Positively Mom Street

As some of you know, back when I was a new Mom facing the isolation that comes along with the first baby, a career change (OF COURSE I want to be a SAHM) and living so far from family, I made a promise to myself that I would try to make one new friend every year.  It was a bit daunting  since I no longer went to a job and pretty much spent all of my waking hours at home with the kiddo.  I did, however, decide to try REALLY HARD and put an ad on Craigslist (lol) looking for "other like minded Mommies that enjoyed listening to Phish and hanging out" - it was Boulder after all!  And I got exactly zero responses. I was discouraged to say the least and was certain that I'd made some sort of terrible mistake that would doom me to a life of Barney and bottles.   Then, a few weeks later, I got a response!  I was so excited - this girl seemed really cool (loved hippy music and hangin') and we set up a time to meet.  I was as nervous as I would have been going...

My...the time flies. I can't believe I haven't written since November 9th - I am a bad blogger. Well - on to the positive.  We had a great November and December is shaping up to be just as good.  The kids are into their routines - Hayden is doing great at swim team and has finally mastered the butterfly - and Harlyn is loving Kindermusik.  Chris and I are plugging away at work and are incredibly grateful to have good jobs we both enjoy. In honor of Thanksgiving we did a little "round robin" of thankfulness.  Hayden is thankful for his family and his swim coach (awww).  Bella "unofficially" told me she was thankful for big, soft bean bag chairs and a warm house on cold winter days.  Harlyn loves going to Ms. Rhonda's and singing at Kindermusik. Chris surprised me by saying he was appreciative of "lessons learned."  I thought this was quite powerful.  It's easy to be thankful when things go your way - life is moving along smoothly - but w...

by my own design.  I promised myself when I started this blog in April I would write EVERY SINGLE DAY.  It was important for me to capture something positive in my day...and for a while I was good - real good.  Then it all went down the proverbial toilet.  I'm not even sure I wrote ONCE last month.  It's sad - cause this is a memory tool for me and my family.  The time goes so quick - barely babbling babies to full on kiddos - in a blink of an eye.  I don't want to lose those memories to time and my terrible mommy brain. So - I'm going to try harder.  I need to realize this is a GIFT - not a chore.  No one is twisting my arm to capture this time - I WANT to do it.  I NEED to do it. On that note - what a month!  October has been busy - back to Kindermusik, swim team and our little family routine.  The kiddos are so funny - for the first time in over 3 years Hayden was NOT a Star Wars character for Halloween.  While I'm ...

It's been a fun little weekend.  I traveled for work and was kiddo-free for a few days.  It was nice to focus on work and myself but I missed my little monsters. On Friday - just before bed - Hayden asked if I wanted to see a magic trick.  Sure...why not?  So...we head up to the bathroom.  He takes a big drink of water - smiles at me - and says "watch this."   He then turns to the toilets - drops drawers - and starts to pee. "See Mom - the water I just drank immediately turned into pee." Hmm...not sure if that's quite magic but I was torn between scolding him for being gross and giggling cause it was kinda funny.  I guess that is magic for 7 year old boys. Harlyn was running around the house on Saturday morning being her little crazy self - in and out of rooms, tearing things up - just being a wild woman.  Suddenly - I noticed it was fairly quiet - and I thought I could hear her little high-pitched voice but not clearly.   I got ever...

yum yum good. The kiddos love love love having breakfast for dinner.  And we are lucky enough to have an IHOP around the corner.  Yes - the Hopper.   Not my favorite place but occasionally it's greasy goodness just hits the spot. Tonight was one of those nights.  We all went swimming - I sat in the hot tub (heaven) - then we headed to IHOP.   As we pulled into the parking lot Harlyn got all excited and started yelling "Eating, Eating, Eating" in her little high pitched voice.  Sometimes she is just sweetness.

So...if you aren't familiar with Colorado weather, rain is an unusual thing.  The climate is pretty dry - technically a high altitude desert - which is one of the reasons why I am so happy here.  I hate precipitation of any kind - and find rain to be particularly offensive. As luck would have it we had a very wet late Spring and are apparently on track for a very wet early Fall.  It has been raining non-stop since early this afternoon.  I literally cringe when rain hits my skin - oh so cold and damp - so I broke down and purchased an umbrella.  It is the first umbrella I have owned in probably 15 years. I took the kids to the gym as usual and of course it was STILL RAINING when we got there.  I get everyone out of the car and pop open my new handy-dandy umbrella. The kids were transfixed.  Apparently neither of them has ever seen an umbrella!!!  Harlyn was particularly funny - she kept calling it a "Cinderbrella" and couldn't stop pointing o...

