www.quietsoldseparately.blogspot.com

A dear, sweet friend recently started a new blog. A blog for moms, by moms. A place for moms to come for a simple answer to the every day questions we encounter. Like the little ones we raise, this blog is beginning in infancy. It needs readers. It needs comments. It needs questions. Swing on over. I promise laughs. I promise good ideas. I promise a plethora of ah-ha's. I had a few just today. One of the first questions she chose to tackle was about pacifiers, to use or not to use. The following is a sneak peak of one of the comments posted by yours truly...

Once we were home (from the hospital), she cried 21 hours each day, hours calculated on a non-magical, no-extra-hours-added-to-a-day, non wish-granting clock. Life could not continue like this. I made it, she made it, my beloved husband who had no idea what the heck to do made it to Day 5. On this day, while unpacking from the hospital, a tiny rubber and plastic composition of pink, blue, and yellow fell to the bed. It was a God send, an answered prayer, a shining mirror ball hanging from my ceiling sparking rays of light as a chorus sang. I can still remember the secluded discussion my husband and I had behind the closed doors of our bedroom during the few moments that followed. "Should we let her have it?"..."we said we never would."..."Jenn, something's got to give." More like someone or, more accurately, two someones because this was a decision I refused to make on my own. So with heavy hearts and an increasing amount of self doubt (it was that big of a deal) we decided to give a child, one of OUR children, a pacifier. Honestly, at that point, the binkie was the alternative to a small room with padded walls and a nurse named Barb that dispensed medication according to her own clock. It was what came next that was harder than the decision itself. We had to announce the decision to the crowded rooms of family on the other side of our door. After all, no matter how much I love and adore my husband, I couldn't (he probably could...well, maybe he couldn't) stay in our bedroom forever. Mark's solution to my dreaded judgment was very matter of fact. "Jenn, just give her the thing and walk out. If anyone says anything, simply offer them to live in our shoes for the next 24 hours and see how long they last. We lasted 5 days and it was far from how I imagined Heaven." So in a nutshell, he was saying the last 3 days at home with a screaming, crying newborn have mirrored his assumption of Hell juxtaposed with 7 weary days and an equal amount of sleepless nights (remember my labor was long) if confronted, my often quiet and well-mannered husband would have told the offenders where they could have stuck a binkie of their own. We walked out of our room, Jillian held in our arms, the binkie displayed between her lips...

What happened on the either side of the door? Check out Quiet Sold Separately to find out the answer to this and how to get a picky eater to expand his pallet and is it okay to lie to your husband by omission and many more topics as they arise.

We Are Off!!!

Embarking on a great adventure...Arizona is the place to be, Hot weather is the life for me, Land spreadin' out so far and wide...Mark and I are off to Arizona and we are super excited for the journey before us. We do not have very many details just yet, but we will share once they become available. Wish us luck, say a pray or two (maybe three), and check back later this week for, perhaps our most astonishing post to date!!!!

Photo is of the Arizona Railway Museum in Chandler

We're Cruisin'

Today was my day to volunteer in Jillian's class. Oh, how I have missed working in the classroom. Mark and Karigan were going to run a few errands, so they dropped us off and then picked us up. As I climbed into the truck, Mark had this sheepish grin on his face and our favorite song just so happened to be playing on the radio. Yet, I suspected nothing, nothing at all. So, about the errands he had to run. "Just what were those errands, Mark?" Well lets just say, they involved planning a cruise and securing childcare during said cruise for our up-and-coming anniversary. And boy, oh boy was I ever so surprised. I love, love, love surprises. Unfortunately, I am not so easy to surprise, but oh my gravy was I ever so super dee duperly surprised. I can't stop saying how surprised I was, still am, and probably will be for a while. This man is the absolute love of my life and the idea of spending five days with him on a beach, on a boat, under the sun, and under the sea is just H-E-A-V-E-N, Heaven. Now, if only I can make it the five days without my other loves, our kaddos.

Conked Out

“Think what a better world it would be if we all, the whole world, had cookies and milk about three o'clock every afternoon and then lay down on our blankets for a nap." ~ Robert Fulgham

Sunday afternoons couldn't be any better

Yikes Ike or My Husband the Roofer

It is supposed to rain tonight. Mark thought it was about time we (okay he) fixed the roof. We lost 8 shingles when Ike blew through almost two weeks ago. So my handy honey, you know the one that doesn't like heights, scaled to the third highest peak (it sounds more dramatic when I write it that way) of our roof and with a little shingle cement, a few roofing nails, and one mighty swing of a hammer - our roof is fixed. F-I-X-E-D. Fixed! I am so grateful I am married to such a wonderful man that isn't afraid of hard work and finds great pride in the care and upkeep of our home. And by the way, great job holding the ladder Grandpa. He couldn't have done it without you.

