tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28327005101822642862024-03-06T00:29:40.487-08:00The Mommy RefMommy Refhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15636233842279905237noreply@blogger.comBlogger36125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2832700510182264286.post-3201552490073613322013-03-21T08:11:00.000-07:002013-03-21T08:11:06.518-07:00Doing Your Best.....Really?<style>
v\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
o\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
w\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
.shape {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
</style><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto auto;">How often do you hear “I am just doing my best?” </span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;"></span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="line-height: 15pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto auto;">Do you believe it? </span></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;"></span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="line-height: 15pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto auto;">When you say it do you really mean it? </span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 15pt;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;"></span></span></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNnImFBCn7kz3IS6AAHDjp8i1d3I2szuhFgsmsTXzu5KY9pC7Skaqw7zR6JqxyLLaV_vc7vYyH7FeiMrjkma9N3GgcHzuZ_PFTNpeB6_Q446HjYmyOrtofUvtPCbAiBVrR-D1V2upuyjhA/s1600/YouCanDoThis1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNnImFBCn7kz3IS6AAHDjp8i1d3I2szuhFgsmsTXzu5KY9pC7Skaqw7zR6JqxyLLaV_vc7vYyH7FeiMrjkma9N3GgcHzuZ_PFTNpeB6_Q446HjYmyOrtofUvtPCbAiBVrR-D1V2upuyjhA/s200/YouCanDoThis1.png" width="200" /></a></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 15pt;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;"></span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="line-height: 15pt;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;"></span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="line-height: 15pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto auto;">For me that is like the awkward “How are you doing” question that really has no weight behind it. The majority of people just ask because it is the nice thing to do. They most likely really are not interested in how your day is going. </span></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;"></span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="line-height: 15pt;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;"></span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="line-height: 15pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;">I </span><span style="background-color: black;">would bet the same on the “doing your best” trending. I would challenge you to stop telling people that you are doing your best. Additionally stop telling others to just do their best. </span></span></span><span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;"></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;"></span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="line-height: 15pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto auto;">I bet you are thinking I am crazy….and maybe I am.</span></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;"></span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="line-height: 15pt;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;"></span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="line-height: 15pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto auto;">What if I said that saying you are doing your best is an excuse? Would that make you mad?</span></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;"></span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="line-height: 15pt;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;"></span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="line-height: 15pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;"><i><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto auto;">“Aw man, I did my best!”</span></i></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;"></span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="line-height: 15pt;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;"></span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="line-height: 15pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto auto;">Do you think doing your best even exists? </span></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;"></span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="line-height: 15pt;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;"></span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="line-height: 15pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto auto;">Do you even know what your best is?</span></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;"></span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="line-height: 15pt;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;"></span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="line-height: 15pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto auto;">Here is my take on it…. It does not exist. I believe that no one really knows what their best is. It is a false gauge we set for ourselves. It is a measurement of what we “think” we can do. So by saying you are doing your best you are limiting yourself from doing more.</span></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;"></span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="line-height: 15pt;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;"></span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="line-height: 15pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto auto;">Let’s think about it. If I told you that I needed you to climb a local hill in less than 30 mins. You would most likely laugh at me and tell me it was not possible. However if your life was at risk or one of a loved one and climbing that hill was your only option you would find a way. You see it all the time. Real life super heroes. They didn’t wake up saying that their best was to do that heroic act. Reality is they probably had no clue what they are capable of that morning. Sure there was fight or flight, sure there was adrenaline….the bottom line is that ordinary person was capable of doing much more than they thought they were capable of.</span></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;"></span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="line-height: 15pt;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;"></span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="line-height: 15pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTM5fJXiF560Pad_3CQLIETh670b9_m5eLoUu4QeYUhVL-PzdJ1P_-6CCdn7FayGrBwZVazHgxhf-rt5eCwdlYMVB0PbZ28ua1ALNkk-556RI10VWa1jJRWzMX0uz81HmIhTk84LQGf2nX/s1600/do+it.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTM5fJXiF560Pad_3CQLIETh670b9_m5eLoUu4QeYUhVL-PzdJ1P_-6CCdn7FayGrBwZVazHgxhf-rt5eCwdlYMVB0PbZ28ua1ALNkk-556RI10VWa1jJRWzMX0uz81HmIhTk84LQGf2nX/s200/do+it.jpg" width="151" /></a><span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto auto;">I am challenging you to join me in not limiting yourself to a false sense of measurement. Don’t limit your opportunities for success. The “best” is a personal limitation. A comfort zone if you will.</span></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;"></span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="line-height: 15pt;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;"></span></span><span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;"><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/12/We_Can_Do_It%21.jpg" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto auto; text-decoration: none;"></span></a><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto auto;">Rather than focusing on the self made limits…just do it. Whatever it is. If you just “do” you can’t fail because you will be successful. You will open many more opportunities.</span></span></span><span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;"> </span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="line-height: 15pt;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;"></span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="line-height: 15pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto auto;">Quit living life with your self-made limitations. </span></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;"></span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="line-height: 15pt;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;"></span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="line-height: 15pt;">
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto auto;">Just live. </span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto auto;">Just do.</span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;"></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;"></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto auto;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif";"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
Mommy Refhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15636233842279905237noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2832700510182264286.post-78468097363408999842013-03-19T08:52:00.001-07:002013-03-19T08:52:47.530-07:00Journey to...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.imgbase.info/images/safe-wallpapers/photography/miscellaneous/17216_miscellaneous_road_empty_road.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Empty Road wallpaper" border="0" height="199" src="http://www.imgbase.info/images/safe-wallpapers/photography/miscellaneous/17216_miscellaneous_road_empty_road.jpg" title="Empty Road wallpaper" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Cambria','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It is amazing how your life milestones can be captured into a one hour session.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yesterday I took my first step to what I hope will get me to a better me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Cambria','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I went to a therapist.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Cambria','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It was weird.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Cambria','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I am not one to talk about myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I actually prefer not to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The room was cozy and she did have her dog there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(A cool dog she rescued that has one brown eye and on blue.)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was pleasant asking me to tell my life tales.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She made me think about things I hadn’t remembered before on my own.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Cambria','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">For example, when we were running through the how I became a mom timeline I was reminded how difficult my middle child was as a baby.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How I felt that I was not equipped for this mothering thing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fellow Moms all confirmed that they too had felt this way at some point in their Mommyhood and it would pass.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was also reminded how I lost 65 pounds in 6 months to find out I was pregnant with #3 while on birth control.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Control is the key factor there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was trying to control becoming a Mommy again. It failed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was struggling with 2 kids and the normal grind and did not want to increase my Mommy duties…but then came Lil Man.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Cambria','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I cannot imagine life without him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would not change it for the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will deal with me for the blessing of having him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I do not question why this happened against all odds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But thinking about all of this has opened my eyes to see that I am still dealing with something I have had since 2007…</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Cambria','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Depression</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Cambria','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Depression is not something I would have thought I have.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Depression is something I would equate with not wanting to get out of bed, poor eating patterns, lack of wanting to be social and other withdrawing situations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is not me.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Cambria','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">What I didn’t know was that depression can linger and one can hide behind a mask when needed and get through life one day at a time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When they are in a comfort zone they often then lose control.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes crying uncontrollable or sometimes in anger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is me. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Cambria','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I get up daily.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I go to work as a successful business woman.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have a great marriage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Three thriving awesome kidlets.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have it all figured out at dance, football, and basketball.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have time to volunteer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I coach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I even have time to entertain at my house for others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The problem arises when all those “activities” are done.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMsTFdcTaWiME_m7c_oYx-lsv49LVTGAxeyhgdpR9iqDkMyRfWum0U9ynBS4ecOnB5LMkewmtHBDI4etLP6r8aZuf1C-UjwQiZxbSuejwxqYpWOzqk8fCiHxlKP0YYQ1Z296uBFPWB028/s1600/normal+person.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" closure_uid_503938232="2" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMsTFdcTaWiME_m7c_oYx-lsv49LVTGAxeyhgdpR9iqDkMyRfWum0U9ynBS4ecOnB5LMkewmtHBDI4etLP6r8aZuf1C-UjwQiZxbSuejwxqYpWOzqk8fCiHxlKP0YYQ1Z296uBFPWB028/s320/normal+person.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Cambria','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I lose it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I break down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I crash.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Cambria','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Unless I am going 100 MPH I shut down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These are the moments I yell the most.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I need things to speed up to “feel” normal again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People aren’t moving fast enough.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People aren’t doing the things I want them too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most often these “people” are my little adorable children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sadly most the things I yell about are not even important.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Cambria','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The problem is, when things slow down….the depression creeps up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Cambria','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">She asked how I felt about medication.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I told her I didn’t know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She equated it to a ladder to pull me from the ditch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is medication my only option?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am stubborn and I want to get this under control myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want to find ways to be “happy” when I am standing still.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would like to own this. My journey begins today.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Mommy Refhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15636233842279905237noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2832700510182264286.post-50875096742708741932013-03-18T09:47:00.000-07:002013-03-18T09:47:34.164-07:00Say Uncle!<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Cambria','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">UNCLE!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Remember when we were kids tormenting each other with noogies and dare I say Indian burns?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The only way out was to yell UNCLE!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then if you were a meanie like me….you would pretend that you didn’t hear these shouts for surrender.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Come on, you know you did it too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You know…that feeling of sole power even if only for a moment in time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You may have not equated it to that “power” feel but thinking about it now I bet you are nodding your head.</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipSupKWsVPL1yPl4E2P1wcTYVICqp6ya7BhKH77pqlEe_qZzNX0R3X-cpL70gikiZdwT8olnxbTWplFaa6TwGDb2T4UDcI7j6wWeTIVT7NRK8v4sZmPbviskX3GWVHU1Saq9Nhj6fGaYw/s1600/sayuncle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" closure_uid_63740688="12" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipSupKWsVPL1yPl4E2P1wcTYVICqp6ya7BhKH77pqlEe_qZzNX0R3X-cpL70gikiZdwT8olnxbTWplFaa6TwGDb2T4UDcI7j6wWeTIVT7NRK8v4sZmPbviskX3GWVHU1Saq9Nhj6fGaYw/s200/sayuncle.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Cambria','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I have always been one who likes to be in control.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I enjoy being the one to pay the bills.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I enjoy planning the vacations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I enjoy having say in just about everything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have become better at releasing that control to DaddyCool and empowering our children to make choices for themselves as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I started a blog so I could express my opinions.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Cambria','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Actually, I started this blog for a few reasons.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Cambria','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">One was that I really enjoy writing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I enjoy getting my thoughts out on paper.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The problem I am having is that I had been in a pretty rough place and can’t even get myself to put stuff out on paper.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As a result, I built a bunker and hid.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I came out when baited with begging but I wasn’t really here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am not quite sure where I have been really.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sure physically I can tell you everywhere I was these past weeks, but emotionally, spiritually….no clue.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Cambria','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The other was to have an outlet to be funny and sarcastic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I really can be fun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yet looking back on my posts I don’t even feel like that is “me” writing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is missing something important…just not sure where I placed it.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Cambria','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">And finally...my arm was being twisted by another control freak blogger and I had to scream Uncle and do it to shut her up <wink>.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Cambria','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">But it seems as though I have lost control of it all. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Cambria','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Some call it a funk, some call it a phase….I call it my bottom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I haven’t been right for a while now. A long while.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It has been so long I can’t even remember when things changed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Why do I feel this way? Why can't I just be happy? Why can't I control my angry button? </span>I am extremely blessed with an awesome husband and three awesome kids yet somewhere I am disconnected.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Why?</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Cambria','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I have become great at focusing on every small thing which is bad and blow it up into the newest “end of the world”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have lost all control.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Cambria','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I yell.. a lot…. Loud… over stupid things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I lose control.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Cambria','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I am sad…a lot… over, well I don’t quite know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I cry in the shower because I have lost control of not.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Cambria','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">So I call UNCLE to it all and I have taken the first step in helping me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Today I will attend my first counseling session.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just need to talk…I think…I want to understand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just want to really find me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want to feel in control of my day….emotionally.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Cambria','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I deserve it and most certainly my family deserves it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We all need a better “me.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Cambria','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I hope you will all hold my hand for this journey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Other than DaddyCool and one very important friend in my life no one knows this part of me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is hard to admit when you are in need of help.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is always easy to ask for praise of your successes.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span>Mommy Refhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15636233842279905237noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2832700510182264286.post-8887498471138597202013-03-15T07:00:00.000-07:002013-03-15T07:00:00.815-07:00The Bachelor....Shhhh Its a Secret<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Welcome
to Take Two of March’s Secret Subject Swap. This week, 13 brave bloggers picked
a secret subject for someone else and were assigned a secret subject to
interpret in their own style. Today we are all simultaneously divulging our
topics and submitting our posts.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">My
subject is <u>"How I Really Feel About The Bachelor"</u> It was submitted by </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://www.bigaandlittlea.com/">BIG A and little a</a>.
