Simplicity speaks volumes....

Have you ever met one of those people that feels the need to explain things in extreme detail?  Or someone who has a story for everything?
If you haven't.....you have now.  Hi, nice to meet you.
When having a conversation with someone I sometimes tend to try to explain everything I am saying....or explain away everything I said.  I blame it on the explosive word volcano that finds it's way back to me no matter how many times I try to put it out.  I tell myself what a horrible listener I am....try not to interrupt, just simply listen.  The feeling still comes, I just have to interject, I have to relate to people.  Why the heck do I feel this utter need to relate to people?!  I am sure I could find some reasons why, some psychological need to be heard or acknowledged. 
Right here I was about to explain about how that has no grounds...I'm the baby of my family...and was constantly the "entertainer".  Yes,  I explained!!  Shoot me! 
As a writer, though....is there ever a time where you explain too much?  Hmmm.  I don't think so.  Conversational....yes.  Written work....needed.
I do wonder....if the times I should have just listened  were moments that I really needed to hear.

On the topic of simple things....like listening and learning to shut up...here are some Project 365 pictures.  They display the simplicity in a child's mind.  Not simple minded....but just the plain simplicity in the way they see things.  And the things they do. 

Day 30: The Hubs picked G up at pre school the other day and they walked in the door with a bouquet of pretty little flowers.  G looked up at me with those sweet, gray eyes and said "These are for you AND Dad, Mom!"  Love that he thought of us.  And how pretty are these in a mason jar.  Itty bitty flowers and mason jars were made for each other.

Day 31:  I saw this when I got home from taking the kids to school the other morning.  It was written on our driveway, right by my car.  So, I analyzed it of course!  Over analyzed, is more like it.  Our 10 year old daughter wrote it, note Believe is misspelled, and I was thinking...does she think I don't believe in her? Do I need to start reminding her how amazing I think she is?  Don't I already do that?  Who does she want to believe in her?  Is this a cry for help?  Simma' down, Mama...

Day 32:  Then I saw this on the driveway this morning when we were walking out to the car....ah! makes sense now.  She was writing it as if God were talking to all of us. 

Simplicity.  Those moments when kids don't have the need to think deep like we do, they don't feel the need to make things about themselves, or make small issues into huge debates.  They honestly don't care about the Jones's who we all so desperately find ourselves keeping up with.  They care about who can keep them safe, who is stable, who they can go to when they need advice.  And of course, every kid wants the next iFabulous...but they ultimately keep things pretty......simple.

Try simplifying something in your life for the rest of the week.  I promise I will work on shutting my mouth and listening.

Project 365...Valentine Par-tay!

I realized that I posted about one million and one pictures yesterday but did not number them for Project 365.  I also realized that I don't really seem to be posting just one picture for each day, it seems to be a succession of photos from one day.  Well, nanny-nanny-boo-boo....I am working Project 365 the Staying Home and Staying Sane way. 
How great are Valentine's parties at the kids' schools?  Yes, you have to bring something to contribute after you have helped the kiddo make an outstanding (if I do say so myself) Valentine box...and then you can only hope that you have someone to talk to while your kid shoves 10 mini cupcakes in their mouth and you get to witness the horseplay of little boys on a sugar high.  But I really do love it. 
Reason #1: I may not be crafty but I can sure as heck pull off a Valentine box.
Reason #2: There are only so many class parties you will be able to go to...until your kid doesn't want you there anymore or they just stop altogether.  I think that class parties are pretty much frowned upon in junior high.....

R is a girl.  So, of course, this Valentine box was a huge priority.  She made me proud and stuck to the classics.  We found a cute photo storage box and the Hobby to the Lobby and we wrapped in red tissue paper (yes, old school!) and then in clear wrapping paper with polka dots.  The she smothered it in super cute Valentine stickers.  Those Valentine stickers have since evolved from sweet little My Little Pony or Polly Pockets to owls and other woodland creatures and plenty of X's and O's.  She had about 3 different kinds of Valentine's to pass out and reveled in the party.  Slowly making her way around and distributing pencils, mini notebooks and the chosen Valentine card. 
G's parties are always fun.  I've mentioned his super amazing pre school teacher before, Mrs. Holly, and I don't know what she does to the kids to make them behaves themselves but whatever she does works.  Fairy dust?  Magic spells?  Sugar bribes?  No clue.  The parties are always an organized type of chaos.  The moms mingle and try to talk their kids into trying tasty treats other parents brought and then we admire all of the Valentine boxes....that really none of the kids made.  So, we pat each other on the back on a job well done for another year.  It's all in good fun. 
Day 25

G's Valentine box

Day 26

Ready to hand out his mountain of treats....

