So, I’m typing here. This is what I’m supposed to do, right? I think they call it writing a post?
Joking, joking. I didn’t forget what this is all about.
Not entirely, at least.
John went back to work on Wednesday. After an awesome thirty days filled with family time–lazy days, busy days, date nights, family snuggle time every morning, visits with friends and family, vacation in the mountains, a day at Sea World–it was time for “normal” to begin.
The only problem is that we’re not so sure we even know what “normal” is anymore. For the past year, nothing has been normal around here. Merritt was born, a week later John had surgery, a couple weeks later we went to Colorado, right after that was Christmas and within three weeks John was in Iraq. So this whole deal of being a family of four, Daddy at work, Mommy and kiddos at home, dinner on time and all that? All new to us.
But Wednesday was the day. And we were ready. Anxious, in fact, to get started with normal life.
And, as we all well know, normal to ME means–it’s time to get back on the ol’ blog. I had a post all written up in my head. Ready to go. Just needed typing. I was missing my bloggie peeps.
And then I looked at the clock and it was after 10pm.
Um, HELLO? Where did my day go???
(Here is some news that will shock you right outta your seat–to all of you emailers who said, “Um, you seem to write your posts really, REALLY late. Is that a Blogger mistake?” To which I’ve replied that, no, the times are accurate and that I had this unhealthy fear of going to bed alone every night. But guess what? I’ve actually been going to bed before the next day begins now. I know. Crazy. But true.)
So I didn’t write a post Wednesday. I added it to Thursday’s spot in my planner and told myself that I’d write that “Yes, I’m still alive!” post after breakfast with the boys and before I went to the gym in the morning. Getting up early not only makes a person go to bed ridiculously early every night, but they say it helps us get more accomplished.
Well, when the baby woke up before I’d even had time to finish my devotions, I wasn’t so sure on that getting more accomplished bit. The way I see it, it’s more like we just get to experience a little more craziness when we add hours to the day.
Thursday was one of those days I realized half way through that I’d packed way too much into one short span of time. Going out with the boys to the gym, then home for a shower and naps (which didn’t go so well. Or just… didn’t go AT ALL, to be exact), then off to the store with the boys for a big grocery trip (Troy wearing an inside-out Disneyland beanie on his head in 75 degree weather and his Cars sunglasses, Merritt with wet hair and water splashed all over the front of his shirt thanks to spilling the cat’s water dish moments before we walked out the door), then home to have dinner ready on time before heading to church to be in the nursery by 6:40pm, combined with the everyday life stuff…well, let’s just say the post didn’t get written.
And now, here we are. It’s Friday night. The clock says it’s after 10pm.
Today I spent the morning at a nearby lake with a friend and her little ones, cleaned half of the house and did the last of the zillion loads of laundry calling my name, thought for a few minutes that my two year old had disappeared (long enough to FREAK ME OUT and have me running around outside screaming his name so loud that the neighbors came out to help me–oh, the things that child has put me through already…), ran a couple errands once John came home, made a delish supper (with a recipe from my new favorite site on earth–more on that later)…
…and, yes-indeedy, wrote a blog post.
Accomplishments, I tell ya.
But you want to know the thought that hit me today?
Life is just crazy. Whether a hubby’s far away, or whether he’s right here beside me. Things just tend to border on insane more often than not around here.
And I think I kinda like it that way.
Jessica says:
Don’t feel bad. You’re not the only one with insanity issues of staying up WAY too late and blogging. It’s what we bloggie mommys have to do to squeak in a post from time to time. :) And yes. It’s 2:30am and I am DEFINTELY regretting being up this late, but I just finished posting and had to check out a few blog before jumping in the bed to catch a few hours sleep. Happy blogging! :)
[Reply]
September 20th, 2008 at 12:52 am
looksgoodinpolkadots says:
Life is always crazy. I’m beginning to wonder what life would be like NORMAL. :)
Glad you’re back.
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September 20th, 2008 at 8:43 am
Megan says:
so good to hear a little update from you!! i agree with your statement– life is just crazy! i'm realizing the same. i checked out your 'new favorite site' and am so excited about it too!! i'm gonna try it out- we'll see if i actually use if for longer than a week or two! but for now, i'm in desperate need of some new recipes, and i LOVE that they make the grocery lists for you- and ESPECIALLY that it's categorized for the different aisles (& tagged with the corresponding recipes). that's how i do my own list & i get majorly teased by my family for it. this site is totally my style! i referenced you when they asked how i heard- hope u don't mind! maybe you'll get a perk or something for referrals.
good to hear from you!
