Is there anything better than summer?
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| In Summerrrrrrrrr! |
Thursday, July 14, 2016
Sweet Summer
My boys were at the dinner table tonight with their shirts off and their skin a nice (sunscreened) shade of tan. Their hair seemed lighter, their smiles were huge, and their plates had watermelon on them. I just sat down and thought about how if I were to pick a screen shot that showed the epitome of summer then this would be it. And it was glorious.
Monday, June 9, 2014
The Most Important Job
Bed time was a total beast tonight.
I was doing bed time solo, which is totally fine. Lukas was being a professor and I am totally good with that, thrilled in fact!
It's a very rare occasion, but BOTH of the guys were screaming and fighting bed. Normally bedtime is lovely. We have worked hard to create a sweet bed time for our sweethearts and they really do well with it. Also, normally, either one or the other is "acting out". (note the quotes)
It just goes to show you that even the best parenting plans don't always work.
Tonight however, they were both completely exhausted, overly exhausted. Therefore the fight.
As I was getting frustrated and worked up, irritated and a little defeated, I was reminded of something I read awhile back:
"Remember, you are not managing an inconvenience, you are raising a human being." Kittie Franz
I don't know who Kittie Franz is, but she came through for me tonight. It had to be divine intervention, but I remembered that quote out of nowhere and it calmed me down. It changed my disposition. Suddenly I wasn't irritated standing in the hallway.
I took a second look at my wonderful baby (which yes he'll always be) and reminded myself that he's only going to be like this for a small time. I watched his little eyelids drooping. His chubby hands resting by his face. I appreciated that all he needed was to have me near him. To provide that comfort for him. He doesn't need it most nights, but tonight for whatever reason he did. Now all I am is so thankful to him for that. I needed that reminder. That reminder to SLOW down.
What was I really going to be doing instead anyway?
And you know what. They both went to sleep. Now they are peaceful and resting for another inconvenient yet wonderful day. And I can't wait.
I was doing bed time solo, which is totally fine. Lukas was being a professor and I am totally good with that, thrilled in fact!
It's a very rare occasion, but BOTH of the guys were screaming and fighting bed. Normally bedtime is lovely. We have worked hard to create a sweet bed time for our sweethearts and they really do well with it. Also, normally, either one or the other is "acting out". (note the quotes)
It just goes to show you that even the best parenting plans don't always work.
Tonight however, they were both completely exhausted, overly exhausted. Therefore the fight.
As I was getting frustrated and worked up, irritated and a little defeated, I was reminded of something I read awhile back:
"Remember, you are not managing an inconvenience, you are raising a human being." Kittie Franz
I don't know who Kittie Franz is, but she came through for me tonight. It had to be divine intervention, but I remembered that quote out of nowhere and it calmed me down. It changed my disposition. Suddenly I wasn't irritated standing in the hallway.
I took a second look at my wonderful baby (which yes he'll always be) and reminded myself that he's only going to be like this for a small time. I watched his little eyelids drooping. His chubby hands resting by his face. I appreciated that all he needed was to have me near him. To provide that comfort for him. He doesn't need it most nights, but tonight for whatever reason he did. Now all I am is so thankful to him for that. I needed that reminder. That reminder to SLOW down.
What was I really going to be doing instead anyway?
And you know what. They both went to sleep. Now they are peaceful and resting for another inconvenient yet wonderful day. And I can't wait.
Tuesday, April 22, 2014
This Year's Verses
All at the same time I was reading Praying Circles Around Your Children by Mark Batterson (loved that book!) AND one of my favorite blogs (Specific post HERE).
Both of these ideas themed around the fact of praying for your kids. "Praying" for my children was already a given, but both of these sources gave me the idea to designate Bible verses to each of my guys and pray for them through that verse.
Last year's verse was a shared verse:
"Let them grow in wisdom and stature and in favor of God and man." (Luke 2:52)
Since this was the first time trying this, I decided to practice with the same verse for each of them. This allowed me to think over verses all this year for the next year. Verses that I felt would benefit them personally. Individually. Here's what I came up with:
Cameron, my cautious, inquisitive, planner and thinker:
Philippians 4:6 New Living Translation
"Don't worry about anything; instead pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank Him for all He has done."
Tate, my independent, determined, fearless two year old:
Proverbs 3: 5-6 ESV
"Trust in the Lord with all of your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make straight your paths."
Here's to another wonderful year that I get to pray for these boys.
Both of these ideas themed around the fact of praying for your kids. "Praying" for my children was already a given, but both of these sources gave me the idea to designate Bible verses to each of my guys and pray for them through that verse.
Last year's verse was a shared verse:
"Let them grow in wisdom and stature and in favor of God and man." (Luke 2:52)
Since this was the first time trying this, I decided to practice with the same verse for each of them. This allowed me to think over verses all this year for the next year. Verses that I felt would benefit them personally. Individually. Here's what I came up with:
Cameron, my cautious, inquisitive, planner and thinker:
Philippians 4:6 New Living Translation
"Don't worry about anything; instead pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank Him for all He has done."
