Happy Halloween

Happy Halloween from Brock and Sonny!

Jailbird Brock Side Profile

Jailbird Side Profile #2

Jailbird Brock Mug Shot

Sonny the Turtle

Sonny the Turtle (that is too long for her costume!)

Sonny the unhappy Hot Dog

Sonny doesn't like Halloween

Lucky Sonny Bunny got to wear two different costumes.

Can you tell she was super happy about that?

Take Luck,

LP

Dear Monday

What better way to start off the week than with a Dear Monday with Megan at Happy Day?

Dear Monday, I totally forgot that you were Halloween.  I blame Sunday for scrambling my brain.

Dear Trick-or-Treaters who do not visit our house, We buy candy for a reason.  Mmkay?

Dear Jaiden, I cannot believe you will be 11 on Wednesday.  I still remember sitting (and sleeping) in the waiting area of the hospital, un-patiently waiting for you to be born.  Tonight you dressed as a sorceress.  And you kept hissing at me.  I love you, too.

Dear Brock and Sonny, I am sorry I tortured you this evening and made you put on your Halloween costumes.  I promise I wasn't laughing at you.  I was laughing with... OK, at you.

Dear Hubby, You told me that after one of the few trick-or-treaters said, "Thank you...." for the candy - you said "Thank you" back.

Happy Monday, and Happy Halloween everyone!

Take Luck,

LP

Real Life

Today while cruising the blog-circuit, I came across a new blog.

The blog is by a woman in Florida who has her own photography business, loves cute shoes, and has a couple of kiddos.  The youngest of kiddos gave the couple a surprise upon delivery, and was born with Down Syndrome.

As I was reading, and the woman was sharing the birth story and pictures  of precious moments after birth, Ryan happened to peek over and see a picture of the new baby (who is now one year old).

I started to tell him about what I had previously read - this woman was all excited (duh) to have a new baby.  But as soon as the baby was delivered - she knew something was wrong.  No one else seemed to notice the glaring physical characteristics that were screaming, "Down Syndrome."  She said she felt like this wasn't her baby.  She felt like she wanted to run away from it.

My dear Hubby's response was, "That's depressing. Why are you reading that?"

My answer was simple, "It's real life."

It got me thinking about some of the other blogs I follow.  I follow some true and "real life" friends, but a lot of the blogs I faithfully read are written by women that I have never met.  And likely, never will meet.

So why on earth do I follow them?

I follow some of these ladies because they blog about real life.  They blog about marriage and the work it requires, motherhood and raising kids, adoption, balancing work and a family, and a number of other things.

Most of these women don't sugar-coat it.  They tell it like it is - whether it is pretty, ugly or everything in between.

That honesty is something I have really grown to respect and appreciate.

Life is not clean and pretty.  It is often messy and hard.

I am inspired by all these women.  In different ways, of course.

It amazes me to see not only the cards they are dealt, but how they play their hands.

Take Luck,

LP

Busy Day

For having the day off today - I was sure busy.

I started off the morning by spending time with a dear friend and her two kids.  I got to snuggle with baby Hallie for a whole hour and a half.

That right there made my day.

My mood quickly shifted when I started driving towards my dentist's office for my cleaning appointment.

I hate the dentist.

After that - I embarked on painting the bathrooms of our house.  I have been talking about painting the interior since we bought our home (uh, almost two years ago).  Every wall is white (with the exception of our lovely foyer that is wallpapered green with a floral print.  Awesome.

I don't know how but I powered through the taping and painting and finished our two bathrooms in about five or six hours.

Once I finished the smaller, half-bathroom I debated on taking a little break before moving onto the master.  But knowing myself, I knew that if I stopped or rested - getting back up and moving again was going to be that much harder.

So, I continued.

Here is a look at the finished product.

Half-bath #1

Half-bath #2

Master Bath #1

Master Bath #2

In some light the paint looks brown, and others I think it looks like more of a custard yellow.

