Bed time was a total beast tonight.
I was doing bed time solo, which is totally fine. Lukas was being a professor and I am totally good with that, thrilled in fact!
It's a very rare occasion, but BOTH of the guys were screaming and fighting bed. Normally bedtime is lovely. We have worked hard to create a sweet bed time for our sweethearts and they really do well with it. Also, normally, either one or the other is "acting out". (note the quotes)
It just goes to show you that even the best parenting plans don't always work.
Tonight however, they were both completely exhausted, overly exhausted. Therefore the fight.
As I was getting frustrated and worked up, irritated and a little defeated, I was reminded of something I read awhile back:
"Remember, you are not managing an inconvenience, you are raising a human being." Kittie Franz
I don't know who Kittie Franz is, but she came through for me tonight. It had to be divine intervention, but I remembered that quote out of nowhere and it calmed me down. It changed my disposition. Suddenly I wasn't irritated standing in the hallway.
I took a second look at my wonderful baby (which yes he'll always be) and reminded myself that he's only going to be like this for a small time. I watched his little eyelids drooping. His chubby hands resting by his face. I appreciated that all he needed was to have me near him. To provide that comfort for him. He doesn't need it most nights, but tonight for whatever reason he did. Now all I am is so thankful to him for that. I needed that reminder. That reminder to SLOW down.
What was I really going to be doing instead anyway?
And you know what. They both went to sleep. Now they are peaceful and resting for another inconvenient yet wonderful day. And I can't wait.
Showing posts with label encouragement. Show all posts
Showing posts with label encouragement. Show all posts
Monday, June 9, 2014
Tuesday, April 22, 2014
This Year's Verses
All at the same time I was reading Praying Circles Around Your Children by Mark Batterson (loved that book!) AND one of my favorite blogs (Specific post HERE).
Both of these ideas themed around the fact of praying for your kids. "Praying" for my children was already a given, but both of these sources gave me the idea to designate Bible verses to each of my guys and pray for them through that verse.
Last year's verse was a shared verse:
"Let them grow in wisdom and stature and in favor of God and man." (Luke 2:52)
Since this was the first time trying this, I decided to practice with the same verse for each of them. This allowed me to think over verses all this year for the next year. Verses that I felt would benefit them personally. Individually. Here's what I came up with:
Cameron, my cautious, inquisitive, planner and thinker:
Philippians 4:6 New Living Translation
"Don't worry about anything; instead pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank Him for all He has done."
Tate, my independent, determined, fearless two year old:
Proverbs 3: 5-6 ESV
"Trust in the Lord with all of your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make straight your paths."
Here's to another wonderful year that I get to pray for these boys.
Both of these ideas themed around the fact of praying for your kids. "Praying" for my children was already a given, but both of these sources gave me the idea to designate Bible verses to each of my guys and pray for them through that verse.
Last year's verse was a shared verse:
"Let them grow in wisdom and stature and in favor of God and man." (Luke 2:52)
Since this was the first time trying this, I decided to practice with the same verse for each of them. This allowed me to think over verses all this year for the next year. Verses that I felt would benefit them personally. Individually. Here's what I came up with:
Cameron, my cautious, inquisitive, planner and thinker:
Philippians 4:6 New Living Translation
"Don't worry about anything; instead pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank Him for all He has done."
Tate, my independent, determined, fearless two year old:
Proverbs 3: 5-6 ESV
"Trust in the Lord with all of your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make straight your paths."
Here's to another wonderful year that I get to pray for these boys.
Thursday, April 17, 2014
Interrupting Throwback Thursday
We now interrupt your regularly scheduled episode of Throwback Thursday for an important announcement:
I DID IT!!!!!
That's right! It has officially been 21 days since my last Coca Cola.
It wasn't easy. I wanted a coke every day and I passed up the opportunity for a nice cool fountain coke in a Styrofoam cup many times.
BUT I do feel that I have definitely broken the habit. In the meantime:
1. I was also able to stop being addicted to caffeine with a weaned off of caffeine technique that left my headache to a dull level for only one day.
2. I have greatly decreased my soda intake altogether, most days not having any at all. I did have an occasional root beer or very occasional orange soda (like 2 the whole time) when we went out. The thing is though, they don't cut it and I feel pretty good saying that I don't want to drink them for the sake of drinking empty chemicals, colors, and calories. Maybe just the occasional fizz.
3. I don't feel the need to run out the door and get a Coke because my 21 days is over. In fact, I am going to go for 30 with these final 9 days being completely soda free. I haven't decided on lemonade yet.
