Mama MiltonMama MiltonMinistry major turned bartender marries, has babies, makes peace with her Maker and rides off in the suburban sunset. Movie to follow. Did I mention there will be laughter? Articles
time for a meme
2008-04-21 03:23:00 Erika & Tara tagged me, so I'm playing along...You can too, if it suits your fancy.What was I doing, 10 years ago:Exactly ten years ago? I was returning from a trip to Portland, to visit family, with Cristi and a 3 week old Alexis. I lived in Southern Oregon at the time and I nearly had a panic attack, going on a 5 hour drive with a newborn. In the following weeks, I was dealt a double whammy: Postpartum depression - before it was the hip thing to have - and a colicky baby. Wait! Maybe the depression was brought on by the 5 hour crying jags...By summer, my depression lifted and Lexi stopped howling. We split our time between Lithia park and our air-conditioned house on what I remember to be a very hot summer.Five snacks I enjoy:Thai Kettle chipsEarl Grey Tea, with raw sugarStrawberriesGinger beerPicklesThings I would do if I was a billionaire:I really wouldn't live all that differently. Selfishly, I would travel more and go back to school. (I'm nerdy like that.) Beyond that, ... More About: Meme , Time
flurry
2008-04-20 05:06:00 A little snow outside...A little alternative medicine...(run, puppy, run)A little rough-housing...We are never bored.
Mamma Mia! It's a contest!
2008-04-18 16:41:00 Get out your bell bottoms and strike a pose. You and two friends could be headed to London for the Mamma Mia ! premiere.Need details? Of course you do. Head straight over this way, to learn more about Pond's Search for the Dynamos. More About: Contest
chop chop
2008-04-17 19:50:00 Spring is here and it's time for some chh chh chhanges...A sophisticated layered look for my girl and a swing-y bob for her mama.Notice the polka dotted jammie bottoms. Getting completely dressed is hard...*****And Stephanie gave me something extra sparkly to go with my new look. You like?I'm passing my sceptor to some other fabulous ladies: My sister, Lori, has been known to like shiny things. This one's for you. Next up: Erika - she inspires me with her strength and humor while fighting JRA for her 2 year-old, Tottie. And for Melanie - that woman is talented; one of the best writers in blogland.*****One more thing: I updated Much to My Sjogren too. Poor neglected thing...
bittersweet
2008-04-16 16:48:00 I've been in a dour mood since we got back.I'm sure it's just the post-vacation blues.(At least I didn't cry the entire flight back like some people (Lexi) I know. That would have been awkward.)After a warm sunny weekend, the rain and hail returned and with it, a dead rabbit washed up in the ditch, next to our driveway. Oh the wailing.When the temperatures dived, the dirty heaters came on and set off the fire alarm at 3 am. Oh the shaking.So after I contacted the county to pick up the misidentified piglet/bunny - should I call the eye doctor too? - I cleaned all the heaters because they are calling for hail and snow this weekend.Blech.(Aren't you glad you stopped by?)But it's Greg's absence that weighs on my heart.Both kids spontaneously started sporting bandannas this week, to look like Daddy. Every moment seems to be followed with, "I can't wait to show/tell Daddy about this."Our vacation brought us closer together, and made the gap more painful now that we are back to... More About: Bittersweet
the beatings will continue until morale improves*
2008-04-14 20:40:00 1, 2, 3, testing. Testing. Is this thing on?It's been over a week since my last post and well, what do you know? I didn't even lapse into the fetal position, being away from my laptop.(Cue the choir. I had my doubts...)We are home and well and rested. I've got some stories to share, but for now it's enough to post some pictures and be glad that we got away, and we spent some downtime together. (And by downtime I mean sprinting through both parks, putting in some serious mileage.) Anything else I write is going to be sappy, because my kids? They haved missed their Dad something fierce this year, with all the time he has been away. That goes double for me.It was time well spent.*Back of Greg's new Pirates of the Carribbean shirt. More About: Morale
bring on the mouse
2008-04-05 20:25:00 The last few weeks have worn me out. I think a change of scenery might be in order...We're off to Disneyland in the morning - a first as a family. Away from our cell phones (I'm looking at you Greg), blogs (what?), rabbits and video games.I can hardly wait.(I hope to be back by soon, refreshed. Or at least exhausted in a good way.)Caio More About: Mouse
spring break, supermom (yeah right)
2008-04-04 17:30:00 I got my comeuppance yesterday; me Ms. Smug 'I don't over schedule my kids Mom'. It's spring break and I've been feeling antsy. I'm finally feeling better and I've had it with washing sheets and scrubbing heads. I wanted to break freeeeee.(That makes me think of Scamp in Lady & the Tramp 2. Yes, I have seen it many times, back when Uncle Cam bought it for Lexi's second birthday. Scott Wolf plays the rascally little offspring, yapping about not wanting to be a kept dog 'cause he wants to be wild and free.... See also: Little Mermaid 2. Not a second generation Disney character appreciates what they have, the ingrates.)So, we've made day trips, and play dates, and went to the park, and watched movies late at night with popcorn with melted butter. I was rocking spring break.We came to Thursday and on the agenda: house chores, Borders, picnic lunch at Washington park and then touring the Japanese gardens.Now any one of these events would be lovely and I know my girl in part... More About: Break , Spring , Yeah , Spring break
end of the trail
2008-04-02 17:30:00 We took a trip to Oregon City - where I was born - to see the Bound for Oregon exhibit at the End of the Oregon Trail historic site, where we learned about buffalo chips (not for munching).Those pioneer women were solid I tell you. One woman spent months, walking 2000 miles to an unknown land, feeding and caring for eight kids AND still found the time, while her party slept, to light a candle and write. That put a smile on my face.{Here's the rest of the set. And Wordless Wednesday for those who can hold their tongue.)
