Where did the crazy go???
We were always used to having Christmas either really early or on Christmas Eve as the kids got older if my husband had to work. Life of Fire Family. But this year was different and I am not sure what to think about that.
While the hubs is now on days and thankfully has all the holidays off, the kids currently work in retail so both had to work today. Boo on that. So what does that mean?? There was no early morning hustle and bustle of ripping open what Santa brought, or wrapping paper everywhere, or structured chaos as I hand out gifts to each one so that everyone has something to open at all times. I am a little bit of a control freak if you weren't aware.... LOL It was a very quite Christmas morning with no wrapping paper flying around and no chaos. I woke up with the pups, made some coffee, talked to my Mom and then Mother In Law for a bit. Once Shawn woke up we opened our presents to each other and from other family members and then went on about eating breakfast. It was a whole different experience. First year I got to open my presents first though so that was kind fun. :)
Don't get me wrong, I am thankful for everything and everyone and that we are all healthy and employed but not quite sure I was ready for this. I hadn't thought it through in my head. I know as the next few years come and go this will become our normal. Either the kids will be working or they will be celebrating the crazy chaotic Christmas with their own little families and we will continue to have the quiet calm Christmas mornings. I should be thankful right?
You may be wondering where I am going with this..... For those of you with little ones still at home, enjoy all the crazy of Christmas morning, take it all in and cherish it. Don't wish for the quiet it will come soon enough. The shrieks and shrills of the Santa effect represent pure joy as only littles can.
This Christmas is one more step in me truly letting go and watching my kids become the amazing adults I know they are and will be. I am truly blessed with my life and my family. I just don't like letting go. LOL
Merry Christmas to all my family and friends!! Many blessings to you all!!!
Nic
Sunday, December 25, 2016
Saturday, November 12, 2016
Another Proud Momma moment
I had the pleasure of watching yet another amazing performance by the Midlothian Theatre Department last night. These kids impress me every time. From the Acting to the Singing and of course the Technical prowess. Of course I may be biased on the Techie part.... :)
They all work so hard for their craft and it definitely shows at each performance. This year's fall show was "The Little Mermaid JR". It was so much fun to watch. It brought the book and movie to life but these kids added their own style to it.
This performance was also a little bittersweet..... this was the last kids show that Taylor will be a part of at MHS. She will be graduating in May and I know she will have so many wonderful experiences but it is a little sad that we are starting the "lasts" list.
If you are in the area at the end of January you must come see their Musical - Grease!!! It is going to be AMAZING!!
~Proud Theatre Techie Mom!!
They all work so hard for their craft and it definitely shows at each performance. This year's fall show was "The Little Mermaid JR". It was so much fun to watch. It brought the book and movie to life but these kids added their own style to it.
This performance was also a little bittersweet..... this was the last kids show that Taylor will be a part of at MHS. She will be graduating in May and I know she will have so many wonderful experiences but it is a little sad that we are starting the "lasts" list.
If you are in the area at the end of January you must come see their Musical - Grease!!! It is going to be AMAZING!!
~Proud Theatre Techie Mom!!
Sunday, August 21, 2016
The last first day.......
Tomorrow is the last first day of High School for Taylor. I have mixed emotions. It's a little sad for a couple reasons. She is the second and final child to enter Senior year for one. Secondly, this means she is really growing up and will be moving forward with her life soon and I get to sit back and watch her thrive. That is where the sad crosses over into pride and joy.
She is totally ready for this last year in every way possible. It makes my heart happy to know that she is going to rock this year because she has taken all of her life experiences thus far and is applying them to her future.
I already know this year will fly by because we have been down this road before with Drew. I am going to try to take it all in and commit it all to memory. Next year she will be off at college and I am going to have to continue to move forward in my own life knowing that I have done what I needed to in order for both my children to be productive members of society.