-meg
[Reply]
September 20th, 2008 at 9:18 am
Natalie Jackson says:
I am glad you are back. I missed hearing from you. I am so glad that John is back from Iraq and that you guys had a month together. How are things going as a family of four?
About the greatest site on earth. Did you have to pay to get the recipies and is it worth it?
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September 20th, 2008 at 9:42 am
Katie says:
Oh, so glad you’re back! :D
Insane does often tend to be the norm… so why is it that we still call it insane?? It would be healthier for my mindset if I could just readjust to that notion…
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September 20th, 2008 at 9:56 am
Ginger says:
YAY!!! I am so excited you are back!!
Ginger~
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September 20th, 2008 at 1:22 pm
Darcy says:
Ashleigh! So good to see a post! You have been missed! Hoping and praying you all settle into normal soon…just in time for the craziness of the holidays, huh?? :)
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September 20th, 2008 at 1:59 pm
Cindy says:
Welcome back. Your post always brighten my day.
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September 20th, 2008 at 3:03 pm
Carrie at dumptrucksandteacups says:
Ashleigh,
It was so good to see a post from you again. :) It sounds like your month was wonderful… continue to enjoy life as a family of four!
Sending love,
Carrie
[Reply]
September 20th, 2008 at 4:16 pm
Adventures In Babywearing says:
Well, I am glad you are on this side of crazy now… and hope all is settling nicely for your family!
Steph
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September 20th, 2008 at 5:25 pm
lady jane says:
Weird sleeping patterns have plagued me all my adult life I think. Last night I went to bed by 11am – just *had* to finish knitting that washcloth, hmfph. Woke at 3am by tHaT cAt who wanted OUT and NOW. Couldn't go back to sleep even after praying and begging the Lord for just one more hour. ha! Got up and began my day. Lizzie gets up about now to scoot off to the church to help set up for worship – part of Practicial Christian Ministry for the Bible college. It's not work to her though. She knows she's working behind the scenes to bring glory to Him. <><
I love reading your posts, Ashleigh. Sooo glad your hubby is home and the 4 of you are snuggled up together, cozy as can be. :o)
[Reply]
September 21st, 2008 at 5:02 am
Chelsea says:
You’re back! I’m so happy! Back to normal…sometimes crazy is normal. It’s “normal” thats crazy!
Welcome back to blog world!
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September 21st, 2008 at 10:10 am
Samantha R. says:
LOL =P
It’s good to hear from you, Ash!!
I had been thinking of you these past couple of weeks and hoping that you all were enjoying all that family time!!
I know exactly what you mean.. life is just crazy. And I think I’ve finally decided to accept it, get used to it, embrace it, and hang on for the ride. ;)
So much has happened to me these past few weeks- physically, emotionally and spiritually. It all started almost 4 weeks ago when I asked God to keep me teachable and humble. Just a few hours later, I had an accident on my motorcycle- (well, it’s a “dirt bike”). I ended up with a very hurt foot- possibly
fractured. Within half an hour, I couldn’t even walk and was in a lot of pain and had major swelling and bruising. *OUCH* I couldn’t do anything for myself but crutch to the bathroom and back. Yep…. definitely humbling. And then just a week ago, I was stung by a meat bee- majorly on the back of my leg- in my knee joint and on my good leg…. I was in so much pain, swelling, itching etc.. on
and off for 5 days. It was almost worse than dealing with my hurt foot. And while I wouldn’t want to go through all of that again, I am thankful for all the Lord has taught me and how I’ve grown closer to the Lord. You just never know what will happen in life and I don’t think anyone has a “normal” life ;)
It was good to hear from you and what you all have been doing.
*Hugs*
~Samantha
[Reply]
September 21st, 2008 at 1:35 pm
Valerie aka Mamalovelock says:
I am thinking that crazy is our normal, if things were calm, I am not sure what I would do.
Welcome back and I am glad you all have had a wonderful 30 days. I have missed reading your posts.
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September 21st, 2008 at 5:07 pm
Tiffany says:
Im so glad your back, I truly miss your fun and crazy stories!!!
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September 24th, 2008 at 11:23 am
Steve n Vickie says:
Welcome back. Missed you. After all it was you who got me addicted to this blogging thing.
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September 24th, 2008 at 1:33 pm