♫ Girls Will Be Girls

Dear men...we are very reliable, predictable creatures, us girls. And there are certain things we promise you we will always do. Of course we come in different flavors, so each has their own extreme. But please carefully note the following:

*We’ll always have that one friend, or two, that drive you insane. And no matter how much of a frenemy they are, they’ll probably never go away.
*We’ll always be insanely insecure mid-fight. Like, we’re angry at you, but not angry enough to let you think about walking out that door, just in case Jenny McCarthy is waiting on the other side.
*We’ll always like chick-flicks, even if we don’t outwardly admit it.
*We’ll always be tired at the most inopportune times.
*We’ll always keep you waiting. Even the lowest maintenance girl you can find, is going to keep you waiting for an important event.
*We’ll always cry at the most inopportune times.
*We’ll always have that once a month celebration, until we don’t, and then you’ll miss it. Because we get more evil.
*We'll always be independent, and completely indecisive and dependent equally.
*We’ll always nag you. Babe…it’s Wednesday…did you remember?
*We’ll always remember. Everything. Every. Little. Thing.

On the bright side…

*We’ll always laugh at your jokes
*We’ll always make you look good in front of your friends, and especially your family
*We’ll always take care of you. And your babies.
*We’ll always appreciate you, even though we’re not always good at voicing it.
*We’ll always be your best friend, despite the friends in our lives.
*We’ll always be up for anything. Except when we have headaches.
*We’ll always forgive you. Even if we never forget
*We’ll always love you. Once a woman loves, she never lets go.

…because we’re girls. That’s why.

Yours Truly,
Nomz

♥Miscellaneous Stuffs

~ I've spent a lot of time this past week thumbing through the memories I have kept safe in my brain. It's the most fun, just giggling over past inside jokes, experiences and epic adventures. Seeing who I was then, who I've become and wondering where this current adventure will take me truly makes it easier to see the silver lining.

~ This just in: the most annoying kid's shows, which will make your eye twitch compulsively, are: Barney; he has bewitching powers, I just know it. The Wiggles; the whole fake gunslinger act? *twitch*. Martha Speaks; the whole idea is pretty cool, badly executed, though. Soon-to-be-first-time-parents, beware! COOL kid's shows are: Sesame Street: you can never beat classic, people! Yo Gabba Gabba: "Listening and dancing to music IS AWESOME!" and Jack Black is the besssst. Lazy Town: I just love the music they play!

~ It's apparent you're a parent when you talk in third person, even when without Facebook status updates.

~ Ponder this: A day without sunshine is like night. He who laughs last, thinks slowest. The early bird gets the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese in the trap. Change is inevitable, except from vending machines. Okay, so whats the speed of dark? <--- this was brought to you by my favorite newspaper article, Misc. II

~ I've got teh spreeng feverz (and it has nothing to do with cleaning, thank God). Symptoms are as follows: glancing at every tree to see any sign of budding, breaking out the flip flops, desire for lighter hair color, and last but not least, cute little bird's nest rings! Yes, yes I made it all on my own. :)

~ Last night, I bought a movie for Malachi: Milo & Otis. But, after watching only half of it, I'm beginning to wonder if it was the right decision. Is the rumor of animals being hurt or killed during the filming true??! Because it very well could be and I don't want my boy to be wrought with distress over the well-being of the fuzzy little friends..... okay, okay, this is all about my fear. Anyone know?!

~ If you haven't read the blog and watched the video Nomz posted, 25 Facebook things... Effin' Facebook, I suggest you do! It's hilarious.

~ Easter is coming up and I want to make a cutesie little basket for Mal. What do you think, is 2 too young to appreciate one? As far as my upbringing goes (and what I plan on teaching Mal), the Easter Bunny is not apart of the holiday. Instead, we focus on the Resurrection and God's mercy through Christ's sacrifice. However, it's absolutely FUN to hunt for eggs (man, oh man, I wish they had epic egg hunts for adults!!), gorge yourself on chocolate and peeps and wear pretty new dresses. As long as the main reason for the season is not lost on material things.

~ I've just begun the seventh Harry Potter book. Why can't they keeeep goiiiiing?! I'm not ready to end the adventure.

♫ Random Monday: 3/29/10

…Because what would a Monday be without randomness?

*I’ve got quite the Monday tradition going. First, I say goodbye to my guy in the mornings…and make the choice to continue this long distance thing. It’s getting soooo old. But I love having someone to miss! ♥ THEN, I come to work, then I eat with my favorite girls: Girl Lunch Monday, then I work some more, then I blog. Random Mondays. So…here we are.

*I got my girls a new toy box this weekend. It’s pink and green, and can hold up to 120 pounds. Which tells me that the people that designed it, had a kid in mind. Because you know the toys are going to get dumped out, and the kid is going to create the best hiding place ever in it. It also created a buzz about cleaning their room, which was heavenly. After we were done, my youngest frolicked off (literally), and said: Mamma, thank you so much! My room is so excited to be clean!. She’s definitely my kid.

*I posted this on Twitter…and I’m reiterating it for those that don’t hang out on that side of the internet’s: “I suppose if somebody is good at stirring the pot, you've got to learn not to hand them the spoon...”. If you read my blog, my Facebook, or my Twitter for the mere fact of using it against me, I’m taking away your spoon. You’re grounded.

*It’s supposed to be spring-like weather, all the way until Thursday night. I can handle that. Of course, sky, when you give me a snow-filled weekend, I’ll be back to shaking my fist at you…and making it Facebook official that I don’t appreciate your choices.

*I plan on getting alone time tonight. Let me rephrase that: I am savoring alone time tonight. Probably something flavored like pillowcase shopping. I live LOUDLY people.

*We all need help sometimes. Every single one of us. But I’m really frustrated with people that aren’t self sufficient. Of course I take that to the extreme by hating asking for help ever…but when you thrive off of every other person and never rely on your own two feet, especially by the almost 30 age…it’s time to grow a pair. Of wings. Or balls. Or whatever.

*I’m struggling with a diet. I just can’t help it when people lure me in with Butter Burgers, Icecream, Chinese Food, and French Fries. At least you can’t call me racist.

*I am a people person. And I love it. But Sandra Bullock in The Blind Side, puts me to shame. I want to be that bold every single day. I’m going to work on that.

*Go see How to Train Your Dragon. It’s the cutest movie I’ve seen in a long time. And my girls (under the age of 5) both loved it.