</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitGByn7yu672Sh_HJlsoPcXp2sgPVvB9CxCH87CBvvj9rcC2AB4Of6TkwPknJdA-oegwJOhRW17sD6VkPgicQyUQ5kUzrAQomel0MYCXa5WF1nnmdtwgWq9eTySET2GJVd6A7URI20o2MS/s1600/Bachelor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitGByn7yu672Sh_HJlsoPcXp2sgPVvB9CxCH87CBvvj9rcC2AB4Of6TkwPknJdA-oegwJOhRW17sD6VkPgicQyUQ5kUzrAQomel0MYCXa5WF1nnmdtwgWq9eTySET2GJVd6A7URI20o2MS/s320/Bachelor.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Here it goes: </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The truth is... I have never watched the show...like ever! </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I am just not all that sappy business. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Of course I believe in love.... and I am so very happy that I found it. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I do believe in love at first site, although I have not experienced it.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I just never understood why all these "great" women would feel the need to go on a national show and fight over one man....a man they have never met when they sign up for the show. They will put it all out there. Like ALL of it...</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">They are CRA CRA to the max! More crazy than some of you blogger people...really they are! <wink></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">They are in little to no clothes fighting to the end. Trash talking, back stabbing and making out.....wasn't that what we did in high school? Wait.....why isn't DaddyCool watching this?</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Here's the thing if you wrap all the time this hunka hunka burning love has with these women it is less than a week time. I don't know about you, but I could be anyone for a week. This isn't enough time to get to know these people for who they really are. But what do I know....I have never watched the show. I actually went against the grain on "acceptable time before marriage<span style="font-size: small;">" myself.....so what do I know</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">What I do know is this.... people can meet the mate of their dreams in many ways and many times when they are least expecting it. I met my Bachelor on the internet. Yep....you read that right...on the computer. I was a working Master's student and he was home recovering from a work injury that resulted in surgery. He was bored at home on drugs...that<span style="font-size: small;"> probably explains <span style="font-size: small;">a lot right there. He wrote me an innocent email from a meeting board. We exchanged emails for a few weeks be<span style="font-size: small;">fo<span style="font-size: small;">re he even asked to call me. I <span style="font-size: small;">enjoyed having someone that li<span style="font-size: small;">ked and understand my humor. When he finally asked to call me I was a bit scared. Wh<span style="font-size: small;">at i<span style="font-size: small;">f all th<span style="font-size: small;">ese LOLs weren't really true and I wasn't who he thought. Then I go<span style="font-size: small;">t more scared.....what if <span style="font-size: small;">he isn't who I thought?<span style="font-size: small;">! The first <span style="font-size: small;">night we<span style="font-size: small;"> talked on the <span style="font-size: small;">phone for hours....like time to get up and shower <span style="font-size: small;">for work now hours long. It was crazy....but it <span style="font-size: small;">paid off. We planned a lunch date <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">because</span> I didn't want to commit to a dinner....ha ha ya I am a<span style="font-size: small;"> control freak like that<span style="font-size: small;">! I didn't want the date to end. We <span style="font-size: small;">saw this little old couple drinking margaritas<span style="font-size: small;">, <span style="font-size: small;">N<span style="font-size: small;">either of us said anything about <span style="font-size: small;">it that day.....but when he asked me to marry him he mentioned it. He had seen it too. He wanted to grow old with me to have <span style="font-size: small;">some margaritas! </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">We had our first date in December, were engaged in March and <span style="font-size: small;">married the next January.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">P<span style="font-size: small;">eople thought we were <span style="font-size: small;">crazy....and actually told us this. We are still happil<span style="font-size: small;">y married and I couldn't imagine my life without him. He balanc<span style="font-size: small;">es me (check out this post if you haven't <a href="http://www.themommyref.blogspot.com/2013/01/daddycool-writes.html">written by DaddyCool</a> himself.<span style="font-size: small;"> <span style="font-size: small;">We are just right. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ironically<span style="font-size: small;"> those same people who thought we were so off base are now divorced <span style="font-size: small;">a<span style="font-size: small;">nd </span></span>o<span style="font-size: small;">n</span> to their next relationship adventure. <span style="font-size: small;"></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> I would lo<span style="font-size: small;">ve to hear how <span style="font-size: small;">you met your soul mate...<span style="font-size: small;">an<span style="font-size: small;">d then go check out these other swap posts!</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0jL43qCRhyphenhyphenC8bcyDQA2rSuQNGMW2PGJr2pMrl4cL3C27qsyIbxoYfZ8sw3bXmpYjMwh5PkIMKRLZVInSBrA8FqGk2HCwYNSZvoOFZOJz7xK-DTcY_mMGt6OQwvn0KQuAgBO9uvfTo-8iY/s1600/secret.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0jL43qCRhyphenhyphenC8bcyDQA2rSuQNGMW2PGJr2pMrl4cL3C27qsyIbxoYfZ8sw3bXmpYjMwh5PkIMKRLZVInSBrA8FqGk2HCwYNSZvoOFZOJz7xK-DTcY_mMGt6OQwvn0KQuAgBO9uvfTo-8iY/s1600/secret.png" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://www.bakinginatornado.com/" target="_blank">www.BakingInATornado.com</a> <wbr></wbr> <wbr></wbr> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://www.justalittlenutty.com/" target="_blank">http://www.justalittlenutty.<wbr></wbr>com/</a> <wbr></wbr> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://suburbiainterrupted.com/" target="_blank">http://suburbiainterrupted.com</a><wbr></wbr> <wbr></wbr> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://mooreorganizedmayhem.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">http://mooreorganizedmayhem.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com/</a> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://www.comeplayinthekitchen.com/" target="_blank">http://www.<wbr></wbr>comeplayinthekitchen.com/</a> <wbr></wbr> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://www.bigaandlittlea.com/" target="_blank">http://www.bigaandlittlea.com</a></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.theblacksheepmom.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="line-height: 115%;">www.theblacksheepmom.blogspot.<wbr></wbr>com</span></a></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://www.themommyref.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">http://www.themommyref.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com/</a></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.100lbcountdown.com/" target="_blank"><span style="line-height: 115%;">http://www.100lbCountdown.com</span></a></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://www.findingfelicity.com/" target="_blank">http://www.findingfelicity.com</a></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.eviljoyspeaks.wordpress.com/" target="_blank"><span style="line-height: 115%;">www.eviljoyspeaks.wordpress.<wbr></wbr>com</span></a></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://caramelliving.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">http://caramelliving.blogspot.<wbr></wbr>com/</a></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://adventuresinhickeyland.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">adventuresinhickeyland.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com</a></span></span></span></div>
Mommy Refhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15636233842279905237noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2832700510182264286.post-27257630637353021452013-03-04T11:44:00.000-08:002013-03-04T11:44:05.445-08:00Let's Pretend...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://groundbreakers.tv/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/LETS-PRETEND1.jpg&imgrefurl=http://groundbreakers.tv/2012/12/14/lets-pretend-or-lets-not/&usg=__yFsuxdKALMgj_j8rb_RRRLz5H6Y=&h=500&w=498&sz=33&hl=en&start=7&sig2=u23kTKVa5nA_lxEZ-tXfXQ&zoom=1&tbnid=EXDE3lyrV6LfpM:&tbnh=130&tbnw=129&ei=tfc0UbnWCcfE4APhp4GYBw&prev=/search%3Fq%3DLet%2527s%2Bpretend%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DX%26rls%3Dcom.microsoft:*%26tbm%3Disch%26prmd%3Divns&itbs=1&sa=X&ved=0CDYQrQMwBg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="200" src="http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTlG7WitDDOC0uiY5Pv6k56jPJc951cZ6UtCNeemSv0H1StyWqTOyk5dwbH" width="198" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: #1122cc; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-no-proof: yes; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><v:shapetype coordsize="21600,21600" filled="f" id="_x0000_t75" o:preferrelative="t" o:spt="75" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" stroked="f"><v:stroke joinstyle="miter"></v:stroke><v:formulas><v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0"></v:f><v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0"></v:f><v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1"></v:f><v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2"></v:f><v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth"></v:f><v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight"></v:f><v:f eqn="sum @0 0 1"></v:f><v:f eqn="prod @6 1 2"></v:f><v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth"></v:f><v:f eqn="sum @8 21600 0"></v:f><v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight"></v:f><v:f eqn="sum @10 21600 0"></v:f></v:formulas><v:path gradientshapeok="t" o:connecttype="rect" o:extrusionok="f"></v:path><o:lock aspectratio="t" v:ext="edit"></o:lock></v:shapetype><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">How many times a day do you hear that in your home?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have lost count.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Lil One: Hey let’s pretend we are Mommy and Daddy and we have a baby.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Lil Two: Yay! Oh and let’s pretend we are going to the park with our bikes.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Lil One:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh yay! Let’s pretend we are…</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">You get the picture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you are a parent I am sure you hear it at your house too…more than once.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">But let’s pretend that we actually sat down as parents and listened to what they were saying in those conversations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let’s pretend they were a window into who “we” are.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, even in their little child forms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Let’s pretend that they actually had something to teach us….about us.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Think about it.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Have you ever spent the time to listen to your children play?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am talking about the good innocent play moments when they don’t even know you are listening or watching.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you haven’t, you should.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you would just pretend that nothing else is as important as that moment….you will remember that moment when you need it most.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">The Ref household has been going through some tough times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have been called to school more times than I care to mention.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am crushed that “my kid” is a trouble to others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t understand it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It hurts me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It affects us all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The other child is embarrassed that a sibling is a trouble maker.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The little one wants to mimic it all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>DaddyCool and I are out of tricks to get to the root issue.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have begun parent counseling to support us through and hopefully dodge my child from being asked to leave this school. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Then this morning…I just stopped and listened.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Children playing….</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I stopped and heard</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">“Let’s pretend that we are just sitting and cuddling our babies because we missed them today”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Response was</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">“Ya…..I miss Mommy and Daddy when I am at school”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Cuddle your babies today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everyday</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Will this change all my issues? No!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">It will however help remind my children that I miss them just as much and we are in this together.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Life isn’t always unicorns and rainbows….but when you are hugging those babies…you can just pretend it is…a moment or two won’t hurt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Promise.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img alt="Unicorns and Rainbows Invitation" height="200" id="page_productUi_view_mainView-realview" src="http://rlv.zcache.com/unicorns_and_rainbows_invitation-r45d5fc05d8474b3ea8eb49294cb204f2_8dnd0_8byvr_512.jpg" width="200" /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; mso-no-proof: yes;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></div>
Mommy Refhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15636233842279905237noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2832700510182264286.post-3844426937766837092013-03-01T20:23:00.002-08:002013-03-01T20:23:57.259-08:00Say What?!<div class="post-body entry-content">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small; line-height: 20px;">Guess who got tagged to talk about themselves. Yay..you got it...this girl! By the same blogger that forced me into this writing business. Apparently she thinks I have more to say than I do. </span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="line-height: 20px; padding: 0px 0px 15px;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Crazy Kelly from <a href="http://www.debiehive.blogspot.com/">DeBie Hive</a></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 20px; padding: 0px 0px 15px;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Be sure to check her out!</span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU4fRTB4R9UsYmNN7oahlIWESrc6kYhpuhKLPj_yzKtmQEro52BtyUiMoWZV_uONhSiUknsBitT3ExSPedaDlhVeBNLZc2WZYVNKoCoBfurSa2FUUfDNGjdfnw1dkKClVz7_IIwZlCo6d-/s1600/say+what.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU4fRTB4R9UsYmNN7oahlIWESrc6kYhpuhKLPj_yzKtmQEro52BtyUiMoWZV_uONhSiUknsBitT3ExSPedaDlhVeBNLZc2WZYVNKoCoBfurSa2FUUfDNGjdfnw1dkKClVz7_IIwZlCo6d-/s200/say+what.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 20px; padding: 0px 0px 15px;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">1. <b>Where were you born</b><span style="font-size: small;">?</span> I was born in <span style="font-size: small;">Southern California.</span> </span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 20px; padding: 0px 0px 15px;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">2. <b>Were you named after someone</b>? Nope, well not that I know of. My mom just liked my name.....as apparently many many people in the seventies did. My name is pretty common around my generation.</span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 20px; padding: 0px 0px 15px;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">3. <b>How many children do you have</b>? Three. Two boys and a girl</span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 20px; padding: 0px 0px 15px;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">4. <b>How many pets do you have</b>? 1 dog and a family of birds living by my front door</span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 20px; padding: 0px 0px 15px;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">5. <b>Your worst injury</b><span style="font-size: small;">?</span> I am not sure wh<span style="font-size: small;">ic<span style="font-size: small;">h was </span></span>worse. I have broke my arm. That was in my teen years and that was crappy as it blew my college basketball playing days. This injury r<span style="font-size: small;">e<span style="font-size: small;">su<span style="font-size: small;">lted</span> in lots of<span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span>therapy (physical<span style="font-size: small;">, not me<span style="font-size: small;">nt<span style="font-size: small;">al)</span></span></span>. I have had a knee surgery too....<span style="font-size: small;">injured</span> that on my honeymoon with DaddyCool (while I was sober)</span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 20px; padding: 0px 0px 15px;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">6. <b>Do you have a special talent</b>? Not that I can think of. Wow, I am so boring!</span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 20px; padding: 0px 0px 15px;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">7. <b>Favorite thing to bake</b>. I don't bake much. I pretty bad at baking. When I do it is cookies and cupcakes.</span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 20px; padding: 0px 0px 15px;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">8. <b>Favorite Fast Food</b>. I love In-N-Out burger. I also love <span style="font-size: small;">Chipo<span style="font-size: small;">tle</span></span>. Yummm</span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 20px; padding: 0px 0px 15px;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">9. <b>Would you bungee jump</b>? No way....not by choice. Never, I can't stand heights and I see no reason to jump off a perfectly stable platform.</span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 20px; padding: 0px 0px 15px;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">10. <b>What is the first thing you notice about people</b>? If they are able to hold eye contact. It really tells a lot about people. Trust me</span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 20px; padding: 0px 0px 15px;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">11. <b>When was the last time you cried</b>? Today...at work...after a meeting. Not my finest moment.</span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 20px; padding: 0px 0px 15px;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">12. <b>Any current worries</b>. Absolutely. This would be a post in itself. I worry about money, job security, my kids, out health...I worry about a lot of things I can not control.......I really need to be in control. </span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 20px; padding: 0px 0px 15px;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">13. <b>Name 3 drinks you drink regularly</b>. Coffee, Water, Tea</span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 20px; padding: 0px 0px 15px;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">14. <b>What’s your favorite book</b>? I can never forget the first time I read <span style="font-size: small;">Charlotte's</span> Web.</span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 20px; padding: 0px 0px 15px;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">15. <b>Would you like to be a pirate</b>. YES! I have a rare eye condition in which I will lose vision at some point. This would make it all that much more cool! A pirate I'd be!