Day 27

A boy and his box...

Day 28

Very focused Valentine passer- outter

Day 29

I figured that she would want this picture one day...her 4th grade desk with all of her Valentine goodies



Adios!....Week of Sickness!

R finally had enough of being sick and dragged herself to school yesterday.  She finally had that realization that we all get.....you kind of hope to be sick some days so you can stay inside, watch movies and eat Goldfish.  Then, you really get sick.  You feel yucky.  You are so sick of the Goldfish you could smash their happy little faces against the wall and you are starting to feel awfully bored watching TV.  So, by day 3 at home, she had cabin fever.....and was happy to pop some meds before school and head out the door.  Thank goodness her fever had peaked earlier on that day and Thursday she was free and clear.  Luckily, we have a neighbor that brought home her make up work everyday so we don't have to be punished for being sick with stacks and stacks of worksheets.  With the new curriculum our district has, it is pretty impossible to miss a day of school without missing a new concept or an important test.  {I hate CScope}  I really wanted her to stay home one more day to recuperate but she wouldn't have it.  Poor thing, still looked a little weary on the way out the door yesterday.
My voice is starting to come back....it's at that husky, scratchy point where you don't really mind losing your voice but really wish you could sing a great bluesy song.  So, this is syonora!
to the Yucks.  Because of my house full of kiddos, I did not have time to get Valentine's gifts for The Hubs or the kiddos yet.  Luckily, we don't do anything too big so a quick trip to Target or even.......Wal Mart {save me now} should take care of it.  I will also be picking up the new Twilight DVD.  Talk crap all you want....but I love it.  I totally read the books and have watched every movie.  Swooning in all of my 31 year old glory over Edward.  I always find the Twilight bashers funny.  They talk about the lack of literature and how it's cheapened the world of readers all over.  Well.....the same people that bash Twilight are the same ones....I know not all of them but some.....that watch Jersey Shore.  So, different strokes for different folks. 
Speaking of books, I started reading The Descendants this morning and I love it already.  Wonderfully written.  I am completely one of those weirdos that has to read the book before watching the movie.  
Have a fabulous, germ-free weekend, everyone!

Day 22:



When a girl has had enough TV sick time...it's time to get crafty!

 Day 23:


Focus

 Day 24:


Ready for her first day back after 3 sick days away from school!



Monday....can we have a do-over on that whole weekend?!

Monday after the Superbowl, so I guess I should have something to say about the game....well....it was on and I was in the room but really I just listened to T tell me every single play he thought was awesome while playing Pictureka! with the other kiddos while simultaneously playing Words with Friends on my Nook.  Multi tasking extraordinaire? Nah, just a mom.
I did catch some commercials and the halftime show.  I enjoyed Madonna's oldies-but-goodies songs and I loved seeing CeeLo and LMFAO but I could have done with out Madonna gyrating all over the stage.  I'm pretty sure she's old enough to be my mom.  She does look great though...minus the man arms.  I am not in love with the new song....at all.  To each his own. 
I loved the mischievous dog in the Doritos commercial and as always, Volkswagen didn't disappoint.  But my fave part of last night was The Voice finally coming back on!  It's one of those shows we can all watch together as a family and really enjoy.  I could do without Christina Aguilara....she's more annoying than funny when she's trying to be witty and her voice, although amazing, is mostly used to wail parts of songs rather than just sing them.  Think Mariah Carey vs. Kelly Clarkson.....both have some powerful lungs but one uses them to see how high or long she can take her notes and the other uses them to belt out amazing songs that you can listen to without holding your ears on the high parts.  Do I care if you can crack a wineglass with that voice? Nope. 
I already have favorites even though the blind auditions aren't over.  How great was Tony Lucca?!  Haven't even thought about him since Mickey Mouse Club....which yes, I totally watched when I got home from school.  Loved the single dad, too.  And the raspy, rock chick that CeeLo snagged was awesome.  Can't wait for tonight and the rest of the season for all of us to root on our faves. 
Yesterday, it was just the boys and I here in the morning so I finally decided to try out the homemade donuts I've been dying to try.  I call them homemade, even though they come from canned biscuits only because I did not drive to the donut shop and get these precious commodities.   I found the recipe on Pinterest (but of course)....

