We've moved...

Do you miss TerronesDailyLife?
Your dose of the Terrones family and all their shenanigans?

Fear not!
We're back!
Or should I say....
We're BACH!

But we've moved. 
Because it isn't really just TerronesDailyLife.
It's more. 
Much more might be an overstatement.
But it is more.

So follow us now at
Lifeiscrazysweet.blogspot.com
Why?
Well....because life really is Crazy Sweet!
And we want you on our adventure.

Come on...check it out.
Lifeiscrazysweet.blogspot.com
You won't be disappointed.
Well, maybe you will be...but that shouldn't come at a surprise!

*Mom*Mommy*Momma*

No matter what you call her, today was her day!
Are you a mom?   If so, Happy Mother's Day!  How was your day?

Mine started on Friday and just kept getting better and better. 
Eleanor is the reason I get to be called mom.
It's the best thing I've ever been called.
Loving her is the easiest thing I've ever done.
Raising her...not so easy.
Loving her. Easy!

Mom - you can relate...right?

I'll tell you what - I'm FAR to tired to write some poetic monologue about mother's and their unconditional love, but I'll say this...

What is it about mom? 
Just being in my mom's presence can make every thing better.
I'm 32 years old and sometimes, when I go home, I just want to sleep in bed with my mom.
Eleanor kicks and moves all night long, but sometimes I just want to sleep with my daughter.
Mom hugs are the best.  Most empowering.

But man.  You have a mom look at your cross ways and you KNOW you are in trouble. 
If mom looks at you out of the corner of her eye, you instantly wonder if she's questioning your outfit choice. 

She's your role model from day one.
Eleanor ADORES watching me put on my make-up in the morning.  She's studying me.  Learning how to be a girl.  Learning how to be a mom.  A wife.  A woman. 

I can only hope I'm as good a role model to that little girl as my mother was to me.
I can only hope that some day Eleanor will think I'm as great of a friend as I think my mom is.
I can only hope that some day Eleanor will learn to respect and admire me, the way I respect and admire my mom. 
Moms and daughters are a delicate, dangerous relationship, but I also think it can be one of the most rewarding relationships.  Moms of daughters know what it was like to be a girl. How scary and horrible it can be.  We want to protect our daughters and yet push them toward resilience.  It's a fine line. 

Hm.  I digress.  It's the exhaustion. 

Anyway -it was a great mother's day.  Complete with handmade cards and the most beautifully, well crafted handmade bracelet (and a half...Eleanor got bored with the project before she finished the second one!)  I got breakfast after church.  Got a run in.  And hung out with my family.

I didn't grocery shop.
I didn't clean.
And I'm not going to bed on time.
I guess that's what tomorrow is for. 
Not every day can be mother's day.
But it should be.  And we should act like it.

So...hug a mom.  Maybe not your mom, but someone that has been mom like in your life.  Guiding.  Caring.  Inspirational. 
I'm SO lucky to have some pretty amazing women in my life.  I love you all.
And mom - you really are the greatest.
And Eleanor.  Thank you.  Thank you so much for letting me be your mom.  It's the best job I've ever had.  I love you kiddo!

From the desk of a runner...

My world has been shaken to its very core as a US citizen.
My world has been shaken to its very core as a mother.
As a movie goer.
As a shopper.
As a salon goer.
And now as a runner.
Oh, I know I'm not alone in this.  I'm not unique in anyway.
But, Seriously?  You are going to mess (I really want to use a stronger word here) with runners?

I started running because it was the one and only place I could get away.  I could seriously out run my thoughts.  Nothing but me.  My shoes. And miles of road ahead of me.

You can't put fear into that.  It's my therapy.  My life line.
And I love to race.  Race day is what makes running even more fun.
Turning a single person sport into a group event.  The camaraderie.
And you can't take that away from us.

