Getting Ready for Swim Team

When we first moved to Austin, Mason played hockey. Surprisingly, hockey is not nearly as popular in Texas as it was in Ohio. In order for Mason to be competitive in what would be comparable to Little League baseball, we'd have to travel every weekend (at least three hours away -- sometimes across the whole state). So, we discussed it as a family and decided that hockey would not be the best sport for him to play.

However, we wanted him to do SOME kind of sport. He had tried soccer. He didn't care to play football, baseball, or basketball (thank goodness!). When I suggested swimming, he got excited. He started at Nitro, which is THE BEST swim center in all of Texas (which is a huge deal, since there are amazing swim centers/teams in Texas). We love Nitro. He's been there since third grade.

A year later, we found about a local summer league, the Tidal Waves. Mason was excited to join. We've returned every summer since! We LOVE Tidal Waves. Last summer, when we were anticipating the big move (but have since Stayed Put), some of our hardest goodbyes to say were to our Tidal Waves friends.

Last summer, one of Mason's best friends joined (as well as his three sisters). This summer, two of Mason's other best friends' (confused yet) siblings are joining as well as a few more friends. We are SO excited for this season. Plus -- our two favorite Michaels (well besides, Michael Phelps!) are back to coach the team!

Here are some fun photos of our past summers with the Tidal Waves.

Mason's first practice as a Tidal Wave. Doesn't he look so little? He was 9.

First meet as a Wave.

(On a side note, his teeth? Were horrible! The best money ever spent was to have Dr. Barnett fix him up!)

Another picture from his first season.

Second season (11 years old).

Second season - professional picture. Awesome, huh?

Second season.

Last summer (12 years old).

Third season.

Towards the end of every season, we have a pep rally where the kiddos can throw a pie in their coaches' faces. Here, Mason threw a pie at Coach Michael (our new head coach!) and Coach Taylor pied Mason since this was (supposed to be) his last season as a Wave.

Mason with both Michaels. And pie.

And then my little stinker got ME with pie!

Our male coaches are so awesome, they get pedicures to show team spirit. hehe.

A nice picture of Mason with the Michaels.

How they really feel about him. Just kidding - I made them pose for this!

I was on the Board of Directors last season. Here is Mason and Coach Michael with the other Board member kiddos.

50 Shades of... Red - Caused by a HUGE Embarrassment!

Hello Blog World.

Sorry I haven't updated in awhile. February's NaBloPoMo killed me. I just can't post every day. I think I'm going to try and blog 3-4 times a week. That sounds more up to my speed.

I have been reading some amazing books lately.

When She Woke is a futuristic retelling of The Scarlet Letter (a favorite). However instead of wearing a red "A," the main character gets dyed red (also known as "chromed" in the book). It deals with religion and abortion and personal rights. Very relevant right now. Go check it out!!

Maybe I haven't admitted it here, but I did admit it on Mandy's awesome blog when I was Geek of the Week, but I am addicted to reading Young Adult Literature. Go ahead -- judge me. I am embarrassed as it is. However, I know a lot of my friends out there read them, too!

So, I have been reading a lot of that genre's books based in dystopian societies (thank you, Hunger Games and The Giver) -- a theme I've always enjoyed reading.

Delirium and it's sequel Pandemonium take place in a society that does not believe in love. At a certain age, older teenagers have a procedure done to cure amor deliria nervose, or delirium. Can you imagine living in a world without love? I can't wait to read the next book in this series!!

From there, I read Divergent. In future Chicago, people are divided into different virtue factions: Abnegation (the selfless), Candor (the honest), Amity (the peaceful), Erudite (the intellegent), and Dauntless (the brave). Oh wow -- did I love this! The sequel, Insurgent comes out next month. Cannot wait!!!

A lot of my friends have read these same books and loved them as much as me. A dear friend and I were texting and she said she was reading a new book. One that I've heard a lot about (or at least one I thought I'd heard a lot about). According to The New York Times Bestseller list, this book is ranked number one: 50 Shades of Grey. Now, I heard it was a bit raunchy, but I assumed it was the adult version of Forever by Judy Blume (that I'm sure every American woman read during her early, formative preteen/teen years). So, when my very good friend who is a conservative church-attending woman said she was reading it, I figured it couldn't be that bad.

I was wrong. On SOOOO many levels.

First of all, it is horribly written. It began as a Twilight fan fic. And I don't think the editors changed anything. Horrible, horrible writing. Ugh.