Tate, my independent, determined, fearless two year old:
Proverbs 3: 5-6 ESV
"Trust in the Lord with all of your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make straight your paths."
Here's to another wonderful year that I get to pray for these boys.
Monday, April 21, 2014
T's Birthday Party
Today I am on the Tampa Bay Mom's Blog talking about a recent 2 year old birthday that we celebrated.
We keep our 2 year old birthdays very small. Even with only a few people, the person in celebration doesn't entirely get it, but does get easily overwhelmed. I feel like in the next couple of years, we will appreciate that decision :)
We keep our 2 year old birthdays very small. Even with only a few people, the person in celebration doesn't entirely get it, but does get easily overwhelmed. I feel like in the next couple of years, we will appreciate that decision :)
Anyway, go check out some of the details! They're out of this world!
Thursday, April 17, 2014
Interrupting Throwback Thursday
We now interrupt your regularly scheduled episode of Throwback Thursday for an important announcement:
I DID IT!!!!!
That's right! It has officially been 21 days since my last Coca Cola.
It wasn't easy. I wanted a coke every day and I passed up the opportunity for a nice cool fountain coke in a Styrofoam cup many times.
BUT I do feel that I have definitely broken the habit. In the meantime:
1. I was also able to stop being addicted to caffeine with a weaned off of caffeine technique that left my headache to a dull level for only one day.
2. I have greatly decreased my soda intake altogether, most days not having any at all. I did have an occasional root beer or very occasional orange soda (like 2 the whole time) when we went out. The thing is though, they don't cut it and I feel pretty good saying that I don't want to drink them for the sake of drinking empty chemicals, colors, and calories. Maybe just the occasional fizz.
3. I don't feel the need to run out the door and get a Coke because my 21 days is over. In fact, I am going to go for 30 with these final 9 days being completely soda free. I haven't decided on lemonade yet.
4. My weight has not changed in either direction. I don't know if I can call quitting soda a weight loss diet. I haven't fully "dieted" either though, this was a one task habit break folks. One at a time.
5. I don't have more energy, probably less without caffeine at all. I did think that not putting all of the horrible stuff into my body every day would leave me feeling a little different for the better. Other than the lack of guilt, I can't say that I feel differently.
6. So while I can't say the typical "I gave up this bad for you food" statements about feeling extra great, I do feel good not being addicted to something. Even as silly as this addiction was, I did feel kind of bound to it. I would actually get a head ache and it would effect my day if I didn't have any, now I don't have to worry about it.
Overall, I consider this a big win!
So there you have it folks! The sticky note habit making/breaking technique is a winner for me! I really did love pulling a sticky off of the wall every day and I knew that if I even broke down one day, then the stickies would all have to go up again. That really worked for me.
Now I'm off to plot my next goal. Mwah ha ha.
Wednesday, April 16, 2014
Tuesday, April 15, 2014
Happy Birthday Sweet Tate!
My baby is 2 today. He turned 2 yesterday, but he is still 2 today. :)
Tate is a wonder and a joy. He is extremely easy going and laid back. His favorite thing to do is to jump off of high surfaces while yelling, "See that?!?!" He is an amazing climber, his mom just loves that.
When he messes up at something he says, "Oh Maaaan!"
He adores his brother and loves to snuggle his mama. He's sweet and gentle.
At the same time, he is more than capable of holding his own with a family wrestling match. He often leads the pack. He's weirdly coordinated and I even think athletic. I know that's weird to say about a brand new 2 year old, but he really is.
Tate feels no need to follow anyone. If his friends are all playing, he is perfectly okay with finishing up what he is doing before joining in, if he chooses to join in. I hope that he will always have that confidence in himself. He's wonderful at playing.
He reads himself to sleep for every nap and every night. I will walk in his room and see him lying in his bed looking up at a book before he nods off. It's one of my favorite things I've ever seen. He also knows all of his uppercase letters and tries to throw their sounds in there.
Everyone who knows Tate loves him. Strangers who don't know him love him too. He is really handsome and to most people, looks just like his dad.
This year I prayed for Tate every day at some point that he "grow in wisdom and stature and in favor of God and man." (Luke 2:52) I am so grateful that God heard me because I feel that it is perfectly evident that he is daily answering that prayer.
Sweet Tate, keep on growing in wisdom and stature and in favor of God and man. You will forever be the one who made made me a Mama again and taught me that my heart can grow bigger than I ever imagined!
Happy Birthday!
Tate is a wonder and a joy. He is extremely easy going and laid back. His favorite thing to do is to jump off of high surfaces while yelling, "See that?!?!" He is an amazing climber, his mom just loves that.
When he messes up at something he says, "Oh Maaaan!"
He adores his brother and loves to snuggle his mama. He's sweet and gentle.
At the same time, he is more than capable of holding his own with a family wrestling match. He often leads the pack. He's weirdly coordinated and I even think athletic. I know that's weird to say about a brand new 2 year old, but he really is.
