Archives for January 2012

im gonna teach you something cool

January 12, 2012

This may be a repeat for some of you, but I wanted to link up with Mama Kat where I get to teach you something cool!

Now watch closely, and learn how to do an easy fishtail braid….it’s SO cute!

{also watch and see how my husband tries to ruin my girls night out…sigh.}

Subscribe to Le Musings of Moi by Email

SHARE THIS POST

It means so much that you are here! I know life gets busy though, so if you don't want to miss a thing, I invite you to subscribe to my blog through email!

irl friends vs online friends

January 11, 2012

There’s this thing about online friends vs. IRL (in real life) friends….and it kind of has this tone that your friends online aren’t real.

But I beg to differ.

Where maybe once in our lifetimes it may have seemed weird to meet people online or cultivate friendships or relationships over the World Wide Web….I think these days it’s become a lot more acceptable.

I’ve been realizing that not only do I love and adore my IRL friends….but that God has abundantly blessed me with my friendships that have come about because of this blog or online communities.
And those people?

Um, ya. They Are REAL.

They have the same real struggles we do.
They are living and breathing and doing everything they can to figure out what their life is all about.

And when I need a friend who gets me, what I’m going through…I have an incredible community.
In real life and online.
And I’d be lost without each and every one of them.

I love that the Interwebs (that’s what we call it these days, right?) has brought us all closer together.
We feel less alone.
We are loved more.
Accepted often.
And we have a family and a support circle bigger than we could have ever dreamed.

So when I hear IRL friends vs. online friends, I don’t really think there is a difference.

Because where would I be without Danielle and her random sweet texts (and birthday flowers!!!) in just the moments when she has no idea I need them?

{danielle and i at blogher. you know, IN REAL LIFE.}

How would I know Trina, who gets my tender (sensitive/emotional) heart because she was born the same, and together we can be in prayer for each other. Because we have both given our hearts and lives to Jesus. I adore her.
{pictures to come of us one day, when we finally meet!}

And then there’s Ruthie (my long lost sister…we’re still questioning our parents about a possible missing link.)
We can make each other laugh on days there is NO WAY we believed a smile was possible.
Possibly because when we talk, we’re back to being 12.

And Morgan….oh how I love Morgan. We have similar hearts and desires and when we met on the dance floor at BlogHer 11, I knew she was meant for me.
In a non stalker way, of course.
I can’t wait for the day we get to hang out again and get our groove on once again.

And then there’s Kathy, my first blog friend, who understands my humor and well as the pain of losing an amazing parent…

{way way back years ago when we were such young innocent gals}

And Tonia who can make me laugh in seconds flat…

And Angela, who inspires me both spiritually and thrift store-ily.
(and I get to meet her at the end of this month! watch out thrift stores!!!)

And of course, there’s Laceyloowhoo, who goes all the way back to the beginning of time (blog time) with me…and our emails could become books they are so juicy. We know each other. We get each other. We are both living and dealing with the same stuff.
{we will meet, ONE DAY. And then I will show those pictures too!!!}

And my sweet Lizzy. Who is my text therapy and dearest friend, and I love her even though I have yet to physically lay eyes on her. But we have plans, totally non creepy plans to meet up quite soon. haha

And most recently, Adneris Diaz, who shared her testimony with me after I had shared mine on the blog, and we bonded.
And I know that at any moment for any reason from this point on, we can connect for prayer and support.

And these amazing women?
Are only the beginning.
There are so many more, more of YOU, that have touched me and my life.

Trust me when I say these are real people.
My true and dear and treasured IN REAL LIFE friends.
We may have connected online, but they are forever a part of my heart and my story.

And I thank God every day for His hugs through them.

These chickas are just as dear to me and just as much a part of my life as anyone I know IRL.
Because we have lived life together, connecting through nothing but truth and honesty and complete vulnerability.

It is an incredible blessing.

One that should be embraced.

We are living in a new age, and I love it.

Subscribe to Le Musings of Moi by Email

SHARE THIS POST

It means so much that you are here! I know life gets busy though, so if you don't want to miss a thing, I invite you to subscribe to my blog through email!

it’s what i wore out: the happy days

January 10, 2012

‘

what i’m wearing:

~ vintage (thrifted) pleated skirt, which i wear often and love.

~vintage animal print top that i just found this weekend at a random thrift store by the beach. $4.
Yum, yum.

~wedge boots, um also thrifted a year or two back.

~the ring and chunky bracelet is from a boutique in texas

~gold necklace also thrifted

~monogram necklace is of course my favorite, Jennifer Zeuner.

Looking at these pictures makes me smile inside….

