Day 158
I am ashamed to say, I can't think of anything for yesterday or today. I've just been busy living life.
I take it back...I learned tonight that my best friend has been thinking of me just as much as I've been thinking of her. That is a happy feeling.
Janet
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Monday, June 28, 2010
Link to Learning
Day 157
Today I learned how to feed a turtle (which is something my two year old taught me). I also learned from Emma's doctor that if one parent has an allergy...any allergy, there is a 40% chance that the child will also develop an allergy (It doesn't have to be the same allergy as the parent's). If both parents have an allergy, the risk becomes 80%. I also learned that even though the world seems to be going down the toilet, with all its global warming, crime, war, and economic struggle...there is still so much good in it. Today as I was standing in the bank, an elderly lady brought each of the bankers their favorite candy bars. They all knew her name, and she knew theirs. People still care.
I also found this website...my new inspiration! I hope you enjoy it.
http://www.lifehack.org/articles/lifestyle/learn-something-new-every-day.html
Janet
Today I learned how to feed a turtle (which is something my two year old taught me). I also learned from Emma's doctor that if one parent has an allergy...any allergy, there is a 40% chance that the child will also develop an allergy (It doesn't have to be the same allergy as the parent's). If both parents have an allergy, the risk becomes 80%. I also learned that even though the world seems to be going down the toilet, with all its global warming, crime, war, and economic struggle...there is still so much good in it. Today as I was standing in the bank, an elderly lady brought each of the bankers their favorite candy bars. They all knew her name, and she knew theirs. People still care.
I also found this website...my new inspiration! I hope you enjoy it.
http://www.lifehack.org/articles/lifestyle/learn-something-new-every-day.html
Janet
Birthing Center
Day 156 (Sunday, June 27th)
I went to visit my sister while she was being monitored at the hospital (all is well and the baby is fine) and I became completely intoxicated by the sterile disinfectant smell of the birthing center. It is a very distinct scent, unique to the birthing center. Heavenly. It smells like babies. In that moment, if I could have gotten pregnant instantly, I would have. There has been a lot of back and forth in our house about whether or not we'd have another child. More in my head than actual discussion. Today I learned that I definitely want another baby. I can't deny the feeling that there's just one more. But she'll need to be patient, because I'm not going through pregnancy again any time soon.
Janet
I went to visit my sister while she was being monitored at the hospital (all is well and the baby is fine) and I became completely intoxicated by the sterile disinfectant smell of the birthing center. It is a very distinct scent, unique to the birthing center. Heavenly. It smells like babies. In that moment, if I could have gotten pregnant instantly, I would have. There has been a lot of back and forth in our house about whether or not we'd have another child. More in my head than actual discussion. Today I learned that I definitely want another baby. I can't deny the feeling that there's just one more. But she'll need to be patient, because I'm not going through pregnancy again any time soon.
Janet
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Balance
Day 155
The topic of balance came up tonight as I was having dinner with some girlfriends. One of them brought up how everyone is always striving for balance. B-A-L-A-N-C-E is such a loaded word. But she concluded that it is impossible to accomplish. Then my sister mentioned something she had learned a while back. Women should be encouraged to avoid this balance everyone works so hard to attain. Our lives are not meant to be balanced. There are things that clearly take priority over others. I wouldn't want my husband and children to be on the same plane of importance as my job, groceries, or the cleanliness of my home. So next time you're feeling icky about all the things that are falling by the wayside, think of the scale of justice. If your scale is tipping grossly, maybe try to even it out a little. But by all means, be sure that it's still heavier with the things that are most important and don't feel guilty about the imbalances in your life. Maybe even embrace them!
