Merry Christmas 2009

Christmas has come and is now nearly gone. . . 

This has been a wonderful holiday filled with family and love.  

As a mother I have recently come to understand that Christmas with children is a precious experience.  For the innocence and wonderment of our children it should be tenderly approached, excitedly encountered and forever cherished.  This year our Little Women were finally old enough to participate in and enjoy our Holiday Traditions, these provided a wonderful backdrop for countless special moments, that as a family will be looked back on throughout the coming years.  

Christmas Eve in our home inspired a unique magic that we only encounter once every year. After pajamas were opened and stories were read, the girls were tucked into their beds.  They gently drifted off to sleep and into the anticipatory dreamworld that Christmas Eve tends to inspire in all little ones.   

On the morning of the Special Day the Little Women awoke full of excitement and joy.  They were sure that Mr. Claus had visited our home, because after all "Santa doesn't expect children to be perfect, pretty good is almost always good enough."  (Eldest Little Women-2009)

Due to the simple and basic faith of our children, Santa did indeed visit our home while we were dreaming.  He left personalized gifts specifically addressed to our Little Women. Needless to say, the girls were thrilled with their dolls, their strollers, and their very own table.  

Due to our break from school, we were able to enjoy an entire day spent together.  The girls wore their P.J.'s, they had no interest in dressing.  We played, we chatted, we laughed, we enjoyed one another.  We had a simple and beautiful Christmas.  A true "Jolly Holiday."

  

          

5 Years Ago Today. . .

5 Years ago today my miracle was born.  

December 23, 2004

An answer to my heartfelt prayers. 

Oh little one who almost ceased to be-  

Thank you for being my firstborn child. 

It was meant to be, for no other could take your place. 

Thank you for entering into my world.  

I was missing a piece of my heart 

and then you looked into my eyes and offered to share yours with me. 

Thank you for your loving spirit.

So often your sweet countenance has picked me up when I have fallen down.  

Thank you for being strong.

When I am weak you lend me strength.

Thank you for being my focus, my core, my center.

Your presence anchors my existence.

Thank you for your friendship. 

I am and will always be your mother. You are and will always be my friend.

Thank you for the hope that you inspire and the promise that you show. 

You are my past, my present, and my future!

You are my daughter,

You are my world!

Happy Birthday to My Sweet and Precious Girl.

You are and will always be my little one.

I love you forever,

Mommy

Freedom

Stop, Pause, and Breathe!

.

As Anne Frank would say "people are truly good at heart."  

We are all the same.  We all live our lives and our lives are remarkably similar.  We are all doing our best to be our best.  We all want to be loved and accepted.  We all need to feel valued and cherished.  It is my intent to note the "heart" of others, to keep in mind their perspective, to enjoy my life, embrace my happiness, and forget my sorrows. 

I stumbled across a list of advice the other day that melded with my inner most thoughts.  I couldn't help but record it here.  Without hesitation, I will keep it posted somewhere pertinent so that I might view it often.  

We should follow this wise advice and counsel and see what a difference it makes in our lives, in the live of others, in our communities, in our world. 

Enjoy. . .

 1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
 2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
 3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
 4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will.  So stay in touch.
 5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
 6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
 7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
 8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.
 9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.
 10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
 11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
 12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.
 13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
 14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.
 15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.
 16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
 17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
 18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.
 19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.
 20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.
 21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
 22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.
 23. Be eccentric now.. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.
 24. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.
 25. Frame every so-called disaster with these words ''In five years, will this matter?".
26. Always choose life.
 27. Forgive everyone everything.
 28. What other people think of you is none of your business..
 29. Time heals almost everything. Give time, time.
 30. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
 31. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
 32. Believe in miracles.
 33. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.
34. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
 35.. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.
 36. Your children get only one childhood.
 37. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
38. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere..
 39. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.
 40. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
 41. The best is yet to come.
 42. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
 43. Yield.
 44. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.

Friends are the family that we choose for ourselves.    

