bloggin on the poiticin'

I live in Wisconsin.  Wisconsin is a great state.  There is a lot of beauty here.  There are lots of wonderful people here, there is beautiful and lush land, lots of cheese and beer....I mean, what is NOT to like, right? 

What's not to like?  The Politicin.  Yes, POL-IT-ICK-IN.  That is what I said.  Perhaps that is not an actual word but for the purpose of definition, the "politicin" is the over all state of Wisconsin's politics.  The polarization, the anger, the self-rightousness and of course, the person "in charge".  It is all an immense disappointment. 

Now we are in the midst of a Presidential election on top of that.  Sadly, the presidential election has also been laden with negativity.  Negativity from BOTH sides.  It's like two angry tigers, tearing at each other's flesh.  It's biting, and vicious, and quite frankly, not inspiring.  When did the idea of leaders being INSPIRATIONAL fall away?  Did I miss that?  Did I miss the memo that re-defined what it means to be a good leader?  It's possible.  I tend to lose focus from time to time, I sometimes get lost on pinterest and facebook, so maybe I really did miss it. 

All this negativity and barbarism in politics is really sad to me.  It's as though we have all lost that sense of "humanity".  As in, we are all united as human beings.  We are all united as citizens, and children and parents and wives and husbands and co-workers and believers, and non-believers, and lovers and sinners.  We are ALL united.  We are all from the human race.  Where is the kindness?  Where is the compassion for one another?  Where is the joy in the beauty that is life?  It's missing in many ways.

I believe in goodness.  I have always been this way.  I believe that ALL people are inherently good.  I believe that paying it forward is always the best way to proceed.  I vote with those fundamental ideals in mind.  I don't vote for "liberal" or "conservative", I vote for a human being.  I try my best to understand exactly where that person comes from in their heart and I vote for whom I feel cares the most about being an advocate for equality for all of my fellow human beings.  I want a leader who cares about the human race, and who cares about our earth, and who cares about our children, and who cares about those who are less fortunate.  I want a leader who truly cares.  It's that simple. 

I wish to God that today's politics were less about "red" or "blue" and more about WE, as humans, doing what is good, what is kind, and what is right. 

The human race deserves better than all this division.

I just realized that I accidentally missed Aidan's birthday letter!!  Naughty mama.  I have had it in my head for so long....gonna knock that out this week. 

So much has been going on this summer!  Best and biggest?  My sister had a baby boy.  His name is Payton, and he is an angel.  A beautiful, cuddly, sweet little boy who is utterly irresistible.  Seriously, once you pick him up, you never want to let him go! 

This has been such a busy few months, lots of swimming, lots of volunteering.  Lily has been riding a lot.  She is completely in love with horse back riding.  I have to say, she is a natural at it.  She's tiny still, but very ept at being in charge of her horse.  It is so fun to watch her grow at this.  She is a mighty little person.  I love this pic of her and her favorite pony after a lesson: 

Kind of hard to believe that summer is coming to an end.  Just registered my fourth grader and my 1st grader for school.   I am excited for their new adventures in the coming year!  I know they are going to love it. 

:)

Happy Summer!!!!

Goodness, it has been since March that I blogged.  Life has just been buzzing along though!

 In March I took a position with the school district as a substitute special education aide.  I have been wanting to work in the school system for as long as I can remember.  It is the perfect job for a mom, and it is also just rewarding work.  I ended up working a good bit and ending the last two months of school on a long term sub assignment at my own kids' school!!  That was beyond fantastic for so many reasons.  I mean, it was amazing to just come to school with my kids and I work and they work, then we go home together.  However, what was even better was the experience of being a true part of the "team" at the school. I would say the only down side of subbing is that most of the jobs are short term so you don't necessarily get to know the staff or students.  You're kind of just passing through.  So when the principal of Aidan and Lily's school asked me to finish out the whole year, I was excited.  I developed relationships with the teachers, I got to know the students, I felt like I was part of that team.  It was really amazing.  I actually miss it now!!  :)

I learned through that experience, and through all my time at S.M.I.L.E.S, that my passion is children.   Especially kids with special needs.  I am inspired by courageous people, and fearless people, and people who are open and brave.  I know no people who inspire me more that the children I meet in school and at S.M.I.L.E.S.  They face so many challenges, the REAL kind, and they do it with grace, and positivity, and a joy that can not be described in words.  The truly LIVE the life they have. It is beautiful and truly it makes ME want to be even more positive, and inspires me to work harder and do more, and give as much as I can to make their lives even better! 

Currently I am applying for non sub 20 hour per week Special Education Aide jobs that are open here in the area.  I would love to become a permanent part of a team so that I may work each day with the amazing educators and students that inspire me so much. 

I think there is a point in everyone's life where they say, I must LIVE my passion.  I want to live in such a way that I make a true impact on this world and the people who I meet.  I am 38 years old.  I am so grateful for the past year and a half because I made some changes that have allowed me to truly come into my own.  I have found my passion and I am pursuing it relentlessly.  I work hard, and I laugh hard, and I love hard, and I live fully.  I couldn't ask for anything more at this stage of my life. 

