This, That and The Other Thing

Fingers,Toes and Eyes Crossed

2007-09-21T08:31:00.000-07:00

Oh how I hope the travel gods will bless us!

So here is to hoping at the end of October we will be on our way somewhere.....

Oh Pottery Barn...

2007-09-15T23:25:00.000-07:00

how I love thee. I am fortunate enough to have subscribed to their emails. Oops, did I say fortunate? I meant unfortunate. These emails taunt me. They make me want to buy things that are overpriced and possibly unnecessary. But I love Pottery Barn and I love these doors. I always keep my eyes open for something like these. My vision is to lean them against a bare wall in the house.

Although in this house they could be used as weapons.

Evan-ism's

2007-09-15T22:56:00.000-07:00

I have coined a new word Evan-isms. These would be words, phrases and ideas that Evan comes up with. I am beginning to think I could fill a book.

Me: Evan go pee before we leave the house, ok?

Evan: I don't have to go. I am all out.

Me: No. You need to pee before we go.

Evan: But I haven't had a drink and I am all out.

Me: Your kidney's make pee even when you don't have a drink.

Evan: I don't have any kid-in-nees!

well that did it for me. i bit my tongue and gave up the battle. So each time I tell Evan to go to the bathroom before we go out, I get the same response. But I don't have any kid-in-nees! I think I have him convinced that he does indeed have kidneys.

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Me: Evan, do you want some toast and peanut butter?

Evan: no response...

Me: Evan, do you want some toast and peanut butter??

Evan: no response...

Me: EVAN, DO YOU WANT SOME TOAST AND PEANUT BUTTER???

Evan: (very loudly) No, I don't want any toast!!!!

After finally receiving an answer to my question, I am taken aback by his tone. But before I can chastise him for his lack of manners...

Evan: But thanks for asking.

This kid is constantly saying and doing things that make me smile, laugh, shake my head or just plain shock me. He is a character.

Why?

2007-09-07T08:44:00.000-07:00

Food for the Soul

2007-09-07T08:41:00.000-07:00

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.” marianne williamson

I love this quote. True, I am not a religious person, but the words speak to me nonetheless. Such a powerful statement. Words I intend to share with my children.

future politician in training....

2007-09-02T19:29:00.000-07:00

Yes, that is a job I think Evan would excel at. So far his personality is made for a career in politics. He is not shy at all about meeting new people and starting conversations. He knows how to schmooze. Unfortunately, I think he is also perfecting that not-so-nice side of politics. You know the part where politicians do things they shouldn't, but unless they are caught they keep doing them?

Let me explain. A part of my day is spent making sure the kids are playing nicely. This usually means making sure Evan is not pushing Taylor down,etc,etc. So if I am in the kitchen and Taylor starts crying in another room I go to investigate. I try to not instantly blame either child unless I witnessed the incident myself. So I usually ask, What happened in here? The answer from the future politician? Evans asks, Did you see me? In others words, did you see me push my sister and if you didn't I will alter my answer accordingly. The first time he said it I had to stop myself from laughing. Now the jig is up and I tell him that if he is asking me if I saw him, then that must mean he was doing something he shouldn't have been doing.

Oh boy, I shudder to think what this kid will come up with next. He certainly has his mind working at all times.

Them

2007-09-01T23:50:00.000-07:00

I love them. I couldn't live without them. I appreciate them. I laugh at them. I get frustrated at them. Nothing matters without them.

It is funny when and where certain thought processes occur. Today we packed up the kids and drove to Dino town (near Chilliwack). Dino Town and Bridal Veil Falls are next to each other. So we spent a few hours playing at Dino Town and then went for a quick hike at the Falls. It was great to go to a place made for preschoolers. BOTH, Evan and Taylor had a blast. It is hard to find a place where a 2yr old and a 4 yr old can enjoy themselves. Bonus!

Bridal Veil Falls is a beautiful place. Such a lush forest, so much texture, and so much fresh air. So as the four of us are hiking up the path that leads to the Falls, I have an "a ha" moment. Those that are Oprah fans know what I am talkin' about. A moment that jolts us into an awareness. A moment where something becomes clear. Anyways...I am holding the hands of my kids and watching my husband walk in front of us. This is US, the four of us. This is our family. I love these three people and could not be happier to just be walking with them. Sharing a moment together. It is hard to explain and even harder to write down. I guess the power behind my love for them shocked me. I think I spend so much time being busy. Busy with the day to day routine. Busy worrying and busy being unfocused on what is truly important. them. us.

