This season of life is busy. Between both of us working full time, football season, guitar lessons, finishing up the last of my photography sessions and everything in between we have little down time. So I am so thankful for a helping husband, someone who steps up when he has down time, someone to help around the house and with the boys. Yesterday he made sure P got to his guitar lesson and tonight got him to football practice. Today, on his day off, he did laundry and washed dishes. Little things like that mean so much to me. It was his first real day off in over a week and he could've spent the day sitting on the couch. But he didn't. Instead he made my life easier by bringing something to the school that I needed and doing things around the house that I would've had to do after a full day.
One of the characteristics that I looked for in a spouse was someone who would be a team player. I wanted someone who would be a partner in all aspects of married life and parenting. I am so thankful that I have found him.
P.S. He brings so much more to our marriage than just that but today I am extremely thankful that I have such a helping husband.
Monday, November 4, 2019
Sunday, November 3, 2019
Day 3: Friendships
Saying that I am thankful for all my friendships, both near and far, is an understatement. My friendships are one of the biggest blessings in my life. The other night the boys were trick or treating and, as we walked down the road, I looked to the left to see a good friend and looked to the right to see another good friend. We spent the hour laughing, watching our boys make memories and pouring out our hearts to each other about parenting while our boys brought in the motherlode of candy. Last night, after a day of photo shoots, I met up with a couple good friends for dinner. One friend announced that she was pregnant (surprise!) and one talked to us about her health issues. I drove away from the restaurant, thankful for my friends and the different phases of our life. Right before I went to bed last night I got a text from a newer friend in life, wanting to tell me that her husband wants to reconcile and work to save their marriage. (yay!)
As an adult, making friends has been more difficult for me. When I walk into a room of people I become a wallflower. I don't feel comfortable approaching a stranger to introduce myself. But when God does bring people into my life as a new friend I cherish those friendships. I appreciate how each friend brings something different to my life. I have friendships in life that started as children. I have friendships that began in college. And I have friendships that have begun in the workplace. Sadly, I have had good friends come and go in life as well. But the ones who have stuck around amaze me.
I have some good friends in California, Nevada and Louisiana. I can go years without seeing a friend and when we do see each other we pick up right where we left off. One of my dearest friends in life and I only see each other every few years at best. The last time we got together we took a girls' roadtrip to the beach. That was one of the best weekends of my life! We caught up on life. We cried over heartache. We reminisced about our college days together. And we laughed until our stomach hurt and we had tears rolling down our cheeks. It's times like that I don't take for granted.
But I also don’t take for granted when my friend opens up about her depression or her heartache or her marital problems or her parenting issues. Because I know my friend trusts me to share those things that are heavy on her heart. I also know that I can celebrate with her when life starts looking up again.
There is a saying that I am sure you've heard that says, "As we go through life, we start to understand that it's not important to have a lot of friends. What truly matters is that we have real friends." I am blessed to say that I have a lot of real friends and I am forever thankful for each and every one of them!
As an adult, making friends has been more difficult for me. When I walk into a room of people I become a wallflower. I don't feel comfortable approaching a stranger to introduce myself. But when God does bring people into my life as a new friend I cherish those friendships. I appreciate how each friend brings something different to my life. I have friendships in life that started as children. I have friendships that began in college. And I have friendships that have begun in the workplace. Sadly, I have had good friends come and go in life as well. But the ones who have stuck around amaze me.
I have some good friends in California, Nevada and Louisiana. I can go years without seeing a friend and when we do see each other we pick up right where we left off. One of my dearest friends in life and I only see each other every few years at best. The last time we got together we took a girls' roadtrip to the beach. That was one of the best weekends of my life! We caught up on life. We cried over heartache. We reminisced about our college days together. And we laughed until our stomach hurt and we had tears rolling down our cheeks. It's times like that I don't take for granted.
But I also don’t take for granted when my friend opens up about her depression or her heartache or her marital problems or her parenting issues. Because I know my friend trusts me to share those things that are heavy on her heart. I also know that I can celebrate with her when life starts looking up again.
There is a saying that I am sure you've heard that says, "As we go through life, we start to understand that it's not important to have a lot of friends. What truly matters is that we have real friends." I am blessed to say that I have a lot of real friends and I am forever thankful for each and every one of them!
Saturday, November 2, 2019
Day 2: My Photography Business
I have loved photography ever since I was a little girl. I remember searching the film rack, trying to find just the right film speed for what I needed. I remember anxiously waiting for that roll to be developed to see if I captured things just the way I wanted. I also remember putting those pictures in photo albums, those same photo albums that I will still look at, laughing about certain memories captured on film.
I remember borrowing my dad's digital camera and Rob buying me my professional camera. I remember taking classes to learn about the art of photography. I remember how nervous I was at my first official photo shoot. And yes, I remember how I've screwed up occasionally, making life stressful for me.
