Monkey Power!

Our precious Brie brought the boys rings over the weekend that fit each of their personalities to a "T".  Nate got a fire dog (Dalmatian) and Alex was given a monkey.  Because, well, he IS a monkey. 

 

Today I got to wear Alex's monkey ring to a doctor's appointment (and ultimately to work) because it matched my outfit.  I don't know what it is about this silly ring but it's seemingly given me "monkey power" today.  Everywhere I have gone people have lightened up simply upon seeing it, commented on its cute factor, and in response I've been in such a good mood wearing it that its quirkiness is downright infectious.

It's like having a piece of my Monkey with me all day and I can't help but look down at my hand (even as I type this) and smile.  So, today, I wish you all your own version(s) of "Monkey Power"! 

It was a good day...

Today was a good day.

Sure, it had it's fill of flaws...I got notification that a grant I submitted for one of my heartsongs (Family Resource Center) wasn't approved.  To a professional grant writer, that probably means funding was tight or timing and/or fit were off.  But to me, that means Pre-k kids at FRC won't be able to go on a field trip to the Strong Museum.  Something that most of us in Rochester can do every other Saturday without thinking, but for them is an experience of a lifetime.

Just as that threatens to bring me down:

--->I get a sweet email from a friend reminding me to appreciate my worth that perks my spirits.

--->My kids snuggle up with me on the couch to watch Rudolph and munch popcorn.

--->I'm able to video chat with the Ciravola family, which proves to be loud and chaotic, and absolutely warms my heart. 

--->I solidify plans with my person to continue our "family" tradition tomorrow and am beyond excited to see her.

--->the boys and I do a simple craft that goes smoothly and we all enjoy!

--->I read an email from my boss, thanking me for a job well done this week, despite hectic deadlines, frantic schedules, and a migraine that threatened to do me in.

--->A Christmas present I ordered for a friend arrives in the mail and seeing it in person is even better than my vision!

--->My hubby makes dinner for the boys and I before he heads off to work, and the boys actually eat a good dinner without argument.

--->A video is posted on Facebook that makes me happy, puts me in the holiday spirit, and reminds me of my Daddy.

--->The boys and I go out in the first snowfall of the season and I get to take pictures of them just being kids.

 
These are the things I will choose to hang on to today.  Not the bad news.  Or the failed attempt at helping those that deserve it and need it most.  I will focus, instead, on the silver linings in my gray cloud.  The glimpses of love, support, encouragement, and hope that have sustained me throughout the day.  I hope you, too, can find your silver lining.  Goodnight.

It's the Little Things...Before and After

As many of you know, I have been taking a Photoshop class with my good friend, Heidi.  It's been a fantastic opportunity to learn a program I think will be instrumental in my future success as a "good" photographer.  I'll be honest though, for the first couple weeks we struggled.  There wasn't a lot of concrete knowledge being shared and with computer issues and odd teaching styles, we weren't really doing anything we were talking about.  In the last couple weeks that has changed, however.  Finally, this week we learned some basic touch up skills that will prove to be fantastic in my photography moving forward.  You know the scene...you take a great picture but the shadows are a little dark, or there's a misplaced item in the background that's horribly distracting the real focus of the photo.  Those little things that "ruin" an otherwise fantastic shot.  So, last night in Photoshop class we finally got hands on with some tools that make all these minor blips practically a thing of the past!!!  It's a little thing that makes a BIG difference!  So, for today's It's The Little Things Thursday, I thought I'd share a few examples of how a little thing (healing, cloning, and burn and dodge tools) can make a HUGE improvement to some (otherwise) great photos!  

Keep in mind that I'm VERY new (with less than 12 hours of experience under my belt) at these skills so my teacher warned me not to go public with my teachings yet until I had time to hone my abilities.  But as you know, I'm a rebel and he likes to yell at me anyway, so what's different here?!?

 BEFORE : my precious sleeping babe with an obnoxious dog hair obstructing his sweet face...

 

AFTER - Voila!  No dog hair to be seen!  And a brightened and smoothed out his face a little...

BEFORE - my Wordless Wednesday (seen here) from yesterday...the helmet was casting a precarious shadow right over his eyes where his concentration is so keen...