Today has taught me a valuable lesson. To be present and to slow down. To spend time climbing through rivers and enjoying life together.

Today was a great day. Lots of fun. I can't believe summer is almost over. I must admit I am looking forward to Fall. So many more opportunities for fun with the family.

Daddy's Girl

2007-08-29T00:42:00.000-07:00

I knew this would probably happen at some point. Tay Tay is now a serious Daddy's girl. The other morning she grabbed my hand and tried to drag me. I asked her what she wanted? Taylor said, My Dad! Lately, if she is upset and crying she asks for Daddy. I think Evan thought this was making me feel badly. He said to me that he doesn't want Dad, he wants me. I had to chuckle, he must think Taylor is hurting my feelings. What a sweetie pie.

I can only imagine the conversations we will have once Taylor can speak. I can hardly wait to listen to the conversations that Evan and Taylor will have. They already get into all sorts of trouble together. One of my favourites...He told me about his plans to build a "Replicate Machine". When asked why he was building such a machine? He said that he wanted to replicate himself. That way one Evan could take his time outs, and he would always have someone to play with. At the moment, if Evan has a time out he will let Taylor into his room and come downstairs. When asked why he is downstairs already, he says that Taylor is finishing his timeout for him. He truly is a little monkey:)

True Confessions

2007-08-26T07:02:00.000-07:00

I have been hiding something for quite a while now. I have thought about coming clean with friends and family before, but have never found the strength. Today is the day, I am ready to unburden myself.

I enjoy Nascar! Yes, I said Nascar. When did this happen? I truly cannot say. I think I have been in denial for quite sometime. But no longer will I hide behind Scott and Evan's love for the pastime. I am no longer ashamed to admit I enjoy Nascar. Perhaps, it is the sheer recklessness of the racing? Maybe it is because it all seems so crazy? Heavy cars travelling within feet of one another around an oval track. Then add the speed to the equation. Crazy fun.

Did I mention the drivers of these cars? Okay, some of these guys are somewhat attractive. But for me it is all about the cars;)

Committing Again

2007-08-15T00:39:00.000-07:00

Committing to documenting our lives. Lately, the kids have been saying and doing things that I find immensely entertaining. I so badly want to remember these little gems and know I probably won't. So I decided our daily life together is too precious not to document. Since I seem to be on this computer thing and not with a journal/pen in hand--the blog wins.

So I have decided I am kind of wacky. I am always changing, changing opinions, dreams, goals,etc,etc. I am also incredibly anal about always having a plan in life. I have come to decide that this is where a lot of problems start for me. Career goals are a perfect example. For months and months, I have been obsessed with deciding what I want to be when I grow up. Yes, I do know I am rather grown up at 31. I kind of look at it as declaring a Major. Life being the university and my major being "Mommy". To be honest, this was not a major I was happy with. Always second guessing it's relevance. But you know what? I am OK with where I am heading. I value my role in our family. I actually think it is pretty dang important. I am actually helping these two little people grow and chart their own course in life. So far, I think I am doing OK. I have one little guy, with such a love for life and everyone around him. A little girl that I think will one day rule the world. She is a fierce spirit, yet so sweet and loving. I love these little people with a fierceness that I never knew existed. So yup, I think I am doing what I am supposed to be doing. With regards to my other life's ambitions. I will achieve them. So I am no longer obsessing. I feel strongly that the universe has a plan for me. I will get there.

Okay enough angst filled, dramatic ramblings. It is late and time for bed.

Psst! The Secret

2007-04-14T22:23:00.000-07:00

Oh boy, is changing aspects of your personality tough. Bought the book, The Secret a few weeks ago. I find it extremely interesting and a huge challenge. I am trying to use the book as a tool to bring more positivity to my life. I really need to chill out, stop being so impatient and short tempered. Over the years, I think I have found it easier to jump to the negative and forget the positive side of things. So The Secret is all about the law of attraction. What we put out there into the universe is what we get back. Negativity=more Negativity. Interesting stuff. So I will keep plugging away. I really want to be a positive person and a great role model for my children. There is so much negativity out there in this world already.

Spent the afternoon in Bellingham. Took the kids to the mall and they played in the play area. Okay, not gonna happen again. Disgusting, filthy and germ ridden are some appropriate adjectives. A kid threw up in the entry to the play area and Taylor ran through it. Meanwhile, two janitorial staff members are staring at the mess and "discussing" things. Just clean it up already, so kids aren't stepping in it. Needless to say, we threw Taylor's socks away. Evan just had to eat at the Mall Buffet. It made him happy and that was our goal. Then we went to the beach and the kids played with Scott.

