The Truth

the truth is....

today, December 1st, is the first day I have not cried about my Granddaddy since November 20th. 

November 16th my Aunt informed us that my Grandaddy was not getting better. 

They were just making him comfortable.

Sunday, November 20th, I asked my cousin (who is a Nurse at the Nursing Home he was in) to call me when she was there so I could talk to my Granddaddy. Four years ago my Grandmother passed away. I did not talk to her in her last days, I wish I would have. So my sweet cousin called me, held the phone up to my Granddaddy while me & my older sister told him we loved him. His voice was hoarse, but he tried to respond to us. My cousin said he opened his eyes and she could tell he was listening to us. I cried after the phone call, knowing it was near the end. 

Monday, November 21st, they gave a guess of 48 hours. 

I cried.

Tuesday, November 22nd at 5:50am, my Granddaddy, 88 years old, passed from this earthly life. I cried.

Wednesday & Thursday, reminiscing on his life. I cried.

Friday, November 25th, my parents, my older sister, my littlest child & I were in Tennessee for the viewing at 5:00pm....... I could not stop crying...... seeing him in that casket...... 

knowing this was it.....

I talked with my cousins, looked at pictures of Granddaddy. I was doing ok..... then I wanted to go to the casket once more before we left that night..... I cried. 

I then realized that I was not ready to say good-bye to his ears. Funny, I know. His ears were big, he could wiggle them! As a little girl that was the most fascinating thing ever. And I would practice and practice, all of the Grandchildren would. When each Grandchild reached that achievement, we would call Granddaddy on the phone and with much excitement say "I can wiggle my ears!" 

Saturday, November 26th was the funeral. Closing of the casket was the worse. I cried.

Sunday, November 27th, I heard Tender Tennessee Christmas and I cried. Remembering what that song meant to me growing up. We loved going to Tennessee for Christmas!

Monday, November 28th, I did not want to get out of bed. My eyes felt like sandpaper. I made myself get out of bed, go work out. Tuesday is my sleep in day, so I slept/laid in bed as much as I could. Tuesday I admitted to myself, I was in depression mode. I did not want to do anything....but I had to.

Well, I said I did not cry today, now I wrote this and tears are flowing.

I know my Granddaddy is no longer suffering. I know he has a Heavenly body now. But this flesh of mine is still sad. I miss him & my Grandmother. 

I do not know how people can go on when they lose a parents.... I do not know how people can handle death when it is unexpected..... I do not know how people can do this when they do not have strength from God.

....so.... there is my truth.....

2009 - Granddaddy & me - he is making peanut butter & Karo syrup for me

Water Retention Detox

So, I've heard alot about "oh that's just water weight".... so I went on a quest to figure out if I had any water weight. I googled how much I'm suppose to have, couldn't find a straight forward answer. I have a Weight Watchers scale that shows the percentage of water. Mine was 53%.

I found Jillian Michaels' Water Retention Detox so I thought I'd give it a try. First challenge, find Dandelion Root Tea. I asked my husband to do so because he was going to Whole Foods anyway. He came back empty handed. "There were so many teas, I looked over and over" So I googled it. Found out Whole Foods carried it, called ahead, the verified they had it. I went & picked it up. (I also saw it just the other day at Kroger in the organic section.)

Then I couldn't tell if Jillian wanted me to brew the tea or just put it in the 60 ounces of water.

Day 1 - I put JUST the tea bag in the 60 ounces of water and let it sit overnight. It tasted like lemon water. At first it was hard drinking that much water. I drank 24 ounces before lunch. Another 24 ounces before dinner. And the remainder before bed.

Day 2 - I decided to brew the tea according to the box. It tasted a little more bitter. Drinking 60 ounces was easier today, I was in a rhythm.

Day 3 - No difference on the scale, still 53% water. Drinking away.

Day 4 - My teeth started to hurt. I think because of the lemon.

Day 5 - I see no difference, I think I'm just gonna quit at day 5. Not because I'm a quitter, but my teeth REALLY REALLY hurt today!!!

Day 6 - Drank 48 ounces of water, at least. And I'm going to drink 48 - 60 ounces a day. Made myself a cup of the dandelion root tea with sugar substitute. A little bitter at the end, but what herbal tea isn't?!?!

So I am NOT saying it is a waste of time, nor am I saying I lost 5 pounds in 7 days! :) I'm just giving my two cents, hope it helps! :)

Commit to be Fit!