Then, it got bad. I'm not a prude, but I felt uncomfortable reading this. I went to text my amazing friend that she was out of her mind and I never knew she had a wild side like this.

And that's when I saw her previous text.

She wasn't reading 50 Shades of Grey.

She was reading BETWEEN Shades of Gray.

Oooops!

Totally different kind of book. And one MUCH more my taste.

So, I am going to start reading BETWEEN SHADES OF GRAY soon. And I'm deleting 50 Shades of Grey off of my iPad because it is terrible.

Now, mind you, I admitted ALL of this on facebook, saying how horrible I thought 50 Shades of Grey's writing was. So, I told all of my wonderful friends and family, Mason's teachers and coaches, that I was reading an erotic book. Goodness gracias!!!

***** Check out Mandy's new Geek of the Week about MASON!! *****

Silhouette Saturday

I'm back for another edition of Silhouette Saturday. I have been working on more canvas pieces (which is driving my husband crazy -- he hates unframed pieces). Yesterday, I made a really cool piece for spring.

I started with a canvas board. I got a packet of ten on sale at Michaels for $2.99 (so, of course, I bought three packets! I cleaned them out!). While you can't hang these unless you frame them, they work well being propped up for seasonal decorations. I don't like hanging seasonal pieces on the wall (but I am going to get over this aversion, thanks to 3M Command Hooks!).

Anyway, blank canvas. I printed out a cute Spring Subway piece from the Silhouette store. When I weeded it out, I realized I made a mistake. I had wanted to use the negative space so that I could paint some words different colors. Ooops. What to do?

Well, I decide to paint some fun pastel stripes. I hadn't tried this before, so I figured since I already screwed up my original idea, I could always paint over it if I didn't like it. And no, I didn't purposefully paint it in ROYGBIV order, as my wonderful husband so kindly pointed out. I wanted contrast between the colors.

Next, I transferred the vinyl onto the canvas, once my stripes were dry. Have I mentioned how much I love using clear contact paper as transfer paper? It isn't as easy to use as transfer paper, but it is SO much cheaper. I can deal with spending a few extra minutes to make it work (though I will use good transfer paper when I do big pieces, for sure!).

Then, I added the "cover coat" - painting over the entire canvas and vinyl. I chose white for this step. You have to be careful during this step because, sometimes, the paint can bleed through the edges of the vinyl. I had some wiggle room because of the stripes. If paint bled through, it would still work out and not be as noticeable, so I thought, then if it was on a solid base. I used a seasponge to "blot" on the first coat of white paint around the vinyl. Once that dried, I rolled on a few thin coats of white paint.

Finally, once it was almost dry, I used my handy-dandy Silhouette hook and pulled off the vinyl. This is always the scary part. Some acrylics can dry too plastic-y and pull up paint along with your vinyl. However, I took my time and everything that was supposed to be pealed up came off with no extra paint giving way.

The final product? A pretty darn cheerful Spring Subway canvas!! While I wish I hadn't made the stripes so big (especially the green -- you can't see the yellow at all) and would have placed it on a better-fitting canvas, it will work for a seasonal-only-going-to-display-it-for-a-month piece. And now, I think it has inspired me to make a matching stripe-y floral piece.

Breaking Bullies

Bullies.

We have all heard stories in the news or in real life of kids being bullied so much that they start believing what is being said, that they don't feel there is a way out, and that they take their own lives. It's heartbreaking. As a parent, you pray that your child will never experience such cruelty.

I was bullied when I was in middle school and high school. People, who I thought were good friends, decided one day that they wanted to hate me. Other "friends" made fun of my swimming, saying I was going to the Special Olympics. I was made fun of for the boy I dated. I just counted down the days until I was out of that too-small town, away from these people who hurt me so much.

Then, I wondered if people, "friends" who I was raised with could think so little of me, say such horrible things would think those things, what would people who didn't know me think???

But, it got better. College was awesome because I found my niche, a group of people who didn't make fun of me. After college, I made amazing friends.

Then, one day, years later, I encountered another bully. This time, I was a parent, a homeowner, living in an awesome neighborhood where we would all meet in the evening and talk outside while our kids ran, playing in between our yards. A neighbor, a person I considered a very good friend, got belligerently drunk one night at a party. She started saying how she never really liked me or felt comfortable around me because I was in a wheelchair. I tried to make sense of this - asking her to clarify. Her answer was just because I was in a wheelchair. Once again, I felt like I was back in high school. How can adults act that way?