*Pictures:

#1. She’s a tractor mechanic in the making.



#2. She’s still debating it.



Quote:

"When you judge another, you do not define them, you define yourself."

Song: Carrie Underwood - Temporary Home



Question of the Day:

Do you believe in the Easter Bunny?

Yours Truly,
Nomz

♫ 25 Things...Effin Facebook

I'm here, sheepishly admitting that I learned something from my dad on Facebook today. Ok, not learned...but discovered. It's sort of a big deal that he's on Facebook to begin with, and he wrote his first microblog note today! Sigh...so proud.

Plus, he's got the best profile picture evarrrrrr.



Yes, that really is him.


Anyway, so I'm stalking his profile, and find this video. And almost died laughing. Because every single point this guy makes is soooo true, and yet we continue to do it!

Seriously, if you're on Facebook, this is going to be the best 4 minutes and 9 seconds of your life.

25 Things I Hate About Facebook by Julian Smith



Yours Truly,
Nomz

♫ Now I lay me down to sleep...

"Now I lay me down to sleep,
I pray the Lord my soul to keep;
Guard me Jesus through the night,
And wake me with the morning light."

It's happening again. The nightmares are back. I got about four months without them, and they're back, rearing their ugly heads. Every single night, in color, and very, very real. I wake up shaking, crying, screaming, every single night around 3am. I say again, because I blogged on it in October: Nightmares 101.

I've taken all of my own advice. I've prayed. I've researched it some more. And I just don't get it. It's usually the same one over and over, my kids are taken from me and I have absolutely no control over it. I actually fully understand what an anxiety attack is...there are nights I can't breathe.

If I rewrite the dream, and calm myself down enough to go back to sleep, rare, another big fear will come in to play. Last night I lost my little brother to a tornado.

I'm curious, mamma's especially, is this normal? Is it because my girls are actually getting old enough and busy enough for me to panic about? Or are these vivid nightmares something I need to get help for?

My nightly routine:

Go to bed, sleep hard, wake up around 3am in some sort of emotional fit. Pray hard, turn on the music, and think myself back to sleep. Last night, this song came on. Amazing words.



"He makes me lie down in green pastures: He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul."
Dear Jesus, please make them stop.

Yours Truly,
Nomz

♥ What makes beautiful?

Inspired by *gulp* Jessica Simpson and her new show 'The Price of Beauty', I thought I'd explore a little of the subject. My question: what makes beautiful?

Beauty is Physical: According to a few sites I explored, the physical is (obviously) prominent in what makes one beautiful. Symmetrical features, the look of fertility, strength and health are all at the top of the list when it comes to beauty. Oddly enough, this facet of beauty which is focused on more than any others, is the one that fades quickest. Why? Because, I believe, it teaches us to hold other qualities more fiercely.

Beauty is Morale: Living by a set standard and working to keep those principles in everyday life is a beauty that can stand alone. To know where certain boundaries lie, to keep within them and live a life that can have balance and conviction- that is the beginning of beauty.

Beauty is Kindness and Humility: Ever see a man or woman blessed beyond most with the gene of superior beauty only to find it swept away with the wind the moment they open their mouth and spill out a rude comment? Physical beauty won't mean a thing if your insides are rotten and spoiled. On the other hand, kindness makes one more appealing.

Beauty is Confidence: I cannot begin to list the friends I have who are not size 2 or 4 or 10 that are drop dead gorgeous because they love who they are and they love the skin they've been given. In the end, I look up to them more than any other, because I want to love myself the way they love themselves. They realize that they are one of a kind, there is no other like them, their beauty will never be copied. That sort of thinking is infectious, isn't it?

Beauty is Standing For Something: When a man or woman stands.for.something. It is attractive, beautiful, inspiring. "If you don't stand for something, you'll fall for anything." It shows confidence, intellect, conviction.

Beauty is In The Word Softly Spoken: Because, as we all know: a softly spoken word turns away wrath. Having the presence to know when to speak, how to speak and exactly what to say to the most distraught or angry soul is admirable. Eloquence is something people need more of. Strong words don't necessarily reflect a strong character, it simply reflects lack thereof.

Beauty is Optimism: When the clouds are looming with their hulk-like stature, threatening to rain on any and every parade and party and that ray of sunshine comes bursting through like the timely hero, the day is saved every time. Want to be beautiful? Choose to see the ray of sun in every storm.

Beauty Cannot Be Defined: Are you brunette? Blonde? Tall? Short? Slim? Curvy? Do you have green, gray, brown or blue eyes? Do you take pride in your profile or the height of your cheekbones? Would you never trade your stomach, your petite ears, your lips? You are you and there is none like you. This is beauty! How can one snowflake be compared to another? They are unique and exquisite unto themselves. And so are we. Are you just so happy with your singing voice? Do you cherish your talent for writing? Have people consistently commented on your domestic skillz? Can you memorize poems and quotes with little effort? Do your happy, healthy and brilliant children mirror the work you've put into them? Can more than one stranger or friend attest to your generosity and desire to bless? Have you lent a shoulder for tears, your laughter for joy in another's good fortune? This is beauty!

Beauty is YOU: Tell us what you think makes beautiful!

"You are a marvel. You are unique. In all the years that have passed there has never been another child like you. Your legs, your arms, your clever fingers, the way you move. You may become a Shakespeare, a Michelangelo, a Beethoven. You have the capacity for anything. Yes, you are a marvel." -Pablo Casals ♥

♫ My socks match my shoes, and I like it

Clue: My shoes and my socks match according to this drawing, and they happen to match exactly to what I am. Clue: I'm not a slut.

I also apparently need some more spice, or slut, in my closet. Woot!

If you guess what I am, you get 10 points.

If you're any form of interested in this madness, and want to read something cool, you'll click here instead: Bootstrap Confidential

Yours Truly,
Nomz

♥Kill The Bill

Slightly contrary to what Nomz says, I don't have a whole lot to say on the whole health care issue. Uhh, mainly because I wasn't able to read the entire two-thousand page bill and also because I'm not quite sure how it will affect me. But, there are some things that make me a little nervous: it's not puffery, the government is getting too big. Since when are they allowed to say whether or not a person must have insurance? So what if I have some little cold or infection? What of I believe in alternate medicine? <--- No, I don't mean "the pot". Take, for instance, my mom. She's a healthy woman, has never had a major issue (besides childbirth, I guess) and does not have health insurance because she would be paying for something that she didn't need. From this point forward, it will be illegal for her to choose to opt out of insurance. From what I hear, this specific issue will probably be appealed-- and just might lose in light of the 14th Amendment: "No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States...."

