Thursday, December 31, 2009
Monday, December 28, 2009
Friday, December 25, 2009
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Warm heart.
Hi ALL!! I thought I would try to fit one more blog in before Christmas since I've posted so many photos. We have almost moved completely into our home....well, minus the garage! If I had to describe it to you in a few words, I'd say that it's warm, cozy, open, bright, and it just FEELS right. So odd. I feel like I'm living in the Brady Bunch house. Things are perfect. And, I know that's silly. However, it just feels so light and airy in here. As you can tell by some of the pictures, I stole a few of the boys' blocks from around the house ...just for extra cuteness. Jay hasn't said anything yet about them...he may think they're silly. But, he knows how homey I am. And, quite frankly, they're homey. :) Is homey a word? Well, it is on my bloggie :)
I think that the word GROW sums everything up for me. There are 2 awesome windows right over our kitchen sink and a cozy little ledge .... I plan on putting a few plants there. I figure, they'll love the light, the boys can't eat them and neither can Mocha. I figure that Parker can help me and I can show him how things grow with sun and water and love. (of course, love!!) Well, I'm going to hope things grow there! I think GROW is a wonderful word for this house because that's exactly what I hope to do here. I hope that the boys grow with fond memories of home and love and family here. I hope that my marriage and relationship with Jay continues to grow. I hope that my creativity and inner self and spirit continue to grow as well as those of my children and hubby. Perhaps the most fun thing about this place is ....the potential. I find myself constantly in a dreamstate about the porch and my bookshelves *that Jay promises me...I dream about baking and having friends and family over. I dream of flowers both inside and out of the house. I dream of the smell of fresh laundry and Parker's feet running all over the floors. I cannot describe to you how this feels. It's like a dream, really. I looked at Jay lastnight and told him that I've never felt like this before. I mean, we have a wonderful marriage, 2 beautiful and healthy children and a perfect home. What more could I ask for? When I look back over the last 5 years of my life I feel like I went from being a caterpillar...to a butterfly. I feel like my mind has had a large cloud of haze removed and I can see life and feel life and enjoy life for what it really is. And, it's against everything I believe to say this...because I TRULY feel that everyone is responsible for their own happiness...but ever since the day I met Jay at Starbucks, my life has gotten better and better. The only thing that I wish I had more of...is time. Time to paint and write and sing and dance. Time to plant and clean and draw. Although, it's definitely all about balance. I love taking my journal with me to work, to sit and write about things going on in my life while I'm kindof away from them. I love sitting here in the living room with sunlight beaming through the window.. OMG I just heard a bird singing!! OUR FIRST BIRDSONG! How wonderful! A song just for me! I love to share my life and my story and my kids with others...because, well I've always been that way. I love to inspire, to nurture, to LOVE.
This Christmas, I am thankful for the life I have within me as well as the life that I live. I am thankful for the positive people in my life that help me to grow. I'm thankful for my children who rob me of sleep and force me to get up early to have more hours with them. I'm thankful for HOME, and everything that word means. I'm thankful for my mom, who has always inspired me to sit down, and just be creative. I'm thankful for my stepfather, who has shown me unconditional love. I'm thankful for my husband, who loves me for who I am. Yesterday, we were at a stoplight by the mall and it was snowing...frrreezing outside. There was a man standing with a sign and begging for money. I was listening to the radio. I admit, I saw the man but I was preoccupied with a million other things on my mind. Jay starts digging in his pockets. Then, he asked me if I had any cash. We gave the man hardly anything, but all we could round up from the change pocket in the car and Jay's wallet...I told the man to stay warm..and you could see it in his eyes.....unspoken emotion. I was so moved, I started crying and told Jay how sad I was for that man. Jay said, you know if he's standing out here the week of Christmas in the snow with 2 coats on, holding a sign with no where else to be...he's homeless. UGh. HOMELESS...something I could not imagine. So, this Christmas, I think of the man holding the sign. I think of a baby, born in a MANGER because there wasn't any room for him in the INN...and I'm thankful and blessed. I don't need anything for Christmas, I already have it ALL.