Anyway, I am happy with the results.

Although right now, my arms and back are not too happy with me.

Take Luck,

LP

Fill in the Blank Friday

 

It's time for another fabulous Fill in the Blank Friday with Lauren at the little things we do.

1. When I was a kid I wanted to be a comedienne when I grew up.

2. As an adult, my dream job would be to appear on Saturday Night Live or be a world-traveling-photo-journalist. 

3. When I was younger I wanted to be just like my brother. 

4. The childhood Halloween costume that I remember most was when I was a clown.  I wore a red turtleneck, black leggings, and I also had a perm.  I think Mom made me a hat and painted my face.  I was crushed this Halloween because my friend and trick-or-treat buddy Ali was Belle from Beauty and Beast.  She wore the dress, complete with white gloves.  I was totally jealous.  I think the neighborhood felt sorry for me and gave me more candy. 

5. My favorite childhood toy was a baby doll, named Rebecca. 

6. The time I got into the biggest trouble when I was a kid was when I was mean to my little sister. 

7.  I get daily inspiration from bloggers, Etsy, and my Hubby. 

That is all.  Happy Friday!

Take Luck,

LP

Ping Pong Balls

I've been having some eye issues this week.  They are burning and super sensitive.

And in some bizarre way, I remembered this video that my sweet niece Kennedy loves to watch.

Whenever she says she wants to watch the Elmo video... This is what she is talking about.

I'm so happy and relieved to know that Elmo knows how I feel.

So yes, my eyes look like ping pong balls.  Well, maybe they feel more like ping pong balls.

I wish I could chalk this up to taking too many Elmo vitamins!

Thanks, Elmo.

In other eye related news, because I am having issues - the eye doctor told me to keep contacts out for three and a half weeks.

That's a long time.

Last night when I got out of the shower sans glasses/contacts, I looked into our bedroom and could faintly make out a brown blob laying on our bed.

I called out, "Is that you, Sonny?" (Like she was going to respond...)

I put my glasses on and looked back at the bed.

It was definitely Brock.

A 10 pound dog versus a 75 pound dog.

You'd think I would be able to tell the difference, with or without corrective lenses.

I guess not.

Take Luck,

LP

Dear Monday

Linking up with Megan at Happy Day for another Dear Monday!

Dear Monday, You were a quiet day today at work - which is always appreciated.

Dear St. Louis Cardinals Offense, Please produce more than two hits tonight in Game 5.

Dear Sonny, Barking at your reflection in the window at 6:00am needs to stop.  I told you over and over again - it's you.

Dear Friends on TBS, You make my post-work snack and TV time absolutely delightful.

Dear Hubby, I love you and your thoughtfulness and all... But please stop buying me candy on birthdays and other holidays.  It just calls my name and my will power just isn't strong enough.

Take Luck,

LP

Fill in the Blank Friday

It's Friday!  You know what that means - Linking up with Lauren at the little things we do for another Fill in the Blank Friday.

[1] Nothing says fall like clear and crisp sunny days.

[2] My favorite autumnal tradition is carving pumpkins with Hubby.  A few years ago, he carved a masterpiece.  But I think it took all of his energy and last year he chose not to participate.  Hmph.  I carved solo.  Hoping he will partake this year!
 

[3] My favorite fall treat is banana bread... And Ryan's Captain Morgan Apple Cider.

[4] Fall makes me think of soccer because that was a big part of my life from age 4 to 18.

[5] Autumn free form word association, go! Pumpkins, cider, crisp leaves, crisp air.

[6] My go-to outfit in the fall is anything I can layer.

[7] My favorite fall holiday is (Halloween, Thanksgiving).  Thanksgiving!  I love the scrumptious food, inevitable food baby and coma, and celebrating with loved ones.

That is all.

Take Luck,

LP

55-200

I just took this picture.

From the top step of our front porch.

With my spankin' new 55-200mm camera lens.

