Change: Learning to accept who God needs me to be

For many of you who may have been reading my blog since the beginning(it’s been over 7 years now), you may have noticed a slight change in me.

I used to be this kind of mom:

The kind that made a separate cake for the 3 children who celebrate birthdays in August.  (sidenote: I was pregnant with Tess at this time, and got put on bed rest the next day.  Maybe making 3 cakes did me in?) 

I did this because I loved doing it.  No matter how tired it made me, I loved being this kind of mom.

(FYI: I didn’t do it for praise on my blog or for my followers.  I did it for my family and for me.  I blogged about it for history.  I love reading the blogs that are full of fun party ideas, and cool mothers who make everything they do look beautiful for the sake of sharing pretty photos and ideas(that is great for them, and more awesome for those of us who steal the ideas). I do want to point out though, that that is not what drives me as a mother or a blogger.  Is this pin-worthy? That is not a question I ask before I post.  The person I used to be as a blogger and a mother, was driven by love and too many creative cells rolling around in my brain; that needed to be used up.)

Now, I’m more like this kind of mom:

You know, the kind that buys cupcakes from Cold Stone, and puts them out on a pretty platter to resemble something homemade. (I am stressing the fact, that I am not writing this to guilt people, and make them believe that I don’t think store bought cakes are good enough.  I think they are awesome, and they are way more delicious.  Especially if the cake was made by me.  Praise to the bakeries who save us mothers each day with their beautiful and delicious cakes.)

What I am saying; is I have changed. 

Life has changed for me, and life has changed me.

1. my kids are growing and keeping me busier than ever. Like as we speak I am trying to type this, load an app for their piano lessons, help a child with homework, get one off to scouts, tell one daughter why she can’t play pretend with water in her tea cups for the umpteenth time, and help another plan a late night with a friend.  My brain wants to explode.  There is no time for making cakes, and if there were I’m just to tired, and in too much pain.

2. my health has come along and just slapped me in the face. (I never ever thought in my 20’s or even my early 30’s that my physical body would be my trial.)  If there is time for cool cakes and such, and I’m not too tired; my neck just plain hurts. I live with chronic neck pain, upper shoulder pain, and a left arm and left fingers that are tingly numb; on a daily basis.  No! If your wondering.  I am finally putting it out there; my surgery didn’t help.

Because of that, I know that slaving over 3 birthday cakes is just not smart for a girl with my neck and arm condition.

So… What am I trying to say here?

I’ve changed.  For a long time, I thought that I had changed for the worse.  Have I changed for the better?  Not really.  I’ve just changed.  Not for the worse or for the better.

Making homemade cakes, or buying cakes doesn’t make me any less or any better of a person.  It doesn’t define me.

I have to be ok with the new person I am.  I have to be ok knowing that some days I have to just take it easy.  I have to be ok with the fact that I can’t do all of the things that I used to. 

I am a knew person with different limits and capabilities.

I have to be smart with how I use my time and energy.

It just isn’t smart for me to use up all my energy making 3 beautiful cakes, when I have laundry to finish or dinner to make, or! or! a daughter to talk to about not putting water in her tea cups, in her room, on her carpet. Again!!  Ugh!!  That last thing mentioned here is the kind of instance that takes up way to much brain power and uses way too much energy.  You think I’m kidding? Well, I’m not. My brain capacity must be limited.

It is smart for me to learn what my limits are. 

I’m trying.  It’s hard.

It’s hard to be ok with change.  Especially in yourself.

When you only see the negative about yourself.

When you beat yourself up for what you can’t do. 

I have to tell you the hardest part of all of this has been Exercise.

I used to be the girl that exercised every day.  Now I have to take it one day at a time.  If it fits in the busy schedule, and if I feel well enough; I do it.  Sometimes if I feel well enough, and I do it; I pay for it.  I have to be ok with that.

I decided about a month ago, that I have to be ok with the new me.  No more guilt about who I used to be.

God loves me either way.  In fact, he is making me in to the woman that he needs me to be.