I think that the word GROW sums everything up for me. There are 2 awesome windows right over our kitchen sink and a cozy little ledge .... I plan on putting a few plants there. I figure, they'll love the light, the boys can't eat them and neither can Mocha. I figure that Parker can help me and I can show him how things grow with sun and water and love. (of course, love!!) Well, I'm going to hope things grow there! I think GROW is a wonderful word for this house because that's exactly what I hope to do here. I hope that the boys grow with fond memories of home and love and family here. I hope that my marriage and relationship with Jay continues to grow. I hope that my creativity and inner self and spirit continue to grow as well as those of my children and hubby. Perhaps the most fun thing about this place is ....the potential. I find myself constantly in a dreamstate about the porch and my bookshelves *that Jay promises me...I dream about baking and having friends and family over. I dream of flowers both inside and out of the house. I dream of the smell of fresh laundry and Parker's feet running all over the floors. I cannot describe to you how this feels. It's like a dream, really. I looked at Jay lastnight and told him that I've never felt like this before. I mean, we have a wonderful marriage, 2 beautiful and healthy children and a perfect home. What more could I ask for? When I look back over the last 5 years of my life I feel like I went from being a caterpillar...to a butterfly. I feel like my mind has had a large cloud of haze removed and I can see life and feel life and enjoy life for what it really is. And, it's against everything I believe to say this...because I TRULY feel that everyone is responsible for their own happiness...but ever since the day I met Jay at Starbucks, my life has gotten better and better. The only thing that I wish I had more of...is time. Time to paint and write and sing and dance. Time to plant and clean and draw. Although, it's definitely all about balance. I love taking my journal with me to work, to sit and write about things going on in my life while I'm kindof away from them. I love sitting here in the living room with sunlight beaming through the window.. OMG I just heard a bird singing!! OUR FIRST BIRDSONG! How wonderful! A song just for me! I love to share my life and my story and my kids with others...because, well I've always been that way. I love to inspire, to nurture, to LOVE.
This Christmas, I am thankful for the life I have within me as well as the life that I live. I am thankful for the positive people in my life that help me to grow. I'm thankful for my children who rob me of sleep and force me to get up early to have more hours with them. I'm thankful for HOME, and everything that word means. I'm thankful for my mom, who has always inspired me to sit down, and just be creative. I'm thankful for my stepfather, who has shown me unconditional love. I'm thankful for my husband, who loves me for who I am. Yesterday, we were at a stoplight by the mall and it was snowing...frrreezing outside. There was a man standing with a sign and begging for money. I was listening to the radio. I admit, I saw the man but I was preoccupied with a million other things on my mind. Jay starts digging in his pockets. Then, he asked me if I had any cash. We gave the man hardly anything, but all we could round up from the change pocket in the car and Jay's wallet...I told the man to stay warm..and you could see it in his eyes.....unspoken emotion. I was so moved, I started crying and told Jay how sad I was for that man. Jay said, you know if he's standing out here the week of Christmas in the snow with 2 coats on, holding a sign with no where else to be...he's homeless. UGh. HOMELESS...something I could not imagine. So, this Christmas, I think of the man holding the sign. I think of a baby, born in a MANGER because there wasn't any room for him in the INN...and I'm thankful and blessed. I don't need anything for Christmas, I already have it ALL.
Monday, December 21, 2009
Sunday, December 20, 2009
New house!
Hi all! I am at work as I always am when I post. I feel like I have so much to update you on. We found a GORGEOUS house to rent in a prominent part of town/old part of town and it's AMAZING. It's convenient to here, there and yonder! We signed a 2 year lease and we may eventually have the option to buy!!!We have moved in the bare essentials. The bed, some frozen foods, toothbrushes,toothpaste, towels, some clothes are all there. Today, I carried our clean sheets over and made the bed in our room. I made it really homey-like..with our fun throw pillows and all. I called Jay tonight from work to see if he was getting ready for bed and he said that he was just going to sleep downstairs on the couch. I asked him why and he said that he couldn't sleep in our bed the first night in our house alone...that we BOTH needed to sleep in our bed together first. How sweet is that? Tomorrow, Jay's mom is bringing over Mocha..she has been able to take care of her for us while we have been figuring everything out. The apartments we were staying in charges $20 /month extra for pets, a $350 pet deposit and needs all these vet requirements. We couldn't do all that. Luckily, Mocha has been able to stay there and have fun with their white poodle Nikki. We are hoping that Mocha doesn't think we'll be feeding her 3 times a day. Furthermore, she will not be getting WET food. Jay's mom TOTALLY pampers the dogs. (which they DEFINITELY deserve) but they feed Nikki this concoction that needs a recipe! It's a mixture of wet and dry food! We hear that Mocha has been just loooving it! We are a little worried that Mocha will miss Nikki terribly, and vice versa but we know she'll be glad to be home with us and the boys. I have really missed curling up with her and sleeping ...even if she does push on me all night and ends up with more room than ME! I can't wait to hear her paws tap tap tap on the hardwoods. Everytime that we go over to visit Mocha just has this look on her face like she's waiting for us to tell her to come on. Oh how happy she'll be to know that she's staying with us again for good. I can't wait until she can go outside on the porch with me in the evenings and keep me company while I read and relax.
