If you don't think this game looks like your particular brand of vodka, then don't come over. No seriously, we play this game almost every single night at our house until one of us wears out (and by one of us, I mean either Paul or me...).
You have to be on point and paying attention or she'll get you.
"Rose."
"Sunflower."
"Rose."
"Sunflower."
"Ro--Tomato!"
Wait, who is supposed to be teaching who here?! Parent Training 101 - Instructor: Lucy Dillon.
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Saturday, January 21, 2012
And so it goes
It’s been an interesting week around here to say the least. The spectrum of emotions has been all over the place ranging from debilitating sadness all the way to momentous happiness and we are now lurking somewhere in the middle trying to comprehend a new normal.
A week ago one of Paul’s lifelong friends, Marc, watched his dad tragically and unexpectedly pass away before his very eyes. Bill had gone in for what everyone assumed would be a routine knee surgery. The short story is, he never came home from the hospital. It’s sad beyond words; and confusing and maddening and unfair and sobering, and more. We are still trying to understand it all.
Two days later our friends Nick and Lauren had an early surprise and welcomed Hudson Robert to the world! We trucked Lucy up to the hospital and watched these new parents gush over their brand new baby boy, and experience emotion so raw and so new and so wonderful, it was overwhelming. As new parents they both had smiles plastered from ear to ear. Lucy carried her puffs around the room inspecting every object she could get her hands on, and every now and then she would stop and point and say, “baby.”
What has been glaringly apparent is that life-changing events evoke togetherness. I’ve seen people I haven’t seen in years; people who have come home to celebrate the ending of a life as well as the beginning of a new one. It feels very human in the ultimate sense of the word. As the world is changing and spiraling in directions that are uncertain, it seems that the important things in life still bring people together, to be present when it’s needed most.
In an even stranger turn of events, Hudson happened to be born on what should have been Bill's 62nd Birthday. Coincidence? Maybe. A funny way of knocking us outside ourselves in order to see the bigger picture? I’d like to think so.
I guess that’s one of the peculiar things about life. Sometimes we get so wrapped up in our day to day hoopla that we don’t stop and see all that we have; we don’t acknowledge the fragileness and uncertainty that life is full of because it’s too much to think about. At the funeral Bill was quoted by several people as always saying, “Don’t sweat the small stuff. And it’s all small stuff.” That’s really resonating around here right now. The piles of laundry waiting to be washed, the scurrying around in the morning to make it somewhere on time, the floors that for some reason aren’t sweeping themselves… It’s all small stuff.
But the big stuff is the stuff we have to focus on, because it is good. Awesomely good. Sometimes it just takes something we can’t wrap our heads around to make us realign our priorities and focus on that big stuff.
Bill will be missed by many, that is for sure; and Hudson is a welcome reminder of all that is good in the world. Both of these families are looking at the world in a whole new light this week. The best news is that they are surrounded by people who love and care for them and who are remembering this week, more than any other week, that the big stuff is what matters most.
A week ago one of Paul’s lifelong friends, Marc, watched his dad tragically and unexpectedly pass away before his very eyes. Bill had gone in for what everyone assumed would be a routine knee surgery. The short story is, he never came home from the hospital. It’s sad beyond words; and confusing and maddening and unfair and sobering, and more. We are still trying to understand it all.
Two days later our friends Nick and Lauren had an early surprise and welcomed Hudson Robert to the world! We trucked Lucy up to the hospital and watched these new parents gush over their brand new baby boy, and experience emotion so raw and so new and so wonderful, it was overwhelming. As new parents they both had smiles plastered from ear to ear. Lucy carried her puffs around the room inspecting every object she could get her hands on, and every now and then she would stop and point and say, “baby.”
What has been glaringly apparent is that life-changing events evoke togetherness. I’ve seen people I haven’t seen in years; people who have come home to celebrate the ending of a life as well as the beginning of a new one. It feels very human in the ultimate sense of the word. As the world is changing and spiraling in directions that are uncertain, it seems that the important things in life still bring people together, to be present when it’s needed most.
In an even stranger turn of events, Hudson happened to be born on what should have been Bill's 62nd Birthday. Coincidence? Maybe. A funny way of knocking us outside ourselves in order to see the bigger picture? I’d like to think so.
