Life and Friendships

Isn't it crazy how friendships change as we grow older. I'm not sure if it's due to our lifestyles changing or if it's due to being wiser but things most certainly do change.

Many years ago I wrote about how friendships expire and how it's ok if a friend you were once really close to changes to someone you don't talk to anymore. I do truly believe that people come into your lives for a certain purpose or reason.

But what about those friends that are supposed to be your closest?

I've found that the older I get, the less people I can call close friends. Sure I'm fine to catch up and talk to these friends, but the closeness and connection is not the same. Is it sad? Yes but part of life.

However I do find it funny how if you are catching up that some of these friends never really ask you about your life. I always try to make a point to inquire what's going on with their life and children, but I find this is not reciprocated.

I get it, being pregnant with number 3, and even a third boy is not exciting right? Because "oh you are just having another boy," just a normal thing. But seriously I don't expect these friends to bend over backwards as yes I have been down this road before. However I don't think it's too much to ask for a friend to ask how you are feeling and maybe how the boys are reacting. I think that's normal, don't you? I'm surprised that after I ask them how they are doing, I get ZERO questions about myself, my family, or even KMB.

What does this mean? I'm not sure if it means these friends are totally self-absorbed, if they don't care, or if they consider their selves too busy. I just find it a little disheartening that some people won't even give you the time of day, but they can sure talk about what's going on for them.

Do you have people in your lives like this? How do you deal with friends that don't seem concerned for you?
 

Natalie

Old Man Winter

Old Man Winter has definitely made his presence known.  This has probably been the coldest winter I have experienced since being an adult.

To all my Canadian friends, how in the world do you do it? I am not made for these cold temperatures!  Or rather I hate being cold!

I am so ready for spring that whenever I see the sun it tricks me into thinking it is actually warm until the wind blows and cuts through my coat.

Nolan asks about making a snowman, but we haven't really had enough snow to do that.  Then I realize he doesn't own any boots or gloves equipped for making snowmen.  I suppose if we get enough snow we'll just wing in our new balances and knit gloves!

2014 might be a cold year so far, but it's not stopping my calendar from filling up with dates.  We are already reaching in April for some scheduled activities!

Besides the cold weather, I don't have a lot on my mind as far as writing goes...so I'll share some great posts we've had on KMB in the last few weeks:

Is Mommy Happy?
Finding a New Normal

And then some of our KMB contributors have had some wonderful posts on their own blog.  Kristen shared her heart and soul on Let Your Husband Love You.  I really loved her post, and it was crazy to see it go as viral as it did. But what saddened me, the more it grew the more hateful people became about her motives. It just goes to show you the Not-So-Nice Part of Being Online as I wrote about is still so true.  People get very brave behind their computers and feel the need to tear people down.  Do you think every post written is about you?  I personally do not, but many people who read posts from writers or bloggers feel like that person has a personal agenda against them.  Smell the roses people, you just are not that important!

On another note, Laura wrote about how we should have more encouragement in our blog world.  I found this idea refreshing and something that we all can do.  I'm grateful for you guys who have always been a supportive community, and I wish everyone online could share a little joy.  It really couldn't hurt, could it?

Hope you are surviving the arctic temps, and enjoy these great reads!

Natalie

The Not-So-Nice Part of Being Online

Have you ever felt that some people are happier being negative? And I am not talking about people being real about a certain situation or the occasional rant.  I am talking about people who always seem to be trying to find the worst in other people.

I have seen it a lot online lately and before I would say I was maybe not aware of it since I'm not a huge blogger in the world of blogging so I don't think I'm a target for any of this type of abuse.

I find it strange that some people actually take the time to just tear down other people.  People they don't even know!  I get that some people are not fabulous writers and that is ok. Some people start blogs just for record keeping or for their families.  But I have seen many people made fun of because they weren't entertaining enough.

I know everyone is entitled to an opinions but what good is it to just want to make someone else feel bad? Someone else who is doing nothing to hurt you?

I've always thought if you don't like someone's blog you can always not read it.  No one is forcing you to do so.  I think it's fine if you make a comment to a spouse or a close friend because that's human nature.  But to actually take the time to type it up to just seems hateful don't you think?

I worry that social media, the internet, and just technology in general has made society desensitized and that some people just hide behind their computers and type ugly things about others.  And for what? To try to make themselves feel better?

What do you think? Do you feel that some people find joy in tearing others down?

Natalie

The Many Emotions of Feeling Helpless

A few nights ago, we accidentally left our garage door open at our house.

