Friday Outtakes

Thanks again to  Nicole  for lots of things (like cookies and yummy recipes and your family's friendship!), this post idea among them! ! 

TODAY:

Outside my window... I'd grab the monitor and head outside for some morning blogging during one of the best parts of our too hot days, but then there's that pesky stay inside during dawn and dusk warning to avoid a potential run-in with West Nile. I'm not taking my chances, mosquitos! 

I am listening to... silence. The morning. Occasionally there is a train whistle or sound from a departing airplane. I'm thankful The Sheriff is still asleep. Yesterday morning not so much, and I'm doing my best to multi-task my way through the Internet until he wakes. The question is, "Should I pause to make some tea or power through?"

Within these walls... I'm so ready for a change of seasons. I feel like I keep going back to this idea, but so much of a daily rhythm can revolve around what Mother Nature decides to do outdoors: what comes out of the kitchen, when it's cool/hot enough to go outside, what activities we plan for the weekends, what we'll wear. These can be pretty trivial, but when you are ready, you're ready! And this momma wants chili, and walks that don't have to take place before 9:00 (with the mosquitos!) or after 6:30, and to put my pumpkins out, and football. Yes, football! At least I can get one of those going!

Within my heart walls... I haven't been as reflective the past few months because I've been taking care of the physical me and all that comes with the first trimester. I've been sleeping in, taking naps when W does, and yet remained ridiculously tired still in the evenings. Hopefully I can find a new routine as energy returns. But I feel blessed, just so very blessed, and I pray that I don't take one second of that for granted. 

I am certain... that prayer works, and He's listening. I'm hoping the right words and timing come to share my reasons why I know this to be true. 

I have am wondering... if there's a week where I could do two blog posts and a day, one being a link-up and one being my own. So many fun link-ups out there but I can't manage to get to them all!

From my creative corner: I've got a Texans wreath in the near future (as in all supplies are purchased and sitting out on the table), and the words "fall crafts" are written in my planner to check in with Pinterest and see what I want to make.

I appreciate.. chance meetings with old friends and the opportunities to make new ones. Oh, and W still sleeping. 

From the kitchen... Is it too early for pumpkin bread? I told myself I'd wait until temperatures dropped into the 80s. I'm loving all things chicken salad (strange since I'm not so much a fan of chicken at the moment), so  I'm making this cranberry chicken salad I've mentioned here before. I also plan on making  this hearty soup. I saw a friend this week who brought it over for our very first playdate with the boys, and despite it being 90 degrees out and more gazpacho than hot soup weather, the baby wants it.

In other news, the baby also cannot get enough hummus. 

I am grateful... for the safety of my family in LA when Isaac passed (and lingered!).

On my nightstand (and sometimes online): I'm re-reading Anna Karenina and have had to make myself put it down to get some sleep. I love the classics and get so torn between re-reading everything that's on my bookshelf or loading up the Kindle with new reads.

Online I've checked out this article about raising boys and this one about our very short season of being a mother at home with our children. Both were recommendations by Erin, and they spoke to my heart.

The Sheriff: busted out his ABCs at dinner the other night all the way to "won't you sing with me?" We were so proud as was he. His favorite part seems to be the end, and the grin he gives at the finale is the best!
He's also begun saying the "s" sound which comes out more like "esss" but I think it's the cutest thing. It's amazing how his speaking has taken off. 

I am praying for... my grandparents. 

Picture thoughts I am sharing...

What? Your child doesn't sit on the counter eating frozen peas while you prep dinner?

Couldn't resist.

Happy Weekend! 

Spatial Concepts Activity Corner #6 with Momma Mar

I was prepping dinner a few weekends ago when I heard the words "obstacle course" mentioned from the den. I knew that my husband hadn't been perusing Pinterest for toddler activities, but it sounded like something interesting was going on. I poked my head around the corner to find this:

J had him flying the airplane under, over, and around, and had him learning these spatial concepts (and prepositions--yay!) while doing his very active boy thing. 

I, of course, ran to get the camera thinking, "Honey, you are about to be a blog post." 

What's not to love about this simple learning within play activity with objects you probably have around the house? If not legos, use blocks, If not blocks, use tupperware or cereal boxes. 

I'm also glad I snapped a few pictures because I often have trouble recreating the masterpieces that Daddy builds without a visual image! 

I just thought I'd share this simple play idea and what better way than linking up! Be sure to stop by and check out the other activities for some fun with your little people.