I have mentioned on here that I went out of the way to make sure Mason never gets made fun of for having a mom in a wheelchair. It has happened. I'm sure it's happened more than I know of.

Some people say that being bullied is just a fact of life. That getting picked on builds a backbone to make us stronger down the road. Well, I've been down the road - I've gone through a lot in life and being bullied in adulthood still stinks and hurts as much as it did when I was much younger.

So, I can see why there are kids today that get bullied so much that they decide ending their lives would be the only way to end things.

And it absolutely breaks my heart.

Spring Break Recap

So many visions of what our Staycation would be like. Well... let's go back to that checklist that I wanted to accomplish:

1, Book our next Disney vacation.

Complete! We are now booked for a week in a two-bedroom villa at Saratoga Springs during our February break. I didn't add the Dining plan yet. Or purchase tickets yet. I know when I can book our dining. Like always, booking through Disney Vacation Club's Member Services is easy-peasy (though, IMO, booking Disney trips on your own is too!).

2. Complete reading Game of Thrones, Book One in a Song of Ice and Fire Series.

Did not complete. I did, however, get through most of the first season on Blu-ray. I still want to read the series, I just didn't yet.

3. Finish watching Season 1 of Sherlock (again).

Complete! Now, I am ready to start the second season.

4. Job hunt some more.

Still a work in progress. Obviously, I didn't find a job yet, but I have a more direct action-plan.

5. Go get sponsors for our middle school's 5K.

Didn't even begin. More on this later.

6. Finish St. Patrick's Day projects.

Did not complete. I wanted to make a shamrock button piece. I bought the supplies, I just didn't do it. Oh well. Next year!

7. Start Easter/Spring projects.

Complete, I suppose? I started. I did make an egg. And I cut out a bunch of things on my Silhouette machine to work on. So, I guess I did START some projects. Hey, I never said anything about finishing them!!!

8. Spend time with my three favorite boys.

Sort of completed.

Mark had Tuesday-Sunday off, so that was great. We did do some fun things as a family, however our Break began with Mason getting sick. He was fine by Tuesday, however had ever so nicely passed those germs onto me and I am just today finely returning to the world of the living. So, I had planned to go out and get sponsors (especially on Monday, while Mark worked), but we just couldn't.

Though I didn't finish reading Game of Thrones, I did, however, finish reading another great book. When She Woke is written by Hilary Jordan and is a modern re-telling of The Scarlet Letter, taking place in the dystopian future. Instead of the main character wearing a scarlet "A," however, her entire body is "chromed," or dyed red. It is really an amazing book (especially very relevant with today's government choices regarding the female body and abortion).

So, that was our Spring Break. Lots of tissues and Nyquil was used. And, sadly, we only watched one episode of Season 6 of Doctor Who. However, we played 48394587 games of Draw Something. That counts for something, right?

Back from my Break

Hi friends. I have taken a much needed Blog break. And I'm back!!!

What did I do while I was "gone?"

I wish I could say I went on a fabulous vacation. I didn't.

I wish I could say I worked on a huge project. I didn't.

I wish I could even say I completed a book. I didn't.

I just have been busy LIVING. Hanging out with fabulous friends and even fabulous-er (teehee) family.

This week is Spring Break for The Boy. Mark is taking a few days off work and we are just going to veg at home. And probably watch Season 6 of Doctor Who on Netflix.

What I want to accomplish this week?

1. Book our next Disney vacation. And I will blog about it. I am obsessed with Walt Disney World and we are Disney Vacation Club members (Disney's version of a timeshare), so we go quite often and I loving planning. I have a pretty good idea of the when and the where, I just have to get off my booty and call Members Services and book it (I could do it online, but I have a question to ask).

2. Complete reading Game of Thrones, Book One in A Song of Ice and Fire Series.

3. Finish watching Series 1 of Sherlock (again).

4. Job hunt some more. Seriously, this is starting to get depressing...

5. Go get sponsors for our middle school's first 5K. Your's truly is one of the co-chairs.

6. Finish St. Patrick's Day projects (just in time to pack up for next year. Ooops).

7. Start Easter/Spring projects.

8. Spend time with my three favorite boys.

Oh! My wonderfully amazing friend, Mandy, has a website. Each week she features a Geek of the Week and I am this week's Geek! Read about me here!!!

Challenge COMPLETE!

Ohemgee, I finished! Twenty-nine straight days of blogging thanks to NaBloPoMo! WE DID IT!!!!