Furniture Assembly, Anyone?

After the roof was finished, the mighty task of assembling the girls' furniture was the next item to be marked off the to do list today. It was a beautiful day, so Mark and Grandpa decided to put everything together outside. In addition, Mark's truck provides the perfect work station. Five hours and two pizzas later, mission accomplished. I still do not, Do. Not! know how I am going to fit everything in their room. I guess I will have to post pictures when the task is complete, but don't be surprised if it takes me a while.

You're Invited

A little while ago, I was reading an article about parenting in the August Ensign titled Love, Limits, and Latitude. I knew as I read that the impression from this article would be, will be lifelong. I was really inspired, encouraged, and validated by these simple words. I want to read this article every morning before I get going so I can start the day in the right frame of mind. Seriously, it made everything seem so clear. I consider myself a pretty savvy parent. I parent with love and authority, I praise with gratitude and esteem, and I discipline with clarity and diligence. But oh the times they are a changing. As Brendan and Jillian grow, their demand for discipline increases, and Mark and I have began to notice differences in our parenting. I come from a long line of yellin' and hollerin', so I constantly battle the vociferous urge to bark and squall commands. Mark on the other hand, comes from the ideology that you do what you are told, when you are told - no questions asked. If only it worked that way all the time, right? I have noticed over my last 11 years as a parent that my children are more responsive when I invite them to do something, instead of commanding them to do it. I was sharing the article and its teachings with Mark today and relating all my newly discovered answers to all the parenting questions we have had lately hoping to reach a middle ground. A middle ground may be within reach, each day adds a new piece to the puzzle. However, what we did get today was some immediate super-spectacular comic relief. Actually, it hurt too much for Mark to laugh, but I was laughing my tail off anyway.

The cause for such laughter...Mark and I were still not feeling well one day last week (he had pneumonia, I have shingles.) It was the first day we managed the whole day without help. The kids were finally bathed and in bed, Mark and I were ready to crash, and the Bigs were constantly getting out of bed. Brendan already achieved three times up post tuck in, Jillian was inching towards a fourth (we could here the springs of her bed squeaking yet again), and Mark had enough. Enough, I tell ya. So from his roost on the couch, he yells upstairs, "Jillian, I invite you to go to bed!" Read the article, you will understand and it will make you laugh even harder.

I Heart Target <3

What a deal. I mean, What. A. Steal! Mark and I went on a day date to Target. Pronounced Tar-jhay - we were on a "date" after all, and we might as well make it as exotic as possible, right? And this is what we found. We had been looking on and off for about a year for new furniture for the girl's room. And wait until you get a load of this...the nightstand was $74.99, the bookcase was $99.99, and the dresser was $16.99 yes I typed correctly Sixteen dollars and ninety-nine cents. Can you believe it? We even asked the cashier if the price was right, she rescanned the dresser and said, "yep that is what it's ringin' up." Thank goodness for being in the right place at the right time. Now task #1 is assembling the furniture, and task #2 is making it all fit. Where's Grandpa?????

Sympathy Shopping

Since the "devil's fire" cream didn't work, I tried some of Mark's Gold Bond, and boy, by this time, it was Heaven sent. So Mark ran to the store to get more and strawberry syrup. However, this is what he came back with. Each of these items has a unique story behind it. Fun Stuff. Gotta love him. Wanna love him. Forever!

The Super Hero Inside Mark?

Mark's superpower would be (is!) super speed.

You're quick witted and fast to act. You're mind works at warp speed. From your perspective, everyone else is living in slow motion. You get so much done, people have accused you of not sleeping. Definitely not a couch potato, you feel a bit crazy if you're not busy doing something. Why you would be a good superhero? You would be the first on the scene, and likely to finish the job before anyone else shows up. Your biggest problem as a superhero is being bored by everyone else, including other superheroes!

Droppin' the L.B.'s

We can tease all we want, but seriously the numbers do not lie. As of tonight, Mark is officially weighing in at T-minus 21 pounds and I have lost a whopping 26 pounds (unfortunately, it shows more on him.) Lets be clear, I do not. Absolutely, DO NOT! encourage weight loss to be achieved in such a manner, however, it is one fan-freakin'-tastic consolation to being this sick. Especially when I have been toting around about twenty stubborn pounds left from my last pregnancy over. a. year. ago. Mark has been dragging the same amount of sympathy pounds around, too, might I add. At this rate, I am one stomach flu away from my goal weight. Really, I don't actually weigh myself for the sake of day to day tallying or diet control - that would be torture! - and I never even kept a scale in our house until I was pregnant with Jillian and was forced to weigh myself twice a day and then call my home health care nurse with the digits. But how great would the one above be - at least it would show me some love before the bad news was magnified to the world!

