breastfeeding, guilt, and education: getting personal

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.

 

 

 

 

 

~~~~~~~

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.

 

 

 

 

 

~~~~~~~
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
© 2011 “Le Musings of Moi”
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new years organization

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.
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{new system, hoping it’ll stick}
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{now he can still stack, neatly.  chevron bin = mail/bills inbox}
thank you box
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{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.
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{storing memories}
chloesbox
{chloes keepsake box}
taylorsbox
{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!

© 2011 “Le Musings of Moi”
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i want to feature YOU

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.}
© 2011 “Le Musings of Moi”
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best of 2011: fashion, love & parenting

As a part of Mama Kat’s Writers Workshop, I decided to link up and list out my favorite posts of the year.
And woah, did I ever take my time on this one.
Seriously, you guys, these are ones NOT to be missed.
So take a day, a week, an hour….and read each and every one.
You know, with ALL that free time you have.
I promise that if you do, you will feel THAT much closer to me.
And if we’re closer, we’re all happier in the end.
Okay, so, I’ll start with the first paragraph of each post, and then I’ll link to the title for you to keep reading.
I like to make things easy for my readers.
{it’s all a part of the love i have for you. xoxo}
January:
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{i spent the month of January journaling EACH day of Tracy Anderson‘s 30 Day Method.  This here is the final post}
Being that I kinda sorta consider myself one of the 30 Day Method experts, and since I want everyone who begins Tracy Andersons The 30 Day Method to be successful, I’ve done my best to put together all I know and all I’ve learned in one place.
Of course if there’s anything I’ve missed or anything else you want to know, feel free to email me and I’ll do my best to hook you up with the wisdom you need.
Okay, so we’ll start with my tips and advice and then I’ll answer the questions that some of you had.
For more of my story on COMPLETING the 30 Day Method read here:  

February:
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The other day it came to my attention that there was a website with a specific link dedicated to hatin’ on me.
What started as a specific post to make fun of my home and design choices….ended up being a personal attack on not only myself…but my husband and my kids.
Oh no they di’int.
{not giving the link, they don’t deserve the traffic…although i should thank them for sending me some.}
For the whole story, read here:  Hate on me hater, cause I’m gonna do me

March: 
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Holy CRAP.
{meaning: trying to find the HOLY in the midst of the CRAP!}
There comes a point when enough is enough.  
And all I want to know is what wine you people recommend as it’s own food group.  
{and remind me, what’s the time it’s okay to start?  9 am?}
Wow, this honesty things feels good.
Parents of Toddler’s, you there with me???
{Or as I call the club, P.O.T.}

April:
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May:
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So that’s what I wanted to say to Chloe as soon as I realized that potty training wasn’t going to be as easy as I hoped it would be.
Somewhere along the way, she picked up some STRONG WILLED ways, of which has NO RELATION to me whatsoever….and it’s really not serving us well in the potty training department.
Um, remember this video where I was crowned Miss People of Walmart.com?….
{click the link above to see}

June:
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All I can say is that I am ever so thankful for my relationship with the Lord, because these last few months have been full of challenges and struggles.
And in those moments (and there were plenty) that I felt I just couldn’t deal anymore….I prayed for His strength to replace mine, and it always did.
For more read:  hope for your weary soul
July:
{and still are to this day, 6 months later!}
August:
I think it’s time to address the elephant in the room….or rather, le elephante.
And that would be….
I don’t actually speak french.
I know.
Most of you are probably quite surprised what with my FRENCH title and all.
But, no.
I speak not even a little.
Or would that be “poquito?” 

September:
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It was a normal, painfully early, morning…getting Taylor off to school plus a photo shoot with Chloe in our front yard before her first day of preschool…you know, the usual stuff around here.  When all of a sudden, I received a desperate call from my sister.
“Missoni is selling out already and the website has been down all morning!”
I felt my heart drop into my stomach.  But there was just no time for anxiety poo..

October:
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We walk a path sometimes that we have created.
We think and we plan and we’re sure that we have found the way.
And we skip along for awhile, and it’s pleasant for a time and we are happy.
And confident.
In ourselves….


November:
prayer
Put aside anxious thoughts and imaginations and say continually, 
“The Lord is my strength and my shield.  My heart has trusted in Him and I am helped.  He is not only with me, but in me, and I in Him.”

December:
 I have it.

And it’s real.

Let me just tell you.

