The Elephant in My Room

For Day 30, I thought I'd kind of 'save the best for last,' so to speak. I don't think it's the best, but I suppose it's the biggest news around here.

We quit smoking at the beginning of the month. HD decided that we were going to quit a few months ago. We went to our doctor and got Chantix. It's been 25 days or so.

Yes, I said that HD decided. Not me.

To be quite honest with you, I did not want to quit. I still like it. Not the optimum conditions for quitting. He has talked about it pretty seriously for a few years now and when our life insurance came up for renewal this year (more than doubling in cost if we simply renewed as smokers,) he decided that the time was now. While I haven't necessarily been on board, I have participated. All month.

For anyone out there wondering about Chantix, it works. But you really need to read the package insert and talk to your doctor. If you are taking medication for depression it is critical that you talk to your doctor. For the first 2-3 weeks we both felt like zombies. It's better now, somewhat. Also, there are other side effects that effect the intestines. No more details, but be forewarned. Ahem.

I'd like to say that I'm happier and feel better but I don't really feel like anything. Except having a cigarette. I still think about it all.the.time. Well, that's not true. At the beginning it was really bad but now it's only during my biggest trigger moments-while having a drink, after a meal, those types of things.

HD likes to talk about it to get support. Luckily he can talk about it all day at work or with whoever he wants. I don't like to talk about it because it makes me want it more. Talk about 2 drastically different styles! I have talked about it with him because he needs the support and he has specifically not talked about it with me because that's how I need support. Weird, but it works.

So there you have it. The Elephant in the Room that I still don't want to talk about but thought you should know about.

Grace in Small Things #1

Despite following Schmutzie for years, I don't think I've ever done a GiST post. I love the idea, I love reading them from other people, and since I haven't done a 'thankful' post yet this season, today is the day! Usually Elan does 5 things but I'm going to do as many as I can. Because I can. Heh.

I am thankful for:

1. my family. The existing 3 guys that live in my house, the daughter and her husband that moved away, my family of origin, all of my in-laws, and my many aunts, uncles, cousins, all of them. We're a pretty diverse bunch but we're pretty cool.
2. being able to be a SAHM. This gives me the opportunity to be the mom that I want to be to my kids.
3. coffee. 'Nuff said.
4. and wine.
5. our puppy. Libby is the best.
6. friends old and new. Related:
7. Facebook. Story: Thanks to Facebook I had lunch today with 2 women (and their beautiful daughters!,) that I have not seen in 22 years. For real! Because of time and distance, before the internet and FB I can't imagine that we would still be in touch. We are, thanks to FB. Crazy.
8. my comfortable and warm home that has electric lighting and running hot and cold water. This is a luxury in most of the world and I cannot over look it or diminish it's importance. 
9. 3 meals a day. My hips might not need them but I am thankful that I don't have to wonder where my meals come from.
10. having enough that we are able to give to others through multiple outlets. There are countless charities and organizations that need our dollars and hours. It is easier than ever to give back, in your backyard or around the world.
11. the telephone. Yes, we have email and other social media, but there is nothing like a telephone conversation with friends or family that live far away.
12. the opportunities that we are able to give our children. I feel that I was given incredible opportunities by my parents and I'm thankful that I can do the same for my kids. From education to travel, I hope pray that we are able to continue to bless our kids in these ways.
13. my partner in life, HD. In countless ways, every single day, I am thankful for him. A close friend lost her husband a few years back and ever since then I have viewed marriage and partnership in a different light. Our years are not guaranteed to us and I am thankful for every day that we have together. I hope that he knows, by words and deeds, how thankful I am for him.
14. a big and powerful God. I am so thankful to serve the God of the universe by the grace of his son Jesus, there really are no words to express it. Just thankful.

What are you thankful for this season?

A Few of My Favorite Things

This time of year a bunch of people make up lists of things to buy for people. Here's a few of my favorite things, in no particular order, in random categories. They may or may not work as gifts but it makes a great blog post, right?

Kitchen:

•  My apple pie recipe is actually Robin's. You can find it here.

•  I adore my pie accessories: a serrated edge pie server and a crust keeper (the metal thing that you put over the crust for the first half of baking that keeps the crust from burning,) both by Pampered Chef. 

