Love and Marriage

Life isn't a sprint, it's a marathon.   

That's my take on forty years of marriage.  There are a lot of other sayings that provide advice and insight to marriage.  Don't go to bed mad.  Don't sweat the small stuff.  Choose your battles.  Great advice and certainly something to keep in the back of your mind.  However, the sprint vs. marathon concept is one I try to remember daily.  Marriage isn't about the finish line, it's about the journey.  Sometimes the terrain is flat, it's easy to keep right on moving.  Time flies, everyone's happy.  But sometimes, the trek is uphill.  You get tired, your shoes are worn and you're ready to quit.  That's when you have to remember to pace yourself, catch your breath, put one foot in front of the other and keep on moving.  And when the person next to you stumbles, you stop and help.  You lift them up, help them find their footing and you walk side by side until you're both ready to run again.  It's not a sprint, so take your time.  Stop and smell the flowers, sit for a moment.  Run when you can and crawl when you must.  Just make sure that you haven't left anyone behind.  That's how you win the race, by crossing the finish line together. 

If you make it to forty years of marriage, you've figured that out.  For those of us that are just starting the race, we have to be reminded of it every once in a while.  And for those that haven't met the love of their lives yet, they need to have something to reference when times get hard, it starts to rain and the finish line seems so far away. 

Happy Anniversary Mom.  Happy Anniversary Dad.  I'm sorry I can't be there to hug you in person, but know that my thoughts have been with you all day!

Bluebell, MS

I'd like to move to Bluebell, Mississippi.  Actually, I may prefer Mystic Falls, Virginia.  Of course, there's always Chance Harbor, Washington.  Maybe I should just stick with New York City. 

I'm sure that moving won't cure my addition to CW shows, but it's worth a shot.  I'd love to be Damon's neighbor.  I'm sure all of the boys wouldn't mind it either.

If you're not watching Heart of Dixie, Ringer, Vampire Diaries or the Secret Circle, you should tune in.  If vampires and magic aren't your thing, you can't go wrong with the Heart of Dixie.  I'm just waiting for the evening that we'll have time to catch up on them all.  Maybe after Christmas.

If you build it, they will come.

That's the quote that Jeff used on me when I was wavering about opening the studio.  Since we're busier than ever this holiday season, I guess he was right.  Isn't that always the case, though? 

Anyway, it's the same quote I used on him when I found a DIY project for him to build.  The "name brand" version of the project was going to cost $600 and that was just too much out of my studio budget this year.  So when someone posted a DIY version, I thought it was worth a shot.  Unfortunately, I can't build a thing, so the project was laid on Jeff. 

About 15 minutes later, viola!  A king size soft box.  Hi Key pictures will never be the same again!  And the final cost.....$78!!!!

I know I've said thanks a million times, but just in case I'll do it again.  Thank you Jeff!

The Season

Christmas.  The day we celebrate the birth of Jesus, enjoy time with family and friends and exchange tokens of love and appreciation.  When we were kids, Thanksgiving weekend kicked off the Christmas season.  Sales ran the week or two before Christmas.  Holiday lights brightened neighborhoods from mid-December until New Years weekend.  Advent calenders were the only way to countdown to Christmas and they only listed 25 days.  Black Friday was normal, day off of work, sleep off the abundance of food you consumed the day before Friday.  Somewhere along the way, that all changed.  I blame it on the Cabbage Patch Kids. 

But really, it was a simpler time.  Wow, I sound like Grandma Ray.  Now, Christmas season starts showing its face when back to school season ends.  Long before we trick or treat, the plastic pumpkins are have been replaced with shiny bulbs, a rainbow of Christmas trees and baby's first Christmas personalized stocking/hat/diaper cover/bib/socks/teddy bear/onsie.  And you can buy  matching one for mom.

Unfortunately, I think it makes some of us immune to the season.  Pretty soon, there will be Santa blow ups in yards as the tulips bloom.  My only hope is that as the boys grow up and start traditions of their own, they remember the reason for the season and that the season isn't supposed to start until Thanksgiving!

PS.  Who buys this stuff?  Really, a 20 foot blow up snowman?