Because the day these pictures were taken was a good day.

We went to church (it was an incredible message) and the rest of the day I enjoyed every moment of my kids and our family time.

But as the day came to a close, I began to feel the familiar tinge of a funk coming on.

And then this morning I woke up feeling like I had taken a million steps back on the anxiety train.

It’s times like this that I just want to hide away.

Hide from you and this blog and my friends and my family.

Because who wants to hear that I am ONCE AGAIN struggling?

Same broken record, different day.

But, the Lord gently reminds me that we are ALL broken in some way.

We are all struggling in something.

And if we’re not now….we’re not far away from one.

So here I am….vulnerable.

Sharing my heart and soul, in the times of happiness and joy and especially in the moments of heartbreak and despair.

I am trying to keep the faith and hope.

Clinging to the promises and friends I know are true.

And counting every single blessing I have been given.

Especially the blessing of my husband….

who is incredibly patient, and loving and so full of mercy and grace.

How I got so incredibly lucky as to have him, I have no idea.

But I can’t wait for the day that this struggle is COMPLETELY behind me, so that I can show him just how much he means in my life.

Today is hard.

But I cling to the hope of tomorrow.

And the day after that.

And of course, it’s through your love and prayers that He provides me courage and strength.

xoxo

Subscribe to Le Musings of Moi by Email

SHARE THIS POST

It means so much that you are here! I know life gets busy though, so if you don't want to miss a thing, I invite you to subscribe to my blog through email!

i am blank because….

January 9, 2012

I am weird because…
~i like to break out in song and dance out of nowhere
~mostly i like to sing like jewel. {and i swear i sound JUST like her, ask jimmy}
~i don’t like to get in the pool or ocean, especially if it means getting my face or hair wet
~i’m obsessed with the duggars
~i would rather thrift shop and fill my closet with used clothes, than spend a lot of money on designer items
~i prefer to be small chested
~i get all my energy and happiness at night. it’s then that it makes the most sense to clean, have deep meaningful talks, or organize. even better if it’s all of the above.

I am a bad friend because…
~ i take a while to call back, because i don’t LOVE to talk on the phone. unless i’m driving.
~when i’m struggling, sometimes i pull away because i fear i’ll become too much of a burden.
~i don’t offer to babysit their kids much.
~i don’t see them nearly as often as i want.

I am a good friend because…
~i get it.
~i text back, and often….even if they never reply, i just KEEP on textin’….
~i care and love them all so deeply with every ounce of my heart and soul, they are my family
~when they hurt, i feel it too. when they are in a place of joy and happiness, it builds up my own.
~i always fight to make it better, stronger and more meaningful
~i ask for forgiveness.
~i always forgive.
~i am always always always there when they need me. always.

I am sad because…
~i’m afraid i’m not going to make an impact during my lifetime
~i miss having parents
~my sisters are too far away
~i feel like i’ll never be completely free from anxiety, despite all that i continue to do to fight it
~so many people I care about are hurting and there is nothing that i can do

I am happy because…
~i have an amazing life, friends, church, and family
~i have the best group of girls in my youth group. and when i am with them, i feel it is exactly where i am supposed to be.
~my kids are happy and carefree and they love Jesus
~my husband is incredible and supportive and he also loves Jesus
~i found a dog. and i adore her. she completes….our family.
~we just bought the sodastream, and this means i’m done with diet coke.
~i KNOW that despite what i feel or am going through i am still being carried in God’s hands

I am excited for…
~2012, a new year with new possibilities
~my first ever 7 day vacation without my husband or kids, which also means 7 days and/or nights of sleep.
~a new blog project that i’m hoping will be absolutely AMAZEBALLS.

you wanna take a turn now?
all the cool blogs are doing it.

Subscribe to Le Musings of Moi by Email

SHARE THIS POST

It means so much that you are here! I know life gets busy though, so if you don't want to miss a thing, I invite you to subscribe to my blog through email!

breastfeeding, guilt, and education: getting personal

January 6, 2012

So, we had some hot topics this week on the SheKnows Mommalogues…where I may or may not have to mention the word nipple.

Also?!?

We have Candace Cameron Bure as our newest Momma member for the month of January!

{come on, you know you got a perm because of her character DJ Tanner on Full House too.}

And because you are busy people, here are a few you may have missed….

