Quick 5

A day late and a dollar short but, you know, hang with me.  My friend Jenny says she shouldn't blog as a courtesy to Jesus and others when she's in a foul mood, and I might need to take her advice today.  So we'll just see how far we get here, k.

1.  I am in a foul mood today.  I absolutely woke up on the wrong side of the bed.  Heaven help me (and Dekker and Josie and Dave).  I am so frustrated with absolutely every.single.thing.  Not to mention the fact that we have a house-full of toys and Dekker wants to play with the plunger, curtains, dog food and my water bottle.
2.  The sweet boy is sick and I feel like I'm getting whatever he has.  Which seems to be basically nothing but a stuffy nose.  We're doing breathing treatments and nose suctioning, yadadada, but he is crabby-- which creates the perfect storm if you get my drift.  He's currently avoiding his afternoon nap as I type. 
3.  I had a great weekend with my mom and dad in Aurora while Dave worked on the basement.  It's great to see them, and they make packing/traveling so worth it.  They spoil us both, and it's fun to see how gaga they are over every thing Dekker does.
4.  I watched the Oscars with some great friends last night.  Not one to see a lot of current movies in the last year (common Netflix streaming-- catch up!) I was a bit lost, but it was really fun and by far the latest I've stayed up in a home other than mine in a long while.  I felt like a 20-something for a few hours there.  Maybe the lack o sleep has something to do with #1.
5.  I'm considering joining Jazzercise.  Mostly because I love the class times at the location by my house, which has childcare for $1.  My ever tight pants also contribute to #1 :). 

Welp, on that happy note, have a good Monday everybody.

On the journey,
Stef

Quick 5

How is it Friday again?!?  I'm not feeling very witty today but did want to let you all know the alcohol (see last week's post) is untouched and still on the counter.  My friend Beth came by and asked when the frat party is!?!  Hahaha. 

Quick Five:
1.  Dekker and I had a busy week and just loved it.  We went on lots of walks, spent some time with our friend Suzanne and her baby girl Campbell, had a play-date with my friend Amy and her son Eli, and just today went to the community center for "Toddler Play Time" then out to lunch with some super sweet people including Jenny, Max, Katie and Quinn.  It's been fun to get out of the house and eat up this weather.
2.  I have been busy at work which is just great.  It's been fun to have a full schedule and stay busy at the office.  The paycheck is rewarding, too :)  The paperwork is not so rewarding, but I'm trying really hard to only do it on my days at the office and not let it eat up every nap time and evening at home, too.  This week I also shared at Wildwood Christian Church's Wednesday night adult program, which got me thinking about #5 below.
3. Don't forget to check out my hubby's new photo blog.  I think it's pretty cool: http://photos.roweware.com/
4.  Our cleaning lady, Mary, was out of town.  She came back this week and can I just say that I forgot how much I missed her.  It was terrific to have an entirely clean house-- it was nice out and I opened the blinds and it even smelled clean.  She comes once a month, and I was a little embarrassed with the state of our house, but I quit caring pretty quick.  Say whatever you want about me working two days a week and having a cleaning lady.  I love having my days at home with Dekker and my weekends as a family.  And, now I sound defensive, but I do clean plenty in-between Mary's visits-- we have a dog, host small group, etc etc.
5.  We're preparing for another Stonebridge Pre-Marriage Retreat.  This year, I got trained in the PREPARE/ENRICH assessment and this is the first time we will be using it.  It has been some extra work and I'll be interested to see if in the end we find it worth the time and money.  I know many churches have used this, and it is very interesting and research based, and I'm praying that it combined with the retreat will be good.  I've also been dreaming about an "Adopt a Newlywed" program for the couples married at our church.  Wouldn't that be a fun way to mentor another couple-- maybe meet for a meal once a month for the first year???  If you want to adopt a couple you should tell me!

Here's to another great weekend and fulfilling week.
On the journey,
Stef

Quick 5

See, here we go.  A week has flown by, so I'm thankful for Tori's Quick 5 today and a reminder to do mine!

1.  We bought lots of alcohol on the cruise.  I mean, not lots and lots, but some Rum and wine.  And since we drink alcohol at a rate that the rum will still be here for our 10 year anniversary, I'm not sure what to do with it.  There's really no place to store it for 5 years, and I don't want it anywhere where Dekker can "play" with it.  So right now its on the counter which is exceptionally classy.  We hid it for small group :)  hahaha. Like they care.

2.  Last Saturday night we took Dekker to the indoor play ground at Mahoney with our friends Jenny and Kirk and Max.  It was a fun family night.  It was neat to see Dekker play with other kids and enjoy himself, and to see him run and run until he broke a sweat.  I know he hates being cooped up all winter like we all do.  I still get surprised to see him "get it."  It's hard for me to believe how big he is getting! 

