the happy calamity

Where is the world have i been lately.... ? ....

2011-06-15T09:51:00.000-07:00

Wow, have i neglected this blog or what! Amazing how time slips away from you and even though you could spend hours googling or on FB you can't come visit your blog to give just a tinsy winsy update of ... well... your life. My bad! I guess i am just as guilty of this as the next neglectful blogger.

So what's up these days: Work, Family, Life, Church.... but not in that particular order though.

Family: Life is good ... and crazy. Summer is here [almost technically] and we have been outside a lot. Have already gone to enjoy the pool with husband and son this season.... it was great. The heat has been rather intense so the water wasn't cold at all..... which i loved! Hopefully Zach will be swimming by the end of the summer.

Church: Off from teaching 1st grade Sunday school until next Fall.... filling in sporadically during the summer with the same age group. I love being there.... And love the opportunity to serve.

Work: Work is nuts.... just in general, but in a good way i suppose.... i am blessed to be employed and truly appreciate the opportunities given to me by my company.

Life: I swear...writing a book is on the horizon of my life.... i may bounce my ideas against my blog to see what sort of responses i may get.

Next Post... about my Garden. :) See ya.

Mom...

2010-01-18T13:22:00.000-08:00

Hey Mom,

You may or may not read my blog. Chances are you don't as the computer in your home in your eyes is more of a large decorative item on your desk than anything....and that's ok :) *you anti-Internet queen* I wanted to write you a note however to explain to you the reasons of my appreciation for you.... and whether you never read it at all... I want those who do to know how I feel.

We are so different in so many ways that in lots of ways we are just the same....if that makes any sense to you. Basically..... you and I are built on the 'frame'.... but only the details added to the frame differ from one another.

Mom, the reasons we are the same:

We both are completely in awe of dear Zachary
We both love good tea... you just like yours a bit sweeter than mine :)
We both hate to have people mess with our stuff
We both love to win games [yes, to include scrabble....hahahaa]
We both wish there were 3 more days in the weekend
We both wish we had more time to do neat crafts and staff like that
We both love feeling like we are needed
We both feel great when we did a good job and tend to gloat about it a little [nothing wrong with that right?! :)]
We both think a good sale when out shopping is friggin awesome
We both love being right about stuff

That's only ten things that I can think of at this very moment.... WOW.

The 'details' in our lives will always be ever changing... However the frames we have been built on will always stay the same. Who builds the frames? Well, the parents. Frames aren't built in one day.... To build the frame of a child is a pure labor of love. To give a child a basis of understanding and a good foundation [i.e. the frame] is the gift that never stops giving. It is something I will be able to take with me forever and pass onto my own dear Zachary. You have given me this good gift without ever asking anything in return but to take out the trash, keep my room clean, and do good in school [along with a few other things]. For this Mom, I appreciate you and thank you for what you have given. You are an angel and we would be lost without you.....really.

I love you, Mom. I really do. You are awesome at caring for others and being creating and fun.

I want to be like you.....maybe without all the Avon though... :)

Love,

Jamie

In one word ...What is life for you today?

2010-01-07T04:38:00.000-08:00

In one word today I can sum up my life .... *content*...

How is this possible? Half the time I am going crazy doing work stuff.... [I do business development and government contract management and admin stuff], and then the other half of the time is doing family stuff...[making meals, cleaning up, giving baths, cleaning up more, grocery shopping, cleaning up, making more meals....LAUNDRY (Sweetheart helps with all of this)]. I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world. I live the crazy life and completely enjoy it. I've had the opportunity to sit and relax and take in the moment. To be quite honest, I am happy being a mover and getting stuff done.

Without the crazy business that is my life......I'm not sure what I would do! Don't get me wrong, I have sit still moments.... Those are awesome. Within those moments are quality time spent with my Sweetheart... Or reading a book to my angel child... Or watching a show as a family... These times are of great value and interject themselves into my crazy life just at the right times....

Happiness and contentment are not something with phenomenal aspects, or a huge explosion on enticement.... Happiness and contentment are as simple as our everyday lives...

"Enjoy these moments as these moments are your life"

~JaMiE

Being Mentally Fit!

