With our wedding anniversary just around the corner (or 2 days away if you want to get specific) I thought it quite applicable that our church is doing a multiple week talk/series on marriage.
they like to run commercials like these:
Basically, the premise is that there are marriage monsters..."termites" that will destroy a marriage. Each week they touch on a different aspect of marriage...it's been enlightening, to say the least.
This week, the title was "The Busy Termite"...last week, it was about Culture.
I think the thing that strikes me and has been slowly developing into my mind over the past months is this whole idea of the "slow fade"...it's the quiet justification of things here and there that don't seem all that "bad", but as Pastor Aaron pointed out: "You start stacking on a bunch of good things to accomplish in a day and the day becomes evil" (Ephs 5:15) I love that our church is pulling this thought into the realm of marriage because it's been in my heart with regards to parenting...and I"m now coming to the understanding that it really engulfs all aspects of our lives.
He had a really neat example today that really got me thinking when it comes to truth. You know those picture in picture things on the television? Not closed captioning, but where you can see a tiny picture in the corner and then the bigger picture on the whole screen? He likened our world to the big screen...hyped up, HD color, sending messages like "live life to be happy", "get what you want now and get more", "life is all about you"...and then in this tiny little window there is another message being sent. It's not invisible, it's not hidden...truth is there, you just have to tune into it...it's a smaller voice, perhaps a smaller window.
And yet, how often do we just follow after what culture deems "awesome" or "our right" or "you make your own truth"
He talked about being soul-mates...not roommates or even in-mates...
He pointed out some questions for us to ponder such as...IF you are doing and living however it is you are doing and living...to what end? What are we gaining by our relentless pursuit of more (i.e. BUSY-ness: activities, money, things)?
He offered solutions such as giving up your rights, evaluation of activity, saying no and practicing a sabbath...
I gotta tell you...in today's society...how much it has slowly evolved and changed from the 1920's, 1950's, even from the 1990's...how much more is "acceptable" today...by setting out to just achieve more, putting money/activity/popularity/prestige/work/sports/social media in front of relationships to which we pledged our commitment...what are we doing not only to ourselves, but to our children?
He pointed out that if we just continue to say yes to every activity and toy and whim that our children desire, we are setting them up for failure...failure in future relationships specifically...because they learn at a young age that "life is all about ME and reaching MY personal goals"...it teaches them that it matters not that you and everyone you come in contact with is running around like a chicken with their head cut off...so BUSY with stuff that there is no time to connect...to what end? to what glory?
I have friends and family that we rarely see anymore...mostly because they are just too busy...they've got one thing after another. I can understand "seasons" of busyness...IS gets those in work, with travel...but there is an end. I haven't seen an end for some of my family/friends...it's always the next best thing and then off again onto something else...I am not trying to sound judgmental, I just miss them...
Now, I don't believe Pastor Aaron was squashing goal setting or determination...I don't believe he was saying that trying to do your best was wrong...however, I do believe he was trying to say (and I think I'm coming to agree with him) that even GOOD things can become BAD things...
If we can't begin to detach ourselves from the compulsions of society, then we ARE like a herd...just "following the next butt in front of us"...
I asked Italian Stallion if the termite of busyness was evident in our marriage...I'm a stay at home mom and our children haven't hit Jr. High yet...so I know that that struggle will get worse as we go along. But, we agreed, even though we have said no to many sports opportunities and classes and such for our kids...and even though we tend to guard our family time not just at the dinner table, but on weekends when Daddy is not working...and even though we chose to live where we live so that our girls could spend lots of time playing with each other and us, developing those relationships...we still need to keep our guard up against too much time spent on electronic devices (watching TV, ipads, video games) And that's just one practical way to hedge our marriage/family.
I can't tell you how thankful I am for a husband who is in tune to things like this...who isn't afraid to admit when he is wrong (although he might be apt to tell you that it's VERY RARE:)...who is on guard and has a much better perspective on life and how God calls us to live it than I do ...We're coming up on 13 years of marriage and nearly 20 years of being friends...I'm thankful that we're on this journey together...
If you want the message from today, I'm sure you can find it on the church's website: GRACE POINT
Sunday, July 8, 2012
Friday, July 6, 2012
Head in a Muck
I've been thinking about some things for a long while now. I have not come to a conclusion by any means...in fact, there are so many ins and outs and grey areas that I don't know if I'll ever have a definitive answer for every single situation...but, it's not going away...and therefore, I have to deal with it.
As you know, we have daughters...and with daughters come all sorts of fun, exciting and DRAMATIC issues. (I'm sure moms of sons could say the same thing, but I don't know since I don't have any boys, and I can only speak from my own experience)
We have reached the "tween" years with our eldest and I would be putting it lightly if I said that I've been reading up on all sorts of topics lately...everything from modesty, purity, relationships, health, skin care, social media, the internet...the list goes on and on...and my library book basket is filled to the brim.
