My Funk and my honest thoughts on how I've been feeling lately

I've been in a bit of a funk lately. Not because life is that way, but because I've been throwing a pity party for 1. Everyone is thrown something in life. My "something" just so happens to affect me daily. I struggle with my body. Not my weight or image, though I do need to get my booty into better shape, but with how it works. Particularly the lovely woman parts. I've mentioned our struggle with infertility in several posts, endometriosis and PCOS too. It's been a battle that started 15 years ago but was really only addressed and treated  surgically in 2008 followed by monthly injections, when my symptoms were the worst yet. I've been on the pill out of necessity, not choice, since high school. When we started trying to start our family it was liberating not to have to take that annoying little pill everyday. Until I realized my body needed it to be "normal". Then came the hormone drugs and monthly blood tests, a process that nearly did me in emotionally and physically. We were finally blessed with the most beautiful boy !! Of course, my stupid body didn't want to give me a break and we had a pretty traumatic "birth day". Something that still hits a sensitive spot to this day. Yes, we have a baby and yes, he was healthy and truly that is what matters, but I'm just being real with how I've been feeling lately. 

I can truly say that the 10 months I nursed C {minus the 2-4 weeks recovery and dealing with the baby blues and some times were I wasn't producing quite as much as he needed} were the most alive, refreshing, normal days I've felt in my own skin in probably years. 

I felt more rested, even with middle of the night feelings. Now I'm in a constant state of tired these past few months, my emotions and hormones seem {in my head} unbalanced and I feel like I'm back to how my body used to be pre-pregnancy and I hate it. Truly. I hate that the moment I had C I had to jump back on the pill. And that I switched to a typical BC pill after nursing, and it still can't get my female act together. In a way I feel like the old "lauren" is back and I do worry that when the time comes to start trying for number 2, history will repeat itself. I mentioned to the hubs and to my mom that I feel like "it's" growing back. I can just tell my body is off again and I have a feeling the big E is creeping it's way back into my life.  Yes, we will cross that bridge when the time comes and I'm truly enjoying this stage in our lives with a fun, full of life toddler. I just wish that I felt physically and emotionally like how I did for those short 10 months. I told the hubs just yesterday that I wanted a internal makeover. Not a boob job or a nose job. I just want new "working" parts. Seriously, someone should open a practice specializing in that! I know quite a few girls that might join me in line!

So this is my something. It may not seem like a big deal to a lot of people. But it's a cruddy card I've been dealt and I'm in constant conversation with God on it. It's a tool He's using to strengthen my faith and at the same time, an easy target for satan to try and destroy my spirit. It's easy for me to fall into this pity party for 1, but after a day or so I'm picked back up. I try to use this card  in my daily life to bring Him glory, show empathy, to be more compassionate towards others and even use it to help me be the best mother I can be. 

While I try to not get down or frustrated with this "me", I'm human and the bad days happen. It's happened more than I'd like to admit the last couple months, but I pray I continue to grow and learn from it. I also pray that I would feel normal again one day. I hope that day comes and stays, but if not, I will do my best to deal with it. 

I'm thankful for a husband, family and friends that support and encourage me on my good days and on the not so great ones. 

Frustrations, testing and payback

This last week I was hit with some hard days of parenting. 99% of the time, my boy is the easiest, happiest, smiliest little guy you've ever known! But we've stepped into the world of testing, mild disobedience {compared to what's to come, I'm sure} and some challenges. I guess I just wasn't prepared for it to happen so soon. He's almost 15 months, but I was thinking I had at least a few more months before these things began. I should have known with how independent he's always been, that it would happen sooner rather than later.

