2010...here we go, here we go...here we go agian.

I kinda like doin' memes. They are interesting to look back on.

1. What did you do in 2009 that you’d never done before?


Let's see. Nothing springs to mind. Oh, I crossed the pond. And I gave a toast at a wedding reception. Both for Toddly and wonderful experiences.

2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?


I didn't. I could make a bunch of excuses about it, but...do you really care? I wanted to exercise more and lose weight. Blah, blah, blah! Of course I made new ones. I always do.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?


My new friends Tammie, Vicki, Katie and Emilie all had babies. Babies have a way of bonding women.

4. Did anyone close to you die?


No.

5. What countries did you visit?


France for my bro's wedding. Again, it was great.

6. What would you like to have in 2010 that you lacked in 2009?

Patience. Muchly more. I need with the kiddos, Mr. Workin' AND even myself.

7. What dates from 2009 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?

Valentine's Weekend we went to Vegas with Jill and Dave. Fabulous trip.

In May Beth graduated from law school.

Week of Memorial Day Sara and the kids came for a visit from Mississippi. It never seems long enough.

In June Ella had a Princess Kitty 3rd birthday. Just a week later Wyeth celebrated his 5th birthday with a Star Wars party. I even made an indestructible Death Star pinata.

July was rough.

August my baby turned two. How can that be? It seems like yesterday, she was a tiny squeaky thing. Wyeth started kindergarten. Ella started Tiny Tots.

November was the awesome girl's trip to Phoenix.

In December Fara had her hand surgery.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?


Well, when I flew to France, I travelled alone. Which I have done in the past, but it was different due to the fact I was leaving the country. I am kinda amazed that is the only thing I can think of...eeeks. I need to step out of my box a bit more. Also, my hubby and I started marriage counseling. It was a long road to Wava's door, but working on the marriage has renewed a new hope in my soul.

9. What was your biggest failure?

Oh, boy. I am tempted to take the Bush or Palin approach and say I've never made a mistake, but we all know I would be fibbing. I suppose there is a difference between a failure and a mistake... I failed to be as accepting of things as I could be. I am a work in progress, not a failure.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?

At the end of January, I fell on ice while intoxicated. I am fairly certain I cracked my tailbone. It was quite painful. My tushy still gets sore if I sit too long.

11. What was the best thing you bought?

Oh, this is a tough one. I like to buy things. The question asks about something I bought, not a gift I received. I love my Kindle, but Mr. Work gave it to me.

For someone else: the playhouse that we got Fara for her birthday. It currently takes up a large part of my family room. The girls spend endless hours in it, so it's totally worth it.

For myself: my Uggs. Love them.



12. Whose behavior merited celebration?

Wyeth. He is such a cool kid. He kind and patient with his sisters. He contemplates life, a total deep thinker.

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?


This is a touchy one. I don't think I should be pointing fingers at other people. It takes a lot of people to make this world go 'round. Right and wrong, is too black and white.


14. Where did most of your money go?

Eesh, this one is embarrassing. Too much of our money went to convenience foods(ie. fast food, take-out food, and restaurants.) My laziness level in the kitchen must change.


15. What did you get really excited about?

Not to have you think going to France was the only thing I did all year...but really going to France was quite exciting. Mr. Workin' and I enjoyed a week in Paris after the wedding. 


16. What song will always remind you of 2009?

I gotta feelin' by the Black Eyed Peas.

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:


- happier or sadder? Happier and more full of hope. I am working on some major parts of my life. My marriage is healing, and I am working on myself spiritually, mentally, and physically.

– thinner or fatter? Fatter, nuf said.

– richer or poorer? I feel richer. Money not being the primary measure, I have health, love, and countless blessings.

18. What do you wish you’d done more of?


Reacting with kindness and an open mind. In all situations I would like to tamp down the black and white, judgemental shadow of myself. It is my desire to say no less often. It's all part of learning to "go with the flow".
Also, better self-care. 


19. What do you wish you’d done less of?


Being ugly, snappy, or judgemental instead of patient, calm, and loving toward those around me.