2010-01-06T10:10:00.000-08:00

http://www.fastandquickweightloss.com/fitness/mentally-fit.htm

This is a great article! Thinking good thoughts will make our brains stronger.... hmmm. I am going to think good thoughts more often!

Hello Hello

2010-01-04T05:10:00.000-08:00

Good Morning! And what a great morning it is! Very brisk here today..... Think its about 27 degrees here this morning and very crisp and fresh. This kind of weather is kinda pleasant... but also reminds you to wear chapstick and hand cream. I close my eyes this morning for a brief moment and think of the pleasantries of spring....a mere 4 months away... :)

Random note:

Been thinking about birthdays lately.... You know there is a birthday in my close family every month just about! WOW.

January - Jake [step-son] and Sharon [my sister]
February - Billy [step-son], Kait [step-son's main sqeeze], and my Dad
March - Jayson [husband's SIL]
April - Bill [my Husband]
May - Missy [Husband's oldest child] and Shannon [my cousin]
June - Momma [mine]
July -Me
August - Mark [husband's SIL]
September -Christina [husband's second child]
October - Gavin [husband's grandchild], Donna [my cousin]
November - Zach [my angel child] and Mason [husband's grandchild]
December - hmmm....... I know there is someone here.....

Have a lovely Monday! First day back to the office for me.... :)

~JaMiE

It's 2010..... What could be on the agenda this year?

2010-01-02T19:54:00.000-08:00

It's a brand new year! ~2010~ Happy New Year to everyone!

What's on the agenda for this year? Anything and everything!
The major goal last year was to quit smoking. I completely accomplished that and am a non-smoker for sure. It is a great feeling and I love every minute of it.

The next goal for this year..... Inner strength and knowledge. I feel I need to be stronger at my core. I will do this by making better healthier choices for myself....mentally and physically. Obviously I will try to go the the gym more and eat healthier... But mentally I will think more positively and I will have more empathy... As well, I will continue to only nurture the positive relations in my life and not entertain those who maintain faux personas....

I am continuing to further my education this year and am much so looking forward to completing certification. This will help my success in a big way. I need to keep plugging away!

:) JaMiE

Christmas is almost here......

2009-12-15T05:17:00.000-08:00

Almost Christmas time.... Life is a pleasure. This year we are having a few family members over. We are having the tradition potato soup with fresh breads... Really looking forward to that!

What I am most looking forward to this year is Zach waking on Christmas morning and feeling the excitement and wonderment of the whole scene.

I am thankful for my son....it is he who makes me realize the important things in life...

Happy Halloween!!!!

2009-11-02T02:22:00.000-08:00

On Hallowe'en

the thing

you must do

Is pretend that nothing

can frighten you

An' if somethin' scares you

and you want to run

Jus' let on like

it's Hallowe'en fun.

- - - from an Early Nineteenth Century Halloween Postcard

Halloween was the funnest affair this year. The anticipation had been building for week for Zach. Mommy and Daddy decided to both go with him for trick or treating. We had a blast watching him enjoy the night. Zach was so sweet and polite all night ~ saying please and thank you at every home handing out the goodies. My angel.

Choices

2009-10-13T02:07:00.000-07:00

To Choose - To pick, select, decide, favor, pleasure, cast, sample, elect.

choice (chois) n.
1. The act of choosing; selection.
2. The power, right, or liberty to choose; option.
3. One that is chosen.
4. A number or variety from which to choose: a wide choice of styles and colors.
5. The best or most preferable part.
6. Care in choosing.
7. An alternative.

Is it just me... or are the fundamentals of which we, as humans, pride ourselves solely based on the choices we make in life? Totally so! Think of yourself as made up of a series of...oh lets say bricks. Each brick is a choice...a desicion made. We are built of 'bricks'. Of our choices. Once we make a choice... That brick is made. Can it change? No. We can make another choice though, a choice to change that made before...a differnet choice..a different path. But then that creates another brick that builds the people we are today.

Are these 'bricks' visible to others.... to some degree, yes they are visible. It would really depend on the lense of which the viewer is looking through. Some bricks are hard to see. Others are displayed proudly for all to see.