</span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 20px; padding: 0px 0px 15px;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">16. <b> Favorite Smells</b>. Beach air, cookies, my clean children, lemons</span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 20px; padding: 0px 0px 15px;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">17. <b> Why do you blog</b>? I am being forced to.... no not really. I enjoy it. I don't have the time to write as much as I would like, but I enjoy it when I do.</span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 20px; padding: 0px 0px 15px;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">18. <b>What song do you want played at your funeral</b>? Take the Money and Run (no tears over me, go enjoy life)</span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 20px; padding: 0px 0px 15px;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">19. <b>What is your least favorite thing about yourself</b>. My short fuse, my lack of angry management, my need to be in control ALL THE TIME</span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 20px; padding: 0px 0px 15px;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">20. <b>Favorite hobby</b>. Playing sports, coaching sports, writing, camping, and when I do decide to do it....baking with the kids.</span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 20px; padding: 0px 0px 15px;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">21. <b>Name something you’ve done, you never thought you would do?</b> I never thought I would be a Mom at all....now three kids later I can't imagine NOT being one.</span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 20px; padding: 0px 0px 15px;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">22. <b>What do you look for in a friend</b>. Someone that is more screwed up than me so I can laugh at them and feel normal. Wait...no...that is my Facebook friends... In real life, I want some that can admit when things are bad and enjoy when things are good. Someone that loves to laugh at and with me. </span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 20px; padding: 0px 0px 15px;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">23. <b>Favorite Fun things to do</b>? I like to antique shop. I have never bought anything but love looking!</span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 20px; padding: 0px 0px 15px;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">24. <b>Pet peeves</b>. The overuse of cliches. "Think outside the box" and "marching to the same beat". That annoys me. I also can't stand when people are negative about their children. They are children.... YOU need to grow up and teach them, don't <span style="font-size: small;">criticize</span> them. </span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 20px; padding: 0px 0px 15px;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">25. <b>Whats the last thing that made you laugh</b>? My kids on the way to school this morning. They were demonstration what different um people AND animal farts sound like. Although I tried not to laugh...honestly. I lost it when the four year old gurgled for the fish fart. I lost it....but that kid is so creative and smart... I can be proud right?</span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 20px; padding: 0px 0px 15px;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Now, I am supposed to tag other bloggers.<span style="font-size: small;">Most of the o<span style="font-size: small;">nes I follow were tagged in Ke<span style="font-size: small;">lly<span style="font-size: small;">'s post so I will tag a few more that I <span style="font-size: small;">would love to hear <span style="font-size: small;">from.</span></span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="background-color: black;"><a href="http://www.theactivemum.com/"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Active Mum</span></span></a></span></span></div>
<div class="post-body entry-content">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="background-color: black;"><a href="http://www.themomisodes.com/"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Momisodes</span></span></a></span></span></div>
<div class="post-body entry-content">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="background-color: black;"><a href="http://www.bigaandlittlea.com/"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Big A Little a</span></span></a></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/WhenCrazyMeetsExhaustion">When Crazy Meets Exhaustion</a> </span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/CAMomsWorld">Moms World</a> </span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
</div>
<div class="post-body entry-content">
</div>
Mommy Refhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15636233842279905237noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2832700510182264286.post-64434596310262608122013-02-21T09:27:00.000-08:002013-02-21T09:27:02.218-08:00Explode<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Cambria','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Social media has opened the doors of opportunity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It can provide an opportunity to reconnect with old friends and make new ones.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It has provided a place for people like me to write and save thousands of dollars on therapy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It does not discriminate…even if you can’t write well…it will still welcome you….we will just laugh at you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Social media has increased awareness of awesome goodness around the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It has also provided a strong vehicle to raise awareness for causes near and dear to our heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It has also served as a reminder that our society is comfortable flaunting irresponsible actions and lack of good judgment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are ok expressing their feelings of being entitled to something without putting in some time to grow/deal with it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Cambria','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">I am fully aware that I am not required to read everything my “friends” put out there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, I chose to for two main reasons.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One is for entertainment value.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Two is so I can save more money on therapy as I reassure myself I am not as messed up as others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(I know you have those thoughts too…its ok I won’t ask you to stand up or raise your hand).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Cambria','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Recently the Mommy Ref Court has been dealing with some tough situations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have not written about them yet as honestly it still hurts and we are still smack dab in the middle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nothing life threatening…just a lot at once going on with the kids and of course that dreaded “M” word.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Money.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We don’t advertise our issues in media land because they are ours.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We will deal with them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However not everyone feels that way…..that is where my head wants to explode….nearly once a day.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Cambria','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.behance.net/Gallery/Explode/178345" jquery18307833041214260115="8" rel="external nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Explode" class="alignnone" height="182" modo="true" src="http://typeinspire.com/images/0809/2/explode.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div sizcache="0" sizset="10">
</div>
<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Cambria','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">I will explode if I have to witness another woe is me money post followed up a short time later with pictures of your Vegas trip, weekend getaway, or your status about new Disney season passes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Cambria','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">I will explode if I hear one more person complain about your child being sick because you had a date night planned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You are a parent, it is your job.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Date nights can be rescheduled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So can vacations for that matter….does it suck, yes….but such is life with children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Expect the unexpected...it’s in the fine print.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Cambria','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">I will explode if I have to read another degrading post about one of your children as you praise your “perfect one” for all to see.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then you post later about how that child always gets left out or picked on….I have a mirror for you Momma Dear.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Cambria','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">I will explode if I have to read about your money drama because you quit a job because it was too hard to get there at 7am.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You are not married, you don’t have children to tend to, you are lazy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Grow up.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Cambria','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Life is tough…period.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We all have “stuff” some worse than others indeed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What these things show me day in and day out is that many people are clueless.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are selfish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are lost.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When did we turn into a world that feels entitled to things? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When did the work hard to enjoy life plan leave society?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Cambria','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">If you are having money issues, quit spending on stuff that is not essential!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Cambria','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">If your child is sick, take care of them…Everything else can wait…trust me<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Cambria','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">If you are struggling with one child, deal with it and stop comparing them to the other child.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Trust me it is not helping anything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you typing it, chances are you are modeling it too.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Cambria','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">If you can’t get to work by 7am, you are lazy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Period.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If it is due to a child care issue…..you are now stupid for quitting without a job in place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With a little research and asking people are willing to help.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now you have made it worse.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Cambria','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">We teach our children to be responsible for their actions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We should be too.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Cambria','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">The right thing to do and the hard thing to do are usually the same.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So suck it up buttercup and take care of your business the right way.</span>Mommy Refhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15636233842279905237noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2832700510182264286.post-68349380402691471122013-02-13T19:54:00.000-08:002013-02-13T19:54:16.322-08:00Midget Time!<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Being a parent we spend a lot of time answering questions. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">What is this? Why is that? </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">If you are anything like me you spend a lot more time trying to figure out how to answer some of those questions. You want to provide a good answer but you also want to avoid leaving it open for follow up questions. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This past week I was tagged by two bloggers to answer questions about me. I am honored they thought about me, so thank you to <a href="http://www.bigaandlittlea.com/2013/02/twenty-questions-actually-morein-case.html" target="_blank">Bigaandlittlea</a> and <a href="http://sadderbutwiser.wordpress.com/2013/02/11/they-dont-know-that-we-know-they-know-we-know-about-the-sadder-but-wiser-girl/" target="_blank">Sadderbutwiser</a><span style="font-size: small;"> ! You ladies rock! </span> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Players make sure you check these ladies out....tell them I sent ya. Maybe there is a cool door prize or something...</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.jeffkorhan.com/images/2011/08/2011.8.28-Questions.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="http://www.jeffkorhan.com/images/2011/08/2011.8.28-Questions.jpg" border="0" class="decoded" height="200" src="http://www.jeffkorhan.com/images/2011/08/2011.8.28-Questions.jpg" width="150" /></a>However, I have done a post like this before AND I <span style="font-size: small;">ha<span style="font-size: small;">ve</span></span> r<span style="font-size: small;">a</span>n a "Get to know the MommyRef post on Facebook........so I figured you don't want to know more about me! I did however think you might enjoy my spin on it as it is Midget's 4th birthday this week. I <span style="font-size: small;">decided</span> I would ask him some of these questions. Now to be honest I got some real answers and some "I dunno" answers....so I answered for him on some of them. C'mon he is four! Hope you enjoy my little spin...</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>1. When did your last hug take place?</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Whenever I see Mommy I hug her tight. She says I give the best hugs and it makes her day. Some call me a monkey for this very reason. I love to be held and cuddle....eventhough I am getting big and strong</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>2. Are you a jealous person?</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Only when it is my sister getting the attention. It doesn't bother me with brother...but that sister is always breaking up my time with Mommy and Daddy. I do share my toys well....most of the time.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>3. Are you tired right now?</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Tired? What is that? I haven't taken a nap since I was 20 months old. No that is not a typo. I like to enjoy ALL of my day, don't want to miss a thing.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>4. Do you chew on your straws?</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Yes and Mommy tells me to stop. She doesn't like all the slobbering mess...oh well.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /><b>5. Have you ever been awake for 48 hours straight? </b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">No, but that sounds like fun! Maybe I will do that one evening before Mommy has a big meeting!</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>6.</b> <b>Do you cry easily?</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Yes. I am four! What do you expect?! I get my feelings hurt really easy. I am an old man in a little body. I also cry when my siblings get hurt. I am tough though. I broke my arm last year and didn't cry (because I was scared) and told my Mommy to take me to the doctor cause he needs to fix it like Handy Manny.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>7.</b> <b>What should you be doing right now?</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I should be playing Batman and Robin! Or cleaning my toys out of the walk way.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>8. Are you mad at someone right now?</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Yes! My mom for asking me all these questions....can I go now?</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>9. What (who?) makes you laugh no matter what?</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">TICKLES! and my big brother</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://bitsandpieces.us/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/imagescrazy-girl_small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="http://bitsandpieces.us/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/imagescrazy-girl_small.jpg" border="0" class="decoded" height="161" src="http://bitsandpieces.us/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/imagescrazy-girl_small.jpg" width="200" /></a><b>10. What are you NOT looking forward to?</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Dating, you chicks are crazy!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>11. What ARE you looking forward to?</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Learning how to play the guitar and driving.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>12. What’s the last thing you put in your mouth?</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">You probably don't want to know....neither does Mommy.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>13. Who was the last person you took a picture of?</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I love to take pictures! There are hundreds on my moms phone...</span></span> <br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>14. Three names you go by..</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This is a trick question! I know my Mommy doesn't use my name here! But she does call me the midget sometimes....and lil man.... and Bubba</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>15. What is your all-time favorite romance movie?</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.huntingforgeorge.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/y/o/you-light-up04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="http://www.huntingforgeorge.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/y/o/you-light-up04.jpg" border="0" class="decoded" height="200" src="http://www.huntingforgeorge.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/y/o/you-light-up04.jpg" width="146" /></a>Does Tangled count? I love to pretend to be Flynn.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>16. Do you have a special talent?</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Yes.... I can make the darkest day bright....or so my Mommy says...and she knows everything....right?</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b> </b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>17. What is your favorite food?</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Pizza! I love pizza. Plain vanilla ice cream....nothing in it yuck!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>18. What is the first thing you notice about people?</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Their shoes....what?! I am short and knee caps are boring! A couple more inches and I will be able to assess their....... belly button... what? What did you think I was going to say? </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>19. What is your super power?</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I have a strong sense of smell. I can smell anything....it is freakish....but cool.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>20. What do you look for in a friend?</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Who has cool toys? They also have to be nice, I don't like mean kids.</span></span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">When we were done he asked, why did you ask me so many questions. I replied that I was just trying to keep up with all his questions. He thought about it and said.... Sorry Mom, but I ask better questions than that. Sounds like a challenge to me.....little smarty pants! Happy Birthday Sweet Baby Boy!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Now, the fun part: tagging others!! How about if you read this and would like to answer the questions on your own, do it! Be sure to tag your blog post below so others can come check it out. Free advertisement...a gift from the midget on his birthday!</span></span> </span></span></div>