Parenting is such a joy and brings me so much happiness, but it's tough stuff sometimes. I feel like I've said alot of "no's" this week. While i try hard to just redirect attention sometimes its necessary to address the "wrong" when it's something that truly could harm him, now or when he's older. We've experienced intentional moments of doing things he knows he's not supposed to, followed by me saying "no", him smiling at my "no" and doing it again, followed by me lightly taking his had and tapping it with two of my fingers and saying "no, mommy said not to touch that twice and you've disobeyed" and explaining why he can't touch it. Yes, I know he can't totally understand everything I say, but I'm practicing for when he really can! Plus, I swear the kid knows way more than I realize!

Parenting is teaching me a lot right now. How to respond in love and not anger or frustration, which let's face it-- is hard! It's humbling, teaching me patience, teaching me to be diligent in praying for wisdom and guidance in this new "world" we are entering. We are getting to a point now where C really does know what we are saying and his communication seems like its increased and expanded greatly these  last few weeks. There are moments of micro-tantrums and yes, even some tiny hands have flown in my face. On purpose. LORD, Help me!

He's also in that wonderful stage of being picky during some meals. I now know some of the frustration my parents experienced while trying to feed me. Worlds pickiest eater! Payback?!{for the record- I'm not very picky anymore! Unless is mayo, mustard, beans or fish! Ha}. Sometimes it takes days about an hour to get through lunch. ALL.HE.WANTS.IS.FRUIT! Things he once would scarf down, he no longer wants. I know this is normal. Our Pediatrician warned us it would happen and he was right!

I know there will be easy days and more difficult days from this point on. I need to pick up a book that I started but haven't finished- Give Them Grace  and be faithful in starting my days off with quiet time, my cup of coffee and prayer.

Just some truths to what is going on in our lives right now.

But isn't this face is the most precious thing?!?!?!

 All hard moments are worth it. Especially when he holds up a book, makes his "question" sound, I ask if he wants me to read to him, he says yes with a big grin, and he crawls up in my lap for story time. Loving little moments like those and they happen frequently throughout the day!

I sure love this sweet boy and am thankful for each moment, easy or hard, we have with him! 

Oh how true

 Great Pinterest find!

And really I only tire of it when it's time for Christmas! :)

Longing for fall

I'm over it! I'm over summer and these 500 degree temps. I'm over sweating the second I step outside. I'm over heat headaches and I want to be outside!

So bring it on, Fall!! Bring on your cooler temps so we can play outside. Bring on pumpkin spice everything! Bring on the fall candles and smells of fall. Bring on boots and cardis. Bring on the fall colors and pumpkins and fall treats!

Speaking off fall, I'm going to make some of these next week! I just have to! Maybe the temps follow my lead?! These, my friends, are pumpkin spice donuts! I'm sure they are to die for and will be great after my 5:30 am bootcamp that I'm starting up again next week, no??

I mean, two of my favorite things together in yummy goodness--pumpkin spice and donuts. A mouthful of fall! I found the recipe here, thanks to Pinterest!

 

I think I'll start prepping my house for fall once August 15th is here. Which is next week FYI.  So those of you that come to my house, don't judge. I'm desperate!

Day dreaming...

This afternoon we took advantage of yet another beautiful day and went out for a walk. I decided we would head to our neighborhood pond and see the ducks since the little guy loves him some animals! {I on the other hand am not particularly fond of most creatures with wings. I've gotten better, but still don't love birds} As we were walking my mind began to day dream.

Walking past the elementary school, I see cars starting to line up to pick up their kiddos. We have some time before he's in school, but I couldn't help but wonder what C will be like as a full on little boy. As we walk further, I hear and see a few little kids playing in their backyard with balls. Their tiny, little voices and giggles warmed my heart. Our backyard is empty now, but one day will be filled with toys, a sand box, maybe even a swing set. I thought of all the fun that C,  and someday his siblings, will have on these beautiful spring like days. I think of the smells outside; grass, wind, dirt. All things my little boy will one day run inside smelling like. I think of skinned knees, dirty hands, grass stains, sun kissed faces, big smiles, maybe a few tears if he falls down. All of them will be little blessings. I will kiss boo boos, wash faces and hands, make lemonade, laugh a lot and wipe some tears away. But I will do all these things with a thankful heart. I was chosen to be a mom. To be Cruz's mom.  What a magnificent and irreplaceable gift!

