building a family...

This past January we received the GREATEST GIFT of all...Matt was finally (after 9 years) relieved from his night shift position. For the past (nearly) decade, I have lived a life of passing in the night, going to bed alone and living 2 different lives. We had night shift life, and day shift life. You can imagine the strain that puts on a marriage. We've definately had our ups and downs.

Matt now works Tuesday through Saturday (that didn't change, but we prefer that so the kids are only in childcare 3 days a week), and gets home at 6:15pm, most nights. So, during the school week, having a family dinner is nearly impossible. The kids eat by 5:30 PM and Matt and I really enjoy eating later in the evening.

But, as long as we can, we have started a family dinner night on Sunday nights. And it's so much fun! Matt and I have been engrossed in the church world since we can remember. So, we hear about the "healthy family" all of the time, but when you work FOR the church, church families seem to take a back seat to all the other stuff going on AT the church. This can also place a strain on marriages.

So, Matt and I are really trying to be intentional about making our marriage and family work. One of which was Matt totally ignored my desire to ignore Valentine's day and had these lovely flowers sent to me at work. They really are beautiful. However, I think I broke Matt's heart the day before.

My Facebook status read, "Dear Matt. No Flowers. Food is where it's at. Seriously."

I have never been a fan of spending dollar 1 on something that will die in a few days. However, I will say these flowers put a smile on my face and brought some color into my corner of the campus.

Another thing Matt did for me was tell me how much he loves me. But, not in your normal way. I have breakfast on Tuesday mornings with my senior girls. So, when I got home, there were little notes ALL over the house and my car telling me what he loved about me...here's a few of them...

Matt and I, by no means, have a perfect marriage. We have our ups and downs regularly. One thing we have come to realize, is, if we didn't have the Lord in the center of our life our marriage would have been doomed many times.

Matt, I love all these things right back at you. Thanks for your thoughtfulness and love.

(this is the worst picture...)

a lasting relationship...

 I attended a concert of a friend last night. It was really VERY out of my comfort zone. I am a planner. I am a loud and proud J. So, when I planned a last minute outing to a show, last night, it was so out of my comfort zone.

I landed in the ATL and noticed that my friend had posted that he had a show in downtown Dallas. I have REALLY wanted to see him perform. This is a guy who I grew up with. I’ve known him since before I can remember. We were always in classes together in junior high and high school. We hung out together. I have laughed countless hours with him. Bill was a real friend over the years.
When I discovered Bill’s music on myspace (what’s that!?) years ago, I loved his style. Sure, the words are quite depressing, but the music is INCREDIBLE. And, the words make me think and thankful.


Anywho, back to the ATL. I immediately texted a friend who is in touch with another friend who I know has Bill’s phone number. I asked her to ask him if I could get his number. When I touched down in DFW at 7pm, I was greeted by a text with Bill’s contact info. I shot Bill a text, something like “hey, we haven’t spoken in 10 years, but can I come to your show tonight!?”, and waited. By the time I was in line at the car rental, Bill had gotten back to me and I was on the guest list for The Loft’s show for William Fitzsimmons show that night. I was really excited.


Thank you Lord for the iPhone. I drove all over Dallas on Sunday night and didn’t get lost once.

When Bill took the stage I had to close my eyes while he spoke. What was in front of me was a tall, bearded man. But, as I listened to him talk, eyes closed, I heard Bill who I grew up with. Same humor, same innocence and same “brother”.

You see, I speak of Bill with a poetic flavor because I was so proud of him, just as if my brother took the stage. Knowing, watching, all that Bill grew up with, my heart was full of pride and joy. I stood in a room full of people who were fans of Bill’s. We were no longer in high school where a friend was having a concert and 3 quarters of the room was our high school. I stood in a room full of people who paid money to hear a dear friend perform his heart’s work. I was like the proud momma, on edge to hear someone say something negative so I could jump on their words and quickly put them in their place.

I was disappointed at the end of the night. I never really got to see Bill, but that’s ok. We texted later that night and I know our paths will cross again. I was honored to be on a “guest list” and feel special standing there. And, my heart was full. (Oh, and he closed his regular set with my favorite song!
I could write a blog about other people, from my past, with this same loving heart. I am so thankful the Lord put friends in my life to make up family I didn’t have. Thank you, Lord. You are good and your provision is sufficient. PALA.

we had a birthday, too...

Ian turned 2 on February 4! I have been meaning to post pictures, but I lost track of time and ran out of it. With no family in town, we didn't do a party. We were going to take the kids to Pirate Adventure (a Dolly Parton dinner theater) but it wasn't open yet. We spent the day celebrating with gifts that were sent from our siblings and saying "Happy Birthday Ian" over and over again!

I let the kids start the morning off with breakfast Cake pops (seen in the prior post) and then we pulled out some of the gifts. It was a "Cars" and "Spider Man" birthday for Ian! (Or, "Mider Man" as Ian says.)

My mother got him Cars and Cars2 for his viewing pleasure and they are in the DVD player non-stop. He still loves firemen, but Spiderman and Cars are quickly taking the lead!