The "latest" thing that has been brought to the forefront of my mind is the issue of modesty/purity. (however, as you continue to read this post, you'll see a blending of topics because my mind can't seem to differentiate between them all...and this is where I get stuck in the muck and pray for clear thinking)
Let me give you some background...I was brought up in a church where I perceived that what was acceptable were high neck collared dresses that reached down below your knees. Everything I owned was a size XL and I wore a tee-shirt and shorts over my bathing suit to any type of pool related activity. I came to believe that my body was something to hide from others...completely.
That is extreme...I don't want that for my girls and I don't honestly believe that is what God wanted either.
They already know that their mother doesn't have much fashion sense (and that's where we depend on wonderful aunts that know their way around a shopping mall and make-up counters)
Sweetpea isn't even into the whole fashion scene at all yet...she just wants to be comfortable and look nice...but, I know a time is coming when we'll have to address the "fashion" of this era and what "everyone else" is wearing. And, I have to tell you, that I'm a bit nervous.
It's always been a slippery slope...fashions get more and more "loose" and extreme...and what is deemed "IN" will always push the boundaries...it's what our culture does...
But, how to live with it? I'm struggling...(thankful that I hopefully have a few more months/years to dwell on it before we have to take a stand on something...but still, I want to start having those conversations now...)
Let me give you just one example of something that happened the other day...something that just gave me more to think about (because it deals not just with what someone is wearing, or not wearing, but what exactly are they are trying to convey).
Just the other day, due to some married woman's need to post a picture of her half naked/bikini clad self on facebook, my husband turned to me and said, "thank you for not doing this ..." and quickly scrolled away and ultimately ended up "defriending" her from his account...(Italian Stallion has made it clear to me that he "only has eyes for me"...he has made it a purposeful decision to live this way...I'm not saying that I've married a perfect man...nor am I claiming that temptation is never a problem..I do NOT want to sound like we have "arrived" by any means!!! I only say this because he has given me insight into how guys think and the measures he has taken, and continues to take to live according to what he believes God has called him)
My first reaction was to judge...I know it's wrong...but, I did...what purpose does a woman have in posting such a picture where she knows that her "friends" are males...she must also realize that in doing so, she's going to cause other women to covet and become jealous...she's going to cause men to desire her body...don't get me wrong...I would be lying if I said it doesn't feel good to get whistled at or have people comment about my "looks"...who doesn't like a compliment? But to what end? When there is little left to the imagination, how does that affect someone else's thought life?
But, does it even matter? Maybe God doesn't care about it...maybe He just made us to be that way and doesn't mind when we flaunt it? Maybe He wants to punish the people who have those thoughts after looking at such images? Maybe He thinks it's perfectly fine to show everything (but just a few covered spots:), especially if you've worked out so long and have it to show? Maybe I'm only responsible for myself, and if I know I look good then the heck with everyone else, it's their problem?
It goes even further than clothing...Would you agree that there is something in us that just "knows" when someone is trying to "prove" something rather than just sharing their life with you? I find it increasingly more difficult to scroll through pictures on facebook when I have that "feeling" that the "friend" is trying to "show off"...I've been guilty of it myself...I get proud when my kiddos do something...or when we actually don't kill the pepper plants...I'm utterfly thankful for what God has blessed us with...but, how do I or do I even, share with my friends and family?
What am I trying to convey?...what is my purpose? Do I want others to be jealous of me? Do I want others to compliment me? Do I want others to know how great I have it?
You are reading words from a photographer...someone who LOVES herself a good picture...I feel like pictures tell stories...You've heard the saying, "a picture is worth a thousand words"...they give insight into what others deem important and worthy...Pictures are memories for me...
Where am I going with all this? To be honest, when I shared my thoughts with Italian Stallion he said, "you do realize that you are blending a ton of conversations into one scenario here?" I know I am...My mind is jumbled with: what is modest? what is pure? what are the motives? what do I convey? what's the purpose?...
It started off with questions like, "Will we allow our girls to wear bikinis? (knowing that inevitably they will get posted somewhere on social media) to Why do people post certain things anyway? to What am I trying to convey about myself and what I think, when I dress or post any picture anywhere?"
Where does this leave me? I still don't have answers...everyone has justifications and their own ideas...and really, I KNOW that I'm not responsible for others raise their children...however, I'm trying to find out where I fit...it has caused me to seriously consider my own basis for not just what I wear or will allow my girls to wear, but what I 'put out there' in this generation of cyberspace and the ability to "share life" with others with a click of a button.
It all seems complicated and I don't want to get my panties all up in a bunch...but at the same time, I've said it before and I'll say it again...I'm after my girls' hearts...I will fight to the end to protect, to guide, to forgive, to heal, to cherish, to celebrate, and to travel this journey with them...in the hopes that the decisions they make, the life they lead...it will not only be immeasurably fullfilling, but will be pleasing to the One who made them so wonderfully:)
As you know, we have daughters...and with daughters come all sorts of fun, exciting and DRAMATIC issues. (I'm sure moms of sons could say the same thing, but I don't know since I don't have any boys, and I can only speak from my own experience)
We have reached the "tween" years with our eldest and I would be putting it lightly if I said that I've been reading up on all sorts of topics lately...everything from modesty, purity, relationships, health, skin care, social media, the internet...the list goes on and on...and my library book basket is filled to the brim.
