I'm a Mean Mom

Oooo-hoooo, Gunnar is MAD at me!

We have a rule around here that when its this cold outside, the kids must either wear snowpants or long-johns under their pants. Ardan and Lena have no problem with wearing snow pants (they haven't reached that age yet), but heaven forbid Gunnar wear something as 'uncool' as snow pants. And so he always does the long-john thing.

So this morning, about ten minutes before he had to leave to catch the bus, I wanted to confirm that he had them on. 'Yep, I'm wearing them'. For real, you are? I didn't see you go downstairs to put them on. Show me the bottom part. So he lifted his jeans up a bit, all I saw was ankle. Where's the long-johns? 'Uh, the bottom is up by my shin.' Oh really? Let me feel then. I pinched a bit of jean to see if I could feel that waffle texture underneath. Nope. Oh really? You wanna look me in the eye and tell me you're wearing long-johns? Silence. Eyes averted. You lied to me, Gunnar. Flat-out lied. So guess what your punishment is? You get to wear the snow pants to school. So go ahead, put them on.

He trudged downstairs to get them, a black cloud of anger and resentment hanging over him. And oh boy, was he mad at me. Wouldn't even look at me as he got ready to go. Usually its all smiles and 'goodbye!'s... not today. Just muttering under his breath. Out the door he stormed, slamming it closed.

I'm not too upset about it. I mean, I hate being the 'bad guy' but when it comes to the health and well-being of my kids, I'll willingly take that role if it means prevention of frost-bite or worse. Like, c'mon Gunnar! Its -27 out there right now with wind chill! What did he expect, honestly?

My hard-nosed stance could have had something to do with the fact that I busted him yesterday after school for wearing friggin' skater-shoes to school, when he KNEW he was supposed to wear his boots. We have another rule, when the thermometer reads anything below -10, its the boots. I'm willing to let that rule slide when its above that temp; I'll let him get away with wearing the shoes -- even though every motherly instinct screams at me that he should be wearing the boots. So yeah, after busting him on that, I probably came down a little hard.

If there is one thing I cannot stand, its my kids lying to me. I've told them time and again, you're going to get in a heck of a lot more trouble just for the lie than the actual transgression. And they always get busted because I can sniff out a lie like a bloodhound. You'd think the bugger would have learned by now.

The funny thing is that I remember with crystal clear clarity, being that age and thinking the exact same thing: that my parents were lame for making me wear my winter boots and snow pants. And oh, how I raged against the injustice of being made to look 'uncool', showing up to school in clunky boots and snow pants that made me look 'fat' (they didn't but that's how a teenage girl's mind thinks, right?).

So now I've officially crossed over in that 'lame parent' territory and you know what? Its not too bad! So he's mad at me and was probably muttering some choice words about me as he clomped all the way to the bus stop, but at least he's warm and frostbite-free.

And when HE becomes a parent and has to deal with the exact same situation, I'm just going to laugh and smile and nod my head. The torch will have been passed, one more lame parent.

Inspiration for Lena's room

I'm making plans to redo Lena's room, all based around a set of two pictures that she got from Trapper and Becky for Christmas (the fairies). So the theme of her new room will be: blue, sophisticated, fairy wonderland.

Some of my ideas are:

• black and white pictures in black frames (leaning towards simple black outlines of fairies, trees, etc)
• zig-zag shelves
• black curlique curtain rods
• blue walls (obviously)
• huge stencil of tree on feature wall (can't decide if tree should be black, white, or silver)
• lots of white and black accents, with other colors used randomly (purple, pink, silver) for lamps, throw pillows, area rug, etc

Here are the pictures I've found as inspiration, PLEASE feel free to give me any and all ideas that come to mind, I welcome them all! (Write them down in the comments, thanks!)


I like this blue but I'm thinking a tad bit darker, more rich. Also, I just noticed how there's a stenciled tree on the wall behind the frames! But MY stenciled tree will be on a feature wall as a main focal point.

Notice the zig-zag shelves.



See how the dresser drawers are outlined in black? I like that.