300

Can I just take a minute to say how excited I am to have made it to day 300?  The good news - I've made it without skipping a day.  The bad news - there are only 59 days until Christmas and I haven't even started shopping!  It was fitting that on day 300, the annual arrival of the blacks occured and the sound was defening.  I'm not sure that I was able to count them all, but there were definitely at least 300 of them.  However since I didn't know they'd grace me with their presense today, I had wanted to share what I learned today.

Significant 300's

July 2011 - Midland, Texas hits the 300th consecutive day without rain.
April 1930 - St Louis Cardinals are the first team to start the season with all 8 starters batting .300 or better.
March 2007 - The movie 300 is released in theaters.  It grossed $70,000,000 its opening weekend, breaking the record for biggest opening weekend in the month of March.
October 2006 - US Census releases report estimating the US population has reached 300 million.
November 1998 - Eddystone Lighthouse, Britain's first automated lighthouse, celebrates its 300th birthday.
June 1844 - John W. Jones and four companions began their 300 mile journey from Virgina to New York to escape slavery and live free.
October 1955 - The Chrysler C300 makes it's debut.
September 2010 - McDonald's celebrates the opening of the 300th Ronald McDonald House.
September 1935 - Malcolm Campbell is the first driver to reach a speed exceeding 300 mph.

Can You See Me?

The rain will be here at any moment and along with it the colder temperatures.  It's only going to be a high of 49 on Friday so here's to the band performance being cancelled.  Just kidding, I would have sat in frigid temps (with my Alaskan winter hat) to see them play.  But I digress.  It's getting colder and my time with the little ones outside will come to a rapid halt.  I love the wild life, but am only willing to stand outside with a camera when it's warm.  So here's the last (or one of the last) pictures of the critters....the one that was playing hide and seak with me in the grass this morning.

The Handsome Ones...again!

I love to see the boys all dressed up.  It rarely happens on the same day, usually it's only for the banquet (which is underway, but that's another blog!) or a wedding.  But today, it was a band concert for W and senior pictures for H.  H lucked out, no tie for him today.  Did I mention that W had a band concert?  It was the shortest concert on record, three songs.  Just long enough for W to complain about the tie.

I Tried Again

Again, I spent most of the morning outside this morning trying to capture a picture of Mr. Cardinal.  He hangs around the deck, talks to me all morning but once I get my camera, he takes off.  And not for a minute, but for the rest of the day.  I used to think it was coincidence, but after w whole summer and fall playing this game, I think not.  So while I was waiting, I tried to catch some of our other neighbors.

Have the Hose Handy?

Every wonder what happens in the Thomas home when we are trying to finish up weeks of yard clearing and brush removal?  A fire.  A huge fire.  One that lasts all day and takes two of us to keep up with.  One of the benefits of living outside the city?  All of the neighbors to it too.  One more weekend has passed and we're finally starting to see progress.  Just in time for the actual bonfire. 

Progression

Allergies.  Sinus infection.  Bronchitis. 

That's the progression.  Thankfully, it seems to be only me that goes through the entire cycle.  W generally only has allergies.  H has a flair up occasionally.  Jeff, well he's the lucky one of the group.   So I'm now on my second round of antibiotics and no one else in the house is even sneezing anymore.  Normally I would complain about how unfair it is.  But in this case, I would much prefer it be me than any of them. 

Cup o' Joe

Coffee - the nectar of the Gods.  Just a few years ago, you couldn't pay me enough to drink a cup.  I'm thoroughly convinced that's because there wasn't a Starbucks on every corner.  Starbucks - the company that changed the world.  Well, at least my world.  I started with an occasional Mocha.  That turned into a daily cup of chocolately, Colombian goodness at home.  Then came my Keurig.  It has lead to multiple cups of java throughout the day (especially now that fall is here!).  Nothing beats that afternoon treat, especially since I can sneak in some of the flavors that Jeff detests.  Today it was Pumpkin Spice.  Tomorrow will be a cappuccino and by Sunday I'll have broke out the Glazed Chocolate Doughnut.  Did I mention that I love my coffee.  My how my tastes have changed!