Don't be fooled, nothing is free. Wanna know why the English have such a bad rap for their teeth? (They have gorgeous teeth, actually, this is just an example.) It's because when they went to free health care, the doctors were paid by the government on a per patient basis. Which meant: the more patients, the more money they earned. Which also meant: more time spent on one set of bad teeth, less money earned. Which meant: either just pull the bad teeth or don't offer serviced to said patient. It's a vicious circle.

If there are 253 votes in the House and bribes, deals and finagling are needed to get 219 votes, what does that say about the bill? Why can't people think for themselves? If this is such an important thing for the American People, why didn't we get to vote on it?

According to CBS, "Health care reform, if it passes, will cost about $1 trillion over the next 10 years. Negotiators in the Senate and House are now saying they've winnowed the cost down to "only" $900 billion or so. Where will that money come from? Look in the mirror." As if we need any more debt....

Here is a list from Little gems from the Health Care Bill, just some points that are neither liberal or conservative- just facts:

• Page 16: States that if you have insurance at the time of the bill becoming law and change, you will be required to take a similar plan. If that is not available, you will be required to take the gov option!
• Page 22: Mandates audits of all employers that self-insure!
• Page 29: Admission: your health care will be rationed!
• Page 30: A government committee will decide what treatments and benefits you get (and, unlike an insurer, there will be no appeals process)
• Page 42: The "Health Choices Commissioner" will decide health benefits for you. You will have no choice. None.
• Page 50: All non-US citizens, illegal or not, will be provided with free healthcare services.
• Page 58: Every person will be issued a National ID Healthcard.
• Page 59: The federal government will have direct, real-time access to all individual bank accounts for electronic funds transfer.
• Page 65: Taxpayers will subsidize all union retiree and community organizer health plans (example: SEIU, UAW and ACORN)
• Page 72: All private healthcare plans must conform to government rules to participate in a Healthcare Exchange.
• Page 84: All private healthcare plans must participate in the Healthcare Exchange (i.e., total government control of private plans)
• Page 91: Government mandates linguistic infrastructure for services; translation: illegal aliens
• Page 95: The Government will pay ACORN and Americorps to sign up individuals for Government-run Health Care plan.
• Page 102: Those eligible for Medicaid will be automatically enrolled: you have no choice in the matter.
• Page 124: No company can sue the government for price-fixing. No "judicial review" is permitted against the government monopoly. Put simply, private insurers will be crushed.
• Page 126: Employers MUST pay healthcare bills for part-time employees AND their families.
• Page 127: The AMA sold doctors out: the government will set wages.
• Page 145: An employer MUST auto-enroll employees into the government-run public plan. No alternatives.
• Page 149: Any employer with a payroll of $400K or more, who does not offer the public option, pays an 8% tax on payroll.
• Page 150: Any employer with a payroll of $250K-400K or more, who does not offer the public option, pays a 2 to 6% tax on payroll
• Page 167: Any individual who doesnt' have acceptable healthcare (according to the government) will be taxed 2.5% of income.
• Page 170: Any NON-RESIDENT alien is exempt from individual taxes (Americans will pay for them).
• Page 195: Officers and employees of Government Healthcare Bureaucracy will have access to ALL American financial and personal records.
• Page 203: "The tax imposed under this section shall not be treated as tax." Yes, it really says that.
• Page 239: Bill will reduce physician services for Medicaid. Seniors and the poor most affected."
• Page 241: Doctors: no matter what speciality you have, you'll all be paid the same (thanks, AMA!)
• Page 253: Government sets value of doctors' time, their professional judgment, etc.
• Page 265: Government mandates and controls productivity for private healthcare industries.
• Page 268: Government regulates rental and purchase of power-driven wheelchairs.
• Page 272: Cancer patients: welcome to the wonderful world of rationing!
• Page 280: Hospitals will be penalized for what the government deems preventable re-admissions.
• Page 298: Doctors: if you treat a patient during an initial admission that results in a readmission, you will be penalized by the government.
• Page 317: Doctors: you are now prohibited for owning and investing in healthcare companies!
• Page 318: Prohibition on hospital expansion. Hospitals cannot expand without government approval.
• Page 321: Hospital expansion hinges on "community" input: in other words, yet another payoff for ACORN.
• Page 335: Government mandates establishment of outcome-based measures: i.e., rationing.
• Page 341: Government has authority to disqualify Medicare Advantage Plans, HMOs, etc. • Page 354: Government will restrict enrollment of SPECIAL NEEDS individuals.
• Page 379: More bureaucracy: Telehealth Advisory Committee (healthcare by phone).
• Page 425: More bureaucracy: Advance Care Planning Consult: Senior Citizens, assisted suicide, euthanasia?
• Page 425: Government will instruct and consult regarding living wills, durable powers of attorney, etc. Mandatory. Appears to lock in estate taxes ahead of time.
• Page 425: Goverment provides approved list of end-of-life resources, guiding you in death.
• Page 427: Government mandates program that orders end-of-life treatment; government dictates how your life ends.
• Page 429: Advance Care Planning Consult will be used to dictate treatment as patient's health deteriorates. This can include an ORDER for end-of-life plans. An ORDER from the GOVERNMENT.
• Page 430: Government will decide what level of treatments you may have at end-of-life.
• Page 469: Community-based Home Medical Services: more payoffs for ACORN.
• Page 472: Payments to Community-based organizations: more payoffs for ACORN.
• Page 489: Government will cover marriage and family therapy. Government intervenes in your marriage.
• Page 494: Government will cover mental health services: defining, creating and rationing those services.

*Before we begin the battle, let me say this: I completely understand that each side has fundamental convictions for this country. I truly believe that this isn't such a good idea and I do not think that the decisions made did not honor the Constitution or our right as citizens to be included in such a major change. As one of my friends said, "(Not shockingly, I'm staying optimistic.)" and I think that is the most important thing.

Is our health care system, in it's current form, perfect? Absolutely not! Are there things that I am frustrated with and would like to be changed! Yes! But, for me, this is not the answer...

