Wasn't that the name of Nicole Richie & Paris Hilton's show a few years back. That is soooo how I would describe myself right now; drinking a glass of 2 buck Chuck, typing on my 5 year old computer, lamenting about my husband's 10 year old car that wouldn't start last night and is in the shop, but they can't find anything wrong with it. Yes, Nicole and Paris, I'm right there with you!
I've always wanted to live a "simple life", and am wondering how that is possible while living in such a consumeristic place like we do. I'm not talking Laura Ingalls, go out and get my eggs from the chicken and milk from the cow so I can make breakfast (although, some days I'm so ready to throw on the calico and braid my hair), but more along the lines of how do we enjoy the simple things in life with all the madness going on around us? How do we sit back and relax, when there is always so much to do?
Adam and I (well, mostly just me, Adam kept leaving the table because of a migraine) were invited out to dinner the other night with a bunch youth pastors from the area, and I was sitting at a table with a newly engaged couple that were going on and on about the way things were going to be when they got married. And while it was fun to listen to and reminded me of Adam and I back in the day, I found myself being somewhat cynical, thinking, "Sure, that's what you THINK things are going to be like, but reality is so much different". Then I got to thinking, is it really, or do we just sometime sell out because it's easier?
Last night at youth group Adam was talking about life being a mess and living a life of obedience to God, even though we don't always get it. During our small group time one of the girls said, "Being obedient sucks sometimes", and I couldn't have agreed more! Why is it so hard to do what we're supposed to do, instead of what we think we want to do? Why is it so easy to sell out and go with the flow?
So maybe there is my answer, the simple life is like the obedient life; it's not always the fun option to choose and it doesn't always make sense, but in the end I'll look back and be alot happier for choosing that path.
Not going to lie, I will still continue to wrestle and struggle with this, because sometimes the over the top, the new and the flashy LOOKS like it's more fun!
Oh, and the problem with the car is a part under warranty - so yay! Other than renewing AAA so we didn't have to pay for the tow, it won't cost us a cent!
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Things that make Meghan Cry
I'm not known to be a big crier, or at least before kids I wasn't known as a big crier. But there are a few things that make me cry, always, no matter what.
Survivor videos from home. I remember watching Survivor Australia in our living room in Idaho and they got videos from home and I sat on the couch and cried and cried. I'm sure I was home alone, bawling because these people were seeing videos of their loved ones from home.
Biggest Loser Finale. Just discovered this show two seasons ago, and I always cry at the finale. Don't know what it is, but the whole before/after transformation gets me every time.
Graduations. No matter what, I cry. I cried when Thornley "graduated" from Kindergarten, and it was just a silly 15 minute ceremony in class.
Confirmation. Every year on confirmation Sunday, there I am, listening to the 8th graders testimonies crying.
Baptisms. Whether I know the people or not, I cry. This summer I was visiting a church and it was baptism Sunday; I knew not a soul in the building and I sat there and cried.
Hmmmm...maybe I do cry alot and I'm just in denial.
Adam is planning E(x)tol's first baptisms, so I asked the boys if they wanted to be baptized. They asked if they had to be dunked in the lake and we said no, it was just sprinkles on Sunday at church, and here are their responses...
Me, "Thornley, do you want daddy to baptize you?'
Thornley, "In the lake, heck no."
Me, "No, just at church, this is what he'd do (proceeded by me showing him how you "sprinkle" baptize), all you have to do is say that you've asked Jesus to live in your heart. Does Jesus live in your heart?"
Thornley, "Duh, of course he does mommy, remember?"
Although, Thornley does not like being in front of people, so this is stressing him out a little. I assured him that E(x)tol is very dark, so he won't really be able to see too much. He's looking forward to it (I think).
Jack rounds the corner, so I say, "Jack, do you want daddy to baptize you?"
Jack, "Yah, sure, that sounds good."
End of conversation.
So if I cry when random unknowns are baptized, you might want to buy some stock in Kleenex before the weekend of Jan. 24th!
Survivor videos from home. I remember watching Survivor Australia in our living room in Idaho and they got videos from home and I sat on the couch and cried and cried. I'm sure I was home alone, bawling because these people were seeing videos of their loved ones from home.
Biggest Loser Finale. Just discovered this show two seasons ago, and I always cry at the finale. Don't know what it is, but the whole before/after transformation gets me every time.
Graduations. No matter what, I cry. I cried when Thornley "graduated" from Kindergarten, and it was just a silly 15 minute ceremony in class.
Confirmation. Every year on confirmation Sunday, there I am, listening to the 8th graders testimonies crying.
Baptisms. Whether I know the people or not, I cry. This summer I was visiting a church and it was baptism Sunday; I knew not a soul in the building and I sat there and cried.
Hmmmm...maybe I do cry alot and I'm just in denial.