4. My weight has not changed in either direction. I don't know if I can call quitting soda a weight loss diet. I haven't fully "dieted" either though, this was a one task habit break folks. One at a time.
5. I don't have more energy, probably less without caffeine at all. I did think that not putting all of the horrible stuff into my body every day would leave me feeling a little different for the better. Other than the lack of guilt, I can't say that I feel differently.
6. So while I can't say the typical "I gave up this bad for you food" statements about feeling extra great, I do feel good not being addicted to something. Even as silly as this addiction was, I did feel kind of bound to it. I would actually get a head ache and it would effect my day if I didn't have any, now I don't have to worry about it.
Overall, I consider this a big win!
So there you have it folks! The sticky note habit making/breaking technique is a winner for me! I really did love pulling a sticky off of the wall every day and I knew that if I even broke down one day, then the stickies would all have to go up again. That really worked for me.
Now I'm off to plot my next goal. Mwah ha ha.
Friday, April 11, 2014
It is SO worth it...
This was on my heart so I linked up at the "On Your Heart" linky party found HERE
*Disclaimer: This post is sappy. But it's true and it's on my mind.
I was talking to a dear friend last night about having babies. She does not have any babies yet, although when she is ready, she will be the most loving and wonderful mom you know. She was expressing how she was nervous about a future (no not yet) pregnancy and childbirth. She was stating all of the things that I used to be nervous about too, things that I think every single "not yet" mom thinks about. I think you know what I'm talking about....
Anyway, I purposely DON'T give a lot of details about birthing experiences (especially my first one) to nervous future moms because they can be scary. My birthing story with my second was hilarious and embarrassing from start to finish, partially why I've never shared it online. Typical me, with no filter, the queen of awkward, was telling that story and I think I freaked her out more. So I got to thinking about it.
Having a baby is beautiful, natural, and wonderful. But it can also be scary, leaky, and sometimes embarrassing. What I want to exaggerate today is why it is so worth it to go through a short amount of weird.
Dear sweet friend, and any other future moms who are worried out there, I'm not going to tell you that it's not hard, but I am going to tell you that is more than worth it. When that part is over, you get this:
If you're like me (and I can't be the only one) You may not have a darn clue what you are doing, but it's okay. You really do figure it out. It still hurts a little (or maybe a lot). You're sensitive emotionally and physically. No, nothing will ever be the same again. While it seems slow, your brand new sweet baby very (very, very, very) quickly develops into a wonderful personality. You're cracking up:
And it doesn't matter what you do because you can't stop it. You can't slow it down either. In fact, as much as you want to freeze it, you also can't wait to see what's next. You can't wait to see who they become and love them more and more every single day.
Oh and this:
Oh man. This gets to a whole new level of love. You're in this together and it is the hardest, but sweetest journey that you'll be on. When you see them together. Forget it. You melted into butter before you could do anything else.
If you're like me, and it's what you want, you then get blessed to do it all over again. It's similar, but it's totally different. After all, you have another completely different person. It's leaky and embarrassing again. But very soon, you have this:
Who also develops a wonderful personality all too quickly:
Only this time, you get this along with it:
Those moments grow into these:
Even when they do the most basic things, you think it's the greatest thing ever.
It's not always easy. They leak:
They're very messy:
But you love them. You love them so much. By now, you don't care WHAT you did in that labor room.
You're tired, but you're strong and so in love. The next thing you know, you have these wonderful little people who take over your everything and you love it. Memories of a birthing area are there, but they're fond, even when they're embarrassing or yes, sometimes traumatic.
That's because they're yours.
Those memories and those times; those belong to you and they are unique to you, just like my experiences here are all unique to me. They are the moments that start it all. And from my experience, they are SO worth it.
*Disclaimer: This post is sappy. But it's true and it's on my mind.
I was talking to a dear friend last night about having babies. She does not have any babies yet, although when she is ready, she will be the most loving and wonderful mom you know. She was expressing how she was nervous about a future (no not yet) pregnancy and childbirth. She was stating all of the things that I used to be nervous about too, things that I think every single "not yet" mom thinks about. I think you know what I'm talking about....
Anyway, I purposely DON'T give a lot of details about birthing experiences (especially my first one) to nervous future moms because they can be scary. My birthing story with my second was hilarious and embarrassing from start to finish, partially why I've never shared it online. Typical me, with no filter, the queen of awkward, was telling that story and I think I freaked her out more. So I got to thinking about it.
Having a baby is beautiful, natural, and wonderful. But it can also be scary, leaky, and sometimes embarrassing. What I want to exaggerate today is why it is so worth it to go through a short amount of weird.
