Pictures

My camera broke Christmas morning. Devastating. However, I was able to snap a photo or two. I will post them later, but here is a little taste of our holiday.








And, yes, I hunt.

Defeated

If you follow my blog, you should be aware that I have been preparing Little Foot for Santa taking her pappy and giving it to a "wittle" baby that needs it. If not, see previous post.

This has gone on for weeks. Initially, she was very much opposed to the idea. As time went on, she opened up to the idea. We were, and I stress were, at the point to were she was excited for a little baby to receive her pacifier.

Again, were.

Last night, I decided that waiting was just prolonging the inevitable. We, more like I, laid her down without her pappy.

The tantrum began.

She cried for her daddy.

She hit mommy.

She, well, um.....she got sick. Twice.

So nearly an hour later, I was beat down physically and emotionally. I decided to give her pappy. But at this point, she was so devastated at the situation that pappy did not help.

She wanted her daddy. Only her daddy. And with her eyes, she pretty much told me to keep my pappy-stealing hands off of her.

So, I am warning everyone. I do not want to hear one word. I mean not one whisper of a word.

Little will be two in January. She will turn two with her pappy.

When she goes to kindergarten, when she drives for the first time, when she graduates, when she marries, when she has her first child, pappy will be there.






Not one word.

Room

Our nightly ritual with Little Foot is as follows:

Bath

Dry hair

Brush teeth

Lotion up

Put on PJs and socks

Prayers

Good night kiss

Since we have started blow drying Little's hair, we have also been brushing her teeth while we are still in the bathroom. We retreat to her bedroom to lotion and get into jammies.

I try to take advantage of this time. Even though we should not rile her up, sometimes we play as we dress. I smell her "stinky feet," which she thinks is hilarious. Sometimes we listen to musical water globes. Other times we just talk. This is my favorite.

Here was last night's conversation:

Me: "Do you know who has a birthday on Christmas?"

Little: "San-na."

I suddenly realized that I had left no room in the inn. I had not taken the time in all the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season to really explain what Christmas was all about. What I had done was try to prepare her for the concept that Santa will be bringing toys. However, for him to bring toys, she must leave her pappy for him to take to a little baby that needs it.

So I did what any good parent would do.

Me: "No. Christmas is Jesus birthday."

Little: "Je-sus."

Me: "That's right. Jesus slept in a manger. And cows came."

Little: "Cows!"

Me: "Cows. And Shepherds. And sheep."

Little: "Sheep!"

Me: "And wise men. And there was a big star."

Little: "Star!"


I prepared a place. I opened the inn doors. I made room for Jesus.

Just breathe

I honestly feel like I can breathe again. This semester is finally over. Did I fare as well as I would have liked? No. Am I over it? Yes.

Somewhere between the bleeding book report and the "Ms. Moudy, you have disappointed me," my give a flip ran out. Sitting on empty. As my mother would say, the carburetor was drained.

(Brief side note....Shortly after my mother married my step-father, he bought a brand new riding lawn mower. Since it was the first lawn mower we had owned, I thought it would be so exciting to cut the grass. It was, but then the lawn mower ran out of gas. My step-father being gone, my mother came to fill it back up, but when I tried to crank it, it went to smoking and a sputtering until it died. Then, she starts fussing at me because I had "drained the carburetor" by running the mower out of gas. Oh, really? You're right. It had nothing to do with her putting diesel fuel in the mower. I'll probably bring this up at Christmas, too. Love this story.)

Anyway, I am just so glad that I have a few weeks off to just breathe. To not have homework. To not have to read anything. To not have to write anything (well, other than the blog).

Speaking of blogging, you know I got 50 free Christmas cards from Shutterfly. Probably won't get to use them. Little won't cooperate. Husband's fuse is entirely to short to attempt something as challenging as a Christmas card picture.

I don't get it. Husband can sit in a deer stand in below-freezing temperatures and wait patiently on a deer. But we attempt three pictures, and he is sweating, fuming, and ready to hulk out of his shirt. Just breathe, honey.