Adam is planning E(x)tol's first baptisms, so I asked the boys if they wanted to be baptized. They asked if they had to be dunked in the lake and we said no, it was just sprinkles on Sunday at church, and here are their responses...
Me, "Thornley, do you want daddy to baptize you?'
Thornley, "In the lake, heck no."
Me, "No, just at church, this is what he'd do (proceeded by me showing him how you "sprinkle" baptize), all you have to do is say that you've asked Jesus to live in your heart. Does Jesus live in your heart?"
Thornley, "Duh, of course he does mommy, remember?"
Although, Thornley does not like being in front of people, so this is stressing him out a little. I assured him that E(x)tol is very dark, so he won't really be able to see too much. He's looking forward to it (I think).
Jack rounds the corner, so I say, "Jack, do you want daddy to baptize you?"
Jack, "Yah, sure, that sounds good."
End of conversation.
So if I cry when random unknowns are baptized, you might want to buy some stock in Kleenex before the weekend of Jan. 24th!
Monday, January 4, 2010
Back to Life, Back to Reality
First day of the alarm waking me up, first day back at school, first day back at work; yes, we're back to life as usual and we're back to reality...
Reality TV that is. In just a short bit of time I will be laying on the couch and watching the new season of The Bachelor, and tomorrow night one of my new favs - The Biggest Loser.
But for now, it's time to get lunches and snacks packed and ready to go, because wow it's painful when the alarm goes off so early!
Reality TV that is. In just a short bit of time I will be laying on the couch and watching the new season of The Bachelor, and tomorrow night one of my new favs - The Biggest Loser.
But for now, it's time to get lunches and snacks packed and ready to go, because wow it's painful when the alarm goes off so early!
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Best of Both Worlds
No, not in a Hannah Montana sort of way, although I am thankful my niece keeps me up to date on what's going on in the pre-teen world! Sometimes I am very sad that I don't live by my parents, and don't get to see them as often as I'd like. But, I also like to consider myself very fortunate that I not only was born into a great family, but I have a great church family as well. Seriously, the knowledge I glean from friends is invaluable (thanks Andrea & Janet).
Sometimes it's easier to learn from people you AREN'T related too, which is why I'm excited that I have friends who know how to cook and sew that are willing to impart their knowledge on to me :) (again, thanks Janet!)
I'd like to learn to live a "simpler" life, and be more "homemade and crafty". I truly am jealous when I see things people make and I think I could NEVER come up with anything that creative!
My first mission - tea towels. Lame and simple, yes, but really I do know my limits and abilities! The material came today, and I'm kind of excited about it!
Sometimes it's easier to learn from people you AREN'T related too, which is why I'm excited that I have friends who know how to cook and sew that are willing to impart their knowledge on to me :) (again, thanks Janet!)
I'd like to learn to live a "simpler" life, and be more "homemade and crafty". I truly am jealous when I see things people make and I think I could NEVER come up with anything that creative!
My first mission - tea towels. Lame and simple, yes, but really I do know my limits and abilities! The material came today, and I'm kind of excited about it!
Friday, January 1, 2010
New Year, New Ideas
It's only day 1 of the new year and already I'm thinking, "Nah, I don't need to blog, I've got nothing to say". Well, nothing exciting that is - I always have something to say :)
Today I did my annual scrapbook day with some girlfriends, a tradition started years ago when we would hit our local haunt - The Bee's Knees, for their all day New Years crop. Sadly, TBK is no more, but the tradition continues, so today I loaded up my car with all my scrapbook paraphernalia and headed over to Cori's for a day of scrapping fun.
My oh so crafty, love her scrapbooks friend, Michelle, told us about a project she's been working on. Last year she committed to Project 365 which is where you take a picture a day and journal about it. She showed me her (super cute - I'm jealous) album with the fun pictures and stories about life at her house. What a fun idea! So this year, I decided along with blogging more, I'm going to try that out.
That got me to thinking, how often do I just go day to day trying to get thru one day and on to the next. I thought this might be a good way to make me stop and think about our day - the good and the bad - and remember life in our family.
If you think this sounds fun and want more info, here is the site http://www.beckyhiggins.com/projectlife
Adam is getting the dad of the year award because he's taking the boys to do super fun stuff this week! I think he's making me look bad - although, I did take them to Chuck E Cheese AND Family Fun Center. He and the boys spent the morning at the aquarium (membership already paid for itself - yay) and the afternoon at the zoo. I'm so glad my kids like that kind of stuff and that Adam is patient enough with them to let them look and explore and enjoy - not just get from one exhibit to another!
And on a total side note, what's with the Pac 10 and Bowl games this year - dang!
See, I told you I always had SOMETHING to say!