Things Pregnant Women Say and Do

I promise we'll return to regularly scheduled blog posts (AKA -- days with The Sheriff with few link-ups thrown in) but I've got a few things to remember about our newest addition first.


J has been helping me keep a list of what's come out of my mouth this first trimester, so here we go:

(Me after a grocery trip) "Pregnant Jenn is a dangerous shopper. I had to walk quickly through the Little Debbie section."

"What do you think about going to get me breakfast tacos before you leave for work?"

"Water out of a plastic bottle tastes better."

"Um, can you be home at 6 with poboys?"

"EXTREME Sour Patch Kids might be a little too much."

"Does that gas station next to your office have gummi bears? And ginger ale?"

(And a text) "I'm pregnant. 'Don't take the girl' has me in tears."



And then...

There's taking your toddler for afternoon French fries.

And a husband who comes home with Canes' lemonade.

And a grocery trip where I came home with this:

What?!?!

Be safe LA friends! We are keeping y'all in our prayers!

Summer Bucket List

We've had some kinks in the road and summer temps trying to keep us down, but I think we managed pretty well with this summer's bucket list:

It wasn't fancy; we didn't pressure ourselves, but we made some wonderful memories. And yes, that "to do" was added after the fact, but we found ourselves blessed at the very time when we thought that it would have to be the next month. In turn, some activities were a bit more difficult to fit in.

Thank you for those who have been praying for us. I believe in that power.

And for those of you who may be shedding tears for your own journeys or ready to quit reading blogs because these announcements just won't stop, I understand. My thoughts and prayers are for you, and I hope someday soon I'm reading your exciting news.

More details to come...

Truthful Thursday

Ok, yes, Truthful Tuesday sounds better because "truthful" doesn't have the "th" that Thursday needs, but I need a post for today (and now tonight), not next week. I can't think that far ahead right now.

Truth: Swim diapers do their job. Sort of. Until you have to change poop diaper in bathroom changing table. Toddler poop, water, won't go any further---Mortifying Mess!

Truth: You can spill a plate full of cut-up breakfast taco, your toddler can then spill half a pint of orange juice down his jammies, and you will survive past 8:30 am. You'll make it to an afternoon Target trip where toddler fails to hold your coveted salty pretzel with two hands and half breaks, falling beneath the Icee machine, and then, you'll make to bedtime, even without a glass or three of wine.

Truth: Sometimes you can heal the world by dropping whatever it is you're doing to sit right down on the kitchen floor and hold an upset toddler in your lap.

Truth: Toddler clothing does not need skulls. (Ok, maybe that's not a truth really, just my opinion.)

Truth: Letting your toddler play with your phone results in the following in your photo stream:

Unbalanced: A Stage

Just like the rest of America, I'm ready for Fall. Yes, it's time for the weather to change. If I hear the words "cool front" on the news, I might just grab the pumpkins to start decorating.

I'm also done with summer clothes, and I'm not a fashionista by any means, but can't a girl just wear some jeans already?!

Mostly, I'm just not a person that likes the in-between, and that's where I am. As a teacher, Fall always means starting fresh: new students, new routines, new lessons to try, and yes, new worries, new guidelines and "stuff" to do too. Teachers went back this week in TX, and students return this coming Monday.

As summer closes I'm finding myself feeling unbalanced a bit. There are so many things I want to do, and in the true "dog days of summer" I'm not wanting to do any of it. I'm partaking in afternoon naps while W sleeps. I'm wanting to veg out in front of the television at night instead of reading/writing blog posts. I keep closing my browser with ump-teen tabs open at the top of ideas to look through.

On the other hand, I want to be a great blogger, photographer, cook, crafter, movie-goer, "sort of" homeschooler, volunteer, play group attendee, reader, and the list goes on. Each day just doesn't hold enough hours, and my energy is lacking as we wait for a change of seasons (at least two months away!).

I know this won't last. I'll find my mojo again. It's why I'm ready for a change, ready for Fall. I'm hoping that I can get my act together a bit more and do even more learning and play with The Sheriff. I'm hoping to try some great Fall recipes. As it's going, we might be enjoying less heavy, hot Crock Pot meals and more:

Source: foodfolksandfun.blogspot.com via Jennifer on Pinterest

And I'm ok with that.

 I'm ready to take down our Summer Bucket List off the fridge, make a photo book with the picture memories of our summer journey, and make a list of fun Fall activities to do with my family.