Will be printing this out to go in a picture frame.



And this one.



This one, too.

I want to somehow use this idea of butterflies, fairies and flowers dancing around the branches, when I do the stenciled tree. 

As for the tree, I have a few ideas in mind but can't decide which one I like best. Might end up doing something free-hand with certain details from each one.


This tree is a little crazy but I love how dramatic is against the dark wall.



Simple, elegant, just a thin trunk with delicate branches.



A very basic tree that would be easy to embellish with those fairies and butterflies mentioned above.

  

Ryder's favorite picture

I'm a "Doomsday Alarmist"

WARNING: This post is not for the faint of heart. Do not read unless you are also an Alarmist, as you WILL have nightmares and AAs.

NOTE: Please take the time to click on the links and read the information yourself. Though some of it is 'scary', its also interesting and eye-opening.

Y'all know my theories about 2012, right? Well, I found out yesterday (after a long morning googling websites) that I am what is called a Doomsday Alarmist. The night before I had the worst sleep ever, just kept having nightmares over and over about the end of the world on 12/21/2012. Everything from alien invasion, to a nuclear winter (Ice Age), radiation, widescale panic and chaos. It was HORRIBLE.

And the websites weren't much better. I discovered lists detailing exactly what may occur, explanations about Nibiru/Planet X and the planetary alignment, articles about proof of alien life and how they will return in 2012, and plenty more.

I pretty much spend the day in an anxious tizzy, wondering how I could ensure the survival of my family. One website had a 'Survival Guide' but other than finding an underground cave in a mountain of solid rock, or moving to Africa (considered the 'safest' continent as it has few fault lines and volcanoes), all life on Earth is pretty much screwed.

There is also talk of the "Fourth Dimension", I highly recommend reading that link. Our ascension into this Fourth Dimension is linked with the polar shift and reversal (NASA confirms that the polar shift is happening now; others say a true reversal is likely to occur late 2012). The definition/explanation is quite New-Agey and complicated; a 'simple' explanation is this: The pole and dimensional shifts are simultaneous; shortly before the actual shift happens, the third and fourth dimensions will begin to interface; third-dimensional synthetic objects will disappear (bye-bye tv & iPhone) and fourth-dimensional objects will suddenly appear; there will be a 3-day 'Great Void' but most people will emerge on the other side, our bodies atomic structure changed as we convert to beings of 'light', able to manifest our own reality with simple though (think 'banana' and one will appear); quality of thoughts is totally important (peace, love, unity) as people motivated by fear, anger, etc will create and manifest that. Its a very interesting concept, worth the read.

Another theory is that the upcoming 'alien invasion' will be a return of the Annunaki to earth (you've heard my spiel about the Annunaki and the Reptilians, right? Watch that video link!!). Some believe that the Annunaki were the basis for our belief in 'angels', as they came to earth as winged beings, bringing their advanced technology to the Ancient Sumerians, creating the pyramids, genetically engineering humans (which is why we only use 15% of our brain power and have never discovered that 'missing link' of how we evolved from Neanderthals to Homo Sapiens), etc.

My mind was spinning with all this information, dire warnings and tragic outcomes; I was having little AA's and getting quite depressed!

When I brought up the subject with Hubs (who agrees with me about the upcoming End of Days), I was talking about how we would survive. And he said the most amazing thing, it just cut right through all my anxiety:

"Why would we WANT to survive it?"

I was speechless. My mouth hung open as I processed that. And then I realized... he was absolutely, 100% right.

With the world in chaos, earthquakes and volcanoes, radiation, nuclear winter, reversed polarity, people going mad, the complete breakdown of society, possible invasion of alien life forms... who in their right mind would WANT to survive in this terrifying new world? The struggle to find food, water and shelter, protecting your family from all manner of danger, possibly living underground for decades until life was sustainable on the surface. Its like a horrible sci-fi movie!

And so with that new way of looking at it, my desperate anxiety just slipped away and I became calm. So when the time comes, we will sit back with our family and watch it all unfold. And whatever happens, happens; there is nothing any of us can do about it, any illusion of control is just that.

