5 on Friday: November 13

1.  Update on B-man

We are in a holding pattern in terms of what move to make next with Mr. Brady.  He spent nearly the entire month of October and beginning of November sick.  Right now we have our pediatrician, our pediatric urologist (who is also a pediatric surgeon), and another pediatric surgeon analyzing his records and sharing opinions on his case.  We will see in the upcoming days what they all have to say and hopefully it will provide us some direction for his care moving forward. 

As a mom I do want to trust their opinions, but I also have to follow my gut.  Depending on what they say and how I feel about it will determine if I go with my instincts to send his records to a hospital on the coast.  They specialize in children with Brady’s health issues and well, as parents we all want what’s best for our children, right?

Also, I have to share one of Brady’s newest actions – eating with his eyes closed.  I have no clue why he does this.  Maybe he’s trying to savor every little bite or perhaps he just doesn’t want to look at us anymore?  Whatever the case may be, it’s pretty comical; especially with spaghetti.

2.  This Life I Live & Simply Love

I know I have mentioned these blogs before, and for those of you who haven’t ventured to the websites, I encourage you to do so.  There is so much power in prayer and both of these families can use that power today and every day.  I could write many more words but quite frankly I think their stories are enough. 

3.  Chaos

This is really the only word I can use to describe my life right now.  I was telling myself that with fall here and the cooler temperatures coming in that life would slow down a little.  Boy was I wrong!  I knew October would be a blur but didn’t anticipate November to follow in the same pattern.  I am very thankful for some family time last weekend which allowed us to breathe just a little bit.

For you runners out there, you know how you get to the end of the race – you can see the finish line – and there’s that moment of joy knowing that you are almost there?  That’s how I feel; except I’m never crossing the line.  I have moments where I feel like I am getting so much accomplished in one area of my life, only to fall short in another.  I guess it all has to balance out somehow but I just wish, for a moment, that I could feel caught up.  Caught up with work, caught up with laundry and housecleaning, caught up with projects….
 

I know that will never truly happen because life happens, but here’s hoping some parts of life will slow down so the OCD person I am can feel a little more complete!  This mama wants to find time to bake some cookies again with her kids and spend less time running here and running there!  Ok, vent over.

4.  Buxom

I was having a conversation with a friend this morning about how the little things really can make you feel more like a lady and overall just make you feel good about yourself.  Maybe it’s getting a manicure or a new lotion.  For me, any little beauty purchase or time to pamper myself is so refreshing and really gives me a new outlook on myself.  We can all use a little confidence booster, am I right?  If you are looking for a little something to make ya feel beautiful, try my favorite lip gloss.  They’re by Buxom.  I’ve been using them for years.  My favorites are Dolly and White Russian.  I will warn you that they have lip boosting powers in them too so you’ll feel it.

5.  Growing Up

I was racing like a mad woman through the mall last night to find outfits for some upcoming photos of the kids.  Miss Tess is in between sizes right now, depending on the item of clothing.  That being said, I found myself walking from the toddler section to the little girl section of my favorite store.  There was a piano playing music in the background and for a second I just stood there and “had a moment.”  I literally almost cried right then and there.  It stopped me dead in my tracks and I realized yet again that time is crawling away from us every day.  Agh!  That moment made me even more out of sorts that I was all confused about outfits and ended up coming home with nothing that really went together!  (Insert another trip to the mall tonight).

My Little Photog Took This :)

I did score some cute little kitten shoes for Miss Tess on crazy clearance so hey, maybe the trip was a success after all (whatever I have to tell myself)?

6.  Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownies

Wow, oh, wow is the only way to describe the yummies that are the new bars I tried this week!  A co-worker of mine brought these in to the clinic on Tuesday.  They were so amazing I may have had two??  Needless to say I asked for the recipe. Once I give these bars a whirl myself, I will post the recipe on the blog!

7.  Weekend Escapades

We have quite a bit on the agenda for the weekend.  We have gymnastics class, photos for the kids, we are going to put up Christmas lights outside (and maybe some decorations inside), I want to start some of my Christmas shopping, and do a little overhaul of the kids’ closets.  It should be a great weekend and if there’s a little time left, the kids and I are going to make some sweet treats and watch yet another Christmas movie (because we do all year round anyway). ;)