Taste the Future

Taste the Future is an event featuring culinary masterpieces from over 50 of central Ohio’s best establishments. The real stars of this event are the amazing chefs, Mark included, from around the community who show off their remarkable culinary skills to over 1,000 guests.

Taste the Future takes place on the downtown campus of Columbus State, Mark's alma mater, and all proceeds from the event fund scholarships and special projects. Every year the event helps hundreds of students build their future with a college education. This year I went with my great, great, great friend, fellow SAHM, and creative genius -- Kelly. Megan and first-timer Becky joined us there. It was a night of great food and greater fun. The only news left to be discovered is who is going to get pregnant this year. Two years ago, it was me and last year it was my sister-in-law Jennifer. Any guesses for this year?

Happy Birthday Jillian!

~

Five years ago today, Mark went rushing down the hospital hall into the waiting room and through tear filled eyes declared, "It's a girl, and she's beautiful!"

Daddy Confusion

Is Mark a Chris Bradley look-a-like?

Apparently Karigan thinks so. You see, Chris Bradley is the lead meteorologist on Channel 10 news and while watching the weather tonight, Karigan crawled to the TV, pointed to Chris, excitedly declared "da dad dad," then started clapping. I am hoping it is because we normally watch the 6 o'clock news (watching the 5 o'clock today) and Mark typically arrives home around weather time. Sure that makes sense, right?

One more day for you...

Today is Mark's half birthday - his Saints Day, I once heard it called.

Celebrating half birthdays is our little family tradition and it wouldn't be complete without the gaudiest, tackiest half cake ever. No presents please. Just laughs and good times for everyone.

Happy Engagement Day

Oh, how young and innocent we were way back then. Sometimes I still pinch myself, but most times I wonder if Mark knew what he was getting into by taking me on. So in honor of that funny night at the airport that ended with a ring on my finger and an inch gash in Mark's head (no stitches required, but lots of blood), here's a top ten

Top Ten Reasons Jenn loves Mark

1.) He gets me - really, truly understands me. We are able to see ourselves in each other - past, present, and future.

2.) He's an amazing Daddy who adores his kids...and they adore him right back.

3.) He is a patient, patient man. Hello! He is married to me, after all!

4.) He has big, big, BIG dreams, plans and goals. Very ambitious! (perhaps the quality that attracted me most)

5.) He is the hardest working and most reliable, consistent person I know. If he says something will be taken care of, it will be taken care of, no question.

6.) He has a hilarious sense of humor - and he gets mine!

7.) He can fix just about anything and does things right the first time.

8.) He is "pure in heart"-- always sees the best in people, and always gives everyone the benefit of the doubt.

9.) He can eat faster than anyone I know - and takes great pride in it - considers it an art.

10.) He loves and is passionate about a million things, but he always puts his family first.

We have come a long way, baby. I love, love, love you and I am so very grateful for the life we have together. I can't wait to see what the future has in store...

When's the last time your house had a bath?

It started with me just spraying the bird poo off our bedroom window screen. Then Mark comes along and asks,

"Do you want to use the power washer?"

Well, yes I do! Lets just say, I love that thing. There is just something about a device that was created with the sole purpose cleaning at an elevated level of efficiency and power. And nothing is a bigger turn on than a man with a to do list. So, now the whole house is clean, and Jenn is a happy girl ;)

Oh, the joys of Photoshop

Coming to newsstands July 2008

Our Tiger

In a replay of yesterday's dramatic 18th hole birdie comeback, Tiger birdied the 18th again today to force a sudden death playoff with Rocco. With stroke play giving way to sudden death, the golfers moved to the 7th hole where Woods parred the hole, giving him his 3rd U.S. Open victory and his 14th career major title. Yea Tiger! ---On a lighter note Mark and I were able to sneak in 6 holes at the club today before the lightning chased us away. And boy, is that new driver a beast. Mark managed to be on each green in two or less strokes, so I had to see just how snazzy this exceptionally engineered piece of equipment worked. Surprisingly, I nailed a 225 yard drive straight down the fairway my first swing (too bad my next shot was in the trees.) All and all, it made for a great afternoon out.

Thanks Grandma and Grandpa for watching the kids nap ; ).

Happy Fathers Day

A big Happy Fathers Day to all the Dads in our life. The Dad who raised me pretty darn well, in my humble opinion! :) Though he is often misunderstood, he is one of the kindest people I know, and is a fantastic Grandpa, too. Love you, Poppy! To the Daddy I'm married to, the Daddy of our kiddos. Mark is the greatest Dad any kid could have - he adores them, makes time for them, makes them feel special. "Where's Daddy" is the #1 question asked around here. Thanks for being so awesome! I love you! And to the Dad who raised my husband up right. He's a wonderful man and has two really great kids to prove it. Happy Father's Day, Grandpa! What a lucky family we are, to have the influence of these great men in our lives. If all men were like these guys...the world would be a better place, for sure!