Though I am preparing myself for that Fourth Dimension thingy. Becoming a 'being of light' has a nice ring to it.

Five Question Friday

1. What is your current favorite book, and why?

Hubs just picked me up a couple of books and one in particular is absolutely fabulous! Its by Gena Showalter (same author who writes the Lords of the Underworld series, one of my faves); its the latest in the Alien Huntress series, called 'Ecstasy in Darkness'. Its soooo good. Here's a pic of the cover (so hawt, omg, *fanning myself*):



And yes, that is a whip he's holding.

Here's what the back cover has to say:

"New York Times bestselling sensation Gena Showalter enthralls with a dark, tantalizing world of humans, otherworlders, powers beyond imagining, and a seductive vampire undone by his insatiable hunger for one woman. . . .

Growing up poor on New Chicago's meanest streets, Ava Sans had two options: be the predator or be the prey. No contest. Now, working for Alien Investigation and Removal, she's been ordered to capture the biggest, baddest warrior of all—a vampire too beautiful to be real, with the ability to manipulate time. Once the leader of the entire vampire army, McKell has been deemed savage and unstable, spurned even by his own kind.

To McKell, humans should be nothing more than sustenance. Yet the petite, golden-skinned Ava is a fascinating contradiction—vicious yet witty, strong yet vulnerable, lethal but fiercely loyal. Against his better judgment, McKell craves that loyalty, and much more. When the chase leads to seduction, McKell and Ava will race to discover the truth about his past. But the answers will come at a price, even for a woman who thought she had nothing left to lose. . . ."

2. Do you go to the dentist regularly?
Depends if we have dental coverage through Ty's work or not. When he was at Bettenson's we had 100% coverage, so I made sure every child and myself had our check-ups; as well, I had my oral surgery (also covered 100% which was so nice seeing as how it cost almost $3000). Now that he's with a new company, we'll have to wait those three months before benefits kick in, then we'll all start going again.

3. What is your worst memory from High School?
I don't have that many, actually. At least none that stick out in my mind as particularly traumatizing. There was the day I found out that my boyfriend  Don cheated on me by making out with one of my best friends at a party, that sucked. Of course, I put on a brave face, acted like I couldn't care less, dumped the bastard and told my remorseful friend that she could have him. In the grand scheme of highschool life, boyfriends come and go but friends are forever (at least until you graduate and grow apart, right? lol); I wasn't about to lose her friendship over something so stupid. He, however, I ditched because he proved he couldn't be trusted. Like the saying goes, and I've taken liberty with it, chicks before dicks. Right? LOL

4. What do you hope to be remembered for in your life?
Being a great mother, wife, daughter, sister, and friend. Being kind, caring and compassionate; loyal, trustworthy, a good listener. Someone who made others laugh. Having a great sense of humour. Someone you were happy to see coming and sad to see going. Oh, and a great cook. :P

5. Are you superstitious or do you have any superstitions?
I am. There's a downside to this 'charmed life' I lead-- I always feel like at any moment, the other shoe will drop. You know what I mean? Like it can't be possible for a person to be so blessed, there must be something coming that will test all that. And so I do have superstitions (if I spill salt, I throw some over my shoulder; I try not to give voice to anything negative because I don't want it put out into the universe to return to me; that sort of thing).

10 Things I Love About Hubs

1. He thinks I'm "fiesty" and he loves it
Most guys would call it "bitchy" but not my man. Perfect example: Today, in the wee hours of the morning, Ryder woke up crying from a nightmare. I went into his room to soothe him back to sleep, then zombie-walked to my own bed. I was soooo tired. The commotion must have woke Hubs because he then decided to start up a conversation, asking me questions about this and that. What time was Gunnar's game tomorrow? When did my shift start at the arena? What were my thoughts about his new job? (That's a whole 'nother post.) Finally I got tired of mumbling my replies and snarked at him, "I'm trying to fall back asleep here, which is kind of hard when every time I'm just about to, you have another comment to make! GO. TO. SLEEP!" He just chuckled and said, "I love it when you're fiesty." And then he cuddled closer, wrapped an arm around me, and we fell back asleep. What a sweetheart.