Tate feels no need to follow anyone. If his friends are all playing, he is perfectly okay with finishing up what he is doing before joining in, if he chooses to join in. I hope that he will always have that confidence in himself. He's wonderful at playing.
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| Flying Kites at the park? I think I'll read a book instead. |
He reads himself to sleep for every nap and every night. I will walk in his room and see him lying in his bed looking up at a book before he nods off. It's one of my favorite things I've ever seen. He also knows all of his uppercase letters and tries to throw their sounds in there.
Everyone who knows Tate loves him. Strangers who don't know him love him too. He is really handsome and to most people, looks just like his dad.
 |
| 2 years 3 months/July 2013 Sand Beach Maine |
This year I prayed for Tate every day at some point that he "grow in wisdom and stature and in favor of God and man." (Luke 2:52) I am so grateful that God heard me because I feel that it is perfectly evident that he is daily answering that prayer.
Sweet Tate, keep on growing in wisdom and stature and in favor of God and man. You will forever be the one who made made me a Mama again and taught me that my heart can grow bigger than I ever imagined!
Happy Birthday!
Friday, April 11, 2014
It is SO worth it...
This was on my heart so I linked up at the "On Your Heart" linky party found HERE
*Disclaimer: This post is sappy. But it's true and it's on my mind.
I was talking to a dear friend last night about having babies. She does not have any babies yet, although when she is ready, she will be the most loving and wonderful mom you know. She was expressing how she was nervous about a future (no not yet) pregnancy and childbirth. She was stating all of the things that I used to be nervous about too, things that I think every single "not yet" mom thinks about. I think you know what I'm talking about....
Anyway, I purposely DON'T give a lot of details about birthing experiences (especially my first one) to nervous future moms because they can be scary. My birthing story with my second was hilarious and embarrassing from start to finish, partially why I've never shared it online. Typical me, with no filter, the queen of awkward, was telling that story and I think I freaked her out more. So I got to thinking about it.
Having a baby is beautiful, natural, and wonderful. But it can also be scary, leaky, and sometimes embarrassing. What I want to exaggerate today is why it is so worth it to go through a short amount of weird.
Dear sweet friend, and any other future moms who are worried out there, I'm not going to tell you that it's not hard, but I am going to tell you that is more than worth it. When that part is over, you get this:
If you're like me (and I can't be the only one) You may not have a darn clue what you are doing, but it's okay. You really do figure it out. It still hurts a little (or maybe a lot). You're sensitive emotionally and physically. No, nothing will ever be the same again. While it seems slow, your brand new sweet baby very (very, very, very) quickly develops into a wonderful personality. You're cracking up:
And it doesn't matter what you do because you can't stop it. You can't slow it down either. In fact, as much as you want to freeze it, you also can't wait to see what's next. You can't wait to see who they become and love them more and more every single day.
Oh and this:
Oh man. This gets to a whole new level of love. You're in this together and it is the hardest, but sweetest journey that you'll be on. When you see them together. Forget it. You melted into butter before you could do anything else.
If you're like me, and it's what you want, you then get blessed to do it all over again. It's similar, but it's totally different. After all, you have another completely different person. It's leaky and embarrassing again. But very soon, you have this:
Who also develops a wonderful personality all too quickly:
Only this time, you get this along with it:
Those moments grow into these:
Even when they do the most basic things, you think it's the greatest thing ever.
It's not always easy. They leak:
They're very messy:
But you love them. You love them so much. By now, you don't care WHAT you did in that labor room.
You're tired, but you're strong and so in love. The next thing you know, you have these wonderful little people who take over your everything and you love it. Memories of a birthing area are there, but they're fond, even when they're embarrassing or yes, sometimes traumatic.
That's because they're yours.
Those memories and those times; those belong to you and they are unique to you, just like my experiences here are all unique to me. They are the moments that start it all. And from my experience, they are SO worth it.
*Disclaimer: This post is sappy. But it's true and it's on my mind.
I was talking to a dear friend last night about having babies. She does not have any babies yet, although when she is ready, she will be the most loving and wonderful mom you know. She was expressing how she was nervous about a future (no not yet) pregnancy and childbirth. She was stating all of the things that I used to be nervous about too, things that I think every single "not yet" mom thinks about. I think you know what I'm talking about....
Anyway, I purposely DON'T give a lot of details about birthing experiences (especially my first one) to nervous future moms because they can be scary. My birthing story with my second was hilarious and embarrassing from start to finish, partially why I've never shared it online. Typical me, with no filter, the queen of awkward, was telling that story and I think I freaked her out more. So I got to thinking about it.
Having a baby is beautiful, natural, and wonderful. But it can also be scary, leaky, and sometimes embarrassing. What I want to exaggerate today is why it is so worth it to go through a short amount of weird.