For me, God has proved His faithfulness over and over. No matter how this country acts, no matter what decisions are pulled from my grasp, I am under the protection and shelter of the Lord Most High. I trust Him to be my Health, to keep me safe, to keep me well.

♫ Random Monday: 3-22-10

Oddly enough, I am having a heckova time waiting to write this blog today. I have so many random things that MUST GET OUT before my day can move along any further. Random Monday’s are my favorite!

*I’m seriously debating finding a way to ride a horse this week. I miss it something fierce. My mom getting a new pretty horse isn’t helping matters either, and regardless of a saddle being involved or not, me and my skater shoes are paying a visit to the smell of him.

*The more I’m in this smallish Wyoming town (town omitted to protect my privacy, please don’t post where I live in the comments), the more I don’t want to be anymore. It’s like Spring Fever, but change-flavored.

*It makes me sad, in a way, to see all the malls emptying out. All the stores going dark. And then I realize all the strip malls are booming…with their doors facing the sunshine, and their sidewalks begging you to enjoy the courtyards as well as the shopping. It’s a good change people.

*Obama’s health care plan. I can tell you that a blog is coming. Because Sazaran is fairly political, and because I think we need to open some eyes on it, and because I’m not completely for sure what the big deal is. Research to come. What I DO know, is that a lot of the posts I’m seeing on Facebook and Twitter are about Mister Obama himself, who hasn’t even signed off on the health plan yet last I heard. Please people, just because I think it’s possible he will be the antichrists secretary (haha) someday, doesn’t mean that every choice he makes is going to put us in hell. Try to remain optimistic and do your research before assuming the worst.

*Anxiety is an odd form of beast. Some days you’re on top of the world, other times you feel like hiding from it. Try to remember the first feeling when you feel the second coming on. Hi self? Pay attention to your own brilliance.

*I’m reminded constantly how lucky I am to have the guy that I do. Constantly. They don’t make’m like that anymore. Willing to try anything once, willing to go anywhere to appease me, and willing to cook dinner and help with dishes? ”If you can make a girl smile, you can make her do anything. Ah Marilyn, you’re so right. And he can. Did I mention we’ve been together over a year and still have that spark? They don’t make’m like this anymore.



And, for the record, joining Facebook was alllllll his idea.

*I read in Cosmo last week that coffee, if drank before you have something to eat in the morning, dries out your skin. It was a serious aaahhh ha! moment. IF you drink coffee, eat a small breakfast first…or it will eat your skin. Lesson learned.

Pictures, Quote, Song…all reminders of my week:

The two adorable faces on the right are mine, the one on the left might be someday. I’m debating stealing her for good.



"Most of the shadows of this life are caused by our standing in our own sunshine."

Admit it, you wanna sing along!



*I’m stealing a Question of the Day idea from a brilliant girl on Facebook (Hiiiii Nikki!), and every time I do a Random Monday post, I’m asking you a question. I expect an answer people.

Question: Do you ever bite your toenails?


Yours Truly,
Nomz

♫ How to make yourself UNhappy

It’s all too easy to talk about happiness, how to obtain it. How to be peaceful from the inside out. It’s harder to talk openly about what makes a person unhappy. It’s hard, sometimes, to even admit that you’re unhappy in order to move on to happy. What I’m hoping with this blog, mostly, is for people to realize when they’re in that place, and how to change one thing at a time to make those feelings go away.

So, below is a list. A list of things that make people UNhappy. Feel free to print the list out, check off the ones that you are, and find a way to reverse it.

*Be completely and totally wrapped up in a guy.

Who needs self worth and independence, right? It might feel like complete bliss…until you hit a point where you fully understand what alone feels like.

*Eat very unhealthily

If it tastes good, eat it. It will have little effect on you…aside from poor health, dry skin, wrinkled skin, faster aging process, breaking down from the inside out. Of course, you don’t have to eat healthy all the time, but eating out for every meal, not watching what you eat, what time you eat, how many snacks you consume, or how much alcohol you intake, has serious long term affects that any surgery, pill, or program will never be able to reverse.

*Talk about everybody else, a lot

It’s completely unavoidable to talk about other people. Gossip is in our nature, especially if we’re female. But if the only two things you are able to bring up in conversation is the weather, or another person…you’re forever going to live in jealousy and negativity. For every negative thing you notice in somebody else’s life, try to find one positive. I mean at least that girl you can’t stand has adorable hair, right?

*Pretend like everything is ok, all the time

Pretend your entire life has windows. Now pretend that your windows are open all the time. What would they see? Would they see what you’re portraying your Facebook and Twitter account? Or would they hardly recognize you? Of course, life comes with blinds that you can pull down every now and then to protect what’s yours, but putting on a false image to make yourself feel better is a much different thing than privacy.

*Surround yourself by negative people

Talk constantly about what you don’t have, how terrible it is that you’re stuck in the same grind every single day, and that nobody ever notices how much you’re accomplishing. Or…surround yourself by people that challenge you to try harder, to make some changes, and encourage you on days that you’re down. Having friends that agree with your misery really aren’t friends at all. They’re just throwing mud in to your already deep enough hole.

*Ignore the little things, they don’t really matter anyway

Little things are just that, right? They’re so small that they don’t add up to the weight on your shoulders or even come close to lessening it. Then again, maybe the little things are there to get us through the hard times. They might be the pebbles we have to step on in order to cross the mountain in front of us.

Confession: I’m an optimistic person. But once I get on a rant and a roll, it’s hard to sway me otherwise. I let things get under my skin, and then I whine profusely about them until I feel better. Which usually outlasts my toddlers' tantrums. I’m working on finding a way around dwelling on things, around being moody, and around throwing tantrums internally. The above, are all things I’ve personally dealt with, and found a way to turn around.

Please feel free to use our anonymous comment ability to tell us your short-comings, how we can pray for you, or what challenges you’re facing lately. Life isn’t easy, but you don’t have to make it harder.

Yours Truly,
Nomz

♥This Mommy Life

You know, there are times that I really miss my childless days. I miss being able to sleep in. I miss showers that last longer than five rushed minutes. I miss being able to wear one outfit throughout the day and not getting any food, juice, snot, dirt, shoe prints, dirty hand prints, or drool on me. I miss meandering through the book store without having to pick up every third book from off the floor. I miss going to places of public interest without carrying my bag plus a fifteen-pound cargo of things to entertain my boy with.