(Yes, I totally started singing that Dora the Explorer song in my head as I started writing this.)

I will admit, it was hard. There were days when I had to reach deep into the bucket to pull out a topic. There were a lot of very therapeutic things I wrote about (Like this one). I showed my silly side and my serious side. And my Silhouette-loving side. And my crazy obsession side. And how much I love my boys.

I hope that some of the readers got to know me a bit more. I shared a lot. Some things I haven't discussed in such an open forum at all.

So, I am going to take a little writing break, I'm sure. You know, I once jumped (ok, I can't jump) out of bed after I woke up, realizing I didn't post anything that day. It will be nice to not have that pressure.

I still don't know if I found my voice for this blog yet. Maybe it will just be crazy ramblings by crazy ol' me. I am sure there will still be a lot of Silhouette projects. In fact, I have two projects I am currently working on with about 89284798 in my mind. And no, Jenn, I will not be opening an Etsy store. But, if anyone is interested in me making something for them, let me know!!!

Anyway, thank you to all that read this month.

Choosing THIS?

Day 28 of NaBloPoMo! Again, I am not going by the writing prompt (although it's a good one: What is the best part about being in your family?). I have something more important I want to discuss.

I never watch talk shows. Ever. However, yesterday, I found myself drawn to watching Anderson Cooper's talk show just because I like him and it was on. Imagine my shock when I found out the first guest was a woman who WANTS to become a paraplegic. Click the link. Watch the video.

Let me repeat. This woman WANTS to be paralyzed and in a wheelchair.

She has gone as far as asking doctors to sever her spinal cord. And she goes skiing and hiking, in hopes that she will get in an accident that will lead to a spinal cord injury.

Apparently, there is a large group of people who suffer from what is called "Body Identity Integrity Disorder" (or BIID), a "condition" that leads people to want to be a paraplegic (I've looked online and can't find any cases of someone wanting to be a quad), an amputee, blind, or deaf.

What. The. Hell?

I am going to be judgmental because this is my blog and if you don't want to read my views on this specific subject, then please go away and come back tomorrow.

I cannot fathom anyone wanting to be disabled. On January 31 (my "accident anniversary"), I posted how I wouldn't go back and change the outcome of my accident ONLY because I would fear that it would change the choices I have made, therefor changing the outcome of my life. However, I would NOT want anyone to have to go through what I go through on an average day. This is, by no means, a blog entry wanting pity. I am the person I am today because of the challenges and obstacles I have faced. Just normal, everyday things can be harder. And what about the risks of kidney and bladder issues?? Or pressure sores??

This woman compared her disorder to a transgender person -- being born in the "wrong" body, but not one of the wrong sex, but of one without a disability. She also said how she likes how people help her when she's in her wheelchair. Is she in it for the pity? To feel needy? And I will scream if I ever find this woman collects disability (something I don't even qualify for).

I am just... sickened, I guess you could say. Why would someone WANT to be disabled? I guess there is a big difference if you can just stand up when going through security or to grab something from the top shelf at the grocery store.

So, what are your thoughts? Am I the only one who thinks this is ridiculous? I have a few friends who are therapists -- I hope that they weigh in on this.

Learning Lessons

Day 27 of NaBloPoMo and the prompt is: What is something you learned from someone else?

Really? That's it? I have learned a lot from my boys.

From Gibson the Wondermutt, I have learned to love unconditionally. That dog loves everyone and goes out of his way to prove it. Even by practically laying his 80 pound body on top of your hip to cuddle on the sofa.

From Mason, I have learned that love is patient. It's no big secret that I have never been a fan of kids (especially the green-nosed ones. Ew.). And I am sure part of it is because I am, by nature, a very impatient person. However, being a Mom, you have to be patient.

From Mark, I have learned that love is forgiving. No surprise with my upbringing, I had a very hard time to trust a boyfriend. In past relationships, I never could fully believe 100%-no-doubt-about-it that someone would always be there for me. Mark changed that.

Sure, I have learned so much more from the wonderful guys in my life. They are great people who I adore with every part of my being.

Sunday's Slight Obsession

Day 26 of NaBloPoMo and I remodeled the blog. What do you think?

First things first... if you are reading this blog, can you do me a favor and start following it? Over on the right margin, half-way down is a link-a-roo on how to do that. I would love to have 10 followers by the end of the week. Please, please, please?