The "latest" thing that has been brought to the forefront of my mind is the issue of modesty/purity. (however, as you continue to read this post, you'll see a blending of topics because my mind can't seem to differentiate between them all...and this is where I get stuck in the muck and pray for clear thinking)
Let me give you some background...I was brought up in a church where I perceived that what was acceptable were high neck collared dresses that reached down below your knees. Everything I owned was a size XL and I wore a tee-shirt and shorts over my bathing suit to any type of pool related activity. I came to believe that my body was something to hide from others...completely.
That is extreme...I don't want that for my girls and I don't honestly believe that is what God wanted either.
They already know that their mother doesn't have much fashion sense (and that's where we depend on wonderful aunts that know their way around a shopping mall and make-up counters)
Sweetpea isn't even into the whole fashion scene at all yet...she just wants to be comfortable and look nice...but, I know a time is coming when we'll have to address the "fashion" of this era and what "everyone else" is wearing. And, I have to tell you, that I'm a bit nervous.
It's always been a slippery slope...fashions get more and more "loose" and extreme...and what is deemed "IN" will always push the boundaries...it's what our culture does...
But, how to live with it? I'm struggling...(thankful that I hopefully have a few more months/years to dwell on it before we have to take a stand on something...but still, I want to start having those conversations now...)
Let me give you just one example of something that happened the other day...something that just gave me more to think about (because it deals not just with what someone is wearing, or not wearing, but what exactly are they are trying to convey).
Just the other day, due to some married woman's need to post a picture of her half naked/bikini clad self on facebook, my husband turned to me and said, "thank you for not doing this ..." and quickly scrolled away and ultimately ended up "defriending" her from his account...(Italian Stallion has made it clear to me that he "only has eyes for me"...he has made it a purposeful decision to live this way...I'm not saying that I've married a perfect man...nor am I claiming that temptation is never a problem..I do NOT want to sound like we have "arrived" by any means!!! I only say this because he has given me insight into how guys think and the measures he has taken, and continues to take to live according to what he believes God has called him)
My first reaction was to judge...I know it's wrong...but, I did...what purpose does a woman have in posting such a picture where she knows that her "friends" are males...she must also realize that in doing so, she's going to cause other women to covet and become jealous...she's going to cause men to desire her body...don't get me wrong...I would be lying if I said it doesn't feel good to get whistled at or have people comment about my "looks"...who doesn't like a compliment? But to what end? When there is little left to the imagination, how does that affect someone else's thought life?
But, does it even matter? Maybe God doesn't care about it...maybe He just made us to be that way and doesn't mind when we flaunt it? Maybe He wants to punish the people who have those thoughts after looking at such images? Maybe He thinks it's perfectly fine to show everything (but just a few covered spots:), especially if you've worked out so long and have it to show? Maybe I'm only responsible for myself, and if I know I look good then the heck with everyone else, it's their problem?
It goes even further than clothing...Would you agree that there is something in us that just "knows" when someone is trying to "prove" something rather than just sharing their life with you? I find it increasingly more difficult to scroll through pictures on facebook when I have that "feeling" that the "friend" is trying to "show off"...I've been guilty of it myself...I get proud when my kiddos do something...or when we actually don't kill the pepper plants...I'm utterfly thankful for what God has blessed us with...but, how do I or do I even, share with my friends and family?
What am I trying to convey?...what is my purpose? Do I want others to be jealous of me? Do I want others to compliment me? Do I want others to know how great I have it?
You are reading words from a photographer...someone who LOVES herself a good picture...I feel like pictures tell stories...You've heard the saying, "a picture is worth a thousand words"...they give insight into what others deem important and worthy...Pictures are memories for me...
Where am I going with all this? To be honest, when I shared my thoughts with Italian Stallion he said, "you do realize that you are blending a ton of conversations into one scenario here?" I know I am...My mind is jumbled with: what is modest? what is pure? what are the motives? what do I convey? what's the purpose?...
It started off with questions like, "Will we allow our girls to wear bikinis? (knowing that inevitably they will get posted somewhere on social media) to Why do people post certain things anyway? to What am I trying to convey about myself and what I think, when I dress or post any picture anywhere?"
Where does this leave me? I still don't have answers...everyone has justifications and their own ideas...and really, I KNOW that I'm not responsible for others raise their children...however, I'm trying to find out where I fit...it has caused me to seriously consider my own basis for not just what I wear or will allow my girls to wear, but what I 'put out there' in this generation of cyberspace and the ability to "share life" with others with a click of a button.
