The duck tape that holds us all together.....

I love living in Texas, but hate the fact that I am allergic to about every tree and grass here. It also probably doesn't help that I live with a dog that I adore, but have to pet with my feet. I've been doing pretty well with alternative methods of treating allergies. I absolutely love this little local place downtown called The Herb Bar. All natural products for just about anything. I love my Deep Health, Allertonic, Cedar Serum, and ear candles. Couldn't live without them!

But......Texas allergies can still kick my butt. No matter how well I eat, the vitamins I take, and allergy care I am committed to (including air duct cleaning, wood floors, carpet cleaning for the carpet that is left, hypoallergenic dog shampoo and detergent, air purifiers, and on and on).

So, what happens when Mom gets sick? As Price puts it "I am the duck tape that holds us all together". I will take this as a compliment, as I do run a pretty tight ship around here. Someone has to, right? I try not to let the OCD part of my personality come out too much though. I might load the dishwasher a certain way, but if I can get my kids to do it for me, should I really be too picky? I've also realized that it is ok to let my husband go to the grocery store. He might not get the brands I get, or compare prices, but he is trying (and he absolutely HATES the grocery store). I've realized that it is ok if the kitchen isn't clean, because Price gets me tissue when I need it, and Jax fluffs my pillows. The mail and paperwork might pile up, but homework and chores get done. It's about the little things, right? Not everything has to be accomplished every day, especially when it is important that I take time to rest and get better. After all, I can't let the duct tape wear out.

What to do when I grow up......

I always knew I wanted to be a Mom. I think this comes from taking care of my brothers when I was little, feeling that I had to protect them. I did a pretty good job for a 12 year old. (Although, I still feel like I need to protect them, and we are all adults now.)
Being a Mom is the best thing I have ever done. I'm not perfect, but I try really hard. We've only had 30+ trips to the emergency rooms, but no broken bones. Concussions, stitches in the face, and only one surgery.....but I have managed to keep them relatively safe and healthily. :) It is still a learning experience every day, and I cherish that. I love the new challenges, questions, and milestones. I enjoy reading, researching, and talking to other parents about options. It took me a while to figure out that I can still make myself a priority. It took me a while to figure out that I need to make my marriage a priority. What is the best way to juggle all of these things? Oh, and on top of all of that.....I have a full time, highly competitive, corporate job.
I love my job. I was never one of those kids that knew exactly what I wanted to do when I grew up. I didn't want to be an actress, or a nurse, or any of the other mainstream professions out there. It took me so long to actually find myself, I don't think I ever really knew what career I ultimately wanted to land. I envy those that knew exactly what they wanted, and went after it. All three of my brothers where on this path, going after a profession they desired and ultimately achieving it. (Ok, James is still in school to be a doctor, but I consider him a lifetime student.) Myself, I took the long road. I have been working my way up the corporate ladder for the last 15 years. I have finally landed on a rung of this ladder that I absolutely adore. I am challenged each and every day, work with wonderful people, have complex projects that stretch my intellect, and am constantly working on making things better. I love that!
So....I ask you this. How do I manage both to the best of my ability? Some days I feel like a rock star, juggling so many balls that even the ring master would be impressed. Other days, I feel like if I hesitate for even just a moment, I will drop all of those balls. Although.....Some balls I just can't drop. I am totally committed to my family and will give anything to provide for them. I am also very committed to my projects, deadlines, and deliverables. Where is the sweet spot?
I will continue to take one day at a time, set priorities, and remember to savour the simple moments....like playing bingo with my boys.
If anyone has the secret to making all of this work, I would gladly pay top dollar (but not give up my first born).

Been a long time, been a long lonely, lonely, lonely time......

So....I have not updated my blog in almost a year. Yes, my peeps, I have had a life since then, just have not chosen to write about it. I think it is a shame, because I realized how much fun I had writing my India blog. If you have not seen it, you should definitly check it out, www.bangaloreadventures.blogspot.com. This blog details my three week trip to India in February for work.
I also need to credit Amalia for making me get it together and post an update. (Thank you my sweets for probably being the only person that still checks my blog.) Thanks to her, I have kicked it into high gear and will do a better job of posting updates. The thing is.......I want my posts to be relative and interesting. You probably don't want to know what I had for dinner last night, or what I wore to work. No offense, but some blogs are just BORING. I am a follower to quite a few blogs that are very interesting and entertaining. I would like to call out my friend Sara and her Mom, Pam. I love reading Pam's blog, especially about her winter life in Panama. Awesome!!
So I promise you this.......I WILL update my blog on a regular basis. I WILL make it interesting and relatively funny. All I ask of you....is that you continue to show some interest in updates on my daily life. :)

Ok.....I know it has been FOREVER since I have updated my blog. To be honest, I am too addicted to Facebook. :) I figured this was a worthy post, and had to show pictures of Keith's sky diving experience. The boys gave him a jump for Father's Day. We used the same company that jumps before the fireworks show Keith & Paul do in Lockhart. He had such an amazing time, the video is awesome. Watching him actually made me think about doing it myself. His adrenaline was so high, you could see the excitement all over his face. Of course, he wants to do it again. Looks like he has a new hobby. :)

Kendall Grace

Kendall Grace was born February 26th. We drove to Houston on Saturday to meet her. She is just beautiful! The boys had a great time in Avery's new play room. Kyle even took all three of them to the park on his bike! We are very lucky to have another perfect neice and can't wait to watch he grow up.

Christmas

Christmas was especially fun this year. We spent the morning with my Mom, James and his girlfriend Amalia, Adam and Lucy, and of course, my three boys. The last time I was with my brothers and Mom on Christmas morning was eight years ago. We had lots of fun presents and a big breakfast. Everyone had to rest a little mid-day, to get ready for Keith's birthday that evening. The party at his parents house was incredible....lots of friends and family. I am very blessed to have so many wonderful people in my life. Happy Holidays!

Cutting Down a Christmas Tree

We had a great time at the Elgin Tree Farm this year. Todd and Melissa came with their little boy Gabe. Missy and Avery came too, even though they didn't need a tree. It was pretty chilly, but we found a good one.