•  I also love the Pampered Chef glass bowls with lids. They come in 2 or 3 sizes and, while not too expensive, they are worth every penny to get some of each size. Microwave, fridge, measuring marks, oven-safe, they do it all. 
• I have no need of fancy cookware when I have Revere Ware copper bottom pans. Honestly, I've had them since I was maybe 23 and they never wear out. I got them at WalMart, I think.

Beauty: (Debatable, but we're going with it.)

• Moisturizer: Cetaphil. I use the thick cream kind. I've always had dry skin, but now that I'm in my mid-forties I really need the thick stuff.
• I swear by John Freida Frizz Ease for my thick curly hair. I use 1 squirt on my shoulder-length hair, rub through the length of hair, avoiding the roots. Brush/comb. I can then dry it straight or scrunch it to be curly. It comes out perfect either way. If I do it curly I also use Aveda's Liquid gel to define the curls.
• My stylist might kill me for this but my hair color? I use Loreal Feria, usually color #61 (or #63 if I can't find the other.) I continue to get compliments on the color even when it's past time to do it. Somehow it even does subtle highlights. At less than $10/box it's more than worth it!
• Garnier BB Cream- It's a moisturizer/foundation that I love. While I do like a little more coverage for nighttime, this is perfect for any daytime situation. It lets my freckles show through but evens out my skin tone.
• Last but not least, I swear by Neutrogena Body Oil. I hadn't been able to find it for about 3 years and just ran across a huge bottle at Nordstrom Rack (Or was it Off 5th Ave.? Can't remember.) I'm so happy!

Clothing: (ok, a weird category but I never said it was all going to be perfect)

• I love Hanes socks.
• And Maidenform bras.
• And swear by Jockey for Her underwear. (I do, really. I've been wearing the same style for about 30 years .)
• I love my Lucky jeans. They are just about the only brand that I can find the right length!

Do you have anything to add to these categories? I've probably forgotten about a dozen things!

Turkey Day!

See you tomorrow!

~headless mom

Happy Thanksgiving, Y'all!

*sigh*

Once again the holidays are upon us. Hopefully your turkey is in the brine, the pies are made, and you have your to-the-minute oven schedule written and posted. (Just me? Kidding. I'm not even hosting this year.)

I read Melisa's post earlier and I wish I had her attitude about the holidays. Well, I'm better than I was, but not as relaxed as I feel like I should be. I feel so much pressure for everything to be 'perfect'. You know? It never is. When the kids were younger I wanted holidays here at my house so that I wouldn't have to travel with the babies but it made me a complete stress-ball. In what universe is cleaning the entire house, having house guests, and cooking most of a huge meal with toddlers under foot easier than showing up somewhere with a dish or two? Someone needed to slap me upside the head.

Note to young parents: Go if/where you are invited. Yes it's a hassle to pack all the baby crap but you won't have the stress of making sure that Aunt Betty has her favorite wine and the toilet is clean after the last potty training session. Learn from my mistakes, people.

We were on the way to the orthodontist this morning and listening to a talk radio station and the host was having people call in to share their best 'excuses' for getting out of the annual family argument. We were howling! The host suggested to walk in complaining of a toothache so that when the argument starts you can complain about the tooth and leave. A caller suggested bringing the Monsignor (or another respected member of the clergy or community,) so that everyone would be on their best behavior. Yet another even suggested just the opposite: bring a date that is tattooed, possibly drunk, or whatever might be offensive to your family so that in following years whoever you bring will look fantastic in comparison. We typically have Thanksgiving with my husband's family and to my knowledge have never had a family argument around the table. Can I get an "Amen!"?

I pray that your travels have been safe, that your family arguments are only discussions, your apple pie is as delicious as mine, and your wine glass is never empty!

Happy Thanksgiving, Y'all!

Easy Pumpkin Muffins

I can't remmeber when or where I first heard this recipe but I was skeptical. Don't be. These are really yummy!

The original recipe said "Mix one box of cake mix with one can (15oz) of pumpkin. So I did. They were good but really thick. Now, this is what the recipe looks like:

Easy Pumpkin Muffins

1 box spice cake mix (You can also use white or yellow.)