Second attempt at Christmas pictures will be in the deer stand.

Shutterfly

I am supporting Shutterfly this year for a couple of reasons. Most importantly, some of their cards still have "Merry Christmas" on them. I just remember last year I had such a difficult time finding cards in the store that still say "Merry Christmas." I refuse to buy Christmas cards that do not say "Christmas." Okay, I am getting off of my soap box. Another reason I am supporting Shutterfly is the cards are absolutely beautiful. So stunning. I cannot wait to order. And lastly, their prices are reasonable in this tough economy. I mean, you can pick out pricier ones, but there are plenty of choices for those of us on a budget. And how can I not talk about the clarity of the pictures and color of the cards? Gorgeous!

I am attaching links to look at the holiday cards and gifts. Oh, my! I am going to have a hard time choosing. I need your help.

Look at these:

Calendars

Tree

Star

What are you still doing here? Hope over to Shutterfly.com and get in on some really great Christmas cards!!

The day is looking up

So, after my spontaneous combustion today, I am miraculously back from the emotional rollercoaster called "A Near D on Your Paper" and the long wait in line at the "I'm Going to Need Another Red Pen to Grade This One" Store.

Just wanted to share this deal with my fellow bloggers.

Shutterfly is offering 50 free holiday cards to bloggers. All you have to do is sign up.

http://blog.shutterfly.com/5358/holiday2010-blog-submission-form/

Enjoy!!

BOOM!

Spontaneous combustion just occurred.

Halloween

I have been meaning to post a picture of Meredith at Halloween. Since I have a free moment, wouldn't you know I do not have my camera with me. Therefore, I had to steal this one from Husband's Facebook page.

Although it is not a very lady-like pose, you can get the idea.




This little pig went to Trunk or Treat.

This little pig had too much candy.

This little pig had fun.

This little pig won a cupcake at Danny Burrell's benefit.

This little pig went "wee, wee, wee" the entire time her parents tried to dress her.


That's right. She arrived at Trunk or Treat only partially dressed. So who dressed her?





Pocahontas did.

Mediocre

You ever had feelings of being "just average"? You ever been so high on yourself(but not in a snoody, condescending kinda way) that in an instant you were brought back down to other's perceptions of you?

So, I am taking some online courses. Let me just say if you have never taken an online course before, here are the pros and cons you need to understand.

Pros:

1. Allows you to work on your own time, in between work and home.
2. You can be "in class" in your PJs, no make-up on, looking a hot mess, and no one knows.
3. It's all computer work.

Cons:
1. Allows you to work on your own time, which is never since you work and have a home.
2. There is no classroom setting. You know, the one where you walk in and within the first five minutes, you realize it is going to be a long semester. Nope, none of that.
3. It's all computer work. A. lot. of. computer. work.

Now, back to the meat of it.

So, I'm taking some online courses. I will admit that I make really good grades.

That is, until now.

I have this instructor who is eating my grits. Burns me up every chance he gets.

Got a "C" at midterm. Made a 78 on a book report. (Has anyone done a book report since Where the Red Fern Grows? Just sayin.)

Just submitted another paper for him. I put, no lie, probably 10 times more effort into it.

If you hear reports of spontaneous combustion, then you will know how I fared.

Standby......

Requests

Apparently some of you have been missing me. I have had several requests for an update.

To be honest, I found it extremely flattering that some of you are sitting on the edge of your seat to know life as I live it, especially since I blog stalk so many. So thank you, thank you for sharing this journey with me.

The delay in me posting anything is that we went on "cation." And you mothers know that vacation is a three-week process.
Week 1- packing. (It may snow at the beach, and therefore, I need to be prepared.)
Week 2- vacation. (Well, it's only somewhat of a vacation for mommy. With a full kitchen and laundry room, I still believe I need to be doing something.)
Week 3- recovery. (If you have a toddler that is routine and sleeps by themselves in their own bed, then I need not explain this one.)

