photo michele1.png  photo michele2.png  photo michele3.png  photo MIchele4.png

Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Facebook vs. Real Life

The first photo is my newest profile photo on facebook.  It was taken on Friday night at Rudy's BBQ.  For a few of you, our blog world and our facebook world have collided and we're friends in both cyber worlds.  If so, then you already knew this.

What you (and my facebook friends) don't know is that it took a lot of effort to get one photo of me and the boys.  Seriously, so much work for one silly photo!!!



Will has hated having his photo taken since he was very small.  As a result, Mark hates photos because it takes so much effort to get Will to cooperate, and it's very easy to lose patience.  To get the photo above we had to go through Will geting a very stern talking to about listening and following directions (the expression on my face is eveidence).  He wanted to look every other direction than at his dad who had my phone trying to take the photo.  In the meantime, Ben is arching his back and flailing his arms like a wild man.  This is definitely a "real life" moment.


Here's one more photo of my cute boys that didn't make the FB cut.


I have a feeling we're not the only ones who have a difficult time getting photos of our children.  When you get a good one though, it's all worth it!

Monday, February 27, 2012

Weight Watchers, Vegas, Explanation and Fluff

Misc. Monday
Enjoy the randomness.

one
weight watchers
I started Weight Watchers today. This is the first official diet I've ever been on in my life.  Over the last 2 years, I've gained about 10 lbs. I have moments of motivation where I want to work hard and eat healthy but that usually lasts about 3 days. To be perfectly honest, I lack self-control and discipline. If I keep gaining more weight at the rate I have been, then I'm going to end up in a really bad place. Also, I'm really self-conscious about it. I know I may not be terribly overweight but I know that I could be healthier and look better, which would make me feel better about myself. I chose WW because one of my co-workers has had great success with it. I'm using the online version and not attending meetings because I don't have time right now to attend the meetings. I'm happy that the WW apps are included with the online membership.  So far the apps that I've used are awesome. I mentioned on facebook yesterday that I was starting and asked for advice. Several friends mentioned there are free apps for keeping a calorie count. I had the free app Lose It on my phone and never used it. As I said on FB, I have very little self-control and the very fact that I'm paying for WW every month will help me stay accountable.  Wish me luck!

two
vegas
One of the biggest motivators in losing weight is our 10 year anniversary trip to Vegas! It's booked and we're going this summer. I can't wait!

three
Last thing about WW.
Once I knew I was going to start on Monday, I decided to have one last hurrah this weekend. I was soooooooooooo bad! On Friday night we ate at Rudy's BBQ. Saturday we had Freebirds burritos, which reminded me of my college days at A&M. Sunday we finished our food splurge with my favorite local Tex-Mex. I actually felt sick on Sunday night because we'd eaten so much food all weekend. I definitely got my fill.  I was topped off!

four
let me explain...
My explanation about why I don't read Chrisitan books is here in case you were wondering.


five
fluff
If my Christian book explanation seemed a little serious, let me write about some fluff--literally
new pillows for my bed
The middle pillow is not new.  I bought it at Target last year.  The two side pillows are new!  I scored a great deal on Very Jane.  If you are interested in purchasing one, you can find it here.




six
the boys
These are the "us in real life" photos that sometimes don't make the blog.  I had the camera out snapping a photo for WIWW and decided to take a photo or two of my little guys being silly.  This was taken after we'd gone out to eat Sunday lunch after church.  Will wanted to come home and brush his teeth (that's what they do at daycare after each meal).  Such a great habit!


seven
two weeks until spring break!!!
No major plans other than running some errands and maybe camping out.

Find more random at lowercase letters Miscellany Monday :)

Sunday, February 26, 2012

My Explanation: Christian Books



In my post on Friday I mentioned that I usually don't read "Christian books". I usually shy away from voicing certains opinions on my blog, especially concerning religion. I don't want to ever come across as an opinionated-know-it-all. I just decided to put that info about me out there because it's really who I am.   I was surprised (in a good way) that a few of you also share similar feelings.