Yesterday, I put Seth in his crib and I came back when I heard him making strange noises. He had scooted *is that a word? himself all around in the crib so he could see himself in his toy mirror and he was holding onto the little crinkly animals on the mirror. Oh, it was the sweetest thing! He was PLAYING and cooing and spitting!! It was soo cute. I took a picture of it, please notice those chins. What a blessing to have such healthy and happy kids! Parker Jay..well he's just 100% 2 years old. Into everything, on top of everything. Sweet as can be. He is such a little sensitive fella! We went over to my mom and George's for their Christmas party last weekend and he got a James the train from them and he just loves it so much he asks to sleep with it. Well, when I tell him it's time for bed he says, "James comin?"
We are right across from one of the greenways...and I look forward to all the walking and outdoorsy stuff we can do :) I'm looking forward to all the memories having a home brings. Holidays, warmth from family and friends, and a wonderful doggie to share all the memories with as well.
Merry Christmas from our silly family, to yours!!
~Kimmie
Yesterday, I put Seth in his crib and I came back when I heard him making strange noises. He had scooted *is that a word? himself all around in the crib so he could see himself in his toy mirror and he was holding onto the little crinkly animals on the mirror. Oh, it was the sweetest thing! He was PLAYING and cooing and spitting!! It was soo cute. I took a picture of it, please notice those chins. What a blessing to have such healthy and happy kids! Parker Jay..well he's just 100% 2 years old. Into everything, on top of everything. Sweet as can be. He is such a little sensitive fella! We went over to my mom and George's for their Christmas party last weekend and he got a James the train from them and he just loves it so much he asks to sleep with it. Well, when I tell him it's time for bed he says, "James comin?"
We are right across from one of the greenways...and I look forward to all the walking and outdoorsy stuff we can do :) I'm looking forward to all the memories having a home brings. Holidays, warmth from family and friends, and a wonderful doggie to share all the memories with as well.
Merry Christmas from our silly family, to yours!!
~Kimmie
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Friday, December 11, 2009
HI
Hi friends! I am at work tonight, trying to hold my eyeballs open. I wanted to blog because of course, I haven't since I was off work during the week. It seems that my best blogging time is at work.
This week, we discovered that the mold in ALL of our apartment windows came back. We cleaned it with Tilex last week and it all went away. We thought the problem was all fixed...until the rain came. After getting the property manager out there, she said we could get out of our lease if we needed to. Especially b/c we have small kids. Oh, how greatful we are! We CANNOT stay where there is mold growing?! Are you crazy!? So, we started looking at HOUSES to rent in the area. We are both very excited about having a house...you know-
1.mums up the front steps on each side
2. pumpkins
3. a wreath on the front door
4. a welcome mat on the inside and outside.
5. garland going up the stairs at Christmas
6. a Christmas tree you can see from the road
7.african violets growing in the kitchen windowsill
8. baby gates at the stairs
9.wicker furniture on the back patio
10.picture frames on the mantle
11.alphabet magnet letters on the fridge
12.burning candle in the 1/2 bath downstairs
13. the smell of dinner when you walk in the door
14. the screech of your chair when you slide out from the table after dinner
15. nightlights
16. family portraits going up the stairs...the frames you have to straighten everytime you go up!
17. pajamas that have feet in them with slippies.
18. white downcomforter on the bed
19. fluffy, wild colored pillows
20. Crooked hangers in the closet.
21.pretty handsoap in the bathrooms
22. a special handtowel in the 1/2 bath for guests
23.citronella candles in the summer
All of these things make me feel like I'm home. I hope that you have a little piece of home in your heart right now too.
Winter is almost here!!
I'll keep you updated on the hourse situation!!
Baby hugs,
Kimmie
This week, we discovered that the mold in ALL of our apartment windows came back. We cleaned it with Tilex last week and it all went away. We thought the problem was all fixed...until the rain came. After getting the property manager out there, she said we could get out of our lease if we needed to. Especially b/c we have small kids. Oh, how greatful we are! We CANNOT stay where there is mold growing?! Are you crazy!? So, we started looking at HOUSES to rent in the area. We are both very excited about having a house...you know-
1.mums up the front steps on each side
2. pumpkins
3. a wreath on the front door
4. a welcome mat on the inside and outside.
5. garland going up the stairs at Christmas
6. a Christmas tree you can see from the road
7.african violets growing in the kitchen windowsill
8. baby gates at the stairs
9.wicker furniture on the back patio
10.picture frames on the mantle
11.alphabet magnet letters on the fridge
12.burning candle in the 1/2 bath downstairs
13. the smell of dinner when you walk in the door
14. the screech of your chair when you slide out from the table after dinner
15. nightlights
16. family portraits going up the stairs...the frames you have to straighten everytime you go up!