Dear sweet friend, and any other future moms who are worried out there, I'm not going to tell you that it's not hard, but I am going to tell you that is more than worth it. When that part is over, you get this:
 |
| My first picture with my new guy (after he was wiped down) |
If you're like me (and I can't be the only one) You may not have a darn clue what you are doing, but it's okay. You really do figure it out. It still hurts a little (or maybe a lot). You're sensitive emotionally and physically. No, nothing will ever be the same again. While it seems slow, your brand new sweet baby very (very, very, very) quickly develops into a wonderful personality. You're cracking up:
And it doesn't matter what you do because you can't stop it. You can't slow it down either. In fact, as much as you want to freeze it, you also can't wait to see what's next. You can't wait to see who they become and love them more and more every single day.
Oh and this:
Oh man. This gets to a whole new level of love. You're in this together and it is the hardest, but sweetest journey that you'll be on. When you see them together. Forget it. You melted into butter before you could do anything else.
If you're like me, and it's what you want, you then get blessed to do it all over again. It's similar, but it's totally different. After all, you have another completely different person. It's leaky and embarrassing again. But very soon, you have this:
 |
| This picture apparently became a tradition. |
Only this time, you get this along with it:
Those moments grow into these:
Even when they do the most basic things, you think it's the greatest thing ever.
It's not always easy. They leak:
They're very messy:
But you love them. You love them so much. By now, you don't care WHAT you did in that labor room.
You're tired, but you're strong and so in love. The next thing you know, you have these wonderful little people who take over your everything and you love it. Memories of a birthing area are there, but they're fond, even when they're embarrassing or yes, sometimes traumatic.
That's because they're yours.
Those memories and those times; those belong to you and they are unique to you, just like my experiences here are all unique to me. They are the moments that start it all. And from my experience, they are SO worth it.
Thursday, April 10, 2014
Throwback Thursday 2
I had a lot of fun incorporating "Throwback Thursday" into the bliggety blog last week. I thought I'd try it again!
This post was originally posted in December of 2012 (here) when the blog was a brand new baby. I still love the encouragement that I felt when she sent it to me. I still love the sentiment that it brings in. I still feel the same way. I still put out the same offer. Anything making your heart sing lately? Send it my way! I'd love to hear about it!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Your Singing Hearts Again!
This post was originally posted in December of 2012 (here) when the blog was a brand new baby. I still love the encouragement that I felt when she sent it to me. I still love the sentiment that it brings in. I still feel the same way. I still put out the same offer. Anything making your heart sing lately? Send it my way! I'd love to hear about it!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Your Singing Hearts Again!
My bestie sent this to me via Facebook and I have to admit, I kind of loved it! (126)
What I think that she was referring to when sending this and saying that it reminded her of me (so flattered!) was the post here about Giving.
Thank you friend!
If you have something that is making your heart sing, please send it to me or comment on any post on here and I would love to share it!
What I think that she was referring to when sending this and saying that it reminded her of me (so flattered!) was the post here about Giving.
Thank you friend!
If you have something that is making your heart sing, please send it to me or comment on any post on here and I would love to share it!
Friday, April 4, 2014
Friday, March 28, 2014
My Heart Sings
The Sun is up
The sky is blue,
It's beautiful,
and so are you.
Song Lyrics by The Beatles
Thursday, March 20, 2014
He is Good. All the Time
This post is one that I have taken days to write. Over the span of two weeks. It is a post that I wanted to walk away from, come back to and see if I still liked the message as it was being conveyed.
I recently experienced what turned out to be a minor legal incident. Long, (long, long) story short, I made a mistake regarding the speed limit and a local school zone. In my minivan. On my way to teach children at a school. I know, how do I get myself into these situations right? Rather than get a ticket, I received a court date.
I try to be very honest here on the blog, but sometimes in blog/social media land, it's easy to paint a picture of "all is well" and "nothing ever goes wrong." It is my goal to have a little corner of this vast internet, and to make my corner a bright, happy, inspiring place in the midst of the darkness that the Internet (and world) can sometimes be. It is not my goal to paint a fake picture of perfection. Today's story is a prime example.
So, the legal incident: At first I was ruined. Useless. Pouty. Nervous. Yikes. I had no idea what to do or expect. No control whatsoever.
I don't believe that God creates "pain", (and no, this does not compare to most of the pain out there) but I do think that he is really good at using situations like this one to make me (maybe you?) a better person.
You see, I had no other choice but to try out this "give it up to God" scenario that I've always heard about. What does that mean anyway? Give it to God.