It all seems complicated and I don't want to get my panties all up in a bunch...but at the same time, I've said it before and I'll say it again...I'm after my girls' hearts...I will fight to the end to protect, to guide, to forgive, to heal, to cherish, to celebrate, and to travel this journey with them...in the hopes that the decisions they make, the life they lead...it will not only be immeasurably fullfilling, but will be pleasing to the One who made them so wonderfully:)
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
Hello July
I know that it's been awhile...I could apologize for my absence from the "blog scene", but really, the fact of the matter is that I got too busy and though I love the challenge of the "literary word", I had to let something slide whilst I slathered in sunblock, wound down lazy rivers, partially cleaned my basement (*gasp*), bought new flip flops, drank lots of lemonade, invested in patio furniture so that I could sip tea in the early mornings, read at least 6 books and finished the entire 2 seasons of Downtown Abbey...
See, I was B.U.S.Y.!!!
So much "randomness" to verbalize:)
1. I DID watch the first 2 seasons of Downton Abbey and I think I would like to speak in a British accent and travel in time back to 1914 just to wear those sweet dresses and don a fun hat.
2. BTW, I loved the series...there were a few "glitches" in my opinion...things that didn't necessarily "enhance" the entertainment value, but, nonetheless, I am still intrigued...I love Anna and Mr. Bates and no matter how much O'Brien changes, I think I would purposefully trip her and then "accidentally" step on her face if I met her in real life...(and by "real life" I mean, if it were actually 1921 and I lived in Britian and/or worked at Downton Abbey...so realistic right?)
3. We went to Florida on vacation with Italian Stallion's family. We were in Bonita Springs and my camera actually survived the beach...praise the LORD!!! I took lots of pictures and drove my family nuts with them...however, I am thankful for the "memories" I captured, and I know they will be too once the shutterfly book arrives and then my husband will fall at my feet and thank his lucky stars for the creativeness that is his wife and cherish the moments for all eternity...
and then I will wake up:)
(or actually find myself in 1921...UGH...I'm pathetic)
4. I purchased some patio furniture...can I be candid? why yes, I believe I can be, seeing as it's my blog and currently, I am just speaking to my computer screen, of which has no humanistic charactistic by which to stop me from my candidness...bleh...anyway, patio furniture costs a lot of money and when one doesn't exactly know what one is looking for except to having something comfortable on which to sit and drink chai spice tea in the morning...well, it is rather difficult to come to a decision about what to purchase...and in my case, you start obsessing over the style and costs and then go into a tizzy and think you'll never buy anything and you'll be stuck with plastic lawn chairs and red solo cups for eternity...BUT THEN, I happened upon a 4 pc. set for under $400 on clearance and I just scooped it up...worse case scenario, I will sell it at the end of the summer and try again next season:)
FYI: I drink my chai spice tea with french vanilla cream every morning in my sweet loveseat in the corner of my patio...it's a good thing:)
5. I'm totally into eating watermelon...and LOTS of it.
6. We lost power for about 2 days and I reminded myself that I'm thankful that it is 2012 and not 1921:)
7. We harvested our potatoes today. I'm always in a quandry about "harvest time"...I've often gotten too excited and picked too early...but today was a success and I'm thankful! It's a community effort for sure, in our little potato treasure hunt!
See, I was B.U.S.Y.!!!
So much "randomness" to verbalize:)
1. I DID watch the first 2 seasons of Downton Abbey and I think I would like to speak in a British accent and travel in time back to 1914 just to wear those sweet dresses and don a fun hat.
2. BTW, I loved the series...there were a few "glitches" in my opinion...things that didn't necessarily "enhance" the entertainment value, but, nonetheless, I am still intrigued...I love Anna and Mr. Bates and no matter how much O'Brien changes, I think I would purposefully trip her and then "accidentally" step on her face if I met her in real life...(and by "real life" I mean, if it were actually 1921 and I lived in Britian and/or worked at Downton Abbey...so realistic right?)
3. We went to Florida on vacation with Italian Stallion's family. We were in Bonita Springs and my camera actually survived the beach...praise the LORD!!! I took lots of pictures and drove my family nuts with them...however, I am thankful for the "memories" I captured, and I know they will be too once the shutterfly book arrives and then my husband will fall at my feet and thank his lucky stars for the creativeness that is his wife and cherish the moments for all eternity...
and then I will wake up:)
(or actually find myself in 1921...UGH...I'm pathetic)
4. I purchased some patio furniture...can I be candid? why yes, I believe I can be, seeing as it's my blog and currently, I am just speaking to my computer screen, of which has no humanistic charactistic by which to stop me from my candidness...bleh...anyway, patio furniture costs a lot of money and when one doesn't exactly know what one is looking for except to having something comfortable on which to sit and drink chai spice tea in the morning...well, it is rather difficult to come to a decision about what to purchase...and in my case, you start obsessing over the style and costs and then go into a tizzy and think you'll never buy anything and you'll be stuck with plastic lawn chairs and red solo cups for eternity...BUT THEN, I happened upon a 4 pc. set for under $400 on clearance and I just scooped it up...worse case scenario, I will sell it at the end of the summer and try again next season:)
FYI: I drink my chai spice tea with french vanilla cream every morning in my sweet loveseat in the corner of my patio...it's a good thing:)
5. I'm totally into eating watermelon...and LOTS of it.
6. We lost power for about 2 days and I reminded myself that I'm thankful that it is 2012 and not 1921:)
7. We harvested our potatoes today. I'm always in a quandry about "harvest time"...I've often gotten too excited and picked too early...but today was a success and I'm thankful! It's a community effort for sure, in our little potato treasure hunt!