Janet
Family Dynamics
Day 154 (Wednesday June 23)
Today I learned that it doesn't matter who you've become, the decisions you've made, how successful you are at your job, whether you own your home, or have a wife and children... when you get around your immediate family, you can't help but revert back to the role you had growing up. Family dynamics do not change no matter how many years you try and change them. I love sitting back with my husband's family and watching who he becomes around his two brothers. You take this confident, successful man and his brothers always manage to strip him down to the "youngest" status- someone they can pick on, make fun-of, and goof around with. But he doesn't see it, or mind really, because that's how he grew up...that's his family and he loves them and they love him. If you think you're immune to it you're wrong. You are trapped in a family role and for Christmases to come, you'll be reacquainted with that person.
Janet
Today I learned that it doesn't matter who you've become, the decisions you've made, how successful you are at your job, whether you own your home, or have a wife and children... when you get around your immediate family, you can't help but revert back to the role you had growing up. Family dynamics do not change no matter how many years you try and change them. I love sitting back with my husband's family and watching who he becomes around his two brothers. You take this confident, successful man and his brothers always manage to strip him down to the "youngest" status- someone they can pick on, make fun-of, and goof around with. But he doesn't see it, or mind really, because that's how he grew up...that's his family and he loves them and they love him. If you think you're immune to it you're wrong. You are trapped in a family role and for Christmases to come, you'll be reacquainted with that person.
Janet
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Day 153
I have had kind of a scary day. I learned that I am allergic to a particular drug and the effects are excruciating. Thankfully the pain is subsiding and I think it's going to be alright.
On a different subject- Trenton and I were teasing Emma about going to a different family if she didn't shape up her attitude. I asked her if she wanted to have a new mommy and daddy and she said, "Yes!" So I asked her what her new mommy would be like and she responded with a one word description. "Black."
I LOVE THAT GIRL!
I was also reminded of how calming my little baby boy is to me today. I could be feeling like death and just holding him soothes my pain a little.
I have had kind of a scary day. I learned that I am allergic to a particular drug and the effects are excruciating. Thankfully the pain is subsiding and I think it's going to be alright.
On a different subject- Trenton and I were teasing Emma about going to a different family if she didn't shape up her attitude. I asked her if she wanted to have a new mommy and daddy and she said, "Yes!" So I asked her what her new mommy would be like and she responded with a one word description. "Black."
I LOVE THAT GIRL!
I was also reminded of how calming my little baby boy is to me today. I could be feeling like death and just holding him soothes my pain a little.
Feeling better already.
Janet
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Confidence and Self-Worth
Day 152
"Most people never fulfill their human promise and potential because they remain perpetually helpless children overwhelmed by a sense of inferiority. The feeling of being okay does not imply that the person has risen above all his faults and emotional problems. It merely means that he refuses to be paralyzed by them."
Dr. Thomas Harris
This is easier said than done. I'm kind of out luck because I choose not to drink or do any other drugs, so I don't have that element to lower my inhibitions. How does one soberly obtain that free-spirited, I'm-going-to-do-this-in-spite-of-what-you-might-think, attitude? Is that even a healthy attitude to have? It seems like the happiest people I've met are not the ones who spend their days doing all the things they enjoy. It's those that try to make this world a happier place for others. If you're spending all your time looking for ways to uplift someone else, how could you possibly be down? I guess the all encompassing ticket to happiness is balance- giving yourself just enough attention and love so that you're capable of loving others to the fullest.
Janet
"Most people never fulfill their human promise and potential because they remain perpetually helpless children overwhelmed by a sense of inferiority. The feeling of being okay does not imply that the person has risen above all his faults and emotional problems. It merely means that he refuses to be paralyzed by them."
Dr. Thomas Harris
This is easier said than done. I'm kind of out luck because I choose not to drink or do any other drugs, so I don't have that element to lower my inhibitions. How does one soberly obtain that free-spirited, I'm-going-to-do-this-in-spite-of-what-you-might-think, attitude? Is that even a healthy attitude to have? It seems like the happiest people I've met are not the ones who spend their days doing all the things they enjoy. It's those that try to make this world a happier place for others. If you're spending all your time looking for ways to uplift someone else, how could you possibly be down? I guess the all encompassing ticket to happiness is balance- giving yourself just enough attention and love so that you're capable of loving others to the fullest.
