I'm sneaking this one in just before midnight, so when most of you read it won't be Tuesday, but oh well!
1. What is your favorite brand of shoes?
I really, really love my Toms.
2. How old were you when you learned to tie your shoes?
Pre-school
3. How do you feel about freckles?
I'm indifferent? I have a few that really show when I get some sun. They're fine.
4. I can count to ten in ___ languages.
Two+. English & Spanish, partially in French.
5. What is your favorite store-bought ice cream flavor?
I can't remember the brand because I just know what it looks like but it's got almond and fudge in the title. Yum.
6. Were you in ballet or gymnastics as a little girl?
I was in both, but I was in dance longer. I took ballet, tap & jazz.
7. Who is your favorite Sesame Street character?
Elmo is the cutest but I love the Count. Ah ah ah.
8. What’s your bedtime?
Um. Late. Nate being gone really screws me up at night so I have a hard time going to sleep.
9. Do you have any jewelry that you wear every single day?
My wedding ring and pearl studs, but I lost an earring back so I have had them out for a few days.
10. Who is the bug killer in your household?
Nate when he's home. I've killed at least ten crickets this month in our basement. Where do they get in?!
I'm linking up at Roots & Rings!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Monday, August 29, 2011
I Say Hey Y'all and Yee Haw
Except, really I don't say yee haw, or keep my Christmas lights up on my front porch all year long, but it sounded like a good title for a vlog about accents.
edited to add: I forgot to list the words & questions! Here they are:
aunt, route, wash, oil, theatre, iron, salmon, caramel, fire, water, sure, data, ruin, crayon, toilet, New Orleans, pecan, both, again, probably, spitting image, Alabama, lawyer, coupon, mayonnaise, syrup, pajamas and caught.
What do you call when you throw toilet paper on someone's house?
What is the bug called that rolls into a ball when you touch it?
What do you call carbonated beverages?
What do you call gym shoes?
What do you say when addressing a crowd?
What do you call the insect with eight long legs?
What do you call your grandparents?
What do you call the thing you put groceries in at the store?
What do you call it when the sun is shining and it rains?
What do you call the thing you use to change channels on the TV?
PLEASE comment if you have done this or do it! I want to hear some accents from all over the place!
edited to add: I forgot to list the words & questions! Here they are:
aunt, route, wash, oil, theatre, iron, salmon, caramel, fire, water, sure, data, ruin, crayon, toilet, New Orleans, pecan, both, again, probably, spitting image, Alabama, lawyer, coupon, mayonnaise, syrup, pajamas and caught.
What do you call when you throw toilet paper on someone's house?
What is the bug called that rolls into a ball when you touch it?
What do you call carbonated beverages?
What do you call gym shoes?
What do you say when addressing a crowd?
What do you call the insect with eight long legs?
What do you call your grandparents?
What do you call the thing you put groceries in at the store?
What do you call it when the sun is shining and it rains?
What do you call the thing you use to change channels on the TV?
PLEASE comment if you have done this or do it! I want to hear some accents from all over the place!
Thursday, August 25, 2011
a brighter yellow
Remember how yesterday I alluded to sharing some big news? This is it. I thought about doing this over several posts, but I'm just going to write it all now, so grab some coffee and please stick with it until the end.
You might remember that a few months ago, just a week before Nathan left, I went on a church mission trip as a chaperone. I am pretty sure I blogged that I was going, and then followed up my return by not mentioning it again. I would imagine that many of you didn't notice, or simply thought I was too busy with my trip to Georgia, telling Nathan bye etc. The real reason is, that week changed my life, but it took some reflection to get to the point of sharing. So, here goes.
My dad told me that he was going to go on this trip with the youth just a few weeks before they were supposed to go. He also mentioned that there weren't any female chaperones signed up to go. I immediately felt God nudging me that I needed to go. Yes, the trip would end just a few days before we were supposed to travel to Georgia to drop Nate off at OCS, but I just felt strongly that God was calling me to go on this trip.
While I was on the trip I experienced spiritual growth like nothing I've felt before in my life, but in the back of my mind I was terrified because I knew that when I went home I would never be the same. I knew that God wanted more from me than I was giving or had ever given. I was so scared because while I was going through this massive spiritual awakening, Nate was home with the boys and staying the same. I had no idea how I could fit back into our marriage when we had been so lukewarm.
I came home and things were really a whirlwind because I was home only four full days before we left for our trip to Georgia. I volunteered to drive and I drove most of the trip while Nate and the boys slept. While I drove I prayed and prayed for God to please keep me accountable for the changes I'd promised to make, and I prayed that he would help Nathan and I to be strong together.