My photography has been my creative outlet for so many years. For the past 6-8 years, it has also been a source of income for us. It has provided me the chance to think outside the box. It has introduced me to people I may not have met. It has given me the chance to make people feel beautiful, to allow them to see how other people see them.
My photography business has been so many things for me. It has been a blessing and a source of ministry. I have loved every minute of it! But, for the first time in 10 years, I am working full time. So I feel a peace that it is time for me to close my photography business. I don't have a desire to work 50-60 hours a week and miss out on so much of our boys' lives. This time of year, my business can consume me. I don't want that anymore. So I will enjoy the next three weekend of photo shoots and then I will close the door on Nov 16. My thankfulness for my photography business goes beyond words. I know how blessed I have been with it.
I remember borrowing my dad's digital camera and Rob buying me my professional camera. I remember taking classes to learn about the art of photography. I remember how nervous I was at my first official photo shoot. And yes, I remember how I've screwed up occasionally, making life stressful for me.
My photography has been my creative outlet for so many years. For the past 6-8 years, it has also been a source of income for us. It has provided me the chance to think outside the box. It has introduced me to people I may not have met. It has given me the chance to make people feel beautiful, to allow them to see how other people see them.
My photography business has been so many things for me. It has been a blessing and a source of ministry. I have loved every minute of it! But, for the first time in 10 years, I am working full time. So I feel a peace that it is time for me to close my photography business. I don't have a desire to work 50-60 hours a week and miss out on so much of our boys' lives. This time of year, my business can consume me. I don't want that anymore. So I will enjoy the next three weekend of photo shoots and then I will close the door on Nov 16. My thankfulness for my photography business goes beyond words. I know how blessed I have been with it.
Friday, November 1, 2019
Day 1 of a Month of Thanksgiving
Last year I skipped doing a month of gratitude. At the end of the month, I was sad to see that I didn't document all the things I'm thankful for on a daily basis. Because, in reality, we have so much more than 30 things to be thankful for. As always, life gets busy and I may forget to post every day. But, I will sit down and catch up when I can. So just bare with me on days I don't get a chance to blog my thankfulness.
Today I am thankful for Rob's job. This week his job has been a blessing and a curse so to speak. A week ago tonight we had a tropical storm make landfall in Southeast LA. It did damage similar in nature to a hurricane. Normally this wouldn't affect Rob too much. But, he just got promoted to a new job 3 days prior to the storm hitting. We took him out to dinner for his birthday Friday night and then he and I watched our shows that we taped. By Saturday morning his phone was blowing up with texts and calls and he was out the door. Since he left Saturday morning, I have seen him for *maybe* a total of 30 minutes. He was supposedly going back to his normal work schedule Wednesday but that didn't happen.
It'd be easy to focus on the fact that he hasn't been home, other than to sleep, this week. But, instead, I focus on the leader that he is for the crews. He's out helping them-making sure they aren't too tired, making sure they are safe. He wants to be home with us. He wanted to go trick or treating with us. He's wanted to be eating a homecooked dinner with us. But, instead, he's leading by example. And in return I'm sure he's earning mad respect from his guys.
On top of helping the guys, he's earning extra money. With a costly truck repair and Christmas coming up, the extra money will come in very handy. It will help ease the financial stress that keeps me awake this time of year. In fact, his job has always provided for us and allowed me to be a stay-at-home mom or a part time worker for several years. Something I'll be forever grateful for!
While his job occasionally keeps him away from home, I am so incredibly thankful for a company that acknowledges and rewards his hard work. He has climbed the management ladder because of his dedication, knowledge and people skills. I am proud of his accomplishments and thankful for his job today and every day.
Today I am thankful for Rob's job. This week his job has been a blessing and a curse so to speak. A week ago tonight we had a tropical storm make landfall in Southeast LA. It did damage similar in nature to a hurricane. Normally this wouldn't affect Rob too much. But, he just got promoted to a new job 3 days prior to the storm hitting. We took him out to dinner for his birthday Friday night and then he and I watched our shows that we taped. By Saturday morning his phone was blowing up with texts and calls and he was out the door. Since he left Saturday morning, I have seen him for *maybe* a total of 30 minutes. He was supposedly going back to his normal work schedule Wednesday but that didn't happen.
It'd be easy to focus on the fact that he hasn't been home, other than to sleep, this week. But, instead, I focus on the leader that he is for the crews. He's out helping them-making sure they aren't too tired, making sure they are safe. He wants to be home with us. He wanted to go trick or treating with us. He's wanted to be eating a homecooked dinner with us. But, instead, he's leading by example. And in return I'm sure he's earning mad respect from his guys.