One day we will experience all these things. But today, I simply enjoy the season we are in.

inadequate...

Many times I feel inadequate when it comes to being a mom and housewife. Not because anyone has ever made me feel this way, I have an amazing husband and support system, but because I put too much pressure on myself and when I don't get what I would like accomplished, I bum myself out.  Many days I barely make it out of yoga pants and a tee {I'm working on that. I don't want to become lazy and not take pride in how I look, especially for husband. He deserves my best!}, some days the dishes don't get done, laundry is still in the dryer- heck I have forgotten a load TWICE in the washer and had to rewash it this week alone, the house smells like dog {because we have 2}, and lately my meals have been what I could scrounge up in about 15 minutes.

 Sound familiar to anyone else or is it just me???

I'm trying to remind myself that those things will get done, just maybe not in my timing or when I had planned and that's okay. My time is much better spent cuddling my baby boy, playing with his repetitive and loud light up toys, making up silly songs when we change diapers and evenings spent on the couch, winding down with my husband sometimes talking, sometimes watching TV.

Those things are what matter and when I look back, are the things I will remember. The chores will always remain. The house will probably always show that it's lived in and lived in well for that matter. I am okay with that.

I need to give myself a break. I'm not supermom. I'm an ordinary woman, juggling the responsibilities of raising a baby, loving my husband and keeping a house. As long as I put my best into each day, that's all I care about. Luckily I have a husband that feels the same. He gives me a lot of grace! He could care less if the dishes wait another day or if a load of laundry sits at the foot of the bed for a day or two. That's one of the reasons I am able to stay at home, when we could use the extra income. We both feel strongly about me being home with C throughout the day rather than in day care and were willing to sacrifice some things in order for me to do so. A true gift that I thank God for every. single. day.

So while I still wish for a magically clean house, to look put together like June Cleaver and have my act together on a daily basis, it's not my reality and I am ok with it. For those of you are able to do all those things, I commend you. Maybe I'll figure it out one day! But for now, I will enjoy the rest of this rainy evening on the couch, catching up on DVR with the hubs. The dishes can wait until tomorrow :)

Tomorrow is a new day...

Reflections...

To say 2012 was incredible is an understatement. It was probably the BEST year we've had as a couple.  It was my last year in my 20's {I still have 5 more days}, I finished up my 4th year as a manager for an incredible company and still pick up a shift occasionally, became an aunt, gained {well almost} a new sister-in-law, and was able to have my dream job of a being a SAHM because the absolute BEST day occurred at 2:58 pm on June 5th!!!

It's been a year of firsts, learning, growth as a couple, woman and mom. It been a year of many laughs, tears {both happy and sad}, lots of dirty diapers, sleepless nights, TONS of pictures and many, many hugs and kisses.

It's also been a year of hard times; friends still unable to conceive, medical bills stacking up and  finding out my grandpa, one of my favorite people in this world, was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma {a post for another day}, a rare blood cancer of the bone marrow.  He has so many people praying for him and fighting this battle right beside him. We know HE is the ultimate healer and pray daily for complete healing. We believe in Miracles!

We know it all is a part of His plan. And His plan is good. He is sovereign and in complete control of the good and bad. Our faith will be tested. It's a way to be reminded to run back to Jesus. Honestly, I need trials. It's what makes my relationship with Christ grow. It's when I learn the most. When I give it all up, open my arms wide, fall to my knees and surrender my everything to the one who gives me life.
 
I've been a bit emotional today, knowing its the last day of the year our sweet boy was born. I'm weird like that. I cry easily. I still blame it on hormones. As long as I'm nursing I can, right?! I reflect back and that's when the tears flow.  I've told my hubby that I feel like I didn't do a great job at treasuring each day. What could I have done differently? I have no idea, but I still feel like I could have done more to slow down time. Impossible, I know. But a girl can try, right??