I guess that’s one of the peculiar things about life. Sometimes we get so wrapped up in our day to day hoopla that we don’t stop and see all that we have; we don’t acknowledge the fragileness and uncertainty that life is full of because it’s too much to think about. At the funeral Bill was quoted by several people as always saying, “Don’t sweat the small stuff. And it’s all small stuff.” That’s really resonating around here right now. The piles of laundry waiting to be washed, the scurrying around in the morning to make it somewhere on time, the floors that for some reason aren’t sweeping themselves… It’s all small stuff.
But the big stuff is the stuff we have to focus on, because it is good. Awesomely good. Sometimes it just takes something we can’t wrap our heads around to make us realign our priorities and focus on that big stuff.
Bill will be missed by many, that is for sure; and Hudson is a welcome reminder of all that is good in the world. Both of these families are looking at the world in a whole new light this week. The best news is that they are surrounded by people who love and care for them and who are remembering this week, more than any other week, that the big stuff is what matters most.
Friday, January 13, 2012
L says lllllllllllllllllll
My friend Susan handed down the toy in this video; it is one her boys used to play with. Actually, the term "used to" was correct until the morning she had it out to bring to me. She was getting it all cleaned up for Lucy and while the pieces were scattered on her kitchen table, Andrew and Thomas took a renewed interest in the letters and were spelling out some very clever words that probably won't get spelled out in our house for a few more years. Susan offered the disclaimer when she passed the toy along, though she made sure to point out that Andrew and Thomas thought none of the "good words" worked because there is only one of each letter, so "poop" and "butt" are out.
This toy has already provided hours of entertainment - with an educational aspect as well (bonus!). Lucy thinks it is great and it makes it so I can have my hands free for a few minutes so I concur. And this particular evening she thought it was really great.
I should mention two things. 1. I haven't seen Lucy's feet stand this still since about July. Yah, I know, she wasn't walking then. Not exactly sure what that is all about, but I would love to know what was running through her head with her feet stuck in the mud like that while she was flapping away up top, and 2. Lucy's getup. Apparently she and the salsa didn't get along at school so they had to change her pants. Right, just her pants. Not her shirt. I have no idea... But that's why she's wearing some random pants that belong to God only knows who.
This toy has already provided hours of entertainment - with an educational aspect as well (bonus!). Lucy thinks it is great and it makes it so I can have my hands free for a few minutes so I concur. And this particular evening she thought it was really great.
I should mention two things. 1. I haven't seen Lucy's feet stand this still since about July. Yah, I know, she wasn't walking then. Not exactly sure what that is all about, but I would love to know what was running through her head with her feet stuck in the mud like that while she was flapping away up top, and 2. Lucy's getup. Apparently she and the salsa didn't get along at school so they had to change her pants. Right, just her pants. Not her shirt. I have no idea... But that's why she's wearing some random pants that belong to God only knows who.
Monday, January 9, 2012
Annual Recap: 2011
This is the third year I've filled out this survey (second year on the blog) and it's kind of a unique perspective on a year. If you are at all interested or are THAT bored at work, you can ready last year's here.
As for 2011...
1. What did you do in 2011 that you'd never done before.
a. Stayed in a hotel room ALL BY MYSELF.
b. Went to the top of the Empire State Building (I could go on and on with our NYC trip
alone)
c. Received a 90 MINUTE massage; I don’t treat myself to a massage very often, but
when I do they are usually 60 minutes and those extra 30 minutes are LOVELY.
2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions and will you make more for next year?
This is what I wrote at the end of 2010 for 2o11: "Embrace Life and be patient. Tough
to measure, but I’m pretty sure I will know if I have succeeded or not when 2011
draws to a close."
I am going to give myself a B on this. I would say I get an A for embracing life and a
C (which dragged down the average!) on the patience portion.
My 2012 resolutions/goals are a bit more black and white:
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
More and more friends are having babies - yay!
I’ve added states to this questionnaire. Instead of feeling lame every year that I
don’t make it out of the country, I’m going to celebrate that we do get some
traveling done! States visited in 2011 include: Minnesota, Georgia, New York,
Nebraska, Missouri, Arizona, Wisconsin and Iowa.
