See you next week for picture overload and a beach vacation recap!
Monday, July 22, 2013
Excuse Me...
I will not be blogging this week because I will be doing this...
See you next week for picture overload and a beach vacation recap!
See you next week for picture overload and a beach vacation recap!
Friday, July 19, 2013
Working Mom Woes
Since there seems to be that huge "hot button" issue in the blogging world that pits working moms against stay at home moms and vise versa, I am starting this post with this caveat:
This post in no way means I, as a working mom, am better than any SAHM or have any more/less stress than a SAHM. However, I am a working mom and this is all I know.
Now...to the point of this post...and the chaotic week that we have experienced.
Both Travis and I work. Travis on his tile business, which I am so proud of him for continuing to grow each year despite the poor economy. I work for a mass retail supplier.
I have a great job. I can work from home as needed/wanted. I can leave early to take my girls to dance. I am able to go to things at school and even keep them home when they are sick, all while still working.
However, there are times when I have meetings or people from Corporate are in town. I also travel some with my job. But, overall it's very flexible and allows me to stick to my guns on putting my fleeting time with the girls first. Work life balance is and always will be a priority in my career and something that no amount of money will be worth sacrificing. (I decided that a long time ago and have been VERY diligent in sticking to that. I am lucky I have a husband who is super encouraging and supportive of my career.)
I have always loved to work. I like to be busy and frankly, I would be an awful stay at home mom. I love my kids, but I don't think I would be able to keep them busy EVERY.SINGLE.DAY. I am also an awful housekeeper and that's a big part of staying at home, in my opinion. Working gives me an excuse to have piles of laundry to wash and messy bedrooms. There is only one time a year that I wish I stayed home and it's in the summer. Can I get an amen?
This week though...it's been rough. I have questioned my abilities to juggle it all. I have wondered if I by juggling so much that I am not great at any single aspect of all of our life.
It all started on Tuesday night. I was cooking dinner and Travis was on his way home. Catherine came in the kitchen complaining of a headache. I assumed that she just hadn't had enough water to drink and was slightly dehydrated. So, I put her on the counter to give her some water. She took one drink of water, leaned over and threw up on me, on herself and a little in the sink. At that point, I knew we had a problem. (I mean...duh!) After I cleaned her up, I took her temperature. Sure enough, she had a fever. But, she seemed to be feeling a little better after her little episode. So, I fed her dinner, bathed her and put her in bed. All the while, I was praying she would be better in the morning; 1) no one wants their child to be sick 2) I had people in town the next day and could NOT work from home.
Wednesday morning rolled around and Catherine was still sick. Travis had a job he needed to finish by Friday. So, the great debate started. Would it be better for me to stay home with her or take her with me to work? Finally, I decided to take her with me. The day was long. She was bored, but no one seemed to have a issue with having her there. So, it all worked out and by the end of the work day, Catherine was back to her wild and crazy self.
That night, Catherine and I got home. Travis picked up the other two girls and the minute he walked in the door, he said, "Hannah is complaining of a headache. She seems warm, so I am going to take her temperature." My first thoughts, "You have GOT to be kidding me!" Hannah was standing at the counter with the thermometer in her mouth and lost it right there in the kitchen sink...and on Travis.
(This is where I pause and say how glad I am that neither of the girls puked on the carpet...because that's gross to clean up. And, I laughed a little when Hannah threw up on Travis...he got his turn!)
It was the same situation with Hannah, but this time we knew she wasn't going to be better in the morning. Travis was still working on that same house. I still had people in town and a big meeting that afternoon. So, again, Travis and I worked together to figure out a plan. I took Hannah for the morning to the office with an old nap mat, DVD player/movies and books. At lunch, Travis picked her up and kept her with him at work for the day.
Yes, the meeting was great. Yes, it all worked out. But, holy cow! It was so stressful. I hated having to bring the girls to work with me. I hated it for them because they would have felt better to stay home, watch movies and rest. I hated it for me because I don't want any of my bosses to think I have too much "personal life" to be good at my job. I, even, questioned why we live four hours from my parents, because I know my mom would step up and help me out!
This is just one example of the stress that working moms tend to have...and a majority, if not all of it, is brought on by ourselves. I have this drive both at home and at the office to be the best mom/wife/employee I can be. When this happens to a co-worker or a friend, I understand and give them all the grace they deserve for dealing with the situation at hand the best they can. They do the same for me. So, why can't I extend that same grace to myself?