We've done this a few times on accident, and I'm sure we aren't the only ones who have.

I didn't know about it because my husband is the one who gets up super early for work, so I had no idea until I got in my car.

I was getting it ready for our first KMB event when I noticed my glove box was open, my console was open, and a birthday card I had ready for a friend was open.

My stomach dropped.  First I thought...did I do that, was I looking for something?  Was my husband looking for something?

Then I knew.  Someone had been in my car.  And that someone stole my iPod out of my car.

It's an older iPod Nano from 2007 or 2008, so it's not about the value.

It's the invasion in MY GARAGE and in MY CAR.  It makes me angry, frustrated, and just plain out violated. Nothing in our garage or my car was taken which leaves me with the impression it is one of the punk kids across the street.  Because who leaves tools and all the other stuff for an iPod?  A kid, that's who.  Luckily I don't keep anything of real value in my car but just to think someone touching my things makes me want to throw up.  It just disgusts me that we have to worry about this type of problem in our homes and neighborhoods.  And what about my kids? What if it had been someone to break into the house...or worse after my kids? Just the thought of this gives me chills and full of fear.

It pretty much ruined my whole day because I was so angry at the situation.  I can't imagine how people feel when someone steals items from inside your home.  It's just such a violation, you know?

Anyhow it's my birthday today, so I will try to get over my rant on this.  Maybe a Starbucks run and a glass of wine at dinner will help, don't you think?

Natalie

Bad Mood Momma

Have you ever just woken up and been in the worst mood ever?  That's me today.  I seriously must have woken up on the wrong side of the bed because I am one short fuse today.

It's probably because I've been sick since last Thursday.  I was thinking Conley was just having allergies, but in reality it was cold that he passed on to Nolan and myself.

Luckily the boys just had runny noses.  My cold however started with a burn in my throat and has continued to be a doozy with snotty/runny nose and a cough that really hurts.

Before kids, I rarely got sick.  Now it seems it happens more often, and when I get them they linger forever. And then they usually turn into some type of sinus infection.  I never had a sinus infection before kids!  UGH! My SIL and my mom stopped by on their way to the beach, and my SIL was like, "Do you have allergies? Because it seems like you are always congested."  I had to laugh because she's really only known me since I've been pregnant....and when I'm pregnant I'm all stuffy...both times.  I also saw her at Christmas which was when we were all recovering from a cold---so yep I was all congested.

I'm not sure what being pregnant did to me---but it definitely messed up my immune system and my sinuses.

Conley is also teething....he only has one bottom tooth, and it's not even all the way up.  We really are going to have a long road with this little guy.  Oh and not to mention Nolan is continually testing me lately.  Not sure if it's cold...or his age but that boy is really pushing my limits.

So that's me this Monday...all Debbie Downer.

How is your week starting out?  Hopefully better than mine!

Don't forget to follow us on Bloglovin!

Natalie

My Choice

Lately I feel like I've been looked down upon because I am a stay-at-home mom.

It's been a few instances where people in different aspects in my life have implied or made certain comments about it. Some have children and some don't.

Now let's get this straight.  I don't judge anyone whether they are a SAHM, a working mom, or a work from home mom.  What matters most is that the child is loved and taken care of, and everyone knows that being a mom is the hardest job.

However, just because I'm not in the official work force doesn't mean I don't have aspirations or ambitions. Some people seem to think just because you're not chasing a "higher career" that means you just are someone that is a knot on a log.

Well this is simply not true.  Yes being a SAHM means that I sacrificed a professional career.  Could I have kept moving up the ladder?  Yes!  Would it had been worth it?  I can confidently say no it wouldn't have been.  In my particular field, there was no way I could have kept up a healthy balance of the two...something would have to give.

Before I had children, I was all about my career.  But guess what after having children my perspective changed. I realized where I wanted to spend my time and effort.  It doesn't mean that's the same choice for everyone...because many others are able to make it work.  In my case and career it just wouldn't have worked.

But does that make me less of a person?  Does it make me less smart?  Does it mean I don't have goals or dreams?

I feel like society paints a picture of females that make the choice to be a SAHM that they just "didn't have what it takes" to make it in the workforce.

I shouldn't feel like I have to justify my choice by saying, "Oh yeah I graduated college with honors or that I was really successful in my professional career."  But I do feel like I need to.

But instead this is what I should say:

I'm a great mom to two wonderful boys.

I'm a great wife to my husband.

I'm a loyal friend.

And this is what really matters, not a grade on a paper or a promotion from a job.

Life is what you make it, so don't leave any regrets on the table.  And I can happily say, I don't regret a thing.