Dear sweet friend, and any other future moms who are worried out there, I'm not going to tell you that it's not hard, but I am going to tell you that is more than worth it. When that part is over, you get this:
 |
| My first picture with my new guy (after he was wiped down) |
If you're like me (and I can't be the only one) You may not have a darn clue what you are doing, but it's okay. You really do figure it out. It still hurts a little (or maybe a lot). You're sensitive emotionally and physically. No, nothing will ever be the same again. While it seems slow, your brand new sweet baby very (very, very, very) quickly develops into a wonderful personality. You're cracking up:
And it doesn't matter what you do because you can't stop it. You can't slow it down either. In fact, as much as you want to freeze it, you also can't wait to see what's next. You can't wait to see who they become and love them more and more every single day.
Oh and this:
Oh man. This gets to a whole new level of love. You're in this together and it is the hardest, but sweetest journey that you'll be on. When you see them together. Forget it. You melted into butter before you could do anything else.
If you're like me, and it's what you want, you then get blessed to do it all over again. It's similar, but it's totally different. After all, you have another completely different person. It's leaky and embarrassing again. But very soon, you have this:
 |
| This picture apparently became a tradition. |
Only this time, you get this along with it:
Those moments grow into these:
Even when they do the most basic things, you think it's the greatest thing ever.
It's not always easy. They leak:
They're very messy:
But you love them. You love them so much. By now, you don't care WHAT you did in that labor room.
You're tired, but you're strong and so in love. The next thing you know, you have these wonderful little people who take over your everything and you love it. Memories of a birthing area are there, but they're fond, even when they're embarrassing or yes, sometimes traumatic.
That's because they're yours.
Those memories and those times; those belong to you and they are unique to you, just like my experiences here are all unique to me. They are the moments that start it all. And from my experience, they are SO worth it.
Thursday, April 10, 2014
Throwback Thursday 2
I had a lot of fun incorporating "Throwback Thursday" into the bliggety blog last week. I thought I'd try it again!
This post was originally posted in December of 2012 (here) when the blog was a brand new baby. I still love the encouragement that I felt when she sent it to me. I still love the sentiment that it brings in. I still feel the same way. I still put out the same offer. Anything making your heart sing lately? Send it my way! I'd love to hear about it!
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Your Singing Hearts Again!
This post was originally posted in December of 2012 (here) when the blog was a brand new baby. I still love the encouragement that I felt when she sent it to me. I still love the sentiment that it brings in. I still feel the same way. I still put out the same offer. Anything making your heart sing lately? Send it my way! I'd love to hear about it!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Your Singing Hearts Again!
My bestie sent this to me via Facebook and I have to admit, I kind of loved it! (126)
What I think that she was referring to when sending this and saying that it reminded her of me (so flattered!) was the post here about Giving.
Thank you friend!
If you have something that is making your heart sing, please send it to me or comment on any post on here and I would love to share it!
What I think that she was referring to when sending this and saying that it reminded her of me (so flattered!) was the post here about Giving.
Thank you friend!
If you have something that is making your heart sing, please send it to me or comment on any post on here and I would love to share it!
Wednesday, April 9, 2014
Every Year
On C's first Christmas, our family went to one of our wonderful friend's annual boat parade parties.
This is one of our FAVORITE Christmas traditions. The food is amazing, the company is superb, there's a trombone group playing carols, and the boats all put on their best Christmas lighting gear for a lovely parade.
That year, the hostess gave me a potted Amaryllis plant. She gave it to me with the idea that I could "transplant" it into my "garden" and enjoy it from there.
I can't think of any other time that I've ever planted anything. Seriously. That's rather embarrassing, but gardening has never been my strong suit of mine. In fact, I have deemed myself a "dead thumb". Even so, I figured I'd give it a try. I enjoy gardens. I love pretty flowers.
3 years later, here it is:
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I love this thing. I have such a weird amount of pride for it. I planted it, and it stayed alive. That deems this probably the most resilient plant ever, but I don't care.
In fact, I have taken a picture of this Amaryllis every year since the first year it bloomed and it is becoming a tradition that I really look forward to. This year it's even expanded and has two big stems meaning 4 flowers!
.jpg)
Sometimes it really is the little things that bring joy and make my heart sing so loud.
This is one of our FAVORITE Christmas traditions. The food is amazing, the company is superb, there's a trombone group playing carols, and the boats all put on their best Christmas lighting gear for a lovely parade.
That year, the hostess gave me a potted Amaryllis plant. She gave it to me with the idea that I could "transplant" it into my "garden" and enjoy it from there.
I can't think of any other time that I've ever planted anything. Seriously. That's rather embarrassing, but gardening has never been my strong suit of mine. In fact, I have deemed myself a "dead thumb". Even so, I figured I'd give it a try. I enjoy gardens. I love pretty flowers.
3 years later, here it is:
I love this thing. I have such a weird amount of pride for it. I planted it, and it stayed alive. That deems this probably the most resilient plant ever, but I don't care.
In fact, I have taken a picture of this Amaryllis every year since the first year it bloomed and it is becoming a tradition that I really look forward to. This year it's even expanded and has two big stems meaning 4 flowers!
