ALL THE TIME: Days 3 and 4

Day 3


On days that I feel lonely, and wish I had more close friends here in Kansas (or lived closer to my many close friends in Oklahoma), it only takes one big hug from my BEST friend in the world to remind me that I have all I need right here!

For the amazing blessing that I call my husband, I thank God!  He is good, all the time!

Day 4


Along the same lines, some days I worry that Ben is lonely too.  It is such a wonderful blessing to be able to stay home with him, but now and then I worry that he doesn't get enough interaction with other kids.  Enter, Gretchen!  I am SO thankful for my awesome friend Amy, who not only blesses our family by paying me to play with her amazing three girls each week, but she blesses our son by providing him playmates!  He has an absolute BLAST with Gretchen (and her two big sisters!) and I am truly, deeply thankful for this family in our lives.

For great friends of all ages, I praise our awesome God; for He is good ALL THE TIME!

ALL THE TIME: Day 2

Today, friends, I'm really missing music.  Singing has always been an outlet for me; a way to release my worry and stress and just let it all fly away.  Unfortunately, nearly all of my opportunities to embrace this outlet have dried up lately.  The praise group I used to jam with is no more, and I am unable to attend choir rehearsals now that my hubby has night class at the same time.  I miss it terribly, and it's definitely contributed to my current state of mind. (re: "in a funk")  So in light of the challenge at hand, I've been thinking- what about "I miss music" can I possibly be thankful for??  For starters, I'll go with the obvious:  I'm so thankful to be blessed with the gift of music at all!  I'm thankful for ears that can hear it, and a spirit that understands it.  And I certainly don't mean to toot my own horn - I am no Adele - but I am very thankful that I can carry a tune.  These sentiments don't really help broaden my scope of thankfulness though because they are, frankly, generic.  Of course I'm thankful that music exists and I can hear it.  But what can I focus on that might turn my "I miss music" complaint into an "I LOVE music!" exclamation?   As I pondered this question, I kept coming back to this, and it is certainly something worth remembering:  The last time that I did have the opportunity to collaborate with some fine artists and create a moving sound it was, well, moving.


Back in July, I was blessed to participate in an event for The Crossroads Program- a sobriety program for young people and their families.  The concert,  held at Sandstone Amphitheater, was a celebration of how far the participants had come since entering the program.  Several members of our church choir sang with the headlining band, made up completely of Crossroads participants and lead by the program director.  Standing on that stage, looking out into the faces of joyful, hopeful, recovering addicts and their proud, supportive families was one of the most heart-stirring moments of my life.  And though everyone was soaked in sweat, the air was full of cigarette smoke, the amps were blaring and four-letter words were not off-limits, when it was over, a mother turned to me, eyes filled with tears and said, "This was church.  Tonight, we've just been to church."   And I knew she was right.

For the gift of music, for a spirit that appreciates it, for a heart that misses it, and for opportunities to share it, I thank God.  For the joy and hope of recovery, for heart-stirring moments, and for finding church in the least church-like of settings, I praise God. 

For He is good. 

HE IS GOOD, ALL THE TIME.

AMEN.

ALL THE TIME: Day 1

It's been a while now since I last posted, and though I'm sure I could come up with a hundred legitimate excuses to explain my absence I will just sum it up as this:  Friends, I've been in a funk.  I've been spending far too much time feeling blue about all the things that aren't going my way, and not enough time feeling thankful.  So from now until Thanksgiving, I will be posting about the things that have been getting me down, and find a way to turn them around and be thankful.  This is more for myself than for anyone else (though I'm thrilled to have you all following along!) because I need to get back to "that place" where I don't just say it, but I truly believe-- God is Good, ALL THE TIME!

Day 1

Today, like many days, I am feeling cut off from the grown-up world.  Because we are trying to save money, Ben and I can't just go-go-go and do something out in public (where I might actually interact with an adult) every day.  I've been feeling lonely, and have a serious case of cabin fever!  But today, I choose to be thankful for a husband who not only provides for us financially, but also has the good sense to (together with me, of course) set a conservative budget for our spending.  I am also very thankful for the opportunity to stay home with Ben; though it does limit my own adult interaction, I know the benefits it provides him are worth it a million times over!  And last but certainly not least, I am very thankful for a neighborhood park where Ben and I can get out of the house and have lots of fun!  (For free!)  I praise God today for these gifts, for He is good ALL THE TIME!

Mama no big.

