Author Archives: Elastamom

I am so close to having my button code and linky ready. Next week, I promise!! I would L-O-V-E if you would join me in focusing on the happy things that happened this week.

Here’s what made me happy this week…

Summer haircuts. Is there anything cuter than a little boy with their summer do?

Matt turned 40. I hope I get to be with him when he turns 100.

New clothes. I finally used a gift card from Christmas and my birthday money and got some new clothes. I decided I wouldn’t wait until I reached the “perfect weight” and just went anyway. I found lots of new things and I felt great about myself. Is there anything better than new clothes?

A pedicure. I finally used my gift card for that too! A pedicure is so heavenly.

A day at the lake. We were able to go out on the boat and even swim in the lake on Monday! Of course now it’s 50 degrees, but that’s Ohio for you!

What made you happy this week?

It’s close to bedtime and we’re upstairs doing the same old routine. We’re getting pjs on, we’re brushing teeth, we’re washing our faces, we’re ready to settle in.

A few weeks ago I would just want to cry or scream because I’d just want it to be over so I could go to sleep. I was crabby and short with you and wasn’t myself at all. I didn’t enjoy much of anything and especially not same old, same old bedtime routine.

I’m sorry for that. I know I’ve told you already but I hope you know. I’m sorry my normal self went away for a while. But I hope it taught you that these things happen and that it’s important to get help. Always remember that. It’s ok to ask for help. It’s ok to admit you have a problem. It’s ok to make yourself feel better.

So last night as we’re doing our routine, I notice that I’m there. I’m really there. My eyes are seeing you, my ears are hearing you, I’m noticing everything. I’m noticing front teeth that have come all the way in and make your face look completely different and grown up. I’m noticing legs with hair on them that wasn’t there before that predicts rapidly approaching adolescence. I’m noticing pretty little toenails that need painting for when they’re in silver, strappy sandals. I’m there. I’m present. It feels so good.

Before I know it we’re listening to Matthew read books. Four really difficult-for-a-kindergartener books. He’s rolling right along only getting tripped up on words that sound nothing like they look: enough, island, caught. When did he get so good at this? Olivia’s watching and listening with a huge smile on her face. Gabe’s commenting on how some of the kids in his class couldn’t read that book which makes Matthew beam with pride. And I’m there. I see it. I am reveling in it. These are my beautiful, kind, intelligent, marvelous children and I am their mother. This is what it’s about.

After stories are over someone, I don’t remember which one of you, gets the idea to see how ticklish I am. We know you’re super tickly Mama!!! I’m going to get her feet, you get her armpits! Can you stand it Mama? All three of you attack me with your tickles and I am giggling like a madwoman. Honest to God, from the belly, all out giggles. I love it. There has never been a more perfect moment than this, I think. I soon recover and get my tickling revenge on all of you…even the 10-year-old who doesn’t much like being hugged or kissed or cuddled anymore. You are all hysterical with laughter and my face hurts from smiling. It’s perfect. And I’m there. I’m not thinking about sleeping or feeling sad or angry. I’m just there loving life.

I get everyone settled down and tucked in and I take a few extra minutes to chat with you and kiss you and cuddle you and admire all that you are. I try not to think about how in 8 years, one of you probably won’t live at home anymore and I won’t see you every day. It makes me hurt to think of that day. But all I know is I’m so glad I’m not going to miss anymore days between now and then because I’m here now. I go to bed in wonder at these three beautiful souls that I have been blessed with. I’m not sure how I got so lucky, but I did.

I am here. I am present. I am back. I am so happy to be here.

I finally finished the 50 Shades of Grey trilogy by EL James a couple of weeks ago. Have you read it yet? Did you know that it started out as a self-published, fan fiction finalist? It’s her take on Twilight. Isn’t that crazy? The whole time I was reading it I was thinking that it reminded me of the Bella/Edward love story…and then I found out that it was based on the Twilight saga. For those of you who are like me and don’t know what fan fiction is, it’s when fans take a popular story, like Twilight, and write their own twist and story based on the main characters. Isn’t that wild that her books have taken off like that?