-By Regina Brett, 90 years old, of The Plain Dealer, Cleveland , Ohio

You Can Never Go Back

You Can Never Go Back

Why does the truth have to be so sad.  Why can we never go back.  All the way, to way back when. When we knew so much less and were blissfully ignorant.  I have grown and now realize that knowing is not always better.  You can never go back to the way you were.  Such a sad and heartbreaking thought.  Once those glasses are put on and things are in focus, you will forever see the tiny details and blemishes that you wish you were still ignorant of. You can try and pretend that they don't exist, but deep down you know that they do and you will forever remember it. Granted, in the future  it may not bother you in quite the same way it does in the beginning, but it will always be there, a dirty spot, forever stained into your fragile memory. Worse still, once you know of the blemish your perspective is forever changed, you are no longer ignorant of it's existence. You will forever know.  It changes who you are and it steals your innocence and joy out from under you.  All of who you are, who you were, has been violated, never to return to its former state, to its former glory.  You have no say in the matter. You never did.  No matter your heart or true intent you cannot alter the other's choice to create the blemish nor the moment you were unexpectedly forced to look upon it.  You can only dream about and remember when.  You can only morn what might have been.  You can never go back to what was.  It was taken from you and your course has been forever altered.  Who is to say where it will go.  It is beyond control.  The innocence is forever gone, replaced by sadness that will forever taint.  That realization brings pure pain, pure sorrow.  At least there are two; present, precious, pure, and unblemished, there hope lies that it may possibly someway, somehow be if not different, at least changed, at least better.  Yet, it is what it is.  The mourning continues, it will forever be apart of who you are.  It is now your lot to be haunted not only by the blemish but the memory of its prior absence. You must accept fate, must accept destiny, you will never be the same, You Can Never Go Back.   

Remember to savor what is lacking a blemish, cherish the fuzzy and unfocused view, because once the blemish appears and your view is altered it will never, can never, be returned to it's prior state.  Time may ease the pain, but it cannot erase the scar.

Fabulous Fall

Oh how we love fabulous fall. . . 

Our favorite time of year has come and is nearly gone!  We have crammed in countless family fun days and in retrospect are so glad we did.  I love making memories with my Best Buddy and our Little Women.  There have been so many simple and wonderful moments the last few months.  What a wonderful time of year!

And He Walked Right By

So an amazing and wonderful thing happened to me yesterday.  As a family we ran on a quick errand to our local Home Depot.  (We are making a PVC Pipe Skeleton for Halloween!) Anyhow, while there we decided to split up.  Hubby went one way while the midgets and I went another. 

After a few minutes of gathering the items on my list I decided to bunker down in one of the aisles.  I knew that staying in the same spot would prove much more beneficial than wandering aimlessly in search of my honey.  

Staying put turned out to be a smart move and within a few minutes I notice my husband walking by.  He on the other hand didn't appear to see us.  Needless to say I yelped his name and he turned with a surprised look on his face. 

Now here comes the fun part...

My best friend in the whole world, who has seen me at my best and worst, and loved me regardless looked at me and said "You have lost so much weight that when I glanced down this aisle I didn't realize I was looking at you."  

Oh joyous day!  

It is officially the little moments in life that make my heart smile.  Although, rarely do those little moments directly revolve around me and my physical appearance.  But, after two children and large amounts of weight gain as well as loss, it was nice to have my sweetheart unknowingly offer me such a wonderful compliment.  

And the moral of the story is... 

"There is nothing more sincere than an unintended compliment."  

Thanks Babe

You totally made my day!

 

Happy Birthday J

To: My Best Bud,

"You already know I love you, but I like you because..."

• You are one of a select few that can make me happy when I am sad.
  
