Beardall Family 2012
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Heather, the amatuer photographer who aspires to be better...
I decided to give my new backgrounds I got for Christmas another shot and spend my Sunday afternoon playing with the camera and my computer. If I could just tweak the lighting a little better... It's so hard to photograph inside and work with kids (I love them, but they wiggle so much!). It's so much easier to photograph outside! Grrr... I think the pictures turned out pretty cute (and better than last time!), so I thought I'd try some new Easter kids photo collages? Gotta love Picasa. Critiques welcomed, ideas for making photos better appreciated.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Daffodil Days
This little flower made my week. My daughter Emmalee brought it home from school yesterday. When she brought it home it was just a bud with a wet paper towel wrapped around the base in a plastic baggie. It's part of The American Cancer Society's Daffodil Days. Her teacher sent it home for her. We followed the directions that came with it, and when we woke up this morning, sure enough, there it was-- bright and beautiful. It had bloomed overnight.This was an especially fitting gift because tomorrow marks a day my life was touched with cancer. Tomorrow will be three years since my mother passed away.
She died of a brain tumor, cancer she fought for 7 years before it overtook her.
Isn't it nice how sometimes Heavenly Father knows we just need a little pick me up?
Heather in training
You may have noticed my new blinkie. Or probably not. But since you--er, um-- brought it up, I've decided to start training again. Last year I did a sprint triathalon here in Cody. It was a lot of fun, it was really hard, and it was pretty motivating to get back into shape enough to be able to compete in it. So I've decided to go for it again this year. And I'm starting now even though it's not until July. Because I need a good swift kick in the butt.
Let me explain. I was SOOOO in the zone last year. I was working out and pushing myself like crazy. I lost 18 hard earned pounds in about 7 months. I know that doesn't sound like much, but man to me it made a difference! I felt better, I was getting less headaches, and I had more energy. It was nice. And I was in a set routine to stay that way.
But then came September. I was just newly pregnant and set on staying pretty fit through the pregnancy. But I didn't get the chance to. I miscarried at 6 weeks. My doctor put me on limited activity for 6 weeks. I decided to get back on the wagon and get back into my groove after that though. But then I got kidney stones. I couldn't barely move for two weeks. It wasn't fun. I finally ended up having outpatient surgery for my kidney stones to remove them. That put me out ANOTHER 3 weeks. And after that, I just gave up. I went through December very unmotivated and just didn't do anything exercise-wise. And it became habit. I halfheartedly tried to get in a few little workouts in January. February was worse. And March? Well, I started out the month just piddling too. Through all my medical bouts and my piddling I gained back all but 2 pounds. So I'm trying to get motivated again. I know it's for the better, and I know that I didn't just throw all those pounds back on myself, my body was having a rough couple of months, but I'm frustrated. I feel like I just started right back where I began. For the last two weeks I've been pushing myself to make sure I get in at least a little workout every day. And as stupid as it sounds, when you say a goal or a motivation out loud, you're better at keeping it. SO that's what I'm doing. So my blinkie will stay on my blog and I'll try not to make it a liar. Wish me luck.
Let me explain. I was SOOOO in the zone last year. I was working out and pushing myself like crazy. I lost 18 hard earned pounds in about 7 months. I know that doesn't sound like much, but man to me it made a difference! I felt better, I was getting less headaches, and I had more energy. It was nice. And I was in a set routine to stay that way.
But then came September. I was just newly pregnant and set on staying pretty fit through the pregnancy. But I didn't get the chance to. I miscarried at 6 weeks. My doctor put me on limited activity for 6 weeks. I decided to get back on the wagon and get back into my groove after that though. But then I got kidney stones. I couldn't barely move for two weeks. It wasn't fun. I finally ended up having outpatient surgery for my kidney stones to remove them. That put me out ANOTHER 3 weeks. And after that, I just gave up. I went through December very unmotivated and just didn't do anything exercise-wise. And it became habit. I halfheartedly tried to get in a few little workouts in January. February was worse. And March? Well, I started out the month just piddling too. Through all my medical bouts and my piddling I gained back all but 2 pounds. So I'm trying to get motivated again. I know it's for the better, and I know that I didn't just throw all those pounds back on myself, my body was having a rough couple of months, but I'm frustrated. I feel like I just started right back where I began. For the last two weeks I've been pushing myself to make sure I get in at least a little workout every day. And as stupid as it sounds, when you say a goal or a motivation out loud, you're better at keeping it. SO that's what I'm doing. So my blinkie will stay on my blog and I'll try not to make it a liar. Wish me luck.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Mark My Words
I've tried really hard not to be political in any way shape or form on here. I really wanted to give Obama a chance to redeem himself, and try his way to fix things. But I'm not stupid. I'm not ignorant. I try to keep an open mind. I try to see things from both sides. I'm trying really hard not to be judgemental. But the democratic congress just threw America under a bus. They passed the health care reform bill. Which of course Obama has adamantly proclaimed he will sign. Today is a sad, sad day.
The congress just made killing babies government approved and paid for.
They shot down social security benefits, like those my father lives on. They just sent a rebounding economy back into the toilet. And they went against the American people, the very people they represent. How can you pass a bill when the majority of Americans oppose it? How can you be herded like cattle into your own little corner. Stand up for what you believe in and for what your people you represent believe in. This is America, not a dictatorship. Don't be threatened into doing something. Be bold, be unafraid, be strong.