And the spectators.  The "fans" that line the street on race day.  That make that next step easier.  The cheering.  The cow bells.  The signs.  The sprinklers set up on a hot day.  The bands.  The people that make you laugh.  We see you!  We appreciate you!  Don't go away!  Some of us need you!  Personally, I think we all need you.

And seriously.  If you haven't run before...you don't get it.  Don't try.  I've had this fight too many times.  If you need it - you need it.  If you don't.  You don't.  I will never sit on a boat, by myself, in the early morning sunrise, and wait for fish.  It's not for me.  It's not my sport.  But it doesn't mean it's not for someone else.  I just don't get it.

You might not get the thrill (ok...and sometimes dread) of lacing up.

So.  I have a renewed energy about me.  If I hadn't need in Florida for work since the event, I would have laced up immediately.   Immediately and felt the freedom.

And while Andy heard it first.  You are seeing it here first.
I am going to run a marathon.  Now it's in my head.
You can't take this away from me.
Ill never run Boston (simply because I won't ever qualify), but I can run 26.2.

But first...first I run 13.1.  I've committed to it.  And I'd love to see you at the finish line!

(PS - I don't really consider myself a runner...I just happen to run...and that's good enough!)

Happy Easter

There is something in the air. 

Maybe it's spring?

The snow is FINALLY starting to melt in our shaded front yard. 

I saw two robins the other day.

AND I went for a run in a short sleeve shirt. 

All sure signs of spring. 

 

Maybe it's Easter?

Our Lenten preparation has paid off in the rewarding celebration of Easter. 

A culmination of our faith in one day.  The greatest sign of our faith.

 

And just like everything around us, our little family is changing too. 

I notice it in the little things.  But they are things and they are noticed. 

Signs that our little group of 3 people is starting to tick and tock like a "normal" family. 

They are things that are hard to put my finger on.  It's hard to put into words.  But it's been an evolution of us becoming one. 

 

It's not easy morphing two lives together.  And it's even harder to morph 3 lives into one.  I struggle, daily, with being a fiancé and being a mom.  And being a widow.  But the struggle is less and less.  And I just AM those things.  And more.  And less?  We are growing.  We are learning.  And we are seeing it more and more.  Andy sees it too.  And Eleanor, in her own way, notices it.  There's a new comfort.  There always has been.  But just like the say your wedding day is the day you love your spouse the least...And it's so fun looking back on where we were and looking ahead to our future.

 

I'm just feeling an overwhelming sense of tranquility right now.  Of happiness.  Of contentness.  And sometimes apprehension creeps over.  And I tell Andy...I'm waiting for the other shoe to drop.   And he wraps me up in his arms.  He kisses my head.  And he laughs at me.  He tells me I can wait for something that isn't going to happen, or I can just exhale and live in the life I'm loving living. 

 

And sometimes it still feels weird to say that.  But every moment has to happen for the next to occur. 

And these are my moments now....

 

Easter eggs - we were surprised at how long it actually kept E's attention

 

The Easter Bunny came!

The Bach Family dresses up real nice!  Happy Easter!



Eleanor and her chocolate bunny! (it's fake!) We've taken a picture in front of this bunny every year!

 

 

Weekend Review

I had a pretty amazing weekend. 
And given that the week leading up to it was pretty crappy, I let myself bask in the awesomeness. 

Friday night was a pretty standard night for the Bach household. I went to the chiro, came home, Andy and Eleanor played, went for a run, ordered pizza.

I deemed Friday night a "No TV night" for Andy and I. 
Some of you may recall that when I lived on Keith, there was very little, if any, TV watching for Eleanor and I.
Now we live with Andy.
And we have cable.
And DVR. 
It's amazing.
But sometimes I think we watch a little too much TV.  While Andy and I lead the life of an "old married couple" we are far from it and need to avoid falling into too many "traps" this early on. 
Friday night we didn't watch TV, we didn't play games.  We sat at the kitchen table, had a few beers and talked.  It was amazing and SO much fun!