1 15oz can pumpkin

1 or 2 eggs

Mix well. Spoon into muffin cups. Bake at 350 for 20 minutes.

Yield: no eggs= 12 muffins, 1 egg= about 15 muffins, 2 eggs= 18 muffins.

These muffins are moist and will keep for days. Because they are made with a cake mix they are a little sweeter than what I would typically call a muffin, but they aren't as sweet as a cupcake. A great, easy addition to your Thanksgiving morning breakfast!

~headless mom

Blah

I had a post planned for tonight but my ipod died. And we had a bad day. And then coverage on Ferguson.

Instead, let's look at a picture of my favorite roses in my garden.

See? Much nicer.

See you all tomorrow.

Wedding Album

I absolutely love my wedding album. I still love my wedding dress. I think that the bridesmaid dresses/jackets are still simple and pretty and timeless. I love the joy on my husband's face and the tears in a few eyes. We celebrated 17 years of marriage yesterday during Championship Saturday. (So romantic, no?) Since I love my album so much, I thought I'd share a few shots with you. I guess it's a day to ignore the headless part of the blog? ;-)

With my daughter.

With my parents.

She's a little angel!

The guys at the bar. Of course!

The obligatory church kiss shot.

My mom with HD.

During the ceremony we gave HG her own wedding ring to promise that we would be a family always.

The party was pretty fun. Especially for a certain girl who got all of the attention. Flying is fun!

I love these shots. Our portraits were great too but these give you a feel of how fun our day was. A beautiful Saturday in Colorado, 17 years ago. 

Love you, Honey!

Photo disclaimer: The Photography studio that did our pictures has since gone out of business. When they did, we became the full owners of these images. Please don't steal them. 

~headless mom

Championship Saturday

When your kids are little and you're changing a thousand diapers a day you never think it will come to this. I'm here to tell you, it can, and it does. We were lucky this weekend that we didn't overlap and had to split.... but I'm getting ahead of myself.

HB#2's football team had a rocky start this year. They won their first game by forfeit. The killed a few teams. They got killed by a couple of teams. They have had injuries. But they have plugged along and ended up winning their division. Finally a championship for my boy! That led to the regional tournament, which should have started 3 weeks ago but after a bye week and then 2 teams dropping out of the next 2 weeks of games, we ended up in the regional championship game. (Further than any other team from our area!) So off we went at 7 am, so we wouldn't be late for the 8 am meeting. (We made it in PLENTY of time. Lombardi time, X2.) The game started at 10 and almost immediately we knew that it was going to be a struggle. Our first possession was a 3 and out. Then the other team scored. And again. And... well, you get the drift. Despite losing 6-34, I'm still super proud of our team for making it this far. I hope that they can put it back together for our next two 'bowl' games coming up in the next 2 weeks!

HB#1 is in Marching Band and has loved it. Since it is my first year as a band parent I really had no idea what to expect from competitions. So far I've loved it and have really learned a lot. Our band, from what I've been told, has not gone to the finals in many, many years. Last weekend we were waiting on pins and needles to get our score-we needed to score high enough to stay in the top 12 bands in our division to go to the finals this weekend. At midnight last Saturday we checked the standings and we were in 11th place-- by .08! So tonight is the night. #1 is already on his way with his band and we're leaving soon. Realistically, the kids are thrilled to be in the championships and from what I understand would just like to place. You know, take home some kind of trophy. Again, I'm so proud of these kids and how hard that they've worked.

Wish us luck!

Phoning It In

Sorry gang. Out late with my #1, early morning tomorrow. 

I should have posted earlier in the day but I know that this still counts, as lame as it is. 

Pinky swear I've got a good post tomorrow!

See you then!

~headless mom

5 Questions-Audience Participation Edition

I think that Sarah and the Goon Squad used to do something like this but I don't remember what she called it. I suppose it's better than 20 questions, right? Here's what we do: Below are 5 quick questions. Answer them in the comments. I'll answer them too, just a little later in the day so others get a chance to respond first. Go ahead and respond to other's answers too-it's more fun when everyone jumps in and talks to each other. It's that simple!