What is the hardest thing about being a mom?
Hardest part? Did they mean to ask parts, with an “s” at the end? I don’t mean to be a complainer by any means, and yes, parenting is one the most amazing responsibilities we have ever been given….but. But. It is hard. So, let me just be honest with you guys. And I’ll try to get it to the top 10. Okay, 5. Okay, okay….maybe I can narrow it down to 2. But, one is just impossible. Go ahead, call me Birth Control. But, I can’t help but be honest.

~~~~~~~

Did you breastfeed and how do you feel about breastfeeding in public?

Oh man. My favorite topic. I love to talk about breastfeeding. I mean, you know, just as much as I loved doing it. Which was not at all. And before the Le Leche League comes after me, I should say that I really did give it a fair shot. But, Taylor. Oh, sweet Taylor….he just had this intense latch. (come to think of it, he has an intense everything!) And my breastfeeding parts couldn’t seem to handle it. (neither sometimes, can my brain parts) Actually, it might be better for me to explain this in person. But, be warned, it can get a little graphic.

~~~~~~~

How do you feel about your child’s education?

At this point with Taylor being in 1st grade, I have to say I don’t have a lot of complaints. I mean, he’s doing math. So that’s good. Plus, someone else is teaching him, and I quite appreciate that….because I have a feeling if I was the one teaching him, he not only wouldn’t be able to do math, but he wouldn’t want me as his mother either. On the hand, when it comes to Jr. High and High School, that absolutely terrifies me. Like, massively. In fact, hold me now while I talk through it all.

~~~~~~~

We also talked about shoes (i die) and what we’re looking forward to in the New Year (no whining, please).

HAPPY FRIDAY!!!!
I so need this weekend.
And um, every weekend actually.
xoxo

Subscribe to Le Musings of Moi by Email

SHARE THIS POST

It means so much that you are here! I know life gets busy though, so if you don't want to miss a thing, I invite you to subscribe to my blog through email!

im in love…she’s stolen my heart and my bed

January 5, 2012

I’ve never been a dog person.

In fact, I’ve never understood dog people.

I mean, they smell.

{the dogs…not the dog people. although, some of them….maybe.}

They cost money.

They shed.

They poop, and not neatly in a toilet like I prefer.

But once we had kids, who were born TOTAL dog people, I tried so hard to change.

I tried 2 times to change, with 2 different dogs.

And sadly, neither of them quite worked out.

The first was evil.

Like, scary evil.

The second was sweet, but needy.

Like, he reminded me of an ex boyfriend kind of needy.

And when Chloe was born, and he started peeing all over the house (also kind of like an ex boyfriend), we decided we needed to find him a home where he could be the only boyfriend/dog.

At this point, our friends expressed concern over us ever having another dog.

And by concern, I mean, blatant Facebook wall messages saying,

“DO NOT GET ANOTHER DOG OR ELSE.”

That may or may not have been because I made those people promise to,

“NEVER LET ME GET ANOTHER ONE OF THOSE THINGS AGAIN!!!!”

{you dog people are cringing that i called them “things” aren’t you?}

It’s just that kids kind of have a way about them.

And when you see them joyous and happy, you suddenly feel as though you will do absolutely ANYTHING to see that emotion again.

{especially with Taylor, being that he is such a “tortured soul.”}

So, when we were visiting my sister in Texas and we saw our children laughing and playing and running and hugging with DOGS, we knew we had to try again.

Only this time, we kept our friends and facebook out of it.

After a quick search on craigslist, we found our prospect.

But I was firm that we were ONLY going to take her for a test run.

A weekend, and then most likely we would give her back and nobody would know we were ever so dumb as to think we could try again.

Except that just moments within seeing her, I was in love.

Like, head over heels, lick my face all you want, love.

Okay, not really lick my face (i’ve seen where their mouths go), but it was serious.

I mean she had me at, High Five.

Then bang bang (she plays dead), totally sealed the deal.

And while I tried to keep my cool and pretend I wasn’t sure, by Day two I was pleading alongside my kids to Jimmy, begging if we could keep her.

He was taken as well, and the deal was done.

I made the call, Stella was staying.

Now?

I totally get dog people.

She loves me. She soothes me. She comforts me. And did I already say, she loves me?

Cause she totally does.

And when she went missing for a few hours the other night?

And Taylor told me with tears in his eyes that he felt like his had lost me or his daddy….

I SOBBED.

I am officially a dog person.

She’s the perfect mix of sweet and fiesty (which totally makes her one of the family), and I feel extra protected now that she’s here.

I may not have been born this way, but nevertheless….here I am.

A dog person.

Out of the closet.

And now, you may welcome me with open arms.

Subscribe to Le Musings of Moi by Email

SHARE THIS POST

It means so much that you are here! I know life gets busy though, so if you don't want to miss a thing, I invite you to subscribe to my blog through email!

new years organization

