A Pep Talk

My mom visited me last week and she couldn't have come at a better time...well, she was actually helping my sister Becky get settled in her new house. (Yes, sadly my chick flick watching comrade and morning coffee partner has moved out.)  While mom didn't actually come to see me necessarily, I think my incessant weeping was concerning enough to warrant a few nights at my house too. And I'm glad it did...sometimes a girl just needs her mom.

A heaviness has settled upon me for the last month or so and I can't shake it, not even the glorious sunshine is helping.  I am sad, unmotivated, uninspired, and stressed out.  (Hence, the lack of posts). There are some reasons for this, but mostly I just think once you're down the kicks feel harder than they actually are. Life feels overwhelming and small hiccups seem like the end of the world.

So this is me pep talking myself, that there are things worth smiling about....

trying out our new swimsuits in the shower!

why is it that only Nanna can get her to rock to sleep?

best thing about Valentine's cookies - the frosting

the ulitmate happy place - a spa day with mom

flowers for Valentine's Day from my Valentine

a quick solution to spilled Fun Dip - dad's idea...who else?

Another thing to look forward to...a trip to Boston in a few days with my BFF Nat to visit our friend Jenae. And there's nothing like time with friends that won't put a smile on your face.

So chin up, Tam...there are good times to be had.

Feels Like Home to Me

Last week when we got TWENTY inches of snow, I felt like I was back in South Dakota. I don't think we've ever had this much snow since I've lived here. I thought I would hate it because I hate winter and all that it brings, but as the snow fell and fell it brought me back to a place of happiness.

A feeling of Home.

Buried cars.
Drifts as tall as me.
Below zero degree wind chill.
Sledding.
Snow suits.
Red cheeks and noses.
Home.

Distance and Sunglasses

One of Eric's college buddies used to say, "there are two things that make most women look good - distance and sunglasses."  I thought he was being an idiot at the time, but as I age I'm finding distance and sunglasses to be close friends of mine. I think one of the worst things about getting older is losing the ability to get a look *. (You know what I'm talking about girls.) To guys, I've become an aging, wrinkling hot-mess mom, not a potential date.

 *And don't say you don't know what I'm sayin' because if you are

a woman you've gotten a look or two.

My younger sister Becky has been living with me for the past month and if there's one thing I've found out, it's that she has not lost this ability by any means. She's....well....she's hot. Whenever we go out every guy practically gets whiplash when she walks by. Meanwhile I'm sitting there thinking..."what am I? Chopped liver? Give me something. A polite courtesy look. Anything. I'll take a 15 year old boy with acne."

But no, it's all about Beck. She is oblivious to this and I find it hilarious. Some guys are bold and will come right up to her and ask her out, but most just look at her longingly hoping to catch her eye.


see what I mean

As if I need one more thing to be insecure about. Thanks a lot Beck! :)

It's not that I want to be asked out by guys because, ultimately, I just care if I can turn my husband's head. I've been out of the game so long I wouldn't even know what to do if a guy approached me anyway. I would probably use one of Becky's lines because she's a pro at this..."I'm with someone" or "I've got this friend....she would be perfect for you." Actually, most likely I would laugh out loud and ask him if someone dared him to do it.

I think it just comes down to the aging thing. This is another sign of my youth slipping away. Until I get used to this shift from youth to this woman/mom person I've become, I'll just have to keep my shades close by.

Time to Party!

Superbowl Party time again!

Wait...there's more downstairs...

My favorite part was taking pics of all the little men.

I've never had so many dashing gents in my presence!

And who can't help but smile when she's around?

And, of course, all the princesses were here...

And here are those we envy who don't have toddlers and can actually watch the game....

Lots of laughs and lots of fun!

Lots of great food too, but I didn't waste time taking pictures of that...

 I had to get a good place in line!

Can't wait until next year rolls around!

Nostalgia

I made some of my Grandma's famous Dill soup the other night and I've been homesick for her ever since. Not only is she a notorious cook, she can out play anyone on the piano, out work any man, out sew and craft any woman, and spin a story better than any narrator.

...but she's so famous for her cooking she's published in Taste of Home :)



Yummmm...



Before my wedding she gave me the cookbook with a note written in it that only a grandma could write...I cherish it.

She pasted some pictures in the front of the cookbook and this one is my favorite

Grandma made flower gardens for her grandchildren made out of the first letter of their names. Mine was the "T" garden.  I loved it because I got a garden all to myself. No one else's name began with a "T".  Growing up in a family of 5 kids, it was a novelty to get something all to myself.

There's nothing like a Grandma that can make you feel special and loved.



Grandpa and Grandma Jons holding baby Rylie



She's 400 miles away from me and what I wouldn't give today to pop some corn and watch Anne of Green Gables with her like the old days. Ahhh...nostalgia.