3.  Every week I write a few goals down on a sticky note and put it on my calendar.  Normal things like groceries and laundry don't get on the list-- it's the "other" stuff.  This week I had a goal to clean out my mail basket, pick up some stuff at Hobby Lobby, call a friend and get coffee everyday.  Hold your tongue on that last one.  I know its expensive.  And even sugar free, fat free adds up.  But having pathetic goals including massive amounts of coffee was the only way I knew how to adjust back from vacation.  And.... now it's Friday and I still have that mail basket left :) 

4.  This is a quilt square.  When my Grandma Soden passed away each of her kids got a few quilt squares.  So this one was passed on to me by my dad.  I had it framed and I find it... beautiful.  I doesn't have straight edges and I chose to have the mat behind it to show off the piece more-- and I think it turned out super.  My grandma was an incredible cook, so I hung this in my kitchen with purpose.  I already love looking at it, and remembering her sweet spirit.  She was an incredible woman of faith-- a real encourager.  Missing her today

5.  I have been glued to CNN throughout the Egypt crisis and find today to be an incredible day!  Also, I have been getting my contacts in and out with minimal break-downs.  Okay, that's all for today.

On the journey,
Mae

Quick 5

I'm taking a cue from my friend, Tori, who recently started doing a "quick 5" on Fridays.  Just five quick things... kinda like an update.  I so enjoy reading them that I am going to give it a try today, and see if it sticks.
1.  We just got home from a cruise to the Western Caribbean.  It was absolutely gorgeous, fantastic weather, and I am certain what I will need every winter I can possibly afford it.  I like cruises for several reasons, and I hope to share more of a "review and tips" in the future.  I'd love to do a Southern Caribbean cruise someday.  This one was technically to celebrate our 5 year anniversary, which we did in June 2010.
2.  I can't believe how much I missed Dekker.  What a sweetie.  Though I also love hearing all the funny stories of his time with his Nana and Grandpa Soden and Grandma and Grandpa Rowe.  We love sharing our joy with them, and I love that Dekker finds it totally normal to spend time with them-- even without us.  I used to dread coming home from vacation, but he made it something I looked forward to.
3.  I need a Weight Watcher meeting and a money tree after said vacation.  Whoa.
4.  Dekker is learning sign-language.  Our daycare friend started him on it, and since then he has picked up on it really quickly.  It's pretty fun and cute, though he wants "more" of almost every-single-thing.
5.  I have been drinking the Arbonne chocolate protein shakes for breakfast with a little natural peanut butter and I think they are fantastic and I can't say enough how they actually keep me FULL through lunch.  So much better than some cereals (which I love) that leave me hungry and snacking by 10AM.  I need some good lunch inspiration.  Anyone got a good idea out there?
Happy Friday!
On the journey,
Mae

Hello to Vision

For some reason I am certain that the four of you who read this just really want to know about my vision issues.  Really, you do, don't you.  You like to hear about my glasses and sunglasses, and... get ready... my contacts!

A brief review: I have worn glasses almost my entire life.  Like since 4th grade I have had a pair of glasses laying around that I would maybe put on when I went to sit at a computer or out to a movie.  Months would go by and I wouldn't wear them.  In college, I wore them more when I sat down at a computer or textbook for an extended period of time, more because I thought I should.  Then, like almost everything else in my life, this changed when I had Dekker.  I am telling you that I spent the first 6 months of his life squinting.  After much prodding, especially from my Mom, I went to the eye doctor and sure enough, I am one of the many who have a dramatic eye change after pregnancy and here is my new prescription.  I hauled everyone I know to Target and finally bought a pair of glasses.  And later a pair of prescription sunglasses.  And since then I can not take them off.  I am... addicted.  Turns out good vision is a necessity.  I have a cute pair of thick rimmed glasses that are a style statement and help me see.  Here I am in them in Vegas.

Well, anyway, they are always falling off my face.  And they slip even more in the summer if I sweat and there is no going about working out in them.  And they are always dirty.  After this holiday season, when I was uploading 100's of photos to facebook, I noticed that in almost every picture they were half off my face. At least, that's how I see it.  Like this...

So I decide that it's time I either get new, better "everyday glasses" or contacts. 
Then, after changing my profile picture to this random one...

... and getting tons of compliments I was CERTAIN that what everyone must have liked was me, sans the glasses :)  My mind is corrupt, people.  So after 14 hours on the phone with BCBS of Michigan and then VSP, my eye insurance people... I finally got an appt at a swanky West Omaha clinic, who happens to be close to my babysitter, on the way to work, and in-network. 

The eye doctor was about my age and was reliving his college swimming and football days, then made a face I couldn't quite read when I told him my last check-up was at Sams Club.  Yes, pal, I am not in the market for the Gucci glasses out there, sorry.  I'm more of a Target gal on a Wal-Mart budget, if you get my drift.