I'm ready for a change of pace, ready to get back into routine.  In the meantime, we'll soak up summer, sometimes literally, on rainy, steamy, long afternoons.

Where I Turn

At some point or another, each of us knows the moment, some more often than others, when life seems to drop us face first into a desert where we feel alone, overwhelmed, forgotten, and without hope, without peace, without a prayer. 

With courage we manage to dig out of our souls, we share these experiences with close friends or family hoping for their strength to someone lift us up.

I heard this song recently on the radio, and in particular the lyrics:

"For the faith to move ahead.

And to let go of the past.
And to see me as you do.
I turn to you."

They nailed it. It's my story, my strength, my courage to step out of the desert. Indeed, He's where I turn. 

Because this is who I am, when people share their struggles with me, whether I've been down that road or not, I share that this faith is my rock. It's my comfort, and most importantly, it's how I move ahead.

Sometimes I fear being labeled naive. I fear being shut down and perhaps not approached again because of my response. I fear letting my friends or family down because I can't fix their problem myself and because my words keep coming back to God. Then I wonder if these worries bother me, just how strong my faith really is.

And that's ridiculous. God tell us:

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand (Isaiah 41:10).

God also calls us to see ourselves how He sees us, and at the end of the day, a woman sharing her faith is who He's called me to be. There are certainly many ways that I disappoint, but I hoping that His face is lit with the smile of a Father's pride on the days I am able to support others with the story He's given me.

So I Want to Be on Ellen -- Friday Funny

It must be known that this little video is almost a year old, and I found it in my drafts folder. I can't believe I never shared! Hope this brings a smile your way as you get ready to start the weekend. 

Nothing says holiday time like Charlie Brown classics. Apparently, they stand the test of time. Kid can't get enough of Snoopy. I may or may not have submitted this video to The Ellen Degeneres Show to be featured. 

Happy Friday Y'all! 

Mommy Brain Mixer!

I just discovered a great new link-up thanks to the wonderfully sweet Erin called Mommy Brain Mixer and can't wait to discover new blogs. Hop over to her site (linked above) to check it out and play along. You can share all sorts of Mommy tales--funny, sappy, grand, not-so-grand, whatever is in your heart and head!

I linked up this post and am looking forward to stealing away a few moments of the day for some new reads. 

When Toddler Become Boys

Last week AP wrote about her own Mama's Boys, and I had to agree that I've got one of those sweeties here as well. No one does things like Momma. Even on Momma's longest day when it's known that there will be no shenanigans or fun for that matter in the tub, the request for Momma to do bath and bed  calls strongly. Daddy's making grounds though, so I need to hold these days with two clenched fists.

The Sheriff might be a momma's boy, but he's got complete adoration for his Daddy and wants to do anything Daddy does. I do, in fact, use this little nugget to my advantage often.

Every now and then I get glimpses of the father/son bond that somehow naturally exists no matter who or what might try to interfere, and it's beautiful. And these glimpses are little sneak peaks into his boyhood.

This past weekend I braved the heat (ok, it was early Saturday morning and not too hot yet) to supervise outside while one little toddler followed in Daddy's footsteps.

He had the perfect morning; the grin on his face was priceless.

It broke my heart when he stepped in ants and didn't fuss or holler, but simply stopped what he was doing to try to brush them off. I of course ran over to fully dust his shoes off and quickly apply After Bite to make sure they didn't start itching.  His body language urged, "Mom, hurry up! There's grass to cut!"
These bites added themselves to his little legs which are now boy legs with their scrapes and bites and scratches. He doesn't seem to mind one bit.

I'm not wiping my eyes just yet. He's still my little toddler, and I'm more so excited to see who this little boy becomes.

So What Wednesday

Linking up with the wonderful (and vacationing) Shannon this week



This week I'm saying So What!!..


*That seeing the Olympic athletes walk out makes me cry every time.
*That I love George Michael's "Faith."
*That I had to force myself to put the paper plates from Saturday's football hang out away so I would not be tempted to use them all week.
*That I made my first ever pound cake Saturday.
*That I will probably have said pound cake every day for breakfast this week.
*That I've had two back to school teacher dreams in the past week and for the 3rd year in a row am NOT returning to the classroom just yet.
*That I'm terrible at cleaning out my closet (and house clutter for that matter). Thankfully Purple Heart and another truck or two call to come by once or twice a month. I can deal with small batches.