Natalie

Oh Monday...

Oh Monday...yesterday you proved your reputation right by being a long and tiring day.

We started out with Conley teething and crying in the morning---which continued ALL.DAY.LONG.  Of course that also meant short naps, which also leads to an even crankier baby.  I had forgotten how much I dislike teething...and how it can change a total happy baby into a cranky monster. UGH!

After dinner while Daddy took Nolan to Little Gym, I knew I had to get out of the house since it was the witching hour.

When I came home with Conley, I noticed the dining room table place mats were all moved over.  I thought...hmm that is weird I know I didn't do that before I left.

Then I knew.  My Jack Russell Terrier, Molly had jumped on the table and eaten the small leftovers I had left in Nolan's plate.  Since I was in a hurry, I hadn't moved it.

Much to my dismay, there are now dog claw marks on my relatively new dining room table.  Seriously??? I mean if I don't have to worry about enough with getting the kids out the door now I have to make sure my table is spotless so my dog doesn't jump up on the table?

I already have to make sure Teddy, our other dog is either outside or in his crate because he's been known to pee on a table leg.  And of course this started happening right after I had Nolan, and we had just had the floors refinished.

Molly's crate doesn't zip up, and so we leave her in the living room...because if we leave her in our room she gets on our bed, under the covers, and on our pillows and leaves her white hair everywhere!  So needless to say, we are now getting a new crate because I can't deal with one more detail before I get out the door with both boys.  My mom brain just can't handle it.

And now to better news...I had a great Mother's Day with my boys.  They were so thoughtful and got me flowers and a spa day.  Can't wait for a day of relaxation!  Here's a few photos:

Hope your Monday went better than mine :)

Natalie

Winter Be Gone!

Is it me or does anyone else think the groundhog lied? I mean it was snowing here today which is unheard of for March.  And now that I have kids---winter seems to get to me more because we are trapped inside so much.

Nolan definitely gets stir crazy, and even the baby seems to get bored.

And lately it seems like everything involving them is a challenge.  You know the usual meals, diaper changes, baths, nap times, bed times, and everything in between.

I just want to scream, "Why does everything have to be a battle?  Why does it have to be difficult?"

I'm sure it's the fact that I'm still dealing with this sinus infection and the kiddos are fighting the remaining parts of their colds.

I just feel like if I hear one for whine or cry that I just might lock myself in the closet and throw away the key.

The good news is the husband and I did have a MUCH needed date night on Saturday.  After the baby didn't nap all day, I was more than happy to hand him over to Grandma.  We had a great time, and it was just what I needed.

Are you having the winter blues too and ready for spring?

Natalie

Yesterday Was One of Those Days...

Yesterday was one if those days...you know the ones where you are better off staying in bed with the covers over your head?

I should have known when the day began with a huge poopy diaper from the baby, and a wet bed from the toddler that I should have ran for the hills. Oh how I loathe changing a crib mattress sheet!

It was a relatively quiet morning...Conley went down for his nap with no problems.  Oh did I mention Nolan has a cold and his nose is running like a faucet?  He still is trying to run around which causes him to cough---which causes him to throw up so I'm trying to keep him on the couch with a little bribery AKA Mickey Mouse.  The child requested to watch, "The Quest for the Crystal Mickey" like 6 times in a row.  Thank goodness for my DVR!

The day stay started to unravel when Conley refused to take his afternoon nap and was not happy doing anything.  Either it is teething or he's starting to fight the sickies...whatever it was made him not a happy camper.

I put him in the swing which he protests the whole time and get dinner started.  Then Nolan wakes up, and Conley starts crying louder.  This causes me to forget to put the basil on the ham and tomato pie...which I don't realize until 10 minutes AFTER it's been in the oven.

I try to aspirate the snot out of Nolan's nose which causes a meltdown because he hates it.  I can't blame him...but geez would be nice if toddlers would learn how to blow their own nose so you didn't have to chase and tie them down to use the aspirator.

I have already tried to feed Conley but he will not have it...and still crying.  I figure maybe he'll take the bottle better.  Then I proceed to spill my pumped liquid gold.  Oh this is just freakin' awesome.

Then I notice my throat is on fire---and then I come to the realization I am getting sick.  Just GREAT.  I don't have time to be sick!

Finally at around 8:30 and both kids are in bed I curl up next to the husband to watch reruns of Duck Dynasty.

So here is to another day my friends...pray that I fight off this snot and sore throat that is trying to overtake me.