2013 Has a lot to live up to. I have said it in years past, I don't do resolutions well. Like ever. I manage to follow thru with some for a few months, or weeks if I am being honest. Then they are left in the dust when I get back to the busyness of life.

So here are a few things I would like to strive for. My  resolutions goals:

• Read more. I'd like to read at least 6 books this year. Last time I said one a month and I was on a roll until February. My pile is growing.
• Go to the gym at least 2x a week- I've been horrible about going. I'm at my pre-baby weight but am definitely a little more fluffy.
• Stick with a quiet time/devotional.  I've been really inconsistent and struggle with making the time.
• Get more organized-  I feel better when everything is organized.
• Enjoy each and every day- It's not hard to do, but I want to soak it all in.

We will be talking about what our goals will be this year as a family tonight and tomorrow. I like New Year's because it means a fresh start. It always feels good to start new.

We wish you all a fabulous New Year! We are celebrating for the comfort of our couch, both sick. Actually, all 3 of us are sick. But it's a laid back night, which I actually really enjoy.

See you in 2013!!

thoughts on the election and politics

**these are just my thoughts, like you I'm entitled my freedom of opinion and speech. You may agree with me or may not. I'm not looking for a debate, so if you want one im not the person you're looking for. if you don't have something nice to say don't say it all**

*These thoughts might be a ramble of words. I'm not really going for an organized collection, it's just what comes to mind. I apologize if I'm all over the place. *

Politics are nasty. It brings the worst out in people. I hate politics! Everyone has an opinion and that's what's great about our great nation. The freedom we have to have a voice. It's what so many fight for. My loved ones have sacrificed their safety and risked their lives so that we can all have a voice! While I respect and appreciate everyone's point of view, it also makes me sad.

I'm a bit saddened, not because of how the election went (either way I would feel the same) but because of how we, as a body of Christ, have acted because of it. Honestly, I didn't really care for either nominee and looking at all the facts when we were talking about and researching the candidates, many things they both agree on with slight differences. So for me, both candidates have some good and bad ideas. Perhaps that's why it was such a close election. I'm sad at many of the hateful things people say, regardless of which party "wins" In any election. I don't think in the way of parties any more... Sorry family. I was raised one way all my life but as I've gotten older, I've taken a more open minded approach, to look at both sides. I want my kids to decide for themselves what they want to see in our country instead of me telling them how to think. I want to raise them in a way that glorifies our God and lead them to put their hope in Him and not in things of this world. Just because I've been raised one way doesn't mean that's how I will always vote, I might still vote that way, but I'm not going to promise. I'm not writing this post because I'm excited or completely bummed at the outcome. In fact, I'm pretty indifferent. Our country needs a lot of help and I'm pretty sure it wouldn't be up to one party to change it.
In my quiet times I've been reading a lot about peace. Remembering my God is in control and knew who would be president before the election happened.

One verse I've been reading a lot through out the past couple of weeks is John 14:27
"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."

So why do we put all of our faith in a political party to change things?! Instead, why aren't we as a Christian body praying for our leaders and loving people. Christ's leading commandment... LOVE.

"This is my command: Love each other." John 15:17

"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another."John 13:34

Jesus replied: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' Matthew 22:37-39

"For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' " Galatians 5:14

"And this is his command: to believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as he commanded us." 1 John 3:23

And these are just a few references. There are countless others. And while I'm not always great at loving others, it's my prayer daily that I will be better at it. I know I mentioned it before, but my constant prayer for our son is that he would love Christ and love others well.

I looked at his sweet face this morning and was so thankful for his innocence and the unknown of the world outside of the people who love him, his paci and milk! I'm a bit jealous!

Why do we put so much faith and hope in the people and things of this world? I'm guilty of it all the time. Why are we quick to judge, have we all not made mistakes? Are the mistakes of any president worse than our own? I believe that all sins are equal and yes, naturally we see them in a spectrum of lesser to worse, but sin is a sin! A mistake a mistake! I'm guilty just like any president or public official we elect.