20. How did you spend Christmas?


With my parents, and family. It was a calm and peaceful holiday. We opened gifts for hours. The children all had adorable and priceless reactions this year.


21. Did you fall in love in 2009?


Hmmmm, I am going to say I fell in love with my hubby all over again. I have always believed this(falling in and out of love with your partner)is a real part of marriage, but this is the first truly noticed shift for me.

22. What was your favorite TV program?

It's not so cool to admit, but I just love TV. My three favorite (bummed when the season is over): Big Love, True Blood, and Eastbound and Down.

23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?


Hate is an ugly word. We don't use it at our house.


24. What was the best book you read?


I love books, but there wasn't any particular one that stands out in my mind.

25. What was your greatest musical discovery?


Ben Folds ~ University a Cappella. He is good, and it's so fun (for lack of a more exciting word) to listen to a cappella.

26. What did you want and get?


Marriage counseling. And a list of other things that proves I am a spoil wifey.

27. What did you want and not get?


To have the master bathroom remodeled. 2010 for sure!

28. What was your favorite film of this year?


There were several. I loved Inglourious Basterds, Sherlock Holmes, and Star Trek. Popcorn is sooooo yummy.

29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?


I ran around and got ready for my girl's trip to Scottsdale. I was a bit stressed, but was able to relax when I got there! I am 34. Crazy. I still feel 24ish.

30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?


Oh wow... I don't know??? I would prefer to look forward.

31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2009?


Me having a "personal fashion concept" for any year is a bit of a stretch. I guess for the most part I ignore the things I know will make me look taller and thinner and focus on blending in on some level.

32. What kept you sane?


My girl friends. Hillary wasn't kidding when she said, "It takes a village." I have some of the best girlfriends a chica could ask for.

33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?


Oh I don't know. Both Michelle and Barack Obama.

34. What political issue stirred you the most?


The return of Sarah Palin. It would be nice not to hear her name again. But on a side note, I would love to read her book. If someone has it, may I please borrow it?

35. Who did you miss?


I always miss my Granmarie. I just wonder what she would say about the times, and my babies.

36. Who was the best new person you met?

This is difficult, no one springs to mind. I have shifted around in some friendships, and I have seen some people in a new light.

37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2009.

Having lower expectations for a situation, isn't the same as lowering your life's standards. Does that make sense?

38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.

It's still the same old story
A fight for love and glory
A case of do or die
The world will always welcome lovers
As time goes by
~Good ol' Frank Sinatra

10 Changes for 2010

So...I am all about change. For the new year, I am looking to make a handful of big changes, by way of 10ish smaller ones. According to my adorable father, the best way to reach goals, is to commit them to paper (write them down). I think this counts.
*Stop assuming everyone is JUDGING me.* However, if you are here to judge, keep on moving, I don't want to hear it! I am workin' on changin' for a reason.
Here we go, here we go...
1~ Stop assuming everyone is JUDGING me. Did I already say that?
2~ No more calling Tom and asking him to bring home dinner.
3~ No cussing at people, EVER.
4~ Assume the best.
5~ Wash face and use a deep moisture cream several nights a week. (see that...realistic, there is no way I could do it every night.)
6~ If some thing's gotta give, it's computer time.
7~ Defer to Tom's opinion. Even if I don't agree.
8~ Cut a lot of sugar. Cancer loves sugar. Shit that is scary!
9~ React in kindness and with patience.
10~ Cherish the now and continue to "roll with it".