8. Little Munchkin is learning to swim and it's fun to watch. We've been frequenting our community pool lately and she's getting braver by the day.
9. I think my arches are falling in my feet, my left arm hurts from holding sweet babies all day at the neighborhood 4th of July celebration, I have a bruise on my back, I haven't slept through the night in about 2 months...I'm getting old...and apparantly whiney too!
10. I made it to the Old Navy flip flop $1 sale last weekend and bought a ton of flipflops...
...and I wonder why my arches are falling...DUH!
11. The 90+ degree weather, coupled with a full belly of watermelon and a nicely air conditioned house, and the inability to sleep during normal "sleep hours" equals a nice long nap for me this afternoon.
Yep, it's a good thing it's 2012 and I live in the U.S.A....
Happy 4th of July AMERICA!!!!
Saturday, June 16, 2012
Happy Father's Day
Hope all those dads out there have a wonderful Father's Day!
Having 3 daughters (and being a daughter myself:) I can tell you that there is NOONE that captures the heart of a little girl more than her daddy...it doesn't really matter if he's a "good" dad or not...the power he holds to encourage, motivate, empower, love, guide, mold, exemplify life...it's immeasureable:)
So thankful for my dads:)
And thankful for the daddy that these little girls have:) I pray they find men one day that have his same integrity, servant's heart, ability to show love unconditionally and drive!
We love you!
Having 3 daughters (and being a daughter myself:) I can tell you that there is NOONE that captures the heart of a little girl more than her daddy...it doesn't really matter if he's a "good" dad or not...the power he holds to encourage, motivate, empower, love, guide, mold, exemplify life...it's immeasureable:)
So thankful for my dads:)
And thankful for the daddy that these little girls have:) I pray they find men one day that have his same integrity, servant's heart, ability to show love unconditionally and drive!
We love you!
Friday, June 8, 2012
Her warts are gone...yippee
What?
Who has warts?
What are you talking about?
Yes, well...Little Munchkin apparantly has NO inhibitions and desires to tell everyone about the little warts on her feet...or should I say "FORMER" warts. We've been workin' on those little stinkers for awhile now...I've got to admit, I've never dealt with warts before in my life and then all of a sudden, Sweetpea got one on her heel and then Little Munch's feet went crazy for them...good grief...
But, we are free and clear...after a final floor cleaning and carpet washing, we are now feeling much more comfortable going barefoot in our house once again:)
This is the good news on the homefront because orginally I wanted to entitle this post: My girls are on a Mission...
A mission to WEAR DOWN THEIR MOTHER!
It's only the 2nd day of summer break...
Here's the thing (as if there is a "thing")...the thing is that I now have a 'tween'...now, to those perfect parents out there that do not struggle with anything other than which vegetable to offer at dinner time...to you I plead, don't judge me:)
I've always felt rather confident in the parenting realm with babies, toddlers and through these early elementary years...it's when the kids reach the double digits and hormones kick in and drama ensues...it's at this point that I rather would like to check out...I don't do well with it all...
Italian Stallion has MUCH more patience than I possess, much less exude...
And so, with summer break beginning with a now 5th grader, 3rd grader and wayyyy rambunctous almost 5 year old...I'm embarking on a new season of life...situations and talks and circumstances that haven't been brought up...ever before...
I think I heard my name called at least 56496792123791342333651002 times today...and I had to mediate roughly 856865975431258 sisterly interactions of dramatic proportions that would put the Kardashians to shame (I'm only speculating here:)
And I don't even want to discuss the aftermath of dinner in which they were told to EAT YOUR PEAS! Oh my goodness, I think the emotional tone to that directive was equivalent to being told that we're not going to DisneyWorld while in Florida this year...tears and all...
My children sound tired, cranky and spoiled don't they?
THIS is what I THOUGHT TOO! The frustration lies in the fact that I've NEVER seen them like this before in all their 10 years of living...all of sudden it seems...overnight...and we've got the "she's touching me" cooties and "please quit humming, I need peace and quiet"
Here's the other thing though...
I WILL WIN THIS BATTLE! I am in a battle for their hearts no matter what...yes they may discuss warts in public and they may embarrass me (and themselves I might add) with their annoyances towards each other...but I WILL WIN!
I plan to continue to jot down thoughts as it pertains to this crazy summer...please don't get me wrong...my girls are not awful...in fact, for the most part, they are compassionate, compliant girls...and honestly, sometimes my expectations are too high for an 8 year old to climb to...but, I still have high hopes for them...I want more for them...I want more than just punishment for bad behavior or frustration for not meeting a goal...
their hearts are what I am after...
Who has warts?
What are you talking about?
Yes, well...Little Munchkin apparantly has NO inhibitions and desires to tell everyone about the little warts on her feet...or should I say "FORMER" warts. We've been workin' on those little stinkers for awhile now...I've got to admit, I've never dealt with warts before in my life and then all of a sudden, Sweetpea got one on her heel and then Little Munch's feet went crazy for them...good grief...