The choices we make over a lifetime build the people we are and the people we want to become. Our choices are our own. Yes, the choices that other people make can effect 'us'. But it is the outlook that we choose to have in reflection of the desicions of others which shape us. So, for instance, someone does or says something that affects me in a negative way... I have a series of choices at that point. I can except things for what they are and move on... I can make the choice to 'right' what has been done wrong by others... I can be utterly distraught by this and let it affect other things/people in my life... I can do all of these things or none of these things or some of these things. It is my choice.

with affection,
jamie

Good Morning October 2009

2009-10-01T04:00:00.000-07:00

What a glorious day it is today....

Something about this season just makes me tickled pink...Not sure exactly what it is. I think it really starts with school being in session, the leaves changing, the crisp cool air at our doors every morning.. Just lots of things to love. I think back often to the memories I've had of Fall time over the years... It has always been my favorite time of year... I loved school for the most part as a child....and even now get excited for Billy [step-son] when a new school year begins [though he doesn't share the same enthusiasm]. Fresh notebooks, pencils, a new slate [figuratively speaking :D] to start on. What a great time... :)

Halloween I feel should be declared a national holiday. I bet you if I think really hard I can remember most of my Halloweens growing up. Make believe, candy, tricks or treats, friends and family -- the root of childhood. :) I want my son to be able to look back and remember the same. Oh by the way....he is ecstatic about being Buzz Light Year this year!!!

Well then what does October lead into....well Thanksgiving of course!!! More family, GREAT FOOD, parades, football, vacation time!!! Something is fragrant and humbling about having loved ones around your table, enjoying the company of others, opening your arms to the thankful feelings inside ourselves.... This year is going to be a new and different Thanksgiving Holiday!! We are going to pack up and go to New Jersey to have dinner with Christina, Jayson, Mason, and our extended family :) I am excited about this adventure... We miss them not living close by and are grateful for the invite... and Christina makes darn good apple pie! What could be better I tell you!

Sooner than later....
Jamie :)

First Blog of the Year 2009

2009-01-18T16:07:00.000-08:00

I've waited a while to make this post....I wanted to make my first 2009 blog a good one.....and here it is..

I HAVE ACCOMPLISHED A HUGE GOAL ALREADY!! I totally quit smoking cold freakin turkey! Today is day 18. I've put it in my head that smoking will never again be an option for me. So there! That's my huge goal...and I did it. I had lots of help and support however! My dearest husband has been amazingly sweet and just there for me through this whole thing. My lovey little boy has been there for me also...he doesn't know it because he is just to young, but he has reminded me everyday of why I needed to quit...For that, I am totally greatful! My own daddy who has quit this horrid habit talks to me almost daily and checks on the progress I've made. My mom nagged the poopoo out of me very often and was bound and determined to continue until I made the correct choice....glad that's done. And of course....MY FARMGIRLS!!! Who've helped me more than they will know! THANKS!!!

I will post again tomorrow! Time to put the little one to bed! :)

Warmly,
Me

2008-12-30T11:02:00.000-08:00

Zach sleeping soundly in his new bed!! Sweet dreams little man.

Zach got a wagon from Grammy and PopPop!!

Our Beautiful Tree...

And just a few more photos to remember the day...

Christmas 2008

2008-12-30T10:51:00.000-08:00

Well, our Christmas Day was full of fun, tradition, and laughter! We woke up early [usually do anyhow]....Bill and I enjoyed our coffee and conversation for a few moments and then we heard the sounds of Zach waking in his crib. So of course we had to get him up and break out the camera. It was really pleasant opening gifts together this year. There was a real appreciation in the air for the little things and all the blessings bestowed upon our family. The kids' gifts were not to much but just enough....as it's important to Bill and I that Christmas is about the day and meaning and not the 'presents' under the tree. Zach's big gift though was the new "Big Boy Bed!!" He took to it like a champ and sleeps well in it every night. Plus, he has only fallen out once! Our Christmas theme this year: Togetherness, Love, Family, and wishing well to those that couldn't be with us this year.

2008-12-17T07:08:00.000-08:00

This is a truely precious moment to us. This is a picture of Zach first real 'bust out laughing' moment! This 'moment' lasted for about five minutes and was just as hilarious to us as it was to Zach. Daddy was shaking the rattle and for some reason Zach thought it was the funniest thing in the world. We were all laughing so hard....and Zach's face was turning red because he was cracking up so much! This memory will last a lifetime in our minds. Bill and I were looking through these pictures the other day. When we got to this particular photo....He and I looked at each other and said "Do you remeber this?!?!"

