Just A Night Owl

Category Archives: Random

I’m Cool Because…

Written on February 28, 2012 by just a night owl in Random

I went to a birthday party for the daughter of one of my dearest friends. It was at an ice skating rink. They had their stuff together. I could write an entire tribute to how well the whole place operated, but given that the likelihood is small that anyone reading is currently researching information on how to pull off successful children’s parties at an ice skating rink, I will spare you.

During the pizza time, the party hostess LALA played a game with the kids, I’m cool because….As you can probably guess the kids had to take turns filling in the blank. They said things such as I like soccer, I love Taylor Swift…etc, etc. Then, if anyone else at the table could say that they were cool because of the same thing, they got to stand up.

That night I had the opening night of a class that I am leading at my church. I had spent a week trying to figure out an ice breaker that wasn’t cheesy or lame, but would get everyone talking. I am not sure a non cheesy ice breaker exists. After all, its obvious purpose is to engage everyone in some forced process to start talking. Awkward. Anyway, I decided to forgo the icebreaker until I had a brilliant revelation upon pulling into church that night. I remembered the cheesy I’m cool because fun that I had witnessed earlier that day. I say go big or go home. What’s more cheesy then asking adults to say why they are cool. It completely fit the need for the cheesy ice breaker and turned out so incredibly fun. The things that I learned about these ladies!

I opened the night by saying…I’m cool because I homeschool. I find this incredibly funny because in case you were not aware, homeschoolers are not typically known for their cool ~ness. Sad, but true. I’m working on doing my part to change that misconception. Although come to think about it, I am not sure posting about grown ups saying why they are cool is going to help me in my quest. Sigh. Anyway, do you see where this is leading? Get yourself prepared….

I am cool because I am a mama.

I am cool because I eat cheerios.

I am cool because I love to plan parties.

I am cool because I have been married almost 18 years and drive a mini van.

YOUR TURN….

Play along, it’s fun and I love to hear from you!

You can do it. I’ll start it for you. Just put your answer in the comment section.

My name is ______ and I am cool because….

My Monday Confessional

Written on February 27, 2012 by just a night owl in Health, Life, Random

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I have a story of horror and shame.

I split my pants.

It’s true.

Not just any pants. Yoga Pants. Who does that?

Not just one pair. Two pair. Who does THAT?

So, I have spent a great deal of time pondering this recent atrocity. I have narrowed down the possibilities to one of the following two scenarios.

In spite of my recent health goals, weight loss, and the fact that I have been running on average 15-2o miles a week, amongst my other workout routines…I have managed to balloon into an enormous entity that has ripped a material that was, in fact, created to stretch. I have broken the laws of physics and my inner thighs have ripped lycra.

I have been running at such a warp speed that my pants could not withstand the amazing pressure that my lightening fast running was putting upon them. In a nutshell, my running skills transcend the average pant.

Guess which one I am going to go with?

I own two pairs of black yoga pants. They are my at home mommy uniform and about the most comfy thing on the planet. Now both pairs have holes in the unmentionable area. Sew them? Why yes, I have tried that. They have re ripped. So in fact, if you do the math, I have ripped four pairs of yoga pants. FOUR PAIRS.

Upon discovering the RE RIP in my current pair of yoga pants I was minutes away from leaving the house to go on a date with my 7 year old. I had forty minutes to go and I needed to cut my 11 year old’s hair, iron 7 shirts, feed the kids dinner, get myself ready, and leap a tall building in a single bound. I accomplished it all and as I was about to throw on another pair of pants, I discovered I didn’t have another pair of pants because every single one of them was in the washer. Big problem because now I was left with just fancier clothes and I should have washed my hair but didn’t, so a hat was a necessity. My hats are not fancy clothes matching hats. So, there I was. I could put on fancy clothes with a casual hat and no make up, or wear my ripped pants and pray that I have no need to do a toe touch or the splits while on a date with my daughter.

I had no time to put on make up, actually do my hair, or better yet sew my pants, because eldest daughter had choir beginning in just 18 minutes and we live 15 minutes away. Fortunately, my other daughters choice of a date was to go to Target and spend her Valentines day $5 gift from her grandma and have a pizza at the snack bar. I decided to chance it and wear the pants.

I am pretty sure that no one noticed the rip in my pants. My daughter is so stinkin’ adorable. She dressed up for our date…all on her own, complete with her fancy tutu ish skirt.

Ahhhh motherhood, don’t you just love it????

ONE SHOULD NEVER TAKE YOURSELF TOO SERIOUSLY.

Confession is good for the soul. Join me.