...my only sunshine.  I sing this every night to Harlyn after books while she is settling down for sleep.  The past few nights she has tried to sing along with me.  I always change the words and put her name in where ever I can. Tonight - while we sang - she looked at my with those big blue eyes and tried so hard to match her words to mine - it was so sweet and literally made my heart melt.  I didn't think I could love her more or think she was cuter until she started replacing the words with my name. "You are my mommy, my only mommy.  You make me happy when skies are grey.  You'll never know mommy how much I love you.  Please don't take my mommy away." What is sweeter or more positive than that? I am truly blessed by my little angel. Until tomorrow... Positively, Kim

I need to make this a priority.  Although I love sharing it's really for me and my family - a little snapshot of our family.  I want that for us. The kids have been funny lately.   They are totally enjoying summer - so much swimming - so much fun - they are just livin' it up and lovin' it. It was total dance party in my bedroom - both kids were jamming to Katy Perry "Teenage Dream" - and I honestly do NOT know how that got on my ipod.  So they were signing the chorus, 'in my skin tight jeans' and Hayden turns to me and says, 'you have skin tight jeans." He then opens the closet, pulls out my "going out" jeans Proud mamma moment: Hayden swimming in the 24 Hour meet at V7 - he swam 160 laps - which just blows my mind - between 8am and 5pm that day.  I heard only praise from the other parents and coaches about how well behaved he was and how GOOD he was - I am so so proud.  ;-)

or something like that. Tomorrow is my birthday and yes - I will be 37.  That number seems impossibly high - how can I BE that old - I only feel about 25.  However, one quick look in the mirror confirms the reality  - I am indeed 37.  Sigh....it's such a weird number.  No longer anywhere near 20, or heck - even 30 - but in the limbo that isn't quite the milestone of 40. I remember when I thought people that were in their late 20's/early 30's were old.  I had a neighbor when I was an undergrad that was 27!!!  In my eyes he might as well have been 50 - it just seemed so old and so far removed from my barely 20 self. Now - I am that old person.  I'm the one that young people see - quickly disregard and label as MOM - and move on with their youthful indiscretions.  Granted - being in my late 30's isn't all bad.  I love the confidence that comes along with aging.  I'm no longer obsessed with being perfect - dressing just right...

and each week there would be a different topic with supporting reasons why or why not - for example - 101 Reasons Why Husbands are like Kids 101 Reasons Why I Hate Cooking Dinner 101 Reasons Why Chocolate is Better than Peanut Butter 101 Reasons Why Exercise Feeds your Mind and Body etc - some topics will be light hearted - others a little more serious - but overall I'd like to make it more interactive - I'd need YOUR  help to get to my 101 reasons - and will also take topic suggestions. Yes, no, maybe? Thanks... Kim

"I've been careless with my family blog - and it's a sad sad world - where a girl will forget to blog even though she cannnn...." I don't know if anyone else remembers that little ditty (liberty taken with the words) by Ms. Fiona Apple - but the ultimate message...I've been remiss...but aim to get back on track. Until tomorrow... Positively, Kim

What a weekend.  Friday was "family fun night" and everyone was so tired and burned out from the week that we only managed a simple swim - the plan to see "Bubbles the Clown" was pushed back in favor of sitting on the couch watching re-runs of "The Suite Life on Deck" - oh Zack and Cody - you are the craziest twins EVER. :-) Everyone was a bit more energetic on Saturday morning.  We normally go to the gym where I work out my big muscles in a weight training class and the kids get to run around like animals at the club daycare.  It all went fine and dandy until we came back home to get ready for the morning swim at V7.  Hayden wanted to play the Wii (big surprise) and I told him NO - we are just getting our swimsuits and heading back out the door - Daddy is waiting. I run upstairs to grab my suit - and guess what I find when I return?  My children sitting quietly and looking like little angels?  Nope.  How about Hayden over by the TV turning on the ...

What a truly awesome weekend.  We normally don't travel over the 4th - too much traffic and crowds - just not a pleasant experience.  This year was a bit different.  We had an opportunity to go to our favorite little place in Vail - but at the last minute it was rented - and we had resigned ourselves to a quiet 4th at home.  Then - a call from  Cutty's Hayden Creek Resort  - they had a studio cabin available for the holiday weekend - were we interested?  I talked with hubs - we agreed - and the deal was on. Kids were super excited - and we were all ready for a break from the hustle and bustle of the Springs.  We decided to hang around town on Friday and it worked out great - we took our time getting ready - had a nice leisurely swim and dinner - then it was mountain time.   Arrived around 9pm on Friday - unpacked - and settled in for the evening.  Our studio cabin was SO CUTE and it had a great little loft space for the kiddos. I LO...

Kinda - as close as I'll get to it - which is a citified cabin with a tent pitched next to it.  I will not be sleeping in said tent - but Hayden is confident and he and Daddy will spend the night out there - I'm skeptical. :-) Thankful for the end of the work week and chances for mini-vacations! Until tomorrow... Positively, Kim

Hand meets armpit - arm flaps - fart noises emit - uncontrollable laughter ensues. OMG - it drives me absolutely crazy - and who knew there was a real NAME for it??  Quite possibly the most annoying noise/action ever.   I mean, I know it's a natural part of childhood.  I totally remember doing this with my brother and our friends when we were just kids.   However - the current REALITY of listening to my son do this all day long while singing some self created "pit fart" song is just a bit more than I can handle.  It was cute for about half a second before moving quickly  to annoying.  The worst part?  He taught his little sister - my angel girl - to do it as well.  She, of course, thinks EVERYTHING he does is just straight up awesome and this is no exception.  There is something especially disturbing about hearing my baby say "Pith Far, Pith Far" while trying desperately to get some noise to emanate from her armpit. Oh ...