My hope is in him, not in people!

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33

I'm thankful for a God that forgives. A God that has sent his son so that we would live.

So as this country enters into another 4 years, I will pray for our President. I will pray that he will look to God for guidance. I will pray for his family. I pray that as a body of Christ, we can embrace and love the people that surround us and lead us, regardless of political or religious beliefs. I'm thankful my eyes have been opened and thankful for a church that loves other cultures, religions and colors. I pray that I'm not quick to judge and that grace will flow when I wrong others or am wronged.

Over the course of my life I've learned to forgive and learned a lot about grace. We aren't perfect but our God is. His mercies are new every morning.
They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness. (Lamentations 3:23 NIV)

So why don't we as a nation take today as a new day and change our attitudes. Love. Reach out, join together and pray for His will to be done instead of our own agendas.

in the still of the night...

I find myself in this little corner of C's nursery every night morning about 3:00.

This middle of the night feeding is where I do a lot of sitting in silence, staring at my baby boy and a lot of praying. It's a quiet time. Perhaps the quietest all day. Everyone is asleep {sometimes C is too, which can be quite frustrating when I'm trying to feed him}, it's pitch black except for a crack in the closet giving me just enough light to change a diaper and see his sweet face.

After all the time spent trying to get pregnant my hope is that I don't find myself complaining when things get difficult. I am only human and I know I have and will about things, but I want to remember where I've been and how incredibly blessed we are that we only had to try for just over a year.

I purposely made the sign and hung it over the glider as a constant reminder,{as if my baby isn't reminder enough}  or more of a slap when I find myself starting to get frustrated when feedings take over an hour because he falls asleep, or when he's colicky because his little tummy is hurting, or feeling discouraged because at times breastfeeding is really rough which I never expected, or even when it's just a hard night because he didn't sleep well, meaning I didn't either.

"'Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus"

All these things are just small things that make up a tiny part of motherhood. And they aren't all bad. Because he falls asleep when eating means more time to thank God and pray for this tiny babe, making us a family. When he's screaming at the top of his lungs because of his tummy, I get to cuddle and hold and try my hardest to make sure he feels safe and loved until it passes. When breastfeeding is hard I am reminded that I am fortunate to provide my baby with the nourishment he needs and even pumping so that daddy can feed him too. And when I don't sleep well because of a hard night, I am thankful that I have the chance to be a mommy, which is worth all the rough nights in the world.

I've learned a lot the past 6 weeks.

I know there is a lot of learning to come and everyday brings new challenges.

I know that I will fail time and time again as we raise this little boy, but know that His mercies are new every morning(Lamentations 3:23)

I am thankful for these times. I know there will come a time that I long for these days when he's older. I'm cherishing every moment, good and bad.

In an oven...

As if things weren't already tight with all
Of my medical bills, our air conditioner decided to poop out on us. It went off once last weekend, then I came home from work yesterday to a nice blistering 82 inside. ICK. I woke up this am and it had only cooled to 78 and was back up to 80 by the time I left for work.

I don't do well in heat! I melt!

I ended up calling mom who called her AC guy and took a half a vacation day to come home and find out we need to spend $900 to fix our burnt out outside unit. It was only 5 years old!!!

So I'm sitting inside, AC still broken because the parts are out around the area and have to be sent in from OKC. So we are without AC until sometime on MONDAY! Goodnessgracious!!!

What I wouldn't do for the cold temps right now! I'm grumpy, can ya tell?!

can I tell you...

I'm ona major FRO~YO kick!!! I just can't get enough of it. I sound like we have it often, we don't. It's just been on my mind for a couple months. I've only had it a few times since Christmas, but it really doesn't help that one of these opened up down the street from my store....

OH. MY. YUMMMMM.

My favorite flavors are starwberry and cake batter. What are yours??

kick off to the most wonderful time of the year...