As most of you know, since February I have been working out with a wonderful group Baby Boot Camp https://www.facebook.com/babybootcampcharlottesville

I was not into working out.... I said I would never count calories.... I was not competitive....

February 2011
(the only full length shot I have during those days)

Since February I have lost 25.5 pounds, my BMI is Normal, Jillian Michaels says I am at my Reasonable Weight (maybe at the top of it...but still) I have posted small victories on FaceBook. I have posted pictures & people can tell my weight loss. But I have not been gung ho about being super fit!

"30% Gym 70% Diet. Abs are made in the kitchen, not the gym"

Why? I have doubted myself.... I have been afraid that I would gain the weight back. And people would talk about me, 'the girl that gained it all back'... I have underestimated myself.

So,  I have decided that I will not be that person. I have a new motto (thanks to Pinterest)


"I'm not losing weight. I'm getting rid of it. I have no intention of finding it again"

August 2011

So if you have been scared to start a fitness plan... don't be.... if I can do it so can you!

"No matter how slow you go, you are still lapping everyone on the couch"

Potty Mouth (not for the weak stomach)

When I found out I was going to be a mom (over 5 years ago) I did not realize how much of my time would be spent in the bathroom!

It starts when you're pregnant. Puking your guts out at any bathroom you can run to. Toilet seat brands like Bemis, American Standard, and Kohler become your buddy. You're squatting on the bathroom floor, trying to quit puking. And you think to yourself "hey, Target has this same toilet"

Then the baby comes. And diapers and diapers and diapers full of surprises for you.

You potty train them. Even at 5 years old wiping your own booty is a difficult task. So, dinner time "Mommy, wipe my bottom!", nap time "Mommy, I need you" waking up in the morning "Mommy, I'm in the bathroom!" Sometimes with all 3 of my kids it is not uncommon for me to wipe 3 booties in a matter of 10 minutes or less!

July 4th 2011 is when I realized that my life is a toilet! My 4 year old got sick. There were countless trips to the bathroom for puking & diaroo. Then a couple days later my 5 year old got sick. Same thing. The whole time my 14 month old is teething, therefore having diaroo several times a day!!!

So, to all you soon to be moms out there....sorry to break it to you....
life is a toilet!!!

My Older Sister

My older sister Manisha is the best.

May 2011

When I was a tween I would have my mom measure my hair to see if it was as long as Manisha's.When I was a teenager I would go into her room and try on her clothes because I wanted to be just like her! When I joined the youth group I was SO excited to get to do everything with her. When she got her drivers' license I was her front seat passenger any time she would let me. I wanted to do everything with her.

September 1985 (L) Michelle 5, (R) Manisha 8

I still talk to her every day. I still call her if I need advice on how to handle a situation. Even if she doesn't always have the solution, she always gives me a different perspective and makes me feel better. She can tell me what I need to be doing in such a loving way.

February 1986, (L) Manisha 8, (R) Michelle 5

She is a wonderful example of a Christian. She does not waiver. In this crazy world, where Christians are turning away from what they know is truth. Manisha does not. She has God for herself, and no one can make her change. Her favorite Scripture:
Romans 8:38-39 KJV

 ³⁸For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,

 ³⁹Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

at our Grandparents house in TN, (top) Manisha, (bottom) Michelle

She is stubborn, but for good reasons. She is the peace maker, tries to make people get along. She is the mentor, always there for advice for her sisters, mom & friends. She is my friend....she is my sister!!!

Although I may not have turned out exactly like her....I have so many good qualities that I have learned from her!!!

May 2011Manisha Dian - I LOVE YOU!!!

Why I Love Social Networks

There are lots of mixed feelings about social networks. People saying they would like hand written, snail mail letters more often....saying they are making people become unsociable.  

Well I feel completely opposite.

I LOVE social networks! 

I am friends with my all my extended family - several of them overseas, most from Coast to Coast. My teenage friends. My High School friends. 

My College friends. Some mutual friends that I have never met face to face. 

I can cry with them about devastation. 

I can be sad with them about disappointments.  

I can attend their weddings. 

I can see their children grow up. 

I can rejoice in their blessings. 

I can learn from their experience.

I can offer advice to help them.

I can be encouraged by their thoughts. 

I can be encouraging by my words. 

I can laugh with them.