And the laughter continues......Many more funny moments have happened since that first real burst of hilarity... And we know that many more are to come!

Mommy and Daddy love you Zachary!! :)

2008-12-16T08:20:00.000-08:00

It's Tuesday.....and raining. I wish it was snowing.

Zach was so cute this morning when I dropped him off at the sitter's house. I was getting ready to walk out the door as I was telling him goodbye.....and he looks at me and says "I want a kiss"...It made me feel extra special this morning!! I love that guy!

Well, lets do 7 thoughts for the last 7 days...

1] Happy that we got the Christmas tree this past Friday....and happy that Zach hasn't knocked it over yet!

2] Kinda sad that the people [Missy, Mark, Gavin, and Harley...Hubby's daughter, son-in-law, their baby {hubby's grandbaby}, and the bulldog {Harley}]..moved out which where inhabiting the basement. I'm glad there moved and happy...but still miss them. It's really quite around the house.

3] Glad I got to work this weekend and the customers where all so kind.

4] Thrilled that I will be on the business development team at work come January 5th.

5] Glad my Zach is eating a little more....most days he eats like a bird and is totally fine with it....but I worry a little. For the last month though...he's been doing better. He's healthy regardless however.

6] Excited to be off this Saturday and I get to spend the day with my family.

7] Anxious to get this Christmas shopping done and over with so I can continue that ever loved wrapping process....I do like wrapping gift. Ever gift gets a special bow.

one more for good luck eh...

8] Content this holiday season because for once in my life.....I'm not worried about what I'm going to get people. I'm not sure why, but for some reason this year...that hasn't even crossed my mind. And I'm totally cool with it!

Til next time...

Jamie

Christmas is in the air!!

2008-12-12T10:03:00.001-08:00

And here's the masterpiece!! Billy worked very hard on this fine Gingerbread House; carefully placing each piece of candy on every messy glob of icing!! We had a blast...

I've had to place it on a high counter top though......safe out of the hands of my dearest little 2 year old's destructive hands. Watch him pull a chair over to the counter and climb up there though.....knock on wood. With my little boy: WHERE THERE'S A WILL....THERE'S A WAY!

2008-12-11T06:03:00.000-08:00

This is one of my very favorite Christmas photos!! Zach was only a month or so old here and Daddy was having a sweet, quiet conversation with his son....So I grabbed the camera..:)

We were at my family's annual Christmas Party at the diner [20 Dec 06]....having a good time...visiting with the family... eating good food.

This was Zach's first time meeting some of the family...He didn't get to scared!

He was wearing his very first Christmas outfit, one which I will have forever....or atleast until he grows up and has children of his own...then I may pass it along to him for his own children to wear.. Such things to look forward to.

Filled with love and good memories,

A wife....a mother....a happy person,

Jamie

2008-12-05T08:54:00.000-08:00

Just a picture or two of my dear son with his new hat! This 'hat' was actually something that I used to keep some faux flowers in....until he got a hold of it. He's our little comedian! He keeps us on our toes with his incredable sense of humor.

Those eyes.......His eyes haven't changed at all since the day he was born! He's our blue eyed baby boy!! Mommy and Daddy think the world of this fellow!

2008-12-04T11:23:00.000-08:00

Christmas Survey
1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? I'm a wrapper, most of the time I think it is more personal

2. Real tree or Artificial? Real!

3. When do you put up the tree? Two weeks prior

4. Do you like eggnog? yucky no....but everyone else seems to like it

5. Favorite gift received as a child? A loving childhood.....

6. Hardest person to buy for? Probably.......I don't know...everyone is pretty easy this year

7. Easiest person to buy for? Zach

8. Do you have a nativity scene? Actually no.

9. Mail or email Christmas cards? Mail, even if they're late.

10. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? Any gift is a gift of thought and kindness

11. Favorite Christmas Movie? A Christmas Story

12. When do you start shopping? We try to start early.

13. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Not often......

14. Favorite Christmas Day dish? A pot of homemade potato soup. My dear husband and I decided to make that a tradition of our very own.