Ten on Tuesday

I've been tagged! Ok, so it was a good two weeks ago, but I've been a bit slow lately around here.

So here we go:

1. I've always wanted to work on the creative team at Hallmark. Still do. I even printed and worked on the application a while back, but having to move to Kansas City wasn't quite the option for my engineering hubs. Perhaps I will perfect my own line of cards one day.

2. I hate putting away laundry. Washing, folding--no problem. Please don't make me put it away.

3. I have conflicted goals for blogging. There are days that I wish I were more of an "it" girl. Other days,  I'm perfectly content in simply having a place to document our lives.

4. My husband and I met through flag football. He was our hot intramural coach. (And don't jump to conclusions--he's only 2 years old than I.)

5.  I love sending real mail. Someone's got to keep the post office busy!

6. Pinterest has me wanting to redo my entire house.

7. I did competitive gymnastics as a child and believe it stunted my growth!

8. I'm a huge believer in acupuncture and never thought I'd be in a place to say that.

9. I can walk across the room on my hands.

10. Some days I want French fries simply to enjoy the ketchup.

This tag brought to you by Erin at The View from 510.

I tag:

Ashley at Happiness Is
L at Beach Bum and Baby 
Andie at Sweet.Southern.Spirited

Friends with Infertility

I'm not sure how to write this post, where to begin, if it will make any sense, or if I will hit "publish" at all.  I have been sharing bits of our infertility story here and there and a sweet reader suggested doing a post on how to help people dealing with this struggle. She mentioned a friend who was fighting her own battle and noted that sometimes she wasn't sure how to help. I'm no expert, and what works for me may not work for others.

I don't have all the answers; I may not have any answers, but I'll talk through my past and hopefully somewhere in these words, someone might just find a bit of hope.

The most important aspect of my own journey was/is being open with friends about what's going on in my life. Thankfully, I've always been surrounded by prayerful people, and I cannot tell you what hope I have always had knowing that there are people praying for me, both at times of which I was aware and times of which I was not. Pray for your friends whose struggles you know. Pray for your friends, maybe just mere acquaintances, whose own journeys and future family concerns you may not know.

Life struggles become consuming. They can be all we see, feel, breathe for any given length of time and it's often hard to step away from talking about them and perhaps seeing life in another's shoes. There are days recently where I find myself calling my best friends and only talking about my struggles without ever asking, "how are you?" or even talking about recent episodes of a favorite television show or what I did this weekend (besides the outcome of an ovulation test. True story.). I don't excuse myself for this seemingly selfish behavior, but I cherish these friends who have stood by me and listened, truly listened, as I shared information and feelings and speculations and hopes. Pray for your friends and then listen to them. Believe me;  life is fair in its sharing of hardship, and there will be at time where the roles will reverse themselves and you will need her to listen time and time again.

That being said, there were stages where I was less open. I was hurting, scared, anxious, and all-consumed. It was easier to throw myself into my work and my hobbies instead of facing everything. My good friends asked about it and let me know that I was cared for and loved and embraced during this fight. I'd imagine it might be difficult to approach perhaps a coworker about it, but your friends for sure can be uplifted by your concern.

And at the end of the day, maybe here are some practical, doable, ways to brighten the spirits of a loved one struggling with infertility:

*Plan an outing that might not involve shopping (well, for clothes) or alcohol. If you are hopeful for an upcoming pregnancy, do you really need to buy new clothes that won't fit shortly? Or perhaps you've got to lay off exercise for a while and just aren't feeling that fit and toned.
We all know alcohol's negative effects on conceiving, so let's just avoid that as well while we are at it.

*Forget I said that. Plan an outing for a glass of wine. Sometimes a girl just need a glass of wine with her girlfriends. I'm serious, but keep it to a glass and drink plenty of water. Okay, happen to have the second (and third) glass. Just don't do it every weekend.
And plan to go shopping. Help a girl out and find something that celebrates being a woman and feeling beautiful!

*Meet up when you can for some exercise or outdoors. Some fertility issues involve losing weight.  Grab the Jillian Michaels video and sweat it out together.
Perhaps if part of the plan is to lay a bit lower on the exercise agenda, go for a walk together.

*Randomly send a card, email, even a sticky note full of words of support.

*Plan a craft night. A little creative therapy never hurt anyone.

*Help her look into useful resources (like the book Making Babies perhaps) instead of message boards that are far too daunting sometimes.

