Thursday, December 30, 2010
Tones 2010
Reading over my year's entries, I am ashamed there are only 5 blog entries for 2010. How sad! It's been a great year, how could I not have recorded it? So here it is, Dec. 30th, 2010 and I'll re-cap our year in a few posts, and make a resolution to blog/journal more in 2011.
My husband turned 50. We surprised him with a group of friends and neighbors at the Avery Ranch Z'Tejas -- it was "supposed" to be a quiet dinner for two, but when we showed up, he found a table of more than a dozen friends who had already been drinking... way fun. We returned back to our house for more drinks, dancing (hello big butts) and celebration.
He's been working for TEA for almost 10 years, working as a senior analyst... me not being the technical guru in the family, I can't really tell you what that entails except lots of technical stuff. All I know he loves it (most of the time). He deserves to make more money but other than that he's having the time of his life professionally. What does he do in his spare time? If it's summer, and a weekend, he's on the boat, or getting the boat ready to go out, or cleaning up from going out. He putzes around in the garage and fixes things kids break. He keeps our plants alive and our yard from looking like white trash. At the end of an exhausting day, he loves to grab a movie in front of the TV which is no longer occupied by teenagers. He'll drink a good single malt Scotch if you offer. He'll help you in a heartbeat if you need something, and still loves a good laugh.
My husband turned 50. We surprised him with a group of friends and neighbors at the Avery Ranch Z'Tejas -- it was "supposed" to be a quiet dinner for two, but when we showed up, he found a table of more than a dozen friends who had already been drinking... way fun. We returned back to our house for more drinks, dancing (hello big butts) and celebration.
He's been working for TEA for almost 10 years, working as a senior analyst... me not being the technical guru in the family, I can't really tell you what that entails except lots of technical stuff. All I know he loves it (most of the time). He deserves to make more money but other than that he's having the time of his life professionally. What does he do in his spare time? If it's summer, and a weekend, he's on the boat, or getting the boat ready to go out, or cleaning up from going out. He putzes around in the garage and fixes things kids break. He keeps our plants alive and our yard from looking like white trash. At the end of an exhausting day, he loves to grab a movie in front of the TV which is no longer occupied by teenagers. He'll drink a good single malt Scotch if you offer. He'll help you in a heartbeat if you need something, and still loves a good laugh.
Shelley 2010
In going through our pictures for 2010, there are exactly two (unflattering) pictures of just me in our Picasa files... why? Because I am always behind the camera-- trying to capture those moments I want to remember... my friends, my family, our adventures...
Everything I do revolves around loving and caring for my family, except when I am loving and caring for another family when they are giving birth. I attended 24 births in 2010, supported half a dozen families through the postpartum period, and prepared an unknown number of families for the experience of birth and parenting in childbirth classes. I volunteered an unmentionable number of hours to our local doula association as we build relationships with area hospitals and physicians, bridging the gap between modern medicine and the humanistic model of care. Other than my family, there is nothing more important to me, and I am so blessed to do the "work" I do. I am grateful to each family who has welcomed me into their lives.
In my spare time? Once the laundry is done, the house is clean, the food is re-stocked, meals are prepared, sometimes I pick up a book or squeeze in a little yoga. Sometimes I just sleep.
Everything I do revolves around loving and caring for my family, except when I am loving and caring for another family when they are giving birth. I attended 24 births in 2010, supported half a dozen families through the postpartum period, and prepared an unknown number of families for the experience of birth and parenting in childbirth classes. I volunteered an unmentionable number of hours to our local doula association as we build relationships with area hospitals and physicians, bridging the gap between modern medicine and the humanistic model of care. Other than my family, there is nothing more important to me, and I am so blessed to do the "work" I do. I am grateful to each family who has welcomed me into their lives.
In my spare time? Once the laundry is done, the house is clean, the food is re-stocked, meals are prepared, sometimes I pick up a book or squeeze in a little yoga. Sometimes I just sleep.
Kelsey 2010
My first born-- she turned 17 this year, got a driver's license and a car. She's a junior in high school, a great student, loves her teachers when they are wonderful, hates them when they are not. She is taking Health Science this year-- a possible career choice... we visited one college this year and plan to hit up a few more in 2011 before the big decision. She's hard headed, determined, stubborn. She's also loving, soft hearted, and a good sister. She is a vegetarian, recycles, a true hippie at heart. She's an artist-- she dances, loves music, likes to write (journals ferociously) and takes beautiful pictures. It's fun to wonder where the future will take her.
She and Brock have been together for 10 months-- her first "real" boyfriend. He's been a pleasure to have around the house-- he's got a kind heart and a good sense of humor to put up with all of us! (And a lot of patience to put up with her!)
She and Brock have been together for 10 months-- her first "real" boyfriend. He's been a pleasure to have around the house-- he's got a kind heart and a good sense of humor to put up with all of us! (And a lot of patience to put up with her!)
Nate 2010
My second born turned 14 this year. (and finally got his own cell phone!) He's officially way bigger, stronger, taller than mom. He thinks this is hilarious. I tell him it doesn't mean I'm not the boss, he's just big. When he eats, he EATS. Thank God for Costco and Sams. He loves his dog, Shadow, now a 4 yr old black lab mix. He started high school this year--He is a great student, loves math and science. He thinks he might want to get into physics or engineering and will be taking some entry level classes next year in high school. He's technical, but also loves music. He plays the upright bass in orchestra, and based on his teachers, has a lot of "hidden" talent. If only he'd practice...
