Bucket List Update

Bucket List {Updated}
Originally posted September 2010

Get married
Become a mama
Get my MBA
Purchase a house
Travel to New York [& see all the touristy stuff]
Take the kids to see the 7 Wonders of the US
Join a book club
Go to an NFL game
Run a 5K
Make $100k myself
Go sailing
Go to a MLB game
Start a Business
Go to Fiji, Bora Bora, and Turks & Caicos
See the Grand Canyon
Travel to Europe & Australia
See Mt. Rushmore
Have a picnic in Central Park
RV to the Yellowstone
Drive a motorcycle
Paddleboard
Swim with Dolphins
Hop on a plane spontaneously {for fun}
Drive through Vermont in the Fall
Enjoy wine country with Adam
Run a half marathon
Spend a Christmas/New Years at a cabin in Colorado
Parasail
Zip line through the jungle
Shop on Rodeo Drive
Ride at least one day of RAGBRAI
Give a stranger $100
Shoot a gun
Visit Time's Square on NYE
Travel to New Orleans for Mardi Gras
See Las Vegas at night
Go on an African Safari
Take a vacation by myself
Go to the Kentucky Derby
Swim in the Atlantic Ocean
See the Boston Marathon
Eat along the NE coast with Adam
Swim in the Pacific Ocean
Travel to/through all 50 states..
Alabama | Alaska | Arizona | Arkansas | California | Colorado | Connecticut | Delaware | Florida | Georgia | Hawaii | Idaho | Illinois | Indiana | Iowa | Kansas | Kentucky | Louisiana | Maine | Maryland | Massachusetts | Michigan | Minnesota | Mississippi | Missouri | Montana | Nevada | New Hampshire | New Jersey| New Mexico | New York | North Carolina | North Dakota | Ohio | Oklahoma | Oregon | Pennsylvania | Rhode Island | South Carolina | South Dakota | Tennessee | Texas | Utah | Vermont | Virginia | Washington | West Virginia | Wisconsin | Wyoming

Is there anything else I need to add to this list? Something you've done that is a must?

Mother's Day Wish List

Hammock | Sleep Mask | Picnic Blanket | Diffuser | Jojoba Oil

I could also use an insulated waterbottle, a bike light, a lawn edger, or this plastic wrap cover.

I usually dream of sleeping in a being served breakfast in bed, but we'll be gone over Mother's Day this year, so I know that isn't realistic.  Nor is my wish of one day with zero arguments between my children. #Someday ;)  At any rate, here are a few things off my 'wishlist' this year.
What is everyone else asking for these days?

Previous Mother's Day Wishlists

2015 | 2014 | 2013

Bucket List | 2015 Update

It's year end, so I thought it would be an appropriate time to update my bucket list.  This year I was able to give a stranger $100 &ride a day of RAGBRAI.  If 2016 goes as planned, I'll be turning 30 in NYC & spending some time in the Turks & Caicos.
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Bucket List [Updated]
Originally posted September 2010

Get married
Become a mama
Get my MBA
Purchase a house
Travel to New York [& see all the touristy stuff]
Take the kids to see the 7 Wonders of the US
Join a book club
Go to an NFL game
Run a 5K
Make $100k myself
Go sailing
Go to a MLB game
Start a Business
Go to Fiji, Bora Bora, and Turks & Caicos
Travel to Europe & Australia
See Mt. Rushmore
Have a picnic in Central Park
Drive a motorcycle
Paddleboard
Swim with Dolphins
Hop on a plane spontaneously {for fun}
Drive through Vermont in the Fall
Enjoy wine country with Adam
Run a half marathon
Spend a Christmas/New Years at a cabin in Colorado
Parasail
Zip line through the jungle
Shop on Rodeo Drive
Ride at least one day of RAGBRAI
Give a stranger $100
Shoot a gun
Visit Time's Square on NYE
Travel to New Orleans for Mardi Gras
See Las Vegas at night
Go on an African Safari
Take a vacation by myself
Go to the Kentucky Derby
Swim in the Atlantic Ocean
See the Boston Marathon
Eat along the NE coast with Adam
Swim in the Pacific Ocean
Travel to/through all 50 states..
Alabama | Alaska | Arizona | Arkansas | California | Colorado | Connecticut | Delaware | Florida | Georgia | Hawaii | Idaho | Illinois | Indiana | Iowa | Kansas | Kentucky | Louisiana | Maine | Maryland | Massachusetts | Michigan | Minnesota | Mississippi | Missouri | Montana | Nevada | New Hampshire | New Jersey| New Mexico | New York | North Carolina | North Dakota | Ohio | Oklahoma | Oregon | Pennsylvania | Rhode Island | South Carolina | South Dakota | Tennessee | Texas | Utah | Vermont | Virginia | Washington | West Virginia | Wisconsin | Wyoming