However, there are things in this mommy life that I could never ever live without- and I wouldn't want to. I am so absurdly happy watching my bouncing baby boy grow just a little more each day.

I could never live without the million kisses I receive each day. His rosebud lips are better than any others.

The personal spin he throws on his sign language makes me laugh every time. We like to show off how many words we now know in ASL.

Even though I'm sick of Elmo, Barney, Babe and every other cartoon he has his heart set on, I would rather have their songs stuck in my head than those of some superficial pop singer.

There is not one thing on this planet that can compare to the feeling I get when I see him waiting at the door, watching for me as I walk home from work. And the way he runs into my arms when I step inside? My guts will forever be mush when Malachi gives me loves.

My cuddle bug, who sleeps pressed up against me, with his arms around my neck and his legs slung over mine? He's my most favorite thing.

His laugh, his gut-busting laugh that fills any room he's in and makes my heart soar? I would die without it.

So, yeah, I do miss the old life. But, if I ever had to choose between the two? I'd pick my Malachi over any others, any day, any time, any where. He is the love of my life.

♥Take a glimpse into my randomness

~ Ahhhh, spring is almost here. Just a few more days and I can begin to take my dreams of floating in the water seriously. Mal will be two in less than three months and I have so much that I want him to experience: the zoo, this time he'll be able to recognize the animals; possibly Disney World, though I'm not sure he'll be able to recognize the characters (okay, I admit, this is mostly for me); the water park, because no summer is complete with out being drenched by spraying fountains and whizzing water rockets.

~ I want to hang glide. Yesssssssss. My dad used to own one and his stories of soaring alongside birds and weaving in and out of the clouds has got me slightly bitter by being held down by gravity. I want to fly free! So, anyone know of some tandem opportunities I can take advantage of?

~ Recently, I've started going to a new church. I'm not sure what to think, just yet. An important facet of going to church each Sunday is the Holy Spirit- without Him there really isn't any point to "trying"; He is an integral part of learning, growing, understanding and apart of the holy relationship that is Christ and the Church. Some churches accept Him with open arms, some accept Him but make it clear that He is to mind His Ps and Qs and others flat out deny Him. So sad. I want to know that not only will I be able to meet people my age, but that they will have a desire to be apart of Him like water is apart of a flower.

~ I want voice lessons. Sure do. When I sing Malachi to sleep, I don't want it to give him nightmares. Bahahaha!

~ This just in: I have NINE pregnant friends. NINE. That's a lot of baby showers.

~ This was recently posted on Facebook by a friend, cue the nostalgia:

Sibling Property Rules
1. If I like it, it's mine
2. If I'm holding it, it's mine.
3. If I can take it from you, it's mine.
4. If I had it a little while ago, it's mine.
5. If I'm chewing something up, all the pieces are mine.
6. If it's mine, it must never appear to be yours anyway.
7. If it just looks like mine, it's mine.
8. If I saw it first, it's mine.
9. If you are playing with something and you put it down, it automatically becomes mine.

Psssssst, we're still looking for some awesome guest and ghost bloggers. :)

♫ Random Monday 3-15-10

Everybody wants to feel like an original...be one.

*I can’t wait for The Bounty Hunter to come out. Gerard Butler and Jennifer Aniston in a movie together?! Holy eye candy batman.

*Things have to get bad every now and then, so you can appreciate when they’re good. Otherwise, we take the good for granted.

*I love that it feels like Spring outside. It’ll snow again, thank you Wyoming, but baby animals are starting to come out, and green is starting to come up. That’s the light at the end of the tunnel for REAL.

*I told a few people that I’m going to be a Denver Bronco’s fan this year. Don’t worry, I still hate the team as a whole. But the quarterback they recruited today? Should be required to play in this at all times:



Don’t worry daddy, as I’ve already told you, I look better in purple surrounded by the best fans in the world. But mannnnnn



*I spent the day Saturday smelling horses, playing pictures, and eating BBQ with my mamma. It’s been toooo long since we had one of those days. I should probably mention that the BBQ we had, happened to have cheese in it. And I’m going back Friday for more.

*I've spent the last week deleting fan pages I never actually visit or that don't really apply to me, and friends that I haven't talked to in years...off my Facebook. No offense people, but I never look at your profile anyway.

*I have a heckova time writing without music. I’m not so sure that I’m inspired to write because of the sound, but it’s a must. Today, this is what’s given me the beat to my words:

Steve Earle - Copperhead Road



It also happens to be my favorite song to dance to when we go out.

*If you’ve never seen Food Inc? Watch it. Every single one of you should know exactly where your food is coming from. It doesn’t push any odd beliefs on you, it just gives you an inside view of exactly what happens to your food before you buy it.

*Reason 937 to love my guy: He’s a farmer. Thus: We’ll be the last to starve, and we’ll always have homegrown meat, and he constantly smells like Outside. Plus, he drives this:



For real though, watch the movie…and appreciate the people that get the food to your table. We take it for granted all too easily.

*Quote of the day: “We must be our own before we can be another's. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson”
Always be yourself. At the end of the day, you’re all you’ve got

Yours Truly,
Nomz

♥ A few of my favorite things

I don't know if it's a common thing, I just adore fog. When I lived in England and worked at a cafe on the corner of a street facing the sea (sounds like a dream, aye?) I would watch the fog roll in. No joke. It would ROLL, in big marshmallow puffs, down the middle of the road engulfing everything in it path; turning the buildings into hazy sentinels of the city. If I squinted my eyes just so, it almost seemed as if everything were under water. *sigh* It made my heart so happy.

Aaaand, I'm happy to say that this stunning picture actually is Folkestone, England. Dan Desborough took it. Check out his other work, here.

I heart mermaids. We all know this. I don't know why, I just do- it was ingrained into me by none other than Ariel herself when she sang Part Of Your World and I knew I'd love to be able to breathe under water. Plus, they're so beautiful!!

I've recently begun to seek and collect, in a way, quotes. Thanks, Nomz. But really, there's just something about reading and re-reading Alexander Pope's inspiring and thought provoking words:

"Blessed is the man who expects nothing, for he shall never be disappointed was the ninth beatitude."

"Beauties in vain their pretty eyes may roll; charms strike the sight, but merit wins the soul."

"Genius creates, and taste preserves. Taste is the good sense of genius; without taste, genius is only sublime folly."

