What I am Thinking About...

Dear Alex Clare,
I think I am too close to love you, too.  mwah.

Give me an EPIDURAL!!

Dumb chick alert: I read People magazine.

Ah.  That hurts to admit. But I do. And sometimes, when I am bored or sick (like I am today.. both) I click on the links at the bottom of the page to see what is happening on more salacious or scandalous tabloids. Today I stumbled across this bit of crap:

http://thestir.cafemom.com/pregnancy/139954/model_miranda_kerrs_judgy_comments

My dad says that 'interesting people do not talk about people.' My dad also spray painted the words "Reptilian Brain" on the wall of our garage, so what does he know?

Here's the deal folks - having been around the labor and delivery block a couple (plus 3) times I feel at liberty to comment on this story.  I have done it both ways.  I have delivered three big, healthy, alert babies without so much as a tylenol in my corner.  I felt powerful, ultimately feminine. When it came time to deliver my 5th precious child, I didn't have the stuff it took to fight that battle because here's the deal folks: 

Labor sucks.

It is stressful, it is scary (at times), and it hurts like hell.  So, knowing all the information, I chose the path of least resistance.  I opted for the epidural. Truth? The medication can pass from the spinal column and over the placenta and to the baby.  The baby can be a bit groggy. That did not make one eeensy weensy bit of difference to me at all. And so you ask, what was the experience like? Well, it was peaceful. I could listen to the doctor without the mask of mortal pain and process exactly what was happening. I loved it. Was it a selfish decision, Yes. But, Lucy's birthday was indeed one of the best days of my life. Should God decide to show his incredible sense of humor and bless us with another child, I will do it the exact same way.  Groggy baby or not.

I love Miranda Kerr.  I am proud of her for sticking by her principles and choosing the path that she felt best for her child and herself. I just wish the people on the other side of the argument would own their position, as well, risks, selfishness and all.

I've said YES.

I read this early this morning, "We have two choices: to be selfish or to be generous." (cjanekendrick)

So by darned, this week, I decided to be generous. When my kids asked, I have said Yes! "Can I have ice cream for lunch?" YES! Can I play XBox? YES! Can I run through the sprinklers in my underwear? YES! (Sorry, honey.)

There are a lot of needs to be met around here.  I know that I need not say YES all of the time, and that typically the generous answer is no, but after a tough year of being at once teacher, disciplinarian and housekeeper - it feels good to be the good guy. It feels good to just be a Mommy.

My Family

I have been wanting to blog for a long time.  I have been wanting to write about my life because it's a-changing.  And I want to remember these days, but I am certain that I will forget.  So here is my posterity.

We've had a bit of a rough go, here at Casa Steele.  A speed bump, so to speak. For all the ways that our life has stayed the same - same jobs, same school, same house, no babies - we are also forced to accept the realities that raising a largish family is difficult.  We have boys who are turning into Big Boys and girls who are turning into Young Ladies.  They are opinionated and interested and rambunctious.  We try our darndest and yet, they are left wanting.  Thus is the reality of raising children, right?

And it is ugly sometimes.  There is dirty hair and body odor.  There are skinned knees and ripped jeans.  Shoes are scuffed - hair is too long - and teeth aren't clean enough.  Oh the perfection I could achieve..... if only it were possible.

And through my frustration there is joy.  To my complete surprise in this adventure we call daily life, never once have I thought about "me" - for this is my family:  My heart outside of my body - my blood pumping through another network of veins.  The love, the complete and total love that I feel for my husband, has manifested itself in this incredible family that continues to reveal itself to me day after day.   For every tear there are a hundred smiles - for every frustration there are a thousand rewards.

This is my family.  Thank you Dear Lord for the privilege.

Me, Animals and PWCMoms

Here's the dilly, folks.  I am a guest poster this week on PWC Moms.  I went out and reviewed the Prince William County Animal Shelter's Children's Barnyard.  It's a quirky little place in back of the animal shelter... and well.... read it yourself!

http://www.pwcmoms.com/?id=5656873257077972356

What I'm Thinking About...

It's been a long time since I fell in love with a song.
..... and I mean    a     really            long                       time.
So it feels good to tell you that I am obsessed (obsessed!) with this song.  I've listened to his other stuff and it's good too, but this is my current song crush.  Without further ado..

Somebody That I Used To Know
By Gotye

I'm Making Art

Come check it.  Because heaven knows I'm not writing a bit!
Clickety Click to See It!