Wow, Already?

Yes, I knew the time would come.  Did I think it would be today?  Nope, not a chance!  Since the first semester of the school hasn't even ended, I didn't expect to order his cap and gown this week.  While it's a little early and unexpected, we'll have a great time this weekend putting it all together.  It's such an exciting time!

The Better Half

I love this picture.  I took it a few weeks ago at the park and I'll remember that afternoon forever.  Not because it as anything that spectacular.  Jeff had joined me at the park for a family and 2 year old portrait session.  He carried equipment, made silly faces at the 2 year old, entertained the parents, carried more equipment, tested light...you get the picture.  He did it with a smile on his face and never thought twice about staying home instead.  Did I mention it was the night before we left for Alaska and the Buckeyes were on TV?  That's just the kind of guy he is.  I don't even have to ask.  Neither do H or W.  It's comforting to always know that he's there, especially when life's so hectic that I often forget to say thanks. 

So now you know some of his secrets...and why I'm saddened that he leaves tomorrow for yet another trip to Texas.  Life is certainly better when he's home. 

Happy Birthday to Me (again!)

See what happens when I spend the day with a three year old?  This was my dress up "bow" for my birthday party.  We dressed like princesses, had puzzle piece cookies and opened gifts wrapped in newspaper.  We played the match game a hundred times.  I was the only one that didn't get a nap afterwards, but I probably needed one the most.  I had a great time at my party....but I'm to old to have any more birthdays.  Thank goodness I have teenagers!

Zoe

Thorns may hurt you, men desert you, sunlight turn to fog; but you're never friendless ever, if you have a dog. - Douglas Mallock

The only thing comparable to looking into the eyes of your sick child is looking into the eyes of your sick puppy and not knowing what is wrong.  Zoey has been ill for days and a vet visit was a must.  It's amazing how worried you can be, the lengths you will go to and the price you will pay to make sure that a "furry" child is happy and healthy. 

Thankfully, Zoey is home tonight and on the mend.  She'll be on a tea and toast diet for a bit, on medication for a little longer too but it's definitely better than we expected.

To All My Boys

I'm looking forward, to the upcoming week, hoping that it doesn't have as many events that leave me at a loss for words as the last week has.  Unfortuantely, if tonight is any indication, I'm thinking that won't be the case.  So instead of a long story, a stunning picture or a witty remark....I just want to take a minute to tell all three of the boys how much we love them.  The upcoming year is  going to be a long one, one of change and growth for everyone in the family.  It's a year like this that makes us all stonger....individually and as a family.  I love you guys!

Good Night Moon

It has been said that all good things must come to an end.  I'm sure the originator of the quote was trying to comfort a child after a day at the fair.  Or maybe it was a husband trying to comfort his wife after returning from vacation.  But truthfully, it's a useless saying.  Is there really any comfort in it?  Why must good things come to an end?  If it's really good, why can't it last forever? 

That was my thought today when MLM (formally known as CincyMoms) was permanently taken offline.  It's the end of an era for us.  When you work from home, "virtual" friends are an amazing experience.  Twenty four hours a day, seven days a week, I could log in and find a friend with an answer to a question, moral support or someone to just gab with.  I met friends, colleagues and clients over the last four years.  We've gotten homework help, professional referrals (did I mention I love our new plumber!) and the opportunity to meet some outstanding people.  If it weren't for MLM, I wouldn't have seen Alaska through the eyes of a native.  I wouldn't know the best over the counter medication for poison ivy.  I would never have tried a nettie pot or found some of our favorite recipes (and I still have lots to try!).  And I certainly wouldn't have know what the online definition is of a train wreck.

I will miss each moment of it.  But most of all, I will miss the community of woman that laughed together, cried together, supported one another and came together as one when anyone needed them.  It was a pleasure and an honor to be one of the many wonderful people that made up CincyMoms.

So again I must ask....why do all good things have to come to an end?

Senior Night

"Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened." - Dr. Seuss

I have been sitting here for an hour, staring at the picture, trying to find words.  Unfortunately, I just don't have any.  Maybe one day I will.  Maybe one day I'll be able to find words to describe a heart so full it could burst, yet breaking at the same time.  Probably not.  But hopefully one day the boys will get to experience the same feeling, because there's nothing like it.  I love you H.  Thanks for letting me stand beside you on such a special night.