                                                    And THAT is why I only have two kids. 


~~~~~~~

Whew.  That was ALL KINDS of fun.
It’s crazy to go back through a years worth of posts and remember all that you experienced and shared.

I actually think I’ll do this each year from now on….as it will be kinda fascinating to see how each years favorites stack up against the previous years.

It’s the little things that keep me excited.

That’s the life of a stay at home mom.
© 2011 “Le Musings of Moi”
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it’s what i wore out: cirque du soleil, iris

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{one of my closest and sweetest friends, Leah}

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{we sat THIRD row, front and center!}

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{what i wore out: forever 21 basically for every piece but the jacket}

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{that’s a bow, in case you can’t tell.}

~~~~~~~

Recently, Infiniti hooked me and a guest up with tickets to see Cirque du Soleil: Iris in Hollywood and it was ahhhmazing.
Like, beyond words.

First of all, it’s held in the incredible Kodak Theatre…
which apparently NOBODY is allowed to take pictures in, like, EVER.
{not before, during, or after the show.  when they say, ever, they mean ever.}
Or so I was told the few times I snapped a few pictures.
Whoops.

And then, not only are you sitting in the EXACT spot Brad Pitt once breathed, but you are also mesmerized by the magic that every single Cirque du Soleil holds.
{and did you know, this show was made specifically FOR hollywood, with a cinema theme and all}

We may or may not have been shushed by someone sitting in front of us once or twice….
I guess we don’t gasp so quietly.

And not only did we get the hookups, (VIP room with appetizers & drinks PLUS a private Q&A after the show), but they are also offering YOU kind of an amazing opportunity with 25 of your own friends and family.

Here’s a little more of the deets:
As part of Infiniti’s sponsorship of Cirque du Soleil, we are hosting a sweepstakes, with the chance to win an exclusive evening with Cirque du Soleil in your hometown for you and 25 guests. Experience a Night of Inspiration including a cocktail reception with heavy hors d’oeuvres, 2-3 private staged Cirque du Soleil performances and a gift for each guest.
To enter, just click here.

And in the meantime, if you’re looking for a last minute Christmas gift, may I suggest tickets to see this incredible show?
This may be your only chance to breathe the same air as your favorite Oscar Winner.
You can’t pass on that, can you?
Plus, you can check out the Infiniti while you’re there.

{click that link to see my dream car.  seriously.  i.  die.}

© 2011 “Le Musings of Moi”
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it’s what i wore out: hand me downs

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{jimmy wasn’t paying attention, this is my annoyed face.}

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….and this is what my photographer was doing the whole time he was shooting the above pictures….
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{talking about jiu jitsu}

what i wore: pleated skirt, thrifted; apple bottom jeans leather jacket, platos closet; leopard flats, target; purse, old navy

~~~~~~~

I seriously have to thank my sister Heather, for sharing this amazeballs skirt with me.  When I saw it in her closet while visiting over Thanksgiving, I became slightly ob. sessed.

In an annoying way actually.

Every store we went to, (and we went to MANY), I tried to find an exact duplicate.
My stomach almost started to hurt when on the last day, I had not found a floor length pleated skirt.

And then as we were all cozied on the couch the night before we were going to drive back home, out came my sister with an armful of clothes.
The clothes I had swooned for from her closet.

Which included this adorbs BCBG (also thrifted) dress:

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Later that night….I cried.

For reals.

It was such a selfless thoughtful gift and it absolutely shows the heart my sister has.
She shares and gives, never asking for a single thing back, just because that is the person she is.
Not only did she share her clothes, but she (and my aunt Candy) took such good care of me while I was recovering from a difficult few weeks.
I kind of love her.
Mass.

I’m tearing up again.

I never wanted hand me downs when I was little….
{sometimes, i wasn’t even sure i wanted sisters….}
but now?

My life wouldn’t be complete without them.
My sisters, I mean.
{and okay, hand me downs as well….}

{btw, i have THREE sisters.  and incredibly they ALL have the same sweet, selfless, giving heart. God has truly blessed me.}

© 2011 “Le Musings of Moi”
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it’s what i wore out: symphony blues

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what i wore out: vintage blue dress: texas thrift store, wedge boots: thrifed, black tights: costco

~~~~~~~

Last weekend Jimmy took me on a date to the symphony.
This is his DREAM date…and it’s taken 8 years of marriage to get me there with him.
But he has been so amazing and patient with me over this last year of trials, so I felt it was the least I could do for him.
Besides, I figured I had my new iPhone and if anything, there was always Words with Friends or a snooze if I got bored.

