Finger Paints

Landon got his first experience with finger paints today. I wasn't sure how it would go down because this boy is somewhat particular when it comes to messy hands. And by somewhat particular, I mean he really doesn't like stuff on his hands.

He did awesome and loved it! He only asked to "wash hands" and "Mommy wipe off please" a couple of times. He had a great time and was fascinated by all the paint on his hands. He didn't dive right in necessarily but by the end he had paint all over himself.

Success!

Material World

What is the obsession with having so much stuff!?  I mean, I like nice things too but I sure don't pin my existence on material goods.  Maybe it has something to do with everything Scott and I have been through with Landon in the last year.  Maybe. 

I value feelings, emotions, memories made, people, experiences, kindness, friendships, quality time.  I really don't care what kind of house you live in, what car you drive, what the label on your clothing reads or how many "toys" you have.  In the end it's about love and enjoying our time here.  I guess for some, "stuff" is equated with happiness.  No thank you.

I'll tell you this; after the immense about of emotional pain I've experienced and watching my only son suffer in the last year, there is not one thing I wish for more than his prolonged and continued health.  You can keep your boats, fancy houses, ipads, designer bags/shoes, vacations, etc.  I promise there is not one thing that will bring happiness like having a happy, healthy child.  I took that for granted.  I never will again. 

Am I the only one left who feels this way?  Surely not!

Artsy

I've been wanting to get Landon an art easel for quite a while but haven't been able to locate one I really liked. Yesterday, I found one and it was in the budget so I picked it up. My niece, Katie, was with Boy Wonder and when I got home he was down for a nap. She and I worked together and got everything put together. When Landon woke up I told him there was a special surprise waiting for him in the living room. As soon as he saw it he knew just what to do and went to work on his first masterpiece! I have been trying to teach him that it's an art easel but he always refers to it as "my peshul pah-prise". I think he likes it!!

Poor Piggy Bank

Landon likes to throw things. It drives me completely batty but I try not to get too upset. Today he wanted me to open his piggy bank and I told him no. Well, Lord help us all. He tossed his bank and this was the result. We will be holding a service in a few minutes. This was a very special gift we received from our dear friends at our Couple's Baby Shower. I don't know who's more sad, us or Landon. For those who know our dear boy, you know how much he loved this bank.

Superman

What can I say? Superman likes sparkly, platform flip-flops too!

Me Time

Today I was given the gift of ME time. I dropped Boy Wonder off at Nana and Papa's house and headed off for a few hours all about me. I hit up the new Fresh Market. Neat place! I picked up some fresh veggies and a bag of onion rolls, which I am planning to break in to a little later. I had lunch, BY MYSELF, at Noodles and Company then got my hair did. I needed those few hours like nobody's business! It was glorious.

With all that time alone to think, I came to the realization that I have spent so much time lately concerned with what others may think or feel that I haven't been truly living life to the fullest. I'm guessing that's contributed to my recent funk. I need to let go of my concern of what others may think of my decisions and how I live my life. Bottom line, I am doing what's best for myself and my family. No decision I make for the health and well being of my son is ever made without a lot of research, contemplation and prayer. No matter what I do or how I live, there will always be someone who doesn't agree, or who may believe situations could/should be handled differently. That's ok. In the end, it's my life and I'm pretty happy with the direction it's headed.

Lunch. By myself. Awesome.

Gratitude

It's time to buck up and drag myself out of this stupid funk! 

I like lists.  Making a list leaves me feeling somewhat organized.  It helps me gather my thoughts. 

Today, I am grateful for......

• my health
• my husband
• my darling son
• sunshine
• laughter
• the ability to feel; even the unpleasant feelings
• unconditional love; both giving and receiving
• literacy
• the few extra pounds because it means there is enough to eat
• compassion
• friendship
• my crazy, loving family
• wine
• rain
• freedom
• intimacy
• shoes
• chocolate chip cookies
• celebrations
• peace of mind
• prayer
• good hair days
• intelligent conversation
• healing
• open hearts
• open minds
• living in the NOW
• My journey.  It may not always be exactly how I have envisioned it, but it's mine. 

Kisses

I have received approximately 53 kisses from Landon since arriving home from work an hour ago. His sweetness definitely helps my funk.

What the Funk?

Funky.  That's the best way to describe how I've been feeling lately.  My usually optimistic attitude is being overshadowed by this depressy, funky cloud hanging over me.

What the funk is going on?

I could make a list of all the things/situations I'm feeling icky about; but really, what's the point?

I am trying so freaking hard to see the positives in my life right now.  I truly do have a lot to be grateful for.  Why does it seem so incredibly difficult?

I've tried wine, scotch, meditation, prayer, uncontrollable sobbing.  I guess I just need some time. 

Maybe my next post will be a gratitude list.  I know that would really help.  I just don't have the motivation or energy for it at the moment.

I need want a pedicure.  (random thought)

Somebody please slap me back in to my happy place!

Landon-ese

Sometimes Landon says things and a lot of times he's funny! I call his funny phrases Landonese. Here are a few funnies for you:

"Bite of honeydew PLEASE, Mommy! (cute, sly grin) How 'bout honey-don't. Yeeeeee-haaawww!"

"SCOTT FREUND! Fix the TV!" (while holding a pretend phone to his ear)

(very serious face) "Daddy, please give me your money."

Funky Fresh

Funky fresh nails on a budget. I found these little gems at Target for right around seven bucks. There are enough for at least 2 uses and they are supposed to stay on for about 10 days. We shall see! I'm diggin' the look!

Cleaning. Ugh.

Cleaning is definitely not one of my favorite activities. I do it only out of necessity and my own desire to not live in filth. Side note: Landon's favorite phrase while watching me clean, "This place is a HOT MESS, Mommy!". It makes me laugh every time.

Today, I found some new motivation, as seen in the photo below. It smells AH-mazing and works well on all of the surfaces I've tried so far. What are your favorite cleaning products and why?

Pasta and Whine...err, Wine.

The kid is in bed, the husband is umpiring and I'm eating pasta and drinking a glass of wine. That's the kind of day and evening I've had. Don't hate. I'm not a complainer but I'll just say this...I totally deserve this unhealthy mess I'm about to devour. Doesn't it look tasty?!?