♫ Little Miss...

I've got this overwhelming urge to organize something, probably because my life is in such disarray at the moment. So, I'm organizing randomness. <--this takes talent, people.

I wish

*I wish the world, including myself, had less of a reliance for material items, and more of a need for emotional satisfaction.

*I wish, sometimes, that I could choose who reads our blog. Not that I want to block people, I wish I could block their assumptions though.

*I wish I wouldn't wait until I'm absolutely down and beaten, to remind myself that it's easier to be optimistic.

*I wish there was a way to decline kindness, without offending or hurting.

*I wish I could see the world through my kids' eyes.

*I wish more people would realize that it's the season to give, and not the season to gripe.

*I wish I could swoop up every hurting child in the world, and mother the heck out of them.

I've learned:

*I've learned that... "Everything that irritates us about others can lead us to a better understanding of ourselves."

*I've learned that I make mistakes, and no matter how much I cry about them, they'll probably happen again.

*I've learned that when people have a void, they usually fill it with all of the wrong things, rather than seeking self worth.

*I've realized that I lack confidence in myself, and guilt trip myself as often as possible, to somehow make me feel better.

*I've learned that music heals faster than anything else.

I need to remember:

*I need to remember that most people, regardless of their actual action, have good intentions in mind.

*I need to remember that no matter what, I only have control over my reactions and emotions.

*I need to remember that I am right where I'm supposed to be, or God wouldn't have let the doors open.

New findings and musings:

*You're never too old to need your daddy.

*Tuesdays aren't nearly as bad as I always thought. In fact, they are right up there with Fridays in my book...all of a sudden.

*Bitterness in contagious. Fight it with immune boosters including but not limited to: optimism, 'thank you's', positive energy, the ability to walk away.

*Every girl needs a pile of good girlfriends.

*There is very little that cannot be cured with a flat iron and a glass of wine.

Yours Truly,
Nomz

PS- My latest favorite tune, brought to you by Sugarland: (In case Sugarland makes your ears bleed, please see lyrics posted below video)



Little Miss down on love,
Little Miss I give up,
Little Miss I'll get tough, don't you worry 'bout me anymore

Little Miss checkered dress,
Little Miss one big mess,
Little Miss I'll take less when I always knew so much more

It's alright, it's alright, it's alright,
Yeah, sometimes ya gotta lose 'til ya win,
It's alright, it's alright, it's alright,
It'll be alright again, it'll be alright again

I'm okay, It'll be alright again, I'm okay (okay) It'll be alright again, I'm okay

Little Miss do your best,
Little Miss never rest,
Little Miss, be my guest, I'll make more anytime it runs out

Little Miss you'll go far,
Little Miss hide your scars,
Little Miss who you are is so much more than you like to talk about

It's alright, it's alright, it's alright,
Yeah, sometimes ya gotta lose 'til ya win,
It's alright, it's alright, it's alright,
It'll be alright again, it'll be alright again,
I'm okay, It'll be alright again, I'm okay (okay) It'll be alright again, I'm okay

Hold on, hold on, you are loved, are loved

Little Miss brand new start,
Little Miss do your part,
Little Miss big ole heart beats wide open, she's ready now for love

It's alright, it's alright, it's alright,
Yeah, sometimes ya gotta lose 'til ya win,
It's alright, it's alright, it's alright,
It'll be alright again, it'll be alright again
I'm okay, It'll be alright again, I'm okay (okay) It'll be alright again, I'm okay,
It'll be alright again

♫ A Rainy October

Here's the thing...

In Sazaran's most recent blog, she said this about me, and it really couldn't be more true: "Nomz may seem like she’s fallen off the face of the planet. But, I can tell you that that isn’t the case. In fact, I believe she’s familiarizing herself with this planet in a whole new way. Let’s cheer her on in making the right choices, trusting more than she has before and seeing things in a new light. Because, after all, she happens to life; life doesn’t happen to her."

October has been bittersweet, and I won't mind so much if the door does indeed hit it in the ass on its way out. I'm an extremely independent girl, completely dependent and leaning hard on the people that count in my life...and it makes my insides hurt.

I'm learning the hard way, that when you take the chance of flying, you'll probably ruffle some feathers. I followed my heart, I'm learning to stand on my own two feet and rebuild, and I'm learning the hard truth that not everybody is going to like it.

I defeated a zipline in the dark last night with my favorites last night, and I'm off to conquer the rest of the world with them by my side! My support system, like that 30 foot high cable, is constant. It's safe. It's trustworthy. It's faithful. I'm latching on and enjoying this ride! (It wasn't just who was present last night...if you're in "my village", you know exactly who you are. I love you so hard.)

You see...It's not who stood by and watched you fall, it's not who looked at your decisions disapprovingly, its not who talked about your mistakes. It's the people that stayed by your side through all of those things unfailingly, that really matter the most.

I am indeed seeing the this world in a whole new light. I am getting so familiar with this change that I'm calling it "home". I am falling in love. I am happening to life.

