He's one hardworkin' cowboy.
Happy Father's Day to all those Dads out there....the soon to be, the yet to be, and the tenured ones....here's to you.
Sunday, June 16, 2013
Father's Day
While my Daddy lives thousands of miles away, today I celebrate with my husband and his role in this family, as a husband and a father.
He's one hardworkin' cowboy.
Happy Father's Day to all those Dads out there....the soon to be, the yet to be, and the tenured ones....here's to you.
He's one hardworkin' cowboy.
Happy Father's Day to all those Dads out there....the soon to be, the yet to be, and the tenured ones....here's to you.
Sunday, June 9, 2013
Giving Up
No, this is not going to be a recollection of all my downfalls and my pitfalls.
That is what I would have done not too long ago. In fact, that is what I have been trying desperately to turn away from.
That pesky seven letter word. The one we all try to achieve and fool ourselves daily into believing.
Perfect.
It's official folks, I'm not perfect. And it is so exhilarating to say that!! I have many, many flaws, so many that I have fought tooth and nail to hide them away. I always thought that if I was thin enough no one would notice the fact that I am tall, too tall to wear heels and just tall enough to be awkward. Then I thought if I was the top of the class no one would notice how my face beamed red with embarrassment whenever I was called on, fearful of making a mistake. I thought if I was the wife who did it all and was soft-spoken then I could be remembered as the sweet, kind little wife. Once I became I a mom, I thought surely I could juggle it all and do it flawlessly.
Oh how wrong I was.
I am a woman who can move dressers around a bedroom without any help because God made me strong. I am smart and intelligent through the determination that God has laid upon my heart and my mind. I am not meek and I speak my mind, but I try to do so in a way that He sees fit. I drop the balls that I juggle often, but I refuse to let them lay there listlessly on the floor, so I pick them up, and start over again.
The past few months, I have done what I have always wanted to do.
I gave myself a break. I realize that days cannot be molded and shaped into what you want them to be. Rather, I have learned (and continue to learn!) to be flexible and to take it all in stride. I have plenty of road to travel, but I look forward to the journey. There is a freedom nestled between the giving up and the giving in. I think it's called living.
That is what I would have done not too long ago. In fact, that is what I have been trying desperately to turn away from.
That pesky seven letter word. The one we all try to achieve and fool ourselves daily into believing.
Perfect.
It's official folks, I'm not perfect. And it is so exhilarating to say that!! I have many, many flaws, so many that I have fought tooth and nail to hide them away. I always thought that if I was thin enough no one would notice the fact that I am tall, too tall to wear heels and just tall enough to be awkward. Then I thought if I was the top of the class no one would notice how my face beamed red with embarrassment whenever I was called on, fearful of making a mistake. I thought if I was the wife who did it all and was soft-spoken then I could be remembered as the sweet, kind little wife. Once I became I a mom, I thought surely I could juggle it all and do it flawlessly.
Oh how wrong I was.
I am a woman who can move dressers around a bedroom without any help because God made me strong. I am smart and intelligent through the determination that God has laid upon my heart and my mind. I am not meek and I speak my mind, but I try to do so in a way that He sees fit. I drop the balls that I juggle often, but I refuse to let them lay there listlessly on the floor, so I pick them up, and start over again.
The past few months, I have done what I have always wanted to do.
I gave myself a break. I realize that days cannot be molded and shaped into what you want them to be. Rather, I have learned (and continue to learn!) to be flexible and to take it all in stride. I have plenty of road to travel, but I look forward to the journey. There is a freedom nestled between the giving up and the giving in. I think it's called living.
Friday, May 31, 2013
A Lifetime of Stories
(I had no intention of taking such a long break from blogging, but we have been blessed with company in town, two weeks in a row, and I decided to live in the moment, and be present for all the laughs and all the stories. There will be quite a few posts coming up, as I have scribbled them down, lest I forget :) )
My grandfather has been here for a week long visit, which means there is an extra cup of coffee to make in the morning, another place setting at the table, another person to laugh with, and a whole lifetime of stories.
There is something about grandparents, they have the best stories. I count myself undeniably blessed to have this time with him, to hold tight to his childhood memories and to hear about the people that I never met, but without them, I wouldn't be here. There are the war stories. The love stories. The we-lived-through-hard-time stories. And there are the family secret stories. Each one important and lending itself to the next.
This past week, I have gained insight and knowledge about generations past, and somehow, I feel more connected to my family ties, it's almost as though their legacy continues to live on through those stories, and by sharing the memories, they are never forgotten.
I plan on telling AJ all of them one day, reminding him of where he came from, the generational lineage laid out before him. I will tell him of the strong men who worked laboriously and tirelessly to provide for their families, and I will tell him of the kind women who supported and loved those men.