Sometimes it really is the little things that bring joy and make my heart sing so loud.
Tuesday, April 8, 2014
Lasts
For their whole lives, I've been really good about enjoying the stages that they're currently in. I've been really good at looking forward to the next stages too. I've intentionally stopped myself and said,
"savor this now."
I've also thought, "oh my, when will this day end?!" but that's another post entirely!
Lately, I've been feeling nostalgic and sappy. Today as I was putting them down for their naps, it hit me. We are starting a journey toward a lot of "lasts".
For one thing, next year I am going back to teaching full time. I am so excited about this, really. I love my school, coworkers, students, and job. I have gotten to take 4 years to "wean" myself back into the classroom full time. I have gotten so much more time than a lot of other moms that I know. I am grateful for it all. Lukas and I have worked really hard in order for us to share this time together, and now it's time.
I had a huge moment today at pre-nap time where it hit me that this time next year, I won't be doing nap time on a Monday. I will have a VPK student (yes, really) and a 2 year old. They'll still have nap time, but not here, not with me.
Also, T turns 2 on Monday. He already thinks he's 3 and I feel like we just brought him home.
So the lasts, they're coming quickly. They're going even faster. You know what though? They've been coming and going this whole time and we've managed wonderfully. I will continue to "savor this now." I will always love the "lasts" that we get to share together.
I will also remember that with each last we get to have a new first. And firsts are just so exciting!
This was on my heart today, so I linked it up HERE. Go check it out. :)
"savor this now."
I've also thought, "oh my, when will this day end?!" but that's another post entirely!
Lately, I've been feeling nostalgic and sappy. Today as I was putting them down for their naps, it hit me. We are starting a journey toward a lot of "lasts".
For one thing, next year I am going back to teaching full time. I am so excited about this, really. I love my school, coworkers, students, and job. I have gotten to take 4 years to "wean" myself back into the classroom full time. I have gotten so much more time than a lot of other moms that I know. I am grateful for it all. Lukas and I have worked really hard in order for us to share this time together, and now it's time.
I had a huge moment today at pre-nap time where it hit me that this time next year, I won't be doing nap time on a Monday. I will have a VPK student (yes, really) and a 2 year old. They'll still have nap time, but not here, not with me.
Also, T turns 2 on Monday. He already thinks he's 3 and I feel like we just brought him home.
So the lasts, they're coming quickly. They're going even faster. You know what though? They've been coming and going this whole time and we've managed wonderfully. I will continue to "savor this now." I will always love the "lasts" that we get to share together.
I will also remember that with each last we get to have a new first. And firsts are just so exciting!
 |
| Mastering the Big Boy Swing |
This was on my heart today, so I linked it up HERE. Go check it out. :)
Friday, April 4, 2014
Thursday, April 3, 2014
Throwback Thursday: Giving
I originally posted this post in November of 2012. You can see the original here.
This is one of my favorite personal posts. I used it as one of my writing examples when I applied to write for TBMB. I wanted to "throwback" a couple of years to love it again... So you can either click on the original link, or just read here:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
To me, it is one of life's great ironies... When you give, you get more than what you gave.
Today our family (all 16 of us) went to downtown to feed the hungry. We made sandwiches, chips, apples, and water. The kids decorated bags and packed them. We handed them out. It just felt good. (57)
Even the 2 year old got it. As we're driving away from the experience, our conversation went like this...
C- "We gave man our lunch."
Us- "Yes, C. He didn't have any food for lunch and we did so we gave him some to eat."
C- "Yeah. We share lunch."
Oh my gosh, it hardly gets sweeter than a conversation like that! I have to admit that I wasn't thinking that he was going to get it. But on his own level, he did. I can't express the happiness I felt knowing that he felt good helping someone out. (58)
We may have given those people some meals, but we walked away with SO much more. I feel so grateful for the lesson and experience that they gave our family. It's important to us that we raise our boys knowing that there are needs and wanting to fill them. Holidays are so fun and I love the traditions that go along with them, but I want them to get more than just the receiving end of the holidays. I want them to get giving. I also really want to give them experiences and I can't wait to turn something like this into a tradition.
Before going, we read a story about our favorite role model. (59) Especially when it comes to giving. We read a story to all of the kids (and adults) from Luke 17 where Jesus heals some men with Leprosy. It's a good read if you're wondering.
If the Bible isn't your favorite read then know that giving isn't just in the Bible. I know that Christian people aren't the only ones who can be good at giving! I also read in Good Housekeeping Magazine this week that giving is a good habit of people who are happy. I have to agree!
If you have given or are giving please let me know, let our hearts sing together!
This is one of my favorite personal posts. I used it as one of my writing examples when I applied to write for TBMB. I wanted to "throwback" a couple of years to love it again... So you can either click on the original link, or just read here:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
To me, it is one of life's great ironies... When you give, you get more than what you gave.
Today our family (all 16 of us) went to downtown to feed the hungry. We made sandwiches, chips, apples, and water. The kids decorated bags and packed them. We handed them out. It just felt good. (57)
Even the 2 year old got it. As we're driving away from the experience, our conversation went like this...