Janet
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Apartheid
Day 151
I have been reading about Nelson Mandala tonight. I learned all kinds of things about his life that make me sincerely grateful for the life I live and the basic human rights I take for granted.
Janet
I have been reading about Nelson Mandala tonight. I learned all kinds of things about his life that make me sincerely grateful for the life I live and the basic human rights I take for granted.
Janet
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Horrible
Day 150
I learned that Emma knows the word "Horrible." And she used it about 100 times today...correctly.
Janet
I learned that Emma knows the word "Horrible." And she used it about 100 times today...correctly.
Janet
2002
Day 149 (Wednesday- June 16th)
Today I learned how important it is to reflect on the past. I'm not saying live in it...but reflecting on it can give some much needed perspective. A fun way to do this is to think of a year that was particularly memorable and google the most popular song from that year and listen to it. Music is second to scent when it comes to the power it has to conjure up emotions. 2002 was my year, for so many reasons...and the song was "In My Place", by Coldplay. I am so thankful it's no longer 2002!
Janet
Today I learned how important it is to reflect on the past. I'm not saying live in it...but reflecting on it can give some much needed perspective. A fun way to do this is to think of a year that was particularly memorable and google the most popular song from that year and listen to it. Music is second to scent when it comes to the power it has to conjure up emotions. 2002 was my year, for so many reasons...and the song was "In My Place", by Coldplay. I am so thankful it's no longer 2002!
Janet
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Sales
Day 148
Today I learned that Hobby Lobby is having a massive 80% off sale and Bath and Body Works has $3 shower gels as part of their semi-annual sale.
I am really getting sick of this blog. If anyone has anything especially inspiring, please send it my way.
Janet
Today I learned that Hobby Lobby is having a massive 80% off sale and Bath and Body Works has $3 shower gels as part of their semi-annual sale.
I am really getting sick of this blog. If anyone has anything especially inspiring, please send it my way.
Janet
Bedy-Bye
Day 145 (Monday, June 14th)
I wanted so desperately to learn profound things each day. Lessons that I would be able to pass on to my kids so they would feel that they had a place to turn if they needed answers. But today I can honestly say the things I learned hardly seem worth mentioning. Ben is teething so my day started at 1 a.m. and continued with one exhausting hour after another. The day was jam packed with activities that were completely abandoned and the three of us hung out in bed most of the day. So I guess that's what I learned today-you don't always have to push yourself. Sometimes it's better to give your body a little nourishing relaxation. When something hurts, your body is trying to communicate with you-and usually it's screaming, "Give me a break!"
I wanted so desperately to learn profound things each day. Lessons that I would be able to pass on to my kids so they would feel that they had a place to turn if they needed answers. But today I can honestly say the things I learned hardly seem worth mentioning. Ben is teething so my day started at 1 a.m. and continued with one exhausting hour after another. The day was jam packed with activities that were completely abandoned and the three of us hung out in bed most of the day. So I guess that's what I learned today-you don't always have to push yourself. Sometimes it's better to give your body a little nourishing relaxation. When something hurts, your body is trying to communicate with you-and usually it's screaming, "Give me a break!"
I mean, really...even if we weren't feeling bad...how could we resist?
