Co-Hosting Tattler Thursday #3

Today I'm co-hosting a blog hop created by one of my long-time friends:  Ginger at the Wild and Wonderful World of Gingerssnaps!  Check out this fun hop and link up your blog and social media!

Be sure to invite your friends over, too! 

 

Please tweet about the hop!

Tweet

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Welcome to the Tattler Thursday Blog Hop! Thanks to everyone who participated for a successful second week of the 'Hop! I just love you guys! So it's week #3, did you bring your crazy kid story? It's a share your crazy, gross, hilarious, in-the-trenches parenthood stories, kind of blog hop! I love funny kid stories and I want to hear yours! So think of your funniest, wackiest or favorite kid stories, leave a comment on W3G with your story/tattle, follow your Host and Co-Hostesses, and visit and discover other blogs! Remember the easiest way to get a follow back is to like other pages and leave a comment! So hop around, tell your friends and share, share, share! Happy Tattling!

And P.S. Please, Please, Please follow your host and co-hostesses! We do this for free, and fun, so please reward us for all the hard work of putting on a blog hop! Thanks guys and dolls! Muah! Wink!

                                       

Co-Hosting Tattler Thursday Blog Hop #2

Today I'm honored to be co-hosting a blog hop created by one of my long-time friends:  Ginger at the Wild and Wonderful World of Gingerssnaps!  Check out this fun hop and link up your blog and social media!

Be sure to invite your friends over, too! 

 

Please tweet about the hop!

Tweet

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Welcome to the Tattler Thursday Blog Hop! Thanks to everyone who participated for a successful first week of the 'Hop! I just love you guys! So it's week #2, did you bring your crazy kid story? It's a share your crazy, gross, hilarious, in-the-trenches parenthood stories, kind of blog hop! I love funny kid stories and I want to hear yours! So think of your funniest, wackiest or favorite kid stories, leave a comment on W3G with your story/tattle, follow your Host and Co-Hostesses, and visit and discover other blogs! Remember the easiest way to get a follow back is to like other pages and leave a comment!

So hop around, tell your friends and share, share, share! Happy Tattling!

If You Love Something, Let it Go…

Blog Every Day in May

Day 18, Saturday: Tell a story from your childhood. Dig deep and try to be descriptive about what you remember and how you felt.

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If You Love Something, Let it Go…

When I was little, probably 7 (maybe 8), my mom hired a clown for my birthday party.  I think it was the first birthday after my Dad had died and she was probably trying really hard to make sure I had the best birthday party ever.  I remember it being a good party, but, then I really only remember one part of it…

The clown brought with him (her?) a big huge bunch of helium-filled balloons and gave them to ME!  This was a huge treat, as even an air-filled balloon was a big deal way back then (you know, in the dark ages).  Anyway, I was playing with the balloons and enjoying how they floated.  Then I got the brilliant idea that I should let go of the strings and grab them a second later before they floated away.  The party was outside…

You see where this is headed yet?

Yep, my little 7 (or 8) year old hands weren’t as quick and accurate as I thought they were!  The balloons kept on floating up as I watched in horror!

And then they got stuck in the big tree next to our house,

high enough up to be just beyond everyone’s reach.

Thankfully, my one of my cousin’s scurried up the tree and retrieved the balloons for me as I whimpered on the ground below.  As they were placed back into my little hands, I was warned not to play that game again.  What relief and luck!  I remember being so grateful and maybe even appreciated the balloons more after that!

A Photo is Worth How Many Words?

Blog Every Day in May

Day 17, Friday: A favorite photo of yourself and why

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A Photo is Worth How Many Words?

I know they say a photo is worth a thousand words, but some photos are worth more than that.  When I try to pick one favorite photo of myself, there are two I can’t really pick between.

The first, a photo of my Daddy and I when I was bout 3 years old.  I love this photo because if I try really hard, I can remember what it felt like to be safely in his arms.  I miss him so much.

The second photo, a little later in my life.  I was seventeen when Baby Girl was born and she was truly the light of my life!  I love her so much and it’s evident in this photo that she loved me, too.  It was so fun watching her grow.

What’s happening in your favorite photo of yourself?

It’s Just Not Easy

Blog Every Day in May

Day 16, Thursday: Something difficult about your "lot in life" and how you're working to overcome it

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It’s Just Not Easy

When I was a very little girl, I was my Daddy’s girl.  I felt so safe with him around.  I loved him so much.  I never dreamed that he wouldn’t be there.  And then, when I was six years old, he died.  He was gone; my hero, gone forever.  He was only 29 years old.  Life can be so unfair!