 

And AFTER - I used the "dodge tool" to brighten up the light under his helmet and make his eyes a little more noticeable...This is one of those things that can be easily overdone, but I think for a first attempt it was an improvement...

Anyway, I just wanted to share these fabulous tricks I'm learning!!  Just think of how fabulous I can make my pictures now!!   Stop over to Starts at Eight to share your little things that make this journey through life fun and exciting!

It's The Little Things...Family

Tonight's "little thing" to celebrate this journey of motherhood extends to an oft unmentioned member of our family.  But it's important to mention.  We got a visit tonight from my oldest stepson, Adam.  He stopped by after work and hung out with us while Dave barbecued some dinner and the boys played outside.

I know this doesn't sound like much, but it's huge.  Nathaniel and Alex simply adore their big brother(s) and we've gone through periods in the past where Adam and Nick were more like strangers than brothers to them.  Now, at a time (especially to Nate) when their big brothers are so very much their heros, I think it's very important to have this bond.   I love the relationship that they are able to build during these times.  At 26, I know Adam has "better" things to be doing than hanging around with his family.  But seeing the joy on my little ones' faces when they can share the important things in their life with their big brother warms my heart.  I am very thankful for these evenings.

Overall it was a very nice visit - one that I hope we can re-do again very soon.  Adam has grown up to be a wonderful young man and his father and I are very proud of him!  I look forward to his being a positive role model to his baby brothers!

If you stop long enough to focus on the little things in life, it truly does make all the other stuff totally worth it!  Stop over at Starts at Eight to share your "little things"!

It's The Little Things Thursday...Absence Makes the Heart Grow Fonder

It's true what they say...Absence does in fact make the heart grow fonder.  Or at least it would seem so in regards to my two boys.  For at least 22 hours a day, I feel like I'm yelling at them to stop fighting.  Stop hitting each other.  Stop being mean to one another.  Start sharing.  Stop taking his toy.  Don't stand on your brother's head.  You get the idea.  That's why it's so heart warming when I get photo messages from my husband that show my two boys embracing in brotherly love every day when Nate gets off the bus from school.  Now mind you, he's only gone for 3 hours and during that time you know full well that Alex is reveling in the opportunity to play with all of Nate's toys uninterrupted and without repercussion.  However, when Nate gets off that bus, Alex yells "Brah!" and they run to each other and hug like long lost friends, it's priceless.  Someday I hope to be able to see this in person rather than just in cell phone photos (since I'm always at work when he gets home), but I'll take what I can get for now!

In the meantime, these are the little things that make this journey of Motherhood SO worthwhile!  Please join my friend, Heidi, and I in remembering these little things.  Stop over to Starts at Eight and check out other stories!

It's The Little Things...Manners

I spent the last 6 days up North in the Adirondacks for some family gatherings and R&R with my boys, Mom & Dad, Sister and niece, and brother and sister-in-law.   We had a baby shower for my brother and s-i-l and my soon-to-be nephew.  We also had a Stanton Family Reunion to see relatives (some of whom I've never met) from my paternal grandmother's side of the family.  It was great to see many of my aunts, uncles, and cousins that I don't get to see very often.  The Lewis County Fair was in full swing, and we had a get together with my Mom's side of the family, complete with fresh clams and lobster (yum!!!) With all the festivities that were going on, my boys were contending with screwy bedtimes, non-existent or shortened naps, and long days full of strange, new people.  

Generally under these circumstances, my 4-year-old tends to get a little rude and/or mouthy.  When he's overtired or has had enough, he tends to act out by being loud, uncooperative, and sometimes just plain mean.  Not this weekend though.  I was so proud of him this weekend.  He met many a strange face and when introduced he'd walk right up to said stranger, stick out his hand, and say "Hi , I'm Nate...nice to meet you."  He even impressed an older woman at one gathering who bid me adieu that night with a HUGE compliment, saying I had "such sweet boys" and that "I was a good mother for raising them up right", with good manners.  Proud as a peacock I was with Nathaniel this weekend.  Sure he had his moments, but he really proved to me what a big boy he is becoming and gave me a glimpse of hope that I may, in fact, be doing something right. 

Join Heidi over at Starts at Eight in highlighting the little things that make a BIG difference along this path called Motherhood.  Sometimes it's these updrafts that keep us afloat just long enough to catch the next tailwind.   