Yours Truly,
Nomz

Pretty!

♫ Random Monday: 9/20/10

Rolz and my new puppy, Nova! We call them, "Rollanova"

*One more week of commuting. Just one. It's bittersweet. But lawdy am I ready to not be making that long commute anymore.

*I found my girls a preschool! Screeeeeeeeeeee! Bless you, little church preschool, for being the most time-sensible, curriculum desired, safest place I've found yet.

*I got glasses! I've got 20-25 vision, but two astigmatisms. Which is fancy for "you can't drive, operate machinery, or even a computer, without wearing a cute accessory."

*Thanks to Christie (don't worry when you don't recognize her name, most of you don't know her...your loss, really), my girls will soon be doing three flavors of dance classes, AND having recitals. *prepares to cry*

*This weekend had the perfect balance of reality, romance, and go-time. I got swept off my feet, swung around a dance floor, time alone to think hard on some things, and epic sleep-in time, and bonus shopping time with one of my best girls. The things that can be accomplished in one weekend!

*Have you heard the latest Octomom drama?! After showing a co-worker (Octomom), he said "she's gotta looked like a popped balloon, right?" Ew.

*I'm job hunting. Officially. Know somebody hiring in the area I've moved to? Let me know! (Creepy blog stalkers, I'm SO glad you find our blog interesting, we hope to continue entertaining you, but I'm not going to tell you where I live. Sorry.)

*Ever notice how when you're reading a really good book, the chapter ends on such a cliff hanger that you're dying to keep reading? Ever notice that life is the same way? Weiiiiird, huh?

*Speaking of that, how the HECK are they going to make the seventh book in the Harry Potter series TWO movies? I'm going to die of anticipation, that's how. Along with the other 7 million addicts. They'll torture us with three hours of The Titanic, but Harry Potter? No...you get to pay double the money for that feature. Jerks.

*Autumn does indeed bring cooler weather, but with it comes good tv! I'm right back to addicted to Sons of Anarchy, and have huge plans to disappear entirely in to Grey's Anatomy Thursday!

*It's weird how I just started a blog with nothing to say, and here I am writing your eyes off.

*I am absolutely in love with this:



*If you can handle Jewel's voice, listen to these lyrics.



Yours Truly,
Nomz

♫ Every Girl Should...

My list, of things every girl should own, know how to wear, a skill she should possess, and an experience she should have. In order to survive this world...us girls, well, have to be girls!

Every Girl Should...

*Get kissed in the rain, at least once, if not over and over again.

*Own a pair of ridiculously high heels.

*Keep her favorite pair of pants, and kill herself a few times a year for no longer being able to fit in to them (but you will someday, so keep them!).

*Fall in love. At least twice.

*Feel like a $5 hooker. Seriously girls, it's ok to get a cheap thrill out of seeing your man wildly attracted to you in your hooker boots, dark makeup, and fantastic body.

*Compile a stack of chick flick movies to cry at when you're home alone, or craving a girls' movie night.

*Gather, and keep close, a good stock of girlfriends. (Yes, girls are evil, but who the heck else is going to understand your insanities AND take you out on the town to feel young again?!)

*Have bitch-out music. Forgive the language, but you KNOW when you have THAT SONG playing in the car, windows down, after a rough day? All is well in the world, without even a second thought of needing a guy to fix your day.

*Red high heels (Cheesy video, but makes the point for me.):



*Have a favorite type of wine, easy access to a deep bathtub, and candles. At the ready, at all times.

*Obtain a journal that will fit in your purse. Or seven. Don't worry, nobody ever actually finishes them, or writes in them every day...but you've got so many thoughts, it's a good thing to have on you at all times.

*Know how to use a gun. Ladies, you'll never be self sufficient without feeling protected without a guy. Get yourself in a self defense class, a hunter's safety class, and buy a gun. It'll make you feel all risky, too...bonus!

*Learn how to drive stick-shift. Yes, we live in the day and age where every car practically comes with autopilot (omg, have you seen the commercials for that car that PARALLEL PARKS FOR YOU?!), but learn how to do it anyway. I've got one you can borrow!

*Ride on the back of a motorcycle. Feel it, like it.

*Make a huge change to your hair, at least once.

*Write a poem, feel empowered.

*Conquer a dance class. if you've got a heart, you've got rhythm...even if it's buried seven layers underneath your clumsiness.

*Have your mama and daddy on speed dial. Forever and ever, no matter how crazy they get, or how much you think you don't need them.

*Know how to work a plunger. At some point ladies, you'll live alone and really regret not knowing how to work one of these nasty beasts.

What am I missing??

Yours Truly,
Nomz

♫ Random Monday : Tuesday 9-7-10

The title makes sense, doesn't it? It IS a Monday, after all....

*It seems like all I have time for these days are these random blogs...y'all don't mind do you?

*I just spent an entire four days with my guy. On top of watching him slave away, I painted my living room (thank you sis!), slept in a lot, got served breakfast in bed (say wha?!), ate out with one of my favorite couples, and got lots of me time. Just what the doctor ordered? Totally.