To my Daughter
I pray that you have the most amazing year and that you take it all in. Don't run too fast through it all!! Stop to take note of the fantastic memories you are going to create this year. I know you are so ready to head out into the world but please remember you will always have a place here. Remember that you are a beautiful person and loved by so many. Some of my favorite things about you are your uniqueness, your stubbornness (yes I know you get that from me), the way you stand up for those who cannot stand for themselves, your drive and focus, and the love you show to those around you.
Know that we are very proud of you and all you have done in life so far and cannot wait to see all that you do in your very bright future.
Have a fabulous and LIT (I know, I know, I am probably not supposed to use that term but oh well) Senior year!!!
Love ya Tay!!
~ Mom
She is totally ready for this last year in every way possible. It makes my heart happy to know that she is going to rock this year because she has taken all of her life experiences thus far and is applying them to her future.
I already know this year will fly by because we have been down this road before with Drew. I am going to try to take it all in and commit it all to memory. Next year she will be off at college and I am going to have to continue to move forward in my own life knowing that I have done what I needed to in order for both my children to be productive members of society.
To my Daughter
I pray that you have the most amazing year and that you take it all in. Don't run too fast through it all!! Stop to take note of the fantastic memories you are going to create this year. I know you are so ready to head out into the world but please remember you will always have a place here. Remember that you are a beautiful person and loved by so many. Some of my favorite things about you are your uniqueness, your stubbornness (yes I know you get that from me), the way you stand up for those who cannot stand for themselves, your drive and focus, and the love you show to those around you.
Know that we are very proud of you and all you have done in life so far and cannot wait to see all that you do in your very bright future.
Have a fabulous and LIT (I know, I know, I am probably not supposed to use that term but oh well) Senior year!!!
Love ya Tay!!
~ Mom
Sunday, August 7, 2016
Every day wife and mother trying to live the "Fit" life......
Those of you who know me know I have gone down this path many times..... I don't always stay there for one reason or another, bum knee, crazy allergies, work, etc..... and when I am not working out (with someone to hold me accountable), my eating gets out of whack.
So here I am again, trying to stay healthy. I am working out, twice a week with a group and the best trainer I know, also trying to walk to get in extra cardio(running is out for me) and really being diligent about logging my food.
We will get back to what helps with the above statements but first, why am I doing this. I do not focus on fitness and being healthy for a number on the scale, I am past worrying about that, did that too much growing up in the world of Ballet. Now it is about, how do I feel on a daily basis, focused, alert, energetic, etc... It is also about how I feel in my skin and in my clothes. I have no delusions that I will ever have a six pack or look like any model or celebrity and quite frankly I don't really want that. This is about me being healthy and subsequently being able to have energy to live life!
What am I doing to try to achieve the above mentioned? Well, several things actually. Let's see, I am working out again with Val doing a boot camp like workout with a group of ladies twice a week. Val gets results, and after two weeks I am already noticing a difference in how I feel in my skin. She pushes you but in a way that is motivating. I am really taking seriously the change in eating habits. I normally don't eat badly, but I also don't really pay attention to what I am eating. So now I am really using My Fitness Pal to log foods and pay attention to what I am eating. It can be fun to see what you can put together to still have that variety in food that really does taste good while being good for you (more on that later). I bought a fit bit, I know, I know, some of you will be like, really? why? but for me it keeps me focused and after two weeks it is working for me. And lastly, I am trying out Thrive. I am normally really skeptical when it comes to things like Thrive, but my Sister-In-Law and my Step-Mom kept telling me how it is working for them, from more energy to being more focused and just plain feeling better, I finally said, ok, I will try it. And, so I did. I used to feel completely drained at the end of every day, absolutely NO energy. With Thrive, I am tired at the end of the day but not exhausted. I am more focused during the day as well. I have also found I am drinking a lot more water and much less caffeine. So far, I am on board with Thrive.