Janet
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Spontaneity
Day 146
My last sentence on Thursday was that "I needed to get out of this town." I say that in past tense because Trenton and I did get out of town...and it was exactly what both of us needed. Thanks to my Dad and his willingness to put us up in his timeshare, we stayed in Estes Park with Shannon, Steve, Autum, and Matt and there were precisely zero children present. I love my babies, and I have missed them terribly, but this little vacation has been heavenly. I think my favorite moment of this weekend is when Trenton and I got up early in the morning and went down to the pool. It rained all weekend and was chilly so the water in the warm pool caused steam to rise so thick into the atmosphere that you could hardly see the other person unless you were close to them. The backdrop was the Rocky Mountains and they were blanketed by low, waterlogged clouds. The river was so full of mountain and rain water that it was ranging just along side where we swam, and it was just me and Trenton. I think my other favorite part was shopping and being able to dive in and out of these tiny stores that would never accommodate my double stroller. As a mom I had forgotten what spontaneity feels like, and it feels good. So I learned this weekend that to stay happy, sane even, I'm going to need to infuse my life with a little more out of the ordinary. I will forever be grateful to my mother-in-law, Laurie, for being the kind of woman that would actually take my kids for a week, and also being someone we trust wholeheartedly with them. My babies are on their way home today, and it feels like Christmas morning. 
Janet
My last sentence on Thursday was that "I needed to get out of this town." I say that in past tense because Trenton and I did get out of town...and it was exactly what both of us needed. Thanks to my Dad and his willingness to put us up in his timeshare, we stayed in Estes Park with Shannon, Steve, Autum, and Matt and there were precisely zero children present. I love my babies, and I have missed them terribly, but this little vacation has been heavenly. I think my favorite moment of this weekend is when Trenton and I got up early in the morning and went down to the pool. It rained all weekend and was chilly so the water in the warm pool caused steam to rise so thick into the atmosphere that you could hardly see the other person unless you were close to them. The backdrop was the Rocky Mountains and they were blanketed by low, waterlogged clouds. The river was so full of mountain and rain water that it was ranging just along side where we swam, and it was just me and Trenton. I think my other favorite part was shopping and being able to dive in and out of these tiny stores that would never accommodate my double stroller. As a mom I had forgotten what spontaneity feels like, and it feels good. So I learned this weekend that to stay happy, sane even, I'm going to need to infuse my life with a little more out of the ordinary. I will forever be grateful to my mother-in-law, Laurie, for being the kind of woman that would actually take my kids for a week, and also being someone we trust wholeheartedly with them. My babies are on their way home today, and it feels like Christmas morning.
Janet
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Missing Sick
145
Okay...I am completely eating my words from yesterday. I miss my babies so desperately that I'm actually feeling sick to my stomach. I broke into tears at the grocery store because everything reminded me of them. So today I learned that I need them more than they need me. Each time I talked with Emma she was happy as a clam. I've got to get out of this town.
Janet
Okay...I am completely eating my words from yesterday. I miss my babies so desperately that I'm actually feeling sick to my stomach. I broke into tears at the grocery store because everything reminded me of them. So today I learned that I need them more than they need me. Each time I talked with Emma she was happy as a clam. I've got to get out of this town.
Janet
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Vacation
Day 144
Laurie (Trenton's mom) took both my kids on a road trip to Iowa today. Before you jump to the conclusion that I'm a horrible mom for willingly shipping my kids off for a week, keep in mind that a happy mommy raises happy babies! I feel so free. I feel free to go to a movie and the grocery store, and out to lunch, to the library, to rent a movie, to the gym, to the dentist...all without packing a diaper bag, dressing two other human beings, and loading them in and out of car seats and strollers. Am I a bad mother because I enjoy a brief pause from my daily routine? Am I a bad mother because I'm excited about the fact that when I pick something up, it isn't right back on the floor a minute later? Am I a bad mom because I want my children to feel secure and loved by extended family and have unique experiences that don't always involve me or Trenton? I think not!
Because I love my children so much, I feel secure in the joy I'm experiencing during this break from them. And no matter how hard I try to feel torn up inside about them being gone...I just can't! Do I miss them? Of course! Do I want them home tomorrow? No way!
Talk to me in a couple days though...I'll probably be a wreck.
