IMHO

The We Don't Want Anyone to Feel Bad movement has done more damage than feeling bad ever could.

Texting

Conversation with Nathan which ended in sweet silence.

[9/11/18 12:33 PM] Me: ☺️

[9/11/18 1:57 PM] Nathan: Mom it is weird when you use emojis

[9/11/18 1:57 PM] Me: Ok. ☺️

[9/11/18 1:58 PM] Me: When you tell me something is weird you know I will just do it more.

1st Day!!

 9th and 7th grades!!

6 years ago.
My baby boys going into 3rd and 1st!!

Baking

I made chocolate chip cookies last week. My husband got home from work and I began telling him about my day and then talking about the cookies. 
Carla "This one doesn't have enough chocolate chips. This one has too many. This cookie broke in half."
Patrick said, "Uh babe? Does every cookie have a story?"
Carla "Yes."

Maybe

I might take up running if I saw a smiling runner.

Do I Have Enough?

My husband lovingly pointed out that yes indeed I am a hoarder.

Shopping

Carla is modeling one of our favorite winter fashions. She chose this red coat and told her husband that it was ON SALE for $4!! A GOTTA HAVE for only $12 more in postage and handling!
Red is Carla's favorite color as her smile shows. 
The high waisted, chest binding tie is sure to keep out the bitter WI wind. Who needs to breathe when it is -27??
When you buy from Rose Wholesale you will get what you pay for! And remember if it looks too good to be true, IT IS.
Thank you Carla!

Getting There

One of my goals this summer was to get organized. How proud you must be of my progress!! pacingmyself

Home

This was my home for 1 1/2 years.  I lived here as a nanny in CT.  I knew the love of family for the first time.  It was sold yesterday.  And I had a good cry over the memories I will carry with me for the rest of my life.  One Beeholm Road. 

Happy 18th Sarah Beara!!

Happy Birthday to my favorite daughter Sarah!!

Listen Up!

We really do need to work on listening to listen and not listening to speak. Or listening to give advice. It does not open another to heart level conversation. It shuts them down. And they learn. They learn that you will not listen.

24 For Us!!

Happy 24th Anniversary to my Patrick!! We went out for an amazing dinner and also found some peace and serenity on a paddle boat at Perch Lake.  We celebrated the years!!

#1!!

Sarah's 9th year in rec softball!
Blue team beat red and white in the tournaments to win FIRST PLACE! 

38 Years of Friendship!!

Happy 49th Birthday Patrick!!

So happy that NEXT YEAR you will join me in the 50's!!
Love you and love your July 4th Birthday skate wear!

Sarah's Open House

2018 Graduation!!!

Baby Girl

Denial

Josh is 21.  But I refuse. It's not ok.  I forbid it.

Happy 21st Birthday Joshua!!

You are my best Josh!! Always and forever!!

Running the Race

Sjoberg 540
Stream 336

THANK YOU to everyone that voted for me and gave their time and resources and advice so generously!! And thank you also for all of the prayers! I am SO VERY GRATEFUL for all of the wonderful people I met and also very proud of all of those who won their races tonight!!

Onward.

Sent

April 3rd Election!

Thank you Tim!

My youngest son Tim has always marched to his own drumbeat. He does life with such spirit! I love that. He will set people straight. He doesn't tolerate bullies or disrespect to teachers. He will go talk to the young girl with autism sitting in the cafeteria alone. And invite his friends to join them.
He started Weightlifting Club at the middle school yesterday and asked his buddy to help him get going on the treadmill to warm up. Someone overheard and said, "What? You don't even know how to use the treadmill?" 
Tim answered, "No I don't. There is a first time for everything. Do you remember when it was your first time?"
The young man replied quietly, "Yeah." and walked away. 
Thank you Tim. I needed that today.

Vote for Meeeeeeeee

Perks

Tim "Mom, I am so glad I am 12!! I can finally figure out what this shotgun thing is all about!!"

12!!!

My Timbug is 12 today!!
You are my best Tim!!
I love you!!
We love to talk about the fact that mom had you at 40 years old and during the waterbirth mom got to lift you out of the water for your first breath. Those memories mean the world to me.

To Patrick Love Carlababe

For the Love

I wait for the same moment every year on Christmas Day. When my family just looks at each other and smiles. In love and gratitude that we have each other. That we do life together and are FOR each other and have so much fun. We take that moment to be still and look around at what we have.
"I love you! Merry Christmas!" is said and meant. 
And YES I cry because my heart is full. 
Thank you Streamers for blessing my life in so many ways. If you know me then you know that growing up in an abusive home was one of the loneliest places I have ever been. 
I am no longer there. I am here. With you. With your love.
Thank you, Lord!!