Oh and on top of everything Google announced they are getting rid of Google Reader, which is how I follow your lovely blogs.  I am trying out Bloglovin, so you can follow me from there.

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

How do you keep up with your blogs that you follow?

A Rant, A Rave, and Other Stuff

Howdy folks!  It's almost Wednesday and this gal can't be more excited the week is almost over.

I've got some random tidbits to share with you today:

Rant--I'm so OVER trying to schedule pediatric visits for the boys.  I love my pediatrician and the practice, but GEEZ it is like an act of congress to schedule an appointment.  Normally, you would think you could schedule your next appointment when you are leaving the office.  Nope...not in this place.  Because my doctor's "specific" scheduler is not there.  So I have to call back...and when I call back she's not there...and then they have to call me back. Ridiculous!

The scheduler called me back yesterday and said she had one time they could fit me in for Conley's six month appointment.  I'm like that day and time does not work for me...I either need Tuesday/Thursday morning or anytime on Friday.  I do not think this is unreasonable, do you?  So I tell the lady it's perfectly fine for her to push out the appointment for a few weeks because he had his four month appointment a few weeks late. She said well the doctor is booked until April. I mean really people?  First they make it impossible to schedule the appointment in advance by not allowing you to do it when you're at the office---then when you do try to schedule you only get one shot for a time slot.

I stood my ground and said that time didn't work, so now she's talking to the doctor and getting back to me. She didn't call back yet, so we'll see where this goes.  Honestly, I wouldn't even care to see another doctor because I like them all.  Ok rant over now to the rave!

Rave--Nolan is such a little chatter box lately.  He's saying everything he hears and starting even more complicated sentences.  It's so cute, and I just love hearing his new phrases and his new thoughts.  He constantly says that he is funny and silly.  It's amazing how kids can have a sense of humor and comedic timing at such a young age.  He also loves seeing our happy, mad, and sad faces.  The sweetest phrase is when he says, "I love you Momma, I love you Daddy, I love you Conley."  Melts my heart every time.  He also loves running around the house in just a diaper when I'm trying to change him and screaming, "Naked! Naked!" or "Nolan is super fast!" Lately his newest saying is, "Grandma is sick, feel better Grandma."  Such a sweet boy!  Oh and I am pretty sure he had his first tattle today. When I picked him up from MDO, he said, "Natalie made a big mess." And yes he has a little girl in class named Natalie.  I wish I could think of all the funny things he says, but alas my mom brain has kicked into gear.

I'm thinking of trying to start teaching him to read.  He knows all his ABC's, can count to about 15, all his colors/shapes/animals/objects etc.  I noticed that he's starting to recognize words.  I don't want him to get bored, and since he's such a sponge I want to keep challenging him.  Any thoughts or tips on this?  I've read different opinions on the matter but not sure what to do.

I'm debating on going to Bloggy Bootcamp in Charlotte, NC.  Trying to figure out if it works out...lots of details to iron out. How about you, are you going?

Natalie

Teething--A Mother's Curse

So you know how our house had the sickies for like a week? We have finally survived and are in the clear. I had some friends invite us to go play at the mall play area, and I thought heck no, not with two healthy children...I will not tempt the winter germs to attack my children. Let's be honest that little play area is a cesspool of germs!

Now we're dealing with Conley's teething. When Nolan was this age, he did a lot of whining. I remember thinking if I hear one more whine I just might stuff any object in my ear to block out the sound.

Now? Well I would gladly take Nolan's whining to Conley's loud crying. It is seriously so loud! And of course with teething comes the not napping and the not sleeping well. I could live with him being awake, but as of now if he's awake he's crying with his hands stuffed in his mouth as a chewing apparatus.

I know it's just a phase, but I'm thinking wow we've only got two coming in right now, and just 18 more to go! I think I need a glass of wine...maybe two...heck just give me the whole bottle.

Thank goodness my mother-in-law is watching the boys tomorrow evening. Time for a date night with the husband---maybe some mexican food and a margarita!


Natalie

I've Got Questions, You've Got Answers!

If you read my Christmas shopping rant, you will know that I have been online way too much searching for gifts. I have also been reading review after review about products that we are in the market for buying.

It leaves my head spinning.  Can we say search overload? Yep, that's me.

Currently we are looking at buying a tablet.  We've researched about the iPad and several of their competitors...but just can't make a decision.

We want to buy a teeth whitening system, and I've read countless reviews about trays and strips...etc...etc to try to choose just one for us.