Well, in this case, I think it meant:
"God, Kelly here. I messed up. I'm not asking you to swoop in and fix my problems like a genie or something, (although, it wouldn't upset me if you did). But I do want you to know, that I feel like you've got me and I trust you. Whatever happens here, please be with me and guide me. Show me that you are in control here and help me to put it into your hands, whatever that means."
This didn't all come out right away. It wasn't some bright light moment. It first came the next day when I prayed with my in-laws about it. After that, resources began to pop up. People who knew what they were talking about in situations like this one. People who could tell me what the day was going to look like and worst case scenarios. Sermons about bad things happening to good people. Personal bible time that reflected verses of God's promises.
Somewhere in that process my prayer became:
"God, Jesus promised rest in Him. (in Matthew) Please just keep me and my over-thinking ball of anxiety brain calm. Help me find rest in you" Whenever I got worked up about it after that, I remembered this moment and felt calmer.
The day finally came. I was nervous, yes, but I wasn't going to lose it. I was ready to accept that I made a mistake and that it would be okay despite potentially bad outcomes. I think that that is what God did for me. He prepared me, he calmed me, he had me, and I was keenly aware of that in the moment.
God didn't promise that I would have a perfect life. In fact, it's the opposite. He said, you WILL have hard times. Those are not going to go away, that's life. (that's not a direct quote). But God does promise that He has me and loves me.
I don't think that the answer to prayer here was to just fix it. I think that the answer to prayer here chalks down to worship. Did I sing songs to God in the court room? No. That's not what I meant. But I feel like my understanding of the fact that He is God and I am not was really deepened. And that is what I believe worship means. (which on a side note, also really allows me to understand Job a little better.)
As far as court goes: The day went better than expected. I am very impressed with the judge in the short time that I spent in the room. He seemed very understanding and appeared to show discernment (not just with me). Maybe that's why he's a judge. I am responsible for a (pretty hefty, no pun intended, but not as bad as it could be) fine as well as driving school.
This situation wasn't good. But He is. All the time.
I recently experienced what turned out to be a minor legal incident. Long, (long, long) story short, I made a mistake regarding the speed limit and a local school zone. In my minivan. On my way to teach children at a school. I know, how do I get myself into these situations right? Rather than get a ticket, I received a court date.
 |
| I put this on TBMB this week but felt it was also good here! |
I try to be very honest here on the blog, but sometimes in blog/social media land, it's easy to paint a picture of "all is well" and "nothing ever goes wrong." It is my goal to have a little corner of this vast internet, and to make my corner a bright, happy, inspiring place in the midst of the darkness that the Internet (and world) can sometimes be. It is not my goal to paint a fake picture of perfection. Today's story is a prime example.
So, the legal incident: At first I was ruined. Useless. Pouty. Nervous. Yikes. I had no idea what to do or expect. No control whatsoever.
I don't believe that God creates "pain", (and no, this does not compare to most of the pain out there) but I do think that he is really good at using situations like this one to make me (maybe you?) a better person.
You see, I had no other choice but to try out this "give it up to God" scenario that I've always heard about. What does that mean anyway? Give it to God.
Well, in this case, I think it meant:
"God, Kelly here. I messed up. I'm not asking you to swoop in and fix my problems like a genie or something, (although, it wouldn't upset me if you did). But I do want you to know, that I feel like you've got me and I trust you. Whatever happens here, please be with me and guide me. Show me that you are in control here and help me to put it into your hands, whatever that means."
This didn't all come out right away. It wasn't some bright light moment. It first came the next day when I prayed with my in-laws about it. After that, resources began to pop up. People who knew what they were talking about in situations like this one. People who could tell me what the day was going to look like and worst case scenarios. Sermons about bad things happening to good people. Personal bible time that reflected verses of God's promises.
Somewhere in that process my prayer became:
"God, Jesus promised rest in Him. (in Matthew) Please just keep me and my over-thinking ball of anxiety brain calm. Help me find rest in you" Whenever I got worked up about it after that, I remembered this moment and felt calmer.
The day finally came. I was nervous, yes, but I wasn't going to lose it. I was ready to accept that I made a mistake and that it would be okay despite potentially bad outcomes. I think that that is what God did for me. He prepared me, he calmed me, he had me, and I was keenly aware of that in the moment.
God didn't promise that I would have a perfect life. In fact, it's the opposite. He said, you WILL have hard times. Those are not going to go away, that's life. (that's not a direct quote). But God does promise that He has me and loves me.
I don't think that the answer to prayer here was to just fix it. I think that the answer to prayer here chalks down to worship. Did I sing songs to God in the court room? No. That's not what I meant. But I feel like my understanding of the fact that He is God and I am not was really deepened. And that is what I believe worship means. (which on a side note, also really allows me to understand Job a little better.)