*And don't forget to pray.


Update--I wrote this months ago and indeed, as you are reading this, I decided to finish and publish it. I've read so many posts lately about this issue, and it's just close to my own heart. The more support we can give each other, the stronger we all become. 

Not Just Another Day at the Park

Backstory: W had roseola virus, a horrid little sucker that brings high fever and a rash (that we learned about later) and does a number on blood counts (at least for our little toddler). Basically said numbers were tested, of course were knocked low, and the doctor gave us the unnecessary scare of our lives. We won't go any further than saying a change of doctors or a talk about what happened will be in order. But, we were quarantined for a couple of weeks now, leaving both of us staring at the door and jumping out of our shoes when I mentioned the word "park" when we got home this morning.

Today he's cleared. See, bandaid to prove it! 

And let's just talk about how this is the third finger prick and FIRST decorative bandaid. Come on, nurse! (I may or may not have brought one to put over his fingers last time.) 

The sickies aren't the only reason we've stayed away from the old park. It's been so hot after all, but today we put on our sunscreen and ball caps and grabbed some ice cold waters to take with us, and found ourselves reacquainted with swings and slides.

Reunited and it feels so good! The Sheriff was timid at first since I can't remember the last time he's been on a swing (a sad story I know!). 

But it didn't take long to get this silly grin.

For a kid who is somehow into throwing objects, an empty park full of wood chips and a mother allowing his latest obsession as there were no other kids to get hurt, this was the highlight of the trip.

Someone even was a fan of the slides today which was a big win since they haven't been his favorite as of late. 

Our spontaneous and sweaty park trip was just what we needed to get back into the swing of things around here. 

Being Back

Thanks again to  Nicole  for lots of things, this post idea among them! Hold the phone; I'm posting. I can't guarantee any more posts this week, but we'll try our best. W was sick, and then family came to visit. We've been busy.

To get back into this thing, I thought I'd give you my version of a brain dump. 

TODAY: 

Outside my window... still summer, still hot. Football's starting, so that means long sleeves and jeans right? Right? Ok, maybe by the Super Bowl around here.

I am wondering... just how everything changes overnight.

I am wishing... that I could get caught up. I'm drowning a bit in blog land, but hopefully will catch up soon. 

I am listening to... Big Brother's veto competition. I finally did a bit of television catch-up and am watching tonight's episode--coaches in the game and all. 

I am loving... Grilled cheese sandwiches! Ok, so I'm not soaking my face in them daily but we had one today for lunch paired with none other than tomato soup. It can be 100 degrees out, but I love this lunch. 

I am struggling.... with the burdens dear friends are facing. I'm struggling. I'm questioning. At the end of the day, I have to believe in God's understanding. 

From the kitchen... I can't say that I've done much cooking, but when your kick@$$ roast-making, mother-in-law's in town, you beg for her culinary work. So indeed, we had roast AND I tried lima beans for the first time in my life. I don't know how they are normally prepared, but the way Nana makes them is spectacular! 

I am grateful... for prayerful friends, for a healing toddler, for faith. 

I am praying for... friends who need strength, comfort, and God's healing hand holding them close. 

Books, books, and more books... I am rereading Anna Karenina. Like my television watching, blog posting, and blog reading, it has taken a back seat, but I'm totally wrapped up in it just like the first time reading. 

Sheriff... has a new catch phrase:  "Oh no!"It's endearing, well, until he intentionally throws whatever is in his hands, Legos, helicopters, blocks up into the air occasionally hitting his dear mother. Good time. 

I am attempting to live the Gospel by... practicing patience. See "Sheriff" above. 

A picture thought I am sharing...

What, you don't get a cake pop when you have blood work? For the record, Starbucks has nothing on my cake pops.

Ok, when did this boy grow up. He made that helicopter out of Legos all by himself. And it actually looked like a helicopter.

Happy Thursday y'all! 

Clarity

 Yesterday, nope, didn't blog yesterday, well a few days ago I posted about what I thought life would be like at 24.

And you, dear readers, left so many great comments about how very young I am, but today I'm here to tell you that this face:

is the face of 3-1. Yes, I'm 31. I had the holy crap in 9 years I'll be 40 conversation with the hubs the other night.  My point was that 24 was the age I thought I'd be ready to start having babies. Little did I know that that day would come years later.

You may now return to your regularly scheduled lives instead of going to bed thinking, man that girl is only 24? How does she manage to have it all together? ;)