It’s been nearly thirty-three years and I still miss him every single day.  It’s been incredibly hard to have children, knowing that they will never know him and that he’ll never meet them.  Are they like him in any way?  Am I?  I really don’t know.  That’s the hardest part:  there’s so much I don’t know and I’ll never know about my Dad.  There are photos from while he was here, but I don’t know the stories behind most of them.  I want to know, but it’s been so long and many people who could tell me more just aren’t here any longer.

So, I try to focus on the positive and smile at the memories I do have.  I’m thankful they are good memories.  I’m thankful I know he loved me.  I’m thankful that he’s my Daddy and he’ll always be.  And I’m thankful that some day, I know I’ll see him again.

Co-Hosting the First Ever TATTLER THURSDAY BLOG HOP!!

Today I'm honored to be co-hosting a blog hop created by one of my long-time friends and my blogging inspiration:  Ginger at the Wild and Wonderful World of Gingerssnaps!  Check out this fun hop and link up your blog and social media!

Be sure to invite your friends over, too! 

 

Please re-tweet!

First Ever Tattler Thursday Blog Hop @gingerssnaps32 - Come share your kid stories! wildwonderfulgingerssnaps.blogspot.com/2013/05/the-fi… … #bloghop #tattlerthursday
— CHill Thoughts (@ChillRamblings) May 16, 2013

Don't forget to drop in for The Wild and Wonderful World of Gingerssnaps: The First Ever Tattler Thursday Blog Hop... wildwonderfulgingerssnaps.blogspot.com/2013/05/the-fi…
— Gingerssnaps32 (@gingerssnaps32) May 16, 2013

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Welcome to the Tattler Thursday Blog Hop! It's a share your crazy, gross, hilarious, in-the-trenches parenthood stories, kind of blog hop! I love funny kid stories and I want to hear yours! So think of your funniest, wackiest or favorite kid stories, leave a comment on W3G with your story/tattle, follow your Host and Co-Hostess, and visit and discover other blogs! Since this is first official Tattler Thursday Hop, I am leaving the hop open through Sunday! So tell your friends and share, share, share! Happy Tattling'!

                                       

A Day in the Life – Camping

Blog Every Day in May

Day 15, Wednesday: A Day in the life (include photos from throughout your typical day - this could be "a photo an hour" if you'd like)

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A Day in the Life – Camping

This past weekend me made the first of hopefully many treks out into the wilderness of Colorado to camp out!  When Baby Girl and Monkey Man were young we camped in tents but these days we take our 1970’s GMC Motorhome out.  DH and his High School Buddy restored the motorhome several years back and when High School Buddy moved up to a bigger and newer motorhome, DH bought it!  Because the motorhome was restored in California it wasn’t really prepared for winters in Colorado and several waterlines burst during the first winter it was here.  Also, we haven’t tested out all the niceties like the furnace and stove, so we really kinda use it like a tent we don’t have to set up!  Also, because finances and time are tight, we don’t really venture very far from home, usually we go about 30 minutes away to public land where we can camp for free.  Anyway, we had a blast camping…here’s what the day looked like:

Little Man grew impatient during the preparation for camping.  He wanted to go!

The motorhome doesn’t have seatbelts or anywhere to attach a car seat for Little Man, so I follow behind DH in my vehicle.  This is as we were entering the public lands where we camped.

Little Man loves water!  As soon as I set out the dogs’ water dish it became Little Man’s favorite place to play.  His clothes were soaked within minutes of arriving!

Little Man playing with his dinos!  (I really laugh at this photo because Little Man’s pants are drying in the background – can you spot them?)

Little Man and DH wandering about.

Our dogs love Little Man and he loves them!  He especially loves watching them fetch the tennis ball.

Little Man’s throw could use a little work!

Colorado beauty!  This was a new camping spot for us and we loved it!

DH managed to catch a few shots of Little Man and I.  I don’t often get on the lens-side of the camera!

Little Man’s favorite gift to give:  rocks!  I received many “gifts” during our trip.

Little Man discovering the smoke from the campfire.

Funny camping story:  While the sun was setting and we were sitting by the campfire, two black “dogs” came running toward us from over the hill.  When I first saw them, I thought it was a black Lab and a Great Dane running toward us playing and jumping as they came closer.  Then suddenly I realized that the “dogs” were really a cow and calf!  The cow had huge horns!  Thankfully, they kept to themselves and stayed far enough away that I wasn’t concerned.  But in the morning when we got up they had left behind proof that they had checked out our campsite after we went to bed.