My kids are weird.  I know that isn't exactly a positive thing to say - but it's true.  They are just like my husband and I.  I used to worry that our weirdness would rub off on them and they, too, would suffer the same fate that we (hubby and I) have struggled with our entire lives.  Not really fitting in - kinda being on the outskirts of all things - and that it would be hard for them. But they are different than us - even at their young age I can see that they both possess a confidence and self assurance that neither Chris nor I have ever had as youths or adults.  It's actually pretty awesome.  I'm so proud of them. I mean - Harlyn is still a baby so it could totally change - but if anything she is even more self assured than I seriously thought a two year old child could be.  Nothing phases her - nothing ruffles her feathers.  She just gets up, gets moving and goes with the flow.  If the flow isn't what she wants - oh well - she shif...

or something like that.  We came, we saw, we swam - among other things.  Chris normally rides but had technical issues so joined us at the pool instead. Summer is in full swing and our schedule is out the window. We were at the park playing until almost 8pm - and Hayden did another practice ride for his tri-athalon in August.  A good time was had by all...and the kids finally came full circle with the day and their attitudes.  It had been a relatively rough day - Hayden was tired, mouthy and just generally whiny.  Harlyn has been going through a particularly trying phase which alternates between completely defiant and ridiculously bratty with a few moments of straight up adorable thrown in for sanity sake. Our trip to the park settled everyone down and brought the evening into focus. It was so nice to start summer with the entire family together, hanging out and relaxing - I'm glad it's only day one! Until tomorrow, Positively, Kim    

I just returned from a 4 day business trip to Boston.  It was lovely - truly - to be back on the East coast.  I really enjoyed visiting Boston, eating chowder and walking along the harbor.  I DID NOT enjoy getting lost on the subway (3 train transfers at 10pm was a bit disconcerting) nor the way my hair literally turned from soft waves to Orphan Annie like curls with a frizzy halo that would put Bozo the Clown to shame the minute I left air conditioning.  Overall it was a really nice time - even the work training was interesting - but I was ready to get back to the family - I missed my kiddos and hubby. :-) This morning we celebrated Father's Day.  It was a bit rough at the outset but actually turned into a really nice family day.  If you recall I had to clean up a poop mess on Mother's Day.  Ironically - Chris got his turn today - and while mine involved the kiddos, the dog and some bedroom carpet - he had the pleasure of  having to clean up Har...

I hate the morning.  Hate getting up early, getting breakfast together, dealing with the rush, rush rush to get out the door all the while wishing we could just take it easy for once.  The thing I hate most - though - is myself.  I yell, I scream, I make idle threats the kids KNOW I won't follow through on - every morning it's like Groundhog Day except without the comedic stylings of Bill Murray and instead just me in pajamas screaming like a crazy person. Sigh...I didn't think parenting was going to be so hard.  Of course I did have the misfortune of birthing a child EXACTLY like me.  I know, I know - my parents are THRILLED that I am dealing with all the things I brought upon them - but this time boy style.  He is smart, full of imagination and incredibly kind-hearted. Unfortunately, he is also spacey as the day is long, completely forgetful, and could lose his head (seriously - if it was possible he would do it) if it wasn't stuck on his neck so well!!...

Great weekend with the family.  The kids swam, swam and swam some more - they are both OBSESSED with the pool!  I was able to head up to Denver to visit a dear friend and check out her gorgeous new house - so jealous of all her space - 4 bathrooms!!! - but man I'm glad I'm not on task to clean them!  I can barely manage our two! We are entering Hayden into a kids tri-atholon this summer and the first real practice session was on Sunday.  He did great - bike, run, swim - he's a real trooper though his running speed is more of a fast paced walk. :-) Harlyn has taken to running around the house yelling "Nana Boo Boo" to anyone that will listen - not sure where she learned it but it sure is cute. No complaints for the weekend or the week so far (though it is only Monday) - I see a relaxing short week in my future - I'll take it! Until tomorrow... Positively, Kim

I swear they drive me abso-freaking-lutely crazy!!!!  The day started out rough with an extremely early morning wake up from Harlyn - hello 5:30am!  I know there are some real morning people out there that WILLINGLY wake up at this time - but for this girl - that is WAY before I even want to THINK about getting out of bed. The morning was filled with work drama - why do I let those people make me cry?  Ridiculous.  The afternoon included even more work nonsense as well as one very tired, very crabby NON-NAPPING baby girl.  I tried everything to coerce her into a nap - withholding swimming just made her hysterical - threats of bootie spanking just made her giggle - and after 30 minutes of on again/off again crying I just gave up and let her run around with her brother. Sigh...can't really say one positive thing about this long, tiring, over extended day.  Wait - scratch that - both of my little monsters are asleep, the house is quiet and I am sitting - B...