So, I am a nail polish junkie. I do not go and get a manicure, like ever. I just can't do it. My nails are pretty strong and healthy and they grow pretty darn quickly. I've had tips done before and hated it. I think because I use my hands all of the time for mobility, I was worried of breaking them off.

Anyway, I paint my nails. A lot. And I like some funky colors. So, my slight obsessions for this Sunday are some of my favorite nail polishes.

I love this polish by Sally Hansen. You aren't supposed to need a base or top coat (but I always add a top coat, at least. If it's red, I add a base coat to prevent staining). This color is Pat on the Black. In this picture, it looks black. It's not. It is a very dark wine and I LOVE it. I love when my nails are painted a dark color, especially.
This is Sally Hansen's Complete Salon Manicure in Navy Baby. As the name states, it's navy blue. Again, I love wearing dark colors. This polish goes on nice and thick. Not gloopy or thin. I usually do two coats, only to ensure full coverage, but one coat could be enough. This is true on all of the Complete Salon Manicure polishes that I have tried (which is probably 20 of them. I said I was slightly obsessed!).
Lastly for the Sally's Complete Salon Manicure polishes is Commander in Chic. This is a purpley-gray-ish-brown color and, again, I absolutely love it. This is a great fall-and-winter color (though I will wear it during all seasons, if I really want!).

I adore China Glaze's For Audrey. Another obsession of mine is the movie Breakfast at Tiffany's and this blue is the perfect Tiffany-blue. I actually prefer China Glaze's polish over most brands (I'm talking about you, OPI). Again, not gloopy and nice and thick. Love love love the polish and adore this color.

Remember how everyone was using crackle nail polishes last year? Ugh. I hated that trend. It looked like a bad faux-finish. The new trend, I think, will be magnetic nail polish. I bought this fabulous color (Velvet Groove Magneffect by Layla) at Ulta. I actually watched a Youtube video to best understand how best to apply it. It looks better if you apply two coats, IMO. And this polish is AWESOME! It is ridiculously expensive, but it's fun and I love it and I am going to wear it all of the time. It dries quickly, with a nice finish. And the magnetic effects are SO fun to play with! I like that I can change the direction of the magnetic effect (horizontal, diagonal, and vertical stripes).

So, want to know a nail polish home manicure secret? Sally Hansen's Insta-Dry Anti-Chip Top Coat is AMAZING!!! This stuff is SO thick and is the best insta-dry I have ever used (and I've tried a bunch!). Getting my nails to try quickly is a huge deal for me because I depend on my hands so much. I can't be waiting around for hours, waiting for polishes to dry. This stuff is a miracle worker. I love it.
As I mentioned before, China Glaze is coming out with a new line of polishes for the Hunger Games movie (I'm obsessed with that book series, too!), the Capitol Colours collection. The wonderful blog, AllLaqueredUp, did an amazing write-up of all the new colors, each based on Panem's 12 District's exports. My favorites that I am most excited to wear are:

Dress Me Up represents District 8 and their textiles. It's a nice, pale pink. Surprisingly, I don't have a similar color to this in my polish arsenal.
Fast Track represents District 6 and transportation. It's a fun kind of neutral. I can't wait.
Want to know a secret about Foie Gras (representing District 10 and lifestock)? Online, it reminds me of the aforementioned Commander in Chic. So, when I go to purchase it, I plan on WEARING Commander in Chic. If it is too close, I may not even purchase it. I think it's darker, so if it is, I will definitely be adding this to my collection.

Harvest Moon represents District 9 and Grain. It's a nice coppery, orangeish color. Love.

Agro represents Agriculture in District 11 and I love the olive green metallic color. This is probably my #2 favorite polish in the collection.

Finally is Riveting representing the technology from District 3. When I saw this color, I squealed. This is my absolute favorite color of the collection and I wants it. I needs it. My precious! Ok. Sorry. But, I think I may write how obsessed I am just on this color once I get it. Isn't it just PRETTY?

I plan on buying the entire collection. I like them all. Well, there is only ONE that I really don't like -- Mahogany Magic. Ick. It looks like... well... poop. I want to see it up close, but I doubt I will purchase that one.

So, another Sunday is over. Hope you all had a fantastic weekend!

Silhouette Saturday

Day 25 of NaBloPoMo and I am so over blogging everyday. It would be different if something important was happening everyday... but really, it's not. I feel like I am dragging myself to write on some days. Others, I have a lot to say. I need to find my voice here. It will come.