Today I did my annual scrapbook day with some girlfriends, a tradition started years ago when we would hit our local haunt - The Bee's Knees, for their all day New Years crop. Sadly, TBK is no more, but the tradition continues, so today I loaded up my car with all my scrapbook paraphernalia and headed over to Cori's for a day of scrapping fun.
My oh so crafty, love her scrapbooks friend, Michelle, told us about a project she's been working on. Last year she committed to Project 365 which is where you take a picture a day and journal about it. She showed me her (super cute - I'm jealous) album with the fun pictures and stories about life at her house. What a fun idea! So this year, I decided along with blogging more, I'm going to try that out.
That got me to thinking, how often do I just go day to day trying to get thru one day and on to the next. I thought this might be a good way to make me stop and think about our day - the good and the bad - and remember life in our family.
If you think this sounds fun and want more info, here is the site http://www.beckyhiggins.com/projectlife
Adam is getting the dad of the year award because he's taking the boys to do super fun stuff this week! I think he's making me look bad - although, I did take them to Chuck E Cheese AND Family Fun Center. He and the boys spent the morning at the aquarium (membership already paid for itself - yay) and the afternoon at the zoo. I'm so glad my kids like that kind of stuff and that Adam is patient enough with them to let them look and explore and enjoy - not just get from one exhibit to another!
And on a total side note, what's with the Pac 10 and Bowl games this year - dang!
See, I told you I always had SOMETHING to say!
Thursday, December 31, 2009
New Year's Resolution
Does anyone still check my blog? I don't blame you if you say no. It has been a while since I updated! With the New Year starting tomorrow a bunch of people in Facebook land have been asking who is making resolutions and what they are. Mine is sort of general, but if I follow thru will actually encompass quite a bit. I want to be more disciplined in the coming year: you know, setting my alarm and actually getting up, saying, "I'm going to do _____ today" and do it, oh and ACTUALLY updating my blog! Sometimes I feel there aren't enough hours in the day, but maybe, just maybe if I say I'm going to try to live a disciplined life I will find a bit more time to do the things that I want/need to do!
Must go drink some caffeine if I have any HOPE of staying awake for the New York New Year I told the boys we could celebrate together!
Happy New Year!
Must go drink some caffeine if I have any HOPE of staying awake for the New York New Year I told the boys we could celebrate together!
Happy New Year!
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Are We Turning into THAT Family?
We always said we wouldn't sign our kids up for this, that, and the other: every season a different sport, swim lessons, piano lessons, art lessons, blah blah blah..., especially since the boys are only 5 and 7, and I refuse to pay good money for an activity until they are able to really understand what they're doing and retain the information.
That being said...
The first week of school Jack brought home a brochure from Bellevue Park and Rec, and after looking thru it, we decided to sign Jack up for indoor soccer lessons. It's once a week, for 45 minutes, on Tuesdays while Thornley is still in school. I think it will be good for him, especially when the rain starts! He seems excited - he is the sports lover, so hopefully this will be a good experience for him. I do refuse to become soccer mom, who has to refinance our house to pay for year around soccer teams, but for now, it should be something special and fun for him.
Thornley has no interest in sports of any kind, so we decided to sign him up for piano lessons. He went for his introductory lesson yesterday and really liked it. He has early release on Weds, so Adam was able to get him a lesson right after school, and will take him; which is perfect because I don't have early release on Wed, and otherwise he and Jack just hang out with me and teach my class important stuff like how to arm fart.
Hopefully, we won't turn into that family that has a list a mile long of all the things they "have" to do on any given day because of all the activities their kids are signed up for! First of all because we can't afford it, and second of all because I've been convicted more and more lately that they're only kids once so they need lots of time to just be a kid and use their imaginations and PLAY!
That being said...
The first week of school Jack brought home a brochure from Bellevue Park and Rec, and after looking thru it, we decided to sign Jack up for indoor soccer lessons. It's once a week, for 45 minutes, on Tuesdays while Thornley is still in school. I think it will be good for him, especially when the rain starts! He seems excited - he is the sports lover, so hopefully this will be a good experience for him. I do refuse to become soccer mom, who has to refinance our house to pay for year around soccer teams, but for now, it should be something special and fun for him.
Thornley has no interest in sports of any kind, so we decided to sign him up for piano lessons. He went for his introductory lesson yesterday and really liked it. He has early release on Weds, so Adam was able to get him a lesson right after school, and will take him; which is perfect because I don't have early release on Wed, and otherwise he and Jack just hang out with me and teach my class important stuff like how to arm fart.
Hopefully, we won't turn into that family that has a list a mile long of all the things they "have" to do on any given day because of all the activities their kids are signed up for! First of all because we can't afford it, and second of all because I've been convicted more and more lately that they're only kids once so they need lots of time to just be a kid and use their imaginations and PLAY!
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