Janet
Laurie (Trenton's mom) took both my kids on a road trip to Iowa today. Before you jump to the conclusion that I'm a horrible mom for willingly shipping my kids off for a week, keep in mind that a happy mommy raises happy babies! I feel so free. I feel free to go to a movie and the grocery store, and out to lunch, to the library, to rent a movie, to the gym, to the dentist...all without packing a diaper bag, dressing two other human beings, and loading them in and out of car seats and strollers. Am I a bad mother because I enjoy a brief pause from my daily routine? Am I a bad mother because I'm excited about the fact that when I pick something up, it isn't right back on the floor a minute later? Am I a bad mom because I want my children to feel secure and loved by extended family and have unique experiences that don't always involve me or Trenton? I think not!
Because I love my children so much, I feel secure in the joy I'm experiencing during this break from them. And no matter how hard I try to feel torn up inside about them being gone...I just can't! Do I miss them? Of course! Do I want them home tomorrow? No way!
Talk to me in a couple days though...I'll probably be a wreck.
Janet
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Finally a Schlosser
Day 143
Today I learned all about the process of legally changing your last name at the Social Security office. It took me five years, but it's officially...official now. For a split second, I had a little identity crisis. I didn't realize a name meant so much to me until the officer informed me that it was changed in the government's system. Anyway, the whole process was such a pain in my side that it gave me one more reason to stay married. That...and the whole love thing.
Janet
Today I learned all about the process of legally changing your last name at the Social Security office. It took me five years, but it's officially...official now. For a split second, I had a little identity crisis. I didn't realize a name meant so much to me until the officer informed me that it was changed in the government's system. Anyway, the whole process was such a pain in my side that it gave me one more reason to stay married. That...and the whole love thing.
Janet
Monday, June 7, 2010
Yummy Recipes
Day 142
I realized I hadn't tried any new recipes in a while...so here are a couple. The pasta was a concoction of things I craved, found on sale, and just threw together. The tomatoes were so incredibly simple and delicious. I have never seen my family, including my 2 year old, devour something so happily. Enjoy!
I realized I hadn't tried any new recipes in a while...so here are a couple. The pasta was a concoction of things I craved, found on sale, and just threw together. The tomatoes were so incredibly simple and delicious. I have never seen my family, including my 2 year old, devour something so happily. Enjoy!
Grilled Tomatoes
Six Roma tomatoes, sliced in half
Fresh Basil
Shredded Parmesan
A pinch of Salt and Pepper
Place them face down on a greased, hot grill for 2 minutes. Turn over and sprinkle with salt and pepper and let grill for another minute. Sprinkle with cheese and basil and serve.
Caramelized Onion and Leek Spaghetti
1 8 oz pkg of cream cheese (I used fat free and it tasted wonderful)
1 cup milk
5 onions, sliced thinly
3 stalks leeks, sliced thinly
4 Tbsp butter
2 Tbsp olive oil
3 tsp salt
1 tsp salt
1 tsp garlic powder
2 tsp sugar
1 tsp balsamic vinegar
Italian bread crumbs to sprinkle on top when served
Caramelize the onions by letting them wilt in 2 tbsp butter, 1 tbsp olive oil, salt, garlic powder, sugar, and balsamic vinegar. They need to cook for about 30-40 minutes. Right before you're about to take them off the burner, pour in about a 1/2 cup of the water the pasta boiled in to the onions. Pour the hot mixture into a food processor, or blender with the cream cheese and blend until almost smooth. Put the mixture on the stove top and heat with milk. Toss the leeks in the same pan as the onions were caramelized in with butter and oil, salt and pepper and a tsp of sugar. Let them soften and become slightly translucent. Toss cooked spaghetti (make sure you salt to the pasta water) with the sauce and top with leeks and mix. Add salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle Italian bread crumbs on top for additional seasoning and texture. You can also add them to the tomatoes!