I'm not saying that health care reform is not needed. (DID YOU READ MY LAST POST???)Anyone who has ever dealt with the rising costs of medical care and any insurance company knows that the current system is more than a little screwed up. But this was NOT the way to do it. Not to mention that making Americans forcibly buy health insurance or be taxed if you don't is completely unconstitutional.
I am angry. My hands are tied and I am angry. I am frustrated and I feel let down by the leaders of this country. I don't know what to do. I really don't think there is anything that I CAN do. Except express my opinion. Educate people. Encourage people to research and vote accordingly.
Don't forget to vote please.
Let your representatives know how you feel about issues.
Don't do nothing. Doing nothing is still making a choice.
The congress just made killing babies government approved and paid for.
They shot down social security benefits, like those my father lives on. They just sent a rebounding economy back into the toilet. And they went against the American people, the very people they represent. How can you pass a bill when the majority of Americans oppose it? How can you be herded like cattle into your own little corner. Stand up for what you believe in and for what your people you represent believe in. This is America, not a dictatorship. Don't be threatened into doing something. Be bold, be unafraid, be strong.
I'm not saying that health care reform is not needed. (DID YOU READ MY LAST POST???)Anyone who has ever dealt with the rising costs of medical care and any insurance company knows that the current system is more than a little screwed up. But this was NOT the way to do it. Not to mention that making Americans forcibly buy health insurance or be taxed if you don't is completely unconstitutional.
I am angry. My hands are tied and I am angry. I am frustrated and I feel let down by the leaders of this country. I don't know what to do. I really don't think there is anything that I CAN do. Except express my opinion. Educate people. Encourage people to research and vote accordingly.
Don't forget to vote please.
Let your representatives know how you feel about issues.
Don't do nothing. Doing nothing is still making a choice.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
I'm gonna Rant and Rave.
I warned you.
Read on if you must.
I've had it up to *HERE* with West Park Hospital Billing and my insurance company today.
Yup. Did you see how high I pointed? Grrr...
The phone rang AGAIN this morning. And once AGAIN it was West Park Hospital's billing department. Harrassing me AGAIN about a bill that the insurance company was supposed to pay (in December!) and hasn't yet. The same company that called me a few days ago and asked me to look into the claim with my insurance company and give them a call back TOMORROW. Which I have done, and which I was planning on doing TOMORROW. Like they asked. I'm a good girl who actually keeps her word you know! Yep. But here's the thing. I contacted customer service for my insurance company. I called and I emailed specific information so they could review my claims questions and get back to me and the hospital. Have they done it yet? No. It does take a few days sometimes you know! Because all their claims are online though, I know that it wasn't filed. They have the status on them. Pending, completed, who was paid out what. Honestly it's one of the better companies I have dealt with. 'cuz I can check that at the click of a button. Which I did. I checked my claims online AGAIN. It's never been filed. I told the hospital it wasn't ever submitted. For some reason they think I am a liar. Pick up the phone and instead of calling me, call THEM. I did what you asked. I'm telling you what I know. I CAN'T HELP YOU ANYMORE. Call the insurance company. It's NOT MY responsibility to pay the hospital what my insurance is supposed to be paying you!~ Remember your little policy on your papers we sign every time we come in for something? I don't owe you until insurance has paid their part. Since I had insurance, I didn't have to pay up front on the costs. I provided you with all my information. I updated my insurance card the day I got it. Did you confuse me with the insurance company? Uh, pretty sure you have the wrong person. That would be the insurance company. Call them. Ask them why they haven't paid yet. I'm not paying somone else's (the insurance company) bill. It's theirs not mine. ESPECIALLY because of the last time I dealt with you. No, I'm not talking about when you stiffed me for the 10% cash discount when my son was born and I paid IN CASH, and no I'm not talking about how you double charged me when I came into the ER. Or how you billed me for a catscan for my daughter that she never had. You know what I'm talking about. You know, when you billed charges 18 MONTHS LATER and never billed the insurance company and I PAID you for it and never got reimbursed by you or the insurance company. Which is why I'm not paying you now. Because I don't owe you, if anything you owe me. And by the way West Park, you never sent the claim then and you haven't now either. It was never denied, you never filed it right. It's not on record. It wouldn't be denied if you actually sent it. And by the way, you lied to me when I asked you straight out if there were any other charges and balances that were on my account that hadn't been taken care of besides that one. Because there IS a claim on the site that is from you, a different one, that I asked you about and you said you had no record of. So when you call me AGAIN next month wondering why THAT claim hasn't been paid, you might want to try actually submitting IT like you're supposed to. Because that one's not my problem either. Preferrably soon, okay? I really wouldn't deal with you except I'm forced to because you're the only stupid medical place within miles. Grumble grumble grumble....
Don't think you're off the hook either insurance company. Changing providers half way through the year was really stupid. You are stupid. You might want to run your math again, because I've overpaid on my deductible. Completely overpaid. We're under contract you know. Legally you're responsible. And by the way I'm totally maxing out my deductible again this year. You're going to be paying through the nose.
And you know it. That's why you're raising our rates by three hundred dollars a month next year.