As far as court goes: The day went better than expected. I am very impressed with the judge in the short time that I spent in the room. He seemed very understanding and appeared to show discernment (not just with me). Maybe that's why he's a judge. I am responsible for a (pretty hefty, no pun intended, but not as bad as it could be) fine as well as driving school.
This situation wasn't good. But He is. All the time.
Tuesday, March 4, 2014
Moms4Moms
Oh Mommas! It has happened to every.single one of us. We make a decision for our family and our babies and it gets judged. Reprimanded. Even looked at funny.
Every thing from the child's name, to their outfit, to how you feed them is critiqued. Mommies are already prone to questioning their decisions and now on top of that, they're thinking about how those decisions will be looked at by other mommies. Today you can go on the internet and be just completely blasted for, let's face it, sometimes very minor parenting details.
Here's the deal:
Every thing from the child's name, to their outfit, to how you feed them is critiqued. Mommies are already prone to questioning their decisions and now on top of that, they're thinking about how those decisions will be looked at by other mommies. Today you can go on the internet and be just completely blasted for, let's face it, sometimes very minor parenting details.
Here's the deal:
You're doing a good job Mom!
Today is #Moms4Moms day where we are celebrating Moms and spreading the word to "Love More, Judge Less." You can find more about it on the Tampa Bay Moms Blog, the TBMB Facebook Page, or the CT Working Moms (partnering with the Bump!)
I was so excited about this! I felt like I could have done it all day long! I even went all Andy Warhol on it and made it into a Mommy Diptych:
What are your Mommy thoughts? Feel free to comment below and let me know! Spread the word and tell a Mommy today that she's got it going on!
Saturday, February 22, 2014
No One Said that Being a Princess Would Be Easy
Wow you guys, the time has come.
What you ask? The time for me to stop talking about my race! Haha.
We've exceeded our fundraising goals.
I've got my ears, they passed the dress rehearsal:
I did my last training run. On the beach. It was perfect and relaxing.
I got my fingernails painted red. I was going for "Minnie Mouse" red but that ended up being a polish called, "Die another day". I laughed thinking that that was actually appropriate for Sunday, haha.
And now I'm ready to go. The next time you see me, I will have a little more metal in my life! I can't wait to share the results with you all!
What you ask? The time for me to stop talking about my race! Haha.
We've exceeded our fundraising goals.
I've got my ears, they passed the dress rehearsal:
I did my last training run. On the beach. It was perfect and relaxing.
I got my fingernails painted red. I was going for "Minnie Mouse" red but that ended up being a polish called, "Die another day". I laughed thinking that that was actually appropriate for Sunday, haha.
And now I'm ready to go. The next time you see me, I will have a little more metal in my life! I can't wait to share the results with you all!
Friday, February 21, 2014
Easy Valentine (that everyone will love!)
* I linked this post up to the Linky Party found here (and at the other blogs listed!)
I had to share the valentines that I made for my class this year (hence the "teacher desk top" background.)
I realize that I used them as valentines, but I say, why wait a year? I think that these would be a fun surprise any day!
I had to share the valentines that I made for my class this year (hence the "teacher desk top" background.)
I realize that I used them as valentines, but I say, why wait a year? I think that these would be a fun surprise any day!
These were super easy to make and they were a huge hit. Every single one was different, just like the real minions. Some had one eye. Their mouths were all different. Their hair was different. Each was a unique Minion.
Here's what I did:
1. I bought little cakes (Twinkie like cakes)
2. I Hot glued eyes (or just eye) to the cake.
3. With a permanent marker, I drew on goggles and a mouth.
4. For the "card" I cut blue (like the Minion's overalls) paper strips into 1.5 inch X 6 inch pieces.
5. Write the note on each piece.
6. Wrap around and glue ends together with a glue stick.
This was quick and really fun.
Friday, February 14, 2014
Happy Valentine's Day
"We love because he first loved us." (322)
1 John 4:19
 |
| Photo Cred for a personal fave |
Happy Valentine's Day to you!
Love,
Us
Thank you for taking this journey with us. You are loved! (323)
Sunday, February 9, 2014
Message
Do you ever go to church and leave there thinking that there is no way you can take the information you got that day and NOT do something with it? (315)
That thought process was one of the reasons that I started this blog in the first place. I was fueling up every Sunday at church and needed a way to get out into the world and actually apply or show, or even process through action, what I was/am still learning. (More info on that here.)
