1- I'm taking Brayden to Disneyland next week!! I'm going along with my sister's family. Her husband will be flying down for work and Nicki and I will drive down to meet him. Three kids in the backseat of a car for 12 hours- should be interesting, right? Really, though, I'm excited to have the opportunity to have another vacation this year inexpensively.
2- You all know I love me some Jon Stewart- Here's a clip showing how wrong some of the "reports" and "statistics" that are being said about Planned Parenthood are.
3- Brayden is saying "uv you!" Only when he's prompted so far, but I still love it. He's my angel, he sure is.
4- I saw this story online and it makes me so mad. It is okay if a boy wants his nails painted. In fact, Brayden's nails are painted right now. He saw my blue nails and wanted his own. Let kids enjoy things without forbidding things because of gender stereotypes.
5- I'm still reading and loving Bossypants. I'm actually trying to read it slowly so I can enjoy it longer. Here's just a sample of Tina Fey's awesomeness- "Kim Kardashian, who, as we know, was made by Russian scientists to sabotage our athletes."
6- I follow Parenting magazine on Twitter, and today they quoted Jumpstart organization as saying that "Kindergarten teachers can predict with 90% accuracy which children will graduate." If this is true, and I don't doubt it... why on earth are we not putting more funding into early intervention and training for teachers?
7- This quote I found on Pinterest is so me. "I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious." I'm in no way saying that I'm in the same league as Einstein, but I do love my curiosity.
8- Parenting also mention this during the Mom Congress they are having this week- A child in an average family on welfare hears 62,000 words/week vs. 215,000 words for a professional family. This ties into education like #6. Parents need help too, especially low-income parents.
9- I love the lyrics to this song by Pink.
10- I'm not going to say anything specific, but a weird thing related to my new job happened this week. Someone broke the law, and I got to sit and listen to them talk about other people breaking the law and what their punishment should or should not be. I shouldn't be surprised, what with me writing government stories and all.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Friday, April 8, 2011
I did it!
I know today isn't a good day. The government is messed up, spring in Utah is playing hard to get, etc.
But... I finished my first issue with the Midvale Journal! It goes to the press tonight, and I should be able to see my name in print next week.
I know it's not a big deal, and the pay isn't that good, but I'm happy about this new opportunity. It's only about 10 hours a month away from Brayden (the rest I do on my own time). It's writing experience. It's something for my resume. And it helps me feel productive. I feel exactly like Kerri does: "There's even a chance that I work best and am happiest when I face a mental challenge." When I am busy, I am happy and stressed at the same time.
Randomalities:
-I just discovered Mom-In-A-Million's blog and I love it! She writes what I wish I could write about politics.
-Have you all heard of Pinterest? Such a beautiful, beautiful timesuck. Here's my profile. Let me know if you'd like an invite. I especially love my Recipes and Kiddo Ideas boards. There's some great recipes and ideas on there that I can't wait to try.
-I saw Limitless yesterday. It wasn't the best movie, but definitely entertaining. Especially the notion of a drug that allows you to access your whole brain. That would be pretty awesome.
-I'm reading Tina Fey's book Bossypants. So, so funny. I have such a girl crush on her. She's smart, funny, and pretty all at the same time.
But... I finished my first issue with the Midvale Journal! It goes to the press tonight, and I should be able to see my name in print next week.
I know it's not a big deal, and the pay isn't that good, but I'm happy about this new opportunity. It's only about 10 hours a month away from Brayden (the rest I do on my own time). It's writing experience. It's something for my resume. And it helps me feel productive. I feel exactly like Kerri does: "There's even a chance that I work best and am happiest when I face a mental challenge." When I am busy, I am happy and stressed at the same time.
Randomalities:
-I just discovered Mom-In-A-Million's blog and I love it! She writes what I wish I could write about politics.
-Have you all heard of Pinterest? Such a beautiful, beautiful timesuck. Here's my profile. Let me know if you'd like an invite. I especially love my Recipes and Kiddo Ideas boards. There's some great recipes and ideas on there that I can't wait to try.
-I saw Limitless yesterday. It wasn't the best movie, but definitely entertaining. Especially the notion of a drug that allows you to access your whole brain. That would be pretty awesome.