The key for me in staying on track with all of these things is holding myself accountable and preparing ahead of time. The hardest part in all of that is the food piece. But after two weeks I am doing pretty well. Shop for a week at a time (this helps me from getting bored with the food). I look online to try to find good and flavorful recipes that are healthy as well. There are lots of ways to eat healthy and still be satisfied. Now, I fully believe that if you really want a piece of pizza or a hamburger then go for it. The same goes for that piece of chocolate. Here are a few of things that I find curb the need for the crunchy or sweet snacks of the unhealthy variety:
So here I am again, trying to stay healthy. I am working out, twice a week with a group and the best trainer I know, also trying to walk to get in extra cardio(running is out for me) and really being diligent about logging my food.
We will get back to what helps with the above statements but first, why am I doing this. I do not focus on fitness and being healthy for a number on the scale, I am past worrying about that, did that too much growing up in the world of Ballet. Now it is about, how do I feel on a daily basis, focused, alert, energetic, etc... It is also about how I feel in my skin and in my clothes. I have no delusions that I will ever have a six pack or look like any model or celebrity and quite frankly I don't really want that. This is about me being healthy and subsequently being able to have energy to live life!
What am I doing to try to achieve the above mentioned? Well, several things actually. Let's see, I am working out again with Val doing a boot camp like workout with a group of ladies twice a week. Val gets results, and after two weeks I am already noticing a difference in how I feel in my skin. She pushes you but in a way that is motivating. I am really taking seriously the change in eating habits. I normally don't eat badly, but I also don't really pay attention to what I am eating. So now I am really using My Fitness Pal to log foods and pay attention to what I am eating. It can be fun to see what you can put together to still have that variety in food that really does taste good while being good for you (more on that later). I bought a fit bit, I know, I know, some of you will be like, really? why? but for me it keeps me focused and after two weeks it is working for me. And lastly, I am trying out Thrive. I am normally really skeptical when it comes to things like Thrive, but my Sister-In-Law and my Step-Mom kept telling me how it is working for them, from more energy to being more focused and just plain feeling better, I finally said, ok, I will try it. And, so I did. I used to feel completely drained at the end of every day, absolutely NO energy. With Thrive, I am tired at the end of the day but not exhausted. I am more focused during the day as well. I have also found I am drinking a lot more water and much less caffeine. So far, I am on board with Thrive.
The key for me in staying on track with all of these things is holding myself accountable and preparing ahead of time. The hardest part in all of that is the food piece. But after two weeks I am doing pretty well. Shop for a week at a time (this helps me from getting bored with the food). I look online to try to find good and flavorful recipes that are healthy as well. There are lots of ways to eat healthy and still be satisfied. Now, I fully believe that if you really want a piece of pizza or a hamburger then go for it. The same goes for that piece of chocolate. Here are a few of things that I find curb the need for the crunchy or sweet snacks of the unhealthy variety:
- Carrots or celery with a little balsamic vinaigrette
- Celery with a little peanut butter
- Cucumbers
- Edamame
- Cherry Tomatoes
- Nuts (almonds are my fav)
- Seeds (I like sunflowers)
- Greek Yogurt with granola and fruit
- Grapes
- Bananas
- Watermelon
That helps with the snacking, but you also have to think about what you actually eat for dinner. So I try to substitute some items, I am NOT going to do Tofu or quinoa, or even wheat pasta so I have to find other things to switch out for a little bit healthier option. See below to just name a few:
- Lean ground turkey instead of ground beef
- Portabella Mushroom caps instead of a hamburger
- Spaghetti Squash instead of regular spaghetti (I have to have pasta so I have to indulge every now and again)
- Lean Pork
- Sweet Potatoes instead of actual potatoes
Ok, so anyway, this is just what I do. I am not a nutritionist or a dietitian so take it for what its worth. :)
Sunday, July 10, 2016
It's a crazy world we live in, thoughts of an everyday Mom
Usually I stay out of all the crazy in the world and focus on my own crazy. But after the events of this past week I felt I needed to share my feelings. This is about how I feel as a human being on this earth with all that is taking place.