So here are some pictures that may tide you over until my next post (which may be at the end of semester, yuck!).




At the zoo



While she was supposed to be sitting down eating



She shoveled so much sand



This was taken right before the tantrum when we had to leave and take a nap.



Now, this was taken at home, but isn't it adorable??



On the way home, talking to everyone who had missed her.




Our first Build-A-Bear experience. We made a dog named Curly.



Oreos! Yummy!!



Eating "munch" at Lambert's



Too worn out to even set her balloon down. Needless to say, when she did let it go, Mommy let it escape the vehicle, and the rest of the trip was a covert operation to cover up the balloon escape.

Football

"Lets go Bulldogs!"




Nothing like watching the game from on top of my coffee table!!!




First pig tails. She said, "Pwetty."
Please note all of the neccessities: Lovie, blankie, sippy, and Mommy's phone. Goodness!

On the floor

So, the last post may have been a little heavy, but when God lays something on my heart, I cannot ignore it.

Husband, who is a behind-the-scenes blog follower, was a little worried. He came home and asked me two questions:

1. Is everything okay?

2. Did he do something?

I am thinking that he missed the buck, so Honey, if you are reading, the last post was about me, not you.

He apparently thought he would come home to find his clothes on the floor.



No, Honey, not clothes.....................










Everyone in the house had to be on the floor, playing with "bocks."





Everyone smile and say "I need help getting up."

Target

I snapped a really cute picture last night that I thought would be perfect to blog about, but God had a different plan.

I left my camera in Meredith's room, and since I was running behind this morning, I did not have time to retrieve it. Don't worry. I'll blog about it soon.

Apparently I am walking around with a target on my back, because God sent me two very direct messages this morning: first, the information, and second, to share it in my blog. (Apparently, I am not alone.)

K-Love (cue the music....."Positive, encouraging, more music, K-Love") played clips of an interview with the Christian group Tenth Avenue North.

Tenth Avenue North based their entire first album around James 5:16.

"Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed."

In the interview there was a reminder of something so familiar: He loves us not because of who we are, but in spite of who we are.

So, I began to think about things that need to be confessed. Things I would say to you in this moment. Things you may or may not know.

Are you ready? Warning: You are about to witness the train wreck that I truly am.

1. I am a perfectionist.
2. Because of number 1, I am extremely critical of others.
3. Even more, I am extremely critical of myself.
4. As a mother, I make mistakes.
5. I try to be a people-pleaser, even at the expense of others.

(There are others, but the list would get to 100, and the post would be even longer than it already is.)

Now in the car, as I thought of these things. God was peering into my heart, pointing in a particular direction. Whether intentional or unintentional, I was ignoring His request.

And then, there was mention of a comic, Anita Renfroe, who has written several books. I believe the terms Lisa used were "racy, Christian books." She mentioned Adam and Eve being in the garden, naked and unashamed, and how we struggle to get back to that. She continued by saying love is spiritual, emotional, and physical.

Awww, snap. Busted!

If I have slipped in my walk, than how can I expect my relationship to be right with Husband. If I am not being emotionally supported, is it that I am not emotionally supportive? And even though it's taboo, the physical is just as important as the rest.

6. I am not the best wife.
7. Worse, I do not try to be.

City Girl

My mother-in-law calls me "City Girl." She's called me that for years. Though I have been a country girl for a while and I think I am getting the hang of it, I still am a city girl at heart.

I love neighbors being spread out, the wildlife, and the dusty dirt road.

But not for forever. Just for right now.

The city is where I like to roam.

I like just hopping in my car and being somewhere in just a few minutes.

I like to hear horns blowing.

I like being seconds from a park.

I like boneless meat.

Got your attention? That's one of the reasons why Mother-in-law calls me "City Girl." I don't eat meat on the bone. The thought of it makes me nauseous. I really cannot handle it. It just seems very barbaric. So, if someone can, answer me this.





Who does this child belong to???!!!

