Shining like a work of art..

It's moving day! We've done lots of packing and cleaning, and we're ready finallyy.

A loves the apartment, and I love my new walk-in closet ;) Everyone's bitching that I'm blogging, so I'll write more from the new place! Xoxo

It's a strange condition...

I am SUCH a slacker when it comes to blogging lately! I've been so tired, between school, Ari, and just being occupied with other things. Sorry loveys, I promise to make a better attempt at writing! Forgive me? ♥ I'm considering doing those "blog prompts" over at Bloggymoms, but I'm unsure right now.

School is okay! missed a few days because I didn't have a sitter for A, but that's alright with me because I miss my peanut while I'm away. Everything should be situated soon though, since I can't really miss any more days. My teacher asked me if I would be willing to instruct my class on de-stressing with yoga! Totally flattered of course, I said yes, but now I'm freaking out juuuust a little bit. I've never had to teach a class, let alone yoga, and I'm a bit lost on creating a "lesson plan". If anyone has any suggestions, please, help me!

Tuesday made 5 years since the adoption, so we normally have a "family night". Unfortunately, my brother couldn't be with us since he lives in Florida. We missed you, N! We went out to dinner to Carrabbas, and had a night of laughter. It was very sweet ♥

Before we went though, A and I felt as if we needed a bit of good ol' country nastalgia. We piled into the G35 (agh. SO cramped) and headed up to Pascoag, our old stomping grounds.
Everytime I drive on Town Farm Road, I feel like I belong there. It's a comfort zone for me, memories of summers past. Riding bikes to the lake, walking miles down the street just for the hell of it, climbing trees, playing in the garden and on the grapevine. Tractor rides, bouncing in the pickup listening to Roy Orbison and B101, laying in the green grass, not wanting to go to sleep at night but knowing that the sooner I sleep, the sooner I can wake up and get outside. That's REAL to me. I can't put into words how bad I CRAVE that for Ari.
We drove past our old home, and by empty fields, deserted milking farms, shiny new lakehouses. Ended up at a quaint little park, it's main attraction being a waterfall and the trails in the woods once you cross the wooden bridge. Ari LOVED being in the woods. She ran everywhere, picked up leaves, looked at the trees and sky, was just amazed by all around her. It brought me such happiness to see her curiousity, she's got such a free spirit and is not intimidated by much, if anything at all. We had a wonderful time playing outside, all of us! It wasn't warm by any means, but cold can definitely do you some good!

Other things may change us, but we start and end with family

“Family love is messy, clinging, and of an annoying and repetitive pattern, like bad wallpaper.”
Friedrich Nietzsche




Tuesday made 5 years since being adopted. Yes thats right, adopted. In April 2004, my sister A, brother N and I were placed in my aunt and uncles custody as wards of the state. On 3/8/06, they officially adopted the 3 of us. I'm so grateful to have them, and honestly don't know where I would be without them. They were more parent figures than mine own growing up, and while I thought living with them would be the best time EVER, things change as you go from a niece (goddaughter) to their adopted child. They never had a teenager, and they were about to get a crash course. I wasn't the sweetest girl to live with, definitely not the easiest. Now that I have a child of my own, granted I'm still young, but I really can't imagine all the shit I put them through. They stuck by my side through my happiest moments, my lowest lows, any and all failures, heartbreak, puppy love, friend drama, finding out I was pregnant... EVERYTHING. Their support of me never waivered, and they continue to support me in anything I do. THAT is the definition of family - a support system that stands strong by you through whatever may happen. Since everything happened, things have changed. In 2008, my biological mom had gotten in touch with me and guess what? My parents were there for me through all of that, as well. Unwaivering support. They watched my heartbreak as a child of a disappearing, alcoholic mother, so as apprehensive as they were to see us form a relationship, they allowed me to do so. My bio mom and I are closer than ever. A and I lived briefly with her in Florida from May to October of 2010. But it would have never happened if my parents had stopped me. They gave me opportunities. I sung in chorus, became a cheerleader, joined the snowboarding club, learned to surf, travelled to North Dakota.... with their support, and offerings of opportunity. They gave me the opportunity to try new things, even with the risk of me not liking it. When I was 15 and wanted my first Dslr, they did that for me. Photography is my PASSION. If not for them, then who knows? They loved me at my most unlovable, and I'm so lucky for that. Happy 5 years mom and dad, I love you! xoxoxo

birthday wishes, thai food, and fishes

Yesterday was my sister A's 19th birthday! It's pretty amazing how fast time goes by. I swear it feels as if we were just celebrating her turning legal!

I couldn't go to school today on account of my not being able to find a sitter for Ari, so we spent the day reading books and whatnot. Ari colored while I made my sister a birthday card. I know, I know, I'm lame. But I love to be creative and express that any way I can.

For A's birthday dinner, we headed off to Vohn's in Bellingham. It's a Thai restaurant. *Anyone who knows me well, knows I HATE trying new food. Well, not hate, but I'm very apprehensive. I'm sensory challenged in the texture department. Anyway, I had no choice but to try something. I was very pleasantly surprised! I ordered Pad Thai and lovedd it. Tried pho, amazing! Ari loved everything, especially the sticky rice and beansprouts :) We had a wonderful night, and I've since promised myself to try new things!

A random mix of photos

Waiting for her auntie and uncle!




This is what happens when our men drink together lol


"One of these goes with this shirt, right?"






Stirring the poolish to make our French bread


L's daughter S chowing down on a chicken wing


A holding pizza that S sneakily took off of the table (we very rarely have fast food)


My lovely sister A!


♥

recap of the week ♥ my mind is buzzing

Things have been so hectic and fast-paced this last week I feel like I haven't had any time to think!

School is going wonderful, I really enjoy it! I know I'm going to learn a lot medical-wise, and on another level. All the students in the class are early 30's and older, so I'm hoping to learn from them as well. I love listening to others life experiences.

A and R are home! And have been here for 6 days now. They are awesome houseguests, and Ari is so happy to have her auntie and uncle to play with! Today is A's 19th birthday! *post on that later. We might possibly be going out for dinner or some other shenanegans. But everything aside, we've been having an all around good time, and our house will definitely be feeling empty for a while after they leave.

Our apartment will be empty for another reason as well: We're moving! We found a cheaper, but just as nice place in a much better area. It's off a little side street, instead of a main road, on the side of a park! The ice cream shoppe is across the street. :) There is more storage space which we struggled with here, and a wonderful enclosed porch for my plants! It has character, which I LOVE. C, not so much. I also have the room to make my craft room/ studio! Hardwoods throughout the place (note to self: area rugs!). I'm excited, a fresh new start for Spring, and what an interesting way to get out of those moody blues.

A is just getting so big, where did my little peanut girl go?! Clearly turned into a demanding, independent toddler lol. *As she's trying to climb all over me* She has a new skill everyday. Saturday, she learned to climb the kitchen chairs. She is getting better with asking things by name. "Ah-UL" - Apple! "tanku" - Thank you! "blellu" - Bless you! hahah among many others. One being "Oh Chit!" Time for mommy to watch her mouth! ;)

C will be enlisted in the military by the end of this month, and I am excited to see where this will take us, as a family.

Now I must go since said toddler is whiningggg away -- Photos from today + the past week will be posted tonight, promise! Enjoy the rest of this sunny monday, my loves!