Source: littlebitfunky.com via Elizabeth on Pinterest

They were super easy and turned out amazingly good!  I had everything ready to go, until I realized I didn't have a thing to cut the hole in the middle.  My handy dandy measuring tablespoon came in to play and made the perfect hole.  I used Grand's biscuits only because I had just 1 can of my favorite canned biscuit, Immaculate Baking Co.  I ended up using 2 cans of Grand's, even frying up the holes! 
My cinnamon mixture looked much darker than the one in the recipe but I used Sugar in the Raw for my sugar and I did use a tad more cinnamon.  She was right on with the measurements for butter and heat, and I have a gas stove so I never know if I will need to cook on a lower heat or not.  I'm telling you, these things are dangerous and scrumptious, that's the worst kind of danger.

I'm giving a few views.....just because they're worth it.  PS: this is Day 20 for Project 365

Oh, yeah....that's what I'm talking about. 

Day 21:

This was G's fortune the other day....pretty fitting, I think for a 5 year old to get this fortune. 

I truly hope everyone has an amazing week!

Catch up...

It's Friday.  It's February.  It's muggy and hot in Texas. 
Why every winter do I expect to all of a sudden live in a winter wonderland?  I am totally setting myself up for failure.  For the past week it has been rainy and warm, which equals humid.  While some of you lucky people up north are enjoying snow, maybe a little skiing....some hot chocolate...we are wiping the sweat off of our foreheads and wearing t shirts and shorts.  Cute.
I did get my hair cut and colored this week.  No one noticed.  It wasn't a HUGE change.  I did trim off a few inches and got the color a little richer brown than the ash brown it was before.  I can only guess that this shows just how often I wear my hair up.  Way too much.  According to my stylist, who just happens to be one of my oldest childhood friends....I need to stop pulling into a ponytail now.  I had this crazy halo of frizzy hair but the ends looked great....that would be because I do nothing to my hair to damage it....other than the Killer Ponytail.  Now, it looks like my hair only shorter, healthier, and a little bit more chestnut brown. 
I'll cut to the chase and post my 365 pictures so that I can go and bathe the over tired 5 year old that woke up at 6am...and is now the equivalent of a cat that found the stash of catnip and is about to crash.
Day 16


He was serenading me....with a rock song

Day 17


When G plays cars...they are organized in his own way....and I am only allowed to play with certain ones that are "girls"

 
Day 18

Okay, focus on the hair and nothing else.  I deleted every other one so this will have to do.

Day 19


While R was at school today....I left her this little note on her whiteboard :)



Oh, the lives we lead...Day 14 and 15

Why is it that when B works nights everything gets 10 times busier?  I have had to call in the troops (i.e. my in laws) for reinforcements many times in the past few weeks to help.  This is when I am happy we all live nearby, what would I do if we moved to a different state?  I guess I would deal, like my mom did all the years that she lived away from her parents and in laws and my dad worked out of town.  Although, I have hoped and prayed for a change from Texas....not to get away from anyone but just to experience some place new and have the kids have that experience as well.  Doesn't look like it will happen anytime soon, and thank goodness, because I am not sure where I would've been these past few weeks without the help. 
T's basketball schedule should be winding down now, finishing up in a few weeks...taking away the stress with it.  I have to say though, last game there were some BIG improvements in team work.  It made a much easier ride home, that's for sure.  When they feel like they've been able to play and show who they are on the court and enjoy themselves, it improves their attitude by leaps and bounds. 
G's Tae Kwon Do has been so fun to watch, and I will have to call in help again tomorrow to get him to class while I am at T's game.  Things are much easier when B is here and we can tag team parent like the pros we are.  He hates missing everything too....and I know the kids are really missing seeing him at regular times of the day, like bedtime. 
Luckily, R is not involved in anything right now....but Spring soccer is upon us, so this might change.
This weekend has gone by in a blur....so stinkin' fast, I wish we had one more day.  I think I say this every Sunday.  B is off tonight before heading back in Monday so we will be enjoying having some normalcy this evening....together. 
Yesterday after T's basketball game, my friend Michelle, her son and T went all around town and took on Ellen's Dance Dare.  Hilarious stuff!!  The boys had a blast and they all turned out great.  I really do hope that it makes it on the Ellen show, although I know it is a long shot.  But, feel free to check out all the videos and share away because they need all the love they can get. 
Check out michellekingfamily channel on YouTube!  All 7 videos are hilarious.
Since we have had such a busy weekend, I think the kiddos are a little burned out....which leads to the always exciting sibling fights in the front yard!  Needless to say, they were both sent to their rooms to clean for hours and seem to be in better moods all around.  R is finally released and able to go ride on her scooter and T was playing with G.  Love it. 
Obviously, I am behind on my Project 365...again.....