So, I have been a crazy Silhouette-machine-making maniac. Which is driving The Boys crazy because the dining room has been covered with cardstock and vinyl and contact paper and canvas and paint. You get the idea. I would love to have a craft room.

First up was the sign I made for Mason's birthday. This is an 8x10 frame that I change out every few weeks with a new Silhouette-made sign. This is very busy with too many pieces to it. I had a problem editing things out. I used the "Happy Birthday" font from this shape. I then added "Mason" using the Blackjack font and welding it together on the Silhouette Studio software. I really should have taken pictures of that step. Sorry. Next time. The whole idea of doing that was to make "Mason" all in one piece. I picked the Blackjack font because the "As" matched up pretty well with the "Happy Birthday" on that piece. However, I needed an "O" that could be attached to the "N," which it wasn't. So, I switched the "O" in "Mason" to the Brushscript font. I moved it around a bit and everything connected perfectly. Unless you are looking closely, I don't think you could tell it's not all from the same font.

The rest of the pieces are from Silhouette's Party Set. I used neon colors of blue, green, orange, and yellow on a black background. This is the first time that I have used the Silhouette for a multi-colored piece. It was fun. Maybe that's why I couldn't edit out all of the pieces.

I have been making a ton of banners. For Valentine's Day, I made one for a dear friend and then this one for Mason's birthday. I plan on keeping it and using it every year. This was huge. Over ten feet, I would say. And it was hung at 1:00am and weighed quite a lot. Thankfully, I had hung a cute banner I made for Valentine's Day on the opposite side of this half-wall, and had left the 3M hangers up. Anyway, I used the same Banner template that I used for my friend's Valentine's Day banner. I only used the two basic shapes and changed the font. The swirlies at the end? From the Party Set I used above!

Lastly, I am in charge of Staff Appreciation at Mason's school (their colors are blue, green, and white). This six weeks, the principal asked that we make a snack for the staff. Since the PTA had so much fun dipping things into chocolate for our Hot Cocoa Bar in December, we decided to make chocolate-covered strawberries (and I should mention that we were originally going to do this around Valentine's Day, but moved it because of an early release/staff meetings this week). Again, I used the same banner from the Valentine's Day banner and then used the same font. That font is kind of hard to read. This time, I used all of the pieces from the banner.

I also used the Menu Placard 3d shape (bottom middle picture). This is a cute shape that I'm sure I'll use a lot. I made a few which we used to make gluten-free brownies and other signs. This would be cute used for a birthday or any buffet, don't you think?

Finally, I used a simple frame shape to make a sign to please take a pencil bouquet (the PTA ordered these pencils to give the staff "bouquets of freshly sharpened pencils" like from You've Got Mail -- and my Mom and I sharpened all but 300 of them, and tied them together, added a tag -- our arms were so sore!). The best thing about this frame? It was one of the free shapes that came with the Silhouette, so it didn't cost me anything!
So, those are some of the creations I have made with my Silhouette this week. I am really getting my money's worth, I think. I am loving the Silhouette. Each shape you buy from the Silhouette store is from $0.50-2.99. However, I signed up for a neat $15/month membership that gives me $50 of downloaded shapes each month. Once I purchase more than $50, the shapes become discounted. This is a GREAT deal, considering that most Cricut cartridges cost between $35-85. Plus, Silhouette offers one free shape each week and discounts a bunch of shapes each week.

I absolutely love this machine!!

My Vow

Day 24 of NaBloPoMo and I am still not posting my crafts. Maybe I will start a new "Silhouette Saturday" feature. Hm.

Tonight, I went to dinner and a movie with my mom and dear friend, Laura. My boys have friends over every other Friday for Game Night, so I always try to go out, too.

We went to see The Vow. Mom had read the book, which I plan on, too. In it, a husband and wife get in a car accident which leaves the wife with amnesia. She can remember her life up to a certain point, but nothing at all about her life with her husband. He spends the movie trying to help her. It was loosely based on a true story.

I love my husband with every ounce of my being. I know I don't say it enough. And I really know I don't show it enough either.

What would I do if he didn't remember me? If he didn't remember how (or why) we fell in love? How would I react? Would I fight through every possibly obstacle to get Mark to remember me or fall back in love with me?

At our wedding, we vowed to love each other in sickness and in health. But so many times, you hear stories about people falling apart during a time of need. My own father pulled further away from us after my car accident. The statistic of couples divorcing, especially if an illness/disability occurs to their children is ridiculously high. Do they not remember their vows?