It's The Little Things...Mommy Power

I got a call at work yesterday from my husband who is home with the kids while I work during the day and then we switch "shifts".  He was frustrated because Alex wouldn't take his nap.  My boys historically really enjoy their sleep so this seemed odd to me.  I casually asked him if Alex had his (two basic requirement) blankets and his baby and my husband paused, stuttered, and said..."Oh, that's what he was saying...Um, I'll call you back!"

A few minutes later I got a picture message from Dave:

I texted him back and said "He needed his Baby, didn't he?"  To which Dave replied, "Yep".

*Sigh*

It's moments like that when I feel like I've got "it".  My Mommy super powers were shining and it felt so good to know what my boy needed, even while at work, and be able to "fix it".

Excuse me while I flex my Mommy muscles for just a second.  Ahhhh, that feels better.

Stop over to Starts at Eight and let us know what "little things" make this journey called "Motherhood" worth it for you.

It's The Little Things...Love

This week's "little thing" to share for It's the Little Things Thursday is a warm fuzzy I received the other day from my oldest.  We were driving in the car and I have a habit of sporadically saying "I love you" to my children for no reason at all.  Primarily because I do, but also to remind them that I'm up there while we're traveling somewhere or just thinking of them in general.  Nate usually says "I love you, too" and Alex has adorably started saying "Too" in response.  I love it.

On this particular day I said "I love you, Bug" to Nathaniel and he didn't say anything.  I said it again figuring he didn't hear me over the radio and got no response at all.  The third time I said it exaggeratedly to get his attention and he looked at me, huffed and puffed exasperatedly, and said "I KNOW you love me, Mom!"  It was such a wise-ass thing for him to say so when I was done visibly scowling and secretly giggling, it made me glad.  I'm glad he knows I love him, even if I'm not saying it.  I hope in some small way that that means my complete adoration for my children comes through not only in my words but in my actions, as well.  I may struggle to be consistent, and fight to stay sane.  I yell more than I want to and don't always make the best choices or have all the right answers, but I love my boys with every fiber of my being.  And for that moment, I was thrilled to hear that Nate KNOWS it.  Without question.

Join me over at Starts at Eight to share the "Little Things" in your life that make this journey called "Motherhood" totally worth it in the end!

It's The Little Things...Brothers

Today's "little thing" for It's the Little Things Thursday comes from the bond I see forming between my two boys.  I spoke a little bit about it here, and as rare and fleeting as glimpses of this truth are, it still warms my heart.  I mean it when I say that a lot of time is spent fighting between these two.  They're loud, they bug each other, instigate arguments, fight over cars, chairs, or food.  They hit each other to acquire the other's sippy cup or scream at the top of their lungs when the a book, blanket, or toy is confiscated by the other.  It's chaotic and loud.  As with any other mother of more than one child, I often feel like a full-time referee.

What makes this all worth it at the end of the day is when one of my boys looks out for the other one almost instinctively.  For example, those mornings when Nate wakes up and wonders first and foremost where Alex is.  Or when Alex gets a snack from the snack cupboard and pulls out a second one for Nate, holds it up and asks,"Bot?" (brother).  I love that they care enough to have each other's back, to notice the absence of the other, and to worry about the other's well being.  I even adore that they love each other enough to drive each other nuts.

Please join me over at Starts at Eight to highlight the "little things" along your path that that make this journey of motherhood all worth it in the end! 

It's The Little Things...BFF

I have been blessed with many wonderful friends in my life but none that I have known as long as my BFF, Pam.  We met in the 6th grade when were assigned to the same homeroom and we've been (mostly) inseparable every since.  Ok, so there was that year in 11th grade when she hated me, but that's a whole other story!  Seriously, though...Pam is one of those friends you can easily pick right back up with regardless if it's been a week or a year since you last saw her.  She's a genuine, big-hearted person with a fantastic positive spirit and radiating charm.  

This week, to celebrate a bit of a variation on the It's the Little Things Thursday over at Starts At Eight, I want to share a story of a "little thing" in friendship that meant the world to me!  A week or so ago I was having a conversation with Pam at work and the (not-so-uncommon) fact that I am a bit of a pat rack came up.  If I recall correctly, I believe the awful word "hoarder" was used, but we won't reminisce that tiny detail.  