It's a view of down (and across) our street.

Hallelujah.

Without a doubt - the second best birthday gift.

My Hubby has Tiff and Ryan to thank for this one.

I am ex-cit-ed to see what this baby can do.

Take Luck,

LP

Best Gift Ever

Yesterday, was my 26th birthday.  I received the best gift ever.

I got oodles of Facebook wall notes wishing me well and a happy day.  I wrote/posted a status update thanking everyone and indicated that I received the best gift ever on this special day.

I didn't think much of it.

Until I got a text from my dear friend Lindsay asking, "Are you pregnant?  Is that the best gift ever?"

I had to read it twice before I understood that my status update on good 'ol Facebook may have been a little cryptic - and that was totally unintentional.

I digress.

The best gift ever was none other than the arrival of our nephew, Liam.

This is the little bugger that I have been anxiously awaiting for some time now!

And he's here!

He came in weighing a whopping (is that sarcasm?) 5 lbs, 9 oz and is just perfect.

Since he lives in Illinois, we haven't got to meet him yet - but you can guarandarntee that we are going to meet him as soon as possible.

And then I am going to hug and kiss and squeeze him (gently, of course), and hug and squeeze his Mommy and Daddy.

I am such a proud and happy Auntie, and I could not be happier that he is now my little, tiny birthday buddy.

We love you, Liam!

Take Luck,

LP

Dear Monday

Linking up with Megan at Happy Day for another Dear Monday.

Dear Monday, You were filled with excitement and anticipation, followed by nervousness and worrying.  Let's not make this an every-Monday event.  Mmkkay?

Dear Self, Happy birthday!  Here's to hoping 26 is a good year.

Dear Liam, Welcome to the world, little man!  I promise to be the best birthday-buddy-Auntie you will ever have.  Ever.  I can't wait to hold, hug, and snuggle with you.

Dear Sar, Thank you for including me in your own Dear Monday.  However, the gratitude excludes the lovely picture you put up of us from our young and round-faced-days.

Dear Loved Ones, I am forever thankful and grateful to have you in my life.  Sharing special days with you makes me one lucky lady.

Dear Hubby, I love the crap out of you.

That is all.

Take Luck,

LP

Fill in the Blank Friday

Linking up with Lauren for Fill in the Blank Friday!

1. The most selfless thing I've ever done was act as a camp counselor for mentally and physically handicapped kids.

2. When it comes to working out I have a love-hate relationship.  I feel that I worked out for much of my young and all of my adult life as a high school and college athlete.  I think I deserve a break.

3. A woman should always stand up for herself.

4. I wish I could put my creative thoughts into reality and then I'd redecorate our house, raid second-hand-stores and take snazzy photographs.

5. A best friend is honest with you, and stands by you now matter what.  

6. I can't get enough of Disney movies.

7. This weekend I am celebrating my Daddio's retirement, shopping with my Momma, and tackling my Stats midterm.

That is all.

Take Luck,

LP

What Do You Say?

I have been thinking about this post for awhile now, and I think I finally have what I have been wanting to say.

What do you say to someone who has dealt with a tragedy or difficult, unforeseen turn of life events?

Until a few years ago, I was one of those people who simply chose to not say anything.

I figured - they know what they are going through, and do not need to be reminded by me asking, "How are you doing?"

I knew I was there for them if they needed support, but I never said it out loud.

I think apart of me also felt that by bringing up the sadness, I was in some way mocking the person who was hurting, and pointing out that it was them that was experiencing this and not me.

I don't know if it's because I am older (duh) and have a little more life experience, but I know now that my mind set was completely and totally wrong.

Instead of keeping to myself and sending telepathic vibes to my hurting friend or family member, I know that I need to openly tell them, "I am sorry for what you are going through," quickly followed by, "I am here for you."

What else can you say?

After thinking long and hard about it, I really believe it is better to say something small, rather than nothing at all.