my kind of health care
2008-04-02 01:27:00 According to sources, Ms. Milton has a thing for grouchy doctors. Oh sure, she says she likes kind physicians with bedside manners, but her TV habits beg to differ.(First do no harm, Dr. House. I need you back on the air.) During the writer's strike, she took to a new set of doctors in syndication, a little something to amuse her while she throws together dinner.Those interns? Cute pack of pups. But we all know who she'd fall for... Grouchy. Snappy comebacks. Smart. Heart of gold. Just how she likes her imaginary MDs. (And Mama has decent taste. Johnny C. was the 2007 National Buddy Walk Spokesperson, supporting his son and showing some class.) More About: Health , Health Care , Care
day of rest
2008-03-31 18:24:00 I heard the door brush open, before sunrise. I could feel little eyes peering in, watching me. And though I desperately wanted to stay put, I braced myself for the day, like any other morning.Then the door closed again and I woke up after eight.I came down the stairs and there they were, painting window catchers, laughing and carrying on. Those early morning hours were followed by the customary sibling dissension; it was short lived.But getting to sleep in, well, that was a treat - sweet, sweet Sabbath. More About: Rest
how I became to be mama milton; one decade later
2008-03-29 23:16:00 You came into the world, tardy and a bit cantankerous. Those first few weeks were tough; you seemed misinformed. I kept waiting for you to sleep more, like the books said, but instead you focused your energies on your colicky endeavors, proving that you could too howl from 2 -7 pm, everyday.(Mama Milton was born and she was afraid for her sanity.)Then one day, you stopped screaming. There was a transformation. First art exhibit, Portland - 7I don't know how we lucked out; you are such a good kid. Yes, you are prone to tears over imaginary bunnies accidentally left on the bus. Yes, you are high octane emotional, but I know it's because you were born with such a big heart. I've watched you bend yourself into a pretzel, giving someone the benefit of the doubt. Not everyone in the world is so generous, so I worry about you; sometimes I wish you were a little grittier.But then I remember when you were six and you saw a feature on TV about Locks of Love and cried until I promised to co...
is it Friday yet?
2008-03-27 23:35:00 We are limping towards the weekend - it's been quite a week. This is Greg's year end which means he works late into the night, out of town and he's been preoccupied and stressed while I've been Sickypants/Ms. Nit Seeker.And now, he's coming down with something and he feels unable to leave work until he sees it all through; he's got families besides our own counting on him. (He has stellar work ethics...)So, I think I might not be by for a few days, until I catch my breath and then resuscitate the troops.My family's weary. More About: Friday
right down to the real nitty gritty
2008-03-27 01:35:00 I was writing a post last night, with real words and no pictures of my kids when my daughter complained, again, that her head itches. She of the allergies, she of the eczema - I paid her no mind.She sat, making frumpy faces at me until I took her upstairs to my bathroom to inspect the rash.Oh. My. Louse. Was I in for a surprise. I cringed and fretted and felt like such a bum when I realized my sweet girl had lice. I'm still cringing.She was a trooper today, reassuring me that her body book explained what was happening, while I vacuumed, and washed mountains of laundry.(Paranoia, big destroyer.)I washed her new Pat the Bunny and sent the other 467 stuffed animals in her bed on a little vacation, by way of Hefty Hefty Hefty.I expected her to cry and carry on. (Oh, wait. That was me.) Instead she drank her tea, watched her Buffy and even did some homework while I spent four hours grooming her very thick hair.I'm still mortified, to be sure, and I thought about keeping this litt... More About: Real
seven
2008-03-24 21:04:00 Seems like just yesterday, you wee little bitty.A two year-old, in the unexpected snow. You didn't talk much; well, you couldn't talk at all. But those eyes, and that smile - I always wondered what was going on in there...Tree pose. You loved doing yoga with me when you were in preschool. Zack's 4th birthday.Zack and Greg, last yearAnd now you are seven, bright and funny and well-liked by your classmates. Sweet with babies. Kind. Organized. Good with numbers. Quirky. Gentle. So happy birthday, Bubby. Thanks for making our lives so sweet. Love, Mama