On top of helping the guys, he's earning extra money. With a costly truck repair and Christmas coming up, the extra money will come in very handy. It will help ease the financial stress that keeps me awake this time of year. In fact, his job has always provided for us and allowed me to be a stay-at-home mom or a part time worker for several years. Something I'll be forever grateful for!
While his job occasionally keeps him away from home, I am so incredibly thankful for a company that acknowledges and rewards his hard work. He has climbed the management ladder because of his dedication, knowledge and people skills. I am proud of his accomplishments and thankful for his job today and every day.
Sunday, October 27, 2019
The Past 5 Days
The past 5 days have been the best! Thursday we kicked it off with a very busy day. We had a full day of school and then raced to P's first ever cross country meet. He pushed hard for the entire mile that he ran and came in 36th out of 78 boys! We were so proud of him! Then we raced to E's football game, where he threw his first touchdown pass. Minutes after his game ended, P's game began. He worked it on defense, pulling 6 flags from his opponents.
Friday was chaotic because I was supposed to accompany my Pre-K class to the pumpkin patch. But we ended up getting a tropical storm so we ended up at the movies instead. After school I ran errands with the intent of the boys and I making homemade pizzas for dinner. But, while checking out at the store, Rob said he was on his way home. Since it was his birthday, we changed plans and went to TX Roadhouse instead. He enjoyed his steak dinner and I enjoyed our bill only being $3.72, thanks to a gift certificate. Afterwards, Rob and I had a TV date night while we waited for AAA to come unlock his keys out of his truck. I was glad we were able to spend time together because this was the last time I saw him for the weekend. With the tropical storm and his new position at the company, he put in a 18 hour day yesterday and finishing another 18+ hour day today.
Saturday the boys and I were going to go hit up a local corn maze. But the tropical storm curbed those plans. Instead, P and I went to my friend's yard sale and to a couple stores to get my Halloween costume props. Then we picked up E and his best friend and headed to the local trampoline park. We ended Saturday night at a neighborhood Halloween party. It was complete with a haunted house, photo booth and bounce house. Needless to say, we all slept good last night!
Today we started the day at church and ended the day at church. This afternoon we met up with friends for our church's Fall Fest. The kids loved playing games and eating handfuls of candy!
Halloween is not my favorite holiday but I sure have loved all the festivities this weekend. I even enjoyed dressing up in a costume for the first time since P was a baby. Now it's off to bed to get rested up for another busy week. G'night all!
Friday was chaotic because I was supposed to accompany my Pre-K class to the pumpkin patch. But we ended up getting a tropical storm so we ended up at the movies instead. After school I ran errands with the intent of the boys and I making homemade pizzas for dinner. But, while checking out at the store, Rob said he was on his way home. Since it was his birthday, we changed plans and went to TX Roadhouse instead. He enjoyed his steak dinner and I enjoyed our bill only being $3.72, thanks to a gift certificate. Afterwards, Rob and I had a TV date night while we waited for AAA to come unlock his keys out of his truck. I was glad we were able to spend time together because this was the last time I saw him for the weekend. With the tropical storm and his new position at the company, he put in a 18 hour day yesterday and finishing another 18+ hour day today.
Saturday the boys and I were going to go hit up a local corn maze. But the tropical storm curbed those plans. Instead, P and I went to my friend's yard sale and to a couple stores to get my Halloween costume props. Then we picked up E and his best friend and headed to the local trampoline park. We ended Saturday night at a neighborhood Halloween party. It was complete with a haunted house, photo booth and bounce house. Needless to say, we all slept good last night!
Today we started the day at church and ended the day at church. This afternoon we met up with friends for our church's Fall Fest. The kids loved playing games and eating handfuls of candy!
Halloween is not my favorite holiday but I sure have loved all the festivities this weekend. I even enjoyed dressing up in a costume for the first time since P was a baby. Now it's off to bed to get rested up for another busy week. G'night all!
Monday, October 21, 2019
Tears
I'm not a girly girl. I am not overly dramatic (most of the time) and I am not an overly emotional person. That being said, I have shed my share of tears over my lifetime. But, at some point in the past 10 years, my tears dried up and my heart was hardened. I can't remember a specific incident where this happened. It just happened over the course of time. There have been times where I have tried to force myself to cry because I felt the situation warranted tears. There have been times that I have wanted to cry because it would relieve stress. None of those things worked. So, sadly, as a last resort I turned to prayer. I prayed that the Lord would soften my heart so tears could flow when needed. And, over the past month, that prayer has been answered. I have cried 3 or 4 times- over hurt feelings, feeling like a failing parent, scared over a family member's health concern that we never seem to get definitive answers on. I don't cry every night or over every situation but I can feel my heart softening. I have cried and it has felt good to have that release. Now let's hope the Lord doesn't take it to the extreme, where I become a bumbling mess at the drop of a hat. HA!