Help!

As if our life was not productive enough, we have had more going on in the last few days.

I'm beginning to think Husband is Noah. Remember, several weeks ago when I mentioned the pipe that burst (Did we ever establish what was correct?) in our attic. Well, Sunday, a pipe coming into the house, decided he was jealous of all the attention the other pipe was getting. So while husband was cutting through the jungle that we like to call our yard, he discovered a stream of water flowing into a large resovoir. The dog believed it was his oasis. Lucky us!

Husband just jumped in there, literally, and after much work and papertowels, he got the leak stopped.

So, we kind of need to talk serious. We need to talk "Pappie."

Pappie is a very dear companion of Little Foot. Oh, they just love one another. Little refuses to even entertain the thought of a nap or bedtime without Pappie in her mouth. But here recently, the need for Pappie has gotten worse. I mean, she's ...................................... addicted! Is there some form of rehab available? She needs an intervention! Any suggestions????

Framing

So have you quit laughing yet? We sure haven't.

It has been brought to my attention that Little Foot will probably become angry with me over that one particular, precious picture. Therefore, I have concocted a potentially believable account of who snapped the picture.

Ready?

So my mother-in-law, or Grandma, is a photo-fanatic. Constantly wanting to take pictures. Therefore, Grandma is the perfect target.

When Little gets sixteen and asks about the picture, Grandma took it.

Now, hold on!! I have cleared this with Grandma. Grandma probably is aware that at sixteen, Little will have a long lists of reasons to not appreciate me. I think something as petty as a picture should not be on that list. That will free up room for the more serious items like I didn't let her get her nose pierced or dye her hair blue.

Now, what can I pin on Nona??? Hmmmmm.............

Confessions

There is not enough time for me to confess everything (and I would not want to). However, I must confess that while I was pregnant I wanted a little boy. (There. I said it. A weight has been lifted.) The thought of having a little boy consumed me. I believe that part of wanting a little boy is a woman feels slightly obligated to have a son for her husband. Now Husband was not as dead-set on having a boy as I was, and I now greater understand that God has a plan and a purpose much greater than my own. I adore Little. I adore tea parties, painted toe nails, bows, dresses. I love every single millisecond of it. Besides, a little boy would not think of such a spectacular outfit. . . . .











On to my next confession. The girls of the house are not morning people. Don't look at us. Don't talk to us. In fact, we rather you not even be around. I try to limit my morning conversation to as few words as possible; otherwise, someone may get hurt. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree. Little Foot wakes up saying no. The conversation is hilarious.

Husband: "Good morning!" (He is such a morning person it makes me nauseated.)

Little: "Ugh-ughhhh."

Husband: "It's time to get up!"

Little: "Noooooo."

The whole time she is flailing around. Refusing to be caught. Eyes never open. So this morning is a little excessive, but I think you can get the point.






Take in a deep breath......


















Hope your morning was better than hers!

Counter

Okay, so I think I am getting the hang of this blogging thing. I have officially became so high-tech that I now have a visitor counter. Yep, you just got counted. You left your muddy footprints all over my blog. I do appreciate it, and I hope you have found some appreciation for me.

Birthdays

So this week has been full of birthdays.

Monday: Husband

Wednesday: Father

Thursday: Sister-in-law

Gosh. I am partied out. Little foot on the other hand is really, really enjoying herself. She even asked for a cupcake at 6 AM one morning. Little loves a party. Speaking of parties.....

We went to Nick's Storytime Live. We saw Moose, Zee, Ming-Ming, Lenny, Tuck, "Dor-da," the Backyardigans, and Kai-lan. Little Foot absolutley loved it.

I was really empressed. She sat there like a lady. She began to wiggle at one point, but when
"Dor-da" hit the stage, she was all eyes. There was clapping and pointing. She was so amazed...

Late

Remind me never to throw a surprise party again. Well, let me rephrase that. Remind me never to throw Husband a surprise party again.

Let's start from the beginning of the day.