happy easter
2008-03-24 02:41:00 See how tall she is? This was her first dry Easter egg hunt. No mud pit this time out. Hark! It's the sun.(I think she preferred the ferret.) More About: Happy
little help from my friends
2008-03-22 23:14:00 Jen stopped by Thursday with Magic Soup - mercy how I love Pho - to cheer me back to good health, along with these:Aren't they cheery? (And don't forget a trash magazine because nothing makes me chuckle-cough better than those pictures of J Lo and Co, sporting heels and posed with her beautiful babies. They look like they are in some 1950s ad campaign.) Danke! More About: Friends
speechless
2008-03-21 18:22:00 Good Friday is here, and my fever is gone. I am so thankful - congested, but thankful. Soon I'll be hurling my beleaguered self to IKEA for birthday goodies for two worthy kids and picking up groceries to whip up some carrot cake cupcakes. I'm jacked up on tea and hoping to catch up a little today.But my heart is heavy for two families at my church: One family lost their infant son, here too early and gone an hour later. Two other bitty kids lost their mother, dead in her sleep at 26. 26.I'm sitting here with stationary, not knowing what to say. I just don't know.And as I fret to get it right - on paper, for Easter, for their birthdays - my life feels so full. I get to raise my children, even when they make me nuts.Busy never felt so good. More About: Speechless
lenten update and six words
2008-03-20 14:15:00 I was feeling smug about my lack of yelling/screeching during lent - and considering taking on my smug attitude next - when I blew it Wednesday.So much for the thoughtful post about letting go of my anger.(I tried, Yoda, I tried.)I have noticed a change in myself, that losing my temper and raising my voice has become indulgent, a habit I could put down, with a little effort so it was worth working on.However. I pulled myself out of bed yesterday, dizzy and feverish to let my kids in after school and pounded the Motrin so I could manage until Greg returned from his trip when both kids launched into bickering over their Annie's Bernie Os. And then they started hitting each other.I said, quietly - not because of my peaceful, spiritual state, but because I have Flu Throat, sore beyond words - to please stop. To get along. To keep their hands to themselves.But my patience wavered and I gestured them to their rooms, laryngitis making my promise impossible to break. My attitude sucked, t... More About: Words , Update
lucky
2008-03-19 17:02:00 I'm looking over her four-leaf clover.wordless wednesday More About: Lucky
it's all in my head, it's all in my head
2008-03-18 20:17:00 I woke up several times last night, with a sore throat I kept dismissing as allergies. Or dryness. Because I am all about denial.I'm teetering folks, about to take The Flu Plunge.My Mama brain is doing the math:We are T-minus 5 days to Easter at my place, and then Zack's birthday followed by Lexi's. Can I recover, just in time? Yes, I sure hope so. But WHAT IF Zack gets it. That boy's been counting down since the day after Christmas for the big day....Do I a) Lysol every surface, between drool-infused napping? or b) Lick Zack's face, when he walks through the door, and get it over with?I think this means I've lost my mind, calculating weird sickness math.Maybe it's the fever...And please remind me not to sign the kids up for activities with strict attendance rules, while Greg is on the road.I'm not up for hard core mothering today. More About: Head
*tickle tickle*
2008-03-17 02:49:00 I can't think of anything better: Celebrating new life, reaffirming friendship. Cam has stuck around - he was the best man at our wedding in 1994 - and seen us through babies, diapers, good years and bad.Turn about is fair play. When we stood up in church, pledging to be there as Sage grows up, I was overwhelmed. It really is something, watching these kids come into our life.To think, when we were in our 20s, majoring in Doofus 101, we'd make it this far.My heart is full.Little Sage whispered "tickle, tickle" as she reached out to get me. What a cutie.