We played for a while and then got out the gift (that I almost forgot about!) from the Brown's which came back with us from our trip up north. Thankfully, it was stored in Spencer's closet and she remembered!

Ian took a great nap that afternoon and then we all got ready for a night out of celebrating.

I decided to brave the "Fun Warehouse" with Matt and the kids. This place has it "all". They have roller skating, arcade games, laser tag and bouncy houses. I put "all" in quotes because to have it "all" everything is way scaled back. They have TWO bouncy houses, and the arcade "games" aren't games. It's "swipe a card and basically play slots to see how many tickets you can get to get a crappy toy that you could have saved your $25 and gone to the Doller General". They had 2 ski balls, but one was broken.

The kids, however, were really excited. Over the past 2 years of Ian's life, he as YEARNED to get on the bouncy houses. But, he's been too small. So, this was a big step to let him do the slides and all. We let Spencer take charge and take him up the slide. As Matt and I watched them crawl into the dark tunnel, assending into the air-mountain of extreme fun, we anticipated Ian's pure joy to make that intial slide. We waited.
And waited.
And waited.
Then we noticed other children coming out of the top, who had gone in after Spencer and Ian. Then we heard crying. Matt quickly went to their rescue. Children were climbing OVER Spencer and Ian, pushing them out of the way and just plainly being RUDE. I was so frustrated. Matt committed to sliding and playing with Ian the rest of the night.

They had a REALLY good time. I still couldn't get over how terribly RUDE half of the clientel were. From the children pushing and the PARENTS cutting infront of Spencer for some of the games, after an hour I was DONE. But, Ian really enjoyed it. He basically stayed on this climbing structure that you would find at a McDonald's with slides and tunnells. It was way more his speed.

After the "Fun" Warehouse, we headed over to TGiFriday's for dinner. Ian received his final gifts and LOVED them. He's the only 2 year old, I know, that gets primarily clothes and is SO excited. 

We did manage to get him a little Spiderman figurine and he was over-the-top excited. He sleeps with him and plays with him all of the time. I am happy to that I have 2 kids who really appreciate the time and fun that Matt and I put into their special day, just as much (if not more) then the actual gifts they receive. I pray for many more happiest of birthdays to my little man!

job 3?

While browsing the internet about 2.5 years ago (FAR before Pintrest and Starbucks versions), I found a little picture of a Cakepop. I was intrigued by the uniqueness of the dessert and I quickly researched how to make these little numbers. I was excited for a new hobby in my little baking world and quickly mastered the skill.

Since my first try for Spencer's 5th birthday, I have really enjoyed making these little numbers for other occasions. The kids love them, there's hardly any dish clean up when they eat them, and they really are LOWER in sugar than an actual piece of cake that a child would want to enjoy.

Matt and I were talking last night about Spencer and Ian's Valentine goodies they took to school and I jokingly said I should make these on the side. But, the more I have thought about it, the more practical it seems. I LOVE baking and it's so FUN to make them! So, I've decided to offer my services for any one who wants cakepops at their various occasions. 

I really try to get them out of the house before I can get my mouth on more than 2, but they really are yummy. I have found the perfect mix so they are not TOO sweet, but they stick together and melt in your mouth. I am NOT artistic at all. So, if anyone is looking for them to become a duck or a mouse, or some other sort of NON-ball, then you're barking up the wrong tree. I'm a genius with sprinkles and a stick and I can work magic for your next party.

Pricing will vary, depending on how many different colors you want and the extent of sprinkles, bags and what not. I can do simple arrangements, but again, my artsy side is painfully limited.

So, feel free to COMMENT if you would like my Cakepops at your next occasion. As of right now, I have NO clue how I would ship them to you. I could do a dry run for my sister and see if they made it there safely. So, for right now, all orders would need to be local. You can also find me on Facebook. I'll set up an email if I need to, but you can also message me through Facebook. If you have my email address, feel free to use that.

I love new adventures and I love sharing my gifts with others! Yay!

P.R.A.Y.

When I was in the 6^th grade, I had a fun group of friends. We did everything together. Walked into Sewickley, hung out at each other’s houses, the normal things 6^th grade girls do…including pick on each other. There was one girl, in particular, that we picked on a lot. In fact, we picked on her so much, we actually formed a “club” against her. I’m serious. I’m admitting to being a bully.

We called the club P.R.A.Y. “People Really Against Y---“ (I am not giving her name).

One afternoon we were called to the “large group room” (how on earth do I remember these quirky facts?) by our principal. Our principal had gotten wind of our little club and went to the defense of our “friend” immediately. Explaining to us the severity of what we had done. Taking the time to teach us right from wrong and how what we were doing at that moment was shaping what “Y” thought about herself. She shared that what we had done was incredibly immature and that we were in the SIXTH grade, the top of our school. We were to be examples to those “under classmen”, stand out as those who grew up at Osborne Elementary School. The way she handled it sticks with me today. Maturely but made sure those of us who were wrong were told so, and corrected.

I felt terrible. My heart broke. I couldn’t even believe what I had gotten myself in to. My principal didn’t even need to bring up the fact that the Lord’s heart broke that day. That “Y” was a child of God and that she mattered just as much as the rest of us to Him.