-I'm reading Tina Fey's book Bossypants. So, so funny. I have such a girl crush on her. She's smart, funny, and pretty all at the same time.
Sunday, April 3, 2011
365
3/21- We finally decided to fix up the kitchen with some of our tax refund money. Adam is starting by fixing a broken cupboard, so in this picture he's is cutting something he needs to stabilize the cupboard (I think).
3/22- And now he's actually fixing the cupboard. I'm sure Brayden was a HUGE help.
3/24- The painting continues. In fact, it still isn't done. Adam will make final touch ups tomorrow and commence with putting new hardware on.
3/25- As you can see, Adam and I lived on Diet Dr. Pepper during this ordeal. Brayden got sick... but ended up hating the pedialyte drink.
3/26- Still feeling a little sick. He didn't want to wear clothes, but he wanted to wear his slipper boots.
3/27- I love these illustrations. I've thought of trying to frame this spread for Brayden's room somehow. The book is called Little Blue Truck and it's written by Alice Schertle and illustrated by Jill McElmurry.
3/28- I have a bit of an obsession with Carter's pajamas. I love them! I got these and the Mommy's Space Explorer ones he's wearing in the 3/22 pictures.
3/30- Boys and their toys. We have a Wii again, and Brayden likes "playing" it with his daddy.
3/31- On our way into the zoo. This smile makes my heart melt. Love, love, love.
4/1- We met a friend and her boy at the park today. It was a glorious day, and the first official shorts and sandals day of the day for Brayden.
4/2- Brayden loves putting his bunny ears on and saying "hop, hop, hop" while jumping around.
4/3- Snow. In April. After temperatures in the 70s and sandal day.
3/22- And now he's actually fixing the cupboard. I'm sure Brayden was a HUGE help.
3/23- While Adam toiled away in the kitchen, Brayden and I escaped to the zoo for Jackson's 6th birthday.
3/24- The painting continues. In fact, it still isn't done. Adam will make final touch ups tomorrow and commence with putting new hardware on.
3/25- As you can see, Adam and I lived on Diet Dr. Pepper during this ordeal. Brayden got sick... but ended up hating the pedialyte drink.
3/26- Still feeling a little sick. He didn't want to wear clothes, but he wanted to wear his slipper boots.
3/27- I love these illustrations. I've thought of trying to frame this spread for Brayden's room somehow. The book is called Little Blue Truck and it's written by Alice Schertle and illustrated by Jill McElmurry.
3/28- I have a bit of an obsession with Carter's pajamas. I love them! I got these and the Mommy's Space Explorer ones he's wearing in the 3/22 pictures.
3/29- I'm on a Roswell kick thanks to the Barlows and instant streaming on Netflix. Please ignore the fingerprints in the lower left corner. Somebody likes to get up on the table and touch the tv.
3/31- On our way into the zoo. This smile makes my heart melt. Love, love, love.
4/1- We met a friend and her boy at the park today. It was a glorious day, and the first official shorts and sandals day of the day for Brayden.
4/2- Brayden loves putting his bunny ears on and saying "hop, hop, hop" while jumping around.
4/3- Snow. In April. After temperatures in the 70s and sandal day.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Badges of Motherhood
I earned yet another badge of motherhood today. One of the physical ones. I don't know yet if it will be a temporary one or a permanent one.
So far, the only permanent badge I have are the stretch marks on my stomach. I bet they'll fade after I finish having kids and get in better shape, but if they don't I couldn't care less. The website The Shape of a Mother has helped me reach that clarity.
And the temporary ones: well, as any pregnant woman can attest, they start before you meet your baby. From a bigger chest to red splotchy itchy skin to a growing bump, signs of motherhood are all around.
Up to a third of women have a permanent c-section scar. I don't know for myself how it would feel to have one, but I'm sure the feelings range from the extreme of gratitude (if the surgery was lifesaving) to regret (if the experience was traumatic).
If you breastfed, you'll know those badges. Engorgement, plugged ducts, and maybe even teeth marks. All temporary, thank goodness!