Saturday morning wasn't as easy.  I was having a REALLY hard time determining if I was going to drive to Chicago to see a friend that sounded like she needed some company.  She kinda has a lot on her plate right now and kinda told me now might not be the greatest time for a visit.  I don't want to get into the details of her life right now (it's my public blog, not hers).  But this isn't just any friend.  This is a great friend.  An amazing friend.  And something in my heart said, screw it, just go there.  So - I went to Chicago.  Me, myself and I.  I did a little outlet mall shopping, belted out some show tunes, reflected on life, and at the end of the journey, I got to give my most amazing friend, and her most amazing husband, a hug.  And in that moment, I was so happy. 

AND since many of my friends live in Chicago, I was able to stop by another friend's house and see her son meet her son. Which was pretty ridiculous, given that he's almost 9 months old.  And usually when we get together - we ALL get together.  All the old college roommates at once.  So I can't really tell you the last time the two of us were able to just hang out.  And let's be honest - friends are great, but sometimes their children are even better! :)   It was like recharging my battery.  And then...then I got back in my car....and drove home!  Floated home really.  My friends are such amazing, strong, beautiful women.  I am lucky to have them in my life.  And why have I not made this day trip before?  Chicago has always been a weekend trip for me.  It was about an 1.5 hour trip.  Nothing.  There will be more day trips to Chicago in my future (Consider this your warning, ladies!  I'm coming back!!).  It doesn't always have to be a full weekend.  And aren't friends worth that?  Mine are.

Then, I came home to my amazing family.  Amazing friends and amazing family.  How did I get so lucky?  Eleanor ran to me, and she and Andy told me all about their day.  (Those two...)  We got to spend the last few moments of the day together.  Then Andy and I made a drink and assumed our place on the couch.  The day had drained me.  We just sat on the couch, not talking much, talking a lot, whatever, whenever.

Today was a normal Sunday.  A little time for play, a little time for work and the night ends as normal as possible.  Catching up on some DVR and blogging. 

Now, if I wake up tomorrow and my freezer isn't broken, I'd say this weekend has been one of the best in a long time.  If my freezer is broken...well....it's still a great weekend.  And I'm incredibly blessed and feel just an overwhelming sense of comfort and happiness. 

Oh - and check this out - No denying these two are sisters.  Eleanor has taken to wearing Emma's old hat and EVERY time she puts it on, I see Emma.  I'm a little bummed because I thought I had a close up of Em in that hat, but this will do.

Ready for Monday?  Ready for more snow?

Eleanor - March 3, 2013

Emma - January 2008

February 22, 2013

There was February 22, 2o11.

There was February 22, 2o12.

And there was February 22, 2o13.  No link. Because it' my reality.  It's today.  And sometimes...I feel like it might be harder than the others. 

Well. Different then the others.

I don't know how to write this.  Today has been different then any other day.   The moment hit me at different times and the way I coped was different than others. What does this day mean - really?

My first thought.  Eleanor.
Eleanor - you are and continue to be my reason for living.  When Nic died.  I died.  And the next morning, Eleanor came into the house. She asked where Daddy was and I needed to live again.  I needed to make that little girl's life as normal as possible.  And she breathed life into me...and I continued on.  For her. I continued on.

Next.  I think of my family.  My family.  Nic's family.  One and the same - right? 
My dad physically held me during the funeral. Physically held me.  Because I couldn't hold myself. 
And my parents continued to physically hold me for the...the rest of time. And Nic's parents continued to be my beacon of strength.  Because if I lost Eleanor.  Well...I couldn't loose Eleanor.

And now.  Now I think of Andy.  I was alive.  I lived my life.  And I met this man.  And he breathed life into me. He reminded me how to love with that other part of my heart.  Laugh with that other part of my soul. 