I will tell him the stories so that he may know just how much he is loved and how he means the world to so many. I will he remind him of the stories so he may remember that while his legacy may not seem grand in the world's eyes, he is the world in ours.
A legacy is only forgotten if you fail to tell the story.
My grandfather has been here for a week long visit, which means there is an extra cup of coffee to make in the morning, another place setting at the table, another person to laugh with, and a whole lifetime of stories.
There is something about grandparents, they have the best stories. I count myself undeniably blessed to have this time with him, to hold tight to his childhood memories and to hear about the people that I never met, but without them, I wouldn't be here. There are the war stories. The love stories. The we-lived-through-hard-time stories. And there are the family secret stories. Each one important and lending itself to the next.
This past week, I have gained insight and knowledge about generations past, and somehow, I feel more connected to my family ties, it's almost as though their legacy continues to live on through those stories, and by sharing the memories, they are never forgotten.
I plan on telling AJ all of them one day, reminding him of where he came from, the generational lineage laid out before him. I will tell him of the strong men who worked laboriously and tirelessly to provide for their families, and I will tell him of the kind women who supported and loved those men.
A legacy is only forgotten if you fail to tell the story.
Monday, May 20, 2013
Living on the Prairie
We live in the panhandle, and tornadoes are part of living here.
We have had our fair share of close calls, but today I am brought to my knees, asking God to guide the first responders to all those who are hurting and scared. Praying for those who are displaced and without a home this evening.
May we all bombarde the gates of Heaven with prayers for refuge, rescue, and safe harbor.
We have had our fair share of close calls, but today I am brought to my knees, asking God to guide the first responders to all those who are hurting and scared. Praying for those who are displaced and without a home this evening.
May we all bombarde the gates of Heaven with prayers for refuge, rescue, and safe harbor.
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Humble Beginnings
My wish is to stay broke...
Yep you read that right, but lest you think I have plum lost my mind let me explain.
When I have the least, I give the most.
When I have little, I remember to rely on God for not only His provisions, but also His comfort and His love. My husband and I have talked for days on end about this, and we both agree, we tend to pull away from God when life is easy, but with cling to Him with fervor and earnest when we find ourselves in tight spots. There has been feast and there has been famine in our household, and while we are grateful for every moment and all the in between times, we feel the greatest love rooted in our trust that all will be provided for. In the lean times, we witness the raw love and compassion of God and others.
I welcome anything that may come, as I welcome the sunrise in the morning. I see others accomplishing great things, attaining their dreams, buying their dream home, and I am genuinely happy for them because I am genuinely happy. There is a joy that has taken hold in my heart, an overflowing sense of bliss.
Few things are certain in life, and of those, I can count on these:
1. I never want to become too big for my humble lifestyle.
2. I don't want to forget the feeling of the sun shining down on me as I work beneath the Texas sky, planting and praying for a bountiful harvest.
3. I want to remain in a state of utter gratefulness for all that I have, and while I look, remember that if someone said they needed this or that more than me, that I be willing to give of these things.
4. I never want to forget the overwhelming appreciation of full cabinets. There are children who go hungry everyday, and AJ, never feels the pangs of hunger. As a parent, all you want for your children is a safe and happy life, to be unable to give them nourishment for their growing bodies must be unfathomably difficult. I pray for those sweet children.
5. I want to look at life as a glass-completely full girl. Forget half-full. God granted me with another day, and the ability to go out to the world and change it.
6. Lastly, I want to hold moments close to my heart. Moments of laughter and joy, family dinners, a silly kiddo at bathtime, coffee at the kitchen table with the hubby, mornings spent in the garden, playing chase with Molly and AJ, watching the wind rustle in the trees, thunderstorms rolling across the prairie, the smell of homemade bread, holding my beloved's hand just because.
If life is supposed to be any different than nobody tell me.
And if this is broke, than I'm the richest girl in the world.
Yep you read that right, but lest you think I have plum lost my mind let me explain.
When I have the least, I give the most.
When I have little, I remember to rely on God for not only His provisions, but also His comfort and His love. My husband and I have talked for days on end about this, and we both agree, we tend to pull away from God when life is easy, but with cling to Him with fervor and earnest when we find ourselves in tight spots. There has been feast and there has been famine in our household, and while we are grateful for every moment and all the in between times, we feel the greatest love rooted in our trust that all will be provided for. In the lean times, we witness the raw love and compassion of God and others.
I welcome anything that may come, as I welcome the sunrise in the morning. I see others accomplishing great things, attaining their dreams, buying their dream home, and I am genuinely happy for them because I am genuinely happy. There is a joy that has taken hold in my heart, an overflowing sense of bliss.