Yes, it's wrong that between us and my husband's employee benefits we pay almost $1100 a month just to have insurance. And that's just medical, not vision or dental, or accidental. Yes, I could go without insurance and I would probably actually end up saving money. But yet I stick to it. Because there are years like last year. Years when paying out the $2750/$5500 deductible is actually cheaper than all the charges. Yes, it was nicer to pay the $2750 for my stuff other than the $13,000 it would have been. But quite honestly if I hadn't paid the $1100 a month last year, I would have saved $13,000. And I could have paid it all from that. And you would have lost $13,000. You broke even insurance company. Consider yourself lucky.
I'm sorry, but the medical billing and insurance companies are already messed up. Why on earth would you want to make them government run? What? Regulate the insurance companies. Subsidize public hospitals and clinics. Set caps on charges. Don't try and pass a stupid new program that is a million pages long through the government. You'll make it worse.
I warned you.
Read on if you must.
I've had it up to *HERE* with West Park Hospital Billing and my insurance company today.
Yup. Did you see how high I pointed? Grrr...
The phone rang AGAIN this morning. And once AGAIN it was West Park Hospital's billing department. Harrassing me AGAIN about a bill that the insurance company was supposed to pay (in December!) and hasn't yet. The same company that called me a few days ago and asked me to look into the claim with my insurance company and give them a call back TOMORROW. Which I have done, and which I was planning on doing TOMORROW. Like they asked. I'm a good girl who actually keeps her word you know! Yep. But here's the thing. I contacted customer service for my insurance company. I called and I emailed specific information so they could review my claims questions and get back to me and the hospital. Have they done it yet? No. It does take a few days sometimes you know! Because all their claims are online though, I know that it wasn't filed. They have the status on them. Pending, completed, who was paid out what. Honestly it's one of the better companies I have dealt with. 'cuz I can check that at the click of a button. Which I did. I checked my claims online AGAIN. It's never been filed. I told the hospital it wasn't ever submitted. For some reason they think I am a liar. Pick up the phone and instead of calling me, call THEM. I did what you asked. I'm telling you what I know. I CAN'T HELP YOU ANYMORE. Call the insurance company. It's NOT MY responsibility to pay the hospital what my insurance is supposed to be paying you!~ Remember your little policy on your papers we sign every time we come in for something? I don't owe you until insurance has paid their part. Since I had insurance, I didn't have to pay up front on the costs. I provided you with all my information. I updated my insurance card the day I got it. Did you confuse me with the insurance company? Uh, pretty sure you have the wrong person. That would be the insurance company. Call them. Ask them why they haven't paid yet. I'm not paying somone else's (the insurance company) bill. It's theirs not mine. ESPECIALLY because of the last time I dealt with you. No, I'm not talking about when you stiffed me for the 10% cash discount when my son was born and I paid IN CASH, and no I'm not talking about how you double charged me when I came into the ER. Or how you billed me for a catscan for my daughter that she never had. You know what I'm talking about. You know, when you billed charges 18 MONTHS LATER and never billed the insurance company and I PAID you for it and never got reimbursed by you or the insurance company. Which is why I'm not paying you now. Because I don't owe you, if anything you owe me. And by the way West Park, you never sent the claim then and you haven't now either. It was never denied, you never filed it right. It's not on record. It wouldn't be denied if you actually sent it. And by the way, you lied to me when I asked you straight out if there were any other charges and balances that were on my account that hadn't been taken care of besides that one. Because there IS a claim on the site that is from you, a different one, that I asked you about and you said you had no record of. So when you call me AGAIN next month wondering why THAT claim hasn't been paid, you might want to try actually submitting IT like you're supposed to. Because that one's not my problem either. Preferrably soon, okay? I really wouldn't deal with you except I'm forced to because you're the only stupid medical place within miles. Grumble grumble grumble....
Don't think you're off the hook either insurance company. Changing providers half way through the year was really stupid. You are stupid. You might want to run your math again, because I've overpaid on my deductible. Completely overpaid. We're under contract you know. Legally you're responsible. And by the way I'm totally maxing out my deductible again this year. You're going to be paying through the nose.
And you know it. That's why you're raising our rates by three hundred dollars a month next year.
Yes, it's wrong that between us and my husband's employee benefits we pay almost $1100 a month just to have insurance. And that's just medical, not vision or dental, or accidental. Yes, I could go without insurance and I would probably actually end up saving money. But yet I stick to it. Because there are years like last year. Years when paying out the $2750/$5500 deductible is actually cheaper than all the charges. Yes, it was nicer to pay the $2750 for my stuff other than the $13,000 it would have been. But quite honestly if I hadn't paid the $1100 a month last year, I would have saved $13,000. And I could have paid it all from that. And you would have lost $13,000. You broke even insurance company. Consider yourself lucky.
I'm sorry, but the medical billing and insurance companies are already messed up. Why on earth would you want to make them government run? What? Regulate the insurance companies. Subsidize public hospitals and clinics. Set caps on charges. Don't try and pass a stupid new program that is a million pages long through the government. You'll make it worse.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Color My World
My kids were discussing their favorite colors today. They insisted we list our top 3 in order. I actually had to think about it for a minute, my taste in color has actually changed a bit over the years. But here's what we came up with. Emmalee's top three: pink, purple, and aquamarine (?). Blake's top 3: blue, green, and black. Jarom's (as guessed by the other two kids, to which I mostly concur): green, orange, and red.