Well, on and on and on and 45 minutes later I have my new prescription, have watched the demo video, and after 6 tries ("boy, you have a strong blink reflex") he has the contacts in my eye.  Then I go to the "contact area" to learn from a qualified tech receptionist how to take them out and put them in.

First, the little contact learning area is in the middle of everyone.  Second, I have an aversion to things in my eye.  This is why Dave gave me the sudden look of shock when he asked what my schedule looked like for the day.  With over 25 rounds of pink eye (thanks again, Mono) in the last year you would think I would be good at eye-drops.  Nay, Dave has to put them in every time, four times a day.  Another perk of working from home.  Because I'm sure this is what Dave had in mind when he signed on to work from home.

So let's just say I was at the little contact area for awhile-- like nearly, oh, I'm not sure, an HOUR.  I, for the life of me, could not not blink when my fingers came plunging at my EYE.  My eye, people.  I only have two!  Excuse me, you want me to squeeze that thing off my eyeBALL?  Several people had walked by and casually asked "how's it going?" I didn't respond and the tech receptionist said nice things like, "coming along."  I didn't see if she was rolling her eyes because I was too busy trying to take something out of my eye, without seeing my finger about to poke out my eye, without blinking.  Mercy.

At one point I got so nervous I started making jokes.  "It's a hot mess, that's how it's going."  or another, "It's a train wreck over here-- look away."  I was saying positive statements to myself like, "You've breastfed a baby, surely you can do this!"  I'm not sure their Gucci loving, Coach carrying crowd was ready for me.  At one point, the contacts were STILL in, and I had an appointment in my office in like 30 minutes.  So I sincerely asked if I could just leave and figure it out with my contact-knowledgeable husband at home.  The lady informed me this is against the law.  So I just bucked up and may or may not have rubbed my left eye really hard to get it out.  Then somehow got them back in and ran out of there.  But only before my Health Savings Acct card was rejected.  (I just remembered I need to call them.)

All day at work I was sure they were falling out.  And I was panicked about how to get them out at home.  But nevertheless, I got them out-- with an audience (Dave)-- who was actually very supportive.  At one point he told me I can't hurt my eye and apparently that's what it took.

Are they in today?  No.  Maybe they are "work" contacts.  I'm still not sure, but suddenly I feel like I need to call the bank.

On the journey,
Mae

Thankfulness

I am sitting here uploading photos to facebook and shutterfly and onto my computer and my heart is overflowing with thanks.  When I think back to 2010, my first thought is that it was a really difficult year, namely due to several infections and a long bout with mono.  And a job change that has been very demanding and difficult.  But what a shame to focus just on this, and miss all the wonderfulness that 2010 brought...

... like my baby turning one.
... our five year wedding anniversary.
... several fantastic nights of sleep and a little boy who is a champion sleeper.
... a commitment to bootcamp and feeling stronger.
... great friends and an awesome family.
... Monday Night dinners

... and so many more things.  I will do a better job at counting my blessings this year.  I have a friend who does this and it is so inspiring.

On the journey,
Mae

Eleven Goals for 2011

I know many people who are "against" New Years Resolutions.  I'm not one of them, specifically.  I see a resolution as starting something new that you aren't currently doing.  I see a goal as continuing to do something that you may or may not already be doing.  I believe in goals.  All the time.  Long term and short term.  In fact, almost every week I make a list of short term goals. 

Here is my list for this week:
* Call insurance to clarify eye and dental benefits
* Make eye appt
* Make dentist appt
* Frame quilt square
* Pay bills.

I never assign my weekly goals a day of the week.  Some days I have more time than others, sometimes I get surprised with a little extra time, and some weeks everything happens after bedtime :)  If something doesn't happen in a given week, I carry it over.

So I love new years.  It's simply a chance to set some long-term goals.  Sadly, in the purging of my office, I might have lost 2010's goals.  But I remember purging the office was on the top of that list-- so job well done.  So was decorating the hearth room, and PTL that is not on my list this year for the first time since we moved here.

Eleven Goals for 2011:
1.  Completely finish the office remodel.  Paint, floor, floorboards, hallway, desks.
2,  Repaint two walls in Master bedroom and decorate.  ("Hello, Kim Hazlip, it's Stef")
3.  Make a few necessary changes to my work.
4.  Take two outrageous risks. (like maybe... Apply for the Dr. Phil show, run a 1/2 marathon, call Bo Pelini's wife for an interview which will somehow make me famous and save her husband's reputation... ...)
5.  Go to the zoo and Children's museum.
6.  Take a vacation with just Dave.
7.  Think about expanding our family.
8.  Eat out less.
9.  Think about inner beauty as much as I think about physical appearance. 
10. Stay active.   
11. Blog more.

What are your 2011 goals?

Happy New Year,
Stef