To Work...to work...

Back in ummmm......January my readers were invited to ask me some questions in honor of my 500th post. I have answered a few of them.....but certainly not all. I'm a completely space cadet sometimes. Or rather...I have too many things I WANT to do, and so little time to do them. I have neglected several questions, but I figure I have a year to answer them before they get stale, right? okay.

Beth, from A Mom's Life, asked me what I did before becoming a stay at home mom. This question tickled my funny bone. Mainly because I'm glad I have somehow portrayed my life as one that doesn't work outside the home. I find this to be a success. There is absolutely nothing wrong with working outside the home, but I certainly like the fact that it does NOT define me.

I try to keep my actual profession relatively vague, as to not completely let on to who I am in case one of your is a psycho killer. I will say, that I work 9 months out of the year, and I have unfortunately returned to work after my summer break. le sigh.....

So many wonderful projects I had planned did not happen, but so many unbelievably awesome things did. I am already missing my summer, but strangely excited for autumn to come. I do love autumn. (I'm getting off subject here....)

For the record, I did not see myself as a work outside the home sort of mom. My mom was a stay at home mom, and it just seemed to naturally be what I would do, but you know, sometimes life just doesn't go the way you thought it would. While it is not imperative that I work to support our family, it is very much part of the "deal" that I support my child. I was lucky enough to be able to bring her to work with me until she turned one. THAT was a true gift, that I can never repay. My job is family friendly, and flexible enough for me to ALWAYS put my Sugar first. There are times when I yearn to be home with her more, but honestly as an only child, she needs her preschool/daycare time to socialize with children. It is good for her.

Being that I brought up the "only child" subject, I might as well officially answer one of Marcelle's questions in which she asked me, "are you going to have more Sugar Bears?" and Tommie's question of, "did you always picture yourself as a one kid mom?" Simply put, NO and NO! Growing up I always wanted at least two children, maybe more. I have been child oriented all my life, and yearned to be a mom. However, my situation set me on a different path. I came so close to not having ANY children, that when Sugar Bear came along, she totally, and undeniable completed me. I know it sounds corny, but it is the truth. I have not ONCE, since her birth yearned for another child. I feel that she was meant for me, and I for her, and I am beyond blessed. Now I can't imagine myself having more children. She is it, and I'm really GOOD with that.

Anyhow.....I'm back to work, and missing summer, but the good thing is...I have 647 billion photos to remember it all by. Here are some pics of a trip to the beach in early July with the Sugar and Madame Sass. These were taken about 20 minutes before I tortured Madame Sass with these shots.

Have a happy Day, everyone!

I think he loves me because I can procrastinate like no other!

Yeah, back in January, I posted my 500th post, and asked my readers to inundate me with questions.  A few of you, took me up on that, and have been so patient in waiting for the answers (As long as you don't count that one death threat, and the burning pile of dog poo I found in the porch the other day.)  I did managed to cover some of the random questions HERE, a version of my perfect day HERE, and got a bit wordy HERE about the photography queries.  

So BACK OFF!

As much as I'd like to continue to procrastinate doing the tougher questions, I simply can not deny that I actually have the time today to tackle all the questions about The Hubby today.  It is Spring Break, The Sugar is at preschool today, The Hubby is working, and it isn't late at night, and my brain is actually functioning.  Sounds like a perfect combination to knock this puppy out.  So here goes.....

In an effort to not have to rehash the whole story, if you haven't been along for this whole "Living and Loving" ride, please head over here and read a bit about the foundation. Due to his desire for privacy, I rarely write about him.  I did, however, give in and open a bit up about him here.  Please check those two posts out before moving on.  I'll wait.  In fact, I'll take this time to go eat a cinnamon roll.  It is lonely, and has been calling me name.  I'm just gonna eat it to shut it up.  K?

Okay...so I take it we're all back, and completely up on the saga of my life.  I'll wipe the frosting off my fingers, and get to it.