This Sunday was one of those for me. This Sunday our church was discussing the disciplines of service and stewardship, or as it was defined when you put those together: generosity.
 |
| www.bridgepointonline.org |
We were challenged with the question of how we approach those disciplines. I was reminded that I GET to serve, I GET to give, I GET to go to church on Sundays. Not I have to. What good is it to serve and love others with an attitude of obligation? It accomplishes things, but is it really serving it's real purpose? Is it really showing why I love? Does my service and stewardship reflect a partnering with God? Because if it did, there's no way I wouldn't be jumping up and down with the opportunity to do it. (316)
I needed this reminder. I needed to ask myself: "Am I living a generous life?"
Then (and this is one of my favorite parts) we got to go over a story that I've heard my entire life, but with a fresh perspective. (Mark 6: Feeding the 5,000). When the disciples were saying that the people needed to eat, Jesus told them to go feed them. When they didn't have any food, Jesus said, GO and see the food. Go first, then see. (This was very, very paraphrased, that's why I put the Mark 6 there.)
God is so generous and so in control. That information and reminder gets me pumped to GO and see, and to live generously. Just thought I'd share :) (317)
Monday, January 27, 2014
Happy Birthday Lukas!
Today is Lukas' birthday. Happy Birthday Lukas! Last year, I gave him a list of 30 reasons that I love him. This year, I could easily give 31 more.
This year, I think I'll get him a Dyson vacuum. It is what he asked for.
Isn't it funny how birthdays are all so different? This year, I love Lukas even more than last year because I've had a year to get to know him even more. He has so much of my heart.
I am so happy that Lukas was born. I am even happier with the amazing husband and dad (and teacher and professor and leader and runner and everything else) he is.
Thank you for choosing us every day.
This year, I think I'll get him a Dyson vacuum. It is what he asked for.
Isn't it funny how birthdays are all so different? This year, I love Lukas even more than last year because I've had a year to get to know him even more. He has so much of my heart.
I am so happy that Lukas was born. I am even happier with the amazing husband and dad (and teacher and professor and leader and runner and everything else) he is.
Thank you for choosing us every day.
Wednesday, January 8, 2014
Happy Announcement!
I am thrilled to let everyone know that there will be a new baby in our lives. No I'm not pregnant. But one of my very best friends is! (283)
That's right everyone! Alicia and Jason are going to have a baby this coming July! You might know Alicia and Jason. To make a long, hilarious, and detailed story very short; we got to share in the happiness of their wedding day (284):
They put up with my craziness when I was pregnant (I was a hard pregnant lady) and then shared in the joy of spending time with our babies, even becoming some of their best friends (285):
And now it's their turn! I am so excited for them and I can't wait to snuggle up on Sweet Baby M. If you want to read about their journey, you can catch them over here on her blog (286). Just. SO. Excited!
That's right everyone! Alicia and Jason are going to have a baby this coming July! You might know Alicia and Jason. To make a long, hilarious, and detailed story very short; we got to share in the happiness of their wedding day (284):
 |
| After you check out how pretty everything is and ooh aah over the bride and groom, I'll have you note that my jump is the awesome one toward the middle and Lukas is on the end :) |
And now it's their turn! I am so excited for them and I can't wait to snuggle up on Sweet Baby M. If you want to read about their journey, you can catch them over here on her blog (286). Just. SO. Excited!
Monday, January 6, 2014
Grateful Project
*Please go and check me out on Tampa Bay Mom's Blog today! My post goes up at 1:00 EST
I saw this video this weekend and it really inspired me (278). I love her grateful project.
I know a couple of people who have done a picture a day, and I find them so fun to follow.
I really like how she prints them and journals them.
I agree with her that gratitude is so key for happiness. I just love this! Love it!
If you'd like to follow my grateful adventure, I will be doing my best on Instagram@heftylk #kellyisgrateful
I saw this video this weekend and it really inspired me (278). I love her grateful project.
I know a couple of people who have done a picture a day, and I find them so fun to follow.
I really like how she prints them and journals them.
I agree with her that gratitude is so key for happiness. I just love this! Love it!
If you'd like to follow my grateful adventure, I will be doing my best on Instagram
Friday, January 3, 2014
Making 2014 Count
A host of blogs (including one of my personal favorites, Little Baby Garvin) is putting together a linky party to discuss the goals of the coming year! Here is my contribution:
1. What is something you want to change, or a goal you want to set for the New Year & what is your plan for making it happen?
~ Our family is starting out the year gluten free. I know that this is very trendy now, but Lukas has most of the symptoms of someone who has a gluten intolerance so we are going to give it a try and see if it works! We've already begun working in the direction of gluten free, but we're going to be more strategic now.
