Oil painting

The hubby is awful at keeping secrets and surprises. I think the last time he was able to contain anything was the first year we were together and still dating. I came home from work Thursday night and immediately was told to look under our Christmas tree. There, I found several canvases, oil paint, art kits, an easel, and a bunch of other goodies. So, this afternoon while T was watching a movie, I brought it all out and decided to do some free style painting.

Snowflake

With only 15 days left until Christmas (Good grief!!! I'm hyperventilating now!!!), we are down to the wire. Our tree is up and decorated, as is the house. But there are no presents wrapped under the tree, our stockings haven't been hung gently with care (unless you count hanging on the tree because I can't find our fireplace hangers from moving!), and I still have shopping to do. Yikes!!!

 One thing we are enjoying, however, is Snowflake, our elf. Boy has he done some crazy things! I'm still not sure that T fully understands the concept, but he has done better within the last week. I mean, just Tuesday when we found Snowflake climbing up the garland to get to the mantle, the kid looked at me and said, "Mommy, I don't like Snowflake. I just don't get him!" Crazy kid! But, with it seems like the more fun things that he does, the more he is liked. We have found written notes reminding T to listen to his parents and teachers and be nice to his friends. Although I'm not quite sure that's helping!! 

                                              

                                            Fishing trip!

                  Fun with V-Tech (T did not want to share!)

                                                     Reading a book

          Sitting on the Treat Box reminding T to behave

          Worn out from his trip back from the North Pole

 

       Apparently the whole Elf thing is tough work....

With 2 weeks left until Christmas, I can only imagine what surprises are in store!! Maybe Snowflake will bring back some colder weather from the North Pole so it feels more like Christmas!

Calling ALL moms...

As you've probably guessed by now, I am the mother of a 3 1/2 year old little boy. He can be the most loving and sweet little thing. Emphasis on the "can be". Here lately, he does not want to go to bed. I mean, pitching fits, screaming his head off, crying...the whole 9 yards. It's been going on for roughly a month. Not every night, but definitely enough to cause some concern. And then, there are some mornings when the temper tantrums continue - Not wanting to get dressed, arguing with everything you say...literally kicking and screaming. I'm at my wits end. I have tried everything. Last night, he cried and cried. I was just going to let him cry it out but it got so bad that his daddy decided to put him in bed with us. And, even then he didn't fall asleep until nearly midnight. Tonight, we had another fit, but not as bad. After letting him cry it out, and knowing if he got out of bed it would be trouble, he decided to risk it and open to door to say, "Mommy, please come here. I need to talk to you" in his sweet, angelic voice. After a minute of hesitation - solely because I don't want him to think that he can pull this every night - I decided to go in. Making a long story short, he is in his own bed tonight as I lay here listening to hubby's awful snores that you can hear a mile away..

I am open to any suggestions that anyone has that will help the bedtime routine. We are going to try to get him to bed early and see if that makes a difference....Here's to hoping for good luck...

Christmas, Christmas time is here...

   Sing it, Alvin...It's hard to believe that Christmas is literally right around the corner. With all of the hustle and bustle of Thanksgiving (and working for our family business- which is a locally owned grocery store), I didn't have a lot of free time last week to blog. So, I apologize for the length of time between posts.  

   We started decorating on Friday- and this was my first year of picking out the tree completely by myself- and yes, I am proud of myself. Granted, it was more expensive than what we are used to- it was $45 this year, and we have been "spoiled" by only paying $25 in the past- but since we moved and had to go to a different place, I won't do much complaining. This is the first year that T will really be understanding Christmas, and I don't know if I am more excited, or if he is. He did not want anything to do with Santa this year, but he really seems to be picking up on the whole idea of things. 

   Why is it that as soon as Thanksgiving is over, we start rushing out and buying gifts for our loved ones? I was thinking over the weekend that the most memorable Christmases I have had are ones where I don't remember what I gave or what I received- but where I spent time with the people I care about most in this world- my family and friends. I want those same memories for our son as I had- the laughing until we cried, or it hurt, the warmth, the familiar faces, smiles, and scents of those we love, just being there in the moment knowing that's where you are supposed to be. To me, there is no better feeling. I want him to look back and remember that Christmas isn't about what you open or what you wrap, but about those who you hold near and dear to your heart, and being with them. 

      I am loving the way our lights look from the sidewalk!

