The Christmas Spirit

In direct contrast to last year, my home is actually decorated and quite festive this year. I have a Christmas tree complete with wrapped presents, a Christmas table cloth along with a holiday table center piece, and our stockings are hung by the chimney with care. We went with a real tree this year. It has been a test of my holiday dedication to keep it alive since we got it the weekend of Thanksgiving. But 0ur tree is still green and there are still needles clinging to the branches. My class room at school is even more decked out. Every square inch of wall space has been taken over with our holiday art projects. As head teacher, it was my responsibility to come up with a parent present that the kids could make and take home. The other teachers sent home one present and one card. We painted cards, made angels out of ribbons, recipe boxes and wreath ornaments with our pictures. Most of my coworkers have commented on my red and green themed outfits. For some reason, I am really getting into Christmas this year. Last year we did not even get a tree or hang our stockings. I think I am over compensating for being so far away from my family. I am trying to bring a little piece of home out to South Dakota. Next year, the Laniers, Thomas's, Burkes and Adams will have to go on a tropical vacay to Hawaii. That way we can all be together and we can all be warm. It's a win-win.

I'm back y'all. I know I went a few days without blogging..It was actually not my fault though. I tried to log in and it would not let me. The site said I had to enable cookies or something. I followed the instructions and it still would not let me sign in. I had almost written blogging out of my life. After three days I had almost given up. Josh tried once to log on and it put him right through. The story of my life.
Just kidding. I am glad to be back though. Although there is no physical communication happening, writing about my life makes me feel close to all of you out there reading this. And being close with you family is practically required this time of year. I was talking to my mom last night, and we discovered that this will be the first Christmas that she has been without one of her kids. It has been almost twenty five years and our family has been lucky enough to all get together every single Christmas. That's pretty amazing in this day and age. I am definitely feeling the tug of my heartstrings. I really truly wish that I would be home in Idaho this Christmas. Unfortunately, that will probably not happen. Fortunately, Josh and I are going to be surrounded by his family this year. We are really looking forward to that, as I am sure everyone knows. My family through marriage are great, and if I can't be with my blood family, there is no one else I would rather be with. ...I have to go now, but this essay has a part two, which I will give you tomorrow.

The days crawl and the weeks fly

I don't have anything too thought provoking for today's essay. Just another day here at Casa Lanier. Marley did not want to go to sleep last night and ended up mooching off her parent's good will by spending the night in our bed. When the alarm went off, I got up to do the usual getting ready for work routine. I got Marley 0ut of our bed to take her to her room to get dressed. As I put her on her changing table, I felt something warm and gross slide down my arm onto my hand. Marley had what we in the parenting world can only describe as a "blowout." This particular "blowout" rivaled any she ever had prior to this morning. Let me just tell you, this is not the best way to start your morning, even if it is Friday. My gagging was enough to pull Josh out of bed, probably along with half of our neighbors. I called my boss to see what she thought, and I was instructed to come to work anyway. I think she might have thought I was exaggerating. Well Mars proved her wrong pretty much as soon as we got there.
And so I have the day off today. Mars is not feeling well and has spent most of the day in bed. I hope she feels better soon, because being sick on the weekend is way lame. Everyone knows that if you are going to get sick, you should get sick on Monday.

Falls Park Light Festival

The other night, Josh Marley and I went downtown to Falls Park to check out their annual holiday season display. We really went to kill some time and to get some fresh air. We werent expecting anything out of the ordinary. When we got there, I think its fair to say that we were blown away. They had holiday music blasting as soon as we opened the car door. Literally every single tree in the park was dripping with lights. I did not realize how many trees were in that park untill they were set ablaze by the Parks and Rec department. When we got closer, we saw that the main part of the waterfall was glowing blue red and purple. Marley was in awe. She couldn't decide where to look first. And the music was right up her alley. Nothing like "Frosty the Snowman" to put your dancing shoes on for. We went up to the observation tower and the park looked simply beautiful. I wish we would have taken our families down there while they were in town. I think they would have enjoyed it. But instead they will have to live vicariously through this blog. (once again.)

Send Josh the Love!!

So for the second time in as many years, we have just sent off the paper work for Josh to get his license. He is petitioning some board in IL so that some people who have never met him can judge his ability to be a worthy citizen. The last time we went through this, they denied him. We had our hopes high and were pretty bummed when he got turned down. This time we are trying not to get so excited, but it's hard. Josh has not had a license since I have known him. Being the only driver is really annoying sometimes. For both of us. Josh has acquired nerves of steel since we have been married. One of the rules in our car is that the passenger is not allowed to flinch at the driver's actions. So if I hit a curb, or run a red light at a major intersection like I did last week, Josh just sits there (sweating) quietly. Another rule in our car is that the driver of the car gets to pick the volume at which the music is played, along with ultimate decision of the music. Since I suffer from a severe, yet undiagnosed case of acute hearing, I prefer to have the music at a nice unobtrusive back ground level. Josh on the other hand likes to rock out loud and proud while in the car. So, let us all think positive thoughts for the next few weeks because I think Josh finally deserves to listen to his music loud. It has only been six years after all.