I almost messed up NaBloPoMo in the first week! I am posting tonight with a few minutes to spare. We have already kicked off our holiday season. Last night we started shopping for Operation Christmas Child {a tradition we are starting this year and will continue when we have our own children}. I called the info number to see if there was a particular age group/sex that is usually lacking in boxes and was told 10-14 year old boys! It's a little harder to buy for that age range and for boys, but that is who we are shopping for this year! More to come later on our OCC, once we get all of our goodies ready to send.

PS- If you're curious on the need for packages for OCC, I was told 10-14 boys then 10-14 girls, 5-9 boys then 5-9 girls, then the younger ages.

 

Tonight I went to Dallas to the annual Countdown to Christmas with mom and mimi at the church I grew up going to. Dinner was provided my very fav, Cafe Max!!! After dinner, we made our way to the Sanctuary to hear the speaker for the night. Karen Porter  talked about how we need to focus our attitude on gratitude during the Christmas season and remembering that it's a choice to be joyful. We can't rely on worldly things and other people to make us happy.  Such a wonderful reminder that during the busiest season of planning, family, friends and shopping that we need to stop and live in the moment. Not in the past or in desires for the future, but to stop and be thankful for the blessings in our lives. To not let our focus drift away from Christ.

A WONDERFUL WAY TO KICK OFF THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR!

Happy 55 days until Christmas!!

longing...

Lately I've been in a place of longing. For several different things, but one I have truly been craving is just a little family time. Not the family time I normally have. I have been craving a time of wholeness. It's not something that can happen {at least for now}, but I so would love a time to be with MY entire family. Mom, dad, brother and husband. Just for a few moments, a dinner, anything. It's something I haven't had for over 5 years and though it gets easier to deal with as each day goes on, the longing for that "family" continues to grow. I'm sure a lot of people have felt like this and that I'm not the only one. I seem to go thru seasons where my emotions are up and down, just like anyone else. I just pray that I find my wholeness in Jesus. That's where I need to find it anyway. just what's on my heart...

it's funny...

It's funny how God can teach you things, even through the blogs of others. I've come across several posts in the past few days that are just what I needed to read/think about. From a dear friend's thoughts on truly loving people, even those we find hard to love, to reading a few verses on a couple of "virtual" friends' blogs about trusting in Him and knowing that we can rest in His love.

a few verses that have helped me through the past few days...

Deuteronomy 33:12 ----Let the beloved of the LORD rest secure in him, for he shields him all day long, and the one the LORD loves rests between his shoulders. (NIV)

Romans5:3-5 ---- We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. 4 And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. 5 And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. (NLT)

I've been needing to meditate on scripture and sometimes my thoughts get in my OWN way and I don't think I can hear what God is trying to tell me. Sometimes {like this time} I can't even pick a starting point or verse to just pray on. I'm too worked up or have tunnel vision and can't even recall a verse I've known for years. I hate it when this happens. I just need to remember Psalm 46:10 "BE STILL AND KNOW THAT I AM GOD!" and know that in the stillness and quietness is where I will learn. Heck, I even have a plaque in my bathroom with that verse on it! I think I need to look at it more often.

Thank you all for sharing your hearts!

My favorite Super Bowl Commercial...

I wasn't that impressed with the commercials that aired during the game. Isn't that the reason you watch the Super Bowl?? For the cute/funny commercials?! I really liked all the Doritos commercials, but this was my very favorite!

brrrrrrrr

This weather we have been having is CRAZY! I don't ever remember it being this cold. I'm not complaining, I love cold weather. Things might be a little different if I had to be outside. I have enjoyed spending most of my "vacation" in the warmness of my own house, celebrating birthdays, drinking coffee and cuddled up with a good book. That's how I like to enjoy bitterly cold days like we have been having.