          Our elf, Snowflake, came for his yearly visit 11/25/12

                 A work in progress, but it's almost done :)

Feeling kind of crafty

Here lately, I've been feeling really crafty. I'm not sure if it is because of Pinterest, my monthly craft group, or because it's become an outlet for me, but I have found a new favorite store- Hobby Lobby. I could spend hours aimlessly roaming the isles, looking for something new to get my hands on. From wreaths, to hair bows, and canvases to purses, my heart seems to just race. I get home from work, and drag everything out, typically making about 5-6 hair bows and 1-2 purses per night. And the bad thing- I have a boy who can't wear the bows! Luckily, I have a really good friend who works in a salon who has offered to try to sell the things that I make. (We will see how that goes....). It's been really exciting for me to see the things I can create. Hubby shakes his head, and T is just glad he can still watch his movie. 
I want to learn to crochet and quilt. Yes I know I am not an 80 year old woman, but I love doing things like that, and honestly feel like it is a lost art within our society since everything is machine made and at the tips of our fingers. Growing up Southern, quilts have been a big part of our heritage and lives. I have always enjoyed hearing the stories told while making the quilts, or the story of the quilt. 
Here are a few of the things that I have made this week. It's something new to me, so I will be the first to say that they are far from perfect. But I am trying, and coming up with new ways every day.

 

Standing out

Growing up, I always found it so much more fun to be original, and not a carbon copy of everyone else. Starting at age 6, I had an every day reminder of this in my room- A black and white poster of a dalmatian with different colored spots that read, "Dare to be different". As a kid, that was definitely not a hard task for me. If I wanted something, I did what I had to do to get it- work for it, earn it, etc. I never wanted to be like everyone else. What was the fun in that? Why try to blend in when it was so much more fun not to? As I grew up, I learned that while standing out was amazing, you had to do it the "right" way. Too much attention wasn't a good thing (although it wasn't always "bad" either). Standing out was not always the popular thing to do, which is why is was probably a good thing that "popular" has never been something I strive to be.

Looking back, I can see where I lost some of the individualism, but I am proud to say that it isn't all gone. I've never been one to "follow" and I don't intend to start now. I have my own dreams, my own voice, and my own ambitions. I am proud to say that I follow my heart, not what's "popular". I love writing, reading, painting, making things, and working in our family business. I love being able to do the things that I find relaxing. And I am glad that I get to help show our son that he is allowed to be different and doesn't have to be like everyone else. That poster, though it seemed small at the time, helped shape my life in ways that I would have never dreamt of at 6. Being different is more fun, anyway. 

Post Presidential election

With the 2012 Presidential election behind us, I have to vent. I am a Romney supporter, but I am not one to carry out a "woe as me" act. However, I am APPALLED- yes appalled- at all of the hateful comments I have seen from Tuesday on. I have seen people being called names for voting one way, expressing their opinions, the "racist" flag be thrown, and even as far as telling someone they  "forgot where they came from" just because they are black and voted against Obama. I am sick and tired of it. Yes, Romney lost and Obama won. There is nothing we can do to change it. All we can do is look to the future and pray for a better 4 years. There are so many other things that we should be focusing our energy on instead of hurting one another. We don't know what it's like to be someone else until we walk in their shoes. So, stop with the name calling. Stop with the blatant comments. Stop with the fighting. One thing our nation was funded on was to let us have a freedom of speech, and we have it and are allowed to use it. Otherwise, I wouldn't be able to write this blog, and you wouldn't be able to comment on it. So instead of fighting, let's join together. I am pretty sure it's going to be a rough 4 years and that we are all going to need plenty of support for one another. 

Good BYE 2012!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I think I'm beginning to FINALLY see the light at the end of the tunnel for this "horrible, terrible, no good, very bad" year, as 2012 has now been deemed between the hubby and I. While there have been good things that have happened, and a LOT of learning (from mistakes, life, school, etc) I can honestly say "goodbye" to 2012 with no hard feelings. I am ready for new things, bigger pictures, and a more positive attitude. I am tired of the "if we didn't have bad luck we'd have no luck at all" attitude I feel like has been forced upon us.