What a day.  It was long and somewhat grey and definitely riddled with sadness.  I had a hard time getting out of my funk...one thing would perk me up and then another two or three would just pull me back down. It's exhausting. My mind has been full of thoughts - they circle, dip, dive and rise again - pestering me and making my head cloudy.  Today I found out a wonderful women and dear friend of my family is once again fighting a battle against cancer.  It immediately brought me back to a time when I sat back and hopelessly watched my FIL fight this same battle.  On one hand it's about remaining positive - sending your energy so they can continue to fight the good fight - and on the other hand - it's about not facing what is happening - hiding your eyes from reality and desperately trying so hard to BELIEVE it is all going to be okay. Sigh...sometimes it is just not okay - no matter how hard you wish, beg, bargain and pray.  Bad things happen to good...

It was a good weekend.  Chris and I started Friday in our usual way - date night at Salsa Brava complete with queso - mmm mmm good!  The kiddos LOVE going to The Playroom   and it's just a nice way for the two of us to connect at the end of the week - and eating a sit down dinner at a "nice" restaurant is so much more enjoyable when neither of us have to spend the entire time playing referee.  My wonderful momma got us a gift card to The Playroom which makes it that much sweeter - essentially FREE babysitting - can't find anything wrong with that! On that note - if you're reading this Mom - we are just about out of credit (hint hint) :-) Saturday we swam all morning at the "new" gym and Hayden was a water slide maniac.  Harlyn enjoyed jumping off the side and generally splashing around.  We also hit a few garage sales in the neighborhood and Ms. Darley scored some SWEET cowgirl boots...great for her, umm, unique fashion sense.  I immortalized ...

...kinda...lol...at least it's warm, school is out, end of month work madness is over and I think (hope) summer is finally on its way! Today was the first day of summer swim team practice at V7. Hayden had to be there, ready to swim, at 8am!  Oh my - kinda early for this Mommy but on the good side - it gets everyone up, moving and out the door in the morning - and I'm back at my "desk" by 8:30 and ready to start my work day.  Productivity is a beautiful thing... In honor of the new season (and his OBSCENELY shaggy hair) he got a fancy new 'do and so did baby girl.  Of course they are both adorable (and I am NOT biased - no sir-ee) and the picture proof is below. We also had ice cream (which is both kids fav) for dessert just for fun. I love those damn little ice cream junkies. Don't need to dig to find something positive about this day - it was just straight up great. Until tomorrow... Positively, Kim

It's been a while since I've posted despite my intents of writing everyday.  I don't really have an excuse beyond 'too busy' which is NOT a good excuse at all.  So...this is a fresh start.  Tomorrow marks the start of a new month and a chance to redeem myself. In the end - this is about me capturing what is important and positive throughout the day - and I'm only cheating myself when I don't follow through. At the end of the year I want to print this all out and have a written record of how AWESOME and WONDERFUL my family (and life!!) truly is - help keep me on focus! Until tomorrow... Positively, Kim

What a truly wonderful day!  I was anxious how this week would turn out since Hayden was done with school and the baby's daycare was closed - but it really worked out well!  Ms. Courtney came and watched the kiddos  while I worked and they had a great time despite the grey weather.  Chuck-E-Cheese the first morning, then Chic-fil-a the second - plus some park and game time thrown in for good measure.  Hayden was all mopey when I told him she wasn't coming back tomorrow! Aside from that - I just felt good today.  The sun came out for the first time in what seems like weeks and it really perked up my spirits.  I stole a glance at Pikes Peak in my rear view mirror and enjoyed listening to the jibber-jabber of the kiddos.   Harlyn sang me a very loud, very angry rendition of "I love you, you love me" while I was making dinner - it was adorable despite the angst.   While I was putting Hayden to bed he leaned over and said "I love hav...

We're just so happy!  She finished her final dose of antibiotic today and is completely back to her old self.  A few photos to show her spirits - I am so pleased with how quickly she recovered and bounced back to her little crazy self!  I love my Minnie from Grammie! Cute even with shaggy hair Even healthy, happy girls need their rest! Healthy kiddos are the best! Until tomorrow... Positively, Kim

We had a really nice time.  The baby is doing so much better - she has pretty much stopped coughing and seems to get stronger everyday.  It was time for a good little break. Family swim, anniversary dinner and opening day at the V7 pool - Chris was proud to be the 1st person to sign in at the pool.  He and Hayden both swam even though it wasn't warm - like 65 - and the pool heater is broken. Insanity... I do have a bad case of summer fever though.  I just want it to be HOT.  Like now. Until tomorrow, Positively, Kim