• We have special secrets, like... "we are locked in the sally port," I know you know what I am talking about.
• Together we have learned to turn any argument into something we can laugh about.
• We do fun things together.
• When I eat half of the chocolate cake, you will sit down and eat the other half.
• With you there will always be, motorcycle rides in summer, pumpkin patches in fall, hot chocolate and donuts in winter, and beautiful tulips in spring.
• You never hesitate to dance with our Little Women.
• You don't get offended when I roll over in bed.  You understand that it is not personal; I just need to roll over.
• Your actions on a daily basis show me how much you love me.
• Even when you want to be selfish you still give me the ding-dong that was covered completely in tin foil and if I really want a sip of your Horchota you are always willing to share.  You always scratch my back even if you don't want to, and take your socks off and share them with me when my feet are cold.
• You have taught me to enjoy the little things, such as spending time together while our little ones sleep.
• You choose to spend your days with me.
• You are my sweetheart and although you are not perfect you are perfect for me!

J.J. 

I love you!

Happy Birthday,

"Sweet P"

Slow Down You Move Too Fast

My life needs to slow down, it is suddenly moving way too fast.  I cannot deny that I appreciate the crazy nature of a busy life.  When things are back to back, structured, and scheduled I tend to accomplish more than I would otherwise, but the last few months are out of control.  

Every day seems to be blending into the next in a manner that I find distinctly unattractive. How grateful I would be for just a little more time to breathe, sleep, and think.  Then again, if I took more time to breathe, sleep, and think I would be spending less time appreciating, loving and enjoying the precious people that make my world turn.  

I guess for now I will just have to keep up the crazy pace and take it one day at a time. 

Note to self-

Try to remember not only to notice the flowers, but make an effort to stop and smell them whenever possible.  

Now get off of this blog/journal, yada, yada and go do something that really needs to get done! Homework/cleaning/loving/caring/breathing/sleeping. . . 

 

Why Can't...

Why can't. . . my special mommy kiss make it all better?  

Why can't. . . I fix it and make it go away? 

Why can't. . . we trade places at least for a little while? 

Why can't. . . I do more than observe from the side? 

Rest little one, mommy loves you and

 I am sure you will feel better soon.

A Cherished Moment

My eldest Little Women started her last year of pre-school this week. 

  

I love her so much.  I love her hugs and kisses.  Her funny comments and her beautiful, vivacious and unique personality. I hope with all of my heart that she knows how much I adore her.  She is a special part of my life and I cherish every moment I spend with her.  

 

You "rev" my engine!

UHP Motorcycle Competition 

2009

I am so proud of my honey!

He loves what he does and loves how he does it!

Not many people can say they make this world a better place.

My sweetheart is willing to risk his life daily in order to make a difference.

J- You are my hero.  

I love you

Life and Lazy Summer Days

Life goes on and life flies by.  I watch it, I embrace it, I participate in it.

This Summer has passed so quickly as does all time.  I have enjoyed my family so much the last few months.  I dread the thought of returning to school.  It makes me sad that I will be missing little moments here and there with my children and spouse.  I have no choice.  I do what I have to. My children are well cared for and happy.  When I am not with them they spend the majority of their time with their daddy.  They have a unique and wonderful relationship with their father.  Most likely due to the fact that he often acts as a primary caregiver.  He loves them and does a wonderful job of taking care of them.  (He has even mastered ponytails and braids!) Maybe I am selfish but, I wish I were present for every moment of every day.  I miss my little women when I am away.  I shouldn't fret, they enjoy their lives; only I notice the moments that are missed.  

Truth is when I am in school or working, I have severe mommy guilt.  Then again, don't all moms suffer guilt about one thing or another? 

I had a goal to post more often this summer, but somehow that goal has fallen by the wayside as lazy Summer days have come and gone, family time has ensued and daily life has occurred. We have had a wonderful Summer.  One of our best yet.  The hubby and I were talking the other evening and came to the conclusion that we might actually be beginning to like Summer. This Summer has evoked some new family traditions.  (Any season that carries traditions quickly becomes a time of year we fall in love with.)   

Swimming and hiking are family favorites! We go swimming at least once a day and often twice. We spend countless hours lounging in the water, enjoying the company of each other.  The little women have thrived on our daily mommy and daddy, no reservations, pool time play sessions. (Something about a swimming pool can bring out the inner child in even the most reserved individual.) Living so close to the mountains has led to countless day trips.  Both little women have become accustomed to our random family hikes that begin at the crack of dawn and quickly turn into day long, pack and snack, breathe in the fresh air adventures.  

