After two weeks of going, going, going. I’ve finally found a couple moments to let my mind and body process everything that has been happening.

It’s been an emotional roller coaster, and I’m still recovering from the whiplash of the ups, downs, twists and turns.

The biggest news is that Bigger Picture Blogs is no longer.

The Thursday link-ups have ended and while we will still keep the Facebook page open, the actual blog is gone. My heart broke when I heard the news, because finding the Bigger Picture in everyday moments was like my religion. It was a way for me to stay grounded and not turn into angry, spazzy mom. I’m terrified that without my weekly reminder my children and husband might see more of her. However, I’m hopefully that I will be able to keep her at bay, because while the blog might be gone the friendships that it fostered will always remain.

Once I heard the news I did question “the meaning of it all”.

Like why should I keep blogging?

Have I already reached my peak?

Is this season of my life done?

Ironically, those close to me who always said “my plate was too full” told me not to give it up. So I’m still here typing away, and I’m now free to pursue some other blogging avenues. Like devoting more time and energy to my new gig over at the Iowa City Moms Blog. Finally find a focus for the ‘ol blog like fashion and triathlons. I also still have to share my story about E and mental illness, and how much children’s therapy is working for us. So, the stories it seems are still coming …

Speaking of stories, on Mother’s Day I was able to share my story of motherhood on the stage at the Eastern Iowa production of Listen to Your Mother. It was an experience I will remember FOREVER.

Every little detail is burned into my brain.

Like the fact that through a weird twist of fate I was able to share the stage with a sweet new friend, who eased my nerves.

How the feeling of my heart beating out of my chest and my wobbly legs immediately dissipated after I heard the audience laugh for the first time.

That she traveled miles to see me perform my piece.

The moment after the show, when people walked up to me and said they loved my piece and it inspired them.

My heart practically burst from my chest with gratitude, and I finally felt vindicated. After all the years of being told I wasn’t a writer, I was finally being recognized as one. It was like giving all the naysayers the middle finger … finally.

On the same day I shared my story, we celebrated Mother’s Day and the day I became a mother for the second time.

My little redhead turned three. There really are no words other than I can’t believe how fast time flies, and it’s not the terrible twos it’s the terrible threes. Gah…

As I remark on how quickly time flies I’m reminded that in three weeks school will be out for the summer, in one month I’ll race in my triathlon, a week later we will bring Creative Soul to Iowa City, we will be moving and then I’ll head to BlogHer.

This summer is going to fly by, but I will still have priceless Sound Bytes like these to help me cherish each moment.

3. E: “Mom are there teeth in my stomach?”
    ME: “No, E there are not teeth in your stomach.”
    E: “Then how does my food get all mushy and smooshy?”
    ME: “Because there’s acid in your stomach that makes it that way.”
    E: “Oh, that’s MUCH cooler than teeth.”

My only comment is a boy’s brain is a fabulous thing. WOW!!!

2. G: “Stay home day?”
   ME: {preparing for the meltdown} “No buddy it’s a school day”
      G: Cue meltdown

Yeah, buddy I feel the same way. Totally wish there were more Stay Home days in the week.

1. G: “Hair in your nose?” {then he proceeds to stick his finger up my nose} I have hair in nose too?”

Yep, you have hair in there too. Note to self to pluck nose hairs. UGH…

Well, there are this week’s Sound Bytes. What did you hear this week?

I’m patiently waiting for the work day to end, so I can enjoy some Stay Home days. We have another busy weekend on tap – spray tan party tonight, Brick in the morning, then a trip to the QC to shop the farmer’s market with Mimi, a date night to Star Trek and Little Red’s belated bday celebration on Sunday. Whew! I’m going to need more Stay Home days…

Have a GREAT weekend and cherish those Stay Home days.

You might think that title is a metaphor. Like I’ve worked so hard this week that I’ve hit the wall, and reached my breaking point. While that might be correct on some level, the truth of the matter is I actually hit a wall.

This is what happens you are multi-tasking on your cell phone and you cut the corner too close in the parking ramp at work. Needless to say the hubs was ticked, and I was ticked. I’m still mortified and I keep running the scenario over and over in my head. This is the LAST thing we needed amidst the financial chaos of buying a new house and trying to decide whether to keep our current one as a rental property.

However, upon further inspection of my week, I realized that sometimes I don’t take the subtle hints fate tries to give me about SLOWING down, and just “being” in the moment. I think this is a HUGE hint that the phone is officially off-limits in the car. It has become a crazy addiction, I pick it up at stoplights, I glance at when it makes the slightest sound. It’s nuts, because I’m really NOT that important and I really don’t get that many emails, texts or tweets. There’s no reason to be so connected.

“Hitting the wall” was fate’s benign way of saying “knock it off”, because it could have been so much worse. I could have hit a person or another car; the kiddos could have been with me and gotten hurt or the car could have been totaled. Yes, I need to look at the brighter side of the whole thing and comprehend this as a teachable moment.

Have I learned my lesson?

Well, it’s been hard, but luckily E likes to play Angry Birds on my phone so when we are on the road I just give it to him. Last night he forgot to give it back, and we spent the whole night downtown without my nose in my phone. While I missed taking photos of my munchkins eating ice cream and running like crazy people through the playground, I felt like a big weight had been lifted. I didn’t need to “check-in” or document every little thing. It was freeing and maybe next time I’ll forget my phone on purpose and just bring the big camera instead, so those moments will be captured, but I’ll still be connected to THEM too.

As we ran around in the spring sunshine last night without cell phones, I was able to hear some pretty sweet Sound Bytes.

3. “Car broken mama, broken. Ouchie. Bandaid?”

Even little G felt bad about mama’s fender bender.

2. “Could you please watch out my little brother is behind you?”

I love how E looks out for his little brother. As an only child, I never had that and it’s nice to know my boys will always have someone to rely on.

1. “Creature report. Creature report…”

The boys’ Aunt bought G an Octonaut and he’s officially in love, which means we must watch it constantly. While I love kid shows the theme songs make my ears bleed. I posed the question over on my Facebook page, head over and share your dreaded kid show theme song.

I’m off to start the morning, and soak up this lovely weekend. Rumor has it that it will be 70 degrees…here’s hoping.

Have a great weekend and don’t hit the wall, if you know what I mean.

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I don’t just write here I also write over on the Iowa City Moms Blog, and this week I tell the world that My Kids Suck. Head over and take a peek, I could use some advice.

If you are a mom in need fashion inspiration or a fashionista looking to share your talents WE WANT YOU! We are looking for moms to feature on our Mom Style Files. Contact me via email at redheadreverie{at}gmail{dot}com and we will hook you up.