After I returned home from our trip I was feeling very beat down. Things hadn't gone as well on our trip to Georgia as I'd expected, and Nathan was having some major problems at his OCS. We went about seven weeks without income of any form and I was beyond stressed, yet I kept feeling God tell me "all things come together for the good..." so I tried to relax. One night, Nathan called and I could tell he was acting a little weird. I don't remember how exactly he said it, but he told me he had FINALLY figured out what God wanted from him. He said he'd been seeking God through prayer since he'd been gone, something I hadn't expected, and he knew that God was telling him he's supposed to work in ministry.
I immediately began to cry and just told Nate over and over how proud I was of him and how I knew God was calling me to minister too. While Nate will attend seminary and seek a position as a civilian preacher or as an Army chaplain, my ministry is going to be that of a "preacher's wife".
I also feel the need to share that in NO WAY do I feel like Nate or myself is worthy of such a calling. We aren't perfect Christians, and we both have a long way to go in our spiritual walk, but we have also come to realize that's the amazing thing about Grace. No one is worthy, but God loves and equips us anyway.
So, that's our story. Oh, and you might have noticed some changes around here. I've been on the waiting list for a new bog design for awhile, but when it came to be my turn I knew I wanted the change to reflect us more clearly than some hokey play on words from our last name. As I thought about it, my very favorite go-to happy song came to mind. In the song, Curbside Prophet by Jason Mraz, he talks about how, "something's different in my world today... They changed my traffic sign to a brighter yellow." and that's exactly how I feel now. The direction in which we are to proceed is clear, and it looks like it's a brighter yellow than ever before.
You might remember that a few months ago, just a week before Nathan left, I went on a church mission trip as a chaperone. I am pretty sure I blogged that I was going, and then followed up my return by not mentioning it again. I would imagine that many of you didn't notice, or simply thought I was too busy with my trip to Georgia, telling Nathan bye etc. The real reason is, that week changed my life, but it took some reflection to get to the point of sharing. So, here goes.
My dad told me that he was going to go on this trip with the youth just a few weeks before they were supposed to go. He also mentioned that there weren't any female chaperones signed up to go. I immediately felt God nudging me that I needed to go. Yes, the trip would end just a few days before we were supposed to travel to Georgia to drop Nate off at OCS, but I just felt strongly that God was calling me to go on this trip.
While I was on the trip I experienced spiritual growth like nothing I've felt before in my life, but in the back of my mind I was terrified because I knew that when I went home I would never be the same. I knew that God wanted more from me than I was giving or had ever given. I was so scared because while I was going through this massive spiritual awakening, Nate was home with the boys and staying the same. I had no idea how I could fit back into our marriage when we had been so lukewarm.
I came home and things were really a whirlwind because I was home only four full days before we left for our trip to Georgia. I volunteered to drive and I drove most of the trip while Nate and the boys slept. While I drove I prayed and prayed for God to please keep me accountable for the changes I'd promised to make, and I prayed that he would help Nathan and I to be strong together.
After I returned home from our trip I was feeling very beat down. Things hadn't gone as well on our trip to Georgia as I'd expected, and Nathan was having some major problems at his OCS. We went about seven weeks without income of any form and I was beyond stressed, yet I kept feeling God tell me "all things come together for the good..." so I tried to relax. One night, Nathan called and I could tell he was acting a little weird. I don't remember how exactly he said it, but he told me he had FINALLY figured out what God wanted from him. He said he'd been seeking God through prayer since he'd been gone, something I hadn't expected, and he knew that God was telling him he's supposed to work in ministry.
I immediately began to cry and just told Nate over and over how proud I was of him and how I knew God was calling me to minister too. While Nate will attend seminary and seek a position as a civilian preacher or as an Army chaplain, my ministry is going to be that of a "preacher's wife".
I also feel the need to share that in NO WAY do I feel like Nate or myself is worthy of such a calling. We aren't perfect Christians, and we both have a long way to go in our spiritual walk, but we have also come to realize that's the amazing thing about Grace. No one is worthy, but God loves and equips us anyway.
So, that's our story. Oh, and you might have noticed some changes around here. I've been on the waiting list for a new bog design for awhile, but when it came to be my turn I knew I wanted the change to reflect us more clearly than some hokey play on words from our last name. As I thought about it, my very favorite go-to happy song came to mind. In the song, Curbside Prophet by Jason Mraz, he talks about how, "something's different in my world today... They changed my traffic sign to a brighter yellow." and that's exactly how I feel now. The direction in which we are to proceed is clear, and it looks like it's a brighter yellow than ever before.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Fight Club
Until recently I took a Fight Club approach to blogging...you know...the #1 rule of Fight Club (blogging) is we don't talk about Fight Club (blogging). See, I've been blogging for about as long as I have had internet access, and before that I kept a journal, which was basically a blog minus the pressure that people might actually read it. But, only after I started this blog did I start sharing it with people, and even that was slow. I first started posting links to it on facebook around the time I had Deacon...Probably something to do with no longer having to worry about an employer finding it.
