Happy birthday to me...

I don't know what I thought 45 would be like...I don't feel 45. I don't look 45. Though I do notice a bit more gray, a few more 'cracks' (as Will called them) around my forehead where I scrunch it. Midlife is not at all what I imagined way back when I thought 40 was OLD. I guess two kids under ten will keep you young.

I look back at my teen years: always being the good girl, getting good grades, making it into OU. In my twenties, I was still the people pleaser. Now I was just pleasing my principal and fellow teachers. It took me a year or two to learn to say "NO" to various things I was volunteered to do.

I got married when I was 30. We moved from Oklahoma to Alaska, leaving everything I had ever known. Thank goodness for the good friends we made there. I also had two babies in two years. Now that will make life interesting. It was then that I finally learned to stop trying to please everybody. I also figured out I might not ever fit back into those pre-baby clothes. My body is definitely curvier in places it didn't used to be curvy. But I can find and wear clothes that fit my body and look good. Clinton and Stacy (from What Not to Wear) are fountains of info! A good under garment (as Stacy and Clinton would say) is not something to skimp.

So, slowly, over the past years I have learned to realize while I might not be perfect, I am alright and I have some great bras!

I've learned Husband is the only person who has seen me at my worst, smelled my "morning breath", put up with  my crazy relatives, endured my quirky overly organized anal habits/tendencies and still loves me more than anybody else on Earth.  Thank you Husband for loving me!


Here’s what I want you to do for my birthday. Send someone an e-mail and tell them how much you appreciate them, or love them. Do it right now. Then tell me about it in the comments. That’s what I want. It’s my birthday so you have to do it.

Testing

Photo, originally uploaded by tommiea1.

Should I start this old thing up again....

I <3 fall And Tuesdays Oct 2010

I , originally uploaded by tommiea1.

Current Scent: = all time favorite candle...Root mulled cider + pumpkin spice = at the same time..... best fall scent of all time

What I am reading: that would require some free time...so it has to be whatever textbooks and pacing calendar are on the Oklahoma pacing calendar.

Newest music: Teenage Dream....Katy Perry!

Movie I saw: Jacka$$ 3D....yes, I paid extra for the glasses to see faux peni$es flying at me! Thank you Ashlee and E!

Something Yummy: .. always pumpkin chocolate chip muffins ...

Something that made me cry: most Sundays at 4...if you know me, you know where I am. I pretty much grab 4-5 tissues as I walk in. while I know it is a process, it still hurts. i still cry every single freakin' time

Something that made me laugh: O telling a joke she thought was hilarious: "how do you wake up Lady Gaga? .....O says, "you Poke Her Face" ......Tell me, you laughed too!

Something I look forward to in November: being stronger, realizing all WILL be okay

Something that I will remember in October: My baby girl turned six....life goes on....

Something that I am thankful for: family, friends, a job...and a deep desire to continue no matter where my life path leads..because i will live a life with no regrets

A photo i took this month:
this one.....a lone leaf on the sidewalk to the bus ramp....the bus ramp i man every day in the morning as well as the afternoon..

i heart fall.....and

choose

to

heart

SOMETHING

about

every

single

day

Friday Fill In: Gorgeous Full Moon

Gorgeous Full Moon, originally uploaded by tommiea1.

So...here we go!

1. one of my strongest beliefs is *only you can control your actions and reactions to things.

there are many things in life we can't control - relationships, when someone we care about dies, other's people's actions . . . the list goes on forever.

the only we can control is our own behavior, our own actions & reactions. even truth is subjective & facts can mislead, it all depends on someone's perspective - look at eye-witness testimony, people don't see things the same way, the forget or get confused.

for me, it entails - treating others as i would want to be treated, being open-minded & tolerant, expecting the best from others, but understanding if & when they fail to live up to that, not asking someone to do something i wouldn't do, being worth of other's trust, not betraying others . . .

it's a high standard & i screw up occaisionally, but it's making the attempt to the best of my ability that's important.

like i said, you can't control anything, but yourself & if you fail that, what's left ----->stepping off my soap box now...dang, that was long winded

2. *made a* huge *decision this week*!

3. the sky is cloudy with a threat of rain and wind and cold, so *i know i will sleep well tonight, i love rainy nights*.

4. *the sound of rain coming down* is comforting to me.