Mine? Red, Red, and Red.
Okay, red, blue, and green.
I know, so boring.
Really, I just wanted to try out changing the color of the words on my blog.
Partially.
That and I thought it'd be the perfect opportunity to introduce you to my daughter's almost 8 year long obsession.
She's infatuated with pink.
She's a pink girl.
Pink is her world.
Pink is in her thoughts daily.
She loves EVERYTHING pink. If it's pink, her eyes literally light up. And if it's shiny and pink--look out. She's in heaven.
She's OBSESSED with pink. Can I give you an example?
Today, she left the house dressed for school wearing her pink sweat pants, her PINK panther PINK shirt, her pink fuzzy socks, and her pink icarly shoes.
I can't go shopping with her if I want to buy her something that doesn't have pink. She will actually wear clothes that aren't pink sometimes, as long as I bought them for her without her there at the time. It's the only time I can get away with it! If I take her with me, it's an uphill battle to get anything that doesn't have pink somewhere on it. Nope, doesn't matter how much or how little pink it has on it. As long as it has SOME pink on it. Although the more the better. The stores aren't helping though. They know that there are girls like my daughter out there that eat that pink right up.
Pink is a princess color.
It dictates girl color in our society. Still. And I'm not being stereotypical, it just does!
Her favorite drink? Pink Lemonade.
Her past favorite cartoon characters? Pink Panther, Pinkie Dinkie Doo (who ironically hates pink), and Olivia (although beit NOT pink, red which is close enough to pink that she doesn't mind it).
She gets excited when we buy any kind of food that is pink. She loves easter because there's lots of pink around.
I'm telling you-- the girl is obsessed.
I really honestly thought she'd eventually outgrow this favorite color/obsession. But it's looking like it's here to stay for a while.
Until of course tomorrow when she tells me that she no longer likes pink. NOT!
Wanna hear the irony now?
I HATE PINK. Always have. I've rolled my eyes at it since I was iddy bitty. The tomboy in me snickered at the color every time I saw it. The bane of my existence for years was our PINK carpet that was in the living room. It has since been replaced. (Whoo-hoo!)
But because I love my daughter I feed her obsession. Maybe I'm shooting myself in the foot, but I painted her room pink. The quilt I'm making her is mostly pink. I even bought her a pink rug for her room. And of course I let her wear her entire pink outfit to school every once in a while. What can I say? Maybe it's growing on me a little...Or not. But I can say my daughter is growing a little on me too. So I'll set my pink hatred aside just for her. As long as she doesn't mock my red.
Mine? Red, Red, and Red.
Okay, red, blue, and green.
I know, so boring.
Really, I just wanted to try out changing the color of the words on my blog.
Partially.
That and I thought it'd be the perfect opportunity to introduce you to my daughter's almost 8 year long obsession.
She's infatuated with pink.
She's a pink girl.
Pink is her world.
Pink is in her thoughts daily.
She loves EVERYTHING pink. If it's pink, her eyes literally light up. And if it's shiny and pink--look out. She's in heaven.
She's OBSESSED with pink. Can I give you an example?
Today, she left the house dressed for school wearing her pink sweat pants, her PINK panther PINK shirt, her pink fuzzy socks, and her pink icarly shoes.
I can't go shopping with her if I want to buy her something that doesn't have pink. She will actually wear clothes that aren't pink sometimes, as long as I bought them for her without her there at the time. It's the only time I can get away with it! If I take her with me, it's an uphill battle to get anything that doesn't have pink somewhere on it. Nope, doesn't matter how much or how little pink it has on it. As long as it has SOME pink on it. Although the more the better. The stores aren't helping though. They know that there are girls like my daughter out there that eat that pink right up.
Pink is a princess color.
It dictates girl color in our society. Still. And I'm not being stereotypical, it just does!
Her favorite drink? Pink Lemonade.
Her past favorite cartoon characters? Pink Panther, Pinkie Dinkie Doo (who ironically hates pink), and Olivia (although beit NOT pink, red which is close enough to pink that she doesn't mind it).
She gets excited when we buy any kind of food that is pink. She loves easter because there's lots of pink around.
I'm telling you-- the girl is obsessed.
I really honestly thought she'd eventually outgrow this favorite color/obsession. But it's looking like it's here to stay for a while.
Until of course tomorrow when she tells me that she no longer likes pink. NOT!
Wanna hear the irony now?
I HATE PINK. Always have. I've rolled my eyes at it since I was iddy bitty. The tomboy in me snickered at the color every time I saw it. The bane of my existence for years was our PINK carpet that was in the living room. It has since been replaced. (Whoo-hoo!)
But because I love my daughter I feed her obsession. Maybe I'm shooting myself in the foot, but I painted her room pink. The quilt I'm making her is mostly pink. I even bought her a pink rug for her room. And of course I let her wear her entire pink outfit to school every once in a while. What can I say? Maybe it's growing on me a little...Or not. But I can say my daughter is growing a little on me too. So I'll set my pink hatred aside just for her. As long as she doesn't mock my red.
What are we saving again?