Fall

Ah, the flavors of fall.  Definitely my favorite season of the year.  Unfortunately, it doesn't last that long.  The warm colors as the sun peaks through orange and yellow leaves.  Smoke drifting out of the chimney and the smell of soup wafting through the house.  The two most beautiful weeks of the year...if we're lucky!  Soon the temperatures will drop and the snow will fall...banishing Fall for another year.  So I'm enjoying it while I can...starting with the potato soup.

Ick!

W's million dollar fish tank.  It seems that we can't go a few days or more without some sort of problem, imbalance, disease, etc. in the tank.  Unfortunately, the affected fish is his shark.  In an effort to heal it, Jeff and I spent the majority of "date night" at the pet store, searching for an answer.  No such luck.  Nobody seems to have any idea whats getting to the shark.  Twenty dollars worth of medication later, we're hoping to save Jaws and maybe gt a week or two of peace from what was supposed to be a soothing and relaxing tank.  Wish us luck!

PS.  Happy Birthday Aunt Shell....we'll celebrate on Friday :)

Our Family Friend

I had to borrow a picture tonight.  Unfortunately, an exciting night of Zumba has made my arms to sore to lift my camera.  In fact, typing is a little painful.  But anything worth having is worth working for right?  I'm sure H and W may be breaking into the bottle soon since they had baseball tonight too.  Actually, it may be empty by the time the nights out since Jeff is still working out some sore muscles after the fence building project. 

This week I learned that UC has the patent on Benedryl.  What I'd really like to know is who has the patent on Advil so I can thank them...often.

Third and Final

The University of Cincinnati was our final college stop.  The visits are complete, now comes the hard part....applications, essays, letters of recommendation, transcripts and test scores.  This visit was a little different though.  H loved it from the minute we parked the car - probably a little before that.  He's been planning on UC since he was a freshman.  The buildings, the dorms, the people, the programs...he loves them all.  So now the fun begins.  Only time will tell where he will end up.  But today, he looks a little more like a Bearcat.

Time?

The theme of this weeks photography contest is time.  Quite an interesting topic.  Time - it's the one thing that you can't hold, see, touch or buy.  It's more valuable than gold, more precious than diamonds and irreplaceable.  Once it's gone, it's lost.

So it took me a few days to figure out my entry...here it is.  It doesn't show the time we've lost, the time we've enjoyed or the time that we will cherish forever.  That's up to us to remember.  So this is just a reminder of how "fast" it can go .... spend it wisely.

Visit #2

O-H-I-O.  Yes, they taught us the "verbal handshake" during the introduction to The Ohio State University.  H and I sat silently, making me wonder if he can suppress his maize and blue blood long enough to say yes to the Buckeyes.  Overall, it was a great visit.  Whether you're a fan or not, you can't help but be moved by the history and beauty of the campus.  The oval, Mirror Lake, the stairs to nowhere...all inspiring sites.  And it's H's kind of college.  An outstanding academic program meets the social scene H lives for.  In fact, he liked it so much that OSU has bumped Ohio University from it's number two choice.  I wonder if they'll let him take his Michigan comforter?

Step One...Done.

Two days worth of work, but it's all done.  Step one in the Thomas landscaping plan is complete.  Too bad we have fifteen or twenty more.  Jeff took two days off to get the fence done.  Remind me never to ask for that again.  We're both sore and tired.  Did I mention we're sore?  I'm sure we'll work out most of the sore walking around Ohio State tomorrow.  The only question that remains is how long until the blood blister on my finger heals?  One of the hazards of hitting it with a hammer.

It's Survivor Night!

The title says it all.  Twenty plus seasons and we're still going strong.  Dinner and Survivor with Jeff, Mark and I.  It's routine now.  Heaven help us if they ever cancel the show.  Have to go now, it's time for tribal council!