Too tired to post tonight. I'm thankful for book club, tea and snacks with the girls. Until tomorrow... Positively, Kim

Well, the baby isn't any better.  In fact she got a bit worse between Monday and today.  The doctor is still trying to keep her out of the hospital which I really appreciate - however - being caregiver, mommy, full time employee as well as wife have completely exhausted me.  I need a major nap and some serious downtime but I don't see either on the horizon. I guess I am lucky though.  This is a temporary situation - my baby will get better - be off oxygen and breathing treatments - and life will return to its own little normal.  I realized today that there are parents out there whose LIVES revolve around these things - that their children won't get better - and it both humbles and amazes me.  I'm  humbled because I can't help but think - OMG - this is SO DAMN HARD right now - how in the world do these parents of sick/disabled kids ever make it?  I'm two days in and ready to throw in the towel - but for them - this IS their normal.  I am ama...

Today was better than yesterday.  The baby is still exhausted and spent the entire day sitting in my lap.  We watched an amazing assortment of television - Imagination Movers in Concert (her fav), Sesame Street, Dora the Explorer and then Imagination Movers a g ain !  I was even able to work while she sat quietly in my lap - overall not a bad day.  Plus - I think I got more Harlyn love in one day then I have since she was born - she is just NOT a natural snuggler! :-)  However, she IS straight up adorable - picture proof below. Until tomorrow... Positively, Kim

...ugh...I hate it when the kids are sick.  The baby has had a cough since Thursday but it didn't seem to be slowing her down...so it was business as usual.  Come Sunday - the cough was a bit more pronounced and her meltdowns were coming on strong - I think she cried for the better part of the day.  I decided to take her in today 'just to be safe' - I was totally surprised when they said pneumonia.  The doctor told me she'd need oxygen - ok - what every couple of hours?  Nope - try 24/7 until I bring her back on Wednesday - not what I was thinking AT ALL. Mommy guilt set in.  Why didn't I know?  I should have taken her to urgent care when she was so out of sorts yesterday.  I'm not a good Mom... :-( Sigh...it's just been a very long, very exhausting day for both of us.  I'm hoping the oxygen, antibiotic (speaking of which - hello - they gave me a 20 DAY supply) and Cherrytussin cough syrup help her sleep and start feeling like herself aga...

I love to read.  It's always been important to me - and I wanted to foster a love of reading for my own kiddos. Hayden was easy - he couldn't get enough - even as young as a year he would sit patiently and listen to story after story.  Harlyn didn't pick it up as early - she was too distracted to sit still long enough to make it through an entire story - but in the past 6 months or so her interest has grown considerably. This is one of her favorites.  Ironically - it was also one of Hayden's favorites - and if we go way, way back in time - one of my own favorites as a little girl.  I remember loving the way Harry "flip-flopped and flop-flipped" while trying to prove that HE was really Harry.  There is something really cool and amazing about sharing a great story with my kids - and having them both just LOVE it - especially a timeless book like Harry.  It's over 50 years old (!!!) which just blows my mind.  I hope in another 20 years or so I'll get ...

My little besties.  This pic speaks for itself...I love those kiddos! Until tomorrow... Positively, Kim

Harlyn has this wicked cough - and while I feel terrible that she feels terrible - LISTENING to that endless hack makes my skin crawl.  Nothing rubs me the wrong way more than an endless, raspy, hacking cough...ugh...so it's back on honey syrup and propped up pillows.  I'm borrowing a nebulizer and will give her a treatment tonight - I hope that is enough to settle her down - the last cough came and went quickly - but obviously is back for round two. Dislike. On the other hand - I am thrilled that it is Friday - which means two things in my world - a clean house (at least every other Friday - my cleaning lady is straight up wonderful) and date night with my lover.  Chips, salsa, queso and a lovely adult beverage to make me happy - my needs are simple. Enjoy your weekend... Positively, Kim

but it seems to be taking its sweet time arriving.  We had a great week of sunshine, V7 is filling up the pool, and I'm just SO READY to get on with the easy, slow days of summer.  Unfortunately, our high today was 40 with a winterly combination of rain, sleet, hail and snow...not exactly skirt, sandal and tank top weather.  Oh well...soon it will be HOT and I will be sporting bikinis, working summer hours and generally kickin' back. A few Harlyn-isms to close out the day...she's talking up a blue streak and the things that come out of her mouth...oh my! "Pfft. Pfft.  Momma...I spitting at you...with me mouth." "Hey butterfly....hey butterfly...go away...you stink!" and my personal favorite "Mommy - this cup is yucky.  It smells....like poop." Until tomorrow... Positively, Kim

I don't want to do this.  It kinda sucks I feel that way - cause it's fun and I love remembering all the sweetness in each day. But I'm feeling lazy. I'm writing anyway - it's a start. Until tomorrow... Positively, Kim

I mean - just one day to celebrate EVERYTHING mom does?  The sentiment is nice and all - but the "holiday" just kinda rings false for me.  Probably because MD is always a disaster in this house.  This year was no exception.  Woke up to the kids playing quietly - which was nice since it was only 6am - and kinda just laid in bed listening to them gibber and jabber about important kiddo stuff - thinking - by god - this will be a good day. Nope.  They were quiet because they were causing trouble - something I should have suspected immediately since I have been a Mom for 7 years.  They were in deep doo-doo - literally - the babies carpet was covered with poop - and so was the dog.  So the morning started with scrubbing doody off a carpet - instead of breakfast in bed - which was what I'd been hoping. :-) Ahh the scars of motherhood. I survived - the day moved on - and we went swimming, had lunch, took a hike and ended the day with ice cream for all - ...

