Our Hardie Home

Friday, March 09, 2012

Friday, January 06, 2012

Holiday Happenings

The week before Christmas, I got to take pictures of one of the cutest couples I know.

And NO, these are not engagement photos.

My baby brothers's gf just wanted some nice pics of the two of them to hang in her apartment during the school year.

She goes to the school that must not be named, but we still think she is wonderful.

And then Christmas was a spoilfest.

My usual strictness of 3 presents, price points, and unwrapping rules were thrown out the window this year.

But don't worry, they will return next year.

It is always nice to feel like you can spoil your kids at least once in their lives.

If all goes well, they wont get one like this again for some time.

But I will be just fine with that.

You can see the Monster's "tool world" behind him. I think he goes to my work way too much, if he is calling his toys by department names :)

Don't look at me too closely. I am sleep deprived,

like so many other parents on Christmas morning.

I got two sweaters of the same style and color theme.

I must complain of being cold alot ;)

And our Holiday party this year,

rocked.

The Monte Carlo theme was a hit.

And the "just dance" game after midnight let us all work off all the deliciousness we partook of.

I would post pictures of this part of our evening, but let's just say

I am a REALLY REALLY NICE FRIEND.

Start placing your bets for next year...

2012 will be AMAZING!

Friday, December 09, 2011

Dear You,

I have noticed something. It has has been a recurring theme for what seems like forever. And it needs to stop.

Have you notice what has happened to you?

Hold up mirror,

look deep into your own eyes.

Take a deep breath, and now...

Tell me three things you love about yourself.

Easy???

Now tell me three things you love about partner,

each of your kids,

your boss,

your school,

your street,

your community,

your work,

the stores you shop,

the food you eat,

the clothes you wear,

the church you may or may not attend.

Don't stop there.

you can't forget about the people sitting next to you

on the bus,

or in class,

how about the people

waiting to get their kids from school with you?

Do you see it now?

No?

then let me explain.

You complain

about your surroundings.

You are putting down your neighborhood,

the house down the street,

the store around corner,

and the sales clerk at the register.

I saw you

tapping your foot in impatience as the line in front of you is moved too slow.

I heard you

grumbling under your breath about the incompetence of the worker.

My kids heard

your annoyance as you spoke at the coupon lady.

They saw you

roll your eyes at the loud, tired and cranky child,

as you rushed to get your shopping done.

Wasn't that you, mocking the stores you shop,

the people in the aisles,

and the workers trying to make a living?

Why are you being so negative about the World?

I should rephrase.

I do not mean the whole world.

just yours.

Do your kids see it?

do they hear it when you speak?

Are you the bully your kids are imitating?

WHAT???

AM I CALLING YOU A BULLY???!!!

yup.

Because being a bully is more than just what we hear on the news.

It is more than just kids that act out in school, belittling and hurting their peers.

It is more than the hate crimes that are recorded in the papers,

seen on the television, and spoken in anger.

Did you ever think that it started with you?

that your negativity,

and judgement of just your simple surroundings,

was the first step

to creating the kid that made another's life not worth living.

All because you said,

a person's choice to

live,

work,

dress,

act,

shop,

speak

was not good enough.

You complain about a neighbors weeds,

their garbage cans rolling down the street,

the barking dog,

but you didn't think to check to see what you could do to lend a hand.

Don't deny it.

We are all guilty here.

I noticed

you go upset when you found out that your sister didn't have her kids in clean clothes.

Did you know her washer stopped working last week,

that they lost their employment,

& is just so overwhelmed with exhaustion

they just could keep up?

I bet you would hold your tongue,

just a little

if you knew she couldn't tell you because of that mouth of yours.

it is wide open,

ready to spread rumors and gossip.

How she dreads how your tongue,

cheeks,

teeth

and lips

quickly form the words used to talk behind her back.

See, you are a bully.

So I am telling you to stop, because I am tired.

Tired of the negativity we see in everything,

never giving ourselves a moment to check ourselves.

The expectation that people lie, cheat, steal.

The whole, everyone is a suspect, mentality is exhausting.

I am done

with listening to people complain about where, when, and how they shop.

I am disgusted

that we hate so many things, about every aspect of our lives.

I want my kids to see rainbows,

believe in Santa, and reach for dreams.

I want them to know that we need

mechanics, plumbers, cashiers, and farmers,

just as much and sometimes more

than a doctor or lawyer, or CEO.

I need them to find the path

that will make them feel whole,

complete,

and alive.

I want them to do it all, without fear.

Without fear they will succeed in finding, catching and holding their dreams.

So I am going to

remind myself of the joy which is my life.

EVERYDAY.

You need to do it too.

BECAUSE

I don't want YOU to ruin MY CHILD.

You may be their teacher, their couch, the family friend.

You are in their life, and probably so your kids.

And they need you to do it for them.

So stop for a moment,

and before you open your mouth.

Before you type that next status.

Make sure that the comment you are making is to help,

is constructive,

and meant to improve.

Even when it is something that we don't want to hear.

Because,

even though your truth might hurt,

they still want you to hold their hand.

Sincerely,

Monday, November 21, 2011

Vacation

I love Disney.

LOVE.

The whole package deal.

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Smilebox.com review, dissatisfaction.

Last year, I signed up for Smilebox.com. Did their 2 week trial, liked it ok enough, and paid a whooping 40 bucks for full access to their internet friendly invitations, slide shows, and scrap-booking.

The offer a month to month or annual membership.

THE CATCH, auto renewal and no refunds.

I happened to click on our subscription program, was checking out the renewal information.

Forgot the price.

On my account page, the only way to access the information was to approve an update on my credit card.

Being stupid and naive, I did this, I just had to change the year. Clicked to update and got charged.

There was no new terms and conditions to read.

There was no price or final order approval screen.

I immediately went in to cancel the order of renewal, and found out, sure you can cancel, but we don't care that it happened 2 minutes ago, we are keeping your money.

Their reasoning is, that because over a year ago I read the term and conditions contract and agreed to it.

Yes, A YEAR AGO.

and they are not responsible if you don't go in and find it and review it, prior to accessing your account page.

I don't care that they think I should have researched deeply into their website, (which i find to be very unfriendly).

They don't care that their product is not that amazing.

I understand that prorating an annual membership is difficult, and that by not giving refunds it makes it easy on them. What I don't understand how a 2 week trial return policy can not take place on the annual membership if you have let the membership lapse.

THIEVES! As stupid as it may sound to some, I can't help but think they found a loop hole in their policies that allow them to knowingly steal from customers.

I am now out another 40 bucks (not a fortune, but half of my food budget for a week). With no account.

Thieving bunch of tech heads.