I found out this past summer that “Y” overdosed, and passed away, in college. My heart broke again.

I recently was emailed a fake twitter account of someone I respect and care about deeply. This twitter account is full of mockery, bullying and pure hatred. As I read the “funny” postings, my heart broke as I scrolled down.

This twitter account was created and is managed by GROWN MEN who run and lead churches in our country. GROWN MEN who have broken people, like “Y”, looking to them for counsel and guidance. And what are they doing? Childish behavior like I was corrected for, when I was TEN YEARS OLD.

As Christians, we’re called to bring the darkness in to the Light. To stand out, not fit in. To love, even when we don’t feel loved.

I pray these MEN would grow-up, “stand firm” in scripture, and move on from their childish, hateful ways. We’ve all got some learning to do, I PRAY it’s sooner rather than later.

january blues...as in skies...

People save up all year to come to where I live. I get it.

However, I HATE December through February in South Carolina...hate it. Not the people, the weather. This northern girl can't manage to figure out what to wear most days and is very thankful for the weather app on her phone.

Last week I had my little guy all to myself Friday until Sissy got home from school. He decided he wanted to walk over to the "pond" (I say this lightly b/c we're in need of so much rain...it's more of a puddle), to see and feed the "quack quacks". Little guy is ALL boy and loves to throw, punch, and wrestle...as well as choose "It's Raining Men" on Just Dance 2, wear mommy's heels, and knows 2 colors, blue and PINK!

My little guy has stolen my heart. His cuddles are incredible, he dances like it's his job and he can side-step like no other 2-year-old. Yep, 2! He'll be 2 next weekend and I can't even believe it.

We have had quite a time these past 2 years and I'm eagerly awaiting what the Lord has in store for this one. I've really been trying to become a more patient, attentive mommy. I lose my patience, a lot, with the kids, and I'm really trying to be more loving. I'm trying to sit down and actually reenforce the education Sissy is receiving, as well as read to my little guy so he's nothing like his mommy...who HATES to read.

I have not much to say at the moment...so here's what I'm looking forward to:
1. Spring-it's basically already here, but we have to get through the crappiest month in PI...February. (I use that term lightly, we don't deal with slush, scraping, the works...)
2.  The Hunger Games movie-as I just mentioned, I hate to read, but I have read these books and LOVED them. The first one premier's on my birthday, so you'll know what I'm doing that night!
3. Date Nights- Hashtag (as my husband would now like to be referred to...life in my home...) is now on a complete day schedule. That's right, NO MORE NIGHT SHIFT!!!!!!!!!!!!! So, we'll be getting out as a couple and enjoying something we call "married life".

Have a great weekend!
Love, "Landing Gear" (my new nickname.......)

down to 99...

My hit list is at 99, which I don’t even know 99 people who read this with ZERO comments on most of my postings. However, I came across this little number on Matt’s cousin’s page The Merry Mrs.Mobley, and I liked it…

The rules. . .

one: you must post the rules.

two: post eleven fun facts about yourself on the blog post.

three: answer the questions the tagger set for you in their post, and then create eleven new questions to ask the people you've tagged.

four: tag eleven people and link them on your post

five: let them know you've tagged them!

…FYI…I’m not following these rules…

fun facts. . .

1…I maintain in a constant state of “middle child syndrome”.

2…What ever I’m passionate for, I’m passionate for it.

3…I love being a mother, however, I think I’m a terrible mother.

4…I get ready the EXACT same way every morning, from the routine of when I wash my hair, when I brush my teeth…my routine has been the same since I was in high school.

5…Having a husband that loves the Lord is better than anything I could ever want or ask for.

6…Friendships mean everything to me.

7…I love chicken wings and buffalo sauce, I could eat them every day.

8…I have to change my pillowcase at least 3 times a week.

9…The way I do it, is the only way to do it (in our home).

10…I have mirrored my sister’s life for a good portion of mine.

11…I love the Lord with all of my heart and am thankful for His saving grace and mercy on my life. His forgiveness and redemption carry me through daily.

questions . . .

1. Where is your favorite place to shop?

Loft, Anthropology, Banana Republic…(all sale racks!), Target, Forever 21

2. What food could you eat every day?

Cheese and Buffalo Wings

3. What is your favorite animated movie?

UP! It’s quoted in our home daily and it’s an incredible story

4. What was your best subject in school?

English…I majored for a year and a half in college…until they asked me to read books.

5. What shows are you watching these days?

The Bachelor, Keeping up With the Kardashians…anything trashy and no story line. Although we love that show Up all Night

6. What is something you collect?

Until recently…bitterness…however, now I’d say forgiveness

7.Where is the furthest place you have been from home?

Los Angeles…I think that’s farther than Jamaica

8. If you could go on vacation to anywhere in the world, where would it be?

Europe

9. What is a TV show that you absolutely won't miss?

The Bachelor/Bachelorette

10. Do you have any "favorite kid" names planned out for your future children? (C'mon, we all do!)

If I have another child you will never see me again…b/c I’ll be institutionalized.

11. What is the first thing you do in the mornings?

Read and pray.