Is there anything else I need to add to this list? Something you've done that is a must?

My Mother's Day Wishlist

Necklace | Candle | Earrings | Bar Cart

I always feel silly thinking of what I want for Mother's Day since it really is just a honor to be a mama, but if I don't have something in mind, Adam will just keep asking, so it's best to just make a list. :)

Other gifts that didn't make the list...golf clubs, a gray couch for the lakehouse, a bike {for Adam, so we can go on family bike rides}, a heart rate monitor for my Garmin watch, a giftcard for a mani/pedi, or facial, & flowers.

My dream day...sleeping in {unlikely since we'll be staying in a hotel out of town with the kids}.  Brunch on the patio.  Perfect weather {duh!}.  No fighting from my kids {I wish!} A picnic dinner with Adam & the kids.

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Mother's Day 2014 -- My favorite one to date!
2014 Wishlist
Mother's Day 2013
Mother's Day 2012 -- My 1st!

2012 Wishlist
2011 Wishlist

Bucket List | 2014 Update

Since all of our summer activities allowed me to cross so much off my bucket list, I figured it was time for an update.  Plus it's 11/11, which means make a wish, so it got me dreaming.  It looks like I have a lot more traveling to do! :)
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Bucket List [Updated]
Originally posted September 2010

Get married
Become a mama
Get my MBA
Purchase a house
Travel to New York [& see all the touristy stuff]
Take the kids to see the 7 Wonders of the US
Join a book club
Go to a NFL game
Run a 5K
Make $100k myself
Go sailing
Go to a MLB game
Start a Business
Go to Fiji & Bora Bora
Travel to Europe & Australia
See Mt. Rushmore
Have a picnic in Central Park
Drive a motorcycle
Paddleboard
Swim with Dolphins
Hop on a plane spontaneously {for fun}
Drive through Vermont in the Fall
Enjoy wine country with Adam
Run a half marathon
Spend a Christmas/New Years at a cabin in Colorado
Parasail
Zip line through the jungle
Shop on Rodeo Drive
Ride at least one day of RAGBRAI
Give a stranger $100
Shoot a gun
Visit Time's Square on NYE
Travel to New Orleans for Mardi Gras
See Las Vegas at night
Go on an African Safari
Take a vacation by myself
Go to the Kentucky Derby
Swim in the Atlantic Ocean
See the Boston Marathon
Eat along the NE coast with Adam
Swim in the Pacific Ocean
Travel to/through all 50 states..
Alabama | Alaska | Arizona | Arkansas | California | Colorado | Connecticut | Delaware | Florida | Georgia | Hawaii | Idaho | Illinois | Indiana | Iowa | Kansas | Kentucky | Louisiana | Maine | Maryland | Massachusetts | Michigan | Minnesota | Mississippi | Missouri | Montana | Nevada | New Hampshire | New Jersey| New Mexico | New York | North Carolina | North Dakota | Ohio | Oklahoma | Oregon | Pennsylvania | Rhode Island | South Carolina | South Dakota | Tennessee | Texas | Utah | Vermont | Virginia | Washington | West Virginia | Wisconsin | Wyoming

Is there anything else I need to add to this list? Something you've done that is a must?