But, putting all of that aside, since my last post in JULY (wow!), a lot has happened. We have moved. Tristan is now potty trained. And I am looking at starting the MBA program in the fall of 2013 (goodbye being maybe 3 years younger than some of my teachers!). We are happy to be moved, and feel that that is a huge relief and burden off of us. There are a few of you who know the situation- and to those I say thank you for being there, and for being a shoulder to cry on and wanting to take some butt and kick some names. ;) We are even more happy that T woke up one morning and decided he had had enough of pull ups...and hasn't turned back yet. Although, it would happen after I spent a pretty penny on pull ups. Luckily, they were on special and I did get a good deal and did not pay full price, so again, I'm not complaining! He is using the potty!! WOOHOO!!!!!!!!!! And, after starting my 3rd year of school, round 2, Lee is starting an MBA program and my teachers are really pushing for me to get in there. Either they really like me or they are just dying to get rid of me--I haven't figured that one out, yet! ;)

So, here's to hoping 2013 brings about many changes- and praying that they are all for the better. We have been through "worse" already this year!!!!! And yes, I realize it is only October, but hey, Christmas is 12 weeks away :) 

"Isn't it funny how day by day, nothing changes, but when you look back, everything is different." CS Lewis

So, while fumbling through Pinterest today, I came across this quote, "Isn't it funny how day by day, nothing changes, but when you look back, everything is different" from CS Lewis, and couldn't stop thinking about it. Change. It's inevitable. But how can you fully understand something changing when it feels like it can be so gradual? Don't get me wrong- change is always a great thing, and it is really a necessity. Without it, I don't think that we would learn from our mistakes or ever, truly grow up. 
I know I am looking forward to some great changes in our live- between moving, some lifestyle changes, and taking a step back to look at the things that truly matter, I am ready for whatever God has planned for me and my family. I just have to stop being such a control freak and give him complete control- of my mouth, my thoughts, and my life. So, here's to new changes!!!!

"Just write. Keep writing. Keep a pen and paper beside your bed at night. Write about anything. Write about everything. Write with passion. Write with integrity. Write what you would want to read."

Yes, everything above seems like wonderful advice. Advice that should be easy. Then how come whenever I sit down to write, all I do is stare at a blank piece of paper? I will have an idea, sit down, and chase after it- only to hit a dead end after a page. So,that has now become the point of my blog- to freestyle, get the "creative juices flowing", so to speak. 

Writing has always been a hobby. I love reading, and always have. I love being able to get lost in a world that an author has created. And that is what I want to one day achieve. But, until I get to that point, there will probably be a lot of mindless rambling. And, if you're ok with that, I'd love to have you tag along. Share your opinions. Give me your thoughts. I am completely open.

So, that being said....HERE GOES NOTHING.

How many times has a class really made you thing?I am going back for yet another undergrad degree, and am taking Christian Ethics. And believe it or not, it's more than what the Bible says. We have even talked about and taken personal assessments to help us better understand ourselves. I'm not just talking personality traits and so forth like I had in an interpersonal communications class. This class goes more in depth than things like the Meyers-Briggs personality test and finding out if you're an introvert or extrovert. And it seems like we talk about a controversial topic every day. It is really interesting, especially when you relate it all to the Bible. Our teacher is a substance abuse counselor, and has had many years in that field, so it is really interesting to see how some of his stories relate to our topics. That being said, he has never revealed any names or really any specific details of anything, so I don't believe he is going against any patient/doctor restrictions. But, if you ever get a chance to take a class like this (or even the interpersonal communications class), I highly recommend it. They are both the type of class that make you think outside the box and learn about yourself. 

Hi everyone...I just have a favor to ask. If you take the time to read my blog, will you please let me know what you think? I am trying to improve my writing skills and would love constructive criticism. I have always enjoyed writing, and am wondering if there is a path I can go down and explore even more. I have been thinking of maybe trying to write a children's book. Bedtime with my son is one of my favorite moments of our day- because it is just the two of us. I love that he loves books and stories as much as I do. If I can hone my writing skills, I am wanting to expand on this time with him. So please, if you take the time to read this, let me know what you think of my blog. I appreciate it very much :) 
~Lindsey

While scanning Pinterest, I came across a list entitled " 15 Things A Mom Should Teach Her Boys", and it has my thinking. Before I say my thoughts, here is the list: 

 There are some key things your sons should know before they leave home. Here are my top 15.

1. The kitchen? Not just for girls. Learn to use a stove.

2. If a girl tries to change you she doesn’t really love you no matter how much you want her to.

3. Shower daily, keep your nails trim and use deodorant.

4. A dutch oven is never funny. EVER.

5. It is NEVER acceptable to break up with a girl over the phone.

6. Understand how to use basic tools.

7. When you ask a girl, “Is something wrong?” and she says, “No.” She’s lying.

8. The job of a stay-at-home mom is equally as hard as yours.

9. Table manners. Use them.

10. You will never know a stronger pull than that of your friends trying to get you to participate in their wrong doing. Resisting makes you a man. Succumbing makes you a coward.