January 4, 2012

I’ve been busy the last four days.

In between a TON of eating (it wasn’t Monday yet!), I did a TON of organizing, cleaning and sorting.

It started with cleaning up my Twitter following, then to my blog following….and then I went to unload my dishwasher.

That’s when things went downhill fast.

For Christmas we got all these new (and MUCH needed) Pyrex bowls and pans and such….and as I was taking them out of the dishwasher, I realized that I needed to create a home for them.

And three hours later, a new kitchen was reborn.

As I took some items from the kitchen to our bedroom office, I was shocked to see that what really needed my attention was the paperwork/bills area {stacks of paperwork = stress!}

….which became a THREE day adventure.

{new system, hoping it’ll stick}

{now he can still stack, neatly. chevron bin = mail/bills inbox}

{emptied out a desk drawer of thank you cards so jimmy could have a place for papers to shred. then i turned this cute cubby into a thank you card haven, where i can now tote it around wherever i want to write them!}

At the desk I came across our Home Binder which needed updating, and then as I was doing that I found some art work that needed to be saved.

Which REMINDED ME, that I needed to create boxes to store all the kids school work/memory items.

Which led me to the Dollar Store, Target, and Office Depot just moments later.

{storing memories}

{chloes keepsake box}

{taylors keepsake box}

Then, of course, as I was sorting and cleaning and bringing stuff from our room to the kids, I’d at times get distracted and begin a WHOLE NEW project in a WHOLE NEW room.

I still have to go through bills and paperwork and file….

but then, I am DONE.

{who knows what we need to save and file and what we can toss?}

And at the end of the 4 days, when I took a load of stuff to our storage, suddenly I was immersed in reorganizing all the boxes and bins and piles of crap.

Needless to say, my back now hurts quite a lot.

BUT.

When I close my eyes, I can see and know where EVERYTHING in this house is.

{all 1200 square!}

And that is a good feeling.

Especially because as I lay here with my back out now that it’s all completed, I am able to ring my little bell and am better able to instruct Jimmy where it is he needs to go to get me whatever it is I may need.

What about you guys?
What did you do to get ready for the new year?

P.S. in a week or two i am going to begin featuring once a week other people’s stories….read here for more info if you’d love to participate!

Subscribe to Le Musings of Moi by Email

SHARE THIS POST

It means so much that you are here! I know life gets busy though, so if you don't want to miss a thing, I invite you to subscribe to my blog through email!

family fun brings us to tears, well some of us

January 3, 2012

Excuse my high pitched voice.

I tend to get a tad high sounding when I’m super “excited.”
And especially when I’m having FUN!

Just another day in the life.

Subscribe to Le Musings of Moi by Email

SHARE THIS POST

It means so much that you are here! I know life gets busy though, so if you don't want to miss a thing, I invite you to subscribe to my blog through email!

i want to feature YOU

January 2, 2012

This blog has for a long time been allllll about me.

I mean, well…it is MY blog.

But the reason I am still here, all these years later, is because of YOU.

And I have come to see that each one of you has something unique to share.

You’ve shared it with me, and I now I want to share it with everyone else.

It can be….

Your style.

Your crafts/DIY’s.

Your home design.

Your own personal and inspiring story.

And I want to start featuring YOU hopefully once a week.

I’m not sure what I’ll call it yet, but it’s been on my heart for awhile, and I’m ready to share my home.

So, got something you want to share?

Email me….we need to talk.

summer at lemusingsofmoi dot com

Let’s do this TOGETHER.
{btw, you don’t have to have a blog to share. no discrimination here.}

Subscribe to Le Musings of Moi by Email

SHARE THIS POST

It means so much that you are here! I know life gets busy though, so if you don't want to miss a thing, I invite you to subscribe to my blog through email!

and there it went, finally

January 2, 2012

I don’t know about you guys, but my heart is leaping a little over knowing 2011 is finally over.

It was a rough year, one filled with lots of growing (struggles) and learning, and a whole lot of realizing that I am strong and yet so weak all at once.

I fought and cried and hurt and laughed and felt the love of Jesus simply through the friends and family He’s put in my life.

I felt Him, because of you.

I am ever so thankful for each one of you.

For reading.

For commenting.

For emailing and understanding and sharing your own stories of struggle and triumph.

Through every encouraging word, email, text and hug…..the pieces of my year and heart were put back together.

And here I stand, a little taller.
A little stronger.
And a whole lot more humble.

2011 was the year that taught me.
I pray 2012 will be the year I am able to apply the wisdom.

xoxo

Subscribe to Le Musings of Moi by Email

SHARE THIS POST

It means so much that you are here! I know life gets busy though, so if you don't want to miss a thing, I invite you to subscribe to my blog through email!