I am very concerned about our future as a human race if we continue doing what we are doing to ourselves. The amount of hate we all have, and I say we because this is a human race issue, is so discouraging and sad. We have groups of people who fought so hard for their rights, yet we are all still fighting like we have something to prove. Instead of focusing on ourselves and our gender, race, religion, let's focus on human rights and the rights and freedoms we have living in this country. We need to use those rights for good and in a lawful manner. Why are we taking steps backwards and ruining everything we and our ancestors fought for??
There is both good and bad in every profession, race, religion, etc... We need to celebrate the good, report on the good, post about the good so much more than we do today. Yes we need to be aware of the bad that is happening because it will happen, we are human after all. But let's not sensationalize the bad and continue to paint a whole group based on the actions of the few. Because that is what it really is most times, the actions of the few. There is so much good in this world and we really need to see it, more than ever right now. People are losing faith in everything and it is really making me sad and angry.
I am not sure if my parents felt this way when I was growing up and if the world felt this crazy at the time to them but it feels like things are so much worse now. Can't we get it together America?? And our media, politicians and celebrities don't help matters (not all). Some of them jump onto whatever the cause is of the day or the issue of the day or the tragedy of the day. Why is this an issue? They are such public figures that whatever they say becomes fact or what the majority seem to jump on. Now to stay in sync with my earlier thoughts, this is not all media, or all politicians or all celebrities but, what I ask of them because they are in the public eye and do have influence is to think about what you are saying and how will the general public react? Are you unnecessarily tearing down one group to build up another due to a tragic event? And no, everything is not peaches and roses but let's think and act strategically. Most reactions are emotional, trust me I know, but we need to take time and think about what we are going to say and do in front of the masses. There are most certainly times when we need to be stern and get people to wake up, now is one of those times, but again, don't arbitrarily tear another down to build yourself or cause up.
I am probably rambling and I am sorry but this is all just too crazy for my liking. What we need is LESS hate and MORE love and understanding!!! It doesn't matter where or how you grew up, what color your skin is, if you are male or female, gay or straight, Christian, Jew or Muslim, we all need to take control and be responsible for our own actions. If you see someone in need, help them, if you see someone doing well, congratulate them, if you see someone suffering, comfort them.
To America and the Human Race; what will you do today to make our Country and US better??
I am very concerned about our future as a human race if we continue doing what we are doing to ourselves. The amount of hate we all have, and I say we because this is a human race issue, is so discouraging and sad. We have groups of people who fought so hard for their rights, yet we are all still fighting like we have something to prove. Instead of focusing on ourselves and our gender, race, religion, let's focus on human rights and the rights and freedoms we have living in this country. We need to use those rights for good and in a lawful manner. Why are we taking steps backwards and ruining everything we and our ancestors fought for??
There is both good and bad in every profession, race, religion, etc... We need to celebrate the good, report on the good, post about the good so much more than we do today. Yes we need to be aware of the bad that is happening because it will happen, we are human after all. But let's not sensationalize the bad and continue to paint a whole group based on the actions of the few. Because that is what it really is most times, the actions of the few. There is so much good in this world and we really need to see it, more than ever right now. People are losing faith in everything and it is really making me sad and angry.
I am not sure if my parents felt this way when I was growing up and if the world felt this crazy at the time to them but it feels like things are so much worse now. Can't we get it together America?? And our media, politicians and celebrities don't help matters (not all). Some of them jump onto whatever the cause is of the day or the issue of the day or the tragedy of the day. Why is this an issue? They are such public figures that whatever they say becomes fact or what the majority seem to jump on. Now to stay in sync with my earlier thoughts, this is not all media, or all politicians or all celebrities but, what I ask of them because they are in the public eye and do have influence is to think about what you are saying and how will the general public react? Are you unnecessarily tearing down one group to build up another due to a tragic event? And no, everything is not peaches and roses but let's think and act strategically. Most reactions are emotional, trust me I know, but we need to take time and think about what we are going to say and do in front of the masses. There are most certainly times when we need to be stern and get people to wake up, now is one of those times, but again, don't arbitrarily tear another down to build yourself or cause up.