SIX years?

Oh Lil.  Six years old already?  How can this be?!!

I am writing this on your birthday "eve", and also on the MOST beautiful day we have had this year!  It's warm and sunny, all the little critters are peeking out and making themselves known.  It's pretty much perfect.  Pretty much like you, my sweet girl.

I spent this morning volunteering at your school.  You see, this year I made some personal changes so that volunteering at your school was something that I could do on a very regular basis.  Seeing as how you are in kindergarten now and seeing as how I will never have a kindergartner ever again, it was not optional.  I needed to share this time with you.  I wanted to be present, to soak up the wonder that is you and your world.  I gotta tell you, kiddo, it has been a tremendous journey and definitely one of the best decisions I have ever made.

You have learned so much this year, and you have grown so much.  Sometimes, I forget that you are only six years old.  When you speak, it is precise.  Your annunciation is crisp, your articulation is perfection, your vocabulary--far beyond any other six year old I have ever met.  There are times when I am talking with you that  I feel like I am talking to a long lost aunt or something!!  An aunt with fascinating stories and an awesome sense of humor.  It is easy to forget that you are still just a little girl.

Last night you and I had a sleep over.  We do this from time to time.  Boys sleep in mom and dad's bed and you and I sleep upstairs in your room.  I get the trundle and you get the top bed!  I was lying there last night listening to you suck on your fingers and I realized that is all the baby that is left in you. When you sleep, I still see that little, tiny baby who needed me for everything. 

Nowadays, you do it all on your own.  You make your cereal in the morning, you pick out your clothes, you get dressed (more on this one later), you pack your backpack, you even make your own sandwich for lunch.  You are SO independent!! It is awesome, but it also breaks my heart just a tad.

Lets talk fashion for a minute, Lily.  This is an area where you totally think outside the box!  I always let you wear whatever YOU choose.  You choose color, and pattern, and accessories, and FUN!  It is truly delightful.  I vow to never stifle that creativity, my dear one.  In fact, taking pictures of your ensembles is one of the greatest joys in my life:

This year you have really come into your own.  If I had to describe you in one word, it would be fierce.  Fierce in your determination, fierce in your strength, fiercely competitive, fiercely creative.  You are such a strong girl, Lily.  I see a lot of me in you.  To be honest, the things about you that are most challenging for me, are the things about you that are most LIKE me.  We are strong willed ladies, my girl.  No matter how that may make us butt-heads sometimes, I want nothing less from you.  I love that you are passionate, and I love that determination in your spirit.  I love that you will stand up for what you believe in!  Nothing about you is meek.  You walk with purpose.  You make me proud. 

Sweet, sweet, Lily.  Thank you so much for another sparkly and spectacular year.  Watching you become YOU is a glorious ride.

xoxo,
Mama

So much to report!

Sometimes life is a whirlwind, isn't it?  We just get sucked into the tornado of business and it almost feels like we have no control....just hang on!!!!  :)  This is not a complaint, by any means, as business is an indicator that you have some opportunities.  They could be work opportunities, opportunities for FUN, opportunities to do things with your family, any number of good things.  Very grateful for all the opportunities.

A couple weeks ago, S.M.I.L.E.S approached me and asked me to write an article for the March newsletter about my experience volunteering there.  I gotta say, this excited me.  I was so honored.  I love that place more than any words could ever describe, so to be able to attempt to describe it and have that attempt shared with lots of people?  Wow.  This is what I wrote:

The word volunteer is officially defined as “a person who performs a service willingly, or without pay.”  In my time working at S.M.I.L.E.S, I have learned that this definition is only half correct.  You see, while it is true that we perform a service willingly, to say that we are not being paid is definitely not accurate. 

Before coming to S.M.I.L.E.S as a volunteer, I was a busy mom, working full time, and trying to juggle all the duties of home as well.  I was spending a lot of money on daycare for my children, I was unfulfilled, and I felt like I was just going through the motions.  I wasn’t being true to who I really am.  I needed more.  I knew that my life could have more meaning.

I decided that I MUST make a change.  It wasn’t optional.  I made the choice to quit my full time job and focus my energy on my family, my kids’ school, and volunteering.  I had known of S.M.I.L.E.S because I knew people that had volunteered here.  It was always a place that I wanted to learn more about.  The concept of helping people with horses was so beautiful to me.  Even before my two week notice was up at my work, I had filled out my volunteer application.  I had a spark in my heart again, I already felt more fulfilled than I had in a long time. 

I really didn’t have much experience with horses, aside from those English riding lessons back in third grade!  I was always the little girl who wanted a pony for Christmas, but no such luck.  Hence, when I started at S.M.I.L.E.S I had a lot to learn.  There was an orientation wherein we spend several days getting familiar with the basics and getting to know the horses.  I remember just feeling so peaceful from the moment I walked into the barn. Horses have the most tranquil energy.  It’s truly magic.