~ I am also running in the Disney Princess Half Marathon on February 23rd. I have a training schedule (that I am on time with!) and I am $244 away from meeting my fundraising goal of $1250 for Autism Speaks, more on that here.
2. Many people chose a word to reflect on, live by or aspire to for the New Year. Let us know your word, how you decided upon it & how you plan to incorporate it into 2014.
~ My word is kindness. I had already set the goal before coming up with a word to use kind words when I am talking about myself. I wouldn't let other people talk to me the way that I do sometimes, so in order to boost my self esteem, I am not allowing self negativity.
3. I will make 2014 count by...
~ Tracking joy here on my blog! I will continue to keep count of the things that make my heart sing!
Well, that was fun huh? Do you have any goals this year? I don't usually try to do New Year's Resolutions, but these were all goals that I planned to try anyway! If you want to check out more blogs, I am linking up here. Go check them out!
Monday, December 16, 2013
Food Challenge Wrap Up
Let's face it. I got bored. Writing down my eating habits for a week was boring for me to write, so I can only imagine the reading. I tried to keep up the momentum, it just wasn't sustainable for me I guess. Speaking of sustainability: I have updated my count and after this post we are up to 472!) You can go back and see the count for yourselves.
Good thing that this is my blog and all. I get to mess up, I get to jump around and find out what works for me and what doesn't. Thank you for letting me do that.
I don't want to leave it open ended so I will say this:
Thursday was as planned and clean. Actually, Thursday, Lukas had to work late and I still didn't go to Chick fil a and cheat, I cooked anyway. So that was pretty exciting! (467)
Friday, we took C to a Busch Gardens Christmas event (468) and all I did to cheat was have a sip of hot cocoa. Really, just a sip!
Beforehand, we cooked a whole chicken in the crock pot with potatoes, onions, and carrots that day. That is always so easy and yummy! I like the smell of the house and the warmth that it brings. If not for the food challenge, this girl would have planned fast food prior to an evening like that. (469)
The event was wonderful, but it did take the place of our Friday grocery shopping. That means that the weekend was not planned. That's a recipe for disaster!
Saturday, I forgot to eat breakfast and we went to the Santa Parade (470). I was actually starving. Like, having symptoms. That just goes to show you that good eating requires planning. We went to Panera for lunch. Big cheat, yes. But did I regret it? No. I knew that I didn't plan out the weekend and that was where my flaws came in. Again though, I chose healthier than I would have and eating one lunch at a restaurant for the week was a lot less than I'm used to, so I'm focusing on what I did do well.
So what now?
Good thing that this is my blog and all. I get to mess up, I get to jump around and find out what works for me and what doesn't. Thank you for letting me do that.
I don't want to leave it open ended so I will say this:
Thursday was as planned and clean. Actually, Thursday, Lukas had to work late and I still didn't go to Chick fil a and cheat, I cooked anyway. So that was pretty exciting! (467)
Friday, we took C to a Busch Gardens Christmas event (468) and all I did to cheat was have a sip of hot cocoa. Really, just a sip!
Beforehand, we cooked a whole chicken in the crock pot with potatoes, onions, and carrots that day. That is always so easy and yummy! I like the smell of the house and the warmth that it brings. If not for the food challenge, this girl would have planned fast food prior to an evening like that. (469)
The event was wonderful, but it did take the place of our Friday grocery shopping. That means that the weekend was not planned. That's a recipe for disaster!
 |
| Baby jail? No, the Santa Parade. Next time, I'll try to take the picture when something is actually going by. |
Saturday, I forgot to eat breakfast and we went to the Santa Parade (470). I was actually starving. Like, having symptoms. That just goes to show you that good eating requires planning. We went to Panera for lunch. Big cheat, yes. But did I regret it? No. I knew that I didn't plan out the weekend and that was where my flaws came in. Again though, I chose healthier than I would have and eating one lunch at a restaurant for the week was a lot less than I'm used to, so I'm focusing on what I did do well.
So what now?
- Our home meals are still clean. If it's in our kitchen and I am cooking it, it is mostly clean.
- We will schedule home meals for every meal, every day. If we are going to go out, it is going to be pre-planned and on our schedule. Will this go perfectly? No way, but it's a start.
- Planning the food ahead of time is a huge part of the plan's success. We even write our plans and our meals on Sundays onto a whiteboard that is on our fridge. Sure a super cute chalkboard would make me giddy, but for now this works.