*I had time to realize that while I've got some bumps in my life I'm trying to get over, some people have it a lot harder. I can't even imagine my youngest being in hospitals enough to know what to expect, and even find the strength to grin about it. (Codi, I'm SO glad your day went well!).

*I applied at a daycare and three awesome possible jobs today. Pray for me!

*I gotta puppy, I gotta puppy...I gotta puppy, hey, hey, hey, hey!

*My life isn't perfect. I try not to make it sound that way. Being an optimist even when I'm struggling is an entirely different matter.

*Are there any volunteers out there to drag me down the road and force me to run? My body misses it terribly...but I just can't find the motivation to get out there after a 12 hour day. How do you people do it?!

*My friend got a jeep. Correction. FOUR of my friends got jeeps in the last year. Me <--gets to ride in all of them.

*I miss the way my kids heads smell after they've been gone even a day. It's so weird that they just smell like home.

*All I can eat Italian Buffet tooootally happened this weekend. See why I need to start running again, see?

*I don't respond well to bulk texts. I wanna feel like an original, yo!

*Sons of Anarchy starts tonight (OhEmGeee guyzzzz, I can haz real tv!). Do not text or call between 8pm and 9pm, I won't be responding.

*It's five til five, which means I get to go get my favorite five year old and four year old going on twenty five.

*I've always loved this song. This morning I youtube'd it so I could put it on here and tell you how much it reminded me of me. And then laughed my ars off at how cheesy it was. No, seriously: Faith Hill - Wild One

Yours Truly,
Nomz

♫ Random Monday: 8-30-10

*One of my favorite quotes (thank you Reese, for giving it to me, so easily forgotten.

Peace. It does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble, or hard work. It means to be in the midst of all those things...and still be calm in your heart.

*Everybody has problems. Every couple has problems. Admitting them is the first step...and seems to be the most difficult. Here, I'll be the first. Brandon and I fought over light-bulbs yesterday. Yeah, beat that.

*"Notice “what’s right” rather than “what’s wrong” and instantly experience more peace and love."

Two of my favorite tweets from this week:

*I am making the choice, every day before I get started, to chose "Zen!" for breakfast. It's in the grocery aisle, next to your other choices: "Flip the eff out" and "Angst!"

*You can't have Tools in your life without also having a Toolshed to make them all feel like they belong. Yeah, like THAT guy.

*There is a chance that my girls will be in dance lessons soon...with another Adorable. It's true, and hip-hop might even be involved. Ooooooh yeahhhhh.

*I'm so tired of laziness. Instead of pouting that somebody isn't coming to you, that everything is going wrong, or that you're not getting enough attention...be bold. The only way to find your place in the world is to break out from everybody else. Be proactive. Buy yourself new internal batteries. Your lack of energy makes me more sad than my kids' dying toys.

*It's ok to be so happy for me that you want to come sit under my shade tree. I'll share!

*DOOOODS, our Facebook page is SO close to 300 friends! Tell your friends about us! Daily Offensive

*I really want your bras. Please? Give Nomz Your Bras

*Sing along!



Yours Truly,
Nomz

♫ Random Monday 8-24-10

Yes, I realize it's not Monday. It's my Monday, that's all that matters, right?

*For years I've argued men on the fact that they all swear by: "All women are crazy." I'm starting to finally realize that they're very right. At least most of us can admit it. Men are just as crazy, they just internalize it better.

* ...is tired of drama trains. And is therefore removing myself from them. Enjoy the ride, y'all. I'll meet you at the station when you stop and chill for a while.

*I have this friend, well two, that seem to be the only ones that are constants. They're always positive. They always tell me the truth. They have few secrets. They have balance and zen. They're spiritual. And they're amazing at keeping me in check. They're my rocks. You know who you are.

*I look at Brandon, and his leadership qualities, his responsible character, his integrity, and his ability to square up with life and take it on...and I feel beyond lucky that he's mine. How did I get so lucky? He's absolutely fearless.

*If you want to be a good mom to your child, realize how you act around them. Hear the things you say to people when you think they're not listening.See your world through their eyes, and then ask yourself if you're who they want to be someday. Anybody can be a mom. It takes a selfless person to be a good one. They're watching every move you make. They're feeling everything you feel. They hear you, even when you don't think they can.

*Dear single mama's...we all made a bad choice, didn't we? At least, from our side of things. Regardless, if you have a child, that child has a dad. And even if you find him worthless, scary, unfit, or insane...he has a right to be with that child until he actually proves otherwise. Just because he's mean to you, does not mean that he's mean to them. Please make that swap time easier on the kids...it's only about them now. Take yourself out of it.

*Vindictive, is the word of the day. If it fits you, KNOCK IT OFF.

*I have so many plans for September. And I haven't told a soul. I can't wait for it all to happen. (No, I'm not going to get pregnant, sell drugs, start drugs, start drinking heavily, get engaged, or move further away, don't assume because things are a secret, that I'm making bad choices.) Screeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

*It was a heavy Random Monday, forgive me?