10 Happy Things

Blog Every Day in May

Day 14, Tuesday: Ten things that make you really happy

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10 Happy Things

1. The sound of Little Man's feet running across our hardwood floors.

2. The smell of freshly baked bread.

3. Fresh eggs from my chickens.

4. Seeing my children grow and succeed.

5. Snuggling up next to a very warm DH between cold bed sheets on a cold night.

6. Brilliant, red sunrises and sunsets.

7. Rainbows.

8. Shooting Stars.

9. My goofy dogs and how happy they always are to see me.

10. Sinking into hot water in my deep, claw foot tub with a book in my hand.

What makes you happy?

I'm Sorry

Today I'm guest blogger over at Fireflies and Jellybeans. I'd love it if you come over and check out the easy and delicious recipe I'm sharing there!

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Blog Every Day in May

Day 13, Monday: Issue a public apology. This can be as funny or as serious or as creative as you want it to be.

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I’m Sorry

 

Source

Dear Mr. Armadillo:

I’m sorry I killed you.  It wasn’t my intention to murder that night.  I was simply driving along; piloting a truck pulling a large trailer.  I was actually interested to see you alive; in fact, just before you took your final steps I was remarking on the fact that I had never seen a living armadillo – and how many of your friends lie dead next to the road!

Why, Mr. Armadillo, why?  Why did you choose that moment to dart across the road?  You left me no choice.  You were quickly in front of the truck, destiny had decided.  I’m certain you did not suffer long, as each set of tires found their target and bump, bump, bumped over your lifeless shell.

I’m sorry Mr. Armadillo.  I wish we’d never met!

Sincerely,
Cristyl


What are you sorry for?

The Memories Linger

Blog Every Day in May

Day 12, Sunday: What do you miss? (a person, a thing, a place, a time of your life...)

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The Memories Linger

I miss the time when days spent with my friends and having fun was the most important thing to me.  The days where I was out of the house and roaming my world and neighborhood as early as I could be each day.

Days spent crawling through tunnels in the brush and weeds that grew taller than me or any of my friends.  Days where you waited anxiously for the berries on the vines to ripen in the sun and lose their bitterness.  Climbing trees and wishing to be a bird that could land gently on the furthest tips of the branches.  The feeling of the warm sun on your face and the wind in your hair and soft green grass between your toes.

Friends leaving for their respective homes, one by one as the sun falls behind the hills and the twilight settles around.  Watching for the first twinkling star to appear, knowing that it’s my Daddy’s star – hello Daddy.

I miss you, too.

Chasing fireflies in the dark, with the grass damp beneath my feet.  Climbing into bed worn from the day and the cool crisp sheets against my sun-kissed skin.

Sweet dreams.

Photo Sources:  1, 2

What do you miss?

Quick! Sell Yourself!

Blog Every Day in May

Day 11, Saturday: Sell yourself in 10 words or less

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I’m

a

quick

learner

and

hard

worker;

I’m

not

psycho!

Wanna give it a try?  Leave your 10 words or less sales pitch in the comments!

So Embarrassing…

Blog Every Day in May

Day 10, Friday: Most embarrassing moment (s). Spill.

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So Embarrassing…

 

I embarrass myself frequently.  Usually by saying something without thinking, but clumsiness plays a part as well.  When trying to come up with a “most” embarrassing moment, there isn’t one that shines more brightly than all the others.  So, I’ll share three embarrassing stories with you.

When I was probably 7 or 8 years old, maybe a little younger, I was talking with my babysitter (who had taken care of me since infancy and was like a mother to me) about Christmas gifts.  I was very excited to give her the gift we had gotten her because our mom had let my brother and me pick out a pretty red coat I was just sure my baby sitter would love.

So, with just a few days left before Christmas, we’re talking about what gifts I’m giving various people and I tell my babysitter, “I’m not going to tell you I got you a coat.”  Immediately, I clapped my hands over my mouth as she laughed at my slip-up.  Feeling embarrassed that I had ruined the surprise, but youthfully confidant that I hadn’t ruined everything because she didn’t know which coat, I then said “Well, I’m definitely not going to tell you it’s red.”  D’oh! 

Yep, my foot-in-mouth disease goes waaaaay back.

Remember that movie “Parenthood” from back in the ‘80s.  No?  Well, all you really need to understand is that Steve Martin played the dad of a nine-year-old Kevin and at one point in the movie shared a father-son bonding moment when the Dad asks the son, “Now, what do you say when you see a cute 9-year-old girl?” and the son replies, “Hubba, hubba.”  That “Hubba, hubba” phrase was one that became a standing code between my mom and I as I was in my teens.