That person just happens to live with chronic pain.  He is using that pain to refine me. That girl has had 4 surgeries in the last 2 years.  That girl has more scars on her stomach than she can count; including one that runs the whole length of it.  That mommy, has another one on her neck; that makes her feel self conscience when she wears her hair in a bun.

No more!! The new me has scars.  So what? Those scars are wounds that I wouldn’t trade for the treasure trove of knowledge that God gave me along the way. 

And… and… I like my hair in a bun!! So I’m going to rock it, and not think anymore about that scar.

The new me has to celebrate the scars, and the pain.  Even when I feel like crying because it never ends.  Sometimes the crying gives you perspective.  Perspective is a word that has played a huge part of my vocab lately. 

Sometimes I want to ask why? I really have to ask what? What now? What is important for me to be doing?

The new mommy with the busier kids, has to learn to adapt to the changes these growing kids are throwing at me.  Am I giving them what they need?

That is the most important what I can ask.  God just wants me to give them what they need.  I know it, or he wouldn’t have sent them to me.

Do they need a homemade birthday cake?

Will God only love me if I can provide them with an amazing summer learning all about the alphabet?

Am I only worthy of his love if I can hit the gym 5 days a week?

Nope.

I am loved regardless.

Change is ok. 

I am trying to adapt; without the guilt, and without the worry about my scars.

They all make up the new me.

The new me can be just as cool as the old me. 

So… I’m putting a new spin on Andrea:

Store bought cakes, less on my to-do list, high messy buns, trying to be a loving mother, a listening friend, working on the patience(as I have been for my entire life),and learning to be the girl God wants me to be.

And!! My gift to you: This little article helped me with my perspective.

I pray that you too can accept the person that God is making you.

Six Years Ago.

I recently posted about my thoughts on words and how they touch us. 

Over the past few weeks that I have been thinking about words, I have reflected on how thankful I am to have words written down.  I also miss the good ole’ days of blogging.  In honor of the good ole’ days, I thought it would be fun to re-post an oldie.  So I went back 6 years.  I wanted to see what I was writing about 6 years ago this month.  Since I was pregnant 6 years ago, and that baby is now going to Kindergarten; I thought this would be a good walk down memory lane.

Here it is:

A repost from:

August 10, 2009

On Friday….

I turned 31 years old, and 28 weeks pregnant with our fourth child.

.... is this where I expected to be at 31?

I don't really know what I expected, but I wouldn't have it any other way.  Yes, of course, there are days when I think; "Is this really my life?" 

Another load of laundry

Time to do the dishes

Another floor full of crumbs to clean up

... and then one of them walks up to me and hugs me, or my husband says you look beautiful today.  That's when I realize that I didn't really expect any of this, and do I deserve to be so loved and blessed?

I thought it would be fun to share a few randoms about ME, since I never take the time to do that.

I am a Mother and Wife

I think in color schemes and fabric swatches

I know that we have a Latter-Day Prophet

I want my children to grow up knowing that they are loved

I have way to many things on my to do list

I wish there was more time in the day

I miss living in the Caribbean

I fear loosing a child

I feel overwhelmed

I hear my children laughing

I smell CHOCOLATE!! (wishful thinking)

I crave sugar cookies

I usually follow a routine

I search blogs for new creative ideas

I wonder if I am doing everything that I can to be a good person

I regret the way I behaved as a teenager

I love being creative

I care about my kids appearances

I always try to do what is right

I worry about being on time

I am not selfless

I remember my childhood with fondness

I dance with my kids on a regular basis

I sing to just about anything, as loud as I can

I don't always put my laundry away

I argue with very few people

I write whatever pops in to my head, and not all that well

I win at hardly anything

I lose my car keys, and random things on a regular basis

I never go to bed with a messy house

I listen to the scriptures online

I don't understand politics

I can usually be found doing something for my kids, or the house

I am scared that I will make mistakes

I need lots of love and hugs and kisses

I forget just about everything these days (thank heavens for calendars)

I am happy when I make a new friend

Thanks for indulging me and my memories about all about the Good Ole’ Blogging Days.