♫ Whatever You're doing inside of me
It feels like chaos but somehow there's peace
It's hard to surrender to what I can't see
but I'm giving in to something Heavenly

It's time to face up
Clean this old house
Time to breathe in and let everything out♫



Yours Truly,
Nomz

♫ Random...day.

It's definitely not Monday. Or Tuesday. And it surely doesn't feel like a Wednesday. So, "day", that's all you are to me.

*I have a hoooooooome. And it feel so good to actually play house. For the first time in years, I'm excited to run home and light a candle, and read a book, and cook dinner, and do laundry. Screeeeee!

*I'm stressed, but not nearly as much as others...so I'm gonna quit dwelling on it, and whining about it, and try to remember that there will be stress and things to worry about, whether I dwell on them or not. Stress, is a waste of my good energy. Not anymore.

*If you NEED attention to survive, you're going to get all the wrong kind. And you're not going to like it. Stop looking for ways to get people to look at you. Be yourself, and notice the heads turn...

*Don't let Sazaran's quietness lately fool you. She's coming up with brilliant things. Like walk-in closets, over-protective deletions, and Voldemort fairy tales. You'll understand all of the above, someday.

*You're only going to get as much as you give. When was the last time you gave something up, with no expectations?

*Who tithes? How much? To who? For what reason?

*Some guys make me crazy. Like the ones that talk about their workouts constantly. And the ones that like themselves in pictures. Girls, that's a red flag. If a guy likes himself more than he likes you in pictures, he's not normal. He's either egotistical, or gay. Unless he looks like this , then I suppose you can keep him. If he only thinks he looks like this guy...Danger!



*I moved this last weekend. And my landlord left me with the following:

"Garden Nomz (she's the only one that gets away with calling me this people, don't even think about it), you've been a real joy. You're going to go places. Always remember that well behaved women seldom make history. Now go out...let your hair down, and kick some dirt up. Stop by sometime, I'll wax your nose!"

A song...to fit just that:



Yours Truly,
Nomz

♫ Random Monday: 8/9/10

Let the randomness begin!

*Today's date is special! It's EIGHT NINE TEN. And at 5:06:07, it'll be 5,6,7,8,9,10. Apparently, something that will never happen again, because the world will long be gone in 3010.

*Ever look at a relationship and go, "wtf"?! Wonder why they're together? Doesn't really matter...weird people need love too.

*Boxes are for moving. And for clubhouses. And potty training young children and puppies. That's what I learned today. OMG GUYS IM MOVING.

*Mostly, my stomach is really pissed off that I ordered a triple shot coffee this morning, and my body would prefer to remain tired. That sucks a lot.

*My baby, baby will be 4 on Wednesday, and I'll be in denial until that moment, kthxbai.

*Serenity is such a pretty word, isn't it? It's really no wonder it's becoming a popular baby-girl name. I wonder if they are serene? I wonder if you could name a little person "Shhhhhh".

*I love accessorizing. Always have. The new shoe fetish thing I've got though? That's new. WHERE DO YOU PEOPLE PUT THEM?! I'm out of closet space and I've only just begun!

*It's fantastic to be blond again...I was like, instantly 3 shades more tan.

*I love this song! And I'm not the only one. This video was released four days ago and already has 19 million views. It's full of anger, and pretty voices, and fire, and Megan Fox. Explicit? Yes.



*I also have a weird thing for Irish Ska music. Don't judge me.

*I've had the best summer I've ever had this year...simply amazing. It seems to go hand in hand with exhaustion though.

*Isn't my family awesome?!



Yours Truly,
Nomz

♫ Random Monday: 8/2/10

Holy crap folks, it's August!

*I'm not really sure where this summer is going....but as you can tell from the number of blogs that were written last month, you can tell it's been a busy one. Bear with us...winter promises to return, as will our controversial blogs. ;)

*I'm ready for new hair again. I love how that hits me about four times a year like clockwork. Ready, set, ....

*Ever been between a rock and a hard place? Of course you have, that's where that saying is so common. Meaning...you're not alone. In fact, you should buy some Hawaiian Leis and make a party out of it.

*I've gone into anti-drama mode, and will promptly remove it from my life in an instant. I just don't have the time or patience for it. And I've got no excuse for why I'm in that place either.

*Oh hi, a meet and greet with Zac Brown Band, plus BBQ, in Denver? PLEASE let me win! If not, please let one of my blog readers win, and force them to take me with them. Ah hem, enter here: Zac Brown Band

*I've started to pack. It's official. Everybody knows, which means I can shout it to the rooftops if I want to. As often as I want to. I'm in love with a boy, who loves me back, and we're going to make a home to prove it. Cheers, to taking our time, and doing it right.



*I got to spend an entire week with just my daddy. Well, my daddy and a ton of other people. But you know, we got a lot of one-on-one time for the first time in years, and it was blisssssss. Plus, I got to see him in his element, and I was so, SO proud of him. He's an amazing man. He's a powerful leader. He's a great dad. An awesome grandpa. He's full of integrity, respect, and faith. He's going places still, and I hope I grow up with at least half of his character.