Day 14:


G was home sick Thursday...so we made brownies!

Day 15:


Are you happy, Mom?  I'm playing with my brother....

 

Keep on keepin' on.....

Epic fail on the 365 project.  It is okay....I will play catch up.  But other than that, today has been pretty great.  Got out of my little rut....or as others might call it..a routine this morning.  A great friend of mine invited me out to lunch and to make a stop at a farmer's market.  Usually Tuesdays....I am cleaning all day to prepare for small group on Wednesday nights.  Thank goodness, I stepped out of my little box I call "home" and got out for a bit.  A little girl talk does the brain well. 
I really think that if I allowed myself to, I could be one of those women who never left the house.  I am already that way with the grocery store.  I mean, really.....how often do you actually see people you want to see there.  How wonderful is it to stroll down each aisle and try to visualize the list that you left on the counter at home?  Ugh.  Hate the grocery store.  Yet, I do have to leave the house, there are games to attend and bills to pay.  So, it was nice today to get a break from the norm, which as you can tell, I haven't had a whole lot of since B has been on nights. 
At the farmer's market today I snagged squash, strawberries (3 cartons because my boys are strawberry addicts), green beans, onions, and pears.  Beautiful produce, I tell you.  G had a plateful of strawberries for dessert and then a pear for his dessert after his dessert.
So, on with Project 365:
Day 12:


Hubby and T playing Xbox before he has to go to work...

  Day 13:


Farm fresh goodness...



Project 365: Day 10 and 11

I think G must have been up pretty early this morning with anticipation for his first Tae Kwon Do class.  He was bright eyed and bushy tailed this morning at 7, as he opened my eyes with his little fingers and said-Mom....can we get up yet??
The class went perfectly and I really can't wait until the next one.  I am so happy he has found something else to keep him occupied and as much as he likes to play ninja at home...I have a feeling that this will be a good fit for him.
Last night, R went and stayed at the in laws with her cousin so it was just the boys and I hanging out....which leads to the Day 10 picture...
I'm starting to think he might be more comfortable on the living room floor than his own bed...

And my little Tiny Tiger after class....too cool to smile..

You Made it to Friday!

It doesn't feel like Friday to me.....I'm not sure why.  I can only imagine that it is because B is still on nights 7 days a week, so everyday is about the same.  I will get to sleep in past 6 am though. 
Last night, was T's basketball game.  Brutal beating, once again.  We have 3 boys on the team who pass back and forth to each other only.  So, the rest of the team, to get their hands on the ball, need to score a rebound.  Pretty frustrating, as a parent watching.  Teamwork doesn't seem to be a word in a lot of people's vocabulary.  I can only hope that it will improve when he gets to 8th grade....and the coaches really coach and pump the boys up. 
Okay, I'll get off my hovering, parent soap box. 
Exciting news in our house....G starts Tae Kwan Do tomorrow!  He is beyond excited and I can not wait to get pictures of him in his spiffy uniform.  T told me that I better get used to washing that uniform every few hours because he doubts that G will ever want to take it off. 
My Project 365 : Day 9 picture, yes, it is blurry but I love it.  You can see that T is happy to be playing.