I'm in the market for a new phone and *GASP* about to enter the smart phone era.  Yes I know you can't believe it, but I have what they call a "feature" phone.  So we're looking into the iPhone 5, the Droid, Samsung, and all the other cool phones.

So my friends I am calling on all of you to give some input and shed some light on these decisions we are trying to make...because I cannot seriously read another review or search anymore or my head might explode.

I am anxiously awaiting all of your words of wisdom!

There Goes the Neighborhood

It's been awhile since I gave you guys the 411 on my new neighbors.  Remember this post about the tons of kids moving across the street?  Well obviously it's summer and school is out which means these kids are outside most of the time.  I constantly hear them out and about since like I mentioned before they play in the front yard---because the house doesn't have much of a backyard. 

Yesterday these kids knocked on my door asking for money.  That's correct---just asking for money.  They weren't selling anything just wanted $1.50 to buy a game.  I kind was in shock because the kids are very young.  I never knew how many there were until later yesterday when they knocked on my door again.  My husband answered and went outside to talk to them.  They were again asking for money, and my husband quickly said oh I'm sure your mom has money.  He then started talking to the kids and told them to be careful in the street because people are known to fly through our neighborhood (it's an older one not your standard cul-de-sac planned subdivision.)  The 8 year-old boy then replied, "Oh yeah I am supposed to be watching my 3 year-old and 4 year-old brothers because mom is on the phone inside."  He also continues to tell my husband that because his mom is on the phone the 11 year-old is making dinner again and that she has an adult body and is 5'6" (oh the things kids will say!)  So let's count here...we have a 11 year-old girl, an 8 year-old boy, a 5 year-old boy, a 4 year-old boy, and then the youngest boy at 3 years old.  I am really worried about these kids getting hit by a car especially the boys who are so little and don't know any better.  They are always in the road, and the mom is never out there watching them.  I hate to cast judgment on someone without knowing them, but seriously those little boys are too young to be outside without supervision of an adult. 

Now here's where things get a little serious.  The neighbor right next to them is an older couple with a 40 year-old son living with them.  He is of questionable character or at least that is what the other neighbors say who have lived on this street for over 15 years.  He looks creepy....and supposedly does a lot of drugs and continuously gets fired from jobs because he's always getting into physical fights with his co-workers.  I have personally never talked to the man nor do I have any intentions of doing so.  However the mom lets all of her kids go over there and play without her over there.  Sometimes it's just the youngest boys...who again are just 3 and 4.  This really worries me because I just don't trust this guy, and I would never NEVER in a million years let my children go over there to play and especially not even think about it unsupervised.  While my husband was talking to the kids, the creepy guy was driving by and slowed down because again the kids were running in the street.  He then spoke to one of the younger boys and said, "You better watch out or you'll get ran over," and my husband said that little boy had the strangest reaction to the guy.  He put his head down and was very shy--kind of embarrassed.  Guys this really worries me!  With all that goes on in our world with kids being abused, I worry about these little boys or any of these children.  I would just hate for something bad to happen one of them just because their mom is too busy doing who knows what and lets the random neighbors be her babysitter.  This is a sick world we live in and as parents we have to be on high alert.  My parenting instincts kick in, and I want to protect the innocence of these children because honestly I don't feel like this mom is looking out for her kids.  I know that sounds bad, but something is really off with this woman and her different visitors all the time and how she is always pushing her kids outside while she stays inside with these visitors.  I'm willing to give anyone the benefit of the doubt, but I must say I've not seen these kids get a lot of attention or direction which is sad because they are JUST KIDS. 

What would you do if this was going on in your neighborhood???

4 Adults, 2 Highchairs

This past weekend my friend Beth, her husband and their little boy came to visit us.  We decided when we met up for lunch or dinner we would do so at a "family friendly" restaurant.  When you have a 20 month old and an almost one year old, you never know what might happen.

The first night out we met up at Red Robin which I would definitely say is one of the most kid friendly establishments.  When approaching the hostess, we told them we had 4 adults and 2 highchairs.  They then replied, "So you have 6 people?"  Yes we do have 6 people, and 2 of them are kids.  When they finally called us up to seat us, they said, "Oh I thought you had 4 adults and two boosters....sorry we can't seat you now."  Ummmm....ok now how does that make any sense?  Wouldn't 2 highchairs be easier to have at the end of the table than having 6 seats?  Apparently, Red Robin a place that has kids running around non-stop still doesn't understand how to handle 4 adults and 2 children.

