Tag: life as I know it

Simplifying My New Year

Posted on January 1, 2016January 2, 2016 by Mama

In bed by 1 and out by 9 — not a bad way to start my 2016. My son did decide it was time to get out of bed about 7:45, but I managed to shoo my boys out of the room, plop a cool pillow over my head and grab another hour’s sleep. When I woke, it was to bacon and breakfast burritos, nice kisses and warm new year wishes. It’s good to be me.

Unfortunately, other than leisurely enjoying a bit of the Rose Bowl Parade, my day moved pretty swiftly as I cooked and cleaned for our family Christmas 2.0. It was a nice family gathering, dinner was simple and I think we all had a good evening. . . especially my son who obviously enjoyed a whole new round of gifts.

Anyway, other than the duties that had to be done, I did manage to give some thought to my goals for this new year, since that’s apparently what one does on this day. I have noticed lately that there seems to be a trend to simplify all of one’s resolutions into one meaningful word. I gotta tell ya, I’m digging this idea because when I make a list of dos and don’ts I inevitably leave out a few good ones here and there and never know what the proper resolution etiquette might be. Does it count as a “real” resolution if it’s not on the list by January 1?

So I’ve decided that I like this new simple way of doing things so much that I’m fully embracing this approach and choosing my word for 2016 as “simplify.” (Is that cheating?) Well the way I figure it, so many things can come from simplifying my life: more time to enjoy my family, more time to enjoy the hobbies that really make me happy, more time to read a few books, more time experiencing God and more time not feeling guilty that I didn’t do the many things I put on my platter while wading through clutter and old shoes.

I plan to clean out closets, get rid of “skinny girl” clothes I haven’t worn in years, donate crafty crap that I’ll never use, say “no” to more people, file family paperwork on a regular basis, shred stuff, say yes to quiet moments, read my Bible more because it calms my Spirit, and spend more time playing childish games, reading books with and listening to my son. See, simplify.

So as I think about my goals for the coming year, I leave you with a visual interpretation of how an over-committed, complicated and cluttered life makes me feel (courtesy of my five-year old’s playtime with his newest toys). Happy New Year!

Find Your Magical Moment

Posted on December 10, 2015 by Mama

Here we are at the tenth of December, just a mere 15 days from Christmas, and I’m still trying to figure out where November went. In fact, we just put up the Christmas tree last night. It’s not decorated, mind you, but it is out of storage and in plain sight. (Ashamedly the above picture is a visit from the ghost of Christmas past.)

Yes, I’m seriously behind most of you when it comes to decking the halls, but in the sprint to the 25th I know I will eventually finish with the berries and ivy, trees and gifts, shopping and wrapping, and baking and bundling. . . it may take me to Christmas eve, but somehow I’m okay with that. I guess I’m so far behind, that I figure stressing would only make it worse.

While the chaos of Christmas can be a bit overwhelming, it’s also one of my favorite times of year. I love the crazy crowds, memory making and gift giving with my husband, son, extended family and friends. But as much as I love the frenzy of it all, some of my favorite moments of Christmas are enjoyed completely alone. On those cold early December mornings when everyone else is still in bed I love to light a fire, turn on the Christmas tree lights and enjoy a hot cup of coffee in complete magical silence. It’s a wonderful indulgence and a perfect way to start the day before dawn breaks, the family wakes and mommy duties ensue.

Merry Christmas to all, and may you find a magical moment or two.

We Were There!

Posted on November 4, 2015November 4, 2015 by Mama

As many of you may know by now, the Kansas City Royals won the World Series Sunday night, beating the Mets four games to one. It has been a thrilling time in KC for many months and Sunday’s win put an end to a 30-year dry spell for our baseball team, which last won the series in 1985. Since I am a transplant to the area I wasn’t around for that win in the 80s, so this year’s victory was extra special to me.

So along with approximately 800,000 other people (almost twice the city’s population), I and my five-year-old son ventured downtown to catch a glimpse of our heroes yesterday morning at the “ticker tape” parade. We quickly abandoned the shuttle service, which was insane, and received a ride from the hubs who was working that day. We arrived two hours early and luckily found a front-row spot amid some friendly folks and managed to amuse ourselves until the parade began.

My little guy was a real trooper. The only thing entertaining on hand was a short stack of post-its and some restaurant crayons from my purse. After we went through the paper, he asked if he could draw on the sidewalk. I gave him permission to do so and he let his imagination flow during the remainder of our wait.

After the parade rolled by, we began a more than one-mile trek back through town toward my husband’s work. There were cars abandoned everywhere (I mean everywhere) and people exiting the city on foot as far as the eye could see. . . and what a sea of blue it was to behold.

Some people called us crazy; some called us lucky. We didn’t have to go. No one would have faulted us. But this might be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for my son and me; and although he may not have understood the magnitude of what was happening, I have the pictures that one day will prove that we were there and we were “Royal.”

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