Tomorrow is Sunday and I am teaching a class. Then it is the beginning of another week. So much to do around the house. Finish the wee bit of painting I started. Start trying to add more decorative touches. I have to get this house looking like we live here.

What's Going On?

2007-04-13T23:50:00.000-07:00

Truly, not much. Life is as always, racing by and at the same time standing still.I have discovered life with children is strangely interesting.Routine and yet always different.Maybe it is the way their personalities are never constant?
I have been working at the store and still enjoying the break from being "Mommy".I have also found myself struggling with my identity.Since being a SAHM I have discovered that I sometimes feel I have lost a bit of myself.I love being a mother and cannot imagine not being with my kids each day.But it is a struggle to maintain a balance.A balance of who I am and who I am as a mother.I was toying with the idea of returning to school.I think I felt the need to find a career outside of the home.It feels at times as though I am not doing enough with my life.How ridiculous is that?Since I feel that what I am doing at this very moment is my calling.This is what I am supposed to be doing NOW.Maybe in the years to come I will choose another path, but right now I am where I am meant to be.
Going to try and recharge my love for crafting.Used to love spending time getting crafty and enjoying the moment.Lately it has become a chore.Perhaps that has something to do with teaching classes?The stress of coming up with something new can be draining.I have decided I need the break to rediscover how much fun this scrapbooking thing is.
Better sign off.Stuff to do before bed.Tomorrow we go to the Mall in Bellingham.Target.Evan NEEDS to go to Target and the playplace.You would think we were visiting Disney.Oh my, he is truly my son:)

Little Entertainer

2007-01-14T08:35:00.000-08:00

Well, Miss Taylor I think you have inherited the entertainer gene.This gene would have been passed down by me-your mommy.I remember being told by my Mom how I would "entertain" anyone who came over to visit.If we had parties, all the better, a bigger audience.I remember being young and loving making our family/friends laugh by being funny,etc. Last night, when we had people over for Evan's birthday, Taylor was in heaven.She was being silly, dancing and acting like a little monkey.You could tell she was enjoying the attention, she would look back to make sure her audience was watching.Oh boy, I think we are in for many funfilled years to come.

Organize

2007-01-13T23:06:00.000-08:00

Why does that seem like such a dirty word sometimes? That is my biggest New Year's goal. Well that and to whittle about 50 pounds of my body.My goal is to become organized in all facets of my life. My home,my mind, the whole nine yards.I truly believe that by not being as organized as possible, I am wasting too much time and energy.Time that could be spent contributing elsewhere.

January 12th, 2003

2007-01-13T22:51:00.000-08:00

Yes, this was one of the most significant days I will ever experience.On this day, my first born child was born.Life changed.Evan took his sweet time joining the world outside the womb.But I will never forget the moment he arrived.I was so certain he would be a girl.I was certain I had to have a girl.Quite frankly, I think I doubted my ability to relate and thus parent a male child.So imagine my suprise when the Dr's announced our "son's" arrival.I think my heart truly stopped for one beat.Yet, the minute Evan was placed in my arms, he was home.All doubt was erased and a new love was born.

Fast forward four years, one day and here we are. It is incredible to think that I am a mother to a FOUR YEAR OLD. How did this happen? It seems like just yesterday he was taking his first wobbly steps.Now he is becoming more independent, struggling to make his own decisions.I am so proud to be this boy's Mommy.I feel so blessed to be able to share this journey with him.Although, I am also quickly reminded that with every birthday my little guy has, I am on the receiving end of another grey hair;)

This year, we had two birthday celebrations. One on the Island with Grandma and Grandpa M. That was nice and Evan had fun.Today we had a little party for the Wakelin side. A late lunch buffet, cake, a pinata and some presents.Plus, some one-on-one time w/ Justin playing w/ their gameboys.Four year old F-U-N.

To Blog or Not to Blog...

2007-01-13T22:46:00.000-08:00

that is the question. I have decided after some thought to resume blogging.I used to keep a journal and I figure this is the next best thing.I mean come on Stacey, step into 2007 and hop on the blog-wagon.My goal is to print off my post and create a journal that way.Do I think anyone will really be reading these posts?Not really,but there is something strangely interesting in cyber-sharing my thoughts and cataloguing them at the same time. We'll see.