Anyone have any embarrassing episodes you are willing to share?

I’m Sleepy

Written on February 8, 2012 by just a night owl in 170 School Days. 2011, My kids, Random

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I am tired today. Last night I felt like I was up all night. In reality, I kinda was. Around seven, after getting the littles to bed, I laid down with my laptop to do a couple things for school. Shortly after, my intent was to go to the gym. However, the next thing I knew it was 10:30. NOT an appropriate time of day for a nap. Thankful though that no one woke me up.

I headed downstairs around 11 to watch Biggest Loser. This season is annoying me. Too much game play and no Jillian is making me a bit sad. I haven’t cried once yet, in six weeks. Something’s terribly wrong.

Around 1 am or so, a chain of interruptions to my sleep began. Sore throat, thirsty, and a bad dream where her little brother died, made for a couple of fitfully sleeping girls and a non sleeping mommy. I am unbelievably blessed with how little our kids get up in the middle of the night. It actually is very rare. Last night lots of snuggles were needed. I rally to the cause, but at times I do have to fight my inner dirtbag mom to not just scream JUST GO TO BED.

In between the brief moments of sleep, I was processing some decisions and events of the past week. God and I were chatting a lot. The wee hours are probably the best time for that anyway. It seems I can not believe that just happened is par for the course these days. It has been a strange 2012 thus far. NEVER a dull moment around these parts. NEVER.

The hubby works late tonight and the kids have Awana. My mom day will end around 8:45 after I get all four tucked into bed. Following which, an hour with the lap pool and some hot tub time at the gym will revive me for sure. One would think if I was tired, I would go to sleep. However, I think that some me downtime does far more than 2 hours of sleep sometimes. Maybe I’m just weird. Whatever the case, I am just so happy that the gym closes at midnight.

I have been regularly exercising since around April of last year. I tell you, if I miss more than a day, I am all out of sorts. It’s a pretty good thing.

I am thankful that everyone is cooperating today. Everyone is in good moods and being quite agreeable. Consider this proof, I said “point to the airplane?” (I was, in fact, speaking to the one year old…but I’ll take what I can get, right?)

Its an amazing thing to have a large brand new neighborhood park 2 doors over from our house. It makes for a great break when needed. Today I think my son and I discovered a potential new hobby.

Taking pictures while flying off of swings can be a pretty fantastic way to spend a Wednesday afternoon.

Worth Quoting

Written on January 18, 2012 by just a night owl in Random

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I am a complete sucker for sayings. In high school I am pretty sure I had 5,673,298 pins on my cheer jacket. That was the thing. I giggled when I pulled this out of the garage the other day. My favorite is I can’t cope with pastel colors. These are words that have stood the test of time for sure.

Today, I always gravitate towards plaques, pillows, candles, and all other home decor plastered with some profound truth. I love when people post them on facebook and pin them on Pinterest. Heck, now you can even wear them (which I frequently make my baby do).

They amuse me and inspire me. Some of my favorites…

Find Your Strong.

Some people suck. Avoid them.

Sometimes its ok to take a step back and admit you are being ridiculous.

Do more of what makes you happy.

Some people think that hanging in there shows great strength when the truth is “letting go” is the real test of character.

I never stick my leg off the edge of the bed no matter how hot it is because it would get eaten off.

Sometimes the things we can’t change, end up changing us.

They may forget what you said but they will never forget how you made them feel.

Things around my home…

Uppercase Living allows you to design your own. We had this made for over our t.v. area.

These two canvases from Joanns, hang in our school room.

Home Goods is an amazing place to find cute anything, but definitely has a lot of things with sayings.

Live a good life pretty much sums it all up, right?

I made wall art with some wood squares from Joanns and scrapbook paper.

This sign I picked up at a flea market for $5. It makes me quite happy. It hangs in my babies nursery.

I am in the picture on the bottom row in the middle. I enjoy my hair.

This one hangs in my dining room. My kids are disturbed that the words are cut off at the bottom. I tried to explain that this makes it “artsy” looking. They weren’t buying’ it at all.

What are some of your favorites??? and more importantly, does anyone know who makes these up anyway?

Happy Wednesday.

…Until We Meet Again

Written on December 28, 2011 by just a night owl in Life, Random

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It is the time of year when Christmas Music just sounds weird. The Christmas displays look messy and you realize that the Christmas Magic has all but disappeared.

Our family of six.

The few hold outs {like myself} will keep Christmas alive until New Years, but the majority seem to drop off steadily, one after another, beginning at 12:01 on the 26th.

My Mom and Dad. Bob and Bobbie. {cute huh?} I think you know the guy in the middle.