To you, your words may seem completely insignificant.  But, to the person who is receiving those words and encouragement - it may be totally uplifting and reassuring that they are not alone.

Thinking about what to say leads me to think and consider what not to say.

Along with my altered mind set, I am trying to observe how others around me respond and interact with those who have experienced a tragedy or difficult, unforeseen turn of events.

Do they choose to not say anything?  Do they express sympathy?

Or do they do something else entirely?

I have mentioned in previous posts that a co-worker of mine, recently lost his young son in a motorcycle accident.  His first day back at work was yesterday, and since I sit in the cubicle next to him, I have overheard the many conversations that have taken place between him and other employees.

I can't tell you how many times I have heard someone express sympathy, and continue on by talking about themselves and something they have experienced that is (or really is not) somehow related.

This has been driving me up the cubicle wall.

I really feel like standing up with a megaphone and telling these people, "This is not about you.  Stop making it about you."

I feel like in these instances, these people are turning the grief around and focusing on themselves, instead of allowing the person who is truly grieving - to grieve.

 

Is that wrong?

Am I just being overly critical?

I just can't figure it out.

I don't want to sound insensitive by any means, because I know we all have our times and periods of grief.  I just feel like everyone should have their opportunity to grieve, without someone else coming along and trying to one-up them with their story.

And now I'm just word vomiting.

So, I would love to hear what you think about this.  After experiencing a loss or a difficult, unforeseen life change, how do you want the people in your life to respond?

Do you want them to stay silent and act like nothing has happened?  Do you want them to outwardly show sympathy?  Do you want them to share a story of something they have experienced that is (or perhaps is not) somehow related to what you are going through?

Take Luck,

LP

Dear Monday

Linking up with Megan at Happy Day for another Dear Monday!

Dear Monday, Thank you for being a holiday.  We really appreciate an extra day off of work, and a day to recoup from our trip to St. Louis.

Dear Baby Webb (aka Nephew-Who-Is-Yet-To-Be-Named), You did not arrive as we requested.  But we still love you, and cannot wait for you to make your debut!

Dear Throat, Please stop hurting.  Thank you.

Dear Hubby, I truly loved getting funky on the dance floor with you on Friday night.

Dear LMAO, You're music video for "Sexy and I Know It" is truly, truly disturbing.

Dear St. Louis Cardinals, Kick some Milwaukee boot-ay!

That is all.

Take Luck,

LP 

Fill in the Blank Friday

Linking up with Lauren at the little things we do for another Fill in the Blank Friday!

[1] Something popular that I can't stand/just don't "get" is Jersey Shore.

[2] Something unpopular that I secretly love is reading about natural disasters and missing persons cold cases.  Not in a weird way, mind you.  But I am fascinated by these kinds of stories.

[3] When I've had a bad day I need hugs from Ryan.

[4] I'd prefer hanging at home on the couch with Ryan to going out and about any day.

[5] Something that makes me nervous is being around a large group of people.

[6] Something worth fighting for is true love.

[7] When people thing of me, I hope they think of a genuine and caring person, who makes their life better.

Take Luck,

LP

Dear Monday

Linking up for another Dear Monday with Megan at Happy Day!

Dear Monday, You did not suck as bad as last Monday.  That is all I have to say to you.

Dear Daddio/Faja, You retired today after 37 years of government service.  I am so proud of you.  On your first week of retirement you already get a new job: puppysitting!

Dear Sar, I am so sorry that I did not participate in your Starbucks Sunday.  I don't take a lot of time for myself, but this just may inspire me to do so!

Dear Hubby, I will take you on in a baby powder fight any day or night.  You going down, sucka.

Dear Nephew-Who-Is-Yet-To-Be-Named, If you could coordinate your arrival with our trip to St. Louis... Your Aunt Lauren and Uncle Ryan would really appreciate it.  And I think your Mommy would too.

That is all.

Take Luck,

LP