11. NEVER use your fists to solve ANY dispute. One wrong punch could take a life and it could be yours.

12. Condoms will save your life.

13. Never use the word gay in a derogatory manner. It’s ignorant.

14. Sexting is a federal offense.

15. Real girls do not look like Victoria’s Secret models .

taken from:http://www.ooph.com/topics/health-image-behavior/653/15-things-boys-should-know-before-they-turn-18

Now, here are my two cents worth: I agree with EVERY SINGLE one of these. There are definitely a few more that I would add, and so my add ons are these:

16) Treat a woman the way you would want your mother or daughter to be treated. If you aren't thinking like this, there is someone else out there who is. 

17)Always think before you open your mouth. If you hesitate to say it, you probably shouldn't.

18) When you are arguing with someone you love- your mother, girlfriend, wife, sister, brother, dad- do not say anything mean you might regret later. Even though we may be tough on the outside, words still hurt. So use them wisely.

19) Spend time with the elderly- even if it's just your grandparents. Remember that an older generation has seen a lot more than you have, and can add some perspective. Besides, how cool is it to hear their life stories?!

20) 'For every action, there is a reaction.' Consequences. They are there. They happen. You have to live with them, and so do those who love you. Think twice before you do it. Period. 

21) The guys on Jackass aren't cool. They're idiots. Yea, it's all fun and games...Until someone gets hurt.

22) Respect. Yourself, others, elderly, girlfriends. Everyone.

23) Never give up on something you know you want. There will always be those who tell you that you aren't capable of it. Don't listen. Keep your head up, and keep reaching.

24) Learn to sew a button back on, or how to fix a split seam. 

25) Help. Around the house. At school. The less fortunate. Help. Volunteer. Be the person you would want your son or daughter to be proud to call you "Dad". 

I realize some of mine are kind of similar, but these are the 10 I would add to her list. These are things that I want T to grow up and do. This is the way that I want him to be. And, in order to get these results, we have to set the example. Lead by doing. 

 

So I haven't written since March. I have to admit, it has really been pulling on me to write at least something. So much so that I am beginning to think of maybe starting to write some kind of book- children's or some kind of fiction. I am trying to take my time and think of what the plot would be, and see where I get from there. I have always loved writing, and have always felt extremely passionate about it. It has always been an outlet for me, even if it is only in the form of a journal. It helps me think, collect my thoughts, and sort things out. As a bookworm, I love seeing where writing- my own or someone else's- can take me. 
That being said, I am open to any advice, criticism, etc that anyone has to offer. I am going to start blogging more on here and get the creative juices flowing, and write as much as I can about anything that I can. I hope you guys enjoy whatever lies ahead on this road, and please, if you want to leave feedback, don't hesitate. 

Goals

I've said that I began working out and counting calories in January. And that I started running....When I signed up for my first 5k, it felt like March 31st was SO incredibly far away. But, um, apparently that's not the case anymore. It is about a week and a half away, and I'm kind of freaking out! My running has definitely come a long way, and I am so glad I decided to do the Couch to 5K program. I have done something I never thought I would do, and found I actually LIKE it! Who would have thought?! 
This semester off has flown by. But I am excited to say that I have found new ways to let my nervous energy and frustration out. I look forward to seeing where this running thing may take me....Who know...Maybe a 10k, triathlon, half marathon, and/or full marathon are in my VERY FAR away future!!

Calming the storm or calming the child?

It's crazy to think that it has been nearly a year since the tornadoes came through our town. And, as much as I hate it, it seems like everywhere I turn lately, there are more. It is days like this and times like this that I am reminded of just how lucky and blessed we truly are. We were under a tornado warning last night, which really terrified me. Luckily, it was called off. But that doesn't mean that we are completely out of the woods yet. Apparently we are supposed to have storms again tomorrow that are going to be worse than last night. And, if you saw the wind last night, it was pretty atrocious. 
That being said, there were tornadoes that did touch down last night, bring homes in Missouri and Illinois. i feel for those who lost their lives, family members, memories....It is scary to think about and even scarier to be first hand. 
Even after a year, we have people who are just now moving back into their homes, and those who are still out of a home. We have people who lost everything they had worked their entire lives to obtain. We have people who lost loved ones. It hurts to think that just because you live in a relatively "safe" town that these things can still happen. And what gets me is that they seem to be happening even more lately. I wish there was some way to stop it. But as someone put on Facebook last night, " Sometimes God calms the storm...Sometimes He lets the storm rage and calms the child." I try to remember that He has a plan, and that it is bigger than any of us can see, no matter what happens. But, as I touched on before, sometimes that is a heck of a lot harder to do than say. I try not to question, and to be grateful, but when I see children who have no coat, shoes, or hear that the only meals they get are the ones served at school, it breaks my heart, and leaves me wanting to do so much more. I will continue to help in any way that I can, and keep trying to remember God's plan...but that doesn't mean I won't question it. I know His motives are bigger than any of us, and that He knows what He's doing. Yet, I will continue to do what I can for all who need it.
If you'd like to help the tornado victims, contact your local Red Cross and/or Salvation Army for more information.
 