I can share my laughs.

I do LOL when I say I do, I do smile when I type ":)", 

I say "haha" when I type it. I do "like" lots of things.

So although I may not send snail mail, 

I may not pick up the phone and call a friend. 

I am still a part of their lives and they are still a part of my life.

I <heart> all of my friends!!!

My Dad

My Dad is THE best dad!!! He has always had such a wonderful relationship with me & my sisters, and we still do.
{Read my younger sisters' blog about my dad - Pops }

My dad & me, hiking with my older sister. She took this picture.

My Dad worked hard to provide for our family. He worked odd jobs just to be able to provide. I remember he was the Hush Puppies mascot one time. To me, as a little girl, it was SO cool to see my dad dressed up in a Dog costume. Little did I know, that minimum wage job was not one to be desired, a man at his age. My Dad went back to college to earn his Masters after we were older. He worked full time, was an Assistant Pastor at our church, and was home every night to have dinner with us.

1998 - I graduated from High School, my Dad graduated with his Masters.

He would take us on our own date. We got to pick the place. He would show us how we should be treated like a lady. He would by flowers for my mom, sometimes just for no special occasion.
On Valentine's Day we got our own box of Whitman's chocolate, hand written on the box "Love, Dad". On Mother's Day we got our own corsage.

One time in my awful teenage years I got into trouble pretty bad. He was upset with me. Then next day I had a card from him, with Pluto on the front. And the inside said "Sorry I growled at you". He wasn't too proud to admit he was wrong. To us or to my mom.

My Dad & I worked together for a while after I graduated High School. And it would never fail. We would be in the car, he would put his hand on my knee & say "I love you Michelle".

One time when we were working together, our office had a picnic. I was the receptionist & had to stay at the phones.  My Dad got me a hamburger. I didn't tell him what I wanted on it. But he brought back exactly what I wanted. He didn't try to put mustard, onions or pickles on it, like he likes. He brought back just what I liked. With a Diet Coke too.

1999 at the airport, me flying back to college (I clearly needed fashion help)

My Dad still works hard for our family. If we are ever in a bind & need money, he is there & I don't have to feel embarrassed to ask. Although sometimes I have been worried that I will get a Financial Lecture, but he doesn't give me one. My Dad promptly logs on & transfers money to me. My mom always tells us that they're spending our inheritance now, on us & the grandkids....oh well :)

When I'm at my parents and pancakes are not on the menu for breakfast on Saturday. I request them, he goes to the store to get the ingredients. My mom says I'm spoiled.

1999 Christmas, My dad got a new hat, I got shoes, I decided to put them on my head too.

There are so many wonderful things my dad does but I will stop.

I am so very thankful for my dad & all he does. He shows me love in so many ways, and says it too!
I am blessed that my husband has some great qualities of my dad...and I'm teaching him the rest :)

I love you Dad!

Jumped OFF the Bandwagon!!!

I was doing SO good there for a while! A blog every week! And then life got hectic! Sorry!

Just some highlights of my life since my last post:



1. My older sister & nephew came for a visit the first week.

Manisha & I - on my parents front porch

2. I stayed with my parents for the second week.

My parents & Mayci on Memorial Day 2011

3. My cousins from Chicago, aunt/uncle from Tennessee came the next week.

Sharenda & I - going shopping, kidless & with our moms

4. My husband went to California for the World Wide Developer Conference hosted by Apple.

5. My weight loss total since February 2011 is 15 pounds!!!!

me with my new Kate Spade iPhone4 case - shows my weight loss

Selfless Sister

Mandy Pandy, Mandalynne, Man, Rotten Apple..... 

my sister Mandy Lynne :)

Mandy is 7 years younger then me. Growing up we were not the best of friends. Of course we loved each other when it all came down to it, but we did not get along well. I don't know if it was her or if it was me :) 

I just won't point fingers :)

When I went to college out of state in 1998 we became close. I guess absence makes the heart grow fonder - ha! We still have an unusual relationship. We can yell at each other and fight over who gets the shower first. Tell each other how to dress, or how not to...but in the end we still love each other unconditionally. 

And we both know it. 

Malayna & Tia Mandy - taken in 2009

In 2005 my husband & I had our first child and Mandy was over the moon in love with her new little niece. In 2007 we had our second child and she loved her new little nephew just as much! 

I had an 18 month old & a newborn.