I know, I briefly mentioned that The Hubby and I have been together since the beginning of time High School, but Aspiemom wondered where I met him.  I wish I remember the very first time we saw each other, but I hardly remember what I had for lunch yesterday, so it is a little much to expect from my feeble mind.  I do know, that I am a third generation graduate of my High School, and I started attending that School District my 2nd grade year.  The Hubby, however, moved to my hometown sometime during his Junior Year, which was my Freshman Year.  While I don't recall the exact day I met him, I do have some early memories of him.  He remembers seeing me on the school bus, and I remember drooling over his lifted, red and white 1979 Ford pick-up.  It really stood out in our small town.  No one else had anything like it.  Remember, that he already worked for his dad in Commercial Fishing, so he had more money than the rest of us lazy teenagers.

The Hubby and my brother were in the same class, and became friends.  It wasn't until the following year, that we started spending time together.  Soon we were dating.  It was my first real relationship.  In fact, by the fall of my Junior Year, I was completely and utterly FREAKED out to be so serious.  Doing what any crazy teenage girl would do.  I broke up with him.  It was awful, and broke both our hearts.  For nearly a year, we remained apart, and unhappy.  The Summer of my Senior Year, we got back together....and the rest....is history.  We dated for 5 years, then got married, after I finished College.  We will celebrate our 13th wedding anniversary this July.  Man.....time flies.

That brings us to present day.  Jo Beaufoix asked me if The Hubby ever poses for photos for me.  The answer is a pretty big NO.  As you read in that second post I linked to about hubby (what you didn't read it????? SHAME ON YOU!), the only time he easily allows me to take photos is when he with with a dead animal.  I'm sorry to say, I can't stomach it, and do not try to take a nice portrait.  I just simply point and shoot.  All the other photos I have of him, are ones I snuck when he wasn't paying attention.  The other day, I realized that there is not a single photo of us together since 1996.  I was shocked...but not surprised.  Upon further contemplation I remembered that there are a few of us together at my brother's wedding, in 2004.  It is a bit sad, and something I need to remedy.  I mentioned it to him, and he may allow some shots of us one of these days.  He is just so self-conscience, and doesn't value the documentation of his life.   However, for my dear Sugar Bear, I must find a way to get her parents in the same photo.  It is my newest mission.  

Both Autumn and Gayle wanted to hear a bit more about The Hubby and Sugar Bear's relationship, and how I feel about it. You see, I have 100% responsibility of Sugar Bear, and while it is strange to MANY, it works for us.  In fact, I works really well for me.  I'm a bit of a control freak......yup.....I am, and particularly about parenting decisions.  I rather like that I have 100% say on how Sugar Bear is raised, and I like to think it makes it easier on Sugar Bear, as she has very consistent parenting.  So many parents struggle to agree on some many parenting decisions, and I am POSITIVE that The Hubby and I would be arguing  A LOT about all the details, because we are very different people.  Instead, all things are diverted to me, and since my connection with Sugar is so deep, I don't mind one bit.  From day one it has been all me.  The best way to describe it is to think of a single parent.  That is me.  If it has to do with the care of Sugar, it is my job.  Specifically, Autumn wondered if The Hubby had ever watch Sugar Bear alone.  A combination of respecting their comfort levels, and my annoying control issues, it happens very rarely.  Usually for no more than 45 minutes.  I will run to the store, or something if she is sleeping.  If she wakes up, they do fine while I'm gone, but neither feel real comfortable.  As she gets older this happens more often, and it is easier on them.  I think the first time, they were alone together Sugar was 2 1/2.  

The Hubby and Sugar have a relationship that is unique to them.  It is much like a Big Brother/Little Sister relationship.  They play together sometimes, bicker at times, and while they love each other, they also annoy each other.  The Hubby likes to share the things that interest him with Sugar.  They tend to Tiny, the pony, together, he shows her all sorts of wildlife, and the things he builds.  She finds him fascinating, and has learned a lot about the world from him.  Again, as she ages, it becomes easier for them to find things to do together, as she shows more interest in what he is doing.  We do family things together, as you can see if you peruse my blog a bit.  We go to the beach, for drives in the woods, and so on.  I am rarely alone, as Gayle wondered.  In fact, I yearn for alone time.  So many years of The Hubby being away fishing set me up for cherishing my alone time, now that it isn't as easy to come by.  