I could really use a getaway or an escape or really just a day of complete isolation....so in honor of me feeling like this.....my favoite pins that I want to crawl into and live.

Source: flickr.com via Elizabeth on Pinterest

Source: vintagerosegarden.tumblr.com via Elizabeth on Pinterest

Source: 7beaches.tumblr.com via Elizabeth on Pinterest

Have a fabulous weekend, my friends.

Source: Uploaded by user via Elizabeth on Pinterest

Project 365: Day 9....

....and let's just be honest probably Day 10 too.  Wednesday's mean Small Group night in my house.  Around 10-15 pre teen and teen boys and the leader.  That's a lot of movement. And a lot of chili to cook.  So, if I don't get around to it.....here's two pictures for my own sake.

Now, you see, the poor girl is just trying to do her homework....and then you have these two buffoons that want to play war.  Poor kid.

Project 365: Day 8....and a belated Wacky Day post

It was a sunny 76 degrees here in Texas today.  The kids played outside the majority of the day until we brought them in for an early movie date.  Dolphin Tale, popcorn, Coke for a treat....we all piled into the family room with pillows and blankets.  Great movie, amazing story.  Yes, I cried. 
It was nice to spend time together until B had to head into work.  I now have all 3 of the kiddos in their beds.....and I plan on hopping in the shower....oh, the luxuries of motherhood.  A quiet shower? Score. 

Just another normal day at the Dodds' household.....

I never posted about G's Wacky Day at school.....
We've discussed his.....well, lack of being flexible.  Which makes Wacky Day, a bit hard for him. The only mismatching his does is by complete accident.  Like I've said before, it comes packaged together or if it was on a mannequin together at a store and comes home with him....then it will stay to.geth.er.  He was able to agree on mismatching his shoes and mussing his hair up quite a bit but if you didn't look closely, you wouldn't have noticed much. So, here is The Boy in all of his wacky-ness.

You may unshield your eyes now....I know that craziness was a lot to take.

Project 365: Days 6 and 7

So....my camera battery died last night...which means there's a 2 for 1 special today! 
I was alone most of the night anyway with B at work,  T at Monster Jam, R staying at a friend's and G escaped to his Pop and Gran's again.  I read my book, Winter Sea, which turned out amazing.  And played Words with Friends...I am addicted.  B and I are 3 for 3 right now....why are we the most competitive with our spouses?
Tonight, after my throw together dinner that was inspired by a pin....Country Club Chicken...we goofed around at the table and G stole my glasses.  Yes, I warned him that he would have a headache or go blind....he didn't care.
Day 6


Seriously, how funny is this?

Day 7





My kiddos are out of school tomorrow.....and the hubs will be sleeping to go back to work tomorrow night....pray for me, people.  Pray for me. 

Project 365: Day 5...all tuckered out

For little man, today must have been a long one.  He didn't have school but he woke up around 6:50am and start getting sleepy this afternoon.  Never wanting to miss a thing, he did everything he could to keep himself awake.  I was lucky to get his teeth brushed before he passed smooth out....

In his fave robe/pj combo and after he watched the whole Disney movie.....


This was going to be my picture of the day...

Hope everyone has a nice, relaxing weekend.  T is off to the Monster Trick Rally? Races? tomorrow night with a group of kiddos and a dads.  My only hope for the weekend......for G to sleep in...like until 9.  With all that beauty sleep every one of these crow's feet should be gone by Monday.  Here's to hoping.

Project 365: Day 4....A Texas Sunset

The week is almost over!  Whoop! Whoop! 
I have to make myself remember to do my picture everyday this weekend....wish me luck.  I tend to lost track of time on the weekend.  The kiddos are off Monday, as well.  3 days of sleeping in....I will try to get the memo to G. 
Dinner tonight was a success....fantastic Shepherd's Pie you can find over at The Hungry Housewife.  I doubled the recipe and baked it in a 9x13 pan.  We always need plenty to share or for B to take to work for his dinner. The kids that eat normally....all loved it!  If it's not PB and honey, G doesn't like it, so his vote does not count.  I also used Shiner instead of Guinness...come on we are in Texas. 
After eating, the big kids had a pick up game of basketball and G rode his Rip Rider around, mostly trying to run over the big kids.  I took lots of pictures of them playing together...because they weren't fighting (Whaaa?!).  The star of the show was turned out to be the sunset.  There's nothing quite like a Texas sunset.  Pinks and purples light up the sky.  And even crazy kids stop to watch God's masterpiece.