Mommy Refhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15636233842279905237noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2832700510182264286.post-43768730371553425452013-02-08T06:56:00.000-08:002013-02-08T13:55:42.961-08:00Not Guilty!<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Welcome to Take Two of February’s Secret Subject Swap. This week, 14 brave bloggers picked a secret subject for someone else and were assigned a secret subject to interpret in their own style. Today we are all simultaneously divulging our topics and submitting our posts. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">My “Secret Subject” is: </span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">You’ve been found “not guilty”. What were you accused of and why?</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">It was submitted by:<span style="color: #f1c232;"> <wbr></wbr><a href="http://www.bakinginatornado.com/" target="_blank">Baking In A Tornado</a></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Bailiff: Order in the court! Order in the court! The honorable Judge Reality is now presiding. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Judge Reality: You may be seated. Has the jury come to a decision?</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Juror: Yes your honor, we have.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Judge Reality: Please read your findings.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Juror: The jury finds The Mommy Ref….. Not Guilty on all accounts of being the “Worst Mom Ever”.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Judge Reality: Case Dismissed, you are free to go Ms. Ref.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Mommy Ref turns to the court room of peers and begins to belt<span style="color: #333333;"><b> </b>out...</span><i> </i><i><br /></i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Na-na-nahh-na, na-na-nahh-na, hey, hey, hey...goodbye! <span style="color: #333333;"><span style="color: #333333;">.</span></span></i></span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7CrYxwx4RBeg9364pH-aO_6IrD4BtIUvF41_A4g3fJwBAg0s-nON1ho_vURLzVu9hXMDgt9pl2bP26s9EnL3gTIfsbfDLfCOOJh3G4-Haa1sH6a-TAvhpve6aeLLmuWgLWGsJuThRf-4R/s1600/worst+moms+ever.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7CrYxwx4RBeg9364pH-aO_6IrD4BtIUvF41_A4g3fJwBAg0s-nON1ho_vURLzVu9hXMDgt9pl2bP26s9EnL3gTIfsbfDLfCOOJh3G4-Haa1sH6a-TAvhpve6aeLLmuWgLWGsJuThRf-4R/s1600/worst+moms+ever.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Rewind:</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Eight years prior I found out I was expecting my first child. DaddyCool and I were ecstatic to say the least. We made promises and plans to how we would parent. We shared notes of the good and bad moments of our own childhood. We thought about the day we would be sideline parents encouraging them every step of the way in whatever it was their heart was after. What we didn’t plan for was the drama from other parents that would follow. The constant spotlight people have on you for every step of the way. The constant suggestions from others on how we should do things. The never-ending “words of wisdom” people felt the need to share whether they have experienced being a parent or not. We didn’t account for this. To be honest, why would people care, I mean they surely have other things to think about then our choices in the parenting world. Right?</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Wrong!</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">People are crazy! Really they are! And with the world of social media there are more ways to be crazy! There are more opportunities to be in people’s business. Create drama. Feed the drama. And be the self-proclaimed expert. That is what got me into this mess. Other people thinking they know what is best for my family.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The bottom line is this:</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I am a good Mom.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I know this because I question myself daily on if the decisions I am making for my children are going to lead them to be the best they can be. I am constantly evaluating and re-evaluating how to parent my three kids as they are all different in how they respond. I know because I am able to see when I am not being a good Mom. I don’t walk around thinking I have it all figured it. It is a daily struggle….some days are minute by minute struggles!</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The reality is I love my children. Even if some of my ideas end up flawed, I am always trying my best. I always love my children with all of my heart.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Yes, I might yell more than is socially acceptable at times. I may lack good judgment of when to not over react. I may be awful at following through at times. I don’t allow my kids to “win” all the time as a means of teaching them the reality of losing. And I just might feed my children cereal for dinner more nights than I care to admit.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Even with those things, I am not a bad mom.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><span style="font-style: normal;">Every night I tuck my kids into bed at night. I tell them “no” to too much sugar, TV, and video games. I scream “yes” when they want to eat fruits and veggies or go run outside! I hug them just because and hug them tighter when they are hurt. I have learned very recently to say I am sorry when I make mistakes because it is important they see it is ok to make a bad choice. I will read them the same book a zillion times even though we have three shelves of books. I play Barbies, house, cars, army men, and other imagination games even if I feel all my creativity has escaped me. I encourage them to learn life skills like finding the best deal on toilet paper or gas for the car. I teach them the value of saving money so it won’t burn a hole in their pocket when they have money of their own one day. I remind them to speak up so they are taken seriously and to be respectful of others ideas. (Even if that is what got me in the mess in the first place)</span></i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="font-weight: normal;">The measure of my success as a Mom is how much I love them, my ability to be there for them and my awareness to ask for help when I need it as a Mom. </span></b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="font-weight: normal;">I have realized that too often we are our hardest critics (unless you </span></b><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">live <span style="font-size: small;">with my son...see <span style="font-size: small;">my last</span> post about that)</span></span></span><b><span style="font-weight: normal;">. I am a good Mom. I will make mistakes. I will learn from them. My kids are my life.</span></b></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="font-weight: normal;">I</span></b><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">.AM.A.GOOD.MOM</span></span><b><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="font-weight: normal;"><b>Grab some coffee and hop around to some other great Bloggers in the swap, links are below:</b></span></b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="font-weight: normal;"><b> </b></span></b></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://www.bakinginatornado.com/" target="_blank">http://www.BakingInATornado.<wbr></wbr>com</a> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://sadderbutwiser.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">http://sadderbutwiser.<wbr></wbr>wordpress.com/</a> <wbr></wbr> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://suburbiainterrupted.com/" target="_blank">http://suburbiainterrupted.<wbr></wbr>com/</a> <wbr></wbr> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://stacysewsandschools.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">http://stacysewsandschools.<wbr></wbr>wordpress.com/</a></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://xcartwright.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">xcartwright.blogspot.com</a> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://snarkfestblog.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">http://snarkfestblog.blogspot.<wbr></wbr>com/</a> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://www.themommyref.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">http://www.themommyref.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com/</a></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://www.comeplayinthekitchen.com/" target="_blank">http://www.<wbr></wbr>comeplayinthekitchen.com/</a></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://macdonaldsplayland.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">http://macdonaldsplayland.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com</a></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://www.theadventuresofthefamilypants.com/" target="_blank">http://www.<wbr></wbr>theadventuresofthefamilypants.<wbr></wbr>com</a></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://adventuresinhickeyland.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">http://adventuresinhickeyland.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com</a></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://dawnsdisaster.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">http://dawnsdisaster.blogspot.<wbr></wbr>com/</a></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://sorrykid.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">http://sorrykid.blogspot.com</a></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://www.theblacksheepmom.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">www.theblacksheepmom.blogspot.<wbr></wbr>com</a></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif";"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></b></span></span> </span></b></span></span>Mommy Refhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15636233842279905237noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2832700510182264286.post-36675494491141227902013-02-06T14:02:00.001-08:002013-02-06T15:51:32.138-08:00My Toughest Critic<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Over the past 2 months I have been on a journey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I journey to rediscover “me”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you are a parent you know the drill…. putting everyone and everything before yourself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I too fell into that mindset.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I became a provider for all but nothing to myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I found myself angry more than not; however I could never pin point why I was angry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just felt the rage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then one morning I looked in the mirror….like actually LOOKED in the mirror.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not just the quick glance we usually give ourselves to make sure we don’t have snot or toothpaste on our face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I looked and I was surprised what I saw…as I truly did not see me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I saw a tired sad person.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I saw a body but couldn’t see past that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was obese.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is the only thing I could see.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Now don’t get me wrong, I knew I was overweight before this moment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My family would find nice ways to hint at the thought. My doctor always would allude to the fact that I could shed a few…or more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It would improve my blood pressure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would have more energy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would feel better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I knew all these things however really lacked the will to do anything about it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Until 2 months ago.</span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://dodiej.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/tough.jpg&imgrefurl=http://dodiej.com/2010/04/14/the-tough-get-going/&usg=__tiyoGs0vlxIbQgtg9W-LQDfb8wM=&h=526&w=720&sz=47&hl=en&start=19&sig2=a-gkm5V4posXuwUe1QNBFg&zoom=1&tbnid=KLGmGESykKZbvM:&tbnh=102&tbnw=140&ei=8esSUZGtGYf48wSo-IGQAQ&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dtough%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DX%26rls%3Dcom.microsoft:*%26tbm%3Disch%26prmd%3Divns&itbs=1&sa=X&ved=0CE4QrQMwEg" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="102" src="http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRobSSBsfkp4uLZ2t11d9NODxS87OEAsx6-yF-wjf760QFoN5L2689SX0rX" width="140" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial;">Often times we are our toughest critics.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We can be really hard on ourselves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nitpicky on everything we don’t like about body, hair, my eyes are too close together (really they are) or just plain old self.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, I didn’t fall into this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was more extreme.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I simply was of the denial mentality.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t know what else to really call it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I “knew” all the things I needed to do…just lacked the focus or desire to get it done.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">What happened 2 months ago?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What made me actually “see” what I needed to see? </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">The turning point for me was my son.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">My oldest son has a heart of gold and often over thinks everything…and I mean everything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On top of that, he is very honest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He can’t even lie to make you feel good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If he doesn’t like something, you will know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was sitting on the couch and reached over to hold his hand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is a delicate move as this is the time we balance if it is cool to cuddle with Mom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He looked at my hand and then up to me and proceeded to tell me that I needed to put some polish on my nails because my hands look better than way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Recently I posted about DaddyCool helping me dye my hair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once morning hit, my son came down to see me and the first thing he said was “I don’t like that color on you”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I asked him what color would he like…fully expecting an “I don’t know answer”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However he walked close to me and pulled a section of hair from underneath and said…”This color with some red in it”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, he is only 7.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He knows what he likes and wants.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I admire that in him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">This little gem of mine is the source of my “ah ha” moment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At one of our bedtime talks he asked me why I didn’t play sports anymore.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I answered with that I am not in shape to play those things right now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He looked at me and said, so change that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At first I wanted to explain to him that it just wasn’t that easy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was much more complex than that….but I stopped.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I stopped because truth is…he was right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The only thing holding me back was me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I told him that I would work on better choices and be fit for the next basketball season.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He smiled and said…I know you will do it because you always do what you tell us you will. (can someone pull out the knife?) </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">That is when I realized that I am good to my word for everything I do, except for when it comes to things for ME.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just as they deserve happiness and a healthy life, I do too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I NEED this so that I can be there to provide for them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What good am I on the couch too large to move or be a part of anything they are doing?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Two months into this journey and I have lost 25 pounds.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Each day is easier to be me.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Each day is more joyous than the next.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I still have a long road ahead of me, but I know it is going to be an awesome journey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My toughest critic will be with me every step of the way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The best part is I know he is honest and has my best interest in mind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He has a heart of gold and a mind of many men.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love that he is my son.</span></div>
Mommy Refhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15636233842279905237noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2832700510182264286.post-87379759402345186272013-02-04T09:36:00.000-08:002013-02-04T09:36:08.742-08:00Not Me! Absolutely Not!<!--[if !mso]>
<style>
v\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
o\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
w\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
.shape {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
</style>
<![endif]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisZ38VrOabel_a2XtO3ykdA21Fd0NaxZegfLhWKPz3D0_2bJYNN5n-qzu58kI-hKwoAdSXtcnyIBP6jBizy8TgCkrModKqUA7Rm1XEa7rBDrE_ZM_wyb8YhmD3Cd3cW71pGVssaCmbAnfz/s1600/shhhh2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisZ38VrOabel_a2XtO3ykdA21Fd0NaxZegfLhWKPz3D0_2bJYNN5n-qzu58kI-hKwoAdSXtcnyIBP6jBizy8TgCkrModKqUA7Rm1XEa7rBDrE_ZM_wyb8YhmD3Cd3cW71pGVssaCmbAnfz/s200/shhhh2.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
As a parent there are certain things you just <i>never</i> do. Like ever! So to make sure we are all in this together I will share some of the things I did not do this past week. Hope you will enjoy and let me know what you did not do this week too.<br />
<br />
No way, absolutely not, I would have never:<br />
<br />
Told my son to pull jeans from the laundry pile, they don't look
dirty. You will be fine.<br />
<br />
Said to get those old to get those dirty balls out of your mouth….to my son<br />
<br />
Asked my children to stop screaming so I can hear myself scream.<br />
<br />
Washed my hands and then poured more soap on my hands in an effort to grab a
paper towel<br />
<br />
Attempted to put the milk away in the cupboard<br />
<br />
Forgot about my cold brew iced tea I was making for over 30 mins (it only
takes 3mins) Oh and this was not the first time either!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlv7S6_8Luvpk7wk45dlAeR6qs7xBrb8Z5GxD6CrJ4vBsMynYrvcX8bccai7EnIiBTDFKgXhuhvf_DsGJqx7MOiSvJVTqJzvQaPZNIuDK3Bpu-Rv7lDNXRYEzUbP2P7y_EsWyyc_pSiQeA/s1600/shhh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlv7S6_8Luvpk7wk45dlAeR6qs7xBrb8Z5GxD6CrJ4vBsMynYrvcX8bccai7EnIiBTDFKgXhuhvf_DsGJqx7MOiSvJVTqJzvQaPZNIuDK3Bpu-Rv7lDNXRYEzUbP2P7y_EsWyyc_pSiQeA/s200/shhh.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
And I most defiantly did not laugh at my poor husband in pain. It was
most certainly not funny when he would get a <s>slight</s> strong pain in his
neck and it would cause him to twitch. I was not laughing at him, nope
not me!<br />
<br />
More importantly, <br />
<br />