People are un decking their halls and throwing their trees on the curb. Pretty soon all the houses will no longer be twinkly. Its sad.

 Our newest addition to our never ending array of Christmas trees. It's so tacky, it's spectacular.

I am looking forward to New Years. We usually have friends over, eat pizza, and watch people party the night away on t.v. I always need to watch the episode of Friends where Monica and Ross do “the Routine”. I always watch Dick Clark’s Rockin’ New Years Eve. I never say that name right. I don’t even really know what the show is technically called. One day I hope to celebrate in Time Square.

Happy Birthday Jesus Lemon Bars. This is what happens if you disobey the COMPLETELY COOL BEFORE

CUTTING instruction. They did however, taste heavenly. Warm, lemony goo. Happy Birthday Jesus.

Speaking of New Years, is it simply fantastic that the first day of 2012 falls on a Sunday? The over planner loving types like myself are doing a happy dance both inside and out. It makes me want to buy a fresh new planner just to celebrate.

Meet the newest member of our family. She joined us Christmas morning. She pees. Real liquid.

 Her diapers cost more than my one year old's diapers do. Her name is Stella {aka Baby Alive}.

Yes, my favorite sights and sounds of Christmas are disappearing. My favorite holidays begin with my birthday in June and end with New Years Eve. January through May are kinda bleak in the holiday world for me. Maybe I will have to make some holidays up.

Christmas morning Greyson sat down and played with the manger for about 5 minutes. In the middle of all the

chaos of post stocking opening. I'm not sure if anyone saw him but me. I couldn't take my eyes off of him.

I always feel kind of down in January. It’s silly really. Post Christmas Syndrome? Perhaps it should be a real diagnosable disorder.

If so, I have it. There is no immediate cure.

I can't imagine what Mary was feeling.

I was at a Christmas Production where the Pastor said…there is just something so special about this time of year.

Everything is just better. Everything is just more special. I agree.

My most fantastic Christmas gift. Thank you Urban Outfitters and my husband. I was mesmerized by these dolls

as a child and now they are measuring cups? I will wear my new frilly apron, measure with my dolls,

and bake treats. I am 40, I promise.

I have plenty to keep me busy. We have 21 weeks left of the school year. I am mid way doing a complete overhaul on my health. I am running a 10k in February and a half marathon in July. I am searching for a organization to volunteer at. I was given three new books for Christmas ~ Bloom, Choosing Joy, and 52 Things Every Kid Needs. I am just beginning to study photography. I’ve got a house to clean, children to love, a husband to adore, and a Savior to worship. I’ve got plans.

Dear Christmas decor, I have enjoyed you for five weeks now, but soon it's back in the box. I sorry.

Today, I will shed a small tear for the goodbye of Christmas….until we meet again.

What’s up?

Written on July 26, 2011 by just a night owl in Random

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1. I like random lists.

2. My blog is in process of getting its first face lift. Coming Soon.

3. Have you checked out Pinterest? I mean really! Come follow me. It’s fun there. It’s pretty AND useful.

4. This beauty came to live with us this past Sunday. I have plans for it. They involve a cute little 6 year old and some cans of spray paint….but not at the same time.

5. This beauty also slipped as I was taking it out of my van and in order to save it’s adorableness and my daughter’s heart from breaking, I sacrificed my back and have basically been in bed for 2 days.

6. Were you aware that Target now carries giant post its? I mean 12×12 inch giant? Imagine the possibilities.WARNING, they stay up for about 5 minutes and the sheer weight of the massive piece of paper sends them crashing to the floor. However, the 300 seconds prior to that is sheer bliss. For $7.99 its worth it. Why? because subtlety (is that even a word?) is overrated. YELL YOUR LOVE NOTES, to do lists, or anything else at someone. It’s fun. You know you want to.

7. I have lost 48 lbs since my baby was born. Two more lbs. to reach my pre prego weight and then I will do a happy dance and continue on to lose the rest of the weight that I shouldn’t have been carrying in the first place.

8. I have the pleasure of leading a class at my church that I have mentioned before, Made to Crave. There is 47 of the most courageous and amazing women. God is working, lives are changing, and I am so blessed to be a part of it all. It fills my soul and gives me the warm fuzzies all at the same time.

9. Women from that class are doing a 5k this October. It’ll be my first and I am beyond excited. Plus, it’s for a tremendous cause.