I woke up early and got ready. While I was out going to the bank and Ace Hardware, I gave Husband strict instructions that we will leave for Jackson when I return.

So when I returned, why did I find him in his boxers and Little Foot asleep in the crib? And men always blame the women for making them late. Yeah, okay.

My hopes of leaving around 10 got shot, so I hoped we could leave by 10:45. I went to wake Little, and Husband decides he should bathe her. Maybe we could leave at 11.

Finally, everyone is dressed, in the truck, and buckled in. Ready to go. Well, not quite.

Husband had to hook the trailer to the truck, because the whole reason for going to Jackson is looking for things for the remodel. Forget the surprise party I had been planning.

We start heading down the road, and Husband informs me we have to get gas. Oh, my goodness. Did he not know we have somewhere to go??

At this point, he asks me if I am mad at him. Um,.....

I just tell him that I am hungry. He didn't get the hint. I will spare you all the boring conversations. The point is he was late for his own birthday party.

And you know what he had the audacity to say? "You should have told me we had a certain time to go to lunch." Okay. And ruin the surprise?? Silly boy.

Happy Birthday, Husband!!

Colors

Oh, Little Foot.

She is in love with colors right now. Crayons, markers, pens. Doesn't matter to her. She doesn't discriminate.

She wakes up asking for colors. She goes night-night asking for colors. All day, colors, colors, colors.

Oh, my precious baby. She's going to be upset. Color time is about to be limited.

Oh, my!

So, it has been over a month since I last blogged. My life seems to be what happens when a tornado meets a volcano, a very messy explosion.

First, I need to let you know that I had a pipe bust (or burst, I am not sure which is correct). But that is not all. The pipe was in our attic. That's right. I said attic. One cannot truly appreciate the devastation of water until one sees it for themselves.

Let's just say that by the time Husband got home from work and picking up Little Foot, the ceiling in the kitchen had already collapsed. Furthermore, by the time I got home from work and was able to get Little Foot out of the house, the living room ceiling collapsed.

Hold, on. Rewind. When Husband walked into the house, he was carrying Little Foot. And when she saw the destruction, she said, "Oh, Daddy, mess, yucky." That's right, she is her mother's child. Even at 18 months old, she knows mommy doesn't tolerate a mess. Oh, but little did mommy know.

Husband was just running around all crazy-like in disbelief. You see, we just remodeled the kitchen and dining room just prior to Little's arrival. Well, honestly, I supervised, and Husband labored. (Don't judge me! I was H_U_G_E. Get the picture?!) I could not understand why the one who is typically the calm one is the one who is stressing.

Then, the next day came, and I understood. Insurance is a fabulous thing. However, when you have to wait on the adjustor for 7 days, you are about ready to call 3 On Your Side, the National Guard, and Batman. We needed help and help wasn't coming fast enough. We were at a complete stand-still. No ceilings, no flooring, no walls. Kitchen, dining room, living room, laundry room, master bedroom.

I completely broke down. I, honestly, sat in a chair in my bedroom, concrete beneath my feet, dehumidifiers on all around me, where I could see into the living and dining rooms. I cried as sheetrock came down. I cried as everything we owned from one end of the house got toted out or rolled out. I became such a blubbering mess that Husband told me to get out. Something about material possessions makes you crazy, definitely not what God intended.

Little's room was completely untouched. So you know what that means? Mommy and Daddy are roughing it, so Little Foot remains comfortable. We play and color, and life is good. As long as baby is happy, we are happy.

All that to say, if you don't mind, pull your shoes off before you enter my house. I try to keep it clean.

Just in case you are wondering, I can write a ten page paper in two days. Yes, I can.

On the subject of school, I got a "B" at midterm. I am mad, but I cannot be upset with anyone but myself. I need one of those Staples easy buttons, and I need it now.

I have changed jobs. Still with the same employer, but at a different location. Love, and I mean, love it.

