Ten Things Tuesday

1. I am so happy for our friends Ashley and Chandler who welcomed baby Adalyn Grace tonight. We can't wait to meet her. Randi has posted some pictures on her blog: http://randiandtravis.blogspot.com/

2. Tyler has either had the stomach bug or it was something he ate yesterday (I'm betting stomach bug), but he only threwup twice this morning. That's much better than the day I was afraid we were in for.

3. He was extremly fussy tonight for about an hour, but is asleep now.

4. I got to work a full day today! After having to strip crib sheet at 6 a.m, I am amazed that I was able to work all day other than a little longer break to spend some time with my sweet boy.

5. And that I have a sitter at home who can individually take care of him. If he was at a daycare, I would have missed work (a big deal when you only work 2 days a week).

6. My two new lamps for the kitchen that I got half price at Hobby Lobby today. I think they're cute.

7. Tyler has slept all night the last 2 nights in his bed.

8. Samuel seems to be doing very well at school so far. He only goes 2 days a week, but seems to be right back in the swing of school (or his teacher hasn't told me otherwise).

9. We seem to be well on our way for the craft show coming up in Oct. after the meeting last night.

10. The weather the last few days has been really nice!

New Addition to the Creekmore Family

After a very long awaited purchase, we have now moved into the current age. When Kevin and I married (9 yrs ago), we agreed to wait to purchase a new TV until the (at the time brand new) HDTV's came down in price and became more standard OR until the TV we had completely died. Well, we were almost there. The TV we had is more than 20 years old and had to be played through the VCR or cable box because the lower 13 channels didn't work and then about 6 months ago, it started having problems coming on. It would sometimes take me turning it on and off 20 or more times to get it to come on. We knew it was time to get a new one and Kevin has been looking at this particular TV since November, but has been waiting on the perfect price. Kevin is NOT an impulse buyer! I would have bought this TV 4 months ago, but he was patient and waited. We actually went about a month ago to Circuit City to buy it with their competitors deal, but Circuit City wouldn't stand with their policy and would only lower it to within a $100 of Best Buys price. So Friday Kevin came home and said Sears had it for what Best Buy had been offering it for last month plus they had a 10% coupon and 10% if you used your Sears card. We weren't sure if either of those would work, but the salesman said we could use one or the other - so we got a great deal. He said he had never sold that TV so cheap and couldn't even believe the deal we got. By the way, it was $600 more in the store than on their website, but he honored the website price. Always check both, we've found that many stores have different prices between their store and the web. Anyway, here's a look at the new baby.

And here is my favorite part. With the Picture in Picture, Samuel can play the Wii while I watch TV and it's not any smaller than what we were used to before. LOL

The sun and the rain

I'll admit it, today was one of those days. It all started out well. We actually made it to school well before the tardy bell (I'm often known to be late - to every where!) My first photo shoot went quickly and so progressed the rest of the morning. But then little things started popping up. By the time I got home, I was in a terrible mood, just broken down by the day and by life. For those of you who know, I only work two days a week (plus nights and weekends shooting events as needed), so you might ask how can just a day at work get to me. But that's all part of the problem. You see, I lead a double life. I am really two people in one body and with one mind, but gets pulled in two very different directions. First, I'm mommy. I'm a wife and mother who loves her family. When I'm home, I'm totally at home and want nothing more than to be with my boys. That is why we sacrifice so that I can stay home as much as possible. But I also have work. And when I'm at work, I'm totally at work. I see things I could be doing, positions I could have, money I could make - but then I would have to give up so much of what I love about my life. You see, I never really thought I wanted to be this mommy person I've grown to be. I never took home EC in school, I figured that was one class I would never need or want. I was the FBLA vice-president, chair of the art club, head photographer, writer and ad manager for the school newspaper. I had no desire just to sit at home and it never really occurred to me to do so - much less become a breastfeeding, baby wearing, baby food making momma. Don't get me wrong, I wanted children, I just thought I would have it all. Who knew, maybe even a nanny to take care of the kids while I was in D.C. or Europe or where ever I might be at that moment. But as Kevin and I dated and began to talk about marriage, all of that changed. I didn't want to fly here and there, I wanted to be with him and the children we would eventually have. But part of me still sees something that I don't have that I could if I just tried a little. But do I even want it? This is the problem that I think plagues and haunts so many women today. The women of the 80's-90's tried to prove they could have it all, raise a family, a high profile career, etc., but I see so many women of my generation not only realizing they can't, they don't want to.