I am probably rambling and I am sorry but this is all just too crazy for my liking. What we need is LESS hate and MORE love and understanding!!! It doesn't matter where or how you grew up, what color your skin is, if you are male or female, gay or straight, Christian, Jew or Muslim, we all need to take control and be responsible for our own actions. If you see someone in need, help them, if you see someone doing well, congratulate them, if you see someone suffering, comfort them.
To America and the Human Race; what will you do today to make our Country and US better??
Tuesday, June 21, 2016
Tay Tay is a Senior.....
I sometimes forget that I have one adult child and one that is almost an adult. Of course, if you ask Taylor, she is an adult.... It's when these milestones happen that remind me of how much life as happened and that time does not standstill as much as we would like it to some days...
Tay is a Senior now, holy cow, or is LIT as they say, I can't keep up with the lingo of today's kids.. I try but then I just look like the uncool Mom. HAHA
As Taylor starts this last year of High School journey and makes decisions such as where to go to college (I think I might cry - happy tears of course), what she wants to major in, etc... I hope she stops to enjoy this time in her life!! It is the last year where she can truly be a "kid".
She has always made her own decisions of when and how to do anything, starting from before she was born. Everything in her own time. She is most definitely her own person, which I love about her. She has never done anything just because everyone else is doing it, an accomplishment in and of itself if you ask me for any teenager. Her uniqueness is something that she is known for and I love her for it.
Taylor has shown time and time again that she is always looking for ways to help others, sometimes to her own detriment (trying to carry the world). From volunteering to helping a family in need, she is always thinking of others. She has no room for hate, everyone deserves to have a chance.
I know that she will be "leaving the nest" next year and I will miss her greatly but she is more than ready to take on this crazy world! I am so excited for this next chapter in her life journey, her Senior Year!! Cant' wait for all the fun and crazy of this year, Senior Pics, College Applications, College Visits, and finally GRADUATION!!! It will be here before I know it but I will be ready, well maybe, ok mostly..... except on actual Graduation Day, no promises that there won't be tears.
Love you Tay Tay more than you will ever know! Have a blast this year!!
Class of 2017 ROCKS!!!
Tay is a Senior now, holy cow, or is LIT as they say, I can't keep up with the lingo of today's kids.. I try but then I just look like the uncool Mom. HAHA
As Taylor starts this last year of High School journey and makes decisions such as where to go to college (I think I might cry - happy tears of course), what she wants to major in, etc... I hope she stops to enjoy this time in her life!! It is the last year where she can truly be a "kid".
She has always made her own decisions of when and how to do anything, starting from before she was born. Everything in her own time. She is most definitely her own person, which I love about her. She has never done anything just because everyone else is doing it, an accomplishment in and of itself if you ask me for any teenager. Her uniqueness is something that she is known for and I love her for it.
Taylor has shown time and time again that she is always looking for ways to help others, sometimes to her own detriment (trying to carry the world). From volunteering to helping a family in need, she is always thinking of others. She has no room for hate, everyone deserves to have a chance.
I know that she will be "leaving the nest" next year and I will miss her greatly but she is more than ready to take on this crazy world! I am so excited for this next chapter in her life journey, her Senior Year!! Cant' wait for all the fun and crazy of this year, Senior Pics, College Applications, College Visits, and finally GRADUATION!!! It will be here before I know it but I will be ready, well maybe, ok mostly..... except on actual Graduation Day, no promises that there won't be tears.
Love you Tay Tay more than you will ever know! Have a blast this year!!
Class of 2017 ROCKS!!!
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