I know my house will never be spotless. I know that there will be the occasional school function that I miss because of work travel. I know that there will be a team dinner or two that I bail on so I don't miss a softball game. It is a very delicate balance of work and home. Most of the time, I handle it well.
But, for any other moms out there who read this, SAHM or working mom, I need you to know, I am no super mom. I fail more often that I care to admit, despite my best efforts. At the end of the day, I am good at my job, my kids/husband know I love them more than any career opportunity, and Catherine told Hannah, "Going to Mommy's office is boring...except the marker board and that is awesome!".
Today, I will work from home with the girls here with me. Pack for vacation in between conference calls and refilling juice cups. And, I will probably do a dance in the kitchen starting at noon because...IT'S TIME TO HEAD OUT FOR VACATION!
Happy Friday!
This post in no way means I, as a working mom, am better than any SAHM or have any more/less stress than a SAHM. However, I am a working mom and this is all I know.
Now...to the point of this post...and the chaotic week that we have experienced.
Both Travis and I work. Travis on his tile business, which I am so proud of him for continuing to grow each year despite the poor economy. I work for a mass retail supplier.
I have a great job. I can work from home as needed/wanted. I can leave early to take my girls to dance. I am able to go to things at school and even keep them home when they are sick, all while still working.
However, there are times when I have meetings or people from Corporate are in town. I also travel some with my job. But, overall it's very flexible and allows me to stick to my guns on putting my fleeting time with the girls first. Work life balance is and always will be a priority in my career and something that no amount of money will be worth sacrificing. (I decided that a long time ago and have been VERY diligent in sticking to that. I am lucky I have a husband who is super encouraging and supportive of my career.)
I have always loved to work. I like to be busy and frankly, I would be an awful stay at home mom. I love my kids, but I don't think I would be able to keep them busy EVERY.SINGLE.DAY. I am also an awful housekeeper and that's a big part of staying at home, in my opinion. Working gives me an excuse to have piles of laundry to wash and messy bedrooms. There is only one time a year that I wish I stayed home and it's in the summer. Can I get an amen?
This week though...it's been rough. I have questioned my abilities to juggle it all. I have wondered if I by juggling so much that I am not great at any single aspect of all of our life.
It all started on Tuesday night. I was cooking dinner and Travis was on his way home. Catherine came in the kitchen complaining of a headache. I assumed that she just hadn't had enough water to drink and was slightly dehydrated. So, I put her on the counter to give her some water. She took one drink of water, leaned over and threw up on me, on herself and a little in the sink. At that point, I knew we had a problem. (I mean...duh!) After I cleaned her up, I took her temperature. Sure enough, she had a fever. But, she seemed to be feeling a little better after her little episode. So, I fed her dinner, bathed her and put her in bed. All the while, I was praying she would be better in the morning; 1) no one wants their child to be sick 2) I had people in town the next day and could NOT work from home.
Wednesday morning rolled around and Catherine was still sick. Travis had a job he needed to finish by Friday. So, the great debate started. Would it be better for me to stay home with her or take her with me to work? Finally, I decided to take her with me. The day was long. She was bored, but no one seemed to have a issue with having her there. So, it all worked out and by the end of the work day, Catherine was back to her wild and crazy self.
That night, Catherine and I got home. Travis picked up the other two girls and the minute he walked in the door, he said, "Hannah is complaining of a headache. She seems warm, so I am going to take her temperature." My first thoughts, "You have GOT to be kidding me!" Hannah was standing at the counter with the thermometer in her mouth and lost it right there in the kitchen sink...and on Travis.
(This is where I pause and say how glad I am that neither of the girls puked on the carpet...because that's gross to clean up. And, I laughed a little when Hannah threw up on Travis...he got his turn!)
It was the same situation with Hannah, but this time we knew she wasn't going to be better in the morning. Travis was still working on that same house. I still had people in town and a big meeting that afternoon. So, again, Travis and I worked together to figure out a plan. I took Hannah for the morning to the office with an old nap mat, DVD player/movies and books. At lunch, Travis picked her up and kept her with him at work for the day.
Yes, the meeting was great. Yes, it all worked out. But, holy cow! It was so stressful. I hated having to bring the girls to work with me. I hated it for them because they would have felt better to stay home, watch movies and rest. I hated it for me because I don't want any of my bosses to think I have too much "personal life" to be good at my job. I, even, questioned why we live four hours from my parents, because I know my mom would step up and help me out!