But no matter, I was in my mood with all of these thoughts racing around my head. The last couple of days, we've had a good deal of rain. Tonight as I drove into the subdivision, up the hill and around the pond, the sun was shining as brightly as a clear, blue day - but rain streamed from the sky (wish I had a picture for you). I thought to myself that it looked so pretty and that there must be a rainbow somewhere. Shortly after I got home, Kevin came in and said he saw a rainbow in a field on his way home that touched the ground and it was the brightest rainbow he had ever seen. I wish I had seen it.

After the boys were in bed, I began blog reading and came across a blog of a lady who recently lost her 10 week old baby, they believe to SIDS. I couldn't believe the pain she must be going through and yet how strong and faithful she seemed. Shortly after reading it, Tyler woke after only being asleep about 30 minutes. My first thought was "oh great." But as I reached his door and picked him up from his crib, he instantly snuggled into my chest and my instant thought was that at least I had my baby to hold tonight. Tears streamed down my face as I rocked him and I imagined that mother sitting in her empty nursery filled with his toys, clothes and unused diapers. And it made all of my thoughts today seem so unimportant. Not that they aren't real to me, but just that there are bigger things in life.

And then that image came back to my mind. The sun and the rain pouring down through the trees. And I thought, isn't that like life? Sometimes the happiness and the warmth of the sun comes at the exact same moment as the rain, the sorrows and worries of life. Sometimes the rain is so hard and the clouds are so dark that we can't see the sun, but eventually it does return. But I think day to day life is like the rain shower today. We're happy and sad, content and worried, busy beyond belief and restful all at the same time. Sometimes I'm amazed at the difference of emotions I can feel all at the same time.

This post is so different than my usual post, but when I first started this blog I intended to journal more of my thoughts. But the mood hadn't really struck me until tonight. I hope you either forgive my rambling or that you can identify with something I've written.

1st Day of Pre-K 4.

Samuel started his first day of Pre-K 4 today. He goes on Tuesday and Thursday to Ridgefield Christian. He did the same schedule last year and has moved up to Mrs. Mary's class this year. All summer he talked about not going back to school, but after open house, he changed his mind. Now he's really excited and couldn't wait to go this morning. His class is really small so far and only has one girl, a twin to one of the boys. I'm so excited to see what all he will learn!

Bob and Larry

Saturday our new Lifeway Store held its grand opening with a visit from Bob and Larry. Samuel was very excited and didn't forget about it all week. He hugged and hugged them until it was time to go. His one comment about them was "They were taller than they really are." I agree, they were pretty big :) 

Last Service

Last Sunday, I attended what will most likely be the last service I attend in the sanctuary of my home church. This is the sanctuary where I sang in many VBS programs, recited my Christmas program lines, pulled my dress over my head (more than once I'm sure), performed dozens of puppet programs, was baptised and was married. Over the last three years the church has built a new building complete with a 625+ seat sanctuary, 18 new adult classrooms, a new preschool wing, new choir room and other amenities. They are moving from a building that was built around 1976 (I believe) with a sanctuary that seats around 225. The current building was built after the previous building was destroyed by a direct tornado hit. The history of the church though goes all the way back to a little wood framed church on the hill, and in fact, the first services took place under the oak trees on the property. But it was time to grow. The new building is located across the street where I grew up playing softball. That building holds many, many memories for me. Growing up, church wasn't somewhere we went or something we did, it was (and is) a part of who we were. My best friends were my church friends and my extended family all came from the church. I was born into that church and remained a member there until Kevin and I married when I was 21. So many things there have changed. New faces, older faces, people who have now gone home to be with the Lord, babies of the friends I grew up with now fill the nursery. But seeing the lights turned out in that old sanctuary will be a bitter sweet time. By the next time we go home, the move will be made across the street to the new building. It's a beautiful building with great potential for the church. I'm excited for them. But as I sat there this past Sunday, I knew it would be the last time I looked up into the curved wooden rafters, heard the old hymns resonate through the room and saw Mrs. Nancy standing on the right side of the choir loft. But now I look forward to seeing those member celebrate their accomplishments of building this new building nearly all on their own and without borrowing any money to do so. That is a great accomplishment for any church now days. I'm hopeful that we can go home the weekend of the church's homecoming when they will be dedicating the building. What a celebration that will be for the current and past members.