Can I be honest though? I still get sort of embarrassed about blogging. The other day I was having dinner at my parents' house and out of nowhere my dad was like, "What's this BeVelle boulevard thing people are asking me about?" and I was like "WHOA. People I actually know are reading this thing?!" and my sister chimed in with her assessment that my blog is the place I air my dirty laundry for the entire world, which is sort of true as of late, but until recently I was much more reserved about what I posted online. I've never been one to shy away from sharing my opinions, but I'm not exactly sure when I decided it was a good idea to start sharing intimate details of my life with anyone who knows how to pull up a website.
I guess what I'm getting at is, for me, blogging is always evolving, kind of like my life. When I first started blogging, I was a single girl in high school. Now, I'm a married mother of two. Some days it's a documentation of my life and my family. Some days it is simply me sharing my opinion on something in the news, or on a controversial topic. And some days, like tomorrow, it's a way for me to share major insight into my heart. And, Nathan's. See, he might not write on here, but he is all over this blog. He shapes me into the person I am, and pretty much every post I write has his permission to be published. He is supportive of my blog and while a lot of times I still don't think he "gets it" about the whole blog friend thing, he does understand why I blog. I think.
I guess my point is this, I have always been one of those people who get into an argument and stumble over my words like an idiot, and an hour later think of exactly what I wish I could have and would have said in the situation. With blogging, I can think about how to express myself and adequately share exactly what I am feeling. So, all of this to say, thank you for reading, and please, if you mention my blog to me in person, and I seem uncomfortable, know that it's not your fault. It's just my personal Fight Club rule. :)
Can I be honest though? I still get sort of embarrassed about blogging. The other day I was having dinner at my parents' house and out of nowhere my dad was like, "What's this BeVelle boulevard thing people are asking me about?" and I was like "WHOA. People I actually know are reading this thing?!" and my sister chimed in with her assessment that my blog is the place I air my dirty laundry for the entire world, which is sort of true as of late, but until recently I was much more reserved about what I posted online. I've never been one to shy away from sharing my opinions, but I'm not exactly sure when I decided it was a good idea to start sharing intimate details of my life with anyone who knows how to pull up a website.
I guess what I'm getting at is, for me, blogging is always evolving, kind of like my life. When I first started blogging, I was a single girl in high school. Now, I'm a married mother of two. Some days it's a documentation of my life and my family. Some days it is simply me sharing my opinion on something in the news, or on a controversial topic. And some days, like tomorrow, it's a way for me to share major insight into my heart. And, Nathan's. See, he might not write on here, but he is all over this blog. He shapes me into the person I am, and pretty much every post I write has his permission to be published. He is supportive of my blog and while a lot of times I still don't think he "gets it" about the whole blog friend thing, he does understand why I blog. I think.
I guess my point is this, I have always been one of those people who get into an argument and stumble over my words like an idiot, and an hour later think of exactly what I wish I could have and would have said in the situation. With blogging, I can think about how to express myself and adequately share exactly what I am feeling. So, all of this to say, thank you for reading, and please, if you mention my blog to me in person, and I seem uncomfortable, know that it's not your fault. It's just my personal Fight Club rule. :)
Monday, August 22, 2011
6 Months
Happy 1/2 Birthday Deacon Andrew! We love you more than words. You're a perfect fit in our family, a constant joy, and we are so blessed to have you! Mama, Dada & Manning
Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
I'm Sorry
Dear D,
I'm sorry that one day you'll look back on baby pictures of you and see that there are no "professional" photos before age 6 months.
I'm sorry that I haven't gotten you a bunch of cute new clothes like I did for your brother, and that most days you hang out in a diaper.
I'm sorry that, at almost 6 months old, I still feed you a bottle when you wake up in the middle of the night because it is too heartbreaking to do CIO when your daddy isn't here to help me be strong.
I'm sorry that you are behind Manning in motor skills because I spend a lot of the day pre-occupied with him so I can't encourage and help you to learn as quickly.
I'm sorry that you don't get to go to the great babysitter that taught Manning so many things.
I'm sorry that your daddy isn't here to tell you how precious you are and how much he loves you everyday, but know that he does.
Dear M,
I'm sorry that I'm not as patient as I should be with you all the time.
I'm sorry that I'm inconsistent with discipline because I'm still trying to figure out what works best for you.
I'm sorry that we don't "go bye bye" every time you ask to.