And today I struggle with mourning my past and celebrating my future.  Each man knowing me in a different way.  Each man, loving a different woman.  Me.  Loving a different me.  Me loving a different me. 

And this is my reality.  And each person has made me who I am.   And I'm thankful...and pensive.  And...well....

Grandparents

Do you have Grandparents? 
My daughter has 4 sets of Grandparents. 

She has my mom and dad.
She has Nic's mom and dad.
She has Andy's mom and step-dad.
She has Andy's dad and step-mom.

One.  Lucky.  Kid.

I only have stolen grandparents.

My dad's dad passed away a short time before my parent's wedding.
My dad's step dad passed away when I was in elementary school. It was at Christmas time.
Dolores (That's my dad's mom - an iconic woman!), well, there was husband #3.  The cutest German man.  He passed away when I was in college.  It was Christmas, too.
I think Dolores stuck around long enough to ensure I could actually secure 1 husband and passed away about a month after Nic and I got engaged. 

My mom's mom passed away when I was in high school.  Well - a few days before I started my Freshman Year.  In fact - I never went to my freshman orientation. 
My mom's dad passed away when I was in college. Freshman Year.  That was a disaster.  Daniel was a-mazing.  Amazing.

Now. None of my grandparents were around into my adult life, but when they were here, I was lucky to have pretty good relationships with them.  My dad's parents lived in Milwaukee - They were the grandparents that came to dance recitals.  Because they could.  My mom's parents lived in a teeny, tiny town in northern Wisconsin.  We spent a lot of time "up north".  Sometimes my parents would drive me up there one weekend, leave me there for a week in the summer, and then come back and get me.  Summers up north were great!

This is my life.  I haven't known to have grandparents in my adult life.
So I found myself stealing them!

The first grandparents I stole were Nic's.  Grandma and Grandpa Terrones.  They were the greatest grandparents to steal.  I love them!  Grandma T loved the Brewer's.  She had spunk.  She had character.  Unfortunately, Grandma T outlived her grandson (which should never happen), but passed away shortly after that.  We still have Grandpa T.  We just celebrated Grandpa's 93rd birthday.  He brings a smile to my face just typing about him.  He's sharp as a tack that man is!

Next I stole Andy's Grandma and Grandpa.  I know how to pick Grandparents - that's for sure.  They were another great steal!  Grandma and Grandpa Shumway still live in their own house.  Grandma can tell you exactly how she met Grandpa, what her first impression of him was and what it was like to date him.  She loves telling the story and I love listening to it.  They just celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary.  Grandpa went on the Honor Flight and we got to watch the documentary with him this summer. 

Grandpa is celebrating his 96th birthday today.  And he's in the hospital.  For 24 hours he has been in the hospital.  And I don't know what that means.  But I know he's 96.  And I know it's causing me to feel reflective on my own experiences with Grandparents.  Stolen or otherwise.  And I'm thankful that Andy's grandparents have allowed me to steal them.  And I feel like a Grandchild.  And I love like one. 

And they've welcomed Eleanor.  Not only does Eleanor have 4 sets have grandparents - she has GREAT grandparents. And that's even more amazing.  And Lucky.  To have Great Grandparents.  And Great Grandparents love Great Grandchildren.  And I love that Eleanor can bring her Great Grandparents joy (and there is a lot of love and a lot of greatness in this paragraph!)

So, tonight, say a prayer for Grandpa Shumway.  Say a prayer for your own grandparents - with us or at the proverbial "dance party".  And if you don't have grandparents, I highly encourage you to find some to steal.  Because really, we are so lucky to have them! 

Wedding Planning

The details are starting to come together...which is good...because the wedding is getting closer - faster! 

I'm not going to lie - I wish all the planning was over.  I wish the big day was here and I would just be celebrating with my husband (!)  Finally married!

In the meantime, I'm pinning, flipping through magazines and browsing websites trying to get all the details together.  Figuring out what type of wedding invitations to go with.  What type of flowers should I have?  Who should do our readings?  Oy!