I AM SO EXHAUSTED. Who knew a little thing called daylight savings time could wipe you out so bad? If we could just fall back every time the thing came around, I'd be fine. In fact I'd be more well rested. But no, someone had to come up with the idea to "spring forward". Oh man. No such luck. I guess it makes sense. To someone. Although can I make a suggestion? Try springing forward in say, January instead? I'd much rather feel like it's getting closer to spring and summer a little sooner. It'd be a nice little pickmeup from winter. C'mon, whadda ya say? No? Alright, but I'm warning you now. I'm gonna take a nap. Or move to Arizona, Puerto Rico, or Hawaii. Then I wouldn't have to deal with it. Hawaii sounds nice...
Out of the mouth of babes...
We were driving in the car today when my little boy Blake exclaimed from the backseat: "Mom! I've got little tiny hairs on my arm! That means I'm gonna be a daddy someday!"
Friday, March 12, 2010
Thought I'd share..
Our relief Society President had me send out this video link this week to the sisters in our ward. Thought I'd pass it along. It was a neat one. Check it out if you wish:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=snAjZ8mfoYw
www.youtube.com/watch?v=snAjZ8mfoYw
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Dear Weather
Dear Weather:
You really stink today. Do you need a bath? When was the last time you threw on some deodorant? Take care of that sometime this week, today preferrably.
Holding my nose but not my breath,
Heather
Dear Winter:
I really really hate you somedays. Some days more than others. You really make me mad when you flaunt your power. You're such a showoff, throwing around all that snow and wind sometimes. And man you can just be so cold. You're quite cruel you know, making me think that you were done showing off for a while. You just couldn't resist could you? I know that you really hate seeing any skin showing at all. It must be a horrible sight to you or something, because you really enforce your opinion on that one. Do you think it's funny that you make my kids all confused? Is it hilarious for you to watch us peek out the window and have to check and see what you've done before we can venture outside for the day? You must really hate a clean house as well. I think you always win on that one. At the same time though, even though I can't stand you, I still like you every once in a while. I can't stop thinking about you. My kids really like it when you show off. They think it's cool to watch you throw down snow. You are their excuse to wear boots. Ryan likes it when you validate his passion for ice fishing and snowmobiling. Me, well, I do like it when you add a little sparkle to Christmas, but you're still just a little too greedy. You really hog the months, you know? If you could just quit being such a month hog I might like you a little more. And if you could save me some money on my heating bill, it really would be appreciated. Something to consider. Hoping you don't stay too long. Have fun while you're here.
Wiping off 3 inches of snow in March
Hagged Heather
Dear Spring:
Why oh why are you such a tease? It must be in your nature. Hee hee.. Get it? Nature? Yes, I'm a dork. I really do like you, you know. You're so balanced. And a breath of fresh air. You touch everyone you meet. You leave a little bit of glimmer of hope for people. You make everything come to life. You're a good transitioner. Really! And you are WAY more handsome than winter, I'm serious! You're more colorful. You have a more vibrant personality. I must say though, you're a little bipolar. Have you ever considered seeing someone about that? Just sayin'... I know everyone has their bad days, but really, you need to lighten up sometimes. Just a suggestion. Stay a while, make yourself comfortable and happy, and move out of the way when summer comes to town okay?
Torn between liking you and hating you,
The Spring Chicken
Dear Summer:
Why on earth do you let Winter and Spring step all over you? You're important too! You have so many better qualities than them! I like you better. They should be jealous. You're so warm. You're much more relaxing. You respect my priorities. You're such a great friend. You really understand that I just need you to come around to get things done. Man, I wouldn't accomplish half the projects I have without you. You do have your faults though. You really need to warm up the water a little more here. I just really enjoy a luke warm soak, not a freezing one. I want to spend time with you, not avoiding you you know! And you really need to not let those clouds push you around. You can stand up for yourself you know! But don't get yourself too worked up okay? If you could just keep your boiling point down just a hair, maybe about 85 or 90? You'd really be helping me out with my cooling costs. And save Ryan the hassle of installing our air conditioner. But really, if you want to let off a little steam, that's okay by me, Ryan can go ahead and install that sucker. Hey, could you try and keep away fall and winter just a bit this year? I need to get outside and run around, get a little more exercise. Stay until at least September okay? I really like it when you stick around for my birthday. It's such a nice thing to do. You just make me feel better. Thanks.
Wishing you could stay all year long,
Content Heather
Dear Fall:
I know we share the same birthday and all, so I think you'll understand that I do have a special place for you in my heart. I like how you aren't afraid of change and you really embrace it. One of your better qualities. You really make me work though you know? It's hard work to rake up leaves, especially in the wind. If you could just cut the wind it would help. Thanks for being sensitive to my heating/cooling budget. It really helps that time of year. Could you do me a favor though? Could you try and stay until December this year? I'm really not wanting to see Winter just yet. We're having issues right now. Thanks!
Your birthday Twin,
Autumn
You really stink today. Do you need a bath? When was the last time you threw on some deodorant? Take care of that sometime this week, today preferrably.
