Blogging vs. Pinterest and Super Moms

Blogging vs. Pinterest - that my friends has been my delima.  It all started last semester when I went from taking Madison to school 3-4 days a week to driving in her math assignment and the occasional testing.  It's like I was fired (gladly) from a part time job that kept me going from early morning until school pickup and afterschool activities.  So, naturally the question would be... "What ever would I do with all my new found time?" 

Honestly, the first month was spent recovering and watching TV if I am to be completely honest.  Then I spent the following month with Dance, dance, dance - costumes, shows, tryouts, etc.  Lastly, I spent a lot of time doing little home improvements.  So... here I sit with lots of thoughts and creative energy ready to be let go and my next fork in the road found me looking to one side- my blog.  I've missed being able to spill my thoughts; but I haven't missed the emotions it brings up- which of course leads to sleepless nights and grumpy mom in the morning.  And down the other road? This road I see all my friends having a blast on Pinterest turning all their creative energy into yummy meals, cute decorating projects, and of course 'the never to be topped' teacher gifts.  Oh, the delima which I faced...

My blog won!  I know the days of browsing and reading blogs has passed; but frankly, I find it cheaper than therapy and I don't have to do my hair and makeup! So, my journey begins.... AGAIN.  So much has happened in the past 6 months I can't even imagine where to start.  I will leave you with an article I was featured in for OC FAMILY about Super Moms.  DISCLAIMER: I have never claimed to be a Supermom; infact I am very honest that most days I wake up hoping for the best and going to sleep wishing for a 'do-over'.  And in the past 7 years I have spent more hours in 'timeout' or crying in my room than all four of my children combined.  The article was taken from 4 1/2 pages of typed responses- so, it is a very abbrevated short version of all the things we talked about.  I will most likely post the whole interview (in pieces) because while answering the questions I did a lot of soul searching and learned a lot about myself.

Here's the article:

http://digital.ocfamily.com/gallery/view.asp?seq=183642&path=120503171155 (PAGE 72)

http://www.ocfamily.com/t-Cover-Story-Supermoms-in-Orange-County-z4-Kari-Teague.aspx

Jackie

Yesterday my family was able to visit with my brother, his wife, and our two nephews for a few hours at Disneyland. It was so great to see them for the first time in a couple of years. Jackson (or Jackie or Sunny) was a hoot! He doesn't watch TV and isn't real familiar with the characters at Disneyland... but that didn't stop his excitment and enthusiasm as he explained everything he had seen earlier that day. The first thing he wanted to do was go see "Dumpy" - that would be Dumbo. Our conversation included, "Hey ladies, let me tell you about when they made butter in the good old days!" and "Do you know what they do to pigs? They skin them. That means they cut off the skin. (this is where I ask him why anyone would do that- and he replied) To get ham of course!!"

Unforunately, Candida and Julian are both not feeling well. We will be meeting up with them again on Friday. I look forward to many more cute stories to share with you.

It's been awhile!

I would like to start with the sad observation that Sadie has decided to embrace the "stubborn" part of the Down Syndrome gene and throw out the "always smiling" part. What happened to my sweet little angel? I'll tell you what happened, she decided that it is entirely more fun to stick her tongue out (while saying, "I funny mommy"), run from me any free chance, sit down and pout when she doesn't get her way, and quickly go ask another member of our family when mommy won't let her get her way!

On a much better note, I am proud to announce that Hannah Montanna , formerly known as Sadie, has decided to come and live with us. And remember, she must be referred to as "Hannah Tanna"! For those of you who are not so familiar with this beautiful teen idol, let me give you a brief description of what I have seen in the last month. She loves to put her hands out stretched at the side of her head and yell "moose", she is often caught singing "best of both worlds" while shaking her hips and falling into the middle splits, and she won't let you sing along with her--- she is a professional after all.

Hannah is already tan and has had lots of fun swimming in the pool already! She has really made a lot of friends this year and enjoys school much more. Hannah did not have a free day during Spring Break- as she played hostess and guest with many of her friends. She moved up to Madison's old cruiser, and has had a lot of fun riding around the neighborhood.

Madison was one of four 7th graders who made the Bell Dance team this year. She is really excited to work with Mrs. Adling and looks forward to a fun and social Jr. High experience. She was named student of the month this month- something she has always wanted. On April 1st she turned 12 and entered into the Young Women's program. Wow, where did that time go?

Kiersten is getting ready to compete in her last competition this Saturday. She is sad that her time on the Bell Dance team will be over shortly and feels like, "I'll be nothing once its over". I guess a common response from a teenager... but she really has grown these past two years, especially while serving as a captain this year.

I plan on keeping up on my blog- mostly for journaling, but hopefully Nana, Grandma and long distance friends can enjoy some of our daily fun!!!