I did not write my daughter's birthday wrong on the forms I sent to
school. Nope not me. I mean my mom would have NEVER had to call me
at work to let me know that I forgot my own daughter's birthday, I mean I was
there for it! Nope not me!<br />
<br />
I did not fall asleep at 6:45pm on a Saturday night. I would never do
that, that is way too lazy.<br />
<br />
I did not let my daughter sleep in her clothes because she "loves her
dress so much" and wanted to sleep in it too.<br />
<br />
I do not shake the coffee creamer with the lid open spraying creamer all
over the kitchen floor and myself. I would never be too tired to do
something like that.<br />
<br />
I would never admit that my lil son said "damn it" clear as
day. There is no way my child would have heard that from me, nope never.<br />
<br />
I did not allow my children to yell in the parking structure at the hotel
because they realized it echoed.<br />
<br />
I did not tell my 4 year old that I have special powers to know when he is
lying.<br />
<br />
I did not feed my children junior mints at 7:30 in the morning to keep them
quiet.<br />
<br />
I would not to these things as I am far more organized and put together than this. Ok, so maybe, just maybe I lied about having super powers...but the jury is still out on that one. <br />
Mommy Refhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15636233842279905237noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2832700510182264286.post-32182369548778889892013-02-01T08:00:00.000-08:002013-02-01T08:00:02.711-08:00Friendship - My Guest Post Reblogged<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">This is the post I was so thankful to have the opportunity to write for a <a href="http://www.debiehive.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">dear friend's blog</a>. I thought I would post it here in case you missed it! She is a real friend and we are more than bloggers harassing one another.<span> </span>We harass each other in real life.<span> </span>We also support each other.<span> </span>We cry, we scream, we are there for each
other because that is what we do.<span> </span>Even
if she talks about spandex more than any human should and wishes for unicorn
farts….<span> </span>It was only fitting that I write
about <i>Friendship.</i></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiykc2t_NGYQsfQpNzWcxvLpofSX3MOZyxtq8AaAwdak2tceP-GdzrRvoL4Rd9rR0JyUwbJmxSP7i2Lx_68B46JsL2iAkN_DJnvkxKQ0SiUycItqhC0pHJuxy0A_u5Nf1uy5DWAlG3DbFh8/s1600/friend.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiykc2t_NGYQsfQpNzWcxvLpofSX3MOZyxtq8AaAwdak2tceP-GdzrRvoL4Rd9rR0JyUwbJmxSP7i2Lx_68B46JsL2iAkN_DJnvkxKQ0SiUycItqhC0pHJuxy0A_u5Nf1uy5DWAlG3DbFh8/s320/friend.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i> </i> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">A few nights ago, I was talking to a dear friend of
mine.<span> </span>We have known each other for more
years than I care to say for fear of feeling old.<span> </span>We met in 9<sup>th</sup> grade. I still
remember the party and all the stupid people there….good ones too.<span> </span>That is where we connected the first
time.<span> </span>We were not “close” in high
school.<span> </span>We had similar friends but
different schedules.<span> </span>I hung out with a
mix of people and played basketball.<span> </span>She
had some similar friends but was not in my “sports” world.<span> </span>As high school ended, so did our connection
until one awesome day when we reunited on Facebook.<span> </span>I say Facebook sucks a lot, but I truly am
thankful more than not as I have been reunited with my dear friend.<span> </span>Reunited at a time in which I needed someone
the most.<span> </span>My marriage was rocky; I felt
as though I was not cut out for this parenting gig…but was two kids into
it.<span> </span>I was dealing with a lot of strong
issues just in time to find out I was pregnant with #3.<span> </span>I about lost it….but she didn’t judge, she
was there.<span> </span>Anytime I needed her, she was
there.<span> </span>Good thing she didn’t charge…I
would be broke.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">I found myself thinking of the other significant friendships
that I have had throughout my life.<span> </span>Just
yesterday I ran into a woman that I have known since I was 3.<span> </span>Yes, 3!<span>
</span>We have known each other almost all our life yet since high school we
never connect other than by chance.<span> </span>The
funny thing is, when we see each other it is if we have been hanging out all
the time.<span> </span>There is just a
connection.<span> </span>I can’t explain it.<span> </span>We can go from being incredibly estranged to
close and connected in minutes.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">That is my life pattern though.<span> </span>The people I have known for years come and go
often only reconnected because of social media.<span>
</span>I wonder if “I” am the reason I don’t have any friends that stick it
out.<span> </span>My husband and his BFF are in
contact daily.<span> </span>They were in each other’s
weddings.<span> </span>They have a bond.<span> </span>Yet for me, the friendship fades, or changes
or…. do I?</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Until recently I really never thought about it.<span> </span>Maybe it is me getting older and all
soft.<span> </span>The hard truth is that when
friendships are lost it is often viewed as a personal failure, sometimes it is
even embarrassing to some.<span> </span>This is where
I believe we begin to judge ourselves too hard on our ability to make and
maintain friends.<span> </span>I found this quote and
it put things into a new light for me:</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #eeeeee;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="line-height: 115%;">"Each friend represents a world in us,</span></i><span style="line-height: 115%;"><br />
<i>a world possibly not born until they arrive,</i><br />
<i>and it is only by this meeting</i><br />
<i>that a new world is born."</i><br />
<i>~ Anais Nin</i></span></span></span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #eeeeee;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #eeeeee;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">I look at all the people I have come across regardless of the amount of
time I had them in my life and I can see what they brought to me.<span> </span>Some brought great memories and others
brought great sadness, but both brought opportunities to learn more about me.<span> </span>Each and every person I have crossed paths
with and have been able to call a “friend”, even for a short time has molded me
to who I am today.<span> </span>I sincerely hope I
have done the same for them.<span> </span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #eeeeee;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #eeeeee;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">This is the essential key.<span> </span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #eeeeee;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span> </span></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #eeeeee;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #eeeeee;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">It is about me.<span> </span>It is about me
being ok with me.<span> </span>We all connect for
various reasons.<span> </span>Embrace the time spent
and grow with it. Don’t take it personally, just take what you have learned
from your interactions.</span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #eeeeee;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></span><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto auto; line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #eeeeee;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">“If one is estranged
from oneself, then one is estranged from others too. If one is out of touch
with oneself, then one cannot touch others.” -<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anne_Morrow_Lindbergh"><span style="text-decoration: none;">Anne Morrow Lindbergh</span></a></span></span></span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto auto; line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #eeeeee;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #eeeeee;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Friendships will come and go.<span>
</span>Life leads people in a new direction at times.<span> </span>The reality is sometimes we just outgrow our
friends.<span> </span>It doesn’t have to be because
of something we did or they did.<span> </span>It may
simply be because we are needed elsewhere and so are they.<span> </span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #eeeeee;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #eeeeee;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Don’t forget the friends you keep around for pure entertainment
value.<span> </span>You all have one and know what I
am talking about.<span> </span>That is a whole other
topic for another time. </span></span></span></span></div>
Mommy Refhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15636233842279905237noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2832700510182264286.post-74414674463182975362013-01-31T07:00:00.000-08:002013-01-31T20:22:07.982-08:00Guest Post - Gender Bending in The DeBie Hive<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: small;">I am so giddy about this guest post. I am not sure if it <span style="font-size: small;">trumps</span> DaddyCool writing as I never thought that would occur, BUT it is a super duper close 2nd. <span style="font-size: small;">A very close<span style="font-size: small;"> friend who is a real life friend...not <span style="font-size: small;">just a read on the computer friend has ag<span style="font-size: small;">r<span style="font-size: small;">ee<span style="font-size: small;">d to <span style="font-size: small;">write a guest post. <span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">She has been w<span style="font-size: small;">ith me th<span style="font-size: small;">rough great and horrible. She was there wi<span style="font-size: small;">th <span style="font-size: small;">when I was miserable and pregn<span style="font-size: small;">an<span style="font-size: small;">t....because she roc<span style="font-size: small;">ks as a <span style="font-size: small;">doula. She was there when my kids were <span style="font-size: small;">sick and I needed a reality check. She is there to laugh with and we <span style="font-size: small;">do th<span style="font-size: small;">at a lot. She does all that and runs a hive of 4 kids<span style="font-size: small;">. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> <span style="font-size: small;">Who<span style="font-size: small;"> has time for all that and four kids? My b<span style="font-size: small;">a<span style="font-size: small;">dass friend Kelly fro<span style="font-size: small;">m <a href="http://debiehive.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">DeBie Hive</a><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">. </span>She is the Qu<span style="font-size: small;">een over there if you haven<span style="font-size: small;">'t met her, <span style="font-size: small;">here is <span style="font-size: small;">an intro from her page...</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>I'm a California girl living a Colorado life. I'm a doula, a
photographer and a writer. I have four kids....and, trust me, that
explains a lot.</i></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i> </i></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><img alt="DeBie Hive" class="profilePic img" id="u_0_c" src="http://profile.ak.fbcdn.net/hprofile-ak-prn1/c13.23.174.174/548055_517580204942635_2024740947_n.jpg" /></i> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">When The Mommy Ref asked me to do a guest post for her blog, I was thrilled. <br />
<br />
You see, I may or may not have encouraged her to get into this whole
crazy blogging thing as direct punishment for the fact that she's always
asking my advice about parenting.<br />
<br />
She can blame me.<br />
<br />
I have kids that are older than hers, I have both boys and girls, and
our children have more similarities than differences when it comes to
personality issues. Most of the time when she shares her frustration
about whatever is going on, I can tell her that
I've been in that place, almost exactly. <br />
<br />
I like to believe that I've talked her away from the mommy ledge a few
times, and I know that I can tell her about all the stuff going on in my
life without worrying about it ever going further than that.
<br />
<br />
We aren't just fellow bloggers, we're friends. True friends. The kind who know way too much about each other.
<br />
<br />
So, when she asked me to do this, I said yes immediately. <br />
<br />
We tried to come up with a topic that would go along with her blog
theme, and that was something I haven't really written about before, so
here goes.<br />
<br />
<i><b><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">Gender Bending in The DeBie Hive</span></b></i><br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">Sometime
in this past week, The Mommy Ref mentioned something to me about a
parent in her daughter's dance class commenting on how she put her
daughter in dance because she didn't want her playing sports.
It stuck with me, even though I wasn't even there when it was said.</span></i><br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">It
stuck with me because we have always encouraged our kids to try
activities that they are interested in, with no regard to whether
something is a "boy" activity or a "girl" activity. We just don't deal
with gender boundaries here at all, we push them. Test the limits.
Challenge what people expect. Allow our kids to be who they already are
without question or judgment.</span></i><br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">When
I was pregnant with our second, we bought our oldest, a boy, a baby
doll. He loved that doll and carried it everywhere. He has lots of big
brother miles on him these days, and has always been loving
and understanding around babies. I think he gets almost as excited as I
do around newborns.</span></i><br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">That
boy, the oldest, is not my athlete. He played soccer for a few
seasons, but didn't love it. He played baseball for a few years too.
Through just the luck of the draw, he needed surgery two years in
a row. His baseball career ended. </span></i><br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">Since
then, he's tried swimming and basketball. We just signed him up for
wrestling. He hasn't found a single sport that he loves, and that's
okay. He loves to play, he loves to try new things, and he doesn't
care if he is good or not. He's a fan of sports, he loves to learn the
intricate rules of them all. He just is a better spectator than
player. And that is okay.</span></i><br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">What he is great at? Art. Music. Anything creative. </span></i><br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">He
loves to make, to envision, to build. He wants to get more active in
the drama club at school, and I could easily see him doing musical
theater by high school. I'm sure he'll be designing the sets too.
The kid has a wicked pair of jazz hands and can kick anyone's ass on
Just Dance.
</span></i><br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">He invented a cartoon character named Pinki. As you can probably guess, Pinki is pink.</span></i><br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">Does that make him less "boyish"?
</span></i><br />
<br />
<b><i><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">Hell no. I happen to think it makes him awesome.</span></i></b><br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">My
eldest daughter, the opposite. She's a tomboy, has been since
birth...but she's a fabulous tomboy. She's always been my jock, she's
always had the highest energy level, she's always cared the least about
what the other little girls were doing. </span></i><br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">She'd
rather kick the ball around than go shopping any day. She's the reason
we have rules about playing soccer in the house. She's the one who got
a USWNT jersey for Christmas and squealed as much as her
younger sister did when she got a box of makeup. </span></i><br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">She
plays hard, she takes on the boys, she throws elbows. She broke her
foot in a soccer game against the boys last year, and was back out on
the grass with her ball as soon as the cast was dry. She broke
one of her casts completely. She never stops moving. </span></i><br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">She's
played soccer since she was three, she's done figure skating and tennis
and swimming and basketball. She desperately wants to play volleyball,
but the seasons overlap with soccer. Oh, and that soccer
thing? She's been on a traveling team for two years. We all eat, sleep
and breathe soccer around here. I knew she loved it when she took a
ball to the face in the box and stopped it. I'd love nothing more than
for her to find the confidence to get back
in at keeper.</span></i><br />
<br />
<img border="0" height="200" src="http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h117/k_debie/ball-1-1.jpg" width="200" /><br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">She's
also my matchy-matchy girl. She insists on careful wardrobe
selection. She adores headbands with giant flowers and bows. She loves
sparkly things, but she won't hesitate to drop it all and lace up
her cleats if someone wants to play.</span></i><br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">We've
said for years that she has boy legs. Covered in scars and bruises and
bumps and blisters, they are the evidence of how hard she plays. She
asked for, and got a skateboard for Christmas. Does that
make her less "girly"? </span></i><br />
<br />
<b><i><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">Hell no. I happen to think it makes her awesome.</span></i></b><br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">My
other daughter, the younger one, probably falls more within the
boundaries of a typical girl most of the time, at least to the casual
observer. She loves music, loves fashion (though she refuses anything
that matches), she is already boy crazy. What she also is, though, is
tough. She plays almost entirely with boys, she can't stand girl drama
already, and she could wrestle her brother to the ground by the time she
was 18 months old. She hates to color and
loves to fight.</span></i><br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">She can do anything he can do, better. She plays soccer like her big sis.</span></i><br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">She
stands up for what she believes in, won't let anyone push her around,
and already got sent to the office for punching a male bully in the
face. She's her mama's girl, and she's pretty badass. She might
look girly from the outside, but she's feisty. </span></i><br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">Does her unwillingness to put up with the crap people throw at her make her less "girly"?</span></i><br />
<br />
<b><i><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">Hell no. I happen to think it makes her awesome.</span></i></b><br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">My
youngest son could ride a bike by two, scored more goals on his soccer
team than the rest of the kids combined, drop kicked the soccer ball
into the tree during Christmas and can throw a spiral with a full
size football already. He got baseball gear for Christmas and has been
asking five times a day when we're signing him up.</span></i><br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">As
I write this, he's also painting his toenails. Again. I'm pretty sure
his toes have about six coats of nail polish on them. He fairly
frequently is dressed up like a princess, cha cha shoes and everything. </span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">He loves to sing and dance and has an unnatural affection for Lady Gaga.</span></i><br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">Does that make him less "boyish"?
</span></i><br />
<br />
<b><i><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">Hell no, and anyone who would ever claim that can take it up with his mother. I hear she's pretty badass.</span></i></b></span></span>Mommy Refhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15636233842279905237noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2832700510182264286.post-66822533800734699812013-01-28T19:18:00.001-08:002013-01-28T19:18:02.912-08:00Getting 2 Know The Mommy Ref<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">A wonderful <a href="http://www.modernmamadramas.com/" target="_blank">Mama</a> nominated for my second Leibster
Award. She is so awesome to me I
couldn’t ignore the awesome nomination.