2. He's thoughtful.
If you haven't looked out your window today, you're unaware of the massive dump of snow we got overnight. Actually, to clarify, the freezing RAIN we had overnight that iced up the roads, then the snow-blowing blizzard that followed. Its kind of a nightmare out there right now. Ardan had a training session booked at Complete Athlete for 10:30am; followed by my 2-hour shift selling 50/50 tickets at the arena starting at 11:15am. My wonderful thoughtful husband said that he would take Ardan so I wouldn't have to drive on those roads. Then, when he came back from dropping him off, he handed me a pack of smokes he'd bought me (with a wink and a suggestion for how I could thank him later, typical man); THEN he said he would do my 50/50 shift as well, so I could stay home with the kids! Have I mentioned what a sweetheart he is?

3. He lets me think I'm tough
Since developing arm muscles last year, I also developed an ego about them. And so lots of times Hubs and I will play-wrestle. Usually with the kids watching and cheering us on; Lena always cheers for me, the boys for Daddy. It always starts off as harmless fun, with him holding down my arms or wrists while I struggle to get loose. When I do, I have to get revenge by showing how tough I am and pinning him down, and he indulgently lets me try. But then I get tired of knowing he's holding back his strength, and then its ON. Huffing and puffing, grunting, red-faced, using all my puny might to get him pinned, both of us rolling around on the floor, trying to get the upper hand, the kids enjoying it immensely. Of course, he's laughing all the while, which just spurs me on. Eventually, when he knows I've worn myself out, he gives in and collapses under me. "Okay, you won. You're tougher than me, I guess." I KNOW he's just humouring me but it makes me feel vindicated. (Sometimes, he'll add on "Now you got your daily workout" and then it'll all start up again, haha.) He also calls this 'being fiesty'. And seeing as how he's always the one who starts these wrestling matches, I know he loves it.

4. He's got a great laugh
I always thought I would want to marry a man full of good humour and cheer; a guy who cracked jokes all the time and kept me in stitches, full of witty remarks and great comebacks. Doesn't that guy seem like he'd be a blast to live with? But wait a second, now imagine for a moment... being married to Robin Williams or Jim Carrey. Could you stand it? After half a day I'd be headed to divorce court or jail. There is something very special and heartening about hearing a great belly laugh or a chuckle or even a snort from a man who is often quiet, serious and introspective. Knowing that YOU were the one who's witty comment or joke brought about that laugh, its a great feeling. A lot of times I'll act the ham or play up the retelling of a story, just to hear that awesome laugh. (Omg, does that make ME the Robin Williams of the relationship?!?! eek)

5. He would do anything for his family
Take a job with a company he doesn't like, work crazy hours, sacrifice his own health (eating on the road is hell on his stomach), suffer sleep-deprivation, working with idiots and dickheads, having to be away from his family for long stretches at a time... all to ensure his family is provided for and doesn't have to go without. Of course, we would much rather have him here with us and live with that smaller income, but the real world sometimes calls for sacrifices when you're a one-income family with four kids.

6. Its important to him that we have fun as a FAMILY
When you think back on your childhood (unless you're Levi and have no recollections), what are the things you tend to remember? All those fun times, right? Camping trips, going to the beach, family bike rides, movie nights, hotel stays, going fishing and hunting, swimming at the pool, going bowling. Occasions when the entire family was together, making memories, laughing and having fun. Those moments are very important to Hubs, probably because he has none from his own childhood. (The 'fun' times he remembers having were always of his own making; going fishing by himself, building forts by the river by himself, shooting gophers in the field by himself.) He lives for those moments we have together. He'll come home from a long hard day at work but rather than lay on the couch and watch tv like most dads would do, he'll suggest a mini-stick competition downstairs, or taking shots out in the driveway. In the summer, no matter the hour there's always time for a quick boat ride or taking a few casts on the lake; quad rides in the ditch; bike rides down to the creek or even across town. On days off, when a lot of men would hang out with buddies or go bar-hopping, he's planning swim trips to the pool or single-night camp trips somewhere close. Many times I've thought, Man, just take a break already! Why do we have to do something every night? But then I realize he wants his kids to have the type of childhood he never did, and I sigh and put on my bike helmet and get ready for the 5km bike ride he's got planned.