When he's not doing homework, he's playing video games or hackysack... remember that? He's got a big heart, and loves his big sister. They actually are the best of friends, hanging out together, sharing friends, going to the movies together. I expected teen angst between the two of them these high school years, but while there is angst for sure, it's not between them. He's a good person.
When he's not doing homework, he's playing video games or hackysack... remember that? He's got a big heart, and loves his big sister. They actually are the best of friends, hanging out together, sharing friends, going to the movies together. I expected teen angst between the two of them these high school years, but while there is angst for sure, it's not between them. He's a good person.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Monday, October 11, 2010
17 Again
Being a teenager isn't easy. Kelsey had been working on her license for over a year and it took two tries at the DMV before she walked out with it... on her 17th birthday. I knew she had a great surprise waiting at home. Tones wrapped up a set of keys to her "new" car-- a white 1996 Honda Civic parked just out of eyesight around the corner. When she opened gifts, she was a little confused at first... we went for a walk, then she stopped dead in her tracks. She realized it was a car for her... then the tears came.
Going through this whole process of drivers ed, getting a car, gaining independence... it's been a rite of passage for both of us. I remember how important it was to me when I was 17. Now I am experiencing it again with my daughter.
Be safe my sweet girl.
Going through this whole process of drivers ed, getting a car, gaining independence... it's been a rite of passage for both of us. I remember how important it was to me when I was 17. Now I am experiencing it again with my daughter.
Be safe my sweet girl.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Free Socks
Nathan's had a ganglion cyst on the inside of his wrist for about a year... we've tried homeopathic remedies to help it dissolve, but they aren't working fast enough. It bothers him when he plays the bass... so we finally sought out an orthopedioc surgeon and had it removed today.
It was strange to show up, and have Nate admitted for day surgery-- he was excited about the whole process, not scared at all. He did have to go under general anesthesia tho-- I wasn't thrilled, but they assured me a healthy 14 yr old boy should have no troubles.
He was sad he was going to be asleep for the surgery (he wanted to watch) so asked if they could take pictures... the doctor was a great sport and offered his i phone. He ended up taking quite a few pictures of the surgery, which Nate thought was really cool.
Before we knew it, it was time to go... the nurse helped me get Nate back into his street clothes... the most exciting part of the day was he got to keep the "hospital socks"... he thinks they are awesome, have "non-slip" tread on them and everything. I just overheard him on the phone with a friend, telling the story of this surgery, with the highlight being "and I got free socks."
It was strange to show up, and have Nate admitted for day surgery-- he was excited about the whole process, not scared at all. He did have to go under general anesthesia tho-- I wasn't thrilled, but they assured me a healthy 14 yr old boy should have no troubles.
He was sad he was going to be asleep for the surgery (he wanted to watch) so asked if they could take pictures... the doctor was a great sport and offered his i phone. He ended up taking quite a few pictures of the surgery, which Nate thought was really cool.
Before we knew it, it was time to go... the nurse helped me get Nate back into his street clothes... the most exciting part of the day was he got to keep the "hospital socks"... he thinks they are awesome, have "non-slip" tread on them and everything. I just overheard him on the phone with a friend, telling the story of this surgery, with the highlight being "and I got free socks."
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
First day of School
A milestone today-- I watched my two teenagers walk down the street today, catching the bus to high school together... Nathan was worried I'd miss him today. I was a little teary last night as I made their lunches. No one wanted love notes on their napkins anymore, or a sticker surprise in their lunch. Gone are those days. But I did tell Nathan when he got that napkin out today to remember there was a love note there anyway. He asked me "What does it say?" I said, "I love you". He smiled.
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Friday, April 30, 2010
I said goodbye to Peaches this year
My dad's mom named herself Peaches when Kelsey was born. We had a lot of grandparents and great-grandparents around and not everyone could be "grandma". It fit her perfectly. We last saw her the summer of 2009 and she told me "flat out" she would not be there the next summer. She missed her life long love, Boppie. She was ready to be with him. She left us in March of 2010.
She's been a wonderful addition to my life and I feel so blessed to have known her, to have shared so many moments together. She loved to laugh, she LOVED family. She loved babies and would sit and hold one for hours if they'd let her. She loved hearing new "technology" and was amazed by changes in our world. She welcomed learning. She was the most kind, loving, peaceful person I have ever known.
Sometimes I feel selfish and miss her. I think about often...used to call her frequently. So I just talk to her instead. I know she hears me. She used to talk to Boppie, and said that folks thought she was crazy. I didn't. I knew he was listening. Just like I know she's listening to me. Love you Peaches.
She's been a wonderful addition to my life and I feel so blessed to have known her, to have shared so many moments together. She loved to laugh, she LOVED family. She loved babies and would sit and hold one for hours if they'd let her. She loved hearing new "technology" and was amazed by changes in our world. She welcomed learning. She was the most kind, loving, peaceful person I have ever known.
Sometimes I feel selfish and miss her. I think about often...used to call her frequently. So I just talk to her instead. I know she hears me. She used to talk to Boppie, and said that folks thought she was crazy. I didn't. I knew he was listening. Just like I know she's listening to me. Love you Peaches.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
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