Kristen Blog

My boy turned 12 this week.  Can you believe it?!  I can, because...I...have a lot of kids.  My friend said to me last week, "I just don't know how people with multiple kids do it."  I forgot to mention to her that she happened to have one very easy-going kid, so that makes a WHOLE lot of difference.  My first kid came out with eyes wide open (and actively searching the room) for two whole hours.  (I should have known then.). We were NOT going to get away with having just one kid...unless we devoted our entire lives to her entertainment.  I'm not (completely) cut out for that. Besides, even after our second was born, I just knew in my heart I was not done.   At a recent conference, the leader asked us, "What did you ALWAYS want to be...ever since you were a kid?"  Fortunately, I have had enough awkward experiences over the years to realize that my answers are most often atypical and, generally speaking, unwanted.  Too many times, I have seen "that look&

I am in a sticky predicament.   I do NOT want to seem like a total lame-oh.  And I'm the only female in the group, so I kind of have to work a little harder to keep the kick-a$$ image I am 100% assured they ALL have of me. But...I happen to be a law abiding citizen...sometimes to what may appear to others as a fault.  George Washington and the cherry tree story had a big impact on me in my elementary years.  It took me a LONG time to learn that the definition of "telling a lie" is not exactly black and white, and while I've come a long way, I still maintain very high standards. So when my friend started to suggest we hop a fence to play some baseball in a locked field...my inner panic ensued.  I mean...I do NOT want to look like a sissy ninny.  What's the big deal?!  His reasonings were very convincing.  However, beside the fact that I do NOT like breaking the law (I told you...I am kick-a$$.  I did NOT say bad-a$$...they are two totally different categories of be

Maybe it's just situational depression...we had a mini vacay this weekend - the wrap up is ALWAYS a little rough...but I have been dwelling on feeling stuck today.   I was stuck in traffic, behind all kinds of annoying (I can say that, since I don't know them) people.  We turned it into entertainment, as I carefully allowed other select drivers into our lane and watched their obvious frustration at the left-lane camper cruiser blocking us all up with his constipation.  What fun!!  (As it turns out, many of us - including Mr. Camper -  reunited at the first gas station in miles.  We didn't speak.  I chose not to break the silence.  I find myself slipping into the casual observer more and more.  So not like me!) But, anyway.  Usually, I am NOT so pleasant when I am struck in traffic.  I am angry.  I am bitter.  I am downright cursing mean.  And, many times, I come home with aching hands from white knuckling the whole thing. I'm sorry to disappoint if I seem nice to you in

How was your fourth?  Mine is still a work in progress.  Of course, health care workers and dog owners do NOT get a vacation.  And don't ever let anyone tell you otherwise, because I was alone all day with all of my responsibilities.  And, holiday or not, I paid my dues at the dog park. Good news is that I got to see my nephew off for his National Guard duty this summer.  (sob!). Bad news is I had to drive to Trenton with all the kids (minus the eldest) in tow, alone.  (I assured my DPF's - that's Dog Park Friends - that I was definitely NOT leaving for New Jersey and I would, for sure, be back by tomorrow for our daily fellowship.  I reiterate the statement: "Regulars are everywhere.  I just never thought I would BE one.”  What's next?  Fan?  Groupie?  Dear God, please no.  I prefer NOT to follow, and I root for the underdog - even when others consider it "no competition", because that's me. 😉).   Anyway, after a wonderful, though difficult on sever

 It was a stressful week for yours truly.  Several work meetings, lots of baseball, and every day just kind of merged into the next one.  I think it all started last weekend when our "time off" was driving and a baseball tournament. It's funny how uniquely this brain is configured.  As we were driving, I turned to Matt and said, "Sometimes, I get really overwhelmed driving as we pass all of these cars." He immediately concurred and started in on the ins and outs of driving around a bunch of people you don't know and cannot trust.  But that is not at all what I was thinking, and I had to explain. "No...its like...every car we pass, I look into each and every little life.  I read the joys, the stresses, the ups and downs, and somehow I feel responsible for it all.  Like...I have so much compassion and empathy and I FEEL for them, but I can't help them.  And I am overwhelmed.   "I feel the weight of the world resting on my shoulders, and I can'

  I had me a BIG day.  It started with the first day Matt was finally home, and I was feeling pretty good about my slow morning...and he started this trend of bringing me my mocha in bed.  So, later, when he abruptly obliterated the silence by barging into the room after I'd had an extended quiet time alone, I could obviously NOT fight the urge to shout,  "How DARE you enter my chambers so rudely unannounced?!!  I'm going to hire a herald to stand outside my door to introduce potential guests, 'The Master requests entry to the Queen's Chambers.'  "And before he is finished, I will reply emphatically, 'DENIED!' " He looked at me without expression, the sarcasm undeniably evident in his tone, "Yeah...ok."   He lost points for that. So, what have you been doing in this heat?  'Cause I've been watching baseball.  Fortunately for myself and the other guests, I had the scoreboard ALL weekend.  Woohoo! We had one good game and two t

Summer is intense!  Baseball and work trips and I still can't manage to keep up with the house work.  I give up!!  But, guess what.  I put Evan in swim lessons.  I know...perfect, right?  It is the cutest thing EVER, and he is really learning a lot.  And, of course, he managed to get the BEST teachers ever, because that's just how it seems to go with this one.  It's nice to have a kid like that for the wrap up. Baseball has been tough.  This little team just hasn't been able to catch a break, and it's disheartening and discouraging and defeating all wrapped up in one frustrating little package.  But...did I mention they put me on the scoreboard?!!  Life changing!  Because 1) I have something to keep my focus.  So, I am less fidgety and nervous.  2) I have the BEST view of the field, so I really know if it was a terrible call.  3) I have to sit right by the umpire and the other team, which totally humanizes them so I hate them less.  (Of course, I still might yell-ov