Although since I have already received this award I am going to take
this time to use her posed questions as a get to know The Mommy Ref a bit
better opportunity. I sure hope that is
alright with you players. Bending the
rules and getting crazy here!</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Here are the questions and my answers</b> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Have you
ever moved away from "home"?</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Yes, I grew up
in CA. When I was a young lass I had a
nasty break up and moved to Oregon to finish school. At the time I felt it was right to get a
fresh start, but I sound realized it was more of a break from the drama. I moved back after graduating 2 years
later. I am currently back in
California.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">What are your hobbies, besides
blogging?</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Are kids a
hobby? How about a hubby? Is cleaning a hobby? We enjoy camping as a family and try to go
often. Being in California there is
always something going on. I enjoy
playing and coaching sports. I have
coached basketball for several years now and get pleasure out of seeing kids
find love for the game.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Do you go on family vacations; which
was your favorite?</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">We have
stayed pretty local since the kids have been born. More for cost than anything else. Our favorite times are out in nature
camping. The kids are able to be more
“free” and we get to relax a bit too!</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Any big plans for 2013?</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Not sure if
it is a big plan but DaddyCool and I have made a decision to use more small
businesses in 2013. Give work to those
that need and want it. Give back to
those that work hard to provide in a state as tough as California.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">If you could have any animal, real or
imaginary, for a pet, what would you choose and why?</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">I would get
a unicorn and gift it to Kelly at The Debie Hive. Because she would totally rock that with her
Wonder Woman Cape and boots! I am not
making this up, she would. Plus I would
go crazy with something else to take care of.
I kill plants!</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">What's your favorite book/movie?</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">The
Neverending Story….Loved that I could be lost in a Story</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">It's raining and the kids are home
from school, WHAT DO YOU DO?</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Movies,
popcorn and snuggles. Crack the window
open and listen to the rain. We also
like to make pizzas too. Just spend
time.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">If you could time-travel, would you go
back to the past or into the future?</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">I would go
into the past so I could spend more time with loved ones that were taken too
early from me</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Do you censor your posts based on your
followers (like family or certain friends)?</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">I don’t write
about certain things because I am not sure I can put it on paper well, but it
is not for fear of “who” is reading it.
I have an anonymous blog but I am not naïve that my cover could be blown
at any time. Also, this blog was set up
as a reflection of me. I won’t write
something to simply create traffic. It
is real stuff on my mind.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Will you keep blogging?</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">I hope
to. I only write about once a week because
I don’t want to take a lot of time from my family and myself. This year I am making better choices to get
me healthy. You will see more one liners
on Twitter or Facebook than deep thought out blog posts for now. I hope that chances as my confidence in
writing builds.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">You get to meet a role model or idol:
who is it and why?</span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">I would like
to be in a room with other successful business women that were Moms. I would like hear their struggles and
triumphs growing to the positions they are in now.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span><br />
<h4 class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Hope that
gives you a little more about me. If
there is anything else you have been wondering about me, let me know! <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";"></span></span> </span></span></span></h4>
<h4 class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Game Over.</span></span></span></h4>
Mommy Refhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15636233842279905237noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2832700510182264286.post-63068854546328701682013-01-25T07:00:00.000-08:002013-01-25T07:00:00.508-08:00DaddyCool Writes...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga4-jGwh59OJAOvUMM-GCy78wnDkcCBGDNKpwqyvgZqHR0OhGhLVSTk_KU2d0ReM3CpaDggN-krN5rzfSx13y65jg7MVE7BY6cwYrFA3D06mQ4S1hyphenhyphen0BDJQEtVjVjUEnbZeY89kCHPu_Pk/s1600/daddycoolwrites.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga4-jGwh59OJAOvUMM-GCy78wnDkcCBGDNKpwqyvgZqHR0OhGhLVSTk_KU2d0ReM3CpaDggN-krN5rzfSx13y65jg7MVE7BY6cwYrFA3D06mQ4S1hyphenhyphen0BDJQEtVjVjUEnbZeY89kCHPu_Pk/s1600/daddycoolwrites.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 5pt 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 5pt 0in;">
<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Of all the topic choices out there<span style="font-size: small;">, this is wh<span style="font-size: small;">at you guys threw at me? </span></span> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 5pt 0in;">
<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">What do I think about Mommy Ref having a blog?<span> </span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 5pt 0in;">
<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span></span>To be perfectly honest, she likes it and I don’t get it but I guess that’s what makes it work. Isn’t that what happens in a marriage anyway? We are different and that is what makes us work. She writes about stuff that bothers her. I use my mouth and just cuss people out. She drinks vodka. I drink Rum.<span> </span>I kick ass at Guitar Hero.<span> </span>Her, not so much.<span> </span>She played sports growing up. I played the tuba.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 5pt 0in;">
<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">I guess when I think about my feelings of her having a blog; I realize that I have never thought about my feelings for her having a blog. She has it posted on Facebook and has a court full of followers, of which I am not one. Not because I don’t care, but because it’s ‘her thing’. She has her interests and I have mine. Isn’t that how marriage works?<span> </span>Don’t get me wrong, we both like some of the same things. Long walks on the beach, candle light dinners, cuddling on the couch…aw crap, who am I kidding.<span> </span>No one likes that shit anymore. These days doing things together consists of talking trash over a game of Words with Friends or kicking the kids asses at Candyland. <span> </span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 5pt 0in;">
<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">So when she asked me to actually write about my feelings I was a bit confused. Does she not remember that men can roll their eyes too? What do I say? Do I be brutally honest, or let her down easy? I felt like she was asking me if those pants made her butt look big.<span> </span>There’s just no right answer.<span> </span>Just like when I get asked which purse I like better. There’s just no right answer. </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 5pt 0in;">
<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">So I’ll end this with a final thought. I chose to write this because when Mommy Ref, aka my wife, asks me to do something that means a lot to her, I do it, even if it’s something that I would normally not do, like telling her that her those pants don’t make her butt look big.<span> </span>It’s the shirt. <span> </span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 5pt 0in;">
<span style="color: #1c2a47; font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
Mommy Refhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15636233842279905237noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2832700510182264286.post-13844031490429715312013-01-23T10:05:00.003-08:002013-01-23T10:05:49.618-08:00When I Grow Up...<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Growing up I always admired my Dad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He could handle the most difficult situations with grace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was able to guilt me into telling him anything and everything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am convinced he knew the answers before getting me to come clean…but he had a way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My Mom and I were close as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Being that she was a young lady when I was born, I always had the hip Mom that everyone thought was my older sister.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Looking at that now….that is pretty awesome.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My parents were by no means perfect.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They gave 100% indeed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They loved us to the moon and back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They went without to give to us things we needed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At a young age I realized this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I saw the sacrifice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I saw the dedication.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I saw that I was taken care of.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">As with any of you there are attributes I would hope I took with me into my parenting journey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are also attributes I would wish to never have my children experience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our house was safe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We weren’t hit or abused but my Mom has a very short fuse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is something I said I would never have with my kids.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I mean they are kids.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am to be patient and loving and teach them their ways.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I see Mothers do it all the time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I saw my Dad always keep his cool.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was something I would do for my kids.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">With my first child I was <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">that </i>parent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was so patient and loving and nothing would get me going.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That lasted until he was walking….then number two and number three.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, let’s just say I am NOT the patient and understanding Mother I set out to be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I do have great moments, but lately I have been struggling….. A LOT.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">I yell too often.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I lose my cool too easy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just get frustrated when I should show more self control.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then I go in a room and cry because I am upset that once again I have not been able to control myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I cry because I remember what it was like as a child when my mom got angry with us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I cry because once again…I have failed in keeping my promise.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">I wonder often why I didn’t become more like my Dad….but lately I think I know that answer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You see my Dad never showed he was upset because he kept it all inside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He never wanted to engage in an argument with my Mom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He would hear her out and let the whole situation simmer down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He didn’t challenge her often. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He loved her and wanted the best for her (and us) always.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am not able to bottle up my feelings like that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I need to talk about them…. Or do I?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">The harsh reality is…I am not happy with ME. I don’t talk about that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have thought about going to talk to someone about it, but haven’t.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have often thought about the reasons “why” and then stop.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The truth is…I am not sure how to go about this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can give advice to others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am able to support them through difficult times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I feel that I have good judgment on when to be supportive and when to take action….. as long as the person is not me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want to lose weight to be a better role model and have a healthier life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have lost 20 pounds since December 1<sup>st</sup>….and have now lost motivation again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have the best husband.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is always there and always supportive. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My kids are thriving and healthy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My family is close.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have a successful career.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So is it all about the weight or is there more to this?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Honestly, I do not know…I am trying to figure that out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">In the mean time, I need to work harder on being who I promised I would be as a Mom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I need to be more patient, loving and kind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I need to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yesterday confirmed this in a harsh honest way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While cleaning I found a paper on the floor next to his desk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was written by my 7 year old.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He enjoys writing and usually it is really funny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, this was not funny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It hit my heart like a ton of bricks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It said, “If I see a wishing star night I would wish that my Mommy would never be upset enough to yell.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love her hugs more”.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">It broke my heart and warmed it at the same time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I need to do better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am not setting out for perfection….just each day better than the next.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Mommy Refhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15636233842279905237noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2832700510182264286.post-33290728199041486192013-01-17T09:00:00.000-08:002013-01-17T09:00:48.462-08:00And The Nominees Are...This sweet lady over at <a href="http://camomsworld.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ea9999;">Mom's World</span></a> nominated me, for the Liebster Award. We started our Facebook pages about the same time. She has supported my growth and I hers. Like her, I've never been nominated for anything before, so I amextremely honored for this nomination. <br />
<div class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name">
</div>
<div class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name">
</div>
<div class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name">
So the Liebster award has rules and they are as follows....</div>
<div class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name">
</div>
<div class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name">
</div>
<div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a160/carebear0729/the-liebster-award-1_zps8401af7f.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a160/carebear0729/the-liebster-award-1_zps8401af7f.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
This award is given to new or up and coming bloggers who have less than 200 followers. The award is then passed along to other bloggers in the same category to help spread the word and support each other.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name" style="text-align: left;">
1. Each blogger should post 11 random facts about themselves.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name" style="text-align: left;">
2. Answer the questions the tagger has set for you, then create 11 new questions for the bloggers you pass the award to.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name" style="text-align: left;">
3. Choose 11 new bloggers (or with less than 200 followers) to pass the award to and link them in your post.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name" style="text-align: left;">
4. Go to their page and tell them about the award.<br />
5. No tag backs.</div>
<div class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name">
<br /></div>
<div class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">11 random facts about The Mommy Ref </span></div>
<div class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name">
<ul>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
I have an obsession with numbers. I like the number 7 and numbers that are divisible by 7. Ironically, my birthday, DaddyCools and all three kid birthdays are all divisible by 7....yes weird</div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
I was in school to become a Respiratory Therapist. I lasted 2 hours of clinically runs. Once I heard someone hacking all that mucus I ran out puking and never returned. </div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
I love spicy food...I put hot sauce or salsa on everything</div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
My husband and I have been known to play Candyland without the kids</div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
I wish I collected something. I have always wanted to but have never figured out what to collect. Man that sounds lame!</div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
My first car was a 1979 El Camino....yes with the v8 engine.....yes it was crazy fast....no I never got a ticket.</div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
I love sports. I actually coach my kids teams. That is partly because I am also a control freak.</div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
I hate Chuck E Cheese or anything like it. I hate bouncing houses...I cringed with all the thoughts of snot and spit, blah!</div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
I am addicted to coffee....lots of coffee</div>
</li>
<li>My celebrity crush is Adam Sandler.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Questions from <a href="http://camomsworld.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ea9999;">Mom's World</span></a>:</span><br />
<br />
<b>1. Are you brand-loyal to any product?</b><br />
No, I am a coupon lady. Not a crazy nutty one, but I go for the deals. I do have some brand avoidance. Items that we don't like and stay away from no matter how good the deal is. I aim to save about 40-50% on my receipts. <br />
<br />
<b>2. Do you have a story behind your kid(s) name(s)?</b><br />
Being that my blog does not use my kids names....this one is harder to answer. But yes...they all have one common letter in their first name.<br />
<br />
<b>3. What is your favorite board game?</b><br />
I actually love the game Sorry. I like the simple games of luck.<br />
<b><br />4. Have you ever been to Disneyland/Disneyworld?</b><br />
I have been to both. Disneyworld as a young girl and Disneyland often as I grew up in California. My kids have been once. I would like to go more but it is a motgage payment to go these days. Totally nuts!<br />
<b><br />5. What is your favorite movie?</b><br />
Anything Adam Sandler I could watch over and over. Then there is Office Space. I can related to this movie every single day I go to work. I like funny and brainless....hmmm seeing a theme here.<br />
<br />
<b><br />6. What did you want to be when you grew up?</b><br />
I wanted to be a doctor. I wanted to help people. I am no where near a doctor now. Looking back I know I could have got there.....but at the time I was too afraid to go for it and never signed up for that major. I went the easy way out as a Business Major.<br />