*In case you haven't listened to these lyrics yet, do it now.

Love Like Crazy by Lee Brice



Yours Truly,
Nomz

♫ Random Monday: 7/19/10

This Random Monday will probably be hard to follow, hang in there.

*Dear Self...please write this down somewhere, read it every day, and remember it when you get frustrated with other people not following your perfect advice.

Each of us is on our own path and we all learn differently. Because of this it is important to not interfere with another’s path of growth. Learn to release the desire for control over others and instead enrich their lives as we enrich our own.

*I have three goals by the end of the year:

-Mend bridges
-Look in to going back to school by Spring of 2011
-Start and maintain a savings account

*Sometimes, I get really frustrated with excuses. And I assume that it's personal. Whether it's an excuse or truth, I need to realize that the problem is yours...not mine.

*I've got some people in my life that are broken records. They have such repetitive behavior that it's completely predictable and irritating. Once again...self...remember, it's their problem, not yours. Stop letting it get to you.

*I've realized that life is too short not to seize every opportunity. You hear this over and over, but until you have regrets...you have no idea what that means. CarpeDiem!

*Sometimes, a girl just needs a glass of wine. And that's ok.

*Optimism isn't genetic. It's not a learned behavior. It's a choice. It's never ever wrong to look at the bright side of things.

*Books are an escape. It's amazing the things you can learn from Mr Potter, Mr Cullen, Mr Poe, and Ms Gilbert. The list goes on and on, it's endless; never stop reading.

*My life is lyrics.

*I adore my patient friends. The ones that realize I have issues, I make mistakes, I am a work in progress, I get weak at times, I make bad choices...and that if you can handle that, I'm an ok person.

*Change makes me alive from the inside out.

*I can't wait for the pictures to be developed that were taken this weekend. Just you wait! They're going to be epic, amazing, stunning, and all things mush. <3

*I'm so stoked to escape to Boston with my daddy! It's been far too long since our heart-to-hearts, our adventures, and our ability to relate like only a daddy-daughter combo can.

*I love the feeling of hard work. The sore muscles, the satisfying feeling from head to toe that you accomplished something. I miss that. Dear cubicle, I hate you.

*I'm in awe at how many times I can fall in love over and over with the same people in my life.

*A song that has had me deep in thought for days...



Yours Truly,
Nomz

♫ Random Monday: 7/12/10

A random Monday on a Monday! Holy crap!

*I have an intern! Well, technically, STP has an intern, and I just get the opportunity to get to know her really well. She gets to work 8 different jobs, one week at a time, over the summer as part of the ...you guessed it! OneWeekOneJob program! Check her out here: Kieley

*I had an amazing weekend. One filled with good conversations, love love love, covering up insane amounts of Facebook-Blue paint, and Home Depot trips. Plus, hi, only certain people can get away with wandering around Costco for an hour covered in paint. And we did. I am so lucky to have these people around to make the blue go away and make home feel like, well, home! For the first time in years, I spent an entire weekend covered in grime, feeling sore from hard work, make-up free, and still being called beautiful. Le Sigh. Plus, my girls got to paint in their underwear (epic pictures will come, I tell you.)!



*I'm so tired of money being the root of all evil. Can whoever say that please come up with something else and make that go away?

*I twittered something, and now I'm sharing it again. Tweaked just a bit:

"I just want honesty, straight up and on the rocks...served to me...like my favorite drinks."

*I love prayer time at night when I put my girls to bed. It's my favorite thing about every day. And always has been. When Kyanne first started praying, one of her first prayers was for her friend who was too sick for her to play with, and she was praying for healing. It went like this: "...and thank you for Tig and help him be sick." She's always been short and to the point, and continues to be so. Leyna, on the other hand, prefers to go through every single person she knows, is thankful for all of them, and prays against bad dreams every night. Prayer time went from 30 seconds, to a good 10 minutes. Prime examples, that prayer can be done a million different ways, and it's always right.

*Gain laundry detergent is my new favorite smell. Both for laundry, and removing paint from everything. Yay for brilliance and the power of Gain!

*I love being a mom.



*I have amazing friends. I'm so lucky, the first picture is in the shape of a four leaf clover. Yeah, beat that.





*I've got a family that I'm not grateful enough for, and just noticed that we need new pictures of. *Family, prepare to be stalkerazzi'd*
*I freaking love this song!



Yours Truly,
Nomz

♫ Random Monday: 6/14/10

If you're new to the blog, check out my other Random Monday posts (left nav) to see the logic behind this insanity.

*I'm officially dieting. Actually, it's been official for about a month. And no, people, not to get skinnier, but so that 1) I can tone without working against myself, and 2) I don't actually DIE when a friend of mine tosses me in to a 5K in a few weeks.

*Diet includes: No yellow cheese, very little bread (whiiiiiiine, but bread is my favorite food group!), no alcohol, no sauce (ranch dressing and BBQ sauce, we'll meet again someday), less red meat.