And the bags under my eyes and constant yawning, well, I'm starting to think that might be permanent. Especially since Brayden isn't sleeping through the night yet.
For some time, I had blisters on my hands constantly from carrying his car seat. My biceps grew stronger.
As for today? We had a wonderful breakfast at a restaurant in downtown Provo and decided to walk around afterwards. Brayden was playing on a raised concrete enclosed garden (only dirt, no flowers yet) between the sidewalk and road. He started walking towards the road side and was about to step down. I went to get him, and tripped. The gash isn't long, but is somewhat deep. It really hurts tonight, and my arms do too from trying to catch my fall. I really hope it doesn't leave a permanent scar. If it does, Brayden will hear about it to no end.
What are your badges of motherhood?
So far, the only permanent badge I have are the stretch marks on my stomach. I bet they'll fade after I finish having kids and get in better shape, but if they don't I couldn't care less. The website The Shape of a Mother has helped me reach that clarity.
And the temporary ones: well, as any pregnant woman can attest, they start before you meet your baby. From a bigger chest to red splotchy itchy skin to a growing bump, signs of motherhood are all around.
Up to a third of women have a permanent c-section scar. I don't know for myself how it would feel to have one, but I'm sure the feelings range from the extreme of gratitude (if the surgery was lifesaving) to regret (if the experience was traumatic).
If you breastfed, you'll know those badges. Engorgement, plugged ducts, and maybe even teeth marks. All temporary, thank goodness!
And the bags under my eyes and constant yawning, well, I'm starting to think that might be permanent. Especially since Brayden isn't sleeping through the night yet.
For some time, I had blisters on my hands constantly from carrying his car seat. My biceps grew stronger.
As for today? We had a wonderful breakfast at a restaurant in downtown Provo and decided to walk around afterwards. Brayden was playing on a raised concrete enclosed garden (only dirt, no flowers yet) between the sidewalk and road. He started walking towards the road side and was about to step down. I went to get him, and tripped. The gash isn't long, but is somewhat deep. It really hurts tonight, and my arms do too from trying to catch my fall. I really hope it doesn't leave a permanent scar. If it does, Brayden will hear about it to no end.
What are your badges of motherhood?
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Birthdays and anniversarys
The past week has been super busy. I'm adjusting to my new job, plus we decided to finally get around to fixing up our kitchen. My mind has been going non-stop too, as I've been reflecting on some things.
-My Grandma's birthday was the 19th. She would have been 92. I still miss her so much. I won't idolize her. She definitely had her flaws (and passed some of them to me). She gave her life to her family though. I hope I can do the same.
-It was March of last year I quit my job. It's worked out so much better than I thought. I'm able to sub at the library, and now write for the Journal. I'm bringing in some income, but I don't feel like I am away from Brayden too much. Adam and I are making things work on our terms and that makes me so happy, even if it seems unconventional to most people.
-My nephew's birthday is today. I have eight nieces and nephews, and their birthdays are all important to me, of course. Jackson's birthday has some significant meaning, though. His birth was the first birth I've seen, and it was so special to me. It definitely started bringing out the ""birth junkie" in me. Most importantly, his birthday reminds me to love people, no matter what. How I first reacted to the news of my sister's pregnancy and treated her is one of the things I regret most in my life. I was so wrapped up in "She did the wrong thing" that I didn't think about how she must be feeling. Now that he is six years old, I can't imagine him not being here as part of our family.
Lastly, I have a guest post over at Hormonal Imbalances about child spacing... a subject that is always on my mind now. With that, I should go help Adam paint. But I'll probably not and say I did. :)
-My Grandma's birthday was the 19th. She would have been 92. I still miss her so much. I won't idolize her. She definitely had her flaws (and passed some of them to me). She gave her life to her family though. I hope I can do the same.
-It was March of last year I quit my job. It's worked out so much better than I thought. I'm able to sub at the library, and now write for the Journal. I'm bringing in some income, but I don't feel like I am away from Brayden too much. Adam and I are making things work on our terms and that makes me so happy, even if it seems unconventional to most people.