If you see me running, everything is ok

I made a decision that this year was going to be my year. I had reached a point where I was physically and mentally broken down from working full time, going to school to get my second degree, having a 2 year old, and everything else was leaving me tired and drained. I took the semester off (but I WILL be going back in summer) and am doing a few things to focus on myself. I have changed our eating "lifestyle" again, as the hubby would say, to watching calories, eating protein, and skipping out the junk. Granted, there have been some meals that I better not make again, but for the most part, there has been little complaining- and for those who know my hubby, yes we are talking about the same guy. I am working out with a friend of mine who just opened a gym with her husband, and loving it....more so after the fact because I feel better. And, get this---I have started running. Now, I have NEVER been a runner in any way. In fact, even with all of the swimming, basketball, and everything else I did growing up, I hated it. Yes I did run triathlons as a child, but running was always my least favorite. I am on week 5 of couch 2 5k (c25k.com), and have realized that I am actually loving it..most days. However, I am not looking forward to the 2 mile run (non stop) that I am supposed to do on my 3rd and final run of this week. In fact, I just told my sister today (yep, her and my dad are the runners) that I am dreading it. Her response was that maybe I should bring my son on that one with me, since he is my cheering section. (memories of our last Florida vacation are ringing through my head---It had just started this program and he went with us one day and cheered me on the whole time.)
But, I have no choice of backing out this time. When I decided to do it, my sister and I signed up to do the Color Run together (colorrun.com). This is a 5k (3.1 miles) run that sprays you with color at every k. I am excited about it, but also very nervous. I am looking forward to it, but at the same time...I am trying to get over the mindset of 'every time I run, I hurt myself '. So bring on the shin splints (hey I have them), bring on the sore legs, and bring on the swollen knees (haven't had this yet, but with my knees you never know). I can handle it. There is nothing that a foam roller, ice, and icy hot or biofreeze can't fix.
So, if you see me out running, don't be alarmed. Everything is ok, and there is no 3 headed monster chasing me. And please, ignore the really red face- it will go back to normal in a little while. And, please, don't worry- I really don't need an oxygen tank.....

Why?

I have always been one to roll with the punches, and never really stop and ask myself, or God, why things happen. Well, until now. There has been so much that has gone on in our community within the last 7 days that it feels like an eternity. I will never understand why a baby or child is killed. I will never understand why cancer exists. I will never understand why bad things happen to good people. I have always said that everything happens for a reason and that God doesn't give us more than we can handle, and that He has a plan for each of us- and that the place where we are is exactly where He wants us. I have been struggling this week, and to be honest, for the past month, with why things happen like they do. I understand that some things happen to "wake" us up before things get too out of control and/or to put us on the right path. It just doesn't seem fair. And, yes, I know that life isn't supposed to be fair. But it still doesn't make it feel any better. It doesn't take the hurt away. And it sure as heck doesn't make things easier. I mean, think about this- how would you tell a family that their small child, whom they have been praying for and who has been fighting, is gone? How can you tell someone that they have cancer and that it's inoperable? How can you tell someone that they only have a certain amount of time left? I know that God's has things under control, but I still have trouble finding a reason for cancer to even exist. Not just cancer, but all deadly illnesses. To be honest and quite frank, it SUCKS. Having had a grandfather and an aunt pass away with cancer, I have seen the struggles that it causes. Having had a friend who was just diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, I have seen the trials she (AND she has a husband and 2 small boys) has gone through. I have watched from near and far as mothers and fathers are trying to find peace with the death of their child. I try not to question God's way, but it's things like this that leave me asking 'Why'?

Just another day

"Just another day, in paradise..." Ok, so while Phil Collins may not have been singing about my life, the song is pretty accurate...Most days. Valentine's just passed, and while there are no special stories, it was still a great day. And, giving more credit to the hubby...What girl doesn't like being told that she looks better than a Victoria Secrets model? Of course, I immediately asked if he was feeling ok or if we needed to have his eyes checked...but still, it was very sweet. He said this after I showed him a sign on my favorite past time...Pinterest...

Not sure if he was trying to get some extra points for something there, but it made me feel good...