At this point, I thought it was just this one hostess that couldn't get it right.  Oh boy apparently this is an epidemic.  We then went to Mimi's Cafe for lunch the next day which again is another family friendly restaurant.  So instead of getting us a table they seat us at a booth where they think we can squeeze 2 highchairs at the end of the booth table.  Let me answer this puzzle for you, NO it does not work.  Again, this was totally the hostess's fault.  If your job is to seat people all day long, don't you think you should know how to do it?  The waiter couldn't believe they seated us here, and thankfully a nice group of ladies switched with us for a table.  We were very thankful for nice people and a thoughtful waiter and had a good meal after all the confusion.  I just didn't realize that seating 4 adults and 2 children would be rocket science...guess I'll have real fun when I add an infant to the mix!

I forgot to take any photos, but we had a great time.  It was a good weekend even with the crazy restaurant drama :)   

Hope you had a great weekend too!

Search Overload

Have you seen those commercials with the people who everytime you say a word they go into a definition or something they found on the internet?  I sometimes feel like that when I am searching for items or answers on the internet.  I'm a decent searcher, but boy do I get frustrated that after about 3 pages within my search I still can't find the answer even if I put quotations around the important words.  It really drives me bonkers when I am just looking for one answer, and I feel like I have to search within a search for hours.  It just makes my head hurt!

For example, my friend has a Baby Trend double jogging stroller that she is letting me borrow since her kids are now older.  I was trying to see if her model had an infant carrier adapter like my single BOB stroller sells.  It talks about how the tray (probably like my non-jogging Graco stroller does) can act like an adapter and hold an infant carrier.  However hers doesn't have a tray and for the life of me I can't find where you can order the tray separately or if they even do that.  I hate it when I search for a long time with no answer in sight!  I think she has the Baby Trend Expedition edition.  Do you know if they sell the trays separately?  Please let me know if they do...I figure I will have to call their customer service to get my answer.  

On another note, I bought some Krylon spray paint from Hobby Lobby yesterday.  One was for the frames for baby #2's room and one is for his name over his crib.  I am spray painting the gold frames I found on the cheap with white.  Except this spray can LEAKED ALL OVER my frames and my cardboard and newspaper I used to protect the garage floor.  I mean seriously every time I would spray a big drop would plop out.  It was so annoying!  I am definitely taking the navy back and not using it on the letters.  I am guessing it has something to do with the 360* sprayer it supposedly has---which probably just means "hey it leaks everywhere."  I will not be buying anymore Krylon spray paint that is for sure. 

Ugh so as you can see Wednesday brings my "rants" of the week!

My Friendship Soapbox

I know as we get older it is hard to keep up friendships of the past and even start new ones.  People work, have kids, and have more important issues to tend to than when we were younger.  However, we also have more technology to keep us in touch such as text, email, FB, or any other type of social media you want to use.  I know most of us prefer the call on the phone, but I also am totally ok with a good old email.  It's something I can do even with a screaming toddler (the other person doesn't even have to know!) or when I used to work the good ole 9-5 it was something I could squeeze in between my work even if it was a simple as, "How are you doing?" 

Recently, I have had a friend from way back...we're talking elementary school here folks decide that her and I would not be friends due to these reasons:

• She has never gotten over the fact that I was in her wedding and she was not in mine.

• Our mutual friend and I stay in contact more because my our friend actually calls and texts me whereas this girl hasn't called me in ages.

• She thinks I avoid her when I am in our hometown.

So here's the truth of the matter.  She got married earlier than I did.  She stayed in our hometown.  When I got married I had only 5 bridesmaids: 2 from high school, 2 from college, and 1 from my work.  She and I hadn't really talked in awhile, not because of me but because she never made the effort.  5 bridesmaids is not a huge bridal party either...we kept it small.  I also had people in the wedding from different times of my life and was close to each of them for different reasons.  I have never begrudged one of my friends because I wasn't in one of their weddings.  I feel like it is their choice (and probably less hassle and cheaper if I'm not in it)  and they can choose whomever they want without hard feelings.  But apparently, my old friend has really held this against me and not ever gotten over it.

Our mutual friend was in my wedding, and we are just naturally closer plus we stay in better contact.  After I had Nolan, she came up to visit him.  She also keeps in contact with me through texts, FB, or calls if she can find the time.     

I have visited my hometown probably less than 5 times since Nolan was born.  He's going to be two this October, so that's not a lot.  When I am there, it is for a short time so I spend most of that time with my family visiting.

I always feel like I'm the friend that is the one that makes the effort...the one who keeps the friendship going.  But as I get older, either you're in or you're out.  I don't have as much time now, so any time I have is precious.  So if you don't want to be part of it then that's fine.  I'll move on and life will continue. 