Here's my explanation.

Ten or fifteen years ago I guess you could say I was "in" with the popular religious movements of the time. I had read all of the newest Christian books and listened to the newest Christian music. I even went to all of the "right" Christian retreats, camps and conferences. I won't name names of who spoke at some of the small group retreats and large conferences that I've been to, but those indiviuals are pretty well respected in certain Christian ciricles.  I'm still friends with some of those people. 

I don't regret spending time with them or attending any of those events. I'm glad that was all a part of my life. Those past experienes taught me a lot.

But...

All of it left me still searching for more. I'm still searching, but I have a more mature view the older I get and the more I study the Bible.

One of the main reasons I stay away from Christian books is because I fear following after a certain person.  I've been around too many people who want to quote a certain Christian author and not the Bible.  Do you know what I'm talking about?  I can just hear one of those conversations in my head right now--name dropping certain individuals in the conversation to sound spiritual and relevant.

In the past, I found myself reading Christian literature more than I read the Bible. (Which is my fault and not the fault of Christan literature.)  The more time I spent studying the word of God the less aligned I was with the theology of many Christian authors.  As a history teacher, I know that the primary source document is more accurate than a secondary source.  The Bible is our primary source.  There's nothing wrong with supplemental tools, they can enhance understanding and study, but when you make the secondary source your main source of spiritual study then you allow others to do the thinking for you.  I had based many of my religious beliefs on what others had said and not what the Bible teaches.  That's where I was 15 years ago, and it's why I don't read Christian literature today.

By all means, I'm not trying to bash Christian literature and Christian authors. These books are great if they increase your knowledge as you study. I'm sure most Christian authors have good intentions and want to encourage.  If it provokes you to further study in God's word then it can't be that bad.  I know many people who use Christan literature for that purpose.  I unfortunately did not find it beneficial.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 are such a good verses concerning this topic.


2 Timothy 3:16-17 (ESV)

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

Doesn't that cover it all?

If you have any questions, feel free to email me.  I'd be willing to discuss more if you are interested.

Thursday, February 23, 2012

Round Here

Today it was hard to believe that it was February.  The temp in the 70s felt more like Spring.  This time of year our flowering quince produces beautiful bright pink flowers.

Another view of our flowering quince. 

Mark even had to mow the yard because the grass (weeds) are growing with all of the rain and warm weather. 

Who's that big kid?  We got that shirt 2 years ago for VBS and now Will can finally fit into it.  I know I mention this a lot but it blows my mind that Will is starting kindergarten in the fall. 

Ben didn't feel well today. Mark will stay home with him on Friday to let him fully recover.  I think being outside made him feel better (that and a little Tylenol). 

We seem to have a ritual before playoff basketball games.  Fuddruckers has yummy hamburgers and fries.  This time I tried the onion rings instead of fries and they were awesome.  My MIL ordered the sweet potato fries and they were tasty, too.

Mark's parents with Will and Ben. 

The gym where we watched the game was increidble. 

Ben was ready for some basketball! 

I took this photo sometime this week.  Will's my little handyman. 
How cute is he with his tool belt and tool box!?!


My husband makes the best hot chocolate.

And, did you notice Crazy Love on my nightstand?  To be honest, I don't read "Christian" books.  I haven't read "Christian" books since my college days when I read a lot of C.S. Lewis and Brennan Manning.  I probably have an entire blog post in the near future to explain why I don't read Christian literature.  I'm not judging if you do, good for you.  I'll explain how I arrived at this point later.  I decided to read Crazy Love because a co-worker who I'm good friends with really liked it.   By the way, I'm a Christian...just in case you were wondering :)  Just a Christian who prefers to stay with the Bible instead of Christan literature.

life rearranged


Life in an Instant

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

We're Playing Basketball


Did you know that Mark and I were both basketball coaches at one point? 

We love the sport. 