As Summer begins to close and Autumn creeps near, I begin to dread the time I will spend away from my family.  But, the joy of Fall keeps me going.  Every day I thrive on the anticipation of our next family fun time.  Even with my dread building I can't help but look forward to our favorite time of the year.  

I look forward to creating special memories with my children and spouse.  I am so grateful for the beauty and joy of Fall; canyons with fresh crisp air, pumpkin patches, homemade Halloween costumes, corn mazes, back to school shopping, Swiss days, crackling bonfires, Sat. morning swim lessons, Motorcycle rides through the loops, homemade Carmel corn and vegetable soup, ghost decorations created from the tracings of little feet, and paper turkeys made by tiny hands.  I am extremely grateful for the happy times Fall brings.  Without the memories we create in the Autumn of each year, returning to school and work would be utterly undoable.  

As one chapter of the year closes and another begins, I once again vow to renew my efforts at posting entries.  This is the only current running record of our family life.  It is my journal of sorts and as such it should be moved up, at least slightly, on my priority list.  (My little women deserve some record of their childhood.)  

As Summer drifts away and Autumn tiptoes near I look forward to recording fresh thoughts and moments.  It is my sincerest hope that I can somehow, through written language, immortalize what I know to be, the best times of our lives!

We Love our Dad!

Little Women love their Daddy

The Man In Their Lives

He is my eternal sweetheart.

He is my confidant, lover and best friend.  

He is my better half and soul-mate.  

He is the boy I fell in love with.

He is the young man I married.

He is the man of my dreams.

My happily ever after.  

 J-

Thank you for being "Daddy" to our precious Little 

   Women. 

You are and always will be their first true love.

You are the man in their lives.  

 Love, 

Me

"Together we will look for rainbows..."

A different kind of moment...

I am so totally having one of those moments.  You know the kind that you don't want to admit you have.

(Just imagine a three year old child throwing a fit.  Listen to the piercing dinosaur screech that radiates from their gaping mouth.  Visualize their various body parts randomly flailing as they express their frustration.)

Get it? Got it? Good.  

Now, you should understand the type of moment I am having.  A completely irrational and nonsensical moment.   

I am being utterly selfish while feeling irritated, frustrated and annoyed among other things. Do I have any valid reason to feel these things?  No, not really.  But, then again I am only human.  On a positive note today is nearly over and I will soon go to bed, hopefully to sleep. When I wake up it will be a new day.  By then I should get a grip and grow up a little bit.  

(It is amazing what a few hours of sleep will do when a person is having a moment!)

Good thing these types of moments are rare, random, few and far between.

Till next time,

Adieu

 

A Moment

The last few years have often been tainted by struggle and sorrow, but for this moment in time I am completely fulfilled.  

Today has been beautiful, a welcome respite, a special Mothers Day. 

I am happy in a simple and peaceful way.  I am appreciative of my blessings.  This mortal life is often strewn with hardship, but it is also strewn with times of joy.  I often yearn for the pure joy of uninhibited moments and today has been full of those moments.   

I am thankful for the opportunity I have to be a mother.  My daughters are a special gift.  I yearned to become their mother and will never forget the miracles they represent.  I will be eternally grateful that they are apart of my life.  They shaped my person before they were conceived and continue to create my character on a day to day basis.  I love them and they love me.  I will forever be their mother.    

I am thankful for my mother.  She is my best friend and will forever be my mentor.  She consistently guides me in a wise and loving manner.  She provides me with a pristine example of motherhood.  I unabashedly aspire to become like her.  She has taught me to always rise to the occasion and overcome the odds.  She has shown me how to be a strong yet tender women. She has given me the gift of faith and has helped me to embrace small moments.  I love my mother with all my heart.  I am glad we will be together forever.  I am glad my mother she will always be.  

Is Pride Truly A Sin?