6. What would you like to have in 2012 that you lacked in 2011?
Patience.
there has also been daycare...
18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
Crafting! I can already tell there will be more in 2012 - I'm getting more creative, I
found Pinterest and I have a little girl who is rounding the corner on getting involved
in some very messy projects; yay!
19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
Worrying. I can make myself physically ill worrying about dumb things;
meetings at work, Paul heading to his routine doctor's appointments, Lucy - anything
- her future, bullying, healthy eating, providing her the right opportunities, etc.,
ETC., I could go on.
20. How will you be spending Christmas?
Christmas was great fun! If only Lucy had received some gifts and attention!!! We
were all over the place which was fun but exhausting.
“I belieeeeeeeeeeeve…”
“Orlaaaaaaaaaaando”
27. What did you want and get?
New flooring in the dining room and new carpet in the living room; along with
some additional paint and general freshening up in each room.
Big one. 3-0. We had Lucy stay the night at my parents house and we went out
for dinner and drinks with some friends. Fun night!
31.What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
A cure for cancer.
32. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2011?
Full-time, working Mom with a side of lazy Sundays.
33. What kept you sane?
Exercise - especially when I can do it outside!
34. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
I think the word “fancy” kind of asks for this response, but man those Middletons
are hot little numbers.
35. What political issue stirred you the most?
Where do I start?
36. Who did you miss?
Friends that live far away.
New question needed here as well...
As for 2011...
1. What did you do in 2011 that you'd never done before.
a. Stayed in a hotel room ALL BY MYSELF.
b. Went to the top of the Empire State Building (I could go on and on with our NYC trip
alone)
c. Received a 90 MINUTE massage; I don’t treat myself to a massage very often, but
when I do they are usually 60 minutes and those extra 30 minutes are LOVELY.
2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions and will you make more for next year?
This is what I wrote at the end of 2010 for 2o11: "Embrace Life and be patient. Tough
to measure, but I’m pretty sure I will know if I have succeeded or not when 2011
draws to a close."
I am going to give myself a B on this. I would say I get an A for embracing life and a
C (which dragged down the average!) on the patience portion.
My 2012 resolutions/goals are a bit more black and white:
- Pic-A-Day: I am going to take one picture every day. I saw this on another blog and it seems like a unique way to keep track of a year of life. This will be challenging for me for a few reasons. 1. I’m wordy. I like words. I like adding my two cents. I like explaining things, talking through things, etc. And for this exercise there will be none of that. I am not going to allow myself to explain the pictures or even put a caption by each one (other than the date). 2. It will force me to just take a damn picture. Instead of stewing over whether the picture really sums up the WHOLE day, or thinking into what the picture will portray to everyone else, the goal is to capture a quick glimpse into each day. Harder (for me) than it may sound. But I’m excited to look back on it in a year and see where I landed.
- Make mornings easier: The good news is that I know how to do this. For starters: get up 15 minutes earlier than I think I need to, prepare coffee and hit that good ol’ “delay brew” button the night before, pack my gym bag the night before, pack Lucy’s bag the night before, have quick options on hand for breakfast. The bad news is that I know all this and still don’t always do it. But in 2012 I’m going to try harder.
- CLEAN THIS HOUSE: Paul and I are attacking this one together and trying to approach this reasonably; this doesn’t mean nonstop cleaning, REALLY. I don't want it to feel overwhelming; the goal is to clean for a short period of time (really short, I’m talking 15 minutes) about three days a week, most likely after Lucy is asleep; if we both do this, our combined weekly cleaning time will be 90 minutes, though HOPEFULLY it will only feel like small snippets of time dedicated to cleaning. Also, this has to be real cleaning; not picking up toys, making the bed or doing the dishes, those already come with the territory.
More and more friends are having babies - yay!
4. Did anyone close to you die?
Thankfully, no.
Thankfully, no.
5. What countries did you visit? What states did you visit?
Didn’t go out of the country. I’ve added states to this questionnaire. Instead of feeling lame every year that I
don’t make it out of the country, I’m going to celebrate that we do get some
traveling done! States visited in 2011 include: Minnesota, Georgia, New York,
Nebraska, Missouri, Arizona, Wisconsin and Iowa.