"How happy is the blameless vestal's lot! The world forgetting, by the world forgot.
Eternal sunshine of the spotless mind! Each pray'r accepted, and each wish resign'd."

And while we're on the subject of Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind- I'm tell you, there is no better movie on the face of this planet. If there were a fire that attacked all movie places over the whole earth and the only entertainment available for the rest of time were this movie, I'd be a happy little lamb. :) I ♥ Jim Carrey.

It's almost summer- ohhh yeaaahhh. You know what that mean??! Photography time! Cheyenne pretty much sucks at anything worth capturing during the winter, but come spring and summer I have lots of appointments with cute little girls, butterflies, zoo animals, Washington trips and my most favorite subject of all, Malachi! And here is where I show off, just a bit.

♥Dear Heart...

I know this time is difficult for you right now. Let's face it, you've always been full of love and willing to share it. Just be a little patient. It's not a question of "if" it's a question of "when". So, focus on the promise and the Promiser and soon the time will be before you and you'll think, "Wow! already?!"

Apparently, this isn't the right time. Honestly? Do you really want a love that isn't ripe? It would just be too sour and might leave a bad taste in your mouth. No, no- it's best to wait until you're ready and you know he's ready. Certain things must first be in place before they can begin the domino affect of the love you are meant to have.

When the thoughts of despair creep upon you or that little green monster whispers into your ear, just hum a little tune; it's sure to drown out all the bad stuff. Hey, I know a really cute song that you can use as ammo. Try this:

Also? Next time we have to perform the boring chore of grocery shopping, let's dance around and throw confetti in the air, yeah? :)

♥ Sazaran

♫ Keep the Fire

"Love is a temporary madness. It erupts like an earthquake and then subsides. And when it subsides you have to make a decision. You have to work out whether your roots have become so entwined together that it is inconceivable that you should ever part. Because this is what love is. Love is not breathlessness, it is not excitement, it is not the promulgation of promises of eternal passion. That is just being "in love" which any of us can convince ourselves we are. Love itself is what is left over when being in love has burned away, and this is both an art and a fortunate accident. -St. Augustine

Relationships 101, from a complete amateur.

Well not really, I've had my fair share. But I'm young. I'm inexperienced in having one for more than five years of time. And I've had several failures.

On the other hand, I've lived through more in my lifespan than most people my age, so maybe I've got something valuable to say. So, you could choose to close the window right now and think I'm wasting your time, or you could give me a listen just to kill a few minutes of your day and risk getting something out of it.

Relationships take work.

Work that isn't always fun. It's a lot of give and take, and give usually wins. Compromise is hard. It's also often assumed that a compromise means them giving in to your request, rather than meeting in the middle.

Example #1: If you're fighting over how much time he's got for you, rather than begging him to make more time for you in your space, find a way to do something together.

Example #2: If you're fighting over money every single month, rather than having the same fight every single month...work out a budget together that has little room for extra spending, or make the compromise that you're finances are better separated and privately handled. If there is only one person in the home making the money, have them set aside your 'allowance'. That allowance, and what you spend it on every month, cannot be up for discussion because it's completely yours. It sound childish, but its' success has been proven.

Example #3: If you need more attention, give more attention. Honestly? If somebody offers to rub my back, spoils me rotten, and compliments me more often than not, it's going to be really hard for me NOT to retaliate with the same level of romance and attention.

For the following to apply to you, you have to be A) married, B) in a serious relationship, C) dating, or D) in no relationship at all.

#1. Get alone time. It's really important to stretch your legs a bit by finding some independence and time to yourself. It's also really vital that you have time with a group of friends in a setting where you're not a couple all the time. Let him have his guy time, while you get your girl time.

#2. Make sure you surround yourself by people that encourage you. Your friends, your mate, etc., need to be positive. The more negative energy you have in your life, the more you'll poison your relationships from the inside out. You'll get resentful and needy, like a plant that doesn't get enough sunlight. You'll wilt, and so will your relationship.

Don't smother each other. No one can grow in the shade. ~Leo Buscaglia

#3. Don't pretend everything is ok all of the time. All relationships have problems. All of them. And pretending otherwise is only lying to yourselves. I don't believe in soul mates. I think you find somebody to love, and keep them by loving them more. Sometimes, things don't work, sometimes things fall apart, but it's not because the one is out there waiting for you.

Trouble is part of your life, and if you don't share it, you don't give the person who loves you enough chance to love you enough. ~Dinah Shore

#4. I've said it a 100 times on this blog...if you're not happy with yourself, you're never going to find satisfaction or fulfillment in any relationships. My parents reinforced this as soon as I was able to think about boys, and I didn't learn the lesson until I was really unhappy in every relationship. Take your guy/girl out of the picture completely in your mind, and see what you've got left.

Is this guy singing your heart?



If so, only YOU can start fixing it: Exercise, eat right, look good for YOU, get out with a positive group of friends often, find a few hobbies without your partner, spoil them rotten even when it hurts to do so, and the fire will stay lit. So I've heard, anyway. Just because I'm not old, doesn't mean I don't have old friends.

Oh yeah, and read this article:

Toxic Relationships. It'll help you evaluate yours, to decide if you're in a relationship or friendship with somebody toxic.

Yours Truly,
Nomz

The picture at the top of this blog came from a really neat website. You've GOT to check out some of their prints Deviant Art

♫ Hope Now

Ever notice how when it rains, it pours?
How when you're already at the bottom, somebody decides to throw a little dirt on top of you to make it feel worse?
How people wait until you are at your lowest, weakest point...to interfere, gossip, or judge?

Life has a funny way of testing our faith. Even if you don't have faith in God, you have faith in something. Faith in love, faith in hope, faith in family, faith in the future. Something that gives you reason to keep stepping.

And it's all too easy to lose faith in what keeps you going, when the world breaks you.

