Going Green

We've been getting ready for St. Patrick's Day at our house. We are having a parade on the 22nd for all of Tommy's friends. They are going to decorate their bikes, big wheels, strollers, and wagons and spread Irish Luck around the neighborhood. This tradition was started by my parents in the late 1980's. We'll be the McLisenbys for the day.

And speaking of green, I've been trying to make some small changes to help the environment lately. I have always felt overwhelmed by the idea of caring for the planet and other than recycling pop cans and plastic haven't done anything. I believe we all play a part in the earth's deterioration and need to do what we can to help. David and I both bought re-useable shopping bags and we have switched to cloth napkins. We recycle everything now, including paper, at the bin near our house. The last thing I want to do is slowly switch cleaning supplies and laundry detergents to ecco-friendly products. Has anyone done this? I'm hoping it will also help with Thomas' asthma. Any other simple ideas?

Olive Oil and Handmade Cards

My brother and I have teamed up recently. He needs creative gifts to give to clients, and I need to make money during nap time. It's the perfect arrangement. For sales assistants I have done a gift bag with handmade cards, organic granola, and dark chocolate. In case you didn't know, Kansas City is the headquarters for Hallmark Cards. Thomas and I had a fun trip to the distribution center to pick out the ones we wanted in the bags. The brokers (my brother works for John Hancock) get a bottle of Olive Oil. I ordered this from David's cousin, Kimberly and her husband Adam. I'm not a big cook and don't have keen taste buds (except for junk food), but this oil is awesome. They own a vineyard in California. Let me know if you want to buy some b/c I have a few extra bottles.

A Few More...

Here are a few more pictures with my new camera. I'm getting a little better and starting to figure out all the settings. I can't wait to take my photo class in the Fall. Photography...another way to create in the suburbs.

On this one I cropped left and zoomed in a little from the original below.

For whatever reason I just love this face. He does this serious look whenever he is concentrating. Notice the drool. And my sepia setting!

New Camera!

So, this is one of the more fun things that has ever happened to me. I've been saving up for a new, really good camera. I'm over the "Mommy Cameras" everyone has. I wanted something that would simply take better pictures and give me room to grow (a lot of room) in my photography skills. I went to Costco yesterday with $220 worth of gift cards and $400 cash. I was sweatin'. I haven't bought anything so expensive for a long time. Definitely not since David started school and Frugal Fiona emerged. But, I had slowly put $20 here and there in a camera envelope and had hit my mark. Another good test for me is wanting something more than 3 months. For example, just in case you were wondering I no longer want a glider for Tommy's room or a minivan. Fleeting desires. So, to wrap this up I went to Costco and they had an $850 camera on sale for $650. I got an extra lens and a carrying bag not to mention a better camera. I was so grateful that I actually took this process slowly. Here's to anti-impulsiveness- a new thing for me!

5 Years...

Last Friday night David and I celebrated our 5th Wedding Anniversary. We are relieved to have this much time under our belts and look forward to the growth and celebrations that will happen in the next 5 years. There is a certain peace we both have now, knowing that David is the exact right man for me, and I am the exact right woman for him. It took 2-3 years to get that part down. Now we can move on to easier tweaking, like how to fight fairly, how to know each other, and how to truly love the other person in the ways they need to be loved. For those of you that haven't known us through the 5 years we've been together our road has not been very easy. In fact, I'm still pretty surprised we made it 3 years. A friend of mine recently described her first 2 years of marriage as "Bliss." Our description? "Hell." But even with that I am more convinced than ever that God put us together to refine us both and to show us His love. I am WAY more in love with my husband today than I was on our wedding day. We can now look at each other and confidently say, "We have a good marriage. I'm glad I married you."

Here are a few things we are currently working on:

1. Not going to our shutdown modes when we get angry. My mode is to get more angry. David's is to fall silent. (Which makes me more angry). I have really worked for 2 years or so about my upper limit of anger and not going beyond it.

2. Re-Defining our beliefs in God/Christianity. Our beliefs have changed a ton since we met in the ultra-evangelical, conservative, black and white world of Wilderness Ranch. We are editing through and trying to keep the good but toss out the bad.

3. David needs to be loved through doing things together. I need to be loved through connecting on an emotional level. SO, I need to go for more runs with him, but he is trying to sit down and talk with me. The perfect combo for us? A walk with a talk.