Here’s what I didn’t like about the books:

1.) It’s weird. Really weird. Grey is weird and strange and scary. The whole idea of a man being a dominant like him and women volunteering for the job was really weird to me. I almost stopped reading the first book because I just couldn’t wrap my head around it. But I had to know what happened so I kept reading.

2.) I didn’t think it was particularly well-written. She uses the same words and phrases over and over again and that got annoying. But that might just be a quirk of mine; maybe it wouldn’t bother you. But there were times while reading that if I heard “bite your lip”, “foil packet”, “twitchy palms” or several other terms, I was going to scream.

3.) I thought Ana was kind of annoying. Sorry to those of you who loved her. Her whole “I haven’t eaten all day…whine, whine, whine” got old for me. I do think that her character became more likeable as the trilogy progressed. She was a little to petulant and sappy for me.

4.) It bothered me that the author’s British roots came out in her American story. Even though none of the characters are British, and it’s not set in Britain, she would use British phrases like “He was wearing a smart suit”. Things we don’t say in America and it just felt out of place. That’s probably just a quirk of mine too.

5.) Christian’s controlling nature was really scary. I can’t imagine a 22-year-old virgin who’d never been in a relationship before going for that. No matter how hot and rich he is. I found that unbelievable. Of course I thought it was weird in Twilight that Bella would date a vampire, so there you go.

6.) I couldn’t read it at breakfast. I love to read over a cup of coffee on the weekends. But this is definitely a nighttime book, if you get my drift. I felt weird reading it around the kids and if I read it during the day it got me all revved up!

Here’s what I liked about the series:

1.) The sex. Duh! It’s very erotic. I’ve never watched a porno or read erotic fiction before and I have to say, I liked it. There’s a lot of sex. All the time. And some of it is freaky. Very freaky. It’s a big turn on.

2.) Ana’s roommate Kate. She is spunky and level-headed and the only one that thinks it’s a little strange that Ana is so taken with Christian.

3.) The love story. I’m not a huge fan of love stories, but I liked this one. It progressed naturally and with drama. I enjoy drama.

4.) The author did provide some intriguing plot twists. I don’t want to tell you too much, but it’s not just a love/sex story. There’s more to it and that’s what makes it such a good read. That and the sex.

5.) The author did a great job with her supporting characters. Taylor the bodyguard, Ms. Jones the housekeeper, Ana’s parents and Grey’s family were all well-developed and enjoyable.

6.) It was different than anything I’ve ever read. Very unique.

7.) Did I mention the sex?

It’s definitely worth the read. I couldn’t stop reading which is a sign of a good book. I’d love to know if you read it and what you thought!!

Look! I made a button! And I almost got the HTML code to work so you could use it too…but I couldn’t quite get it. If anyone can help me, that would make me very happy this week!

I’ve been volunteering in Matthew’s class every Friday and I was in charge of all the classroom parties. Today was my last “official” volunteering day and the kids gave me a present! It was a large flower-pot filled with flowers. It said “Thank you!” and then each of the kids drew a little picture and signed their names. I love it!

The teachers at my kids’ school had a little reception for me after school today to thank me for being PTA president. They gave me a gorgeous hanging basket and a card they all signed with personal notes. It was so nice. I certainly don’t volunteer for the gifts, but it sure is nice to be appreciated!

The boys had their first baseball games this week. Even though the games can be long and kind of boring (and did I mention hot?) it is really something to watch them play.

Olivia told me she’s marrying Corey from her baseball team. She’s going to wear a nightgown and he’s going to wear cowboy boots and I’m allowed to come.

I had a meltdown on Tuesday in a panic over summer, especially finding a camp or something for Olivia to do. The next morning he texted me around 10 a.m. to tell me he found one, he signed her up, it was taken care of. I love it when he listens.

My friend Amy and I had our first official “Golf Widows Night”. Even though we had to cut it a bit short because of baseball games, I was so happy to be able to chill and enjoy her company and a couple of glasses of wine on a school night.