Sorry, this post is all over the place, but that's how I roll. Roll like the visqueen at my house. All over the place!!!

Time

Where have I been lately?

Believe me. Pardon the grammar, but it ain't been no vacation.

Little Foot has been sick. It took me days to figure out that she has hand, foot, and mouth. If you have no idea what hand, foot, and mouth is, then, stop where you are and praise God. Don't worry, I'll wait.

In a nut shell, fever, ulcers in the mouth, decrease in appetite and thirst, and change in sleep patterns. We have suffered. Every last single one of us.

Last night, once I had firmly established the diagnosis, I called every parent of every child Little Foot had been in contact within the past week.

It made me feel like a bad person. I know it's stupid, but I did.

Thankfully, no one else is sick.

I feel like we are over the worst part. Last night, we slept more than two hours at a time. She asked, well, more like pointed to her Memaw's oatmeal and apple this morning. She's a demanding little diva.

So where have I been lately?

Being a mommy, with no time for anything else.

Love

Meet Joel and Katie.

Adorable, aren't they?

I attended the venue, but I missed the wedding. Well, not all of it. I saw Katie walk down the aisle. I saw the look on Joel's face seeing Katie for the first time. He shook his head in disbelief, like she couldn't possible be his bride. It was magical. The point is this was Little Foot's first wedding. This was also Little Foot's last wedding, at least for a while.

Let's talk Katie. What you cannot see from this picture is that God spent a little extra time when he created her. He just toiled away on her vocal cords, and when He was done, He said "Child, go sing of my love and mercy." And she does.

Oh, this girl sings. She will rattle your core and leave you speechless. Every time I hear her sing, it is an emotional experience.

Back in December 2008, our church hosted a block party. We had Christian groups and singers from different churches, our drama team performed, and concessions. For our first time hosting a big event of this nature, it was a success, in more ways than one.

Did I mention I was 8, count them 8, months pregnant with Little Foot? I was ginormous, and even I know that is an understatement. Katie and some of our church-goers had formed a group and performed for the cause. As the band played, Katie sang "Worth It All." Her performance moved me and still does today. I sobbed as she sang and gave thanks because it has been worth it all. If you listen to the song and you know my testimony, you know how this song is my anthem.

Now, Joel, a precious soul who is equally as talented as Katie. He is far too talented to list everything. He is a wonderful photographer, artist, and free-styler. Besides that, he has an awesome testimony.

I made some muffins for the college guys at our church. Just Martha White. Just add milk. Just stir and bake. Just muffins.

Not to Joel.

No, Joel took a poll of all the guys to see which muffin was more appealing to everyone, banana nut, blueberry, or triple berry. Most rallied for one of the berry-type muffins. So, Joel turned the muffins into a devotional on how wonderfully surprised you are by the banana nut. That is who Joel is. He hugged and thanked me for the muffins, and then, he shared his devotional with me. Muffins will never be the same to me.

This couple has forever made a difference in my life.

The most amazing aspect of this couple, such a rarity these days in younger generations, is that they love each, but not more than they love God. Amazing!

Friendship

I have a close friend. She is my confidant. She is my accountability partner.

We are in a group, much like the Golden Girls. We would both be Sophia, witty and quick. I have shared with this friend some of my most personal thoughts and experiences. She loves me anyway. We have laughed and cried together within the same hour. She has seen me with no make-up, hair a wreck, with post-partum raging. She loves me anyway. We are the type of friends that meet on the playground and remain close for eternity. The only difference is we met long after the playground, in a rough era of our life. She loves me anyway.

My friend hurts. She aches.

Her heart walks around outside of herself. Her heart is her children. She has some really spectacular children. This is about one.

Her child is not well. Her child feels bad. Her child has physical symptoms of unknown origin (translation= diagnosis unsure). The reality is this is a terrifying situation. For all parties involved. Mother. Child.

But there is more. Even though her children are her heart, this child grew in the heart of her husband. A special bond. A wonderful relationship. He hurts, too.