The other day Ben and I were playing in the kitchen when he sat down on the windowsill.  He patted the empty space next to him, instructing me (as he does about a hundred times a day) to "seat mama, seat seat!" I told him, "sorry buddy, mama's too big to sit there."  He scrunched his nose, shook his head and said very matter-of-factly, "Mama no big."   Is he too young to earn brownie points? - because I'm pretty sure someone is learning how to butter Mama up!  (Side note:  Does it humor anyone else that my response to this includes both the words "brownie" and "butter?"  I'm sensing a theme here...)

I suppose it is true, relatively speaking at least.  Mama has been bigger before.  At my peak weight during pregnancy, I weighed more than my husband ever has.  (Yikes!)  So as I've considered Ben's observation over the last few days, it has both humored and inspired me.  Not to lose weight, since hopefully (God willing) it won't be too terribly long before Mama is big again, but rather, the reminder has inspired me to enjoy all that life has to offer during this time while "Mama no big."  Here are a few of the things that I am currently enjoying, and will desperately miss when I am, well, BIG again:

Caffeine.  It is completely unfair that during the time when a woman's whole body can become exhausted just by brushing her teeth in the morning, she has to limit her caffeine intake.  If you ask me, this is like telling a marathon runner that one sip of water is ok, but after that they should try fruit juice, or maybe milk for the rest of their run.  Who wants to drink milk when you're drenched in sweat, there's no finish line in sight, and your feet are such a foreign concept to you that you're not sure they're even still attached?  (Am I talking about the runners, or the preggos here?  Not really sure.)  The point is, people need the appropriate beverage when participating in exhausting activities.  Marathon runners need water.  Mothers - especially pregnant ones - need caffeine.  Totally.  Un.  Fair.

Speaking of feet, (I was at some point, wasn't I?), I quite enjoy mine.  Hot pink toenails, my lovely tattoos, and a pair of cute Payless sandals (who can say "no" to BOGO?) and I'm one happy girl.  So while Mama no big, let me tell ya, I'm gonna enjoy my feet.  I'm gonna dance.  I'm gonna run.  I'm gonna wear every pair of shoes in my closet while they still fit, and I'm gonna look at 'em.  That's right, I'm just gonna stare.  Because I know someday, when Mama big, those feet are gonna disappear before my very eyes.  I will not take my toes for granted!

La La La La La ~ Sing, Mama!  Did you know that being big can make you mute??  Ok, not mute, but to a singer you might as well be!  When a small person takes up residence in your abdomen, other things get squished in there, making simple things like breathing annoyingly difficult.  I'm gonna sing it loud and sing it proud... Can someone write me a "Mama no big" anthem?

Driving.  Not that it can't be done, but it is thoroughly unenjoyable when Mama big.  Because you see, even when Mama no big, Mama short.  Mama sit close to steering wheel.  When Mama big, Mama belly honk horn, and Mama huge boobs push seat belt up to Mama neck and choke Mama.  Big Mama don't like to drive.

Sleep.  Although I can't say the sleep habits are great when living with a two year-old, it is certainly better than when living with a newborn.  And I'm guessing that when you have a second child, there's no such thing as a mother/baby naptime anymore.  'Cause you know, there's still that other kid.  He's gonna need food, water, attention... all that annoying stuff.  So while I can - while Mama no big - I think it's a good solid plan to also say "Mama no awake."  Seriously.  Right now.  I'm out.





ZZZZZZZZZZZ.........

This looks like a good place to chill .

Get it?  Chill.  He's in the fridge!  See folks, this is what Sally Sunrise has to offer.  With this brilliant combination of Ben's sweet yet mischievous face and my charming, hilarious wit, how could this NOT be your new favorite blog?  You're welcome.  ;)

In keeping with the post title, I guess I should talk about chilling.  I've been doing a little too much of it lately, I must admit.  Well, not in the literal sense, considering it's been a hundred degrees here in the Midwest for the last month.  Oh what I wouldn't give for a literal chill!  I can feel it now, if I close my eyes...

... the cool breeze blowing through my hair- my hair that I can actually wear down, flowing free and not even sticking to the back of my neck.  The smell of my morning Pumpkin Spice latte still lingering, intertwining with the aroma of the beef and onions I'm browning; a big batch of Nana's Chili simmering in the crockpot.  I can hear the sweet sound of a college marching band, and the announcers talking about running backs, bar-b-que, and Coaches for a Cure.  I can feel the fuzzy warm hug of my favorite navy blue hoodie, and the comfort of a worn out pair of jeans.  Ohh, the hoodies and jeans...  

I'm sorry, where was I?  Oh yes, chilling.  NOT in the literal sense.