But, we are free and clear...after a final floor cleaning and carpet washing, we are now feeling much more comfortable going barefoot in our house once again:)
This is the good news on the homefront because orginally I wanted to entitle this post: My girls are on a Mission...
A mission to WEAR DOWN THEIR MOTHER!
It's only the 2nd day of summer break...
Here's the thing (as if there is a "thing")...the thing is that I now have a 'tween'...now, to those perfect parents out there that do not struggle with anything other than which vegetable to offer at dinner time...to you I plead, don't judge me:)
I've always felt rather confident in the parenting realm with babies, toddlers and through these early elementary years...it's when the kids reach the double digits and hormones kick in and drama ensues...it's at this point that I rather would like to check out...I don't do well with it all...
Italian Stallion has MUCH more patience than I possess, much less exude...
And so, with summer break beginning with a now 5th grader, 3rd grader and wayyyy rambunctous almost 5 year old...I'm embarking on a new season of life...situations and talks and circumstances that haven't been brought up...ever before...
I think I heard my name called at least 56496792123791342333651002 times today...and I had to mediate roughly 856865975431258 sisterly interactions of dramatic proportions that would put the Kardashians to shame (I'm only speculating here:)
And I don't even want to discuss the aftermath of dinner in which they were told to EAT YOUR PEAS! Oh my goodness, I think the emotional tone to that directive was equivalent to being told that we're not going to DisneyWorld while in Florida this year...tears and all...
My children sound tired, cranky and spoiled don't they?
THIS is what I THOUGHT TOO! The frustration lies in the fact that I've NEVER seen them like this before in all their 10 years of living...all of sudden it seems...overnight...and we've got the "she's touching me" cooties and "please quit humming, I need peace and quiet"
Here's the other thing though...
I WILL WIN THIS BATTLE! I am in a battle for their hearts no matter what...yes they may discuss warts in public and they may embarrass me (and themselves I might add) with their annoyances towards each other...but I WILL WIN!
I plan to continue to jot down thoughts as it pertains to this crazy summer...please don't get me wrong...my girls are not awful...in fact, for the most part, they are compassionate, compliant girls...and honestly, sometimes my expectations are too high for an 8 year old to climb to...but, I still have high hopes for them...I want more for them...I want more than just punishment for bad behavior or frustration for not meeting a goal...
their hearts are what I am after...
Monday, June 4, 2012
I'm such a goober
That's not even a word...unless you count those chocolate covered peanuts at the movie theater, but I'm not sure if that's what they are called or not...
the point is, I don't really have a word for myself as it relates to my undying passion for reading...or rather, "escaping" into a book.
I've never been one to relish sitting down and reading a non-fiction book...don't get me wrong, I LOVE learning new things...but when I've finished with my day and I'm just wanting to forget the to-do list that is ahead of me in the morning...I just want to curl up with a book that transports me...that makes me laugh and cry...that makes me feel...
I'm not a person that is afraid to cry (or scream, or laugh, or snort, or just about any other bodily function as it relates to emotions!!...I've even been known to pee my pants out of pure hysteria...but, that's for another time)
I've mentioned MANY times before that I have to be "careful little eyes what you see" as it pertains to reading...this is because things stick with me...the words form into scenes that are so vivid and real that I have to be careful that what I'm reading isn't going to set me daydreaming on things that aren't...well, to put it bluntly...aren't Phil. 4:8 :) just plain and simple...
therefore, I have held pretty tightly to my staying within the "inspirational fiction" realm of the literary world...I sometimes dabble in some teen fiction (like Shannon Hale or the ever crazed Hunger Games) but more oft than not, you can find me perusing the aisles for those little pink stickers on the book bindings that deem it "mamarazzi sound" enough for me to handle.
Recently, however, I have strayed just a bit...I think it has roots in the fact that I adore Jane Austen and all things Pride & Prejudice...and that linked with my Scottish heritage and my ever-romantic daydreams...well, it drew me to a book that I spoke about a month or so ago entitled Edenbrooke by Julie C. Donaldson. It was very Austen-esque and was just delightful...so much so that I read it twice.
And so, my teacher mind then starts to turn...how do I find other books similar to this fashion and genre? I started googling the author (who is right around my age) and found that she is a part of an online reader group where she rates books that she has read...
well goodness, what better way to find out if I'll like a book or not, if an author whom I happen to really like and who seemingly has the same mindset as yours truly...to look at HER book lists and what authors SHE enjoys...
All this to come to my point that I FOUND ANOTHER BOOK...
It's entitled The Winter Sea by Susanna Kearsley
It's a romantic, historical account that takes place in none other than Scotland:) But, it has an element of "time traveler-ish" as the main character has memories that have been passed down through ?DNA?...it was heartbreaking and then amazing and then I cried and then I sighed at the end...Italian Stallion just laughed at me:)
Now, there were a few relationships that weren't "developed" or described...and in a way, I'm grateful because their premise wasn't necessarily on the straight and narrow...but it didn't detract from the storyline and therefore I could keep with the story.