Hope Now by Addison Road



If everything comes down to love
Then just what am I afraid of
When I call out Your name
Something inside awakes in my soul
How quickly I forget I'm Yours

I'm not my own
I've been carried by You
All my life

Everything rides on hope now
Everything rides on faith somehow
When the world has broken me down
Your love sets me free

When my life is like a storm
Rising waters all I want is the shore
You say I'll be ok and
Make it through the rain
You are my shelter from the storm

Everything rides on hope now
Everything rides on faith somehow
When the world has broken me down
Your love sets me free

I am not my own
I've been carried by you all my life

Everything rides on hope now
Everything rides on faith somehow
When the world has broken me down
Your love sets me free
(Repeat 2x)

You've become my hearts desire
I will sing Your praises higher
Cause Your love sets me free
Your love sets me free
Your love sets me free

Yours Truly,
Nomz

♫Random Monday 3-8-10

You know that feeling when you open all the windows for the first time in the Spring to let fresh air fly through your house after a long winter? I did that this weekend. And my mind is jealous. So...I'm going to let things flow today. It's awfully stuffy in here...

*Spring Cleaning is my favorite season. There really is something about cleaning at the end of winter that shakes my soul loose. Like...it hibernates all winter and waits for the smell of bleach, fresh curtains out of the laundry, and fresh air in the home to shake itself loose again. I blogged on Spring a year ago. Check it out! It's probably one of my all time favorites, and one of our highest read blogs: Learning to Dance in the Rain...or Kiss

*Keeping things private, and living a lie are two completely different things. Live truthfully, don't be afraid to admit when you're wrong or that you're imperfect, and move on. Pretending everything is perfect only fools you...not the people looking in.

*I changed my hair. Hi, I know we've already covered this. The point is, I'm still craving change. Not good people, not good. Dear life: Prepare yourself. You know how we work...and you know you're going to flip yourself upside down for no good reason at all.

*I'm going to attempt to count calories for the first time in my life. I'm just curious how much I actually inhale. Anybody that's eaten with me knows I don't eat, I inhale.

*You know how gold and silver look really pretty wrapped around each other? I'm silver, he's gold...and the combination really is something I never would have thought could meld so well. Women cannot complain about men anymore until they start getting better taste in them. ~Bill Maher <---so much truth.



Of course this pretty little piece is from Tiffany's, but I want something very similar to it someday. Just for the fact that it describes him and I so well. So different, and somehow perfectly compatible.

*Alice in Wonderland rocked. Especially when viewed as desert, after a fantastic meal with the best couple I know. I thought it was most excellent, especially considering the amount of material they squeezed in to less than two hours. Visually? So rich my stomach still hurts. ;)

*It's amazing, that once you get past my hard core attitude and tough girl shell, I'm made of mush, and gush, and sprinkled with girl. This last year has done nothing but prove that. And? And? Having girl friends ain't so bad after all.






"Some believe in destiny, Some believe in fate, I believe that happiness is something you create."

I miss home.



Yours Truly,
Nomz

♫ A little diddy on Optimism and Happiness

*Blooming...no matter how rocky the ground.

There is a huge debate, often, on if the optimist has a twisted view on reality, that the pessimists are the realists of the world.

I personally think finding the silver lining when things seem difficult, is healthy. That finding the good among that bad, sets me out above the rest.

I also believe God was an optimist. I mean hi, why else did he create rose bushes? You've got to get past the thorns to appreciate the rose. You've got to be determined to bloom, no matter how rocky the ground. Nature is even optimistic. Humans are seriously behind.

A small twist on the way I usually write. I'm posting quotes below, and then giving you my thoughts on the logic behind them. Please don't assume I'm talking about your personal situation. If it strikes a nerve, or if it seems like it is something you're going through...maybe take the time to self reflect, rather than getting defensive.

A pessimist is one who makes difficulties of his opportunities and an optimist is one who makes opportunities of his difficulties. ~Harry Truman

...the real tragedy, is when we move on from a difficult time and failing to remember the lesson...

When you're faced with the same difficulty over and over and over again, make it an opportunity. Financial problems? Unfaithfulness? The same fight with somebody you care for over and over and over again? If you don't grow every single time you struggle with something, you're failing to learn the lesson. You're being pessimistic, and assuming it's somebody else's fault. The only person's life that you can really change, is your own.

Optimist: someone who figures that taking a step backward after taking a step forward is not a disaster, it's a cha-cha. ~Robert Brault

Take dance lessons with your partner. You'll learn more about give and take in those lessons, than you'll learn in your whole relationship.

Sometimes, life sets you back so that you can learn how to move forward.

In the long run the pessimist may be proved right, but the optimist has a better time on the trip. ~Daniel L. Reardon

Can I get an AMEN?! I'm not trying to say in this blog that optimists are always right. I AM saying that life is much more pleasurable if you can find something to keep it interesting and good. I don't care if you have to pretend you've got a real Edward Cullen in your back pocket enjoying the trip with you all the time. Having a good imagination and finding happiness in the littlest things will improve your entire outlook, regardless of your final destination.

Happiness often sneaks in through a door you didn't know you left open. ~John Barrymore

Notice how when you've got a good friend, or adorable kids, or fantastic pets...no matter what mood you're in, you can find something to smile about? It's so easy to forget about the little things that you have to be grateful for, when you're down in the dumps.

People take different roads seeking fulfillment and happiness. Just because they're not on your road doesn't mean they've gotten lost. ~H. Jackson Browne

Don't judge.
"When you judge another, you do not define them, you define yourself." Real happiness won't come from you looking at another person's path. Find yourself. Be your own person. Don't imitate.


Happiness and sadness run parallel to each other. When one takes a rest, the other one tends to take up the slack. ~Hazelmarie Elliott

This one speaks volumes. It's ok to be sad...just don't assume you're going to be sad forever.

We tend to forget that happiness doesn't come as a result of getting something we don't have, but rather of recognizing and appreciating what we do have. ~Frederick Keonig

You've got to appreciate what you've got, rather than looking at what you don't. The grass is always going to be greener on the other side. Somebody always has a better husband. More money. More friends. More wisdom. More vehicles. Better hair. A prettier smile. Whatever it is...the more envy you have for everyone else, the less you're going to find self worth.

It's been proven that the quickest way to improve your relationships, and your own personal happiness and health...is to get in shape. Being healthy, eating right, regular exercise, meditation, and time spent alone are all natural anti-depressants. Love what you've got, and you'll appreciate what comes to you even more.

In order to have great happiness you have to have great pain and unhappiness - otherwise how would you know when you're happy? ~Leslie Caron

At least when you feel like you're at the very bottom, when you feel like you can't take any more...the only way out of it is up. Being unhappy occasionally, helps you appreciate when things are good. ..."I believe everything happens for a reason. People change so that you can learn to let go. Things go wrong so you can appreciate them when they are right. Good things fall apart, so better things can fall together."