Holding my nose but not my breath,
Heather
Dear Winter:
I really really hate you somedays. Some days more than others. You really make me mad when you flaunt your power. You're such a showoff, throwing around all that snow and wind sometimes. And man you can just be so cold. You're quite cruel you know, making me think that you were done showing off for a while. You just couldn't resist could you? I know that you really hate seeing any skin showing at all. It must be a horrible sight to you or something, because you really enforce your opinion on that one. Do you think it's funny that you make my kids all confused? Is it hilarious for you to watch us peek out the window and have to check and see what you've done before we can venture outside for the day? You must really hate a clean house as well. I think you always win on that one. At the same time though, even though I can't stand you, I still like you every once in a while. I can't stop thinking about you. My kids really like it when you show off. They think it's cool to watch you throw down snow. You are their excuse to wear boots. Ryan likes it when you validate his passion for ice fishing and snowmobiling. Me, well, I do like it when you add a little sparkle to Christmas, but you're still just a little too greedy. You really hog the months, you know? If you could just quit being such a month hog I might like you a little more. And if you could save me some money on my heating bill, it really would be appreciated. Something to consider. Hoping you don't stay too long. Have fun while you're here.
Wiping off 3 inches of snow in March
Hagged Heather
Dear Spring:
Why oh why are you such a tease? It must be in your nature. Hee hee.. Get it? Nature? Yes, I'm a dork. I really do like you, you know. You're so balanced. And a breath of fresh air. You touch everyone you meet. You leave a little bit of glimmer of hope for people. You make everything come to life. You're a good transitioner. Really! And you are WAY more handsome than winter, I'm serious! You're more colorful. You have a more vibrant personality. I must say though, you're a little bipolar. Have you ever considered seeing someone about that? Just sayin'... I know everyone has their bad days, but really, you need to lighten up sometimes. Just a suggestion. Stay a while, make yourself comfortable and happy, and move out of the way when summer comes to town okay?
Torn between liking you and hating you,
The Spring Chicken
Dear Summer:
Why on earth do you let Winter and Spring step all over you? You're important too! You have so many better qualities than them! I like you better. They should be jealous. You're so warm. You're much more relaxing. You respect my priorities. You're such a great friend. You really understand that I just need you to come around to get things done. Man, I wouldn't accomplish half the projects I have without you. You do have your faults though. You really need to warm up the water a little more here. I just really enjoy a luke warm soak, not a freezing one. I want to spend time with you, not avoiding you you know! And you really need to not let those clouds push you around. You can stand up for yourself you know! But don't get yourself too worked up okay? If you could just keep your boiling point down just a hair, maybe about 85 or 90? You'd really be helping me out with my cooling costs. And save Ryan the hassle of installing our air conditioner. But really, if you want to let off a little steam, that's okay by me, Ryan can go ahead and install that sucker. Hey, could you try and keep away fall and winter just a bit this year? I need to get outside and run around, get a little more exercise. Stay until at least September okay? I really like it when you stick around for my birthday. It's such a nice thing to do. You just make me feel better. Thanks.
Wishing you could stay all year long,
Content Heather
Dear Fall:
I know we share the same birthday and all, so I think you'll understand that I do have a special place for you in my heart. I like how you aren't afraid of change and you really embrace it. One of your better qualities. You really make me work though you know? It's hard work to rake up leaves, especially in the wind. If you could just cut the wind it would help. Thanks for being sensitive to my heating/cooling budget. It really helps that time of year. Could you do me a favor though? Could you try and stay until December this year? I'm really not wanting to see Winter just yet. We're having issues right now. Thanks!
Your birthday Twin,
Autumn
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Entitled to it all
I've been thinking a lot lately about how in this day and age people have a serious case of entitlement-itis. Everywhere I look, everything I hear seems to echo one message. "I deserve it!" No mind there was no work involved or any effort on your part, but gosh darn, you DO deserve it.
Really?
For Reals?
What?
Huh?
Are You Serious?
WHAT PLANET DID YOU HATCH ON?!!!?!?!?
But really in all seriousness, people do get things they don't deserve or work for all the time. Constantly. All around. It happens. But the way that you view it should be the kicker. When you "get" something for nothing, do you think you just deserved it so it came to you or do you count it as a blessing?
I struggle end over end on whether to push my kids to work and how far to push them. I've set up chore charts that are sometimes reinforced. Sometimes not. Okay, most often not. But when they are enforced, things really do run better. Yes, there is major complaining. Yes, it is really more work for me that way still, regardless. But yes, eventually the kids will do their jobs, the kids will work TOWARDS something. And wouldn't that be the whole point? I think so.
You are entitled to a few things in life:
You are entitled to live.
You are entitled to be you.
You are entitled to an opinion.
You are entitled to choose your religion
You are entitled to make choices.
You are NOT entitled to choose your consequences of your decisions.
You are NOT entitled to force your opinions on others.
You are NOT entitled to judge others.
You are NOT entitled to getting something for nothing.
You may be BLESSED to get something for nothing.
You may be BLESSED to see others in a different light.
You may be BLESSED to have your opinion and good example rub off on someone else.
You may be BLESSED to have good consequences from your actions.
As a parent, I struggle with whether or not I am being the best parent I can be.
I am not perfect. I have my days (which are sometimes a lot of days). But I also see a purpose in what I am doing daily. I see my children growing. I see my children learning and I see my myself growing and learning as well. Man, sometimes it just stinks to be a parent. Sometimes people say things to you or you just happened to be viewed at just the wrong time and place and you just feel like a total failure.