I will blog again...

someday!  Until then I'll just use this space to complain about everything…work, weight, friends, money, holidays….

While everyone else is busy seeing taking their kids to see Santa, hanging holiday decor, hosting holiday parties, buying thoughtful, elaborate gifts, and making magical memories...I'll be sitting behind my computer being grumpy and eating my kids Advent chocolates.  The truth is, I have zero motivation for anything right now.  Adam and his dad hung the lights outside at the lake, I threw a little bit of Christmas decor up this weekend, and I've done a decent amount of shopping {from my computer, of course} but other than that…NOTHING!  I just don't 'feel it' this year.  I'm not happy and excited.  I'm broke and exhausted.  I can't even muster the strength to give either of our parents Christmas ideas for me.  It's just that I am so unhappy with how I look that I don't even want to leave my house let alone go and try things on at the store.  Plus everything is so darn expensive that it's hard to justify anything.

If you want my real Christmas list, this would be it…

a weekend in a cozy hotel, out of town, where they would color my hair, massage my body, and bring my room service.  And I could sleep the 'bags under my eyes' away.

or

a weekend by myself at home, where I could sit and finish all of the photo books & blog posts that I've started over the past year.  Where I could actually clean my entire house, like ceiling fans and sheets.  And I could sleep until my heart desired.

I would like all of this without the guilt of being a selfish mom {impossible!} and without feeling like my kids were inconveniencing anyone.  

I want to be this mama

You guys...I so want to be this mama.  I don't know if it is the thought of my baby growing up or what but I tear up just reading these.  More than anything in this world I want my daughter {family really} to have fun and be happy, to live life.  After all life is about the the memories you make, the things you see, and the people you go though it with.

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25 RULES FOR MOTHERS OF DAUGHTERS

1. Paint her nails. Then let her scratch it off and dirty them up. Teach her to care about her appearance, and then quickly remind her that living and having fun is most important.

2. Let her put on your makeup, even if it means bright-red-smudged lips and streaked-blue eyes. Let her experiment in her attempts to be like you…then let her be herself.

3. Let her be wild. She may want to stay home and read books on the couch, or she may want to hop on the back of a motorcycle-gasp. She may be a homebody or a traveler. She may fall in love with the wrong boy, or meet mr. right at age 5. Try to remember that you were her age once. Everyone makes mistakes, let her make her own.

4. Be present. Be there for her at her Kindergarten performances, her dance recitals, her soccer games…her everyday-little-moments. When she looks through the crowds of people, she will be looking for your smile and pride. Show it to her as often as possible.

5. Encourage her to try on your shoes and play dress-up. If she would rather wear her brother’s superman cape with high heals, allow it. If she wants to wear a tutu or dinosaur costume to the grocery store, why stop her? She needs to decide who she is and be confident in her decision.

6. Teach her to be independent. Show her by example that woman can be strong. Find and follow your own passions. Search for outlets of expression and enjoyment for yourself- not just your husband or children. Define yourself by your own attributes, not by what others expect you to be. Know who you are as a person, and help your daughter find out who she is.

7. Pick flowers with her. Put them in her hair. There is nothing more beautiful than a girl and a flower.

8. Let her get messy. Get messy with her, no matter how much it makes you cringe inside. Splash in the puddles, throw snowballs, make mud pies, finger paint the walls: just let it happen. The most wonderful of memories are often the messy ones.

9. Give her good role models- you being one of them. Introduce her to successful woman- friends, co-workers, doctors, astronauts, or authors. Read to her about influential woman- Eleanor Roosevelt, Rosa Parks, Marie Curie. Read her the words of inspirational woman- Jane Austen, Sylvia Plath, Emily Dickinson. She should know that anything is possible.

10. Show her affection. Daughters will mimic the compassion of their mother. “I love yous” and Eskimo kisses go a long way.

11. Hold her hand. Whether she is 3 years-old in the parking lot or sixteen years old in the mall, hold on to her always- this will teach her to be confident in herself and proud of her family.