15. Lights on the tree? oodles of them!

16. Favorite Christmas song? Too many to name

17. Travel at Christmas or stay home? Stay home

18. Angel on the tree top or a star? Star

19. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? Christmas morning

20. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? Crazy shoppers, Crazy drivers, Crazy commercialized Christmas stuff...

22. Favorite ornament theme or color? Village homes

23. Favorite for Christmas dinner? Potato soup and fresh yeast breads

24. What do you want for Christmas this year? I would like to have wonderful time with family. Making great memories, taking good pictures....being with the ones I love....

My little angel turned two!! [Nov 17th]

2008-12-04T08:11:00.000-08:00

And here he is.....My little angel. I can't believe he has turned two already. It was a little bittersweet. He is still and will always be 'my baby boy' but he is becoming such a beautiful little man. Zach speaks so well, understands his feelings, loves to communicate, and just wants to be mommy or daddy's little helper all the time. Zach is already using the potty like a big boy [I'm glad for that :) ]. Being a mother has been one of the most rewarding experiences in my life. From the moment he was born....I have loved like I've never thought possible. This little guy is my everything.

Things can't get better. Great things are happening everyday, and I have the best hubby in the world to share it all with! He is the best father in the world, and the best husband I could ever ask for.....Zach thinks Daddy is the coolest thing since sliced bread....I agree.

2008-12-03T19:08:00.000-08:00

Just Bill and Jamie.... :) Been married since 29 July 2006....and are truely a team. He's a great man. We found something in each other that we'd never had before.....not just love....but true love!

2008-12-03T18:14:00.000-08:00

It's been a while since I've added to the blog......so here I am.

It's just a few weeks until Christmas; I'm really excited this year...as my little ray of sunshine is now two and loves to open presents!! I can't wait until Christmas morning. I can't wait to get him up to be with the family and open presents!! He's going to have a blast.

It's Wednesday! Hump day!! And I want to take this opportunity to talk about 7 favorite things I've thought about, have happened, have been said this past 7 days:

1 ~ Tonight on the way home [it was dark out], my son says, "Mommy, it's dark out!" I said, "Yes Zach, It is dark." And he says..."THE SUN IS BROKE!!" .........I laughed so hard! Then he laughed too!!

2 ~ This Saturday is my company's Christmas Party!!! Woot Woot! DATE NIGHT FOR THE HUBBY AND I!

3 ~ I spoke to Christina [My hubby's daughter, just had a beautiful baby, in her early 20s, lives in NJ]...I was a nice conversation, she is so sweet and brings simplicity and understanding to all that is complicated. She's married to a Marine Recruiter and rather happy to say the least....and a wonderful mommy to her new little boy, Mason!

4 ~ The movie, "A Christmas Story" is one tv right now....I love this movie!!

5 ~ On the 20th...We're taking the boys to see Santa!!! Hope Zach doesn't cry this year!

6 ~ I'd forgotten just how much I love MARSHMALLOWS!!!! Glad I only buy a bag once a year for holiday cooking!!

and 7 ~ Thanksgiving was last Thursday......We had a great time, enjoyed visiting with family and friends....and had delicious fried turkey! MMMMMMM!!!

So there's my 7 for the past 7.

Until the following posts.....Happy blogging.

2008-08-12T09:22:00.000-07:00

Well, I found something neat to do with those sea shells I've been hanging onto FOREVER!!! Put them in the garden! They will last forever! And they compliment any flowers or plants quite well!!!

I will be sad in the winter when all of the beautiful flowers are all gone. But I will still have the sea shells!!!

Oh boy....The Fair

2008-08-08T09:36:00.000-07:00

Hi All!! I'm a first timer here at this blogspot...

I thought I would start with the trip to the fair! My son, Zach, and step-son, Billy, had a fantastic time at the fair this year! Zach is just about 20 months old. And Billy is 10. Upon arriving there....Billy decided immediately that he wanted to ride a CRAZY ride! So I picked the wackiest one out and we road it together......10 minutes later.....we were both a little green but had a blast. Much to my surprise, Zach was able to ride somethings as well, the Dumbo ride, the Caterpiller and Bird (pictured to the right), and a few other things. I wasn't sure how he would be at first....but he ended up having the time of his life!!!! He thought it was the coolest! I can't wait to go again next year with the family! Zach will be able to ride more rides!

Until later,