We played in high school and before we had kids we would play pick up games once or twice a week.  Our niece and nephew play and we've taken Will and Ben to several of their games.  We went to a playoff game on Monday and on Tuesday Ben and Will got out the basketball goal.  Ben surprised us with a pretty good shot for a 2 year old.  (By the way, Ben is shooting a soccer ball in this photo but he was using a basketball, too.)

I'll be back this weekend with more phone pics.


Sunday, February 19, 2012

Legoland, Bookshelf Styling and Starbucks

Legoland Discovery Center in Grapevine, Texas
Last weekend we went to a birthday party at Legoland.  The boys had a great time!

Even Mark had a good time.  I guess you can't go wrong with boys and legos.  Always a winning combination.  Throw in a Lego Dirk and NBA championship trophy as a bonus!  How awesome is that!!! 

Larry and Bob at the Christian bookstore

Bookshelf styling 
Super Why and Alpha Pig fit right in with the classics and historical biographies.

White Chocolate Mocha was a treat from Starbucks 

life rearranged


Life in an Instant


Tuesday, February 14, 2012

To Be Loved


Happy Valentine's Day!

Song of Solomon 6:3 (KJV)
I am my beloved's, and my beloved is mine

 
{Photo by Lauren}

Saturday, February 11, 2012

February Phone Pics

Someone abandoned this giant Valentine's bear on a bench in the store.  Ben wanted to take him home.

This is Ben's closet.  Toys everywhere! 

Will was super excited when he realized we had matching boxes of Apple Jacks. 
I took a photo because it made him happy.

Crafting fun
You can read more about the vintage soda crate used for art supplies here

Valentine's gifts for Will and Ben's teachers. 

My boys really like their water bottles. 

I saw this in a bookstore.  How sweet!  I like the idea of lunchbox letters to encourage your kids at school.

Taking a bath is fun! 

Pei Wei
Nom Nom Nom 

Rudy's BBQ
Mark and I love Texas BBQ.  Rudy's is about 30 minutes away.  The only negative about eating there is that we smell like smoke, ha!  Other than that it's awesome. 

life rearranged

and

Life in an Instant
@

Friday, February 10, 2012

Show Us Your Life--Working Moms


Stay At Home Mom or Working Mom?

It doesn't matter. 

We're all in the sisterhood of being mothers so we should unite.  All mothers have the most important job in the world--raising our children.

I'm not going to go on and on about how my choice is the "right" choice.  I'll just say it was the right choice for our family, and as you all know, no families are alike.

So, Moms unite and let's learn from each other and encourage each other!

If you are visiting from Kelly's Korner, let me tell you a little about myself.  I've been a junior high history teacher for 11 years.  I've been happily married to Mark for 10 years and he's a teacher, too.  He teaches math and we work together at the same school.  Our boys are Will (5) and Ben (2.5).  Will was born in November during the middle of the school year and Ben was born in June at the beginning of summer vacation.  I wouldn't change a thing about when they were born.  It was perfect timing.

When we decided to start a family, I never considered being a stay at home mom.  I had always planned to go back to work full-time as a teacher, but my ideas about being a stay at home mom changed when I had Will.  You know if you're a mother that once the baby is placed in your arms your heart, soul and mind are changed forever.  Our lives suddenly revolved around this new person, and I completely forgot all of the other cares of the world.   My biggest concerns were my nursing schedule, dirty diapers, diaper rash and staring at our new baby for hours on end.  It was then that I thought it would be ideal to stay at home for the first year with my children, and then return to work after that.  I would have loved to have been at home to see my babies grow and change their first year.  I think it would have been ideal for practical reasons, too.  For example, nursing...moms out there who have pumped at work, I know you understand how much work that it is and what a commitment it is!  The reality of it all is that we don't live in a perfect world and me taking a year off wouldn't work for us.  If I took a year off, I wouldn't be guaranteed my teaching position and I truly like my job and didn't want to give it up.

I was fortunate to have about 10 weeks off with both of my little guys before I returned to work.  The biggest blessing that gave me peace of mind when I returned to work was that my mother-in-law kept the boys.  I'd often joke that they were better taken care of by her than me because she's such a natural with babies and children.  I was blessed to have my boys taken care of by a family member, but I know there are quality day cares out there who care for and nurture children, too.