Anyway, that night I got home and was cleaning off my dresser and packing up some stuff to get our house ready for our first showing when I found this:

This, of course, is part of a Best Friends necklace that Pam and I once shared in junior high.  I sent this photo to Pam late that night with a text that said "okay, so maybe I am a hoarder".  She was right.  Some 20 years later I still have this trinket of our friendship from our adolescence.  I guess I DO have issues!

Much to my surprise (and delight!) I received a return text a short time later with this photo, 

saying "Then I am too!!"

Seriously, that small thing, the fact that she, too, had held on to this symbol of our youth and everlasting friendship was HUGE to me.  It's one thing for me to have senseless sentimentalities cluttering around, but Pam is much more practical than I am.  I couldn't believe she had kept it!  It gave me a warm fuzzy and filled me with love!  IWN, Pam!

Please join in focusing on and sharing the "Little Things" that mean a lot and make this journey through motherhood (and LIFE!) worth it in the end!  Stop over at Starts at Eight to link up!

It's The Little Things...Serenity Now!

I have to admit, today has been one of those days when seeing the positive has been a bit of a struggle.  So for me to have to pin point "the little thing" that makes this journey of Motherhood worth it, is difficult, to say the least.  My children have been neither cute nor charming this week.  Alex is having some teething issues (I assume) that are making him CRANKY beyond belief.  Nathaniel's last day of school was today and he has been mouthy this week to the point of having his mouth washed out with soap!  His teacher even mentioned to Dave that Nathaniel had been using some "inappropriate language" - Yikes!  I'm not sure what that means, but (sadly!) I hope she "just" means he called someone a pig or told them they smelled like a goat.   Anyway, to celebrate It's The Little Things Thursdays with my friend Heidi over at Starts at Eight, I made a concerted effort to find something meaningful.



After a painfully long bedtime process tonight (which is usually SO easy!), I had had enough.  Nathaniel was doing everything in his power to procrastinate going to bed.  He pulled every trick in the book.  He couldn't find Bolt.  Then he couldn't find Boo Bankie.  He needed new "bedtime water" because the stuff he had "was from Yes-Tur-day!"  He needed to find his pike pole in case there was a fire he had to rush off to in the middle of the night.  He couldn't possibly fall asleep without knowing what his McDonald's Happy Meal toy's name was.  You name it!  So after two-hours of back and forth, I finally went in to find this:

He had fallen asleep "camping style" on the floor, in a make-shift sleeping bag, with his lantern left on and surrounded by fire trucks, but he was FINALLY asleep!  That is the point in the day when I can look at my precious children, admire them in all their peace and glory, and finally breathe and relax.   Ahhh....

It's the Little Things...Community

In this (often) difficult journey of Motherhood, I have learned that the strength and support of a wider community of people known as friends (and fellow Moms!) is INSTRUMENTAL to my success.  Without the consistent love, feedback, and experience I get from these fabulous women, I would definitely be struggling to keep my head above water!

It is here that I have found this week's "Little Thing" to celebrate It's The Little Things Thursdays with my friend Heidi over at Starts at Eight.  Heidi and I went to high school together but I think it's fair to say we didn't really play in the same social circles.  I knew her in high school, but I can't say I really knew her.  It wasn't until some 15 years later when a silly Yahoo group intended on keeping usable stuff out of landfills forced our paths to cross.  I am so thankful it did!  In the past year she has grown to be one of my most valuable resources and strongest supporters.  I didn't realize quite how much until yesterday.

Every week Heidi and I have a scheduled "Walk 'N Talk" where we meet at the mall (with my kids in tow) and walk (and talk, get it?). We have a circuit worked out and we hoof it, as often as possible (depending on the cooperation of my 4-year-old, usually)!  Not only is it a great excuse to get some (much needed!) exercise into my week, but it gives me an opportunity to get the kids out of the house (which they love!), and provides me with some "girl talk" to bounce things off someone of like mind, similar values, and with 100 times more experience in mothering than I have.

 Walk 'N Talk Buddy, Heidi, geared up for our weekly hike with the boys!