I'm well aware of how strange it all sounds, but while it isn't the traditional family, it is working for us.  I am grateful to have Sugar Bear in my life, and there honestly hasn't been a single day since her birth that I wished for help in her care from The Hubby.  I firmly believe that if your accept things as they are, it is easier to manage it all.  I never wish it was "his turn" to put Sugar to bed.  I wouldn't miss it for the world.  I don't spend time wishing things were different, because they simply are what they are, and I'm okay with that.  I consider myself VERY lucky.  Sugar Bear is the most amazing thing to ever happen to me.  

The photos in this post were taken back in July when The Hubby, Sugar Bear and I went camping.  The Hubby was helping our dog, Daisy, practice diving, and wanted Sugar to see better.  The water in the creek was not only over Sugar's head, it was extremely cold.  The best way for Sugar to see the action was on his shoulder's.  I was so glad to have my zoom lens on my camera, as I was able to snap these shots.  I added texture to them, as they weren't the best quality.  I'm pleased with the results, and know that Sugar will cherish these photos when she is older.  

One Version of a Perfect Day

Rest assured, my dear friends, I have NOT forgotten about the QUESTIONS you all asked in my 500th post.  I simply seem to be treating it exactly like many things in my life........I'm procrastinating.  You see, there are some really GREAT questions that were asked that really deserve GOOD answers.  Good answers take time, and often TIME is not something I have.  So those questions are just sitting there....hoping to be given some of Corey's attention.

Tonight, I decided I had a bit of time to tackle one of the questions Kim, of Beanish and Other Languages I'm Learning, asked. 

 What's my version of a perfect day? 

I tend to be a pretty darn simple person, but funny enough, I find that I have several versions of a perfect day.  Tonight, I'll share a day that was quite near perfect in everyway.

Back in late November (YES, I said November.  I am ALWAYS hopelessly behind in editing and sharing photos.), the family set out for a day together.  This particular day, we had a mission that we all could get behind.  We went hunting for a Christmas tree.   Having a common interest is something that makes a day perfect for me.  Often the three of us have entire different ideas in mind for our day, which makes it difficult.  It is when we all WANT to do the same thing that it feels so right.

We loaded up in our truck and headed off up a narrowly winding road, deep into the forest.  On a whim, The Hubby brought a fishing pole.  As per usual, I packed my camera.  Not too far into our adventure we reached a little lake that The Hubby likes to "check out".  We were ALL more than happy to have a rest stop.  

Soon, we were all doing out THANG!  

The Hubby was testing the waters. 

While Sugar observed.

Daisy excitedly bounded to and fro.

Sugar Bear busied herself with exploring.

I eagerly aimed my camera at everything, but the kitchen sink.  (Let's not kid ourselves....if there had been a kitchen sink....I would have shot that as well!)

After awhile, Sugar Bear convinced me to play a rousing game of, Hide and Seek.  We both love this game.  She is an absolutly wonderful counter...

and a joyous finder.....

and well.....hider she is still working on.

It just couldn't have been better. The Hubby was happy. The Dog was delighted. Sugar Bear was entertained, and I...well.....I was pretty darn satisfied to get a shot like this:

Gosh I love reflections!  Yes....it certainly was a perfect day.  After we left, we continued on our way to find a Tree, and happily traveled home to our nice warm house, for a cozy evening at home.  

LIFE IS GOOD!

P.S.  If you are a regular reader and haven't commented HERE, please take the time to do that.  I NEED YOU!

Q and A.......well....It's Time for the A's!

Have you noticed that my blog has been ....umm....boring lately? Yeah....me too! I have been crazy busy or shall we say pre-occupied with life stuffs, and I am hardly finding the time to do anything. I simply throw a few photos at this place, and run....off to the next thing on my list. I am not liking it, and I know I have been whining about it for awhile now, and it is getting so old, and......I have no more excuses. I will be PUMPING UP THIS PARTY!

Oh yes, I will....you just WAIT!

Cause it ain't happening today!

Today, I only have like 5 minutes to get a post up, and I.HAVE.NOTHING!