So there you have it this Monday morning, my friendship soapbox :)

The Neighbor Drama Saga Continues...

Ok so I want to start this post by stating I do not live in a the ghetto.  I live in a nice, older neighborhood about a mile out of the city limits.  It's a really nice area.  However, after I tell you this story you probably won't think so!

Last Thursday my husband came home from work and asked me if I had heard all the commotion on our street.  I said no I had been in the house, Nolan had been napping, and I was trying to get Nolan's things together so my mother-in-law could watch him for a few hours that evening.  Apparently, there were a bunch of cops at the beginning of the road.  Two houses down from mine, a 20 year old girl had been mowing the lawn when she said someone had attacked her from behind and tried to strangle her with her head phones.  They had sent a helicopter out to find the mystery guy which I remember hearing that because I said to Nolan, "Do you hear the plane?" 

Anyhow, I do not know these neighbors.  But my other neighbors who have lived on this street forever say that the woman (the mom of the 20 year old) that lives there is an alcoholic and the guy (step-father) is a complete jerk and has been reported for domestic abuse.  DRAMA-RAMA is what I say!  Then the detective drove past my husband and the other neighbors and said they didn't think the story from the girl had much validity to it since she's been known to do things like this in the past.  So basically he said she made it up...which could be true since the neighbors who were in and out of there house across the street didn't even see anything and their yards are very close.  At least I hope the story isn't true because I sure don't want to worry about getting attacked in my backyard!

Oh and by the way, my neighbors on the other end of the subdivision held a rock concert on Friday night.  Yep full stage with lights and everything.  We received no notification about this, but I did see a sign on the road saying it was a benefit for someone.  At least it was for a good cause, but the bass thumping did keep me up past midnight!

Hope your neighborhood is much quieter than mine folks :)

The Work Clock that Never Stops

After reading Ashley's post last night from the blog Happiness Is..., I really felt the need to write this post.  Basically, she talked about how in today's society people are looked down upon for wanting to leave work at a decent hour to spend time OUTSIDE of work.  Yes I know it's an unheard of concept in this country---but really we do have lives outside of work.  This really hit home with me because before I was a SAHM I worked in a corporate environment that had ZERO respect for personal lives.  Whether you have a family or not, I think everyone deserves the right to enjoy and have a life outside of work.  In my previous job, my boss and his boss would make me feel guilty for not wanting to work until 7pm or the fact that I might have plans on a Saturday.  They seriously thought our #1 priority was work and nothing else.  I'm not saying you can't be dedicated to your job, but I think we all have the right to work hard and to thoroughly enjoy our time outside of work.  And that's the oxymoron of it all---even if you aren't at work, you worry about it or feel guilty for leaving at a decent hour.  It's just very sad that we spend most our lives working for companies that could just replace us with a drop of a hat instead of being able to spend more time with family and friends.  I don't see this changing anytime soon, but I think if it did we would find that people would be happier in their lives if our livelihoods didn't revolve around a job. 

Ok that's my soapbox on this issue...please read Ashley's post because she really hit the nail on the head with her post!

The Chronicles of the House Across the Street

My neighborhood is an older one with mostly homeowners.  However, about 2 or 3 houses in the neighborhood are owned by some older owners who moved to another location but kept the houses to rent.  On my side of the subdivison, we have one house that is rented.  It happens to be the one across the street.

This house is a rather big brick house with probably about 2800 square feet if I had to guess.  So as you might imagine it can house a lot of people.  I've seen about 6 different renters throughout my 6 years of living in my house.  Let's just say some of these people have made it quite interesting being their neighbors.

*The first renters were my favorite.  It was a family with 3 kids, and they were always very nice.  Now given the always reversed their car out of their circle drive...yes you read that a right.."a circle drive" but reversed out and almost hit my mailbox EVERY.TIME.  The father did end up hitting my friend's car when she was up to visit me.  The guy totally owned up to it and his insurance paid for everything.  Still don't understand why you reverse out onto the street when you have a circle drive though...

*The next renters had several people living there...and I never quite got the connection between everyone.  However, at 3am EVERY MORNING an extremely loud muffler Mustang would come to visit.  It would wake me up every time!  I would get so tired of it because it never failed the car would be there at about 3am then leave at like 5am bumping music and starting up it's very loud muffler and engine.  I was so glad to see those renters go!

