"Downtown Park"

The kiddos and I stopped at Liberty Park on the way home yesterday. Fun park. :)

The Hard Stuff...

A dear friend of mine is going through a sudden and shocking divorce after 24 years of marriage. Over dinner, we discussed her new and lonely situation. She is sad, mad, and somewhat relieved all at the same time. My heart breaks for what she and her boys are going through and will continue to go through until her new normal sets in.

Talking with her brought me back to my own dark and scary time. The divorce was under much different circumstances...but the end of something somewhat stable was still heart-wrenching ....especially with two small children in tow. With all the ups and downs involved, my anxiety levels bordered insane for over two years.

Well, at times, I still spend a few minutes upset and resentful that I have to carry in the groceries, scrape the icy car windows, and, of course, do all the real work to raise my kids. I still worry that, because of my choices, my kid's lives are forever worse off. But as I talked with my dear friend tonight...I realized how far I have come, how much I have learned, and how strong I am now because of all the struggle. My kiddos are strong, resilient and insightful....and we love each other in OUR new normal.

Life goes on and gets better and better.

REDEMPTION

Failing Home Ec in 8th grade has scarred my life. The shame has, at times, been overwhelming. My sisters sew, quilt, and cross stitch their way to domestic bliss. I cringe and vomit at the sight of bobbin...and all because my corners didn't line up.

Well...things have changed. I have redeemed myself. And thanks be to a 4th grade boy in our sewing club. He taught me how to sew. :) And I made this:

Isn't she pretty?
(it is a rice bag, in case you couldn't tell. ;)

Bug...Style.

I was looking through old photos the other day and came across this gem. I love her SO much. She is strong willed, high-tempered and full of wonderfully creative awesomeness! She will conquer the world and do it with style.

Award Time...Again

Both Megan and Mike (which is the name he has decided we all need to start calling him...much to my dismay...oh well.) got an award today at their school's award's assembly. Megan's was the Most Improved Student Award for 100% planner return. Mike's was a writing award for his hilarious story about the future called... "Balloonville" (I will post more about this later).


I am very proud of both of them. They really like school and try super hard to do their best.

Fishy and Fluter

We are the proud owners of two beautiful Beta Fish. Megan and Michael decided to buy the only pet mom would allow with their allowance. Michael got a beautiful blue fish he named...Fishy. Megan has a dark fish with bright red fins. She named hers Fluter. It is pronounced Flutter...not Flooter, but she only wants it spelled with one T. :)

Perfect Day for Sledding!!!

Fun, fun, fun!

Mikey after sledding. He got the ice himself. :) he he he