I would hope Mark and I would hold strong to each other if, God forbid, something were ever to happen to Mason.

If you love someone enough to vow to spend your entire life with them, that doesn't just mean when everything is hunky-dory and peachy-keen. It's the bad times. The sad times. And, to quote Jimmy Buffett, "the going half-mad times." I think too many forget that. Or decide it's just not important anymore.

Not My Problem

Day 23 of #NaBloPoMo and I had to wake up and get out of bed to write this just in time. Part of me didn't want to. I was almost asleep. But, I needed to get it finished. The month is almost up.

I was supposed to post pictures of all the crafts I have done this week. That will have to wait until tomorrow.

Today's prompt:

Talk about a problem that seemed big at the time, but now that it has resolved seems much smaller.

Don't ALL problems seem big at the time? I have made many mistakes in my life. I have gotten into many arguments with people I love (some big ones, other catty).

But the largest problem I ever had? I can't really write about here. It was with two people who I once respected and loved more than anything. And I thought they felt the same about me. However, for something that happened to me, beyond my control, we fought. For a long time. And I will go to my grave knowing that I never did anything wrong. They just didn't like a choice I made. A decision that changed my world forever.

And I will always feel bad. For them.

The Boy Turns 13!

Today, my little baby boy turned 13. Where did the time go?

Wasn't it just yesterday when we would nap together?
Wasn't it just yesterday when he hated tummy time?
Wasn't it just yesterday when he made silly faces with Daddy?
Wasn't it just yesterday when he would suck his thumb?
Wasn't it just yesterday when he would find "a clue, a clue?"

Time has traveled too quickly. Gone is the little, cuddly baby who would sit on my lap and listen to "The Napping House." Gone is that giggly tot who could ride on his Daddy's shoulders.

While we miss that little boy he once was, it's been a true pleasure to witness the amazing young man Mason has become. He is smart and funny. He is caring and sarcastic. He is this great person and I am so proud of him.

So, today another year was added to the life of our miracle baby. I love you, Mason, with all of my heart.

Happy 13th Birthday, Pumpkin!

Exhausted, but Fulfilled

Day #21 of NaBloPoMo has almost come to an end, but I am writing this just in the nick of time.

I have been busy all day. ALL. DAY.

Mom, Mason, and I got to school at 8:30. Some of the LMS PTA Board members showed up and we prepared for tomorrow's Staff Appreciation Snack. When we finished around 12, a group of us went to a new, local cafe for lunch. It was amazing, with fresh ingredients and great atmosphere. And, like I discussed yesterday, I got to enjoy the almost 80 degree sunny weather while we dined al fresco. Hello Vitamin D. And dare I say, I think I may have even got some extra sun on my face?

Mom and I returned to the school to sharpen almost 3000 pencils. Yes. THREE THOUSAND PENCILS. You know what happens when you sharpen that many pencils? The electric sharpeners become overheated. We had to quit after three of the pencil sharpeners died on us because they were too hot. Ooops. Don't worry -- they aren't broken, just needed a rest!

I was a bad mom and pulled Mason out of school a few minutes early. We were ready to go and after practically spending the entire day at the school, we wanted to leave. I gave him the option of leaving early and riding home with us or riding the bus. We decided since we had some time, we would hit up Sonic Happy Hour. Score!

As soon as we got home, Mason walked the Wondermutt while Mark and I went out to buy The Boy's Birthday presents. Well, some of them. Some of the others aren't available until tomorrow. Once home, I became a pencil-decorating-banner-making-picture-gluing crazy lady. We just stopped three minutes ago so that I could write this entry. Once I finish, I promised Mom we would finally watch Dance Moms (our guilty pleasure on Tuesdays. Don't judge!).

So, today was another wonderful, busy day of volunteering and hanging out with amazing friends. I have another semi-busy day tomorrow when we set up for Staff Appreciation then come home in time to celebrate a very cool Thirteen year old's life.

On Thursday, I will be able to share a lot of the crafties I have been concocting (have too many staff members who read this that I'd like to surprise!)!

Goodnight -- it's time to watch some crazy, screaming women!

Random Questions #1

Day #20 of NaBloPoMo and I am ready to throw in the towel. I won't. I mean, it's NINE more days. However, the writing prompts haven't been too inspirational to me and not much is happening in my life right now.