12. Believe in her. It is the moments that she does not believe in herself that she will need you to believe enough for both of you. Whether it is a spelling test in the first grade, a big game or recital, a first date, or the first day of college…remind her of the independent and capable woman you have taught her to be.

13. Tell her how beautiful she is. Whether it is her first day of Kindergarten, immediately after a soccer game where she is grass-stained and sweaty, or her wedding day. She needs your reminders. She needs your pride. She needs your reassurance. She is only human.

14. Love her father. Teach her to love a good man, like him. One who lets her be herself…she is after all wonderful.

15. Make forts with boxes and blankets. Help her to find magic in the ordinary, to imagine, to create and to believe in fairy tales. Someday she will make her 5 by 5 dorm-room her home with magic touches and inspiration. And she will fall in love with a boy and believe him to be Prince Charming.

16. Read to her. Read her Dr. Seuss and Eric Carle. But also remember the power of Sylvia Plath and Robert Frost. Show her the beauty of words on a page and let her see you enjoy them. Words can be simply written and simply spoken, yet can harvest so much meaning. Help her to find their meaning.

17. Teach her how to love- with passion and kisses. Love her passionately. Love her father passionately and her siblings passionately. Express your love. Show her how to love with no restraint. Let her get her heart broken and try again. Let her cry, and gush, giggle and scream. She will love like you love or hate like you hate. So, choose love for both you and her.

18. Encourage her to dance and sing. Dance and sing with her- even if it sounds or looks horrible. Let her wiggle to nursery rhymes. Let her dance on her daddy's feet and spin in your arms. Then later, let her blast noise and headbang in her bedroom with her door shut if she wants. Or karaoke to Tom Petty in the living room if she would rather. Introduce her to the classics- like The Beatles- and listen to her latest favorite- like Taylor Swift. Share the magic of music together, it will bring you closer- or at least create a soundtrack to your life together.

19. Share secrets together. Communicate. Talk. Talk about anything. Let her tell you about boys, friends, school. Listen. Ask questions. Share dreams, hopes, concerns. She is not only your daughter, you are not only her mother. Be her friend too.

20. Teach her manners. Because sometimes you have to be her mother, not just her friend. The world is a happier place when made up of polite words and smiles.

21. Teach her when to stand-up and when to walk away. Whether she has classmates who tease her because of her glasses, or a boyfriend who tells her she is too fat - let her know she does not have to listen. Make sure she knows how to demand respect - she is worthy of it. It does not mean she has to fight back with fists or words, because sometimes you say more with silence. Also make sure she knows which battles are worth fighting. Remind her that some people can be mean and nasty because of jealousy, or other personal reasons. Help her to understand when to shut her mouth and walk-away. Teach her to be the better person.

22. Let her choose who she loves. Even when you see through the charming boy she thinks he is, let her love him without your disapproving words; she will anyway. When he breaks her heart, be there for her with words of support rather than I told-you-so. Let her mess up again and again until she finds the one. And when she finds the one, tell her.

23. Mother her. Being a mother - to her - is undoubtedly one of your greatest accomplishments. Share with her the joys of motherhood, so one day she will want to be a mother too. Remind her over and over again with words and kisses that no one will ever love her like you love her. No one can replace or replicate a mother's love for their children.

24. Comfort her. Because sometimes you just need your mommy. When she is sick, rub her back, make her soup and cover her in blankets - no matter how old she is. Someday, if she is giving birth to her own child, push her hair out of her face, encourage her, and tell her how beautiful she is. These are the moments she will remember you for. And someday when her husband rubs her back in attempt to comfort her...she may just whisper, "I need my mommy."

25. Be home. When she is sick with a cold or broken heart, she will come to you; welcome her. When she is engaged or pregnant, she will run to you to share her news; embrace her. When she is lost or confused, she will search for you; find her. When she needs advice on boys, schools, friends or an outfit; tell her. She is your daughter and will always need a safe harbor - where she can turn a key to see comforting eyes and a familiar smile; be home.

*Stolen from Facebook with no source.