And proof that the kids can play and not fight.

Nice socks, by the way.

Project 365: Day 3

20 minutes before midnight totally counts! 
I almost forgot about my precious Project 365...and we're only 3 days in!  I took a few pictures this morning...but I'm going with the picture I just took of our sweet, dachshund, Leni.  She is spoiled rotten....and when B is working nights...even more so.  I never thought I would be a small dog kind of person.  I am.  Love her.

Project 365....Day 2

Today started out pretty rough.  R, my 10 year old daughter....had a...let's call it a "moment"...this morning.  She is what you would call unpredictable; one day she's as happy as can be getting up and then the next she wakes up and you feel like you might have been cast in another Exorcism movie.  Lately, it's been the Exorcism set...which really starts your day out perfectly.  It usually stems from somewhere and I can only guess that this morning wasn't the best because today was Class Picture Day.  Problem?  She couldn't decide what to wear.  Even though I woke her up 30 minutes earlier.  She stood inside of her closet and stared at all of her clothing choices for those 30 minutes.  I offered my opinions and she scoffed like I was some complete loser (which I guess I might be in her mind).  I told her just wear jeans and a cute top....her reply: " I don't have any jeans to wear!".  At this point at looked into her closet...at the 12 pairs of pants and jeans she had on the shelf...and laughed.  You know the laugh, the maniacal laugh of all mothers after we've had ENOUGH.  She is not one to listen to your rant and then put her head down and walk away.  She fights back.  Like a frickin' Mama Grizzly bear. 
I'm sure you get it by now, that we were both in tears by the time she finally got to school this morning.  Me out of frustration and anger.  Her out of anger and....confusion, because she always claims to have "done nothing wrong".
I didn't even call my mom and tell her about our little conundrum today.  I honestly didn't want to hear an "I told you so" or "You were just like that at her age."  which I am sure that both would be adequate.  Sadly, I am grudge holder.  I know, I know....let it go.  Be free...blahdy, blahdy, blah....but that's what I cleaned like Martha Stewart on crack today...okay, I wouldn't go that far.  Maybe just like me with more coffee.  I cleaned and dusted, and scrubbed the bathroom floor on my hands and knees.  And it worked.  I got over it.  Mostly.  She is grounded from TV tonight because of the ugly things she said during her rant this morning.  Which led to my picture for today.  She was outside by herself and happily drawing hopscotch all over the driveway and skipping away. 

Yes, I know, she's cute as can be.  I agree....but I must say I'm a teensy (and by teensy I mean immensely) worried  that if class picture day causes this much of a freak out....I am NOT looking forward to the teen years.  If you would like to join in on Project 365 or you are already doing your own, please share the love!  I want to see all the cool pictures!

The beginning....of Project 365: a picture a day for a year

I was inspired by a pin I saw the other day on Pinterest....a woman who happens to be a mother and photographer, realized that she wasn't taking pictures of the moments everyday that her family would cherish in the future. 
Don't we all do that?  We have the pose in front of the Christmas tree, the smiling, happy children pose with Easter outfits on, the Birthday picture by the cake....but we forget the moments that come and go so quickly. 
I am not a photographer.  My love of pictures comes from my admiration of others' photos and the inspiration it gives me to click away.  I figured I could handle a picture a day, and what better way to document our day to day lives than with simple shots taken each day?  Yes, it would have been ideal to start this adventure on New Year's Day...never being on track with everyone else...I am starting my adventure today.  January 9, 2012.  It's a Monday, so at least I have that going for me. 

Picture #1

It has been raining here all day.  I'm talking downpours, tornado warnings, thunder and lightning.  I love the rain, I love a good storm and I think I have passed that love down to at least two of the kids.  G and I have been at the window back and forth all day watching the rain.  It had finally slacked off and the sun peeked out and I snapped this shot of him kissing the window with his biggest kissy-lips possible. 

You can find the pin that leads to the post that inspired me right here.

Source: iheartfaces.com via Elizabeth on Pinterest