trader joe's is not a racetrack; a letter
2008-03-16 21:36:00 Dear Maniacal Driver,I was instructing my son on the manner in which we leave grocery stores and enter parking lots - touching on the finer points of being a short person unseen to moving cars - when you flew past me, emphasizing my lesson and scaring the bejeebus out of us.Please be advised: Busy parking lots do not welcome your sort. Kindly slow down or stay home.Regards,Mama Milton(Yes, I considered running your car down, ramming it a bit, but that's not how my mama raised me. Count your lucky stars.) More About: Letter , Trader Joe
s is for sage
2008-03-15 18:13:00 Remember when I won the illustrious Ms. Melanie's Elliebean giveaway? Well, I'm headed to sweet Sage 's dedication at her church this morning, with this is hand. Isn't it beautiful?I love it.*thank you, thank you*
friday shorts
2008-03-14 16:37:00 Zack has acclimated to the time change. He curls around my middle, and in the dark, he fingers my eyebrows before comparing them to his own.He decides his are softer, but mine? They are like rainbows. Somehow I know he is grinning.* Lexi hands me a pamphlet, outlining the upcoming Talk about Puberty. Her crinkled nose tells me all I need to know. "WEAREGOINGTOTALKABOUTTHISATSCHOOL? Wwwwhhhyyyy?" When I try to explain that not every kid has this information, she trails off, trying to imagine a world where mothers don't initiate awkward conversations, utter embarrassing words. Not that she'll ever know. More About: Friday , Shorts
the girl who stopped by Powell's books
2008-03-13 17:35:00 This is how I know my sister loves me: She has no use for books but she called me yesterday, breathless, to let me know that Joshilyn Jackson was being interviewed on a local radio station, rightnow. Hurry.(Yes, that author. Lori understands my crazy.) This is how I know Bad Mom loves me: She read gods of Alabama, though she had been sick and weary with the plague and crazy busy, just in time for the reading at Powell's last night.It's a wonder to be understood. And here's the thing: I can nearly adore, nay worship in some ungodly fashion, an author from a distance, and maybe, just maybe, leave a comment on their blog, but when I see them face to face, I feel like a damn groupie and stammer.Maybe I'm nervous because of that wildcat, inches away from my skull.And sputter. Perhaps stutter.Laurel, one of the main characters in Jackson's book, is an art quilter. Joshilyn had this one commissioned, just like one in the book. There is a real human tooth, lodged in the toe of the boot... More About: Books , Girl , The Girl
signs of life
2008-03-12 14:00:00 I woke up to signs of spring, seemingly overnight. (Need a picture post? Wordless Wednesday has you covered.) More About: Life , Signs
first draft
2008-03-11 17:25:00 "Talent is long patience." Gustav FlaubertI've taken pains to line up some time to sit here and work on writing fiction, finishing a short story or working on My Novel. The one that exists primarily in my head. I avoid talking about it much here because I am a) struggling, staring at an empty screen & b) I sound like I am vying for the American Idol, dopey and dreamy-eyed, and perhaps, delusional.But be that as it may, I've made this goal a priority and I want see it through, despite my efforts to the contrary.See me cleaning my house and watching Bette Davis in a less complimentary version of Elizabeth, in the Virgin Queen - like I need more Tudor-obsession in my life.(Joan Collins as Beth! I could spend all day! Avoiding writing!)By mid-afternoon, I clutched my laptop, closed my eyes and channeled my best brave Anne Lamott, minus the dreadlocks - because I just can't pull it off - and pushed my way through a 1000 words.Something tells me it isn't going to be any easier tod... More About: Draft
railing against the daylight (where's my savings?)
2008-03-10 16:27:00 The time change isn't agreeing with me. No 'I' statements here; it's all the clock's fault.I'll own Friday's late night with the kids, post-hockey game that threw their tender bodies into chaos. They slept in Saturday, just in time for the springing forward and further sleeping in on Sunday.See the pattern? Even my Human Alarm Clock is struggling; Greg is lugging himself out of bed around 4:30 or 5 which by my calculations means he is working in the middle of the night now.And paying $3.67 to fill the tank before he drives all over our little corner of the world.(I feel a case of the Mondays coming on.)My trusty CBS News Sunday Morning reassured me that our family needs more sleep and I'm on board, epecially for Greg's sake, if I could figure out how to pull it off. How do you manage, dear readers? More About: Daylight , Savings
ultimate blog party, 2008 (1999 did have a better ring to it)
More articles from this author:2008-03-08 18:22:00 I have lost my everloving mind, searching for more great blogs to read because honestly, my life plate is full. But I couldn't resist, partying with the girls.Pretending I own a turn table.And records. So, here's the scoop: Throw a party, and mingle with the ladies - all from the comfort of your own home. Did I mention there are prizes? Groovy.And if you are new here today: Welcome. I'm terrible at introductions so check out my about page and please, browse around. (And while you are all dolled up, why don't you stop over at Mommified Me and drop off some birthday love and attention to Ms. Cami. She deserves it.) More About: Party , Blog , Ring , Ultimate , 2008 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 |
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