C- "We gave man our lunch."
Us- "Yes, C. He didn't have any food for lunch and we did so we gave him some to eat."
C- "Yeah. We share lunch."
Oh my gosh, it hardly gets sweeter than a conversation like that! I have to admit that I wasn't thinking that he was going to get it. But on his own level, he did. I can't express the happiness I felt knowing that he felt good helping someone out. (58)
We may have given those people some meals, but we walked away with SO much more. I feel so grateful for the lesson and experience that they gave our family. It's important to us that we raise our boys knowing that there are needs and wanting to fill them. Holidays are so fun and I love the traditions that go along with them, but I want them to get more than just the receiving end of the holidays. I want them to get giving. I also really want to give them experiences and I can't wait to turn something like this into a tradition.
Before going, we read a story about our favorite role model. (59) Especially when it comes to giving. We read a story to all of the kids (and adults) from Luke 17 where Jesus heals some men with Leprosy. It's a good read if you're wondering.
If the Bible isn't your favorite read then know that giving isn't just in the Bible. I know that Christian people aren't the only ones who can be good at giving! I also read in Good Housekeeping Magazine this week that giving is a good habit of people who are happy. I have to agree!
If you have given or are giving please let me know, let our hearts sing together!
Wednesday, April 2, 2014
Things I Currently Love
I'm not typically a HUGE fan of most "things". They take up space and distract me. I have to dust them. I try to have a "less is more" mindset most of the time. Sometimes though, I just get surges of "ooh, I love this and that."
Now, we certainly don't live in a sterile empty room. We have things, I just like to keep them under control.
Having said that, I am currently LOVING some things lately. These are in no particular order:
1. "Let it Go" by Idina Menzel
That's right, myself along with every elementary aged and younger girl in America is currently obsessed with this song. I listened to it for almost an entire 3 miler this week. I'm not ashamed to admit it. The movie is pretty high up there too. Just saw that last week.
2. The Help by Kathryn Stockett
I haven't seen the movie, but the book was phenomenal. I was furious, crying, laughing, and gasping all on one page. Then I'd turn the page and do it again. Amazing. I'm late to this ball game, but it was certainly better late than never.
3. Call the Midwife on PBS. (link)
Just so wonderful. Old episodes are on Netflix. The latest season started on Sunday, they're in the sixties now. Sigh.
4. Big fancy watches. Like this one, if a girl is dreaming:
5. Rosemary Tomato Boar's Head Ham- I get this at Publix (another favorite). Yum.
Okay, so maybe none of these "things" actually take up any space, but they are currently making my heart sing. Just wanted to share! Anything in particular that you are glad was invented or created out there?
Now, we certainly don't live in a sterile empty room. We have things, I just like to keep them under control.
Having said that, I am currently LOVING some things lately. These are in no particular order:
1. "Let it Go" by Idina Menzel
That's right, myself along with every elementary aged and younger girl in America is currently obsessed with this song. I listened to it for almost an entire 3 miler this week. I'm not ashamed to admit it. The movie is pretty high up there too. Just saw that last week.
2. The Help by Kathryn Stockett
I haven't seen the movie, but the book was phenomenal. I was furious, crying, laughing, and gasping all on one page. Then I'd turn the page and do it again. Amazing. I'm late to this ball game, but it was certainly better late than never.
3. Call the Midwife on PBS. (link)
Just so wonderful. Old episodes are on Netflix. The latest season started on Sunday, they're in the sixties now. Sigh.
 |
| Source |
4. Big fancy watches. Like this one, if a girl is dreaming:
 |
| Kate Spade Link Here |
5. Rosemary Tomato Boar's Head Ham- I get this at Publix (another favorite). Yum.
Okay, so maybe none of these "things" actually take up any space, but they are currently making my heart sing. Just wanted to share! Anything in particular that you are glad was invented or created out there?
Tuesday, April 1, 2014
Spring Break 2014
Well, Spring Break, what can I say?
We had big plans. Lots of outdoor time. Lots of sunscreen.
It just didn't totally work out that way though did it? It was cold, it was wet, there was vomiting involved.
At the end of it though, today being Sunday, the sun shining beautifully, I look back on this week as a total blessing.
Some much needed R&R.
A family road trip to Georgia to see family and farm. (Post here)
To celebrate.
Lots of time to just do nothing with my guys. Chuck E Cheese, bowling, jumping with great friends.
To even read a book that's been on my list for a long time! (The Help- I know, I'm behind, but it was SO worth the wait!)
Lots of time to get to a few Honey-do list/school list items and a 10K family run.
Maybe it was rainy and cold last week so that I could appreciate just being.
Well played Spring Break. Lesson Learned.
We had big plans. Lots of outdoor time. Lots of sunscreen.
It just didn't totally work out that way though did it? It was cold, it was wet, there was vomiting involved.
At the end of it though, today being Sunday, the sun shining beautifully, I look back on this week as a total blessing.