Few things are certain in life, and of those, I can count on these:
1. I never want to become too big for my humble lifestyle.
2. I don't want to forget the feeling of the sun shining down on me as I work beneath the Texas sky, planting and praying for a bountiful harvest.
3. I want to remain in a state of utter gratefulness for all that I have, and while I look, remember that if someone said they needed this or that more than me, that I be willing to give of these things.
4. I never want to forget the overwhelming appreciation of full cabinets. There are children who go hungry everyday, and AJ, never feels the pangs of hunger. As a parent, all you want for your children is a safe and happy life, to be unable to give them nourishment for their growing bodies must be unfathomably difficult. I pray for those sweet children.
5. I want to look at life as a glass-completely full girl. Forget half-full. God granted me with another day, and the ability to go out to the world and change it.
6. Lastly, I want to hold moments close to my heart. Moments of laughter and joy, family dinners, a silly kiddo at bathtime, coffee at the kitchen table with the hubby, mornings spent in the garden, playing chase with Molly and AJ, watching the wind rustle in the trees, thunderstorms rolling across the prairie, the smell of homemade bread, holding my beloved's hand just because.
If life is supposed to be any different than nobody tell me.
And if this is broke, than I'm the richest girl in the world.
Monday, April 29, 2013
Laughing from within
Ever since our little family grew from two to three, I have learned some of the greatest lessons.
1. Messes are just that, a small reminder of a growing boy exploring the world around him. In the not too distant future, I will miss the spilled milk and tossed Legos. He will only be little once, so I leave the messes.
2. Disney channel beats the news any day of the week. We all seem happier when we watch things with happy endings.
3. You are never too old to make a mud pie.
4. Dinner is a time to share a meal, dangle noodles in front of the dog, and tell funny stories. Dishes can wait, nobody but Mom will notice them anyways.
5. An afternoon at the park will make any day special. Don't over complicate life by planning out the day. Just live in the moment and let life happen.
6. Hold hands, share kisses, sit down to cuddle. Those moments are precious and nothing will ever be more important than taking time to love those around you.
7. Lastly, laugh often. Don't take life so seriously. Laugh from deep within your belly til your cheeks hurt and your eyes are watering. Not only will your mood and outlook improve, but no day should go without happiness and joy. Each day we have together is a gift, one that is not to be squandered or taken for granted.
So there you have it. Once again, I've found life's greatest lessons wrapped up in those mud-pie handprints.
Here's to laughter and love....
1. Messes are just that, a small reminder of a growing boy exploring the world around him. In the not too distant future, I will miss the spilled milk and tossed Legos. He will only be little once, so I leave the messes.
2. Disney channel beats the news any day of the week. We all seem happier when we watch things with happy endings.
3. You are never too old to make a mud pie.
4. Dinner is a time to share a meal, dangle noodles in front of the dog, and tell funny stories. Dishes can wait, nobody but Mom will notice them anyways.
5. An afternoon at the park will make any day special. Don't over complicate life by planning out the day. Just live in the moment and let life happen.
6. Hold hands, share kisses, sit down to cuddle. Those moments are precious and nothing will ever be more important than taking time to love those around you.
7. Lastly, laugh often. Don't take life so seriously. Laugh from deep within your belly til your cheeks hurt and your eyes are watering. Not only will your mood and outlook improve, but no day should go without happiness and joy. Each day we have together is a gift, one that is not to be squandered or taken for granted.
So there you have it. Once again, I've found life's greatest lessons wrapped up in those mud-pie handprints.
Here's to laughter and love....
Monday, April 22, 2013
The 1 am Post
Here I am at 1 am, waiting for the laundry to dry, so I can move another load to the wash before bed.
There have been many a times I hoped to write here, but I have an editing project on top of my everyday editing job, and time is s sparse 'round these parts.
We are in full planting mode here, with asparagus, peppers, berries, cherries, onions, lettuce, spinach, chard, garlic, herbs, and soon corn, more onions, carrots, and beets. We try to grow everything we eat, and this year we are hoping for the biggest harvest yet.
My hubby and I have both started heavy workout routines, specifically the Spartacus workout. We both want to optimize our health and we know that a high intensity workout paired with cardio is imperative. Today at the market, a woman stopped and asked if we were 'juicers' since our buggy was full of produce. We just smiled and said no, we just enjoy fruits and veggies. She then proceeded to say that surely AJ didn't eat like us. We kindly answered yes he does as she scoffed and walked away.
We had to chuckle.....we are now known as the produce family in town.
With planting season here, we have been spending ample time in the sun and my oh my, does the fresh air and sunshine feel good! I do believe everyone is a wee bit happier with a hefty dose of Vitamin D.
AJ is such a little man these days. He runs everywhere, and climbs on everything. Very seldom is he still, so the other night when he fell asleep in my arms, I didn't move!
That laundry is just about done.....
Good night all.
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