*I'm getting all giddy about shopping/painting therapy this weekend. My inner interior designer is coming out with a vengeance. Goooooodbye, blue paint!

*When are kids supposed to lose teeth? Because she's about to lose another one, and I'm debating panicking.

*She also starts summer school this week. *faints

*UFC fights are actually more entertaining than I thought they'd be. Though, the actual commentary could improve. Especially if done by two female voices called Nomz and Ilikestars.

*I have a good/bad habit of turning my phone off for the weekend. I'm not trying to be rude, I'm just removing myself from reality for a bit. Don't take offense. Text me, I'll get back to you...by Monday.

*Luke, sir, I'm not so sure that rain is a good thing. At least, not in the dosage that it is coming down lately. You're dead on with the whiskey thang though.



Yours Truly,
Nomz

♫ You know you're a mom when...

Originally, I was going to write this from a single mom's standpoint. And then I realized that I make the same sacrifices regardless of how much support I have in my life. So, cheers...to all you mama's!

You Know You're a Mom When:

*You'd rather read them Dr. Seuss or Mercer Mayer over and over before divulging in your Twilight saga.

*You're always full prepared to bust out the ninja pants and bust a cap in somebody if they look at your child wrong, speak to your child harshly, or talk poorly about them regardless of their behavior.

*You'll lose hours of sleep, go to bed late, get up early, wake to their cries, but by God if a grown adult disturbs you when you're finally getting rest you are prepared to pounce.

*You never stop being amazed at the little things. "Awww you've been potty trained for two years but you STILL do it right, yayyyyyyy!

*You miss when they woke you up every two hours, and now that they sleep peacefully, you check on them every time you wake anyway, just to make sure they're still breathing.

*You dream about them more than anything else.

*You can't wait to get a break from them, but miss them so fiercely you're almost miserable when they're gone.

*You notice other kid's behavior and constantly compare them to your own kids. Of course, yours are better, and you won't dare let anybody tell you otherwise.

*You've counted the bites on your kid's plate so much that you've started counting your own before you're done.

*You're tired at 9pm.

*You involuntarily turn any and all music down in the car, even when they're not with you.

*Macaroni, peanut butter, and jelly become a regular food group; a staple in your cabinet.

*If you're a single parent...your ex never does it as well as you do. You're the best parent. Duh. And their current choice of mate will always be evil.

*You plot out ways to help your child escape if the current structure you're in were to spontaneously combust in to flames.

*You not only avoid sharing water with pregnant women, but eye contact. Because if it's in the water, it's definitely in the contact of eyes.

*You discover that it's the one and only bulletproof love in your life, and you're willing to risk every other person and thing for them.



What have I missed?

Yours Truly,
Nomz

♫ Random Monday: 6/7/10

Oh look, our sunshine squished between your one and only Daily Offensive!

Have I told you how much I love Random Monday's? Aside from the traditional girlie lunch, I get to clear my head of all the cob webs before starting off a fresh week.

*My daughter is FIVE. Five. I'm old. I'm like....26ish, and I feel OLD. And I wouldn't change a minute of it. I look at them and realize how absolutely bored and alone I was until God gave them to me.

*If you work too hard to impress your surroundings with untruths, you're going to forget about yourself, lose yourself, and lose everything eventually anyway. Work on yourself first, and make others love you for that instead.

*Appreciate somebody for what they're done for you, continue to do for you, or do without being asked? Tell them in a way that only they'll understand. Not by spending money on them, not by just "thank you", but by using words that will sink right to the bottom of things.

*I cannot stop cleaning out my closets, people. I have a problem.

*Everybody has skeletons in their closet. And eventually they come out and dance all on their own, even if you try to remove all the people in your life that know about them, send them mail, and invite them to dinner.



*Knowing everything about everything doesn't make you impressive, it makes you annoying.

*I knew snark would escape me on this blog today...apologies all around.

*There is just something about a guy that is willing to triple his work load, be sick, and juggle a girlfriend + kids, all at the same time without complaint. I'm blessed.

*I am so, SO blessed to have such an amazing support system. I say it a lot, but it's really something to look around a table of 20 people, or glace at the aquarium-themed crowd, and see how many are there just to make sure my daughter feels loved on her birthday, and me supported fully. You know who you are, and you know I love you so hard.

*Red Peppers on my sandwich's are my new favorite topping. The end.

Yours Truly,
Nomz

♫ Random Monday 5-31-10

Yes, I know it's Tuesday. And it's actually June 1st, not May 31st. But I'm in denial about both. My body refuses to admit that it's Tuesday...but more a morphed version of both days. Today...is MonTueDay. And June...you're actually quite welcome to take your time passing, I'm in no hurry for this summer to be over.

*First and foremost, I'd like to wish Iced Tea a Happy Birthday! Seriously, even if this article says that you haven't aged well...my life wouldn't be complete without you. Happy Birthday Tea!