However, a week ago, I opened up this here Bloggity Blog (why do I like that phrase?) to some questioning, and I fully intend on holding up my end of the bargain with some answers. You all asked some darn good questions, and I have lumped some of them into categories (because I am anal like that), and have come up with at least 6 different blog post ideas. There were a few stragglers that I couldn't seem to fit into a category (oh and I tried.....), so I will quickly address them here.

First off, my lovely, and fairly new blogging buddy Marcy inquired as to whether I have every had a dancing lesson. Ummmm...NO! well......YES......ummmmm sort of. I have never had any real dance training, if that is what you mean. However, my first experience with dance was in First Grade, when we spent a few weeks partaking in the art of SQUARE DANCING. Oh how I loved me some square dancing. Unfortunately, after a few "Corey is talking too much in class" meetings with my mother, they made up their minds that if I couldn't be quiet in class, I had to sit out in the dancing. Well, if you know me.........you won't be surprised to hear that to this day, I know NOTHING about square dancing. le..sigh....

Secondly, Marcy also wondered what makes me mad. Well, isn't that a loaded question? I can feel my blood pressure rising just thinking about it. I can go on and on and on about the injustices of the world, but if I'm really honest, most things don't make me MAD. I tend to get SAD about things instead. I am a tender hearted lady, and I find myself getting sad about the problems with this world. I am not saying I don't ever get MAD though, cause I do, but usually it takes something rather LARGE to do so. OR....anything or anyone messing with my Sugar Bear's happiness. You don't even want to see me then. I'm a pretty fierce mama bear.

OH Hey....I just thought of something that makes me MAD.....my darling friend Kimi, queried me on what was for dinner. ARGH! and yet again, I don't know! THAT just plain makes me MAD. I tell myself all the time that I will start menu planning, and I NEVER do. I get so mad at myself about that. Each night at 6 pm-ish, I tiredly trip into our house with about 40 bazillion things in my arms, and a very tired, and hungry Sugar Bear at my feet. I stumble around my kitchen taking note of the food we have, and TRY to come up with a plan. All the while, Sugar is NEEDING me, and the Hubby is NEEDING me, and all I want to do is yell out, "Cold Cereal for dinner, AGAIN!" and half the time I do. It isn't that we don't have food, or that we don't have recipes that we like. It is simply poor planning, and a lack of time that forces us into this frustrating cycle. Oh yes....it needs to change.

Breathe in.....breathe out....breathe in....breathe out......(calming down)

It's a darn good thing my ultra fabulous friend Jo is here to save my sanity by asking the following question:

"if you were a penguin, what would your favorite colour be?"

I love that this question assumes that I am NOT a penguin, when in reality....are we certain that I am NOT? hmmmm.....anyhow, the answer is yellow. Yup, yellow.....I have no idea why, because yellow snow is just plain nasty. Am I right or am I right?

Gotta run.....or I'll be late for not knowing what we'll be having for dinner tonight, and we wouldn't want that, now would we?

The One Where I Realize That THIS is my 500th Post, and Feel Like We Need To Do Something Special

Holy 500 posts, Batman!

The other day, I was over at Megan, of Fried Okra's blog (who by the way happens to be a really awesome blogger, and a topnotch person to boot), when she announced that her 500th post was coming up. I feeling sassy and was all about making fun of her obvious lack of a LIFE, until I came back over here and realized that I only had 4 post to go to be right there with her. SNAP.....now who needs a life? It's ME....It's ME!

Off and on, over the past few months, I have toyed with the idea of a post where I open it up to all of YOU to ask ME all the burning questions that have been keeping you up at night. I'm sure you have some, right? Well, now's your chance.......all you have to do is ask me! Who knows what we'll find out....do I wear boxers or briefs? What are my thoughts on Yo Gabba Gabba? Is my lawn mower electric or gas powered? You ask....and I'll do my best to answer them in a follow-up post or two (depending on the amount of questions, and how...ummm....interesting they are.)

Please help me celebrate this momentous occasion, and leave me a comment with YOUR burning question. Come on...don't leave me hanging here, looking like a girl who doesn't have a life, AND has no friends. Now THAT would be embarrassing!