5. i always thought I'd be *a fun mom, teacher, friend*

6. *i was talking on the phone with a friend* and then I went outside to look at the full moon.

7. and as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to *pizza with the kids*, tomorrow my plans include *going to OKC with BFF Traci and Sunday, I want to *make the most of the day*!

PS, i know the moon shot is a bit fuzzy...but i loved the full moon with a bit of fluffy clouds cruising by....it really did have this huge glowing ring around it.

happy weekend, y'all

Oklahoma...on The Straight And Narrow

Oklahoma...on The Straight And Narrow, originally uploaded by tommiea1.

Once again it is time to play Sunday Stealing ... can i play on a tuesday evening? of course i can, it's my blog

1. When you looked at yourself in the mirror today, what was the first thing you thought? dang, i have some mongo bags under my eyes! i wonder if i have any cucumbers in the fridge. (ps, i didn't!)

2. How much cash do you have on you? i get out enough to cover eating out at craptastic drive thru food for the month, so probably about $100

3. What’s a word that rhymes with DOOR? bore....and i do know a few...i hope i don't bore anyone enough they think of me when they hear this word

4. Favorite planet? for reals? Mars....because "girls go to Mars to get more candy bars, boys go to Jupitar to get more stupider" ......but let's totally overlook 1.) I don't eat many sweets and even more importantly 2.) stupider?? is that even really a word...who is more studpider now?? it just may have been those superfluous candy bars

5. Who is the 4th person on your missed call list on your cell phone? my son's soccer coach....oops!

6. What is your favorite ring tone on your phone? only if you promise not to laugh...."bounce" by the Jonas brothers


7. What shirt are you wearing? cute gray T from Target

8. Do you label yourself? with my handy dandy label maker....absolutely Mother of two,Sooner, Photographer, Control Freak, Creative, Curvy, neat freak, Amusing, Sleep Deprived, organized.....should i go on?

9. Name the brand of the shoes you’re currently wearing? barefoot....but with some lemon verbena lotion on my tootsies

10. Bright or Dark Room? depends...sleeping, total darkness
at home in the afternoon....blinds pulled, sun shining in

11. Did you do anything to celebrate John Lennon's 70th yesterday? not a single thing


12. What does your watch look like? my bulova is my favorite .. pink face.. simple ...exactly like me, okay maybe my face is more tan than pink...but simple, classic...that is me!


13. What were you doing at midnight last night? sleeping, i am a working woman now!


14. What did your last text message you received on your cell say? "cute enough" in response to my friend Ashlee wanting a "cute pic" to have on her phone for when i call her

15. Where is your nearest 7-11? we don't have 7-11s, we have Stripes now, i think.

16. What’s a word that you say a lot? "i see"....

17. Who told you he/she loved you last? kids...O & W when I put them to bed.....love me some kid love!

18. Last furry thing you touched? muhahahhaa ... I could have so much fun with this! ..but I'll be honest....Josie, the French Bulldog!

19. How many drugs have you done in the last three days? one word: cramps....so ibuprofen....in large doses

20. How many rolls of film do you need developed? None!! It's called digital!

21. Favorite age you have been so far? I would say 42 ... It was probably my most life changing period....it just happened. i have to remember that in the end, it is all going to be okay. Living life on the straight and narrow.

pic taken of a road in Oklahoma....it really is this flat and straight. Life does go on, and just beyond the horizon is something you can't just quite imagine.

so imagine and wonder what will be

is it really October??

Good Morning! Happy Wednesday, originally uploaded by tommiea1.

right now! (borrowed from Janet)

1. i am thinking… it's been a good weekend

2. i am thankful for… first...family, friends, and a great place to work

3. from the kitchen… will come chocolate chip pumpkin muffins..(W's absolute fav muffins of all time, and a great way to welcome fall!)

4. i am wearing…eeks...it's late.....a grey t-shirt, leggings...and socks! my feet are cold

5. i am creating… an organized home that fits us

6. i am going… to take my mom out to eat for her bday tomorrow

7. i am reading… a book that goes through twelve weeks of lessons of where i am right now in my life.