17. pajamas that have feet in them with slippies.
18. white downcomforter on the bed
19. fluffy, wild colored pillows
20. Crooked hangers in the closet.
21.pretty handsoap in the bathrooms
22. a special handtowel in the 1/2 bath for guests
23.citronella candles in the summer
All of these things make me feel like I'm home. I hope that you have a little piece of home in your heart right now too.
Winter is almost here!!
I'll keep you updated on the hourse situation!!
Baby hugs,
Kimmie
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Monday, December 07, 2009
Sunday, December 06, 2009
stocking
Merry Merry twigs and berries!! I just HAD to include pictures of my work stocking! So, the rule is...everyone hangs a stocking and everyone signs up for a separate day to bring goodies for them. I really had no interest until today when I decided I wanted to DECORATE mine with nursey things while at work. So, please enjoy the pictures. And, please note the " I am stuck on bandaid" slogan as well as the syringe that has 100mg of holiday cheer inside. The needle (AKA paperclip) is in the shape of a heart. Hope this brings a merry smile to your heart. I realize it's the most creative thing I've done in a heck of a long time and so..I HAD to share. Happy Holidays!
Saturday, December 05, 2009
Hi
So, for Christmas..I've decided that I want my dog back. Jay's mom and stepdad have been taking care of her while we've been saving up money for her deposit. Little did we know that she would need a check up at the vet with a certified weight and clean bill of health. So, we have had to save up a little more. I think when you don't really grow up with a dog, you don't know what you're missing. I had a puppy growing up...a cocker spaniel who peed on EVERYTHING and we moved so we had to get rid of him. But, nothing at ALL like Mocha. Can I tell you about her? She's such a good friend. And, I have to say that I didn't think I would miss her like this. As time goes by, and everytime I see a picture of a dog or hear someone talking about their dog, I think of her. And, I miss her. When we decided that we were going to have to give Mocha to Jay's mom for awhile, it was sad.But, we just felt like 1.) we didn't have the money for the deposit and extra $20 for pet rent per month 2) we just didn't have the time to give her the attention that she needs i.e. walks, runs, ball throws...etc. All I could think about was how nice the fabric on the couch would look without her drool marks all over it. And, how nice it would be to be able to go to sleep without her hogging the bed. But, gosh now that she's been gone for so long, those things are insignificant. I miss the way she looks at me out of the corner of her eye. I miss the way she raises her ears when I say funny words. I miss the way she presses against me on cold nights and makes me feel safe. I miss the way she runs to the door before there's a knock. I miss the round bone on the top of her head and her soft belly. I miss that little soft hairless spot behind both of her ears. I miss being protective of her. I miss her sassy leash. I miss her tucking her butt and running in circles. I miss watching her play with Parker Jay. I miss watching her dream and seeing her cheek fat flap when she snores. All of these things, geez...I've never had. And, no one else and no other dog in the world could replace her. She loves me. She knows when I've had a crummy day and for some reason, rubbing her just makes it all better. She doesn't care how fat I am, how much money I make. She doesn't even care if we buy her the expensive food or the cheap kind. She doesn't even complain if her water bowl has old water in it. She just loves me. Unconditionally. And...other than the love of my husband..this is unlike any love I've ever known. With unconditional love being so hard to find and hold onto...how could we ever get rid of her? There's nothing I'd rather see more than her sweet face on Christmas morning with a big old red bow around her neck.* Or before, of course!! Or maybe a red collar.
I love her. And, she loves me. And, it's cozy. It feels like home.
I love her. And, she loves me. And, it's cozy. It feels like home.
Thursday, December 03, 2009
Tuesday, December 01, 2009
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About Me
- Oak City Books
- Welcome to my blog. It's a dedicated place for my book reviews, criticism, and love of all things bookish. I am a mom of 4 busy kids that uses reading as my, "thing." I find that reading books turns off all (okay, mostly all?) of the noise of my world and lets me get away for a bit. Reading helps me escape the reality of the piles of laundry that will never be done, the dust bunnies that I swear will one day grow legs, and the emails and outlook calendar that occupy my life Monday- Friday during working hours. Reading is therapy for me and always has been. I've always been a big dork, introverted, creative, and reflective. If I won the lottery tomorrow, I'd probably open up a used bookstore with my standard poodle somewhere on the side of the mountain and surround myself by others who enjoy passing their time reading. Until then, I'll keep on keeping on. And, I'll settle for reading when I can. Which, I try to fit in as much as possible. Cheers to your busy life and mine, doing the best we can, as often as we can.