A Real #13

I thought of a real #13 today. We save all of our Wal-Mart, Kroger, Target, etc. shopping bags and return them to Wal-Mart to be recycled. I would like to switch over the canvas bags, but it doesn't seem pratical for the large shopping trips I do. I do take a bag sometimes when shopping in the mall. But I don't feel bad about it since I know they can be recycled.

13 Thursday

This week I've thought of more ways we are being green:

1. We leave our blinds open during the day in the winter to allow the sun to heat and close them as soon as the sun begins going down to block the cold.

2. In the summer, we leave our blinds mostly closed during the day to keep the house cooler. If we're home, I open the blinds in the back of the house until the afternoon when the sun moves the back of the house and then open the front of the house.

3. Several months ago I realized that we were using a tremendous amount of paper plates. So I bought some small plastic plates for $1. We've cut our paper plate usage to about 25% of what we were using before.

4. We turn off the computers when we are not using them and at night (computers should be turned off often and use no more energy booting up than just running, no matter what someone else has told you.)

5. I clean as often as I can with enviornmentally free cleaners. My favorite is a simple mix of vinegar and baking soda - it fizzes when you mix them, what could be better.

6. We use reusable insulated lunch bags rather than paper bags.

7. Kevin and Samuel take sandwiches for lunch in reusable Tupperware sandwich keepers.

8. I make my own baby food, not sure that's green, but it is crunchy. LOL

9. I like to buy fresh produce whenever possible.

10. Again, maybe not green, but it's along with that movement: We eat as many whole grains as possible such as whole wheat bread, brown rice, whole wheat pasta, etc. If a product is made with whole grains, I will always choose that one vs. the regular.

11. We don't eat/drink artificial sweetner. Good old fashioned sugar is fine for us. I don't buy diet drinks and watch product labels for hidden artifial sweetner. This includes Splenda which is an artifical sweetner.

12. Waste not - want not: I try to only buy food that I know we will use before it goes bad. I don't buy things just because they are on sale unless I know it will get used.

13. I shoot digital which avoids film developing and only print pictures I need to print for scrapbooking or giving to others. (Okay, this isn't the real reason, but it sounds good and I needed a #13!)

Purging

I'm not real sure exactly what got into me yesterday, but I became this purging, cleaning maniac. I'm not sure if it was being at my mom's house for the weekend (who is an emaculate housekeeper) or if it was the TLC show I watched on the OCD behavior of Hording late Sunday night, but when I woke up yesterday morning, I began cleaning out my kitchen. I cleaned out my pantry, my lazy susan, my freezer and fridge. I wiped everything down and even cleaned the bottom of my fridge. I threw out 2 garbage bags and a recycling can of stuff. I went as far as calling the 800 number on the box of Jell-O to figure out if they were expired or not. I reorganized my pantry and my kitchen counters, getting rid of some of the clutter and putting some decorative elements in their place. I want to get a couple of tall skinny lamps to add to the counter and give a bit of extra light for this winter when it gets dark so early. Whatever it was, my kitchen looks better for it. Now if I can continue to move through my house. You know, come to think of it, it may have not been the TLC show after all - the show following on the One Ton Man didn't stop me from baking cookies the next day.