<b><br />7. What is one of your favorite childhood memories?</b><br />
Spending time with my great grandparents. I can still smell the cookies baking in the kitchen when I close my eyes. I could draw you a picture of their entire apartment and place all the furniture. I miss them.<br />
<br />
<b>8. What city do you live in and do you like it?</b><br />
Can I plea the 5th on this one? I still live in California near LA. I do enjoy where we live as we are fairly close to anything we want to go enjoy. Las Vegas isn't too far either...I want to go back soon.<br />
<br />
<b>9. How long have you been blogging and why?</b><br />
I just started the Mommy Ref blog in October 2012. I wanted a place to decompress. I wanted a place to write and develop as a writer. I wanted a safe place to build confidence in my writing. I enjoy the anonymous part of writing on MommyRef. I have written on other blogs for family updates and tracking pregnancies.<br />
<b><br />10. Do you have someone you idolize or look up to?</b><br />
I could go with the old, of course my parents answer, which is true. They have made me who I am today. I really strive to be the best "me" out there. I am not focused on the way others are. Since starting this blog thing there are a hand ful of ladies that I admire. They can put anything in writing and I find myself just nodding and smiling....sometimes crying. I hope to be that for someone else some day.<br />
<br />
<b>11. What is your favorite TV show?</b> <br />
Parenthood.....if you haven't seen it, you should. In each "mom" character I find a little piece of me.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Questions from me to my nominees:</span><br />
1. Why did you start to blog?<br />
2. Do you have a story behind your kid(s) name(s)?<br />
3. What is your favorite sit com?<br />
4. Have you ever been to another country?<br />
5. What is your favorite ice cream?<br />
6. What did you want to be when you grew up?<br />
7. Are you allergic to anything?<br />
8. What state would you move to if you could?<br />
9. What is something you want to accomplish before 2013 is over?<br />
10. Who is your celebrity crush?<br />
11. What were you doing at 8am this morning?<br />
<br />
And last but not least - my nominees! I really wish I could nominate more than just 11....but here's some super awesome ones that have recently come across. Don't forget to find them on Facebook too. They are a riot!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.theactivemum.com/" target="_blank">Active Mum</a><br />
<a href="http://thefabulousmrswing.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">The Fabulous Mrs. Wing</a><br />
<a href="http://www.3monkeysandamartini.com/" target="_blank">3monkeysandamartini</a><br />
<a href="http://funnyisfamily.com/" target="_blank">Funny is family</a><br />
<a href="http://www.whencrazymeetsexhaustion.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">When Crazy Meets Exhaustion</a><br />
<a href="http://www.bigaandlittlea.com/" target="_blank">Big A Little a</a><br />
<a href="http://adventuresofninjamama.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Adventures of NinjaMama</a><br />
<a href="http://www.musingsofmunch.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">The Musings of Munch</a><br />
<a href="http://www.lifewiththefrog.com/" target="_blank">Kissing the Frog</a><br />
<a href="http://www.redvinesandredwine.com/" target="_blank">Red Vines and Red Wine</a><br />
<a href="http://mommyriverbadger.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Mommy River Badger</a><br />
<br />Mommy Refhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15636233842279905237noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2832700510182264286.post-49785077323471535822013-01-11T07:05:00.000-08:002013-01-11T21:48:03.630-08:00Extreme Carpooling - How It Works<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<style>
v\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
o\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
w\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
.shape {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
</style></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Welcome to a Secret Subject Swap. 17 brave bloggers picked a secret subject for someone else and were assigned a secret subject to interpret in their own style. Today we are all simultaneously divulging our topics and submitting our posts<span style="font-size: small;">.</span> </span></span></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0jL43qCRhyphenhyphenC8bcyDQA2rSuQNGMW2PGJr2pMrl4cL3C27qsyIbxoYfZ8sw3bXmpYjMwh5PkIMKRLZVInSBrA8FqGk2HCwYNSZvoOFZOJz7xK-DTcY_mMGt6OQwvn0KQuAgBO9uvfTo-8iY/s1600/secret.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0jL43qCRhyphenhyphenC8bcyDQA2rSuQNGMW2PGJr2pMrl4cL3C27qsyIbxoYfZ8sw3bXmpYjMwh5PkIMKRLZVInSBrA8FqGk2HCwYNSZvoOFZOJz7xK-DTcY_mMGt6OQwvn0KQuAgBO9uvfTo-8iY/s200/secret.png" width="200" /></a><span style="line-height: 115%;"> </span></span></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://slackermomof4.blogspot.com/"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></a><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">My subject is Extreme Carpooling - How It Works. It was submitted by </span><span style="color: red; line-height: 115%;"> <a href="http://stacysewsandschools.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">http://stacysewsandschools.<wbr></wbr>wordpress.com/</a></span><span style="line-height: 115%;"> Here goes: </span></span></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">When I first received this topic my stomach sank. I don’t know anything about Carpooling. So I have no clue how Extreme Carpooling would work. I work all day. I am excited if I am the one who is able to pick up my kids at all. Usually I am reliant on my Mom to get them so they are at after care less time than need be. Being a Mom who works out of the house does limit your exposure to some of the fun stories of school carpooling. I see many stories from others and statuses that make you shake your head. I, however, have not had the opportunity to experience it. Well at least I haven’t in a school setting.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Working for a large company in a large town they are always looking for ways to be “eco-friendly”. </span></div>
<ul type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Go Green! </span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Paperless! </span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Save a tree! </span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Buddy up to decrease pollution! </span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Yes, the last one is true. As a company we were asked to fill out profiles of things we liked. They used this data with other demographics like working hours and where you lived to develop these wonderful profiles. These profiles would pair you up with one or more people in your area. The intent was for you to reach out to these people and start up a carpool relationship. The profile was not mandatory….but if you filled one out you had a chance to win $100….so I did…..but did not win! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">What I did win was phone calls from my apparent matches. Let the Extreme Carpooling begin! Maybe?!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">I was reluctant to buy into this at first because I like to be in control. I want to arrive and leave on my time table. Nothing eats at me more than waiting on someone else…especially if they are repeat offenders. I set aside my selfish thoughts and agreed to a one month trial with the group. One month in work terms is really only about 20 days. Add in the fact that I was on vacation for 5. I could do this for 15 days. Yes, I did that math prior to agreeing.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilwUI5Y-V1Bti8qKhrJkkE86km3q_sfGExoBDecrtL6aMaZrxJ7bflOoZQ3Gy5Gd63lu0EvFmQDhZ2x6mEDJjyn90X02bRrFkmPbKGgODD0hsy5Vs-pzfZnxAU5HGGDpef9fOzvF_BSS5R/s1600/carpooling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilwUI5Y-V1Bti8qKhrJkkE86km3q_sfGExoBDecrtL6aMaZrxJ7bflOoZQ3Gy5Gd63lu0EvFmQDhZ2x6mEDJjyn90X02bRrFkmPbKGgODD0hsy5Vs-pzfZnxAU5HGGDpef9fOzvF_BSS5R/s320/carpooling.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Unlike the photo above, there were only 4 of us…</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Molly Sing All – Molly was sweet. She loved to bring trinkets to everyone. One time she stumbled upon these Slinkies that lit up. Who doesn’t like Slinkies, right? She was so proud of her find. She came bouncing to the car with her little pink bag all ready to spring her latest find on us. She was very energetic for 6am. Sometimes nauseatingly so, for 6am. She always had a story…about her. Before she handed us our gifts, she told us how this guy at Target who she just KNEW was rich, had asked for her number. She was “in love” and hoped we could all feel how she did some day. The flaw Molly had, was that she never asked about anyone else. So she was completely unaware that another rider had just gotten over a nasty divorce. When someone would start talking about anything but Molly she would turn up the radio and sing. Only she couldn’t sing worth a lick! My ears bled!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Tammy Twoshoes – Tammy was a young gal. You know the type. Her makeup always perfect. She only wore designer labels. And was quick to make fun of other peoples choices. She was always out late partying the night before. Something would always happen to her that was “unthinkable”. I remember on the 3rd day of carpooling (yes just <b>3 days</b> in, I should have quit here) she came to the meeting place looking a "little rough." I asked her if she was ok because frankly she didn't look like it. She shared that she had just got home from being out at 4:30 this morning. She decided to just shower and go to work since she was up. Apparently she had met some new hot and coming boy band member that wined and dined her. However as the night went on she found out he was not who he had said and had no car to take her home. She had no money (of course) so she had to hit on others guys to get her a ride home. You don't want to know the rest...because I sure didn't need to hear it. The cool thing about Tammy was that it was never her fault. She never had money for gas and always seemed to owe us next week. In fact, thinking about it. I think she still owes me some gas money….</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Silent Susan – Susan was quiet. Very quiet. She rarely started a conversation. She rarely spoke up in conversations either. I am not sure if this was her true nature or if it was just because Molly and Tammy talked enough for all of us…about themselves. I don't have any cool stories about Susan. I actually enjoyed the silent company. Although one time she did drive all the way to work with her skirt hanging out the car door. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Remember the profiles…the ones that we were required to all fill out? I am convinced they all lied! This was the worst 2 weeks ever! If they didn’t lie, then I am equally convinced that we were the only 4 people in the area who filled out the forms. I would like to say this whole idea was a huge FAIL. But I can’t. I learned a lot about myself in two weeks. I learned that:</span></div>
<ul type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">I need to remember the people around me. I too can get caught up in life and be like Molly. My agenda is out there and I move on to the next item. I am often in such a hurry to check an item off the list I rush past the people and blessings along the way. I will take some time to slow down.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo3; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Tolerance is not my best attribute. I need to work on it. Not being in control every step of the way is ok. I need to have more tolerance as people are learning the ways..this is especially important with my children. I am often quick to get frustrated that it is not as I “think it should be”. Everything does not have to look or be perfect. Remembering that the cover of a person or issue is not the entire story. </span></li>
</ul>
<ul type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo4; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Not be afraid to show more about me. This one I struggle with often. I often lack confidence in myself. Weird huh? I want the control but lack the confidence. This blog is the perfect example. I love to write my thoughts. I “want” to write and share my thoughts but I lack the confidence to share them as “me”. I need to work on my writing in a safe bubble. I welcome the criticizing of my writings from dear followers. I have found I have learned so much about myself in a very short time by reading my own posts and the comments of my followers.</span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"> As far as this extreme method of Carpooling…profiling people and pairing them up…I would vote this effort an extreme fail. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Would I do it again, NO. Am I glad I tried it, YES. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">There are pros of course. You save money, wear and tear on your car, you meet new people (whether you want to know them or not), and you can learn a lot about yourself. That last one could always be a con…..you might learn more than you want to know about yourself. Those 2 ladies annoyed the crap out of me ( liked Susan )….but I have some of the same flaws. I will embrace these opportunities for improvement. A work in progress....always.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Here are links to all the sites now featuring Secret Subject Swap posts. Sit back, grab a cup, and check them all out. See you there: </span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://www.bakinginatornado.com/">www.BakingInATornado.com</a></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://menopausalmother.blogspot.com/">http://menopausalmother.blogspot.com/</a></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span><a href="http://lifeonthesonnyside.blogspot.com/"><span style="line-height: 115%;">http://lifeonthesonnyside.blogspot.com/</span></a><span style="line-height: 115%;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://suburbiainterrupted.com/">http://suburbiainterrupted.com/</a></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://www.bigaandlittlea.com/">http://www.bigaandlittlea.com</a></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span><a href="http://ibddaddyandme.blogspot.com/"><span style="line-height: 115%;">http://ibddaddyandme.blogspot.com</span></a></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://stacysewsandschools.wordpress.com/"><span style="line-height: 115%;">http://slackermomof4.blogspot.com/</span></a></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://stacysewsandschools.wordpress.com/"><span style="line-height: 115%;">http://stacysewsandschools.wordpress.com/</span></a><span style="line-height: 115%;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.3monkeysandamartini.com/"><span style="line-height: 115%;">http://www.mommyunmuted.com/</span></a></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">
<a href="http://www.3monkeysandamartini.com/"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">www.3monkeysandamartini.com</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span><span style="line-height: 115%;"> </span></span></span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://sadderbutwiser.wordpress.com/"><span style="line-height: 115%;">http://sadderbutwiser.wordpress.com/</span></a><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span><span style="line-height: 115%;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.somethingclever2point0.com/"><span style="line-height: 115%;">http://www.somethingclever2point0.com/</span></a><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span><span style="line-height: 115%;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.themommyref.blogspot.com/"><span style="line-height: 115%;">http://www.themommyref.blogspot.com/</span></a></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span><a href="http://gocheapgohome.com/"><span style="line-height: 115%;">http://rushingforbagels.blogspot.com</span></a></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">
<a href="http://gocheapgohome.com/"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">http://gocheapgohome.com</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span><span style="line-height: 115%;"> </span></span></span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.rebekaches.com/"><span style="line-height: 115%;">www.rebekaches.com</span></a><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span><span style="line-height: 115%;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://mooreorganizedmayhem.blogspot.com/"><span style="line-height: 115%;">http://mooreorganizedmayhem.blogspot.com/</span></a><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span><span style="line-height: 115%;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
Mommy Refhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15636233842279905237noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2832700510182264286.post-57009327259530803462013-01-08T18:38:00.001-08:002013-01-08T18:38:57.728-08:00Competition<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhZddYPcct0_7ddwAtYEzelELD6jHI8bYC5JQBa3fTLCrWt6OK27dx5Uyu0sKyTuI-JpVOZsAcV8qE5TB0XQlDVxKeK2vifToW3vMpcVI-36ON_ErfWDMzW0gU3Tebt9KbYKK-YUZ0rN39/s1600/win.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhZddYPcct0_7ddwAtYEzelELD6jHI8bYC5JQBa3fTLCrWt6OK27dx5Uyu0sKyTuI-JpVOZsAcV8qE5TB0XQlDVxKeK2vifToW3vMpcVI-36ON_ErfWDMzW0gU3Tebt9KbYKK-YUZ0rN39/s200/win.jpg" width="170" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">I<span style="color: black;"><span style="color: white;"> was speaking with a co worker this past week and the
conversation turned to our kids. The conversation started off like all
conversations I have with BTDT (been there done that) Moms. The newer
Moms out there know what I am referring to. You know the comments...<br />
<br />
"Oh, enjoy these days they grow up so fast!"<br />
"Kids will be kids, just enjoy it"<br />
"What young parents these days don't understand is...." - This
one can go so many wonderful ways<br />
"If I was raising my kids in these days, I would never...."<br />
"Parents today are too tough on kids too young"<br />
<br />
And this is where the conversation changed a bit. The topic of children
and the stress of competition and disappointment. I have to say that I am
a 100% believer that extra curricular activities are great for children. DaddyCool
and I were both into extra curricular activities in which we both agree kept us
focused and out of trouble growing up. Ms. Coworker was upset that we
would enroll a 3 year old in dance and our 5 year old in basketball. Her
comment was "why rush it?". My answer is, they asked so we
found them a safe environment to test it out. I invited her to come watch
my daughter's joy while in her dance class. I invited her to come see how
much my son loves to play <s>animal ball</s> basketball and that he begs to
play more. I will never force my children to "do" anything, but I
will not shelter them from the opportunity to try it out. <br />
<br />
So as if I didn't upset her enough she then says "I guess you would be
happy to beat your child at a board game" I don't think she was
wanting me to actually answer that by the look on her face, but I did anyway.<br />
<br />
I do believe that children need to be exposed to the possibility of rejection
or "losing" as early as they can comprehend it. Now before you
flame me for that, let me explain. One important factor - In
moderation. For example, when we play board games here DaddyCool and I do not
"let" the kids win. If we are playing Candyland or another
children's game and they happen to come in last we use that as a learning
experience. My co worker thought that was completely out of line and why
would we want to "hurt" them in these precious years.<br />
<br />
So to that I say this, losing might hurt for a bit when it is Mommy and Daddy,
but when they are at school it is going to hurt a lot worse if they have never been
exposed to some disappointment in life. The tough reality is they won't
win at everything and the answer will not always be "yes". Why
not use a safe environment to mold them to handle this in the real world?<br />
<br />
Now don't worry, when are are facing bigger challenges we don't go around demoralizing our
children. Well, at least I don't. You might have to ask DaddyCool how
proud he was to have beat our 6 year old in checkers. (ha ha). No but really,
there is judgment used when to teach these valuable lessons and when to
"let" them enjoy the victory. That is the balance each parent finds
for each child's tolerance for learning these tough lessons. Losing is a reality....Reality
bites sometimes. </span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
Mommy Refhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15636233842279905237noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2832700510182264286.post-25715200815896481112013-01-02T18:00:00.001-08:002013-01-02T18:00:43.648-08:00Breaking Wind<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0tz8mHV2IjPIbrK6INwUqnFtMTaZXRngjLZ3iWD2cZzVn4Hi239yNciVKuo-LTA8ydWzdmKBZ3tKzRdYcTziQdaEBw8x6iS-FdxbWUGJm6mdvi2IsidwCeZN5D_L3lCy944tk-lPu_229/s1600/Breaking-Wind-588x441.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0tz8mHV2IjPIbrK6INwUqnFtMTaZXRngjLZ3iWD2cZzVn4Hi239yNciVKuo-LTA8ydWzdmKBZ3tKzRdYcTziQdaEBw8x6iS-FdxbWUGJm6mdvi2IsidwCeZN5D_L3lCy944tk-lPu_229/s200/Breaking-Wind-588x441.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Overwhelmed is
the word of the <s>day</s> week. The planned items that don't go as well
as you expected. The unplanned items which go better than expected.