I also enjoy quietness and time in prayer on days like this. For some reason it's something that just happens on days like today. I wish it would be like that everyday. I wish I didn't get caught up in life and could make my quiet/prayer times and times of thought and reflection an "easy" thing to remember to fit in. It should be. I want it to be. That's one thing I am working on as we start this new year. It seems so silly. How could I not have/make time for that? Sure, I pray everyday but I just don't make time to be still. To listen and hear what God is trying to tell me. I just get caught up in the "little things"

...just my thoughts...

I have seen the Christmas Tradition survey on a couple blogs, but Melissa's blog reminded me to do it while I have a few minutes! So here goes...

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Love wrapping paper! Its fun and has a real clean look. I will also admit that I love the smell of scotch tape. It is a smell I associate with Christmas!

2. Real tree or Artificial? artificial. I love the smell of real one but with allergies and the clean up, I'll stick with fake! And pre-lit

3. When do you put up the tree? I'm one who puts it up really early. Judge if you will, but this year it was two weeks before Thanksgiving. I'm glad I did too. We had a wedding the weekend after Thanksgiving in Austin.

4. When do you take the tree down? Usually within the first week of January. Last year I did it new years day since I had off!

5. Do you like eggnog? sick. I don't even like milk!

6. Favorite gift received as a child? My barbie house. And come to find out, mom and dad built it them selves. It was HUGE and even though I loved it then, it's more special now knowing they picked out the carpet, wall paper, paint and even the little tiny shingles on top. There had to have been over a thousand.

7. Hardest person to buy for? depends on the year....sometimes dad, sometimes mom, sometimes Rico

8. Easiest person to buy for? again, depends on the year.

9. Do you have a nativity scene? YES!! It was one my mom hand painted. It was always my favorite thing to put up each Christmas. She handed it down to me when we got married. I also have a cloth one made by children in Bulgaria.

10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Usually mail Christmas cards. We sent them out the first two years we were married but then last year and this Christmas we decided to save a little money. They will be going out next year! I'm still going to try and email one out before Christmas.

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? I don't know...

12. Favorite Christmas Movie? ooo... Older one would be "Santa Clause: The movie" with Dudley Moore. Newer one would be Elf!

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? Used to be black Friday, but this year it was about 2 weeks ago. I did start making a few things before Thanksgiving.

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? only white elephant Christmas gifts.

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Stuffing/dressing, whatever you call it. LOVE!!

16. Lights on the tree? YES! White!

17. Favorite Christmas song? any and every Christmas song. No really, I heart Christmas music!! Love the old classics especially!

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? just a short drive to Dallas and sometimes Mexia on Christmas Eve.

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer? Of course! {insert clearing of throat} Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixon, Commet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen and Rudolph

20. Angel on the tree top or a star? Angel

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? Christmas Eve with Dad, Morning with Ricardo's fam and Christmas night with mine...

22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? Grumpy people. It's Christmas, Smile! The over commercialization. Sometimes I let myself get a little down and stressed about how we will split up time with everyone...I don't like that part.

23. Favorite ornament, theme, or color? Old World ornaments that are the old school looking, blown glass. We pick one out every year!

24. Favorite for Christmas Dinner? The usual finds on Christmas day.

25. What do you want to do for Christmas this year? not rush and really enjoy the time we spend with each other and our families.


26. Favorite Christmas tradition growing up? the simplicity of the day...

27. Favorite tradition now? Waking up and spending the morning, just Ricardo and I.

28. Favorite Christmas Memory?Too many to pick just one!

What about YOU?!?!

reminders...

Be careful how you live. Don't live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don't act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do. ~ Ephesians 5:15-17

If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also the interests of others.~Philippians 2:1-4 {Our sorority's verse, that is to this day one of my favs!}

Happy...

Happy Fall!!!!!!!!!!!!

...and we actually have cool, fall weather today!!!! YAY!!

my eyes....

are on these cute things...

I love boots. I saw these at Target and I would love a pair of comfy boots to work in and for my trip to PA and NYC. They are really cute on so we will see if the Hub wants to support my cause!