Currently…

I am…

loving: My new scentsy.  It is the edison warmer, and my favorite scent is weathered leather.  I know, I’m weird.  I love the smell of shoe stores.  Leather smells so good.

reading: Our church magazine full of talks from our recent general conference.  General Conference happens twice a year.  It’s a time to listen to our leaders share their wisdom.  I anxiously wait for the printed version of this to come out so I can read and re-read the words spoken at that meeting.  They give me so much insight.  This is one of my favorites.

waiting for: it to warm up so I can finish putting flowers in my pots.  I have ordered begonia’s and it is still just a little cold for those gentle flowers.  See those empty pots on my porch, they are waiting for their pretty pink begonias.

excited about: my new lens.  It is perfect for taking pictures at my Jex’s Baseball games.

 

It also has a macro feature. It has me swooning over these up-close and personal photos.

trying to: Be more deliberate with our new token system.

working on: Being a better friend

enjoying: Junior mints.  Not sure what it is, but I am loving them lately.  I justify it because they are made with dark chocolate and dark chocolate is better for you.  No, not justifiable? 

using: Pink lipstick; so fun for spring.

 

wearing: Sandals, and gold goes with everything.

planning for: My upcoming neck surgery.  Ugh!! I’m finally going for it.  I will blog about it all soon.

needing: A nap.  You too? 

learning: To trust God.  He knows what is best for me.  I have faith in that.

listening to: God’s words.  These scriptures have brought me so much comfort over the last few days.

Helaman 5: 47-48

47 Peace, peace be unto you, because of your faith in my Well Beloved, who was from the foundation of the world.

48 And now, when they heard this they cast up their eyes as if to behold from whence the voice came; and behold, they saw the heavens open; and angels came down out of heaven and ministered unto them.

John 14:27

27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

doing: Lots of Chauffeuring my kids to and fro.

dreaming of: Being pain free; no more pain in my arm and neck.  I just might blog more if that was the case.

singing: Blessings by Laura Story.  This song has brought me so much peace.

wishing: My kids would stop growing.  Tessa lost her first tooth, and I wanted to cry all night.  How is my baby loosing teeth?

praying: To know what God would have me do each day.

What are you currently doing?

Today…

Today, I must say thank you to all of my blog followers for your kind comments this weekend.  It seems as though JandA&Co. had some controversy this weekend.  I must apologize for letting my feeling show with such boldness.  I know the original comment that I posted about was not meant to hurt me.   I did however want to address it in hopes to explain why I don’t play the perfection game. I shared that post in hopes that you would know I don’t blog to gain fame, fortune, or to be perceived as anything more then just a normal mom. I appreciate your thoughts on the subject. Once again, thank you to those who left such uplifting comments. Uplifting is what I want my blog to be.  I never want you to walk away from here feeling discouraged.  That is why I choose to keep my blog upbeat.  Thanks again to those who sent me emails, and left comments with such sweet words.  You all made my weekend so special.

Today, I let my kids eat a donut for breakfast.

Today, I have been thinking a lot about forgiveness.

Today, I enjoyed singing with my children. We sang a beautiful hymn about God’s creations before they went to school.

Today, I smiled when I saw a man at the grocery store open the door for his wife, and then kindly push a stray cart back to the stall.  Gentlemen do exist.  I smiled because I am lucky to be married to one.

Today, I felt sad when I went through my pictures and realized how few pictures I took of our family events and goings on since we moved.(that’s why these pictures in this post are not recent)  I miss my camera.

Today, I challenged myself to use my camera more, specifically capturing the little things that happen around here.

Today, I smiled when I saw these beautiful scenery pictures I took in PA last spring.  The world around us can be beautifully captured and used as art.

Today, I worked on a little project for baby Ruby’s birthday.   It amazing to think that should would be two.

Today, I enjoyed every minute of working in Isaac’s kindergarten class.  Sometimes I secretly think it would be fun to be a teacher.

Tonight, I worked hard making dinner for my family and my sister-in-law’s family.  Baked Spaghetti found here; and it was YUMMO!!  My SIL and I take a turn one night each week making dinner for one another.  I love it because one night I don’t have to cook, and I get to eat her yummy food.  I also love that I get to prepare for their family each week as well.  It has been a win-win.  I suggest everyone find a neighbor and get to meal swapping. 