It was such an enjoyable read...normally, I totally cheat and skip to the end first to make sure that I'll like the ending...but, with this story, the characters because almost friends and heroines and I didn't want to rush ahead, I wanted to "live it" with them...is that crazy or what?
Anyhoo...thought I'd share, incase anyone is heading to the beach soon and needed a little poolside reading:)
Have a great week!
the point is, I don't really have a word for myself as it relates to my undying passion for reading...or rather, "escaping" into a book.
I've never been one to relish sitting down and reading a non-fiction book...don't get me wrong, I LOVE learning new things...but when I've finished with my day and I'm just wanting to forget the to-do list that is ahead of me in the morning...I just want to curl up with a book that transports me...that makes me laugh and cry...that makes me feel...
I'm not a person that is afraid to cry (or scream, or laugh, or snort, or just about any other bodily function as it relates to emotions!!...I've even been known to pee my pants out of pure hysteria...but, that's for another time)
I've mentioned MANY times before that I have to be "careful little eyes what you see" as it pertains to reading...this is because things stick with me...the words form into scenes that are so vivid and real that I have to be careful that what I'm reading isn't going to set me daydreaming on things that aren't...well, to put it bluntly...aren't Phil. 4:8 :) just plain and simple...
therefore, I have held pretty tightly to my staying within the "inspirational fiction" realm of the literary world...I sometimes dabble in some teen fiction (like Shannon Hale or the ever crazed Hunger Games) but more oft than not, you can find me perusing the aisles for those little pink stickers on the book bindings that deem it "mamarazzi sound" enough for me to handle.
Recently, however, I have strayed just a bit...I think it has roots in the fact that I adore Jane Austen and all things Pride & Prejudice...and that linked with my Scottish heritage and my ever-romantic daydreams...well, it drew me to a book that I spoke about a month or so ago entitled Edenbrooke by Julie C. Donaldson. It was very Austen-esque and was just delightful...so much so that I read it twice.
And so, my teacher mind then starts to turn...how do I find other books similar to this fashion and genre? I started googling the author (who is right around my age) and found that she is a part of an online reader group where she rates books that she has read...
well goodness, what better way to find out if I'll like a book or not, if an author whom I happen to really like and who seemingly has the same mindset as yours truly...to look at HER book lists and what authors SHE enjoys...
All this to come to my point that I FOUND ANOTHER BOOK...
It's entitled The Winter Sea by Susanna Kearsley
It's a romantic, historical account that takes place in none other than Scotland:) But, it has an element of "time traveler-ish" as the main character has memories that have been passed down through ?DNA?...it was heartbreaking and then amazing and then I cried and then I sighed at the end...Italian Stallion just laughed at me:)
Now, there were a few relationships that weren't "developed" or described...and in a way, I'm grateful because their premise wasn't necessarily on the straight and narrow...but it didn't detract from the storyline and therefore I could keep with the story.
It was such an enjoyable read...normally, I totally cheat and skip to the end first to make sure that I'll like the ending...but, with this story, the characters because almost friends and heroines and I didn't want to rush ahead, I wanted to "live it" with them...is that crazy or what?
Anyhoo...thought I'd share, incase anyone is heading to the beach soon and needed a little poolside reading:)
Have a great week!
Sunday, June 3, 2012
It's Been Awhile...again:(
It's like I just skipped right over the last part of May...
That's not really what happened though..in fact, things got crazy busy...
apparantly, lots of babies like to be born in May and so I've been snapping pictures like a crazy woman...and of course, my FAVE time of year: the Memorial Tournament...where I get to spend about 19 hours straight of following around the people of Italian Stallion's company taking pictures of them "working" (as they like to call it), I call it "play-working"...this is because I'm taking pictures of them eating, drinking, golfing, drinking, shooting, drinking some more:), eating again, getting awards, cooking, tasting some wine, and finally, I get to tour around Muirfield and snap pictures of my favorite golfers too:)
And then there were performances for Sweetpea and Peanut...amazing duets sung, violins played, poems recited...and a couple of awesome field trips thrown in for good measure. I will say that on Sweetpea's trip I had a deja vu moment and I couldn't figure out why I felt like I had been there before...until I remembered that "DUH" I taught fourth grade once upon a time and pretty much all 4th graders head to the state house at some point for the study of gov't....I believe my "baby-birthing" time has considerably rid me of many brain cells:)
anyhoo...there were some more photo shoots...
and, did I mention that I somehow got poison ivy in there around that time too?
I can't forget Insanity either...how could I? It's my 6:30am routine now...and though I refuse to follow an eating plan, I will say that it's kickin' me in the patooty and I'm glad for it! Only a couple more weeks to go until I've officially finished round 1 (yes, I said round 1, because I think I'm "insanely" going to go for a round 2...just to see what happens)
And so, I've finally come to a moment where I feel like I can take a breath...my camera has been used almost exclusively for others, and so I took a walk around our yard today just for the pure pleasure of it and snapped a few pictures of just life here...in the serenity of our home...