These past few days have been filled with planning in ways we, well, didn't
plan for.<br />
<br />
Now don't get me wrong, I do think that everything happens for a reason.
I also believe that we don't have bad days, just harder ones. I do try to
remember these great sayings when the going gets tough, but there is always one
thing that is guaranteed to make it go away, even if just for a few
minutes....Breaking Wind!<br />
<br />
No, no, not THAT kind of wind. This is the moment in which you roll down
all the windows in the car and pop open the sunroof and play your favorite tune
and just drive. If you play it right, you even drive a different route to
gain a minute or two more of your breaking wind adventure.<br />
<br />
Breaking wind was coined by my now 7 year old when he was 4. He loves to ride
with the wind blowing on his face. Just like his Mom, he feels the
relaxation and release this simple task provides. It was him this<span style="font-size: small;"> afternoon</span>
that asked, "Mama, can we roll the windows down and play your music
loud? Can we break wind M<span style="font-size: small;">om</span>?" I guess he felt it this afternoon
too<span style="font-size: small;">.</span></span></span></span></span></div>
Mommy Refhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15636233842279905237noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2832700510182264286.post-26231529430809174122012-12-26T10:30:00.000-08:002012-12-26T10:41:48.346-08:00Slowing It Down<!--[if !mso]>
<style>
v\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
o\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
w\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
.shape {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
</style>
<![endif]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ6iFhOz4NBjPUHvKnbNEbhz60f9SPoEmorA3xVI_uoqmC4arWOpF7TGmyD-J8Ehx1lzZmxFPy-noNdHM_73TEvFBOwrw0qlorB8a9xO5_UVj-tBwi9PhptvxQn-3Vjgil4or4YPJJFGbU/s1600/slow-down.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ6iFhOz4NBjPUHvKnbNEbhz60f9SPoEmorA3xVI_uoqmC4arWOpF7TGmyD-J8Ehx1lzZmxFPy-noNdHM_73TEvFBOwrw0qlorB8a9xO5_UVj-tBwi9PhptvxQn-3Vjgil4or4YPJJFGbU/s320/slow-down.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div align="center" class="separator" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPdeN2reSF8h306ZagQenpZEqj3Qwd6EPymmrfSvoJybj3CMGWekmrnLYNTeetkjBy-XwGi_RjQhOaGsdJdqmNOZ3Zx3bTJeToshYjzYhfJbDhMHrNw-qj9km3TrTkEXKiWxdvh9lK-O2X/s1600/slow+road2.jpg"><span style="color: blue; mso-no-proof: yes; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><span style="mso-ignore: vglayout;"><br /></span></span></a></div>
Today starts an 8 day stretch. A stretch of time which I do not get to
enjoy often enough. Time I am able to spend completely with my
family. Today starts my only "long" vacation from work for the
entire year. I will be away from the chaos for 8 whole days! I am
excited for the mental break from work life. I am more excited about just
being a wife and mom for 8 whole days.<br />
<br />
I have been looking forward to this for a long time. A very long time.<br />
<br />
Now the question is what will I do with the 8-9 hours more with my family
duties. Should I do more chores? Plan wonderful things for us to
do? Nah. I am going to just "be". Enjoy what the
day brings and enjoy the moments I usually miss out on. The little
things. I plan to spend my time on the little things and little
ones in my life.<br />
<br />
I will be slowing down for a bit, because let's face it, we often are moving
too fast.<br />
<br />
Moving too fast and we don't realize it until it is too late. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHlvR3JHfoJTgDmhEXB-4iFv9drvwChHo2aYs7ZLSCcSDgXihN8AwFgLHtVZwIOJnVlcYHbt7iaR3vBT-_5DgBSzkC99aEJATHHK_tL3tnf5J_c42g2yWRDtfMgj7fSypItbJ6FI4krgpe/s1600/slowdown.jpg"><span style="color: blue; mso-no-proof: yes; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><span style="mso-ignore: vglayout;"><br /></span></span></a>
Slowing it down...<br />
<br />
Today I will put the brakes on the rush of it all and throw it in neutral
for the ride.<br />
An 8 day ride...<br />
I am excited to see what this trip brings.Mommy Refhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15636233842279905237noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2832700510182264286.post-29982835265812505162012-12-20T18:41:00.001-08:002012-12-20T18:44:18.615-08:00Gratitude<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: 'Cambria','serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">I submitted this to the work "Gratitude Writing Contest" and won some Starbucks from it this morning.</span><span style="font-family: 'Cambria','serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">
</span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: 'Cambria','serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Mmmmm Coffee!</span><span style="font-family: 'Cambria','serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">
</span>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: 'Cambria','serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">At first I was irritated that it took them over a month to send the results of the contest. Then I thought about it a bit more and deciding it was genius. Pure genius! So many times we reflect on the things we are thankful for in that milestone month of November. We often find ways to see the "good" in our hard times we have experienced over the past year. </span><span style="font-family: 'Cambria','serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Cambria','serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Then we go buy a ton of presents that mean nothing and forget about all those things we reflected on just weeks prior. </span><span style="font-family: 'Cambria','serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Cambria','serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">So I challenge you to not forget. And in the spirit of sharing, here is what I submitted.</span><span style="font-family: 'Cambria','serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Cambria','serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Gratitude is an attitude.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a way of living.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Slowing down to appreciate all the small things we often take for granted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Realizing that in one mere second, your life could change forever or end.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is deeper than a simple thank you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is seeing the wonderfulness of each event in your life as a chance to better yourself for tomorrow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A chance to better this world for the little ones we love so much.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t allow the small things in life to cloud the big picture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Strive to be gracious for each and every moment.</span><span style="font-family: 'Cambria','serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Cambria','serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">In the MommyRef house we will be creating a jar to place our best moments in for 2013. Then we will be able to share those memories as a family next New Years Eve. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Cambria','serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Join us! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Cambria','serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">365 days of Gratitude</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3AZSPaTELHEh3Xh0NmusFc4W4Ok0ruY1O1e0_X5sPg34sgGE5uVI0cU_Gm9XcQfJwu71YE1bGBoVGTJfspz2ljphsWyzhGoQvVHqE8WdzZ4_LEsjgYVrN3AgsX-M2w4j6yD82mM9pxKmd/s1600/gratitude.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3AZSPaTELHEh3Xh0NmusFc4W4Ok0ruY1O1e0_X5sPg34sgGE5uVI0cU_Gm9XcQfJwu71YE1bGBoVGTJfspz2ljphsWyzhGoQvVHqE8WdzZ4_LEsjgYVrN3AgsX-M2w4j6yD82mM9pxKmd/s320/gratitude.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Cambria','serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</div>
</span>Mommy Refhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15636233842279905237noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2832700510182264286.post-15084489628876296882012-12-19T14:57:00.001-08:002012-12-19T14:57:48.781-08:00Pay It Forward<span style="font-family: Calibri;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">What was I doing at 7am on a Saturday morning? Standing in line at the store because I forgot we didn’t have milk on the way home from work the night before. I know, why 7am...because the minions had already been up since 6am asking for breakfast...it took me an hour to listen. So I decided to run to the store and surprise the kids with a rare treat of donuts since I would alread be out getting the milk I forgot. Then of course I remembered I needed bananas and then I remembered I needed….well you get the picture. An entire shopping cart later because I clearly have no self control I am finally in line. </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">For those of you that shop early bird on a Saturday you know that they more often than not only have one register open. The Express Lane. Well I was by no means a qualifier for this lane but I had no other options so into the express I went with my cart of items. I began to unload my cart…yes I did remember the milk I went for. A young man got into line behind me. He actually belonged there. In his handle basket he had milk, hamburger meat, veggies, yogurt, and eggs. I offered for him to go before me as I was still unloading my basket, with wheels. He was thankful and stepped ahead. </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">The checker rang him up as I continued to unload. Then I overheard him asking about removing items from his total as he didn’t have enough money. In that moment for a quick second I thought, how can you plan to buy all this if you don’t have the money to? I began to judge...but then I stopped and from my lips came… Here is $10 and keep the change. The man looked at me in shock. The checker paused to see if I was really serious. This made me pause as well. Had I just done that? Yes, I did.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">The man grabbed my hand and said thank you. A real heartfelt in his eyes.... Thank You. He proceeded to tell us both that he had lost his job a couple of weeks ago and hadn’t had time to put his unemployment check in the bank because he has been at the hospital with his wife and new preemie baby. He was hoping to just grab a homemade meal with his 5 year son because he loves to BBQ hamburgers. He thought he had more money in his wallet but remember when he heard the total that he had given $5 to a lady who needed bus fare from the hospital home and he didn’t have any ones.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">I had no words. I still have no words. Pay It Forward Players. Pay it forward.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 6pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Please share your own stories or plan a pay it forward of your own. </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
</span>Mommy Refhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15636233842279905237noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2832700510182264286.post-75944136315616313892012-12-13T16:27:00.000-08:002012-12-13T16:27:00.547-08:00Undercover Writer - My Guest Post<div class="MsoNormal">
When Miss Banana Pants asked me to write a guest post, I was
really nervous to answer “yes”. I
actually read her request and did not respond at first because the
original
response was a swift "thanks, but no thanks”. I am a rookie with this
blogging/Facebook/writing thing. I don't entirely open up yet. I still
hide the "real me" behind "The Mommy Ref" facade. Being
new to the writing arena, I am often asked why I choose to "hide" who I
am. Is it because I had something horrible happen in life? Am I hiding
to give me an opportunity to talk trash
about the people closest to me? Is the
"real" me too afraid of being judged for my parenting decisions or
life views by friends and family? Visit <a href="http://missbananapants.blogspot.com/2012/12/undercover-writer.html">Miss Banana Pants</a>. To find out more!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i>Miss Banana Pants - Thank you for the opportunity to share my thoughts with your fans.</i></b></div>
Mommy Refhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15636233842279905237noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2832700510182264286.post-46332795414521550112012-12-10T10:49:00.000-08:002012-12-10T10:49:56.590-08:0010<span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">Ten down….many many more to go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Today is the 10<sup>th</sup> of December and I am officially down 10 pounds since I started this little thing called taking care of myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Co-Workers are asking what my secret is but I don’t have one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am just finally taking care of me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Making sure I have time to choose the right foods to get me through the day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Forcing myself to get out there and “do” things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Making sure I have time to be the fun Mom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I got out there and got active instead of dictating how to play a game.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was out there showing them (winning sometimes too).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You know all those things that we should be doing but we often get too distracted to do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Shhh, I even got DaddyCool to dance with me in the kitchen while making breakfast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At first the kids thought we were crazy….then they couldn’t stop laughing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Go “be” a kid again, even if just for a little while.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It does wonders.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Promise<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-no-proof: yes;"><v:shapetype coordsize="21600,21600" filled="f" id="_x0000_t75" o:preferrelative="t" o:spt="75" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" stroked="f"><v:stroke joinstyle="miter"></v:stroke><v:formulas><v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0"></v:f><v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0"></v:f><v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1"></v:f><v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2"></v:f><v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth"></v:f><v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight"></v:f><v:f eqn="sum @0 0 1"></v:f><v:f eqn="prod @6 1 2"></v:f><v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth"></v:f><v:f eqn="sum @8 21600 0"></v:f><v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight"></v:f><v:f eqn="sum @10 21600 0"></v:f></v:formulas><v:path gradientshapeok="t" o:connecttype="rect" o:extrusionok="f"></v:path><o:lock aspectratio="t" v:ext="edit"></o:lock></v:shapetype></span><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</div>
</span></span>Mommy Refhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15636233842279905237noreply@blogger.com3