This is just one example of the stress that working moms tend to have...and a majority, if not all of it, is brought on by ourselves. I have this drive both at home and at the office to be the best mom/wife/employee I can be. When this happens to a co-worker or a friend, I understand and give them all the grace they deserve for dealing with the situation at hand the best they can. They do the same for me. So, why can't I extend that same grace to myself?
I know my house will never be spotless. I know that there will be the occasional school function that I miss because of work travel. I know that there will be a team dinner or two that I bail on so I don't miss a softball game. It is a very delicate balance of work and home. Most of the time, I handle it well.
But, for any other moms out there who read this, SAHM or working mom, I need you to know, I am no super mom. I fail more often that I care to admit, despite my best efforts. At the end of the day, I am good at my job, my kids/husband know I love them more than any career opportunity, and Catherine told Hannah, "Going to Mommy's office is boring...except the marker board and that is awesome!".
Today, I will work from home with the girls here with me. Pack for vacation in between conference calls and refilling juice cups. And, I will probably do a dance in the kitchen starting at noon because...IT'S TIME TO HEAD OUT FOR VACATION!
Happy Friday!
Wednesday, July 17, 2013
4th of July 2013
My goodness...I am so behind! But, we had a very good Fourth in our house. We spend the actual 4th moving, but had so much fun enjoying our traditional Mexican Food and Fireworks at the Crosses with our friends.
I absolutely love this tradition with everyone. And, I especially love the memories with my crazies!
I absolutely love this tradition with everyone. And, I especially love the memories with my crazies!
Friday, July 12, 2013
Friday's Music: My Theme Song
When I was younger, I was always pretty clumsy. I can remember one time I was walking through our house and we had white columns near the living room. I was talking to my mom and walked face first into one of them...and we had lived there for several years!
In High School, I played basketball. My dad and some of the other dad's used to bet whether I would fall or foul first. I am sure 7 out of 10 times, fall was the winner. (And, there are so many things wrong with this little fact of my life...I mean, come on DAD!?)
During that time, Chumbawamba's "Tubthumping" was really popular. I loved the song and even had to CD. (Ironic, huh?).
After last summer, I am pretty sure I took the chorus of "I get knocked down, but I get up again..." to a WHOLE new level. Ha! So, I have officially declared this my theme song. HAPPY FRIDAY!
In High School, I played basketball. My dad and some of the other dad's used to bet whether I would fall or foul first. I am sure 7 out of 10 times, fall was the winner. (And, there are so many things wrong with this little fact of my life...I mean, come on DAD!?)
During that time, Chumbawamba's "Tubthumping" was really popular. I loved the song and even had to CD. (Ironic, huh?).
After last summer, I am pretty sure I took the chorus of "I get knocked down, but I get up again..." to a WHOLE new level. Ha! So, I have officially declared this my theme song. HAPPY FRIDAY!
Thursday, July 11, 2013
Softball 2013
Wow! Between moving and soaking up every little bit of summer we can, I have COMPLETELY neglected the blog.
During the month of May, Emma and Hannah played softball. I will say, I was not super pumped about it. I know NOTHING about softball. Emma played last year, but I missed it all. So, to say I was a little out of my element would be an understatement.
Travis and the girls practiced in the backyard and I just watched, not knowing how I could help them. Finally the games rolled around and I found myself LOVING it! Don't get me wrong, I love watching my girls do things that they like to do. But, I wasn't sure what my "role" was in the whole softball thing. I quickly realized that I could organize snacks for after the game and put ribbons in the girls' hair like no body's business...and my niche was found! :)
Both girls had the same coach and did so well with the girls this year. Emma's team was AWESOME! They won all games but one.
(Insert my rant about the fact that they do not keep score in their softball league. I mean...how are they supposed to learn to be good losers and gracious winners if everyone wins??? ANNOYING! So, yes, I kept score.)
It was so much fun watching them play. Emma is a great fielder and improved SO much this year. After their last game, they had a fun little party at the pavilion and celebrated their successes.
Hannah's team was still tee-ball. It was interesting/funny, to say the least. Hannah learned very quickly that if she caught the ball in the field, not to chance throwing it (because NONE of them can catch or throw) and just run to the base and tag it. :) Smart girl!
She loved her little teammates and played with a little girl from her dance class and her bestie, Reese! They played their last game in the rain and had a party to celebrate a fun season afterwards, complete with blue cupcakes, as evident from the pictures!
