Saturday, March 27, 2010

Callie's Special Day



Callie and I went to see Sesame Street Live yesterday at the BOK Center and had a blast! I will remember the look on her face forever- it is etched into my heart now. I thought I was going to cry when I saw her face light up eyes as wide as they could go and a smile from ear to ear it was so precious. She of course will never remember it, but for me it was one of the greatest experiences I have had with her. Of course Kailyn and Holden were none to pleased that Callie got to go and they didn't. A quick reminder of how all Callie gets to do is be toted around to all of their privileges and activities put it into perspective for them :)!

I really enjoy the one on one time I get with each of my children it allows me to give them my full attention and to really notice each of their personalities and qualities. I must admit I tend to overlook during our normal daily grind. I hope as they are getting older Chip and I can schedule more one on one time with each so that both we as parents and them as children get the needed one on one attention and connection that is such an important part of making us a close and loving family.









































Thursday, March 25, 2010

A Job Description for being a MOM:

POSITION:
Mother, Mom, Mama, Mommy
JOB DESCRIPTION:
Long term, team players needed, for challenging permanent work in an, often chaotic environment. Candidates must possess excellent communication and organizational skills and be willing to work variable hours, which will include evenings and weekends and frequent 24 hour shifts on call. Some overnight travel required, including trips to primitive camping sites on rainy weekends and endless sports tournaments in far away cities. Travel expenses not reimbursed. Extensive courier duties also required.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
The rest of your life. Must be willing to be hated, at least temporarily, until someone needs $5. Must be willing to bite tongue repeatedly. Also, must possess the physical stamina of a pack mule and be able to go from zero to 60 mph in three seconds flat in case, this time, the screams from the backyard are not someone just crying wolf. Must be willing to face stimulating technical challenges, such as small gadget repair, mysteriously sluggish toilets and stuck zippers. Must screen phone calls, maintain calendars and coordinate production of multiple homework projects. Must have ability to plan and organize social gatherings for clients of all ages and mental outlooks. Must be willing to be indispensable one minute, an embarrassment the next. Must handle assembly and product safety testing of a half million cheap, plastic toys, and battery operated devices. Must always hope for the best but be prepared for the worst. Must assume final, complete accountability for the quality of the end product. Responsibilities also include floor maintenance and janitorial work throughout the facility.
POSSIBILITY FOR ADVANCEMENT AND PROMOTION:
Virtually none. Your job is to remain in the same position for years, without complaining, constantly retraining and updating your skills, so that those in your charge can ultimately surpass you
PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE:
None required unfortunately. On-the-job training offered on a continually exhausting basis.
WAGES AND COMPENSATION:
Get this! You pay them! Offering frequent raises and bonuses. A balloon payment is due when they turn 18 because of the assumption that college will help them become financially independent. When you die, you give them whatever is left. The oddest thing about this reverse-salary scheme is that you actually enjoy it and this wish you could only do more.
BENEFITS:
While no health or dental insurance, no pension, no tuition reimbursement, no paid holidays and no stock options are offered; this job supplies limitless opportunities for personal growth and free hugs for life if you play your cards right.

Sunday, March 21, 2010

Vacation






The Ripp Family took a vacation last week. The kids took a vacation from Mom & Dad and hung out with Grandma, Grandpa & Nana- had a BLAST! Mom & Dad took a break from the kids and went to Hot Springs Arkansas for a few days and had a BLAST!

It was nice to have some time just Chip & I and reconnect with one another. It amazed me at how much we needed it even though we didn't feel it among the hustle and bustle of our crazy everyday life. It was nice to have coffee and talk without being interrupted, the hot tub with the fire under the stars was divine and all the romance just felt good! Of course me being me decided we needed to do the strenuous hike- so 11 miles and 5 and half hours later we finished our VERY strenuous hike- it was so hard, but we loved it and the weather and scenery were gorgeous!!! We didn't have any plans (so nice since we live our lives attached to our calendars full of appointments) we just went with the flow. I am a firm believer in trying to take the time to stay connected and in love even though at times with three little ones it is VERY hard. I just don't want to lose the very special love and friendship that I have with Chip- I will give our children everything I have, but Chip was here before and will be here long after they have grown and started their own life. I don't want to end up having lost everything by neglecting our marriage- so this trip was so much more than just relaxing it was time to show each other how much we appreciate, love and need one another.