I am so proud to be the mother of two sweet, gentle, beautiful and loving little women!  

A message of love for my daughters...

"My love for you has no beginning or no end.  It resides in a special place in my heart.  I love you for all that you are and all that you will be.  Together you are my pride and my joy.  From the moment I became aware that I was to be your mother I have collected wishes for you.  I have and will continue to wish the sweetest of dreams for your future.  You are bright lights, young and tender.  At some point you will experience sorrow in life, for that is the way of the world, but you will also experience the greatest of joys!  You will embrace opportunities and learn from experiences.  You are sisters and you are my Little Women.  I will love you forever and ever and always, forever and always your mother I'll be. "

A Beautiful Easter Morn

He is risen! He is risen! 

Tell it out with joyful voice. 

He has burst his three days' prison: 

Let the whole wide earth rejoice.  

Death is conquered; man is free.  

Christ has won the victory. 

 

I am Thankful For...

"Sunny Weather, Tulips, and Family Time"

What more is there to say.  I have enjoyed my Easter weekend to the fullest.  I am thrilled that summer break will soon be here.  I have enjoyed the sunny weather, my tulips that have begun to bloom, and spending time with my Mother, Husband, and two adorable Little Women.  

A thought!

Okay, so here is my thought...

Just because I don't blog every single day doesn't mean that I don't enjoy blogging!

It doesn't mean I never intend to update my blog.

It doesn't mean my blog is not worthy of reading.

I have many blog worthy events happen to me on a day to day basis.  I keep track of these events in the hope that at some point in time I will be able to post them.  

The reality is, I am not able to post every day, my life right now is crazy busy. When I have a free moment I like to spend it with my children or spouse, I owe my free time to them.  I enjoy spending time with my Little Women.  I like to take them for walks and read books with them. I like to spend moments chatting with my husband even if it is while we watch the late night National news. (Ahhh, the economy!) These things take priority.  

Some might say, post when your children are in bed! When my children are in bed, I do homework!  This is my life right now.

I love blogging, I think it is a wonderful way to document my day to day life.  

Someday, hopefully soon, I will be able to post more often.  I do try to post the moments that matter most.  (Who want's a bunch of filler posts anyway!)

If you are still reading this you should now understand my thought or should I say thoughts?  (I am not sure why I am ranting about this, but indulge me!)

In closing...

Stay tuned for the next exciting episode of "Rhythm of the Drumm's"

One Year Old!

February 23, 2009

Happy Birthday to our Littlest Woman!

You are so precious!

A joy to our hearts!

You make us happy!

We love you!

One Year Ago Today...

One year ago today...

Preparations were underway and anticipation was high. Our world was about to be altered and we had the luxury of knowing it.  

Questions we had... Answers we found...

How would our cherished little woman adapt?

Every little woman needs a sister, her own special forever friend.

Would our feelings for the second be as strong as they were for the first?

Parents love their children and there are no exceptions to the rule. 

Would our trio of love evolve as it accepted an additional member?

We have evolved, our love has evolved, our story has evolved.  

One year ago today...

Our lives were on the brink of change.   

Since then...

We have learned to embrace the evolution of life for we are a part of the journey.  

A Precious Moment On My Birthday

This year my four year old Little Woman gave me a beautiful birthday present.

She presented me with her sweet little soprano voice singing a solo rendition of "Happy Birthday" which was quickly followed by a sincere and innocent "I Love You Mommy!" 

How the little things mean the most.  

What better gift for a mother than unconditional love given freely by her child. 

I had a wonderful birthday.  I love spending quality time with my family. In the back of my mind I can't help but think how things change all to quickly.  If I could freeze time I would, but since I cannot I will make a conscious effort to savor sweet moments of time as they happen. 

Creating a Memory

Two Little Women, one child and one infant.  

The child hides behind the couch and peeks around the corner in an effort to catch a glimpse of her sister the "seeker."  As she peers around the room she holds back a giggle, and hides her smile behind her open palmed hand. She verbalizes her need for her sister to "come and find me!"  