8. i am hoping… to enjoy each day as it comes

9. i am hearing… cows mooing in the background...i live out in the pawpaw patch

10. around the house… it is very quiet

11. one of my favorite things… Root candles in the mulled cider scent

12. a few plans for the rest of the week… finishing up the first nine weeks of school...knowing i did it. i can do this

13. A picture to share…this is the road behind my house....i drive up it to cross town to get to my school. we get to see the sunrise most mornings. with each new day...

i realize..

i

can

do

this.

it

makes

me

be

me

happy October, y'all

Reach For The Clouds

Reach For The Clouds, originally uploaded by tommiea1.

i saw these on my way to soccer this morning.

on the way home, i had to pull over to take a few shots. good thing i live out in the paw paw patch.

i love the yellow petals reaching out towards the blue blue sky.

“Bring me then the plant that points to those bright Lucidites swirling up from the earth, And life itself exhaling that central breath! Bring me the sunflower crazed with the love of light” - Eugenio Montale

My dogs are barking

My dogs are barking, originally uploaded by tommiea1.

Current Scent: ...perfume Mirto di Panarea accentuates sensual side and regenerates your body and soul with aromatic aromas of myrtle, along with luminous citruses, Calabrian lemon and sweet, passionate orange, with calming effect of basil. A heart develops with aromas of jasmine, rose and green lilac, which meet sea breeze and black currant leaves. Base notes fondle with accords of precious wood, juniper, cedar and warm amber.<---you totally know that came straight from the website? Like I would really say "a heart develops....anything! "

What I am reading: totally assuming i have time to read. i just went back to work for the first time in seven years...yeah...so not happening, unless it is the latest issue of Real Simple or Better Homes and Gardens

Newest Music added to my play list: Darius Rucker..."History In the Making" love love love this song

Movie I saw: oh goodness...it was some kid movie in OH. How sad is it that i don't even remember the name of it.

Something yummy: made my "world-famous" banana chocolate chip muffins with the kids this past week

The last place I ate: Waynes...after late night soccer practice

Something that made me cry: tonight...connect the dots. surely you will know why

Something that made me laugh: just goofing off with a friend.

Something I look forward to in September: finally getting into a routine at school.

Something I want to remember from August: getting a job, moving into a new house, being the best mom i can be

Something I am thankful for: I'm always thankful for my kids, my job and my health ...

A photo I took this month:...i dont remember how or when the "feet in the air" shots started. but i do love me some cute shoes in the air. just need to remember not to wear them on friday when i am running all over the building

because now, eight hours later..

my

dogs

are

barking




happy friday

bracelet

bracelet, originally uploaded by tommiea1.

oh where oh where do i start....

i have neglected this little blog of mine for way too long. i have this fun Hipstamatic app on my phone, so I have been taking some fun pics, since i believe all blog posts should include a photo...i might have something to blog.

so

jumping

right

in....................

while the focus of this shot appears to be the outdoor funiture..(which I am glad to say finally has its cushions on it. those cushions were some of the last boxes i unpacked!)

but it is the colorful bracelet i was trying to take a funky shot of......this bracelet has become one of my favorite pieces of jewelry. it matches most of my wardrobe, everything from a white T and shorts to that cute aqua dress i wore to the Smith's change of command.

"I always say that I don't want to be sentimental, that the photographs shouldn't be sentimental, and yet, I am conscious of my sentimentality. " - Robert Frank

it is this "conscious" that brought me to take a picture of something as simple as a bracelet. i love the way it feels as it slips around my wrist....how it gently swings around my wrist all day. the clasp is a toggle that has two little beads on it. reminds me of little fish eyes. i remember the day i bought it and what an awesome day it was. it's cute and fun..

cute

and

fun

two things i need in my life now.

happy monday

with this sunset

with this sunset, originally uploaded by tommiea1.

in the morning, i am going back to work as a school teacher.

i am trying to maintain a calmness instead of the restlessness that i have struggled with all week. teacher friends have been the best....old ones from my old central (go cougars) to the new ones at pioneer park. without these fellow girlies, i would still be in my room getting things ready.

so with this life change, i am choosing to be calm...

and in the words (facebook status) of one of my OU roomies, a kindergarten teacher in norman:..yes, Mrs. Amy D'Agostino

"to all of my teacher (and principal) friends: I wish you a wonderful first day!

to all of my student friends: good luck and have fun!

to all my parent friends: tears and simultaneous applause is perfectly understandable!"

happy night before school y'all

Fresh pedi with BFF Traci: "I'm Really Not A Waitress"

Fresh pedi with BFF Traci: "I'm Really Not A Waitress", originally uploaded by tommiea1.

when a bestie tells you your feet in dire need of a pedi....

you don't hesitate to make time to go get them done

wearing "Im Really Not A Waitress"

and i'm not...