Christmas

We had a wonderful, blessed Christmas this year. The kiddos were in good humor and Mr. Workin' and I made it through with nary a snarl.
My parents were here Wednesday evening through Sunday morning. We all enjoyed each other, and I was sad to see them go.
Of course there were too many toys. I do wish I could somehow get ahold of the buying for them that goes on. It's my ego that keeps me buying. I suppose we should follow the advice of some sage mothers and just not give gifts from us. The grandparents more than make-up the difference. As the children get older we will do more to give of our time as a family to those less fortunate. Already this year there is a pile of gifts that I pulled aside after they were opened. I will quietly donate them and they will never be missed.
We continue to tweak our traditions every year that passes. Eating our Christmas eve dinner before mass worked out nicely, but it will be easier when napping is no longer a requirement for the kiddos.
I still don't have out Christmas cards out (by the New Year they will be). With all the modern conveniences of communication, I hate to see card giving go away. There is something nostalgic for me in the sending and receiving of holiday cards.
Our Christmas dinner was served later than I had intended, but it turned out well. I think it is important to keep our holiday meals as close to regular meal times for the sake of the little kids.

Tips for 2010
*No gifts big gifts from us.
*No cheese tray for Christmas eve dinner.
*Make the bread dough the day before Christmas eve.
*Just decorate cookies after mass.

Interesting Turn of Events

Wyeth has ALWAYS, you know all five years, been my easiest child to shop for. He is the oldest, he is the first to get to every stage and he's a typical boy so it's pretty straight forward. Ella is the second child, always willing to play with Wyeth's toys. I have a bigger issue with what to buy her in that I want to really focus on HER, not gender box her, or just buy her what I think a three year girl would want. And Fara...poor kid, she sometimes doesn't even get the same number of gifts. That will have to change this year. She will be onto us.
To my surprise this year, Ella has been the easiest to shop for. Her wants aren't great...she asked for a candy necklace and press-on nails. Done and done. But I also know her interests and she really does want all pink and pretty things.
Fara on the other hand...

I changed the name...

I didn't ditch the word motherhood, because I am checking out...I am a mother and it beings me an unlimited about of joy, but I think this blog is more about me on the whole. Or maybe I want it to be that way. So...welcome to my brain. That's where we are going from now on. :)

Christmas Giving

This is one of those topics I have have been mulling over in my head off and on for years. I want to impress upon my children that giving is better than receiving. There shouldn't be stress and panic about what to give. I am torn about Christmas lists even. It's nice to get people things they want...I guess. Hardly anyone we buy for needs a single thing, my children included. We are all so self- indulgent.
Then on the flip side there is instilling the graciousness it takes to accept ALL gifts given to you. Even if your aunt is horrible at assuming what you would find beautiful, she still needs to feel your gratitude. And even if you receive the book you want but it isn't a brand new copy, isn't the content the same?
There always comes a point during every year that I throw up my hands and say the Hayes are having a card printed up that says something along the lines of ....
We have donated $________ in your name to the __________ ( and then choose the organization that I feel like the person likes or would want to support). My friend, Colette is suggesting giving time and talent and I agree with that one as well.
Consumerism is an ugly beast. I am not sure how to navigate the line between loving all that is Christmas time gift giving for the sake of my babes, and wanting to show them a more realistic and responsible way to show what the word gifts truly encompasses.

Nothing much...

Things are busy and each day seems to be filled to the brim with this and that, but I don't have a lot to report.
We enjoyed Thanksgiving in Whitefish, MT. The five of us, plus the elder Hayes of the north made the (longer than I estimated) journey to Glacier and then onto our rented condo on Whitefish lake.

It was perfect, there was enough room for all of us to spread out and relax. Margaret brought dinner for Wednesday evening and I brought dinner for Friday night. We both ended up bring enough food to feed the greater Whitefish community. We had Thanksgiving dinner at the Whitefish Lodge. The kiddos did well and the food was delicious.

This coming weekend Mr. Workin' and I are going to Portland from work and shopping. I plan to do the bulk of the shopping for Christmas while my guy is at his conference. Will be nice to shop alone. There is still a lot going on here at home with the kiddos so I have some major prep to do to get everything ready for grandpa and grandma to take over. Thank heavens we have them!

We finished swimming lessons during February and I am hoping to have Fara potty trained by then to add to the mix. Wyeth will move to the Level 1 Advanced class and Ella is doing well with staying another session in Level 1 Beginner. She isn't a fan of putting her face in the water. It's a pretty important step for advancement. Gymnastics is going well too. They all three love it.