1. What is the date, time of day, and general location (East coast, Europe, West coast, etc.,) where you are right now?
2. What did you eat for your last meal?
3. Silver or Gold?
4. Boxers or Briefs?
5. What song is in your head right now? Artist and title if you know it.

Aaaaaand...... GO!

TV Fail

(Can you tell that I'm mostly writing at night when our tv is on? Yeah, I'm that blogger.)

Most evenings that we end up in front of the television (which isn't many,) my husband has decreed that he is in charge of the remote. As you could see in what we have in the DVR, my tastes are very 'broadcast'. My husband, on the other hand, leans toward cable.

Currently, as I type, we are watching "Dude, You're Screwed" about 4 military/survivalist friends that kidnap each other and drop them in the middle of nowhere. Cool show, until the guy skins a bird that he killed. At the exact moment that I looked up from my computer. Another of his favorites lately is "Moonshiners" and some fishing show where the guy is in the Amazon searching for some giant man-eating fish. Often if I can't find him I'll look in the garage and he'll be watching "Bizarre Foods," which always makes me want to hurl. I even caught him watching "Hoarders" the other night. He can't wait for the Anaconda to swallow that guy. BARF!

No wonder I sit here on my computer all night. Just remind me not to look up at the screen!

Tuesday 10

I'm stealing borrowing this idea from Sam over at Airplane Rides and Guacamole Sides. Her Tuesday 10 this week is really good. Hop on over and read it--it's about her 1 arm problems: I laughed and learned something! So Sam, I hope it's ok that I join in the fun this week!

TUESDAY 10: (Unlike Sam, I'm not going to follow a theme this week. Maybe next time? Random it is!)

1. My glasses are filthy. They are scratched. The nose pads need to be replaced. 
2. I think this winter is going to be brutal. Not in the way you might think... I'm hot all.the.time. and I'm afraid that I'm going to love the cooler weather but my family may not be as happy about open windows as I will. 
3. I desperately need a pedicure. I have 2 month old chipped polish on them. Remember, I live in the land of Sandals All Year. *sigh*
4. I bought the cutest pair of boots last week. I've worn them twice. Not nearly as comfortable as I'd like. Bummer.
5. I had such a fun lunch with Caryn yesterday! It's fun to be able to hang out with a fellow blogger on a semi-regular basis.
6. My laptop is getting ready to die. A new one isn't in the budget right now. Remind me to run a back up, please??
7. I haven't checked if I got unfriended yesterday. Should I or shouldn't I? Did you?
8. We have a big weekend coming up. I'll post about that later!
9. My HG is sick. Far, far away from home. Sorry, baby! (Don't you remember the first time you were sick after you moved away from home? It sucks.)
10. My kids have the whole week off for Thanksgiving and I CANNOT.WAIT. 

Wow. My random kinda sucked. Oh well, Day 18=Done!

What's In Your.... DVR?

You can tell a lot about a person or family by what is in their DVR.

Here's what's in ours:

• The Big Bang Theory 
• Parenthood
• Days of Our Lives
• Grey's Anatomy
• Scorpion
• Local Government- This was when my #2 was getting recognition from our city council last year with his football team for making it to the championship game. HD was really sick that day and stayed home on the couch and I remembered that we have a live feed on our tv of all of the public city council meetings so I had him tape it. Since there are no VCRs any more I don't know what to do with it. I'd love to have a copy for him but don't have a clue on how to go about it. Maybe hook up a laptop? Any tips would help.
• The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon- This comes on at 11:35 here on the west coast and I can't stay up that late so we taped the first one to see how he did. Still haven't watched it.
• Bones

What do you think?  Does this say anything about me or my family?

What's in your DVR? Post it and I'll come visit to mock you for your Ridiculessness and RHoWhicheverCityIsOnNow. (Just kidding. No judgement. Come on, I've got Days up there. No.Judgement.)

Just the Mom

There are times in a mother's life that are wonderful. Your kids are obedient and helpful, your husband is appreciative and attentive. This has not been one of those stretches.