I'm sorry that daddy can't be here right now to spend time with you.
I'm sorry that some days I cry and worry I'm not doing a good enough job.
I'm sorry for sometimes letting you watch more tv than I should so I can get something done or have a minute for myself.
Dear Nate,
I'm sorry I don't blog more & post more pics.
I'm sorry you have to be away.
I'm sorry you have the burden of supporting our family.
I'm sorry you don't get a day off.
I'm sorry you have to eat chow every meal.
I'm sorry for not doing special things for you more often when you're home.
Dear self,
I'm sorry I'm so hard on you.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
I'm sorry that one day you'll look back on baby pictures of you and see that there are no "professional" photos before age 6 months.
I'm sorry that I haven't gotten you a bunch of cute new clothes like I did for your brother, and that most days you hang out in a diaper.
I'm sorry that, at almost 6 months old, I still feed you a bottle when you wake up in the middle of the night because it is too heartbreaking to do CIO when your daddy isn't here to help me be strong.
I'm sorry that you are behind Manning in motor skills because I spend a lot of the day pre-occupied with him so I can't encourage and help you to learn as quickly.
I'm sorry that you don't get to go to the great babysitter that taught Manning so many things.
I'm sorry that your daddy isn't here to tell you how precious you are and how much he loves you everyday, but know that he does.
Dear M,
I'm sorry that I'm not as patient as I should be with you all the time.
I'm sorry that I'm inconsistent with discipline because I'm still trying to figure out what works best for you.
I'm sorry that we don't "go bye bye" every time you ask to.
I'm sorry that daddy can't be here right now to spend time with you.
I'm sorry that some days I cry and worry I'm not doing a good enough job.
I'm sorry for sometimes letting you watch more tv than I should so I can get something done or have a minute for myself.
Dear Nate,
I'm sorry I don't blog more & post more pics.
I'm sorry you have to be away.
I'm sorry you have the burden of supporting our family.
I'm sorry you don't get a day off.
I'm sorry you have to eat chow every meal.
I'm sorry for not doing special things for you more often when you're home.
Dear self,
I'm sorry I'm so hard on you.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Thursday, August 11, 2011
First World Problems
There's a trend online right now to complain about something, and then sort of dismiss it by saying "First World Problem". While it's awesome to keep in perspective that we do, indeed, only have first world problems, my heart is breaking for those with third world problems.
While our country's media attention is focused on an upcoming Presidential election and the hypotheses surrounding it, there is a real, heartbreaking crisis in the Horn of Africa. Over 11 MILLION people are starving. 11 Million. In only four countries. Mothers are being raped and robbed, chased by hyenas, simply trying to get their children to safety, to a place where they can just be fed. These countries are dear to my heart. Something I haven't blogged much about is the fact that Nathan and I feel the call to adopt from Ethiopia. The reason that it hasn't been blogged about is because it's not the right time yet, which I'll go into in another post, but to think that children are literally starving to death, many of which are waiting for their forever homes in America, breaks my mama heart.
While I struggle DAILY with how to live in the first world while my heart breaks for the third world, I do know this. Action is needed. You can help. As the reporter says, even in a time of such famine, there is proof that every little bit helps.
Do something. Here's a website organized by adoptive parents to collect money for Africa. If you can only give $10, that is food for over a week for one person.
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
No Heat Curls
Okay- some people were asking how I do this, and the original video I watched was about fifteen minutes, so I thought I'd make my own and save you thirteen :)
If you have any questions leave them in the comments!
PS- I'm aware I have no make-up, tired voice etc. :)
If you have any questions leave them in the comments!
PS- I'm aware I have no make-up, tired voice etc. :)
Monday, August 8, 2011
Monday Happies
I am going to focus on some things that make me happy on this Monday morning!
- Deacon sleeping 8+ hours without a feeding
- Disney Cars
- thirty-one products
- Manning's expanding vocabulary
- Encouragement from a friend (Thanks Aimee!)
- Deacon's smiles
- Manning putting his arm around my shoulders this morning
- Sally Hansen Complete Manicure polish
- Babies and Toddlers in diapers only
- Laying in bed with Manning watching a movie while Deacon plays in the exersaucer
- Red hair
- Pasta
- Chick-Fil-A
- Paying off debt
- Reading blogs
- Cuddling
- Air Conditioning
- Skyping/Texting/Phone Calls with Nathan
- Shoes from Target on sale for $6.24
- Jesus!
What makes you happy this Monday morning???
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Purposeful Days
I've been reading Erin's blog for quite awhile. In one of the comments on my blog post about Southerners, an anonymous commenter attempted to call me out and said I do not like her. Little does that dummy coward commenter know, Erin's blog is one of my favorites and I talk with her pretty regularly on twitter.
Well, today, Erin stepped on my toes. She blogged a week or so ago about a home organization notebook she was working on. Lots of our common acquaintances on twitter were talking about how she inspired them to do the same.
Earlier today I tweeted this:
But then, I read Erin's blog post today. She hosted a link-up for those that created home organization notebooks. As I was reading her blog, I felt really convicted. Erin pointed out that as a stay-at-home mom, if you don't implement structure, you don't have any structure. And OUCH! I realized that while I have been making an effort to be the best mom I can, if I'd implement a little structure, things would be much more smooth around here.
To begin with, I am going to make one of these darn notebooks. Some tabs that I plan to include are:
thirty-one- for keeping up with the tasks I need to complete for thirty-one
kodimade- same as above
meals- I am very, very bad about meal planning, and I think this costs us extra money because we end up eating out more, or not making the best use of the ingredients we have
home- I'm a terrible housekeeper. I'm awful about letting things get very out of hand, only to be very stressed and have to spend hours (or days!) cleaning. I think if I make a weekly schedule and monthly schedule of chores, the task won't seem so daunting. I'll also include things like paying bills and making appointments such as pest control.
kodi- a tab that will have lists of goals for myself, and even schedules for things like Bible study etc. I also plan to give myself "assignments" for each day, such as, read 1 chapter in a book for fun, watch 1 episode of a TV show or movie. I think this will help keep me accountable for spending my time wisely.
goals & rewards- I also need to focus on some short-term and long-term goals for our family. Paying off debt is a really big focus for us right now, so I want to keep a record of our accomplishments in these areas for the month, and reward myself (and Nathan) for good behavior as well as punish bad behavior. Some other goals are going to be getting out of bed at a certain time, being in bed by a certain time, and only having x amount of "screen time" (TV/internet)
AND the two most important tabs:
manning- I have been really failing manning as a SAHM. Since Nathan has been gone, I've let him watch too much TV, not read enough books and I haven't enforced independent play, which I believe is important. In addition, I'm going to do some planning on things I'd like to work with him on daily, such as counting, colors, letters etc.
deacon- while his needs aren't as broad as Manning's, I still need to make a point to get on the floor and play with him, read him books, sing him songs etc. Because D is such an easy-going baby, it's often easy for me to plop him in his exersaucer or jumperoo and let him play alone for awhile. This is important, but I know all too well how fast these baby years are going by, and I need to soak up every minute.
So, thank you Erin for holding me accountable.
Mommys- any ideas on how I can improve our day-to-day structure? Any advice on any of the tabs I mentioned as struggles- namely housework? How do you do it all?
Well, today, Erin stepped on my toes. She blogged a week or so ago about a home organization notebook she was working on. Lots of our common acquaintances on twitter were talking about how she inspired them to do the same.
Earlier today I tweeted this:
But then, I read Erin's blog post today. She hosted a link-up for those that created home organization notebooks. As I was reading her blog, I felt really convicted. Erin pointed out that as a stay-at-home mom, if you don't implement structure, you don't have any structure. And OUCH! I realized that while I have been making an effort to be the best mom I can, if I'd implement a little structure, things would be much more smooth around here.
To begin with, I am going to make one of these darn notebooks. Some tabs that I plan to include are:
thirty-one- for keeping up with the tasks I need to complete for thirty-one
kodimade- same as above
meals- I am very, very bad about meal planning, and I think this costs us extra money because we end up eating out more, or not making the best use of the ingredients we have
home- I'm a terrible housekeeper. I'm awful about letting things get very out of hand, only to be very stressed and have to spend hours (or days!) cleaning. I think if I make a weekly schedule and monthly schedule of chores, the task won't seem so daunting. I'll also include things like paying bills and making appointments such as pest control.
kodi- a tab that will have lists of goals for myself, and even schedules for things like Bible study etc. I also plan to give myself "assignments" for each day, such as, read 1 chapter in a book for fun, watch 1 episode of a TV show or movie. I think this will help keep me accountable for spending my time wisely.
goals & rewards- I also need to focus on some short-term and long-term goals for our family. Paying off debt is a really big focus for us right now, so I want to keep a record of our accomplishments in these areas for the month, and reward myself (and Nathan) for good behavior as well as punish bad behavior. Some other goals are going to be getting out of bed at a certain time, being in bed by a certain time, and only having x amount of "screen time" (TV/internet)
AND the two most important tabs:
manning- I have been really failing manning as a SAHM. Since Nathan has been gone, I've let him watch too much TV, not read enough books and I haven't enforced independent play, which I believe is important. In addition, I'm going to do some planning on things I'd like to work with him on daily, such as counting, colors, letters etc.
deacon- while his needs aren't as broad as Manning's, I still need to make a point to get on the floor and play with him, read him books, sing him songs etc. Because D is such an easy-going baby, it's often easy for me to plop him in his exersaucer or jumperoo and let him play alone for awhile. This is important, but I know all too well how fast these baby years are going by, and I need to soak up every minute.
So, thank you Erin for holding me accountable.
Mommys- any ideas on how I can improve our day-to-day structure? Any advice on any of the tabs I mentioned as struggles- namely housework? How do you do it all?
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Top Ten Worst Times To Not Have A Man In The House
10. When you're in the middle of baking something and realize you're short one ingredient and both kids are in bed.
9. When you need to go anywhere or do anything and both kids are in bed.
8. When your toddler takes a sudden interest in the toilet and flushes it at least five times while you try to pee, and for the love, will NOT just go find a toy to play with.
7. When your baby that was consistently sleeping 12 hours through the night when dad was on duty decides he needs to eat every 3 hours 'round the clock. I'm looking at you Deacon BeVelle.
9. When you need to go anywhere or do anything and both kids are in bed.
8. When your toddler takes a sudden interest in the toilet and flushes it at least five times while you try to pee, and for the love, will NOT just go find a toy to play with.
7. When your baby that was consistently sleeping 12 hours through the night when dad was on duty decides he needs to eat every 3 hours 'round the clock. I'm looking at you Deacon BeVelle.
6. When something with more than two legs crawls across you in the middle of the night, and after searching by cell phone light you realize it's big enough to eat your face off*.
*slight exaggeration
5. When it's time to take out the trash, because no Diaper Genie means dirty diaper trash and week-old dirty diapers STAAAAANK.
4. Finding a missing sippy cup, that you've convinced yourself only had water in it, and it really was half full of milk, because you know what? Cleaning up your own vomit sometimes makes you vomit again.
3. Only after peeing do you realize that there is no toilet paper in the bathroom because the toddler unraveled and threw away the last roll while you were feeding the baby.
2. When the guy who is supposed to mow your lawn every other week calls to apologize two days after it was due to be mowed because he fell off of a roof, broke his leg in four places, and was just getting out of the hospital.
And the #1 worst time to not have a man in the house is...
When the baby is crying, and the toddler is in the bath and the husband calls so you put down the baby to mix a bottle while talking to the husband and you go check on the toddler to find out not only did he poop in the tub, but he thought the poop was "Ew!" so he threw it in the middle of the bathroom floor and it was written in your marriage vows that you'd always handle the puke if he'd always handle the poop.
Seriously, we are doing great, but we sure do miss Nathan!
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
The Civil War Ended in 1865 and Yes I had to Google the date
It all started the summer after my 10th grade year. I went to World Changers in Memphis. Because my home church is Southern Baptist, all of the church camps/mission trips we take tend to be affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention. It wasn't uncommon for our youth to receive comments about our "Northern" accents because we were surrounded by Southerners, but one girl took it to a new level. The first day there, I opened my mouth during our Bible study and she said, with her thick Southern drawl, "Oh my God. I didn't know there would be any Yankees here! Who let you come?" or something to that affect. I don't think I've ever been more offended in my life! I seriously thought she was taking it back to Civil war days and saying our country is still divided. Throughout the rest of the week she continued to make comments about me being a "Yankee" and how come I was allowed to come to their church camp?
Then, as I have become more involved in social media- namely blogging and twitter, I have seen numerous things come out of the mouths of Southern ladies that I KNOW aren't meant to be off-putting or condescending, but are truly hurtful if you're not from the South. Now, I'm not talking about taking pride in where you're from, because I certainly pride myself on being from my small town in the country, and I think I was so blessed to grow up where I did. I'm talking about sweeping generalities about people in general that aren't necessarily true. There have been little things that people have tweeted or blogged about that have made me feel like some Southerners truly feel like they're superior to others, but I know they really don't.
I've seen different comments on twitter that have sort of hurt my feelings, but I've tried to let it go as myself being overly sensitive, but then last night I was looking on Pinterest and stumbled on lots of my friends pinning these "Southern Belle Secrets" and while some were really cute, like #107 "Our parents are always mama and daddy, never mom and dad." some are offensive or seem kind of elitist to me. Like, "You believe if you can be ready to leave the house in less than thirty minutes, you probably shouldn't be leaving at all." I mean, seriously? I wouldn't take that comment seriously, but then I see girls tweeting about how they saw someone at Wal-Mart wearing their pajamas and OMG that's the worst thing EVAR! Or, someone dared to put their child in jeans before their first birthday!? They must be TRASH!