Jayden & Tia Mandy - taken in 2007

Mandy, my selfless sister, moved in with me to help me out with my new addition. There's so much of those first 6 months she lived me that I don't remember. :) But she remembers waking up to Jayden crying, holding him off a little bit longer so I could get some rest...on several occasions. She changed so many diapers. Let Malayna sleep with her. Was a crazy Tia and did fun things with Malayna. Always helped me clean & cook. Kept the kids if I needed to run an errand. We didn't have a dishwasher, so it was all by hand. 

She was always eager to help me!

She got married in 2007, moved to California. Her & Jake, her husband, gave of themselves. They helped grow a Spanish church there. 

They made many sacrifices.

In 2009, because of their selflessness, they sold their earthly possessions. Bed, furniture, decorations. Packed & mailed boxes to Virginia. Packed their little car to the brim! Drove from California to Virginia...in the summer...with barely working a/c. All to do the will of God. While they were in Virginia, they worked & saved money to go on the mission field. 

Tia Mandy with Mayci - April 2010

In 2010 we had our 3rd child. She loved her new little niece just the same! I stayed at my parents house for the first 2 weeks after having her. Jake & Mandy helped so much. Jake took the kids every single day to play, fed them their breakfast & lunch, and laid them down for naps, and even cooked supper for the rents, them & my family!!! awesome brother-in-law!

In December 2010, with 1 1/2 suitcases each....

they moved to Uruguay, for at least a year. 

She sacrificed taking so many clothes *they are now in my closet* :) 

They sold their car. 

They moved into a little apartment, cooked food on a little stove burner, no microwave, hung their clothes on a line to dry *by the sacrifices of others they now have a microwave & and dryer!* :)

I don't know many 22 years olds who would drive cross country to move back in with their parents. Save their hard earned money. And at age 23 move to a foreign country, away from family, away from Starbucks, Target & Chick-fil-A, away from the comfort of the US to tell others about God!!!

There is so much more I can say! And I know this had been a long blog. 

but Mandy amazes me every day!!! 

She sacrifices so much!!! 

She is my hero!

I love you Rotten Apple!

December 2010

Mayci Turns One!

April 30th, 2010, 3:16pm, Mayci entered our world!  7 lbs 15oz, 19in 

Mayci means "God's Gift" and that she is! 

A year has flown by, but then looking at the pictures of the last year, SO much has happened. *I am going to have a tough time scrapbooking this year...there has seriously been so much going on (thanks to being a stay at home mom & to my wonderful parents that live close by)*

On her 1st birthday, April 30th, 2011, my parents, my husband's parents & sister, and our friends Chris & Lisa celebrated with us at a hamburger place *I chose that because Mayci loves their fries - and that day her teeth were hurting her & she hardly ate!*

We had a wonderful time! After some teething gel she was herself again. Laughing, pulling tissue paper out of presents and delicately picking the icing off of her cupcake. 

Happy Birthday my sweet 1 year old!

Not So Picture Perfect

Easter Sunday, April 24th. We were dressed to a T. 

My girls were matching, with handmade matching flowers by Princy n Paris. 

My son had a suit & tie on. My husband had a suit on.

I told my kids that when it was time to take a picture they HAD to smile. It was Easter Sunday I had to get pictures! They pretty much cooperated with me. I had to remind them of our "deal" sometimes. 

I had to go through 3 photographers to finally get a picture that was NOT blurry!!! We got some quite interesting pictures. It my attempt to get the perfect picture there was one that was absolutely hilarious to me! I shared it my mom & sisters....but there is NO WAY I would put it on Facebook.....I mean what would happen when my FB friends saw the truth behind my beautiful pictures!!!! 

As I was reading a blog of Cheyenne Johnson. I realized it's ok to let other people know you're not so perfect.

So here are my secrets.....I edit the pictures I put up....especially the ones of me. If I look too pale, I make it a better color. If my teeth don't look good, I make it black & white. 

If my double chin is showing I crop it out. 

I'm not a perfect mom. {I know, a big shocker! :)} I don't have perfect kids! My 5 year old has started the eye rolling. My 3 year old whines non stop. My house isn't always spotless. I have weight that I don't like. I have features that I can't stand. I sometimes yell at my kids (and apologize later). 

The list could go on & on!