Off for the next few days to the happiest place on Earth with my favorite little man. I can't wait!!! Most likely won't write again until we return. Remain positive! Kim

Quiet little Sunday.  Finally feeling better - baby girl has stopped coughing, I'm almost over my cold as well - and everyone just seemed mellow and ready for a nice day at home.  Morning time at the gym then lunch at Fargo's per Haydie's request.   Ran into some of our dear friends celebrating their daughters birthday while we were there...and Hayden was kind enough to get a balloon for her. :-)  Kids also played video games and won candy in the machines at the arcade. On the way home both kids were excited about the morning.  Harlyn had won a lollipop and was happily eating it and chatting away..."I wash me face." Huh?  This grabbed my attention and I looked over at Daddy. ??? "What do you mean, your washing your face?"  I asked cautiously. Harlyn happily replied, "I wash me face with me sucker." Oh my - I turned around to see her smiling broadly, covered with sticky and running the lollipop not only over her face but also through h...

I've been sick.  It totally sucks.  Cough, sore throat - just run down and exhausted.  I'm ready to kick this shiz to the curb and head off for sunny HOT Florida on Tuesday!!! Otherwise - a nice Saturday.  I blew off my weights class for the first time in an eternity cause I just did not have the energy to do it right - and instead took Harlyn to watch Hayden at his swim meet.  Hayden did great - took 16 secs off his freestyle and 2 secs off the backstroke - he's becoming a little swimmer.  Harlyn loved watching him swim - "i see brother" - and we all had a nice morning.  Finished up the afternoon with a little shopping (LOVE my new sandals) with my bestie and then dinner at Salsa Brava with my love - - we had them add a bit of a kick to the queso and OH MY - my mouth burneth! Until tomorrow.... Positively, Kim

They drive me crazy.  Constant noise, constant demands...incessant wants...it's enough to make anyone insane. That said - I'm incredibly grateful that they CAN do all those annoying kiddo things - that my kids are normal, healthy and full of piss and vinegar.  The past couple of days I've come across blogs, or met real people, that aren't so lucky.  The blogger Mary Taylor Mom   writes about her struggles with a little guy - and what life is like after the death of her young daughter from brain cancer.   At Chic-fil-A a Dad started up a conversation about   his family, his children and his life as father of a disabled child.  It really opened my eyes. There are parents who will never get to hear their kid laugh again, or have the experience of watching their child grow and become a fully functioning member of society. I'm just so thankful for our health, general wealth and really wonderful, wild life. Until tomorrow... Positive...

Totally lost track of time - so late to start writing!  Kids were a little rough today - mostly Harlyn - but we still had a great night - gym, Chic-fil-a, and ice cream - good times. Until tomorrow... Positively, Kim

It was one of those days - but in a good way.  Pretty positive and overall light hearted...we did tea time, played Wii, did secret handshakes...pretty darn cool. :-) Until tomorrow... Positively, Kim

Crappy weather so Chris couldn't ride - we switched days and I have my Mom night.  It was nice - pedicures, quiet dinner, a little shopping - overall a productive afternoon! Until tomorrow, Positively, Kim

Some guy - who I thought at the time was falling INTO the street -  was actually carrying a DOG out of the middle of the road.  It had been hit by a car just a few moments before and its lifeless body just kinda hung there as he picked it up.  I was upset but drove by and went on with my morning.  I made my bi-weekly pilgrimage to Target, bought groceries and headed home.  I went inside and started to unpack the bags. BOOM! What was that???  Oh a bag of groceries falling to the floor - and not just any bag but the one with the soup.  It's bad enough that I spent freaking $6 on a container of soup - but to watch it EXPLODE it's creamy Broccoli-Cheesiness all over my kitchen floor - ah well I won't go there.  But - on the plus side - Bella  was right there to help with clean up!  Thanks Bella... Fast forward about 3 hours - get Haydie off the bus and inside for a snack.  He goes into the living room to eat and watch TV....