Tonight, I was riding the bike at the gym.  I felt a little kiss on my cheek; it was my hubby.  It gave my butterflies.

Tonight, when I got home from the gym I spied a homemade hair bow and a note.  They were both made by Stella for a neighbor girl.  It does my heart good to see my children serve one another.

Tonight, I read to my kids.  We are reading Kingdom Keepers.  While I read Stella always French braids my hair.

Tonight, I had a bed time snack.  It was a beautiful fresh peach pie that my neighbors just brought to the door.

Tonight, I must say I am one blessed girl.  There is much to be thankful for.

What’s in a name?

A few weeks ago, I received a phone call from the happiest woman I know.  No, literally, she really is always happy.  She always has a smile on her face.  She always has the kindest things to say.  She always finds the good.  I think that is why she is always happy.

The phone rang, I picked it up and said, “hello.” Maria said, “Hello.  Andrea.  Did you know your name means, “she who walks with God?”

Isn’t that the sweetest way to start a conversation.  Now I don’t know if that is what my name really means; but I am rolling with it.

I have thought about that almost every day since.

I hope I exemplify someone who walks with God.  Am I really walking with him?

I often find that most days; at most hours I am carrying some sort of prayer in my heart.  Almost as if I am constantly praying about something.  I wonder if he ever gets sick of my constant asking and pleading.  Then I thought to myself. If I am constantly praying to him, then I am constantly walking with him.

Of course, there are moments every day that I fall short and I trip and fall, but I always find myself trying to catch up so I can walk along his side again.  Sometimes, I can even feel him holding my hand.  God is good.

I have been keeping a gratitude journal this year. It has helped me find the good in life also.  Hopefully I can be continually happy like dear sister Maria from our church.

Here is what I wrote in my journal this last week:

Sunday, February 17, 2013

Today I am grateful for:

1. Personal Revelation

2. My Parents who listen to me

3. An extremely guided journey through medical school, residency, fellowship and up to now with the Lords hand in all things; through out the journey.

4.  The prayer that was answered 15 years ago to follow Jonathan to Utah State instead of going to Southern Utah.  It was during that next year we became engaged.  Best decision I ever made.

5. My understanding this week of how special and capable my husband is.  That God has great things in store for him. (all things I have always known.  I just have a deeper understanding.)

I encourage you to take the time to find what you are grateful for, to thank God for it, and to run and catch up to him sometimes.  Walking beside him is always easier.

Top Ten in January

Periodically, I like to list my top ten. 

My Top Ten are things that I might be working on right now, things that I love at the moment, or times with my family that I have cherished.

Top Ten in January:

1. I love the new challenges that come along with January.  I love setting goals and working towards them.

2. I am having a love/hate relationship with our workout program for the next 60 days or so.  Jonathan and I are doing Insanity.  Let me tell you, I feel a little insane when I can barely walk because this program tears you up.

3. I am in love winter clothes; specifically boots and skinny jeans.  My husband thinks I have too many boots. (six or seven pair is not too many right?) I love pairing brown boots with black clothes.  I know that was a no-no when “we"(us thirty-something’s) were in high school.  Oh well, girls of the eighties and nineties; I am doing it now. And I love it.

I feel so funny posting a picture of myself.  Headshots taken by Krysta Moes Photography.

4. I enjoy having long hair. My hair has never been this long.  I have so many options with it.  Jonathan loves it, however he hates finding hair all over the house.

5. My favorite phrase right now is, “nuggle mom?”  That means: snuggle mom?  It is the sweetest thing a two year old can say.  She says it a lot.  I am grateful for that because she is the baby, and I am not ready to give up the snuggling.

6.  I enjoyed talking pictures of this sweet little newborn; Ellie Harper.  I did re-think having another child, but only for a split second.  OK.  Let’s be honest; I thought about it for a day.  Four is a good number, and I am happy with that.(because my baby still “nuggles” with me.)