Case in point:
I took Jarom and Emmalee to the store yesterday. At 8:00 at night. Jarom had not had his nap for the day. I KNOW. What was I thinking? Oh, that's right I was thinking we needed milk and bread for today. And of course Jarom had a melt down. In the middle of the store. Shrieking and crying, yelling and mad. People were staring. People were wondering what on earth I had done to him to make him act the way he was acting. He was screaming "That hurts!" as I was holding him trying to calm him down. He says this when we're in public because he knows that sometimes it will get me to leave him alone or give in to his fit. Sometimes. If I've just had it and am not in the mood to deal with a public fit. But I was holding strong yesterday. Just to clarify, I was indeed NOT hurting him, I was calmly holding him as he beat his fists on me and I IGNORED his fit. I browsed the card aisle while I was ignoring his fit. I'm sure you can picture it now, A woman carrying her screaming, stark raving mad child, browsing cards. Yep. But guess what? It worked. He calmed down. He quit his fit. He even sat in the cart for the rest of the shopping trip. It was really hard, but I was a GOOD parent. I firmly believe it. But darn it all, that's just not what people see.
Today. I took Jarom to Wendy's for lunch. I know, the calories. Screw it. My house was pristine. I was not messing it up. And all I got was chicken and water--I was good. So off we went. I held my squirming 2 1/2 year old toddler in my arms for 15 minutes while we waited in line, pulling every trick in the book to distract him and keep him in line and from running off and getting into things. I held him at my side. Finally, we had ordered and I let him pick the table right next to the pickup counter. I sat him down at the table, and went to grab my food (mind you, it was about 5 feet away, literally)and turned around to find him dumping the salt and pepper shakers on the table. I quickly moved the shakers away and wiped away the mess and set down the food on the table, and from behind me a lady says to her companion in a voice loud enough intended for me to hear: "Some people just don't watch their children like they are supposed to anymore!"
I was livid. Had she not seen the way I had handled my child for the last 20 minutes? Does being five feet from my child while I grab my order equal child neglect? ARE YOU SERIOUS????!?!?!? I wanted to scream at her. Do you have kids? Did you not see that I was RIGHT there? Excuse me, but do I KNOW you? Do YOU know me? But I contained myself. I ignored it. I just could not believe the audacity. But again, that's just not the way people see it sometimes.
So what have I learned from my little experiences in the last two days? I need to give other moms a break. I need to try really hard not to judge them as well.
And that you are not ENTITLED to motherhood, but you can be BLESSED by it.
Really?
For Reals?
What?
Huh?
Are You Serious?
WHAT PLANET DID YOU HATCH ON?!!!?!?!?
But really in all seriousness, people do get things they don't deserve or work for all the time. Constantly. All around. It happens. But the way that you view it should be the kicker. When you "get" something for nothing, do you think you just deserved it so it came to you or do you count it as a blessing?
I struggle end over end on whether to push my kids to work and how far to push them. I've set up chore charts that are sometimes reinforced. Sometimes not. Okay, most often not. But when they are enforced, things really do run better. Yes, there is major complaining. Yes, it is really more work for me that way still, regardless. But yes, eventually the kids will do their jobs, the kids will work TOWARDS something. And wouldn't that be the whole point? I think so.
You are entitled to a few things in life:
You are entitled to live.
You are entitled to be you.
You are entitled to an opinion.
You are entitled to choose your religion
You are entitled to make choices.
You are NOT entitled to choose your consequences of your decisions.
You are NOT entitled to force your opinions on others.
You are NOT entitled to judge others.
You are NOT entitled to getting something for nothing.
You may be BLESSED to get something for nothing.
You may be BLESSED to see others in a different light.
You may be BLESSED to have your opinion and good example rub off on someone else.
You may be BLESSED to have good consequences from your actions.
As a parent, I struggle with whether or not I am being the best parent I can be.
I am not perfect. I have my days (which are sometimes a lot of days). But I also see a purpose in what I am doing daily. I see my children growing. I see my children learning and I see my myself growing and learning as well. Man, sometimes it just stinks to be a parent. Sometimes people say things to you or you just happened to be viewed at just the wrong time and place and you just feel like a total failure.
Case in point:
I took Jarom and Emmalee to the store yesterday. At 8:00 at night. Jarom had not had his nap for the day. I KNOW. What was I thinking? Oh, that's right I was thinking we needed milk and bread for today. And of course Jarom had a melt down. In the middle of the store. Shrieking and crying, yelling and mad. People were staring. People were wondering what on earth I had done to him to make him act the way he was acting. He was screaming "That hurts!" as I was holding him trying to calm him down. He says this when we're in public because he knows that sometimes it will get me to leave him alone or give in to his fit. Sometimes. If I've just had it and am not in the mood to deal with a public fit. But I was holding strong yesterday. Just to clarify, I was indeed NOT hurting him, I was calmly holding him as he beat his fists on me and I IGNORED his fit. I browsed the card aisle while I was ignoring his fit. I'm sure you can picture it now, A woman carrying her screaming, stark raving mad child, browsing cards. Yep. But guess what? It worked. He calmed down. He quit his fit. He even sat in the cart for the rest of the shopping trip. It was really hard, but I was a GOOD parent. I firmly believe it. But darn it all, that's just not what people see.