4. More cultural dates---also a New Year's Resolution for me. We want to be out of our bubble as often as we can. Right now we are committing to at least once a month leaving our suburb. We go to the art museum, to Chicago, to an authentic restaurant, to a cultural movie, to a festival, etc.

5. Separating from our families of origin. I know, I know, it seems like we should be over this by now, but especially with David's family it has been really difficult to break away in healthy ways and become our own unit. My family tends to push us out of the nest (in a good way). David's family would love it if we lived in the same nest as they do, had the same faith and political views they do, dressed the same way they do, and really valued money like they do. Now you can see why it's been a little tricky. And no, none of them read this blog. Don't worry. My big challenge has been how to honor them but be my own person. David's challenge is a lot more complicated than that.

I'd love to hear about your marriages either via comments or e-mail. It is always so encouraging to me to talk directly about what other couples are working on. Here's to 5 more years!

Happy Valentine's Day!

A Sneak Peak of The Lisenby Valentine's Day...

Make Valentines for all Thomas' friends using construction paper, ribbon, stickers, and pictures he likes...
Deliver the Valentines to his friends and blow them kisses.
Set the table for the week with a red table runner and heart plates received as wedding gifts.
Buy Tommy a book about trucks, a Hot Wheels car, and new stickers from Target to put on his plate.
Buy David a new game, really good chocolates, and write to him on a handmade card.
Have fajitas ready for dinner.
Call everyone I love and tell them so.

Total Cost= $20.00
Celebrating a fun holiday with the 2 boys I love most=priceless.

Resolution Update

Sorry for the lack of pictures lately. Our camera is broken, which means I am obviously lobbying for a new Cannon camera I've wanted for several months. We are thinking about using some American Express points to get it. I would be SO excited!

Here's how each of these resolutions is going:

1. Be less judgmental about how other people spend money, especially extremely wealthy people.
-We've had a run-in recently about what my MIL wants Thomas to wear to my SIL's wedding. The outfit total? $200. For a
16 month old to wear for MAYBE 3 hours. BUT other than this little rant I've kept my mouth shut and decided this particular
battle is not worth it.

2. Get up every week day by 6:30am.
-Surprisingly, this is going well. I'm exercising 3 mornings a week at 5:30, so I get up at 5am on those days and 6:30 on the
others. I think too much sleep is a total sign of depression and not feeling well for me, but I also get so GRUMPY without
enough.

3. Choose not to feel guilty about adding the career piece of myself back into my life.
-When Thomas was diagnosed with RAD I thought about dropping all my classes to be home with him, but I knew that
would not be good for me. Instead I dropped 2 and kept 3. I've really enjoyed my adult time on T/R mornings.

4. Go on more cultural dates with my husband.
-We had a great time in Chicago, especially going to the Museum of Art and to see Wicked. It's also been fun to get out of
our neighborhood and go visit my brother at his new house downtown. We had a fun time at his Super Bowl party. We
went to see 'The Kite Runner' and had a good discussion following as well.

5. Take pictures that help me create a story through writing.
-Again no camera, but I have done some creative things lately including designing gifts, rearranging furniture, and writing.

6. When I have the choice, make the more simple decision 60% of the time.
-This is the only resolution I am currently struggling with quite a bit. There are so many material things I want right now...a
new camera, a glider for Tommy's room, a fully loaded Honda Oddesey Mini-Van, hot jewelry and clothes to wear to Callie's rehearsal dinner, a tummy tuck, house cleaning, etc. I know making the simple decision is not just about buying things, but I get in periods like this one where I just want, want, want. I'm trying not to go through the Starbucks drive- through by our house and eat out, but I did buy Thomas new clothes and toys this weekend he doesn't really need. I don't really know how to measure this one. How do you keep things simple? I just know I'm not in a good place with this right now. I'm not going to buy any of those things except MAYBE the camera and some jewelry, but how do I move beyond wanting so much? Help!

I'm going to try to do a resolution update every month or so mostly to hold myself accountable to really working on these things. Did you have any resolutions? How are they going 6 weeks in?

Boo to the Breathing Treatments!

I talked to the Dr. after wrestling my son to the ground in the middle of Target yesterday. Thomas found this train in the toy isle and wouldn't let me put it back. We wiggled out of his TIGHT cart strap to grab it off the shelf when I answered the cell phone. Sneaky little guy. After what seemed like an hour of tears and screaming, I let him keep it until we got to the front to check out. By then he threw it on the floor seemingly telling me something such as, "This toy sucks now, Mom! I want to GO HOME!" It turns out the steroid in the breathing treatments is causing most of this behavior. Would have been good to know when we were prescribed the treatments 2 weeks ago. Grrr.