7.  I am enjoying reading The Boxcar Children to the kids at night.  I have also enjoyed a little reading on my own.  Books are such a nice vacation from life.

8.  One of my favorite things is how helpful my husband is.  Our new saying for the year is, “if we are busy, let’s be busy together.”  With a family of six you are bound to be busy. When I am busy in the kitchen, he has been right there with me.  I like being busy with him; I like staring at him while we work.

9.  I have enjoyed looking for new recipes on pinterest and then making them healthy; between 350-400 calories. Stay tuned for a couple of those.

{via}

10.  I love our family tradition of “two thumbs up.” We have been doing it for about a year now.  At bedtime, we give two thumbs up to a child who has done something extraordinary that day.  It is a way to reinforce good behavior.  Our kids love it, and won’t let us forget.  Prayer time is the perfect time for this.  I love the smiles on their face as they give or receive the two thumbs up.

 

….and that’s my top ten.

About Me

I know, I know, life isn’t all about me, although at times I like to think it is.

When I first started this blog, I wrote  a post titled, “100 things you didn’t know about me.”

It  is still one of my most favorite posts.  I love it because it took a lot of effort to come up with 100 things.  But now, almost 3 years later I am so grateful that I took the time to sit down and do it.  It took me a few days.  I remember when I would think of something and run to the computer to jot it down.

Now when I read back, I realize how some of those 100 things have remained the same and many have changed.

Like #77.  I don’t like to run.  It just hurts all around.

Well, now 3 years later I could change #77 to read:  I love to run, and wish that the weather would permit me to run everyday.

or #81. I enjoy a nice, cold, Caffeine Free Diet Dr. Pepper everyday. (sometimes 2)

this should now read:  #81. I enjoy a nice, cold, Coke zero everyday. (sometimes 3)

I guess what I am saying is I am grateful that things don’t remain the same.  How boring would it be if we never evolved, tried something new.

In honor of my favorite post, I am going to work on a new list.  I hope to share 5-10 new things about me each month. I think it is important for our children to know the little things about us.  I also enjoy looking back and remembering some of the important parts about me that I may have forgotten.

For example, I recently realized that when I am cooking dinner; I stand like a flamingo.

Oh yes, I stand with one leg on the ground and the other foot touching my knee.  Now that is just weird.

Have you ever thought of writing down 100 things about you?

Thursdays Post

My dear friend keeps looking at my blog and reminding me that I am a loser when it comes to posting these days.  She reminded me that I used to always post on Thursdays.  Today, I was out and about I remembered that it was Thursday.

This post is for you Leslie!!

Top 5 right now:

1. Little miss is learning all sorts of words.  Her favorite is “NO!”  She knows the appropriate time to use it.  It has taken her all this time to finally say “Mama.”  It is so endearing when she does. 

 

Everyday I think that I couldn’t love her anymore, and then she wakes up and… I do.  I am so thankful for our fourth child.  She is a gift.

2.  This last weekend, I took a much needed girls trip.  I went to Dallas with a few girlfriends. 

This picture was taken just before we left.  When Marji pulled up we noticed that we had the same shirt on.  I guess that is what friends do; dress alike.

We had such a wonderful time.  We literally shopped til we dropped.

 

We celebrated Pam’s birthday by eating several yummy meals throughout the day.  Elvis even sang happy birthday to her.(she wouldn’t let me post that picture)

We were able to stay with Marji’s best friend.  Thank you for having us Brandi.  We had such a great time.  The best part about staying with her is we felt right at home because we got to come home and squeeze her twins.  Aren’t they cute?

 

I am thankful that Jonathan was able to take care of the kids so that I could get away.  They had a great time with him.  I am also thankful for such fun friends.

3.  I still working on my New Year/New Me list.  Included on that list is taking risks with my camera.  I have had fun taking pictures of a few babies around here.

Baby London

Baby Maddox

4.  I tackled a little sewing project a few weekends back.  I wanted to add a little color to our furniture, so I added some new pillows.

 

I fell in love with this yellow fabric.  It was a little pricey so I only bought one yard and added to it.  I love the way they turned out.

I carried the yellow into the dining room.