I

am

a

teacher

WITH

cute

toes


happy saturday

Friday Fill In

**this is one of my favorite photos I have ever taken,**

1. On vacation, I like to relax, enjoy the sights, see the kids laughing

2. i love sitting on the sand in the ocean and let the waves carry me just a bit.


3. One of my favorite vacation spots the beach, any beach.


4. During the full moon, i can feel the crazy in the air.


5. Up, up, and away, the balloon floated away


6. Bananas go into my protein shake almost every day. my latest favorite is strawberry, banana, blueberries with lots of ice.


7. As for the weekend, tonight I am looking forward to cooking out with the whole fam damily, tomorrow my plans include birthday party for nephew J, and Sunday I want to take a wild guess......ding ding ding, did you say "sleep in"...my all time favorite thing to do on a Sunday.

Friday Fill-In is hosted by Janet of Fond of Snape

ps. i've blogged about the photo before. most recently here

Manic Monday-on Tuesday

As an adult, what is your favorite thing about summer: grilling, a chilled white wine, sitting on the deck


What was your favorite thing about summer when you were a kid? running around with my cousins catching fireflies in an old jelly jar at my grandparent's house.


In 2010, it will be the summer of the: monkeys. It is the book I am reading the kids.



Want to play? Lisa hosts Manic Monday at : Manic Monday meme

Relaxin' and chillaxin' at the pool

It's officially....

Spent the day at the pool

Until the kids were worn out

Made it home in time for quiet time

Munched on dinner outside

Enjoyed their first sleepover with their cousins

Rested in tents in sleeping bags

Ten o'clock when they finally fell asleep

I didn't they they would stay asleep the entire night

Maybe they proved my wrong

Ended up at the coffeeshop for breakfast with the grandparents the next morning

borrowed from J....

i saw this meme at my friend juliette's blog authenticallybrandt . i thought it would be fun since i have nothing to really post here

my roommate and i once: stole a table umbrella from a restaurant in Norman.
never in my life have i: gotten a tattoo
high school was: fun...though I wouldn't go back an do it again
when i'm nervous i: talk non-stop
my hair: is cute...i really like the new shorter cut
when i was five: i started kindergarten with the best kindergarten teacher ever...mrs. murray
when i turn my head left: i see AND smell my French Bulldog...good thing i found a can of febreeze
i should be: not watching the Bachelorette...i swear i won't watch every time, but I get sucked in
by this time next year: we will have lived in OK a year and we won't be moving
my favorite aunt is: my aunt RoseMary...she is the reason i am a teacher. she used to let me go to her classroom and help her when i was on spring break
i have a hard time understanding: mean people
you know i like you if: i share my wine with you
my ideal breakfast is: coffee and a toasted bagel
if you visit my hometown: don't blink, you might miss it...grew up in PODUNK oklahoma
if you spend the night at my house: i will feed you an awesome meal
the animal i would like to see flying besides birds: pigs..
i shouldn't have been: sucked into another season of the Bachelorette


last night: i enjoyed chatting with a friend
a better name for me would be: i like my name...but i do have a "club name"..or i did..haven't been to a place where i might need to use it in a LONG time
i've been told i look like: Pocahontas...lol
if i could have any car it would be: i love my car..but once the kids are out of boosters, maybe the Volvo XC90

Cute hair bling bling

Cute hair bling bling, originally uploaded by tommiea1.

It's June. We have moved out of our home in Kentucky. I cleaned like how I would want to move into a home. I always think someone will think the same thing and my house will be clean. Thinking back, I don't think that has happened. If I really wanted a therapy session I could root down to the orgins of my need to obsessively clean,....but not now.

We are staying with my in-laws in OH. For the first time in forever, I have left my kids with a baby sitter.

He was my brother in law

does that still count?