Joshy and Heidi

So out of nowhere, little Marley has taken to calling her parents by their first names. We will be sound asleep in the middle of the night to be woken up by, "Joshy! Heidi! Me need baby!" This is Marley code for "Mom and Dad wake up. I have thrown my pacifier on the floor and I am timing you on how long it takes you to retrieve it. If you dont do it fast, I will certainly work myself up into a full blown tantrum. " So yes, I am now being summoned at 4:30 in the morning to attend to an out of control 18monther. I already pay Marley more attention than I should in the night. Josh gets annoyed with me, saying we should just let her cry. The doctor even agrees with her. Easy for them to say. Josh sleeps right through her crying. For me, it's just easier to get up, because I cant sleep while she is freaking out in the next room. Especially now that she talks to me like an adult (or practically an adult). Next thing I know, she will be having me drop her off at daycare a block away. This little girl in 1 1/2 going on 25, and there is nothing I can do about it.

Marley in unusual places

Lately I have noticed more and more that Marley loves to cram herself into tiny enclosed spaces that are off the beaten path. Though it seems odd for her to do this, some small part of me cannot help but to admire her. I look at this trend as a way to see the world from all angles. She does not want to be told about something, she wants to experience it. Marley is an adventurer to the core. She loves whatever little adrenaline rushes she can find. Whether its her dad dropping her from five feet up onto her bed, or its taking a running leap off the ottoman, she loves to push the limits. As a parent, I should be terrified of this. And I mostly am. I am sure that we have a wild ride coming up once she hits adolence. But there is that small part of me that cannot help to admire her.

ps- i have a great picture set that i have been frantically searching for but cannot find. these pictures would help prove my point immensley, but they are no where to be found so you will just have to mentally picture marley in unusual places.

Grandma Bev

Much to our pleasure, my grandma Bev came to visit us in South Dakota last week. I am really proud of her for coming, because she was truly nervous to fly by herself. With everything she has been through in the last six months, I am proud of her for going anywhere. Her husband of 54 years passed away in October and that would shake anyone's world up. But Grandma is trying to pick herself up and get on with her life. That doesnt make her love my Grandpa any less, she just knows what she has to do.

My grandma has always been an inspiration in my life. She has always had so many interests and hobbies. She knows at least a little about everything. She rises before dawn and fills her time with meaningful and worthwhile activities. She graduated college well past forty, continued to mountain climb through her fifties and rode miles on horseback all through her sixties. My grandma is the person who showed me that a girl can do anything she puts her mind to. She also taught me to explore my interests. I believe I gained my love of reading from her also. As I grow older, I find myself having more and more in common with her. Actually I am trying to steer my life so that it can be more like hers. I feel like if I accomplish one half of what she has, I can die happy. I love this pic that we got while she was here. I am so happy that Marley is getting the chance to get to know her. Marley doesnt realize how lucky she is with all the cool amazing people that make up her family.

So a toast to Grandma Bev. She may be feeling her age right now. She may be slightly (or wholly) cantankerous. But we love her anyways. And we always will.

Good people, Good memories

So Thanksgiving is now winding down and I am left to reflect on the past few days. We have had quite a full house this last week. Marley had five grandparents here fighting over her attention. In Marley's perfect world, last week would never have ended. Everything she did was met with claps and cheers. Marley rides her rocking horse, YAY! Marley eats a grape, YAY! Marley has a messy diaper, YAY! Good thing the grandparents left gradually so Marley did not go into full on shock. Even with a gradual grandparental weening, Monday morning at school was an eye opening for her. As soon as we walked into the building today, Marley took one look around and threw herself on the ground in a full on tantrum. Lucky for her, she had not been to school for over a week so the teachers there were happy to see her and lavished her with extra attention.

But all in all, we had a great week with everyone. I just wish that everyone could have stayed longer. At least everyone made it home safely.

Over the next week, I will expand on this year's thanksgiving celebration. But since I am getting back into the groove of my blog, I will leave it short and sweet for today.

find your spot.com

So josh and i recently logged on too the website findyourspot.com. We are living in S. Dakota, which is not a bad place. But it is not the place we want to spend the rest of our lives either, hence us logging on to this website. Josh went first, and his number four on the list of 15 was Idaho Falls, ID. Springfield missouri was his 7 option. When I went, 11 of the 15 cities and towns listed were located in Arkansas. Arkansas of all places. I dont know what is in Arkansas or why the twenty questions I answered would lead me there. Josh claims that Arkansas is only for people who like to have sex with their cousins or with animals. Since I am not strongly inclined toward either, I wonder if I will ever know what Bakersfield , AR is really like. Probably not.

And the reason we went to this website was a man who just started working for josh moved to sioux falls because of his survey results. but he is wierd on many levels and probably not a person I want to model my life after. I think the lesson I take out of this is not to move to Arkansas just because on internet survey tells me to.

Trying to start a habit.