But who likes FAKE people!? :) so here's the 

Behind the Scenes of my Not So Picture Perfect Family

The sun was in Joel's eyes & he kept blinking. I was getting SO aggravated that we had to stop because of him.  Malayna was blinking due to the sun and .... Jayden....I don't know what he was doing!!!

Little Facts & Tips for Moms

Acid Reflux

If your child has reflux the natural solution is GUM. "Chewing gum stimulates the flower of saliva, which neutralizes stomach acid and makes kids swallow more often" says Leo Heitlinger, M.D. 

Parents Magazine, January 2011 Issue

Crazy?

Listen to those voices in your head! Talking something through with yourself can help you exercise self-control and stop you from making rash decisions, says research from Canada. 

Parents Magazine, March 2011 Issue 

-so talking to yourself is ok, that's good to know!-

Righty or Lefty?

Kids typically don't show a preference for one hand over the other until age 3 or 4. Stephen Christman, Ph.D. Righty: Almost 90% of kids are right-handed, meaning the brain's left hemisphere controls their writing and other fine-motor skills.  Righties are often better at multitasking; it's easier for them to use both sides of the brain at once.Lefty: Lefties might be more creative; they tend to have a larger corpus callosum, a brain sstructure that controls out-of-the-box thinking. 

 Parents Magazine, April 2011 Issue

-my husband is a Lefty...and he is very, very creative!-

Ewwww!

Restaurant high chairs are covered with bacteria, according to a study from the University of Arizona - scary news, since babies & toddlers put their mouth on everything. When scientists swabbed the seats and arms of high chairs in 30 restaurants, they found bacteria counts much higher then those on the average public toilet seat, even though the chairs all looked clean. Two thirds tested positive for potentially harmful bacteria, such as E.coli and MRSA. Your best bet is to bring along antibacterial wipes to clean the chair, says researcher Charles Gerba, Ph. D.  

 Parents Magazine, April 2011 Issue

-I always clean & then put my high chair cover on them-

Always flush with the lid down. 

According to Charles Gerba, PhD, a professor of microbiology at University of Arizona in Tucson, flushing the toilet with the lid up is not wise. "Polluted water vapor erupts out of the flushing toilet bowl and it can take several hours for these particles to finally settle -- not to mention where," he says. "If you have your toothbrush too close to the toilet, you are brushing your teeth with what's in your toilet." 

 WebMD, 'Germs in the Bathroom' article

-pet peeve of mine!!! 

especially if someone is in my house & they leave the lid up! 

I even made a sign to put beside the toilet paper-

A Few of My Favorite Things

Just by reading my title I'm sure you have already started humming or even singing the famous song from Sound of Music. 

I made up my own lyrics to the song. 

So sing my lyrics and write you own lyrics for the fun of it!

*any reference to children, kids or babies are referring to MINE :) 

A few of my favorite things

Sun beaming brightly and Spring flowers growing

Slobbery wet kisses and raspberry blowing

Make believe playing with pink fairy wings

These are a few of my favorite things

Bouquet of flowers for simply no reason

Kids playing nicely and Baby is cheesin’

Listening to children and songs that they sing

These are a few of my favorite things

Hearing I Love You and snuggling together

Playing outside in beautiful weather

Choc-olate candy and lollipop rings

These are a few of my favorite things

When the kids fight

When their rooms’ a-mess

When I’m feeling sad

I simply remember my favorite things

and then I don’t feel so bad

My Mother

I have been holding off on writing this because I wanted to save it for Mother's Day month

.......but here it is. I have one for my dad too......another day.

I have THE best mother in the world!

I recently was in a parenting class and everything the teacher was saying was how I grew up. 

And in turn is how I'm raising my children. How blessed is that!?

I have an awesome mom! She has always loved me unconditionally.

From childhood, my mom & dad always told me if I was ever at my friends' house and I wanted to come home I could call them up and they would come get me, it didn't matter what time it was. 

I knew they would, I never doubted it. I think I called home once. 

But the fact was I knew my parents were there for me. 

<ok, now I'm crying>

We also have a secret word(s) <it's still a secret word> that if we were ever in trouble and we could make one call home we would said that word(s) and my parents would know we were in danger & they would find us. 

*Tip - EVERY parent needs that in this crazy world!