Ten Things Tuesday

1. We had a great weekend at my parents.

2. Tyler seems to be sleeping better at night than he did the past week or so.

3. The cold I had late last week is gone except for just a stuffy nose.

4. The cooler weather.

5. A fun night with friends celebrating the soon arrival of their baby girl!

6. Samuel had a fun time at Ridgefield's Open House and I think he's excited (finally) about starting school again next week.

7. Getting lots of sewing done last week. It's not all finished, but I feel like I made a dent in my projects.

8. Samuel woke up feeling fine this morning after going to bed not feeling well at 7 last night.

9. Sarah the Nanny is back!!! I can now make plans to go out of the house again!

10. Uniforms - Samuel is required to wear uniforms to Ridgefield which is great because it makes school shopping so much easier. Many things he can still wear from last year and friends have given me shorts/pants and shirts there kids have outgrown. So other than a new pair of shoes, I've had no real school shopping to do (Only going 2 days a week helps too.)

13 Thursday

We are not crunchy or even granola, soggy granola at best, but we are doing our best at being "green." In fact, we were making efforts even before being green was the new catch phrase. We've been recycling for at least 7 years (when we moved into the house) and are mindful of other things we do. We don't totally buy into the global warming scare or media hipe about the polar ice caps melting, but we instead believe that one of the instructions given to us as Christians is to take care of the earth. So, here are 13 things we do to do our part in being "green."

1. We blue bag it! Our city provides blue bags which we can put 

on the curb to be picked up each week.

2. We recycle #1 and #2 plastics, clear glass, metal and aluminum cans.

3. Kevin brings home his aluminum can from lunch each day to put in our recyling.

4. We teach Samuel about recycling. He now ask if it goes in the trash or recycling before he throws something away.

5. We recycle at my office.

6. We tear down and place cardboard boxes at the curb for recycling.

7. We turn off the water when we brush our teeth.

8. I only run the dishwasher when it is full on top and bottom.

9. I adjust the water level for the washing machine to the appropriate amount of water for that load.

10. We turn off the lights when we leave a room and everything in our house is turned off when we leave.

11. We unplug unused things like the cell phone charger, coffee pot and other appliances.

12. We keep our heat in the winter set on around 68 and the air in the summer set on 76-77 and we use our ceiling fans to circulate the air.

13. We've started buying rechargeable batteries for as many things as we can, especially things that go through lots of batteries.

10 Things Tuesday

1. I'm thankful that only 1 of the 6 Dr. Pepper cans that fell on my kitchen floor exploded!

2. I'm glad that Samuel is having a good week at my moms and dads even though it's hot and he's not been able to go outside much.

3. I'm thankful that my dad is finally feeling better and is up to having Samuel there for the week.

4. I'm thankful that the weather is suppose to cool off tomorrow and this weekend is suppose to be really nice.

5. I'm glad we're getting to go "home" this weekend to my mom and dads. We haven't been there in a few months and I'm glad to go visit.

6. I'm thankful for where I grew up. I didn't realize it until I was away from home, but I was very lucky to grow up on a great piece of property. It is 5 acres and has a pond. I could go outside anytime I wanted by myself to ride my bike or to play. And Samuel can now do the same when he's there. My parents are about to sell their property, but it was a great place to grow up.

7. I'm glad that I've finally getting some sewing done this week. Some of the material I've had for months and I'm finally getting to do something with it (watch for a new blog coming soon!).

8. I got to the gas station today before I ran out of gas! The first one I went to was out of gas when I got there.

9. A 5th week in the month. Every once in a while, the way my paycheck works out I get a 5th week which is always a surprise to me and is like getting a bonus check. I love those checks! It's not really getting extra money, but I don't really figure that into our budget since it's only once in a while, so it is kind of like extra money.

10. The boys can now take a bath together. They both love baths and really like playing in the tub together. I'm not sure it takes me any less time, but it's fun for them.