*The third set of renters were pretty interesting.  I believe it was a couple, maybe one older kid, and a mother to one of the renters.  They also reversed out of the circle drive and destroyed my newly planted mums.  We went over to show the damage, and they gave us one of their new mums to replace it.  These renters also had a repo of a vehicle on a random Sunday.  I was out in the yard killing weeds when I heard the woman yelling at the top of her lungs, "Let her get her stuff out of the car!"

*The 4th set of renters were kind of a shady lot.  They were always trying to sell us items such as a ladder from their working truck or just things you would never approach someone about selling.  They weren't there very long, and one day I noticed it seemed very quiet and no lights on.  Then at dark, the people were moving items out of the house.  They came and went a few times but came back at around midnight and that's when the drama began.  The neighbor next to this house knows the real owners and gave us the scoop.  Apparently, the renters hadn't paid any rent and were trying to sneak their stuff out.  They even blocked doors so that the actually owners of the house couldn't get it.  The owner then came by and parked his truck in front of the U-Haul so the renters couldn't leave.  It was crazy!

*The 5th set of renters were very quiet, and I didn't see much of them.  Now that's my kind of neighbor!  Their cars weren't loud, and they didn't wake me up at odd hours.  However, my husband just came in the house from talking to our other neighbors and said that the man renting the house was staying there with his mistress!  So the reason they moved out is because he decided to get back with his wife.  What reality show am I on?  CRAZY!

*The new renters showed up yesterday with TWO MINIVANS of kids.  Not sure if everyone will be living there, but the kids ranged from 3 to like 12.  I think I counted 7 kids plus two women.  Now yes I am a mom and have a child and one on the way, but I still think to myself , "Oh my, what is this going to be like?"  The problem with this house is they don't have a backyard so everything always goes on in the front yard.  Let's just keep our fingers crossed and hope for the best, shall we?

Stay tuned because I'm sure I'll have more!

A Rant on Home Improvements

My husband and I have completed a lot of home improvement while living in our house for the past 6 years.  We first redid the kitchen---new tile floor to replace the linoleum, new honey maple cabinets to replace the white stock ones, new back splash, and of course new paint to replace the hideous green color that once covered the walls.  We built a huge deck to replace our relatively small square one.  We redid our guest bathroom that was almost painted white, ugly floors, and a pedestal sink.  We painted it a green/grey color, put in a new vanity with a new mirror, and replaced it with a really neat green and brown earthy tile.  Now we did all these ourselves, but we've also hired people to do jobs as well.

And here's where my rant comes in...I know you were just wanting to know!  We paid to have our cathedral ceiling and living room painted.  That went pretty well with no issues.  We replaced our roof the first time (we had hail damage and had to do it again a year later) and that went pretty smoothly.  But when it came to getting our hardwood floors refinished, we ran into some issues...and there are definitely some spots that I was unhappy with at completion.  But at that time I was 8 months pregnant and ready for it to just be done.  Then we had our deck painted after we finished building it.  We had to call the crew to come back to fix several spots they just missed painting.  They also almost didn't start the job due to the fact we had asked for them to sand out some rough spots.  Seriously?  It was pretty crazy, and the day they were supposed to start they didn't because of this issue.  I was probably almost 9 months pregnant at this time.  I kept thinking can't we catch a break? 

Now we are having new siding put on our house.  And here we go again!  We went through Lowe's and then of course they contract it out to someone they use.  This is where the fun begins.  Some of our materials are missing and some are the wrong color.  We told the contractor...we told the Lowe's guy...we've told the crew.  Guess what they put up yesterday?  The wrong color!  The contractor blames Lowe's, Lowe's guy says he didn't know we didn't get the right color and that the contractor never told him, and the crew says that the contractor actually told them to go ahead and use the wrong color.  Does the contractor think we are going to drop this kind of cash and not say anything?  Um, no!  We want it done right, and they are the professionals.  Why is it always a struggle to have someone take responsibility of the job instead of playing the blame game on everyone involved?  So at this point it looks like the contractor is lying since the crew and the Lowe's guy are telling the same story.  So at this moment they are still putting up the wrong color---and we can't get a hold of the contractor.  But we did talk to the Lowe's guy, and he says he is going to take care of it. 

Is it to much to ask to have someone to do their job?  It would be like when I was working in the finance industry and someone thought they had a certain financial product but instead it was totally different.  Of course you can't do that!  So why can't it be the same with home improvements?  Why does it seem more stressful to hire someone to do the work than when you actually do it yourself?  You would think if you were doing the hard work yourself that it would be more stressful, but actually I have found it worse when we are hiring someone else.

Do you have the same problem?  Is it to much to ask for someone to do the job right the first time?