I desperately need to find a job. I'm sick of sitting around the house, reading, watching television, or whatnot. I am in a bit of a funk. Tomorrow, it is supposed to be 72 and sunny. I am volunteering at Mason's school in the morning, but in the afternoon, I think I need a big old dose of Vitamin D.

I am sorry. I feel the last two days I've just blogged because of the NaBloPoMo deadline. And that's not fair to anyone involved.

So... today, I am going to change things up. I found a question meme online and thought, "why not?"

1. Who is your favorite fictional couple? Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy.
2. Chocolate, vanilla or strawberry? Chocolate
3. If you could be in any book or film, what would it be? Wow. This is hard.

Even though I LOVE Pride and Prejudice, I like bathing more. And not having to walk or ride in a carriage everywhere. I almost would love to live in a Utopian society-esque book (but not The Hunger Games or The Giver or Uglies. I guess I will have to write my own book. As for movies... Star Wars. Easy. Or Empire Records.
4. What are you allergic to? Mosquite feces. No joke.
5. Complete this sentence: I am the best at helping others through volunteering (can someone please pay me, with benefits, to do this? hehe).
6. What is your pet peeve? People who talk loud and slow to me. I am physically disabled, not mentally disabled. Or deaf.
7. What is one type of food that you could eat forever and not get sick of? This is tough. As much as I love sushi, I can't imagine eating it when I'm sick (so therefor, couldn't eat it forever). Probably Amish noodles.
8. Rollerblading or rollerskating? Surfing. Duh. hehe.
9. Imagine you got a brand new dog. Would it be a boy or a girl and what would you name him/her? As much as I love and adore Gibson the Wondermutt (and who doesn't love Gibson the Wondermutt???), I want a small dog, too. A friend for the Wondermutt, if you will. So, I'd like a female pug or chihuahua so that I can dress it up in ridiculously pink and sparkly outfits. Her name... I'm not quite sure yet!
11. Was it Colonel Mustard in the Study with the Wrench? Of course not. It was Professor Plum in the Conservatory with the Candlestick. Duh.

Sunday's Slight Obsession

Day #19 of NaBloPoMo and only TEN more days!! (I think I can, I think I can!!!)

Today's Slight Obsession is one I've talked about a lot.

I am slightly (who am I kidding? There's no "slightly" about it!) obsessed with my Silhouette machine.

As I write this, I am listening to it, cut out what I hope will be a very pretty shamrock/flourish "thing."

Today alone, I have cut out a super secret banner (and will be cutting out a different super secret banner tomorrow!), a large shamrock for a canvas I'm making, and a few other odds and ends.

I love this machine.

And this weekend, I experimented and found out that instead of using expensive vinyl, I can use contact paper when I use my Silhouette cutouts as stencils.

This is, by far, one of the best Christmas presents I have ever received. And, I am doing a ton of things with it.

So, yeah... I am fully obsessed with my Silhouette!!!

This is that shamrock/flourish thing I was cutting out. I like to add a seasonal picture in an 8x10 frame on our sofa table. I switch it out for each month. I had to get rid of the Valentine's Day and am now moving on to St. Patrick's Day! I think this is awesome -- just not sure how I'm going to attach it to the gold background yet!!! (And it is a hunter green. My iPhone didn't pull out the right colors.)

Raindays

I am just getting to Day #18 of NaBloPoMo! Where do Saturdays go? Anyway...

I wish I had a craft or two to show you this week. I don't. I did break out my Silhouette after Mason's swim practice this afternoon and played with it for a long time before our friends came over for dinner. Give me a day or two and I'll be able to reveal something.

What did I accomplish today?

I got my hair colored.

I took Mason to swimming in the pouring rain.

I washed our bed linens.

I actually lost my first game of checkers in over fifteen years (well played, Colt!).

I insulted a friend by making fun of show choirs (sorry Mandy!).

I scolded the Wondermutt (who broke one of our plates that was on top of an oven mitt. He loves to steal oven mitts).

I talked to some Tidal Waves friends.

I learned how to play a new board game.

I spent time with my three awesome boys (well, Gibson was awesome until he broke that plate!).

To some, it may seem like an uneventful Saturday, but to me it was perfect. With the exception of playing checkers against Colt, showing Angela the new Hunger Games nail polish colors, and playing three games of Temple Run, I didn't have the iPad glued to my hand. With the exception of a few texts to my sisters, Mandy, and Samar, I didn't have my iPhone glued to my hand either. I never watched a single TV show. I just got to hang out with some amazing people.

And I loved it.