-My nephew's birthday is today. I have eight nieces and nephews, and their birthdays are all important to me, of course. Jackson's birthday has some significant meaning, though. His birth was the first birth I've seen, and it was so special to me. It definitely started bringing out the ""birth junkie" in me. Most importantly, his birthday reminds me to love people, no matter what. How I first reacted to the news of my sister's pregnancy and treated her is one of the things I regret most in my life. I was so wrapped up in "She did the wrong thing" that I didn't think about how she must be feeling. Now that he is six years old, I can't imagine him not being here as part of our family.
Lastly, I have a guest post over at Hormonal Imbalances about child spacing... a subject that is always on my mind now. With that, I should go help Adam paint. But I'll probably not and say I did. :)
Sunday, March 20, 2011
365
3/7- Brayden is getting into puzzles, and this is one of his favorites. Except for that dang heart- he can never seem to get it in the right way. :)
3/8- Don't you love it when they fall asleep somewhere other than a bed? It's so cute.
3/9- Meet my crazy, wonderful nephew Jack. He's wearing a duck eye mask over a turtle hoodie over a Batman mask.
3/10- Happy birthday Adam! His dad and step-mom took us out to eat at Goodwood.
3/11- His form is decent right? :)
3/12- I got this milkshake cup from Max Brenner and I love it.
3/13- Remind you of anyone?
3/14- I went to my first staff meeting for my new job. The editor said "I'll send you that" so many times that I was terrified to check my e-mail when I got home. Luckily, it wasn't as bad as I feared- only 5 work e-mails were waiting for me.
3/15- Brayden had his second dentist appointment today, and the first one using some of the tools.
3/16- I love that we can spend time playing outside almost every day now.
3/17- St. Patrick's Day corn muffins
3/18- Brayden loves the water exhibit at the Discovery museum.
3/19- We bought a new couch and loveseat today. After using a hand-me-down for almost two years, it was time.
3/20- My beautiful niece Sophie and her messy face. I just love messy food faces on babies.
Friday, March 11, 2011
Ketchup
I'm so sad about what happened in Japan today. It's hard to even think about. Natural disasters and especially earthquakes are so terrifying to me, probably because it's been drilled into me since elementary school that Utah is due for a big one "any day now" (and that was 20 years ago).
*****
But... I got a job! I'm going to cover the government beat for the Midvale Valley Journal. It will be nice since most of my work will be done at home. Plus, I will get paid to write! And will see my name in print! Remember my New Year's resolution? Well, I am definitely doing good on the one about writing so far.
*****
Adam's 30th birthday was yesterday. Happy birthday, my love! It got me thinking, and I've decided to make a 30 before 30 list. I have a few ideas- have another baby, go camping, etc. What else should I put on my list? I should probably put getting an article published, because that should be accomplished in the next month or so.
*****
Karma got me tonight. Last night, I laughed at Nicki when Sophie pooped in the tub while we were on the phone. Just guess what happened to me tonight. I'll just say I'll be bleaching toys later.
*****
After said bath, Brayden was sitting on my lap drying off in his Buzz towel. I kissed him on the cheek, and he turned his cheek to have me kiss the other. He did it again and again, and I thought to myself "I wish I could have a video of this to watch years from now." And now I do.
Kisses from Megan Bishop on Vimeo.
*****
I took Brayden to the park earlier today, and I'm glad I did. Another child shared his hockey toys and this cuteness ensued. Brayden hasn't really been exposed to hockey, baseball, golf or any other sports where you try to hit a ball with a stick of some sort. He sort of figured it out, right?
Brayden playing hockey? from Megan Bishop on Vimeo.
*****
After said bath, Brayden was sitting on my lap drying off in his Buzz towel. I kissed him on the cheek, and he turned his cheek to have me kiss the other. He did it again and again, and I thought to myself "I wish I could have a video of this to watch years from now." And now I do.
Kisses from Megan Bishop on Vimeo.
*****
I took Brayden to the park earlier today, and I'm glad I did. Another child shared his hockey toys and this cuteness ensued. Brayden hasn't really been exposed to hockey, baseball, golf or any other sports where you try to hit a ball with a stick of some sort. He sort of figured it out, right?
Brayden playing hockey? from Megan Bishop on Vimeo.
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