On another note, my friend Anne introduced me recently to mindfulness and meditation CDs. I've listened to a segment each night before bed and LOVE IT. I love the idea of being present in the moment as it happens. This very idea has helped me so much to enjoy my moments with Thomas. Each smile, each hug, each moment to play. Learning to be mindful has also reminded me that I have a choice over my thoughts. They can be positive and spin toward a good place, or they can be negative and spin quickly to a bad place. By the way, has anyone ever read the book "The Secret?" I'm reading it for book club right now. I agree with some parts and fairly sharply disagree with others. Book Report to come.

New Year's Resolution Update also to come. For Lent this year I gave up staying up late. So far so good.

Terrible Twos Already?

Dear Other Moms and Flip-Flops and Chocolate Members:

Is it possible to start the terrible twos at 15 months? Little Thomas is having huge tantrums lately. I mean like throwing himself down on the floor and pounding his fists and legs kind of tantrums. I can't figure out if it is because he doesn't feel well, isn't eating enough, is tired, or is just starting to assert his independence more and more. This morning at the doctor's office a nurse said hi to him and he freaked out. His separation anxiety in public places is sky high right now. Any suggestions? I knew the little guy had a tendency toward the dramatic like his mother, but this is a little crazy. He is only happy eating goldfish while he watches Barney. Just a phase? And when does being up all night when he is teething stop? Other than this the kid is perfect, of course. I guess one other dramatic thing he does that is funny is say MMmmmm the whole time he is eating his fish. It's like he is telling me, "Mom, these fish are the greatest thing on earth. Thank you so much!" I know I am his first teacher, but how do you teach a one year old to take a chill pill when he gets pissed?

Sincerely,
Strung Out Mother of One

Butt Munch

I've been saying the above phrase extremely often lately. I'm not sure why. Perhaps it is that it is a fun thing to say. Butt Munch. Or perhaps it goes back to my 4th grade year when my brothers and neighbors and I started a club in our backyard tool shed. The only membership requirement was that you had to take a polaroid picture of your butt and hang it in the shed. Maybe it is the fact that I see Thomas' butt at least 3-4 times a day when I change his diapers. Here is the phase used in a conversation:
Adrienne: "I'm going to go buy a new recliner-glider chair today. I'll be putting $500 on the credit card. Ok?"
David: "No."
Adrienne: "If you love me you will want me to have a place to sleep when Thomas gets up 3x per night."
David: "No."
Adrienne: (under breath) "Butt Munch."
David: "What?"

I'm So Cool.

I'm feeling very scandalous right now. Flip-Flops and Chocolate is now officially racy. David tried to log on today at Panera and couldn't get on due to "inappropriate content." I wonder if it was the cuss words, the slut talk, or the womanly issues. I didn't know my writing was so controversial. Readers, beware!

Sick.

Someone in our home has been sick since October 1st. The only good thing about this fact is that I have received a ton of extra cuddles this winter. Oh and the 3 extra pounds I have lost from throwing up. Thomas was diagnosed this week with Reactive Airway Disease, which is similar to Asthma. He has been sick so much because his little lungs and airways get clogged with bacteria. He has to do breathing treatments 3x/day to try and clear things up. We are really hoping to get out of the woods soon and be healthy again.

She Was Almost Back.

I had a big scare this morning when I woke up and puked all over the shower. Even though logically I knew pregnancy was not possible (I had a period 2 weeks ago, we use dual protection, and we haven't exactly put too many cookies in the cookie jar since starting school), my mind still went straight to the thought. Thinking about being pregnant again brought a large range of emotions for me. Part of me was excited at the possibility of holding a tiny baby again and watching he or she grow as Thomas has this year. The other part of me was thinking the following thoughts:

"Ok now I officially remember what I felt like every day of my early pregnancy except since I never actually puked (just felt sick all the time) I never got the feeling of relief after it happened."

"I really want Jolly Ranchers to "settle" my stomach. Wait sugar is why you gained so much weight the first time."

"How would I ever take care of myself AND a very busy 14 month-old?"

"SH*&! I still have at least 3 pounds to lose before getting really fat again!"

"I'm going to look like a lard in Callie's wedding just like I did in Julie's!"