- Coke and restaurants are under complete management at this point. This week anyway. Those were my two biggest goals.
 |
| 471 |
Tuesday, October 15, 2013
One Lucky Winner
Yay! The winner of the C'est Si Bon scripture book is:
Julie Allen! (425)
I am going to be emailing you, but if you read this before then, you are welcome to email me at ten000reasons@gmail.com to let me know which of the scripture books you want!
Just so you all know, this scripture book is going to be causing some great encouragement. Julie's husband Josh is being deployed to Russia at the end of this month so she's making it for him. If you could join me in praying for Josh, Julie and their sweet 1 month old baby James (with the awesome hair) then I would love that!
Congratulations!
Thank you everyone who participated!! We had 18 entries in our first giveaway! Yay! (426-443) If you didn't win, that's okay, the C'est si Bon scripture books are still available to you! You can check out the Etsy shop here
And, oops, I forgot to post yesterday to tell you that I was featured on TBMB (here) discussing "baby swapping". Feel free to check it out! As usual, I love to hear your comments!
Monday, October 7, 2013
Encouragement and a GIVEAWAY!!!
Encouragement is SUCH an important gift. I was just talking to someone today about how important it is to actually share encouragement rather than hang on to it.
In a world (and an Internet) where everyone is seemingly so interested in sharing their negative opinions despite the reaction of the recipients, it is so refreshing to receive some good news, some "way to go's" and some "you are specials... Really!"
Or if you're like me, look at my favorite:
You might be thinking, "Okay Kelly, these are pretty, but what do they have to do with encouragement?" Well first let me inform you that these are all pictures of books. I wanted you to see them before I explained them so that you could judge them by their ever-so-adorable covers. Now I'll tell you what they are.
Kristen is the lovely and inspiring mama behind the also lovely and inspiring C'est Si Bon Blog (link). 412 She has inspired once again by coming out with an (obviously) amazing line of scripture books.
Kristen has personalized verses for special occasions (babies, weddings, anniversaries, every day, etc.) and puts people's names directly into the verses. I have to say that I have been praying verses with my guy's names in them for quite some time now and it really does leave an impact! Talk about encouragement! How poetic it is to be using ancient life guidelines that are still so applicable today!
In her words:
Look at this:
Or perhaps this:
Or if you're like me, look at my favorite:
You might be thinking, "Okay Kelly, these are pretty, but what do they have to do with encouragement?" Well first let me inform you that these are all pictures of books. I wanted you to see them before I explained them so that you could judge them by their ever-so-adorable covers. Now I'll tell you what they are.
Kristen is the lovely and inspiring mama behind the also lovely and inspiring C'est Si Bon Blog (link). 412 She has inspired once again by coming out with an (obviously) amazing line of scripture books.
Kristen has personalized verses for special occasions (babies, weddings, anniversaries, every day, etc.) and puts people's names directly into the verses. I have to say that I have been praying verses with my guy's names in them for quite some time now and it really does leave an impact! Talk about encouragement! How poetic it is to be using ancient life guidelines that are still so applicable today!
In her words:
"it is so good to encourage one another.
it is so good to love one another.
it is so good to be a true friend.
it is so good to celebrate one another.
it is so good to comfort one another.
it is oh. so. very. so. good.
and what better way to do all of these good things
than by sharing the Word of the Lord with one another.
each book is hand crafted using high quality chipboard albums.
luxe paper. & beautiful embellishments.
the pages are overflowing with scripture. with the recipients name entered in.
"for God so loved Baby Patrick, that He gave His only son . . ."
such a powerful way to remind ourselves of the promises we stand on.
i just love how personal the scriptures become when we add our name in."
(Link)
If you love these books and have someone in mind that you'd like to encourage with scripture, then I really encourage you to go and visit her Etsy shop (here) or to go and check out her blog where she really dives deep into the makings that go behind each gorgeous book. (link)
Now that you've done that I can tell you that this is where the "Giveaway" title of this post comes from. Are you ready for this?
Ten Thousand Reasons Blog and C'est si Bon are proud to announce a first! 413 We are putting together a giveaway Scripture Book to one lucky reader! Yes! You can have the chance to get your very own scripture book if you follow the guidelines below:
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Good luck to everyone! Thank you for encouraging me! Now go and encourage someone today!
Now that you've done that I can tell you that this is where the "Giveaway" title of this post comes from. Are you ready for this?
Ten Thousand Reasons Blog and C'est si Bon are proud to announce a first! 413 We are putting together a giveaway Scripture Book to one lucky reader! Yes! You can have the chance to get your very own scripture book if you follow the guidelines below:
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Good luck to everyone! Thank you for encouraging me! Now go and encourage someone today!
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