Today. I took Jarom to Wendy's for lunch. I know, the calories. Screw it. My house was pristine. I was not messing it up. And all I got was chicken and water--I was good. So off we went. I held my squirming 2 1/2 year old toddler in my arms for 15 minutes while we waited in line, pulling every trick in the book to distract him and keep him in line and from running off and getting into things. I held him at my side. Finally, we had ordered and I let him pick the table right next to the pickup counter. I sat him down at the table, and went to grab my food (mind you, it was about 5 feet away, literally)and turned around to find him dumping the salt and pepper shakers on the table. I quickly moved the shakers away and wiped away the mess and set down the food on the table, and from behind me a lady says to her companion in a voice loud enough intended for me to hear: "Some people just don't watch their children like they are supposed to anymore!"
I was livid. Had she not seen the way I had handled my child for the last 20 minutes? Does being five feet from my child while I grab my order equal child neglect? ARE YOU SERIOUS????!?!?!? I wanted to scream at her. Do you have kids? Did you not see that I was RIGHT there? Excuse me, but do I KNOW you? Do YOU know me? But I contained myself. I ignored it. I just could not believe the audacity. But again, that's just not the way people see it sometimes.
So what have I learned from my little experiences in the last two days? I need to give other moms a break. I need to try really hard not to judge them as well.
And that you are not ENTITLED to motherhood, but you can be BLESSED by it.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
10 Things that make Heather happy
Yup, I stole the idea from Riles--sorry! Couldn't resist.
Here goes! And in no particular order...
10. Showing me somehow that you were listening when I said something. I try very hard to listen to what people tell me-- their favorite things, their pet peeves, etc. and I try to do things for them that reflect that I listened to them. It gives me joy to know end when someone returns the favor. I think it also shows who really knows you well and that you care about someone.
9. The smell of a wet sidewalk after it rains. If they could bottle that smell and put it in a perfume or home scent, I'd buy it by the gallon.
8. Date Night! Yup. of course, I know, total given, but it's true! I am around my children and the unending call of my house to clean it, that I REALLy, and I mean REALLY love date night. I need to get away from my kids and have an adult conversation. Only downside is feeling like I have to get back to my kids.
7. Seeing my kids do something that *I* taught them (as long as it's something good--bad habits don't contribute to this happy feeling). I think that this falls under the same category of someone having listened to me. Hmmm...
6. The sense of touch. Yup. I love to feel things. I love textures, and I LOVE the feel of skin--so soft and smooth and just the right temperature. I can't get enough hugs and kisses from my kiddos and a really great backrub is right up my alley!
5. A sense of accomplishment. When I work really hard on something and I finish it and it is done and has made something better, there is no better feeling. There is no better high in the world of accomplishing something that you weren't sure you could do, but did anyway.
4. Coordinating and matching-- yes, I'm an even person. I love when things are symmetrical, even, and orderly. It's just me.
3. Sleep. Do I really need to explain this? Whether it's a good night's sleep, a much deserved nap or whatever, I crave it and don't want to leave it.
2. GOOD Music. I love how music can tell a story, create a feeling, and relax you. I seriously believe however, that this same thing can degrade, upset, and anger you. Hence the "good" music.
1. Photography. This medium is unlike any other. I love good photography, real photography and artistic photography. What a way to capture a moment. What other medium is as purely subjective to you. And after all, a picture can be worth a thousand words.
Here goes! And in no particular order...
10. Showing me somehow that you were listening when I said something. I try very hard to listen to what people tell me-- their favorite things, their pet peeves, etc. and I try to do things for them that reflect that I listened to them. It gives me joy to know end when someone returns the favor. I think it also shows who really knows you well and that you care about someone.
9. The smell of a wet sidewalk after it rains. If they could bottle that smell and put it in a perfume or home scent, I'd buy it by the gallon.
8. Date Night! Yup. of course, I know, total given, but it's true! I am around my children and the unending call of my house to clean it, that I REALLy, and I mean REALLY love date night. I need to get away from my kids and have an adult conversation. Only downside is feeling like I have to get back to my kids.
7. Seeing my kids do something that *I* taught them (as long as it's something good--bad habits don't contribute to this happy feeling). I think that this falls under the same category of someone having listened to me. Hmmm...
6. The sense of touch. Yup. I love to feel things. I love textures, and I LOVE the feel of skin--so soft and smooth and just the right temperature. I can't get enough hugs and kisses from my kiddos and a really great backrub is right up my alley!
5. A sense of accomplishment. When I work really hard on something and I finish it and it is done and has made something better, there is no better feeling. There is no better high in the world of accomplishing something that you weren't sure you could do, but did anyway.
4. Coordinating and matching-- yes, I'm an even person. I love when things are symmetrical, even, and orderly. It's just me.
3. Sleep. Do I really need to explain this? Whether it's a good night's sleep, a much deserved nap or whatever, I crave it and don't want to leave it.
2. GOOD Music. I love how music can tell a story, create a feeling, and relax you. I seriously believe however, that this same thing can degrade, upset, and anger you. Hence the "good" music.
1. Photography. This medium is unlike any other. I love good photography, real photography and artistic photography. What a way to capture a moment. What other medium is as purely subjective to you. And after all, a picture can be worth a thousand words.
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