Bemusings: On Vulnerability

Since Ms. Lane has some time to ponder...
Warning!
Treading into deep water. If you'd like to stay in the kiddy pool for a bit longer I understand; it can be nice! I just got pruney in there soaking for some years.
Lately I've been thinking about image. What we project, what others actually see in comparison to what we intend. I may regret this. In fact I'm sure I will, but I want to know my blind spots in order to refine myself (possibly in the fire if these revelations are painful!). I think I've started on this path, but without outside help I won't get the full picture. In this vein, I'm praying for more to be revealed. And if you'd like to tell me a blind spot; I am open to it even if it might hurt. I suppose in some ways this is an experiment and I think that's allowed. My hypothesis is that by opening myself up to this, not just myself but others will benefit? Maybe that's assuming more than my Mom and Dad read this blog...
I digress.
On masks since these bemusings discuss congruency...
The mask we wear can be put in place for a number of reasons; self-preservation, perfection, guilt, pride, the seven deadly.
You name it.
What we present to the outside world can vary so drastically from what is actually happening in our lives that it can be quite amusing. Or horrible depending on the circumstance.
Metaphorically, this mask is a glass case where our heart is kept. What we think is safe (fear), beyond reproach (perfection), and in some cases hidden (self-preservation) is not. Fragile, yes. But maybe more vulnerable than that.
Seen.
God sees. We are never hidden from Him, even if we are hidden from others, even others we love.
Things He knows about me that I now know to work on: generosity, discretion, and patience.
Back to the lab,

Deja Vu

Remember this incident last year? I just had deja vu in the worst way. The same thing just happened again in my living room with Harper only this time Babe H ATE it. Literally.
I was eating my dinner and when I saw something on her face and shirt I thought she threw up everywhere, but then horrifyingly I realized I had not feed her anything dark green for dinner. No, it can't be. NO!
Oh, but yes. AND...
She ATE it.
The image of her smearing poop across her face and innocently smiling is burned into my brain like a branding iron on cowhide.
I scrubbed her entire mouth, body, and the tub. The carpets, her clothes, my hands.
But still.
I'm officially grossed out. Again.

Lois Lane

Roving reporter. Street smart, but can't seem to recognize that Clark Kent is Superman though all he does is change suits and take off his glasses?
Normally this is me. However, starting to recognize my blind spots.
And I think I'm currently living in Bizarro World.
You know that's the place Superman finds himself in where everything and everyone is backwards or opposite. First, I'm volunteering for every conceivable thing and now I'm ahead of the game for the impending Christmas season. This is so strange because I'm a champion procrastinator; ring leader of last-minute. A detail-oriented girl I am not. Of note, this is something I've recently discovered and it's freeing. Maybe I was fooling myself, but I considered myself detailed. I am meticulous when it comes to painting, writing, and plucking my eyebrows. Things I'm passionate about. With almost everything else it's about simply getting it done; broad strokes (painting pun...I can't seem to help it, dear readers) if you will. Awareness is half the battle, now I prepare for things differently. Accepting this about myself has literally changed my life for the better.

Know Thyself.
Thank you, Socrates. Good advice.

Back to Bizarro World: House decorated? Check. Lights up? Check. First wave of Christmas cards sent? Check. Still there's much much more to accomplish, but I'm so far ahead of where I normally am: maybe this year Lois can kick up her heels and ponder why Mr. Kent is so familiar...

Crystal Clear

It is now crystal clear I am NOT an outdoorsy type of girl. It just isn't for me OR for Pea judging from the meltdown we had at the end of today. However, there actually were some fun times on Crystal Mountain before the meltdown AND most importantly a Christmas tree was obtained despite my doubts as we ascended.
We truly were the Griswold's. Hiking through mountainous terrain in search of a good old fashion family Christmas. The little girls did some sledding, the men hunted and gathered, and the women watched (sidenote: we were there with TWO 7 month pregnant gals!). We purchased our permits in Enumclaw and then headed to ground zero. You cannot imagine how far up the mountain we had to go; I was fearing an avalanche or worse a tumble down the mountain in our Jeep, but as Ty so eloquently put, "You've got to go the distance for the nobles." Our tree is the best we've ever had...thanks to Ty's scouting efforts and epic climb to find the perfect Holiday noble. Go LTG!
Sledding...

Buns in the oven...

shenanigans...

Scout...

Doubt...

Proof!

Giving Thanks 2010

Today was Turkey Day and what a wonderful day it was. My mom out did herself and we had a FANTASTIC meal! Ty ate gluten and carbs, Pea got to cook with Grandma, and I won a game of Yahtzee.
Wishes really DO come true.
We all missed my brother this year, no doubt the life of a CPA during busy season is NOT enviable. However, he was there in spirit and my dad is bringing him some pie tomorrow when he flies down to San Diego.
A wonderful day with family! I'm thankful for them, for our family, health, and so much much more. Pictures below...
P.S. Look for my post tomorrow: we are literally going into the mountains with Andi and Casey and the girls to cut down our Christmas tree. Last year Casey did the dirty work for us. Not so much this year; we have a sled, a saw, and some rope, let's see what happens?

The Best Medicine

Hip Hip Horray!

Not changing my tune; I still strongly dislike hippies and most everything about them. However, my niece Kyla's Hippy themed/rollerskating 5th birthday party was a darn good time! (See pictures below...) Honestly, taking a 3 year old rollerskating is work. Here's a tip, if they can, tell them to crank the skates! Pea had a fab time; Harp enjoyed being pushed around the rink in an umbrella stroller especially by Grandma and Uncle Casey. That said, I can't believe Thanksgiving is around the corner and that takes me back to 5 years ago waiting for my first niece to be born...

Kyla, Aunt Chelsea can't believe you are 5 tomorrow! Where has the time gone? We love you and you love La La Land and that makes us adore you that much more...