Once the fall session began I started working with students.  I have no words to describe that experience other than the students have imprinted my heart so deeply.  It is really humbling to see folks whose daily lives can be such a struggle, be so open to joy.  The students simply live.  They live beautifully.  They savor the good moments.  They smile from ear to ear when they get on the horse.  Some students whose bodies are hard for them to control, get onto the horse and find calm.  They actually find stillness in the motion of the horse.  There are students who can’t see, yet they ride without fear, totally trusting in the horse and in the volunteer. 

To say that this is a beautiful thing to witness is an understatement.  It is life changing.  It makes you appreciate all the beauty of the world just a little bit more.  It gives you so much respect for the incredible connection between horses and humans and how much that can do for people.  It inspires you to live your life courageously, as the students do. It makes you take a look at humanity and be so grateful that we are ALL on the same team. 

 The only thing I regret about volunteering at S.M.I.L.E.S is that I didn’t do it sooner.  The rewards of the work I get to do here extend into each and every day of my life. My heart is full.  It is overflowing with compassion, overflowing with the desire to do as much as I can do to help, and bursting with gratitude for an experience that is truly the most rewarding of my life. 

-----this really summed up how I feel about S.M.I.L.E.S.  I am now working on fundraising committees and really trying to do as much as I possibly can to help this incredible organization.   It is a honor to be part of it, for real.


In other news....recently I hosted a "Pure Romance" party at my house.  YES, those are the parties where "relationship enhancement" products are sold.   You know- bedroom accesories, love potions, lotions, body sprays, you name it, it's there.  YOU NAME IT, really!  The thing I love about these parties is that there are a bunch of girls sitting around, having cocktails, passing around the products, giggling, and having open discussion.  Even people who are more closed off, typically come out of their shell and enjoy the experience. 



To me, nothing is more important than the relationship we have with our spouse.   Having a forever love means being open to new ideas and new adventures.  Being spontaneous and having fun together in the bedroom is a must.  If you ain't doing it, odds are your relationship is probably suffering.  It's the truth.  Sex is that important.

I had SO much fun at my party.  I laughed so much, and I learned a lot, too.  I also decided to become a consultant.  I go to my first meeting on Monday.  For me to be able to go to parties at people's homes and educate them about these products and help them add more fun into their love lives??  HOW awesome will that be?  Cannot wait to get started.  Watch out world....here I come with my bag of goodies!!  :)

Home in motion

As of December 2011 we have lived in our house for 5 years!  I can't believe it has been that long.  We were fortunate in that when we moved in, the house had been totally gutted.  It is a 100+ year old home, but it has brand new plumbing, electrical, roof, flooring, etc.  That was essential.  We did not want to buy a house and then have to put tons of cash into fixing it up!

Over the past couple of months I have been tweaking the decor a little bit here and there since we got new furniture.  That was a big deal, you know?  NON-hand-me-down furniture??  Wow.  Now I have to tweak the rest of the decor to go with that!  :)  

I took the rug out of the front room, and actually put the one from the back room in there.  Goes MUCH better with the sofas up there:

Then I decided to make the back seating room more casual, eclectic, etc.  It's colorful and fun.  I made the pillow covers, as I posted previously, then I got a fun striped rug from Pier One.  I like neutral furniture with pops of color.  That is the bottom line.  The color is happy!  Speaking of color, my grandma made me that afghan a LONG time ago.  I love it.  I feel like it deserves to be out!

I turn 38 this week.  Good grief, right?  I am just thankful to be here, you know?  Some people don't get to have 38.  I think each year we get is a gift.  So important to treasure our time!! 

:)

Pillows!!

I may have posted that we got some new furniture earlier in the month.  New sofas in the front living room, and also in the family room.  The ones in the living room came with throw pillows that I liked, and really went with our decor.  However, the ones in the family room came with pillows that looked like they fell from spaceships.  UGLY.  So, I wanted to cover them, and all my other throw pillows for that room, but I don't have a sewing machine.

My friend, Shawna told me that her mom had made throw pillows for her patio furniture out of cloth napkins.  This is brilliant, you see, because two cloth napkins cover the standard throw pillow PERFECTLY and require NO cutting or sewing as they already have nice, neat hems!  Love it!!

Hence, I went to Target and picked up a couple different set of napkins.  They don't exactly match one another but I was going for more of an eclectic vibe anyway.  They also did not have a huge selection so I will probably go out again this weekend to see if I can find any others I like more.  However, it was SUCH an easy process that I will probably just make extras so I can switch them up at random.  It is the perfect way to change up your decor in a very economical way.

Process:

• Find some cloth napkins you like
• Purchase some fabric glue (make sure it is machine washable)
• Purchase some straight pins
• Run a ribbon of glue down one inside edge of one napkin
• Place another napkin inside down on top of that napkin and carefully press the seams together.
• Go around two more sides of the napkins this same way.
• Leave the 4th end open so you can slide an old throw pillow or pillow form inside
• I used velcro for the 4th side so I can easily change these out as necessary.
• Pin around the glued edges to hold in place while it dries
• Once dry, put your pillow or pillow form in, remove the pins, and enjoy!!

Here are some pics of the finished products: