Wonderful Everyday Friday {Finding Inspiration}

 I was thinking about a Friday post - I love to start the weekend this way.  However, I wasn't sure what to do for today.  I was feeling like I needed something uplifting - not because I was down - but, because I felt like sharing some spirit.  

On my Facebook newsfeed I saw that Layla from The Lettered Cottage had shared a video ( I love The Lettered Cottage).  This video was called "Transcending", a reading by Kelly Corrigan.  So, I pressed play. And then, I heard some really beautiful words about Life, Love, Friendship, Parenting, Struggles, - Bonds that are shifted but never broken.  I did some more searching about Kelly Corrigan and found several books from her that are now in my Amazon shopping cart.  

In this life, I don't stop to breathe as often as I should -  she captures the everyday business in her reading. The everyday moments that never seem overly glamorous suddenly become very beautiful by the words she strung together.  It feels like daily I hear of loss of life.  Some by those who lived 80+ beautiful years and others that did not, and it was too soon.  There are even more that struggle - be it life circumstances, tragedy, or illness but through the challenges they do it with character, beauty, and grace.  They transcend - rise above, elevate, surpass. 

Here is the video - Share it.  I think it has a beautiful message.  Just right for another Wonderful Everyday Friday.

What to do with ball shaped fruit...

This little Man, isn't he adorable?... and he looks totally innocent most of the time :)

(note the basket of fruit on the table)

Well, this morning while attempting to get ready for work...  I found random fruit laying all over.  See evidence:

 

I guess he got bored during his breakfast and pondered, "What should I do with this fruit that resembles a ball?"...  

So, imagine my amusement when I found it laying all over the floor!  When confronted, "NeNe, did you throw this fruit?" He looked at me with those big brown eyes and replied, "uh ha". He's great about honesty!  He always tells the truth when you ask what happened...  unless it involves:

• pooping - "Ne Ne, Did you poop?" - His response "Nope!" or
• dinosaurs biting his finger - Find Brayden Crying, "what happened?" His response, "Dinakaur bite" while holding out his fineger like he was ET.  This happens like 10X a day!

 I found a random kiwi on the floor when I went home for lunch.  It made me smile and laugh out loud! Goodness, I love that boy!!... and ball shaped fruit! 

So, There's this boy...

So, there's this boy...  He stole my heart.  He calls me Mom.

 

This is LB's Easter / Spring 2012 Pictures.  As I was going through doing the editing and I couldn't help but fall in love with every single one.  Maybe it is just the little man in them, but each one is seriously adorable!! He is my heart. 

Check out more pictures of LB in the Gallery under Holidays and Minis. 

And then, there was sleep {finally}

Here is my little Monster. 

And here he is sleeping in his bed! 

YES, he is sleeping in his bed AND slept through the entire night in 1) His new big boy bed and 2) a new home.  Yup, we moved.  I posted a week or so ago: Sharing my bed that we were struggling with this independent / co sleeping topic.  Well, we may have had a break thru!

Maybe he just hated being caged into a crib?  I know it is a little early to say that the habit of crying and wanting to sleep with me in the middle of the night is over - BUT, last night was a VERY good start!  I woke up several times through out the night, startled that I hadn't heard him yet.  I would peek in his door and there he would be - sawin' logs.  When I woke him up this morning he wanted to stay in his bed. I asked if he wanted breakfast - "NO." I asked if he wanted to watch cartoons in Mommy's bed - "NO - NeNe's bed."  He rolled around in his bed for about 15 minutes, slowly coming out of his slumber.  And, I let him - no rush :) For this, we can be late! 

Fingers are crossed for tonight!  

Sharing my bed

This is what I wake up to on most mornings: 

We had this co sleeping thing kicked but...  when little ones get sick, snuggling is what they want.  LB has had a rough few months.  Nothing serious, thank the Lord, but with this weather and daycare comes lots of germs... and with that sleepless nights. 

I (we - his dad too) have been trying to get him back into his bed and sleeping independently.  I love it when I get a good nights sleep - and I love that he seems refreshed when he sleeps on his own.  I am a restless sleeper so I know my tossing and turning wakes him and he doesn't sleep as well as he could if he were alone.  BUT, I have that ache deep down that really doesn't mind that he is with me.  I get to wake up to this squishy little face!  I get ready in the morning before I wake him.  When it is his time to wake up - I kiss on his belly, cheeks, neck, feet...  And, he will smile, eyes still closed he will usually laugh and say "No Mama!"... and sometimes he means it...  really, don't touch me - I am asleep! This morning he said "No, stay".  He was communicating that he didn't want to get out of bed - and that point was emphasized even greater when I sadly turned down his request for a donut. 

It is a little bit of a conundrum...  This co sleeping / independently sleeping topic.  I want to do right by him - and by myself too but then I think well, he is only little for so long and I should embrace it as long as he is happy to snuggle up with me but, I like my peaceful sleep too!  What to do?  I guess time will tell.  Until then, I will sleep when I can - and snuggle up when I can't. 

A baby will...

A baby will make love stronger, days shorter, nights longer, bankroll smaller, home happier, clothes shabbier, the past forgotten, and the future worth living ~ unknown

I love doing belly pictures!  It takes me back to one of the most incredible times in my life.  I loved being pregnant!  And, pregnant women have to be the most beautiful thing on the planet.  They turn heads every where they go and inspire people to come up and rub the belly (even though some find that horribly irritating - I am one of those strange belly rubbers)!  Being pregnant signifies one of the biggest shifts in a persons (a couples) life.   It is maybe the only time in life that you create, grow, and support a living miracle - A screaming, pooping, spitting up miracle! :)  Parents quickly realize that things they may have found to be disgusting before they now have an extremely high tolerance for.  Love does that.  

Here is Ali.

And here is Ali's bump.  

Cute and perfect.  We had a lot of fun.  I love every opportunity to talk pregnancy and bellies!  Did I already say I loved being pregnant??  I become flooded with wonderful memories of pregnancy and labor with LB (yes, I enjoyed my labor too).  It is hard to believe in a few short weeks a baby will be here, and the belly will be gone (tear).  I know everyone is excited to meet this new baby....  and find out if it is a little boy or girl! Look in the Gallery for all of Ali's belly pictures!  

 Ali, thank you for the opportunity to photograph this time in your life.  Here is some advice that I try to live by.  Some days are harder than others but,  it is true, they grow up right before your eyes.  It really is simple.  Just have fun! 

"Be there. Say yes as often as you can. Let them (and encourage them) to bang on pots and pans. If they're crabby put them in water. Read books out loud with joy. Go find elephants and kiss them (in our case it is dinosaurs). Encourage silly. Giggle alot. Remember how small they really are. Search out the positive. Keep the gleam in your eye. Teach feelings. Go see a movie in your pj's. Realize how important it is to be a child. Plan to build a rocket ship (and fort).  Stop yelling. Invent pleasures together. Surprise them. Express your love. Alot. Children are miraculous." ~ SARK

looking back {and moving forward}

Look at those eyes! It's hard, ya know, looking back.  It's hard to think of the years that have gone past. I accidentally stumbled on a movie I made for LB for his birthday.  I was at work and was trying to watch a video about arch welding (exciting stuff)! But, for some reason, the Lord decided I needed to stop for a minute and have some reflection time.  And, he was right.  Brayden and I have tough days...  which I am sure is completely normal.  He's 2 - enough said!  He spends most days learning what his limits are.  Be it, giving his independence a try or to see how far he can push his mama's patience.  I often stop myself and say out loud to him,"You are lucky you're cute!"   We have been getting along so wonderfully, lately.  He is still a stinker but we are both so happy.  This video - I will post if I can figure out how - It covers ultrasound pictures, belly bump (really big belly bumps) to tiny baby, to not so tiny baby, to toddler.  All I can do is ask myself, "When did all of this happen?  Where did my baby go?"  Each passing day has me holding for dear life onto that little boy.  I ask him daily if he can please just stop where he is at.  I have been asking him since he was just a bump in my belly, "I will NEVER ask for anything from you in my entire life if you can just do one thing for me.  Please, don't grow up.  Stay perfect and tiny and with your mom FOREVER!"  

It reminds me of a story I heard.  A lady I worked with was visiting her daughters collage campus.  The daughter said to her mom' "I think I want to live on campus, instead of commute."  Then mom looks at her daughter nodding in agreement.  "That's fine.  Let's talk to your dad and start looking at 2 bedroom apartments."  Daughter looks at her mom, confused.  "Two bedroom?"  Mom saying profoundly, "well yes. There has to be enough room for the both of us!"  B and I will be having that same discussion some day.  Where ever he goes, I will just go too! I can't wait to see how that works out! 

So. As much as I ache, long, cry, beg, plead for him to stay little.  I know deep down I am just as excited to see all of the things he will do.  And, with each new event in his life I will pray for a freeze frame hoping to hold onto that moment for just a little longer.  Those times in my life will keep me looking back at how far we have come and what a blessed life we have.  How truly fortunate we are to have eachother and our family.  We will keep moving forward with a semi-reluctant smile and looking back with tears in our eyes.  

bad day turned WONDERFUL!

Even after what seemed to be miserable day ....  it turned around by 5 pm!  Look at those faces!  It left me thinking....

'what was I mad about again?...' 

Here's to the bad days made wonderful by fun sized smiles! 

All you've got

All You've got is all you can give and that will always be enough.

I made a few small changes to my website - nothing major but I always think it is exciting when I make a change....  and when I figure it out on my own (with only a few curse words).  Check them out - I added some information / quick clicks on the sides.  It fills up some space and adds a few pictures for color as well.

I used a picture that was taken last Easter.  Gosh, I just can't even believe that time has gone by so fast. It's scary really.  Just sitting here thinking about what Brayden was like and what he was doing...  It is hard for me to remember.  Then, I get disappointed.  Why didn't I take more videos?  Why didn't I snap more pictures? Why didn't I take the time to write it down?  I think to myself, I will never forget this.  But, then every day that goes by something else amazing happens and it pushes the other memories further and further back making it harder to retrieve.  I also realized, gulp...  I haven't taken as many pictures of LB since I started these other projects.  That makes me sad too.  I need to do better... and that's ok.  This whole business about living...  that's really what it is about.  Live = Learn... and it is always enough.  There may not be as many pictures, but we still have the time together and that's what matters most.

Recognizing the 'lasts'?

This post may seem completely random and totally unorganized but I had a few experiences/ thoughts I wanted to share.

Random Experience #1:  Last night, a group of us celebrated my nieces birthday.  We all went to this indoor jump / bounce place. It has all of those big blown up slides for the kids to play on....  there were 3 rooms full!  So, all 5 kids totally scattered! They had so much fun... and to be honest, us adults had a lot of fun too.  Not only watching the kids play but participating in the play too! :)  What a great work out and a wonderful way to spend a Thursday night!

Random Experience #2:  So, this morning LB decided he wanted to spend the day with Grandpa.  He had a little cough so I thought it was a good idea for him to get some rest.  He usually clings to me, especially in the morning. However, I have been noticing lately some detachment... dare I say... independence?  It makes my heart hurt feeling the slipping away of that little boy. But, at the very same moment I smile (through the tears) with so much pride.  I see this is a recurring theme as a parent.  It hurts to let go but there is so much enthusiasm for the next step.  It is exciting to watch them learn and grow and experience the joys of life.  LB now insists on getting into the bathtub on his own...  He attempts every chance he gets to go up and down the stairs on his own.  He is always telling me "Nee Nee do it" (Nee Nee is how he says his name...  Nee Nee and Brayden don't sound anything alike but I swear it is the cutest thing).  This morning he was beaming with independence.  He said "Mommygotowork?" (and he says it so fast - like an auctioneer).  But then he did 2 firsts.  They had me gasping for air.  He said "kisses!" and pointed to his lips.  So, we smooched...  like a million times because I thought it was so adorable.  Then he said "hug? See you soon! Love you!"  My heart ached...  It literally hurt from so much love and joy I thought it would burst.  

B and I - Outer Banks '10Thinking about all of the new firsts makes me sad about all of his 'lasts.'  Will I recognize them before they are gone forever?...   

#3 Random thought: I have had this quote sitting on my desk all week...  I haven't wanted to change it (I peeked at the next one it is good too but this one applies - I will keep it there for a while).  It says: The best way out is always through.  How true. 

Well, I hope you all have a wonderful and blessed weekend!  I am excited for what my Monday / Tuesday post will be...  I still don't know what it will be about yet - maybe a fun weekend with LB.  Maybe another furniture make over or the purchase of some new items... maybe all of the above! ;) 

~xo~

The not-so-terrible two's

Another day, another birthday... but not just any birthday.  Today is the 2nd birthday of my sweet niece, Maxine Lou.  

I have learned that children can be angels - as long as their parents aren't around.  Which, is usually the case with my nieces and nephews - LB included.  However, it is hard for me to ever picture this angelic face ever act out!  She is always so sweet. 

Her and I have a special bond - at least I think so.  In order to save on daycare costs and to have our trusted family watch our kids my sister, brother-in- law, and I did a lot of trading.  All 3 of us had different work schedules so odds were one of us was always off.  So, I was blessed to have this sweet girl in my house 2 or 3 days a week and LB would go over to their house a couple days a week as well. So, we all became very close.  I have to admit, it wasn't a fair trade.  LB can be a stinker AND he had total mom attachment issues.  So I think he was a lot to take on.  Which, was not the case with Max.  

Maxine is happy.  She is alittle like a chameleon.  She can blend in anywhere and be completely content. LB, Max, and I would have so much fun.  We would walk to the park, swim, dance, play at the farm, ect. It gave LB a sense of what it was like to have a sibling - which was good.  It pushed him to have to share both toys and his mommy.  That, of course, always went smoothly and there was never any hitting, screaming, or crying... ever ;)  Maxine was there when LB said his first word.  We were around to see Max go from crawling to walking to running.  I got to know my adorable niece and also got to know my sister and brother-in-law on a different level as well.  They are great parents.  They have a real partnership.  And, even though I am the older sister, they have been teaching me.  I see what they have and I have set my standards higher because of it. They may not see it everyday in each other, but to us looking in - what they have is unique and special.  Maxine (and now a new little brother too) are blessed for experiencing something so beautiful. 

Here's to the not-so-terrible two's.  Stay just as you are.  Happy Birthday we all love you!  

To see more photos of Maxine's big blue eyes and beautiful smile click here, here, here, and here.

... in these shoes....

I love these - Overstock.com... I love shoes.  Really.  I think if there is anything I am mildly obsessed over it would definitely be shoes.  I love to think about what my shoe closet would  will look like when I have this beautiful organized closet full of b.e.a -utiful shoes!  Strappy ones, shiny ones, flats and boots... and you can not leave out adorable little sandals...  but I have a soft spot for high pointy heels.  My toes are formed to a point because it doesn't matter how painful, I will suffer through it to wear my cute heels. I have to stop myself from buying so many...  I stop and think, where would I wear these?  I don't go out.  I don't get dressed up.  Not anymore.  I wear my pj's to the store.  It's a miracle if I even shower on the weekends! (- tmi??)  

"The only challenge greater than learning to walk a mile in someone else’s shoes, is learning to walk a lifetime, comfortably in your own."

I am starting to do this - learning to walk in my shoes.  I love to reference the 'lemons' in my life.  I don't mind admitting that I have made mistakes along the way and I fully embrace that I will continue to make more, and that's ok as long as I am learning.  I think, in the past I was so terrified of making the wrong decisions that it actually pushed me into making what I thought was a 'safer' choice and not what I actually wanted for my life. However, as I always say the paths that have lead me to where I am is exactly where I am supposed to be, and I am comfortable with that.  

I love reading Marc and Angel.  I think to myself, 'how did he / she come up with these brilliant words?'  It is so wise, yet so simple.  

"Life’s best lessons are usually learned at the worst times and from the worst mistakes.  So yes, you will fail sometimes.  The faster you accept this, the faster you can get on with being brilliant. You’ll never be 100% sure it will work, but you can always be 100% sure doing nothing won’t work.  Doing something and getting it wrong is at least ten times more productive than doing nothing.  So get out there and try!  Either you succeed or you learn a vital lesson.  Win – Win."

I have become a 'do-er' lately.  I have stopped making excuses for the limitation and roadblocks.  Where there is a will there is a way - So, I keep finding a way.  And, I am going to keep doing because I have found happiness for myself in the doing.  Before, I lived for others and for their dreams that I adapted into my own.  As a mom, you naturally put your child first - and, there isn't anything wrong with that.  LB is still my first.  But, I am a close second. I have found for myself things that I really love.  Actually, I have so many things I want to do that I am having a hard time fitting them all in.  

I have about a half dozen furniture pieces waiting in the wings for a little face lift.  I am lining up my little photography sessions.  I sit and crochet at night (still not very good at it but I like it).  And, I have some secret projects that I am creating in my head.  Hopefully this summer they will come to fruition.  

So, I may not walk comfortably in my own shoes - bets are they are an uncomfortable pair of heels - but, I will do it with a smile and as gracefully as I can.  

It is more than words {Birthday tribute to Mom}

Grandma & Brayden May '10 - Zie's GraduationWhere to start…?  I decided that I would try to write one blog entry this year for each one of my family members on their birthdays.  This entry will be hard to limit how much I say, but yet hard to find the words to say what I want as well.  Today, on Valentines day, is also my Mom’s birthday.  She too turns 54 (and she will probably disown me now that I have put her age out there for everyone to see). 

As I mentioned last week in my Dad’s birthday post, My Mom stayed home with us as we were growing up.  As kids, that didn’t stand out to us as anything significant – it was just how it was.  We didn’t think about the home cooked hot meals on the table every night or the clean clothes to wear everyday.  It was just how it was.  Mom was always there.  Looking back, now that I am a Mom, I now realize that those things DO NOT just happen.  It is challenging to coordinate schedules everyday – especially when there is a family of 8 – Yes, I have 5 more siblings.  Mom ran our household for 25 years effortlessly (at least that is how it looked to us).  Dad, Mom, Mal - Brookfield Zoo summer '10

About 8 or 9 years ago, she decided to go back to work.  Mom is a teacher.  Again, something else that as kids we did not see the personal sacrifices that she gave up to stay home.  Now, it is a blessing that she was able to - but, you should see what a wonderful teacher she is - and it is her passion.  So, when I say she sacrificed she really did.  She chose one lifestyle over another.  She put her other avenue of dreams on hold to persue what her and my dad thought was right for having a family.  If you ask her now, she wouldn't have done it any other way.  My mom LOVES teaching.  She loves her students - even the stinkers (I think the stinkers are actually her favorite).  She goes in early and stays late.  Her eyes light up when she talks about her students.   She is always searching out new ways to educate them to be sure they aren't bored and that they are learning to the best of their abilities.  She encourages reading every chance she gets.Racer Drew and Grandma - Halloween '11

The baby of the famly is a senior this year and we were working on some words to have put into his year book.  I teased my Mom, "you don't like mooshy gooshy words."  She looked at me a little miffed, "Well, you all know I love you though, right?".  I just smiled.  I thought it was funny that she would even ask.  "Of course we know."  We know that she loves each of her six kids and each grandchild that comes along (She is up to 10).  We know because it isn't in her words, it is in her actions.  It is in her prideful smile.  It is in every tear that falls, the happy and the sad ones.  She feels with us.  She has gone (and still goes) to every sporting event, since t-ball (times 6).  She helps to celebrate every 'win' that each of us has in our life (times 6).  She cries along with us when our hearts break (times 6).  She enters 30 projects into the county fairs (times 6) because it raised money for our college funds.  We had college funds (times 6).  It was in every pair of shoes bought - and picked up (times 6).  It is shown when She helps load up a car and drive 12 hours through a snow storm to help her determined-not-to-fail daughter move to Virginia.  Then when things don't work out she drives 12 more hours there, and 12 hours back to move her home (thanks Mom).  She listens (times 6).  She gives advice (times 6).  She worries (times 16).  I could go on and on.Mom and Kim at Mal's baby shower - Feb '10

It is appropriate that we celebrate the holiday of love, on your birthday.  You show us so much love. Thank you for all you do.  Thank you for all the gifts you have given us - the values you instilled and the sacrifices you made.  Thank you for dancing, singing, playing, chasing, laughing... times 6.

We love you (times 16 + Dad) - and will spend the rest of our lives showing you how much. 

Zie's Graduation family picture - May '10

(this is an old picture - I am sure there a few Grandkids missing.  The most recent family picture is of all of us at the beach on vacation.  I already posted her age - I didn't want to push my luck and post one of her - the entire family - in our swimsuits)

Happy Birthday!

...to 54 more!

This is a day early (better early than late).  Our family has a lot of birthdays in February.  To kick off the month on the 11^th is my Dad’s birthday.  This year he will be 54.  It is hard for me to go back and see where the time has gone, I can only imagine how he feels.  His children are grown, and he has grandkids that are growing too fast.  I have a favorite story that I wanted to share, in honor of my Dad’s 54^th birthday. 

My mom stayed home with us and my dad farmed.  Financially, it made things tight, but also made us grow up happy and humble.  We didn’t want for anything, not really.  I didn’t grow up with electronic games or MTV.  I grew doing chores and raising animals to show at the local 4-H fair.  We did not waste gas on unnecessary trips to town.  We were no strangers to pulling weeds in the garden, walking beans, and detassling corn. We played kick the can and could run bare foot across gravel faster than anyone I knew! It doesn’t sound glamorous – but, I loved it, truly. 

For my 10^th birthday, it was like every other.  Mom made dinner and cake and had my birthday presents wrapped.  The card is always signed, “Love ya, Mom and Dad.”  Dad was usually just as curious to see what gifts we received as we were.  However, Dad made the decision to do things a little different for my 10^th birthday.  He asked me if I wanted to go to the store to see what we could find.  We went to the only store Dad was really familiar with, Farm&Fleet.  We made the 30 minute trip and got to the store.  We did some looking around and my eyes caught the most magnificent light-washed jean jacket I had ever seen.  $24.99 – ouch!  We did NOT spend money like that.  So, we decided to keep looking.  After perusing for twenty minutes or so, Dad decided we should go back and check out that jean jacket again.  I can still remember how I felt in that moment – I wanted that jacket, but did not want Dad to spend that money.  I was excited and nervous.  He said, “do you like it?” I replied, “yes, but its ok, that is a lot of money.”  He shrugged and smiled.  He picked the jacket off the rack.  “Would this size fit?  I tried it on and beamed, “yeah it fits.”  “Well, lets go check out.”  I am sure we walked out with other necessary items like oil and filters…  And, I am pretty sure he crabbed a pack of twizzlers on the way to the cashier.   

My Dad and I don’t always see eye to eye but I have grown an appreciation for his insights.  I have learned through the years that he is a very kind and wise soul.  Sometimes outspoken – And yes, I know where I get it from! I am so proud of the lessons he has taught me and continues to teach me.  He loves to farm.  I want that for myself – to do what I love, with a passion.  He makes it look so easy.  I often think he is one with the ground.  He has risen early and stayed up late to get field work accomplished.  Every minute counts when you have nice weather.  Mother Nature can change her mood at the drop of a dime (typical woman).  She can make or break an entire year’s crop.  Dad, now better known as Grandpa – has a remarkable relationship with the grandkids.  It’s hard to know who beams more –  The little ones when they coming running through the door, or Grandpa scooping them up.

Dad, on your birthday and for everyday I forget to say it.  Thank you for the blessing you have given our family.  We are all proud of you – and we love you!  Happy 54^th Birthday – here’s to 54 more! 

I heart quotes

I have always found that quotes and inspirational messages have a way of kicking me into a place I need to be, go, or get out of.  Do you know what I mean?  Some days it seems like the same old thing, same routine, the clock just ticks on.  But, these quotes / thoughts of the days / inspirational messages seem to find you when you need them most. 

Thanks to pinterest they find me every time I am pinning (which happens to be WAY TO OFTEN).  So, I thought I would share a few of my favorites – the ones that keep me thinking.  Thanks to them, those mundane days seem a little brighter.  I appreciate bigger.  Find humor in the challenges.  Show gratitude daily.  

always make new mistakes 

We must be willing to let go of the life we have planned so as to have the life that is waiting for us 

"Its impossible," said pride.  "Its risky," said experience.  "Its pointless," said reason.  "Give it a try," whispered heart. 

You don’t have to be rich to sparkle 

Your journey is unfolding exactly as it should be 

This is my Keg Stand t-shirt  - click the link to see the t-shirt, seriously... so funny!

Surround yourself with only people who are going to lift you higher

Keep the gleam in your eyes. Teach feelings. Be there.  Read books outloud with joy. REMEMBER how small they are … 

Teach him words for how he feels. Answer him when he asks “Why?”  Let him ruin his clothes. Be an example of a beautiful women with brains, determination, and integrity. Build him forts. Take him to new places. Kiss him.  BE HOME BASE. 

I carry your heart in mine 

When you are going through something hard and wonder where God is remember the teacher is always quiet during a test. 

A poor man is not the one without a cent. A poor man is the one without a dream. ~ Henry Ford

Think Happy.  Be Happy. 

Laugh Louder.  (my new desk daily quote book).

I have gone on a little online yard sale shopping spree… I am looking forward to another furniture refinishing weekend.  This will be coupled with 2 mini senior portrait sessions and a family birthday party (happy birthday Mom, Dad, Layna, and Max!).  I have LOTS of items I want to paint.  I will have to see what I can get done.  Stay tuned on Monday for a few furniture face lifts and some new Senior Smiles.  I am blessed to be so busy!! 

Have a wonderful weekend!

Life Lessons for LB {sharing my heart}

I have been keeping a journal (a gift I got from LB's Dad).  It isn't so much of a journal as it is letters to my son.  I catch myself writing ongoing life lessons.  He's only two and a half so he is going to have a lot of reading to do by the time he is eighteen.  I feel like this has been therapeutic.  I have a way of sharing with him the things that he just can't possibly keep stored.  Now, he will have it forever. 

There is a great quote by Elizabeth Stone, ‘Making the decision to have a child is momentous.  It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside of your body.’ This is very true.  You will learn this when you become a parent.  When you cry, my heart cries.  When you get hurt, my heart hurts.  When you smile, laugh, and love – my heart does the same.  A piece of me resides within you.

Oh the places you’ll go – “There will be times in your life when you feel stuck.  It’s up to you to decide where you’ll go.  Keep on trekking.  Go, go, go kid.  You’ll move mountains.”  I have not a doubt in my mind that you will do just this.  Be strong, be kind and there is nothing you can’t do.

Accept others.  Be kind to everyone.  Everyone has their own story, their own challenges and struggles.  Accept them as they are and treat them with respect – they deserve it until they show you that they don’t. 

Being a man. It isn’t defined by the extra curricular activities that you pursue.  Being a man, being you, is defined by your character.  Be emotional, be sincere, be you.  I am always proud of you.

Work with your hands.  Our family comes from hard workers.  They have dirt on their hands, literally.  I want you to know how to change your oil (and your moms) and I want you to help Grandpa in the field.  This will help you to be a well rounded individual. 

Go to College.  This is not an option and absolutely not negotiable.  I will support whatever you want to do with your life but you have to have a degree and the experience that comes with going to collage. 

Find your passion.  Do what you love and you will never work a day in your life.  Do it as your career or on the side as a hobby.  Always know that life is worth living.  It goes too quickly and it is wasted if you don’t enjoy it.  If you live this way, you will inspire others to do the same.

Never stop learning.  If you don’t know the answer to something, ask.  Why and how create stimulation in your brain. That is how you learn.  Figure out the mechanical, chemical, environmental causes for everything.  Take classes for enjoyment ~ Solely for the purpose of learning. 

Respect. Period.  Show it to everyone.  You are no better or worse than anyone else.  Friends, family, loves, strangers, earth – all deserve your respect.  You get what you give.

Put the toilet seat down.  Seriously.  Not only is it polite but it is sanitary to do so.

Dream.  Smile.  Love.

 And last but not least, home is where your heart is.  Go and explore.  Travel and experience life.  Just know that you can always come home.  I will always be there with open arms and with a kiss in the crook of your neck (that’s my favorite place). 

Kisses times 10, LB. Love you! 

The sweetest thing...

It is amazing how a cookie first thing in the morning can start your day off just right.  Now, this isn’t totally as it sounds – however, I am not a stranger to eating cookies and sweats in the morning but this story isn’t about that, well, not entirely.

Yesterday, as I am getting ready to leave for work, LB points to a package of store bought cookies on the counter and he starts to whine.  My first reaction was, ummm, no you can’t have cookies for breakfast.  But, he was insistent on the cookie and the little tike had been sick and feeling miserable for several days now so I figured what could it hurt?

I open the package and hand him the last cookie form the container.  He hands it back to me.  I look confused and I say “Here LB, you can eat it” trying to reassure him that it is ok.  He hands it back and says “Mommy!’  I was taken back…  He was giving me the cookie…  really?!  I of course squealed in delight.  What a sweet gesture from a tired, sick toddler.  Then I thought, “Does this Boy know me or what? Cookies for breakfast? Yes, please!”

(Side Note:  I bought a package of cookies a few days prior and managed to eat an entire dozen almost all on my own in 2 days. I am addicted to sweats.  ADDICTED.  I bought these cookies because they were calling out to me.  Caramel Toffee Macadamia Nut – need I say more).

Here are a few recipes I will have to try:

Toffee Macadamia Nut

Pretzel Butterscotch Chocolate Chip

What I love about Sundays

I love Sundays...  especially when they are filled with wonderful people and beautiful photos!  I had two photo sessions.  The first one was for an engagement announcement picture and the second was for a baby belly and family!  Below is a sneak peak - I am still doing some editing but I love them too much not to share!

Then, of course time with LB.  Can't beat an all day pjami day!

How do you eat an elephant?....

So, I LOVE this saying...  You may be wondering, if you haven't heard it before, well then, how DO you eat an elephant?  Well, the answer is: ... one bite at a time.  

Sometimes,...  most of the time, in life I would like to be able to just be where I want to be.  But, as life should have it; it doesn't work this way.  Bite by bite, or step by step you eventually get to where you are supposed to be.  Sometimes you may choke and sometimes you may stumble but with a lesson or two you eventually learn to chew more slowly or exam better the path you are walking.  But, you do in fact  get there... or at least that is what I am told.

I choke / stumble a lot :)  I have learned that about myself.  I learn by doing and sometimes the ‘doing’ that I choose doesn’t always work out the way I thought.  My life isn’t exactly where I had anticipated it to be at the ripe ol’ age of 29…. Actually, it isn’t even close… and that makes me laugh a little because I can’t really imagine it any other way but exactly how it is.  I think back to all of the different path options and the different ways my life could have ended up …  but really, what is the point of doing that.  It’s called hindsight for a reason.  

In my new little venture, I have to continue to remind myself to move slowly and to stay focused.  And in the grander scheme, my life, I need to remind myself of that as well.  I sometime get so caught up in what I want for my life that I skip the necessary steps to really get to where I am going, and with that, a lot of the excitement that comes a long with figuring it out gets lost too.  

I dislike using the word ‘mistakes’…  I prefer to say lessons for progress.  I have had my share of mistakes, er, I mean, lessons (the lemons). I am a work in progress, and for me,  I wouldn't have it any other way - If I stop being 'in-progress' then what do I become??

I heart my lemons.  Without them, I wouldn't be exactly who I am.  

If you ask this guy, who I am isn't too shaby...  

What My Smiles are made of:

2012 has started off with a new sense of focus and calm.  I took a few days off work to spend time with the big guy LB, it doesn't get better than that! We played with little cousins (we worked on sharing) and ate pizza! Then opened some late Christmas presents and played.  It was totally relaxing and fun not having any where to rush off to.  In honor of one of my resolutions (taking more pictures) here are a few from that day: 

He LOVES sharks, one of his new favorites.  He is becoming very accustom to my pictures - he even says 'cheese'!

Then after work yesterday we went to "Mommy's school" ( I take some night classes) and he LOVES going with me because he is infatuated with dinosaurs.  Classes were out so he was able to roam.  We had so much fun - just chillin, no where to be but in the moment.  Check out his smiles:

...and mine are behind the lens :)