5.  I think I have discovered something about myself.  This is something that I thought I would never admit. 

I am beginning to be a Southern Girl.

I am embracing the south.  I love it.  I love phrases like, “fixin too, down in the holler, and mama’s sweet tea.”  When I hear them in a country song it brings a smile to my face.  It is nice to actually understand what it means to live in the South.  I want to explore more of the South.  I think Alabama, Georgia, and Tennessee would be fun places to visit.  What do “Ya’ll” think? Would “all Ya’ll” like to come?  Don’t be surprised if you hear more of the southern lingo fly out my mouth.  The people here are so endearing and really mean it when they say,“Have a blessed day.”

What I have learned… after a 3 week hiatus.

Sometimes, one must take a break.  A little time off helps refresh, and regain a little balance.

I didn’t purposely take a break… actually I have had anything but a break.

I have been organizing birthdays, planning a baptism, being a hostess to our family, preparing kids for school, and getting my house back together.

Along the way, I have been collecting little

“what I have learned thoughts”

to share with you.  I hope that what I have learned in the last 3 weeks just might inspire you to pay attention to whatever it may be that can teach you something.

What I have learned……

“Sometimes I think kids have a way of seeing what they want to see.”  Krysta Moes.

My very best friend has a way of making me feel better about all my mommy blunders.  This little thought came as I told her how I wish I would have felt a little less stressed before my son’s baptism.  That I hope he knows how proud of him I am.

Her little thought helped me reflect on that great thing kids do.  They see the good.  I could be better at that.

What I have learned…

Motherhood is a privilege.  If I remind myself of that, it helps me find joy in the little things.  I have been thinking about this for months.  Ever since I watched this little clip.

What I have learned…

Quote from the book, “Mitten Strings from God”, by Katrina Kennison.

“Consider:  We figure out a way to chauffeur the kids to their nine lessons a week, to organize a trip to Disney World, and to throw a birthday party for a dozen five year olds, complete with costumed mystery guest and party favors.  So way does a quiet story told by candlelight seem impossible to manage? 

In truth, the story-told from the heart and shared in flickering darkness-is more nourishing for our child’s soul, and for our own as well, than another soccer practice, and audience with Mickey, or a pile of birthday gifts.”

Thanks for the book Krysta.

This quote struck me as I have been planning all the birthdays this last month.  Jonathan and I have tried to put less focus on the gifts, friends and outrageous party themes.  We have focused on tradition and the actual person that we are celebrating.  It has made all the difference in the world.

It made me stop and think about what else I could let go of, and what more I could do nourish my children’s soul.

Speaking of birthdays… watch for more to come on all the birthdays going on around here.

What I have learned…

I like being 32.  It has been good to me.  I like life’s little lessons. I enjoy analyzing and thinking of ways to become a better me.(I have also learned that I do a little too much over-analyzing.)

Growing old really isn’t all that bad.

What I have learned…

Spending time with your spouse, working toward something makes for and oh so sweet marriage. (sigh)

I am still so in love.  I think I love him more today then I did yesterday.. maybe even more then this morning.

My love has grown so much as we have been working out together, and eating right.  We have one goal, one purpose.  It is nice to share something with him.  I love that we have shut the TV off, and we are doing something together.  Actually, we are really doing it for ourselves, but we are working on that with each other. 

I love having someone to share life with.

I encourage you to find time to work towards something with the person you love.  You will be amazed at how your love will grow.

On that note…

This wonderful man surprised me with the most wonderful birthday.  I just have to share, and then I promise I will end this post. (blah, blah, blah) I think I have just about got all the little ramblings out of my brain.

My special day…

I woke up with my sweet Tess,nursed her, and marveled at how amazing she is. My sweet husband hollered from the other room, “get your running shoes on, and go out before the house gets to crazy.”  I took him up on it.

There is something so magical about running along; Feet hitting the pavement, thinking to yourself, “thirty-two.”  “Thirty-two years old, and my body still allows me to get out and run.  Each step takes me a little closer to the end.  My mind keeps my feet moving, my body actually does what my mind tells it too.   God created such a miraculous body.”