I think we're going to need to look for a new place for our blueberry bushes and the trees surrounding has caused such shade that they are none too happy:(
The cat tails on the other hand are loving their life in the makeshift compost pile and continue to grow near the water deposit on the far end of the propery:)
People always ask us why we put our garden wayyyyyyyy out back...but, I kinda like that walk out there...and it's a tranquil spot for Italian Stallion to sit on his bucket on Sunday mornings and weed and pray and just be still for a bit:)
I went and did it again..I have NO heart to "thin" out lettuces...they are such teeny, tiny seeds and they work so hard to push up through the ground...and they blossom into their huge leafy greens...I do not have the heart to yank them in their prime...and therefore, we have bushes of lettuces come this time of year...I believe I delivered 6 gallon bags of lettuces to whomever at church this morning...this picture was taken AFTER I picked all that..so you can imagine how much I had beforehand as well:)
We're trying our hand at eggplant this year...but, my tummy is already yearning for some zucchini bread!
The potatoes plants are huge and just starting to flower...I probably should have mounded them one more time before they got so large, but I got caught up with everything else...they look lovely though and I"m hoping for a picnic table full of spuds in a couple months!!!
This is life right now...I still have a bit of editing to go before I finish everything...and we're looking forward to a family trip to Florida in the near future...I've selfishly carved time out to read a couple of marvelously fun, historical novels (I will have to share those with you soon)...until then, we're going to soak up these moments...school is nearly out for the summer...and my girls are itchin' to get the pool! Hubby is heading out to golf this afternoon and I'm reminded again of the charmed life I lead:)
That's not really what happened though..in fact, things got crazy busy...
apparantly, lots of babies like to be born in May and so I've been snapping pictures like a crazy woman...and of course, my FAVE time of year: the Memorial Tournament...where I get to spend about 19 hours straight of following around the people of Italian Stallion's company taking pictures of them "working" (as they like to call it), I call it "play-working"...this is because I'm taking pictures of them eating, drinking, golfing, drinking, shooting, drinking some more:), eating again, getting awards, cooking, tasting some wine, and finally, I get to tour around Muirfield and snap pictures of my favorite golfers too:)
And then there were performances for Sweetpea and Peanut...amazing duets sung, violins played, poems recited...and a couple of awesome field trips thrown in for good measure. I will say that on Sweetpea's trip I had a deja vu moment and I couldn't figure out why I felt like I had been there before...until I remembered that "DUH" I taught fourth grade once upon a time and pretty much all 4th graders head to the state house at some point for the study of gov't....I believe my "baby-birthing" time has considerably rid me of many brain cells:)
anyhoo...there were some more photo shoots...
and, did I mention that I somehow got poison ivy in there around that time too?
I can't forget Insanity either...how could I? It's my 6:30am routine now...and though I refuse to follow an eating plan, I will say that it's kickin' me in the patooty and I'm glad for it! Only a couple more weeks to go until I've officially finished round 1 (yes, I said round 1, because I think I'm "insanely" going to go for a round 2...just to see what happens)
And so, I've finally come to a moment where I feel like I can take a breath...my camera has been used almost exclusively for others, and so I took a walk around our yard today just for the pure pleasure of it and snapped a few pictures of just life here...in the serenity of our home...
I think we're going to need to look for a new place for our blueberry bushes and the trees surrounding has caused such shade that they are none too happy:(
The cat tails on the other hand are loving their life in the makeshift compost pile and continue to grow near the water deposit on the far end of the propery:)
People always ask us why we put our garden wayyyyyyyy out back...but, I kinda like that walk out there...and it's a tranquil spot for Italian Stallion to sit on his bucket on Sunday mornings and weed and pray and just be still for a bit:)
This is our garden, as seen from the road:)
I went and did it again..I have NO heart to "thin" out lettuces...they are such teeny, tiny seeds and they work so hard to push up through the ground...and they blossom into their huge leafy greens...I do not have the heart to yank them in their prime...and therefore, we have bushes of lettuces come this time of year...I believe I delivered 6 gallon bags of lettuces to whomever at church this morning...this picture was taken AFTER I picked all that..so you can imagine how much I had beforehand as well:)
Little Munchkin is the cheerleader for the Sugar Daddy Peas...they aren't fairing as well this year...we had to plant 3 times before they came up...and although we've always had enough to share with bunnies and deer, this year, it seems they wanted them mostly to themselves...and therefore, I'm afraid we'll have a smaller crop than usual...but, they will be tasty all the same!
We're trying our hand at eggplant this year...but, my tummy is already yearning for some zucchini bread!
This is life right now...I still have a bit of editing to go before I finish everything...and we're looking forward to a family trip to Florida in the near future...I've selfishly carved time out to read a couple of marvelously fun, historical novels (I will have to share those with you soon)...until then, we're going to soak up these moments...school is nearly out for the summer...and my girls are itchin' to get the pool! Hubby is heading out to golf this afternoon and I'm reminded again of the charmed life I lead:)
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