7. He's a hunk
Seriously, look at my man. Broad shoulders, big biceps and forearms, strong thickly-muscled thighs and calves, big feet (you know what THAT means, right? Big SHOES. Gotta keep it PG.). When I first met him he weighed 175lbs. Now he sits at about 220. And I LOVE IT. I love some meat on those bones. I look back at old pictures and though he does have a six-pack, he's basically skin and bones. As the years have passed, he's packed on some serious muscle and its awesome! His weight can easily fluctuate 20 pounds, losing it when he's sick and gaining it during the winter (which we all do, right? We call it 'winter weight', it helps to keep us warm, haha). After a bout of sickness, I can't stand seeing him looking so skinny and I love nothing more than fattening him back up. What can I say, I love big men. One in particular. :)

8. He's passionate
And not just in a sexual way, as you're probably thinking from that headline. He's passionate about everything. Whereas most guys think of fishing and hunting as amusing pastimes, for him its an obsession. You all know this! He cares about his family passionately; heaven help anyone who dares to threaten that.  Someone or something angers him, you're not going to hear a simple 'darn it', you're going to hear a blast because he feels passionately about whatever transgression has occurred. Sometimes it can be trying to live with a man who feels so strongly, yet I couldn't imagine being married to a person with a 'meh' attitude. As to the other kind of passion, let's just say I'm lucky I don't have a hundred kids by now, and leave it at that. *wink*

9. He doesn't care that I'm not a Martha
I could not imagine being married to a man who expected a perfectly clean house all the time. We would make each other's lives a living hell if that was the case. I know I'm not as bad as a Hoarder's episode, but I've got to admit my house would probably horrify a lot of people. I'm satisfied if laundry is done, dishes are clean, and floors are vacuumed. If the kids' bedrooms are a disaster or there's dust on some shelves, its not the end of the world. In fact, I've been known to go months without dusting the knick-knack shelves in the livingroom. Some things just aren't high on my priority list. Does my bed get made every day? No. Are there usually fingerprints on the tv? Yes. Is there a mouse's-dream of crumbs under the toaster? You betcha. As long as there's a hot delicious meal on the table, the kids are happy, and he's got clean clothes in the closet, Hubs is a content guy. And I am a lucky woman!

10. He loves me no matter what
Let me put it this way: when he first met me I was 120 pounds and now... I'm not. Haha. I've had long sexy hair down to my butt, Ellen-Degeneres-soccer-mom-lesbian hair an inch long, red hair, black hair, blonde, brown, and everything in between. I got my nose pierced! Sometimes I let weeks go by without shaving my legs. Some days I don't shower and just wear jammies all day. I'm a smoker with ashtray breath (though sometimes I'm not, now is not one of those times however). I've gained weight with each pregnancy. I can be a total moody bitch (sometimes its just being 'fiesty' though, right? lol). Sometimes I'm just not in the 'mood'. When I have my mind set against doing something, there's no way you can make me. I'm impatient and controlling. And yet... through it all, he's loved me. His passion for me has never waned, no matter my appearance. He is always there for me when I need him, and even when I don't. He finds my independence and I-can-do-it-myself attitude sexy and powerful. He told me once that the first time he met me, he knew I was 'the one' and that he wanted me to be the mother of his children. Through all our years together, all the ups and downs, he's been the one constant. There's not enough words to express how he makes me feel; I can only be intensely thankful that the Fates allowed us to cross paths so many years ago.

"Soul-mates are people who bring out the best in you. They are not perfect but are always perfect for you."
~Author Unknown