6. What would you like to have in 2012 that you lacked in 2011?
Patience.
7. What dates from 2011 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
November 1 - Lucy's FIRST BIRTHDAY!
November 1 - Lucy's FIRST BIRTHDAY!
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Surviving a year of parenthood AND having it be the best year of our marriage yet.
No, seriously. We do a really good job parenting together and our relationship has
only been strengthened because of it. Go us!
Surviving a year of parenthood AND having it be the best year of our marriage yet.
No, seriously. We do a really good job parenting together and our relationship has
only been strengthened because of it. Go us!
9. What was your biggest failure?
Allowing myself to worry about things I can't control.
Allowing myself to worry about things I can't control.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
KNOCK ON WOOD, we were pretty healthy in this house this year! Lucy has colds
on and off but I think that comes with the whole daycare routine (strengthening
that immune system!!); she was sick once throwing up and it broke my heart.
Also, Paul wrapped up the year with a case of bronchitis AND pneumonia, but all
things considered we are feeling good about everyone's health!
KNOCK ON WOOD, we were pretty healthy in this house this year! Lucy has colds
on and off but I think that comes with the whole daycare routine (strengthening
that immune system!!); she was sick once throwing up and it broke my heart.
Also, Paul wrapped up the year with a case of bronchitis AND pneumonia, but all
things considered we are feeling good about everyone's health!
11. What was the best thing you bought?
Plane tickets to New York for our anniversary!
Plane tickets to New York for our anniversary!
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
Lucy's; unbelievable trooper; she has fit into our lives seamlessly.
Lisa, Lisa, Lisa.
Paul's; he deals with me, he works hard, he's always happy, he's loves being a dad,
he's always trying to make us happy, he's the best.
Lucy's; unbelievable trooper; she has fit into our lives seamlessly.
Lisa, Lisa, Lisa.
Paul's; he deals with me, he works hard, he's always happy, he's loves being a dad,
he's always trying to make us happy, he's the best.
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
JERRY SANDUSKY.
JERRY SANDUSKY.
14. Where did most of your money go?
Mortgage. I don’t see this changing for a while. Daycare is up there too.
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Our anniversary trip to NYC; Christmas - having both of my brothers home!
Mortgage. I don’t see this changing for a while. Daycare is up there too.
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Our anniversary trip to NYC; Christmas - having both of my brothers home!
16. What song will always remind you of 2011?
I need to replace this question with something else. What food will remind me of
2011? What color? What word? What mood? Taking suggestions for next year...
I need to replace this question with something else. What food will remind me of
2011? What color? What word? What mood? Taking suggestions for next year...
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
a) happier or sadder?
a) happier or sadder?
Happier. The older I get and the more I see and experience, the more I know that
the life we have is always at risk, so we can’t take one thing for granted.
the life we have is always at risk, so we can’t take one thing for granted.
b) thinner or fatter?
About the same.
c) richer or poorer?
Hmmm, probably about the same. There have been raises earned this past year, but About the same.
c) richer or poorer?
there has also been daycare...
18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
Crafting! I can already tell there will be more in 2012 - I'm getting more creative, I
found Pinterest and I have a little girl who is rounding the corner on getting involved
in some very messy projects; yay!
19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
Worrying. I can make myself physically ill worrying about dumb things;
meetings at work, Paul heading to his routine doctor's appointments, Lucy - anything
- her future, bullying, healthy eating, providing her the right opportunities, etc.,
ETC., I could go on.
20. How will you be spending Christmas?
Christmas was great fun! If only Lucy had received some gifts and attention!!! We
were all over the place which was fun but exhausting.
21. Did you fall in love in 2011?
A little deeper each year; with Paul, with Lucy, with my family, with the family I
married into, with my life-long friends, with the happiest black lab I've ever met!
22. How many one-night stands?
This question needs to go.
23. What was your favorite TV program?
Not much television gets watched in our house; I'm not saying this as if
we're too good for TV, but it seems like everytime we sit down to watch something
Lucy has other plans in mind; so when we do find the time it is usually after
Lucy has gone to bed and we pop in a movie, or watch a KU basketball game or
something.
24. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
Don't think so.
A little deeper each year; with Paul, with Lucy, with my family, with the family I
married into, with my life-long friends, with the happiest black lab I've ever met!
22. How many one-night stands?
This question needs to go.
23. What was your favorite TV program?
Not much television gets watched in our house; I'm not saying this as if
we're too good for TV, but it seems like everytime we sit down to watch something
Lucy has other plans in mind; so when we do find the time it is usually after
Lucy has gone to bed and we pop in a movie, or watch a KU basketball game or
something.
24. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
Don't think so.
25. What was the best book you read?
I loved Cutting for Stone, also Water for Elephants was a fun read.
I loved Cutting for Stone, also Water for Elephants was a fun read.
26. What was your greatest musical discovery?
The Book of Mormon on Broadway. “I belieeeeeeeeeeeve…”
“Orlaaaaaaaaaaando”
27. What did you want and get?
New flooring in the dining room and new carpet in the living room; along with
some additional paint and general freshening up in each room.
28. What did you want and not get?
A newly renovated bathroom on the main level. I'm still pleading my case.
29. What was your favorite film of this year?
This answer is probably more of a reflection of the number of movies I actually see
on a timely basis (I should answer this question about 2011 NEXT year because I will
probably be caught up by then), but I thought Bridesmaids was hilarious.
30. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?A newly renovated bathroom on the main level. I'm still pleading my case.
29. What was your favorite film of this year?
This answer is probably more of a reflection of the number of movies I actually see
on a timely basis (I should answer this question about 2011 NEXT year because I will
probably be caught up by then), but I thought Bridesmaids was hilarious.
Big one. 3-0. We had Lucy stay the night at my parents house and we went out
for dinner and drinks with some friends. Fun night!
31.What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
A cure for cancer.
32. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2011?
Full-time, working Mom with a side of lazy Sundays.
33. What kept you sane?
Exercise - especially when I can do it outside!
34. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
I think the word “fancy” kind of asks for this response, but man those Middletons
are hot little numbers.
35. What political issue stirred you the most?
Where do I start?
36. Who did you miss?
Friends that live far away.
37. Who was the best new person you met?
No one is jumping out at me...
38. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2011.
Life is good. So, so good. Soak it up, we aren't guaranteed tomorrow.
39. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.No one is jumping out at me...
38. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2011.
Life is good. So, so good. Soak it up, we aren't guaranteed tomorrow.
New question needed here as well...
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
NYE 2011
New Year's Eve 2011 was one of the more tame celebrations I've been a part of. And truth be told, it was more fun than many previous NYE's seeking debauchery and a hangover - neither are very hard to find! And in addition to a really fun night, I didn't feel like a waste of space the whole next day, I never even pretended I was going to wear heels and a skimpy dress, and I learned that watching the ball drop in pajamas is definitely the way to go.
With Lucy in tow, we headed to KC stay with our friends Al (who is six months pregnant) and Chris who had Nathan (Chris' son) and his friend Cameron for the evening. We headed to a local pizza joint but other than that enjoyed cocktails and appetizers in the comfort of their home with games, movies, sports and a whole lotta fun.
The boys:
The girls (minus Lucy, plus the boy in Al's tummy):
Queen Bee:
The whole crew:
With Lucy in tow, we headed to KC stay with our friends Al (who is six months pregnant) and Chris who had Nathan (Chris' son) and his friend Cameron for the evening. We headed to a local pizza joint but other than that enjoyed cocktails and appetizers in the comfort of their home with games, movies, sports and a whole lotta fun.
The boys:
The girls (minus Lucy, plus the boy in Al's tummy):
Queen Bee:
The whole crew:
Oh and here's an unflattering but hilarious video of yours truly playing Guesstures. In 2012 I've found myself much less robotic (my friends have made fun of my charades skills for years) and less competitive. It all changed just hours after this video was taken; I'm a whole new woman, calm, cool and not at all concerned about winning. Because, now. NOW I pick people to be on my team who know mad SKILLZ when they see them!! Because HELLO?!??!! WINDSHIELD WIPERS, people!!! (Apparently the competitive streak is hard to get rid of...)
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