Some much needed R&R.
 |
| This is legit sleeping |
A family road trip to Georgia to see family and farm. (Post here)
To celebrate.
Lots of time to just do nothing with my guys. Chuck E Cheese, bowling, jumping with great friends.
To even read a book that's been on my list for a long time! (The Help- I know, I'm behind, but it was SO worth the wait!)
Lots of time to get to a few Honey-do list/school list items and a 10K family run.
Maybe it was rainy and cold last week so that I could appreciate just being.
Well played Spring Break. Lesson Learned.
Monday, March 31, 2014
Today
Today I am on the Tampa Bay Moms Blog talking about my latest habit breaking/making project.
If you know me, you can probably guess that the habit that I am in the process of breaking is my fountain coke habit. 4 days done! Going, okay. Haven't had one yet. Still really want one though!
Go and see what is really working for me. Sometimes it's the little things!
I go up at 1PM
If you know me, you can probably guess that the habit that I am in the process of breaking is my fountain coke habit. 4 days done! Going, okay. Haven't had one yet. Still really want one though!
Go and see what is really working for me. Sometimes it's the little things!
I go up at 1PM
Friday, March 28, 2014
My Heart Sings
The Sun is up
The sky is blue,
It's beautiful,
and so are you.
Song Lyrics by The Beatles
Friday, March 21, 2014
Cotton Ball Painting
* I linked this post up to the Linky Party found here.
Yay for Spring. Yay for spring break!
Last week I was reading the Bower Power Blog (this post). She and her son did this very same project and I completely got the idea from her, but I wanted to share it with you!
We started with some plain brown paper taped to our fence:
We chose 3 seasonally appropriate colors of paint. This next part probably wasn't my best move, but it wasn't too bad either. I used acrylic paint and watered it down a bit. That made this into a craft that was done by the artists in their underpants to avoid staining.
We dipped the cotton balls into the paint and got them pretty saturated. We wanted them to be heavy enough to throw. Then we got them out and had a great time pitching them at our canvas. Some of us stood a little closer than others.
We also got out some paint brushes in case we wanted to add that texture to our painting. Which we did. In the end, we got this:
Later while it was drying, C said, "It looks like flowers." I agree. Especially in the bottom right, it looks like flowers on a stem.
He then went on to say, "and people, and a horse." Apparently it's abstract! I do think that this was a super fun painting activity. It was very satisfying to see the cotton balls splat up on the paper and stick there. We also were able to re-dip and throw the same cotton balls again.
On my summer bucket list: Giant ice cube toy excavation
Yay for Spring. Yay for spring break!
Last week I was reading the Bower Power Blog (this post). She and her son did this very same project and I completely got the idea from her, but I wanted to share it with you!
We started with some plain brown paper taped to our fence:
 |
| While shadows of clothespins danced above their heads |
We chose 3 seasonally appropriate colors of paint. This next part probably wasn't my best move, but it wasn't too bad either. I used acrylic paint and watered it down a bit. That made this into a craft that was done by the artists in their underpants to avoid staining.
We dipped the cotton balls into the paint and got them pretty saturated. We wanted them to be heavy enough to throw. Then we got them out and had a great time pitching them at our canvas. Some of us stood a little closer than others.
 |
| Look at that spring sky! Ooh la la! |
 |
| Wow, this picture turned out dark.... |
He then went on to say, "and people, and a horse." Apparently it's abstract! I do think that this was a super fun painting activity. It was very satisfying to see the cotton balls splat up on the paper and stick there. We also were able to re-dip and throw the same cotton balls again.
On my summer bucket list: Giant ice cube toy excavation
Thursday, March 20, 2014
He is Good. All the Time
This post is one that I have taken days to write. Over the span of two weeks. It is a post that I wanted to walk away from, come back to and see if I still liked the message as it was being conveyed.
I recently experienced what turned out to be a minor legal incident. Long, (long, long) story short, I made a mistake regarding the speed limit and a local school zone. In my minivan. On my way to teach children at a school. I know, how do I get myself into these situations right? Rather than get a ticket, I received a court date.
I try to be very honest here on the blog, but sometimes in blog/social media land, it's easy to paint a picture of "all is well" and "nothing ever goes wrong." It is my goal to have a little corner of this vast internet, and to make my corner a bright, happy, inspiring place in the midst of the darkness that the Internet (and world) can sometimes be. It is not my goal to paint a fake picture of perfection. Today's story is a prime example.
So, the legal incident: At first I was ruined. Useless. Pouty. Nervous. Yikes. I had no idea what to do or expect. No control whatsoever.
I don't believe that God creates "pain", (and no, this does not compare to most of the pain out there) but I do think that he is really good at using situations like this one to make me (maybe you?) a better person.
You see, I had no other choice but to try out this "give it up to God" scenario that I've always heard about. What does that mean anyway? Give it to God.