*Speaking of birthdays...Brandon turned half-way-to-50 this weekend. And we celebrated. All weekend long. And he actually only tried to run away once, and he's got the bruises to prove it (Thank you, Awesome-Cody!)!

*I rediscovered the smell of a good bonfire this weekend. It's been weeks. Which, you know, is forever in bonfire time.

*I realized that the group of people in our lives is full of wonderful, and magic, and hilarity, and rarity, and by not recognizing it often enough, I am selling them short.

*Did you know that Good Times and Chipotle are the two best fast food places to eat if you're conscious about the type of meat you consume? They use organic meat only! And? Chipotle's new commercials rock. I can't find them on Google at the moment, but keep an ear out for them as they thank the Farmer's and local growers for their ingredients.

*I cleaned harder this weekend than I think ever. In my life. Thank everything for Brandon's mom and grandma...otherwise it probably wouldn't have gotten done. Cobwebs, dirty windowsills and and scary fridge=be gone!

*I have this strange urge to run home and throw away anything that I haven't needed to use in two years. I'm so tired of clutter. Hoarders, I blame you.

*In the Westminster, Aurora, or Winter Park, CO area? Make sure you stop by the Cheeky Monk for a taste of Belgium! Their food is amazing, and their beers are somewhat rare in this part of the country. The service was astounding, and their prices reasonable. Plus, it was all accompanied by a dark atmosphere and candlelight.

*I love my girls. I love my girls for breaking my heart and putting it all back together within five minutes this morning. Mostly, I died from their cuteness this morning.

Example 1: Leyna started crying when she saw me because she had a dream that I was on fire, and was relieved when I wasn't. I held her SO tight and realized in an instant how much I loved her.

Example 2: Kyanne's ability to sleep anywhere. Including wrapped in a blanket, with my sunglasses, seatbelted upright:



*I love feeling protected, taken care of, adored, and spoiled all by the same person. Odd how it always happens when you least expect it.

*I'm overwhelmed that Kyanne will be 5 this week.

*I feel like I left home behind this morning.

*I need more coffee.



Yours Truly,
Nomz

♫ Introducing: Sanctus Real

I'm out of touch with this genre, I'll admit it I want to introduce the blog, and my readers to Sanctus Real. These two are both about relationships. I really think the first one applies to older, mature, difficult, aged relationships. The second, young relationships, or those searching for them.

Read them slowly. Listen to them twice.



Lead Me by Sanctus Real

I look around and see my wonderful life
Almost perfect from the outside
In picture frames I see my beautiful wife
Always smiling
But on the inside, I can hear her saying...

Lead me with strong hands
Stand up when I can't
Don't leave me hungry for love
Chasing dreams, what about us?

Show me you're willing to fight
That I'm still the love of your life
I know we call this our home
But I still feel alone”

I see their faces, look in their innocent eyes
They're just children from the outside
I'm working hard, I tell myself they'll be fine
They're in independent
But on the inside, I can hear them saying...

Lead me with strong hands
Stand up when I can't
Don't leave me hungry for love
Chasing dreams, but what about us?

Show me you're willing to fight
That I'm still the love of your life
I know we call this our home
But I still feel alone”

So Father, give me the strength
To be everything I'm called to be
Oh, Father, show me the way
To lead them
Won't You lead me?

To lead them with strong hands
To stand up when they can't
Don't want to leave them hungry for love,
Chasing things that I could give up

I'll show them I'm willing to fight
And give them the best of my life
So we can call this our home
Lead me, 'cause I can't do this alone




Dear Heart by Sanctus Real

Dear Heart, do you belong to me, or do I belong to you?
Just look at all the trouble you drag me into.
I've heard it said to follow your heart,
But I'm starting to wonder if it's gone too far.

Oh Heart, you've let me down,
Chasing love where it can't be found.
Heart, we've fallen out,
Cause all of your emotions
Have led me to doubt. Tell me who's gonna save us now?

Dear Heart, you're in the wrong place,
Looking out for yourself no matter what I say.
And I know that you're holding me back,
And it's time for a change, so I'm giving you away.

Heart, you've let me down,
Chasing love where it can't be found.
And Heart, we've fallen out,
Cause all of your emotions
Have led me to doubt. Only Jesus can save us now.

♫ Random Monday 5-17-10

*I'm grumpy today. I have no logical rhyme or reason, I'm just grumpy. I blame a weekend full of fun in epic proportions. I haz a funn hangoverz.

*A post-serious conversation has me spinning. But thoughtful. And empowered.

*Don't ever learn to lean too hard on somebody. Everybody has a weakness, a point in their life where it gets hard to stand. A point where they fall. If you're leaning all the time, you're going to fall with them instead of being able to help them up.

*I realize more and more that as much as I whined about my parents growing up, I could have had it far worse. Plus, they taught me manners. And punctuality. And to not let my foods touch. Or feet to touch me. And that duct tape has many purposes. Not everybody can say that.

*Go see Iron Man 2 in theaters and let me know what you think? Me...I thought it was a little on the long side, and not nearly action-packed. The boys, of course, loved it.