Until yesterday, vacations, schedules, and prior commitments had derailed our weekly plans for over a month and let me tell you, it was noticed.  I didn't realize how valuable these weekly Walk 'N Talks were until we finally got back on schedule yesterday.  Yesterday I was having a crappy afternoon.  The kids were overtired and whiny and mouthy.  I had a headache and had just gotten some less than desireable news from our Realtor about a house we were interested in.  If it weren't for the fact that it had already been so long, I might have cancelled, put the boys to bed early, and drowned my sorrows in a glass of wine or an evening on Facebook.  But I wanted to get back on schedule and I am SO glad to have had the opportunity.

After just two hours of girl time with Heidi, I went home re-energized and feeling positive.  It was refreshing and much appreciated!  We don't talk about much of great importance, just concerns of the moment, frustrations of the week, or plans for the near future.  But that time to decompress and share thoughts with a good friend is of utmost importance!  I have grown to count on these outings as a basic requirement for my mental health!  Thank you, Heidi, for being an integral member of my community!  I am blessed to have you "on my side" along this journey!

It's The Little Things...Brotherly Love

My good friend, Heidi, has issued a weekly challenge called "It's The Little Things Thursday" over on her blog, Starts at Eight...in her words, "we are celebrating the Little Things that make this crazy journey called Motherhood all worth it in the end"!  These are the small moments that pass us by too quickly and are often fleeting.  I hope to capture some of those memories and focus on them for just a moment!

Today's Little Thing is about my boys.  My two boys fight constantly.  They are 2 1/2 years apart in age and The little one is an curious instigator, and the older one is a brute who doesn't like to share. I never realized that the sibling rivalry and the constant bickering and screaming and fighting would start so early.  Yet, just about the time when I think I'll have to separate them for good, I catch a moment of peace between them.  Some shining example of the love the two really do share!  Usually when no one is looking (or at least when they think no one is looking)! 

Walking through the mall recently I looked down to catch a glimpse of Nathaniel leaning forward to hug his baby brother in the stroller.While driving down the street I've looked in the rear view mirror and seen the two boys holding hands in the backseat across their car seats.  Or Alex will reach his hand out and giggle when Nate tickles him back.  In between the screaming and fighting over toys or space on the couch or whose cup is whose, Nathaniel will translate for Alex when Daddy and I just can't seem to make out what he's saying.  "He wants his blanket", Nate will say.  Or "A-yex, I'll find your sippy cup". 

I love when the brotherly love comes out and their yelling turns into squeals of joy and laughter.  When fighting becomes playful wrestling.  When Nathaniel's annoyance of his baby brother turns into a moment of teaching between the two of them, or peaceful playing side by side.  It brings me great joy to see the two of them sitting quietly side by side on their Lighting McQueen couch peacefully watching Yo Gabba Gabba together.  These moments make all the loud chaos and refereeing more than worth it!

Please join us in celebrating the “Little Things”!  Go visit Starts at Eight and add your link to the Mr. Linky (and then leave a comment!).

It's The Little Things...a snail's pace

My good friend, Heidi, has issued a new challenge called "It's The Little Things Thursday" over on her blog, Starts at Eight...I love this idea because our world is too crazy and hectic and life has a way of carrying on without us if we don't take the time to slow down.  This is a great opportunity to stop and focus some (much needed!) attention on the little things that make a difference.  Too often these little things get brushed off, forgotten, or pushed aside for the bigger more demanding things in life.  So join with me as I take a little time each Thursday to highlight some little things that make a BIG difference!

Today is a rainy, dismal day here in Rochester.  After a week or more of gorgeous, unseasonably warm, sunny days, it's day two of this gray miserableness and I'm feeling it.  As I was trudging into work this morning after a short night of sleep, I saw this:

You're probably wondering why I would choose this as my little thing but watching this little guy make his way across the parking lot at a snail's pace (literally!) made me see the bigger picture.  We all have our journey to make.  For this little snail, his journey just to get across the parking lot was way more difficult (and would probably take a lot longer) than my measly day at work.  Yet, undeterred, he pressed on.  He was a welcome reminder about the world at large.  I guess I can't explain it very well, but seeing him lifted my spirits.  I hope to garner some of this little guy's motivation, determination, and spunk.  Despite how gray my day started, I will trudge along, just like my new friend, Spike.  (Is it weird that I just named him?  Never mind, don't answer that!)

For more revelations about the little things that keep us going and make this journey worth it, stop over and pay Heidi a visit.  Link up to her blog and take some inspiration and feel good spirit with you when you leave!