Janet
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Making Up
Day 141
Janet
Another perk of fighting is the lovely feelings you experience once you've both apologized and moved on. What we were arguing about was arguably stupid and trivial, but I still learned today how precious the gift of forgiveness is. It's the only way to achieve true love, and feel joy. Tonight, all was forgotten when we attended a friend's wedding. The reception was at the Briarhurst, which is where Trenton proposed to me six years ago, in this very gazebo. He really is one of my favorite people. I love the guy.
Janet
Friday, June 4, 2010
Sharing
Day 139 (Thursday, June 3)
I asked Emma tonight where she grew and she pointed to my stomach. I asked her where Ben grew and she said, "In Daddy's tummy." After explaining to her that both Ben and Emma grew in my mine, she leaned down to kiss my stomach and rested her head on it while saying, "This is our tummy."
Janet
I asked Emma tonight where she grew and she pointed to my stomach. I asked her where Ben grew and she said, "In Daddy's tummy." After explaining to her that both Ben and Emma grew in my mine, she leaned down to kiss my stomach and rested her head on it while saying, "This is our tummy."
Janet
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Cancer
Day 138
I spent most of the day in bed, nauseated. And depressed that I was nauseated. I go through my life with chronic stomach ailments and I'm usually able to keep up with things in spite of it all...with a genuine smile even. But I had one of those pity-party days where I couldn't stop thinking about myself and how horrible I feel, and how unfair life is. Tonight I sat next to a friend I hadn't seen in 7 years. She asked me what I'd been up to and I listed off the wonderful things that have happened in my life since I was 20. When I asked how she had been, she pointed to her spiky, freshly grown hair and sweetly said, "The years have been much kinder to you." She's been battling cancer. How dare I feel sorry for myself.
Janet
I spent most of the day in bed, nauseated. And depressed that I was nauseated. I go through my life with chronic stomach ailments and I'm usually able to keep up with things in spite of it all...with a genuine smile even. But I had one of those pity-party days where I couldn't stop thinking about myself and how horrible I feel, and how unfair life is. Tonight I sat next to a friend I hadn't seen in 7 years. She asked me what I'd been up to and I listed off the wonderful things that have happened in my life since I was 20. When I asked how she had been, she pointed to her spiky, freshly grown hair and sweetly said, "The years have been much kinder to you." She's been battling cancer. How dare I feel sorry for myself.
Janet
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Territory Days
Day 137 (Monday, May 31st)
If you wait until the last day of a street fair, all the good stuff (turkey legs) will be sold out. I guess the early bird really does get the worm. Or eaten...whatever.
On a more serious note...I am so thankful to every single soldier that has, still does, and will fight, so heroically, for our freedom. And to the families of soldiers, for your bravery. Grandpa and Dad...I love you so much!
Janet
If you wait until the last day of a street fair, all the good stuff (turkey legs) will be sold out. I guess the early bird really does get the worm. Or eaten...whatever.
On a more serious note...I am so thankful to every single soldier that has, still does, and will fight, so heroically, for our freedom. And to the families of soldiers, for your bravery. Grandpa and Dad...I love you so much!
Janet
Cemetery
Day 136 (Sunday, May 30th)
Today we visited my Grandma and Grandpa Fryer's grave. It was a beautiful, warm afternoon and the sun was making the leaves from all the mature trees glow like a million little emeralds. I learned today that if you're needing a little perspective on life, there's nothing like visiting a cemetery. I'm not trying to be deep...it's just that when you're walking among all these people who have already died, you're reminded that you're still alive and still have the opportunity to accomplish all the things you want to get done. You also realize how short a lifetime really is, so let's make this one count for something.
Janet
Today we visited my Grandma and Grandpa Fryer's grave. It was a beautiful, warm afternoon and the sun was making the leaves from all the mature trees glow like a million little emeralds. I learned today that if you're needing a little perspective on life, there's nothing like visiting a cemetery. I'm not trying to be deep...it's just that when you're walking among all these people who have already died, you're reminded that you're still alive and still have the opportunity to accomplish all the things you want to get done. You also realize how short a lifetime really is, so let's make this one count for something.
Janet
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