I ask you to pray for this family. I ask you, with your humble heart, to ask God to move.

Pray specifically for the healthcare workers who come into contact with this child. Pray that God will give them knowledge to provide this family with answers and treatment options.

Pray God gives the child's parents words of comfort and strength during trying times.

Pray I will be a good friend to her.

Neck brace

Little Foot loves heights. The higher, the better. Little Foot's nanny described a potentially disastrous situation that occurred in her home. Nanny has a piano. Little Foot loves a piano. Pianos have piano stools. Little Foot stands on the piano stool and begins to play the piano........with her feet!

This weekend, I've had multiple opportunities to get a visual of Little Foot with her little feet off of the ground.

Friday, like some pro motorcross athlete, she climbed on top of her four-wheeler. Granted it's small. It's pink. It maxes out at 2 mph. Does it matter? Anyway, both feet on the seat, she begins to let go of the handlebars. And visions of ER visits dance in my head.

Saturday, just the usual. Standing in high chairs. Climbing on the coffee table. And using my feet and legs as if they are ladders that will carry her wherever she is desires.

Sunday, more of the usual. But then......she climbed onto a rocking chair, stood up, and began to jump. I did not have to say a word. Her daddy simply explained that neck braces are not fun. She did not seem to care. To her, a neck brace is just another potential accessory.

Emu

Like I have time to blog.

But, somehow, I am going to find the time (I think I can, I think I can!!). Between tantrums, tangles, and tea parties, there is far too little time for anything else. With whatever time is left, I manage to drive 75 miles to work, put in 8 hours, drive 75 miles home, take online classes, and try to clear a path to the necessary rooms within the house. I can't help but laugh that this morning I had to avoid a school bus, a cow, a pig, and a horse, and that is all before I made it to the bathroom. Guess even the things I try to accomplish everyday don't manage to happen. Saying life is busy is an understatement.

Oh, and my darling husband. Most every night we manage to lay our heads next to each other. Most days, that is the only time we breathe. Did I mention life is busy?

So why on earth would someone with so little time start a blog? To be honest, I have fought the urge for a while now. I love, capital L-O-V-E, love to write. I share the same love of hearing people laugh. This will be a learning experience. This will be a challenge. I hope this will be fun.

As with every beginning, there must be certain elements. No matter what is beginning there are certain things that are present. Here they are:

1. Fear. Every beginning is scary, but fear in a way that is also exciting. I think back to when Little Foot was born. You could say I was freaking out (yet another understatement). There was and still is fear. My fear with starting a blog is that my life will be put on display. People will form opinions and may not see my true spirit. If I disclose a shortfall, I will be judged. But what would I do if I weren't afraid? I'd blog.

2. Confusion. What will I blog about? What should I use this opportunity for? I don't know. Will it be all about life as a mommy? Life as a wife? Life as an employee? Life as a student? Maybe. Regardless, it will be about life. The good, the bad. It will be raw. And, most of all, it will be real.

3. Instruction. This applies to every female who has rescued her husband from a tangle of wires, a variety of nuts, bolts, and screws, or a pile of wood by simply picking up and reading the instructions. You can admit it. It's safe here. The first thing those adorable guys do is toss the instructions to the side, determined to do it all by themselves, like big boys. After 30 minutes and bringing him a paper towel (why do they always ask for a paper towel?), right about the time he asks for a baseball bat, I step in and unofficially save the day. Maybe you can learn a lesson from some experience of mine.

For example, yard chickens do not fly when approached by a vehicle. In addition, another yard chicken will sit and watch his friend, well, you know.

4. Love. I have already expressed a love for writing. But it's about more than that. It's about a love of people, of memories, and of sharing. I have a love of people. I love the unlovable. I want a emu. (Okay, an emu is an animal. To me, animal=person). My husband snickers every time I mention my desire. I really don't listen, but he always tells me some kind of reason why I don't want an emu. I think they spit, or bite, or make a mess, or something. Well, so do kids. I want an emu.