Except….

I discovered when we got there that my man had splurged for FRONT ROW DEAD CENTER seats.

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I could see the lead violin players nose hairs.
This detail brought tears of joy to my husbands eyes, yet had me worried that perhaps napping or playing on my phone would be considered rude by those PERFORMING the symphony.

And then there were the two women on either side of us fully dressed up to the nines, one in a fancy cocktail dress and the other in a long red gown, which led me to believe this was not a crowd who would appreciate the slight glow of my iphone.
Or the soft purr of my sleep.
And so…
While my husband had goosebumps all over his body, tears in his eyes, and giant grin on his face….

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I allowed myself to become engrossed in the imaginary lives of each and every one of the members of the symphony that I could see before me.

So totally fun.
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By the way.
Did you know that a symphony can last hours?
Like, over 2 hours?!?
And everyone sits and smiles and adores and tears up THE ENTIRE TIME.

It’s amazing.
Absolutely an experience.

And I can totally relate….because when I am shopping and finding amazing deals….
two hours goes by just like that.
And I get tears in my eyes, goosebumps all over my body, and a giant grin is plastered all over my face.
And never.
Ever.
Would I break that spell with a game of Words with Friends.

So you see.
I can appreciate the arts.

When I compare it to shopping.

© 2011 “Le Musings of Moi”

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my favorite thing to wear in my closet…and stuff

While I’m still adjusting getting back on Cali time and all that, I thought this would be a perfect chance to share some of what you may have been missing out on with the SheKnows.com Mommalogues!
{check back on their website daily for new videos and topics!}
~~~~~~~
Ever since I was a little girl, all I ever wanted to do (besides move out of Washington State) was to get married and be a mom.  Being a mom was going to be my career and I was going to love each and every minute of it.  So having kids became my career.  Until it became my career.  And now?  Everything’s changed.

 

 

 

 

 

~~~~~~~
I think the question should be more how hard is it to get my husband and I up in the morning.  My kids are still young and naïve enough to believe that life is so exciting and wonderful that they must wake before the sun to get the most of every minute of their day.  Jimmy and I on the other hand, we know better.  I’m just hoping that by the time their hormones kick in, they’ll get how it’s really supposed to be.

 

 

 

 

 

~~~~~~~
This one is hard, because I love so much of my closet.  I’m super into long maxi dresses right now, because they are all kinds of amazing.  And then I love any and all tunics with jeans layered with yummy sweaters.  But, honestly?  The one thing I love the most and wear the most is not nearly so glamorous or fashionable.  But, they are magical and I will wear them until they literally fall apart.

 

 

 

 

 

~~~~~~~
With kids?!? People take vacations with kids?!?  Who are these people? Okay, okay….I’ll play along.  Well, because I spent most of my life being cold growing up in Washington State, I now try to make up for it in my adult life by doing my best to stay near the warmth.  But usually where there is sun, there is sand.  And Jimmy is the only one of us four that doesn’t mind that nasty messy stuff.  But, I guess sometimes we just have to make sacrifices to be happy, and if that means touching sand, then so be it.

 

 

 

 

 

~~~~~~~
Now what about you guys?
Share your stories and responses, I’d love to hear!
xoxo

© 2011 “Le Musings of Moi”
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it’s what i wore out: when in texas….

I’m in Texas visiting family for the week.
So posting is just not on the list of priorities.
But, shopping is.
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They always say, when in Texas….
I know….you want more…. 
And believe it or not, I have more you lucky ducks!!!
But you’ll just have to wait for those next week.
Now you have something to look forward to! 
Hope you guys all have an amazing Thanksgiving full of blessings.
© 2011 “Le Musings of Moi”
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it’s what i wore out: sweet n sassy

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what i’m wearing: lulus.com maxi dress, ring: plato’s closet, apple bottom jeans leather jacket: plato’s closet, gold beaded necklace: thrifted, jeffery campbell shoes: plato’s closet, nail polish: sally hansen slick slate

~~~~~~~

I am SO into these dresses, can you tell?
And that jacket…
I seem to see how many ways in a week I can wear it….I just love it that much.

What are you obsessed with now that it’s fall?
Or what seems to be your go to look now that it’s cooling down?

By the way.
It’s the weekend…
And I’m starting to feel better!!!!

© 2011 “Le Musings of Moi”
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