Well, in this case, I think it meant:
"God, Kelly here. I messed up. I'm not asking you to swoop in and fix my problems like a genie or something, (although, it wouldn't upset me if you did). But I do want you to know, that I feel like you've got me and I trust you. Whatever happens here, please be with me and guide me. Show me that you are in control here and help me to put it into your hands, whatever that means."
This didn't all come out right away. It wasn't some bright light moment. It first came the next day when I prayed with my in-laws about it. After that, resources began to pop up. People who knew what they were talking about in situations like this one. People who could tell me what the day was going to look like and worst case scenarios. Sermons about bad things happening to good people. Personal bible time that reflected verses of God's promises.
Somewhere in that process my prayer became:
"God, Jesus promised rest in Him. (in Matthew) Please just keep me and my over-thinking ball of anxiety brain calm. Help me find rest in you" Whenever I got worked up about it after that, I remembered this moment and felt calmer.
The day finally came. I was nervous, yes, but I wasn't going to lose it. I was ready to accept that I made a mistake and that it would be okay despite potentially bad outcomes. I think that that is what God did for me. He prepared me, he calmed me, he had me, and I was keenly aware of that in the moment.
God didn't promise that I would have a perfect life. In fact, it's the opposite. He said, you WILL have hard times. Those are not going to go away, that's life. (that's not a direct quote). But God does promise that He has me and loves me.
I don't think that the answer to prayer here was to just fix it. I think that the answer to prayer here chalks down to worship. Did I sing songs to God in the court room? No. That's not what I meant. But I feel like my understanding of the fact that He is God and I am not was really deepened. And that is what I believe worship means. (which on a side note, also really allows me to understand Job a little better.)
As far as court goes: The day went better than expected. I am very impressed with the judge in the short time that I spent in the room. He seemed very understanding and appeared to show discernment (not just with me). Maybe that's why he's a judge. I am responsible for a (pretty hefty, no pun intended, but not as bad as it could be) fine as well as driving school.
This situation wasn't good. But He is. All the time.
I recently experienced what turned out to be a minor legal incident. Long, (long, long) story short, I made a mistake regarding the speed limit and a local school zone. In my minivan. On my way to teach children at a school. I know, how do I get myself into these situations right? Rather than get a ticket, I received a court date.
 |
| I put this on TBMB this week but felt it was also good here! |
I try to be very honest here on the blog, but sometimes in blog/social media land, it's easy to paint a picture of "all is well" and "nothing ever goes wrong." It is my goal to have a little corner of this vast internet, and to make my corner a bright, happy, inspiring place in the midst of the darkness that the Internet (and world) can sometimes be. It is not my goal to paint a fake picture of perfection. Today's story is a prime example.
So, the legal incident: At first I was ruined. Useless. Pouty. Nervous. Yikes. I had no idea what to do or expect. No control whatsoever.
I don't believe that God creates "pain", (and no, this does not compare to most of the pain out there) but I do think that he is really good at using situations like this one to make me (maybe you?) a better person.
You see, I had no other choice but to try out this "give it up to God" scenario that I've always heard about. What does that mean anyway? Give it to God.
Well, in this case, I think it meant:
"God, Kelly here. I messed up. I'm not asking you to swoop in and fix my problems like a genie or something, (although, it wouldn't upset me if you did). But I do want you to know, that I feel like you've got me and I trust you. Whatever happens here, please be with me and guide me. Show me that you are in control here and help me to put it into your hands, whatever that means."
This didn't all come out right away. It wasn't some bright light moment. It first came the next day when I prayed with my in-laws about it. After that, resources began to pop up. People who knew what they were talking about in situations like this one. People who could tell me what the day was going to look like and worst case scenarios. Sermons about bad things happening to good people. Personal bible time that reflected verses of God's promises.
Somewhere in that process my prayer became:
"God, Jesus promised rest in Him. (in Matthew) Please just keep me and my over-thinking ball of anxiety brain calm. Help me find rest in you" Whenever I got worked up about it after that, I remembered this moment and felt calmer.
The day finally came. I was nervous, yes, but I wasn't going to lose it. I was ready to accept that I made a mistake and that it would be okay despite potentially bad outcomes. I think that that is what God did for me. He prepared me, he calmed me, he had me, and I was keenly aware of that in the moment.
God didn't promise that I would have a perfect life. In fact, it's the opposite. He said, you WILL have hard times. Those are not going to go away, that's life. (that's not a direct quote). But God does promise that He has me and loves me.
I don't think that the answer to prayer here was to just fix it. I think that the answer to prayer here chalks down to worship. Did I sing songs to God in the court room? No. That's not what I meant. But I feel like my understanding of the fact that He is God and I am not was really deepened. And that is what I believe worship means. (which on a side note, also really allows me to understand Job a little better.)
As far as court goes: The day went better than expected. I am very impressed with the judge in the short time that I spent in the room. He seemed very understanding and appeared to show discernment (not just with me). Maybe that's why he's a judge. I am responsible for a (pretty hefty, no pun intended, but not as bad as it could be) fine as well as driving school.
This situation wasn't good. But He is. All the time.
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