*Once a decision is made up in my head, I have a heckova time waiting until it gets here.



Thanks, Ashley!

*I'm starting running again this week. And thanking my lucky stars that it's with a nurse, officially. Because she can save my life when I die. Unless she dies first. Out of shape rocks.

*Lazy people bug me.

*Lazy people that think they're not lazy bug me even more.

*I love Mexican food, especially if accompanied by the sound of encouragement and love.

*I love these lyrics!



"Cause I need more time
Just a few more months and well be fine
So say whats on your mind
Cause I cant figure out just whats inside
So say alright
Cause I know we can make it if we try
Cause I need more time
Just a few more months and well be fine

We're off to new lands
So hold on to my hands
Its gonna be alright
Its a whole lot brighter
So stand by the fire
Its gonna be alright
Yeah, the road gets harder
But its not much farther
Its gonna be alright
You know that it aint easy
Please believe me
Its gonna be alright"

Yours Truly,
Nomz

♫ Random Monday 5-10-10

That up there? My bug proving that Spring does exist, if you drive a little further to find it.



And that? My sweet girl doing sand angels.

It scares me a bit when it hits this time of day and I'm like ah crap, it's Random Monday and I haven't even started it!

*There is this quote that's been sticking out in my head lately: Don't make somebody a priority if they choose to make you an option. While this quote is usually pictured with some poor girl that just got her heart broken in to millions of pieces, I am pretty sure we can apply that to almost every relationship and friendship in our lives.

*Happy "Like" Day to my sister and her boy...it's been a year today since I dragged her down to Colorado to meet the infamous Mark. Well, technically a year since their first date....after they tried to pretend they didn't like each other.

*I got paid one of the highest compliments in my life today: "But YOU and you alone embody the core ethics of Christianity, and leave the judgment/politics/hate of other views out. If more Christians were like you, I’d totally join that club."

*SSSSSSSSSSsssssssssssssscccccccccccreeeeeeeeeeeee! That is all. For now. And no, mom, I'm not pregnant. Or engaged.

*I have this ridiculous obsession with looking through pictures of people's tattoo's. It's completely fascinating to me what people choose to put on their bodies, forever. I can't wait to add to my own personal collection too...I can tell you that pages like this leave me inspired to get insanely creative: Yes I have a tattoo. Yes, I know it's forever

*I'm not so impressed with people these days. Just in general. And then I've got this other set of people that have raised the bar, and set the standard, for the type of people I want in my life, and around my girls. Thank goodness for opposites to teach us how to appreciate everything, eh?

*I actually had this song happen to me this weekend! It wasn't Miranda Lambert, and she didn't sing...but she did live in the house I was in, wanted a tour to take a memory with her, and left. She was the sweetest girl...and highly impressed with the blue that had taken over the walls since she had last been there.



Yours Truly,
Nomz

♫ Random Monday 5-3-10

*Don't be an ass. Unless you're as cute as the one above.

*I have this increasing tendency to let things happen, instead of making things happen.

*I've been attacked by these ridiculous attacks of appreciation, smiles, and opportunities to be glad that I'm me.

*Why don't soap boxes get slippery? They're equally as dangerous, anyway.

*It feels good to be content with life. And no matter how hard somebody wishes for that to change, the change itself is up to me.

*I got the opportunity to work my ars off outside this weekend, and have massive plans for its sequel in my parents yard this week. Summer, you have no choice but to arrive.

*"Everything can be taken from a man but one thing; the last of the human freedoms—to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way."

*I like Random Monday's, because without them, I can't clear my head. They may seem pointless to the reader, but honestly, I don't write them for you. ;)

*Aside from Random Mondays, Monday's also include lunch with my favorite girl friends. Every Monday. I probably couldn't survive without them. They're brilliant, witty, hilarious, and come with cute accessories; like hair flowers and little boys.

*I think these two sayings are closely related:
"Treat others the way you want to be treated" and "garbage in, garbage out".

Which...I just discovered has something to do with programming, but my parents always used it from a moral point of view. "If you watch junk TV, you're going to let it affect you. Sort of like when they tell you that if you cross your eyes too long, they'll get stuck together. ;)

Anyway...if you treat others poorly, they'll probably treat you similarly. If you let pessimistic people stay in your life, you'll find pessimism easier. If you hang around encouraging people, you'll find yourself encouraged...and encouraging.

Lyrics from a song:

I fill my mind with bad things.
So horrible, I feel ashamed they show.
I've taken sin so lightly.
That lately, oh, the darkness is all I know.
The time is now,
Oh, to leave the junk behind.
The moment has arrived,
Where I no longer am blind.
It's garbage in.

Garbage in, Garbage out.
What goes in is found out.
All can see what goes in me.
I pay the price.

*One of my favorite childhood memories? My dad playing donkey basketball. Ever seen it? I think we should bring this tradition back.

--- This video isn't of him, I'm not sure that we got him on tape. All the more reason to do it again.



Yours Truly,
Nomz