Shortly after I had my driver's license, I was lost (I'm not very good with directions). We had a cell phone, but it wasn't charged. So I was trying to find my way home, I was able to make one quick phone call home but before I could tell my landmarks it died on me. My mom got in the car, my dad asked what she was doing, she informed him she was going to find me. He questioned how she would do that, she said "I'm her mother" 

(that is what I was told so I hope I got the story right) 

..... well she found me. 

She followed me home so I didn't take another wrong turn.

In my teenage years I was not a prize child.....what teenager is? :) And I would wake up in the middle of the night with my mom kneeling beside my bed & praying over me. 

As an adult I mentioned this to my sisters, and they didn't remember her doing that to them.....

was I the only one? really??? :)

My mom was always available for me to talk. After coming home from Youth outings she would say 

"Is there anything you need to tell me?" 

She said that if she heard it from me 

before someone else my punishment would be less. 

As a teen I got sick of that question....

but guess what....I knew I could talk to her.

My sisters & I, to this day, ask each other that question ever so often. :)

My mom is still available to talk.

As an adult I wish I could go back to being a child, where my mother protected me from knowing all the crazy stuff happening. Now she calls me up to make sure I read the news!!! Why mother? Why??? :)

In 2009 my mom found this book about being a Middle Child and it's a really cute book. I found it recently & read it. Cried a bit. Laughed a bit. And saw myself in the pages of this book.

After I post this a million thoughts will come to mind 

about how awesome my mom is.....

but for now this is all. Maybe for Mother's Day I'll add more :)

I love you MOM!!!!

Mom - I need more pictures of you & me!!!

Randomness

So here is a bunch of randomness from me.

*I don't like to hang up clothes, but I enjoy folding up clothes.....

*I cannot stand to have emails sitting in my inbox. 

I either trash them or put them in folders.....

*I really enjoy my workouts with Baby Boot Camp.....

*My dad called yesterday to tell me he will be passing through later this week & he's taking me (& my kids) out for lunch - I am so privileged to have an awesome relationship with my dad!.....

* I would rather FB then text or call....

*I like love to eat....and that is why I must workout.....

*I'm not a competitive person

*I am a middle child....and I make excuses for myself because of that.....

in a joking way of course.....

*I do not like to decorate with flowers (wall pictures....fabric) 

but I enjoy dressing my girls as girly can be....

*When I was a teenager I couldn't stand the color pink....

G.A.P. = Girls Against Pink.....now I embrace it!....

*My husband doesn't understand how eating a "treat"....alone.....

can be a mini vacation for me....

*I am a very sentimental person....my son is too. He cried the other day because I'm giving away shoes he wore when he was 2. 

He said he didn't remember them & he wants to wear them now.......

*my children are my EVERYTHING!!!......

*I HATE to cook...I have been cooking dinner at home for the past 2 weeks...with very little help from my husband (an awesome cook)....I'm quite proud

*I love to take naps...sleep in....but I like to stay up late.....

Craft Bug

this isn't even ALL my ribbon - just the ones on the spool

I have been bitten by the craft bug.....and it's not.....going........away!

I've always been crafty. But here lately that's all I want to do. Maybe is has to do with the fact that the only time I can is when the kids are in bed & when all the house is cleaned. Since that is a very small window I normally don't. So I guess it's just building up inside of me.

So this week I have been trying to do some crafty things. This past weekend I made a chart for my Baby Boot Camp class. We have to track points, attendance...things like that so you can win a prize at the end [side note: I won in February - most improved push-ups & won a spa certificate].
So I volunteered to make a chart & it was FUN!!! :)

So this week I have been working on a surprise for my sister Mandy. And if you remember at the beginning of 2011 I did the "Pay it Forward Challenge." So I figured out what I'm going to make for Tracy & Mary (the other 2 people who commented on my FB post).

So I have been searching for how to blogs (I'll post links later) and I have been spending lots of time crafting (last night 2 hours!) And it has been so rewarding & therapeutic :)

I will definitely post pictures of the items I make.

ummmm......yes I staged these photos & took 20 of them :)

Pick Your Battles

As a mother of a 5yo, 3yo & 10 month old alot goes on in my household.

I continue to strive to be a better mom. I constantly have to work on my yelling. When we are rushing out the door in the morning and my 3 year old justs sits there after I told him to put his shoes on a gazillion times it is extremely hard not to yell! So there are days I yell. And then there are days when I have it under control :)

Today my 10 month old spilled a half a box of noodles on the kitchen floor. I could have chosen to be exasperated (I don't yell at her of course), but I saw a different side to it. I saw it kept her entertained while I fixed supper. So a floor full of noodles may look like a mess to some - but to me - it was a blessing :)

And then I realized we could use those noodles in school. To make letters & shapes! woo-hoo! not a waste after all.