I may not have our wedding invitations figured out.  I may not have flowers figured out.  But I do have a dress and now I have one of these adorable hangers for my wedding dress.

 

 

I just love PickYourPlum.com - you should check it out.  A new deal is posted every day...I have a feeling there will be many other beauties secured for the wedding through that website. 

 

Yeeeeee!  Can't wait to get my hanger!

Random Acts of Kindness

This post too me far to long to write.  But it's been in my head.  I need and want to share.

When I first heard about the shooting at an Elementary School in Connecticut, I was driving to my department Christmas party. 

A celebration.

Instead, I sat at a small bakery in Elm Grove and cried.

I didn't go back to work that day.  I wandered around DSW, crying.  And then I threw up. 

I met my family out for dinner.  Hugged my little girl and cried. 

And that night I had nightmares. 

I lost faith in every part of humanity.  And yet, a part of me was thankful.  I, unlike many parents out there, didn't really need to talk to my child about the horror.  Eleanor was, in her 3 year-old world, oblivious to what had happened.  I didn't need to try and convince her that she was safe.  She already knew she was. 

And while my heart was broken for the families of the children.  I also thought about all the teachers.  All my friends and family members that are teachers.  Those adults that on a daily basis are entrusted with the lives of little children.  That form, model and develop my - your - child.

And that Sunday, in Church, I cried. 

What are we going to do?

And then I saw this Facebook post:

Received a yellow rose today from a students mom today. When I asked, "oh what's this for?" She simply said, "In light of the events and being a first grade teacher I thought you should have this."

##so sweet and thoughtful

There's not a teacher in this country that didn't think about the families in Connecticut today. May God give them strength to get through this tragedy.

 

And you have to be careful with what you read on Facebook.  But I know it to be true, because my cousin posted it. 

 

And finally I took a step back and remembered...The world can be a horrible, horrible place.  Terrible things happen.  Things I can't prevent. 

 

But faith in humanity can not be lost.  Wonderful things happen.  And people, for the most part, want to be good.  Want to care and want to love. 

 

So I can smile at the stranger. 

I can hang up my phone and have a face to face conversation with the person scanning my groceries. 

I can hold a door open.

I can pray.

I can remember.

And I, too, can perform Random Acts of Kindness. 

 

What can  WILL you do?

Wisconsin Weather

I mean.

It’s a little ridiculous.
How are ANY of us supposed to stay healthy when one day it’s 50 and the next day the temperatures are dropping like a bad habit!

The worst part….I haven’t been paying any attention to the weather reports.
On Friday night, I went to see Les Miserables and, since then, have been listening to the soundtrack to and from work. I managed to catch the weather report this morning and was floored to hear the projection.
I looked at my reflection in the mirror in my mind: ¾ sleeve sweater, ¾ sleeve jacket. No hat, fashion gloves, no boots.

I consider myself a reasonable person. And while I once was too cool for boots, I have grown up considerably (in some aspects!). I understand the desire for warm, dry feet – and I’m clumsy and have a less likely chance of slipping while wearing good foot protection.

Well, Wisconsin. You win again!

As for the bananas on the top of my fridge…I guess it’s time for the garbage. I doubt I’ll be stopping at Target tonight for the ingredient essential: baking soda.

Two questions:
Do you have some baking soda I could ‘borrow’?
Is it spring yet? Oh wait – It’s still Wisconsin…that won’t help!

I suck at blogging.
Lately, anyway.
My new year’s resolution is to be better at it.
I mean.
We all know that I lead a THRILLING life that you love following.

But you know what my problem is.
I’m annoyed.
I follow a few pretty amazing blogs and I
Just
Don’t
Get
It.

How do you get all those pictures in your blog?
I lose patience.
Take picture.
Upload picture
Edit picture
Upload to blogger.
Blah.