Now please, if you're my friend and you remotely think I'm talking about you, PLEASE don't jump to the defensive, because here's the thing- I'm TOTALLY OKAY with having a different opinion than you. It's okay if you don't want to put your child in a pair of jeans while they're still a baby, but my point is, PLEASE don't judge those who do things differently from you, and if you're not judging them, be careful about how you say things.
Another thing I've grown up hearing about is "Southern Hospitality" and "Southern Gentleman". Well, let me tell you, I encountered some of the most rude boys I've ever seen when I was visiting my sister in Georgia. More than once I was struggling to carry too many things at a store or juggle the kids when a man let the door slam in my face. Then, when I flew back to Kansas City and had my hands full, no one offered to help me in Georgia, or after my layover in Texas, but some sweet guy from Kansas City held Deacon for me while I broke down my stroller on the jetway.
I guess what I'm saying is that I no more want to be judged as being impolite or inhospitable because I live in the North as you want to be called racist for living in the South. I just wish that sometimes people would think about things they have said or do say and how it might make other people feel. I know I'm totally guilty of this too, and that's part of why I wanted to write this post. I'm not writing it to make anyone feel bad, or to get any apologies, and I REALLY hope writing it doesn't make anyone angry. My point is that when you say things, it is so important to think about how other people will receive it. I'm a very opinionated person, and I'm okay with expressing my opinions, but it is so important to do it in a way that isn't judgmental or condescending.
Feel free to respectfully discuss this in the comments- I will respond to any I receive. :)
Then, as I have become more involved in social media- namely blogging and twitter, I have seen numerous things come out of the mouths of Southern ladies that I KNOW aren't meant to be off-putting or condescending, but are truly hurtful if you're not from the South. Now, I'm not talking about taking pride in where you're from, because I certainly pride myself on being from my small town in the country, and I think I was so blessed to grow up where I did. I'm talking about sweeping generalities about people in general that aren't necessarily true. There have been little things that people have tweeted or blogged about that have made me feel like some Southerners truly feel like they're superior to others, but I know they really don't.
I've seen different comments on twitter that have sort of hurt my feelings, but I've tried to let it go as myself being overly sensitive, but then last night I was looking on Pinterest and stumbled on lots of my friends pinning these "Southern Belle Secrets" and while some were really cute, like #107 "Our parents are always mama and daddy, never mom and dad." some are offensive or seem kind of elitist to me. Like, "You believe if you can be ready to leave the house in less than thirty minutes, you probably shouldn't be leaving at all." I mean, seriously? I wouldn't take that comment seriously, but then I see girls tweeting about how they saw someone at Wal-Mart wearing their pajamas and OMG that's the worst thing EVAR! Or, someone dared to put their child in jeans before their first birthday!? They must be TRASH!
Now please, if you're my friend and you remotely think I'm talking about you, PLEASE don't jump to the defensive, because here's the thing- I'm TOTALLY OKAY with having a different opinion than you. It's okay if you don't want to put your child in a pair of jeans while they're still a baby, but my point is, PLEASE don't judge those who do things differently from you, and if you're not judging them, be careful about how you say things.
Another thing I've grown up hearing about is "Southern Hospitality" and "Southern Gentleman". Well, let me tell you, I encountered some of the most rude boys I've ever seen when I was visiting my sister in Georgia. More than once I was struggling to carry too many things at a store or juggle the kids when a man let the door slam in my face. Then, when I flew back to Kansas City and had my hands full, no one offered to help me in Georgia, or after my layover in Texas, but some sweet guy from Kansas City held Deacon for me while I broke down my stroller on the jetway.
I guess what I'm saying is that I no more want to be judged as being impolite or inhospitable because I live in the North as you want to be called racist for living in the South. I just wish that sometimes people would think about things they have said or do say and how it might make other people feel. I know I'm totally guilty of this too, and that's part of why I wanted to write this post. I'm not writing it to make anyone feel bad, or to get any apologies, and I REALLY hope writing it doesn't make anyone angry. My point is that when you say things, it is so important to think about how other people will receive it. I'm a very opinionated person, and I'm okay with expressing my opinions, but it is so important to do it in a way that isn't judgmental or condescending.
Feel free to respectfully discuss this in the comments- I will respond to any I receive. :)
Monday, August 1, 2011
Superhero Saturday
Saturday we had the PRIVILEGE of going to a birthday party for my cousin's little boy Gunnar. Gunnar turned THREE! We don't always make it to all of the family birthdays because we live an hour away from our hometown, but the timing worked out perfectly for the boys and I to head to the big city where they live, with a population of about 500, for a party in the city park! It was a superhero party and Ashley did such a great job putting it all together. I wore a Ninja Turtles t-shirt because I couldn't find my Batman one.