Catherine felt a little left out, so she is asking to play "Soccerballey" in the fall. This could be interesting...
During the month of May, Emma and Hannah played softball. I will say, I was not super pumped about it. I know NOTHING about softball. Emma played last year, but I missed it all. So, to say I was a little out of my element would be an understatement.
Travis and the girls practiced in the backyard and I just watched, not knowing how I could help them. Finally the games rolled around and I found myself LOVING it! Don't get me wrong, I love watching my girls do things that they like to do. But, I wasn't sure what my "role" was in the whole softball thing. I quickly realized that I could organize snacks for after the game and put ribbons in the girls' hair like no body's business...and my niche was found! :)
Both girls had the same coach and did so well with the girls this year. Emma's team was AWESOME! They won all games but one.
(Insert my rant about the fact that they do not keep score in their softball league. I mean...how are they supposed to learn to be good losers and gracious winners if everyone wins??? ANNOYING! So, yes, I kept score.)
It was so much fun watching them play. Emma is a great fielder and improved SO much this year. After their last game, they had a fun little party at the pavilion and celebrated their successes.
Hannah's team was still tee-ball. It was interesting/funny, to say the least. Hannah learned very quickly that if she caught the ball in the field, not to chance throwing it (because NONE of them can catch or throw) and just run to the base and tag it. :) Smart girl!
She loved her little teammates and played with a little girl from her dance class and her bestie, Reese! They played their last game in the rain and had a party to celebrate a fun season afterwards, complete with blue cupcakes, as evident from the pictures!
Catherine felt a little left out, so she is asking to play "Soccerballey" in the fall. This could be interesting...
Monday, July 1, 2013
So Long, Farewell
When Emma was barely 2 years old, we bought our first house. It was a MAJOR "fixer upper" and we poured our blood, sweat and tears into this house. We ripped out carpet, peeled wallpaper, sanded, painted and textured. But, we finally made this our home. And, we loved our little house.
Our home is not a big house and we have out grown it very quickly. As we realized it was time to move out, the housing market fell apart. We tried to sell several times over the course of two years, but we just couldn't find a buyer.
Recently, we stuck a "For Sale by Owner" sign in the yard, just to see if we could get any bites. Two months later, we had an offer. I can't believe after all the frustration of trying to sell, wondering if we ever would and debating keeping it as rental property and moving anyway, we are finally moving out.
I really thought I would be all "good riddins" to this house. But, now, as I pack up our life to move, I find my self a little sad. We have made SO SO many good memories in this house. When we first moved in, we barely had enough furniture/stuff to fill up three rooms. Now, I am purging because we have WAY too much, (as we are temporarily moving to a small rental house until we decide if we build or buy.) We brought two of the three girls home from the hospital here. All three of them have been potty trained right on that '70s green potty. We have had so many fun Christmases here and made so many traditions in this little house.
So, while I box up our life and prepare us all for the next chapter, I am wanted to FINALLY share pictures of our home on the blog. It's so bittersweet to say good-bye to 2202, but I can hardly wait to see what's next for us!
Our home is not a big house and we have out grown it very quickly. As we realized it was time to move out, the housing market fell apart. We tried to sell several times over the course of two years, but we just couldn't find a buyer.
Recently, we stuck a "For Sale by Owner" sign in the yard, just to see if we could get any bites. Two months later, we had an offer. I can't believe after all the frustration of trying to sell, wondering if we ever would and debating keeping it as rental property and moving anyway, we are finally moving out.
I really thought I would be all "good riddins" to this house. But, now, as I pack up our life to move, I find my self a little sad. We have made SO SO many good memories in this house. When we first moved in, we barely had enough furniture/stuff to fill up three rooms. Now, I am purging because we have WAY too much, (as we are temporarily moving to a small rental house until we decide if we build or buy.) We brought two of the three girls home from the hospital here. All three of them have been potty trained right on that '70s green potty. We have had so many fun Christmases here and made so many traditions in this little house.
So, while I box up our life and prepare us all for the next chapter, I am wanted to FINALLY share pictures of our home on the blog. It's so bittersweet to say good-bye to 2202, but I can hardly wait to see what's next for us!
Our First Home
Living Room
Kitchen
Dining Room
Master Bedroom
Master Bathroom
Hannah & Catherine's Room
The Girls' Bathroom
Emma's Room
SO LONG! WE WILL MISS YOU, OLD HOUSE!
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