But. A picture is worth a thousand words.
And I like them.
So…how do you do it?

Any tips? Or suggestions?

Please.

Pretty please?!

One final celebration

How does it happen?  How does it all go by so quickly?  One minute she's an infant, sleeping under a tree.  And the next minute?

She's 4. 

 

Yesterday we had Eleanor's birthday party.  That is one lucky little girl.  I think we ended up with 30 people at our house!  30 people just to celebrate Eleanor!  All family.  

 

Eleanor and all her grandparents!

Yup.  One lucky little girl!  Now...if she could just stop growing up SO fast!

 

 

And now all of the celebrations are over.  Christmas.  Our vacation (yes, I know, I still need to blog about it). And Eleanor's birthday party.  Now...slowly, the decorations will start coming down. And life will become "routine" again.  And I have to say...I'm kinda looking forward to it.  Whatever routine really means!

January 8

It's Nic's birthday today. 
Happy Birthday, Nicolas.

I knew today was going to come.  Every year - January 8th.  It comes right after January 7th.

Every year.

So, I can't really say I'm surprised it's here. 

I've thought a lot about today.
What it means.
How I wanted to celebrate.
I had a few ideas in my head.

* I could get Nic's friends together and we could go to Conejito's and celebrate with some tostadas and tequila. 
* I could go to a bar.  By myself.  And sit on the corner stool and have a few shots of tequila.
* I could stay home, with my family, and just embrace what I have. Hug a little longer.  Laugh a little louder.  Play a game.  Drink good wine. 

Well - today is here.   I'm not at Conejito's.  I'm not at a bar.  And Eleanor is sleeping (finally..THANK GOD) and Andy is at racquetball. 

So maybe this is how my Tuesday was supposed to end.  Sitting on a couch.  Shot of tequila in my belly.  Baily's in my glass.  Sleeping dog at my side.  Just being reflective. 

But I struggle with what it all means.  And I stare at my computer screen. Not sure what to write next.  And so I look back.  I look back at January 8, 2012.  And again, I find myself laughing. 

Of course I didn't know what to do today.  Or how to think. Or how to process.  Because I just want today to be like every other day.  I just want to say, "I'm OK."  "It doesn't bother me." Nothing ever bothers Dana about what happened.

Bull shit.  It does bother me and that's OK.  No amount of time.  Or other life changing events will ever change the fact of what days on the calendar mean to me.  And there's no point trying to hide that or trying to escape that.  Because clearly, even when I try.  I can't.  Even in the happiest of moments, my subconscience can't ignore the date. 

So.  This was Nic's birthday.  2013.  Nic's 33rd birthday.  And it probably went down just as it would have.  The world kept turning.  We went to work.  We came home.  We made dinner.  We dealt with sick preschoolers.  We lived life.  And even if we didn't realize it.  Even if we didn't have cake and balloons and presents and ice cream.  We celebrated it.  Because even your subconscience can't ignore that. 

Happy Birthday, Nicolas. 
You share your birthday with one amazing dog - Happy Birthday Karl, Karl the wonder dog! ;)

Blogging Under Pressure

Did you know that I have always wanted to be an author?
I dream of writing children's books. 
I have idea upon idea in my head...but when it comes to putting them down in writing.  I freeze.

So...perhaps this explains why my "2012 Year in Review" blog post....sucks.

Well - it does.  I just can't blog under pressure. 

I have so many great ideas and stories to share from 2012.  I just wrote my 2012 year in review in my Christmas journal and it was just so much better!

Sorry to put you all through that.  Read the posts from the year...I swear - it's usually a lot better.

OH and I suppose you are curious about our 2 week adventure to Florida.  It was AMAZING!  I'm currently uploading 698 pictures and reviewing 695 from my sister.  My dad's pictures haven't even been uploaded yet.  It's going to take FOREVER to scrapbook this :)

Once I get a few things in order, I'll provide a very detailed update.  YAY!!