My boys are busy. Football and Marching Band have pretty brutal schedules. We have been going strong since the end of July. They are both honors students and have difficult classes. I have given a lot of grace on chores and responsibilities around the house. I'm just not sure that anyone around here is appreciating the load that I have taken on. I'm not sure that grace has been the right path. Maybe a harder line would have been better? HD isn't any better right now. He's busy with work and hasn't been able to help reinforce our rules or take care of many of his normal chores around the house.

I have my own regular work load of laundry, shopping, cooking, cleaning, taxi driver, calendar keeper, CFO. It may sound trivial. but taking on the few things that I have this fall is about to break me. I know I sound dramatic but I'm tired. Add in fluctuating hormones (them and me!,) and the upcoming holidays and you have a pretty volatile cocktail.

I'm trying to do my best. Getting things done. Staying busy. Keeping my mouth shut. I know that this is just a season. Both of the boys are adjusting to new schools and new schedules. My husband's job goes in cycles of busyness and will be back to a regular work load again soon. I know these things are temporary.

Sometimes I just get tired of being the mom.

I haven't had nearly enough of this lately.

Anyone wanna volunteer for a few shenanigans in the near future?

Solar Powered

When I was a college freshman at the University of Tennessee I learned a valuable lesson. It isn't good for me to go too long without seeing the sun. It was actually the primary reason for leaving Knoxville and moving home. I liked UT, my sorority, the Copper Kettle (ahem), but I just couldn't get past the lack of sunshine from November to March. Not to mention that I was only 18 and not mature enough to get over myself, already.

Living in the west for most of my life I haven't had to deal with too many cloudy days in a row. 1 or 2 is about the most that either Colorado or California have before the sun breaks through. Not that it's necessarily warm, but if the sun is at least shining then I can make it. I don't mind the cold as long as there is a sun in the sky making it at least seem warm.

Therein lies the problem with this week. I don't think we've seen the sun since Sunday. Maybe Monday? Either way, that is 4 or 5 days, which is DOUBLE the number of days that I'm used to having without seeing the sun. When you're solar powered that isn't enough.

#TBT

It's Thursday y'all, and I'm tired. Have I mentioned that Thursday around here is "Wall" day? As in "We all hit a wall of we can't take it anymore and are so tired we can't see straight."

Yeah, that.

So instead of a big long post you get this. A picture of Libby on here very first day home with us.

Dying of cuteness!

Have a great Friday Y'all!

Flashback

As moms of teens we don't often get the chance to go back in time to when our kids were little and only wanted us. Tonight I got that chance. I took it and then some.

Earlier today I got a call from the school that my #1 wasn't feeling well. He is not one to 'cry wolf' so off I went to get him. I got him settled on the couch and welcomed #2 home from school and we went about our afternoon. About 30 minutes later we found out exactly why he came home from school. Ahem. (You know. The job that mom always gets?) Luckily it was the end of the work day too and HD had just walked so was able to take #2 to an appointment. A little later I asked if there was anything that I could do for him.

"Yes. Could you sit with me and I can lay my head on your lap like I used to when I was little?"

Yes, Son. Yes I can. You'll never be too big for that, and I'll never be too old.

So we sat that way for more than 2 hours. Me and my baby.

Vintage Belle

There has to be someone super difficult to buy for on your shopping list this holiday season. We all have them, right? Well, I don't know who you will buy one of these for, but you should work this Etsy shop into your list. I mean, just look at this stuff!!

American Folk Art Broken China Bracelet

Old Country Roses Broken China Ring

Broken China Spode Christmas Pendant

If I were shopping for myself I would have a hard time deciding on something but I bet I could decide on something for someone else pretty quick. Especially if they were a Spode collector! This shop also has earrings and pins in addition to the types of jewelery above. I just love looking at their collections. Since I'm not so crafty myself, I can't imagine the work that goes into each piece-especially how they break (or cut?) each piece of china into such tiny pieces. Amazing.

Vintage Belle Broken China Jewelery on Etsy (Link to the home page of the store.)

If you buy anything there, let me know? I'm dying to see a piece in person!



I have no relationship with Vintage Belle Jewelery. I stumbled across their Facebook page and fell in love with their stuff and thought you would too!