Very quiet here as I remember four years ago tonight, I was already checked in the hospital, had been given cervadil to induce labor and was half way watching a movie and half way trying to sleep. It wasnt until 2:30 I felt contractions and at first in all my grogginess I thought I was ill and had to use the bathroom. I def wasnt prepared for the pain I had until I did get the epidural. I just thought I was going to get an epidural and that would be that. I didnt know I would have to wait until 5:30 am to get it, but when I did it was one of the biggest reliefs ever. My Dr woke me ap at 7 to tell me to get ready, he was going to get a cup of coffee. He came back, a couple of pushes later and Stella Rae was born at 7:50 am. That was it. Very blessed.
Her birthday party was yesterday. It was def a hit. Everyone had a good time. I barely took pics, but I have a few. It was a Shrek birthday and boy did I prepare for it. I have a little projector and so I made a mural on paper the length of three long tables for kids to color. All Shrek characters. And the goody bags, I thought long and hard about those, I ended up sticking with the coloring theme, I drew shrek characters on all 30 of them and inside were crayons, a shrek coloring book, shrek M&Ms, Shrek light up rings and a few other Shrek items. The face painter was fabulous, Amanda from Amazing Faces. She even brought her pet dragon, "spike" for the kids to pet. The waterslide was a hit, luckily there werent any major injuries to speak of. It was 17' high and Im amazed at how well all the kids did and the daredevils who were just flying and bouncing down it. Then there was the food. Gary got two 6' subs from Carmines. Yummy. We didnt think we'd finish, but hardly was any left and we sent that to the local police dept along with the other leftovers. We loved the cotton candy machine, the popcorn machine and of course chicken strips and a fruit platter for the kids. Then the 55 cupcake-pull apart Shrek cake. All gone. I would say all in all, even the adults had a great time. The best part was that is wasnt at our house! LOL, we use the clubhouse. Guests started arriving at 11:15 and we got home at 4:40 after clean up. SO...I know, long post, but for once I actually had something to say. I will now look through some pics. I am secretly waiting for school to start so I can get some photoshop-ing done. Im actually considering getting a project together. I would love to explore the idea of taking pic from my travels and also FL to put into a book. We will see. Just a thought...
Have you ever heard of various websites you can join to meet men that have unusually busy lifestyles that prevent them from meeting women under normal circumstances? Im not just talking the traditional "match.com" here either. Most men on these websites advertise themselves as being professional, extremely busy, and in general looking for "classy" women. What makes the difference on these websites is there is a line item for "hair color", "eye color", and also "worth". Or a term similar. In general, these men are very up front, stating they are very busy with their profession, and want to spend time with someone that isnt calling every hour asking them when they will be home for dinner. They have social functions to attend and basically want you to be their "girlfriend" to spoil, spend time with when they have the time, but not deal with the dramatics and headaches of a usual relationship. Some even include in their profile they are "willing to take care of living expenses" if meeting the right woman. I have had quite a few conversations on this topic, debating on whether these types of relationships work. Not only if they work, but are they healthy. My question is, who is it working for, him? Maybe it works for her. In any case, some women feel it is fake but I, on the contrary feel it is anything but fake. They arent pretending to be the best family man. They arent consistantly arguing that they arent around because they are doing everything for you. They are upfront, they have, and plan on continuing to look for someone who can understand that time means money. For everyone. They have made decisions in repect to they way they want to live and they own that decision. There is no wavering. Yes, the usual sleezballs are roaming these and every other site that includes womens pictures. But I have a respect for the men that are sincere and upfront in what they are looking for and the conditions that go along with it. I think society is becoming more accepting of seeing women in all the roles that are non-traditional. Being non-judgemental and having an open mind puts alot of people in alot of good places.
Busy busy busy I would have blogged earlier but now I have to compete with my almost four year old for computer time. I had to write about my FANTASTIC dinner I made last night. I made it. Gary and I were amazed at how good it all was, even Stella ate it.
I know there is a way to just write chicken and a link will appear, but Im telling you, being on a mac really cuts your choices out completely on this thing.
Andway, its called Burgundy Chicken with Wild Rice Anyone go to Publix? They were making it as soon as you walk in at their little kiosk. Great.
So Stellas party this year is "Shrek". I have been Shreking all over town looking for stuff, there isnt much, but Ive gotten creative! More on that later...
Again, here I am saying, "Its the 18th already?" The big news? Gary moved back in! YAY! So I have been drowning in a sea of cardboard boxes. BUT with a smile. Consolidating two households into one. Luckily, he has good taste, so we ditched alot of the older stuff. I know, if you dont want people knowing your business, dont blog it right? Well it has to do with my next topic:
Manners Are manners old fashioned? Some days I feel like Im the only person alive with manners. Like things that I dont even have to debate or think about. Manners just come naturally. Thanks mom.
A family member (by marriage) had a wedding. Stella was invited to be in the wedding as flower girl. At the time, I was not with Gary, so there are a few gray areas. BUT when the wedding actually occurred, it was well known Gary and I were back together. So, I was not invited to the bridal shower. OK, no problem, she doesnt like me. But I sent a gift anyway. Did I get a "thankyou"? no. Looking back, I should have gone with my gut instinct and gotten her a scale. So then the wedding. Am I invited? No. Even when my husband "asked" if I could attend. Nope. So I did the "right" thing and still went along with Stella being in the wedding. I even picked up the dress. Not a word from this girl. And when I spoke to her mother about being included in family occasions? "She is an adult, she makes her own decisions". Now I know where this girl got her good manners from.
The good news? I have more appreciation than ever for the fantasic job my parents did raising me. And teaches me to be sure to teach Stella manners.
The best news, I dont know if I mentioned it, is that Gary moved back in. :)
Stellas 4th birthday is coming up on the 30th. Can you believe she will be 4? Shes been busy reading "Dick and Jane", and another favorite "Hop on Pop". She loves school and is already asking to go back. Ok, Im off to make dinner. I didnt know I would be so happy to return to my wifely duties..... But I am.
Yay! Finally I made time to show what Stella and I have been up to the past week! We have been fortunate enough to spend time with my parents, sister, her husband, two kids, and also my brother. Very busy around here. We have done a number of things, but one of the best for the kids was a childrens museum...tomorrow we hit a splash park that is opening for the first day! I will def show more pics as things settle down. Not sure when we will be headed back but am excited because we will have a long awaited event waiting for both myself and Stella. More on that later... Enjoy!
Hm. Me, how do I describe myself? A leo - (minus) the gorgeous, long, thick, flowy hair. (My sister got it all)
I like to be in the limelight, I like to be in the sunshine and I would like to be known as being sunshiny. (Good thing I live in the sunshine state.) I try to live life without regrets and feel everything happens for a reason. I have learned to judge less and hope I am judged even lesser. (Is that a word?) Live open minded and open hearted.