10. My baby boy loves apples. Actually, really anything that’s table food.

11. My baby boy consistently sleeps from 7pm to 6:30 am. One of the 101 million reasons I am in love with this kid.

12. I am officially starting school planning this Sunday. Panera and I will be very close in the month of August.

13. I gave up caffeine, fast food, and dessert for at least 12 weeks…probably indefinitely.

Hope you are enjoying your summer…I’m looking forward to Pumpkin spice candles, fall baking, apple picking, and cooler temps. They are almost here!

Puppy Tweets.

Written on June 19, 2011 by just a night owl in Random

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Many parts of my life are governed by what is on sale 75% off at Target. By this I am referring to party themes, gifts for those I love, and for this year, our Father’s Day gift. During last year’s after Christmas clearance, I found PUPPY TWEETS. It is an electronic dog tag with a sound and motion sensor that enables you to know what your dog does while you are away. The level of ridiculousness was enticing and I ~~wasted~~ spent $7.49 on it and put it away for Father’s Day. Our dog now has her own twitter account and we can keep up with her throughout the day. You can follow her too. Her name is BrooklynStruck. Here are some of my favorite tweets that we have had today.

JTLYK~ that trash was all over the kitchen floor before I ever got there.

OK…so I’m minding my own business, right? And the sofa cushion just explodes all over the room. I’m as surprised as you!

Someone was outside but I sounded so ferocious they went away.

Saw an old pic of myself as a puppy and I was really thin and now I’m just depressed.

Puppy Tweets rules! Finally I can express my thoughts and feelings to the world!One question:does it matter if I get slobber on it?

Lord help us all… what is this world coming to?

Saturday Confessions.

Written on May 28, 2011 by just a night owl in Random

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1. As of tomorrow, my husband and I are giving up obvious sugars {all delicious foods that are titled desserts}, as well as fast food, for the next 4 weeks. So, tonight after my work out at the gym I stopped on the way home and got a large fry at Wingstop and a large diet coke.

2. I slept in today and yesterday until 11 am. My husband is that awesome to let me.

3. I pulled work out pants out of the dirty clothes to wear to the gym tonight. I broke rule number 5 that is clearly posted on our wall at the gym. Freshly laundered gym attire required. I didn’t get caught.

4. I am addicted to using q tips. This landed me in Urgent Care last week because I couldn’t hear well. I will leave the rest up to your imagination, so as to maintain a little bit of my pride. Do you know of a support group anywhere?

5. I have been reading A Familiar Path since I found her. Love her humor.

6. My cute little 7 pound yorkshire terrier is pushing my mental sanity to its limits.

7. I am turning forty in 28 days. It bothers me. A lot. It also bothers me that it bothers me.

8. I could not love my six month old little guy anymore. It’s just not possible. He seriously melts my heart.

9. I give amazing in car concerts complete with dancing and singing. You’d be jealous, I am sure.

10. I close my eyes every time I get weighed at the doctor. If I don’t look at it, maybe it won’t be true.

Thanks Melissa for hosting!

It has to happen at some point.

Written on April 7, 2011 by just a night owl in Random

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So, I was thinking that I have never WON anything in my entire life. You know those irritating people who win everything? I am not one. I was on price is right, but never got to COME ON DOWN. I go to women’s retreats all the time. I have never won the door prize.

I decided I am going to change that and enter EVERYTHING I see for the next couple weeks. I have to win something at some point. Right?

Just in time for my new experiment, one of my blog crushes is giving away her geography curriculum that I was going to purchase for school next year…

Go HERE to enter….but if you win, can I have it?

What have you WON in your life?

Don’t get all sappy on me and say a great husband, gorgeous children, or anything like that. This is all in fun. I’m talking pure shallow material things…What have you won???

Anything?

or are you prize~less like myself?

Twelve Sure Signs of Sleep Deprivation.

Written on March 15, 2011 by just a night owl in Random, Uncategorized

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1. You find yourself waiting for the light to turn green to make your left turn….only you are doing it in the middle of the intersection rather than safely behind the white line.

2. You ask the waiter for an extra plate and are amazed at how quickly he produces one, only to realize he was already putting it down in front of you when you inquired about it.

3. You get gas and get in to leave only to realize your car has been running the entire time.

4. You smell the teaspoon to check if pepper made it into your spaghetti sauce, but exhale instead of sniff and you blow pepper into your right eye.

5. You leave the house with your shirt inside out.

6. You leave the house in your slippers.

7.. The ever popular “you put the cereal away in the refrigerator.”

8. You rock yourself to sleep instead of your baby.

9. You fall asleep in the shower.

10.Something (thankfully not someone) is forgotten everywhere you go.

11. You lock your keys in the car.

12. You try and get into someone else’s car.

My baby is great at this…

But not so much at this…