So whether you're a mom to little ones or not - pick your battles - some things just aren't worth getting stressed out about!

Have a great weekend.

I tried to get a cute little picture of my baby in the noodles but she followed me when I left to get the camera....so here is a picture of my older two children when we made Cat in the Hat hats

High School at 30

So I joined a mom's workout for a 3 month challenge (at least) and I have been having a good time. . .

. . .But I have to be honest - I feel like I'm in High School again! 

I feel like it's HS gym class & everyone is judging the way I look - the way I don't have enough stamina & I take the easy way out. Most people already know everyone & I feel like the unpopular one. Trying to get with the "in" crowd. 

What a sense of insecurity I have! I thought I conquered this when I grew up!!!! So here I go again - conquering it. At least this time I have 3 adorable kids that take the attention off of me - sometimes!

So here's to all the women out there with insecurity issues! I put myself out there & I'm gonna conquer it once again!!!

"do you want the last one?"

A couple months ago my husband asked me if he could drink some of my sodas (this was after he drank all of his & I still had half a pack left). I told him as long as he leaves the last one for me. He jokingly said
"Michelle always needs the last" And this is so true! But it got me thinking. This is good marital advice!

Men - listen up! (only women are probably reading this - but oh well) always let your wife have the LAST . . .

Last bite. When you're eating dinner. Don't just take the last of everything. She may not want it. But she will appreciate the offer.

Last sip. If you're sharing a drink. Again, offer! It goes a long way.

Last WORD! She may not always be right. But females like to talk!

Last minute of your day. Go to bed together - not at different times. That isn't always easy in this busy world. But try to make it a habit.

After almost 10 years of being married I think my husband has this down. Within the last week he has offered me the last bite of lots of things : ) Way to go Joel!

God IS in control!

In my devotions I've been reading some passages from Job. And I've been praying that it's not a sign that God is going to try me like Job.....cause I'm not cut out for that! ha! But anyway.....after reading the Scripture I read the devotion. And it said "Although it is sometimes difficult to see, God IS in control" And I realized that was what I needed to hear. We may not know what tomorrow holds. We may not know how we're gonna pay the bills. But we know that God IS in control! My mom says "God is still on the throne". And that is so powerful when you think about it. God hasn't been impeached, God hasn't abandoned us, God hasn't lost His power!!!! He IS in control!

So if you're having a bad day (hence the cute little fairy crying picture). Just know that GOD IS IN CONTROL!!!! And you too will get through this. You WILL come out on the other side victoriously!

God Bless!

Joshua 1:8

Joshua 1:8 NKJV - This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.

A dear mother friend of mine, Linda Jones, has always given me good mom advice. When I had my first child she told me to write down what she says. Because although you think you'll remember the adorable things they say, you'll probably forget.

Adorable things like when Malayna was 2, she told me she loved me all the way to the top of Mt. Sinai. Or when Jayden was 2, he laid his hand on my head & said "Thank you Jesus for mommy's head. Amen!" Thankfully I took her advice & I wrote them down. And I enjoy reading them. And I am still writing down what they say.

So just recently I was talking to her about how difficult it is to figure out how Jayden, age 3, learns. She told me to read Joshua 1:8 .... for then you will be prosperous, and then will have success. So I read the whole verse & got what she was saying. That even if he isn't ready to know ALL his letters of the alphabet I can still have him memorize the Scripture.

About a week later I saw that my friend Shirley posted a video of her 3 & 2 year old quoting Psalm 23. I was convicted! I knew my children could memorize Scripture. I just had not done my part! So over the next few weeks, whether we learned letters, sounds, shapes or not.....we learned a verse a week! We are on verse 4 of Psalm 23 (NKJV) and they know it SO well! There are a total of 6 verses so in 2 weeks I will post a video of them quoting it!

So - here is a challenge to all you moms. Stay at home mom or not, homeschooling mom or not......teach your children the Scripture!  

THEY are your mission field! Their salvation depends on YOU!

then when they have the Scripture in them - they WILL be prosperous, the WILL be successful!

Malayna, age 5, praying for a family member that needs Jesus