I was nervous about going back to work, especially with Will.  Luckily when I returned to work the days went by quickly.  I also enjoyed being out of the house and talking with my co-workers.  In a way, my time apart from Will and Ben made me more appreciative of the time I get to spend with them.  The best part of my day is seeing my boys after school.  I love it when we go to pick them up after work and they  run up to us smiling and give us a big hug.

Mark and I value our weekends and make it a top priority to spend time together as a family.  Another bonus about our teaching schedule, is that Mark and I have a long Christmas break, Spring break and two and a half months off for summer vacation.  Will and Ben sort of have a stay at home mom and dad during the summer months, and we all love it!

Here are some struggles I face as a working mom. 

Balance
Oh, the balancing act of working full-time and raising a family!  If someone figures it all out please let me know ASAP!
My family is my top priority but it's a constant struggle to find enough time, energy and strength to love my husband and children, do a good job at work, fulfill responsibilities and commitments at church and maintain a house that's in some sort of order.

Housework
Being gone from the house 40 hours a week is demanding.  Finding time to keep a clean house is a constant struggle. 
When I was younger my wise grandmother told me something that's always stayed with me.  I didn't understand it at the time, but it makes perfect sense now.  I was telling my grandma about visiting some one's house and it was a mess.  (By the way, my grandma always kept a clean house.)  She told me, "Michele, when you work a full-time job and have kids, it's hard to keep a clean house."  I was young, naive and judgmental when we had that conversation years ago.  I'm thankful she called me out for my judgmental attitude and corrected me.  From her experience of working full-time and raising 4 boys she understood the struggle that working moms face. 
I'm very lucky to have a husband who helps out a lot.  Mark is great with laundry, unloads the dishwasher and helps with Will and Ben's bath and nighttime routine.  He makes my life so much easier.  Sorry if you're jealous, he's taken! 

Cooking
I like to cook and bake, but after a long day at work, I'm exhausted.  Coming up with healthy meals for my family is a challenge. And, don't get me started on the clean up after meal time. Ugh!

Me time
I know this might sound selfish, but I think many moms (myself included) are guilty of putting themselves on the bottom of the to-do list.  My blog is my "me time" outlet.  I started my blog in May 2010 when Ben was about to turn one.  Life with two little ones was starting to get easier.  The blogging community has encouraged and inspired me.  Now that the boys are older, I'm getting out more with the girls.  Also, Mark and I are able to spend time together as a couple.  Most importantly I'm able to focus more on personal growth and Bible study now that Will and Ben are older. 

Things that I think have helped me most as a working mom.

Remember that you can't be all things to all people.

Say no.

Ask for help if you need it.

Do the best you now how. (Thanks, Papa Ralph!)

Be in the moment.
Love this quote...
"Enjoy the little things in life, for someday you will realize they were the big things."

Remember the big picture.  

My ultimate goal in raising my children.
3 John 1:4 (NASB)
I have no greater joy than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth.


These guys are the best!


Flashback Friday: February 2010

Flashback Friday: February 2010

Something about this photo is so sweet.

Will had just turned 3 years old a few months earlier 

and 

Ben was 8 months old.

It's one of the first photos I have of Will and Ben together where they are 
grinning from ear to ear.

I just love 'em so much!




Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Storage for Art Supplies

Will and Ben have so many art supplies, and I decided to put them all in one place.  One of the first things I pinned on Pinterest was a vintage soda crate used as storage for art supplies.  I'd never really found a good use for the crate that I bought back in 2010 at a local trades day until now. 

The art supplies are easily accessible when the boys want to make a craft.

A place for everything.
Everything in its place.

The boys love art time at school and at home, too.

Masterpiece in progress

Extreme concentration

It's a paper plate.
It's a hat.


Tip Junkie 
handmade projects

LinkWithin

Related Posts with Thumbnails