00

I'm not sure what has possessed me but I've decided to start a blog. And, in typical Hannah fashion, spent more time figuring out an appropriate and meaningful name, than I'll probably spend writing this first blog.

I wanted to create a blog that (hopefully) makes connections with others trying to balance between being a mom, wife, career person, sister -- you get the picture. I love the idea of being "balanced" in all these roles. And by balanced I mean sane and successful in the overall big picture.

I also wanted a place to share and get ideas from others who fill all these roles - whether they are balanced or not. And of course to let folks know what I've been up to and what isn't balanced, on those certain days.

We'll see how this goes...