Counted in my book? Especially since he wanted to watch some soccer game....world cup much?

but I went to a wine festival with my inlaws and hubby

had so much fun!

came home with whoopie pies

and a cool water fountain

also drank many sips of wine

favorite was one called vino verde

GIVE ME MY GREEN WINE

Friday Fill In

1. seeing the kids play in the rain never fails to make me smile.

2. i'm looking forward to seeing my baby graduate from preK today.

3. _Bobby Bones show is what I am listening to right now. best thing i found when we lived in Texas. #justsayin'

4. Potato must have pickles in it. but only whole kosher dill pickles that you cut up yourself!

5. fried egg on an english muffin with provolone was the best thing I ate today. (i know, REAL healthy)

6. today was started very early ( I woke up at 5AM!)

7. and as for the weekend, tonight i'm looking forward to pizza with the kids, tomorrow my plans include finally seeing Husband after a long month, and Sunday i want to sleep in!

Snapshot right now: May 2010

1. photo of me: my new 'do...i had to cut if off my neck. it is fun

2. current candle scents: i don't have any candles but i have several of those reed and oil things from Pier 1 in the ember scent

3. what i read this month: started reading "Summer of the Monkey's" to the kids

4. top three songs i was drawn to: Justin Beiber "eenie meanie" Glee Cast version "Jessie's girl" and pretty much any other Glee song!

5. movies i saw: i can't remember if it was this month, but the kids and i went to see "How to Train your Dragon"

6. favorite tv moments of the month: Glee.....Sue Sylvester singing Vogue

7. something yummy i made this month: anything to use up pantry stuff: chocolate chip cookies, banana pudding, lemon ricotta muffins,

8. some place i ate out: Kansai for mother's day...Will took me and Livi on a date

9. something that made me cry: off hand, i can't remember.

10. something that made me laugh: yesterday Will fell while riding his scooter (that's not the funny part) but he wanted a "cast" since he is "injuried". LOVE the Will-words

11. this month i looked forward to: finding out where we are moving to

12. something i want to remember about this month: fun field trip to Kentucky Down Under

13. a photo i took this month: act like that cave pic is right here. I couldn't get it to move down here. That is 125 feet under ground. I was seriously trying not to panic!

We've got the fever

We've got the fever, originally uploaded by tommiea1.

wee little background:

Each week Livi works for some positive reinforcement for getting a stamp all week. A stamp means good behavior from her for her preK teacher. We've done things like eating out, watching "trash" TV like Hannah Montana, a pack of gum in her room, etc. Lately she has wanted to download a song on my phone.

This morning I heard her be-bopping to some song. I "shazamed
it. Turns out it is Justin Beiber featuring Sean Kingston "Eenie Meenie"

oops.....spare me the lecture on how inappropriate it is for a five year to be singing this song. I'm just glad she didn't hear Rhianna's Rude Boy. I think I would have to draw the line at that one.

so, in three short days (she did earn her stamp today), she will be listening to Eenie Meenie on my phone.

oh dear, we have the JustinBeiber fever

ps this pic was taken at the Coke Museum field trip last week. It was the first time she had ever had Coke!

Friday Fill In

And, here we go:

1. Salsa and *chips* could totally be my dinner if I didn't want to eat the entire bag!

2. *About once a year, I will eat a hotdog BUT only if* you've (even) got mustard.

3. By the time I get home, *well, since I am a SAHM, I am technically always home...BUT..I just want to put my feet up, especially since they are sporting the super cute Stephen Bonanno Lisagh sandals* They are named after a fabulous blogger I "know". I started reading Lisagh of Grosgrain Garage when Husband was deployed and she sent me a random email. She is Monkey's mommy. I have never had a pair of Bonanno sandals. *

4. *Fresh sushi* is what I look forward to most when grocery shopping.

5. And I was dreaming, *I was late to pick Will up from the bus stop. Livi and I were in Sam's. I woke up when I heard them announce on the intercom, "Welcome to Barbados!" I almost started crying since I was worried he was alone in the house for three hours...and how was I going to get back to KY from Barbados! But Livi told me, he knows how to get his own snacks. He will just get an apple and a cheese stick! *

6. *Hearing the quiet of the house once the kids are settled into bed* is there anything else better.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to *going to TKD with Will (he is so close to the first stripe for his green belt!), tomorrow my plans include *enjoying the sunshine*, and Sunday I want to *go to dinner with the kids at Kansai*.