Friday, October 18, 2019
Catching Up
Since I will print these blogs one day, tonight I'm just going to play catch up on our family happenings. You see, most of the US starts hunkering down come Fall because they are getting ready for cold weather. But, in the South everything ramps up because it's finally cool enough to leave the air conditioned house. So, needless to say, our life has been busy this month. Between football starting up, celebrating birthdays, sleepovers and school activities, I look forward to the rare night we have nothing to do.
The boys' football has been consuming 3 nights a week. I love watching them play and I am so glad that they'll start playing games this week. On top of football, P has been busy with school events. Last week he got chosen to do a 4-H event at the fairgrounds. After he got chosen, he decided he didn't want to do it because it conflicted with his football practice. But, we talked to him about making a commitment and being a team player. Although his group did not do well at the event, he had a good attitude and encouraged his peers during each activity. Last week he also found out that he made his school's cross country team. Thankfully he only has one meet this season. So this week he will race at this meet, come home to change and then head to his football game. Oh, and if that isn't enough, on Sunday afternoons, P has guitar lessons. Out of all the things he does, this is the one I enjoy the most because he has really flourished. It is so much fun watching him learn new songs!
On nights that I'm not cheering on our boys at their games, I am at the gym with a good friend. I don't get there as often as I'd like but I take advantage of it when I can. Sometimes I go more to see my friend and catch up with her than to get in a workout. But I don't take that time for granted.
Last week was my birthday. It wasn't anything exciting but I appreciated all the love people showed with texts, gifts, cards, phone calls and flowers. The day after my birthday we went to the LSU Homecoming parade as a family, which I thoroughly enjoyed. Then I met up with a couple of good friends for dinner. For the first time since moving to the South, I have started looking forward to college football games. So we cut dinner short because two of us wanted to get home to watch the LSU/Florida game. Ha!
My biggest boy starts his new job this week. It'll probably be an adjustment for all of us as we've gotten used to him being home. Rob going back to work last week was weird because he has been such a big help these past couple months. But, I am happy for his job promotion and am so proud of him for obtaining this new position.
And, in between all this other fun, the boys have been having sleepovers with friends. Last week P spent the night at his friend's house. Tonight that same friend is spending the night at our house. Then, I told E that next weekend he can have his friend spend the night.
As busy as we are, I wouldn't change it. I LOVE this busy season of life. I LOVE watching the boys do things they love. Yes, I get tired and worn out. Yes, sometimes I sigh a breath of relief when I get a text that football has been cancelled because of bad weather. But, overall, I LOVE it! I love our crazy, busy life!!
The boys' football has been consuming 3 nights a week. I love watching them play and I am so glad that they'll start playing games this week. On top of football, P has been busy with school events. Last week he got chosen to do a 4-H event at the fairgrounds. After he got chosen, he decided he didn't want to do it because it conflicted with his football practice. But, we talked to him about making a commitment and being a team player. Although his group did not do well at the event, he had a good attitude and encouraged his peers during each activity. Last week he also found out that he made his school's cross country team. Thankfully he only has one meet this season. So this week he will race at this meet, come home to change and then head to his football game. Oh, and if that isn't enough, on Sunday afternoons, P has guitar lessons. Out of all the things he does, this is the one I enjoy the most because he has really flourished. It is so much fun watching him learn new songs!
On nights that I'm not cheering on our boys at their games, I am at the gym with a good friend. I don't get there as often as I'd like but I take advantage of it when I can. Sometimes I go more to see my friend and catch up with her than to get in a workout. But I don't take that time for granted.
Last week was my birthday. It wasn't anything exciting but I appreciated all the love people showed with texts, gifts, cards, phone calls and flowers. The day after my birthday we went to the LSU Homecoming parade as a family, which I thoroughly enjoyed. Then I met up with a couple of good friends for dinner. For the first time since moving to the South, I have started looking forward to college football games. So we cut dinner short because two of us wanted to get home to watch the LSU/Florida game. Ha!
My biggest boy starts his new job this week. It'll probably be an adjustment for all of us as we've gotten used to him being home. Rob going back to work last week was weird because he has been such a big help these past couple months. But, I am happy for his job promotion and am so proud of him for obtaining this new position.
And, in between all this other fun, the boys have been having sleepovers with friends. Last week P spent the night at his friend's house. Tonight that same friend is spending the night at our house. Then, I told E that next weekend he can have his friend spend the night.
As busy as we are, I wouldn't change it. I LOVE this busy season of life. I LOVE watching the boys do things they love. Yes, I get tired and worn out. Yes, sometimes I sigh a breath of relief when I get a text that football has been cancelled because of bad weather. But, overall, I LOVE it! I love our crazy, busy life!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)