After my deep-in-thought 3 mile stint around the neighborhood, I came home to a tidy house, and a protein shake.  Jonathan added a little surprise… cookie dough.  YUM!!-what?  The Birthday girl can splurge a little.

I jumped in the shower, and was surprised when I got out to hear the new Mindy CD playing.  YEAH!! My husband loves me.  He knows me so well.  I am so in love with her new CD; Listening to it right now.  Isn’t technology so wonderful-the power to buy the music online and download straight to your computer.  For her new CD Anchor go here.

My sweet little Stella, gave me a pedi, and I returned the favor.  We tried out glitter toes.

Recipe:

Clear polish, and glitter.

Cover the toenails with clear polish and then dump the glitter over the top.  Shake it off and repeat.  Shake again, and then cover it with clear polish.The extra glitter will wash off your skin when your toes are dry.  Makes for some very blinged-out toes.

Shopping by myself at Charming Charlies was next on the agenda.  I picked up this little diddy.

Did I mention that I love YELLOW?

When I got home my hubby made me a cake.  I love cookies so of course it was a cookie cake.  My favorite part is how he decorated it… he is so inventive.  I thought I would just have a small sliver… but the cookie won!!

Then much to my surprise, Jonathan handed me 3 envelopes.  I thought I was done with all the surprises, boy was I wrong.

1.  A coupon for a date night with the kids and some money for them to take me out.  The best part was that he really made coupons with clip art and everything.  They were very well thought out and had been made days in advance.

2.  Tickets to Carrie Underwood.

3.  A little note to tell me that a new weight bench had been ordered with some free weights.  Oh, and I can’t forget the coupon for the personal trainer.(butterflies)

After all that, a date night with my hubby.  LuAnn offered to babysit the kids.  We went to dinner and saw Iron Man 2.  Love that flick.

I had the best birthday ever.  I have never felt more special. 

Everybody deserves to feel special once a year.  I hope you take the time to show your loved ones that you are grateful for their birthday.  The birth of someone you love really should be celebrated.  The simple act of putting all your focus on one person for 24 hours says so much.

Stay tuned for more about “Birth” days in our home, and possibly more deep thoughts.

P.S.  I would love to hear from you.  Tell me about what you do to make your loved ones birthdays special, and/or what you have learned.  I like to call them “life lessons.”  If I like it, I will share it.  Email me @ cutiewithclippers@yahoo.com.

ME…

right now.

1. I am still nursing our fourth little one.  I have nursed 4 kids in 8 years.  All of them till about one year of age.  Some a little less, others a little more.  I enjoy it.  I know it is not for everyone, but it is for ME!!  I am not good at giving my kids bottles, but I am good at nursing.

2.  I am obsessed with buying my kids clothes.  Not just any clothes.  Clothes that are a good deal.  I love scouring racks at thrift and consignment stores.  My kids have more clothes then one could ever need.  At times, when I am doing laundry; I think, “What the heck.”  I think it is a hobby.  I enjoy dressing my kids in cute clothes for a really good deal.

Do you think Tess has too many shoes?

3.  I am growing my hair out, for the bazillionth time.

4.  I recently lost 15 pounds.

5.  If I had extra $$$ I would spend it on some photography equipment.

6.  I am enjoying reading good books with my kids.

7.  I almost always check my email on my phone.  If it takes me a while to respond to you, that is most likely why.  My touch screen makes it hard to type lengthy emails.

8.  I recently bought a pair of jeans at the thrift store. I love them, and want to wear them every day.  Even though it is 100 degrees outside.  I love the style, and the look; but the price makes them even more fun…. $4.  You should see how cute the back pockets are.

9.  I am currently re-reading “Everyday Blessings.  True Stories about God’s Hand in our Lives”  by Jay A. Parry  It has helped my see just how abundant my blessings are.  They are short stories, so it is easy to pick up and read one here and there.

10.  I have let my house go a little this summer, and I don’t even care.  A good friend with five children once told me that your standards go down with each child that you have.  At the time, I didn’t believe her.  I believe her now.

Don’t forget to check out Project 365.  I have recently updated our week.