Thinking back, I can't remember why I named this blog Paradise. It was 5 years ago and I started it for my mom and dad who live in another state and I figured a few friends would pop in from time to time. I was really just looking for an excuse to share pictures of my super cute baby girl. In the process of starting a blog, a name/address is required.
I am sure I started the blog on a good day. "Hey, look at my beautiful daughter! I have a wonderful husband, a house to fix-up in the country, and I am bored out my tree. I'm starting a blog." That's probably how it went. Right then and there, my life was paradise.
Paradise still exists today. I now have 2 beautiful daughters, a fantastic son, a wonderful husband, and a house in the country that still needs lots of fixing (but has a white picket fence). While every day doesn't ooze paradise, life is about choosing an attitude. A good attitude. Seeing the glass half full when really it is spilled on the floor.
Paradise = Rem getting his first tooth with a smile on his face.
Paradise= Mandy's nose is free of buggers.
Little girl giggles and little boy chuckles are better than the tranquility of a gurgling brook in a real life paradise any day.
And then there is this great act of kindness:
Mandy was playing with play-doh while I was feeding Rem some lunch at the table. I believe the color combination of doh was bright pink and yellow --lovely. She pushed the doh through the garlic press looking thing and handed me the wad of the strings that came out. "It is for Remi, he needs hair."
Rem couldn't agree more. His baldness has been plaguing him for, er, months.
For the first time in his young life he is contemplating a hair cut.
Paradise = Mandy doing something for her brother that doesn't involve a full body tackle.
And in other news, Emma is working on the Shred with me (no idea what the Shred is? Click on this link: The Shred, by Jillian Michaels). Actually, I just left my weights out and she managed a few reps.
I've been doing the workout for less than a week and already see huge results. It is very intense, but I like it. Since January 1st, I've lost less than half a pound a week even with very diligent effort -- very discouraging, but at least I'm going somewhere. With starting the Shred 6 days ago, I'm down a pound and a half already. Woohoo! Make sure to vote on the poll about whether you want to hear more about my weight loss journey. Interesting to some, nauseating to others.
Paradise = losing baby weight.
Emma's results have been less dramatic although far more entertaining.
See the goggles in the background? The swimming event is next apparently. I often wonder why random things end up scattered on my floor. Do you think I could find goggles if I actually needed them? Oh, no, because only 2 year olds know how to find them.
Rest Little Grasshopper. You've done well.
Paradise = watching a 5 year old exercise without a care in the world about weight.
In a real life paradise, complete with room service, cabanas, feather beds, and constant sunshine, there are never piles of laundry.
In a paradise that is by my choosing, a pile of laundry is a mound of blessings.
Paradise = a hardworking washing machine that takes out everything from the scent of manure to gobs of baby spit-up.
Paradise = little clothes that go on little bodies. And I can't imagine life without those little bodies who dirty clothes, dirty my house, pick noses (theirs and attempt at mine), make play doh masterpieces, give me grins and giggles and hugs, and encourage me to keep going when the pile seems too big.
11 comments:
Alysun, I so needed this blog today of all days. I spent a weekend on tantrums and time outs (some were mine) and hitting and pinching. I am exhausted and worn down. I was just thinking this morning about your Facebook post about the blessing of not having pee on your floor. Madison woke up dry for the 5th day in a row and I was missing it as the blessing it was until I took a moment. When I count my blessings, I do include you!
(loving the nose picking! Madison did that this morning and said "Oh, there's a big one. Can't get it. I will get it later."
Shawna~ Too funny. Much to your dismay, I imagine Madison did get it later. Kids are much better at keeping promises than adults, it seems.
Alysun~ The color of that play-doh is rather frightening! I thought for a second that might be either rotting carrots or raw meat!
Also, I find it inspiring that you actually seperate your colors. I just kind of throw them in. I at least do a whites load! And what sort of brilliant washer might you own that gets that sort of mess out! I must acquire such awesome device. Some day.
another great post alysun!
Jayne
you know you have girls when...you can wash an entire load of pink/red clothes! Kelsey
And this is why I don't blog. Yet another whimsical, insightful, humorous and charming post putting paradise in perspective for all of us. Maybe one of these days, I'll swallow the rest of my pride and become a follower. Love you, your workout queen, your nose picker and baldy. Jeff too.
Love it. I did first think the play doh hair was a pile of worms though. *shivers* Your kids are pretty darn cute. And I love the positive outlook that you choose - it is very encouraging.
That is one awesome toupee! =) Great post! Paradise, indeed!
Hah! I love Remi's new 'do. It's a great look.
I had to laugh at Remi's hair. I love how he accomodates his big sisters. What a great sport!
Deb
This is for Remington - I am sorry bud, I was the oldest of 3 girls and then the boy came. Hair is just the start- I remember my younger (he is no longer little compared to me) brother in tights, tutus, nail polish, and many pieces of jewelry. Much to the dismay of our dad. You will survive! But just know your lovely sisters will probably try to be your fashion advisers for the rest of your life.
Love Remi's spikey new hair...I'm sure this is just the beginning of many years of "big sister doins" that he'll endure and love.
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