So picture this:  I’m a youngish teen, maybe 14 or 15, and I’ve got a crush on one of the older teenage guys that works in our local grocery store.  My mom knows this and tortures me regularly by threatening to reveal my crush to the boy.  I’m mortified each time she threatens to out me.

And then one day, as we are walking through the grocery store, she walks right up to him and says, “Hubba, hubba”.  No person in the history of the earth has wanted to be invisible more than I did in that moment!  Thanks mom…send the money for my therapy straight to my shrink, please!

I was only 18 when I married my first husband.  Foot-in-mouth disease had never left me.  One day we were visiting the stables in a park near where we lived, letting the kids see the horses.  While we’re standing there looking at the horses, I point out one to my husband and tell him, “That’s the BIGGEST horse I’ve ever seen!”

My husband tells me to be quiet.  Thinking he’s being a complete jerk, I say it again, “Seriously, I’ve NEVER seen a horse THAT BIG!”  He tells me to shut up.  I’m getting pissed at him at this point and feel embarrassed because some other people standing near us are laughing and I think it’s because my Ex is telling me to shut up.  I’m really pissed at him and insist again, “THAT HORSE IS HUGE!”

At this point we walk away and dear old Ex decides to share with me what was really happening while I went on and on about how big the horse was.

It seems Mr. Giant Horse was taking that particular time to proudly display his “manliness”.  While I went on and on about the actual size of the steed, it appeared as though I were describing and exclaiming over the size of his “manliness”.

Hello, foot.  Meet mouth!

So, there you go.  Three embarrassing moments from my life.  If you haven’t seen the movie “Parenthood”, you definitely should!  I love that movie!

What’s your most embarrassing moment?

Photo Sources: 1, 2, 3

A Moment in My Day

Blog Every Day in May

Day 9, Thursday: A moment in your day

(this can be just a photo or both a photo and words)

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One thing everyone tells you about the weather in Colorado:

If you don’t like the weather, just wait five minutes.
It’ll change.

And it’s true!  Today started out pretty gray and overcast.  Then the rain began.  Then there were some snowflakes mixed in.  Then the snowflakes were the largest clumps of flakes I’ve ever seen!  Then back to rain. And finally sunshine!  I captured some of these variations with my camera…

I’m caught up with the Blog Every Day in May Challenge!!  I’ll try not to fall behind and bombard you like this again!

My Advice to You…

Blog Every Day in May

Day 8, Wednesday: A piece of advice you have for others. Anything at all.

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Seeing as how I’ve really been procrastinating lately, and now I look foolish catching up on what I wish I hadn’t put off, the only advice I have today is:

What Scares You?

I’m a procrastinator - I own this and accept it.  I’m behind in the blogging challenge, but I’m catching up!  In the meantime, I give you my latest…

Blog Every Day in May

Day 7, Tuesday: The thing(s) you're most afraid of

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What Scares You?

When I think about what I am most afraid of, it’s a combination of childhood fears and adult fears.  I try not to live in fear, but have been fearful much of my life.

Some of the childhood fears…

I’ve been convinced for a long time that I would die in a house fire.  I don’t remember when I began fearing this and I have absolutely no idea why I have this fear.  But it is as real today as it has ever been.  It was so big a fear when I was a child that I asked my parents to buy one of those ladder in a box things that you throw out your window in case of a fire!

When I was a child, I would have nightmares a LOT.  Often during the nightmares I was stuck in my bedroom, unable to get out and get to the rest of my family for safety, because the floor was covered in wriggling snakes for as far as I could see.  I suspect this fear began when my mother took us to see Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom so young.

I also had nightmares about a creature that was a combination of Jabba the Hut from Star Wars and the Trash Heap from Fraggle Rock.  This creature would always bust through the floor of our home during my birthday party and one by one would eat everyone I loved while I stood there screaming.  I had this nightmare repeatedly…enough so that 30 years later I’m telling you about it!

The Adult Fears…

Finances aren’t easy.  It seems like there’s never enough to pay all the bills and like we’re always just scraping by.  I fear losing our home.  I don’t know what we’d do if that happened.  I certainly hope it doesn’t, but over the past few years so many people have lost their homes, it’s hard not to worry.

Another one that scares me a lot…not being here to see all my kids grow up and have their own families.  Not that there’s anything wrong or anything.  But you just never know what life’s going to throw at you.  Ever since we had Little Man, I worry what either of us would do if suddenly one of us were gone.

Failing my kids.  As a parent you try so hard to make all the right decisions; whether they are hard decisions (or agonizing decisions, even).  You try to do the best you can, but I think it’s a universal fear of parents everywhere that we’re screwing it up.  And that we’ll screw our kids up!

What scares you?