It was a good day. It seems like the days are moving faster - I can't believe it is almost May.  Another 2011 holiday come and gone - I'm  happy to report the entire day went well - from early morning egg hunting to lunch time at Jose Muldoon's - and my dinner turned out great - everyone loved the corn on the cob even though it was a little early in the season it was a great warm up to summer bbqs! The kiddos loved their gifts - Haydie got Lego Star Wars III and Harlyn got a cute little zoo set and some new pink shoes.  I loved watching them look for hidden eggs - and sister was adorable in her little crazy suit made up of all brother's new clothes. Until tomorrow, Positively, Kim

such a fun day with the family.  Ready for Easter even though I made the mistake of heading to Target at 7pm trying to score last minute candy - I was not alone!  LOL Anyway everything is set and I think the kiddos will be pleased...I can't wait to eat chocolate for breakfast!!! Until tomorrow... Positively, Kim

...literally. - easter eggs with the kiddos - queso and chips - quiet evenings at home Until tomorrow... Positively, Kim

A great day!  I had a wonderful time with an old friend - food, drinks and conversation - just love being able to step away from the everyday and re-connect. Until tomorrow... Positively, Kim

Positively Mom Street: Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery... : "...none but ourselves can free our minds. Ah, a little Bob Marley on 4/20 is always good. :-) I digress. What a day. A very grey, very..."

...none but ourselves can free our minds. Ah, a little Bob Marley on 4/20 is always good. :-) I digress.  What a day.  A very grey, very cloudy drama filled day. It certainly was NOT good and I definitely felt like I was caught in a downward spiral of negativity. I actually wondered as the day went on how I was ever going to come up with something positive.  It just wasn't happening. But then I saw "Emancipation" on a bumper sticker - and it hit me - Bob Marley was totally right.  My emotions, actions, feelings - they are MY responsibility.  I spent all day reacting - feeling bad, doubting myself  - wondering what I could do to make it ALL BETTER.  I essentially wasted my energy, and my day, by allowing negativity to permeate and cast shadows of doubt. I'm done with that.  I want to reclaim my spirit - my positive energy - and I will not let ANYONE dictate how I feel again. It was a VERY hard day and I'm happy it's almost over.  How...

Tuesday is my afternoon with the kids.  Chris does a bike ride and the kids and I do our thing - usually a play date or the gym - and we always get dinner on the way home.  Tonight was no different. Me: What do you want for dinner? Hayden: Kentucky Fried Chicken!!!! Me:  Umm....how about something else?  What else are you in the mood for? Hayden:  McDonalds? Me: Ughh....how about Chic-fil-A? Hayden: Burger King? Me: I think Chic-fil-A would be good.  If we go there I'll let you get an ice cream. Hayden: OK (very happy 'cause ice cream is his fav thing in the world) So - we head over to get Chic-fil-A.  I am happy, Hayden is happy, Harlyn is quiet (which makes us all happy) and soon everyone will be fed.   We're getting ready to turn into the Chic-fil-A parking lot when Harlyn suddenly yells "MCDONALDS!!!"  Hayden turns to her and says - completely serious - "Maybe you should have spoken up earlier." LOL - this is what makes my da...

It wasn't a great day but I've had worse.  Typical morning at work...then the usual post-school, post-nap madness of Monday.  Dinner made and on table by 4:45 so baby girl can get to swim lessons by 5pm and big boy by 6pm. Not a lot of energy for this post...sorry...some days it's all I can do to make it until 8pm when everyone is in bed...that time is now. Thankful for: - potty training poop accidents that happen at daycare and not a home - lounging on the couch and zoning out - bedtime (the kids and my own) Until tomorrow... Positively, Kim

Positively Mom Street: Other days...it's just so good... : "An amazing Sunday! Completely gorgeous day - lots of sun - and warm enough to make me realize summer is really right around the corner..."

An amazing Sunday!  Completely gorgeous day - lots of sun - and warm enough to make me realize summer is really right around the corner - I can't wait!! Good times with the family - Lego Rock Band, park time and lots of biking by both The Rookie and The Master (pics below) overall a really wonderful, relaxed day. Highlights... -Harlyn getting two suckers from Whole Foods - one for her, one for brother - promptly devouring one and staring longingly at the second.  She wants to "hold it for brother" until we get home.  I peek at her on the way home - she's licking the PLASTIC WRAPPER (LOL) but shows amazing willpower for a 2 year old and  DOES NOT eat the lolly!  She is sweetness personified when she proudly smiles and gives it to brother...love - The Rookie (Hayden) and The Master (Chris) "mountain" biking in our neighborhood.  All I can say - "kickin' it old school" and "Big man on a little bike" - proof below... - Picki...

Positively Mom Street: Sometimes it's hard... : "I had a rude awakening yesterday. I did something that was completely selfish, inconsiderate and straight up thoughtless. And it..."