And finally, "David is going to FREAK out because if we deliver a baby before January 1, 2009 our insurance won't cover it."

So, while I know women have babies closer than 2 years apart all the time, I was grateful today when I puked for the second time all over the bathroom floor at my school and came down with a fever. I've never considered the stomach flu a blessing. I know now I'm not quite ready to go back to the dark side.

Big Bark, Small Bite

I was so excited last week to begin taking classes toward my Elementary Education certificate, which will allow me to counsel in the schools. I'm still very excited to have something outside the home, but I think I may have been a big talker about wanting time away from Thomas when in reality I'm becoming a softy. Thomas is going to an excellent school right by our house two mornings a week and has done terribly with the transition. This morning we both ended up crying in the director's office not wanting to leave each other. I guess I am learning that no matter how ambitious you are, how good it is for you to work outside the home, and how great you think school will be for your child it's still the hardest thing ever to leave your baby. I didn't know I had such strong mommy heartstrings!

New Year's Resolutions

I'm always one to ease into transitions, including the new year. It takes me a few weeks to get my feet on the ground and in a new schedule before settling into a rhythm. I always have to think about what my resolutions are going to be for a few weeks too. In grad. school we had to pick one thing to work on/practice/learn about and design a learning contract. I'll let you know if I unpack these further in that way as we go along. So here we go:

1. Be less judgmental about how other people spend money, especially extremely wealthy people.

2. Get up every week day by 6:30am.

3. Choose not to feel guilty about adding the career piece of myself back into my life.

4. Go on more cultural dates with my husband.

5. Take pictures that help me create a story through writing.

6. When I have the choice, make the more simple decision 60% of the time.

My fruit of the spirit that I am going to focus on/read about/try to live out this year is faithfulness. Now that I've stated all of these to blog readers, I better get busy and go to bed.

Update.

This check-in is going to be in bullet format, just like my dad writes letters.
1. Christmas: All the traveling went well. We were sick before and after. Thomas' favorite present was a ping-pong ball to put in his mouth (the whole thing). He also got a tricycle and a wagon he likes quite a bit. He isn't into wrapping paper at all yet, but he is really into babies. He met David's newborn cousin in Houston and has been going up to babies ever since. David says this means he needs a sibling. I like to tell Callie it means he needs a cousin. The trip only had one disagreement with the in-laws. Again, progress.

2. Weight-loss: Status quo. No ups or downs during the holidays. I'm going to Jazzercize 3x/week and using a new software I like called Calorie King. Holding steady for now...still hoping to lose a little more by Callie's wedding in March.

3. Career: I start my classes next week. I'm excited because getting this particular certificate will allow me to counsel in the school districts. I'm not sure how long it will take me to finish up, but at least I'm working toward a goal. My brother Paul was transfered home over the break, and I've been working for him. He and my dad have to give gifts once a month to all their clients, so I put those together for them. In fact, let's take a little poll: What are some of the best gifts in the $25-30 range you have received? I'm looking for thoughtful, unique ideas that are easy to ship.

4. Marriage: David and I are going to Chicago this weekend. It will be the first time we leave Thomas for more than a night. We are so excited to get away. I realized over the break that I/We have never really grieved the loss of our freedom since becoming parents. We've both been afraid to admit that not being able to travel and do whatever we want to anymore is tough. With David home this month I have tasted the sweetness of saying, "I'm going shopping" and leaving...not having to plan it out and get a sitter and think about nap times. Maybe I am more selfish than most, but I've really missed that lately.

5. Church/God/Politics: We are still working on this. We want to make sure before jumping into another church that we know what we are looking for and what we believe. Our latest disagreement with the conservative right has been the role of women in ministry. The more I read scripture, the more I am seeing that men and women should be on equal ground. Many have asked me if I will be voting for Senator Clinton. My answer is absolutely yes IF Obama doesn't get the nomination. I like HIlary's platform, I like that she is a woman, I'm just not sure she is the RIGHT woman for the job.

6. Crushes: I'm still pretty hot on Ryan Gosling, although David got this new haircut that has been quite the head-turner lately.

7. Reading/Books: Just finished 'Shop Girl' by Steve Martin. Pretty good. Definitely entertaining. Also read 'Irresistible Revolution' by Shane Clairborne. Pretty amazing stories on social justice. Now starting 'Lovely Bones.' Kind of freaky at night.

More later...