There is something to be said for being home alone

Okay so I have to admit that the one upside of being home sans husband is the fact that if I clean something up; tada... it stays clean (with the exception of Braelee, but that is to be expected) It is a little nice not to constantly go around picking up after everyone for a change. It is a tough trade, but the lack of conversation doesn't really make up for the cleanliness. But what are you gonna do.

Ho hum of the everyday

Some days it is hard to keep up with the routine. Get up, get ready, get braelee ready, off to sitter, off to work, work all day, pick up braelee, get home, dinner, bath, story, bed, clean up and anything else I have energy for. (did I forget to mention we leave the house about 6:45 and don't return until 6:30-7 at night) Makes me tired once Wednesday night rolls around and I realize that indeed tomorrow I need to leave the house by 5:45 am (ridiculous) The best part of all is that this will remain the routine for the next two months. Yeah... Any who just thought I would gripe about my daily routine for a few. I know that by no means am I the only one on this type of schedule, but what the heck. And for a side bar why is it that every night I get stuck behind some jack&*( that wants to drive 45 miles an hour when I have a hungry toddler and a reasonbly tired driver behind the wheel. Go figure. Well heres to the mundane in and outs of everyday in the life of me. Cheers!

Good bye 2008

Another year comes to a close and yet it feels like I blinked and the whole thing flew by. This year was quite mellow compared to the last few. However, it still went by too quickly. Isn't that odd how each day can seem to drag on endlessly. Stuck to the same routine counting down the minutes until tomorrow comes, hoping that it will bring some much appreciated rest, alone time, or relaxation (however that never seems to happen). Yet as we look back somehow the weeks and months seem to be a blur, quickly passing by barely allowing us to capture the moment. 2009 I hope brings many new adventures as well as time to relax and enjoy family and friends. I have not made any new years resolutions, because as many of you know once I call it a resolution it is sure to be broken. However, good luck to those of you who do... Best wishes and looking forward to 2009, bring it on!

SHOOT !

Okay, for those of you who know me well can attest that if I feel passionate about something, someone, or some situation I have been known to use a few choice phrases or words. However, with a walking sponge and recorder I have deffinately scaled back my sailor slang and only use appropriate language. So it came as a shock the other day when Braelee was at grandma's house knocked over a set of wooden nesting angels and cried "shoot." We all had to laugh and weren't sure if we heard correctly. She continued to use shoot if something didn't go the way she had planned all weekend long. (I wasn't aware that I said shoot all that much, I know of one instance when I used it infront of her and she repeated me, but I didn't know it would stick so soon) Needless to say my days of shooting the $%^& are over. :) Not that I will miss it.

Out to brave the weather

After several days of being stuck in the house(something I don't do very well, but have kept rather calm about lately) we are going to brave the weather and try and head to the cost tomorrow. I think once we get south of Salem should be okay. Should be interesting considering the fact that we dont' have chains. (may get some before heading out tomorrow, luckily les schwab is about 1/2 mile away. Well any who, wish us luck as we head out for the holidays.

Bed time not such a welcomed occasion

Lately bed time is a struggle, on a normal night we do bath, stories, and bed. However, lately i put Braelee to bed she is fine for about 10-15 minutes and then she decides to throw a fit until someone (usually me) comes to the rescue I have to sit with her until she falls asleep and then carefully put her back in bed. Thought it was going to get easier soon. I think we are teething so that is always fun. However, one plus is that she was able to nap amongst noise today. I got home today only to find her sound asleep on a bed of pillows on the living room floor. We had to snap a few pictures of this rare occasion.

Who are you?

Ok I tried the quiz who are you most like Jackie Marilyn or someone else and this is what I came up with. Crazy how after two questions it is pretty spot on with most things.

Your result for Are You a Jackie or a Marilyn? Or Someone Else? Mad Men-era Female Icon Quiz...

You Are a Marilyn!

You are a Marilyn -- "I am affectionate and skeptical."

Marilyns are responsible, trustworthy, and value loyalty to family, friends, groups, and causes. Their personalities range broadly from reserved and timid to outspoken and confrontative.

How to Get Along with Me

• * Be direct and clear
• * Listen to me carefully
• * Don't judge me for my anxiety
• * Work things through with me
• * Reassure me that everything is OK between us
• * Laugh and make jokes with me
• * Gently push me toward new experiences
• * Try not to overreact to my overreacting.

What I Like About Being a Marilyn

• * being committed and faithful to family and friends
• * being responsible and hardworking
• * being compassionate toward others
• * having intellect and wit
• * being a nonconformist
• * confronting danger bravely
• * being direct and assertive

What's Hard About Being a Marilyn

• * the constant push and pull involved in trying to make up my mind
• * procrastinating because of fear of failure; having little confidence in myself
• * fearing being abandoned or taken advantage of
• * exhausting myself by worrying and scanning for danger
• * wishing I had a rule book at work so I could do everything right
• * being too critical of myself when I haven't lived up to my expectations

Marilyns as Children Often

• * are friendly, likable, and dependable, and/or sarcastic, bossy, and stubborn
• * are anxious and hypervigilant; anticipate danger
• * form a team of "us against them" with a best friend or parent
• * look to groups or authorities to protect them and/or question authority and rebel
• * are neglected or abused, come from unpredictable or alcoholic families, and/or take on the fearfulness of an overly anxious parent

Marilyns as Parents

• * are often loving, nurturing, and have a strong sense of duty
• * are sometimes reluctant to give their children independence
• * worry more than most that their children will get hurt
• * sometimes have trouble saying no and setting boundaries

Take Are You a Jackie or a Marilyn? Or Someone Else? Mad Men-era Female Icon Quiz at