Phillip Phillips won American Idol! Yipppeeee!!!!!

What made you happy this week?

Inspired by MamaKat’s writing prompt: Share a picture that means spring for your family.

In April, Matt and I kept walking out the front door and this cardinal would burst out of the vines climbing our garage to the right and fly right in front of our face. We would duck and wonder why the heck that kept happening but we didn’t give it much thought. Until one day, Matt decided to investigate. He found a nest filled with three tiny cardinal eggs.

You have to understand that Matt is kind of a bird fanatic. He loves birds, he knows all about birds, he enjoys watching them feed at our birdfeeder in our backyard. He was thrilled that not only did we have a nest with eggs in it, but it was a cardinal. According to my bird expert hubby, I guess that’s pretty rare.

As a family, we’ve been fascinated by this special treat. All of us check the nest every day. When the birds hatched, we were so excited even though those baby birds might be the ugliest thing I’ve ever seen. We’ve watched them get bigger every day. Their eyes finally opened yesterday. We stand at the front door and watch every day after school. If we go outside, the daddy bird flies away. I had no idea that it was the daddy bird; I thought it was the mommy. Again, my birdie husband pointed out that the males are red and the females are a green camouflage color. Who knew? My Cliff Claven hubby, that’s who. All this time I thought it was the mommy taking care of the babies; turns out it was the daddy. Pretty cool.

We all can’t wait to see the birds grow. We wonder how long they’ll stay. But until they’re gone, we’ll be there, at the front door, watching.

**disclaimer: It’s really hard to take great pictures of the birds because they’re pretty deep in the vines, my camera is bad at macro shots, and I didn’t want to scare them. I haven’t been able to get a shot of the grown-ups.**

I’m doing a lot of visiting this week, aren’t I? Sometimes it just works out that way. Being a work-from-home Mom, I love getting out of my house and visiting so it’s been a fun week for me!

Today I am guest posting over at Sweet Pea and Buddies with the lovely Ms. Gi. I hope you’ll hop over and pay her, and me, a visit!

In honor of International Cri du Chat Awareness week, my lovely friend, Holly, allowed me to guest post over at her house today. I love Holly, I love her blog, I love when she kicks my ass at Words with Friends. I hope you’ll hop over and visit her blog today.

Thank you, Holly, for allowing me to share my special girl with your readers today!

Even though it takes up most of our weeknights and most of our weekend, I just love watching my kids play sports. I love seeing them work with their team and, most of all, I love to watch them have fun.

Gabe’s team was thrilled to go undefeated this season after a rough fall season where I’m not sure they even won one game. Matthew’s team only lost one game…but they don’t really pay attention to that…they’re kindergarteners.

In our town, sports can get a little overly competitive. It makes me crazy. I want to take all of those crazy, obnoxious parents to one of Olivia’s games to see what it really should be like. Everyone cheers for everyone. The players have fun. They try their hardest and everyone smiles.

She is loving baseball this year and it’s really fun to watch. The last 3 years when she’s played, she’s been less than thrilled about it. This year she asks how much longer until her game. I think it has something to do with a certain 20-something boy that she has a major crush on…but maybe she’s just finally decided she likes it. Every week she says she’s going to hit a home run and thanks us for taking her. That’s my girl.

**Next week I’m going to have a button and a link-up…I hope you’ll join me!**

So many things made me happy this week….

If I could bottle the way my backyard smells right now, I’d be a millionaire. I wish I could virtually share it with you. It’s lilacs, fresh cut grass and newly planted flowers. Yum.

Being able to go on Matthew’s field trip to the zoo. I was exhausted but it was really fun. I’m glad I got to be there.

Olivia playing “I Spy” in an English accent. I’ll try and get it on video tape. It’s probably the cutest thing you’ve ever heard. And she always spies things that aren’t there. Too cute.

Being married for 14 years. He ran the kids to soccer practice and baseball and I went to the grocery store and worked, but we still smiled over Taco Bell at 8 p.m. and knew we were still glad we jumped in with both feet.

Phillip Phillips. If he doesn’t win American Idol next week, I’ll cry.

America’s Got Talent. We’ve never watched this show before; all of us love it! There are so few shows that all of us can watch together and enjoy.

The dwindling school year. It makes me so happy to see us getting closer and closer to summer.

What made you happy this week?

***Post inspired by MamaKat’s prompt: List the songs that tell your life story (so far).***

You know I love me some music. I have weird and varied taste in music. I love it all if it’s good. I don’t care if it’s not cool, I don’t care if it’s not popular, if it’s a good song, I want it. Funny enough, I always think about songs that would be in the soundtrack of my life. I always have.

When I was little, my sister and I would constantly make up dances. We took dance lessons but this was more than that. We made up dances in the basement, in the front yard, in our swimming pool. It was constant. Thank God youtube wasn’t around back then, right Hilary? We loved Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson and Madonna. We wanted to dance with somebody, we wanted to feel the heat with somebody, we wanted somebody to love. Like a Virgin had no meaning to us except that it was a great song. Material Girl had to be about someone who wanted to buy a lot of fabric, which was weird, but man could we jam to that one with our lace half-gloves on. And Michael. *Sigh* I was so in love with him.

Junior High dances were my favorite. I feel like we had them all the time! I danced with a boy for the first time to Gloria Estefan’s Words Get in the Way. My friends and I would get in a huge circle and take turns being in the middle spotlight during Salt-n-Pepa’s Push It and Supersonic by J.J. Fad. We knew all the words and I could still sing right along today. I would lay on my bed and pine after boys and listen to Is This Love by Whitesnake and dream of kissing them and falling hopelessly in love.

High school for me was during the Seattle grunge era. We wore giant flannel shirts and baggy jeans and Doc Martens and baseball hats. We were hot. We listened to Pearl Jam and Nirvana and Ace of Base. We danced constantly; school dances, our homes, on the sidelines of the football games. My friend Julie and I once listened to Gin Blossom’s Hey Jealousy at least 20 times until we knew every single word. When my heart was broken by the boy I loved, Whitney Houston’s I’ll Always Love You was the track of my tears.

College was one of the most fun times of my life. I had the best friends I’d ever had in my life. True friends. I loved them so much, I still do. We danced in the hallways of our sorority house, at clubs and at parties. I’ve forgotten how much I loved to dance. I will never forget dancing to Hakuna Matata with my friend Angela in the hallway. We thought that was the cutest song and loved belting out the lyrics. At the clubs, we slam danced and partied and sang at the top of our lungs. Escape by Rupert Holmes was a favorite that made us laugh. I’ll never forget my friends Molly and Beth doing “their dance” to Stayin’ Alive by the Bee Gees. I loved watching them dance; they even did it at my wedding.

I used to ride on the bike trail and listen to Toad the Wet Sprocket and dream of marrying Matt. Our first dance at our wedding was Leann Rimes “How Do I Live?”. Cliche, but I love it anyway. After my miscarriage, when I was desperate for a baby and missing the one who died, I would listen to Celine Dion’s That’s the Way It Is. I listened to it over and over and over because it gave me hope. It did. It also reminded my that I had no control over what was happening. I’m terrible at being out of control. After Olivia was born, there are so many songs I could list here that helped me through. Another Celine song, A New Day Will Come, always made me cry happy tears. Phil Collins’ song, You’ll Be In My Heart, from the Tarzan soundtrack will forever make me think of Olivia and bring tears to my eyes. I used to nurse and rock Gabe in the middle of the night and Keith Urban’s You’ll Think of Me was always on. Always. Matthew was very sick as a baby so I didn’t sleep much and I loved listening to Home by Michael Buble. It felt like we were finally home after having Matthew. We were complete.

Since then there have been so many songs that will forever remind me of this time in my life. Anything by Josh Turner, who we all love, all the way to LMFAO’s Sexy and I Know It will always play in my head when I think of this crazy, sticky, smelly, exhilarating, joyful time of raising kids and hoping I’m doing it right. I look forward to all of the songs that will play on the journey ahead too.