Some pursue happiness, others create it. ~Author Unknown

Don't wait for somebody else to make you happy. Don't get angry when they don't try to do everything they can to make you happy. Create your own.

Yours Truly,
Nomz

♥ A few little discoveries

That banana/honey mask I mentioned? I tried it today. It was interesting... I mashed up half a banana (which moisturizes), mixed in a tablespoon (give or take) of honey (which exfoliates) and smeared it all over my face. A little fact here: there are two kinds of exfoliators, apparently. One that literally scrapes the dead skin off (scrubs like St. Ives Apricot) and the other gently breaks down the junk and allows you to wash it off. The former isn't so nice to skin- especially any scrub that uses seeds which are generally ground into small, sharp pellets that cut and scrape skin. It's a vicious circle. Anyway, back to my point. This banana/honey exfoliant mask is STICKY. Oh man. Towards the end of the ten minutes, I could feel my eye lids sticking together. Mal wouldn't come near me. :) Also? It smelled a little funky, but I got past that. When I washed it off, the little specks of dry skin that I had been battling were gone! I'd recommend it to a friend.

Speaking of skin and secrets of care- my friend, Stevie has offered to guest blog for us on what she learned in school and how we can take care of our faces. Stay tuned...!

If you ever wake up with an immediate chocolate craving like I do, you'll be keen on sampling the chocolate peanut butter fudge from... well, any chocolate store, I'd imagine. It's divine, to say the least.

Frugal Girls- they're on Facebook and post new coupons for major discounts or free stuff. Everyday, all day. Like today? I got a free bag of Sunchips. I love 'em!

The Dark Cherry Mocha at Starbucks. I'm not a fan of cherry and chocolate, but Nomz has fallen in love with said sweet delight. True story.

Amazon. Okay, not a discovery, really. But, the things I've discovered on that amazing site? Awesome! Like, a journal (which is on it's way) that I can wreck! And the coolest.monokini.ever (and I though my bathingsuit days were over. Psh).

Jack Johnson and Curious George: this is all Mal's doing. Not a usual pair and certainly not one I'd go out of my way looking for, but their video is awesome:

♫ Why does bottled water expire?

I poised the question: "Why does bottled water have an expiration date?"...and got no answer. Google, you're my hero.

Thanks to WikiAnswers, we can all be educated.

All companies that produce consumables must, by federal law, have an expiration date on it. Since bottled water is a consumable the company must put a expiration date on it. Some water becomes impure due to plastic melting or substances released into the water by the plastic.

Here are opinions and answers from WikiAnswerers:

* So that if you don't drink the water by that date you have to go out and buy a new bottle, thus creating more profit for the company which sold you the water

* There is a chance that over time (years), the container could cause the water to have a different taste. There is much more information at the website in the Links section.

* There are two main types of sterilization that all food and drink manufacturers use. The first is the use of peracetic acid that gives an instant kill to most pathogens (bugs that make you ill). The second is the use of steam. Holding a steam temperature of above 120 degrees in the product line for 15 minutes will kill virtually all pathogens. However, some bacteria form spores which are virtually indestructible and can last for millions of years. The only way to make totally sterile drinks would be to irradiate them, which wouldn't make them radioactive, but would make them cost a great deal of money to produce. Thus, the manufacturer cannot guarantee that their product is free of pathogens and gives it a 'use by' to minimize their liability. Packaging deterioration is the other reason for the "Best By" Date.


Please do not make the mistake of thinking that "Bottled Water" means pure, sterile, perfect water. It may surprise you to know that there is very little regulation concerning 'bottled water'. For example, it is common practice to label the bottle with such things as " Spring Water" or "Mountain fresh" while the water is actually taken directly from municipal sources! Look for yourself at the fine print and see.

Annnnnnd now you know.

Yours Truly,
Nomz

I got the information from here: Bottled Water. They've got a pile of information on it that I didn't include, so check it out!

♫And it's only Tuesday

Random Monday, on a Tuesday.

*I chose to take Friday off for a Girl's Day Out. Then I didn't have a sitter on Monday. 4 day weekend, WIN! The fail though? This Tuesday feels like a giant ball of angry Monday's all tied in together. Two Bucket Tuesday, my ars.

*I really do appreciate honesty and snarky senses of humor. I love truth. Similar to that quote that I've been putting everywhere lately, it's just so much more efficient. People react oddly to it though, have you noticed?

Example: You've gained some weight and you're boring.
Normal reaction: Huff off and be angry.
Good reaction: You're right! I want to be more appealing to the rest of the world, AND feel better. I'm changing something.

Ok, so people shouldn't actually say THAT, but it's a good example.

To quote Dr. Seuss, in honor of his birthday, "Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind. -Dr. Seuss"

*The mere fact that My Guy is now using the words fail and EPIC actually makes me beam.

Me: "Hey babe! KISS is coming to Cheyenne Frontier Days!" Him: "Not epic."

*Remember that humongous change I was craving? I did great things to my hair. Actually, I have a great hair dresser who did it. It’s full of fun tones of red, brown, black, blond, and other neat things, that I’m hoping after a shower will mesh together. Right now they’re pretty much screaming at you: HI DID YOU KNOW I CHANGED MY HAIR, BECAUSE I DID.



*Speaking of hair, and change…I have a philosophy. When I crave change in my life, I start with my hair. And if that doesn’t work, THEN I move, or buy a car, or go in to self destruct mode, or get a new job. I told my sister that the other day, somebody that has never changed her hair, and she responded with ”Oooooh maybe that’s what I’m doing wrong!" I think it works though, everybody needs to bust out of routine a bit to keep hold of their sanity, why not do it with something that grows back and has little repercussions?

*I love that the local-ish sandwich shop, Silvermine's, actually appreciates ACDC. I give them business for that reason alone. And their awesome bread+delivery until 2am.

*How important does a person have to be before they are considered assassinated instead of just murdered? No, I'm not murdering somebody, I am, however, contemplating assassination. ;)

*I actually taught my brother how to say my name backwards last night. Thanks to that dumb move, it's college déjà-vu all over again. My name is Naomi. Think on it. Comment if you need help figuring it out.

*"Distance is just a test to see how far love may travel." <--- awwwwww

Song: There is a God by Leanne Womack
*Praying for you ladies...you know who you are.



Yours Truly,
Nomz