The infant with legs spread widely apart toddles to and fro.  She is frantically looking for her "Ibee."  When she finally spots her sister and friend, her eyes turn into large dark saucers, and she begins laughing with joy.  She quickly begins moving faster and faster, carefully steadying her balance with two outstretched arms.   

The child and infant joyfully clap their hands and giddily giggle. Their game has ended and they are united in happiness.

They are sisters.

I pause for an instant in time and choose to create a memory.  

My two girls, my Little Women, simple joy, innocent pleasure, a tender moment to be remembered always.  

Mommy Loves Chocolate

This is kind of random, but I love chocolate!  (Lynn, you know what I mean. You inspirational guru!)

I like the texture and taste.  I love the way it makes me feel.  (That most likely means I am addicted to it.)  It helps me when I am sad, and adds to my feelings of joy when I am happy.  I could care less for other sweets, but I like chocolate.  

Many of my mothering mistakes I attribute to chocolate.  

Hence: 

When your four year old is throwing a tantrum giving them some chocolate to make them feel better is probably not the best idea.  (ooops!)  

When your ten month old infant will not stop crying sticking their binkie in chocolate frosting is most likely not an appropriate parenting approach.  (Even though it solved the crying issue!)

"There's nothing better than a good friend, except a good friend with chocolate."

-Linda Grayson

They Grow So Fast

"My Little Bitty Walking Woman"

My littlest woman is officially a walker.  Only ten-months old and walking all over.  Doesn't she know she is still my little bitty one?  She started walking a few weeks before Christmas, and has slowly surpassed crawling to the point where she walks most of the time.  I can't believe that my baby who started out unable to do anything for herself is now able to move her little body around on two legs!  The best part is, she doesn't even have teeth yet.  There is nothing cuter than watching a tiny little person walking around giving gummy smiles to whoever will glance her way.

Oh how I love my youngest little women.  She was my little surprise in more ways than one.  I love watching her make sense of her little world.  I love hearing her little voice as she tries to verbalize her love for me. I love watching her adoration for her big sister.  She is such a special part of our family.  I am so grateful to have two daughters; they have helped to complete who I am as a person!  

"My Little Magpie!"

12-08

A Mommy Daughter Conversation

My eldest Little Woman began speaking at an early age. She has always had a gift for language, and has enjoyed sharing her opinions from infancy.  At eleven months old when we would put her down for the night she would often stand in her crib and scream over and over "I'm just a baby." As she makes the transition into childhood she is constantly amazing us with her large vocabulary and random comments and opinions.  How I savor the words that come out of my daughters mouth!  It is like a box of chocolates, I never know what I am going to get. . . Hence, a mommy daughter conversation.

Time: Early November

Me: Is mommy fat or skinny? (No emphasis either way, just wondering what she will say.)

Little Woman: Oh yes mommy, your fat!

Me: Does Aunt Courtney look fat?

Little Woman: No mommy, that's silly.

Me: Does my tooshie look fat?

Little Woman: Yep.

Time: The Other Day

Me: (Getting out of bed in the early morning hours)

Little Woman: (Standing at the foot of my bed) Mom. . . 

Me: Yes?

Little Woman: Your tooshie is looking like it is not so fat.

Me: So, my toosh isn't fat anymore.

Little Woman: Nope, it's not so fat anymore. 

"Out of the mouth of babes!"

My Little Women

Oh, how I love my Little Women!

-Sisters-

December 2008

"I'll try and be, a little woman, and not be rough and wild!"

-Louisa May Alcott

The Drumm's

Alas, I have finally caved!  I have put off, neglected, avoided, etc. . . creating a personal blog, yet here I am.  

Now to justify. . . 

It is crucial in this busy day and age that time is allowed and allotted for individual creativity and reflection. As my life passes by I want to make sure that I find time to properly reflect on the precious moments I experience day-to-day. 

A new year has begun, and new dreams and adventures will follow! I love my two little women and the one and only man in our lives; together we are the Rhythm of the Drumm's!