We leave for our Vegas trip on Wednesday night, which has led me to realize that I have done nothing around the house lately!  Ok not nothing, but it is certainly not up to "welcome home from vacation" standards.  Clearly, I've spent too much time chillin with Ben in front of the boob-tube, and not enough doing laundry.  Laundry is the WORST!  I think everyone has that one chore that they just can't stand to do, and laundry is definitely mine.  Maybe it has something to do with the fact that I do all my folding and organizing on our bed, but I can't seem to get through one load without feeling ready for a nap!  The first luxury I'm signing up for when we're rich will most definitely be laundry service.

One of our favorite ways to chill (i.e. avoid doing laundry) this summer has been to spend time at the library!  We've tried several different ones in the area, but Indian Creek seems to have the most fun kids' corner.  Ben loves to show off his puzzle skills to younger toddlers, and knock down the carefully structured block towers of the not-so-impressed older kids.  (oops!)  He is currently obsessed with "things that go," so we are not allowed to check out any books that don't include cars, trucks, trains, planes, or boats.  Here he is reading one of his current favorites to his friend, Kitty:

Another of our favorite indoor stops this summer has been Monkey Bizness.  For those who don't know, Monkey Bizness is an inflatable play place similar to Pump It Up, BounceU, Jumping Jax, Leaping Lizards, or whatever one you have in your area.  Wes and I used to work for Pump It Up in Tulsa, so it's been kind of neat to watch our own kid enjoy it.  For all those who worked with us, you know what a big deal this is... (and if you don't know, let me tell you, it's a BIG deal!)...  My little baby boy can now do the 20ft slide all by himself!  ::sniffle::

Well, all this talk about chillin has really worn me out!  Ben and I might just have to relax the rest of the evening.  We'll order in and watch a movie or something.  What??  No?  Uggghhhh.... Ok, OK.  I'll go do the laundry.  But only because it must be done, so that in three days my hubby and I can enjoy a nice, refreshing, four day chill in Vegas!  Also not literal.  It's hot in Vegas, too.  Hmm... maybe we didn't think this through.  ;)

Is this thing on??

Well hello there, blogging world!  It's been quite a while... since the days of xanga, I believe.  (Does that even count?)  I won't tell you all how long I've been working on this thing, but it's been long enough that I am already unsure it's worth all the effort, before I've even submitted my first post.  But alas, my adoring fans have just been dying for me to share all the juicy details of my crazy, scandalous life as a stay at home mom (yes, that was sarcasm), so I shan't let them down.  Oh boy, did I just use "alas" and "shan't" in the same sentence?  This is going to be fun.

I suppose I should start by explaining the purpose of this blog and elaborate on its title, which I'm sure has some of you guessing.  I'll start with that.  I didn't want to use my real name for obvious reasons.  This blog is going to become very popular very quickly, and I just don't have time to deal with the damn paparazzi following me to Wal-Mart and the public library.  But why this specific name?

Well the first name, Sally,  is the name my dear, sweet husband has given to the version of me which is - how should I put this? - less than pleasant.  You know what I'm talking about, ladies.  We all have some sort of "evil twin" who comes out on the days when the hormones are rampant.  And I'm not just talking about a certain time of the month, either.  No folks, once you have a kid, Sally comes around whenever Sally pleases.  She eats all the ice cream and blames it on her husband, cries for no reason (truly! none at all!), and argues seemingly just to hear her own voice until, inevitably, she cries again.  Now I know this doesn't seem like something a wife would actually like to be called, but he uses it carefully; more to make me laugh and snap me out of it than to call me out when I'm driving the crazy train.  He knows much better than that.

I chose the last name, Sunrise, for a couple of reasons.  I originally thought of it because I quite enjoy a good Tequila Sunrise.  But then as I considered the names together - Sally Sunrise - it reminded me of that game kids play in elementary school to figure out what their "stripper name" would be.  There are lots of different ways to play:  your dog's name + the street you live on, your middle name + the town you were born in, your favorite candy + your best friend's name, etc.  Sally Sunrise sounds like a good, solid, elementary school stripper-game-name, and that just made me laugh.  And so she was born, my alter-ego: Sally Sunrise!  Pleasure to meet ya.  ;)

As for the purpose of this blog, I'd say it's mostly entertainment.  I enjoy writing, and this is a place where I can pretend to actually be good at it.  I know you all - my wonderful friends and family - will tell me that it's awesome, so who am I to argue?  I think it will be fun to share stories that might be a little too long for a facebook status, and I'm pretty stoked about the idea of having a place to be as cheesy, sarcastic and snarky as I like; this page is named after the crazy version of myself, after all!  Plus, there are two sets of grandparents out there who I know won't mind the extra pictures and details regarding a certain little someone.  ;)  So sit back, relax, and enjoy the occasional musings of Sally Sunrise!  Hope you enjoy.