It has been a nice, quiet day.  We went to the gym this morning and I felt great - lots of energy for my workout. Kids had a great time at the Spring Carnival - games of chance, a relay race and even pretty pink sparkling nails for Ms. Harlyn. Thankful for moving on, letting go and having fun. Until tomorrow... Positively, Kim

I had a rude awakening yesterday.  I did something that was completely selfish, inconsiderate and straight up thoughtless.  And it hurt someone I care about. I felt terrible.  Actually, terrible is an understatement.  I really can't put into words how I felt...mostly ashamed and embarrassed and truly disappointed in myself.  I had an awful time sleeping because I could not stop thinking about it.  It was not deliberate - and in fact I thought nothing of it after it happened - but my thoughtlessness didn't change the fact that my actions made someone cry. I was trying to be funny in my snarky way and it backfired.  This, unfortunately, was not the first time that my attempt at humor completely failed.  Looking over the last 20 years of my life illustrates this point again and again.  I THINK I'm being funny - and light hearted - and maybe a little snippy in my Kim-like way - and I find out that my words HURT.  It's a bitter pill to swal...

I did something really stupid - and inconsiderate - and I feel like a complete ass. I'm sorry...

I totally lost my shi* tonight.  I wish I could say it was just a little problem that I quickly resolved in a mature, sensible fashion.  Unfortunately, it was a full bowl of soup and a complete dinner pulled off the stove onto the floor with a massive CLUNK.  I did not react calmly, or favorably, and instead simply REACTED.  I screamed, I yelled, I stomped around and made a big scene as I picked it all up.  I wanted to cry.  Instead, after melting down, I looked around and tried to find the upside.  Soup all over the floor?  It's okay - at least there was enough left in the pan for another bowl for Hayden and I didn't have to completely restart dinner.  Mommy meltdown mode in overdrive?  It's alright - I settled down quickly, picked up where I left off and just moved on with the night. I really think doing this blog is helping me.  Normally, an evening like this would have set me into a downward spiral - the rest of the night would...

I was in such a funk today.  It didn't matter what I did - I just felt low and blue and straight up tired.  Even a brisk walk outside on a GORGEOUS Colorado day still didn't lift my spirits.  I don't know - just had this weird, unsettled feeling all day - almost like I was just WAITING for something to happen.  Oh well...despite a tough day I am still able to write down a few things that made me smile. - Shop and Drop at the local MyGym - kiddos LOVED it and I enjoyed a quiet hour of shopping with my bestie - Wonderful reviews from the instructors at MyGym about how much my son watched over and took care of his baby sister - he said they had a "great connection he rarely sees among siblings" - silly songs and "move it, move it" dancing with the kiddos before bed Until tomorrow... Positively, Kim

Not a bad day.  Typical Monday - work, play with kids, dinner then swim for both.  Overall,  I can't complain.  The highlights of my day included: - seeing 2 bold blue jays and 1 hovering hawk on my afternoon dog walk - telling Hayden he is my favorite boy and him saying "your my favorite mom" - Fruit Stripe gum - I ate a piece of each flavor at swim practice - made me feel like a  kid again and it tastes SO GOOD for 10 minutes...lol Until tomorrow...embrace the positive. Kim

...or something like that! Wow - what a day. Still tired from Friday night fun...and the kids were in rare form this afternoon. They somehow know that I'm at the end of my rope and just PUSH PUSH PUSH until I'm ready to fall...and blissfully night arrives and the day ends. On that note... - love 7pm and 7:30pm bedtimes - Harlyn wearing her new swimsuit and goggles ALL DAY 'cause she cried when we tried to take them off - the family dance-a-thon to Imagination Movers...particularly liked the kiddos doing dual hula dances Until tomorrow...embrace the positive! Kim

Lots of good energy today... - Hayden doing a hula-like dance while singing "I'm dancing, dancing, dancing.....happily" - the sweet silence of dinner with just hubby - veggie egg rolls - YUM - Hearing Harlyn say "I lub you Mommy...we best friends." Embrace the positive... Kim

This one will be easy! I'm so thankful for: - a night out with the girls - my besties (you know who you are) - 2 years of squats = fantastic bootie in my new designer jeans!!! - my husband for making this night possible - MUAH! Until tomorrow...embrace the positive!

Today was a rough day. However, in the spirit of being positive, I was able to see and appreciate: - little tiny yellow daffodils just sprouting up in the front flower bed - Harlyn "growling" like Chewbacca and humming the Star Wars theme song - the kids sitting together, side by side, snuggling on the couch before bed - a fantastic Groupon deal for Gloss where we are having my besties birthday party tomorrow Until tomorrow...embrace the positive!

This is an experiment in positivity. I am a wife, mother and work at home full time. My life, in a nutshell, is crazy. The days run into another and I often end the week wondering what happened to Monday - how can it already be Sunday? That said - I love my life. I feel fortunate but distracted. I know I'm blessed - but don't always realize or appreciate it. It seems like the bad always gets more attention than the good - and it just doesn't seem right. Life is too short to end each day thinking about all the wrongs - what didn't get done - what should have been done - what could have been better - thus the point of this blog. I'm going to make it a priority to record at least ONE GOOD THING that happened EVERYDAY for the next year. Mostly, because I want to change my focus from negative to positive. I also think it will be amazingly powerful to end my day remembering something sweet - instead of being mired in the murk. It's written. Kim