The Apple of My Eye

Today, the world lost a true visionary.  Steve Jobs has been a household name for most of my lifetime.  He gave us Apple, Mac, Pixar (more importantly, Toy Story) and the Ipod.  He was the largest individual shareholder of the Walt Disney Company.  His work and visions have shaped technology for a generation...my generation.  His creations and ideas have laid the foundation for decades to come.  H wants to be a part of that.  He couldn't follow in better footsteps.

“Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle. As with all matters of the heart, you’ll know when you find it. And, like any great relationship, it just gets better and better as the years roll on. So keep looking until you find it. Don’t settle.” - Steve Jobs (2005)

Not for Everyone

There are some jobs out there that just aren't for everyone.  For me, any job that includes blood, fast cars, or dead animals/people are out of the question.  W will never take a job that requires a suit and tie.  H will never work in fast food...it's just not for him.  Jeff - he'll never take a job that requires excessive travel, retail or childcare (he loves kids, just not parents!).  He'll definitely never take a job involving heights.  So no, you will never catch him doing this...

Four trees gone, several more ash trees to go.  The emerald ash borer has struck and our yard is full of ash trees.  Looks like we'll have to start planting oaks soon to make up for it!  

The One that Started It All

Pumpkins - they just scream Fall.  When the boys were little, we carved them.  By eighth grade, we were searching for the perfect one for the pumpkin catapult.  Today, we search for ways to remove their vines from the front yard.  You could call them Jeff's nemesis.  Imagine my surprise when he decided to bring a few home.

The blog is supposed to detail current events so the boys don't forget them when they're older.  But some old stories are worth repeating and they should also be recorded so no one forgets.  This is one of my favorites.

H was in 8th grade and we had searched for the perfect sized pumpkins for the school pumpkin catapult competition.  They had to be perfect, not too big and not too small.  H knew that with the right pumpkins, his team would win.  Unfortunately, the competition had more to do with the catapult than the little orange missiles so his team didn't win.  But he did come home with 2-3 extra pumpkins that didn't get shot and splat.  Those pumpkins sat on the front porch until the first frost...maybe a little longer.  At least once a week, Jeff and I would ask H to throw them away.  By the time H got around to getting rid of them, they were so mushy that they were about 20 minutes at 350 degrees away from pie.  So to avoid carrying them too far, H threw them in the front yard, hoping they would disintegrate into nothingness.  And they did...until summer.  It was June or July when we began to notice the strange vines climbing out of the grass and into the yard...then into the flower bed...then into the walkway...then across the stairs.  The prettiest blooms came next, followed by a half a dozen pumpkins.  Jeff wanted to rid the yard on several occasions, but H and I stood guard.  We protected them until they were old enough to catapult.  After the season, Jeff made sure they were gone...never to return. 

So when Jeff brought home the little darlings last week, H laughed.  He vowed to toss them in yard when Jeff wasn't looking so that they'd bloom and grow next fall.  Next fall, when H is away at college.  He'll be far enough away that he won't be able to hear Jeff scream when he finds them.

Dark Side of the Moon

Most movies leave me glad they're over.  Not that I don't enjoy each and every one, but they've told the story.  They have a beginning a middle and an end.  Once I see a happy ending, I'm all set.  There are a few movies that leave me just wanting more.  Most of them are "boy" movies and the list topper is Transformers.  I love them!  I told Jeff today that we needed to add a shelf to the theater room with all of them on it, just so I can admire them.  The boys would definitely agree.  Maybe it's living with the abundance of testosterone, maybe it's the action and special effects.  But it's probably the cool cars!

Love and Marriage

It's the first of October and it definitely feels like it!  There is a chill in the air and clouds in the sky.  You've gotta love fall in Ohio.  With only a few free Saturdays available to us, we decided to take W and Daniel to Old West Fest today to see the sights.  Minus the wind and rain, it was a great outing.  Daniel told me what happens at West fest stays at West Fest.  Unfortunately, I just can't let that happen.  I mean, how many times do you see your 14 year old receive a marriage proposal?  When W gave a quick no response, Daniel jumped right in with a yes.  They spent the rest of the visit hanging out with his new wife.  The honeymoon came to a quick end when we all decided it was just too cold to make it any longer!