So, in a fashion that is the exact opposite from a pattern I have set in my life, I am trying to start a habit. Mostly in my life, I find that I have devoloped a habit unintentionally, and then I must put a strong mental effort into trying to break that habit. This includes, but is not limited to, smoking, biting my fingernails and shopping on my lunch break. ( i hope josh doesnt read that... not highly likely though.) But now I find myself at a new place in my life and I am attempting to fill my spare time with stimulating and varried hobbies. I am trying to get into the habit of writing on this blog every day, even if I have no specific topic in mind. I am also drawing in my sketch book everyday and trying to read one classic book a month. I am trying to knit more and complete a few sewing projects also.

As I read over this, I realize how absolutely boring I sound. What 23 year old in their right mind knits? Well, that answer is simple. According to a conversation that was repeated yet again at work to day, I could easilly pass for being thirty. The women I work with are absolutely shocked to find that I am 23. I am not exagerating. They are not just mildly interested and I am blowing this out of porportion. These women are shocked. one girl looked at me and said " wow, I'm glad I got good genes." As if to imply that I have somewhat inferior genes. And if her genes are "good" genes, I am losing faith in the human race I will tell you that right now. .. but anyways, to tie this all together, I have decided to start telling people that I am 39. That way people will be amazed at how good i look, and they will not think i am an unhip loser who is too young to be knitting.

My Baby

So it has been a couple of days since I have last posted a blog and I will tell you why. Josh read my last entry about Marley and her sudden mood swings and accused me of being too harsh. Can you believe it?

''It's satire," I argued.

"I can't believe you'd post this about our daughter," he countered.

At first I was insulted, but not wanting to be one who brushes personal criticism aside, I took a couple of days to do some soul searching. Was I indeed coming down too harshly, or could the entry be taken for what it really is, a joking commentary on the trials and tribulations of raising a sassy little toddler. I know my sense of humor can be a little harsh but I like to look at that as being sharp. (...but maybe being sharp tongued is different from being sharp...hmm...) I like to believe that Mars knows exactly how I feel about her. She is the light of my world and my purpose in life. I try to take her feelings and wants into consideration before any decision I make. She has changed my life completely for the better and I am a better person because of her. I could go on extolling her virtues much much longer, but I won't. i hope that i have cleared the air, and will continue on with my witty realistic life commentaries on another day.

Miss Marley and her attitude

I dont know when it happens but around 18 months evil screaming snotty little devils take over your child's body and turn them into very deceptively sweet looking succubus's'. Seemingly overnight, your sweet little baby turns into a snarling frothy little beast. Case in point: Marley was sent home from school sick today. In the past, pre-abduction, when she was sick, all she wanted was to be held by her mama and given a shot of Tylenol. Back then in the good old days, I would feel horrible that she was sick, but I could try to help and feel at least a little gratitude. Post-abduction sickness means that she is screaming and oozing, all the while trying to hit and bite me when I come close. I feel like lately she personally blames me for anything that irritates her. I hope she learns soon that I am not the organizer of the universe. I also hope that my little sweet angel starts to feel better soon because it really sucks when shes sick, little devil or not.

Is it really November already?

I know I am really making myself sound old, but I cannot believe how fast the time flies by. It is blizzarding in South Dakota right now, and I find myself asking where the summer has gone. I felt like I spent the first few months here waiting for things to happen. Like waiting for Izzy and katie and my mom to get here. I waited so hard and long for them to come that I feel like I missed everything in between. I just dont feel like I am ready to be cooped insided for the next six months. And true to form, all the locals i have talked to say this is supposed to be THE winter. With what I have seen, two blizzards by the 10 of november, I may actually believe them. My only problem is I survived the winter of the century LAST winter, in Idaho. Whatever happened to Global warming. I mean I dont want things to get too toasty, but a couple degrees of warming would be nice right now.

Back into the working world

So, I have recently started a job as a preschool teacher. Before I started this gig, I wasnt sure if I would enjoy it or not. So far though, I have found it surprisingly fun. Working with a group four year olds is never boring. The off the wall comments that I hear daily are enough to keep me laughing. For instance, a long haired delivery boy who looked like he would be at home in any death metal concert, with piercings all over, was asked if he was a boy or a girl. Another aspect of my job that I enjoy is that it is teaching me true patience and forgiveness. You cannot stay mad at a four year old, regardless if they just flooded the toilet trying to see if batman can swim. Or if they say they have to pee the second you are done zipping up their elaborate and completely over the top snow suit that took twenty minutes to shove them into, regardless of the fact that they swore they didn't have to go before you started the whole debacle....

Okay so my job isn't perfect . I cant get a day off to save my life, and I think just about anyone makes more money than I do. BUT as I continually tell my kids, "It is what it is. You get what you get and you don't throw a fit.

So I have decided to follow the inspiration of my fabulous sister and start a blog for friends and family to read. As if you all have nothing better to do. Just kidding. I think this is a great way to stay in touch with the people that you don't get to see as often as you wish. This is kind of just a test run, so give me some leeway. Hopefully this will be the first of many intriguing and interesting blogs. Keep checking in.

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