OH yeah, I dyed my hair. It's really red and fades down to strawberry blonde--- ombre-ish. I like it, but you might not. That's okay. :)
Manning had a blast running around the park playing, and Lainey was so good with helping keep an eye on him.
Gunnar took the first swing at his pinata!
Deacon was there too!
Uncle Bob, Deacon, Aunt Nona & Lainey
Cutest candle blowout I've ever caught on camera :)
He inherited his love of red velvet cupcakes from me!
I cannot believe this little sweetheart is already THREE!
A mess (literally and figuratively)
Luke climbed up the slide and caught me snapping his picture
The next few are for your entertainment. All I wanted was a picture of myself and both boys.
I put Manning down for fear of dropping the innocent child in my other arm. Yes, the look on my face is priceless. No, I can't believe I'm posting it.
Much easier to do sitting down. :)
My sweet baby
OH yeah, I dyed my hair. It's really red and fades down to strawberry blonde--- ombre-ish. I like it, but you might not. That's okay. :)
Earthquakes
As I blogged about not too long ago, Nathan and I have been facing some financial struggles recently. One of the reasons these struggles shook me so hard is that for months we have felt like this would be the right decision for our family, so to have things be so terrible right from the beginning made me feel frustrated and helpless.
In addition to these struggles, I've also been struggling with some depression since Deacon was born. I don't feel ready to talk about this pain because I'm still so much in the midst of it, but it has been an anxiety-ridden five months for me. I think that given the circumstances- having a baby, graduating, quitting work, mothering two under two alone etc. anyone would have some anxiety, but it's been a daily struggle for me.
Anyway, about a month ago I had the opportunity to go to on a mission trip as a chaperone with the youth group from back home. At the time I thought I was going to get away, to have fun and to help people, because that's what I remember from mission trips when I was in the youth group. I could have never anticipated the calling God placed on my heart that week. All week long I just felt so convicted that I have not been living for Him, but merely existing.
Since I got home, this has been a real struggle for me. I don't have a lot of friends in St. Joe, we don't have a good church family here, I'm so busy with the boys that most days I can't even seem to find time to read my Bible, and I generally feel like I'm wasting my days. NOT that I'm saying that as a stay-at-home mom, because I know these days are times I'll never get back with my children, but I mean as far as Christ is concerned. I struggle with the feeling I'm not doing anything of significance.
To say it's been a hard time is an understatement. The other day as I was driving I had my iPod on shuffle and a Beth Moore feature from Travis Cottrell's album came on. Let me be really honest- I rarely listen to Christian music and I just happen to have only a few praise and worship albums on there, so this was a rare occasion.
In the feature, Beth is speaking about Paul and Silas being imprisoned and beat, and how they continued to praise the Lord during their imprisonment until the walls came tumbling down. They worshipped in the darkest time in their life. Beth says the line that there is, "purification in persecution" and that if we don't have a negative force coming against us, we take worship for granted. She says we should "praise first, and feel it later...Earthquakes, at times, could be the very best things that ever happen to us." THEN Beth says, that often, "our first reaction is to feel shamed by it" and that's when ding! I realized, I'm not alone in this struggle. Every single person has their earthquakes they are facing, and that these earthquakes are gifts from God. There is a saying- 'Complacency is the enemy of progress'. Without something to shake me up, and rob me of my complacency, I could never progress in my relationship with the Lord.
Then today, I did something so out of my comfort zone. I attended a new church, by myself. And, would you believe that the preacher preached Philippians 1, which was written by Paul when he was imprisoned. And then tonight, I was lying in bed, trying to unwind and drift off to sleep, and I was reading blogs on my phone when I came to this post. I clicked the video because I have never heard Ashley's singing voice, which is beautiful by the way, but then as I listened to the lyrics, my breath caught in my throat. If you click Ashley's post you can read the song in its entirety, but here is a bit:
‘Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops?
What if Your healing comes through tears?
What if a thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know You’re near?
What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise?
What if Your healing comes through tears?
What if a thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know You’re near?
What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise?
What if my greatest disappointments, or the aching of this life
Is the revealing of a greater thirst this world can’t satisfy?
What if trials of this life, the rain, the storms, the hardest nights
Are Your mercies in disguise?
Is the revealing of a greater thirst this world can’t satisfy?
What if trials of this life, the rain, the storms, the hardest nights
Are Your mercies in disguise?
God is sovereign. He's in control. And that is all I need to know to sleep peacefully tonight. As I write this I'm praying that you'll know this too. That you'll feel his love and peace that passes all understanding as I am tonight.
Happy Monday friends.
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